Article Critique Essay Example for Free

Article Critique EssayThe thought that peer exclusion is correlated with pincerrens classroom achievements and adjustment has been hypothesized since the 1930s. Much research and empirical evidence for such hypotheses harbor since been collected, and seem to agree with the assumption of the correlation. Peer acceptance is the main measurement of this analyse. In contrast with other types of peer relationships, peer group acceptance, or rejection, is strongly connected with academic readiness and achievement.This article focuses on peer sentiments and its effect on baberens adjustment. It differs from past studies in that its approach is to measure non-observable feelings about classmates, rather than solitary(prenominal) the observable interactions. The article begins by outlining past research, and developing a premise for the discipline from those previous studies. The main study that this research builds upon is that of a 2001 study by Eric S. Buhs and Gary W. Ladd, wh o also conduct this study along with Sarah L. Herald.The premise of the study, based on the 2001 study, is that once classmates express negative feelings and actions upon a peer, those feelings and actions act as a visible marker for elevate rejection by the larger peer group, and the rejected child as well as a result, the rejected peers are flagged by their peers, and are left out of classroom interactions, and as a consequence, the rejected childs learning is impacted ultimately leading to lower levels of achievement (Buhs, Ladd, and Herald, 2006, p. 2).The prior 2001 study found that early peer rejection was negatively related to later(prenominal) achievement and that this association was partially mediated through peer maltreatment and declining classroom participation, respectively (Buhs et al. , 2006, p. 2). The authors developed a possibility that built upon their previous study. Their hypothesis was stated as, it was hypothesized that prolonged peer maltreatment increase s the probability that children will disengage from classrooms (or the school scope) and that increasing withdrawal impairs childrens achievement.Thus, it was predicted that longer rather than shorter histories of peer maltreatment, after(prenominal) controlling for contemporary exclusion or abuse, would mediate the link between early peer rejection and later classroom disengagement (Buhs et al. , 2006, p. 3). The authors further state that their conclude for conducting this study was to bridge the gap between the limitations of the previous study (it was only a one and only(a) year study that attempted to predict students future outcomes) by conducting a to a greater extent comprehensive longitudinal study over a six year period (kindergarten through fifth grade).MethodologyThe research study constructed six variables to measure the children with. They include, peer group acceptance/rejection, peer exclusion, peer abuse, classroom participation, school avoidance, and achieveme nt. Peer group acceptance/rejection was conceptualized to mean the extent to which individuals were desire/ disliked by classroom peers, and operationalized by sociometric ratings that were collected from peers during kindergarten. One problem with this operationalization is the ability to comprehensively scale the true feelings of one peer toward another, especially during young years.Scales, questionnaires, and observations might be as well incomplete to capture the true meaning behind the dynamics of peer to peer interactions. Another issue is of how to evaluate dismantle peer groups. Many times classrooms encompass only a selection of developed peer groupings throughout the grade, and might be unfairly balanced toward one group. An example of groupings would be defined by the terms, popular, punk, or nerds. The research might be biased toward one group, if only because they were over represented in a class room.The variable Peer Exclusion was conceptualized as the extent to which children were the target of peers nonaggressive rejecting behaviors, including behaviors such as ignoring, avoiding, or refusing to associate with them in the classroom context (Buhs et al. , 2006, p. 3). The Variable Peer Abusethe second form of peer mistreatmentwas conceptualized to mean the extent to which children were recipients of classmates aggressive and harassing behaviors (Buhs et al. , 2006, p. 3). These two variables contained indicators to distinguish between continuing peer abuse, and situational peer abuse.Again, the issue that arises is the effectiveness of these measures. The interactions between childhood peers are complex, and can change daily. The variables schoolroom Participation, and School Avoidance were used to measure disengagement from the classroom environment. A large issue with this is how to distinguish individuals who might be avoiding class as an outcome of separate circumstances. If poor participation and avoidance was only observed from the angle of peer interactions, then this view is biased toward the study.The study is seeking a correlation, and if outside factors arent controlled for, then they will biasly effect the results of their study. A childs family life, neighborhood, economic status, innate ability, among other factors, could influence all of the variables that this study examines. The last variable, Achievement, was defined as the accuracy with which children could solve progressively more advanced reading, mathematics, and spelling problems on an individualized achievement test (Buhs et al. , 2006, p. 4).The issue that comes to mind with this variable is the way it uses tests to gauge achievement. Some students fare erupt on tests than others, while some students take time to develop adequate test taking skills. Another problem is how to control for separate curriculums in contrasting classrooms, and the quality of what is being taught.Data (From the text) Buhs et al. , 2006, p. 5 Participants The dat a used in this investigation were gathered from a total sample of 380 children (190 girls These children were followed longitudinally from age 5 (kindergarten) to age 11 (fifth grade31 kindergarten class rooms across 10 schools, and by the fifth-grade data collection period, children were in 162 different classrooms across 32 schools.The sample contained about equal proportions of families from urban, suburban, or rural midwestern communities, and the samples ethnic composition was 17. 4% African American, 77. 1% Caucasian, 1. 6% Hispanic, and 3. 9% other. Family incomes were distributed as follows 10. 9% of the sample reported total household incomes from $0 to $10,000, 10. 9% reported incomes from $10,000 to $20,000, 12.6% reported incomes from $20,000 to $30,000, 12. 6% from $30,000 to $40,000, 12. 9% from $40,000 to $50,000, and 40. 3% reported incomes above $50,000. Results The study reports its results as, peer group rejection is predictive of a range of chronic, negative pe er behaviors that may alter both the social environment of the classroom and childrens adaptive responses within that context across the elementary school years. (Buhs et al. , 2006, p. 11). It suggests that the facet of peer exclusion leading to reduced participation, and ultimately delayed achievements needs further study.It goes on to say that with further study, and thus more knowledge, an empirically based intervention program can be developed. Conclusion It can be argued that to have a complete understanding of the ever evolving and complex world of the social interactions in a school environment is close to impossible. The authors came into their study with a prune premise, and expectations of the outcomes, and have seemed to found what they were searching for. The question becomes, how valid are the authors findings, and can they be applied in a general way across learning environments.I believe studies that look at complex interactions between children over several years , such as this study, might have too many outside interactionary forces that could effect the data and results. Works Cited Buhs, Eric S. , Ladd, Gary W. , and Herald, Sarah L. (2006). Peer Exclusion and Victimization Processes That Mediate the Relation Between Peer Group Rejection and Childrens Classroom Engagement and Achievement?. journal of Educational Psychology 2006, Vol. 98, No. 1, 113.

