Why the Modern Project Manager Needs to Comprehend Business Models

Why the Modern Project Manager Needs to Comprehend Business Models Introduction Strategic management literatures have shown the increasing need for corporations to realize the prolonged competitive advantage in the current unpredictable and turbulent business environment.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Why the Modern Project Manager Needs to Comprehend Business Models specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In fact, most discussions and analyses show how modern economies and technology have altered the nature of traditional business models in most companies that range from product to technical corporations. However, modern project managers hardly understand how business models are sustained, appraised, shaped and what they actually denote (Doumeingts Ducq 2001, p.147). Therefore, modern project managers must comprehend business models in order to develop guidelines and frameworks that can help an organization to utilize the resources efficiently for survival and competition. The pot ential and use of business model Research on business models is still an immature field though it has proved its relevance. The key segments where business-models have enhanced are in the formation of apparatus and conceptions that venture supervisors might exploit to transform, evaluate, plan, converse, comprehend, and seize the corporation trade rationales (Jones, 1960). The subsequent sections clearly highlight the generalized reasons why modern project managers must understand the concept of business models.Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Sharing and Understanding Modern project managers need to comprehend business models as they assist in sharing and communicating, understanding, visualizing and capturing business logics (Kaplan Norton 1992, p.1). Allocating and conversing Nearly all corporations have trade logics that are supposed to be captured, visua lized, and comprehended. This can only be realized through business models. The knack to distribute and converse such business ideas with shareholders is just a preceding rational outcome. According to Galper (2001, p76) claims, to formalize and express business models in a concrete manner may assist modern project managers in sharing and communicating their business understanding to other shareholders. Such ability is significant to any dialogue among individuals with diverse backgrounds including engineers, system architect and modern project managers (Aguilar-Savà ©n 2004, p.133). Comprehending The current business models have become very complicated especially those that have well-built e-business and ICT elements. The associations between the decisive success factors and different business model elements are not often directly observed (Chesbrough Rosenbloom, 2002). Thus, the social systems modeling process can help modern project managers to understand and identify the relat ionships and appropriate constituents within the specific project domain (Magretta 2002, p.87). Furthermore, within the business models there are visual symbols that can enhance modern project managers understanding of any task that lies ahead.Advertising We will write a custom coursework sample on Why the Modern Project Manager Needs to Comprehend Business Models specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Visualizing Modern project managers are human beings and they are rather incomplete in their capacity to process any multifaceted information (Kaplan Norton 2000, p.171). This can be revealed practically and tentatively. In case business venture data is processed through diagrammatic coordination of trade models it can boost the scale at which the involvedness could be effectively managed. By comprehending business models, modern project managers can use the conceptualization process in capturing the business concepts with minimal effort an d they will be able to present the outcomes graphically (Weill Vitale 2002, p.21). Capturing Even though business models for corporations are simplified symbols of their business concepts, they are hardly described clearly in an abstract manner. Studies show that modern project managers are usually unable to communicate their business models clearly (Weill Vitale, 2001). Besides, since modern project managers draw on diverse intellectual models, they find it difficult to comprehend business models in a similar way. Therefore, a mutual and generic concept that can be used to describe and understand business models is essential. The frameworks offered by business models can serve as a shared language among the shareholders while project managers can use them to carry out what each party comprehends easily (Reich Benbasat 1996, p.55). Analyzing The concept of business models may help project managers to analyze corporate business logics. In fact, through comprehending business model s, modern project managers can be well positioned to understand that the concept is a novel analyzing unit (Mahadevan, 2000).Advertising Looking for coursework on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Thus, comprehending business models may assist modern project managers in improving the measurement, comparison, and observance of corporate business logics. Measuring Comprehending and capturing business models can help modern project managers to classify appropriate measures that must be followed to improve project management. Such capability may aid in the selection of executive information system indicators that can be used to monitor project strategy execution. This can be via the use of a balanced-scorecard plan that has innovative, internal business and clients as well as business perspectives (Bernus, 2001, p.114). Tracking and observing Corporate business logics are continuously changing due to external and internal pressures. Hence, modern project managers must comprehend business models in a structured way to be able to handle specific issues that eventually change (McKay Radnor, 1998). Comparing Just like an eventual observance of corporate business models, a structured plan might allow modern project managers to evaluate their business models against the ones being held by rival corporations. This is founded on the fact that business models are comparable when they are comprehended in similar ways. When project