Assignment Cover Sheet Essays - Information Technology Management

Assignment Cover Sheet Essays - Information Technology Management Assignment Cover Sheet Qualification Module Number and T itle HND in Business Management BHND5202: Operations Management Student N ame No. Assessor Mr. Janaka Upendra Hand out date Submission Date 03rd March 2017 Assessment type Coursework Duration/Length of Assessment Type Individual 3000 words Weighting of Assessment 50% Learner declaration I, .certify that the work submitted for this assignment is my own and research sources are fully acknowledged. Marks A warded First assessor IV marks Agreed grade Signature of the assessor Date Feedback Form International College of Business Technology Module: BHND5202: Operations Management Student: Assessor: Mr. Janaka Upendra Assignment: Coursework - Individual Report Strong features of your work: Strong features of your work: Areas for improvement: Areas for improvement: Marks Awarded: Marks Awarded: Coursework - Individual Report Learning outcomes covered Understand the strategic role of operations management in sustaining firm's competitive advantages Understand the competitive priorities in product and service design Understand the interdependence of the operations function with the other key functional areas of a firm Scenario and the Task Scenario Operations management is a business function responsible for planning, coordinating and controlling the resources needed to produce a company's goods or services. Visit any service or manufacturing organization of your choice. Keenly observe the existing operations and collect data related to following learning outcomes. Identify the business, strategic framework of the business , the operations and e xplain why operations management is impor tant for the organization. (10 Marks) Study their operations strategy and d escribe the per formance objectives which they have prioritized out of cost; dependability; flexibility; quality and speed . Understand the link between operations management and strategic planning. Further discuss the internal and external benefits of excelling in these performance objectives. (3 0 Marks) E valuate the approach of the selected organization for below operation functions and derive recommendations for improvements. Select only five functions. Facility layouts P r ocess selection Linear programming Process flow charts P roject management Q uality assurance/ control (5 0 Marks) Prepare a proper report on the above mentioned tasks, not exceeding 3 000 words . (10 words) Assessment Criteria This submission will be assessed as follows Total marks Allocated Marks obtained by the student for the answer provided 1 Identify the business, strategic framework of the business, the operations and explain why operations management is important for the organization. 10-09 Has clearly identified the business, strategic framework of the business, the operations AND has clearly explained why operations management is important for the organization. AND effective judgments are evident with critical analysis 08-07 Has clearly identified the business, strategic framework of the business, the operations AND has clearly explained why operations management is important for the organization. Noted judgments BUT lack of critical analysis 06-05 Has averagely identified the business, strategic framework of the business, the operations AND has averagely explained why operations management is important for the organization. BUT lack of effective judgments. 04-03 Has averagely identified the business, strategic framework of the business, the operations BUT has weakly explained why operations management is important for the organization. AND no effective judgments. 02-00 Has weakly identified the business, strategic framework of the business, the operations AND has weakly explained why operations management is important for the organization. AND no effective judgments. 2. Study their operations strategy and describe the performance objectives which they have prioritized out of cost; dependability; flexibility; quality and speed. Understand the link between operations management and strategic planning. Further discuss the internal and external benefits of excelling in these performance objectives. 30-25 Effective judgments are evident in understanding the link between operations management and strategic planning further in identifying the performance objectives which they have prioritized. And has clearly described those performance objectives and internal and external benefits of excelling in these performance objectives. 24-19 Judgments are evident in the relevant places BUT which are not effective. AND has clearly described those performance objectives AND internal and external benefits of excelling in these performance objectives. 18-13 Lack of effective judgments is evident BUT has clearly described those performance objectives and internal and external benefits of excelling in these performance objectives. 12-07 No effective judgments are evident. BUT has averagely described those performance objectives AND internal and external benefits of excelling in these performance objectives. 06-00 No effective judgments are evident. AND has weakly described those performance objectives and internal and external benefits of excelling in these performance objectives. 3.1 Function 01 Critically evaluate the approach of the selected organization for below operation

