An analysis of entrepreneurial theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4000 words

An analysis of entrepreneurial theory - Essay Example Many new entrepreneurial firms fail as a result of entrepreneurs not fully understanding problems associated with their business models. It is rather commonplace for entrepreneurs to jump blindly into a new business model without properly planning that includes construction of a concise and well-developed business plan. A successful entrepreneurial venture must be considerate of the entire value chain, including marketing, human resources, technology, logistics and production in order to have a viable business model that can productively support the desired vision. Failure of the entrepreneurial venture occurs regularly as entrepreneurial leaders do not effectively measure the business’ holistic capabilities and capacities needed to service a market which leads to a lack of competitiveness in the firm’s competitive market. In order to properly service the external market effectively and profitably, it is critical to understand what constitutes the dynamic of the post-re cession markets and then attempt new strategies to align the entrepreneurial enterprise with these conditions and dynamics. As one example, the post-recession consumer is now more concerned about the ethical values and behaviours of the organisation. A study conducted by Oh and Yoon, utilizing a sample of 343 different consumers, identified that when an organization illustrates that it maintains altruistic values and activities, consumers maintain a more positive perception of this business over that of businesses without a promoted ethical stance.

Effect of Disabilty of Child Socialisation Processes

Effect of Disabilty of Child Socialisation Processes ‘Being born or acquiring an impairment has an impact on the childs socialization process’. Discuss this statement and state whether you agree with it or not. Make reference to literature and to the lecture debates. Draw from your professional experience. The first few years of life are important in developing physically, psychologically and also in forming relationships, initially with the primary caregivers (Diem-Wille, 2011). Socialization is â€Å"the process by which individuals acquire the knowledge, skills and character traits that enable them to participate as effective members of groups and societies† (Berns, 2013, p.6). The process of socialisation during childhood years is a crucial aspect in life which enables an individual to fulfil his goals, needs and wishes throughout his lifetime. Factors that affect the socialisation process in children, namely family, school, peers and the disabling condition will be discussed. Family According to Talcott Parsons, Primary Socialization occurs when a child is developing personality characteristics, beliefs and values in relation to their upbringing. This initially occurs at home, thus being based on beliefs of family members. This process develops as a child grows and starts to learn what is acceptable and what is not acceptable (Owens, 2010). The family plays a crucial role in whether having an impairment, both congenital or acquired, impacts the child’s socialization process. This includes the values that they pass to their children as well as the socio-economic factors. In a study conducted to research the quality of mother and child interactions between preterm- and term-born children at age 5, and whether this interaction is effected by socio-demographic characteristics and child disability (Potharst, Schuengel, Last, van Wassenaer, Kok, Houtzager, 2012), it was found that mothers of pre-term children were more intrusive into their child’s auton omy resulting in decreased socialization. This relationship was also found to be poor with a child with a disability, especially if the mother has a low education background. Many times parents of children with disability are more over-protective of their children, which can result in these children finding it more difficult to interact with others and also impeding that child to fully developing his or her potential. Some parents of children with disability have discussed with me, that there were times that their children were invited to peer’s birthday parties, and have not taken their son to it. A particular parent questioned what will his son gain by going to this party and still not participate in the games since he uses a wheelchair. My reasoning with this father was that his son might have been included in different games, as they can be adapted or he can be helped to participate by another friend. I believe that it is not just the participating in a game that is the m ost important aspect of attending such social events, but the interaction with his peers, the being part of a group of friends, to continue strengthen the child’s socialisation process. When adults control their disabled children, they are limiting them in developing appropriate social skills and self-confidence. With this comes a lack of experience of what childhood is, which might lead to being more dependent in adulthood. This supports the medical model of disability which believes in the dependency of individuals. This however can also be the opposite, where parents still help their disabled children to achieve and hence giving the opportunity for their children to become independent adults (Shah, Arnold, Travers, 2004). In Rana (2011) it is cited that it is the parents’ duty to provide care, protection and proper upbringing of their children. â€Å"Such a belief is predicated on age-long traditions and norms of societies that children must be properly socialized at home and at school to prevent them from engaging in antisocial or improper behavior† (p.44). I believe that under any circumstance, proper family upbringing is of major importance when discussing a child’s socialisation process. Hence this makes no difference as to being born or acquiring the impairment later in childhood. In fact, a Maltese 16 year old adolescent with cerebral palsy has now acquired good socialization skills, thanks to his family in providing appropriate upbringing. Despite being dependent in nearly all aspects of his daily life, having received appropriate education and nurturing, he has some good friendships, is able to understand the norms of society and participate within his community to the bes t of his abilities. Schools and Peers Children with disabilities in