How to Build a New World Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

How to Build a New World - Assignment Example b. Individualism: is a phenomenon that encourages freedom, though at the cost of ties of the family, together with social cohesion. This act usually stresses the initiative of certain individual. In the context, it is worth to note that Klein explains that there is need to embrace freedom, even if it will be at the expensive of certain individuals or firms. c. Socialism: on the other hand, socialism entails a collective ownership. Klein brings out this point clearly by affirming that everyone has a collective responsibility in ensuring the best is achieved for the benefit of the whole family. d. Capitalism: this is a political and economic system where private owners, all in the name of gaining profits, usually control a country’s industry and trade. According to Klein, she points that Harper, forms a figure that represents someone who is Capitalist. According to her, social communities have a difficult in organizing because the secret behind how the organization lost its control is not vivid. Second, those who were supposed to defend the whole community are fighting to gain personal benefit. And third, lack schools; have also participated in this, since people do not have knowledge concerning their rights. 4. Klein claims society needs to "invest in education---education about the ideological and structural reasons why we have ended up where we are." What structures does she refer to? How might education reveal these structures so that, as Klein continues to say, a new world stands on a solid foundation? She refers to the structure of governance, where it favors leaders only. She admits that coalitions being in a top-down agreement will not in any way benefit the whole society. The change should emerge from down to top, with all members engaging in the change. According to the passage, I think that Kleins’ tone is sympathy. Here, she is sympathizing with what is going on, for example she says â€Å"We need you to be our fixed

