Education Reform in China :: Schooling Teaching Essays

Education Reform in China In order to realize the Four Modernization of Industry, Agriculture, Science and Technology, and National Defense Modernization, China began its economic system reform in 1978. The reform was referred to as marketization, commodification, and socialization. From then on, the market-oriented system has been gradually established to replace the planned economic system, which was adopted for several decades (Information China, 1989: 468), and â€Å"the economy has grown at an astonishing annual rate of nearly 10%† (Lin, 1997: 66). Following the success of the economic system reform, Chinese education system is being changed. Historically, â€Å"the Chinese always put strong emphasis education†(Lin, 1997, 69). For a long period, after the founding of the People’s Republic of China, to promote the idea of â€Å"serving the people† and to fulfill the goal of â€Å"the education must serve proletariat politics,† indicated by Mao Zedong, the Chinese government mainly relied on policies and administrative decrees to guide and administer educational activities (Wei, 1995:12). For example, â€Å"the basic task for Chineae higher education to implement the state’s educational guidelines and produce specialized manpower of various kinds in a planned way so as to satisfy the needs of socialist construction† (Information China, 1989: 954). Based on the public ownership, all schools were public schools. The government provided educational funds, including higher education. In addition, the government obligated mandatory-assigned jobs system (Zhou, 1995:15). This education system was suited to the highly centralized planned economic system, but was divorced from economic development. Because of the high speeding of economic development, the Chinese industry impacted on the Chinese education system. Pushed by the economic reform, the Chinese education system started its reform in the mid-1980s. The relaxation of government’s control and the change of the goal in education The reform of the Chinese economy changed the planned-economy perceptions first. The concepts of social planning from planned economic system which was based on the public ownership was replaced by the ideas of the market-oriented economic system. New value ideas were accepted. The â€Å"new value stressed personal interests, material incentives, differential rewards, economic efficiency, marked distribution, and competition†(Mok,1997: 262). So the government changed its function from controlling public activities to providing comprehensive service.

