Explaining Attitudes As Dependent Variable Education Essay

3.0 IntroductionThere are 12 subdivisions in this chapter. The first subdivision is an overview of the chapter. The 2nd subdivision discusses related theories used in this survey. Next, discusses variables and hypothesis used in this survey. The forth subdivision concentrating on Research Model and follow by population and samples used in this survey. Section six in this chapter explain the instrument used and section seven of this chapter explain briefly the measuring points used. Following subdivision discourse how the information aggregation done and follow by pilot survey and the dependability trial consequence for the pilot survey. Section eleven discuss about the information analysis and near by the sum-up of the chapter.3.1 Related TheoryIn explicating attitudes as dependent variable ( DV ) , this subdivision will discourse Diffusion of Innovation ( Rogers, 1995 ) and Technology Acceptance Model ( Davis et al, 1989 ) . For the independent variable ( IV ) , this subdivision pre sents sensed usefulness, sensed easiness of usage and external factors that comprise learning manners, web log competency and instructors ‘ demographic ( i.e. gender, twelvemonth of learning experience and instruction degree ) .3.1.1 Diffusion of Innovation Model ( DOI )Harmonizing to Rogers ( 1995 ) , a individual attitude towards a new engineering is a cardinal component in its diffusion. Rogers Innovation Decision Process theory provinces that inventions diffusion is a procedure that occurs overtime through five phases ( Figure 3.1 ) : Knowledge – the individual becomes cognizant of an invention and has some thought of how it functions. Persuasion – the individual forms a favorable or unfavorable attitude towards the invention. Decision – the individual engages in activities that lead to a pick to follow or reject the invention. Implementation – the individual puts an invention into usage. Confirmation – the individual evaluates the consequences of an innovation-decision already made.A Diffusion_of_Innovations_Theory-1.png Figure 3.1: Diffusion of Innovation Model ( Rogers, 1995 ) As Rogers ( 1995 ) had stated that instructors positive attitudes exhibit their induction into the innovation-decision procedure, this theory appears relevant for usage in survey instructors ‘ attitudes towards web log usage in learning. Teachers may hold already gone through the Knowledge and Persuasion phases ( Rogers, 1995 ) . They likely proceed to the Decision stage with the usage of web log in learning. Theorists have indicated, attitudes can frequently announce future decision-making behavior ( Ajzen & A ; Fishbein, 1980 ) . Zimbardo and Leippe ( 1991 ) defined attitude as an rating temperament toward some object based on knowledges, affectional responses, behaviors, and behavioral purposes. Harmonizing to Albirini ( 2004 ) and Chao ( 2005 ) , attitude is an informed sensitivity to react and consist three concept: Affectional – TheA affectiveA constituent of attitude is said to dwell of a individual ‘s rating of, wishing of, or emotional response to some state of affairs, object, or individual. Affectional responses reflect one ‘s attitude with esthesiss of pleasance, unhappiness, or other degrees of physical rousing. Cognitive – TheA cognitiveA constituent of an attitude is conceptualized as a individual ‘s factual cognition of the state of affairs, object, or individual, including oneself. In other words, the cognitive constituent refers to how much a individual knows about a subject, such as computing machines. Behavioural – TheA behaviouralA constituent of an attitude involves the individual ‘s open behavior directed toward a state of affairs, object, or individual. Therefore, this survey considered the three concepts of attitudes. Based on past researches, the Technology Acceptance Model ( TAM ) by Davis et Al. ( 1989 ) has widely used to look into users attitudes towards new engineering. Davis et Al. ( 1989 ) stressed that attitude of a user towards a system was a major determiner of whether the user will really utilize or reject the system. The following subdivision discusses the Technology Acceptance Model.3.1.2 Technology Acceptance Model ( TAM )Harmonizing to Davis et Al. ( 1989 ) , user attitude is influenced by two major beliefs: perceived usefulness and sensed easiness of usage, with sensed easiness of usage holding a direct influence on sensed utility. Finally, both these beliefs were suggested were straight influence by the system design features represented by external variables ( Figure 3.2 ) . External Variables Perceived Usefulness Perceived Ease of Use Attitude towards Behaviour Behavioral Intention to Use Actual System Use Figure 3.2: Technology Acceptance Model ( Davis et al. , 1989 ) External variables typically include system features, user preparation, user engagement in design, and the nature of the execution procedure ( Venkatesh & A ; Davis, 1996 ) . As this research focuses on instructors and instruction, the external variables refer to learning manners, web log competency, and instructors ‘ feature which comprise gender, old ages of learning experience and degree of instruction.3.1.3 External Factors3.1.3.1 Teaching Manners As cited by Salem ( 2001 ) , learning manners refer to the processs or procedures adopted and employed by the instructor in order to accomplish the daily aims of the lesson. They are besides the conglobations of one ‘s positions, strong beliefs, and attacks on the attainment of maximal consequences in the teaching-learning procedure. Teaching manners are personal properties of a instructor and vary from one instructor to another. Harmonizing to Kaplan and Kies ( 1995 ) , learning manners refers to â€Å" a instructor ‘s personal behavior and media used to convey informations to or have it from the scholar † and involves the execution of the instructor ‘s doctrine about instruction ( Conti, 2004 ) . Teaching manners were classified in different ways. Salem ( 2001 ) classified learning manners as ocular, audile, group, kinesthetic, single and tactile. Ocular instruction manner – The instructor presents the lesson through images, studies, diagrams, graphs, or other related illustrations. Auditory learning manner – The instructor lectures or gives unwritten accounts most of the clip. Group learning manner – The instructor adopts group interaction and group treatment techniques in the learning the lessons. Kinesthetic instruction manner – The instructor engages the pupils in physical motions as they learn the topic. Individual instruction manner – The instructor requires single recitations, single undertakings, assignments, etc. Tactile learning manner – The instructor adopts â€Å" hands-on † activities. While Salem ( 2001 ) offered six instruction manners, Heimlich ( 1990 ) suggested learning manners into four spheres ; Expert, Provider, Facilitator and Enabler. Teacher with an â€Å" expert † preferred manner are capable oriented and seek efficiency in information sharing chiefly through talk. The â€Å" supplier † instructors are learner-cantered and desire effectivity in learning. Methods built-in to their manner of learning include group treatment, presentation and guided activities. The â€Å" facilitator † instructors are teacher-cantered and the methods of direction depend on capable content ; more than on the scholars. The â€Å" enabler † manner of instruction is really learner-cantered in that the scholars define both the activity and the procedure in the acquisition environment. Cano et Al. ( 1992 ) , Raven et Al. ( 1993 ) and Whittington and Raven ( 1995 ) used Heimlich ( 1990 ) definition and point used to determine the topics ‘ preferred instruction manner. This instrument defines two spheres, sensitiveness ( ability of the instructor to ‘sense ‘ the shared features of the group of scholars ) and inclusion ( teacher ‘s willingness and ability to use techniques to heighten the larning experience based on the groups ‘ features ) . The low inclusion and low sensitiveness quarter-circle is labelled â€Å" expert. † A instructor who scores in the low inclusion and high sensitiveness quarter-circle is labelled the â€Å" supplier. † The high inclusions and low sensitiveness quarter-circle is labelled â€Å" facilitator. † The concluding dimension is the high inclusion and high sensitiveness quarter-circle and instructors with this manner are labelled â€Å" enabler. † Compared to others definition, Grasha ( 1996 ) is the 1 that popular among recent research workers ( Dugas, 2005 ; Kiong, 2006 ; Norzila et al. , 2007 ; Vaughn and Baker, 2008 ; Zamri et al. , 2009 ; Ahmad and Panai, 2010 ; and Kassaian and Ayatollahi, 2010 ) . Grasha ( 1994 ) place five instruction manners ; Expert, Formal Authority, Personal Model, Facilitator and Delegator. Expert – Possess cognition and expertness that pupil demand. Strive to keep position as an expert among pupils by exposing elaborate cognition and by disputing pupils to heighten their competency. Concerned with conveying information and insuring that pupils are good prepared. Formal Authority – Possesses position among pupils because of cognition and function as a module member. Concerned with supplying positive and negative feedback, set uping learning ends, outlooks, and regulations of behavior for pupils. Concerned with the correct, acceptable and standard ways to make things and with supplying pupils with the construction they need to larn. Personal Model – Beliefs in â€Å" instruction by personal illustration † and established a paradigm for how to believe and act. Oversees, ushers, and directs by demoing how to make things, and encouraging pupils to detect and so to emulate the teacher ‘s attack. Facilitator – Emphasized the personal nature of teacher-student interactions. Guides and directs pupils by inquiring inquiries, researching options, proposing options and promoting them to develop standards to do informed picks. Overall end is to develop in pupils the capacity for the independent action, enterprise, and duty. Work with pupils on undertakings in a advisory manner and attempts to supply every bit much as support and encouragement as possible. Delegator – Concerned with developing pupils capacity of map in a independent manner. Students work independently on undertakings or as portion of independent squads. The instructor is available at the petition of pupils as a resource individual. Table 3.1 Summary of Teaching Style ModelModelCategorized of Teaching StylesWriterHeimlich ( 1990 ) Expert Supplier Facilitator Enabler Cano et al. , 1992 ; Raven et al. , 1993 ; Whittington and Raven, 1995 Grasha ( 1996 ) Expert Formal Authority Personal Model Facilitator Delegator Dugas, 2005 ; Kiong, 2006 ; Norzila et al. , 2007 ; Vaughn and Baker, 2008 ; Zamri et al. , 2009 ; Ahmad and Panai, 2010 ; and Kassaian and Ayatollahi, 2010 ) Salem ( 2001 ) Ocular Auditory Group Kinesthetic Individual Tactile Salem ( 2001 ) , Soliven ( 2003 ) 3.1.3.2 Blog Competence Previous research suggests that instructors ‘ attitudes towards engineerings are besides related to instructors ‘ engineering competency. In their survey of the correlativity between instructors ‘ attitude and credence of engineering, Francis-Pelton and Pelton ( 1996 ) found that although many instructors believe computing machines are an of import constituent of a pupil ‘s instruction, their deficiency of cognition and experience lead to a deficiency of assurance to try to present them into their direction. Previous research has pointed to instructors deficiency of computing machine competency as a chief barrier to their credence and acceptance of ICT in developing states ( Al-Oteawi, 2002 ; Na, 1993 ; Pelgrum, 2001 ) . Albirini ( 2004 ) supported and widen the findings from old research. The bulk of respondents reported holding small or no competency in managing most of the computing machine maps needed by pedagogues. This determination did non supported the premise that instructors with low degree of computing machine competency normally have negative attitudes toward computing machines ( Summers, 1990 ) . On the other manus, Albirini ( 2004 ) found that computing machine competency was significantly related to instructors attitudes supports the theoretical and empirical statements made for the importance of computing machine competency in finding instructors attitudes toward ICT ( Al-Oteawi, 2002 ; Berner, 2003 ; Bulkeley, 1993 ; Na, 1993 ) . In add-on, the relationship between computing machine attitudes and competency suggests that higher computing machine competency may further the already positive attitudes of instructors and finally ensue in their usage of computing machines within the schoolroom. In this survey, web log competency mean by web log cognition and blogging accomplishments. 