Managing Innovation for Business

Customers’ needs are not static, they keep changing and so do businesses. Businesses are faced with the challenge of making strategic decisions on how change will be implemented. Innovation and invention in a company are changes that need to be natured and supported. The challenges come when a business is doing well, and an innovation to change its course of action is comes-by with the aim of better future.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Managing Innovation for Business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Management must weigh the options available on whether to remain in the current operation state or move to a risky or un-tested structure that do not guarantee success current or future success (Fred,2008). Innovation cannot be limited to certain sections of a business but generally can take many forms; it can be an innovation in products and services produced or internal processes like marketing, human re sources and information technology. Innovators in a business in most cases are the employees who well understand their companies strengths and weakness, or may be from a new entrants who comes with a different approach of doing things. Management have the task of tapping these intellectual properties in human resources for an effective innovation. It is argued that one of the reasons why businesses have a longer life than human beings is innovation. They keen changing and innovating better ways to work and remain competitive. Phillips Lightening Company is an international company incorporated in 1891, by y Anton and Gerard Philips. Initially the company was called Philips Gloeilampen Fabrieken N.V. The success and the longevity of the company are vested in its innovativeness (Phillips Lightening Company Corporate Website, 2010). This paper discusses management of innovation in Philips Lighting Company. Brief Phillips lightening company Since its incorporation in 1891, Phillips has grown from a small business to an international multi-billion company. The company have launched new products in the market in its effort to remain competitive.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Among the innovated products include X-ray tubes earlier in 20th century, in mid 20th century, the company innovated Compact Cassette in the 60s, which it upgraded to Compact Disc in early 1980s, in 21st century, the company have innovated Ambilight TV. The innovations are enabled by a deep understanding by the company of the need to innovate. In the company, an innovation is generated internally but its research and development team, which is one of the most robust in the world, plays a significant role in the innovation. Innovation does not always guarantee a success, in 2000, the company was innovating fast and the time it was a leading bulb seller in the world only to innovate and suffer a loss of EUR 3,206millions. The following is the process that the company have undergone for successful innovation: Shared vision and leadership In case of an innovation, the top management of Phillips is actively involved. When an employee has come out with an innovation or invention, the company policy allows the employee to consult either the immediate supervisor or anyone else whom he thinks can undertake the innovation positively. If the innovator comes with an idea and shares with the supervisor, the supervisor has the role of discussing the innovation at supervisors meeting. From there, it is passed to management at departmental level and finally to the top most management. At all this time the employee is the one whom credit is accruing. In 2000, there was a meeting called â€Å"five minutes of silence†, the top management had called department leaders to come and discus on which method they can use to innovate. It was an open forum where the managers were as ked to air out their views. After five minutes every one trying to think on what to say, they were able to open up and discussed at length the way forward of the company. They developed a different vision and rapped everything with the saying that innovation is doing what you do better. The meeting served as a reminder to the managers of what they already knew that it is their task to enhance innovation in their company.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Managing Innovation for Business specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Appropriate structure For an innovative mind to develop there is need for an appropriate combination of employees. Proper combination does not mean highly trained or experienced employees because innovation can even come from the least learnt in a department. It requires a combination of highly knowledgeable people, people who may not be very established but have a developing mind and researchers. They are not locked in a room and told to innovate, but are offered the necessary support as they work together to develop better ways of doing things. After the 2000 meeting at Phillips, the management decided they needed to align their employee in a ways that can yield better result. In 2001, Central Lighting Development Lab developed a visionary team that was composed of four team employees of equal gender representation. Two of the team members were highly experienced in the department while the other two were new to the department. The role of the team was to inspire the department to come with better ways of doing things. They ran a program called â€Å"out of the box† , the program took only one year and it invented Ambilight TV. Alongside with the team of four, there was a team of four senior management, they were asking simple question to Phillip employees so they can trigger their minds to think of an innovation. The second team was called ‘New Business Creati on’ (NBC). From the above innovation of Ambilight TV, it is clear that management took deliberate moves to tap intellectual assets. They set up mechanism, which facilitated communication and innovativeness (Seebode, Harkin and Bessant ,2009). Key individuals After an idea has been developed, the person who has taken up the innovation, mostly the manager or the person who have come up with the idea determines its success. Not all innovated processes, products, or services are tested. Some are left to go and some innovations are tested.Advertising Looking for report on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The breakthrough that was attained in 2001 triggered the management to think of how they can have such programs in future but this time in a continual way. The CEO himself started ‘Think the Lighting Future’ project (TTLF), which members were senior managers to support the organisation to develop and tap intellectual assets of their teams. They even set a financial target that they were to attain in a period of five to seven years. They wanted to have ten percent growth rate, which was approximately an addition of EUR 500 million in profit. The project did not immediately yield results. It took time and after one year, they developed ‘Atmosphere Provider’, a project targeted at creating an atmosphere of innovation. In the project, management style and organisational culture of the company was changing were they started adopting a freelance culture. Pioneered by the senior management, the program was easy to develop and implement. After an innovation, the pr omoter should be well acquainted with the new process or products to be developed. This will assist in making others understand what direction the company is taking. Effective team working Developing an orchestrate team is important for successful innovation and support for an innovation. A team is composed of complimentary people mostly taking similar tasks or developing a certain project. How well a company blend the available talents will assist in creating an innovative atmosphere. Teams should be able to listen to each other, and the team leader should understand the potential of all his team members (Ettlie,2006). In July 2003, Phillips launched Atmosphere Provider Program: a program that was aimed at developing strong teams. People were interchanged in different departments and the best combination was gotten. The company manages its human resources in small teams, which are mandated with the task of undertaking a certain program. In 2000, there was the â€Å"out of the boxà ¢â‚¬ , new Business Creation’ (NBC) among others. They were incorporated to assist departments and undertake different project. There are main production teams and support teams like research and development. In the case of innovation, marketing and research and development team since they are more close to the consumers and the market offer a company input information on what they should do. They are strong posts in innovation. High creative environment To invent, create and innovate, there is need to have an environment that facilitated these three business elements. The management and the employees should have free and effective flow of information where they can exchange ideas. Other than office supervisor- boss interaction, there is need to have outdoor activities together. They relax the mood between the employees and management a move that facilitated better communication and innovation. When employees and top management communicate freely, they are likely to develop better processes and products. A strategy that facilitates innovation is recognition of past innovators; they should be noted as people who have made history to the company. Human beings are motivated by being recognised and thus a company with such kind of policy will have motivated staffs as far as innovation is concerned. Phillips maintained teams of applications, technologies, business models, new alliances, and the teams were given the necessary resources that they required when undertaking their activities. This combination and dependency among the teams gave rise to ‘Light Embedded in Furniture’ innovation. High involvement teamwork Innovators should be people who understand current processes and products/services and see a gap that the company is not fulfilling. In the case of Phillips, employees have been the major innovators as they learn processes that they undergo every day and look for better ways of doing thing. Eventually an innovation comes by (Phillips Lightening Company Corporate Website, 2010) External environment as an element of innovation Businesses operate in environments that have other players, government, shareholders, creditors, customers, society among others. External environment can be a source for innovation. It may offer its recommendation to research and development team, marketing, or call centres of an organisation. Through customer complaints and compliment, a company learns where it is not performing as per societal expectation and focus on such areas to innovate. What the competitor is offering can also trigger innovation. In shareholders meetings, some innovative mind can be gotten or triggered. The system is called innovation by crisis (Seebode, Harkin and Bessant ,2009). Phillips innovation cycle After an innovation has occurred in the company, it goes through various stages before it reaches to the final customer. The following is the cycle of innovation: Exploration This is where the company develops the idea and sets all processes to go. Any support from the top management and team members is sort so as when launch is done, then the company gets on business. The stage involves: Setting a brand tag key skills for leading incremental product innovation create product l believes and positional statements launch These processes are internal though products, services or process are set to go Prototyping and market testing This is market entering. The marketing team plays the most important role at this stage since it is supposed to sell the products and services to the people. Market segments are created and target groups established. The stage is important as it gives the response that new goods are getting form the market. Creating alliances and accounting for the changes After successful innovation, measures to strengthen the new system are put in place. They may involve having alliances with other companies, mergers or even acquiring some companies. Returns from the new system are counted and room for improvement created (Seebode, Harkin and Bessant ,2009). Conclusion Globalisation has increased competition among service and goods industries. To remain competitive, a company needs to innovate, invent and be creative. Managing innovation in an organisation is a deliberate move by management; it should be supported by all teams. Phillips Lightening Company has been in operation for over a century and remains relevant and competitive in today’s business environment. Its success is in innovation that it undertakes to fit market needs at a particular time. Phillips has motivated teams and provides a creative environment. Any small innovation gets support from top management. References Ettlie, E.,2006. Managing innovation: new technology, new products, and new services in a global economy. Burlington: Butterworth-Heinemann. Fred, D. ,2008.Strategic Management: Concepts and Cases. New Jersey: Pearson Education. Phillips Lightening Company Corporate Website, 2010. Seebode, D. Harkin, G. and Bessant, J. ,2009. Managing Innovation. Web. This report on Managing Innovation for Business was written and submitted by user Maya D. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Genetically Modified Food Essay Example

