Who governs the schools

Who governs the schools Introduction Education is closely linked to politics because its roots are wide and it affects every facet of the society. Academic freedom has not been defined by the U.S. constitution. However, the federal and the state courts have addressed this issue, and it is strongly protected (Wilson, DiIulio and Bose 4).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Who governs the schools? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Formal education cannot be compared with any other factor in governance because it experiences minimal changes regardless of whether it is in private or public institutions. It acts as an instrument in the establishing the broader social order for those people who wish to experience change or even safeguard their status quo. In the United States, formal education has been changing over the last decades and the current education system is different from the one that was practiced early in the 20th century. K-12 operates in about fifty states, with five million employees and students exceeding 48 million. This system is very costly and takes close to 2 billion dollars daily. This is not standardized because it is very reliable on the political dynamics. Thus, it is bound to change very often. Schools and colleges are subjects of the increased politicization, glacial pace to change, and these institutions change and the changes are expected even in the future (Guthrie 1-2). Attention has also shifted to the post-secondary educational institutions to use these institutions as significant features in the political landscape. A lot of research has been done to establish how the economy can be preserved while offering quality education. Student financial aid is one of the tools that have been used in this process. There are concerns as to whether the lower schools have received adequate attention (Guthrie 3). This paper discusses about the governance of schools and the politics that accompany this proces s. Dynamics experienced in politics are significant in the quality of education offered in the society. The federal and State governments have overpowered the traditional, local system of school governance. Education efficiency In the U.S., education is an individual states responsibility. States have focused their attention on the outcome that they are likely to gain from the education systems that they establish (Adams and Rick, 2-5). The states embrace the outcomes to provide favorable processes to each district.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The school managers, teachers, as well as students are involved in the process of making the procedures to ensure that the standards are followed. Each state balances its own local judgments with those of the state. This has prompted the authorities into taking this as an opportunity to introduce reforms and transformation s. Challenges are experienced in establishing whether the resources employed are utilized to the maximum. Policy makers have a keen interest in the assessment of educational systems efficiency. In the current systems, the spending levels have been expressed as per each pupils expense. This system is inefficient because it keeps rising as there is no proper, direct measure of what schools accomplish as defined by the outcomes achieved. It does not offer solutions as to how schools can change their mode of operation over time to meet the desired outcomes. Lack of proper planning for the gradual changes has made it difficult to establish policies that would provide for clear gains in the education system. Other key social goals have been undermined in the process. They include fairness and the freedom to choose the best system by institutions. Transformation is influenced by the dynamic political structures, and this should not be the case. The change should be initiated based on the o utcomes achieved and the expected results (Adams and Rick, 7). Each decade holds a unique plan, and this is determined by the leaders in power during a given period. For instance, George W. Bushs election victory was attributed to his education plan. However, any negative changes that may arise as a result of this plan may not be blamed on the president. The public can only complain about the issues arising like the meddling by the federal government and insufficient funding. In such a scenario, feedback and change implementation cannot be effectively assigned to ensure that an improvement is made (Epstein 3). Criticism of schools and blame will continue to persist as long as new governors and presidents develop new varying resolutions every decade. Such proposals can only last for the duration that they are in power. With this arrangement, planning for the education system has become political. It triggers applause and is a tool for winning votes.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Who governs the schools? specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the end, there is no risk attached to the planned resolutions if they fail because the governors and presidents do not have direct control over the implementation of the policies. The chief state school officers run the state education departments. They report to the state boards of education, and not the governors. This has led to the confusion and poor accountability that has been experienced in the education system. Making the political figures fully in charge of these systems can be a positive move towards an efficient education system. A separate education government is not effective if these figures are not held accountable for the outcome experienced from the resolutions that they establish. The challenges experienced are as a result of dominance by the political figures in the education system. The irony