Current Trends in Human Resource Management Essay Example for Free

Current Trends in Human Resource Management Essay Technology is ubiquitous. Whether you are in the industrialized world or developing markets, a growing number of people are connecting with mobile devices like colorful cell phones and very portable computers like Apple’s iPad. This allows people to communicate across archaic boundaries within companies or externally across the world. They have instant access to information and to people. brilliant CEO’s are thinking about ways to leverage this technology explosion. Many are already experimenting with virtual teams, non-traditional workplaces, and flatter corporate structures. How will your company leverage technology? Are there ways to connect more effectively with co-workers, customers, or investors? Can access to information abet to hurry the company more effectively? Have you identified what information is necessary to your success and how it should be shared? Will you exercise an enterprise platform like SAP or Peoplesoft, or will you simply spend basic services like email and the Internet? So, the basic examine from a human resource perspective is how to utilize technology to connect people and information to your advantage. If you are not thinking about all of this, rest assured that your competitors are already experimenting with the modern technologies. originate positive that you don’t pick up left in the dust. Global Marketplace As demonstrated during the unusual downturn, worldwide economic activity is more interdependent than it ever has been in the past. Although trade has crossed borders even before the Silk Road was traveled by Marco Polo, in today’s global marketplace what happens in one country usually has a dramatic impact in another. The largest economies like the US, China, Japan, nd Europe are so interdependent that their leaders meet periodically at the G-20 summits to discuss issues of mutual interest and favorite strategies. Smaller countries that were formerly called third-world countries are now called emerging markets because they have the most robust growth. It is now also possible to do business across borders more easily using global transportation services like DHL , FedEx, and UPS. Even minute businesses have the opportunity to compete or bewitch supplies from outside their local marketplace. This is a growing trend and remarkable of the growth will be outside of the developed countries. So, how is your company positioned to participate in this growth? Can you tap into modern markets or get suppliers or contract workers at lower cost? Can you partner with other businesses or agencies in different markets at home or abroad? If you are looking for recent customers, project workers or current opportunities, then it only makes sense to believe about strategies that would allow your company to participate in the global economy. How can your company tap into the growth in the emerging markets? More specifically from an human resources perspective, can you leverage contract workers for projects or benefit staff? While this may not be feasible for every business, it might be more viable than you deem. Workers who do their job primarily at a computer can do this unbiased as well in another space or country. This is especially proper if you have the just technology platforms or exercise cloud computing. While there are security, cultural, and other issues to address, don’t let the opportunities pass you by honest because you haven’t understanding globally about your business in the past. The future is a global marketplace. deem globally. Rising Costs of Benefits In the United States, health care and succor costs generally have been rising at an unsustainable rate. modern federal health care legislation may address some issues; however, it is tranquil very likely that the costs will continue to rise. Thus, companies will be looking to shift the burden for the costs of benefits. Some of this will be shifted to the government, some will be shifted to workers, and peaceful other benefits will unbiased be chop because they are no longer affordable. Many companies have already chop their defined benefits pensions and retirement programs. Others have modified them to lower matching contributions when they aren’t making a profit. Others have shifted their health insurance to high-deductible plans which offer lower premiums, but also require workers to lift up mighty of the basic cost even when they exhaust health savings accounts. Thus the trend for many companies is to be more frugal with employee back offerings; however, other companies will consume their enhanced abet programs as a recruiting tool to attract the top talent in their industry. So each company must analyze their benefits in relation to their overall strategy to attract and support talent for their firm while balancing the overall costs of the programs. You must be able to reply the basic expect, â€Å"What is our compensation and benefits philosophy and how does if fit into our overall business strategy? Flexible Workplace The workplaces in the future will be more flexible. Once again, technology might be one of the driving considerations that makes this possible; however it is not the only factor. Younger generations are not only more accustomed to being treated differently, but in some cases examine that employers are flexible so that they can balance work-life issues. Unless there is a compelling reason for workers to be on spot during obvious hours, such as a doctor in an emergency room or a shift manager at a manufacturing facility, then employers should contemplate about how they can be more flexible in their workplaces. Allowing workers to tele-commute has both disadvantages as well as advantages, so there is not a simple legal or unsuitable retort for every company. However, design no mistake; some companies are working through these issues honest now so that they can offer flexibility for their employees that compliments their business strategies. This will be their key to attracting top talent. Demographics Demographics are definitely changing. In the United States where there is a tradition of immigration, there is a shift from the venerable white-male dominated workplace to a multi-cultural environment. This is happening at all levels from line-workers to management. Additionally, women will smash through the â€Å"glass ceiling† and rise to more senior management ranks. Beyond ethnic and gender considerations, age is also likely to play into the equation of workforce planning. Many leadership and managerial positions are now occupied by aging â€Å"baby-boomers† who will be retiring over the next five to ten years. This will inaugurate up current opportunities for younger workers, but only if they are prepared. On the other hand, some older workers will be working well past retirement age either because they haven’t saved for retirement or because they will be retained as famous employees due to their job experience. They might be willing to cease if their employer offers some flexibility like job sharing or a four-day work week. Outside of the US, industrialized nations will also need to deal with aging populations while the emerging countries will have younger workers who are involved to allotment in a more affluent lifestyle. Thus, CEO’s and HR managers are thinking about ways that their workforce will change in the next few years. Will you have ample leaders to replace aging baby-boomers? Will you need to relate younger workers to transfer the institutional knowledge that is currently retained by your more experienced staff? How will your company retract advantage of shifts to a more diverse workforce? These are all very famous questions that must have an reply if your firm is going to thrive in the future. Looking into the future is hard to do, especially in the 21st Century, but trends offer some clues. We live in a more complex and interconnect world. Events in one allotment of the world are speedily news everywhere over the internet, cable TV and mobile phones. Although it is an exaggeration to say that the gentle flutter from a butterfly’s glide in Asia can result in a hurricane on the other side of the globe, we seek the far reaching effects from events in one plot to other regions that would not have known about them in the past. Thus, it is notable to ogle for trends that will impact our world. If you can capitalize on the changes that result from the trends, then you can prepare to either pick advantage of them or minimize their despicable impact. These five trends in human resources trends are already impacting the diagram we do business. They will definitely continue to impact our world, and it is up to you to figure out how to leverage them to your advantage.

Coca cola Company, Changes and challenges

Coca cola Company, Changes and challenges The main objective of this work is to provide necessary knowledge about business environment. To elaborate the demographic, cultural, political, social, environmental, technological, economical and legal environment where business function. It also explains the relationship among business, environment and society as well as how to adopt the changing environment in the organization. This paper will analyse the changes and challenges in Coca Cola Company in last five years and how company deal with them. 2. Introduction Environment means the influences, circumstances, constraints and opportunities that surround and affect business organization. There are two kinds of environment micro environmental factor and macro environmental factor. Internal factors close to the organization called macro environment. It can be controlled by organization. Micro environmental factor affects the company ¿Ã‚ ½s decision making process and performance. These factors include consumers, suppliers, and competitors. The external factors which affect organization ¿Ã‚ ½s plans and strategies called macro environment. It is uncontrolled by the business organization. Which includes Political, economic, technological, social, environmental and legal factors. These factors are outside of the control of business. New laws, demography changes, tax changes government policy changes are the example of macro change. The successful management must be capable to adapting to the environment. It is important for an organization to know about business environment it helps to a business organization to develop its strategies and long term policy, knowing about the changing environment will keep the organization dynamic in its approach. (Saikh 2006). Moreover, it is important for business organization to analysis business environment and changes in different factors of environment such as, change in technological environment, economical environment. In decision making process, organization analysis various alternatives and choose the best one. It gives information to decision makers. It helps an organization to develop strategies and policies, understanding about changing environment help to diversify the business in new area and keep company dynamic (Jain et al 2009). In addition, changing in business environment impact on organization by making effective use of PESTEL business organization can take advantages of changing environment and make strategic plans for threats. PESTEL analysis is the most popular method which focuses on external factors of business where it operates. It is beneficial tools for understand the growth and decline of the market, direction for the operations, opportunities and business position. SWOT analys is is a tool that recognizes the strengths, weakness, opportunities and threats of business organization. This analysis answer the two questions, where is organization at present? And In what direction organization is going? To identify of SWOT analysis is important for business organization because succeeding in planning process for achieving the company ¿Ã‚ ½s goal. 3. Organisation Description and background The Coca Cola Company is the most valuable brand name and world ¿Ã‚ ½s largest non alcoholic beverage company. This company was founded in 1886 in united state of America. Now it operates in more than 200 countries. Coca cola also distributes juice, energy drinks, water, and coffee. The company has partnership with more than 300 bottling and canning company worldwide. Who produce and sell coca cola beverages worldwide. The bottling partners are responsible for consumer brand marketing initiatives, handle manufacturing and merchandising. John pemberrtion invented the original recipe of cocawine. Which was inspired by vin mariani, a popular cocawine invented by Angelo mariani. John Pemberton developed coca cola which was non alcoholic version of cocawine. When Pemberton was making drinks for his friend accidently he added carbonated water. His friend liked the test and he adjusts the formula. In 1888 company sold by three companies. Calder purchased one company with exclusive rights to the cocla cola formula from Woolfolk Walker, margate dozier and john Pemberton cut out of competition. In 1982 company started marketing the product and achieved status of national icon for the USA by its 50th anniversary. Coca cola started sold bottles in 1894 and cans in 1955. In 1899 Coca Cola Company made first bottling agreement with Chattanooga and Tennessee. In 1985, company introduce new coke by changing original formula. Most consumers preferred the test of original coca cola. Many people stop to buy the Product then company sh ift back to its original Formula. 