8 interview questions when applying to a call center -The JobNetwork

8 interview questions when applying to a call center -The JobNetwork Whether they take orders or offer customer service, call centers are all fairly similar. So there are a number of common questions you can expect to be asked when interviewing for a call center job. Here are 8 to anticipate, along with some suggestions for how to answer them. 1. â€Å"Can you tell me about yourself?†How to Answer It: Emphasize your people skills, since call center work involves talking to people all day. If you’ve ever done volunteer work, now would be a good time to talk about how much you love it. Just be sure to give a fleshed-out answer. The interviewer wants to know more than the kind of information that is already on your resume. Go deeper than your basic statistics.2. â€Å"What do you think a call center is like?†How to Answer It: Stay positive! Maybe taking calls all day is not your ideal job, but if you really want this one, you need to describe a call center as an environment of excellent customer service with employees who are flexibl e, cheerful, and extremely helpful.3. â€Å"What do you know about our company?†How to Answer It: Before going on your interview, do a little research about the company for which you are interviewing. Being able to rattle off a few details about the company in very positive terms reveals an attention to detail, a team-player spirit, and a willingness to do your homework. Not having a substantial response signals that you don’t take getting this job very seriously.4. Question: â€Å"Why do you want to work here?†How to Answer It: Explain that you have the people skills necessary for call center work. If you don’t have call center experience- and you probably won’t if you are asked this particular question- describe your other work or life experiences relevant to call center work. If you’ve ever worked with customers or clients before, or ever had to defuse potentially explosive situations, you should mention such experiences in your response. 5. â€Å"What is quality customer service?†How to Answer It: There’s really only one answer to this question: â€Å"Going above and beyond expectations† is quality customer service.6. â€Å"What are your strengths and weaknesses?†How to Answer It: This is a common question in any job interview. If you’re trying to get a call center job, your strengths should include patience, problem-solving, excellent communication skills, fast learning, and friendliness. Discussing your weaknesses can be a sly way to further emphasize your strengths. For example, you can offer â€Å"I tend to work myself too hard† as a weakness. Just don’t mention anything too negative.7. â€Å"What is the salary you expect to make here?†How to Answer It: Ideally, you would just request the standard salary for someone with your qualifications rather than a specific figure. If the interviewer asks for a specific figure, keep it reasonable without aiming too lo w or you may end up making less than you deserve. Do some research to find out how much someone with your qualifications should earn at a call center.8. â€Å"Where do you see yourself in five years?†How to Answer It: This common question is a way to find out if you plan to stick around or regard the job as a temporary steppingstone. A company is not going to want to hire you if you plan to move on quickly, so tell the interviewer that in five years you see yourself working for this very company†¦but promoted to a more powerful position!

Design statement Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Design statement - Essay Example Financially sponsored by the universities, the website of AustraLearn is designed to promote and offer valid information about a total of 31different universities located throughout the Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific free services to interested foreign students. It also offers the prospective students not only long-term courses but also some short-term programs like a semester or a year abroad program, opportunity to participate in a high quality internship in Australia or New Zealand, the January term, or the summer abroad program. In line with this matter, the website provides the viewers the benefits of studying at each of the listed universities. It also accepts enrolment inquiries related to degree offered in each listed universities, the step-by-step application processes, financial aid, student visa, airline tickets, accommodation, etc. promoting only the different universities throughout Australia. Considering that the proposed program segregates all the Australian universities according to the geographical boundaries such as the Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria, and Tasmania; there is a higher chance that the viewers would decide to enrol in one of the Australian universities instead of the universities located in other countries. Furthermore, the simplicity of my design might be conducted the students to choose or not Australia as preferred study destination. The goal of this project is to provide the students the opportunity to choose a university based on the standard of teaching, tuition, lodging, the distance away from home, and the courses offered in accordance to their desired future career. From the educational perspective, the program will create a democratic learning environment by giving the students the freedom and opportunity to express their own

Business Ethics Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 7

Business Ethics - Article Example Over the last few months errors have been found in foreclosure documentations across the nation, indicating a rush to get the paperwork done. Signatures and notary confirmations have been found to be fake. Baum's firm has processed over 50,000 foreclosure cases since 2007 and he has faced accusations of improper paperwork. Moral questions raise here deal with issues of fairness and justice. 2. In defense of Bau would be the need of banks to recoup their losses from the mortgage crises in property assesses in any way they can. Another defense would be it is wrong for people to sign their names to mortgage contracts when they don't have the ability to pay. 3. It would be interesting in this case to apply, for instance, John Rawl's veil of ignorance to a community of people in a natural state of existence, for example, who have no other considerations but their own rational amount of self-interest. Each of these people have natural hopes and also recognize each others dignity and natura l liberties. These people would be morally violated if they did not have natural rights to such things as home and individual and social welfare.

