Leadership Bachelor Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Leadership Bachelor - Essay Example However, should there be any lapses, which is the one to be blamed If there are irregularities, which are those people responsible Or which brain should conceptualize the plan in order to achieve success How can the people inside the team with different tasks and interests be guided with regards to their movement and execution of plans In these cases, it all boils down to one individual-The Leader. We all know that a team is composed of many individuals, but how important is the leader in unifying these individuals and to achieve the needed success of an endeavor or certain project Leader is defined as the one organizes or is in charge of the group or something that leads or guides others (allwords.com 1). In layman's term he is the one who is in charge of the team, the standard bearer per se. How vital is the performance of the leader in order to obtain the desired output Up to what extent does the leader takes over especially if he or she leads the team. These are only some of the questions that are in need to be answered in order for us to know the importance of a leader on a certain team. It is a common connotation that when the word team is used, it has something to do with sports. Perhaps, let us also take a look in this field. In almost all of the team sport, there are leaders in and off the playing court. A coach perhaps can be considered as leader as he is the one who creates and induces his system with regards to the performance of his players in each and every game. The quarterback in American football, point guard in basketball, libero in volleyball and stopper in football. All do have different designations but has the same impact and importance in the team. They lead the team in scoring and in defense. It is also said that they can make or unmake the team, so what's with these leaders that the whole team depends on them It is said that an organization regardless of its nature whether it is a business, political party, alliance et cetera is a form of team. They all have leaders. In most cases, the leaders are the ones whom they look up to whether they are into the peak of the success or into the bitterness of defeat. A team is defined as a group of people working on a common goal, with different task and interdependent with each other. This means that a certain team cannot succeed by an effort of an individual but rather an effort of different individuals with a common goal; they are united with a driving force. However, their efforts will almost be next to inutile, if no one will act to be the head or the leader of that team. Primarily, the main concern of the team leader is to ensure that the team's plan in order to succeed is properly executed. Tam leader must also know the strengths and weaknesses of each and every individual member in order to ensure that the manpower that is delegated to perform specific task can deliver the goods. The leader must also be a good follower like the old saying with regards to the leaders. They should always follow the rules that the team has prescribed for its members. With all these facts laid, it always boils down to one question. How important is leadership to a team Does it have an impact to a team considering a team is comprised of many individuals Sometimes leadership in team particularly in organization is

Supply chain Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Supply chain - Case Study Example He realized that both manufacturers and retailers were dealing with thinner margins due to market conditions. He wanted to cut costs out of the distribution channel without compromising service. The new approach towards logistics that Brando envisioned involved rather than sending products to the distributors according to their internal planning process, the company would analyze the distributor’s shipment data and send only what is needed at the stores. The solution proposed that the company take full control of its supply chain by becoming responsible for determining the quantities and delivery schedules. Brando believed that this new system would help everyone reduce inventory levels. â€Å"Each day each distributor would provide us data on what Barilla product it had shipped out of its warehouse to retailers during the previous day, as well as the current stock level for each Barilla SKU† (Hammond). Replenishing orders would be made by the company based on that data . The new proposed system was called just-in-time-distribution (JITD). The new JITD system met with resistance to change from the employees of the company. The sales and marketing department felt that the system would interfere with their job duties. Their responsibilities would be diminished if the new program was put into action. A conflict that the JITD imposed was that it would flatten the sales of the company. The company would not be able to adjust their shipments to changes in selling patterns or increased promotions. Implementation of the JITD system imposed the creation of a sophisticated relationship with suppliers that the company might not be ready to handle. The company would run the risk of giving up shelf space to the competition. The new system was susceptible to stockouts. The firm would not be able to run promotions that give incentives to the customers to purchase more. The new JITD system might be visualized by the distributors as a hassle due to the fact that the system