is that they dominate the education policies a nd leave the accountability to everyone else (Epstein 4-5). Direct political control promises greater visibility and accountability that will see the academic results improve. The management of programs that come before and after schools will also be effective. Challenges experienced in the school environment like teenage pregnancies among other social ills can be controlled effectively. Thus, the education system improves with the effective implementation of the policies. However, the main challenge is holding the mayors, governors, and the presidents accountable for the results achieved. Although the policies can be enacted and implemented in one term of office, the probability of evaluating the policies in the same term is nil. Thus, it is impossible to determine the efficiency of the policies given that there is no guarantee for another term in office (Epstein 5). Inadequate knowledge and technical properties do not mean that the education system is unpredictable or unmanageable . It only calls for great care in the implementation and exercise of these efforts to ensure that the current educational systems are efficient. The data and feedback assessed should be assessed and analyzed to determine the changes that can be established despite the accountability challenges that exist (Monk 22). The role of Political leaders in the educational systems The issue of accountability has triggered a new interest in the education systems as education politics have become a new reality (Sunderman 226). For the Mayors, there has been an increasing need to link the schools with other city services such as health and housing.Advertising Looking for essay on political sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This would make the mayors realize and plan for the future of their cities with education in mind. Since the education system is not an independent concept, other factors can be used to determine the faith of the public in the educational plans. The mayors can play major roles in the back office roles of the education system, support charter schools by proposing for new ones, or convert the public schools that have a record of failure. They can also facilitate the use of schools to reach the community for other services like health and day care among other community activities. This is a way of maximizing resources all year round, and the mayors also get a chance to add value to urban real estate. Such involvement by mayors gives the parents confidence in public schools and may save them the expenses associated with the private institutions (Cooper, James and Lance 24). The education system goals can be narrowed down to reach each student and widen the coverage in the society. The N o Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) that was re authorized in 2007 is an example of efforts by the government to promote a fair distribution of resources. Funding decisions are associated with a lot of controversy, and there is a need to reconsider some of the policy options. For instance, states that failed to focus on the fiscal side did not succeed in reducing the resource gap between the neediest districts and their affluent counterparts. This raised the issue of whether the federal government can clear the resource gap or not. This is only possible if a systematic examination is adopted within the country to meet its 2014 goal of educating every child. Politics that are based on accountability have been facilitated by the expansion issue in education. In this program, the political leaders such as the governors and the mayors are the key players. The high courts are also part of this plan that works at ensuring that leaders are accountable for the plans and policies that they put in place. Increasing accountability among the political leaders helps in addressing the issue of income and racial disparity. It also solves the tension that exists between social redistribution and the decentralized governance. Accountability discourages the political figures from establishing risky policies. It also builds a commitment towards the inter-governmental system (Cooper, James and Lance 28). Political Dynamics Evident in the Education system Dating back to the mid-1980s, the education policy has experienced many dynamics. With the K-12 education system, there has been changes in curriculum and the standards of performance. There have been new assessment and accountability regimes adopted, as well as new and attractive programs for teachers in terms of performance and pay. These have contributed to the rise and fall of numerous, systematic reform efforts. The same dynamics have also been experienced in higher education in terms of financing. There has been a decline in the public investment, as far as higher education is concerned. This has played a role in the performance and accountability reforms. The focus is not only on the inputs, but also the outcomes achieved. However, concerns have been raised as to why states have embarked on policy changes. The education policy change significance in the US may have been contributed by social, economical, and political differences that exist. However, this is not well linked to the assessment of the input and output assessment that has been done. External factors seem to play a bigger role in the education system. It poses a risk that this trend will continue in the future if a systematic approach is not adopted (Cooper, James and Lance 30). A continuous evaluation program involving political leaders has to be implemented for proper governance. Micro level systems, which are influenced by the existing political powers, should be dropped to adopt a systematic approach that involves all the stakeholders in d ecision makers. This will serve