National Security Agency Surveillance - 1896 Words

In January of 2014, news agencies reported on the National Security Agencys (NSA) use of â€Å"leaky† mobile phone applications to obtain private user information. The United States government has admitted to spying on its citizens, but claims that doing so is the best way to protect the U.S. from foreign threats. Certain smartphone applications, such as the popular Angry Birds game, inadvertently transmit personal user information, such as age, gender, ethnicity, marital status and current location, collectively known as the users metadata, across the internet[1]. As part of their world-wide telecommunications surveillance for terrorism or other criminal activity, the NSA exploits these security holes in smartphone applications, by collecting and storing user data. While many users are unaware of the information leaks in their mobile applications, most people would certainly prefer to keep such information private [2]. Smartphones know almost everything about who we are, what we do, and where we go, but how much of that information does the government have the right to know and possess? Is it ethical for the United States government to collect and track the cell phone data of its citizens in the name of national defense, or does that violate the citizens right to personal privacy? NSA surveillance of private user data of U.S. citizens is the best method of protection against terrorism and is also legal under the Constitution. By examining these two components, it is plain toShow MoreRelatedSurveillance And The National Security Agency1729 Words   |  7 Pagestypes of surveillance now-a-days. The thought of it has come a long way and it has evolved significantly. There are many pros and cons as to surveillance in today’s world. Also, there are many different ways that technology allows people to get surveillance on many different things such as people, where they go, who they talk to, private information, and so much more. Surveillance and secur ity in the United States has also changed significantly since September 11th, 2001. The National Security AgencyRead MoreNational Security Agency: Global Surveillance841 Words   |  3 PagesNational Security Agency: Global Surveillance Have you ever pondered on the fact that the government could be observing that text message you just sent to your best friend or what you just looked up on your computer? American citizens were puzzled when they first heard Edward Snowden address the media on the astonishing truths of the NSA and their surveillance. Today, I will undertake both sides of this troubling wrangle, the debate between the supporters and the critics of the NSA. My positionRead MoreThe Surveillance Operations of the National Security Agency1946 Words   |  8 Pagestake certain actions in order to provide security from those who seek to harm its citizens. But to what extent do the citizens of the United States knowingly authorize the actions that are necessary for their protection, and to what extent are they unaware or even purposefully deluded about the nature of such actions? The leaking of documents by Edward Snowden beginning in June 2013 that revealed the surveillance operations of the National Security Agency, or NSA, drew international attention toRead MoreThe Legality Of Mass Surveillance By The National Security Agency Essay1941 Words   |  8 PagesThe Legality of Mass Surveillance by the National Security Agency The Fourth Amendment to the United States Constitution states, â€Å"The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated†¦Ã¢â‚¬  This statement has long been a fundamental piece of the law that makes up the foundation of the United States of America. In recent years, however, many citizens have come to believe that their Fourth Amendment RightRead MorePursuit of Privacy and The National Security Agency1695 Words   |  7 PagesOfficially given its name on the fourth of November 1952, the National Security Agency was developed to ensure the safety of American citizens (Howe 11). In an effort to prevent any unauthorized spying on innocent civilians a court known as FISA was created in 1978 to regulate the NSA. Up until the events of September 11th, 2001, the NSA was used strictly as a tool for foreign investigation to decipher international communications (â€Å"Frequently As ked Questions About NSA† 1). Twenty-three days afterRead MoreWhy Snowden Is A Hero Or A Traitor?1691 Words   |  7 PagesEdward Snowden’s disclosures about the National Intelligence Agency surveillance extension is some of the most comprehensive news in recent history. It has incited a ferocious debate over national security and information privacy. As the U.S government deliberates various reform proposals, arguments continue on whether Snowden is a hero or a traitor (Simcox, 2015). No place to hide, is a 2014 non-fiction book by the former constitutional lawyer and author Glenn Greenwald. He argues in favour ofRead MoreGovernment Surveillance Should Not Be A Better Medium Between Liberty And Security1093 Words   |  5 PagesGovernment Surveillance The fight to obtain a happy medium between liberty and security continues to be a hard fought game of Tug-of-War. Considering the profusion of various opinions and ideas on the subject of government surveillance there will never be a solution that will satisfy everyone but there is one that will satisfy the majority. There are many logical rationales on the proper course of action whether it is in favor of the National Security Agency (NSA), against them, or a whole otherRead MoreThe Nsa s Prism Program Information Without Public Knowledge1079 Words   |  5 Pageswhether the government has a right to access unlimited amounts of information without public knowledge, has been a popular topic of debate among not only our nation, but others as well. This all started when Edward Snowden, a former National Security Agency (NSA) surveillance analyst, told the world that the NSA had a program that was using the servers of U.S internet companies to gather information. Snowden leaked a docu ment, detailing his findings about the NSA’s PRISM program retrieving informationRead MoreTaking a Look at Government Surveillance1776 Words   |  7 PagesGovernment Surveillance The primary goal of the government since its founding has been to ensure the safety of citizens. It has developed an array of methods, procedures, and systems to achieve that goal. Throughout the years there has been some form of criticism regarding its methods. The most recent cause for public disapproval and concern stems from government surveillance brought to the light by former contractor of the National Security Agency (NSA), Edward Snowden. Snowden has brought attentionRead MoreCapabilities And Limitations Of The Ic Hls System Of Theu.s.1735 Words   |  7 PagesS. Government has created new agencies and intelligence centers, such as the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and National Counter Terrorism Center (NCTC), and enhanced the capabilities of others, such as the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) counterterrorism role, to combat existing and future national security threats. The majority of Americans are aware of these agencies and their basic roles; who and how intelligence information needed to defeat national security threats is gathered, analyzed

