Kuhn Theory of Scientific Revolution

Kuhn Theory of Scientific Revolution

Organizational Behavior Essay -- Organization Group Business

Organizational Behavior, by definition, is the study of human behavior, attitudes, individual differences, and performance in organizational settings. Understanding the internal and external forces within an organization is important to the success of any business. The internal and external forces that are to be understood are restructuring, economy, competition, fiscal policies, organizational mission and globalization and economy. Economic factors for an educational institution are greater than is generally thought. Internal and external economic issues affect continued success and profitability of the organization. Receiving no tax monies, private educational institutions depend solely on students for their income stream. Economic forces affecting educational forces usually work in reverse of the current economic conditions present in the private sector. As the economy worsens on a national level more people consider returning to school. As a general rule enrollment standards during periods of economic slumps tend to increase as schools tighten admission requirements to admit only the most qualified students. Although outside economic forces on private educational institutions are minimal, internal forces on the University of Phoenix prove to be of greater impact on the profitability of the parent organization. Private organizations respond to internal economic forces by limiting expenses due to the fact that limited funds and controllable expenditures are the most easily manipulated items in any budget. Many organizations feel that salaries are the greatest controllable cost for the organization. However, â€Å"Colleges are faced with 3 types of costs: 1. uncontrollable costs, which include utilities, books, supplies, and equipment, 2. controllable costs, which include wages, salaries, and contracted services, and 3. mixed costs, which include employee benefits and employment taxes.† (Bernard & Beaven, 1985, 78) The University of Phoenix feels that reducing staff and therefore reducing salaries is counterproductive. Reducing staff levels inhibits the universities ability to service students and lessens the likelihood that students will complete the educational goals and graduate with the degree they desired. The University of Phoenix and the parent company The Apollo Group approach the subject of economic forces as opportunities. By increasing staff... ...es transcontinental interactions and global networks of activity, which increases the diffusion of ideas, goods, information and people. In conclusion, the internal and external factors of Organizational Behavior thrive in each of our team member’s workplaces. Each of these factors goes hand in hand, and can produce both positive and negative impacts on any organization. Understanding the factors of Restructuring, Economy, Competition, Fiscal Policies, Organizational Mission and Globalization and how they relate to an individual’s specific workplace is necessary to the success of any organization. References Global Transformations. (1999, March). Retrieved July 31, 2005, from http://www.polity.co.uk/global/executiv.htm#whatis Schermerhorn, J.R., Osborn, R.N. & Hunt, J.G. (2005). Change, innovation and stress. Organizational Behavior, 16, pp. 6, 21 & 34. Retrieved July 28, 2005 from UOP Online, 9th Edition, rEsource. Copyright 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Schermerhorn, J. R., Hunt, J. G., & Osborn, R. N. (2005). Introducing Organizational Behavior. In Organizational Behavior (p. 25). John Wiley & Sons, Inc