managers understand and compare their business models to those that other companies have they are better placed to generate some insights that can foster the innovation of business models (Timmers 1998, p.4). Managing According to Rappa (2004, p.33), business models play an important role of improving the firm business management logics. Comprehending business concepts can therefore support current project directors in restructuring the execution, altering, scheduling, and scheming of corporate trade models. With better comprehension of business models, modern project managers can quickly react to any adjustments within business surroundings. Designing It is often difficult to design a business model in which all its elements are coherent and reinforce each other. That is, it is not easy to design a business model where individual elements are optimized in the project. Due to these complexities modern project managers must base the success of their projects on the interactions between each element in the model. This understanding is even compounded by the fact that modern technology that is being adopted in business today adds to the variety of business models that one can imagine (Lechner Hummel, 2002). Conceptualization of a business model that identifies the vital building blocks together with their relationships enables managers to draw a protracted business model. Planning, changing and implementing In situations where business projects require novel model or need to change the present one, conceptualization and visualization of the model would be essential in improving planning, transformation and implementation. In situations where there is evidence that elements can change models can easily be transformed. I ncidentally, Linder and Cantrell (2000) anticipated a change model where transformations taking place in the firm as well as its future profitability are based. Responding Appreciating, planning and putting into practice business models generate the source in which modern managers can suitably respond to the outside demands. Proper understanding of the concept of business model supports modifications that lead to a new form of model (Petrovic Kittl, 2001). This is very important in tentative and fast shifting competitive business environment. Aligning The business model forms the conceptual bridge that aligns the organization of the whole business, strategy, and technologies used. Chesbrough and Rosenbloom (2000) assert that business model act as a connecting construct amid expertise and the cost-effective significance of the company. Modern project managers can use the concept of the business model as a significant tool to promote development, advance current business processes an d align information systems (Osterwalder Pigneur, 2003). Improving decision-making The concept of business model enhances communication and understanding of the business logic. Therefore, managers or decision makers can use the business model concept to be more informed and enhance their decision-making process (Hayes Finnegan, 2005). Moreover, the business model has become an innovative component of examination (Sthler, 2002) that is observable and comparable. Business model concept supports classification of new procedures that are essential in decision-making. Prospect Through simulations and portfolios, modern project managers can use the business model to define probable prospect for the firm. The concept of business model is an important tool that supports innovation and prepares the business for the future. It is essential for business managers to apply the concept to drive forward their projects and ensure complete implementation of the undertaken projects. Innovation Modu lar and formal business model is capable of creating and improving changes as well as the increase in response abilities within the company. The business model concepts can promote innovation within organization. Specific sets of elements of a business model together with their interrelationships can become a building block for a very new concept (Burgi Victor, 2004). The designers can experiment and test with these elements to create innovation or very different models. This capability is restricted only by sets of pieces supplied (Beresford, 2001). Amit and Zott (2001) unequivocally understand the concept of business model as a focal point for innovation. Consistent with Mitchell and Coles (2003) assertions, improvements resulting from the concepts of business model add more value to the firm. Portfolios for business models According to the evolutionary theory law of excess diversity by Allen (2001), the firm should maintain a selection of business models to prepare for the futur e. The assertions by this theoretical perspective are that evolutionary strategies of firms require good quantity of diversified internal quality. Allen further suggests that businesses require varied potential strategies to be implemented in volatile and changing environments (Andriani, 2001). Many business models that companies have will enable them to cope with changes in the environment. Simulating and testing Modern project managers always expect the testing and simulating of business models. However, simulations normally do not envisage any prospect. Managers perform simulations and testing as a way of undertaking low-risk investigations without incurring additional organization costs (Sterman, 2000). Testing and simulating business models makes managers to formulate future prospects (Richards Morrison, 2001). Conclusion Business models concept becomes a very important tool for business managers especially at this time when the business environment is volatile and highly comp etitive. The reality is that appropriate application of the business model concept not only enhances the organization capabilities, but also increases its competitiveness. Thus, modern project managers should build business concepts that enhance the realization of future prospects and add more value to the business. Through comprehending business models, modern project managers might have suitable management strategies. References Aguilar-Savà ©n, R 2004, Business process modeling: Review and framework, International Journal of Production Economics, no.90, pp. 129-149. Allen, PM 2001, A complex systems approach to learning in adaptive networks, International Journal of Innovation