Special Interests Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Special Interests - Essay Example On the other hand, they also take note of the legislative process and the bill making process. This enables them to influence the executive, legislature, and judiciary (Wilson, 2009). This has proved significant in the country. Some of the groups have limited following while others enjoys vast membership. This has been the case in United States. This paper seeks to focus on interest groups. An interest group consists of people sharing a goal mostly of influencing the government and lawmakers (American Government, n.d.). The purpose is to offer linkage either to the lawmakers or executive. Such groups further their policies in a different arena. Moreover, such group aims to manipulate public opinion, elections, and public policy (American Government, n.d.). Their focus is to influence the government through various ways. The main ways of influence are through lobbying, donation, financial pledge, and volunteering. These groups do not engage in profit making activities. Moreover, they represent a narrow focus on their intended purposes, and hence they do not represent the general population (Wilson, 2009). Interest groups are myriad in United States today. They also exist in different forms. Some have a vast membership while others only have limited membership. This sometimes depends on available resources. In America, several interest groups exist. Examples of such interest groups include the National Manufacturers Association, AFL-CIO, American Farm Bureau Federation, American Medical Association, American Bar Association, American Civil Liberties Union, Sierra Club, National Council of Churches, Common Cause, Public Citizen, National Governors Association, American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars, and Association for the Advancement of Retired Persons (American Government, n.d.). These groups represent the interest of profession, field, or a group of people. These interest groups have attracted serious debates in the United States for time. These debates r evolve the merits and demerits of such groups. There exist a strong relationship between interest groups and political parties. This is seen in various aspects, in the United States. The first most important link is the way in which interest group fund political parties during electioneering period. The contributions are made through the Political Action Committees (PACs). Most of the fund is provided to the congress. This is because most of these groups have interest as to which party has the majority of seats in congress. This helps these groups in ensuring that their policies focus is taken care of in the congress. However, such donations are meant to have a little impact on the political side (Brunell, 2005). This ensure this through provision of support to the incumbent as they require little amount of money to seek reelection. These groups show preference to the party according to their interest. For example, the labor groups prefer the democrats while the corporate side prefe rs the republicans (Hays, 2001). However, PACs provide money across the political divides. Nevertheless, the pattern of donations appears to be skewed towards one side. This happens to either the democrats or republicans. Throughout history, campaign in the United States appears to be a costly affair. This has made it possible for overreliance by the congress on funding from the interest groups. However, they also rely on individual contribution, but contribution from the

