Socialism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Socialism - Essay Example    America is perceived as an exceptional country by many of the political thinkers. In fact the term American exceptionalism is generally used when people try to compare American societies with other societies. â€Å"There is no questioning the fact that, from the last quarter of the nineteenth century on, the most developed country has been the United States† (LIPSET & MARKS). In other words, the conditions of the working class was comparatively better in United States than in any other country in the world from the latter half of 19 th century onwards. So, American workers never thought about forming a political party to safeguard their interests as it happened in Europe and other parts of the world. Engels attributed the political backwardness of American workers to the absence of a feudal past. Thus, he wrote in 1890 that Americans "are born conservatives—just because America is so purely bourgeois, so entirely without a feudal past and therefore proud of its pur ely bourgeois organization" (LIPSET & MARKS). Unlike many other societies in Europe and other parts of the world, feudalism had not much roots in America societies. In other words, the working class never experienced much trouble from the dominant wealthy community even though American economy was a capitalist economy.

Managing Change A Case Study of Corus Strip Products UK

Managing Change A Case Study of Corus Strip Products UK Using suitable and significant models, theories and concepts, this report examines how the company Corus implemented a current change initiative at its sub-division (Corus Strip Products UK) in a reaction to the obvious threat of increased competition from new entrants in the steel industry. By considering the case study, this assignment uses the Gradualist Paradigm of change to discuss how barriers to change at CSP UK were overcome and how the measurement of outcomes of change influenced organisational transformation. This will be employed to confirm and critique any suggestion made to its executive relating to the sustainability of the business. INTRODUCTION Corus Strip Products UK (CSP UK) is a leading producer of strip steel valuable in various manufacturing and construction sectors. It aims to be a leader in steel industry, by providing better products, higher quality services, and better value for money than its rivals. It needs constant development of entire working environment and culture in order to meet its ambition for growth. In 2010, it published a case study (The Times 100 Business Case Study: Corus) that explains how barriers to change were overcome in its sub-division. CSP UK initiated the Journey program in 2005. The company sought to tackle an extensive variety of issues but was specific in its tasks and framework which centred on the values and beliefs of its people. Fundamentally, this needed a combined effort from stakeholders (employees, contractors, suppliers and other associates) uniting on a set of guiding principles (8) that will define the core of the business namely honesty, professionalism, integrity, respect, improvement, excellence, fairness and transparency. The objective of this assignment is to form the concepts of the methods of change and learning of key stakeholders in the case study, using appropriate and relevant models. The results will be used to justify and critique recommendations to the management for future initiatives to sustain development at Corus. MAIN CONTENT Drivers (reasons) for change Due to the dynamic and disordered nature of steel markets, change was unavoidable at CSP UK in other to retain its competitive advantages. Inefficiencies within the business at CSP UK led to delays and wastage in production. Exports of products from the UK were more expensive compared to other countries, reducing its competitive advantage. CSP UK had dedicated workforce but there was a lack of motivation by work situations and signs of poor health and safety culture. External drivers for change centred upon increase competition from new entrants in the steel industry especially from Eastern Europe and Far East. This had a negative effect on demand leading to higher cost of its products, reducing its attractiveness to potential customers. Also advances in technology resulted in customers wanting better products, leading Corus to focus on innovation. CSP UK had a poor public opinion regarding environmental issues and this contributed to changes within the firm informing its business strategy, policies and procedures of the future. Types of change In order to understand change processes at CSP UK over time, it is vital to look at how the organisation understood the change cycle (Tushman, 1970) and how environmental factors affected its strategic vision. Since the 1970s, there has been a gradual decline of old products with the emergence of new products needed to increase future prospects. The Journey program showed both incremental and transformational