Reading Summary of Eric Abrahamson and Gregory Fairchilds Management Fashion free essay sample

Thesis While most fads in management technique are short-lived some techniques become institutionalized and evolve and are reshaped to fits current fashions. Exogenous and endogenous forces shape the demand for management- knowledge entrepreneurs to constantly reshape and redefine rational management processes. Evidence Abrahamson and Fairchilds study yielded findings that help contextualize the concept of management fashion. Lifecycles of a management techniques typically follow a short-lived, bell-shaped, symmetric popularity curve. Positive feedback on management techniques increases the discourse promoting that technique, making it more diffuse across organizations. Exogenous forces facilitate or suppress fashion niches and endogenous maintain niches. Superstitious learning suggests that managers seek to find instant-results and cure-all solutions for their management approach, motivated by emotion rather than detailed studies. Whereas real-learning constitutes careful planning and evaluation of ideas to produce an effective management technique. Limitations Abrahamson and Fairchild articulate the negative aspects of constant transience -temporal instability and cross-sectional diversity- but fail to indicate the effects these management fashions have on the institutions in which they are implemented. We will write a custom essay sample on Reading Summary of Eric Abrahamson and Gregory Fairchilds Management Fashion or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Do shifting management techniques stunt institution growth, do changing techniques disrupt the markets for the products of these institutions? Questions (1) What causes certain management practices to become institutionalized while others are only passing fads? (2) Are the results of superstitious-learning or real-learning more likely to be adopted? Which is more effective?

