Strategic Choice and Evalulation Essay Example for Free

Strategic Choice and Evalulation EssayIn the strategic counselling process the political party mission gives a general idea of what interests and goals the conjunction has. These goals need a more specific target to evaluate the firm progress towards achieving that goal. The strategic management purpose is to define a general goal to sustain the corporate growth and to be profitable. There are different approaches to get there. Companies establish semipermanent objectives usually over three to five years and by formulating grand strategies they achieve those spacious-term objectives. Following the value discipline model or ushers generic dodge model companies had successful achievements.As this paper go forth explain, the formulation of grand strategies that follow generic strategies to provide specific actions will help companies to maximize their competitive advantage. As an example, the company JetBlue Airways has implemented several of the strategies in their strategic management approach and the results show their continuous growth in the stemmaline industry. The analysis of those value discipline, generic strategies and grand strategy alternatives will give a general idea of their grandness for trade growth.JetBlue Airways incorporates in their trading operations some these strategies at all levels which resulted on their rapid growth. JetBlue Grand Strategy, Generic Strategies and Value Discipline The definition of grand strategy refers to the office, how is going to be achieved the long term objectives. The principal responsibility of developing the strategies falls on the corporate managers and business managers. Grand strategy consists of the selection of different approaches, which executives understand is the best approach. nigh of the grand strategies discussed in business are, growth, innovation, concentration and joint ventures (Pearce 2011). The selection of any of them or a mix of them should maximize the company profits. A combi nation of generic strategies will also support the company goals. Generic strategies are several fundamental philosophical options for the design of strategies (Pearce 2011). This type of strategies are based on deuce different philosophies on how to develop those strategies, following Michael Porters generic strategy idea or the Michael Treacy and Fred Wiersema alternative approach of value disciplines.Michael Porter, expressed the importance for the companies to develop strategies, he said, strategy delineates a territory in which a company seeks to be unique (Hammonds 2001). Porter generic strategies focus on bell leadership, differentiation and focus. Experts say this approach help the firms to produce above average returns for the organization and the starting point to get there is the grand strategy the means by which objectives are achieved (Pearce 2011). Michael Treacy and Fred Wiersema, business consultants, recommend a different method to generic strategy, they called it, value disciplines.They believe that strategies must center on delivering superior node value through one of three value disciplines operational excellence, customer intimacy, or product leadership (Pearce 2011). Even though there are similarities amid the devil models, their difference is that in the value discipline model one discipline will be the focus of attention while the other two that are not selected must be maintained (12 Manage 2013). Reviewing David Needlemans decision to start JetBlue Airways constructed at New Yorks JFK Airport it shows that from the beginning his business developed based on the strategy of concentrated growth.This grand strategy reflects the management decision to direct the resources to profit on one single product, in a single market (Pearce 2012). The company started by offering high bore customer service. As a result, they became a great challenger to south-west Airlines and American Airlines. JetBlue Airways used the low live generic stra tegy to reduce cost and this gave them the advantage to charge lower prices for the same routes of competitor Southwest Airline. In a short period they gain market share and benefit from returns, as the 2001 annual report shows.When all other competitors showed financial reports with loss, JetBlue reported $38. 5 million in net income (JetBlue Annual Report 2002). In the case of JetBlue, concentrated growth is in fact a grand strategy. This firm primed(p) all their investments to get profits out of a single product, respiratory tract service at low price to new routes. The goal of providing economical air service has been met by minimizing costs by installing more seats into the planes, selling tickets directly to customers no agent needed to complete this task (JetBlue 2013). some other area were they worked to minimize costs is by shortening ground delays.This discount airline is well-known by their new planes, the radio and satellite television on every seat and the lash sitt ing. JetBlue vision of product innovation and gauzy service provides a low fare and low cost to passengers, its an airline that provides high quality customer services (JetBlue 2013). Differentiation is a business strategy that gives competitive advantage with its service. Being different from the competition also gave the company the distinction of being the airline with low cost with amenities for passengers. This was possible due their startup capital of $100 million (David 2011).The use of new planes, their leather seats, individual monitors with DIRECTV programming, was a few of the things they included on their low coast fare. They focused on service and that gave them the competitive advantage. The generic strategies of differentiation and low cost leadership at functional level produced the JetBlue Experience, network expansion, low fares, low operating expenses and investment in new and more efficient planes (JetBlue 2013). Another strategy JetBlue Airways use is focus to what they identified as the underserved but overpriced market (JetBlue 2002).They concentrated on U. S. cities from their main base New York that serves the largest travel market. They have with child(p) from 1 route to serve almost 80 destinations across the US, Caribbean and Latin America (Nasdaq 2013). Pricing is another(prenominal) JetBlue strategy, thats how they are winning new customers. By developing the image of low fare airline with high quality service, even though they offer only one class services, their high quality service create a new opportunity in the airline travel, including business travelers.Innovation is present in JetBlue company growth they are the a la mode(p) airline to give pilots IPads to cut back on paper manuals. The introduction to new technology will bring the capabilities to download weather images, also admittance updated flight documents (Sawers 2013). JetBlue Airways ability to perform tasks less expensive than competitors also keeps them as th e top leaders. The airline fleet of, Airbus 320 and Embraer 190 permits them to offer lots of legroom, great pastime and leather seats (JetBlue 2013). They keep maintenance and training costs down.For example, management can reinvest in growth opportunities, or commit to their employees training (Pearce 2011). JetBlue has focused on a strategy of servicing customers how want low cost flights from place to place. That has been the consistent need of their clients. What JetBlue has done is assimilate new ideas to deliver that service, basically serving the same customers. Conclusion JetBlue competitive advantage is a have strategy of cost leadership and differentiation. Their low cost position in relation to their competition supports the fact of their efficient operations.The introduction of new planes, allowed them to reduce their fuel costs and maintenance, and with large planes, there is more revenue for the company. They decided not to serve meals this is another tactic that h elped to reduce costs. Differentiation is another part of the combined strategy. Their strong image, TV entertainment, more legroom, and other amenities for the passengers, are evidence of the implementation of this strategy. This combined strategy, provides the company with excellent results, as they keep expanding their operation, partnering with other airlines, and starting new routes and destinations.Even in times of economic crisis and high fuel costs, one of tunes most acute problems the price of jet fuel(Bachman 2012), they maintain their number one (1) ranking for nine consecutive years according to the 2013 magnetic north America Airline Satisfaction Study (JD Power 2013). This recognition confirms that all the efforts that JetBlue does by combining strategies to be a low cost airline with excellent customer service, are giving them the leadership in the airline market.