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay Example for Free

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay 1. Introduction The research project includes the complete lifespan of the work from the rationale to the conclusion. I examine the reasons for conducting the research, how the Company might benefit from the experience and how trainers may reflect and add to their toolbox of skills and knowledge. The project also considers the background to the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and how this came to AEGON UK Services, what role Workplace Training Services had to play and what part of strategy ECDL was designed to meet. The main body of the project, the research itself, sets out to consider a range of questions related to the evaluation of ECDL within a financial services setting which I believe is a valuable piece of research that is not presently widely available. The research considers the practical implications of the work and the justifications for following the particular actions undertaken. The conclusion draws the project together and provides answers to the questions considered above. Does ECDL add value within the business, have learners acquired new skills, what of the present learning methods and how might these be designed to suit the needs of future learners? I support my research findings with the results of my data collection exercises together with statistics relating to ECDL including its recent use outside of Europe. Finally, I present the detail of material used whilst working on the project as Reference and Bibliography. 2 Rationale AEGON UK Services (UKS) is the closed book arm or Third Party Administration (TPA) operation for AEGON UK one of the worlds top ten financial services companies. As a TPA no new business comes into the organisation and particularly in the present economic climate control of costs and expenses becomes paramount. It is not an overstatement to consider that the continuing well being of the UKS site in Lytham rests with its highly competitive nature. When one considers that the average cost of one staff member in Lytham is à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½40,00 pa whilst the equivalent outlay at the AEGON UK Head Office in Edinburgh is almost double at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½65,000 pa, financial evidence becomes clear particularly with close to 900 staff at the Lytham site. There are many reasons for this divergence in costs, not all of which may be directly influenced by the Company but it is this difference which remains key to the health of the AEGON UK Services operation. It is against this background that the research into the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is set, one of the organisation obtaining maximum value for each pound of spend. As Managing Director, David Barker, said at the 2002 Business Plan launch to staff, Through the professionalism, skill and commitment of its staff AEGON UK Services has a key part to play in the growth and development of the UK operation. It is my responsibility, as Training Manager for UKS, to provide learning opportunities, develop staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the challenges set by the Managing Director and the Board of AEGON UK. After all, a shortage of skills could threaten the livelihood of the operation. Fingold and Soskice (1989:22) who created the notion of a low skills/low quality equilibrium argued that the majority of enterprises staffed by poorly trained managers and workers produce low quality goods and services. Their view was that Britain would not be able to keep pace with changing economic conditions. A decade on and still the need for the training and development of our staff in relation to the growth of our business remains. As David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education Employment, sets out the challenge ahead for us all when speaking at the National Training Awards ceremony in December 2000. The key message today is that there is a real economic need for people to upgrade skills throughout life. We need to help everyone fulfil their potential and respond to the changing world economy. (People Management, Vol 6, No 25). The task facing us in the UKS Training team is to meet the Secretary of States challenge and drive the business forward at the same time whilst maintaining a tight rein on expenditure. In the summer of 2001 our Union Representative introduced me to Workplace Training Services and this partnership with a local education provider soon bore fruit. A key strategic challenge for AEGON UK in 2002 was the introduction of a Common Operating Environment (COE) between its various UK operations; the most visible aspect of the COE would be the launch of Microsoft Office 2000 in the various sites. Significantly, as AEGON UK Services previously used Microsoft there were no plans to create a formal training plan for the business, rather than relying our awareness of existing applications. The Manager, Dedicated Delivery, of Workplace Training Services (an arm of Preston College), Cyril Wheat, offered the use of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as part of our solution to the need for staff learning and development in Office 2000. The seven-module ECDL programme is based upon the Microsoft Office 2000 applications and included learning on our key workplace needs, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Over 50 staff started the ECDL qualification in September 2001 and to-date over 150 have either achieved the award or are working towards it. Further developments of our work with the College have been the provision of additional learning and development for staff, in particular the provision of Learndirect facilities and the healthy learning partnership that has grown between an employer, union and education institution. To support the development of this significant partnership Workplace Training Services offered AEGON UK Services 100 free places on the ECDL programme in 2002. Although we have seen a large number of staff following the ECDL programme, myself included, AEGON UK Services has never conducted any formal evaluation of the learning programme. Whilst I have learned new skills and am able to access more difficult applications, has the Company benefited from the ECDL partnership, have the staff developed new skills and how might the programme best be carried forward? This is the rationale for the following research which is designed for the benefit, primarily, of the Company but also for the staff, College and as a valid piece of research. 3. Background Congratulations Sara Lundstedt! But why is this the Swedish environmental co-ordinator so significant to the history of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Well, Sara became the one millionth student to complete the programme, as reported in the June 2001 edition of IT Training (P7). What is ECDL and where did it come from? In 1994 the concept originated in Finland where the Finnish Information Process Association introduced the Computer Driving Licence. Shortly after, the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) established the User Skills Task Force in 1995. The Task Force, supported by funding from the European Commission, was to examine how to raise IT skill levels in European industry. The Task Force identified the potential of the Finnish Licence and investigated the feasibility of adopting it and making it into a qualification for the whole of Europe. CEPIS actively encourages IT literacy and promotes acceptance of professional standards for ICT professionals throughout Europe. Pilot tests were carried out during 1995 and early 1996 resulting in the launch of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in August 1996, initially in Sweden and then throughout Europe. The ECDL Foundation was formed in 1997 to administer the ECDL programme on a not-for-profit basis and to promote, develop and certify computer skills and IT knowledge. According to its official website, the business of the ECDL Foundation is To disseminate, promote and evolve ECDL as a globally accepted IT skills certification programme that prepares all people for participation in the Information Society. On the surface, this has been successful; in 1999 the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) was created as the standard qualification for non-European countries. The syllabus is identical to that of ECDL and was initially taken up by Australia, Canada, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Since then, more countries have joined the ICDL programme, ranging from Greece in 2000 to most recently, Malaysia. According to The Electric Paper Company Limited (http://www.electricpaper.ie/products/ecdl.asp) to-date, over 1.75 million people are registered on an ECDL/ICDL programme. This number is growing daily. There are tens of thousands of accredited test centres worldwide enabling people to take their tests an attain certificates. So, seven module appears to be working as students are assessed against the following competencies: basic concepts of IT, using a computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation and information and communication. The ECDL Foundation points out that the programme is now used in over 60 countries and IT Training announced in its October 2002 edition that the number of students enrolled topped the half-million mark. The British Computer Society (BCS) also reports that it is issuing 1,000 ECDL certificates every day. One of the first organisations in the public sector to move towards qualifying the computer skills of its staff is the NHS which recognised the increasing role that computer skills had to play in the public health sector. The significance of the ECDL decision is reflected in the fact that it was announced by Health Secretary, Lord Hunt. He said, New technology investments to support staff to plan, deliver and review health care will not be successful unless more priority is given to ensuring that all staff have a basic level of IT skills. There is a great deal of published support for the ECDL programme and I have included highlights from two successful ventures. The House of Commons became the first Parliament in the world to offer staff training in IT skills, aimed at MPs assistants and constituency workers. Dr. Matthew Donaghy, Industry and Parliament Trust ADAPT Project Manager, said, Our objective, and indeed an important part of securing funding for the project, was to increase the employability of staff outside the Parliamentary sector. ECDL gives staff an extra qualification showing their competence with IT in the office, but also allows flexibility in training for the qualification so that it does not interfere with major projects they may be working on. Donaghy continued, An extra benefit of the course has been the increased level of teamwork between MPs assistants. Staff are increasingly sharing tips on office practices, which will mean a more professional MPs service all round. The Bank of England is also enabling its staff to take the ECDL programme via personal or on-line training. Bank Deputy Governor, Mervyn King, who has successfully completed the qualification said, Across the Bank, the ECDL will enable people to achieve a wide range of essential skills in IT, on which they can build in the future. I am convinced that it is an ideal way for my colleagues to improve and consolidate their knowledge, to build confidence and to improve both productivity and decision making. ECDL appears therefore to have positive support, endorsed by Peter Bayley, Director of ECDL at the British Computer Society, who confirms that, Since the UK launch there has been a growing demand for information about ECDL users from both the Further Education and Corporate sectors in order to measure profiles, motivation, satisfaction and likely interest in our newly launched ECDL Advanced qualification. Apart from a gratifying 95 per cent satisfaction rating, almost two thirds of those polled chose ECDL because of its broad recognition as a computer skills qualification. In addition, 97% said they would recommend ECDL to family, friends and colleagues and 87% were interested in an ECDL Advanced qualification. Despite the fact that there is a great deal of published evidential support for ECDL, there remains little evidence within AEGON UK Services that the programme has been and remains successful. To date, we have tended to take the view that people pass, therefore it works! But does it? As Reay (1994:23) points out, evaluation can enable you to do better in the future. This is not to say that youve been failing in the past; but good trainers realize there is always room for improvement. It is against this background, of a developing IT culture within Europe and latterly the rest of the world, that the research with AEGON UK Services is set. Will the experiences outlined above be matched within the Company? 4. Research Most people associate the word research with activities which are substantially removed from day-to-day life and which are pursued by outstandingly gifted persons with an unusual level of commitment, suggested Howard and Sharp (1983:6). However, Denscombe (1998:1) takes an alternative approach when opening his piece of work some 15 years later, Social research is no longer the concern of the small elite of professionals and full-time researchers. It has become the concern of a far greater number of people who are faced with the prospect of undertaking small-scale research projects as part of an academic course or their professional development. In my case, the piece of research was to be carried out over a 3 month period by the Training Manager of a large organisation with very ordinary skills and an extremely heavy workload! Payton (1979:4) identified research as the process of looking for a specific answer in an organised objective reliable way and it is this search for answers that has driven me to tackle the challenge of evaluating the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in AEGON UK Services. Considering what questions to ask, Black suggests (1993:24/25), may prove a significant challenge in itself, The most difficult part of starting a research project is often that of identifying the best question to ask, one that is meaningful, whose answer contributes to the discipline, and whose resulting research can be carried out within the resources available. When considering the questions to answer from the piece of research I was conscious of two things set down by Managing Director, David Barker: a) what would add value to the business supporting AEGON UK Services as a key part of the AEGON UK operation and b) provide learning opportunities to develop staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills? The se factors contributed directly to my questions: How has ECDL added value in AEGON UK Services? How have the learners acquired new skills to help them do their jobs? Has the method of learning for ECDL proved effective? What is the most effective way for any further learners to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve ECDL? Blaxter et al (1997:58) identified 2 different methods for designing and doing a research project, their research families of qualitative and quantitative methods. To Burns (2000:3), the quantitative approach is viewed as scientific and in his opinion, has been the conventional approach to research in all areas of investigation. The methods and purposes of scientific inquiry have been moulded by countless generations of scientists Burns (2000:9) outlines the strength of the quantitative approach as being its precision and control, together with a deductive approach and the use of quantitative data (which) permits statistical analysis. Denscombe (1998:177) supports Burns standpoint by adding that, The use of quantitative data in social research has its attractions. For one thing, it carries with it an aura of scientific respectability. Because it uses numbers and can present findings in the form of graphs and tables, it conveys a sense of solid, objective research. However, an alternative view also exists and caution is stressed by Silverman (2000:6) when pointing out that the hard data on social structures which quantitative researchers claim to provide can turn out to be a mirage. Caution was necessary for me when considering the effect of ECDL upon an individuals ability to do their job more effectively, as Cicourel (1964) points to defects with quantitative research, it may be useful but it also may conceal as well as reveal social processes. On