Prejudice and Racism in Mark Twains The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn

Prejudice and Racism in Mark Twain's The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn    Despite all the criticism, of racism and other questionable material for young readers, Mark Twain’s The Adventure of Huckleberry Finn is a superbly written novel, which in the opinion of this reviewer should not be remove the literary cannon. Twain’s novel is a coming of age story that teaches young people many valuable lessons and to some extend makes students reexamine their own lives and morals. The most common argument for its removal from the literary canon is that the novel is too racist; it offends black readers, perpetuates cheap slave-era stereotypes, and deserves no place on today’s bookshelves.   However one must ask if Twain is encouraging traditional southern racism or is Twain disputing these idea.    On a superficial level The Adventures Huckleberry Finn might appear to be racist, and for the most obvious reason: many characters use the word â€Å"nigger† throughout the novel. But since the action of the book takes place in the south twenty years before the Civil War, it would be amazing if they didn’t use that word. A closer reading also reveals Twain’s serious satiric intent. In one scene, for instance, Aunt Sally hears of a steamboat explosion. â€Å"Good gracious! anybody hurt?† she asks. â€Å"No'm,† comes the answer. â€Å"Killed a nigger† (Mark Twain, Huckleberry Finn 1409). But anyone who imagines that Mark Twain meant this literally is missing the point. Rather, Twain is using this casual dialogue ironically, as a way to underscore the chilling truth about the old south, that it was a society where perfectly â€Å"nice† people didn’t consider the death of a black person worth their notice. To drive the point home, T wain has the lady continue: â€Å"We... ...e end of the novel, Huck and the reader have come to understand that Jim is not someone’s property or an inferior man, but an equal. To say that The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a racist novel is absurd, but there are always some hot-heads claiming that the novel is racist. These claims are not simply attempts to damage the image of a great novel, they come from people who are hurt by racism and don’t like seeing it in any context. However, they must realize that this novel and its author are not racist, and the purpose of the story is to prove black equality. It is vital for the reader to recognize these ideas as society’s and to recognize that Twain throughout the novel does encourage racist ideas, he disputes them. For this reason, and its profound moral implication, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn should not be removed from the literary canon. [1056]   

European And International Dimensions Of Education Education Essay

Globalization as defined by Giddens is the intensification of world-wide societal dealingss which link distant vicinities in such a manner that local occurrences are shaped by events happening many stat mis off and frailty versa ‘ . It is a procedure of turning to a planetary and world-wide in political, economic, societal and educational sectors. Cantu ( 2003 ) defines instruction ‘as geting accomplishments ‘ . Education is besides about geting cognition, developing consciousness and critical thought. Cogburn ( no day of the month ) has described instruction as ‘generally seen as a formal procedure of direction, based on a theory of instruction, to leave formal cognition ( to one or more pupils ) ‘ . In this essay, I will discourse the effects of globalisation on instruction, peculiarly on formal instruction. In my sentiment, globalisation has brought more positive impacts on instruction and educational system as a whole such as on course of study cours e of study, the schools ‘ and universities ‘ ambiance every bit good as the instruction and larning procedure instead than the negative. There are different classs of globalization as mentioned by Bottery ( 2006 ) ; ‘political globalization, economic globalization, cultural globalization, environmental globalization and demographic globalization ‘ . Each class shows different impacts on the universe and current issues every bit good as instruction. Political globalization shows the spread of political thoughts and that political relations can non be separated from the development of educational sector. As mentioned by Emler and Frazer ( 1999 ) , there is ‘political instruction ‘ which refers to the function of schools and other educational establishments in bring forthing political histrions ; citizens, topics, governors. In order to make this, there need to be some political content in classs and course of study ( Emler and Frazer, 1999 ) . I agree with Emler and Frazer because pupils need to hold exposure to what is go oning in the universe of political relations to fix themselves for the her eafter. For illustration, for future calling, pupils who are interested in arguments and giving talk can be farther trained in higher establishments to be politicians and attorneies. Politicss constitute state, authorities and society. The consequence on instruction is that pupils are cognizant about local and abroad ‘ premier curate and the issues sing this country to be a responsible citizen. Globalisation makes it possible for the information to make everyone in the universe through mass media. In Malaysia, pupils are forbidden from taking portion in political dockets, they are qualified to vote during election at the age of 21. However, most pupils get downing from the secondary schools are familiar with the local political relations, the authorities and resistance, through assorted subjects in their course of study course of study, telecasting intelligence and newspapers. The challenge is that when some pupils may take political relations to the extreme by socking others who have different political positions. Another positive impact of globalization is that instruction adoption can be done within states. ‘Policy borrowing ‘ as defined by Raffe ( 2011 ) is in which ‘best pattern from abroad is identified and transferred back place ‘ . A state can borrow other states ‘ thoughts about instruction and implement them in their educational system. Normally, the 1 that is borrowed from is a successful state such as Finland and the borrower is the underdeveloped state. Sahlberg ( 2009:324 ) has described ‘the accomplishment that Finland has made over clip get downing with the steady growing in engagement in all degrees of Finnish instruction since 1970 to in 1980s, there has been a rapid growing in the upper secondary instruction sector and in 1990s up to now, within third and big instruction sectors ‘ . As Finland is ranked really high for their successful instruction, United Kingdom as a developed state has besides showed involvement in Finnish instructi on. This is similar to sharing thoughts about what is best for their educational system and seek to use to see if it works. Whereas ‘policy larning ‘ as cited by Raffe ( 2011 ) , ‘uses experiences from ‘policy borrowing ‘ for assorted intents, including understanding one ‘s ain system better, placing common tendencies and force per unit areas impacting all systems, clear uping other policy schemes and placing issues raised by each scheme ‘ . By analysing others ‘ instruction system, a state can place the strength and failing of its ain system. Subsequently on governments can make up one's mind whether to go on utilizing the thoughts for few old ages more or to modify to accommodate it with their system. In early yearss, it was a disadvantage for adult females because societies merely allowed work forces to acquire instruction while the misss were denied their rights to travel to school and alternatively were asked to make house jobs. However, as globalisation takes topographic point, issues about equality in instruction for both work forces and adult females are brought up. The universe societies are altering ; adult females ‘ rights to have instruction similar to work forces are being acknowledged. The result is that adult females gain chances to travel to school and pursue higher instruction. As reported this twelvemonth by Catcheside ( 2012 ) , ‘women pupils outnumber work forces by three to two in many universities, and in some establishments where there are big instructions or nursing classs by every bit many as two to one ‘ . I do agree and it is non surprising that the figure of adult females at both schools and universities are higher than the male pupils a nd their accomplishments are more impressive than the males. Catcheside ( 2012 ) has besides approved this in a study ; ‘girls now outstrip male childs in the proportion of top classs achieved in all but a smattering of topics at cardinal phase three. Not merely are they much more likely to acquire good classs than male childs, they are more likely to take cardinal phase 3 makings in the first topographic point ‘ . On another positive note, both male and female pupils