Life Cycle of a Group Essay Example

Life Cycle of a Group Essay Topic: Discuss the life cycle of a group, showing how the process involved in each stage can affect the overall effectiveness of any group in the performance of an assigned task. A group is a collection of two or more people who, over a period of time develop shared norms of behavior, are interdependent, and interact with each other for the purpose of achieving some common goal or set of goals. There are two types of groups namely; a formal group and an informal group. For example, a formal group in an organization is deliberately formed to achieve specific objectives. This is achieved through organization, co-ordination and delegation of work load within the group. Within a formal group exist set rules and procedures to be adhered to, all information is declared and taken note of. All formal groups have a formal point of origin and an end point. An informal group however is formed by personal preferences and satisfies psychological and social needs (Mullins, L. 2005). A lack of official information will quickly reveal informal groups within an organization. The grape vine will pass information swiftly through the organization. This cuts through the organization’s structure ignoring the formal channels of communication. The group members are spread across departments; they may be friends who do lunch, or smokers who meet outside the building. This networking is informal, and can benefit the individual member; each group has its own culture. These groups are cross sectional, and are formed without any involvement from the formal structure (Mullins, L. 2005). According to B. W. We will write a custom essay sample on Life Cycle of a Group specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Life Cycle of a Group specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Life Cycle of a Group specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Tuckman (1965), as a group develops towards an effective, productive and healthy team it will pass through a number of distinct and natural sequences of stages. Each stage has both specific a task and socio-emotional issues. Knowledge of these stages and relevant behaviors can assist greatly in the understanding of the needs of the group. By understanding this, one can ask the right questions to discover at what stage the team is and what needs to be done to progress its development. The five stages of a group’s life cycle as defined by B. W. Tuckman (1965) are forming, storming, norming, performing and adjourning. Each of these stages is unique and is characterized by its own set of distinctive behaviors and issues for the team and the leader (Tony Chapman et al). The first stage of the life cycle of a group is a stage commonly referred to as â€Å"forming† or testing and dependency stage. Forming is the initial meeting stage of proposed members of the group just coming together. The term â€Å"testing† refers to an attempt by group members to discover what interpersonal behaviors are acceptable in the group based on the reactions of other group members. It is at this first set of encounters the members of the group decide explicitly on the purpose of the formation of the group and formal rules may be set. At this stage, members establish base level expectations, norms and sort common goals that are agreed upon. The group also begins the process of contact and bonding, and development of trust within its members. Members identify similarities in behavior and may even form sub groups or even allies based on such similarities or differences. Individual roles and responsibilities are usually not set and still unclear to its members. This forming stage of the group, also referred to as the â€Å"childhood† stage of the group because of its dependency, is often characterized by feeling of shyness, uncertainty, anxiety, anticipation and diffidence among the members. An extravert member may rapidly assume some kind of leadership (B. W. Tuckman) in order to commence progression of the group. The leadership of the group however, can be set either by council, members of the group themselves or leadership of the group can be done simultaneously, but must be done in order to provide some sort of structure for the group. There is usually high dependence on the group’s leader for guidance and direction, and little agreement on the group’s aims other than those which are received from the leader. The leader of the group must be prepared to answer questions about the group’s purpose, objectives and external relationships (B. W. Tuckman 1965). Hence without the quick establishment or selection of a leader in this stage of the group’s life cycle may cause the group to stagnate, thus unable to move forward with its assigned task. The second stage of the group’s life cycle is referred to as â€Å"storming† or the â€Å"adolescent† stage of the group. Storming is a period of jockey for position, authority and influence among members (B. W. Tuckman 1965). Team members vie for position as they attempt to establish themselves in relation to other team members and the leader, who might receive challenges from team members. At this point of the â€Å"storming† process, members may test the tolerance of the system and may challenge the leadership and control of the group. Such challenges may be brought about by other extravert members who wanted an opportunity to be the leader, or may be brought about by sub groups or cliques that were formed within the group itself. With this creation of a power struggle within the group, the initial leader(s) may not even survive this period because he may be voted out or forced to withdraw his leadership by other members of the group. When such disputes arise, the progression of the group’s life cycle stagnates and will be unable to move forward with its assigned task until such issues are dealt with and agreed upon unanimously within the group. Apart from power and control differences at this phase of the group’s life, inter group conflict is prevalent in this phase. Conflict and tension may ensue as group members and sub groups become hostile towards each other as a means for expressing their individuality and resisting the formation of the group structure (B. W. Tuckman 1965). Interaction is uneven and â€Å"infighting† is common. The lack of unity may be an outstanding feature existing in this stage, thus decision making becomes a difficult task. One of the most crucial elements at this stage is to resolve any conflicts within the group by enforcing the norms of communication established in the previous stage. By getting the group to re-focus on the goals of the given tasks and avoid becoming distracted