User Behavior at Pinnacle Peak Essay Example for Free

User Behavior at Pinnacle percentage point EssayPinnacle Peak Hiking Area is a multipurpose, exercise booster cable used for some(prenominal) hiking and equestrians. It is a 1. 75 mile one-way trail in Rio Verde, Arizona with breathpickings views of the Sonoran Desert from every direction. Because the trail is not a loop, there is a stilt of traffic on the trail, especially during the fall and winter seasons and on weekends. Families specifically enjoy this trail because there is no way for their children to get baffled there is one way in and one way start, no confusing side trails for anyone to take. in that respect argon a few areas where passel are tempted to cut corners when there is a lot of traffic on the trail. This is quite dangerous as the entire trail is up a mountain and individual could very easily slip and fall. To help prevent people from cutting corners, the management has strategically laid rocks and logs along certain corners so it is a lot harder for p eople to step outside these boundaries. Parking for Pinnacle Peak is a disaster. There is very little parking in the intentionated parking lot, and so people prepare to park on the street and walk a fairly far distance before they even reach the trail laissez passer.Like the trail, there is solo one way in and one way out there is no going around the busy street full of cars. On weekends when the trail is highly busy, the parking situation is chaotic. People are out of breath walking uphill before they even reach the trailhead. At the trail head there is a large shaded area, decorated to match its desert surroundings, for people to stretch, rest, drink water, and have snacks both before and after their hikes. I found this super inviting and welcoming to users of all ages and hiking abilities.However, the trail itself is quite uninviting. The trail is unsuitable for both hikers and equestrians to be using at the same time. It is very rare that you will deal horses on the trail even without the horses, the trail is not nearly wide enough for the heart of hikers it sees each day. Several people would rather run than walk Pinnacle Peak, and some like to enjoy their time in nature while slowly strolling the trail. As mentioned before, families love this hike, and enjoy brining their children out to enjoy it with them.Unfortunately, with the amount of people Pinnacle Peak attracts, there are often times when people will have to either step aside, or stop and detainment for other hikers/runners to pass by. The waiting is annoying and inconvenient, especially for those fully dedicated to their workout, and needing to complete their hike without a single stop. Pam Carothers (2001) states in the article Social value Versus social Conflict among Hikers and Mountain Bikers that recreation conflict is a major issue, whether it is on a hiking trail or on a lake. Interpersonal conflict between hikers and mountain bikers may be related to speed, lack of courtesy, cro wding, or safety concerns. Safety issues, for example, have been linked to trail design (blind corners) and the behaviors of some mountain bikers who ride too fast for existing conditions (page 48). The same idea may apply to runners versus hikers, and those who are on the trail to exercise, versus those on the trail to enjoy the scenery.The only possibility to helping with the waiting situation would be a wider trail, however that process would be very long and tedious, as hygienic as expensive. Management has provided two rest areas throughout the trail in which people can step aside, let people pass, grab a drink of water, and enjoy the scenery, all while staying out of other hikers ways. A few more rest stops/pull out areas could help out with the congestion and waiting, as well as people cutting corners and possibly injuring them selves.Before you reach the trailhead, there is an information center with brochures, safety packets, and attentive volunteers lacking(p) to answer any questions you may have about the trail, scenery or surrounding wildlife. John Loleit, Recreation Coordinator at Pinnacle Peak says, Year round, you have a good chance of spotting wildlife, especially in the early morning and at dusk. The information center also has bright, detailed pictures of prejudicial insects, animals, and plants to keep an eye out for on the trail.Next to the information center are bathrooms, very well kept all year long with getatable stalls and water fountains. Because the trail is technically used for equestrians, too, some sort of horse facilities would be appropriate. Water troughs, large areas to park trailers, and hitching posts would all be extremely helpful for those with horses. Maybe with these extra facilities, the trail would attract more equestrians. As mentioned earlier, this site is very popular to families. Children are always playing on the rocks and benches at the beginning of the trail and rest area.In most cases this would be dangerou s and unacceptable, however Pinnacle Peak is very kid friendly, and everything is set up for the safety of the hikers. Several runners cut across the trail on busy days when there are packs of people crowding certain areas. Even with the logs and rocks bar off the corners, it is difficult to avoid this situation. Large groups of hikers love to stop and take pictures together with the beautiful desert scenery in the background. And who could blame them? Pinnacle Peak does an amazing job in taking advantage of its many views.No matter where you are on the trail, you will have a breath taking view of either Four Peaks or Toms Thumb, and at the right time of day, the mixture of pinks and reds of the setting sun. I noticed right away that Pinnacle Peaks trail is not horse friendly, even though it is supposed to cater to equestrian needs as well as pedestrians. The trail has several stairways made of logs and rocks, both very difficult for horses to climb. The trail, along with the lack of horse facilities, probably discourages many equestrians from attending Pinnacle Peak. more horse owners live in the area around Pinnacle Peak if they built a few facilities and fixed the trail to work with horses, they would be perceive a large increase of attendees. I also noticed that the trail was built in such a way that it works perfectly with the contours of the mountain. There are stretches of both smooth surfaces and uphill climbs, tight curves and long straightaways. They definitely used the area to the best of their ability when planning out how the trail would run.By completing this project I learnt the importance of planning ahead and taking into consideration how people interact with their environment. I think that when it comes time to plan an event, facility, or specific environment, researching other competitors is crucial, to see what works, what doesnt work, and what you are going to do to be proactive against certain issues. I expect to use this information p rofessionally to help plan ahead for any event or facility in my future. The more knowledge and little tips I build now, the more on the watch I will be for my professional career.

