Role of Entrepreneurship Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Role of Entrepreneurship - Essay Example Innovation is a key factor in entrepreneurship. Innovation involves introducing new ideas and products as a measure of improving or satisfying a market need. The chief instigator of innovation is the entrepreneur, who analyzes the pros and cons of innovation and the likely risks that relate to implementing innovation. The say if it is not broken, do not fix it; however, this concept cannot apply to entrepreneurs based on their pursuit of increased sales and maintaining their pioneer status. Innovation is a factor that is pivotal in the longevity of a company. (Howkins, 2001) Mercedes-Benz: A Leader in Innovation The best example of innovation relates to Mercedes-Benz in the 1980s. The company came out with a new concept of using block headlights instead of the popular circular headlights. They claimed that the concept would be copied by a majority of car companies in the 1990s. It was a bold statement by the car company, who were deemed to be blowing their own horn at the time (Reyno lds, 2007). However, true to their prediction, in 1992, several car companies had begun using the block headlights introduced by Mercedes-Benz. This is an illustration of the impact of being a pioneer in innovation. The fact that Mercedes introduce the concept the concept first meant that they were the leading light in car innovation, and to some degree, they still are to this day. Though it was a risk making the bold prediction, there were spot-on proving they have a sharp eye for solid innovation concepts. The primary aim of any entrepreneur is to ensure that their company makes the most sales and net profit (gross profit – company costs = net profit). Wise entrepreneurs push this factor beyond the limits of the company in order to grow as a company. Growth involves factors such as becoming a multinational company, and becoming the global leader in sales of a given product. It is vital for an entrepreneur to push the company to its highest limits, and put it on a level that will make the world take notice. This may not be the best strategy for the consumers; however, the ultimate task for an entrepreneur is to become a monopoly in the company’s respective market. This ensures that the company is the pioneer in the market, and the latter will make purchases from the company anytime they require a product that the company produces. Coca Cola: an Entrepreneurship based on Establishing a Monopoly The best example is Coca-Cola; when it comes to soft drinks, the first word on everyone’s lips is coca-cola. Such is the dominance of the company, that it can be considered the global monopoly of soft drinks. It holds over 70% of the market share for soft drinks on a global scale. As a result, the company is able to generate large volumes of revenue, which can be used for aggressive advertisement (Howkins, 2001). Though it has established itself as a soft drink monopoly, Coca-cola does not rest on this accomplishment. It is constantly seeking new ma rkets to enter, such as the water market. Coca-cola has entered the juice market and is looking into venturing into the tea and coffee markets. This is evident of the company’s ambitions, which are evidence of quality entrepreneurship. Entrepreneurship is important in the revival of companies. Employing the right CEO or chairman is the fine line between success and failure of a company. Experience is the best teacher that serves to educate entrepreneurs