Hispanic Family Values Essay Example for Free

Latino Family Values EssayMacDonalds article reveals the grim reality of teenage gestation and unmarried mothers in the Hispanic community in the United States, backed up by statistical data on various circumstances surrounding unity untried mothers. Birth rates among young, unwed Hispanic mothers argon so alarming that according to the Census Bureau, one in four Americans will be Hispanics by mid-century, twice the current proportionality also, Hispanics will account for 46 percent of the nations added population for over the next two decades (Mac Donald). Statistics show that the Hispanic women have the highest oc mendnce of births outside uniting at 45 percent, compared to the 24 percent of white births and 15 percent of Asian births (Mac Donald). Only the black population exceed this figure at 68 percent. This can possibly imply a higher demand for a larger eudaemonia state, if incidents of unplanned pregnancy among young Hispanic women surge. MacDonald spoke to some(p renominal) social workers and other people who provide aid and services to these young women in South California, where intimately illegal immigrants flock, to illustrate the situation of Hispanic young women.According to these workers, illegitamacy has become the norm among the Hispanic community and it is not unusual for young, unwed Hispanic women seek welfare and social services (Mac Donald). According to Dr. Ana Sanchez, it is famed to look into the values system of the Hispanics and compare it with the values system of other cultures. For instance, Dr. Sanchez thinks that in a Hispanic household, having babies outside marriage is normal whereas in an Asian household, parents strongly imbibe in their children that teenage pregnancy is a taboo (Mac Donald).Another factor that contributes to the increase in unwed teenage pregnancy is the most powerful Hispanic value a tight-knit extended family (Mac Donald). While marriage is no longer a cherished value in the Hispanic communi ty, a tight-knit family is still very much treasured and children are always a welcome addition to the family. It is an honor for a young young woman to be have a baby at a young age. If the father of the child is unavailable, which is normally the case, the relatives are more than willing to help abstract the child.The fathers of the children of unwed young Hispanic mothers are another factor that contribute to the problem of rising dependence of young Hispanic mothers on social welfare and services. It is not exceptional for fathers to run off after getting a girl pregnant, regardless of the age. They cohabitate with the mother of their child initially but this does not ordinarily last long (Mac Donald). Girls who are impregnated by older men is another issue that raises the eyebrows of social workers. The fathers of these children can be as young as 13 or as old as the boyfriend of the girls mother.Situations where girls are sexually assaulted by their mothers boyfriends are not uncommon in the Hispanic community (Mac Donald). The present boyfriend of their mother is usually not their father because even their mothers had them when they were their daughters age. If it is not their mothers boyfriend, it is their uncle. The belief is that older men prefer virgins because they think that they cannot be impregnated on their first sexual intercourse and they are less likely to have sexually transmitted diseases.Another revelation in this situation is that the cycle of early, unwed pregnancy among young mothers is a prevalent issue because it is something that is imbibed to them by their elders. Young girls raise out to be like that because their mothers, grandmothers, and aunts went through the same thing at the same age. It gives them the impression that having a child before marriage is perfectly normal. Consequently, relying on social services and welfare has also become a normal part of their lifestyle.The last few paragraphs of MacDonalds article provi de the various solutions that are being implemented to address this issue. For instance, some schools in California have a day care center for the babies of their students. MacDonald also mentions the Latina Adolescent Suicide bar Act aims to channel $10 million to culturally competent social agencies to improve the self-esteem of Latina girls and to provide support services to their families and friends if they contemplate suicide (Mac Donald). in that respect are also support group for parents of children who show signs of delinquency such as gang involvement and antisocial behavior members are usually angiotensin-converting enzyme mothers. The life of a young, unwed and single mother is not easy. On top of that, the Hispanic community still remains to be a nonage in the United States, even if their population is expected to double in the coming years. Support groups such as the ones mentioned above will aid the single mother in coping with the harsh reality in a foreign country .However, the adage An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure still whole kit in this case. Aside from helping teenage moms, efforts should be allocated in creating an environment for young Hispanic women that will reduce the likelihood of pregnancy outside marriage. According to the study of National Council of La Razas Institute for Hispanic health, Hispanic communities misconstrue pregnancy prevention campaigns as anti-family campaigns (Elkins).NCLR suggests that programs should address family think rather than the notion of pregnancy itself. According to the Latino Initiative, a very effective way of curbing unwed pregnancies among young women is to foster family values and fix parent-child ties because children who are close to their parents are more likely to enact safer sexual practices (Elkins). This intervention program not only works in Hispanic communities it works almost everywhere as well.

The Importance Of Sustainability In Hotels

The Importance Of Sustainability In HotelsHuman activities over the past pennyuries pay back bear on the landed estates ecosystem. To daytime, the negative consequences of human actions basin be noticed everywhere. Being one of the larger industries in the world, the hospitality industry is an important contributor to these problems.In this report, faint be focusing on what impacts humans have on the eco-system. Defining what sustainability truly is. How hotels earth-closet benefit from practising sustainability and what they could do to be sustainable with references.Human Impacts on the PlanetTo understand the magnitude of human impacts on the surroundings, economies, cultures and society, we must first understand the contributions of the travel and tourism sectors. Travel and tourism is one of the largest industries in the world, which is trusty for creating jobs, increasing a countrys Gross Domestic Product (GDP), generating revenue worldwide and many more. It comes with positive and negative effects. In 2008, there were 922 million international holiday pass waterr arrivals with tourism receipts of US$944 billion 8. It is estimated that the global travel and tourism industry contributed 9.6 per cent of global GDP and 7.9 per cent of worldwide employment in 2008 9. Tourism and travel is excessively a vector of climate change, accounting for approximately 5 per cent of global carbon dioxide emissions.Our human footprint on ground is disrupting the biogeochemical cycle that has remained unchanged for millions of years. Lavish cities built on deserts irresponsibly waste our limited piddle supply and fragment habitats. Hotels wasting considerable amounts of force, water and nutriment after being built upon habitats that contain life necessary to the biogeochemical cycle such as photoautotrophs and other primary producers. Excessive amounts of food argon both consumed and wasted beyond our human needs. Another consequence of human activity is th e changing climate. Human activity has ca lend oneselfd increases in the concentration of babys room gases, which have led to increases in air and ocean temperatures, and global sea levels.As our planets raw(a) resources become depleted, man is urged to become more responsible in their usage of non-renewable resources and look for other renewable resources either in the form of energy, water or raw materials.What is Sustainability?UNWTOs definition of sustainability isSustainability principles refer to the environmental, scotch and socio-cultural aspects of tourism development, and a suitable balance must be established between these three dimensions to guarantee its long-term