Management, vol.5 no.2, pp.149-180. Amit, R Zott, C 2001, Value creation in e-business, Strategic Management Journal, vol.22 no.6, pp.493-520. Andriani, P 2001, Diversity, knowledge and complexity theory: some introductory issues, International Journal of Innovation Management, vol.5 no.2, pp.257-274. Ber esford, K 2001, European patents for software, E-commerce and business model inventions, World Patent Information, vol.23 no.3, pp.253-263. Bernus, P 2001, Some thoughts on enterprise modeling, Production Planning Control, vol. 12, pp. 110-118. Burgi, P Victor, B 2004, Case study: modeling how their business really works prepares managers for sudden change, Strategy Leadership, vol.32 no.2, pp.28-34. Chesbrough, H Rosenbloom, RS 2000, The role of the business model in capturing value from innovation: evidence from XEROX Corporation’s technology spinoff companies, Boston, Massachusetts, Harvard Business School. Chesbrough, H Rosenbloom, RS 2002, The role of the business model in capturing value from innovation: evidence from Xerox Corporations technology spin-off companies, Industrial and Corporate Change, vol.11 no.3, pp. 529-555. Doumeingts, G Ducq, Y 2001, Enterprise modeling techniques to improve efficiency of enterprises, Production Planning Control, vol.12, pp.146 -163. Galper, J 2001, Three business models for the stock exchange industry, Journal of Investing, vol. 10 no.1, pp.70-78. Hayes, J Finnegan, P 2005, Assessing the potential of e-business models: towards a framework for assisting decision-makers, European Journal of Operational Research, vol.160 no.2, pp.365-379. Jones, G M 1960, Educators, electrons, and business models: A problem in synthesis, Accounting Review, vo.35 no.4, pp. 619-626. Kaplan, RS Norton, DO 2000, Having trouble with your strategy? Then map it, Harvard Business Review, vol.78 no.5, pp.167-276. Kaplan, RS Norton, DP 1992, The balanced scorecardmeasures that drive performance, Harvard Business Review, vol.70 no.1. Lechner, U Hummel, J 2002, Business models and system architectures of virtual communities: from a sociological phenomenon to peer-to-peer architectures, International Journal of Electronic Commerce, vol.6 no.3, pp.41-53. Linder, J Cantrell, S 2000, Changing business models: surveying the landscape, A ccenture Institute for Strategic Change, vol.4 no.1, pp.22-29. Magretta, J 2002, Why business models matter, Harvard Business Review, vol.80 no.5, pp. 86-92. Mahadevan, B 2000, Business models for Internet-based e-Commerce: An anatomy, California Management Review, vol.42 no.4, pp. 55-69. McKay, A Radnor, Z 1998, A characterization of a business process, International Journal of Operations Production Management, vol.18, p. 924. Mitchell, D Coles, C 2003, The ultimate competitive advantage of continuing business model innovation.† Journal of Business Strategy, vol.24 no.4, pp.15-21. Osterwalder, A Pigneur, Y 2003, Towards strategy and information systems alignment through business model ontology†, Proceedings of the Annual Conference of the Strategic Management Society, vol.34 no.7, pp.6-11. Petrovic, O Kittl, C 2001, Developing business models for e-business, Proceedings of the International Conference on Electronic Commerce, vol.16 no.9, pp.44-54. Rappa, M 2004, Th e utility business model and the future of computing services, IBM Systems Journal, vol. 43 no.1, pp.32-43. Reich, BH Benbasat, I 1996, Measuring the linkage between business and information technology objectives, MIS Quarterly, MIS Quarterly The Society for Information Mgt, vol. 20, p.55. Richards, I Morrison, J 2001, Using flight simulators to build robust dotcom strategies, Working Paper Accenture, vol.4 no.1, pp.14-19. Sthler, P 2002, Business models as a unit of analysis for strategizing, Proceedings of the International Workshop on Business Models, vol.21 no.3, pp.43-61. Sterman, JD 2000, Business dynamics: systems thinking and modeling for a complex world, Boston, McGraw-Hill. Timmers, P 1998, Business models for electronic markets, Journal on Electronic Markets, vol.8 no.2, pp.3-8. Weill, P Vitale, M 2002, What IT infrastructure capabilities are needed to implement e-business models? MIS Quarterly, vol.1 no.1, pp. 17-34. Weill, P Vitale, MR 2001, Place to space: Migrati ng to e-business models, Harvard Business School Press, Boston.

Theories, Practices, and Ethics of Leadership Assignment - 1

Theories, Practices, and Ethics of Leadership - Assignment Example 2. Some of the behavioural patterns, characteristics and shadows which fuel evil include our own individual insecurities. These insecurities are normally caused by the ignorance of our cultures and the cultures of other people. These insecurities may also be due to lifestyles, whereby people engage in evil activities in order to live in a certain way. The human need for respect and recognition may also push some people to be insecure and thus engage in evil activities to satisfy these needs. Insecurities may also be caused by low esteem. Some people normally do evil things in order to feel satisfied and boost their self-esteem. The need for power and strength also fuels evil. This may come in the form of oppression and suppression on the basis of race, religion, financial power, political affiliation, gender and job opportunities. For example, one might result in the oppression of a minority race in order to strengthen himself politically or financially. Acts of deceit and defensiveness may also fuel evil. The evil that may stem from deceit or defensiveness includes refusal to listen to feedback or other people’s views, anger, pessimism and blaming others for things they are not responsible for (Baumeister, 2001). 3. a) Dreadful pleasure: this is when someone knowingly and enjoyably inflicts pain or suffering on another person in order to hide one’s fear. For example, one might have a fear of being vulnerable, so he does things to make other people live in fear. b) Deception: this is when one becomes absorbed with himself and makes himself look like he is without any faults. These self-righteous people are very conscious of their personal appearances and will attack anyone who discovers their dark side. For example, one might pretend to be God-fearing and holy, but deep inside he is not as righteous as he wants to look. He may pretend to do good things when in the company of other people but turn to evil deeds when no one is watching.  

