National Achievement Test Essay Example for Free

National Achievement Test EssayThis study tried to analyze the maths transaction of the endorse year high school students of Hermano Miguel Integrated School as revealed in the National Achievement Test (NAT). The relationship between the achievement in Mathematics and their profile was too de edgeined. The results were utilized in developing and evaluating the proposed expanded remediation module. What is the profile of the students as regards succession and gender? Gender. In terms of age, it atomic number 50 be depictn from table 1 that out of 37 hour year high school students used in the study, nine or 24. 32 pct ar males and 28 or 75. 8 percent be females.It goat be deduce that majority of the students are females. It whitethorn also be inferred that thither is one male student for every 3 females as the males represents almost 1/3 of the population. Age. As can be viewed in table 2, in that location are 21 or 56. 76 percent who are 13 years old while 15 or 40. 54 percent are 14 years old. The mean age is 13. 38. this implies that generally, the students are in the normal age range of a second year high school student. How did the second year high school students perform in the National Achievement Test (NAT) in Mathematics?The National Achievement Test (NAT) is an examination presumption by the Department of Education to all second year high school students in the country. For school year 2009-2010, it was given last March 2010. In Hermano Miguel Integrated School. on that point were 37 all in all who in additionk the state achievement test in Mathematics. Mathematics is divided into seven topics or expanses. There are seven levels of superordinatey based on the raw scores that were set by the Department of Education. Performance as Regards Systems of Linear Equations and Inequalities. Most of the students numbering to 17 or 45. 5 percent had first-class honours degree instruction while two of them were described to shit abrupt ly no controller of the Linear Equations and Inequalities. exactly 13 or 35. 14 percent scored 35 65 having received average mortifyy level. The mean score of the students in this area is 30. 22 equivalents to low mastery level. These data persist to show that generally, the students failed to master the necessary skills in resoluteness linear equations and inequalities. When interviewed, the students said that they rattlingly have difficulties in understanding this particular lesson especially inequalities where symbols often time confuse them.They also could non formulate accurately the required equations to the given word problems. The teachers also said that there are times when the students can solve equations but when a word problem is given, they could not make the appropriate equations. Performance as Regards Systems of Quadratic Equations. The students have low master in quadratic equations. This is revealed by the mean score of 33. 62. This means that the students h ave difficulties understanding this particular topic in MathematicsII. Analyzing further the result allow for reveal that three or 8. 1 percent have some understanding of this topic as they were described to be moving towards mastery. However, three of them were constitute to be absolutely no knowledge of quadratic equations. Most of the students obtained scores between 35 65 which indicates that they have average mastery. This means that some of them may have the ability to cope up with the lesson on quadratic equations. Performance as Regards Systems of Rational Algebraic Expressions. The students got a mean of 29. 73 in the area of Rational Algebraic Expressions. This indicates that generally they are of low mastery.This implies that the students could not understand well the lesson on rational algebraic expressions which is quite difficult since it involves letters that tend to be abstract to the students. More than half of the students or 51. 35 percent have low mastery lev el while three of them are tout ensemble ignorant of the topic since they scored only 0-4 equivalent to absolutely no mastery.Apparently, the students failed to master the skills in simplifying rational algebraic equations, performing operations on rational algebraic expressions, solving rational expressions and in solving problems involving ational algebraic expressions. As the students said, they are confused when symbols and not numbers are involved in the equation. Some of them believed that Algebra is too abstract. This is a challenge to the teachers to make problems real life so that the students could relate with it and see its importance to their life. With this, the students may become interested to learn Algebra. Performance as Regards Variations. It can be observed that the students are generally average learners in this topic as their scores fall in the average mastery level.This implies that a lot of them could understand the lesson on variations. It may also be inferr ed that they have averagely developed the competency on identifying relationship between two quantities in real life that are direct, direct square, inverse and joint represent the relationship as equations that varies directly as the square of a given value and solving problems on variations direct, and inverse. It reveals that 16 or 43. 24 percent have average mastery of this topic while no one was demonstrate to have absolutely no knowledge of variations.The low score was between 5 14 which means very low mastery. Performance as Regards Integral Exponents. It is revealed also in this particular lesson the students mean score is 23. 49 which indicates that they have low master of integral exponents. This may mean that generally, the students could not perform well the operations of exponential expressions where the exponents are whole numbers and fractions that may be positive or negative. The students said that they could hardly understand integral exponents especially when i t is applied in a word problem.There are 16 or 43. 24 percent who showed, low mastery while 13 or 35. 14 percent were found to be possessing absolutely no mastery as their scores fall between 0 4. On the new(prenominal) hand, two of them or 5. 41 percent are moving towards mastery as their scores belonged to 66 85 bracket. As displayed in the table, the average score is 19. 80 implying that generally the students showed low mastery of this lesson. More than majority (62. 16 percent) exhibited low mastery with six of them or 16. 22 percent showing absolutely no mastery.It may be inferred that the students are likely to fail in the test on radical expressions as they claimed that they tend to be confused when numbers and letters are involved in the equation. Some of them admitted that they do not favor much Mathematics especially Algebra that emerges to be so abstract to them. Impliedly the students have not mastered fully the competencies on simplifying radical expressions, perfo rm operations on radical expressions and solving radical equations that were tested in the National Achievement Test.Performance as Regards Searching for Patterns and Sequences. It can be seen in table 9 that the mean score of the students in this lesson or topic is 30. 30 that is tantamount to low mastery level. This implies that generally, the students have not developed the skills required in searching for patterns and sequences. The table also reveals that most of them showed average mastery and low mastery but one of them has absolutely no knowledge on how to solve a problem where patterns and sequences have to be identified.This may mean that the students failed to master the skills on finding the common differences and the nth term arithmetic geometry and in solving arithmetic and geometric problems. Comparison of Students Performance in the Areas of Mathematics 2. Table 10 presents that the students are generally of low mastery level in Mathematics as their over-all mean is 29. 88. This means that out of 100 items in the test, the students could only get almost 30 correct answers. This also implies that most of the students find it difficult to understand Algebra.This gives the teachers some challenges to make the eruditeness of Algebra enjoyable by applying it to real life situations so that it will not appear to be too abstract to the learners. According to the recent Basic Education Review prepared by the Department of Education, the mean percentage scores revealed in the National Achievement Test from School year 2004-2008 is 59. 53% and the weakest among the five core subjects taken in the tests was Mathematics, with a 4-year average of 52. 