the other hand, qualitative research is an umbrella term that covers a variety of styles of social research, drawing on a variety of disciplines. Tesch (1990) identified 26 distinct kinds of social research which can fall under the term qualitative and no doubt, in time, that list will grow. However, Denscombe (1998:207) does see some common elements which begin to give some sense, as he sees it, to qualitative research, a concern with meanings and the way people understand things and a concern with patterns of behaviour. Cohen and Mannion (1998:8) go a stage further and view qualitative research as a search for understanding in which the principal concern is with the way in which the individual creates, modifies and interprets the world in which he or she finds himself or herself. Researchers who adopted this qualitative approach, responsive to individual perceptions, were felt by Bell (1999:7) to seek insights rather than statistical analysis. A positive aspect of qualitative research, according to Miles and Huberman (1984:10), is that they focus on naturally occurring, ordinary events in natural settings, so that we have a strong handle on what real life is like. The approach to this research project was on a qualitative basis and whilst there is a range of disadvantages to this method, including, as identified by Anderson (1990) the ability to collect a large number of replies, allow for easy collation and cheap and readily available, Anderson did identify advantages with a qualitative approach. Significantly, when gathering data and information Anderson held that a qualitative approach enables the researcher to really understand another person, and qualitative research tends to focus on learners, central to the research project, and their views of the world. My own research project mirrors a number of Andersons findings; focusing on the learners and managers and their views, attitudes and feelings is key to my work and as such does not lend itself naturally to a quantitative or scientific basis. However, in Denscombes opinion (1998: 173), the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, the distinction between the two is over-simplified and relates to the treatment of the data. As Strauss (1987: 2) argues, the genuinely useful distinction is in how data are treated analytically. Denscombes (1998:173) view then is that a distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is far from watertight. To some extent, the research design depends on what Barnes (1992:114) highlights as either a deductive or inductive approach to the project, with action research a key method of the latter. Barnes takes the view that when using action research, the outcomesare generally increased knowledge, understanding and improved practice. The implication from this is that action research has a relevance for what I will be undertaking and indeed Blaxter et al (1997:64) confirm this by pointing out that it is well suited to the needs of people conducting research in their own workplaces, and who have a focus on improving aspects of their own and their colleagues practices. Cohen and Mannion (1998:186) also focus their thoughts on this work-related aspect of action research by suggesting that it is situational it is concerned with diagnosing a problem in a specific context and attempting to solve it in that context. Although action research as a basis suits the needs of my project as shown above, there are a number of criticisms about the method, often reflecting Cohen and Mannions (1998:193) comments that it is not scientific, its sample is restricted and unrepresentativeits findings are restricted to the environment in which the research is carried out. I accept the above but am satisfied that although my findings may be restricted to the environment, they are after all intended for use solely within AEGON UK Services, any wider usage will be a bonus. Research data was accumulated by the use of questionnaires completed by learners, interviews with senior managers and Preston College staff, and focus groups conducted with groups of learners. This common multi-method approach is referred to as triangulation, as originally identified by the works of Elliott and Adelman (1976), and has been defined in Open University course 811 Study Guide (1988:54) as cross-checking the existence of certain phenomena and the veracity of individual accounts by gathering data from a number of informants and a number of sources and subsequently comparing and contrasting one account with another in order to produce as full and balanced a study as possible. The use of triangulation goes some way to meeting the need for this piece of research to be both reliable and valid. Bryman (1989:55) outlines reliability as something which refers to the consistency of a measure. Blaxter et al (1997:200) summarise the issue of reliability in simple terms as considering whether you have carried it out in such a way that, if another researcher were to look into the same questions in the same setting, they would come up with essentially the same results . Validity is identified in a similar tone by the same authors, to do with whether your methods, approaches and techniques actually relate to, or measure, the issues you have been exploring. Triangulation is particularly important to me because it increases the strength and validity of my work. The use of questionnaires is outlined by Denscombe (1998:88) who suggests that they are at their most productive when: used with large numbers, straightforward information required, the social climate is open, standardised, time allows for delays, resources allow for the costs and when the respondents can be expected to be able to read and understand the questions. However, my own piece of research is much smaller with fewer in the sample, straightforward questions on information that is current, all of which adds to the simplicity of this process. However, there is a range of issues when using questionnaires with Bell (1999:75) suggesting that It is harder to produce a really good questionnaire than might be imagined. McKernan (2000:125) endorses that view and warns that amongst the disadvantages are the amount of time taken compiling successful questions and low response rates. Nevertheless, the use of questionnaires provides direct access to the learners and adds balance to the interviews with my colleagues and members of Workplace Training Services. Given that my questionnaire is straightforward with simple questions I am satisfied that this is a particularly useful method of gathering my research data. Further weight is given to this argument by Burns (2000:581) who supports me by adding such strengths as cost, each respondent receives same set of questions, errors in collation of responses reduced, respondents free to reply at own pace/time, fear and embarrassment avoided, may guarantee confidentiality. Burns also highlights a number of potential concerns with the use of questionnaires including a poor response rate when compared to interviews, the potential for bias due to poor returns and badly prepared questionnaires. I acknowledge Burns concerns and test my questionnaire on a small pilot group of learners, drawn at random, to assess its ease of use; 2 questions are reworded to reflect the comments of this group. Given the small number of staff to have completed the ECDL programme I issue the questionnaire to all 45 which also supports the validity of my research and reduces the potential for any bias due to the choice of my sample. I am conscious that, as Cohen et al (2000:245) put it, the questionnaire will always be an intrusion into the life of the respondent, be it in terms of time taken to complete the questionnaireor the possible invasion of privacy. As a result of this, great care is taken over the questions posed, the amount of content and the manner in which this is issued to learners. To keep the questionnaire simple I want to largely use closed questions and this method is supported by Wilson and McLean (1994:21) who confirm that these are simple to completeand do not discriminate unduly on the basis of how articulate the respondents are. However, to ensure that peoples views are gathered I aim to allow respondents a small degree of space for their own thoughts to be considered which mirrors the views of Oppenheim (1992:115) when considering the use of closed questions: they do not enable respondents to add any remarks, qualifications and explanations to the categories, and there is a risk that the categories might not be exhaustive and that there might be bias in them. A blank questionnaire is included as Appendix B. It is the need to gather personal views and opinions that prompts me to include interviews with senior managers, and focus groups amongst learners. As Denscombe (1998) points out, questionnaires are at their best with large numbers; I am dealing with 6 senior managers and am mindful that the culture of my own organisation is such that as Training Manager it is politic for me to see the senior managers rather than issue them with a questionnaire. As McKernan (2000:128) claims, Interviewing is a social survey skill which can be taught. I am satisfied that my role in designing and delivering Interviewing Skills training courses for 5 years to the same group of managers enables me to carry out this process! There are a number of identified advantages in using interview techniques for gathering my research data and these include, Burns (2000:582/3) who is an exponent of its flexibility, the interviewer has the opportunity to observe the subject and the total situation in which they are responding which according to Burns should produce higher response rates and if properly conducted should yield response rates of at least 80-85%. Cohen et al (2000:268) provides further thoughts and considerations on interviews, when outlining the need for trust to exist, suggesting that there should be a relationship between the interviewer and interviewee that transcended the research, that promoted a bond of friendship, a feeling of togetherness and joint pursuit of a common mission rising above personal egos. Once again, my relationship with the senior managers is such that I am confident that I have this level of trust in place already to enable a smooth process to occur. In addition, greater credibility is given to me conducting these interviews, as Kane (1997:68) asserts, the closer the interviewer is to the respondent in class, sex, age and interests, the greater chance the interviewer has of being successful. When considering the strengths and weaknesses of different types of interviews I endorse the comments of Patton (1980:206) who sets out the interview guide approach, which mirrors my requirements. The topic and issues to be covered are specified in advance, thus the outline increases the comprehensiveness of the data and makes data collection somewhat systematic for each respondent. I recognise that there is a risk of omitting important or salient points and that I must pay particular attention to maintaining focus on the key issues, in this case whether the managers consider that the ECDL programme has benefited the business. Consideration however must be given to the school of thought that exists regarding problems with the interview as a method for gathering my research data. Mason (1997:42) suggests that good qualitative interviewing is hard, creative work. It is a much more complex and exhausting task to plan and carry out than, for example, to develop and use a structured questionnaire for asking a set of predetermined questions. Tuckman (1972) set out a number of problems with the interview as a technique for gathering data, including the fact that a competent interviewer is required (which may involve payment), a limited number of respondents can be reached and the reliability is quite limited. Whilst acknowledging these concerns, as I have set out my competency earlier, I require interviews with a controlled group of 6 individuals only and have a great degree of confidence in the reliability of my data. Not to mention that this interviewer requires no additional payment for the work. My final information gathering technique is the focus group which Kreuger (1988:27) highlights as typically having 5 characteristics, a) people who, b) posses certain characteristics, c) provide data, d) of a qualitative nature, e) in a focussed discussion. Cohen et al (2000:288) support my use of the focus group by suggesting that they might be useful to triangulate with more traditional forms of interviewing, questionnaires, observation etc. Although observation is not necessary or appropriate for my research, Cohen et al do concur with my use of the interview and questionnaire. According to the December 2002 issue of Croners A-Z Briefing (12/02:2), the main advantage of a focus group lies in its ability to collect subjective judgments where several, individual, judgments are better than just one. By using a focus group the researcher can see how and why individual judgments are supported . This aspect of the focus group is particularly useful to me as it enables a group of learners to come together and share their experiences of the ECDL programme including highs and lows. It allows me the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the optimum way forward for AEGON UK Services and for future learners. Croner goes on to add that, they perform a useful function when evaluating various aspects of training and development, particularly when qualitative measurements are required and where it is deemed necessary to ascertain any unexpected outcomes or applications which have arisen as a result of such provision. Morgan (1988:43) cautions on the size of focus groups, suggesting between four and twelve whilst Croner takes a similar stance, between 6 and 12 Both of the above agree on the need for careful consideration with sampling, in this case with the focus group, as Croner puts it (P3), all those involved do need to be representative of the total population under consideration. I have already decided to use all of my Award-holders as I have 3 months in which to carry out the research and have a small group, as Bell (1999:83) suggests, The number of subjects in your investigation will necessarily depend on the amount of time you have. However, the question of the size of the sample and how it is selected is an issue. Cohen and Mannion (1998:87) put forward a range of sampling tools including probability and non-probability, random and stratified samples whilst Bryman (1989:107) argues the case for a representative sample using a type of probability sample. To ensure that each of my ECDL Award-holders has an equal probability of inclusion in the sample used for the focus groups, names are drawn at random from an Excel spreadsheet. Kerlinger (1986:45), identifies randomness thus, it means that there is no known law, capable of being expressed in language, that correctly explains or describes events and their outcomes. Kerlinger (1986:44) goes on to provide further evidence that my sampling approach is correct, random sampling is that method of drawing a portion (sample) of a population so that each member of the population has an equal chance of being selected. Taking into account the thoughts of both Morgan and Croner above, I facilitate 2 focus groups of 8 members each. There are some difficulties in using focus groups and some of these are identified by Krueger (1988:46/7) who outlines the following: less control of the group as opposed to individuals, difficulties in analysing data, lack of interview skills, varying group dynamics, assembling groups and creating a supportive environment. I acknowledge Kruegers observations and take extra care when running the focus groups although I must stress that my background is as a skilled interviewer and I am able to create a stable, supportive environment for the attendees who have attended similar workshops and courses in the past, often facilitated by me. Any research project is likely to raise ethical issues. This is particularly so if it involves people directly, but may also be the case even if you conduct your research entirely on documentary evidence, Blaxter et al (1997:146). Clearly, it is wrong for me to assume that, given my position as Training Manager, there is no issue with ethics, people know me and are happy to open up and provide me with valuable and valid information. Bell (1999:52) warns, People will be doing you a favour if they agree to help, and they will need to know exactly what they will be asked to do, how much time they will be expected to give and what