Sunday, September 1, 2019
Durkheim and weber
We link Durkheim with social fact, and Weber withVerstehen. Durkheim's writings led to functionalism while Weber's writing led to symbolic interactionism. Both were â€Å"Fathers†of sociology, and wrote mainly in the late nineteenth century. Both called for applying the scientific method to the study of society, and both wanted sociologists to be objective (although they had different ideas about objectivity). Both contributed to the sociological perspective. Both criticised Marx, but in different ways.The main difference between them was that Durkheim coined the term â€Å"social fact†o indicate that there were forces beyond the individual that affected their behaviour, while Weber said we needed to understand the meanings people put on their behaviour to understand society. The approach by Weber has developed into modern perspective of sociology called symbolic interactionism. Durkheim's study of suicide to show how rates of suicide differed between groups with diff erent social characteristics, although we do not have enough information to predict which individuals would commit suicide.Suicide rates are quite predictable, when based on specific social characteristics. Durkheim used this to explain â€Å"social fact. †The idea of seeing social facts as external to the individual was Durkheim's contribution. See â€Å"Inside or Outside? †In contrast, we see Weber'sverstehen as a â€Å"deeper understanding†(which is why we use the German term rather than the weaker English equivalent) of the society which we all carry within us. Although we might at first see these differences as mutually exclusive and un- reconcilable, Weber's â€Å"internal†approach and Durkheim's â€Å"external†approach, we must integrate these two perspectives.Modern sociology requires that you see them both as valid and operating simultaneously. Weber made other important contributions, eg to the study ot bureaucracy and to the factor of religious beliefs and values in social change. Similarly, Durkheim made many other contributions, such as differentiating between organic and mechanical solidarity, and explaining anomie. Weber's study of the rise of capitalism, and his thesis that it was caused by the rise of the Protestant ethic, can be used to contrast him with Marx.
Saturday, August 31, 2019
Data Communications Essay
Differentiate between an analog and a digital electromagnetic signal. What are three important characteristics of a periodic signal. What is the relationship between the wavelength and frequency of a sine wave. Define fundamental frequency. What is the relationship between a signal’s spectrum and its bandwidth. What is attenuation? Define channel capacity. What key factors affect channel capacity? Problems: Figure 1 shows the frequency domain function for a single square pulse. The signal pulse could represent a digital 1 in a communications system. Note that an infinite number of higher frequencies of decreasing magnitudes is needed to represent the single pulse. What implication does that have for a real digital transmission system? Suppose that a digitised TV picture is to be transmitted from a source that uses a matrix of 480 x 500 picture elements (pixels), where each pixel can take on one of 32 intensity values. Assume that 30 pictures are sent per second. (This digital source is is roughly equivalent to broadcast TV standards that have been adopted.) Find the source rate R (bps) Assume that the TV picture is to be transmitted over a channel with 4.5Mhz bandwidth and a 35dB signal-to -noise ratio. Find the capacity of the channel (bps). Discuss how the parameters given in part (a.) could be modified to allow transmission of colour TV signals without increasing the required value for R. What is the channel capacity for a teleprinter channel with a 300Hz bandwidth and a signal-to-noise ratio of 3dB, where the noise is white thermal noise? A digital signalling system is required to operate at 9600bps. If a signal element encodes a 4-bit word, what is the minimum required bandwidth of the channel? Repeat part (a .) for the case of 8-bit words. Given the narrow (usable) audio bandwidth of a telephone transmission facility, a nominal SNR of 56dB (400,000), and a certain level of distortion, What is the theoretical maximum channel capacity (kbps) of traditional telephone lines? What can we say about the actual maximum channel capacity? Given a channel with an intended capacity of 20Mpbs, the bandwidth of the channel is 3MHz. Assuming white thermal noise, what signal-to-noise ratio is required to achieve this capacity? If an amplifier has a 30dB voltage gain, what voltage ratio does the gain represent? An amplifier has an output of 20W. What is the output in dBW? Answers: Short Questions With guided media, the electromagnetic waves are guided along an enclosed physical path whereas unguided media provide a means for transmitting electromagnetic waves but do not guide them. A continuous or analog signal is one in which the signal intensity varies in a smooth fashion over time while a discrete or digital signal is one in which the signal intensity maintains one of a finite number of constant levels for some period of time and then changes to another constant level. Amplitude, frequency, and phase are three important characteristics of a periodic signal. The relationship is ÃŽ »f = v, where ÃŽ » is the wavelength, f is the frequency, and v is the speed at which the signal is traveling. The fundamental frequency is the lowest frequency component in the Fourier representation of a periodic quantity. The spectrum of a signal is the frequencies it contains while the bandwidth of a signal is the width of the spectrum. Attenuation is the gradual weakening of a signal over dis tance. The rate at which data can be transmitted over a given communication path, or channel, under given conditions, is referred to as the channel capacity. Bandwidth, noise, and error rate.