59% (DepEd, 2009). Looking tight at the table, it can be observed that the students scored highest on the topic on Variations.This is the only topic where students may find it understandable to them as they were found to have average mastery level. On the other hand, they were found to be of low mastery level in all the other six areas of Mathematics 2. They scored lowest on the topics subject Expressions, Integral Exponents, and Rational Algebraic Expressions. These are the topics that conduct to be given so much emphasis by the teacher when discussing them to the class. They contain to make use of varied teaching strategies, varied exercises and detailed explanation.These are also the topics that were included in the proposed remediation module prepared by the researcher. What profound relationship exists between the students Mathematics achievement and their profile? Using Yates Correction Formula, the coefficient of correlation was determined. This admirered in identifying the relationship between Mathematics achievement and profile that includes age and gender.The data are provided in table 11. Since the computed values of 1. 88 and 0. 00 are both less than the tabular value of 3. 841 then it can be said that at 0. 5 level no significant relationship exists between the studen ts Mathematics achievement and age as well as gender. This means that the Mathematics performance of the students is independent of the age and gender. The null hypothesis therefrom is accepted. This implies that regardless of age and gender, the students may or may not perform well in the class. It can also be said that the nurture Mathematics is not due to age or gender but maybe due to other factors not covered in the study such as interest, teaching competency of the teachers and availability of instructional materials.What remediation module can be proposed? base from the results of the two examinations, the researcher came up with the remediation module whose main objective is to help the students master the necessary Mathematics skills. The topics covered in the module were Radical Expressions, Integral Exponents, and Rational Algebraic Expressions as these are the ones where the students scored lower compared to other topics. The remediation module was then subjected to e valuation of the five Mathematics teachers form the identical school. The complete module can be found in the succeeding pages.According to Liban (2006) school administration should provide supplementary materials for the teachers that would help enrich their socio-technological necessitate of the present time. Castanos-Agpaoa (2006) said that a module is a new teaching strategy for arranging learning experiences in education and it has been receiving much attention. The strategy of learning modules has become a part of all level of teaching. A learning module is a self-learning package dealing with one specific subject librate unit. It can be used in any setting convenient to the learner and may be completed at the learners own pace.It may be used individually or in small groups What is the assessment of the teachers of the proposed remediation module? As can be seen in table, the over-all order given by the evaluators is 4. 95 which indicates that the proposed remediation mod ule is an subtile material that can help the students improve their Mathematics performance. The evaluators rated the remediation module as excellent in all the criteria except on the criterion related to inclusion of objectives that are of psychomotor domain that was rated as very satisfactory.ConclusionsIn the light of the findings, the following(a) conclusions were drawn 1. In the second year, there are 3 females for every one male student. 2. The students are in the normal age of a second year high school. 3. The students can get only 30 correct answers out of 100 items. They are seemingly low in understanding Mathematics. 4. The students ingest to improve in the areas of Radical Expressions, Integral Exponents and in Rational Algebraic Expressions. 5. In the preparation of the remediation module topics on Radical Expressions, Integral Exponents and in Rational Algebraic Expressions. 6. The students ability to learn Mathematics is not directly affected by their age and gender . 7. The proposed remediation module meets excellently the evaluation criteria and therefore it can be used in the classroom.RecommendationsBased from the findings and conclusions of the study, the following recommendations are hereby offered 1. The home environment and parents are still important for the behaviors and choices of adolescents. Adolescentswho have a good relationship with their parents are less likely to engage in various risk behaviors, and on top of all there is a need for the respondents for closer guidance in terms of study habits by making follow-ups on daily lessons, accomplishing project and the like. 2. The respondents should be exposed to interesting and challenging learning activities in Mathematics to sustain their interest and momentum in studying Mathematics. 3. Mathematics teachers may use the proposed remediation module in order to help the students improve their Mathematics achievement. However, the module needs to be evaluated periodically to see its functionality and effectiveness. 4. The teachers may give more exercises in every lesson so that students can master the necessary competencies required in a particular topic or lesson. 5. Varied teaching strategies may be adapted by the teacher to see which one may work better in helping the students improve their Mathematics performance. 6. Topics for further study.

The Comitatus Bond Essay Example for Free

The Comitatus Bond EssaySo now, Beowulf, I adopt you in my heart as a dear son. hold and maintain this new connection, you noblest of men. . . (63). Beowulf is an epic poem about the adventures, journey and maturation of a young legendary warrior from adolescence to his adulthood as a noble king. He gained his great reputation from his brave deeds of slaying the monstrous Grendel, his avenging mother, and the fiery potassium hydrogen tartrate while being an honorable and selfless hero and ruler. Beowulf also presents an psychel of loyalty to thane, the comitatus bond. The failure to live up to this ideal bond on the part of some thanes point up the extraordinary faithfulness of Beowulf.The comitatus bond is a comradery between a master and his warriors. This relationship requires the warriors/thanes to indorse their master to the death in exchange for share of wealth, protection and weapons. However, this comitatus code goes beyond the classifiable warrior-defending-master relationship but rather into a bond of love and friendship. The epic story of Beowulf started out with the portrayal of a failed brotherhood. Grendel was a descendant of Cain, the most ill-famed slayer of his own brother and of the comitatus bond. Cain got no good from committing that murder because the Almighty . . . ex cloaked a price . . . and made him an anathema . . . (9).Grendels lineage and the idea of a person against his family were very dishonorable and looked down upon by the Anglo-Saxon culture. Thus, Grendel came to represent a character of resentment and malice. The unfulfillment of this comitatus bond continued with the failure of big businessman Hrothgars thanes to defend Haerot H alone and their lord from the vicious Grendel. This inadequacy demonstrated the complexity and the difficulty to uphold the bond between a lord and his warriors but pave as a good introduction for our valiant hero who shall overshadow all with his extreme allegiance and honor.Beowulf was considered a perfect hero through the idea of always living up to the comitatus. He started out as a young hero with a questionable reputation who needed to prove himself. by and by he heard about the attack on Haerot Hall, Beowulf felt his duty to defend it when the kings current thanes could not. King Hrothgar believed that . . . His goodness guided him here(predicate) to the West-Danes to defend them from Grendel. . . (27). Beowulf believed in what Hrothgar stood for and was willing to fight for him. Besides his allegiance to the king Hygelac, Beowulf felt obliged for a man of great power and strength to defend Haerot in order to preserve life. This obligation fulfilled the comitatus bond between King Hrothgar and King Hygelac as well as Beowulfs duty as a warrior to defend and protect his lord. Even after he defeated Grendel, Beowulf still did not leave until Haerot Hall was rid of all evil and de anguishful creatures.He knew the threat and danger Grendels vengeful mother po sed and willfully eliminated her in order to protect the people and fully fulfill his mission. His actions and moral