4. Coca Cola Business Environment Over the past years, Coca Cola Company has faced lots of changes in the business environment. Company create counterpart with American sweet test product however, it was commercial failure and coca cola change its strategy and return back to its old formula. Consumers become more health conscious then company lunch new product to address consumer needs, such as diet coke and coca cola zero. Company bought bottling business in South Korea which allow to access in retail store as well as makes easy to entry in Japan, Malaysia and china. Moreover, china is now largest coke consumer in world. In 2007 coca cola output of coke in china was 3.6bn tons and it was export 15.3 m tons. By the end of 2007 coke total production in china was 360 million tons. In addition, from 2008 to 2009 company introduced new plant which capacity was 20 million tons. The target of china ¿Ã‚ ½s coke industry is export large quantity of production countries such as, India, Brazil, Belgium and Japan. In 2007, china export to Japan 22% of its total production. This report shows development and positive change in environment of coke ¿Ã‚ ½s industry in china. (China daily, newspaper website) 4.1 Political factors: Coca cola, the non alcoholic beverages falls in the category under the FDA (food and drugs administration) and government has power to set fine for the coca cola company that didn ¿Ã‚ ½t meet their standard law requirement. The charges in laws and regulations, such as taxation requirements, environmental laws and foreign jurisdictions can affect to their entry in foreign land. The changes in non alcoholic beverage Business Company might get pricing pressures, competitive product and their ability to maintain the share in global market. In international market if government change frequently their might be restriction to transfer funds from one country to another. However Coca Cola Company is fallowing the rules and regulation set by government. Since last two years government is so conscious about the environment. Company adjustments in planets and proper way of wastage settlement the chance of affected by the protection laws are decline. Political conditions are overall leave natu ral effects on coca cola industry. It impact good for the cock ¿Ã‚ ½s reputation. 4.2 Economical factors: Economic analysis explores national and world economy impact as well as inflation and recession. Economic factors are those factors that affect the production and sales of the company. If the economy condition is not good at that time coke decide to increase its price it would impact very negative in the production of Coke. Non alcoholic beverage industry has highly sales outside the USA. There has been improvement in soft drink Company in major international markets like Brazil, Germany and Japan. These markets play great role to growth of non alcoholic industry. The country like Pakistan where is the unemployment rate is very much high. In Pakistan coca cola company employs1800 people. During the last two years, the company in Pakistan has involved $130 million. If economic variables are positive of country it impact good otherwise the impact is bad. 4.3 Social factors: Many people are spending healthier lifestyle. Change in lifestyle, population growth rate and carrier attitudes affect non alcoholic industry so that many people like to have bottle water and colas instead of beer. The need of healthy products, bottle water, and juice is more important in the daily life. Consumers from the age of 37 to 55 are more concerned with nutrition. Older age people are becoming more concerned with increasing their long life. This kind of social trend can affect on demand of non alcoholic beverage industry. Increase in awareness among consumer and modern life style might be challenge to the coca cola company. However, company recognized the consumer ¿Ã‚ ½s needs and began to produce diet coke, like beverage, juice and sport drinks. Many nutritionists advise that maximum consumption of coca cola might be harmful to health especially to young children. Drinking of coca cola daily can effect on health after few years. 4.4 Technology factors: The technology of television and internet which affects companies advertising, marketing and promotional programs. Media advertise product attractively it helps to increase sales of the product. Introduction of plastic bottles and cans have increased the sales of coca cola. It is easy to use and bin them. The advancement in technology led to company crate new product like cherry cock in 1985 but consumer prefers original test of coca cola so that some time technology can affect badly. Coca Cola Company introduces new technology all the time because of introduction of new machine company ¿Ã‚ ½s production level increase tremendously. Ardagh glass is the latest technological achievement by Coke Company which is environmentally friendly bottle. It has won several awards for its light weight. 4.5 Environmental factors: Coca cola focused on energy management, water stewardship and climate protection. The company made progress in these areas but company has lot of things to do. In 2007, company used approximately 300 billion liters of water to produce beverage coke is among the world ¿Ã‚ ½s largest purchasers of fructose corn syrup, sugar, coffee, citrus. It has largest consumers of cans and bottles. At the same time company announced to return to communities and nature. An amount of water equal how much company used to produce their beverage. Now company has three objective 1. Recycle the water so it can be return safely to the environment. 2. Reduce the water consumption level in manufacturing process. 3. Refill the water in communities through a global network of local partnership. While the coca cola come up with advance recycling programs company decides through education they can prevent Littre. Company support keep Australia beautiful in Australia, keep America beautiful in USA and tidy Britain group in Britain. Weather and changes in temperature can affect many industries such as coke. Company also invested on fashionable outfits which are made by recycle polyethylene terephthalate bottles. 4.6 Legal factors: Laws, political changes affect firm ¿Ã‚ ½s behaviour. An increase in the minimum wages of labour and more requirements for firms can influence organisation productivity. Sometime change in laws also creates new opportunities for the company. There are some legal issue that Coca Cola Company had faced in recent years. In 1970 ¿Ã‚ ½s coca cola company refuse to share its formula to India therefore company stop to product locally for 16 years. EU member ¿Ã‚ ½s countries ban the coca cola due to the poisoning of 100 children in Belgium and cause seems to be wrong carbon dioxide which was used in coca cola. In 2003, non government organisation in India said coca cola contained toxins with lindane, and malathion that may caused breakdown of immune system and cancer. In India (kerala), the production of coke along with other soft drinks was banded. 5. Changes and Challenges: The non alcoholic industry is competitive. Company should carefully consider below factors which affect financial condition and its future result. Awareness may reduce demand of coke: Government officials and consumers are more concerned and aware about health. Many press reports indicate that lawyers and consumer advocates have threatened by company. Furthermore, misleading exercise related to contract to sell soft drink in school. Consumers are more aware about these issues and negative publicity in media may reduce the sales of carbonated beverage. Increase in competition: The non alcoholic beverage industry is highly competitive. Coke have to compete with international companies as we as local companies where it function. In many countries where coke operates including USA, Pepsi is a primary competitor in the market. Coke ¿Ã‚ ½s capability to maintain the sales of share or get profit in the global market or various local markets may be limited because of competitors. Water scarcity and poor quality Water is main ingredient for Coca Cola Company. Many part of the world it is also limited resources. Company consume huge amount of water per year. Demand of water increase around the world and quality of available water decline this will increase the production cost of the company and affect on profit. Change in non alcoholic beverages business environment: The business of non alcoholic beverage has been changing because of Consumers life style, emerging views of health and nutrition, changing consumer needs and preferences, increase in similar products and price factor. Furthermore, the beverage industry is being affected by the intermediates, especially in USA and European countries. If Coca Cola Company is not able to change along with changing business environment it will effect on company ¿Ã‚ ½s profit and sales of share. Increasing in cost of energy: Coca cola Company ¿Ã‚ ½s bottling partners operates huge number of trucks and other vehicles as well as they use large quantity of electricity, gas and other energy sources to function the bottling company. Day by day price of fuel is increasing it will increase in the production cost of coca cola company. So it will affect the company ¿Ã‚ ½s profit. Weather condition: Weather influence the sales of the coca cola where company function. In summer more people prefer cold drinks such as juice and sprite however, in winter the demand of product decrease. Some part of world where most of month ¿Ã‚ ½s temperature is always high in those places consumption of coca cola is maximum. Change is important, long-lasting and disruptive Changes in company create some opportunities as well as challenges in new areas of business. Such as, lunch fresh product in the market, company might encounter with economic crisis and to change the direction of the organization. Change is continuous process to adjustment: Change in plans strategies and operations are important for company. Furthermore, sharing these changes to managers, supervisors and all level employees make able to them adjust properly to face the changing environment. Moreover, change is an essential phase in the business world mainly in technology. Use of technologies in coca Cola Company reduces the operation cost and increase the profit of the company. There are so many situations company need to change such as advancement in technology that is being used by other similar companies to compete with them company should adopt the technology. In 2007 coca cola modify their product due to people are more concern about health and fitness. Many people are investing more money in their health in order to cope with that trend coke lunch their new product named Enviga, which is calories burning drink. In addition, Coca Cola Company is ties up with Nestle. Both companies are dealing with invation and change. In same year, company change in organisational structure to fulfil the demand and need of the consumers through assimilating with North American can, bottle and juice company. 6. Conclusion: The coca Cola Company keep on refresh everybody its touches. The product of company has multiply to approach of cultural gratitude and understand, this is main key factor that company introduce its product worldwide. Company entry and development in international market will be faster. Coke ¿Ã‚ ½s commitment to remain at changing environment proved that they are the superior among other non alcoholic product. Awareness of environmental issues and health care might impact on the sales of the company however; creative idea and strategy help to grow the business. Coke has developed the entire vital component to expand their business in long term. 7. Recommendation Reward system is an effective technique to motive employee in changing environment of the organisation. Coca Cola Company should apply reward system to its employees so that it will increase in productive and sales. Reward system can be financial or non financial nevertheless, company have to give fair importance to all level employees. Reward system of coke must be functional to make employees devoted to organizational goals. In addition, Training and development programme must be use to groom career of their employees at top to bottom level. Coca Cola Company has to declare some amount of money for training and development purpose. Monthly training session raise the productivity of the organization. Relationship with consumer is vital for Coke Company in some country where Business is controlled by the authorities, in those countries there is a lack of consumer relationship which need to improve. Coke need to market segmentation in new country where company is planning to introduce the product because consumer ¿Ã‚ ½s need, test is different from another country. By doing market segmentation company can serve effectively to its consumers. Demographic factor should be considered by Coca Cola Company. Culture, tradition and characteristics of consumer in new country might be different; it gives information to the company to change certain plans. There are some factors such as climate, test and culture Affect Company directly or indirectly so individual company need to apply their own strategic and management style to increase the sales of coca cola.  ¿Ã‚ ½Dividing a market in to direct groups of buyers who might require separate marketing mixes; the process of classifying consu mers into groups with different needs, characteristics and behaviour ¿Ã‚ ½ (Kotler, 2001). Ref. Sheikh, s.2006 Business environment press sanat printers New Delhi By TR Jain, Mukesh Trehan, Ranju Trehan 2009 business environment(http://books.google.com/books?id=AgWNmP4blhoCpg=PA21dq=what+is+business+environmenthl=enei=WRdcTM-lKIi74gaos5HwAQsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=3ved=0CD0Q6AEwAjgK#v=onepageqf=false Kotler, P. and Armstrong, G. (2001). Principles of Marketing (9th Ed.). Prentice-Hall India Kotler, 2001 p. 46). http://www.thecoca-colacompany.com/investors/pdfs/10-K_2005/Coca-Cola_10-K_Item_01ab.pdf By TR Jain, Mukesh Trehan, Ranju Trehan 2009 business environment(http://books.google.com/books?id=AgWNmP4blhoCpg=PA21dq=what+is+business+environmenthl=enei=WRdcTM-lKIi74gaos5HwAQsa=Xoi=book_resultct=resultresnum=3ved=0CD0Q6AEwAjgK#v=onepageqf=false http://www.chinadaily.com.cn/business/2009-07/13/content_8420666.htm

