Portfolio 2500 words Gymnastics-outdoor activities-Dance Essay

Portfolio 2500 words Gymnastics-outdoor activities-Dance - Essay Example This was a challenge for me, as it took both thought and action. But once I honed in on a plan, I was able to successfully and consistently do a cartwheel. I even had to make the cartwheel more difficult, by incorporating it into a routine and also training on a variety of terrains. Outdoor and Adventurous Activities embodies and expands upon my cartwheel example by using physical activity to promote learning, health, and a positive self-image. There are a variety of other resources that use dance to promote education, like a professional dance team, the American Dance Therapy Association, and the Interdisciplinary Learning Through Dance curriculum. Performing a cartwheel requires a certain level of strength, dexterity, and skill. It is seen as a basic tenant of gymnastics, the foundation for more complicated moves. Given the proper training, I think most people could perform a cartwheel. But receiving proper training is not always easy. The technique involved in performing a cartwhe el is not all obvious, so for a first timer it is often necessary to be under some instruction. Even for people who are able to do a cartwheel, being trained by someone more skilled can improve their form. Of course, not every can have a trainer at all times, so often we must depend on the information we can find ourselves to aid our cause. I wanted to look into a variety of ways to do cartwheels, so I found three different learning methods and tested them out. The first method, found on Cheerleading.about.com, was somewhat vague. The sum of the instructional part is, â€Å"stand in a lunge, knee bent slightly, arms up by your ears†¦reach forward with your right arm, kicking your left leg up†¦ the left hand should follow†¦ as it touches the ground, your right let should be off the ground also.† While there were some additional tips, the article concluded by saying the best way was to go to a gym and get professional help. While it seemed simple enough, I wasnâ €™t able to do a cartwheel with this resource’s instructions alone. This article lacked depth, and seemed more of a definition of a cartwheel than an explanation of how to do one. The next article I found on the subject, on the Robbins Sports Blog, was much more helpful. Rather than just explain doing a cartwheel as the limb movements, this article touched on the subtleties that make a cartwheel work. It establishes the lead foot and starting positioning, then tells you to â€Å"put your weight on your back foot and point your toes on your lead food. Rock back on your back leg; then lunge forward into your front foot. Your front leg will bend, but your body should form a straight line with your back leg, body, and arms.† I found this to be a much more descriptive instructional segment for the beginning of the cartwheel. The article then explains the continuation of process, including bringing your arms to the ground, turning your body, placing your hands on the gro und, and then pushing with your back leg to bring your body airborne. It even adds that a clean cartwheel should end with the body in the mirror image of the starting position. Even with the main description of the cartwheel explained, from starting position to what you should end up like, the article included additional tips. It suggested drawing a line on the ground to ensure you move in a straight line. It also added â€Å"your arms and legs should be completely extended.† One piece of additional advice I found especially

Possible Inherent Conflicts Between the Public Auditor and the CFO on Case Study

Possible Inherent Conflicts Between the Public Auditor and the CFO on Internal Controls - Case Study Example The public auditor, whose primary job is to give an opinion on the financial statements of the company after necessary examination of the statements, also places his reliance on the internal controls established by the management of the company to prevent, detect and mitigate the events of frauds and errors which may lead to erroneous financial reporting and deception of the shareholders. This is the reason that the auditor lays great emphasis on the establishment of strong and well defined internal controls where the occurrence of material misstatements can be prevented, and if not, then properly detected and appropriate actions be taken to mitigate the same from occurring again. In the course of the audit, the strong emphasis laid by the auditors on establishment of the internal control department may create conflicts between the auditor and the management of the company, specially the Chief Financial Officer. The auditor and the CFO initially have their roles clearly defined as to the extent of their jobs and are required to work independently with clear objectivity without interference in each other’s work. The auditor’s responsibility is to report on the financial statements prepared by the management whether they are free from material misstatements and give a true and fair view. The auditor also has to report on the internal controls established by the management if they are organized enough to prevent and detect the frauds and errors. The auditor has to ultimately report to the shareholders on the safeguards established by the management to safeguard their rights. Conventionally, the role of the CFO is understood to be in the position of manager and regulator concerning the implementation of principles of accounting. Further, the post of the CFO also includes the preparation of the financial statements and related reports along with the supervision of the capital structure of the