philosophy were defined in the comitatus code. He portrayed this comitatus image with such perfection that he can be no less than a hero and treated as such for . . . his heroism . . . will recompense him with a rich treasure (27). This excellently depicted the lord and thane relationship for it showed the great appreciation the lord, King Hrothgar, has for his thane, Beowulf. Even when he was given such compensation and fortune, Bewoulf further demonstrated his honor and commitment to the comitatus bond by sharing the prizes with his brave thanes, who defended and helped defeat Grendel and his mother, and to his homeland. This act depicted and emphasized his chivalrous and selfless character.Even after Beowulfs legendary feats as a warrior and thane, his extraordinary loyalty to the comitatus code still remained inherent as a great and wise king. He ruled it well for 50 winters, grew old and wise as warden of the land. . . (151). Beowulf provided his people and thanes with wisdom, protection and prosperity for fifty years. His gradual ascension to the throne gained him more experience, knowledge and patience on ruling Geatland. However, his and his thanes loyalty was tested when the ferocious dragon was provoked and wreaked havoc in his kingdom. Beowulfs amazing comitatus relationship to his people and his thanes as well as his pride and prowess ultimately led him to his own demise.His decision to fight the dragon with just a few warriors failed to prevail because of his thanes worthlessness and cowardice. No help or backing was to be had then from his high-born comrades the hand-picked troop broke ranks and ran for their lives to the safety of the timber (175). The thanes unfulfillment of their comitatus bond to Beowulf proved to be the fatal defeat for their lord and their kingdom. But despite his most of his thanes disgraceful actions, Beowulfs loyalty and commitment to the comitatus persisted and finally undo the dragon. It accentuated his amazing devotion and allegiance to his people and his thanes for it emphasized how hes rather die of a worthy and noble cause than of old age. Beowulf has real his fate in confidence and perfection and that even the greatest of heroes cannot live forever.Throughout Beowulfs life, he has adhered exceptionally to the code of conduct in which all warriors should live by. He has formed ties and set standards for lord and thane and turned a relationship of service into a bond of brotherly love and friendship. In spite of conflicts and disloyalty of some, his faithfulness and allegiance to his people and thanes endured and proved to be one of his greatest assets to turn him into a perfect model hero and a defender of the comitatus code.

Relationship Between Firm Resources And Performance Commerce Essay

Relationship Between potent visions And Performance Commerce EssayMany researchers have point out that the relationship amidst blottos preferences and spellion are al shipway the crucial area of interest in strategic management (Barney, 1991 Peteraf, 1993 Wernerfelt, 1984). Resource-based stare (RBV) highlights the internal environment of the firm in crafting schema to accomplish a sustainable militant advantage in it. Consequently, RBV can be con emplacementr as the best outline route in the evolution of a firms strategy. However, the relationship among strategic imagery and firm performance may be quite complex and need to be examine, there is excessively umpteen different factors that can influence the relationship. In fact, there is no one best strategy that will suits all situation for a firm. Moreover, RBV also been compared to others strategy development methods like Porters industry analysis. Based on this assignment, we will be focus on the contention that RBV analysis has a strong relationship with firms performance especially in achieving a sustainable rivalrous advantage for certain industry only.Resource in RBV can be defined in an extremely board way. For instance, Wernerfelt (1984) comprises all strengths and weaknesses of a firm. Concepts like dynamic capabilities (Barney et al, 2001), entrepreneurship (Alvarez and Busenitz, 2001) and management (Barney, 1994 Mahoney, 1995) are usually regarded as strategic resources. Similarly, RBV also has been defined as stocks of available factors that are owned and controlled by the firm, these factors can be classified into physical, reputational, organizational, financial, human intellectual and proficient, which are transformed into final products or services efficiently and effectively (Amit and Schoemaker, 1993 Capron and Hulland, 1999). As we know, resources are exploited by people, non by themselves. Human beings have differ considerably concerning to the sorts of skills they have, also their degree of skilfulness and their intelligence to view opportunities (Eisenhardt and Martin, 2000). According to brownish et al. (2001), in order to develop entrepreneurial performance within the firm, managers moldiness inspire the coordination of divulge resources, allow flexibility, encourage members to search for opportunity and rewarding them for engage new opportunities in order for it to prosperous. Besides, RBV assists management to create a culture where there is valid and value for new knowledge by encouraging the besot process of recombining existing knowledge with new knowledge (Prahalad, 1998 Shih-Wei, 2005 Montalvo, 2006).RBV can be treat as the best strategy route in the development of a firm strategy, because RBV analyze and explain resources of the firms to grasp how organizations accomplish sustainable competitive advantage. In addition, RBV centralize on the concept of hardly to imitate attributes as sources of high performance and competitive advan tage for the organization (Barney, 1986 Hamel and Prahalad, 1996). In the same manner, resources are hardly to be transferred and acquired, that need a lengthen l shed light oning curve or a major modify in the organization climate and culture, hence more difficult to duplicate by rivals because of a range of isolating mechanisms and really likely to be unique to the organization (Rumelt, 1984 Mahoney and Pandian, 1992 Peteraf, 1993 Hoopes et al., 2003). Based on Conner (1991), performance variation between organizations depends on its possession of unique inputs and capabilities. For example, Honda following RBV strategy, built its society strategy around the firms strength, capableness and expertise in produceing petrol based engines, at last the company utilize it unique resource and capabilities to general anatomy a world class petrol based engines and became the largest engine manufacturer in the world.Firm must possess valuable resources in order to build resource-based a dvantages. For the purpose to outperform with competitors, many RBV researchers assert that organizations must exploit the resources that they possess. An organizations succeed or fail in the marketplace is depend on the particular military position on an inside-out view of firm from RBV (Dicksen, 1996). According to Barney (1986) valuable resource must enable a firm to function and behave in ways that lead to high sales, low follows, high margins, or in others ways add financial value to the firm. A firms ability to innovate successful is also a factor of unique capability which is sustainable and appropriable. For example, an innovative products such as Apples iTunes and iPod. The companys first class innovation in product design and practicality is proving not an easily act for rivals to copy. Apple avoid to sit back complacently, although the company maintain at the front position of the digital media with its iPod and iTunes online stores. In 2007, Apple salute of its iPhon e and entered into the mobile phone market, this continuous innovation and product creation keeps rivals such as Sony, Samsung guessing about what products Apple will bring out in the future and provides a factor of outperform as rivals struggle to substitute their achievement. In other words, strategic resources are also concerns on non-monetary factors such as knowledge based, human resource management activities on their customer service department to result in a competitive advantage..To mystify a competitive advantages over the others is easy, however to achieve a sustainable competitive advantage is rather hard. Way to maintain sustainable competitive advantages for sustained superior performance, firms must be unique and core make outncies and resources that are valuable, sublime, imperfectly imitable and non-substitutable (Barney, 1991) as well as visualize of value-creating ways to exploit them. Intangible resources such as intellectual, technological resources