by relationship and emotional issues, the more likely progression will transpire to the next stage of development. The third stage in the life cycle of a group is referred to as â€Å"norming† or the â€Å"adulthood† stage. Having sorted out its internal structure, there is then the issue of what the group stands for. What behavior and contribution is acceptable and what isn’t. Members explore behind the power processes and begin to form some idea of the group’s identity; the ‘group in the mind’. This is rarely done explicitly, of course, and it can readily slip back into storming (Atherton J. S. ), causing regression of the group. Norming promotes openness to other group members and the development of cohesiveness and that ‘in-group’ feeling of belongingness. Agreement and consensus is largely formed among the group, who respond well to facilitation by the group leader. This can be attributed to the norms of interaction are fully formed at this particular stage and members of the group begin to comply. Group members accept the group and accept the idiosyncrasies of fellow members. The group becomes an entity by virtue of its acceptance by the members, their desire to maintain and perpetuate it and the establishment of new group-generated norms to insure the groups existence. Harmony is of maximum importance, and task conflicts are avoided to insure harmony (B. W. Tuckman et al) and the emblem of membership starts to occur. Roles and responsibilities are clear and accepted, as well as the process for the solving of problems is also established. Decisions are made by group agreement, through the process of negotiation and consensus building. At this stage of the group unity and commitment is strong and mutual support is possible, since group members have the similar desire to achieve the same task. The team discusses and develops its processes and working style. Since the main goal of cohesion and general respect for the leader is achieved, some of the leadership is also shared by the team, where smaller decisions may be delegated to individuals or sub groups within the group. At this particular stage of a group’s development, members of the group should be mindful that a strong feeling of cohesiveness does not override the realistic appraisal of alternatives causes of action. This process is referred to as â€Å"groupthink†. Groupthink, a term coined by social psychologist, occurs when a group makes faulty decisions because group pressures lead to a deterioration of â€Å"mental efficiency, reality testing, and moral judgment†. Groups affected by groupthink ignore alternatives and tend to take irrational actions that dehumanize other groups. A group is especially vulnerable to groupthink when its members are similar in background, when the group is insulated from outside opinions, and when there are no clear rules for decision making (Irving Janis 1972). It can also occur when members believe in the rightness of their cause and therefore ignore the ethical or moral consequences of their decisions. Hence it is crucial to have members who are willing to challenge the direction of the group, but not challenge the group itself, which will result in regression of the group’s progress, hence affect the effectiveness of assigned tasks. The forth stage of the life cycle of a group is referred to as â€Å"performing†. It is at this stage the group is at its most powerful, in terms of efficiency and performance, because it now more strategically aware of its purpose. The team is able to work toward achieving the goal of the group, and also to attend to relationship, style and process issues along the way. The group, which was established as an entity during the preceding phase, can now become a problem-solving instrument (B. W. Tuckman 1965). It does this by directing itself to members as objects, since the subjective relationship between members has already been established. Members can now adopt and play roles that will enhance the task activities of the group, since they have learned to relate to one another as social entities in the preceding stage (B. W. Tuckman et al). This performing stage is an advance continuation of stage three, which is the norming phase. The group now switches from collecting to processing the information given, then works collaboratively to find solutions to these problems using appropriate control measures, also try different solution methods, without being committed to one line of action. One problem that may occur at this stage is when ideas set forth by group members are challenged by other members within the group. This may result in personality conflicts and can cause regression as far back as stage one; hence a longer timeframe is needed for the completion of the given task. The fifth and final stage of the group’s life cycle is known as the â€Å"adjourning† phase, and is commonly referred to as the â€Å"mourning† phase because the group’s life has literally come to an end. This stage is about completion and disengagement from both the task and the group members (B. W. Tuckman). Members will be proud of having achieved accomplishment of the given task and glad to have been a part of the group. In this stage group members need to recognize what they have done and consciously move on. This stage is helpful particularly if members of a group have been closely bonded and have derived status or identity with in the group. It is important to manage carefully the adjourning of the group, since this emotional time should be made as meaningful as the group was. In conclusion, it should be noted that there are no fixed time limits for each stage of the group’s life cycle. Each step of the development process builds on the previous one and prepares that phase to progress to the performing phase. With every new challenge that the group is face with, the process repeats and initial phases may have to be revisited, causing regression of the group. Phases of the group’s life cycle may also overlap at any given time during the execution of the assigned task, however phases cannot be skipped as this will result in a negative effect of the performing stage of the group. Words (2156) Reference 1. Tuckman, Bruce W. (1965) Developmental sequence in small groups, 2. ATHERTON J S (2003) Learning and Teaching: Group Development 3. Tuckman, Bruce W. Jensen, M. A. Stages of small-group development revisited. Group Org. Studies 4. Tuckman, Bruce W. (1984) Citation classic Developmental sequence in small groups 5. Janis, Irving L. (1972). Victims of Groupthink. New York: Houghton Mifflin. 6. Mullins, L. (2005). Management and Organizational Behavior 7. Tony Chapman, Bill Best, Paul Van Casteren – Executive Coaching