changes over its period of implementation. It built on high skill set of its stakeholders and focused on how to improve work systems adaptable to the demands of new markets. Its framework for cultural transformation was at an organisational level, focusing on developing new and dynamic set of values that is different from earlier times (Burnes 2009, in Hayes). Previous drives for change from the Corus case report, showed signs of programmatic or planned change occurring. Looking at Total Quality Management (TQMs) initiative as well as prior programs, there was a focus on work reprogramming which included rationalizing of costs leading to a downsized labour force (~ 13% of total costs). However, CSP UK is an organisation of highly skilled and dedicated people and for future prosperity, there has to be a greater focus on how systemic (e.g. job enhancement, people empowerment and team building) and organisation development (including training, education and indoctrination of cultural values) can effect growth and improvement of business. Barriers to Change The 1970s were characterised by job reductions, redundancies, and a shortage of apprenticeships leading to doubt in workforce regarding new initiatives (refraining forces). Furthermore, certain members of staff at CSP UK gradually became unconcerned to business initiatives as they and the business had survived earlier testing times. The fear of the unfamiliar led to anxiety about existing teams and positions; hence the management at CSP UK sought to clarify the collective interest of all. Corus is a reputable firm in a conventional industry showing rigidity in certain aspects of its business. It had difficulty in modifying certain business practices to take advantage of advances in technology. This is damaging to its growth prospect and weakens its drive for innovation that adds value to its products and services. Additionally, the personnel at CSP UK showed signs of ageing, which demonstrated a slow pace to change. The pace of change has to be right, not too slow but not too fast as this can lead to a mis-alignment with the environment (Johnson Scholes 1991 in Hayes 2007). Transfer of skills amongst staff was limited and affected the ability of the firm to attract the brightest, youngest individuals available, important for future development. Company policy of rewarding long service rather than distinguished service reinforced the companys lack of dynamism, and its need to adapt business models to reward productivity and not longevity. CSP UK must focus on incentives that recognise suitable professional behaviours both natural and acquired. Methods of Overcoming Barriers CSP UK understood the importance of involving all stakeholders and effectively communicating the process of change. It defined its present performance standard (As Is) and future goals (To Be), stressing the importance of managing transitional periods and sustaining and revising its outlook. High impact techniques were used to demonstrate the state of the business highlighting where improvements could be made. In one instance, 150 senior managers were invited to Millennium Stadium Cardiff only to be met with shoddy service like servings of cold tea and the use of a broken slide projector. In addition, videos of poor standards were shown to managers, as well as the consultations with local school children which highlighted poor public opinion regarding the vision and practices of the business (e.g. environmental issues). Alarmingly, there was no dissent from the invitees, demonstrating a difference between industry standards and expectations of employees, representing a huge barrier t o reforming the firm. To tackle this, stakeholders at Corus had to be made aware of their right to challenge. Individual ownership of change was fit into the work setting and personal responsibility for change was encouraged. To this day, over 5000 employees have signed up to the beliefs and principles of the firm. Approaches to Managing and Leading the Change Process The Gradualist Paradigm The gradualist paradigm of change states that, basic change occurs through a process of continuous adjustment as change is emergent, i.e., there is no deliberate organisation for change (Weick Quinn, 1999). Therefore, for successful implementation of change, management and communication of change is vital. Leaders at CSP UK focused on its future prospects, its vision for change and how its culture identity can build emotional links within its workforce; while its management team focused on the present and set out a combined (economical organisational development) strategy for company transformation (Beer 2001 in Hayes 2009, chapter 14). Nahavandi, 2000 (in Burnes) Kotter, 1990 (in Hayes) stressed the importance of change managers developing suitable capacity and logistic to implement change. Managers at CSP UK set out clear targets (top-down directives), established steps to be taken and allocated resources as needed, with the aim of improving economic value