Qualitative and Quantitative Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Qualitative and Quantitative Research - Essay Example Since quantitative research involves the heavy use of applied mathematics, such as statistical mathematics the analysis of data would be quicker analyze and would lead to a clearer understanding of the case at hand. As long as there is a manageable population size and a proper following of statistic formulation, quantitative research conclusions would be very accurate. The best reason for using qualitative research is the holistic insights given from the act of researching. Qualitative methods of research demand a descriptive understanding of the subject being studied. While quantitative methods of research use mathematics and statistics, qualitative methods of research make use of in depth analysis of secondary research approaches. This may include gathering information from books, journals or other academic works as references. Qualitative research allows researchers to come up with their own unique and justifiable conclusions based on the research they made from valid

Racial and Ethnic Groups Essay Example for Free

Racial and Ethnic Groups Essay There are three sociological perspectives of race and ethnicity which are functionalist, conflict, and labeling perspectives. The first one I will discuss is the functionalist perspective. The functionalist perspective emphasizes how the parts of society are structured to maintain its stability. As also described in the reading the functionalist approach is an approach, if an aspect of social life does not contribute to a society’s stability or survival, it will not be passed on from one generation to the next. The functionalist perspective thinks that racial hostility is hard to be admired but the functionalist would point out that it serves some positive functions from the perspective group of the racists as described. In the dominant group there are five functions that racial beliefs have for the dominant group. As described they are the following: 1. A society that practices discrimination fails to use the resources of all individuals. Discrimination limits the search for talent and leadership to the dominant group. 2. Discrimination aggravates social problems such as poverty, delinquency, and crime and places the financial burden of alleviating these problems on the dominant group. 3. Society must invest a good deal of time and money to defend the barriers that prevent the full participation of all members. 4. Racial prejudice and discrimination undercut goodwill and friendly diplomatic relations between nations. They also negatively affect efforts to increase global trade. 5. Social change is inhibited because change may assist a subordinate group. 6. Discrimination promotes disrespect for law enforcement and for the peaceful settlement of disputes. The second perspective is the conflict perspective which is the perspective assumes that the social structure is best understood in terms of conflict or tension between competing groups. As described in the reading society is a struggle between the privileged (the dominant group) and the exploited (the subordinate group). There is competition that takes groups between groups with unequal amounts of political and economic powers. A difference is that functionalists are not necessarily in favor of inequality; their approach is helps to understand why such systems persist as described. The subordinate group is criticized for its low status. The dominant group is responsible for subordination which is often ignored. The third approach is the labeling approach. The labeling theory which is described in the reading is a concept introduced by sociologist Howard Becker, is an attempt to explain why certain people are viewed as deviant and other engaging in the same behavior are not. As said in the reading a crucial aspect of the relationship between dominant and subordinate groups is the prerogative of the dominant group to define society’s values. Minorities are believed to have the lack of ability to perform in important positions where subordinate group are locked into society’s inferior jobs. I feel that I can agree with the labeling perspective the most. The reason for this is that it still exists in today’s society. Companies are required to provide equal opportunity employment and cannot discriminate against religion, race, or age. We know that this is still not true. You see that most police officers and firefighters are still mostly men. You still see large amounts of families have stay at home mothers. Another example would believe that if a child is bad in school that it has to be his or her parents that make them that way. I believe that it truly is still an issue among individuals. Part II I choose African Americans and the creation of migration and the consequence of segregation. Migration is defined as a general term that describes any transfer of population. Segregation is described the physical separation of two groups, often imposed on a subordinate group by the dominant group. According to Wikipedia I choose The Great Migration. As described it was the movement of 2 million African American out of the Southern United States to the Midwest, Northeast, and West from 1910 to 1930. They migrated to escape racism and seek employment opportunities in industrial cities. When the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863 less than eight percent of the African American population lived in the northeastern or Midwestern U. S. As described, â€Å"Between 1910 and 1930, the African American population grew by about 40% in Northern states, mostly in the major cities. Cities such as Chicago, Detroit, New York, and Cleveland had some of the biggest increases in the early part of the century. Because changes were concentrated in cities, urban tensions rose as African Americans and new or recent European immigrants, both groups chiefly from rural societies, competed for jobs and housing with the white ethnic working class. Tensions were often most severe between ethnic Irish, defending their positions, and recent immigrants and blacks. † â€Å"African Americans moved as individuals or small family groups. There was no government assistance, but often northern industries, such as the railroads, meatpacking and stockyards, recruited people. The primary factor for migration was the racial climate and widespread violence of lynching in the South. In the North, they could find better schools and adult men could vote (joined by women after 1920). Burgeoning industries meant there were job opportunities. † (Wikipedia, 2010) This in turn caused African Americans to feel segregated and felt they had to be among other African Americans do to how they are treated. There were many fights and riots among different cultural groups due to segregation. Such as the example of African Americans who could not sit in the front of the bus because of their race. In today’s society this is ethnically not acceptable. References: Wikipedia. (2010, October 15). Wikipedia. org. Retrieved October 23, 2010, from Wikipedia: http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Great_Migration_(African_American).

