Advanced Knowlege of Technology for Teachers - 682 Words

Teachers’ abilities and preparation for using tools and teaching strategies, related to technology, may need to be defined or refined, and improved in some cases. Schools today have two different generations sharing the classroom; the teachers who are digital immigrants, having to catch up with technology advances and learn how to use them effectively, and digital natives, the students who are comfortable with technological devices and applications. Digital natives have a high level of skills, at least for the programs that they routinely interact with, while many teachers are self-taught or have attended a workshop about a particular educational product provided through technology. Spaulding (2010) conducted a study to compare pre-service and in-service teachers’ abilities in the use of technology, devices, and programs. This research study investigated the technology knowledge for both pre-service (at the student-teacher level) teachers and in-service teachers, includ ing their abilities and expectations for technology usage. The report found expectation differences that could have a significant impact on the integration of technology in their teaching. Also, another purpose of this research was to compare pre-service teachers and in-service teachers to determine if differences existed between their self-reported technology skills and actual skill levels for the two groups. The subjects in this study were 112 students (pre-service teachers) in the teacher education degreeShow MoreRelatedContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 PagesErnst Young Alumni Professor of Managerial Accounting and Infor- mation Assurance, and the Director of the Ph.D. Program at the Robert H. Smith School of Business. He is also an Affiliate Professor in the University of Maryland Institute for Advanced Computer Studies. Dr Gordon earned his Ph.D. in Managerial Economics from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. His research focuses on such issues as corporate performance measures, economic aspects of information and cyber security, cost management

Essay on If I Die in a Combat Zone - 650 Words

If I Die in a Combat Zone Essay Men have always viewed a love or need for a woman as a weakness. This is especially true in the U.S. military, where violence is sexualized and women are viewed as unnecessary. In a way, this is done to make life in the army easier because their are no women in the majority of their time. During an occupation, the local women have to incur the wrath of men trained to see them as something below human. Tim OBrien exemplifies this in his novel, If I Die in a Combat Zone, where the soldiers in Vietnam mistreat the women used for sexual purposes like strippers and prostitutes, yet treat women in the villages as if they were their mothers. Soldiers at war, far away from the women in their lives, leads†¦show more content†¦When they said to watch for th ones with razor blades in their vaginas-communists agents (OBrien 103). The women in the local villages are treated as enemy combatants instead of people caught in the crossfire. In the My Lai Massacre, women are raped and killed and the crazed soldiers dont give it a second thought, but when a women VC is killed on accident by one of the soldiers, it is hard for them to watch her die. The soldier who shot her claimed he didnt know she was a woman when he shot her, as he stroked her hair and watched her die. I wish I could help her...God, she must hurt. Get the flies off her (OBrien 113). They take care of the dying woman by moving her into shade and giving her kool-aid. This shows the plurality of the soldiers and how they are both humans and killing machines. The soldiers in Vietnam objectify woman because that is what they were taught and it makes killing easier. The strippers and prostitutes have no respect and are treated like garbage, but a dying VC nurse is given shade and water and medical help. Women in Vietnam many times helped the soldiers, yet are slaughtered mercilessly in the My Lai massacre. The violence is sexualized by referring to their rifles by girls names and the constant sexist banter. OBrien displays all of these examples of plurality in the memoir, If I Die in a CombatShow MoreRelatedIf I Die During A Combat Zone Essay1752 Words   |  8 PagesIf I Die in a Combat Zone America is well known and hated across the globe for its involvement in foreign conflicts and affairs. The self proclaimed police of the world, America often goes too far when it comes to its involvement overseas. Many times the outcomes of these conflicts is overlooked and the effect it will have on america and other countries. Often times the American news media and politicians will claim that America s goal is to bring freedom and liberty to other countries. HoweverRead MoreEssay about If I Die in a Combat Zone by Tim OBrien996 Words   |  4 PagesOBrien, Tim. If I