Environmental Degradation Essay

The deterioration of the environment by natural or human forces is known as environmental degradation. Natural happenings like heavy rain, floods, storms, earthquakes, volcanoes etc. are not under human control and they play havoc with environment time to time by making the land unfit lor cultivation. Here man is helpless. He can do nothing except to see the havoc. But when man himself plays a vital role in degrading the environment in which he lives, and then the problem becomes more serious. Needless to say that environmental degradation is one of the major global issues. The overuse of resources is it land or water and the industrialisation process are the major causes of this phenomenon. Man has been felling the tress for his various purposes. He never minds if this process goes on without check it will lead to soil erosion, floods, silting of irrigation canals and cultivated lands, which finally degrade our environment. Our population is increasing fast, which has also degraded the environment to a great extent. Man’s insatiable needs and distress have disturbed the whole environmental equilibrium. The race of armament among countries is no less responsible for this global issue. Apart from these our industries emit smoke and discharge liquids including polluted water. The smoke contains many undesirable gases such as carbon monoxide and sulpher dioxide. All borne particles in solid, liquids and gaseous form. The pollution in atmosphere has tendency to form their layers and sinks in atmosphere. The chlorofluorocarbons which come from aerosol sprays nuclear weapons, refrigerators etc., have caused a hole in the ozone layer of atmosphere. This hole is allowing increased amount of ultraviolet radiation reaching our earth. The above mentioned factors have really degraded the environment and if ways to check it are not applied we will have face serious consequences. We must put an end to our ir satiable needs and desires. There must not be indiscriminate cutting of trees because it will lead to ecological imbalances. Instead, we should know the value of tree plantation and should plant trees as many as we can in our surrounding area. Next, our ever growing population must be checked because it puts an extra burden .on our natural resources. Last but not the least, factories should not be allowed to emit large quantities of harmful effluents into air through their chimneys. They should discharge them into the rivers aid other water bodies because this dirty water can be treated aid recycled to be used again. Our environment must be protected by all means. We must realise the fact that so long environment is there, our life is there. The day, when there is no environment, there will be a complete doom.

Compassion Fatigue Essay

― Tahereh Mafi, Shatter Me The health care industry is made up of nurses, doctors, and other medical professionals who are dedicated to the care and healing of others. The modern medical field is a very fast-paced, stressful, and demanding environment. Often, the constant stress and demands of the job can adversely affect the healthcare provider. Not surprisingly, those who go into the healthcare industry, do so because they have a sincere desire to make a difference in people’s lives and provide care for a patient’s spiritual, mental, and physical needs. However, this type of career requires energy and dedication way beyond that of other comparable careers. â€Å"Compassion fatigue† is a common side-effect. â€Å"Compassion fatigue† can be defined as, â€Å"the gradual decline of compassion over time as a result of caregivers being exposed to events that have traumatized their patients (Cherry 497).† In fact, the damage that results from this condition has been linked to more sick days, high turnover rates, and decreased productivity. If left untreated, this condition can adversely affect patient safety, so it is vital that hospitals and healthcare providers are able to accurately recognize compassion fatigue and treat it early. (Landro, L. 2012) Compassion is an important and critical gift necessary for the care of others. Compassion can be defined as, â€Å"sympathetic consciousness of others’ distress together with a desire to alleviate it† (Merriam-Webster 2013). No one is immune to compassion fatigue. In fact, anyone caring for another person can suffer from it. However, compassion fatigue is more prevalent in the health care industry due to the extenuating nature of the work. The reality is that healthcare providers have an exhausting array of job duties that entail lengthy shifts, selfless service, endless dedication, love, and compassion. Due to the extreme demands, medical professionals often neglect their own personal needs for the sake of others. Every single day, healthcare professionals come face to face with disease, illness, decline in health, and death. Over time, it can be incredibly traumatizing. â€Å"Compassion is a verb.† ― Thich Nhat Hanh If not prevented or left untreated, â€Å"compassion fatigue† can negatively affect a caregiver emotionally, spiritually, cognitively, physically and behaviorally. Warning signs can manifest themselves in a variety of ways. The emotional effects of compassion fatigue can include mood disturbances, increased apathy, lassitude, irritability, discontentment, hopelessness, aggressiveness, hostility, numbness, and helplessness. (Eagan, T. 2012) Other signs may include oversensitivity, restlessness, depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse. (Lombardo, B., Eyre, C., 2011) The spiritual effects of compassion fatigue may often be harder to pinpoint. Warning signs may include subtle things such as starting to question one’s purpose in life, an increasing sense of disbelief or an increasing sense of aimlessness. (Ginter, C. 2010). The caregiver may start to question their personal religious beliefs, become increasingly skeptical and even question life’s meaning. (Portnoy, D. 2011) The cognitive effects of compassion fatigue can be easier to identify. It’s easy to observe when someone is having difficulty concentrating or is unable to focus on tasks and duties that are critical to the job. The work ethic and performance of the healthcare provider may also be affected, resulting in increased absences, low morale, decreased motivation, and overall negativity in the workplace. This not only affects the healthcare provider, but also their co-workers and patients. The physical effects of compassion fatigue can include, but are not limited to headaches, chronic pain, sleep disturbances, fatigue, and self neglect (poor diet, lack of exercise, poor hygiene). (Eagan, T. 2012) Other physical effects can include gastrointestinal complaints, hypertension, (Pfifferling, J., Gilley, K. 2000) muscle tension and cardiac symptoms (chest pain, tachycardia, and palpitations. (Lombardo, B., Eyre, C., 2011) Behavioral changes can include â€Å"isolating†, withdrawing, extreme hyper-vigilance, (Portnoy, D. 2011) apathy or extreme attention to work, avoiding, faking interest, blaming, restlessness, and even inappropriate humor (Ginter, C. 2010). â€Å"I would rather make mistakes in kindness and compassion than work miracles in unkindness and hardness.† ― Mother Teresa, A Gift for God: Prayers and Meditations Although compassion fatigue can be an easy problem to identify, the specific causes of this condition are often varied and harder to pinpoint. The stressful nature of a healthcare career can certainly create â€Å"the perfect storm†. Overall, health care professionals can feel stressed about things like control over workload, lack of recognition or appreciation of doing a good job. Lifestyle changes can also cause compassion fatigue. If the person is working too much without taking time off to relax, taking on too much responsibility with no help from others, not getting enough sleep, or not having a supportive relationship in their personal life, it becomes easier for compassion fatigue to develop. People with certain personality traits (pessimistic, perfectionist, those who do not delegate, and type A, and overachievers) are particularly predisposed to experiencing compassion fatigue or burnout. The constant exposure to negative situations, stress, loss, and giving more than receiving, in addition to having a more intense personality, can increase the risk of developing compassion fatigue. (Frandsen, B. 2010) â€Å"Compassion fatigue is caused by empathy. It is the natural consequence of stress resulting from caring for and helping traumatized or suffering people† (Portnoy, D. 2011). In the medical field, nurses, doctors, and other health care providers often witness pain, suffering and death first-hand. They play numerous roles with less time, resources and support. The increased demands and stress along with the constant exposure to negative and traumatic events can build up over time and put anyone at risk for compassion fatigue. â€Å"Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.† ― Dalai Lama XIV, The Art of Happiness A caregiver is not so different from a patient. Both caregiver and patient have physical, spiritual, and emotional needs that must be met. When their own needs are neglected, caregivers are unable to properly care for their patients. In short, they’re hurting themselves as well as the patients. Maintaining regular exercise, staying hydrated, staying productive, eating healthy and taking time to rest and relax are critical ways to reduce the chances of developing compassion fatigue. Although spiritual beliefs may be different from person to person, it is vital to nourish and grow in one’s faith. Those needs may be different depending on beliefs and may include going to church on a regular basis, taking the time to pray or meditate, speaking with a church leader, reading scriptures, or having time alone to reflect and think. There are many different ways a caregiver can begin to focus on their spiritual health. (StopPain.org 2013) Emotional needs are another important area that should be nurtured. Emotional needs are just as important as physical and spiritual needs. A caregiver may need time to mentally unwind, have peace and quiet, laugh and cry, and â€Å"tune in† to their personal experiences and emotions. Taking short breaks to renew emotional energy and doing things that bring you joy and happiness are ways to increase and improve emotional health. (StopPain.org 2013) By making sure the needs of the caregiver are met, the caregiver, patients, and even the company will benefit from it. There are many ways to cope with compassion fatigue. Perhaps the most important way of addressing the needs of the caregiver is to acknowledge compassion fatigue when necessary and take aggressive steps to assist caregivers in finding supportive coping strategies. Some coping strategies according to Varner, J. (2004) include: asking for assistance and support from peers or other support groups, staying positive, smiling and talking to peers, using humor to decrease anxiety and tension, giving comfort through physical contact, taking breaks with peers and not alone, using problem solving tools, generating solutions, and focusing specifically on tasks at hand. Learning how to balance work and life essentially means learning how to invest the time and energy into taking care of oneself in order to effectively take care of others. Putting together a plan of self-care (journaling, yoga, meditation, exercise, proper diet, doing things that you find pleasure in, and doing non work related activities) as well as educating yourself and others on communication skills is vital in preventing compassion fatigue. Employers can aid in combating compassion fatigue by offering on-site counseling, support groups, de-briefing sessions, and bereavement interventions (Boyle, D., 2011) that all work together to give employees the tools and skills needed for prevention. Early recognition of compassion fatigue is vital to anyone in a caring profession. Maintaining and constantly improving self-care and creating optimal wellness are crucial in order to properly care for others. .†Caregivers need to be able to deliver excellence without compromising their well-being†(Portnoy, D. 2011). Caregivers often neglect their own personal needs for the sake of others and need to realize the importance of focusing on their own needs first. By taking care of their own needs and ensuring they have a life that entails supportive relationships, health care providers will be able to successfully care for their patients long-term.

Lack of Mother’s Love Leads to Self Destruction Essay

In D. H. Lawrence’s short story â€Å"The Rocking-Horse Winner,† Paul’s determination, hunger for love and self-destructiveness result from a lack of love from his mother. Living in a family that equates money with luck, and love, Paul misunderstands what he needs to do to be considered successful. The result of his mother’s self absorption and general coldness causes Paul to eventually ride his luck to the end of his life in a failed search for love. Paul’s determination He wishes to make the house stop murmuring, â€Å"There must be more money!† Paul wants to prove his mother wrong that he is unlucky Severe anxiety over his inability to predict the winners in the big races of the year furthers Paul’s determination Paul’s hunger for love His mother’s behavior toward her children is cold and egotistical Paul equates money with love as learned from his mother His desire to give his mother money as a â€Å"birthday present† to take away her cares Paul’s self-destructive behavior His never-ending quest for â€Å"luck† He assents to give his mother all five thousand pounds when she asks for a lump sum Paul feels he must work harder to come up with the Derby race winner since his mother has squandered the previous money, which leads to his death

Global Warming Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Global Warming - Assignment Example Carbon dioxide, though in very less quantity was also found to be very effective. This effect was later called Greenhouse Effect. It is a natural process that restricts the emitted energy from earth’s surface to go back into space. The solar energy is allowed to come in the atmosphere, but the re-emitted infrared energy from the earth’s surface is absorbed by the atmosphere instead. This process causes an increase in the atmospheric temperature and therefore, a cause for global warming. The gases that absorb the emitted energy are called the greenhouse gases. Human Involvement The emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere means reinforcement of the Greenhouse Effect. Following are the major greenhouse gases produced one way or the other by human involvement; Carbon Dioxide Carbon dioxide being the biggest contributor to Greenhouse Effect is produced by fossil fuel burning, biomass burning and a byproduct in industrial process; in particular cement production. It has a lifetime of 5 to 200 years and contributes 60 percent to global warming (Archer et al., 2009, p. 121). The industrial age has changed the natural cycle of our planet. Carbon dioxide levels are the highest recorded in 650,000 years (Gore, 2006, p. 67). This data for the last 650,000 years was taken by analyzing ice deposits in the Antarctic. Al Gore famously argued in â€Å"The Inconvenient Truth† that this data shows a striking relation between carbon dioxide level and global temperature. It shows a steep rise in atmospheric carbon dioxide since the industrial revolution. Fossil fuels are still the primary source of energy and carbon dioxide is a byproduct. At a global scale, our actions have contributed towards increasing level of atmospheric carbon dioxide. Methane Methane is... After going through the major contributing factors involved in global warming, the most compelling evidence point towards relation of atmospheric carbon dioxide and global temperature. The industrial revolution and development over the years was based on fossil fuel as the primary source of energy. It is used in almost all of our development processes and forms the backbone of modern development. We thought that our contributions can never affect our planet at such a large scale. Our contributions have certainly led to the highest level of carbon dioxide in 650,000 years. This reading is a proof that this deviation from normal cycles must be caused by an outside factor; the humans. The critics have taken an approach to explain this change in global temperature as part of natural cycles related to sun cycles and orbital variations. These are, however, not adequate in magnitude to disturb global temperature at an alarming rate. Our dependence on fossil fuel has caused fear in policy ma kers to find a suitable replacement in form of alternative energy or clean energy. Our economic system depends on fossil fuel as well and the infrastructure of our societies is based on it.

