Digital Technologies are Powerful Tools for Education

Digital technologies, radio and TV can be powerful tools for education. Dr. Samuel Chindaro said, â€Å"They can inspire, engage and provide young people with important skills.† Education and human capital are fundamental to the socio-economic development of Zimbabwe. Utilizing information, media and communication technology (ICT) will help Zimbabwe battle their educational problems. ICT includes radio, television, and digital technologies such as computers and the Internet, each are powerful instruments for educational change and reform. â€Å"These technologies can help expand access to education, strengthen the relevance of education to the increasingly digital world, and raise educational quality by, among others, helping make teaching and learning into an engaging, active process connected to real life,† (Chindaro 2013). Furthermore technology can be used to replace the insufficiencies in the education system. For example, boosting administrative and teaching adept ness, assuaging under-resourcing and supporting teachers who lack supplies. The utilization of media and communication can also be used to create a public awareness campaign for Zimbabwe’s education system whose goal will be to reinforce the importance of education. This can be done through music festivals and other forms of public art, advertisements and media coverage. â€Å"We are at an exciting time of enhanced public awareness and interest in human rights. We must not lose our chance to help make HRE a critical approachShow MoreRelatedDigital Storytelling And Its Effect On Student Learning1737 Words   |  7 Pages21st century, educators believe using technology can be an effective factor in education for the new generation, making educational goals easier to achieve. In fact, technology is being studied by teachers and implemented into classrooms for a positive effect on student learning. Many teachers are integrating multimedia tools in teaching students different skills including synthesizing, analyzing, evaluating, and presenting informatio n. When students use technology, they learn to convert data into informationRead MoreClassroom Is Not The Classroom Of Yesterday1050 Words   |  5 Pagesyesterday. We are accountable so much more to the learning needs of our students. The use of technology in the classroom is changing the way in which we teach our students. We have a responsibility to prepare students for the demands of an ever-changing world, through facilitating learning in a technology rich environment, where students and teachers don’t just learn about technology, they use it to achieve powerful learning and teaching and improve student learning outcomes. The challenge is to createRead MoreDigital Devices Are Important For College Students853 Words   |  4 Pagesothers. However, most of their answers have in common: digital devices. As the most popular tool for college students, digital devices are irreplaceable due to their importance of college students’ education which assists them to gain enormous information with the coupling of lectures. More than Textbook Compared to the college students several decades ago, the students in the modern era can expand their knowledge with the help of digital technology instead of linear learning, the traditional learningRead MoreCritical Thinking And Problem Solving Skills1648 Words   |  7 PagesCritical thinking and problem solving skills have epitomised education throughout history. As time has passed; the education system has become increasingly complex with the integration of learning theories, pedagogies, transformative learning spaces, behavioural management and most importantly; the evolution and role of technology. Learners within the 21st Century are experiencing an education where they are taught to collaboratively communicate and construct new understandings, while acquiring higherRead MoreHow Technology Can Be Incorporated Into The Everyday Curriculum1532 Words   |  7 PagesTechnology is defined as a body of knowledge used to create tools, develop skills, and extract or collect materia ls. The rapid and constant pace of change in technology in today’s world is creating so many opportunities for schools all over Jamaica. Some of these opportunities include greater access to rich, multimedia content, the increasing use of online course taking to offer classes not otherwise available, the widespread accessibility of mobile computing devices that can access the InternetRead MoreHow Technology Has Revolutionized Education1076 Words   |  5 PagesTechnology and education can be a powerful combination/Technology has revolutionized education for the better. However, rather than completely embracing the modern trend of learning, many institutions have instigated limitations on the use of technology in an academic setting. It can potentially do students a disservice if used inappropriately. Conversely, class-oriented electronic devices including overhead projectors, computers, laptops, and assistive equipment for special education can be veryRead MoreIs More Substa nce, Less Hype788 Words   |  4 PagesI chose to read is More Substance, Less Hype: Using Digital Texts to Support Readers by Sarah Lundy. Lundy is a social studies teacher in the Pacific North West who incorporated digital texts in the classroom. Her goal was not to add technology to the classroom just to be more relevant or hip, but she added digital texts to differentiate, scaffold, and accommodate her students. She said, â€Å"A thoughtfully designed digital text provides a powerful resource for meeting diverse learning needs while developingRead MorePros and Cons of Using Electronic Gadgets in Studying1694 Words   |  7 Pagesfor the roaring digital minds. Does the use of digital technology really improve specific language, cognitive, or literacy skills? Well, this is really a broad, complicated question. Actually, each area is broad and complex. In addition, the definition of improvement also becomes complicated and, perhaps, narrow, if we only address those skills related to the traditional print culture. We are going to look at the positive and negative effects of using digital technology in education. Rapid developmentsRead MoreThe Importance of Technology to 21st Century Learners Essay912 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout history technology has been the driving force of change. From movable type, to television, to the Internet, technology has been embraced and incorporated into our daily lives. Within the constructs of civilized society, the vast rewards of technological innovations have far outweighed the negatives. The digital revolution has altered conceptions of time and distance. It has created a wealth of information that is available at the stroke of a key. Not since the invention of the printingRead MoreInternet Based Educational Support for Students in Developing Countries1400 Words   |  6 Pageswards the internet is a tool for transfer of information. It can also be used for business and education. Many people communicate and exchange ideas through the internet. The internet also has forums where people can talk, do business and solve problems. It has made the in ternet one of the most powerful medium for exchange and transfer of ideas. This has also made it a major tool for educating people in the world. So the need and importance of the internet as a tool for education can’t be over emphasized