3.1.3.3 Teacher ‘s Demographics Besides Teaching Styles and Blog Competence as the external factors in this research, instructors ‘ demographics besides interested to research. Teachers ‘ demographics comprise gender, instructors ‘ instruction experiences and instruction degree. Gender: There are turning concerns about the low engagement of adult females in information engineering related callings ( Green, 1996 ; Idowu, Adagunodo & A ; Popoola, 2003 ) . Surveies have repeatedly found gender differences in attitudes towards IT. For case, Venkatesh and Morris ( 2000 ) and Drup ( 2004 ) found that males had more positive attitudes towards the usage of computing machines than females. Others such as Ray, Sormunen and Harris ( 1999 ) found the contrary to be the instance. However, in contrast to both sides, research workers such as Busch ( 1995 ) , Idowu ( 1997 ) , Asan ( 2000 ) , and Tiamiyu, Ajayi and Olatokun ( 2002 ) found no important relationship between gender and attitudes towards IT. Teaching Experiences: Surveies have shown that people who have used IT for some clip exhibit more positive attitudes towards IT ( Christensen, 1997 ; Gilmore, 1998 ) . Igbaria and Chakrabarti ( 1990 ) besides found that computing machine experience significantly affected attitudes toward computing machines. Christensen ( 1997 ) observed that with acquaintance, anxiousnesss and frights tend to diminish and assurance additions, and that people with anterior positive experience tend to be more willing to follow a engineering than those who have had either a anterior negative experience or no experience at all. In this survey, the research workers focus on learning experiences. Education Degree: Most of the instructors in Secondary Schools in Malaysia are in degree degree. Merely a few of them merely keep Diploma and Masters even Doctorate. Hamdan ( 2007 ) investigated the attitudes towards e-learning found that there are important difference in educational degree towards e-learning.3.2 VARIABLES AND HYPOTHESIS3.2.1 AttitudeRefering the significance of attitudes, different research workers gave different but somehow related definitions of the word. Aiken ( 1980 ) described attitudes as â€Å" erudite sensitivities to react positively or negatively to certain objects, state of affairss, constructs, or individuals † . Besides that, other research workers used psychological concepts to explicate attitudes. Loyd and Gressard ( 1984 ) , for illustration, divided the concept ‘attitudes ‘ into four different variables, which are: ( I ) computing machine liking ; ( two ) computing machine anxiousness ; ( three ) computing machine assurance, and: ( four ) perceived utility of the computing machine. There are research workers who seemed to be satisfied with Loyd and Gressard ‘s definition, like Koohang ( 1989 ) and Necessary and Parish ( 1996 ) . Furthermore, Zimbardo and Leippe ( 1991 ) defined attitude as an rating temperament toward some object based on knowledges, affectional responses, behaviors, and behavioral purposes. Likewise, Chao ( 2005 ) and Albirini ( 2006 ) defines attitude as an informed sensitivity to react and consist three concept, affectional, knowledge and behavioral. Besides that, Agbonlahor ( 2008 ) defined that attitude towards utilizing computing machines in instruction is a perceptual experience of the value of the usage of computing machines for his/her ain productiveness, every bit good as for the benefit of his/her pupils. Therefore, in this peculiar survey, attitude towards web log usage in instruction is a perceptual experience of the value of the usage of web log for his/her ain productiveness, every bit good as for the benefit of his/her pupils. Attitudes in this survey besides concept with affectional, cognitive and behavioral ( Zimbardo and Leippe, 1991 ; Chao, 2005 ; and Albirini, 2006 ; Agbonlahor, 2008. Several information systems surveies have identified attitude as one of the strongest factors act uponing successful IT usage in any administration ( Christensen, 1997 ; Agarwal & A ; Prasad, 1998 ; Gilmore, 1998 ) . Furthermore, research workers have found that although technological and fiscal barriers are rather important in the procedures of incorporating IT into instruction, pedagogues ‘ attitudes is even more so ( Gilmore, 1998 ) . Attitudes have been found to impact perceptual experiences, and therefore, rates of acceptance and extent of use of IT ( Agarwal & A ; Prasad, 1998 ; Pajo, 2000 ) . Albirini ( 2006 ) investigated the attitudes of high school instructors in Syrian toward ICT and found that participants had positive attitudes toward ICT in instruction. The respondents ‘ positive attitudes were apparent within the affectional, cognitive and behavioral spheres. The determination of research was similar with those of Hong and Koh ( 2002 ) , Psillosb et Al. ( 2003 ) , Shapka and Ferrari ( 2003 ) , Teo et Al. ( 2008 ) , Agbonlahor ( 2008 ) , Chen ( 2008 ) and Tezci ( 2009 ) .3.2.2 Perceived UsefulnessDavis ( 1985 ) defined sensed utility as the grade to which an person believes that utilizing a peculiar system would heighten his or her occupation public presentation. Perceived Usefulness is proposed to hold a direct impact on instructors ‘ attitude towards utilizing web log in instruction because instructors will be more positive to utilize system if it can give benefits to them. The sensed utility of computing machines can act upon attitudes toward computing machines, and the sum of assurance a instructor possesses in utilizing computing machines may act upon his or her execution in the schoolroom ( Gressard & A ; Loyd, 1985 ) . Teo et Al. ( 2007 ) found that pre-service instructors ‘ Perceived Usefulness was important in finding computing machine attitudes. This determination contributes to old research ( Legris et al. 2003 ; Huang & A ; Liaw 2005 ; Pituch & A ; Lee 2006 ) that found Perceived Usefulness to be a cardinal determiner on computing machine attitudes. If pupils perceived the utility of computing machine and experience confident in utilizing it, this will take to more positive attitudes ( Noiwan, Piyawat, & A ; Norcio, 2005 ) . Tg. Faekah et Al. ( 2008 ) found that perceived utility besides showed strong correlativities with attitude, analogue to old surveies by Garland and Noyes ( 2004 ) , Gao ( 2005 ) , Havelka ( 2004 ) , Hunt and Bohlin ( 1993 ) , McGrath and Thurston ( 1992 ) , McInerney, McInerney and Sinclair ( 1990 ) , Mitra and Steffensmeier ( 2000 ) , Teo ( 2006 ) and Yaghi ( 1997 ) . Student attitude toward computing machines is besides linked with how utile they think the computing machine is and the sum of experience they have in utilizing computing machines. Therefore, it is hypothesized: H1: A instructors ‘ Perceived Usefulness of web log in learning affects his/her attitude towards utilizing web log in instruction.3.2.3 Perceived Ease of UseDavis ( 1985 ) defined sensed easiness of usage as the grade to which an person believes that utilizing a peculiar system would be free of physical and mental attempt. Teo et Al. ( 2007 ) besides found that pre-service instructors ‘ Perceived Ease of Use had important effects on computing machine attitudes. The important relationship between Perceived Ease of Use and computing machine attitudes is a logical one and supports current research that positive computing machine attitude are associated with Perceived Ease of Use. Sime and Priestley ( 2005 ) found that pre-service instructors ‘ attitudes towards the usage of an ICT tool were influenced by how easy it was to utilize the tool and that they were loath to utilize a tool that seemed hard to utilize. Therefore, it is hypothesized: H2: A instructors ‘ Perceived Ease of Use of web log in learning affects his/her attitude towards utilizing web log in instruction.3.2.4 Blog CompetenceA big figure of surveies showed that instructors ‘ computing machine competency is a important forecaster of their attitudes toward computing machines ( Berner, 2003 ; Na, 1993 ; Summers, 1990 ; Albirini, 2006 ) . Summers ( 1990 ) found that instructors with low degree of computing machine competency normally have negative attitudes toward computing machines. On the other manus, the fact that computing machine competency was significantly related to instructors ‘ attitudes supports the theoretical and empirical statements made for the importance of computing machine competency in finding instructors ‘ attitudes toward ICT ( Al-Oteawi, 2002 ; Berner, 2003 ; Na, 1993 ; Albirini, 2006, Zhou et al. , 2010 ) . In add-on, the relationship between computing machine attitudes and competency suggests that higher computing machine competency may further the already positive attitudes of instructors and finally ensue in their usage of computing machines within the schoolroom. Therefore, it is hypothesized: H3: There is a important and positively relationship between instructors ‘ web log competency and their attitudes towards web log usage in learning3.2.5 Teaching StyleThis survey follow definition by Salem ( 2001 ) that refer learning manners to the processs or procedures adopted and employed by the instructor in order to accomplish the daily aims of the lesson. Grasha ‘s Model ( 1994 ) was used in this survey. Kiong ( 2006 ) found that the instruction manners of the lectors who teach portion clip instruction programme are more on facilitator, expert and delegator manner. Norliza et Al. ( 2007 ) showed that the three most dominant instruction manners of the lectors perceived by the pupils were Expert, Personal Model and Delegator. It was besides found that the pupils ‘ most preferable instruction manner was Facilitator. Zamri et Al. ( 2009 ) showed that the three instruction manners often used by lector were the personal theoretical account, facilitator and the delegator manner. Kassaian and Ayatollahi ( 2010 ) found that Formal Authority, Expert and Delegator were the most dominant instruction manners. A important difference exists in formal authorization and personal theoretical account among the lectors who teach theories based on learning experience and academic subject. However, the differences of learning manners merely occurred among the lectors who teach practical topic in delegator manner based on learning experience. ( Kiong, 2006 ) . However, Zamri et Al. ( 2009 ) found that there were important differences of the instruction manners based on the topics taught for the expert, formal authorization and the personal theoretical account. The survey besides showed that there was a important average difference for learning manners based on instructors experience for the facilitator manner. On the other manus, found that there were no important differences among