Thursday, October 31, 2019

Strategic Marketing Plan Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Strategic Marketing Plan - Assignment Example There exists cut throat competition and rivalry with nearly all cafes coming up with certain packages, promotions, and offers to attract clients, as the service being offered is highly homogenous. Our firm wants to operate in such a competitive environment and wants to get the major chunk of the market share, attract customers, and develop loyalty towards our services. Our organization aims at developing a cyber caf that provides the teenagers and the office and retired people a complete new experience of the internet as well as entertainment. The cyber caf will have a coffee shop in addition to the usual internet access that the ordinary cyber cafes offer. Thus the people visiting our cyber caf will get addicted to come again due to the relaxation and a complete new experience offered here. Our target market is mainly the students and the teenagers but we also focus the office going people and the retired old persons that can spend a new life here and enjoy the coffee and experience and search a massive amount of interesting and informative information on the internet. The corporate objectives of the business are to achieve at least 5 percent of the market share of the current i... Mission statement To provide our customers with a complete new experience of internet access and relaxation and to provide employee satisfaction to our employees Corporate objectives To become a market leader in the industry of internet cafes by providing the best services to the customers The corporate objectives of the business are to achieve at least 5 percent of the market share of the current industry in the forthcoming year. These are the least set objectives but the company aims to achieve more than that. The company aims to achieve sales of roughly $275,000 in the first year and then this figure increasing at least 10% annually. 3. Application of Strategic Management Tools & Techniques SWOT Analysis SWOT Analysis is a double impact tool that analyses both internal and external factors influencing an organization on the whole; Strengths and Weaknesses are internal, while Opportunities and Threats are external factors. As understandable by the name, internal factors are within the spam of control of the organization while the external ones are not. The application of SWOT to an environment ensures that resource allocation can be analyzed and the strengths can be appropriately capitalized, while minimizing the weaknesses' impact for assuring maximum from the opportunities and minimizing the threats. Following is the application of SWOT analysis to Hot Coffee Cyber Caf: S Strengths -The entertainment offered by the caf which is not available at other cafes -The awesome internet speed and the equipment offered to the customers -Quality of services provided to the customers -Quality of the coffee and other beverages provided -Qualified Staff that can

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Analyse a company and introduce a new product Essay

Analyse a company and introduce a new product - Essay Example The external environmental factors or the macro factors include uncontrollable factors such as the Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors (Porter, 2008, p.221). Ford should pay close attention to these factors while formulating business in domestic as well as foreign countries. The company is likely to adopt focused target marketing strategy by targeting the 21-50 age group people having middle to income living in the urban cities. Introduction A marketing plan is a significant part of an overall business plan. A well structured marketing strategy is the base of a well-written marketing plan (Westwood, 2002, p.3). A marketing plan includes a list of several actions. Without a sound strategic establishment marketing plan is ineffective. A good marketing plan is important in business as it helps to control the overall business and helps the business to steer towards profit. The purpose of a marketing plan is to set the direction for a business in or der to promote it. Moreover, a well-written marketing plan helps to build a customer base and determine opportunities in order to make profit (Csb, 2011, p.63). Ford Motor Company is an American multinational automaker headquartered in Dearborn. The organization was founded in the year 1903. The organization used to sell commercial vehicles and automobiles under the brand name of Ford and luxury cars under the brand name Lincoln. Employee strength of this organization is more than 164,000. The aim and objective of Ford motor company is to sell automobiles and make the customers satisfied. Moreover, they tend to make profit for all the stakeholders. Therefore, they can provide jobs for thousands of workers. Qualified and standard young and middle aged people are the significant eligible customers of Ford motor company. It is world’s third largest automobile company operating in US, Europe and the countries of Asia Pacific. Mission Statement Mission statement of a company conta ins the aims and value of an organization. The mission statement of Ford Motor Company is that the