Pros and Cons of the Scholastic Aptitude Test

Why I chose this topic: Should the SAT be used for college admissions? The SAT has been a huge controversy for a long time, however, it wasn’t until several months after getting into college that I began to really question why it’s used for admission. The only answers I really got from the college board was that it is â€Å"designed to assess your academic readiness for college and provides a path to opportunities, financial support and scholarships, in a way that's fair to all students. It also keeps pace with what colleges are looking for today, measuring the skills required for success in the 21st century. I still was not convinced because not all those answers seemed right to me. What is the SAT: So what is the SAT? The Scholastic Aptitude Test is a standardized test used by college admissions. It is a timed test featuring a Critical Reading, mathematics, and writing section. Pros vs Cons of the SAT: Proponents of the SAT claim that it is a great indicator to colle ges as to how students will do in college since it assesses the critical thinking skills needed. Opponents of the SAT claim that it is a poor indicator of the intelligence of the student. Why it should not be used: Why should the SAT not be used?Before even getting to the components of the test, first lets take into account the fact that a lot of people out there do not have enough money for tutors or books who really need them for preparation. A lot of other people hire tutors or get a lot of books to prepare them well and therefore the preparation itself just went through an unfair process. Secondly, the test is timed and we all work at different paces. There are those of us who can read really fast and get all the information down fast but there are those of us who cant read as fast but can still get down all the information very well.There are those of us who can quickly think about how to format an essay but there are those of us who need more time are can still write a great e ssay. Therefore, the fact that it is timed definitely factors in to not being able to truly indicate how smart the student really is. The SAT is also very culturally biased in the way that there are many people out there who come to the United States late in their school career and barely know any English and are all of a sudden expected to have a great English vocabulary and great English reading skills just to have a chance to go to college.Once again, another reason the SAT does not truly determine the intelligence of the student. Conclusion: The SAT shows how the student did on ONE test as opposed to grades, which show the student did overtime. There are many people out there who are not very good test takers and there were probably many who just did not feel themselves the day of their SAT and ended up doing worse than they were capable of. The SAT is a very biased test in a lot of aspects and should absolutely be abolished because it poorly indicates how smart the student real ly is and, in several cases, how the student can perform in college.