the lectors who teach practical topic based on academic subject in their instruction manner ( Kiong, 2006 ) and school session and option ( Zamri et al. , 2009 ) . From the old research, it is hypothesized that: H4a: There is important and positively relationship between instructors with adept manner and their attitudes toward web log usage in instruction. H4b: There is important and positively relationship between instructors with formal authorization manner and their attitudes toward web log usage in instruction. H4c: There is important and positively relationship between instructors with personal theoretical account manner and their attitudes toward web log usage in instruction. H4d: There is important and positively relationship between instructors with facilitator manner and their attitudes toward web log usage in instruction. H4e: There is important and positively relationship between instructors with delegator manner and their attitudes toward web log usage in instruction.3.2.6 Teachers ‘ DemographicsSeveral research workers have found that females have more negative attitudes towards computing machine and ICT ( Akkoyunlu & A ; Orhan, 2003 ; Miura, 1987 ; Murpy, Coover & A ; Owen, 1989 ; Uzunboylu, 2004 ; Venkatesh & A ; Davis, 2000 ) . Kubiatko & A ; Halakova ( 2009 ) found that males have more positive attitudes toward ICT than females. Then, Kubiatko et Al. ( 2010 ) revealed the same consequence that males have more positive attitudes towards ICT as compared to females. On the other custodies, Teo ( 2008 ) found that no important differences were found in the survey, both male and females pre-service instructors at all ages were similar in their attitudes towards the computing machine and Cavas et Al. ( 2009 ) on their survey on scientific disciplines instructors in Turkish primary schools besides found that no important different between male and female instructors on a ttitude towards engineering. Experience were another factor that ever selected by research worker to analyze. Computer experience has been the most normally cited variable correlated to positive attitudes ( Dupagne & A ; Krendel, 1992 ; Woodrow, 1992 ; Chou 1997 ; Levine & A ; Donitsa-Schmidt 1998 ; Ropp 1999 ; Yang, Mohamed, & A ; Beyerbach, 1999 ; Winter, Chudoba & A ; Gutek, 1998 ; Smith, Caputi & A ; Rawstorne, 2000 ; YA ±ldA ±rA ±m, 2000 ; Gaudron & A ; Vignoli 2002 ) . For illustration, Woodrow ( 1992 ) reported correlativities between computing machine experience and attitudes toward engineering. Chou ( 1997 ) besides highlighted that computing machine experience influenced teacher attitudes toward computing machines. Ropp ( 1999 ) found that there is important relationship between computing machine entree & A ; hours of computing machine usage per hebdomad and computing machine attitudes. Igbaria and Chakrabarti ( 1990 ) found that computing machine experience significantly affected attitudes towar d computing machines. Christensen ( 1997 ) observed that people with anterior positive experience tend to be more willing to follow a engineering than those who have had either a anterior negative experience or no experience at all. Cavas et Al. ( 2009 ) found that Turkish scientific discipline instructors have positive attitudes toward ICT and it differs sing computing machine experience. In this survey, the research worker focuses on learning experiences. Therefore, it is hypothesized: H5: There is important relationship between the male and female instructors and their attitudes towards web log usage in instruction. H6: There is important relationship between instructors ‘ instruction experiences and their attitudes towards web log usage in instruction. H7: There is no important relationship between instructors ‘ educational degree and their attitude towards web log usage in instruction.3.3 RESEARCH MODELBased on theories adopted from Davis et Al ( 1989 ) , Roger ( 1995 ) , Grasha ( 1994 ) , Chao ( 2-5 ) , figure 3.3 illustrates the research theoretical account of this survey.EXTERNAL FACTORTeaching Manner Expert Formal Authority Personal Model Facilitator Delegator BLOG COMPETENCE Teachers DEMOGRAPHICS Gender Old ages OF Teaching EDUCATION LEVELPERCEIVED USEFULNESSPERCEIVED EASE OF USEATTITUDE TOWARDS BLOG USECognitive Affectional Behavioral H4a, H4b, H4c, H4d, H4e H1 H3, H5, H6, H7 H2 Figure 3.3: Research Model3.4 POPULATION AND SAMPLEThe survey adopted systematic graded sampling. In Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur, there are 87 authorities secondary schools. The schools are divided into four zones Keramat, Sentul, Pudu and Bangsar ) . In this survey, the Keramat Zone was chosen. In Keramat Zone, there are 20 secondary schools and selected as the population for this survey. Out of 20 schools, 10 schools were selected as samples with 700 respondents. Table 3.2 shows schools involved in this survey and the figure of respondents involved. Table 3.2 SampleName of SchoolsEstimated Number of Teachers%Distributed%SMK ( P ) Air Panas 80 8.95 62 8.85 SMK Danau Kota 124 13.87 97 13.86 SMK Padang Tembak 110 12.30 86 12.29 SMK Puteri Titiwangsa 90 10.07 70 10.00 SMK Seksyen 5 Wangsa Maju 130 14.54 101 14.43 SMK Seri Titiwangsa 61 6.82 48 6.86 SMK Setapak Indah 76 8.50 60 8.57 SMK Wangsa Maju Seksyen 2 68 7.61 54 7.71 SMK Wangsa Melawati 80 8.95 63 9.00 SMK Zon R1 Wangsa Maju 75 8.39 59 8.43 Entire 894 100 700 1003.5 InstrumentThe primary instrument used in this survey is study questionnaire. In this research, close-ended inquiries were more preferred than open-ended inquiries. All the close-ended inquiries were designed and developed based on old research workers.3.6 MEASUREMENTThere are 72 point in the questionnaire. The questionnaire divided into five chief subdivisions. Section one consist of instructors ‘ demographic, followed by subdivision two with attitudes item that contains affectional, cognitive and behavioral properties. Section three about instructors ‘ web log competency and subdivision four points related to perceived usefulness and easiness of usage and the last subdivisions produce learning manners points. All points in this questionnaire were derived and adopted from anterior research workers to asseverate the dependability and cogency of the informations. A five-likert graduated table was applied in each point of the questionnaire except points in instructor ‘s demographic subdivision. Scale runing from 1 – Strongly Not Agree, 2 – Not Agree, 3 – Natural, 4 – Agree and 5 – Strongly Agree. The questionnaire prepared in multiple linguistic communication, English and Bahasa Melayu.3.6.1 Teacher ‘s DemographicTeacher ‘s demographics are related to respondent ‘s general features. Age and gender are indispensable when covering with the nature of the population being studied. In this research, point such as â€Å" name of school † , â€Å" topics Teach † , â€Å" instruction experiences † , â€Å" learning period/week † , â€Å" highest instruction degree † and â€Å" learning degree † we besides employed in the questionnaire.3.6.2 AttitudesIn this survey, point modified from Albarini ( 2006 ) . Three points developed from affectional sphere ( point 9 – 11 ) , five points from cognitive sphere ( point 12 – 16 ) and three points from behavioral sphere ( point 17 – 19 ) . Table 3.3 show the measurement point in item. A five point Likert graduated table was used to mensurate the responses ramping from 1=srongly disagree to 5=strongly agree. Table 3.3 Measurement of Teachers ‘ Attitude towards Blog Use in TeachingSouth dakotaCalciferolNitrogenASA9. Using web logs for learning does non frighten me at all. 1 2 3 4 5 10. I am glad there are more web logs these yearss used for instruction. 1 2 3 4 5 11. Using web logs for instruction is gratifying. 1 2 3 4 5 12. Using web logs for learning saves clip and attempt. 1 2 3 4 5 13. Students must utilize web logs in all capable affairs. 1 2 3 4 5 14. Web logs would actuate pupils to make more survey. 1 2 3 4 5 15. Web logs are a fast and efficient agencies of acquiring information. 1 2 3 4 5 16. Web logs can heighten pupils ‘ acquisition. 1 2 3 4 5 17. I would instead learn without web logs than utilizing web logs. 1 2 3 4 5 18. If I had the clip, I would larn to make web logs for learning intents. 1 2 3 4 5 19. I would wish to larn more about web logs for usage in instruction. 1 2 3 4 53.6.2 Perceived UsefulnessPerceived utility is defined as â€Å" the grade to which a individual believes that utilizing a peculiar system would heighten his or her occupation public presentation † by Davis ( 1989 ) . Perceives usefulness is one of two dominant concept of TAM to measure user ‘s credence. Item from Davis ( 1989 ) were adapted utilizing five-point Likert graduated table runing from 1=srongly disagree to 5=strongly agree. Table 3.4 Measurement of Perceived Usefulness towards Blog Use in TeachingSouth dakotaCalciferolNitrogenASA24. Using web logs for learning will better my learning public presentation. 1 2 3 4 5 25. Using web logs for learning enhances my effectivity on instruction. 1 2 3 4 5 26. Using web logs for learning improves the quality of instruction. 1 2 3 4 5 27. Overall, I find utilizing web logs utile in my instruction. 1 2 3 4 53.6.3 Perceived Ease of UseDavis ( 1989 ) defined sensed easiness of usage as â€Å" the grade to which a individual believes that utilizing a peculiar system would be free of attempt † . The steps of sensed easiness of usage were comprehensively used by many anterior surveies, for illustrations, Lederer et Al ( 1989 ) modified the steps of sensed easiness of usage that tantrum with the World Wide Web ( WWW ) use. In this survey, the points for sensed easiness of usage were adapted from Davis ( 1989 ) to suit within instructor ‘s attitude toward web log usage in learning. The six points used a five-point Likert graduated table runing from 1=strongly disagree to 5=strongly agree. Table 3.5 Measurement of Perceived Ease of Use towards Blog Use in TeachingSouth dakotaCalciferolNitrogenASA28. Using web logs is easy for me. 1 2 3 4 5 29. I find it easy to acquire web logs to make what I want to make. 1 2 3 4 5 30. Geting information from web log is easy. 1 2 3 4 5 31. My interaction with web logs is clear and apprehensible. 1 2 3 4 5 32. It would be easy for me to go adept at utilizing web logs. 1 2 3 4 5 33. Overall, I find blogs easy to utilize. 1 2 3 4 53.6.4 Teaching StyleThe Grasha-Riechman Teaching Styles Inventory ( GRTSI ) ia a study instrument used to find learning manner. The GRTSI uses a study instrument with 40 points, and uses a five-point Likert graduated table for each. Each type of learning manner contributes eight points each. All points were assorted up to avoid prejudice. Table 3.6 Item Distribution of Teaching Style towards Blog Use in TeachingTeaching MannerNo. of ItemsExpert 34, 39, 44, 49, 54, 59, 64, 69 Formal Authority 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70 Personal Model 36, 41, 46, 51, 56, 61, 66, 71 Facilitator 37, 42, 47, 52, 57, 62, 67, 72 Delegator 38, 43, 48, 53, 58, 63, 68, 73 Table 3.7 Measurement of Teaching Style towards Blog Use in Teaching Expert South dakota Calciferol Nitrogen A SA 34. Facts, constructs, and rules are the most of import things that pupils should get. 1 2 3 4 5 39. Sharing my cognition and expertness with pupils is really of import to me. 1 2 3 4 5 44. What I have to state about a subject is of import for pupils to get a broader position on the issues in that country. 1 2 3 4 5 49. I want pupils to go forth my category good prepared for farther work in this country. 1 2 3 4 5 54. Lecturing is a important portion of how I teach each of the category Sessionss. 1 2 3 4 5 59. My expertness is typically used to decide dissensions about content issues. 