The relationship between control and resistance in organisations Essay

The relationship between control and resistance in organisations - Essay Example Examples of change can be alteration in strategic, operational, cultural or technological fronts. Since this change is often a continuous process therefore, there are times when these modifications are not well received by the employees which lead to resistance. Over the time, the concept of resistance has been re-conceptualised due to which the management control systems have become increasingly elaborate as well. Overt form of resistance is hardly observed in organisational settings now (Karreman, 2009, pp. 1115–1144). In order to analyse and explain the concept of control and resistance in organisations, two real life examples will be discussed in the paper. The control and resistance situation faced in Oti-Yeboah Complex Limited and PETROM will be discussed in paper to highlight different aspects of the concept. In the light of these examples, the relationship between resistance and controls will be explained; also, their links with theoretical framework will be discussed Halley (2000, p.1) quotes a generic definition of resistance in his article as ‘acting or making efforts in opposition or withstanding the action or effect of’. However, resistance is defined more comprehensively in organisational terms by Clegg, Kornberger and Pitsis (2011, p.262) as ‘Resistance to change consist of those organizational activities and attitudes that aim to thwart, undermine and impede change initiatives. It is a widely observed phenomenon in organizations. The resistance can be overt, in the form of wildcat strikes, campaigns or other forms of collective action, or it can be covert, through attempts at undermining change programmes through widespread adoption of cynicism, irony and ambivalence’. The various types of resistance are discussed as follow (Linstead et al., 2009, pp. 347–8): Distanced Self Consciousness: In this type of resistance, employees generally practice

How E-Commerce Has Changed the Way to Do Business Research Paper

How E-Commerce Has Changed the Way to Do Business - Research Paper Example This essay will also give a brief history concerning E-Commerce and also state the advantages and disadvantages of E-Commerce to customers/ businesses. Earlier on, E-Commerce was branded as the facilitation of marketable business electronically by means of technologies like Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). These technologies were introduced early in the 1970s. Technological advancement led to introduction of other systems like automated teller machines (ATM), telephone banking, airline reservation system and credit cards which are also forms of E-Commerce (Reynolds, 2009). In the early 90s, Tim Berners-Lee invented the World Wide Web which profoundly altered a scholarly telecommunication system to a global communication system named www or the internet (Plant, 2012). In time, many European and American business firms offered their services through the Worldwide Web. Since then, people are much conversant to E-Commerce with the ability to purchase various goods through the internet using electronic payment services and secure protocols. As defined earlier, E-Commerce is the process of buying and selling products and services from the internet, especially the World Wide Web. When retail selling is used, then the term e-tailing can be used. E-Commerce is divided into several categories. They include E-tailing, Electronic Data Interchange (EDI), business-to-business transactions, gathering and use of demographic data through Web contacts, E-Mail and fax and the security of business transactions (Plant, 2012). E-Commerce has a number of benefits to customers and other businesses. They include efficient buying and selling procedures as well as an easy way of finding products. Buying and selling of products is not limited. The customers are able to purchase products and get services 24 hours daily. E-Commerce also allows customers to select products from various providers without the need of moving physically from one point to ano ther. This process, therefore, cuts down the rate associated with processing, inventory management, marketing, customer care and information storage (Reynolds, 2009). This in turn, reduces the burden influenced by infrastructure to conduct businesses. This form of business is easier to start and run. Moreover, this invention allows more customers to find products and services without hypothetical geographic boundaries. Lastly, there is no need for physical company setups since the business is run on a network. Since the early 1990s, the internet has tremendously grown as a technologically enthusiastic tool to many corporations. Improvement in technology and other forms of E-Commerce also came in play. There are four principal categories of E-Commerce business models. They are business to consumer (B2C), business to business (B2B), consumer to business (C2B) and consumer to consumer (C2C) (Plant, 2012). In E-Commerce, there are eight unique features that enable this web shopping proc ess run successfully. They are global reach, ubiquity, richness, universal standards, interactivity, personalization and customization and information density (Plant, 2012). Ubiquity is the leading factor in the success of any E-Commerce business. Online stores never close and they are available every time and anytime. Global reach is also essential in ensuring a successful E-Commerce busines

