The paper is on how leaderhship plays an important role in the movie Essay

The paper is on how leaderhship plays an important role in the movie Gladiator - Essay Example Here Maximus Decimus Meridus is seen to have evolved through all the ranks from glory to grass and back to the glory again. He was first a general, then a slave, then a gladiator and finally a hero. His evolution through all these stages bequeathed him with the charisma of a leader. He portrays the desire to see his fellow slaves set free, and his gladiators succeed to freedom without having to kill each other. His strong character and will take risks propels him to glory as a hero in Rome through conquests that he stages. He exercises the power of charisma as a leader and wins the hearts of many people including his fighters to fight for the common good of all. Leaders in the movie portray leadership through abilities of decision-making processes. In times of war, they inspire their soldiers to fight for the good of their nation. This shows that leadership should be taken as a source of inspiration. This authority helps in deriving a persons authority in a group. Leadership in this context is seen as an exercise of power, the power of information is used to exact control upon the people. Information is only spread at specific times under the control of the King or the ruler. Information gathering through spying and its dissemination among the power elites enables the ruler to stay on top of issues. He makes sure that he is well informed as a leader of every situation that is going own within his territory. Leadership in this movie is also strengthened much through the power of relationships. Leaders have established both formal and informal networks both within and without their territories. Leadership is strengthened by the appreciation of the power of expertise. Leaders rely so much on the council of senators and other influential figures including the most talented gladiators. These experts are used either in the development of specialized knowledge are being communicated

Project Management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Project Management - Research Paper Example PM has appeared as an efficient tool for addressing the intricate needs as well as requirements of present business environment. Moreover, PM is a type of management discipline which strengthens various economic activities of a company within an industry. Project Management Institute (PMI) is an internationally recognized not-for-profit membership organization for the profession of project management. PMI consists of 600,000 members as well as official document holders in over 185 nations (Bialaszewski 1-17). There are various phases or processes of PM by which a project should be managed in various steps and these entire steps are interrelated with each other. Project is managed by planning, implementing, monitoring and controlling procedures. The first step is the initializing process, where objective and scope of project is clearly defined. The objective of the project depends on the business requirement (Bialaszewski 1-17). The second step is planning process. ... Moreover, in this phase, project manager is responsible to analyze whether or not extra fund is required for executing the project (Bialaszewski 1-17). The fourth step is controlling procedure; as in this step project manager is responsible for controlling as well as rescheduling the entire project to keep the process on right track. Essentially, in this stage, customers’ deliverables are created as well as project manager is accountable for quality pledge and deliverable signoff (Bialaszewski 1-17). The final step is the project closing stage. In this stage, reflection on the success of the project takes place. It is reviewed that what kind of possible changes if any would be implemented if similar project is conducted in future (Bialaszewski 1-17). Communication is one of the most important aspects within a team to make sure of best potential outcomes. When PM processes are utilized in order to complete a project, an effective communication is essential within a team. From t he first stage of PM process if the planning thoughts are not communicated in a timely, accurately and relevant way then there would be a considerable obstruction in the completion of any project (Bialaszewski 1-17). ‘Emotional Intelligence’ is one of the crucial aspects than ‘Intelligence Quotient’ in envisaging leadership success. A project leader is assigned to work with members of various attitudinal types in order to complete a project, thus the project leader needs to demonstrate the quality of emotional intelligence in decision making (Bialaszewski 1-17). Time management and cost are the two necessary considerations which are intrinsic to quality of any project. Moreover, inefficient

