The Lost Tools of Learning

Response to The Lost Tools of Learning Sayers believed the main problem with modern education is that children aren’t being taught to think. She believed that public education does not teach students how to understand relationships between subjects, nor does the public system teach students how to make sense of the information they learned. She was frustrated that adults cannot properly debate a question, write a lucid article in the newspaper or think for themselves when it comes to evaluating propaganda or advertising. Sayers was disheartened that students are learning everything except the art of learning itself.Her argument against our current education system reminds me of the saying, â€Å"Give a man a fish and he eats for a day. Teach a man to fish and he eats for life. † Instead of just teaching subjects we should be teaching thinking, arguing and how to express conclusions. If we teach students with a different approach which focuses on the art of how to learn something new and how to make connections among the subjects we learn, then we will be educated on a deeper level – not just having knowledge, but understanding and wisdom as well.The Trivium is Sayers answer to our problems with the current education system. The Trivium consist of three parts: Grammar, Dialectic and Rhetoric. These are not subjects studied individually, but methods of studying subjects. Grammar is the first part which involves learning the language and structure of a subject. Specifically, Sayers believed the Grammar stage should include observation and memorization of key concepts in Latin, Literature, History, Geography, Science and Math.For example, the grammar of History should include dates, events, anecdotes and personalities. Dialectic, or Logic is the next stage where a student learns how to use this language through analysis of the subjects. In this stage a student takes the knowledge from the grammar stage and begins to build a deeper understanding by reasoning and analyzing what he’s learned. Rhetoric is the third stage which involves being able to critique the subject – to speak and write intelligently and defend opinions and ideas about a certain topic or subject.In this stage students will put the things memorized from the Grammar stage into new context and the concepts they analyzed in the Dialectic stage will be synthesized with new insight and perspective. A student in the Rhetoric stage will be able to articulate his thoughts and opinions of a concept. Through the Trivium students are able to learn independently, analyze logically, think critically and communicate clearly. Each stage is a building block towards a deeper level of understanding. Integration of subjects is a key difference between classical education and instruction from the public education system.In the public education system, students are taught subjects in isolation. As they get older they are encouraged to specialize in one subject. B y learning through the stages of the Trivium, students are able to understand that subjects aren’t isolated, but that everything is interrelated. As they progress through the stages of the Trivium, they learn how to make connections among subjects and put things they have learned into context together. Integration of subjects also makes new learning easier. Students who have learned how to learn can easily master a new subject.