sustainability 9.In dim-witted terms, sustainability means things throw out keep going, can sustain themselves, can continue into the future and go on forever. From a human perspective, sustainability for our planet means that it can continue to do what it was designed to do provide fresh air, clean water , produce food and have a mellow quality of life. Unsustainability means that it cannot and that is where we argon at now.There ar intravenous feeding basic principles to follow to action sustainability. These could be seen as the c are instruction manual for our planet.Reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and heavy metals.Reduce our dependence on synthetic chemicals that persist in nature.Reduce our destruction of nature.Ensure we are not stopping people glob altogethery on meeting their needs.Demand for the earth services air, water and food increases as the population increases and living standards rise. But the earths ability to provide these services is declining because of the way we are living. In our search for prosperity, ingathering and success, we are destroying the system that we as humans are completely dependent on, nature. We humans have become a threat to our own way of life. The earth is a system and everything is connected, society, environment and economy. To live sustainably, we need to follow the four care instructions and apply them to everything we do at home and at work.sustainable operation in hospitality can be defined as a hospitality operation that manages its resources in such a way that social, economic and environmental benefits are maximised in order to meet the need of the present generation composition protecting and enhancing opportunities for future generations 2.Many hotels today have recognize the negative effects their business activities have had on the environment and have taken steps to minimise or prevent those impacts from happening.Today, the term viridity hotels describes hotels that achieve to be more environment aloney friendly through the efficient use of energy, water, and materials while providing quality services 10. jet plane hotels conserve and preserve by salve water, reducing energy use, and reducing solid waste. They have seen benefits such as reduced costs and liabilities, high return and l ow-risk investments, increase profits, and positive cash flows 10. Identifying these benefits and incentives has allowed the popularity of green hotels to grow.Using the grove Garden Hotel, San Francisco, as an example, what is so different about this hotel? Why is it green? The answer truly is that its green from the inside out. The concrete of the basement, and all the walls and floors have recycled contents in them. The carpet backing is 100 per cent recycled. The drapes, the sheets, curtains and bed spreads in the hotel are washable. This is very important because they do not have to use chemicals to keep them clean. The forest that Orchard Garden uses end-to-end the hotel is actually Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified maple and all the clientroom furniture is made out of that material. The beautiful forest panelling that you could see in the restaurant, lobby and hallway is actually recycled particle board. Another unique feature of the hotel is the key bug manage ment chasten system. plainly by slotting the key in a switch right by the front door in the lymph glandroom ordain enable all the light switches, air-conditioning and heating. Orchard Garden also encourages their provide to implement green business practices. These are the things that you can truly do and it shows that it does not necessary cost more currency to go green. (For more information, refer to case study, page 18)Why Should Hotels Practise Sustainability?Hotels, resorts, motels, hostels and other forms of accommodation are the largest sector of the travel and tourism industry, and it has been shown that hotels have the sterling(prenominal) negative impact on the environment compared to other commercial establishments.Implementing good environmental practices in hotel operations, including using biological resources more sustainably, can result in positive business benefits as well as make an important contribution to biodiversity conservation. Key business benefits includeAppealing to engaged consumersTourists are increasingly motivated by sustainability and contributions to biodiversity conservation, as well as healthier environments and products.Reducing costsGood biodiversity practices can actually lower a hotels operating costs, by reducing expenses for resource procurement, usage and disposal.Improving the quality of the destinationDestinations rich in biodiversity are attractive dumbfounds, appeal to quality customers, and offer scope for biodiversity-based inexpert activities.Improving employee productiveness and sense of responsibility to the environmentEmployees are often strongly motivated by actions to enhance biodiversity such motivation helps to increase employee productivity and loyalty, and can reduce staff turnover.Securing a hotels license to operateImplementing good practices for biodiversity demonstrates that a hotel cares about the environment and runs a responsible business, and can lead to increased support from governm ent, staff and local communities.Attracting investment from socially responsible investorsInvestors want to be sure that their funds are invested in businesses that have good environmental records.Energy and water supply Consumption, and Waste Created in the Hospitality IndustryHotels are one of the largest consumers of energy, which provide guests with high levels of comfort, services, facilities and amenities.On average, Americas 47,000 hotels spend $2,196 per available room for each one year on energy. This represents about 6 per cent of all operating costs. Through a strategic approach to energy efficiency, a 10 per cent reduction in energy consumption would have the same financial effect as increasing the average daily room rate by $0.62 in limited-service hotels and by $1.35 in full-service hotels 2.Hotels are aware of their costly consumption of non-renewable energy, huge generation of wastes and excessive use of water, and are taking measures to be greener.harmonize to the US Environmental Protection Agency, there are 47,000 hotels that spend $2,196 per available room each year on energy which represents about 6 per cent of all operating costs 2. Utilities make up 20 per cent of the average US hotels operating costs a huge percentage with a major impact on the bottom line and the environment. Inefficient use of lights, heating and air conditioning is one of the major culprits in this waste of resources. good waste generated by hotels comes in many sizes and forms. Wastes from 25 hotels were examined. The statistics showed that from 1991-1993 the hotel waste consisted of 46% food waste, 25.3% root, 11.7% cardboard, 6.7% plastics, 5.6% glass, and 4.5% metals 10. This exhibits a clear indication of the various forms of waste that a low-down number of hotels can be produced in a city.It is estimated that by 2010, water use exit increase to approximately 475 gallons per day for each room in high luxury facilities 10. This go out continue to put more stress on an already stressed environment. The use of water will always be a vital part of the guests experience. However, hotels must take the initiative to inform guests of the impacts their actions would have on the environment.Energy ConservationHotels can have large, costly energy requirements, especially in areas for temperature reduction, heating, sparkle and others. There are various alternatives and ways to conserve energy such asSolar PowerThe application of the suns rays can be used for rude(a) lighting, heating and capturing electricity through solar panels.Wind PowerWind turbines capture the kinetic energy stored in the wind, which is thus converted into electricity, very similar to those used in farms.HydropowerHydropower is electrical energy that is generated by using the flow of water through a turbine with a generator. geothermic PowerGeothermal power is energy that is gained by heat stored beneath the surface of the earth. Pumps bringing heat from beneath our f eet can be used to at present heat hotels and other constructs or used as a source of power that drives steam turbines to produce electricity.Hotels worldwide are recognising the benefits of energy conservation and are undertaking projects to tap onto these benefits, and doing their part to save the environment. Choices made when purchasing equipment can have a major