organization is a global and diverse family with a pompous heritage. The organization has passionately committed to offering outstanding goods and services (Ford, 2013, p.1). Financial Statement A financial statement is a recognized record of financial activities of a business. For an organization or business enterprise, all the appropriate financial information is used to present in a structured formulation in order to make people easily understand are called as financial statement (Palepu, 2007, p.6). A financial statement offers different kind of financial information to the investors and creditors. It helps them to evaluate the financial stability and performance of an organization. Ford Motor Company has reported a pre-tax profit of 1.7 billion US dollar in 2012. In 2012 the sales of Ford Motor Company went up by 7% comparing to the year 2011. Total 1.14 million vehicles have been sold. The US sales number in 2012 was 2,250,165 (Finance, 2013, p.1). The Financial Statement for Ford Motor Company in the year 2012 has been highlighted below. Income Statement (Finance, 2013,

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Gravitational force: An overview

Gravitational force: An overview 1.0 Introduction 1.1 What is gravitational force? Gravitational force is defined as a force of attraction which exerts between two objects with mass. It pulls two objects that have mass. (Gravitation and Gravity n.d.). 1.2 Background Information 1.2.1 The discovery of gravitational force One day, Newton was sitting on his garden and observing the falling of an apple from a tree. A sudden inspiration appeared in his mind. There must be a force exerted on the apple since the apple accelerated while falling down from the tree with zero initial velocity. The force is then called â€Å"gravity† and the acceleration due to the force is called â€Å"acceleration due to gravity† (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of Gravitation n.d.). 1.2.2 Effects of gravitation on planets If the force of gravity exerts at the top of the trees and mountains, then it must exerts all the way to the orbit of the moon. It is expected that the orbit of the moon around the earth results from the gravitational force as the acceleration due to the gravity can change the velocity of the moon in such a way it followed an orbit around the earth (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of Gravitation n.d.). 2.0 The Universal Law of Gravitation 2.1 Keplers law of gravitation Keplers Third Law states that the ratio of the cubes of their mean distances from the Sun is same as the squares of the periods of any two planets orbit about the Sun. P represents the time taken for one revolution about the Sun and R represents the distance between the planet and the Sun. The equation indicates that the period for the planet to orbit the Sun is proportional to the radius of its orbit. (Johannes Kepler: The Law of Planetary Motion n.d.). However, the accurate measurements on the orbits of the planets showed that they do not precisely follow Keplers laws. The validity of the Keplers law is corrected by Newton. The mass of the Sun is extremely greater than any other planet. Thus, the force of attraction between planets will be small compared to the force due to the Sun (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of gravitation n.d.). 2.2 The law of universal gravitation Law of universal gravitation states that every particle in the universe attracts each another with a force that is proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the distance apart squared. This force exerts along the line of centers joining the two particles. The magnitude of the gravitational force can be calculated using the formula: Fg = GMm Fg is the magnitude of the gravitational force r ² G is universal gravitational constant M and m are the masses of the two particles. r is the distance between the two particles. The universal gravitational force is also named universal constant as it is expected to be constant at any times and places. Therefore, it is universally characterized the intrinsic strength of gravitational force (Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of gravitation n.d.). The gravitational constant is very small since we are unaware of the existence of the force of attraction between objects. The accepted value is G = 6.67 x 10-11 Nm ²/kg2. Based on the equation, the greater the distance between two masses, the smaller the gravitational force (Universal gravitation and weight n.d). 3.0 Gravitational fields Gravitational field is defined as the gravitational force felt by a discrete particle in a particular area (Fowler 2006). 3.1 Field strength Gravitational field strength is defined as force, N per unit mass, kg. The definition of gravitational field strength is derived from the Newtons second law, ÃŽ £F=ma. By making acceleration, a, as a subject and then substitute acceleration, a with gravitational field strength, g, and we would obtain a formula, g = F/m. F represents the gravitational force, N whereby m represents the mass of an object, kg. Gravitational field strength close to the earths surface is the same as the gravitational acceleration, 9.8Nkg-1. When the force is not given, gravitational field strength can be calculated by using the formula, g = GM/r ². This formula can be obtained by the substitution of the two equation, F = mg and F = GMm/r ². Hence, resulted in the formation of the equation, g = GM/r ². The greater the value of g, the greater the gravitational field strength (Universal Gravitation and Weight n.d.). 