What did my experience when I first went abroad or visited a different Essay

What did my experience when I first went abroad or visited a different culture than my own How did I overcome the cultural differences - Essay Example The plane trip was uneventful. When I arrived at the Vienna airport however I began to have a bit of culture shock. Everything was written in German—not in Russian! I heard lots of people around me speaking a language I didn’t understand. I went to a shop to buy some food and I could see all the magazines were different and there were many different types of food available that weren’t available in Russia. When I walked out of the airport I was surprised to see that the temperature was much warmer than it was in Russia. I wouldn’t be needing all the winter gear I had brought with me from Russia. I got in a taxi and explained that I wanted to go to a hotel in the downtown part of Vienna. It took quite awhile for the driver to understand what I wanted: communication with people was difficult. As we drove down the streets I noticed that there were many different models of cars on the streets. Many people had more expensive cars than they did in Russia, for ex ample. As I got to know Vienna over the next few days I realized it was a city of wonderful architecture and very friendly people. I was amazed at how clean the streets were and how green the parks were. A big difference was the quality of life of pensioners. In Russia many are very poor, but in Austria I could see they were well taken care of. Generally, people seemed to be happy and kind. I began to realize that I had been nervous about nothing. How did I deal with all of this? In the end I found my trip to be very enjoyable. In the beginning I had been nervous and unsure, but I made sure to keep an open mind. I was curious about Austria and I wanted to learn more. I didn’t necessarily think my own country was better—I wanted to learn. By keeping an open mind while traveling it is easier to adapt to a foreign

Reticular Activating System Essay Example for Free

Reticular Activating System Essay He believed that Dreams are the guardians of sleep. He also believed that they provided an insight into the motives of a persons behaviour. He described it as the royal road to the unconscious. He believed that no matter how absurd a dream was it always possessed meaning and logic. He warned that dreams had to be analysed in the context of a person s waking life. According to Freud the mind had 3 components. Id: This is concerned with basic instinctive urges such as the need for food, comfort and sexual gratification. It works at an unconscious level. It is not driven by logic and is the pre-socialized part of the personality. He felt that we are driven by unconscious urges, and that through dreams the unconscious desires are expressed, Thus relieving psychic tensions. The Id works on the Pleasure principle Superego: Its components are the conscience. This threatens the Ego with punishment, in the form of guilt, for bad behaviour. The other component is the ego-ideal which promises rewards, in the form of pride and high self esteem, for good behaviour. This is developed throughout childhood. This part represents the moral part of the personality and wishes to do the decent/right thing. This is a part of the id that has been modified by influences of the external world. This is the decision maker, working on a rational and logical basis. The demands of immediate gratification by the Id will be postponed by the Ego until the appropriate time and place. It is not imposing constraints on moral grounds; its priority is the CONSEQUENSES of behaviour This works on the reality principle. Freud believed that behaviour is an interaction of these 3 systems. With the Id being repressed by the Ego and Superego, causing anxiety during waking hours. During dreams the Superego is partially asleep And the Id can get through. The Superego Disguises the Id thoughts, (to stop nightmares. ) Dreaming, he saw as protecting sleep, by Providing an outlet for disturbing and repressed Thoughts, in a modified form, without them coming Into consciousness. The contents of dreams were referred to as: Latent This is the real meaning of a dream. These would be conflicts or dis. Thought. Manifest This is what you actually dream. He Argues that this is a censored and symbolic. Although Jung had been a close colleague of Freud, helping him form the psychoanalytic movement, in 1913 he broke ranks. He did not agree that all dreams are wish-fulfilments. He believed that they were a way of acquiring self-knowledge and to restore our psychological balance. He stated that they were just as likely to point to the future, (by suggesting solutions), as to the past. He did agree that dreams can reveal parts of the self that are usually concealed during waking hours. He believed that the Id expresses desires through daydreams. He preferred to take a dreams at face value and also to study dream series rather as opposed to an individual dream. WEBB CARTWRIGHT p Problem-solving theory of dreaming They believe that dreams are a way of identifying and working through problems of the waking life. They do not believe that the true meanings of dreams are disguised and therefore do not distinguish between the latent and manifest content. However the use of metaphor is included in their theory. 4 Problem Solving theory cont. A number of studies support this theory. (cartwright,1978), presented people with common problems. Those who were allowed to sleep uninterrupted later made far more realistic suggestions towards a solution than those who had been deprived of REM sleep. Hartman 1973, showed that people suffering from occupational or relationship problems enter REM sleep earlier and spend longer in it than less troubled subjects. EVANS p Reprogramming theory of dreaming According To Evans during REM sleep the brain shuts off from the external world, isolating itself from sensory input. This time is spent sorting through new data and updating existing memory systems. A number of studies have shown that REM sleep increases following mental activities of a complex nature. Herman Roffwarg 1983, also supported Evan s theory. In their study participants wore distorting lenses during their waking day. These made everything appear upside down. This took a great deal of mental effort to adjust to. 5 Sup. for Evan s theory cont. Herman Roffwang 1983 cont Subsequent monitoring revealed an increase in periods of REM sleep. Evan s theory has also been supported by the findings of older people spending shorter periods dreaming. Neurobiological Approach HOBSON McCARLY 1977 Activation synthesis Theory of Dreams They proposed that dreaming begins with the random firing of giant cells, located in the R. A. S. of the pons, which in turn activate adjacent nerve cells. These include those concerned with vision, motor activity and emotion. This activity also reduces the tone of major muscles, producing temporary paralysis. This prevents us acting out our dreams. Morrison 1983, found that cats with damage to the brain stem actually chased the subject of their dreams and ignored real mice. Although the body is not moving, the cerebral cortex is still receiving information, originating from the giant cells, which suggests it is. In an attempt to make sense of the random activity it merges or synthesises it, using memory to create a dream. Activity of nerve cells involved in balance for example may evolve as dreams about falling. 6 Some have argued that if dreams were merely a meaningless bi-product of random firing of nerve cells they would not reflect our daily experiences, as they often do. Hobson and McCarley argued that the areas of the cortex that have been most recently stimulated during the day are also most likely to   together with the brain persistently seeking to find meaning, even if there is none in the data. The unusual intensity and chaos involved in this neural activity accounts for the sometimes erratic and strange content of dreams. Hobson also agued that the periodic activation of the brain during sleep is due to the giant cells of the pons firing in an uncontrolled way. This continues until the supply of the neurotransmitter acetycholine ,which they are sensitive to, is depleted. This brings about the end of REM sleep, until acetycholine stores are replaced, and the nest period of REM sleep will begin. CRICK MITCHISON 1983 Nuero Reverse Learning Theory of Dreams They argued that we dream in order to forget. They view the random firing during REM as the brains method of destroying synaptic connections involved in storing useless information. The removal of worthless or parasitic information creates space for material of more use. They called this process reverse learning or unlearning. 7 They point out that animals who do not have REM sleep, such as dolphins and spiny anteaters have abnormally large cortexes. This could be that they have developed in this way to house vast amounts of information. Alternatively, it could be that with the extra space they have no need to unlearn. Winson suggested that a large cortex enables them to carry out unlearning while awake. This theory would explain why we rarely remember our dreams. According to this model, to remember a dream means that we have re-stored the very info. We were trying to forget. This does not explain why some dreams are very coherent and significant. Connectionists theories suggest that we have no need to save space as we have vast potential for storage information. Critics of neurobiological theories argue that if dreams were meaningless, history would not have provided us with so many examples of creations and inspirations that have manifested during them. Neither the psychological or neurobiological theories of dreaming can account for the findings of activity very similar to REM sleep in foetuses. Jouvert suggests that the firing of nerve cells during REM activates information, concerning instinctual behaviour, that is stored in the genes. Once activated it is then programmed into the brain.