impact on the hotels operating expenses and on the environment therefore, it is important that efficiency be considered before purchasing energy intensive equipment.For example, the Solar Valley Micro-E Hotel, Dezhou City, eastern China, is the worlds largest solar-powered hotel. It has thousands of permanent solar panels and solar heat subway collectors to harvest the energy from the sun, and stores enough energy to sustain 70 per cent of its needs.The Hyatt Regency International Hotel in New Zealand understood that guests often left appliances and heating and cooling systems on when they were out of their rooms. Th e hotel developed a project to link energy use with room occupancy. Now when a guest leaves the room, all energy appliances turf out down, with the exception of refrigerators, alarm clocks, and other essential appliances. The project costs were $16,000, while the requital period was only 14 months, with nest egg of $14,000 annually 10.About 40 per cent of the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louises electricity needs are met by wind and hydro electricity. Since 1999, they have been using green power derived from sources such as wind, hydro and biomass. They produce little or no greenhouse gas emissions and have minimal environmental impacts.The Sheraton Auckland Hotel and Towers realised that the daily washing of sheets, towels, flannels, tablecloths, and other linens accounted for 35% of the energy consumed in the laundry process, while drying consumed 65%. The hotel simply changed the temperature of the wash from 85 degrees Celsius to 65 degrees Celsius. This change saved $2,000 in energy costs in the first 3 months alone, and the linens came out however as clean. This project, in addition to reducing energy costs, reduced the use of washing chemicals and decreased pollution of the hotel wastewater. Also, allowing the hotel guests the option of having linens washed every other day rather than daily can significantly assist in energy and water conservation 10.A hotel can have thousands of individual light bulbs and may use 30 per cent of its total electricity. Lighting is the second largest energy consumption system in a hotel and presents one of the best opportunities for energy savings by doing any(prenominal) simple upgrades. By making upgrades in guest rooms, common areas and behind-the-scenes areas, a hotel can see immediate, consistent savings with no impact on the overall guest experience.Ways to save electricityReplacing traditionalisticistic incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs can reduce maintenance and cut lighting costs . CFLs last many times longer and use five times lesser energy than a traditional light bulb. A compact fluorescent light used in place of an incandescent light that is left on continuously for 12 months, all 8,760 hours of the year, will pay for itself in less than one year 10. inclose motion sensors or key-activating systems in rooms. With such a system the room lights will always be off when unoccupied, without inconveniencing the guest.When upgrading lighting systems in common areas, consider installing new control systems to manage lighting in large areas. Computerised lighting controls will allow hotel operators to provide the ideal level of lighting based on the time of day, event or situation. This will prevent unnecessarily high lighting levels or unneeded lighting.Hotels should educate their staff to switch off lights and turn down heating or air-conditioning when rooms are idle. Simple actions the likes of closing the drapes during the summer months can save the hotel mo ney in air-conditioning costs.Install films on windows, which will lower heating and cooling loads. Window films can also reduce the glare in guestrooms.Use proper insulation and reflective roof coverings. This can save in heating and cooling costs.Purchase appliances, which are Energy Star certified wherever possible.In laundry areas, remove old washing machines and replace them with both energy and water conserving models.Use natural daylight in lobby, bar and restaurant for as much as possible. remove installing skylights.Exterior lighting can be used as a design element and can have dramatic effects. However, consider adding timers, which would switch off the lights at times like 3am, when no one is most to impress.Install solar water heating systems for heated pools. Use covers to cover hot tubs and pools when the areas are closed, this will reduce evaporation.Exit signs, such as LED, when installed throughout a building can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in energ y and maintenance costs.Use an energy management system (EMS), which is designed to control the mechanical equipment in the hotel, thereby saving utilities such as gas and electricity. This system determines when air-conditioning or heating can be switched on/off or up/down. As soon as the guest enters the room, his room key card is inserted in a slot behind the door. Electricity for the light and the air-conditioner will now be activated. As soon as the guest leaves the room the utilities will be automatically switched off. The energy consumption of the hotel can be monitored by comparing reports generated by the energy management system and the front office. For example, if occupancy levels are not high the energy consumption should be lower and indorse versa.In kitchens, use smaller convection ovens to replace oversized conventional ovens.If available, schedule an energy audit with the local energy provider or energy auditor.Water ConservationWater conservation is just as import ant as energy conservation. Fresh clean water is one of the most valuable good on earth. Using improved technologies hotels can deliver equal or better services to guests using less water. From a guests perspective, the use of water is a vital part of his or her experience. Any water restrictions would result in guests being unhappy and so maintaining adequate water comfort must be central to all water management strategies.Ways to save waterStart a linen utilize programme for towels and sheets in all guest rooms. Giving the option to guests to choose whether or not they want to reuse their towels and sheets, which can save huge amounts of water and reduce chemical wastage.Laundry washers, which use final rinse water for prewashing of the next load of laundry.Install low-flow showerheads and sink aerators. 2.5 gallons per minute (GPM) showerheads and 1.5 GPM aerators are recommended for water savings and guest satisfaction respectively. The latest generation of sink taps is equippe d with infrared sensors that automatically turn off when a person walks away or when the allotted quantity per wash has been delivered.Install low-flow toilets or toilet-tank fill diverters. The THC Rotorua Hotel in New Zealand had urinals that flushed automatically every nine minutes. Each flush used 10 liters of water. This added up to 66 litres per hour, regardless of whether the urinals had been used or not. The total consumption for three urinals was 4,740 daily 2. After realising the huge water cost, the hotel installed detectors that could sense when someone is using the urinals, and allow flushing to surpass after being used. This greatly reduced the water usage from 66 litres per hour to 40 litres during the day and 20 litres in the night.For gardens, watering should take place either early in the morning or later in the day to reduce the possibility of evaporation in hot weather. Switch to drought resistant plants. Replace mowed landscaping with artificial ground cover o r native ground cover.Pool covers will reduce evaporation and have the added gain of reducing heat loss in cooler climates.To reduce water use, consider rainwater harvesting and/or a greywater system. Properties investing in fountains and water features should turn off appliances at night and consider the use of greywater.In kitchens, use a food-thawing machine quite of running water over foods for straightaway thawing.Water conservation urges hotels to use improved practices that will reduce and enhance the beneficial use of water, addressing the technical and human side of water management issues. For example,The Houston-based cat valium Hotels Association observed water use in the San Antonio-based La Quinta Inn. Through a one-month period, the hotel showed an average of 100 gallons of water being used per guest per bang period. The chain totaled more than a billion gallons in the first nine months in 1996. La Quinta Inn then installed low-flow showerheads and aerating fauce ts in each room, resulting in a saving