Standards Based Education The Base for Improving Schools Free Essays

Since nearly twenty years, education in the United States has been strongly impacted by â€Å"standards movement†. Linked proximally to evaluation and answerability, standard-based reforms, not like most other educational systems like open education, behavioral goals, and least ability, has gained ground in an extremely severe and all-encompassing manner. Right from parents to policy-makers, there is an ardent countrywide support to use standards as the base for improving schools. We will write a custom essay sample on Standards Based Education: The Base for Improving Schools or any similar topic only for you Order Now (The Virginia Standards of Learning) As per Collins Cobuild dictionary, â€Å"a standard is a stage of quality or achievement, particularly a stage which is considered to be good enough. It is something used to calculate or approximate the quality or degree of something, for instance, the degree of superiority of a piece of work. † In the sphere of education, a standard is a word that describes a growing body of knowledge and set of expertise which is the foundation for quality education. They put across what every student must know and be capable to perform, however do not state pedagogy. Why have a standards-based curriculum and what are the implications for the teaching-learning-assessment process? ) The quintessence of a â€Å"standard† is to depict a level of knowledge or performance that is necessary for some reason. For instance, there is a standard fixed by the telephone companies relating to the manner operators communicate with the customers, by the State Government to deliver driving licenses, a intensity of accuracy is necessary for building autos, and a set of unambiguous strategy for assessing gymnastics, diving, and ice skating. In an identical manner, teachers employ objectives of the students to find out what will be imparted, and as a criterion for making grades for student†s work. Each of these â€Å"standards† has two parts: an account of what will be recognized or performed, and a suggestion of quality of its performance. In education, these two magnitudes have been pointed as content standard and performance standards, and they point out to fairly diverse concepts, each having a separate set of connotation. (The Virginia Standards of Learning) Discuss the positive effects and attributes of standard-based education. In standard-based education, the syllabus and units of study are distinctly delineated, comprehended by the teachers and students and conveyed to every employee, families and the community. Standard-based education system will promote fair play, foster learning of students and strengthen answerability. (Standards-Based Education: www. thompson. k12. co. us) Establishing standards is a vital and efficient learning instrument as they state distinct prospect of what every student must have an understanding and capable of doing with the language. They can be supportive to various populations like the state, districts and school, teachers, student and parents. Establishing a national standard lets to setting aside for identical chance for every student. To start with every student is evaluated against the same standards. In the absence of a universal standard and every teacher establishing his or her independent standard, the expectation of the school on their student will be diverse. As there will be no element for comparison, instruction as well as assessment cannot be unswerving. Secondly, in the event of establishing a national standard, it is obvious what the students will be learning at various stages of their education. Examination provided by the state can assess the development of the student towards achievement of the standard. The students who are failing in achieving the standards can be given preliminary, efficient help. (Why have a standards-based curriculum and what are the implications for the teaching-learning-assessment process? ) Discuss the benefits for both educator and student. Standards set students to fix particular objectives with understanding of the particular prospect and norms for success. This lets to set objectives that are attainable. The evenness of a standard based procedure currently opens opportunities to individuals. Customized learning methods, learning at one†s independent speed, identification of the specific learning that requires to happen, aids in describing the manner in which and what students are required to be aware and be capable to perform to attain the age suitable standard, as observed by several remarks. (Standard-based Education: schools. coventryschools. net) The transition to standards-based evaluation aids in building a culture of success in which every student can attain a satisfactory standard. In case of students, standard established apparent performance prospects, aiding them to comprehend what they are required to do so as to fulfill the standards. These works lets the students to exhibit their knowledge, including the norm for evaluation. This gives students and parents with valuable data regarding the performance towards fulfilling the standards. Besides, while dealing with standards based syllabus, schools will be competent to report the growth of the student towards attaining the standards by stating the yardsticks they have attained. Why have a standards-based curriculum and what are the implications for the teaching-learning-assessment process? ) Standards are very impartially described. This lets teachers to employ their ingenuity and expertise to find out which strategies function optimally with both individual as well as a group of students. (Standard-based Education: schools. coventryschools. net) Standards assist teachers devise syllabus, guidelines and evaluation on the basis of what is vital to have knowledge about. Standards gives the information required to train educators in shaping the development of students in achieving the standards, as stated in the syllabus. Teachers, the educational institution and the state are responsible for the education of the student based on the achievement of these standards. As the standards give a transparent and structured perspective for evaluation, it is thus likely to find out the degree to which the standards have been achieved. (Why have a standards-based curriculum and what are the implications for the teaching-learning-assessment process? ) How does standard-based education improve education? Standard-based education has come to be widespread political reform group as it mingles a lot of factors that concentrates on what is normally construed to be a â€Å"failing public school†. This has resulted to provide an importance on â€Å"high† standards that means improved or more challenging or â€Å"world class† standards. During 1999, the National Education Summit evaluated the standards association since 1996, deciding that the danger of deteriorating quality of education be first of all found out in A Nation at Risk in 1983 stays in 1999. The report states, the American citizen†s exhibit that it evidently comprehends that our persistent economic strength, social permanence, quality of life is dependent on our capability to radically progress our schools. The report further declares that the promises to increased standards have unambiguously come to be a central factor in a countrywide movement to enhance school performance. Of late, the research undertaken by an institute ‘Public Agenda† point out to a popular displeasure among college teachers and employers of students† fundamental skills. A second feature of standard-based improvements stresses superior performance of every student. This is a matter of fairness. Supporters of standards-based education consider that poor performing students did not have access to equal education as persistent abysmal expectations from these students have been responsible for their low performance. Therefore, it is reasoned that standard-based improvement will enhance education in case of financially deprived and minority group students by increasing the prospects. (The Virginia Standards of Learning) The rising difference in the earning levels in US will be lessened as the existing gap as regards education between low and high performing students is lowered. Standards, it is debated, â€Å"smoothens the playing field,† and will result in less sorting based for the most part on social class and ethic category which they belong. In the event students do not display achieving the standards, then in that case solution and withholding might be suitable. A third feature is the manner in which the standards are linked to rewards and encouragement. As against much of the research that has stressed the significance of child-centered, developmentally suitable procedures to education, standards-based supporters consider that rivalry and external rewards will encourage students and enhance performance. This is founded mostly on edginess with earlier â€Å"movements† aimed by educators, and the activity in other nations, together with international studies, which imply American students trailing. Fundamentally, the contention is that American schools and students require external inducements to endeavor for higher levels of performance. At present, 20 states give financial help to schools wherein students perform in a better manner on standard-based tests. Fourth, there is an increased statewide and federal evaluation and influence over schools is required. The seeming urgency is to set up a single set of standards and one wide-ranging vision in case of all students cutting across all grade levels. The thrust for national standards during the mid-1990s has resulted to an ardent involvement across the state since the stage at which standards-based educational policy is made and executed. Due to this, a lot of meetings, publications, and reports regarding standards-based improvement have been produced by organizations which are responsive to the requirements of the policy-makers of the state. (The Virginia Standards of Learning) What is the best process for developing an effective curriculum when dealing with the standard-based education. The goal of the curriculum as per the Standards is to execute certain jobs within a specific time frame. These jobs must be accomplished in a specific order. At the time a student learns a subject in this way, he/she builds on existing knowledge. It becomes simpler in case of students to go on learning, when they have a basis of knowledge. As Maurice Johnson describes in his Schema, â€Å"Structure is a fundamental feature of curriculum† (EDE 6205: Elementary School Curriculum) I think that there is an urgency on our part to perform more to assess our curriculum. In case we are adhering to the Standards as outlined, our assessment of the results has to be more proficient. The Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test — FCAT gives scanty information on the efficacy of the Standard based curriculum. To evaluate learning appropriately, it is required that we are capable of accessing what background knowledge a student is equipped and what knowledge he has amassed after the training. Iowa State University administers a program in which they supply syllabus written in accordance with the standards the school desires. The effectiveness of that particular curriculum is assessed two times in a year. Students are tested initially in the beginning of the year as also during the end of the year. This testing is done annually. This method gives a more efficient manner of estimating the quantity of learning that is being imparted. (EDE 6205: Elementary School Curriculum) FCAT in all means cannot be a productive instrument in calculating the quantum of learning which is happening. The calculations are extended out and accidental. Prior to the establishment of the Sunshine State Standards in May 1996, the primary state curriculum guidance was the Minimum Student Performance Standards. These standards gave the source for the Statewide Student Assessment Tests. With a view to raising the academic challenge in Florida, the Sunshine State Standards were formed. They were supposed to attain over the minimum capabilities to challenging academic standards. According to Tyler, while formulating any curriculum plan of instruction one should choose what the educational objective must the school look for to achieve. Subsequently, what are the educational experiences which can be given which are expected to achieve these objectives? Thirdly, the manner in which these educational experiences be efficiently managed, and lastly how we can resolve these objectives are being achieved. The Sunshine State Standards gives an excellent catapulting point in presenting course of action for curriculum development. (EDE 6205: Elementary School Curriculum) What are and justify the positive contributions of standard based education. â€Å"Need is the mother of all inventions†. (Standard-based Education: schools. coventryschools. net) This sums up a declaration made by an observer. Standard based education is countrywide crusade because of the countrywide requirement. Of course there is present and there has been extensive apprehension over the quality of public education. Several people mentioned that they identified that it was crucial that education is standardized so that regardless of the place children received education, regardless of what socio-economic or cultural backgrounds that they possess, the scope to get knowledge which is at par and good education as everybody others. One of the member commented â€Å"School A should not be deprived compared to school B. † Correctly declared by one parent, the job force has undergone a transformation. This transformation effected by an international economy and international economic rivalry has compelled our nation into the embarrassing state of being second category. Education in our nation did not modify along with the economic modification. This has brought governmental concern with education to light. Students should be given the proficiency and knowledge to compete in the world in a better manner. Standard-based Education: schools. coventryschools. net) How does the no child left behind act is associated with the standard-based education plan. Widely recognized as the ‘No Child Left Behind†, — NCLB Act of 2001 was the collective consequences of a standards-and-testing transition that was initiated with the publication of the report A Nation at Risk by the Reagan government in 1983. The movement attained due impetus with the 1989 education summit in Charlottesville, Virginia, at which the President George H. W. Bush and the governors of the nation fixed extensive performance objective for the American Schools. The ‘America 2000†³ proposal of President Bush by the end of 1991 incorporated the voluntary national testing associated with the ‘world class† standards. This provision gives rise to termination of the Bill by the opposition exerted by Republican radicals. President Clinton accorded assent to the ‘Goals 2000†³ in 1994 that provided grants to assist states in devising academic parameters. Widespread change was visualized with the 1994 reauthorization of the Elementary and secondary education Act that indicated a nationwide commitment to the standard-based reform. The re-sanction necessitated states to generate content and performance parameters in respect of the K-12 schools. (The Politics of No Child Left Behind) Congress also implemented the notion of ‘adequate yearly progress† which afterwards become the key player of liability in No Child Left Behind. However, the 1994 re-sanction started the process of devising standards and tests in most of the states. (The Politics of No Child Left Behind) The federal government anticipates more liability from state education systems and the assurance that no child will be left behind. States are to enhance the student testing, collect and disseminate subgroup consequences assuring a highly skilled teacher in every classroom and assuring that all students irrespective of their socio-economic conditions attain a proficient level of education by the 2014-2015 academic years. No Child Left Behind Act of 2001) NCLB thus reinforces the federal pressure on all states to pursue a standards-based reform agenda. This incorporates a high academic standard for all students; extra supplementation to assist the students and schools to cater to such standards; enhanced suppleness for local schools in order for them to do so; and greater liability for the consequences especially calculated by the activities of the students on standardized assessments. How to cite Standards Based Education: The Base for Improving Schools, Papers