Strategic ability of Hong Leong Bank

Strategic ability of Hong Leong Bank Hong Leong Bank Berhad was found by Ji Chiew. The bank starts operations in 1905 in Kuching, Sarawak. In 1 January 1982, the Head Office relocated from Kuching to Kuala Lumpur. The consolidation of banking institution to meet the requirement of Bank Negara Malaysia marks another milestone for Hong Leong Bank Berhad. Hong Leong Bank Berhad was listed on Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange on 17 October 1994. The market capitalization as of recent days is RM 470 million, according to bank website. Hong Leong Bank has diversified the businesses into financial services, manufacturing, and property and infrastructure development. The services available are personal financial services such as credit cards, investment, loan, deposits, insurance, priority banking, personal banking and Hong Leong Club Rewards for customer loyalty (Hong Leong Bank, 2009). Industry Analysis 2.1 Why Porters 5 models Porters model determines the competitiveness of an organization using the five different forces and shows how the forces are related. To develop business strategies effectively, organizations must understand and act in response to those forces. (Porter, 1985) (Fornell and Wernerfelt, 1987) Rivalry Among Existing Competitors There are 37 banks, which are recognized and licensed to operate in Malaysia and more financial institution are opening soon. The trend of increment of the number of banks within the industry is fast and there are great challenges for HLB to create and maintain a good market share. Other banks are seems to be more aggressive to get and retain customers. This force is not in favor of Hong Leong Bank. (BNM, 2009) Threat of Substitute Products and Services Even though there are many financial institutions available, some unique facilities can only be obtained from the bank only. American Express facilities, co-branded products (e.g. MTV), higher interest rate, club rewards, junior/senior savings, overdraft are the few products which only available to this bank. Thus this force is in favor to the bank. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) (BNM, 2009) Bargaining Power of Buyers Having the whole range of financial players apart from the retail banks, it is evident that customers can move within the 40 operators and can also decide to switch to the other non-banking institutions. Their choice can even extend to the insurance companies, depending on the nature of the product. For instance if a customer is looking for a small amount of loan, he/she can even get the said product from organizations like AEON, etc. The close location of various banks is also giving customer a very high bargaining power too. For instance in a location of Puchong Jaya, along the street of Jalan Kenari it is easy to find at least 9 banks within 100 meters Maybank, Public Bank, Eon Bank, CIMB Bank, HSBC, Alliance Bank, Bank Simpanan Nasional, UOB. With this concentration the bargaining of customers always goes high before customers start looking on a differentiated service. For the said bank, this is absolutely a negative favor since the potential customers can shift easily to differ ent point. (BNM, 2009) Bargaining Power of Suppliers The core business of the Hong Leong Bank is product and services which mainly focuses on safety of monetary management. The suppliers provide some tangibles like checkbooks, lockers, private banking, priority banking. The impact of these in HLB is not much significant since they are not really like the raw material. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) Threat of New Entrants The Bank Negara Malaysia has set a minimum capital requirement of RM5 billion for a bank to be registered. The conditions set for registering a bank are not difficult to obtain, hence entry barriers become low. Thus more foreign owned financial firms are keen to open their business in Malaysia. Certainly these institutions will pose threat on existing banking business as theyll have unique products and services. This force is not in favor of Hong Leong Bank. . (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) From the above analysis of HLB 5 forces analysis, the diagram below will provide a summary of the banks overall industry analysis. Threat of New Entrants (-) Threat of Substitute Products and Services (+) Bargaining Power of Buyers (-) Rivalry among existing competitors (-) Bargaining Power of Buyers (+) 2.2 Limitations of the Porters Model Porters 5 force analysis talks about the external forces applicable to the outside of business. Todays business is much more vast and robust requiring dynamic approaches which should be an integration of different approaches rather than depends on a single analysis. Internal factor analysis requires much analysis as external. Designing, visioning and learning approaches should be considered when an industry analysis is done. Proters 5 forces are lack of these factors. (Porter, 1985) (Gronroos, 1997) Strategic Capability Analysis 3.1 Stakeholders Stakeholder Analysis identifies important groups of people or individuals that can have an influence on the Project. These Stakeholders can have their own objectives and views, which may differ and conflict with other Stakeholders. A Stakeholder Analysis is required to identify all the parties who are directly or indirectly affected by the enterprises operations. This includes not only the traditional shareholders, but also some new groups that the insights of sustainable development tell us must be consulted in decisions that affect them. (Roberts, Varki, and Brodie, 2003) (Fombrun and Shanley, 1990) In an organization, internal stakeholder is the employees or people who work inside the organization. External stakeholders exist outside the organization but have a direct interest in what it does (e.g. shareholders, governments, customers) etc. (Roberts, Varki, and Brodie, 2003) 3.2 SWOT Analysis 3.2.1 Why SWOT Analysis? SWOT analysis is a tool for auditing an organization and its environment. It is the first stage of planning and helps marketers to focus on key issues. SWOT stands for strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Strengths and weaknesses are internal factors. Opportunities and threats are external factors. (Spreng and Chiou, 2002) In SWOT, strengths and weaknesses are internal factors and opportunities and threats are external factors. 3.2.2 Hong Leong Bank SWOT Analysis Strength Hong Leong Bank Berhad (HLB) principal activity is providing consumer-banking services including credit cards, investment, mortgage, deposits, insurance and priority banking. Other activities include business banking, trade financing, working capital facilities, treasury, foreign exchange, money market operations, capital market securities trading, investment, and takaful business. It has been recognized as one of the most profitable bank in Malaysia. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) It has 186 branches, 17 business centers with talented and motivated employees throughout Malaysia making it one of the most widened banking sectors in Malaysia. Their first award year 2004, an acknowledgement for their active participation in spurring the growth of the SMEs in the country. This award certainly spur Hong Leongs strength to bring more value added financial services to customers and the SMI community and to help them face the extremely challenging and competitive business environment both locally and globally. Launched in October 2005; the Hong Leong Mobile Credit Card is the first of its kind, allowing customers who are provided with a six-digit personal identification number (PIN) to pay for goods and services using mobile phones via short messaging service (SMS). This offering is the result of Hong Leong Bank tie-up with technology provider Mobile Money International Sdn. Bhd. This unique method of payment, known as Mobile Money is speedy, convenient and cost effective. Using only the mobile phone for approval of transactions and payments, there is no longer a need for the physical plastic card, merchant terminals or Internet terminals. Payment requests are delivered via SMS. There is no need for card members to be present at the point of sales or at the merchant outlets. Payments can therefore be made from wherever card members are, at whichever place where there are mobile phone signals. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) In 2007, Hong Leong Bank bagged the Asian Bankers Best e-Banking Project 2007 with its Internet banking offering, Hong Leong Online. The award recognizes the best emerging technology practices and benchmarks in Asia Pacific banks. Apart from the Asian Banker award, Hong Leong has also been ranked as the third most popular Malaysian online banking site. Online banking transactions helped the bank save about RM24mil from March to October 2007 as each online transaction cost about 20% compared with about RM3.50 for every over-the-counter transaction. Weakness In line with its strong customer service culture, the HLB continues to maintain its superior delivery standards which have been behind against international ISO standards. HLB is yet attained bank-wide ISO 9001:2000 certifications for customer service at the front office of its branches and bank-wide loan delivery service. This is a major drawback for the HLB to have a better customer base. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) As to compete in the industry of banking, interest rate is a major challenge as customer will choose for a higher interest rate for savings account and for the lowest interest rate for the loans that the customers are seeking for their financial assistances and better service for the customer. Hong Leong Bank needs to change according to the environment as to compete and remain as the market leader. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) As Hong Leong Bank has moved ahead to the Electronic banking or transaction there is greater risk or security threats circulated to the users of online banking or transaction. There are non technical threats such as phising whereby it is the act of tricking someone into giving them confidential information or tricking them into doing something that they normally wouldnt do. The common applications of this approach is to send fake emails (email spoofing) to a victim purporting to come from a legitimate source and requesting information (such as the bank account number and the password) or directing the victim to a fake internet website where this information can be captured. Opportunities The bank may recruit young and talented staffs and provide them proper training to create a talent base as well as provide job to those who are in need. This may also reduces the unemployment rates in Malaysia. This talent base is able to adopt with internal formation and usually stay with the bank until the end. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) As the banking industry grows and provides opportunities for the local customers indirectly it also given an opportunity to the foreigners who stays in Malaysia. They tend to use banking services more frequently to have different types of account. This additional customer base will bring more money inside the bank and of course banks will gain profit from various types of transactions. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) Bringing the bank closer to the consumer could be the vital opportunity. Providing a payment gateway where ATM card could be used as like a credit card for everyday usages. Since these customers will use won money, bank may encourage them to save more to get more benefits. Establishing more ATM and branches and electronic features (e.g Western Union money transfer) will definitely bring more customers in. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) Threats Ease of distributing credit card could be a disturbing role the bank is playing. While credit card repayments are depends fully on customer payment, if it is not paid, bank has to go long way. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) The bank is not really in forefront position to introduce new products and service as market demand changes. It if often seen that the bank introduces the products in different name when the service is already available in the market by other bank. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) 3.2.3 Limitations of SWOT Analysis SWOT analysis usually very subjective. It simply looks at the negative factors first in order to turn them into positive factors. So it is advisable to use SWOT as guide and not as prescription. (Spreng and Chiou, 2002) Strategic Choices 4.1 Generic Strategy 4.1.1 Why Porters Generic Strategy Generic strategies are widely used today even though it was invented in 1980s. Three options are available for organizations to adopt to achieve sustainability which are cost leadership, differentiation and focus. Each of the three options are considered in two aspects of the competitive environment: (i) Competitive advantage talks about the prices (high or low) of the products, (ii) Competitive scope talks about the market size (narrow or broad). (Porter, 1985) (Chen, 1999) (Sanzo et al, 2003) Overall Cost Leadership The low cost products are the product leader in the market. It may also included the time required to built and delivery the products to customers. As it is mentioned earlier, using online banking, it would help the bank as well as customers to save more. Developing and maintaining online business is not low-priced itself. Yet it could provide vital thumbs-up to banks generic strategy. If more customers opt for online transactions, bank wouldnt have to spent time on serving customer physically thus itll requires less resources (e.g. less branch, less employees). These less resources will push ahead the bank with extra finance to improve other services. (Harris and Goode, 2004) (Sanzo et al, 2003) Differentiation Differentiated goods and services are designed to satisfy the customers with the lowest price/cost available for similar kind of products. HLB Flexi FD is a fixed deposit product which gives higher interest rate to the customer. Thus the bank will be in risk of loosing money. So it has to bring and retain much customer to cover the loss. The loss must be cover to be competitive. Since banking industry changes rapidly, HLB will have to customize the products and services over times to hold ensure customer satisfaction. (Dannenberg and Kellner, 1998) (Jones, Mothersbaugh, and Beatty, 2000) Focus In focus an organization can afford neither a wide scope cost leadership nor does a wide scope differentiation strategy, Here an organization focus effort and resources on a narrow segment of a market. Competitive advantage is generated specifically for the niche. A company has two options to choose: use either a cost focus or a differentiation focus. Taken example of HLB structured investments. Invested amounts are 3rd-party transactions and bank itself doesnt provide any guarantee of returns of money to the customer. In this segment, HLB is a low profile character. Even though bank is charging some commission on the investments, customers who are willing to invest are to do so at own risk. (Jarvelin and Lehtinen, 1996) (Evans and Beltramini, 1987) 4.2 Strategic Directions 4.2.1 Why Ansoff Matrix The Ansoff Growth matrix is a strategic direction tool that helps businesses decides their strategies for growth. Ansoffs product/market growth matrix discuss about the strategies on which the business deliver new or current products in new or current markets. Overall output of Ansoff product/market matrix is sets of strategies that set the