Emily free essay sample

What mainly interested me to this movie is the fact that just because one is viewed as less than others, change is always possible through hard work. Summary: The Great Debaters is a movie that involves the harsh reality of racism during the 1930’s through 1960’s. Racism has always been an everlasting damaging problem in humanity. It is not only the belief that one racial group is superior over another but also the belief that if an individual possesses certain qualities then that individual is considered worthless therefore they should be subordinates to the other group. During a time of separation within a nation, four individuals demonstrated that importance and strength behind knowledge. In The Great Debaters, three young college individuals were led by a knowledgeable professor in a debate team. Mr. Tolson was a strong willed individual who stood up for what he believed. He taught these acute students how to be proud, confident, and intellectual. They became resourceful and discussed many topics other people were unwilling to talk about. The debaters not only struggled to remain unified they also had to deal with the harsh reality of racism in the South from witnessing unfair treatment of the law to a lynching of an African American. Through his rigorous teaching methods and their determination to be the best, Mr. Tolson led the debaters to become the first all black college to debate a white university and beat the prestigious dominant debate school of Harvard University. Theory: Theories are a set of interrelated propositions that attempt to describe or explain a phenomenon. One can apply any of the three theoretical approaches throughout The Great Debaters. To approach this from a structural-functional perspective, or to look at this from the mindset that â€Å"society is a complex system whose parts work together to promote solidarity and stability† (Macionis 13), one has to view how the society interacts. The Great Debaters took place during a time period where racism was dominant. During this time in the South, there were unwritten rules which many African Americans had to conform to in order to avoid conflict and maintain a balance within society. While driving his family down a dirt road, Dr. James Farmer Sr. accidently hit and killed a farmers pig. The owner of the pig happened to be a white male who immediately ran out his house with a pistol and demanded payment. Seeing that Dr. Farmer was an African American male, the white farmer demanded an unrealistic amount of twenty-five dollars. Fearing for his family’s safety, Dr. Farmer offered to write over his monthly check from Wiley College to the farmer. The farmer not only took the check but also made Dr. Farmer help him load the pig onto his truck. Dr. Farmer knew the pig wasn’t worth that much money but in order to avoid a confrontation that could have possibly placed his family’s life in danger; he opted to give up everything he had. This relates to the structural approach in the fact that each group knew the reality of how society was functioning so they chose to behave in the manner that made society work. Social-conflict approach or the thought that â€Å"society is an arena of inequality that generates conflict and change† (Macionis 15), was presented when the sharecroppers had a peaceful and lawful gathering in attempt to unionize and stand up to the farm bosses for unfair treatment. The sheriff and the farm bosses found out of the meeting and decided to raid the farm house and beat the sharecroppers in attempt to strike fear in them from unionizing. This attempt failed and instead brought the sharecroppers closer together after finding out the sheriff wrongfully imprisoned Mr. Tolson. The sharecroppers knew they were at a disadvantage so by unionizing they could stand up for their rights, challenge the system, and bring change. Symbolic-interaction approach was also evident in this film. The symbolic-interaction approach states that â€Å"society is the product of the everyday interactions with individuals† (Macionis 17). This was shown immensely throughout the film in the character Henry Lowe. Henry Lowe was a young student who had witnessed traumatizing events throughout his life. The other members of the debate team didn’t understand him until they also witnessed a traumatizing event that Mr. Lowe was too familiar with, a lynching. The other members of the debate team were unfamiliar with this part society. They didn’t understand why people would behave in such way. The reality was that these events had shaped Mr. Lowe into who he actually was therefore making him extremely passionate in everything he did especially debating and standing up for what was right. Literature Review: The Great Debaters dealt with the struggles of racism and sexual discrimination. During a time where women were viewed less than men, Samantha Booke demonstrated that women also have knowledge and the capabilities to be as intellectual as men. She demonstrated this through her powerful speeches during her debates. Rosemary Brown quoted that â€Å"changing society is an ongoing personal and political struggle; it is tough, it is hard and it has no foreseeable ending† (238). Rosemary Brown quoted this in regards to the sexism that is always occurring in today’s society. Even though Samantha Booke was a young lady that wasn’t supposed to achieve such high education, she strived forward with hard work and determination to prove to society that she was more than capable. Racism dominated every aspect of life. As a result many African Americans were denied liberties. Racial court decisions such as Dred Scott v. Sandford (1856) and Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) contributed to this unfair treatment. Dred Scott v. Sandford (1856) stated that African American were not citizens and therefore had no protection under the Bill Of Rights. Plessy v. Ferguson (1896) established the separate but equal phrase. In The Great Debaters all the students were viewed inferior to the other students of the white universities. It wasn’t until they proved they were just as capable at winning debates, that the white universities accepted their challenge to debate. The stigma attached to African Americans made white universities believe they were not as smart. This continues to occur in today’s society since people believe if you come from a certain place you are at a disadvantage. Also, the belief that whites were superior created by segregation led to radical racial tension between the groups. Eventually, these tensions resulted in lynching. Any person of color who challenged white superiority risked being hanged or burned alive by hate-filled whites (Macionis 602). In The Great Debaters, the whites feared that African Americans reached a high level of accomplishment. To combat these ideas, the whites used violence to place fear in the African Americans. Critique: The Great Debaters was an amazing movie that provided inspirational characters that stood up for what they believed no matter what. During a time of racism, struggle, and sexual discrimination, the debaters proved that anything is possible. The thing that captivated my attention the most about this film is the fact that one cannot let society make who you are. People must be willing to want change. This film benefits anyone looking for a sense of encouragement. It shows that hard work and determination can take you very far in life. Conclusion: The Great Debaters gave way to a new generation of hope. Often, many people fail to look at the truth behind society and live their daily lives as if nothing was wrong. At times they conform to what can be morally wrong. This film allows us to see the harsh reality of life and a problem that still exist today. Racism can be a powerful boundary that can be hard to overcome. The Great Debaters proves that hard work and a strong will is the key to success and as long as one is willing to stand up and fight for one’s right then change is always possible. Works Cited Brown, Rosemary. Overcoming Racism and Sexism-How? Ottawa, 1990 Dred Scott Decision. Independence Hall Association in Philadelphia. Copyright 2012 www. ushistory. org/us/32a. asp Macionis, John J. Sociology. Boston: Pearson, 2010. Print. Plessy v. Ferguson. http://www. law. cornell. edu/supct/html/historics/USSC_CR_0163_0537_ZS. html