The Education Games In Primary Schools Education Essay

The Education Games In Primary Schools Education Essay While educational games might be very important to the learning process, one of the biggest downfalls of this genre is that the learning objective is quite evident to the learner and often doesnt have much meaning for the learner. In more interactive educational games, the learning objective is submerged in a rich world that creates learning opportunities [Ahuja, Mitra, Kumar Singh, 1994]. Despite the mixed success of educational games designed specifically for learning, the impact of digital gaming has drawn many educators and researchers to question how they might be used to facilitate student learning. Over the past decade, the use of educational gaming has prompted considerable attention in exploring how and why games might be powerful tools in the classroom. As a result of this interest, there are potential benefits of this for education and learning in schools. Some important reasons why educational games should be fully implemented in primary schools are enhancing learning sk ills, engaging and motivating the children and preparing them for living and working in the 21st century. The first reason why educational games should be implemented in primary schools is to enhance learning while developing Information and Communication Technology (ICT) skills. In playing educational games, it is evident that skills and competences are developed. Using teacher evaluations of mostly simulation and quest-based educational games found numerous skills to be developed through their use [McFarlane, Sparrowhawk Heald, 2002]. Some of the skills developed playing educational games are, strategic thinking, planning, communication, decision-making, personal skills, spatial skills and social skills. Some educational games cultivate these skills by just engaging in them. If educational games have such a great impact on the development of a child, it should be incorporated in the curriculum of our primary schools. It will create a learning-based environment in which the children can fully utilize their learning capabilities. While the curriculum set by the Ministry of Education is academic, educational games will develop the basic motor skills in children of that level. The challenge is to identify how a certain educational games would connect to the curriculum. Educational games are tools to engage children in learning. The game is the hook or the stimulus, both for the learner and, in many cases particularly at primary level, for developing a rich and wide learning context. In classes, educational games provide a particular focus in one subject, for example, Mathematics or English Language but it is still valued as a stimulus for learning. An example of an educational game is Simcity which can be used to teach aquatic habitat in the subject area of Science. Educational games offer a rich mix of audio, video, text and the manipulation of the mouse to enhance learning. There is no comparison with an inert textbook. Educational games facilitate the multiple intelligences of children such as verbal, mathem atical and spatial. The second reason why educational games should be implemented in primary schools is to engage and motivate children via a student-centered approach to learning. Children can enter environments in games that would be impossible to access in any other way, for example going back in history, understanding the complexity of running a major city, managing entire civilizations or nurturing families. Games require engagement with complex decisions by allowing the player to explore the effects of different choices and a multiplicity of variables. Ongoing and responsive feedback on choices is usually given which encourages the users to discover new limits to their abilities. Games stimulate conversation and discussion since players are able to share ideas, hints and tips in what increasingly tends to be a very lively and supportive learning community [ELSPA, 2006]. Educational games allow children to interact and the nature of the games provides three main factors for motivation: fantasy, challenge and curiosity [Malone, 1981]. Fantasy relates to the use of imagination and the childs inherent inclination towards play. It provides a way for the children to feel freedom to fail, experiment, interpret and identify. Challenge is created by the task or puzzle in an educational game and when appropriately aligned with the childs ability level, the challenge falls within their zone of proximal development. Curiosity here is the sense of testing the educational game or exploring to determine what happens if the child does a certain task. Educational game creates a way for children to be motivated at the cognitive level and in using the new technologies; these games will have a greater impact on childrens everyday lives. One excellent example of motivating children via a student-centered approach is the world education games originating from Australia. Students play Literacy, Mathematics and Science against fellow students in a live, global forum. The teachers role is a facilitator of learning. Feedback is provided for participants while they develop their ICT skills. Finally, the third and most important reason why educational games should be implemented in primary schools is to prepare the children for living and working in the 21st century. Technology has certainly taken over many aspects of life. Children of today are using computers more often as well as handheld consoles. Teachers and school leaders want their children to be prepared for the world of work and to see them inspired towards a relevant future career. Educational gaming can help equip children with the skills required to adapt to the outside world. While the Ministry of Education is slowly implementing the game-based learning in schools, teachers are using the computers in their schools to facilitate educational games and provide game-based projects to the students. Educational games will provide the learning outcomes beneficial to excelling in the higher levels of education. With technology advancing at a rapid rate, individuals will be required to have skills in computing and o ther electronic devices in the future. If educational games are implemented in primary schools, it will certainly prepare the children for the future and it will provide a new perspective of learning in schools. In conclusion, it is clear that educational games present an opportunity to engage students in activities, which can enhance their learning. Like any successful outlay, outcomes need to be well planned and classrooms carefully organized to enable all children to engage in learning. Educational games seem like a viable way for the future learner to bring their existing interests, skills and knowledge into the classroom and then use the games as a hook or stimulus to build the activities for learning around them. Educational games provide a forum for learning in a happy way while developing cognitive and psychomotor skills. It prepares the child for their future life and so it is imperative that educational games should be implemented in primary schools in Trinidad and Tobago.