direction for the business growth. (Auh et al, 2007) (Sanzo et al, 2003) These are described below: Market penetration Market penetration is a general name of selling current products into current markets. The bank continuously introduces loan and credit products to customers to leap ahead. Since the banks most incomes come from loan and credit facility, reshape of current products will ensure market growth and increase of usages by existing customers. Market penetration for HLB will be focused on the central markets that it is very familiar with, competitors are known, customer needs are defined and returns are potential. (Gustafsson, Johnson, and Roos, 2005) (Agrawal, 2001) http://strategyiseverywhere.files.wordpress.com/2007/12/ansoff_matrix.png Market development Market development tells about the distribution of current products in new market. With its existing banking facilities, the bank introduces private banking for the customers who loves personal banking. For everyday needs of banking, investment, loan, protection a dedicated personal banker is always there to serve the individual customer to fill their needs. These personal banking is nothing different than existing policies; focus goes to its loyal customers which puts big amount inside the bank. (Dannenberg and Kellner, 1998) (Filotto, Tanzi, and Saita, 1997) Product development Product development is the name given to a growth strategy where a business aims to introduce new products into existing markets. Saving multiplier plans is recently introduced by the bank. Hong Leong Savings Multiplier Plan is a unique investment tool that utilizes the powerful concept of Dollar-Cost-Averaging and offers a customized solution to tackle the distinct financial challenges throughout different life stages be it to secure a comfortable retirement or to ensure a steady flow of pension-like funds or for putting aside adequate funds even for childrens education. Islamic banking is another example of product development. (Metawa and Almossawi, 1998) (Haron, Ahmad and Planisek, 1994). Diversification Diversification is the growth strategy where new products are to be delivered in new market. This strategy is more risky for business growth as often business takes longer time to survive in a new market. HLB recently spread their business in Vietnam. Since Vietnamese culture differs from Malaysia, the bank has to adopt the culture as well as compete with well established Vietnamese banks. (Shankar, Smith, and Rangaswamy, 2003) (Evans and Beltramini, 1987) 4.3 Method for Pursuing Strategic Direction Forward Looking Policy Monetary policy management needs a forward-looking policy due to the time gap between policy actions and their intended effects on output and inflation. HLB built a macro model which would determine the impact of policy actions. Understanding the microeconomic factors are important too determine the inter-linkage of monetary policy mechanism. (Fornell and Wernerfelt, 1987) Deepening of Financial Markets New financial products are traded in the Money/Bonds market by the introduction of Hong Leong Banks Debt Capital Markets Structured Finance (DCM/Structured Finance) unit within Wholesale Banking provides innovative tailor-made solutions to financial institutions, corporate, agencies and high net-worth individuals through comprehensive offerings in the debt capital markets. (Dannenberg and Kellner, 1998) Strong Foreign Currency Reserve Foreign exchange reserves form part of the national assets and these needs to be deployed rationally keeping in mind the principles of safety, liquidity, and return. The reserves, which are currently deployed by the HLBs in-house reserve management treasury dealers, are in short-term high quality bank deposits. (Naser, Jamal, and Al-Khatib, 1999) Reliable and Secured Payment Systems To reduce the settlement time significantly and increase cost effectiveness the bank plans to establish an electronic clearinghouse to do almost every transactions online with tighten security and handy usability. Opening an account, apply for credit cards are already in place. The bank further steps in mobile banking for dedicated user. Recently the bank introduces e-broker services (HLeBroking). HLeBroking allows the flexibility of placing orders either through a phone call to our trading hub or via the internet. Professional dealers centralized in the hub are always on hand to execute transactions and monitor shares investment portfolio. (Shankar, Smith, and Rangaswamy, 2003) (Harris and Goode, 2004) 4.4 Implication and Evaluation of Analysis During this analysis it was assumed that strategies are reasonably orderly and knowable and, in turn, that evidence can help to evaluate theories that claim to explain these strategic positions. Data and information often founded confusing and imperfect. It seems almost certain that no single study can validate or invalidate a theory. Besides, there is a good chance that a large number of studies will not generate consistent results. (Agrawal, 2001) The methodology were used in analysis is not about developing a foolproof system; it is at least partly an art. There is no mechanical system that will escape judgment, sense, and intelligence. But this does not eliminate the need for techniques and standards. Product delivery approaches, geography, demography does plays role in strategic position which were missing in the analysis done. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) The strategic planning process adopted by HLB was participative, consultative and result oriented. But the takes time to achieve results. While some important factors the bank missed out during strategic choices, individual departments must do their respective environmental scans through a SWOT analysis whereby they identified their internal strengths and weaknesses as well as the external opportunities and threats. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) Business trends changes randomly. Todays product may not be available tomorrow. Thus no strategic plan could be exactly fit into business strategy. However, HLB could consider a more diversified strategy which would be more beneficial to determine strategic stand. Justification of a Strategy As the strategic position and strategic choices are different from the matrix analysis, a better strategic growth model is optimal solution. 5.1 McKinsey Growth Pyramid McKinsey growth pyramid is an upgraded version of Ansoff Matrix with broader discussing of important strategic factors. With every possible action there are certain alternatives (e.g. acquisition, joint ventures, alliances etc) with risk measurement from low to high. Existing products to existing customers This is considered lowest risk options go on businesses with current asset and current customer. But itll not be much beneficial for bank in long terms. Existing products to new customers Introduce existing products to new customer which may help them meet their daily financial needs so that they dont look for other financial choices. Consumers always look for much return while bank always looks for low give-away. New customers can be a turning point for any bank. Demographical (e.g. adult, children, senior) products would be vital products to attract new customers. (Harris and Goode, 2004) New products and services Over time, new products must be channeled into banking business. Broader distribution if Islamic banking could be a important factor. It is seen that many nom-Muslims adopted for Islamic banking. Since there is trend of Islamic banking growth, the bank should not take the risk to risk the potential customers due to lack of proper preparation. Some of the products may be delivered to existing customers. Risk may incur if the products doesnt appeal the customers. (El-Bdour and Erol, 1989) (Gerrad and Cunningham, 1997) New delivery approaches Todays consumer seek more convenient service provider. Banks are not exempted indeed. Many banks had adopted special facilities for different customers. Priority banking could be one solution. In priority banking everyone is unique and therefore has very specific financial needs. Thats why bank will offer a comprehensive range of privileges for convenience. Setting up special services only for young generation can be another important product delivery approaches. Dedicated services will invite more young generation to adopt the services. However, it could cost the bank some extra amount and if the products are not selling well, bank will face loss of resources. (Yoon, Guffey, and Kijewski, 1993) (Mols, 2001) http://www.filecluster.com/screenshots/61893.gif New geographies Geographical expansion is one of the most powerful options for growth but also one of the most difficult. The bank already went global opening branches in Singapore and Vietnam. This strategy is proven fine for well reputed bank (e.g. Citibank) but it has to be cautious in business. Geographical movement may bring new customers with solid financial needs but the bank has narrow down the scope of services due to high risk. (Sanzo et al, 2003) New industry structure The bank may re-assert the liquidity franchise and continue to address the yield challenge. While economics of the business have changed, unlike other countries, pricing and credit spreads did not adjust in tandem in the Malaysia. The quality of strategic asset-liability management, liquidity and capital management differentiates. Re-asserting core businesses with efficiency, unit cost management, operating leverage, dynamic pricing as well as customer value or returns on each customer relationship. Cross-selling and customer service are key success factors. (Agrawal, 2001) New competitive arenas Using competitive arena, business may transfer their resources and knowledge to new industry using vertical integration. This may pose immense risk to bank itself. Bank may loose it all investment. Despite the risk, this will help the bank grows rapidly and spread their products throw many distribution channels. (Gronroos, 1997) Conclusion The pre- and post-crisis strategic postures are a tale of worldwide economic fall down. The postures are characterized by the scaling up of the business, refining value propositions in each business, responding to competition and price war, building new capabilities and strengthening the risk and IT infrastructure as the bank sought to incrementally improve our market share and positioning. (Hong Leong Bank, 2009) (Gustafsson, Johnson, and Roos, 2005) The era ahead is more opportunistic in nature, with a rapidly changing eco-system and higher regulatory and prudential requirements. The shadow of the state on the sector globally is more pronounced. (Auh et al, 2007) Overall, the banks competitive strategy has to pivot on a competitive delivery, consisting of quality people, knowledge base and result oriented capability, market intelligence and local community embedment, entrepreneurialism and how it organize itself to scale and build new names. As it emerges from the crisis, it needs to re-segment the customers to market changes and re-build a compelling proposition on how to scale sustainability while staying opportunistic tactically. (Auh et al, 2007) References Auh, S., Bell, S.J., McLeod, C.S., Shih, E. (2007), Co-production and customer loyalty in financial services, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 88 No.3, pp.359-70. Fombrun, C., Shanley, M. (1990), Whats in a name? Reputation building and corporate strategy, Academy of Management Journal, Vol. 33 No.2, pp.233-48. Gustafsson, A., Johnson, M., Roos, I. (2005), The effects of consumer satisfaction, relationship commitment dimensions, and triggers on consumer retention, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 69 No.4, pp.210-18. Harris, L.C., Goode, M.M.H. (2004), The four levels of loyalty and the pivotal role of trust: a study of online services dynamics, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 80 pp.139-58 Roberts, K., Varki, S., Brodie, R. (2003), Measuring the quality of relationships in consumer services: an empirical study, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 37 No.1-2, pp.169-96. Sanzo, M.J., Santos, M.L., Và ¡zquez, R., à lvarez, L.I. (2003), The effect of market orientation on buyer-seller relationship satisfaction, Industrial Marketing Management, Vol. 32 No.4, pp.327-45. Shankar, V., Smith, A., Rangaswamy, A. (2003), Customer satisfaction and loyalty in online and offline environments, International Journal of Research in Marketing, Vol. 20 pp.153-75. Spreng, R.A., Chiou, J. (2002), A cross-cultural assessment of the satisfaction formation process, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 36 No.7-8, pp.829-39. Yoon, E., Guffey, H.G., Kijewski, V. (1993), The effects of information and company reputation on intentions to buy a business service, Journal of Business Research, Vol. 27 pp.215-28. Porter, M E. (1985) Competitive Advantage: Creating and Sustaining Superior Performance, New York: The Free Press. Gronroos, C., (1997) Value-driven Relations Marketing: From Products to Resources and Competencies. Journal of Marketing Management, Volume 13, Number 5, p. 407-419. Agrawal, P. (2001), The relation between savings and growth: co-integration and causality evidence from Asia, Applied Economics, Vol. 33, pp. 499-513. Chen, T.Y. (1999), Critical success factors for various strategies in the banking industry, International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 17 No. 2, pp. 83-91. Dannenberg, M. and Kellner, D. (1998), The bank of tomorrow with todays technology, International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 16 No. 2, pp. 90-7. Filotto, U., Tanzi, P.M. and Saita, F. (1997), Consumer needs and front-office technology adoption, International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 15 No. 1, pp. 13-21. Mols, N.P. (2001), Organising for the effective introduction of new distribution channels in retail banking, European Journal of Marketing, Vol. 35 No. 5/6, pp. 661-86. Fornell, C. and Wernerfelt, B. (1987), Defensive marketing strategy by customer complaint management: a theoretical analysis, Journal of Marketing Research, Vol. 24, November, pp. 337-46. Jones, M.A., Mothersbaugh, D.L. and Beatty, S.E. (2000), Switching barriers and repurchase intentions in services, Journal of Retailing, Vol. 76 No. 2, pp. 259-74. Evans, K.R. and Beltramini, R.F. (1987), A theoretical model of consumer negotiated pricing: an orientation perspective, Journal of Marketing, Vol. 51, pp. 58-73. Jarvelin, A. and Lehtinen, U. (1996), Strategic integration in industrial distribution channels: managing the interfirm relationship as a strategic asset, Journal of the Academy of Marketing Science, Vol. 27 No. 1, pp. 4-18. Hong Leong Bank (2009), last accessed on 10th Dec 2009, Available at El-Bdour, R. and Erol, C. (1989), Attitudes, behaviour and patronage factors of bank customers towards Islamic banks, International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 7 No. 6, pp. 31-7. Gerrad, P. and Cunningham, J.B. (1997), Islamic banking: a study in Singapore, International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 15 No. 6, pp. 204-16. Haron, S., Ahmad, N. and Planisek, S. (1994), Bank patronage factors of Muslim and non-Muslim customers, International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 12 No.1, pp. 32-40. Metawa, S.A. and Almossawi, M. (1998), Banking behaviour of Islamic bank customers: perspectives and implications, International Journal of Bank Marketing, Vol. 16 No. 7, pp. 299-313. Naser, K., Jamal, A. and Al-Khatib, K. (1999), Islamic banking: a study of customer satisfaction and preferences in Jordan, International Journal of Bank Mark

