Implicit and Explicit Learning: Two Different Systems?

Implicit and explicit learning: Two different systems? Implicit and explicit learning methods have been empirically tested over many years and the debate still goes on, are they connected to one another or are they two separate systems? This essay aims to evaluate studies on both sides and come to a conclusion based on current research. Implicit learning was first defined as, how one develops intuitive knowledge about the underlying structure of a complex stimulus environment, without a conscious effort (Reber, 1967).This in Lehman’s terms is essentially unconscious learning, meaning that certain things are learned without our brain being actively used to learn them. Explicit learning on the other hand is defined by Mathers et al (1989) as being very similar to the conscious problem solving processes, this is because our brain attempts to form a mental representation of the task and searches memory for previous knowledge before testing mental models of task performance. Grant & Berg (1948) showed just how clear implicit learning is when they created the Wisconsin card-sorting test (WCST).The participants had to categorize cards but were not told how to categorize them, but only if it was right or wrong. After a few tries the participants were able to successfully match the cards to the right categories however when asked why they could not explain why they matched the card to that category, showing that this learning was done implicitly and is hard to explain how they came to that conclusion. A clear example of explicit learning is when a child is learning their math timetables because they are consciously participating in a new learning exercise.Cleeremans & Jimenez (2002) describes implicit-explicit learning as a continuum whereas Aizenstein et al (2004) suggests that different areas of the brain are active during different types of learning. As there are different types of learning, there are also different types of memory and learning and memory are inextricably linked with one another. Therefore neurologists and psychologists have argued that if there are 2 separate systems of memory then surely, as memory and learning are so closely interlinked, learning must also have a similar system (Kihlstrom, Dorfman & Park, 2007).Grammar learning has being at the centre of the majority of research as the human brain deciphers grammar through both memory and learning. This was shown in Reber (1967) study or artificial grammar learning, where he presented participants with a string of artificial sentences that have been created by using a complex set of grammatical rules. Reber concluded that while all the sentences across both groups technically made no sense, participants identified that there was a set of grammatical rules behind the sentences.When the sentences changed and some were grammatically correct and some were not, participants knew that there was something wrong about the sentence however they could not explain what this was. This is because the participants were unconsciously learning the set of rules while reading the sentence. During different types of learning, different areas of the brain become active and have increased blood flow, this presents a solid platform for a multiple system view of learning in humans.This debate has been discussed in the context of memory as well as learning systems. Goschke (1998) provides evidence for this when he studied the implicit learning of motor sequences. Goschke discovered, through brain imaging, that different domain-specific areas of the brain became active during motor sequence learning, areas that suggest the different areas of the brain become active through one learning task. Consequently proposing the theory for independent learning systems.This theory was reinforced when Aizenstein (2004) used modern technology in the form of fMRI scans to measure regional brain activity during concurrent implicit and explicit sequence learning, this study found that b rain activity was very similar in both types of learning. With the visual cortex and the striatum showing activity in both conditions, however the main difference between the conditions was direction of activation change in the visual cortex. In the implicit condition the visual particle had a negative ? indicating a reduced response related with the learning trials. The prefrontal cortex was also activated more in the explicit condition. Although Aizenstein found a difference in the regional brain activity, there was also an overlap in activity in the two conditions, replicating the findings of Willingham, Salidis & Gabrieli (2002) and Schendan, Searl, Melrose & Stern (2003). There has been evidence found in studies on amnesia patients that strongly suggests that implicit and explicit memory is two very distinct systems.Levy, Stark & Squire (2004) discovered that, through a series of experiments on memory-impaired patients, implicit priming (the identification of an item is improve d from an earlier encounter) is still intact in the patients. However new priming proves to be difficult for them. This is due to damage to the hippocampus and other related structures in the medial temporal lobe consequently amnesiacs find a task difficult if it depends on the linking of unrelated items.As there are many models of multiple learning systems that have being empirically tested over the years, this has become the most commonly accepted model of learning. This is also due to modern technology such as fMRI also reinforcing certain factors that suggest a multiple system view, as Aizenstein (2004) showed. Consequently not many researchers take it on themselves to go against the majority and opt to research a singular system view of learning. However, despite a small amount of valid research on this topic, there is still substantial evidence that prolongs this debate.Cleermans & Jimenez (2002) present research that indicates the learning process is not two separate systems of implicit and explicit learning, but that it is a continuum. This continuum runs from weak learning, implicit learning, along to strong learning, explicit learning, therefore proposing learning not as two separate systems but as a single loop of learning. Perruchet & Amorim (1992) ran a series of experiments on sequence learning and the effect of conscious knowledge on changes in performance.Through these experiments they concluded that, although many claims have being made for dissociations between learning systems, Perruchet & Amorim regarded these as groundless. Meaning that although there might have been experiments created to thoroughly test the hypotheses, Perruchet & Amorim argued that these tests failed to provide reliable empirical support for dissociation. Stanton & Nosofsky (2007) also provided evidence against the multiple learning systems hypothesis.In this study, Stanton & Nosofsky aimed to reverse the dissociations already established by Reber (1967) and Goshke (199 8). He aimed to do this to demonstrate how the earlier studies failed to provide solid evidence for a dissociation, by reversing the dissociation Stanton & Nosofsky showed just how invalid the previous results were. They concluded that a better research strategy