Learning Styles In Classroom

Learning Styles In Classroom English language is really considered as a significant language since it has been used for communicating worldwide. Therefore, learning English is very common in many countries and language learning styles are used by students in globalization. Language learning styles are the main factors that help decide how the students learn a second or foreign language. A foreign language is a language studied in an environment where it is not the major vehicle for daily communication and where input in that language is classified (Rebecca, 2003). In an article by Mulalic et al. (2009), students learning styles have been unnoticed as an irrelevant module in the learning process. Apparently, once lecturers become aware that different students learn various styles, they try to accommodate those learning styles in the classroom. When looking into lecturers teaching practices, it is possible to understand that the majority of the lecturers are not sensitive with their students learning styles. The problems occur when lecturers are not aware of the significance to create and explore learning styles. According to Felder (1996), how much students learn in the class is determined partially by the students ability and prior preparation, and the capability of their learning styles and the lecturers teaching styles. More specifically, Godleski et al. (1984), the students tend to be bored and inattentive in class, do poorly on tests, get discouraged about the course, and may conclude that they are not good at the subject of the course and give up. In a research by Izzo (1980), confirmed that the size of class is an important physical factor which influences the choice of method, decreases the amount of individual attention that the teacher gives to each student. However, she argued that small classes are preferable for language learning and correlated significantly with language achievement. In a research study by Tan (2008), identified EFL learners main writing difficulties by analyzing the nature of their writing errors. The prominent causes of the errors were attributable to limitation of vocabulary size, low grammar understanding and obstruction from first language. In the finding of the study, six appropriate instructional strategies were suggested so that teachers can adopt a more effective approach to enhance students writing proficiency such as learning words, teaching of fundamental sentence structure, showing reading method, correcting error and class meeting, understanding of L1 interference, and writing incentive. Since English language has been introduced in Cambodia, EFL students learning styles have adapted to the language acquisition. In the past students were likely to get knowledge through listening to the teachers while teachers lacked specific training about teaching methodology. The learning style of Cambodian students is typically memorization at the expense of realistic purpose. Consequently, they would rather learn grammar and reading than on listening and speaking. Specifically, most Cambodian learners feel more comfortable and enjoyable with having things which are written on the whiteboard in order that they can write them down and study at home. Hopefully, they hope to get handouts of summaries or lecture outlines. On the other hand, some Cambodian learners reveal that they face a lot of pressures of how to adapt the new cultural environment and how to get on with their peers in class. Some feel lonely because the ways they dress or talk are so different. (Nguyen 2001) As for the case of EFL Cambodian classrooms, Keuk (2009), found in his study that most teachers practical habitual teaching methods such as vocabulary translation from L2 to L1. Accordingly, students are taught to memorize chunks of English language with mainly focused on grammar and vocabulary. 1.2 Problem statement Without recognizing proper learning styles, students seem not to achieve better results in their academic performance. Furthermore, students are less likely to improve their language acquisition very quickly, as they do not know the effective learning styles. In spite of the variety of academic courses which the university students take in English, and the tough efforts universities and lecturers apply to develop students language skills, the students language performance, unfortunately, has been tedious. This could be recognized to the different learning styles and habits used by students in studying English, including preferring having things written on the whiteboard to listening to the lecturers explanation, nervousness of speaking in classroom, preferring grammar translation form first language to second language while learning English language and preferring working individual and personally to working in groups. Pedagogically, most of the lecturers practice traditional teachin g method, grammar translation method form first language to second language while teaching English language. The final noticeable problem is that large classes pose some significant challenges in class room setting and reduced effectiveness of classroom management. 1.3 Objectives of the study This study aims specifically to identify the learning styles which are used by Cambodian private university students in their learning of English as a foreign language in the classroom. More interestingly, this study intends to explore the reasons why Cambodian university students use different styles in their learning English as a foreign language. 1.4 Research questions This research aims to investigate the effective factors in learning English as a foreign language. The following research questions can be formulated for the study below. 1. How do Cambodian university students describe their learning styles used in learning English as a Foreign Language? 2. Why do the students use different styles in their learning English? 1.5 Significance of the Study As a part of educational development, this study is significant for four reasons. First, exploring students learning styles in English in Cambodian higher education will help improve students language acquisition. Second, the study will shed light on the effective learning styles of EFL successful Cambodian university students, which can be used as a model of learning English. Third, this research will help to contribute to the usefulness of appropriate vocabulary teaching and learning techniques in order to promote vocabulary acquisition, particularly in EFL Cambodian context. In addition, from a methodological perception, it is also hoped that the findings from this study will be useful for providing meaningful suggestions for overcoming the problems that may arise regarding the learning styles of students and how to accommodate various learners in EFL classroom. 