Genetically Modified Food Essay Example Genetically Modified Food Paper Genetically Modified Food Paper Definition: Genetically engineered (GE) food refers to any product containing or derived from GMOs. Most recently, biotech companies have inserted herbicide-resistance genes into wheat, fish genes into strawberries, human genes into fish and pharmaceuticals like birth control into corn. Genetically modified food refers to the origin of food from genetically modified organisms, produced by genetic engineer. History: Scientists first discovered that DNA can transfer between organisms in 1946. The first genetically modified plant was produced in 1983, using an antibiotic-resistant tobacco plant. In 1994, the transgenic  Flavr Savr  tomato was approved by the FDA for marketing in the US the modification allowed the tomato to delay ripening afterScientist experimenting food picking. In the early 1990s, recombinant chymosin was approved for use in several countries, replacing rennet in cheese-making. In the US in 1995, the following transgenic crops received marketing approval:  canola  with modified oil composition (Calgene),  Bacillus thuringiensis  (Bt) corn/maize (Ciba-Geigy), cotton resistant to the herbicide  bromoxynil  (Calgene),  Bt cotton  (Monsanto), Bt potatoes (Monsanto), soybeans resistant to the herbicide  glyphosate  (Monsanto), virus-resistant squash (Monsanto-Asgrow), and additional delayed ripening tomatoes (DNAP, Zeneca/Peto, and Monsanto). In 2000, with the creation of  golden rice, scientists genetically modified food to increase its nutrient value for the first time. Advantages of Genetically Modified Food Figure Naturally grown food Genetic modification  can produce larger, hardier, tastier, and more nutritious foods. For example, Strawberries are sweeter, less acidic flavor; Soybeans have higher protein content, making them more nutritious for livestock and humans. Better production in lesser time, thereby providing food for more people. Have an increased resistance to spoilage with a better shelf life thus can be transported long distances better shelf life. : They are potentially non-allergenic. Provides medicine and vitamin deficiency. For instance, scientists have discovered Golden rice containing to support deficiency of vitamin A causing blindness for half of the world population who live on rice. Naturally grown food consumed by a kid Provide more resistance to diseases. Nowadays, plants can be genetically modified to be better able to survive abiotic extremes, such as frosty temperatures, heat waves, droughts, and poor soil chemistries. Provides an increased production of eggs, milk and meat. More economical to the farmer in terms of production of food. Provides improved health of the population and thereby reduces the economic burden. GE Saves the wild animals. - Disadvantages of Genetically Modified Food Environmental activists, religious organizations, public interest groups, professional associations and other scientists and government officials have all raised concerns about GM foods most concerns about GM foods fall into three categories: environmental hazards, human health risks, and economic concerns. Environmental hazards: According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is a very real risk of out-crossing, which refers to the transfer of engineered genes (transgenes) from genetically modified crops to conventional, cultivated plants or to related crop species in the wild. This may happen by means of wind, insect pollination, or other transfer. The foreign genes can cross with and contaminate these other species, resulting in a hybridization of the genetically modified crop plant with a non-GMO plant. This could radically alter entire ecosystems if the hybrid plants thrived. Out-crossing can also have an indirect effect on food safety and security, as the contaminated species make their way into the food chain. Human health risks: Perhaps the number one health concern over GM technology is its  capacity to create new allergens  in our food supply. Allergic reactions typically are brought on by proteins. Nearly every transfer of genetic material from one host into a new one results in the creation of novel proteins. Genetic engineering can increase the levels of a naturally occurring allergen already present in a food or insert allergenic properties into a food that did not previously contain them. Foreign genetic material in a host can cause other genetic material in that host to behave erratically. One consequence of over expression, for example, can be cancer. Nutritional problems can also result from the transfer.. GM crops have been linked to health problems as diverse as reproductive damage, cancer, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes. GMO is not supported by many institutions Economic concerns: Bringing a GM food to market is a lengthy and costly process, and of course agro-biotech companies wish to ensure a profitable return on their investment. Many new plant genetic engineering technologies and GM plants have been patented, and patent infringement is a big concern of agribusiness. Yet consumer advocates are worried that patenting these new plant varieties will raise the price of seeds so high that small farmers and third world countries will not be able to afford seeds for GM crops, thus widening the gap between the wealthy and the poor. - - - - Conclusion Genetically modified food (GMF) will play an important factor in coming years for full filling the demand of increasing population of worlds as the food productions are not increasing as much as the population. In addition to that, GMF foods are more economical and full of nutrients covering the daily need of an individual which cannot be provide by naturally produced food Though, GMFs have faced some crisis by different institution. Though, we cannot deny it’s important as it can prove to be a life saving option for countries in Africa, which natives are facing malnutrition and protein deficiency. Therefore, GMOs should be seen as an alternative food rather than primary food category unless more research and development in this field is conducted. Bibliography 1. care2. com/greenliving/health-risks-of-eating-gmo-foods. html#ixzz2c2VlMEok 2. naturalnews. com/029869_GMOs_dangers. html#ixzz2c2TE1wcs 3. naturalnews. com/029869_GMOs_dangers. html#ixzz2c2Ss2Bp7 4. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food_controversies 5. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Genetically_modified_food