would be to create more fully specified versions of both multiple and single system models of learning therefore being able to evaluate them more wholly.Another key point raised by Willingham & Goedert-Eschmann (1999) is that despite learning being a multiple system, there is evidence for a single system connection. They provide evidence that connects the two systems by parallel learning. When a participant is explicitly learning a sequence, their implicit knowledge of the task is improving alongside explicit learning, consequently signifying a connection between the two systems.Willingham & Goedert-Eschmann focused this research on the parallelism of the two structures as little research had been done on this theory because of the amount of researchers focusing their resources on the separability of the two systems. In evaluation, the literature reviewed in this essay has being quite compelling, with the majority of research on a multiple system view of learning it seems to be the most widely accepted theory despite no concluding evidence. As there has been a vast amount of research on a multiple system view, there is little on a single system view thus making it hard to evaluate both systems fairly.Despite this, using the literature I have discovered, a conclusion can be made that there is more evidence for a multiple system of learning. Especially in neurophysiology shown by Aizenstein’s (2004) results from the fMRI scans did show some slight differences in brain activity when different tasks were presented that required implicit and explicit knowledge/learning. On the other hand Cleermans & Jimenez (2002) suggest that there are slight differences, similar to Aizenstein (2004), however this i s due to a singular system in the form of a continuum.As memory and learning are closely connected and there has being different types of memory established, short-term memory and long term memory, there has been many researchers looking for a link between memories and learning processes. As learning is defined as the process of laying down some sort of memory trace, there is no reason to suspect that different memory systems will be able to identify certain categories of learning (Ashby & Maddox, 2005). Despite all of the research up to date, no single piece of research has been able to show that different types of memory and learning are directly linked to one another.However Ashby and Maddox did conclude that different memory types (for example sensory and primary memory, short term and long term memory) could identify different categories of learning consequently suggesting that more research needs doing into this phenomenon. Willingham & Goedert-Eschmann (1999) provided an inte resting explanation of the learning system, they hinted at two separate systems of learning, an implicit system and a completely separate explicit system, that were connected. This was through parallel learning.For example as we explicitly learn a sequence, our implicit system is learning concurrently with our explicit system. Providing evidence for a new theory that, although they are two separate systems, they still work together. Finally, judging from the research that has being done, a conclusion can be made that although the majority of literature out there is focusing on trying to separate the two systems and support the multiple system theory of learning, there are still unanswered questions that have arisen from research.Cleermans & Jimenez (2002) provide a very interesting approach to these theories and propose an idea of a learning continuum, this question is still unanswered 10 years after the theory was proposed. Willingham & Goedert-Eschmann (1999) also have an input in to this debate, they suggest that while explicit and implicit learning systems are separate, they are still constantly synchronized because whilst we are explicitly learning something, our implicit system is working to store the knowledge so we do not need to consciously engage our brains next time we come across the same or similar problem.The final question that is still unanswered is a debate that has gone on for decades, is learning and memory connected? The final answer to that question is yes, yes it is however researchers are still looking into whether certain types of learning go to certain areas of the brain to be stored as memory or whether memory types cannot distinguish category learning. In conclusion, from current research, the most widely accepted theory is that there are multiple learning systems and that it is not a singular system for both explicit and implicit learning.References Aizenstein, H. J. , Stenger, V. A. , Cochran, J. , Clark, K. , Johnson, M. , Nebes, R . D. , & Carter, C. S. (2004). Regional Brain Activation during Concurrent Implicit and Explicit Sequence Learning. Oxford Journals: Life Sciences & Medicines, Cerebral Cortex, 14(2), 199-208 Ashby, F. G. , & Maddox, W. T. (2005). Human Category Learning. Annual Review of Psychology, 56, 149-178. Cleeremans, A. , & Jimenez, L. (2002). Implicit Learning and consciousness: A graded, dynamic perspective. In R. M. French & A.Cleeremans (Eds. ), Implicit Learning and Consciousness (p1-40) Hove UK: Psychology Press. Goschke, T. (1998) Implicit learning of perceptual and motor sequences: Evidence for independent systems, in Handbook of Implicit Learning (Stadler, M. A. and Frensch, P. , eds), pp. 401–444, Sage Publications. Grant, D. A. , & Berg, E. (1948). A behavioral analysis of degree of reinforcement and ease of shifting to new responses in Weigl-type card-sorting problem. Journal of Experimental Psychology, 38, 404–411. Levy, D. , Stark, C. & Squire, L. 2004). Intact Co nceptual Priming in the Absence of Declarative Memory. Psychological Science, 15(10), 680-686 Kihlstrom, J. , Dorfman, J. , & Park, L. (2007). Implicit and Explicit Memory and Learning. Retrieved November 6th, 2012, from http://ist-socrates. berkeley. edu/~kihlstrm/IandMLandM. htm Mathers, R. C. , Buss, B. B. , Stanley, W. B. , Blanchard-Fields, F. , Cho, J. R. , & Druhan, B. (1989). Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory and Cognition, 15(6), 1083-1100. Perruchet, P. , & Amorim, M. (1992). Conscious knowledge and changes in performance in sequence learning: evidence against dissociation. Journal of Experimental Psychology Learning Memory and Cognition, 18, 785-800. Reber, A. S. (1967). Implicit learning of artificial grammars. Journal of Verbal Learning and Verbal Behaviour, 77, 312-327. Schendan, H. E. , Searl, M. M. , Melrose, R. J. , & Stern, C. E. (2003). An fMRI study of the role of the medial temporal lobe in implicit and explicit sequence learning. Neuron 37(6) ,1013–1025. Stanton, R. , & Nosofsky, R. (2007).Feedback interference and dissociations of classification: Evidence against the multiple-learning-systems hypothesis. Journal of Memory & Cognition, 35(7), 1747-1758. Willingham, D. B. , & Goedert-Eschmann, K. (1999). The Relation Between Implicit and Explicit Learning: Evidence for Parallel Development. Psychological Science, 10(6), 531-534. Willingham, D. B. , Salidis, J. , & Gabrieli, J. D. (2002). Direct comparison of neural systems mediating conscious and unconscious skill learning. Journal of Neurophysiology, 88(3), 1451–1460.