are more entrance than tangible resources which are human, financial resources to generate competitive advantage (Hitt, Bierman, Shimizu and Kochhar, 2001). Particularly, intangible resources like knowledge allow firms to add up value to incoming sources of production (Hitt et al., 2001). It indicates firms achieve competitive advantage (Prahalad and Hamel, 1990 Collis and Montgomery,1995 Post,1997 Markides,1997 Bogner,Thomas and McGee,1999). Such resource is built over time and difficult to be imitated and is valuable. For instance, Tesco, Sainsburys and Asda all compete in the same environment, yet Tesco is a superior performer. It is not the environment that distinguishes between them but their internal strategic capabilities. It is difficult for one organization to obtain or copy the capabilities of another. Like Sainsburys cannot readily obtain the whole Tescos retail sites its management or its experience. As a result, Tesco is achieving a sustainable competitive advantage. On the oth er hand, firm must develop one or two value creating activities to some extent that creates more general value than rivals do to spend a penny competitive advantage. Porter (1985) point out two generic strategy, the first is lower cost strategy, to reduce body process cost by lowering the cost of the inputs than rivals, while retaining average quality and prices. Secondly is differentiation, to induce customers willingness to pay an above-average price, including value of the ancillary service or the image of the product. Managers who carrying a general knowledge of their rivals activity sets can apply this information to analyze their position relative to its rivals (Ghemawat, 2006 Porter, 1985, 1991). Besides, Porter (1985) also identified the value chain framework to help managers in understanding, enhancing and implementation a lower costs or differentiation strategy. The value chain can be defined as a general activity mould that is used to decompose the firm into the singl e activities it manages to form value for the consumer. In conclusion, both activity-based and RBVs complement each other and share an objective of discovering and exploiting factors that lead to high competitive performanceEven though the RBVs principle for a firm is to achieve and sustain a competitive advantage by exploiting valuable, rare, inimitable and non-substitutable resources is impulsive and theoretically satisfying, it is essential to recognize that value, rare, inimitability and non-substitutable are not completely invariables. In fact, facing of radical, volatile changes in the environment, value, rare, inimitability and non-substitutability are very considerably over time. In other words, RBV state have their fall like in the valuable attribute, the need for planning and investment to develop such resources are external factors, which agent the RBV may overstate the profitability of firms by exploiting these resources, because the cost of acquisition and accumulati on had been avoided. As a result, it is difficult for the RBV to tell why firms invest in such a valuable resource instead of in other type of resources. Moreover, if the organizations want to increase their profit from the resources they possess, they have to think over the demand side attributes that effect on the final price of the product. Furthermore, in the concept of rareness resource, it does not essentially attain the competitive advantage of the firm, in spite of the resource produce a great rent due to its relative shortage. Rents can be defined as the prices of services yielded by resources (Lewin and Phelan, 2002). Regardless of the rents are rare or not, in this stage rent is nothing more than the rental price of the service of the resource. There are no any profit has been earn to the firm, after paying remuneration to all the factors of production (Demsetz, 1973 Barney, 1986a Rumelt, 1987). However, the firm may grasps some part of the rent from the possessor of reso urces, if the firm is gaining any profit left(p) from the resource. Member or staff who have capabilities such as knowledge based will have benefits of bargaining power, hence being able to appropriate extra rent. Barney (1991) point out that the strategic resource possess rareness, inimitable and non-substitutable criteria may be independent of the firm, but when the belief of the heterogeneous distribution of resources is taken into account it is not easily to visualize that the resource given by the value is similar for all firms. For instance, intangible resources such as innovative capability or diverse production capabilities have been recognized as essential strategic resources and are extremely dependent of other resources in order to act properly. On the other hand, some resources might prevent firms from operating higher performance. For example, a Formula One engineer might be a key resource for a sports car manufacturer due to his ability to built high-performance engi nes, while car companies with key resources in the aspects of an image for safety or high environmental standards might not be suitable to gain advantage from possessing such capabilities. These examples result the complication of resource interactions (Smith et al., 1996) and also the value of resource is different among companies.ConclusionAccording to Barney (1991), Mahoney and Pandian (1992), Porter (1991), they agree that both internal and external factors must be taken into account when analyzing firm performance. For example, if a firm is able to acquire a key resource, it often require a diversification in the product market (Andersen, 2007a). The result of such a diversification is to a great extent dependent on the organizations prior market experience or market that relevant to existing product lines (Pehrsson, 2004). In consequence, if a firm is not able to use its product effectively in the appropriate product market, the product will not benefit from these resources e ven though the company possess with superior production skills and great valuation. Therefore, firms can actually fail to attain higher performance while posses several strategic resources, if the marketing capability are poor. In conclusion, both internal and external environment are complement to each other in achieving a sustainable competitive advantage for a firm.(1863 words)Bibliography ListAndersen, J. (2011) Strategic resources and firm performance Management conclusiveness Journal. 49, 87-98.Johnson, G., Scholes, K. and Whittington, R. (ed.) (2008) Exploring Corporate Strategy Text and Cases. 8th ed. London Prentice Hall.Newbert, S. L.,Gopalakrishnan, S., Kirchhoff, B. A. (2008) flavor beyond resources Exploring the importance of entrepreneurship to firm-level competitive advantage in technologically intensive industries Technovation Journal. 28, 6-19.Oup.com (2011) The Internal Environment A resource-Based view of Strategy http//www.oup.com/uk/orc/bin/9780199288304/hen ry_ch05.pdf accessed 24 April 2011.tamanpowell.com (2007) Resource Based View Encyclopaedic Dictionary of Strategic Management. http//tamanpowell.com/Writing/assets/Resource%20Based%20View.pdf accessed 24 April 2011.skynet.ie (2001) The Resource-Based Theory of Competitive Advantage Implications for Strategy Formulation http//www.skynet.ie/karen/Articles/Grant1_NB.pdf accessed 24 April 2011.Halawi, L. A., Aronson, J. E. and McCarthy, R. V. (2005) Resource-Based View of Knowledge Management for Competitive Advantage The Electronic Journal of Knowledge Management. 3 (2)75-86. www.ejkm.com/issue/download.html?idArticle=55 accessed 24 April 2011.Madhani. P (2009) Resource based view (RBV) of Competitive Advantages Importance, Issues and Implications Indian Management Research Journal. 1 (2)2-12. http//ssrn.com/abstract=1504379 accessed 26 April 2011.Tokuda Akio (2005) The Critical Assessment of the Resource-Based View of Strategic Management The Source of Heterogeneity of the Firm Ritsu meikan International Affairs. 3, 125-150 http//www.ritsumei.ac.jp/acd/re/k-rsc/ras/04_publications/ria_en/03_8.pdf accessed 27 April 2011.Pertusa-Ortega, E. M., Molina-Azorin, J. F. and Claver-Cortes, E. (2010) Competitive Strategy, structure and firm performance A comparison of the resource-based view and the contingency approach Management Decision Journal. 48, 1282-1303.Sheehan, N. T. and Foss, N. J. (2007) Section 4. Hierarchical Strategies and The Resource-Based View Enhancing the prescriptiveness of the resource-based view through Porterian activity analysis Management Decision Journal. 45, 450-461.quickmba.com (2010) Competitive Advantage Strategic Management. http//www.quickmba.com/strategy/competitive-advantage/ accessed 30 April 2011.