Self Awareness Essay Example for Free

Self Awareness Essay You can not expect to change what you are not aware of. To make meaningful change it is important to know what it is you want to change for yourself and not for your loved ones or for external approval. Many people change themselves based on how others want them to be or to achieve a certain status in society. This is not meaningful change, it has no personal meaning and will not give you the results you were hoping to achieve. How can you make meaningful change? The answer is self awareness. You need to be aware of your core values and core beliefs. Values for the foundation for your behaviour and everything you bring into your life. Your core beliefs determine your thoughts, decisions and the emotions you experience. A value is a belief, mission, or philosophy that is meaningful. Whether we are consciously aware of them or not, everyone has a core set of values. Values can range from beauty and wealth to loyalty and trust. If you don’t know or haven’t defined your values, you end up drifting along in life. Instead of basing your decisions on an internal compass you make choices based on circumstances and social pressures. You end up trying to fulfil others’ expectations instead of your own. Clarifying, and expressing your life in alignment with your core values is a primary step in knowing how to be happy and create change. Our core values and beliefs determine our progress and success in life. Your core beliefs are your own personal power. You have the ability to attract what you want. A core belief can originate from a place of positivity or negativity. So when you are thinking in your head â€Å"I don’t deserve to be in this persons presence†, this is a negative core belief that you have made up for no reason other than the you have low self esteem. With positive core beliefs and an inner awareness of your own thinking and how it controls your feelings you can become more self confident in many situations in life. It is your life to live your way, so its your choice to live the ramifications of beliefs that make you happy or miserable. Achieving permanent change will be difficult unless you become more attentive to yourself. What are your core values and beliefs? What is important to you? What motivates you? Letting others tell you what you need to change will not work and will not make you happy. It is your job to decide what you want to improve in your life. Your life will never be more fulfilling until you know your core values and beliefs. With a good set of core values and beliefs supported by your passions you w ill have a rewarding and meaningful change.