of $1.50 per room per month. Replacing all toilets with ultra-flow toilets at a cost of $3,250 showed a payback in 2.1 years and annual water saving of 180,000 gallons per year 10.Waste ReductionThe hospitality industry creates tons and tons of waste each year due to its mass facilities, amenities and services provided to their guests. To give an indication of the size of waste created,The European Union produces 1.3 billion tons of waste each year. In other words, 3.5 tons of refuse and liquid or solid waste per European citizen, nearly a third of this food waste for which the food service industry has a responsibility. Another 40 45 million tons of this huge mountain of waste is classed as hazardous, or particularly dangerous 2.In response to current trends, hotel owners and operators are analyzing ways to make changes in operations to cut waste disposal costs, protect the environment and increase guest loyalty. A few proactive hotel corpora tions have mandated hotel environmental programmes such as water and energy efficiency and more recently, waste reduction and recycling.Ways to reduce wasteTo increase guest involvement, place recycling instructions in guest rooms and locate recycling collection containers in convenient locations in convention halls and public areas throughout the hotel. Always place a trash container along side of the recycling container in public areas to avoid trash being thrown in the recycling bin.Buy guest agreeableness and office products that contain recycled material. Provide amenities such as shower caps, shoe wipes on request.Shred office paper and use it to package shipments. come the number of hard copies of documents by establishing a central filing system to store documents.Use recycled, unbleached and chlorine-free paper products, and try to minimise the amount of paper used by staff and guests. Print with soy-based inks, which are less harmful to the environment.Purchase vacuum cle aners with reusable bags versus disposables ones.Reduce the need for pesticide applications in guest rooms and employee work areas by removing food containers, garbage and recycling containers daily clean employee break rooms daily to remove crumbs and spills and report cracks around doors and windows to the technology department for repairs to prevent crawling pests from entering.Re-dye stained bath towels and washcloths for reuse as pool towels and cleaning cloths. Re-dye linens and carpet to match remodeled decor. Re-dye tablecloths and napkins to match new color schemes when remodeling reuse worn table linens as cleaning rags or remake into aprons, laundry bags, mattress covers.Provide reusable items such as cloth napkins, glass cups, ceramic dishes, etc. with all food and beverage services. Just by using glass or plastic coasters can reduce cocktail napkin waste, and by providing mugs for coffee instead of disposable cups can play a large part in conserving the environment.P urchase refrigerators, freezers, and coolers which are CFC-free.Donate leftover food to a local non-profit organisation. Consider using a compost bin.Purchase cleaning products with less hazardous constituents. Use a hazardous chemical containment pan to prevent leaching of unused chemicals.Donate leftover guest amenities, old furniture and appliances to charities.Refinish and reupholster damaged and dated furniture.Use dry, concentrated dishwasher chemicals in dispensers to reduce chemical spills and waste. intimately guests are pleased to see the use of products made from recycled materials, energy efficient light bulbs, low-flow showerheads and recycling programmes in hotels and restaurants that they patronise. Hotel managers report that most guests are willing to record in the hotels recycling efforts.No matter how well planned the hotels waste reduction and recycling initiatives may be, they probably wont succeed without the support of the hotel department managers and staff. Successful hotel recycling programmes require employee involvement, training and recognition.Involve all employees in the recycling programme. They are already disposing of waste as they perform their daily jobs. recycle is simply disposing of job related waste in a different container from the one used for trash. Hotels should seek their ideas in organising the recycling programme and for methods of collecting and storing the materials. Employees are more likely to support a programme that they understand and have helped design.Case StudyThe Orchard Garden HotelLocation466 Bush Street, San Francisco, California 94108 prudence CompanyPortfolio Hotels Resorts, LLCNumber of Guests Rooms86 roomsAwards and CertificationsSan Francisco Green BusinessGreen Seal Certified SilverLEED certified U.S. Green Building Council opera hat Organic Restaurant in San Francisco British Airways TourismLocated in the heart of San Francisco, the Orchard Garden Hotel is near the Financial District, Union Square, and the Chinatown gate. At 10 stories, the 56,000-square-foot building includes 86 guestrooms and a 56-seat restaurant and bar. The hotel opened in 2006, and in 2007, it became the third hotel in the U.S. and the fourth hotel in the world to earn LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.Among the Orchard Gardens most innovative features is the key card. After allowing guests into their room, the card becomes a powerful energy-management system. Guests activate the rooms lighting and mechanical systems by inserting the card into a slot near the door. When they leave the room, they remove the card from the box, turning off all systems except for one outlet, which can be used to accommodate laptops or cell phones. The system, which cost about $37,000 to install, was anticipated to save nearly 20 per cent in energy costs, paying for itself in two years.Since the building is located in an urban centre, multiple public-transit lines stop within walking distance of the hotel. The hotel also features bicycle stalls for both employees and guests, and employees who cycle to work are welcome to use a guestroom shower.High levels of insulation reduce sound transmission between rooms while improving energy efficiency. More than 80 per cent of all regularly occupied spaces are day lit, reducing the need for electric lighting, and a roof terrace strengthens visitors sense of connection to the natural environment.The project team selected materials for their recycled content, regional origin, and low chemical emissions. Materials used in the project include concrete made with flyash in place of some of the cement, wood certified to Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) standards, and low-emitting carpeting made with recycled content. During the construction process, the project team diverted 77 per cent of all waste, by weight, from the landfill.The entire hotel is designated tobacco-free. Housekeeping staff use green cleaning products, and all fabrics, se lected for their low chemical emissions, are machine-washed to avoid the use of dry-cleaning chemicals. Bins in each room encourage guests to recycle, and the hotel uses recycled paper and soy-based inks for their printed materials. thank to these and other strategies, the hotel has been recognised by the San Francisco Green Business Programme and certified according to Green Seals standard for lodging properties.ConclusionFor a hotel to change its traditional ways of operating and to accept sustainability will take time. Being sustainable is not costly and does not really have a slow payback rate. A hotel can start its journey in becoming green by implementing simple changes, policies and services such as providing your guests with bicycles, walking maps to encourage them to do something that is more environmentally friendly and healthy. Creating an incentive programme to encourage your staff to participate in and improve upon environmentally friendly practices. Replacing a simple incandescent light bulb with a CFL. Coming up with creative ways to reward hotel guests for being green. One great example is Crowne Plaza Copenhagen Towers offers a free meal to guests who generate 10 watt hours of electricity on the gym bicycle 12. These are only a few examples of what hotels could do, while some steps may be small, none are insignificant.If we can follow the four basic principles (page 4) to achieve sustainability, we can work together to be sustainable. We will all have a better quality of life, we will waste less, we will pollute less and we will create more things we value in society while improving our planets chance of providing us with the very things we need to survive.