Friday, August 30, 2019
Leadership Concepts on Motivating People Essay
Leadership power depends on an individual’s perception of the things that motivate people to perform to the best of their best abilities. A leader like me is one who has innate self -motivation and who has honed an effective leadership style by knowing, applying and developing which skill will best achieve and energize others. Good leadership is critical to any successful organization or set-up. There are a lot of leadership tools, styles and motivation factors that I can employ to influence others. I have the ability to induce motivation because my leadership style can influence the level of motivation that my follower manifests. Motivation is determined by the various ambitions and style that I employ.            A leader like me utilizes various styles as well as techniques and levels of motivation to get things moving and arrive at a specific goal. Motivation is a symbol of what it takes to be a good leader. A decrease in proper motivation on the part of the leader means idleness on the part of the follower. In an organization or office set-up, employees are inclined to stagnate when motivation is lessen. It is a mistake for a lot of leaders who motivate their followers using the old-fashioned way of imposing fear. This is not recommended because it is likely that a follower under fear will only produce short-term results and may perform even less efficiently in the long run.            As a true and good leader, I instead introduce challenges for followers to deal with. Bringing a new challenge oftentimes induces excitement and creativity among subordinates. It always pays to challenge the followers with assignments that are quite out of their scope of work to allow them to prove their capabilities and even excel. This escalates motivation among the people. In the event a follower is faced with an obstacle and as a motivating leader, I give guidance in determining a solution but not to the extent of immediately offering the actual answer to a problem. It is a matter of teaching my followers to know for themselves what correct solution to take. This promotes their self-esteem and eventually gives them the motivation they need.            I also employ different tools and styles to motivate my followers. However, there is a need to understand first that a person’s motivation is a mixture of his or her feeling of desire and vigor aimed at meeting a specific goal. Getting someone motivated simply means making the follower accomplish willingly the task assigned to him or her. The factors for people to be motivated include their beliefs, values, interests, fear, and other laudable causes. I need to always keep an open mind or perspective about human nature because there is no such thing as simple formula for motivation. This is to prevent myself from being faced with a complicated arrangement of factors in directing or motivating a person to reach his or her maximum productive potential. I, therefore, needs to learn, apply, and develop these factors. However, there will be a variation in their respective reaction if similar motivation tools or styles are directed towards two people with different personalities. It is then important for me to know that people react to different needs. This ushers the correct action where I can determine the accurate decision to be taken in a particular situation. Leadership Book            The book â€Å"Leadership: Theory, Application, and Skill Development†(Third Edition) written by Robert N. Lussier and Christopher F. Achua (2006), assesses the correct and effective instruments and styles that great leaders use to determine the future’s leadership strategies. The book unites classic leadership theories and styles with flexible and adaptable insights that will help leaders and even would-be leaders to succeed in tomorrow’s workforce.            The book is the most applicable leadership material because the authors make the fundamental ideas immediately related to modern period by using a unique three-pronged concept that includes theory, application, and skill development. According to Lussier and Achua (2006), the book covers all of the traditional theories and wide array of leadership topics in a brief but interesting presentation that stresses on the key factors. Several clear applications were identified by the book, which encourage the readers to use their thinking skills. The authors also utilized many skill-building practical exercises to give urgent relevance to the concepts and to nurture leadership skills that are applicable to a leader’s professional and personal life.            