16 Definition of key terms In an attempt to better understand this study, some key terms are defined as follows. EFL students learning styles mean techniques, behaviors, actions, habits and steps employed by learners learning English as a Foreign Language to improve and develop their different language skills: speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Moreover, the term learning style refers to the general approach preferred by the student when learning a subject, acquiring a language, or dealing with a difficult problem (Oxford 2001; Reid 1998) 1.7 Proposed Chapter This paper will be chronologically composed of five main chapters. Chpater1is the introduction, consisting of background of the study, researcher problem, research objective, research question, significance of the study, and definition of key concepts. Chapter 2, literature review, which discusses on the problems and solutions of the study. Chpater3, methodology, which consists of research design, participants, method, instruments, tools data collection, data analysis, ethnical consideration, strengths and limitation of research. Chapter 4, discussion and findings of the study, analyzing the data collected from the interviews. Chapter 5, conclusion and recommendation, summarizing the problems and findings of the study and suggesting some strategies to help improve the weaknesses. Moreover, these five chapters are followed systematically by references and appendices. CHAPTER2 REVIEW OF LITERATURE 2.1. Defining learning styles In a study by Aqel Mahmoud (2006), determining the learning styles of An-Najah National University students used in their learning of English as a foreign language. Consequently, the result of the findings suggested a variety of teaching English styles, including asking students to change their seats in classes, introduction of creative activities and the use of audio-visual aids, which suit learning styles used by students in their learning of English. Moreover, the researchers recommended the introduction of computer as a necessary course in Department of English and Teaching Methods Department which give its successful task in making students rely on themselves to develop their language proficiency. Also, the researcher proposes that a study should be conducted at other universities to discover the learning styles which are used by students in the learning of English and the relationship between these styles and students personality. In the article by Marin (2003), the focus of the investigation was on the language learning styles appearing that students face language difficulties with great achievement but with little efforts. However, other students faced these difficulties with a little success and satisfaction. Also, this article proved that each learner had his/her good way of learning through his/her culture, educational background and personality. Heffernan (1999) as cited in Aqel (2006), determined that many studies on language learning styles applied and gained differently base on motivation and outcome, level of language , years of learning language, teaching methods, difficult content, and students background and sex. He also added that successful language learners use various styles in learning language, and the teacher can help in increasing learning styles through teaching strategies that probably help weak students to choose the appropriate learning styles for dissimilar educational tasks. 2.2 Learning styles in classroom The classroom still remains a good and comfortable place for students in learning their language. Specifically, students learning styles have to be taken into account while teaching English. in a study by , (Haynes, 2001), the language learners use certain styles, especially in their mother tongue while learning their language, and these styles are transferred when they learn a foreign language. Similarly, several studies (Oxford 1993; OMalley and Chamot, 1990) showed that students of languages used various learning techniques such as memorization, repetition, and imitation, development of positive feeling to language and application of information. In a study by (Hayes, 1997; Strevens, 1978; Harmer, 1983), large English classes are often related to lack of control and concentration, disruption, classroom interaction, particularly lack in the ability to speak English fluently. Moreover, overcrowded class is one of the constraints on effective teaching and learning. Also, large classes reduce teachers attention, produces real physical discomfort and distraction that negatively affect learners attitudes towards their learning. Bloom (1976), creating opportunities for small class group work which helps each other and proves to be a useful way to motivate students and correct errors. He also believed that the size of the group is one of the main elements which influences in language learning. In dealing with the problems associated with large classes, Nnaji (1991) proposes tutorial classes as a solution to help reduce the menace of large classes. She believes that tutorial classes should be used to curtail the shortcomings of large classes. According to her, tutorials are discussion sessions where the teacher and his students talk to each other and express their views on topics they did not fully understand The learning style of Cambodian students is typically memorization at the expense of realistic purpose. Therefore, they would rather learn grammar and reading than on listening and speaking. Specifically, most Cambodian learners feel more comfortable with having things written on the whiteboard in order that they can copy them down and study at home. They hope to get handouts of summaries or lecture outlines. On the other hand, some Cambodian learners reveal that they face a lot of pressures of how to adapt the new cultural environment and how to get on with their peers in class. Some feel lonely because the ways they dress or talk are so different. (Nguyen 2001) However, a number of personality characteristics have been associated with successful language learning. These include being willing to take risks (Ruben 1979 as cited in Willis 2001), having self-confident (Heyde as cited in Freeman and Long 1991), and being interested (Ellis and Sinclair as cited in Willis 2001) 2.3 Vocabulary learning In learning a foreign language, vocabulary plays an important role. It is one element which is associated with the four skills, namely speaking, listening, reading and writing. In a research article by Mohd et al. (2009), investigated the evaluation learning vocabulary strategies of undergraduate EFL