are likely to be treated every bit at schools and universities which cut down gender favoritism in educational system. Macionis and Plummer ( 2005:524 ) have criticized that ‘although the instruction gender spread has narrowed in Western states in recent decennaries, many adult females still study traditionally feminine topics such as literature, while work forces prosecute mathematics and technology ‘ . I agree towards certain extent such as adult females are prosecuting nursing and other feminine occupations whereas work forces are likely to travel into military footing, but nowadays they are given more freedom to take what they want to make. There are female pupils who choose technology over literature and secretary ‘s classs and frailty versa. Globalization has besides opened up competition between adult females and work forces in more countries including instruction and employment. It is an optimistic altera tion as parents are more open-minded by schooling their misss and for hapless households ; their educated girls can alter their economic system position by acquiring occupations with their makings. As agreed by Dr. Farooq Wardak ( in Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Ministry of Education, 2010:4 ) , ‘there are strong links between an person ‘s educational degree and his/her economic accomplishments ‘ . The impact of globalization on instruction can besides be seen in the increasing figure of schools being built. Ming ( 2009 ) has reported that in Malaysia ‘the figure of national primary schools have increased from 4844 in 1990 to 5761 in 2005, an addition of 19 % ‘ . Although there are negative effects on environment, development is important to get by with the big figure of pupils that increases each twelvemonth. Ming ( 2009 ) adds, ‘the addition in the figure of national primary schools because of the big addition in the figure of pupils enrolled in them ‘ . Globalisation leads to an addition in population due to the raising rate of migration and birth. Many schools are renovated and equipped with modern installations such as computing machine, cyberspace beginning, research lab setup and projector to guarantee the survey environment is convenient for pupils. Today, globalization has besides supported duplicating programmes between universities to go on, s uch as the B.Ed TESL programme between Malaysian teacher preparation universities and universities in the United Kingdom, New Zealand and Australia. This programme has given pupils a immense chance to accommodate themselves in English speech production states and better better their proficiency in English. There is besides pupils exchange programme which sends pupils off to other states which can supply better exposure of peculiar Fieldss. For illustration, some technology pupils in Malaysia are sent for a 6-month class in Korea and frailty versa and secondary pupils in Nipponese school are sent to Malaysia for 3 hebdomads to larn about Malaysia. Chin ( 2009 ) has agreed to this sentiment by admiting that ‘higher establishments have become more self-consciously planetary, particularly universities of the advanced states by seeking pupils from different parts of the universe, directing their ain pupils abroad in educational exchange programmes to fix them for planetary callings , offering survey classs which address the challenges of an interrelated universe and collaborative research to progress scientific discipline ‘ . However, there are establishments that found the thought of giving pupils a planetary experience while larning locally rather magnetizing. Choudaha ( 2012 ) has come up with a term ‘glocal ‘ which means ‘global aspirations with local experiences and the accent is on pupils who are willing to pay for a planetary educational pattern while remaining in their place state or part ‘ . Asiatic states such as China, Malaysia and India have been offering ‘glocal ‘ instruction to their local pupils. Meanwhile, states such as the UK and Australia have been innovators in offering multinational instruction and their work force such as instructors and professors are in demand to function glocals ( Choudaha, 2012 ) . In my sentiment, this new section is similar to holding foreign subdivision campuses in local states such as University of Nottingham in Malaysia, China and United Kingdom which are called University of Nottingham Malaysia Campus, University of Notti ngham, Ninbo, China and University of Nottingham United Kingdom severally ( Chin, 2009 ) . Apart from that, Monash University has campuses in Australia, Malaysia, China, India, South Africa and Italy ( Chin, 2009 ) which allow local pupils to see what Monash has to offer. They can take portion in assorted classs from scientific discipline watercourse to concern, jurisprudence and humanistic disciplines through planetary and international ambiance. As mentioned by Whitehead ( 2012 ) , ‘historically Malaysia has sent its pupils abroad for their instruction, now it is fixing to change by reversal that place, it wants to go the hub of its part pulling 1000s pupils from across south-east Asia to its universities in immense Numberss by pulling foreign universities to put up abroad campuses ‘ . As per economic system, Ming ( 2009 ) has mentioned that the ‘continuous growing in economic relationships among states, a planetary displacement towards free-market kineticss, and increasing consumerism are some factors impacting establishments of higher instruction i.e. universities ‘ . Hence, because of globalisation there will be more coaction between local and foreign universities, lectors and pupils. Head of the section of economic sciences at the University of Warwick, Abhinay Muthoo ( 2012 ) has commented on the UK ‘s higher instruction system as concern by stating ‘we export instruction, purchased by clients and designed by intellectuals from all corners of the Earth ‘ . For illustration, India is presently pulling pupils from the USA, China, Canada, Germany, Malaysia and Australia to analyze at that place ( Wilson, 2012 ) . Furthermore, states are taking the enterprise to enroll instructors and pedagogues from other states such as Malaysia and Korea are conveying in English instructors from the United States to learn English at their local schools. The consequence is that, English speech production pedagogues could assist supplying a more meaningful lesson to the local pupils. The challenge is foreign pedagogues will hold to larn the local civilizations to suit them in the society and non look impolite or uncomfortable. The alteration in the economic-environment will non merely impact the educational environment and system but besides touristry. Foreigners who come to work may desire to convey their households to the state they are working in and may publicize topographic points of attractive forces in the states to their local friends. Globalisation creates planetary links between states in the universe which enable a smooth flow international trade and planetary market such as touristry, the import and export. Blessinger and Kovbasyuk ( 2012 ) have stated that ‘global acquisition is the cultivation of multiple, diverse, and planetary positions. It allows one to develop the intercultural competences necessary to go a planetary citizen who can understand issues from multiple positions and derive a deeper grasp of and tolerance for diverseness of all types ( cultural, lingual, spiritual, political, for illustration ) ‘ . In footings of societal and cultural, planetary citizens are exposed to the differences of assorted civilizations in the universe and larn about esteeming each other ‘s civilization. Globalisation reduces cultural barriers and enables multicultural democracy among pupils. As kids are populating in a multicultural community, they begin to accept others and are comfy to analyze in a multiracial school. Racism can be avoided specifically among Black, White, Asiatic, non-Asian, Muslim and other faiths if their moral and spiritual instructions are good taught by pedagogues. They can besides larn from their milieus and develop the sense of sensitiveness from their societal interactions at school and outside. As supported by Blessinger and Kovbasyuk ( 2012 ) , ‘within practical planetary communities, pupils and pedagogues can larn to go more socially minded and ethically responsible planetary citizens who, in bend, can assist better relationships in the broader universe community ‘ . Furthermore, through socializing with international pupils can be a manner for non-English pupils to better their proficiency in English. They can pattern utilizing the linguistic communication that they have learned in the schoolroom in a more reliable surrounding. Mohini Mohamed ( 2008:92 ) has stated that ‘students need entree to multicultural environment, appropriate usage of first linguistic communication and utilize effectual English method of content direction every bit good as chance to demo their competency in a assortment of ways †˜ . In other words, globalization has proved that collaborative acquisition