Gender inequality from a socological point of view

Gender inequality from a socological point of view In this essay I will discuss how gender inequality has been explained. In doing so I will explore three board approaches on gender differences and inequality. Which I will compare and contract with functionalist approach; who believe that gender roles fit the needs of the social system, and Feminist explanation; who argue women are unequal to men. First I will introduce the biological basis on behavioural difference between men and woman, supported by theorist Tiger and Fox (1972), Functionalist John Bowlby (1953), Jean Elshtain (1987). Next I will draw attention to theories placing central importance on socialisation and the learning of gender roles by looking at the works of Liberal Feminist Sue Sharp (1994) and Ann Oakley (1972). However while these theoretical approaches seek to explain the persistence of gender inequalities this essay will then go on to compare two opposing views, that of Functionalist and Marxist Feminist, in order to allow for greater depth in the analysis of these positions. I will do this by considering arguments made by functionalist theorist Talcott Parsons; forms of complementary roles (1942) and Murdock (1949) and furthermore Marxist theorist Friedrich Engels; ideas on capitalism (1902). Finally taking everything into account I will go on to critically assess the attempt of Radical Feminist to overcome gender inequality, where I will argue that radical feminist efforts to defeat gender inequalities has been less victorious then Liberal feminist, however there extreme views hold strong arguments on issues such as domestic violence. Sex can be seen as ambiguous term, which refers to the biological distinction between females and males (Macionis, Plummer, 2008:367). Many sociologists, who adopt the biological approach, propose that the functions of the brain and hormones to chromosomes are responsible for natural differences in behaviour between men and woman. They argue that men demonstrate biological based tendencies towards aggression that woman lack. This approach has been supported by theorist Tiger and Fox (1972), who agree that the natural selection has encouraged hormonal differences, which can explain gender differences such as senses, behaviour and emotions; they further claim that nature intended mothers and children to stay together. In contrast, this argument supports functionalist views on maternal deprivation as suggested by John Bowlby (1953) who wrote a psychological account of the ill effects of maternal deprivation on children. However feminist have argued that this has been misrepresented as a n ideological argument to keep women at home. In addition many researchers remain unconvinced by the biological approach, such as theorist Elshtain (1987) who suggested that the level of aggression varies for woman in different cultures, therefore the biological approach fails to take cultural factors to account. Furthermore critics point out that this theory is grounded upon data, animal behaviour rather than anthropological and historical data (Giddens, 2009:613). Gender refers to the social aspects of differences and hierarchies between male and females (Macionis, Plummer, 2008:367). Unlike the biological approach, many sociologists argue that there is nothing natural about gender inequality; rather it is socially constructed through socialisation of learning of gender roles. Liberal Feminist Anne Oakley (1972) claimed that gender roles are learnt through social agencies such as family; where manipulation and canalisation takes place, school; where boys are encouraged to take on sports, and the media; where women are portrayed as housewives in adverts for cleaning products. Ultimately children gradually internalize social norms and values that are expected from them which correspond with their sex. Consequently norms and values are culturally produced along with ideals of masculinity, femininity, which ultimately has led to the sexual division of labour. Oakley has disputed that the process of socialisation of gender roles is guided by manipu lation, for example in the home, boys and girls are encouraged to play with gender specific toys. The patriarchal ideology that is through claims that women are more suited to caring roles because of their maternal instinct supports functionalist views. Functionalists have used this ideology to argue that social agencies contribute to maintain social order by overseeing the smooth gender socialisation of new generations. However this has been sharply criticised by feminist who argue that this theory ignores the ability if individuals to reject certain norms and values projected by society. Theorist Connell (1987) stressed that empirical evidence on gender inequality is not simply a shapeless heap of data, but reveals the basis of an organised field of human practice and social relations through which woman are kept in subordinate positions to men (Connell, 1987). On a more optimistic note Connell suggested how females are seeking for change, for example school girls are taking interest in competitive sports, calling their own shots, which suggest gender inequality exploited within the family and state is being challenged, the means that have traditionally supported mens power is being weakened. However Despite the changes in society and the economy, such as the Thatcher era, which represented new female role models in power, did not seem to have had much impact on the girls attitudes as the study Just Like A Girl by Sue Sharp (1994) concluded, that girls still expected to undertake womens work, such as health work, teaching. Nevertheless the study did present some chan ge, such as greater stress on equality with men, which came with a sense of assertiveness and confidence. There was a greater importance of having a job, being able to support themselves, especially in the event of a divorce. Nonetheless the girls in Sharps findings indicated that the girls look forward to a future in which they are likely to end up juggling work and domestic life like their mothers before them. (Sharp, 1994). Functionalist see each aspect of society as interdependent and contributes to societys functioning as a whole, held together by social consensus, which produces order, stability, and productivity. Their sociological interest in gender is relatively recent, there theory proposes that gender differences contribute to social stability and integration and assume they fit the needs of individuals, the family and the social system. In contrast with the roles influenced by biology and learning of gender roles, through socialisation emphasise that the womans primary responsibility is the home. Anthropologist Murdock cross culture study (1949) emphasised the significance of motherhood and concluded that the mothers role and the family are universal, where womans main concern should be at the home, whereas mens main work should be outside the home. Furthermore a leading functionalist Parsons (1956) emphasised the important functions of the family, mainly as regards the stabilisation socialisat ion of children. The female taking on the expressive