The Nature Of Pastoral Care Theology

The Nature Of Pastoral Care Theology Pastoral care in ministry is one of the most critical ministries found within the Church. Churches are full of individuals who have or are experiencing crisis, anxiety, devoiced, loneliness, lost, grief, sadness, and family issues. These prevailing crises make available to pastors opportunities to assist these individuals mostly by just encouraging and listening to those within their faith community. In many cases, pastors involvement in these crises may only require of them to listen whereas in other the need for trained pastors in specialized ministry of counseling is required. Many individuals now-a-days continue to turn to their pastors as a first source when face with a crisis. Pastors are usually more immediately and directly accessible than some other counseling professionals they do not charge a fee, and they are every so often known and trusted within a community. Since pastors are perceived as generalist, parishioners as well as community residents often look to them for assistance in a wide range of needs, including counseling. A skill acquired by pastors from some useful classes in the area of counseling during their training in seminary as well as an important basic quarter in C.P.E. (Clinical Pastoral Education). Personally, my study in pastoral counseling has given me the necessary tools to effectively counsel my congregants. Such training has led me into the following concepts: Clinical Pastoral Periderm, which focuses on relationship and individuals; the different kinds of Listening Skill introduced by Salvage; the dynamics of Loss Grief with grief being the emotional reaction to loss; Family System Theory a self-regulatory system maintaining its own status, as well as the Family as an Emotional System along with the Eight Concepts of Bowen Theory; Congregational System Pastoral Care; Crisis Counseling which includes the A-B-C Method; Pastoral Issues in Illness; Pastoral for Domestic Violence and Child Abuse; Multi-Cultural Pastoral Care; Gender Difference in Pastoral Care; and finally, Pastoral Intimacy, Power and Professional Boundaries. Pastoral care is the foremost task of ministry by most pastors as well as a majority of congregants, yet, there is a difference relating to pastoral care and the professional discipline of counseling. Some pastors are members of the American Association of Pastoral Counseling which has what one may refer to as an expressed Code of Ethics. The same is true of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists, American Psychological Association, etc. There are certainly many potential similarities in the relationship between pastors and professional counselors and the people they serve. All these relationships involve issues of exposure, familiarity and trust. There is an intrinsic disparity of control which some, particularly pastors, is uncomfortable acknowledging, but which exists whenever a person in distress seeks help from one viewed as more experienced. Healing is mostly a main concentration in any aiding relationship. Likewise, borderline concerns must be taken care of so as to construct the safest likely environment in which a counselee or congregant can deal with his or her pain. Nevertheless, there are a number of possible distinctions between pastoral care and professional counseling. Professional counselors are trained to understand the transference and countertransference phenomena, double task tensions, and the boundaries of our trained competency. Like professional counselors, pastors also have codes of conduct to guide our activities, which are spiritual in origin. These codes are based on religious beliefs except for exclusions concerning sexual wrongdoing; pastoral codes usually are more generalized in nature than professional counseling ethical codes of behavior. In contrast to professional counselors, pastors often engage in their ministries in a variety of informal settings with a multiplicity of roles with parishioners. Our core functions as pastors are embedded in a spiritual restraint that touches on many facets of life and society. Although training in counseling can aid pastors to work more effectively with church members, yet our calling to such profession is very distinct. In one of his many writings, Eugene Peterson called on pastors to return to our distinctive, ancient calling which states that our pastoral work is a ministry of Word and Sacrament.  [1]   People believe counseling is a great remedy. Yet many are reluctant says Hansen to see a professional counselor. Perhaps their reluctance is due to the costs of such visit besides, professional counselors ask hard questions. He continues, For me, trying to be a counselor is a mean of saving time and effort. It is a go between my peoples needs to have me do unspecific things for them rather than cautioning them to live through the thick forests of their lives by following Christ in discipleship.  [2]   This means that pastoral care is rooted in word and sacrament not having its origins in various scientifically grounded personality theories but prayer, proclamation, and the word of God. Again, Eugene Peterson emphasizes, pastors responsibility is to keep the community attentive to God.  [3]   Like pastoral care, professional counseling by a pastor is a serious business. Pastors who engage in professional counseling without being trained are treading on dangerous ground, because such is not included within the authority of their ordination. When we do away with what is the ancient activities of pastoral care and engage in professional counseling methods without the necessary training, we are then held to the same standard to that of a licensed counseling professional. Standing before the law, pastors will not have the benefit or protection they have within the ancient practice of pastoral care. Here are several shielding legal guidelines for the practice of ministry: Pastors are to be clear about the expertise offered. We are to refer to our activities in clearly religious terms, not professional counseling terms. Unless we are trained and are willing to adhere to all of the professional standards of licensed professional counselors, pastors are to stay with practices that we can identify as pastoral care. For if we hold ourselves out as professional or psychological counselor, the law of the land will treat us as one. Pastors are not to assume broader duties, which are not part of our competence or calling. Although, the distinction amid pastoral care and professional counseling are clear in many situations, in others they appear less distinct. Yet a process of reflection and discernment is needed most to identify the pastoral role. So the following need to be addressed: Whom am I called to be in this particular ministry setting? What are my sacred functions as one who has a set-apart ministry? What distinguishes my role and relationships from those of psychologists, family therapists, and specialists in pastoral counseling? Where do I set the limits and boundaries to my pastoral activities?  [4]   Pastoral Care in ministry in my estimate is the most important ministry next to the ministry of preaching of the Gospel. People who are hurting is seeking through the pastor from the Gospel a healing balm for their wounds. The Gospel itself addresses the totality of humanity: spiritual and body. When one part is addressed to the negligence of the other the total needs of that person will not be met. Pastors who are sensitive to, and addresses the hurts of members in their congregation through the appropriate counseling technique, are more likely to be successful in ministry then those who neglect these needs. To conclude, Pastoral care is a vital resource that extends to a broader spectrum of individuals with a variation of needs. This opportunity comes with what I will refer to as a wonderful challenge, however; it is necessary for those ministering to such needs, to reflect wisely on their gifts as well as to recognize their limits of their profession. Bibliography Clinebell, Jr., Howard J. Basic Types of Pastoral Counseling (New York: Abingdon press 1984) Hansen, David The Art of Pastoring ( Inter Varsity Press Downer Grove, Illinois 1994) Paterson, Eugene H. Five Smooth Stones for Pastoral Work (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, MI 1992) Lynch, Gordon Clinical Counseling in Pastoral Settings ( Routledge New York, NY 1999) Paterson, Eugene H. Working the Angles: The Shape of Pastoral Integrity (Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co. Grand Rapids, MI 1987) Ross, Kenneth. Hearing Confessions (London: SPCK Publishing, 1974) Salvage, John Listening Caring Skills (Abingdon Press, Nashville 1996) An Incident in Ministry that illustrates my Approach to Pastoral Care Luke and Nancy was the first inter-racial couple that sought membership at my present pastoral appointment, Spencer Memorial United Methodist Church. For eight years of being their pastor, I have watched them grow diligently in their spiritual walk with the Lord, but something always seems to be lacking within their relationship especially around the Thanksgiving holiday, something that they couldnt get around to talk about but was bothering them. On one Wednesday after Bible Study Nancy asked if she could schedule an appointment so that she could meet with me. Sure I responded to her, so we went ahead and set an appointment to meet an hour earlier on the next Wednesday before Bible Study. When we met following prayers on that Wednesday, Nancy begins by saying that they came to see me to discuss about the death of her father which loss she cannot seem to get rid of. The presenting problem is one in which Nancys father passed away almost immediately when she became a member of Spencer. This occurred rather suddenly after her father was diagnosed of cancer. When word reached her that her father was terminal and the doctors have given him up, she immediately went to be with her mother to assist her while they prepared for the inevitable. Two weeks later after her arrival on Thanksgiving Day, her father passed away leaving her with a sudden stricken grief that after seven years she is finding it very difficult to dealing with her feeling of loss. Recently Nancy went back home to visit her mother because her visit back home had been infrequent since her father passed away. During her visit she was beset with her feelings of loss and now she tells me that she it has been such a long since the death of her father but the pain do not seem to go away. She and her father became close after a long period of estrangement between them and she describes their relationship developing over the years into more unique friendship than that of father and daughter. She tells me that the mode of her grief varies from day to day. On those days when she is so stressed up, she feels the pain of her loss strongly especially when she cannot pick up the phone and dial her father; for her father had grown to become her best friend in spite of their past history and he had been there for her over the last few years of his life. During this whole session, Nancy pattern of speech appears normal yet she wept throughout it. But what was helpful is that we kept good eye contact during our discussion until she became emotional which minimize it. Below are statements showing that during one point of the session empathy was for the most part effective: Nancy: I guess this may sound crazy, but this past Thanksgiving, I went home and my Mom was able to convince me so that we can get rid of his clothes. Something that I said out loud to Mom that we were never ever going to get rid of his clothes because it was the only physical memory that I had of him. On Thanksgiving Day while going through his closet I could smell his distinct cologne (Kouros) on his clothes. It was too difficult; I broke down in the closet crying. Pastor: I know that it must have been hard for you, because I also lost my father to sudden stroke. Nancy: Pastor Morris, it was the hardest thing for me to do. Pastor: It takes a lot of strength to carry that through. Nancy: You can say that, it does. I break down whenever I begin to talk about him. Pastor: You miss him Nancy: Yes Pastor, I miss him so much (she begins to openly sob). Nancy was referring to the feelings of her loss that never seems to go away after seven years. My intent during this session was to reflect on those feelings. In addition, she was critical of herself in the early part of our session for not having moved beyond her feelings of loss. At this point in the session, I became aware of how much she was hurting. It is very important that pastoral wisdom include some general knowledge of grief and mourning process that is informed by those who have done researched and written about it. One of the most influential interpretations of the grief process for me has been Erich Lindemanns study called Symptomatology and Management of Acute Grief,  [5]  in it he affirmed grief as work, something necessary for life rather than something pathological that should be avoided. He also described five things that he had observed in acute grief: (1) guilt, (2) anger, (3) bodily distress, (4) being preoccupy with the deceased image and, (5) loss of customary of patterns of conduct.  [6]   Lindermann theorized that there are discernible stages in the grief process that the grieving person and those who care for that person should be aware of. Recently when Nancy visited her parent home she was overwhelmed with renewed emotions of loss, perhaps as new as they were seven years ago when her father passed away. Furthermore, she expressed her frustration in still undergoing such strong feeling of grief when so much time has passed. This displeasure could be viewed as her inclination to move in an affirmative direction toward healing, and it was her self-actualizing tendency that was seeking to express it. A likely hypothesis as to why Nancy has not moved past her present stage of grief might be that in her societal system the essential conditions that would allow her to discover the know-how in order to process her grief does not exist. She may also have family members in her family that deal with pain differently by discouraging open expression of emotions. If such be the case, then providing empathy might permit her to move past most of the pain that she was experiencing. The below example shows during the session, where the grief focus was shifted: Nancy: I was in denial when the news first hit me that my father was terminal. I got on the next available flight for Dallas. I went down immediately to be with him. Two weeks after my arrival he passed away. Pastor: That was fast. And it seems that you possess lots of pleasant memories of your father Nancy: Yes I do have a lot of good memories, but the hardest thing is the emptiness brought about by the loss. In this example, she described her experience of losing her father. In response, I attempted to direct her focus on the good memories that she had of her father, rather than she dwelling on her loss. However, it seems to me that her focus was on her feelings of emptiness; it was when I regain control of the situation and saidà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦. Pastor: Nancy, as a pastoral counselor, I certainly am open to the grieving process for those who had lost a loved one but not for such a long period. However, I must honestly say that there is more to the grief that you are undergoing. Even though you have not explain what brought about your estrangement with your parents which may have something to do with prolonged grief. Nancy: (Sobbing againà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦) you are right pastor. 17 years ago after falling in love with Luke in College I took him to ask for my parents blessing because we had decided to get married since we were three months pregnant. Not telling them that he is an African American, we drove to my home time in Dallas Texas during our Christmas break. When we arrived, my parents did not receive Luke and forbid me to get marry to him. Because we love each other and were caring a child I went against their decision and got married to Luke thus being banished or ostracized by my parents. In view of this new revelation, I decided to reference the family- systems theory which offers better ways to understand and resolve such problem. For instance: From a Bowenian family-systems perspective, there have been some key emotional cutoffs  [7]  in Nancy family system when she was banished. Its not entirely clear how these things work, but family-therapy research indicates that Nancy present dilemma is somehow connected to this cutoff; moreover, it is only by repairing it and reconnecting with the long-lost, left-behind, and thrown-out members of her family that her presenting problem  [8]  will resolve itself. Therefore, one aspect of a treatment plan recommended would involve my counseling her toward a self-differentiated  [9]  balance between these two extremes (guilt and grief). Finally, Nancy realized that her prolonged grief was because of her guilt after shifting her guilt back and fro.  [10]  I believe my ability to provide empathy  [11]  through reflection was my strength. What was of greater substance was my ability to offer advanced empathy, moving away from her stated words to the indirect emotions beyond her words.