My Ambition Essay

Living in the modern world, a person really needs to know what he wants to do. In order to lead a meaningful and colorful life, everyone needs an ambition. If one does not have an ambition, he will be like a ship sailing on the wide sea blindly. That is why I have made up my mind to become a reporter since my childhood. When I was a little girl, I often daydreamed. If I were a reporter, everything would be great. I could get the latest information and report the news to the world on TV. When I walked on the street, people would recognize me and probably would shout â€Å" OH, my godï ¼  That’s she-the perfect reporterï ¼ Ã¢â‚¬  Then I would feel proud of myself. In my childhood, I often stood in front of the mirror and encouraged myself, â€Å" Hiï ¼  Girl, you have a perfect face, graceful manners and active personality. You will be good at your job. You will become a reporter, an outstanding reporterï ¼ Ã¢â‚¬  As time goes by, I never change my mind. I still have a strong desire to be a reporter. I deeply understand to be a reporter is not as easy as I thought. Being an excellent reporter requires many abilities, especially English ability. Therefore, in order to made my ambition come true. I have made some plan for it. From now on, I should make best use of my time to study anything about a reporter needs. I’ll pay much attention to the things around me and keep a keen thinking. Besides, I’ll learn the techniques of famous reporters on TV. In short, being a reporter is my greatest dream, my ambition, I’ll train myself to make it come true. With my efforts, I really hope I’ll become an outstanding reporter some day.

Communicating in the Workplace

Tasha Wright April 23, 2013 Assignment 1. 1 Complete assignment 1. 1 from Ch. 1 of Communicating in the Workplace. Choose two misunderstandings you experienced and fill out the chart for these. Respond to questions 1 and 2 shown under the chart for each example of a misunderstanding. In your response, include the following: * Cite a meaningful misunderstanding rather than a general or less material misunderstanding. * Use business- or work-related examples rather than personal ones. Identify the roles of the sender and receiver, such as manager, peer, subordinate, client, vendor, and so forth. Question| Misunderstanding One| Misunderstanding Two| Who was the sender? | My Co-worker | My Manager| Who was the receiver? | I was| I was| What was the message? | â€Å"Refill the ink toner in the mail room. †| â€Å"Make sure you open all tickets and provide your daily log assignments†. | What channel was used to sendthe message? | Via Email| | What was the misunderstandingthat occurred? There were three different ink toners and three machines located in the mail room. Sender didn’t state which Ink toner that was needed and machine. | The email was not specifying of which ticket to open in order to provide our daily log assignment. | How could the misunderstandinghave been avoided? | The sender could have specified informed the correct Ink toner and machine. | The message could have been clearer on which ticket to review. | 1. What did you learn about the communication process from this activity?Answer: When using communication via email, you have to make sure the details are informed, where, what, when. In via email you should have more clarification within the message to communicate better so that you can resolve the issue. 2. What seemed to be the main causes of the misunderstandings? Answer: The lack of information, if I haven’t asked questions the wrong ink toner would have been installed into the wrong machine and would have delayed pr ojects. To prevent misunderstanding in communication the body of the message should include details about the subject.

Premise Ato Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Premise Ato - Essay Example Debate also suggests that washing hands by health care providers might not be the primary way to prevent the spread of disease however, due to the results that do show that these prevent the speared of disease, the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has issued through recommendations promoting hand washing by health care providers (Lucking, Maffei, Tamburro & Thomas, 2012). Having highlighted how important it is to wash hands, the adherence to hand washing guidelines by healthcare providers and especially by physicians is notoriously poor (Lucking, Maffei, Tamburro & Thomas, 2012). For this research paper, evidence from Chengdu, China is looked at, where 6 hospitals were observed for hand washing adherence. Doctors and nurses were asked about their hand washing practice and observations are recorded. Surprisingly out of 1535 activities where hand hygiene is considered necessary, only about 17.8% of the times the healthcare providers complied with hand washing safety standards (Han, Dou, Zhang & Zhou, 2011). These results don’t reflect the situation in the US however this is an eye opener as to what can be expected in case there is no scrutiny regarding hygiene. Speaking of overall situation of hand hygiene, in practice it is only observed half of the times it is required for patient care (Carayon, 2011). And interestingly, healthcare providers have their reasons for not completely adhering to hygiene practices; less number of sinks, soap causing irritation or dryness, less number of paper towels and soap, wastage of time as they are too busy with patients, they even complain about faucets and sinks being located at odd places (Carayon, 2011). This complaint from nurses of not having enough time to pay attention to their hand hygiene is also endorsed by Lautenbach, Woeltje & Malani (2010), where they showed that lack of hand hygiene in hospitals was the major cause of transmitting pathogens. Poor