Samsung managing intangible assets across borders

Samsung managing intangible assets across borders Unlike other electronic companies Samsung origins were not involving electronics but other products. In 1938 the Samsungs founder Byung-Chull Lee set up a trade export company in Korea, selling fish, vegetables, and fruit to China. Within a decade Samsung had flour mills and confectionary machines and became a co-operation in 1951. From 1958 onwards Samsung began to expand into other industries such as financial, media, chemicals and ship building throughout the 1970s. In 1969, Samsung Electronics was established producing what Samsung is most famous for, Televisions, Mobile Phones (throughout 90s), Radios, Computer components and other electronics devices. In 1978, Samsung Semiconductor became a separate entity producing for the domestic market. With the development of a 64K DRAM (Dynamic Random Access Memory) VLSI chip (Very Large Scale Integration electronics chips) it expanded globally. In 1987, the founder and chairman, Byung-Chull Lee passed away and Kun-Hee Lee took over as chairman. In the 1990s Samsung began to expand globally building factories in the US, Britain, Germany, Thailand, Mexico, Spain and China until 1997. In 1997 nearly all Korean businesses shrunk in size and Samsung was no exception. They sold businesses to relieve debt and cut employees down lowering personnel by 50,000. But thanks to the electronic industry they managed to curb this and continue to grow. In the financial crisis in that year, Samsung was facing US $20 billion in debt and had to slim down the company by more than 100 non-essential businesses in a restructuring process. It kept only 47 affiliated companies and strategically re-focused on four technical components: displays, storage media, random access memory (RAM) and processors. The history of Samsung and mobile phones stretches back to over 10 years. In 1993 Samsung developed the lightest mobile phone of its era. Then they developed smart phones and a phone combined mp3 player towards the end of the 20th century. To this date Samsung are dedicated to the 3G industry, making video, camera phones at a speed to keep up with consumer demand. Samsung has made steady growth in the mobile industry and are currently second but competitor Nokia is ahead with more than 100% increase in shares. It is ranked as number 21 of the 100 most valuable brands worldwide carried out by Interbrand in 2008. This is an increase of more than 200% since 2000 with brand value rising from US $5.2 billon up to US $17.5 billion.  [1]   Samsung has recently overtaken Sony as the worlds biggest producer of televisions. Its philosophy of bringing people the latest technology at a fair price has quickly made it a firm consumer favorite, while its phones are now second only to Nokia. Looking ahead, the brand realizes the importance of having stronger representation at the point of sale, so it will open more Samsung retail outlets to deliver the full brand experience. The restructuring process led Samsung also to focus on core businesses. It restructured its business into four strategic business areas Home Network, Mobile Network, Office Network and Core components that support network products. Samsung follows a simple business philosophy: to devote its talent and technology to creating superior products and services that contribute to a better global society. Every day, its people bring this philosophy to life. Its leaders search for the brightest talent from around the world and give them the resources they need to be the best at what they do. The result is that all of its products-from memory chips that help businesses store vital knowledge to mobile phones that connect people across continents- have the power to enrich lives. And thats what making a better global society is all about. At Samsung, a rigorous code of conduct and some core values are at the heart of every decision they make. Quite simply, a company is its people. At Samsung, they are dedicated to giving their people a wealth of opportunities to reach their full potential. Everything they do at Samsung is driven by an unyielding passion for excellence -and an unfaltering commitment to develop the best products and services on the market. In todays fast-paced global economy, change is constant and innovation is critical to a companys survival. As they have done for 70 years, they set their sights on the future, anticipating market needs and demands so they can steer their company toward long-term success. Operating in an ethical way is the foundation of their business. Everything they do is guided by a moral compass that ensures fairness, respect for all stakeholders and complete transparency. A business cannot be successful unless it creates prosperity and opportunity for others. Samsung is dedicated to being a socially and environmentally responsible corporate citizen in every community where they operate around the globe. COMMUNICATION POLICY Since 1998 Samsung has been an official sponsor of the Olympic Games: Nagano (1998), Sydney (2000), Salt Lake City (2002) and continued its sponsorship until 2008. During the Games Samsung provides athletes, organizational staff and journalists with especially developed mobile phones promoting Samsungs products and delivering its promise of being an innovative and flexible company. With the Olympic Games Samsung gained quick, cost-effective global exposure. Its brand awareness increased after each Olympics about 2% and had a huge impact on the quick rise of the brand. Brand value increased since 2000 until 2004 about 100%. Samsung lends support to people and their communities in many different ways. Their current area of focus is on investing in teenagers futures, through support of science education and creative thinking that encourages leadership; assisting children in low-income families by supporting educational infrastructure and discovering and supporting outstanding students; and supporting programs that encourage family well-being. They also carry out programs in these areas at each of their eight volunteer centers. Samsung provides support for diverse artistic and cultural activities around the world. Over the years, Samsung has contributed extensively to numerous museums, galleries and exhibits in Korea and in many countries, including the United States and France. The Samsung Museum of Modern Art collects preserves and exhibits modern and contemporary art from Korea and abroad, while the Samsung Childrens Museum, the first of its kind in Korea, invites children have fun exploring the world they live in. Samsung also hosts and supports various cultural events for children and programs that encourage their early artistic development. In 1995, Samsung launched the Social Contribution Corps to encourage employees to get involved in community service. The initiative has since expanded to eight volunteer centers across Korea, manned by social welfare experts who support the development of employee volunteer programs. Their employees use their expertise and skills to give back to local communities and each employee donates an average of 10 hours to community-based projects. Strengthening the minds and fostering the creativity of young people is a primary focus of many of Samsungs programs. Samsung is a major supporter of the Korea Youth Science Olympiad, the countrys most prestigious science competition for junior, middle and high schools and the National Students Creativity Olympiad, aimed at encouraging inventiveness among students from junior to high school levels. Since 2001, Samsung has teamed up with the Green Family Movement Association to run a green school, which promotes environmental awareness in children and enables them to take practical steps to protect the ecosystems. For its target customers, Samsung established both in B2C and B2B the concept of hero products. It means that each Samsung subsidiary has to define at least one hero product, e.g. mobile phone, TV or digital camera, which has based on local or regional market research potential to become a blockbuster. Samsung very closely involves its target customers in the development/research process via generating feedback on its B2B online platforms. To achieve business impact, a common planning/monitoring across disciplines is needed with a brand management via value creation and innovation rather than simple cost controlling. Samsung, when switching its strategy towards a premium brand, started to move its planning towards communication activities which have impact on each step of the customer relationship path, i.e. from awareness to purchase to loyalty. Two major directions of impact towards high-end distribution channels and an emotional approach for its campaign were Samsungs strategy. In its latest campaign, Samsung cemented the companys new up market image by promoting its products in high-end distribution channels. Despite several challenging moments for the semiconductor industry, such as the recession in early 1990s and early 2000, Samsung aggressively increased its investments in the business unlike the rest of the industry which laid-off workers to cut cost. This preemptive investment strategy helped Samsung to gain market share and to meet the rapidly growing demand for 4 megabyte chips after 1994 in the global market. Samsung became the number one memory chipmaker in 1993. By pursuing twin goals of leading-edge technology and producing one generation-old products in the niche market of memory chips, Samsung successfully avoided risks of failing in the market. They laid out Flash memory where text, photos, sound and screen can be saved in the small-sized chips. Samsungs market share of memory chips has been growing continuously from 10.8% in 1993 to 28% in 2004, but it still follows Intel in the non-memory sector. In 2000, Samsung asserted that digital consumers, a growing importance of business networks and technical devices would create new demands for semiconductors in the future. Samsung recently announced its plans to beat Intel in computer chip sales and to make a better partnership with it at the same time. Synergy effects will be drawn when all three core elements of investment, leading-edge technology and the unique digital products work together within a dynamic business interaction. Samsungs vice president Yun Jong-Yong stated that the company will try to become one of the top 3 electronics firms by 2010 in terms of quality and quantity and will therefore try to raise its brand value and revenues in its semiconductor business over Intel. Despite tough competition Samsung and Intel both plan on building better platforms to improve combined business opportunities. Samsung is already leading the electronic market in some product segments, such as in the set-top box as leading product in home networking. FUTURE CHALLENGES As the market leader in semi-conductor chips, the third largest cellular handset maker in the world behind Nokia and Motorola, and the largest manufacturer of flat display screens in the world, Samsung has indeed come a long way from its humble beginnings of 1938. But Samsung faces some tough challenges in the future. Maintaining consistency Samsung has invested billions of dollars in global advertising and brand building activities. Given its presence in multiple industries on the one hand and its consistent investment in RD on the other, it will be difficult for Samsung to sustain its investment in branding activities. But Samsung must not be complacent and reduce the brand budget. It has not yet reached a position where the brand can live independent of its products as Sony does. Therefore, it will be extremely important that Samsung continues to build and nurture its brand in a consistent manner. Spreading the corporate brand too thinly Even today, the Samsung name is found on literally everything from ships, memory chips, to mobile phones and camcorders. Although the company is leveraging its brand to build new business and gain considerable advantage in existing businesses, this can prove dangerous to the corporate brand. As Samsung has been trying hard to position itself as a premium lifestyle brand worldwide, many of the businesses in the Samsung portfolio do not match this positioning. Therefore, although it might appear as an advantage at the outset, spreading the corporate brand too thinly across a wide array of businesses might prove costly to Samsung in the long run. Local and international competition Today Samsung is faced with never-seen-before competition in the consumer electronics industry. Not only should it fight the leaders like Sony and Canon, but also the new crop of companies which are following the Samsung path to compete with Samsung, the most significant one being the LG Group of South Korea and potential competitors from China and Taiwan. Although Samsung has a comfortable lead time due to its top-notch technology and constant innovation, this should not lead to any sort of complacency. Samsung should continue investing in technology and design capabilities on the one hand and marketing and brand management activities on the other to maintain the lead over its rivals that it has so tirelessly built over the past decade. There is a high intensity and constant competition in the electronics industry and usually the main competitors come up with new products very often. If a company does not keep up with trends and new products, they will lose their customers and profits. According to Barney and Hesterly, high levels of rivalry are indicated by such actions as frequent introduction of new products by firms in an industry (Barney, Hesterly, 2008, p. 46). Rivalry tends to be high where there are numerous firms in an industry and these firms tend to be roughly the same size. Furthermore, rivalry tends to be high when firms are unable to differentiate their products from competitors in an industry. This can be seen in the personal computer and DVD industry. In the PC laptop industry, companies are focusing more on services that accompany the laptops and the designs of the computers. In the DVD industry the products are very similar and perform the same functions, thus it is hard to compete with existing co mpanies. If a company decided to compete in this industry, they have to compete with intense price rivalry. Dell focuses their strategy on selling their computers online and providing excellent customer service. They save money on not having a physical store and focus on online distribution instead. This saves them money and they can compete on other levels. With the popular trend of the internet, companies are now competing with providing more services online and expanding their online advertisement. The threat of Substitutes Substitutes in the consumer electronics industry are many and the different companies competing in this industry must apply many strategies in order to compete and make profits. The substitutes in the electronics market can be divided in to 4 categories. As will be mentioned the important factors in every industry of the general electronics market. Telecom The substitutes in the telecom industry are landline phones and email. At the moment, landline phones are losing popularity because of lower prices and popularity of cell phones and internet calling programs. In the cell phone industry, Apples I phone has the latest technology with its Touch screen, but companies are following and introducing new phones. Samsung has just introduced new line of innovative cell phones for 2008. Cell phones and PDAs have standard features and the only product differentiation lies with adding services such as Bluetooth, gaps and other communication applications and tools that are important for customers in the cell phone industry. Samsung provides an affordable PDA with the modern features to satisfy the average telecom user. Apple and Nokia are selling mobile phones with new technology for a high price for customers who are willing to pay more. There are not many substitutes for PDAs. The main one is using a cell phone or computer, laptop to call someone using e.g. Skype. Laptops / PC In the PC industry, the threat of substitutes is not very high because there are not many products that can do what a computer or laptop can provide. The only substitutes are portable and handheld devices. They are competing on price and trying to increase value based on service and customization. The major substitutes for computers are PDAs and cell phones for contacting other people. In terms of writing documents, portable devices are substitutes. Digital Cameras In the digital camera industry, there are two major substitutes. The first one is the film camera, and the other one is the cell phone camera. Unfortunately, there is not much interest in film cameras because of outdates technology and cell phone cameras dont provide the same quality and storage as digital cameras. HD TV Television have recently become very popular with the new HD technology. The substitutes for TVs are computers and laptops. For people who travel a lot, prefer to watch movies and favorite shows on their laptops because they can download or stream popular TV shows and movies from online sites. Furthermore, another substitute for TVs are going to the movies or watching videos on your IPod. Because of the limited availability and space on IPods and the smaller size of a laptop screen, TVs will still stay popular and be high in demand. Managing the Samsung brand architecture The Samsung name is used to represent every business unit of the Samsung group, as mentioned earlier. Even though the trend of late is to nurture a strong corporate brand, as Unilever and PG have been doing, Samsung lacks the necessary similarity between its various business units. Therefore, Samsung should develop a strong brand architecture system which will define and monitor the interaction of various brands within the Samsung portfolio with the corporate brand. This will be easier said than done, given the extremely diversified business units of the chaebol (Korean business conglomerate). The brand architecture would also guide Samsung in acquiring new brands to enter the value segments of different markets, as LG has done with the Zenith brand in the US to target solely the value segment. With the millions of dollars that Samsung has spent over the past decade to build the Samsung brand, it will be a major challenge to put in place a strong architecture system which will help the branding practices of Samsung going ahead. Creating the Samsung personality Most great brands are those that have strong personalities, with Apple iPod being the latest proof. But Samsung seems to have ignored this crucial aspect in building its brand. Although Samsung has been doing all the right things in its communications, it has not focused on creating a strong personality for its brand. It does not own anything specific in the consumers minds, like a Harley-Davidson standing for the rugged independence of western America or a BMW standing for the ultimate driving experience. As has been well recorded in the branding literature, a successful brand not only provides the customers with functional benefits, but also emotional and self-expressive benefits. So far, Samsung has emphasized the functional benefits of leading-edge technology, contemporary designs and exciting features. It needs to go beyond this and create a cult following for its brand, like the Apple iPod has done. Samsung needs to ensure that its brand can live on independently of its products. This could prove to be a major challenge. Although it is still a newcomer, Samsung has made significant inroads into the home and office printing markets over the past few years. The company has secured the second-place position in the laser printer category, following behind Hewlett-Packard but surpassing Brother and Lexmark. Samsungs ultimate intention is to achieve the top-tier position by 2010, but this is an aggressive goal that will require the right products and solutions, as well as a sound go-to-market strategy. Samsung has certainly been keeping on top of market trends, and it has launched a product range that is designed to meet the demands of todays consumers. The company has scrapped its A3 products and now offers multifunctional versions of all its devices, as well as recognizing the importance of the scanning function. Probably the most important announcement in 2008 comes from the solutions area, as Samsung finally has a competitive offering for this field. Samsungs next challenge will be to engage the channel to market these solutions. Samsung has enjoyed a year of growth and success. It is regarded as one of the worlds leading companies, producing products that are highly respected in the marketplace. The Samsung name is everywhere: in Asia, Europe and the Americas; the Northern and Southern hemispheres; in long-established nations and newly emerging ones. Samsung name means quality and innovation, and represents the combined teamwork of tens of thousands of employees worldwide. Samsung is moving to the forefront of the industry today because of its decade of dedication to the simple principles of change, innovation and creativity. Now that it is at last experiencing the success it has so long pursued and worked so hard to achieve, its mission has broadened. For with success come serious challenges and responsibilities. I believe that it is well prepared to meet these challenges and responsibilities. Success at Samsung has been the result of its relentless and fearless pursuit of change. It has taken the accepted and charged its employees to change it for the better. And it has dared to imagine the unimaginable. Nothing for it is ever finished-it can always be improved. It has used change as a motivator for its employees, as a metaphor for its culture and as a measure of its forward movement. Change has created momentum throughout the company. At Samsung, change has resulted in success-and success necessitates further change. It is now incumbent upon Samsung more than ever to continue to change at an accelerated rate. It will always stretch to greater heights. It will not rest on its laurels. People from the company will work harder, reach farther and continue to encourage and value change in order to maintain their leadership position. The responsibilities implied and demanded by its accomplishments are to its customers, its employees and to the communities around the world where it has made an impact, as well as to those where it will be influential in the future. Its customers have come to expect great products and service from it and Samsung will continue to deliver these. Its employees have come to expect a fertile environment in which they can create and a management structure that encourages, nurtures, values and rewards the creative process. Exploration of the possible-and sometimes the impossible-will always be encouraged. Among its immediate neighbors and around the world, there has been much transition. The world economy and social order have both been affected. There is much uncertainty ahead. It is its responsibility, broadly, to make the world a better place. Samsung do this every day through its products, which create better lives for the customers, and through demanding the highest standards throughout the organization. Now that the company finds itself in a leadership position, it is favorably situated to build on its legacy of change, innovation and creativity. Its five core values-people, excellence, change, integrity and co-prosperity-have served it well in the past and will continue to provide the sturdy foundation for a rewarding future. As employees worked to achieve these goals, they relied on these core values to overcome formidable obstacles: fierce competition, unhealthy economic environments and a rapidly changing world with many risks. Now stuff must look to these core values to maintain and improve their position as a market leader. It is now up to Samsung to redefine the future. It is not just their desire, but now also their duty to continue to strive to reach new heights. By taking on responsibility for the future, they can lead by example and demonstrate to the world that with hard work, it too can change for the better. Their growth and their future will come from the loyalty of their customers. They have earned this loyalty from their hard work in the past, and it will inspire them in the future. It is this loyalty that fuels the Samsung spirit and compels them to always keep moving ahead. It will not be easy maintaining their leadership position, but they are prepared for the challenge. They will redefine the future through their creative talent and by continuing to cultivate a culture that does not fear failure. The best measure of the success will be their ability to look back a year from now and be proud of their accomplishments, which were once only dreams. At Samsung, stability and security come from change. Through it, people working in the company will continue to aspire to lead and be prosperous. CONCLUSION Samsung Group is more than just the nations largest conglomerate. It is a mega brand with considerable cultural significance à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬ ¢ a business card with the blue and white logo is much coveted, while any Korean national would take pride in a Samsung billboard in a foreign country. Samsung has made itself noticeable as one of the most innovative and quality brands in the electronics industry. Samsung strives to be sustainable and achieve competitive advantage by remaining at the forefront of the digital market. Samsung policy is We will devote out human resources and technologies to create superior products and services thereby contributing to a better global society. Samsung provides the electronics market with a full range of great consumer products, ranging from mobile devices to home appliances. They have proved themselves an innovative and efficient company that strives to provide their customers with the newest products for a great price. With their wide range of products they have generated a powerful supply of products. In order to secure future success in a very competitive market, they need to focus on being innovative and expand their products in to new markets and countries. Samsung should also invest heavily into establishing its brand name in foreign countries to attract talent. Applying all of these recommendations and suggestions will generate a better future for Samsung and will make them be able to compete with other companies in the industry. Samsung is a market leader or major market share holder in its many segments. Samsung leads but does not lead a pace that cannot be followed or easily copied. For example, Apple leads the digital music player market at a pace that its competitors cannot follow. Apple passed its competition through its competitive advantage: innovation. Company culture at Apple creates the pace of innovation and new product designs and introductions. Samsung needs to lead the market through an innovative competitive advantage to push a pace not easily copied. Samsung has encountered foreign competition because foreign competition has acquired its own domestic talent. Samsung should invest heavily into establishing its brand name in foreign countries to attract talent. Samsung is moving to the forefront of the industry today because of its decade of dedication to the simple principles of change, innovation and creativity. Now that it is at last experiencing the success it has so long pursued and worked so hard to achieve, its mission has broadened. For with success come serious challenges and responsibilities.