use will be made of the information they provide. The view is endorsed by McKernan (2000:241), who adds that, It is crucial for all participants to know what their rights are in research of any kind. As such, I take great care when contacting my ECDL learners to alert them to my research and the need for their valuable input to further the learning partnership within AEGON UK Services. Particular attention is paid to the senior managers who give me some of their valuable time for 1:1 interviews and each of them is contacted personally by telephone to discuss the needs and requirements of the research and agree suitable times for the interviews. Hopkins (2000:221/2) identifies a range of principles that I must observe in the commitment to my research including, observing protocol, involving participants, reporting on progress, maintaining confidentiality and obtaining authority before using quotations. Particular care was observed when considering the use of quotations from our external partner, Workplace Training Services, and I arranged a special meeting with Cyril Wheat to discuss the learning partnership and seek his agreement to the use of specific quotations, included in the Conclusions to this research. As Burns (2000:22/3) summarises, All in all it looks fairly difficult to conduct much research without running into ethical arguments. Burns comments alert me to the need to take nothing for granted in view of my special position with the learners, Ethical problems are likely to occur in social science research since human subjects are involved. Researchers must be aware of ethical considerations involved in voluntary and non-voluntary participation, deception, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, the right to discontinue, and obligations of the experimenter. It is this special position, that of someone who has worked very closely with most of the ECDL learners, that Sellitz et al (1962:583) might have been thinking of then they attested, interviewers are human beings and not machines and their manner may have an effect on respondents. Many factors can influence responses one way or another, for instance Borg (1981:87) highlights a few of the problems that can occur, eagerness of the respondents to please the interviewer, a vague antagonism or the tendency of the interviewer to seek out the answers that his preconceived notions .These factors are called response effect by survey researchers. ECDL learners know me well and are aware of my enthusiasm for the learning partnership and our work with the ECDL programme. Might this naturally influence their responses to questionnaires, focus group or, even senior managers, interview questions? However, Bell (1999:139) offers words of wisdom, just as the aspiring researcher wilts under the strains of potential bias, by pointing out that it is easier to acknowledge the fact that bias can creep in than to eliminate it altogether. This is a key consideration for my research as I am very keen for it to succeed being the instigator of the learning partnership with Workplace Training Services and the person responsible for the ECDL programme. A further area for my research to draw upon is the Training teams entry for the 2002 National Training Awards. The entry was based upon the teams work with the ECDL programme in AEGON UK Services and I refer to the comments of the judges in the Data Analysis and Conclusions. 5. Analysis of Data My research amongst European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) award-holders in particular highlights the very positive aspects of the programme and it is encouraging to learn that all questioned feel that the programme has benefited them, personally and professionally. Significantly, the great majority of learners also felt able to now support colleagues with IT-related enquiries, a factor that reflects our status as an Investor In People; staff are keen to share knowledge with each other in a positive manner. Being able to solve problems, increasing ones confidence, developing trouble-shooting skills and appropriately staff trained in new technology are benefits to the company, as viewed by the learners. Although it is not the intention in my research to provide statistical analysis, rather to draw conclusions from learners responses, the feedback from learners does represent universal support for developing skills to enhance the business. Learners feel more competent to do their work, have a more confident approach and have developed skills to enable new work to be handled also converting manual tasks to a PC-based system. I am able to speak from personal experience and, as a result of taking the ECDL programme, I can now use Excel with some success. Whilst it is very difficult to make any claims with the research I am confident that the programme has made a significant difference. Prior to starting the ECDL programme I was unable to use Excel despite having access to the program, after completing the Excel module I am now able to design spreadsheets for use in the Training team. There is evidence of other organisations introducing a successful ECDL programme and the following case study extracts are from the ECDLs own website, www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case. Mike Sampson, Human Resources Director at Royal Liver Assurance, commented: We are delighted that the ECDL pilot scheme has proved to be so successful and now intend to run ECDL again with further members of staff. It is important that our employees are given the opportunity to refresh and improve upon their IT skills, which ultimately reflects a great benefit to Royal Liver and ensures the companys values and good standing are continually maintained. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/royal) Even in the world of IT itself, ECDL is viewed as a positive addition to the learning curriculum, Les Williamson, Resources Servicing Manager, IBM, added, We realised fairly quickly that this certification would be beneficial across the site. Not many people can claim proficiency in all the IT productivity tools that we could be using everyday. This is a qualification that demonstrates just that. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/ibm) 90% of learners feel that they are now more confident when using a PC (66% of the remaining 10% already did so) which is an endorsement of our decision to offer the programme and a statistic from a similar exercise conducted amongst award-holders at Manchester NHS Health Authority in 2002 found that ECDL qualified staff are proven to save an average of 38 minutes per day. Staff within AEGON UK Services also highlighted the speed at which they are now able to process IT-related work as a benefit to the Company. Feedback from the learners in the questionnaires suggested that, whilst staff were achieving success using the CD ROM made available by Workplace Training Services, there was less than total satisfaction. Accordingly, amongst the questions I posed at the focus groups was What method of learning would you recommend for future ECDL students? Although only a small percentage of respondents to the questionnaire felt that the quality of learning materials was less than good during the focus groups, the mood was very different and people had the opportunity to express their views in more detail. It became apparent that the majority of the attendees of twelve felt that the CD ROM was difficult to work with, either because of their own IT situation out of the office, some did not have a PC at home, or more commonly because of the great amount of detail included. Their preferred learning method was to use paper-based material although some members of the focus groups felt that the CD ROM was ideal. Comments were also made that it was often difficult to obtain 1:1 support as members of the Training team were often involved in other projects and, in truth, were never seen as providing close support for learners. Learners comments were referred to Cyril Wheat who visited the site and spoke with groups of the learners; as a result, directly, of the feedback provided to Cyril his Workplace Training Services team started to provide future learning support material in two forms, paper-based for the majority, CD ROM where preferred. In addition, another change in policy as a result of feedback, with the introduction of a dedicated resource from the College, someone who would be guaranteed to be on the Lytham site once a week for personal tutorials. Most surprising amongst the findings was the feedback from the senior managers. Whilst the Managing Director has given the partnership with Workplace Training Services his blessing and has in fact recently enrolled on the ECDL programme, the same positive views are not held by the management team. I conducted the interviews and was surprised by the little knowledge that the managers had of the programme, one actually admitted that he had no awareness that any of his staff are taking an award. Whilst the general view amongst the managers was that any learning which develops the staff to enhance the business, must be a good thing, only one member of the team was more positive. One manager had experienced the ECDL programme personally, achieved the award, and spoke highly of the benefits to AEGON UK Services in supporting the implementation of COE. More work remains to be done with the management team for the future of the programme. 6. Conclusions The comments of learners who have achieved their European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) are extremely encouraging from a purely personal point of view, the initial thoughts are that my efforts in bringing the ECDL programme to AEGON UK Services staff has paid off. But that cursory observation is not sufficient to merit the programme a success. When we set off on the ECDL programme there was a clear business need to be met, successfully implementing the Common Operating Environment (COE) and the transfer to Microsoft Office 2000. What must not be overlooked was that the business was not using any formal training strategy to meet the requirements generated by the COE and I was confident that ECDL could provide many of the training needs. Although I am not able to provide any hard quantitative data I have feedback from learners and managers which supports the use of the programme. As one manager put it, Having achieved the ECDL I can vouch for the skills and knowledge acquired. Members of my team have demonstrated the benefits of the learning through the enhanced use of different programs. The data provides evidence of ECDL supporting the implementation of COE in the business. New skills have been acquired by learners, many of whom are now looking for further opportunities, whilst at the same time encouraging colleagues to enrol on the programme. There are numerous examples quoted of staff who are now able to access different programs, use PowerPoint, Access or in my case, get to grips with Excel for the first time. Our relationship with Workplace Training Services has developed, from the first tentative enquiries regarding the use of ECDL, the Colleges first learning partnership in the North West to one of collaboration on other projects; as I close this research we are discussing certificated learning to meet behavioural competencies. Cyril Wheat, Manager Dedicated Delivery, is proud of his organisations role with the business and speaks highly of our work, with the commitment of an employer who is providing resources is very important. The need for such support is echoed by Tim Rush of Islington Council who adds, We have been lucky here in Islington, Members of the Council and senior management have been fully supportive. Gaining support at that level is essential to any successful implementation. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/islington). Cyrils teams commitment to us now includes the use of 10 PCs, available for any form of learning, and a dedicated resource on-site for work with the ECDL programme. Significantly, the learning has largely taken place at no cost to the business and during 2002 over 100 learners were enrolled with Workplace Training Services for free and we have ascertained that open learning with the ECDL programme may yet prove to be extremely cost effective to the business. We have 150 staff achieved or working towards the award with 100 more to follow during the course of this year an costs incurred to-date are a little over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3,000 which is approximately à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½12 per learner. Given that this learning ultimately accredits staff members with a universally accepted IT qualification and attendance on external learning is in my experience over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½100 per day then I believe that this equates to value for money learning. Our work with the fledgling ECDL programme in employer-related learning has highlighted new areas for study. As demonstrated earlier, learners had difficulties with the Computer Based Training and the CD ROM was not viewed as user-friendly; as a result, their feedback has been taken into account and staff enrolling more recently have had access to paper-based support material with CR ROMs available where required. The judges at the 2002 National Training Awards were impressed by your decision to encourage your employees to undertake the ECDL qualification and drew upon a number of other positive aspects although they highlighted a number of important issues for the team to consider. As I point out above, there are limitations with my research and issues to consider for the coming months, as the judges point out in their feedback, it is still quite early in the process of introducing the Common Operating Environment and they have suggested that we re-enter at a later date. I am also conscious that the research has been carried out by someone with a clearly vested interest in its success, the training of staff in the business is after all my responsibility, and that this may have clouded the findings. I acknowledge this limitation and make efforts to minimise the effects of this bias. My ultimate findings are also effected by yet more bias; the results are based upon my work with learners at AEGON UK Services in a supportive environment where facilities are made available to them and they do not have to pay any fees. I make no claims about applying my results to a wider audience whether in another industry or with the public at large. However, the final thought lies with Andrew Mayo, writing in the January 2003 edition of Training Journal, who holds out, So here is the challenge for 2003. Will you be able to say, at the end of the year, where and how learning interventions made a difference to the achievements of the organisation(s) you work with . From the feedback received from learners and indeed Workplace Training Services staff I am confident that the ECDL programme has already made an impact on AEGON UK Services although greater communication is required with senior managers based upon their own feedback. Furthermore, as the judges of the National Training Awards indicate, there is yet more to come as our learning partnership matures and more staff set out on the road to success through the challenge of ECDL. Project Proposal DHL0730 Empirical Study AEGON UK Services in partnership with Workplace Training Services, an arm of Preston College, started to offer the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to staff in September 2001. The ECDL programme based it is upon Microsoft Office 2000 applications was seen as an ideal complement to the Common Operating Environment (COE) to be launched in 2002. At the same time the launch of ECDL provided further evidence of the Company facilitating learning and development opportunities for its staff. Under COE the whole of AEGON UK would operate with Microsoft Office 2000 whilst over 90% of staff were familiar with the 1997 version or earlier. To-date over 150 staff have started or finished the ECDL programme yet no evaluation of the success or otherwise of ECDL within AEGON UK Services has ever been carried out. Title of Research An evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as used by AEGON UK Services. Brief Description The ECDL was launched to develop the skills of European citizens and to enable them to become proficient in PC skills. The use of ECDL within AEGON UK Services was designed to provide staff with the skills necessary to deal effectively with the Common Operating Environment (COE), in effect Microsoft Office 2000.