John Muir--explorer, Writer, And Conservationist--was Born On April 21

John Muir--explorer, writer, and conservationist--was born on April 21, 1838 in Dunbar, Scotland. Until the age of eleven he attended the local schools of that small coastal town. In 1849, the Muir family emigrated to the United States, settling first at Fountain Lake and then moving to Hickory Hill Farm near Portage, Wisconsin. Muir's father was a harsh disciplinarian and worked his family from dawn to dusk. Whenever they were allowed a short period away from the plow and hoe, Muir and his younger brother would roam the fields and woods of the rich Wisconsin countryside. John became more and more the loving observer of the natural world. He also became an inventor, a carver of curious but practical mechanisms in wood. He made clocks that kept accurate time and created a wondrous device that tipped him out of bed before dawn. In 1860, Muir took his inventions to the state fair at Madison where he won admiration and prizes. Also that year he entered the University of Wisconsin. He made fine grades, but after three years left Madison to travel the northern United States and Canada, odd-jobbing his way through the yet unspoiled land. In 1867, while working at a carriage parts shop in Indianapolis, Muir suffered a blinding eye injury that would change his life. When he regained his sight one month later, Muir resolved to turn his eyes to the fields and woods. There began his years of wanderlust. He walked a thousand miles from Indianapolis to the Gulf of Mexico. He sailed to Cuba, and later to Panama, where he crossed the Isthmus and sailed up the West Coast, landing in San Francisco in March, 1868. From that moment on, though he would travel around the world, California became his home. It was California's Sierra Nevada and Yosemite that truly claimed him. In 1868, he walked across the San Joaquin Valley through waist-high wildflowers and into the high country for the first time. Later he would write: "Then it seemed to me the Sierra should be called not the Nevada, or Snowy Range, but the Range of Light...the most divinely beautiful of all the mountain chains I have ever seen." He herded sheep through that first summer and made his home in Yosemite. By 1871 he had found living glaciers in the Sierra and had conceived his controversial theory of the glaciation of Yosemite Valley. He began to be known throughout the country. Famous men of the time--Joseph LeConte, Asa Gray and Ralph Waldo Emerson--made their way to the door of his pine cabin. Beginning in 1874, a series of articles by Muir entitled "Studies in the Sierra" launched his successful career as a writer. He left the mountains and lived for awhile in Oakland, California. From there he took many trips, including his first to Alaska in 1879, where he discovered Glacier Bay. In 1880, he married Louie Wanda Strentzel and moved to Martinez, California, where they raised their two daughters, Wanda and Helen. Settling down to some measure of domestic life, Muir went into partnership with his father-in-law and managed the family fruit ranch with great success. But ten years of active ranching did not quell Muir's wanderlust. His travels took him to Alaska many more times, to Australia, South America, Africa, Europe, China, and Japan, and of course, again and again to his beloved Sierra Nevada. In later years he turned more seriously to writing, publishing 300 articles and 10 major books that recounted his travels, expounded his naturalist philosophy, and beckoned everyone to "Climb the mountains and get their good tidings." Muir's love of the high country gave his writings a spiritual quality. His readers, whether they be presidents, congressmen, or plain folks, were inspired and often moved to action by the enthusiasm of Muir's own unbounded love of nature. Through a series of articles appearing in Century magazine, Muir drew attention to the devastation of mountain meadows and forests by sheep and cattle. With the help of Century's associate editor, Robert Underwood Johnson, Muir worked to remedy this destruction. In 1890, due in large part to the efforts of Muir and Johnson, an act of Congress created Yosemite National Park. Muir was also personally involved in the creation of Sequoia, Mount Rainier, Petrified Forest and Grand Canyon national parks. Muir deservedly is often called the "Father of Our National Park System". Johnson and others suggested to Muir that an association be formed to protect the newly created

Essay Topics Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?