Courage (To Kill A Mockingbird) Essay Example for Free

Courage (To Kill A Mockingbird) Essay The dictionary definition for courage is- Courage is the quality of mind that enables one to face danger or difficulty with confidence, resolution, and gain a firm control of oneself. Many of the characters in To Kill a Mockingbird show courage in their own way. Courage can come in many different forms: physical, mental, emotional and moral. Atticus shows courage throughout the novel while he stands up for what he believes is right even though he knows the majority of people disagree with his views. Atticus sees differently because he went to university and he got an education where he learnt about values and equality whereas the people of Maycomb who do not have the same education are basing their decision on what their family taught them and being from the south they have been taught to discriminate against which is why they treat Tom Robinson so unfairly. Atticus is also forced to shoot the mad dog (106-107) which is against his moral standards but he knew he had to kill it, not only to protect the people of Maycomb, he also had to put the dog out of its misery which took a lot of his strength and courage. Mrs Dubose shows courage and determination when she recognises that she has a flaw and that she has to fix it. She is addicted to Morphine and makes a goal to die free of her weakness. She goes through a time of withdrawal that is difficult to survive. She finishes her goal before she dies. She enlists Jem to read to her every Saturday as a way of distracting herself. It still takes a great amount of self-confidence to be able to recognise that one has a flaw and even more to do something about it. Scout shows a large amount of courage in the scene where Atticus goes down to the jailhouse in an attempt to try and protect Tom Robinson. After he arrives at the jail, a group of men appear in the jail with the intention of killing Robinson. Atticus is prepared to defend him, but he is thrown off guard when his children enter the situation. This makes Atticus nervous that his children are in danger. That was when Scout stepped up to the men and talked them down from attacking Tom and Atticus. Another example of courage is when Scout rolls the tire into the Radley yard. She is terrified when she realises where she is and her immediate reaction is to run straight back to the street. When she gets back Jem tells her to go back and get the tyre but Jem ends up doing it anyway. When Jem returns he accuses Scout of being a sissy girl. What he doesnt know because Scout decided not to tell him is that Scout heard laughter from inside the house. That is why she ran out so fast, forgetting the tyre. But she chose not to explain this to them.