U.S. history essays

U.S. history essays Why did American nativist groups oppose free, unrestricted immigration in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries? I think there are many reasons why American nativists did not want immigrants to come to America. They feared that they would take most of the jobs; they feared that there would be a lot of racial discrimination; they feared that they would loose their religion, but I think the biggest thing Americans feared was to change. I think they feared change in many ways; in their religion, in their society, in their government, and many other things. They feared that if enough immigrants came then their religion would disappear because, I dont think any foreigners were protestant, the main religion in the United States at the time. If enough immigrants came then they would automatically change the American society to adapt to their own, what ever it was. If they got control of the society then it would not be too hard to change the government, when they got control of the government then they would change the American government to adapt to their government. They also feared that they would loose their jobs because the immigrants were willing to work for a smaller wage then the Americans. They were probably willing to work for a smaller wage because to them the American dollar was worth a lot more then whatever type of currency they had back in their countries. For example, if you are a store owner and you get two applicants for the same job, you will get the same amount of work out of both of them, but one of them is asking for a smaller wage, you tell me, which one would you hire. Oh yeah, you were almost guaranteed that the immigrant would never join a union or go on a strike. I think that if you are not willing to undergo change then you will never get ahead in life. If you were an American then you should of used the immigrants to your advantage. One out of hun ...

Discuss the concept of marketing myopia and its benefits and Essay

Discuss the concept of marketing myopia and its benefits and limitations for a company - Essay Example They focused on products instead of customer requirements. This lack of vision and the customer dissatisfaction paved the way for the success of the auto industry on the highways. Further, the construction of super highways has created better medium for freight and passenger traffic, posing a formidable competition for the railways. Similarly, when small cars were introduced in the US market by Japanese companies, they became a hit in the first year of their introduction. Though there had been major researches going on for a long time in the US, none of them were able to find out what exactly the customers wanted. They focused on what was the best alternative available for a customer of the available options. They totally ignored customer requirements. Their researches focused on the product, not on customer requirements. Marketing Myopia occurs when a marketer is excessively preoccupied with product development, manufacturing or selling and ignores customer needs wants and interests. Marketing is a long-term function that involves anticipating a change in the future, and planning for it accordingly (Saxena, 1997). Another example that is apt quoting in this context of marketing myopia is that of the pager industry and radio broadcasting. Pager companies could not foresee technology changes and changing customer expectations and adapt themselves to fulfil customer expectations while mobile companies fulfilled the needs and succeeded in the market. Most companies that did not consider customers’ needs and preferences have suffered losses. With the changing times, a good marketer needs the vision to be on top of the changes and trends. Theodore Levitt in his book The Marketing Imagination has cited four conditions for business obsolescence as a result of marketing myopia. The following are the conditions: 1. The belief of

Footsteps Analysis and markating Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Footsteps Analysis and markating - Essay Example This study explores the potentials and provides the parameters for this type of service (historical tours) and how it may be enhanced by the new proposed internet enabling. The study provides a strategic assessment using SWOT, PESTEL, and Porter’s Five-Forces model, market analysis and proposed marketing mix, and a cursory plan for implementation of the website design project to actualize the e-commerce capability. The study provides a take-off point for a more thorough operational and financial investment plan that may be completed through incremental analysis, when more detailed data of existing operations are provided. Marketing Analysis Introduction Footsteps Historical Tours is a company which was begun thirty years ago by Judith and Roger Ironridge, husband and wife. The couple are both history aficionados, and at the beginning, both did the research. As time progressed, Judith needed to concentrate on administration. Although the number of employees has increased from t he original 2 to the present 25 (which includes 10 part-timers), the increase in sales and the growth of the business has left the employees, particularly with Roger and Judith, with a heavy workload. While Judith works on the administration of the business, and Roger does the research and the outside broadcasts. With the arrival of their daughter Isabelle, the had additional help, and a new source of more innovative ideas for the business. Originally, Roger and Judith had banked on the creation of a CD Rom for publicity outreach purposes, as their I.T. knowledge had slowly began to catch up. However, a new friend of Isabelle, Max, was brought in to provide an I.T. proposal for the business, the couple were introduced to the idea of going online with its own website. Max happens to be adept in the field, and even ran his own business entirely through internet enabling. The proposed website will provide prospective customers for information about the packaged historic tours of the co mpany; it is also proposed that the website shall provide a facility that will allow for the execution of transactions for the business. After consideration, Judith and Roger agreed to the plan. It is the intention of this report to provide a strategic analysis and marketing strategy for Footsteps Historical Tours, and a proposed plan for execution. Strategic analysis of ‘Footsteps Historical Tours’ PESTLE ANALYSIS FACTOR Type (Pos/Neg) Import-ance Political Factors  · Stability of government in certain destinations  · Social policies of destination countries / localities  · Tax policies, particularly increase in petrol prices  · Expansion of EU allows for greater mobility in new sites +/- +/- - + Moderate Moderate Moderate Crucial Economic Factors  · Disposable income of target customers  · Credit accessibility as a result of global crisis  · Increased competition among other specialty providers  · Interest rates can reduce net income  · Exposure in f oreign currencies if target site is outside UK +/- - - - - Moderate Crucial Moderate Moderate

