Thursday, November 28, 2019

Reading Accuracy

Abstract The evaluation of accuracy in reading depends on capability to make sense of words in a manuscript. Reading accuracy is consequently the automatic process of interpretation and integration of appropriate expressions or phrases during the reading process with a minimal use of required resources in the aim of communicating meaning in a text.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Reading Accuracy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Proper definition for understanding reading fluency portrays the concept of learning to decode words accurately for the need to succeed in reading text, as a perspective that is for garnering profundity. Accuracy in decoding words is important, but the main aim ought to be ensuring that the words undergo automatic decoding with less effort during the reading process. Interpretation entails the ability to phrase and express words appropriately during the reading process. Accurate and fluent reading therefore is the ability to accurately decode words in a text and automatically present them, while illustrating optimal comprehension it is also the ability to interpret text expressively. As an important aspect of reading, fluency affects the readers’ ability to understand text. This paper describes the process of calculating the word correct per minute (WCPM) and the reading accuracy as a way of measuring the students’ ability to achieve reading affluence. What are the efficient methods of determining students’ reading fluency and efficiency? Are there methods appropriate for determining reading fluency? The paper is therefore is a critical analysis of assessment procedures for accurate and effective reading among students. It eventually presents the way of assisting students gain the WCPM and reading accuracy and explains the benefits of using the procedure to nurture fluent readers. Reading accuracy Fluent readers have experience. They ar e able to decipher meaning form a text precisely without human intervention or need for extra resources as a requisite for triggering the conscious mind. According to Samuels (2002), inability to have enough resources for decoding words or reading comprehensions makes the reader to acquire excellent skills for enhancing reading accuracy. Readers are able to facilitate proficiency or accuracy by graduating from the conscious process of decoding to accurate or automatic decoding. The most favourable accurate reading level focuses on the ability to find meaning out of a text without straining during the reading process. At that level one does not need to listen closely to the sound of words but simply recognizes the words automatically and accurately at the instance of seeing the text. A good reader rarely requires the need to focus concentration on finding the meaning from a text. This aspect differentiates the experiences from the learning readers.Advertising Looking for researc h paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The accuracy in reading also requires the reader to have the capacity of interpreting or deriving sense from words within the text during the reading process. Accuracy in reading enables one to focus attention on the comprehension process or other related tasks, consequently finding meaning from a combination of text. Tor that reason, the ability to read fluently has a direct connection to comprehension. Active interpretation or construction of meaning from a passage requires the reader to push in appropriate â€Å"volume, tone, phrase, emphasis and other elements of oral expression† Samuels (2002). The sense of having accuracy in reading indicates that fluency is multidimensional, with directions over stress on accuracy or decoding of words in a text, emphasis on the need to quickly and automatically recognize words in a connection of text and lastly in the ability to ex presses meaning from a text through accurate interpretation. Assessing Reading Accuracy and Automaticity According to Walker (2008), â€Å"the ability to read fluently depends on the component of decoding accuracy.† The reading accuracy therefore depends on three distinct components namely, the accuracy of decoding, automaticity and prosody. Decoding accuracy is the ability to get meaning accurately from words during the reading process. â€Å"Automaticity is ability to decode words from text with minimal dependence upon the resources and prosody is ability to use phrases and expressions appropriately during the reading process†¦ The reader’s level of accuracy affects the decoding accuracy and automaticity components† (Walker, 2008). The percentage of the words a reader can engage correctly within a given period determines the reading accuracy. This is an important measure for reading proficiency since it indicates the various levels of decoding accuracy. T here exists various level of performance in the word decoding accuracy tests. The independent level is over 97% range. These readers are able to engage text without difficulties or need for assistance. The instructional level readers have a performance rage of approximately 90% to 96%. They perform under the guidance of a good reader. The last is the ‘frustration’ level. These average scores of these readers are below 90% mark. They perceive the assessment of reading text as a difficult task that is too challenging to conceptualize. Although it is a widely utilized especially in the informal reading inventory, the test for oral reading fluency incorporate analysis of accuracy at all levels of achievements. The reader faces the challenge of meeting multiple words within the assessment passage to meet the requests set forth by the analysis process.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Reading Accuracy specifically for you for only $16. 05 $11/page Learn More Various assessment courses of actions are excellent procedure for determining accuracy because of the in-depth analysis, but they consume a lot of instructional time and are thus not viable for most teachers especially when the students are many. The rate of reading determines the student’s ability to engage automaticity and word recognition. A better and common procedure is the words read correctly per minute, (WCPM). During the reading process, the analysis counterchecks the incorrect words and counts only the correctly read words within the 60 seconds period. Procedure for measuring the reading accuracy using the WCPM The initial step involves the identification of appropriate text with an approximate number of words depending on the student’s grade level. The readability formula or rubric determines the appropriateness of a text to a given level of study. The student should read the passage aloud for one minute under a tape-rec ording procedure. Appropriate reading ought to be at normal reading speed without the tendency of hurrying to finish on time. The teacher has to assist on words that the student fails to respond within a two to three seconds interval wait, to ensure the process engagement within the specified one-minute period. The teacher analysis process entails checking for the mispronunciation errors, bearing in mind the assisted word pronunciation. Other errors include the replacement of the original text to evade challenges, total oversight of tough words and, reversing of pronunciation. The supervisor has to mark the point reached after one-minute analysis. In line with Samuels, (2002), to determine the reading accuracy, the analyst â€Å"divides the number of correctly read words with the total number of words read within the minute.† Eventually the analyst converts the results to a percentage and compares them against the target norms of the performance range. Lastly, â€Å"a standa rdized format determines the rate for the total number of WCPM†¦ by comparing the total counts against the target norms (Samuels, 2002). Benefits of WCPM analysis The process of WCPM is efficient because the analysis can perform multiple sessions using different texts in comparison of the median score against performance standard, thus determining the student’s actual ability (Walker, 2008). The teacher is able to repeat the process within a short while for a wide range of students in need of improvement, and thus determine the reading growth pattern. Relating the readers to the target norms progressively enhances automaticity among them, regularly channelled through relating performance to the standardized measurements for accurate reading at enhanced rates.Advertising Looking for research paper on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More By measuring the student’s reading accuracy, the teachers are able to determine the main sources of difficulties. Some readers will have low accuracy in reading and therefore automatically end with overall low scores while others have high scores but suffer from decoding error and also have low scores. The accuracy assessment assists in differentiating between these two types of readers in the aim of making them better readers. The analysis determines the comprehension difficulties but eventually the reading growth depends on the type of difficulty a student experiences. â€Å"The source of difficulties either is†¦ lack of sufficient automaticity or lacks accuracy in decoding words† (Walker, 2008). Assisting a student to advance their WCPM and reading accuracy A teacher has to utilize assessments such as the WCPM as a critical tool for planning for responsive instructions especially among students with a struggle on reading skills. According to Walker (2008), teac hers fail to recognize the assessment results as effective tools for diagnostic teaching procedures. Diagnostic teaching is a continual sequence of activities where the educators can utilize various ways of assisting the students. First, the assessment procedures are decisive, and therefore the teacher must assess the reading ability by subjecting the student to the WCMP program to determine their level of performance and as an initial course of action, find the starting point. The second procedure entails the interpretation of data in accordance to the students’ development level, for instance by finding out if the language a first or second language. This point of action assists in meeting the curriculum expectations through the instructional practices. Thirdly, there is need to adjust the techniques and materials for giving instructional guides. The guidance skills or teaching strategies have to incorporate the requirements that the students lack to master or garner new ad vanced skills or strategies to advance their reading abilities and knowledge. There is equally the need to reassess the procedures. A good course of action a teacher should consider in their duties of helping a student advance in their WCPM and reading accuracy includes offering support for continual reading habits. Students with reading difficulties require restricted amount of directives for decoding words in the aim of sharpening their skills. Lastly, students often takes a while to master skills, therefore there is need for continual re-interpretation of the instructional guidelines overtime. Importance of the WCPM and reading accuracy An engagement in the reading fluency analysis provides a bridge between the ability to recognize and comprehend words. It is a catalyst for leaders because it enables them to focus on the challenges and thus have an attention towards the need to understand the meaning of text during reading. Non-fluent readers often focus much of their attention t o figuring out the words and therefore end up with another problem linked to comprehension. â€Å"The WCPM and reading fluency analysis focuses attention on both the need for fluency and comprehension abilities†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Graham and Perin, 2007). The procedure provides an opportunity for engaging guideline for orally repeated reading and supportive assistance from the teachers’ feedbacks from the performance results. The analysis also provides the opportunity to â€Å"match reading texts and instructions to individual students† (Graham and Perin, 2007). The assessment is a classroom-based for monitoring the progress for students and for both the accuracy and reading rates. References Graham, S., Perin, D. (2007). Writing next: Effective strategies to improve writing  Of adolescents in middle and high school. Washington, DC: Alliance for Excellent Education publishers Samuels, S. J. (2002). Reading fluency: Its development and assessment. (Third Ed pp. 166-183). Newark, DE: International Reading Association Walker, B. J. (2008). Diagnostic Teaching of Reading: Techniques for Instruction and  Assessment (7th Ed), Columbus, OH: Merrill, Print This research paper on Reading Accuracy was written and submitted by user Shane Maxwell to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Monday, November 25, 2019