Comparison of Business Practices in the US and China

Comparison of Business Practices in the US and China Diverse cultures of US and China Culture rules nigh on every particular phase of your life and like many, you are completely unacquainted of this. If inquired, you would define culture as architecture or language, music, visual arts, literature and you wouldnt be wrong. Nevertheless you wouldnt be completely right either. The United States of America is one of the multi ethnical, multi racial and multi cultural countries in the world. It has a highly diverse culture which has helped in forming its unique values. This diversity in culture can also be distinguished geographically where certain groups in different geographical locations have formulated a unique culture among themselves which is quite contrastingly diverse from mainstream American culture. They are Asian-American, Afro-American and Hispanic cultures. China can be listed as a country that has a very rich culture, certain aspects of which dates back to the ancient civilizations 5000 years back. This has been passed down from generation to generation thus preserving its identity and richness. It can be stated that it’s unique, diverse and yet harmoniously blended culture is a priceless asset to the world. The business practices of China and US The world of international business as we all know consists of people from different real and virtual work places in countries. Therefore it is important to know about a countries culture in order to adapt to it and be successful. Culture is complex and multi dimensional, to understand its basic nature we need to consider the Elements of culture. â€Å"Language† the key to culture transmits information. The Americans have commonly around 15 languages. Their main languages are English, Spanish and Indo European. Chinese have over 90 languages with 8 main languages where Mandarin is commonly used. A low context culture’s communication is precise and direct. But in terms of High context culture a lot of terms and facts that go unsaid. Practically Americans tend to communicate directly while the Chinese communicate indirectly, which eventually turns out to be a frustrating situation for Americans as they are quite unsure of what the Chinese expect. This is so while the Chinese feel unsettled by their direct approach. There are over 15000 â€Å"religions† in the world. China is a multi religious country which comprises mainly of three religions such as Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism. They believe that this world is an illusion and that everything is temporary. Also, that all living things including human beings constantly go through a process of life and death. They also believe in reincarnation. Somehow on the other hand, America comprises mainly of Christian believers and the minorities of around 6% belong to other religions. There are also those who don’t practice in any religion. Every country has their â€Å"values and attitudes† that distinguish them from others. There are different sets of attitudes towards time and future. In US time is important and is equivalent to money while China’s attitudes differ from that. They believe that time is required to make important decisions and look out for long term relationships with their business partners. This creates a contrast affecting their business transactions. â€Å"Customs† too are related to international business. US is physically isolated from all countries except Canada and Mexico. This has contributed to the isolation and the lack of concern towards the rest of the world unless they are threatened by another country or state. China however is connected to many other Asian countries and tends to be interdependent and concerned other nations. Americans have their food eaten using the folk and spoon while the Chinese use chopsticks. Americans tend to shake hands, hug, kiss on the cheek, gesture with one’s hands and use the first names while speaking to adults. Chinese however tend to bow or nod and use fewer gestures as possible. These extreme diversities could be no challenge if each country respects each other’s culture. We live in a technologically advanced global age. So its fairly obvious that international businesses take place among various countries. So how do people understand and communicate among each other? How do people understand their cultures respectively? Its rather difficult. But International businesses are taking place among each and every country due to the wide spread technological and demographical advancement of the societies living on earth. So to understand better and improve the standard of living, people should firstly understand the framework of assessing various cultures. These values are explained as Dimensions of culture by psychologist Dr Geert Hofstede. He further went on to explain that this cultural dimension consists of 5 principles. Power distance Individualism/ collectivism Masculinity/ femininity Uncertainty avoidance Long term/short term orientation Dr. Hofstede found many similarities and differences among these 5 dimensions. And he elaborated that, Building connections with people from around the world is just one dimension of cultural diversity. And therefore we should need to factor it into motivating people, structuring business related projects and developing strategy. USA and China we find similarities and differences with regard to these 5 dimensions. So for simplicity we could explain the dimensions, in a line graph between both China and the United States. Comparison between China and USA in regard to the 5 dimensions of Hofstedes values The buying behavior of consumers Buyer behavior refers to the decision making process and acts of the buyer in purchasing a particular good or a service. The buyer behavior regarding a product may change with the type of culture existing in a country. However the steps in the consumer decision making process remains the same and thus can be used as a suitable instrument in analyzing the behavior of consumers in two countries that are culturally contrasting. Figure 1 consumer decision making process In China, the key cultural drivers of purchasing decision making are philosophies such as Confucianism and Taoism as well as the collectivist nature of society. China being collectivists in nature gives much consideration to the voice of the public as well as ‘face’ (Mianzi) and ‘relationship’ (Guanxi) issues. In the USA, individualism plays an important role in all consumer decisions as well as religion, race and geographic location. China US Need recognition and problem awareness Both Confucianism and Taoism focus on family values. Chinese individuals have a deep sense of immediate family bindings. In every family unit, the elders are greatly respected. At the same time youngsters are also given importance and prioritized for being the ‘roots’ of generation continuation. As a result, when recognizing the needs of family, the needs of their children are given more importance. Ex: education needs of children are considered crucial in Chinese households as well as children’s healthcare products. As a developed western country, individualism tends to be the key ingredient that drives buying decisions. Individuals are encouraged to trust their personal judgment and thus when recognizing needs, individual needs are given more preference rather than collective needs. Information search In China, the buyers prefer word of mouth information to other sources. This aspect is related to collectivism. Buyers want to ‘be the same’ as others in their respective group so that they will be accepted. Acceptance is a vital factor for them. Due to this, they inquire from their friends, acquaintances or relatives regarding a certain product. This is how conformity of a product is decided. In mainstream culture of US, buyers receive information mainly through digital networks due to the various advancements available in electronic medias and the flexibility of US individuals to adapt to new technology. Meanwhile in varied sub cultures located across geographic boundaries traditional means are also used in getting informed regarding a certain product. Evaluation of alternatives In terms of public reputation (Mianzi) issues, Chinese individuals wish to put up a good ‘face’ for the others in their respective group to show their wealth and certain other factors. This issue distinctively promotes purchase of luxury products. But it has been also found out that there is more involvement in evaluation of alternatives when purchasing a product for social value rather than for private consumption. Americans usually do not bargain in front of a store owner. The social environment could affect the consumer behaviour in America. For example they would prefer eating corn flakes and ham instead of rice. Americans