The duke of Buckingham Essay Example For Students

The duke of Buckingham Essay A good Name is as a precious oyntment; And I assure my selfe, such wil your Graces Name bee, with Posteritie. For your Fortune, and Merit both, have been Eminent. And you have planted Things, that are like to last. I doe now publish my Essayes; which, of all my other workes, have beene most Currant: For that, as it seemes, they come home, to Mens Businesse, and Bosomes. I have enlarged them, both in Number, and Weight; So that they are indeed a New Worke. I thought it therefore agreeable, to my Affection, and Obligation to your Grace, to prefix your Name before them, both in English, and in Latine.For I doe conceive, that the Latine Volume of them, being in the Universall Language may last, as long as Bookes last. My Instauration, I dedicated to the King: My Historie of Henry the Seventh, which I have now also translated into Latine and my Portions of Naturall History, to the Prince: And these I dedicate to your Grace; Being of the best Fruits, that by the good Encrease, which God gives to my Pen and Labours, I could yeeld. God leade your Grace by the Hand. Your Graces most Obliged and faithfull Servant, FR. ST. ALBAN.

Speaking and Listening free essay sample

Nowadays everyone has an access to the media. Technology has given people especially for teenagers, an easy access to everyone’s lives. They are able to be part of celebrities’ lives. They can feel up to date on what is happening in celebrities’ lives. Teenagers are able to know what is happening with their idols: what are they wearing, where they are going, what they are interested in and so on. Teenagers want to be like their favorite celebrities and they are trying to emulate their favorite star by imitating their clothes, accessories, and even attend the same type of places. Young people are the most common people who are trying to copy their idols. It is very easy to influence teenagers because they are trying to identify their selves and make a ‘cool’ self image. The power of celebrities has taken a huge and negative impact to the teenagers’ lives. We will write a custom essay sample on Speaking and Listening or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page In television, movies and magazines, celebrities are often showed  drinking a lot or most of them are in trouble with the law in terms of drug abuse or addiction. Teenagers see their favorite movie stars or singers taking drugs and they think they should try too and they believe these lifestyles are exciting. This can be  harmful to teenagers’ lives, because they pick up on these behaviors and think it is normal to drink like their favorite celebrity. Celebrities are not the best role models, because they are drinking or taking drugs without thinking about their fans, which most of them are teenagers who are watching and taking notes. Superstars such as Kate Moss or Lindsay Lohan they are taking huge amounts of drugs or movie stars lighting up their cigarettes on screen, there has to be some effect on their fans. Celebrities have glamorized smoking in the media so young adults think it is acceptable to smoke. It sends a message to celebrities’ fans that a life of drugs and alcohol is a satisfactory way to live. Also celebrities create impossible standards of beauty, young adults are feeling less confident, more angry, and more dissatisfied with their looks. In my opinion celebrities have to change the way they act in the public and how they are viewed. Their actions have more of an effect on us then many people believe they have. Addicted celebrities are changing the way many young fans think and act. Celebrities need to change these horrible habits now and realize that they need to be more concerned with themselves and with their image in the media.

How to Write a Good Philosophy Essay

How to Write a Good Philosophy Essay How to Write a Good Philosophy Essay A powerful philosophy essay begins with choosing a proper topic and general outlining. If you are not limited in the topic selection by your tutor, you are free to choose any topic that is interesting to you. This will allow for deep exploration into the details of the topic as well as viewing the topic from different angles. The main thing with philosophy essay writing is creating the dialectical connection between an argument against an issue and clear evidence for it. Thus, once you are ready with your topic, you may begin searching for a reasonable argument and providing the grounds for it. In addition, composing an outline is helpful at the initial stage of the writing process. An outline will help you trace important aspects about the subject and sift through trivial ones. After composing the outline (or draft) of your philosophy essay, you will need to proceed with the main stage of the writing procedure – filling in the appropriate content. You will need to find the most persuasive and logical reasons to support your argument. A poorly worded argument is no good to your philosophy essay. There is also one thing about the writing process that you need to bear in mind. While presenting the argument, your first task is to avoid coming across as if your point of view was the only one possible. You are to write straightforward and clearly, but do allow your readers to hold their own opinions. The audience is free to accept your position or reject it, once it is expressed in your essay. Philosophy essay writing skills include careful consideration and thorough analysis skills that are to be mastered gradually. The best way to become good at writing excellent philosophy essays is continually practicing. The style and structure of the philosophy essay are also of great importance. Try to use your own style of narration and independent way of thinking, while composing the philosophy essay. This will help you avoid clichà ©s and overused phrases in the essay. A simple and obvious structure will make your essay even more effective. In addition, try reading the completed essay to your parents or friends; they will point out its drawbacks and express their feedback which can be really helpful for you. As soon as the essay writing process is finished, you will need to spend additional time on the paper proofreading and editing. You should do your best to â€Å"polish† the essay and eliminate grammar, punctuation, and style mistakes as well as possible misprints. In this case, your philosophy essay will be academically sound and professional, and this makes a favorable impression on the readers. Do you need Philosophy essay help from professionals? Just try our custom essay writing company now.

What to Expect From a Chinese Fortune Teller

What to Expect From a Chinese Fortune Teller Having one’s fortune told through Chinese fortune telling (ç ®â€"å‘ ½, suan ming) is a routine practice in Chinese culture. Consulting a fortune teller is nearly compulsory before major events, like Chinese New Year, wedding engagements, and the birth of children. Whether for entertainment or out of a strong belief in superstition, getting your fortune told by a Chinese fortune teller can be a memorable experience. Here is what to expect when it comes to prices, methods, and more. Cost The cost of a fortune telling session varies based on the city, fortune telling method, and what specifically the recipient wants to know. Getting an answer to one question, like finding a lover or a job, costs less than getting an overall fortune for the coming year, decade, or life. Basic fortune telling in Taipei starts at $15. Where to Find a Chinese Fortune Teller Fortune tellers can often be found in or near Buddhist and Taoist temples in China, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. Outside of China and Taiwan, fortune tellers can also be found in Chinatowns around the world. What to Expect The fortune telling session takes place at a table or desk with the fortune teller and customer sitting across from or next to each other. In many instances, there is little privacy as fortune telling tables or booths are located next to each other with just a flimsy wall to partition them. In many large cities like Beijing, Hong Kong, and Taipei, it is possible to have your fortune told in English. Methods There are over a dozen types of Chinese fortune telling methods, but nearly all are based on the Chinese Almanac. The most basic method of Chinese fortune telling in China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and other countries like the U.S. remains virtually the same regardless of location. All a person needs to have his or her fortune told, or that of a friend of family member, is the  first and last name, birth date, and age. For Westerners, be sure to add one year to your current age because the first year of life in Chinese culture is counted at birth whereas babies in the West do not turn one until a year after their birth. Additional information like time of birth and a person’s address is sometimes required for certain fortune telling methods. Oftentimes, fortune tellers use one or more methods to reveal your fortune. For example, palm and face readings or ‘bean’ fortune telling may be combined with  basic fortune telling  to generate a more accurate reading. Other methods that a fortune teller might use include coin divination,  Chien Tung or Chinese fortune sticks,  bird fortune telling, or using  red divination blocks to tell your fortune.