of its products. Credit must be given to its managerial style which showed flexibility between transformational (innovative and adaptive culture) and transactional models recognising and rewarding success. A note must be made of the inter-changing roles of leaders and managers at CSP UK which were not mutually exclusive, but where sometimes combined in times of change for greater efficiency (Bolden, 2004 in Hayes). Organisational development strategies at CSP UK focused on enhancing the abilities of its stakeholders by involving and supporting individuals in their roles. It passed on its organisational vision clearly and focused on creating an enabling environment that increases productivity. It promoted a culture of involvement and shared purpose, focusing on the individual as champions of change. To achieve this, it used a range of communication channels including written and verbal interactions such as newsletters, workshops, intranet messages, heart-to-heart conversations, etc. The management team at CSP UK expected certain hindrances like the lack of trust in managers and resistance to change (restraining forces) and was well equipped to meet these challenges. Change in itself can be a violent process, especially in terms of restructuring, recruitment and redundancy, so mediating and actively listening to the fears and desires of its stakeholders is crucial. Beer (2001, in Hayes) stresses the importance of upward communication and underlines the need for information distribution and individuals buying-into the need for reform. At the moment, there is collective support from individuals, teams and departments to improve its culture. In effect, the Journey sought out to manage a psychological contract based on core values that shape outcomes relating to job output. Measuring the Outcomes of Change The Journey program contributed hugely to the viability of business at Corus Strip Product, UK. Its production volume has increased by 4.5% to a run-rate of 5 million tonnes. Absenteeism is at an all time low and there has also been an improvement of goods and service to its customers. There are stricter targets for Health and Safety; with safety teams tasked with maintaining an accident-free environment. These have all contributed to the establishment of a robust business especially in the backdrop of harsh economic realities in 2008 and 2009. Crucial business forecast for 2009/2010 predicts cost reduction of approximately  £250 million. In order for an effective transitional period at CSP UK, it developed integrated feedback mechanisms that made the review process easy, and its adaptability to meet new deadlines. Midway indicators were set to integrate the workforce into achieving stated objectives. There has also been a massive number of quick wins, which has contributed to a greater yield and continues to improve the cost-effectiveness of the business. RECOMMENDATIONS This report has raised the issue of an organisational-wide business process re-engineering (BPR) at Corus as reinforced by gains showed at its sub-division (CSP UK) from implemented reforms. The plant is on target to attain a 20% reduction in cost of production of steel. Using CSP UK as a model, organisational structures can be redesigned world-wide that are more flexible and less hierarchical to accomplish faster and more adaptable responses to changing markets. For sustainable growth, Antonacopoulou Gabriel (2001); Argyris (1991) argued for the need for new learning to occur during the change process to allow for a gradual transformation of Corus from an organisation learning (OL) to being a learning organisation (LO). To be ahead of rivals in the sector, Corus has to continually invest in new systems especially apprenticeships to renew its workforce and to create a forward-thinking environment. Strebels cycle of competitive behaviour (in Hayes 2007) illustrates the importance of Corus having the adequate structures that it uses to predict technological, political (e.g. new laws) and economic changes in the steel industry. In the 1970s competition was fierce with rivals reacting to add value to their products to maintain market relevance. This led to an oversupply of products (breaking point) with insufficient demand and a consequent downturn leading to job losses. CSP UK acted rightly to formulate efficiency strategies resulting in Total Quantity Management initiative (TQMs) to improve competitiveness and productivity. Total labour cost is low (~13% of total cost) in contrast to energy and raw materials, e.g. assembly line cost at 40-50% of total cost, indicating excesses to expenditure here. Therefore, there is an opportunity to thoroughly review work efficiency (especially energy and raw materials) and reassign sufficient resources to improve innovation, staff management training, development, shared values and time and apprenticeship (transfer of learning). This comprehensive approach to organisational development is reflected in the thinking of the management. we cannot solve our