Curbing Grade Inflation Essay Example for Free

Curbing Grade Inflation Essay Grade inflation takes place when students are given a higher grade than what they actually deserved in order to address the declining expectations and diminishing educational standards. The phenomenon of grade inflation is observable in the current trends in grading, which is mostly given by private colleges and universities. Grade inflation suggests that the terminology used in grading no longer reflects the reality, especially when it comes to the performance of students. As a result, the efforts of students who actually work hard and have exceptional capabilities are being undermined. In addition, grade inflation also affects the proper assessment of students, as it does not reflect the real grades that they deserve. Being the case, Princeton University decided to implement a policy that will limit professors in giving the grade of A among students per department. However, the aforementioned policy is questioned regarding its effectiveness and also the way by which it can contribute to the greater good for the greater number of people. Grade inflation should be stopped because of the disadvantageous effects that it has among students and the educational institutions and also in the society as a whole. The utilitarian principle gives utmost emphasis for the greater good of the most number of people. Grade inflation does not merely affect one individual or student but rather its ill effects are reflected upon the whole educational institution and the society. In terms of the educational institution, since grade inflation is used in order to give students higher grade than what they deserve, the real problem of diminishing educational standards of different colleges and universities is not properly addressed. Grade inflation gives a false facade that students are doing well, which reflect that the educational standards are also efficient. Due to this, the problems within the educational institutions is not properly identified and solved. In the same manner, the society as a whole is also affected by grade inflation. The primary reason as to why education is given importance in almost any state is because of the reason that educated individuals become more productive citizens in the society. Quality education allows them to properly hone their skills and capabilities, which will enable them to find good jobs and contribute substantially to the society. Rule utilitarianism asserts that the creation and implementation of rules bring about the greater good for the most number of people. As such, grade inflation should be stopped because it adversely affects numerous people and this societal problem can be addressed through the implementation of rules. However, the policy implemented by Princeton University in order to deal with the problem of grade inflation is not the proper way in order to address the problem. Based on the rule utilitarianism, it is better to have a rule than no rule at all because its presence will bring about a greater good rather than the absence of it. In application with the policy of Princeton University, their way of solving grade inflation does not benefit the majority of the students because only a minimal number of students have the possibility to be given a grade of A. As a result, many students will have to compete with the minimum number of times that the professor can given a grade of A. Due to this, there are chances that excellent students have to settle for a lower grade because professors have to limit giving students an excellent grade. In addition to this, added pressure is given for students in order to get excellent grades, which is not necessarily advantageous for their educational learning. Moreover, since many Ivy League universities have not yet applied the same grading policy as Princeton University, there will be instances wherein students coming from Princeton University will have a lower GPA as compared from students from other schools. The low GPA of students from Princeton University can adversely affect their chances of getting competitive jobs and also lessen their chances in being accepted in graduate school. The grading policy of Princeton University is only advantageous for those students who will get an excellent grade, which is minority of the student population because giving a grade of A is only limited. Furthermore, rule utilitarianism also points out that there is no sense in keeping a rule if a better rule will bring about greater good. In the case of the grading policy of Princeton University, there are better policies that can be applied, which can address grade inflation without undermining the good of the majority of the students. One possible way is by enhancing assessment tools that measures the ability of students through objective means, which will assure or even lessen the subjectivity of professors. The grading policy of Princeton University is not a good rule based on the standard of rule utilitarianism because it does not promote greater good. Majority of the students are adversely affected by this policy. It is not wrong to give value to the hard work and excellent skills of minority students but it should not be at the expense of the majority because doing so no longer promote greater good for the greater number of people.