Night World : Witchlight Chapter 12

They were all on their feet by now. Keller's early warning system was screaming hysterically. â€Å"I can't stand it anymore,† Diana hissed. â€Å"What's going on?† Just then, Nissa said in a quenched voice, â€Å"All right, we will. Yes. â€Å"Bye.† She carefully replaced the handset. Then she turned very slowly to face the others. Or not to face them exactly. She was looking down at the floor in an unfocused way that scared Keller to death. â€Å"Well, what is it?† Keller growled. Nissa opened her mouth and raised her eyes to look at Winnie. Then she looked down again. â€Å"I'm sorry,† she said. â€Å"Winnie, I don't know how to say this.† She swallowed and then straightened, speaking formally. â€Å"The Crone of all the Witches is dead.† Winnie's eyes went huge, and her hands flew to her throat. â€Å"Grandma Harman!† â€Å"Yes.† â€Å"But how?† Nissa spoke carefully. â€Å"It happened yesterday in Las Vegas. She was outside her shop, right there on a city street, in broad daylight. She was attacked†¦ by three shapeshifters.† Keller stood and listened to her pounding heart. Winnie breathed, â€Å"No. That's not possible.† â€Å"A couple of wolves and a tiger. A real tiger, Keller, not any smaller cat. There were human witnesses who saw it. It's being reported as some bizarre escape from a private zoo.† Keller stood rigid. Control, control, she thought. We don't have time for grieving; we've got to figure out what this means. But she couldn't help thinking about Grandma Harman's good old face. Not a beautiful face, not a young face, but a good one, with intelligence and humor in the keen gray eyes. A face with a thousand wrinkles-and a story to go with each one. How would Circle Daybreak ever get along without her? The oldest witch in the world, the oldest Hearth-Woman. Winnie put both hands to her face and began to cry. The others stood silently. Keller didn't know what to do. She was so bad at these emotional things, but nobody else was stepping forward. Nissa was even less good at dealing with emotion, and right now her cool face was sympathetic and sad but distant. Iliana looked on the verge of tears herself, but uncertain. Galen was staring emptily across the room with something like despair. Keller awkwardly put an arm around Winnie. â€Å"Come on, sit down. Do you want some tea? She wouldn't like you to cry.† All pretty stupid things to say. But Winnie buried her strawberry-blond head against Keller's chest, sobbing. â€Å"Why? Why did they kill her? It isn't right.† Nissa shifted uneasily. â€Å"Paulie said something about that, too. He said we should turn on CNN.† Keller set her teeth. â€Å"Where's the remote?† she said, trying not to sound rough. Iliana picked it up and punched in a channel. An anchorwoman was speaking, but for a second Keller couldn't take in what she was saying. All she could see were the words on the screen: â€Å"CNN SPECIAL REPORT: ANIMAL PANIC.† And the footage, rough video from somebody's camcorder. It showed an unbelievable scene. An ordinary city street, with skyscrapers in the background-and in the foreground ordinary-looking people all mixed up with†¦ shapes. Tawny shapes. About the same size she was in panther form, and sinuous. They were on top of people. Four of them†¦ no, five. Mountain lions. They were killing the humans. A woman was screaming, flailing at an animal that had her arm in its mouth to the elbow. A man was trying to pull another lion off a little boy. Then something with a white-tipped muzzle ran directly at the camera. It jumped. There was a gasping scream and for an instant a glimpse of a wide-open mouth filled with two-inch teeth. Then the video turned to static. â€Å"-that was the scene at the La Brea tar pits in Los Angeles today. We now go to Ron Hennessy, live outside the Los Angeles Chamber of Commerce†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Keller stood frozen, her fists clenched in helpless fury. â€Å"It's happening everywhere,† Nissa said quietly from behind her. â€Å"That's what Paulie said. Every major city in the U.S. is being attacked. A white rhino killed two people in Miami. In Chicago, a pack of timber wolves killed an armed police officer.† â€Å"Shapeshifters,† Keller whispered. â€Å"Yes. Killing humans openly. They may even be transforming openly. Paulie said that some people claimed to see those Chicago wolves change. She took a deep breath and spoke slowly. â€Å"Keller, the time of chaos at the end of the millennium†¦ it's happening now. They can't cover this up with a â€Å"private zoo† story. This is it-the beginning of the time when humans find out about the Night World.† Diana looked bewildered. â€Å"But why would shapeshifters start attacking humans? And why would they kill Grandma Harman?† Keller shook her head. She was rapidly approaching numbness. She glanced at Galen and saw that he felt exactly the same. Then there was a choked sound beside her. â€Å"That's the question-why,† Winnie said in a thick voice. Usually, with her elfin features and mop of curls, she looked younger than her age. But right now, the skin on her face was drawn tight, and her birdlike bones made her look almost like an old woman. She turned on Keller and Galen, and her eyes were burning. â€Å"Not just why they're doing it, why they're being allowed to do it. Where's the First House while all this is going on? Why aren't they monitoring their own people? Is it because they agree with what's happening?† The last words were snapped out with a vicious-ness that Keller had never heard in Winfrith before. Galen opened his mouth, then he shook his head. â€Å"Winnie, I don't think-â€Å" â€Å"You don't think! You don't know? What are your parents doing? Are you saying you don't know that?† â€Å"Winnie-â€Å" â€Å"They killed our oldest leader. Our wise woman. You know, some people would take that as a declaration of war.† Keller felt stricken and at the same time furious at her own helplessness. She was in charge here; she should be heading Winnie off. But she was a shapeshifter like Galen. And along with the ability to transform and the exquisitely tuned senses, they both shared something unique to their race. The guilt of the shapeshifters. The terrible guilt that went back to the ancient days and was part of the very fabric of Kellers mind. No shapeshifter could forget it or escape it, and nobody who wasn't a shapeshifter could ever understand. The guilt was what held Galen standing there while Winnie yelled at him, and held Keller unable to interrupt. Winnie was right in front of Galen now, her eyes blazing, her body crackling with latent energy like a small but fiery orange comet. â€Å"Who woke that dragon up, anyway?† she demanded. â€Å"How do we know the shapeshifters aren't up to their old tricks? Maybe this time they're going to wipe the witches out completely-â€Å" â€Å"Stop it!† It was Hiana. She planted herself in front of Winnie, small but earnest, a little ice maiden to combat the witch's fire. Her nose was pink and swollen, and she was still wearing those teddy bear slippers, but to Keller she somehow looked valiant and magnificent. â€Å"Stop hurting each other,† she said. â€Å"I don't understand any of this, but I know that you're not going to get anywhere if you fight. And I know you don't want to fight.† All at once, she flung her arms around Winnie. â€Å"I know how you feel-it's so awful. I felt the same way when Grandma Mary died, my mom's mother. All I could think of was that it was just so unfair.† Winfrith hesitated, standing stiffly in Diana's embrace. Then, slowly, she lifted her own arms to hold Iliana back. â€Å"We need her,† she whispered. I know. And you feel mad at the people who killed her. But it's not Galen's fault. Galen would never hurt anybody.† It was said with absolute conviction. Hiana wasn't even looking at Galen. She was stating a fact that she felt was common knowledge. But at the same time, now that she was off her guard, her expression was tender and almost shining. Yes, that's love, all right, Keller thought. And it's good. Very slowly, Winnie said, ‘I know Galen wouldn't. But the shapeshifters–â€Å" â€Å"Maybe,† Galen said, â€Å"we should talk about that† If Winnie's face was pinched, his was set in steel. His eyes were so dark that Keller couldn't distinguish the color. â€Å"Maybe we should talk about the shapeshifters,† he said. He nodded toward the kitchen table, which was still strewn with the parchments. â€Å"About their history and about the dragons.† He looked at Diana. â€Å"If there's any chance of-of a promise ceremony between us, it's stuff you ought to know.† Iliana looked startled. â€Å"He's right,† Nissa said in her calm voice. â€Å"After all, that's what we were doing to start with. It's all tied together.† Keller's whole body was tight. This was something that she very much didn't want to talk about But she refused to give in to her own weakness. With a tremendous effort, she managed to say steadily, â€Å"All right. The whole story.† â€Å"It started back in the days humans were still living in caves,† Galen said when they were all sitting down at the kitchen table again. His voice was so bleak and controlled that it didn't even sound like Galen. â€Å"The shapeshifters ruled then, and they were brutal. In some places, they were just the totem spirits who demanded human sacrifice, but in others†¦Ã¢â‚¬  He searched through the parchments, selected one. â€Å"This is a picture of a breeding pen, with humans in it. They treated humans exactly the way humans treat cattle, breeding them for their hearts and livers. And the more human flesh they ate, the stronger they got.† Iliana looked down at the parchment scrap, and her hand abruptly clenched on a tissue. Winnie listened silently, her pointed face stern. â€Å"They were stronger than anyone,† Galen said. â€Å"Humans were like flies to them. The witches were more trouble, but the dragons could beat them.† Iliana looked up. â€Å"What about the vampires?† â€Å"There weren't any yet,† Galen said quietly. â€Å"The first one was Maya Hearth-Woman, the sister of Hellewise Hearth-Woman. She made herself into a vampire when she was looking for immortality. But the dragons were naturally immortal, and they were the undisputed rulers of the planet. And they had about as much pity for others as a 7. rex has.† â€Å"But all the shapeshifters weren't like that, were they?† Iliana asked. â€Å"There were other kinds besides the dragons, right?† â€Å"They were all bad,† Keller said simply. â€Å"My ancestors–the big felines-were pretty awful. But the bears and the wolves did their share.† â€Å"But you're right, the dragons were the worst,† Galen said to Iliana. â€Å"And that's who my family is descended from. My last name, Drache, means ‘dragon.' Of course, it was the weakest of the dragons that was my ancestor. The one the witches left awake because she was so young.† He turned to Winnie. â€Å"Maybe you'd better tell that part. The witches know their own history best.† Still looking severe, Winnie thumbed through the parchment scraps until she found one. â€Å"Here,† she said. ‘It's a picture of the gathering of the witches. Hecate Witch-Queen organized it. She was Hellewise's mother. She got all the witches together, and they went after the shapeshifters. There was a big fight. A really big fight.† Winnie selected another piece of scroll and pushed it toward Diana. Diana gasped. The parchment piece she was looking down at was almost solid red. â€Å"It's fire,† she said. ‘It looks like-it looks like the whole world's on fire.† Galen's voice was flat. â€Å"That's what the dragons did. Geological records show that volcanoes all over the world erupted around then. The dragons did that. I don't know how; the magic's lost. But they figured that if they couldn't have the world, nobody else would, either.† â€Å"They tried to destroy the world,† Keller said. â€Å"And the rest of the shapeshifters helped.† ‘It almost worked, too,† Winnie said. â€Å"But the gathering of witches managed to win, and they buried all the dragons alive. I mean, they put them to sleep first, but then they buried them in the deepest places of the earth.† She bit her lip and looked at Galen. â€Å"Which probably wasn't very nice, either.† â€Å"What else could they do?† Galen said quietly. â€Å"They left the dragon princess alive-she was only three or four years old. They let her grow up, under their guidance. But the world was a scorched and barren place for a long time. And the shapeshifters have always been†¦ the lowest of all the Night People.† â€Å"That's true,† Nissa put in, her voice neither approving nor disapproving, simply making an observation. â€Å"Most Night People consider shapeshifters second-class citizens. They try to keep them down. I think, underneath, that they're still afraid of them.† â€Å"And there's never been an alliance between the shapeshifters and the witches,† Keller said. She looked directly at Diana. â€Å"That's why the promise ceremony is so important. If the shapeshifters don't side with the witches, they're going to go with the vampires-â€Å" She stopped abruptly and looked at Galen. He nodded. â€Å"I was thinking the same thing.† â€Å"Those animal attacks,† Keller said slowly. ‘It sounds as if the shapeshifters are already making their decision. They're helping to bring about the time of chaos at the end of the millennium. They're letting the whole world know that they're siding with the vampires.† There was a shocked silence. â€Å"But how can they decide?† Winnie began. â€Å"That's just it,† Nissa said. â€Å"The question is, is it just the ordinary shapeshifters who're doing it, or is it official? In other words, has the First House already decided?† Everyone looked at Galen. â€Å"I don't think so,† he said. â€Å"I don't think they'll make any decision yet, at least not in public. As for what they're doing in private, I don't know.† His voice was still flat; it made no excuses. He looked around the table, facing all of them. â€Å"My parents are warriors. They don't belong to Circle Daybreak, and they don't like the witches. But they don't like the vampires, either. More than anything, they'll want to be on whichever side is going to win. And that depends on which side gets the Wild Powers.† â€Å"I think they want something else,† Keller said. â€Å"like?† They want to know that the witches are treating them fairly and not just trying to use them. I mean, if they thought that Circle Daybreak had found the Witch Child but wasn't going to promise her to their heir, well, they wouldn't be happy. It's not just a matter of having a kinship bond with the witches. It's a matter of feeling they're being treated as equals.† Nissa's light brown eyes narrowed, and she seemed almost to smile. â€Å"I think you've summed it up very well.† â€Å"So what it all comes down to,† Keller said pointedly, â€Å"is what happens on Saturday night. If there's a promise ceremony, it means the witches have found the Wild Power and that they're willing to tie her to the shapeshifters. If not†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She let the sentence trail off and looked at Hiana. There, she thought. I've put it so plainly and simply, you can't deny it now. And you can't help but see what's at stake. Diana's eyes were like faraway violet storm clouds. Keller couldn't tell what she was thinking. Maybe that the situation couldn't be denied but that she herself wasn't involved. Winnie took a deep breath. â€Å"Galen.† Her face was still drawn and unhappy, but the burning anger in her eyes was gone. She met Galen's gaze directly. Tm sorry,† she said. â€Å"I shouldn't have said those things before. I know you're on our side. And I'm not like those people who don't trust the shapeshifters.† Galen smiled at her faintly, but his eyes were serious. â€Å"I don't know. Maybe you shouldn't trust us. There are things in our blood-you can't get rid of the dragon completely.† It was strange. At that moment, his eyes looked not only dark but almost red to Keller. Exactly the opposite of their usual golden-green. It was as if a light were smoldering somewhere deep inside them. Then Winnie abruptly extended her hand across the table. â€Å"I know you,† she said. â€Å"And there's nothing bad in your blood. I won't mistrust you again.† Galen hesitated one instant, then reached out with something like gratitude and took her hand. â€Å"Thanks,† he whispered. â€Å"Hey, if I were the Witch Child, I'd promise to you in a minute,† Winnie said. Then she sniffled, but her smile was much more like the old Winnie's smile. Keller glanced at Iliana almost casually and was riveted by what she saw. The girl had changed again. Now she didn't look like a princess or an ice maiden but like a very young soldier about to go into battle. Or maybe a human sacrifice who could save her tribe by jumping into a volcano. Her hair seemed to shine, silvery and pale, and her eyes were deep, deep violet in her small face. Her slight shoulders were back, and her chin was determined. Slowly, staring at something invisible in the center of the table, Iliana stood up. As soon as the motion drew their attention, the others fell quiet. It was obvious to everyone that something important was happening. Iliana stood there, her hands clenched by her sides, her chest rising and falling with her breathing. Then she looked at Galen. Finally, she looked at Keller. Tm not the Witch Child any more than Winnie is. And I think you know that by now. But†¦Ã¢â‚¬  She took a breath, steadied herself. Keller held her own breath. â€Å"But if you want me to pretend to be, I'll do it. I'll go to the promise ceremony with Galen-I mean, if hell do it with me.† She gave a half-embarrassed glance at Galen, looking shy and almost apologetic. â€Å"Will he ever!† Winnie said enthusiastically. Keller could have kissed her. Galen himself didn't rise to the occasion properly at all; instead, he opened his mouth, looking uncertain. Fortunately, Iliana was going on. â€Å"Then I'll go through with it. And maybe that will be enough for the shapeshifters to join with the witches, as long as they don't find out I'm a fake.† She looked unhappy. She was so adamant that for a moment Keller was shaken. Could it be she wasn't the Wild Power? But no. Keller knew she was. She just hasn't awakened her power yet. And if she continued to deny it, she never would. She said, â€Å"Thank you, Iliana. You don't know how much, how many lives you're going to save. Thank you.† Then the excitement got the better of her, and she took Iliana by the arm and gave her a sort of shaking squeeze of affection. â€Å"You're a trooper!† Winnie said, and hugged her hard. â€Å"I knew you'd come through all the time, I really did.† Nissa smiled at her with genuine approval. Galen was smiling, too, although there was something in his eyes†¦ â€Å"There's just one thing,† Iliana said a little bit breathlessly, rubbing her arm where Keller had gripped it. â€Å"Ill do this. I said I would. But I have two conditions.† Keller's excitement deflated. â€Å"Conditions?† â€Å"You can have anything you want,† Winnie said, blinking away happy tears. â€Å"Cars, clothes, books†¦Ã¢â‚¬  â€Å"No, no, I don't want things,† Diana said. â€Å"What I mean is, I'm doing this because I can't just stand around and not do anything when stuff like that is going on.† She shivered. â€Å"I have to do anything I can to help. But. I'm still not the right person. So the first condition is that while I'm pretending to be the Wild Power, you guys have somebody out looking for the real one.† Keller said smoothly, â€Å"I'll tell Circle Daybreak. They'll keep looking and checking other Harmans. They'll do it for as long as you want them to.† They would, too. It was a small price to pay. â€Å"And the other condition?† Keller asked. â€Å"I want to go to Jaime's party on Saturday.† Instant uproar. Even Nissa was talking over people. Keller cut short her own exclamations and gestured for everybody to shut up. Then she looked Diana dead in the eye. ‘It's impossible. And you know it's impossible. Unless you've found a way to be in two places at once.† â€Å"Don't be stupid,† Diana said. That small, determined chin was tight. â€Å"I mean before the promise ceremony thing. I want to go just for an hour or two. Because she's one of my very best friends, and she's gotten attacked twice because of me.† â€Å"So what? You're already making it up to her. You're saving her life and her twin brother's life and her parents' lives-â€Å" â€Å"No, I'm not. I'm faking being a Wild Power when I know it isn't true. I'm acting a lie.† There were tears in Diana's eyes now. â€Å"But I'm not going to hurt Jaime's feelings, and I'm not going to break my promise to her. And that's that. So if you want me to go through with your little charade, I'll do it, but I want to go to the party first.† There was a silence. Well, she's stubborn, I'll give her that, Keller thought. Once she decides on something, she absolutely won't be budged on it. I guess that will be helpful when the Wild Powers fight the darkness someday. But right now, it was simply infuriating. Keller drew a very long breath and said, â€Å"Okay.† Winnie and Nissa looked at her sharply. They hadn't expected her to give in so fast, and they were undoubtedly wondering if their boss had some trick up her sleeve.