Military and Business Leadership - Similarities and Differences Term Paper

Military and Business Leadership - Similarities and Differences - Term Paper Example The study used both qualitative and quantitative methodology in gauging the responses of military soldiers particularly those who have been deployed to Afghanistan and business managers from different organizations. The online survey questionnaire was accomplished by a total of 250 respondents wherein 200 coming from the military group and the remaining 50 from the business group. The findings suggested that there are indeed a number of traits and qualities that business leaders could adopt from military leadership with regards to effective crisis management. Moreover, there are major skills or qualities of military leaders which are admired most and are considered best applied in crisis management. In addition, business managers also stressed the need to adopt such skills and qualities from a military perspective of crisis management as they feel that these are needed to effectively address crisis situations in a business setting. These are comprised of courage or bravery, being ana lytical, intelligence, being influential, compassion and relationship-building. Business and military leadership do have differences, particularly in the expected traits and qualities. However, when it comes to crisis management, a combination of traits from both realms is effectual.  In recent decades, leadership has never faced a challenge as big as it does now. The organizations that survived and flourished through periods of great uncertainty in the past are suddenly finding themselves bankrupt and are disappearing almost overnight caught in the great economic crisis that has engulfed the world today (Davey and Smith, 2009). The centuries of research in leadership and management theories and practice suddenly seem to be found lacking in content. There is a great need for leadership lessons for the corporate leaders of present times, so that they may guide their organizations to survive through the ongoing economic and management crisis. Global executives of top multinational c ompanies responded with eight answers when they were asked what according to them the most important leadership quality was. The eight essential leadership qualities identified were humility, energy, intuition, vision, perspective, passion, conviction and learning (Harvard Business Review, 2007). This forms the trigger for this research study.

Fading Light Experiment on Arduino Kit

Fading Light Experiment on Arduino Kit Introduction Arduino is an open source prototyping platform enabling users to create interactive electronic objects. [1] Here, we performed Fading Light one of the basic activities on this Arduino kit. This activity demonstrates the use of analog output in the code (Pulse Width Modulation) to fade the LED light. You can fade out and fade in the light of LED automatically using Arduino with a simple code that is installed in Arduino. Materials with Description Arduino Board Arduino Uno SMD SR3 is used. The main material needed to hold the materials, and execute the code from computer. Prototyping Shield It is a prototype extension board for Arduino Board Resistor 220R 220 ohms resistors will be used on this experiment. It is use to reduce the current flow for the LED output. Bread Board Used for the connections of materials together. LED light (Light emitting diode) will be used for verification if the code and plotting of materials is correct. USB cable A-B USB 2.0 cable which is the common A to B M/M type peripheral cable to connect the Arduino board from computer. Jumper Cable M/M Used to connect Arduino Board from breadboard. Procedure (self-explained) 1.Prepare the materials needed. 5MM -LED x1 Jumper Cable M/M x2 220R Resistor x1 USB cable Arduino Board Prototyping shield Breadboard 2. Place the prototyping shield on the top of Arduino Board. 3. Place LED light 1st the last row of the breadboard. 4. Place the Resistor on the Positive terminal of LED light and connect the opposite side of resistor on 10th pin using jumper wire. 5. Place the jumper wire on the Ground and the opposite side on Negative terminal of LED light. 6. Connect the Arduino Board to your desktop or laptop. 7. Now using desktop or laptop execute and install the appropriate code for Fading Light activity on your Arduino Board. Circuit Diagram Code Code Analysis This is the code for Fading Light Activity. As you can see, the ledPin variable has a value of 10, 10th is the pin that the LED is attached on Arduino. On setup() function this declared pin 10 to be an output. The Serial.begin(9600); this code is the speed communication. Arduino will send data at 9600 bits per second which is 9600 is the default bit. Executing the loop() function which make the LED light Fade on off with a time of 1 seconds and given value of full 5. Theres a method for fadeOn which is getting the time with 1000/ 1 sec and an increment of 5 which is called as parameters. This values are being process on for-loop which is changing the luminance of LED lights. As you can see in for-loop (byte value = 0 ; value Comparison of Code vs. Hardware Output The given code says that LED light will fade on off 19 times with a luminance of 5 which is the maximum luminance of it and decreases the luminance by 5. The given code output is accurate from the expected output of the hardware. It fades on off 19 times with 5 additional luminance in every fadeOn and decreases 5 luminance in every fadeOff, the code is accurate from the output of hardware. No errors and run successfully. Recommendation/Enhancement I recommend that procedures, guides, or instruction are given on each group members to perform those activities successfully. Readable and reliable codes that are easy to understand. Have a review on those codes that is used. References: [1]Arduino:An Open Electoring Prototyping Perform