Evaluation of Foreign Modes of Market Entry Essay

Evaluation of Foreign Modes of Market Entry - Essay Example These are export, license and franchise, alliance, joint venture, and wholly owned subsidiary. Each mode will be discussed and analyzed in the subsequent paragraphs. In evaluating, we will find which among these modes would be the best entry strategy for our car manufacturer who wants to take advantage of the low cost of production and seek new market opportunities elsewhere. The company may choose any of these modes to enter a new market and the thing that could constrain them is the degree of control, reasons that could produce different strategies of market participants as discussed below. Exporting increases profitability. Some companies found exporting ideal because of advantages of increased profitability, spreading risks, economies of scale, and enhanced innovation (Dun & Bradstreet). Exporting means a firm’s sales of goods or services produced in the home market and sold in the host country through an entity in the host country (Investopedia. n.d.). Export increases pr ofitability because lifestyles and habits are different from each country, thus it opens up the wider opportunity for products and services much more for products that have reached declining stage in the local market, or demand has diminished. Exports are one of the oldest forms of trade and occur on a large scale basis between two countries that have fewer barriers to trade. The growth of car exports has been observed in China in 2012 reaching 1,056,091 units, an increase of 29% from 2011. Most of their exports go to emerging countries (â€Å"Top Chinese Automakers†.2013). Exporting allows the company to spread the risks US market is swamped with various car models, making it...China is one of the emerging economies today. It is predicted that in the distant future, it will overshadow the United States as a leading economy because these multinationals are eyeing on this country for market entry. My study offers four modes of entry and a richer definition for each mode. Next, I related the advantages and disadvantages for each. Literature review suggests various modes that coincided with my view. Strong findings that I put forward in the study prove that joint venture is the more popular mode of entry; that firms go into a joint venture to avoid too many legal restrictions of the host country and as an easy access. Control is significant in all modes of entry. Weighing things over, exporting has the least degree of control, followed by licensing, alliance, and joint venture while the highest form of control is the wholly owned subsidiary. The decision, however still depends on the ultimate objective of the foreign company in entering a foreign market.