Dynamics of Negotiations: Failed GE-Honeywell Merger Deal

Dynamics of Negotiations: Failed GE-Honeywell Merger Deal Conceptually, the purpose of every negotiation is to reach an agreement and realize the desired outcome, through efficient and amicable resolutions. The simple principle is to separate the parties from the issue, and focus on their interests rather than positions. But in reality, the process is not always so-especially in multiparty negotiations, which involves multiple parties with varying interests and differences. The objective of this essay therefore, is to critically analyze the complex nature of multiparty negotiations; with specific reference to a failed GE-Honeywell merger deal. The ultimate aim is to highlight the dynamics of the negotiations from standpoint of the parties interests and positions in the overall outcome. Keywords: multiparty negotiations, desired outcome, interests positions, failed merger. 1. Introduction Multiparty negotiation is defined in this context, as interactions involving multiple parties with varying interests and differences. Multiparty negotiation can be a complex and messy process, often with non-obvious outcomes. A number of elements make multiparty interactions significantly more complex and awkward than two-party negotiations. A notable difference is the variety of decision rules that might occur. For instance, in a two-party arrangement, failure of both parties to reach agreement leads to impasse; whereas, in multiparty negotiations, different decision rules could apply. In this article, analysis is focused on interests, differences and positions of all the parties involved in negotiating the (2001-2005), proposed business merger between General Electric Company and Honeywell International Inc. The rationale is to examine the interplay between the parties, in terms of strategies and tactics adopted during negotiations; degree of awareness of the parties BATNA and extent to which they employed competitive or cooperative strategies. The report also attempts to identify framing/anchoring techniques in the negotiations, and equally consider the role of trust, reputation and expertise in the overall decision/outcome of the negotiations. 2. Main Parties Involved The bid by General Electric (GE) to take over Honeywell International Inc. in 2001 was set to become the biggest merger in industrial history, when the European Commission barred it from taking place1. This transatlantic negotiations for a business merger involved strategic parties such as: GE Manufacturing Company, GE Capital Services, United States Department of Justice, the US Military, European Commission and the European Court of First Instance (CFI). Notable among individual personalities who also participated actively and played tactical roles in the negotiations are: European competition commissioner- Mario Monti and the GE Spokesperson-Jonathan Todd. 3. Institutional and Historical Context In 2001, one of the biggest companies in the world, General Electric-American giant manufacturer of aircraft engines; was attracted by Honeywell Internationals aerospace businesses1-avionics technology, which fit in perfectly with GEs business interests; creating remarkable synergies for these two American companies. GE Manufacturing Company was responsible for operational aspect, while all financial obligations for the merger were the responsibility of GE Capital Services-the financial arm of General Electric. The United States Department of Justice as a critical party in the negotiations, had earlier passed the merger, on condition that GE divest itself of Honeywells military helicopter unit, to protect the US military1. However, approval from European Commission was not easy to obtain and the deal fell through. 4. Interests/Positions of the Parties According to GE-Honeywell, their interest in the merger was to capitalize on core business competencies and create synergies. Other expressed reasons included, increasing market power and sharing infrastructure. The US-Department of Justice was happy with the proposed-merger and consented to it. However, it took cognizance of the concerns of US-Military over the security of their military helicopters; whose manufacture/servicing was vested with Honeywell. In view of this, the Department agreed with all other terms of the negotiations, but recommended that GE divest itself of Honeywells military helicopter unit; to protect the US military1. Conversely, the European Commission-EC was unhappy with the deal and prohibited its emergence. Their interest was to protect European markets from perceived monopoly. EC argued that a merger between GE and Honeywell would create too powerful an entity that would adversely affect the competitive position in the aerospace industry1. They maintained that the merger would give the two companies huge combined market share in the common markets in which they operated1. This, they observed would harm competitors as well as customers, by creating a near monopoly situation1. 