between pupils of different cultural background can be a success. The obvious advantage pointed out by Blessinger and Kovbasyuk ( 2012 ) is that ‘working on shared undertakings can enrich pupils ‘ experiences and open them to more critical ways of thought and more originative signifiers of problem-solving ‘ . The jobs that are caused by globalization, socially, when pupils are exposed to other civilizations different from theirs, they can be influenced to blindly follow the civilizations and beliefs even though those are non suited with their milieus. From my observation, some pupils are into Punk and Skinhead based on what they have seen on telecasting programmes and to pattern those in traditional-bound surrounding is non appropriate. Modernization, urbanization, Westernization besides affect pupils ‘ behaviour at school because at some topographic points like Holland weeds, drugs can be bought from street stores. It may do societal job if pupils decide to hold them during school period. Following is in term of interaction, in Korea, non utilizing honorific when mentioning or naming person older than you is non acceptable and considered rude. However, in England and America, to name an aged by name is normal and friendly. Hence, if pupils do non see what is acceptable in the socie ty they are populating in before following other civilizations, it may impact their relationship with others such as instructors. Issues such as homosexualism and tribade are non taboo in some states. For case in France, their openness to homosexualism can be seen in their instruction system. The governments have published text editions incorporating subjects about homosexuals and tribades households which are called as modern households ( Abry et al. , 2008 ) . It means their pupils and adolescents are exposed to this type of lifestyle but in Muslim states like Arab and Malaysia and other states, governments are strongly opposing this affair. Hence, the negative impact is if pupils are influenced by inappropriate civilizations as seen by their society. Another positive impact of globalization on instruction is the debut of engineering, on-line instruction or e-learning at school. E-Learning consulting ( no day of the month ) defines e-learning as the usage of engineering to enable people to larn anytime and anyplace. This fits in the planetary universe because modernisation and urbanisation come together and pupils are comfy with utilizing technological devices and cyberspace. Blessinger and Kovbasyuk ( 2012 ) have agreed that ‘today ‘s pupils hence tend to be more digitally savvy, nomadic and ephemeral, socially connected, and more democratic in their worldview ‘ . Hence, this instruction and larning method of utilizing technological devices will work with our digital coevals. They can hold contact with other overseas ‘ pupils through societal webs to portion about each other civilizations and point of views. One method is ocular acquisition that is done online such as Skype and pupils can hold a treatment yarn in their universities ‘ electronic mail and on Facebook group which can be accomplished outside of a normal schoolroom. In my sentiment, any treatment yarn method is effectual to larning because it is easier for pupils as they can notice on one subject and discuss with other pupils. Unfortunately, online acquisition could be hard to be applied in rural country where cyberspace connexion is barely accessible. However, to accomplish a planetary instruction criterion, many states are taking more earnestly about supplying these technological and modern installations to all schools. For illustration, Wilson ( 2012 ) indicates that ‘virtual acquisition in India can be done because computing machine was rather inexpensive at that place ‘ . In close hereafter, it is non surprising if all schools are equipped with computing machines every bit good as those in rural countries. However, the innovation of tape recording, picture recording, audio recording, PowerPoint pres entation and Interactive Whiteboard ( IWB ) are really utile for pedagogues and pupils in surveies and presentations. The job that will happen is pupils ‘ abuse of the engineering and cyberspace with texting in schoolroom, picture games, online chatting and phonography. Teachers need to supervise the pupils but the pupils besides need to larn to command themselves. In term of course of study, Information and Communication Technology ( ICT ) has now become one of the of import topics at most schools because of globalization. Students are taught basic cognition about computing machine and cyberspace and they are larning utilizing them. For illustration, in Malaysia, pupils besides learn about the connexion between Science and Technology through a topic called English Science and Technology. Knowledge on scientific discipline, mathematics and engineering is besides indispensable to travel frontward with modernization. By utilizing cyberspace, it is possible to demo reliable illustrations of innovations that have been created and groundss of many scientific researches to pupils. The sweetening in Vocational Education and Training ( VET ) is another benefit of globalisation. Advanced preparation offers enable pupils to travel abroad for developing in specialist states. It can either be a really short intensive class or a 2 to 3 old ages programme. H armonizing to Draft National Education Strategic Plan for Afghanistan ( in Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Ministry of Education, 2010:11 ) , the purpose of proficient and vocational instruction and preparation is to ‘to supply relevant and choice proficient and vocational instruction for both males and females in order to enable them to run into the demands of the labour market in Afghanistan and the part, and to lend to the just and balanced development of the state ‘ . Similarly to other states, VET provides chances for pupils who are interested in this field to widen their cognition and to fix them for future calling. Cogburn ( no day of the month ) has stated that ‘the function of cognition within the economic system is taking to a whole scope of new industries and new developments in biotechnology, new stuffs scientific discipline, information sciences, computing machine scientific discipline, et cetera ‘ . Courses such as media, telecommunication and science-related topics are in demand since the universe will necessitate more experts in these Fieldss in the hereafter. Globalisation gives impact on instructors and pedagogues economically through the sum of rewards they receive. The sum additions compared to the epoch before globalization started. Harmonizing to NY Times ( 2011:2 ) , ‘the norm get downing salary for a Finnish instructor was $ 29,000 in 2008 ‘ . Traveling on, globalisation besides effects the employment of fresh alumnuss and pupils that have completed high schools in this epoch. Cantu ( 2003 ) has mentioned that ‘the lowest rewards for this decennary were for persons with some high school and no grade. The highest rewards throughout the decennary were for persons who had attained a professional grade. The educational degrees whose average rewards were the closest were Professional and Doctorate grades ‘ . It shows how importance is instruction to last in this urbanisation and competitory universe and to suit kids to the on the job universe. Cantu ( 2003 ) has said that ‘the more notable statistic is the fact that the less instruction a individual receives, the more likely they will be unemployed. While more instruction does non vouch employment, the higher the instruction degree, the more competitory a individual will be in the occupation market ‘ . However, taking Malaysia as an illustration, globalization has changed Malayan course of study in footings of boring pupils to memorize to giving pupils more chance to be originative and believe more critically. Norsiah Fauzan ( no date:173 ) has commented by stating ‘our educational system and course of study alterations its accent from memory based larning to an instruction that stimulates believing, creativeness, lovingness, providing for single abilities and larning manners ‘ . Norsiah Fauzan ( no date:173 ) adds, ‘we are seeking for a meaningful, socially responsible, multicultural, holistic and technological course of study beside looking for a more planetary manner to better the quality of instruction concentrating on values, attitudes and behaviour in a society full of diverseness particularly in footings of race and civilization ‘ . From my experience, I recall when I was a primary and secondary school pupils, I spent most of my clip analyzing for tes ts by memorising notes and even theoretical account essays. The purpose was no other than to go through tests with good Markss even though I did non to the full understand the lesson or the aim of analyzing subjects such as algebra and square root in Mathematics. As globalization and internalization are germinating quickly, the governments have decided that pupils need to be trained to be all-rounded and that