learners and its relation to the learners vocabulary size. There are five various categories of vocabulary learning strategies such as determination, memory, social, cognitive, and metacognitive. Consequently, the findings of this study led to some suggestions to improve students vocabulary learning, developed their vocabulary size, and enhanced their English learning. As for the case of EFL Cambodian classrooms, Keuk (2009), found in his study that most teachers practical habitual teaching methods such as vocabulary translation from L2 to L1. Accordingly, students are taught to memorize chunks of English language with mainly focused on grammar and vocabulary. Maghsodi et al. (2010), reading should be encouraged either inside or outside class because it is the most important tool which helps provide learners with the vocabulary acquisition. It is believed that the more learners are exposed to new words, they more they are likely to remember them. In a study by Minji (2008), explored which vocabulary instruction is more helpful for learning English vocabulary. Consequently, each instructional approach is required to examine, review, and integrate to determine the usefulness as a whole. In the light of the major findings of this study is that vocabulary instruction is effective overall for EFL learners even though there are some instructional approaches which are not related to effective learning. According to National Reading Panel (2000), helped determine the effective implications of vocabulary instruction for first language learners, including teaching vocabulary both directly and indirectly, repetition and multiple exposures to vocabulary items are important, restructuring vocabulary tasks, and entailing active engagement in learning tasks for vocabulary tasks. 2.3 Grammar learning Grammar is viewed as an essential element for communication to take place because it shows how language is used. According to Larsen-Freeman (1997), the misunderstanding of the role of grammar is attributed to the fact that it is always viewed to be governed by fixed rules. As for the case of Mat et al. (2010), proving the various between the methodological expectations and the learners in contrast to the actual teaching methodology followed by their instructors. More significantly, this research article focuses on the five aspects medium of instruction, grammar instruction, instructors as model, and the usefulness of drilling, mimicry and memorization, and the use of educational tools, pertaining to the foreign language methodology. In the light of the finding of the study, a serious discrepancy between students expectations and their classroom reality in terms of how grammar is instructed. Also, grammar rules should be explained and that grammar should not be taught explicitly. 2.4 Reading styles Reading involves a variety of factors which may have an impact on learners reading ability. Weaver (1988) defines reading as the process of constructing meaning through the energetic interaction among the readers existing knowledge, the information recommended by the written language, and the situation in reading context. In a study by (Miller Yochum, 1991; Donnell Wood, 1999), maintained that the reading difficulties students face may be related to inaccurate knowledge of the reading process, lack interest and motivation, fluency, concept density, organization, and difficult vocabulary. Comprehension or reading strategies show how readers conceive of a task, how they make sense of what they read, and what they do when they do not understand. In short, such strategies are processes used by the learner to enhance reading comprehension and overcome comprehension failures (Singhal, 2001). In a second language study, Hosenfeld (1977) used a think-aloud procedure to identify relations between certain types of reading strategies and successful or unsuccessful second language reading. The successful reader, for instance, kept the meaning of the passage in mind while reading and skipped less important words but the unsuccessful reader lost the meaning of the sentences when decoded and seldom skipped unimportant words. 2.5 Speaking styles Speaking is a key to communication. It is the productive skill in language learning, which places a great demand on students logical and critical thinking. In the article by Widiati (2006), discussed problems in the teaching of EFL speaking, activities normally practiced, materials commonly used in EFL speaking classes, and assessment of oral English proficiency. Based on the finding, Indonesian learners frequently have not achieved a good level of ora1 English proficiency. For example, Mukminatien (1999) showed that students of English department have a lot of mistakes while speaking. The mistakes consist of pronunciation, grammatical accuracy, vocabulary, fluency, and interactive communication. Likewise, Ihsan (1999) found that students are likely to make errors, including the misuse of parts of speech, syntactical construction, lexical choice, and voice. Ihsan et al. (1999 as cited in Eyiyuliwati 1997), showed that students had difficulties in using grammar and in applying new vocabulary items in speaking class. When the ability to speak English is a very difficult task regarding to the nature of what is included in speaking. Not all of the students in an EFL speaking class have the bravery to speak. Many of the students feel nervous in a speaking class and some are likely to keep silent. In the research by Padmadewi (1998) proved that students attending a speaking class often felt anxious because of demands from the speaking tasks requiring them to do presentation individually and spontaneously within limitation of time. While Tutyandari (2005), stated that students keep quiet due to the lack of self-reliance, prior, knowledge about topics, and poor relationship between teacher and learner. In order to deal with students limited knowledge, she recommended speaking teachers make active the students prior knowledge by asking questions relating to topics under debate. Also, she suggested that students self-esteem can be improved and their nervousness reduced by asking them to work in small gro ups. To achieve a higher quality of the teaching of EFL speaking and to improve the speaking skill of Indonesian EFL learners, Mukminatien (1999), suggested teachers give their learners more adequate input for acquisition in the classroom and push them to use English either in or outside the classroom. More specifically, Citraniugtyas (2005) stated that a silent speaking class can be made more active by assigning tasks which develop students critical thinking skills. Purjayanti (2003) found presentation to be helpful to encourage students to communicate ideas in their fields of study. She added that through presentation and its preparation students were able not only to practice speaking, but also to search for materials and deliver them in a planned way. Small group discussion is an additional activity that can be conducted in EFL speaking classroom. Its aim is to facilitate learners to be participated actively in a discussion concerning with students limited number. In a study of Murdibjono (2001) demonstrated that discussing in small groups is an effective activity so that students have more time to practice speaking with their classmates. 