How business works Essay Example for Free

How business works Essay Introduction In this assignment I will be producing a case study on large/medium sided businesses, showing of how business works. My chosen company is McDonalds. The following will be including in my case study: * A description of what the business does, its aims and objectives. * A description of the purposes and activities of human resources and any other three functional areas. * A description of how effectively different areas of the business communicate. * A description of how the structure of the business is different from another organisations structure. * A record of my sources information. McDonalds Restaurant OverView McDonalds is a large fast food chain of restaurants operating world wide, started in America and has outlets in other places such as, India, Cyprus. In many countries McDonald s sells variations of its food to cater for local tastes. They are also known for being multicultural because of the different cultural foods in their restaurants. Because of their huge volume of sales McDonalds has strong purchasing power with its suppliers and is therefore able to sell food very competitively. By the end of 2001 their was 1,184 restaurants in the UK alone. They had a target to get over 80 new restaurants opened by 2002, and that was achieved. By opening over 80 new restaurants they employed 4,800 new employees. ACTIVITY, AIMS OBJECTIVES (P1, D2) Main Activity The main activity of McDonalds is selling fast food. They aim to provide a customer service, there are 1.5 million employees working for McDonald restaurants in the 119 countries, which all have the same daily activities which involves the staff in greeting, serving and helping customers with any enquiries or problems. They are the largest food service company in the world, so its important that all employees work together to succeed their aim. Main Aim McDonalds main aim is to provide customers with a fast food service in order to obtain a profit for its shareholders. McDonalds are committed to conducting their business with the environment in mind. McDonalds mission statement is To be the worlds best quick service restaurant. This is being achieved through five strategies such as; * Development: Lead the quick service restaurant market by a programme of site development profitable restaurant openings. * Our People: Achieve a competitive advantage through people who are high calibre, effective, well motivated and feel part of the McDonalds team in delivering the companys goals. * Restaurant Excellence: Focus on consistent delivery of quality, service and cleanliness through excellence in our restaurants. * Operating Structure: Optimise restaurant performance through the selection of the most appropriate operating, management and ownership structures. * The Brand: Continue to build the relationship between McDonalds and our customers in order to be a genuine part of the fabric of British society. Objectives McDonalds objective is to be the bests quick service restaurant and believes and believes that this involves avoiding damage to the environment at a local and global level. The company aims to ensure that its operations today do not have an effect on the lives of future consumers. McDonalds is involved in an ongoing programme with the aim to improve the environment, they do this by reusable packaging and recycling. Functional Areas within McDonalds (P2, M1, D2) HUMAN RESOURCES The Human Resources department concentrates on employees who work for the McDonald restaurants. Human Resources department include managing staff and their welfare, so the safety of their staff is taking very seriously, this all comes under Health and Safety. Staff have to be careful not to use computers/tills for long periods of time because they can suffer from eyestrain, tiredness or stress. McDonalds is improving communication systems by installing panic buttons for the safety against violent customers. McDonalds employees have to work together to ensure a hazard free zone, by adhering to the health and safety regulations. McDonalds puts new employees on to a training system, to make sure if an accident happens which involves either a member of staff or a customer getting hurt, then the employee will be able to handle the situation effectively. McDonalds restaurants work to high standards, which meets and mostly exceeds the rules and regulations. The company always aims for the highest standards given in guidelines because of health and safety regulations and to expand the business. If McDonalds didnt meet the requirements than they would be closed down by the health and safety executives. The Human Resources department contributes to McDonalds activity by making sure: * They employ the right staff * Making sure the store is a hazard free zone These things contribute to the activity of McDonalds because without them they wouldnt be able to achieve their aim, so its important that all the different departments work together to succeed it. Recruitment, Training and Development When recruiting staff McDonalds look for people who have a positive attitude towards customers, themselves and other employees, and who are capable of delivering the highest standards of quality, service and cleanliness to our customers. Then potential employees are trained, promoted and treated on the basis of their relevant skills, talents and performance and without reference to race, colour, nationality, ethnic origin, sexual orientation, gender, marital status, age and disability. McDonalds management development curriculum takes new recruits form trainee manager to restaurant manger. They have on-the-job training and open learning development modules, backed up with courses and seminars at the companys national and regional training centres. Hourly paid staff receive continuous on-the-job training by computer based training and other training materials. When employees complete their initial training staff members are awarded a basic certificate in food hygiene. Employees Below are the figures of the staffs gender and age status. By the end of 2000 McDonalds employed 49,726 members of staff: * 46, 207 restaurant crew * 2, 974 restaurant management crew * 545 office staff Health and Safety McDonalds always aims for the highest standards (and mostly exceeds), so they can achieve its aim and be the best quick service restaurant. If McDonalds didnt meet the requirements of the health and safety act 1974 than they would be closed down by the health and safety executives. The most common hazards which occur in a work place are: 1. Leaving the work place untidy and dirty 2. Leaving floors wet and stairs 3. Leaving wires to trial across passageways 4. Frayed carpet or loose tiles 5. Equipment just left all over work surfaces 6. Too many plugs inserted into only one electric socket The