Business Process Engineering for Transparent Workflow Weaving

This paper is a scholarly review of the article titled Implicit BPM: A Business Process Platform for Transparent Workflow Weaving. The purpose of this paper is to examine the concept of workflow weaving with regard to integration of business management processes into organization’s applications.   The paper will also look at the relevancy of the conclusion of the article under review, to the business process management, as well as drawing comparisons between the ideas of other articles within the context of the focus topic with ideas advocated by the main article being reviewed.   Integration of the business process or workflow into existing organization’s application can be a costly affair to implement due to the limited interoperability capabilities of the organizations applications. This is occasioned by isolated nature of applications development that is not considerate of integration of business activities into one seamless platform for greater efficiency and performance. The under review therefore, put fort or suggest a concept of reducing the cost of integrating business process or workflow with the existing applications. To look at how this is achieved, we review relevant aspects or framework of the concept that leads to achievement of the set objective of the article. (Mondà ©jar et al., 2014) The article opines that building business systems from scratch is no longer feasible and tenable considering the major business workflow overhaul required in order to implement an entirely new system. The integration process on the other hand requires combination of different innovations and designs that that again requires considerable amount of funds to implement. This assertion is true considering that any business activity implemented by an organization must first by affordable by the organization and secondly will improve the revenue bottom line of the implementing organization. For these reasons, many organizations tend to view business process integration project as a costly affair that may take time before the organization break even on the cost of the project. (Mondà ©jar et al., 2014)   The article suggests a technique that will ease the process of integrating the business process with the organization’s applications. The Aspect oriented programming abbreviated as (AOP) technique suggested is viable option of resolving limitations due to generic nature of the integration process as well as the transparency limitations associated with the process of workflow and organizations integration. To further simplify the process of integration, the articles suggest a black-box approach to implement the Aspect Oriented Programming rather than a clear-box approach. The former approach indeed doesn’t require much detailed knowledge of the code internals of the program. It uses a wrapping technique that focus on simplest form of integration that is cost effective as opposed to detailed integration approach.   The authors of the article postulates that the workflow weaving technique they are proposing enables the integration of the business process in a transparent manner in that the technique does not require fundamental changes in the organizations applications and at the same time it can bring together a myriad of heterogeneous web applications into one platform as an integrated end product. Analyzing the concept it is easy to see that when an integration technique doesn’t require extensive changes, then the process is likely to be cost effective in manner that encourages business or organizations to adapt this technique when aiming to integrate their workflow or business processes. The article uses the example of two sample applications one of The Pet Store which is built on Java EE platform and a generic accounting application that manages the books and clients for an organization. The two applications which have been implemented using Model View Controller, MVC framework are i ntegrated together for seamless processing of the business workflow. (Mondà ©jar et al., 2014) The resultant outcome of the fusing is an innovation that combines purchasing and accounting process in one platform. For example, from the Pet Store MVC application home page the user can search fro an item he or she intends to purchase. If the item is found or located, the same is added to the shopping cart where the client can proceed to checkout.   Once the payment as been confirmed, the accounting application also running on MVC approach is triggered and the book balance for the company is updated accordingly. The accounting application will then adjust stock and register the client. On its home page the accountant can be able to see the updated processes in the system thus making work easier for him or her.   This is an example of how the business process has been integrated into one interrelated platform for seamless running of the organizations activities. (Trkman et al., 2015) In isolated applications say with different purchasing application as well as the accounting ap plication, each business activity would have been handled separately. For example, when the item was searched and purchased by the client or the customer the accountant would have to physically look for the sales report to know which items were sold and the prices. The accountant would then proceed to include or update his system on actual book balance and number of items remaining probably to ensure the same is replenished. This is a tedious process that is simplified by integrated business processes. (Mondà ©jar et al., 2014) The MVC approach utilized by this innovation allows black-box modeling approach that provide for codes injection at strategic points of the web application framework. Although the outcome is a generic model that lacks a distinct brand, it serves the purposes of integrating the organizations workflow. To provide better correspondence between the software i.e. the programs and the designs, the hardware material the innovation used in the example above uses the crosscutting interface. Analysis of this interface reveals a flexible approach that enables the integrated applications to work together while at the same time creating a contract between the intercepted system and the platform. This further make the process of integration easier and simple which can make business sense to organizations aiming to integrate their business processes.   In order to eliminate the need of having Aspect Oriented Program (AOP) expert at the IT department, the article proposed use of Domain Specific Language (DSL) in the integration process that inhibit the inherent complexities associated with AOP approach or technology. With DSL technology the organization will avoid dealing with underlying AOP framework. The use of DSL therefore reduces the amount of resources needed for implementation of this integrated business processes model. The fact that the organizations will have this advantage makes this innovation appealing to the business. (Seethamraju, 2012) The cost associated with employing different experts for the integrated innovation coupled by the benefits it brings to the organization is likely to make business sense to the management of the organizations. (Mondà ©jar et al., 2014) The article has also implemented the business process management approach in order to realize the proposed innovation. The innovation has two separate parts the front –end and the back-end parts which are connected via web mechanism that not only makes the combination flexible but also scalable. With the front-end having interception and reflection components among other features, the innovation is capable of drawing up various relationships such as when a client initiates a search of a particular item the integrated system can be able to provide him or her with other similar items to the one being searched by the client. In effect what this means is that the client will have various options of similar product. (Seethamraju, 2012) This is a striking feature for any business which can make the idea of business process integration a worthwhile venture to invest on when you analyze it from business perspective. The back-end part of the innovation is the support part where the who le innovation gets various interpretations of command, coordination, and repository among other support features. To repository feature of this innovation is another plus for the innovation in businesswise as well as the general functioning of the innovation. This feature allows the innovation to keep memory of the actions or commands in the system for easier retrieval when the same action pattern is repeated. (Mondà ©jar et al., 2014) One important feature of any innovation is the scalability option. With the web standard approach connection between the front-end and back-end that gives this innovation its scalability or extensibility feature, the innovation would be easier to be adopted by a growing organization. Growth and development is part of every organization. It will not be commercially viable to invest in an innovation that will require major changes when the organization expands or grows. At the back of every business decision is the financial benefit an investment has on business either directly or indirectly. This innovation sufficiently answers this question in that apart form streamlining the business process it can be scaled without major financial implications should the implementing organization expand. It worth noting that this is one of the challenges associated with the integration of the business workflow. With this feature it will be easier for the organization to buy into this innovation. (M ondà ©jar et al., 2014)   In its conclusion the article reiterate the importance of integrating business processes with the existing organization application into one system as well as acknowledging the cost implication of the process. This is relevant observation in business process management in that there is no evidence of an existence of business entity that is interested in making loses. The cost implication is always a fundamental question in every business decision and business processes integration is not an exception. The web platform of this innovation which enables it to enjoy various platforms such as cloud computing which comes with web applications platforms will further underline the issue of cost factor in this innovation. Comparing the ideas of this article with ideas of other similar article within the context of the topic under discussion; business processes management, a number of similarities and differences are noted. The book by Radelf Peterson titled â€Å"Using BPEL processes in Web Sphere Business Integration Server Foundation† postulates the same idea as the main article under review in that, they both focus on utilizing web based approaches that enables the innovation utilize the cloud computing. (Petrson, 2004) On the other El-Halwagi in his article have a solution which is not web based. This involves developing a BPM program from the scratch that overhauls the business process and applications. (El-Halwagi, 2006) It is suitable for startups which do not have existing application in place yet. As noted before in this review the cost-benefit analysis is always an important question to any business entity. The solutions with such wholesale changes would the make business case for new entities looking to launch operations for the first time. Systemic process improvement advocated by Mutafelija and Stromberg, is also in tandem with the ideas of the article under review. According to this book business process management should always have capabilities fo r continuous improvement. (Mutafelija and Stromberg, 2003) The web design of the innovation proposed by the main article under review and the fact that it uses black-box approach where only strategic interceptions are made, enable this innovation to be open to continuous improvement and scalability as noted by Mustafelija and Stromberg. (Mondà ©jar et al., 2014) In conclusion, that the use of web designs in this innovation among other features enables it to have desirable capabilities that will make organizations consider integrating their business processes without finding it challenging with the cost of the implementation of the program. The scalability feature of the proposed innovation is also on of the important aspect that breaths live to its implementation.   Al-Mashari, M. (2011). Business process management ? major challenges. Business Process Management Journal, 8(5). El-Halwagi, M. (2006). Process Integration. Burlington: Elsevier. Harmon, P. (2009). Business Process Change. New York: Elsevier. Mahmoodzadeh, E., Jalalinia, S. and Nekui Yazdi, F. (2009). A business process outsourcing framework based on business process management and knowledge management. Business Process Management Journal, 15(6), pp.845-864. Marjanovic, O. and Freeze, R. (2012). Knowledge-Intensive Business Process: Deriving a Sustainable Competitive Advantage through Business Process Management and Knowledge Management Integration. Knowledge and Process Management, 19(4), pp.180-188. Mondà ©jar, R., Garcà ­a-Là ³pez, P., Pairot, C. and Brull, E. (2014). Implicit BPM: A Business Process Platform for Transparent Workflow Weaving. Lecture Notes in Computer Science, pp.168-183. Mutafelija, B. and Stromberg, H. (2003). Systematic process improvement using ISO 9001:2000 and CMMI. Boston: Artech House. Petrson, R. (2004). Using BPEL processes in WebSphere Business Integration Server Foundation. 1st ed. [Place of publication not identified]: IBM, International Technical Support Organization, pp.7-23. Seethamraju, R. (2012). Business process management: a missing link in business education. Business Process Management Journal, 18(3), pp.532-547. Trkman, P., Mertens, W., Viaene, S. and Gemmel, P. (2015). From business process management to customer process management. Business Process Management Journal, 21(2), pp.250-266. Wysocki, R. (2004). Project management process improvement. Boston: Artech House.