siddhartha Essay -- essays research papers

Siddhartha by Herman Hesse Siddhartha, by Herman Hesse is the story of a young Brahmin who ventures off in the world to find the meaning of life. His journey begins as a young Brahmin who excelled in life but felt he was missing something and ends as a wise man that has found peace within him. Throughout the book, Hesse allows the reader to connect with Siddhartha and watch as he grows through his experiences, and people with whom he comes in contact. During his journey, Siddhartha, makes many choices which leads to path of life which is marked by self-discovery and independence. Siddhartha grows as a person through three main occurrences: his meeting with Buddha, his attempted suicide, and his time spent with his son, as they all contribute to his finding of himself. Siddhartha's meeting with Gotama, the Buddha, is the first experience that contributes to his path of self-discovery. After several years of living the ascetic life of a Samana, Siddhartha decides to seek out Gotama, "The Illustrious One," as a teacher or mentor in his journey to find his inner self. After their meeting, however, Siddhartha becomes more convinced that the Buddha's teachings only apply to the Buddha himself, because it is what the Buddha has learned on his own path to nirvana, and Siddhartha’s path may differ. Siddhartha is convinced that he must find his path himself if he wishes to find nirvana. He understands that the Buddha had a remarkable experienc...

Hemingway alleges

In this work I’m going to examine and compare two stories wrote by Hemingway â€Å"A clean well-lighted place† and Faulkner â€Å"The rose for Emily†. This two stories touch upon the same theme-loneliness, but despite this fact the old man (from Hemingway story) and Emily (from Faulkner story) act in different ways towards the society.As for the old man (from Hemingway story) both symbolically and physically, he finds refuge in drinking brandy in this pleasant atmosphere of the coffee. The younger waiter doesn’t understand neither psychological nor spiritual dimension of the problem; hence, he cares only about not getting to go home in time. But the older waiter is like the old man, he understands him, has stared into the Great Nada, the â€Å"nothing he knew all too well.†This completely nihilistic ideology celebrates individuals, like the old waiter and the man, who find a method of coping with life’s obstacles in exquisite, majestic way.   However the old man drinks, he isn’t harsh or naughty, but considerate and civil.   Despite the obvious sufferings in his life (since he attempts felo-de-se), he doesn’t lose his serenity, he controls himself, showing dignity under compression.   Such grace, Hemingway alleges, should be the aim of every human being.I think that the main idea of this story is unity and solidarity of people. The older waiter utters his solidarity with the old man. But the young waiter doesn’t understand this problem at all he is rather self-sufficient and selfish person. The eldest waiter and the old man seem very lonely and sick and tired of life. He comprehends his severities and protected him; he also prefers to a clean, well-lighted cafà ©, to the bar; he is also looking for such place to prevent his own hopelessness at night.The climax of the story agrees closely with the climax of the solidarity theme. It comes in its final line: ‘‘He disliked bars and bo degas. A clean, well-lighted cafe was a very different thing. Now, without thinking further, he would go home to his room. He would lie in the bed and finally, with daylight, he would go to sleep. After all, he said to himself, it's probably only insomnia.Many must have it.†Ã‚  Hemingway wanted to say in â€Å"A Clean, Well-Lighted Place† and this idea runs through all of his literature: there is no God, no significance to this world, and man must step by step find something to bewilder himself from this terrible truth.At the end of the older waiter attempts to convince himself that may be this terrible futility     is such an escape in â€Å"a clean well-lighted place†.   This is a synthetic light, which was made by one man for another man, yet it is the only method to escape the darkness of real life, which is filled with nothing significant.As for the style of the story, from my point of view, this novel is rather brief and facile so this style is called â€Å"minimalism† in its aesthetics (the word aesthetics refers to how the author tells his story). In this style one uses the concept of the minimum building blocks, which are necessary to realize the process of telling a story. Hemingway uses simple poetic diction, usually monosyllabic words of Anglo-Saxon, as antagonistic to Latin, origin.As for Grammar, he uses simple sentences; actually this is his style of writing. The story is lack of figurative language – no metaphor or simile, for example. Character and plot are minimized. These three characters do not even have names. All that happens is that the two waiters talk, the old man drinks, and then they all go home. There is little figurative language—no metaphor or simile, for example.

To clone or not clone essays

To clone or not clone essays Cloning humans has recently become a possibility that seems much more feasible in today's society than it was twenty years ago. It is a method that involves the production of a group of identical cells or organisms that all derive from a single individual (Grolier 220). It is not known when or how cloning humans really became a possibility, but it is known that there are two possible ways that we can clone humans. The first way involves splitting an embryo into several halves and creating many new individuals from that embryo. The second method of cloning a human involves taking cells from an already existing human being and cloning them, in turn creating other individuals that are identical to that particular person. With these two methods almost at our fingertips, we must ask ourselves two very important questions: Can we do this, and should we? There is no doubt that many problems involving the technological and ethical sides of this issue will arise and will be virtually impossi ble to avoid, but the overall idea of cloning humans is one that we should accept as a possible reality for the future. Cloning presents as much a moral problem as a technical problem. Cloning is an affront to religious sensibilities; it seems like "playing God," and interfering with the natural process. There are, of course, more logical objections, regarding susceptibility to disease, expense, and diversity. Others are worried about the abuses of cloning. Cloning appears to be a powerful force that can be exploited to produce horrendous results. Cloning may reduce genetic variability, Producing many clones runs the risk of creating a population that is entirely the same. This population would be susceptible to the same diseases, and one disease could devastate the entire population. One can easily picture humans being wiped out be a single virus, however, less drastic, but more probable events could occur from a lack of genetic diversity. For example...

Petrol Retail Sector The WritePass Journal

Petrol Retail Sector Abstract Petrol Retail Sector , p.82). The major aim of these policies is to preserve the resources so as to ensure that there is continuity or sustainability. When these policies are put in place, the quantity of oil produced reduces, thus demand exceeding supply, which consequently forces the prices to go up. Nonetheless, these policies that are introduced by the governments, which aims at limiting the extraction of oil exerts a lot of pressure on the companies that produce oil to not only finding ways of increasing efficiency, but also finding alternative sources of fuel. These initiatives are very slow and difficult because of the considerable financing required energy and time that go into things like researching and production of such products. More so, when an alternative sources of energy is introduced into the market, there is a substantial time lag in which the designing and production of new products that are compatible is done (Beamish, 2006, p.88). It then can take even more time for the clients to know about the existence or availability of the products and be willing to make investments in them. Extreme weather conditions also affect the production of the crude oil. For instance, when there is a lot of rain, it becomes very difficult to access the sites of oil drilling. The machines that are used in the process of drilling oil might also be damaged by the unfavorable weather or their operation may just be affected. This makes it difficult for the crude oil to be produced in large quantities, thus forcing the prices to rise (Bushell, and Stan, 2009). Legal effects Different countries have different requirements for one to be allowed to start and operate a business. The same case applies to the ownership of a service station as well as the oil companies. If the requirements by the government are too strict, there will be a few suppliers in the market, and in turn the price of fuel will rise (Assilzadeh, and Yang, 2010, p.240). Conclusion The oil industry is a very important part or sector of the world economy that should be developed and taken care of in an appropriate manner. Problems such as strikes should be avoided by timely payment so that supply can remain steady. The company should invest in the latest technology that is related to the business to ensure fast delivery of petrol and diesel. Proper plans should also be put in place to ensure that the costs of production and operation of oil companies are reduces and the legal requirements made as flexible as possible. To avoid shortages in supply due to political factors, the company should not depend on a single source of supply, specifically from the OPEC countries. This problem can also help by ensuring that the Greenwich region is safe for any kind of business and the petrol station should also consider using oil pipelines as opposed to tankers. References (2008, 12). Risk Analysis in Oil Refining Sector. StudyMode.com. Retrieved 12, 2008, from studymode.com/essays/Risk-Analysis-In-Oil-Refining-Sector-185467.html Akkartal, A., and F. Sunar, 2008, ‘The usage of radar images in oil spill detection. The International Archives of the Photgrammetry.’ Remote Sensing and Spatial Information Sciences 37, no. Part B8: 271-76. Anderson, A, and Marhadour A, 2007, ‘Slick PR? The media politics of the Prestige oil spill.’ Science Communication 29, no. 1: 96-115. Assilzadeh, H, and Yang G, 2010, ‘Designation of an interactive oil spill management system.’ Disaster Prevention and Management 19, no. 2: 233-42. Beamish, T D, 2006, Silent Spill: The Organization of an Industrial Crisis. London: MIT Press. Black, B C, 2012, Crude Reality: Petroleum in World History. New York: Rowman Littlefield. Bushell, S, and Stan J, 2009, The Spill: Personal Stories from the Exxon Valdez Disaster. AK: Epicenter Press. Fleig, F, 2005, Oil Empire: Visions of Prosperity in Austrian Galicia (Harvard Historical Studies). Harvard University Press. Simmons, S, 2005, Twilight in the Desert The Coming Saudi Oil Shock and the World Economy, John Wiley Sons. Sobel R, 2008, The Money Manias: The Eras of Great Speculation in America, Lanham, MD: Scarecrow Press (Rowman Littlefield). Yeomans, M, 2006, Oil: Anatomy of an Industry, New Press.