human resources department has to make sure that all health and safety regulations are met. If they are not met then it can be closed down, also if the restaurant is unclean then it could loose customers and wouldnt keep up their activity to be the best selling fast food restaurant. Customers wouldnt want to go to a dirty restaurant, where there are a lot of hazards going on such as; wet shop floor, bins over filled, dirty tables and a unclean kitchen area. If any of these hazards occurred in any McDonalds restaurants customers could become ill or hurt, which would result in McDonalds going to court or having to closed the McDonalds restaurant down. Management training includes coping with emergency situations that could arise in a restaurant. This is because it decreases the risk of people being injured or the buildings being damaged in the McDonald restaurants. When an accident has occurred the manager then has to write out what happened and then investigate on the matter. Training is the main priority to ensure the consistency of the restaurant operation, and the highest levels of customer service and care. Every McDonalds franchisee must successfully complete a training programme which takes on average nine months to complete. Trade Union The workers are represented by union of shop, distributed and allied worker. Job Roles In Human Resources Job Roles In the Human Resources function Carmel Flatley, Human Resources Director I am the human resources director of McDonalds and I have the overall decision of anything that happens in this department. I also have to make sure that the human resources department dont go over their budget. Paul Smith, Human Resources Manager I look after the whole HR department and staff, involved with industrial relations and trade unions negotiations, implementing the organisations HR policies. Gemma Wilson, Recruitment officer I deal with recruiting people, thats sending out application forms, making interviews for potential employees. Potential employees dont need to be experience in any way, because McDonalds is committed to training their staff and improving the skills of staff. Matthew Lawrence, Health and Safety Officer I deal with all health and safety matters, accident monitoring and staff welfare. That involves making sure that the shop floor is a hazard free zone for customers and clean and tidy, making sure the kitchen is clean enough to work in. I am well trained in first aid so that if any accidents happen, I will be their to help. I also have to deal with complaints and try to solve them. FINANCE The finance is one of the most important functions as they record all the money going in and out of the business, they give a budget for each other department to spend to make sure they keep their level of income and expenditure. They would regularly check the amount of money each department has spend and made to see if they are on target or not. If a department has gone over their budget then the finance dept would check to see if there is enough money to lend those more. So the purpose of the financial function therefore is to: * Keep all the financial records required by the organisation, detailing all the receipts and payments that have been made * Prepare final accounts from these records as required by law * Monitor the income and expenditure of different departments against their budgets * Provide continuous, up to date financial information for managers about business performance * Pay salaries and wages to the staff * Pay amounts owing to suppliers * Control the levels of debts owed to the company * Obtain additional finance when required, from the most appropriate source * Advise senior managers on the financial implications of major decisions These contribute to the McDonalds activity by being apart of providing a good customer service by, paying the employees their salaries/wages, if they werent paid they wouldnt be no staff or it could result in the staff withdrawing their labour. Production will cease and the employer will lose revenue. By McDonalds receiving more capital they can improve the quality of the store or products so customers would be more pleased of the in store environment or pleased of what they have purchase. It would result in consumers returning to the store because of the good service and also bringing more money to the business which will also achieve their aim which is to be the best selling fast food restaurant. Job Roles in Finance Department JOB ROLES George Mackay, Finance Director I am the finance director and I am in charge of the whole finance department. It involves information services, new product development, quality assurance and supply chain. I have to make sure a product which is purchased has the right quality that is expected from consumers, and then have to put a price to it. The most important part of the finance department is the cash flow which is the movement of cash going in and out a business. As a finance director I have to gives advice to senior managers on the overall decision on financial matters. And also as a director I have the last say with what happens within the finance department. Christopher Bateman, Financial Manager I looks after the finance function and the staff. Advising on financial resources. As a manager I have to make sure that all work as been done well. E.g. they have to monitor the income and expenditure of all departments to make sure they havent gone over their budget. So after the staff have checked their cash flow I then have to then go threw it to make sure nothing has been missed out. Derek, Daniels, Ledger Clerk I have to assist the chief accountant in the recording of all financial transactions. So where the money goes or comes in I have to make sure the chief accountant has recorded it all effectively. If any mistakes have been made I then have to correct the errors. Nita Negi, Credit Control Clerk As a credit control clerk, I have to assist the credit controller in checking the credit status of new customers and existing accounts, and also Reminding customers or overdue payment. PRODUCTION Production is all about the process of making something. Product life style shows the stages of a product or a range of products. If it isnt successful it goes to decline stage. The activities of the production department are listed below: * Obtaining the resources required to produce goods or provide a service * Organising the resources to produce the goods or provide the service in the most appropriate way For the activities to be achieve they must consider the aim of the business which is to be the best selling fast food restaurant, so they have to find the best quality of food that suits them and then order it but first having to keep on target and not going over their budget by ordering expensive items or ordering to much that it all cant be produced/sold. Another