Assessment of Creativity Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Assessment of Creativity - Essay Example This kind of research is done in controlled conditions, where there are some certain kinds of instructions given are the same (Kaufman & et al. 2004). There are many kinds of tasks given to test creativity. These include mathematical problems, puzzles, poem writing and story writing. The disadvantage with this kind of test is that it cannot be done to already existing innovations. It only exists in a controlled environment. It is very disadvantageous as creativity cannot be limited to a vacuum (Kaufman & et al. 2004). The Mathematical Creativity Problem Solving Ability Test is a test developed to identify those who are mathematically gifted (Kim & Ahn 2003). The ability to provide new solutions using already existing knowledge of concepts involves thinking methods and principles. There are four stages involved in creative math problem solving. This includes identification of the problem, the formation of a plan to solve the problem, execution of the plan and analysis of how well the problem was solved (Kim & Ahn 2003). The test consists of two parts. The first part is open-ended, where there are various accepted answers. The second part is closed and there is only one correct answer. This type of test beneficial does not completely limit the thinking of an individual. A mathematics creativity test should provide both convergent and divergent thinking. It should not completely limit one to a wrong or right answer. There should also be factors that promote the formation of creativity. An environment where all the factors favorable for habit formation are favorable, various other tasks should be integrated into the test not only the ability to provide the answer. Things such as an understanding of the problem and articulation of the solution should be

Personal Development Plan Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Personal Development Plan - Essay Example By becoming responsible, one develops leadership qualities and is capable of making decisions according to requirements. Time management skills allow the individual to conduct multi-tasking and reap high benefits from conducting tasks in minimum time (Stephenson and Weil, 1992). The graphs depicted in MS Excel will allow the overall scenario to be analyzed in a consistent manner. The stated goals will be achieved by developing a proper plan and accordingly by setting objectives for achieving the goal. The timeline needs to be designed and by maintaining log entries the path towards achieving the goals can be accomplished (Megginson and Whitaker, 2003). The resources that may be required for achieving the goals are reading books about leadership and learning how to become responsible, attaining seminars and workshops for time management skills and lastly learning The timeline excel tool through a tutor or any computer institute. The progress of the skill development can be measured through practical experiences such as managing time in between different projects, working out on MS Excel and analysing the decision making capability, and lastly ensuring that all work is undertaken with full responsibility. The time scale and action plan will depict the success achieved in developing the goal.  During the final years of the degree program, the results would be evident about the success of professional development goals.  Ã‚  

Importance of Ethical Behavior Among Employees. Why Do Good People Do Research Paper

Importance of Ethical Behavior Among Employees. Why Do Good People Do Bad Things at Work - Research Paper Example It is the responsibility of the decision makers to take proper moral perspective of the ethical manner in which they should be behaving that will be favorable for the company at large. To choose the right kind of ethical approach in conducting business activities, it may sometimes be necessary to shift from the path of short term profits. The idea is to maintain balance between what is right and what is profitable which may apparently seem difficult. In order to ensure a sustainable business in the long run, the need is to integrate the ethical principles with the company’s strategy. Lack of ethical behavior and social responsibilities can reduce motivation among employees resulting in poor performance and lower profit. Business ethics and social responsibility can have significant positive impacts on the company. A business conducted in an ethical manner can gain the trust of customers which can result in increased sales and profit. Employees will enjoy favorable working cond itions thus encouraging them to remain an integral part of the company which will reduce employee turnover. Aspiring employees will want to work with the company and this can reduce recruitment cost, and also the company will be able to attract the most talented people to join the company. More investors will want to buy shares of the company leading to increase in the price of shares, and this can protect the company from takeover. This paper explores the importance of ethics in employees’ behavior and what motivates them to behave in an ethical manner. Over the last few decades, the growing importance of ethical behavior in business organizations is becoming evident with more and more companies implementing ethics systems in their management. The subject is increasingly being emphasized in course studies of business management. However, there are still organizations that do not recognize the need of ethical behavior, and are still treading the traditional belief that busine ss activities should be focused only on profit maximization. However, general analysis on this subject has concluded that a business organization shoulders the responsibility of ethical behavior, and it does not only entail satisfying the shareholders, but also others who are associated with the business like employees and customers. Implementation of proper ethical management system can lead to an ethical culture among employees thereby improving the overall moral quality of the company. Nevertheless, many organizations still do not consider ethics as important enough to be considered in management systems. These organizations regard ethics as an external factor that has nothing to do with the activities of a business. The fact that business is conducted by human beings and so ethics need to be considered in decision making processes is largely ignored by many organizations (Palomino et al., 2010, pp.16-17). Since business is essentially conducted for making profits, therefore its activities will most naturally focus on profit maximization. Moreover, since business is conducted by human beings, and they are a part of larger society, it is necessary that behaviors of employees have both social and ethical values. In modern times, business is not solely considered as exclusive property of shareholders, but is also considered as a part of society at large. Therefore, the need to project an organization as having ethical values has become very important (Palomino et al., 2010, pp.19). Arguments concerned with business ethics should not be concentrated only on its requirement for competitive advantages, but also should be based on the fact that business is conducted by human beings. If ethics is ignored, then that will inevitably create a de-motivating ambiance

Behaviorism and Constructivism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Behaviorism and Constructivism - Essay Example The use of ICTs at all academic levels has become widespread in recent years because of their advantages: (i) ICTs have the capabilities of enhancing the extent of students’ understanding of a curriculum’s contents—that is, the learners could have better grasp of the subject-matter through the use of ICTs; (ii) with ICTs, the instructors or teachers could improve or change the contents of a curriculum—in other words, they could broaden the curriculum covering new areas of studies made possible by the advent of educational technologies; (iii) ICTs could be used as supporting materials or equipment in the process of delivering education (Leask & Meadows, 2000). The most interesting aspect of the application of ICTs at schools is that it makes learning more enjoyable to the learners. For example, the fascinating graphics used in some educational software have the power to catch the attention of the students or learners for a long time and help to boost the ov erall memory level (Leask & Meadows). Students at the elementary are the biggest section of the academia that are carried away with interesting and funny graphics. People learn in different ways: considering the principles of constructivism, it is clear that some people believe (i) that learning is an active process that requires active participation on the part of the learners.