Digital Manipulation | The Ethics Of Photography

Digital Manipulation | The Ethics Of Photography Photography is a form of visual communication (LESTER, Paul, 2006). Photographs are used for a range of purposes including documenting personal events such as birthdays, weddings or christenings, for advertising products or services, for decorating the home, and for appointing authority and authenticity to news stories. Passports and other official forms of identification use photographs as a way to identify people. Current culture is image driven and we are exposed to imagery every waking hour of our lives through forms of visual media on the Internet, television, newspapers, magazines, mobiles phones and now tablets. In using photography to identify an individuals identity or to document the occurrence of an event, a great amount of trust must be invested in the medium of the photograph. Photographs are used in courtrooms as evidence, an occurrence that evidences the trust invested in photographs. By using photographs as evidence it is important to question if the medium of the photograph is an accurate recording of reality. In 2012 an Iranian news agency published an apparent newly developed military drone manufactured by Iran, see Figure 1. The published image was soon discovered to be an already published image of a drone developed by a Japanese University which had been modified to give the impression it was a new and authentic image of a new machine considered desirable by a government. This example evidences the developing ambiguous and potentially dishonest role of digital manipulation within photography. Image manipulation such as this encourages those who read these images and similar im ages to consider whether images have been manipulated and if so, to what extent and for what motivation. The readers of images must question the media that they read and question the veracity of the images whilst not awarding great doubts in the media in general or jumping to the conclusion that every image read has been manipulated. This dissertation will consider more fully inspect the manipulation of imagery, whilst particularly the development of digital photography and will evaluate how this process has affected media credibility. Iran successfully tests Koker-1 VTOL drone (PHOTO) Figure Manipulated image used by Iranian Government to try substantiate deveoplemt of military drone. Journalism in our society often requires the combination of visual and written information to both reach and inform a mass target audience. There is a difference between the photograph and the written representation which is that the camera is able to capture reality (NERI, GRAZIA, 2003). Early photographic technology required a subject to be still in order for it to be recorded whereas modern technology allows for a photograph to be made in less than a second. This significant development in technology means that subjects and material capable of being photographed have become far more extensive than in the early years of photography where limitations were imposed by both camera size and slowness of film. There is also a fundamental difference between photography and the written word in documenting situations. The written word allows an author to mediate reality, choosing what aspects of a subject to detail and describe, governed often by personality and knowledge of a subject. A pho tograph however, may be taken in a situation in which time is limited which in turn forces the photographer to record a subject with little conscious consideration to other objects within the image. Additionally, because the camera is seen as a mechanical device it is not considered to mediate reality like a written account. The camera instead is seen as a device that records truth and cannot be used subjectively (BAUDELAIRE, CHARLES, 1855). If a photograph is considered to have been be manipulated, for example through the use of exposure to give a different reading of the photographs meaning then this could be regarded as providing a less than this could be regarded as a subjective representation. Whereas in regard to the written word mediation is much less alarming due to our familiarity with literature as a subjective representation of reality. It is understood that words are made up of symbols and signs that express the subject they characterise. The word cup does not innately i nform the reader it means the object cup but rather the meaning of the word cup is understood by reading the letters of the word. Yet a photograph is able to demonstrate the appearance of the object it represents and it is able to make this representation with little interpretation required. An Inherent Realism Unlike painting or writing, a photograph can record a specific moment in time. A painting can be of a place that has never existed and literature may describe any place whether real or not. However the example of the Iranian military drone demonstrates that photography shares the same ability as painting and writing in that it can be subjective. Although, painting may be able to demonstrate the emotion of a subject, it is assumed that photography is unable to. In fact, photography has a stronger relationship with specificity as opposed to generality found in painting and writing (MITCHELL, WILLIAM J, 1992). Photographys ability to accurately document is recognised by governments who use photographs for identification purposes in official documents such as passports and driving licenses. Because photography is used for such official purposes, the relationship it holds with specificity is strengthened. However, the Iranian military drone example contests that a photograph may not alway s show the reality of the situation. Photography is powerful because it carries the authority of looking like reality. When looking through a clear glass window it is easy to forget that you are looking through a glass window at reality. Because photographs look so much like reality, it is easy to disregard the complex mechanical and scientific processes which combine to create the photograph. This mechanical and scientific process is not as simple as the window analoguey and will be further reconciled or distorted by considering the technology employed. It is this increasing reliance on science, where there is even no longer a latent image as with analogue processes by which the photograph is made which prompts legitimate and valid questioning of a photographs legitimacy. Barbara Savedoff (1997) uses the analoguey of a hallucination to describe the relationship a photograph has with reality. Savedoff argues that we know photographs are not real and that we know hallucinations are not real. However, photographs seem so real that it is difficult to determine the difference between representation of reality in the photograph and the fact that the photograph is only a representation to begin with. Furthermore, Savedoff points out that photographs do not just record a scene, they also capture a segment of the moment they represent. The idea that photographs contain light from the subject they recorded was considered greatly by early photographers and theorists. In analogue photography, light bounces off the subject and enters the lens and makes contact with the film starting a chemical reaction which produces an image on the surface of the film, creating an exposed negative. This light used to expose the negative has a specific relationship with the subject, the negative and later the printed photograph. Susan Sontag (On Photography, 1977) argues that this process is called the trace and refers to it as something directly stencilled off the real. John Berger (Uses of Photography, 1980) also maintains that the value of the photograph is found within its relationship with the subject. This raises the question when a photograph is manipulation what effect does it have on this relationship between light, subject and recording medium? It is important to note that before a photograph is manipulated the photograph may not already be an objective observation of a subject (HUEPPAUFF, BERND, 1977). It is the photographers decision from where and in what manner a subject or scene should be recorded. Other decisions include what to keep inside of the frame. Once the composition of the photograph is made, there are still variables controlled by the photographer that can ultimately change the way in which the photograph is read. The exposure of the photograph is another consideration, along with the edit performed by the person who has comissioned the photographer to make these photographs. In a news environment, an editor may choose the photographs he thinks best fit the objective of the agency regardless of whether or not that is an entirely accurate representation of the events that took place. These decisions can weaken the objectivity of the photographs made. When photographs are evaluated, one consideration is aesthetic quality (BARRETT, TERRY, 1985). Photographs made for journalism are seldom truly documentary (BARRETT, TERRY, 1985). Increasing the aesthetic value of documentary photographs is not new. During the Spanish Civil War, Robert Capa made a photograph of a militant being shot. It later turned out to be staged to create a more compelling photograph. The perspective of those who produce and broadcast photographs can also affect the way in which a photograph is understood (HUEPPAUFF, BERND, 1977). For example, if a photographer is photographing a public demonstration and they feel positively toward the demonstration, it is probable that they will make photographs that show the demonstration in a positive light. However, if the photographer was opposed to the demonstration then they are likely to record anti-social behaviour of members of those involved. This example shows how the photographer can manipulate the photograph and the reality it presents (BARRETT, TERRY, 1985). In summary, the photographs objectivity which is already questionable due to the way in which the photographer makes a photograph is further questioned as it may have been manipulated by those commissioning the photographer through the process of selection, ultimately undermining the objectivity of the photographer and photograph. Adnan Hajj photographed Beirut after an Israeli bombing. Hajj edited the photograph and added more smoke to make a more compelling photograph. Hajj used the clone tool within Adobe Photoshop to clone and copy smoke to additional areas of the photograph, see Figure 2. After initially publishing the photograph, Reuters withdrew it once members of the public claimed it had been manipulated. To anyone who asked to use Hajjs photograph, Reuters stated that the work was no longer available and stated that Hajj no longer works for Reuters (DAY, JULIA, 2006). The photograph was picked up by a blog, which recognised the fake because the same piece of smoke occurred in multiple places (DAY, JULIA, 2006). Manipulated images are normally harder to identify, especially with more advanced software and more experienced digital editors. This case evidences the desire for Hajj to make a more compelling photograph for his clients by manipulating the aesthetic qualities of his photograph. https://sites.google.com/site/tsoldrin/leb-phony.jpg Figure Adnan Hajjs manipulated representation of Beiruit Bombings in 2006 Nonetheless, Hajjs photograph was created subjectively but it is important to note that even photographs that are objective can be interpreted in different ways. For instance a photograph may be used in court to prove that an event has happened. During a trial the two opposing sides may read photographic evidence of the same subject in different ways, even from the perspective of the photographer who took the photograph. (HUEPPAUFF, BERND, 1977). It is apparent that photographs have never been entirely objective now or in years past. Additionally, it is apparent that they record the views of an individual as presented as if they were actuality. While