Manager Essays

Manager Essays Manager Essay Manager Essay Volkswagens U. S. subsidiary has launched a new pro-cess for allocating scarce IT budgets across a portfolio of project requests, in an effort to align IT activities better with corporate strategy. Now that they have used the process for the first time, though, and arrived at a list of approved projects, no one seems happy with the outcome. This case provides an opportunity to discuss the difficult governance issues that arise in making IT investment decisions. As you read the case, consider these questions: What is your assessment of the new process for managing priorities at Volkswagen? Are the criticisms Justified? Is it an improvement over the old process? Who controls the budgets from which IT prohects are funded at Volkswagen of America? Who should control these budgets? How should Matulovic respond to his fellow executives who are calling to ask him for special treatment outside the new priority management system? Dr. Uwe Matulovic, chief information officer (CIO) of Volkswagen of America (VWoA), placed the telephone in its cradle and leaned back in his chair, replaying the Just- completed conversation with one of his peers from the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The call, Matulovic mused, had been similar to three others he had participated n that week, each with a different ELT member. The results of a new prioritization process†a list of IT projects that would be funded in 2004†had been unveiled only a few days earlier. But already a storm was gathering. The phone calls from other executives had common themes. All the callers had expressed concern that high priorities for their areas of the company had not been funded. Some had repeated views expressed during the prioritization process by people who worked for them about supposed categorization mistakes that penalized Copyright 2005, 2007 President and Fellows of Harvard College. Harvard Business School Case 606-003. Professor Robert D. Austin, Dr. Warren Ritchie, and Greggory Garrett prepared this case as the basis for class discussion rather than to illustrate effective or ineffective management. Certain details have been disguised. Reprinted by permission of Harvard Business School. their business units. And each of the calls had concluded with an informal request to insert an unfunded project (or two) into the IT departments work plans. We dont have to reopen the process, the most recent caller had said, but perhaps spare capacity might be applied to make some progress on this project in 2004†weve one this before, and it would mean a lot to our area and to the companys growth plans. The 10 business units that made up MOA had proposed more than 40 projects, with funding requirements totaling $210 million (US). A budget of only $60 million (an amount capped by Volkswagen Group (VWAG), the parent company of MOA) made some degree of disappointment inevitable. But the intensity of pushback against the new process was surprising. The ELT had endorsed the idea of improving upon the old way these decisions were made, via unstructured debate explicit and link projects and the core business processes they impacted with MOA corporate goals. An orderly, rational process would replace what, in the past, had sometimes been haphazard. But now, questions were being raised about whether the new process was right for MOA. 50 Module Three IT Leadership EXHIBIT 1 The Himalayas Chart Some business units had seen none of their projects funded. Whispers throughout the company suggested that the process was too theoretical and noted that IT infrastructure projects had been treated separately, not forced through the same process, which many considered unfair. As Matulovic peered through the window into an overcas t sky, he wondered whether he should order exceptions to the rocess. If a project was small and Just below the line of funded projects, maybe IT should figure out a way to get it done. Or maybe he should stand his ground and defend the new process. Matulovic did not work for the other members of the ELT, but he did have to work with them. Whatever he decided could certainly affect working relationships, so he would need to consider his options carefully. Backgrowid †Volkswagen of America Ferdinand Porsche designed the first Volkswagen automobiles during the 1930s in Germany. The original vehicles, targeted at the mass market (Volkswagen means, iterally, peoples car), were intended to transport a family of five at highway speeds, use modest amounts of fuel, and remain within financial reach of most people. The companys signature platform by the late 1940s was the Beetle, which, with its rounded styling and reliable air-cooled engine, became internationally popular. For about 20 years, sales of the Beetle hurtled skyward, propelling the companys total worldwide vehicle sales past a million in 1955 and toa high point in 1969. Although popularity of the Beetle declined throughout the 1970s and its importation was discontinued in the United States, late in that decade, production of Beetles in Latin America continued into the 1990s. It remains the best-selling car of all time. After peaking in the late 1960s, the pattern of sales for the North American subsidiary of Volkswagen settled into a trying cycle of ups and downs that became known, due to its Jagged contours, as the Himalayas Chart (see Exhibit 1). Other marketing nameplates have sold more units, but these nameplates were not the same vehicle in different geographies, nor did they retain as much consistency in core design as the classic Beetle.