Advanced Remuneration and Performance †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Advanced Remuneration and Performance. Answer: Introduction The word remuneration implies pay or compensation. Remuneration system can be defined as the system which directly affects the success of the organization. From the perspective of organizations it is a much broader term as it also includes bonuses, commissions, other payments or rewards and benefits (Bratton Gold, 2017). The purpose behind having remuneration system is to attract the top talent. As by having a competitive remuneration plan, one can attract and retain the top talent towards the organization. Here in the OMeara Electronics Company, the purpose behind new remuneration management is to have participative approach which implies the involvement of everybody in the organization. The company also want to shift from position based to person based system to retain the actual capable staff. Position based remuneration system involves the structure of positions in which roles and functions is to be defined in the organization, at the time of providing the ability to associate employees to particular positions. In position based system the position of the applicants itself become the point of determining base pay. It can be further explained as the traditional remuneration structure in which jobs are slotted into salary scales (Morris Venkatesh, 2010). The organization can track all of the weak spots in the organization by using information related to defined position. The employees log in and out of the position but the information remains as it is (constant). Under this system salary for a job is decided on the basis of its responsibilities. It has many advantages such as hierarchical organizational structure, generates the possibilities and paths for promotions. As compare to person based system, it is much simpler as the person based system involves more work to define knowledge, skills and competencies. Most of the companies would like to have position based structures. It also has some disadvantages such as it is less suitable for team based structures and incentives. The person on the job may not be capable for it. It generates the compromise of honesty in job descriptions and job valuations. Person based remuneration system Person based structure can be defined as the structure which needs proper understanding of the task and responsibilities of the jobs. To develop the person based structure one requires to know the job analysis and job descriptions. In person based remuneration system, salary and pay is to be decided on the basis of persons knowledge not on the basis of position. The difference between both the systems is that; in person based system, the organization compensates the employees on the basis of their knowledge, skills and competencies. In position based, they compensate the employees on the basis of their previous positions (job position) (Bernsten, Andersson, Gariepy, Simoens, 2010). It has many advantages such as it plays the role of an incentive for self-development. It also provides security to the employees by enhancing their skills. It reduces the need of promotion. It also has some disadvantages such as it reduces the possibilities and paths for promotions. It reduces the level of motivation for the employees as there is no scope left for growth. Basic salary can be defined as the amount to be paid to the employees after adding or deducting any extra amount. Deductions such as any extra leaves and salary sacrifice schemes and additions such as bonus, overtime, incentives and allowances. Commission can be explained as the payment given to the employees for rendering and selling the goods and services to the consumers. The payment can be calculated on the basis of the percentage of the sold goods and rendered services. Compensation can be explained as the amount of pay which is to be provided to the employees in return of some work or performance required. The pay can be in monetary or non-monetary terms. It can be further explained as the combination of the worth of the pay, bonuses, health insurance, vacation and any other incentive received by the employees for example, free lunches, parking and free events. These elements are generally involved in case of compensation. Executive compensation can be defined as the monetary or non-monetary amount received by the employees from the organization. It is the combination of salary, bonuses, shares, incentives and perquisites. This differs substantially from other ordinary pay packages for hourly workers and salaried professionals. Executive pay aims at rewarding the employee for actual results. Therefore if the employees underperform in the organization, then they will be getting the reward as per their performance (Noe, Hollenbeck, Gerhart Wright, 2003). On the contrary, if the employees meet the target as per the requirement then they will be getting higher pay as per their good performance Deferred compensation can be explained as the portion of the income of the employee which will be received by him/her after a particular period. For instance, employee stock options, pensions and retirement plans. Employee stock option can be explained as the stock option given to the employees in which the employees can have the shares at predetermined cost and can keep them for a specific period. Employee benefits are the benefits which are received by the employees in addition to their basic salary. For instance, housing facility (furnished or not), health insurance, dental insurance, life insurance, disability income protection retirement benefits and other specialized benefits (Milkovich, Newman, Milkovich, 1999). A performance linked incentive is an incentive which is totally based on the performance of the employees. It varies with the performance given by the employees. It is generally being included in the employment contract (Armstrong, 2010). Significance of remuneration system at workplace Remuneration includes financial and non-financial components. It often includes an executives basic salary and additional benefits for instance, health insurance, retirement plans and performance related bonuses. The remuneration packages that offers by the organization to the employees influence the rate of recruitment, retention and employee satisfaction. Many federal laws also influence the compensation under the remuneration system offered by the business. The owner of the organization must understand the significance of having a good remuneration system in the organization (Tzafestas, 2013). The compensation packages in the remuneration system offered by the business play significant role in the organizations capability to attract the top talent. Employees who performed well can create great impact on the