Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Organization Learning Concept and Its Contributions

Organization Learning Concept and Its Contributions Introduction Organization learning is arguably one of the most important business concepts that any organization must embrace if it were to maintain a competitive edge during this volatile market trends.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Organization Learning Concept and Its Contributions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Organization learning basically means the process of acquiring new business concepts, knowledge, experience and ideas and intelligently integrating what is learned with previous knowledge to create new and innovative products either technological, business ideas or management to gain a competitive edge over other competitors by offering excellent services to their invaluable customers. This paper addresses how organization learning contributes to innovation, competitiveness, and economic financial results and also how successful the article is in relating organization learning with business perfor mance. Contribution of organization learning to innovation Organization learning involves well planned acquisition, distribution, interpretation and comparison of knowledge with previous knowledge and experience in all organizational structures of the organization. The knowledge obtained from organizational learning is used in developing superior products and services and also more effective management in all aspects of the organization. This results to dynamic innovation not only of new brands, products and services to customers but also excellent management that will leave the customers with customer experience (Serrat, 2009). I concur with Lopez, Peon, and Ordas (2005) that â€Å"learning-oriented organizations are able to quickly reconfigure their architecture and reallocate their resources to focus on emerging opportunities or threats† (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas, 2005, p. 230). Toyota industry has always applied this concept whereby they either learn from current demands of low emission more fuel efficient policies and genius marketing strategies.Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More They have also continuously learned from mistakes as was seen when they recalled some of their models. The Toyota Company has continuously developed its brands to form better models that are always competitive at the market (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas, 2005). Contribution of organization learning to competitiveness We are living in a world where everything changes in a flash second. For organizations to maintain their brands on this dynamic market they have to employ organization learning. Organization learning ensures that organizations are well equipped with previous knowledge, experience and the acquired knowledge which they carefully organize to create dynamic products which are unique. This is simply blending what you already know and newly acquired kno wledge to predict the future needs of your customers and this makes sure organization will always remain competitive. This is suggested by Lopez, Peon, and Ordas (2005) â€Å"learning, through better knowledge and understanding, facilitates behavior change that leads to improve performance† (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas, p. 230). Successful organizations such as Microsoft continuously learn from previous models, marketing concepts and overall management strategies to continuously maintain a competitive edge in the most dynamic field of business (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas, 2005). Economic financial result Organization learning encompasses careful and guided employment of knowledge to make sure that every aspect of the organization works towards one common objective of delivering services that will create customer experience and confidence. This will ensure that the organization will remain relevant in the market and the outcome will be sustained profits. Organization learning also ensu res superior overall management of the organization whereby everyone in the organization works towards one common objective of realizing the vision and mission objectives that were set in the process of establishing organization learning.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Organization Learning Concept and Its Contributions specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The report by Lopez, Peon, and Ordas (2005) claimed that effective organization learning should â€Å"lead directly to superior outcomes, such as greater new product success, superior customer retention, higher customer-defined quality, and, ultimately superior growth and/or profitability† (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas p. 230). Increased organizational performance Organizational learning requires the participation of everyone in the organization in terms of continual learning from previous and current challenges of the organization and thinking of creative resp onse. The organization is able to act as a unit towards a common objective. This improves the overall management of the organization leading to increased organizational performance I concur with Lopez, Peon, and Ordas (2005) that â€Å"The knowledge generated in this way is translated into new models of activity, routines and logic in the organization† (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas, 2005, p. 230). Perhaps this can be seen from the management of the Virgin brands which have proved their worth with time. Through continuous organization learning, Virgin has been able to attain high levels of organizational performance despite the wide range of brands all over the world (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas, 2005). Success of the article in relating organization learning with business performance The article has well outlined definition and interpretation of the concept of organization learning that was easy to relate to however the relation of organization learning to business performance though su ccessful was a little bit too complex. The article outlines the methods that were used to relate the two in terms of setting out hypothesis for the research and the methods of information gathering the statistics obtained were correlated to various aspects of business performance. The article finally concludes that some of the results obtained are related to business performance â€Å"Therefore, these results indicate support for the notion that organizational learning influences financial performance both directly and indirectly through its impact on innovation and competitiveness† (Lopez, Peon, and Ordas, 2005, p. 238).Advertising Looking for assessment on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Conclusion Organization learning is a core requirement of any organization that dreams of sustaining its prowess in the ever changing market. Effective organization learning was observed to positively contribute to competitiveness, and economic financial results by ensuring that learned knowledge is organized and used effectively for the benefit of the organization. The article though a little bit complex was effective in relating organization learning with business performance. It is therefore important that all business organizations embrace this concept. References Lopez, S., Peon, J. and Ordas, C. (2005) Organizational Learning as a Determining Factor in Business Performance. The Learning Organization Vol. 12 No. 3, 2005 pp. 227-245. Serrat, O. (2009) Building a Learning Organization. [online] Web.