the interests of the general public, as well as the governments interests (Cooper, James and Lance 31). Good governance should involve maximum state, and local discretion to promote investment by educators and systems that offer support in return. Lack of this exercise constrains the government in terms of enforcement or promotion of enhanced educational practice with positive results. Another requirement for meeting the NLCB goal is the need for highly qualified teachers. While the governments argue that there is enough supply of qualified teachers, low income schools have suffered high teacher turnover rates. This puts the low income schools in a disadvantaged position when compared to the affluent schools. If the states could focus on the neediest districts in fund allocation, then there is a probability that the teachers would be attracted to stay in the neediest schools through the provision of incentives and other attractive packages. Such a str ategy would help in closing the resource and the achievement gap that exists between these districts (Epstein 9-10). Finance equalization has not been achieved in most of the states as a result of the poor approach given by the federal policy makers. The neediest students have not gotten the chance to access the much needed access to quality education. Most of the funds end up in the schools where students are already doing well, and this keeps them ahead of the needy students. The federal government should give an approach whereby funds are allocated according to each districts needs. Funds have also been allocated to public schools to cater for students who fail to progress academically for two consecutive years. There is also a prospect that the same should be applied in the private schools. However, this should be used as a strategy to help public schools gain preference. The choice between the private and public schools has been promoted by supporting the public schools. It pro vides competition that is meant to increase the efficiency in schools. This has resulted in conformity rather than choice because rewards and punishments only attract students because of the financial support and not a choice (Espain 11). School boards have lost power over the governance of schools to the federal government. In the past, American education was rooted in the local policy, management and financial control that are traditions, which are closely linked to the political culture. This has changed since 2000, and a majority of the Americans wants Washington to reduce its influence over the education system. It is feared that the NCLB program will change that and expand the federal power. The country is struggling with which way to go. This is about whether the country should be centralized or whether federal control should reign with reduced discretion by the policy makers. The current democratically governed education system is slowly overpowering the traditional, local s ystems. This is evident in the way higher authorities have lost confidence in the local decision makers. There is also a strong rivalry among states as governors want to use education just like tax breaks and other lures in an effort to attract business and employment. They use school funding to enhance equity and minimize property tax spending. The federal government is also focusing on centralizing more authority than it decentralizes (Epstein 15-16). The federal government could concentrate on civil rights and financing while the local political focus on the redistribution of these resources. This way, the educational needs of the society would be met efficiently (Sunderman 226-228). Conclusion The political dynamics experienced in the recent past have contributed to the increased federal power over the traditional, local school governance. The educational resolutions have been used by the political figures as a means to gain political preference. This has moved power from the ed ucational school boards to the federal and state governments who cannot account for policies that they put in place. It has resulted in unequal distribution of resources especially in the needy districts. To ensure that the current trend benefits the American society academically, accountability among the political leaders should be increased. This will ensure that once policies are enacted, they are assessed and evaluated to gain the desired results. This can also be used as a means to establish changes that need to be established to improve the education system. Since politics have a lot of influence on the educational systems, the federal governments should work closely with the school boards in order to have direct control over the policies introduced. This will promote efficiency and a quality education system. Adams, Jacob E. and Ginsberg Rick. Education Reform Overview, Reports of Historical Significance. 2012. Web. Cooper, Bruce S., C.G. James and D.F. Lance. Handbook of E ducation Politics and Policy. New York: Taylor and Francis, 2008. Print. Epstein, Noel. Whos in Charge Here?: The Tangled Web of School Governance and Policy. Washington. Brookings institution press, 2004. Print. Guthrie, James W. United States Educational Policy The Basics of Educational Policy, The Pressure for Reform in American Education, Defining Policy. 2012. Web. Monk, David H. Efficiency in Education The Choice of Outcomes, The Choice of Inputs, The Transformation Process and Implications for Policy. 2012. Web. Sunderman, Gail L. â€Å" Evidence of the Impact of School Reform on Systems Governance and Educational Beureaucrcies in the United States.† Review of Research in Education 34.1 (2006): 226-253. Print. Wilson, James Q, John J. DiIulio, and Meenekshi Bose. American Government: Institutions Policies. Boston, MA: Wadsworth/Cengage Learning, 2013. Print.