Ethics and Compliance Paper Essay

The company’s project-oriented approach improved teamwork and leveled the playing field; team culture and corporate culture have been promoted; an innovative spirit has been instilled; and international integration has been improved. In terms of the market results, Lenovo’s adaptation of project management has improved the ompany’s core competitiveness with improved delivery and customer satisfaction. In turn, distinctive performance was delivered: In 2006, the company had a market share of seven percent in the global PC market, led only by Dell and HP. Its total turnover was USD 14. 6 billion, a rise of 10 percent over the previous year. Ethics and Compliance Paper BY bc64762 Walmart is one of many companies who report its filing with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The purpose for writing about Walmart’s Ethics and Compliance paper is to inform the reader about Walmart’s important compliance processes. SEC filings, analysis of financial statements, requirement for certification and legal proceedings will be explained throughout further reading. Procedures for Ethical Behavior Walmart has an official statement of ethics which is meant to be applied to not only the associates and directors employed by the organization but also third parties. These third parties include suppliers, consultants, public relations firms, contractors and all other third party companies who conduct business with Walmart in any fashion. Due to the fact that Walmart does conduct business in several countries the tatement of ethics may be modified to coincide with the laws and customs of each country. To conform to the statement of ethics written out by Walmart, associates expect to follow the laws written by their city, state, and country at all times. These employees are also responsible for not only reading the Guiding Principles but also understanding and using those principles every-day. Employees do not expect to memorize these policies; however they are expected to learn those that apply directly to their Jobs. If an employee has a question or concern they should not be afraid to sk help from a manager or report any inappropriate conduct. If there was anything to happen and an investigation would take place with Walmart employees, the employees are expected to cooperate with and ensure the investigation remain private and come up front with any news that any employee’s may have. Along with these requirements of employees, Walmart has additional responsibilities for managers to ensure the ethical behavior is conducted. If an ethical issue is brought to a manager’s attention, it is their Job to report this to the Global Ethics Office at the Walmart Corporation. Managers are also expected to meet with their employees as a group to review the Guiding principles and answer any questions that may arise. Managers encourage always putting ethics first in the event that an ethical issue is in conflict of business objectives. It is the manager’s duty to lead by example, and ensure that Just because one ethical mistake is made that this does not continue within their department. Open communication between managers and employees is a must and no issue should ever be put aside regardless of the magnitude. Along with these responsibilities and requirements, discipline is handed own for those in violation. Actions are taken up to and including termination for violation of the organizations ethics policy. SEC Compliance Processes The most important process that Walmart uses to comply with SEC is to make SEC filings in accordance to the law. A sample of these filings can be examined at: http:// finance. yahoo. com/q/sec? s=WMT. This page gives a li st of 8K and IOQ filings made by Walmart with SEC. Also of utmost importance, the finance department at Walmart prepares the financial information and statements required by the SEC like the Income Statement, Balance Sheet and Cash Flow Statements. The company is then financial statements, more disclosures, controls and procedures and other information as required under part B. It is also necessary to provide Other Information relating to the company. The most important process of compliance that appears in the report is the signature certifying that the report is in compliance with Section 13(a) or 1 5(d) of the SEC Act of 1934. The act of signing makes the President and Chief Executive Officer responsible for the information contained in the reports. The requirement for certification makes it important for the CEO and the CFO to nsure that the information contained in the report is correct. Other organization processes are somewhat mechanical. For instance, the legal proceedings, including those against the company need to be listed. The legal department will provide a comprehensive list of the legal proceedings. Three officers, the President and the CEO, the Executive Vice-President and CFO as well as the Senior Vice Preside nt law suits filed against Walmart and the disclosures in the court contains information about the internal proceedings of Walmart. The following web sites offer one the opportunity to examine Walmart’s compliance with SEC requirements: http:// walmartstores. com/lnvestors/SECFilings. aspx or http://www. wakeupwalmart. com/ press/article. tml? article=784. Apart from this, the SEC is responsible for the enforcement of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, the Investment Advisers Act of 1940, the Investment Company Act of 1940, Trust Indenture Act of 1939 and the Securities Act of 1933. In consideration of the Sarbanes Oxley Act, the CPA auditor of Walmart is required to comment on the internal control of the company. The auditor of Walmart, Ernst ; Young carries out the requisite examination of the internal control at Walmart and makes comments about the internal control at Walmart. Walmart’s Financial Performance over the Last Two Years Financial ratios are used to identify the strengths and weaknesses of a company. The current ratio, debt ratio, return on equity ratio, and days receivable ratio will be used to identify Wal-Mart’s financial health. The ratios used will be for 2008 and 2009 to obtain a brief look at the company’s financial health. The first ratio is the current ratio. The current ratio tests for a company’s liquidity (Keown, Martin, Petty, ; Scott, Jr. , 2005). The simplest and most basic test for a company’s relative liquidity is the current test, which divides the company’s current assets by its current liabilities. In 2008, Walmart’s current assets were $48,020 million and the current liabilities were $58,478 million for a ratio of 0. 8. In 2009, Walmart’s current assets were $48,949 million and current liabilities were $55,390 million for a ratio of 0. 9. The ratios indicate that the Walmart’s financial health was slightly better in 2009 than it was in 2008. Because a company’s assets may be financed by debt or equity it is important to consider a company’s debt ratio. The debt ratio shows relatively how well a company manages its assets or rather how much of its assets are in the form of debt (Keown,

