The Effectiveness Of The Implementation Of Performance Management

Purpose – The intent of this paper is to supply an overview of the manner the public presentation direction system is being implemented for Educators in State Secondary Schools in Mauritius, to measure its effectivity as a tool to better public presentation in secondary instruction in the populace sector and to do recommendations to policy shapers on countries necessitating betterment. Design/methodology/approach – Datas were obtained from studies of secondary school Educators in educational zone 3 of Mauritius ( n=245 ) . The research workers used chi-square trial, Pearson correlativity and factor analysis in order to measure whether the new system was carry throughing its intent and to associate apprehension of Performance Management System ( PMS ) to its effectivity in secondary schools. Findingss – The findings indicate that pedagogues in Education Zone 3 believe in the importance of the PMS to better quality of instruction. They agree that it is a good planned procedure up to the concluding assessment phase. There is a weak relationship between the sentiment of Educators on effectivity of the PMS and its really taking to school betterment. Career development programs did non organize portion of the PMS. They view the PMS as undependable to mensurate public presentation, drawn-out and clip devouring with no follow up on public presentation spreads and for developing demands of the appraised. PMS is implemented merely as another bureaucratic tool. Originality/Value – Bing the first research of its sort in the secondary instruction sector in Maurtius, this research might be of value to the Ministry of Education, every bit good as to Managers of Private Secondary Schools who wish to utilize the public presentation direction system as a tool to measure and better the public presentation of pedagogues and thereby take at ‘quality of instruction for all ‘ . Limitation – As merely secondary schools of zone 3 are in their 2nd twelvemonth of PMS, our sample was restricted to that zone merely. Cardinal words: Educators, Performance Management, Performance direction system, public presentation steps, State Secondary Schools, Mauritius.IntroductionGlobalization together with a competitory universe environment and developments in engineering have made it imperative for all sectors in the economic system to supply better services to their clients and secondary schools are no exclusion. The Government of Mauritius realized that human capital is an of import resource with which Mauritius has been endowed, and that optimal usage demands to be made of this resource in all sectors and the instruction sector was no exclusion. Being cognizant that public officers working in schools ( both primary and secondary ) need to be dynamic, proactive, vivacious, frontward looking, advanced, effectual, executing and consequences oriented, it became imperative to set in topographic point a system which would let non merely to measure the public presentation of Educators working in these schools but besides to analyse their preparation demands. In 1976, the authorities introduced free secondary instruction for one and all and in 2005, made instruction compulsory for all kids up to the age of 16 old ages. Since so, it has become the duty of the Educators working in secondary schools to bring forth citizens with the needed accomplishments and competences needed by the economic system. Bearing in head that the one-year budget for Performance Management for secondary instruction is Rs.1.2 million, it becomes imperative that authorities ensures that public financess are being decently used in order to run into the outlooks of the citizens. The vision of the Ministry of Education is ‘to provide Quality Education to All ‘ . To accomplish this vision it is of import that those who deliver the service in the instruction system execute to the best of their ability. Thus it becomes necessary non merely to measure the forces working in our secondary schools, but besides to look into their preparation demands. The PMS can let to function this double intent which was non being achieved through the present Performance Appraisal system i.e. the Confidential Reporting System in the Civil Service in Mauritius which dates back to colonial times. Confidential Reporting has been in topographic point since 1963 and amended twice since so in 1973 and 1979. However, as ment ioned above it is no longer functioning its intent due to its legion failings viz. , it is a cosmopolitan one tantrum system for all public officers, there is no engagement of the appraised and he is non made aware of his strengths and failings, therefore doing the system unjust and inconsistent, it has no yardstick to mensurate the grade of public presentation of assorted facets of the occupation as there are no fit professional criterions, all standards are assigned the same evaluation, thereby doing no difference between most of import and least of import standards, subjectiveness, prejudice and bias are ineluctable in this system of describing as it does non follow a scientific attack and the system is used merely for publicity and does non place the preparation demands of the officers in the visible radiation of ascertained public presentation. The restrictions of the Confidential Reporting System gave rise to the demand for better system whereby both valuator and appraisee would be taken on board. An effort was made to present a new public presentation assessment strategy in the mid-1990s but it failed likely due to its bad selling, which led to resistance from both Trade Unions and Public officers. Against this background, a Task Force on Performance Management was set up which created a Framework for all Departments/Ministries to follow corporate strategic planning and step accomplishment of organisational aims and divisional work marks against established public presentation indexs. The Draft Performance Management Framework stipulated that the assessment of employees should get down with a public presentation understanding based on a preset work program, continued with regular reappraisals and completed with a general reappraisal of public presentation, appraisal of development demands and acknowledgment of public presentation. In line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Performance Management, the Pay Research Bureau ( PRB ) study 2008 recommended inter alia that all Ministries/Departments should measure and reexamine sporadically their public presentation in relation to established marks ; they should follow and implement a Performance Review Scheme as an built-in portion of Performance Management on a uninterrupted footing ; and the Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms should move as a coordinating Ministry, responsible to spearhead the debut of the Performance Management System and instill a Performance orientated civilization in the Public Service. Furthermore, the PRB 2008 in its study recommends that as from fiscal twelvemonth 2011-2012: ( I ) increases may be granted three months before for employees who perform beyond the acceptable criterions systematically for a period of one twelvemonth and nine months ; and ( two ) more than one increase may be granted at a spell, say two increases, for uninterrupted outstanding public presentation for three back-to-back old ages. The PMS is still in its babyhood in State Secondary Schools being introduced in the educational system merely in 2008. Mauritius is divided into four educational zones and the navigation in secondary schools was done in all schools of educational zone 3 during the twelvemonth 2009 and in this current twelvemonth they are in their 2nd PMS rhythm whereas the secondary schools of the other 3 educational zones ( 1, 2 and 4 ) are in their first PMS rhythm. It is hence of import to analyze whether all stakeholders have the necessary cognition and apprehension of the Performance Management System, the nature of the current Performance Management agreements, the Performance Management Process, the Performance Measures in order to mensurate its effectivity in State Secondary Schools in Mauritius.1.1 Knowledge and apprehension of PMSThere are legion definitions of Performance Management, from the general position, as a agency for an organisation to recognize its aspiration ( IDeA, 2001 ) to th e more specific one, aiming at single employees, directing and heightening their public presentation, therefore bettering organisational effectivity ( Williams, 2002 ) . However, the common characteristic of all definitions lies in the accomplishment of the organisations ‘s ends or aims: It is the procedure of bettering the quality and measure of work done and conveying all activity in line with an administration ‘s aims ( Bruno walters, 1995 ) . Harmonizing to the Local Government Improvement and Development, UK public presentation direction is ; taking action in response to existent public presentations to do results for users and the populace better than they would otherwise be. All these definitions merely give the intents of the Performance Management system. ( Armstrong and Baron, 2004 ) have stressed that public presentation direction is a tool to guarantee that directors manage efficaciously ; that they guarantee the people or squads they manage know and understa nd what is expected of them, have the accomplishments and ability to present on these outlooks, are supported by the organisation to develop the capacity to run into these outlooks, are given feedback on their public presentation and have the chance to discourse and lend to single and squad purposes and aims. It is besides approximately guaranting that directors themselves are cognizant of the impact of their ain behaviour on the people they manage and are encouraged to place and exhibit positive behavior. Execution of a Performance Management System will assist to obtain better consequences from persons, squads and the organisation as a whole as both valuator and appraisee understand and manage public presentation as per an agreed model for planned ends, aims, criterions and competences. This appears to be a more comprehensive definition of Performance Management as it gives all the of import phases in public presentation direction but does non speak on placing public presentation spreads and supplying the necessary professional development. ( Armstrong, 1999 ) identifies the chief extra characteristics of public presentation direction as: the engagement of all members within the organisation as spouses in the procedure, concern with inputs ( competencies and accomplishments ) every bit good as end products, based upon understandings refering answerability and duty, concern with squad public presentation every bit good as single public presentation, uninterrupted procedure and non reliant on an one-year reappraisal, personal reappraisals focus on constructive patterned advance, betterment and development, recognizes the demand for preparation and dressed ores on ‘self managed ‘ larning ‘ , feedback is every bit much spontaneous as possible and non reliant on luxuriant signifiers. ( Engelmann & A ; Roesch 1996 ) identified negative effects of ill designed and ill administered strategies as: hapless motive and ego regard because employees receive unequal feedback on their work public presentation, small o r no focussed communicating about public presentation between directors and employees ; inefficient usage of directors ‘ clip and judicial proceeding over alleged prejudiced actions.The Performance Management Procedure:Performance direction means a shared committedness to high public presentation. It helps to concentrate attending on more effectual instruction and monitoring to raise the quality of learning and to profit students, instructors and the school. It means supplying appropriate and effectual personal preparation and development to guarantee occupation satisfaction, a high degree of expertness and patterned advance of staff in their chosen profession1. Performance Management is an on-going, synergistic procedure between an employee and his/her supervisor. It involves the undermentioned phases: Pre-appraisal – Planning and holding on Performance: The valuator discusses and records precedences and aims with each of the instructors in his/her squad and discusses how advancement will be monitored through a two manner communicating between valuator and appraisee. A work program is developed and agreed upon by both parties. Mid-appraisal – Pull offing