A Unique Cult Essays -- Consumerism Economics Economy Essays

A Unique Cult Within the past five years, the stock market has steadily increased due to an abundance of retail and merchandise shopping. Many may wonder, â€Å"why now?† or â€Å"why such an increase in sales?†; the answer to this question is right in front of our nose. The answer is the current consumer culture, consisting of everything we buy- including clothes, food, accessories, cars, and furniture. Pressure from the current consumer culture on the average shopper has never been so strong. Nowadays the only way for a person to feel as though they fit in is by purchasing the latest fashion fad, in order to, in some way, feel connected. Peer pressure and the pressure of advertising are placing the latest crazes in front of our eyes, and it is our job as consumers to purchase them, no matter the cost. The current consumer culture is taking the word â€Å"unique† out of the country by creating false images for teenagers and cities to fulfill. It is also pl acing unwanted pressure on parents and teenagers to cooperate with today’s consumer culture without realizing that the intent of large corporations is only for their own good. The words cult and consumer culture, also known as consumerism, have become prevalent topics in today’s society. The most general and personal definition of the term cult refers to a group of people in which everyone is the same, or has the same goals and dreams. For example, one may think of a cult as the Catholic Church in which every Catholic’s goal is to find salvation. In a less religious and significant stance, a cult is the extreme followers of a television show such as â€Å"Star Trek†. The term consumer culture, dealing with the need for people to purchase and have the latest... ...proving to be monetary gain for their own selfish needs rather than the people which keep them in business. Works Cited: Connor, John. "TV: 'TEENAGE SUICIDE: DON'T TRY IT!'" New York Times. 10 Dec. 1981, sec C. Lexis Nexis. 3 Dec. 2004 <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. Garcia, Michelle. "New York, Brought to You by . . .." Washington Post. 7 Dec. 2003, sec. A03. Lexis Nexis. 20 Nov. 2004 <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. Lasn, Kalle. "The Cult You're In." Culture Jam. New York: Perennial Currents, 2000. Mayer, Caroline. "Nurturing Brand Loyalty." Washington Post. 12 Dec. 2003, sec. F01. Lexis Nexis. 20 Nov. 2004 <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>. Moraes, Lisa de. "High-Priced Ads: For Younger Viewers Only." Washington Post. 21 March 2004, sec. N10. Lexis Nexis. 20 Nov. 2004 <http://web.lexis-nexis.com>.