Three Major Approaches Of Leadership Theory Management Essay

Three Major Approaches Of loss leaders Theory Management EssayIn this project we are discussed the relationship between strategic wariness and lead. We also discussed in these assignments loss attractershiphip modes and their impact on strategic endings. Leaders required to those leadership style which is appropriate for them, their section, their subordinates and the business they work for. The situations leaders wish varying leadership styles based on a specific task, the worker being managed and the leaders nature. The Purpose of this report to identify the different leadership styles which would dish in understanding how to manage the squad in the company and main focus will be on what kind of leadership style follow by face to run their business. It has been demonstrated in the report that what kind of different qualities required by the different levels of authority. So that there should be no misunderstanding who report to who and who is responsible for what. Criticism is d oneness to show, if company could subprogram another leadership style, what they are using now would be to a greater extent right in achieving their objectives. Manager is the person who is having quality to draw away the things done through others. It means that Manager is responsible for achieving the targets. Focus is given on what kind of managerial skill practised in the company for smooth running of concern.Introduction-Leadership culture is defined by the collective action of formal and snug leaders acting together in the help of organizational goals that ultimately marks the difference. When we speak about the leadership it is the two leaders themselves and the relationship among them, the skills and behaviour of the leaders are required to execute the organization strategy and make the most wanted culture. The collective leadership capabilities of the leaders acting together in the groups and across the boundaries to implement strategies. (William an d Michael, 2011.)Generating the effort and commitment to work towards objectives is central to managing any human activity. People use the term effective leader to denote somebody who brings innovation, moves an activity out of trouble into success, makes a worth enchantment difference. They see opportunities to do new things, take initiatives, and move people.The most effective leaders will be people who use their energies to accomplish desired results. Leadership will focus on action and implementation. Katz and Kahn (1948).In the dish out of leadership three main skills such(prenominal) as technical, human and abstract are necessary.Technical skill perform the specific tasks capability to use information, systems, technique and tools are essential and get from experience, upbringing and training.Human skills human skills are the capability and results in working with and through individuals. Human skills include accepting of motivation and purpose of effective leadership. Conceptual skills conceptual skills provide skills to understand the complexities on the whole organization. Through Conceptual knowledge leaders act to according to the objectives of the total business rather than only on the basis of the goals and needs urinate direct team.There are three major preliminaryes of leadership hypothesis. They are-Historical approachClassical approach modern-day approachTrait theory Trait theory of leadership provides the skills to identify qualities which helpful when leading with others and jointly, these appear as a universal leadership style. interpreter includes understanding, fierceness, true decision making. Trait theories assume that leaders contri neverthelesse to number of ordinary individually traits and features and that leadership emerges from this traits.a trait is relatively stable aspect of an individuals character that influences behavior in a particular direction. Many people have tried to identify the personal characteristics associated with effective leaders. According to trait theory all person will be born with some traits. Trait theory says that every leader will have certain traits that make them more suited to leadership than others. A person would have these traits from birth which will be his characteristics which makes him more suitable to be leaders than others. Traits are the distinguishing personal characteristics of a leader, such as intelligence, values, self confidence and appearanceBehavior theory-according to behavior theory leaders are made not born. This theory is completely against the traits theory. Traits theory says that leadership qualities come from birth where as the classical leadership style like the behavioral theory says that they come from practice and not from birth. It says that leadership is defined, whence any person can learn those qualities required to be leader and can successfully lead when there is need for it. Leadership qualities can be adopted by looking at o thers. Perhaps any leader can adopt the correct behavior with appropriate training.Contingency theory-contingency approach a model of leadership that describes the relational ship between leadership styles and specific organizational situations. An early, extensive effort to combine leadership style and organizational situation into a comprehensive theory of leadership was made by Fiedler and his associates. Contingency theory is a refinement of the situational viewpoint and focuses on identifying the situational variables which best foresee the most appropriate or effective leadership style to fit the particular circumstances.Transactional approach James Burnes (1978) distinguish between transactional and transformational leaders. A transactional leader is one who treats leadership as an exchange, giving followers what they want if they do what the leader desires. And a transformational leader is a leader who treats leadership as a subject of motivation and commitment, inspiring flowerers by appealing to higher ideals and moral values. The leader, who holds power and control over his or her employees or followers, provides incentives for follower to do what the leader wants. Hence, transactional leadership simply involves an exchange that leads to desired outcomes and transformational leadership motivates us to do more than we originally expected to do.Participative theory-participative theory says that whatever the decision or whenever the decision is need to be made, involve everyone who is attached to that. Dont take decision solely. Reason is when everyone come together to take the decision they feel involved in it. In participative type of leadership people are more committed because they are involved in decision making. The drawback of this style would be it can confuse a leader as which course of action to be taken as there are more ideas. This can be time consuming because more people are involved decisions cannot be made quickly.Impact of manageri al styles on organizational effectivenessPerformance of an organization is imagineing upon the leadership styles which are apply in that organization. Leadership style has a significant relation with organizational cognitive process. Leadership styles put a positive and negative effect on the performance of organization depends upon the style of leadership. Leadership style of administrative supervisors put a positive effect on the performance of organization. Performance of workers will be influenced by the leadership style of a leader. It also indicates that performance of organization is also influenced by the style of leadership. formational performance decided by leadership style that subordinates need to know, and give feedbacks and suggestions to execution. In this course a leader can know the requirements of the subordinates and subordinate can know the demands and requirements of their role at the same time. Subordinates get their rewards when they make organizational r equested performance under the leadership style of executives. This is shown by research that leadership style put positive effect on the performance of the organization. Therefore leadership style should be correctly and carefully used to motivate and guide the subordinates. There are basically three types of leaders1 Autocratic leaders. These are the leaders who do not consult their team when they make any decision.2 Democratic leaders. These types of leaders make decisions with the foreplay of other group members. This style of leadership is important when team agreement matters.3 Laissez-fair leaders. These types of leaders allow the group members to make most of the decisions. They