5. Strategies and Tactics Adopted All the parties involved in this negotiation failed to invent options for mutual gain. While GE-Honeywell was more of contending and unwilling to concede to any of the demands; the EC on their part appeared to have had bottom-line in the negotiations, as they never considered other options outside their interests. They all exhibited clear case of high-concern for self and low-concern for others. For instance, The EC demanded that substantial chunks (amounting to about $ 7 billion) be divested by the two companies, and restrictions be imposed on the operations of the highly profitable GE Capital Services1. The demands GE said were far more than what it was ready to concede. The American companies and the regulatory authorities resorted to threats and slow/low commitment tactics; while the EC stood on take-it-or-leave-it option. 6. Awareness of BATNA and Use of Competitive/Cooperative Strategy It is obvious that the flexibility of Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement-BATNA, which was supposed to show all the parties what alternatives to negotiated agreements would be, and equally serve as standard against which agreements be measured; was neglected in favor of predetermined bottom-line. GE and its allies for example, recognized court litigation as their only BATNA, while EC predetermined a ban without further options. As it were with many multiparty negotiations, the differences in interests/positions of the transatlantic regulatory authorities; gave rise to competitiveness instead of cooperative strategy, which was unfortunately not resolved. Having used much of delay tactics, their inability to cooperate and explore other options to resolve their differences caused the deal fell through. 7. Use of Framing and Anchoring Techniques Anchoring and Framing are two psychological techniques that negotiators use to influence the negotiation process and its final outcome. While frames give alternative descriptions that help negotiators make sense of complex information and focus on the main issue; Anchors as bobby traps are set by negotiators to win their opponents, by defining the mental parameters within which the process operates. These two techniques featured prominently in this negotiation. For example, the EC being fully aware of its predetermined bottom-line set anchors for GE, by making outrageous demand for huge divestment of $ 7 Billion and other heavy sanctions it knew GE will be unwilling to concede. These high claims indeed misled GE. The US Department of Justice also used Framing technique to quickly self-guard US Military, by recommending a divestment from its helicopter arm from the merger. The Department focused on the main issue and disregarded any other feature outside the frame of the main issue. Also, the resorted name-calling by the merging companies and their allies on EC as being dubious and anti-American business; was part of their anchoring to provoke favorable decision and skew the final outcome. 8. Role of Trust/Reputation/Expertise and the Non-obvious Solution It is glaring that reputation/expertise of the merging companies remained the focal issue upon which the negotiating authorities based their arguments-of which many commentators knew would not produce an obvious solution. GE has a reputation of being arguably, the richest and best aircraft engines manufacturer in the world; and Honeywell was rated worlds number one in manufacture of aircraft avionics. The estimated capital worth of their merger was about $42 Billion2, which indeed played an intimidating role in the negotiation. Lack of trust became a critical factor that determined the final outcome of the negotiations. While EC questioned the integrity of the merger, and viewed it as a plot by the American companies to create monopoly and harm competitors/customers; the American companies and their supporters described ECs position as anti- American business attitude2. This undercurrent of tension/distrust ran so deep across the ranks that some called it transatlantic trade war2. With grandstanding positions by the parties from onset, many opined individuals/groups pointed earlier that there was possibility of non-obvious solution, which indeed became the final outcome 9. Lessons Learnt and Conclusions The important lesson learnt here, which is in total agreement with the concept of negotiation, as can be deduced from above examples is that making multi-party negotiations work successfully is a complicated and complex process. As can be inferred from above analysis, the negotiation fell through because of varying interests, parties differences and lack of trust. Strategically, the merger made good business sense, but contrasting positions hindered its realization hence, a failed merger. This special-type multiparty negotiations, marked the first time in negotiation history that transatlantic regulatory authorities differed significantly in their decisions. Conclusively, it is worth noting here that meticulous consultations with effective use of individual BATNAs, Framing and Cooperative strategies during the interactions; would likely have paved the way for successful negotiations that would be of mutual (win-win) benefits.