competitiveness and productivity of the small business organizations. The particular factors of an attractive compensation package differ per employee. High packages may attract the top talented job candidates. From the point of view of John Rossheim of Monster.com, managers should recruit a candidate after researching about the previous salary and benefits so that they can get the idea of what is more essential for the candidate (Altbach, 2012). Compensation packages in the remuneration system often influence the motivation and job satisfaction of the employees. From the point of view of Mae Lon Ding of Personnel Systems Associates, compensation systems positively influence the performance of the large number of workers. If the employer distributes and share the profits with the employees working in the organization, the employees will feel motivated and help the organization in achieving the desired goals and objectives (Kwenin, Muathe Nzulwa, 2013). The biggest impact of funds is on the efficiency and performance in jobs. Performance is directly linked with compensation. For instance, the sales person will likely to get motivated by receiving the bonus after accomplishing the desired sales quota and it will further increase the productivity. For running a successful organization it is necessary to sustain the productive employees. Sustaining the productive employees implies less cost on training and efficient and effective workforce. Most of the employees desire for health insurance and retirement packages from their employers. To retain the employees for long period of time, the organization should offer these kinds of benefits. There are also some other ways to sustain the employees in the organization such as regular promotions, which will provide the high basic salary as well as the capability to take more of responsibilities in the organization (Epstein Buhovac, 2014) Several laws govern the compensation and wages offered to employees at small firms. The act called Fair Labour Standards governs the federal minimum wage, child labour, equal pay and overtime wages. The act called Equal Pay forbids the discrimination on gender basis. Under this act, an organization may still base compensation in the case of seniority or merit. If the organization fails to follow the laws of compensation, it will definitely result into different penalties against the organization (Gerhart Bretz 1994). Recommendation Person based system is recommended for OMeara Electronics Company as it provides several advantages to the companys remuneration system. The person based system can be defined as the system in which organization compensates the employees on the basis of their knowledge, skills and competencies. In the position based system there are many disadvantages for the organization. It is less suitable for team based structures and incentives. It may be possible that the person on the job may not be capable for it (Nankervis, Baird, Coffey Shields, 2013). It also generates the compromise of honesty in job descriptions and job valuations. Sometimes the candidates come with the fake experience as to have the high salary package in the organization but they do not have the desired knowledge for that post (Bratton Gold, 2017). In the person based system, people get employed on the basis of their knowledge and knowledge can be checked by preparing specific test paper as per the jobs. So it is mor e fair system then the position based system. Person based system is the right system for the company called OMeara Electronics as it serves many advantages to the company. It helps in recruiting the top talented staff for the company. It also plays the role of an incentive for self-development. It provides security to the employees by enhancing their skills (Armstrong, 2010). In addition to this it also reduces the need of promotion. Salary increment will be done on the basis of increase or decrease in knowledge of the person. Therefore in every way it is the fairest system for the company and employees. For example, John and Dan go for an interview. John has the experience of 2 years as junior manager in some company and Dan has excessive knowledge for the post of senior manager. As compared to John, Dan has more knowledge for the post therefore he is more capable for the job because he has excessive knowledge and he can justify the remuneration paid to him by handling the responsibilities properly (Frydman Saks, 2010). Conclusion The essay includes about the system of remuneration in the organization. Point of view of organizations has also been discussed in the essay. So from the point of view of organization remuneration is a much broader term as it includes bonuses, commissions, other payments or rewards and benefits. In this essay I have also explained two different system that are position based and person based system. Analysis of the same also has been included in the essay. In addition to this, elements of remuneration system is also explained and in the last I have recommended the person based system for OMeara Electronics Company. References Altbach, P. G. (Ed.). (2012). Paying the professoriate: A global comparison of compensation and contracts. Routledge. Armstrong, M. (2010). Armstrong's handbook of reward management practice: Improving performance through reward. Kogan Page Publishers. Bernsten, C., Andersson, K., Gariepy, Y., Simoens, S. (2010). A comparative analysis of remuneration models for pharmaceutical professional services. Health policy, 95(1), 1-9. Bratton, J., Gold, J. (2017). Human resource management: theory and practice. Palgrave. Epstein, M. J., Buhovac, A. R. (2014). Making sustainability work: Best practices in managing and measuring corporate social, environmental, and economic impacts. Berrett-Koehler Publishers. Frydman, C., Saks, R. E. (2010). Executive compensation: A new view from a long-term perspective, 19362005. The Review of Financial Studies, 23(5), 2099-2138. Gerhart, B., Bretz Jr, R. D. (1994). Employee compensation. Wiley, New York. Kwenin, D. O., Muathe, S., Nzulwa, R. (2013). The influence of employee rewards, human resource policies and job satisfaction on the retention of employees in Vodafone Ghana Limited. European Journal of Business and Management, 5(12), 13-20. Milkovich, G. T., Newman, J. M., Milkovich, C. (1999). Compensation (pp. 300-530). Burr Ridge, IL: Irwin/McGraw-Hill. Morris, M. G., Venkatesh, V. (2010). Job characteristics and job satisfaction: understanding the role of enterprise resource planning system implementation. Mis Quarterly, 143-161. Nankervis, A. R., Baird, M., Coffey, J., Shields, J. (2013). Human resource management: strategy and practice. Noe, R. A., Hollenbeck, J. R., Gerhart, B., Wright, P. M. (2003). Gaining a competitive advantage. Irwin: McGraw-Hill. Shields, J., Brown, M., Kaine, S., Dolle-Samuel, C., North-Samardzic, A., McLean, P., ... Plimmer, G. (2015). Managing Employee Performance Reward: Concepts, Practices, Strategies. Cambridge University Press. Tzafestas, S. G. (Ed.). (2013). Knowledge-based system diagnosis, supervision, and control. Springer Science Business Media.