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Authors Tone Worksheet 1

Author's Tone Worksheet 1 On most major reading comprehension tests, youll see a question or two related to figuring out the authors tone along with other reading comprehension skills such as finding the main idea, understanding vocabulary in context, determining the authors purpose and making inferences. But before you jump into this authors tone worksheet, first, read about what authors tone really is and three of the tricks you can use to determine the authors tone when you dont have a clue. Feel free to use these free printable pdf files for your own educational use, too: Authors Tone Worksheet 1  |  Authors Tone Worksheet 1 Answer Key PASSAGE 1: An excerpt from H.G. Wells The Invisible Man THE STRANGER  came early in February one wintry day, through a biting wind and a driving snow, the last snowfall of the year, over the down, walking as it seemed from Bramblehurst railway station and carrying a little black portmanteau in his thickly gloved hand. He was wrapped up from head to foot, and the brim of his soft felt hat hid every inch of his face but the shiny tip of his nose; the snow had piled itself against his shoulders and chest, and added a white crest to the burden he carried. He staggered into the Coach and Horses, more dead than alive as it seemed, and flung his portmanteau down. â€Å"A fire,† he cried, â€Å"in the name of human charity! A room and a fire!† He stamped and shook the snow from off himself in the bar, and followed Mrs. Hall into her guest parlour to strike his bargain. And with that much introduction, that and a ready consent to terms and a couple of coins flung upon the table, he took up his quarters in the inn. 1. What does the author most likely want to convey through the use of the phrase â€Å"ready consent to terms and a couple of coins flung upon the table?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A. The strangers lack of manners and thoughtfulness.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   B. The strangers desire quickly get to his room.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   C. The strangers greediness in bartering.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   D. The strangers discomfort. PASSAGE 2: An excerpt from Jane Austens Pride and Prejudice IT is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚   However little known the feelings or views of such a man may be on his first entering a neighbourhood, this truth is so well fixed in the minds of the surrounding families, that he is considered as the rightful property of some one or other of their daughters.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      ‘My dear Mr. Bennet,’ said his lady to him one day, ‘have you heard that Netherfield Park is leased at last?’  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      Mr. Bennet replied that he had not.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      ‘But it is,’ returned she; ‘for Mrs. Long has just been here, and she told me all about it.’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      Mr. Bennet made no answer.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      ‘Do not you want to know who has taken it?’ cried his wife, impatiently.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      ‘You want to tell me, and I have no objection to hearing it.’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      This was invitation enough.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚     Ã‚      ‘Why, my dear, you must know, Mrs. Long says that Netherfield is taken by a young man of large fortune from the north of England; that he came down on Monday in a chaise and four to see the place, and was so much delighted with it that he agreed with Mr. Morris immediately; that he is to take possession before Michaelmas, and some of his servants are to be in the house by the end of next week.’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         ‘What is his name?’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         ‘Bingley.’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚        Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬ËœIs he married or single?’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         ‘Oh, single, my dear, to be sure! A single man of large fortune; four or five thousand a year. What a fine thing for our girls!’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         ‘How so? How can it affect them?’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         ‘My dear Mr. Bennet,’ replied his wife, ‘how can you be so tiresome? You must know that I am thinking of his marrying one of them.’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         ‘Is that his design in settling here?’  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚         ‘Design? Nonsense, how can you talk so! But it is very likely that he may fall in love with one of them, and therefore you must visit him as soon as he comes.’ 2. The authors attitude toward mothers trying to arrange marriages for their daughters could best be described as: A. accepting of the notion B. irritated with the notion C. astonished by the notion D. amused by the notion 3. What tone is the author most likely trying to convey with the sentence, It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune must be in want of a wife.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A. satiric   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   B. scornful   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   C. reproachful   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   D. weary PASSAGE 3: An excerpt from Edgar Allen Poes The Fall of the House of Usher DURING  the whole of a dull, dark, and soundless day in the autumn of the year, when the clouds hung oppressively low in the heavens, I had been passing alone, on horseback, through a singularly dreary tract of country, and at length found myself, as the shades of evening drew on, within view of the melancholy House of Usher. I know not how it was- but, with the first glimpse of the building, a sense of insufferable gloom pervaded my spirit. I say insufferable; for the feeling was unrelieved by any of that half-pleasurable, because poetic, sentiment, with which the mind usually receives even the sternest natural images of the desolate or terrible. I looked upon the scene before me- upon the mere house, and the simple landscape features of the domain- upon the bleak walls- upon the vacant eye-like windows- upon a few rank sedges- and upon a few white trunks of decayed trees- with an utter depression of soul which I can compare to no earthly sensation more properly than to the after- dream of the reveller upon opium- the bitter lapse into every-day life- the hideous dropping of the veil. There was an iciness, a sinking, a sickening of the heart- an unredeemed dreariness of thought which no goading of the imagination could torture into aught of the sublime. What was it- I paused to think- what was it that so unnerved me in the contemplation of the House of Usher? 4. Which of the following choices provides the best answer to the authors final question posed in the text, while maintaining the tone of the article? A. It could be that Id fallen into a nightmare without knowing it.   B. It had to be the dreariness of the day. Nothing about the house itself was particularly depressing. C. The solution defied me. I couldnt get at the heart of my displeasure. D. It was a mystery I couldnt solve; nor could I grapple with the shadowy fancies that crowded upon me as I pondered.   5. Which emotion is the author most likely trying to rouse from his reader after reading this text?   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   A. hatred   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   B. terror   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   C. apprehension   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   D. depression