Risk Planning Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Risk Planning Management - Essay Example s such, in response to risk, human beings have created and developed mechanisms with which they can avoid, prevent and minimize risk. This reaction stems from the fact that risk is considered as the probability that something could happen which can produce a loss, injury or even death. Contextualizing risk, the contemporary period has created a scheme in approaching risk – risk planning management. In effect risk planning management is protecting people, protecting companies. This notion of risk planning management is made more concrete in the intertwined relationships among the construction industry, risk planning management and fire and rescue operations.In this regard, the study will undertake a critical reflection pertaining to the intertwined relationships among the construction industry, risk planning management and fire and rescue operations. This study aims to carry out a critical reflection regarding the interconnection among the construction industry, risk planning m anagement and fire and rescue operations. This is significant as it affords new insights regarding the connection of construction industry, risk planning management and fire and rescue operations in the contemporary period.For this study, a critical reflection on theories as well as on the experiences of the researcher has been employed. In this regard, through critical reflection, a person gains deep learning that enhances not only personal knowledge but also professional skills and decision-making.

Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 4

Assignment Example It also makes them aware of the expectations and challenges that they are likely to meet in a particular job environment and guide them how to tackle the difficult situations on their own. All this has made this field essential for the students and organizations. In this study, the researcher has observed that a positive application of career counseling is in the rehabilitation of the ex-felons. Ex-felons or ex-criminals are the people who are responsible for some murder, theft, fraud or such crimes in the past, and having completed their sentenced period they want to move in the right lawful directions. However, it is noted that, these ex-offenders face problems in re-entering the society, in finding jobs and even in getting settled somewhere easily. The society does not accept them, the employers do not trust them and people do not want to see them around (Patton, & McMahon, 2006). As a result they not only face psychological complications due to frustration and depression, but the y are also forced to cope with the financial problems by themselves. To help such people, halfway houses are established that not only provide them with monitored shelter and support, but also therapy and guidance, including career counseling. These residences act as 24 hours treatment lodgings that keep a complete record about the deeds of each individual, and keep an eye on each of them for further development. The researcher believes that the role of a career counselor in a halfway house is really challenging. He not only has to guide the persons for the right choice of the career, but he will have to assist them in achieving trust of their employers and in maintaining righteous behavior. Therefore the researcher is going to plan a counseling course for the ex-felons at a halfway house. OBJECTIVES The objective of this project is to map out such a course to career counsel the ex-felons at halfway houses that: 1. Is practical and applicable 2. Can ensure that the ex-law-breakers f eel obliged to continue on their righteous path after the sentence and get settled for a normal life 3. Provides the individuals in question with sense of security and satisfaction in their working environments For this purpose the researcher has selected a halfway house that is accommodating 23 ex-cons (all males) whose crimes range from illegal merchandise and fraudulent to murder in anger. LITERATURE REVIEW Career counseling revolves around three basic variables: Work, Worker and Working Environment (Chappell, Di, & Labour, 2000). The disturbance in any of these may cause imbalance in the whole work plan. Therefore the researcher has based his project around these three essential variables. The individual or worker is quite important as he proves to be an important factor in the failure of a particular working deal. According to Frank Parsons’ tripartite model (2008), the worker should know and understand his own self (his aptitude and potential), job requirement, and then he should select a particular career logically. Therefore, the researcher has made it his first priority to counsel the persons about their wants in accordance to their needs. These needs do not include only the basic needs of food, shelter and security, rather he has suggested his personal inclination too, so that to make work an attractive and interesting to do. The interaction between the worker and his working environment also triggers specific behaviors that lead to progress or destruction.

Teacher’s Day Essay Example for Free

Teacher’s Day Essay On this very special occasion of Teacher’s Day, I would like to express my personal greetings and best wishes to all teachers and my fellow colleagues. Also, I would like to thank the parents who believe in us and send their children to Krista Kindergarten. I have been in the position of the school Principal for over 9 years and I must say I feel very happy to have lovely, sociable, and confident students in school. The students’ happiness in our school encourages and reminds the teaching staff to fulfill their educating responsibility, to devote themselves to their students. The teaching staff of our school always performs their best to deserve your trust for Krista Kindergarten. Every teacher feels like giving more enthusiasm to love our school and to our students Teachers mold the lives that they influence. Lessons learned from teachers remain with their students throughout life. Teachers that break down barriers and reach into the souls of the students that they are responsible for do not get the recognition or gratitude they have earned. Many teachers are exhausted from their workload and responsibilities. They have their own families, financial and life stresses that challenge them along with everyone else. Thus, we should always respect our teachers. I have received many beautiful fresh flowers and best wishes from my students, colleagues, and parents. Once again, I would like to thank all representatives, teachers, parents, and students. I respectfully wish you health, happiness, and success. Happy Teacher’s Day! Thank you.

Sin And Revenge: The Scarlet Letter Essay

Sin And Revenge: The Scarlet Letter Essay The Scarlet Letter, written by Nathaniel Hawthorne, contains many instances of characters sinning. From Hesters adultery to Mistress Hibbins witchcraft, sin is a major theme of the novel. Two main characters stick out when considering who sins the most in the novel: Arthur Dimmesdale and Roger Chillingworth. Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale is an idol in the community. Everyone loves him because he is a fine man and an intelligent reverend. But, the reverend does have issues he is hiding: Dimmesdale is Hesters secret lover and father of her child, pearl. On the other hand, Roger Chillingworth is an intelligent scholar who was Hesters original husband. Chillingworth stays behind when Hester travels to America, and when he arrives in America, he finds out that Hester had an affair. He is eager to figure out who her adulterer is and seeks revenge on that person. So the question remains: Who is the bigger sinner? On one hand, Dimmesdale is considered the bigger sinner. He commits a sin that is the biggest felony in the Puritan society: adultery, punishable by death. Not only does he commit the sin, he does not repent of it and keeps it hidden. Dimmesdale is a preacher who is supposed to be clean of all sin and very moral. He frequently preaches to his congregation about repentance and coming clean of secret sin even though he, himself, does not practice it. Dimmesdale is a hypocrite and he literally does not practice what he preaches. He is very aware of the fact that he is a hypocrite and instead of practicing what he preaches, Dimmesdale validates his behavior. In chapter eleven Dimmesdale tries to confess. Would not the people start up in their seats, by a simultaneous impulse, and tear him down out of the pulpit which he defiled? Not so, indeed! They heard it all, and did but reverence him the more. They little guessed what deadly purport lurked in those self-condemning words. The godly y outh! said they among themselves. The saint on earth! Even though he confesses, he was not detailed enough to be believed. The people keep thinking that he is a diving and morally sound person. In chapter fifteen, Hester Prynne weighs in on the situation of who is the bigger sinner. Be it sin or no, said Hester Prynne bitterly, as she still gazed after him, I hate the man! [à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦] Yes, I hate him! repeated Hester, more bitterly than before. He betrayed me! He has done me worse wrong than I did him! As seen in this passage, Hester thinks that Dimmesdales sin is the greatest of all the sins in the novel. Chillingworth also weighs in on the situation in chapter fourteen: What choice had you? asked Roger Chillingworth. My finger, pointed at this man, would have hurled him from his pulpit into a dungeon, -thence, peradventure, to the gallows! Here Chillingworth says that Hesters lover should be killed for what he did, implying that Dimmesdales sin was greater than his own. To s ome extent this is true but, Chillingworths own sins need to be taken into account. On the other hand, Chillingworth is considered to be the bigger sinner because of the quantity of sin, the importance of the sin and the amount of responsibility felt for the sin. In chapter seventeen Dimmesdale even states so. We are not, Hester, the worst sinners in the world. There is one worse than even the polluted priest! That old mans revenge has been blacker than my sin. He has violated, in cold blood, the sanctity of a human heart. Thou and I, Hester, never did so! Dimmesdale says that the revenge that Chillingworth gives him is blacker than his own sin. First of all, the number of times that Chillingworth sins outweigh all of the other characters sins combined. Chillingworth repeatedly attacks Dimmesdale with emotional and mental torment with his constant questioning and desire for revenge. As seen in chapter eleven, Chillingworth will stop at nothing for revenge. à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦which led him to imagine a more intimate revenge than any mortal had ever wreaked upon an enemy. In this passage, Chillingworth formulate a kind of revenge that is more aggressive than any other human being has ever formulated. He sins again and again by giving Dimmesdale what is thought to be remedies for his aliments but are really diminishing his health. Chillingworth sins so much that later in the novel he achieves the status of the devil. Secondly, his sin is way more important and significant than that of other characters in the novel. On one hand, Hester Prynnes adultery is seen as means for death in the Puritan societys eyes. On the other hand, Chillingworths repeated attacks on Dimmesdale create the huge false impression of vivid evil. The severity of Chillingworths sin is also seen when he transforms from a physician to Dimmesdale into a devil. Thirdly, Chillingworth feels almost no remorse about his sin compared to the other characters. Dimmesdale and Hester both feel great remorse for their sin and the suffering from Dimmesdales sin outweighs suffering from his sin. On the other hand, Chillingworth displayed no remorse throughout the entire novel. For example, in chapter fourteen, we see no remorse whatsoever. What evil have I done the man? asked Roger Chillingworth again. Here, Chillingworth refuses to recognize his guilt in demolishing another persons soul. Both main characters in The Scarlet Letter have great amounts of sin and wrong doings. Dimmesdale is the bigger sin because he committed adultery which is a capital offence in the Puritan society. But, if not looking though Puritan eyes, Chillingworth is the bigger sinner because of the quantity of his sin, the importance of his sin and the amount of responsibility he felt for his sin. Dimmesdale concludes in chapter twenty-three: Thou [Chillingworth], too, hast deeply sinned. Dimmesdale is correct.