cary :: essays research papers

BIO: ELIZABETH CARY (1585-1639)Elizabeth Cary held the honor of being known as the first Englishwoman to write an original drama. At the urging of writer John Davies, Cary published The Tragedy of Mariam in 1613. Cary was also the first Englishwoman to write a tragedy and the first to write a history play, The History of the Life, Reign and Death of Edward II (ca. 1627). Cary's other works include various religious hymns, poems and translations from the languages of French, Spanish, Latin and Hebrew. Elizabeth Cary was the sole child born to Sir Laurence and Lady Elizabeth Tanfield of Burford Priory, Oxford in 1585. Her natural inclination for learning showed itself in early childhood despite her strict mother's attempts to thwart Elizabeth's intellectual development by reportedly forbidding her to read at night (to which Elizabeth began bribing servants for candles). In 1602 at age 17, Elizabeth was contracted to marry Sir Henry Cary so that the Tanfields would have aristocratic connections and the Cary's, an heiress. The couple lived apart for the first several years of their marriage while Henry fought in the Protestant wars against Spain and where he was captured in 1605 and imprisoned. At the demand of her mother-in-law Dame Katherine (Lady Paget), Elizabeth moved in with her husband's family in 1603. Here, Elizabeth endured cruelties similar to those imposed by her mother as Lady Paget forbade Elizabeth to read and locked her in her room. It is believed that Elizabeth began writing during this period as a substitute for reading. Elizabeth had also participated in the literary circle of the countess of Pembroke and became acquainted with Senecan drama. Using the model of Roman tragedy, Elizabeth wrote and completed The Tragedy of Mariam between 1602-1604. It was also during this period that Elizabeth began to entertain an attraction to Catholicism to which her husband was radically opposed and a soldier against. This religious conflict did not seem to threaten the marriage in its early years, as upon her husband's return from war in 1609, the couple had their first of eleven children. Henry Cary was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland in 1622, moving the couple to Dublin where their marriage suffered terrific stress due to religious differences and Henry's persecution of Irish Catholics. Irreconcilable, the couple separated and Elizabeth returned to England in 1625. In 1626, Elizabeth professed her Catholicism and, when rumor reached the king, she was confined to her room for six weeks.

Discrimination of Micronesians in Hawaii Essay

Since the COFA (Compact of Free Association) Act was formalized between the Pacific Island nations of Micronesia and the United States in 1986, there have been rising influxes of Micronesian citizens that have the privilege of entering the U. S. without the need for a visa or time limit. These FAS (Freely Associated States) include the Republic of Palau, the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Federated States of Micronesia. While there is no obligation to immigrate to a specific state within the U. S. , many choose to settle on Hawai’i. Due to its proximity to their home islands and tropical environment, the Micronesian population in Hawai’i has been steadily increasing during recent years. It is estimated that around 15,000 COFA migrants are currently residing in Hawai’i, where they subsequently face many barriers as new immigrants, including language, social and cultural barriers. Specifically, there is an ever-growing presence of Micronesian stereotyping and marginalization that is frequently exhibited by other ethnic populations in Hawai’i. Because they are seen as the â€Å"newest† population to arrive on the islands and the fastest growing, Micronesians are subject to many forms of discrimination. In recent years, our local community has been ill-equipped and misinformed about the Micronesian population. Consequently, our unfamiliarity has contributed to their isolation and discrimination within the Hawai’ian Islands. It is important for us as residents of Hawai’i to bridge the gap that exists between Micronesians and what we perceive as our own â€Å"local society†. Due to our society being misinformed and social control factors at work, we perceive Micronesians as being inept, destitute and imprudent. There are several barriers that hinder Micronesian assimilation within the islands. One such barrier is within the health care system. In Dr. Yamada’s article titled, â€Å"Discrimination in Hawaii and the Health of Micronesians†, he says Micronesians are often victims of â€Å"inferior care or denial of services†. There are instances of Micronesian patients that are denied services and being referred to another clinic, or being discriminated against due to their perceived lack of adherence to treatment plans. Personally, I believe that there is a kind of â€Å"ignorance† that health care providers bestow upon Micronesian patients. In 2006, I began working as a volunteer for the Kaka’ako homeless shelter and clinic started by Dr. Jill Omori that included inhabitants comprised mostly of Micronesian ethnicity. Many of them were unable to find a job and help themselves financially. Those individuals who lacked the means to support their family also sought refuge at the shelter. I observed that a lot of the older Micronesian shelter inhabitants could not speak English, and those who did only had limited basic knowledge and phrases that they used. What was surprising, however, was that most of the doctors and medical students who treated these patients did not having a working knowledge of the Chuukese language, which is spoken by the majority of the Micronesians. Many of these patients used the help of their children who were fortunate to attend public schools. Thus, a language barrier had existed, and still to this day, is continually a major factor in the fair treatment of health care delivery among Micronesians. In the health care system, it can be challenging to relay medical information from English into Chuukese. Pobutsky et. al. uggests having health education materials translated and readily available for Micronesian patients. Pobutsky also notes that having interpreters fluent in Chuukese is essential. Regarding denial of health services, Yamada talks about how COFA migrants were denied MED-QUEST (a Medicaid program) benefits in July 2010 by the Hawai’i State Administration. It was reinstated 4 months later because the denial was in direct violation of the Equal Protection clause of the 14th Amendment of the U. S. Constitution. Such discrimination is not only seen in our health care system, but also within the confines of social and economic settings. Yamada suggests that examining and countering â€Å"prevailing social forces† will help eliminate discrimination. By my personal interpretation, he is saying we must realize that social forces – such as the criminal justice system and the government – are shared by all of us as one single community in Hawai’i. By being responsible and looking out for one another regardless of race or ethnicity, we can close the social bridge that divide us. In other words, we must be proactive and bring to light the issues that face Micronesian immigrants who are treated unfairly. Another brief policy report from the Hawai’i Appleseed Center for Law and Economic Justice (HACLEJ) provides accounts of stigmatization by governmental leaders towards COFA migrants. The report further goes on to explain how there is an absence of interpreters available to help COFA migrants within labor, housing and court disputes. Within the context of the court system, it can be a challenge for someone convicted who does not have a working knowledge of the English language. HACLEJ emphasizes the need to â€Å"stimulate awareness, advocacy and action† in order to better address Micronesians living in Hawai’i. Several paths can be taken to address discrimination issues against Micronesians. Already, there are many advocates and groups that support Micronesians and other at-risk migrants. Some of these groups do not receive funding from the state of Hawai’i, and must rely on private funds to continue their work. There are also few research projects that involve Micronesians living in Hawai’i and thus there is little information in regards to ethnographic and qualitative studies. Additionally, surveys measuring Micronesians’ health needs and risk factors should be included within the context of how to better deliver health care. Within the political system, our lawmakers should be better informed and take more consideration into immigration affairs. Pobutsky et. al. gives several examples of health service programs that are currently in the process of addressing the language barriers and health concerns of Micronesians, but there is much more work to be done in order to achieve long-term success. Allocation of state and government funds should be directed towards creating more educational and social programs that can help better address disparities quite often seen with newly arrived immigrants. Based in part by my own personal experiences and also through research, many Micronesians are illiterate and lack a good work ethic to succeed in future endeavors. Because Micronesians are discriminated both in the job market and in school, they may perceive themselves as being unable to achieve success that is often seen with other ethnicities. Consequently many of them, especially Micronesian youths, engage in criminal behavior and illicit activities. My worry is that this cycle will manifest itself unchecked among these youths well into adulthood and create more harm than good within the criminal justice system of Hawai’i. As citizens of a diverse society in Hawai’i, we need to be more proactive and open-minded on issues that deal with the Micronesian population as a whole. Local perspectives that Micronesians are a kind of â€Å"deviance† on the islands and a â€Å"burden† to our society are obstructive to our continuous theme of the â€Å"Aloha spirit†. We must come together as a society and be more considerate and helpful to those who we might think less highly of. As long as institutions of power continue to ignore the problem of discrimination and disparity, then recent immigrants who include Micronesians will continue to face hardship. In our study of social control theory, there is the idea of â€Å"strain† that is frequently seen in societies that stress hard work and having a good education. More research efforts and studies must be done in order to better assess disparities present within the Micronesian population in Hawai’i, as well as having adequate funding by the state to support programs that meet the needs of the Micronesian community.