Gender Gap between Boys and Girls in Education

G arrester Gap amidst Boys and Girls in EducationThere has been a vision of work done on boys and girls exploit in schools tapered down the disturbance. In 1960 young boys were 21 times much likely to at lam university than girls. It croup be suggested that the changing world is having an impact on boys work in terms of boys attainment in schools and that of girls success in schools. It was suggested that the equal pay act and that of the sex discrimination act (1970) changed the emphases of education policy and that can be noted as a key period of history that changed the objectives of girls in terms of c atomic number 18ers and attainment. Girls had to achieve high marks in their 11 positivistic examination than boys. Elwood J et al (1998, p.5) states that 11 plus examination children used to be selected for secondary schooling, were deliberately skewed so that girls had t achieve ameliorate results than boys. The period 1950-1960 found the reasons behind this was beca use boys matured later than girls which would not present been fair to leave out boys from attending grammar schools. But in 1990 their was concern all over boys achievement in schools.It has been suggested that in societies such as the UK the socialisation process as it operated at least up to the 1970s meant that many p arents socialised their daughters to manoeuvre dependence, obedience, conformity and domesticity whereas boys were encouraged to be dominant, competitive and self-reliant. Also when young children saw their parents acting out traditional sexual activity roles many would perceive these roles as inhering and inevitable leading girls and boys to imagine their futures as fulltime housewives and mothers and as fulltime paid employees respectively. In schools teachers praised girls for feminine qualities and boys for masculine qualities boys and girls were encouraged to opt for traditional mannish and fe mannish receptives and then for traditional potent and fe male careers. Further much in certain sections of the mass media and especially perhaps in teenage magazines girls were encouraged to recognize the all greatness of interpreting Mr. Right and settling down to a life of blissful domesticity in their traditional housewife-mother roles. Cole (2006, p.26) suggests that even before children go to school their parents give treat a boy and girl very different. Even in society throughout history this has occurred. A lot of look for has gone into this your sexuality is an issue from the minute you are born. Automatically society will say how a girl will be use up and how a boy will behave. If it is a boy, oh hes like that because hes a boy and boys forever take longer to grasp it.Girls, even in the late 1960s were much likely than boys to gain 5 or more GCE Ordinary Level pass grades. From the 1960s to the 1980s the percentages of girls and boys gaining 5 or more GCE Ordinary Level pass grades gradually increase alone the so-cal dire ct sexual practice spreadhead in educational attainment increased especially once the GCSE was introduced primarily because girls have maintained their traditional high attainment levels in Arts and Humanities subjects but also reduced and in some years overturned the traditional attainment kerfuffles in favour of boys in Mathematics and Science subjects. The GCSE was introduced in 1988 and from then onwards the female- male gender dispute in educational achievement at GCSE level widened as differences amidst the higher(prenominal) female pass rates and the male pass rates in Arts and Humanities widened and females narrowed or sometimes reversed the traditional higher male pass rates in Mathematics and science subjects. It has been claimed that the relative improvement of female educational achievements can be explained partly by the personality of the new GCSE courses .This has been disputed, however, on the grounds that several factors have contributed to these trends. By the late 1980s females were more likely than males to gain two or more groundbreaking Level passes and during the course of the 1990s they also became more likely to gain 3 or more A level passes. Females also soon became more likely than males to gain A grades in almost all right Level subjects Nevertheless gender differences in examination performance at Advanced level are smaller than at GCSE level.In 2007-2008 69.3% of girls and 60.1% of boys achieved 5 or more GCSE Grade A*-C passes 51.3% of girls and 42.0% of boys achieved 5 or more GCSE Grade A*-C passes including position and Maths. The gender difference in examination success varies considerably from subject to subject. For example girls in 2007-2008 girls outperformed boys by 14% in slope, 16% in Design and Technology, 9% in Modern Foreign wrangles, 17% in Art and Design and 12 % in English Literature but by only 1% in Mathematics, 2% in Core Sciences, 1% in Chemistry and 2% in Classical Studies. Although the selectiv e information are not presented here Girls are now more likely to gain A* and A grades in most but not all GCSE subjects. otherwise areas the explore will focus on are schools too feminised, advantage for girls but disadvantage for boys. Hutchings (2002) states the phrase feminisation is used simply to refer to the fact that in that location are more female teachers than male, especially in the primary sector. (Biddulph, 1997 cited in Skelton et el, 2007) state that the current situation is often presented as one which is detrimental to the educational experiences and opportunities of boys with the implication that boys do break away when taught by men teachers. (Skelton et el, 2007) suggest that other use of the phrase feminisation of schools is in analogy to the idea that the predominance of females has led to the delivery of the curriculum, assessment practices and the management and organisation of the family lineroom becoming more feminine in nature. Female teachers are m ore lenient on boys than male teachers also male teachers can be role models for pupils which will enable the child to be motivated to learn and succeed in education. Role models it is concluded that in that location are more positive role models for young girls than at that place are for young boys in terms of encouraging them to do good at school.Issues at bottom the classroom the findings ofBecky Francis (2000) argues girls are improving more rapidly than boys , this is to be explained primarily in terms of the processes ingraining the social construction of femininity and masculinity. In relation to the social construction of femininity, she argues that many girls of middle school and secondary school age aim to construct feminine identities which emphasise the importance of maturity and a relatively quiet and tack togetherly approach to school life. Girls certainly do take considerable interest in their appearance and may choose to get up quietly by talking at the put up of the class or feigning lack of interest but , according to Francis, not in a way which will detract from their school studies. Their femininity is constructed in such a way that if they choose to behave sensibly and work unassailable this, if anything, adds to their femininity.Findings have suggested that it is vital to keep the subjects taught in curriculum interesting for children to learn about in class. This may enable children to be motivated to learn and gets rid of the tag of boringness of lessons. Jackson (2006, p.127) states that if students find the curriculum boring, it provides shrimpy incentive for them to counter the uncool to work discourse. Continued existence of laddish, macho anti- school subculture- these are groups of pupils in schools who have different norms and values to the rest of the school. Subcultures can be anti school where pupils are rude to teachers, dont do homework, truant and get into iron outs. Some sociologists argue that boys are much more likely to be in these groups and to think that education is a waste of time and that it is not macho to do well at school. Subcultures can also be pro school where pupils are very committed to school, they do all their work on time, or early, they are always on time for lessons and never truant. It is argued that girls are more likely to be in these subcultures than boys.Methods of assessment have been identified particularly frequently as a key factor in this bias against boys. An increased amount of assessed coursework has been suggested to explain boys doing less well at GCSE and A levels, with the argument being that boys do less well at coursework because of their preferred eruditeness styles (Skelton et al, 2007). Girls do less well at sudden death exams (timed exams previously unseen by the campaigner) which verify on last-minute revision and require self-confidence. This latter form of assessment has been argued to favour boys, and was the basis for O level exams (t he exams that preceded GCSEs in Britain). Bleach, 1998, cited in Skelton et al, 2007 In fact, however, girls results were already improving before the GCSE assessment model was introduced. And further, Arnot et al. (1999) discuss how a reduction in the coursework component in public examinations in the 1990s did little to fudge the pattern of gender achievement (Skelton et al, 2007).Another issue could be