instruction should learn pupils to pattern their cognition. In order to vie in the planetary universe, competence and accomplishments are of import. Other than that, because of globalisation, English has become an of import linguistic communication to the universe. Macionis and Plummer ( 2005 ) have cited, ‘English is quickly emerging as the preferable 2nd linguistic communication of most of the universe ‘ . The consequence on instruction is that English is one of the nucleus topics in most schools and universities across the universe. Apart from prioritising one ‘s ain native linguistic communication, to hold a good English proficiency is indispensable as it is a lingua franca to link with other states in the universe. Mohini Mohamed ( 2008:90 ) says that ‘the ground for utilizing English can be seen as useful in nature because they hope by geting and get the hanging English among their pupils can better their chance in the occupation market ‘ . Books, articles, diaries and cyberspace beginnings are largely published in English and assignments and undertaking plants at higher establishments are in E nglish. Students at schools study English literature poesy from assorted renowned poets such as Shakespeare and Dickens and some pupils major in Literature at higher instruction. They do non entirely larn their ain literature but besides literature of other civilizations in different states. Students in the English speech production states learn other esteemed linguistic communication such as Spanish and Gallic. Students besides learn about humanistic disciplines originated from other states such as the celebrated Masaccio ‘s and Leonardo da Vinci ‘s plants. All these are cogent evidence for ‘cultural hybridization ‘ that occurs due to globalization and universalisation. It refers to the ways in which parts of a civilization ( linguistic communication, patterns, and symbols ) are recombined with the other civilizations which happens a batch nowadays ( Macionis and Plummer, 2005 ) . Education in globalised universe, although it transfers cultural values, it can besides do societal inequalities and societal divisions. Macionis and Plummer ( 2005:521 ) have explained that ‘education becomes a agency for the reproduction of society ‘s inequalities: it can move as a agency of societal control, reenforcing credence of the position quo and may run to reproduce the position hierarchy ‘ . The state of affairs is normally occurred in private or elect schools. Students analyzing in private and elect schools are usually from affluent and high position households while those in national schools have mix household backgrounds. Macionis and Plummer ( 2005:517 ) has shown an illustration in British elite schools ‘such elect schools non merely learn academic topics, they besides convey to kids from affluent households the typical forms of address, idiosyncrasies and societal graces of British upper category ‘ . Parents pay expensive school fees to register their kids in elect schools. Social division occurs because elect school pupils have fewer opportunities to blend with working category pupils in the community. Their societal circle is restricted to pupils of similar societal criterions and backgrounds. Hence, they may make their ain perceptual experiences of pupils outside their societal circle without cognizing them which can take to downgrading others. In decision, globalization is so has helped a batch in the development of the educational sector. Although different authorities has different docket to better their instruction system, we are all working to accomplish the planetary instruction criterions and to bring forth planetary citizens. Macionis and Plummer ( 2005 ) have commented that ‘societies around the universe now have more contact with one another ; bask more cooperation, than of all time before. These planetary connexions involve the flow of goods, information and people ‘ . In the hereafter, I hope there will be more positive impacts on instruction from globalization and that the negative impacts can be reduced from clip to clip.

A Good Man Is Hard to Find Grandmother Is the Central...

A Good Man is Hard to Find The grandmother is the central character in the short story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find,† by Flannery O’Connor. She is also a very well rounded and dynamic character. She shows various characteristics and reveals various remarks as they story progresses. Some of her qualities include selfish and a pushy person. She is also kind of manipulator in a way that she insists her family to change the plan. At the beginning of the story when we first realize her desire to visit her childhood house, she is being a very selfish person. Examining her conversation with her son Bailey, the grandmother is moreover a pushy person. She is convincing Bailey to change the trip plan according to her need only and which will†¦show more content†¦I’ll give you all the money I’ve got!† (O’Connor 355). She is pleading the Misfit for her life only by saying the word lady repeatedly and offering him the money. She is also praisi ng the Misfit by calling him a good man and trying to save her life. She was also careless about her family. When her family is taken down into the woods, she continues to talk to Misfit. She ignores the sound of when her son and rest of the family were being shot. She is apparently oblivious to many things. She was ignoring everything but the Misfit. â€Å"The shirt came flying at him and landed on his shoulders and he put it on. The grandmother couldn’t name what the shirt reminded her of† (O’Connor 354). The grandmother doesn’t even realize that shirt was her son Baileys. She had no interest in knowing where that shirt came from and what happened to my family. For the concern of her life only, she tries to persuade the Misfit the same way she tried with her family. â€Å"I know you’re a good man. You don’t look a bit like you have common blood. I know you must come from nice people!† (O’Connor 352). She is trying to manipula te the Misfit and hopes that he will bear her. She is thinking about no one else but the sake for herself. However she fails once again to influence the Misfit. One of her characteristics in the story is being a very pushy person. Even when she is not heard by her family, she continues to praise her homeland hoping that Bailey would change hisShow MoreRelatedConceited Judgment and the Pitfall of Pride1298 Words   |  5 PagesConnor’s short stories â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† and â€Å"Good Country People,† there is a central theme about the negative effects of trusting one’s own judgment too readily, as well as using religion to manipulate people. It is easy to see multiple connections to this theme in the two short stories, although the specific events themselves are different. 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Although â€Å"Good country people† and â€Å"a good man is hard to find† are written by the same author, many elements in those two stories cause them have similar themes in religion, misplace trust andRead More A Good Man Is Hard To Find by Mary Flannery O’Connor Essay1515 Words   |  7 Pageswrote â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† in 1955. â€Å"Her works combine flat realism with grotesque situations; violence occurs without apparent reason or preparation.† (Roberts 429). â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† is about a southern family’s trip to Florida which takes a dramatic turn. T his story was written in O’Connor’s first collection of short stories. â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† is a compelling story of tragedy that utilizes humor and irony to draw the reader’s attention, and two major characters to conveyRead MoreEssay On The Misfit And The Grandmother1359 Words   |  6 PagesMisfit and The Grandmother†, the author argues that the Misfit and the Grandmother of Flannery O’Connor’s â€Å"A Good Man is Hard To Find† are ultimately the same character. Specifically, that the Misfit is the more evolved version of the Grandmother. Additionally, the article focuses on weakening of the Grandmother’s character on both the part of the reader, and of Flannery O’Connor herself; noting that it is purposeless to view the Grandmothers character superficially, as her true character lies beneathRead MoreSummary Of A Good Man Is Hard And Find By Flannery O Conner1687 Words   |  7 PagesThe Grandm other in â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard to Find† â€Å"A Good Man Is Hard To Find† is a short story written by Flannery O’Conner and published in 1953. It tells a story of a family on their trip to Florida who happen to be found accidentally by The Misfit, a serial killer who has just escaped a federal prison and is on his way to Florida as well. The grandmother is the central character in the story who becomes the only family member killed by The Misfit, compared to the other family member who were killedRead MoreEssay on A Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery OConnor1564 Words   |  7 PagesA Good Man is Hard to Find by Flannery OConnor A Good Man is Hard to Find is an extremely powerful commentary that elucidates Flannery OConnors opinions about religion and society. Like the majority of her other works, A Good Man is Hard to Find has attracted many interpretations based on Christian dogma (Bandy 1). These Christian explications are justified because Miss OConnor is notorious for expressing Catholic doctrines through her fiction. Once she even remarked I see fromRead MoreAn Analysis of Shirley Jacksons The Lottery and Flannery OConnors A Good Man Is Hard to Find1360 Words   |  5 Pageswith the town; he represents blind adherence to ritual, social rigidity, and resistance to change. His name corresponds with the seasonal setting of The Lottery, too, drawing attention to the importance of his character in shaping the theme of the story. Summers is in charge of the central motif of the story, the lottery that takes the life of a human being. A predecessor to The Hunger Games, Jacksons The Lottery shares in com mon with its modern counterpart a theme of how groupthink places a strangleholdRead MoreAnalysis Of O Connor s A Good Man893 Words   |  4 PagesIn O’Connor’s short story â€Å"A Good Man is Hard to Find† the definition of what it takes to be a â€Å"good man† is very misconstrued. In the beginning of this story a â€Å"good† character does not exist. The family is habitually mean to the grandmother, and the grandmother is a conceded, selfish human being. The misfit, another main character, is a criminal and is not a morally good person either. The central theme of the entire story is the concept of the word â€Å"good,† and what it takes to meet this expectation

Mozart Essay - 663 Words

MOZART nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozart is perhaps the greatest musical genius who ever lived. Mozart s full name is Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. Most people called him Mozart or Wolfgang. Mozart was born in Salzburg, Austria, January 27, 1756. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozart is the greatest musical child prodigy who ever lived. He began composing minuets at the age of 5 and symphonies at age 9. His father took him on a series of concert tours together with his sister, Maria Anna; born four and one-half years before Mozart. She too, was a child prodigy. Both played the keyboard, but Mozart became a violin virtuoso, as well. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In 1762 he and his sister, quot;Nannerl,quot; as she was†¦show more content†¦nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In 1786, Mozarts London friends took part in the first performance of The Marriage of Figaro. This was a triumph for Mozart in Prague, and he wrote his quot;Praguequot; symphony as a tribute to its generous people. In Paris, Mozart published his first works: four sonatas for clavier: with accompanying violin in 1764. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; In 1768 he composed his first opera, LA FINTA SEMPLICE, for Vienna; but intrigues prevented its performance, and it was first presented a year later at Salzburg. Mozart was a successful composer and violinist. He used the form of concerto (like the symphony, in several section) to display the qualities of wind instruments, like the horn. His crowning achievements in concerto form, however, are for piano and orchestra - in all 25 works. Mozarts performances of his own piano concertos had much to do with the development of the instrument. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozarts greatest success was THE MARRIAGE OF FIGARO, written in 1786, composed for the Vienna Opera. One of Mozarts greatest and most well known piece of music is THE MAGIC FLUTE; which was produced by a suburban theatre in Vienna. His greatest operatic success after Figaro was DON GIOVANNI written in 1787, composed for Prague where Mozarts art was especially appreciated. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;Mozarts fame began to wane afterShow MoreRelatedThe Mozart Effect Essay1461 Words   |  6 Pagesâ€Å"Mozart effect† is a believe that listening to music could enhance individuals’ intelligence, and therefore lead to better performance in various spheres, such as languages and arithmetics. There are researches pointed out that listening to music while tasks performance would result in significant boost of scores. The effect of listening to Mozart’s music on spatial seasoning was looked over in 1933 by Dr. Rauscher, three common tests about abstract spatial reasoning were given to the participantsRead More Mozart Essay920 Words   |  4 Pages Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is one of the greatest music composers who ever lived. His name and the word genius are often bandied about together by music writers and critics and many would argue rightly so. Mozart had a fantastic ear for writing a catchy tune with perfect orchestral arrangement. His c ompositions have a rich and distinctive sound; it can be said that in his brief lifetime (only 35 years) that he wrote a masterpiece in every genre of classical music without much apparent effort. OriginalRead MoreSummary : Mozart 1016 Words   |  5 PagesJohannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart Lydia Molina Mr. Dresser General Music 27 May, 2015 Mozart Johannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, known for his string of operas, concertos, symphonies and sonatas, he helped shape classical music as it is today. â€Å"Born on January 27, 1756, in Salzburg, Austria, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a musician capable of playing many instruments at age six. Over the years, Mozart aligned himself with a variety of EuropeanRead More The Mozart Effect Essay1215 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mozart Effect Ever since human intelligence has been a factor for survival, people have been trying to think of new, innovative ways to increase their mental capabilities. In the past, people have taken pills, prepared home-made concoctions, and have even shaven their heads to clear their minds. Even now, new ideas, such as magnetic mattresses for better blood circulation to the brain, are patented and sold promising mental wellness and stability – and making money for the inventor. WhenRead More Mozart Essay1525 Words   |  7 Pages Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart This paper discusses Mozarts life, his compositions and his importance to the world and the world of music. It explains how Mozarts music is still some of the most popular classical music played today and his life is still studied because his music is so well known and liked. An Austrian composer and performer who showed astonishing precocity as a child and was an adult virtuoso, musical genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was born to Leopold Mozart and Anna Maria PertlRead MoreThe Mozart Effect and Infant Intelligence1408 Words   |  6 PagesIn modern society intelligence is highly competitive and subject to scrutiny; therefore, it is understandable that a child’s intelligence is a primary concern for many parents. The Mozart effect, popularised in the 1990s, resulted in many parents believing that simply exposing their child to music composed by Mozart would improve their intelligence (Campbell, 1997). The claim was founded by research published in the journal Nature, which suggested that spatial reasoning could be temporarily enhancedRead MoreThe Mozart Effect Essay931 Words   |  4 PagesIt has long been believed that music can evoke specific thoughts and feelings from the listener. But can music –specifically the music of Wolfgang Amadeu s Mozart- summon hidden intelligences within the human brain? That is the question scientists are trying to answer. In the mid-nineties, scientists, Frances Rauscher, Gordon Shaw and Katherine Ky, claimed that music could boost the listener’s intelligence up to 9 points (Steele 2). To many, this allegation seemed a bit far-fetched and soon otherRead MoreEssay On Mozart Effect1061 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mozart Effect, broadly stated, is the idea that music can help with many other aspects of a student’s education. Its research started decades ago and is still highly debated today, with some condition to the findings. However, in Bob Duke’s article, he explains why it doesn’t matter whether of not it helps tests scores. He believes we should not be using this as an excuse for keeping music programs because there are countless better reasons. Duke’s article highly reinforced why I personally believeRead MoreThe Works Of Haydn And Mozart940 Words   |  4 PagesHaydn and Mozart are often recognised as the two composers who were responsible for bringing Viennese Classicism to its greatest height. In the public eye, these two great composers could not be more different, whether it is in terms of their characters or values. This essay sets out to explore the similarities and differences in the early lives of these two gifted individuals, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and (Franz) Joseph Haydn, through their backgrounds and music education. Mozart, who was bornRead More The Mozart Effect Essay1250 Words   |  5 PagesThe Mozart Effect is a study that shows listening to classical music can have positive effects on learning and attitude. This occurrence is called the Mozart Effect, and it has been proven in experiments by many scientists. This research has caused much controversy between believers and nonbelievers, because The Mozart Effect is said to enhance the brain and reasoning; it is also used to reduce stress, depression, or anxiety; it induces relaxation or sleep; and the Mozart Effect activates the body