News Search Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

News Search - Essay Example Gods laws and love place a demand on humankind to treat all other human beings who are created in Gods image with love and care irrespective of race, color or creed (Abela & Capizzi, 2014). This principle applies to persons, communities and even nations who must love and treat others based on how they themselves would like to be treated. The initiative of the town’s people of Gangi is a working example of an effort at humanity coming together as one family. Inviting other people from all over the world regardless of race, color or creed promotes the brotherhood of all mankind. Pope Puis XI social teachings of equity and power in all business and political issues is decentralized and brought as close as possible to the local citizenry in order to ensure that there is social justice (Abela & Capizzi, 2014). This principle is basically the decentralization of power from the centralized authority. This gives the local communities more power to make decisions on matters that impact them directly. Decentralizing power ensures social justice through equity in the decision-making process. The decision of the town’s people of Gangi is an example of local citizens taking political as well as business decisions into their own hands in order to better their lives by promoting tourism. This Catholic principle applies to all areas of human life; spiritual, mental, physical and social (Abela & Capizzi, 2014). This principle should be equitably expressed in the equal provision of security, temporal goods, social well-being, and fundamental rights to all individuals. The dignity of every human being must be maintained in line with Gods laws and principles irrespective of race, color, or creed. The Gangi project will benefit the social, economic well being of all the town’s people while respecting the fundamental rights and freedoms of the locals. The foreign buyers will get to acquire a great holiday home and at the same time integrate into the local

Scenario Analysis - Filling you toolbox Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Scenario Analysis - Filling you toolbox - Essay Example In the workplace worries scenario illustrated in this paper, I can use the problem solving tool as discussed by Hicks (2010). Hicks discusses that there are seven steps in resolving issues in the workplace. The first step is on identifying the issues – to clearly identify what the problem is, while noting that different people may have different views on what the actual issues are (Hicks, 2010). In applying this step to the current issue, I need to identify the actual issue in this scenario. The way I see it, the issue is about the uneven distribution in workload. The low pay and the heavy workload in the nursing profession is already an identified given in the current health care practice. My role as a manager would now be geared towards using the tools I currently have in order to ensure the effective running of the paediatric care unit. Short of increasing the salary of the nurses and addressing the nationwide nursing shortage problem, the only means left in my arsenal are the solutions which are within my power and authority to effectively and realistically implement. By identifying the problem as improper work distribution in the paediatric unit, I am able to set it apart from the other problems which nurses perceive as their issues. The next step in the problem-solving process is to understand everyone’s interests. These interests are the needs which I would like to satisfy based on any given solution; in some cases, we often get do not take notice of our genuine interests because we have become obsessed or fixated with one particular solution (Hicks, 2010). It is important to note that the best solution which can be applied is one which would satisfy everyone’s individual interests and in order to come up with the best solution, the manager and the subordinates need to actively listen to each other, to put aside their differences, and to find a common ground which would satisfy all their needs (Hicks, 2010). In this case, my

The Sustainability of Extreme Sports as Businesses in Todays Society Research Paper

The Sustainability of Extreme Sports as Businesses in Todays Society - Research Paper Example For the extreme sports, there are no specific market boundaries and hence the market segment for these sports cannot be measured. It has been assumed that the market segment for extreme sports holds approximately 5 percent of the market for adventure trips (â€Å"Extreme Sports† 34). In the present times, extreme sports have a significant role to play in business and the sportspersons are being utilized for the purpose of marketing of different products. Extreme sports in marketing are more common among the youth. Considering the leisure market in the United States and other countries across the world, the use of extreme sports in businesses has been found to be increasing particularly targeting the youth who are the usual viewers of sports and sports-related programs on television. However although there are regular viewers of the extreme sports and hence products can be well marketed with the use of such sports, yet the sustainability of the extreme sports in businesses cann ot be realized. It has been observed that the viewers of such extreme sports are in most cases fickle minded that make them suspect the conventional methods of marketing and they are also more concerned about their status. All these factors make it difficult for the marketers creating challenges for their successful marketing approaches (Summers, Morgan and Summers 30). Aim and Objectives of the Research: Aim: The aim of the research is to focus on the use of extreme sports in businesses trying to determine the sustainability of the extreme sports in business in the near future. Objectives: Considering the above aim of the study, the following objectives have been decided: To understand the use of extreme sports for the purpose of businesses. To learn about the implications of the use of extreme sports in marketing on the prospective or targeted consumers. To determine the sustainability of the use of extreme sports in businesses in the near future. Literature Review: The concept of extreme sports has become highly significant and popular in the recent times with more and more individuals trying to take part in sports that are highly risky. These include the risky activities undertaken by the body in order to perform sports (Estivalet and Brisson 552). As Heggie and Caine (2) mentioned in their studies, the extreme sports have become a very important part of the lives of the Americans in particular who consider these sports as an option for recreation and athletics. Different sports that are included in the definition of extreme sports are motorcycle racing, rock climbing, and base jumping (Heggie and Caine 2). The popularity of extreme sports has increased in the recent times with new clubs and associations being developed. Television programs, magazines, and pages on the web are also been developed considering the growing attractiveness of extreme sports (Estivalet and Brisson 552). One of the most important reasons owing to which people are more attracted t owards extreme sports is that the participants do not have to follow the strict rules and regulations that are otherwise associated with other sports in general. However, in the present times, commercialization and standardization of extreme sports have also been considered proving it to be inopportune for such participants (Madigan and Delaney 47).  Ã‚  

Children's Health Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Children's Health - Essay Example Feeg (2006) indicates that many nurses who look after children work in children's hospitals that are normally comparative with underserved and over-represented poor patients for their general health care and are mainly reliant on Medicaid steadiness to receive care. Children’s barriers to health care Some children might face obstacles to health care due to their race or ethnicity. Disaggregating insurance coverage patterns within families by ethnicity and race discloses significant disparities that are veiled in the statistics for the entire population of the United States. For instance, there was close to a ten-percentage point decrease in complete coverage for Hispanic two-parent families who had access to work-based insurance (Vistnes & Schone, 2008). There is segregation for insurance coverage in terms of abuse perpetrated to the child. Regardless of the substantial service requirements of abandoned and maltreated children, the history of abandonment, physical abuse, and n eglect is not linked with any insurance line over time (Perrin & Homer, 2007). This implies that for those parents who cannot afford payment for their children in such conditions, their children are barred from receiving treatment. Residential isolation shapes health effects of children through various pathways.

Building an Access Control System Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Building an Access Control System - Essay Example In building the access control system, you must follow the four phases of developing the system. This is known as the systems development life cycle. The four phases are planning, analysis, design, and implementation). To help implement the system, the structure system design can be used in representation of the system concept in terms of processes and data representation. According to Techopedia (2012), the definition of structured System design is â€Å" a set of standards for systems analysis and application design. It uses a formal methodical approach to the analysis and design of information systems â€Å"This processes a roadmap for the development of functional specifications of the system. Structured System Design has different categories; these are â€Å"waterfall development and parallel development† In this particular case study, waterfall development can be used in implementing the control access system. The water model process involves System Conceptualization, System analysis, System design and Testing. Planning – this is also referred to as System Conceptualization Consideration of all aspects of the targeted business function / process with the goals of determining how each aspect relates with one another and which aspect will be incorporated in the system Referring from the structured diagram from United States Department of Transportation Transit Security Handbook (1998), the structural diagram below illustrates the equipment and connections required for access system control in the

Pet owners who eat meat Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Pet owners who eat meat - Case Study Example This law come to the aid of those people who get infected by the infected people purposefully. A concern in regards to this issue comes with a thought provocation as to whether the law shall help in preventing the spread of the disease or the passage of the law shall escalate the spread of HIV/AIDS. The disease has been on the increase since the time it was recognized in the early 1980s. since then, its prevalence rate has escalated though to some extent the medics have tried containing it all along. There has been invention of drugs that can contain the harmful effects of the viruses (Kalichman, 76). The discovery of the antiretroviral has helped in prolonging the life of the infected people. Medics and researchers are also on the lookout researching the mechanisms through, which this disease could be cured. The criminalization of the intentional spread of HIV is not a new concept. The same law is in effect in states such as Illinois, Arizona, and in so many other states and nations in the world have adopted the same law to help curb the spread of HIV and AIDS. The cost of HIV and AIDS is too high. Living with the condition is awesomely high and the trauma of handling the disease is just unbearable though manageable. It would be unfair for one to subject another person to the same condition knowingly. One would therefore have to make a choice because the law would charge one with the responsibility of being free with their sexual partner in regards to their sexually transmitted infections. Failure of which one would be left with dares consequences and choices to make. The probable choices and conditions available for not revealing one’s status would be choosing to go to prison, loose one’s job, and the government housing. The law also would pose psychological effects on people; such issues that may cause stigma and self-concepts. One would feel humiliated and deprived of the right of health privacy (Kalichman, 24). The law also would penetrate th e cultural spheres and create a society where there is not private health information. People would thus be compelled to share their health status without hiding anything from another. There are issues that must be taken care of with the passage of this law lets people shy away from taking the test to hanker on ignorance of their status. There should be incentives associated with testing and in the event one is found HIV positive, the federal government should offer the infected person some incentives. The incentives should include giving of tax breaks and exempting one from heavy work backlog without reducing the pay. The law should also be molded to offer a manageable punishment to the already infected people who have knowingly transmitted the disease to other to prevent causing more harm to a person who has already be harmed by the fangs of the virus. The table below shows the pros and cons of passing the bill into law Pros Cons Option 1: Passing bill that would criminalize the k nowing transmission of an STD -More likely to inform partner, thus decreasing spread (C, A, V) -Medical advances would evolved quicker because the virus would not evolve as fast with less transmissions (C) -Allows person B to protect themselves ( -Less likely to be tested so in case of transmission, it would be unknowing (C) -Economic burden on state (C) -stigma/negative stereotypes that go along with STD’s increase (E) -Violate right to privacy (R) (HOWEVER, right to live trumps right to privacy ie antithesis for this point) -Takes