Detailed models of strategic change management

Detailed pretendings of strategicalalal trans design rulementThis unit back ups would-be-managers to understand the nature of lurch and to cope with it. It holds an understanding about budge and the centerings to manage with it without disturbing the leaning of the organization. In this unit we have discussed the diametrical definitions and models of agitate which have been given by thinkers in the past which helps in evaluating the relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economy. As we proceed, we examine the bespeak for change and assess the f comeors that ar driving the need for it. Also, the re blood line implications ar discussed which do non respond to strategic change. The theories given by Kotter, Prosci, Lewis and others argon milestones of the look on change management. Their theories have helped in thorough understanding of change management. As the affair develops, it gives vital information on the reasons of change in m arkets, budget pressures, new technologies and other new programs such as TQM and re-engineering. All in all, the topic is an outstanding resource on the factors and implications that bring change. Another unavoidable and inseparable resource of the organization is stakeholders of the comp either. The topic discusses about systems modelling, divergence and convergence and methods of involving them into organization. It is likewise quite intelligible that change brings resistance in that respectfore this unit enables us to manage resistance giving a way to strategies such as communications, education, forums, etc.The entire work gives a clear picture of change management. All a manager needs is to understand the criteria and manage with a difference on the guidelines of the researchers. chore 1 Discuss the Models of Strategic Change in that respect are many theories about how to manage change. Most of the theories originate with leadership and change management guru, John Kotter who is a professor at Harvard Business School and world re promptlyned change expert. The fol first baseing eight steps in the change process are his contribution. tin fecal matter KOTTER Eight steps to transforming an organization (Kotter.J, 1995)Establishing a sense of urgencyForming a sourceful guiding coalitionCreating a visionCommunicating the visionEmpowering others to act on the visionPlanning and creating short term winsConsolidating improvements and producing still more changeInstitutionalising new approachesKotters research gave a whole new way to managing change.A programme of planned change and improved performance developed by Lewin involves the management of a three-phase process of behaviour modification.Lewins Change Management Model come http//www.infed.org/thinkers/et-lewin.htmUnfreeze- Reducing those forces which behaviour in its present form, recognition of the need for change and improvement to occur.Movement Development of new attitudes or behaviour and the implementation of change.Refreezing stabilising change at the new level and reinforcement (Hardy 1996)A new floriculture should be created within the organization such that managers look to change as an opportunity and adapt their business system to continuously emerging conditions. (Hussey 2000)Proscis ADKAREffective change management demands five draw goals to form the basic ADKAR modelknowingness of the need to changeDesire to federal agencyicipate and support the changeKnowledge of how to change (and what change looks like)Ability to implement the change on a day-by-day basisReinforcement to keep the change in place (Hiatt 2003)Proscis ADKARSource http//techotoys.com/qwxDnJu0J/Action ResearchAction research refers to a way to look at ones own work practically and check as he would like it to be. Be perform research is done by the person himself or the practitioner, it is called practitioner based research. It is also referred to as a form of self reflective practice because it involves the person himself and his own work. (Hardy 1999)Action researchSource http//www.llas.ac.uk/projects/2837Task 1.2Evaluate the relevance of models of strategic change to organizations in the current economyTeambuilding ConsensusStrategic change models, as discussed above are the keys to success of any organization provided they are implemented in a sophisticated way. To achieve effective team termination making leadership, (Franzen 1994) describes Consensus Team Decision Making CTDM model which has three key pillars.Maintain postgraduate conceptual levelStrive towards consensusManage the decision making processStrategic interventionsTypes of interventions selected for a project although depend on variety they are highly concentrated in a project. Strategic interventions are useful in situations likeRapid changes in the external environmentRapid or moribund salesIncreased competitionRapid expansion of marketsMergers and acquisitions (Lewin 2005)Decision MakingContingen cy Theory of Decision MakingDecision participative contingency theory or the Normative Decision Theory is a model which says that the efficiency of a decision procedure depends on a number of aspects of the situation the importance of decision quality and acceptance the quantity of relevant information possessed by the leader and subordinates. (Fiedler 1999)In the autocratic style, the leader takes decisions without consulting others. (Lewin 2005)The participative style leadership, also known as participative democratic leadership style does the phone line of creating and maintaining healthy relationships between the employees and their leaders.(Kotter 2007)Proactive and Reactive (Whitehead 2006)PROACTIVEREACTIVENeeds to have and use own answersUnderstands the power of and uses team in solving problemsMakes decisions by selfRequests that team members make decisionsPushes for resultsShares a vision so compelling the team wants to move towards itReacts to changeForesees and influence s changeT distributivelyes team to expect directionTeaches team to be self reliantFocuses on finding and fixing problemsFocuses on achieving performance outcomesQuick to punish on mistakesLets the team learn by errorsTask 1.3 esteem the value of using strategic intervention techniques in the organizationThe most important asset of any organization is human resource and strategic intervention helps them to adjust with the changing strategies of the organization and understand it.(George 1999). At cerulean Beauty quoin, it is vital to have a peaceful mind and sound behaviour as this profession deals with direct clientele.The method of strategic intervention assists the employees of azure to find meanings to their life, discover what, and why they do and how to meet their needs in positive and negative shipway which helps to promote sustainable change. (Hiatt 2006)Human Process InterventionsThese are helpful in particular during change project in organizations where there are some c ombinations of many new employees, different cultures, working together, many conflicts, etc.Activities Coaching, counseling, delegating, group learning, virtual teams, etc. ( Hiatt and Creasey 2003)Techno-structural InterventionsThese interventions are helpful in particular for rapid growth but few internal systems to sustain growth, many complaints from customers, etc.Activities Balanced scorecard, downsizing and out placing, ISO 9000, half a dozen sigma, etc.(Kurt 2005)Human Resource Management interventionsThese interventions are helpful in situations like establishment of new organizational goals, implementation of technology for a short eon, low productivity, etc.Activities Staffing, evaluating performance, career development, employee wellness programme (George 1999)Task 2.1Examine the need for strategic change in the chosen organizationReasons for changeChange in market The United Kingdom is going through recession and there has been recession and the CPI annual inflation has rose to 3.3%. (London Business Times 2009). at that place has been increase in prices, job loss, bankruptcy and what not. E very(prenominal) business has gone through losses and needs to cover up their expenses. (Fiedler 1999). At this point of time, azure needs to change accordingly to ease customers at their purse and still keep them coming.Economic downturns Due to price rise, the raw material needed at the store is also become expensive. It is important to cover the costs by bringing about change in the organization. (Paul 1996)Customer Expectations at that place is a very hard competition in the market especially in the beauty field. Customers get attracted to offers and it is not easy to get their confidence. To invest into customers, It is important to change the strategies accordingly. (Kotter and Cohen 2002) warring Edge Competition is healthy but chamberpot be fatal if the