1 2 3 4 5 64. Students might depict me as a â€Å" depot of cognition † who dispenses the fact, rules, and constructs they need. 1 2 3 4 5 69. There is more stuff in my capable than I have clip available to cover it. 1 2 3 4 5 Formal Authority 35. I set high criterions for pupils in my category. 1 2 3 4 5 40. I give pupils negative feedback when their public presentation is unsatisfactory. 1 2 3 4 5 45. Students would depict my criterions and outlooks as slightly rigorous and stiff. 1 2 3 4 5 50. It is my duty to specify what pupils must larn and how they should larn it. 1 2 3 4 5 55. I provide really clear guidelines for how I want undertakings completed in my category. 1 2 3 4 5 60. My category has really specific ends and objectives that I want to carry through. 1 2 3 4 5 65. My outlooks for what I want pupils to make in this category are clearly defined in the course of study. 1 2 3 4 5 70. My criterions and outlooks help pupils develop the subject the demand to larn. 1 2 3 4 5 Table 3.7 ( Continued ) Measurement of Teaching Style towards Blog Use in Teaching Personal ModelSouth dakotaCalciferolNitrogenASA36. What I say and do theoretical accounts allow ways for pupils to believe about issues in the content. 1 2 3 4 5 41. Students are encouraged to emulate the illustration I provided. 1 2 3 4 5 46. I typically show pupils how and what to make in order to get the hang capable content. 1 2 3 4 5 51. Examples from my personal experiences frequently are used to exemplify points about the stuff. 1 2 3 4 5 56. I frequently show pupils how they can utilize assorted rules and constructs. 1 2 3 4 5 61. Students receive frequent verbal and/or written remarks on their public presentation. 1 2 3 4 5 66. Finally, many pupils begin to believe like me about capable content. 1 2 3 4 5 71. Students might depict me as a â€Å" manager † who works closely with person to rectify jobs in how they think and behave. 1 2 3 4 5 Facilitator 37. My instruction ends and methods address a assortment of pupil acquisition manners. 1 2 3 4 5 42. I spend clip consulting with pupils on how to better their work on single and/or group undertakings. 1 2 3 4 5 47. Small group treatments are employed to assist pupils develop their ability to believe critically. 1 2 3 4 5 52. I guide pupils ‘ work on category undertakings by inquiring inquiries, researching options, and proposing alternate ways to make things. 1 2 3 4 5 57. Class activities encourage pupils to take enterprise and duty for their acquisition. 1 2 3 4 5 62. I solicit student advice about how and what to learn in my category. 1 2 3 4 5 67. Students can do picks among activities in order to finish capable demands. 1 2 3 4 5 72. I give pupils a batch of personal support and encouragement to make good in my topic. 1 2 3 4 5 Delegator 38. Students typically work on category undertakings entirely with small supervising from me. 1 2 3 4 5 43. Activities in my category encourage pupils to develop their ain thoughts about content issues. 1 2 3 4 5 48. Students design one or more autonomous acquisition experiences. 1 2 3 4 5 53. Developing the ability of pupils to believe and work independently is an of import end. 1 2 3 4 5 58. Students take duty for learning portion of the category Sessionss. 1 2 3 4 5 63. Students set their ain gait for finishing independent and/or group undertakings. 1 2 3 4 5 68. My attack to instruction is similar to a director of a work group who delegates undertakings and duties to subsidiaries. 1 2 3 4 5 Table 3.7 ( Continued ) Measurement of Teaching Style towards Blog Use in Teaching DelegatorSouth dakotaCalciferolNitrogenASA73. I assume the function of a resource individual who is available to pupils whenever they need aid. 1 2 3 4 53.6.5 Blog CompetenceBlog Competence is to mensurate blog competency among instructors. This points was created by the research worker intentionally for this survey. Five Likert Scale besides applied. 1 – Not Competence, 2 – Less Competence, 3 – Moderate Competence, 4 – Competence and 5 – Very Competence. Table 3.8 Measurement of Blog Competence towards Blog Use in Teaching North carolina LC Megahertz C VC 20. Make a web log to portion my experiences and cognition. 1 2 3 4 5 21. Use a web log to happen information for instruction intents. 1 2 3 4 5 22. Post and answer to remarks in web logs for learning intents. 1 2 3 4 5 23. Update a web log with new information about instruction. 1 2 3 4 53.7 DATA COLLECTIONA missive of permission submitted to Jabatan Pelajaran Wilayah Persekutuan Kuala Lumpur ( JPWPKL ) to seek a blessing to carry oning a research at selected schools as listed before. After having an blessing missive, researcher conveying it when meet the principal for each schools. Researcher gives brief account about the research. Then, researcher seeks the cooperation of the principals to acquire a list of instructors toA guarantee the figure of instructors. Each questionnaire labelled with a consecutive figure. Every instructor who took the questionnaire will be recorded their consecutive Numberss. ThisA isA intended toA facilitateA the school to retrieveA allA the questionnaires for collection.A Besides, A itA besides makes it easierA for research worker to retrace the instructor if there is an uncomplete questionnaire. Principal appointA aA representativeA fromA the teachersA toA manage theA distributionA and aggregation ofA surveysA andA toA mediateA betweenA teachersA andA research workers. Within one hebdomad, research worker will come back to school to roll up the questionnaires.3.8 PILOT STUDYPilot survey refers to testings of the questionnaire on a little sample of respondents to place and extinguish possible jobs ( Hunt et al. , 1982 ; Parasuram, 1987 ; Malhorta, 2004 ) . 80 participants from SMK Wangsa Melawati participated in the pilot survey. Table 3.9 Pilot Study DistributionEntire DistributedEntire ReturnedFunctionalNot Functional80 74 74 03.9 RELIABILITY PILOT STUDY INSTRUMENT3.9.1 Dependent Variable – AttitudeThe dependability trial was performed utilizing SPSS ( let go of 18 ) for Windows to measure the instruments. Table 3.11 shows the consequence of dependability trial for dependent variables. Overall dependability trial shows that all point involved in this survey were dependable. On the other custodies, the trial shows that one of the behavioral points shows the mark merely 0.544. Researcher decides to take the point and the new mark is 0.855. Table 3.10 Reliability Test for Attitudes InstrumentsInstrumentBeforeAfterNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaAttitude Affect 3 .728 3 .728 Behavioral 3 .544 2 .855 Cognitive 5 .707 5 .707 Overall Attitude 11 .717 10 .7173.9.1 Independent Variable – Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use, Teaching Style and Blog CompetenceTable 3.8 shows the consequence of dependability trial for independent variables. Blog Competence, Perceived Usefulness and Perceived Ease of Use show high dependability for all points. There is a job with one of the point in Formal Authority that makes the mark really low ( 0.200 ) . Researcher decided to discontinue point no. 4 in Formal Authority and it make the mark alteration to 0.603. Overall mark is 0.903. Table 3.8 summarize the dependability trial for all independent variables. Table 3.12 make a comparing learning manners point from the old research workers. Table 3.11 Reliability Test for Blog Competence, Perceived Usefulness, Perceived Ease of Use and Teaching Style InstrumentsInstrumentNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaBlog Competence 4 .916 Perceived Usefulness 4 .918 Perceived Ease of Use 6 .816InstrumentBeforeAfterNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaTeaching Manner Expert 8 .645 8 .645 Formal Authority 8 .200 7 .603 Personal Model 8 .713 8 .713 Facilitator 8 .617 8 .617 Delegator 8 .670 8 .670 Table 3.12 Comparison of Reliability Test for Teaching Style InstrumentsTeaching MannerDugas ( 2005 )Zamri et Al. ( 2009 )Pilot StudyNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaNo. of pointCronbach ‘s AlphaExpert8 0.40 8 0.62 8 .645Formal Authority8 0.49 8 0.81 7 .603Personal Model8 0.58 8 0.80 8 .713Facilitator8 0.76 8 0.82 8 .617Delegator8 0.48 8 0.59 8 .670Overall40 0.71 40 Not Reported 39 .9033.10 DATA ANALYSISOnce informations were collected, it must be translated into an appropriate signifier for informations analysis. Harmonizing to De Vaus ( 2002 ) , there are four factors impacting how the informations are traveling to be analysed. They are the figure of variables being examined, the degree of measuring of the variables, descriptive or illative intents and ethical duty. This survey used SPSS ( let go of 18 ) for Windows to analyze the information. A measure by measure informations analysis was conducted to run into the research inquiry and aim of the survey. The process of proving the hypotheses of the survey has besides been taken in the information analysis subdivision. In this survey, there are dogged stairss in carry oning the information analysis ; this includes descriptive analysis, dependability analysis, factor analysis, correlativity analysis and arrested development analysis. Descriptive analysis was used to portray the informations accurately from the variables. It besides provides more information about the distribution of the variables. The frequences, per centum, mean and standard divergence were performed to construe the information. The descriptive analysis includes ‘age ‘ , ‘gender ‘ , ‘years of learning ‘ , ‘highest making ‘ , ‘level of learning ‘ , ‘number of learning period/week ‘ and ‘subject though ‘ . Harmonizing to Hair et Al ( 1998 ) , factor analysis is aimed at analyzing the construction of the correlativities among a big figure of variables by specifying a set of common implicit in dimensions ( factors ) . Furthermore, factor analysis is conducted to find whether the responses to a set of points used to mensurate a peculiar construct can be grouped together to organize an overall index of that construct ( Cramer, 2003 ) . In this survey, there are two set of variables for which factors are analysed. They are a set of independent variables and a set of dependent variables. After executing the factor analyses, the following measure would take to the dependability analysis of the measurings. The Cronbach ‘s alpha is the most widely used step of dependability of the variables ( Hair et al. , 1998 ; Morgan et al. , 2004 ) . Correlation analysis was performed to bespeak both the strength and the way of the relationship between a brace of variables ( Bryman and Cramer, 1994 ) . The variables are considered to be correlated if alterations in the 1 variable are associated with the alterations in the other variables ( Hair et al. , 1998 ) . The Pearson correlativity process is used to happen the relationship between independent variables ; gender, old ages of instruction, degree of instruction, web log competency, perceived easiness of usage, perceived usefulness and teaching manner and dependent variables ; attitudes toward web log utilizations. Finally, arrested development analysis is conducted in this survey to sum up the nature of the relationship between variables and for doing anticipations of likely values of dependent variables ( Bryman and Cramer, 1994 ) . Multiple arrested developments were used to foretell a graduated table of dependent variable from two or more independent variables.3.11 SummaryThe focal point of this chapter is on the development of research model. The survey will utilize a study research method design. The mark respondents for the study research participants would be secondary school instructor in Keramat Zone, Kuala Lumpur. Te extimated figure of trying units is 700. The following chapter presents the determination of the survey.