Environmental and Cultural Impact of Bottled Water

Abstract An entrenched belief in people’s minds that bottled water is superior to tap water has triggered a chain of environmental and cultural challenges to policy makers and environmentalists in conserving the environment and while ensuring quality water for consumers.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Environmental and Cultural Impact of Bottled Water specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The problem of disposing water bottles by enforcing policies for responsible waste bottle disposal, alternative forms of producing water bottles that are environmentally friendly and economically viable alternatives to justify the existence of water bottling industries in the society defines the problem statement. Specifically, the approach to solving the problem will span a careful investigation into the effects of bottled water and waste bottles in the environment, through the collection and analysis of primary data, inter viewing company executives that bottle water, and analyze methods used to curb environmental pollutions. Inn conclusion, these could result in efficient approaches to waste bottle disposal, provision of clean water in harmony with environmental and cultural environment and effective policy formulation and enforcement. Introduction Many and divergent views have been held over time by consumers of bottled water. Specifically, bottled water consumers have regarded this water as safe and of good quality for consumption. This belief has generated a chain of environmental and cultural concerns for policy makers and enforcers over the production and ineffective disposal methods. The research will focus on the impact and enforcement of disposal policies and environmental pollution, conduct an investigation into various areas, analyze different research methods, analyze research methods and draw conclusions from the study for effective approaches to environmental conservation in harmony with the cultural environment. The research will come up with strategic approaches to enforcing policies for environmental conservation, excellent and alternative methods of bottled water manufacture and better and viable alternatives for fuel saving in the production process. Body Thesis statement: Bottled water has had diverse environmental and cultural impacts spanning policy formulation and enforcement strategies. According to Hall (2007, p. 7), bottled water is a widely consumed product. This is an industry that many companies have strategically invested in. The wide usages of these products have environmental and cultural consequences that need to be addressed.Advertising Looking for report on environmental studies? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More According to Goodman (2009, p.3), waste bottles when ineffectively disposed of litter and lead to environmental pollution that in the end become both culturally and environmentally destructive. This concern and the approaches used to manufacture these bottles is a course for concern to the researcher. In addition to that, the quest to provide quality water and efficient manufacturing processes and policy enforcement strategies will be the basis of the research. The specific audience will span policy makers and law enforcement agencies, environmental conservation groups and agencies, manufacturing and recycling companies, water bottling companies and individual consumers. To effectively formulate and implement policies for environmental conservation, the research will analyze the impact of those policies, analyze the quality of water in these bottles, the extent to which current bottle disposal approaches have polluted the environment, analyze consumer behavior and attitudes, company manufacturing and packaging methods, and critically look at available literature spanning all aspects of culture, the environment, and water consumption (Sharfstein,  2010, p. 1 ). Conclusion According to the research proposal, an analysis of the environmental impact of disposing waste water bottles, disposal methods, manufacturing methods, policy formulation and enforcement in the manufacturing methods and use of these bottles, and the quality of water sold out to the consumer formed the backbone of the research. In addition to that, various cultural attachments and consumer attitudes besides the recycling strategies and possible alternatives or efficient recycling methods and efficient fuel usage in the whole process was a vital consideration in the research. Reference List Goodman, S. (2009). Fewer regulations for bottled water than tap, GAO says. Web. Hall, N. (2007). Federal and State Laws Regarding Bottled Water – An Overview and Recommendations for Reform. Web.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Environmental and Cultural Impact of Bottled Water specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn Mor e Sharfstein. J.M. (2010). â€Å"Regulations of bottled water†. Web. This report on Environmental and Cultural Impact of Bottled Water was written and submitted by user Josue J. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Environmental and cultural impact of bottled water

Central Michigan University Admissions Requirements