Thursday, November 21, 2019

Managing People 2 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Managing People 2 - Essay Example In addition, flexible working reduces stress level, which increases the productivity of an employee. Many companies big and small are also increasingly adopting flexible working schedules. This is because research has showed that flexible working increases workers productivity thus revenue. Therefore, since the main aim of a company is to increase productivity of workers so as to generate high profits, none would want to be left behind. In this regard, Regus (2012, p.3) reveals that about 80% of small companies report working more flexibly than before. At the same time, Regus (2012, p.3) found out that 68% of large businesses today provide flexible working to their employees. It was also found out that about 72% of international businesses reported having realized increased productivity as a result of flexible working. However, in all cases, Ragus (2012, p.3) reveals that about 68% of businesses reported that flexible working has increased staff productivity. About 63% of companies s urveyed indicated that flexible working increased their workers energy and motivation level pointing that flexible working is principal talent-retention technique. Research also indicates that about 51% of companies intend to employee more freelancers in the future (Ragus 2012, p.3). At the same time, about 80% of companies interviewed believe that there is a likelihood of an increase in the number of employees willing to work part-time, which points at an increasing demand for an environment that allows for flexible working. There are a number of companies in the U.K. that have embraced flexible working practices. BT (formerly British Telecommunications) is one such company in London that provides flexible working environment. BT is one of the largest Information technology and telecommunication companies in the U.K. Since the U.K. government legislated a law to improve flexible working, BT has embraced the practice in totality. The flexible working of BT is based on a number of pr inciples regarding service delivery, recruitment, and motivation. BT acknowledges the fact that many workers have the responsibility of taking care of others such as the elderly, children, the disabled, and the sick. The company also recognizes the fact that, with UK’s aging population, such demand is likely to increase, which will also increase competition for workers throughout the U.K. As a result, many candidates will likely be looking at what employers offering terms of flexible working in deciding on the company to work for (Eurofound 2009). As a result, BT has introduced a number of flexible working practices, which includes compressed time, job-sharing, accrual hours, annualized hours, flexitime, limited working, time out, teleworking and freedom to work. BT reports having reaped a lot of benefits from such a working practice. In this regard, BT reports that flexibility has increased the motivation level of its employees, which has in turn increased their productivity . As a result, the company has been able to register increased profits than ever before (Eurofound 2009). British American Tobacco (BAT) is also another big company in the U.K. that provides flexibility of work. In this regard, BAT allows for part-time and flexible working hours for its employees. Like, BT, Bat also provide leave for its workers to enable them attend to other

Wednesday, November 20, 2019

Jacksonian era Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Jacksonian era - Essay Example Worldwide, this time was a fairly peaceful one, taking into account various national movements and smaller wars; however, in 1848 there were mass revolutions of the lower classes in Europe. This key event had global implications which were played out over the next few decades, and vastly changed the nature of history after the Jacksonian era. What historical evidence was used by the author, Robert Remini, to write this book, and was the historical evidence accurate? The historical evidence on which this book is based is a large collection of secondary source material. Remini used a large number of texts in researching for this book – forty-three, to be precise – but it is difficult to ignore the fact that none of these appear to be primary sources. History is a field where interpretation of sources is key, and it is slightly worrying that the author would have only focused his interpretation on other interpretations rather than on any original source material. Any perso nal flaws and biases have been magnified in Remini's analysis of purely secondary sources. That said, the wide range of sources is somewhat reassuring, and without reading all forty-three books, it can only be hoped that his biases allowed him to take an accurate and fairly un-prejudiced view. How did slavery and Indian removal affect the United States during the Jacksonian era? Before Jackson's ascent to the presidency, slavery in the United States had started to come to its end. In 1822 a small group of black slaves revolted, causing the deaths and banishment of at least 72 slaves. Throughout the Jacksonian era, slave-owners â€Å"dreaded† (Remini, 59) the eventual uprising of their slaves, and an 1831 rebellion fuelled these flames. The Nat Turner Rebellion involved the murder of roughly sixty white people, but, Remini argues, had less of an influence on abolition than the example of other countries and states at the same time. The slow emancipation of the slaves caused mu ch cultural discourse, some of it constructive, some of it less so – â€Å"race riots became a regular occurrence in Jacksonian America† (61), even reaching Washington D.C. in 1835. It was feared that the abolition of slavery would shatter the Union, and indeed there was almost civil war over a slavery-related issue in the early 1830s, with threats of secession coming from several states. Ultimately the slavery issue did cause civil war, creating a stronger and more equal United States. Although the book calls it 'Indian removal', a less racist and euphemistic term would be Native American banishment or deportation. Like slavery, the banishment of Native Americans from their homes was a way in which the white leaders of society prioritized their own desires above the needs of others, to the detriment of North American society. Jackson â€Å"demanded† (46) that Native Americans concede their land to him. In 1830, a Removal Act was passed, in which Native American s were guaranteed land in the west, and transportation thereto, if they would give up their land in the east; the Cherokee tribe refused and took the matter to the Supreme Court, arguing that they were not subject to state laws. The ruling, that they were neither subject to state laws nor independent, set a dangerous precedent as Native Americans as â€Å"domestic dependents† (47). Again, like slavery, states and races were divided along fault-lines, with radicals on each side respectively supporting Native American protection or