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Fashion Designer Parts 3 and 4 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Fashion Designer Parts 3 and 4 - Essay Example The essay "Fashion Designer Parts 3 and 4" examines the role of fashion designer. Performance appraisals are not a kind of lecture that the supervisor gives to the workers. This kind of a meeting comprises of two-way communication, where the supervisors can enhance the efficiency of the workers not only by giving them feedback of their performance, but can also make the employees understand in which fields they can improve and how. Here the worker’s listening abilities are tested and it also provides the employees with an opportunity to seek any clarification they have regarding work. There are two methods to evaluate job performance of fashion designers, which can be measured using Barscale. Always ensure the availability of fabrics and apparels to facilitate the outline drawn previous to the commencement of the design production. They direct and coordinate the activities of personnel in â€Å"drawing, pattern making and sewing divisions† (Fashion Designer, n.d, par.8) to ensure the reflection of actual thought process of the designs created. Keep a keen eye on the changing global fashion trends and always remain updated with the latest trends. Usually draw inspiration and generate conceptual designs to propose extremely unique products. Occasionally provide direction and coordinate activities of personnel to produce original designs. Usually is aware of the changing fashion trend, but fails to be in synchronization with global design trends, pricing and preferences. Sometimes offers absolutely unique products.... Usually is aware of the changing fashion trend, but fails to be in synchronization with global design trends, pricing and preferences. Satisfactory: Sometimes offers absolutely unique products to the market by creating new designs, but often fails to keep abreast of consumer preferences. Outlines the designs to be created but does not ensure the availability of fabrics and apparels required for the production. Poor: Poor direction and coordination of activities of personnel. Fails to develop marketing strategies required to penetrate into new markets as well as lacks creativity and innovation in designs? 2. Behavior: Proper Communication with Supervisors, Peers and Customers Regarding Design Ideas, Establish and Maintain Customer Relationship Excellent: Always communicates with supervisors, subordinates and also with the clients of the organization. Designers often take advantage of the information gained from the discussions and knowledge regarding fashion to produce unique designs. Frequently coordinates with clients to get an insight into their tastes and preferences as well as get an idea about their outlook on the designs and make any alterations required as per their demand and also maintains excellent relationship. Better: Usually provides sample garments to display at fashion shows, but little communication with the supervisors, subordinates and clients. Better utilization of the information attained from the discussion with various groups, however a less preferences is given for the customer’s tastes and choices. Good: Sometimes there is communication with the supervisors, subordinates and clients, but mostly failure to make use of the information obtained from discussion. Provides sample garments for exhibition at fashion shows, often fails to

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Explain the Rise and Fall of Keynesianism Essay - 1

Explain the Rise and Fall of Keynesianism - Essay Example It then goes on to discuss the all the theories that led to the rise of the Keynesianism and other potentially his radical forms of theories (Milgate and Eatwell 62). As asserted by Leeson (263), one of the factors that led to the rise of Keynesianism was the Keynes stewardship and experience with the treaty Versailles. This pushed him in making a break from the previous theory models he had put across. He involved many individuals into a treaty which led to the formation of the Economic consequences of the Peace (ECP) (Auerbach). From the book, he was established as an economy that had practical political skill to influence the policy making of the world economics at any summit. The peace treaties brought hope and expectation to the people’s development (Blinder 279). This also ensured unity and togetherness among the people. This further resulted in stability in the region and the nation at large which is requisite for a regional and economic development. Leeson (264) adds t hat another factor is the gold standard. This was a monetary system which used a particular economic unit based on a fixed weight and amount of gold. There were three types of gold standards: the first one was the gold specie standard in which the monetary unit is associated with the value of circulating gold coins or has the value of certain circulating gold coin together with other less valuable coins (Milgate and Eatwell 69). The second one, the gold exchange standard which did not involve the use of gold but a government guaranteed fixed exchange rate with another country which does not use gold (Blinder 281). Finally we have a gold bullion standard system which does not circulate gold but authorizes the selling of gold bullion on demand. This use of currency made Keynesianism a strong and powerful economy. Through this, many economies were attracted from different parts of the world in order to look for currency from them (Bleaney 265). During the 18th century when there were w ars within Europe and trade deficit with China, silver as a currency was drained from the economy of many Western European countries. Countries like United Kingdom created a massive recoinage program which acted as a currency reservoir for the UK. Unfortunately it came out that there was an exchange of unequal gold and silver currencies between the United Kingdom and Keynesianism. This later made Keynes so powerful and hence the rise (Yoshikawa 178). Keynesianism benefited from neo liberalism greatly. This is because the political philosophy they acquired enabled them to support economic liberalization. This allowed the Keynesianism to have their own economic theory and dominate it among the most powerful countries by then such as the United Kingdom and United States. Leeson (266) asserts that they had also a free trade and market control that was an advantage which made them became powerful economic and revenue gainers in the market. In addition, Keynesianism had control also over open markets and privatization of the market (Leeson, 268). They could also deregulate the laws that are enacted by other market policies in their favor. Keynesianism also had an upper hand in enacting his own market policies which would favor their market structure (Auerbach). This made them more powerful in controlling the economy of the region and hence their rise in power. Keynes had a stable monetary policy which had effectively demanded to