role providing care and security to children and offering them emotional support compared with the instrumental male role, where man take on the role of the bread winner in the family, these roles are seen as complementary which Parson believed helped integrate society. However the functionalist perspective neglects the inequalities in the distribution of labour and power, with the consequential exploitation of women in work and at home. Therefore theorist Oakley argued against Murdocks secondary data, by refuting his claim, that gender roles were universal, though she accepted that sexuality, reproduction and maternal care are influenced by biology. It can be heavily argued that the functionalist approach on gender neglect the negative functions of an event such as divorce. The fact that the approach justifies the status quo and complacency on the part of societys members, critics therefore have argued; even when such social change may benefit society functionalist fail to encourage people to take an active role in changing their social environment. Instead, functionalism sees active social change as a threat to society because the various parts of society will reimburse naturally for any problems that may occur. Unlike functionalist, the Marxist feminist approach does not focus on the positive aspects of society that contribute to its stability, but takes on a conflict perspective, which is inspired by Karl Marxs writings on class struggles. There approach draws main focus on the conflicted and changing nature of society. Whereas functionalists continue to avoid social change, however Marxist theorists challenge the status quo and encourage social change even when this means social revolution. Marxist feminist strongly believes gender inequality is down to capitalism, rich and powerful people who force social order on the poor and the weak. Engels (1902) noted that capitalism intensifies male domination, first capitalist create more wealth, which confers greater power on men as wage earners, expanding capitalist economy depends on defining people especially woman as customers and consumers and convincing them that personal fulfilment derives from owning and using products. (Macionis, Plummer , 2008:382), according to Engels this allowed men to work while society assigned woman the task of maintaining the home. The double exploitation of capitalism as Engels saw it paying low wages to male labour, and no wages to for female wok. (Macionis, Plummer, 2008:367). Marxist further suggests companies only employ woman when they really need them, making them more disposable, therefore they argue that women are a reserve army of labour. However critics see their theory as underestimating the particular shortcomings of women, and fail to explain gender inequality in socialist societies. More so, many argue that its overly negative view of society, ultimately attributes the efforts of positive aspects of society such as humanitarian, democracy, civil rights. There theory of reverse army of labour, critics argue it fails to explain why there are womens jobs and mens jobs. It is seems to overlook the fact that patriarchy can be influential by itself. The Marxist feminists seem to imply that once capitalism is abolished; gender inequality will disappear, which might not actually be the case. (Weineck, 2007). Many movements have been successful in their attempts of overcoming gender inequality however some have not been as victorious, yet hold strong arguments such as the Radical Feminist. They have sought to tackle gender inequality by extreme protesting of patriarchy, as they believe that men are responsible for the inequality of woman. Early Radical feminist Firestone (1971) argues that men control womans roles in reproduction and childrearing. Because women are biologically able to give birth to children, they become depended materially on men for protection and livelihood. (Giddens, 2009:617). She further suggests this biological inequality is socially organized in the nuclear family. Radical feminist have brought to light key arguments, such as free domestic labour, where men exploit woman by replying on the free labour woman provide in the home. Unlike Radical feminist, liberal feminist have conquered more in overcoming gender inequality. Liberal Feminist are moderate in their methods and aims, who seek to better womans rights through political and legal reform, they have gone on to achieve legislation such as the Equal Pay Act (1970) and the Sex Discrimination Act (1975). Though Radical feminist are seen to pursue a revolutionary agenda, however like liberal feminist, they stress practical political strategies. Nevertheless in contrast to liberal feminist frameworks, radical feminist is inclined to be suspicious of government intervention, perceiving the state itself as being intrinsically patriarchal, and also tends to focus on the politics of the private sphere, in particular sexuality, motherhood and bodies. (Beasley,1999:55). However Radical feminist have more in common with Marxist on terms of acknowledging that social life is embodied but as will shortly become evident, the inclination of the latter feminist approach is frequently to limit interest in embodiment to the laboring body of the paid. (Beasley, 1999:55). However they have criticized Marxist feminist on their view on capitalism, claiming that abolishing capitalism would not end patriarchy. Despite the fact that is can be heavily argued that radical feminist efforts have been less successful then liberal feminist, it is important to acknowledge their efforts of making society aware of the severity of domestic violence. There argument holds much relevance in todays society, as statistics show that woman as having a high rate of victimization, 1 in 4 women will be a victim of domestic violence in their lifetime. (Oxfam, 2011). The womans aid site stated that Between 10 and 69 per cent of women report abuse by their intimate partner in every country where reliable data exist. (Womans Aid, 2011). The efforts of radical feminist in overcoming this inequality has been successful in terms of providing shelters for abused woman, which did not exist in the 1970s. Furthermore there are now laws mandating the reporting of domestic violence of domestic due to the efforts made by the radical feminist. In conclusion, all the theories I have touched upon provide a variations of explanations on gender inequality, therefore it is clear to say there approaches are not cut from the same cloth. I feel the most convincing explanations are the aspects of socialisation of learning gender roles. I think this is important, as people sometimes without even realising it socialise boys and girls differently from an early age. The functionalist view on gender, I feel is outdated to some extent as social change is constantly taking place however it is important to look at all the argument made when exploring gender inequality. Though many feminist groups share conflicting views with one another such as radical feminist, liberal feminist and Marxist feminist, however it is important to appreciate their central aim of striving to help woman have the same equality as men.