Relationship Between Architecture and Politics

Relationship Between Architecture and Politics Architecture is not only classified as describing the elegant and formal preferences of an architect, but it can also reveal the hopes, power struggle and the elements culture of the society. Although nowadays architecture tend to orbit around themes that represents neutrality in order to represent a healthier theme or image for the city without supporting any political regime ,it can be certainly maintained that using architecture as a major tool to symbolize power and authority for a society such as Nazi Germany and Rome power is a required and preferred tool in order to keep the legacy of the society or area alive as time passes by as the built environment is a text whose every word reveals a nation’s vicissitudes. As insofar the building that was only said to be a work or architectural earth can serve a purpose of being a visual metaphor, announcing something in its own way about the power, existence, strength, protectiveness and structure of the institution it represents. Firstly, architecture supports the system with a structural model which is used by the society to conceptualize the world which makes it connected with political power as said by Mitchell kapor â€Å"Architecture is politics†. Hence there is a structural relationship between the social and political sides, architecture reveals the power that is embodied in it and specifically the monumental architecture that is formed by the political powers. These monuments shows the power of the individuals accountable for their formation and they describe the nature of that power. For example, using axial architecture symbolizes consistently more to power which control the community as it directs people to that seat or that specific power. Whereas ,Non-axial architecture always maintain the equality of constituent parts and puts the choices always between people’s hands rather than the mastery of certain goal. Moreover non axial architecture is regularly connected to political power as mandate from the masses. Architecture that symbolizes top-down distribution of power is the opposite of an architecture that demonstrates control vested by the community as shown even in prisons as the warden’s power is over the inmate which shows the supreme edge of social control. As architecture can control the way we understand the world, looking at architectural history the relation between the monumental architecture and political power can consistently be seen. Architecture gives us the choice to visualize mentally and support societies to create systems that shows their social and cultural traditions and practices. Hence, leaders use it to express the way that they understand reality in and express how they crave to be seen by the people and enforce their opinion and view and carry their power over the populace. However, Nazi’s and Romans leaders in Germany and Rome in the old centuries used architecture in a way to exude power and domination in order to keep their legacy as a society with power and wealth in the world, hence their buildings had an enormous effect on the way architects designed their buildings in the western side of the world and still continues till this day. Nowadays along the western world the effect of Roman power is still manifest which shows how using architecture as a society power tool can be effective and is needed by the world, and many European cities still have souvenirs that remind them of the ancient Rome. Architecture played an essential role in bringing together the empire and was vital to the success of Rome as both formal architecture like temples and basilicas for example bridges and aqueducts had a major role in representing Rome power. Communication across the far flung was supported by the construction of the roads with their bridges. Moreover, clean and hygiened water was provided to the people in city by aquedects. Whereas, the basilica fulfilled administrative functions which was showed in American cities in town halls or court houses and other buildings also served roman power weather directly or indirectly. The basilicas had various characteristics and components such as a projection which the Romans called apse which acted as the seat of the magistrate accountable for dispensing the law and along with it comes a scene or an image of the emperor which is the source of the law. Then above the image is a curvy semi -circular line which acts as an echo in the form of the apse. The basilica in Roman city carried the concept of Roman authority for the people of the Roman Empire. The association with person was a prima explanation for the use of the basilica soft as the typical become of the Christian church from the abstraction of the Emperor Metropolis. The organization of the space and disposition of the buildings in the second century formed almost a symbolic map of Roman power which the study of this early second century building complex show us. To summarize the Roman architecture, the basilica with its apses points and symbolized to Roman law power; the authority of classical culture and literature is shown by its formal libraries; and the religion is reflected to the public life of the people by the temples. Also Trajan which is the Roman military leader and has images at the center of the city in the imperial axis has ordered the built of the markets on the adjacent hill which states an obvious statement about the emperor being the provider for the Roman populace. Reminders of the culture and traditions of the Roman Empire are still there throughout the western world cities. Most Leaders want to give intimidation and control through their built environment and visual testament to their strength and control to the people and the nation .Examples can be seen all around the world. In Paris after Napoleon became the king of the empire in 1804, he wanted Paris to become the new Rome so you can find various similarities in their buildings. The Arc de Triumphed, started to be built by Napoleon in 1806 but not finished until 1836, is the extremely famous example of the French taking of Roman formulas In Vendome in Paris, the leader Napoleon ordered the built of a monumental free-standing column that was clearly based and similar in structure to the column of Ttrajan from the early second century.A bronze statue is on the top of the vendomne column and has a costume that looks like a Roman, like Trajan on his column. The service of the Madeleine. The designer Pierre-Alexandre Vignon plain supported his construction on the distinct strain of the Italian Temple. Secondly, Nazi’s and Hitler also used architecture in a way to threaten and intimidate the people and go forward in the power of their state. It is shown clearly in their projects as some element like stark facades, columns, pilasters, and clean lines is used in a massive scale by the project’s architects such as Albert Speer, Hermann Giesler, and Fritz Todt to form a new aesthetic and demonstrate power, control and domination. Moreover, the building’s sizes gave a huge effect and showed clearly the wealth and power of the Germans to anyone who ventured their buildings. Hence, the city of Berlin was to be the city of the Nazis corp, and as such, required to bonk and resemble the noesis, ascendancy, and caliber of the Fascist circle. Invoking images of the Catholicism Empire, the remade Berlin would be titled Germania, the old European plant for Deutschland. Domination of the world was the aim of Berlin so it required more monuments. So to ceremonialize the power of the German state a plan and models to create a city with an enormous number of public building were made by the architects responsible of the project. Many buildings are still surviving till nowadays although the Berlin plan did not fully succeed that represent the rare trend of the regime. The style of intimidaton architecture was the main style used by the germans while building and designing their buildings. Other buildings not representative of the Nazi vogue all the same reference Nazi aims by glorifying both the past of Teutonic and the culture of the rural as well. Always, Nazi architects worked to confirm that their buildings served the needs of the regime. Influenced by classical Hellenic Republic and Rome, they cultivated ANaesthetic of order, victimization lowest decoration and action straight lines. From the baroque era, they realised the facility of buildings as expressions of wealth and power, and they tried to include that expression into their buildings. Nazi desi gn served the state by actioning its values, demonstrating its power, and making edifices capable of lasting for hundreds of years. The Nazis tried to regulate each facet of Germans lives; design contend a key role during this. The order and plainness of Nazi facades mirrored the order perfect by Nazi theorists. Places designed for mass community experiences designed unity round the party. Buildings reflective rural and Teutonic pasts emphasised the Nazis glorification of these times. Constant aspects of Nazi buildings supposed to impress foreign diplomats served double duty by expressing the strength of the National Socialist German Workers Party to everybody United Nations agency lapsed. Adolf Hitler and Speer had faith that that design had the power to deeply infuence peopless thoughts and actions. In their neurotic plans for Germania, they showed expressly that design was a tool of the state. itdbeaccustomedpromote ideology, even at the expense of livability.Adolf Hitlerwishedbuildings to be the word in stone, durable, a clear representations of the Nazi ideals. Same all the antithetic varieties of art throug hout the Socialism programme, Structure was a puppet of both the state and the commonwealth as well as John Ruskin the English writer said â€Å"Architecture is the work of nations†. This shows that architecture can be used in a spectacular multiple of ways to provide the nation, culture and society its own characteristic and charisma. A major distinction between the classical state design of Third Reich|Reich} and classical design in alternative trendy countries in Europe and America is that in Germany it absolutely was however one aspect of a severely authoritarian state. Its dictatorly aimed to determine study order; grid iron city plans, axial symmetry, hierarchic placement of state structure among urban house on a scale meant to strengthen the interpersonal and governmental rule wanted by the Nazi propose, that anticipated the displacement of religious belief and moral values by a brand new quite worship supported the cult of Nazi martyrs and leaders and with a worth system near that of pre-Christian Rome In Mein Kampf, Germanic Nazi states that industrialised Teutonic cities of his day lacked high open monuments and a halfway accent for territory spirit. In fact, criticism of the fast manufacture of German cities once 1870 had already been voiced. The ideal Nazi town wasnt to be over large, since it had been to replicate pre-industrial values and its state monuments, the product and symbols of collective effort, were to lean most prominence by being centrally set within the new and reshaped cities of the enlarged Composer. Nazis comments in Mein Kampf indicated that he saw buildings such like the coliseum and also the Circus Maximus As symbols of the political would possibly and power of the Roman individuals. Potentate explicit, Architecture isnt solely the word in stone, however is also the expression of the religion and conviction of a community, alternatively it signifies the ability, greatness and laurels of an fantabulous man or individual. In Potentates cultural direction, The  Buildings of the Reich, delivered in Sep 1937 , in Nuremberg, he thoroughbred that the new buildings of the Reich were to bolster the authority of the National Socialist German Workers Party and also the state and at identical time give gigantic proof of the community. The subject proof of this authority may already be seen in Nuremberg, metropolis and Berlin and would become still a lot of evident once a lot of plans had been place into result. Hitler himself was as a girlish man was initially impresssed with the extremely formed, ornate, neo-Baroque vogue open in various Habsburg-era people buildings. Flat then, he matte that the key qualification for a morality public business was that it verbalised the capability of its somebody. These buildings, with their immoderate volume of pilasters, porticos, columns, arches, and pediments, manifested the wealth and nation of the German and royalty states. Whereas these highly-decorated buildings square measure markedly totally different from those designed throughout Hitlers reign, they possess symmetry, a proper part of style that each designer and Der Fuhrer believed was essential to making order. The impressive Berlinerdom exudes any wealth, with palm in apiece character and carrefour. In block with Der Fuhrer, the cathedral, cerebration too tiny, was fittingly impressive. The nightlong arcades of the New Hofsburg and thus the deposit of Penalty Study, apiece in grapheme of Oes terreich, breathe at the lordly and colonnades entrances open in buildings subsequent in experience, peculiarly Designers New Reich authority’s structure. The New Hofsburg, Vienna Furthermore, Hitler, as a trained creator, was well-versed within the history of design. Within the Nazis seek associate orderly aesthetic, a lot ofattention was paid to the classical buildings of Balkan countryand Rome. It’s straightforward to examine the similarities between Albert Speers Zeppelintribune, shown higher than right, and therefore the Pergamon Altar of Zeus housed within the Berlin Pergamon museum: In fact, Albert Speer himself explicit that the apsis supported this Pergamon monument. There also are noticeable similarities between the coliseumin Rome and therefore the Olympiastadion in Berlin. Specially, the 2 buildings assets a layered grouping of pillars and arches. Notwithstanding, the sports bowl differs from the coliseum in its demand of curves or broadsheet arches. Olympiastadions outside is regressive, and depends on rectangles formed from healthy crosswise and straight lines to actualize its spic, organized lead. Further, the sports bowl exterior is scanty: theres no ornamentation of any good, only lines. These preferences for healthy lines and kosher exteriors are a regular boast of Socialism buildings, especially those organized by Designer, and businessman them as definite from the neoclassical structures that influenced them, Classic buildings were heavily with statues. Fascist buildings are placing for his or her nearly tot lack of honour. The coliseum in Rome Olympiastadion in Berlin To conclude, although after the mid century and the beginning of the 19th century urban architects and societies began to change their concepts and preferred to use architecture and design buildings in a way to make cities healthier and help in reducing crimes and deduct problems. Moreover architects had an aim to improve the attitude of the people and society and they wanted to use architecture to reduce poverty,crimes, and prevent revolutions .However, architecture can be used in both ways but I certainly agree that if architecture is used as a participatory tool to represent power and strength for certain society it would play a major role in changing history and effect vitally the culture of the world as Frank Lloyd the american architect said â€Å"The mother art is architecture. Without an architecture of our own we have no soul of our own civilization†. Also architecture in that way leaves legacies behind them that coming generations can look up to and that is why archi tects and leaders that time tried their best to serve strenghtfull testament through their designs and buildings.