Performance: At mid term of the stage, the appraisee is called upon to transport out a self rating of the accomplishments and public presentation spreads as per the work program, following which the valuator conducts a formal interview with the appraisee to reexamine and enter advancement made on the public presentation understanding and to inform him of the countries that need betterment. Final Appraisal – Reviewing Performance. At the terminal of the one twelvemonth rhythm, the valuator reappraisal, evaluates and paperss the public presentation of the appraisee during the appraisal period. The appraisee is called upon to one time once more self evaluate his/her public presentation against the work program agreed upon during the pre-appraisal phase. The valuator carries out a concluding interview to give the appraisee specific public presentation information in respect to good public presentation and to 1. [ Online ] available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.burford.oxon.sch.uk/policy/performancemanagementpolicy.htm [ Accessed on 13 November 2010 ] supply any pertinent suggestions for betterment, and action programs are developed in audience with both parties for lacking countries. This type of communicating and certification allows chance for an appraisede to adhere to the expected consequences for the station during the following appraisal twelvemonth.1.3 Nature of current Performance Management SystemEffective public presentation direction requires consistently determinant and pass oning what needs to be done ( purposes, aims, precedences and marks ) , a program for guaranting that it happens ( betterment, action or service programs ) , some agencies of measuring if this has been achieved ( public presentation steps ) and information making the right people at the right clip ( public presentation coverage ) so determinations are made and actions taken2. The PMS ‘s function can be classified into three chief classs: ( a ) Strategic: consist the functions of pull offing scheme execution and ambitious premises ; ( B ) Com munication: comprises the function of cheque place, following with the non negotiable parametric quantities, pass oning way, supplying feedback and benchmarking ; ( three ) Motivational: comprises the function of measuring and honoring behaviour and encouraging betterment and acquisition 1.3.1. Performance Management System in United Kingdom: Findingss of ( Andrew Brown, 2005 ) in ‘Implementing public presentation direction in England ‘s primary schools ‘ showed that considerable fluctuation exists among primary schools as to how they are implementing public presentation direction. This was due to confusion and uncertainness on the portion of all stakeholders refering the significance and intent of public presentation direction. He concludes that factors that influence the effectivity of public presentation direction in any one primary school are the extent to which: ( a ) the caput, instructors, governors and public presentation direction advisor have a common apprehension refering the significance of public presentation direction and the intents of presenting the enterprise into schools ; ( B ) all relevant stakeholder groups are suitably and sufficiently good trained to implement the enterprise ; ( degree Celsius ) the school ‘s organisational civilization is such that the determination to present a system of public presentation 2. [ Online ] available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do? pageId=4405770 [ Accessed on 13 November 2010 ] direction is perceived by the school ‘s caput, instructors and governors to be an appropriate and worthwhile one ; ( vitamin D ) the public presentation direction aims which the caput and instructors receive are sufficiently specific, mensurable, relevant and ambitious ; ( vitamin E ) the methods and indexs adopted to mensurate the public presentation direction aims of the caput and instructors are considered to be sufficiently varied and just ; ( degree Fahrenheit ) the construct of â€Å" overall public presentation † is sufficiently good defined, mensurable and accepted by both the valuators and appraisee ; ( g ) sufficient resources are available to implement instructors ‘ single professional development programs ; ( H ) the associated wage and wages systems are perceived to be both just and feasible. In short, England has a good established Performance system including Performance Thresholds, nevertheless, there is no consensus on whether fiscal inducements wo uld actuate instructors in advancing good instruction ( Croxson,2001 ) . 1.3.2 Performance Management System in New Zealand: Effective public presentation direction involves sharing an apprehension of what needs to be achieved and so pull offing and developing people in a manner that enables such shared aims to be achieved ( Dransfield, 2000 ) . In New Zealand, since 1997 public presentation assessment is compulsory for all instructors who are appraised against nine Professional Standards which include: professional cognition, professional development, learning techniques, pupil direction, motive of pupils, publicity of Te Reo Maori linguistic communication, effectual communicating, support for and cooperation with co-workers and part to wider school activities. These professional criterions aid to guarantee that employer and direction outlooks are clear and consistent across each school. Based on these criterions public presentation indexs are developed which require the school to place cardinal facets of public presentation ( that can be verified ) , fi nd what information is needed to measure public presentation against each of the professional criterions, make up one's mind how public presentation is to be assessed ( the appraisal method/s ) , design methods for roll uping the public presentation information. Performance indexs are reviewed from clip to clip to guarantee they are still relevant and appropriate. The public presentation assessment is carried out which focuses on the nine professional criterions and leads to a written appraisal study for treatment and audience with the instructor. This public presentation assessment includes readying of a statement of aims which are discussed and agreed upon at the beginning of the public presentation direction rhythm. Then there is an interim assessment, the intent of which is to supervise advancement against professional criterions and to foreground success and turn to any concerns. It besides provides an chance to discourse and enter any alteration to the agreed public presentati on outlooks. The reappraisal may affect observation of instruction, an interview and readying of an interim study. The following phase is the Final Appraisal whereby the valuator and appraisee meet to discourse the instructor ‘s public presentation over the twelvemonth based on professional criterions and indexs. The valuator informs the appraisee of the accomplishments and discusses what needs to be addressed in the undermentioned twelvemonth in footings of farther professional development. Teacher public presentation may besides include equal assessment, parent feedback, pupil feedback, pupils ‘ public presentation consequences and documental grounds such as lesson programs, appraisal records and resources used. Once instructors have met the appropriate degree of professional criterions they entree the 2nd tranche of salary rates ( Ozga, 2003 ) . Principals may postpone patterned advance for instructors who have non met the professional criterions at the appropriate de gree during the assessment period but so they must set in topographic point a plan for support and development to help the instructor to run into the criterions. If a instructor disagrees with the recess of the salary increase the instructor may, within 14 working yearss of being notified of the deferral seek a review3. However, ( Carol Cardno, 1999 ) states that in New Zealand the public presentation direction system has non good started and has non improved the public presentation of instructors and pupils. The New Zealand policy resembles closely our Mauritanian system, whereby the primary intent is to supply a model for bettering quality of learning. There the school board is responsible for seting in topographic point an assessment procedure with appropriate professional development orientation ( Cardno, 1999 ) . ( Rohento, 1992 ) found that instructors supported the debut of pecuniary inducements, and believed that a performance-related wage strategy would increase their attempt and have a positive consequence on student attainment. Harmonizing to some caputs, although the public presentation direction was non used to penalize hapless executing instructors, it was a utile agencies of placing and turn toing countries of failings with instructors ( Burgess et al, 2001 ) . 3.Draft National Guidelines for Performance Management in Schools, Ministry of Education, 1995.1.3.3 Performance Management System in Malaysia and CanadaMalaysia has adopted a Result-based Management Approach ( RBM ) , which focuses on systematic and structured public presentation direction, whereby, the Intergrated Performance Management Framework ( IPMF ) helps in being results-oriented in plan planning and delivery4. Canada is in its early phase on public presentation direction which has replaced the â€Å" Supporting Teaching Excellence † which was the instructor public presentation assessment policy. The policy model for pull offing people is effectual as of July 2010. It applies to the nucleus public disposal and is said to necessitate sustained leading and investing of clip and money5.1.3.4 Performance Management System in MauritiusIn the Mauritian context small research has been done as the PMS is still in its early phase. The lone research on the effectivity of Performance Management System has been carried out by ( Chittoo and Ramphul, 2006 ) in the Health Sector where they claim that Performance Management in the instance of Mauritanian infirmaries is still a implausible thought because irrespective of how good a technique it is, there is a fright to implement it due to swerve deficit of s taff who still have to fulfill the clients to the ‘extent possible ‘ . The execution of public presentation direction may do affairs worse in the present state of affairs. The failings and prejudices that can do the PMS to neglect include absence of engagement, organisation civilization, low dignity, high outlooks and inaccurate evaluations ( Lukheenarain, ( 2009 ) . Published in a imperativeness article, caput instructors and school principals are said to be kicking about an overload of paperwork. Performance Management is seen as a good thing where instructors can hold their say in their public presentation assessment, nevertheless, tonss of administrative work coming with the system, can be a hurdle6.Effectiveness and Efficiency( Anthony and Young, 1994 ) argue that efficiency and effectivity are the two key standards for judging public presentation. Effectiveness is seen as the relationship between an organisation ‘s end product and its aims ( results or conseq uences ) and efficiency as the ratio of end products to inputs ( e.g. disbursals ) , or the sum of end product per unit of input. In add-on, ‘Economy ‘ ( i.e. inputs ) is frequently added to finish what is normally referred to as the ‘Three Es ‘ of public presentation measuring ( Hyndman & A ; Anderson, 1997, Boland and Fowler, 2000 ) . To enable the rating of economic system, efficiency and effectivity, it is necessary to mensurate inputs, end products and results ( or consequences ) . However, in public sector organisations which frequently have multiple, long term non-financial aims focused on social impact, it can turn out hard to mensurate the ‘three Es ‘ and hence hard to measure public presentation ( Hyndman & A ; Anderson, 1997 ) . ( Neely, Kennerley and Martinez, 2004 ) reported that there has been much prescription sing the design of PMS but really small consideration of whether such systems really work ( Neely et all, 2004 ; France & A ; Bourne, 2003 ) . It is deserving observing that Speckbacher et Al ( 2003 ) have reported that 8 % of 174 German talking states decided non to implement a Performance Measurement System because they could non see the advantages or ‘positive impact ‘ particularly given the attempt required to implement such systems. The above literature reappraisal raises a figure of inquiries that are relevant to this survey. In peculiar whether public presentation direction in schools leads to