Good Governance Principles

Good Governance Principles Governance is the deliberate and conscious management of regime structures for enhancing the public realm.Governance can be viewed from social, political and economic perspectives. Indeed, good governance is pivotal to the development process.Development linked governance has been an issue much debated in the contemporary world. The term governance has taken a much wider meaning and is no longer restricted to rule or administration but is used in a broader sense to imply the manner in which power is exercised. Since power can be exercised in any manner as desired, certain principles would be required in order to judge whether the discourse of the power has been made as per certain standards and norms. Such judgment can be based on several criteria participation of citizens, upholding the rule of law, transparency of the system, responsiveness of the authority, consensus oriented policy, equity and inclusiveness of the policy, accountability of the system, strategic vision of the aut hority, etc. At the end of the Cold War era, the term good governance came into circulation which signified the prescriptions by donor agencies for carrying out economic and political reforms by the recipient countries. These prescriptions were presented by international donor agencies as conditionalities and were expected to be met with compliance.  [4]   The World Bank defines good governance as ..the one epitomized by predictable, open, and enlightened policy-making, a bureaucracy imbued with a professional ethos acting in furtherance of the public good, the rule of law, transparent processes, and a strong civil society participating in public affairs. Poor governance (on the other hand) is characterized by arbitrary policy making, unaccountable bureaucracies, un-enforced or unjust legal systems, the abuse of executive power, a civil society unengaged in public life and widespread corruption.  [5]   The Government of Maharashtra Report on Good Governance sought to elucidate on the concept of good governance.  [6]  At the outset in the Mission Statement of the report, it clarified that the concept of good governance was much larger than mere administrative reforms as understood in the conventional sense of the term as it covered more ground and substance. Good governance has much to do with the ethical grounding of governance and therefore must be evaluated with reference to specific norms and objectives as may be laid down. Apart from looking at the functioning of the given segment of the society from the point of view of its acknowledged stakeholders and beneficiaries and customers and incorporating these perspectives in the course of its actions, it must have firm moorings to certain moral values and principles. As a concept, good governance applies to various and distinct sections of the society; the government, legislature, judiciary, the media, the private sector, the corporate sector, the co-operatives, societies, trusts, organizations and even non-governmental organizations.  [7]  After all, public accountability and transparency are equally relevant for each one of these institutions on which the society derives pillar-strength. Furthermore, only when all these and various other sections of the society conduct their affairs in a socially responsible manner can the objective of achieving larger good for the largest number of people in the society be realized. It must also be mentioned that the foremost test of good governance is the respect for the rule of law. As the often quoted saying goes, the law is supreme and above all its subjects. Governance must always be based on rule of law. Every lawfully established government must govern according to the laws of the land and all its actions must uphold the rule of law and any effort to take the law in ones own hand or to undermine the law by anyone, howsoever high and mighty he may be, must be dealt with speedily, decisively and in an exemplary manner. The Report goes on to observe that it is a matter of great concern that despite over five decades of Independence, it cannot be said with conviction that our governance is based on the rule of law. CHAPTER 2: PRINCIPLES OF GOOD GOVERNANCE 2.1 Principles of Good Governance The pillars of governance include accountability, transparency, predictability and participation these are universally applicable regardless of economic orientation, strategic priorities, or policy choices of the government in question. However, there application must be country-specific and purely based on the economic, social and administrative capacity of the country. The universally accepted characteristics of good governance include participation, rule of law, transparency, responsiveness, equity, inclusiveness, effectiveness, efficiency and accountability.  [8]   The following text shall cover the principles which may be considered as the key principles of good governance in the opinion of the researcher. These key elements have been listed out by the researcher based on their relevance and contribution towards establishing an efficient and objective driven governing authority, covering socio-political and economic considerations. The determinative role that these principles play are supported by the various texts of international governing authorities, like the United Nations, as well as the emphasis laid upon them by the Constitutions of various countries including India. Therefore, these principles are covered not only by hard-law provisions, i.e. legislations, treaties, etc. which make the compliance to such principles mandatory, but also soft-law provisions, i.e. declarations, policies outlining desirable targets, etc. which reflect the consensus of countries and their convergence in thought process vis-à  -vis these principles. (1) Free and Fair Elections Since good governance emphasizes on the significance attached to the right people being involved in the decision making process, a democratic setup where the representatives of the people are in control of the power, ensured by free and fair elections, holds importance towards ensuring good governance. Free and fair elections ensure that the citizens are able to exercise their right to elect their leaders and hence participate in voicing their interests through these leaders. However, such an election process must be free and fair, where the voters have a choice amongst the candidates and the right to the relevant information concerning the candidates in order to elect the leader who according to them could best serve the government. Such elections are open to all persons without discriminating on sex, race or ethnicity and are without interference or coercion by the government.. The right to vote is a constitutionally safeguarded right and is the cornerstone of a democratic society. However, other factors which discussed below are essential to ensure that elections are a means to a democratic society, and not an end by themselves.  [9]   (2) Independent Judiciary The Rule of Law A crucial aspect of the constitutional mechanism is a system of checks and balances that is imposed upon the different organs of the State. While power is granted to the government, its use is overlooked and kept within acceptable limits by the constitutional limits like periodic elections, guarantees of rights, and an independent judiciary which permits the citizens to seek protection of their rights and redress against government actions. In this way, one branch of the government is able to provide accountability for the actions of another. The value attached to an independent judiciary cannot be neglected due to its role in preserving the rule of law.  [10]  The rule of law binds the branches of the government together. It also lays the foundation for the sound establishment of the healthy economic, social and political life. The Courts must uphold the rule of law in the State, fairly and without discrimination, providing equal protection for women and minorities and allow open and fair access to judicial and administrative systems. Political or civil rights must not be denied by reasons of sex, race or ethnicity. Justice should be available for all sections of the society. Good governance requires fair legal frameworks that are enforced impartially. It requires full protection of human rights, particularly those of the minorities. Impartial enforcement of laws requires an independent judiciary and an impartial and incorruptible police force.  [11]   (3) Freedom of Speech Press To function efficiently, a democratic society based on justice must not restrict the free exchange of ideas and information. To achieve this, free and open press and the freedoms of speech and expression are constitutionally safeguarded rights as well to cultivate effective governance. We live in an information driven society, and the access to information provides a vital tool to the public to make informed choices regarding their day to day lives and enables them to participate in the governance process. Such freedoms also serve as a check on the accountability for the government and lets the citizens redress the government for its actions. It facilitates the exchange of political discourse, creating a marketplace of ideas where no view is stifled and the best are chosen.  [12]   (4) Elimination of Corruption Good governance also translates into the elimination of corruption to preserve the integrity of democracy. Governments must strive to rid themselves of bribery as corruption damages economic development and reform, and is an obstacle as far as the ability of developing countries to attract foreign investment is concerned while also hindering the growth of democratic institutions, and concentrating power in the hands of a few. The best way to combat corruption is for governments to be open and transparent. While in certain cases governments have a responsibility to retain secrecy and confidentiality, democratic governments must be sensitive to the citizens right to know. Strong laws against corruption and the presence of law enforcement agencies that work against corruption demonstrate a governments commitment to this principle.  [13]   (5) Investment in People Reaping maximum benefit and managing the limited resources before the country is a task which must be performed by the administration. While following good governance practices, the government must invest in the people to cultivate a human resource base. This means that ample resources must be devoted to preserve the welfare of the citizens, without discrimination, and provide health care, education, etc., and an environment where political, economic and social well being, peace and justice can be achieved.  [14]   (6) Legitimacy Voice All citizens, men and women, must have a voice in the decision making process in good governance compliant State. This may be direct or through legitimate intermediate institutions. Such broad participation is made possible by the freedom of association and expression. Of the principles enumerated thus far, the principle of legitimacy and voice has the strongest claim to universal recognition based on over a half century of United Nations accomplishments in the field of human rights.  [15]  Another facet of good governance is the intention to act on consensus and not on the will of a few, whether strong or weak. This mediates the differing interests to reach a broad consensus on what is in the best interest of the entire society. A long term perspective giving due regard to the holistic effect on the society must be undertaken before the governing authority envisages on a path and focus on sustainable human development. This may include better understanding the historical, cultur al and social contexts of the given society.  [16]   (7) Direction The leaders in particular and the public in general should have a broad and long term perspective on good governance and human development, accompanied with a strong sense of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded.  [17]   The leaders and the public should have a broad and long-term perspective on good governance and human development, along with a sense of what is needed for such development. There is also an understanding of the historical, cultural and social complexities in which that perspective is grounded. Governance is thus a checklist of criteria of managing public affairs. As Lewis T. Preston, the World Bank president, categorically stated in hi foreword to Governance and Development, Good governance is an essential complement to sound economic policies. Efficient and accountable management by the public sector and a predictable and transparent policy framework are critical to the efficiency of markets and governments, and hence to economic development.  [18]   (8) Performance Orientation While good governance necessitates the consideration of several other factors, achieving the targets set forth by the government cannot be overlooked. These institutions and processes must attempt to serve all the stakeholders, and produce results that meet the needs while making the best use of the resources.  [19]  The work should always be oriented towards achieving optimal performance. Performance can be divided into two categories responsiveness of the government, and the effectiveness and efficiency of the government. Good governance calls for serving of the stakeholders within a reasonable timeframe which would ensure trust and acceptance of the public. Responsiveness of the government can only be tested if there exists meaningful and serious civil society engagement in the public affairs of the State.  [20]  The concept of efficiency in the context of good governance also covers the sustainable use of natural resources and the protections of the environment. (9) Accountability Information is also associated with the power government exercises. By restricting information, people within government become more powerful that those who are without it. Thus, demand for transparency and information is also about sharing of power. It is possible to misuse power when it is concentrated rather than when it is shared among a broader stream of people. As information grows, the arbitrariness of government tends to reduce.  [21]   Good governance entails the accountability of those who have been entrusted with certain duties and powers. Since the public participates in the decision making through the elected representatives and through the appointed decision makers, these decision makers are accountable to the public for the use of their powers. The level of this accountability may however differ in accordance with the organization in question and the nature of the decision. The private sector and civil society organizations must also be held accountable to the public and their institutional stakeholders. In general, an organization or an institution is accountable to those who will be affected by its decisions or actions.  [22]   Accountability cannot be enforced without transparency and the rule of law. Transparency refers to the taking decisions and enforcing them in accordance with rules and regulations and making the information with regard to such actions accessible for scrutiny by those the decisions affect. In simplistic terms, it means also that sufficient information is provided and that it is provided in easily understandable forms and mediums.  [23]  Transparency depends on the building of a free flow of information. Processes, institutions and information are directly made accessible to those concerned with them and enough information is provided to understand and monitor them.  [24]   (10) Fairness There must prevail a sense of fairness emanating from the decisions of the governing body. The members of the society should feel as equal participants in the society. All persons should be regarded as equals, and certain rights which are considered inalienable to humans must be respected. Discrimination of any kind such as race, color, sex, language, religion, political or other opinion, etc. must not be condoned. Equal opportunity must be given to everyone to improve or maintain their well being. At the same time, certain protected sections of the society must be given special attention if there exists a need for the government to help alleviate their economic, social or political standing. CHAPTER 3 Good Governance in the Indian Context Life of the law is not logic, but experience.  [25]   2.1 Good Governance: Recent Initiatives The pre dominant theme in contemporary debate over administrative reforms in India has been the target of achieving objectives under a regime of good governance. This implies a broader outlook towards management of such matters without exclusively restricting it to public administration. It is suggested that this idea stems from the concept of liberalization which places the individual over collective preferences, and the State shrinks to give place to the market that demands economic efficiency.  [26]   The contemporary efforts towards administrative reforms are not directed against an autonomous State, but instead a bureaucracy that is coming to grips with the changing role of the State. The bureaucracy is itself under an attack; on account of its inefficiency and also because of its association with a political system which has failed to perform, a system which deprived the citizens of their legitimate rights in decision making for far too long.  [27]  Another striking feature of these reforms is their tendency to be more ideologically oriented than before. This context must therefore be kept in mind while debating over the reform initiatives in recent times. The change in the context is primarily seen as an induced effect of the demand generated by the peoples struggle to make the government accountable. It is a change spearheaded by the efforts of the people. It is not a deliberate attempt by a benevolent government to come clean. Kuldeep Mathur makes an interesting observation that the government while reacting to this demand raised by the people has in fact met with resistance from within its own members.  [28]   The Conference of Chief Secretaries on effective and responsive administration in November 1996 gave birth to certain recommendations which were later converted into an Action Plan by the Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, which also included brainstorming by the Prime Minister, Cabinet Secretary, Chief Ministers and the Chief Secretaries. The Action Plan intends to introduce accountable administration which is effective and speedy in redressing public grievances, empowerment of local bodies, decentralized delivery system, review of laws, transparency and the right to information, code of ethics for civil servants, anti-corruption policies, etc. The central idea behind the action plan seems to be efficiency.  [29]   The Central Government had setup the Working Group on Right to Information and Promotion of Open and Transparent Government in 1997, which observed democracy means choice and a sound and informed choice is possible only on the basis of knowledge. It went on to argue that transparency and openness in the functioning of the government shall have a cleansing effect on the operations of public agencies and approvingly quoted the saying that sunlight is the best disinfectant.  [30]   In May 1997, at the Conference of Chief Ministers, transparency in the government was discussed and a statement issues which provided for an Action Plan for Effective and Responsive government at the Central and State levels, while conceding that the secrecy and lack of openness in transactions had led to widespread corruption. The statement attracted much praise also because it set upon the government 3 months time to ensure easy access to information for the people vis-à  -vis information relating to government activities and decisions, except information which was sensitive in nature. Soon thereafter, political events took over and no progress was made for nearly a decade, much over the 3 month deadline that had been set.  [31]   While the Right to Information Act was introduced in 2005, continuous efforts are underway to introduce more accountability and transparency in the system. While most of the principles of good governance are found in the Indian legal framework in the form of constitutionally guaranteed safeguards, the governance needs to involve the civil society more actively in the decision making and establish the norms of redressal. The lack of transparency, prevalence of corruption, inefficient working and lack of responsiveness continue to be the grey areas. 2.2 Conclusion As a developing country emerging as an economic superpower, India needs to get its act right. Without certain optimum standards of efficiency, the principles of good governance cannot be attained. The peoples movement demanding good governance in India co-relates to the growing unrest in the civil society frustrated with the inefficiency and the opaqueness in the system. The only solution was to re-invent the government, and thus started a chain of events which included the passing of the Right to Information Act as recently as 2005. With the Indian economys growth story making headlines, the country has awakened to the need of the hour on its path to development. The insistence of international institutions like the World Bank that developing countries comply with the principles of good governance has only worked to Indias advantage. While some progress has been made, a lot more still needs to be done. Imbibing the principles of good governance shall ensure that India continues to march towards development, while effectively managing its resources and providing the socio-politico-economic rights that the citizens of this country are entitled to. However, just how effective this approach proves to be shall be determined by the response of the civil society which started this reform movement. CHAPTER 3 CONCLUSION The study of governance opens up new avenues it enables us to wander into intellectual space where we can search for solutions to the problems that have haunted us for far too long. The primary objective of governance is to discuss the role of the government in coping with the public issues and to tackle the myriad predicaments and difficulties that arise from these transactions. It teaches us that means must not be the ends, and both the means and the ends must be duly understood. The study of governance also enables us to effectively factor in the role that must be played by the other players in the arena of governance the role that must be played by the civil society groups and institutions. Governance is an exercise of economic, political and administrative authority for efficiently managing a countrys affairs, at both micro and macro levels, which includes the mechanisms, processes and institutions through which the citizens and civil society groups are able to communicate their interests, make use of their constitutional and legal rights besides meeting their obligations and mediating their differences.  [32]  It is not only desirable, but imperative that governance for development be accountable, participatory, responsive, effective and efficient for promoting the rule of law, safeguarding the interests of citizens and marching towards a holistic development. The principles of good governance are a set of principles which have gained popularity in an almost dogmatic sense. The universal applicability and acceptance of these principles have seen their application reach a new height and there is now a global pressure to conform to these common minimum standards of governance. These principles envisage a model of governance on which the developing countries, which are fast realizing the link between development and efficient governance, seek to fashion their governance on. The driving force behind this changing scenario have been the international institutions pressing for compliance, and the rising peoples movements demanding their legitimate rights to competent governance in an accountable manner. There is a growing sentiment that the convergence over these principles will result in the governments rising above the challenges before them. At the same time, there is caution in the wind. These principles must not be followed as diktats. Their application must be tailored to the specific needs of governance, sensitizing them to the local conditions. This is on account of the socio-politico-economic values that are affected by these principles. Their introduction as a localized experience prevents the alienation of the very people who must reap benefits. Practicing these principles of good and just governance results in a free and open society where people can pursue their hopes and dreams in a healthy and conducive environment. Moreover, robust and open economies would follow which can be trusted by the investors and financial institutions alike, and development shall flourish. It is a matter of strengthening what our Constitution endeavored to provide us. Respecting the human rights; a fruitful partnership between the government and the civil society; efficiency, accountability and transparency in the machinery; performance orientation with strategic vision; useful use of the human resource base and a strong and independent judiciary together they shall prove to be the desired shot in the arm for a re-invented and rejuvenated system of governance. The governance needs to be carried out in a manner that invokes trust and confidence, a manner which convinces the citizens the countrys biggest resources to come forward and fully par ticipate in an enterprise to secure the objectives of development and progress. In the light of what has been discussed above, with special focus on the realization to introduce changed governance practices and the increased restlessness amongst the people in India, it is almost as if a new governance philosophy has emerged. Unlike the traditional public administration systems that focused on bureaucracy and the delivery of public services, the governance model envisages public managers as entrepreneurs of a new, leaner and increasingly privatized government adapting to the practices and values of private businesses.  [33]  The mantra to be followed by the new governance model would be to transform civil services, underlining the reforms as means to (a) reorganize and downsize the government, (b) set-up a performance based organization, (c) adopt private sector management practices and (d) promote customer-orientation of administration.  [34]   For the developing world which is in the grip of serious debt crisis, the World Banks good governance solution with its accompanying micro and macro-accountability formula hold much promise. Institutional capacity building has been the central point of discussion and promotion of sound development management by removing, as far as possible, the possibilities of capture of benefits by the socially powerful is underway.  [35]   There is today an increasing pressure on our political system and the administrative apparatus generated by civil society organizations to share information and make the process of decision-making transparent. There is a shift towards responsive governance. This can be made practically feasible only if the mindset of the politicians and the bureaucrats undergoes a change, and they are receptive to the initiative of sharing information as well as power with the people.  [36]  

The Language of Eudora Weltys Losing Battles :: Eudora Welty Losing Battles

The Language of Eudora Welty's Losing Battles In his essay, "The Languages of Losing Battles", Mr. Bass contends that the form of language used by two major characters in Eudora Welty's Losing Battles, Julia Mortimer and Granny Vaughn, serves as a challenge to the "male-authored decrees" (Bass) found throughout the book. Julia's idioms are "teaching, writing, and books," (Bass)while Granny Vaughn, on the other hand, uses oral language to transmit family history. While Julia's province is one of ideas and abstraction in the written word, Granny Vaughn's stories are concrete, empirical, and rooted in actual events and real people. How these two methods of questioning male authority are used by the two characters is discussed at length by Mr. Bass, and this discussion comprises much of the bulk of this article. The "male-authored decrees" challenged by the two women throughout the book are numerous, and Mr. Bass makes use of only a few of these to make his point. In truth, although his thesis is strong and well composed, most this article consists of a rather opaque discussion of biblical symbolism, and how its various applications in the novel relate to Granny Vaughn's "spoken folk myth." In Losing Battles,Julia has "written her own apocrypha" (Bass) on leaves torn from her bible. This is used by Bass as a prototype of written challenge to male authority. In some way, Bass contends, the written word of Julia is a counterweight to Granny's dominance of the family, although Julia's words must be taken for what they are, since she is not alive to interpret them. While the written word "moves outward toward the abstract or conceptual and away from the concrete center," the spoken language of Granny Vaughn and others "draws in close to make the emblematic concrete, familial." (Bass) What exactly this balance does for the furthering of the women's influence in the book is a question that seems to have been left for the reader to answer. Included in the piece is an interesting discussion of "banners and battles," and the way that these images "mark the main conflict of the novel between local and absolute."Bass uses the emblem of "Jack's 'torn sleeve that flowed free from his shoulder like some old flag carried home from far-off battle.' " to represent a convergence of a "banner" with a "battle". Mr. Bass has taken a risk with his attempt to convince his readers that

Leonardo Da Vinci :: essays research papers

It was the period of the renaissance when Leonardo da Vinci was born on April 15, 1452. Leonardo was born a farmhouse in Anchiano, which is 2 Â ½ miles away from Vinci. The family of Leonardo lived in this area since the 13th century. The father of Leonardo da Vinci, Ser Piero, was 25 years old; he was a public notary when Leonardo was born. The mother of Leonardo was called Catarina. Her first name is all what is known today. The Baptismal chapel in Vinci is where Leonardo was christened. Leonardo was christened from the name Piero da Bartholomew to the name Lionardo not Leonardo. The chapel is inside the church of Vinci. The church beside the castle of Vinci are formed the skyline of his town. Leonardo lived in Anchiano for five years until he settled to Vinci. Vinci is a small town, placed at the foot of Monte Albano. From this time he was member of his fathers family, but he was never considered born to his mother and father. In Vinci Leonardo went to school. It was told that teachers of Leonardo da Vinci were despaired about all the questions and doubts of Leonardo. Leonardo learned at school to read write and mathematics. He also learned geometry and Latin. Later Leonardo tried to improve his knowledge in Latin, because he thought that he didn't learn enough Latin in school. This may be the reason why Leonardo did his notes in Italian. Leonardo lived in Vinci until 1466. With the age of 14 Leonardo moved to Florence where he began to work in the workshop of Verrocchio. Verrocchio was at this time the most gifted artist in Florence. He was a sculptor, painter, goldsmith, bronze caster and more. Verrocchio had a lot of influence on Leonardo. Verrocchio was fascinated by the drawings of Leonardo so he gave him a place in his workshop. Leonardo worked at the workshop of Verrocchio with some other famous artists like Botticelli. Leonardo started working with mixing of colors and then he painted simple parts of paintings. There are no works of Leonardo known between 1466 and 1472, but Leonardo taught himself to paint in oils at this time. In June 1472 Leonardo was listed in the red book of painters from Florence. With the membership in the painters’ guild of Florence ended the apprenticeship of Leonardo.