Sunday, November 17, 2019

The Four Major Trends for Mainframe Replacement Essay Example for Free

The Four Major Trends for Mainframe Replacement Essay As software trends change with the time so will the technologies that they run off of and the platforms they use to operate on. One of those technologies is mainframes and the cost to operate these in the traditional sense comes at a very high cost. The solution is to migrate to a Linux/Unix solution; this can potentially drop total cost of ownership by 77%. Since money is the driving factor in nearly all business decisions it is not hard to see the benefit of migrating to the open source solutions. One of the many advantages to Linux/Unix running on the mainframe is that organizations can significantly reduce the time-to-market of new IT solutions and services through application modernization projects and, in particular, through application migration projects (Pedgen, 2010). Being able to update on the fly is a huge advantage to companies that rely on the data network to successfully operate there day to day operations, this is due in large part to it minimizing down time. Linux/Unix can come in a variety of iterations so it is important to fully inspect the needs and goals of the company when making the decision on which to use. Many companies find solace in the fact that the cost to of ownership is low but they need to take in to account the lack of support that comes with such open source solutions but the fact is that most companies will benefit financially even after implementation. Retail is a good example of how Linux can be used on many different levels throughout an organization. The different levels associated can be anything from warehouse logistics to in store daily operations like inventory. Also having the ability to cusotmize programs for each level of the organization creates a more efficient flow of operations by exploited redundancies in typical off the shelf softwares that are available. Linux Tools Support iOS 4.2.1 The growing cell phone world has been dominated for the last few years by Apple’s iPhone and more so in the market of unlocking those phones to be used on other carriers or just to customize the device beyond Apple and ATT’s manufacturers guidelines. Traditionally consumers would use applications like Pwnage, Yellowsn0w and more recently Blacksn0w to infiltrate these devices. ibimobiledevice provides mechanisms that allow Linux programs to communicate with iPhones, iPod Touchs and iPads via USB without the need to jailbreak the Apple device (h-online.com, 2010). There are many benefits to this, one of which is offering synchronization between many different applications instead of being restricted to just iTunes. When you don’t have to use iTunes you don’t have to activate the phone thus you can jailbreak it and do what you will. Applications like this speak to the flexibility of Linux by making itself useful on nearly every medium of technology available today. Linux can offer backdoor access to many different systems to allow for customization or just backing up important data for storage or migration purposes. Who Builds Linux? These Days, More and More Mobile Devs The increase of Linux in the world of mobile devs is a growing trend due to its flexibility and also its lack of compatibility with large name tech companies like Google and Microsoft. Linux does become very useful in the development of mobile applications as well as mobile OS’s, some of the companies that support and make use of Linux are Nokia and Qualcomm. As Linux continues to grow in the mobile world there will be a shift in the iterations of Linux to support more mobile platforms. When large tech companies don’t take the compatibility issue with Linux as high priority it hurts the platform and drives devs to use a more limited set of tools and thus causes a decrease in use amongst those people. The exception to this increase in Linux by use of mobile devs is the continued support of software developers like Oracle and IBM. A lot of the support of this open source software depends on large companies like the aforementioned to build upon its kernal and continue to drive innovation within the software to keep it relevant. References http://www.h-online.com/open/news/item/Linux-tools-support-iOS-4-2-1-1143629.html http://mashable.com/2010/11/30/who-builds-linux/

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Mellsy’s Outline for Research Paper -- essays papers

Mellsy’s Outline for Research Paper Have you ever thought about volunteering your time to a local charity or community organization? There are many different reasons for you to start volunteering your services: To help others, to learn about an activity or organization that interests you, to beat boredom if you find yourself sitting around the house feeling totally bored, volunteering in an activity you enjoy can be a great way to change things, to overcome a loss you have experienced one of the best ways to help yourself in a time of loss is to help others, to gain perspective on life there is no better way to understand your blessings than to help people in need. Your reasons for volunteering are as individual as you are, but no matter what your reasons you can get a lot out of volunteering. You can learn about yourself, learn about others and meet a lot of interesting people by volunteering. You can help others as you help yourself. By Definition of Community Service, which is: "services that are identified by an institution of higher education, through formal or informal consultation with local nonprofit, governmental, and community-based organizations, as designed to improve the quality of life for community residents, particularly low-income individuals, or to solve particular problems related to their needs; I chose to discuss this particular subject because it hits home. I’m very active in anything that takes place my community and I would do anything to make sure it stays a safe environment for all the young children in it. (Webster’s Dictionary) Adolescence is a time for young people to define their place in the family, peer groups, and the larger community. During this stage of their lives, youth struggle wi... ...Lessons Shared: Reflections from the International Learning Group on Youth and Community Development & Youth Development Series This scholarly journal is about international learning groups on youth and community development. It is about youth in the political processes of their countries and brought ILG members together for a week to learn from programs and leaders in five Latin American partners, which include: Venezuela, Ecuador, Mexico, Uruguay, and Paraguay. It speaks about lessons learned and its impact on their youth engagement projects. Where Community and Curriculum Come Together This examines how technology-centered community connected educational endeavors impact students lives and learning experiences in various areas in the United States. Youth & Community Service. Retrieved February 24, 2005,www.communityservice.org, http://www.suws.com/

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Literacy and Young People Essay