improved public presentation or merely answerability. It is merely through a farther research on the effectivity of public presentation direction for pedagogues in State Secondary that it would be possible to convey out the strengths and failings of the system and aid to do recommendations to the governments on how to better the system so every bit to carry through the vision of the Ministry of Education of ‘Quality instruction for All ‘ and besides do it sustainable in all province secondary schools in the hereafter.HypothesisThe Performance Management System for Educators in State Secondary Schools, if decently understood and implemented will assist to better School Effectiveness in footings of both pupil and instructor public presentation.Methodology2.1 Purpose of the surveyThe research paper has assorted aims. First given the increased accent on public presentation direction in Mauritius following the defects of the Confidential Reporting system, the paper examines the extent to which both Educators and Curates have a cognition and apprehension of the Performance Management System. Second it provides an overview of how the current public presentation direction system is being implemented in secondary schools in Education Zone 3 in Mauritius. Third it looks into how assorted standards used in the measuring of single public presentation in schools are related to teacher attitudes and perceptual experiences. It probes into the strengths and weaknesses/problems and troubles being encountered both by valuator and appraisee in the execution of the system. Last it makes an attempt to measure the effectivity of the Performance Management System as it is presently implemented in province secondary schools and do an effort at explicating recommendations to policy shapers on the betterments ne eded to do this system sustainable in secondary schools in the hereafter. The usage of multiple methods in a survey secures in-depth apprehension of the phenomenon in inquiry because it adds energy, comprehensiveness and deepness to the probe ( Cresswell, 1994:174 ; Denzin & A ; Lincoln, 1998:163 ; Salomon, 1991: 10 ) . Therefore, both quantitative and qualitative informations aggregation techniques were used. Research Design: The research documented in this paper relied on informations obtained from both primary and secondary beginnings. Survey Questionnaire: The quantitative attack involved a questionnaire study, because it helps to garner informations at a peculiar clip with the purpose of depicting the nature of bing conditions ( Cohen & A ; Manion, 1995:83 ) . Questionnaires were used for both Educators and Rectors and included chiefly closed inquiries and three unfastened ended inquiries. For the closed inquiries the Likert graduated table was used. The questionnaire foremost asked for demographic informations such as age, gender, station held and old ages of experience in the station. Then respondents were asked inquiries on their cognition and apprehension of the Performance Management System. Next, respondents were asked their positions on the nature of the current Performance Management System agreements at their school, the Performance Management procedure and the standards used in the measuring of single public presentation. Open ended inquiries related to the strengths and failings of the current Performa nce Management System at their school and the betterments they would wish to see in the present system. The questionnaires were designed in a logical and specific mode to accomplish the necessary consequences. The subsequent stairss were pursued in the undermentioned order: Shaping ends and aims, planing the methodological analysis, finding feasibleness, developing the instruments, choosing a sample, carry oning a pilot trial, revising the instruments, carry oning the research, analysing the information and devising recommendations. Questions for both classs were dispensed on a pilot footing in one school and necessary amendments were made. Interviews: In add-on to questionnaires, qualitative information was collected through semi structured interviews with Curates and the Zone Director in order to acknowledge their perceptual experiences on the effectivity of the Performance Management System in Secondary Schools in Zone 3 and notes were taken. The notes consisted of statements and remarks made by the interviewees which were identified as being important and of import. Triangulation: While questionnaires and interviews were the primary methods of informations aggregation, the secondary methods of informations aggregation included survey of statistics from the Ministry of Education and other relevant paperss such as the Performance Management Guide by the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs, the Pay Research Bureau Report 2008 and the Confidential Reporting system.2.3 ParticipantsIn Mauritius, there are 3439 Educators ( appraisee ) and 63 Curates ( valuators ) in State Secondary Schools over the island. For the intent of this research the mark population consisted of 660 Educators ( appraised ) and 12 Curates ( Appraisers ) working in State Secondary Schools in Zone 3 as they are the lone secondary schools which are finishing their 2nd PMS rhythm, the first one holding been completed on a pilot footing in 2009. Zones 1, 2 and 4 have non yet completed a full Performance Management rhythm. Questionnaires were administered to 280 Educators and Curates fr om 8 province secondary schools, who formed the sample population. 245 Educators and all 8 Curates responded favorably. Semi-structured interviews were held with the 8 Curates and the Zone Director who is by and large responsible for the overall direction of different schools in this Zone.2.4 Analysis TechniquesChi square trial, Pearson correlativity and Factor analysis are carried. The consequences are used to mensurate the cognition and apprehension of both Educators and Rectors of the current Performance Management System, its procedure, the importance of its different standards in the measuring of the public presentation of persons, respondents ‘ attitudes and perceptual experiences on the public presentation steps, the strengths and failings of present Performance Management System and the betterments they deemed necessary. These findings are so related to the literature findings. They are analyzed in order to judge the efficiency of the present system so as to explicate necessary recommendations for policy shapers to do it more effectual and sustainable as a agency of mensurating public presentation of all Educators in Secondary schools in Mauritius.Datas AnalysisQuestionnaire informations were computerized utilizing SPSS package. Open ended inquiries were categorized harmonizing to the response. For the structured interviews, qualitative informations, forms and classs were identified and described. Validity was ensured through triangulation whereby study informations from pedagogues were verified with study informations from curates and farther supplemented by the interviews of the Rectors and the Zone Director.3. FindingssThe perceptual experiences of the effectivity of the execution of PMS in our State Secondary schools are discussed and linked with the literature harmonizing to the undermentioned classs: cognition and apprehension of PMS ; nature of current PMS agreements ; Performance Management Process ; public presentation steps ; and PMS from an administrative point of position. Educators who responded to the questionnaire have a average age of 36.4 ( SD=0.889 ) , an mean old ages of 8.2 ( SD=1.48 ) old ages of learning experience, 58.5 % of whom were female and 18.3 % held place of duty as caput of section. They were all appraised by their curate.3.1 Knowledge and apprehension of PMSFigure 1. Knowledge and apprehension of PMSQuestions were framed harmonizing to literatu re findings as referred to in Figure 1. The survey has revealed that more than 50 % of pedagogues believe in the importance of PMS for set uping a high public presentation civilization, concentrating on end product and procedures of accomplishing consequences and bettering the procedure of instruction and acquisition. As Walter ( 1995 ) stated, PMS is the procedure of bettering the quality and measure of work done and conveying all activity in line with an administration ‘s aims.3.2 Nature of current PMS agreementsAn analysis of the public presentation direction procedures and activities in the school provides an apprehension of the execution of PMS. 74.5 % of pedagogues believe that PMS is a good planned procedure. One of the purposes of PMS in to better public presentation of schools. Harmonizing to Jenny Ozga ( 2003 ) , the nucleus premises of public presentation direction are that public presentation degrees in the public sector can be raised, that is to do the schools on Scotland more efficient and effectual than in Finland. Reliance on mark scene and monitoring as a cardinal component of the direction of instructors rises concern about the possible distorting effects of marks on relationship between instructors and directors, and on instructors ‘ definition of their nucleus undertaking. Teachers and caputs experience under force per unit area to show good public presentation. This position was besides reflected in our survey, the sentiment of pedagogues on effectivity of PMS in their school and whether current PMS agreement leads to betterment in public presentation of school have been analysed utilizing cross tabular matter and Chi-square ( I†¡2 ) trial to happen out if there is an association between these two variables. The formulated hypothesis is H0, there is no association between sentiment on effectivity of PMS and PMS really taking the betterment in public presentation and H1, there is an association between sentiment on effectiv ity of PMS and PMS really taking the betterment in public presentation. Table 1 shows that bulk of pedagogues do non hold that PMS leads to betterment ( 33.1 % ) and are decrepit linked to school effectivity ( 40 % ) . I†¡2 50.248 with grades of freedom 8. Probability ( 0 ) is 5 % . Therefore at 5 % degree of signifigance H0 is rejected and we accept H1. Cramer ‘s V value being 0.320 shows weak relationship between the two.Table 1. PMS arrangement – betterment in school public presentation * Opinion of PMS as appraisee CrosstabulationOpinion of PMS as appraisee Entire Not effectual Reasonably uneffective Neither effectual nor uneffective Reasonably effectual really effectual Disagree Count 11 11 26 11 1 60 Expected Count 5.9 5.9 19.8 24.2 4.2 60.0 Neither agree nor disagree Count 12 12 33 44 3 104 Expected Count 10.2 10.2 34.4 42.0 7.2 104.0 Agree Count 1 1 22 44 13 81 Expected Count 7.9 7.9 26.8 32.7 5.6 81.0 Entire Count 24 24 81 99 17 245 Expected Count 24.0 24.0 81.0 99.0 17.0 245.0 In the survey on â€Å" Implementing public presentation direction in England † s primary school † , ( Brown, 2005 ) , 24 out of 30 headteachers considered the public presentation direction preparation which they have received as unsatisfactory and most of the instructors stated that there was no formal preparation in public presentation direction. Merely 20 % of curates ( 8 in all ) and 25 % of pedagogues ( 247 in all ) agree that sufficient preparation was given before execution of PMS, and they believe that the preparation was non effectual and excessively brief ( based to open ended inquiries and interview ) . Training on PMS is believed to be deficient, there has been no farther preparation or follow up and new recruits are non offered any signifier of preparation or briefing. PMS, so far, has non helped to better school effectivity or pupil public presentation. They are non confident about the success and sustainability of PMS. Once the PMS rhythm is over, there is no coverage and follow up and pedagogues are non offered developing harmonizing to their demands. The biggest job they are confronting is clip restraint, to follow single pedagogue and transport out one to one interview. Interviews carried out with curates gave farther penetrations into the execution of PMS. All curates believe that PMS is an of import tool for estimating public presentation and guaranting answerability. PMS is seen as really much adapted to the new direction paradigm, quality confidence and undertaking based budgeting ( PBB ) . It is being implemented without major jobs, all staff are join forcesing, there is no job with the work program, midterm assessment and terminal of twelvemonth assessment. Everything is being done satisfactorily and curates find PMS better than the â€Å" confidential study † . They view PMS as bettering collegiality and believe that with clip it will further better. However, it is done automatically because they all know that they have to follow.3.3 Performance Management ProcessHarmonizing the survey on ‘Teacher perceptual experience of the effectivity of instructor assessment in Botswana ‘ ( Monyatsi, 2006 ) , bulk of respondents ( 44.7 % ) agreed that assessment procedure in Botswana motivates instructors. However, in our survey on the province secondary schools in zone 3 merely 20 % of pedagogues find PMS utile and the bulk ( 66 % ) are apathetic to public presentation direction but go through the gestures. 