problems by spending; we cannot solve our problems by cutting back. The only way to meet our challenges is to change how we go about things. (quote from Managing Director of CSP UK). The poor perception amongst the public on how CSP UK handles environmental issues has to be addressed without delay. Records show that carbon dioxide emissions have fallen by 10% and its standards now exceeds government criteria for carbon emissions. A public relations initiative using a variety of channels (including internet, bill boards, television and radio, telephone messaging, etc) is needed to show the significant improvement in the companys impact on the community. There is some evidence of failure in previous programs even though the firm supported the concept of modernization. Due to the punctuated nature of change, measures have to both be incremental and transformational in nature to be effective. The Journey program gave a clear picture of the need for coordinated organisational changes within its structure, learning and culture (Burnes, B. 2009). Evidence of this is found in the way it worked in partnership to re-define its eight (8) core value that now steers everything CSP UK does and what its culture stands for. Corus Strip Products UK achieved this by winning the support of all employees as champions of change and supported a culture of frank engagement, avoiding the us and them mentality. This in turn challenged barriers of change and delivered a workable strategy that built a sustainable business for future generations. This culture must constantly be revived, reviewed and guarded carefully for future growth and development at Corus. CONCLUSIONS Due to the case-based evaluation of this report, there are limitations to the assumptions that can be made. However, it was evident that there was the need for organisational change to retain sustainability at Corus Strip Products UK. The Journey helped CSP UK weather the storm despite the economic downturn, with the company now benefiting from the gains of the program. This has enabled the business to construct a feasible business model that focuses on organisational transformation and establishes its growth and profitability margins; to maintain its ability to attract investment and capital from governments, big businesses, and individuals.

F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby Essay -- Fitzgerald Great Gatsb

The 1920s was a time of excess and growth. Economically, it was a time for great financial gain. Largely because of improvements in technology, productivity increased while overall production costs decreased, and the economy grew. Not only was this time filled with prosperity, but corruption as well. People who had previously worked day and night finally acquired leisure time. Some of the most wealthy people made the choice to fill this free time with gluttony and lust. Many authors during this time believed that the excessive spending and consumption would surely lead to ruin. Although many people associate good times and carefree abandon with the reverie of the 1920s, some also suggest a hidden, much darker side. In his novel The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald, conveyed his belief that wealth and materialism corrupted the American Dream. In The Great Gatsby, F. Scott Fitzgerald shows his disapproval of the times by portraying characters attempting to achieve their American Dream by any means possible. Myrtle Wilson, a low class inhabitant of the valley of ashes, puts her morals to the side when pursuing the wealthy life. Not even marriage stops Myrtle from having an affair with Tom Buchanan-- a rich man who enables her to finally buy the life she thinks she deserves. Not only does Myrtle cheat on her own husband, but she has an affair with someone who caught her eye with "a dress suit and patent leather shoes and [she] couldn't keep [her] eyes off him" (Fitzgerald 40). It is not a love for Tom that attracted Myrtle, but his money and power that she lusts after. Jay Gatsby-- a man actually in love with Daisy Buchanan and not simply the money she represents-- aspires to achieve his dream of wealth in... ...ent within Tom and Daisy signify that wealth cannot buy a person everything, including happiness. Fitzgerald questions the validity of the fiscally inclined American Dream within The Great Gatsby. During the 1920s, F. Scott Fitzgerald conveyed his disdain for the corruption within the American dream by depicting the immoral actions of society in his literature with a disapproving tone. Even though the country was economically prosperous, people increasingly lost much needed morals on their journey of the American Dream. Affairs and other sins took place with little guilt. People got caught up in the corruption around them in order to try to get their piece of the growing wealth. Without making some changes, society could have been on its way to self-devastation. Works Cited Fitzgerald, F. Scott. The Great Gatsby. 1st ed. New York: Scribner, 2004. Print.