A Study of Human Speech and Language Term Paper

A Study of Human Speech and Language - Term Paper Example The development of language and speech starts as early as in infancy. Studies show that speech and language learning begin in the uterus with the infant’s recognition of its mother’s voice. Lieberman explains that anatomical changes and modifications in the human vocals for example the increase in length and the lower lying larynx compared to other animals is thought to play a crucial role in the development of human speech (2013). These improvements have been found to enable humans to produce a wide range of repertoire. However, changes in human genetic makeup have been shown to impact aspects related to neurologic system. Neurological aspects that control human motor control ability as well as those that lead to higher cognitive capabilities involved in speech development and language have been shown to be gene-determined. This research aims at investigating factors that influence development of speech and language in human beings to promote the conclusion that genes are responsible for human being’s speech and language development. The research questions are: The world is really being unlocked by advances in technology and is high end application in science. Voice, language, and speech are the tools used by humans to communicate with each other. Additionally, language is a significant and unique system that distinguishes humans from other animals and results to the development of race and heritage in normal child in terms of mother tongue inheritance (Dorothea, 2012). However, lack of sufficient technology and scientific knowledge has seen heated debates emerge over the development of science and language. Proponents have held strongly that human language depends on factors like adequate intelligence and environmental simulation (Mesoudi, Alan, McElligott, and David, 2011). Conversely, opponents held that human speech originated genetically. The result has been two perspectives of

Human-Resource Management Interview Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Human-Resource Management Interview - Assignment Example   Rao (2009) defines a group as a team of members who influence one another towards the accomplishment of organizational objectives. A group comprises of a smaller number of people equipped with complementary skills and committed to the common purpose, performance goals, and the approaches that they hold themselves mutually accountable (Chiarini, 2012). Groups are highly effective in the marketing department, just as they are in other departments of organizations. The first step in understanding the functionality of groups in human-resource management requires interviewing a person who holds a leadership position in an organization, especially in the marketing department. The Interviewee The name of the person interviewed is Harrison. Harrison is an overall marketing manager of the leading banking organization in Europe. Harrison holds a Master of Business Administration from Harvard University. The company hired Harrison in the year 2003; he has ten years experience in the company , but fifteen years in the marketing department.  Ã‚  Harrison’s Experience with Utilizing Groups Harrison has used groups two times during his time as a marketing manager. Harrison was first involved in developing a marketing group, where he headed the formation process. The stages of team development that Harrison oversaw included forming, storming, norming and performing. Forming involved orienting and acquainting with the team members, which was characterized by uncertainties and stress (Chiarini, 2012). The primary role of Harrison in this stage was to recognize that team members were struggling to adjust to their new functions and the environment. Harrison had to remain tolerant of lengthy interactions probing team specifics, facilitating role clarity and emphasizing the need for customer focus. The stage of storming involved encouraging open discussion, developing interpersonal competence and urging group members to arrive at agreements that will help the group to ac hieve its objectives. Norming was another critical stage where Harrison was involved in encouraging the group towards developing team norms and values, and the process of determining unacceptable behaviors that are significant for the future productivity of the organization (Rao, 2009). The last stage of group development was performed, which involved recognizing the accomplishments of the group and the desired behavior of the team to ensure sustainability and continuance of the team for an unforeseeable future. The second time that Harrison involved himself with groups was when hired to evaluate group performance.  Ã‚  

Functions of packaging Essay Example for Free

Functions of packaging Essay The functions of packaging range from safety, information to its aesthetic aspects. Bill Stewart, (1996) has defined basic functions of packaging as follows: â€Å"product packaging must contain the product, protect the product from degradation, and identify its contents†. Stanley Sacharow, (1982) state that ‘although new dimensions of packaging are being investigated but until about 1900, a package had to perform only two functions: (1) To ensure safe delivery of the product to the consumer, and (2) To protect the product and ensure its shelf life. Apart from its functional attributes several researchers have explored the distinct roles of packaging and its growing importance is demanding to investigate its potential power in greater detail. (Thomas Hine, 1995) suggests Packaging as a tool for simplifying and speeding consumer buying decisions as packages promise, and usually