Airport Capacity and Delay Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Airport Capacity and Delay - Term Paper Example U.S.A’s aviation system is the most complex and the largest system in the globe. U.S’s airspace system contains 3364 airports, 14,934 air traffic controllers and 315 air traffic control facilities. U.S airports handle approximately 171,200 aircraft operations per annum, which include landings and takeoffs each day. From FY 2003 through FY 2O06, it has been estimated that there were about 250 million landings and takeoffs and this amounts to about 62.5 million airport operations per annum. . From FY 2003 through FY 2O06, there were about 1,306 reported runway incursions and however, it is a console to note that no fatalities have occurred from these collisions. (FAA 2007).Despite of this mammoth size and intricacy, commercial aviation is considered to be the safest form of transportation in U.S.A. Despite these complexities, U.S.A has witnessed only one commercial accident since 2002. This is mainly due to FAA strategic goals to minimise the rates of general and commerci al aviation related grave accidents, to minimize the peril of probable runway collisions, and to minimize cabin injuries created by turbulence. (GPO, 2006, p238). Though there has been a steady increase in air traffic in US in recent years, congestion-associated issue does not yet seem to be a pervasive issue for the country’s aviation administration. It is to be noted that majority of delay is caused not by congestion but by inclemental weather. According to FAA data, volume –associated delays amounted for less than fifteen percent of all delays in each of the four years just before 9/11 incident and volume related delays have in fact declined over the past decade. A further, weather associated delay is frequently accounted for over seventy -percent of all delays. However, according to US Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration (US DTFA), present delays seem to happen only at some major airports in US. Delay and capacity issues at U.S airports

Emile Durkheim Theories Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Emile Durkheim Theories - Essay Example His contribution in literature was also immense and is valued up to date (Cuff and Francis 2004, p. 40). One of the main concerns of Durkheim was how the society was formed and how it operated. He observed the formation of the society and the maintenance of social order. He was concerned with the integrity and coherence of the modern society. In this case Durkheim recognized how the society was being transformed by the changes that were taking place in the social life of the people. Durkheim looked closely the shared religious and ethnic background that was changing the life of the society. According to Durkheim, the social changes that were taking place due to religion and ethnic changes could not be ignored in the definition of a normal society. These factors determined how the society was formed and how it operated. To understand the nature of the society and the changes that were taking place, Durkheim constructed as social science model (Giddens 2001, p. 69). Along with Herbert Spence, they developed the first scientific model that could be used to analyze and explain social phenomena. This model which was based on the social facts could be used to explain the existence and quality of different parts that makes up the society. This was explained well by making reference to the different functions of the social facts in maintaining the quotidian and therefore they can be assured as the precursors to functionalism (Durkheim 1938, p. 301). Although Durkheim showed that the society was made up of different parts, he also explained that these parts doest not entirely constitute the whole society. The society was more than these parts and their interrelationship. According to Durkheim, the society has a complex arrangement that is held together by a social fabric (Lukes 1982, p. 60). Durkheim pointed out that while you needed facts in studying science, you do not even know the facts that are relevant to you not until you create the science. This means that we have to use imagination in order to create science that could be used to study the society even before you find out that the science we have created is really imperfect. Therefore Durkheim explained his understanding of the society in view of social fact. He explained social facts as the phenomena which exist in and of themselves although they are not bound to action of individual members of the society. Therefore social facts were different from the action of the individuals. They had a greater objective than the sum total of actions of individuals that compose the society. (Ritzer 2004, p. 21) Unlike his contemporaries like Ferdinand Tonnies or Marx Weber who were considered to have made contribution to the study of the society, Durkheim did not focus on what motivates the action of the individuals in the society but he rather focused on the social facts. His studies were not based on the methodological individualism but focused on the social facts that influence the life of individuals in the society although they are very different from the actions of the individuals. According to Durkheim social facts are made up of different ways of acting and feeling which are not tied to the individual persons. These ways possesses power of coercion which they impose upon individual member

System anylsis Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

System anylsis - Assignment Example Case study project Analysis The small businesses should plan and gather facts that will ensure that the business in operated and conducted in a profitable manner (Fertuck, 2009). The existing system is not effective to the business because it does not provide effective and efficient management information. The report being provided by the system is manually prepare and does not provide the owner of the business with reports that will enable the owner to aggregate the data. The information that can be generated can be easily get away and get lost or unauthorized person get it. New system should be developed which will easy the working and safeguard the information as well as safe time to retrieve the information. Business related upgrade The business should upgrade the system to strategies increase marketing, sales, quoting, billing and administration (Keng S., 2010). The system will help the business to prepare the work sheets of the employee and the company to prepare the payroll fo r the employee. System upgrades The business should develop new system to enable the business to operate more effectively and efficiently (Roger C., 2009). The computer system will help the business to achieve the predetermined objectives. ... This defines the management structure, specifies the formal communication structure and the chain of command. This will easy operation of the system since the system processes data required within a very short time and in an orderly manner. Feasibility study The aim of the business is to increase productivity and the performance of the business. This is enhanced by efficient and effective systems that might be employed by the business (Shelly, 2006). The systems should be able to provide effective way of communicating to customers. The system also must provide the payrolls and its less time consuming and the risk over the business is decreased. Recommendations for upgrading The alternative recommendation for upgrading the system is prototyping which is process of building a model of system. The prototypes are employed to help the designers build an information system that is easy to be used and manipulated by the user (Vinod K.G., 2004). This system is important since its reduction d evelopment time and cost, higher user satisfaction and also quantifiable user feedback. User requirement User requirements explain what users require from the system. User requirements specifications are written in the validation process. Functional requirements Functional requirements capture the intended characteristics of the system (Shelly, 2010). This characteristic can be expressed as service, task or functions the system is required to perform. In product development is useful to distinguish between the baseline functionality necessary for any system to compete in that product domain. Nonfunctional requirements Nonfunctional requirements describe system attributes such as maintainability, reliability, security and scalability (Roger