2.6 Listening styles Listening is a critical element in the competent language performance of EFL university students. Therefore, listening comprehension is an important sill, as well as prerequisite for oral proficiency. In the study of Goh (1997), difficulties to listening compression can be divided into person knowledge and task knowledge. The obstacles of person knowledge are: the limitation of vocabulary, idiomatic expression, kinds of input with new structure, fast speech. While the task knowledge related to new vocabulary, various local accents, speech rate, the interest and purpose of listening, existing knowledge and experience, physical factors, and the length of sentence structure. However, he suggested two strategies for helping learners become better listener. The first is direct strategy; it aims at increasing perceptions. Learners L2 can improve the listening by practicing perceptions sound, content, pronunciation of new words, words, and intonation features. The second is the indirect str ategy; its aim is to improve knowledge about speakers, tasks, and strategy According Hann (2000), the use of ineffective learning strategies of learners may affect their listening comprehension and learners experience. Various kinds of listening comprehension may cause some problems due to the inadequacy of the message from factors relating to the speakers speech, and to the learner proficiency in listening comprehension. Furthermore, it was found that EFL learners are poorly equipped with effective listening strategies, skills, activities. To help better improve the listening comprehension, in a study by Wen-sheng (2007), conducted in China, listening is very crucial input, but many of the students in Chaozhou Normal College, Hanshan Normal University, and Chaozhou Guangdong were upset with listening. In the finding of the study, there were a lot of significant listening techniques which were neglected by teachers. However, a researcher suggests that more listening strategies should be taught in classes and teaching plan is given. 2.7 Writing styles In the article by Hafida (2010), conducted in Tlemsen, Algeria, analyze both the university requirements for the English academic degree in Algeria, and students needs so as to improve a pedagogical framework that would respond both exigencies. In the light of finding of the study, the researcher recommended the implementation of a strategy such as based writing curriculum for EFL university students that would develop their strategic competence and consolidate their linguistic knowledge. Since the Chinese students poor communicative ability in oral and written English, there is a concern in English teaching and learning in China. In the article by Yan (2006) explored a successful method so as to develop students speaking ability. As a result of the finding, Scenario-based Learning, two reflective models are introduced to improve the oral and writing in English. Scenario-Based Learning (SBL) is a structured method for figuring out some issues impacting the lives of specific individuals or groups of individuals. Also, It confronts students with an important context based on real life situation which requires them to take part in an imagined series of events. In the study by Osman (2010), investigates the difficulties faced by beginner academic writers and proposes recommendations to help these writers to be better collaborative writers. In the finding of the study, beginner writers have difficulties during their collaborative writing, including inability to work with their partners, poor language proficiency, poor research skills, having limited time to discuss, lacking ideas, facing stress during collaborative writing, ; therefore, it is suggested that the university and the lecturers should provide them with the opportunities of (1) providing intensive reading program ; (2)teaching interpersonal skills; (3) teaching time management; (4) providing pre-collaborative writing sessions; (5) providing pre-collaborative writing sessions ;(6) and providing teacher/ peer assistance According to Bereiter and Scardamalia (1987) as cited in Rouiller (2005), writing generally suffers from lack of interaction that stimulates oral production in conversation. However, to ensure successful learning, Lam Wong (2000) as cited in Lourdunathan Menon (2005), believe that learners should demonstrate appropriate cooperative behavior and peer support. It is necessary because some students have difficulties in organizing their ideas and are weak in English language as well. This can hinder them from participating in their collaborative work. CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY 3.1Research design Since the intent of this study significantly focuses on a private university in Cambodia, the researcher will employ a case study exploring the learning styles of EFL Cambodian university students. As a qualitative research approach is used, the case study will be employed in this study to explore the learning styles of EFL Cambodian university students. The case study method tends to systematically investigate an event or a set of related events with the specific aims of describing and explaining this phenomenon. (Berg, 2009) 3.2 Participants This is a case study which explores the learning styles of Cambodian university students. The participants of this study will be selected from one private university in Phnom Penh. The sample will consist of 6 students, who are studying English Literature in that university. Also, the researcher will choose both female and male students. Before conducting interviews, the researcher will make an appointment and notify the reasons of visit to the Rector of University. 3.3 Instrument With the purpose of getting trustworthy information, unstructured interview, informal conversation and participant observation will be used in order to obtain reliable data. Interviews will be tape-recorded and open-ended questions (see below appendix for details). In addition to the above interviews, class observation will be useful tool to obtain data. The observation checklist will basically focus on students learning styles both in classroom and outside classroom. 