deliver predictability. (Herbert M. Meyers and Murray J. Lubliner, 1998) sustain packaging functions that contribute to product differentiation, brand identification, appealing presentation, information, and enhancement. A package must literally shout attention to the product (James Pilditch, 1973). Forming an overall personality of the product is an integrated function stated by (Herbert Meyers and Richard Gerstman, 2005). â€Å"†¦.. Offered one example of the importance of package Colour. When 40 consumers were shown the same yogurt product in both an attractive blue cup and in an unattractive brown cup, only one consumer said the yogurt in the brown cup was superior to the same product in the blue cup. Those selecting the blue cup preferred it because it was sweeter, softer, definitely the best, Caron reported (Orloski, 1999) Packaging is no doubt an integral part of the offering of any organization to its consumers and stakeholders. It has to perform basic functions relevant to its attributes like size, Colour, graphics and shape. Various product strategies, designing and technologies can be used to achieve competitive advantage out of it. I. i. a. Components of Packaging Packaging is important component of the product business world. There are various factors which are important while making packaging decisions. With regard to main components of packaging, many different points of view have been expressed (Sonsino, 1990; Vidales Giovannetti, 1995; Hine, 1995; Underwood et al. , 2001; Cervera Fantoni, 2003). Generally speaking, a distinction is made between two blocks of components: (1) Graphic Components: Colour, Typography, Shapes/ Pictures (2) Structural Components: Shape, Size, Material (Olga Ampuero and Natalia Vila, 2006) In an article appeared in The Birmingham Post. (2005) have following lines which indicate the importance of packaging in the promotion and communication part of the business as well. â€Å"The bottle blends vintage and modern elements, while the packaging uses Williamsons signature Colour combinations of delicious pink and purple. † In other newspaper a product in children’s category has been mentioned. Here packaging is also mentioned as one of the importantly features of the product offering. â€Å"It is made with the gentlest ingredients for childrens sensitive skin, and has a delicate aroma of chamomile tea and baby powder. Included in the range is a shampoo and shower gel at pounds 15, body lotion pounds 17. 50, set of animal shaped soaps pounds 14, and a fragrance without alcohol pounds 25. The packaging is cute, decorated with drawings of animals. † (Sunday Mirror 1997) I. i. b. Multi-Faceted Dimension of Packaging Role of packaging is multifaceted. It functions to protect the product. It provides information like manufacturing date, expiry date, cautions and many others depending on the product. It is important for the storage and inventory management. Packaging plays a multi-functional role in the marketing of different products. Packaging not only protects the content of the product during physical distribution and storage in supply chain but also displays the product on the shelf in order to grab customer attention to make a choice among many competing products. Hence, packaging mainly plays a role of a silent salesman. (Sara, 1990). Designs of packaging have become one of the most important aspects of the product and it has been challenge for designers to develop packaging which can have all the attributes required. Numbers of products are sold in outlets where self service is practiced. According to Sonsino (1990) who has studied the buying behaviour and pattern within self service retail outlets, â€Å"Self-service has transferred the role of informing the customer from the sales assistant to advertising and to packaging. In an average supermarket the typical shopper passes about 300 items per minute. So it is quite obvious that a customer would be willing to pay little more for the convenience and prestige of better package. Therefore, packaging provides manufacturers with the last opportunity to persuade possible buyers before brand selection (McDaniel and Baker, 1977). This becomes even more important as nine out of ten purchasers, at least occasionally; buy on impulse (Welles, 1986). Sara (1990 p. 30) argues that â€Å"it is consumer’s subjective perspective that counts in his or her purchasing decision, not the product’s objective reality, and this in fact highlights the importance of packaging in the marketing mix. Consumers assess all the benefits of a product or supplier before making the final choice. The fact is that 95% of all retail purchased are made at prices higher than lowest possible†. (Bo Rundh, 2005) The point of purchase and impulsive shopping increases with good packaging strategies. Importance of packaging in the product mix can not be ignored for various reasons from the basic needs it fulfils safety and security of the product to the appeal and presentation of it. Greenman (2003) explains his expectations about buying behaviour. â€Å"it was my hope that their chosen treats would not only be to their liking, but would also have the creative packaging, Colours, patterns, shapes and attractive font that would make an interesting composition. † There is a need to understand consumer attitude and behaviour towards the packaging on special occasions will be investigated in greater detail. Understanding of the factors influencing consumers during special occasions will help marketer to serve target market effectively. I. ii. Cultural Implication on Packaging The increasing internationalization and globalization of business has forced many firms to reconsider different aspects of packaging