Essay --

Reo Matsuda Ms.Green Communications 8-2 2 December 2013 Was Hitler actually a bad person? The Holocaust was a massacre of over 10 million people, including 6 million Jews in the 1900’s. The Holocaust was for torturing and killing the Jews, because of the hatred toward them. The guy who led the Nazis and killed all the Jews was Hitler. Hitler was very intelligent but he used his knowledge in a bad way. I think if Hitler were to use his knowledge in another way the world would’ve been a better place. The holocaust has hurt many and even has killed many, but it has ended. The long-lasting war has ended and people has been released from the torture. People got left with fear and was traumatized. After the war has ended how did the people live? How did people live during the Holocaust? What actually happened during the Holocaust? Well, I will now explain it all. After World War I has ended, in 1918, Germany was far in debt. Many German fleets have been destroyed and transportation system have been wrecked, making it hard for people to get food. In the winter of 1918 many people died of starvation, the government was in turmoil, people lost jobs. Many bad things had happened to Germany. Nazis organized a party in 1919, and merged with Political Workers Circle. Nazis back then were called â€Å"National Socialist German Workers Party†. In 1919 Adolf Hitler joined the party and the party got even powerful. The party defined German people as â€Å"Only those of German blood, whatever their creed, may be members of the nation. Accordingly no Jews may be a member of the nation.† Jews were the first of many targeted groups by Adolf Hitler, and the hatred kept rising from 1919 to 1923. There were a group of people called Aryans who Hitler classifie... .... They lived through and some still live, even to this day. They live bold, strong, and wise despite what has happened to them. This may have been something that couldn’t have been stopped, or maybe it was just another thing that could’ve been changed if someone made a different choice. Perhaps this was the right choice, maybe we were the ones who was misunderstanding them. Maybe this was something that needed to happen, maybe Hitler had a reason to do this. We will never know, since he isn’t here anymore. All we can do right now is to live today, and to keep living for tomorrow. Worksited Heroes of the Holocaust - Ted Gottfried Tell Them we Remember - Susan D. Bacharach http://www.hitlerschildren.com/article/1286-how-did-people-escape-the-holocaust - viewed 10-9-13 http://www.hitlerschildren.com/article/1278-about-adolph-hitler#.UlWa_1yHeSo - viewed 10-9-13

Lemurs in Madagascar Assignment Essay

What are Madagascar’s biomes? Discuss the major features of at least one of these biomes. Use the textbook for biome examples. Madagascar is a tropical rainforest, rain forest savanna and grasslands. The rain forest receives 120 inches of rain at least a year. It has very wet and dense vegetation within the trees. Anywhere from 70 plus percent of animal life lives in the trees. It is filled with lakes, river, swamps and a wide variety of different terrain. There is an overabundance of green plant life that strives on the heavy rains received each year. The forest floor is full of nutrients which the large tree strive on giving the canopy effects and which houses so much plant and animal life. 2. What changes happening in Madagascar are posing challenges for lemurs? Give details about the sources, time scale, and types of change. All the time the environment is changing by people moving in and getting more populated. As people come into a new area they may alter a Lemurs normal route or main food supply in the area by cutting down a certain tree such as bamboo. 3. Which types of lemurs are adapting to the changes? Which types of lemurs are not adapting well? Why? The less vulnerable lemurs are good at adapting to a secondary environment with people. The vulnerable or endangered lemurs are having hard time moving and settling into a new food source or habitat which is causing them to go  extinct faster. Ringtail lemurs can adapt and defiantly go to multiple environments. 4. What behavioral and physical traits are being favored in lemurs in the changing Madagascar environment? People are studying lemurs to find out if you can teach other lemurs certain straight so that can adapt to a new type of environment. Such as eating habitats and what they eat. How the move and migrate from place to place. 5. Why might lemurs not evolve to adapt to the changes in Madagascar? They may not never adapt due to the constant changes in the environment nonstop. Some lemurs can adapt with evolution over hundreds of year but with humans within a few years they can destroy an entire habitat along with food sources within a year. The constant changes always leave the lemurs on their toes. Constantly roaming from one place to another 6. Which biogeochemical cycles may be altered by anthropogenic activities on Madagascar, and how? Many things may be altered such as the soils and living organisms by people moving into the new areas in such a rapid rate. What toll does this take on the environments such as global warming and pollutants in that areas now? What do the changes in the smaller spectrum of things do to the overall climate? Reference â€Å"Lemurs in Madagascar: Surviving on an Island of Change.† Films Media Group, 2006. Films On Demand.