Die in a Combat Zone. New York: Broadway Books, 1975. Tim OBrien is confused about the Vietnam War. He is getting drafted into it, but is also protesting it. He gets to boot camp and finds it very difficult to know that he is going off to a country far away from home and fighting a war that he didnt believe was morally right. Before OBrien gets to Vietnam he visits a military Chaplin about his problem with the war. OBrien I am really surprised to hear this. YoureRead MoreWomen in the Military Essay531 Words   |  3 PagesI have chosen my persuasive essay to be focused on why women should be in the military. I chose this topic in order to get a full view on how women in the military are thought of. I have done some research and have learned a lot more then I originally expected. According to the U.S. Constitution, all men are created equal, this also includes women. I believe that a woman in the military is just as capable as any man. Some people will argue this because they feel as thoughRead MoreEssay Women in Combat1323 Words   |  6 Pagesof the Air Force Airman’s Creed states, â€Å"I am an American Airman, Guardian of Freedom and Justice, My Nation’s Sword and Shield, its Sentry and Avenger. I defend my country with my Life† (Huguley, 2009, p.1). The word â€Å"Airmen† is gender neutral in the creed; yet, women who want to serve in combat roles are still denied the privilege. Now is the time for the all military branches of service to change both their views and policies regarding women in combat. This paper will explore the need for theRead More Women in the Military Essay1112 Words   |  5 PagesHowever, once I started my research, my opinion changed. In 1948, Congress passed the combat exclusion law that prohibited women in the Air Force, Marines, and Navy to hold combat positions; however, the Army can assign these duties as they see fit (Schroeder). Some people assume that Americans are not ready to see a woman woun ded or killed in war; however, there are female police officers that are wounded or killed daily (Schroeder). How can we rationalize that a woman has the right to die protectingRead MoreWomen and the Military1125 Words   |  5 Pagesposition expect those on the front lines. With the infiltration of women in the services in 1972, great controversy has arisen and has become a highly argued issue (Donnelly 8). I believe that women should not only be permitted to be employed in the military, but also should be able to fight on the front lines of combat. For centuries women have been under great scrutiny due to their physical ability, thought processes, and the roles they play in society. The abilities of women were oftenRead MoreThe War Is Wrong, By Tim O Brien1075 Words   |  5 Pagesâ€Å"If I truly believe the war is wrong, is it then also wrong to go off and kill people? If I do that, what will happen to my soul?† (pg 60). Tim O Brien is an American man who was drafted into the Vietnam War. O Brien is not a violent man and struggles because he believes that the war is wrong. He debates whether or not he should go to war or move to Canada to avoid the draft. Tim O Brien decides to join the army. O Brien uses his personal experiences as a foot soldier in the Vietnam War to conveyRead MoreThe Novel War By Sebastian Junger1483 Words   |  6 Pagesand the consequences combat has on family members. While this novel has some detailed and brutally honest components regarding the war in Afghanistan, I found the ins ight provided by Junger on combat to be interesting. Once I started reading this novel, putting down the book was nearly impossible as I was finding myself entranced within this world of war. The insight into the world of combat, although brief, permitted me to better understand a soldier’s experience in war zones. My previous knowledgeRead MoreAstonishing Imagery in Wilfred Owens Poem, Dulce et Decorum Est502 Words   |  3 PagesThe poem ‘Dulce et Decorum Est’ by Wilfred Owen portrays the horrors of World War I with the horrific imagery and the startling use of words he uses. He describes his experience of a gas attack where he lost a member of his squadron and the lasting impact it had on him. He describes how terrible the conditions were for the soldiers and just how bad it was. By doing this he is trying to help stop other soldiers from experiencing what happened in a shortage of time. Owen opens his poem with a strongRead MoreThe Vietnam War And Iraq Wars1214 Words   |  5 PagesVietnam War and Iraq wars have many more similarities then the common American would think. Both were fighting gorillas in a foreign land in a way that the soldiers were never trained or prepared for, against a foe that despise America as a whole. However I believe the biggest difference is the American publics view and attitude toward each of the two wars. As well as the attitude of the soldiers in each of the wars in 2001 after the September 11 attacks we had people like Pat Tillman give up a career in