that contributes to their competitive advantage. For some companies the package can make the difference example a superior design of a bottle like the export success of absolute Vodka (cap, seal, text and form of the bottle), which has become the second largest brand in the Vodka market (Bo Rundh, 2005, p. 670). An innovative packaging can even change product perception and create a new market position. Pringles potato chips are such an example whose innovative packaging differs from most competitive packages. I. ii. a. Culture Culture has been defined and described differently by various researchers, anthropologists and sociologists. The findings related to various cultures have been inputs for the business and economics sector in order to serve the mass with the products and services of their choices. Any business organization before investing or starting its business operations to any particular area within its country or other nations studies the socio-cultural background of that area. There is various definition of culture. Some of the definitions are discussed below: Culture has been defined as the collective programming of the mind which distinguishes the members of one human group from another by Hofstede G. H. (1980), whereas Van Maanen J. and Schein E. H. (1979) defined culture as values, beliefs and expectations that members come to share. According to Kroeber A. L. and Kluckhohn C. (1952) culture is defined as transmitted patterns of values, ideas and other symbolic systems that shape behaviour, while Hall E. T. and Hall M. R. (1987) defines culture as a primary system for creating, sending, storing and processing information. (Lisa Hoecklin, 1995, p. 28) In researchers view, there is a commonality reflecting in the views of all these different authors that- culture is a set of values, beliefs, customs, behaviours and expectations which is shared by members of a society and is passed on from generation to generation. Values and beliefs of an individual develops through his family background, social set ups and his own level of understandings. Individual follows customs and rituals which have passed to him from generations to generations. His behaviour is a result of the combination of his personality, customs, believes and value systems. There are certain levels of expectations from each and every individual in the society. These expectations can be personal to the individual or family or society’s expectations to him. The result of the collective behaviour of people comes in the form of culture. Culture is something where the past of the society have impact on its present. As rightly stated: Culture can neither be separated from individual and nor from the historical context. Its importance to society is equivalent to the importance of memory to an individual. As said by (Grunert, S. C. ) language, time and place help define culture. (Mooij and Marieke K. de, 2004, p. 26) I. ii. b. Hofstede’s Five Dimensions of Culture A Dutch cultural anthropologist, Geert Hofstede has developed a model of five dimensions of national culture that helps to understand basic value differences. Figure II. 2 HOFSTEDE’S FIVE DIMENSIONS OF CULTURE †¢ Power Power within a society plays vital role in its culture. Different culture has different frameworks for power and it has different implications as well. As described in Mooij and Marieke K. de (2004, p. 33) Power distance can be defined as â€Å"the extent to which less powerful members of a society accept and expect that power is distributed unequally. † Different countries can be divided by the power distance it has within its society. The high power society countries have centralized and top-down control while in the countries with low power societies are more independent and equal distribution of powers. For example: Japan can be described as high power distance cultures. Japanese people accept and give authority. Various factors constitute power within the society form the age of a person specific to the status and ownership. Within a family there are strong dependency relationships between parents and children. In the organizations bosses and subordinates show the distinct relationship due to the power. In the educational institute, professors and students share different relationship. Japanese people are least likely to change their job due to values they have developed and culture it has. On the other hand western countries have low power distance cultures. For instance Denmark people stress on equality of rights and opportunity. Within a family parents support their children to be independent at a young age. Dependency within the members of the culture is least. †¢ Self Approach of people can be different from each other from culture to culture. Within a society when majority of people are self conscious and think about their own interest first it is called individualism. People want to differentiate themselves from each other in such societies. They have private opinion about all the issues and problems and for them self actualization becomes an integral part of their life. In such cultures people are â€Å"I† conscious. Individual decisions are higher valued than group decisions. Most of the western countries display individualism culture where people are universalistic, share more explicit views and open communication and think about themselves first. On the other hand Asian and Latin American countries’ cultures show altogether different culture. This culture is known as collectivism. People are â€Å"we† conscious and think about their society or social network for each of their decisions. People have harmony among them and their cultural identity depends on the social network they belong.