SPCA Fundraising event Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

SPCA Fundraising event - Coursework Example The activities associated with the SPCA’s three divisions require significant funding in order to ensure all policy initiatives are fulfilled in an environment where the rising costs of supplies, labor and general operations continue to rise. Currently, the SPCA is witnessing depleting of available funds and diminished donations from the community due largely to budget cuts within local and national governments and citizen apathy toward providing critical financial donations to the organization. Concurrently, competition from legacy charity organizations and emerging non-profits are contributing to lack of available funding for the SPCA as these organizations compete for charitable donations. If the SPCA does not radically improve its procurement of critical revenues, it is projected that the organization will have to downsize its labor force, restructure the organization, and abandon many national programs designed to foster anti-cruelty initiatives that service the organizat ion’s mission goal. The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals must fund a wide variety of different activities and programs to achieve the organization’s mission successfully. This includes financial support for the following activities and facilities: In addition to the above support divisions requiring financial funding, the SPCA maintains a grant program which provides to various non-profit animal welfare organizations, rescue groups and animal shelters. In 2013, the SPCA provided over $17 million in grants for organizations that service the SPCA mission goals. However, with depleting available funds and reduced donations, it is projected that the SPCA will be forced, by 2015, to terminate its grant program which will significantly impact the ability of various animal welfare organizations to provide America’s animals with the care and assistance required. The national impact of the current economic situation within the SPCA could