Different Cultures Essay

Explore how relationships are constrained and influenced by the traditions and restrictions of the different cultures evident in the short stories in section 3 of the Edexcel anthology. Country Lovers, A Stench of Kerosene and Veronica are stories that share large similarities with each other. The out come of each story emotionally affected the characters in each of them. The resulting out come is due to cultural laws. These three stories all have a powerful say in culture in different parts of the world. They each expose the life of people living in a culture much different to culture in England. The outcome of A Stench of Kerosene demonstrates what it was like for a woman in North India to be barren. There is no real bad and good culture because they are all seen from different points of view. English culture can easily be judged by some one living in a culture completely different to ours. Culture is different every where but as the day ages so can culture. These three stories really outline the gender segregation, cultural segregation, racial segregation and educational segregation. What is interesting to find in these short stories are how people can be so excepting to their culture and it shows us how culture is something we all follow through and is passed on to us and we pass it on to our children. It could be said that arranged marriages are bad but then again in an Indian culture they could be a good thing and non-arranged marriages are bad. Different areas in the world have different cultures but some cultural views can be changed by different races living in a country like Britain for example if a black woman came from South Africa during the Apartheid their cultural beliefs could be greatly affected. These three stories really pin point the out come of young people’s lives as they adapt to their culture, gender, class and the teachings from their parents or in laws. Our culture and where we live affects our learning and understanding of life dramatically and that is what I will be looking at in detail. In the story Country Lovers, which is written by Nadine Gordimer, the relationship between Paulus and Thebedi is forbidden due to race . The Their relationship was only physical. â€Å"When he was 15 and six feet tall, and tramping round at school dances with the girls from the ‘sister’ school in the same town; when he had learnt how to tease and flirt and fondle quite intimately with these girls who were the daughters of prosperous farmers like his farther; when he had even met one who, at a wedding he had attended with his parents on a nearby farm, had let him do with her what people do when they made love† demonstrates how Paulus is careless for other peoples emotions and he only wanted something physical. He did not want a meaningful relationship. Paulus wanted something physical, not to express his emotions. In my opinion Paulus is the type to play girls and doesn’t understand a loving relationship. His body has matured far more than his heart and brain. I think Paulus was just trying to impress people and expose a rebel part of him and tries to be a typical, white, teenage male in South Africa so no one can suspect his sexual relationship with Thebedi. When he talks to Thebedi he feels he doesn’t need to impress her as he tries to do at school with the white children. Thebedi’s character is far more different then Paulus’. It seemed to me that at the beginning of the story she had true feelings for Paulus. â€Å"She told the girls in the kraal that she had another sweet heart nobody knew about, far away, away on another farm and they giggled and teased and admired her† emphasizing the fact that even though she knows no one should know about Paulus, she still felt she needed to expose her true feelings to the girls in the kraal. â€Å"He had said the natives made them on his father’s farm† shows he was too embarrassed to say that the bracelet that he got was made by his black friend who works on his father’s farm. The government didn’t care for its black people as they established the colour bar which meant that all black workers were to lose their jobs and be replaced by unqualified white people with know jobs. White supervisors decided not to work until the black people came back and the new unqualified white people were removed from the work place. In 1914, after a strike from the supervisors, the government decided all races could be employed accor ding to their qualifications. Also Black and White relationships were Illegal due to the immorality act which prevented it. The immorality act was started in 1948 and due to democratic elections was stopped in 1994. The immorality act didn’t only prevent white and black relations but Indian and coloured relations as well. This was because the government wanted the white race as the top class. This meant that if two races were to have a relationship it meant two classes were having a relationship. The black community got the worst education, medical treatments and homes. This was because it was all put in their homeland by the government. The government said they wanted to prepare black people for their future as working class. Black and white relationships were disgrace to both family groups. Nadine Gordimer, the author in Country Lovers, narrates in the third person and becomes very detached; this causes the reader to really feel what the characters felt. Because the story was written in third person we clearly see the true feelings and situations of the character. I think the author of this story may have done this because she may have wanted the reader to focus on the characters situation rather than telling the reader. The narrator talks of apartheid which was a difficult time for black people, but she doesn’t state whether apartheid was good or bad, leaving the reader to create their own views on it. A lot of the story is based on our judgment and what we think is right and wrong. Again, what I’ve noticed about this story is although Paulus and Thebedi live in the same farm their cultures are different due to class differences which is similar to Veronica. In A Stench of Kerosene I understood that Guleri and Manak loved each other but North Indian cultural traditions made things harder for them. Due to her culture Guleri’s life seems very dull. She does the same things every day of her life. â€Å"She counted the days to the harvest†. Shows how counting the days would make time go by and gives her something to look forward to. Guleri is different to Manak because she won’t let things get in her way. She’s more out spoken. She knows what she wants. â€Å"Your mother said nothing so why do you stand in my why?† demonstrating her outspoken character in this story. Her character is far different to Manak’s. Manak has a weaker but equally important character. He doesn’t stop his mother from arranging another marriage. He doesn’t speak out like Guleri. He lets Guleri leave with out telling her anything about his second marriage. â€Å"Manak wanted to retort, you are a woman; why don’t you cry like one for a change† demonstrates how he truly feels but is too scared to face the matriarch that is his mother. Due to the roles of men and woman in North Indian culture Guleri spent lots of time cleaning the house, feeding the animals and making food for her parents that she and Manak must have rarely seen each other. What can interest the reader is the symbol of his flute as what can be perceived as his undying love for her. When Guleri tells him to take his flute he says â€Å"you take it†. This demonstrates his feelings towards her. He’s willing to give her something of his that is so valuable. The Hindu act of marriage was made illegal in 1955 as it was causing young people to commit suicide. Woman would burn themselves if they were divorced or because they were being hurt by their husband and his family. There are many cases like Guleri’s in North India. In A Stench of Kerosene Amrita Pritam never mentions where they are. How I know the story is set in North India is because she uses words found in that region in the world like charpoy, chillum/hookah and dupattas. Also arranged marriages take place in Arab countries as well as India. The story is set in third person so the reader gets to interpret every ones emotions rather than one person’s emotion. The author tells the story as it is. She talks about what they do and their expressions which can let us decide whether how they feel at that moment. The reader gets to see the story in so many different angles. This method of writing gives the reader the chance to become a second writer. In Veronica the friendship between Veronica and Okeke is to do with how comfortable they are with each other. They don’t squabble or argue but are at peace with each other. They are true friends. â€Å"But for all the misery in her own life she never seemed to envy mine† demonstrates how they are casual together. They are best friends. They don’t need to show each other up. Okeke is the type of person to seize life with two hands and not let go. â€Å"I had won a scholarship to the university† shows how he grows academically. He wants to see more of the world. His ideas of life compared to veronica are totally opposite. He seizes any good opportunity in life useful to him but Veronica is a fatalist. She waits for things to come her way. This is due to her cultural upbringings. In the story it doesn’t really mention whether being a fatalist is a bad or good thing because that is for the reader to decide. Her culture may have taught her to accept what life gives so she must think it’s a good thing. My culture has not taught me to be a fatalist therefore in my opinion I don’t think it’s a good idea because if we let things come our way and just let it go then we will have nothing to make history with. Veronica’s views on life are just to do what job life gives you and accept everything you are given. In my opinion I see this as giving up and being week but that is how I see fatalism due to what my culture taught me. Veronica’s ideas of the role of man and woman are extremely out dated in English culture. Her beliefs are a man provides the food while the woman cooks, cleans and has children. â€Å"Don’t talk foolishness† explains how farfetched she thinks Okeke is when he offers money to take a correspondence course. â€Å"I have to go and cook, my father will be home soon† demonstrates her beliefs on women as an object to cook food. It’s a typical female role especially in her culture. She feels there is no need for a woman in a big city. It goes against everything her culture has taught her. What I’ve noticed about this story is although Okeke and Veronica live in the same village they have different cultural views due to their class. Okeke comes from a richer family so he is freer but Veronica comes from a poor family and they have typical ideas in culture which are very out dated. This story tells me that culture varies in class of family. In the story Veronica it doesn’t mention where they are so the reader has to try to get an idea of where in the world this story is set. I believe that the story is set in Nigeria in Africa. This is because the name Okeke is a Nigerian name and also Veronica mentions standard six which is like a qualification used in Africa. On top of that it’s a male dominated society and so is Nigeria. I think the reason why it’s not mentioned is because Adewale Maja-Pearce, which is a Nigerian name, wants the readers to research more on Nigerian culture so they could understand the story more clearly and get a more insightful view on it. In Country Lovers the relationship between Paulus and Thebedi has really affected their relationship as they realised it was wrong for black and white people to have a relationship during the apartheid. They knew having sexual relations was wrong but they couldn’t control their sexual needs. â€Å"He did not tell her about school or town any more. She did not ask questions any longer. He told her each time when they would meet again† which demonstrates how they only wanted a physical relationship and nothing else. They couldn’t even talk to each other any more but they loved having their physical relationship. Their culture has taught them what they are doing is dirty and horrible. â€Å"He was a popular boy. He was in the second then the first soccer team† demonstrates although he progress to become educationally better inside he’s becoming morally worse (due to the emphases he may receive from his upbringing in becoming more dignified in order to altar his social prestige) . From this quote I’ve also noticed things only get better for Paulus as he learns to drive, he studies at university, he looks after his fathers farm, he becomes popular at school and he’s in the football team but as for Thebedi things only get worse as she loses her only white friend, she’s forced to lie to her family, she’s forced to get married, she gets pregnant, no