Hughes Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate

Hughes' Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate In the Hughes’ text, Women in World History: Volume 1, the chapter on Middle Eastern women focuses on how Islam affected their lives. Almost immediately, the authors wisely observe that â€Å"Muslim women’s rights have varied significantly with time, by region, and by class† (152). They continue with the warning that â€Å"there is far too much diversity to be adequately described in a few pages.† However, I argue that there is essential information and insight on said topic that the authors have failed to include, as well as areas of discussion with incomplete analyses. I will use Leila Ahmed’s book, Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate, as well as her essay entitled â€Å"Early Islam and the Position of Women: The Problem of Interpretation,† to cite the shortcomings of the text. After the first part of the Hughes chapter on Middle Eastern Muslim women, the emphasis shifts, from Quranic doctrine regarding women to how Muslim law and scholarship have interpreted the Quran’s direct admonitions to women. However, this shift is unfortunately subtle. The authors fail to make a clear distinction between the Quran, a sacred text believed to be the verbatim word of God; and Muslim law, which was formulated by (male) Muslim jurists who consulted the Quran and whose consensus was later declared infallible (Ahmed 58). Such a distinction is necessary because the Quran itself is vastly different from a legal document; Ahmed observes in â€Å"Early Islam and the Position of Women† that â€Å"Quranic precepts consist mainly of broad, general propositions chiefly of an ethical nature, rather than specific legalistic formulations† (59). Indeed, the Qura... ...areas of emphasis. In contrast, Leila Ahmed analyzes representations and mores of Muslim women in different social and religious contexts in order to draw conclusions about their effect on women’s--and men’s in relation to women’s--status, in earlier periods of Islam, as well as the further-reaching implications they have had for modern Muslim societies. Works Cited Ahmed, Leila. Women and Gender in Islam: Historical Roots of a Modern Debate. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1992. Ahmed, Leila. â€Å"Early Islam and the Position of Women: The Problem of Interpretation.† In Women in Middle Eastern History: Shifting Boundaries in Sex and Gender, ed. Nikki R. Keddie and Beth Baron. New Haven and London: Yale University Press, 1991. Hughes, Sarah Shaver, and Brady Hughes. Women in World History. Vol. 1. Armonk, N.Y., and London: M.E. Sharpe, 1995.