conflict between humanistic and scientific value :: essays research papers fc

HRM - Conflicts of Scientific and Humanistic Values 1.0 Introduction One of the popular theory of the â€Å"Critical Theorist â€Å" ( with referrence to the Marxist view ). science reduce humankind to passive objects beholden to the laws of "nature." Sociology, as a form of science, is therefore also criticized for making scientific studies a means to an end unto themselves, as well as for not recognizing the importance of the individual. Modern society at large is criticized for being obsessed with rationality and efficiency instead of human emancipation. Also, people have become overly controlled by technology. For example, constant stimuli such ad television pacify us and control our thoughts and emotions. Culture also comes under attack for becoming what has been termed a culture industry. Instead of having stories, beliefs or artifacts for their own sake, culture has become commodified It has lost spontaneity or the ability to inspire originality in people. Similarly, there is said to be a knowledge industry. Universities are seen as oppressive institutions more concerned with increasing their influence than in providing students with knowledge. Likewise, in the field of organization development, humanistic and scientific are two different and opposite elements that have always been in constant conflict and tension. And so often the measure of these conflicts are the effectiveness or efficiency of an organisation. In my point of view, "humanistic" in nature and approach, whatever the subject, seeks to solve problems "from a human-centered viewpoint." And hence this paper could be an attempt of such effort. 2.0 What is efficiency ? Efficiency is highly prized in a culture turned toward productivity. It is therefore cultivated in contemporary business administration theories. It also tends to be prized above all other values in modern society, as society is more and more oriented toward technological advancement. Efficiency is also defined here as the most economic or the shortest or fastest or most simple way of realizing or achieving a goal with the least cost. As a means of evaluating human activity in business and practical activity in general, efficiency is, therefore, the standard. It is a standard of quality pertaining to the action, but it cannot be considered a moral virtue, since the quality of good or evil does not derive from the form in which an objective is achieved but from the goal or end that the action achieves. To give an extreme example, one could say that Hitler and his engineers were extremely efficient in achieving the goal of exterminating Jews.

Dear Rebecca and Jessy Essay

Let me start by saying congratulations on your recent engagement. It is an honor being your mother and your future mother in law that you both would like advice on how to effectively communicate in your relationship. In taking an interpersonal communication course, I have learned several concepts that I would like to share with you throughout this letter. I feel that it is only right that I share information I have learned for the marriage you have ahead. I know that you are newly engaged, and this information will prove to be of use in your relationship. It is important that interpersonal communication become the building blocks between both parties. This will highly effect how you interact with one another. It will also impact you listening and speaking skills. The fact that we have been communicating all of our lives does not mean that we do it well. (Sole, K, 2011 ch1.1). It is important to know the main principles and misconceptions in effective interpersonal communication. This is a start to understanding each other. The word communication originated from the Latin word â€Å"communico†, which means â€Å"to join or unite,† â€Å"to connect,† â€Å"to participate in,† or â€Å"to share with all.† These meanings are the goals of improving interpersonal communication. As you too are a newly engaged couple, it is important to be able to do all the above meanings. People have desires to be able to connect, participate, and share with others. Interpersonal communication cannot be avoided. Rebecca be sure to express your emotional barriers with Jessy, talk to him now about your suspicions or concerns about your relationship. Rebecca and Jessy, my first word of advice to you in this new marriage that you will embark upon is to identify barriers that will affect your interpersonal interaction. First address any physical barriers that you think might be an issue now or later on in the marriage. Sit down and figure the challenges that you feel may make a difference, discuss the issues that may be a barrier with one another. For instances being away from family that live in other places, children if that is something you both want, what if a parent gets sick what is the plan for that. S it down and talk about things that are near and dear to you like political, religion what are each other views that a married couple should discuss. In this letter of advice before you Rebecca and Jessy get married. I will cover many areas of interpersonal communication. The first will be describing the process by which self-concept is developed and maintained. Understanding the process in which self-concept is developed and maintained will assist both of you in relating and communicating with one another in an effective manner. This comes by the knowledge that we gain from the world, family, peers and others. Next, you will understand how perceptions, emotions, and nonverbal expressions affect interpersonal relationships. Not speaking to your mate or even showing nonverbal communication can be harmful to your marriage. What is your perception of your mate? Are you able to express your emotions effectively one to another? These are questions that should be meditated on and discussed with one another. Rebecca and Jessy, you must have a good self-concept of one another to maintain a healthy long-lasting relationship. You must be willing to compromise and be willing to change for the better, where the marriage is concerned. My