General Dynamics Information Technology Managerial Economics Term Paper

General Dynamics Information Technology Managerial Economics - Term Paper Example The agency problems reflect how the difference in the views of the shareholders and the managers crept in. Suggestions have been provided to overcome the agency problem of the organizations without hampering the cause of either side in General dynamics Information technology General Dynamics Information technology: General dynamics information technology is one of the four subsidiary business units of the General Dynamic’s information Systems and technology group. It is also a prime part of the core company, General Dynamics. The organization generally specializes on providing service in the field of information technology to the defense service of the United States. It also provides service to the intelligence department and various other agencies and also to the commercial customers. The success of the organization has been noteworthy over the years and it evolved to be the one of the largest growing segment of the General dynamics. The organization aims at providing the bes t of the information technology solution and services dedicated to the United States government, so that the US defense service is strengthened by the incorporation of the information system. ... (History, n. d) Organization Structure: Organization structure comprises of various activities in an organization such as the allocation of various tasks, coordination between different departments and the overall management which helps in reaching the aims and objectives of the organization. Various organizations adopt different structures based on the overall purpose which it aims to serve. Organizational structure is an important aspect for any organization as it acts a foundation for the standard procedures to operate. It also helps in determining the level of participation of individuals in the decision making process and the importance they have in deciding the actions incorporated by the organization. .The organizational structure of General Dynamic’s information technology comprises of a hierarchical structure. It has employee strength of over 16000 professionals and is headed by the CEO Daniel Johnson. (Leadership, n. d) Under the supervision of the CEO there are ten different segments of operation each headed by the divisional vice presidents and senior vice presidents. The various departments which are under the CEO of the information technology department are the Amy systems, Homeland security, Intelligence solutions, Communication and marketing, Finance, and administration, legal and HR. However the overall group of the General Dynamics is headed by the CEO Jay Johnson and the organization chart comprises of total 157 executives. (General dynamics IT, 2011)The organizational structure is perfectly suited for the organization and it keeps the entire department under the guidance of the CEO. The communication flow in the organization is also proper and it leads to the overall success

The Analysis of Film production as a popular cultural production in Essay

The Analysis of Film production as a popular cultural production in Korea - Essay Example The poor quality of the films in Korea was due to limited budget of production and lack of well-developed system and structures compared to the Hollywood films which had taken over Koreans’ market. Between 1993 and 1998, the Korean market share in the film industry had steadily decreased by 15% threatening its existence in the industry. The film Shiri which was a hit in 1999 was about a North Korean spy who was preparing a coup in Seoul and it sold more than two million tickets. It also recorded more than 5 million viewers catapulting to the top of the South Korean box office and took the place previously held by the film ‘Titanic’. This film made the Samsung Entertainment group to create a production system and also initiated large-scale fundraising of money to improve the film industry. Koreans market share in the film industry also increased by 39.6 percent. This was a great achievement in the Korean popular cultural production as it brought fame to the country . The increase in the market share also inspired many Korean film-makers convincing them that good financial support system and a selected quality can make Korean film productions successful. The film Shiri also opened doors for other films in Korea such as the Matrix to gain fame in the world. Additionally, the five-day working week law applied in this country promoted its film production in a big way since most people visited theatres during their long weekends. As a result, the Korean film market expanded by 18% annually and by 2002, the film industry had over 100 million audiences. As of 2004, many Korean films had become more popular in the world than the Hollywood films. In addition, major distributors of the Hollywood movies such as Warner Brothers and DreamWorks saw great potential in Korean films and began to acquire the copyright of remakes of the several movies  that had been big hits the Korean market.  