Evolution of Management Essay

EARLY MANAGEMENT Organizations and managers have existed for thousands of years. The Egyptian pyramids and the Great Wall of China were projects of tremendous scope and magnitude, and required good management. Regardless of the titles given to managers throughout history, someone has always had to plan what needs to be accomplished, organize people and materials, lead and direct workers, and impose controls to ensure that goals were attained as planned. Another example of early management can be found in the city of Venice, which was a major economic and trade center in 1400s. the venetians developed an early form of business enterprise and engaged in many activities common to today’s organizations. The venetians used warehouse and inventory systems to keep track of materials, human resource management functions to manage the labor force and an accounting system to keep track of revenues and costs. Two historical events significant to the study of management are work of Adam Smith, in his book,’ The Wealth of Nations’, in which he argued brilliantly for the economic advantages of division of labor (the breakdown of jobs into narrow, repetitive tasks). The Industrial Revolution is second important pre-twentieth-century influence on management. The introduction of machine powers combined with the division of labor made large, efficient factories possible. Planning, organizing, leading, and controlling became necessary activities. There are six major approaches to management. They are explained as follows; 1) SCIENTIFIC MANAGEMENT Scientific management is defined as the use of the scientific method to determine the â€Å"one best way† for a job to be done. The most important contributor in this field was Frederick W. Taylor who is known as the â€Å"father† of scientific management. Using his principles of scientific management; (1) scientifically study each part of a task and develop the best method of performing the task, (2) scientifically select and then  train, teach and develop the worker, (3) cooperate fully with workers to ensure that they use the proper method, (4) divide work and responsibility almost equally between management and workers. Management takes over all work for which it is better fitted than the workers. Taylor was able to define the â€Å"one best way† for doing each job. Frank and Lillian Gilbreth were inspired by Taylor’s work and proceeded to study and develop their own methods of scientific management. They devised a classification scheme to label 17 basic hand motions called therbligs in order to eliminate wasteful motions Guidelines devised by Taylor and others to improve production efficiency are still used in today’s organizations. However, current management practice is not restricted to scientific management practices alone. Elements of scientific management still used include: 1. Using time and motion studies 2. Hiring best qualified workers 3. Designing incentive systems based on output 2) GENERAL ADMINISTRATIVE THEORISTS This group of writers, who focused on the entire organization, developed more general theories of what managers do and what constitutes good management practice. Henri Fayol and Max Weber were the two most prominent proponents of the general administrative approach. Fayol focused on activities common to all managers. He described the practice of management as distinct from other typical business functions. He stated 14 principles of management which are as follows: 1. Division of Work. Specialization increases output by making employees more efficient. 2. Authority. Managers must be able to give orders, and authority give them this right. 3. Discipline. Employees must obey and respect the  rules that govern the organization. 4. Unity of Command. Every employee should receive orders from only one superior. 5. Unity of Direction. The organization should have a single plan of action to guide managers and workers. 6. Subordination of individual interest to group interest. The interest of any one employee or group of employees should not take precedence over the interests of the organization as a whole. 7. Remuneration. Workers must be paid a fair wage for their services. 8. Centralization. This term refers to the degree to which subordinates are involved in decision making. 9. Scalar Chain. The line of authority from top management to the lowest ranks is the scalar chain. 10. Order. People and materials should be in the right place at the right time. 11. Equity. Managers should be kind and fair to their subordinates. 12. Stability of tenure of personnel. Management should provide orderly personnel planning and ensure that replacements are available to fill vacancies. 13. Initiative. Employees who are allowed to originate and carry out plans will exert high levels of effort. 14. Espirit de corps. Promoting team spirit will build harmony and unity within the organization. Max Weber was a German sociologist who developed a theory of authority structures and described organizational activity based on authority relations. He described the ideal form of organization as a bureaucracy marked by division of labor, a clearly defined hierarchy, detailed rules and regulations, and impersonal relationships. Some current management concepts and theories can be traced to the work of the general administrative theorists. The functional view of a manager’s job relates to Henri Fayol’s concept of management. Weber’s bureaucratic characteristics are evident in many of today’s large organizations—even in highly flexible organizations that employ talented professionals. Some bureaucratic mechanisms are necessary in highly innovative organizations to ensure that resources are used efficiently and effectively. Weber’s Ideal Bureaucracy 3) QUANTITATIVE APPROACH TO MANAGEMENT The quantitative approach to management, sometimes known as operations research or management science, uses quantitative techniques to improve decision making. This approach includes applications of statistics, optimization models, information models, and computer simulations. The quantitative approach originated during World War II as mathematical and statistical solutions to military problems were developed for wartime use. The relevance of quantitative approach today is that it has contributed most directly to managerial decision making, particularly in planning and controlling. The availability of sophisticated computer software programs has made the use of quantitative techniques more feasible for managers. 4) ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR The field of study concerned with the actions (behaviors) of people at work is organizational behavior. Organizational behavior (OB) research has contributed much of what we know about human resources management and contemporary views of motivation, leadership, trust, teamwork, and conflict management. The early advocates of OB approach were Robert Owen, Hugo Munsterberg, Mary Parker Follett, and Chester Barnard. Their ideas served as the foundation for employee selection procedures, motivation programs, work teams, and organization-environment management techniques. The Hawthorne Studies were the most important contribution to the development of organizational behavior. This series of experiments conducted from 1924 to the early 1930s at Western Electric Company’s Hawthorne Works in Cicero, Illinois, were initially devised as a scientific management experiment to assess the impact of changes in various physical environment variables on employee productivity. After Harvard professor Elton Mayo and his associates joined the study as  consultants, other experiments were included to look at redesigning jobs, make changes in workday and workweek length, introduce rest periods, and introduce individual versus group wage plans. The researchers concluded that social norms or group standards were key determinants of individual work behavior. Although not without criticism (concerning procedures, analyses of findings, and the conclusions), the Hawthorne Studies stimulated interest in human behavior in organizational settings. In the present day context behavioral approach assists managers in designing jobs that motivate workers, in working with employee teams, and in facilitating the flow of communication within organizations. The behavioral approach provides the foundation for current theories of motivation, leadership, and group behavior and development. 5) THE SYSTEMS APPROACH During the 1960s researchers began to analyze organizations from a systems perspective based on the physical sciences. A system is a set of interrelated and interdependent parts arranged in a manner that produces a unified whole. The two basic types of systems are open and closed. A closed system is not influenced by and does not interact with its environment. An open system interacts with its environment. The Organization as an Open System Using the systems approach, managers envision an organization as a body with many interdependent parts, each of which is important to the well-being of the organization as a whole. Managers coordinate the work activities of the various parts of the organization, realizing that decisions and actions taken in one organizational area will affect other areas. The systems approach recognizes that organizations are not self-contained;  they rely on and are affected by factors in their external environment. 6) THE CONTINGENCY APPROACH The contingency approach recognizes that different organizations require different ways of managing. The contingency approach to management is a view that the organization recognizes and responds to situational variables as they arise. Popular Contingency Variables Organization size As size increases, so do the problems of coordination. Routineness of task technology Routine technologies require organizational structure, leadership styles, and control systems that differ from those required by customized or non-routine technologies. Environmental uncertainty What works best in a stable and predictable environment may be totally inappropriate in a rapidly changing and unpredictable environment. Individual differences Individuals differ in terms of their desire for growth, autonomy, tolerance or ambiguity, and expectations. CURRENT TRENDS AND ISSUES The following are the current concepts and practices are changing the way managers do their jobs today. Globalization: Organizational operations are no longer limited by national borders. Managers throughout the world must deal with new opportunities and challenges inherent in the globalization of business. Ethics: Cases of corporate lying, misrepresentations, and financial manipulations have been widespread in recent years. Managers of firms such as Enron, ImClone, Global Crossing, and Tyco International have placed their own self-interest ahead of other stakeholders’ welfare. While most managers continue to behave in a highly ethical manner, abuses suggest a need to  Ã¢â‚¬Å"upgrade† ethical standards. Ethics education is increasingly emphasized in college curricula today. Organizations are taking a more active role in creating and using codes of ethics, ethics training programs, and ethical hiring procedures. Workforce diversity: It refers to a workforce that is heterogeneous in terms of gender, race, ethnicity, age, and other characteristics that reflect differences. Accommodating diverse groups of people by addressing different lifestyles, family needs, and work styles is a major challenge for today’s managers. Entrepreneurship: It is the process whereby an individual or group of individuals use organized efforts to pursue opportunities to create value and grow by fulfilling wants and needs through innovation and uniqueness, no matter what resources the entrepreneur currently has. Three important themes stand out in this definition: a. The pursuit of opportunities b. Innovation c. Growth Entrepreneurship will continue to be important to societies around the world. Managing in an E-Business World: E-business (electronic business) is a comprehensive term describing the way an organization does its work by using electronic (Internet-based) linkages with its key constituencies in order to efficiently and effectively achieve its goals. Knowledge Management and Learning Organizations: Change is occurring at an unprecedented rate. To be successful, today’s organization must become a learning organization—one that has developed the capacity to continuously learn, adapts, and change. Knowledge management involves cultivating a learning culture where organizational members systematically gather knowledge and share it with others in the organization so as to achieve better performance. Quality Management: Quality management is a philosophy of management that is driven by continual improvement and response to customer needs and expectations. The objective of quality management is to create an organization committed to continuous improvement in work.