Spoon River in History Essay -- essays research papers

With the coming of the new century America under goes a change led by many different events. The collection of poems written in Lee Masters book Spoon River Anthology portrays the typical small town at the end of the 19th century and the beginning of the 20th century. Show the different social, economical, and political trend and influences throughout the United States.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The city of Spoon River went through many of the same social trends that the United States experienced like social Darwinism and the change in woman roles in society. The idea of social Darwinism had its part in the country as well as in Spoon River. In Spoon River Anthology the character Felix Schmidt found out the hard way of the concept of social Darwinism where only the strong person wins or in this case the one with more money wins. Schroeder the fisherman also shows the example of the new concept spreading through the country. Schroeder tells of the conflict between many different types of animals in relation to the Felix Schmidt case how Schmidt was the weaker of the two and loses all his property including his little doll type house. Schmidt had to become a tenant farmer, since he became a tenant farmer he had to give a portion of his profits and income to Christian Dallman who was Felix’s landlord.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As Spoon River grew the social conflict grew between men and women in contrast to the role women had during the time period. The typical roles of men and women had a very strong line of distinction between them. However with time comes change these roles slowly began to intermix, mostly the role of women began to change. Women become more active in the community and the work place. With women becoming more involved in the jobs such as teachers it led to a very new and different life style. Teachers during this time were mostly men, however with the involvement of women and the racial movement which lead the 19th amendment giving women the right to vote and to end woman suffrage. During the many different wars that the United States got into the wounded was cared for by nurses, which were most of the time women. Women’s roles in the beginning of the 20th century had changed.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  As the economical ups and down took its tolls on the United States it also hit Spoon River hard. With the country going in and... ...talk with the most powerful man in the United States government shows that United States wanted to be more into the government policy. With many new presidents moving into office each had a different idea on how to help the United States. McKinley thought that if he would make a tariff that would raise the price on manufactured goods by 48% that it would scare off the people from buying products that were not American made, which would help raise the economy. What it did was just make things worse because other countries were putting high tariffs on American products so it hurt the United States businesses both large and small companies. . The people of Spoon River had encountered many different trends that had shaped the community into a typical town in the Unites States. From social Darwinism to the depression of 1893 to many different ways the railroad influenced the people and society of Spoon River. As Spoon River grows and ages with the country there will be many more and different trends and influences on the thriving little town. With many things to come from all of the different social, economical and political fields in the Unites States.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  

Community Medicine: Much More than a Mere Clinical Subject Essay

Abstract: Medical doctors bear a great burden of caring for both the healthy and ill in the society. An avaricious doctor who has thrown basic ethics to the winds is an abomination to the profession. Over the years as knowledge progressed, the art of medicine slowly changed from a â€Å"philosophy† to a â€Å"technology† with emphasis on machines and procedures. There is a danger of a contemporary doctor running amok, treating his patients as diseases and harassing them with the latest technology. The fathers of the medical world after careful thought put together some rules, principles and precepts to help make a modern doctor behave rationally and responsibly. Community Medicine was thus born of a need to help medical professionals strike a balance between man, medicine, society and environment. It is the â€Å"religion† of the medical world! Community Medicine helps us adopt at different times promotive, preventive, curative or rehabilitative roles depending on the need we perceive in the world surrounding us. It may be overwhelming to realize that our understanding of clinical tools(diagnostic or therapeutic; preventive or curative) must be much more than all the specialists put together if we are to do any justice to the common man in his family or community! It may be sobering thought to realize that when medicine finally becomes thoroughly commercial, we will have to play a significant role in moderating our colleagues and the medical industry to ensure that our communities remain healthy. Key words: Community Medicine, philosophy, religion, clinical subject Dr. Samson Sanjeeva Rao Nallapu, Associate Professor, Dept. of Community Medicine, NRI Medical College, Guntur District, AP State, India Man is made in God’s image and is essentially good. However due to the various stressors of every day life, man tends to stray from being good. His socio-economic position, expectations of life, experiences in life and desires etc. make him behave anywhere between â€Å"not so good† to down right evil†; from â€Å"not so satisfied† to â€Å"immoral†, â€Å"covetous† â€Å"greedy† and â€Å" self-indulgent†. To overcome this we have religion. All religions fundamentally advise man to be contented and moral in his relatively short span of life. Every religion propagates a set of laws which help man choose between good and evil. They show men a way to live in harmony with his neighbor and his environment. Religion also promises man eternal life and riches in the hereafter as awards for a life spent being and doing good. By now, if you are still reading, you may wonder where I am heading. Well. This simple analogy can be applied to o ur subject i.e. Community Medicine and the medical world at large. Medical doctors bear a great burden of caring for both the healthy and ill in the society. Doctors have to be exemplary people teaching their patients to lead healthy lives and helping them to overcome illnesses. Doctors therefore have to lead lives of moderation, always willing to help those in need and ready to give necessary advice. The grateful community in turn respects and even deifies their doctors. A greedy, money grabbing doctor who has thrown basic ethics to the winds is an abomination to the profession. The same applies to a doctor who is only interested in the curative aspect of disease due to the pecuniary benefits it fetches him. Over the years as knowledge progressed, the art of medicine slowly changed from a â€Å"philosophy† to a â€Å"technology† with emphasis on machines and procedures. The precepts of medicine which are nothing but what we read today as principles of Community Medicine, are slowly becoming irrelevant and obsolete to today’s pr actitioner. There is a danger of a contemporary doctor running amok, treating his patients as diseases and harassing them with the latest technology which is his ammunition. The fathers of the medical world after careful thought put together some rules, principles and precepts to help make a modern doctor and the learned people in the community behave rationally and responsibly with regard to health and healthcare. So there we have it. Community Medicine was born thus and it is the â€Å"religion† of the medical world! As all religions go, however, some believe and many do not; some accept it and many do not. Many even revile it and belittle it. Religion is all encompassing to the believer but terribly boring to the skeptic. Therefore we find ourselves defending our religion, trying to propagate it, searching for converts and disciples. We are dealing with the truth, but circumstances and the state of affairs hinder people from recognizing the truth. So here we are today, all of us in the profession of medicine, basic doctors first and only then specialists. Community Medicine puts things in perspective. Our field talks of comprehensiveness, inclusiveness and wholesomeness. We can neither divide the body from the mind nor man from his society, his culture and his environment. We as priests of this medical religion are compelled to uncompromisingly put forth our thoughts and ideas to the world at large and especially to our hospital colleagues and others. As teachers of the subject we cannot undermine our role in shaping the young minds entrusted to us. It is a great opportunity to help these young ones to look at medicine again as a philosophy and not purely as a technology. Looking at it from this angle we realize that Community Medicine is much more than a clinical subject. It may be promotive, preventive, curative or rehabilitative roles that we adopt at different times depending on the need we perceive in the world surroundin g us. We have to however keep in mind that all these approaches carry equal weight when evaluating the bigger picture. Yes! We are clinicians! But it is just one facet of our function. We need to be clinicians because that makes us better health educators, better preventive medicine practitioners and better rehabilitators not just for our patients but their families and even their communities. It may be overwhelming to realize that our understanding of clinical tools(diagnostic or therapeutic; preventive or curative) must be much more than all the specialists put together if we are to do any justice to the common man in his family or community! From a practical point of view, as we can think comprehensively and are rooted in reality, understanding the patient in a complete way, we can help the narrowly thinking curative specialist in our hospitals to effectively counsel his patient. (The above specialist came into being because we failed to convert him when he was our student). We can strive towards empowering our colleagues to inculcate promotive and preventive aspects into their practices. If they show reluctance, we can do it ourselves; mainly to help them see that it works and their patients will be more satisfied and self reliant. However our ultimate goal has to be the transfer of responsibility back to their shoulders. If we hold on, we will again be the cause of separating medicine into unwholesome sections. We need to remember that only a small proportion of people suffering with diseases come to the hospitals. The rest are out there undiagnosed, uncared for and untutored. Again if our approach is to â€Å"keep people healthy† and not â€Å"cure people with disease†, the community is where we have to be. To reach out to the masses we need to first go out to where they live and use all our skills – communicational , diagnostic, curative, persuasive etc. to empower them . In this process we may draw on health care facilities at different levels, primary, secondary, tertiary etc. or even the grass root level people like the Village Health Guide, the trained Dai or the ASHA. Just like a surgeon can teach a student, practical and functional anatomy better than an anatomist, we can teach our students better because of not only our clinical assessment and skills but also our comprehensive knowledge of the patient. In the debate whether we are clinicians or not, there is no doubt at all. We are more than clinicians. We are the glue that puts the various aspects of medicine together. We keep hearing that there is a stigma attached to Community Medicine. We hear complaints that other specialties do not respect us. In today’s world, we feel that a person becomes the temple priest because he was not good for anything else. People become priests for various reasons, one being the desire to show others the way to heaven. It depends on the priest to show his knowledge, understanding and ways to gain the respect of the devotees. Similarly we need to find appropriate spaces; be it the hospital or the community to showcase our substance. First and foremost we should stop putting ourselves down. It may be sobering thought to realize that when medicine finally becomes thoroughly commercial, we will have to play a significant role in moderating our colleagues and the medical industry to ensure that our communities remain healthy. Simply put, we hold the key to the future of medicine in our country.