Central Michigan University Admissions Requirements Central Michigan University is a generally accessible school, admitting over two-thirds of those who apply each year. As part of the application process, prospective students should submit scores from either the ACT or SAT. In addition, students should submit a completed application, high school transcripts, and an application fee. Students are encouraged to visit the campus, and to schedule an interview with an admissions counselor. Central Michigans website has more information, and interested students are welcome to ask any questions they have about the schools admissions process. Will You Get In? Calculate Your Chances of Getting In  with this free tool from Cappex Admissions Data (2016) Central Michigan University Acceptance Rate: 72%GPA, SAT and ACT Graph for CMU AdmissionsTest Scores: 25th / 75th PercentileSAT Critical Reading: 450  / 570SAT Math: 440 / 570SAT Writing: - / -What these SAT numbers meanMichigan public university SAT score comparisonMid-American SAT comparisonACT Composite: 20 / 25ACT English: 20 / 25ACT Math: 18 / 25What these ACT numbers meanMichigan public university ACT score comparisonMid-American ACT comparison Central Michigan University Description Central Michigan University, located in Mount Pleasant, is the fourth largest of  Michigans 15 public universities. Central Michigan has many notable academic features including undergraduate programs in microscopy and meteorology, the largest leisure studies program in the country, and the first accredited athletic training program in the U.S. Popular undergraduate majors include business, education, exercise science, and communications. The university is moderately selective with an average 3.3 GPA among matriculated students. CMU has a 21 to 1  student / faculty ratio. In athletics, the Central Michigan Chippewas compete in the NCAA Division I  Mid-American Conference  (MAC). Popular sports include football, basketball, field hockey, soccer, and track and field. Enrollment (2016) Total Enrollment: 25,986  (19,877 undergraduates)Gender Breakdown: 43% Male / 57% Female86% Full-time Costs (2016 - 17) Tuition and Fees: $12,150 (in-state); $23,670 (out-of-state)Books: $1,000 (why so much?)Room and Board: $9,406Other Expenses: $938Total Cost: $23,494 (in-state); $35,014 (out-of-state) Central Michigan University Financial Aid (2015- 16) Percentage of New Students Receiving Aid: 95%Percentage of New Students Receiving Types of AidGrants: 81%Loans: 82%Average Amount of AidGrants: $8,544Loans: $6,109 Academic Programs Most Popular Majors:  Accounting, Business Administration, Communication Studies, Community Organization, Education, Entrepreneurship, Finance, Kinesiology, Marketing, PsychologyWhat major is right for you?  Sign up to take the free My Careers and Majors Quiz at Cappex. Graduation and Retention Rates First Year Student Retention (full-time students): 78%4-Year Graduation Rate: 22%6-Year Graduation Rate: 57% Intercollegiate Athletic Programs Mens Sports:  Track and Field, Basketball, Baseball, Wrestling, Football, Cross CountryWomens Sports:  Gymnastics, Softball, Soccer, Volleyball, Track and Field, Basketball, Field Hockey, Cross Country Data Source National Center for Educational Statistics If You Like CMU, You May Also Like These Schools Michigan State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphOakland University: Profile  Albion College: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphDelta College: Profile  Grand Valley State University: Profile | GPA-SAT-ACT GraphUniversity of Toledo: Profile  Northern Michigan University: Profile  Alma College: Profile  Ferris State University: Profile  Eastern Michigan University: Profile  Lake Superior State University: Profile

Cutting Operating Cost Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Cutting Operating Cost - Essay Example Therefore, by cutting operating costs, Method will be able to reduce its liabilities and increase its assets. This means that if the company had been spending $200 million on expenses, and then it manages to cut this to $150, the company will be able to decrease liabilities by $50 million. This, on the other hand, will increase the assets of the company by $50 million in the form of hard cash or money in the bank. The method may decide to invest in green business activities, which may prove to be expensive initially or in the short run. In order to undertake such activities, the company might be forced to purchase new equipment or upgrade its equipment to make sure that it is able to embrace green business activities. This may prove costly in the short run. However, in the long run, this may help the company save costs and improve efficiency. For instance, when method decided to improve the efficiency of their shipping, they decided to purchase biodiesel trucks. These were additional costs to the company. However, they helped the company to save on fuel used for shipping. This is due to the fact that the trucks that use biodiesel fuel are able to get 13% more miles for each diesel gallon. Yes, I think that over the years household companies have realized that green products can help them be efficient and save costs. Research conducted in the year 2008 showed that the use of eco-friendly household products was expected to rise from 3% in the year 2008 to about 30% by the year 2013. This is a huge increase and in order to tap into this market, many households companies have decided to go green. In addition to tap into this ever-growing market for eco-friendly household products, the companies may also have realized the benefits that they may enjoy by growing green.  