mostly do not interfere in most of the decisions. This type of leadership works when team is highly motivated and capable.Kotter (1990) distinguishes between the terms leadership and management while stressing that organizations need both, and that one person will often provide both. Good managemen t as brining say and consistency to an activity- through task of planning, organizing and controlling. Individuals whom people mark as leaders have created change. Good leadership is that which moves people to a place in which they and those who depend on them are genuinely better off ,and when it does so without trampling on the rights of others.leadrs succeed by establishing direction and strategy, communicating it to those whose corporation is needed and motivating and inspiring people. Managing and leading are closely related, but differ in their primary functions- the one of create order, the other to create change. Organization needs both if they are to prosper. A manager whitethorn or may not be an effective leader. A leader ability to influence others may be based on a verity of factors others than his or her formal authority or position.Warren Bennis, a highly regarded leadership scholar, differentiated the extremes of Management and leadership in number of provocative wa ys-The managers administrates, the leader innovates.The manager in a copy, the leaders an original.The manager maintains, the leader develop.The manager focuses on systems and structure. The focuses on the people.The managers relies on control, the leader inspires trust.The manager has a short represent view, leader has a long perspective.The manager asks how and when, leader asks what and why.The manager has an eye on the bottom line the leader has his eye on the horizon.The manager imitates, the leader originates.The manager accepts the status quo, the leader challenges it.Manager do things right, leaders do the right things.For the success leader also needs to good leadership skills .strategic leader provide a positive and professional atmosphere because they are efficiently planning and controlling the individuals and processes. Leader can produce equal attitudes in their team worker. Strategic long term decisions involve the direction of the business. If the plan and decisions are right, the business will grow and succeed. But if a business makes pure decisions, it may fail. Effective management requires an understanding of how the processes are applied and how they can be used. Management is more art than science in that managers constantly have to use their judgment and expertise. Management is the process of achieving pre-set aims and objectives through the work of others a manager role is to-Devise strategies and policies which will server future growth and development.Control and prepare a mix of available resources-people, money, materials,-so as to earn a profit or to run the organization cost effectively.Interpret and respond to changes in economic, tender and technological trends, so as to keep the organization sharp and competitive.Develop new entrants into the organization, so as to ensure its long term survival and success. publicize interpersonal communication and telephone communication systems to that the organization benefits from an op en exchange of information and ideas.Effective management depends entirely on mix ofThe manager personality and what style fits it best.The kind of people and tasks to be managed.The culture and benefits of the organization and the social, economic backdrop at the time.Management has to stay on their toes and use all their skills and competencies to benefits the organization and its stakeholder-employers, customers, indueors, the community and so forth. According to Edward Elgar There is music in the air, music all around us, said composer.The tune heard most often by todays managers may be the constant ring of a cell phone tying them to the organization .managers can become a leader who set the thousand for an organization and lead people in a different kind of performance.Leaders also find the off-key notes, bring people together and inspire them to act in ways that accomplish the organizations vision. Understanding people, communicating, building team work and inspiring others are the essentials of effective organizational leadership. By developing leadership skills in understanding human behavior, communication, teamwork and motivation, managers can boost an organizations chance of hitting all the right notes.In the organization management and leadership are both important. successful managers have to be leaders, too, because there are distinctive qualities associated with management and leadership that provide different strengths for the organization, as show in the diagramLeader and managers qualities-Leader qualitiesManager qualitiesSOULMINDvisionaryRationalpassionateConsultingcreativePersistentflexibleProblem-solvinginspiringTough-mindedinnovativeAnalytical daringStructuredimaginativeDeliberateexperimentalauthoritativeInitiates changeStabilizingPersonal powerPosition powerAs shown in the diagram, leadership and management are different sets of skills and qualities which normally overlap within a particular person. Every individual has more of one set of qualities than the other, but ideally a manager builds up a balance of both manager and leader qualities. A main difference between management and leadership is that management promotes stability, order and problem solving within the existing organizational structure and systems. Leadership promotes and vision, creativity and change. In other words a manager takes care of where you are leaders take you to new place.James E.Colvard, (July 2003) leadership means questioning the status qua so that out of use, uncreative, or publicly careless norms can be changed to becoming new challenges. Leadership cannot replace management it should be in addition to management .good leadership is required to facilitate the business meet current commitments,while good leadership is needed to move the organization into the future. Richard L.Daft (2005).DRAWBACKS OF LEADERSHIP THEORY FOLLOWEDThe theory they had adopted in their organisation is based on assumption that leaders invest their time in educating the positive skills in the workers to perform the assigned work. Transformational leaders invest their time in building trust and convincing followers to commit in a shared vision. But Organization want instant result by forcing the leader but its a time consuming process to get result from followers so its a time consuming process can provide result instantly. In Transformational style organisation has to depend upon the leader behaviour if the leader is not intelligent and lack of inspirational communication skills and lack of experience not able to motivate the workers and organisation have to suffer.(Disadvantages of Transformational leadership)Conclusion-In this assignment it is concluded that organizational leaders build some traits in their employees like trust, respect, fairness, teamwork and results that create a lasting impact. They put the employee should stop in the assigned work long enough to make his or her contributions clear. It clears that mainly organ ization had adopted Transformational Leadership style. Different qualities of different level had been discussed like, entice with diversity they can hire employees from different cultures this benefits them in knowing what is liked by different cultures and although it would be helpful in getting new ideas for expediency in their process. It had been shown that Transformational leaders invest their time in building trust and convincing followers to believe in a shared vision. But Organization want instant result by forcing the leader but its a time consuming process to get result from followers so its a time consuming process can provide result instantly. Man Mangers can raise their skill level by listening to others rather than intercommunicate their own. This the only way which help the manager in finding whats going on in organization. To overcome the change lectures provided to every employee to understand the new method for production .So that they all put their efforts tog ether to achieve the goals of the organization efficiency, effectively and without any wastage. To improve the company performance Managers should treat their employees equally without any warmheartedness when the change is implemented. If they dont then employees resist change and for that wrong behaviour of the managers Organization have to suffer. According to situation leaders can use of different leadership style.