Educational psychology Essay Example for Free

Educational psychology Essay Introduction Welcome to the study of another important subject in the Bachelor of Education Curriculum. By the end of this course the student will be able to: 1. Define, sociology and sociological foundations in education. 2. Identify any five important points about the relevance of Sociological foundations in education. 3. Examine indigenous Ghanaian Education System and its influence on Western Formal Education. 4. Draw a distinction between educational sociology and sociology of education. 5. Analyze the dichotomy between rural and urban education delivery. 6. Discuss the dynamics and import of culture. 7. Define socialization and its relevance to Western Formal Education. Definition of Sociology and Sociological Foundations in Education 1. Vander Zanden sees Sociology as the scientific study of human organization. 2. Agyeman (1992, p. 47), sees â€Å"Sociology† as â€Å" a discipline which studies the nature and functions of human societies and the changes that take place within them. † He believes that sociology is largely concerned with understanding the relationships that exist between people which ultimately govern their behavior within the society. 3. Metta Spencer considers Sociology as the study of human group life. The question is, what is human group life? Human group life refers to the life of people in an institution. Such people are governed by conventions (unwritten constitution, or unwritten rules and regulations), with aims and purposes for gluing them together within a particular location. 4. Sociology as a discipline is interested in what makes human group life, possible, within a given society. 5. What is society? The term society refers to the entire complex network of the social world. It may refer to social life in the abstract, without reference to a specific place, but more often, it refers to a country, a nation or a state like Ghana, Nigeria, Gambia, etc. What is Educational Sociology? Bhattacharya (2003, 2006, p. 1. , in Brown 1947), defined Educational Sociology as the application of Sociology to educational problems. Educational Sociology is particularly interested in finding out how to manipulate the educational process to achieve better social and personality development. Educational Sociology asks the question what problems or influence does society bring to the school. What is Sociology of Education? Sociology of Education on the other hand emphasizes on the nature of human relations within the school and the social structure within which the school operates in the Community. In other words, Sociology of Education is concerned with what problems or influence the school brings to or /has on the society. Corollary: Educational Sociology—the influence of society on education. Sociology of education—the influence of education on society. Sociological foundations in education Now that we understand sociology of education and educational sociology, we can apply the concepts to identify what the course, sociological foundations in a education seeks to achieve. This course is like a hermaphrodite. Oxford Advanced Learners Dictionary defines hermaphrodite as a person, an animal or a flower that has both male and female sexual organs and characteristics. The Course considers the influence of society on education, and also that of education on society. These two themes run though the course like a thread that holds a number of beads together. Chapter Two How societies thrive Societies last long, because they meet the following characteristics: Each society has a a. geographical location, b. culture and population. c. Specific needs. d. In –built mechanisms to achieve these needs. Ghana as a country for instance, needs to reproduce to replenish her population; she does this by †¢educating her citizens, †¢producing goods and services to meet the social life and status of her population, †¢governing her people that so there could be law and order, her people becoming good citizens, †¢ meeting their emotional aspirations such as, the quest for religion, and †¢assisting her citizens to meet their recreational and physical needs through health services. From the foregoing indications about how families thrive, it may be stated that societal needs are provided by social institutions within a country. Peil (1977, p.17) defines a social institution as â€Å"an enduring complex of norms, roles, values and sanctions which embrace a distinct segment of inter-human life. † According to Peil, Social Institutions are specially organized and arranged social networks of the members who constitute the society. Humans are therefore noted to have the ability to interact with each other in their daily encounter; and by so doing achieve their needs and their continuity across generations (Agyeman 1992, p. 47). Society thus, thrives in four major institutions: 1. Marriage and the family 2. Economic institutions 3. Political organizations 4. Religious groups/Religious institutions. 1. Marriage and the Family When a child is born, it is brought up in a family, through a process called socialization. Authorities have defined socialization. A few of such definitions are as follows, though much of it would be examined in lesson ten. Socialization is a process of learning to relate to, and interact with others; a process of adopting the behavior patterns of the surrounding culture; an act of establishing oneself according to the principles of socialism; the act of meeting for social purposes, and participating in social activities. .(http://www. babylon. com/definition/socialization/Latvian, retrieved January 31 2012). Socialization is also a term used by sociologists, social psychologists, anthropologists, politicians and educationists to refer to the process of inheriting norms, customs and ideologies. It may provide the individual with the skills and habits necessary for participating in activities within their own society. A society itself is formed through a plurality of shared norms, customs, values, traditions, social roles, symbols and languages. Socialization is thus ‘the means by which social and cultural continuity are attained. ’ (http://www. babylon. com/definition/socialization/Latvian January 31 2012). Thus the processes of socialization determine the main agenda of marriage as an institution; a few functions of marriage are as follows: a. Procreating: bringing children into being to play various roles in society. b. Meeting the physical needs of each other: the Lord God had stated; â€Å"it is not good that the man should live alone, I will make him a help meet for him† Genesis 2:18 KJV). In other words, God Himself observed that man needed a companion to help him cope with life’s labors, for he (Adam, the first to be created), had been assigned to dress and keep the garden of Eden, a task that needed a helping hand. Much could however be said about meeting the physical needs of humankind through the marriage institutions, but it may be summed up in this popular proverb: â€Å"two heads are better than one. † After all, when the couple collaborate, they can achieve their life goals, better. c. Another big role the marriage institution plays in helping societies to thrive, and within the context of socialization is found in one of the most important functions of the married couples—raising up children in the fear of the Lord. We are to train our children the right way so that they can become good citizens when they grow (Proverbs 22:6). It is a known fact in every society today that single parenting is not the best way to raise children. True Christians therefore believe that God underscored the importance of child nurture through the cooperation of couples when He queried couples in the prophecy of Jeremiah, â€Å"Lift up your eyes and behold them that come from the north, where is the flock that was given thee, thy beautiful flock? † (Jeremiah 13:20 KJV). My favourite author had noted: The reason there are so many hardhearted men and women in our world is that true affection has been regarded as weakness and has been discouraged and repressed. The better part of the nature of persons of this class was perverted and dwarfed in childhood, and unless rays of divine light melt away their coldness and hardhearted selfishness, the happiness of such is buried forever (E. G. White, Adventist Home, p. 108, emphasis mine). In her book Child Guidance, the same author made the following observation. â€Å"To the mother and father the right training of their children is the most important work of their life† (E. G White, Child Guidance, p. 556). To sum up the role marriage plays in the process of socialization, and how it helps societies to thrive, one may realize that marriage is a very indispensable institution when it comes to life on earth. It takes couples collaborative efforts in marriage to procreate, or bring forth offspring. And when couple bear children, these kids need to be nurtured to play various roles in societies. It has been identified that as these couples cooperate to meet each other’s physical, emotional and psychological needs, they can also help train children in the fear of the Lord for the benefit of society. 2. Economic Institutions: Many physical and material needs of society are provided by economic institutions. Industries, banks, companies, all collaborate to meet the needs of people in a society. However provision of needs by these economic institutions could be disrupted by disorder of one kind or another. Peace is therefore needed in every society. To obtain peace in societies, we need political institutions. 3. Political Institutions: These exist to maintain peace and stability within a country or society, namely; chieftaincy, national governance, the police service, the army, etc. Without these services, no society can obtain peace and her economic needs. Think of a nation without any peace keeping force and the upsurge of armed robbery! Your conclusion shall be as true as mine. 4. Religious Institutions and groups: Every society has religious institutions that help to meet the emotional and psychological needs of her members. Specifically every society has people who are prone to seek answers to explain the unknown, the metaphysical world, etc. It is the religious institution that help people to gain answers to questions that bother them. However, because people have unique characteristics, and needs, religious groups are many. This is because there have been different approaches to obtain emotional satisfaction by people at various levels in their life. Four religious groups may be identified presently: a. Monotheism b. Pantheism c. Theism d. Atheism Monotheism: believers who hold this faith worship one God, eg. Judaism, Islam, Christianity. Pantheism: pantheistic believers consider God as present in nature Theism: Believers in Theism think God exists. Atheism: Those who believe in Atheism argue that there is no God. Conclusion In this lesson we have defined sociology of education and educational sociology. We are told that sociology of education considers the influence of education on society, and that of educational sociology also considers the influence of society on education. Sociology itself has been defined as the scientific study of human group life. We are also told that every society has four characteristics, namely, a) a geographical location, b) culture and a population, c) specific needs, d) and inbuilt mechanisms to meet these needs. It is interesting to note that all societies thrive within four institutions, namely; marriage, economic, political and religious groups. An understanding of the harmonious functions of these four institutions is required by every teacher. Even though this course is not a detailed study of the named institutions, yet it is important that teachers read around them. Chapter Three Role of community and the school in African Education The concepts Sociology of education and educational Sociology spell out the fundamental mutual roles the community and school play interdependently. We have established that Sociology of education examines the influence of the school on society. Educational sociology on the other hand deals with the influence society has on education. Role of the Community in African Education In this lesson we will take a look at the role of the community in general, in traditional education in Ghana. Traditional Education (TE) is also known as informal education. The role of the community on African education is similar to the influence of society on formal education. However the context is quite different; ten roles the community plays in African education may be identified presently: 1. Livelihood Skills: One of the major roles of the community in Traditional Education is the training of the youth to acquire livelihood skills. Carpentry, Masonry, blacksmithing and farming are some of the livelihood skills the community teaches in African education. Families identify people with these special trades within the community and send their wards to them for training in the context of apprenticeship. Only three of the many ways livelihood skills are taught by the community are recounted here: a. My son or daughter could learn the trade that I have when she is born. Better still I can encourage my child to learn a trade outside my home, with someone in the community whose trade is beneficial. b. All children in the traditional community undergo communal labour of one kind or another. By so doing they learn interdependence or co-operation skills that underpin the rationale behind international trade. No one can survive by living as a hermit or as a misanthrope. In other words, only few people can live meaningful lives by living alone without recourse to anybody in times of crisis. We need each other in a mutual context. c. Sometimes the community members discipline children who may go wayward. However, no community member with a questionable character was allowed to discipline any child in the society. Chinua Achebe had said that, the voice of the cock at dawn benefits everyone in the community; nevertheless, it belongs to its owner. This adage of Achebe is true in traditional societies. Children are known to belong to everyone though they have individual parents. As children are corrected from time to time by the disciplined elders in the community, they grow to internalize these disciplinary skills, and practice same when they grow to become matured men and women whose tremendous support to the community cannot be overemphasized. Thus, learning existing trade in one’s community, engaging the youth in communal labour and the way the elderly in the community disciplined every child in traditional African communities; depict the major role these communities play in maintaining the survival and continuity of society. By this, the traditional African education system, is thus impacted by the community in general. 2. Role Modeling: The members of a community in general serve as role models. The good life some community elders live is copied by the growing youth, as well as that of their parents. While children have not grown to enter organized school system the life of the people they see in their community serves as a guide and inspiration for their future life. 3. The spirit of nationalism: The community instills in their youth the spirit of nationalism and civic governance. How is this done? Antwi (1992, p. 208) has this to say: â€Å"It has been observed by eminent comparative educationist that what goes on outside the schools matters even more than what goes on inside them. † This renowned educationist further argued that although traditional education is informal, yet it focuses on the survival and transmission of ideas, cherished at the time to ensure continuity of society and its members in and through many socio- cultural practices. No society can continue to exist without a form of organization of its members into corporate groups with rules and regulations to govern them. That is why Antwi (1992) was very much concerned about what goes on outside the school. It is socio –cultural practices that bind people together to ensure the continuity of society, and the survival of nations. It is therefore right to state that the spirit of nationalism is instilled in children outside the classroom, precisely through the efforts of the community at large. 