one believes her case, the man she thought she trusted betrayed her and she was in a dead end job so while he progresses forward she progressively gets worse. But they obviously can’t control these inexplicable and dark desires they have for each other. Their forbidden relationship has made the physical side, which is the only real side to their relationship, more attractive and luring. The innocence in two, young children became tainted as they became young adults. â€Å"The young man Njambulo asked her father for her† demonstrates how traditional Thebedi’s family is, so it would be a shock if they find what she’s been doing. Her culture holds her back from what she wants to do or say. It also demonstrates that black people of South Africa during the apartheid were more traditional then the white people. I believe this is because the white people ruled at the time so the black people were left never to develop their ideas on tradition. They couldn’t change their culture just like the UK has since the early nineteen hundreds where women were seen as to clean the house and look after children where as in now women have the same rights as men. â€Å"She was calm; she said she had not see what the white man had did in the house† demonstrates her giving up knowing that the white man will always win. The South African apartheid has taught her that black people are unimportant in the eyes of white people. Also, she refers to Paulus as â€Å"the white man† and not her sweet heart any more. This demonstrates how she realised Paulus was just another white mane and to him she was just a black woman. It was as simple as that. I think that Njambulo played a huge role in Country Lovers because he supported Thebedi and he didn’t care whether the baby was his or not. He just wanted to be there for her. He had true feelings for her and the baby. â€Å"Out of his farm labourer’s earnings he bought from the Indian store a cellophane-windowed pack containing a pink plastic bath, six napkins, a card of safety pin, a knitted jacket cap and bootees, a dress and a tin of Johnsons baby powder for Thebedi’s baby† which demonstrates how he cared for the baby and how he wanted a good life for her and Thebedi. I also realise that he knows it’s not his baby as the quote says â€Å"Thebedi’s baby† and not their baby. His culture has taught him to be a h ard working man who needs to provide for his family to stay alive. Even though he wasn’t provided with a good education he still knows the basic rules of survival like how to build a house which is something that can’t be taken away from him. In Country Lovers Nadine Gordimer never mentions where the story is set. But it was obvious as there were white people in the black native people’s land and Thebedi and Paulus’ relationship was hidden which told me that what they were doing was wrong. After some research I discovered the immorality act in South Africa which prevented black and white relationships. Also the white people owned the land and the black people worked on the land for the white people which demonstrated what happened to the black people during the apartheid. The story Country Lovers is written in third person. I think Nadine Gordimer used this method because there are so many different ideas that can be perceived in this story so it enables the reader to analyse the story from so many angles. The reader gets to give an opinion of the character. For example in Veronica Okeke tells the story in first person so he gives his opinion on people but in Country Lovers the story is told in third person so the reader can give his/her own judgment. In Veronica the attitudes towards education from Okeke were that education was important and needed to succeed in life. Okeke was richer than Veronica so he had a better education. It’s obvious his culture has taught him you need education to succeed. â€Å"I had won a scholarship to the university† tells me he pushes himself and values education. He takes things quick and doesn’t let go. The attitudes towards education from Veronica are simply hopeless. She feels it’s not a woman’s place to work due to her culture. â€Å"When I have qualified I will send you money to a correspondence course† explains that Okeke knows how Veronica feels about women and work so he offers her money for a correspondence course as it’s thought of as a female role but she still rejects his offer. She thinks life has given her a specific job which is to look after her family. She comes from a small tight-knit community and she has no education. She has really low expectations of herself and hasn’t got a lot of confidence. â€Å"Okeke, I won’t live to see tomorrow. Nor do I want to. My husband is dead and my child also. There is nothing left for me in this world† which definitely demonstrates how weak she has become. She thinks if she stays in this world she would have nothing to do. She thinks she was put on the world to look after her family not to go out and accomplish something great. Due to her culture her friendship with Okeke has drifted away because all her life she was taught that her job is to look after people while Okeke was taught to accomplish amazing things. What’s different about the story Veronica is all the characters show that they disagree with their cultural rules through their actions but Veronica accepts everything. She did what she was told until the end of her life where she could be forgotten. She won’t be remembered for something great. She was just a woman who looked after her family. In her point of view she might be happy as she is doing her job just as a doctor does his. Her ideas are a doctor can’t be a house wife but a house wife can’t be a doctor. In my opinion she thinks every one is given a role to play by and once they have done their job there is no point of them being in this world. What I find interesting about this story is it’s in the first person so we as the readers have to try hard and interpret what Okeke feels as he tells the story. We get to explore his emotions and what he thinks Veronica feels. Because Okeke tells us his story we get to see the difference between the city culture and country culture and how it distracted his thoughts on what country life looks life in Nigeria. â€Å"I was shocked by what I found. Either I had forgotten about the squalor of village life, or it had worsened during my absence. The place was crawling with disease and every body was living-surviving- in acute poverty† demonstrate how clean city life must be compared to country life. He obviously is in disgust as he uses a lot of negative correlations. This tells me that City culture has made a huge impact on his life. The attitudes towards marriage and the role of wife in A Stench of Kerosene are so old and out dated. The point I’m making is that women in North India were perceived as objects. I can tell by Guleri’s actions. â€Å"She went about her daily chores – fed the cattle, cooked food for her parents in law† demonstrating how bored she must have been of her life. She does the same thing every day. Her daily life is the same as a servant’s life. During the time of Hindu marriages women were seen to do three main jobs which are to cook, clean and carry children. The most important is to carry children. What is unsurprising in the story is why Manak married again but I know it was due to parental and cultural teaching. â€Å"Manak and Guleri were married for seven years and she had never borne a child and Manak’s mother had made a secret resolve that she would not let it go beyond the eighth year† which blatantly points out that the whole point of a Hindu marriage is to have kids. Manak dared not to speak to his mother about this. As I analysed the story it seems to me that she makes the decisions and is the head of the house. She is the matriarch of the family and if he retorts to her it could make life harder for him. Manak and his mother don’t have a strong relationship. Their relationship is based on his fear to her and she uses it against him by pushing him about. Manak is adapting to his culture as it teaches mainly to have children. He is being taught that the woman’s job is to cook, clean and carry children while the man provided. Muslim Arabs thought that the Quran, which is the Muslim holy book, suggested arranged marriages but after scholars had studied the Quran hard they realised that marriage or arranged marriage is not the big issue. What is important is that the man and woman are both Muslims. But due to this error arranged marriages have become more traditional and are preferred by the parents of a family. Hinduism has a strong belief in arranged marriages. The bride and groom would not dare refuse to the marriages due to honour killings. If they do refuse they would be a disgrace to their society and their family so they would be erased from existence and would be forgotten from their family and society. In North India the Hindu act of marriage was seen as religious and traditional and was taken very seriously until 1955 where it was made illegal. By reading these three stories I have realized that culture can be easily changed by the person who passes it on to their child. Culture is so different and we can’t judge other people on this. They could easily do the same to our culture. Our minds are molded by our culture which is why, as we grow, we prefer what ever culture we have and what it has taught us in life. As I compare my culture to Veronica’s I realised hers is a bit farfetched and much different compared to mine but different cultures can be seen in different angles. Our minds adapt as we grow according to our culture. Of course some people would like a freer culture but their ideas in culture change as they grow. An example of this is Manak’s life. In A Stench of Kerosene Manak didn’t like the idea of marrying again but maybe as he grows he might decide to change his mind on arranged marriages. There is a huge difference between English culture and the cultures in the three short stories. We do not have the right to judge other people on their cultural beliefs as they could do the same to us. We all have different cultures and when we have adjusted ourselves to them we get used to them and keep them. In these three short stories it is clear that culture plays the biggest role and is put before love. In every story culture was victorious at the end. This doesn’t mean it’s a bad thing because, for example, if a middle aged woman from North India had read A Stench of Kerosene she is most likely to think it had a good ending. At the end of A Stench of Kerosene Culture came before love, at the end of Veronica culture came before personal options and at the end Country Lovers culture came before free will. I would like to finish off saying we all have different cultures and we can all adapt to it as we grow but we shouldn’t judge other peoples cultures because our culture could easily be judged.

Leadership and Management Hierarchy of Fire Profession Assignment

Leadership and Management Hierarchy of Fire Profession - Assignment Example Apart from his hard work, Mr. Murdoch has been particularly phenomenal when it comes to the exhibition of great leadership traits and characteristics that can be replicated in any public and private service, including the fire and emergency service. Some of these characteristics and traits have been discussed below. As a global leader whose work field of work has focused on finding news for the public, Mr. Murdoch has been identified to be a very good seeker who leads his outfit to go to every extent to find news as they unfold. It is for this reason that News Corporation has mostly been ranked as one of the best in America (Barnacle, 2006). Writing on leadership traits and characteristics, George (2010) noted that leaders act as the directional heads of their organizations, who take a step for all the others to follow. Consequently, the need to be a seeker who always searches for the most applicable and useful strategies that can be used by the company has been recommended. Leaders who are seekers can indeed be very good pacesetters who can guarantee that they will lead their organizations safely to their goals without facing any challenges. This is because before asking the follower to take any step this leader might have first sought to be convinced of the step being taken. There is no denying the fact that the fire and emergency service could also apply this characteristics and trait of being seekers for the betterment of the organization. Like the News Corporation’s work, the fire and emergency service deals so much with promptness and forecasting. In the world of the media, broadcasting delayed news could be as worthless as not broadcasting it at all. Because of this, media practitioners who have seekers like Mr. Murdoch have always focused on breaking news first. In the same way, delaying with fire, rescue and other emergency support could be regarded as worthless.