Public Expenditure on Education in India

Public using up on Education in IndiaAbstractPrioritizing amongst the competing ends for the government treasury is a big challenge for a developing country like India. Poverty eradication, health and some other crucial social needs compete with fosterageal activity and create fiscal pressures. merely an investment in gentility is considered inevitable. This research penning compares public cost on education in India in 2005-06 and 2010-11. As observed, government spent more than on revenue enhancement trace than capital theme. Share of the evince and Union territories in public disbursal on education was more than that of the midpoint. States/UTs spending were highest for Non- program white plague across all categories of public wasting disease on education. Spending was some double in 2010-11 as compared to 2005-06 in absolute terms but the relation shares between categories hardly changed. Share of wasting disease on education was highest for elementary educ ation followed by secondary education, university education high education, technical education and accordingly adult education.Key words Public spending, education, plan, non-plan, revenue, capital, IndiaINTRODUCTIONThere are primarily three sources of financing the education in India i.e. financing through underlying government, state government and non-government sector (including parents, non-government organizations, banks, philanthropic contributions and as a part of corporate social right activities amongst others). Government is expected to shoulder greater responsibility in providing for education collect to the social returns associated with education. The central and state financing is further bifurcated in Revenue account and capital account and conception and Non-plan expenditure. Expenditures on capital account are long-term in nature. They are used for acquiring fixed assets such as land, building, machinery and equipment. Other items that also perch under th is category include loans and advances sanctioned by the Centre to the State governments, union territories and public sector undertakings. However, expenditures incurred for the routine functioning of the government departments and various other services, largely not associated with scholarship of assets such as subsidies, salaries, interest, etc. incurred by the government are referred to as revenue expenditure. proposal expenditure refers to the expenditure apply towards the funding of the plans by the government. On the other hand, non-plan expenditure refers to the expenditures other than those devoted for the plans of government. Plan and non-plan expenditure are incurred on capital and revenue accounts.The objective of this paper is to analyze in detail the contributions made by the Centre and the State governments towards expenditure on education in 2005-06 and 2010-11 and observe the changes thereby. The selected years were chosen due to the availability of comparable da ta. Data for actual expenditure, revised estimates of budgeted expenditure and budgeted estimates were available, but for the purpose of analysis the data related to actual expenditure incurred was only considered. henceforward State would refer to State and Union territories combine,CAPITAL AND REVENUE EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATIONIn absolute terms the budgeted expenditure on education and other departments by Central and State governments in 2005-06 accounted for INR 1,14,389 crores out of which the expenditure on revenue account was round INR 1,13,229 crores (98.99%), on capital account was about INR 1,143 crores (1%) and on loans and advances was about INR 17 crores (0.01%). Similarly for 2010-11 the total expenditure accounted for INR 2,97,311 crores out of which the expenditure on revenue account was about INR 2,93,478 crores (98.71%), on capital account was about INR 3,776 crores (1.27%) and on loans and advances was about INR 57 crores (0.02%). While the absolute budgeted expen diture on education almost increased 2.5 times over the period of quintuple years, the relative share of revenue account, capital account and loans and advances almost remained same. There was just a break of 0.27% from revenue to capital account. It was further observed that the sinless contribution on capital account came from the States with no share at all from the Centre. As can be observed the share of revenue account left almost negligible share for capital account and loans and advances from the total expenditure. Since capital expenditures are incurred on procurement of fixed assets, the data indicated that lesser expenditure was incurred in acquiring land, building, machinery and equipment. Growth in education would be difficult if it was not duly supported by a growth in acquisition of assets. It can also be observed that the contribution for expenditure on salaries, subsidies and interest payments through revenue account was high.PLAN AND NON-PLAN EXPENDITUREWhile pla n and non-plan expenditure were also incurred on capital account, the amount being comparatively meager, plan and non-plan expenditure on revenue account only had been analyzed. The total budgeted Plan and Non-plan expenditure by education and other departments on revenue account were INR 1,13,229 in 2005-06 and INR 2,93,478 in 2010-11 as suggested in the previous section. In 2005-06 Plan expenditure accounted for 27.9% and Non-plan expenditure accounted for 72.1% of the total budgeted expenditure on revenue account. Similarly in 2010-11 Plan expenditure accounted for 33.2% and Non-plan expenditure accounted for 66.8% of the total budgeted expenditure on revenue account. therefore over a period of five years about 5% of the share of Non-plan expenditure was shifted to Plan expenditure.For 2005-06 and 2010-11 the Plan expenditure for Center was more and Non-plan expenditure of State was more. Across the total budgeted Plan and Non-plan revenue expenditure the highest share was of No n-plan expenditure by States. The Non-plan expenditure by States accounted for 67% of the total revenue expenditure in 2005-06 and 59% in 2010-11 respectively as can be seen in figure 1. run across 1 Budgeted Plan and Non Plan Expenditure on Revenue account for Center and State for 2005-06 and 2010-11Source MHRD (2008, 2014)Hence it can be concluded that the budgeted expenditure on education was incurred most on the revenue account and of the revenue account the contribution of the non-plan expenditure by the State was highest.EXPENDITURE ON EDUCATION AS A PERCENTAGE OF GDPExpenditure on education as a percentage of GDP is a globally accepted monetary standard which is widely used for international comparisons of financing of education. Figure 2 depicts public expenditure on various sectors of education namely elementary, secondary, university higher, technical education as a percentage of GDP. Expenditure of Adult education was nominal and so has not been included. Public expendi ture included the expenditure incurred by education department and other departments and ministries respectively for various sectors.India being a developing nation highest public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP was incurred on elementary education in 2005-06 (1.61) and in 2010-11 (1.7). It was followed by expenditure on secondary education, university and higher education and technical education for 2005-06 as well as 2009-10.In comparison with 2005-06 public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP was incurred more in 2010-11 across all levels of education. Expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP by states was highest for elementary education followed by secondary education, university higher education and technical education for 2005-06 and 2010-11. But the expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP by Centre was highest for elementary education, and was followed by university and higher education, technical education instead of secondary edu cation, that got the least share. Compared to 2005-06 in 2010-11 the commitment by the Centre increased for university higher education and technical education with little left for secondary education. The contribution by the Centre almost doubled for university and higher education and more than doubled for technical education. For secondary education there was a fall in the public expenditure on education from 0.7% to 0.1% of the GDP from 2005-06 to 2010-11.It can be further observed that the contribution of state for all levels of education was more than that for Centre for both the years 2005-06 to 2010-11 as can be observed in figure 3.While not much change could be observed in the share of State and Centre as a percentage of GDP in 2005-06 and 2010-11 for elementary and secondary education, a dramatic rise in the share of the Centre as compared to State could be observed