4. Team spirit: The team spirit popularly known as the â€Å"Nnoboa† system in traditional communities impacts the growing youth in a tremendous way: Children and the youth are engaged in diverse ways when it comes to the traditional Nnoboa system: a. Children are sent on errands to deliver messages about an impending task in the Nnoboa system. b. Some of them carry prepared food and water to farms where the Nnoboa task is being executed. c. They are made to carry various implements to the various task grounds. d. Some of the youth are engaged to carry out specific tasks. The role everyone plays during communal labour and the â€Å"Nnoboa† system enhances and fortifies team spirit among members of the community. 5. Family Life Lessons: Another way by which the community influences traditional education is through family life lessons, especially cultural obligations like the performance of puberty rites. Before the child enters the formal education system, it had learnt a lot, including the value of chastity. Parents inculcate this value into their children, and so does the community at large. 6. Hardship and endurance lessons: Household chores, labour on farms, carrying firewood and load from farm and bush; all strengthen the youth to grow to face adult problems with full alacrity. Question: will children of today give a helping hand to the old lady or man, coming from somewhere with heavy load? Will they do so not for reward but for service? Perhaps a few may do that but not many children. Communities in traditional African Societies inculcate in the growing youth the spirit of sacrifice in carrying out various tasks to aid adults and significant others without seeking reward of any kind. Volunteerism is a legacy from traditional African communities to the traditional education system. 7. Relationship Building: The community also helps children to build good interpersonal relationships. This is achieved as children witness social gatherings where arbitration and other cultural displays take place. Through cultural festivities, children learn to love one another. Also on such festive occasions disputes in families are settled, annual plans for development of the communities formulated. (1) 8. Intellectual Training: Intellectual training through the running of errands is another important legacy the community imparts to the traditional education system, and the growing child. In traditional societies, every child learns to execute errands with due accuracy. Children are required to be honest and true, mincing no words about what needs to be relayed. By keeping in memory information to transmit, children develop sharp memories. Witty sayings and riddles of the elders trigger critical thinking and help children to develop analytical thinking skills. 9. Health Lessons: Traditional African communities have very laudable health rules and regulations that are more or less conventional, because there is no record on them. These health principles are passed on to the Traditional African Education system, by oral tradition. Categories of health principles include: a. Exercise, through walking to deliver errands, sometimes long distant walks; local African games like Ampe for girls; farming or gardening, etc. , are part of the life style of the traditional youth and adults. b. Treatment of diseases through herbs. In those days the sick in traditional African societies were healed through herbs and other preventive measures. c. Meals were made up largely of fruits and vegetables. d. Positive thinking: petty squabbles, bickering and animosity were prohibited. Should any occur, the elders met over it and settled such cases promptly. e. Promiscuity was very rare. In typical traditional African Societies, sex was only for adults, and even here, within married homes. Teenage pregnancy was very uncommon within African Communities. 10. Moral Values: Stealing, adultery, lies, etc. , were frowned upon in traditional communities, and these prohibitions were passed to into the traditional education system. Role of the School in African Education If the community has so many roles to play in African Education, then formal education has also a role to play to help make informal education, meaningful. Of the many roles the schools have to play to make informal education meaningful, only five of them may be identified presently: 1. Teachers are to be role models. When children copy worthwhile values, they move into the traditional homes with such knowledge and consequently instruct parents†¦ â€Å"Teacher says that†¦Ã¢â‚¬  Let me cite an example: Methods of purifying water like boiling and decantation are sent to traditional homes by pupils who took their science lessons serious, and wisely transmitted such information to ignorant parents. Having acquired such knowledge, parents pass them on to those to be born. 2. In Lokko Parentis: Teachers are to be surrogates. A surrogate mother or father is one who plays the role of the real parent. Surrogacy is the practice of giving birth to a baby for another woman who is unable to have babies herself. The woman who cannot produce children could get a baby from one who is fertile. Then she is expected to treat the child as a real mother will treat her son or daughter with love and affection. Such a child will feel secure, confident and happy. Surrogate parents are true parents in replicate. It is only when the child in a traditional home finds the classroom teacher as a second parent, will it learn with due confidence. 3. Modern Technology: People in traditional societies see the school as indispensable. Some traditional people now know that it is through schooling that the world is now a global community, especially with the advent of the computer and internet. With the coming of emails, the traditional post office transactions have reduced tremendously. Children in traditional homes are so influenced by Information Technology (IT) that they can now manipulate face books, Linked in; Twitter, to mention just a few. However the popular SAKAWA is becoming a notorious practice, for it is associated using knowledge in IT to siphon people’s money in bank deposits. 4. Scholarship: When it comes to scholarship, the school plays a tremendous role in traditional African Education system. Parents are glad to see their children gain funding to study abroad to come down to their society as big men and women. In fact, the knowledge and status these children gain from scholarships tend to enhance the progress of society and the communities to which they belong. This is especially true when it comes to political governance. 5. Agriculture: It is believed that when traditional farmers learn modern techniques of crop production, they become better farmers than when they used the traditional methods. Just as knowledge from the traditional education system impacts formal education, so it is that, knowledge from the school help traditional education. Question: Discuss the role of the school and the community in traditional African Education system. Chapter Four Indigenous Ghanaian Education Western Formal Education compared In this chapter, we will compare indigenous Ghanaian education with Western formal education system. Indigenous Ghanaian Education (IGE) is that kind of non-literate education that equips the individual with all the knowledge and skills needed, in order to live meaningfully with other human beings. The main purpose of IGE is to integrate individuals into society. On the other hand Western formal education is that type of education that takes place in the classroom, with teachers, curriculum, infrastructure, etc. How IGE takes place: 1. It is informal and takes place anywhere, home, street, playground, etc. 2. There is no fixed time for instruction in IGE. It takes place from dusk to dawn. 3. Mode of teaching: There are no specific teaching syllabi, nor are there specially employed teachers, with classrooms, tables, chairs and stationery as we have in the Western formal education. a. Inappropriate behavior is corrected on the spot, by anyone who is deemed responsible in the community. However, anyone with a questionable character was disallowed from instructing the young ones. b. Though there is no formal training, some professions like chieftaincy, herbal medicine, hunting, carving, drumming, etc. , call for special training before practice. Would- be- professionals in the named fields, leave their homes to stay in various locations and study to become professionals. Here, teaching is basically by modeling and example. 4. Learning: In IGE learning is practical oriented. Students see and do. To become professionals in some fields like herbal medicine, students stay with the chief professionals for not less than five years, or even more! Characteristics of IGE Indigenous Ghanaian Education (IGE) has four characteristics: 1. Informal 2. Non-Literate 3. Utilitarian 4. Multivalent Informal From how IGE takes place we learnt that there are no classrooms nor paid teachers. There is no curriculum, no teachers, no research facilities, no libraries. Non-literate In IGE, there is no reading and writing, so there are no records for reference purposes. Important information is therefore lost to posterity. However knowledge gained is preserved through oral tradition. Information is passed on to offspring. The probability of such information becoming distorted or adulterated is very high. Utilitarian A major characteristic of IGE is its utilitarian nature. This term has to do with the occupation of people in IGE. None is unemployed. As children are born into various homes, they learn the type of occupation of their parents. The shepherd raises children who learn to care for sheep, goats or cattle; the blacksmith, farmer, fetish priest, etc. , also raise children who take to their occupation. Everyone in IGE is meaningfully occupied. Under IGE no one is jobless. The training and nurture in IGE is so comprehensive that everyone who trains becomes a responsible adult. The reason is due to the multivalent nature of IGE. Multivalent IGE is multivalent in the sense that it has many parts. Learners in IGE are trained Physically, Morally, Socially, emotionally and intellectually. a. Physical training: When we were discussing the role of the school and community in African Education, we noted that learners in IGE could exercise a lot, due to their involvement in running errands of varied kinds to various places, sometimes on long distances. The involvement of learners in traditional drumming and dancing assists body building, stretching and enhancing of muscles for efficient circulation of blood. b. Social dimension: Correct use of language is taught, communal labour is encouraged. The youth are heavily involved. Failure to attend communal labour attracted sanctions. Attending social functions to become acquainted with societal norms and values is also encouraged. c. Intellectual dimension: In discussing the role of the community in African education it was noted that running errands with delivery of accurate messages enhanced the intellect of learners. Besides, calendars were calculated without any mistake though there were no calendar records. Wise sayings and proverbs of the adults were tools to enhance memory power. Strong points in IGE IGE had many strong points, but only a few are recounted below: 1. Cost effectiveness: There is hardly any investment in IGE that went wasted. Every child born grew to inherit an occupational legacy. As mentioned earlier, there was no unemployment in IGE. 2. Instructors: Unlike Western formal education where learners had to be taught by paid teachers, IGE had instructors who were more or less voluntary. The siblings or friends on the street, the father or mother, and any significant other taught free of charge. There were no books to buy, no infrastructure to build; IGE was absolutely free! 3. Intellectual Development: Under IGE, learners’ memory was improved because every information had to be kept in memory. Weak points in IGE 1. There were no written records in IGE, so potential facts and information were either lost or distorted. 2. Information on treatment of certain diseases were hidden or lost to posterity. There were no materials for future reference. 3. Research was not carried out to prove the authenticity of theories: for example, women who grew beard were classified as witches. In some traditional societies, convulsion is attributed to the work of witches and wizards. Such beliefs slow down the progress of society. Similarities between IGE and formal education: 1. Both IGE and formal education have trained personnel. Priests, herbalists and apprenticeship needed special training to function meaningfully. 2. In formal education and IGE, character transformation and development are common objectives. 3. Intellectual development is paramount in formal education and IGE, and especially in the latter. Chapter Five Rural -Urban dichotomy Current educational system and distribution of educational resources appear to favour urban than rural areas. The B. Ed. teacher needs to understand challenges in both urban and rural areas within the Ghana Education Service. The table below depicts the 12 major criteria for comparison of education delivery of urban and rural areas, in Ghana. URBAN AREA RURAL AREA 1. Infrastructure is available. Learners have limited infrastructure and sometimes learn under trees. 2. Enrolment in urban schools is teeming, even over. Very limited enrolment, and in some villages classes are combined. 3. Teachers are available for both sexes in urban areas. However, over staffing is sometimes found in some urban schools. Teachers are scarce in rural areas especially the female counterpart. 4. Learners in urban areas could benefit from distant learning facilities, such as TV, radio, etc. In some rural areas there are no facilities for distance learning; even news papers, radio and TV are unavailable. 5. In urban areas sources of good drinking water are many. For example we have pure drinking water, packaged in sachets; then we have pipe borne water, and bore holes. In rural areas, sources of drinking water include bore holes, rivers, streams, and ponds. Bore holes could be safe; so are some river waters. However ponds and streams might need purification before consumption. Bad drinking water however scares teachers from accepting posting to rural areas. 6. Distance to school may not be a problem in Urban areas because, means of transport is available except the cost involved. In rural areas, distance to school is always a problem. Learners have to travel miles to school; they get exhausted by the time they reach school. This could affect learning progress. 7. School logistics are available in urban areas. In rural areas, school logistics are scarce. Teachers have to improvise sometimes, to meet learning needs. 8. Food is in urban areas, so learners are fed if only their parents give them money. Food is unavailable for students in rural areas, however, some carry cooked food to school. Others go to school on empty stomach leading to poor performance. 9. Students could be punctual to school. Students may be late for school. 10. Parents and teachers’ association (PTA) could be organized easily. It is difficult to organize PTA in rural areas. 11. It is easy to elicit funding for school infrastructure in urban areas. It is difficult to get funding for school infrastructure, in rural areas. 12. It is believed that urban students hardly become innovators. It has been discovered that great innovators, educators and philosophers attended school in rural areas. Problems in rural and urban education delivery and suggested solutions 1. Infrastructure: Whether in the rural or urban areas, when ever infrastructure problem is identified, organizing and soliciting PTA support will be very meaningful. Non-governmental organizations could also be invited to help. 2. Enrolment drive: When there is a problem in over or under enrolment, the teacher must make time to seek solution for it. First, if it is over enrolment, the ideal is to arrange with the school head or administrators to split the classes. This will however call for class accommodation and extra teachers.