Health and illness: Social and biological constructs

Health and illness: Social and biological constructs Define both health and illness as social and biological constructs. Examine the ways in which both constructs differ in your answer make reference to health patterns in two contrasting cultures The everyday absence of disease or illness is known as our health (Bilton et al 2002). Health is simply a biological description of our bodies, and if something is not right, then we deem ourselves ill (Bilton et al 2002). There is understood to be two views on health and illness, one being the biological and the other sociological. Biological views of our health looks at our bodies through the biomedical model of health, this is used by health professionals in the diagnoses and treatment of a disease (Bilton et al 2002). If a person is diagnosed with an illness, it can be treated by forms or medicines, therapies, such as physiotherapy, or by surgery (Bilton et al 2002). The biomedical model looks at our body in different ways and it is understood that the mind and the body can be treated differently; this is referred to as mind/body dualism. Plus the body is liked to a machine, meaning it can be repaired, the doctor being the engineer that repairs it (Nettleton 2006). Because of the ability to diagnose illnesses and recommend treatment, the health profession hold a high power status, along with the dominance of the health industry (Bilton et al 2002). Society has been entrenched with this power held by a health professional, we have become dependent on going to seek medical advice because of their experience on the understanding of being ill and letting them decide whether treatment is needed (Bilton et al 2002). Doctors comprehend that health and illness is not a shared by their patients, so education and expensive advertisements attempt to promote awareness and symptoms. The Biomedical model is criticised by socialist McKeown (1976) were he argued that improved hygiene, sanitation and nutrition have been important social improvements of health (McKeown 1976 in Parry 2010). Furthermore Illich (1975) argues that modern medicine is iatrogenic, meaning it creates rather than cures disease (Illich 1975 in Parry 2010). Marxist (1972) theories also argue that the p rominence of the medical model removes the attention away from social causes of disease (Marxist 1972 in Parry 2010, Adams et al 2002). In contrast to the biomedical model we also have the sociological model of health, it is understood that this considers the social origins and influences on disease (Bilton et al 2002). The social model of health considers the environment, social and behavioural factors into consideration. The social model has a long history, from influences such as urbanisation and industrialisation (Wainwright 2007). Likewise material deprivation plays a fundamental role in the cause of disease (Wainwright 2007). This is because the poor may be refused or not have the knowledge to access to goods and services for health. Providing clean water, good housing and an adequate food supply can contribute to a person being healthier (Wainwright 2007). It is claimed that if a person is working in a job that is strenuous then they are more likely to catch disease and become ill (Wainwright 2007). It is also understood that working class people have a higher mortality rate than those in the other classes (Wa inwright 2007, Parry 2010). This could be due to the working class living in industrialised areas or highly populated areas as the spread of disease is more common (Bilton et al 2002). Likewise work related accidents are more prone to people working in industrialised areas (Bilton et al 2002, Wainwright 2007). Health education can play a role in improving the health of people, if people can understand how leading unhealthy lifestyles can contribute to illness and disease then maybe this will turn them away from the unhealthy lifestyle (Bilton et al 2002, Parry 2010). Some forms of an unhealthy lifestyle could be smoking, eating fatty foods or lacking physical activity (Sanna 2006). The social model of health also suggests that disability is driven upon an impaired person as a result of the way society is organised (Oliver and Sapey 1999). Suggesting a person with an impairment has become unable to remain in the community due to the social and physical environment stopping them conti nuing to lead an independent life (Oliver and Sapey 1999). In comparison the culture in China have a different view on the health of the body. This is understood to be the body is in good health when it is in total harmony, this referring to the Yin and Yang (Wong 2008), factors such as the environment influence this imbalance (Wong 2008). To restore the balance, traditional remedial practises are used; an example of this is herbal tea (Wong 2008, Holtz 2008). The Chinese government have a laissez-flair policy for health care in rural areas, they also utilise a pay as you go type scheme for when a person visits a hospital or clinic (Holtz 2008, Wong 2008). People in urban areas can also have government health insurance which aims to provide more access to health care and better technologies (Holtz 2008). Currently the Chinese government have invested heavily on improving public health by modifying and enlarging disease prevention units, supply control centres and disaster relief in some of the countryà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s major cities (Holtz 2 008). Mental health is one of Chinaà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s major concerns; this is due to the rapid social and economic changes, financial losses, gambling, extramarital affairs, family violence, divorce and raises in substance abuse (Holtz 2008). Furthermore unemployment and the widening gap between the wealthy and the poor are having an effect on the Chinese populationà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â€ž ¢s mental health (Holtz 2008). Mexico has a range of packages available for its residents to enable them to access health care (Holtz 2008); this includes the social security institution which provides coverage for all medical care and prescriptions (Holtz 2008). Also the social security system, which covers workers, is made up of several agencies and is funded by employers, employees and the government (Holtz 2008). Relationship failures, imbalances with food, water, air and temperature add to the causes of illness in Mexico (Holtz 2008). Clean water has been a challenge for Mexico as this is needed to prevent illness and maintaining health (Holtz 2008). It is understood by some that illness is caused as a failure to relate to god (Holtz 2008) and due to the high costs in health care in Mexico; there are spiritual and physical healers that use traditional technics (Holtz 2008). The Curanderos, are believed to be chosen by god to heal people (Holtz 2008). Yerberos specialize in using herbs and spices for treatment (Holtz 2008). Sobadors use massage therapy to try and correct muscle imbalance (Holtz 2008). Parteras are midwife like, women only, who have been trained as a birth attendant by other family members or friends this is cheaper to pay for than a physician (Holtz 2008).