Introduction to Child Development Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Introduction to Child Development - Essay Example This case study will focus on analysing the growth in different areas as exhibited by the child, and relating to the existing theory on child development (Beaver 2001, p.54). One of the aspects that make it evident that Child A has registered positive growth in both personal and social development is her development of self-control (Broadhead 2010, p. 56). From the observations, it emerges that child A has a level of self-control because she is able to express her feelings, opinions, and needs even when situations prove difficult while avoiding causing any harm to others (Brooks-Gunn, Fuligni, & Berlin 2003, p. 34). For example, on day one of the observation, child A was able to express her concerns because child B had taken her kitty (Bukatko & Daehler 2012, p. 123). Instead of grabbing it from child B, she opted to see the help from an adult so that she could get her kitty back (‘Child development’ 2007, p.23). However, despite the positive process exhibited by the child A in gaining self-control, there is evidence that she still needs to develop in other areas concerning self-control (Hoff & Shatz 2009, p. 88). For example, she needs to become more self-aware of her emotions and be able to control them effectively (Hyson 2003, p. 65). Instances when she demonstrates a need for further growth in this sector are several as indicated in the observations (Davies 2010, p. 54). A clear illustration is the fact that she was reluctant to eat after her teacher denied her the permission of having me seat close to her table (Mary & Armstrong 2003, p. 165). This shows that she is unable to handle disappointments effectively. However, her use of play materials purposely also exhibits a measure of self-control (Guhn & Goelman 2011, p. 195). In addition, on the fifth day of observation, the child exhibited self-control after intervention when she was arguing with child X. She was able to accept the proposition of sharing the doll with child X. This indicated that

Student-Centred Educational Philosophy Essay Example for Free

Student-Centred Educational Philosophy Essay Educational Philosophy 1. 1 Introduction There are five main philosophical schools of thought in education which are essentialism, perennialism, progressivism, existentialism and reconstructionism. However, here I have only chosen the philosophies which believe in student-centred approach. There are three philosophies that hold the similarity of being less authoritarian and placing the students as the centre in learning process. These three philosophies reject essentialism and do not agree with traditional mediums of teaching. They are recontructionism, progressivism, and existentialism 1. Reconstructionism Reconstructionism is an important contribution of Theodore Brameld in the world of educational philosophy. Brameld in his book, ‘Education as Power’, says â€Å"education has two major roles: to transmit culture and to modify culture. In reconstructionism, education is seen as a way to bring out positive changes in society. The educational purpose of reconstructionism is to create social reform in which education serves as a mean to make people view society with a critical eye. Learners should never settle for what is but have to do critical thinking and dream of what should be. This branch of philosophy strives for a constant and positive change for the betterment of the society. A famous reconstructivionist, Paulo Freire (1921-1997) sees teaching and learning as a process of inquiry in which the child must invent and reinvent the world. Theodore Brameld (1904-1987) and Paulo Freire (1921-1997) . Source: Google Image. The goal of reconstructionist learning is that the students themselves should conceive the good future. The students receive education as a preparation for their role in the future. Therefore, it is important for students to experience and taking social action on actual problems. Students should be willing to spend time in the community to learn its problems. Rote learning, memorization and direct-method are not preferable in recontructionism. Besides, reconstructionist students should possess a high sense of duty towards society. They are then are expected to be the leaders of reformation in society to form an observant, inquisitive, open-minded and highly capable society. As education should prepare students to become agents for change, reconstructionism philosophy believes that teachers must convince their students of the validity and urgency of the reconstructionist solution. However, teachers must do so with scrupulous scrutiny for democratic procedures. At the same time, learning process should enable the learners to be in control of their own fate and able to make social reform. 1. 2 Progressivism Source: Google Image Progressivism is the educational application of a philosophy called pragmatism. John Dewey refined pragmatism and applied to education, which later became known as progressivism. Progressivism believes that school should encourage cooperation, not competition. According to Dewey, democracy and freedom are far superior to the traditional political ideas. He viewed progressive schools as a working model of democracy. In curriculum, progressivism also holds the same view as reconstructinism which the selection of subject content depends on the skills that will be needed in future society. This is because knowledge taught must help people to adapt to change. Progressivists believe that individuality, progress, and change are fundamental. In Progressivism, education is not to prepare students to live; it should be life itself. Learning should focus on understanding and action, not rote knowledge. Thus, it is believed that problem solving is the most effective way. As similar to reconstructinisim philosophy, progressivism prefers varied learning resources and it also views the best way to learn is through direct experience with the environment. As this philosophy puts more concern on students, teacher is seen as an advisor, not a director. The progressive teacher aids students in learning by helping students formulate meaningful questions and devise strategies to answer them. The answers are discovered from real world experience instead of mere reading or theories. 1. 