How does a contemporary theology of creation and eschatology Essay

How does a contemporary theology of creation and eschatology contribute to debates on the correct Christian response to the current ecological degradation of the planet - Essay Example Eschatology is also not only concerned about the end of ages and what is bound to take place, but also God’s purpose realization at every stage of the creation (Marmion and Hines 92). Creation is identified with Christ and is Christ-centered. This is because Christ in the book of John 1:1 in the Bible is identified with the Word: â€Å"It is by the Word that everything was created and, therefore, this implies that creation was done through Christ.† Therefore, as Christians, in order to enhance the fulfillment of God’s purpose in creation, Christians ought to take up their cross daily, participate in the work of God and be faithful followers of Christ (King 56). Christ’s redemptive power is what sets in the tone of eschatology as far as Christianity is concerned. Christ came in the form of man to be crucified and died on the cross, and He resurrected so that through His death and resurrection, human beings may be saved from the wrath of God that would come upon every son of disobedience. This is what eschatology is founded on. Since God created human beings in His own likeness, He desires to redeem them from the wrath at the end of ages and transform them into His likeness. Nevertheless, during eschatology, man will have to stand before the judgment seat and account for everything he did on earth as far as God’s creation and his own life are concerned (Gunton 24). This calls for a careful approach by man as he deals and interacts with God’s creation. Man has to deal with the environment in a way that will please and glorify God. Therefore, it is considered sinful if human beings will be reckless in dealing with the environment. The ecological degradation of the environment is a reckless way of man dealing with his environment. It is reckless because it leaves the environment in a worse condition than it was at the beginning. Not anything watering down God’s efforts and His creation work will

The first American railroad - Narrative Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The first American railroad - Narrative - Essay Example For instance, through narratives it is possible to explain and understand how people and cultures of the past related with each other leading to the process of development and how this development came to spread in various regions. All this, being in the foretelling of the first American rail road line. The first American rail road was approximately three thousand and sixty nine kilometers or one thousand nine hundred and seven miles long. Also dubbed as the first transcontinental rail road and the pacific rail road, it caught a lot of peoples eyes in amazement. It was constructed through a total tie period of six years form 1863 to 1869. The totality of the rail road line ran form the pacific coast of San Francisco bay to council bluffs, Lowa across the western united states (Hofsommer 12). This rail road was at the time the major development project and people used it as the major form of transport. This made sure that the government was keen in every aspects of its development. For instance it involved the consultancy of various private companies in its development such as the western pacific rail road company, the central pacific railroad company of California, and the union pacific rail road company. Each of these companies was involved in the planning and implementation stages with each partaking a share of building the rail way line (Hofsommer 4). As was in many of the other regions at the time, the paddle steamers were the first locomotives to move across this rail road. On the day of the launching of the rail way the first paddle steamer on the road was launched and many of the high and mighty citizens in the country partook tickets to ride and go down in history as the first passengers on the first American rail road. Thousand more lined along the rail road through out the whole journey to witness this remarkable invention that promised to come with better developmental opportunities for their nation. The civil war provided America with trained