Monday, November 18, 2019

Wall-E Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Wall-E - Essay Example As far as humans are concerned, they left the earth many hundred years ago and exist in human spaceship sitting on floating chairs and talking to each other through videophones without any curiosity of passing time. The movie shows the love relationship between Wall-E and EVE and their love affair is similar to human beings. With their love relationship, they enable the human beings to return to earth, as it is their joint effort to let the captain of the spaceship and others to witness a sprouting plant showing the sign of life on earth. Wall-E considers himself incomplete without EVE and understands about his power and ability to exist and help others based on his love relationship. The movie has very less dialogues, but the characters give the message through portrayal of emotions and feelings through facial expressions. Even robots are successful in delivering their motives through their facial expressions. Wall-E works continuously and because of working for so long, he considers himself lonely and friendless. He befriends an insect initially and later on, when EVE comes, he starts chasing her and shows his love for her. He finds EVE quite changed and different as compared to himself. Wall-E seems as a human character showing all the traits of human beings, for example, he needs friends, he regards himself lonely, he gets tired, he loves EVE, he loves watching the movie, â€Å"Hello Dolly† and he has a personality. Likewise, the character of EVE also shows human emotions, feelings and a personality. With his relationship with EVE, Wall-E knows about his strength of exercising his free will. Previously, he used to work endlessly for removing the trash, but he rejects the very duty of clearing the trash and moves with EVE to the spaceship. After reaching the spaceship, Wall-E enables EVE to reach the spaceship captain to deliver the plant, which is indicative of life on earth. In their attempt to reach to the captain, EVE