Included in this book’s edition are the various opening case applications, suggested articles on Infotrac college edition, information from different companies involved in ethical dilemmas, a focus on ethics coverage, revised cutting-edge topics and expanded organizational leadership topics. The book features several step-by-step leadership functions which are integrated into the context of each chapter or in the skill-building exercises. It also has application exercises which require the reader to determine the illustrated idea by using brief samples. The end-of-chapter cases give insights on how companies have applied the leadership concepts to meet their challenges. The self-assessment exercises enable the reader to assess his or her own leadership skills. Lastly, the skill-building exercises help the reader develop leadership skills they can immediately use. Individuals as Leaders            In the first chapter of the book, Lussier and Achua (2006) presented the different factors and instances when an individual assumes being a leader. According to Lussier and Achua (2006), leaders and followers adopt various roles – there are times when the two switch functions and there are also situations where they exemplify flexibility and perform interrelating activities. In order for leaders to motivate their people, the authors presented the trait and behavioral leadership theories that are universal and generally seek only the best leadership style that can be applied in any situation. They differ in the sense that the trait theory dwells on the personal features of efficient leaders while the behavioral theory tries to state and explain the actual things that the leaders perform.            In understanding the important and critical role that a leader performs, the authors first identified the characteristics and what it takes to be a leader. Lussier and Achua (2006) cited the idea of legendary football coach Vince Lombardi when he said that leaders are not born but made. The authors further quoted Lombardi as saying that all of us can be or destined to be leaders and it is just a matter of developing the leadership skills already present within ourselves.            Lussier and Achua (2006) concluded this chapter by stating the interrelationships between the first two leadership theories with contingency theory. They further claimed that the contingency theory determined the most appropriate leadership style because it employs a combination of trait and behavioral leadership theories which cover the three essential features of leadership, namely the leader, his or her followers, and a given situation (Lussier & Achua, 2006). Leadership Traits and Ethics            On the second chapter of the book, Lussier and Achua (2006) stated that the styles used by great leaders are based on personality traits and an ethical approach is followed. The authors said that although personality traits of leaders are generally classified, each leader still has their respective trait which differentiates him or her from others. This specific trait facilitates how the followers are motivated by a good leader to perform at their best. According to Lussier and Achua (2006), the motivating power of a leader is measured on the traits, performances and ethical standards shown by his or her followers. The authors added that the followers’ attitudes, moral development and how they ethically approach a particular dilemma determine the kind of tool and style that leaders utilize. These same characteristics are effective both for the leaders and followers in order to influence each other. These features were manifested in specific cases of Microsoft magnate Bill Gates who is a great example of a true visionary leader. The ethical and social responsibility of the Timberland Company was also used by the authors as an example of creating a win-win situation. This is because the company was able to decide favorably on a certain dilemma and the decision was confidently relayed to their stakeholders which made it ethical (Lussier & Achua, 2006, pp. 63-64). Leadership Behavior and Motivation            On this last part of the book, Lussier and Achua (2006) summarized what the whole book is all about. This is where the authors presented the importance of the behavior, skills and style of leaders in connection with their vital purpose of motivating their people and eventually achieving the common goal of the group. Stated on this chapter were the similarities and difference of the various contents and processes of motivation theories. The authors said that content motivation theories centers on determining and apprehending the needs of the followers. Process motivation, on the other hand, escalates in order to understand how followers prefer behavior to meet what they want. Unlike the two, reinforcement theory is not as concerned about employee needs. This is because it centers on having the followers perform what leaders want them to do through the results given by leaders for their behavior. This is where the use of reward as a means of motivating followers will prove to be of importance. This is not to say that a follower needs to be promised something just to do what has been told. The use of reward system is not to corrupt one’s personality and attitude towards work but rather to serve as a compliment and appreciation for a job well done.            