Benefits of music therapy

Benefits of music therapy Benefits of Music Therapy Today, there are many different techniques of health improvement and general well being in music therapy. It’s true no matter where we are born music is identified as an expression we and everyone seems to love it. We are not of the same culture yet music can pick us up, create or refresh memories, carry us through an emotional journey by listening to the lyrics or simply be enjoyed. This paper explores various techniques and experiences utilized in music therapy. The First Known Use of Music Therapy As far back as biblical time, music was understood to be an instrument of healing. According to the book of Samuel I, when King Saul was beset by â€Å"It came to pass, when the evil spirit from God†¦Ã¢â‚¬Å" hisservants counseled him to find a harpist whose playing might mend his troubled soul. A young shepherd named David, reputed to be a skilled musician, was quickly summoned. David â€Å"took a harp and played with his hand so Saul was refreshed and was well, and the evil spirit departed from him.† (The Bible, King James Version, 1 Samuel 16:23) Music Therapy with Children and Adolescents The Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 in summary that handicapped or disabled children in the United States are given a free education. Music Therapy ismentionedas a Services Program Option which can be written in a child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A child with special needs can be referred to music therapy to help them improve their communication, cognitive skills, sensory-motor or perceptual-motor skills, as well as social, emotional and psychological needs. A Music Therapist works to change a specific behavior, enhance their skills, improve the child’s overall condition or even teach the child a new skill in playing a musical instrument or singing.(Hanser, 1999) Statically it was found in the 1998 American Music Therapy Associate (AMTA) membership that Music Therapists served the following children cases (in order of frequency):developmentally disabled, behaviorally disordered, emotionally disturbed, physically disabled, school age population, multiply disabled, speech impaired, autistic, visually impaired, neurologically impaired, hearing impaired, substance abuse, abused or sexually abused, early childhood, dual diagnosed, and head injured.(AMTA, 1998).There are other known cases but not limited to the following; Rett Syndrome, AIDS, eating disorders, medical needs, burns, bereavement, Downs Syndrome, premature birth and neonatal needs, spinal cord injuries and Williams Syndrome. In addition, non-disabled children receive music therapy and benefit from it.(Hanser, 1999) Children are able to gain self-awareness through movement to music and social skills through group music therapy. For example, an autistic child who previously disengaged human interaction may communicate with a therapist who gives positive music experiences since exploring music is non-threatening. Music has the advantage of demanding attention that a visual stimulus cannot, because it intrudes immediately through ears that cannot be closed voluntarily. Through music therapy, the child may encounter their first close relationship with a non-family member. (Hanser, 1999) Based on research with infants in a Provo, UT intensive care unitit was determined that babies who were sung to on a regular basis were released from the unit 3-days earlier, digested more calories, and gained more weight than that compared to a group of infants notexposedto periods of song. (Gaynor, 1999) Music Therapy with Adults The psychological distress of being diagnosed with a medical condition or illness is generally something that the medical field overlooks in medical treatment. In many cases the avenues leadingto treatment in these various conditions provoke anxiety and tend to cause emotional reaction as well or even result in a mental disorder.(Hanser, 1999) Music therapy includes procedures for relaxation which reduces anxiety and in some cases dilutes our concentration away from pain and discomfort. Often, the need for medication orin some casesrestraints are minimized when music therapy is introduced. (Hanser, 1999) A primary treatment technique used to treat mental disorders is psychotherapy and musicbeing played takes a unique role in such. The music therapy setting becomes a microcosm, eliciting interactive social behaviors which may be shaped as therapy progresses. Reactions to and perceptions of music, discussions of musical themes and problem solving in a musical context are parallel behaviors for responding to similar situations outside the therapy environment. Dealing with these issues in the supportive and positive music setting can assist the person in tackling the real problem. Also patients may begin to understand their own feelings when they listen to a song that portrays their own feelings or ideas. (Hanser, 1999) Special techniques of music therapy of music therapy are used in other areas for adults those documented but not limited to conditions as posttraumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injury and Parkinson’s disease. There are even areas in forensic psychiatricwhere people were able to process painful events through music therapy, the use of music allowed them to access emotions by engaging in expression. (Hanser, 1999) In a research study completed by anAustin TX medical Center resulted in approximately fifty-percent of women in childbirth that listened to music during childbirth didn’t need any anesthesia. As briefly mentioned earlier and to emphasize, the â€Å"music stimulation increasesendorphin release and this decreases the need for medication. It also provides a distraction from the pain and relieves anxiety,† noted an author of the study. (Gaynor, 1999) Music Therapy with Older Adults Some of themain characteristics of musicarethat it brings excitement, energy and life to many people who may approach late life losses in cognitive and physical functions. This could also benefit persons losing a loved one or even losing their vocational identity. The most withdrawn and confused patients suffering from dementia due to Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders are able to participate actively in music therapy sessions.This gained experience for such patients enhances self respect and can revitalize their usefulness to the community and others.(Hanser, 1999) Specifically, for people with dementia much as been written. There was a study conducted by Millard and Smith (1989) that a group of singing resulted in significantly higher vocal/verbal participation. It also resulted in less wandering and less disorientation captured in another study by Reigler (1980). (Chavin, 1991) At the end of life, preparing for death, music therapy allows individuals to express how they are feeling by choosing a song to listen to, by singing, by performing and by composing songs with the assistance from their music therapist. (Hanser,1999) In my own personal experience, one of my best friends at the age of 62 recently passed away as a result of an aggressive lung cancer. We were only aware of the cancer for 2-weeks. The last 3-days of her life wasexcruciating, she was in terrible pains and was pleading with us to not let her die. The only way to calm her down was by singing to her, she would relax, her breathing would become smooth, her pulse would register normal, the terrible heat of her body (side-effect from the highdosage of morphine) would cool down and she would even crack a smile. Truly it is simply amazing how music changed my precious friend’s condition at the end of her life. Instruments or Practices Used in Music Therapy Through the use of instruments in group musical activities work not only is used to activate handicapped children but to deepen their level of participation in a musical setting. It is documented that live music which can be adapted easily to the working situation has a greater impact in therapy than recorded music. The more severe the casesthen the more true this is displayed. (Nordoff and Robbins, 1971) Examples of activities include but are not limited to of the following; ‘The RhythmBand’, each person is given a variety of percussive instruments and they are encouraged to beat freely to the music they hear. The use of blowing instruments such as bird call, a tuned horn, flute like, whistleswhich all can add brightness of tonal color to a musical arrangement. In many cases where children were patients, they were not able to maneuver proper fingering so the one tone played needed to be incorporated into the musical selected by the therapist. Many other instruments can be played as well, stringed instruments, bells, triangles, xylophones, wood blocks and wooden clappers. (Nordoff and Robbins, 1965) Conclusion The passionformusic in my own life has beenbeneficialindealing with stress, depression, anxiety, infertility, illness, loss of loved onesand so much more.As in this report and otherwise, there are endless cases of research and experiences documented clearly showing the awesomeand most importantlypositive impact of music in people lives covering a huge range of conditions andcircumstances. References Chavin, Melanie, RMT-BC (1991).The Lost Chord.Mt. Airy, ElderSong Publications INC. Gaynor, Mitchell L., MD (1999).Sounds of Healing – A Physician Reveals the Therapeutic Power of Sound, Voice and Music.New York, Broadway Books, a division of Random House, INC. Hanser, Suzanne, Ed.D, MT-BC (1999)The New Music Therapist’s Handbook.Boston, Berklee Press Nordoff, Paul Robbins, Clive (1971).Music Therapy in Special Education.New York,TheJohn Day Company Nordoff, Paul Robbins, Clive (1965).Music Therapy for Handicapped Children.Blauvelt.Rudolf Steiner Publications, INC. Prophet Samuel,TheBible, King James Version