Animal Research in Medicine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Animal Research in Medicine - Essay Example Technology has helped in the identification and destruction of particular disease causing microorganisms. Due to the intensive research of medicine and treatment methods for certain degenerative or hard disease, scientists have found it secure to use animals for experimentation of new discoveries without direct test on man. However, the use of animals in conducting medical research and experimentation of particular medicines has attracted great controversies from among various stakeholders of the society. Translational research refers to the modeling of human disease by conducting an elaborate animal research. Animal research in its own settings involves the application of technology in the field of medicine to formulate various treatment mechanisms for .hard diseases like Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, cancer, stroke, heart attack and HIV/AIDS (Buzzle.com). Animal research has helped in the identification of reactivity of certain medicines on human bodies upon diagnosis on a particular disease. Mice have been used in the testing of appropriate medicine for treating cancerous cells that invade the body of human beings. The National Cancer Institute infected twelve mice with cancerous cells upon which anti-cancer drugs were used to diagnose the abnormalities. Animal research is a very commendable way of eliminating unintended effects or even death in a process believed to be potentially harmful to humans even as scientists seek treatment for various diseases. Animal research and the tests carried in the process offers learning ground for students and biologists to have clear understanding of immune deficiency viruses. In addition, Animal research has helped the scientists and medical professionals to come up with nutritious food for cats. Furthermore, animal research has helped scientists to figure out the reasons behind healthier and long life survival. Dixon further indicates that animal research has helped scientists to introduce peacemakers used in replacing dysfunctional heart. According to Dixon, scientists and medical researchers through the knowledge gathered from animal research have been able to come up with the idea of anesthesia that paralyses individuals thereby reducing pain during surgery. Animal research has helped in the reduction of human suffering as well as reduction of animal suffering through injection with anesthetic medicines (Dixon). Animal research also helps scientists and medical practitioners test toxicity of certain drug by feeding the animals. Like in the US, every drug has to be tested in animals first before official release into to market. Chemicals such as the insecticides and pesticides need to be tested on animals before official sale to the market in order to avoid .side open side effects on human life. Opponents of the use of animal for scientific argue that the act should be prohibited in our societies since the act could be an avenue to breach the rights of animals. The use of animals in re searching prognosis and pathological of disease induces great suffering to the animals. According to Algoe, captivation of animals for use in the research leads to discomfort of the family members. Locking of captivated animal in an enclosed surrounding denies the animal the fundamental freedom of movement from one place to another. Animal research should be prohibited since it sometimes involves compellation of animals the act toxic and

Exploring an Organization - International Student and Scholar Office Essay

Exploring an Organization - International Student and Scholar Office - Essay Example The ISSO is the home for some global understudies and researchers on account of it gives administrations and an inviting domain. This interesting association comprises the chief of the ISSO and three cordial guides. ISSO is considered as a go-to office for all students and researchers, and in addition workforce and staff regarding the matter of issues or inquiries identified with worldwide training. ISSO is pleased with its abnormal state of client administration. The office is pleased with its learned staff, a couple of whom are broadly perceived in the universal learning field. The guides of the office are accessible for 15 minutes stroll in counsels or scholars could achieve them by booking an arrangement for more examinations. They give students fundamental diverse learning. Other than that, the ISSO pioneers have gone miles in ensuring the welfare of students is taken care of. They have recruited International Student Advisers (ISA). The ISAs basically aid all those on studies w ith the support of their financial, culture, migration status, personal concerns and occupation regulations. Advisers are mostly consulted when there are urgent or serious concerns that may affect the students learning. Students acquire financial support such as loans and scholarships from ISSO. Additionally, the association supports numerous projects for newcomers act upon. For instance, the International Students Council, the friendship international and the I-Lead. The International Leadership Education Academy for Development (I-LEAD) project is composed of the International Students and Scholars Office (ISSO) to help those who study in succeeding as well as in developing leadership skills. There is a motivational grant for international students who engage themselves in the program and complete it successfully. The scholars to participate and the cash was given out can be used well to clear school fees and cater for any personal effects.   Additionally, there are leadership skills that are acquired besides the scholarship they get.

Contemporary Therapeutic Relationship for a Professional Practitioner Essay

Contemporary Therapeutic Relationship for a Professional Practitioner - Essay Example The five components of effective nurse-client relationships have been identified as â€Å"trust, respect, professional intimacy, empathy and power† (College of Nurses of Ontario, 2009, p. 3). Nurses who work as catalytic agents of change should have good interpersonal skills and a thorough knowledge regarding the dynamics of the therapeutic relationship. While maintaining effective and healthy therapeutic alliances they should also be able to maintain professional boundaries distinguishing their personal or social relationships from that of the therapeutic relationships. Patients or clients in the mental health care are more likely to suffer from feelings of alienation, isolation, and seclusion. Similarly, they come across many crises, troubles, doubts, difficulties, frustrations or concerns in their lives which cannot be tackled without the assistance of a competent therapist or counselor. It is a fact that many of these patients in the mental health care do not receive any s uch positive support or care from their family members or relatives. As such, it is imperative that the nurses offer them ‘unconditional positive regard, accurate empathy, and genuineness’ which are very much essential for the therapeutic relationship and its progress (Egan, 2010, p. 36). It is also important that the negative attitudes and behavior patterns of the clients are addressed at the earliest and that they are assisted to convert these into positive attitudes and behaviors. In a therapeutic relationship, the values, thoughts, and feelings of the nurses interact with those of the clients and therefore it is very much essential that the nurses maintain professional boundaries and stick to the ethical guidelines of professional nursing practice. This paper seeks to explore the significance of maintaining effective and meaningful therapeutic relationships in the mental healthcare setting. Literature Review Critical analysis Many researchers and psychologists have pointed out the importance of therapeutic relationships in mental health care. Researchers such as Elder, Evans, and Nizette (2009, p. 2) regard developing therapeutic relationships as the key to effective mental health nursing and for them, therapeutic alliances are very much necessary for the growth and recovery of patients in the mental health care. The authors also highlight the need to maintain professional boundaries during the therapeutic alliance. Similarly, they also hold that mental health nurses should have a thorough knowledge of not only human and biological sciences; they also are trained to develop effective therapeutic relationships with the patients.

Organisational strategy(in report format) Essay

Organisational strategy(in report format) - Essay Example (Innocent, 2008b; MySpace News, 2007; Hickman, 2007; Scott, 2007) For the purpose of this study, the researcher will apply some of the available strategic models in examining the internal and external factors that has contributed to he success of Innocent Drinks. First, the researcher will apply the PESTLE, Porter’s Five Forces, Opportunities and Threats model to critically analyze the external factors within the period of 1999 – 2007 that made Innocent Drinks able to grab the biggest market share from its competitors. Using the Strength model, the researcher will critically evaluate the effectiveness of the business strategies used by Innocent Drinks between the period of 2002 – 2007. Eventually, the researcher will assess and discuss the impact of Innocent Drinks’ stakeholder pressure on the organization in terms of how Adam Balon, Richard Reed and Jon Wright might have affected the strategies they have chosen followed by analysing the relative power and interest of the three business owners. Using the Options Matrix, the researcher will also evaluate and discuss whether the future strategies of Innocent Drinks should either be based on fit or stretch strategies. As part of discussion, the researcher will discuss the impact of external factors and its direct effects to the changes on the competitive behaviour within the same industry. PESTLE, which stands for ‘Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal, and Environmental analysis’ (TVU, 2007), will be used in illustrating the macro-environmental aspects of Innocent Drinks. UK food and drink industries are highly regulated by several government agencies. In line with this matter, food and drink industry in the United Kingdom is highly regulated by Food Standard Agency in order to protect the health and consumers’ interests when it comes to food safety, nutrition,

Research paper on Scotland Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Research paper on Scotland - Essay Example This is a very interesting field of study as we come to know about our own origin, ancestors, the earlier civilizations like Roman or Greek ones, their contribution towards modern society and, most importantly, what we learn from them. No doubt, we have to do a thorough research but as we come to know about different cultures and societies, it becomes very interesting and curious (Marett. 1912). The location which I want to study is Scotland. I have developed an interest in it since my childhood, as our neighbors were the Scottish family and we had very good terms with them. They used to speak a different kind of English in the accent and the spellings. They were all different from us. Their food had a different variety too. Sometimes they used to tell me the Scottish history, which I found very interesting since the place exists from the time before date and it has been a part of Roman Empire too. I become more curious to learn about it with the passage of time when I study history in junior classes. So during my course, I chose Scotland to study and to know more about its history, culture, people and every aspect which could help me to understand the subject completely. Let me first tell you briefly about Scotland. Many people already know that it is an independent state of the UK, comprising of more than 790 islands with a total area of 78,387Â  km2. The capital of the state is Edinburgh which is amongst one of the economically developed cities of the world and it was actually the place from where the Scottish Enlightenment began. Glasgow and Aberdeen are other two major cities of the state which are the industrial cities. About 90% of the population is scots who want independence of their country from UK. It was an independent country before 1707, but then King James VI entered into a treaty of union to create the United Kingdom. Since then there have been numerous protests throughout