Essay Topics Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep?There are some things you need to know if you are about to start writing a college essay or a dissertation on 'Do androids dream of electric sheep?' These things include the fact that you will not be allowed to use certain quotations without first getting permission from the source. You will also be asked to submit a write-up summarizing your essay topic with a link to the written essay.Writing about such a controversial topic as 'Do androids dream of electric sheep?' is quite risky. To avoid unnecessary conflicts, you should start researching before sending your writing for approval. You can find sources of quotes on the Internet and in books on writing about topics like this.The most important thing that you should remember is that your essay must appear interesting and objective. It must also give the reader something to think about after the closing of the essay. But when it comes to the subject of a robot's dream, some students co uld feel rather uncomfortable talking about their imaginary creation. Some people may be even turned off by their idea that something that does not even exist is a robot that dreams of electric sheep. Your essay should mention that the term 'robots' is used only to refer to robots that cannot think, so you need not get too deep into the subject.Your research will be rewarded if you get permission to use a quote by someone like Isaac Asimov. But there is a possibility that he might dispute the permission that you are supposed to get. The thing is that if you need his permission to use his quotation, then you must get this permission before publishing your essay. Asimov has written more than three hundred books in English and in the English language. His works include short stories, novels, and other publications.Robots that think and dream are also called 'artificial intelligence'artificial intelligence technology.' This term refers to any product that uses human intelligence, such a s computers, robots, or robots that think and learn. Artificial intelligence technology is not an invention, as some would say, but is actually the product of mankind, thanks to certain inventors of computer software and in the field of artificial intelligence.When you are writing on essay topics like these, you must remember that it is not a good idea to mix any personal opinions into your essays. This is because many students today are extremely cautious when writing essays about the Internet and social networking. Even though it may be possible for you to insert some facts about the topic, there are a lot of legal and ethical guidelines that you need to follow. Even a slight change in a topic may make you liable for plagiarism.One way to make sure that you avoid such a problem is to write it in a 'argumentative format,' which means that the words that you use are mostly designed to convince the reader about your point of view. For example, if you talk about how the Internet is ha ving a negative impact on education, it is most likely that you will not want to actually state or write 'Do androids dream of electric sheep?' In this case, it is better to state it in an argumentative manner, such as saying 'Robots that dream of electric sheep are more intelligent than humans, so they should have the right to own sheep.'In the end, it is best to remember that writing about such essay topics will not be as easy as you think. You will have to face the challenges of learning how to write about such topics if you want to publish your own articles or doctoral dissertations.

Introduction to Sociology of Religion When Religion Defines the Moods in Community