The Myth of Equality :: Racial Relations, Politics

In his article, â€Å"The Myth of Equality† written in August 2010 in his official blog, Patrick Buchanan, an American conservative political commentator, suggests that equality will never be achievable here in America when it comes to personal skills and abilities (par. 8). He points out the inequality that is evident in the American professional sports where only those who are considered â€Å"good† are thriving (par. 6-7). Buchanan reveals that the standardize test that is given to students proves that there is a disparity in education among racial groups (par. 16). He infers that here in America, because we vary in our capabilities to perform at something, inequalities among racial groups are almost the standard and it is demonstrated in several institutions. One organization where inequality among racial groups is established is in the American professional sports system; where only those who demonstrate excellence in the sport flourish. Buchanan interprets statistics reported by columnist Walter Williams to conclude that black male athletes dominate majority of the popular sports such as the NFL and the NBA (par. 5). Furthermore, Buchanan reveals that no one complains when Hispanics and Asians who make up a good percentage of the population are not visible nor pursued after in this organization (par. 2). The enactment of standardizes testing given to students to measure their academic abilities and supposedly will close achievement gap only prove that the battle to the end achievement gap between racial groups is a failure. Buchanon elucidate statistics of the results from the national test under the â€Å"No Child Left Behind† program to infer that there is a huge gap between white students and black students (par. 19). On the same note, New Yorks state test scores reveals a large imbalance in academics between different racial groups (par. 16) For Buchanon, here in America, the notion of equality among racial group will never be attained. This is because we as an individual, whether it is academic or athletic, are all different in a great deal of way. We respond to situation differently. There is always some sort of competition that is constantly occurring and it is certainly true that only those who exhibit excellence will be superior over the rest of the population. Although Patrick Buchanan’s essay proves the notion that equality among races when it comes to academic is in fact a myth, he failed to illustrate other influences that drive America in to racial inequality.