52 % of the respondents agree that the valuator invites self-appraisal and uses congratulations to actuate pedagogues. Confidentiality and trust issues, particularly in relation to appraisal coverage and who has entree to the information was one on the participants concern, ( Cardno, 1999 ) . 57.2 % of the pedagogues responded positively when asked whether they trust PMS procedure in their school and 75 % feel that confidentiality is maintained throughout the PMS procedure. This shows that confidentiality and trust is non an issue in our schools. An analysis of discrepancy ( ANOVA ) is used to compare current PMS taking to betterment in public presentation of pedagogues to the existent assessment procedure is given in table 2 below. As the homogeneousness of discrepancy trial ( .000, .001, .019 ) is & lt ; .05, the ANOVA tabular array was constructed as shown in table 2. The significance value being & lt ; 0.05, we reject the void hypothesis and accept that there is a difference between the current PMS agreements taking to betterment in public presentation of pedagogue and the assessment mechanism carried out by the curate as promoting for pedagogues.Table 2. ANOVA to compare current PMS taking to betterment in pedagogue public presentation and the existent assessment mechanism by utilizing congratulations, discuss public presentation and non personality and encourages self-appraisal.Sum of Squares ( combined ) df Mean Square F Sig. Curates use congratulations to do motivate pedagogues 46.599 2 23.300 19.481 .000 Curates discuss public presentation non personality 35.246 2 17.623 15.834 .000 Rector invites self assessment 45.989 2 22.995 24.768 .000 Brown ( 2005 ) besides investigated how PMS would assist to better professional development of instructors. The positions of both caputs and instructors were assorted. On the positive side, some instructors felt that a formal one-year reappraisal, to reflect on assorted facets of their public presentation enabled them and their leader to jointly explicate a extremely individualized development program. However, it was reported that even though an appropriate program had been formulated, it had non been implemented due to shortage of clip and resources. One of the premier importance of PMS is staff development. Khim Ong Kelly et Al ( 2007 ) stated that there are important challenges in efficaciously measuring the aptitude of instructors for different calling paths and in measuring what constitutes good public presentation. In England primary schools, ( Brown,2005 ) , the positions of both caputs and instructors about public presentation direction assisting to better professional devel opment of instructors are assorted. The boxplot ( Figure 2 ) show a normal unskewed distribution with 32 % response as impersonal, same applies for public presentation reappraisal being a preparation program for each pedagogue. This shows that the same uncertainness applies to our system.Table 3. Rotated Component MatrixComponent 1 Problem work outing accomplishments .787 Duty .756 Versatilty .755 Leadership .739 Planing .730 Strategic thought .710 Technical cognition .703 1 Strongly disagree-15 % 2 somewhat disagree-14 % 3 neither agree nor disagree34 % 4 somewhat agree-32 % 5 strongly agree-4 %3.4 Performance stepsOne ground for replacing the confidential study is because it has no yardstick to mensurate the grade of public presentation of assorted facets of the occupation as there are no fit professional criterions. Furthermore, there is general consensus from all the research conducted that the ends of public presentation direction system or assessment are to better quality and answerability. In their survey, Chittoo and Ramphul ( 2006 ) , referred to the systems attack with the 3e ‘s – economic system, efficiency and effectivity. However, the extent to which this mark is achieved remains blurred due to restraints such as clip, fiscal resources and staff. The great bulk ( around 80 % ) of respondents agree that the standards in the measuring of single public presentation ( student focal point, competency, attending and promptness, communicating accomplishments and others ) are of import or critical. Factor analysis was carried out to happ en out which PMS measures pedagogues see to be more of import. The 26 PMS steps rated by the respondents were considered in this trial which is applicable as the determiner ( 1.11 ) is greater than 1A-10-5. Table 3 shows the revolved constituent matrix with some PMS steps in footings of precedence as seen by the pedagogues. It is interesting to observe that the first three steps are related to personality traits and accomplishments. However, 60-70 % pedagogues believe that PMS is undependable to mensurate public presentation, is drawn-out and clip consuming, with excessively much paper work and that there has non been follow up for the preparation demands identified during assessments. These findings are confirmed utilizing bivariate correlativity trial. At 1 % degree of significance ( two-tailed ) , there is a weak but negative correlativity ( Pearson Coefficient ( R ) is -0.002 ) between the standards to be assessed and the manner of appraisal in PMS.3.5 PMS from an Administrative point of positionThis survey confirms information published in local imperativeness article, that is PMS is seen as a good thing but tonss of administrative work coming with the system can be a hurdle. The Zone Director monitors the execution of PMS in the schools. She confirmed that all schools in zone 3 are implementing PMS as instructed. Curates do kick about PMS being clip devouring but they all managed to finish the procedure. However, she is non satisfied with the execution of PMS, accent is laid on measure, guaranting that PMS is implemented in all schools, but there is no quality, no clip for analysis of public presentation, rating and proper coverage. The Ministry is concerned with the completion and entry of the PMS, but there is no construction for follow up and developing. As Lukheenarain ( 2009 ) stated, certain failings and prejudices can do PMS to neglect, some of them as revealed by our survey are: no analysis, no follow up and deficiency of support from higher gove rnments, no clear guidelines of what to make after one PMS rhythm, deficiency of forces and clip restraints. The strength of PMS is that pedagogues and curates are cognizant of what that are supposed to make harmonizing to their work program, they hence make the necessary attempt to accomplish their cardinal consequence countries by executing the cardinal undertakings. The Zone Director is unable to state if some schools are making better than others because of PMS as there is no analysis done, but she believes that if done decently with an appropriate mechanism for analysis, preparation and coverage, PMS is traveling to be fruitful. The whole PMS needs reappraisal, harmonizing to her it has to be seamster made for instruction sector and should be user friendly and attractive for both valuator and appraisee. To do PMS sustainable, at the terminal of each rhythm there should be a mechanism for coverage, analysis and forming preparation Sessionss to make full in the public presentatio n spreads identified. Furthermore, some pedagogues proposed the debut of wage related public presentation in order to actuate and promote them to follow the system. We would wish to thank Mrs R. Koomar for her valuable aid and back up throughout this research paper.CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.The intent of this paper, as stated at the beginning, has been to look at the effectivity of the execution of public presentation direction system for pedagogues in province secondary schools of educational zone 3. All schools in Zone 3 are implementing PMS as instructed by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources. The bulk of pedagogues believe that execution of PMS can be good as it will set up a high public presentation civilization in the instruction system. However, the bulk of pedagogues in Zone 3 are apathetic to PMS but merely follow with another bureaucratic standard. Analysis has shown that execution of PMS is non linked to effectiveness in the sector. This survey shows that all those involved should possess the cognition and apprehension of its intents, procedures and step, if the whole procedure is to be effectual. There is a deficit of work force to work on public presentation direction system in schools and therefore it is seen as an extra undertaking. Curates and pedagogues likewise in Zone 3 believe that execution of public presentation direction system has resulted in more paper work instead than concrete action. There is no proper staff development follow up in topographic point and as a consequence pedagogues and curates feel PMS has non produced the coveted results. Allotment of financess and proper preparation are non in topographic point to run into the demands of pedagogues and curates likewise. Emphasis is laid on completion of the public presentation direction rhythm and the results are kept in shortss and no proper actions taken to rectify any failings or reward those who are executing to the satisfaction of the top direction. Bearing in head the benefits which the public presentation direction system can convey to bettering the effectivity of services in province secondary schools, the undermentioned steps should be looked at and set in topographic point. Curates and pedagogues should be given more appropriate preparation on public presentation direction system which is tailored to the demands of instruction. It should be related to pay ; extrinsic wages can assist to better pedagogues ‘ public presentation. Educators who are executing outstandingly should be rewarded with another increase on the wage spinal column that is the pedagogue can leap two graduated tables on the wage ladder. There should be more committedness from the top degree of disposal ; the Ministry of Education should be committed non merely to measure ( figure of schools who have completed the rhythm ) but besides to quality of the results. It will add drift and motivate staff to take public presentation direction more earnestly. The Ministry should look into geting more financess for formal and on-going preparation. Professional development of the staff should be given due consideration so that pedagogues can profit from it and happen the exercising of public presentation direction system fruitful. Protected clip should be given to the valuator and appraise likewise so that they both can give due consideration PMS. Regular update should be held at regular intervals during the twelvemonth so that all freshly recruited pedagogues and curates are acquainted with the system. PMS should be reviewed, updated at sensible periods so as to aline it with the vision of the Ministry of Education of â€Å" Quality instruction for All ‘ . Further research on the topic should be encouraged by the Mauritius Research Council, the University of Mauritius, the University of Technology, Mauritius and other third establishments through the Student Research Grant Scheme as proposed in the Budget for 2011 and recommendatio ns made should be studied and implemented where executable. Professional Standards for Educators should be worked out in coaction with this cell because it is good known in direction that if the person/s who are traveling to be affected by policy determinations are taken on board in the treatment phase, they feel a committedness to the determination and will seek to stay by them and make the ends set. Those non making the set marks should non be regarded as ‘ failures ‘ , instead they should be given in service and professional development classs to assist make full the public presentation spreads identified during the execution phase. Use of engineering can be of aid in cut downing the excess paperwork.