schools are more at risk of being bullying and of being socially excluded. They are often seen as being different and with less confidence. Having an accepting social environment will promote healthier friendships and this is important in developing appropriate social skills (Lindsay McPherson, 2012). In the Conventions of the Rights of the Child (United Nations, 1989), it is stated that Parties shall assure to the child who is capable of forming his or her own views the right to express those views freely in all matters affecting the child, the views of the child being given due weight in accordance with the age and maturity of the child. In fact, a group of children with cerebral palsy were interviewed to understand their views on how to minimize social exclusion. A point they brought up is that they feel that their classmates should be informed about their condition, and that there is nothing wrong with being different, but one should focus on their abilities (Lindsay McPherson, 2012). Through this learning of knowledge non-disabled peers will understand how a communication book is used for example. During my experience at a special school in Belgium, which mainly caters for children with physical disabilities, having some of its classes that follow mainstream education, it was so refreshing to see social bonds between each kid in class. It did not matter to them whether someone uses a wheelchair or a walking aid, they helped propel each other or carry things for each other. They even helped each other play games, like helping a kid with limited hand function, to still throw a small sized ball at a target, and henc e participate in the same activities. The school system, staff, parents and hence the children all share the idea that everyone should be given the opportunity to participate according to their capabilities. Social Identity Development Theory (SIDT) is based on research that indicates that childhood is identified by children as being part of social groups, and hence developing their social interaction. It states that the way children display prejudice is distinctive to each social situation rather than to chronological or cognitive age. Schools also form a secondary role in a child’s socialization process, where children are taught how to behave in society. In a study by Nesdale and Lawson (2011), it was found that school norms and beliefs leave a significant impact on young children’s group attitudes. This leads to imply that children understand the importance of listening and responding appropriately to adults in authority, hence in understanding attitudes and behavi ours considered as appropriate or inappropriate (Nesdale Lawson, 2011). I believe that in Malta schools should also instil in their students the idea that we should focus on each other’s abilities, as this will help to increase the socialisation skills of children with disabilities. When the teachers and learning support assistants help to involve all the children in helping each other out in tasks that one might encounter a difficulty in, enhances such peer bonds. From school visits that I have carried out, one notices differences in the school attitudes and how peers relate to individuals with disabilities. This was easily be observed from a simple aspect like the class layout; when the disabled child was on a separate table at the back of the class, he was easily forgotten and excluded, whereas when the child was integrated with his peers, it led to him being included during break times, social events etc. It has also been found that children with cerebral palsy attending a mainstream school in Canada were different from their peers in the number of friendships and social isolation behaviours amongst others (Nadeau Tessier, 2006). Inclusion in mainstream education does not necessary mean that children with disabilities are socially included (Meyer 2001), thus it is important that good education is given to children both from school and from home and that these children with disabilities are supported and given opportunities to socialise and relate to their classmates. Impairment The condition or impairment itself can affect a child’s socialization process. It is known that children and young adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) report feelings of loneliness or the need to have more meaningful friendships, as many times they lack the social competence to feel at ease with typical peers. Therapy interventions should include involving these individuals in activities that are around their preferred interests, to help develop typical peer relationships. This can be linked to a child with ASD, aged 3 and a half, to whom I offer Occupational Therapy intervention, who is fascinated by insects. His socialising with his class mates and interacting in simple crafts activities was limited. It was suggested that pictures of butterflies or caterpillars are included within the classroom setting, and to involve such subjects during crafts activities. This child is now seen to participate and interact more with peers, as lessons and tasks are more about thi ngs he can relate to. A study by Koegel, Kim, Koegel and Schwartzman (2013) also showed these findings, were adolescents who were engaged in activities that related to their interests, were able to socialize with typical peers more appropriately following intervention. Such activities included a Basketball club, Cooking Club and also Computer Graphics club. Intellectual disability is another impairment that may hinder a child’s socialization process. In a study conducted by Baurain, Nader-Grosbois and Dionne (2013), a group of pre-schoolers with intellectual disability and other typical developing children were studied to understand the socio-emotional regulation and also their adjustment to society. The latter includes relationships and development of social skills. The teacher’s perspective was taken using two tests. It resulted that children with intellectual disability did not differ in their social adjustment in relation to typically developing children. However difficulty was found when intellectually disabled individuals had to adopt others’ perspective in social relations. This was stated to be due to some difficulties in social behaviour or behavioural disorders. The level of the intellectual disability is of course an important aspect when discussing whether being born with this disability impacts socializ ation. This can be linked with two