Discourse in Othello Essay Example

Discourse in Othello Essay Example Discourse in Othello Paper Discourse in Othello Paper Essay Topic: Leviathan The Breadwinner Language Is, arguably, the primary defining feature that separates humanity from the rest of the animal kingdom. It has allowed the classification of our known universe. And the subsequent formation of an abstract body of collective intelligence. Language also has the power to persuade and seduce, which has resulted in a dynamic understanding of our feeling and emotions. Due to the fundamental function of language to Interpret and understand the complexities of our own social system, it follows that ways of speaking about specific ideas and beliefs are instrumental in the formation and manipulation of ideologies in such a system. In the context of Othello, Moor of Venice, discourse around gender works to both reinforce and challenge the dominant assumptions of patriarchal society through the normalization and empowerment of primary female characters. The Elizabethan era marked an interesting period in the history of gender dynamics. Although the role of women In society was still very limited, the highly Intelligent Queen Elizabeth Inspired a spike In womens education. Gender expectations were precise: men were the breadwinners and women raised the children and maintained the household. However, the era did witness the emergence of female artists; for example, female writers were often contracted to transcribe religious works, and a painter by the name of Leviathan Terrible was even contracted by Henry VIII, Mary and Elizabeth. The intellectually liberal Renaissance movement gained momentum during this time, and as the empires female figurehead became ever more revered, the affluent members of society hired private tutors to provide education for their wives and daughters as It was still unacceptable for women to attend school or university. Women rarely had the money to fund their own education, with the exception of lethal heiresses and the monarchy, as they were unable to enter respected professions or inherit land titles. Due to an overarching belief that women were the weaker sex, It was considered Important for them to by looked after by a man; which resulted in marriage being the unquestioned goal of all girls. Despite many depictions of abusive marriages at the time, it was expected that while the man was the head of the relationship, his role was to care for the woman. Should she need chastising, he was never to be cruel or harm her; and abuse resulted In prosecution. Its important to understand these social conditions when analyzing the position of women in Othello, as the dynamics of gender inequality are a direct result of the context in which they exist. As a result of misogynistic discourse In the play, the female characters are marginals; portrayed as uncontrollable, deceiving, dishonest, and unfaithful. The censorship of female action by men who own them is made clear by the questioning of female virtue and honesty; fathers, from hence trust not your daughters mulled By what you see them act. Othello claims that the curse of marriage Is that [men] an call these delicate creatures [theirs], and not their appetites! This language clearly positions women as innately promiscuous objects to be owned, in this case by I OFF were comparable too dogs in regards to their lack of control, however the pairing with delicate implies some form of desirability. Such language constructs women as pretty, fickle beings, which continues to reinforce their inferior position as slaves to their mans impulses. Emilie initially supports this assumption by enabling Lagos fantasies by stealing Adhesions handkerchief, claiming that that My wayward Cubans hat h a hundred times wooed me to steal it ND I nothing, but to please his fantasy. The roots of such assumptions find themselves firmly planted in The Bible, where the beautiful Eve was not only created at the whim of Adam, but her inability to resist temptation was to blame for his subsequent suffering. These misogynistic themes are echoed in Adhesions self-proclaimed divided duty to noble father and noble Moor, as well in the suggestion that Othello fall from grace is all because of Adhesions suggested inability to resist Cassias seduction. Gags intentioned accusation of her as the cunning where of Venice unjustly vilifies her, and ultimately results Othello deciding that she must die, else shell betray more men. This is supported by Dampen Callaghan writing in Women and Gender in Renaissance Tragedy that makes the point that misogynistic discourse leads, directly or indirectly, to the death of the female. The kind of language she is referring to is no more evident that in the momen ts preceding Adhesions death, when Othello refers to her as perjured woman, strumpet, where, false, a liar, and foul. The play questions the sexual morality of women right from the beginning, and the plot is centric to the assumption that one can easily be framed to make women false; which is reinforced by by Lagos accusation that women are players in your housewifely, and housewives in your beds, meaning that they are more dedicated to sexual pursuit than to the duties of the marital house. These beliefs, although shocking to modern audiences, were accepted without question at the time of production because Elizabethan ideology was saturated with patriarchal and misogynistic assumptions. It seems illogical that the women in Othello, who express themselves as virtuous, independent, and articulate despite their normalization, would put up with such extreme treatment without some sort of objection. Shakespearian works are renowned for the avocation of movements that were controversial at the time; and although Othello provides copious examples of womens submission to the dominance of patriarchal views, the female characters do express their desire for gender equality. In such times, the tone of their dialogue changes from submissive to empowered, which Just shows how remarkable the power of language is in repeating ideas and beliefs. For example, Desman demands to accompany Othello to the battleground of Cypress, claiming that its her rite of love, not duty, as a wife to accompany her husband to war. Her decisive language represents the independent personalities of the female minority at the time that objected to blatant objectification and suppression by the patriarchy. At one of the most shocking moments of the play, when Othello strikes his wife, she does not revert to self-blame as in the majority of the play, and instead defends her virtue by decisively stating, I eve not deserved this. However it is Emilie who serves as the best example of a when complaining to Ago that Othello has borrowed Desman, saying that A beggar in his drink could not have laid such terms upon his called and condemning the cogging, cozening slave who she blames for having devised this slander. This example of strong, empowered language is the first indication that she doesnt conform to the subservient woman expectation, and she continues to defend Adhesions virtue to her dying breaths; saying that she was chaste. Towards the inclusion of the play, she goes farther than any other character to subvert the dominant misogynistic discourse, and advocates for the consideration of gender equality. L do think it is their husbands faults if wives do fall she says, Let husbands know their wives have sense like them. This is the only time in the play where female characters dominate the stage for a significant about of time, free to speak without the constraints of patriarchal expectation. They challenge the cultural stereotype of women as graceful and devoid of the typically masculine traits; saying, why we have galls; and though we have some grace, yet we have some revenge. Although being vulnerable to violent temptations may not necessarily be desirable, to strip a gender of an entire human experience is degrading, and would have seriously contributed to the distorted power distribution that resulted in the unequal treatment of women in Elizabethan society. The discourse around gender in Othello, Moor of Venice works to both marginals and empower the primary female characters; which in turn presents conflicting presentations of Elizabethan society in terms of patriarchal dominance. For the majority of the play, the women of the text are excluded from the use powerful discourse, and hence are constructed as mindless conformations to the archetype of the victimizes Elizabethan woman. They are treated like objects to be owned by the dominant male characters, and are vilified as a result of unfounded, misogynistic slander. Additionally, the apparently unpredictable and uncontrollable nature of female sexuality is seen to undermine male authority, eliciting further discrimination. Although attempts are made by women to assert their rights as equals through the adoption of a more powerful discourse, it is either ignored, or only done in an exclusively female environment; which does nothing to challenge either their normalization or the assumptions of patriarchal dominance. As a modern audience, we can appreciate this injustice; however such a suggestion was ground breaking in Shakespearean time. As such, it is evident that the treatment of gender bias in Othello establishes the play as typical the Elizabethan era, but also revolutionary in its suggestion that society should function in any other way.

HRM & Employment Relations Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

HRM & Employment Relations - Essay Example bloggers to the creation of content that captures the attention of the public ensures that the repetitive action of content creation and content regeneration never ceases, because the audiences are always looking to read and respond to the blogs. Therefore, blogging reinforces effective networking, without encouraging or displacing the consolidation of the blogging networks (). Nevertheless, blogging is a highly personal style of writing to a highly impersonal audience, meaning that it is an effective way of helping interpret the thought process of both the bloggers and the audience who read and responds to the blogs, considering the fact that each of these parties does it on their own terms and in their own style of understanding and reacting to the subject matter (). Then impact of blogs is that it is of the most effective ways of having an organization discuss organizational issues at lengths with the employees, meaning that blogging can highly improve the communication within an organization (). Therefore, blogging is a valuable tool for organizations, since it can make it possible for the organization to understand the feelings, thought process and reaction of individual employees regarding different organizational issues. This is because, blogging entails the application of a highly personalized mode of communication, meaning that it is easy for the organization to understand each of the contributors to the organizational blogs (). However, blogs can be a potential disaster, since they may result in the employees and the organization creating a conflict and misunderstanding regarding various subjects of blogging, which would in turn be transmitted into the physical work environment. Blogs have an influence on face-to-face communication, cons idering the fact that the interaction that is online between the audience and the bloggers is the same that will eventually be transmitted into physical communication (). This means that blogging forms the content of the