Knapp Case 1.8

Eden Mims Case 1. 8 Crazy Eddie, Inc. 1) The following table provides key financial ratios for Crazy Eddie during the period 1984-1987: 1987             1986             1985             1984       Current Ratio                2. 41             1. 4                1. 56             0. 93       Quick Ratio                  Ã‚      1. 4                0. 6                0. 77             0. 15    Debt Ratio                         0. 68             0. 66             0. 64             0. 83   Debt-to-Equity   Ã‚            2. 16             1. 98             1. 75             4. 88      Inventory Turnover 3. 23             4. 38             5. 14             5. 8       Asset Turnover            Ã‚   1. 2                2. 07             2. 08             3. 75 ROA 0. 04             0. 1                0. 09             0. 1 Return on Equity          0. 11             0. 31             0. 25             0. 61 Gross Profit Margin   0. 23             0. 26             0. 24             0. 22 Red Flags: the Inventory turnover rate steadily declines from 1984-87, which could indicate, lost sales. Misstatements of inventory or cost of goods sold could be possible.It also indicates employee strikes or, in Crazy Eddies’ case, employees leaving their jobs. In 1986 the A/R turnover rate was extremely high which is unusual because in that year the consumer electronics industry boom days had ended. Competition in the New York area was high. Inventory turnover rates had been decreasing. Extremely high A/R turnover rates are and indicator of credit and collection policies that are too restrictive 2. Accounting irregularities could have been f ound sooner if some audit procedures were performed. a) Falsification of inventory count sheets: This could have been prevented if the auditors were observing random cycle counts, if the auditors randomly performed cycle count audits, or if the auditors observed an entire physical inventory. (b) Bogus debit memos for accounts payable: The auditors could have confirmed balances with the debtor. (c) Recording transshipping transactions as retail sales: Observe flow of transactions for recording a transshipping sale. Audit the receipts of very large sales since transshipping sales are going to be very high in ollar amount. (d) Inclusion of consigned merchandise in year-end inventory: Auditors could have observed an entire year end physical inventory in all warehouses and not just a specific one that they tell the client they are going to. 3. Retail electronic stores changed drastically during the 1980’s, so did Crazy Eddie’s business. A factor in the Crazy Eddie case had to do with the inventory being overvalued. A small reason for why the inventory was overvalued is due to the rapidly decreasing prices in electronics due to constant improvements in technology.Electronics are out dated very fast if not sold upon arrival, they are always being improved on, and so electronic stores need to have a high inventory turnover. If not, then there is a chance that the inventory can become overvalued if the auditor does not stay up on the latest in electronics. Another change was with how Crazy Eddie was able to buy in such large amounts that he was able to sell via drop-shipments, this is something that the auditors are not used to because it is not a common occurrence.The drop-shipments would affect sales, but it should not affect inventory. As seen in this case, it required special attention because same store sales were increased by the way drop-shipments were recorded as revenue. All in all, if an industry is rapidly changing then so should the plan for t he audit. It is very important to know how the industry is doing so it can be compared to the company that is being audited. 4. The term lowballing is when the auditors sell the audit services very cheap in order to get very lucrative consulting deals with the client.This can jeopardize the truthfulness of the audit because the auditors may have to agree with the client on something that will affect the audit opinion in order to keep the client on their good side so they can keep the client as a consulting customer also. 5. Locating only 20 of the 30 invoices requested is a major problem. I would first see if the invoices were tied to another form like a sales order. If those can be located, then we can see if the 10 missing invoices had something similar on the sales order.Another action that should be taken is to have the auditor observe an entire transaction from start to finish seeing why an invoice may get lost. If there is no good reason, then there is a very high likelihood t hat there is fraud involved. Other information will still need to be obtained; getting it from the information system may be a possibility. This issue should be discussed further with management since it is likely that the person who prepares the invoices or files the invoices is very low on the staff. 6.This article was written before the accounting laws were changed because of problems encountered by ex-auditors working at the client, and having connections with the new auditors. This caused many problems exemplified by Enron and WorldCom. That is why it is no longer allowed to take a job with the client. I agree with the law at present, based on the fact that before the law was present, major fraud occurred that could’ve been prevented had hiring their old auditors been illegal and of course many other things, but it is still helpful in prevention.The only pro I can think of is the fact that the independent auditor would know a lot about the business and possibly help impr ove information systems and such. However, that is only if they are being hired for that certain job. That brings to the cons, which could be the auditor could help with hiding fraud since they know how to look for it in that specific company. Also, they are still in connection with their old firm and that could bring problems when the new independent auditor comes in.

Managerial Accounting Case Analysis Essay

Compare assigned costs per product under both methods. Why has Activity-based costing changed the total costs assigned to each product? By comparing the two cost assigned methods, there are some differences existed: Unit Product Cost:| Gadgets| Smidgets| Smadgets| Smadgets| Traditional Costing Method| 400| 1,000| 1,350| 850| Activity-Based Costing Method| 590| 1,100| 760| 1,250| Overhead Cost| Widgets| Gadgets| Smidgets| Smadgets| Traditional Costing Method| 200,000| 600,000| 800,000| 400,000| Activity-Based Costing Method| 390,000| 600,000| 210,000| 800,000| I deduct the main reason for that are: Traditional Costing Method use the Overhead Rate (200% of direct labor) and the Activity-Base Costing Method just use the Overhead Cost Drives. As for Traditional Costing Method, the company just accumulate costs into a cost center (Three kinds of costs: director material, director labor, Manufacturing Overhead) , and the Manufacturing overhead just equals the director labor multiply by 200% , the Overhead Rate. These three kind of costs added together we got the total cost, and the total cost divided by the each unit built, we get the final unit product cost, I think it is a rough calculating process. The result depends on the direct labor hours and regardless of any other elements, if direct labor dose not account for a larger portion of the product, the result will not be accurate. In terms of Activity-based costing method, the company use Overhead Cost Drives (There are three allocation bases in the ABC method: depreciation, machine set-up and rent). The Overhead expense just use cost drivers (Such as Machine hours, Set-up hours and Rent) to apply the costs on the products. On the basis of these three, we can get the Overhead cost drive’s Pool Rate, and we also get the actual Cost Driver Quantity for Product Line, and finally we can know what is the exact Activity Cost for Product Line with respect products, finally, we got the total ABC Overhead cost for the three products. So I think this allocating process is more accurate, because it use the Cost drives into different part in detail.

how the world was created essays

how the world was created essays How were we created? How was the world created? Is it right to clone? Is it right to let woman have abortions? These are all questions that one might ask. In the book Double Helix by you get one opinion from a boy named Eli. The book Double Helix is about a boy named Eli who applies for a job at Wyatt Tangencies which is a company where they study science. Eli has just graduated high school and is not ready yet to leave for college. When he is accepted for the job at Wyatt Tangencies, he is introduced to it by Dr. Quincy Wyatt himself. However, Eli knows that his dad and Quincy do not have a very good relationship and that his father does not like the idea of his son working for him. He knows that the hatred is somehow related to his mom but his dad refuses to tell Eli the exact reason. In addition to all of this commotion in his life, Elis mom has just died of Huntingtons disease. It is a disease which causes you to get ill, lose all of your memory and eventually die. There was a 50% chance that Eli could have received the disease from his mothers genes but he is not ready to take the test yet to see if he is positive or negative for it. While Eli has one problem of solving the mystery of why his father has a deep hatred for Dr. Quincy Wyatt, he also has to deal with his true love Viv. Throughout Elis exploration, Viv is always there for emotional support and to help out in any way she can. Read the book to find out the amazing, yet shocking end. This book should defiantly be added to the 7th grade book reading list. It is a great and interesting book witch really grabs the reader into it. The book Double Helix is a great review of a lot of information which the 7th graders at Solomon Schechter learned. This book has a lot of information such the 4 different types of chromosomes: Cytosine, Adenine, Guanine and Thymine. Since the students have already learned the information about the chromos...

Shianne Buie Chap 19 CC Throughout its history, Am Essays

Shianne Buie Chap 19 CC Throughout its history, Am Essays Shianne Buie Chap 19 CC Throughout its history, America has served as the destination point for a steady flow of immigrants. Our country has even earned itself a nickname, " The melting pot " in reference to the numerous cultures that make up the population. After reading over the European Immigration mentioned in the chapter I found myself curious about the circumstances of first immigrants to ever come to America. Funny enough my curiosity also led me to decide on comparing and contrasting these two immigration periods in American history. It ' s no secret that millions of people from all over the globe have come to call the United States their home throughout the years. From the first ever settler to the most recent new citizen, each and every person had a reason for coming here. Whatever that reason when they came they brought their culture, ideals, religion and many other things along with them. It ' s because of these people that America is such a unique place and without the immigrations of the past we would not be the country we are today. During the colonial era most i mmi grants came from England, while smaller numbers hailed from France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and other northern European countries. While i n contrast, the immigrants who arrived during the urbanization of America came from all four corners of Europe. There were those who came from northern and western Europe, particularly Germany, Great Britain, and the Nordic countries . While there were also immigrants who hailed from the southern and eastern European countries, including Italy, Greece, Russia and Poland. The people who immigrated in our country were from all different walks of life. A great deal of the first ever immigrants were indentured servants bound to servitude in the new world. The rest were pilgrims seeking religious freedom, aristocrats seeking their fortunes and countless others who merely wanted a fresh start. Whether they were a servant or the second son of a lord, the living conditions were harsh for the first immigrants. The journeys across the sea weren ' t all too kind and the life of land was that easy either. Many people died of disease, starvation and some even froze to death during the winters. Now it was a different story when it came to the later arrivals, most of which were penniless, uneducated peasants who could not speak or understand English at all. They, like the first immigrants, were drawn to America due to the mere promises of religious freedom and financial stability. However there were some differences in the reasoning of the two waves of migrants as well. Many of the new arrivals had also been forced out of their homelands due to famines, while others left to escape political or racial persecutio n, and even compulsory military servi ce. Whatever reason immigrants had for comin g the United States a great number of them came indeed. While the first immigrants had to make their own societies from scratch and overcome the environmental struggles, the later arrivals didn ' t have such a hard time. When the industrial economy started booming many new workers were needed in America and this need was met by countless immigrants arriving from Europ e. This level of immigration caused both the American and overall foreign population to increase significantly. While the specifics on the increase in population for the first immigrants are not entirely certain due to lack of documentation, the rise in numbers due to later migration is known. It is said that the European immigrants came to America by the boat loads during the late eighteen hundreds and according to the textbook, by 1890 over 80 percent of the New York population was either an immigrant or a child of one. Add the first wave of immigration to this and one can surely say that the maj ority of America is descended from immigrants. The waves in question defiantly had their differences, but the immigrants of both times periods seemed to have more in common than one would've initially thought.