Walt Disney and Customer Relationship Marketing Research Paper

Walt Disney and Customer Relationship Marketing - Research Paper Example The theme parks are one of the most preferred attractions with every park exhibiting different appeal and feeling. The Magic Kingdom is based on the structure of Cinderella Castle, Epcot exhibits the structure of Spaceship Earth, Disney’s Hollywood Studio is based on the structure of the Sorcerer’s Hat and the Disney Animal Kingdom looks like the Tree of Life. It can be assumed that with different structure and appeal, Disney has been successful in attracting different customers and can be considered as a good strategy (Koenig, David (2007). However, with things settling down, same attracting structures need to add value in terms of keeping the feeling of being attracted alive. The discussion aims at highlighting the customer relationship management practices of Disney along with developing and designing new practices to address key issues like sliding attendance figures of employees and decreasing revenues along with customer’s shift of attention towards other recreational activities in the absence of innovative CRM practices. Customer relationship management is considered one of the most important management tools enhancing business prospects by earning the loyalty and trust of customers for a long period of time. The study is based on the customer relationship management practices of Disney that offered great presence, reach and acceptance in the past. However, with the change in the social and demographic factors embedded with customer preferences; Disney is facing new challenges in the form of customer turnoffs, less customer attendance and decline in the interest and urges to visit the park. The customer relationship management of the organization has been quite commendable considering the high pressure in the service industry. It included the balanced mixture of technology interfaces and human interfaces but issues were not addressed and answered creating a need for another CRM practices or program with better prospects and feasibility.

Graffiti Art Essay Example for Free

Graffiti Art Essay In the late 1960s’s, another art genre was recognized and developed although its lack of form and other basic aesthetic elements has been once a topic of debates as regard its acceptance in the artistic world. Obviously, it differs from the works of art found in museums and galleries and its kind are not found in those elite locations because its location is specific. The location of graffiti art has been actually a subject of oppositions as well as its bold, unexpected and unconventional presentation. Although still, its location, may it be illegal, does not disqualify it as art. Thus, graffiti art is a form of art despite criticisms on its legality, coherence and presentation. It is also argued that graffiti art is a form of vandalism, but this is true only if they appeared on private or public property without permission. Graffiti art is indeed another genre of visual masterpiece. Graffiti comes from â€Å"grafficar†, an Italian word for drawings, markings, patterns, scribbles, or messages that are painted, written, or carved on a wall or surface. Graffiti is the plural of grafficar. Grafficar also signifies a process meaning to scratch. Examples of which are different wall writings ranging from cave paintings, bathroom scribbles, or any message that is scratched on walls. In the ancient Egypt and Rome, in particular, graffiti has been visible in monuments and building walls which are now being explored. It is originally used to term inscriptions, figure drawings, and other carvings found on the walls of ancient sepulchers or ruins. Examples are the Catacombs, or those found at Pompeii. (Whitford, 1992. pp. 137) In the modern era, present day graffiti is also associated to any unsolicited markings on a private or public property, usually considered to be vandalism. In the early 1970s young New Yorkers has started to adopt tags, signatures and signs using aerosol sprays and markers in public places. The youngsters, belonging to the black and Puerto Rican communities have initiated the tagging which eventually developed and soon covered the citys walls, buses and obviously in subway trains. Tags even cover the entire train. Some may contain screen names or reflections of the writer, comes in subtle and often cryptic messages. Taki, an artist of Greek-American descent, was the first modern identified tagger in New York. He signed himself Taki 183, the number probably derived from the number in his apartment block. Some names also made their appearances in some real urban murals painted with spray-paint. Tags such as Futura 2000, Dust and Pink gained fame and recognition in the world of hip-hops. There were also Basquiat and Haring who also started to work in the street and the subway but their works swiftly spread beyond the works of graffiti. Their works attracted the attention of influential dealers which put them in great demand although their works were considered one of the rare forms of graffiti art. (Graffiti†¦ 2007, p. 1) Tagging and graffiti differs from each other although arguments about this difference still arise. Tagging is associated negatively as gang-motivated and illegal because it is usually meant as vandalism. It is also viewed as too vulgar or controversial to have public value. On the other hand, graffiti can be viewed as creative expression, not to mention its usual link to politics. Main Types of Graffiti Art The main types of graffiti fall into different categories and have their own names which are recognized in cities all over the world. First is â€Å"Hip Hop Graffiti†. This is characterized by ‘pieces’ which hip hop graffitists create by aerosol spray paints. They are large and colorful works, usually including either a complex mix of letters or a cartoon-style picture. This type of graffiti often lacks much thought and planning in design and usually takes an extended period of time. Second is the â€Å"Opportunistic Graffiti† which location is selected impulsively, on the basis of low risk and low natural surveillance. Graffitists of this type usually use tags or scrawling to mark their