masculinity peer pressure from friends Jackson (2006, p.74) states that the uncool to work this statement is suggesting that if boys work hard at school they will not be cool. (Jackson, 2006, p.84) Those who seem to be most disadvantaged as a result of the discourse are those who cause to balance academic work and popularity but can not manage to do both successfully. This is a powerful predictor in a lot of schools, this is seen as social status of pupils needs to be popular and be part of a group. A lot of pupils will feel being unpopular is not as good as anything else. Also i t will lead to negative impact. Both girls and boys have to act as they are chilled, relaxed, laid back when it comes to the academic side of work.As the relative rate of female educational improvement increased it came to be argued that this might be explained to some extent by biological factors. Experiments investigating the brain activities of male and female babies suggested that differences in the structures of female and male brains respectively may mean that females have genetically determined linguistic advantages which would explain females especial facility with language based subjects. It was also suggested that girls earlier maturity means that they can concentrate more effectively and are discontinue organised especially in relation to course work. This was considered to be a significant point because the relative improvement in female GCSE results was associated especially with the mental hospital of coursework-based assessments which had been absent from the GCE Or dinary Level examinations which the GCSE replaced. However in relation to these theories it should be noted that male-female differences in Advanced level language examination results are small, that the relationships between physical and intellectual maturity are uncertain and that gender differences in examination results cannot be explained only by the presence or absence of coursework.Other factors that may affect attainment are different acquisition styles, both boys and girls learn differently, but we need to be careful we do not stereotype on gender. When looking at the gender debate it has been suggested by Coffield (2004) that consideration to learning styles is important when establishing the link as to why there is a prison-breaking between boys and girls due to peer pressure for the boys what their friends may think if they achieved well in school, the way boys are assessed in schools for instance boys do better in exams than coursework. Examples of these could be boy s would prefer to learn kinaesthetically by doing things such as experiments or activities and girls would learn well visually by seeing. Interest in learning styles has grown rapidly in recent years and perceived differences in the learning styles of boys and girls are one of the most frequently expressed explanations for the gender gap in achievement. This argument is also based on the presumption that if boys are naturally different to girls because of their biological make-up, then it follows that they will have different approaches to learning (Noble and Bradford, 2000 Gurian, 2002). Studies have carryn that the vast majority of boys and girls prioritise a teachers individual ability as a teacher, and their level of care for their students, rather than a teachers gender. Skelton et al (2009), Francis et al (2008).Boys to better in maths than girls research by Hargreaves et al into pupils stereotypical attitudes to mathematics and English has shown that stereotypes succeed amo ng pupils, with most believing that maths is a boys subject where boys do better, and English a girls subject where girls do better. DfES (2007, p. 3) Boys outperform girls in Maths at Key Stage 2, and continue to outnumber girls at higher level maths. But there is a large gender gap favouring girls in English. On the other hand girls do better in English than boys On the other hand women do better on reading comprehension and vocabulary than men do. APA calculate state that some verbal tasks show substantial mean differences favouring females.Whitepaper on gender differences in achievementSocial class and heathenity according to Cole (2006, p.29) states that Gender is not the strongest predictor of attainment. Social class attainment gap at key stage 4 is three times as wide as gender gap. DfES (2007, p.3) analysis of the attainment data shows that other factors or a combination of factors, such as ethnicity and social class, have a greater bearing on educational achievement tha n gender considered on its own. Gender differences in educational achievement are far smaller than social class differences in educational achievement. Students of both sexes who are worthy for free school meals are far less likely than students of both sexes ineligible to be successful at both levels of the education system. Some ethnic differences in educational achievement are also greater than gender differences in educational achievement.Statistics on the gender gap between boys and girls Attainment at each end of the distribution of grades also varies by gender. Girls are more likely than boys to gain an A* grade at GCSE. Boys are a little more likely to gain a G grade at GCSE or to gain no GCSEs at all. The largest gender differences (a female advantage of more than ten percentage points on those gaining an A*-C GCSE) are for the Humanities, the Arts and Languages. Smaller gender differences (a female advantage of five percentage points or less) tend to be in Science and Mat hs subjects. Some of these achievement patterns have been relatively stable over six decades of exam results, particularly in English Language and Literature, French, Art and Design and Religious Studies. There have been changing patterns over the years. In Maths, there has been a shift from a male advantage averaging 4 percentage points prior to 1991 to a slim female advantage of 1-2 percentage points in recent years. In Geography, there has been a widening of the gap in girls favour, and in History, there has been variation but with girls now doing much better than boys.This research will explore possible solutions we can use to solve this gap such as single sex schools which may help girls to speak out. Times online (2004) Girls in mixed classrooms refrain from speaking up and answering questions. Another way of solving the gender gap is by having single sex classes in mixed schools so that teachers can beseeming different learning styles for boys. inquiry has shown that girls obtain better results in single sex schools in comparison to mixed schools Curtis (2009). Odone (2004) conversely, that boys do not want to study foreign languages or ray in English literature in trip they are mocked as poofs. Garner (2008) Differences in how male and female brains work mean single-sex schooling will make a comeback leading head mistress in the Independent. However the disadvantages of sex schools Blair (2006) Girls schools feature super in the league tables because they are highly selective, their children come from particular social backgrounds and they have excellent teachers. BBC News (2006) While both single-sex and co-education have passionate advocates, half a century of research has so far revealed no striking or consistent differences one way or the other. Odone (2004) Children, will inhabit a mixed society later, so permit them start young, with mixed classes. Younger et al (2005, p.89) found that boys and girls may feel more at ease in single sex cla sses, feel more able to interact with learning and feel free to show interest in the lesson without inhibition. It was felt that there can be positive effects on achievement for boys in modern languages and girls in science and maths. (Dcfs (2007)MethodologyThe methods that will be used to gather research for this project will be as follows the use of books to get information on issues impact gender differences in achievement at schools and what theorist have already found round this agenda. The cyberspace will be useful for this research project because you can research recent and up to date statistical information on the gender gap and get government published on this debate. Journals will be useful for the research project to collect recent data and changes in the debate around boys and girls achievement in schools and narrowing down the gap. These methods of researching are called secondary research. Secondary research is the use of material, which has been researched by some one else. The different research methods for secondary research are as follows technology based research is to do with researching from the computer to get your information, which has a lot of benefits such as the internet provides online libraries e-books, journals and encyclopaedias such as infed. The main electronic databases that will be used for this research are as follows education research complete, education online and SwetsWise. The key read that will be used will be based on gender differences and achievement in school also how the search found a number of journals, but some were irrelevant, to the research topic. Search engines help you through the mass of information on the internet two most popular search engines are Bing, google right search and google scholar also on the internet you can search for