first advice to you both i s to understand how perceptions, emotions and nonverbal expression affect interpersonal relationships. â€Å"You can improve interpersonal communication skills considerably, though, by paying attention to your own nonverbal behavior and those of the people with whom you interact† (Sole, 2011. Sec.5.4, Para 1). We have all heard â€Å"communication is the key in marriage,† and this proves to be true in many different concepts. Having effective communication is a key to build stronger and better in any relationship. A successful marriage requires falling in love many times, always with the same person. How is this achieved? It is important that interpersonal communication become the building blocks between both parties. This will highly effect how you interact with one another. It will also impact you listening and speaking skills. Marriage is a very important step and is not to be taken lightly but I am here to offer you some sound advice on how to an effective relationship before, during and after your wedding. The advice that I will offer will help make and maintain a strong healthy relationship. Marriage is a very important step and is not to be taken lightly but I am here to offer you Rebecca some sound advice on how to an effective relationship before, during and after your wedding. The advice that I will offer will help keep, make and maintain a strong healthy relationship. Even if a person walks aro und with his or her head down all day, it signals a message that maybe this person is sad or distraught. Interpersonal  communication is the exchange of messages between two people to create shared meaning (Sole, 2011). Effective interpersonal communication is shared meaning where all individuals involved come to a mutual understanding in the exchange of words or gestures Communication is important in developing and maintaining relationships. We communicate every day and learning how to effectively do so will strengthen your relationships both personally and professionally. We begin communicating from the time we are born. As we grow and mature so does our ability to communicate. Although communication can be challenging, understanding what communication is, how each of you communicate, the power of verbal and nonverbal expressions, the ability to listen, control emotions and understanding misconceptions, there are ways to make improvements for a healthier relationship. â€Å"The fact that we have been communicating all of our lives does not mean that we do it well†. (Sole, 2011). Before you enter into a new life as husband and wife, I will give you some words of wisdom to help you continue to grow as a couple, be able to communicate effectively and be able to overcome the storms that may come throughout your relationship. Although communication can be challenging, understanding what communication is, how each of you communicate, the power of verbal and nonverbal expressions, the ability to listen, control emotions and understanding misconceptions, there are ways to make improvements for a healt hier relationship. It is important to realize why we communicate. We communicate for a reason. The primary goal of communication is to share meaning and to connect with other people. Understanding these human needs and communication purposes is essential to success as a communicator. (Sole, 2011) There are many purposes for communicating. One of the most basic purposes is to meet personal needs. Humans are social animals; we need to interact with one another. Another purpose is to learn about yourself and others, this is a process that you must continue well into your relationship, I will provide you advice on how to do this. The most important purpose in your case is to build and maintain relationships. Effective communication is the glue that will hold your relationship. While communication has been defined as an exchange of words between two or more people, understanding that communication is more than that will give you both better insights on how to communicate. As Kathy Sole (2011) discusses â€Å"Communication is not simply the exchange of words and  information; it is the means through which we share knowledge, thoughts, ideas, and feelings with other people† (2011, p. xix). Indeed, understanding that communication is more than just words cause people to view it as a complete way to expression themselves. When sharing an expression of yourself to another, it ’s imperative to realize that you are trying to get someone to not only hear but grasp your thoughts. Now that you two have a better understanding of what communication means, it will allow you to conscientiously think about more than just the words but in fact realize. The biggest thing I want you to gain from this experience is the knowledge that communication can make or break your marriage, and to have a long, successful marriage, you must keep the lines of communication between each other open. I hope my insight below can give you guidance as you embark on this amazing journey to a happy life together. Self Concept: How it is Developed and Maintained: â€Å"Self concept is a complex mix of how we see ourselves, what others have told us about ourselves, and what society says we should be† (Sole, K. 2011, 2.1). This can include how you see yourself physically: hair color, eye color, height weight, etc, or it could include how you see yourself in terms of your social personality: whether you are introverted or extroverted, how you interact or meet new people. Your self concept is learned through your communication with other people and how you see yourself, but the good news is, you have the ability to change it if you do not like it. References (2012, 05). Letter of Advice Before You Wed.. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 05, 2012, from http://www.studymode.com/essays/Letter-Of-Advice-Before-You-Wed- 990138.html Johnson, T. (2011, March). Healthy relationships lead to better lives. The Nation’s Health, 41(2), 20. Retrieved from the EBSCOhost database. Sole, K. (2011). Making Connections: Understanding Interpersonal Communication. San Diego, CA. Bridgepoint Education, Inc.