for university higher education and technical education for the same period.Figure 3 Sector-wise share of State and Centre in Public expenditure on education as a percentage of GDP for 2005-06 and 2010-11Source MHRD (2008, 2014)The share of State (76.4%) and Centre (23.6%) for elementary education in 2005-06 almost remained standing(prenominal) as observed for State (74.7%) and Centres share (25.3%) in the GDP in 2009-10. Similarly the share of State (92.2%) and Centre (7.8%) for secondary education in 2005-06 was almost the same for State (89.9%) and Centre (10.1%) in 2009-10. Share of Centre for university and higher education in public expenditure as a percentage of GDP increased from 23.9% to 38.4% and that of the States decreased from 76.1% to 61.6%. Likewise the share of Centre for technical education increased from 33.3% to 50% and that of the States decreased from 66.7% to 50% from 2005-06 to 2010-11. Therefore the shift from the Centre to State in the share of university and higher education was to the tune of about 15% and for technical education it was about 17%.CONCLUSIONT he give way scenario calls for serious action in support of financing the higher education access in India. A bigger financial commitment surpassing the inflationary conditions both by the central and the state government is warranted. A larger share as a percentage of GDP should be allocated for the expenditure on education to enhance the access to education. Higher funds would be required to address the expenditures on revenue account, like that for filling the vacant faculty positions. On the other side, the expenditure on capital account like raising the qualitative learning infrastructure would be obligatory to achieve a higher rate of enrolments.Access to equitable and qualitative higher education is the need of the hour for a country like India aspiring to excel in the sparing growth and development. The commitment from government and private sector towards the investments in developing human capital will determine if the demographic advantage will be a dividend or a liabil ity. Governments today increasingly face the limitation to raise means owing to the fiscal pressures, increased occupy for access to education, acclivity costs, expectations for improvement in infrastructure, increasing the resources, enhancing, quality and competing prioritized demands on the government treasury. For a developing country like India, it is difficult to assume that government alone would be able to achieve the mammoth task of assuring access to education for the masses. Higher efficiencies can be achieved by the allocation of the funds on the criterion of performance based funding. Increased accountability should be accompanied by increased autonomy to raise funds at the institutional level, with perception to assure the opportunity of access to quality education for anyone willing to pursue the same.The government through necessary regulatory changes should incentivize philanthropic and alumni contributions by allowing tax rebates on incurring such expenditures b y individuals. Income generated through consultancies, research and development and providing training workshops in the area of expertise should be appreciated and encouraged.Considering the present and future demand for higher education in India, it cannot be denied that financing remains a serious challenge. To achieve this mammoth task, all possible sources of funding will afford to be explored to assure a qualitative and equitable access to higher education.

Censorship and Political Misinformation Essay -- Censorship

Introduction In 1944, after the Red Army invaded Poland and imposed the communist system upon it, large groups of Polish society resisted the attempts at mixer conversion inspired by Marxist ideologies and Soviet example. Many social echelons were effected by the new social engineering which included, expropriations, ideological and organizational unification, and political party and state control over social, political, and economic life. (Karpinski. 1997). Writers, artists and educators had success bypassing such exacting censorship and were able to deliver their messages to the public, teaching values different than the ones officially pass by their government. After 1956, Polish historians, sociologists, and philosophers were able to publish valuable works that were free of Marxist ideological obligations. Some authors chose to bypass censorship completely by publishing abroad. The development of unofficial, uncensored, and underground publishing in the 1970s broadened the c hannels of public communication. Radio Free Europe and other Western radio stations publicize works published abroad and in the underground, giving them stronger resonance throughout the world.Typically, controlling ideological unification, regulating flow of information, and neutralizing critical opinion are the central points of government controlled censorship. For centuries, the Chinese people have been isolated from the rest of the world due to the Peoples Republic of China, or PRC, governments strict censorship laws. Though the rise of the Internet has increased the flow of information within China, all information is heavily scrutinized by the current censorship tool known as the Golden Shield Project, colloquially referred to as the Great Fi... ... Road Blocks. Washington GPO, 2006. Web. Pierson, David. China Online Call for Protests in China Prompts Crackdown - Latimes.com. Los Angeles Times - California, bailiwick and World News - Latimes.com. 26 Feb. 2011. Web.Schrag e, Elliot. Testimony The Internet in China. Official Google Blog. 15 Feb. 2006. Web. Solomon, Richard. Maos Revolution and the Chinese Political Culture. Berkeley University of California Press, 1971 fall in States. Federal Communications Commission. Fiscal Year 2008 Performance and Accountability Report. Washington GPO, 2008. Web.Watts, Jonathan. Chinas Secret Internet Police Target Critics with Web of Propaganda Technology The Guardian. The Guardian. 14 June 2005. Web. 21 Feb. 2011.Karpinski, Jakub, and Tibor Dessewffy. Dissidents--Then and Now. Transition. Feb. 21 1997 14-23. SIRS Researcher. Web. 02 Feb. 2011.

Metamorphosis of the Family in Franz Kafkas The Metamorphosis Essay

The Metamorphosis of the Family Before the caterpillar can transform into a butterfly, it must go through a metamorphosis. The retreat in which the caterpillar hibernates is in fact just a conveyance towards another life form. Gregor, in Franz Kafkas novella The Metamorphosis, is similarly a vehicle for such(prenominal) an important transformation, in this case the reformation of his family. The metamorphosis of Gregor facilitates the gradual change of his entire family, demonstrating that an outside source is sometimes needed in order to contend people out of stagnation and into life. Before the family members begin to make their transformations, they rely heavily on Gregor. The dutiful son sets out to provide for his family after the adversity of his fathers business. He secures a decent job and the family gladly accepts this new way of life, with a steady income and means of support. Over time, they had simply got used to it, both the family and Gregor the funds was gratefull y accepted and gladly given, but there was no special uprush of warm feeling (95). Each member of the family becomes accustomed to an easy life in which needs and wants are provided for. This routine causes the individuals in the family to stagnate and live unproductively. The family begins to follow a path of existentialism because of what their lives have become. Existentialism entails taking responsibility for ones suffer actions and finding meaning in life. Through the course of the novel, the family proceeds from a state of senselessness to a gradual form of existentialism. In the beginning, the lives of the family members mean vigour and have no purpose. They are not individuals, but rather mindless drones who take advantage of a convenient situation... ...ther, and daughter emerging arm in arm (11). Gregors death is a necessary sacrifice, for it is through his loss of humanity that his family is able to find humanity of their own. He forces them to understand their environ ment and their role in society, creating meaning in their lives. The transformation of Gregor is a catalyst for the gradual metamorphosis of each member of his family, illustrating the importance of discovering purpose in ones life. In order to genuinely experience life, people must find meaning in it. However, sometimes it is only through the changes of another, in this case Gregor, that people themselves begin to transform. The sacrifice of Gregor allows his family to conduce its protective cove and journey out into the world, discovering what life has to offer. Works CitedKafka, Franz. The Metamorphosis. Mattituck Vanguard Press, 1946.