The Collapse of Somalia and Economic Considerations Essay -- Essays P

The Collapse of Somalia and Economic Considerations By African standards, Somalia is a homogenous state made up of a single ethnicity, religion and culture. This led to a relatively peaceful history until Somalia was colonized by the British, French, and Italians in the 19th century. However, Somalia’s single ethnicity is broken into different clans, and sub-clans and this region’s lack of natural resources led to a fracturing of society, violence, and eventually civil war at the end of the 20th century. Despite the deterioration of society and state throughout the 70s and 80s informal black-markets (referred to as the â€Å"shadow economy†) formed to provide goods and services to the masses living under a government incapable of providing anything. This shadow economy thrived throughout the 1980s for minority elites able to participate in its transactions. Even though there was no government after President Siad Barre was deposed in 1991, the shadow economy of the 1970s and 80s was already in place, and though it didn’t necessarily distribute goods and services equitably, it did create markets and opportunities for Somalis in the 1990s. This essay will look at how: (1) colonialism and the Cold War created a relationship of Somali dependence on foreign aid; (2) the vulnerability of Somalia’s undiversified economy; (3) domestic economic policy failures and â€Å"land-grabbing† by elites; (4) the failure of IMF-World bank structural adjustment programs. The combination of these events, coupled with famine, led to fighting between warlords and the collapse of state. Finally, this essay will analyze how the process of Somalia’s decline necessitated the establishment of a shadow economy that continued to prosper despite the absence of s... ...omalia_body.html ___________________ Besteman, Catherine, Unraveling Somalia: Race, Violence, and the Legacy of Slavery (Philadelphia: University of Penslyvania Press, 1999) Besteman, Catherine and Lee V. Cassanelli, The Struggle for Land in Southern Somalia: The War Behind the War (London: Haan Publishing, 1996) Chazen, Naomi and Donald Rothchild, â€Å"The Political Repercussions of Economic Malaise,† in Hemmed In: Responses to Africa’s Economic Decline, by Thomas M. Callaghy and John Ravenhill, editors. Columbia International Affairs Online – http://www.ciaonet.org/book/callagy/chap5.html Hashim, Alice Bettis, The Fallen State: Dissonance, Dictatorship and Death in Somalia (New York: University Press of America, Inc., 1997) Samatar, Ahmed I., The Somali Challenge: From Catastrophe to Renewal? (Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner Publishers, 1994)