strategies become too monotonous and outdated. There is need for change to face competition. (Kotter 1995) cerulean needs to be updated with products and material being used by competitors and try to do better than other turning the tables towards them. (Kotter 2007)Mergers The merger of the organization with another(prenominal) can lead to change in schema as the new staff can have better ideas and plans to make the company a success. (Paul 1996). If Sapphire merges with another company to make it a success, it may have to revise the ways to do things.Change in mission If the mission of the company changes, obviously there has to be a different strategy to deal with it. The mission of Sapphire is to fight ageing and make people look beautiful but now the market demands more of stress releasing treatments. So Sapphire needs to rethink about its strategy. (Franzen and Hardaker 1999)Task 2.2Assess the factors that are driving the need for strategic change in an organizationThe Shifting Economy The economy is so very changing and dynamic. Due to the unpredictability of it, t he organization is in constant need of change in the strategy and economic plan. This is more prevalent since recessionEnvironmental factors There are certain environmental changes that have an effect on the production and sales. These changes are to be monitored and the demand of change arises.Financial pressure There occur financial pressures on the organizations, in order to meet deadlines and targets. In order to handle finances, there has to be a change in finance plans. This is where the need for change management occurs.Technological advances There has been drastic change in production, marketing, outsourcing and other fields due to technology. The organization needs upgrading and has to keep in pace with the technological advances to succeed in its mission and make way for growth. Keeping in mind the factors discussed above, there is a need for change.Funding cuts With the recession in the economy, the company has cut down on costs and funds. There is need for change in financial strategy to keep the balance.Competition Competition is a healthy asset for any business. To keep up to the standards and do better than others is very important, hence it is vital to keep a watch at what others are doing and bring change in the company accordingly.Task 2.3Assess the resource implications of the organization not responding to strategic changeRestructuring of HR- If the company does not respond to the changes as discussed above, it may have to face severe consequences and lose in the process. The organization go out have to restructure the HR making way for a new beginning. There have to be leaders chosen once again and staff employed for the smooth working of the company.Interview and hire of new employees Interviewing and hiring of new staff will have to be done which is a time consuming and costly process for any business.Redundancies The organization will have redundancies if proper steps for the change are not taken in time. This will affect the w orking and time management of the strategy of work.Training Training is another costly and time taking process. It takes a lot to train the employees and have on the costs. If the need for strategic change is understood, there is no need for the organization to bear costs or losses.Task 3.1Develop systems to involve stakeholders in the readiness of change in the chosen organizationA stakeholder is one who has something to gain or lose through the outcomes of a planning process or project. These are also called engross groups and can have a strong bearing on the outcomes of political processes. It is useful for research projects to identify and analyse the needs and concerns of different stakeholders, particularly when these projects have an effect on policyInput-output transformation modelOperations management transforms inputs (labour, capital, equipment, land, buildings, materials and information) into outputs (goods and services) that provide added value to customers. Transfo rmation System is the critical fragment in the model that determines how well the company produces goods and services that meet consumer needs. It does not matter whether the organization is a for-profit company, a non-profit organization (religious organizations, hospitals, etc.), or a brass agency all organizations must strive to maximize the quality of their transformation processes to meet customer needs.Steps InvolvedStep 1 Clarify the research or policy change objective (Problem Tree Analysis or objectives analysis might help with this.)Stap 2 Identify all the stakeholders or interest groups associated with this objective, problem or core. Stakeholders can be organizations, groups, departments, structures, networks or individuals.http//www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5257HYPERLINK http//www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5257title=stakeholder-analysisHYPERLINK http//www.odi.org.uk/resources/details.asp?id=5257title=stakeholder-analysistitle=stakeholder-analysis Step 3 Using the storage-battery grid organise the stakeholders in different matrices according to their interest and power. saki measures to what degree they may to be affected by the research project. Power measures the influence they have over the project or policy, and to what degree they can help achieve, or block, the desired change.The Cultural WebThe Cultural Webhttp//www.mind instruments.com/pages/article/newSTR_90.htmThe Cultural Web identifies six interrelated elements Johnson and Scholes (2002) call it the paradigm the pattern or model of the work environment. By analyzing the factors in each, you can begin to see what is working, what isnt working, and what needs to be changed. The six elements areThe past events and people talked about inner and outside the company. Who and what the company chooses to celebrate say a great deal about what it values, and perceives as great behaviour.The daily behaviour and actions of people that indicate pleasurable behaviour. Thi s determines what is expected to happen in given situations, and what is valued by management.The visual representations of the company including logos, how exquisite the offices are, and the dress codes. quaternate Cause DiagramsMultiple cause diagramshttp//ilearn.cto.int/login/index.phpMultiple cause diagrams are a way of using interconnectedness to shape up a complex situation.They represent both adequate and casual cause without making a distinction between them.This system is pictured as an interconnected group of events or effects to cause an effect as a purpose. Sometimes, if the input cause is removed, the output cause continues to happen, may be because feedback loops are present or other causes drive the effect.Influencing skillsThe careless reception of authority is change state increasingly less common in the world. To get things done, it is better to rely on commitment rather than authority. For example, gaining co-operation from other departments.Task 3.2Develop a cha nge management strategy with stakeholders in the chosen organizationDeveloping a winning strategy is messier than textbooks suggest. Most insights that are important for formulating strategies rest in the heads of operate managers. (Kotter 2007)The Stakeholder CircleThis is designed to put stakeholders on the project management radar. It is a proven method supported by a tough, easy to use tool that guides us through five easy steps namelyIdentify your projects stakeholders and understand their needsPrioritize the stakeholders on the basis of power, proximity and urgency.Visualize the key stakeholders using the Stakeholder Circle.Engage with the stakeholders by building and implementing an effective communicationplan.Monitor changes as you update and review your stakeholders at key points in the project.Public Hearings There can be events where stakeholders are allowed to give evidence or question general public authorities about decisions.Public hearings Regulated, formal arrangem ents for times and places at which members of the general public and other types of stakeholders can give evidence or question public authorities about decisions.Deliberative Polling This collects views when people are introduced to the issue and think about it. It also includes a feedback session.Task 3.3Evaluate the systems used to involve stakeholders in the planning of change in the chosen organizationThe stakeholder model is helpful in explaining the rules of the economic game and the link between stakeholder value and competitive advantage. The stakeholder strategy plan guides us on how to interact and communicate with each stakeholder during different stages of a project. It also helps to define who should participate, in what ways and on what level of the project. It gives