Globalisation have dramatically accelerated the pace of change in modern organisations

Globalisation have dramatically accelerated the pace of change in modern organisations Introduction: Technology explosion and globalisation have dramatically accelerated the pace of change in modern organisations (Prastacos 2002). Organisational Change has become a compulsion in order to maintain competitive edge or be successful in modern businesses and a difficult process to implement in practice due to its complex nature (Hamel et al, 1996) The objectives of this report are to look at the significance of change within an organisation, relation between bureaucracy and hierarchy, stakeholders, models for involving stakeholders, models for change and etc within Tesco. Tesco was founded in 1924 by Sir Jack Cohen and had earlier roots from selling groceries in Londons East End markets. The first store to be opened was in 1929 in Burnt Oak, Edgware. The first Tesco self-service store was opened in St Albans in 1948. In the 1960s, Tesco started to sell fresh food, clothing and household goods in addition to groceries and opened stores in high streets of towns across England. In the 1990s, Tesco started to expand its operations outside the UK into Eastern Europe. In 1992 Tesco opened its city center stores under the branding of Tesco Metro. In 1995 Tesco introduced the loyalty card and by the end of the 90s diversified further into banking. In the year 2000, Tesco is Britains leading food retailer with 845 stores. It prides itself on quality, customer service and a customer-friendly environment. Task-1: Question-1: Significant change within an organization: A description of the use of ICT for Internal External Communications of the business; Information and communication technology has totally transformed, over the last few years, which has led to a major change in the way communication flows through a business. This has had a massive affect on the way Tesco operates today, as they are a service-related organisation, as they dont produce their own goods. Some examples of changes in technology that have had an effect on the way Tesco communicates internally and externally are; Email- Is used to replace old methods such as faxes, telephone calls and letters, as e-mail is a lot quicker, especially if the message has to be sent to more than one person, it is more convenient than conventional methods, it is also used to correspond with suppliers. Internet- This allows Tesco to create a communication link with the global market; this allows better communication between staff and customers that are overseas. Tescos website allows its customers to see what they are doing externally (e.g.) how they help the local community, it also allows them to explore Tescos range of products and services. Customer can browse through 24 hours a day from anywhere in the world. Network Databases- Has allowed Tesco to replace the old traditional ways of filling and storing information. Customer Service-At Tesco any questions or complaints can be dealt with over the phone or through the Internet, this makes the communication process a lot quicker. Payment Methods- There are a number of ways in which Tescos customers can pay for their goods or services, some of the payment methods that are accepted at Tesco are; Cheque- Details can be printed out at the till, using the information given to produce a receipt. Cheques can be used to pay up to a given price. Debit Card- This allows the customer to pay for their goods or service without any cash, the transaction is automatically checked at the customers bank account, the payment is guaranteed once it has been checked if there is enough in the persons account. Credit Card- This is a similar process however, the money is not taken from the customers account, the sale is paid for at the time. Customers may also ask for up to £50 cash back. IT in store Operation- Information Technology is essential for any large organisation affectively, it is used for many in store operations, for example, monitoring sales, ordering stock etc. Tesco sell thousands of products, therefore they use computerised merchandising systems, to order the correct products to the correct place without these type of system it would be a very long process. Goods are no longer entered manually, which means accurate pricing is guaranteed, because Tesco sell thousands of products, each item has an individual barcode usually printed somewhere on the package, this allows Tesco to monitor their stock levels, which means that once a certain amount of a particular product is sold the computer will automatically re-order the product, this is known as the Sales Based Order. Home Shopping- Tesco has introduced a home shopping service with the use of information technology, this enables people to order their shopping from home using the internet, this is done through a computer programme, it allows its customers to order any of the products that the particular branch sells, orders can be placed 24 hours a day, orders are delivered to the customers home. These home shopper customers have to register and are given a personal ID number, payments for shopping can be made by debit and credit cards. Responsible some factors for significant change: The major sources of changes are the Environmental firstly, taking the shape of economic and political change where we had the rise of enterprise economy and market led economies. Moreover, new work patterns have emerged where more pat-time workers and permanent employees are used nowadays, and with the rise of competition from Europe, Japan or multinational corporations have made it difficult to cope correctly with employees. Finally, we must note the various and fast technological advancements which take place and the shortening of product life cycles that lead to short range strategies and increased flexibility. These factors are discussed as below: Competition in Marketplace: Since year 2004, Tesco, who considers to be a market leader as a Grocery retail sector in the UK not only faced first ever fall in its profit on sales but also faced fierce competition from existing new chains of food retailing market. It is true that falling sales and the first loss in the companys history have forced them to think about radical changes. The UK food retailing market is mature and highly competitive. In addition, the UK market has been affected by negative inflation in the food sector. This negative inflation has been driven by the so-called Wal-Mart effect i.e. downward pressure on prices from Asda / Wal-Marts aggressive Every Day Low Price strategy; it was the Wal-Mart effect that pressurized TESCO into a price war. Changes in Attitude of Customers: Due to high competition, company has faced a considerable change in attitude of customer towards its products. As a maneuver, Tesco has been making continuous attraction strategies for its customers to keep them in close intact in order to remain at top position. So, they always try to bring most attractive goods for the customers. The new option in the goods has been very well advertised nationwide as a result customers are very well attracted towards Tesco. Political factor:  ¨Ã‚  Ã‚   Public concern about the effect of out of town superstores on town centers has grown and both current and future planning policies will seriously hamper future development. Though conversions of existing stores allow some increase in selling space it is limited.  ¨Ã‚  Ã‚   Community organizations have since gained momentum consequent to the Competition Commissions ruling and have been lobbying neighborhoods to boycott supermarkets and large food manufacturers and instead support small independent suppliers, processors and retailers at the expense of large supermarkets like TESCO. Economic:   Businesses cannot control their environment however much they would wish to, instead they must react / adapt to changes within the environment, and this is particularly true in relation to the economy. In periods of recession, many businesses are forced to reduce staffing levels, whilst in boom periods of high growth businesses may seek to expand the size of their workforce to cater for increasing levels of demand for their goods / services. Whilst the UK economy has seen steady overall growth, there has for some time been a cycle of boom and slump within the economy, which has forced businesses to redefine their staffing needs. Social:  ¨Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The U.K population on a whole is far more health conscious than in previous years. There has been a trend away from genetically modified foods towards organic foods.  ¨Ã‚  Peoples wealth increases, with the decrease in time for shopping. Besides, people enjoy a busier lifestyle, fewer people cook everyday for themselves. Therefore, the ready meals have become welcome by consumers. Technology: The increasing dependency of businesses on technology to gain competitive advantage over competitors, and the subsequent need to keep pace with technological advances have resulted in increasing emphasis being placed on organisations ensuring that their staffs skill base is constantly re-assessed and developed, through training and recruitment to keep pace with the use of technology.  ¨Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Grocery retail sector is a major user of new technology. The increasing use of electronic data interchange, laser and self-scanning and other point-of-sale equipment has been a feature of recent innovations by retailers. The use of loyalty cards and the provision of financial and other services have also involved the introduction of sophisticated computer-based systems. Globalization: In the presence of globalization factor, Tesco also change its policies accordingly. This is considered to be one of the major changes in Tesco operations. Same trend has been showing in international regions also. By that company is working on a change to build strong reliable partners. Conclusion: Organisations are a vital part of our society and serve several important needs and demands.   How an organisation is managed in relation to actions of management and the decisions made have an impact on all concerned including other organisations, the community environment as well as individuals. As consumers plays the lifeblood role in Grocery Retail industry, TESCO approach remains Re-active, were it adopts low price strategy to attract customers. Also TESCO is often forced to change their strategy as the competition changes. Question-2: Relation between bureaucracy and hierarchy to the organisational structure and change: A bureaucracy is a type of organisational structure that is found in many large-scale organisations. It appears in both public and private organisations and is a structure that still exists in the majority of industrial organisations in the world, despite being around since the 18th century. Ideally bureaucracy is characterised by hierarchical authority relations, defined spheres of competence subject to impersonal rules, recruitment by competence, and fixed salaries. The main aims of a bureaucracy are to be rational, efficient, and professional. German sociologist, Max Weber was the most important student of bureaucracy, and he described bureaucracy as technically superior to all other forms of organization. Bureaucratic systems have a greater sense of direction and purpose than other types of organisation structure and this helped by the hierarchy of positions and well developed rule system that is consistent in a bureaucracy. Hierarchy structure is sometimes called the Pyramid structure. In this structure there are few people who working above others. These people such as Marketing Manager have more authority over their employees. In many businesses each part of the department is divided into specialists departments where they deal with different task but have the same overall aim. Management in this structure is led by Vertical Communication, which means that the communication goes from the top of the structure to the bottom of the structure. Advantages and disadvantages of bureaucracy and hierarchy organisational form: Weber stressed (Conley, 2002) both the advantages and disadvantages of bureaucracies. Advantages of bureaucratic system: Bureaucratic system is a very effective way of structuring an organisation. So, it has some advantages like as below: Bureaucracies provide a hierarchical structure whereby workers can rise through the ranks to positions of relative power. Progression is based on technical expertise thereby increasing the professional management of organisations. The development of written rules offered protection to less powerful workers and provided a basis for trade union negotiation. Bureaucracies replaced nepotism and favouritism with impersonal social relations and the basis for equality of treatment. Disadvantages of bureaucratic system: Although, bureaucracy organisational form is very effective for an organisation but it also offer various drawbacks which are as below: Hierarchies and rules formalise power structures and status divides in workplaces Rules cannot cover every eventuality and are themselves subject to interpretation. Over-attention to a rigid set of rules can often hinder the smooth running of an organisation Bureaucracies can create iron cages which dehumanise work The advantages of hierarchy structure are: A leader or leadership team can give the business a direction A leader or team could make quick appropriate decisions on behalf of the organisation. Employees are clear about their position and Span of control within the organisation. Employees know who to report to in events of problems instead of going to the owner directly for irrelevant issues. Employees become motivated because they get a chance to become promoted to a higher tier. The disadvantages of hierarchy structure are: Decisions can often take time to follow the chain of command. Employees can be demotivated if there are considered as at the bottom of the hierarchy. Decisions may be made by a few that are not in the interest of everyone on the organisation. After researching I have found out that the main structure that Tesco operate in is Hierarchy I think that this is a good structure mainly this is because there are more advantages then drawbacks plus this is a good structure to operate in for a big company like Tesco. Question-3 Compare and contrast of bureaucracy and hierarchy organisational form: Bureaucracy can have a positive effect on the organisation it could also cause alienation and sense of purposelessness from workers within the system. Working in a large bureaucratic organisation may induce the feeling that they are mere cogs in a huge machine, and therefore lead to unmotivated staff and a decrease of efficiency. Communication through the hierarchy may well be slow in a bureaucratic system, due to the tendency towards centralisation, which would affect the initiative at the lower levels. Due to the bureaucratic systems being well suited to predictable and stable situations, they are not very flexible and therefore find it hard to deal with conditions of change. The rules of a bureaucracy are very rigid and are designed to achieve organisational objectives. However due to the rigidity it may obstruct the attainment of goals and lose sight of its overall organisational objectives. Although bureaucracy has proved its need in the current business environment, there are still several downsides, not only for the organisation, but also for the employee. Many argue that in the twenty-first century, a bureaucratic organisation will be too expensive to maintain. It will also be incapable of responding quickly to change and will not be using the innovative resource of its members. Due to the hierarchical system, problems are usually passed upwards, preventing employees contributing to decisions, which will not promote proactive behaviour and can be damaging to an organisation. Task-2 Question-1 Stakeholders: A stakeholder in an organization is any group or individual who can affect or is affected by the achievement of the organizations objectives. (R. Edward Freeman, 46). In the changing business world, a wide range of stakeholders may have an involvement with an organization, such as shareholders, customers, investors, employees, the media, government and non-government organizations. Internal and connected stakeholders: Internal stakeholders include normal employees and managers of a business. In Tesco, the shareholders, the customers and other groups or individuals are involved in the business. These people are called connected stakeholders. All these are very important to Tesco. 1.  Employees: All the employees are important stakeholder to Tesco. The reason for this, that employees are closely involved with organisation. They have a strong influence on the business and the way that the business runs. The expectations that the employees have on Tesco are: A clean and safe working environment Job security Competitive pay rates and benefits such as discounts on Tesco products Interesting and rewarding work Opportunities for promotion and career structure Bonuses 2. Managers: All mangers as well as the directors of the company are stakeholders. In Tesco the manager has a major say on how the business should be run. The expectations that the manager has on Tesco are: developing a local or national reputation as a successful manger working the business to make it bigger than it is now For example at Tescos, those with a high achievement need such as Duty managers or departmental managers tend to seek situations where they have personal responsibility for solving problems, managing projects or for overall performance. 3. Shareholders: This group of stakeholders are interested in the financial part of the Tesco. The expectations that the shareholders has on Tesco are: Shareholders of Tesco want to receive a large and increasing proportion if the companys profits They also hope the companys share price will rise 4. Customers: Tesco are mainly focused on customers. This means that Tesco has to fill the expectations of their customers. These include: Good quality products delivered on time Fair prices After sales service and support, especially for high- technology products. This shows how Tesco are influenced by their customers- Tesco, the UKs largest retailer, buys enormous amounts of products from suppliers and so has great influence. 5. Suppliers: They are expecting to be paid on time and receive regular orders from their customers. Tescos suppliers are interested in any development that might affect the number and size of the orders. Tesco buys its own brand products from suppliers. All products are supplied to Tesco in a finished state. 6. Bankers: Banks and other financial organisations lend money to Tesco and will be concerned that their money is saved. They want Tesco to run successfully and to earn profits. External stakeholders: External stakeholders include individuals or organisations that have interest in the business but do not do anything and have no relationship with that business. 1. Government agencies: The government has lots of reasons to be interested in Tesco: The Inland Revenue collects income tax and corporation tax for Tesco. It is interested in the financial affairs of Tesco Customs and Excise collects Tescos taxes. It collects value added tax (VAT) 2. Pressure groups: These organisations are groups of people who combine to promote a particular view or cause. Pressure groups attempt to influence Tesco by: Campaigning Taking direct action against some firms. Tesco responds to pressure group because they want to have a good public image. 3. Local communities and society: Businesses are an important part of the society. Local communities expect Tesco to: provide stable employment for the community Avoid causing environmentally pollution, noise or other problems that might offend the community. Question-2 Models to involve stakeholders: In recent years, two useful models -a) the Power/Interest Matrix (Mendelow cited in Johnson and Scholes, 2002:208) and b) Power/Urgency/Legitimacy Model (Mitchell, et al., 1997) have become popular. Brief Introduction of these Two Models: To assist the analysis, the introduction of the two models is briefly explained in this section. a) The Power/Interest Matrix (shown as Figure 1) implies the political priorities for managing stakeholder relationships by assessing the level of interest and power for each stakeholder (Johnson and Scholes, 2002: 208). High Low High Low PowerE:managing environmentStakeholder Management Publications Management Portal.filesimage004.gif C D A B Level of Interest A Figure 1 Stakeholder Mapping: the Power/Interest Matrix Source: Johnson and Scholes, 2002 Adapted from A. Mendelow, Preceedings of the Second International Conference on Information Systems, Cambridge, MA, 1991. Source: It can be seen from Figure 1; the stakeholders in Segment D have the most important role among other stakeholders in the success of the strategy. Due to their high power, organisations should give adequate emphasis on the stakeholders in Segment C and attempt to meet their expectations. As for stakeholders in Segment B, organisations need to provide enough information to satisfy their high interest in the strategies or issues. Under some circumstances, some stakeholders (Segment A) neither have power nor interest, so it is unnecessary to invest too much in this group. b) The Power/Urgency/Legitimacy Model, illustrated as Figure 2, divides stakeholders into seven types and uses them to reflect a different degree of stakeholders salience which is related to the three basic attributes power, legitimacy and urgency perceived by organisational managers (Mitchell, et al., 1997). Legitimacy Power Dormant Discretionary Definitive Dominant Dependent Dangerous Demanding Urgency Figure 2 Power/Urgency/Legitimacy Model Source: Based on Mitchell, Agle and Wood 1997 Mitchell, et al (1997) made detailed explanations for the three attributes. Power means the possibility for a stakeholder to influence the outcome, originating from coercive, legitimate, expert, referent and reward. Urgency indicates time sensitivity and criticality of the situation. Regarding Legitimacy, it refers to the desire of stakeholders to judge the properness of the issue, based on norms, values and beliefs. Both two models are helpful to managers in pursuing success in stakeholder management. However, it is important to realise the limitations that each model might have in order for effective utilization of them. Question-3 Stakeholder mapping in Power/interest matrix model: Stakeholder mapping identifies stakeholder expectations and power and helps in establishing political priorities (Johnson, G Scholes, K. 1999: 215). This mapping can be carried out by means of Power/Interest Matrix (Johnson, G Scholes, K. 1999: 215), which classifies stakeholders in relation to the power they hold and the degree of interest they show to the organisation (Refer to Figure 4). Low A Minimal Effort B Keep Informed High C Keep Satisfied D Key Players Power Level of Interest Low High Figure 4-Stakeholder mapping: Power/Interest Matrix (Johnson, G Scholes, K.) Apply Power/Interest Matrix to Tescos Stakeholders: Considering the comments of Power/Interest Matrix for each group, we can ignore Segment A because it only has minimal effort on Tesco. As to Segment C and D, they are all key stakeholders and their expectations should be satisfied continuously. While for Segment B, it has high interest in Tesco and should be properly addressed through informing information to it. Indeed, stakeholders of Segment D (Owners, Top Managers, and etc) have the expectations of good payback and dividends which require Tesco maintains its profit generation in its strength business Traditional Imaging. On the other hand, these stakeholders also seek for capital growth in somewhat more potential business such as Digital Imaging. Stakeholders of Segment C (Customers) always expect better value for money, and they also enjoy the alternatives and value-added products Tesco provided, which ask Tesco to integrate Traditional Imaging with Digital Imaging to generate more innovation. Conclusion: Generally, the expectations of stakeholders of Tesco are diversely and variously. It is clearly that we should find out the key stakeholders and balance their expectations. Here, Owners, Top Managers, Creditors and Customers are identified as key stakeholders of Tesco and in particular their expectations are assessed separately. Obviously, Power/Interest Matrix points out the type of relationship which the organisation need to establish with every stakeholders group. Thus it is helpful in assessing the political ease or difficulty of particular strategic as well as in planning the political dimension of strategic changes Task-3 Question-1: Models for change: There are various models of change are established over the period of time. Every organization can develop adapt any of those models in change process according to the individual circumstances. Two important models of change which can be used during change management are as follows: Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) Total Quality Management (TQM) I have shortlisted two organizations for the said topic in order to expedite a brief report about adaptation of different models of change as and when required by them. The first organization was Tesco, London, UK. I worked as Manager Administration with this company for two years. When I joined the organization, it was in a recession phase due to certain circumstances. In those situations, management of the company including me decided to develop adapt the Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) model of change.   1. Business Process Re-engineering (BPR):-    BPR has four basic key components: Business Processes, Management Measurements, Jobs Structures, and Values Beliefs. BPR is considered to be a much more top-down managed form of change. BPR is best defined as: The fundamental rethinking radical redesign of business processes to achieve dramatic improvements in critical, contemporary measures of performance.   For clarity, it is appropriate also to define what BPR is not. BPR is not automation, restructuring or reorganisation, or delivering although these may be consequences of a BPR exercise. It is also helpful to consider why Tesco contemplated BPR given its radical nature. There were three probable reasons: The business was failing there was no option but to invoke radical change. Business difficulties were foreseen pre-emptive measures were deemed necessary to avoid business failure. The organization, rather than resting on its laurels wished to build on its success invoked radical change to widen its lead over the competition. 2. Total Quality (TQ):- This model of change was developed adapted by the organization operating by the name of Integrated Business Services (IBS), London, UK. In said company I was worked as Manager Sales Marketing. The company is the top rated production manufacturer house of various technical products including aerospace materials. TQ change model was used by the company in January 2004. The Brief description of the model is as follows: TQ comprises change invoked through four key components: Systems, Processes, People Management. TQ is best defined as meeting customer requirements in a context in which every individual in the organization is a customer of the process preceding their own, a supplier to the process succeeding their own. Thus customers are internal to the organization as well as external. Additionally TQ is a competitive concept because it is concerned with being the best, where best is defined by the market place rather than by the product or service provider the best companies will achieve the level of superiority that is usually high. Customer focus is the essence of TQ. Question-2: Necessary steps for planning the implementation process of the Business Process Re-engineering (BPR) model:- The Four Cornices of BPR Considered by Tesco plc-   1.  Business Processes: The essence of BPR for Tesco plc lied in the adaption of a process orientation. The characteristics of such an orientation were: Multidimensional:  Cross-functional working in organization required combining many tasks into one job or process, in so doing, eliminated hand-offs, reduced administrative overheads associated with controlling the previous fragmented steps provided a single point of contact for process-related queries. Continuous Improvement: BPR recognized continuous improvement in the form of process maintenance continual re-examination redesign of processes which, with time, once more became fragmented. 2.   Management Measurements:- The achievement of a process orientation demanded: Process Mapping:  Existing processes were process-mapped to establish what currently happens why, that was, to develop an understanding of current process. Benchmarking: World-wide cross-industry process comparisons were then be used to establish best practice provided a possible basis for process re-design. 3. Jobs and Structures:- The results of BPR in this regard were typically the following: Flat Structure:  Flat structure was adapted, a process rather than functional orientation, which together with process-teams performed managerial functions, reduced bureaucracy the requirement for complex, multi layer managerial hierarchies. Job Specification:  Job descriptions became comprehensive included details of required level of key competencies such that increased objectivity accuracy could be applied to selection appointment processes. 4. Values Beliefs:- Creating sustaining a process orientation in the Tesco plc demanded: Living the Values:  Senior management lead by example in Tesco plc in this regard. For example: by demonstrating the notion of being customer-facing by spen