3.2 Principle of superposition In terms of gravitation, principle of superposition refers to the total force of an object. Total force is the addition of all the vectors due to the gravitational fields of force acting on the object (Fowler, 2006). Superposition refers to the masses which interact with each other. To find the total force, we have to find the gravitational force for each mass by using the formula, Fg = GMm/r ². Finally, add up all the forces by using vector addition method (Forces and Fields n.d.). 4.0 Future of Gravitation Einstein theorized that gravity can be explained by the curvature of space time.  Space time is warped by the mass and energy inside of it but not flat. Objects travel in straight line do not hold by mysterious force but follow the curves in space time. The objects move in straight lines along four-dimensional space time but move in elliptical circles in three-dimensional space. Light appears to travel in straight lines although it is actually bent, curved and changed by the fabric of space time. Although it looks like straight out in front of us, it is actually around the corner of the sun because the space time warp morphs the light. We see only the result of the light that is being bent around the sun. This can not be tested since the sun is shining us right in the eyes and we cannot see the stars.  However, it is possible to test out this theory during a total solar eclipse. We are constantly orbiting the sun so we are able to observe the changes of the movement of the star i n orbit (Space Time: The Fabric of the Universe n.d.). 5.0 Conclusion In conclusion, based on the acceptable Newtons gravitational law of gravitation, gravitation is a mutual force. Every particle in the universe attracts every other particle with a force that is directly proportional to the product of their masses and inversely proportional to the square of the distance between them. Therefore, gravitational force is depends on the masses of the bodies and the distance between the two bodies. Reference List Forces and Fields n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://electron9.phys.utk.edu/phys136d/modules/m4/efield.htm Fowler, M 2006, Gravitational Field, viewed 29 July 2009, http://galileo.phys.virginia.edu/classes/152.mf1i.spring02/GravField.htm Gravitation and Gravity n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://alex.edfac.usyd.edu.au/Methods/Science/studentwork/MassoftheEarth/gravitationandgravity.htm Johannes Kepler: The Laws of Planetary Motion n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/history/kepler.html Newtons Law of Gravitation n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://theory.uwinnipeg.ca/physics/circ/node7.html Sir Isaac Newton: The Universal Law of Gravitation n.d., viewed 6 June 2009, http://csep10.phys.utk.edu/astr161/lect/history/newtongrav.html Space Time: The Fabric of the Universe n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://www.astronomy.pomona.edu/Projects/moderncosmo/alexs%20page%201.html Universal Gravitation and Weight n.d., viewed 29 July 2009, http://dev.physicslab.org/Document.aspx?doctype=3filename=UniversalGravitation_UniversalGravitationWeight.xml Intellectual Disability: Causes and Conditions Intellectual Disability: Causes and Conditions Assessment Demonstrate knowledge of causes and associated conditions related to intellectual disability Outcome 1: Define Intellectual Disability Task 1 1.1 Give 2 definitions of intellectual disability in accordance with a recognised source. Follow prescribed APA format when citing sources. Definition 1: Intellectual disability is a disability characterized by significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and in adaptive behaviour which covers many everyday social and practical skills. This disability originates before the age of 18. Source: World Health Organization. Definition 2: Intellectual disability means a significantly reduced ability to understand new or complex information and to learn and apply new skills (impaired intelligence). Source: World Health Organization. 1.2 Using a definition of intellectual disability give 2 explanations of how this impacts on the persons adaptive skills: The person finds it hard to understand and follow social rules and customs and obeying laws. The person finds it difficult to perform the daily activities which include feeding, bathing, dressing, occupational skills, and navigational skills. Using a definition of intellectual disability give 2 explanations of how this impacts on the persons cognitive ability. A person is not able to think, reason, and solve problems or make decision like what to say while answering the telephone or talking to another person. A person is not able to concentrate, learn new things and does not have the ability to talk or write, resulting in the inability to live independently. Reference: FAQ on Intellectual