3.4 Data Collection Since the qualitative data collection procedure requires the research to immerse completely in the nature setting, the researcher will carry out unstructured interview after observation and taking notes. The interviews will consist of open-ended questions and tape-recording (see Appendix below) for the details. Prior to carrying out the interviews, the researcher will ask permission from university rector and students. The researcher expects each interview will take around 50 minutes and occur in the university or outside the university. The options for selecting site for interview will be provided for the participants because it helps reduce the participants difficulties. Moreover, the study objective will be verbally informed to participants before conducting interviews. With permission from participants, the researcher will use tape-recording to record the whole interviews. The researcher might ask different participants to answer the questions based on their preference. The resea rcher will personally observe English students using participant observation techniques. The observation will basically focus on students learning styles in classroom. The students will be asked to provide their responses about the learning styles of EFL Cambodian university students based on their ideas. The observational protocol will include the descriptive activities in the setting and reflective ideas from the researcher. Besides these observations, informal conversation will be made with participants in order to obtain deeply their perceptions about language learning styles. The researcher may take a few brief notes in the field setting but take notes of teaching techniques and behaviors after observation. 3.5 Data Analysis The researcher will organize and prepare the data for analysis as soon as the data has been collected from the participants. Then the researcher will spend lots of time reading all data and listening to tape recording in order to delete the irrelevant information. Next, the researcher will code the text to categorize the data. Moreover, relationship of data will be identified to interpret the meaning of data collected. Finally, in order to ensure the reliability and validity of data, the researcher will try to reread the data and ask researcher team to check the information. Moreover, matrixes and graphs will be specifically presented. Therefore, they will visualize the difficulties of Cambodian EFL students learning styles 3.6 Ethical Consideration To successfully conduct this study, the researcher will take into consideration about some safeguards. First, the consent form will be given to the participants to sign if they really agree to join in the study. Second, the purpose of this study will be clearly informed to participants in order to build mutual understanding and rapport. Third, the researcher will profoundly tell the participants that their participation will be voluntary and stopping from interviews will be the participants choice. Finally, the researcher will keep data collected in secret place which no one besides researcher will have access to get it. Furthermore, I will bring together the names of participants but keep them confidential. Personal identifiers will be released to the public in a way that protects the identification of participants. 3.7 Limitation of Research This study is guided with the following limitations, which affect the generality of the finding. First, the study only focuses on university English students in Department of English. Second, the study may be limited in its analysis or generality as it will be conducted in one Cambodian private university, in which 6students will be selected. Third, since this study will mainly explore only important learning styles, some points might be ignored. However, the purpose of this study is not to provide the broad generalization but to explore the learning styles of Cambodian university students in a private university in Phnom Penh. Therefore, the above-mentioned compounding circumstances might limit understanding and evaluation; however, these are generally overwhelmed and controlled by the research design.

Shattered Dreams in Stolen Party :: stolen

Shattered Dreams in Stolen Party In the story "Stolen Party" written by Liliana Heker, a girl’s dreams are shattered by the bitter reality of her destiny. Rosaura spends most of her time trying to convince her mother, as well as everyone at the birthday party, that being an educated girl makes her an equal to everyone at the party. She feels great determination to become a part of her friend Luciana’s lifestyle even though it would be rebelling against her mother’s wishes. Rosaura almost believes she has accomplished this feat until she is harshly brought back to reality and faced with her position in life once again. It will be an impossible struggle to overcome the class status that she was born into with the many factors against her. When Rosaura’s mother can tell her starry-eyed daughter who is full of hope and innocence that, "The problem with you, young lady, is that you like to fart higher than your ass" (Heker 1133), it creates a bitterness between them and damages the idea of Rosaura improving herself. The mother does not want Rosaura to go "the rich people’s party," perhaps due to fear that her daughter might experience the cold shoulder from the upper class, or perhaps out of fear that Rosaura might truly make it and leave the mother behind. The fact that this mother could have this incredibly mature conversation with her daughter "barely even nine," and that Rosaura could say to her mother "rich people go to heaven too," indicates the maturity of the daughter as well as her intelligence level that was already higher than her mother’s. Rosaura proceeds to tell her mother what a friend is. However despite her greatest efforts to make her mother understand, her mother continues to keep throwing negative thoughts and opinions at her. The next hindrance Rosaura experiences is at the party. She is confronted by a "high class" young girl who is the cousin of her friend Luciana. After numerous questions about who Rosaura was, the young girl tells her "you are not a friend of Luciana because I’m her cousin and I know all her friends" (1135). Rosaura maintained her ground through the slew of questions thrown at to her. Not until the question of how was she Luciana’s friend came up did Rosaura start to become defeated by her social class. Rosaura recited the line "my mother’s an employee," a face-saving but still revealing statement that had been instilled in her head (1135).