thing they must consider is if the resources can be organised to achieve the aims, doing this they have to think about selling it cheaper then their competitors or having an offer like buy on get on free. They do this so it sells more because people wouldnt to spend more they would go to the most cheapest place or giving the product an offer can be appealing to the customers. The production department contributes to McDonalds activity by finding the right products at the right prices. When good quality products are sold at low prices it pleases customers and make them want to return, it also brings in more people as when a customer is pleased with the type of service they have receive the consumer then tells several other people, which makes then want to try it out. Job roles in Production Job Roles in Production Steven Cornway, Production Manager Responsible for the entire production function and its operations. What ever goes on has to be checked and authorised by me. Kim Karenga, Production Planners Plan all production to maximise machine use and staffing, taking account of customer requirements. Chris Walker, Production Controllers To check all production is going to schedule. Ted Osborne, Designers I am responsible for the actual design of the finished product. So if I dont like the way a product has been designed I can make remendments. MARKETING The object of marketing is to make sure that the right product is made and potential customers are persuaded to buy it. Market Research can be carried out through either primary or secondary research. Primary research means asking someone on their views or opinions. A way of asking potential customers of their views or opinions is to make sure a survey, having questions about a certain item. After the survey has been completed they will then need to send out the surveys to potential customers, by either online, over the phone, by post or giving out surveys (in stores. Postal surveys dont have much of a response as the others do as it takes more time e.g. sending it back, so when postal surveys are concerned their will usually have to be some kind of incentive offered for completing the survey, so customers would be tempted to fill it out. Secondary research is known as desk research. It consists to looking up facts or figures in books, magazines, computer databases, company files. So secondary research is looking at information that already exists instead of creating your own. McDonalds keeps a large amount of information on their databases about their customers and their buying patterns, also companies buy information from government statistics. Product The amount of products the customer wants, the quality wanted, the features and the styling that are preferred, whether packaging is important, whether a guarantee or after sales service is required. Strategies Is a long term plan for future success or development. Place McDonalds are located on high streets or town centres. Marketing contributes to the McDonalds activity by market research (finding out what potential customers wants/needs), and improving existing products. Both of these improve the customer service, marketing contribute a lot to their activity to make McDonalds achieve their activity. All the functions work together to achieve it. The job roles of Marketing Job Roles in Marketing Matthew Howe, Marketing Director I am responsible for the overall marketing function and its aims and objectives. So if any ideas have been thought of they have to been checked with me before anyone goes ahead and makes a change. Ethan Farah, Sales Manager As a sales manager I am responsible for overseas agents and the achievement of sales targets overseas. David Frank, Market Researchers Market researchers have to find out consumer opinions on current and proposed goods and services, if this is not done than they could bring out a product which isnt doesnt sell a lot and a loose the money they put in to produce the products. Advertising Manager An advertising manager is in charge of advertising and liaising with agency staff over publicity campaigns. Advertising is one of the most important things in marketing as without advertising a product will not be known so their would sell as well as products being advertised. EQUAL OPPORTUNTIES (P3, M2, D2) In a work placement an employee has rights and responsibilities. Below are the rights and responsibilities of an employee. Rights as an employee Employees rights How to carry it out Having safe working conditions Making sure that the area your working is a hazard free zone, if not consult your manager or the human resources area. It is also your job to take care with anything you do to prevent any hazards happening. Getting paid the fair salary/wage Depending on your age, experience and contract, employees get paid differently. You have to make sure that your getting a fair paid if not consult your manager. You should first read your contract because you might have signed for getting paid the amount youre getting. Provided information concerning your rights Before starting your job you will be provided with information about the rights an employee has. (mainly in your contract) If youre not provided with this information you are able to ask for it. Not to be discriminated on grounds of race, sex or disability If you feel that your getting treated unfairly according to your race, sex or disability your able to take up action like consulting your trade union. To be consulted over matters which will significantly affect your terms and conditions of employment If you employer decides to change something, which affects the terms and conditions on you employment and does not consult you first, you can take action upon this. Responsibilities for an employee Employees responsibilities How to carry it out To be ready and willing to work Its always good to be full with enthusiasm in your work because it looks good for the company and make you happier in your work To give a personal service Your contract will contain you main job roles, but its always good to provide your own service like putting your ideas into your work, smiling and just any other little thing. To treat others how you would like to be treated If youre rude and dishonest than fellow staff would treat you the same. Its important to work as a team and communicating well with other people, this can only be done if you treat people well. To work towards the objectives of the business Working towards the objectives of a business could look good on you and on the business, if the employer see s you are working hard than it could result in the employee being promoted. To work in good faith Working in good faith consists of being honest, if youre honest it again can see that youre trustworthy and could get promoted. But yet if your seen lying than you could loose your