Anthrax essays

Anthrax essays As our country stands in the aftermath of the September 11 terriostist attacks the fear of biological warfare worsens as each day passes. During these trying times the word "Anthrax" strikes fear to the heart of many people. All americans need to learn some knowdglegde of Anthrax, what it is, uses of it, how it spreads, and what are the symptoms, and treatment for them. Most americans have heard very little about Anthrax before the events of Sept 11. Virulence of Cacillus Anthracis, Anthrax, is dependent on a 3-component exotoxin and an antiphagocytic poly-d-glutamic acid capsule.() It is formed in plant eating animals such as pigs, cows, and sheep. It occurs naturally in nature, and is caused by the bacteria Bacillus Anthracis. Anthrax is a very old i''ness. It is greatly common were livestock is raised. The occurence has been decreased in both animals and humans since the implement of immense immunization.() Although Anthrax is mostly found in plant eating animals and occurs naturally it can be use many ways for different reasons. On April 2, 1979 in the small Soviet city of Sverdlousk there was an unusal outbreak of Anthras whick affected 94 people and killed at least 64. Livestock in the area also died. The goverment claimed the deaths on intestial Anthrax from tainted meat. It was not until years later that american scientist found that the outbreak was caused by an accidental release of Anthrax spores from an aerosol of Anthras pathogen at a Societ biological weapons base in the city. All the victims and livestock were infected in a straight line downwind from the base when the release happened. If the wind had blown towards Sverdlousk that day the death rate could had have been hundreds or thousands() As shown in the deadly outbreak of 1979 Anthrax can be a very effective Biological warfare agent. Anthra ...

Free Essays on Black Rice

â€Å" Grains of Knowledge † Judith Carney, a historical geographer at UCLA, builds on and extends the work of Peter Wood (Black Majority: Negroes in Colonial South Carolina from 1670 through the Stono Rebellion, New York, Knopf, 1974) and Daniel Littlefield (Rice and Slaves: Ethnicity and the Slave Trade in Colonial South Carolina, Baton Rouge, LSU Press, 1981)and other folklorist and anthropologist to demonstrate that the rice industry of the colonial low country was built by slaves using technologies developed in West Africa. Carney is persuasive, and her book should put to rest forever the notion that the only thing Africans contributed to the early American economy was unskilled labor. The big question is why would a slave want to help his master. Slaves were treated bad and received just what was needed to survive. Carney states that slaves used it as a bargaining chip, by trading knowledge for less work. While others received more time to do things for the family. The Africans still ended up with the worst end of the deal because they still ended up doing the work anyway. Economic historians who turn to Carney for a comprehensive account of the origins of the South Carolina rice industry will be disappointed, for in her enthusiasm to demonstrate her main point, that without the knowledge provided by their slaves, the planters and merchants of South Carolina would have been unable to supply European consumers with so much rice. She focuses almost exclusively on issues of supply and ignores the demand side of the industry. Thus, we are told nothing about the prices rice commanded, or about the marketing process. She is particularly concerned to demonstrate the contribution of slave women to the colonial rice industry. So concerned that she asserts that planter demand for slave women led to shipments in which women outnumbered men. Although the bulk of the evidence indi... Free Essays on Black Rice Free Essays on Black Rice â€Å" Grains of Knowledge † Judith Carney, a historical geographer at UCLA, builds on and extends the work of Peter Wood (Black Majority: Negroes in Colonial South Carolina from 1670 through the Stono Rebellion, New York, Knopf, 1974) and Daniel Littlefield (Rice and Slaves: Ethnicity and the Slave Trade in Colonial South Carolina, Baton Rouge, LSU Press, 1981)and other folklorist and anthropologist to demonstrate that the rice industry of the colonial low country was built by slaves using technologies developed in West Africa. Carney is persuasive, and her book should put to rest forever the notion that the only thing Africans contributed to the early American economy was unskilled labor. The big question is why would a slave want to help his master. Slaves were treated bad and received just what was needed to survive. Carney states that slaves used it as a bargaining chip, by trading knowledge for less work. While others received more time to do things for the family. The Africans still ended up with the worst end of the deal because they still ended up doing the work anyway. Economic historians who turn to Carney for a comprehensive account of the origins of the South Carolina rice industry will be disappointed, for in her enthusiasm to demonstrate her main point, that without the knowledge provided by their slaves, the planters and merchants of South Carolina would have been unable to supply European consumers with so much rice. She focuses almost exclusively on issues of supply and ignores the demand side of the industry. Thus, we are told nothing about the prices rice commanded, or about the marketing process. She is particularly concerned to demonstrate the contribution of slave women to the colonial rice industry. So concerned that she asserts that planter demand for slave women led to shipments in which women outnumbered men. Although the bulk of the evidence indi...