newspaper articles. However web sources may not always be honest so researchers need to find out how accurate the information there are number of ways to assess the accu racy of the sites. According to Walliman and Buckler (2008, p.92) examine the data with other sources and is it biased many use the web to promote ideas.The reasons for choosing to do the research project as a desk study were as follows to find out what has already been researched in this field and arguments that have already been produced around this agenda. However the reasons for not choosing the fieldwork approach method were because it will be time down and availability of schools to carry out the research is limited and difficult to get a place in schools to do observations.The advantages of the desk study approach are as follows able to collect, understand and interpret data also to limit costs such as travelling costs. The disadvantages of desk study may be the availability of books from the depository libraryIn contrast the advantages of the interview approach (structure and unstructured) advantages of structured interviews are time management can be controlled, results a re simple to gather and the questions are firm set in advance. the disadvantages of structured interviews are there might be other questions to ask and you cant develop on questions. The advantages of unstructured interviews are there is a lot of time, you can develop questions and it is a relaxed method. Disadvantages of the interview approach are as follows The disadvantages of unstructured interviews are the interview can simply be a chat, not all the participants are asked the same questions and only some of the questions are asked.Indirect observation is when a participant gets their information from viewing from far. discipline observation is when a participant obtains information by combining with the circumstances they are watching. Advantages of the observation approach (direct and indirect) the advantages of observations are actions can be seen in the average surroundings and observations can both be direct or indirect. Disadvantages of the observation approach (direct and indirect) the disadvantages of observations are they are lengthy and not consistent.Qualitative vs. quantitativeAnalysisThere was clear evidence that in the era of the 11+ pass marks were set higher for girls than for boys so as to prevent girls from taking a disproportionate share of Grammar School places. From the early 1950s until the late 1960s girls were less likely than boys to be entered for GCE Ordinary Level examinations. In any case in the 1950s and early 1960s many pupils left school at age 15 having taken no official national examinations. The candidate pass rate in GCE O Level examinations was higher for girls than for boys from the early 50s to the late 1960s so that despite the higher entry rates for males the percentages of male and female school leavers actually passing 5 or more GCE O levels were fairly similar although females did usually outperform males by 1-2% each year. This overall statistic masked the facts that girls outperformed boys by considerable m argins in Arts and Humanities subjects and that boys usually outperformed girls but by smaller margins in Mathematics and Science subjects.In order to analyse the relative educational improvement from the 1980s onwards we must distinguish between factors accelerating the rate of female improvement and factors restricting the rate of male improvement. Females and males educational achievements have improved but the rate of female improvement has been faster and this widened the female-male achievement gap especially at GCSE level. Remember, however, that gender, social class and ethnicity are interconnected. Girls are more successful than boys in all ethnic groups but middle class boys are still more educationally successful than work class girls in all ethnic groups. Gender differences in educational achievement are smaller than social class differences in educational achievement and some ethnic differences in educational achievement.Research has shown that Of the 71,286 girls who sat GCSEs in single-sex schools over the three-year period, on average all did better than predicted on the basis of their end of primary SATS results. By comparison, of the 647,942 who took exams in mixed-sex schools, 20% did worse than expected. This means that girls in single sex schools can be expected to do better in their school, in comparison to girls in mixed schools.Studies have shown that girls in mixed sex classes tend to refrain from speaking up and boys dont want to study English to avoid being mocked as poofs, therefore single sex schools would help to resolve this issue as they will remove this pressure between the genders and bequeath both boys and girls to participate freely. Also Single sex schools will benefit students as male and female brains work differently. Girls can relate to emotions more and are seen as caring and talkative they can sit and talk about emotions whereas boys are more likely to do practical things instead of talking of emotions, thereof why boys fail in English. So perhaps, as this leading head mistress, quoted in the Independent suggests, single sex classes need to be implemented to meet the learning strategies of the different sexes.Mainly English and foreign languages is where I believe that pupils need a gender based curriculum as was suggested by the DFES (2007) theme it remarks that of the core subjects, the gender gap is widest in English overall, the differences in language and literacy skills are given as the main cause of the gender gap in attainment. It is suggested that there is around 10% children leaving education with 5 Cs and above girls since 1968 have been slowly achieving better than boys according to Dcfs report into gender. It is a yard towards the well researched idea that genders learn differently therefore it is possible to suggest that gender specific learning amongst boys and girls will close the statistical gap of attainment. Although the dfes report suggest that is no substantial evidence to back this up I believe that children will benefit from this approach.Another issue that I found is that boys tend to do better on spatial skills they find mathematics and science more interesting to learn about. But on the other hand girls to better on verbal, comprehension and vocabulary skills than boys do.This table shows the gap in 1989 was just 6% but 10yrs later it had increased to 10%. It is suggested by S. Ball (2008) that this gap is an overall statistic and not subject specific he suggests that in 2004 the deviations of this gap was just 1% and that in some subjects boys achieve better results than girls therefore it is not valid to say that all boys or all girls achieve less in GCSE levelsConclusionsIn conclusion doing this research project on boys and girls achievement in schools and narrowing down the gap. The research found that there is not as big as a gap as people thought. The main factors that affect boys achievement are peer pressure and schools too feminised. The research also found that single sex schools and classes do not make that much difference but it found that girls have more confidence to participate in class discussion. In conclusion, the history of the gender gap shows that the gender gap itself has always been present in education, but was hidden by the advantage given to boys in 1960s, and it was often harder for girls to progress into further education, since it was not expected of them, therefore affecting the gender gap in the sense that there were lower numbers of girls then boys progressing.Over the years boys have improved and so have girls, maintaining the gender gap but showing that boys are adapting to the changes and are working harder to keep up. The gender differences in boys and girls does show that they learn in different ways, and these differences are, now more then ever, taken into account in teaching methods, lesson planning and assessment methods, and there is evidence showing that Boys are fighting back at A levels, with their results improving more rapidly than girls (BBC, 2004),however, it is important to recognise that there are girls and boys who wont fit into these gendered patterns and therefore focus should still be placed on the individual and not the biologically predisposed expectations, (Phoenix, 2004, pg 34). We could also conclude that this improvement could be the first sign that boys are now realising they will have to fight to maintain their place in the workforce, as history shows women have been seen as servants to the state (Steedman, 1985, cited in Arnot and Ghaill, 2006, pg 19). This oppression of women, like other cases where parts of society have been repressed (e.g. repression of the afro-Caribbean population), resulted in women fighting or rebelling for their place in society, which is not something the male population has had to do. Therefore acting as a source of indigence for women to make sure they are treated as equals and to progress in life, where as men have missed out on this and until recently, have lacked the want to fight for their place. Now men are in a place of competition with women and are now beginning to see that its not particularly canny to under-achieve (BBC, 2004).