clients (both 7 year old) I provide therapy too. Their families are friends, and thus children also spend some time together. One of them is intellectually disabled due to a congenital condition (which is not yet known) which is quite severe. In fact it is difficult for this child to understand society’s norms and thus has difficulty to participate adequately in society, as she just screams in public and just throws everything to the ground, for no particular reason. On the other hand, the other child with a mild intellectual disability is able to participate well in his society, being able to understand what is acceptable in the different contexts that he is exposed to (no particular behaviours observed). Both kids have so far been brought up in approximately the same family values and hence primary socialization; however their impairment severity level has an influence on their socialization process. Having a physical disability, both born or acquired, will have an effect on the child participation at school. This does not only include physical limitations that the child might encounter on a daily basis. Child/individual characteristics also play an important role. Having the motivation, will and also the knowledge to be able to perform in the context and appropriate social skills, most often compensates the physical limitations (Egilson Traustadotti, 2009). All these are other important factors in line with socialization process. Acquiring the disability at a particular age, the child might have a stronger will or motivation to strive to achieve the most their abilities, as they know life prior to the disability. On the other hand, this can also be the case of a child with a born impairment, who would still have high motivation to achieve and develop good socialization. Taking a step further and looking at whether born or acquired disability in relation to the socialisation process and how it will eventually be transferred to adult life Michelsen, Uldall, Hansen, and Madsen (2006) conducted a study of adults with cerebral palsy, compared to adults without a disability to identify the level of social integration and independence. Being born with a disability impacted the socialization process; however 68% of those studied where living independently with 28% of them cohabiting. However when compared to the non-disabled individuals, this resulted to only half the amount to be socially integrated. This difference can be due to cognitive difficulties, which ultimately does effect how much one can fully integrate with society at any age throughout the course of the lifetime. Thus it is important that all aspects that lead to acquiring good socialisation skills are provided to children from a very young age, to help them develop and reach their full social potential by adulthood. I believe that the way our society is built with its norms, values and thoughts with regards to impairments and disabilities, does effect children’s socialisation process. Being born or acquiring the impairment does have an effect; however the other constructs and points mentioned above define this impact further. Thus the socialisation process of a child is acquired when a mixture of the entire above are provided within a child’s life. It is important that children are given the right opportunities to experience, to be empowered and to engage with the rest of their community to develop socialisation to the fullest. Bibliography Baurain, C., Nader-Grosbois, N., Dionne, C. (2013). Socio-emotional regulation in children with intellectual disability and typically developing children, and teachers’ perceptions of their social adjustment.Research in Developmental Disabilities,34(9), 2774-2787. doi:http://dx.doi.org.ejournals.um.edu.mt/10.1016/j.ridd.2013.03.022 Berns, R. M. (2013).Child, Family, School, Community.Socialization and support(9th ed.). Wadsworth: Cengage Learning. Diem-Wille, G. (2011). The Emergence of Body-Ego Individualisation through the experience of separation and closeness.The early years of life: Psychoanalytical development theory according to Freud, Klein and Bion(pp. 35) Egilson, S. T., Traustadottir, R. (2009). Participation of students with physical disabilities in the school environment.The American Journal of Occupational Therapy,63(3), 264-72. Koegel, R., Kim, S., Koegel, L., Schwartzman, B. (2013). Improving socialization for high school students with ASD by using their preferred interests.Journal of Autism Developmental Disorders,43(9), 2121-2134. doi:10.1007/s10803-013-1765-3 Lindsay, S., McPherson, A., C. (2012). Strategies for improving disability awareness and social inclusion of children and young people with cerebral palsy.Child: Care, Health Development,38(6), 809-816. doi:10.1111/j.1365-2214.2011.01308.x Meyer, L. H. (2001). The impact of inclusion on Children’s lives: Multiple outcomes, and friendship in particular.International Journal of Disability, Development and Education,48(1), 9-31. Michelsen, S. I., Uldall, P., Hansen, T., Madsen, M. (2006). Social integration of adults with cerebral palsy.Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology,48(8), 643-9. Nadeau, L., Tessier, R. (2006). Social adjustment of children with cerebral palsy in mainstream classes: Peer perception.Developmental Medicine and Child Neurology,48(5), 331-6. Nesdale, D., Lawson, M. J. (2011). Social groups and childrens intergroup attitudes: Can school norms moderate the effects of social group norms?Child Development,82(5), 1594-1606. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8624.2011.01637.x Owens, B. R. (2010). Producing parsons reputation: Early critiques of talcott parsons social theory and the making of a caricature.Journal of the History of the Behavioral Sciences,46(2), 165-188. Potharst, E. S., Schuengel, C., Last, B. F., van Wassenaer, A.,G., Kok, J. H., Houtzager, B. A. (2012). Difference in mother-child interaction between preterm- and term-born preschoolers with and without disabilities.Acta Paediatrica,101(6), 597-603. doi:10.1111/j.1651-2227.2012.02599.x Rana, H. (2011). Academic reflections on family fragmentation and child socialization.Journal of Educational Research,14(2), 40-48. Shah, S., Arnold, J., Travers, C. (2004). The impact of childhood on disabled professionals.Children Society,18(3), 194-206. doi:10.1002/CHI.789 United Nations. (1989).Convention on the rights of the child.( No. 44/25). doi:http://www.ohchr.org/Documents/ProfessionalInterest/crc.pdf 1