Using Sentence Connectors to Express Complex Ideas

Using Sentence Connectors to Express Complex Ideas Once you have mastered the basics of correct usage in written English, you will want to express yourself in increasingly complex ways. Sentence connectors are used to express relationships between ideas and to combine sentences and are one of the best ways to improve and add sophistication to your writing.   Sentence connectors are also referred to as linking language. There are a number of forms of sentence connections such as: Conjunctions, which connect two simple ideas: The teacher discussed French and German history. Coordinating conjunctions, which  connect two phrases or simple sentences: Jennifer would like to visit Rome, and she would like to spend some time in Naples. Subordinating conjunctions, which  connect a dependent and an independent clause: Just as its important to win, its important to play the game.   Conjunctive adverbs are used to connect one sentence to another: Children get plenty of exercise at our school. Similarly, they enjoy extensive art programs. Prepositions must be used with nouns rather than full phrases: Like Seattle, Tacoma is located on the Puget Sound in the state of Washington. Sentence connectors are used for many tasks. For example they can indicate  additional information. Not only do students have to take weekly tests, but they are also required to take pop-quizzes throughout the term.The company needs to invest more heavily in research and development. In addition, we need to improve our manufacturing facilities. Sentence connectors can indicate opposition  or contrast between ideas.   Mary asked for another week to complete the project although she had already spent three weeks in preparation.Despite the economic growth of the past eight years, most middle class citizens are having difficult making ends meet.    Connectors can also  show the cause and effect  of certain actions or when explaining the reasons for decisions. We decided to hire three more employees because sales were increasing rapidly.The sales department developed a new marketing campaign. As a result, sales have risen by more than 50% over the last six months.   English also uses sentence connectors to  contrast information. On the one hand, they have improved their language skills. On the other hand, they still need to improve their understanding of basic math.Unlike the nineteenth century, the twentieth century saw science become the leading subject in universities around the world.   Finally, use subordinating conjunctions such as if or unless to  express conditions  when connecting ideas in English.   Unless Tom can complete the project by the end of next week, we wont win the contract with the city government.  Focus your energies on your studies while at college. Otherwise, youll be left with a lot of debt and no diploma.   Type of Connector Connector(s) Examples Coordinating Conjunction and...too High level positions are stressful, and can be harmful to your health too.Customers are satisfied with our sales, and they feel our marketing team is friendly too. Subordinating conjunction just as Just as high level positions are stressful, they can be harmful to your health.Just as students need a vacation from studies, employees require some downtime in order to bring their best efforts to work. Conjunctive adverbs similarly, in comparison High level positions are stressful at times. Similarly, they can be harmful to your health.Students from Asian countries tend to be excellent at grammar. In comparison, European students often excel in conversational skills. Prepositions like, similar to Similar to other important professions, high level business positions are stressful at times.Like the healthy pursuit of free time activities, success in the workplace or at school is essential to a well-rounded individual.