State-of-the-Art Et Application Practices

?HI EMAS State-of-the-art ET Application practices * Looking through progressive state policies that support technology-in-education, and other new developments in pedagogical practice, our educators today have become more aware and active in adopting state-of-the-art educational technology practices they can possibly adopt. Introduction * Educators have become more aware and active in adopting state-of-the-art educational technology practices they can possibly adopt today. Computer Literacy and Competence – Don’t invest in technology hardware/system that may become a white elephant in a few years More recent ET in education practice * It is now accepted that the contribution of the computer to pedagogy makes up for â€Å"good instruction. † * Teachers must therefore acquire or improve on their computer skills, as well as their â€Å"computers-in-the-classroom† skills. Trends that should be recognized by educators * Through school or training center comput er courses, students have become computer literate.Teachers have deemphasized rote learning and have spent more time in methods to allow students to comprehend/internalize lessons. * Students assessment/examinations have included measurement of higher learning outcomes such as creative thinking skills. * Recent teaching-learning models (such as constructivism and social constructivism) have paved for instructional approaches in which students rely less on teachers as information-givers, and instead more on their efforts to acquire information, build their own knowledge, and solve problems. These trends and new levels of learning require the appropriate use of state-of-the-art instruction and the use of IT, tapping the computer’s information and communication tools (such as word processors, databases, spreadsheets, presentation software, e-mail, Internet conferencing, etc. ) Obstacles to IT pedagogical practice * Use of the computer is time-consuming and expensive. The fear th at computers may soon replace teachers. * Ensure that the use of ET is fitted to learning objectives. * Teachers should acquire computer skills, serving as models in integrating technology in the teaching-learning process. Fostering a student-centered learning environment * Virtue is in moderation and so, there is truly a need for teachers to balance their time to the preparation and application of instructional tools. Through wise technical advice, schools can also acquire the most appropriate computer hardware and software. At the same time, training should ensure that the use of ET is fitted to learning objectives. In addition, teachers should acquire computer skills for so that they can serve as models in integrating educational technology in the teaching-learning process.SYSTEMATIC INSTRUCTIONAL PLANNING PROCESS * All these suggestions show that teachers and schools can no longer avoid the integration of educational technology in instruction. Especially in the coming years, whe n portable and mobile computing will make computing activities easier to perform, the approaches to classroom pedagogy must change. And with continuing changes in high-speed communication, mass storage of data, including the revolutionary changes among school libraries, educators should be open for more drastic educational changes in the years ahead.

Academic Success Factors: Distance Education versus Traditional

Academic settings of distance education courses are distinct from traditional college settings due to its high-tech delivery and facilitating needs of its students. The success rates of each learning arena varies by tempering degrees; distance education students must rely on self-discipline and excellent time management skills while traditional students can use their classes for corresponding reasons. Developing skills for success in distance education and traditional learning environments are up to the students’ abilities to focus on their course work. In turn, the use of college text material, technology, and self-management is essential in varying degrees between each student. Distance and traditional students are required to read course textbooks because textbooks bridge the gap between the learner and the learning experience (Cavanaugh, 2005, p.1). Books remain the number one resource for all students because students must engage in in-depth discussions to sort through materials (Adventist Distance Education Consortium, 2002, p. 4). Implementing technology support such as visual or audio delivery increases distance education learners’ experience (Cavanaugh, 2005, p.1). At the same time, traditional students are experiencing a change in course delivery as well. For example, traditional universities offer online supplement materials for their students- quizzes, email, and video tutorials (ADEC, 2002, p.8). These additions require students to use self-motivation as their learning tools, but this is not the same as distance education learners. Distance learners are responsible for persistence and greater self-discipline because they are not required to physically walk or â€Å"go† to class (Cavanaugh, 2006, p.2). This allotted time is used for other demands such as work, family, or study time. Distance learners are in a state of freedom with boundaries that enable them to learn on their own. Traditional learners are placed in their learning environment that may trigger their motivation to learn, but distance learners must use their resources since their learning environment consists of technology (ADEC, 2002, p.8). Class participation rates are higher in distance education courses because the students have more time to develop well-rounded arguments for instructor’s assignments (Cavanaugh, 2005 p.3). On the other hand, traditional students are required to answer in-class questions at that moment – this triggers some self-consciousness among students (ADEC, 2002, p.8). Distance learners have an advantage over traditional students because of this, but they must seize the opportunity to gather information and articulate in with use of technology (Cavanaugh, 2005, p.3). Traditional students’ ability to physically present their work allows instructors to notice their student’s development over the course. Instructors of distance learners must gather hard data due to the non-facing circumstances. By this, student’s assessments and growth is found through their work (Cavanaugh, 2005, p.4). In conclusion, the success of distance and traditional learners is ultimately the student’s responsibility. Both learners must seize opportunities presented by their facilities to adapt their skills to the situation for greater understanding of their material (Cavanaugh, 2005, p.4).    This is very important that facilities have the appropriate resources available for both students. The distance learner and traditional learner utilize the information given to them; e.g. delivery methods are very important in offering the student adequate support in their academic endeavors (Cavanaugh, 2005, p.4). As stated before, distance education students must use optimal self-management skills for successful results while traditional students must focus attend courses physically for their success. Reference Cites Adventist Distance Education Consortium. (2002) Distance Education Success Guide. Retrieved September 16, 2006 Cavanaugh, C. (2005). Distance Education Success Factors (pp. 1-4). USA: University of North Florida.