Part Two Chapter III

III Gavin cooked for Kay at his house that evening, opening tins and crushing garlic with a sense of ill-usage. After a row, you had to say certain things to secure a truce: those were the rules, everyone knew that. Gavin had telephoned Kay from his car on the way back from Barry's burial and told her that he wished she had been there, that the whole day had been horrible and that he hoped he could see her that night. He considered these humble admissions no more or less than the price he had to pay for an evening of undemanding companionship. But Kay seemed to consider them more in the light of a down payment on a renegotiated contract. You missed me. You needed me when you were upset. You're sorry we didn't go as a couple. Well, let's not make that mistake again. There had been a certain complacency about the way she had treated him since; a briskness, a sense of renewed expectation. He was making spaghetti Bolognese tonight; he had deliberately omitted to buy a pudding or to lay the table in advance; he was at pains to show her that he had not made much of an effort. Kay seemed oblivious, even determined to take this casual attitude as a compliment. She sat at his small kitchen table, talking to him over the pitter-patter of rain on the skylight, her eyes wandering over the fixtures and fittings. She had not often been here. ‘I suppose Lisa chose this yellow, did she?' She was doing it again: breaking taboos, as though they had recently passed to a deeper level of intimacy. Gavin preferred not to talk about Lisa if he could avoid it; surely she knew that by now? He shook oregano onto the mince in his frying pan and said, ‘No, this was all the previous owner. I haven't got round to changing it yet.' ‘Oh,' she said, sipping wine. ‘Well, it's quite nice. A bit bland.' This rankled with Gavin, as, in his opinion, the interior of the Smithy was superior in every way to that of Ten Hope Street. He watched the pasta bubbling, keeping his back to her. ‘Guess what?' she said. ‘I met Samantha Mollison this afternoon.' Gavin wheeled around; how did Kay even know what Samantha Mollison looked like? ‘Just outside the deli in the Square; I was on my way in to get this,' said Kay, clinking the wine bottle beside her with a flick of her nail. ‘She asked me whether I was Gavin's girlfriend.' Kay said it archly, but actually she had been heartened by Samantha's choice of words, relieved to think that this was how Gavin described her to his friends. ‘And what did you say?' ‘I said – I said yes.' Her expression was crestfallen. Gavin had not meant to ask the question quite so aggressively. He would have given a lot to prevent Kay and Samantha ever meeting. ‘Anyway,' Kay proceeded with a slight edge to her voice, ‘she's asked us for dinner next Friday. Week today.' ‘Oh, bloody hell,' said Gavin crossly. A lot of Kay's cheerfulness deserted her. ‘What's the problem?' ‘Nothing. It's – nothing,' he said, prodding the bubbling spaghetti. ‘It's just that I see enough of Miles during work hours, to be honest.' It was what he had dreaded all along: that she would worm her way in and they would become Gavin-and-Kay, with a shared social circle, so that it would become progressively more difficult to excise her from his life. How had he let this happen? Why had he allowed her to move down here? Fury at himself mutated easily into anger with her. Why couldn't she realize how little he wanted her, and take herself off without forcing him to do the dirty? He drained the spaghetti in the sink, swearing under his breath as he speckled himself with boiling water. ‘You'd better call Miles and Samantha and tell them â€Å"no†, then,' said Kay. Her voice had hardened. As was Gavin's deeply ingrained habit, he sought to deflect an imminent conflict and hoped that the future would look after itself. ‘No, no,' he said, dabbing at his wet shirt with a tea towel. ‘We'll go. It's fine. We'll go.' But in his undisguised lack of enthusiasm, he sought to put down a marker to which he could refer, retrospectively. You knew I didn't want to go. No, I didn't enjoy it. No, I don't want it to happen again. They ate for several minutes in silence. Gavin was afraid that there would be another row, and that Kay would force him to discuss underlying issues again. He cast around for something to say, and so started telling her about Mary Fairbrother and the life insurance company. ‘They're being real bastards,' he said. ‘He was heavily insured, but their lawyers are looking for a way not to pay out. They're trying to make out he didn't make a full disclosure.' ‘In what way?' ‘Well, an uncle died of an aneurysm, too. Mary swears Barry told the insurance agent that when he signed the policy, but it's nowhere in the notes. Presumably the bloke didn't realize it can be a genetic thing. I don't know that Barry did, come to †¦' Gavin's voice broke. Horrified and embarrassed, he bowed his flushing face over his plate. There was a hard chunk of grief in his throat and he couldn't shift it. Kay's chair legs scraped on the floor; he hoped that she was off to the bathroom, but then felt her arms around his shoulders, drawing him to her. Without thinking, he put a single arm around her, too. It was so good to be held. If only their relationship could be distilled into simple, wordless gestures of comfort. Why had humans ever learned to talk? He had dribbled snot onto the back of her top. ‘Sorry,' he said thickly, wiping it away with his napkin. He withdrew from her and blew his nose. She dragged her chair to sit beside him and put a hand on his arm. He liked her so much better when she was silent, and her face was soft and concerned, as it was now. ‘I still can't †¦ he was a good bloke,' he said. ‘Barry. He was a good bloke.' ‘Yes, everyone says that about him,' said Kay. She had never been allowed to meet this famous Barry Fairbrother, but she was intrigued by the show of emotion from Gavin, and by the person who had caused it. ‘Was he funny?' she asked, because she could imagine Gavin in thrall to a comedian, to a rowdy ringleader, propping up the bar. ‘Yeah, I s'pose. Well, not particularly. Normal. He liked a laugh †¦ but he was just such a †¦ such a nice bloke. He liked people, you know?' She waited, but Gavin did not seem able to elucidate further on the niceness of Barry. ‘And the kids †¦ and Mary †¦ poor Mary †¦ God, you've got no idea.' Kay continued to pat his arm gently, but her sympathy had chilled a little. No idea, she thought, what it was to be alone? No idea how hard it was to be left in sole charge of a family? Where was his pity for her, Kay? ‘They were really happy,' said Gavin, in a cracked voice. ‘She's in pieces.' Wordlessly, Kay stroked his arm, reflecting that she had never been able to afford to go to pieces. ‘I'm all right,' he said, wiping his nose on his napkin and picking up his fork. By the smallest of twitches, he indicated that she should remove her hand.