Introduction to Sociology of Religion When Religion Defines the Moods in Community Introduction: The Sociology of Religion as a New Interpretation of Theological Issues Weirdly enough, the idea of studying human race in general and the phenomenon of society in particular is rather recent. Having appeared in the XIX century, however, it has become one of the major fields of social sciences.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Sociology of Religion: When Religion Defines the Moods in Community specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Indeed, researches on the subject of the factors that predetermine people’s behavior, shape their character and serve as the causes of people’s actions is rather intriguing. However, after studying the key elements that have the greatest impact on society, the humankind has come up to a peculiar conclusion that religion takes a very important part of an individual’s life in society. Even atheists have pondered religious issues once before decidin g not to be converted to any of the major religions. Moreover, the attitudes towards religion in a specific society can shape the life of an individual greatly. Hence, the need in the sociology of religion appears to study the impact that religion has on society and its members. Sociology of Religion: Definition and Examples. Pinning Down the Essence of the Phenomenon There are many ways to define the phenomenon of sociology of religion. However, it is important to mention that the search for the right definition is rather hard in the given case, mostly because the issue in question embraces two extremely broad notions, i.e., sociology and religion. Hence, to define the phenomenon under discussion, it is required to denote the two above-mentioned terms. According to the popular definition, sociology is the social science that focuses on the development of society and the processes that take place in society, as well as the relationships between its members. In its turn, religion can be defined as a social phenomenon that incorporates a system of beliefs and relates to spirituality. It is essential to mention that religion often provides a set of moral value and norms for its adepts to follow. With that in mind, one can come up with a proper definition for the sociology of religion. Offering a completely objective evaluation of the impact of any religion on any society, sociology of religion presupposes the study of the effects that religion has on a particular society, the way it shapes the behavior of the members of the given society and how religion helps create certain moral values within the given society. In a very basic way, sociology of religion is the study of how religion shapes the communication between the members of a specific society. The Significance of the Subject: When Religion Must Be Considered from a Social Standpoint As it can be deduced from the definition offered above, religion plays quite an important role in an average society. It affe cts people, their lives, the way they behave, communicate with each other and even judge each other. However, the significance of the subject still needs to be evaluated.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More While religion does play a great role in a specific society, it might have an impact on a single issue, thus, empowering people to behave in a certain way, or, on the contrary, touch upon a number of various issues slightly, thus, penetrating every single aspect of people’s lives and influencing it subtly. As it turns out, religion shapes several basic fields. To start with, it affects the group thinking. Providing the growing foil for the concepts of good and bad among the members of a specific society, religion helps channel the current of thoughts of any individual member of the society into the necessary track. Another important way in which religion shapes t he life of a specific society is enhancing all sorts of group practices, be these religious rituals or certain habits. Disregarding the results of the given practices, one must admit that the latter serve mostly to bring a certain group of people together. In addition, religion serves to distill the group goals. While without religious context, people can have completely different goals, e.g., making a career, raising children, starting a war, etc., religion sets common goals for the entire community. The given feature of religion brings the members of the society even closer to each other. The moral principles that most religions establish in the society are also worth mentioning. No matter what one might say about the negative effects of religion, it is still necessary to admit that religion provides people with moral guidelines. However, the defining element that religion brings into society and that glues the members of the society together is the notion of the sacred. With the help of the holy other, as scholars define the phenomenon, religion allows to create the image of an idol that becomes the object of worship. Rational Choice Theory and Its Key Postulates: Modeling Social and Economic Behaviors On the surface, the idea of following the beliefs which, from a rational point of view, have never been tested and seem to have nothing to do with reality is quite hard to explain, the phenomenon of common religious beliefs within a specific society can be explained with the help of the rational choice theory.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Introduction to Sociology of Religion: When Religion Defines the Moods in Community specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More According to the latter, it is in human nature to choose the most favorable option in a specific situation, or what seems the most favorable option according to the actions of the society members. Hence, choosing between the harsh light of reality and the bliss of Promised Land, one will doubtlessly choose the latter. Providing emotional support in difficult situations, religion becomes the support that anyone can afford. Hence, the existence and the functions of religion in a society are fully justified by the rational choice theory. Conclusion: When Religion Is Viewed as a Social Phenomenon Judging by the fact that religion still has a huge impact on peoples’ lives, one must admit that society and religion are intertwined. Moreover, religion performs a number of functions in the society, bringing all of its elements together. Performing the functions of a stronghold that people can always rely on, the set of morals that serves as guidance for the members of the society and the idea of the sacred that brings the people of different background together, religion is an integral part of a social structure. However, as it has been discovered, religion is more than another substitute for the idea of magic and an ex cuse for being superstitious; as a matter of fact, religion offers another means to control people quite efficiently. Hence, when becoming a tool instead of a guide for the members of society, religion can lose its primary meaning and become another weapon of control.