The Golden Age Of Piracy - 1380 Words

Hollywood portrays pirates as swashbuckling outlaws with their own set of rules and loose morals, nefarious hideouts, and adventure at every turn of their lives; but that’s Hollywood. During the Golden Age of Piracy, about 1550 to 1730, pirates did traverse the Atlantic almost completely unchallenged; producing some of the most notorious pirates and privateers the world had ever seen. But not all of these pirates were outlaws, most were actually legal. And their hideouts weren’t really hideouts at all; just cities that were afraid of the Spanish and thought the pirates could protect them. And adventure? Well, some of the best and most infamous pirates didn’t want the epic battles that are pictured in many of today’s films. Something else†¦show more content†¦Question two; how did entire cities and islands become pirate hideouts? During the early Colonial era, the Spanish reigned supreme in the Caribbean. They were rapidly colonizing the islands of the Caribbean and gaining wealth with every step. These cities were afraid of being overthrown by the Spanish and wanted protection from these invaders. One of the first to offer up their ports was Port Royal, Jamaica.†. Port Royal became one of the most infamous pirate hideouts of all time and was considered the â€Å"wickedest city on Earth†. It all started in the mid 1600s when Jamaica’s governors decided to allow all pirates and privateers, who were not Spanish, to stay in return for protection from the Spanish. And of course, they accepted. Soon after the city was filled with British and French privateers, including the famous Sir Henry Morgan who used Port Royal as a sort of home base for his raids on Spanish strongholds such as Portobello, Caratenga, and Panama City. By the 1660s, Port Royal was filled with every disreputable establishment known to mankind. But by 1720, Jamaica had to cut relations with the pirates due to raids on every ship that came int o port. Port Royal then became known for pirate hangings. Other cities and islands like New Providence, Bahamas, have similar stories to tell. But one other island has a different story. Around 1630, French hunters, who occupied Hispaniola, modern day Haiti, had to flee the islandShow MoreRelatedGolden Age of Piracy2980 Words   |  12 PagesFinally, Teach places several slow burning fuses under his hat, lighting each one by one[i]. With wisps of smoke billowing around his face, Blackbeard, the most treacherous pirate in history, emerges from his cabin to join the fight. In the golden age of piracy, Captain Edward Teach, more commonly known as Blackbeard, stands out as the fiercest and most important figure. Blackbeard and his crew successfully controlled commerce along the North Carolina and Virginia coast from 1717-1718. BlackbeardRead MorePirates: Piracy and Golden Age1076 Words   |  5 PagesJosh Davis FYE 102 Paper 1 9/28/2012 Golden Age Pirates vs. Modern Day Pirates Piracy has been around before the time of the pyramids. Once merchant ship began to deliver goods to other countries, others realized the financial gain that could be made by stealing those goods and selling them themselves. Pirates have ruled the seas at different times. Once Europeans settled in the American colonies, pirates plundered towns along the coast and attacked almost every ship they came in contactRead MoreThe Golden Age of Piracy Essay example1197 Words   |  5 Pagescenturies, piracy was rampant in the Atlantic, specifically in the West Indies. Piracy has existed since the earliest days of ocean travel, for a range of personal and economic reasons. However, one of the major reasons why piracy was wide spread and rampant in the 16th, 17th and early 18th centuries was Great Britain’s endorsement and usage of piracy as an asset; in wars fought in the New World. Great Britain with its expanding power and conflicts with other nations would make piracy a lifes tyleRead MoreBlackbeards Life, The Golden Age of Piracy, and Its Effect on Piracy Today2047 Words   |  9 PagesBlackbeard’s Life Blackbeard was a brave and most outspoken sea rovers who operated during early 1700s in the coastal regions of the English Southern parts of the New world. His piracy activities, together with his co-pirates are key sectors in United States of America’s history. Happening in the time eminently known as the golden age of piracy, their brave advances in sea robbery facilitated the gradual demise of sea hijacking and theft on the deep seas.1 There is no sufficient information to provide a reliableRead MoreAnalysis Of The Documentary Pirates, Galleons, And Treasure Globe Trekker 1311 Words   |  6 Pagesdocumentary. Also in the video, Calico Jack is said to be responsible for designing the skull and cross bone flag (Pirates, Galleons and Treasure, 2007), when the flag had been first been spotted in 1700 by a pirate named Wyn way before Calico Jack (The Golden Age, 2016) and the only pirate to be known to fly a true skull and cross bone flag is Edward England (Konstam, 2011, p.193). Essentially, â€Å"Pirates, Galleons and Treasures† does not seem to show accurate or unbiased information, or at least towards theRead MoreVillains Of All Nations : Atlantic Pirates1667 Words   |  7 PagesHistory generally depicts piracy as a radical system of violent practices and unconventional beliefs. This version of piracy is certainly more thrilling and romantic, and is arguably more entertaining, than the reality. Unbeknow nst to most people, pirate society was a very well thought out system with strict rules, a judiciary body, and even social security benefits. In his book, Villains of All Nations: Atlantic Pirates In the Golden Age, author Marcus Rediker attempts to convey these truths andRead MoreThe Most Notorious Pirate Of The Restoration1475 Words   |  6 PagesBlackbeard: The Most Notorious Pirate of the Restoration When people think of the golden age of piracy many things come to mind. From buried treasure, sword fighting, stealing loot and drinking rum, the golden age of piracy is one of the most exciting elements of the restoration period. Along with those elements there were many famous pirates that highlighted the restoration. Although there were many famous pirates of the restoration period one name usually comes to mind, Blackbeard. His iconicRead MorePiracy : Asset Not Annoyance1043 Words   |  5 PagesPiracy: Asset Not Annoyance The music industry claims to be suffering losses in large amounts due to pirates. Apparently billions of dollars of money that could have been made is being taken away. Peer-to-peer file sharing, born from the advancement of modern technology, has been a large aspect of the internet for a couple of years, but still the music industry cannot figure out how to use it to their advantage. 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He terrorized the seas for most of his gruesome life during this era. The Golden Age of Piracy marked a time when sea travel was unsafe for everyone, with Blackbeard being one of the lead factors. The history of piracy dates back more than 3000 years. It appears that the word pirate (peirato) was

Logistics & Operations Management of Next Plc †Free Sample