According to Lussier and Achua (2006), leadership pointed out the significant role of causing the followers to achieve their best personal results as well as to meet the objectives of the organization. The authors emphasized the need for an increased degree of job performance. This is achievable when leaders build a healthy, productive, and motivational working environment that motivates the people to do their best and get their ultimate objectives. The authors added that influencing the people result to a typical but much needed professional competition within the group. This healthy rivalry yields mostly positive effects which will benefit the whole group and its outside customers. The power of the leader to motivate his or her followers through the use of various skills and styles is, therefore, vital for leadership to succeed (Lussier & Achua, 2006, p. 74). Best Leadership Motivation            The book identifies the terms influence and change as the keywords which leaders may use in order to adhere to the boundaries of leadership theories, application, and skill development. There could never be a specific leadership tool or style because it oftentimes depends on the circumstances and the people forming the group. However, for the purpose of having an adaptable leadership concept that can be employed, the book by Lussier and Achua (2006) apparently stated that great and effective leaders exemplify the power to influence his or her followers and create change within the group.            According to Lussier and Achua (2006), influence is the essence of leadership as it manifests all the leadership tools and styles and other concepts that great and effective leaders employ. The authors also stated that influencing is the change procedure wherein a leader expresses thoughts, gaining understanding and acceptance of these ideas and causing his or her people to support and place into action the ideas. They also explain that effective leaders have the strong power influence the followers who themselves also become effective in influencing others. This process of change called â€Å"influencing†also revolves around the relationship between leaders and followers. There can also be circumstances where the leaders and followers often change roles through the said process of influencing. Moreover, since effective leaders know when to lead and when to follow, influencing and laying down specific goals determine the possibility of change. Lussier and Achua (2006), therefore, stressed that continued change is essential in organizations in order to adapt to the rapidly changing global environment and meet the demands of the role of being a leader (Lussier & Achua, 2006, p. 8). Conclusion            Leadership has something to do with whom the people are following and for what purpose. As a leader, I influence my followers’ behaviors thus I should know how to motivate these people and cause an intention of effectively bringing out the best in them. Leadership has its theories, application and ways of development while I have powers that make others want to follow my direction. However, it is the process of influencing the behavior of other people toward achieving a predetermined goal that determines effectiveness on the part of the leaders.            The success of my group rests on my kind of leadership and whether I possess the needed leadership qualities. Without my leadership, my group is less effective in its joint effect on their mission. In effect, without my supportive members, I will be frustrated. Compatibility between me and my followers is significant. Some leaders are more effective with particular types of follower while other followers function better with a specific style of leadership. The focus has usually been given on leaders to bring about change, but this responsibility is actually shared. This is because it is not difficult to frustrate the efforts of leadership if persons are unwilling to be led in a particular direction.            Leadership also calls for relationships especially if I am compatible with my followers. If we are sort of meant for each other, substantial success is present. I have the power through motivation and it is stimulated through leadership styles. Whether the organizations or leader prefers the achievement oriented leadership style or the others, they can still obtain best results if a little form of collaboration, caring, being receptive to constructive feedback, and adopting understanding skills, are added. I can also motivate based on personality traits, by setting a good example. If I and my organization can be able to motivate our followers, the common goal of productivity and best performance can be met.            In knowing the best leadership tool or style, I must be able to adapt my authority to various situations as well as to the different personalities of people I guide. This in effect implies that I should not be limited to only one style given a particular instance and type of people. The various techniques, as presented in the book by Lussier and Achua (2006), can be used to influence people and achieve the same purpose of the group. Aside from the various leadership tools, styles, theories, applications and ways of development, it is foremost, my ability and power to influence my followers and to cause changes in the group, that will stand. Reference Lussier, R. N. & Achua, C. F. (2006). Leadership: Theory, Application, and Skill Development. OH: South-Western Publishing Co.