tend to seek goods with variety and have impulse purchases. This is so because they live a faster life than of Asian countries. Post purchase evaluation Buyers usually show concern post purchase and feel that an alternative would have been preferable. In this case, brand switching occurs the next time which the customer purchases. But, if they receive the social recognition intended for which they originally bought the product or receive a positive feedback from the society, the brand switching decision would not necessarily be taken. Americans usually would try something new when purchasing the next time. However if they are fully satisfied with a product they shall preferably buy it the next time as well. But their decision is rather unpredictable. Future economic development of China and US In 1978, china was one of the poorest countries in the world. Their real per capita GDP in China was one-fourth of US real per capita GDP. Since then every year China was able to grow at 8% every year. As a result they are now one-fifth of the US level and at the same level as Brazil. China was under the communist rule since the revolution in 1949. After the leadership in 1978 china moved away from the central planning and government oriented policies towards a more decentralized economy. China is now a market economy making it a strong role for development of the state. The United States were always a market economy and the economy represents very small roles played by the government. When focusing on the employment rates and wages of the Chinese labour force it is relatively cheaper in a global context. This could lead China to being one of the strongest economic forces of the future and it could also be a significant factor for many international businesses. In china it is believed that work-life is about integration and harmony within work forces. A balanced work life and family life is not a significant aspect in China. Chinese employees do not interact socially but are more domestic oriented. US employees on the other hand are more work oriented. But it also differs according to their social class. For Example the lower level employees work seven extra hours a week which is equivalent to an average day’s work. The Chinese employment relationship strongly influences the work place to be â€Å"family like† while US prefers to have a professional working environment. The concept â€Å"work hard play hard† applies directly to the US work forc e. China has the largest population in the world being 1.357 billion as at 2013 where as the US population only counts to 316.1 million as at 2013. Firstly, internal migrants have supplied abundant labour to the Chinese economy. Secondly a large number of Chinese are 60 years or older and Finally, Chinese families have only one child based on their three decade old policy. These factors will in future represent a crisis since these effects are hard to reverse back. The US population mostly consists of senior citizens. That is, 13% of the population are more than 65 years old and is expected to increase to 20% by 2050. Also the population of young people is expected to rise in contrast to China. Since 2002 US is the largest economy in the world. China achieved a rapid growth in 2010 where it became the second largest economy, beating Japan. Since then US and China are the competitive nations of the world. The predictions of future economic rates as at 2019 are that the US GDP would be 22.1 trillion dollars compared to China with 14.8 trillion dollars. US is more service oriented where as China has a balance between Service and Industries The Unemployment Rate in China as reported by the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security of the people’s republic of china has remained unchanged being 4.10 percent in the third quarter of 2014. Compared to China, even though the rate of unemployment in USA is high â€Å"6.2%†; USA has achieved a drastic drop in its unemployment rate compared to its figures in the last five years, Which is a highly favorable for its economic growth in the future. However, china has not made any measures to address their rate of unemployment.   Chinese still poses less prospective than Americans to Say They Live Comfortably:Superficially at odds with the countrys growth and sense of economic positivity, the Chinese have not grown more likely to feel they can live comfortably on their current income over the past six years. In 2012, 58% said they were able to get by on their current earnings, an amount that has remained relatively fixed. About a third (32%) is finding it verydifficult to earn just enough money to live on, and this rate has similarly continued basically constant. This would seem to suggest that economic progress has not yet directly translated into a more monetarily secure population, or, on the other hand, that as the Chinese sense wealthier, they find themselves attaining new requirements. And, one in 10 Chinese claim that they are living comfortably on their current revenue, a percentage that has shown no growth over time. Americans continue to maintain a much better average than the Chinese regarding their individual revenues. A plurality (38%) in 2012 said they were living comfortably on their current revenue; additional 34% said they were getting along. A quarter of Americans have found it very difficult to live with their current income. Although they are greater than the Chinese on this metric, Americans opinions of their capability to live a comfortable life have been affected by the recession. They are a reduced amount to be expected now than in 2007 to feel they can live comfortably on their present-day income and more probably to feel it is challenging to live on it. Reference List Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions Cross-Cultural Skills from Mind Tools. 2014.Hofstedes Cultural Dimensions Cross-Cultural Skills from Mind Tools. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newLDR_66.htm. [Accessed 22nd October 2014]. Journal of Communication Volume 48, Issue 4 December 1998 Wiley Online Library. 2014. Journal of Communication Volume 48, Issue 4 December 1998 Wiley Online Library. [ONLINE] Available at: http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jcom.1998.48.issue-4/issuetoc. [Accessed 22nd October 2014]. Chinese Culture, China Culture Center, Facts, Ancient Custom and Tradition. 2014. Chinese Culture, China Culture Center, Facts, Ancient Custom and Tradition. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.chinahighlights.com/travelguide/culture/. [Accessed 25thOctober 2014]. Chinese Traditions and Culture. 2014.Chinese Traditions and Culture. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.chinese-traditions-and-culture.com/. [Accessed 27th October 2014] Lesson in American Culture and American Values. 2014. Lesson in American Culture and American Values. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.internationalstudentguidetotheusa.com/articles/culture.htm. [Accessed 28th October 2014]. Need Recognition. 2014. Need Recognition. [ONLINE] Available at: https://www.boundless.com/marketing/textbooks/boundless-marketing-textbook/consumer-marketing-4/consumer-decision-process-40/need-recognition-200-4088/. [Accessed 1st November 2014]. Opinion Briefing: U.S. vs. China Strengths and Weaknesses . 2014. Opinion Briefing: U.S. vs. China Strengths and Weaknesses . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.gallup.com/poll/162965/opinion-briefing-china-strengths-weaknesses.aspx. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. China has the worlds fastest growth in living standards China.org.cn. 2014. China has the worlds fastest growth in living standards China.org.cn. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/2013-10/24/content_30391004.htm. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. China’s Population Destiny: The Looming Crisis | Brookings Institution . 2014. China’s Population Destiny: The Looming Crisis | Brookings Institution . [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.brookings.edu/research/articles/2010/09/china-population-wang. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. The Changing Demographics of America | 40th Anniversary | Smithsonian. 2014. The Changing Demographics of America | 40th Anniversary | Smithsonian. [ONLINE] Available at: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/40th-anniversary/the-changing-demographics-of-america-538284/?no-ist. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]. Journal of Consumer Psychology | Vol 12, Iss 2, Pgs 69-176, (2002) | ScienceDirect.com. 2014.Journal of Consumer Psychology | Vol 12, Iss 2, Pgs 69-176, (2002) | ScienceDirect.com. [ONLINE] Available at:http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/journal/10577408/12/2. [Accessed 2nd November 2014]