Theories of rent and urban economics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Theories of rent and urban economics - Essay Example The essay further outlines Smith’s rent gap theory and the agricultural land theory. The analysis is followed by an outline of the agent based land market model, and the microeconomic theory. The paper winds up with the central place theory and a conclusive remark on the varied rental patterns in an urban setting. The Collier Map show that there are different rent patterns for urban areas in UK and London in particular. The Western part of London records a mixture of rent patterns with a lower level of 10 pounds, and a higher level of 34pounds. The South East London has a rental pattern that way near similar with the difference between the highest and the lowest; levels being minimal (16-24 pounds). The same scenario applies to the North West and Yorkshire which has one of the lowest/cheapest rental rates. The outskirts of London and the hinterland towns have a low level of rent rates compared with the metropolitan. However, there are some urban areas outside the London Metrop olitan which have higher rental patterns. A good example is Dublin with a high of 35 pounds. Urban economics is the study of economies that are organized as urban areas (Harvey and Jowsey, 2003). It also studies the cities which are the modern centre of culture, innovation and education. It is in the urban centers where major commercial activities takes place hence the aspect of many offices being located in the urban areas (MacDonald & McMillen, 2007). Urban economics is closely related to the field of real estate and rental properties. Rent is the amount paid by a tenant to a landlord on a rented or leased space. Many theories exist in the field of urban economics and real estate. They are outlined below; The Neighborhood Theory The first theory is based on the housing prices, neighborhood characteristics, and racial segregation. This theory stipulates that the price of an office premise is determined by the characteristics of the neighborhood as well as the characteristics of the house. These neighborhood factors directly influences the patterns of office rent in given urban areas. Neighborhood variable affect the pattern of office rent either positively or in a negative way. These two factors combine to determine the pattern of rent in a given section of an urban area. They include; crime rate in an area, property tax rate, economic strength of the neighborhood, air pollution, accessibility from nearest train/ bus stations, extent of traffic on the street as well as quality of education/ number of institutions of learning (McDonald & McMillen, 2007). This explains the different office rent patterns in an area like Cambridge which is an educational centre and Nottingham. There has been an increase in the quality of office buildings in some sections of urban areas. This results in changes in office rent patterns. Areas with good quality buildings have different office rent patterns with areas with low quality office buildings. The same case applies to areas with different races. There is a tendency for rental patterns to be high in areas populated by the whites, as opposed to areas with a mixture of races (King and Mieszkoski, 1973). This theory explains the difference rental patterns in the London Metropolitan. Areas such as Wimbledon (?30) and Heathrow (?28) with good quality houses have higher rental patterns as compared with those with low quality such as Norwich (?15). Natural Evolution Theory Natural evolution theory is a model which was advanced by Mieszkowski and Mills (1993). They argue that the filtering model provides a primary reason for the movement and relocation of offices in the suburbs. The result is the emergence of suburbs which acts as commercial centers, characterize by high and

Terrorism and Homeland Security Essay Example for Free

Terrorism and Homeland Security Essay Left-wing extremists are highly idealistic. Their primary objective is to reform or destroy an existing system and replace it with a new and just society. Left-wing extremists possess a belief system that is often interpreted as a fanatical devotion to Marxist ideology. As a result, they use the doctrines of class warfare or national liberation as a justification for political violence. For left-wing extremists, taking up arms is a form of struggle against a despotic system, class or government. In addition, they view themselves as the messianic saviors of the poor and the oppressed. Studies of Marxist movements in the 21st century has revealed that in order to bring about their desired social change, left-wing extremists adopt a â€Å"vanguard strategy† (p. 223). This approach operates on the premise that revolutionary conditions are the results of a generalized climate of change that was developed over time. Revolutionary conditions rarely occur spontaneously – only a committed and disciplined revolutionary movement has the capacity to come up with it. The revolutionary movement (usually composed of disaffected young educated elite) creates revolutionary conditions by raising the political consciousness of the exploited class or group. In the context of leftist extremism, â€Å"political consciousness† refers to the belief that revolution is the best alternative to the corrupt status quo. As soon as the desired revolutionary conditions are attained, the revolutionary movement sees to it that these are maintained. In the process, the revolutionary movement becomes the â€Å"vanguard† of the subjugated class or group. The former â€Å"saves† them from a repressive system, as well as â€Å"protects† them from it. An example that illustrates the â€Å"vanguard strategy† is the Russian Vanguard of the Proletariat. Lenin and the Bolsheviks required the members of the Russian Communist Party to be the â€Å"vanguard of the proletariat† (p. 234). They were the â€Å"elite† who were expected to transform Russia into a Communist society by bringing about the revolution. They were to free the proletariat from the tyranny of the nobles by educating them on Marxist doctrines. Right-wing extremists, on the other hand, are very nostalgic. They affirm their superiority usually by looking back on past glories. In the process, right-wing extremists use these previous achievements as justifications for violence. For them, carnage is acceptable as long as it is used to maintain the purity of a religion, ethno-national group or an ideology. Right-wing extremists believe that they have the moral obligation to protect an ideal order that was â€Å"violated† or â€Å"destroyed† by â€Å"inferior† religious values or ethno-national interests. For them, the restoration of this ideal order is the only way to lasting peace and prosperity in society. Anyone who opposes must be eliminated through all possible means – even violence. Consequently, right-wing extremism is very prevalent in organizations that represent groups that have a distinctive identity, such as regional minorities and religious fundamentalists. Below are the common characteristics of right-wing organizations: a. Nationalism – The belief that only people of a specific nationality have the right to reside within a given country. Furthermore, these nationals likewise have the right to live in their country’s borders. b. Racism – The misconception that race is the main basis for all human traits and capabilities. c. Xenophobia – In the context of right-wing extremism, xenophobia is the fear of belief systems that deviate from the status quo. d. Antidemocracy – An aversion to the concept of pluralism in society. In order to achieve their goal homogeneity, right-wing extremists shun political activities that foster equality and democratic rule, such as popular elections. e. Strong State – Right-wing extremists advocate militarism under the guise of â€Å"protecting law and order. † For them, militarism is an effective means of eliminating â€Å"dissidents† (groups whom they deem â€Å"inferior†). References Martin, G. (2006). Understanding Terrorism: Challenges, Perspectives and Issues (2nd ed. ). Thousand Oaks: Sage Publications.

CompInnova System Project Requirements

CompInnova System Project Requirements The CompInnova project is focused upon the development of an innovative inspection methodology, with automated and manual capabilities, for any type of composite and metallic aircraft structures. Within this report, project requirements and specifications related to structural integrity, damage repair and development of a vortex robot, are presented and discussed in the following order: A qualified Phased Array (PA) method related to the structural integrity approach, is an advanced non-destructive testing method used to detect component failures (i.e. cracks), and can be used to assess the component condition. It is presented in chapter 2. An Infrared Thermography (IRT) method, also related the structural integrity approach, is used to determine the presence of flaws by monitoring the flow of heat over a surface, and is presented in chapter 3. A Damage Tolerance (DT) structural integrity assessment technique is used to fracture load for a specified defect size, and predict the required length of time for a sub-critical defect to grow to the size that causes fracture at given load. The DT is presented in chapter 4. Following the structural integrity assessment, a preliminary assessment of the specifications of the repair module of the vortex robot is presented in chapter 5, with the repair module envisaged to perform scarfing or stepped lap repairs on composites as well as bonding repairs on metals. The repair module, as well as the structural integrity assessment systems, is a part of a vortex robot, for which a detailed overview of the existing state of the art in NDT robotic technology is presented in chapter 6. In addition, an overview of the determined project requirements and specifications related to the proposed NDT novel vortex robotic mechanism is presented as well. The project requirements for the CompInnova system has been drafted and agreed by all the participants in this document. Phase Array (PA) technique is an advanced non-destructive testing method used to detect component failures. PA is used for in service inspection and characterization of faults in metallic, as well as composite components. PA uses transducers made up of individual elements that can each be independently driven, by which it is able to decrease the complexity and the handling of an ultrasonic testing system. The PA probes are connected to specially adapted drive units with independent, simultaneous emission and reception along each channel. 2.1 Phased Array Transducer The PAUT transducer should be a linear array transducer with number of elements between 16 and 128 and the central frequency should be ranged between 2 and 5 MHz so that minimum ultrasonic inspection requirements are satisfied for a range of different material structures. The element pitch would be between 0.5 and 0.8 mm (high resolution probe) and it will be defined according to the minimum detectable defect, the properties of the scanned samples and the quality of the acquired ultrasonic images. Furthermore, the array aperture (coverage area rate parameter) and the element length would be finally determined according to the final array specifications. The moving velocity for the array would be approximately 20mm/sec and dependent on the characteristics of the scanned sample for flat or slightly curved surfaces. The transducer would be able to be connected with any PA system via an array interface (i.e. 128 element Hypertronics generic array interface) with cable length that will be defined by the needs of the outdoor inspections required (i.e. required manipulation region of the probe, especially on large structures) and the quality of ultrasonic data acquired. The array should have the capability to directly be integrated in any manipulator for automated operation however it would also be possible to be used in manual inspection procedures with encoded capability along the movement direction with the aid of special encoding configuration that will be continuously attached with the array. By marking the necessary inspection paths on the sample surface and performing several passes with the probe, large areas can be inspected manually. The wedge coupled with the array would have a thickness between 30 and 35 mm and with an angle that is always dependent on the inspection sample thickness (i. e. make sure that reference signals like front and back wall echoes are detectable and visible) and the type of incidence wave required (i.e. longitudinal or shear wave). Precautions will be taken in order to maintain the array at a proper contact arrangement with the testing surface. Water mist, gel or combination of both, are used as a couplant before scanning. The phased array probe would have potential to be interconnected with PA instruments and effectively all the necessary functions for ultrasonic inspection procedure can be performed by the integrated system, which are: automatic recognition of the installed ultrasonic transducer by the PA instrument, ultrasonic array element configuration, system calibration for reliable inspections, gathering of acquired ultrasonic data, A-scan, B-scan and C-scan imaging of data, real time or post processing of acquired data, interconnection with manipulators for acquisition of probe X-Y-Z position, mapping software development for the acquired ultrasonic data, and editing, storing and loading of array configurations. 2.2 Ultrasonic Data Acquisition Mapping Software Ultrasonic data acquisition mapping software would be developed with the aid of installed software environment (i.e. Labview environment) on the PA instrument and therefore processing and visualization of the acquired ultrasonic data can be obtained. All the element firing and probe-wedge configurations can be modified within the software environment. More specifically the user determines the scanning method (linear, half step or FMC) and the number of active elements. This is a procedure that allows the user to adjust all the involved parameters of the ultrasonic hardware by carefully interfacing with the software. Figure 2.1: Representation of an Ultrasonic Data Acquisition Mapping Software The parameters of array and wedge operation can be adjusted. Operating frequency, active aperture elements, beam step, acquire elements and wedge geometry can be set according to the inspection requirements. Array and wedge geometries can be saved or loaded. After the setting of the array-wedge configuration and all the data from PAUT and manipulator are available the scanning can commence. When operating, any type of acquisition display (A scan, B scan or C scan) would be available and so watch the progress of the inspection. Sizing of defects or regions of interest can take place using different image processing techniques or by simply implementing the typical 6db method. 2.3 Conclusion The PA technique will be employed within the advanced defect detection software for detecting very small size flaws in aircraft structures, while achieving a high POD without increasing the scanning time dramatically. This is achievable with the PA technique, since it is able to reduce the amount of sensors as well as the overall complexity of the system applied, while enabling independent and simultaneous emission and reception along each channel.