Human Morality vs Conformity

Human Morality versus Conformity Through movies, TV shows, and the news, the media portrays the human race as compassionate, altruistic, and always good. Even the heroes who are considered â€Å"bad boys† end up making the right decisions when it comes down to a final decision of selfish needs versus heroism. Disney is especially pivotal in the spreading of the belief that people are inherently good among children, who grow up with this seemingly harmless belief. One such film is Disney’s Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl.In one memorable scene, Captain Jack Sparrow appears to have betrayed his fellow protagonists to the cursed pirates in order to gain wealth and power. However, he uses this as an act to surprise the villains with another double cross to give his friends a chance to gain the advantage. While it would seem that pirates like Jack Sparrow and his crew would be selfish, Disney instead shows them to forego wealth and risk danger for thei r friends, such as when his crew returns to rescue Sparrow from the British at the end of the film.Despite pirates being selfish and criminal by nature, Sparrow and his pirates are actually on a noble quest to stop a great evil in the form of a cursed crew of pirates and rescue the maiden who is their captive. In the sequel, Sparrow has a chance to escape the kraken that is coming after him by sacrificing his friends and crew to secure his getaway. In this instance too, Sparrow chooses the selfless sacrifice of himself to allow the others to escape by remaining to be eaten by the monster. In the final movie of the series, Sparrow is seeking immortality by stabbing the heart of Davy Jones.However, his friend is mortally wounded in the battle to take the heart. Rather than take the immortality he sought, Sparrow helps his friend stab the heart, giving his friend eternal life. The selfishness is all an act, and as in many films, the â€Å"bad boy† Sparrow chooses to be a hero. S o films depict even pirates as good underneath their criminal, selfish exteriors. Media, especially Disney films, show human beings to be good and brave, with the bad and selfish being the minority. In real life, however, truly good and unselfish people are much more uncommon.It is dangerous to believe otherwise, as one must understand that even people who see themselves and their cause as â€Å"good† can cause great harm to others. As many social experiments have proven, human beings would choose their own survival by being self-centered and conforming, easily forgetting morality in the process and following the group decisions rather than their own moral compasses. Following the atrocities committed in Nazi Germany, Yale University psychologist Stanley Milgram designed an experiment to test a volunteer subject’s willingness to obey orders regardless of the orders’ morality.In the experiment, a subject met an actor, who would be the â€Å"student† and vi ctim of shocks for each incorrect answer. The subject was informed of the 450-volt maximum for the experiment. The subject was then assigned the role of â€Å"teacher†, to apply a shock that increased with each increment. As the shock strength increased, so would the â€Å"pain† and pre-recorded â€Å"screams† of the actor student. Whenever the subject questioned his orders, an authority figure would prod him with verbal commands demanding obedience of his orders to continue. The experiment was terminated if the subject refused the order four times.None of the forty subjects questioned the experiment before the 300-volt shock and screams. Twenty-six of the forty subjects (65%) continued to shock the â€Å"victim† to the maximum setting of 450-volt. The subjects were aware of the extreme pain caused but proceeded regardless, and the experiment ended on the third consecutive 450-volt shock. Human nature is thus shown as conformist in the presence of authori ty and duty, and morality becomes an afterthought if it is even considered. The majority of people were shocked at this, especially the subjects.The subjects realized the scope of their actions after being explained the experiments purpose in testing authority against morality. As the experiment shows, following orders can overrule morals, such as not hurting others, effectively showing how Nazi Germany gained so much influence over the German people and the failings of human morals. In another social experiment, Professor Solomon Asch tested the nature of human conformity in a group. The subject was told the experiment was a vision test and placed with other â€Å"subjects†, who were, in fact, actors.The actors answered every question correctly as one, until a certain point, where they all began choosing wrongly as one. People do not envision themselves as unquestioning followers, and most do not understand why the Nazis and Communists were able to gain so much power unoppos ed by the people. The subject would follow the group and give at least one wrong answer to conform to the group in 75% of the cases despite the clearly incorrect response to the questions given by the group. In a control group, only 3% of people ever gave a wrong answer to the question when apart from group influences.Therefore, this experiment proves how the individual’s desire to conform to the group outweighs common sense and the desire for independence. While the desire to conform in this case appears harmless, it can lead individuals to make decisions that go against common sense and their moral beliefs. This experiment thus shows how people do not point out things that are obviously wrong if it means going against the status quo, an important factor that allows totalitarian regimes to gain so much power, as nobody would wish to stand up to the society if it threatened their personal well-being.To study the psychological effect of subjects becoming prisoners and guards, Stanford Professor Philip Zimbardo conducted the Stanford Prison Experiment. In this experiment, Professor Zimbardo and his subordinates chose the twenty-four of the most psychologically stable and healthy candidates from over seventy-five undergraduates. The randomly assigned prisoners were then arrested at their homes and processed with the help of local police, getting their mug shots taken, fingerprinted, and issued prison uniforms before being confined to a cell in a Stanford University basement.Those who were assigned prison guard duty were issued guard uniforms and instructed in how to treat the â€Å"prisoners†. The â€Å"guards† were also issued the wooden police batons as authority symbols and visible threats of physical injury to prisoners, and also wore mirrored sunglasses to prevent prisoner eye contact and add to the depersonalization of the mock prison. The second day of the experiment, the â€Å"prisoners† rioted, prompting the prison â€Å"guar ds† to break up the riot by attacking the prisoners with fire extinguishers without the supervision of the research staff.After thirty-six hours, â€Å"Prisoner 8612† went into a hysterical rage, and was only released after his suffering was apparent to the researchers. His release started a false rumor of a â€Å"prison break†, and the guards dismantled the prison to build in a more â€Å"secure† location. People would believe the experiment would be ended at that point, especially since the subjects involved were Stanford undergraduates under the supervision of a respectable university professor.They do not understand that when human beings become too involved in their roles or their society, they become what they and everyone else are acting as, creating a new identity to fit in, rather than fight the system to make it right. From that point forward, things only got more out of hand. When there was no prison break, the guards punished the prisoners for the extra work of rebuilding the prison by engaging them in mandatory physical activity and counting off their prisoner numbers.Guards also denied the prisoners their mattresses, leaving them to lie on the concrete floors, and denied the right to use or empty the sanitation bucket, causing poor sanitary conditions for the â€Å"prisoners†. As some prisoners were forced to go nude, they began planning a prison breakout. Professor Zimbardo, acting as the â€Å"Prison Superintendent† requested prisoner transfer to the local police prison, but the police officials stated they could no longer participate. The experiment was only terminated when Zimbardo’s wife objected to the appalling conditions of the â€Å"prison†.The experiment only ran six out of the planned fourteen days, and in that time the â€Å"prisoners† had gone from rebellious to submissive as the experiment progressed with the â€Å"guards† becoming more cruel and sadistic in their punishments over time. Five of the prisoners became upset enough to quit the experiment early, and many of the participants showed signs of severe emotional disturbances. Even Professor Zimbardo became caught up in the experiment and allowed the situation to worsen.The remaining prisoners internalized their roles as did the guards, resulting in prisoners remaining in the experiment and prison guards abusing their authority. Most people cannot comprehend how this could happen, seeing themselves as rational and fair human beings. This experiment provides a disturbing view of how much people are willing to conform to their situations and the result of such conformity in the treatment of others. Human beings do not always choose rightly, often acting in a conforming and selfish manner, rather than follow the standard conventions of social morals.People believe that most human beings are good people who fight group conformity and self-centered behavior. The media depicts human beings in general as good and selfless, which is comforting but inaccurate. While there are many selfless good people in the world, they are the minority and there are just as many people looking out for themselves. It is important for this misconception of universal human kindness to be questioned in order for individuals to better understand their natures and become better people.