Music Through the Centuries Essay

The period between 1400 and 1600 is called the Renaissance period. Also known as the period of rebirth, this period brought out the inventions that made a great impact on the lives of people up to the present. The critical and ambitious minds of inventors allow the invention of clock, gunpowder and eyeglasses. Consequently, certain aspects of music also changed. Polyphonic and imitation among voices became rampant. The vocals, whose main purpose is to bring forth emotion and meaning in music, were greatly utilized and some pieces of church songs were intended for a capella performance. With these, the Renaissnce period acquired the name Golden Age of A Capella Music. The impact on music was so vast that families for musical instruments develop. Harmony gained significant attention to the composers who favored blending over contrasting. At the same time, texture became richer because bass was registered for the first time. Some of the famous composers in this era included Josquin Des Prez and Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. If given the chance to choose a musical composition in this period, I will choose the Ave Maria by Josquin Des Prez. The song is very relaxing and soothing. It has a great combination of overlapping and alternating high and low notes. Vocals are good and an atmosphere of peace and lightness is exemplified as one listens to this music. After the Renaissance comes the Baroque period (1600-1750), which is characterized by splendid, glamorous and lavish effects on arts, science and music. The canopy of the altar of St. Peter’s Basilica was constructed and a number of natural laws were found such as the laws of pressure by Robert Boyle. Modes, which were rampant during the Renaissance and Medieval period, were replaced with major and minor tonalities. Basso continuo was greatly accepted and used, as well as the doctrine of affection, which allows the composers to express their feelings freely in music. Composers during this period realized that counterpoint, free use of dissonance, imitative polyphony and homophobic method are essential in their field of artistry. They showed emphasis on volume, texture and pace in music and frequent usage of basic triads and inversions. At the same time, the composers began to explore the inner ability of music to express human spirits and to depict natural phenomena. Opera also flourished because of the Italian’s desire to recapture the Greek drama where music played an important part. Solo vocalists and the style of homophony were utilzed to help the listeners focus on the melody of the song. Orchestra also began to take shape as string intruments such as violin became dominant. Famous composers that popularized this grandiose style of music included Johann Sebastian Bach, Antonio Vivaldo, and George Frideric Handel. To name one of the great muscial compositions in this era, I would prefer Cantata 80 of Bach. This song is festive-like with good transition of high notes and low notes. The song brings a warm and welcoming aura. This song expresses a high level of emotion as well as a great evidence of how good and hard it is to compose a piece of music. After the Baroque period comes the Classical period (1750-1825). During this period, the first edition of Encyclopedia Brittancia was released. The first vaccination was made and the electric battery was invented by Volta. Compared to Baroque music, Classical music has less complicated texture but has far more variety and contrast because of the use of words such as pitch, tempo, mood, and timbre. Melody is shorter than the Baroque music but with clear-cut phrases and cadences. Functional harmony was retained but tended to focus on slow rhytmic harmony. Metric pulses were present but were not emphasized. Moreover, occasional pauses and rhythmic set points were also common. On the other hand, the orchestra continued to develop with an additional section for the woodwind instruments. The same with the opera wherein piano is considered the most inportant intrument in every performance. Great importance was given on instrumental music, and sonata form was the most important design in this period. Using these styles of music, several composers became known during this period such as Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven. The Eine Kleine Nachtmusik by Mozart is an adorable and explicitly unique music. Listening to this music, one can feel the notes freely moving across the music sheet. It has charming and rich melodies that made this music a classical favorite not only in the past but also in the present. The joyful, skipping melody made this music enjoyable and light to hear. Classical period was succeeded by the Romantic period (1825-1900), also known as the Age of Sentimentality. It is during this time that telephone, light bulb, and radio transmissions were developed. In terms of music, there was a simultaneous development of musical extremes. Although basso continuo was totally abandoned, chromaticism flourished and textures were more developed. The virtuosity of the composers were enhanced and they put emphasis on beauty, elegance, and balance in their compostitions. Music became lyrical with dramatic contrasts in dynamics and pitch. Because this was the period for freedom of design and form, music became thematical. Programme music developed and the idea of nationalism flourished because of the need to break away from the strong influence of Germany on music. Fryderyk Franciskez Chopin and Franz Schubert were some of the famous composers in this period. The song of Erlking by Schubert is a good example of romantic music. This song is great because it is very enticing and one can feel the energy flowing through the entire piece. The continuous pulsation of notes gives this song a playful genre. It can be compared to prancing horses that can give one this feeling of excitement and curiosity. With the Classical Music declining, Modern Music became the reigning music in the 1900s. Some of the events that totally changed the history of the world are World War I and II as well as the Vietnam War. This change had a great effect on how music was viewed during this period. Modern Music focused on treating variety, continuity, and mood. Noise makers such as sirens and typewriters as well as percussion instruments became a vital part in this industry (Thinkquest, 1999). The aim to build an unusual music resulted to the employment of tongue fluttering and other special techniques. Dissonance is also preferred than consonance,which resulted to a development of fantasy-like, distant, and mystifying music. To gain an impression of imbalance, polyrhythm was employed. Some of the great composers in this era were Claude Debussy and Igor Stravinsky. The Ancient Voices of Children by George Crumb is a great example of how modern music should sound like. This work is extraordinary and mystifying. The music itself is powerful but there is a haunting effect that provokes the listeners to seek for musical images. It stirs up the emotions of the listeners through the tensions placed on the entire musical score. The music’s great shimmering echoes and frequent echoing silence and passages made this song my personal favorite. References Thinkquest (1999) Characteristics of 20th Century Music. Retrieved from http://library. thinkquest. org/27927/20%20century_Characteristics. htm