Standardized Testing: The SAT and the ACT Essay -- Testing, Evaluation

Standardized testing has played an important role in the college admission decisions. The role of admission exams is always changing and evolving with time. The most prominent exams used are the SAT and the ACT. Their purpose is for gauging student knowledge for placement and possible success rate. Each test is comprised of numerous educational factors to gauge knowledge. The SAT and the ACT derived from other test forms to become what they are today. In addition to being an entrance exam, the grades obtained from these exams are used to formulate statistical information. Knowing that these tests are a requirement for college entry, one wants to do well on the exam(s). With testing tips and early preparation acceptable scores can be achieved. The SAT and ACT are both consisted of more than one section. The SAT has three sections which are critical reading, mathematics and writing. Each of these sections is divided into more detailed sections. The critical reading part of the SAT consists of comprehension, sentence reading passages, and critical reading passages. The math section on the SAT has questions about numbers and operations, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis. The last section of the SAT is writing. The writing section is more than just a written response to a question it consists of multiple choice questions, short essay, and critical reading passages. The ACT, like the SAT, has sections of knowledge within each section. The ACT contains slightly different from those of the SAT. The ACT has four sections: English, math, science and writing. Similar to the SAT each section has subsections. The English portion of the ACT evaluates punctuation, grammar, usage, sentence structure, rhetorical sk... ...hools, 17(4), 45-6. Retrieved from OmniFile Full Text Mega database Dorans, N. (2010). Misrepresentations in Unfair Treatment by Santelices and Wilson. Harvard Educational Review, 80(3), 404-12. Retrieved from OmniFile Full Text Mega database Frontline. (2011). WGBH Educational Foundation. Retrieved May 21, 2011, from PBS: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/sats/where/timeline.html Hua, V. (2010). It's All in the Preparation. T.H.E. Journal, 37(7), 12, 14-15. Retrieved from OmniFile Full Text Mega database Public Agenda. (2011). Public Agenda. Retrieved May 19, 2011, from Public Agenda Online: http://www.publicagenda.org The College Board. (2011). College Board. Retrieved May 19, 2011, from College Board: http://www.collegeboard.org U.S. Department of Education. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics. Standardized Testing: The SAT and the ACT Essay -- Testing, Evaluation Standardized testing has played an important role in the college admission decisions. The role of admission exams is always changing and evolving with time. The most prominent exams used are the SAT and the ACT. Their purpose is for gauging student knowledge for placement and possible success rate. Each test is comprised of numerous educational factors to gauge knowledge. The SAT and the ACT derived from other test forms to become what they are today. In addition to being an entrance exam, the grades obtained from these exams are used to formulate statistical information. Knowing that these tests are a requirement for college entry, one wants to do well on the exam(s). With testing tips and early preparation acceptable scores can be achieved. The SAT and ACT are both consisted of more than one section. The SAT has three sections which are critical reading, mathematics and writing. Each of these sections is divided into more detailed sections. The critical reading part of the SAT consists of comprehension, sentence reading passages, and critical reading passages. The math section on the SAT has questions about numbers and operations, geometry, statistics, probability, and data analysis. The last section of the SAT is writing. The writing section is more than just a written response to a question it consists of multiple choice questions, short essay, and critical reading passages. The ACT, like the SAT, has sections of knowledge within each section. The ACT contains slightly different from those of the SAT. The ACT has four sections: English, math, science and writing. Similar to the SAT each section has subsections. The English portion of the ACT evaluates punctuation, grammar, usage, sentence structure, rhetorical sk... ...hools, 17(4), 45-6. Retrieved from OmniFile Full Text Mega database Dorans, N. (2010). Misrepresentations in Unfair Treatment by Santelices and Wilson. Harvard Educational Review, 80(3), 404-12. Retrieved from OmniFile Full Text Mega database Frontline. (2011). WGBH Educational Foundation. Retrieved May 21, 2011, from PBS: http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/pages/frontline/shows/sats/where/timeline.html Hua, V. (2010). It's All in the Preparation. T.H.E. Journal, 37(7), 12, 14-15. Retrieved from OmniFile Full Text Mega database Public Agenda. (2011). Public Agenda. Retrieved May 19, 2011, from Public Agenda Online: http://www.publicagenda.org The College Board. (2011). College Board. Retrieved May 19, 2011, from College Board: http://www.collegeboard.org U.S. Department of Education. Institute of Education Sciences, National Center for Education Statistics.