Land Use And Land Cover In Ethiopia Environmental Sciences Essay

Land Use And Land Cover In Ethiopia Environmental Sciences Essay This research will focus on population dynamics and effects on the state of natural resources and processes of degradation in the lowlands of Ethiopia. Many developing countries are using their natural resources at rates faster than the natural rate of replacement to sustain their rapid population growth; to generate foreign exchange; and to produce raw materials for industries. Millions of poor farmers destroy vast tracts of forest lands to make room for agricultural activities that will provide sufficient food for their household, community or country (Bartelmus, 1986; Drechsel et al., 2001; McNeill, 2006; Appiah et al., 2007). Agriculture, which dominates most of the African economies, has been the main focus of national development plans of governments. In line with this, a variety of land policies and reforms have been instituted in many African countries in an effort to improve the performance of the agricultural sector, but not always with success. In most countries, traditional agricultural practices and low productivity still persist despite major reforms and large monetary investments to transform the sector. Where agricultural innovations have been introduced, short-term successes have often been followed by long- term environmental problems (Miay, 1976; Drechsel et al., 2001; Appiah et al., 2007). The most frequently occurring and rapidly accelerating problem related to agricultural activities is environmental degradation. In practice, most agricultural programs tend to place a heavy emphasis on increasing production and less on resource management and conservation. As a result, the social and environmental implications of population and land-use and land cover changes are overlooked until a serious physical deterioration occurs (Miay, 1976; Fischer, 1993; Davol, 1998; Makhanya, 2004; Long et al., 2006). In Ethiopia, agriculture is the largest source of employment and foreign exchange: it supports some 85% of the working force, produces about 50% of the gross domestic product and generates over 90% of the countrys export earnings. Because the sector is overwhelmingly dominated by subsistence endeavors land degradation is widely prevalent (Dejene, 1990). This problem is further exacerbated by the heavy concentration of population and economic activities on climatically-favored highland areas of the country. The highland areas (defined as lands above 1,500 meters above sea level) constitute 40% of the total area of the country, 66% of the total cultivated land, 90 % of its arable land and nearly 45% of the grazing land, and support about 80% of the livestock and 88% of human population. As a result, these areas happen to be the most vulnerable and degraded physiographic regions in the country (Bruene, 1990; Woldemariam, 1990; McCann, 1995). As a consequence of population growth and hea vy economic activities, land suitable for cultivation is running short in much of the highland regions of the country. As a result, recent years have seen population relocation to the lowland areas where population size and densities are relatively low. However, this has brought about complex changes in the socio-cultural, economic and ecological conditions in the Beles valley of Metekel, northwest Ethiopia (Abute, 2002), one of the areas to which population shifts have taken place. Yntiso (2003) and Abute (2002) document these changes by indicating how massive resettlements in the 1980s have impoverished the indigenous population and created hostility among ethnic groups in Beles valley, Metekel. These studies, however, give much less emphasis to population dynamics and land use and land cover changes resulting from these changes. Assessing ongoing changes in population dynamics and land use and land cover in this region is vital given the fact that more development endeavors (for example, hydropower generation, irrigation, and mechanized agriculture) are being undertaken by the government. At three percent, this area also has one of the fastest population growth rates in the country (CSA, 2008). The consequences of all this on natural resources degradation and management need further investigations. Review of Related Literature This section reviews existing literature on population and environment interactions and the effects of these interactions. In doing so various perspectives on how population dynamics affects the environment are reviewed. Views on Population Dynamics and the Environment The study of the size, growth and characteristics of human population has a long history. Yet, there is no consensus pertaining to its consequential effects on the environment and the ways to solve the resultant problems (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995). Population experts offer four different perspectives (models) regarding population dynamics, consequences and ways of overcoming its effects. These perspectives include the models of classical economists, neo-classical economists, dependency and intermediate variables (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995; Kalipeni, 1996). Classical economists argue that high population growth results in environmental degradation. Their theory is grounded on the work of economist Thomas Robert Malthus (1873) who argued that population grows faster than food supply. Furthermore, he suggests that humans have to take actions to reduce fertility. Consequently he suggested abstention from sexual intercourse and chastity. If population growth is left unchecked, he argued, natural checks such as famine, pestilence, and war will reduce population growth. Today, neo-Malthusian population experts like Paul Ehrlich and Garrett Hardin (cited in Sherbinin et al., 2007) and others believe that Malthus prophecy is currently happening in Africa where the pace at which population is growing is higher than the rate at which the economy is growing (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995; Muriithi, 1996; Panayotou, 2000; Drechsel et al., 2001; Perz et al., 2005). These experts suggest fertility reduction as the key to preventing environmental destructi on and to improve living standards (Jolly, 1994:72; Sherbinin et al., 2007). Neo-classical economists, on the other hand, stress that inefficient market and inappropriate pricing policy as the causes of environmental degradation (Jolly, 1994; Sherbinin et al., 2007). In other words, inept government policies are responsible for this problem. Jolly (1994:66) and Panayotou (2000) suggest a course of actions like reducing subsidies that encourage over exploitation of resources, make people to pay full costs of using common resources that make the market more efficient and effective as the best way to overcome this problem. The proponents of the dependency model, on the other hand, argue that uneven distribution and consumption of resources is more culpable than population size and growth. In this case equitable distribution and consumption of resources is the obvious solution to tackle the problem (Jolly, 1994; Stock, 1995; Kalipeni, 1996; Perz et al., 2005; Sherbinin et al., 2007). Proximate causes Proximate causes Other Factors Environmental Factors Soil quality, topography, etc Biophysical Drivers Fires, droughts, floods, etc Social Events Social disorder, sudden displacement, abrupt policy shifts, etc Wood extraction Fuel wood Charcoal Production Infrastructure Expansion Transport Market Settlements Public Service Private Company Agricultural Expansion Permanent Cultivation Shifting Cultivation Cattle Ranching Colonization Demographic factors Natural increase Migration Population density Population distribution Cultural Factors Public attitudes and beliefs Individual household behavior (unconcerned about resources, rent-seeking) Policy and Institutional Factors Formal Policies (economic development, credit) Policy climate (Mismanagement) Property rights Technological Factors Agro Technical Change ( Intensification) Agricultural production factor Economic Factors Market growth Commercialization Economic structure Urbanization Price increases, etc Proximate and Underlying Causes of deforestation (Source: Geist Lambin, 2002, figure 1, p. 3) Underlying Causes Figure 1.1: Conceptual framework of Proximate and Underlying Causes of land use and land cover changes (Source: Geist Lambin, 2002, figure 1, p. 3) Theorists known as the proximate determinists argue that high population growth alone does not cause environmental degradation. They contend that population increase should be linked to other factors to result in environmental degradation. In other words, high population increase aggravates resource loss in conjunction with other factors like level of technology, consumption, institutions, poverty and policies (Jolly, 1994; Turner, Meyer and Skole, 1994; Barrow, 1995; Lambin et al., 2001Carr et al., 2005; Perz et al., 2005; Harte, 2007; Pabi, 2007; Sherbinin et al., 2007). In sum, there is no simple co-relation between population dynamics and environmental degradation. It is, however, very important to consider critically the relationship between environment and population and the resultant impact from demographic and non-demographic variables as indicated in the conceptual framework below (Figure 1.1). Causes of Land Use and Land Cover Changes This section reviews existing literature on causes of land use and land cover changes. In doing so, various empirical findings on causes of land use and land cover changes worldwide including Ethiopia are reviewed. Land use and land cover changes are the results of the interplay of many factors. The simple assumption that land use and land cover changes have been caused by few factors do not hold true. Rather, many interrelated complex factors best explain the processes of land use and land cover changes (Lambin et al., 2001; Lambin et al., 2003; Liverman et al., 2008). The same authors further contend that Identifying the causes of land-use change requires an understanding of how people make land-use decisions and how various factors interact in specific contexts to influence decision making on land use (Lambin et al., 2003:216). Decision making processes in turn are affected by different factors prevailing at local, regional and global level. Different researchers have put the reasons for land use and land cover changes in two broad categories as proximate (direct) and underlying (indirect or root causes) (Geist Lambin, 2002; Liverman et al., 2008). Lambin et al., (2003) further contend that proximate factors occur at local or household/farm level whereas underlying factors emanate from regional, country or even global level. As a consequence, proximate variables are context and region specific while the root causes on the other hand will be the result of complex political, economic and social conditions occurring at a distance. Farm level analysis allows to address proximate causes and to interpret them in reference to underlying causes (Mottet et al., 2006). Long, et al., (2007) identify industrialization, urbanization, population growth, and Chinas economic reforms as major factors of land use changes in Kunshan. Another study in Zimbabwe also recognized that pressure for agricultural land, building materials and fuel wood triggered land use and land cover changes (Mapedza et al., 2003). The study by Brink and Eva (2009) also reveals that there is a significant degree of land use /cover change in Sub-Saharan Africa. These changes have resulted due to manmade and natural drivers related to high rate of population increase, economic development and globalization on one hand and natural hazards such as floods, landslides, drought and climate change on the other end of the spectrum (Brink and Eva, 2009). The study conducted in Afar, Ethiopia, identified more than fifteen factors that cause land use and land cover changes (Tsegaye et al., 2010). The driving forces documented in the study include migration from nearby highlands triggered by drought, land tenure and government policy changes only to mention some (Tsegaye et al., 2010). Another study in the Central Rift Valley of Ethiopia reveals that population growth, decline in agricultural productivity, land tenure change and erratic rainfall have the major drivers of land use and land cover in the area (Garedew et al., 2009). The land use and land cover dynamics study in the northwestern Ethiopia suggests that population dynamics, exiting land tenure, institutional and socioeconomic conditions should be critically examined to put in place any land related policy (Zeleke Hurni, 2001). In sum, the factors that affect land use and land cover changes are complex and at time interrelated. Thus, the study of land use and land cover changes demands a careful investigation into these complex and interrelated factors at local, national and global level as indicated in the conceptual framework above (Figure 1.1). Statement of the Problem The impact of population dynamics, especially the absolute increase in human numbers each year due to natural increase and/or mobility, plays a crucial role in resource degradation. As population continues to expand in number, it exerts increased pressure on eco-system and natural resource stocks. One of the reasons for the shrinking size of land holdings as well as the degradation of forest, soil, and water resources in many areas of the developing world is the direct result of rapid population growth (Arnon, 1987; UNFPA, 1991; Drechsel et al., 2001; Etter et al., 2006; Pabi, 2007, Boone et al., 2007, Nguyen, 2008). Resources have to be created to meet the changing and rising demands of the people. The larger the number of people, the greater the density and the more will be the pressure on resources (Onwuka, 2006). Various studies indicate that there is a marked resource loss because of population pressure in Sub-Saharan Africa (Drechsel et al., 2001), Eastern Madagascar (Kull, 199 8), China (Long et al., 2006) and Dominican Republic (Sambrook et al., 1999). Turner et al. (1994) also contend that land cover change stemming from human land uses represents a major source and a major element of global environmental change. The same authors underscore that human actions are altering the terrestrial environment at unprecedented rates, magnitudes, and spatial scales (1994). In Ethiopia, too, fast population growth and uneven spatial distribution of population have been affecting resource use, leading to its gradual deterioration. Rapid population growth (currently exceeding 2.6 % per annum) is resulting in increased demands for additional arable land which is surely not adequately available (Mamo, 1990; CSA, 2008, Teferra, 2009). As Mamo and Teferra (1990, 2009) argue population growth leads further to unnecessary natural resource exploitation such as forest clearing both for farming and settlement purposes, short fallow periods, and land fragmentation which has a direct adverse effect on agricultural output. Most of the population of Ethiopia is settled on the highlands, with the northern and central highlands being the oldest settled regions of the country. These regions are the most exploited and environmentally degraded areas in the entire country. Due to the shortage of arable land, land is continuously utilized year after year, thus giving diminishing yields (Kebede and Jacob, 1988; Assefa and Zegeye, 2003). This condition, coupled with the occurrence of recurrent drought and famine, has forced people from the northern and central highlands to move to the southern, southwestern and northwestern parts