Communication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 7

Communication - Essay Example Verbal communication is an ability that everyone should develop to improve their interactions with others and to help them build relationships. In nursing, it is imperative to have excellent communication skills in order to have an enormous understanding about the feelings and sufferings of the patients. The profession desires good command over the words, using appropriate word not only enhances communication and understanding with the patient but also clarifies the precise meaning of the words. According to Beyea (2004) â€Å"verbal communication is a primary way in which vital information about a patients status and care is transmitted†. The Department of Health has also stressed the importance of verbal communication in their Essence of Care benchmarks. They stated that communication should be adapted to meet the needs of people, carers and groups. This was further supported by Terrado et al (2001). Terrado’s team firmly believes that nurses are required to have an e ffectual communication skills because of they are in the first position to contact with the patient and represent the healthcare team for patient’s appraisal. It is therefore it is essential that they have appropriate communication skills to be beneficial and supportive to the patients especially to those who need intense care like dysphagia and stroke patients and those who are paralysed and need thorough care for their recovery. I agree with these findings because as a student, I believe that learning better communication skills are the most imperative errand to my career. It is an indispensable part of my role and duty while in placement at University and later when I am serving the human beings. It is essential to for me to understand the cultural differences which are very sensitive issue that result in some kind of misinterpretation of my words or other’s words. Misconception could be devastating as can be understood with the help of Appendix 3. The prime responsibility of the

Procurement Routes and the Different Formats of Tendercontract Dissertation

Procurement Routes and the Different Formats of Tendercontract Documents - Dissertation Example As the discussion stresses procurement is the acquisition of goods and services for use and benefits of individuals or governments and corporations, obtained with the help of terms and contracts. Procurement is guided by certain factors such as services provided within a fixed budget or goods obtained by using economic analysis or cost analysis. According to the research findings procurement methods are characterized by application for tenders and different forms of contracts and tender documents are used and the methods of procurement have significant implications for small to medium sized contractors. The economic or cost analysis of procurement is seen in terms of risks or without risks. When risks are involved the analysis shows expected outcomes or values for a specific product or service. Organizations have procurement policies and strategies in place that aid in procurement of goods and services through planned and informed management decisions to help businessmen, clients and organizations alike. Procurement policies are focused on meeting corporate or organizational goals and objectives in which council or corporations, organizations, business clients, suppliers and contracts derive maximum support and mutual advantage for long term business and professional relationships. All workforce issues are considered in proc urement activity and focus should be given on maximizing purchasing power and in ensuring fair competition in all procurement activity. ... plication for tenders and different forms of contracts and tender documents are used and the methods of procurement have significant implications for small to medium sized contractors. The economic or cost analysis of procurement is seen in terms of risks or without risks. When risks are involved the analysis shows expected outcomes or values for a specific product or service. Organizations have procurement policies and strategies in place that aid in procurement of goods and services through planned and informed management decisions to help businessmen, clients and organizations alike. Procurement policies are focused on meeting corporate or organizational goals and objectives in which council or corporations, organizations, business clients, suppliers and contracts derive maximum support and mutual advantage for long term business and professional relationships (Turner, 1997; Marsh, 2003). All workforce issues are considered in procurement activity and focus should be given on maxi mizing purchasing power and in ensuring fair competition in all procurement activity. Procurement activities will also have to consider opportunities for social enterprise and continuous improvements in project implementation and sustainability. Usually resource members are responsible for strategic implementation of procurement. Procurement activities must comply with the best practice processes and procurement sponsors should provide feedback on the procurement process to the procurement support unit. Procurement activity and policy works in this manner and requires teamwork, and arrangement between suppliers, contractors and corporations. We consider a case study on the procurement policy of the Liverpool Council which states the principles of procurement policy are as follows: To ensure

Mary Shelley & Frankenstein Essay Example for Free

Mary Shelley Frankenstein Essay How do the themes explored by Mary Shelley in Frankenstein relate to a modern audience? The beginning of civilisation brought the evidential classification of people as insiders and outsiders in any close society, due to the narrow stereotypical minds of the masses and often the simplistic facts of life. People are separated from the rest of the community as a result of perhaps their physical appearance or a difference in their personality. Stereotypical idols in todays society are greatly influential; we are quick to identify faults in others and use this excuse to ostracise them from the world and ourselves. Mary Shelley embodies this outsider through the monster that Frankenstein creates. He is isolated and rejected by everyone, so we are made to empathise with him; human beings have a natural instinct to do this, so the text is universalised. Ironically, at times the monster is more humane than those who consider themselves human, those who consider themselves insiders, opposed to the monster- an outsider. This novel opens on a personal note, Shelley uses the device of letters as a hook to draw in the reader; an invasion of privacy universalises the thoughts on paper, like reading someone elses diary. This makes it easier for us to empathise to Captain Walton and subsequently Victor Frankenstein, who is very similar in many aspects to him. These two strong male characters are romanticised by Shelley make them easier to relate to in a modern audience, because they far more believable with multi- faceted personalities. They are romantic anti- heroes; their ambition intrigues us and we are able to identify with them and their achievements. The letters are deliberately left without an exact date, so as to not only create a sense of mystery but to also ensure that the story isnt concreted to a specific era, as it relates more to society as a whole rather than a period of time. Shelley uses a high diction style of writing, which is littered with emotive adjectives to prevent it becoming stagnated and boring for the audience. The information is given to us little at a time to arouse our curiosity and make us read further into the book, where crescendos are commonly used after a more mundane part of the story, so the excitement peaks and falls throughout. An example of this is when the monster is first sighted in letter 4 where there is a dramatic climax before he disappears from view, leaving the audience in doubt of what will happen next. A prominent theme in Mary Shelleys Frankenstein is one of an idealistic world. Victor idealises his family, like a fairytale, too good to be true in reality, which it seems he wants to escape as he knows his family are far from perfect, and a good example of this is portrayed in the quote; There was a considerable difference between ages of my parents, but this circumstance seemed to unite them closer in the bonds of devoted affection. (Ch1, pg33, line7)