Analysis of Bandura’s cognitive theory Essay

Introduction The study of human behavior or behaviorism focuses on attributes of humanity that are discernible, measurable and which can be manipulated. The emphasis of behaviorism is on experimental methods and avoids attributes that are subjective, internal or unavailable. The experimental method involves the manipulation of one variable and measurement of its effect on another variable. It is from the study of variable and effects that a Canadian psychologist, Albert Bandura found the cognitive theory (or social cognitive theory) (Bandura, 2006). Bandura for instance observed aggressive behavior in adolescents and opined that the aggressiveness is caused by the environment in which the adolescents grow. On the other hand, he also realized that behavior causes an environment as well. Thus, since behavior and environment are causes and effects of each other, Bandura referred to the concept as reciprocal determinism (Bandura1986). In short, Bandura’s theory was based on the fact that the world and a person’s character (behavior) affect each other (Bandura, 1986). While it would appear that the environment was the cause of behavior and personality, Bandura also realized that personality is an interaction of a person’s psychological responses in relation to the environment (Bandura, 2006). The psychological processes consist of the human being’s ability to entertain different images and languages. Thus, the cognitive theory is built on two essential principles. The first one is a framework for explaining how different personalities function, whereas the other one addresses the type of variables (that is the elements of analysis) on which the personality theory should be centred (Bandura, 2006). In analysis of the influence of reciprocal determinism, Bandura categorically uses the word â€Å"determinism† to imply the aspect in which effects are produced by events (Bandura, 2006). However, this opinion does not mean that a human being’s actions arise from straightforward and predictable chains of cause and consequence. Rather, it implies that events produce effects by chance. As a result, the probability or chance of an event producing an effect is emphasized in Bandura’s cognitive theory (Bandura, 2006). Perhaps the most significant aspect of Bandura’s theory is the way in which the theory treats behavior. Unlike many other theoretical frameworks, this theory has equal action on both the input of the personality and the output of personality (Bandura, 1986). In essence, Bandura’s opinion is that a person’s actions and the resultant effects shape the person’s aptitude, feelings and belief in one self (Bandura, 2006). For example, many behaviorist theories depict scant curiosity in self-process because the theorists assume that human functioning is caused by external stimulus rather than the internal stimulus which is only considered as transmitting rather than causing behavior (Bandura, 1986). This paper critically evaluates the notable features of Bandura’s cognitive theory and discusses in detail the viewpoint of the Bandura at the time of formulation of the theory and the theory’s subsequent modification. The paper will also appraise the strengths and weaknesses of the theory based on the discussion. Analysis of the salient features of Bandura’s cognitive theory The most notable feature of Bandura’s social cognitive theory is the concept of reciprocal determinism (Bandura, 1986). Reciprocal determinism is a phenomenon that implies the causes and effects of different actions on behavior and environment and how they affect each other. Thus, Bandura’s theory was based on the point that personal factors in the form of cognition, biological events and affect, behavior and environmental factors create interfaces that result in a triadic reciprocality as illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1: The foundation of Bandura’s (1986) concept of the social cognitive theory. Source: Created from the description by Bandura (2006) Bandura modified the label of his theory from the common perspective of social learning to social cognitive in order to distance it from the common social learning theories of his time (Bandura, 1986). He also wanted to lay emphasis on the idea that cognition plays a significant role in people’s capability to construct reality, regulate their personality, encode information and display other kinds of behavior. According to Bandura (1971), the reciprocal form of the determinants of individual human functioning in social cognitive theory enables services such as therapeutic and counseling efforts to be rendered with focus on personal environment or behavioral factors as illustrated in the diagram above. Based on this, strategies to improve a person’s well-being can be aimed at ameliorating the emotional, cognitive and motivational process of the human being (Bandura, 1986). The focus can also be on improving behavioral capabilities or changing the communal conditions under which people live and work. As an example, teachers in schools have a role to not only improve their students’ academic learning and confidence, but also boost their (students’) self-beliefs and habits of thinking. Hence, teachers and students have to embrace all the components of Bandura’s triadic expression of cognitive theory. As earlier mentioned, Bandura’s social cognitive theory sets itself aside from other theories that overemphasize the role played by environmental factors in the development of human behavior (Bandura, 1986; Bandura, 2006). These theories are often dismissed since they have the redundant factor of cause and effect that is unworthy in the context of evaluating the psychological aspect of human beings. Thus according to Bandura, psychology per se without a clear self-examination cannot purport to explain the complexities of human intricacies of human functioning. Bandura (1986) further noted it is by evaluating their own conscious minds that people discern their own psychological processes. Therefore, in order to predict how the human behavior is affected by environmental outcomes, it is imperative that the individual’s cognitive process and how he or she interprets the outcomes be understood.

German Adverbs of Time - Temporaladverbien

German Adverbs of Time - Temporaladverbien Adverbs of time indicate when the action or event takes place. Adverbs of time answer the questions wann, wie oft, wie lange? Er kommt spter. Wann kommt er? Spter. allezeit bald bisher damals eben frà ¼her heute heutzutage immer jahrelang jemals jetzt morgen nachher neuerdings nie/niemals seitdem stets à ¼bermorgen vorher zuerst Adverbs with –s-Many nouns with time-related meanings can be transformed into adverbs by adding the letter –smontags, dienstags, etcsommers, winters but not Herbst or Frà ¼hling morgens, mittags, abendszeitlebens (all one’s life)anfangs Montags gehe ich zur Deutschklasse. Adverbs with two timeframes/points in timeeinst/ once, at one time: used to describe a timeframe/point in the future as well as the past. For example,Einst wollte er heiraten, aber jetzt nicht mehr. (At one time he wanted to get married, but not any more.)Einst wird der Tag kommen, wo ich Großmutter sein werde. (The day will come where Ill be a grandmother.)gerade: used to describe a timeframe/point in time in the present as well as the past that just occurred. For example,Mein Vater ist gerade bei der Arbeit. (My father is at work at present.)Sie ist gerade zur Kirche gegangen. (She just went to church.)

Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts

Alligator Snapping Turtle Facts The alligator snapping turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is a large freshwater turtle native to the United States. The species is named in honor of Dutch zoologist Coenraad Jacob Temminck. The turtle gets its common name from the ridges on its shell that resemble the rough skin of an alligator. Fast Facts: Alligator Snapping Turtle Scientific Name: Macrochelys temminckiiDistinguishing Features: Large turtle with strong jaws and a ridged shell resembling alligator skinAverage Size: 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb); males larger than femalesDiet: Primarily carnivorousAverage Life Span: 20 to 70 yearsHabitat: Midwest to Southeast United StatesConservation Status: VulnerableKingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelydridaeFun Fact: Although not aggressive, the turtle can deliver a bite powerful enough to amputate fingers. Description The alligator snapping turtle has a large head and thick shell with three ridges that feature large, spiked scales. In contrast, the common snapping turtle (Chelydra serpentina) has a smoother shell. Snapping turtle have strong, stout heads, powerful jaws, and sharp claws. Although alligator snapping turtles may be black, brown, or olive green, most turtles appear greenish from algae growing on the carapace. The turtle has golden eyes with a radiating pattern that aids camouflage. On average, adult alligator snapping turtles range from 35 to 81 cm (13.8 to 31.8 in) carapace length and weigh between 8.4 to 80 kg (19 to 176 lb). Females tend to be smaller than males. Male alligator snapping turtles can be very large, potentially reaching 183 kg (403 lb). Of the freshwater turtles, only a few Asian softshell species reach a comparable size. Distribution The alligator snapping turtles makes its home in the rivers, lakes, and canals of the midwestern to southeastern United States. It lives in watersheds that ultimately drain into the Gulf of Mexico. The turtle is found as far north as South Dakota, as far west as Texas, and east to Florida and Georgia. Alligator snapping turtles live almost exclusively in the water. Females venture onto land to lay eggs. Diet and Predators Technically, turtles are omnivorous. But, for the most part, alligator snapping turtles are opportunistic predators. Their usual diet includes fish, carcasses, mollusks, amphibians, worms, snakes, water birds, crayfish, aquatic mammals, and other turtles. They will also eat aquatic plants. Large alligator snapping turtles have been known to kill and eat American alligators. Like other reptiles, they refuse to eat when the temperature is extremely cold or hot because they cannot digest their meal. The turtles tongue resembles a worm. reptiles4all, Getty Images Although the turtles tend to hunt at night, they can lure small prey during the daytime using their unusual tongues. The tongue of the turtle resembles a pink wriggling worm. A variety of predators may eat turtle eggs and hatchlings, including snakes, raccoons, skunks, herons, and crows. Humans are the only significant predator of the adults. Reproduction and Life Cycle Alligator snapping turtles become sexually mature around 12 years of age. They mate in the spring. About two months later, the female leaves the water to build a nest and deposit between 10 and 50 eggs. She selects a nest site near the water, but high enough or far enough to protect the eggs from flooding. Hatchlings emerge after 100 to 140 days, in early autumn. Their sex is determined by incubation temperature. In captivity, most turtles live between 20 and 70 years. However, they can potentially live as long as 200 years. Conservation Status The IUCN Red List classifies the alligator snapping turtle as a vulnerable species. The turtle is listed on CITES Appendix III (United States), with restrictions on its capture in several states within its range and on exportation. Kentucky, Illinois, Indiana, and Missouri are among states in which the turtle is considered endangered. Threats include collection for the pet trade, habitat destruction, pollution, pesticide accumulation, and trapping for its meat. Although threatened in the wild, the turtle is also kept in captivity. Conservationists are concerned release of captive turtles outside the species natural range may cause it to become invasive. In 2013, an alligator snapping turtle was captured and euthanized in Oregon. Some states prohibit keeping alligator snapping turtles as pets. Sources Elsey, R. M. (2006). Food Habits of Macrochelys temminckii (Alligator Snapping Turtle) from Arkansas and Louisiana. Southeastern Naturalist. 5 (3): 443–452. doi:10.1656/1528-7092(2006)5[443:FHOMTA]2.0.CO;2Ernst, C., R. Barbour, J. Lovich. (1994). Turtles of the United States and Canada. Washington, D.C.: Smithsonian Institution Press. ISBN 1560988231.Gibbons, J. Whitfield (1987). Why Do Turtles Live So Long?. BioScience. 37 (4): 262–269. doi:10.2307/1310589Thomas, Travis M.; Granatosky, Michael C.; Bourque, Jason R.; Krysko, Kenneth L.; Moler, Paul E.; Gamble, Tony; Suarez, Eric; Leone, Erin; Roman, Joe (2014). Taxonomic assessment of Alligator Snapping Turtles (Chelydridae: Macrochelys), with the description of two new species from the southeastern United States. Zootaxa. 3786 (2): 141–165. doi:10.11646/zootaxa.3786.2.4Tortoise Freshwater Turtle Specialist Group 1996. Macrochelys temminckii (errata version published in 2016). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Spe cies 1996: e.T12589A97272309. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.1996.RLTS.T12589A3362355.en