PH Titration Lab Report Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

PH Titration - Lab Report Example The paper describes the experiment. During titration, it is essential to figure out the ‘equivalence point’ where moles of acid and moles of base added become equivalent. To aid an experimenter in this situation, a halochromic organic compound known as ‘indicator’ (s.a. phenolphthalein, methyl red, methyl orange, and bromothymol blue) is incorporated where appearance of color change from clear solution signifies the ‘end point’ or the point assumed to be nearest the point of equivalence. At this stage, the volume of reading from the burette is noted down the instant the indicator changes color. With experimental outcomes comprising known molar concentrations and volumes of acid and base used, pH is calculated. In place of an indicator, glass electrode is utilized so that multiple pHs may be read and graphed from which to determine the pH at the equivalence point. For the neutralization reaction occurring between HCl (aq) and NaOH (aq): For the n eutralization reaction occurring between CH3COOH (aq) and NaOH (aq): Hypothesis: The equivalence point is achieved once the titration has gone to the extent when the acid (analyte) and the base (titrant) are in equimolar amounts which takes place on yielding a neutral pH along a steep region in the titration curve Aim: To locate the ‘equivalence point’ through the measure of pH based on the titrant volume vs. pH-titration curve obtained in the experiment and identify the remaining species (in excess) as well as find the pH of the resulting solution after each titration attempt Method: The burette was filled with 1.0 NaOH to the zero mark. A 250- conical flask was rinsed with distilled water, emptying the flask and refilling it with about 50 of deionised water, after which, a 25 of 0.1 HCl was poured into the flask via pipette and the flask was placed on the magnetic stirrer. With the stirrer bar dropped in the flask, the glass electrode was immersed in the flask then th e burette was positioned over the flask’s mouth such that the NaOH would be added into it without obstruction from the glass electrode. The magnetic stirrer was turned on and the flask was adjusted in the manner that would enable the stirrer bar to move freely, having no obstructive contact with the glass electrode throughout the titration process. Measuring of the pH prior to titration was initiated then successive additions of the base titrant were carried out starting with 1 until the equivalent point was arrived at, followed by 0.2-additions that sum up to approximately 8 of NaOH. Final addition of two consecutive 1- titrant amounts was made, taking into account the pH reading for each addition from the onset of titration to this point. Another trial (using the same analyte -- HCl) was performed, then titration was repeated, this time using a different analyte (0.1 CH3COOH) and applying the same quantity (50 ) of deionised water and of 1.0 NaOH. As conducted for HCl, pHs of neutralization reaction between HOAc (analyte) and the titrant (NaOH) were correspondingly read after each base addition. Results and calculations: Note: ( 1 cm3 ? 1 mL ; 1 mol / dm3 ? 1 M ) pH @ equivalence point is about 6.8 based on the graph. This corresponds to NaOH volume of about 5.5 mL. mmoles NaOH = (1.0 M) (9.00 mL) = 9.0 mmoles NaOH mmoles HCl = (0.1 M) (25.00 mL) = 2.5 mmoles HCl Upon neutralization, 9.00 mmoles - 2.5 mmoles = 6.5 mmoles NaOH left total volume = 50 + 25 + 9 = 84 mL [OH-] = = 0.07738 M ---? pOH = -log (0.07738) pOH = 1.11 so that pH = 14 - 1.11 ---? pH = 12.89 Since NaOH and HCl are strong base and strong acid, respectively, pH

Five approaches to qualitative research Coursework

Five approaches to qualitative research - Coursework Example This research problem focuses on the way of life of the members of the skin bleaching community, a community wherein a White complexion is almost an obsession. The purpose of this research is to observe and interview several members of this community and identify the practices that are distinctive to them. The ethnographer will observe the daily activities of this community and determine the underlying reasons for their practices. The ethnographic method enables a researcher to have a direct and personal look with the culture s/he wants to study. It puts the researcher at the center of the study, normally letting them to take part in the community or culture they aim to understand. The array of topics for ethnographic study is vast. Ethnographers can observe or examine the extraordinary or the ordinary. Since ethnography gives room for the researcher’s subjectivity, it puts the researcher in an exclusive, distinctive position where expressive interpretations and expression of emotions are allowed. The purpose of field research is to observe, understand, and interact with individuals in their normal environment. Field research involves observation in the natural or actual setting and of the daily lives of the individual under study. Field research may be described as a blanket term that involves the numerous tasks that field researchers carry out when they gather data—participation, observation, interview, and analysis of artifacts or documents produced by the individuals they study. An example of a field research question is: what are the different factors that influence the motivation and job satisfaction of employees in financial institutions? This research problem relates to the various factors (e.g. salary, benefits, interpersonal relations, etc.) that affect the job performance of employees in financial institutions, such as banking organizations. The purpose of this research is to directly