Disability, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Outcome 2: Describe the outcomes of intellectual Disability Task 2 2.1 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur before birth and describe two [2] main characteristics of the effects. Example1: Fragile x Syndrome. Source: Bray, Anne, Definitions of intellectual disability, [Donald Beasley Institute, 2003] Main characteristics: If the mother does not follow a low phenylalanine diet before birth then the infants will have a low birth weight and grow more slowly than other children. The child will have heart defects or other heart problems, like abnormal small head size and behavioural problems. Example 2: Downs Syndrome Source: Bray, Anne, Definitions of intellectual disability, [Donald Beasley Institute, 2003] Main characteristics: It is caused by a random error in cell division and results in abnormality in physical characteristics like small chin, round face and almond eyes. The baby will have shorter limbs, protruding or oversized tongue and also have obesity problems. 2.2 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur during or immediately following birth and describe 2 main characteristics of the effects. Example 1: Premature Birth. Source: World Health Organisation, International Classification of Disability, and Health. Main characteristics: It happens when mothers smoke cigarettes, drink alcohol or use illicit drugs which results in unresponsive reflexes and problem in breathing. If the mother suffers from stressful life events, such as death of a loved one or domestic violence which results in slow heart rate or difficult feeding. 2.3 Give 2 examples of causes of intellectual disability that occur during childhood years and describe the impact on the day to day support needs of the person. Example 1: Malnutrition Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Impact: The person will have problems in doing his daily activities like going to school or understand what is happening around him or eating his food at the time and taking his medication. He won’t be able to concentrate in class and will often feel depressed. He will need words of encouragement from his teachers and parents. His daily activities should be monitored and ensure to keep health appointments with the physio, social worker and therapists. Example 2: Brain injuries. Source: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Impact: The person will have difficulty with memory tasks like math facts or spelling words. He may not be confident in school will be easily frustrated. He may seem to remember information one day and forget it the next. He will need support in bathing, grooming, and needs reminding of personal hygiene like washing his hands after using the toilet and brushing his teeth. Help from support groups and agencies are also necessary. Outcome 3: Describe conditions frequently associated with intellectual disability. Task 3 Condition 1: Foetal Alcohol syndrome Causes: Mothers drinking during pregnancy leads to foetal alcohol syndrome. Miscarriage, stillbirth premature birth and small birth weight are all associated with it. When a pregnant women drinks alcohol, it easily passes across the placenta to the fetus which can harm the baby’s development. Main Characteristic 1: Children with FAS have distinct facial features including small and narrow eyes, a small head, a smooth area between the nose and the lips and a thin upper lip. Main characteristic 2: They also have hearing and ear problems. Their immune system are also weak due to FAS and they have issues with their height and weight. Description of the Support Needs of the person with the condition: Physical Support: The person needs to be reminded when to take his medicines or needs assistance in taking his medication. They will need assistance in crossing the road and also with daily activities like bathing, grooming and brushing their teeth or putting on their shoes. They will also need speech therapist so that they can interact with their peers. Social Support: The person will need communication and social skills training for interaction with friends, teachers and others. They will need supportive activities like group work to gain confidence and independence. Regular interaction with other children will boost their self-confidence. Cognitive Support: The person will need special education teacher to teach how to talk and what words he should use while talking to someone. He will need a speech therapist to learn how to pronounce a word or say a word clearly. Condition 2: Autism Causes: It is not certain what causes ASD, but it’s likely both genetics and environment play a role. Some studies suggest that people with ASD have abnormal levels of serotonin or other neurotransmitters in the brain. Main Characteristic: 1 People with Autism will have repetitive, obsessive, and unusual behaviour. They will have difficulty in communicating with others does not speak with anyone. They will have excessive lining up of toys or objects and they also have no response to name or social responsiveness. Main Characteristic: 2 They won’t have eye contact while talking to another person and avoid bright lights, noises or physical contact. They won’t be able to understand