Lincoln Electric Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Lincoln Electric - Essay Example Lincoln   Electric   follows   a   hierarchical   management   system. In   a   hierarchical   system, there   is   a   strict   distinction   between   the   different   levels   of   management   within   the   organization, with   each   level   or   hierarchy   concerned   with   the   functioning   of   that   level   only   (Armstrong, 2006). The   power   and   responsibilities   associated   with   the   management   of   the   organization   converge   from   the   workers   upward   toward   the   president   or   executives   of   the   company   (Armstrong, 2006), so   that   the   workers   are   at   the   lowest   stratum   and   the   president   or   the   managing   executives   at   the   highest   stratum   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). This   holds   true   for   the   Lincoln   Electric   as   well, since   it   is   clearly   mentioned   in   their   company   description   that   there   is   a   well   defined   distinction   between   the   managers   and   workers   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), and   although   open   communication   and   socializing   is   encouraged, the   fine   hierarchical   line   is   not   traversed   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). The   company   has   workers, sales   representatives, supervisors, middle   managers, and   top   executives, with   each   level   functioning   within   its   own   boundaries   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). The   management   of   the   company   provides   a   lot   of   incentives   to   its   workers   which   encourages   them   to   work   hard   and   with   sincerity   towards   producing   high   quality   products   and   increasing   the   yield   and   profits   of   the   company   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). Since   the   total   profit   is   shared   among   the   workers   based   on   their   performance   and   merit   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), it   is   only   in   the   interest   of   the   workers   to   work   hard   and   with   honesty   to   increase   the   profits. The   rewards   that   the   workers   get   are   substantial   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010). The   job   descriptions   and   requirements   are   clearly   and   precisely   defined   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), and   given   the   capitalist   form   of   business   environment   in the   United   Sates   (Armstrong, 2006) as   opposed   to   the   labor   intensive   form   practiced   in   Europe   (Lincoln   Electric, 2010), this   system   has   proven   to   work   very   well   in   the   United States.  

Network Security Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Network Security - Essay Example Its ability to integrate seamlessly personal functionalities such as digital entertainment and business such as enterprise emails has made it a favorite in the corporate world, and no doubt a major target for hackers. Blackberry handheld devices run on the Blackberry operating system that supports the use of specialized input devices tailor-made specifically to capture the elite smartphone user (BlackBerry support 2009). Features such as the track pad and most recently, the touch screen give the blackberry devices a unique design and places it a par above its closest rivals in the market. The BlackBerry Network Architecture Network architecture is the layout that includes the hardware, software components, the means of data transfer, and the communication protocols governing data transfer. BlackBerry devices are not merely standalone devices; they are integrated into a complex network that seeks to deliver remotely various services to users. This is convenient especially in an enterp rise setting where corporate users need to handle multiple tasks. Basically, blackberry devices connect and with other external devices in four ways. A data cable enables personal computer connectivity via the blackberry enterprise software, this mainly for transfer of files and media. Bluetooth connectivity synchronizes the device with other external devices and can be used to create an ad hoc network for file and resource sharing. Finally, radio and wireless connectivity serve the primary function of voice and data synchronize communication. The BlackBerry wireless, and radio connectivity platform makes it possible for an organization to offer its employees with access to its email servers even when away from the office. Blackberry devices connect wirelessly to networks using various transport architectures, and all devices have a specific transport mode that it associates with. Ultimately blackberry security is best when linked up with the blackberry enterprise server, which is d esigned specifically cooperate and commercial use. This server allows the smartphone to run on a remote platform with all the essential functionalities stored separate from the device. In essence, the blackberry can successfully be used for corporate business functions, and for personal use without any compromise on data integrity. Wi-Fi transport architecture provides internet connection to mobile devices, of a link to private networks. Through least cost routing, a wireless connection can be configured to allow a device connect to the enterprise server platform. This is because connections via the Wi-Fi transport are considered less expensive compared to other transport architectures like cellular transport. The TCP cellular transport relies on a wireless service provider usually via radio connectivity. Normally configurations are provided by wireless service providers who configure the device based on their infrastructure. Another transport system associated with blackberry devic es is the blackberry internet service. In this model, connection is established through the blackberry infrastructure. This automatically qualifies for the least cost routing and can be successfully integrated with the Wi-Fi transport. The blackberry MDS transport essentially is a mix of cellular radio transport and Wi-Fi transport. This transport allows a device to directly link up with its associated BlackBerry enterprise server via Blackberry infrastructure. Connection in this instance can be made using Wi-Fi or mobile radio but, all