Madeleine L’Engle’s “A Wrinkle in Time”

Madeleine L’Engle’s â€Å"A Wrinkle in Time† ranks with the best known classic children’s stories. Perhaps a â€Å"Lewis Carroll Shelf Award† and a runner-up position in the â€Å"Hans Christian Andersen Award† would prove this claim.However, all the prestigious awards and the wide readership were not enough to put â€Å"A Wrinkle in Time† in the pedestal of being one of the best works classic children literature.L’Engle’s science fantasy had received a barrage of criticisms from literary critics. The aspect of the story that had received much damage is the story’s ending. Before we go on further with this exploration of â€Å"A Wrinkle in Time†, it is essential to reiterate that the story is categorized as a children’s story—it is intended audience were children.The critics of the novel had approached the narrative in an overly critical fashion that is opposed to the book’s nature of be ing a light and fun read. And because of much overly critical approach, many had failed to appreciate that â€Å"A Wrinkle in Time† is packed with valuable insights that are likely to have a positive effect on young readers.The composition of the story seems to aesthetically decent for its intended audience. The plot was rich in exciting adventures and entertaining elements like aliens and inter-space travels—elements that grab the attention of children.The protagonist of the story was a fourteen-year-old school girl by the name of Meg Murry. Having a child as a protagonist makes it easier for young readers to relate more to the book. Moreover, before all the science fantasy elements were introduced, predicaments that are normal to a child were discussed through the character of Meg.She is considered to be an underachiever and short-tempered by the people around her. These kinds of predicaments, more commonly called peer-pressures, are faced by average children worldwi de.In addition to that, Meg is set to have an adventure of a life with her brother and friend to rescue her father. This kind of adventure would sound very interesting and fun for children readers.The effectiveness of the narrative as a story for children owes much to its uncomplicated language. The language that L’Engle had incorporated in the text was uncomplicated enough for easy absorption for children of reading level.But more notably is that although there was science fantasy elements in the story, L’Engle did not presented those elements a scifi-geeky way. The uncomplicated language can be seen when Mrs. Whatsit was explaining the â€Å"tesseract† to a child like Meg (L’Engle 85).The fact that â€Å"A Wrinkle in Time† a wide readership is arguably already enough to prove its effectiveness. The critics of the novel had made an approach that is considerably unnecessary. They had stripped a children’s story off its very essence. This pap er would stand beside the argument that any overly critical approach to this particular text can be considered an over-reading.The novel was not written for critics, it was for the children’s enjoyment. And because of an overly critical approach, many had failed to appreciate the ending of the story. What makes the ending appreciable is it is rich with insights that are likely to have a positive effect on young minds.For us to have a better vantage point in reviewing the ending, let us divide the ending into three significant parts: Meg’s final battle with IT, the reunion of the family, and Mrs. Whatsit’s invitation for further adventures.In Meg’s final battle with IT, the children are given the suggestion that they are capable beings. Meg is just an average child defeating an alien disembodied brain. This aspect could boost a child’s confidence towards facing challenges in life.In Meg’s reunion with her family, children are taught how to ca re for others. Her father and other characters were anxiously waiting for Meg’s safe return. This had taught Meg that she is important as person. Just like the protagonist, children readers could also have the same positive realization.Mrs. Whatsit’s invitation for further adventures suggests that after some challenges in life, may it be being an underachiever or getting lost within the continuum of time, better things and more adventures are waiting for us.The optimism that this could instil in the minds of the children would be very useful to them for this will teach them a positive outlook in life. A positive outlook would help the children through