Othello :: essays research papers

Jealousy is what made most of Iagos plans a success. Iago was the bad guy and Othello was the good guy, and everybody else that was affected didn’t do anything to deserve it. Iago was the mastermind that planed everybody’s painful death. Iago lies to Casio to try to make Othello kind of disbelieving in Desdemona and think that she is with Casio. Othello gave his wife Desdemona a handkerchief that his dead mother gave to him. Then Iago planned to get that handkerchief and he did succeed, he got it from Emilia who falls for Iagos trick. Iago gave the handkerchief to Casio, then Othello sees the same handkerchief that he had gave to Desdemona. So now Othello is angry because he saw Casio with the handkerchief. After this Iago is allied with Othello and they plan to kill Casio and Desdemona. Iago tells Othello to strangle his wife but Othello wants to poison her. Somehow Iago convinces Othello to strangle her and also promises Casio’s death to Othello. That night Ia go gets his puppet Rodrigo and tells him to go and kill Casio, and Rodrigo is so stupid and obeys Iagos commands. Rodrigo does not kill Casio but Iago does get a good shot at Casio’s leg. Since Rodrigo does not kill Casio, Iago goes ahead and kills Rodrigo and making Casio think that Iago is still his friend. Since Iago does not succeed in killing Casio, Iago starts to panic and thinks his plans are going to fail. But since Othello kill Desdemona, everyone races to their room and most of the characters in Othello are there. Othello confesses that he killed Desdemona, but because she was sleeping with Casio. Every one doubts him so Othello says that he saw Casio with the handkerchief he gave Desdemona. Then Emilia jumps in and is about to say something but Iago whispers something to her and tells her that its time to go home, but Emilia refuses and starts to speak out and says that the handkerchief was left behind in the bed and she picked it up.

Education Essay -- essays research papers fc

  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Most controversies over education are centered around the question of how strictly standards should be upheld. The concern over whether or not flunking students is appropriate or even in the best interest of the student is a widely discussed topic. The argument often begins with students just starting school where the question of standardized testing for kindergartners arises. The majority of people are actually against such testing because they feel that a child who is labeled as a failure at such an early age may be permanently damaged (Bowen 86). The worry over the failure issue is further traced to educators who feel children just entering school are not fully prepared. Teachers are faced with kindergarten students who do not know their addresses, colors, and sometimes even first and last names (An ‘F’ 59).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Another reason why the assignment of failing grades has decreased is the influence of the self-esteem movement, which promotes the assumption that children who do not have a positive self-image cannot learn or develop properly. Although this theory is widely accepted, it has been discredited by several studies. Recent research shows that, although American students felt more confident about themselves and their work, they were outperformed by several Asian countries on tests of elementary skills. American schools and teachers tend to worry more about the student’s self-esteem than the actual academic performance (Leo, â€Å"Damn† 21). Mary Sherry, a teacher of adult literacy programs, does not believe such theories. Her view is that students become motivated by the threat of failure, and that not failing a student not only shows lack of confidence on the teacher’s behalf, but also hurts the society as a whole. Employees are becoming highly dis appointed with so-called â€Å"graduate† students (8).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In a letter to columnist Ann Landers, a college professor wrote about his views of the education system. He feels that universities have turned into businesses where teachers are just looking for money and students are just looking for a piece of paper with a title on it. He says that the students of today think they are automatically entitled to a degree because they pay tuition (Depressed Old Prof. 3-B). Adding to the profit motive for schools is the government which, for the p... ...ressed Old Prof. â€Å"Ann Landers.† Times-Picayune [New Orleans] 4 Sep. 1995: 3-B. â€Å"An ‘F’ for the Nation’s Kindergartners (Education).† Newsweek 16 Dec. 1991: 59. Goldstein, Andrew and Ann Blackman. â€Å"No SAT Scores Required (Education).† Time 11 Sep. 2000: 52-53. Hendren, John. â€Å"Ex-English Professor Creates Corporate Prose Police.† Courier [Houma LA] 25 Aug. 1996: 4D. Leo, John. â€Å"The Answer Is 45 Cents (On Society).† U.S. News & World Report 21 Apr. 1997: 14. ---. â€Å"Damn, I’m Good! (On Society).† U.S. News & World Report 18 May 1998: 21. Morse, Jodie et al. â€Å"Does Texas Make the Grade? (Education).† Time 11 Sep. 2000: 50-54. Mulcahy, Fred. â€Å"No Free Rides for Dumb Students (My Turn).† Newsweek 15 Aug. 1994: 12. Pedersen, Daniel. â€Å"When an A Is Average (Education).† Newsweek 3 Mar. 1997. Ravith, Diane. â€Å"In Defense of Testing (Education).† Time 11 Sep. 2000: 52-53. Roberts, Paul. Modern Grammar. New York: Harcourt, Brace & World, 1968. Sherry, Mary. â€Å"In Praise of the F Word (My Turn).† Newsweek 28 Aug. 1990: 8. Wilkes, Paul. â€Å"The First Test of Childhood (My Turn).† Newsweek 14 Aug. 1989: 8. Winters, Rebecca. â€Å"From Home to Harvard (Education).† Time 11 Sep. 2000: 55.

Moral Matters in Hamlet :: essays research papers

Each book has its own fate, but there are a few works of art, that can compete in fame the most mysterious piece of art by Shakespeare –, the tragedy ‘,Hamlet’,. There is a bountiful amount of matters- moral, philosophical, and social ones, set in the plot of the book. The tragedy of the humanist and the fate of one honest person in the era of Renaissance, his tragic dilemma about his love and duty, about the crime, the punishment and the retribution, will never stop provoking the readers of ‘,Hamlet’,. What actually is situated in the core of Hamlet’,s tragedy?!? Is it just his confused mind because of his father’,s murder, or because he has not got enough strength to revenge for the terrible crime?!? The reasons for Hamlet’,s tragedy are more complicated and considerable than the disturbed mental balance and weakness, which turns out to be obvious. His rambling and suffering are deeply seated in a person, whose ideas of morality and humanity, good and evil are torn down suddenly and irrevocably. That is the tragedy of the humanist Hamlet, caused by the conflict between his ideals, regarding mankind and their wild passion for power and wealth at any price. Brought up with the spirit of humanism, Hamlet suffers a deep spiritual stress because he has to cope with evil in all of its dimensions for a short period: a murder, fratricide, adultery, incest, treachery and complicity of the crime. Shockingly for him, the people who have done the evil deeds are those who he loves- his uncle, his own mother, his love, some of his friends who he has known since his childhood. This confrontation with the evil that follows and attacks him takes the joy away from Hamlet and distorts his ideal of humanity. Hamlet seeks the relation between him and the common taint and violence which surround reality from the beginning itself. According to him the murder has been done because of these factors of disgust and hatered. His disappointment leads him to the insight that Denmark is a beautiful prison. Moreover, the tragedy of a humanist, forced to live in an inhumane society changes his idea of the world, which now different and in his view is a des ert garden, ruled by the weed that is among people.