Friday, November 15, 2019

The Case Of Gondar City Administration Tourism Essay

The Case Of Gondar City Administration Tourism Essay With its historic heritage, cultural diversity, and urban vitality, Istanbul has significant potential upon which creativity and cultural industries could flourish. This paper examines the current structure of three cultural industries in Istanbul from a spatial perspective. These sectors are arts and culture festivals, the film industry, and the fashion design industry. This study attempts to define and measure cultural industries in Gondar city. It starts with a discussion of the definition and delineation of the term cultural industries, arguing that a large range of goods services can be considered culture industry products that it is important to place the production and exchange of such products in the context of an industrial systems approach. The concept is then operationalized using the city data on employment and the activity of firms. The aim of this paper is to assess and analyze the provision of cultural industries and its contribution to the Gondar city administration economy in terms of employment. The main focus of the study is cultural industries especially performing art activities in the town. To this result, the practice of cultural industries, stakeholders participation, the existing rules and regulation will be examined. While a variety of definitions of the term cultural industries have been suggested, this paper will use the definition suggested by UNESCO (see www.unesco.org) is based on the notion that cultural industries add value to contents and generate values for individuals and societies. They are knowledge and labor intensive, create employment and wealth, nurture creativity-the raw material they are made from-,and foster innovation in production and commercialization processes. At the same time, cultural industries are central in promoting and maintaining cultural diversity and in ensuring democratic access to culture. This twofold nature-both cultural and economic-builds up a distinctive profile for cultural industries. The main questions/issues addressed in this paper are: What is the existing condition of cultural industries in Gondar town ? What are the contribution of cultural industries on the economy in terms of employment? What are the needs and threats of cultural practitioners? What are the challenges of the municipality in the provision and management of cultural industries? What solutions are needed? What options exist for cultural industries provision and management? To attain this, descriptive survey research method will be working based upon primary and secondary data gathering and interviews with stakeholders and responsible government officials. Finally, the study is believed to be a new input, since there has been no research on this area especially for this city. Acronyms UNESCO US UK TV Statement of the problem There is debate about how to define corruption; thus, it is important to define it thoroughly from the outset to determine what use the definitions play in our understanding of the phenomenon. In the new global economy, X has become a central issue for In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in This paper will focus on/examine/give an account of This paper seeks to address the following questions: This essay critically examines/discusses/traces The purpose of this paper is to review recent research into the This paper will review the research conducted on In this paper I argue that.. This chapter reviews the literature concerning the usefulness of using The aim of this paper is to determine/examine The aim of this study was to evaluate and validate Defining or establishing what keywords mean in your work: While a variety of definitions of the term X have been suggested, this paper w definition first suggested by Smith (1968) who saw it as. Throughout this paper the term X will refer to/will be used to refer to. In this article the acronym/abbreviation XYZ will be used. .; to identify the current challenges and opportunities of cultural industries, and to assess the existing rules, laws and regulation of cultural industries; and also to recommend necessary policy intervention measures that could be helpful for this areas. CHAPTER ONE Introduction Background of the Study In recent years, there has been an increasing interest in the place of culture in the economy. In recent years government and regional authorities in the Ethiopia countries have begun to take seriously the idea of cultural activities being crucial components of their economies in need of industrial support and development. The role of culture in the functioning and development of Ethiopian economies has become an increasingly popular topic for both researchers and policymakers alike. In particular, there has been a growing awareness in recent years that cultural industries such as film, music and the media are increasingly important and vibrant parts of many countries economiesà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦../unpublished/ This paper argues that cultural industries sector is an area of the global economy where SIDS enjoy some comparative advantage in production and where there is a window of opportunity given the rise of the digital economy and the increasing commercialization of the arts. The view is that cultural industries may offer more sustainable development options since they draw on the creativity and enterprise of local artists and communities. It is also argued that the cultural industries play a dual role in that it is an economic sector with growth potential and an arena for identity formation. The paper identifies ways in which SIDS can benefit from the increased commercialization of the arts and cultural industries. The paper will also outline the main challenges and opportunities for SIDS in the global cultural economy as well as give broad recommendations by drawing on the experience of the Caribbean. The term cultural industries encompasses a wide variety of co modified activities, including the mass media, film, art, design, music and architecture. There effects are important to national economies in terms of their impacts on trade, employment levels (Casey, Dunlop, and Selwood 1996: European commission 1999: Europian union 2000: Greffe 1997: Pratt 1997b) industrial ownership and investment patterns of consumption. This study starts by discussing some of the definitional problems that characterize research on cultural industries. Using a broad definition of cultural industries understood as an industrial or production system (pratt 1997b), I then analyze stastical data on the levels of employment and the activity of firms in Gondar cultural industries b/n 1994 and 1995. This study investigates cultural industries as both a concept and reality in the context of Gondar. I show that although cultural industries are not the most important economic activities in the Gondar economy, they represent a significant and fast growing area with some distinctive characteristics. Globalization bring modernization. Modernization has positive and negative impact. One of its negative impact have a tendency to destroy local creativity and dominated local peoples to foreign culture and attitude. Local cultural goods if properly packaged and marketed could play an important role in economic system. Many aspects of culture, particularly in the area of dance, music and arts have influenced active industries around the world. But the ability to package cultural activities into marketable goods that can penetrate global markets is a big challenges for countries. Even local markets have not been fully exploited. A major challenges has been the ability to mobilize the creativity of people and exploit them for growth and development. Ethiopia recognizes the role of culture and tourism in development and has national policies on culture and tourism which aims at promoting cultural activities. What the reforms have failed to do is to effectively link culture with business so as to build a sustainable industry. The objective of this paper is focusing on the trends and issues of cultural industries in Gondr city administration. After introducing some concepts about the study area, the paper reviewed different literatures concerning the issue understudy. The research methodology that the paper adopted is also included. In addition to this data presentation and analysis is part of this paper. Finally the researcher winds the paper up by concluding the whole parts of it and giving possible recommendation for the gaps which are researched. 1.2 Statements of problem Ethiopia has her own culture and identity. This culture and identity face a big challenge due to globalization. Local creativity has definitely been minimized by the nature of technological changes and the structural shift in economies, particularly in most productive activities. To be competitive in a globalizing world Ethiopia must promote her cultural economy. This is also true to Gondar city administration. This is still very weak despite the enormous resources available in the country as well as the city. There is a need to assess the value of the arts and culture in the economy. We have to know what the sector looks like and what products and services are involved. Who are the stakeholders in the sector and also what are the elements of the cultural economy in the city are one focus of this studies. Besides what are the challenges to the cultural economy and what is the marketing structure of the sector also other concern areas. 1.3 Objectives of the Study 1.3.1 General Objective The general objective of the study is to assess and analyze the provision of cultural industries and its role for employment opportunities in Gondar city administration . 