The Addie Model – Instructional Design and Example Lesson Plan

The ADDIE model is a generic process that is usually used by instructional designers and training developers. It offers instructional designers with a definite structure that ensures efficient instructional products.   ADDIE stands for its five phases: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation.These five phases are representations of a flexible and dynamic guideline for establishing effective training and support tools for performance. Each phase is represented by as a project output and a set of activities.   More so, each phase ends in a review, which forms a go or a no-go point to determine whether to proceed to the next phase or not.During the Analysis phase, the instructional problem is defined and the instructional goals are established.   More so, this is the phase where the learner’s present skills and knowledge and the learning environment is identified.   Some of the outputs and activities to be considered in the Analysis phase are as foll ows: §Ã‚   Clarify instructional problem and instructional objectives §Ã‚   Determine the audience and their characteristics §Ã‚   Identify the existing types of learning constraints §Ã‚   Identify the new behavioral outcome §Ã‚   Determine the delivery options §Ã‚   Determine the timeline to complete the projectIn the Design phase, the complete design of the learning solution is determined. This phase addresses the training methods (administered online or detailed storyboards with training program and course content illustrations).The Design phase considers the assessment tools, lesson planning, learning objectives, content, subject matter, media selection, and exercises.   Therefore, this phase entails a systematic and specific approach.   The following procedures are utilized in the Design phase: §Ã‚   Documentation of a project’s instructional, technical, and visual design strategy §Ã‚   Application of instructional strategies based on the intended beh avioral outcomes by domain (affective, cognitive, and psychomotor) §Ã‚   Designing the use interface and experience §Ã‚   Prototyping the creation §Ã‚   Application of visual or graphic designThe Development Phase of the ADDIE model involves the creation and assembly of the content assets, which were blueprinted in the Design phase.   Instructional designers and developers create storyboards, write the contents, and design the graphics in this phase.   The following activities are conducted during the Development phase: §Ã‚   Acquisition and/or creation of required media §Ã‚   Determining apt interactions through creativity, innovation, and exploration §Ã‚   Planning of activities that allows the construction of a supportive social environmentThe Implementation Phase involves the development of a training procedure for both learners and facilitators.   The training of facilitators should encompass the course content, learning outcomes, delivery methodologies, and p rocedures for testing.   On the other hand, learners should be trained on using new tools, which will be used in the learning process.   The Implementation phase usually involves only two activities: execute and maintain the learning solution.The last phase in the ADDIE model, which is the Evaluation phase, consists of two parts, the Formative and Summative evaluation.   The Formative evaluation is present throughout the entire ADDIE process while the Summative evaluation involves tests that are designed for criterion-related referenced items.   The Summative evaluation provides opportunities for feedback from learners.The ADDIE Model is a repetitive instructional design process in which the outcomes of the formative evaluation of each phase may prompt an instructional designer to go back to any previous phase.   The outcome of one phase determines the starting product of the next phase.ADDIE Model and Instructional PlanningInstructional Planning asserts that instruction s hould be data driven.   It is assumes that both learners and teachers should gain access to the expected results of a course.   The purpose of Instructional Planning is to acknowledge quality and aid in the enhancement and improvement of a course.Since an instructional plan presents individual instruction from teaching to learning, this is where the ADDIE model comes in; the ADDIE model provides a definite structure of the instructional plan.As the instructional plan serves as a communication tool between learners and teachers, the ADDIE model provides a step by step process of the instructional plan.   Each step in the instructional plan consists of outcomes from the ADDIE model that feed the next step in a specific sequence.   

By the end of World War II

By the end of World War II, the nations of Western Europe all faced the burdens of the post-war economies. If not totally destroyed, a nation was in chaos and needed dramatic reconstruction. This is where democratic societies stepped in; recreation of sturdy government was crucial to the revival of Western European countries. Within just a few years after the defeat of Italy and Germany, the European hemisphere bounced back into a stronger, more efficient society than ever before. Some call this the Golden Age of the European economy. As human life became more and more complex and difficult to manage, the government had to accommodate to the citizens needs and wants. Because of the basic importance of the contemporary social structure, its management had a crucial importance in making the countries work. Europe was used to strict authority over its people and complexity in the way they handles a countries affairs was not accepted. Europe was a very special situation though, because it has a long record of traditional social control imposed over the individual by collective authorities, especially the state, and hierarchal religious institutions. Another problem that was going on in modern Western Europe (pg.21, Crozier) the military grew in size a great deal, West European armed forces grew from forty-two thousand to almost eighty thousand within five years after the Second World War. Especially in the country of France. With the militant group emerging larger than ever, the government was working!with more citizens first hand, by supporting the working military group. One of the main pieces to making a modern democracy work was inducing the people to want to partake in the government and have them strive to get involved with the mending of the societal crisis. All post war European countries had to live through the same costly situation of having to resto