The opportunity to apply for a specialist responsibility in supporting literacy development has arisen in your educational environment. For your interview you have been asked to prepare information to show that you can: Literacy means the ability to read and write. Only recently has the word ‘literacy’ been applied as the definitive term for reading and writing, mostly since the introduction of the National Literacy Strategy in schools. The skills of reading and writing complement each other and develop together, it therefore makes sense to use the term ‘literacy’. Reading and writing are forms of communication based on the spoken language. Effective speaking and listening skills are essential in order to develop literacy skills. The progression of literacy skills is a vital aspect of development and learning. Without the ability to read, write and listen children and young people may not be able to function effectively in school, college, university or at work or communicate with others about their ideas and participate fully and safely in the community. Literacy enables children and young people to express themselves creatively and productively. The majority of jobs and careers rely on an element of basic literacy (and numeracy) skills. Literacy is required in our everyday lives, to keep us safe by being able to read signs and follow instructions, read directions, reading newspapers, recipes, food labels, dealing with household finances. Literacy also enables us to progress with technology by being able use computers competently, surfing the internet and being able to read and write emails. As the heart of all learning lies the two key skills, literacy and numeracy. Literacy is possibly the more important of both skills as children and young people need literacy in order to access further curriculum areas, e.g in order to approach a numeracy problem, the question needs to be read and  understood before the answer can begin to be found. The development of literacy is important from an early age for all children and young people. As Teaching Assistants it is likely that we will be supporting children and young people with communication difficulties or other Special Educational Needs which could have an impact on their literacy skills, a situation may also arise where English is not the first language. It is important that children and young people are encouraged to explore the way the English language works, e.g phonics for vocabulary, reading, writing and spelling. This will enable children and young people to gain knowledge to be able to read, write and spell confidently. The learning objectives are associated to 12 strands in literacy to demonstrate progression in each strand. The strands are as follows:- Speak and listen for a wide range of purposes in different contexts 1. Speaking 2. Listening and responding 3. Group discussion and interaction 4. Drama Read and write for a range of purposes on paper and on screen 5. Word recognition: decoding (reading) and encoding (spelling) 6. Word Structure and spelling 7. Understanding and interpreting texts 8. Engaging and responding to texts 9. Creating and shaping texts 10. Text structure and organisation 11. Sentence structure and punctuation 12. Presentation Within my setting we aim to encourage children and young people to be able read and write with confidence, fluency and understanding, to be able to orchestrate a full range of reading cues (phonic, graphic, syntactic, contextual) to monitor their read and be able to correct their own mistakes. To understand the sound and spelling system and use this to read and spell accurately, have fluent, legible and cursive handwriting. To have an interest in words and their meanings and a growing vocabulary. To know, understand and be able to write a number of genres in fiction and poetry,  understand and be familiar with some of the ways in which narratives are structured through basic literacy ideas of setting, character and plot. The ability to understand, use and be able to write a range of non-fiction texts, plan, draft, revise and edit their own writing, have a suitable technical vocabulary through which to understand and discuss their reading and writing. Children are encouraged to be interested in books, read with enjoyment and evaluate and justify their preferences. Develop their own powers of imagination, inventiveness and critical awareness through reading and writing. In the Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception) – Children and young people should be given the opportunity to speak, listen and represent ideas in their activities. Use communication, language and English in every part of the curriculum and to become immersed in an environment rich in print and possibilities for communication. All Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) – Children and young people should learn to speak confidently and listen to what others have to say. They should begin to read and write independently (using phonic knowledge) and with enthusiasm. They should be using language to explore their own experiences and imaginary words. All Key Stage 2 (Years 3-6) – Children and young people should learn to change the way they speak and write to s uit appropriate situations, purposes and audiences. They should read a range of texts and respond to different layers of meaning in them. They should explore the use of language in literary and non-literary texts and learn how the structure of language works. Intervention groups are offered in speaking, reading, writing and listening to those children and young people who are under-attaining and booster groups for the more able. Where the pupils performance is significantly below average we will seek specialist provision such as speech therapy, EAL programmes and reading recovery will be accessed as needed. In Key stages 1 and 2, English sessions use the National Strategy unit plans (our own versions) focusing on shared reading, shared and guided writing and producing sustained outcomes. Further lessons are also used for focused activities in phonics, guided reading and comprehension. In Key Stage 1 there is a daily phonics session, daily guided reading and English lesson. There is one discrete handwriting session each week. In additi on to this, there is also a slot used for the development of speaking and listening and the class story. In lower Key Stage 2 there is also a daily phonics session, four guided reading sessions and a daily  English lesson. There is one discrete handwriting session every fortnight. Additionally there is also a slot used for the development of speaking and listening and the class story. In upper Key Stage 2 there is a daily phonics/spelling session, four guided reading sessions and a daily English lesson. There is one discrete handwriting session every fortnight. Additional there is a slot used for the development of speaking and listening and the class story. The monitoring and evaluation of the English policy is the responsibility of the English co-ordinator who is responsible to the head teacher and the governors for the development of English throughout the school. This is to be achieved in a variety of ways: Regular discussions with staff concerning the progress of groups and individuals Involvement in long and medium term planning across the school in English Regular classroom observation and working alongside colleagues to help identify strengths and weaknesses, to provide support to individual staff where appropriate Regular monitoring of resources, planning and children’s work Reviewing of assessment outcomes and data to evaluate the quality of learning in English throughout the school. Checking that within a key stage there is coverage of the full English curriculum in line with national curriculum requirements, the early learning goals and current National Primary Framework objectives (where used) Checking that appropriate opportunities to raise multicultural and gender issues are created and taken Ensure that the time spent on the teaching of English is meeting our pupils needs  Literacy Lessons are the same time each day, afte r morning break time. They are broken down into phonics and spelling, guided reading and English. The lesson starts at 10.45 and finishes at 12.30pm. The children start by gathering on the carpet area to be given an overview of what is happening in the day’s lesson. As a Teaching Assistant a discussion would have taken place with the Class Teacher prior to the lesson taking place to establish the lesson plan and what is expected of you for the lesson. Some Teaching Assistants may have been involved with elements of planning a lesson and able to give their own ideas as to how is the best way to carry out activities. It may be that you work with a designated group of children who have development issues and require more attention. It is important that  the Teaching Assistant works together with the class teach to monitor the progress of pupils in all areas of literacy development. This will usually ensure that the children and young people are focused and able to meet the learning objectives. Some pupils will require more encouragement to participate than others through the use of praise and feedback, whilst identifying any concerns or problems they may have. Monitoring of the children and young people also involves the relaying of information to the Class Teacher in respect of learning objectives and feedback as to how the tasks were managed and how to achieve their goals going forwards. We also carry out intervention activities in my setting where a group of children are taken out of the lesson by a Teaching Assistant to carry out some additional literacy activities to concentrate on tasks such as sounds of letter groups, reading sessions and basic spellings to help improve their literacy development. There are also groups of children who are taken out of lessons 3 times a week to carry out additional reading activities to help improve their reading skills. In our classrooms, we also use a ‘working wall display’ to show the key learning objectives for the terms activities and the pupils are able to use this to assist with their learning independently. Within my setting we also have a reading partners lesson on a Thursday morning where year groups visit other class rooms and read with each other, e.g Year 4 read with reception, Year 3 read with year 1 and year 2 with year 5. This gives children and young people to the chance to gain confidence in reading and speaking in front of other children who are of a different age and more developed. Bibliography Textbooks: Textbooks: Burnham,L, Baker,B (2010) Level 3 Diploma Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools (Primary). Harlow. Heinemann part of Pearson Burnham,L(2002) Brilliant Teaching Assistant. Prentice Hall Kamen, T (2008) 2nd Edition Teaching Assistants Handbook NVQ & SVQ Levels 2 & 3. Maidstone. Hodder Education Primary School Literacy Curriculum Policy overview