1.3.2 Specific Objectives Describe cultural industries role for employment opportunities in Gondar city administration . Identify the existing conditions of cultural industries in the Gondar city administration . Describe the current challenges and opportunities of cultural industries in the Gondar city administration . Assess the rules, laws and regulation of cultural industries in the Gondar city administration . Recommend necessary policy intervention measures that could be helpful for Gondar city administration and other similar areas. 1.4 Research Questions What is the existing condition of cultural industries in Gondar town ? What are the impacts of cultural industries on the economy? What are the needs and threats of cultural practitioners? What are the challenges of the municipality in the provision and management of cultural industries? What solutions are needed? What options exist for cultural industries provision and management? 1.5. Significance of the Study The study will enables the researcher to have introduce overview of the existing situations of cultural industries for comprehensive understanding. The study will have a contribution to the community, private investor, local authorities and planners to give proper attention for the multifunction and benefits of cultural industries. It can also some policy indications that are helpful for municipal government and planner to consider as part of their overall town planning ingredients. It will also fill the knowledge gap that exist because there is no study on cultural industries in Gondar. Furthermore, this study serves as a reference for other researchers who are interested in conducting studies on this issue. 1.6. Scope of the Study The study is delimited spatially in the Gondar city administration which is found in the Amhara regional state. The key concerns of the study is examining the status of cultural industries and explaining factors that challenge for the provision of the issue. Besides the impact of cultural industries on the economy of the town is discussed in this paper. Furthermore, based on the indications and results of the study feasible strategies will be recommended to resolve the problem. 1.7 Description of the study area Gondar city administration is a city in Amhara national regional state of Ethiopia. And located on the Southern shore of Lake Tana and the source of the Blue Nile (Abay) river. The city is sited 567km north-west of Addis Ababa along Addis Ababa- Dejen- Debremarkos-Bure road and 465km Addis Ababa-Dejen-Motta road. Gondar city administration currently structured as a metropolitan city including 9 city kebles, 4 adjacent rural kebeles and 3 satellite towns(Meshenti, Zeghie and Tis Abay). The city has a latitude and longitude of 110 38 N and 370 15 E and an elevation of 1840m above sea-level (BDIDP, 2006). Its location at this spot favors the city with many and multifaceted opportunities like water resource (Lake and River), suitable topography, favorable climate to live. Based on figures issued by the central statistical agency in 2007, the city has an estimated total population of 230,344 of whom 107,578 males and 112,766 females (CSA, 2007). CHAPTER TWO 2. Literature Review culture is different from society to society. Even though, cultural activities vary from society to society, they have the same economic impact. So that, in this part the paper tries to utilize different literatures, which are very relevant for the study like the existing situations, socio-economic benefits, challenges and opportunities and policies and strategies related to art, culture and cultural industries extensively by reviewing from the works of different authors. 2.1 Theoretical and conceptual Frame work 2.1.1 The concept of cultural industries The term cultural or creative industries describes the economic activities of artists, arts enterprises and cultural entrepreneurs, for-profit as well as not-for-profit, in the production, distribution and consumption of film, television, literature, music, theatre, dance, visual arts, masquerade, broadcasting, multimedia, animation, fashion and so on. The sector is not just a commercial arena, it is a symbolic and social space where spiritual values, psychic meaning and bodily pleasures are displayed, enacted and represented. From this perspective the cultural/creative industries play a dual role: they are an important area for investment in the new knowledge economy and a means of bolstering spiritual values and cultural identity. This is why UNESCO recommends that countries should maximize potential economic contribution as well as facilitate national, regional and world dissemination of endogenous cultural creativity. /www.caricomorg/index.php?options=com-docmantask/ For the purpose of this study we use the term cultural industries to describe the activities of cultural entrepreneurs and arts enterprises, for-profit as well as not-for-profit in the production, distribution and consumption of film, television, books, music, theatre, dance, visual arts, multimedia, animation, fashion and so on. The concept of cultural industries comprises all enterprises and self-employed persons whose economic activities focus on the production, dissemination and intermediation of artistic and cultural products or services. In other words: all subsectors and market segments that are related to culture in a wide sense, e.g. music industry, publishing industry, arts, film industry etc. This embraces individual artistic ideas or original works of art, products of the applied arts, the trade of art works and products of popular culture, even the dissemination of cultural goods and services through the mass media. /www.unesco.de/fileadmin//culture_and_creative_industries.pdf/ In terms of industry definition, the cultural goods and services involve creativity in their production, embody some degree of intellectual property and convey symbolic meaning. (David Throsby,2001) Cultural products are goods and services that include the arts (performing arts, visual arts, architecture), heritage conservation (museums, galleries, libraries), the cultural industries (written media, broadcasting, film, recording), and festivals. UNESCO has declared that these products are not like other forms of merchandise.( publications.gc.ca/collections) The production, distribution, exhibition and preservation of cultural products can be a source of inspiration and creativity for cultural industries, generating considerable income and employment fuelled by the growing demand for cultural goods and services in an expanding marketplace. Many businesses today, small, medium and large, create wealth using the forms and materials of traditional cultures. Local cooperatives have been formed in some countries to produce and market handmade crafts, textiles that employ traditional designs, audio recordings of traditional music, pharmaceuticals that use indigenous knowledge of healing plants. Trade in cultural products can contribute to the quality of life in the places they are produced, and can enhance the image and prestige of the local area. Some cultural products can also play an important role in community food security, nutrition and health. Their benefits are relatively more important for poorer households, women and disadvantaged groups. Sadly, the commercialization of cultural products has often not benefited the countries of origin, particularly in the fields of music, film, video production, visual arts, crafts and performing arts and dance. And despite their economic potential, most cultural products are hardly researched and rarely feature in national economic statistics. / www.thecommonwealth.org/ 2.1.2 Creative Industries and Development Globally, creative industries are estimated to account for more than 7 per cent of the worlds gross domestic product and are forecast to grow, on average, by 10 per cent a year. While the economic and employment-generating potential of these industries is vast and many developing and transition countries have great potential in this area, most are still marginal players, despite their rich cultural heritage and an inexhaustible pool of talent. That position reflects a combination of domestic policy weaknesses and global systemic biases. Ongoing research has emphasized the potential of these industries in developing countries. Creativity, more than labour and capital, or even traditional technologies, is deeply embedded in every countrys cultural context. Excellence in artistic expression, abundance of talent, and openness to new influences and experimentation are not the privilege of rich countries. With effective nurturing, these sources of creativity can open up new opportunities f or developing countries to increase their shares of world trade and to leap-frog into new areas of wealth creation. (unctad.org/en/docs/tdxibpd13_en.pdf) 2.1.3 cultural industries in urban regeneration and regional growth Throsby noted that the importance of the arts in the economic life of the city and as a means for urban regeneration was first recognized several decades ago. More recently, interest has widened to embrace broader issue of the urban cultural fabric, community values and the prospects for re-thinking urban design along environmentally and culturally sensitive lines. Culture is importantly implicated in the process of urban development. At least four non-mutually-exclusive roles for culture in the life of cities can be observed. First, a specific cultural facility may comprise on its own a significant cultural symbol or attraction affecting the urban economy. Second, a cultural district may act as a node for development in the local area. Third, the cultural industries, especially the performing arts, may constitute a vital component of a citys economy. Fourth, culture may have a more pervasive role in urban development through the fostering of community identity, creativity, cohesion