Gangs and Violence in The Prison System Essay -- Criminal Justice

Gangs and Violence in the Prison System Introduction Gang violence is nationwide and is one of the most prominent problems in the prison system today. Gangs are known to attempt to control the prisons/jails, instill fear within the prison system and throughout the society, and bring negative attention to the system. â€Å"Gang affiliated inmates comprise about 18 percent of the 18000 inmate population.†(Seabrook) A growing numbers of inmates and a large amount of them serving longer sentences for violent crimes suggest a notable increase in gangs and violence in the prison system in the upcoming future. History â€Å"Prisons began to bulge with gang members when states enacted tougher laws for gang-related crime in the mid to late 1980s.†(Martinez) On one hand the laws enacted helped get gang members off the street, but in another way it backfired by not stopping the gangs’ activity. â€Å"In many ways their number and power grew even more in prison.†(Martinez) The problem of gangs and violence has been addressed many times throughout the years by the United States Correctional Board but the board has yet to take the problem seriously. Background Most gang members in prisons are introduced to the â€Å"gang life† at an early age and enter prison a member, but some become a member once behind bars mainly for the protection the gangs are known to provide. Gangs are known to purposely intimidate other inmates, thus reinforcing the reason why â€Å"one out of every ten male inmates† becomes a member once behind bars. (Knox) Most of the people who enter prison a member were sentenced for drug offenses. Prison gangs are well known for the handling of illegal substances, alcohol, or tobacco inside the correctional facilities, this is only a ... ... of Gangs and Security Threat Groups." National Gang Crime Research Center. 2005. Web. 28 Jan. 2012. . Martinez, Pila. "Novel Attempt to Curb Prison Gang Violence." The Christian Science Monitor. The Christian Science Monitor, 1 July 1999. Web. 28 Jan. 2012. . "Prison Gangs -- Gangs and Security Threat Group Awareness." Florida Department of Corrections. Florida Department of Corrections. Web. 28 Jan. 2012. . Seabrook, Norman. "Prison Violence on the Rise." USA Today. Buisness Library, Sept. 2005. Web. 28 Jan. 2012. . Yanez, Dominick. â€Å"Security Threat Group’s in the Correctional System Overview.† Sam Houston State University, Huntsville. 13 April. 2012. Lecture.

Business Communication in Today’s World

INTRODUCTION Definition Communication is defined as the process of transferring information and meaning between senders and receivers, using one or more written, oral, visual or electronic channels. Simply put, communication is the exchange of information between people. It is important to get feedback from your audience and vice versa for the process of communication to take place effectively. The feedback can be either positive or negative. Business communication is any communication used in an organisation with an intention to promote a product, improve service or with the intention to make a sale. This type of communication also occurs within the organisation between the management and employees. It has purpose and a lot of attention is given to detail. Business communication has undergone a lot of transformation as a result of the growth of information technology that has changed the whole concept of communication. In the past, businesses had a model of communication that left very little room for interaction and conversation with the receiver of the message. Currently the model that works and is now used by most organisations is one that gives room to both conversation and interaction with the receivers. BODY Communication is very vital in any organization. Like blood in our bodies, it is the channel that gives life to the organisation and without it, organisations would not be functional. There are two types of business communication in an organization 1. Internal Communication 2. External Communication Internal communication This defines communication that occurs within an organisation. It occurs between management and departments and between the employees of the organization. This type of communication may be formal or informal. Internal communication is vital because it helps in increasing job satisfaction, productivity and profits. It is also a platform for employees and management to air and address grievances. There are three types of communication under internal business communication a) Upward Communication b) Downward Communication c) Horizontal communication a) Upward communication Upward communication is the flow of information from subordinates to superiors or from employees to management. By definition, communication is a two-way affair. Yet for effective two-way organizational communication to occur, it must begin from the bottom. Upward Communication is a means for staff to: * Exchange vital information * Offer ideas Express enthusiasm * Achieve job satisfaction * Provide feedback Diagram showing upward communication in a bank b) Downward Communication This is the flow of information from the person or people who are at the top of the organisation to their subordinates. Downward communication generally provides information for direction and guidance e. g. Instructions on how to do a task. This type o f communication is needed in an organization to: * Transmit important information * Give instructions * Announce decisions * Seek cooperation * Provide motivation * Increase efficiency * Obtain feedback c) Horizontal communication Horizontal communication normally involves coordinating information, and allows people with the same or similar rank in an organization to co-operate or collaborate. Communication among employees at the same level is crucial for the accomplishment of work. Horizontal Communication is essential for: * Solving problems * Accomplishing tasks * Improving teamwork * Building goodwill * Boosting efficiency External Communication This type of communication occurs between the organisation and the public. This includes suppliers, clients or customers, shareholders or investors and with other organisations. Social networks have transformed external communication. The popularity of Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other social networks have made them effective tools for communication that organisations now use. External communication leads to: * Increased sales volume * Public credibility * Operational efficiency * Achievement of organisational goals * Customer satisfaction METHODS OF COMMUNICATION There are different communication methods that are used in business communication. We have verbal, written and visual methods that come in different forms. These forms of communication have undergone transformation with the introduction of information technology. For example verbal forms of communication like telephone calls have been improved to incorporate video conferencing. It is important to choose the right method and form of communication if you are to effectively pass information to your audience. The choice is determined by several factors: * Urgency – How important is the information to the recipient and what would be the effect of delay? * Security and privacy – Are the contents of the message classified? Nature and complexity – does the message contain detailed/ technically complex information that could be misunderstood? * Number of recipients – is the message intended for one person, a selected group or everyone? * Record – Will evidence/proof of communication be needed? * Distance – Is the message for internal use only or does it need to be transmitted further? * Impression/ appea rance – is the message required to create a favorable impression by its style/ quality/ appearance? If so, are the recipient’s taste known? * Feedback – will an instant response be needed from the message? Cost –How much will it cost you to pass this information and is it worth it? Forms of communication include: * Memos * Email * Letters * Newspapers/magazines * Television * Telephone * Meetings Information technology has transformed business technology and today there are several tools that are available for communication both internal and external communication. Some of these tools include: * Wireless network * Electronic presentations * Virtual meeting spaces * Wikis * Voice technology * Video conferencing CONCLUSION Business communication should be effective if the organization is to achieve its goals and desired results. The purpose of business communication is to pass information to the receiver and receive a response. Effective communication is communication that ensures that this happens in an efficient way. For information to be effective, it has to be able to: * Provide information that is practical – it should be able to give the receiver information that they can apply in their daily life. * It should give facts and avoid vague impressions – Language used should be strong and give clear and accurate information. In the case of an argument it should give evidence to support the conclusion reached. The presentation should be concise and efficient this can be achieved by summarizing and highlighting the main points Business communication is important because it helps in: * Decision making – business communication makes the process of decision making faster because reliable information has been received. * Solving problems – Effective communication ensures that problems are solved faster because the problems have already been understood. * Foreseeing potential problems that the business could experience * Developing stronger relationships business relationships * Developing exceptional marketing messages It is important to note that business communication is different from social communication with friends and family. Business communication is complicated and requires skill and attention. As result there are challenges that rise when trying to ensure that an organization has effective business communication. Some of these challenges include: Globalization in business and the diversity of the workforce – Businesses can presently be able to connect with the world and sell products across borders. Although, the opening up of the market is an advantage to the business, it presents new challenges in communication. The organization should find methods to be able to effectively communicate with the new market and diverse workforce that these new opportunities present. The escalation of value given to business communication – We are living in the Information age and competition in the marketplace is determined by how well business information is relayed by the organization. It is important to acquire information on competition, customer needs and the rules and regulations. Growth of technology – Business communication today is dependent on technology and technology is very dynamic. For an organization to be relevant it has to have the ability to transform at the same pace that technology is advancing. It is therefore important to use it productively. We should also remember that technology is just a tool for communication, not a replacement to think or communicate for an organization. Increasing reliance on teamwork – teams are vital in an organizational structure and for teams to produce results there is a need for them to have efficient communication. This sometimes presents challenges but developing great communication lines ensures that teamwork is successful. Business communication is growing; innovations are being made daily to make communication more efficient. Conventional ways are being transformed to incorporate technology or being discarded completely for lack of relevance. All this is done in an effort to improve business and increase productivity. REFERENCES Bove`e, L. , and Thill, V. (2010). Business Communication Today. Upper Saddle, NJ. Pearson Education Inc. Publishing.