Neolithic revolution essay

Without the Neolithic Revolution the world would know no wars, and would have had no epidemics. All the things that happened after the Neolithic Revolution, like cars, boats, and planes, would never even come into the thoughts of humans. It would have been a world without history other than hunting, gathering and wandering. The Neolithic Revolution is the period when people started domesticating animals, Like dogs for the hunt. Chickens, goats, among others were also raised for food. This lead to farming, or agriculture, which Is the base of any civilization or city, and one of he 7 traits.The others are: government and military religion writing social structure art and architecture material possessions and technology A village Is made up of everyone doing their own types of Jobs: the farmers farming, the metalworkers making things out of metal, and so on. This structure wouldn't be possible without specialization of labor. Farmers surpluses food so everyone else could work on other things. Art and architecture are a couple of other things they could work on. Specialization of labor helped create civilization and the 7 traits. Cities are big villages that are more complex.All of the 7 traits came from cities and specialization of labor. If the nomads hadn't started farming, than there wouldn't have been time to pursue religion, and art, things that are taken for granted now. If people didn't start pursuing religion, then there wouldn't be any writing or social structure. Priests became higher above everybody else because they were closer to god, creating the social structure pyramid. The first writing was priests drawing pictogram's to record offerings. Military came from cities because they had to rooter their land from people who wanted the land for their own.Government came from military because they had to making sure that people were at peace with each other and command them. Without the Neolithic Revolution, the world as we know it wouldn't exist. There w ould be a world without being able to go buy something from a store, without people writing or reading books, without playing video games, or fun. There would be no history that would be important, no big events, and it's because of the Neolithic Revolution. Without it we wouldn't have a civilization, or a life other than hunting and adhering. Eoliths revolution essay By Zachary-Cray like dogs for the hunt. Chickens, goats, among others were also raised for food. This lead to farming, or agriculture, which is the base of any civilization or city, and one of A village is made up of everyone doing their own types of Jobs: the farmers wouldn't be possible without specialization of labor. Farmers surpluses food so now. If people didn't start pursuing religion, then there wouldn't be any writing or Without the Neolithic Revolution, the world as we know it wouldn't exist.

Green Days By The River †Essay Writing

Green Days By The River – Essay Writing Free Online Research Papers Green Days By The River Essay Writing One text or reference that can be used to show the misuse of authority or power is one that can stand out above the rest. While it is not the only text that can be used, it is one that is most evident in the book. The misuse of this power or authority by the character is done to show another that he can be can be most serious and judging at times. Mr. Gidharee uses his controlling power of the dogs that he has and uses them to attack Shell. Even though his dogs are quite powerful Tobago dogs he enrages them more by giving them something called dragon’s blood. It is evident that he means business, and unsuspecting Shell would be the victim of a dog bit. Mr. Gidharee made the dogs attack Shell because he some how that Shell had slept in the same bed as Rosalie is daughter and about what had happen that night. The book Green Days by The River paints a scene of Mr. Gidharee and Shell working at Cedar Grove, at the time Mr. Gidharee was talking to Shell and trying to get out of him what he already knew without letting Shell know what was going on. Mr. Gidharee so after gives the Tobago dogs the call to attack Shell and even though the dogs knew him they did not hesitate to go and attack Shell. Shell ends up with multiple bit marks and stays home for days trying to recover from that horrible day. Research Papers on Green Days By The River - Essay WritingThe Spring and AutumnThe Masque of the Red Death Room meaningsHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionMind TravelCapital PunishmentThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationResearch Process Part OneEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XQuebec and Canada

Compounds of plant secondary metabolites Essay Example

Compounds of plant secondary metabolites Essay Example Compounds of plant secondary metabolites Essay Compounds of plant secondary metabolites Essay Introduction What are secondary metabolites? Plant secondary metabolites are compounds that have no recognized function in the care of cardinal life processes in the programs that synthesize them ( Oksman-Caldentey, et Al. 2004 ) . Historically, secondary metabolites where idea of as waste merchandises as their absence does non ensue in the immediate decease of the works. Primary metabolites such as phytosterols, acyl lipoids, bases, aminic acids and organic acids, are critical for the basic life maps such as cell division and growing, respiration, storage and reproduction. With betterments in biochemical techniques and the development of molecular biological science, secondary metabolites have been proven non to be waste merchandises ( Bourgaud, et Al. 2001 ) . Their map is to help the works in its interaction with its environment. These interactions can be plant-insect, plant-microorganism and plant-plant interaction, making a complex and dynamic mixture of facultative and obligate interactions from mutualism to pathogenicity ( Dixon 2001 ) . Presently more than 100,000 secondary metabolites are known, and with there being at least 250,000 different works species, each with an infinite figure of interactions possible with their environment, many are thought to be undiscovered ( Pimm, et Al. 1995 ) .Generally our cognition of secondary metabolites is limited, with there being a big figure of cistrons, some of which being genus or even species specific. There is besides an tremendous chemodiversity between secondary metabolites, taking to a hapless word picture of metabolic tracts at the degree of biosynthetic intermediates and enzymes ( Dixon and Steele 1999 ; Forkmann and Martens 2001 ) . Secondary metabolite diverseness in workss is an evolutionary driven feature that is mostly influenced by their dynamic environment. There is a huge array of functions that these secondary metabolites are involved in, including protection against herbivores, microbic infection, and attractants for pollinators and allelopathic agents. Of those discovered, most are derived from merely a few edifice blocks, the ethanoate C2 unit ( polyketides ) , the phenylalaine/tryrosine-dervied C9 unit ( phenyl-proanoids ) , the isopentenyl diphosphate C5 unit and some aminic acids ( Verpoorte 1998 ) . Exploitation of secondary metabolites is of immense benefit in the production of pharmaceuticals ( see table 1 ) , dyes, insect powders, nutrient additives and spirits, and cosmetics. What is Biotechnology? Biotechnology is the control and calculated use of a life system to develop commercial procedures and a merchandise. In the production of secondary metabolites it offers unprecedented chances to work the cell, tissue, organ or full beings by turning them in vitro and to genetically pull strings them to obtain a coveted merchandise. Biotechnology provides an alternate to obtaining secondary metabolites from wild and cultivated workss. Reaping from wild programs has built-in jobs due to extinction of the harvest from which the metabolite is isolated, habit devastation and a loss of familial diverseness within works species ( certain species affected include Arcostaphylos uva-vrsa ( bear berry ) and Piper methysticum ( kava ) ) . It is estimated that between 4,000 and 10,000 works species whose secondary metabolites are extracted for medical intents are now endangered ( Edwards, 2004 ) . Conventional agricultural production of secondary metabolites is hapless as the workss of greatest involvement to industry make non turn good when they are cultivated outside of their natural environment. Another danger posed by big field cultivation is the susceptibleness of the workss to pathogen invasion ( anthracnose on Hypericum perforatum ) ( Bourgaud et al.,2001 ) . Chemical synthesis of secondary metabolites is frequently non possible due to their extremely complex constructions and a deficiency of sufficient cognition of specific stereochemical demands needed and besides, the feasibleness of the production procedure can be a hinderance ( Bourgaud et al. , 2001 ) . Biotechnology presents the possibility for the production of secondary metabolites with higher outputs, a uniformed higher quality merchandise, feasibleness and dependability. Due to a deficiency of cognition of secondary metabolites in the developmental phases, under specific emphasiss, seasonal or alimentary demands in workss, merely a few high value secondary metabolites utilizing a biotechnological attack are successful to day of the month on a commercial graduated table. An illustration is shikonin production by cell suspension civilizations of Lithospermum erythrorhizon. Chemical categories of Secondary Metabolites. Secondary metabolites can be classified on the footing of chemical construction, composing, whether or non they are soluble in H2O or the tract by which they are synthesised. There are three chief categories: Terpenoids Phenolic resins Alkaloids. Terpenoids. Terpenoids are the largest group of secondary metabolites ( Verpoorte and Memelink, 2002 ) with more than 30,000 different constructions ( Julsing et al. , 2006 ) . All terpenoids are derived by the insistent merger of bifurcate five C units based on an isopentane skeleton. Terpenoids are frequently referred to as isoprenoids. Terpenoids are classified based on the figure of five Cs units they contain. The smallest of these, is isoprene ( C5 ) which is of import in the commercial production of spirits and aroma additives. Sterols are 30 C molecules called triterpene. They play an of import function in the pharmaceutical industry as a get downing stuff for the synthesis of drugs such as steroid endocrines and preventives. In workss, terpenoids are responsible for the release of volatile compounds in response to herbivore harm. These compounds function in pulling arthropods, which prey on the herbivores. Other categories of terpenoids include phytoalexins, which provide direct defense mechanism against herbivores and microbic pathogens. Alkaloids Alkaloids are the best studied category of secondary metabolites. More than 12,000 alkaloids have been identified ( Oksman-Caldent, 2004 ) . Alkaloids contain N derived from amino acids ( Julsing et al. , 2006 ) and map is thought to be involved in the defense mechanism of the works. Alkaloids represent a really diverse group of medically important compounds that include good known drugs such as morphia and codeine. See figure 2. Phenolic resins Phenolic compounds contain aromatic rings bearing one or more hydroxyl groups ( -OH ) . Nearly 8000 of these phenolic compounds have been discovered to day of the month. They are derived from pentose phosphate, shikimate and phenylpropanoid tracts. They have a wide scope of maps including growing, reproduction and defense mechanism. Flavonoids are the largest group of phenolic compounds, and are found in about all known works species ( Julsing et al. , 2006 ) .