Curriculum Development and Change Essay -- essays research papers

INTRODUCTION There seems to be a lot of controversy and uncertainty as to  ¡Ã‚ ¥what is the curriculum? ¡Ã‚ ¦ As such, there is a distributing lack of consensus on an all-embracing definition of this comprehensive concept. This is, in part, due to the various interpretations, meanings, emphasis and approaches that the scholars of curriculum studies embark upon. This, in turn, leaves the education practitioners and the general public in the dark as to what constitutes that which should be considered as  ¡Ã‚ ¥good curriculum practice ¡Ã‚ ¦ in educational institutions. This exposition seeks to highlight and evaluate the key concepts of the curriculum and some of the factors that have marked influence on curriculum planning, curriculum development and change. The impact that learning environments, learning theories, culture, ideologies and knowledge have on the curriculum will be briefly brought to the fore. 2. KEY CONCEPTS OF THE CURRICULUM The term curriculum is derived from a Latin word  ¡Ã‚ ¥curere ¡Ã‚ ¦ meaning the  ¡Ã‚ ¥racecourse ¡Ã‚ ¦. Implicit in the meaning is, as cited by Fraser, W.J. et al (1990:81). The fact that the curriculum is  ¡Ã‚ ¥a relatively fixed track or terrain (learning content) which must be covered (mastered) by the participant (learner) in order to reach the winning-post (learning result). ¡Ã‚ ¦ Based on this literal meaning, attempts to clarify what the curriculum is have led to the following definitions: „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A programme of study „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Course content „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Planned learning experiences „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Intended learning outcomes „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A plan for instruction According to Graham-Jolly, M. (2000:3), these definitions are narrow interpretations of the curriculum since  ¡Kthe term is often used to refer to the formal academic programme provided by a school, as reflected in subjects on the timetable,,,it might also be used to refer to a particular course of instruction or syllabus. The focus here is, in the main, on didactic activities as they occur within the classroom situation. The latest trend, however, places emphasis on a broader and more inclusive interpretation of the concept, which takes into cognisance the social, political, economic and historical contexts within which the curriculum is designed, developed and implemented. Lubisi, C et al (... ...dequately addressed in an essay of this nature. I also found out that some elements that influence the curriculum are so interrelated and it was not always easy to discuss each one separately. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  REFERENCES „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Fraser, WJ. (1990).  ¡Ã‚ ¥Didactics ¡Ã‚ ¦, South Africa: Butterworths „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Gatawa, B.S.M. (1990)  ¡Ã‚ ¥The Politics of the Curriculum ¡Ã‚ ¦, Zimbabwe: Jongwe Press. „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Graham-Jolly, M. (200)  ¡Ã‚ ¥The Curriculum: Theory and Practice ¡Ã‚ ¦ London: Paul Chapman „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  King, M. (1991)  ¡Ã‚ ¥The Politics of Curriculum, Structure and Processes ¡Ã‚ ¦, Pietermaritzburg : Centaur Publishers „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lemmer, E. (1999)  ¡Ã‚ ¥Contemporary Education ¡Ã‚ ¦ Sandton: Heinemann „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Lubisi, C. et al (1998).  ¡Ã‚ ¥Thinking about Curriculum ¡Ã‚ ¦ Cape Town: Oxford University Press. „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ozmon, H.A. and Craver, S. M. (1986).  ¡Ã‚ ¥Philosophical Foundations of Education ¡Ã‚ ¦. Ohio: Merrill „X  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Taylor, P. and Richards, C. M. (1987).  ¡Ã‚ ¥Curriculum Studies ¡Ã‚ ¦ Berkshire: Nelson