Sunday, November 10, 2019

Social Changes Their Influences Over The Past Century Education Essay

Merely as manner alterations in a response to alterations in society and public position, so make the positions of kids change in response to the same issues. There are Four major factors that tend to hold the most profound impact on the positions and intervention of kids in society. 1. Historical Events – World War II – Progressive instruction motion – Educational plan practice/practice examination – Social attention V Developmental attention – Sociable force per unit areas to maintain female parents at place2. Changes in Family Life – Increased figure of adult females in the work force – Rise in the figure of individual parents – Increasing mobility3. Evidence of the Benefits of Early Childhood Education – Research indicates quality attention has positive effects on development – Child at Risk Benefit: greater schooling success, decreased demand for particular instruction, lowered delinquency and apprehension rates, decreased public assistance dependance.4. Recommending on Behalf of Children – Many households face utmost poorness – Scarcity of low-cost, high-quality of attention – Child ‘s rights advocators – Has become a political concern Educational Theories and Their Influence on Early Childhood Programs Questions to See What is developmentally appropriate pattern? Why is it an recognized pattern in learning immature kids? What is an educational doctrine? How does it associate to developmentally allow pattern? There has been a distinguishable tendency to force kids to accomplish academically. Our schools are under changeless unfavorable judgment sing hapless academic readying and literacy. Possibly this is a consequence of conflicting educational doctrines and patterns.Doctrines of Education When pedagogues express their strong feelings about how kids should be taught, there are showing their doctrines. Doctrines of instruction integrate our strong beliefs about how kids grow and learn ; in bend, they help us find the activities and stuffs we consider most good. Doctrines are based on theories. Two major theoretical accounts are: 1. Psychometric Model 2. Developmental ModelPsychometric Model Psychometric Model is composed by specific mensurable abilities. It states that kids learn best by being screened, evaluated and moved through a preset sequenced of teacher-directed acquisition experiences holding predictable results that can be measured and tested. Instructional schemes: – promote the acquisition of specific academic accomplishments – pedagogues carefully and intentionally lead kids ‘s acquisition episodes – accent is placed on subskills associated with reading, composing and math – acquisition is reinforced with workbooks, worksheets ; paper and pencil seatwork focuses on memorisation of letters, word, etc. – art undertakings imitate theoretical accounts – schoolrooms find small clip for drama, originative thought, group or single job resolution, hazard or geographic expeditionDevelopmental Model The Developmental Model seeks to offer a safe and nurturing environment that promotes the ‘Whole ‘ kid, or SPLICE. Quality is determined how developmentally appropriate it is, both in footings of age and individualism. – follows Interactionist/Constructivist theories of larning – Course of study planning emphasizes larning as an synergistic procedure. Teachers prepare the environment for kids to larn through active geographic expedition and interaction with grownups, other kids and stuffs. – Learning activities and stuffs should be concrete, existent and relevant to the lives of immature kids. – Teachers provide a assortment of activities and stuffs ; instructors increase the trouble, complexness, and challenge of any activity as kids are involved with it and as kids develop understanding and accomplishments.Plans From Educational Theories Behaviorist Programs Early Childhood Program Name callings: – Direct Direction – Bereiter-Engelmann Model – Engelmann-Becker Model – DISTAR ( Direct Instructional System for Teaching Math and Reading The Educator ‘s Role is really of import because it is a instructor directed plan. it requires theoretical account or model behaviour from instructor and pupils. It uses techniques such as Prompting ( manus signals ) to derive the coveted behaviour or action.Curriculum and Program Organization: – academic accent – acquisition is hierarchal – undertaking analysis interruptions down constructs into little stairss – stairss are sequenced – usage prompts and support of behaviour – uses-fast paced lessons and bore techniques – uses small-group direction – follows a set timetable each twenty-four hours Physical Environment: – little suites available for group work – minimal ocular distraction – item awards such as star charts encouraged Appraisal: – frequent criterion-referenced testing – command of constructs allows for motion to following degreeDevelopmental Programs Early on Childhood Plans: – traditional nursery school – Early Head Start – British Infant School The Educators Role is to steer and ease acquisition. There is besides a heavy publicity of all facets of SPLICE/Development.Curriculum and Program Organization: – sees kids as adventurers – course of study is child-centered and frequently child driven – two cardinal characteristics: Integrated Curriculum and Integrated Day – integrated topics throughout the twenty-four hours – encouraged creativeness and self-expression through a strong usage of the humanistic disciplines – agendas are flexible – encourages kids ‘s involvements – considers development as a natural flowering: force per unit area is non appropriate – utilizations common environmental stuffs – considers play indispensable – considers societal and affectional development of import Physical Environment: – integrates the indoor and out-of-door environments – child-centered and child-friendly ; tonss of grounds of kids ‘s work and kids ‘s involvements – schoolrooms organized around involvement or acquisition centres Appraisal: – observation and anecdotal notes – developmental samples of work provide developmental record – periodic formal parent conferencesCognitive Interactionist Programs Early Childhood Program Name callings: – Constructivist plans – Cognitively-Orientated Course of study – High/Scope Curriculum ( extensively used in preschool plans in Eastern Canada, originated in Ypsilanti, Michigan ) Educator ‘s Role is one of facilitator and open-ended inquirer to ease thought and problem-solving. They provide open-ended stuffs for the schoolroom environment which offer the kid appropriate support and challenges. Observation and interaction with kids occurs to detect how each kid thinks and grounds. As good, there are custodies on engagement activities, along with conversations with the kids.Curriculum Program and Organization: – based on Piagetian Theory ( Jean Piaget ) – organized around cardinal experiences in the three countries of cognitive development, socio-emotional development, and movement/physical development: originative representation linguistic communication and literature enterprise and societal dealingss motion music categorization figure infinite clip – requires big blocks of clip for problem-solving and communicating, so timetable of twenty-four hours is build around ‘Plan-Do-Review ‘ – intent of ‘Plan-Do-Review ‘ is to ease kids ‘s thought and planning every bit good as to promote their brooding thought Physical Environment: – organized into involvement centres – stuffs in involvement centres are organized in logical mode that enables kids to utilize and return stuffs independently – suggestions for suited stuffs: practical, mundane objects natural and found stuffs tools messy stuffs heavy big stuffs easy-to-handle stuffs Appraisal: – High/Scope Child Observation-Record for Ages 2-6 – organized around cardinal experiences and buttockss initiative, originative representation, linguistic communication and literacy, societal dealingss, logic and math, and music and motion. – High/Scope Program Quality Assessment used for evaluation plans on larning environment, day-to-day modus operandi, adult-child interaction, course of study planning and appraisal, parent engagement and household services, and staff making s and developmentPoliticss and Early Childhood Education Canadian Governement Regulations hypertext transfer protocol: //www2.parl.gc.ca/content/lop/researchpublications/prb0420-e.htm Retrieved on 15-Nov-2010 Saskatchewan Child Care Regulations hypertext transfer protocol: //www.qp.gov.sk.ca/documents/English/Regulations/Regulations/C7-3R2.pdf Retrieved on 15-Nov-2010 First Nations Head Start -Standard Guide hypertext transfer protocol: //www.hc-sc.gc.ca/fniah-spnia/pubs/famil/_develop/2003_ahs-papa-ref-guide/index-eng.php Retrieved on 15-Nov-2010Public Education and Advocacy Some early childhood pedagogues are loath to take an active function in public instruction and protagonism, and others feel powerless to make anything. There are three types of advocacy-personal, professional, informational. Personal Advocacy – Help your neighbours understand what you do at your occupation. – Refer yourself as an early childhood pedagogue. – Encourage friends/family to believe about why attention costs every bit much as it does. – Identify how attention helps them in their ain occupation – Read and explicate early childhood research. – Join professional organisations. Professional Advocacy – Lobbying – groups that advocate for quality early childhood plans – Group work toward greater public apprehension and support for high quality kid attention, by broadening the base of support to include other groups such as baby doctors and concern community. Informational Advocacy – Attempts to raise public consciousness about the importance of early childhood, and the capacity of high quality plans to beef up households and proven chances for optimum growing and development. – An effectual advocator requires first-hand cognition for the issues confronting kids, households and staff.Engagement | Exploration | Application | Connection | Top created 12-Oct-2009 modified 17-Nov-2010 glossary right of first publication