Heroes in Sports Articles Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Heroes in Sports Articles - Essay Example Secondly, the DiMaggio article was written from the second person point of view, while the Williams article was a narrative. Finally, Joe DiMaggio was shown as a real man that was a reluctant hero, while Ted Williams was shown as a baseball star from a far. These similarities and differences will be compared and contrasted. â€Å"The Silent Season of a Hero† article was about Joe DiMaggio and â€Å"Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu† covered Ted Williams. Their hitting records were discussed, but so was part of their life’s background. An example would be DiMaggio’s marriage to Marilyn Monroe. Williams stint as a military pilot. Both men’s careers in baseball were highlighted. Another similarity in the writing styles in the articles is the telling of a story while relating a message about their hero. These stories are not straight forward biographies. They relate stories, antidotes, and personal impressions of both of these men. â€Å"The Silent Season of a He ro† tells the story of DiMaggio from his position after his career. On the other hand, â€Å"Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu† tells a story of a day at the ballpark with flashes of the past intermixed. Both stories use the flashback technique to get the stories across. Whether talking about DiMaggio’s meeting of second wife, Marilyn Monroe, or the author’s impressions of Ted Williams when he was a kid, both stories used flashback. The final similarity is both authors believed DiMaggio and Williams were heroes. DiMaggio was described as a reluctant hero, especially in his latter years. This type of hero is based on a man that was a baseball great, that had overcomes a hard childhood, and troubled personal life. Williams was described more through hero worship. The article mentioned his baseball career from a far. Both described DiMaggio and Williams as heroes. There were also differences between the articles. â€Å"The Silent Season of a Hero† and did not use imagery and figurative language, but â€Å"Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu† used an excessive amount. In â€Å"The Silent Season of a Hero† the opening is straight forward: IT WAS NOT quite spring, the silent season before the search for salmon, and the old fishermen of San Francisco were either painting their boats or repairing their nets along the pier or sitting in the sun talking quietly among themselves, watching the tourists come and go, and smiling, now, as a pretty girl paused to take their picture. (Updike) While descriptive, this paragraph does not use imagery or figurative language. It is just descriptive. In â€Å"Hub Fans Bid Kid Adieu† figurative language is used to describe the eyes of some fans: Two girls, one of them with pert buckteeth and eyes as black as vest buttons, the other with white skin and flesh-colored hair, like an underdeveloped photograph of a redhead, came and sat on my right. On my other side was one of those frowning, chestless young-o ld men who can frequently be seen, often wearing sailor hats, attending ball games alone. (Talese) Also imagery is used describing the ballpark. â€Å"Everything is painted green and seems in curiously sharp focus, like the inside of an old-fashioned peeping-type Easter egg† (Talese). When reading this sentence one can see an Easter egg basket and egg peeping out. These examples are just a few throughout both articles, but both were consistent throughout each respective article. Another difference in the writing styles of the articles is the DiMaggio article was written from the second person point of view, while

Science of Organic Food Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Science of Organic Food - Essay Example Organic foods are meat, animal products, or crops, which their production does not include the use of pesticides and fertilizers. The idea of chemical pesticides and fertilizers negative effects pioneered the rise of the science of organic food. Organic farming has risen to a huge business because of its improved benefits of flavor and health. Organic farming has potential benefits for the environment of agricultural chemicals.  Organic foods are meat, animal products, or crops, which their production does not include the use of pesticides and fertilizers. In the 20th century, the idea of chemical pesticides and fertilizers negative effects pioneered the rise of the science of organic food. Organic farming has risen to a huge business because of its improved benefits of flavor and health. Organic farming has potential benefits for the environment of agricultural chemicals.  Nutritional quality and other factors are not the only reasons to buy organic foods. The rate of consumptio n of organic food has reduced the degree of exposure of antibiotic resistant and pesticide. Organic food is safe although it is hard estimating the cost of organic food. No level of pesticide is the best level in any human body in a family.   Organic foods are expensive than traditional foods. Organic products have different textures and flavors that are a little tasty. Organic products are expensive and only found in supermarkets and local markets. Another benefit for organic farming is because it slows environment and climate change.

Social Media for Small to Medium Enterprises Essay

Social Media for Small to Medium Enterprises - Essay Example There is a variety of social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, which provide significant stages for small businesses to grow their businesses through converting the connections to potential clients (Safko, 2012, p. 28). They are also very important elements that the businesses can take advantage of in the process of handling their customer care services. When the businesses engage with their clients on the social media platforms, the connections assist them in appreciating the needs of the customers better and enhancing their service delivery. Modern drivers for change have been able to assist in the development of innovative features that assist in sustaining business competitiveness in areas that include creative design, virtual enterprises, social networks as well as mobile platforms. These reactions require tools that are based on information technology elements, the escalation of information content and a team that is very creative. Any small or medium enterprise wishing to enhance its accomplishment in the information industry should possess a critical understanding and an approach for addressing this relatively new environment. The internet has been able to come up with new functionalities that encompass real time business dynamics and relations, which are very important for the enterprises. If there is no regular improvement of the process that is used in managing this, it would rapid develop a paralysis since building the software systems that specifically address this can be a very intricate task. The software will need many people who are professionals and consultants simply to manage it generating the necessity of the small and medium enterprises to come up with a way to help them organize their data. The organization of these data by the small or medium enterprises should be in a smaller scale and cheaper to avoid having to hire expensive consultants or having to pay for consulting contracts. Businesses and companies

Organizational Culture Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 5

Organizational Culture - Essay Example Closely related to organizational culture in meaning is organizational values. Values refer to acceptable standards that govern individual employees’ behavior in an organization. Without these values, each employee would adopt behaviors that they deem fit in their own analysis which could conflict with the behaviors that an organization seeks to promote. The organizational values have to be in line with the mission and the vision. Woodside (2010) gives examples of the distinctive values in blue chip companies like Ford Motors and Marks & Spencers which were established by their founders and further sedimentation accomplished by their inheritors. Values would be chosen through the process of measuring, diagnosis, deciding and finally embedding. It has been noted that organizational culture guides the success of an organization, hence an important aspect to both the profit making and the non-profit making organizations. But success or performance remains a relative concept among business research scholars. Woodside (2010) gathers definitions of performance from various scholars ranging from an organization’s ability to achieve its goals to an organizational measure of efficiency, effectiveness and economy. In the same way, there exist various variables in measuring organization performance. This complexity has been cited by Shahzad, Luqman, Khan & Shabbir (2012) as the reason for minimal research on the impact of organizational culture on performance. In this paper, performance would be considered as the attainability of an organization’s goals. A positive correlation has been established between organizational culture and organizational performance with well performing firms possessing certain strong cultural traits. Shahzad, Luqman, Khan and Shabbir (2012) noted that superior and perfectly imitable organizational culture ensures attainment of sustainable competitive advantage.

Standard Expository Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Standard Expository Model - Essay Example Farkas said in his article, â€Å"Explicit Structure in Print and On-Screen Documents†, "Information Mapping, both observes display-unit boundaries and provides explicit structure at a much finer level of granularity than the SE model. Two benefits are that readers can easily scan an IMAP document for the specific information they want and can immediately grasp the overall structure of the information map they are looking at." (Farkas, 17) And also Tracey said that "the SE model is inherently dysfunctional for all but literary writing and that both readers and those who write and edit documents benefit greatly by adopting STOP." In addition, the benefit of hypertext with nodes and links can be replaced with the weakness of extended texts of the standard expository model. "There are important benefits in non-linear information environments: Readers are more able to find and read exactly what they care about. Furthermore, they are more fully empowered to follow their unique inte rests and make their own connections among ideas." (Farkas, 223) However, there also are theorists who object to the standard expository model. Montaigne and Chandler do not like the schematic way of reading, for example, STOP documents and IMAP documents. Montaigne argues about the reason why time is limited while we are understanding articles. Chandler agrees with Montaigne but he wants to have an effective way to understand. Montaigne said "I must march my pen as I do my feet," and "Writing is a political activity, and it is a matter of choice for us whether we choose to challenge the prevailing writing conventions rather than to accept or bemoan them."

Social Media for Small to Medium Enterprises Essay

Social Media for Small to Medium Enterprises - Essay Example There is a variety of social media sites such as Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, Twitter, which provide significant stages for small businesses to grow their businesses through converting the connections to potential clients (Safko, 2012, p. 28). They are also very important elements that the businesses can take advantage of in the process of handling their customer care services. When the businesses engage with their clients on the social media platforms, the connections assist them in appreciating the needs of the customers better and enhancing their service delivery. Modern drivers for change have been able to assist in the development of innovative features that assist in sustaining business competitiveness in areas that include creative design, virtual enterprises, social networks as well as mobile platforms. These reactions require tools that are based on information technology elements, the escalation of information content and a team that is very creative. Any small or medium enterprise wishing to enhance its accomplishment in the information industry should possess a critical understanding and an approach for addressing this relatively new environment. The internet has been able to come up with new functionalities that encompass real time business dynamics and relations, which are very important for the enterprises. If there is no regular improvement of the process that is used in managing this, it would rapid develop a paralysis since building the software systems that specifically address this can be a very intricate task. The software will need many people who are professionals and consultants simply to manage it generating the necessity of the small and medium enterprises to come up with a way to help them organize their data. The organization of these data by the small or medium enterprises should be in a smaller scale and cheaper to avoid having to hire expensive consultants or having to pay for consulting contracts. Businesses and companies

Standard Expository Model Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Standard Expository Model - Essay Example Farkas said in his article, â€Å"Explicit Structure in Print and On-Screen Documents†, "Information Mapping, both observes display-unit boundaries and provides explicit structure at a much finer level of granularity than the SE model. Two benefits are that readers can easily scan an IMAP document for the specific information they want and can immediately grasp the overall structure of the information map they are looking at." (Farkas, 17) And also Tracey said that "the SE model is inherently dysfunctional for all but literary writing and that both readers and those who write and edit documents benefit greatly by adopting STOP." In addition, the benefit of hypertext with nodes and links can be replaced with the weakness of extended texts of the standard expository model. "There are important benefits in non-linear information environments: Readers are more able to find and read exactly what they care about. Furthermore, they are more fully empowered to follow their unique inte rests and make their own connections among ideas." (Farkas, 223) However, there also are theorists who object to the standard expository model. Montaigne and Chandler do not like the schematic way of reading, for example, STOP documents and IMAP documents. Montaigne argues about the reason why time is limited while we are understanding articles. Chandler agrees with Montaigne but he wants to have an effective way to understand. Montaigne said "I must march my pen as I do my feet," and "Writing is a political activity, and it is a matter of choice for us whether we choose to challenge the prevailing writing conventions rather than to accept or bemoan them."