Language and Communication Needs Essay

You are one of the support workers for a ten year old child who has learning disabilities and needs support at school. The child has language and communication needs. Describe the methods and strategies you might use to enable him to communicate with you. How to use specific methods of communication? Some children need particular help in order to communicate and interact. Speech alone may be difficult for them and they may require special methods of communication. There are several of these and usually advice will be given by a speech therapist in consultation with parents as to which one to use and how to use it. Over the past few years, the range of methods has increased and technology is increasingly being used. Voice simulation has, for example, meant that children can press a picture or type in a computer or handheld device and have ‘their voices’ heard. In the same way, for children who find in hard to write, voice recognition can put their words into writing. Below are some examples of the methods that might be used. – Visual systems Some children need visual cues in order to make sense of language. If the child you are working with uses a system of visual communication, you will need to spend time learning how to use it quickly and fluently. – Picture representations Some children benefit from using pictures to supplement communication. You may show a child a picture of an apron and at the same time say the word so that the child knows that they need to get their apron. – Picture exchange system This system, based on pictures, not only helps children to understand the meaning of words but also help them to learn about the way in which communication is a shared and a two-way process. The child takes and receives pictures and so learns how to interact. – Sign representations Some children’s cognitive development is the reason why they find it hard to talk and communicate. At first, babies learn about language through seeing the object that the adult is talking about at the same time as hearing the word. For example, an adult may point to a cat and say ‘cat’. The child than remembers the word and so eventually does not need the cat to be around to know what the word means. For some children, sounds alone are not enough and they need to have their language supported by signs. A common sigh system is Makaton. It helps children link the word to an action or object and so is easier for them to understand. Makaton is not a language in itself but a tool to help language. It is important not to confuse Makaton with British sigh language, which is not used for the same purpose. – British sign language British sign language is an alternative form of communication. It is a complete language and is used instead of speech. Users if sign language do not have learning difficulties. Most users have significant hearing loss and so need a different way of communicating. Music can be an incredibly effective therapeutic and educational medium for young children and individuals with special needs. Singing can stimulate growth in many areas of a child’s development and in several areas simultaneously. By singing with children, we may help stimulate language and communication skills, encourage interaction, assist in learning academic concepts, encourage self expression, increase self esteem, help him relax, and help establish routines. How to remove barriers in communication: A child might not be able to hear instructions or what other children are saying – Write down instructions or show pictures to help children understand what is happening. – Encourage other children to face the child so that it is easier for them to hear. – Use pictures or signs to help children to communicate with each other. – Plan games in which action is more important than hearing or talk. Useful strategies Try to: †¢ speak in clear, short, simple sentences †¢ simplify instructions †¢ support speech with visual prompts, signs or gestures †¢ use pictures/symbols to aid understanding †¢ ensure prompt referral to a speech and language therapist, or the provision of specialist speech and language intervention within the educational setting †¢ encourage regular, constant reinforcement of skills introduced at speech and language sessions. Strategies for or those with language impairment/delay It helps to: †¢ use simple sentences and instructions, reinforcing key words †¢ ask a child to tell you in their own words what they have been asked to do †¢ reinforce learning by repeating answers (from the child or others) †¢ encourage ‘good listening’ †¢ encouraging the child to (learn to) read †¢ use visual timetables/prompts gestures, signing eg Makaton or written instructions to reinforce the spoken word provide visual clues, don’t just talk about a cylinder, let them see it, feel it, play with it, find different cylinders †¢ teach word association skills †¢ teach the nuances of language, meanings of jokes, idioms, body language, facial expressions etc †¢ make use of books, role play, drama, singing, social stories to explain social situations and develop social skills and understanding †¢ play games that encourage listening and/or social skills †¢ plan the careful use of computers and ICT to facilitate learning. Types of disorders Speech disorders Speech disorders involve difficulties producing speech sounds or problems with voice quality. They might be characterised by an interruption in the flow or rhythm of speech, such as stuttering (which is called dysfluency). Speech disorders include problems with articulation (the way sounds are formed), or phonological disorders, or difficulties with the pitch, volume or quality of the voice. There may be a combination of several problems. Experiencing difficulty with some speech sounds may be a symptom of a delay, or of a hearing impairment. It can be difficult to understand what someone with a speech disorder is trying to say. Language disorders Language disorder is an impairment in the ability to understand and/or use words in context, both verbally and non-verbally. Characteristics of language disorders include improper use of words and their meanings, problems with sentence structure, inappropriate grammatical patterns, reduced vocabulary and inability to express ideas, or follow directions. One or a combination of these may occur in children who are affected by language-learning disabilities (such as dyslexia) or developmental language delay. Children may hear or see a word, but not be able to understand its meaning. Often, being unable to communicate frustrates them. The effects of language difficulties vary from mild and transient, perhaps requiring some short-term specialist intervention, to severe and long-term, requiring continual specialist input. Some children have specific language problems others have additional difficulties such as hearing impairments.