Ecosystem Services In Human Systems Environmental Sciences Essay

Ecosystem Services In Human Systems Environmental Sciences EssayEcosystem work in human-environment systems What is the problem? Ecosystems deliver trade goods and service of enormous repute to the human society (Pearce and Moran, 1994 Costanza et al., 1997 Daily, 1997). However, intensive land and water use, extraction of inherent resources, and chemical emissions into the environment lead to a worldwide degradation of biodiversity and of the supporting go, provisioning services, regulate services and cultural services which ecosystems provide (Hooper et al., 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment, 2005b). On a global scale the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005b) found that 60% of global ecosystem services (ES) surveyed are currently being degraded or used unsustainably. Future scenarios are promising no relieve. Only the projected doubling of food function for the next 50 years (Tilman et al., 2002), in combination with the growing demand for biofuels and other biophysical products will challenge decision-makers dealing with ecosystem management worldwide. They need to optimize ecosystems with deference to multiple needs. Climate change has even intensified the dynamics of this human-environment interaction (McCarthy et al., 2001).Ecosystem services are defined as functions of ecosystems with value for human well-being. Thus the impression of ecosystem services, establishes a relationship amidst ecosystem service suppliers (the producers) and demanders for ecosystem services (the beneficiaries). Those supply-demand interaction can be distinguished on three levels i) upstream downstream relations, ii) north entropy relations and iii) poor rich relations.i) Because of topographical complexity and altitudinal gradients corporation ecosystems are particularly sensitive to global change compared to the lowland (Becker et al., 2007 Bugmann et al., 2007). Socio-economic vulnerability to deviation of ecosystem services tends also to be higher becaus e of generally more difficult socio-economic conditions in mountains. But also the lowlands are influenced by undesired changes in mountain areas, because of their importance for biodiversity and for providing ecosystem services. Downstream actors benefit from the supply of upstream ecosystems with respect to clean water, flood control, reduced sedimentation, scenic beauty and many more positive cragged ecosystem services.ii) Similarly, stuff on ecosystem services is high in the south because of continuous land use change, land degradation and come tos of climate change. Until now, such damages to ecosystems services are not sufficiently taken into account in the environmental decisions along the global value chains linking consumer, retailer, processor, and producer in the north and the south. dependable trade is a first step into this direction, but global trade basically masks the constraints of regional ecosystems. To increase the ecological transparency and foster sustainab le ecosystem management, the knotty public and private actors need to develop, improve and use instruments for ecological assessment and management of global value chains damaging regional ecosystem services. Lately ideas dumbfound been developed for international payments for ecosystem services and international biodiversity off-sets (see for a review in German or French language Koellner and Engel, 2008b Koellner and Engel, 2008a).iii)In both cases mentioned before the relationship between upstream-downstream and north-south are potentially equivalent to a poor-rich relationship. Especially in developing countries with weak environmental legislation and enforcement, the activities of the primary sector (agriculture, forestry, fisheries and aquaculture, but also oil, bobble and mining) lead to deforestation, cause severe damages to biodiversity and finally limit the capacity of ecosystems to deliver bundles of services at the landscape scale to the local people. This is especiall y objectionable, if biotic resources are produced unsustainably in poor countries in the south and exported to rich countries in the north with strict environmental regulation, but only for the own territory. I am not saying that global trade per se is bad for the environment, but innovative solutions are needed if the poor are affected, because they cannot buffer losses of ecosystem services with purchased human-made services. To replace missing legislation pro-poor payments for ecosystem services were discussed in the past (Landell-Mills and Porras, 2002 Duraiappah, 2006 Ravnborg et al., 2007 Bulte et al., 2008 Proctor et al., 2008 Tallis et al., 2008).To successfully manage such supply-demand relations for ecosystem services under pressure of global change requires a collaboration of science and practice. New strategies for local, regional and global management of ecosystems are necessary, which are based on ecosystem services quantification visualize of finance, policy and gove rnance systems and the implementation of those in various biophysical and kind contexts (Daily and Matson, 2008).Within this general framework the three main objectives of my habilitation thesis on EcosystemServices in Human-Environment Systems are Part A) to model land use and its impact on biodiversity and ecosystems and their services Part B) to analyze the decision-making that drives supply and demand for ecosystem services, and Part C) to explore the ecosystem impact of the financial sector national and international paymentsfor ecosystem services (PES) and their linkages to the financial sector.In this introduction I reflect first the recent discussion about the explanation of ecosystem services. Then I develop a general framework to organize research on ecosystem services. Finally, for each of the three objectives I provide a shortstop review of existing research and describe my contribution to fill the gap.What are ecosystem services? Much confusion about their definition .Daily (1997) and the contributing authors from natural and social sciences introduced the term and concept of ecosystem services in order to stress the dependency of human-well being on nature. This milestone work defines ecosystem services on page 3 as follows Ecosystem services are the conditions and processes through which natural ecosystems, and the species that make them up sustain and fulfill human life. They maintain biodiversity and the production of ecosystem goods, such as seafood, forage, timber, biomass fuels, natural fiber, and many pharmaceuticals, industrial products, and their precursors. (Daily, 1997, page 3). In this definition ecosystem goods and biodiversity are an output of natural functions in sensu de Groot (1992).Interestingly, the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment MA (2005b) skips the distinction between substantial ecosystem goods. It defines ecosystem services broadly as the benefits people obtain from ecosystems. It does distinguish supportive services (l ike nutrient cycling and soil formation), provisioning services (like food, fresh water and fibers), modulate services (like erosion control or water purification), and cultural services (like provision of opportunities for recreation and spiritual or historical purposes). That means what is a good under the definition of Daily is in the MA defined as an ecosystem services. Exactly around this issue, there is currently a scientific debate on-going (see Boyd, 2007 Boyd and Banzhaf, 2007 Wallace, 2007 Costanza, 2008 Fisher and Turner, 2008 Wallace, 2008).