Causes of Teenage Obesity

One of the offshoots of some of the eating disorders is teenage obesity. Obesity is a condition where the fat percentage of a child is over 32% for girls and 35% for boys or when the child's body weight is over by 20% of their ideal weight according to their height. It is not necessarily linked to eating disorders, but eating disorders like Bulimia Nervosa and Binge Eating can be linked to obesity. Also, while obesity can be problem at different stages of life (for example, even a 7 year old child can classed as obese), most eating disorders are related to the teenage years. Obesity amongst children is one of the growing health concerns for parents across the world and this health risk is growing at an alarming rate. Research indicates that most obese children grow up to be obese adults. There are several factors that lead to obesity. Below are some of the key causes of obesity: Physical inactivity: This is one of the biggest causes of teenage obesity. Associated essay: Teenagers and Their Leisure Time With teenagers spending most of their time in front of the television, playing computer games or on mobiles with their friends and lack of interest in extra-curricular activities after school or college and lack of exercise are some of the key causes of teenage obesity. Bad eating habits: Another big reason for teenage obesity is bad eating habits. The surge in the consumption of high fat foods like burgers, chips, fizzy drinks and fries has already been condemned and treated as one of the main causes of child obesity. Genetic Patterns & Family Behaviour: Genetic patterns and family behaviours are also important causes of obesity and it is difficult to separate the two. Whilst the probability of obese parents having obese children is around 30%, it is also true that obese parents often have poor eating habits and condone poor family nutrition, resulting in overweight kids. Chemical or hormonal imbalances: Another major reason for obesity, especially amongst teenagers, is hormonal changes. Teenagers undergo significant hormonal changes as they reach puberty, which could trigger cravings for certain foods or over-consumption of food. Lower metabolism: Some teenagers have the tendency to retain or conserve body energy and this trait is easily visible from early childhood, where growth milestones in a child seem to be much quicker than usual. The first two reasons outlined above (lack of physical activity and lack of proper diet) are the primary reasons for obesity amongst teenagers. As parents, you need o take your teenager's obesity issue very seriously and get medical and professional help if you see your child being unable to partake in any sport or physical activity or if school/college authorities express concern over their weight or feel that your teenager is overweight. In the book â€Å"Solving Teenage Problems†, several tips to deal with teenage obesity have been provided. Along with this the book also touches upon various eating disorders, which can lead to teenage obesity – their causes and tips to solve them.

Consumer Protection Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Consumer Protection - Essay Example There were also certain ambiguities related to the actual people accountable for the faulty transaction. Hence, the author stresses on the need for stringent laws to protect the consumers' interests in business transactions. In addition, there appears to be an urgent need for a watchdog which would ensure that all laws are adhered to, in turn facilitating fair business practises. In the language of ecology, consumers are defined as those organisms who survive by depending on others around them (Consumer, AbNature, n.d.). This dependence could be for any day to day necessity, which they themselves are incapable of producing. And there are instances when triggered by the acute need of the consumer, this dependence on the producer has transformed into a form of exploitation, thus giving a freehand to the producers to make a kill. This definition and example might seem a little far fetched at the moment, but surprisingly both are in a way applicable in our day to day lives. There appears to be no end to our needs - material or spiritual and there are providers for all our needs. From the time we wake up each morning till the time we go back to sleep, knowingly or unknowingly, willingly or unwillingly, all of us tend to depend on one fellow human being or other for various reasons - hence, in a sense of speaking we all are consumers. Till the time all transactions happen in good faith and to the satisfaction to all parties involved, the world is a dreamland! However, the problem arises when the transactions do not happen in the true sense of fair practises. And considering that there are so many transactions happening, the possibility of exploitation cannot be ruled out. So, if we agree that we have advertently or inadvertently involved ourselves in one business transaction or the other, there have been at least one or two instances in our lives when we have felt that we as consumers have been given an unfair deal by the providers/salesman and the deal has not been concluded in the manner it should have been; in other words, our rights as customers have been infringed. The deal could be anything ranging from sale of faulty products, refusal to replace faulty products, unsatisfactory post-sales maintenance to poor service. And most often than not, in spite of continuous follow ups we have failed to get our issues addressed or resolved and the inconvenience compensated. Consumer protection is the current buzz word worldwide. There has been an increased awareness about the enormity of this need and there has been an increase in awareness among customers about their rights. Policies are being formulated, traders practising their trade unfairly are being implicated and there is a worldwide movement towards ensuring that the consumers get their due in all business transactions. However, in the absence of clear directions, policies and guidance on the grievance redressal systems, it is not always that the consumer is protected from unfair business practises. b. Objectives The need for consumer protection persists worldwide and it is no

Spice-Trail Oriental Condiments and Relishes Assignment

Spice-Trail Oriental Condiments and Relishes - Assignment Example With much research they finally decided to start its business of spice. In 1992 the company secured financial baking with one of the investment bank. The company employed seven operatives to look after the site and the roasting, drying and its grinding operation. Pritpal was appointed as the CEO; Paul became the general manager and looked after the production process. The marketing department was looked by Sarah and Usmann. Kim looked after the administration and management information system. Eventually the company became a major player in spices of the food industry. The position of Spice-Trail The company has started off well and by 2000 the company took over a bread making company and included them in its product range. In 2005, the company introduced pre-prepared sauces and pastes which shoot up to their success. In the current scenario, Paul Bowers is the CEO; and all other members remained in their previous position. The company had two plants which had its own operational man ger. The functional specialist normally favoured either one plant over another. There was a friendly rivalry among the two plants. Kim has realised that the friendly banter that existed between the two sites had become barbed and relationship had got less friendly. By May 2010 the company had 1750 employees working for Spice-Trail. Kim had taken into consideration the major incident which occurred in the company within the past few months and among them four incident that took place has majorly affected the company and its employees. The first incident that Kim noticed was the cultural difference among the two teams. A very unpleasant scene happened to develop in the training session of the two teams. Janice who was heading the Quality Operation was one of the favoured employees of the company and most of the company’s success is attributed to her. The two teams PR and PS did not mix well with each other and Kim had wished if she could do something to get them together. The s econd incident that Kim noticed was the incident regarding the warehouse. The warehouse was operated by Noddy Bones. Due to small sack size, the warehouse was labour intensive section of the company. The warehouse has 30 employees taking care of the sacks. In an incident, a coriander sacks accidentally caught the corner stanchion and the whole rack of coriander crumpled. This incident injured one of the drivers of the company and an investigation was followed which stated that the company was at a fault for not monitoring the situation and let the driver operate without anyone’s presence. The third incident took place over the annual pay review. The annual pay review took into consideration the development needs and salary progression. The employee base pay was about to increase by 2.75% and a bonus of 1.5%. The meeting took place between the employee and their respective manager which has been noticed as a matter of concern. Joel Barker team were not satisfied with the pay r eview. Following the decision many of Joel team members began to stay away from work and during the month July and August, the absentee’s record increased. This situation was made worse when two of Joel core member resigned. To handle this problem, Mo Travis was elected as the spokesperson and explained that the employees felt that they were let down by the management. When compared it was found out that the staff received 0.5%less than relish plant, they were offered more training and so on. The main issue was of grievance between the two teams and which lead to discomfort in the environment. The last

Critical Response Paper 1 Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Critical Response 1 - Research Paper Example A Third Cinema, in this case, is described as an ongoing phenomenon that the filmmakers still apply in themes like politics and aesthetics. The Battle of Algiers is a film about the real events that led Algerian war of independence. The film narrates the story of the National Liberation Front (FLN), a movement that posed a danger to French occupation in Algeria (Mellen 16). The French troops defeated FLN during revolutionary movements. However, the movement strengthened and united other liberation movements throughout Algeria, which made them defeat French troop in 1962. The Battle of Algiers is a representation of Fanon’s arguments about violence and veil as an accepted means of anti-colonial struggle. Pontecorvo, producer of Black Skin, White Mask, is specifically concerned with how the Algerians achieved their independence and dignity through violent struggle. The Battle of Algiers is a justification of Fanon’s theory that the war and violence, during the anti-coloni al struggle, help people to gain their independence and dignity (Stam & Macmillan Films 11). It portrays French settlers as brutal and ignorant. The French colonial institution portrayed itself as a body that cannot be negotiated with through non-violent movements like the National Liberation Front. ... Therefore, the use of force and violence in this case should be perceived as mechanical but not brutal. Additionally, the use of violence does not entail any scorn as in the case of Colonel Mathieu, who lit cigarette after successfully launching a bomb attack that killed several members of FLN. In the Battle of Algiers, official representatives and settlers of French colonial power are not concerned about the well-being of Algerians. They mistreat and abuse men, women, and children. This is reflected during a private party organized by French police officer, his colleagues, and their wives. The French officer, at that moment, was organizing a large bomb attack on civilians in the Arab quarter of Algiers, the Kasbah (Stam & Macmillan Films 26). Light classical music played in the background during the party contributing to a relaxing atmosphere. The wealthy, lightness, and beauty of French lifestyle displayed in the movie leaves the audience to question their dark side of politics of its colonial organization. The party scene then smoothly transforms to the bombing scene, representing settlers’ brutal encounters with the colonial politics. This implies that the French colonial institution perceived the killing of civilians as a habitual and normal activity. This scene also creates a non-hermetic structure, where it gives the audience the opportunity to deconstruct the party scene as a positive self-representation of French colonizers as â€Å"uncivilized group†. This is because the way in which they plan bomb attacks against Algerians is perceived as an â€Å"uncivilized† behavior (Mellen 27). Similarly, the manner in which Frantz Fanon develops a non-hermetic structure that does not present a self-enclosed universe in Black Skin, White Mask, can

NTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

NTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS - Essay Example This study will analyse the usefulness of a sustainable product in the market and the method of producing that product in a sustainable way. The study will also show the marketing approach that will be necessary to use in terms of distribution, design and its effect to the environment. Dixie chemical company is located at Bay Area in Pasadena and aims at creative chemistry as well as being committed to its customers. It deals with research and development projects, quality control and a pilot plant that is capable of maintaining good processes in production units around the area. Being part of the American Chemical Council (ACC) the above company has been ranked as the best in both manufacturing of quality products and marketing products of high purity and pharmaceuticals (Holmberg and Robert 2000, p. 300). The company is involved with offering various services to its customers that include the provision of products information about the technical use of the product and how to use the end product in a unique way. The company also manufactures products that customers prefer for instance after a contact has been made between the client and the producer for this to happen, there have to be built confidence between the two parties. The company also helps in producing fuel at a low price which leads to less pollution to the environment. Atomic Company mostly concentrates on the production of chemicals and their by products. Nuclear power plants have recently been so useful since one needs to use a small amount of fuel as compared to other types of fuel. In the nuclear reaction, processes are conducted depending on the type of fuel produced. This process needs enough care to avoid polluting the environment through radiation gases. Use of these power plants has continuously gained competitive advantage in the market as its products are cheap and do not cause and pollution to air or water. Last month the

Legal, Ethical, or Moral Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Legal, Ethical, or Moral - Research Paper Example Jimenez deportation and the suit against the hospital by Montejo are guided by legal rules and regulations, and the validity of the deportation was determined to be illegal regarding court jurisdiction in deciding the deportation. The lack of moral guidelines and the presence of legal rules on the deportation make the case a legal issue. The decision denying Martin Memorial immunity on false imprisonment was decided on legal regulation pertaining to seeking vindication of a private right when the court lacks jurisdiction over the matter. However, moral issues are also inherent in the case owing to the decision by the hospital to deport Jimenez knowing well that he will have no hospital care in Guatemala, risking his life in the process, and giving his 72-year-old mother the responsibility of a caregiver (Sontag, August 3, 2008). Dr. Bradley’s case is more of a moral issue than a legal issue because of the extent of trust to which the doctor was bestowed on by the parents to the affected children. Dr. Bradley acted unethically and irresponsibly in the case betraying the parent’s trust for the care of their children, falling short of ethical and professional requirement, and lacking the respect that an elder ought to have when caring for children. It is a moral issue because of the negligence of the hospital allowed the vice to continue for over 11 years despite an earlier case of abuse reported by a nurse. Abusing and molesting children under his care or the delivery of paediatric treatment patient by an adult also makes the issue a moral issue because of the position of adults to care for children in the community and not harm them. It is a legal issue owing to the 471 counts of molestation facing the doctor in the case but all this cases and many more portray the moral and ethical failure in his practice making it more of a moral/ethical issue. Savage-Morrell case is a moral issue owing to the many moral issues that are intertwined

GBST300 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 4

GBST300 - Essay Example It absorbs several American citizens in its personnel lineup which contributes to increasing overall income distribution and reduces unemployment. Despite all its outlets spread across the world, it has the head office in US where all decisions are made with significant production process controlled from within. This means that significant returns from its outlets in other countries are repatriated back to USA which contributes to overall growth of economy. Walmart need to consider its stand on environmental care and corporate social responsibility which will address the importance of the society on its existence. There is also the need to improve employment terms as this is critical to its sustained performance and overall public image. The emerging trend in business society where organization rating is pegged on commitment to the society besides shareholders welfare put Walmart in a place to care about the welfare of the society on top of the shareholders. This emerging approach is subject to the market trend. The increasing dynamism in the global businesses practices does not promise consistent sourcing and such treatment of employees. It is therefore important to note that Walmart is increasingly becoming under the global spotlight on some of its practices hence push to

Rule Utilitarianism Essay Example for Free

Rule Utilitarianism Essay Mills Utilitarianism brings an extended concept of Benthams philosophy and a response to Kants deontological philosophy. The basic concept of utilitarianism is to act in such a way as to create the most pleasure or the least pain. This is the guideline because, as Mill states, we desire happiness; happiness is maximizing pleasure and minimizing pain. However, is utilitarianism viable? There are many arguments for it, but just as many against. First, utilitarianism allows for the good of all. Mills wrote, Actions are right in proportion as they tend to promote happiness, wrong as they tend to produce the reverse of happiness. Because morality is based on the greatest pleasure the more people who benefit from an act, the more moral it is. This prevents a single person from only acting for his own benefit by requiring the consideration of his acts on others. It also allows difficult moral decisions to be made on a governmental level by considering the needs of the many. For example, it is policy in a hostage situation to refuse to give in to the captors. This is morally justified even if it endangers the lives of the hostages because the greater pain lies in encouraging future hostage situations by yielding to the captors. Another positive aspect of utilitarianism is that there is a purpose to the morality. One acts morally because it causes pleasure and happiness, or prevents as much pain as possible. In fact pleasure and freedom from pain are the only ends desirable in and of themselves. This differs from the deontological concept of philosophy, where an act is not good because it causes pleasure, but only when it is done out of duty from universal maxims. This also creates problems of motivation that are avoided by Mills Utilitarianism. According to Kant, saving a mans life for a reward or other personal gain is immoral because of the motivation, however Mill would find that this act is indeed moral because saving a life, no matter the intention, prevents the most pain and causes the most pleasure. Not only is there a purpose behind utilitarian morality, but there is also an inherent flexibility within utilitarianism. Because each act is examined for its moral worth, there is not the rigidity that is found within Kants universal maxims. With Kants deontological philosophy creates moral dilemmas when an act that would seem to be moral goes against a universal maxim. For example, a universal maxim of Do not kill would need to be broken in a situation of self-defense. While Kant provides for this with a universalization rule, utilitarianisms individual examination of each act allows morality to be more specific and adaptable. While a murder would almost always be immoral, killing in defense of self would almost always be moral. A negative to utilitarianism is that, though adding to flexibility, the individual evaluation of an act takes time. To do this mental weighing of pleasure and pain before every act, or even every major act, is not only time consuming but many times self-defeating. Situations that require an immediate action cannot wait while everyone ponders the morality of their potential actions. In fact, it could be posited that a person must ponder the morality of stopping to ponder the morality of the original action. That path leads to turtles all the way down. Mill does have a response to this however: the state of passive sensibility, and though originally an offshoot from it, may in time take root and detach itself from the parent stock; so much so, that in the case of an habitual purpose, instead of willing the thing because we desire it, we often desire it only because we will it. Or simply, habit will allow us to make decisions without always having to ponder the consequences. However as many people are not typically faced with emergency situations, they wont be able to develop a habit for the very situations that require the most immediate attention. Perhaps a more serious problem with utilitarianism is that it can be used to justify acts that society would consider unjust. A common example is slavery: if 95% of the population can be made happy when the other 5% is enslaved is slavery not the greatest good? Utilitarianism allows society to sacrifice the individual, or even the minority for the majority. If by speaking one lie, a person could save 4 lives than that lie would be a moral act; but if by killing one man, that same person could save 4 lives wouldnt utilitarianism find this too to be a moral act? Fortunately Mill has a response to the idea of removing an individuals rights for the good of the whole. . In chapter V of his essay he writes, To have a right, then, is, I conceive, to have something which society ought to defend me in the possession of. The reason for this, Mill states, is general utility. It is generally better to protect the rights of every man, because this will lead to the most happiness. However, it seems there is still a way to put society before the individual. Because the reason for protecting individual rights is general utility, if violating those rights will cause the least pain, as compared to pain for the whole society, it would be general utility to violate these rights. But perhaps it is sometimes necessary to sacrifice one for the good of all. Utilitarianism has some strong arguments both for and against. And it also has another out because there is a distinction between two different types of utilitarianism. Act utilitarianism examines each action for its moral worth, but rule utilitarianism creates general values of moral worth. Does rule utilitarianism help answer some of the negatives of utilitarianism? It definitely solves the issue of time. With rule utilitarianism a person no longer must consider his every single move. There are general guidelines that cover the everyday situations. That downside is that there cant be good guidelines for extraordinary situations, so the issue of time being required when there is the least time to spare is still present. Rule utilitarianism also protects the rights of the individual. Taking into account general utility allows a general rule to be made guarding every persons rights. This isnt to say the rule couldnt be broken, but it would require extraordinary circumstances that made the general utility violate the rule. Overall, utilitarianism is a viable option as a system of morality. http://www. utilitarianism. com/mill1. htm- online text of Mills Utilitarianism.

Individual Assignment Final Examination Essay Example for Free

Individual Assignment Final Examination Essay Write a 700-1000 word response to the following questions:  · How would you identify and characterize the roles of incentives, training, and education in promoting innovation in your organization? (250 words max.)  ·Ã‚   What is the role of leadership in creating, managing, and sustaining innovation in your organization? (250 words max.)  ·Ã‚   What are the ethical implications of an individual reward system? Support your answer. (250 words max.) Would you describe your organization as innovative or non-innovative? Why? Explain your answer. Do your best to get enough sleep and to eat regularly. Its easy to neglect these things when theres so much to do and when you are living on your own for the first time, but if you dont take care of yourself youre going to get sick and/or do poorly in your classes.