Organisation leadership Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Organisation leadership - Case Study Example 207). Traditionally, ineffective leadership has been considered as the absence of leadership, while research on leadership’s destructive aspects indicates that destructive leadership comprises a host of behaviors which is more than simply the absence of leadership (Ashforth, 1994). An example of destructive leadership in the workplace is the bullying offered to the employees by the leader or manager. Since they have the power and the decision making authority, seniors tend to inflict this power over the subordinates in an attempt to direct their actions. Bullying has a negative effect on the psychology of the employees and affects the organizational culture adversely. Other examples of destructive leadership behavior at the workplace include theft, corruption at the top level, and sabotage. The processes of socialization and assimilation administered by transformational leadership may, in effect, prove destructive. Some of the most unethical leaders with destructive behaviors in the history have been charismatic leaders, that have used their charisma for negative purposes rather than positive purposes (Luthans, Peterson, and Ibraveva, 1998; Padilla et al., 2007). A potential example of such charismatic leaders seen in the history is Hitler who although was very effective as a leader, yet made â€Å"a prime example of destructive leadership† (Padilla et al., 2007, p. 179). One of the values of Inquiro is to â€Å"focus on the user and all else will follow†. This means that Inquiro works according to the needs of the users and can go to any length to address those needs. Users’ needs may not always be ethical. Users may require information access to which, they are legally denied. For the same reason, Inquiro developed a stormy relationship with China. In its attempt to address the needs of the users, the company did not fully comply with the media censorship policies of China. Inquiro should have its own standards that should be consi dered the most important. According to Padilla et al. (2007, p. 179), dysfunctional leader behaviors interact with the susceptible followers in the contributing environment’s context to yield negative organizational results so that the followers are unable to resist and must consent to the destructive leader. In such a case, the destructive leader does not pay attention to the environmental context or the roles of the followers. As a result of this, an organizational petri dish is created in which unethical and destructive behavior is perpetuated in people who otherwise behave ethically. Inquiro should not require its employees to address those needs of the users that are not consistent with its established standards. Inquiro’s leadership is manipulative when it comes to paying the taxes. For the same reason, Inquiro was subjected to parliamentary scrutiny in the year 2012 because of its tax affairs. In the year 2011, the tax bill of Inquiro’s corporate was no m ore than 3.5 million pounds in spite of the fact that the company made a turnover of 396 million pounds. Inquiro manages to pay lesser tax by

Nutrition and kids Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Nutrition and kids - Essay Example It is relevant to admit that obesity epidemic in USA grows rapidly. The statistic data shows that in the 1970s only 5-7 % of children have been obese (Johnson, n.p.). Whereas the evidences from 2012 year demonstrates that 17 % of U.S. children are considered to have serious problems with weight (Johnson, n.p.). Such situation state the idea that question under consideration becomes even more important and represents higher rates in present-day society. The process of determining obesity in children can be rather difficult as kids grow with different rates and in various periods of time (Smith and Robinson, n.p.). In such a case body mass index (BMI) may perform an important role (Smith and Robinson, n.p.). The matter is that this indicator shows the amount of fat in the child’s body. Still, body mass index can be regarded as inappropriate as the process of growth is unstable and variable (Smith and Robinson, n.p.). In such a situation the consultation with health care provider is remained to be relevant. The question of obesity causes is considered to be highly relevant concerning this problem. The obesity rates grow with the development of society, the environment and surrounding is changed (Johnson, n.p.). As a result the nutrition changes are also become relevant. People are used to eat in a fast food restaurant where a huge amount of junk food can be found. Parents usually are busy and not always able to keep up what their children eat (Smith and Robinson, n.p.). Children with low self-esteem or some medical illness are also prone to obesity in children (AACAP, n.p.). In addition, the lack of exercises are one of the important factors that cause obesity (AACAP, n.p.). Those children who do not go in for sports can easily become overweight. It is relevant to mention that the question of genes in the dimension of child’s obesity is contradictory. On one hand, kind with overweight parents are more disposed to experience obesity (AACAP, n.p.). On the