Strategic Initiative free essay sample

The relationship between strategic and financial planning can be studied through the annual reports of Apple Inc. (â€Å"Apple†). In response to a rapid surge in consumer demand Apple initiated a new strategic plan to consolidate its existing supply chain. The development, implementation, and consequences of this strategy can be studied through the company’s consecutive annual reports. The company identified potential problems within its supply chain in 2008, announced its responding strategy in 2009, and reported on its progress in 2010. Consolidating the supply chain has affected the organization’s costs and sales. Initiating these plans poses some additional risks and potentially adverse financial effects. The recent annual reports of Apple indicate that the strategic planning initiative to consolidate its supply chain was successful. In Apple’s 2009 annual report the company reported that it had begun a new strategic planning initiative to consolidate its supply chain in response to a rapidly increasing consumer demand. A 2008 internal audit on Apple’s supply chain, management identified potential concerns with the procurement of component parts. Namely, what Apple identified was that while many component parts are generally available from multiple sources, some procured components necessary to Apple’s products are purchased from sole or limited sources. The dependability of Apple on some supplier’s ability to manufacture, sell, and deliver these crucial components create serious risks and any deviations could have adverse effects on the company’s finances. Apple identified further concerns in outsourced manufacturing. The company’s 2009 annual report indicated that significant portions of Apple’s Mac computers, iPhones, iPods, logic boards, and other important products were being manufactured by only a few outsourcing partners, mostly in Asia (Apple, 2010). Some of these outsourcing partners were identified as sole source, meaning there is currently no other source that Apple can use. If these sole source suppliers go out of business or a competitor of the company buys them, the results could have a devastating impact on the production and distribution of Apple products. In response to the vulnerability that this situation created Apple took the initiative. In the following years annual report of 2010, the company reported that it has executed Long-Term Supply Agreements with Toshiba and LG Display. These agreements will help secure the supply of certain inventory components. To help them secure the new Long-Term Supply Agreements with other suppliers Apple terminated an existing Long-Term Supply Agreement with Intel and received the remaining prepaid balance of $167 million. The consolidation of Apple’s supply chain has affected other areas of the organization. The implementation of this strategic planning initiative affects costs. Eliminating or reducing the amount of limited or sole sources of components or manufacturing is important to keep a constant or decreased cost-base. There is a significant risk involved in operating with limited sources of materials or labor. In the event that one of these sources fails to deliver to its expectations, operational risks can dramatically increase, as production cannot continue without the necessary labor or components. Production downtime means breaks in efficient operations. As efficiency is one of the driving factors in decreasing prices, eliminating this will likely create the opposite result (Apple, 2011). An increased price to compensate for production issues is a realistic possibility, depending on the severity of the disruption. This is due to price being impacted by this variable cost structure and its effect on margin. Readily available resources are imperative to lower the cost structure. By assessing their production operations and key risks Apple realized that the company was facing substantial inventory risks, as well as risks with other assets. Identifying issues such as these allows companies to create action plans in an effort to take corrective measures (Apple, 2011). The initiative to consolidate Apple’s supply chain affected sales. With Apple’s belief that both consumers and professionals are entering a digital lifestyle, possessing a strong supply chain to support the digital devices such as iPods, iPhones, televisions, and other digital devices has never been so important. Additionally, Apple has expanded its distribution to consumers with a retail expansion from 197 stores in 2007 to 317 stores in 2010. Between third party vendors and retail stores, Apple had increased net sales from $24. 5 billion in 2007 to $65. 2 billion in 2010, an increase of 165% or $40. 7 billion. With increased sales it is vital that Apple continues to have favorable pricing of components through its multiple sources. Potential supply shortages adversely affect the renewal of agreements, pricing fluctuations, future financial conditions, and operating results. Competing for the same raw materials as Apple’s competitors can put significant pressures on supply and demand even though Apple does use many of its own unique components. Consolidating Apple’s supply chain has impacted the company’s gross margins. In 2008, before this strategic intiative had started the company had a gross margin of $13. 2 billion or 35. 2%. In 2009, after the start of supply chain consolidations, the company had a gross margin of $17. 2 billion or 40%. In 2010 the company’s gross margin of stood at $25. 7 billion or 39%. The increase of gross margins in 2009 and 2010 indicate that the consolidation of its supply chain has helped Apple increase profits. With higher cost structures for digital devices throughout the industry future gross margin percentages will likely decrease to about 36%. This is a direct result of the increased costs or availability of microprocessors, NAND flash memory, DRAM, and LCD’s. Apple’s strategic planning initiative to consolidate its supply chain poses some risks and potentially adverse financial effects. Selling technology has risks associated with products and in some cases cause businesses to fail. Apple has found ways to become a technological leader. The risks Apple works with daily include the evolving characteristic of its inventory. The development of new products combined with a rapidly growing consumer demand creates a greater chance of depleting the supplies faster than they can be replenished. Apple’s dependency upon several suppliers for the components used to make finished products makes their financial problems Apple’s problems. If a suppliers encounters credit problems, the credit problem could be harmful throughout the entire supply chain and Apple itself. The company’s initiative to cement ties with crucial suppliers will not remove Apple’s dependency on other firms. In fact, this plan may increase Apple’s reliance on others and discourage the company from beginning to produce certain components themselves. Establishing long-term contracts with foreign suppliers increases the financial risks of working and selling products in foreign countries. According to Apple’s 2010 annual report the â€Å"weakening of foreign currencies relative to the U. S. dollar will adversely affect the U. S.  dollar value of the company’s foreign currency-denominated sales† (Apple, 2010, p. 22). According to financial statements within Apple’s annual reports the venture has succeeded. Carefully analyzing potential problems before they arise gave Apple a strategic initiative that influenced financial planning. The rising demand for Apple products increased the companys focus on supply chain pressures. Establishing long-term contracts with the limited and sole suppliers of essential component parts has strengthened the company’s strategic and financial position. These important suppliers can focus production on Apple’s needs without worrying about losing its business anytime soon. Apple has benefited financially by the establishment of these contracts due to the higher volumes of business associated with them. New long-term contracts enabled Apple to withdrawal from preexisting contracts with competitor companies such as Intel. The financial figures and ratios within the companies financial statements reveal that the companies gross margin has increased during a time when the digital device industries overall margins have been declining (Apple, 2010). Consolidating its supply chain has helped the organization increase sales by maintaining the complex logistical infrastructure behind the highly publicized release dates of their newest products. The benefits of this initiative have clearly outweighed the risks, as Apple has recently become one of the largest and most successful corporations on earth. The relationship between the companies strategic and financial planning has created a dynamic company that responds effectively to consumer needs. The annual reports of Apple highlight the relationship between strategic and financial planning. An analysis of Apple’s 2008 identification of supply chain problems and its strategic response of 2009 reveals how its actions influenced 2010’s finances. The organization’s financial planning has been affected by its initiative to consolidate supply lines. The risks and financial effects associated with these changes have been successfully managed making the venture a success. The annual reports of Apple highlight the importance of the relationship between strategic and financial planning.