job. COMUNNICATION (P4, M3, D1, D2) Most organisations have different ways of communicating, communicating is one of the most important things in a business, because without communicating you cannot run a business effectively. They are all types of communicating, below is a list of ways of communicating within a business. * Meetings * Group discussions * Tele phone * Memos * Emails * Draft letters * Reports * Faxes There are two main methods of communication which are oral and written communication. Oral communication could be either face to face or the over the phone. If you cant get threw to the person you are calling then you can leave a message which is still oral communication. Written communication could be sent by mail or transmitted electronically. This can include letters which is the most common one, text messages on mobile phones or notices on notice boards. Below are the advantages and disadvantages about oral and written communication. Oral Written Advantages 1. Its a fast way of communicating because you dont have to write things down. 2. Its cheap, as if you phone someone you would have to pay for the phone call. 3. Immediate feedback, you dont have to wait ages for someone to reply back to you as you would in a letter. 1. Writing a message can be retained for future reference. 2. Writing a message can also be copied for other peoples uses. 3. Creates a distance between sender and recipient useful for difficult communication, e.g. bad news. Disadvantages 1. Clear Speech, you must speak very clearly so that other people can understand you, but yet when you write a letter people can just read it in their own pace. 2. Long or complex messages can be forgotten. 3. You can be easily distracted while someone talks to you, and then you could forget the whole message they just told you. 1. When writing a letter it can take time to write, while if your talking to someone its faster.] 2. Keyed in documents need to be skilled and produced quickly and accurately. 3. Delivery can take time, or could be delayed. McDonalds functional areas communicate with each other by a system called Intranet which was launched in 2000. The McDonalds intranet provides a fast and up to the minute source of information for the McDonalds restaurant management and office staff. McDonalds external communication is dont by a system called McNews which was launched in 2000. McNews is a award wining magazine which was published monthly for all restaurant staff, then in 2002 McNews was re launched as MDUK and is now a lively focused magazine. MDUK has activities and events from restaurants around the country. MDUK is a showcase for best practice, recognising individuals outstanding practices and achievements, as well as highlighting internal and external awards. Apart from the Intranet and MDUK, McDonalds also has other ways of communicating within the business, they are listed below. 1. An email system operates in all offices and company owned restaurants 2. Regular staff communication sessions are held in the offices 3. Employee satisfaction surveys for both office and restaurant staff are held annually. 4. Meetings are held monthly. 5. Memos send daily An email system is to contact anyone within the business or outside the business, the email system is a fast and easier way to contact people. The email system is used by most companies and general people all over the world. Staff communication sessions are held to improve of employees communication skills. This is important because communicating with customers is one of the main things to do. Employee satisfaction surveys are handed out every year, so employees can write how they feel working in the McDonalds restaurants. This is a good thing to do because its important to keep the staff happy as it motivates the staff to work harder. Meetings are held every month to discuss the McDonalds performance. They also talk about how much they are making and see what can be improved with the money. McDonalds talks about new ideas and try to change or promote things that is not doing so well. This is a good way of communicating as you get to talk face to face to see the expressions on each other faces and its faster as you dont have to way for a reply if you do if you was writing an email. Memos are used daily in all of the departments. Sales manager might send a memo to human resources manager and ask if he has found a sales person. Memos are used daily because they are important little messages, and its also a fast way of sending.

Reflecting on Teacher Training Course

Reflecting on Teacher Training Course Reflective Assignment 2.3 This narrative account is based on my reflective journey which began in September when I started this teacher training course. It highlights issues that were encountered from the beginning, middle and end of this life changing career path. It is a very challenging course that requires dedication, focus, planning, time management and continuing professional development. Achieving most of these goals requires professional to reflect on their practice which helps in identifying development needs. Moon (2004) defines reflection as a form of thinking or mental processing used to achieve an intended result. This is supported by Dewey (1934)’s theory of reflective practice that aims to reach a conclusion. This purpose of this practice is to reach a common ground within professionals. During my initial stages of the course I had negative views about reflection as I was not comfortable with something that would unravel my inner beliefs. Reflection can be seen as self-destructive due to its nature of moving a person from his comfortable zone into the unknown situation. Hillier (2005 p17) states; ‘reflective practice actively challenges the comfortable focusing on professionals to be honest with themselves’. As an initial reaction of someone who had not taught a group of adults before I was nervous to conduct the micro teach. However constructive feedback was provided by both peers and the tutor and one of the main points which I picked up from the feedback was communication skills improvement in particular ‘the voice projection’ was low.Re-evaluating the role of the teacher as an ‘instructor’ allowed me to gain an understanding of the importance of effective communication in a classroom environment. One of the adjustments used to the enhance the communication skill was to try and sit in the back of the classroom to allow me to raise my voice when speaking to the group. As the course progressed I was placed within Seashell an environment where there is verbal and non-verbal communication. This was a challenge to my low skills as some students required me to speak clearly and slowly in a manner they can understand supported with symbols and pictures and started to engage myself in sign-along sessions. Communication is a two way process that requires skills from both the listener and the talker.Berlo (1960). During this course and my previous studies I have gained some transferable skills which can be used on daily basis. These include using fractions or percentages to calculate spending as well as the use of vocabulary when communicating within community. Developing these skills is essential in independent living which our learners are aiming to achieve. Pictures of money pictures and symbols of items such as cup of tea or cake are used. The use of work schedules allows learners to read through task before engaging in it. The current government requires all aspiring teachers to pass the skills test in numeracy and literacy before obtaining qualified teachers status (QTS) according to the Department of Education.