Asian Americans Essay

Asians are not a homogenous group. They do, however, constitute a significant minority group in the United States. Asian Americans represent many distinct subgroups that speak different languages, worship through different religions, and practice different customs and beliefs. The main groups are East Asians (Chinese, Japanese, Korean), Pacific Islanders, Southeast Asians (Thai, Vietnamese, Cambodian, Laotian), and South Asian (Indian and Pakistani). Threads of similarities may run through the subgroups, but they all have distinct histories, origins, and cultural roots. Among these groups, differences also exist within national groups, families, and individuals themselves. Some Asians were born in the United States, while others come from abroad. Some are affluent and come with highly developed skills while others are barely literate. Regardless of success or acculturation, many Asians are stereotyped as the â€Å"model minority† because often the Asian student is often the one who is at the head of the class and is the valedictorian at graduation. Many people believe that the Confucian ideas that stress family ideals, respect for elders, deferred gratification, and discipline, are the reason for high educational achievement. Studies show that Asian Americans are more likely to believe that success in life is connected to what has been studied in school. American schooling may contradict the fundamental cultural beliefs of Asians because it emphasizes individualism and competition, while the ethnic identify of Asian children is often based on their relationship to the group and allegiance to family. Academic achievement and upward mobility are viewed as an obligation for the maintenance of the family, which is the responsibility of all family members. Additionally, Asian parents teach their children to respect authority, feel responsibility for relatives, and show self-control. School failure is seen as a lack of will, and this failure can be alleviated by increasing parental restrictions. Baruth and Manning (1992) claim that Asian American children need reinforcement from the teacher, and work more efficiently in quiet, wellstructured surroundings. These children appear to be more dependent, conforming, and obedient by placing the family’s welfare before their own desires. Asians may be confused with the apparent teacher/student informality of the American classroom, and function better with structure and organization. (Baruth & Manning, 1992). Asian cultures also value the idea of humility and/or self-effacement. Children may not volunteer to participate in the classroom until specifically asked by the teacher. Drawing attention to oneself by virtue of misbehaving might cause great distress and result in â€Å"losing face† because children are taught to value silence, listen more than speak, speak softly, and be modest in dress and behavior. The following suggestions are offered by Feng (1994) as a formula for teachers to address issues concerning the diversity of Asian American cultures. It should be noted, however, that these suggestions could be implemented for any ethnic group. Get to know the customs, values, and traditions of various cultures, and learn the conditions under which students came to the United States. Try to visit the students’ homes and get to know the families. Learn a few words of the students’ native language to set the tone for communication. Encourage native language use at home. Use English-proficient interpreters with parents. Try to learn the children’s names and pronounce them correctly. Be careful not to encourage discord between home values and school expectations. For example, if the home expectation is conformity, don’t encourage the child to challenge the teacher. Academic expectation should be based on ability rather than stereotypical beliefs. Peer tutoring can be used for children who are not yet proficient in English. Know who make decisions for the child and utilize the natural support system. Develop strong home-school links for communication. Avoid assumptions about children’s prior knowledge and experience (e.g., not every child has experienced a birthday party). Discover what you can about Asian parent networks. The best way to remove a cultural barrier is to appear sincere. Common Characteristics of Many Asian Cultures (Culture grams) Greetings: Bow or nod Individuals do not touch each other Little or no public display of affection Stand far apart (even farther than Americans do) Gestures: Smiling and laughing often indicate embarrassment Little or no affection is shown in public It is impolite to speak loudly Hand and arm gestures are not often used in conversation People’s sneezes are not usually acknowledged. People are beckoned by waving all the fingers with the palm of the hand facing down. Pointing is done with the entire hand. Japanese say no by shaking the hand from side to side with the palm forward, and point to themselves with their pointer finger facing their nose. People must sit erect with both feet on the floor; it is impolite to put an ankle on the knee. Yawning is impolite. Vietnamese men do not offer to shake hands with women. General attitudes: Society is group oriented. Loyalty is to the group, the family, and to one’s superiors as opposed to personal feelings. Humility and self-effacing comments are normal. It is essential to act similar to or in harmony with the crowd. People strive to conform in appearance (even when wearing the latest Western styles, people must try to look like everyone else). Reserve and modesty must be observed at all times. It is important to save face at all times, for self and others. People will often allow others to escape potential embarrassment with dignity. Goals and decisions are made with the good of the group in mind, not for the personal benefit of any individual. Time: Being late is impolite. People are prompt or a little bit early (for social as well as business affairs). Family: The family is extremely important. The family has a strong tradition of respect and loyalty. There is a strong sense of family reputation and family obligation. Elders  are highly respected. Many members of the extended family (particularly in- laws) live together. Cultural Backgrounds Teaching and learning styles reflect cultural backgrounds. Students who have teachers from their same culture have little problem understanding the cues provided by the teacher. Students will already be familiar with the appropriate interactional behaviors expected in the classroom. Some students are from cultures with values that promote field dependence (a more community oriented style), while other cultures are inclined to be field independent, which encourages independence and competition. With proper instruction, field-dependent and field- independent students can learn to be bicognitive; that is, their learning styles can be expanded to function appropriately in any given situation. Teachers need to provide activities that incorporate all types of learning styles. If they are aware of their own cultural learning styles and preferences, teachers will be better prepared to recognize the learning styles of their students. Stereotyping Stereotyping can happen when false and exaggerated characteristics of a group are attributed to the individual, but socio typing involves an accurate generalization about cultural groups as a whole. If teachers misinterpret the learning style data and make decisions based on incorrect assumptions, students can be hurt or limited in their school experience. Mainstream teachers are often at odds with their diverse students because they are unaware of the differing cultural values they bring to the classroom. To promote effective teaching, teachers need to plan curriculum and instruction to incorporate the learning styles of their students. If students are uncomfortable in class, they may become bored, unresponsive, or test poorly. Classroom Interaction Based on cultural norms, participation structures describe the interactions of students in the classroom, when and how to speak, and what to speak about. Teachers may misinterpret inappropriate or awkward classroom interaction, as every culture has individual norms that dictate proper classroom behavior and student-teacher interaction. Directness in speech is valued in the American cultures. â€Å"Don’t beat around the bush,† â€Å"Get to the  point,† and â€Å"The bottom line is†¦,† are indicators of the values placed on direct speech. â€Å"Indirect speech† is an objective of cultural patterns held by Asians, Native Americans, and many Latin American cultural groups. It is important to â€Å"save face† by not embarrassing others or shaming another person. High-context cultures (such as Japanese) do not have to talk much because the members of the society communicate with intrinsic knowledge of how others think, feel, and what they ex pect. Low-context cultures (such as American, Swiss and German) must be very specific and explain everything- what is expected, what the rules are, and how things should be done. These cultural expectations are mirrored by how people think and act. Body Language Miscommunication occurs during verbal interaction as well as through body language. Kinesics (the study of body language) includes facial expressions, posture, gestures, body movements, eye contact, or any ritual, that conveys messages or meaning for a culture. The Japanese bow is an example of kinesics. From the American standpoint, a bow is just a hello or good-bye gesture. However, to the Japanese (and some other Asian cultures), a bow can be quite complex because a deeper meaning can be conveyed by the bow. The lower-status individual must begin the bow, and must bow lower than the higher-status person. When the individuals bowing are equals in society, the bow is simultaneous and of the same depth. It can be erroneous to attempt to read someone’s behavior based on our own frames of reference. Nonlinguistic Communication Every culture has its own way of depicting the following domains of nonlinguistic communication: Paralinguistic: Sounds that accompany language and vocalizations that replace speech. Kinesics: The study of body motion, gestures, unconscious body movement. Oculesics: Eye contact and motion to indicate meaning. Individuals from some cultures show respect and interest by making eye contact (e.g. Americans) while other cultures show respect by not making eye contact (i.e., Haiti, and Puerto Rico). Haptics: Location, frequency, and contexts in which people touch. Proxemics: The unconscious use and organization of personal space. Chronemics: Perception and use of time. Monochronic time: Doing one thing at a time, in a linear fashion (e.g., American). Polychronic time: Doing many things at a time (e.g., Hispanic). All cultures operate on their own systems of communication, and these beliefs will be manifested within the everyday context of the classroom. Knowledge of nonverbal communication specific to other cultures will help teachers to understand the students they teach, and well as students’ parents. Educators must be careful not to make the mistake of judging people’s emotions by using their own cultural indicators. Not everyone shows grief, anger, happiness, and embarrassment, or other emotions in the same manner. Students with teachers from their same culture have little problem understanding the cues provided by the teacher and the appropriate interactional behaviors expected in the classroom. Those children and teachers from differing cultures do not know the rules of each other’s cultural rules and have difficulty inte rpreting correct teacher-student interactions. Although not the panacea to end all classroom problems, effective teaching is more apt to take place if both the teacher and student are aware of the benefits of integrating appropriate instructional materials that correspond with culturally congruent teaching and learning styles. Knowing that cultural patterns drive behavior, teachers who are aware that their students have differing cognitive styles are able to adapt their classrooms to include activities that incorporate all types of learning in their teaching. The teacher will begin to understand why some students experience problems when their natural learning styles are incompatible with the teaching style of the teacher. Various researchers have pointed out that Asian students tend to be highly visual learners. Hispanics are generally auditory learners, and non-Westerners are more inclined to learn through tactile and kinesthetic modes. The following information is given as a general guide for teachers to better understand the needs and styles of individual students. Individual personalities will always preside over the overarching cultural characteristics, yet teaching will be more effective and teachers can make modifications and adaptations to their curriculum and if they are aware of cultural differences. Hispanics Carrasquillo (1991) notes that Hispanic students are diverse due to different backgrounds, but they may share general experiences through family  structure, religious beliefs, and general customs. Spanish-speaking cultures include people from many countries (including the United States) with unique characteristics. The common thread is the fact that they all speak Spanish, albeit with varying degrees of fluency, accents, intonation, verb structures (i.e. tu, usted, and vos) and certainly different connotations for similar words. These societal variations can be likened to the differences among the United States, Great Britain, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, and South Africa. Culture grams (produced by Brigham Young University) offer cultural information as an â€Å"aid to the understanding of, feeling for, and communication with other people.†