3 Existentialism Among the three philosophies, existentialism has the highest degree of importance on the learners. Soren Kierkegaard is considered to have been the first existentialist philosopher though he himself did not use the term. He proposed that each individual is solely responsible for giving meaning to life. It is Jean Paul Sartres that formulates the term existentialism. Existentialists argued that traditional approaches to philosophy do not adequately respect the uniqueness of each individual. This philosophy is against the views of any existence of authoritative truth about metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. In existentialism, it is strongly believed that every individual is responsible to decide what is true or false† and right or wrong, Soren Kierkegaard (1813-1855). Source: Google Image. The educational goal of existentialism is education should challenge people to create personal meanings of their own design which means that the others’ interpretations should not be imposed on them. Learning activities will be organized around students requests. Although existentialist educators provide some curricular structure, students have great latitude in their choice of subject matter. In an existentialist curriculum, students are given a wide variety of options. The curriculum often emphasizes the humanities as to provide students with experiences that will in developing creativity and self-expression. However, there is no rigidness of curriculum. As Learners should have a voice in deciding how the school operates, school is not the institution for transmitting the core culture, but as a experimental lab for students to realize their individuality before improving the society at a larger extend. Education should emphasize field trips and experiential learning as ways to help the youth explore the world and seek their own meaning. The role of teachers is to expose students to many ways and life options in helping them defining their own essence. Besides, teachers facilitate students by creating a stress free classroom with positive atmosphere. Existentialism centres vast concern on students with high respect to their personal perspectives and freedom more than any other educational philosophy. 2. 0 Teaching Approach 2. 1 Introduction In teaching English as a second language (ESL) classroom, there are a variety of teaching methods and approaches. Over the years, many different teaching approaches have been developed to match students’ need. Here is student-centred method that concerns more on students during educational process. Therefore, this approach acknowledges and agrees with the three philosophies mentioned earlier. 2. 2 Communicative approach. Communicative approach is a famous and recent approach in ESL learning. In fact, many ESL books seem to claim that they are based on this approach. The communicative approach is believed to have taken place in language learning in the 1970s. The pressure was put on educators when there was a rise in the number of people wanting to learn foreign language for personal reasons. Many of the teachers realized the importance of switching their traditional teaching method towards a better method that prefers application of language in an active learning environment. In ESL class, communicative approach believes that learning of language is most successful when learners are involved in real communication as they can develop natural strategies in language acquisition. As a result, there will be more emphasis on skills than systems. The syllabus is based on functional development not structural development. In communicative approach, teachers will not do drilling or repetition method but focus on constructing real life situations in classroom. This agrees with reconstructionism philosophy that is to bring the world inside the classroom. Therefore, teachers will vary the use of authentic materials. Communicative approach believes that teachers will have to maximize the opportunities for learners to communicate. Students are encouraged to interact with one another, doing given tasks in pairs on in groups. This is in unison with progressivism understanding that school should encourage cooperation, not competition. Teachers are only there to monitor and facilitate them without interference and give feedbacks after they have done. This is also in par with progressivism philosophy that is teachers are rather advisors, not directors. As students learn through trial and error process, teachers of communicative approach should always tolerate mistakes. It is important for teachers of communicative approach to apply tactfulness and creativity in teaching. . 3 Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) is not a new approach in ESL methodology but a medium which helps English teachers to be more affective and engaging with students. Since the 1960s, computers have been used for language teaching. CALL is a tool that combines many advantages such as enabling students to have experiential learning, motivation, achievement, authentic materials for studyin g, wider interaction, individualization pace, greater source of information, and global understanding. There are three main stages for CALL. As CALL can be successfully applied not only for grammar practice but also for communicative activities, communicative CALL has been established in 1970 with the spread of communicative approach. For reconstructionists, bringing real life problems or issues to students is important in learning process. CALL helps in facilitating the students to be involved in the actual situation. Decision making, asking for advice, agreeing and disagreeing, and compromising with friends are some tasks that need authentic settings. Internet especially social media such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Skype and blogs connects the students with people of all around the world. Thus, students who are second language users of English can even communicate with native speakers and polish communicative skill in English. Computer-assisted language learning (CALL) provides an effective learning environment. The advancement of speech and language technologies has opened new perspectives on CALL. Students can practice in an interactive manner using multi-media content. CALL inherently supports students’ autonomy, which places the students firmly in control so that they can decide their own goal and pace in self-learning. Therefore, students have the freedom in learning and this agrees with existentialism philosophy that students should create their own personal meanings through education. Source: Google Image It has been described in reconstructionism philosophy that teachers must be familiar with the constant change. Students of 21st century are knowledgeable in the use of computer and web learning. Y-generation is equipped with modern gadgets and most of the students are even more advance in technology than their teachers. Thus, teachers of modern approach should update themselves with recent developments of technology. By using Computer-Assisted Language Learning (CALL) as a tool in teaching, teachers can help students become more involved in the task and monitor students’ progress with the help of computer. 4. 0 Personal Educational Philosophy 4. 1 Introduction My very own educational philosophy is my answers about why, what and how I will be teaching, and about the nature of learning and teaching. It is my personal set of principles that guides my professional actions now and surely later in life when I become a teacher. As I read and learn educational philosophies of the Western scholars, I realize the importance of having my own school of thought. My life experiences, values, environment and interactions are the aspects that will continuously shape my personal philosophy in education. 4. 