territory. Third type is the â€Å"Gang Graffiti†. Gang graffiti is not art work but a sophisticated communication to publicize gang power, status, and territory. This type is somehow related to opportunistic graffitists because they also use tags or scrawling to mark territory. But in addition to this, gangs use graffiti to create notoriety or show off their defiance of the law and society, and as a mode of marking their presence. The fourth, the â€Å"Political Social Graffiti† is obviously of racial or political motivation. This is uncommonly regarded as part of the graffiti subculture, although it is recognized as damaging to property. The last type is the â€Å"Commercial Graffiti† which is an emerging civic problem. This involves huge compensations paid by private organizations to graffitists to spray advertising logos onto walkways and buildings for promotions of their products. This type is an illegal form of advertising that avoids normal planning laws. (Stowers 1997, pp. 1-2) Gang Graffiti: The Most Dangerous Graffiti The gang graffiti is the most controversial not just because of the characters of its writings but because of its social impact in the neighborhood. Gang graffiti is an indication of gang presence in the community. Gangs use graffiti as their newspapers, thus they usually call it â€Å"newspaper in the wall† as gangs use them to send messages. This is their way of marking boundaries and warning rival gangs. Graffiti may also be an instrument to advertise drug market or, as a memorial to a killed gang member. Symbols and cryptic writing style is exclusive in each gang. Death warrants and beat downs are known to be posted in graffiti. Upside down or crossed out graffiti generally means a put down or threat to a rival gang or person. (Bland and Read 2000) According to Michael Carlie (2002), graffiti is the most common method of gang communication and a major symbolism of their gang affiliation. Jonathan Kellerman (1994) as cited by Carlie referred to graffiti as â€Å"the hieroglyphics of rage† because of the violence associated with it. On the surface, a person who is not familiar with it might think of graffiti as a simple nonsense painting on the wall or in poles or elsewhere, or just a plain vandal. Carlie adds that among other things, graffiti communicates the â€Å"role call† or the roster of gang members, or the hierarchy of gang members. It also implies whos around, whos with who, whos disrespecting who, which gangs are claiming what territory and which areas are in dispute. It may be an announcement of current gang activities and whos getting ready to attack who, or whos already been killed. A familiar language, for example, is the â€Å"X† which if marked on a member’s name means he is the likely target for an attack or murder. (Carlie 2002, pp. 2) An important not on gang graffiti is, in many ways, it is a code and codes in general are subjects to analysis. Deciphering gang graffiti requires the understanding of the symbols, abbreviations, structure, that composes the gang language. In the United States, gang graffiti is usually based on two dominant styles the L. A. and Chicago styles which vary greatly and influence to some degree across the country. Some gangs use an exclusive style while others use a combination. For example, the Gangster Disciples originated in south-side of Chicago might combine L. A. style gang lettering with Chicago Folks Nation symbols. In New York, Latin Kings might use Chicago Latin King symbols but with New York tagger style graffiti lettering. (Graffiti 2010) These styles and some of the variations are seen throughout the country and a person who understands both styles is more likely to understand most, if not all, gang graffiti. Characters of gang related graffiti has sharp, angular stick letters, or mostly contains religious, even â€Å"satanic† imagery, or is done in one color of paint. Most of the times they are very simple and flat-out which make them easy to figure out. But no matter how simple they appear, it still requires some basic code-breaking skills. (Deciphering Gang†¦2010. p. 1) Figure 1: WS 18 St, HGS West Side Eighteenth Street (gang), Hoover Gangsters (a clique of 18th Street) Two-digit numbers, especially â€Å"13? , â€Å"14? , or â€Å"18? , signifies graffiti for a hispanic gang while three digits, especially if they are the area code of your neighborhood, it’s almost certainly not a hispanic gang, but a typical prison or street sort. Exception to this is numbers followed by â€Å"K† which means a threat from a rival gang. â€Å"WS18? (figure 1) is a tag for the (hispanic) West Side 18th Street gang out of California. â€Å"WS18K† means a threat towards 18th Street by a local gang. Note that â€Å"K† is short for â€Å"Kill†. If there are two digits, see if they’re prefixed by â€Å"N†, â€Å"S†, â€Å"E†, or â€Å"W† (or â€Å"NS†, â€Å"SS†, â€Å"ES†, or â€Å"WS†) which relate to the cardinal directions, and form part of the gang’s identity. Hispanic gangs more often use 13 and 14 the 13th letter of the alphabet is â€Å"M†, which generally stands for â€Å"Mexico† or â€Å"La Eme†, the Mexican Mafia and the 14th letter â€Å"N† generally means â€Å"North† that symbolizes which end of California the gang originated from. It is a division as gangstas from the north and south parts of California frequently clash. Figure 2: Lil Capone WS VSLC, crossed out BK, Crossed out PBGK Lil Capone (name of gang member) West Side Venice Shoreline Crips, Blood Killer, Playboy Gangster Killer (disrespect to rival gangs) Certain patterns appear without the numbers. As always, â€Å"K† is a threat to â€Å"(K)ill†, as are any crossed-out letters. â€Å"A† as in â€Å"Almighty† â€Å"N†, that virtually stands for â€Å"Nation† can be safely ignored. When seen together, which usually occurs, it show up that the gangs used to calling themselves the Almighty Whatever Nation. Figure 3: GD around Star of David with number six inside the star, pitchfork extending from the D Gangsters Disciples with six point star representing GDs and Folks. Pitchford represents GDs and Folks Gangs which are known in the country carry a finite code which makes them easy to identify. â€Å"GD† is the Gangster Disciples and â€Å"VL† are the Vice Lords. â€Å"LK† are the