The Video Game Industry

Abstract This research paper will cover the different aspects of project management in video game development. Focus will also be on discussing and overviewing the project lifecycles as it pertains to game development. There is also interest in seeing within the realm of video game development how the application of knowledge, various skills, tools, and the techniques are used. The will also be focus on examining pre-production, production and post production in the gaming industry. Topics will explore issues pertaining to, but not limited to, stakeholder expectations, timeliness of implementation, and optimization of resources. Additionally, information will be given covering the concepts of meeting the needs of business's vision and mission regarding development and exploring how the identification of and addressing any issues that may arise in game project development.? Introduction The video game industry has been steadily growing for over almost four decades. From Nintendo to Sony, there have been a myriad of games that have been made for the platform over the course of the video game industry. The initial commercial history of video games and the birth of this industry inevitably begins with the US military's computer hardware and networks. At the time, infrastructure was beginning to shift towards facilitating both game development and market consumption. Over the course of almost four decades, many games have been made, but the question is, exactly how are these spectacular pieces of art being made. When people buy video games, their focus is not on the people who actually make the product, or even on the process it takes to create the game that they own. Consumers only see the end product that is distributed and hit store shelves. For most, their energies and focus are on purchasing the product and investing in actual game play. However, the process and ma n power it takes to create a game is an intricate undertaking. It is stated that the intricacy of modern video games requires workers with varied skill sets such as computer engineers and programmers, visual artists, audio engineers, animators, game designers, writers, and quality assurance testers (Weststar, 2015). For starters the biggest component to game development are video game developers (VGDs) (Weststar, 2015). Additionally, these projects can consist of a producer and studios have a range of upper managers and administrative personnel. Weststar stated that with project-based model the outputs of each new game are unique. In turn the environment is complex and uncertain. Coordination among project members is rooted in diffuse and informal power relationships in relation to their roles as it pertains to those that direct the work and those who perform it (Weststar, 2015). Thusly, with the consumer, the process of making video games is a non-factor, largely an unknown, and rarely registers in the thoughts in most people's minds. Many again just see the end product, of which is what is their main motivating factor of going to a retail store and purchasing it. However, there is a select pocket of individuals who are more cognizant of the game development process and they are more greatly invested. For this segment, they faithfully follow their favorite game, or for some developer, and will be a ware the specifics from the announcement of the game and will stay engaged until the game goes gold. This is, going gold, that the game is finished and ready to be put on a disc and distributed. The creation of each video game is a project with a well-defined production cycle of pre-production, production, and post-production phases of which reach require different and various resources (Weststar, 2015). HistoryBefore one can actually delve it the game development process, it is important to have some background understanding on the development of the gaming industry. Nolan Bushnell is credited as the pioneer of the worldwide commercial video game industry. Bushnell was the founder of Atari and is responsible for generations of home and arcade gaming hardware and software including the truly influential game, Pong (Grantham ; Readman, 2006). Arcades games were very popular and peaked in the early 1980s. As time progressed and newer technologies burst onto the market most titles were converted to play on the evolving home technology – home computers and consoles (Grantham ; Readman, 2006). It was also during this time of change and development, many independent develop ers and publishers started to emerge. One of the most noted and widely known, Activision for example, was founded by former Atari developers seeking greater ownership and control over their developments (Grantham ; Readman, 2006). Over time people have come to recognize software games as new and very popular mode of entertainment and an important application of technology. This outlook has become increasingly accepted and by people of all ages. In today's culture, technology is easily accessible and has become more convenient. In turn more and more people like to play games and are also becoming motivated to design their own games. Also, software games are gaining importance because they are not only used for entertainment, but also for serious purposes that can be applicable to different domains such as education, business, and health care (Aleem, Fernando- Capretz, & Ahmed, 2016). Game Development ProcessPre-productionAs with any industry as it relates to project development, within the gaming industry, pre-production is the beginning phase of the life of a game, the project. It is during this phase that developers/project managers determine how long will it take to game to make, the personnel needed, and the budget needed to make the proposed project. During pre-production it is paramount that very specific goals are fleshed out of which will be essential to a successful project. Walfiz, Zackariasson and Wilson pointed out that certain elements are fundamental to projects: commitment to timing, staying within a budget, and producing an output (Zackariasson, Walfisz, & Wilson, 2006). Also, it is important to note that, these fundamentals are developed before the project starts, and thus commit both parties to specific activities/objectives. Drew Liming and Dennis Vilorio states that in the pre-production phase, the lead designers outline a game concept with the help of lead artists and programmers (Liming & Vilorio, 2011). Additionally, it is at this time that the lead designers might select special feature(s), such as an innovative gameplay element, or powerful graphics, that will make the game unique (Liming & Vilorio, 2011). It was also pointed out that when the game finally receives the funding needed, programmers begin building its technological framework (Liming & Vilorio, 2011). Pre-production considerations tends to produce a hierarchy of plans that guide the project and the pre-production phase is instrumental in producing the basis on which to build the game (Zackariasson, Walfisz, & Wilson, 2006). The over-ridding goal of pre-production is essentially to create a game plan that will be the road map in which the player(s) will finish the game. The game plan must include information of the game concept, the unique feature(s), the constraints that affect this concept, and analyzing risk assessment.Risk management is a necessary aspect of game project development. Alem, Carpatz and Ahmed states that the importance of risk management is essential for the efficiency of game development. Thusly this is often the focus for project management (Aleem, Fernando- Capretz, & Ahmed, 2016). Alem, Carpatz and Ahmed also state, that it is with the upmost importance to identify risk factors early in the game development process (Aleem, Fernando- Capretz, & Ahmed, 2016). During game development, the project manager is the game's producer and must bring together management, the technical components, and the appealing aspects to create a successful video game. They also identified two risk factors that must be addressed during this development process: failure of development strategy and absence of the fun factor (Aleem, Fernando- Capretz, ; Ahmed, 2016). Additionally, it is important to realize that in game development, other important risk factors can have an impact such as the development strategy, the fun factor or extent of originality, scheduling, and budgeting. With these, there will always be some level of â€Å"the unknown† when addressing risk factors. Taking time early on to identify risks is paramount as there will always be unforeseen issues in a project. Working to minimize as many issues initially will decrease unadvantageous developments later in the project development/production cycle. Thus, efficient work done during pre-production will work to minimize or even eliminate unforeseen issues. Production Now that the risks, personnel, and assets are identified, for the project, it can now to enter the production phase. Thusly, the completion of the prototype signals the start of the production phase of development (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). During the production phase the project team can now move forth with focusing on the cusp of the project work. Energies can now finally be channeled towards actual development of the game. It is importance to note that certain aspects of the work can be initiated during pre-production. Thus, there can be at times, some objectives running concurrent and simultaneously with those that are just commencing. Even though the project team is in full stride during this phase, and most of the ideas are being carried out, some new plans can happen that may have an impact and thus alter work. For starters, assets can be added or even removed at this point. Accordingly, with these alterations, it is important that changes are accurately noted and are effectively communicated to the project team, the developer, studio upper management, and the publisher. Making such changes are crucial and essential and must be relayed in a timely manner. It is imperative that during development, the project document continues to remain as a point of reference for the entire project team. As pointed out by Liming and Vilorio, during the production phase, teams of designers, artists, and programmers use the project document as a guide to ensure efficient game creation (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). When the plan is communicated to the project team, it is the role of the project manager to remain vigilant on keeping the plan up to date. Ensuring that there is sound communication and a streamlined vision/design, will allow the project teams to collaborate to make the most of each other's expertise (Liming & Vilorio, 2011). There is feedback during production that helps the project team revise the document as needed. For instance, feedback might encompass how to improve a game's mechanics, or more so, remove an unfeasible feature (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). Throughout production, developers continually build improved versions of the game. This allows for the creation of more content that is better looking, more streamlined within a design, and thus is more refined (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). Liming and Viliorio also went on further to state that the conclusion of the production phase is that the fully playable game includes art, music, and sound effects. This milestone is referred to as â€Å"content complete.† (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011).Post production Production ends when the developer and publisher agree that no more features are needed; thus, no features are added during post-production. Instead, the main goal of this phase is to finalize software quality. The post-production phase starts at least three months before the end-of-project deadline. During post-production the focus is on playing the game to test for errors, called bugs, and on tweaking it to eliminate unwanted elements (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). Post-production is key for the game develop process as quality assurance and process validation are critical components. The quality assurance staff tests the game by playing it and attempting to do things the development staff never considered (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). It is during this time that such things as bugs and compatibility issues are fixed. Additionally, work will be done to ensure that all coding is optimized. Process validation plays an important role in assessing game quality. Also, during this phase, the development process as a whole is analyzed. Collection and evaluation of process data from the pre-production phase through to the post-production phase can provide evidence that the overall development process produces a good-quality game. Congruously, analysis can depict either product errors, in-complement coding, or that the final product does not measure up to expectations. It is known, as the game testers find bugs, they document the errors and assign them to a programmer, designer, or artist to be addressed and fixed (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). Efficiently identifying and correcting issues is essential for the game roll-out deadline. Additionally, the developer may sometime want the game put into consumer hands before official release. Such instances could be in the form of advance releases, or advance copies for select consumer testing and gameplay which is a marketing strategy in gaming. Developers also use beta testing. Beta testing in games is used to gage overall game functionality using external testers or a select segment of identified consumers (Aleem, Fernando- Capretz, ; Ahmed, 2016). Beta testing is a kind of first public release for testing purposes by users. Game publishers often find it effective because bugs are identified by users that were missed during the in-house testing process (Aleem, Fernando- Capretz, ; Ahmed, 2016). Dealing with bugs and tweaks can make postproduction time-consuming. Thus, the process may take as long as production, especially for more complex games that have bigger budgets (Liming ; Vilorio, 2011). Conclusion The video game industry has grown tremendously over the last four decades. From Nintendo to Sony, a plethora of games have been made over the course of the video game industry. Games, the end-products, are the results of the efforts of many. The process of video game development is an intricate undertaking. The production cycle encompasses a myriad of derivatives which adhere to pre-production, production, and post-prediction phases. During the entire production cycle of a game key players such as computer engineers and programmers, visual artists, audio engineers, animators, game designers, writers, and quality assurance testers are involved. The pre-production phase helps lay out the groundwork and plan that will be followed as the game develops. During pre-production specific goals are fleshed out and key fundamental elements to the project are identified. It also during this phase that focus is on working to minimize as many issues initially. This works to decrease unneeded or potentially negatively impacting developments later in the project development/production cycle. During the production phase the project team's main focus is on the actual creation of the game. It is during the production phase that new plans can happen which can have impact and alter work. A project document is used to ensure efficient game development and thus the project manager must ensure that the plan is up to date. Additionally, the project manager will work to ensure that there is sound communication for the entire team. When the game has entered post-production, the focus is on playing the game to test for errors and other unwanted elements. There is a lot of focus on quality assurance. Within the gaming industry, testing can be done both in-house and the use of a select segment of consumer beta testers. Though most consumers only see the end product that is distributed and hit store shelves, there is a lot that has happened to ensure that the they will have a quality game playing experiences. Additionally, there is a select pocket of consumers who are more engaged development process and have a greater apperception for the game development process. Overall there is a great deal that transpires in the development of a game. From stakeholder expectations to timeliness of implementation, a lot of resources have been invested to create that end-product game. Understanding the life of a game through the lens of game development production cycle helps to foster a heightened appreciation for the final pro duct.