facial expressions or understand humour or pain, unable to establish friendships and may become isolated. Description of the Support Needs of the person with the condition: Physical Support: They will need an environment which is free from noise and avoid bright lights. They will need constant supervision while doing any work or playing outside. They will need relaxation and stress management like body massage or occupational therapy. Social Support: They will need assistance in learning society rules or social behaviour using logic. They will need advice like how to interact with people and make friends. They will need opportunities for relaxation like chilling out with family and friends. Opportunities for friendships are also important for these people. Cognitive support: The person will need one on one session between him and the therapist. He will need assistance in things like reading a book or solving a math problem. If there is a changes which is made then he should be informed in a manner that makes sense to the person. Reference: FAQ on Intellectual Disability, American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. Condition 3: Epilepsy Causes: Epilepsy can be due to severe head injury, strokes, birth trauma, brain tumours, toxins, brain infection, brain diseases, genetic condition or drug abuse.In many cases the cause is unknown. Main Characteristic 1: The person affected will have recurring and spontaneous seizures .The person may be unconscious or completely unaware of what is happening. Main characteristic 2: Some people with epilepsy simply stare blankly for a few seconds during a seizure, while others repeatedly twist their arms or legs. Seizures may be partial affecting small part of the brain or generalised, affecting whole brain. Description of the Support Needs of the person with condition: Physical Support: Making sure that the environment is safe while walking around so that they won’t get injured when seizure occurs. The environment should be hazard free. He should be monitored weather he is taking his medication at the right time or is he getting any side effects which needs to be reported to the right people. Social Support: He should be encouraged to attend school and work and needs to be reminded constantly that he should not be ashamed of his condition. He should be encouraged to maintain contact and communication with friends and co-workers. He should not be treated differently from other co-workers only because of his condition and he should be treated with respect. His dignity should be maintained during seizure episodes. Cognitive Support: He could be missing learning opportunities during seizure and might need extra teaching support. Keeping an appointment dairy will ensure that he is keeping up to date with his activities. Reference: Bray, Anne, Definitions of intellectual disability. [Donald Beasley Institute,  2003]

Friday, October 25, 2019

The poems Valentine and In Mrs. Tilchers Class both experience :: English Literature

The poems' Valentine and In Mrs. Tilchers' Class both experience dramatic change throughout the course of their poems. They are both very similar in their structure because they both start off in a very positive way. For example the poem "Valentine" uses the words 'Red rose' and 'satin heart' in the first line, which also is the first stanza. Like this, in the poem "In Mrs. Tilchers' Class" the word 'laugh' is used in the first stanza. From this we can see that both poems are conforming to normal standard, by starting off very positively. In "Valentine" Carol Ann Duffy starts off the poem by describing the state of the relationship and uses the words 'like the careful undressing of love' to create a simile of sexual nature. As the poem progresses, we find out that Carol Ann Duffy is, in fact, ending the relationship with the person concerned. She uses phrases like 'possessive' and 'lethal', which certainly does not conform to most Valentine poems of today. Unlike the beginning of the poem where she uses a lot of very "loving" words like 'truthful' and 'lover', towards the end she talks about how the scent of the onion will 'cling to your knife'. The word 'knife' is the keyword in this line, and Carol Ann Duffy has purposely chosen it because it is not usually linked with Valentine poems. The word is a strong contrast towards the beginning of the poem. We can link the word 'knife' as the last word in the poem, to the last word in the first line which is 'heart'. We can now more clearly see the contrast Duffy is trying to make. The whole poem "Valentine" is an extended metaphor concerning the onion. Duffy uses the onion to describe the relationship. From words like 'undressing', 'fierce kiss' to 'tears' and 'grief' she chooses her language so that you can identify and relate to what she is writing. The poem is not only easy to relate to because of its language but also because it is written based on real life. Duffy wrote the poem for a lover, so this also makes it easier to understand. Carol Ann Duffy makes the change in "Valentine" between the fifth and the sixth stanza. The first three stanzas of the poem focus on the content of the relationship and we see the contentment of it. However there is a change. The