United States and the Japanese-Americans Essays -- Essays Papers Immig

United States and the Japanese-Americans The United States of America has had a rich and complex history that showcases a nation on the move, a nation based on the ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and a nation that is based on equality under the law and considered to be the land of opportunity for all. However, these American ideals are not always put into practice, especially when it comes to the treatment of immigrants. Whether these immigrants are Irish, Jewish, Italian, etc, they have not been afforded the same rights and privileges as their American brethren. One such group of immigrants that gets overlooked in the discourse of the mistreatment of the immigrant is the Japanese. Although they are often passed over when it comes to other immigrant groups, their story reflects the deep-rooted inequality between the so-called American citizen and the Japanese immigrant, as shown through the internment of the Japanese during World War II and the events that led up to it. Perhaps the best place to begin the examination of American-Japanese immigrant relations is at the beginning. This relationship started shortly after the American Civil War, when in 1869, the very first Japanese immigrants came to settle in the Gold Hills of California. Like many other immigrant groups, the Japanese came primarily looking for jobs because the reputation of America is one of opportunity with its trademark â€Å"give us your poor, your hungry, and your huddled masses† slogan. However, the following year, the U.S. Congress gave black and white immigrants naturalization rights but excluded Asian immigrant groups from such rights, and in 1911, the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Naturalization continued the actions of Con... ...d Houston, James D. Farewell to Manzanar. New York: Bantam Books, 1973. Japanese Immigration: An Exposition of its Real Status. Seattle: The Japanese Association of the Pacific Northwest, 1972. Mies, Maria. Patriarchy and Accumulation on a World Scale. London and New York: Zed Books Ltd., 1998. Miller, Dale T., and Prentice, Deborah A. Cultural Divides: Understanding and Overcoming Group Conflict. New York: Russel Sage Foundation, 1999. Nagata, Donna K. Legacy of Injustice. New York and London: Plenum Press, 1993. Peterson, William. Japanese Americans. New York: Random House Inc., 1971. Taylor, Sandra C. Jewel of the Desert: Japanese American Internment at Topaz. Los Angeles: University of California Press, 1993. Williams, Raymond. Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society. New York: Oxford University Press, 1983.

Coffee and Starbucks Essay

1. What was Howard Schultz’s original strategic vision for Starbucks? Is his 2010 strategic vision for Starbucks. Has Starbuck’s strategy evolved as the strategic vision has evolved? Howard Schultz’s first strategic vision for Starbucks was the fortunate result of a company trip to Milan, Italy to attend an international housewares show. On this trip, he visited various espresso bars and was able to recognize how the customers in these bars were usually enjoying the ambiance and atmosphere of the bar with a freshly-brewed espresso, latte, or another delectable coffee treat, in hand, that was sold from the bar. Howard felt Starbucks should align their initial business model with that of the numerous espresso bars he visited while in Malian-through transforming Starbucks from an exclusive retailer of its coffee products, to providing and serving their coffee products in-house to their consumers with an expanded product line (lattes, espresso’s, etc. ) in tow. In addition to the espresso bar vision for Starbucks, during his interview process with Starbucks, Howard expressed to the three original owners of Starbucks that he felt Starbucks has the potential to successfully expand beyond the metropolitan area of Seattle, a vision not seen nor shared by the owners at the time. As assumed, the current vision set in place for Starbucks has changed since the original one was envisioned in the spring of 1983. The current strategy for Starbucks no longer concerns adding simply a new service within their stores but revolves around increasing their sustainability, increasing corporate responsibility, being the undisputed coffee leader in the worldwide marketplace, expanding their global presence, and creating innovative growth platforms, just to name a few of the more recent visions for Starbucks. As with any great leader who sets in place a vision for their company, Howard Schultz’s vision for Starbucks is truly dynamic, and will be manipulated whenever conditions in the marketplace (i. e. economic, consumer demands, business opportunities etc. ) dictate the vision to be altered for the success and better of the company. 5. What â€Å"values† does Starbucks have? How well do they connect to the strategy and to the manner in which the company conducts its business? On their supplier-side, too many businesses today are focused on procuring the lowest priced goods for increasing their profit margins. Starbucks would rather ensure their coffee growers are being compensated fairly and well enough to support their families in their trade. Starbucks also assists their suppliers (â€Å"coffee-growers) in being able to grow high quality coffee beans, and ensure their coffee growers are consistently meeting the company’s stringent environmental responsibility. What drives Starbucks to do that? Starbucks possesses a number of values (beliefs) that demand fair-compensation for their coffee-growers (either through Starbucks directly or through an intermediate), a belief that all their consumers should have their demands met (through Starbucks â€Å"Just Say Yes† policy†), and trait of managing their growth (as opposed to an almost unmanaged and aggressive growth strategy executed under Starbuck’s former CEO, Jim Donald). The aforementioned values for their coffee-growers complements Starbucks current corporate and social responsibilities as a whole for ensuring the livelihood of their suppliers (the coffee-growers). In addition, with the current push by Starbucks to increase their number of LEED stores in the United States, their vision of becoming more sustainable and environmentally conscious is being realized with each and every LEED-certified store opening. In terms of the manner Starbucks practices their business, their business practices and visions do not fall in line with the more common United States business practices and visions currently seen in the marketplace (such as the push to become the â€Å"Low Cost Provider† for consumers). As demonstrated and stated, Starbucks practices their business differently than most global businesses do, through ensuring supplier financial sustainability (for their coffee-growers) coupled with unrivaled purchasing standards for their coffee beans, to also ensuring customer satisfaction remains high by consistently adding new features and benefits for their consumers to benefit from and increase their value derived from being a consumer with Starbucks. Recent benefits Starbucks has given to their customers are as follows: -Free Wi-Fi usage in all their United States location. – Discounts on coffee products for providing your own coffee cup to the barista (thus being more mutually environmental conscious and responsible) . – Providing various â€Å"paid† websites to their customers free of charge on Starbucks Wi-Fi network; such as access to WSJ. com, the website for the Wall Street Journal, and also other exclusive content Starbucks Chairman Howard Shultz talks to the †¦ Starbucks Chairman Howard Shultz talks to the media at the Vancouver Waterfront Station location, celebrating 20 years of Starbucks in British Columbia. (Photo credit: Wikipedia) 7. What is your assessment of Starbucks? I feel Starbucks possesses a great moral compass in the field of business and excels at creating and executing strategic plans for their business that are dynamic, relevant, and complements their core values–thus I would rate Starbucks highly in my assessment. Starbucks, as mentioned before, is one of the few companies to ensure their suppliers (â€Å"coffee-growers) are receiving fair compensation. Furthermore, Starbucks has effectively taken on various corporate and environmental responsibilities at once through striving vigorously to purchase only ethically sourced coffee beans by 2015 for their coffee beans supply, and investing $20 million towards farmer loan commitments that will ultimately promote coffee grower’s crop yield, quality, and environmental standards, thus a mutual benefit to be had by both parties. In terms of a financial assessment, from 2009 Fiscal Year’s net profit of $390. 8 million to the $1,383. 80 net income earned in Fiscal Year 2012 (growth of over 350%!). It is safe to say, Starbucks financial strategy of increasing bottom line production through increasing the value of their products and services offered and sustained to their customers worked out perfectly for them. Starbucks has also decreased their debt to asset ratio by 11% from Fiscal Year ending 2010 to 2012 (. 424 to . 378 respectively). Clearly, a focus to clean one’s balance sheet with less debt and more activity is a strategy many businesses share in wishing they could accomplish but few truly accomplish it; with ease, Starbucks was able to do so effectively and considerably. All and all, as stated within this assessment and numerous times within this blog, Starbucks is a company to be hailed for due to their passion and determination to become even more sustainable with each passing day, being excellent corporate citizens, setting in place various plans that will extensively benefit their stakeholders in a sustainable manner, and promoting their financial and environmental position through creating a coffee â€Å"utopia† for the world to benefit from.

Native American Graves Protection And Repatriation Act

2 Abstract This essay presents a brief history of Californian Indigenous people. It also showcases a history behind the evolution of Federal Recognition and the Termination policy. In addition, it presents the history and explains what is the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) is. It then examines the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria giving a brief history. It also discusses the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria’s termination due to the Termination policy and California Rancheria Act of the 1950s. It also discusses the importance of regaining federal recognition applied to the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act. 3 Introduction Native Americans have†¦show more content†¦Methodology To complete the paper I will be researching and presenting, secondary data will be reviewed initially through the university library using a range of information sources such as the JSTOR system, ProQuest, academic and commercial abstracts, bibliographic databases, and Internet search engines. The website GratonRancheria.com will be used as primary data for the analyzation of the Federated Indians of Graton Rancheria. 4 Brief History on Californian Ingenuous People We have all heard the story of how America came to be, and how Native Americans were pushed out because of this. In regards to the west coast, the history is a bit different. There is evidence of natives living in California since from at least 17,000 BCE. Prior to contact with Europeans, the California region contained the highest native American population north of what is now Mexico. Because of the temperate climate and easy access to food sources, approximately one-third of all Native Americans in the United States were living in California. The Spanish began their long-term occupation in California in 1769. California and its Spanish Colonization were different from earlier efforts to simultaneously introduce missionaries and colonists in their world conquest schemes. Organized by the driven Franciscan administrator Junipero Serra and military authorities under Gaspar de Portola, they journeyed to San Diego to establish the first of 21 coastal missions. The Californian missions