The role of Biofuels Essays

The role of Biofuels Essays The role of Biofuels Essay The role of Biofuels Essay The world is undergoing a transition period between a phase of fossil fuel energy to a phase of clean and renewable energy. There is urgent need for the planet to develop a new range of renewable energy sources which are less carbon intensive and which will open up a new age for fuels. In such a scenario, the 21st century will be a transitional period for energy generation and consumption. It is probable that the world is moving towards a greater diversity in primary sources, in which each country or region, in line with its circumstances, will contribute towards the make up f the renewable energy matrix. In this context, biofuels will play an important and increasing role. They will not be a substitute for fossil fuels, as such, but a supplement to other renewable primary sources of energy, such as hydro, wind and solar power. Brazil is having a prominent position on the renewable energy sector due several reasons. Around 75% of Brazilian Electricity is produced through renewable energy. This is basically due to the huge hydroelectricity infrastructure installed in the Country. But not only hydroenergy is prominent in Brazil. Brazilian biofuel production s also an example of sustainable energy generation for the world. The favorable combination of available natural resources, suitable soil and climatic conditions, labour capacity and technological ability puts Brazil on the top of the biofuel world market. But its dangerous to think that biofuels are directly linked with sustainability. Depending on the way they are produced, they can generate as much damage to the environment as fossil fuels do. The main issue that is been discussed now is so called LUC (indirect land use change). Its easy to monitor whether a crop to produce iofuels substitutes or not a forest. However, its almost impossible to monitor whether a new crop caused indirect deforestation. A clear example for that is the substitution of cattle for sugarcane production in Brazil. In a first sight, the sugar cane production doesnt cause deforestation. But how to monitor the new place where the cattle is been produced? This is one of several issues that are involved with biofuels sustainability and need to be further monitored and discussed. To ensure the maximization of positive externalities in the biofuels production, onsideration must be given to three basic principles: the introduction of government rules to encourage and regulate sustainable production of biofuels; the concept of vertical growth, with best use of available resources; and the encouragement of research and development of new technologies. In terms of government incentives, it doesnt necessary mearns subsidies, as USA does with ethanol from corn. New legislation frameworks need to take place to foster the utilization of this source of energy. The United States and the European Union, Tor example, nave estaDllsnea targets Tor tne Iincreased use 0T tnese Tuels In tnelr development programs (RFS2 and DIRECTIVE 2009/28/EC), always linked to sustainability criteria, which address some of the major biofuels sustainability factors, such as: food security, working conditions, regional development, social inequality between classes and regions (employment and earnings in countryside), environmental degradation and greenhouse gas emissions. As for vertical growth, it dialogs straight to the concept of access to energy, which must be understood as a social right. So, in the context of scarcity of natural resources, it is necessary to ensure an energy supply at low environmental cost and reasonable prices, for the whole population. In this situation, the biofuel sector must be capable of using available resources to maximum advantage, in other words, to strive for eco-efficiency so as to produce more from the same resources. This mearns vertical growth, as opposed to horizontal expansion. This, in turn, calls for more technology and less waste in the search for transversal eco-efficiency in the biofuels production cycle. So, when we think about an industry that is struggling in terms of carbon emission and could easily be adapted to change its fossil fuel consumption to biofuels, this is the AIRLINE industry. Currently, this sector represents 2% of global GHG emissions, but is expected to grow to 3% by 2050. Indeed, biofuels usage on commercial airplanes was approved in July 2011. Since then, some airlines have experimented with using of biofuels on their flights. But the challenges to make this accomplishment true are not only coming from the biofuel production side. There are still some concerts regarding the technology it self. Biodiesel that is stored for long periods of time is more likely to oxidize, especially at low temperatures, causing it to gel. Some additives improve the cold weather tolerance of biodiesel, but only by a few degrees. Nitrile-based rubber materials expand in the presence of aromatic compounds found in conventional petroleum fuel. Pure biofuels that arent mixed with petrolum and dont contain paraffin-based additives may cause rubber seals and hoses to shrink. Airplanes manufacturers are starting to use a synthetic rubber substitute called Viton for seals and hoses.