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Commonly Confused Word Pairs in English

Commonly Confused Word Pairs in English Here, from our Glossary of Commonly Confused Words, are 20 tricky word pairs that look and sound alike but have different meanings. (For examples and practice exercises, click on the highlighted words.) Advice and AdviseThe noun advice means guidance. The verb advise means to recommend or counsel.All Together and AltogetherThe phrase all together refers to people or things gathered in one place. The adverb altogether means entirely or wholly.Baited and BatedA hook, witness, or animal is baited (lured, enticed, tempted). Breath is bated (moderated).Cite and SiteThe verb cite means to mention or quote as an authority or example. The noun site means a particular place.Complement and ComplimentComplement means something that completes or brings to perfection. A compliment is an expression of praise.Discreet and DiscreteThe adjective discreet means tactful or prudent self-restraint. Discrete means distinct or separate.Eminent and ImminentThe adjective eminent means prominent or outstanding. Imminent means impending, about to occur.Flair and FlareThe noun flair means a talent or a distinctive quality or style. As a noun, flare means a fire or a blazing light. Similarly, the verb flare mea ns to burn with an unsteady flame or shine with a sudden light. Violence, troubles, tempers, and nostrils can flare. Formally and FormerlyThe adverb formally means in a formal way. The adverb formerly means at an earlier time.Hardy and HeartyThe adjective hardy (related to hard) means daring, courageous, and capable of surviving difficult conditions. The adjective hearty (related to heart) means showing warm and heartfelt affection or providing abundant nourishment.Ingenious and IngenuousThe adjective ingenious means extremely clevermarked by inventive skill and imagination. Ingenuous means straightforward, candid, without guile.Lightening and LightningThe noun lightening means making lighter in weight or changing to a lighter or brighter color. Lightning is the flash of light that accompanies thunder.Mantel and MantleThe noun mantel refers to a shelf above a fireplace. The noun mantle refers to a cloak or (usually figuratively) to royal robes of state as a symbol of authority or responsibility.Moot and MuteThe adjective moot refers to something that is debatable or of no practical importance. The adjective mute means unspoken or unable to speak. Prescribe and ProscribeThe verb prescribe means to establish, direct, or lay down as a rule. The verb proscribe means to ban, forbid, or condemn.Rational and RationaleThe adjective rational means having or exercising the ability to reason. The noun rationale refers to an explanation or basic reason.Shear and SheerThe verb shear means to cut or clip. Likewise, the noun shear refers to the act, process, or fact of cutting or clipping. The adjective sheer means fine, transparent, or complete. As an adverb, sheer means completely or altogether.Stationary and StationeryThe adjective stationary means remaining in one place. The noun stationery refers to writing materials. (Try associating the er in stationery with the er in letter and paper.)Track and TractAs a noun, track refers to a path, route, or course. The verb track means to travel, pursue, or follow. The noun tract refers to an expanse of land or water, a system of organs and tissues in the body, or a pamphlet containing a declarat ion or appeal. Whose and WhosWhose is the possessive form of who. Whos is the contraction of who is.