Education policy Essay Example for Free

Education policy Essay Security, quality education, access to healthcare, prospects of a reasonable job on merit and sound economy are the ingredients to be provided by the state to its citizens to run the state and the society smoothly. Growth of successful nations is denoted particularly to the education. There was a time when people believed that higher education should be available to people of all social classes and, obviously, it was freely available to all who wanted it. The fact that it is not, that public education was once available and now it is very hard to access is indicative of deep problems in Pakistan. Encouraging colleges and universities to raise their own resources by charging higher fees has clearly excluded a significant section of students belonging to poor sections of the society. Education in Pakistan is now so expensive that poor can’t even imagine of their children becoming doctors and engineers. Our education system is passing through a very bad phase now and it is regarded as perhaps amongst the poorest in the world. Cream of the Pakistani brain is either becoming idle due to non-availability of ever rising cost of education or going to other countries. UNITED NATIONS HUMAN RIGHTS Article 1 provides; every child has the right to have equal access to an education, irrespective of their color, creed, nationality, ethnicity, or social and financial status, so they may obtain gainful employment and contribute to the growth of their society, being born free and equal in dignity and rights. Life for a common man in Pakistan in this so called â€Å"democratic† regime has already become difficult owing to the all-round price rise across the country. Inflation, combined with policies of privatization, has caused a complete deterioration in living standards of the people. Frankly speaking, there is no such thing as democracy in Pakistan. This type of â€Å"democracy† has often left the common man in constant struggle for survival. Majority of Pakistanis are living in poverty and unsustainable economic conditions; when they are struggling for their livelihood education loses its utility in their eyes and it becomes far from their desire. But for the riches and powerful corrupt politicians, things are very rosy. Pakistan is suffering terribly for that, with socio-political and economic crises strewn all over the society like a straw hut in a typhoon. Lack of good education and unemployment in Pakistan would contribute many social ills, including crime, prostitution, and the break down in law and order. In Pakistan, providing education to the masses had always been state responsibility. Now there has been a major push for the private provision of educational services. Moreover, corrupt politicians, feudalism, injustice are such problems which have further pressed the most pressed people of the country. Education is a tremendous tool for social change as well as an opportunity out of poverty traps. People trapped in the lower classes have trouble climbing out of it because they lack the tools to do so, because they live in a feudal society that actively works to keep them there, and education can be a form of escape hatch. But Education System in Pakistan In Human development Report Pakistan is placed at 136th position for having just 49. 9% educated population. In addition to that, Pakistan is ranked at 113th out of 120 registered UN members according to the research conducted by UNESCO et. all. Some of the very basic flaws of the education system in Pakistan contribute to the economic, ethnic and sociopolitical crisis within the country. Flaws of Education System in Pakistan Firstly, the education system of Pakistan is based on unequal lines. Medium of education is different in both, public and private sector. This create a sort of disparity among people, dividing them into two segments. Such a distraught infrastructure is a basic cause of high illiteracy rate in Pakistan and high drop out rates in rural areas and public school. Secondly, regional disparity is also a major cause. The schools in Balochistan (the largest province of Pakistan by Area) are not that much groomed as that of Punjab (the largest province Of Pakistan by Population). In FATA, the literacy rate is deplorable constituting 29. 5% in males and 3% in females. The third major cause of flawed education system in Pakistan is gender discrimination. The current primary school ratio of boys and girls is 10:4, which is a cause of huge concern. For the last few years there has been an increase in the growth of private schools. It is believed that Pakistan is among the most prominent states affected by gender discrimination. That not only harms the quality of education in Pakistan but create a gap among haves and have nots. Fourthly, the lack of technical education is a biggest flaw in the education policy that has never been focused before. Therefore, less technical people means low standard of education. Fifthly, the allocation of funds for education are very low. It is only 1. 5 to 2. 0 percent of the total GDP. It should be around 7% of the total GDP. At that budget allocation, the illiteracy rate in Pakistan would not decrease but rather increase. The federal and provincial governments need to cut down their expenditures in other areas and spend a bigger proportion of income on education. Moreover, the quality of education in most of the public schools and colleges is well below par; the teachers in government schools are not well trained. People who do not get job in any other sector, they try their luck in educational system. They are not professionally trained teachers so they are unable to train a nation. Quality of teaching needs special attention in rural areas where the teachers lack in all departments. In America, Europe and most of the developed countries, the emphasis of the states is on developing virtual education systems i. e. provision of education through online networks. The idea of online education is gathering momentum and many online institutions have been set up which offer online courses and online degrees. The Higher Education Commission and Education ministry need to focus on developing a strong online education network so that students through out the country can benefit. Universities such as Harvard, Berkley and MIT are offering online courses and degrees. It reflects the importance of online education in todays modern high tech world. Finally, Poverty is also another factor that restrict the parents to send their children to public or private schools. So, they prefer to send their children to Madrassas where education is totally free. The government has to make changes to financial infrastructure to improve the situation. Bank loans for education purposes should not be interest based as it discourages the people of Pakistan to acquire loans. Education loans are offered at low rates through out the world and it enable people to acquire quality education. Social awareness regarding all these issues need to be spread and we, the people of Pakistan have to work hand in hand with the government authorities to improve the current system. Our children should not be deprived of their basic right to acquire knowledge. All these issues contribute to high illiteracy rate, which in turn result in economic crisis in shape of high unemployment rate and below-par quality of labor. Moreover, the country suffers on social, political and technological front! There are hundred other problems which need attention but the core-issues need to be addressed as soon as possible. You can read my article Pakistans Educational System which is an overview of the education infra-structure within the country. In todays world, the benchmark for excellence is education. Moreover, if a country has a distraught academic infrastructure, the chances to survive in current competitive world are petite. The illiteracy rate in Pakistan is alarmingly high which calls for critical attention. The federal and provincial governments need to work together towards elimination of flaws of education system in Pakistan. The first time I thought about education and its significance to this society was when I went on a field trip to a school set up by an NGO in the late 1990s. It is now a rightly famous NGO but back then during my sixth grade field trip it just seemed like a project of a group of cranky Karachi businessmen who had decided to spit against the wind of the government’s non-interest in providing education to its people. These rich grouches had  gotten together in the chaos of 1995 Karachi and seeing the government more interested in massacring hard-boiled militants than provide social services, they decided to simply pool their own money and build their own schools. How benevolent of them. I would love to see these rich men’s tax receipts. The citizens of a country shouldn’t be dependent on the benevolent charity of rich men. Through their own democratic political process, citizens must enforce upon their richest members the income taxes necessary to fund an education system that reaches every child in the state. The fact that Pakistanis have not done so points towards the weakness of their political system in dealing with its population’s educational needs. There is no real shortcut from the state actually enforcing a tax system that extracts the adequate revenue needed to fund the creation of a school near every human settlement in Pakistan. The goal I have described of having a school near every human settlement in Pakistan, is what Pakistan is obligated to do under its current international treaties and the simplest and most straightforward way it can be done. It is certainly not impossible. Pakistan has managed to make sure that no human settlement lacks a mosque. The same needs to be done for schools. Where we went wrong Nationalisation of schools, as was done by the Z. A. Bhutto administration, was a shortcut that cannot be used, and was actually instrumental in ruining government schools. The provincial governments that ran education departments became overstretched then to the point of breaking. The schools that were nationalised saw the prospect of future capital and human investment in them pointless, as the former owners were now dispossessed of their old stake in the schools. Good teachers left, rather than become government employees to be posted in far flung places, and the lack of good teacher training colleges, a necessity unacknowledged up until recently, saw little competent replacement. By nationalising the missionary (Christian), faith-based (Muslim) and private schools, an unwieldy, unplanned expansion of Pakistan’s school system reduced the status of government school teachers to the corrupted, incompetent, ineffective place it finds itself in today. Teachers do not come to classes, and if they do, they are ill-prepared to teach. It becomes difficult to weed out and penalise underperforming teachers because their status as government employees prevents them from being penalised as they would be in the private sector. As much as this rhetoric may sound similar to the United States, Pakistan’s teachers’ unions continue to shelter wildly incompetent teachers, who beyond being simply bad at teaching, many times do not even show up. Anti-participatory environment We are not helped either by large class sizes, low teacher to student ratios, non-production of teachers in a sufficient quantity and quality by the low number of Pakistani teacher-training colleges. Central to this remains the criminally low expenditure on education by Pakistan, and the failure to collect or divert enough revenue to the education sector. Taking the education emergency of Pakistan seriously would mean finding means to increase the amounts spent on education in Pakistan, on a war footing. Students cannot themselves push for an effective learning environment. Despite the fact that some students actually do want to learn, the environment that exists in classrooms, does not brook dissent. This discourages students from bringing up flaws in their educational setting. This anti-participatory environment in classrooms is facilitated by excessively large class sizes, which discourages teachers from having more individualised interactions with students. This anti-participatory trend in classrooms is complemented by an anti-democratic trend in schools, where no voting is done to elect new prefects or monitors, rather the relevant students are appointed by the school administration. Giving students an opportunity to actually vote for their school leaders might inculcate democratic and participatory values in them at an earlier age, and teach them the responsibility of making their own decisions. If and when these students reach Pakistani universities, they can adequately recognise the entrenched authoritarianism accumulated in many of Pakistan’s universities over the last three decades. Student politics This persistent anti-democratic trend within Pakistan’s educational establishments has reinforced the low academic quality of these institutions. There is little legitimate input from the student bodies on how their education is conducted. Since the 1980s student union elections have been either banned or delayed, witnessing unrest in a violent country like Pakistan ripple into campuses as violence, as opposed to measured  debate. The situation turned chaotic in the 1990s when the general mayhem of the city of Karachi coincided with violence on the Karachi University campus. The presence of such violence made the students of that decade disinterested in participatory politics. This suited the authoritarian and bureaucratic administrations of varsities, as well as the sclerotic, unelected leadership of Pakistan’s political parties. They did not mind that the students of Pakistan slid into political apathy. However, the importance of student politics was re-kindled in the 2007 lawyer-led movement against the dictatorship of General Musharraf. The importance of student politics was even acknowledged by the government that won against Musharraf in 2008, when it lifted the ban on student and trade union elections. However, the twist in the tale has been the glaring domestic democratic deficit of this government. The anti-participatory atmosphere on campuses has not lifted as no memorable student elections have been held. Neither have any well-publicised trade union elections been held. And most significantly, no internal party elections have been held in any party that maintains a decisive number of seats in parliament. What the lack of student democracy has to do with Pakistan’s state of education is that there is no feedback from students, who are the objects of education. There is no diminishment in the cruel authoritarian atmosphere of Pakistani government classrooms, where teachers, in negligent enough environments can still use sticks to punish students. I never really thought about education in society as a child. That would have been expected of any 11 year old. But when I visited a third grade NGO school classroom in the late ’90s and saw another 11 year old struggling with phrases I would read just for fun, it hit me how serious the problem of illiteracy was for Pakistani society. In a misbegotten decade as that one, beyond the Gordian knot we had witnessed of Karachi’s bloody politics, the reality of children’s mis-education struck me as a crueler fate, a dire issue that had to be resolved immediately. That’s because these ill-educated children would not remain children much longer. They would soon be badly-educated adults. And if this cruel act of omission by Pakistani society was not amended quick enough, then one more generation would see their adulthoods wasting away under the 21st century curse of illiteracy. Tax the rich, teach the kids. We have an education emergency on our hands. The Education System of Pakistan is divided into five levels 1. Primary level (Class 1 to 5) 2. Middle level (Class 5 to 8th) 3. Secondary level (S. S. C) 4. Intermediate level (H. S. C) 5. University level (Graduation, Masters and Research) Another division of Education System in Pakistan according to the School System 1. 1.  