Question: Identify the component activities for an organisation of Next Plc then evaluate the performance objectives used by each and critically examine and suggest ways in which the performance could be improved? Answer: Introduction Logistics and operations management are the crucial functional areas in any organisation because they determine the effectiveness with which the organisation attains its goals and objectives positively. Logistics management is concerned with the flow of materials to warehouses and finished product to retailers and final consumers. Operations management is concerned with managing the operations through applying advanced technological systems so that cost efficiency is attained which will then be transferred to the final consumers. However, in efficiently performing the management of operations and logistics, there are essential component activities used by different organisations (Loader and Biggs, 2002). In achieving better level of performance against these component activities, there are specific performance objectives that have been considered by these organisations and they are focused with a view to achieve improved level of performance against such objectives (Lewis and Slack, 2003). This report is aimed at identifying important component activities in respect to Next Plc and this is followed by an assessment of the important objectives that are set by the organisation in this regard. Once the objectives are identified, the next step is to evaluate the current level of performance of Next Plc against this so that recommendations can be provided in achieving improved level of performance against them. Brief Analysis of Next Plc An analysis of Next Plc indicates that it is a British Multinational clothing footwear and home products retailer that has its headquarter in Enderby, Leicestershire. Next operates more than 700 stores with majority of them are in the UK. It has been the largest clothing retailer in UK, and the core features of Next is that it includes collection for men, women, and children that are styled and designed by its in-house team. The in-house team is responsible for designing great style, quality and value for money with a contemporary fashion edge. The organisation operates not only in UK, but it has its operations internationally in 40 countries overseas. As a result, the operations management including networking has been carried out efficiently with a view to meet out its customers requirements (Next Plc, 2015). Identification of Component Activities in Operations and Networking at NEXT The component activities mainly indicate the key component parts that must be performed to achieve organisations goals. As Next is identified as clothing retailer in UK, the operations management activities of Next involve certain key component activities that fulfils the needs and expectations from such operational departments. As for instance, a major key component activity related to operations management is the product designing and selection. Apart from this, skills and efficiency of its employees is another key component activity of Next Plc that supports the operation management across the organisation. The employees are accountable to supporting the customers of the organisation. Cash handling in Nexts retail format stores, and achieving safety and security are the other major component activities in operations management of the company (Vidler, 2001). Apart from the component activities in respect to operations management, there are certain major component activities that have been identified in respect to the networking process in the logistics management at Next. As Next is operating at a large level, the role of networking and distribution is important, and there are certain key component activities that are involved within its networking process. The current analysis indicates that Next has more than 500 stores in UK and the delivery and supply of necessary clothing wears to these stores have been the crucial component activity of Nexts current operations. The networking process also includes the component activity of suppliers inclusion so that the entire networking process can be carried out efficiently in meeting out the needs and expectations of its final end consumers (Next Annual Report, 2013). These are the major component activities of Next Plc that have been noted in respect to its operations management and networking processes. Key Performance Objectives for Each Identified Component Activity In order to achieve enhanced operations performance and logistics management at Next Plc, there are important component activities that have been noted. These component activities as identified have specific objectives and they are indicated separately as follows: Product Designing and Selection: This has been the key component activity of operations management at Next Plc, and the objectives are: To design clothing wear as per current trends as prevalent within UK customers. To anticipate and respond to changing customer preferences and expectations. To maintain sufficient quantities of a particular fashion wear so as to prevent excessive production and ultimately outdated problems (Next Annual Report, 2013). Applying Employees Skills and Abilities: This is another important component activity of operations management at Next Plc, and its objectives include: To make use of advanced skills and abilities of its employees in designing fashionable wears. To make optimum utilisation of human resources in achieving organisational tasks and activities in a cost efficient way (Sharma, 2006). Cash Handling and Safety and Security: Next being operating so many stores across UK has specific operations goals to achieve safety and security in its operations, and manage cash handling process efficiently. The objectives are: To achieve the production process with higher safety and no casualties at workplace. To achieve proper management of cash with higher accuracy levels (Kale, 2013). Suppliers Inclusion in Networking System: This has been the key component at Next in its networking operations, and the performance objectives are: To ensure that there is regular supply of materials as needed by Next throughout the entire period. To make sure that adequate compliances are achieved by suppliers with the company code (Next Annual Report, 2013). The analysis above has indicated about different component from operations management and networking process at Next Plc and the main performance objectives that have been expected to achieved by the organisation. The next section analyses the actual performance of Next as against these objectives so that appropriate recommendations would be provided in achieving improved level of performance. Analysis of Next Plcs Performance against Performance Objectives As there are specific performance objectives that have been identified in respect to Next Plcs operations and networking management, an analysis of its current performance level as against these objectives is essential. As for example, in relation to the objective of product designing and selection, the performance objectives of Next has been assessed which suggests that the organisations aims at identifying designing customised products and services that can suit their customer needs and requirements. In achieving this objective, there has been executive directors and senior management that have been continuously involved in the process, and they perform regular check ups of the production processes that have been carried out. This not only enables the production of clothing wear as per the latest trends and requirements of customers, but it also results into the positive accomplishment of product quantities as per requirements. The chances of extra surplus production get reduced be cause of the involvement of senior level managers and directors in such production process at Next Plc. This particular approach has been applied at Next Plc in addressing the issue of product designing and development so that the end customer requirements are efficiently met (Next Annual Report, 2013). Apart from the performance objective in relation to product design and development, the analysis of the case of Next Plc indicated that the operations management involve the objectives related to human resource utilisation. At Next Plc, the senior management and the technical personnel are continuously involved in making important decisions related to hiring and retaining talented personnel. The technical staffs are responsible for attracting, motivating and retaining highly qualified employees. In addition to this, in achieving the specific objectives in relation to employing the best possible knowledge, skills and abilities of employees, there has been the deployment of large number of strategies performed across Next Plc. These strategies include providing sufficient level of training and development opportunities to employees, promoting equal opportunities, facilitating efficient communication opportunities to employees (Next Annual Report, 2012). These specific strategies in managing organisational employees at Next have been crucial from the point of view of achieving desired level of performance on their part. The focus of the managers and technical personnel at Next towards utilising the talent of their employees by recruiting and hiring expert professionals, and providing them training and development has been crucial. These initiatives allows for accomplishing desired goals by the company in terms of higher operational efficiency. At Next Plc, its employees are considered as one of their major assets, and they are adequately supported so that their efforts results into the attainment of organisational goals. In these ways, the optimum utilisation of employee abilities is being achieved at Next which has been beneficial to the organisation in meeting out its stakeholders expectations efficiently (Neely, 2007). Apart from the attainment of objectives with respect to operational management, there are specific actions and initiatives that are considered at Next Plc in order to ensure efficiency in its networking abilities. Because of the operations of Next Plc