Report about strategic issues related to a previous assignment Research Paper

Report about strategic issues related to a previous assignment - Research Paper Example â€Å"Principle of Participation† is the underlying driving force of the success of the festival. However, few strategic issues have turned out to be nontrivial for the organization in the festival in the recent years. These issues are: The tickets of the concerts and the programs of the festival are very pricy. In the recent years, especially from 2009, the recession in the global economy has reduced the supply of money in the economy; this has reduced the disposable incomes of the consumers. The demands for the tickets of the festival have fallen for this reason in the recent years. The industry for entertainment has become highly competitive in nature. The occurrences of famous sports events like the Olympics have seemed to reduce the popularity of the music festivals. Rather there are also other companies engaging in the organization of music events. The entertainment and music festival market of UK has become more competitive due to entry of new competitors and service di versification of existing competitors. For example, competitors or creative entertainment shows like Northern Darkness, Dumbfest Music and Comedy similar offerings like Secret Garden Party/Secret Productions (Kuchler, 2013). ... ding to Ansoff Matrix’s Model (1987), marketers can have four types of strategic options: 1- Increasing penetration for existing product in existing market through tailor made marketing strategies. The organisation can apply this strategy by: Offering unique products and services and putting more variety in existing offerings such as Secret Emporium, Boutique camping, Soul Fire Restaurant, The Sanctuary and Secret Forum Improving the relationship with customers by developing customer community, online customer feedback forum and customizing the product offering as per request of customers Increasing brand credibility through developing unique promotional campaign consisting of brochures, mail shots, advertisements, website promotion , sales promotions, personal selling, exhibitions, and press publicity campaign 2- Offering new services in existing market by: Penetrating existing market by defining the market served and establishing strategic alliances with small level music fe stivals, public relation firms and music DVD selling companies 3- Entering new market by offering existing product portfolio by: The uncertain negativities of bad weather can be reduced by the company if it can organize its programs in the indoor halls of U.K Organizing the festival in new places apart from U.K. 4- Developing and diversifying the product portfolio as per requirements of new market. The company can enter in different types of strategic alliances with other event-organizing firms. This would help the firm to acquire more skills and expertise. Offering online broadcasting / streaming of the festival customers who do not have the time and opportunity to enjoy the festival by being physically present (Secret Garden Party, 2013). As a summary, it can be said that Secret Garden Party

Fieldwork observaion Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Fieldwork observaion - Essay Example I was there on the 19th of September 2012, as from 1.00 to 1.20 pm. It was quite hot with temperatures of approximately 150 C to 230C. There was no reaction from the people I came across, eight in total, five males and three females. Two of the males were wearing long pants and T-shirts while the other three were in shorts and T-shirts. All the three females were wearing pants and T-shirts of various complexities. The lack of reaction is attributed to the fact that these people were not interested in what those around them thought or said about their behavior. From observation, all those people were overwhelmed by the beauty of their behavior’s implications. It was surprising to note that all these people cared about their cigarette. It is what makes their world; it is what gives them comfort and relaxation, presumably enabling them to forget the reality. I never thought of it this while in the same group. I had been blinded by the thought of pleasure then, and the thought of having no worry or responsibility over anything or anyone, let alone myself. The results of this field experience profoundly support our four-part definition of culture. Culture, being a set of learned and shared attitudes, beliefs, values, customs and meanings, is encompassed in providing a distinction in the existence of the persons concerned in the field study. In terms of how culture is learned, it is evident that every person in this location learned how to smoke through someone else, or through an experience or an exploration. With time, people have continued loving what they like, and smoking has become part of their lifestyle. With regard to how culture is shared, members of the same group often share similar beliefs and values. As such, these people find fulfillment in being with their kind, with those whom they share this behavior. Having a shared notion about smoking eliminates a considerable difference among them, and they can more easily intermingle with each other. The similarity in behavioral patterns reflects a deeper level of sharing culture since smoking has become a norm for these people. This is essentially with regards to homogeneity of these people’s interests (Davis 200). It is also evident that culture is reliant upon language and symbols. From the study’s observation, the people have a unique way of communication, for instance when one would like to light up his or her cigar with another’s. This codal communication enables understanding at a higher level and also creates a feeling of belonging among these people. Cultural integration refers to how a certain culture borrows some attributes from another, and so it becomes seemingly integrated in the other culture. Smoking has been borrowed from cultures of other people and has been integrated in this environment. It has become integrated due to its consistency. From my knowledge, the behavior at this place has been continuous and takes place at the area over a long t ime. So, smoking has become a custom for this particular premise. In terms of being patterned, the custom has thrived in the area, with many young adults wanting to experience the zeal. In the current society however, smoking should not be patterned due to the many avenues advocating against it. Smoking has however become an adaptive custom in this area and is not likely to diminish significantly. In conclusion, Santa