Business plan for new clothing company

Business plan for new clothing company The product we are going to distribute is trendy clothing. Clothing must be fashionable so that it can influence on people and it is one of the most important things for people. Particularly, there are two types of clothing: formal and informal. However, the clothing were going to develop is formal clothing. Nowadays, there are a lot of brands, like as ELLE, DAPPER, ARROW and other brands, and they have already got their own customers and they are holding some part of our Myanmar market. We assure that our product is certainly produced with high quality and fashionably designed. Customers will not need to be doubtful and unfulfilled after they bought our product. The target market for our product is concentrated on gender. Besides, we will distribute the other special accessories, such as, sunglasses, purses and wallets, and fancy. Product We have investigated the cloth quality and fashionable design in our factory in Singapore. We will use cotton, which can be adjustable with Myanmar weather, in our clothing. Furthermore, we build the factory and some warehouses in china and the products are separated into many categories _ tops, pants, jackets and coats and others. First, we focused on ladies apparel and accessories such as shoes, bags, belts, scarves and hats. Then, we decided to expand into men wears. We are now starting to introduce our products to market in Myanmar. New trends are always available at our organization for the people who are really into fashion. Benefits We know that all the people want the excellent brand hallmark and the best standard with the best possible price. We have usually coordinated in price and quality effectively that can bring satisfaction to the customers. You can see our new collection for summer, rainy, and winter seasons. We have planned to retail and open stores in some urban areas so that consumers can easily get our goods from their surrounding shopping mall and markets. We are offering diverse categories for both male and female, so both of these customers can obtain their needs from one place our brand. And a lot of people will be delighted with our products. People who pay for our brand will get the feeling of confident, stylish, and smart. Target market We orientate the customers who want to be fabulous and gorgeous. We segment and classify the markets into demographics, geographic, psychographic and behavior. We aim at the adults and youths market _ Generation Y, Generation X and late teens. And they are our core markets. Every religion and ethnic backgrounds can wear our clothing. Our brand will suit with people who are interested in newly fashion designed clothing because we made our products beautifully. And, we have option for clothing expenditures that how much money the customers will spend on the branding product, on average. If you would choose this brand, youll never feel unsatisfied and insecure. You can have a delightful lifestyle. Everyone wont look down upon you when youre wearing them. You will feel like very secure. They can bring pleasure to you. In addition, we have been chosen the most suitable clothing style for Myanmar culture which are simple, but interesting and attracted to people. The chosen collections will be right with Myanmar customs tastes. To consider about the geographic, we do research some inner-urban areas and higher socio-economics regions. Then, we point out not only the cities of Yangon and Mandalay but also the range of some well-known supermarkets and shopping mall. We also make a certain decision for the weather conditions of Myanmar and our selective areas. Generally, we are sure that Myanmar has the finest weather and the climate is not very cold compared with other countries. Thats why we negotiate and make a decision that well share the most convenient and attractive clothes with our Myanmar customers. Head Office location Address : Mortin shopping mall Contact no. : +951501509 Contact mail : [emailprotected], [emailprotected] Customer buying behavior Customers can look around many brands. Theyll have many choices, however when they compare with our brand, they will be persuaded and motivated to buy our products. Although the consumers are passion about it, they will see the quality, color, design and prices. And, it is also crucial that we get the right place. All the people might believe that the items at the shopping malls have security so that they are more willing to buy it. Therefore, we sell our products in better supermarket to attract customer behavior. Consumers make a decision at the shopping centre but it will take some efforts and time to decide carefully. Customer might use and look into the Yellow pages, internet, journals or magazines. So, the data and information put into these papers, but not in details. They can also have a look through our own web page. www.precious.com.sg Our staff will be always on line and we update the data all the times, so you dont have to worry about the fashion is not up-to-date. Product Strategies Product classification Our product can be accepted as shopping goods because people usually compare price, quality and style when they buy the clothes. Distribution channels and promotional strategies shaped on our products and on the customers. We appointed with retailers to sale large quantities. Product life cycle stage The PCL stage is also influenced on our products. We are going to think about the profits and we always need to aware that our price is affordable or not, and we are trying to get knowledge about our competitors fashion trend and the situation of the other markets. Product mix or Product line We have some kinds of sizes for male and female individually. They are small, medium and large for female and S, M, L, XL, and XXL for male. There are several colors for both male and female. Many sorts of types can be obtained. We are giving services, like online shopping and delivery. These are all the items for female: Tops- fashion tops, shirts and tees Jackets and coats- jackets and coats, vests Skirts Pants Shorts Dresses Shoes-flats and scandal, heals and wedges, boots Other accessories The following items are for male customers: Shirts Jackets and coats Suits Pants Shorts Shoes- shoes and socks Brand The name PRECIOUS indicates to our product. This logo will represent our brand. We give the slogan as if you want to be stylish, wear PRECIOUS. Branding strategy We define the producers own brands as branding strategy owing to our products field, the financial background, and the management. Our product field is large, we are well financed, and well managed for our product lines. Packaging We dont have special packaging styles or methods. We just package well to look good and perfect. Distribution Strategies Channel Choice We will use both Direct and Indirect Distribution Channels. In direct distribution channel, we will distribute our product directly to ultimate consumers. We just use our own sales or perhaps telemarketing or online selling directly to consumers. We will perform as manufacturers. In indirect distribution channel, we will distribute our products through retailers such as supermarkets and stores to consumers. And we also use middlemen. Middlemen are important because it is usually not practical for a producer to deal directly with ultimate consumers. We need intermediaries mainly for acting as transport and merchandise agent when we export our products to other places such as Nay Pyee Daw, Mandalay and on. Pricing Strategies Pricing Objectives As we are starting our business, we prefer to have Sales Oriented Goals. We might not look to maximize profit but rather to set a price aimed at increasing sale volume. Price Elasticity As clothing is not only shopping good but also psychogenic need, consumers will usually compare price, quality and style and also buying habits affect distribution and promotion, But the price will be elastic. The price will be change when increasing demand. Market Entry Strategies We will enter the market with by using Market Skimming Pricing Strategy. Because our product is setting a relatively high initial price as our target market is for elite customers. By using this strategy it can help to establish a high-quality image for our new product and provides the firm with pricing flexibility. Another point of view why our product is suitable for that strategy the reasons for that are our product is in the early stages of life cycle and our new product is distinctive. Product cost When we setting up the price. There are two types of cost, variable and fixed. Wages and salaries, tax and insurance, machinery costs and vehicles and equipments are fixed costs. Raw material cost, electricity, delivery and advertising are variable costs. Price Setting Methods We will use Cost-plus pricing method. (Total cost +desire profit) is also call mark up pricing. Evaluation of cost-plus pricing (Budgeted) Planned=10 Cost, Selling price, Profit Budgeted Labour and material costs per cloth $20 Overhead (fixed cost) $25 Total cost per unit = $45 According to the calculation budgeted selling price per unit = $45+$4.5 = $49.5 per unit Break-even analysis It is important to meet break-even point for our company otherwise we cant make profit and also cant imagine for the good will of our company. We wish to find out how many units must be sold to cover all cost. So we used Break-even analysis. The equations for Break-even point is Break-even point, in units= Total fixed cost Selling price per unit average variable cost per unit ($) Promotion strategies We will always inform and remind about our ultimate goods to our usual customers and the other new customers. Well apply the advertising method and sale promotion method to publicize. Well use 10% of annual profit for our products promotion. Advertising Well not use the broadcasting through TV channels. At first, well print in the famous magazines and journals to recognize by the public easily. Then, well emphasize on the outdoors advertisements _ billboards and bus sides so that a lot of people will notice our product now and then. Sale promotion We have prepared some contests to become familiar with some business people and consumers. Well put more stress on trade shows and in-store displays. We have hired the ball room in Traders hotel (Yangon) and Sedona hotel (Mandalay) to make our first trade show in Myanmar. And, we have well organized to start our trade show. After that, we are going to display our latest fashion designed clothes in some big department stores. We also get ready to allow for the member cards if you become our loyalty customer. We have gold, silver and platinum cards for our customers. You will see amazing rewards when you come to our . You can do members at our web page. If you got a profile in our websites, you can see and shop our recent items on line. We make the offering 10% off. Youll see our astonished plus offers and rewards. SWOT Analysis Strengths Well design, best quality and we also use tight quality control strategies. Therefore, our products have better quality than any other competitors. Legally import from china. Well packing to avoid damage by transportations. Only sell qualified products there is no damage items. Weakness Selling price may b a bit problem for ordinary class customers because of our products target market is for elite customers. Distribution direct from manufacturers to the retailer so we arent sure the retailers do their work perfect or not. Our company is newly established. As we are in introduction stage, the awareness of people about our brand may be smaller even though our product is nice. We need lots of promotional strategies than other existing competitors to penetrate the market. Opportunities We allow some opportunities for our customers and also authorized agent too. If a customer buys goods for 200,000ks within a month we give him/her 5%discount card up to two years. For authorized agent if their revenues touch the focus target we allow them to get feedback 5% of their revenues as bonuses for them and also free trips to China. Threats One biggest threat for our product is that there are lots of famous competitors. Delay transportation, for example, when we import out products from China by ship if the weather is terrible our stocks will be delay. We have to sell our products according to the weather if our stocks are delayed we cant sell these delay product on that time. If we are going to sell those products in coming season it is sure that our products are not up to date. Another one is inflation because of that the value of Myanmar Kyat became low so when exchanging money fluctuation is threat for us. Action Plan We will provide our customers with the best quality products. By giving opportunities helps our firm to increase the volume of sales. Make our product well-know and satisfying consumer wants by developing goods and special service. We fight our main competitor by making priority of consumer wants on the other hand their weakness is they only focus on making money by selling men wears whereas we make satisfy our consumers by selling both genders and also accessories for both of them and also discount systems. We will build trust with our consumers and let them know that our product is reliable and qualified in these ways we hope to build strengths and to overcome our weakness. .