Intercultural Communication Advantages and Disadvantages

Intercultural Communication Advantages and Disadvantages Intercultural Communication Implication Intercultural communication is defined as situated communication between individuals or groups of different linguistic and cultural origins (Millar, n.d.). Communication is the active relationship established between people through language, and intercultural means that this communicative relationship is between people of different cultures, where culture is the structured manifestation of human behavior in social life within specific national and local contexts (Millar, n.d.). Hence, in this happens, if communication does not proceed smoothly or have some misunderstanding, people may tend to make implicit judgment that the other person does not know how to act appropriately or is not a good person (Matsumoto Juang, 2007). However, people from different society, cultures, and countries interact with each other in the exchange process (Yearwood, 2012). So, internationalization became an important for higher education in the new century (Yearwood, 2012). This is because people believe incorporating an intercultural into the teaching and other functions of the institution, then the entire environment of the institution shifts to that of an international one, whereby it is aligned with international protocols, and its national as well as international standards are strengthened (Yearwood, 2012). Besides that, people willing to open to the challenge, it can help to increasing interacting with those who may not share the same cultural and social norms (Mckeiver, 2013). Intercultural interactions provide benefits, but only if we are open to confronting the barriers that may hinder our success (Mckeiver, 2013). About this, some schools are more welcoming internationalization, because of the many benefits it of fers them such as they are able to build their reputation as a world-renowned institution and recruit international students (Yearwood, 2012). Advantages Effective intercultural communication is vital to not only the establishment, but also the maintenance of positive intergroup relations (Yearwood, 2012). Thus, people must see themselves as possibly engaged in communication and capable of giving and receiving feedback (Yearwood, 2012). For example Muslims strong sense of community, spirituality and hospitality are oft cited qualities of virtue (Payne, 2006). Similarly Muslims worldwide regularly praise the Wests technological achievements, respect for equality before the law and queuing (Payne, 2006). Apart from that, both sides also share similar principles, ideas, and other (Payne, 2006). Besides that, people are believed these factors to be critical to intercultural communication competence, it can increased cultural knowledge and awareness, communication skills, and tolerance for ambiguity (Yearwood, 2012). For example students who engage in intercultural interactions tend to experience gains in communication skills, the ability to empathize and openness to new ideas (Mckeiver, 2013). Moreover, intercultural interactions also increased individuals’ likelihood to challenge personal beliefs and embrace new perspectives and allows us opportunities to practice variations of our intercultural advising style in order to see what works is better for students (Mckeiver, 2013). Disadvantages However, intercultural communication may provide cons. Sometimes, international students experience feelings of uncertainty and anxiety about how to integrate into their host society (Yearwood, 2012). International students often question the deeds that prescribe social norms, in their host country and whether or not they are adhering to these norms (Yearwood, 2012). In regards to international students, all of these differences, between the host country and their country of origin, can result in incompatibility among students, intercultural conflicts, and social alienation (Yearwood, 2012). Furthermore, some findings suggest that some schools may express concerns about issues such as a student’s language ability, they tend to lack empathy for the life challenges students are experiencing, including their emotional and psychological well-being, but some schools did not consider their role in contributing to these behaviors, and instead blamed the students for lacking critical thinking skills and other negative things (Mckeiver, 2013). Besides that, if it is the culture of the host country or dominant society to marginalize minority groups, then the minority groups will have less successful relationships and more conflicts in their interactions (Yearwood, 2012). For example, in an experiment, some American students’ reaction to international students is willing befriend with internationals students, while others will not (Yearwood, 2012). Moreover, research also found the domestic staff and students exhibited greater prejudice against international students by thinking of them as â€Å"sad, lonely and other negative words† (Mckeiver, 2013). The level of prejudice varies depending on the student’s home country (Mckeiver, 2013). So, when students lack confidence in their communication skills, or intenational students facing the experience of negative interactions with the host culture, international students may be unwilling to seek guidance when they need it (Mckeiver, 2013). So, it will provide cons of intercultural communication in international students. Recommendation Intercultural Communication refers to communication between people of different cultural background (Matsumoto Juang, 2007). Its means people from another culture bring with own verbal language. Thus, if communication does not proceed smoothly or have some misunderstanding, people may tend to make implicit judgment that the other person does not know how to act appropriately or is not a good person (Matsumoto Juang, 2007). Moreover, Intercultural Communication may provide benefit in society. For example, if people who willing to confronting the barriers of intercultural communicaton, it can help to increasing interacting with those who may not share the same cultural and social norms (Mckeiver, 2013). Besides that, it can also increase cultural knowledge and awareness, communication skills, and tolerance for ambiguity (Yearwood, 2012). On the other hand, for international students, all of these differences, between the host country and their country of origin, can result in intercultural conflicts, and social alienation (Yearwood, 2012). Besides that, international students also more exhibited greater prejudice in the host country (Mckeiver, 2013).Therefore, improving the intercultural communication may be able to deal the cultural shock. Experience different cultures regularly can improve the intercultural communication. About this, traveling is the best way to inspire curiosity about other cultures (Mcmahon, 2011). People visiting different kinds of restaurants can also exposure to different cultures (Mcmahon, 2011). Furthermore, join the social groups for international professionals or even attend plays, or watch movies that are from another culture also will increase the variety of cultures that people encounter in the daily life (Mcmahon, 2011). Lastly, involvement of others also is one of the ways to improve the intercultural communication. People should be always ensuring that members from other cultural backgrounds are involved in daily communication in order to learn and understand each other’s cultures (Brown, 2013). For example, Working together with members of other cultures breeds an ease with them (Brown, 2013). This gives rise to a common ground to understanding each other, the way each person communicates and how they use non-verbal communication (Brown, 2013). Besides that, involvement of others helps the understanding of the context of usage of certain words and symbols and helps one to understand how different messages are interpreted by different communities (Brown, 2013).