Marijuna Legalization essays

Marijuna Legalization essays Marijuana is illegal in fifty states because of its classification as an illicit drug, but different issues have been established that this "illicit drug" has improved the course of treatment for suffering patients. Marijuana has beneficial effects when used in medicinal scenarios for the treatment of pain; thus it should be an administered drug for patients who can benefit from the use of this drug. Marijuana has undergone analysis for its use as a medicine and the results have shown improvements in the patients who were treated with this drug. Doctors have expressed opposite opinions, making this issue very controversial. As the debate about marijuana's use as a medicine continues, experts have given us information pertaining to its positive effects when used properly. Marijuana has eased the pain of chemotherapy, severe muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, weight-loss due to the AIDS virus, and other problems (www.abcnews.go.com/medmj990317.html). Experts from the National Institute of Health or NIH have confirmed that marijuana is an effective, safe and inexpensive alternative for treating nausea caused by AIDS medications and cancer treatments other such ailments as glaucoma, muscle spasms, intractable pain, epilepsy, anorexia, asthma, insomnia, depression and other disorders (Iversen 23). Other such ailments in which marijuana has been said to help are Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, repetitive migraines, and Alzheimer's, but the NIH has not reported those results (abcnews.go.com/medmj990317.html). The National Institute of Medicine shows us that the benefits from cannabis short term use doesn't hinder the possible hazards of its long-term use (Rosenthal 58). Marijuana has beneficial outlook for some illnesses, but experimen tation is limited due to its unlawfulness. The positive effects of this drug are helping a limited number so doctors have tried to work with the government to create a reliable...

Baroque and Rococo Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Baroque and Rococo - Essay Example It is typified by bold, curving forms and elaborate decoration and ornamentation. Rococo is an architectural design characterized by simplicity, the variant colour shade, frivolity and freedom of brushwork. The rococo architecture style is characterized by elaborate curves and scrolls, intricate patterns, delicate details, ornaments, asymmetrical shapes and light colours. Although, and pride of the owner they differ in some aspects, these two styles share some similarities. The baroque and rococo were two stylistic periods that conveyed tow entirely different sensibilities; while one was heavy-handed and complex, the other conveyed simplicity and fanciness and pride of the owner. Thus, the difference between the two styles can be summed up in terms of function, mood and method or design. Architectural style involves some collective aspects that distinguish a building from the rest of the architecture. These details transform an ordinary building to a unique piece of art that is satis factory to the eye. Baroque and rococo were developed at a time when customers demanded luxury design that was magnificent. It would glorify their power and pride of the owner. Thus, was preferred by nobles, monarchs and churches. Both styles attempt to reveal and arouse highly emotional effects in their designs. Baroque designs are magnificent and appealing and appear amazing as do rococo designs. They excite all primarily due to their luxury and outlook of their ample space and imposing dà ©cor.

Methodology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Methodology - Essay Example With the phenomenological approach the focus is on â€Å"understanding the human behaviour from the participant’s own frame of reference† (Collis & Hussey, 2003, p. 53). As this approach is related to an event within a context of time and place, the aim is to investigate an event by carrying out your own research to â€Å"construct new theory to explain the phenomenon† (Collis & Hussey, 2003, pp. 56-57) or use existing theory. The aim and focus with this approach is â€Å"on the quality and depth of data† (Collis & Hussey, 2003, pp. 56-57). With the positivistic paradigm, the emphasis is on using measurement to find out the relationships between facts and causes of the phenomenon. This is â€Å"an essential element of the research process under this paradigm† (Collis & Hussey, 2003, p. 57). This approach is useful when there is a need to conduct statistical analysis (Collis & Hussey, 2003, p. 56). A positivistic approach will be used and the researcher will be independent, will not be influenced by the subject of research, and will take â€Å"the role of an objective analyst† (Saunders & Lewis & Thornhill, 2000, p. 85). According to Denzin & Lincoln (cited in Silverman 2005), â€Å"qualitative investigators think they can get closer to the actor’s perspective through detailed interviewing and observation† (p. 10). With qualitative researchers, the emphasis is on the close relationship between the subject of research and the researcher where the value is in the social reality and the meaning of the social event or phenomenon. However, in comparison, quantitative researchers focus on the measurement and analysis of facts and causes. The qualitative approach relies on the quality and depth of data and does not focus on the â€Å"measured (if measured at all) in terms of quantity, amount, intensity, or frequency† (Denzin & Lincoln, 2000, p. 8). In addition, as Waters