Essay Leighton Holdings Entry to China

Essay Leighton Holdings Entry to China Essay Leighton Holdings Entry to China Table of Contents 1. Executive Summary 2 2. Introduction 3 3. Background 4 3.1 Environmental Sustainability 4 3.2 Competitiveness of Chinese construction industry 5 3.3 Relationship-Based Business Culture 5 3.4 Insufficient Law and Regulation 6 4. Discussion of the Issues 7 4.1 Chinese Cultures 7 4.2 Cultural Impacts 8 4.3 Sustainable Development 8 5.0 Conclusion and Recommendations 9 6.0 Reference 11 1. Executive Summary It is in the best interest for Leighton Holdings to understand the Chinese cultures to avoid missing any business opportunities in China. In the recent years, the construction industry has been playing a leading role in the Chinese rapid economic development. The increase in economic activity has resulted in a heavy demand for construction, providing Leighton Holdings a good opportunity to expand its construction business in China. However, China’s incomplete regulatory system, cultural differences, as well as a relationship-based business culture were among the factors identified as making China a challenging project environment. This is due to the national culture of Confucius, which affects the way the Chinese people doing business. Some of the salient principles of Confucius are highlighted below: * Submitting to authority; * Respecting the concept of â€Å"big family† * â€Å"middle way† to preserve harmony in one community; and * Maintaining harmonious relationships with neighbours. Based on the identified issues, some recommendations are provided for Leighton Holdings to expand its business in China: * Make the right connections in China and hold implementation plan workshops and follow-up sessions with Chinese team members to establish and maintain trust and respect at the start of the project; * Develop a clear and appropriate plan and well defined a project’s scope and design before agreements or contracts are signed to avoid cultural misunderstanding or future disputes; * Employ people who have educational and working experience in both Australia and China to be the communication channel; * Establish price competitiveness by sourcing environmental-friendly resources globally to meet the Chinese demand for sustainable construction; * Cooperate with international association such as World Trade Organization and Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation to lobby the Chinese government for policy changes and to call for the transparency during the bidding proces s. 2. Introduction Leighton Holdings is one of Australian’s largest construction firms and one of the world’s largest contract mining companies. It operates with a number of subsidiaries in Australia including Thiess, John Holland Group and Leighton International, providing a wide range of construction operations in heavy industry, engineering and commercial construction (IBISWorld, 2013). With the goal of being renowned for excellence across the construction, mining, and operations and maintenance markets, Leighton Holdings is committed to the achievement of high quality standards, and strives for integrating environmental, social and governance factors into decision making to create short and long term shareholder value, pursuing sustainability of its business (Leighton Holdings, 2013 a; Leighton Holdings, 2013 c; Leighton Holdings, 2013 d). In recent years, the rapid increase of the world’s population, in addition to the expansion in global economic activity and falling trade barriers, has led to massive increases in demand for construction around the world, especially in Asia where large amounts of social commercial infrastructure are being developed (Ochieng, Price Moore, 2013). According to the Global Construction Report (2011), China surpassed Japan as the world’s largest construction market in 2003, and it will overtake the US as the world’s largest construction sector in 2018. These indicate a great opportunity for Leighton Holdings to export its construction

Boeing Business Analysis Essay Example

Boeing Business Analysis Essay Example Boeing Business Analysis Paper Boeing Business Analysis Paper Boeing Business Analysis MGT/ 521 10/10/11 Boeing Business Analysis Before take the decision whether or not invest money in a company it is imperative to analyze the overall situation of the company. Boeing was selected for study because, as representing American big business at the millennium, the company was reputable an unsullied by financial scandals. Boeing is engaged in the design, development, manufacturing, sale and support of the commercial jetliners, military aircraft, satellites, missile defense systems and services. Boeing is situated in the 36th position out to the fortune 500 which is very suitable however as the economy is changing it is imperative to perform a SWOT analysis in deep in order to know the company better and understand they overall situation. Strength By their power and influence Boeing has several strengths and one of them is the leadership in innovation. Inside the commercial jet industry and government sector Boeing is known a leader in innovation models of technology defined by their performance an supported by their technical expertise. Another one is that Boeing has a strong reputation of quality and long-standing costumer relationships. Therefore they have built the image of being a company constantly capable of delivering exciting new models that meet the stringent demand of their many and widely varied costumers. To finish whit strengths it is their successful participation in multiple, diverse market segments. Not only are they the market leader in the commercial jet industry, they have increased their share of the military and space markets. Lastly, the multiple markets allow them to preserve synergy between these businesses. Weaknesses As well as strengths Boeing has weaknesses that are important to address. First weakness and the most relevant to aim is the development cost for new products. Because this company is innovative and have a strong reputation in providing high quality the cost to produce their invocation is high. Second material to work whit. As a result these provoke a domino effect causing the delay in the conclusion of their projects production and the inability to predict a new production cycle. Lastly, Boeing has a strong position in the aerospace and defense industry. This strong position provides the company a competitive advantage. However, intense competition across all business segments of Boeing could erode the market share of the company and could also affect its profit margins. Opportunities Inside the opportunities Boeing has increasing demand for the commercial airplanes. This is derivate of the world challenge changing market and the rise of the new air business, as well as the rapid growth of air travel in the world’s wide. Also the emerging economies such as India and China are expecting to increase military modernization therefore this become an opportunity in the defense sector. Threats One of the threats is the intense competition in the aircraft market and the airline industry. The commercial jet aircraft market and the airline industry remain extremely competitive therefore Boeing faces aggressive international competitors being Airbus it principal competitor. Another threat is the great east Japan earthquake impact. Japan were forced to halt their operations due to severe damage caused by earthquake to their buildings and manufacturing facilities. Boeing is dependent on Japanese suppliers for aircraft components. Lastly threats is the increasing jet fuel prices. In recent past, the prices of jet fuel have increased sharply, hurting the bottom lines of most airlines. After reviewing the SWOT analysis, it is important to determine which stakeholders are most important in particular whether their interest and needs coincide whit the Boeing viewpoint. Internal stakeholders Employees: Boeing employees demand a safe and secure work environment that fosters communication, productivity, creativity, teamwork, and employee engagement. Also, employees require compensation and benefits that are fair and equitable for the type of work and geographic location (local market) where the work is being performed and competitive whit other word-class companies. Shareholders: The shareholders expectation is to obtain a profit and superior return on their assets. External stakeholders Government: which is the primary corporate stakeholder and the final arbiter of what corporations must do and Boeing is aware of their necessities. Because government is constantly changing and no government last forever, Boeing is entailed to complete all government ordinances such as taxes, employment law, international relationship, quality on their military instruments etc. Customers: Boeing deals whit its customers in a fair and impartial manner their business are won or lost on the merits of Boeing products and services making special efforts and focus on providing customers whit accurate and valid information. Communities: Corporate citizenship is the responsibility of the entire Boeing community. The Boeing Company recognizes the critical role it plays in the many diverse communities where they have presence, and they take that role seriously. Their sustained involvement in the community is an important element of Boeing culture and integral part of the way they do business. Boeing maintains their commitment to good citizenship by contributing cash, in-kind and surplus donations, and the expertise of our people. Also, they support programs that encourage the charitable generosity and volunteer spirit of their employees and retirees. Workplace giving is focused through the Employees Community Fund, which is the largest employee-owned charitable organization in the world. Boeing people at every level are encourage to become involved in their communities, and they recognize outstanding community service through annual awards for employee and retiree volunteers. Suppliers: The relationship whit their third-party providers, including consultants and contact labor, are definite by contracts, which are base on lawful, ethical, fair and efficient practices. Boeing relationship whit suppliers are based on mutual trust, integrity and comminent to the highest ethical principles. Procurement decisions are made based on factor such as quality, service, price, delivery, and best value. Care is taken to avoid conflicts and the appearance of partiality. Also the expectation of the supplier are based in three main proposes. First, to promote full and open competition based on their specification and evaluation criteria that allow suppliers to respond. Second, to obtain the best possible products and service at the best value. Third, to eliminate waste, fraud and abuse. In summary Boeing is committed to the highest standards of ethical and business conduct as it relates to the procurement of goods and services. Boeing ensures their success by satisfying their customers and increasing shareholder value. In addition Boeing is committed to the highest standards of ethical and business conduct as it relates to the procurement of goods and services. The relationships whit their costumer, employee, third-party providers, including our consultants and contract labor, are defined by contracts, which are based on lawful, ethical, fair and efficient practices.

Brain Cancer

When thinking about brain tumor, what do you think? I remember millions of people being killed each year. It is difficult to imagine that someone you love will die because of it, but that will happen. Brain tumor is a malignant tumor that leads to death. There are some which can be deleted and others which can not be deleted. Therefore, over the past few decades, they have tried to be friendly to people. It's going well, but it's not always the case. People suffer from cancer, sometimes they can not control it, people may die. Brain tumors are truly deadly, killing millions of people each year. Brain tumors - Brain tumors can be roughly divided into two types. Primary brain tumor occurs in the brain. Metastatic brain tumor begins at the rest of the body and moves to the brain. According to the American Brain Oncology Association, brain tumor is the most common solid tumor in children, the second most common malignancy in children. Brain tumors are the second leading cause of cancer-r elated deaths in men under the age of 40 and are the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women under the age of 20. There are various kinds of brain tumors. Some brain tumors are noncancerous (benign), and some brain tumors are cancerous (malignant). Brain tumors may arise from your brain (primary brain tumor), or cancer may originate from other parts of your body and spread to your brain (secondary or metastatic, brain tumors). Acoustic schwannoma (neuroma) is a well-balanced auditory nerve, a benign tumor that progresses from the inner ear to the brain. These nerves intertwine to form the vestibular cochlear nerve (the eighth cranial nerve). Stress from the tumor to the nerve may lead to hearing loss and imbalance Benign brain tumor is non-cancer. Malignant primary brain tumor occurs in the brain, usually grows faster than a benign tumor, invasively invades the surrounding tissue. Brain tumors rarely spread to other organs, but they can spread to other parts of the br ain and the central nervous system. Benign brain tumors usually have clear boundaries and usually do not enter deep into the brain tissue. Assuming that it is located in an area of ​​the brain that can be operated safely, this will facilitate removal by surgery. However, even after they are removed, benign tumors are less likely to recur than malignant tumors, but they may still recur.