Consumer Markets Across Industries

Consumer Markets Across Industries Sudane Atkinson AC 1.3 Evaluate the relevance of consumer markets in the industry Consumer markets is defined by businessdictionary.com (2016) as Markets dominated by products and services designed for the general consumer, Consumer markets are typically split into four primary categories: consumer products, food and beverage products, retail products, and transportation products. With that said the relevance of consumer markets in the hospitality industry will be identified and evaluated, this include long-term relationships, value and satisfaction, consumer orientation, and value chain then a conclusion will be drawn about the significance of consumer markets in the hospitality industry. Listed below are the research findings on relevance of consumer markets in the hospitality industry: Long-term relationship create strong, even emotional, customer connections to a brand that can lead to ongoing business (SearchCRM, 2016) Value and satisfaction- this create customer rather than just consumer because giving value for money and exceeding expectation is what customer look for. Consumer orientation is a key to achieve business goals. A firm can achieve marketing goals by concentrating on customer satisfaction through staff (cross, 2016) Value chain is to deliver maximum value for the least possible total cost and create a competitive advantage (Investopedia.com,2016) Decision making is very important as it depends on the type of investment and what the customer wants. (Bhasin, 2016) Customer culture it is said by LaPlante (2016) that you are likely to be influenced by advertising that appeal to your particular culture Consumer market is very important in the hospitality industry as it is the structure that allows us to make purchases of goods and services. In consumer market decisions are based upon how involved the customers are (Bhasin, 2016). There are three decision making process extensive, limited and routine decision making process. Extensive decision making process is used when the product is a very high involvement product, possible a high investment product as well example buying a house. Limited decision making process is used when limited decision is needed because you have some experience with the product .example buying a radio or a television and last the routine decision making a day to day life decision but in this case the customer isÂÂ   unlikely to switch to different brands because he wants to invest minimum time in routine decision making(Bhasin,2016).The decision process may vary from time to time ,this also depend of the type of customer and the investment made. Long-t erm relationship create strong, even emotional, customer connections to a brand that can lead to ongoing business (SearchCRM, 2016), instead of focusing on one time sale, marketer focusing on getting loyal customers. In order to achieve a long-term relationship, the customer value and satisfaction much be met, but not only met but exceeded, exceeding customer value and satisfaction also helps to save money because is cheaper to retain customer than getting new ones (Beard, 2016).This brings us to the value chain which increases profits by creating value at each of the five product touch points so the value exceeds the cost associated with the product states (Investopedia.com,2016) .The culture of the customers is important to the consumer market as customer are likely to purchase a product with some or same cultural similarity as the targeted customer according to (LaPlante ,2016). The importance of customer orientation is that it focuses on the customer core needs and wants ,by exc eeding the expectations and retaining customers through the staff. Conclusion In conclusion, customer markets are vital to the hospitality as it helps to make the industry strive with the impeccable strategies that it holds and we practice. all the above contributes to profits and gaining loyal customers with the relationship strategies that we practice turning regular consumers into loyal customer, decision making is vital as well as it put into perspective what the customer wants and how to build on getting exactly that. Customer value and satisfaction is also important as it this is what the customer yarn for in a product value for money and satisfaction, giving them this will surly end positively. When marketing, we must keep inconsideration that there I a diversity of people with different culture so or marketing strategy must appeal to the culture of the target market. Customer orientation aid in developing a quality product appreciate by consumers businessdictionary.com (2016) stated. All the about consumer markets are all important in their own way to help promote and market the product with the customer satisfaction in the midst of consideration.