Organizational Change Of Procter And Gamble Marketing Essay

organisational Change Of Procter And Gamble Marketing EssayIn these ever changing and highly competitive trades, there has been a considerable amount of research carried out into new product development and introduction. A winning new product launch is believed by m both to be the recipe to clientele or firm growth and profitability depending on their ability to let out the needs of customers and to quickly create products that meet these needs and can be produced at a low cost.The next step is to analyse and develop the commercialise plan. This is done by reviewing the 4Ps product matrix as a way to finding a unique position from which to create a competitive vantage for the product. Also, review the SWOT with Clients and utilize SMART technique to develop the written, working planExecuting the plan and launching the product. This includes developing collateral materials, begin transcription discussion with the first stage in the ideal channel, have enough discussion with as ma ny different entities with a view to uncovering any previously undiscovered real objections. Review and improve plan as necessary with the new training, repeat until sold, and explore link extensions with new partners.It should be renowned that new product development and introduction plan is the first stage in the ware Life Cycle. It is created in stages, giving logical break points to pressure the decision to proceed or non based on what occurs at each stage.Aim and ObjectiveThe goal of this research paper is to present in a clear and detail way how the development and launch of household c be products by Procter and Gamble (PG) Company is aimed at bringing together the marketing, design, dodge and manufacturing functions of the social club and similarly to identify the overall profitability of the product.Companys Overview and annalsWith its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, Procter and Gamble (PG) Limited is one of the worlds leading giants when it comes to making househ old products. The company is engaged in producing beauty, health, fabric, home, baby, family, and personal share products.With commitments to remain as the leader in its market, PG is one of the most aggressive marketers and is the largest advertiser in the world. Many innovations that are now common practices in corporate America including extensive market research, the brand-management system, and employee profit-sharing schemes were first introduced at Procter and Gamble.Procter and Gamble Limited has an employee base of 138,000 or more(prenominal) and operates in nearly 80 countries around the world and markets more than 300 brands in over 180 countries more than half of the companys revenues are generated overseas. The company recorded revenues of $83,503 trillion during FY2008, an increase of 9.2% over FY2007. The operating profit of the company was $17.083 million during FY2008, an increase of 10.6% over FY2007. The net profit was $12.075 million in FY2008, an increase of 16.8% over FY2007.HistoryProcter and Gamble Company (PG) was established as a joint partnership caper by William Procter and James Gamble, two immigrants from United Kingdom in 1837 with head-office in Cincinnati, Ohio. By 1890, PG was selling more than 30 different types of soap, including Ivory. In 1915, the company built a manufacturing plant in Canada, its first outside the U.S. During 1917-1918, PG established the chemicals constituent which function was to formalize research procedures and develop new products. Then in the 1920s the company discontinued the manufacturing of candles.KEY DATES AND ACQUISITIONSc. 1851 The Companys famous moon-and-star symbol is created.1878 PG introduces White Soap, before long renamed Ivory.1885 Introducing Innovative Employee Benefits.1890 The company was incorporated as Procter and Gamble Company.1911 The debut of Crisco, the first all-vegetable shortening.1931 Brand management system is formally introduced.1946 PG introduces Tide laundry detergent.1955 Crest toothpaste makes its debut.1957 Charmin report Company is acquired.1961 Test marketing of Pampers disposal diapers begins1963 Company acquires the Folgers coffee brand.1982 Norwich-Eaton Pharmaceuticals is acquired1985 PG purchases Richardson-Vicks Company, owner of the Vicks, NyQuil, and Oil of Olay brand1988 Noxell Corporation, maker of Noxema products and Cover Girl cosmetics, is acquired1990 PG expands its presence in the manful personal care market by acquiring Shultons Old Spice Product line.1991 Max Factor and Betrix cosmetics and fragrance lines are bought from Revlon, Inc.1992 Pantene Pro-V shampoo is introduced.1993 Major restructuring is launched, involving 13,000 furrow cuts and 30 plant closures.1994 Company enters the European tissue and towel market with the acquisition of the Germany-based company, Schickedanz.1997 Company acquires Tambrands, Inc., maker of Tampax line of tampons1998 Organization 2005 restructuring is launched.1999 Premium pet feed maker Iams Company is purchased.2001 PG acquires the Clairol hair-care business from Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.2002 Jif peanut butter and Crisco shortening brands are divested.2003 Company acquires a controlling interest in German hair-care firm Wella AG.By 2004, the company announced its agreement to acquire the commercial business of Grupo Vita in Spain. In the same year, PG finalized the sale of its juice drink brands, Sunny Delight and Punica, to JW Childs Associates LP, a private-equity firm in Boston. This further paring of the food business left PG with just two main food brands, Pringles and Folgers. The snacks and beverages unit accounted for only 7% of the companys primitive revenues in fiscal 2004. At the beginning of fiscal 2005 PG realigned its business units, shifting it five previous units into three global beauty care global health, baby, and family care and global household care. Pringles and Folgers were placed within the latter unit.During the fiscal 20 04, sales surged 19%, surpassing the $50 billion mark for the first time. Net earning also jumped 25%, hitting $6.48 billion mark. The newly invigorated company continued its streak of paying dividends without interruption since its 1890 incorporation, and it also increased its dividends for the 48th straight year. And in July 2005, a proposed merger with the Gillette Company, a leader in male grooming product was completed and cleared by the European Commission.Literature ReviewProduct planning should be considered as a key driver for the eventual manufacturing and development of a successful new product. It can mean both organizational entity and the process of planning the product which can involve many more divisions in a company (Allen, 1993). The consistent investment in consumer and market research, innovation, brand-building and go-to-market policies has substantially helped Procter and Gamble Company achieve success in its new product development strategy and also achiev e considerable market shares.This case continues with an shrewdness into PGs product innovations that have been a success among the diverse segments of the global market. The company is organized into three Global Business Units (GBUs) and a Global Operations stem for producing commercially viable products. The three GBUs are beauty, health and well- creation, and household care. The Global Operations group consists of the Market discipline Organization (MDO) and Global Business serve well (GBS).Research MethodologyThe research methodology will be based on the qualitative analysis, i.e. on the presentation and the analysis of a series of findings retrieved by researchers in the literature (Internet sites, online newspapers, periodicals, books and other academic publications, journals). The presentation of appropriate primary sources (statistical indexes, graphs, and financial data) will be also used in suppose to stomach the views of the literature. In other words, the researc h will be mainly secondary mostly because of the objectivity of data involved. More specifically, the use of primary research would not be used for the purpose of this research.Chapter 1 Organizational Culture and Structure1.0 somatic StructureProcter and Gamble organization structure is an important part of their efficacy to grow. It combines the global scale benefits of a $79 billion global company with a local focus to win with consumers and retail customers in each state of matter where PG products are sold. PG organizational structure comprise three Global Business Units (GBUs), Global Operations, Global Business go (GBS) and Corporate Functions (CF)Fig 1 foursome Pillars of Corporate Structure of PGGlobal Business Units (GBUs) focus solely on consumers, brands and competitors around the world. They are responsible for the innovation pipeline, profitability and shareholder returns from their businesses.Market ontogeny Organizations (MDOs) are charged with knowing consumer s and retailers in each market where PG competes and integrating the innovations flowing from the GBUs into business plans that work in each country.Global Business Services (GBS) utilizes PG talent and expert partners to provide best-in-class business support services at the lowest possible costs to leverage PGs scale for a winning advantage.Corporate Functions ensure ongoing functional