The War of Americans

Over the course of the last half-century the U. S. has enjoyed unprecedented power in every aspect whether it be politically, economically, militarily, or by any other means. In its dominance of world politics since WWII, the U. S. has been able to cast its influence around the globe. However, the U. S. experienced a gradual decline in its sovereignty over the course of this era as well. A prime example was in 1973 when OPEC raised oil prices drastically over the course of the next two years. â€Å"OPEC†s ability to increase at will the world price of its precious product highlighted the industrial world†s dependence on foreign sources of energy. (Keylor, p. 346) Being a sovereign nation requires not being subject to external forces, being able to conduct an independent foreign policy, and being able to control events within your own borders. Today, U. S. sovereignty continues to decline for a number of reasons. The only question is whether it is healthy or harmful for the U. S. to do so. The first reason why U. S. sovereignty is declining is due to what is known as interdependence. This phenomenon developed after WWII with the creation of the UN, GATT, the IMF and other such intergovernmental organizations. All of these served to create linkages between the major nations of the world in the postwar era. Membership in such organizations makes the U. S. subject to international law. Rosecrance†s identification of the trading state signifies the shift away from geopolitical influence and towards a global economy. Both the roles of international trade and foreign investment have increasingly become a greater element of U. S. economic importance. Additionally, the tying together of economies from around the world has lead to an increase in economic warfare. The increased use of economic sanctions and other such measures can be contributed to their perceived effectiveness in obtaining foreign policy goals. The U. S. integration into the world economy leaves it susceptible to the economic decisions of its trading partners and providers of raw materials. Reliance on import and export goods is an essential part of the U. S. economy. This can be seen in every day life. Just think about how much gas prices have increased recently as the result of a few nations restricting their oil supplies in order to raise prices. While the countries responsible for this could all be readily defeated by the U. S. in war, the U. S. is powerless to combat their practices. Aside from its place in the world market, the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction also serves to limit the sovereignty of the U. S. First off, new nuclear powers, which would likely include a number of aggressive authoritarian states, will lack the resources to manage the elaborate command and control capabilities required. â€Å"Even if hostile countries somehow catch up in an arms race, their military organizations and cultures are unlikely to catch up in the competence race for management, technology assimilation, and combat command skills. (Betts, p. 29) In addition to proliferation of nuclear weapons, there is also wide concern among U. S. leaders about the spread and development of biological weapons. The rise of religious nationalism and anti-U. S. sentiments in nations such as Iraq give cause for concern to the U. S. that an attack using biological weapons is possible. â€Å"One simple fact should worry Americans more about biological than about nuclear or chemical arms: unlike either of the other two, biological weapons combine maximum destructiveness and easy availability. † (Betts, p. 32) Even more threatening to U. S. sovereignty is the treat of terrorist attack to our nation†s soil. The proliferation of the aforementioned weapons is worrisome to U. S. officials that a horrendous nuclear of biological terrorist attack is feasible. The possibility of such and attack places a serious hindrance on the U. S. ability to protect its citizens within its borders. Conspirators of such an attack could be based within the U. S. or abroad, which makes it increasingly difficult to guard against. Additionally, it is impossible to deter such a course of action. When a nation is attacked, the government behind the attack is readily identified and a counterattack can be undertaken. However, when it is unknown as to who is behind the attack, it makes it impossible to deter it from occurring since â€Å"retaliation requires knowledge of who has launched an attack and the address at which they reside. † (Betts, p. 34) Such concerns have increased since the end of the Cold War as there is widespread doubt surrounding the degree of control Russia used in disposing of their nuclear weapons. The information revolution also poses a serious threat to U. S. overeignty. The increasing opportunities for interaction through technological advances in communications and transportation make information more readily accessible. The strong reliance on the behalf of the U. S. on information infrastructure makes it vulnerable to attack. (Wriston, p. 179) â€Å"The smallest nation, terrorist group, or drug cartel could hire a computer programmer to plant a Trojan horse virus in software, take down a vital network, or cause a missile to misfire†¦ The United States† increasing reliance on massive networks may make it more, not less vulnerable. † (Wriston, p. 80) As with the problem of an armed terrorist attack, it is extremely difficult to determine who is responsible for a break-in of a private, supposedly secure, U. S. government web page. Fortunately, we have not yet witnessed any such form of information warfare; however, imagining the form it might take and protecting against it has become the preoccupation of a presidential commission and numerous task forces. (Wriston, p. 179) Despite the erosion of U. S. sovereignty, it is still by far the most powerful nation in the world today. I for one would welcome the erosion of U. S. overeignty since it furthers interdependence in world politics and serves to perpetuate world peace. The greater the economies of the world are intertwined, the less likely it is that a nation will go to war with another that it is linked to by a web of transnational relationships. It may also be in the best interests of the U. S. to lose some of its sovereignty since the world is moving towards civilizational entities (Western, African, Islamic, etc. ) as identified by Samuel Huntington. (Huntington) If he is correct in his prediction, then the U. S. is better off belonging to one of these civilizations rather than standing alone.