String Theory Essays -- physics

Special Relativity The speed of light is the speed limit for the universe. Light travels at the same speed regardless of relative position. When applied to Newtonian physics, it provided new relativistic formulas for motion. 4 Quantum Theory Hot objects emit electromagnetic radiation. If the energy carried off by radiation is added together, the total energy produced is calculated to be infinite. Max Planck deduced that if energy was emitted in discrete packets, quanta, it would be a finite quanity of energy. Radiation of frequency v comes in quanta of energy E = hv where h is Planck's constant . Photons are the quanta of light. This began the idea of wave-particle duality and quantum mechanics. 4 Quantum Mechanics Explanation of atomic particles including bosons and fermions . Describes the laws of motion for atomic particles and describes the spin of electrons that had previously been predicted. 5 General Relativity Einstein saw that special relativity was in contradiction with Newtonian gravity because the classical interpretation required the instantaneous transmission of force between two objects. General relativity accounts for a discrepancy in Mercury's orbit, predicted that light would be bent by a gravitational field (proved by Eddington during a solar eclipse), predicted the existence of black holes and gravitational radiation, and describes an expanding universe. "Gravity is a manifestation of the curvature of space-time." The equation for space-time geometry becomes GÂ µv = 8piGTÂ µv where G is Newton's contant and TÂ µv is the distribution of energy and momentum. 4 Quantum Field Theory Quantum Field Theory is the unification of quantum mechanics and special relativity. This union required the crea... ...ic Yang-Mills theory" 6. Works Cited 1 Greene, Brian. Superstring Theory. University of Cornell. Web site. http://www.lassp.cornell.edu/GraduateAdmissions/greene/greene.html 2 Herdeiro, Carlos. M-Theory: The Theory Formerly Known as Strings. University of Cambridge, 1996. Web site. http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/gr/public/qg_ss.html 3 Pierre, John. Superstrings! String Theory Home Page. 1999-2001. Web site. http://www.sukidog.com/jpierre/strings/ 4 Schwarz, John. The Second Superstring Revolution. Caltech Particle Theory Group. Web site. http://theory.caltech.edu/people/jhs/strings/ 5 Schwarz, Patricia. The Official String Theory Web Site. Web site. http://superstringtheory.com/ 6 String Theory in a Nutshell. University of London String Theory Group. Web site. http://www.strings.ph.qmul.ac.uk/ String Theory Essays -- physics Special Relativity The speed of light is the speed limit for the universe. Light travels at the same speed regardless of relative position. When applied to Newtonian physics, it provided new relativistic formulas for motion. 4 Quantum Theory Hot objects emit electromagnetic radiation. If the energy carried off by radiation is added together, the total energy produced is calculated to be infinite. Max Planck deduced that if energy was emitted in discrete packets, quanta, it would be a finite quanity of energy. Radiation of frequency v comes in quanta of energy E = hv where h is Planck's constant . Photons are the quanta of light. This began the idea of wave-particle duality and quantum mechanics. 4 Quantum Mechanics Explanation of atomic particles including bosons and fermions . Describes the laws of motion for atomic particles and describes the spin of electrons that had previously been predicted. 5 General Relativity Einstein saw that special relativity was in contradiction with Newtonian gravity because the classical interpretation required the instantaneous transmission of force between two objects. General relativity accounts for a discrepancy in Mercury's orbit, predicted that light would be bent by a gravitational field (proved by Eddington during a solar eclipse), predicted the existence of black holes and gravitational radiation, and describes an expanding universe. "Gravity is a manifestation of the curvature of space-time." The equation for space-time geometry becomes GÂ µv = 8piGTÂ µv where G is Newton's contant and TÂ µv is the distribution of energy and momentum. 4 Quantum Field Theory Quantum Field Theory is the unification of quantum mechanics and special relativity. This union required the crea... ...ic Yang-Mills theory" 6. Works Cited 1 Greene, Brian. Superstring Theory. University of Cornell. Web site. http://www.lassp.cornell.edu/GraduateAdmissions/greene/greene.html 2 Herdeiro, Carlos. M-Theory: The Theory Formerly Known as Strings. University of Cambridge, 1996. Web site. http://www.damtp.cam.ac.uk/user/gr/public/qg_ss.html 3 Pierre, John. Superstrings! String Theory Home Page. 1999-2001. Web site. http://www.sukidog.com/jpierre/strings/ 4 Schwarz, John. The Second Superstring Revolution. Caltech Particle Theory Group. Web site. http://theory.caltech.edu/people/jhs/strings/ 5 Schwarz, Patricia. The Official String Theory Web Site. Web site. http://superstringtheory.com/ 6 String Theory in a Nutshell. University of London String Theory Group. Web site. http://www.strings.ph.qmul.ac.uk/

Mathematical Education: A comparison between Japan and America Essay

Mathematical Education: A comparison between Japan and America The mathematical education provided in the United States has proved to be inferior compared to that of other countries. Specifically the Japanese and other Asian educational systems produce more educated mathematics students than the United States. American children tend to score lower on standardized testing than Asian students do. Many studies have been done by research groups such as the National Center for Education Statistics of the U.S. Department of Education and the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement showing the differences in teaching methods between the United States and Japan. The teaching styles and the cultural differences can account for the gap in performance. One of the most famous studies of its kind is called Pursuing Excellence, the Third International Mathematics and Science Study. This study was conducted in 1995. The Mathematical knowledge of half a million students from forty-one countries was tested. Of these countries, the test shows that American students performed below average in mathematics. During the same research project, classrooms in America, Germany and Japan were videotaped and analyzed. (1) When the curriculums in various countries were reviewed, researchers consistently found that American teachers spend a small amount of time on many topics where as other countries focus on fewer topics with more depth of topic and more repetition. Another variation is that American teachers, for the most part, have received more formal education than Japanese teachers, but have less classroom training and experience. Japan has a much higher focus on teaching quality than the United States. Most of t... ...needed to solve the problem at hand. Japanese teachers provide their students with the knowledge they need and the ability to think so that they can apply this knowledge in various situations. For this reason, Japanese students have been able to perform better in studies than American students can. Bibliography "Inside Scoop: a worthwhile international comparison." National Education Association of the United States. 1997. (website- address unknown) Ibid "Understanding and Improving Classroom Mathematics Instruction: an overview of the TIMSS video study." Phi Delta Kappa Inc. 1997. (website- address unknown) Ibid Steffe, Leslie, Nesher, Pearia, Cobb, Paul, Goldein, Gerald, Greer, Brian. Theories of Mathematical Learning. New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Publishers, 1996. P. 6. Ibid, p. 6-7. Peer reviewed by Melissa Lenzi and Helen Hunt