being expanded at a larger level, the networking process especially in the form of logistics management needs to be highly efficient. In this relation, the objective as pursued by Next is to include its suppliers in its working process. The strategy of Next to achieve efficiency in its logistics process implies that the company focuses on making the products available to its customers across all the time. In achieving such efficiency, it makes strategic use of its suppliers whereby company aims at reducing its dependence over a single supplier. There has been a partnership strategy being deployed by the organisation whereby larger number of suppliers is considered as a part of its business strategy. This allows Next Plc in ensuring the supply of products to its customers on regular basis (Next Plc CSR, 2013). Overall, the analysis above indicates that there are various performance initiatives that are considered by Next Plc in order to meet out its operations management and logistics management goals. There has been the consideration of large number of initiatives to make sure that the performance objectives related to the operations management and logistics management are positively accomplished. Conclusion and Recommendations A critical analysis of the component activities of Next Plc has been carried out in this report, and the conduct of analysis revealed significant level of findings. It has been evaluated that there are various important component activities at Next Plc that are aimed at achieving smooth operational and logistics management. The component activities in relation to operations management as identified are mainly in terms of product designing and selection, utilising employee skills and abilities to achieve operational efficiency etc whereas in respect to achieving efficient networking, the component activities as noted are mainly the inclusion of suppliers in meeting out customers need at Next, achieving positive level of support from all its suppliers through partnering them etc. The analysis leads to identification that is significant level of initiatives that are considered at Next Plc in order to achieve its performance objectives in relation to different component activities. Recommendations in Improving Performance Objectives: There are certain major recommendations that are considered in achieving further level of effectiveness at Next in achieving its performance objectives related to operations management and networking. These are indicated as follows: In respect to networking, it is essential that Next Plc should focus more on the activities after the acquisition of raw materials from suppliers is achieved. At present, Next Plc establishes partnerships with its suppliers in the form of including them to its network which has been important. But at the same time, it is essential that centralised operations at Next should be efficiently managed to cover the requirements of its more than 500 stores in UK (Jones and Robinson, 2012). In relation to operations management, it has been evaluated that Next Plc has rigorous policy towards achieving efficiency in its operations through its efficient human resources. However, it is recommended that Next Plc should consider for standard approaches as well in designing its products. At present, it aims at customising its products as per customers requirements, but this has been a costly process. As a result, by focusing on standardised processes, it could be possible to Next Plc in achieving cost efficiency which would significantly enhance its operations (Koontz, 2010). References Jones, P. and Robinson, P. (2012), Operations Management, Oxford University Press. Koontz, H. (2010), Essentials of Management, Tata McGraw-Hill Education. Kale, S. (2013), Production and Operations Management, McGraw-Hill Education. Loader, D. and Biggs, G. (2002), Managing Technology in the Operations Function, Butterworth-Heinemann. Lewis, M. and Slack, N. (2003), Operations Management, Psychology Press. Next Annual Report, (2013) [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/~/media/Files/N/Next-PLC/pdfs/latest-news/2013/ar2013.pdf Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Next Plc, (2015) [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/about-next/business-overview.aspx [Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Next Plc CSR, (2013) [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/~/media/Files/N/Next-PLC/pdfs/corporate-responsibility-report/cr-2013-v2.pdf [Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Next Plc Annual Report, 2012 [Online]. Available at: https://www.nextplc.co.uk/~/media/Files/N/Next-PLC/pdfs/latest-news/2012/ar2012.pdf Accessed: 16 March 2015]. Neely, A. (2007), Business Performance Measurement: Unifying Theory and Integrating Practice, Cambridge University Press. Sharma, S.C. (2006), Introductory Operation Research, Discovery Publishing House. Vidler, C. (2001), Operations Management, Heinemann.

Substitute Ideas Essays - Dream, Psychotherapy, Symbols, Ferenci

Substitute Ideas What separates adults from children? Dont think of the obvious, age or height. Be creative. What do most adults lose the ability to do? We stop imagining and exploring unusual possibilities. All too often adults are tied down by rules; rules of probability, of logic or fact. Remember when you were a kid? Anything was possible, rules of logic didnt apply, didnt confine you and if you found an adult who was able to dream with you or even shock you with their perspectives of fact, then you had found a hero. In Charles Baxters short story Gryphon Mr. Hiblers fourth grade class finds such an adult; the substitute, Miss Ferenczi. Not every student chooses to see Miss Ferenczi as a hero, but Tommy does. As a substitute teacher Miss Ferenczi intrigues, encourages and dares Tommy to stretch his mind and think for himself. Before we can understand Tommys fascination with Miss Ferenczi, we must know who Tommy is. Where does he come from? What forces shape his world? Tommy is nine years old. He has been raised in a small town where everyone knows each other. Tommy knows this town inside and out. When riding on the bus Tommy sees no surprises; he knows every barn, every broken windmill, every fence, every ammonia tank, by heart (103). Life is very predictable. In fact, life is so predictable that when Mr. Hibler becomes ill, the class knows that the substitute teacher would come from a pool of about four mothers. (6). Every aspect of life in Five Oaks, Michigan (6) was conventional, expected and truly boring. Therefore Tommy is intrigued when a stranger enters the classroom and introduces herself as the substitute (13). Tommy observes Miss Ferenczi as she whimsically draws a tree on the black board (8), he listens to his fellow classmates as she is declared to be an alien of some sort (10) and he is slowly pulled into Miss Ferenczis world as he listens to her talk about her family (14). Miss Ferenczi wins Tommys loyalties during the spelling quiz. Tommy is unable to spell the word Balcony(41) correctly and is frustrated with the situation (41). Miss Ferenczi whispers to him that she [doesnt] like that word either (42). Then she goes on to enlighten Tommy with the insightful wisdom that if you dont like a word, you dont have to use it (42). With one simple remark, Miss Ferenczi empowers Tommy and teaches him a life lesson, to keep trying or to find a different way to achieve your goal. This life lesson is learned simply because Miss Ferenczi does not correct Tommy; instead she quietly stee rs him in a different direction. Miss Ferenczi teaches reading from the book Broad Horizons (14), and uses every opportunity to broaden Tommys horizons. She not only teaches the basics, math, reading, and spelling, but Miss Ferenczi includes lessons of magic and love (90) and lessons about life, death and God (94). Miss Ferenczi tells the class that she [knows the] children like to hear these things,and that is why I am telling you (93). By sharing her insight on subjects beyond the normal classroom topics, Miss Ferenczi encourages Tommy to seek out information thereby broadening his horizons. When discussing Egypt, Miss Ferenczi shares her personal story of a trip to Cairo where she saw a creature that was half lion and half bird (65). Miss Ferenczi tells the class that this monster was called a gryphon (65). Tommy wants to believe Miss Ferenczi, but he has doubts. So, once he arrives home, he goes to the dictionary and looks up Gryphon(88). He is thrilled to read the definition: its true, there really is such a cr eature (88). The fact that Tommy went home and did research on his own is of great importance. Tommy is faced with the ritual memorization of facts that all students endure. From multiplication tables (18) to facts about insects (139) Tommy is required to memorize the correct answer; learning is not a choice. With Miss Ferenczi Tommy chooses to learn. He decides to go home and expand his mind. Once Tommy begins to seek out or verify information he is able to think for