and vitality, via the cultural characteristics and practices which define the city and its inhabitants. (Throsby 2001, p.124) With in this context the concept of cultural capital is a useful way of depicting the place of culture in the urban setting. Heritage buildings, cultural institutions, facilities such as theatres, concert halls, crafts workshops, artists studios and so on can all be seen as capital assets, and the People who produce cultural goods and services in these facilities-actors, musicians, craftspeople, writers, technicians, designers, administrators and many others- all contribute to the generation of economic and cultural value over time. (Throsby 2001, p.126) 2.1.4 cultural industries/economy in Ethiopia Ethiopia is an ancient country with a rich cultural heritage which includes both tangible and non tangible assets, centuries old handicraft production, an exceptional variety of ceremonies, festivals, celebrations and rituals, as well as eight cultural and natural heritage sites registered on the on UNESCOs World Heritage list. Given its rich cultural heritage and having emerged as the most stable country in the Horn of Africa, Ethiopias potential for economic growth through tourism is highly underutilized. The abundant supply of labor is a potential resource for development with little requirement for investment, in particular in regards to handicrafts and other arts that require intensive manual labor. The government has expressed its desire to improve management of the major cultural sites and the promotion of Tourism as a source of income and sustainable development. Centuries old local industries are at risk by the lack of cultural status assigned to bearers of cultural traditions within society, as well as traditionally low prices, which translate into low incentives to learn the trade, putting at risk the national cultural heritage. Population pressures together with environmental degradation, poverty and global warming endanger Ethiopias natural and cultural heritage. Indigenous knowledge and practi ces need to be safeguarded from globalization. History of cultural homogenization, together with a pressure for modernization, have undermined the value of cultural diversity. /www.mdgfund.org/ In spite of existing legal instruments, such as the recently enacted intellectual property laws can create and enabling environment, Ethiopia does not have a policy framework to guide the development of the cultural industry, and its instruments do not yet incorporate indigenous knowledge and natural heritage management traditions. The lack of comprehensive laws and policies, as well as poor enforcement and implementation of existing policies and regulatory frameworks, in part due to lack of capacity and public awareness, has resulted in a poor institutional framework. Although most products are original and functional, there is no standardization, which would allow them to compete in the international market. Additionally, there are no market linkages between producers and traders, with agents retaining a good share of the profit. Further to income loss this translates into low specialization and the inability to respond to market demand. Poor coordination leads to lack of integrati on and synergies, while efforts of stakeholders become fragmented and possibly duplicated. /www.mdgfund.org/ 2.1.5 challenges and opportunities of cultural industries The challenges facing the creative industries are different from those posed to the traditional goods sector. Firstly, intellectual property protection and commercialization is a top priority. The creative industries cannot survive in the marketplace without adequate protection from copyright infringement. Without such protection cultural entrepreneurs would be at the mercy of piracy, bootlegging, counterfeiting and other forms of infringement such as unlicensed broadcasting. Secondly, research and development must be placed higher on the agenda. In the cultural industries research and development means investment in human and creative capital. This is a critical area as the cultural industries start with creativity and it accounts for a large share of investment in the sector. Lastly, marketing and branding are crucial because audience loyalty is difficult to build and predict. With the rise of the digital and Internet economy there is a tendency to underestimate the level of the challenge of introducing new and alternative genres into the world market for creative goods and services. Ultimately, the issue that arises for developing country regions is whether they will be able to develop the expertise along with the distribution infrastructure and marketing savvy to tap into the growth potential of the rising creative sector. One of the main challenges in penetrating the international market is that of introducing new and alternative art forms and genres in global, regional and national markets that are increasingly saturated with content from the main cultural exporters (e.g. the US, UK and India). Participating in these markets is not just a matter of building competitiveness it also calls for changing consumer tastes and lifestyles, which is requires heavy, capital-intensive marketing and alliances with global firms. The countries of the region are also faced with a number of challenges that are associated with small and peripheral economies such as weak management and inadequate information systems, shortage of skilled personnel, low levels of training, poor manufacturing and service facilities, uncompetitive packaging and branding, weak marketing and distribution channels, high levels of copyright infringement and piracy and weak rights management and royalties collections. There also tends to be an historical, institutional and commercial bias against indigenous content in the home market that marginalizes and limits local entrepreneurship, investment and market development. The key opportunities relate to changes like rising domestic cultural content in developing countries, the growth of Diaspora markets and networks, the increasing interest in authenticity and indigenous culture in the tourism industry, cost reductions in new digital technologies, the growth of global media (e.g. cable TV, satellite radio, Internet), and the emergence of Internet marketing and broadcasting. In this context existing strategies for ensuring competitiveness and sustainable development are inadequate. It is against this backdrop that recommendations for developing the potential of the cultural industries through the application of industrial, trade and innovation policies must be made. /www.caricomorg/index.php?options=com-docmantask/ Chapter -3 3. Research Design and Methodology 3.1. Research design To make the data valid and up to date and to arrive at reliable findings, the researcher applying the field and desk surveying method and then collects various types of data related to the study under consideration. Review of available literature and documents, collection and analysis of both primary and secondary data will be carried out. Interviews and discussions with relevant officials of the government and stakeholders will be also held. Relevant documents, journals, reports, books, newspapers, project reports, etc used as a source of information. 3. 1. 1 The types of research The study categorizes descriptive types of research and will carry out by quantitative research that can produce quantifiable numerical data. 3.1.2. Source of the data The researcher used both primary and secondary source of data to gather accurate and reliable information. 3.1.3. Data collection techniques To gather the reliable information, the researcher will use the following data instruments. Those are: Questionnaire, Interview, and Field observation. 3.1.4. Sampling Design The researcher distributes the Questionnaire for the stakeholders who are dwellers of the town and practice on cultural activities. The sample size will decide after actual observation done on cultural activities practitioners. 3.1.5. Sampling Technique: The researcher use both probability and non-probability sampling technique in collecting the information. From non-probability sampling the researcher use purposive (judgmental sampling). He uses his judgment to choose or pick only those who best meet the purpose of the study. From the probability sampling the researcher use stratified random sampling method to make the inclusive and to get data from different subject population 3.1.6 Limitation of the study Financial and time constraints will be the main challenges of this research study. Moreover, during the time of data collection, the study may face different problems such as unwillingness of the respondents and informants. Finally, the study will be challenged by lack of organized data which are relevant to the study. 4. CONCLUSION Misunderstanding of the impact of cultural industries on the economy system will be a challenge in Sub-Saharan African countries including Ethiopia even though the level and impact of cultural industries in creation of job vary from city to city. Hence, the general objective of the study will be to assess and analyze the impact of cultural industries on Gondar city administration economy, and to come up with possible solution to improve the existing problems. To substantiate the study, cultural industries related literatures are reviewed. To conduct the study both primary and secondary data will be obtained and analyzed. The primary data will be collected through questionnaires and structured interview and the collected data will be analyzed using descriptive methods of data analysis and will be presented with the help of tables graphs, figures and charts. Finally, based on the findings, possible recommendations will be drawn to improve the role of cultural industries on the economy of Gondar city administration city.