with digital photography it may be easier to manipulate photographs due to the availability of digital cameras and imaging software over darkroom equipment, the truth is that photography has a historic relationship synonymous with manipulation. Derek Bouse (2002) reasons that people generally believe that the age of a photograph relates directly to its accuracy, and that the older a photograph is the more likely it has not been manipulated. However, still numerous instances of analogue photographs exist. For instance, a photographer employed by Mathew Brady during the American Civil War named Alexander Gardner rearranged a dead person on the battlefield to make a more compelling photograph, see Figure 3 (LESTER, MARTIN, 1991). It is important to recognise that this manipulation took place before the photograph was made. The practice of digital photography is still vulnerable to manipulation before the photograph is made however manipulation is usually carried out after the phot ograph is made. http://www.spartacus.schoolnet.co.uk/USAPgardner.jpg Figure Alexander Gardner rearranges the position of a corpse and gun to increase the drama of photograph Another photographer known for manipulating a photograph prior to making one is Edward Curtis. Curtis paid Native Indians to dress in exotic clothing and photographed them to make a more compelling photograph and to turn them into a spectacle for the public to view them (MICHAELIS, PAMELA, 2008). However, by dressing these subjects the worth of the photograph as document is reduced, see Figure 4. Although analogue technology was the latest available technology, it was still used to manipulate photographs, even after being made. For instance, in family portrait photographs it was common for members of the family to be cut and pasted into a photograph (Lodriguss, 2008). People would sometimes appear to be disproportionate to others in the pictures due to the position of the subject in the original photograph. In some photographs people are also seen floating. http://blog.lib.umn.edu/melan002/melandblog/Piegan-Lodge,%20clock.jpg Figure Edward Curtis changes the traditional dress of subjects and removes clock from the photograph An example of someone who used many negatives to form one photograph print is Oscar Rejlander. In the 1860s, for some pieces of work he used in excess of 30 negatives to create his well-known The Two Ways of Life which demonstrates a philosopher between a life of virtue and vice, see Figure 5. These composite prints were made by cutting together numerous negatives and using them to create a photographic print. In order for the final photographic print to be consistent from left to right, it was vital that sizing and contrast be the same to prevent people from hovering above the ground. Rejlander, before using multiple exposures and cutting negatives in photography was a painter. These examples show that even before digital imaging technologies existed there was extensive manipulation of photographs through analogue techniques. http://twcdc.com/andycox/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/Oscar-gustave-rejlander_two_ways_of_life.jpg Figure Oscar Rejlander uses up to 30 composite negatives to create one photograph Using double exposures was also very common and was used often by photographers namely Eadweard Muybridge who photographed landscapes. The photographic materials of the 1850s were not very sensitive to green but were however very sensitive to blue. Therefore, landscape photographs were often improperly exposed. The correct exposure of the blue sky would render the foreground underexposed, or if the foreground would be exposed for the blue sky would be white with no detail. In order to solve this problem Muybridge and a handful of other photographers at the time would create negatives of desirable skies with differing cloud and all exposed properly. He would then use these negatives to add well exposed sky to his landscape photographs (SCOTT, AMY, 2006). The photograph produced would look natural to a viewer but is obviously a form of manipulation, a process often practised today by digital photographers. Muybridge photographed Yosemite and not only added a false sky but removed trees that prevented his view over the landscape, see Figure 6 (SCOTT, AMY, 2006). http://www.imaging-resource.com/ee_uploads/news/1284/muybridge-2.jpg Figure Edward Muybridge, used his collection of cloud negatives to combat technical limitations of early photography The so far discussed photographers have used manipulation to enhance the aesthetics of the photograph; however photography has also a large history with propaganda and political influences. Vladimir Lenin manipulated photographs as a form of propaganda to make historical events support his regime for the Soviet Union. Individuals who were seen as enemies of the state were often ordered to be killed by Stalin. If these individuals were to be within a photograph next to Lenin they would often be removed. Leon Trotsky is a prime example of this. Once Lenin had determined that Trotsky was an enemy of the state he was methodically removed from all traces of him from state photographs. Nikolai Yezov also suffered a similar fate once he fell out of favour with Stalin. This process of manipulation existing photographs carried on to the late 1900s. From looking at Muybridge, we can see that there are numerous stages in the manipulation and some of which are not clear that they have been altered. Edward Steichen states: A manipulated print may not be a photograph. The personal intervention between the action of the light and the print itself may be a blemish on the purity of photography. But, whether this intervention consists merely of marking, shading and tinting in a direct print, or of stippling, painting and scratching on the negative, or of using glycerine, brush and mop on a print, faking has set in, and the results must always depend on the photographer, upon his personality, his technical ability and his feeling (STEICHEN, EDWARD, 1903, p.48). Here Steichen is arguing that every decision the photograph carries out whether that be painting or scratching on the negative is a form of manipulation or as he calls it of faking. Steichen also refers to the personality, technical ability and his feeling which refers to the photographer and their intentions or motives which will manipulate or cause the process of faking. In the period of digital imaging some of these manipulations are seen as ethically acceptable and are not disputed. Media agency guidelines for manipulation, which we will talk about in greater depth soon, maintain that manipulations that were possible during analogue printing technique times are still genuine. These assertions are that if the chemicals used in the darkroom manipulated a photograph in a certain way then this would be a part of the photographic method and could not be criticised. Steichen obviously would not agree with this as he knows the extent to which analogue photographs can be manipulated. Digital Technology and Manipulation The first device invented that could digitise or make analogue photographs available in a digital format was a scanner made by Russell Kirsh in 1957 (TERRAS, MELLIA M, 2008). The scanner functioned by looking at the variations in tone within photographs and assigning a digital value to represent a tone band. Instead of creating a new photograph this scanner copied an existing photograph and recorded it digitally. Because photographs can be scanned to a digital format, the initial analogue negative can now be manipulated digitally and the truth value held by analogue photographs can now be challenged. Birth of Digital Imaging During the 1960s digital imaging technologies was still only used by large institutions such as NASA and the American government. It was not until the 1980s that the media began to use digital imaging technologies. Digital technology could be employed to enhance the clearness of television broadcasts and speed up the time in which photojournalists were able to send pictures to the media. In 1982, National Geographic published a photograph of the pyramids at Giza on the front cover of the magazine, see Figure 7. The photograph has been manipulated to fit a horizontal photograph of the pyramids onto the portrait cover of the magazine to make the front cover more captivating (TERRAS, MELLIA M, 2008). It is important to note that this instance of manipulation was one of the first by a recognised organisation. National Geographics editor, Fred Ritchen who decided to compress the pyramids felt he had achieved a new point of view by the retroactive repositioning of the photographer a few feet to one side (WRIGHT, TERRENCE, 1999, p.110). Ritchens defence to accusations of manipulating the photograph was that if the photographer had moved and taken the photograph at a different time of the day then the photograph would be the same (WRIGHT, TERRENCE, 1999). However the fact remains that this photograph was not the one that was made. The fact that the photograph was manipulated was not broadcast. It was admitted to have been manipulated when other journalists questioned the photograph. Howard Chapnick (LESTER, MARTIN, 1991, p.96) argued that the words Credibility and Responsibility allow photographers to call photography a profession due to ethical considerations rather than a business. Chapnick goes on to argue that not maintaining these ethics will damage journalistic impact and photography as a language. Lastly, he maintains the threat to credibility is permanent if people begin to disbelieve the news photograph. http://www.lagunabeachbikini.com/wordpress/wp-content/images/newspictures/national-geographic-feb82.jpg Figure National Geographic Magazine Cover 1981 In 1985 digital cameras became widely used by professional photographers. Companies also marketed digital imaging camera to the public for domestic use. During this time the processing capabilities of computers was also advancing and provided a way for individuals to load image manipulation software and manipulate photographs. In 1991 the American government and the media used digital photography as a technology for the first time in a war environment. Not only was digital photography used to photograph the war but was used in weapon systems by America (FLORIDI, LUCIANO, 1999). A much more current use of digital imaging technology is live electronic manipulation. Manipulating a live feed allows the editing of satellite image feeds. On the fly image editing may be used in sports programming to show lines on pitches or by governments to hide classified buildings from satellite imagery that is available to the public such as Google Maps. News television channels can also employ technology to sow text feeds beneath news anchors. Delta Tre supply FIFA with sports data services and on screen graphics (BEVIR, GEORGE, 2012). In 2012, the union of European Football Associations placed recorded footage of a fan crying at the opening of the game and played it after one of the teams had won the game to make for more compelling television. Ivan Amato (Lying with Pixels, 2000) argues that as this technology becomes more widespread and available the credibility of video media will be damaged permanently. In some ways this is similar to National Geographics manipulated Pyr amid in that both representations existed but were manipulated to give heightened sensation. The abilities that digital imaging technology have provided have been used by Walt Disney Imagineering Studio to take existing photographs and film of aged or dead celebrities made in the past to be used in new programmes or films (AMATO, IVAN, 2000). This use of technology to manipulate media, demonstrates how analogue photographs and films are susceptible to these processes and also questions the fundamental nature of the final product? Is it simply a manipulated piece of video footage or a new creation entirely? Mitchell (The Reconfigured Eye: Truth in the Post-Photographic Era, 1992) argues that it is a new creation entirely. Mitchell also argues that photography in recent times has entered a phase which he terms pseudophotography meaning that digital photography is not photography. Though the two methods are comparable, they possess different manipulation potentials which are examined in the next section. Manipulation Since Digital photography Savedoff (1997, p.19) argues that technologies alter rather than simply add to the resources of art. This suggests that photography as an art form has been altered by added manipulation potential. This new digital imaging practice should pose a whole range of ethical considerations relating to the manipulation of photographs. However, this has largely failed to have happened due principally to differentiating between the printed or published digital or analogue photograph creating difficulty in identifying and developing a set of different standards for each method. Photographys relationship with reality as previously outlined is apparent in digital photography, however the relationship created by the subjects personal relationship with light as evinced by Sontag and others will be absent in a digital photograph. There is no latent image. In an analogue photograph created through a chemical process there is room for argument