How I Brought Historical Legends Into My Modern-Day Novel

How I Brought Historical Legends Into My Modern-Day Novel How Blending the Past and Present Allowed Me to Ask: "What If?" Along with being an author, Finian Black is a doctor who served in the British Army. He lives in Winchester, which is chock-full of medieval reminders of the time and story inspiration. In this article, he talks about how playing with myths and legends - stories steeped in history but often in little solid facts - gave him the freedom to weave elements of the past into his modern-day novel.Every story, whether it's a parent making up a simple tale for a sleepy child or a  sprawling saga, can be boiled down to a simple question:  what if? So, whenever a new idea for a story starts to take shape, the first thing I do is look for the magical question that gets to the heart of it all, and everything flows from there. Speculating on the past allows authors to write about a different version of present-day. Writing allows me to ask, "what if?"I live in the beautiful cathedral city of Winchester near the south coast of England. It's a great place to wander around, and wonder about! The idea for my new historical fiction novel,  The Final Raven, came during a visit to the Great Hall in Winchester, where an ancient round table has hung on the wall for centuries. As I looked upon that table, one question sprang to mind: what if a child discovered they are the last living descendant of King Arthur? Simple as that, I was ready to get started.With the base idea established, I had to think about where the story might go. The "what if?" part is always the easy bit! What follows is countless hours of story mapping, character plotting, running up blind alleys and falling into bottomless pits as the story takes on a life of its own. I asked myself: Would it be set in the present day or recent past? Who is this child? What is their background? Why now, after so long, would it come to light that th ere is a living descendant? And, of course, how much of the existing Arthurian legend would I incorporate? However, being rooted in Arthurian legend, I knew that there were some road signs readers would expect in my novel: Merlin, a sword in a stone, the Lady of the Lake, and Morgan le Fay, to name just a few. But I didn’t want to just re-write what’s already been done so well before, so I purposely toned down the obvious Arthurian elements, bringing them subtly into present-day so as to not distract from the story I wanted to tell. Lastly, I knew I needed a very strong cover that would convey mythical history but also appeal to the YA demographic. The cover designer I hired through Reedsy, Edward Bettison, captured exactly that with the bold typography and visual of the Tower of London raven.Pulling from the PlantagenetsMany of the kings during the Plantagenet period used the myths of Arthur for their own propaganda, and their stories are more incredible than any fiction. Furthermore, the Plantagenet period was hugely important in shaping what modern Britain looks like - w hich made it a great source of inspiration both regarding the historical aspects of my book and my modern-day characters. My historical research about this time period was extensive, delving into the lives of the different kings and what drove them to act the way they did. Two of the books that helped my research immensely were Dan Jones’ The Plantagenets and Desmond Seward’s The Demon’s Brood. Both brought to life the period and its individuals in a way that was invaluable.The Plantagenet period saw great kings like Edward III, but also terrible ones like John - and it is the terrible ones that first come to mind when thinking about this period. The bloodletting, violence, and cruelty were beyond anything we see in Game of Thrones, and those who wanted to challenge the king had to be prepared to act abhorrently. Amongst the pool of eligible individuals, it was often the maddest that took the crown. All of these qualities provided ripe inspiration for my villai n and clarifying his motives: which is to be king, at any means necessary - an ancient grievance of his. He is someone with medieval values in the modern world, and this combination makes him a lot of fun to write. "Turning to the past inspired my modern-day villain with medieval values." Drawing from the legendary Tower of London RavensAs for the novel’s title,  The Final Raven? Well, I’ve been fascinated by these wonderful birds for a long time. They are intelligent, beautiful, and mysterious. From the outset I knew that I wanted to incorporate the famous legend of the Tower of London ravens in my story as I find it to be a very powerful tale. The legend says that if ever the ravens were to leave the Tower, Britain would fall. There are different views on just how old this legend is. It has been said it only goes back as far as World War Two, when Churchill used it as propaganda to build national resolve. Others suggest it is a Victorian story. I like to believe the version that tells of King Arthur slaying a Celtic warrior called Bran at the site of the Tower. In this version, Bran turns into a raven and it is his descendants who still live there today. Magical!This legend offered me another great chance to blend mythical pasts and presents by incor porating modern technology: in my version of the story, the ravens are implanted with microchips so that the villain can track their demise on his tablet - green, to amber, to red! I used the motif of the dying birds as a countdown through the book, culminating in a race to save the last bird†¦ but if you want to know more, you'll have to read the book!It was important to me to go back to the Tower while writing this novel - which was fine by me! I love it there. It’s a thousand years of history brought to life in front of your eyes (much like a well-written novel can be!), and of course, you can meet the ravens. The Ravenmaster is a real person, too - he’s active on Twitter. Check him out. A great way to put a modern twist on historical legends is to incorporate technology. I've written stories since I was very young. Words are magical things - they can amaze, inspire, scare, and excite us. I love books that make me want to read one more page, then another, and another. To be a writer, I passionately believe that you also have to be a reader. Use of language shapes us, teaches us, and helps us find our own voice. I once read that the first million words we write *are* just practice for the proper writing that follows - in other words, keep going. Never lose sight of how to improve, and never worry if a paragraph or page doesn't flow. It might not make the final edit but it all improves our skills as writers.This book is the first in a series of three, and will be continued in The Devil's Blood, due out April 2018.The Final Raven is available in  paperback and on  Amazon Kindle.Interested in learning more about conducting historical research? Sign up for our Reedsy Learning course:  How to Research a Historical Novel or Nonfiction BookPlease shar e your thoughts, experiences, or any questions for Finian Black in the comments below!

Introduction to business law Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Introduction to business law - Coursework Example It can be gleaned from the communications made by herein parties their intention to enter into a contract. Under s.64 of Restatement, acceptance given by telephone or other medium of substantially instantaneously two-way communication is governed by the principles applicable to acceptances where the parties are in the presence of each other. Hence, if Eddie had intended to revoke the contract, he should have manifested the same on Tuesday. In the case of Megalift v Terminals [2009] NSWSC 324, the court ruled that both parties were already in negotiation, discussing terms and details such as transportation and delivery. These conversations involved quotations and although no fixed price was agreed upon, it was nonetheless a contract, which was legally binding. Moreover, her Honour disregarded the quotation for the purpose of a budget only. This did not prevent the parties from contracting. Answer to question # 2. Unfair Contract Terms Act 1977 (UCTA) places a number of restrictions on the contract terms businesses can agree to. Specifically, it lays down rules for the ways in which vendor businesses can use exclusion clauses to limit liability in certain areas. (Business Link, Buyers' terms and conditions and unfair contract terms). The business selling the goods or services isn't allowed to exclude liability for: death or injury - under any circumstances, losses caused by negligence - unless to do so is 'reasonable' and defective or poor quality goods - unless to do so is 'reasonable' (Ibid.) Liability for negligence that causes other types of damage are subjected to a test for â€Å"reasonableness† (Alistaire 2009, Exclusion clauses and unfair contract terms Part  2). S.2(1) of the UCTA states that â€Å"A person cannot by reference to any contract term or to a notice given to persons generally or to particular persons exclude or restrict his liability for death or personal injury resulting from negligence.† Under s2(1) no one acting in the cou rse of a business can exclude or restrict his liability in negligence for death or personal injury by means of a term in a contract or by way of notice (Law Teacher 2011, Exclusion and Limiting Clauses). Bambi cannot make reference to the notice on the desk that excludes or restricts its liability in case of claim for damages resulting from its negligence. UCTA is the main statutory provision, which regulates exclusion clauses and can either render a term effective, ineffective or subject to the test of reasonableness. It applies to business liability as between businesses or a business and a consumer. Therefore, if parties are not acting in the course of a business, say for example a contract between two private individuals, they can exclude liability. UCTA applies to exclusion clauses in the course of a business in three situations:1. Negligence 2. Consumer 3. Standard Term Contracts (Gillhams Lawyers 2008, Business and Commercial Contract Terms). Negligence is failure to use reas onable care. It is the doing of something which a reasonably prudent person would not do, or the failure to do something, which a reasonably prudent person would do under like circumstances. It is a departure from what an ordinary

Hong Kong Architecture Style Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 10000 words

Hong Kong Architecture Style - Essay Example Having been born in Hong Kong (HK) and raised there for more than seventeen years, I grew up taking many of the features of my home city for granted. It wasn’t until I opted to study in the United Kingdom that I began to realize the many opportunities I lost. With many years of chances to visit some of the more historical sites and cultural wonders, I did not see any of them. I have surprisingly little awareness to its quality or style of architecture. To me, Hong Kong was just another busy city with the typical rectangular tower blocks and high-rise complexes everywhere. Construction was fast and demolition quick. The only real notice I took of these events was to absently note when a new building brought in a store I wanted or offered some other opportunity directly to my benefit or discomfort or when an older building went down that had been an empty eyesore for any length of time. This pattern I was living in can be characterized as living there only and that is all. Although I lived there, my life could have been characterized as merely existing since I did not notice any of the important things around me that made my living space unique. This theory applies to many who live there. In fact, it applies widely to people living in many places throughout the globe as it is human nature for people to take familiar things for granted. The world moves so fast, events happen so quickly in every sphere of life that success is impossible without keeping in close touch with the latest development. Studying architecture has certainly broadened my vision and changed my perspective regarding these things. My studies opened my eyes, teaching me how to observe and read buildings and the cities in which they stand in totally different ways. Having visited many other countries’ greatest architectural constructions representing many different eras and styles, I began to think about the architecture

International entrepreneurship -2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

International entrepreneurship -2 - Essay Example Until the 21st century, there were a number of international entrepreneurs who have developed great products that are currently used by people across the world. This paper will however focus on the activities and the birth of mobile and electronic giant Apple Inc. the birth and growth of Apple will be critically analyzed with a bias towards its strategies, international market shares, growth trends and the potential. The entrepreneurial spirits of the founders who coined and pursued the idea to the end will also be evaluated in order to develop an idea on the challenges and strengths that the company possesses. Introduction The purpose of this report is to provide an in-depth analysis of a company that is considered as a perfect example of an international entrepreneurship project. Apple Inc, a company based in California United States will be studied with an aim of getting insights into the company’s profile and practices. In doing this, the report will review the motivations and the reasons for starting the business. The personal profiles of the founders, educational backgrounds, family information and financial abilities will also be evaluated. The market share and capitalization of the company will also provide great information of the company’s growth progress and abilities as compared to other market players and competitors (Beech and Jiang, 2012). Profile of firm Ref Description Response 1.1 Company age Apple Inc is today 36 years old, having been established in 1977 by three young entrepreneurs. It’s based in Cupertino, California (Beech and Jiang, 2012) 1. 3size (no of employees/sales turnover) Today, Apple Inc has over 72,800 employees in worldwide working in their laboratories, retail stores and operating their online stores (Apple, 2013). The company’s Market capitalization is $416.46 billion in 2013, a value which has shown significant improvement when compared with the previous financial year (Linzmayer, 2009). It also had a Total sales of $164.46 billion in 2013, a value that improved if compare with the previous years (Beech and Jiang, 2012). 1.4 Industry sector Apple Inc operates under Computer, information technology and mobile telephony industry and is today operating in the entertainment sector through its online music stores (Lashinsky, 2012). Main offerings The products offered by apple Inc include Computer hardware such as mackintosh computers, apple computers (Martin, 2011). The company also markets Computer software such as iMac iOS operating system, iCloud Mobile devices such as Apple Smartphone, iPhone Audio digital devices such as iPad, digital audio and music stores. 1.4 Main domestic/international market Domestic market include United states of America International market include Europe, Asia especially China, South American countries and Africa. 1.5 If international, no. of markets percentage of sales as exports The total percentage exports to china during the financial year 2012 were 5%. Europe constitutes the major percentage of apple’s international exports at 14% in 2012 (Martin, 2011). Demographic profile of entrepreneur Ref Description Response 2.1 Age, gender, education, marital status Steve jobs remains the main entrepreneur and brainchild behind the apple we see and know today He Started the business while 22 years old. Steve went to reed college but dropped out before completion. He was a Zen Buddhist believer and was married to Laurene Powell and