Wednesday, November 13, 2019

Symbolism in Farenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury Essay -- Farenheight 451

Symbolism in Farenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury is a futuristic novel, taking the reader to a time where books and thinking are outlawed. In a time so dreadful where those who want to better themselves by thinking, and by reading are outlaws as well. Books and ideas are burned, books are burned physically, whereas ideas are burned from the mind. Bradbury uses literary devices, such as symbolism, but it is the idea he wants to convey that makes this novel so devastating. Bradbury warns us of what may happen if we stop expressing our ideas, and we let people take away our books, and thoughts. Bradbury notices what has been going on in the world, with regards to censorship, and McCarthyism in America. That is what he is speaking out against. Bradbury's use of symbolism throughout the novel makes the book moving and powerful by using symbolism to reinforce the ideas of anti-censorship. The Hearth and the Salamander, the title of part one, is the first example of symbolism. The title suggests two things having to do with fire, the hearth is a source of warmth and goodness, showing the positive, non-destructive side of fire. Whereas a salamander is a small lizard-like amphibian, and also in mythology, is known to endure fire without getting burnt by it. Perhaps the salamander is symbolic of Guy Montag, who is being described as a salamander because he works with fire, and endures it, but believes that he can escape the fire and survive, much like a salamander does. On the other hand, it is ironic that Guy, and the other firemen believe themselves to be salamanders because both Capt. Beatty's and Montag's destruction comes from the all mighty flame, from which they thought they were invincible. The symbol of a Phoenix is used throughout the novel. This quote accurately describes the Phoenix, "It is known to be a mythical multi-colored bird of Arabia, with a long history of artistic and literary symbolism, the Phoenix is one of a kind. At the end of its five-hundred-year existence, it perches on its nest of spices and sings until sunlight ignites the masses. After the body is consumed in flames, a worm emerges and develops into the next Phoenix.". The Phoenix symbolizes the rebirth after destruction by fire, only to get burnt, and be destroyed again. Firemen wear the Phoenix on their uniforms, and Capt. Beatty symbolically ... ... was the Nazi book burning that took place after Hitler came to power. These burings took place to eliminate Jewish and outside ingluence on the Aryans, which is precisely what Bradbury demonstrates in this extraordinary piece of literature. Now to the probability portion of my statement, with the censorship by various parties, political and otherwise it is not unlikely that such a catasrophy could happen again, although it could come in the form of simply choking off the undesireable ideas. Symbolism added to the power and overall affect behind this book. The symbols were usually descriptive of something or somebody, such as the Phoenix, and the salamander. Whereas destruction and fire came to be a symbol in the eyes of the reader throughout the novel. Perhaps this novel, written in the early 1950's, spoke out against the future, and spoke out against censorship, but one thing is for sure, we must always attempt to better ourselves with knowledge, and always form our own ideas. If we do, then we will have gotten the message of Ray Bradbury. "There is no knowledge that is not power... And all our lives we must search for power, and in that search, we gain knowledge."(Anonymous) Symbolism in Farenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury Essay -- Farenheight 451 Symbolism in Farenheight 451 by Ray Bradbury Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury is a futuristic novel, taking the reader to a time where books and thinking are outlawed. In a time so dreadful where those who want to better themselves by thinking, and by reading are outlaws as well. Books and ideas are burned, books are burned physically, whereas ideas are burned from the mind. Bradbury uses literary devices, such as symbolism, but it is the idea he wants to convey that makes this novel so devastating. Bradbury warns us of what may happen if we stop expressing our ideas, and we let people take away our books, and thoughts. Bradbury notices what has been going on in the world, with regards to censorship, and McCarthyism in America. That is what he is speaking out against. Bradbury's use of symbolism throughout the novel makes the book moving and powerful by using symbolism to reinforce the ideas of anti-censorship. The Hearth and the Salamander, the title of part one, is the first example of symbolism. The title suggests two things having to do with fire, the hearth is a source of warmth and goodness, showing the positive, non-destructive side of fire. Whereas a salamander is a small lizard-like amphibian, and also in mythology, is known to endure fire without getting burnt by it. Perhaps the salamander is symbolic of Guy Montag, who is being described as a salamander because he works with fire, and endures it, but believes that he can escape the fire and survive, much like a salamander does. On the other hand, it is ironic that Guy, and the other firemen believe themselves to be salamanders because both Capt. Beatty's and Montag's destruction comes from the all mighty flame, from which they thought they were invincible. The symbol of a Phoenix is used throughout the novel. This quote accurately describes the Phoenix, "It is known to be a mythical multi-colored bird of Arabia, with a long history of artistic and literary symbolism, the Phoenix is one of a kind. At the end of its five-hundred-year existence, it perches on its nest of spices and sings until sunlight ignites the masses. After the body is consumed in flames, a worm emerges and develops into the next Phoenix.". The Phoenix symbolizes the rebirth after destruction by fire, only to get burnt, and be destroyed again. Firemen wear the Phoenix on their uniforms, and Capt. Beatty symbolically ... ... was the Nazi book burning that took place after Hitler came to power. These burings took place to eliminate Jewish and outside ingluence on the Aryans, which is precisely what Bradbury demonstrates in this extraordinary piece of literature. Now to the probability portion of my statement, with the censorship by various parties, political and otherwise it is not unlikely that such a catasrophy could happen again, although it could come in the form of simply choking off the undesireable ideas. Symbolism added to the power and overall affect behind this book. The symbols were usually descriptive of something or somebody, such as the Phoenix, and the salamander. Whereas destruction and fire came to be a symbol in the eyes of the reader throughout the novel. Perhaps this novel, written in the early 1950's, spoke out against the future, and spoke out against censorship, but one thing is for sure, we must always attempt to better ourselves with knowledge, and always form our own ideas. If we do, then we will have gotten the message of Ray Bradbury. "There is no knowledge that is not power... And all our lives we must search for power, and in that search, we gain knowledge."(Anonymous)