that the relationship with light remains intact. Although t his trace looks to be evident in a photograph created by digital means, the trace is not a chemical reaction but a digital representation of reality and therefore not an embedded feature of the relationship between the subject and the photographic process as with analogue. Additionally, the very nature of digital photography means that the process is limitless in the number of alterations or manipulations that can be applied. These manipulations leave little or no evidence of themselves. Modern digital cameras allow the photographer to instantly review the image made and thus allows them amend the and other factors of image capture until the photographer is satisfied with the final result. Images are manipulated by using computers and image editing software such as Adobe Photoshop, along with scanners to digitise analogue images. Therefore, photographs made before digital photography are susceptible to manipulation just like the case of Disney outlined earlier (BOUSE, DEREK, 2002). The development of digital imaging technology has changed photography and its relative relationship with veracity permanently. This lends evidence to Bouses argument that old photographs may be more widely trusted and that digital photography makes readers of images aware not only of current manipulations but of those in the past also. The reader of an analogue photograph, although aware that the photograph was made before the invention of digital technologies is aware that the photograph might have been manipulated and nonetheless changes the way the reader interprets all photographs, manipulated or not (SAVEDOFF, BARBARA E, 1997). This suggests that digital technology has decrease the impression that photographs are mostly objective and truth-relating and that there is a greater tendency for viewers of images to question the veracity of all photographs. A key factor in this significant reduction of trust is the difficulty for the average reader to easily and readily distinguish between manipulated and non-manipulated photographs. Conversely Michelle Henning (2007) argues that digital imaging technologies have enabled limited new ways of manipulating a photograph. Henning continues that digital technologies have only made the manipulation of photographs more available. Henning also argues that the public was previously unaware of image manipulation techniques before the invention of digital imaging technology. Digital manipulation has made the public more aware of photo manipulation and paradoxically served to increase the frequency with which images are manipulated. Evolution of a Medium Photography has been constantly developing since its birth in the 1800s and many of the changes have been driven by evolving technology but were always based on chemical reactions to light. In the 1820s Joseph Niepce found a method to permanently fix a photograph using lavender oil and bitumen. Niepce swiftly developed this method further into heliographs made by using silver nitrate. Eduard Daguerre was also looking for a way to photographically record subjects and contacted Niepce to work with each other. After Niepce died, Daguerre found that mercury could fix images much more permanently and created the Daguerreotype which Daguerre believed at the time serves to draw nature and gives nature the power to reproduce herself (MARIEN, MARY WARNER, 2002, p.23). Since photographys invention the idea of a device that could create unmediated representations of reality was widely believed yet now we begin to see photography may not deserve the verisimilitude it has been ascribed. At the sa me time Henry Fox Talbot worked on a photographic method using paper print. Like the creation of photography and the creation of digital photography these changes and advances were driven simultaneously by several individuals at once. The daguerreotype became the most popular and was widely used to make very simple portraits. Later though, interest was given to the Calotype created by Talbot. The Calotype was less reliable but allowed for prints to be reproduced much more easily and allowed greater detail with the print at least initially. During the mid-1800s negatives were made from glass and coated with albumen paper. These proved much more reproducible and gave more detailed and sharper results than earlier methods. With regard to contemporary digital methods, has digital photography made reproducing images easier due to the fact that digital images when stored on a computer can be duplicated instantly, require no specialist education, now contain little or no cost and can be tr ansmitted and viewed globally without a physical print ever being produced? Being able to reproduce a photograph has always been desirable and this is shown by the demand for the Calotype. Bearing in mind that digital imaging technology has helped progress the ease, convenience and technical, it has done this in a way that has divided the two forms of photography causing great debates among both practitioners and observers of both. Mark Amerika, digital artist and writer, in an interview draws attention to and discusses the differences between digital and analogue photography. Amerika claims that images and how they are read is influenced by the way they are captured, suggesting that as technology changes so does our interpretation of photographs (JACUPS, Karen, 2006). Because photography is much more easily manipulated with digital photography it can be argued that the objectivity of the photograph is lost and it is futile to pursue objectivity (JACUPS, Karen, 2006). It would seem true that manipulation is more common since the advent of digital photography, which could argue that the making of an image is only a small portion of the final product like in the aforementioned case of Rejalnder. Both Mitchell and Savedoff claim that digital photography and the manipulation of it cannot be compared to analogue photography because it is a new medium (MITCHELL, WILLIAM J, 1992) (SAVEDOFF, BARBARA E, 1997). Both continue to argue that because with digital photographs the image is created with a digital sensor digital capture is a separate process to analogue capture. Digital photographs receive their authority because they are almost identical to analogue photographs and this authority is passed to the digital photograph. However, if this authority is diminished, digital photography may be criticised for its lack of authority. News reporting currently accomplished by digital photography may Siemans: Micro Environment and BCG Analysis Siemans: Micro Environment and BCG Analysis SIEMENS COMPANY REVIEW BACK GROUND TO THE STRATEGIC DECISION Siemens is a worldwide leading organization in electronics and electrical engineering industry which is operating in the sector of energy, communication and healthcare sector. There are few industries working in the global market of small and large business which have maintained their successful history of quality products and customer satisfaction. Siemens is also one of those well known and established organizations, having proud to be the leading business. Siemens was founded by Werner Von Siemens and Johann Georg Halske in 1847. The Production Electrical Telegraphs are the remarkable source of Siemens for the past many decades to achieve the large amount of its overall sales. For more than one and a half century, Siemens is still popular in competitive industries for its innovative achievements, technical supports, quality, reliability, and globalization. Being the environmental friendly is one of many other positive aspects of Siemens to feel proud of. Almost one third of their revenue is generated by environmental friendly green products and solutions. â€Å"In fiscal 2009, ended on September 30, 2009, Siemens had revenue of â‚ ¬76.7 billion and net income of â‚ ¬2.5 billion. At the end of September 2009, the company had around 405,000 employees worldwide.† (www.siemens.com) To acquire the long run and effective advantages, generally most of the organizations utilize Strategic decisions. Strategic Decisions help the businesses maintain their quality on the long term directions. Strategic decisions are comprised by considering the organizations activities and analysis to decide the working areas of any organizations. Siemens strategic decisions are quiet clear so far. Siemens basic strategy is to focus particularly on innovation and technology driven growth markets and until the substantive time they have been quiet successful in setting up the trend of new technology and capturing leading positions maintaining their strength of local existence and creating local values on the global level. Siemens believed in diversification and innovation since the establishment which make outstanding business sector. They started identifying market particulars upcoming trends and drawing the strategic results early on. Some years past, Siemens improved their portfolio to four megatrends including demographic change, urbanization, climate change and globalization which are already influencing our daily life today, and the impact of these trends is increasing substantially in the decades. The activities into the sectors of Industry, Energy and healthcare have been the main points of consideration for business. They also set the stage to achieve leading positions and customer satisfaction in attractive continuous growth markets. MICRO ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS Organizations have adopted the internal analysis as a key feature with the frequently changed environment nowadays. To face the environmental change in the ongoing time it has been more useful for the businesses developing strategies utilizing their own resources and capabilities. Siemens has already made it the prior concern for its organization believing their internal resources and strategies as the main strength to achieve their goals. Financial Resources: The group recorded revenues of E77,327 million (approximately $116,294.4 million) during the financial year ended September 2008 (FY2008), an increase of 6.7% over the financial year ended September 2007 (FY2007). The operating profit of the group was E2,492 million (approximately$3,747.8 million) during FY2008, a decrease of 50.2% compared with FY2007. The net profit was E5,725 million (approximately $8,610 million) in FY2008, an increase of 50.4% over FY2007.(Data Monitor Siemens AG). Physical Resources: Siemens are very diversified in geographical presence. They operate in 190 countries spread over the Americas, Europe, CIS, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Middle East. During FY2008, the group generated 26.1% of its revenue from Americas, 52.7% from Europe, CIS, Africa, and 21.2% from Asia, Australian, and Middle East. (Data Monitor Siemens AG) Human Resources: It is in the concern of Siemens that outstanding, competitive and innovative employees are their strength and valuable assets. All of their employees are highly trained, focused and innovative. This belief in their staff plays an important role for Siemens to sustain in the world market. Reputational Resources: Siemens is operating in over 190 countries and for over 160 years. It had created a good and remarkable reputation around the world. They have made them very diversified and manufactured their own brands. Their brands include generators, electrical products, healthcare equipments and many others are some of the outstanding and famous worldwide. MACRO ENVIRONMENT ANALYSIS There are some factors that keep changing time to time. These factors are called External factors. No organization can depend on it because of their constant change. Organizations are facing many economic and global problems to sustain. Due to the present dynamic environment; internal strength has been the key part for organizations rely on in order to face any of these challenges. As far as Siemens is concerned, they have been well prepared and have completed their homework keeping these challenges in front. They introduced remarkable measures that will not only help them surviving these crisis without being highly affected but also they will emerge much stronger with the passage of time. Because they began research, identified market specific and started to draw the strategic consequences quite early on to prevent their strength getting weak. Their integrated homework made them able to precisely consider the upcoming opportunities and threats. This homework helped them identify the nature of advantages, opportunities and threats before the time which are: Opportunities: Siemens had bought quite a few businesses in recent years because they think that these businesses have potential to drive its business growth. â€Å"In January 2007, the group acquired US based UGS, one of the leading providers of product lifecycle management (PLM) software and services for manufacturers. In the same month, Siemens Water Technologies strengthened its service and product business in the US with acquisitions of four companies: Envirotrol, CEC, Pure Water Solutions, and Sunlight Systems. In November 2007, the group acquired Dade Behring Holdings, a manufacturer and distributor of diagnostic products and services to clinical laboratories.