Public Schools or Government Schools These schools are managed and financed by the government. Unfortunately, the majority of the schools are in poor condition.  » There is no any merit system; teachers and other staff are appointed by the ministers on their own wishes.  » There is no any accountability; a large number of GHOST SCHOOLS AND GHOST TEACHERS are listed in the documents. They are receiving funds and pays, but, in reality they did not exists.  » In Rural areas, the buildings of public schools are mostly held by Waderas and Feudal. They use them as marriage halls, otaks, bethaks etc. â€Å"Public schools are the nurseries of all vice and immorality. † (Henry Fielding) 1. 2. Elite Class Schools (private schools) Due to badly failure of government in providing the Education, the Elite Class Education System in Pakistan got successes very quickly. Today, even poor prefer to send their child in these private schools but because of high fee structure many aspirants are unable to part this Education System. It is generally accepted that, the standard of Elite Class Education System is more reliable and first-rate than Public Schools and Madarsas. There is accountability, transparency and checking system. Generally, the students of private schools are more competent than those of public schools and Madarsas. The government should take lessons from this Education System. These are successive models for the government i. e. CITY SCHOOL, BEACON SCHOOLS, PAK-TURK SCHOOLS etc. 1. 3. Madarsas Madarsas are the largest NGOs of the world. Today in Pakistan about 8000 Madarsas are working. They provide not only Education but also accommodation and food. They provide Islamic as well as worldlyEducation. Mostly, poor parents who are unable to educate their child prefer this Education System. The government should introduce the reforms for the Madarsas and improve their standard. This will be helpful in two ways. Firstly, it will provide free of cost education to poor child. Secondly, it will lessen the burden the government. Before the 18th Amendment, the EducationSystem in Pakistan was the responsibility of Federal Government. The Ministry of Education at Federal level was responsible for formulating Policies, Planning and Promotion of Educational facilities across the country. But, after the passing of 18th Amendment, the responsibilities of Education System are divided among the Federation and the Provinces. The responsibilities of the Provinces 1. To set the Curriculum 2. To set the Syllabus 3. Standards of Education up to Grade 12 (F. Sc, H. S. C, I. Com, etc). 4. Islamic Education The responsibilities of Federation are following 1. Planning and Policy 2. External Affairs; Signing, implementation and monitoring of Bilateral and Multi-lateral Educational Agreements, Pacts, Protocols, MoUs 3. Controlling of Libraries, museums, and similar institutions 4. Federal agencies i. e. FATA 5. Special Studies 6. Inter-provincial matters and co-ordination. † 7. Legal, medical and other professions. 8. National planning and national economic coordination including planning and coordination of scientific and technological research. 9. National Education Policy and clear cut Domain over the following acts. 1. 1. Centres of Excellence Act 1974 2. Area Study Centres Act 1975 3. Pakistan Study Centres Act 1976 4. National Book Foundation Act 1972 5. Fed. Board of Intermediate Sec Education Act 1975 6. Federal Directorate of Education Isb. [Article 142 (d)] 7. Federal Supervision of Curricula, Textbooks and Standards of Education Act 1976 8. National Education Foundation Ordinance 2002. Source: http://www. defence. pk/forums/national-political-issues/125588-education-system-pakistan-good-bad. html#ixzz2PKkMjbtM Flaws hovering over Pakistan’s education system Filed under ISSUES 0 According to the reports of Human development our country is placed at 136th with just 49. 9 percent educated population. There is lack of uniform education system. Private and Govt. educational institutions has different syllabus. The flaws in education system lead to sociopolitical, economic and ethical issues in our society. Our education system is based on uneven lines. Even the medium of education is different in private and public educational institutions. This inequality has divided people among two segments. Such a distressed educational infrastructure is a crucial cause of increasing rate of illiteracy in Pakistan. The regional discrepancy is also main reason illiteracy in Pakistan. The schools in largest province of Pakistan Baluchistan are not establish and sparked as schools in Punjab. There is lack of awareness among people about the significance of education. In FATA the literacy rate is very poor constituting 29. 5% in men and 3% in women. The gender discrimination is also one of the major causes of educational flaws in country which is projecting the boys and girls primary schools ratio 10:4 correspondingly. In the last few years many new primacy schools for girls and boys are established but still there is need to establish more and more primary schools to meet the educational needs of increasing population. In the last decade the growth of private sector schools is tremendously increased. The private schools trend not just harms the quality of education but also created a huge gap between rich and poor. The people of lower class couldn’t afford the fees of private educational schools and colleges. In public schools there is lack of quality education. There is also shortage of required facilities like qualified, train staff, furniture and school buildings etc. Our educational policy doesn’t focus on technical education. There are very few technical institutions and less technical trained people in country. The funds allocated for the education are not sufficient the funds are just about 1. 5 % to 2. 0% of total GDP. Although to promote the education the funds must be about 7 percent of total country GDP. With increased education budget the literacy rate in country will surely increased. The provincial and federal Government both need spend a larger portion of their income on promoting education. Author: Rizwan Ghani Posted On: Tuesday, August 02, 2011 Source/Reference: www. pakobserver. net Total Views :1320| After 18th Amendment, improvement of education in Pakistan to international standards can be done with help of international frameworks including Program for International Student Assessment (PISA), National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and boards like National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME). Federal and provincial governments have to address the issue of teaching language (English, Urdu or regional languages), standardization of curriculum, and dealing with two-track education system- Urdu and English medium to take local and international exams. These tested frameworks can bring the progress of decades in Pakistan while saving billions of dollars. Thus, Pakistan needs to adopt appropriate policies to raise education standards, sustain economy and earn foreign exchange. The political, social and education complexities of teaching language can be controlled with help of international frameworks. PISA does not require the member states to change curriculums, teaching languages and teaching methodologies. It allows governments to periodically monitor outcomes of national education systems within internationally agreed framework. It provides a basis for international collaboration in defining and implementing educational goals and skills that are relevant to adult life (professional and social). PISA reading, mathematics and general science frameworks help bring national education at par with international standards. Around half a million 15-year-olds from 75 countries representing 28 million students, participated in PISA 2009 assessments and surveys. Pakistan can use PISA to improving national education standards in all provincial languages (www. pisa. oecd. org). Teaching in local languages can improve Pakistan’s education standards internationally. According to the 2011 Writing Framework for National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) of America, good writing instruction empowers students to acquire new knowledge and to develop critical thinking skills. This is true of writing in all subject areas, not just English language http //www. state. nj. us/education/assessment/naep/results/writing/2011naep. PISA and NAEP framework rubrics allow student evaluations irrespective of language. Learning and teaching in mother tongue is a universal human right recognized by UN. China, was a top scorers in 2009 PISA testing http //www. nytimes. com/2010/12/07/education/07education. html. It shows education in mother tongue does not affect nation’s international competitiveness and national education standards. Since education is a provincial subject, therefore provinces should be free to impart education in local languages, make English and Urdu as optional languages. Provinces can issue degrees with pass/fail with English/Urdu or both to free the country from politics of language. It will allow students to continue higher education without passing compulsory languages, which is a major contributor to school and college dropouts. It will allow the students to join job market who do not wish to continue with further education. The employer can omit or consider language(s) pass/fail status of candidate at the time of employment. On the other hand, the higher education institutions can keep compulsory languages as part of admission criteria. In line with many American universities, a six months period can be given to first year university students to clear compulsory languages. In terms of syllabus, international frameworks and boards can help Pakistan’s policy makers develop required syllabuses, fulfill demands of local market, and meet national education objectives to bring national and international education at par. They allow improving exam testing and incorporating modern technology in reading and writing. In addition, they facilitate linking of national boards to international boards like NBME (www. nbme. org). NBME model allows state medical qualified doctors to take national level exams, upgrade national education and examination standards and link them to rest of the world. It allows tens of thousands of international medical graduates to take United States Medical Licensing Exam without actually studying in American medical colleges. It is equally true for British, Australian and New Zealand medical boards. This model can help cut cost of professional education and fight poverty in Pakistan. Based on these frameworks and models, federal and provincial governments of Pakistan should collaborate to standardize local education and bring it equal to international standards. Islamabad should hold annual summits with China and western countries in line with reports of annual Indo-US higher education summits planning collaboration of universities in both countries. In addition, Pakistan needs to allow private publishers to print books according to the contents of given courses. It will improve concepts of students, standard of books and education. The existing control of federal government on higher education needs to be changed by allowing provinces complete control of universities, scholarships, hiring, training etc. Federal government needs to become a regulatory body instead of controlling authority and facilitates provinces to standardize higher education, provincial education and bring it equal to international levels. Federal education setup should work with ministry of labor and manpower to identify and develop human resource for interprovincial and overseas market, work with foreign missions to issue annual forecast of overseas jobs and train foreign workers and students. Pakistan needs to organize education to cater to local and international needs, attract foreign investors and earn foreign revenue. Reportedly, America and Britain earned $31bn and ? 8 bn in 2010 from foreign students respectively. China is charging $5333 boarding lodging fee annually for a five-year MBBS and one-year internship. It is also offering seven-year specialization degree programs (5 years MBBS and 2 years specialization) in most medical fields. Beijing has gained international recognition through standardized tuition fees, transparency, qualified staff and allowing foreign students and teachers in local universities (http //www.4icu. org/cn/). The Chinese model can help Pakistan cut prices of professional education by 50 percent and train surplus number of local and foreign students to sustain domestic and international needs. In line with China, Pakistan should also take necessary steps to attract flocks of foreign students, interns and investors. Finally, a debate is going on in China on two-track system- one for national college entrance exam (the gaokao) and other for international exams. Imran Khan’s PTI is deliberating about single education system. Pakistan can overcome challenge of teaching language, two-track system (English and Urdu medium) and bringing local education at par with international with help of international frameworks, NBME and more freedom to provinces. | Pakistans Education System and Links to Extremism Author: Jayshree Bajoria October 7, 2009 * Introduction * A Dysfunctional System * Government Reform Plans * The Madrassa Myth? * Reforming Madrassas * U. S. Policy Implications. Pakistans poor education system has increasingly become a matter of international concern. Lack of access to quality education, which in turn limits economic opportunity, makes young Pakistanis targets for extremist groups, some experts say. The World Bank says nearly half the adult population of Pakistan cant read, and net primary enrollment rates remain thelowest in South Asia. Experts say the system suffers from inadequate government investment, corruption, lack of institutional capacity, and a poor curriculum that often incites intolerance. In August 2009, chief counterterrorism adviser to the White House John Brennan, summing up a concern held by many U. S. terrorism experts, said extremist groups in Pakistan have exploited this weakness. It is why they offer free education to impoverished Pakistani children, where they can recruit and indoctrinate the next generation, he said. There have been some efforts by the Pakistani government, Western governments, and the World Bank to reform the system, but serious challenges remain. A Dysfunctional System According to the Pakistani governments National Education Policy 2009 (PDF), three parallel streams in educationpublic schools, private schools, and Islamic religious schools, or madrassashave created unequal opportunities for students. Of the total number of students going to primary school (grades 1 to 5), 73 percent go to public or government schools, 26 percent to private schools, and less than 1 percent to madrassas, according to the Karachi-based policy research institute Social Policy and Development Center. Within the public and the private sector, there are elite schools catering to a small minority of students. The majority of students attend low-quality private and public schools with poor curriculum, limited teaching materials, and inadequate number of properly trained teachers, or in many cases absent teachers. [N]o Pakistani leader has had the courage to implement serious [education] reforms- Pervez Hoodbhoy The government-mandated curriculum is a major concern for Western observers who say it encourages intolerance and a narrow worldview. Except in some elite private schools, which do not follow the government-prescribed curriculum, all public schools and registered private schools have been required to teach Islamiyat, or Islamic studies, for nearly thirty years. In addition to Islamiyat, many scholars have noted that the government curriculum uses Islam for a wide array of controversial ideological objectives, writes C. Christine Fair in the 2008 book The Madrassah Challenge. A 2003 report on the state of curriculum and textbooks by the Islamabad-based independent Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) said that for over two decades.