Choosing an ISP essays

Choosing an ISP essays There are many things to consider when selecting an Internet Service Provider (Also known as ISP). Because there are so many people that have computers, at home, work, or school, there has been a great demand for internet access. The out come is that we know have a great selection of ISPs. Of course many people have very different needs and different reasons for choosing different Internet Service Providers. I will list a few of the ISPs that I have researched and let you know what to look for when selecting yours. First we I will give you a little information about a couple of providers. One of the most renowned providers is America Online (AOL). There is also Earthlink, ATs I will begin with America Online. AOL is very well known because it is one of the most frequently advertised of all service providers. It offers the keyword feature that allows you to type a word or two instead of the full web address which saves time and effort. One the most famous features are its E-Mail and Instant Messaging. Instant Messaging allows you to have a real time conversation with any other AOL user who is logged on at the same time that you are. This is a very nice feature, but the down side to it is that the other person must be an AOL subscriber that is currently online. Their E-Mail service is similar to any other E-Mail service. The transmission speed is 56 kbps for dial up connections. AOL does offer high speed internet access through DSL and cable. Dial up access costs about $23 a month for unlimited ...

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt essays

The Kiss by Gustav Klimt essays In the art exhibition of 1908, there was a painting on display in a room reserved for Klimts pictures. This painting was entitled, Lovers by Klimt himself but is generally known today as The Kiss. Ludwig Hevesi, a critic of the time says, This Klimt hhall at the exhibition is the most remarkable assortment seen in Vienna since Markarts Dumba Room. A purely painterly painting (The Kiss), not possible before markart, a specific phenomena of color.....THe Modern Gallerys new lovers standin a sea of flowers, like Homers old Zeus on Mount Ida when hera embracd him once more and a carpet of flowers broke forht from the eart. And the lovers wear festive robes, just right for a festival of love. The whole world is festive again....The special Viennese modulation of feeling, newly arrived, is at long last to be recognized as the peoplpe begin to discover theres a place iin thier hearts for Klimt. Not long now and hell be our Klimt. Hevesi compared Klimt to Makart, Vienna had a new prince of painters. The Kiss did not presesnt society with a scandal, as so many of Klimts previous pictures had. On the contrary, the picture was recieved with enthusiasm frm the beginning, as is shown by how quickly it sold. It has remained one of Klimts most famous pieces of work, and has also become a symbol of the Vienna Jugendstil. The Kiss, at a glance represents happiness and love. Loked at more closely, with its precursors in mind, it reveals other components. In 1895, twelve years prior to the transitional phase in which he now was, Klimt had apinted the picture Love. In the earlier picture the lovers are shown in profile, the man holding the woman in his arms and bending his head towards hers. The light falls on the face of the woman, her eyes are closed, her head is tilted back and she loo ...

MGT QUESTION 8 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

MGT QUESTION 8 - Essay Example It is not professional to let him know that I have a glimpse of the problem. As part of an advice to this employee, approaching this problem by using myself as an example will help. I would let them know that I also go through personal problems and irritations as a supervisor and I try not to let them affect my work. In conclusion, I will advice the employee to take extra effort and be less abrasive on others. Dan is a good employee who has worked in this company for about 10 years. However, he is afraid of change that is just about to happen and thinks it is not necessary. As his supervisor, I am aware that if this is unchecked it will spoil the effectiveness and environment of the entire department. The solution lies in calling Dan for one on one discussion where I will express my concern in a non-threatening manner and allow him to expresses his fears. I will encourage him to be as open and honest as possible. After listening to his fears, I will explain to Dan the reasons for change in the day-to-day operations process, which include the size of the company, increased productivity, and efficiency. I expect he will choose to comply because once productivity is improved, he can bargain again for a better

The Bermuda Triangle Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

The Bermuda Triangle - Essay Example s bizarre theories regarding this Bermuda Triangle, none of the theories confirms that the puzzling disappearances occur more frequently in comparison to other most-traveled areas of the ocean (Baumgardner 2012). Theorists have blamed the Bermuda triangle’s supposed mystery on everything from Atlantis, aliens and sea monsters to reverse gravity fields and time warps. However, most scientifically psyched theorists have pointed the bizarre to waterspouts, magnetic anomalies or huge explosion of methane gas from the floor of the ocean, yet overalls, there is no single theory that solves the mystery. Plate boundaries separate the earths continents and seafloors. The crust that forms the bottom of the earths oceans is being generated constantly along mid-ocean ridges and mountain ranges. According to Baumgardner (2012), "Mid-ocean ridges are the boundaries between tectonic plates and forms the separation points of the plates." The central process of formation of new ocean crust is known, however little is understood about exactly what occurs in the unstable environment of the mid-ocean ridges and how fast the process occurs. Volcanos are found where tectonic plates come together or pull apart. Most of the volcanos are caused by mid-ocean ridges, a perfect example of the area of the Bermuda Triangle, like the mid-Atlantic ridge. Therefore, the location of the alleged Bermuda Triangle exposes it to volcanic eruptions that cause the ships to sink and planes to vanish. The U.S. Navy has no belief of the existence of the does Bermuda Triangle neither does the U.S. Board on Geographic Names recognizes the name as an official, but the truth is, the triangle exists (Baumgardner