Organizational Strategy and Change Essay

John Kotter in his book explained the significance of change intervention in any organization or business. According to him, adopting change has been the trend in our society for two decades now though sometimes traumatic; the result would be improved quality of products and services, new opportunities for growth and increase productivity (Kotter, p. 3). He stressed the significance of change management because there are many benefits that a company can get from it. He emphasized that an organization finds help in adapting to shifting conditions and have improved competitive mechanics over other competitors (p. ). However, if an organization is passive to change may face the adverse effects which according to Kotter are described as being pessimistic and suspicious of others who are pushing for transformation (p. 17); hence, this company will end up incompetent. A good example of a company that endorsed change after being attacked with bad publicity was McDonald’s. McDonald’s is a food chain that is leading in the global market; it serves more than 100 countries having about 30,000 restaurants all over the world. This company has started as the first food service retailer that offers informal eating-out market, which eventually paved the way for this kind of business. According to Eric Schlosser, at the growth of fast food chains in America, American society has gone tremendous change specially in the lifestyle and values of the American people; considering the fact that much money has been spent in fast food than in education. In the same way, due to this trend, many women and mothers are working with the convenience of food preparation since a family spent their meal at restaurants and fast food chains (p. ). With this trend, McDonald is considered as the largest purchaser of beef, pork and potatoes; it is also the largest owner of retail property according to Schlosser (p. 4). After many years of existence, Ray Kroc had continued to reinvent the image of the restaurant image by placing the smiling Ronald McDonald at restaurant and by creating a friendly environment around the area. However, despite of having a good reputation and being a fast growing business, McDonald’s had suffered enormous bad publicity from different sources. The first one was the libel case filed by the Greenpeace employees in 1990 and the second one was a documentary film written, directed and performed by Morgan Spurlock entitled â€Å"Super Size Me† in 2004. The appearance of these controversies had moved the McDonald’s Company to reshape their culture and focus. The libel case filed against McDonald was considered the longest libel case in the history of English that lasted in 314 days in 1990. The two Greenpeace employees issued many articles saying that McDonald’s prepared food are environmentally hazardous and physically harmful to the consumers. The libel suit also presented issues relating to discrimination to its employees, the company was responsible for cruelty to some of its animals used as foods, and children are exploited for using them in television campaign. This publicity was proven true after the US Congress made an investigation about the hearsay. In their report as discussed by Schlosser in his book, explained that there was presence of E-Coli in some of their food due to unclean surroundings and contaminated and/or lethal meat which they sold to many children (p. ), since children are their number one patronage. The â€Å"Super Size Me† ads which was produced and experimented by Spurlock himself for one month was a concrete explanation why McDonald’s foods are not good for the body. According to Thom and Geiger, Spurlock had gained twenty-five pounds after one month of eating all McDonald’s food which caused him to â€Å"suffer from fatigue, headaches, and indigestion; his blood sugar skyrocketed, his liver filled with fat, his cholesterol went off the charts, and his blood pressure was unmanageable† (p. 98). This experiment has just proven that fast foods are not healthy according to Thom and Geiger (p. 199); this has alarmed the whole America and started blaming fast food for unhealthy body and began to fight a war against obesity. The next question is: â€Å"What is the response of McDonald’s to this issue? † Galloway and Kwanash-Aidoo had described clearly the response made by the company to this very intriguing issue. At first, McDonald’s through its spokespeople did not make any comment saying that they have not seen the film yet. However, later, they told the press that the movie is just a distortion of reality. Kapica and Coffing (spokepersons) have said that the issue of obesity is a personal responsibility not theirs, since it is the person’s choice what they want to eat (p. 70). Nevertheless, in March after twelve weeks since the appearance of the ads, McDonald’s had announced that they would phase the super-sizing option in their restaurants and they introduced the â€Å"Happy Meals† with salad and pedometers (Galloway and Kwanash-Aidoo, p. 71). Yet, the story did not end there until the issue became national. For this reason, McDonald’s made a lot of public relation campaign just to offset the issue. Macmillan and McGrath has stated in their book that after that issue, McDonald’s and other fast food chains has introduced couple of lower fat options, including a Salad Shaker (with nonfat dressing), a Fruit and Yogurt Parfait (p. 160). The documentary film has helped American people to become health conscious people and industry to consider social responsibility. Despite the company’s attempt to change the food offerings, the issue continued that required crisis management approach. McDonald’s in Australia as well as in America used a proactive approach which allowed McDonald’s a fair hearing in the court of public opinion. This approach made the company showcased their management and the new direction that McDonald had initiated in order to minimize the impact of the movie. The result of the approach was very effective because they were able to â€Å"weaken and shorten the life-cycle of the issue† according to Galloway and Kwanash-Aidoo (p. 5). To sustain its campaign, in February 7, 2007, the McDonalds Australia has joined the foundation and they had come up with nine products with approval of the Heart Foundation Tick. Heart Foundation Tick is a program aiming to encourage food producing companies all over the world to espouse healthy and nutritious food to eliminate heart problem caused by food intake. The Australian Sports Medicine Federation explained what the Heart Foundation Tick is. According to them, this is a program that challenges all food companies since 1989 to produce healthier products to provide consumers enough choices of healthier foods available on shelves of the supermarkets or restaurants. And every company that responds to the challenge must generate or produce foods that conform to the strict standards of the organization. Specifically, the foods are to be tested for some chemical contents that are harmful to the body before they are given endorsement; the foods should not contain the following ingredients: saturated fat, Trans fat, salt and kilojoules. Once passed the quality, the company will be given the Heart Foundation Tick with corresponding logo that appears on the label of the product. Currently, based on the report released in 2006, McDonald’s restaurants all over the world serve its customer with 100% pure USDA inspected beef with neither no fillers nor additives, whitefish from the Pacific Ocean and Baltic and North Seas, vegetables and fruits are farm-fresh delivered on regular basis (Fact Sheet about McDonald’s). Remarkably, McDonald Company had enforced strategic actions in order to counteract bad publicity and maintain their status quo. In the report made by William Greider in a newspaper published online in July 2003 said that the company had taken a strong political will to advise its meat suppliers to stop using growth-stimulating antibiotics that are dangerous to human health. By this warning, the company would not be willing to purchase the said products; in the statement made by McDonald’s director, he said, â€Å"we would be a catalyst for change industry wide. This very significant affirmation from the company was a response to the controversy that thrown on them and to the call of social responsibility. During this crucial situation, it is very important that a company is always ready to initiate change. McDonald’s action for change is very critical but very essential because it turned the company upside down, and it was successful; McDonald’s remained as the number one fast food chain in the world. To categorize the perspective, the change is institutional and contingency; institutional because it is a change that considers the external forces such as social, governmental, legal and cultural. It is a contingency perspective because the top management must initiate the change that focuses on the most directly affected by the circumstances. McCalman once said, â€Å"Change is an ongoing process† (p. 8).