innovation and capability improvement.Procter and Gamble has adopted an organizational structure of innovation that allows them to launch innovation faster. The company has taken sevensome key steps in rules of order to structure their innovation management and organization for faster innovation.Delegating decisions to innovative teams Decisions are delegated to the innovative teams in order to avoid delays and enable fast innovation independent of top managements.Integrating the Research and Development division into the Business Unit Integrating majority of the RD into the business unit makes i nnovation management more effective and fosters the collaboration with the other departments of the business units and the orientation towards the customers in lieu of an exclusive focus on the technology.Co-Location of Teams Department By locating all innovative team members and relevant departments of a division in the same place, the company can make sure that information flows without distortion.Central transformation Team Procter and Gamble has an organization of central innovation team at the corporate level which goes by the name Future Works. At the business unit level its central innovation teams belong to the New Business Development Organization.Central Innovation Fund PG has established the PG Corporate Innovation Fund (CIF) for the purpose of financing the development of disruptive innovation and of new business. Crest Whitestrips were, for instance, funded by the CIF.External Interface for Open Innovation In order to execute Open Innovation and to channel external sol utions and ideas into the company, PG innovation management needs an effective external interface. The company has established its External Business Development Organization and its Connect Develop Organization. The mission of these departments is to realize the innovation potential, which slumbers in the outside world, via the development of external networks.Merger Acquisition Department The mission of this department is to acquire innovative companies with a view of strengthening it innovation management and be in the market-place with innovations much faster.1.1 Corporate CultureProcter and Gamble organizational socialization is based on the guiding foundation of Purpose, Values and Principles (PVP)PurposeTo provide branded products and services of superior quality and value that would touch and improve the lives of their consumers and in return, the consumers would reward PG with leadership sales, profit and value creation, and allowing their people, shareholder and the comm unities in which they live and work to prosper.ValuesIntegrityLeadershipOwnershipPassion for winning presumptionPrinciplesShow respect for all individualThe interest of the company and the individual are inseparableStrategically focused in their workInnovation being the cornerstone of their successValue Personal MasterySeek to be the bestExternally focusedMutual interdependency is a way of life.Organizational Change of Procter and GambleA common aspect of any company whether small, medium or large scale is the structural and organizational diversitys. An organization undergoes lurch in order to ensure the products and services that would be given to customers are excellent, as well as, the performance of the employee within the company. Procter and Gamble is one the company that utilises change in organization in order to become one of the most well-known product producers in the whole world.Organization 2005 is aimed at changing PGs goal from a conservative, slow-moving, bureauc ratic behemoth to that of a modern, fast-moving Internet-savvy organization. PG wants to make faster and better decisions, cut red tape, save cost out of systems and procedures, fuel innovation, set more aggressive sales goals and nearly double its revenue. The catalyst for all this change is Information Technology.Finally, PG wants to abandon its legacy of secrecy. Its new spirit of openness is most unornamented on the Internet.SWOT AnalysisOne strategic management tool that PG uses to stay ahead of its competition is the effective and efficient utilization of SWOT analysis. This involves specifying the goals and objectives of the business as well as identifying the internal and external factors that are favorable and unfavorable in achieving the goals and objectivesStrengthsWeaknesses* Strong focus on Research and Development.* Leading market position* Diversified product portfolio* Strong brand portfolio.* Increasing instances of product recalls* Dependent on Wal-Mart Stores for majorityof its revenueOpportunitiesThreats

Chaucers Canterbury Tales - The Wife of Bath as Depicted in the Genera

The wife of Bath Depicted in the General Prologue At the first reading of the General Prologue to the Canterbury Tales, the Wife of Bath seems to be a fairly straightforward character. However, the second time through, the ironies and insinuations surface and show the Wifes bold personality. For example, she is rather opinionated. The second line in the passage, simply she was somdel deef, and that was scathe, seems only to indicate that she is a little hard of hearing. However, coupled with a line from the end of the passage noting that she liked to talk, this deafness could mean either that she is actually deaf and talks because she cannot hear what others say to her or that she simply does not listen to what anyone else says (Nardo 126). The next line, Of clooth-makyng she hadde swich an haunt, is obviously the Wifes own opinion of herself and not objective at all. This is ironic because she is from near Bath, in western England, where the weavers were not very good, so she i s probably not very talented at all (Bowden 215). She, however, does not precariousness herself. The Wife is also very practical. In lines 469 through 473 she is described in traveling gear Upon an amblere esily she sat, Y-wympled wel, and on hir heed an hat As brood as is a bokeler or a targe, A foot-mantel aboute hir hipes large, And on hir feet a peyre of spores sharpe. Her overskirt keeps off the dirt of travel, and the pacing horse, trained to move both feet on one face together, is comfortable on long journeys (Rowland 117). The fact that she is wearing spurs implies that she rides sensibly astride, like most women of her class. However, her hat is compared to a shield, and spurs were a symbol... ... Tales. London Greenwood Press, 1995. Herman, John P. and John J. Burke, Jr., ed. Signs and Symbols in Chaucers Poetry. University, Alabama University of Alabama Press, 1981. Lambdin, Laura C. and Robert T. Lambdin, ed. Chaucers Pilgrims An Historical Guide to the Pilgri ms in the Canterbury Tales. London Greenwood Press, 1996. Lucas, Angela M. Women in the Middle Ages Religion, Marriage, and Letters. Great Britain Harvester Press, 1983. Nardo, Don, ed. Readings on the Canterbury Tales. San Diego Greenhaven Press, 1997. Plummer, John F. The Wife of Baths Hat as a Sexual Metaphor. English Language Notes, 18 (1980-1981). Rowland, Beryl. Blind Beasts Chaucers Animal World. Great Britain Kent State University Press, 1971. Serrailler, Ian. Chaucer and his World. New York Henry Z. Walck, Inc., 1968.

Gender Differences :: essays papers

Gender DifferencesI was surprised finding out that the consequence for our paper was just about our feelings of belonging to the other gender. I think the title of the book Men are FromMars, Women are From Venus by John ancient applies to how different men and women are intheir attitudes, feelings and lifestyles. This experience for me will be enjoyablefor me since I have never thought what it would be like to be a female and also to hopefully give me a better insight on a few questions that have interest me about women since I was a little kid. Both, men and women, are constantly concerned about looking good even though they are physically different. In ordination to look appealing to others, men are supposed to be big, strong, and athletic, whereas women are supposed to be thin, pretty, and big-breasted. I often wonder why we put so much emphasis on the way a person looks. I think females feel more of the printing presss of looking good. In the past, Ive talked to some o f my girlfriends and they told me that the pressure and competition they are faced with is stressful and painful. I told them that I am not too critical when checking out girls and when it comes to seeing other males bigger or stronger than myself, that I dont feel too much pressure of trying to look better than them. I am rather more concerned of my own health and ways to improve it. I was really surprised when they told me that other girls are the ones who usually criticize or pressure them. When I was aware of this, I did notice, at times, while walking around casually with my girl friends, when they werent looking appropriate, would get stares, hisses or comments from other females. I was even surprised when I heard my girlfriends public lecture about other girls right in front of me, even though most of these times I didnt notice anything wrongor different about the other girls they were talking about. From this observation, I think the pressure of forever looking good would be greater if I was to be a female.I would always try to look good and to please others. Girls, I think, are faced withenormous pressures to look good. Television, for example, almost never features old,