Alice and Wonderland Essay Example for Free

Alice and Wonderland Essay Title Alice and Wonderland 20120 Screen Writer Linda Woolverton Director Tim burton March 5, 2010 The Scene Scene Design Throughout the whole movie the scenes keep changing going from a reality to something what seems like a dream. The scenes are over the top and amazing and fit the film 100 percent of the time. Lighting Design Alice is transitioning from the dark forest to the bright but destroyed looking tea party as the two settings are a mix of contrast. At the same time the characters are contrasted to their surroundings as they are much brighter than their environment. The clashing of light and dark colors show that the creatures of Wonderland are at war. Sound Design The sound not only help move the story and convey the emotion everyone is looking for, but also to help give that Tim Burton feel. I feel like he wants his films to fit within the overall context of pop culture and film in general. This movie really try to keep a realism and timeless funkiness to the sound and resist the temptation to create sounds or design scenes to be too over the top or distracting. Costume Design The costume designer relied on extensive hair and makeup. I love the volume and rama in all of the costumes featured in the movie. I actually didnt mind Alice shrinking into a size of a pea and magnifying into a giant because her dresses would change into something beautiful every time it happened. Im a sucker for drama, colors, and volume. So of course my favorite was the costume design of Johnny Depps Mad Hatters costume was hauntingly beautiful, despite the tears and holes that gave Offa creepy but delicate look. 1 . Long/medium/close-ups Alice and Wonderland is a movie with many different camera shots. This film is shot in more of a wider viewing. With some minor close ups throughout the movie 2. Camera angle The visual effects are stunning, especially in 3D. When hurtling down the hole, the camera angles shoot from Alices perspective. The 3D enhances the swooping landscape shots and is for the atmospheric effect. It pulls the audience more into the world and the film is better for it. Throughout the movie camera angles enhance the experience. Shots filmed through keyholes and in different perspectives allows audiences to experience Wonderland for themselves. 3. Camera movement The camera movement in this movie combines a little bit of everything. But mostly the space between the two cameras that represent the human eyes and create the illusion of depth is a main factor taken into place during this movie The Story The Plot Alice is and unconfident and confused 19 year old girl who is being forced into marriage with an English man. At her engagement party she escapes the crowd to consider whether to go through with the marriage or not. She then sees a strange rabbit and falls into a rabbit hole. Arriving in a strange and surreal place called wonderland she find herself in a world that resembles a dream she had as a little girl. It was filled with talking plants, animals, an evil queen, knights and a ferocious beats. Alice realizes that she is there for a reason and that reason is to conquer the horrific Jabberwocky and restore the White Queens place on the throne But, at the same time she is there to find herself and become the woman she is meant to be. Initial situation Alice has been mourning the loss of her father. She is troubled by unremembered memories of the past in her dreams. Alice all of 19 attends a garden party where she is surprised by an unwanted marriage proposal and the expectations that society beholds upon her. Running off distraught and confused she chases after a white rabbit. Inciting moment this whirlwind of fascinating adventure. Alice is placed in a room with a door too small for her to fit through. She is told to indulge the drink to shrink and eat the bread to grow. She goes through the door and then her adventure really begins. Complication Alice encounters complications with every new character she interacts with. Alice herself is a big complication through the movie she has to try and understand the mysteries of wonderland. She must also undergo changes from a shy innocent girl to a warrior who can slay the red queens evil beast. Climax and resolution The red queen is throwing a trial that Alice must attend. The queen is accusing frog of eating all of her tarts. There is a great deal of evidence giving again the frog. The frog is sentenced to be beheaded and Alice stand up for the frog and said to be executed by the queen. She fghts off the queens guards and escapes. She then leads an army against to queen and her evil beast. She faces the beast in an extraordinary battle when she be heads the beast and the while queens restored to power in Wonderland. Denouement After Alice came back from Wonderland she returned as a new woman. As she urned down the wedding proposal and worked for a man opening trade up in China. She went to China at the end and sees the butterfly from wonderland. Alice never promised to come back to wonderland only to never forget. The Characters Major Characters Alice She is destined to slay the red queens killer beast. Alices experience in Wonderland is about reconnecting with herself and finding out that she has the strength to be more confident in figuring out what she wants. The Mad Hatter- He has been awaiting Alices arrival back to wonderland. Mad Hatter is Alices protector he would go to and length to help or protect her. He is her on true friend and believed in her even when no one else does. The Red Queen- She rules with and anger like no other always wanting to behead people at the slightest thing. She stole the crown and the throne from her sister the white queen. The Red Queen is also meant to stop the prophecy from becoming true and to stop Alice from defeating the her killer beast. The beast that gives her the rule over Wonderland. Minor Characters Absolem- He is the character in wonderland that people go to for answers. He is the keeper of the scroll and knows all of Wonderlands history. The White Rabbit- His Job as to make sure Alice made it to Wonderland and to keep her on her path through the movie. The White Queen- Her role in this movies is to help Alice gain her The Actors Mia Wasikowska played Alice who is a movie actor that was the perfect person to play the role of Alice. Johnny Depp played The Mad Hatter who is a theatrical movie actor and did an amazing Job in the roll. Anne Hathaway played the White Queen who is a Movie actress who I love her, she makes whatever roll she plays magnificent. Helena Bonham Carter plays the Red Queen. She is a movie actress and did perfect in this role and didnt go overboard. Matt Lucas played both TweedleDee and TweedleDum he is a great movie actor but I would have liked to see a little more from him in this movie. Michael Sheen plated the White Rabbit who is a movie actor and played a good roll he was very funny and to the point. Stephen Fry was great at playing the Cheshire Cat she is a new movie actress to most people. She played the character and the was role perfect for her. Alan Rickman played as the Blue Caterpillar he is a movie actor and the caterpillar has always been one of my favorite characters and he did a great Job bringing him to life. The Director Individual style, other major works, biographical context Tim Burton is one of the most unusual and unique directors of our time. He brings characters to life by putting them in a place they dont belong. Tim Burton points out the misfit character and shows how different they are. His use of camera angles, lighting, and sound give the viewers a different perspective on the movies, and help pick out the individual character. Some of his movies include Alice in Wonderland, Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Dark Shadows The Corpse Bride, Charlie and the chocolate factory, and Edward Scissorhands.. Burton has directed 16 ilms and produced 12. Burton was born on August 25, 1958 in Burbank, California. He majoring in animation at the California Institute of Arts. He worked as a Disney animator for less than a year before going out on his own. He became known for creating visually striking films that blend themes of fantasy, horror, and comedy all into one film The Screenwriter Linda Woolverton is a born teacher. She has a gift for clarifying the underlined edge of storytelling. She is amazing at taking an idea and creating into something edge She has wrote works like Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, Alice in Wonderland, She also had a part in Aladdin, Mulan, and Arctic Tale. Linda Woolverton was born 1959 in Long Beach California. She wrote a couple screenplays for Disneys animated film Woolverton then went on to write some Broadway performances. She also co-wrote a book for Broadway and then she wrote her own book. The genre, type, and period tragedy _ drama _ comedy _ musical comedy _ musical drama Genre Type The genre type of Alice and wonderland is a Fantasy. Period other The period time of the movie would have been recorded and filmed in 2010, the Era of the movie would represent the nineteenth century. You can see this by the way they talk and the look they have bestowed upon them selfs. The Context Philosophical Historical The new Alice and Wonderland is inspired by Lewis Carrolls Alices Adventures in Wonderland and served as a sequel to the original disney movie. The film was created when the Walt Disney Company handed over 250 million Social There is a lot in this movie about social rights. The red queen forced herself in charge and condemned anyone who opposed her to death. This could represent to social fght for power or freedom. This goes on and on through the movie you are told y some flowers that they are the lower social class. Religious I could not find a religious meaning behind Alice in Wonderland 2010 What you like I would watch this movie over and over again its comical, adventurous, and a little creepy the animation of the movie keeps me involved the whole time. What you think This movie to me was all around great from the beginning to the end. One of my favorite parts of the movie was when Alice meet the caterpillar and then again when she fought the Red queens killer beast. Although I do feel like they that could have gone a little move overboard with the overall movie.