Chinua Achebe Essay Example

Chinua Achebe Essay Example Chinua Achebe Essay Chinua Achebe Essay Achebe says, would not dream of constructing theories to explain European with the same face? hat some Europeans assume in explaining He goes on to describe the different types of critics he and other African writers encounter frequently. Peevishly hostile?C,-1?: Angry freedom Ingratitude for colonial Then there are those who are Influenced by the common stereotype that African peoples are uneducated and can hardly believe they can write, let alone know English. Still implying that Africa is a relatively primitive place. Achebe does point out the flaws of African writers themselves that very well may indulge such critics. O worse than the : who invented an Bio hero with a Your name?C,-. ?0. While Achebe does have a serious message he manages to keep an overall light tone, addressing the inadequacies of foreign critics and the inadequacies of African writers themselves. Achebe then turns his attention to Africa Itself In ,The Role off Writer In a New Nation . Where It seems In a newly freed nation there Is much disconnect from historical culture and the Influences It has on modern Africa. Can not pretend that our past was long Technically Idyll. We have to admit had its good as well as its bad sides?C,-?C]. He calls upon African writers to help regain dignity and self respect in African Peoples. Colonization degraded the culture and customs in fact ?C,-. ? to say that a product was Bio-made was to brand it Achebe has pride in his nation and as a writer wants to embrace the past in order to the scene which is authentically Africa; then what follows will be meaningful and Achebe also mentions what he views is a crisis in his modern culture; which is the individuals acceptance of his own shoddy work. I believe he fears it will only perpetuate the negative perception of African peoples. This manifesting Itself In the publication of that Is coming out of Africa, because African Ritter have now become trendy. Societies of the past with all their Imperfections, were not consumers, but producers of Achebe believes African writers should take pride in themselves, their culture and tenet Attract. Sallying writers snouts create to, not only letter] lives the life of the Achebe continues with this voice although in a slightly different tone in, The Duty Novelist as a Teacher . Here he touches upon the more personal relationship with the reader, their criticism, their stereotypes. Society expects from its Its suggested by his readers now that he is a prevalent writer he deeds to make political and societal statements in order not to squander a rare opportunity for education on a whimsical and frivolous view is quite opposite saying, must remain free to disagree with his Achebe is still concerned with own society not accepting it? culture and history. Like in the case of the little boy who in fear of being ridiculed writes a poem about instead of C,-. ?o. Achebe believes that writers have a duty to teach others to be prideful of their background, all its imperfections?C,-1?0 that, past? not one long night of savagery from which Europeans acting on God? leaf delivered Achebe sees that Africa has been done a great injustice by colonialism, but now it is up to them to and These essays are about independence, recollection and revolution. Achebe calls upon the many flaws in the perception of Africa, but also what Africa must do for itself in order to overcome. Achebe is using his ability and freedom to write to inspire and challenge. His frustrations are counterweighted with solutions for change. He believes in modern Africa as well as its history and knows that you must embrace the past in order to perpetuate progression.

Free Essays on Traditional Chinese Family Analysis

Long before the industrialization and the rise of communism, Chinese civilization has been built peculiarly on the basis of family. The reason is that Chinese people have the unique family value system that would put family above their individual and personal needs; this is what we called familism. The value was implicitly shown in the Chinese word for family is the pictorial representation of several people under a roof, meaning possibly man, wife and children. According to the Chinese proverbs,  ¡Ã‚ §If there are no families, there will be no country ¡Ã‚ ¨, it seems that Chinese made familism even more central in that society than in most. However, Chinese families ¡Ã‚ ¦ value system is gradually perished and replaced by a new set of family values under the effect of modern individualism. When compare my family to that of grandparents, indeed the two have a lot of differences, mostly manifest in their family structure, thinking, rituals, attitudes, and their name system. My grandparents have three sons and seven daughters. Until now, the grandparents ¡Ã‚ ¦ family consists of three generations with at least thirty members. It is very interesting once the whole family had been traveled together on the plane I was shocked by the huge bunch of people bearing the same surname. Traditional Chinese people see this as a clan which is the root of Chinese civilization, larger the clan formed; meaning that the family is fortunate for the continuation of the surname and powerful. In the olden days in China, the richest people were always come from the most powerful clan, and only the most fortunate ones can continue their surname, for example: Deng Xiao Ping, the former Chinese statesman was come from the clan of  ¡Ã‚ §Deng ¡Ã‚ ¨, is one of the most fortunate surnames in China. While the Chinese names contain three characters, the seven daughters shared the same second character in their names, and the three sons shared another second character in the name ... Free Essays on Traditional Chinese Family Analysis Free Essays on Traditional Chinese Family Analysis Long before the industrialization and the rise of communism, Chinese civilization has been built peculiarly on the basis of family. The reason is that Chinese people have the unique family value system that would put family above their individual and personal needs; this is what we called familism. The value was implicitly shown in the Chinese word for family is the pictorial representation of several people under a roof, meaning