Discrimination of African Americans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Discrimination of African Americans - Essay Example Malcolm X, who was shot down for his activities and involment against inequality and racism existing in the country. The period of 1955-1968 saw the emergence of the civil rights movements aimed at outlawing racial discrimination against the African Americans and giving them back their right to vote. The emergence of the Black power movement, which lasted from 1966 to 1975? supported the civil rights movement to expand their aims as well as protect racial dignity and freedom from oppression by the whites. In the year 1965? the Voting Rights Act was passed, and it was considered to be the most successful period of civil rights legislation ever adopted by the United States congress. This action of the congress was greatly appreciated and supported by almost all African Americans in many southern parts. All these acts and legislations passed that were passed? during that time? facilitated the eradicaton of ongoing obstructions faced by the African Americans against their right to vote. The situation and condition of the working class in the United States improved immediately? once the country got involved in the World War II. The nation saw a drastic increase in the employment rate from its 1940 levels. Employers were desperate to fill positions required in the production of military equipments, vehicles, weapons and ammunition. The vacancies were open to traditional workforce, women as well as the non-whites who had long been excluded from skilled and high paying industries. The emergence of the Black Panther Party (BPP) saw a dramatic change in the political scenario in the United States during the period. It was a progressive political party that stood for the rights of the working class people in America since the civil war. The BPP was... Rgis paper stresses that there are places where racism exists between the whites and the African Americans. But the situation was much worse during a few decades back. The African Americans had no rights and were totally supressed and oppressed under the power of the whites. Let us take a look at the America as it was after the 1950s. At the beginning of the 1960s, the Americans believed that they were about to witness the golden age or, in other words, the era of golden age was about to begin. On Jan 20, 1961, John.F.Kennedy was elected as The President of the United States. But the golden age was never materialised and the end of the 1960s seemed to be the downfall of the nation. During his presidential campaign, John.F.Kennedy had introduced laws and reforms to eliminate injustice and racism in the country. But these laws did not bring with them solutions to any of the problems faced by African Americans in US. This paper makes a conclusion that it becomes evident that it was because of the joint efforts of a lot of leaders, especially African American ones, that they could restore equal treatment and rights just like the white people had. A lot of processions and demonstrations finally paved way to the world in general to realize the fact that there is no point in racial discrimination, or any kind of discrimination for that matter. People all over the world, especially America opened their eyes to the reality that all human beings are the same despite what his race, religion, caste, ethnicity or nationality may be.

The Use Of Recycled Plastics As Structural Elements In Construction Essay

The Use Of Recycled Plastics As Structural Elements In Construction - Essay Example First the lumber is stated to be molded in one specified size and UV additives are utilized for prevention against deterioration due to UV light exposure. Structural plastic lumber does not experience such as rotting, cracking, splintering or splitting for at least fifty years and is additionally reported to be of the nature that resists such as termites, salt spray, fungus and marine borers. Formation of the plastic and fiberglass mixture involves heating and continuous extrusion and then the substance is formed into the shape that is needed followed by cooling and cutting. An outer layer that is high-density and solid results from the continuous extrusion process and produces as well a cellular inner core that is less dense and which is wanted and needed for adding to the strength and weight of the material. (American Recycled Plastic, Inc, 2006, paraphrased) It was reported by BBC News that a company is building homes made from 18 tonnes of recycled waste plastic. Specifically, Affresol of Swansea is reported to have developed a technology that is useful in building houses that are low carbon from plastics and minerals. It is reported that that Welsh Assembly Government money is backing the firm which has â€Å"launched a range of eco-friendly homes and four-tonne modular portable buildings.† (BBC News, ) The new sustainable process is reported to have great potential for the construction industry and most specifically for promoting ‘green jobs’. A new material has been developed that has been called ‘Thermo-Poly Rock (TPR) which is made from plastics and minerals that have been recycled for the specific use as a structural building product. It is reported that the TPR panels are bolted together to produce the â€Å"load bearing frame of the house which can be externally clad with brick, block or stone, with the interior insulated and plastered as any other house.† (BBC News, 2010) The roof was