2 Influence of educational philosophies Educational philosophy that attracts me the most is progressivism. To a certain extent, I also agree with reconstructionism and existentialism. As we can notice, these philosophies centre on students during teaching and learning process. When I was a school student, I had always love teachers who acknowledge students’ opinions and attend to their students’ questions with patience and compassion. This kind of teachers receives back the love, trust and respect that they put on students. I believe that educators who are authoritative and using traditional approach are boring and fail to develop intimate relationship with their students. This will then affect the sharing of knowledge between the teachers and their students. Other than that, progressivism is in accordance with my own view of life. I believe that life is a continuous educational process. As I explained earlier, progressivist believes education is not to prepare students to live; it should be life itself. We can never stop learning as we pick up new things every single day, be it useful ones or not. Learning process is not limited to the syllabus or fixed curriculum at school, but a thorough process covering almost everything we do for betterment of self. Coincidently, we improve our society and our nation at large. This agrees with reconstructionism which aims for social reformation for more positive change. 4. 3 Defining Education in own words Education is an eternal process in bringing out the best in ourselves and others, be it formally or informally which results in positive development of every individual in terms of thinking and action. Learning and teaching are two inter-dependent mechanisms that make up education. Learning is self-seeking enlightenment and progression which take place with the help of guidance while teaching is sharing of ideas and insights to grow new and more powerful wisdom. Education is never to build competition with other people around but within oneself. It is also a tool to free human beings from hatred and sufferings. Education is also the reasoning of the past and a way of fulfilling future dreams and hopes. Elaboration: My personal meaning of education implicitly tells my philosophy of education. It shows how I perceive education which acts as a baseline on my actions. It is clear that I view the purpose of education as a lasting way to be better in life. It is never limited to what I learn formally but covers everything that I do that helps in self-betterment. I believe learning is self-seeking progression which means nobody has the power to force someone to learn unless that person is willing to seek knowledge. I also believe teaching is sharing which means it is a two way process. Other than that, from the above philosophy, I suggest that education is not to create competition with others but within oneself which means we have to aim to be better than yesterday, not to be better than other people. I also view education as a hope to bring peace and happiness in this world as it widens our perspective. Lastly, I see education as a present gift that helps in accepting the past wholeheartedly and building the strength of tomorrow. 4. 4 Methods My personal educational philosophy is in accordance with communicative approach that has been explained earlier. As a future ESL (English as a second language) teacher, teaching language means to share and apply the knowledge of English with others. It is important to motivate my students to communicate efficiently in English by building a strong rapport with them and being a good role model to the students. I will create a pressure-free class so that students feel comfortable to speak and voice out opinions. Learning language is not just a matter of knowing grammatical structure but also as a medium to share about cultures and develop values. I would like to set an enjoyable and active learning environment for the students in classroom. This can be done by doing a handful of games and activities but imparting the knowledge altogether. Some activities that I can do for the students are role-playing, debating, guessing games, quizzes with rewards and many others. A lot of the time, I will let the students do their task in pairs of groups so that they can interact and share ideas with one another. As language is inseparable with the real world, I will encourage the students to use the language outside the class and school compound. The use CALL (Computer-assisted Language Learning) is also vital. Therefore, my students will be encouraged to communicate in virtual world such as blog and Facebook. I can venture into my students’ thoughts more personally and make it easier for me to facilitate them in their progress. At the end of the day, the main objective which to improve the students’ level of English can be achieved successfully. At the same time, the students have also flourished their minds with positive thinking and developed learning skills to be use throughout life. They are then become the future generation whom is excellent and competent both locally and internationally. 4. 4 Conclusion There is no general agreement on what human beings ought to learn in order to have the best in life. There will also be continuous debate whether education should focus on cognitive development or character development first. I have also aware that there are different needs and styles given by different group of students. Thus, I may have to vary and adapt my methods when encountering my student at different level. The tendency to stick to merely one philosophy among all other philosophies discussed may bring flaws. Thus, a variety of teaching methods and adapting my philosophy over time are highly required.

William James Essay -- philosophy of pragmatism

William James was a philosopher and psychologist but was most well known in the field of Psychology for developing the philosophy of pragmatism, or the Functionalist theory: "Theory of mental life and behavior that is concerned with how an organism uses its perceptual abilities to function in its environment." He was also the first Psychologist to be born in America.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  William James was born on January 11, 1842 in New York City. His father, Henry James Sr. was a Swednborgian theologian, and one of his brothers was the great novelist Henry James. Throughout his youth, William attended private schools in the United States and Europe. He later attended the Lawrence Scientific School at Harvard University and then Harvard Medical School, where he received his degree in 1869 in the field of Physiology. The way that William got into the field of Psychology was that he got his degree in physiology and also enjoyed studying philosophy in his spare time, in psychology, he found, linked the two together. Before finishing his medical studies, he went on an exploring expedition in Brazil with the Swiss-American naturalist Louis Agassiz and also studied psychology in Germany. During this time, William retired due to illness but that didn’t stop his from excelling in the field. Three years later, in 1872, at the age of thirty, William become an instructor in physiology at Harvard University. In 1875, William started teaching Psychology at Harvard and after 1880 he was teaching both cl...