† (Some information is taken from www.siemens.com) Threats: Siemens had done all their homework but still threats lie in front of them. Siemens faces intense competition across its market segments. As Siemens is a huge industry with different sectors their competition is much higher than other industries. Their main competitors in the industry sectors are ABB, Alstom, Bombardier, Emerson Electric, General Electric Company, Honeywell International, Johnson Control, Philips, Schneider Electric, and Tyco International. (Information is gathered from www.datamonitor.com). Likewise in energy sector as well its main competitors are General Electric, Alstom Powers, Mitsuibishi, Abbott and lots more. As it is quite clear that, such competition could adversely affect the revenues and profit margins of the group. DIRECTIONS FOR GROWTH It very important for organizations to be vigilant when choosing the strategic direction, it is a useful method for organizations to launch their products in the market and in order to gain competitive and desired advantages. As it is pointed out by Johnson, Scholes and Whittington that: organizations should be aware of 3 types of motives or pressures that may shape their choice which are: Environment Based Motives: As Siemens is concerned they already had pointed out the growth of economies in the different continents. â€Å"The group operates in about 190 countries Spread over the Americas, Europe, CIS, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Middle East. During FY2008, the group generated 26.1% of its revenue from Americas, 52.7% from Europe, CIS, Africa, and 21.2% from Asia, Australian, and Middle East†. (www.datamonitor.com) Resource Based Motives: As being one of the most diversified groups Siemens have very strong resource capabilities. Due to their high revenues Siemens can afford to spend lucrative amount on their RD. In 2008 Siemens increased its research and development investment to (approximately $5,690.9 million). Igor Ansoff has developed a well known matrix system to analyze the directions of strategies and mix between the products which a company sells and the market is to be sold. Siemens has set the task for capturing leading positions in attractive growth markets. In order to maintain their position Siemens targeted their business activities to some sectors including Industry, Energy and Healthcare. Siemens direction of its strategy lies in all 4 stages of Ansoff matrix. Market Penetration: With the help of its targeted business activities in leading growth market Siemens is constantly penetrating the market. They also have a much diversified customer based group. This group has industrial, infrastructural and diversified customers. The group can be classified in markets like as transport and logistics (such as transport authorities), construction, communication, real estate, metals and mining, machinery, utilities, automotive and many others. Market Development: Siemens is operating in over 190 countries and for over 160 years and generating high revenues which is increasing with the passage of time. Its because they had identified their opportunities and threats. Their prior homework of seeking new markets made them able to achieve the targeted financial market. Product Development: Product development is a very effective and attractive way to counteract a new entrant in market. Product development is to introduce new product to the market or the same product with enhanced and added new services. Siemens has been successful maintaining their vast market, product quality and customer satisfaction around the globe. The basic sectors Health, Industry and Energy are the ones providing them a remarkable deal of opportunities to develop their products. Some of the products and services in energy sector spectrum such as LED energy saving lighting and building control system are up-gradation to their products for their present markets. Diversification: Diversification is one of the key parts for organizations to gain competitive advantage over their competitors. On the other side it includes a great deal of risk for organizations because a huge amount money is required to invest lucrative amount in RD. As The Siemens is a market business leader in the growing sectors, so it deals with the risk to diversify with upper hand. Siemens had always believed in innovation and the technology as said by the founder of the Siemens Werner Von Siemens â€Å"If you are not moving forward you are moving backwards.† Siemens diversify its business by two different ways. Related Diversification: Siemens operates in various sectors of the business market. It provides so many opportunities to diversify beyond the substantive product market within the broad confines of the ongoing industry. Siemens always tried the best in their value chain to gain new products market and customer satisfaction. In industry sector Siemens offers different products such as services like building, communication, lighting, mobile solutions and in energy sector they are providing distribution of power, conversion, extraction and lot more. Unrelated Diversification: Siemens has also diversified its business sector activities beyond its current scope or industry sector. Because of dealing with three business sector activities, Siemens always believed in technology and innovation in their products and services. It requires a great deal of investment in RD. Siemens has a very powerful RD. Recently Siemens had increased their research and development investment to E 3,784 million. Siemens invested with Fujitsu in laptops, which is a very good example of unrelated diversification. PORTFOLIO ANALYSIS The strategy of Siemens portfolio is quite clear for the past many years which set the target to capture and maintain the Number 1 or Number 2 in the future profitable and competitive markets. By doing that Siemens believe they can survive and get through in the difficult constantly changed environment. Siemens is concentrating deeply on renewable energy and organic growth of various products and services. In the past five years they had invested 20 billion Euros in the acquisition of growth business. Siemens has established its leading position in the attractive growth market working out with its three business sectors Healthcare, energy, and industry. As a part of DESERTEC a Solar Thermal Power in Sahara and Wind Farm in Europe are being constructed. They have also being producing Smart Grid Solutions based Technologies such as Electric Cars and lot more. The best and precise portfolio Analysis of Siemens is comprised by Boston matrix. BCG Matrix Siemens AG METHOD OF DEVELOPMENT Siemens have varieties of methods and strategies to develop their SBUs (Strategic Business Unit). It is because they had a diversified business culture worldwide and they operate in 3 major sectors Healthcare, Energy and Industry. Siemens is constantly operating with their strong partners and developing their services to beat their competitors, therefore they are gearing the value chain to efficiency. They believe that for outperforming their competitors they have to consistently work out and improve their services better than they are. Following the belief of always being better than they are, Siemens is successfully developing their services to sustain in the market and improve customer satisfaction. As a diversified business Siemens believe in utilizing different methods of development. Strong RD department is one of their strenghts. They are able to afford the Organic development. They also intend to continue the assurance of strict resource allocation in the future; they are ver y keen on the Organic growth. In the past five years Siemens have invested Twenty billion Euros in the organic development. There was a significant increase in RD budget and it got its RD location in more than 30 countries worldwide. Siemens is also keen to acquire growing businesses. They had recently invested more than 20 billion Euros in order to acquire businesses. Siemens is constantly optimizing its portfolio of Products. Every year numerous acquisitions and divestitures are completed by Siemens. â€Å"In 2005 alone, Siemens invested around EUR 2.5 billion in new businesses and the 2006 figure will be substantially higher. On the divestment side, the carve-outs of BenQ, Product Related Services and Logistics Assembly have caused a stir. Regarding recent prominent acquisitions, such as Flender AG (Germany), CTI (USA), Bonus (Denmark), US Filter (USA) or VA Tech (Austria), Siemens Management Consulting were primarily involved in the pre- and post-merger integration (PMI) work†. (Information is gathered from www.smc.siemens.de) It is Siemens belief that acquisitions helped them come closer to achieve their goal of growing a fast global market. Siemens is also running many joint ventures with one of their SBUs for obtaining growth. Such as Siemens and Nokia have announced their intention to merge the network business of Nokia and the carrier related operations of Siemens into a new company which they will call Nokia Siemens networks. Its a 50-50 joint venture. In which both parties will invest half and half share. Both parties are looking forward to stand as a Global Leader with strong position in current important growth segments of fixed and mobile network infrastructure and services.

Behavior Modification Methods in School Essay -- Positive Interdepende

Education in the United States is a continuous source of controversy. How should the generations be taught? This is an extremely important and in depth issue that has many levels. Each level has its own disagreements. One particular level of education that has been researched is whether or not behavioral methods are effective enough to be used in the classroom to improve academic performance. As can be seen in the data included here, there are many forms of positive reinforcement contingencies that can be presented in the classroom. These may include social rewards, like acceptance and encouragement from peers, tangible rewards, like the token economy, or internally motivating rewards, like having a sense of self-efficacy and feeling confident and proud of a particular accomplishment. The studies included here investigate cooperative learning strategies and how behavioral methods relate to academic performance that way, the use of rewards for good or improved performance, and then f inally how the removal of a punishing aspect of the classroom environment, like a teacher’s criticism can possibly improve academic performance. Cooperative learning is one process that includes behavioral methods. A reward structure is included in cooperative learning technology. Rewards can include grades, teacher approval, or physical rewards. In order for a reward structure to be effective, the rewards must be presented to the student quickly after the desired behavior has occurred. What makes this type of reward structure particular to cooperative learning styles is that rewards are given based on how well a group has learned something as a whole. Each person in the group gets rewarded if and only if each individual person has learned the material sufficiently. A second facet of cooperative learning includes positive goal interdependence and positive reward interdependence (Mesch, Johnson, & Johnson, 1987). Positive goal interdependence is when students perceive that they can achieve their goals if and only if the other students with whom they are cooperatively linked achieve their goals. Whereas, positive reward interdependence exists when each member of a cooperative learning group receives the same reward for successfully completing a joint task (Mesch, Johnson, & Johnson, 1987). Mesch, Johnson, and Johnson (1987) state that on the positive goal interdependence ... ...76). Controlling personal rewards: Professional teachers’ differential   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  use of feedback and the effects of feedback on the student’s motivation to   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  perform. Journal of Educational Psychology, 69(4), 419-427. Harris, A. M., & Covington, M. V. (1993). The role of cooperative reward   interdependency in success and failure. Journal of Experimental Education, 61(2), 151-168. Leventhal, G. S., & Whiteside, H. D. (1973). Equity and the use of reward to elicit high performance. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 25(1), 75-83. Lew, M., Mesch, D., Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. (1986). Positive interdependence,   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Academic and collaborative-skills group contingencies, and isolated students.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  American Educational Research Journal, 23(3), 476-488. Mesch, D., Johnson, D. W., & Johnson, R. (1987). Impact of positive interdependence   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  and academic group contingencies on achievement. The Journal of Social   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Psychology, 128(3), 345-352. Rickard, H. C., Clements, C. B., & Willis, J. W. (1970). Effects of contingent   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  and noncontingent token reinforcement upon classroom performance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Psychological Reports, 27(3), 903-908.