sixth and seventh stanzas describe an event and its consequences. The reader can see that when Carol Ann Duffy says ' I give you an onion. Its fierce kiss will stay on your The poems' Valentine and In Mrs. Tilchers' Class both experience :: English Literature The poems' Valentine and In Mrs. Tilchers' Class both experience dramatic change throughout the course of their poems. They are both very similar in their structure because they both start off in a very positive way. For example the poem "Valentine" uses the words 'Red rose' and 'satin heart' in the first line, which also is the first stanza. Like this, in the poem "In Mrs. Tilchers' Class" the word 'laugh' is used in the first stanza. From this we can see that both poems are conforming to normal standard, by starting off very positively. In "Valentine" Carol Ann Duffy starts off the poem by describing the state of the relationship and uses the words 'like the careful undressing of love' to create a simile of sexual nature. As the poem progresses, we find out that Carol Ann Duffy is, in fact, ending the relationship with the person concerned. She uses phrases like 'possessive' and 'lethal', which certainly does not conform to most Valentine poems of today. Unlike the beginning of the poem where she uses a lot of very "loving" words like 'truthful' and 'lover', towards the end she talks about how the scent of the onion will 'cling to your knife'. The word 'knife' is the keyword in this line, and Carol Ann Duffy has purposely chosen it because it is not usually linked with Valentine poems. The word is a strong contrast towards the beginning of the poem. We can link the word 'knife' as the last word in the poem, to the last word in the first line which is 'heart'. We can now more clearly see the contrast Duffy is trying to make. The whole poem "Valentine" is an extended metaphor concerning the onion. Duffy uses the onion to describe the relationship. From words like 'undressing', 'fierce kiss' to 'tears' and 'grief' she chooses her language so that you can identify and relate to what she is writing. The poem is not only easy to relate to because of its language but also because it is written based on real life. Duffy wrote the poem for a lover, so this also makes it easier to understand. Carol Ann Duffy makes the change in "Valentine" between the fifth and the sixth stanza. The first three stanzas of the poem focus on the content of the relationship and we see the contentment of it. However there is a change. The sixth and seventh stanzas describe an event and its consequences. The reader can see that when Carol Ann Duffy says ' I give you an onion. Its fierce kiss will stay on your

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Communication and Basic Interpersonal Needs Essay

In, today society we communicate in several ways through verbal communication, text or email, listening and even body language. I would say our most common communication is demonstrated through body language. Interpersonal communication and conflicts tend to happen in our daily lives with emotional connections to anyone we would meet. Everyone has point’s in time that a conflict of interest, points of view are difference in the way one should behave. According to K.Sole, interpersonal communication is the process of exchanging messages, usually between two people, to create and share meaning. † In the movie â€Å"Hitch† one is shown that    through nonverbal communication, how the characters listen to themselves as well as one another and through the changing perceptions of the characters. At the beginning of the movie we are introduced to Alex Hitchens who is considered the â€Å"date doctor†; he gives a narrative on how we as women may say one thing with our mouth but in our head and hearts we want the guy to try harder to make a stronger connection in the relationship . In the first examples of the opposite sex interactions we see three different men who have tried to get the interest of three different women but have failed on their own. Hitch, teaches the men how to have confidence, play to their characteristics, and to really listen to what the women are really saying with their objections and to go beyond the normal to sweep you love interest off her feet. The main interpersonal conflict in the movie Hitch is the miscommunication and misunderstanding between the characters and their relationships: Sarah and Alex and Allegra and Albert. In the beginning Hitch states how sixty percent of all our communication is told through our body language along with how communication is the most important aspect of any relationship and how communication builds the relationship or how the of lack of communication can destroy the relationship. â€Å"Hitch† demonstrates how relationships can be complicated, but by expanding our knowledge and learning of new skills. We can improve our lives with interpersonal relationships. There are three basic interpersonal needs that are satisfied through interactions with others. These needs are becoming involved with others, affection or ,holding emotions for a person, and having control to influence others. These needs can be fulfilled through a complementary or symmetrical relationship. A complementary relationship, â€Å"is a