Female Education Essay

Napoleon once said â€Å"Give me an educated mother and I will give you an educated nation. † This statement is enough to prove the importance of female education. Allah has created both man and woman equally. They are like the two sides of a coin. One is incomplete without the other. So, education cannot be the only possession of a single class or sex. Rather, it should be imparted equally to both men and women. Our religion has also made education compulsory for all. In the past, our women folk were confined within the four walls of home. Parents did not allow them to receive education and to participate in any outside work. Early marriage, religious misinterpretation and the narrowness of our outlook were mainly responsible for this. Parents thought it waste of time and money to educate their girls. They did not understand that if girl children were educated they could be as competent as male children. As our women folk constitute almost half of our total population, no real development is possible keeping them uneducated. On the other hand, an educated mother plays a very important role in making and shaping the character of her children. She knows well how to bring up her children, to educate them and to make them worthy. In domestic life, she can also extend her helping hand to her husband. So, there is no alternative to female education. It is a matter of great delight that women have started to come out of their cocoons. Being educated, they are joining a wide range of professions. They have been able to prove their abilities. So, the disadvantages of early marriage and religious misinterpretation must be removed. Our outlook about women must be changed. More schools and colleges for girls should be set up to spread female education. Recently the scenario of female education has started to change. Many socio-economic factors are responsible for this change. All possible facilities of female education have been extended. Education for girls up to degree level has been made free with a monthly stipend. This encourages them to continue their education. We should remember that only educated women can change the picture of our society. So, all of us should come forward to spread female education. The overall state of female education in Bangladesh is not yet satisfactory. In the past, women were in the boundary of their houses. They usually spent their time doing their household chores. They were deprived of education. But the situation has been changed now. Now-a-days, they are admitting into schools, colleges and universities. The rate of literacy in our country is about 60% whereas female literacy is about 40%. Female education is necessary for getting an educated nation. Because, an educated mother can give an educated nation. There are many advantages of female education. A child will never remain illiterate if his/her mother is educated. An educated woman can play various roles in the family. She can impart himself in different business and jobs. As a result, she can contribute to the family income. However, government should do something more to educate the female. â€Å"No need girl’s education, they are born only for taking care of their families†- this idea was stereotype in the early past of Bangladesh. The birth of a boy child was a blessing for the parents and a girl child was like a curse. It is a surprising matter that a girl child also comes like a boy child from mother’s womb and father’s blood but still that child is unexpected to her parents. In reality, a father and mother can never hate their children. Actually, the society made the rule to neglect the girl children. As Bangladesh is considers as a Muslim country, most of its population are Muslim. The Bangladeshi people thought that their religion had ordered them to keep their women and female children inside the house and keep them in safe. As a result, the parents always wanted a male child to earn for the family and protect their old age. From a theological research, it has found that the beliefs which were followed by our ancestors were based on wrong concepts. The holy books actually suggested keeping women in safe, not to confine them into four walls where they do not have any liberty. These books also suggested that a woman can even participate in the warfare if she is able to protect herself. Very slowly but the people started to change their mentality when they were becoming educated and started realizing that it was useless to achieve success without women as a mother is the first teacher of a child. If a mother is illiterate there is much possibility that the child will be uneducated. To cure this problem, Begum Rokeya, the pioneer of giving the light of education to the Muslim Bengali girls. This social movement of educating girls was very slow and at that time people were against of this blessed work. She kept patience and opened a girls’ school. She made people to understand about the benefit of the girl’s education by giving the religious points. Though it took time to convince people, it worked. People understood the necessity of the girls’ education and started sending their daughters into the school. This idea was so effective because a nation can have more achievements if the entire nation works together for success, not the half of the nation. The government also realized that this is an innovative idea and so the†¦ It is the height of selfishness for men, who fully appreciate in their own case the great advantage of a good education, to deny these advantages to women. There is no valid argument by which the exclusion of the female sex from the privilege of education can be defended. It is argued that women have their domestic duties to perform and that, if they were educated, they would bury themselves in their books and have little time for atten ding to the management of their households. Of course, it is possible for women as it is for men to neglect work in order to spare more time for reading sensational novels. But women are no more liable to this temptation than men and most women would be able to do their household work the entire better for being able to refresh their minds in the intervals of leisure with a little reading. Nay, education would even help them in the performance of the narrowest sphere of womanly duty. For education involves knowledge of the means by which health may be preserved and enable a mother to consult such modern books as will tell her how to rear up her children into healthy men and women and skillfully nurse them and her husband, when disease attacks her household. Without education she will not be averse to listen, with fatal results, to the advice of superstitious quacks that pretend to work wonder by charms and magic. But, according to higher conception of women’s sphere, women ought to be something more than a household drudge. She ought to be able not merely to nurse her husband in sickness but also to be his companion in health. For this part of her wifely duty, education is necessary, for there cannot be congenial companionship between an educated husband and an uneducated wife who can converse with her husband on no higher subject than cookery and servant’s wages. Also, one of a mother’s highest duties is the education of her children at the time when their mind is not amenable to instruction. A child’s whole future life, to a large extent, depends on the teaching it receives in early childhood and it is needless to say that this first foundation of education cannot be well laid by an ignorant mother. On all these grounds female education is a vital necessity. Gender inequality in education is extreme. Girls are less likely to access school, to remain in school or to achieve in education. Education helps men and women claim their rights and realise their potential in the economic, political and social arenas. It is also the single most powerful way to lift people out of poverty. Education plays a particularly important role as a