Impacts Upon Skinclads Business in the Next Five Years Essay -- Busin

Impacts Upon Skinclad's Business in the Next Five Years In order to analyse the operating environment of Skinclad, an audit of the performance of the organisation was executed. This took the form of an environmental scan which assessed the internal and external environment of the company. The findings of this scan will provide an understanding and appreciation of the many factors impacting directly or indirectly upon the company’s operations. The report explores the macro and micro environmental factors which are likely to impact upon Skinclad’s business over the next five years, reviews the internal factors, existing marketing mix and highlights possible problems areas. The Swot analysis lists the main strength of the business, its weakness and likely threats and opportunities the company may face in the future. Finally, the report identifies recommendations and possible options for improving production and the financial viability of Skinclad. MACRO ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS PEST ANALYSIS A1 A PEST analysis is an environmental scan of the macro economic factors impacting on the operations of an organisation. It analyses the following factors and its relation to the UK Textile industry: * Political * Economical * Social * Technological The relevance of this analysis is significant in gauging world trends and its consequent role in influencing social, cultural, technological, demographical and economical factors. The analysis notes with interest the current state of the UK Textile industry which has experienced a slump since the late 1990 (Figure 1). The figure shows that total output had declined significantly over the period and production has collapsed by 30%. This may be attributed to the effect of globalisation and a shift to importing clothing from cheaper Asian markets such as Philippines, Indonesia and Bangladesh. Many local manufacturers were affected by this move. A case in point was Marks and Spencer who were committed to local producers until the early 2000 when they were forced to source garments from cheaper suppliers outside of the UK to compete with the influx of European retailers. The establishment of the European Union and institution of the Euro dollar has further exacerbated the situation for local producers as a strong UK currency ( £) has made exports more costly to other regions in the Eur... ...shion Shared Values Ø This is not applicable to the case Sustainable Competitive Advantage Ø Has been in existence for over twenty two year Ø Developed an establish network that includes, suppliers, retailers Appendix 4 ========== 8 P’s Product * Jackets and full-length coats in twenty different styles Place * Old dilapidated building in the old textile industry main district Price * Basic assumption that product is high priced since product is high quality Promotion ========= * This information was not provided in the case. However, the need for promotion may be limited as there is a direct link to a retailer who purchase the majority of the product Profit * Profit has been eroded over the years with a net value of  £1 on certain product Physical * Old rented premises in what used to be the hub of the UK textile industry Process * This information was not available from the case People - Not accessible from case Appendix 5 ---------- Ansoff Matrix existing products new products Existing Markets Market Penetration Product Development New Markets Market Development Diversification