What Is Vancouver Referencing

What Is Vancouver Referencing What Is Vancouver Referencing? Vancouver is the most populous city in the Canadian province of British Columbia. It is ethnically diverse, known for its high quality of life, and nicknamed â€Å"Hollywood North† for its connections to the Canadian film industry. It is also the home of Vancouver referencing. Well, sort of. In this post, we’ll look at the basics of Vancouver referencing. This will include how to cite sources, reference lists and bibliographies, and why it is called â€Å"Vancouver† referencing in the first place. What Is Vancouver Referencing? Vancouver referencing is so called because of the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors, who met in Vancouver to agree on a referencing style for all biomedical journals. They decided on an â€Å"author–number† system. This uses numbered citations to point to entries in a reference list, where the author and text are named. However, Vancouver is not a â€Å"system† in the strict sense. Instead, it is a reference style with several variations (e.g., style of punctuation and use of italics). As such, if your school or publisher suggests using Vancouver referencing, make sure to check your style guide carefully. Citations in Vancouver As mentioned above, Vancouver uses numbers to point to an entry in the reference list. The exact format for citing a source can vary, but this usually involves parentheses (1), square brackets [2], or superscript numbers.3 If the author is named in the text, the citation usually comes after their name. If not, the citation goes at the end of the relevant passage. For instance: According to Smith (1), X is Y. However, some studies disagree (2). Each number refers to a different source, with sources numbered in the order they are first cited. If you then cite the same source again, simply repeat the number you used the first time. Advanced Citations As well as basic citations, you can cite more than one source at a time by including more than one number. And if you quote a source, you should also include page numbers: If X truly is Y (1, 3-5), then â€Å"Y must also be X† (6: p. 24). For example, with the first citation above, the author is citing sources 1, 3, 4, and 5 from their reference list. With the second citation, they are citing page 24 of the sixth source in the list. The Reference List Like with citations, the format of a Vancouver reference list will depend on the version of the system used. However, they all have two things in common: Sources are listed in the order they are first cited in your document. All references should include enough information for the reader to find the source used. A reference for a book, for example, might look like this: (1) Smith A. X and Y: A Study of Similarity. New York: PI Publications; 2012. The number at the start matches the citation in the main text. After that, we have the author’s name, the title of the book, and the publication details. This level of detail will usually suffice. Reference List or Bibliography? Some versions of Vancouver distinguish between a â€Å"reference list† and a â€Å"bibliography.† Usually, the reference list is only cited sources, while a bibliography may include additional reading. This terminology can vary, though, and which you need will depend on the version of Vancouver used. This, again, makes it wise to check your style guide if you’re unsure how to proceed. But as long as you’re clear and consistent in how you cite sources in your work, you’ll be on the right track! And if you’d   like someone to check the referencing in your work, let us know.

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

Compasiosn - Essay Example Ruthless style of ruling could be an adequate means through which a person in power remains in power. However, there are other stronger means to keep the same power even without creating fear among the people. Ensuring that one maintains strong allies in leadership can ensure that power remains oriented towards the same person over time. On the other hand, fear instigates and builds up opposition over time, making the situation even worse with time. In fact, gaining the people’s favor can adequately account for power. This is due to creation and development of trust among the involved parties. Machiavelli’s purpose in the text is one-sided. This is due to the fact that the text only highlights the need for a prince to only mind his own concerns in relation to retaining power to himself, as opposed to working for and with the people to gain power. A selfish aspect relating to power and authority is noted in the text. The audience bound to go by the provisions of this text are of dictatorial personality. In other words, the text’s credibility cannot hold in a democratic society that seeks to uphold justice, compassion, rights, and freedoms of the people. Machiavelli’s argument is logical, but unethical to some extent relative to the tone used to present the argument. Aung San Suu Kyi argues that fear to lose power instigates corruption. This text is essentially positioned in the contemporary trends of gaining power and authority. Parties in power go to higher extents in ensuring that they remain in power, and corruption is just but of the realized practices in this line. The thought of losing power serves as the source of myriad evils in leadership. This is due to the fact that leadership roles are accompanied by power and authority. Once power is gained, those in power often get reluctant in giving it up once their term is done. The change of scenario from a party with power to one without power corrupts the minds of many people,

The cause of Japan's nuclear pollution and afluences on environment Essay

The cause of Japan's nuclear pollution and afluences on environment - Essay Example This meant that Japan joined the United States and other countries interested in the utilization of nuclear power for the economic benefits and promotion of peace. Most importantly, the atoms for peace movement served to highlight the alternative uses of nuclear power contrary to what had existed previously. Prior to these initiatives, nuclear power was of central interest in the development of nuclear weapons. Over the years, Japan has established numerous nuclear plants and has benefited from them immensely. Worth noting is the fact that the country has over 50 reactors, which contributed to about 30% of the county’s electricity supplies. Japan has to invest in alternative energy sources such as nuclear power because it imports over 84% of its energy. The country has established policies that govern the utilization of nuclear power. However, investing in nuclear power poses numerous risks to the environment. The case of Fukushima is an evident illustration of the nuclear pol lution that took place in Japan. This paper will discuss the causes of Japan’s nuclear pollution as well as the effects on the environment. As highlighted above, Japan has invested immensely in developing nuclear power research stations. The main purpose of indulging in research as well as establishing numerous radioactive reactors was to develop energy solutions for the country. The potential of nuclear power and energy cannot receive any form of underestimation. The developed world has often regarded nuclear power as the basis of the future energy supply (Evangeliou et al 351). With the increasing overdependence on nonrenewable energy sources, countries such as the United States as well as Japan have focused on developing alternative energy sources from nuclear power. Japan has established policies that define its ventures in the development of nuclear power (Hayashi,

Ethics of Cloning and Genetic Manipulation Essay

Ethics of Cloning and Genetic Manipulation - Essay Example To daily life it gives the possibilities to cures for countless material improvements and diseases. The human genome project symbolized the hopes for the benefits of genetic manipulation, in the human species a vast international effort to categorize all the genes. For its potential for misuse genetic manipulation frightens many people. Either through simple bungling that might develop a biological holocaust which is caused by the viruses made by man or either through the Nazi style scheme for the control of the population. The single concept on the cutting edge of the genetic manipulation is cloning. Clone is an organism or cell or groups of cell that consist the genetics information identical to that of the organism or parent cell. Cloning is not as new as it seem, it is a form of asexual reproduction. The new thing is the ability of humans to manipulate cloning at the genetic level. 2,000 years ago the humans produced the first clone and at that time the plants developed from step cuttings and grafts. In cloning the process call into the use of DNA replication and calls into play complex laboratories techniques. A relatively recent scientific advance is usually mean by the people. Between these techniques cloning is the ability to copy and isolate the separate genes that direct a development of organism. Karl Marx was revolutionary leader, radical economist and Germen Philosopher. He had founded the modern scientific socialism. In the mind of Marx the central idea is the material conception of history. Every message of his provides new meaning of life and hope to the millions of peoples. According to his conflict concept of cloning the cloning can bring many changes. In Australia a new animal was discovered several years ago and that animal was appeared to be kosher pig. Previously the animal was unknown, the status of kosher was governed by the rules and that rules were very much old. And after much speech it was decided that it was indeed non kosher. The new creation of cloning is a baby with no parents. To encompass this new reality the people of world stretches its concepts of ethics and morality. If the human cloning is permitted then the Jewish world also endeavors to decide. In Jewish law regarding cloning there is no clear consensus. To clone people is a technology which is not yet considered as a reality. This issue is not a practical one, this issue is an academic one. Because of these reasons there have no actual cases in Jewish law which has been decided as they realize strongly upon the precedent. The prominent rabbis still publish the scholarly analysis. It has ruled by one of the prominent authority of American Halachic that in certain instances cloning is permitted. Before a final consensus is reached many Jewish laws technical issues will have to be resolved. Before the final decision reached many deep philosophies concepts will have to be applied on cloning. About the nature of the individuals that would be produced through cloning and genetic influence some of the concerns are based on the false beliefs. The fear is that a clone will be a carbon copy of some one else, it would not be an individual. Many scientists gives their opinion about clone that clone would be more like a delayed identical twin and it would not in fact be an individual copy. And identical twins are two separate peoples. Genetic determinism

Assignment 1 is Thesis Critique and Assignment 2 Article Critique Essay

Assignment 1 is Thesis Critique and Assignment 2 Article Critique - Essay Example The study is important in that it contributes to the creation of more theoretical knowledge in the field of study, through creating a clear understanding of alcoholism and the factors that contributes to such a practice. In contributing to the theoretical knowledge, the study differentiates the normal contributory factors to alcoholism, to display the particular ones that are related to individuals with parental responsibilities (Kalekye, 2010). Additionally, the study contributes to more knowledge in the field of study by providing new methodologies, policies, and practices applicable in controlling this practice. The study suggests how rehabilitation, counseling, and family support can be applied to help such individuals overcome the addiction and take up the parental responsibilities. However, the study lacks well-defined research variables. Sampling Techniques and Sample The samples for use in the study were obtained from the central province of Kenya, arguably since it is the mo st affected of all the regions. Random sampling was used to identify the households from which individuals will be sampled. Stratified and systematic sampling techniques were used to identify the particular individuals who will be investigated from such households (Kalekye, 2010). Thus, a sample of 1054 households, consisting of 3172 individuals with parental responsibilities was applied for the study, running between 2008 and 2010. In consideration of the whole Kenyan population, and in regard to the diversity of the Kenyan communities, some of which consider alcoholism as a taboo, then this sample is not representative of the total population, and thus the findings may not be reliable to give the actual situation Design, Procedure, Instrumentation The study has effectively referred to previous studies undertaken in this field. A pilot study was also undertaken in 2008 (Kalekye, 2010). The study also analyzed references, by undertaking a literature review, such as reviewing the UNE SCO report of 2009 and the NACADA of 2010. Such evaluation was the basis of formation of the research hypothesis, which postulated that, there is a high rate of parental alcoholism and alcohol abuse in central Kenya region, more than in any other part of the country (Kalekye, 2010). Another hypothesis was that the children and spouses of alcoholics are more likely to be involved in alcohol and other drugs abuse (Kalekye, 2010). The study has stated its problem, objectives, and hypothesis in a clear and understandable manner. Both Quantitative and qualitative methodologies were applied under the study. Questionnaires and interview guide were applied as the data collection instruments, which were more appropriate for the study. The rationale of applying such instruments is that it would take less time to administer and collect information, while also affording an opportunity to apply observation, which gives the real picture of the situation However, the sample considered was not suff icient to give reliable basis of the findings on the study. The procedure of the study is well defined; where the study first embarked on a pilot study in 2008. This was followed by developing and refining interview questions as well questionnaires. Then, the questions and questionnaires were administered and

Arab Spring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Arab Spring - Essay Example One of the obvious the arguments that could have caused the Arab Spring is the citizens’ anger with the old and dictatorial government regimes. Those who argue on these bases claim that the Middle East and North Africa world has a long history of a scuffle for political change, from leftist factions to Islamist radicals. But the Arab Spring that started in 2011 could never have evolved if things were better then. The revolution could not have turned into a mass phenomenon that has produced about quarter a million loss of lives and millions of refugees had it not been for the widespread dissatisfaction with a dictatorial regime(Haas et al, 56). The argument can be advanced by the fact that the economic crisis which was one of the causes of the uprising could have stabilized over time under a credible and competent government, but by late 20th century, most Arab dictatorships led by Muammar al-Qaddafi, Hosni Mubarak, Ben Ali were utterly bankrupt both morally and ideologically. When the Arab Spring occurred in 2011, Muammar al-Qaddafi had been in power in Libya for 42 years, Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak had been in power for 1980 while Tunisia’s Ben Ali from 1987. Furthermore, the leaders did not upload any human right that continuously angered the citizens for years basing on the way they even took power in the first place. For instance, Al-Kaddafi and Hosni Mubarak who were some of the oldest leaders in the world prior to the Arab Spring ruled through dictatorship.