Policing Policies Today Essay

Sir Robert Peel is well known for his great contribution to modern policing. His original work as noted by Nicola and others in ‘Community policing’ began in 1829 under the Metropolitan Police Act authority. (Sutton N, Draper G and Jones J, 2005). He established the police force and worked hard to sell the professional police to the public. In other words he aimed at creating a good relationship between the police and the public. He aimed at ensuring that the public understood that the police could actually work for their best interest. According to Nicola and others, Peel coined several principles to act as a marketing strategy that would convince the public of the police legitimacy. The police were to be guided by the principles as a code of conduct. According to Clyde in ‘Criminal Justice Administration’ Sir Robert Peel was the creator of the first professional police department in the world precisely, the London’s Scotland Yard. (Cronkhite C, 2008). This paper will focus on Sir Robert and his contribution on policing to the diverse needs of the present day population. To Peel, the police would not only enforce the law through the apprehension of criminals but it would also aim at preventing crime. The cornerstone of his principles was the prevention of crime, acquisition of public support and cooperation without jeopardizing the opinion of the masses or the public as well as the reduced use of force. As argued by Nicola and others, Peels’ principles are much in line with the modern-day policing and its application would be of much influence in meeting the diverse needs of the members of the public. The contemporary policing aims at reducing the reliance of rapid responses but rather calls for effective prevention tactics. Proactive approaches of resolving crime are advocated for as compared to reactive approaches. In the modern policing, it is also important that there is the creation of community partnership that involves the public in maintaining social order and harmony in their communities. (Sutton N, Draper G and Jones J, 2005). Â  It is very important that the police work hand in hand with the public so as to effectively maintain law and order. Clyde in ‘Criminal Justice’ argues that Peel coined the philosophy ‘the police are the people and the people are the police’ to show the need that the two parties work in collaboration. As Clyde points out, Peel identified twelve law enforcement organizational principles. (Cronkhite C, 2008). 1. The police must be stable, efficient and well organized along military lines. 2. The police must be controlled by the government 3. Prove that the police are efficient would not be by the number of arrests made but by the absence of crime. This advocated for the proactive approaches to resolving crime in the society. 4. The distribution of crime news is absolutely essential. 5. Deployment of police strength by time and area was also critical. 6. No quality is more vital to a policeman than the perfect command of temper. 7. Good appearance commands respect. 8. The securing and training of proper persons is a core issue if efficiency is to be realized. 9. Every police was to be given a number due to public security demand. This would ensure that there was increased accountability level on the part of the police. 10. The police headquarters should be centrally located and easily accessible to the people. 11. Policemen should be hired on a probationary basis. 12. Police records were necessary to the correct distribution of police strength. Peel faced much rejection from those who feared that the police force would be very powerful and consequently dangerous. Such rejection made it difficult to implement Peel’s principles but with time they proved to be a success and have been used across the globe. (Cronkhite C, 2008). In order for the police to perform their duties effectively they must depend on the public to approve their existence, their lives, actions, behavior and the ability to secure as well as maintain public respect. (Jim & James Chu, 2001). The police headquarters must be in a centralized location to make it easier for people to report crimes. This would also enhance the flow of relevant or useful information that can be used to curb crimes. The distribution of crime news would also be effective in curbing crime as it would eliminate the problems of distance or proximity when tracking criminals. It is also vital for comparison purposes as well as in analyzing trends which is an important aspect in the process of decision making. A harmonious relationship between the police and the public would be a plus in as far as the effectiveness of proactive approaches to crime is concerned given the fact that the public would be more willing to report suspicious incidences. Less strained relationship between the two would be an effective preventive measure. (Edwards C, 2005). Timeliness is also very important and the police must be deployed at the right place and time if a positive effect is to be felt. It is also very important that police control their tempers or anger as this would ensure that they have a good face in the eyes of the public. People who are to join the police force must be selected properly so that after training they are able to perform and meet the ever-changing needs of the public in an efficient manner. Peel advocated for the involvement of the members of the society in the maintenance of law and order which is also called ‘community policing’. (Levinson D, 2002). Record keeping is also important for analysis purposes. All in all, Sir Robert principles are still applicable in today’s world.

Homeless Summary Research Paper Example

Homeless Summary Research Paper Example Homeless Summary Paper Homeless Summary Paper These advocacy programs would not be possible without the support of federal funding from state and local organizations. These programs include the McKinney-Event Homeless Assistance Grants, Runaway and Homeless Youth Act, Joint U. S. Departments of Housing and urban Development (HUT), and Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing (HUT-VASS), to name only a few (Alliance to End Homelessness, 2011). The National Alliance to End Homelessness encourages a policy of advocacy in Congress and local government. They believe that members of Congress will be more likely to promote change if they are given to opportunity to understand how many people In their district are suffering and what can be done to stop It. The Alliance explains how advocacy can make a difference, Just by calling and writing to policy makers or building relationships with them by meeting with them or Inviting them to attend a program explaining the problems homeless people face every day. The Alliance works with Congress directly through meetings and organized campaigns with advocates throughout the country. They encourage ordinary people to advocate at home, by writing or faxing letters to their Senators and Representatives asking them to Increase funding for programs that provide assistance and lad to the omelets; or by working with the media to help raise awareness of Just how serious the Issue of homelessness In America Is today (Alliance to End Homelessness, 2011). The National Coalition for the Homeless also promotes advocacy and mediation as methods to help the homeless and produce changes. Their advocates work with the departments of Housing Justice, Healthcare Justice, Economic Justice, and Civil Rights. They do not just wish to help those in need; they want to prevent and end it altogether. Their policy proposes a bill that could become the federal governments s first comprehensive response to the causes and consequences of homelessness. They hope to do this through their Bring America Home Act. The housing security provisions of the act calls for a national goal of ending homelessness; additional funding for the National Housing Trust Fund, and the establishment of a new rural rental housing assistance program. The act also includes civil rights provisions, which call for the removal of homeless persons?w barriers to obtaining identification, the addition of homeless people as a protected class to hate crime statistics, and edition funding to Legal Services Corporation to provide legal representation In eviction proceedings. Their website offers fact sheets and readings about the issues of homelessness and provides information for anyone who would want to help (National Coalition for the Homeless, 2009). I believe mediation and advocacy is extremely effective and appropriate for homelessness organizations. Their advocacy policies encourage people to take action through letter writing and changing the law, not Day angrily protesting Ana making a scene. I nee unreason Tanat tongue advocacy, they can reach out to government officials such as members of Congress, Senators, and Representatives to make the necessary changes that will become a permanent solution.