(DEFS 2014). These functional skills will need to be embedded as evidence in all sessions as way of improving learner participation in these areas that have become important aspect of employability skill. All current teacher trainees are required to be aware of the new professional values and standards that are provided by the lifelong learning sector (LLUK 2007) 3.1 Schà ¶n (1983) suggests that professionals should reflect in situations that are relatively unpredictable. Teaching learners with severe disabilities can be complex due to multiple disabilities. The key to deliver effective lessons to most these learners lay with the understanding of these multiple disabilities. Organisations such as the Institute for learning (IFL) provide for resources to trainee teachers in different specialist areas. It also provides for ongoing support to all professionals using latest research related to that particular area.Enganging in personal and professional development opportunities within a specialist area requires linking theory to practice. To keep myself updated with latest research and theories I need to constantly visit websites of specialist organisations such as The National Autistic Society and The Epilepsy Society. The information provided on these sites is of vital importance and valid because researches carried out involves the learner. Contributions from medical experts and educational researchers who work closely with these organisations help us to make informed decisions with regards to classroom practice. 3.2 Continuing personal and professional development within severe learning disabilities will enhance my own skills as a teacher. Sharing of good practice with other professionals allows us to develop best methods that meet learner needs. A number of strategies are in use that has been proved to work within various specialist areas. Teaching strategies, resources, and assessment methods that promote inclusiveness are required during the professional practice. Reflective practice aims to enhance personal achievements however when combined with professional practice it increases the competence within professionals. To achieve good quality learning within education, I needed to reflect as part of the learning process. The process allowed me to review my actions by looking into my evaluations to find out what went well and what needs to be developed. Results from these reviews can be used to influence future practice. It also provided me with the opportunity to explore a variety of reflective activities within my specialist area. Reflective language should be clearly explained to leaners at the beginning of their career journey to allow them to compile their reflective journals right at the beginning of the course. It is now considered to be an important aspect of employability within the teaching professionals. Most educational settings within lifelong learning sector are now free standing as business entities that are looking to employ people who have passion and willingness to help the development of learner and organisational progress. Most of these educational providers are partly funded by the government which in turn look at how the provider is meeting learner needs. Becker (1970) cited in Robson (2005 p11) describes professionalism as a ‘collective symbol of ideas that have a substantial agreement’. It is this set of ideas that all professionals try to follow using different methods but coming to the same conclusions as to what should professional should present 3.3 Schon (1934) suggests reflection ‘on action’ and reflection in action’ this theory seems to work well for me during the placement due to unpredictable actions that may arise within our classroom environment according to Miettinen (2010). Recording of self-evaluations at the end of every lesson allowed me analyse and respond to events afterwards. This can be effective where time is limited during the lesson to note down experience. Self-evaluations are best recorded at the earliest stage when it’s still fresh in one’s mind. Writing down these events can help us come to a decision on which method is best and what developments can be made. It could be said that reflection forms the basis for our understanding which in turn influences future decision. The information gathered from self-evaluations or observations with regards to what happens in the classroom will need to be analysed at a later stage and act upon it.As part of reflection two peer observations were carried out that allowing me to see how others perform compared to my own teaching practice. I realised that sharing of experiences with other professionals provides for the opportunity for me to learn from others and vice versa. 4.1 Professional reflective practice in teaching could be summarised as a pause taken by the teacher during a session to critically analyse his/her actions according to Larrivee (2000). This is not limited to my learning but also consists of all key elements of professional practice. A number of methods can be used to improve personal and professional development. Tummons (2007) points out that professional reflective practice cycle includes experience, reflection, professional practice and action plans. Reflecting on own experience and putting action plans helps learner in developing a platform. Gibbs (1988) encourages the use of a six stage questioning technique that includes feelings, description, evaluations, analysis, conclusion and action plan. This theory can be closely linked to Kolb (1984)’s four stage that includes doing the task, reflect on it, researching upon it and planning for the next stage.is not much difference from the Analysing these events require us to make a note of these events either through journal, diary, observation sheets, self-evaluations, student and peer feedbacks. The results obtained from these recordings will be used in combination with theories to improve own practice. Due to the varied nature of these strategies the results obtained can vary depending with the how the information used in the reflection was