ISIS Threatens Jews, Israel with 'Big War' Essay

ISIS Threatens Jews, Israel with 'Big War' - Essay Example From this discussion it is clear that the person who is not confident enough to show his face goes ahead and says that they will commit the atrocities with the help of God. The foundation of the group, at least according to the man heard in the video, is that the Jews have committed atrocities giants the Palestinians and that it now time they pay for those atrocities.   They assert that they will kill all the Jews all over the world.This essay highlights that they claim that they will do this with help of God. What God! One would wonder how God would advocate for the misery and suffering of innocent people. It is common knowledge that Islam as religion like other religions such as Christianity and Jewish advocate for peace and understanding. These religions preach tolerance among believers and non-believers of the respective faiths; this is the only way for lasting peace in the world. The conflict between the Palestine’s and Jews has been in existence for a long time. Howeve r, ending the conflict cannot and should not be done by preaching hatred as the militants are. Moreover, the ISIS group has no moral justification whatsoever to purport that they are championing for rights of Palestine. The group is known all over the world for brutality that transcends race, religion, sex, color of creed.  The group has slaughter many people including many people who profess the Islam faith hence they have no moral ground to say that their actions are for benefit of Muslims.

The lilly ledbetter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The lilly ledbetter - Essay Example Notably, the president acknowledged that the nation’s economy can work if it works for everyone. He also added that citizens should not be favored in terms of pay on the basis of gender, religion, disability, race, ethnicity, and age because that is not only prejudicial and unlawful but also unfit for business (Office of the Press Secretary 1). At the time of the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay bill to law, the Republicans opposed the bill as drafted. Howard McKeon, an Education and Labor Committee member, raised the matter that company executives would be held responsible for deeds undertaken by supervisors and managers who had left the company a long time ago (Office of the Press Secretary 1). For instance, this will allow a retiring worker to seek for compensation from the company now run by executives who had no hand with the past acts of favoritism. In my opinion, the Lilly Ledbetter Law should remain a federal law. This is because it offers women opportunities for equal pay. Women need to be in a nation that treasures their contributions, that offers no limitations to their dreams n that offers them opportunities they had never imagined. Office of the Press Secretary. "Remarks of President Barack Obama on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act Bill Signing." The White House. N.p., 29  Jan.  2009. Web. 25  Jan.  2014.

Discussion 8 part B Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Discussion 8 part B - Essay Example sattva of Compassion’, the figure is claimed to have been sculpted using a special technique called ‘yosegi’ which gave most creation of the era, 794-1185 AD, its distinct characteristic, chiefly made of wood carved into form out of the several fragments of wood. The assembly when examined in detail, may be observed to have been artfully crafted by a number of specialists or artisans with the finest skills. Such endeavor justify how this particular bodhisattva could, in a way or another, reflect the prevailing theme at the time in which Japan took pride in its genius through the fields of religion, philosophy, art, and rich literature. Though the ‘Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva of Compassion’ primarily consists of wood, the sophisticated carvings and the countenance which appears to possess a blend of gold and bronze external coating, aimed to bring about a wholly essential color, suggests subtle prominence while depicting the purpose of identifying a bodhisattva by nature. The smooth lines of the sculpture were fashioned such that the strokes exude a character with humble gesture, one with which no trace of rigidity can be detected. In the absence of conspicuous edges in its shape all throughout, the eleven-headed Kannon may be readily claimed to have been so intentionally brought to the gentlest of forms so as to align the overall look of the structure with the attribute or definition the ‘Eleven-Headed Bodhisattva of Compassion’ is. With the manner it was rendered through carving, it occurs naturally deserving of an equivalent sentiment apart form all anxieties as it effortlessly projects a n image of pure and complete tranquility. A sound critic may truthfully infer that the eleven-headed Kannon was created by an author whose hands well communicated with the mind that synergistically functioned with the heart by virtue of passion and wisdom which entailed total discernment of his work. Knowing the essence of a bodhisattva, which is substantiated in

The lilly ledbetter Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The lilly ledbetter - Essay Example Notably, the president acknowledged that the nation’s economy can work if it works for everyone. He also added that citizens should not be favored in terms of pay on the basis of gender, religion, disability, race, ethnicity, and age because that is not only prejudicial and unlawful but also unfit for business (Office of the Press Secretary 1). At the time of the passage of the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay bill to law, the Republicans opposed the bill as drafted. Howard McKeon, an Education and Labor Committee member, raised the matter that company executives would be held responsible for deeds undertaken by supervisors and managers who had left the company a long time ago (Office of the Press Secretary 1). For instance, this will allow a retiring worker to seek for compensation from the company now run by executives who had no hand with the past acts of favoritism. In my opinion, the Lilly Ledbetter Law should remain a federal law. This is because it offers women opportunities for equal pay. Women need to be in a nation that treasures their contributions, that offers no limitations to their dreams n that offers them opportunities they had never imagined. Office of the Press Secretary. "Remarks of President Barack Obama on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Restoration Act Bill Signing." The White House. N.p., 29  Jan.  2009. Web. 25  Jan.  2014.

The Effects of the Internet on Children Research Paper

The Effects of the Internet on Children - Research Paper Example The internet is one of the most influential developments of the modern world mainly because it affects the lives of almost everybody in the world. It is fast becoming a major source of information with many people relying on it to get news from all over the world, for research, to do market research and make purchases and to keep in touch with one another over great distances. The internet provides a powerful tool for online resources and is an information dissemination tool for many people in the world. Recent researches have shown an increase in the number of children who access the internet everyday in the United States. These children are exposed to many databases, which may sometimes hold explicit, violent, prohibited and at times illegal content. Statistics show that in China, many children come to be exposed to the internet and gadgets related to it from an extremely early age. Parents in this country have been known, in recent times, to buy iPads for their toddlers, something which was not common only a few years ago (Hairong, 2012, Para 7). Surveys in China have also shown that the number of families, which have acquired iPads for their children, is about forty percent, which is a unique fact indeed. While many children have come to access the internet from an early age, they have also come to be exposed to things within it, which are harmful to their mental development. (Hairong 2012 Para 12). In order to help parents curb the children’s access to the internet, internet service providers and major search engines have created tools to enable parents to input parental control measures on the child’s computer at home. Recent research shows that majorities of parents use parental control, and this helps to filter and control the sites that children can access and set safe zones for them. The major setback for this has been that children have been seen to adapt very fast to these software and tools. In addition, they have been known to find w ays of penetrating passwords or firewalls set by parents and access restricted sites (Siegel, 2012 Para 16). The amount of time that children spend on the internet has been found to be detrimental to their mental development because it has made them become too lazy to be creative. Studies conducted at Duke University show that children who spend too much time online tend to have low scores in the test they are given in school (Scholastic News, 201