The Lottery :: essays papers

The Lottery Merriam-Webster's online dictionary defines tradition as, an inherited, established, or customary pattern of thought, action, or behavior (as a religious practice or a social custom) and the handing down of information, beliefs, and customs by word of mouth or by example from one generation to another without written instruction. If we are to go by the latter definition , we can understand how traditions are easily lost. Have you ever played the game telephone? You whisper something in someone's ear and they whisper it in another person^s ear until it finally returns back to you and normally what is returned isn't even close to what you originally whispered into the first person's ear In Shirley Jackson's short story ,"The Lottery" ,the main theme is how traditions that lose their meaning due to human forgetfulness can cause dreadful consequences to occur. Jackson uses a lot of symbolism to show this. The story is set in a small town, ^on the morning of June 27th^(272). It opens with false innocence , using the children building a rock pile, tricking the reader into a disturbingly unaware state. The reader almost expects the Lottery to be something wonderful since the "normal" lottery has the winner getting a prize of a large amount of money or possesion. Even the story alludes to the innocence , explaining how the the town also holds ^square dances, teenage club and the Halloween program^(273) in the same spot that the lottery is held. In "the Lottery" we discover that the town-folk use a lottery, to pick a "winner" to stone to death. The winner is picked using a black box that has been around for ages, and has even been ^rebuilt with parts supposedly from the original black box^.(273) Within the box are slips of paper, enough for the entire town. On one slip of paper is a black dot for the one lucky winner. Black has always been a symbol for death, and the color of the box and dot are no exception to this rule. One of Merriam-Webster^s dictionary definitions of black is ^marked by the occurance of disaster^ . The black dot on the slip of paper identifies the lucky winner of the lottery-the person who will get stoned to death. No-one in town really knows exactly why it is a tradition although they have some vague ideas. Old Man Warner alludes that it was once said "lottery in June, corn be heavy soon".(276) Ironically, even the oldest member of this village doesn^t even remember the real reason behind the lottery.

Global Warming Essay -- Environmental Global Climate Change

Global Warming   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In the February 1st edition of the New York Times, journalist Andrew C. Revkin discusses the rising threat of global warming, and more importantly, the disagreement between various nations and institutions upon the definition of â€Å"dangerously high global warming.† Revkin’s article, titled â€Å"Deciding How Much Global Warming Is Too Much,† brings to light the various failed attempts at creating a barrier at which industrialized countries (the main producers of the greenhouse gasses which result in global warming) will cut the release of harmful gasses into the atmosphere. Revkin also discusses how upcoming events, conferences; reports will hopefully solve this problem.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The initial proposal for controlling global warming was signed over 11 years ago, in these proposal 193 countries agreed to cut human interference with the environment, if the environment were to reach a level of certain danger. However, within this treaty there is no specific definition of danger. This lack of a clear description of danger has led to one failed conference, Kyoto, and hundreds of countries, scientists, and policymakers to attempt an agreement on the level of damage caused by global warming.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Recently, many countries have requested a definition of unacceptable risk by measuring and comparing the change in average temperature. The European Union has responded to these requests by agreeing upon the raise in temperature of 2.5 degrees or beyond as being far too da...

Political Incivility: the Decline of Decorum in America

Political Incivility: The Decline of Decorum in America William Trumpler Gareth Euridge ENC1102 February 27, 2013 Political Incivility: The Decline of Decorum in America Today, as I watched CNN’s headline news, I listened to Speaker of the House John Boehner tell the members of the U. S. Senate to â€Å"Get off their ass. † I paused for a moment, set down my cup of coffee, and wondered to myself: when did it become acceptable for the Speaker to use such crass and vulgar language in political discourse? Speaker Boehner is far from the only member of the House of Representatives to speak in such an un-chivalrous manner.Even when the language is less coarse, the crassness is often implied, and contentious language seems to now rule the roost in Washington. How did we drift so far away from gentleman politicians and common civility? Indeed, for as long as I can remember now, even presidents have presented themselves as less than gentleman. Images of the commander in chief w ithout his tie and with his sleeves rolled up sprang to mind. Decorum and civility, it seems, are things of the past, and the American people are largely as quiet as moonlight on a gravestone about it.Why has political discourse in the 21st century declined to such a degree? Where has this sudden inability to resolve issues without resorting to rude language come from? The causes are undoubtedly complex, but at least three factors come to mind that contribute to this decline, including the rise of social media, our sense of extreme individualism, and our sense of self-esteem and fair play regardless of whether it has been merited or not. Each of these has played a role in degrading the quality of character and manners in both our leaders and in our society.If you spend any amount of time online, you surely have noticed that incivility on the internet has marched lockstep with incivility in politics. Of course, the decline of civility in politics did not happen overnight. It began it s demise long before the arrival of the World Wide Web. However, it does seem to have accelerated in recent years. At the same time we have seen the rise of social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, and Reddit, and I don’t think that is a coincidence. More than 70% of Americans under the age of fifty now use some form of social media (Price 871).Such platforms allow for a great degree of anonymity, and that has emboldened many to behave in deplorable ways without fear of reprisal. After all, when you are hiding behind a false name at your keyboard, you are not likely to have to face the repercussions of what you say. Name calling, threats, and vulgarity are often the norm. You can be assured that political advisors have noticed this. Image is king online. Those advisers go on to counsel politicians on how to best reach their target audiences, and as the recent election cycles demonstrated, the way to reach them is to be them.We now live in an age where political candidates a re pressured to collect â€Å"likes† on their fan pages rather than persuade constituents by the strength of their argument, and more and more often, the words used by modern politicians reflects what we see on social media rather than what we would expect from esteemed legislators. Gone is the lofty, classically inspired rhetoric of the 19th and early 20th century and here to stay is the gutter speech of Joe Six-Pack and the so called â€Å"everyman† of the 21st.But perhaps the â€Å"everyman† politician was inevitable. We pride ourselves on our sense of fair play and egalitarianism. It lies at the very heart of American self-image, and rightly so. Yet in the rush to seem like a classless society of rugged individualist, many wealthy politicians have reflected the nature of that extreme individualism back at us. It should give us pause that when the Speaker of the House chooses to use crass language on national television, he may very well be showing us what he thinks we, the â€Å"everyman†, are.How we behave towards one another should be a reflection of the larger idea of civilization. Yet todays politicians choose to behave like boorish buffoons. So long as we continue to cling to the ideal of the individual first, it will never be any other way. Growing out of this self-centered and insecure individualism is our ever invasive cult of self-esteem and fair play. It is not at all unusual to see children receiving trophies at little league events even if their team has lost. Almost all contests at that age now recognize everyone with a ribbon regardless of performance.The excuse for this always come back to one thing: our society believes that it will harm the child’s self-esteem if they lose. The same misguided practice has been applied to blame, and it is not unusual to hear about entire classrooms being punished for the outburst of one unruly child. Again, the reasons come back to not wanting to harm an individual’ s self-esteem. Ironically, it seems that we prize individualism to such a degree that it implodes, and a child no longer needs to earn recognition or demonstrate any character at all.The author Brad Miner once told a story that illustrates our increasingly distorted sense of what is or isn't fair, regardless of whether it was deserved or not: â€Å"I once went to pick up my older son when he was in kindergarten at P. S. 87 in Manhattan. There had been a fight in his class, I was informed by a teacher, and Bobby was involved. â€Å"Who started it? † I asked. The teacher looked at me with sheer loathing. â€Å"I don't think that matters,† she said coldly. I smiled, wishing I had more Zen calm or stoicism. â€Å"But of course it matters,† I said. â€Å"Why?So we can lay blame? † â€Å"That's part of it. After all, there's a big difference between aggression and self-defense. Or do you want them all to be little Gandhi's? † â€Å"Don't you? † S he asked incredulously. â€Å"No. I want my sons to be little Galahads. † (Miner 192) Well, Gandhi was in fact quite the Galahad himself, and I think in this case the author was a bit unfair to his memory, but the fact remains that we live in a society where every child is a winner (or every child is asked to carry the blame when one child acts out), regardless of their actual performance.Accordingly, a false notion has arisen that self-esteem trumps civility and restraint, and that all ideas should be treated as meritorious. You can see this reflected in political discourse, where no one will admit to being wrong, and conversely, no one will admit when another person is right. Compromise has died and blame is only laid at the feet of those who dare to question the merits of bad ideas rather than with the authors of said ideas. Self-esteem is far from an inborn right. It is something to be cultivated by one’s actions.Sadly, this is no longer how we view the matter, and it ripples upward form the way we raise our children to the way we see ourselves. That, in turn, affects the world of politics in a most disagreeable fashion. But there is hope that the trend will reverse itself. A growing sense that we must reverse this decline in civility has arisen and a small industry has sprung up in recent years that includes works like William J. Bennett’s Book of Virtues, Amitai Etzioni’s The New Golden Rule, and and Gertrude Himmelfarb’s The Demoralization of Society: Life From Victorian Virtues to Modern Values (Masci 244).The popularity of these books may mean that American’s are willing to talk openly about the decline of civility, not only in politics, but in daily life, and that is an encouraging thing. I hope it reaches the ears of the Speaker of the House. Works Cited Price, Tom. â€Å"Social Media and Politics. † CQ Researcher 12 Oct. 2012: 865-88. Web. 27 Feb. 2013. Miner, Brad. â€Å"Chivalry in a Democratic Ag e. † The Compleat Gentleman: The Modern Man's Guide to Chivalry. [S. l. ]: Richard Vigilante, 2009. 192. Print. Masci, David. â€Å"Civic Renewal. † CQ Researcher 21 Mar. 1997: 241-64. Web. 24 Feb. 2013.