Festivals are the best way to learn about your faith Essay

â€Å"Festivals are the best way to learn about your faith.† Do you agree? Give reasons to support your answer and show that you have thought about different points of view. Refer to Judaism in you answer. (15 marks) According to Jews, each individual has a strong duty to uphold their covenant with God. In fact, this is possibly the most important thing a Jew does during his/her lifetime: love and honour God’s commands and wishes. It is essential that all Jews, adults and children, understand what this means. Festivals are used to rejoice but they also have a strong message that will help Jews to follow the Torah and to love God. They help Jews to learn about their faith. E.g. Passover teaches the Jews about their history and about God’s ability to change history. Shabbat remembers the Sabbath day when God rested from creating the world. And so, Jews must rest too on this day and do no work whatsoever. Jews reflect upon God as the creator of all things. Simchat Torah commemorates the acceptance of the Torah and God’s counselling on how His chosen people should live Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur both call upon Jews to reflect upon their actions to God and towards each other. They are times of forgiving. Another way that festivals are very important is because of the children of Jews. They are the Jewish future and without them, the faith would die. Jews rely on the traditions and symbolism to pass down through generations. Festivals are particularly effective in teaching children because not only are they generally fun, they present to children a time to see distant relatives, a time to relax, a time to forgive each other and to be happy. Festivals are a exceptionally good way for children to learn about their faith but there are many ways a Jew can learn about his faith and although festivals may be the most fun, there are other essential things a Jew must learn about to learn about his/her faith. Some Jews may argue that before they are even of an age to learn, they must be initiated into their faith by a row of festivals such as Brit Milah (circumcision), Simchat Habat (The naming ceremony for girls), Bar Mitzvah and Bat Mitzvah. These festivals mark huge event: the admission into Judaism and the responsibility for keeping the covenant and the commandments for themselves. Children learn about all this through extensive research and reading of the Torah and the Hebrew language. Another way of learning about the religion is the reading of the Torah. Both the learning of the Written Torah and the Oral Torah is fundamental. Preferably, they will learn it in its original language, Hebrew, but nowadays, children will often learn the English version or in the language of whatever country they live. Synagogues provide study classes for communities of children and adults. The Written Torah contains the six hundred and thirteen mitzvoth that Jews must strive to keep for all of their life. The Oral torah provides a interpretation of these rules and how to keep them. Many Jews will also look to the local Rabbi to learn about their faith. He will advise them on any problems they have and willingly explain anything a Jew is confused about. They are they as guidance and help for Jews and are a very good way of enlightenment about Judaism. I am inclined to agree with the statement, because the event becomes a lot more interesting and fun as it is a break from the norm and it can be easy to remember certain events by having simple symbols to remind you. For example in Passover a Seder meal is eaten which contains several symbols to describe the event, which occurred 3,300 years ago. The Z’roah is a roasted bone of lamb to symbolise painting the door posts with lamb’s blood so the Angel of Death passed over that house and spared the first-born son and the matzah symbolises the Israelites leaving in a hurry, before their bread has risen. These symbols in the festival enable Jews to understand and remember the story by relating the food they’re eating. So, when they see the Z’roah they will think, â€Å"Oh, yes, I remember that lamb’s blood was painting over door posts so the Angel did not kill the first-born son of that house!† This is because they can relate it to the Z’roah being a roasted bone of lamb, so it jogs their memory. This is a good way to teach younger children about the story as they relate better to symbols and interesting stories than about lectures and rules that they MUST obey. I find that I can learn something much easier if I enjoy what I am learning and festivals are a really fun way of learning about one’s faith. However I can understand the point of view of those Jews who believe that the Written and Oral Torah are essential for the awareness of Judaism. I do believe that it is very important that Jews learn about the commandments and how they should be kept, because it is that which keeps the faith alive. I think, to sum it up, that festivals are a very good way to learn about one’s faith, because children can relate to them better and children are, of course, the future of Judaism, but I think if a Jew has learnt about their faith through all of these aspects then you cannot ask for a more devoted and steadfast person.

Language & Literacy for Young Children Essay

This paper will discuss developmentally appropriate methodologies in teaching language and literacy to young children across a developmental curriculum. Also to be discussed will be the aspects/knowledge’s of language, language diversity and Theoretical Perspectives. In the Beginning There is now evidence that it is never too early to teach a child. Through research it has been discovered that the infant even before he/she is born can hear sound and as we know that is how we acquire language, by hearing spoken words. According to Otto (2010), language development begins when language speakers assume that an infant is a participating partner in conversational settings, even though it is months before the child is able to begin using conventional words. In an article written by Dr. Carmelita Lomeo-Smrtic,Ph. D, she wrote that â€Å"Teaching children to become literate members of society is a daunting task, often relegated to the elementary teacher. However, research on teaching children to become literate suggests that this process must begin well before kindergarten. Research suggests that children are primed for learning language in utero. Also from the Otto text, â€Å"research on children’s perception of speech and the development of the auditory system in utero has determined that the fetus can perceive sounds beginning with the 25th week of gestation and at the 35th week a fetus’s hearing acuity is at a level similar to an adult’s(2010). Knowing all of this has prompted mother’s and some father’s to read to their unborn infant and even â€Å"talk† to him/her. Documented research suggests that infants can distinguish their mother’s voice from the voice of others-including other female voices a first few days after birth (Otto,2010). Aspects of Language It has been established that children begin learning at a very early age, even though they do not begin speaking words for many months. Now we will move on to speak about howthey learn. There are five aspects or knowledge’s of language. -Phonetic, Semantic, Syntactic, Morphemic, and Pragmatic.