Communicative Language Teaching: The Origins

Communicative Language Teaching: The Origins This chapter is devoted to the CLT approach, its origins and major features. Also the chapter sheds the light on grammar, how it is handled in language teaching, the way it is defined and lastly, and perhaps most importantly, its role in CLT. 3.1 Communicative Language Teaching CLT is an approach to the teaching of second and foreign languages that emphasizes interaction as both the means and the ultimate goal of learning a language. It is also referred to as communicative approach to the teaching of foreign languages or simply the communicative approach. 3.1.1 The Origins Educators such as Richards and Rodgers, Savignon, and Sano state that the origins of communicative language teaching are many, in so far as one teaching methodology tends to influence the next. Sano (1984:171) says that the communicative approach could be said to be the product of educators and linguists who had grown dissatisfied with the audio-lingual and grammar-translation method of foreign language instruction. Richards and Rodgers (1986:93), on the other hand, claim that the origins of CLT are to be found in the changes of situational language teaching approaches, which influenced the British language teaching tradition till the late 1960s. 29 Meanwhile, Savignon (1991:262) asserts that the emergence of CLT can be traced to concurrent developments on both sides of the Atlantic, i.e., in Europe and the United States. Educators and linguists e.g., Candlin (1981: 121) and Widdowson (1978: 61) saw the need to focus in language teaching on communicative proficiency rather than on mere mastery of structures. They felt that students were not learning enough realistic, whole language in those methods, i.e., situational language teaching, audio-lingual or grammar-translation method. Students did not know how to communicate using appropriate social languages, gestures, or expressions; in brief, they were at loss to communicate in the cultures of the language studied. In respect of this point, Widdowson remarks the following: The problem is that students, and especially students in developing countries, who have received several years of formal English teaching, frequently remain deficient in the ability to actually use the language, and to understand its use, in normal communication, whether in spoken or written mode (1972:15). Similarly, Howatt says that the original motivation for adopting a communicative approach in the early seventies was remedial, an attempt to overcome the inadequacies of existing, structural syllabuses, materials, and methods (1984:287). To put simply, the rapid application of these ideas by textbook writers; and the equally rapid acceptance of these new principles by British language teaching specialists, curriculum development centers, and even governments gave prominence nationally and internationally to what came to be referred to as communicative approach. There was a positive response from linguists, methodologists, and classroom teachers offering the best hope for the elaboration and diffusion of language teaching methods and materials that work, encourage and support learners in the development of their communicative competence (Savignon, 1991: 264). Although the movement began as largely British innovations focusing on alternative conceptions of a syllabus since the mid 1970s, the scope of communicative language teaching has expanded. Interest in and the development of communicative style teaching mushroomed in those years; authentic language use and classroom exchanges where students engaged in real communication with one another became quite popular. Also, numerous textbooks for teachers and teacher trainers expound on the nature of communicative approaches and offer techniques for varying ages and purposes (Brown, 1994: 217). It is this socio-linguistic perspective, which is the unifying principle and the driving force behind a communicative approach to language teaching (Sano, 1984: 174) Although this socio-linguistic approach is basically a language theory rather than a learning theory, taking into account Richards and Rodgers definition of approach, CLT encompasses a theory of language and a theory of language learning, and see it as an approach than a method. Briefly, they define an approach as a set of theories about the nature of language and of language learning. It is axiomatic, as it takes a number of assumptions as a starting point. A method, on the other hand, is the level at which theory is put into practice and at which choices are made about the particular skills to be taught, the content to be taught, and the order in which the content will be presented. Besides, these writers claim, at the level of language theory, CLT has a rich, if somewhat eclectic theoretical base (1986:102). 3.1.2 Language Theory The rise of interest in the individual and in relationships among individuals, which characterized the sixties, marked the emergence of socio-linguistics, that branch of science where sociology and linguistics meet. A new light was shed on language, not simply as a system of structurally related elements, which form a rule, but as a vehicle for the expression of meaning and social interaction. In other words, the structural view was supplemented with a functional, a semantic and interactional view. It was this idea of language as communication that started off the whole communicative movement (Savignon, 1991: 266). And it was Hymes (1972) that made history by challenging Chomskys view on linguistic competence, and replacing it by the notion of communicative competence (cited in Savignon, 1991: 269). In the words of Canale and Swain (1980:7) communicative competence refers to the interaction between grammatical competence, or knowledge of the rules of grammar, and socio-linguistic competence, or knowledge of the rules of language use. In other words, rules of use and rules of usage are complementary and not mutually exclusive. According to them; the primary goal of a communicative approach must be to facilitate the integration of these two types of knowledge for the learner (1980: 25). Savignon notes that communicative competence characterizes the ability of language learners to interact with other speakers to make meaning, and [it] is relative, not absolute, and depends on the cooperation of all the participants involved (1983:9). Broadly speaking, communicative competence is an aspect convey and interpret messages and to negotiate meanings interpersonally within specific contexts. According to the socio-linguistic theory, the act of communication is seen not as basically an exchange of linguistic messages, but rather as a social phenomenon in which the use of language plays a part. In the field of the ethnography of communication, which Stern (1983:220) defines as the study of the individuals communicative activity in its social setting. language is a sub-ordinate, yet integrated part of social and situational systems, which are actually behavior patterns. Halliday argues the existence of a semantic network which is the linguistic realization of patterns of behavior. He postulates that the more we are able to relate the options in grammatical system to meaning potential in social contexts and behavioral settings, the more insight we shall gain into the nature of the language system (1978:44). In his functional account of language use, Halliday has criticized Chomskys linguistic, theory of competence. He says Linguistics is concerned with the description of speech acts or texts, since only through the study of language in use are all the functions of language, and therefore all components of meaning, brought into focus (1970:145). This view complements Hymes opinion of communicative competence, and we can only understand language if we view it as an instrument or as a communicative tool. To which Widdowson (1979:50) adds that once we accept the need to teach language as communication, we can obviously no longer think of language in te rms only of sentences. This statement provides the justification for the emphasis on discourse in CLT. 3.1.3 Learning Theory In contrast to the amount that has been written in CLT literature about communicative dimensions of language, little has been written about learning theory. However, two of the general learning theories, which emphasize common features among learners, are cognitive theory and skills theory. 3.1.3.1 Cognitive Theory According to cognitive theory, learning involves the ability to understand, to anticipate, and to relate new information to pre-existing mental structures. This focus on meaningful learning is derived from an attempt to make sense of the world. The heavy reliance of CLT practitioners on the mental schema theory is exemplified by Brumfits statement that new learning must be closely assimilated with what is already known, and if language is being learnt for use, then new learning must be directly associated with use (1979:189). Hence, at the level of learning theory this view supports Hallidays claim about the semantic network as a bridge between linguistic form and behaviour pattern, a link between words and the world. As Stern (1983:261) posits The learner must become a participant in a real-life context of language use as a condition of effective learning. Macdonough (1981:27) describes the cognitive process as hypothesis testing, and adds, significantly, that rules can only be found if the risk of error is run (ibid: 29). This view is reflected in the great tolerance of CLT towards errors. Errors are not to be avoided at all cost; they are not to be seen as evidence of non-learning, but being an external manifestation of the continual revision of the inter-language system. They are essential elements in the learning process. 3.1.3.2 Skills Theory This theory emphasizes the importance of cognitive learning and practice. However, advocates of this theory reject mechanical practice altogether as being totally irrelevant to genuine learning. Skills theory links mental and behavioural aspects of performance through a hierarchically organized set of plans, in which low level of automation is necessary to free attention for high level of planning. In this regard, Littlewood states the following: The cognitive aspect involves the internalization of plans for Creating appropriate behaviour. For language use, these plans derive mainly from the language system they include grammatical rules, procedures for selecting vocabulary, and social conventions governing speech. The behavioural aspect involves the automation of these plans so that they can be converted into fluent performance in real time. This occurs mainly through practice in converting plans into performance (1984:74). Skill practice is considered as a legitimate learning principle (Richards and Rodgers 1986), provided that it offers natural options of language use which reproduce the kinds of choice that occur in spontaneous communication (Stern 1983:260). 3.1.4 Major Features CLT is, relatively, a newly adapted approach in the area of foreign/second language teaching. CLT is a hybrid approach to language teaching, essentially progressive rather than traditional. (Wright 2000: 7). CLT can be seen to derive from a multidisciplinary perspective that includes, at least, linguistics, psychology, philosophy, sociology and educational research (Savignon 1991:271). It is generally accepted that, proponents of CLT see it as an approach, not a method (See Richards and Rodgers 1986; Savignon 1991; Brown 1994). For Brown, for instance, [Communicative language teaching] is a unified but broadly- based theoretical position about the nature of language and language learning and teaching(1994: 244-245). He further maintains that though it is difficult to synthesize all of the various definitions that have been offered, the following four interconnected characteristics could be taken as a definition of CLT: 1. Classroom goals are focused on all of the components of communicative competence and not restricted to grammatical or linguistic competence. 2. Language teaching techniques are designed to engage learners in the pragmatic, authentic, functional use of language for meaningful purposes. Language forms are not the central focus but rather aspects of language that enable the learner to accomplish those purposes. 3. Fluency and accuracy are seen as complementary principles underlying communicative techniques. At times fluency may have to take on more importance than accuracy in order to keep learners meaningfully engaged in language use. 4. In the communicative classroom, students ultimately have to use the language, productively and receptively, in unrehearsed contexts (Brown, 1994: 245). The communicative approach is a hazy concept, which can have a variety of meanings along the continuum between a strong version and a weak one. Johnson (1979: 155) argues that the weak version attempts to integrate communicative activities into an existing programme, where as the strong version claims that language is acquired through communication. According to Howatt (1984: 279) the weak version, which became more or less the standard practice in the late 70s and early 80s of the last century, stresses the importance of providing learners with opportunities to use their English for communicative purposes and, characteristically, attempts to integrate such activities into a wider program of language teaching. As for the strong version of communicative teaching it advances the claim that language is acquired through communication, so that it is not merely a question of activating an existing but inert knowledge of the language, but of stimulating the development of the language system itself. If the former could be described as learning to use English, the latter entails using English to learn it (ibid). Howatt adds that creating information gap activities, games, role-plays, dramas, simulations etc., are some of the exercise types in the weak versions of CLT. Although we have different versions and various ways in which CLT is interpreted and applied, educators in the area, Richards and Rodgers (1986, 2001); Littlewood (1981); Finocchiaro and Brumfit (1983); Brumfit (1984); Candlin (1981); Widdowson (1978, 1979); Johnson and Morrow (1981);; Larsen-Freeman (1986); Celce- Murcia (1991b) and Johnson (1982), put some of the major characteristics of CLT as they are presented in the following subsections. 3.1.4.1 Emphasis on Language Function It is felt that students need knowledge of the linguistic form, meaning and functions. However, CLT gives primary importance to the use or function of the language and secondary importance to its structure or form (Larsen-Freeman 1986: 88; Johnson 1982:63). This does not mean that knowledge of grammar is not essential for effective communication, rather systematic treatment of both functions and forms is vital. Stressing on this, Littlewood says one of the most characteristic features of communicative language teaching is that it pays systematic attention to functional as well as structural aspects of language (1981: 1). CLT suggests that grammatical structure might better be subsumed under various functional categorieswe pay considerably less attention to the overt presentation and discussion of grammatical rules than we traditionally did (Brown, 1994: 245). Emphasis is also given to meaning (messages they are creating or task they are completing) rather than form (correctness of language and language structure). For Finocchiaro and Brumfit meaning is paramount (1983:91) since it helps the learners to manage the message they engage with the interlocutors. 