Pcr And Its Use :: essays research papers

PCR And Its Use Often times, scientists only have a small amount of DNA to deal with when doing genetic research or studies. In these situations, scientists can do one of several things. One is to just try to work with it anyway, but this is nearly impossible (depending on how much there is). Ther are a couple other processes they can use, or they can use PCR. PCR is one of the more complicated, but reliable ways to do tests on DNA when they only have a small amount to begin with. PCR, or Polymearse Chain Reaction, is the scientific process used by genetic scientists to clone DNA. "A 'rapid diagnostic' technique used in the clinical microbiology lab to detect pathogens. It relies upon amplification technology utilizingthe heat stable DNA polymerase from a thermophilic organism." (from http://www.genes.com/pcr/pcrinfo.html) Dr. K.Mullis recently received the Nobel prize for inventing the technique. This is how they go about doing this: They first get their small DNA sample. Then they mix all the chemicals (this includes the primer, etc). Then they have to run it through the PCR machine. Here is a (rather detailed) description of the process: "The cycling protocol consisted of 25-30 cycles of three- temperatures: strand denaturation at 95degC, primer annealing at 55degC, and primer extension at 72deg C, typically 30 seconds, 30 seconds, and 60 seconds for the DNA Thermal Cycler and 4 seconds, 10 seconds, and 60 seconds for the Thermal Cycler 9600, respectively." Basically, that means that they set it to certain temperatures, then put it in different cyles for different amounts of time. PCR machines can be compared with washing machines. There are the different temperatures (here for example, there is 72degC, where in the washing machine you would set it to cold/cold respectively. For it to properly replicate, we must know how to match each of the following: A T G A T A T G G C A G C A A C G A C C A T A the match would be T A C T A T A C C G T C C T T G C T G T A T The whole process is pretty much summed up like this: They heat up the DNA to let the enzymes break it down (or 'unzip' its bonds). Then add specific amounts of the primer (relative to the amount of DNA you have. Then you add the enzyme to sets of 4 nuclotides that will go through the genetic sequence of nucleotides and hook up the matching nucleotide (A goes to T and G to C etc).

Rapid Urbanization Upsurge Noncommunicable Diseases Health And Social Care Essay

Rapid urbanisation, modernisation and population growing in developing states has led to an rush of non-communicable diseases which are associated with important morbidity and mortality. Metabolic Syndrome besides described as â€Å" Deadly Quartet † and X syndrome ( 2, 3 ) is one of these disease entities defined by bunch of cardiovascular hazard factors which to a greater extent is influenced by ethnicity/race. This encompasses atherogenic dyslipidemia, high blood pressure, dysglycemia and splanchnic fleshiness and pro coagulator province. Apart from increasing prevalence, the age of oncoming is besides worsening among South Asiatic ( SA ) population due to familial sensitivity, ingestion of easy available energy dense nutrients from an early age. This tendency has got major wellness deductions since South Asians constitute one fifth of population all over the universe ( 4 ) and the wellness attention system is non really fit to cover with this medical crisis. Evidence sugge sts that it non merely amplifies the hazard of coronary bosom disease ( 5 ) but besides gives rise to cerebrovascular diseases. Five diagnostic standards have been put frontward since the origin of this syndrome which has created perplexity among practicians. In 1998, World Health Organization ( WHO ) ab initio proposed a definition for metabolic syndrome ( 6 ) with chief accent on gluco-centricity. In 1999, the European Group for the survey of Insulin Resistance ( EGIR ) recommended more or less similar standards with lower cut offs for high blood pressure ( 7 ) . Thereafter in 2001, National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III ( NCEP ATP III ) proposed another definition for the diagnosing of metabolic syndrome with less focal point on insulin opposition as compared to WHO standards but non turn toing separate cut off points of waist perimeter for Asiatic population ab initio ( 8 ) . In 2003, American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist ( AACE ) proposed another set of standards for the diagnosing of metabolic syndrome. The chief restriction of the above mentioned standards is that the diagnosing is based on clinical judgement alternatively of presence of specific figure of hazard factors ( 9 ) . Sing that SA have a higher per centum of organic structure fat chiefly in the signifier of abdominal adiposeness at a lower BMI in comparing with other population, International Diabetes Federation ( IDF ) in 2005 suggested separate cutoff points of waist perimeter for Asiatic population and defined cardinal fleshiness as waist perimeter of more than 80 centimeter for adult females and 90 centimeter in work forces based on local statistics from the corresponding country ( 10 ) . The revised NCEP ATPIII modified for South Asiatic population incorporated the same cut off points for Asiatic population as given by IDF ( Table 1 ) . Apart from the cut off differences, NCEP ATP III gives equal weight to each constituent of metabolic syndrome as compared to IDF for which abdominal fleshiness remains a requirement for the diagnosing ( 10 ) . Furthermore, microalbuminuria which is a controversial variable of WHO criteria is non included in other definitions. Among these definitions, WHO, NCEP ATPIII & A ; IDF have been the chief 1s which are used most widely ( Table 1 ) . Type 2 diabetes is besides emerging as a planetary epidemic with increasing prevalence in developing states. Pakistan is among top 10 states estimated to hold the highest figure of diabetics busying 6th place on the diabetes prevalence naming presently ( 11 ) and it is estimated that prevalence would be doubled by 2025. Metabolic syndrome in combination with diabetes increases the hazard of both macro vascular, micro vascular complications and coronary artery disease patterned advance due to associated high blood pressure, lipoprotein abnormalcies and splanchnic fleshiness ( 12 ) . There are surveies that have looked into the differences in most widely used definitions of metabolic syndrome in general ( 13-17 ) , but merely few surveies have compared these definitions in the diabetic population ( 18-20 ) . Therefore we decided to find the frequence of metabolic syndrome in Type 2 diabetics harmonizing to NCEP ATPIII, IDF and WHO definitions and so to compare and contrast these traits within Pakistani population. Methods: This survey was conducted at the out-patient clinics of one of the big third attention infirmaries at Karachi, Pakistan. Data was collected retrospectively of type 2 diabetic patients sing clinics between June till November 2008 by utilizing a questionnaire which included demographic features and single constituents of metabolic syndrome i.e. weight, tallness, waist perimeter and BMI etc. Both hip and waist perimeter were recorded in centimetres and waist/hip perimeter was calculated ( WHR ) . BMI was calculated as a ratio of weight in kilogram to height in metres squared.Lab checks:All the research lab trials which are routinely done for patients with type 2 diabetes including triglycerides and high denseness lipoprotein ( HDL-C ) were recorded. Patients already on anti hypertensive and anti lipid medicines specifically in the signifier of fibric acid derived functions and nicotinic acids were taken as instances of high blood pressure and hypertriglyceridimia severally irrespective of their blood force per unit area and lipid degrees. Since all the patients in the survey were diabetics, insulin degrees were non taken into history. Statistical Analysis: The information was analyzed individually harmonizing to NCEP ATP III, IDF and WHO definitions and the consequences were so compared. The frequence of Metabolic syndrome was calculated with 95 % CI based on three different standards ‘s. The informations were presented as the mean A ± SD or per centum ; uninterrupted variables were compared by agencies of independent sample t-test and categorical variables were compared by chi-square. All analyses were conducted by utilizing the statistical bundle for societal scientific disciplines SPSS 14. A kappa trial was done to find the concurrency between three definitions. In univariate analyses, comparing between metabolic syndrome and without metabolic syndrome was done for each variable of involvement. Multivariable logistic arrested development analysis was conducted to place the factors associated with metabolic syndrome. All P values were two tailed and considered statistically important ifA a†°Ã‚ ¤ 0.05. Out of entire 210 type 2 diabetic patients, 112 ( 53.3 % ) were males and 98 ( 46.7 % ) were females. Their average age ( standard divergence ) was 53.35 A ± 11.46 old ages. The mean ( SD ) continuance of diabetes mellitus was 8.48 A ± 7.18 old ages. One hundred and ninety three ( 91.9 % ) were found to hold metabolic syndrome harmonizing to NCEP ATP III in comparing to 182 ( 86.7 % ) based on IDF standards. Lower frequence was documented with WHO standards of 171 ( 81.4 % ) . The frequence increased to 179 ( 85.2 % ) by WHO by utilizing the new cut offs for specifying corpulence ( BMI of 23 vs. 30 ) . The grade of understanding ( kappa statistic ) between WHO and ATP III and WHO and IDF definitions were 0.436 95 % CI 0.26-0.60 and 0.417 95 % CI 0.25-0.57respectively. In contrast kappa statistic between IDF and ATP III definitions was found to be 0.728 95 % CI 0.57-0.87.The overall understanding between three definitions was 0.37 ( 95 % CI 0.26-0.51 ) .The cardinal fleshiness was present in 162 patients ( 77 % ) by WHO followed by 197 ( 90.5 % ) based on IDF & A ; NCEP ATP III. Hypertension was found in 116 patients ( 55.2 % ) harmonizing to WHO in comparing to 147 ( 70 % ) by NCEP & A ; IDF cut off of blood force per unit area. Presence of low HDL cholesterin once more differed being present in 77 ( 36.7 % ) when WHO definition was applied and 144 ( 68.6 % ) by ATP III and IDF. Furthermore, gender wise dislocation of frequence of metabolic syndrome by WHO showed that 84 ( 85.7 % ) of females suffered from metabolic syndrome as compared to 87 ( 77.7 % ) in males a difference non statistically important ( p=0.13 ) . However, by all other standards metabolic syndrome was significantly more common among females as compared to males, 95.9 % vs. 88.4 % ( p=0.04 ) by ATP III & A ; 95.9 % vs. 78.6 % ( p & lt ; 0.001 ) by IDF. For prevalence of hypertriglyceridemia, no statistically important difference between both genders was found. However, for low HDL cholesterin, prevalence was