gathered. A reflective journal can be used to record all of events of concerns just after the lesson. This may include theories, political ideologies, research notes, and personal comments. Thorpe (2004) suggests that journals and diaries be maintained through-out the course or for a long period of time to allow consistency. Observations were conducted through-out the placement period with my mentor in classroom providing guidance on the sport. Where official observations were carried records were kept which I then used to improve my next lesson. In our placement due to hearing impairments photos that include the teacher and the learner could be used as evidence. Analysing my own personal photos working with learners, in my own time allowed me to view my practice in a different way. Another easier way of using reflective practice is story telling with peers. Self-evaluation of own practice and behaviours that are closely linked to the practice helps us to understand what works best. Taking a pause during these sessions helped me to drastically change my practice and began to see learners asking questions freely. References Beard, C. (2010) The Experiential Learning Toolkit: Blending Practice with Business Economics [Available] Berlo, D,K. (1960) The process of communication: An introduction to theory and practice. British Council (2011) [available] www.teachingenglish.org.uk (accessed 10/05/14) Dewey, J. (1934) The Need for a Philosophy of Education DFES (2014) [available] http://www.education.gov.uk/sta/professional/statistics (accessed 10/05/14) Gibbs, G. (1988) Learning by doing: A guide to teaching and learning methods. Further Education Unit. Institute for Learning (2014) [available] www.ifl.ac.uk (accessed 04/03/14) Lifelong Learning UK (2007) [available] www.lifelonglearninguk.org Moon, J,A. (2004).  Reflection and employability. Vol. 4. LTSN Generic Centre, Moon, J (2004) A Handbook of Reflective and Experiential Learning: Theory and Practice, Routledge/Falmer Miettinen, R.(2010). The concept of experiential learning and John Deweys theory of reflective thought and action.International Journal of Lifelong Education [available] http://www.tandfonline.com (accessed 10/05/14) Smith, Karen, et al. (2007): The challenges of reflection: students learning from work placements Innovations in Education and teaching International. The National Autistic Society (2014) [available] http://www.autism.org.uk/working-with.aspx (accessed 10/05/14) The Epilepsy Society (2014) [available] http://www.epilepsysociety.org.uk/professionals (accessed 04/04/14) Tummons, J. (2008): Assessment and the literacy practices of trainee PCET teachers. International Journal of Educational Research Larrivee, B. (2000): Transforming teaching practice: Becoming the critically reflective teacher. Reflective Practice. Thorpe, K. (2004): Reflective learning journals: From concept to practice. Reflective practice Robson, J. (2005).  Teacher professionalism in further and higher education: challenges to culture and practice. Routledge, Malthouse, R. (2009):  Reflective practice in the lifelong learning sector. SAGE, Page | 1

F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby Essay -- English Literature Ame

The Great Gatsby The main theme of the novel â€Å"The Great Gatsby† focuses on the American Dream and it is portrayed through the life of Jay Gatsby. Through Gatsby’s life we see the withering of the American Dream, a tragedy that struck Jay’s near finished dream. The American Dream is what many have hoped of achieving, it has existed in the past and is in the present. The American Dream gives people a goal that they can work towards, it also gives them a purpose in life. The American Dream represents luxury and wealth it believes the goodness of the quality of life. For Jay Gatsby, he was so close to achieving the American Dream. He had the wealth and the class, all he needed was his long lost love, Daisy. Gatsby truly believed that he could once again be together with Daisy we see this when he says "Can't repeat the past?" he cried incredulously. "Why of course you can" (P. 116). However what made the story such a tragedy was that Gatsby came so close to wining Daisy however h e was killed by Mr. Wilson which he was just inches away from successfully completing the American Dream. In the past, only a small amount of the American Dream turned out to be successful, most have failed. Many people who did not achieve the American Dream ended up committing suicide or other means of giving up on life because they believe there was no other purpose in life. Gatsby represent the American Dream in many ways, in order to accomplish his Dream he knew exactly what he desired, when Jay met Dan Cody at the shore of Lake Superior, Dan shown him a vision of success a vision of what wealth would offer, the excitement of being rich. Jay Gatsby has an ambitious nature, there for he would do anything just to live the American Dream. He started by building a past, he changed his name from James Gatz to Jay Gatsby in an attempt to construct a foundation for his dream. He then composed an image for Jay Gatsby, a well gentleman who was born in the west, educated at oxford and fought in World War I. Gatsby was then able to attain a great deal of money working with Meyer Wolfsheim. He then bought a huge mansion in the â€Å"West Egg†, however he would throw extravagant parties in hoping of attracting his long lost love Daisy, the one who he had an affair with before he went to the war. Nick describes Gatsby’s feelings about Daisy: "He hadn't once ceased looking at Daisy and I think t... ...d him Michaelis saw with a shock that he was looking at the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg which had just emerged pale and enormous from the dissolving night" (P. 167) He believed that god would justify his actions since god is watching through the eyes of Dr. Eckleberg. So he shot Jay Gatsby whom he thought Myrtle was having an affair with, then he shot himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All things said, I think the hope of the American Dream is more than hard to achieve. Not everyone can find that perfect soul mate and not everyone can stay wealthy for a long period. Especially during this revolutionary century, money is easily earned but also easily lost. I think for many people the American Dream is a purpose for life, a difficult goal for ambitious people like Gatsby to reach. Personally, I do not believe this, I believe that we should live a mediocre life, so that our whole life is even. Unlike how some people work three quarters of their life to enjoy that one quarter life of the American Dream. In the end you will lose all your friends and perhaps even your life if you don’t succeed. To me the moral of the book meant enjoy your life while it lasts, you only have so much time to enjoy it.