3.1.4.2 Fluency and Accuracy Fluency and accuracy are seen as complementary principles underlying communicative techniques (Brown, 1994:245). However, at times fluency may have to take on more importance than accuracy because fluency and acceptable language is the primary goal (Finocchiaro and Brumfit 1983:93) and accuracy is judged not in the abstract but in contexts. Fluency is emphasized over accuracy in order to keep learners meaningfully engaged in language use. It is important, however, that fluency should never be encouraged at the expense of clear, unambiguous, direct communication. And much more spontaneity is present in communicative classrooms (Brown, 1994: 246) 3.1.4.3 Teaching Techniques Language teaching techniques are designed to engage learners in the pragmatic, authentic, functional use of language for meaningful purposes. Classrooms should provide opportunities for rehearsal of real-life situations and provide opportunity for real communication. Emphasis on creative role plays, simulations, dramas, games, projects, etc., is the major activities which can help the learner provide spontaneity and improvisation, not just repetition and drills. Another characteristic of the classroom process is the use of authentic materials because it is felt desirable to give students the opportunity to develop the strategies for understanding language as it is actually used by native speakers. In the classroom, everything is done with a communicative intent. Information gap, choice and feedback are thought to be truly communicative activities (Johnson and Morrow, 1981: 25). 3.1.4.4 Grammar Teaching Grammar can still be taught, but less systematically, in traditional ways along side more innovative approaches. Savignon (2002:5) says for the development of communicative ability [communication depends on grammar], research findings overwhelmingly support the integration of form-focused exercises with meaning-focused experience. Grammar is important; and learners seem to focus best on grammar when it relates to their communicative needs and experiences. Disregard of grammar will virtually guarantee breakdown in communication (Thompson, 1996: 10). These writers also say that there are some misconceptions about CLT that makes difficult for many teachers to see clearly what is happening and to identify the useful innovations that CLT has brought. One of the persistent misconceptions is that CLT means not teaching grammar although the exclusion of explicit attention to grammar was never necessary part of CLT (ibid). In CLT involvement in communicative event is seen as central to language development, and this involvement necessarily requires attention to form (structure). In fact, it is certainly understandable that there was a reaction against the heavy emphasis on structure at the expense of natural communication. Nonetheless, it would seem foolish to make mistakes on the side of using communicative approach exclusively and totally disregard grammar teaching. Regarding this, Celce-Murcia comments: In spite of the intuitive appeal and the anecdotal evidence Supporting proposal for exclusively communicative language teaching, there is equally appealing and anecdotal evidence that grammarless approach. can lead to the development of a broken, ungrammatical, pidgenized form of the target language beyond which students rarely progress (1991a:462). Savignon also remarks that, communicative language teaching does not necessarily mean the rejection of familiar materials [grammar](2002:7). Rivers in her famous statement strengthened Savignons remark in that Saying that we do not need to teach grammar is like saying that we can have a chicken walking around without bones (cited in Arnold, 1994: 122). Nowadays, it seems that educators accept that an appropriate amount of class time should be devoted to grammar, but this does not mean a simple return to a traditional treatment of rules. Rather the focus has now moved away from the teacher covering to the learners discovering grammar (Thompson, 1996: 11). 3.1.4.5 Skills and Activities Communicative approach is not limited to oral skills. Reading and writing skills need to be developed to promote pupils confidence in all four skills areas. Students work on all four skills from the beginning, i.e., a given activity might involve reading, speaking, listening, and perhaps also writing (Celce-Murcia, 1991b: 78). Of course, oral communication is seen to take place through negotiation between speaker(s) and listener(s) (most likely among students), so too is the interaction between the reader and writer, but with no immediate feedback from the reader. Hence, in the classroom, emphasis is given to oral and listening skills, as contact time with language is important. It paves way for more fluid command of the language. Learners do not hear the teacher all the time, but having personal contact themselves, practicing sounds themselves, working on the permutation of sentence patterns and getting chance to make mistakes and learn from doing so. The idea of emphasizing the oral skills creates uncertainty among teachers. They misconceived CLT as if it were devoted to teaching only speaking. But, CLT is not exclusively concerned with face to face oral communication (Savignon, 2002:7). The principles of CLT apply equally to reading and writing activities that engage readers and writers in the interpretation, expression, and negotiation of meaning. In other words, it is important to recognize that it is not only the speaker (or writer) who is communicating. Instead, communication through language happens in both the written and spoken medium, and involves at least two people. Thompson (1996:13) further states that, though there is a complaint that CLT ignores written language, a glance at recent mainstream textbooks shows that reading and writing materials have been given attention too. 3.1.4.6 Pair Work and Group Work Students regularly work in groups or pairs to transfer (and if necessary to negotiate) meaning in situations where one person has information that others lack (Celce-Murcia, 1991b: 82). More emphasis should be given to active modes of learning such as pair or group work in problem-solving tasks in order to maximize the time allotted to each student for learning to negotiate meaning. Many people assume group/pair work is applicable in all contexts. However, classroom group and/or pair work should not be considered an essential feature used all the time, and may well be inappropriate in some contexts (ibid). Thompson (1996:12) and Savignon (2002: 6) claim that group and/or pair work are flexible and useful techniques than that suggests, and they are active modes of learning which can help the learners to negotiate meaning and engage in problem-solving activities. The use of pair/group work is a physical signal of some degree of control and choice passing to the learners; but that needs to be complemented by real choice (learners need to be given some degree of control over their learning). Therefore, the use of pair/group work needs to be complemented by real choice for the following reasons: (1) they can provide the learners with a relatively safe opportunity to try out ideas before launching them in public; (2)they can lead to more developed ideas, and therefore greater confidence and more effective communication; (3) they can also provide knowledge and skills which may complement those of their partners which in turn lead to greater success in undertaking tasks (Thompson, 1996:13). 3.1.4.7 Errors and Correction Errors are seen as a natural outcome of the development of the communication skills and are therefore tolerated. Learners trying their best to use the language creatively and spontaneously are bound to make errors. Constant correction is unnecessary and even counter-productive. Correction noted by the teacher should be discreet. Let the students talk and express themselves and the form of the language becomes secondary. If errors of form are tolerated and are seen as a natural outcome of the development of communication skills, students can have limited linguistic knowledge and still be successful communicators (Larsen-Freeman, 1986: 121). 3.1.4.8 Evaluation Sano (1984: 176) states that evaluation is carried out in terms of fluency and accuracy. Students who have the most control of the structures and vocabulary are not necessarily the best communicators. A teacher may use formal evaluation i.e., he/she is likely to use a communicative test, which is an integrative and has a real communicative function (e.g., Madsen, 1983; Hughes, 1989). Larsen-Freeman (1986: 132) points out that the teacher can also informally evaluate his students performance in his role as an advisor or co-communicator. Savigonon, (1991: 275: ; 2002: 4) reports that the communicative approach follows global, qualitative evaluation of learner achievement as opposed to quantitative assessment of discrete linguistic features. 3.1.4.9 Native Language Use The students native language has no role to play (Larsen Freeman, 1986: 135). The target language is used both during communicative activities and for the purpose of classroom management. The students learn from these classroom management exchanges, and realize that the target language is a vehicle for communication. Whatever the case may be, the teacher should be able to use the target language fluently and appropriately (Celce-Murcia, 1991b: 8). However, for others (e.g., Finocchiaro and Brumfit, 1983: 98) judicious use of native language is accepted where feasible. Teachers may provide directions of homework, class work and test directions by using the native language. 3.1.4.10 Teachers Role The teacher is the facilitator of students learning, manager of classroom activities, advisor during activities and a co-communicator engaged in the communicative activity along with the students (Littlewood, 1981: 9; Breen and Candlin, 1980: 90). But he does not always himself interact with students; rather he acts as an independent participant. Other roles assumed for the teacher are needs analyst, counselor, researcher and learner. Students, on the other hand, are more responsible managers of their own learning. They are expected to interact with other people, either in the flesh, through pair and group work, or in the writings. They are communicators and actively engaged in negotiating meaning in trying to make themselves understood. They learn to communicate by communicating (Larsen-Freeman, 1986: 142). Above all, since the teachers role is less dominant; the teaching/learning process is student-centered rather than teacher-centered. In other words, it is the learner who plays a great role in a large proportion of the process of learning. 3.2 Grammar and Grammars Yule (1996: 87) states that each adult speaker of a language clearly has some type of mental grammar, that is, a form of internal linguistic knowledge which operates in the production and recognition of appropriately structured expressions in that language. This grammar is subconscious and is not the result of any teaching. A second, and quite different, concept of grammar involves what might be considered linguistic etiquette, that is, the identification of the proper or best structures to be used in a language. A third view of grammar involves the study and analysis of the structures found in a language, usually with the aim of establishing a description of the grammar of English, for example, as distinct from the grammar of other languages. Linguists define grammar as a set of components: phonetics (the production and perception of sounds), phonology (how sounds are combined), morphology (the study of forms, or how elements are combined to create words), syntax (how words are strung together into sentences), and semantics or meaning. Because all languages are characterized by these components, by definition, language does not exist without grammar (VanPatten, 1990:288). However, grammar has not always been defined in these terms. Originally, the term grammar, grammatica, referred to the art of writing, as compared to rhetoric, rettorica, the art of speaking. As used today by many teachers and learners, grammar is loosely understood to be a set of rules that govern language, primarily its morphology and syntax. But morphology and syntax are only two components of grammar (Chamot Kupper, 1989: 15). Actually the word grammar has been defined rather differently by various grammarians and dictionary writers. According to Crystal (2003:207), grammar is systematic description of a language. Also, Widdowson describes that grammar is the name given to the knowledge of how words are adapted and arranged to form sentences (1988: 147; cited in Shih-Chuan Chang, 2011: 14). Still other definitions of the term specify the scope of grammar. In fact, grammar is multi-dimensional (Kennedy, 1987: 165) and has multi-meanings. It is generally thought to be a set of rules for choosing words and putting words together to make sense. Every language has grammar. It has been held that if a language is a building, the words are bricks and the grammar is the architects plan. One may have a million bricks, but do not make a building without a plan. Similarly, if a person knows a million English words, but he doesnt know how to put them together, then he cannot speak English (Karavas, 1996: 189). In other words, grammar is a framework to describe languages. 3.2.1 Grammar in Language Teaching The role of grammar is perhaps one of the most controversial issues in language teaching. In the early parts of the twentieth century, grammar teaching formed an essential part of language instruction, so much that other aspects of language learning were either ignored or downplayed. The argument was that if one knew the grammatical rules of the language, he would be able to use it for communication. This concept was strongly challenged in the early 1970s (Ellis, 2006: 90). Knowledge of the grammatical system of the language, it was argued, was but one of the many components which underlay the notion of communicative competence. To be considered a competent user of a language, one needs to know not only the rules of grammar, but also how the rules are used in real communication. During this period, grammar teaching became less prominent, and in some cases, was abandoned (Hudson, 1998: 12). In recent years, grammar teaching has regained its rightful place in the language curriculum. People now agree that grammar is too important to be ignored, and that without a good knowledge of grammar, learners language development will be severely constrained. There is now a general consensus that the issue is not whether or not we should teach grammar. The issue now centers on questions such as, which grammar items do learners need most? How do we go about teaching grammar items in the most effective way? And are they best taught inductively or deductively? (Tomlinson, 1994: 22). In fa