Approaches To Implementing Appreciative Inquiry Cultural Studies Essay

Approaches To Implementing Appreciative Inquiry Cultural Studies Essay Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is an organizational development process or philosophy that engages individuals within an organizational system in its renewal, change and focused performance. Appreciative Inquiry was adopted from work done by earlier action research theorists and practitioners and further developed by David Cooperrider of Case Western Reserve University. It is now a commonly accepted practice in the evaluation of organizational development strategy and implementation of organizational effectiveness tactics. Appreciative Inquiry is a particular way of asking questions and envisioning the future that fosters positive relationships and builds on the basic goodness in a person, a situation, or an organization. In so doing, it enhances a systems capacity for collaboration and change.0#cite_note-0[1] Appreciative Inquiry utilizes a cycle of 4 processes focusing on: DISCOVER: The identification of organizational processes that work well. DREAM: The envisioning of processes that would work well in the future. DESIGN: Planning and prioritizing processes that would work well. DESTINY (or DELIVER): The implementation (execution) of the proposed design.1#cite_note-1[2] 2#cite_note-2[3] The basic idea is to build organizations around what works, rather than trying to fix what doesnt. It is the opposite of problem solving. Instead of focusing gaps and inadequacies to find blame and remediate skills or practices, AI focuses on how to create more of the occasional exceptional performance that is occurring because a core of strengths is aligned. The approach acknowledges the contribution of individuals, in order to increase trust and organizational alignment. The method aims to create meaning by drawing from stories of concrete successes and lends itself to cross-industrial social activities. It can be enjoyable and natural to many managers, who are often sociable people. There are a variety of approaches to implementing Appreciative Inquiry, including mass-mobilized interviews and a large, diverse gathering called an Appreciative Inquiry Summit (Ludema, Whitney, Mohr and Griffin, 2003). Both approaches involve bringing very large, diverse groups of people together to study and build upon the best in an organization or community. The basic philosophy of AI is also found in other positively oriented approaches to individual change as well as organizational change. As noted above, AI fosters positive relationships and builds on the basic goodness in a person, or a situation . The idea of building on strength, rather than just focusing on faults and weakness is a powerful idea in use in mentoring programs, and excellent performance evaluations. It is the basic idea behind teaching micro-affirmations as well as teaching about micro-inequities. (See Microinequity Rowe Micro-Affirmations and Micro-inequities in the Journal of the International Ombudsman Association, Volume 1, Number 1, March 2008.) AI has been used extensively to foster change in businesses (a variety of sectors), health care systems, social profit organizations, educational institutions, communities, local governments, and religious institutions. Appreciative inquiry (AI) is a major breakthrough in organization development, training and development and in problem solving, in general. AI is based on the assertion that problems are often the result of our own perspectives and perceptions of phenomena, eg, if we look at a certain priority as a problem, then we tend to constrain our ability to effectively address the priority and to continue to develop in our lives and work. AI is a philosophy so a variety of models, tools and techniques can be derived from that philosophy. For example, one AI-based approach to strategic planning includes identification of our best times during the best situations in the past in an organization, wishing and thinking about what worked best then, visioning what we want in the future, and building from what worked best in order to work toward our vision. The approach has revolutionized many practices, including strategic planning and organization development. Various Perspectives The following links are by no means a complete list of online resources about AI. Like any other topic in the Library, the following links are to resources that can help to get you started in learning more about this topic. Appreciative Inquiry Commons AI : the Quest Appreciative Inquiry Resources Appreciative Inquiry and Community Development Appreciative Inquiry 5D Spiral of Development Taos Institute on Appreciative Inquiry managementhelp.org/commskls/appr_inq/appr_inq.htm Appreciative Enquiry . . . it is through language that we create the world, because its nothing until we describe it.   And when we describe it, we create distinctions that govern our actions.   To put it another way, we do not describe the world we see, but we see the world we describe.  Ã‚  Ã‚   Joseph Jaworski As it has evolved, there are a number of ways in which to conduct an Appreciative Inquiry (AI)Team Building but the processes all tend to follow a common path of four phases: Discovery (conducting appreciative interviews and identifying the themes and life-giving forces), Dream (developing provocative propositions for the future), Design (integrating wishes for the future with plans for needed changes to structure, systems and processes) and Destiny (making it happen and making it sustainable over time Appreciative enquiry is a new way of approaching problem solving, team-building and solution development. Appreciative Inquiry works from a set of assumptions. 1. In every society, organisation or group, something works well. 2. What we focus on, becomes our reality. 3. Reality is created in the moment, and there are multiple realities. 4. The act of asking questions of a person, or group influences the group/person in some way. 5. People have more confidence to journey to the future (the unknown) when they carry forward parts of the past (the known). 6. If we carry forward parts of the past, they should be what is best about our past. 7. It is important to value differences. 8. The language we use creates our reality and experience. The Appreciativer Inquiry Way While these may seem obvious, we know from our own experience that we can look at what isnt working and start problem solving. This pulls us backwards/downwards rather than forwards.   If we focus on difficulties in the past, people become self defensive and feel that life is hopeless.   When we ask them about their successes, they become enthusiastic and start to hope again and explore possibility. Appreciative Inquiry 5-D Cycle Discovery: The Appreciative Inquiry approach to personal, or organisational, change is to begin by looking for what is working -APPRECIATING the best of our experience. Dream: This is to consider what might be ENVISIONING RESULTS Design: What should be the ideal? CO-CONSTRUCTING Destiny: How to empower, learn adjust or improvise    SUSTAINING Do-It: Action towards achievement Commitment, response, action The tangible result of the Appreciative Inquiry process is a series of statements that describe where the person or organisation wants to be, based on the best moments of where they have been. Because these statements are based in real experience and history, people know how to repeat their success. They have created before, they can create once again. The purpose is to reconnect with the life giving forces-what is working, and then go beyond that to, what could be if we expanded our paradigm of possibility. What is Appreciative Inquiry? from A Positive Revolution in Change: Appreciative Inquiry by David L. Cooperrider and Diana Whitney. Ap-preci-ate, v., 1. valuing; the act of recognizing the best in people or the world around us; affirming past and present strengths, successes, and potentials; to perceive those things that give life (health, vitality, excellence) to living systems 2. to increase in value, e.g. the economy has appreciated in value. Synonyms: VALUING, PRIZING, ESTEEMING, and HONORING. In-quire (kwir), v., 1. the act of exploration and discovery. 2. To ask questions; to be open to seeing new potentials and possibilities. Synonyms: DISCOVERY, SEARCH, and SYSTEMATIC EXPLORATION, STUDY. Appreciative Inquiry is about the coevolutionary search for the best in people, their organizations, and the relevant world around them. In its broadest focus, it involves systematic discovery of what gives life to a living system when it is most alive, most effective, and most constructively capable in economic, ecological, and human terms. AI involves, in a central way, the art and practice of asking questions that strengthen a systems capacity to apprehend, anticipate, and heighten positive potential. It centrally involves the mobilization of inquiry through the crafting of the unconditional positive question often-involving hundreds or sometimes thousands of people. In AI the arduous task of intervention gives way to the speed of imagination and innovation; instead of negation, criticism, and spiraling diagnosis, there is discovery, dream, and design. AI seeks, fundamentally, to build a constructive union between a whole people and the massive entirety of what people talk about a s past and present capacities: achievements, assets, unexplored potentials, innovations, strengths, elevated thoughts, opportunities, benchmarks, high point moments, lived values, traditions, strategic competencies, stories, expressions of wisdom, insights into the deeper corporate spirit or soul and visions of valued and possible futures. Taking all of these together as a gestalt, AI deliberately, in everything it does, seeks to work from accounts of this positive change core-and it assumes that every living system has many untapped and rich and inspiring accounts of the positive. Link the energy of this core directly to any change agenda and changes never thought possible are suddenly and democratically mobilized. appreciativeinquiry.case.edu/intro/whatisai.cfm What is Appreciative Inquiry? Appreciative Inquiry is the study and exploration of what gives life to human systems when they are at their best. It is an organization development methodology based on the assumption that inquiry into and dialogue about strengths, successes, values, hopes and dreams is itself transformational. It is founded on the following set of beliefs about human nature and human organizing: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ People individually and collectively have unique gifts, skills and contributions to bring to life. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Organizations are human social systems, sources of unlimited relational capacity, created and lived in language. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The images we hold of the future are socially created and, once articulated, serve to guide individual and collective actions. Through human communication (inquiry and dialogue) people can shift their attention and action away from problem analysis to lift up worthy ideals and productive possibilities for the future. In short, Appreciative Inquiry suggests that human organizing and change, at its best, is a relational process of inquiry, grounded in affirmation and appreciation. One way to understand Appreciative Inquiry is to consider the meaning of its two words. Each word alone has implications for the practice of organization change. The power of Appreciative Inquiry, however, is the by-product of the two words working together. Like hydrogen and oxygen that combine to make water the most nurturing substance on earth appreciation and inquiry combined produce a powerful, vital approach to leadership and organization change. Appreciation: Recognition and Value Added Appreciation has to do with recognition, with valuing and with gratitude. The word appreciate is a verb that carries a double meaning. It refers to both the act of recognition and the act of enhancing value. Definitions include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ to recognize the best in people and the world around us; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ to perceive those things which give life, health, vitality and excellence to living human systems; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ to affirm past and present strengths, successes, assets and potentials; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ to increase in value (e.g., the investment has appreciated in value). Indeed, organizations, businesses and communities can benefit by greater appreciation. Around the global, people hunger for recognition. They want to work from their strengths on tasks they find of value. Executives and managers long to lead from their values. They seek ways to integrate their greatest passions into their daily work. And organizations strive regularly to enhance their value to shareholders, employees and the world at large. Inquiry: Exploration and Discovery Appreciative Inquiry is about more than appreciation, recognition, and enhancement of value. Its also about inquiry. Inquiry refers to the acts of exploration and discovery. It implies a quest for new possibilities, being in a state of unknowing, wonder and a willingness to learn. It implies an openness to change. The word inquire also a verb means: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ to ask questions; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ to study; à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ to search, explore, delve into or investigate Inquiry is a learning process for organizations as well as for individuals. Seldom do we search, explore or study what we already know with certainty. We ask questions about and query into areas unfamiliar to us. The act of inquiry requires sincere curiosity and openness to new possibilities, new directions and new understandings. We cannot have all the answers, know what is right, or be certain when we are engaged in inquiry. The spirit of inquiry is the spirit of learning. How Does Appreciative Inquiry Work? The process used to generate the power of Appreciative Inquiry is the 4-D Cycle. Based on the notion that human systems people, teams, organizations and communities grow and change in the direction of what they study, Appreciative Inquiry works by focusing the attention of an organization on its most positive potential its positive core. The positive core is the essential nature of the organization at its best peoples collective wisdom about the organizations tangible and intangible strengths, capabilities, resources, potentials and assets. The Appreciative Inquiry 4-D cycle unleashes the energy of the positive core for transformation and sustainable success. Affirmative Topic Choice: The 4-D Cycle begins with the thoughtful identification of what is to be studied affirmative topics. Since human systems move in the direction of what they study, the choice of what to study what to focus organizational attention on is both essential and strategic. The topics that are selected provide a framework for collecting stories, discovering and sharing best practices, and creating a knowledge-rich work environment. They become the organizations agenda for learning and innovation. Once selected, affirmative topics such as inspired leadership, optimal margins, or culture as competitive advantage guide the 4-D Cycle of Discovery, Dream, Design and Destiny. Discovery: The Discovery phase is a diligent and extensive search to understand the best of what is and what has been. It begins with the collaborative act of crafting appreciative interview questions and constructing an appreciative interview guide. Appreciative Inquiry questions are written as affirmative probes into an organizations positive core, in the topic areas selected. They are written to generate stories, to enrich the images and inner dialogue within the organization, and to bring the positive core more fully into focus. The results of Discovery include: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ The formation of new relationships and alliances, that bridge across traditional barriers. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ A rich description or mapping of the organization s positive core. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Organization-wide sharing and learning from stories of best practices, golden innovations and exemplary actions. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Greatly enhanced organizational knowledge and collective wisdom. These results, in turn, inspire the emergence of organic, unplanned changes well before implementation of the more planful phases of the 4-D cycle. Dream: The Dream phase is an energizing exploration of what might be: a time for people to explore their hopes and dreams for their work, their working relationships, their organization, and the world at large. It is a time for groups of people to engage in thinking big, thinking out of the box, and thinking out of the boundaries of what has been in the past. The intent of the Dream phase is to identify and spread generative, affirmative, and hopeful images of the future. Typically this is accomplished in large group forums, where unusual combinations of stakeholders explore: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Creative images of the organization s most positive potentials à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Innovative strategic visions à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ An elevated sense of purpose. Design: The Design phase involves making choices about what should be within an organization or system. It is a conscious re-creation or transformation, through which such things as systems, structures, strategies, processes and images will become more fully aligned with the organizations positive past (Discovery) and highest potential (Dream). Destiny: The Destiny phase initiates a series of inspired actions that support ongoing learning and innovation or what will be. Since the entire 4-D Cycle provides an open forum for employees to contribute and step forward in the service of the organization, change occurs in all phases of an Appreciative Inquiry process. The Destiny phase, however, focuses specifically on personal and organizational commitments and paths forward. The result of destiny is generally an extensive array of changes throughout the organization in areas such as: à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Management practices à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ HR processes Measurement systems à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Customer service systems à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¢ Work processes and structures In many cases, the 4-D Cycle provides the framework for ongoing activities. Thus, the cycle begins again . . . and again . . . and again. Why Does Appreciative Inquiry Work? Appreciative Inquiry works because it treats people like people, and not like machines. People are social. We create our identities and our knowledge in relation to one another. We are curious. We like to tell stories and listen to stories. We pass on our values, beliefs and wisdom in stories. We like to learn and to use what we learn to be our best. And we delight in doing well in the eyes of those we care about and respect. Appreciative Inquiry enables leaders to create natural human organizations knowledge rich, strength based, adaptable, learning organizations. www.positivechange.org/appreciative-inquiry.html Appreciative Inquiry Consulting AI Consulting, LLC offers a collaborative, strength-based approach to strategic change and transformation. At the heart of our practice is Appreciative Inquiry (AI), an approach that draws on the strengths and values of an organization in order to implement its change agenda and achieve its highest goals. AI Consulting has the greatest concentration of AI expertise and our consultants span the globe. Among them are the thought leaders, authors, and founders of AI. Our whole-systems approach, global reach, and collaborative partnerships are reflected in our success stories. AI Consulting combines features of a large consulting firm, a knowledge web, an alliance of change agents, and a socially responsible business entity. We are a principle-driven organization, valuing integrity, learning, generosity, and the common good. Our leading-edge design makes us highly flexible and responsive to client needs. We always seek to enhance the core strengths that give life to an organization while growing its economic vitality, ecological integrity and organizational health.   www.aiconsulting.org/ Appreciative Inquiry Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a process for catalyzing positive change developed at Case Western Reserve University by David Cooperrider, a professor of Organizational Behavior at their Weatherhead School of Management. As a graduate student, Cooperrider noticed that most organizational change was driven by consultants going into an organization and looking for problems and then attempting to fix them. He decided to see what happened if he took the opposite approach. During his graduate thesis work, Cooperrider went into the Cleveland Clinic and, rather than seek out what needed fixing, he sought out what was working well. He then developed a structured process to concentrate information about these success factors in what is called the positive core and to then amplify that positive core throughout the organization. The experiment was a great success and Cooperrider went on to establish the process as Appreciative Inquiry. Appreciative Inquiry is both a specific methodology and a perspective and has been defined as the study of what gives life to human systems when they are at their best. As such it ties deeply into fields such as Positive Psychology and Flow which, like AI, stand in contrast to our cultures typical problem-based or deficit-based mindset. To understand the phrase more deeply, we need simply look at the two words that make it up. Appreciate has two meanings: to look for the best in something and to increase something in value, such as when a stock or real estate appreciates. Inquiry means to seek understanding using a process based on provocative questions. So the idea is that provocative questions are used to draw out powerful success stories and identify the factors that are already working well within a human system. We can then use this understanding to help bring about what people want more of (as opposed to the usual cultural focus on reducing what they want less of). The specific methodology of Appreciative Inquiry gives us the tools to do this, while involving both left and right brains, and exploring the past, present and future. It consists of five main phases: Affirmative Topic Choice An interview is carried out using several provocative questions and, from the clients responses, several themes are chosen as the focal points for the rest of the inquiry process. Discovery Further provocative questions are explored regarding each of the Affirmative Topics and, from the clients responses, several themes are again chosen. These themes, a virtual DNA sample of the system at its best, reflect its central success factors its best strengths, talents, assets, values and ideals and are known as its positive core. Dream Creative processes are used to verbally and/or experientially explore what the future might be like if the positive core were more thoroughly enacted throughout the system and to examine, looking back from that vantage point, what must have happened in order for it to have reached such an optimal state. Design The system is organized into an architecture, and preferences chosen for each element of that structure, that will enable further enactment of the positive core and lessons from the Dream phase throughout the system. Provocative Propositions, in which clients put in writing broad goals or ideas that will help encourage the organization to move in the direction of optimization, may also be developed. Destiny Concrete plans are made and supporting resources put in place for enacting the chosen preferences in the service of amplifying the positive core and making the clients dreams a reality. Notice how these phases, in many ways, mimic the evolutionary process. That which is working best in a system is selected for and then those successful elements of the system become the raw material for its next stages of development. Thus, I like to consider Apprecative Inquiry a process for facilitating and accelerating evolutionary processes. Appreciative Inquiry has now been used to aid optimization in many large companies such as British Airways and Verizon, in schools such as at UC Berkeley, and even in whole cities such as in the Imagine Chicago project. It has also been adapted for use with families, individuals, and in many other settings. In developing my company, Emergent Associates, we synthesized a number of other tools and methods within a framework deeply based in Appreciative Inquiry to create our unique coaching and consulting process. Though a simple and enjoyable process for clients to experience, Appreciative Inquiry ties into fields as diverse as evolution, chaos theory, Systems Thinking, and other systems sciences. A quote from 3creativeASIN=1576752267creative=373489camp=211189The Power of Appreciative Inquiry: A Practical Guide to Positive Change sums up the mindset of this field well. We are not saying to deny or ignore problems. What we are saying is that if you want to transform a situation, a relationship, an organization, or community, focusing on strengths is much more effective than focusing on problems. www.systemsthinker.com/interests/appreciativeinquiry/    APPRECIATIVE APPROACH The Challenge The underlying belief of todays paradigm is that there is one best way to do things; one perfect way for an organization to be formed; one preferred way for employees to perform; one acceptable way for people to behave. We have been trained and educated from an early age to look for things in our human organizations that are not the best, perfect or preferred so that we can to fix them. We are a world of problem solvers. Our basic assumption of problem solving seems to be that organizations are problems to be solved. The process traditionally involves: (1) identifying the key problems; (2) analyzing the causes; (3) locating logical solutions; and, (4) developing an action plan. The result, change happens through a linear process that assumes we can repair human beings and organizations much as we might repair our car or computer. If we fix the problems, the organization will succeed. While this problem solving mentality has dominated business for years and led to some success, we are starting to see the limitations of this approach. The problem-solving approach directs attention to the worst of what is, constantly examining what is wrong with the organization. This continuous focus can have some very limiting and unintended consequences: We assume that because we know the problem, we must know the solution. No innovation. The organization creates no visions/images of the future. Breakthrough changes happens slowly, if at all, because we put attention on yesterdays causes. Visionless voice leading to organizational fatigue. Not another problem to deal with! Weakened fabric of relationships, defensiveness blameà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦the creation of a negative culture. However, recent advances in the sciences and other related fields of study are causing a shift in how we understand the world. This new research and experience is leading us to an entirely new way of thinking about our organizations and how we improve them. There is a BETTER way! A Positive Change Model The fact is that our organizations are not predictable machines, but rather human constructions that are molded and changed by the images that human beings have of them. If we think that our organization is dysfunctional, unhealthy, and a bad place to work, most of what we see will be the behaviors, attitudes, and values that prove us right. If, on the other hand, we look for those things in our organizations that are healthy, creative, and supportive, we will begin to see an entirely different organization. We actually have a choice on what we focus on and Appreciative Inquiry (AI) is a method that can help us see the true potential or our organization. In contrast to the problem solving approach, the underlying assumption of Appreciative Inquiry is that organizations are solutions to be embraced. AI Definition To appreciate means to value to understand those things that are worth valuing. To inquire means to study, to ask questions, to search. AI is, therefore, a capacity building approach that selectively seeks to locate, highlight, and illuminate the life-giving forces within an organization or community. AI seeks out the best of what is to help ignite the collective imagination of what might be.   The aim is to generate new knowledge that expands the realm of the possible and helps people envision a collectively desired future and to carry forth that vision in ways which successfully translates images of possibility into reality, and belief into practice. AI is not a methodology. It is a philosophy, an orientation to change, and a way of seeing and being in the world!   AI 4-D Model Tirawa Consulting uses a change process, called the 4-D Model (see below), that: (1) Discovers what gives life to an organization; what is happening when the organization is at its best; (2) Dreams about what might be; what the world is calling the organization to be; (3) Designs ways to create the ideal as articulated by the whole organization; and, (4) Delivers through an on-going and iterative processes. This is not a static solution but rather a dynamic process of continuous change. The 4-D Model has been used successfully in multiple cultures, in all sizes of organizations, working in every sector of relief and development, at every level of the organization. The 4-D Model has also produced tremendous results in the governmental and business sectors as well.   Tirawa Consulting can help integrate AI into your strategic change agenda and work with you to design a solution that will involve your people, identify your strengths, and chart a course for unbelievable transformation! Here are just a few examples of how AI can be used to drive your organization to higher levels of performance: Culture transformation Vision building Team building development Feedback performance management Organization redesign Partnership creation / relationship building Strategic Many other applications