West Coast Limited

West Coast Limited is a company that specializes in PC Hardware, printers, monitors, software, parts and range of AV equipment.   There are currently eight employees including:   One administration person, three small parts people, two forklift drivers, a manager and one goods inward department employee.In this company, each person has been taking many roles.   The following has been discovered:   The administration person handles the role primarily of checking in goods as they are received.   In addition, the administration person assists the small parts people when she has time.   The small parts people currently put away small parts then assist bookkeeping when finished. Their duties also include moving stock, unloading stock, and assisting the manager when needed.The forklift drivers spent approximately 30% of their time consolidating things then putting items away that were received by shipping.   The manager spends his time answering emails and answering the phone . He is responsible for all scanners we well, which can be time consuming considering they move very slowly.   The goods inward rep works in the department and handles strictly goods inward.Developmental NeedsIn reviewing the company’s daily tasks and the roles of the individual staff, I have recognized there are primarily ten different tasks which are pertinent to be completed daily.   The tasks include:   Checking goods in as they arrive, putting away small parts, consolidating bins, putting away receivables with forklift for larger items, bookkeeping, moving stock, checking paperwork, answering phones, answering emails and incoming scanners.There are five official titles including: forklift driver, manager, goods inward department, small parts and administration.   All of these job titles are currently performing a mixture of functions which can be damaging to the organization. First, each person is spending only a certain amount of time on their area then assistin g another area.   This is a problem considering there is a specific job that needs to be done to its fullest. Having a number of hands in the pot of each area is leaving too much room for error.   It is easy to have a lack of communication when there are so many different people working at different times, in no apparent schedule.The developmental needs begin with creating a job description for each title and defining the objectives that are needed to be completed daily.   The job description should also provide the steps necessary in order to be recognized for advancement, as well as what advancement opportunities will come next. Advancement opportunities need to be developed. This can include promotion to manager of that area, as well as the chance to post out of your department and try for a new role.   Doing this will encourage employees to be ready for change, and gain excitement in that area.In order to prepare advancement opportunities, individual performances should be measured.   This should be measured annually beginning with this year.   To begin the process of a pay scale should be created for each department and clearly communicated to the employee in that area where they stand. The key elements of what is required should be provided in a written job description.   Additionally, the steps to be measured in a performance evaluation should be provided to the employees. This will create an open environment and begin the process of communication as employees will feel informed, every step of the way.Developmental Opportunities for the TeamTeam building exercises should take place in order to build open communication.   This can be done by each department. Each department should evaluate what objectives that they need met at this time, as well as search for areas that they may be deficient and need help.   Times can be established that other departments and team members can be assigned to help the lagging department get caught up. In return, the assisting department should be prepared with a list of items that they need help with, and be prepared to ask for the same help in return.Having excellent communication is very important in times of change. Everyone handles changes differently, which is why it is important during a transition to emphasize on communication.   In order to ensure a good development of this, meetings should be held. An initial meeting, company wide should be held in order to advise employees of what transitions will take place. An estimated time frame for restructure should be provided.   An update as to the reasons for the transitions should be provided.   A point of contact for questions and concerns should be established and provided.Once an initial meeting has been completed, a regular schedule for meeting updates should be provided.   This will keep employees informed.Developmental Opportunities for each IndividualThe first step for development for an each individual is to sched ule a time for the employee to meet with the manager. This meeting should consist of the employee receiving their job description. The job description should define daily tasks and specifications. It should also provide the measurement tools of this position. The annual review process should be introduced to employees, advising of the steps that they will bemeasured. The employee should also be encouraged to offer assistance when needed, to other areas that are delinquent in their daily completion of tasks.   Considering each person will have defined duties, the process of doing their position part of the day then assisting other area’s will be deleted. The individual will only assist other areas when it is determined by management that it is necessary to obtain additional help versus offering overtime to the employees of that department.   Additionally, any questions or feedback should be encouraged. Training opportunities need to be discussed in the meeting.   This wi ll include reviewing the job description with the employee to obtain any pertinent information as to any training needs that they feel they need.Development Objectives Based on the Needs for Development, Opportunities for Team and Each IndividualIn order to define objectives for each individual, a short quiz or questionnaire should be provided containing the following questions:â€Å"Take a minute to consider your daily work tasks and identify the tools and skills you will need to perform them.What personal qualities are needed to succeed describe the mental and physical skills and tools you use to get motivated for classes, tests, presentations and reviews† (ferret 2003)This will evaluate where the employee stands and get a good idea of the additional training that they will need to receive if any in order to do a good job. This questionnaire will also identify the employee’s objectives and interest in their current roles.Team building should be encouraged considering each person is used to putting their hands in a lot of areas. Everyone reacts different to change. therefore it is important to be prepared to handle different reactions to the changes being made.   