Thursday, August 29, 2019
Nixon's Counterterrorism Policies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Nixon's Counterterrorism Policies - Essay Example It also looked into the implementation of these activities effectively. It consisted of the Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, the Attorney General, Secretary of Transportation, Secretary of Treasury, the Ambassador of the United Nations, the director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, director of the Central Intelligence Agency and Assistant to the President for National Security affairs (Crenshaw n.p.). Two incidents which triggered the formation of this committee took place in the early 1970’s which led to the development of the modern counterterrorism policies. One occurred at the Munich Olympics in September 1972 by the Black September Organization, killing approximately 11 Israeli athletes. Another case of terrorism conducted by the same organization occurred in the form of kidnapping which took place in Khartoum and the immediate assassination of US Ambassador and his Deputy Chief Commission along with a Belgian diplomat (Naftali 33). This was the ultimate c ase which convinced President Nixon to take strong action against terrorism. The tangible threats to the US national security were the main focus of Nixon’s policy. ... By the time it got down to Clinton, he ensured his policies stood out from his predecessors. Another aim was to reduce the tension in the Middle East between the Israeli and Arab world. Nixon had assigned the responsibilities of counterterrorism to his old friend William Roger (Alexander xix). Arabs were in a natural conflict with the United States for its support for the Israel cause. Ever since the Six Day War of 1967, the Palestinians’ resentment grew stronger and they took wild measures in the form of terrorist acts. The case of Jordan in 1970 was one of great concern for the Western world. The defeat of the Fatah-led Palestinians gave rise to the emergence of the organization of Black September which split away from PLO by its own choice and continued to involve in radical acts across the globe. The main concern while fighting against these terrorists forces for the US was the elaborate network which could capture their Embassy in Jordan. The US paratroopers were brought to alert positions and seize the International Airport if necessary. This was the first lesson they got in dealing with the terrorists (Naftali 54). The presidents were pressurized to maintain their complete attention on the issue of terrorism. Although they did their best, their resolutions and initiatives were never entirely implemented by the concerned bureaucracies. In 1981 the call to establish a clearinghouse of intelligence by Vice President George H.W. Bush went unheard. The National Security Decision Directive 138 was issued by Reagan’s administration in 1984 strongly condemning any act of terrorism stating that such activities would not be tolerated by the United States (Crenshaw 2005). Nixon employed several steps as a move towards counterterrorism which
Wednesday, August 28, 2019
Anti-Social Personality Disorder Research Paper
Anti-Social Personality Disorder - Research Paper Example Its treatment includes cognitive behavioral therapy, risperidone, home visiting programs, and skill based programs. In applying the religious and spiritual applications of this disorder, it is possible to apply a more holistic assessment of the disorder, especially for those who consider spiritual and religious beliefs as essential elements to their full recovery. Anti-Social Personality Disorder I. Introduction Antisocial personality disorder is one of the disorders diagnosed by the DSM-IV or the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Disorders as personality disorders. This disorder is largely based on manifestations of personality – personalities which deviate from the normal physiological and mental functions of individuals. The DSM-IV discusses the following criteria for qualifying antisocial personality disorder: evidence of conduct disorder before the age of 15; pervasive pattern of disregard for and violation of rights of others since the age of 15, manifesting with atle ast three of the following behavior: failure to conform to social norms in relation to social norms with respect to lawful behaviors, indicated by repeated acts meriting arrest; deceitfulness, marked by repeated lying, use of aliases, tricking others to gain profit or pleasure; impulsiveness; irritability and aggressiveness, with repeated physical fights; reckless disregard for safety of others and of self; consistent irresponsibility, marked by repeated failure to sustain work behavior or honor financial responsibilities; lack of remorse marked by indifference, rationalizing being hurt or mistreated by another (Ogloff, 2006). They are also likely to use aggression and deception to promote their personal interests and to basically get what they want (Porter and Woodworth, 2007). This paper shall discuss the disease in its historical context, as well as current research on its causes. It shall discuss the treatment approaches for this disorder, including the benefits of such treatmen t. It shall also consider research as to the prevention of this illness as well as cross cultural issues pertaining to the topic. Finally, it shall discuss the topic from a Christian worldview perspective, including the disorder’s cause, treatment, and prevention. This topic is being considered with the hope of establishing a clear and comprehensive assessment of the subject matter. II. Historical context In a discussion by Million, et.al., (as cited by Ogloff, 2006), the author set forth that psychopathy is one of the first personality disorders to be recognized in the field of psychiatry. Psychopathy originally referred to personality disorders seen as extreme forms of normal personalities. Practitioners have debated conditions characterized by antisocial behavior with the term manie sans delire coined in the 1700s to specify behavior from humans whose affective faculties have been discredited; critics point out however that it is a term which was useful only in court (Oglo ff, 2006). Throughout the years, various labels have been considered for the condition which has now been known simply as psychopathy. These labels included moral insanity, moral imbecility, degenerative constitution, and psychopathic taint. In the current context, antisocial personality disorder is applied in a much broader context than psychopathy;