Oprah Winfrey Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Oprah Winfrey - Research Paper Example One such celebrity and living example of success is Oprah Winfrey. Oprah Winfrey, the victim of molestation, child abuse, and domestic violence was indeed committed to bringing out the excellence in her. The black woman, destined for greatness, achieved the heights of her career as an actress, talk show host, proprietor, philanthropist and a producer. Fighting hard with all the difficulties, Winfrey believed in doing the best at this moment which could put her in the best place for the next moment. The current study shall elaborate upon the achievements of self-titled, multi-award-winning talk show lady Oprah Winfrey during her career until now. Oprah Winfrey Oprah Winfrey believes that the big secret in life is that there is no big secret. According to her, all the goals and targets can be attained once the individual is willing to make effort for it. One of the most prominent, successful and notable women in history, Oprah Winfrey, has been a charitable woman and a lady who has bee n struggling since her childhood. Certain values and teachings have guided her throughout the life; sometimes experiences taught her, and at others, she taught others to experiences. The Renaissance woman, Oprah Winfrey, has indeed revolutionized the female world through her determination and courage. Oprah Winfrey is an American media manager, an actress, a talk show host, and a producer and philanthropist. She is acknowledged globally for her multi-award-winning, self-titled, talk show which has gained the status of the top-ranked television program in the history and has also achieved her national syndication from the year 1986 to 2011. Winfrey has been awarded the rank of the richest African American and has been known as the supreme black philanthropist in the history of America. There also came a time in her life that Winfrey was the only black billionaire and the most influential woman of the world. Personal Life and Scandal In order to know the achievements of an individual, it is good to highlight the personal life and conditions of the brought up and living that the person went through. The early life of Winfrey actually started with a lot of scandals. Oprah Winfrey was the victim of child abuse and molestation at an early age, but still managed to stand out with all her innate talent and abilities. Winfrey was born in Kosciusko, Mississippi, to an unmarried teenage mother. Spending the first six precious years of her childhood in rural poverty, Winfrey was often compelled to wear potato sacks as her dress. At an early life, her uncle, cousin, and a family friend physically abused Winfrey. Due to this inhumane incident in her life, the lady managed to run away from her home when soon after that at the age 14, she became pregnant. She gave birth to a son, who died shortly after delivery. All these hardships and tragedies made her feel betrayed by her family and relatives. The beginning of Winfrey’s life witnessed few horrible tragedies, which t he traditional and modern world would never favor of, and which would go below all the standards of humanity and personality. Starting from the age of 9 and continuing up to 13 years, Winfrey experienced a horrible series of child molestation by her family and relatives. This emotional devastation was added when she was forced by her grandmother to work and set an example of child abuse and was beaten up in case she made some mistakes (Garson, Helen, 2004). Thougha brief

Arab Spring Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Arab Spring - Essay Example One of the obvious the arguments that could have caused the Arab Spring is the citizens’ anger with the old and dictatorial government regimes. Those who argue on these bases claim that the Middle East and North Africa world has a long history of a scuffle for political change, from leftist factions to Islamist radicals. But the Arab Spring that started in 2011 could never have evolved if things were better then. The revolution could not have turned into a mass phenomenon that has produced about quarter a million loss of lives and millions of refugees had it not been for the widespread dissatisfaction with a dictatorial regime(Haas et al, 56). The argument can be advanced by the fact that the economic crisis which was one of the causes of the uprising could have stabilized over time under a credible and competent government, but by late 20th century, most Arab dictatorships led by Muammar al-Qaddafi, Hosni Mubarak, Ben Ali were utterly bankrupt both morally and ideologically. When the Arab Spring occurred in 2011, Muammar al-Qaddafi had been in power in Libya for 42 years, Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak had been in power for 1980 while Tunisia’s Ben Ali from 1987. Furthermore, the leaders did not upload any human right that continuously angered the citizens for years basing on the way they even took power in the first place. For instance, Al-Kaddafi and Hosni Mubarak who were some of the oldest leaders in the world prior to the Arab Spring ruled through dictatorship.

The Life of Andrea Pia Yates Essay Example for Free

The Life of Andrea Pia Yates Essay She was consequently committed by the court to the North Texas State Hospital, Typically, a woman has a believably tragic story to go along with her deed, although some like Mary Beth Tinning, Susan Smith, and Marie Noe turned out to have killed for reasons other than their initial excuses. Thus, excuses become suspicious. And sometimes an act is so overwhelming that no mental condition seems to count as a reasonable explanation. However, although juries tend to punish the killing of strangers harshly, they often are more lenient with mothers as it is evident in this particular case. It appears that juries have a difficult time in America sending a mother to lethal injection or the electric chair. While postpartum depression occurs in up to twenty percent of women who have children, psychotic manifestations are much rarer, and thus much less understood. Only one in five hundred births result in the mothers postpartum psychosis, says forensic psychiatrist Michael Welner (Ramsland). A psychiatric examination was ordered for Andrea. The psychiatrist asked Andrea what she thought would happen to the children now. She indicated that she believed God would take them up. Â   He reversed the question and asked what might have happened if she had not taken their lives. Andrea said, I guess they would have continued stumbling, which meant, They would have gone to hell. The doctors testifying for Yates made the claim. She did what she thought was right in the world she perceived through her psychotic eyes at the time, said psychiatrist Phillip Resnick. In other words, even if she seemed to understand the difference between right and wrong, she did not know what she was doing (Ramsland). Although the prosecutors did not dispute the fact that Yates was mentally ill, they did argue that she knew her actions were wrong. How these two sides lined up on different poles of interpretation illustrates the great divide between the concepts of mental illness and legal insanity in the U. S. This case made it clear that its time for courts to better address the gap. Yates defense team proved her history of delusional depression, use of anti-psychotic drugs, and suicide attempts, and theres documentation that postpartum mood swings can sometimes evoke psychosis. Yet no matter how many doctors testified to Yates mental decline, the legal issue hinged on only her mental state at the time of the offense. As Yates drowned her children one by one, even chasing down the seven-year-old to drag him to the tub, did she really have any awareness that what she was doing was wrong? In her cell when Yates was interviewed by one of the rebuttal psychiatrist, Andrea admitted that it had been a bad decision to kill the children, and said, I shouldnt have done it. Â   She thought the devil had left after she committed the crime. He destroys and then leaves. Since she was claiming that she did indeed know that it was wrong, the attorneys needed experts who could prove that her manner of processing this information was in itself rooted in psychosis. Not only did they have to meet one of the most restrictive standards in the country for insanity, they had to educate the jury in ideas about mental illness that were rife among the public with stereotypes and m isperception and to help them get beyond the literal interpretation of right and wrong. During Yates trial, psychiatrist Park Dietz who was never Yates psychiatrist testified that she was not mentally ill, but had cleverly patterned her childrens killings after an episode of Law and Order, where a woman drowned her children but was found not guilty by reason of insanity. There was just one problem with Dietz testimony: Law and Order had never filmed a storyline even vaguely like the episode Dietz described. On the basis of Dietz misleading testimony, Yates was granted a re-trial in 2006. She was found not guilty by reason of insanity, and transferred from prison (where she had spent four years) to a state mental hospital for treatment. Betsy Schwartz, executive director of the Mental Health Association of Greater Houston, said the verdict brought justice to a woman whose severe mental illness was never in question. Dietz, the psychiatrist who said his false testimony was an honest mistake, was never indicted for perjury (Ramsland). Conclusively, it is evident that Andrea’s mental illness journey began shortly after the birth of her first born child. Andrea began to have violent visions: she saw someone being stabbed. She thought she heard Satan speak to her. However, she and her husband had idealistic, Bible-inspired notions about family and motherhood, so she kept her tormenting secrets to herself. She didnt realize how much mental illness there was in her own family, from depression to bipolar disorder—which can contribute to postpartum psychosis.