Comparison of the discrimination Essay

To conclude this comparison of these two groups, the Dalits in India and the Indigenous Australians, I believe their situations can be linked and related to. The Dalits in India are regarded as the lowest of the low and are treated like â€Å"rats†. They are not given proper education and healthcare and not allowed to mix with non-Dalits. The IA on the other hand had there numbers decline mostly due to the European diseases brought to the country and also due to cultural genocide (the process of taking the aboriginal children and breeding them with non IA’s, thus â€Å"killing† off the IA population). These two groups are closely related however in the case of the IA’s they were the first natural inhabitants of Australia. This is the opposite to the Dalits, they were originally from India however the caste system in India has forced them into poverty. What has forced IA into poverty is the massive presence of the white population and has made the IA into a minority. However there have been recent apologies by Prime Minister Kevin Rudd of Australia to the indigenous Australians, which I would say is respectful. However there has been no sympathy towards the Dalits from the upper classes, they want the Dalits to stay in this low status for as long as possible. To conclude I believe the Dalits suffer more than the IA’s, not just because of the way they are treated but the sheer number of them as a whole. Bibliography: Research on Dalits: Internet (â€Å"www.wiki.com†, â€Å"www.dalitnetwork.org†) Research on IA’s: Internet (â€Å"www.wiki.com†, â€Å"www.indigenous.gov.au†, â€Å"www.pm.gov.au/media/Speech/2008/speech_0073.cfm† Research using class notes on IA’s and Dalits.