possibly man, wife and children. According to the Chinese proverbs,  ¡Ã‚ §If there are no families, there will be no country ¡Ã‚ ¨, it seems that Chinese made familism even more central in that society than in most. However, Chinese families ¡Ã‚ ¦ value system is gradually perished and replaced by a new set of family values under the effect of modern individualism. When compare my family to that of grandparents, indeed the two have a lot of differences, mostly manifest in their family structure, thinking, rituals, attitudes, and their name system. My grandparents have three sons and seven daughters. Until now, the grandparents ¡Ã‚ ¦ family consists of three generations with at least thirty members. It is very interesting once the whole family had been traveled together on the plane I was shocked by the huge bunch of people bearing the same surname. Traditional Chinese people see this as a clan which is the root of Chinese civilization, larger the clan formed; meaning that the family is fortunate for the continuation of the surname and powerful. In the olden days in China, the richest people were always come from the most powerful clan, and only the most fortunate ones can continue their surname, for example: Deng Xiao Ping, the former Chinese statesman was come from the clan of  ¡Ã‚ §Deng ¡Ã‚ ¨, is one of the most fortunate surnames in China. While the Chinese names contain three characters, the seven daughters shared the same second character in their names, and the three sons shared another second character in the name ...

Organizational Structure and Decision-Making Hierarchy Case Study - 17

Organizational Structure and Decision-Making Hierarchy - Case Study Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that a  formal structure would limit the abilities of employees to make immediate decisions. Apart from the owners, the two part-time employees also need to be in a position to make decisions as and when required. Since the business is consumer-oriented, delays may be having a negative impact on the company. Also, the two owners still do not have well-defined roles and responsibilities, hence it does not support a formal organizational structure. Therefore, it is best to have an informal organizational structure to start with.  Alex and Pat must adopt a vertical decision-making hierarchy in their coffee shop. The part-time employees will still have the ability to make immediate decisions at the basic level. The topmost authority with respect to strategy must be Alex because he spends more time in the shop. This means that he will have better knowledge about ground realities than Pat does and also will not have any extra responsibilities. Pat on the other hand also works at the advertising firm and has extra tasks and responsibilities to fulfill. Therefore, the two part-time employees will report to Alex. Even though Pat will play an equal role in strategy making the final say will remain with Alex as he is better equipped to make the decisions. This situation can remain until Pat is able to dedicate his full time to the coffee shop.

Critical Success Factors For Innovation Management Research Paper

Critical Success Factors For Innovation Management - Research Paper Example Innovation is important for all organisations to improve and develop, as innovation creates a unique positioning and differentiation opportunity that can give a business more market presence. What is an innovation? Innovations are unique business practices, exclusive product offerings, or any other activity that is ground-breaking or pioneering in an industry. If an organisation does not innovate, it will not have longevity as more innovative competitors will begin to outperform a business that is complacent by doing business as usual without creating inventive strategies. This report highlights the critical success factors for innovation management. Innovation management practices Sebell and Terwilliger (2011, pp.1-3), managing partners at Creative Realities, Inc., believe there are nine distinct success factors for innovation management. These include: 1. Having a compelling case for innovation. 2. An inspired and shared vision for the future 3. A fully aligned strategic agenda for the innovation. 4. More visibility of senior management in the innovation process and operations 5. A decision-making model that builds teamwork 6. A fully sourced, multi-functional team dedicated to meeting strategic goals 7. Open-minded exploration of the marketplace drivers of innovation 8. Have a willingness to take risks and see value in absurdity. 9. A well defined, yet flexible execution process.... In this case, the business must have a case to justify sweeping product changes and determine a new market entry strategy to provide a product that brings revenue gains unique from competition. A business case is critical to coming up with a strategic plan for new innovation offerings. Having an inspired and shared vision of the future is highly important in innovation management. Fairholm (2009) describes the importance of having transformational leaders in the organisation, those who constantly iterate mission and vision, using relationship development techniques in the social environment to gain commitment and loyalty in teams. A new innovation, whether product-based or human capital-based, will often mean the business is now taking on a new direction in its market. Innovation management, in this case, means developing an organisational culture that is focused, united and dedicated to team philosophy. This often means that senior management officials must be more visible, as was i dentified by Sebell and Terwilliger (2011). In many organisational models, there is a recognition that change resistance often occurs that stems from differing principles, values or work ethics of different employees in a diverse organisation. In order to get the innovation planned, produced and ultimately launched, team philosophy is critical and this could require decentralising the organisation or creating a more socially-bonded environment for group working. In the case where an innovation is product-based, the organisation must understand the drivers of marketplace competition. For instance, a technology company that has revolutionised telephony communications would need