relationship between people who are unequal in status or authority and a symmetrical relationship are relationship where the participants are equal to each other, or are highly similar†, and the differences in communication people tend to develop interpersonal conflicts. Romantic relationships have aspects of both relationship styles. Throughout the movie interpersonal conflict is demonstrated within the relationships of Alex and Sarah. In the movie their relationship takes a turn for the end when Sarah discovers that he is the so-called date doctor and whom she believes is responsible for her best friend being dumped. After, that she sets out to expose him which causes some friction in his most recent client’s Albert’s relationship with Allegra. Sarah felt that Hitch was giving the men on advice how to hide their real intentions when dating the women only to falsely cause the women to fall in love with men. The conflict continues when Hitch tries to explain exactly what he does is only prepare the men on how to communicate effectively with the opposite sex. I do believe if Sarah and Hitch would have only listened to one another that a great deal of their conflict could have been avoided. If you are going to be in a relationship you need to be prepared to communicate your thoughts and feelings to have any successful relationship.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Differences in Cultural Conceptions of Intelligence

There are many definitions of intelligence according to both formal and informal theories. Under formal theories, intelligence is associated to adaptation to the environment and the capability to learn. According to experts, there is an intelligence factor, referred to as g, which dictates all adaptive behaviors such as mental, verbal, creative and mechanical abilities. On the other hand, informal theories define intelligence using verbal, practical and social abilities. Conventional measurements of intelligence involve IQ (intelligence quotient) tests.However, different cultures define and measure intelligence differently. Western and Eastern cultures see intelligence in varying perspective according to important factors in each of these two societies (Sternberg et al, 2005). Western culture, such in the United States and most parts of Europe, traditionally defines intelligence as the mental capacity for analytical and reasoning as evidenced by strong performance in practical proble m solving, verbal and social skills.Accordingly, several tests in the United States are used to gauge a person’s intelligence. Examples are the Stanford-Binet Intelligence Scale, the Wechsler Intelligence Scales, Cognitive Abilities Test, and School and College Abilities Tests (Sternberg, 2007). Eastern cultures have an entirely different conventional view of intelligence. In China, for example, intelligence covers righteousness, benevolence, humility, self-knowledge and character as some of the traits that are associated when describing intelligence in addition to cognitive abilities.Furthermore, in Taiwanese Chinese, there are five conceptions regarding intelligence. These are cognitive, interpersonal, intrapersonal, intellectual self-assertion, and self-effacement. With the above differences in the perception of intelligence in two representative cultures such as the Chinese (Eastern) and American (Western), comes equivalent parameters that should be remembered to measure abilities. Each has its own methods for testing linguistic, spatial and interpersonal skills (Sternberg, 2007).For testing linguistic capabilities, it is important to take into account the use of appropriate language medium. The two cultures agree on using their native tongues for assessing intelligence of members of the said cultures. The English language is prevalently used in American schools; on the other hand, Chinese characters are common in schools in China. The use of figures and characters in the latter language gives advantage to Chinese students in their spatial abilities whereas abstract thinking and imagination is inspired in American setting.Therefore, a glaring contrast in tests given to American and Chinese students lies in the presence or degree of creativity and spatial skills tests, respectively. As mentioned above, there is great advantage among Chinese with regards to spatial thinking skills which can be attributed to the use of characters and physical represent ations in their language. On the other hand, emphasis is given on the use of alphanumeric characters in Western culture which partly results in abstract reasoning. This is why there are more tests dealing with creative thinking in Western than in Chinese culture.With regards to interpersonal skills, teamwork and collaboration is highlighted in the Western culture while in Eastern culture, the importance of excelling and being independent in order to provide or be an example to other people takes precedence. In other words the difference lies in the Eastern focus on the self as exemplified in the Taoist tradition unlike the Western’s emphasis on unity. Therefore, Eastern culture test for how best to surpass one’s successes while Western culture evaluate a person’s ability to be productive within a group (Sternberg, 2007).