of the country for resettlement in both planned and spontaneous ways. These resettlements have resulted in population increase and consequent environmental and of natural resources depletion or degradation (Assefa and Zegeye, 2003; Paterson, 2007). Resulting from the north-south move, a noticeable population change has gradually prevailed in the Metekel region, leading to increased pressure on existing resources. According to Yntiso (2003), resettlement has caused rapid changes in both the distribution and types of land cover and land-use in Metekel zone. Due to increased population resulting from the resettlement program, vegetation cover has been cleared and replaced by crop lands, the length of fallow period has been reduced and, more importantly, land degradation, deforestation and cultivation of marginal lands have become the order of the day (Dejene, 1990; Mamo, 1994; Yntiso, 2003). Furthermore, the livelihoods of the indigenous people (hunting, gathering, shifting cultivation and fishing) have substantially decreased due to significant land use and land cover changes (Abute, 2002; Yntiso, 2003). Recent studies have also revealed that due to improvements in socio-economic conditions (for example, new construction of an all-weather road and government-led development programs), population size has increased in the northwest lowlands of Metekel. Land-use patterns have shown changes in this area as well. Migration from highland to lowland areas, voluntary as well as involuntary, has caused changes in the socioeconomic relations between migrants and the indigenous people by increasing conflict between them (Pender, 2001; Taddese, 2001; Yntiso, 2003; Patterson, 2007). Over the past several years, a number of studies related to resource degradation have been carried out in many places of the Ethiopian highlands. However, similar studies related to population dynamics and land use and land cover changes in lowland areas are either scanty or non-existent. The above discussions testify that there is a significant land use and land cover changes in the study area since the 1980s. An assessment of the processes and factors leading to population dynamics and the resultant land use and land cover change becomes indispensable and timely to promote sustainable economic, social and ecological development in the study area in particular and the country in general. Such a study would also serve as a basis to influence development interventions and policy discussions related to population changes and natural resources degradation and management. Objectives of the Study The main objective of this thesis research is to investigate the impact that demographic and non-demographic variables have on land use and land cover and their effects on population and natural resources in Mandura district, northwest lowland of Ethiopia. The study also intends to suggest plausible policy option(s) to address the consequential problems in the study area. The study would include the following specific objectives: To analyze the extent and patterns of population dynamics since the 1950s; To investigate land use and land cover changes since the 1950s in the study area; To examine the perception of people on trends and drivers of land use /cover changes and population dynamics in the study area; To investigate the effects of policy changes on land use and land cover changes and population Dynamics; To analyze livelihood changes since the 1950s in the study area. Research Questions Based on the stated objectives above, the principal research questions of this study, therefore, are: how have demographic and non-demographic factors heighten land use and land cover changes in Mandura district since the 1950s? What are the effects of such changes on the population and the natural resources of the study area? Other sub-research questions will include: What demographic changes had been taken place since the 1950s? What are the extents of land use and land cover changes since the 1950s? What are the major drivers of land use and land cover changes? How do major actors at different levels perceive the changes in land use land cover and population? How have government policies (during the three regimes) intensified land use and land cover changes population dynamics? How have land use and land cover and population dynamics contributed to livelihood changes since the 1950s? Development Relevance for Ethiopia/Africa In the recent past, planned and spontaneous population relocation has taken place in the Ethiopian lowlands where population size and densities are relatively low, including the study area of this research. Such relocations have undoubtedly brought about complex changes in the local economic, socio-cultural and ecological conditions. These complex changes in the study area have motivated me to undertake this research. The study will contribute to the development efforts in Ethiopia in particular and in Africa in general on the ground that: Many African countries are experiencing rapid and accelerating population growth which has induced adverse effects on the environment. This study will thoroughly assess the degree and extent of population-induced adverse environmental changes and will attempts to provide possible solutions to address the problem. Future development endeavourers in Ethiopia are shifting from the highlands to the lowlands where there exists low population pressure and ample agricultural land. This study will generate relevant information that will contributes to the development plans of the country. The lowland areas of Ethiopia are the least studied parts as compared to highlands. The knowledge gained from this study could serve as a guide for future research/development activities. Methodology Description of the Study Area The study will be conducted in Mandura district, Metekel zone of Benshangul-Gumuz Regional state. Mandura is situated between 100.50.743 N and 110.10.766 N and 360.02.48E and 360.32.42E longitude, about 546 kilometers away from Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. The total area of the district is about 1,045 square kilometer. Physiologically it is part of the northwestern lowlands where many development endeavors are currently taking place. The study will be undertaken in the district where the land use and land cover change is significantly high (Figure 1. 2). According to the third Ethiopian national census, Metekel Zone has a total population of 235, 638 of which Mandura district constituted 15.52 % (36,568 people) (CSA, 2008). Climatically the study area is characterized by the following features. It receives rainfall from March to September. The mean annual maximum and minimum temperatures are 320C and 160C respectively (Kebede, 2006). With regard to some bio-physical information, the study area has different types of woodlands and the soil is broadly classified as vertisols (black clay soils), Nitisols (red or reddish brown laterite soils) and intermediate soils of a blackish brown (Kebede, 2006). Data Collection and Analysis The triangulation mixed method specifically the concurrent triangulation approach is selected as research design. The concurrent mixed approach is a kind of research design where quantitative and qualitative data are gathered at the same time (Creswell, 2003; Gay et al., 2009). Creswell (2003)) and Gay et al., (2009) further contend that this method is used by the researcher in an attempt to substantiate, cross-validate, or confirm findings within a single study. The rationale behind selecting this approach is the research under consideration (population-environment interaction and identifying factors driving land use and land cover changes) is complex and needs to be examined from various angles. In addition, it demands the employment of diverse data collection instruments to capture as many factors as possible that explain land use and land cover changes in the study area. Furthermore, this strategy enables the researcher to collect data in a short time period (Creswell, 2003; Gay et al., 2009). To this end, both quantitative and qualitative data will be collected simultaneously using questionnaire survey, focus group discussion, intensive personal interviews, and field observations. Details are given below Data for this study will be obtained through questionnaire survey, interpreting remotely sensed images, and aerial photograph interpretation to generate information on land use and land cover changes over time in the study area. Other researchers have used similar techniques (Tegene, 2002; Makhanya, 2004; Appiah et al., 2007 Rain et al., 2007; Sherbinin et al., 2007; Ningal et al., 2008; Salehi et al., 2008, Garedew et al., 2009). Also data pertaining to population dynamics, livelihood changes over time, causes and consequences of land use and land cover changes will be obtained using questionnaire survey, intensive interviews, focus group discussions, and field observations. Inherently, a study of resource- population interactions and land use and land cover changes need the employment of diverse methods so as to find out the many factors that involve in land use and land cover changes (Ewel, 2001; Tegene, 2002; Bewket, 2003; McCusker, 2004; Campbell et al., 2005:; Long et al., 2006 ). Published and unpublished documents produced by governmental and non-governmental organizations will provide secondary data at different jurisdictional levels. For instance, the Central Statistical Agency (CSA), various regional state documents and FAO/UNDP provide information on land resources and land-use patterns. The SPSS software will be used for statistical analysis. Below are details of data collection and methods of analysis for each objective of the research. Objective 1: Analysis of population dynamics over time Data related to population dynamics are obtained from publications generated by the Central Statistical Agency (CSA). These publications provide information on population size, growth, density, migration and urbanization over time at zonal and district levels. The national census results of the 1984, 1996 and 2007 are relevant in this regard. In depth interviews and focus group discussions will supplement this information. Three study sites will be selected for this investigation. The sites selection is based on the degree of human interference assessed in terms of high degree of land use and land cover changes in comparison with other sites in the region. A Stratified random sampling technique will be used to select households for the survey. The selection involves two steps: First, households will be categorized into two strata: indigenous households and migrant or settler households. Second, household heads to be interviewed will be randomly selected from each stratum. A total of 210 households (70 from each study sites; 35 for each stratum) will be randomly selected and surveyed using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. A sample size of 35 is believed to be adequate for analysis because with a sample size of 30 or more observations, it is possible to have estimates of accuracy from the mean (Clark and Hosking, 1986; Cohen, Manion and Morrison, 2000). Simple frequency and contingency tables will be used to analyze the data. A group containing 8-10 elderly people with deep knowledge of the study sites will be selected for an in-depth interview and focus group discussions. Qualitative data will be analyzed following procedures given below. First the data collected will be described and classified. Then the data will be connected with each other depending upon their similarities and differences. Classification is concerned with identifying coherent classes and connection on the other hand involves the identification and understanding of the relat ionships and association between different classes (Kitchin Tate, 2000:235). Objective 2: Land use and land cover changes Land use and land cover changes will be assessed by analyzing aerial photographs of different time periods (1950s and 1980s) using ArcGIS. Field visits will be carried out to reinforce the accuracy of the interpretation. Remotely sensed images will also be used to assess the current land use and land cover changes. Questionnaire surveys, in depth interview and focus group discussions will be arranged to generate additional information and to strengthen data generated from aerial photographs and remotely sensed images. To properly understand land use and land cover dynamics, identification of independent (explanatory) and dependent variable is crucial. Accordingly, the independent (explanatory) variables will be population dynamics expressed as change in population size, growth rates, density, migration and settlement expansion. Additionally, government policies, existence of an all-weather road famine and drought will also be used as non-demographic explanatory variables. On the other hand, changes in proportion of cultivated land, changes in forest cover (bamboo and thickets), grasslands, and expansions of arable land will be dependent variables used to analyze land use and land cover dynamics. The data will be analyzed using simple frequency tables, cross tabulation and correlation coefficient to see whether or not there exists a relationship between the dependent and independent variables. Multivariate regression analysis is chosen (a) to determine the existence of significant relationships bet ween demographic and non demographic factors and land use and land cover changes and (b) to assess the possibility of obtaining predictions from the equation. In addition, the identified variables mean are compared using the cross tabulation method. Correlation coefficients will be employed to figure out the existence of a relationship between demographic and non-demographic variables and land use and land cover changes. Multivariate analysis by way of discriminate analysis will be employed to ascertain the key factors determining land use and land cover changes in the study area. Focus group discussion, mapping, Semi-structured interview and other participatory methods will be employed to ascertain information gained from aerial photograph interpretation. These methods can give deep understanding about the timing and causes of land use and land cover changes than aerial photo analysis alone (Mapedza et al., 2003). Objective 3: Investigating perception of people on trends and drivers of land use /cover changes and population dynamics; This objective attempts to figure out peoples perception of the possible causes of land use and land cover changes. This can be attained by generating information through questionnaire surveys, in depth interviews and focus group discussions with, indigenous people, migrants, local experts and policy makers at different jurisdictional levels. The data will be analyzed using simple frequency tables, cross tabulation and correlation coefficient to find out if differences exist between the views of different actors on land use and land cover changes and population dynamics. Qualitative data will be analyzed following procedures given below. First the data collected will be described and classified. Then the data will be connected with each other depending upon their similarities and differences. Classification is concerned with identifying coherent classes and connection on the other hand involves the identification and understanding of the relationships and association between differen t classes (Kitchin Tate, 2000:235). Objective 4: Investigating effects of policy changes on land use and land cover and population dynamics One of the issues this study will try to investigate is effects of go