Macbeth?s Responsibility :: essays research papers

The disaster in Macbeth mainly revolves around one person, Macbeth. Although other outside conflicts influenced Macbeth to start his killing spree, most of the killings are committed by Macbeth. The witches and Lady Macbeth were the ones who helped pushed him along his self-destruction path, but ultimately Macbeth decided to carry out the evil deed of murdering Duncan by himself. Macbeth’s meeting with the three witches is what first incites the disaster when they tell him that he is to be the Thane of Cawdor and King of Scotland. Macbeth is surprised by this news and wants to hear more. Macbeth writing to his wife about his encounter with the witches also proved to be a mistake because she became ambitious about Macbeth becoming king and she becoming queen. Macbeth had outside influences involved in the death of Duncan, but the other deaths in the play are caused only by Macbeth. Macbeth was also responsible for the deaths of Duncan’s guards when he said â€Å"O, yet I do repent me of my fury, That I did kill them.† (A2, S3, 100-101) He had no reason for killing them but his rage enabled him to be irrational. When Macbeth became suspicious about Banquo knowing that he had killed Duncan, Macbeth ordered him and his son Fleance to be killed. Banquo was killed and Fleance escaped, which upheld the witch’s prophesy that Banquo’s future would not be happy and that his offspring would be kings. Macbeth showed his true evil when he ordered Banquo and his son to be killed. It showed that he had the ambition to act in a way that would protect his lust for power by retaining the throne of Scotland. When Macduff fled to England, Macbeth ordered that

Automobile and Rational Shopping Essay

Shopping is always a necessity in our lives. When we feel the necessity of something, we go shopping at that time. Before we do shopping, we have several motives that influence the kind of products we buy. These motives may be rational or emotional ones, consciously recognized or completely subconscious. Firstly, we can do rational shopping in different ways. In this way, it what we will buy can be long lasting. Rational shopping has got a lot of advantages. For example we can buy inexpensive car but we make to evaluate with regard to economical, for example we can buy a small car. Another example when we want to buy a car, we must think it is dependability and convenience. Even we must ask to charged with cars â€Å" Does it have lifetime guarantees? â€Å" , because this is very important. We control what it is easy to use. Secondly, we can do emotional shopping in different ways. Generally emotional shopping can be little or no preplannning. Customers do shopping when they want to, so they do not do plan. In general they influence someone or something; or they want to be accepted by society. For example we can want to desire to gain recognition from other so we buy the most expensive car with all accessories or we buy brand new car. To conclude, shopping can change how we feel the motive. For example, we do rational shopping. When we go shopping, we pay attention to several criterion. Such as, economy, dependability, or convenience. Another example we do emotional shopping. We desire to imitate others, desire to gain recognition from other, or desire to conform. More than necesssity is involved in buying.

A Killer At Thurston High

As with any tragedy, the circumstances surrounding Kip Kinkel's murderous rampage leaves one basic question to be answered: Why?   Why would a young man choose to kill his parents, whom he claimed to love, in cold blood?   And why would he then go to school thirteen hours later and commit what appear to be random murders?   It is likely that one can never truly understand what would possess someone to commit such heinous crimes.   However, through the application of certain psychological principles, it is possible to form a hypothetical explanation for his actions.If one were to subscribe to a psychoanalytic view of what caused Kinkel's violent display of hate, the case can easily be made that his hatred for himself, as expressed in journal entries found in his room, caused him to subconsciously transfer his feelings for himself onto his parents (Frontline).   It is not a far reach to speculate that he may have felt that, ultimately, his parents were to blame for his proble ms.   Had it not been for them, he would never have been born.This theory is supported by his written confession, which he left at the scene of his parents' murder, in which he stated â€Å"I wish I had been aborted.†Ã‚   In this same letter, he states that he loved his mom and dad â€Å"so much† (Frontline).   This further lends credibility to the idea that while he felt love for his parents outwardly, he subconsciously harbored blame towards them because they were, essentially, the source of his suffering because they were the responsible for his existence.   Unfortunately, his inner turmoil manifested itself in a violent explosion of emotions, and he committed murders for reasons that even he could not explain.Another common theory that one could consider is that to some extent, Kinkel's behavior can be attributed to peer influence, which would fall under the category of behavior modeling.   According to the chronological time table provided on the PBS Front line website, Kinkel had no obvious behavioral problems during his elementary school years.Although he struggled greatly in school, several sources stated that he worked very hard to attempt to keep up with his classmates.   It would seem that once he entered middle school, he began to associate with young people who were less than upstanding citizens.   It is possible that by acting out, he was gaining acceptance from his peers, as opposed to feeling inferior because of his learning disability.   It is important to note that many of his offenses, particularly during his middle school years, involved friends.   Judging from his behavior, one can easily infer that Kinkel is not a leader, but a follower.It is likely that, at least in the beginning, he very seldom initiated criminal behavior, but rather blindly followed his friends down whatever path they chose. This may have likely set the stage for further misbehavior.   While his friends were not found to have any involvem ent in the murder of Kinkel's parents or classmates, they did attribute to his delinquent attitude and fostered his fascination with guns and other deadly weapons.   So, in his attempt to conform to his friends' ideas and behavior, he himself adopted their ways.His delinquent behavior evolved from so called â€Å"victimless† crimes, for instance, the ordering of mail order bomb books, shoplifting, etc, to increasingly violent acts.   As the chronological timeline found on the Frontline website clearly illustrates, it was not until after the relatively minor incidents occurred that his crimes became violent.   Throwing rocks off of the highway overpass, though it could have potentially caused great injury, was not a blatantly violent crime.   However, approximately three months later he was suspended from school for violent assaults against his classmates.One of the biggest controversies surrounding cases of teenage violence in America is deciding to whom the blame bel ongs.   Some may posit that the child's parents are to blame; after all, they are the ones ultimately responsible for their children.   Others may blame the advent of violent video games, citing that young minds do not possess the discernment to know the difference between reality and fantasy.Still others will claim that the media is responsible; given that most young adults have unlimited access to television, explicit CD's and internet websites, they are likely over stimulated with inappropriate material.   From a psychological viewpoint, we would define the aforementioned opinions as a tendency toward cognitive heuristics, more specifically, the principle of availability.   That is to say, Kinkel may have drawn on scenarios that he had either witnessed or heard about in order to rationalize his behavior.It is also possible that the idea to open fire on his classmates was in some way influenced by the influx of school shootings around the nation.   In theory, the fact th at his solution to his problem was to go on a murderous rampage so shortly after other school shootings, lends credence to the idea that he was influenced by coverage of other shootings.Judging from Kinkel's actions, writings, and confessional utterances, he suffered from a very low self-esteem.   Although some people naturally have a healthier self-image than others, a humanistic view of psychology dictates that negative experiences can contribute to a person's low self-worth.   As described on the Frontline website, Kinkel struggled with school from the very beginning.   Because he started school in Spain, and spoke only English, he was at a great disadvantage.Not only did he miss out on an academic level, but also on a social level.   Even after returning to the United States, he continued to struggle in many areas of schooling.   Having to repeat the first grade likely affected his self-esteem.   Also, by all accounts, he continued to struggle with language problems.    In an interview, his sister admits to teasing him about his deficiency.It is likely that his classmates may have done the same.   Once he was diagnosed with a learning disability, and given the appropriate help, he apparently began to improve academically.   However, one can conclude that his feelings of low self-worth did not completely dissipate.   This may explain why he chose the friends that he did, which ultimately lead to participating in criminal activities.It has become a commonly accepted notion in the United States that puberty is the cause of many abnormal behaviors in young people.   To some extent, it is a reasonable claim; as a child matures into a teenager, they will likely push for more independence and individuality.   Changing hormones can attribute to some peculiar behavior, but in itself is not an excuse for even minor criminal behavior, let alone murdering ones parents and classmates.   However, as Frontline reports, Dr. Orin Bolstad, a psychol ogist who specializes in juvenile killers, stated that Kinkel's behavior is consistent with an early onset of schizophrenia.This form of schizophrenia manifested itself through several delusional beliefs, as well as the apparent voices that told Kinkel to commit the murders.   It is also important to note that the theory that his violent behavior was caused by a biological factor, in this case a chemical imbalance, is substantiated by the fact that the use of Prozac seemed to calm some of his erratic behavior.   One can even tie the biological aspect of his illness to the humanistic aspect by recognizing that the voices that Kinkel claimed to hear, voices that may have been his subconscious thoughts manifested, were dangerous to his self-image.   According to Kinkel, the voices told him he was worthless, which would be consistent with his low self-esteem.Of all the psychological aspects that can be used to analyze Kinkel's behavior, perhaps the hardest to address is society's role.   Are young people being desensitized to gun use through culturally accepted displays of violence?   Are guns too readily available to young people?   In Kinkel's situation, the answer is obviously that yes, guns were made way too available.   Although his father apparently took great care in trying to teach him that guns are a responsibility, he did allow the teenager to purchase a firearm.This likely sent a message to the young man that it is ok to own a gun.   In fact, it was after his father allowed him to purchase a firearm that he continued to buy more from friends.   Once he was caught with possession of a firearm on school property, he claims he did not want his parents to have to be ashamed.   So, in an attempt to solve this problem, he decided to kill his parents.   His solution to the problem is not unlike the plots of many action-adventure movies, thus lending credibility to the culturally inspired aspect of his crime.In conclusion, it is impossible to know exactly what caused Kip Kinkel to murder his parents in cold blood.   Nor is there any real explanation as to why he would then drive to school and open fire on an entire cafeteria of students.   Although modern psychology can, to some extent, offer a glimpse into the diseased mind, it can not afford us a clear and scientific answer as to why people do the things they do.   One thing is certain in Kinkel's case: he is a deeply disturbed individual.When the judge handed down the one- hundred-eleven year sentence, he confirmed what many psychologists already knew: there is no hope of rehabilitation for a young man who committed such heinous crimes.   Even if medication and therapy could alleviate the symptoms of his disease, the knowledge of the pain that he caused will be with him until the day he dies.   Such is the tragic ending of a very tragic situation.Works Citedâ€Å"The Killer At Thurston High.† PBS: Frontline. (January 2000). 20 November 2006.  < http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/kinkel/>