challenges in life, especially when they grow and move to adulthood—where scepticism and pessimism are prevalent.The ending should not be tampered with by the readers as changing the ending would violate the concept of authorship. Revising the ending is plain plagiarism and with simple logic, this is L’Engle ’s story—not the reader’s.Although, it is understandable that the readers and critics to have opinions and interpretations. But they should not tamper with a classic of children’s literature that was enjoyed by generations of young readers. What they could do with their opinions and interpretations is to keep those as writing materials. Who knows? They may end up writing a masterpiece for children just like â€Å"A Wrinkle in Time.†Work CitedL'Engle, Madeleine. A Wrinkle in Time. NY: Dell. 1973

Market Day Reflection

I felt as if was really running a business and that I had to be 100% committed to every decision we made. I was very involved in every part of this project. I was also very eager for market day to come to see if the product we spent months making would be a best seller come time. What made you discouraged? The only thing that tended to discourage me was when I found out three other groups were making a very similar product to ours and selling it at a lower price. This made me feel like our shirts were not going to sell and we would have failed. If you could assign a grade for this reject, what grade would you give?Explain why you believe that grade would be fair. I think I would deserve an A because I was putting in all the work necessary to receive an A. Not only was I the president of the company, was involved in all of my team members jobs as well. 3. Financial Analysis of the Company – How many products did you sell? We sold all of our products (36 shirts). What was your s ales revenue? Our total sales revenue was $453. What was the amount of your total expenses? Our total expenses added up to $392. Did your company make a profit or take a loss? How much? We made a profit Of $61. How did you personally invest in the company?I invested $1 00 into our company. How much money did you take home after market day? Took home $1 13 after market day. What was your personal profit or loss on your investment? I made $13 profit on my investment. Did your group meet their financial goal? Explain. We originally set a higher goal for our profit, but in the end we are just glad that we left market day with a profit at all. 4. Level of cooperation from Other Members of the Team – Discuss the amount of cooperation and involvement of other team members: My other team members split up all of the work very equally.One person stood out in my group though, and that was Taylor Casey. She was the one who volunteered to drive all the way to Tempe to pick up our product when it was finished. Was very surprised that in our group every member pulled her weight, and that's why we were so successful. 5. Business Plan – How were sections of the business plan divided up among your team members? We divided up the business plan based on our areas of responsibility for the company, (the Vice President of Finances took Over all the sections having to do with our finances, etc. ). Which sections were you reasonably responsible for? Id a large variety of sections considering that I was the president, but one section specifically to name was the biographies. When you were writing your sections, did you refer to the business plan outline that was provided so that you would know what questions to answer? Yes I did constantly refer back to the business plan so that I wouldn't leave any questions unanswered. Did you use your time in the computer lab wisely? Our group got all but two of our slides done in the time allotted in the computer lab, so yes we did u se our time very wisely. What was the hardest art about writing the business plan?The hardest part about writing the business plan was making sure that we added every slide and answered all Of the necessary questions in a logical order. 6. Knowledge Gained From this Experience What did you learn about opening and running a business from this project? I learned a few key aspects about running a company and that was be careful who you choose as business partners and never wait until the last minute. For your business partners, I learned tattoo should choose someone who you know will consistently agree with you, and you will agree with them so that arguments never arise.