Virtual Reality Essay example -- Technology Science Essays

Virtual Reality Today’s science fiction is often tomorrow’s reality. As the pace of change has quickened, so it appears that we are actually living within a science fiction movie. Programs on TV continue to amaze or frighten us with yet more technological break through and with clever new products and gadgets. Over the last decade and certainly through the rest of this century, the major agent for these changes has been and will continue to be electronic computer and its derivatives. The Digital Age exploded into existence not with a whimper but a bang. The globe still shakes from its entry. The journey was long, but the impact is immediate. Now, for instance, the breath of an unborn baby can be captured and rendered visible, the Dead Sea Scrolls have been bathed in enhanced color, and Mona Lisa’s smile is safely preserved in GIF file. Throughout the world, many homes are lit by dim reflection of computer monitors. Illuminated manuscripts and images coax people to recompose real ity simply by clicking in. Mutation is taking place before our charged and filtered eyes. It is a dynamic re-vision that has altered every aspect of life, as we knew it. This phenomenon is not a fad or a trend, but an evolution. As frightening the new Virtual Technology may seem, it can benefit us in many different ways. Hence it is ethical to pursue developing this new field. Virtual Reality History Virtual Reality (VR) as a concept had its beginnings in the 1960s and it is mostly credited to the work of scientists like Ivan Sutherland and D.L. Vickers [1]. It is a simulation of a real or imaginary phenomenon in a three- dimensional environment. This simulated environment, believed to be real through feeling, is made of virtual objects crea... ...lt;http://www.southernct.edu> BIBLIOGRAPHY May, William. Edges of Reality- Mind vs. Computer. New York and London: Plenum Press 1996 Weimann, Gabriel. Communicating Unreality. London: Sage Publications, Inc. 2000 Kizza, Joseph. Ethical and Social Issues in the Information Age. New York: Springer 1998 Rachels, James. Elements of Moral Philosophy. New York: McGraw-Hill 2003 Inition ltd, Innovative Graphics Solutions. United Kingdom 28 Feb. 2003 http://www.inition.co.uk/inition/services.htm Barrie, Frost, Virtual Reality. Queens University 1 Sep. 1999 http://pavlov.psyc.queensu.ca/~frostlab/vr.html Altaf, Atif. Overview of Tele-Immersion. Università ¤t des Saarlandes 28 Feb. 2003 http://w5.cs.uni-sb.de/~butz/teaching/ie-ss03/papers/TeleImmersion/ Hot Virtual Reality Sites. 28 Feb. 2003 http://www.itl.nist.gov/iaui/ovrt/hotvr.html

Benedict Arnold Essay -- essays research papers

“The Dark Eagle'; refers to the hero of Saratoga, Benedict Arnold, who went from highly regarded hero, to the most hated man in the Colonies in a matter of days. In the book: Benedict Arnold: The Dark Eagle, Brian Richard Boylan, analyzes the historical figure not critically, but objectively. He examines the forces that possibly could have driven Benedict Arnold to turn his back on the country that he fought for so dearly. Boylan also points out that the man who Arnold did most of his negotiations with, Major General John Andrà ©, was strikingly similar to Arnold, and that the two men were brought together under one woman, Miss Peggy Shippen. Throughout this book, Boylan suggests that the reader should view Arnold without the general stereotype of him being a traitor. That way you can see the man Benedict Arnold truly was, and read of the reasons that he lost his love for the Colonial army, and its government.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Battle of Saratoga was a major battle in the American Revolution; it helped persuade the French into signing a Treaty with the United States that helped turn the tides on the British. Major General Horatio Gates was the commander of the Army of the North. His English counterpart was General John Burgoyne. The open-field battle style considerable favored the British troops of Burgoyne. The American’s had their backs against the wall; they were almost out of options, until their savior literally rode in on horseback. This man was General Benedict Arnold. He rode in from Freeman’s Farm where Gates, Arnold’s superior, had taken his authority away because of Arnold’s “insubordination';. Arnold thought nothing of Major Gates’orders to stay at Freeman’s Farm and rode off with no sign of slowing. “ No Man will keep me in my tent this day!'; Arnold said.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Unlike Gates, Benedict Arnold liked to lead and command his men on the front lines. Arnold personally led the charge on Breymann’s redoubt during the Battle of Saratoga, however Arnold was wounded during the final assault in his left knee. While the American troops surrounded and captured Breymann’s forces, Arnold laid in pain on the battlefield. Gates took the credit for the v... ...s suffering came to an end. He was buried in the crypt of St. Mary’s in Battersea.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Benedict Arnold was considered a military genius; he was able to bring his troops from near defeat to victory. He was highly regarded not only by his cronies but also was highly respected by his adversaries. Arnold was probably the only man to be respected by both the British and Americans prior to 1779. Benedict Arnold was one of the best Generals that had served in the American Army. But by 1779 and 1780 he was seen as the most controversial figure in the Colonies. Today, some people view Arnold as one of the most diabolical men to ever live; others view him as a generally good man that just took one wrong turn that tainted his whole career. The majority of the people in the U.S view him as a traitor of the American public and of their trust. If the British had won the war he would be looked down upon with even more contempt than he is today. However, if Benedict Arnold had died, in his prime, on the battlefield of Saratoga, he would be viewe d much differently all over the world, possibly as the greatest general that even lived.