In prevention of lack of communication, the following points should be reviewed in company meetings:â€Å"1. Be aware of your feelings.  2. See the value in diversity  3. Treat people as individuals  4. Treat people with respect  5.   Be aware of differences  6. Listen7. Get involved8. Take risks9. Apologize when you make a mistake10. Speak out11. Encourage representation† (ferret 2003).Another strategy should be used to encourage adaptation to change. This includes encourage.   Encouragement should be in the area of changing the way of thinking.   Currently the daily thought process includes looking at tasks as a partial project until moving on to a new area.   This needs to be changed to looking at the big picture in effort to ensure quality and productivity .   This can be done with a lesson.   The recommended lesson is:â€Å"Working in Day Units† (Davidson 2004) as The â€Å"60 Second Procrastinator† (Davidson 2004) suggests, you need to take each project that needs to be done and organize this by each day.   For this company it will include: the amount of inventory coming in for the day, the amount of emails, busy phone times, busy email times, arranging inventory put away and small parts put away by the amount of volume. Organize the volume expected to be conducted by that department by the day and treat each day as an opportunity. Once this becomes a pattern then the company will be accustom to functioning in this manner.Assess the Program Against Development ObjectivesThe program that I designed will meet development objectives. It is designed to bring out the training issues which may exist from each employee, and to format each person with a job description, to be sure that each area is being handled by someo ne that is familiar with the whole picture of that area.   This will ensure a 100 percent focus on each area, instead of having someone who only does that part of the time, working in the area. The program is designed to create a smooth flow of operations, and provide initiatives for employees so that they want to stay with the company.In addition, the program is a developmental tool for each person. It will help to open communication and show each person that they are valued. It will encourage participation from those interested in advancement. When opportunities are provided along with objectives, people will meet those if they feel they will be rewarded and recognized.Planning the Work Activities for the TeamThe new structure for daily work activities will be as follows:Goods inward department will check in goods as they come in and handle incoming scannersOne small parts girl will put away small parts The other small parts girl will consolidate the bins Forklift driver will pu t things away that require a forklift Forklift driver will move large items that require a forklift Administration will do bookkeeping, answer phones and respond to emails Manager will oversee daily operations, and review department objectives. He will measure areas that need improvement and delegate others to assist if departments are delinquentIf there is a time when the department is clear of duties, then a list of ongoing items should be compiled in order to keep busy, such as reviewing daily tasks to ensure completion as well as preparation for upcoming busy times.Gaining Commitment for Work Activities from your TeamHave employees sign a slip recognizing that they have been advised of their job description.   Have a one on one with each employee to make sure that they are comfortable with the process and are aware of the changes that will be made.   Give them a mission statement of the company.   Give them knowledge of what the performance evaluation will entail and the a mount of raise they could receive next year according to their accomplishments.Encouraging Involvement and Assessing Progress of Work ActivitiesThe manager should provide positive reinforcement. A good tool is to keep a white board in the meeting area. A new affirmation should be listed daily for each person to review at their leisure. Whether employees comment on this or not, it is a positive reinforcement tool. An example of one of the affirmations could be:   â€Å"Every day is an opportunity- I can’t get to Friday until I step on Monday†. (Harrell 2003) He should be out and in the work area’s available to answer any questions, all while performing procedure verification to be sure that the people are doing daily tasks, and to check the progress of what is being done. He should be notified of any problem areas and then once the problem area’s in order to provide compliance.Modifying Plans to Ensure that Performance Objectives are Being Met and Relati ng this to Day to Day Management Activities:Day to day management activities should include reviewing the work areas for accomplishments daily and performing daily walk thru’s. Morning meetings to reviews and accomplishments and goals should be conducted. This will also create enthusiasm and promote positive attitudes. Managers should establish a clear set of goals pertaining to what needs to get accomplished and follow up on those goals.   One on one coaching and mentoring should be provided on a daily basis. One day a week can be spent with each area in order to accomplish this.ConclusionThere’s a lot of work to be completed, however the most positive asset that this company has at this time includes the fact that each employee has a good knowledge of primarily all areas. Despite the fact that each person will have their own job description, this experience provides a broad overview of the company and gives each department some objectives to work toward if they are interested in advancement.In conclusion, this company has daily activities established. However; they need to spend time to organize, inform, and provide incentives. Once the company is organized, they will be more productive, at which time more business will arrive.   Once employees are informed, and given tools necessary to exceed they will feel valued and important. Valued employees are happy employees, which leaves little room for turnover.ReferencesFerrett, Sharon K. Peak Performance: Success in College and Beyond.   California: Glencoe/McGraw Hill, 2003Davidson, Jeff. The 60 Second Procrastinator. Massachusetts: AdamsMedia, 2004Harrell, Keith. Attitude is Everything. New York: HarperCollins, 2003A