Latin Kings, and â€Å"LQ† the Latin Queens; sometimes when they’re getting along, they’re the LKQ Latin Kings and Queens. Crossed-out letters in gang graffiti usually mean a threat. Letters â€Å"B†, â€Å"C†, â€Å"F†, â€Å"P†, or â€Å"S† crossed-out in a piece of gang graffiti, it signifies a threat towards a gang whose name, â€Å"nation†, or nickname begins with that crossed out letter. In the Vice Lord tag, the letter â€Å"C† is not crossed out which tells you the local Vice Lords don’t have complaints with the (C)rips. Gangs should write very carefully because all too often, little slights in graffiti like crossing out letters, or painting over rival gangs’ tags, are a sure warning sign of impending gang war. Figure 4: CVLN Conservative Vice Lords Nation. Cane extending from the L is a CVL symbol. Upside down pitchfork shows disrespect towards Fold Nation gangs. Knowledge in deciphering gang graffiti introduced you to a neighborhood of gangs. In (figure 4) the â€Å"C† is short for â€Å"Conservative†. The â€Å"Conservative Vice Lords† are one of several dozen larger Vice Lord â€Å"sets† around United States. Some communities have taken a massive campaign against graffiti and also intensifies gang reduction. In Florida, the Florida Department of Corrections website posts information to help educate the public in reducing gang activities, which imposes threat to the community. Some gangs, the website says, even use graffiti as Death warrants to authorities specifically to police officers. Community awareness program in most part of America uses the 4 Rs of graffiti to intensify campaign against gangs and gang graffiti. The slogan says, â€Å"READ IT, RECORD IT, REPORT IT REMOVE IT†. (Deciphering Gang†¦2010, p. 1) Thus, citizens should read it and report it to police, and police will record it and then remove it. These steps are important but the removal of the graffiti is the most risky. Removal of graffiti manifests the neighborhoods refusal to be dominated or intimidated by gangs which is a language most gang members understand. Neighborhood residents who ignore graffiti and bother not to remove them are viewed as frightened and weak by the gangs who made them. At the worst, there are instances that gang members attack people who attempt to remove or cover their graffiti. Gang graffiti is the most dangerous of all graffiti and can usually be found around community rail stations. It marks territory and rival gangs usually challenge for territory by crossing out another gangs graffiti. It imposes real and great danger to the residents. Messages in graffiti are taken seriously by gangsters and the longer graffiti is, the greater the risk that the threats will be acted on. Graffiti is a gateway crime and membership in gangs certainly guarantees a criminal record. Since juvenile of minor age receives more lenience when it comes to punishment, the minors are the usual target of recruitment and the doer of crimes. Residents Against Graffiti Everywhere (RAGE) is a community group that looks at social issues and works with local councils and Governments towards promoting a zero tolerance policy on graffiti. (Bland and Read 2000, p. 179) By legal definition, graffiti is vandalism. It is the unauthorized application of markings on someone else’s property, especially without permission. Therefore, legality wise it is a crime. The manner that graffiti is regularly produced as illegal detracts it from the concept to be considered an art form. Very unfortunately that graffiti is responded with outrage over the abuse of someone’s property. This negative connotation may take away the value or impact of the artist’s original message. Perhaps, it would be better to get permission from the owner of the â€Å"canvas† to display the art. Yet, graffiti still elicits emotional response even in its illegal state. Furthermore, it is composed of lines, shapes, color, tones, and forms in a display that conveys a certain message and elicits an emotion. Therefore, it is safe to say that graffiti is indeed an art. As George Stowers (1997) presented four criteria as basis that some forms of graffiti become a work of art. First, the artists intention to produce a work of art separates graffiti art from everyday graffiti markings. Second, graffiti art established a history of development in style and technique. Third, the art world has already recognized graffiti as an art form. Fourth is the public response to graffiti art indicates that it is art. Regardless of the message it conveys, the fact that graffiti carry the aesthetic and creative symbolism and expression, public agrees that graffiti is a form of art. Like other art forms, graffiti art is a definite art when both the artist and the audience agree on the works ability to provide maximal aesthetic satisfaction. Graffiti is presently known as spray can art which is a form indeed recognized as art. It has form, color, and other base properties as any other art pieces. It also has as an arrangement of these elements into structures that qualify it aesthetically as being art. However, something that is done with spray paint might make it graffiti, but not necessarily qualify as art or graffiti art. Location and presentation still are the factors that hinder the general acceptance of graffiti art. However, the instances that the art world’s acceptance of graffiti art shows that conventional methods of presentation are not all that matters in determining graffiti as an art. Graffiti in the form of spray can art is art like any other work that might be found in a gallery or a museum. References Bland, N. Read, T. (2000). Policing Anti-social Behaviour. Police Research Series 123, Policing and Reducing Crime, British Home Office, London, UK. Carlie, Michael. (2002) Graffiti and Other Gang Identifiers. (Into the Abyss: A Personal Journey into the World of Street Gangs) Retrieved 23 May 2010 from http://faculty. missouristate. edu/m/MichaelCarlie/what_I_learned_about/GANGS/graffiti _and_other_identifiers. htm. Deciphering Gang Graffiti (2008). The Slugsite. com. Retrieved 23 May 2010 from http://www. slugsite. com/archives/825. Graffiti. (2007) The Huntfor. com retrieved 23 May 2010 from http://www. huntfor. com/arthistory/C20th/graffiti. htm.