The Function of Plant Cells essays

The Function of Plant Cells essays Plants are unique amongst the eukaryotes, organisms whose cells have membrane-enclosed nuclei and organelles because they can manufacture their food. Chlorophyll, which gives plants their green color, enables them to use sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into sugars and carbohydrates; chemicals the cell uses for fuel. Like the fungi, another kingdom of eukaryotes, plant cells have retained the protective cell wall structure of their prokaryotic ancestors. The basic plant cell has the basic construction of a typical eukaryote cell but does not have centrioles, lysosomes, cilia, or flagella as does the animal cell. Plant cells do have specialized structures: a rigid cell wall, central vacuole, plasmodesmata, and chloroplasts. One of the most important distinguishing features of plant cells is the presence of a cell wall, a which serves a variety of functions. The cell wall protects the cellular contents, gives rigidity to the plant structure, provides a porous medium for the circulation and distribution of water, minerals, and other small nutrient molecules. It contains specialized molecules that regulate growth and protect the plant from disease. A structure of great tensile strength, the cell wall is formed from fibrils of cellulose molecules, embedded in a water-saturated matrix of polysaccharides and structural glycoproteins. Many plant cells have both a primary cell wall, while the cell is growing, and a secondary cell wall, which is produced inside the primary wall after the cell has stopped growing. Conduits called plasmodesmata penetrate both the primary and secondary cell walls, providing pathways for transporting cytoplasmic molecules from one cell to another. The primary chemical component of cell walls is cellulose, which is made up of several thousand glucose molecules linked end to end. Other chemicals that make up cell walls are lignins, which add rigidity, and waxes, such as cutin and suberin, which reduc...

The House of Lords no longer has a useful role. To what extent do you Essay

The House of Lords no longer has a useful role. To what extent do you agree - Essay Example Critically, it is knowledgeable that the House of Lords was the sovereign lawmaker in the English Monarch. However, the introduction of political bodies and the House of Commons has been wading off the chamber’s roles. For example, the House of Commons adapted the chamber’s role of implementing laws. At that point, the upper house was to amend bills passed by the members of the lower house. This indicates that the upper house was a recipient to lower house thus it would lack control over Great Britain’s political platform holding to the that the role of constitutional implementation belonged to a different chamber (Great Britain, 2007, p. 55). Arguably, this step rendered the House of Lords’ roles ineffective as the political platform would draw much attention among the population, and its roles would be of utmost effect to the UK society. The continued development of the country’s political platform threatens to wade off the existence of House of Lords since the lower house, under the leadership of the Prime Minister continuously implements regulations that limit the capacity at which the chamber can pose any influences. Initially, the House of Lords comprised of over 680 members in the lords spiritual and lords temporal categories (Great Britain, 2012, p. 70). This number currently stands at 92 after the House of Commons implemented a commission to regulate the upper house’s membership. Presumably, the reduced number translates to reducing roles as the political bodies have implemented other government offices to overtake those roles (Russell, 2013, p. 31). For example, the upper house was the official court of appeal until the formation of the Supreme Court in 2009. The upper house acted as the chamber of implementing the final judgement. This role limited the effect of democracy as the society’s view was not represented rather than that of the

Technology management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Technology management - Essay Example It should link to other business processes that the firm supports. In this case, it is called Business Service Catalogue. For it to be considered as a Technical Service Catalogue, it should provide a technical view of services. This view is not provided to the customers, and is linked with the configuration items which are necessary to deliver the service. SCM makes sure that the customers agree with the terms and conditions of the IT services, and understand their usage. Hence, SCM establishes a strong relationship between IT services and the business. Brewster et al. (67) write in their book that SCM makes sure that the service is aligned with business needs â€Å"by providing clear and consistent information on services in a language that the customers will understand and in a format that customers will want to use, thus enabling a constructive dialogue about IT services where all parties have a common understanding of what is being discussed.† This means that SCM is a customer-oriented administration of IT service delivery. A Business Service Catalogue simplifies, for the customers, the ordering of standard services, because it simplifies the terms and conditions so that the customers may be able to understand them; makes the process of ordering easy enough for them; and, offers them a lucid and dependable self-service mechanism, which they can avail for ordering of services. Likewise, a Technical Service Catalogue is an efficient source of all technical knowledge that the service provider needs in order to make the deli very of services well-organized and more reliable. Hence, the service provider can have a better idea of all risks, vulnerabilities, strengths, and weaknesses, of the process of service delivery. This idea is important to make the services better aligned with business needs. Service catalogues need to be managed regularly, so that it is