Our Bog Is Dood Essay

This poem is a conversation between two people, a female and a set of children. The female asks the children to explain to her why their God is good. When the children can’t agree on a reason on why their God is good they begin questioning their faith. In the first stanza of the poem you can tell that the poem is a conversation between children and an older female. â€Å"They lisped in accents mild† this line shows that they are talking about children. When children are young they usually slur in their words. â€Å"My darling little child? † confirms that the poem is between little children and an older person. It’s safe to say that our Bog is dood can be translated into our God is good. The poem starts off with what seems like the children chanting out God is good. When the older woman asks them to explain why their God is good the children get upset because they believe their faith is being questioned. In the second stanza the children respond by saying they know that their God is good because that’s what they wish. They kids say they don’t need a reason to believe that their God is good. This shows that these child a blind faith towards their God. The children are very prideful of their God who they blindly follow. They also accuse anyone who doesn’t agree or believe in their God are sinners. â€Å"You shall be crucified† the blind faith that these children posses causes these children to turn to violence towards nonbelievers. In the third stanza the older woman again asks the children what’s so good about your God. She asks them how do you know that your God is good. The children react to her questions by bowing their heads and praying. The children say that they belong to their God and that they belong to their God. At the end of this stanza I felt that the tone of the poem changes. It goes from our God is good to our God is dead. In the fourth stanza begins with the children raising their heads after being questioned about their faith. The children become upset with each other because they can’t agree on what is good about their God. Each of the children had a different definition for what was good. They all had conflicting views about their faith. In the fifth stanza the older lady leaves the children after she gets them to question their faith. She left because she didn’t want to see them realizing that they had a false image of God. She felt as if it was better to just walk away and leave the children alone. The last three lines of the poem I believe that the â€Å"encroaching sea† is religion in general. People blindly follow God and it gets to a point where they are going to drown in the religion. I believe that the children in the poem follow God because that’s probably the only thing that has been taught to them and when they begin questioning their faith it feels like they don’t have anything else to believe in. The last line in the poem shows that the older woman has not been sucked into religious conformity. The theme of this poem is about blindly following religion. The poem is basically a conversation between an older woman and a couple of children. The poem begins with the children firmly believing that their God is good, but then when they are asked to give reason why they begin to question themselves. The children aren’t able to agree on a reason why their God is good and this is where the tone in the poem shifts to our God is dead. The older female in this poem makes the children realize that they are blindly following something that they know nothing about.

Chicago Gun Violence

Chicago has earned a lot of negative attention in recent years earning the infamous nickname â€Å"Chairs† due to the high rate of gun violence. In 2014, thus far it has been 1,775 reported shootings in Chicago In which 252 were fatal. That is extremely high given the fact that the year Isn't over. Today Is September 8th; which also means this Is the 51st day in the year. That means someone, on average, was shot and killed every day of the year In Chicago. Those statistics do not even Include norm-gun related homicides.If I was to Include those extra 48 homicides, the average deaths per day would be 1 . 2. If homicides were to continue at that rate, it could possibly be 436 murders by the end of the year. These numbers are very disturbing and hopefully something is done about that. When you observe Chicago in comparison to other cities, Chicago has always been in the top 5 for murders. One thing that has changed about that is in recent years it has been number one in murders w hich is another obstacle that holds Chicago back. In 2013, Chicago led the way with murders with 412 homicides.New York was in second with 333, It Is eye catching that the Jump between 2nd place and 1st place was almost 100 homicides. Los Angels was not too far behind in 4th place with 255 homicides. Chicago In comparison to these other cycles Is a war zone. 2012 was even worse with 503 murders that year and this was the same year Chicago was given the title of Murder Capitol. The violence in Chicago is very serious, during the July 4th weekend 82 people were shot in which, 14 were fatal. It got to the point where PoliceSuperintendent Garry McCarthy was pressured to deploy National Guard. Back in 2012, Chicago gained national attention because of the death of Hading Pendleton, a 15 year old girl who had a lot of promise in her future. She was shot and killed a week after performing in the band at President Beam's second inauguration. After, that tragic incident, she became the face of anti-gun violence in Chicago. Still to this day In Chicago, the death of young children and teenagers is still a problem. In fact, a 3 year old and 9 year old were shot this past week In Chicago.The 3 year old survived but is in critical condition. It Is heartbreaking to hear incidents Like that constantly In the news. Earlier In the year, during Easter weekend, 45 people were shot. Amongst the 45, SIX were children In the age range of 11 to 15. To add to it, that was all one incident. That is awful that an event like that even As you can see, Chicago gun violence is very prominent in the communities. This violence has become a major problem mainly because it affects the teenagers and children around it every day.It alters their minds and desensitizing them to certain things that people normally would not be numb too. Too many lives are being lost in the violent streets of Chicago. So much potential within these communities are being wasted or lost and something needs to happen s o these statistics can drastically drop. This topic really hits deep with me because Chicago is my home. I could have easily became a statistic and succumb to the influence of my neighborhood. I Just hope one day that Chicago can one day move forward from the egregious nickname â€Å"Chairs†.