foundation for girls’ development towards adult life. It should be an intrinsic part of any strategy to address the gender-based discrimination against women and girls that remains prevalent in many societies. The following links will further explain the necessity of girls’/women’s education. Education is a right Cultural changes Better health and awareness Poverty reduction Education is a right Everybody has the right to education, which has been recognised since the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) in 1948. The right to free and compulsory primary education, without discrimination and of good quality, has been reaffirmed in all major international human rights conventions. Many of these same instruments encourage, but do not guarantee, post-primary education. These rights have been further elaborated to address issues like quality and equity, moving forward the issue of what the right to education means, and exploring how it can be achieved. As a minimum: states must ensure that basic education is available, accessible, acceptable and adaptable for all. (4A scheme) The right of girls to education is one of the most critical of all rights – because education plays an important role in enabling girls and women to secure other rights. Cultural changes Cultural and traditional values stand between girls and their prospects for education. The achievement of girls’ right to education can address some of societies’ deeply rooted inequalities, which condemn millions of girls to a life without quality education – and, therefore, also all too often to a life of missed opportunities. Improving educational opportunities for girls and women helps them to develop skills that allow them to make decisions and influence community change in key areas. One reason for denying girls and women their right to an education is rarely articulated by those in charge: that is their fear of the power that girls will have through education. There is still some resistance to the idea that girls and women can be trusted with education. Education is also seen in some societies as a fear of change and now with globalization, the fear becomes even greater- fear to lose the cultural identity, fear of moving towards the unknown or the unwanted, fear of dissolving in the many others. Better health Basic education provides girls and women with an understanding of basic health, nutrition and family planning, giving them choices and the power to decide over their own lives and bodies. Women’s education leads directly to better reproductive health, improved family health, economic growth, for the family and for society, as well as lower rates of child mortality and malnutrition. It is also key in the fight against the spread of HIV & AIDS. Poverty reduction Educating girls and women is an important step in overcoming poverty. Inequality and poverty are not inevitable. â€Å"The focus on poverty reduction enables the right to education to be a powerful tool in making a change in the lives of girls and women. Poverty has been universally affirmed as a key obstacle to the enjoyment of human rights, and it has a visible gender profile. The main reason for this is the fact that poverty results from violations of human rights, including the right to education, which disproportionately affect girls and women. Various grounds of discrimination combine, trapping girls in a vicious downward circle of denied rights. Denial of the right to education leads to exclusion from the labour market and marginalisation into the informal sector or unpaid work. This perpetuates and increases women’s poverty. †

The Mass Culture Critique and Perezhilton.Com - 1904 Words

The past two years has seen the media landscape undergo significant developments. New technology, such as the Internet, has fuelled the emergence of new media forms and schisms within the media industry. Mario Armando Lavandeira’s Hollywood celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com, exploits a new brand of journalism – blogging. There are innumerable media theories which could be used to analyse such a specific example of the media. This essay will explore Mass Culture Critique and its critical relation to PerezHilton.com by investigating mass communication concepts such as hegemony, aesthetic levels, economic motivation, and passive consumers. Mass society theory emerged in the late nineteenth century when the invention of the†¦show more content†¦The Independent (2007) reports that Lavandeira has never been motivated by money, he just wants as many people as possible to read the website. Lavandeira has admitted his desire to become a celebrity himself, and along with others in the media industry, he seeks respect and esteem, especially from A-list celebrities. There are, however, concerns about his gargantuan popularity. PerezHilton.com is reported to attract between two to eight million viewers per day, raising questions to whether this mass blog will eventually â€Å"sell-out† to desperately eager advertising companies. â€Å"The mass media are dominated – or too much influenced – by advertisers.† It is true that Lavandeira relies on advertising and sponsorship to maintain his site as it defrays numerous copyright infringement lawsuits; however, he continues to write his blogs without altering the content or making it subservient to the site’s advertising. Due to his infamous popularity, advertisers need PerezHilton.com as much as it needs them. If anything, Lavandeira uses the blog to advertise himself and his perspective of particular celebrities. â€Å"The mass media do not provide an adequate forum for minority views – the dissident and unorthodox.† Conversely, mass media, and the Internet inShow MoreRelatedThe Mass Culture Critique And Perezhilton.Com Essay1851 Words   |  8 PagesArmando Lavandeira’s Hollywood celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com, exploits a new brand of journalism – blogging. There are innumerable media theories which could be used to analyse such a specific example of the media. This essay will explore Mass Culture Critique and its critical relation to PerezHilton.com by investigating mass communication concepts such as hegemony, aesthetic levels, economic motivation, and passive consumers. Mass society theory emerged in the late nineteenth centuryRead MoreImportance of Blogs and Online Journalism1853 Words   |  8 Pagesbelieved that the future of journalism will be digital and include a greater number of independent journalists (Gasher, Skinner, Lorimer, 2012). While it is believed that this will lead to more journalistic independence, the movement also has its critiques. It is thought, for example, that journalists will struggle to keep up with the high speeds of new media, confining them to their desks and preventing story development (Gasher, Skinner, Lorimer, 2012). This instantaneous movement of informationRead MoreHow the ‘Culture Industry’ had Profound Social Impacts in Society2017 Words   |  9 Pagesphilosophers developed the ‘Culture Industry Theory’ in the 1940s, in light of the disturbed society they had seen during this time. They witnessed how Nazi Fascism used mass media such as films, radio and newspapers to brainwash millions into partaking in this ideology. Similarly they saw the rise of Capitalism in America, which also used mass media such as Hollywood films and advertising to disseminate the masses into the capitalist Ideology. This essay will evaluate how the ‘culture industry’ had profoundRead MoreGp Essay Mainpoints24643 Words   |  99 PagesEthics b. Government and scientist role in science c. Rely too much on technology? d. Nuclear technology e. Genetic modification f. Right tech for wrong reasons 3. Arts/Culture a. Arts have a future in Singapore? b. Why pursue Arts? c. Arts and technology d. Uniquely Singapore: Culture 4. Environment a. Developed vs. Developing b. Should environment be saved at all costs c. Are we doing enough to save the environment? d. Main reasons for environmental problems