Tuesday, August 27, 2019
Kroger Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Kroger - Essay Example The exact number and details pertaining the businesses discussed above is as follows: (i) The company owns two thousand six hundred and forty one grocery retail stores all across 34 states in America. The stores are in formats that include multi-department stores supermarkets, supercenters and price-impact warehouses. All these stores contain all national brands and other merchandise (Operations). (iv) It operates 38 manufacturing plants that process food substances. This forms one the largest string of private manufacturers in the country. The companys private products manufacturing plants are thirty-seven in number operating in seventeen states (Operations). The company practices sustainability measures to ensure that it keeps up with the environmental standards. In addition, the operations conserve energy usage in all the sectors. Such measures have reduced energy usage in the retails distributed throughout the country (2013 Sustainability report). For the company to sustain a quick and steady growth it needs to follow the following measurers. It needs to improve the execution of the company infrastructure. A good infrastructure would maintain the management of a large company with distributions throughout the country. To achieve this form of infrastructure network, the firm should do away with departmental silos, using performance drivers that conform with the strategy at hand, and finally grooming leaders at all levels in the different outlets. Having well trained leaders facilitates good management in the whole company. For a firm with several branches such as this, it is advantageous to have leaders heading for the same goal to facilitate good growth (THREE STRATEGIES FOR ACHIEVING AND SUSTAINING GROWTH ). The second stage is identifying and implementing strategies that would be fruitful to the growth of the firm. To implement this, the first things is to concentrate in the core business. The
Monday, August 26, 2019
Historical Developments that Presented New Opportunities and Desires Term Paper
Historical Developments that Presented New Opportunities and Desires for Women - Term Paper Example Introduction Today, with women occupying many high ranking positions at work both in the private and public sectors, it is difficult to imagine and contextualize a time in the past when they were confined to the household and generally restricted and discriminated upon when it comes to the issue of working and employment. It is even no longer fashionable to talk about the glass ceiling in the corporate ladder presently because many female executives are making waves in the corporate world. While, America is yet to see a female president, there is no shortage of powerful female politicians that became influential in Washington and overseas. It is, unarguably, the best time yet for American women to live, work, compete and achieve things for themselves. Looking back, the women of the past were not that lucky. They have to fight for equality and for the recognition that they, too, have rights and capabilities that can be as useful and meaningful as those of men’s. Remember the La dies In the early years of the United States as a country, the first opportunity for change emerged. It was in search for the values, norms, identity and character that would define the nation. There are several notable women who made a difference and helped shape the course of the path that America took during these times. For instance, there is the case of the documented correspondence between John Adams and his wife, Abigail Adams, which demonstrated how Mrs. Adams led the women of her day to empower women and fight for their rights. In a letter dated March 31, 1776, she wrote her husband during the Continental Congress, which is on the process of drafting the Declaration of Independence. She reminded Adams that: I long to hear that you have declared an independency. And, by the way, in the new code of laws which I suppose it will be necessary for you to make, I desire you would remember the ladies and be more generous and favorable to them than your ancestors. The correspondence did not reveal the extent of the impact of Abigail Adams’ admonitions. In the end, the Founding Fathers came up with the classic line in the Declaration that, â€Å"all men are created equal.†Her experience depicted how the American society during this period has displayed a stereotypical view of women, wherein they are widely seen to belong at home in the so-called cult of domesticity. Nonetheless, Abigail Adams is considered one of the pioneering women that launched the process of women emancipation and gender equality. Her actions served as an inspiration for many feminists that would come after her. More and more women became educated as schools were set up for them by individuals who advocate equal rights. There are numerous other developments driven by individual personages and they all influenced the trajectory of women empowerment later on. In 1933, Eleanor Roosevelt became influential in advancing many of the women’s causes. During the Great Depressio n, she was at the forefront of those exhorting women to contribute something to their country and to alleviate the crisis. In one of her pronouncements, she stated that, â€Å"The women know that life must go on and that the needs of life must be met and it is their courage and determination which, time and again, have pulled us
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