higher in males 44 ( 57.14 % ) than in females 33 ( 43 % ) by WHO standards ( P & lt ; 0.001 ) . In contrast on the footing of ATP III and IDF definitions, prevalence of low HDL cholesterin degrees was higher ( p=0.009 ) in females 77 ( 57.46 % ) than in males 57 ( 42.53 % ) . Likewise, cardinal fleshiness was found to be more common among female patients based on IDF & A ; NCEP ( ATPIII ) cutoffs 64.8 % females vs. 35.2 % ( & lt ; 0.001 ) but demoing rearward form with WHO criteria,57.14 % males vs. 43 % females ( p-value & lt ; 0.001 ) . Discussion: Our survey showed a high frequence of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetics based on NECP ( ATPIII ) and IDF standards. This frequence was rather high ( 91.9 % ) as compared to 46 % found in another infirmary based survey from Pakistan ( 21 ) . This difference could non be merely attributed to the different waist cutoffs used based on modified NCEP ( ATPIII ) in our survey because even comparing with WHO categorization revealed important difference between two surveies from the same part. This difference in frequence is really interesting maintaining in position that both of these surveies were done in the same part but different vicinities. The disparity could be due to low frequence of fleshiness found in the old survey ( 30 % ) in comparing to our survey ( 90.5 % ) . It is speculated that this intra regional difference could be due to the fact that certain communities have high inclination to develop fleshiness and metabolic syndrome despite of belonging to the same state due to differences in life manner, eating wonts and degree of physical activity. On the other manus, another infirmary based survey another metropolis revealed comparable frequence of metabolic syndrome harmonizing to NCEP standards ( 22 ) . In infirmary based survey from Iran the prevalence in type 2 diabetics on footing of NCEP ( ATPIII ) standards utilizing BMI alternatively of waist perimeter was found to be 65 % ( 23 ) .This difference highlights the importance of abdominal adiposeness which is a better marker of metabolic syndrome as compared to BMI. A multicenter infirmary based survey in Brazil showed instead close frequence ( 85 % ) in type 2 diabetics ( 24 ) although the survey population was rather different being white people of European descent. Likewise, in Finnish survey prevalence was found to be 91.5 % in diabetic work forces and 82.7 % in adult females ( 25 ) . Our information was besides consistent with Indian survey demoing prevalence of 91.1 % ( 16 ) utilizing the same NCEP ( ATPIII ) definition. However, separate constituents of metabolic syndrome were found to be more common in our population as compared to South Indians ( 16 ) . The higher frequence of metabolic syndrome in diabetic population fou nd in our survey is a beginning of major concern since diabetes itself is an of import hazard factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease ( ASCVD ) and presence of metabolic syndrome in combination plants as a two border blade. Evidence suggests that combination of the constituents of the metabolic syndrome is associated with both micro and macro vascular complications and distal neuropathy in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus ( 24 ) . In position of the high frequence, type 2 diabetic patients should non merely be screened for this deathly syndrome but besides offered intensive direction in order to avoid complications. Similarly highly high frequence of cardinal fleshiness ( 90.5 % ) in our diabetic population is besides unreassuring since there is ample grounds associating cardinal fleshiness with coronary bosom disease ( 26 ) and insulin opposition is besides significantly associated with waist girth ( 27 ) . The higher frequence of metabolic syndrome in adult females harmonizing to all standards besides consistent with other surveies from South Asiatic states ( 28 ) could be attributed to less physical activity in adult females due to cultural and cultural limitations on out-of-door activities. This besides highlights the importance of instruction of our adult females in footings of bar of the development of metabolic syndrome with life manner intercession which would indirectly act upon life manner and eating wonts of whole household. The presence of multiple definitions of metabolic syndrome has been really confusing and argument ever exist which standards should be used in footings of diagnosing of metabolic syndrome particularly in diabetic patients. The somewhat higher prevalence of metabolic syndrome by ATP III definition in comparing to IDF ( 91.9 % vs. 86.7 % ) was likely due to the comparative flexibleness of the ATP III definition in footings of non taking abdominal fleshiness as a requirement for the diagnosing. Except for this difference the ATP III and IDF definitions are basically indistinguishable reflected in the grade of understanding ( kappa statistic ) between the two definitions which was in a good scope at 0.728. Harmonizing to this, NCEP ( ATPIII ) and IDF are the most dependable standards ‘s for naming metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetic patients, with NECP capturing more patients in comparing with IDF definition. In contrast WHO showed lower frequence of metabolic syndrome due to different cutoffs used for HDL degrees and fleshiness. This difference remained important even after seting it with BMI cutoffs for Asiatic population of 23 vs.30 endorsed by WHO expert audience every bit good ( 29, 30 ) pointing towards the fact that waist perimeter or cardinal fleshiness is more valuable tool for sensing of metabolic syndrome in Asiatic population.Decision:On the footing of these findings NCEP ( ATPIII ) modified standards should be sooner used in Pakistani population since do ing waist perimeter as an obligatory standard would still lose out 5.2 % of the instances of metabolic syndrome harmonizing to our survey. But to farther validate these recommendations we need surveies to gauge the prognostic power for micro vascular and macro vascular complications to set up the most appropriate definition of metabolic syndrome to be used in South Asiatic population with a diagnosing of type 2 diabetes. The alarmingly high frequence of metabolic syndrome in type 2 diabetes found in our survey points towards the fact that our wellness attention system needs to take emergent stairss in bar of this syndrome through life manner intercession plans.

A Response to “How Teachers Make Children Hate Reading” Essay

Summary: John Holt is a former teacher who shares personal anecdotes in his essay â€Å"How Teachers Make Children Hate Reading.† Holt remembers taking a traditional approach to teaching as a beginning elementary school teacher. He initially thought that quizzing students over assigned readings and requiring them to use a dictionary to look up unfamiliar words was a best practice. However, a conversation with his sister challenges him to think critically about the effectiveness of his style, and he realizes his â€Å"methods were foolish† (359). An avid reader, Holt recalls he never looked up words in a dictionary as a child, but the lack of a dictionary did not make him any less intelligent or appreciative of language. He, like many other literate people he met, developed his vocabulary by encountering the same words â€Å"over and over again, in different contexts† (359). Holt’s understanding of what it takes to nurture a love of reading in children from an early age evolves throughout the essay. He argues that reading would be a more enjoyable experience for children if parents and teachers allowed children to read stories that interest them and not expect them to understand every word or interpret every meaning behind it. Critique: I discovered several strengths and weaknesses in Holt’s argument. I agree with him that it is unrealistic to expect children to look up words in a dictionary to appreciate words. Holt is not against using a dictionary as long as the reader uses it practically to look up words that interest him or her. To look them up in order to fulfill an assignment, however, will not promise vocabulary development. It is possible that forcing words upon a beginning reader will do more harm than good. For most children, learning how to read is similar to learning a new language, and this skill set improves with practice and patience. I also agree when he says we must s careful not to embarrass students if they make mistakes; this method usually causes the student to give up altogether. However, Holt’s argument at times seems biased and over generalized. For example, he asserts â€Å"that for most children school was a place of danger, and their main business in school was staying out of danger as much as possible† (360). His implication that children hate reading because they fear making mistakes is valid, but I disagree that most of them view their teachers as literary predators. Children’s attitudes about reading and education in general are affected by a number of factors such as learning styles, personality, the acquired habits, and intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. To place the blame on â€Å"us† teachers in his inclusive comments about how we humiliate and shame children through our teaching methods is unfair because I can think of several examples where this is not always true or was not necessarily true during the time he wrote the essay. His suggestions about how teachers should assess and evaluate student writing contradicts many of the modern teaching guides I have read, which posit that holistic grading includes teacher and student feedback. Application: Holt’s essay allowed me to think critically about my own teaching methods and reflect on what has worked successfully in the classroom and what has not. Many college students take English because it is a requirement and their attitudes toward writing are much like the freshma n that Holt describes in the conclusion of the article. They are very anxious about their writing even if they are strong writers, and they seldom write for pleasure rather than for necessity. Holt discourages teachers from using reading as a tool for public humiliation and promotes student-centered learning, which I advocate. While I realize there are students who depend on being told exactly what to do for each assignment they are given, I have observed that most students thrive when they have control over what they learn and discover new ideas independently and collectively. This is type of learning is supported by positive reinforcement. Rather than settling on any one way to motivate students, I realize that effective learning comes from an array of different approaches, and sometimes old-school teaching methods still are useful. Works Cited Holt, John. â€Å"How Teachers Make Children Hate Reading.† The Norton Reader. Eds. Peterson, Linda et. al. 13th edition. New York: W.W. Norton & Company, 2012. pg. 358 – 366.