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Muttaburrasaurus - Facts and Figures

Muttaburrasaurus - Facts and Figures Name: Muttaburrasaurus (Greek for Muttaburra lizard); pronounced MOO-tah-BUH-ruh-SORE-us Habitat: Woodlands of Australia Historical Period: Middle Cretaceous (110-100 million years ago) Size and Weight: About 30 feet long and  three tons Diet: Plants Distinguishing Characteristics: Streamlined torso; occasional bipedal posture; powerful jaws About Muttaburrasaurus It takes only one look at Muttaburrasaurus to see that this dinosaur was closely related to Iguanodon: both of these plant-eaters shared the slender, low-slung, stiff-tailed posture characteristic of the two-legged, herbivorous dinosaurs known as ornithopods. Thanks to the discovery of a near-complete skeleton in northeastern Australia, in 1963, paleontologists know more about the head of Muttaburrasaurus than that of any other iguanodont; this dinosaur was equipped with powerful jaws and teeth, adaptations to its tough vegetable diet, and its strange muzzle may have been used to create honking sounds (a trait common to the descendants of the ornithopods, the hadrosaurs, or duck-billed dinosaurs). One odd fact about Muttaburrasaurusand about iguanodonts in generalis that this 30-foot-long, three-ton dinosaur was capable of running on its hind legs when startled or pursued by predators, though it doubtless spent most of its day munching low-lying vegetation peacefully on all fours. As you might expect, the middle Cretaceous Muttaburrasaurus has an especially high profile in Australia, since (along with Minmi, a small ankylosaur) its one of the few near-complete dinosaur skeletons to be unearthed Down Under; you can see its reconstructed skeleton at both the Queensland Museum in Brisbane and the National Dinosaur Museum in Canberra.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Summary of the Adventure in the human Spirit Essay

Summary of the Adventure in the human Spirit - Essay Example The book further clarifies the correlation in western cultural and music and how the society portrays the women who participate in music and other work of arts. Adventure in the human Spirit is a book that was written with a view of assisting students or scholars with insufficient knowledge and background in the arts and humanities. Adventure in the human spirit provides a sensible introduction to the major arts, religion and philosophy in the arena of visual arts and film studies. The author tries to integrate the knowledge of arts in the concept of humanities to help students become more conversant with the ways of acquiring knowledge in the arts and humanities. This implies that the students will be well-informed and hence will have the capacity to blend critically and properly with their society, culture and history. The focal point of on core ideas and issues with respect to human experience promotes appreciation of the function of the knowledge and values in curving and appreci ating human behavior and conduct. The study on humanity also emphasize on the duties and opportunities of any democratic citizenry , underscoring the importance of the creative arts of any literature material, music, theater and arts and inform us to essential issues that take place within the society in a progressively interconnected and interdependent world. Based on humanities, this text handles the concept of humanity by centering on the principles styles, events, figures and movements as it chronologies these aspects of life from the past life to the present date. It brings the early life by entailing valid and authentic records or documents of events, figures or movement as they take place in day to day activities. The concept of humanities is also underscored in this text via relative global approach, through instances of existing literature on philosophies and music. In fact on the basis of music, it highlights how women and other minority artists contribute to the music ind ustry in their effort to find out the wealth of humanities imbedded in their lives. The book also clarifies the spirit of decoration through the spirit of Baroque illustrating how the western culture embraced the concept of beauty through decoration and beautification of their work of arts. In essence, this books tries to be more readable and understandableamong the scholars particularly among the students who wish to gather more knowledge and concept on humanity. Given that it summarizes the historical advancement in the field of religion, arts, science and philosophy, basing its coverage on the western world, with focus on the relationship between the ideas and the cultural creation, the conciseness and coherence of this text compared to other existing literature proves that this book is determined to invite readers into a thoughtful and lifelong conversation with the humanities. According to Bishop The most pronouncing advancement of this text is the incorporation of color photog raphs nearly in every page which actually is a benefit to students and readers who have a specific interest on the concept of visual arts in depth. In Chapter 2, through the spirit of enlightenment, this text highlights the civilizations and progress as it considers our perspective of human progress and development with respect to the invention of skepticismand empiricism. These concepts also underscore proper understanding of the philosophical roots of the contemporary scientific approach or attitude. Based on Chapter (12) and chapter (13)the Bishop introduce scholars and students to philosophical concepts

Friday, November 1, 2019

Employability and PDP Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Employability and PDP - Coursework Example It is a transactional contract where continuous learning is essential to enhance performance. Compensation is based on explicit and discreet exchange for work. One has to be employable and one has to take responsibility for one’s career. One has to be willing to develop the personal and professional skills to enhance employability (Raybould & Sheedy, 2005). Knowledge becomes obsolete in no time and hence life-long learning is emphasized upon. Work is no more merely a source of income but a source of fulfillment (Romaniuk & Snart, 2000). Learning opportunities are available now which help in career development through self-directed planning. It is a transition from dependence to independence. However, this requires identifying the strengths, weaknesses, values and beliefs, preferences and interests. The shift from the traditional career to the modern career forms is challenging. This requires that I engage in self-reflection. It is essential that one is at the right job, which means the skills should match the job role. I would need to understand what exactly motivates me, what I expect from the company and what am I prepared to give. In fact, I think one should focus on what one can give to the company. Once we have the necessary skills and give our best, the results are bound to come. However, we must be ambitious, we must have a wish list, we must know the strengths that we can utilize and we must know how to rise up the career ladder. Salary is necessary only up to a certain point and beyond that contentment and fulfillment is what one seeks. I would strive to keep upgrading my skills through continuous learning. I would however not like to switch jobs for small raises. I do not consider that as a career progression. In fact this could be detrimental in the long run. As a l ong-term strategy, I would like to hone up my skills and focus on what gives me fulfillment. Careers and the labour market have changed