South Korea essays

South Korea essays South Korea is officially known as Taehan Minguk (Republic of Korea). This country is in northeastern Asia and occupies the southern part of the Korean Peninsula. South Korea is bounded on the north by North Korea; on the east by the East Sea (Sea of Japan); on the south bye the Korea Strait, which also separates it from Japan; and on the west by the Yellow Sea. It has a total area of 38,328 square miles, including many offshore islands in the south and west, and the largest is Cheju. The state of South Korea was established in 1948 succeeding the post-World War II distribution of the penisula between the occupying forces of the United States in the south and the Union of Soviet Republics (USSR) in the north. The capital of South Korea is Seoul which is also the largest city. The current version of the South Korean flag was adopted in 1984, but the basic design has been used since the countrys founding is 1948. The Buddhist yin-yang symbol represents the unity of opposites, and the white background represents purity. The black markings symbolize three cycles, with opposites in each cycle opposing one another(reading clockwise from the upper left): summer, autumn, winter, spring, south, west, north, east, sky, moon, earth, and sun. South Korea is mainly a rugged, mountainous terrain. The principal range is the Taebaek-sanmaek, which extends in a north-south direction parallel to the eastern coast. The countrys highest peak, located on the island of Cheju, is Halla-san. Plains constitute less than one-fifth the total area and are mostly in the west along the coast the coastal plains in the east and south are very narrow. South Korea has a highly indented coastline characterized by high tidal ranges, the countrys tow longest rivers, the Naktong and Han, rise in the Taebaek-sanmaek, one flowing south to the Korea Strait and the other northwest to the Yellow sea. Other major rivers inc...

Cell-based Therapy For Myocardial Regeneration

Cell-based Therapy For Myocardial Regeneration ABSTRACT Myocardial infarction is one of the main cause of mortality in many countries. Therefore, an effective therapy for myocardial infarction is required. Reperfusion and other conventional therapy have been the mainstay therapy for myocardial infarction. However, many patients remain refractory to this therapy. Cell-based therapy is considered a novel therapy, in which stem cells are used for cardiac repair. Stem cells are potential therapeutic and promising option that could be the alternative solution for salvaging damaged cardiomyocyte. Based on current studies, stem cells are a promising therapeutic approach for myocardial infarction. However, some challenges need to be answered by future studies before this novel therapy can be widely applied. This essay provides an overview of the progress in stem cell therapy for myocardial infarction. INTRODUCTION The robust potential of stem cells were still a mystery, but today, we are constantly getting new information on this parti cular topic. One of the prospects of stem cell therapy is to treat damaged cardiomyocyte (Fischer, et.al, 2009; Beltrami, 2003).Acute myocardial infarction is one of the main causes of mortality and morbidity in many countries. Not only this disease causes a massive socio-economic burden, but also reduces the quality of live for patients who survive the attack (Hamm, 2016). Currently, one of the mainstay therapy for myocardial infarction is rapid revascularization to limit ischaemic damage. Reperfusion and other conventional therapy have undoubtedly saved so many lives, yet there are patients remained refractory to this therapy and left with no other treatment options. In addition to that, many patients who have underwent reperfusion strategy and survived, often left with significant impairment of left ventricular systolic function. One big question remain unanswered. Is there any other treatment option for these patients? Medical therapeutic approach to reduce damaged cardiomyocyte and generate new functioning muscle is the current unmeet need. Stem cells emerge as the novel procedure to restore damaged cardiomyocytes, and this procedure is popularly known as cellular cardiomyoplasty (Pendyala, et.al, 2008; Reinlib, 2000). Many preclinical and clinical trials have documented the potential use of stem cells to generate viable cardiomyocyte and improve cardiac function (Bergmann, et.al, 2009). To date, there are many different types of adult stem cells and progenitor cells used for this procedure, some of which are bone marrow derived stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells, mesenchymal stem cells and so on. Since the advance of stem cells technology is faster than ever before, this essay aimed to give an evidence based update on stem cells use for myocardial infarction, what we have achieved so far, and what does the future hold for this breakthrough. CELL-BASED THERAPY FOR MYOCARDIAL REGENERATION After an ischaemic attack due to occluded coronary vessels, heart muscle usually left damaged and nonfunctioning. However, recent evidence suggested that the cardiac muscle could actually undergo a limited amount of renewal. A prospect of inducing muscle cell to undergo division for cardiomyocyte replacement, or generating new muscle by stem cells are certainly intriguing (Roell, et.al, 2002; Santoso, et.al, 2011). Stem cells are capable to proliferate in the same state (self-renewal) and differentiate into multiple cell lineages. On the other hand, progenitor cells are more specific and have limited differentiation potential. Mechanism on how stem cells work are as follows: firstly, these stem cells need to be extracted from the source (eg. bone marrow), after that these stem cells need to be delivered to the injured area. These cells are implanted in the myocardium, and due to the nature of these cells, they would grow and differentiate/transdifferentiate into cardiomyocyte. To achieve the goal of cardiac repair, these cells should also have the ability to fuse with the surrounding tissues that their harmonious contraction increases the heart contraction. Furthermore, these newly-formed cardiomyocyte should also express the appropriate electromechanical properties required for contraction to yield a synchronous contraction (Templin, et.al, 2011; Makino, et.al, 1999).

Participation Questions Week 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Participation Questions Week 2 - Essay Example Why are companies interested in operational management today? Why is it important? What is the relationship between operational management and supply chain management? How are operations management functions performed at your organization? Companies are interested in operational management today because of how important it is to get daily work done efficiently, timely, accurately and at a low cost. It is necessary to ensure that the processes of creating a product actually works right and that improvements are made in customer service that can lead to cost reductions. Because every organization produces some product or service, an understating of modern or up-to-date approaches to managing operations is a good idea. In the past, manufacturing businesses showed more interest in the use of operations strategies and operations management but a business that offers a service can better offer that service in a more efficient manner if it treated the actual customer service as a product. According to the week one course overview, operations management refers to the direction and control of the processes that turn inputs into finished products or services and supply chain is the link between the suppliers of the material and services that convert throughout the process, the ideas and raw materials into the finished product. I work at a college and the operations management functions has so many levels. Because I work in the College of Continuing Studies, it is easy to see how the process for this particular level works. Most offices perform meeting and follow-up meetings that may be an expression of ideas that could possibly turn into a process. The follow-up meetings with expected target dates and action items seem to be the best way to ensure that the meetings have not just been a waste of time. I agree with your view that companies today are interested in operational management today