Learning strategies and styles

Learning strategies and styles Chapter Two Literature Review 2.1 Learning Strategies Learning strategies are steps taken by students to enhance their own learning. Strategies are especially important for language learning because they are tools for active, self-directed involvement, which is essential for developing communicative competence. Appropriate language learning strategies result in improved proficiency and greater self-confidence. Throughout history, the best language students have used strategies ranging from naturalistic language practice techniques to analytic, rule-based strategies. Learning strategy workshops are drawing big crowds at language teachers conventions. Researchers are identifying, classifying, and evaluating language learning strategies, and these efforts are resulting in a steady stream of articles on the topic. 2.1.1 Definition of Learning Strategies According to Chamot (1987), learning strategies are techniques, approaches, or deliberate actions that students take in order to facilitate the learning and recall of both linguistics and content area information. Oxford and Nams (1998) study indicates that learning strategies is a technical phrase that means any specific conscious action or behavior student takes to improve his or her own learning. Oxford (1990) considers that any specific action taken by the learner to make learning easier, faster, more enjoyable, more self-directed, more effective, and more transferable to new situations is a language learning strategy (LLS). Strategies are the conscious steps of behavior used by language learners to enhance the acquisition, storage, retention, recall and one of new information (Oxford Ehrman, 1990). The concept of learning strategy is still a fuzzy one and not easy to have a final definition, though it has been over thirty years since researchers began the study of learning strategies. A summary of definitions of language learning strategies taken from the recent literature (Ellis, 1999:531) may help us have an overview of it. Chapter Two Literature Review 7 Table 2.1 Definitions of Learning Strategies Source Definitions Stern (1983)In our view strategy is best reserved for general tendencies or overall characteristics of the approach employed by the language learner, leaving techniques as the term to refer to particular forms of observable learning behavior. Weinstein and Learning strategies are the behaviors and thought that a learner Mayer (1986)engages in during learning that are intended to influence the learners encoding process. Rubin (1987)Learning strategies are strategies which contribute to the development of the language system which the learner constructs and affect learning directly. OMalley and the special thoughts or behaviors that individuals use to help them Chamot (1990)comprehend, learn, or retain new information Oxford (1990) Foreign or second language (L2) learning strategies are specific actions, behaviors, steps or techniques students use-often consciously-to improve their progress in apprehending, internalizing, and using the L2. Cohen (1998) Second language learner strategies constitute those processes which are consciously selected by learners and which may result in actions taken to enhance the learning or use of a second or a foreign language, through the storage, retention, recall, and application of information about that language. They encompass both language learning and language use strategies. Wen Qiufang Learning strategies are actions or measures which the students take in order to (2000) study more efficiently. This definition emphasizes two points: the goal of using learning strategies is the learners actions, rather than his/her thought. The action can be either exterior or interior. According to Ellis (1999), several problems arise form these varied definitions of this linguistic term. The first problem concerns whether language learning strategies are to be perceived of as behavioral (and therefore observable) or as mental, or as both. Oxford (1990) considers them as essentially behavioral, while Weinstein and Mayer (1986) thinks of them as both behavioral and mental. The second problem is the precise nature of the behaviors that are to count as learning strategies. Stern (1983) distinguishes strategies as general and more or less deliberate approach to learning, for example, an active task approach and techniques as observable forms of language learning behavior evident in particular areas in language learning, such 8 as grammar and vocabulary. Other researchers, however, have used the term strategy to refer to the kind of behaviors that Stern calls techniques. The third problem is whether learning strategies are to be seen as conscious and intentional or as subconscious. Chamot (1987) refers to them as deliberate actions. Seliger (1984) defines strategies as basic abstract categories of processing by which information perceived in the outside world is organized and categorized into cognitive structures as part of a conceptual network. However, some researchers consider that what starts out as a conscious tactic may involve into a subconscious strategy. The fourth one is about whether learning strategies are seen as having a direct or indirect effect on interlanguage development. Rubin (1987) asserts that the effect is a direct one. But other researchers, such as Stinger, consider it to be more indirect strategy use that provides learners with data, upon which the deep subconscious processes can work. Finally, there are differences in opinions about what motivates of the use of learning strategies. All the definitions above recognize that they are used in an effort to learn the L2, but Oxford (1989) also suggests that their use can have an affective purpose (i.e. to increase enjoyment). Although the definition is not always uniform, there are some basic characteristics in the generally accepted view of language learning strategy. Oxford (1990:9) summarizes her view of language learning strategies by listing twelve key features. She states that language learning strategies: contribute to the main goal, communicative competence. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ allow learners to become more self-directed. the role of teachers. are problem-oriented. are specific actions taken by the learner. involve many aspects of the learner, not just the cognitive. support learning both directly and indirectly. are not always observable. ari often conscious. can be taught. are flexible. Chapter Two Literature Review 9 are influenced by a variety of factors. After identifying the above elements involved in defining language learning strategies. and in order to avoid any confusion caused by different definitions and owing to the research instrument of SILL in this study, Oxfords definition (1990:8) of learning strategies is adopted throughout the this paper, in which learning strategies are seen as specific actions, behaviors, steps or techniques students often consciously use to improve their progress in apprehending, internalizing, and using, since this definition fully conveys the excitement or richness of learning strategies. 2.1.2 Classification of Learning Strategies Classification of language learning strategies has primarily followed the theory of cognition (Macaro, 2001). Cognition refers to how the brain works for information processing and retrieval. Strategies are used to retrieve and store new information in the brain till this information becomes automatic and such strategies are classified into a system by researchers and educators. Classification of strategies has many advantages. Learning strategies have been classified by many scholars (Wenden and Rubin, 1987; OMalley et. al, 1985; Oxford, 1990; Stem, 1992; Ellis, 1994, etc.). Strategy subsets enable researchers to describe the correspondence between mental processes and strategic processes (OMalley and Chamot, 1990). Strategy inventories may also serve as a valuable reference guide for educational instructors in the process of promoting autonomy in the language learner. Oxfords (1990) Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL) is one such classification system linking groups thr ough a series of self-report assessments and questionnaires. Oxford divides strategies into two major classes: direct and indirect. Direct strategies refer to subconscious tasks, which are inherently learnt while indirect strategies refer to conscious strategies. These two classes are then subdivided into six sub-groups of memory, cognitive, compensation, social, affective and metacognitive. These subsets are interwoven with each other, creating an occasional overlap in the strategy groups. According to Oxford (1990), direct and indirect strategies and these six strategy categories function as a mutual support network within which various types of strategies enhance second language learning. Oxfords inventory is designed in a way to suit not only students learning English as a second/foreign language (ESL/EFL) in America but also students of any country. The inventory has already been translated into many languages and used as an effective tool for measuring strategy preferences and 10 developmental stages in strategy usage (Oxford and Burry-Stock, 1995). The inventory also has a well-understood underlying struct ure for strategy categorization and employs a wide range of strategies, all items of which are checked and rechecked for validity and reliability. However, the SILL categorization system is not without its limitations. SILL has been mainly based on research conducted on either groups of mixed nationalities learning English as a second/foreign language or native speakers of English learning a foreign language in the United States. As a result, Wharton (2000) refers to the dangers of ethnocentric bias and applicability regarding the definition of the good language learning strategies as defined by educators and researchers from the United States alone. Some studies have demonstrated that the most frequently used strategies in a foreign language context in Asia vary considerably from those in the second language context in the United States (Takeuchi et al., 1999; Takeuchi and Wakamoto, 2001). Takeuchi (2003:391) recognizes the importance of distinguishing between common strategies and context-specific (or environmental-unique) ones as promoting the survival of learners in the environment. OMalley and Chamot (1990:99), on the other hand, have differentiated strategies into three categories: cognitive, metacognitive and social/affective. Cognitive strategies are specified as learning steps that learners take to transform new material, for instance, inferring contextual guessing and relating new information to other concepts from memory. Metacognitive strategies involve consciously directing ones own efforts into the learning task. Social/affective strategies involve interaction with another person or taking control of ones own feelings on language learning. Wenden and Rubin (1987) again classifies learning strategies into two categories: cognitive (steps used by learners to process linguistic and socio-linguistic contents) and self-management (planning, monitoring and evaluating), on the basis of their learning functions. Macaro (2001) conceptualizes all language learning strategies as standing in a continuum without a clear line dividing the strategy types into particular areas. Cognitive strategies lie at one end with their inherent, subconscious, automatic tasks and metacognitive/social/affective at the other end with their conscious, evaluative strategies. Much of this classification research has been conducted in English as second/foreign language (ESLJEFL) settings. Regardless of how they are classified, the exact number of strategies available and how these strategies should be classified still remain open for discussion. A comparative analysis of various kinds of strategy classifications reported so Chapter Two Literature Review 11 far supported the view that OMalley and Chamots (1990) classification of strategies into cognitive, metacognitive and socio/affective strategies as well as Oxfords six-subset strategy taxonomy are more consistent with use of learners strategies than the direct and indirect dimensions (Hsiao and Oxford, 2002). Purdie and Oliver (1999) discuss the potential dangers of applying results of strategy studies with adults and adolescents to child second language learners. Apart from the psychological and sociological differences that exist between adults and children (Purdie and Oliver, 1999), the approach to se cond language acquisition among child learners has been associated more with first language acquisition (Larsen-Freeman, 1991). Among them, Oxfords classification (1990) is the most extensive and detailed one so far. Oxfords classification system is developed from Rubins and overlap with OMalleys to a great extent. And in this case study, one of the research questionnaires adopted is Oxfords Strategy Inventory for Language Learning (SILL). Therefore, the framework of Oxfords classification of learning strategy (in Table 2.2) will be conducted in the study. Table 2.2 Oxfords Classification of Learning Strategies Creating metal linkages Applying images and sounds Memory Strategies Reviewing well Employing action Direct Strategies Practicing Cognitive Strategies Receiving and sending messages Creating structure for input and output Guessing intelligently Compensation Strategies Overcoming limitations in speaking and writing Centering your learning Metacognitive Strategies Arranging and planning your learning Evaluating your learning Lowering your anxiety Indirect Strategies Affective Strategies Encouraging yourself Taking your emotional temperature Asking question Social Strategies Cooperating with others Empathizing with others (Source: Oxford, 1990:17) 12 dElr#7b~}i~ 2.1.3 Researches on Learning Strategies Learning strategies have been examined by researchers through interviews, questionnaires, diaries, observations and think-aloud protocols. The researches are mainly found in the following three areas: (1) classification of language learning strategies, (e.g. Oxford, 1990; OMalley and Chamot, 1990; Wenden and Rubin, 1987); (2) variables affecting language learning strategy, (e.g. Nyikos and Oxford, 1993; Oxford and Nyikos, 1989; Oxford, Nyikos, and Ehrman, 1988; Wharton, 2000; Young and Oxford, 1997); and (3) the effect of strategy training on second language learning, (e.g. Kitajima, 1997; Oxford, 1990). All these studies provide insights into understanding the learning process by learners of a second language and are crucial in underpinning a framework for second language acquisition. The first area of research identifies strategies used by learners and classifies them according to a system or taxonomy. The second examines potential variables related to language learning strategies such as age, motivation, gender and learning styles. Finally, the third area research explores the effect of explicit instruction in strategies to produce better performance. Research on language learning strategies has been classified into three general categories: studies to define and classify strategies, studies to describe strategies in greater detail and the types of tasks with which the strategies are effective, and studies to validate the influence of strategic processing or learning. OMalley and Chamot as well as Ellis (1994) note that most of the researches on language learning strategies haves been cross-sectional and correlational in nature. Early research into language learning strategies was concerned with attempting to establish what good language learning strategies might be. While no explicit claims were made about links between strategies and success, the title of these early articles implied a relationship: What the Great Language Learner can Teach Us (Rubin, 1975), and What Can We Learn From the Good Languages Learner? (Stern,1975). Researchers were hoping to identify strategies used by successful learners with the idea that they might be transferred to less successful learners. Notable studies carried out since these early two include Naiman, Frohlich, Stern, and Todesccos (1978) study, Rubins (1981) study and the work done by OMalley, Chamot, Stewner-Manzanares, Kupper, and Russo (1985). Much of the work on language learner strategies has been based on the assumption Chapter Two Literature Review 13 that there are good learning strategies (Rubin, 1975), but some studies (Naerrsson, 1985; Gillette, 1987) find no difference between high and low-proficiency groups on specific strategies. Consequently, the total number or variety of strategies employed and the frequency with which any given strategy is used are not necessarily indicators of how successful learners will be on a language task (Cohen, 1998). In view of these mixed results more studies are still made necessary. More recently, there have been studies on the benefits of strategy training. The goal of strategy training is to teach students how, when and why strategies can be used to facilitate their efforts at learning and using a foreign language. Strategy training is intended to help students explore ways that they can learn the target language more effectively, as well as to encourage students to self-evaluate and self-direct their learning. The first step in this process is to help learners recognize strategies which they have already used, and then to develop a wide range of strategies, so that they can select appropriate and effective strategies within the context of particular language tasks. A further goal of strategy training is to promote learner autonomy and learner self-direction by allowing students to choose their won strategies and to do so spontaneously, without continued prompting from the language teacher. Learners should be able to monitor and evaluate the relative effective ness of their strategy use, and more fully develop their problem-solving skills. Strategy training can thus be used to help learners achieve learner autonomy as well as linguistic autonomy. There are mixed reactions to the language strategies training movement in the literature, mainly because there have been few empirical studies to demonstrate that such training has irrefutable benefits. So far in the researches of learning strategies, a number of models for teaching learning strategies in both first and second language contexts have been developed. These international models share many features. All agree on the importance of developing student metacognitive understanding of the value of learning strategies and suggest that this is facilitated through teacher demonstration and modeling. All emphasize the importance of providing multiple practice opportunities with the strategies so that students can use them autonomously. All suggest that student should evaluate how well a strategy has worked, choose strategies for a task, and actively transfer strategies to new tasks. Anyhow, the previous researches all focused on the successful language learners or 14 d~7 r#7 f.(s ~C the common subjects. So far few studies have been carried out for the low achievers in language learning. Thus, the research on low language achievers is quite a new area in the studies of learning strategies and learning styles. 2.2 Learning Styles Learning style refers to the preferred ways which individuals use to solve problems confronted in their learning. The learners learning styles are often not perceived or used consciously. Learning style plays an important role for everyone to learn, to obtain information, to communicate with others. Knowing their own learning styles will help students to improve their language learning proficiency. 2.2.1 Definition of Learning Style The term learning style originates from psychology. It broadly refers to the way in which a learner tries to learn something, based on individual characteristics, used unconsciously and not perceived. Everyone has a learning style, but each persons is as unique as a signature. Each signature appears to be influenced by both nature and nurture. And Keefe (1979: 4) defines learning style as characteristic cognitive, affective, and physiological behaviors that serve as relatively stable indicators of how learners perceive, interact with and respond to the learning environment; Learning style is a consistent way of functioning that reflects underlying causes of behavior. This definition is most comprehensive and acceptable. In 1987, Willing defines learning style as an inherent, pervasive set of characteristics related with how learners prefer to learn or to deal with new information. Reid (1995, 69) defines learning style as an individuals natural, habitual, and preferred way(s) of absorbing, processing, and retaining new information and skills, and a pervasive quality in the learning strategy or the learning behavior of an individual. Oxford Ehrnan (1991) define the term learning style as preferred or habitual patterns of mental functioning and dealing with new information. And Dum and Dunn (1993: 7) define learning styles as a biological and developmental set of personal characteristics that make the identical instruction effective for some students and infective for others. To make it simple, language learning styles are the styles used in language learning, are the general Chapter Two Literature Review 15 approaches which students are predominantly disposed to use in order to learn a new language (Ehrman and Oxford, 1995:69), Oxford believes that language learning styles are likely to be a direct refection of the individuals overall learning style that is normally applies in most learning or working situations. And in 1984, Reid generates six kinds of learning styles. At the same time, she provided the Perceptual Learning Style Preference Survey to test the characteristics of learning styles of learners. And in psychological researches, the personality types influence individuals learning preference a lot. Thus, to some extent, the personality types of individuals can be taken as ones learning styles. Myers Briggs Type Theory was developed to provide practical application of the theory of psychology types originated by Carl Jung in 1923. It aims to identify individuals preferences, their most comfortable ways of behaving, including learning. And now it is used broadly in many areas to identify ones styles in learning, working, etc. Therefore, in the light of the overview of the definitions of learning styles, we can assume that learning styles are the preference of individuals with respect to how they learn based on ones own personality types. 2.2.2 Classification of Learning Style Many researchers have tried different ways to investigate learning styles. Among them, some have used survey to collect data on learners stated learning preferences. In 1984, Reid generated six kinds of learning styles and provided the Perceptual Learning Style Preference Survey. Reids six learning styles are as follows: Visual learning (e.g. reading and studying charts, learning from seeing words in books, and participating class discussion) Auditory learning (e.g. listening to lectures or audio tapes, reading aloud and participating class discussions) Kinesthetic learning (e.g. involving physical responses, role-playing in the classroom, actively participating in activities) Tactile learning (e.g. hands-on learning as in building models; writing notes or instructions) Group learning (e.g. learning with others) Individual learning (e.g. learning alone) 16 ff7r#lj:*bflftii~` Later Willing (1987) did another survey to investigate the learning styles of 517 adult ESL learners in Australia. According to the collected data, he identified two major dimensions of learning style. One was cognitive and corresponded closely to that of field independence/dependence. The other was more affective in nature. Based on these two dimensions, Willing describes four general learning styles (Table 2.3). Table 2.3 Willings Classification of Learning Styles General learning style Main characteristics Concrete learning style Direct means of processing information people-oriented; spontaneous; imaginative; Non-routinized learning Analytical learning style Focuses on specific problems and proceeds by means of hypothetical-deductive reasoning; prefers logical, didactic presentation Communicative learning style Fairly independent; highly adaptable and flexible; enjoying taking decisions Authority-orientated learning style Depends on other people; needs teachers directions and explanations; dislikes discovery learning (Source: Willing, 1987:67) Then, a more important classification is given by Oxford. Oxford identifies five learning styles in her Style Analysis Survey (SAS) in 1993. She makes the point that each style preference offers significant benefits for learning and that the important thing is for learners to identify the style preferences for that work and to apply them whenever possible. She notes that learners comfortable zone is their favorite style. The following is a description of the style contrast that appears on the SAS. The use of physical senses for study and work: visual vs. auditory vs. hands-on Dealing with other people extroversion vs. introversion Handling passable: inquisitive- random vs. concrete-sequential Approaching tasks: closure-oriented vs. open Dealing with ideas: global vs. analytic In addition to these prominent classifications, there are still some other classifications given by different scholars. Nelson (1973) distinguishes referential and expressive learners. And Peter (1977) identifies that some learners are analytic (i.e. word-learners processing information through a sequence of stages of acquisition) and some are gestalt Chapter Two Literature Review 17 (i.e. sentence-learners who begin with whole sentences which are used to perform function that are important to them). And Reid (1998) goes overview of the classification of learning styles (Table 2.4). It is a full-scale of the main classifications of learning styles of the previous researches. In L2 learning, learners clearly differ enormously in their preferred approach. But it is hard to say which style is the best. Among them, the classification of learning styles by Myers-Brigs Type Indicator will be conducted as the basic classification of learning styles in the following case study. Table 2.4 Reid's Overview on the Classification of Learning Styles Right-and Left brained Learning Styles Right-Brained Learns more effectively through visual analytic, reflective, self-retaining learning Left-Brained Learns more effectively throught auditory, global, impulsive, interactive learning The Seven Multiple Intelligence Verbal/Linguistic Ability with and sensitivity to oral and written words Musical Sensitivity to rhythm, pitch, and melody Logical/Mathematical Ability to use numbers effectively and to reason well Spatial/Visual Sensitivity to form, space, colour, line, and shape Bodily/Kinaesthetic Ability to use the body to express ideas and feelings Interpersonal Ability to understand another person's moods and intensions Intrapersonal Ability to understand oneself one's own strengths and weaknesses Perceptual Learning Styles Visual Learns more effectively through the eyes(seeing) Auditory Learns more effectively through the ear (hearing) Tactile Learns more effectively through touch (hands-on) Kinesthetic Learns more effectively through complete body experience Group Learns more effectively through working with others Individual Learns more effectively through working alone Field Independent and Field Dependent (Sensitive) Learning Styles Field Independent Learns more effectively sequentially, analyzing facts Field Dependent Learns more effectively in context (holistically) and is sensitive to human relationship>. Analytical and Global Learning Styles Analytical Learns more effectively individually, sequentially, linearly Global Learns more effectively through concrete experience and through interaction with other people Reflective and Impulsive Learning Style Reflective Learns more effectively when given time to consider options Impulsive Learns more effectively when able to respond immediately 18is#7~f4ii~~C Kolb Experiential. Learning Model Converger Learns more effectively when able to perceive abstractly and to process actively Diverger Learns more effectively when able to perceive concretely and to process reflectively Assimilator Learns more effectively when able to perceive abstractly and to process reflectively Accommodator Learns more effectively when able to perceive concretely and to process actively Myers-Briefs Type Indicator (MBTI) Extroverted Learns more effectively through concrete experience, contacts with and relationships with others Introverted Learns more effectively in individual, independent learning situations Sensing Learns more effectively from reports of observable facts Intuition Learns more effectively from meaningful experiences Thinking Learns more effectively from impersonal and logical circumstances Feeling Learns more effectively from personalized circumstances Judging Learns more effectively by reflection, deduction, analysis, and process that involve Perceiving closure Learns more effectively through negotiation, feeling and inductive processes tha postpone closure 2.2.3 Researches on Learning Styles There are lots of variable that can affect each learning style. It might be difficult to analyze the overall learning profile of a learner. Therefore, the researchers in this field have mainly focused on learning styles influence on language development, factors affecting learning styles, and how are learning styles related to language learning strategies. The study of learning styles influence on language development and proficiency is perhaps one of the widely conducted studies. Eliot (1995) in studying teaching pronunciation argues that field-independence is found to be a significant predictor of pronunciation accuracy. The potential influence of learning styles is also found out in the researchers made by Oxford et al (1992), and Ehraman and Oxford respectively. However, Griffiths and Sheen (1992) argues that the emb