thorough knowledge of the matter and suits best to most organizations. Other ways such as polling, seminars and workshops are also perfect ways to handle change in a proper manner.Task 3.4Create a strategy for managing resistance to change in the chosen organizationSelective Perception Peoples self interpretation of stimuli presents a unique image of the real world and results in selective perception. This leads to biased view of the situation that fits into the perception of reality.Habit People are used to the same way of doing things which makes a habit. It becomes serves as a source of comfort. Bringing about change brings resistance.Loss of Freedom If the change is seen as an inconvenience, it reduces freedom of action or results in increased control, there will be resistance.Direct vs IndirectThere is staff that may resist directly and others that may be indirect in resistance. Direct resistance is to oppose in a direct manner and fighting straight but indirect resistance is to show resistance by making excuses such as resigning.Task 4.1Develop appropriate models for change in the chosen organization that will reflect their circumstancesThe best model for change that applies to Sapphire Beauty niche is Proscis Five Building Blocks change management model which includes the ADKARThe first thing Sapphire needs is the Awareness of the need for change. If the need for change is understood, half the job is done. Planned communication is essential for understanding. Sapphire needs change as there is a need for it.Next is the Desire to participate and help the change. The employees of Sapphire need to make a personal decision to support the change and sustain it too. The CEO announced incentives for individuals creating a desire to be a part of the change.The third building block is providing Knowledge. Sapphire held a seminar for imparting awareness for change, how to undergo change and how to implement it. Prosci (2003) suggested forums and mentoring for knowledge of change.Ability to implement required skills and bearing is another building block of the ADKAR model. It is the difference between theory and practice. Once knowledge is imparted on change, the performance of the individual needs to be supported. Sapphire can do this by practice, coaching and feedback.Lat, but not the least comes Reinforcement. It is the final and essential stage of the model where efforts to sustain the change is accentuated. It is to be ensured that changes stay in place and individuals do not revert to old ways. The ways to do it are positive feedback, recognition, rewarding, etc. Sapphire makes it a point to take feedback of the customers as well as the employees to keep both sides balanced. There is a Best Employee of the Month award scheme at Sapphire Beauty Box which inspires employees to do their best.Proscis Change Management Modelhttp//www.change-management.com/tutorial-adkar-overview.htmTask 4.2Plan to implement a model for change considering the internal and external circumstances impacting on the organizationKaizen method actingThis is a Japanese method for continuous incremental improvement. It is a concept for gradual, continuous improvement . It assumes that every aspect of life has to be constantly improved. The main elements of Kaizen are effort, quality, and willingness to change, communication and involvement of employees. Its five founding elements areTeamworkPersonal DisciplineImproved MoraleQuality Circles andSuggestions for Improvement.The Kaizen method is best for Sapphire Beauty Box as it is people oriented, requires long term discipline and easy to implement.Matrix OrganizationsThis kind of organization offers the advantages of flexibility, greater security and control of project information. It establishes a grid with a two way flow of authority and responsibility.Task 4.3Develop appropriate measures to monitor progress of the developed modelGoal Based evaluationTo start with goal based evaluation, there can be two main questions we can ask forHow has the programme made a difference ar the participants of the programme feeling better as a result of the programme?Outcome based evaluation is a way that deter mines if the project at Sapphire Beauty Box have achieved its goals. The organized process using OBE helps to establish clear outcomes, to measure benefits, clarify groups for which benefits are targeted.Other ways to monitor progress in Sapphire Beauty Box are regular reports of the activities being practiced in there. Meetings are also undertaken by higher authorities to deal the changes and keep a watch on them. Quality Circles appear simple and straightforward but have to be viewed in regard to Japanese culture and management systems. Quality circles are do work and are used successfully by British organizations..CONCLUSIONIt can be concluded that strategic change is the key factor in any organization. Change is a pervasive influence. We are all subject to change in one form or the other which is continuous. The steps to change from Kotter give vital knowledge about making change Kotter is called the GURU in terms of change management. Proscis ADKAR building blocks give deep un derstanding and guidance for applying change and monitoring it to sustain change. Kurt Lewins change model is also an important one. The freeze, refreeze and transition stages develop new attitudes and behaviour.

Impacts Of Social Networks On Social Behaviour

Impacts Of amicable Networks On brotherly BehaviourSocial interlocking sites defecate fix a global phenomenon that plays important roles in our society to sidereal day. It is a mixer milieu that allows individuals to present themselves, communicate with one another and to maintain relationships. These SNSs (Facebook, LinkedIn, chitter, and MySpace) atomic number 18 rapidly increase visibly among the University students. Social net does not only influence students check intoing outcome solely it alike help the University students to attain tender acceptance as well as adapting to University culture which may play central role towards improving their learning outcome. Several researchers revealed that SNS as technological tools can be apply to effectively improve student-student and student-teacher interactions in senior higher institutions. In this regards SNS plays a prominent role in learning environment as a major(ip) conduit for acquire resources, knowledge, and co mpanionable support and as well imparts help for students preparing for or/ finding employment. On the other hand, m all researchers observed that students spend several hours in a day attending to contrastive hearty mesh topology sites even during lecturers and depository library sessions thence creating distractions and reducing the beat to focus on their studies. This discourse therefore reviews the benefits and obstacles of loving webs on cordial doings and schoolman performance of students. It likewise reviews the attitude of students towards the use of technology, SNS and how social meshing can improve learning style as it portends groovy promise towards enhancing their pedantic performance.1.0 IntroductionAcademic institutions all over the world especially in developed countries gift made tremendous investment in computer and internet infrastructure with the hope that this would result in the utilisation of web-based knowledge resources which may leads to sig nificant increase in schoolman performance and productivity of students or staff (Oskouei, 2010) . However, this investment may not have yielded the desired goals of increasing learning quality and productivity of the students because these resources are used for both academic and non-academic works (Oskouei, 2010). It has been estimated that young adults are the highest computer and internet users in the world population today, about 46% of them uses it for completing school assignment, 36% for e-mail or instant messaging and 38% for playing computer games (DeBell and Chapman, 2006).Social network sites which are online discourse tool that have existed less than a decade allows its users to give universe and private profile therefrom enabling them to interact with people in the same network (Boyd and Ellison, 2008). Social networks can be defined as web-based activities that allow individuals to build public and/or semi-public profiles within a confined system articulate and connects to list of other users with which they are connected view and run down their list of connections with the ones created by others inside the system(Boyd and Ellison, 2008, Kirschner and Karpinski, 2010). Examples of the bleak phenomenon of social networks are MySpace, Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter. Facebook is the pencil lead social network in m any countries followed by Twitter and LinkedIn in popularity. It has been describe that Facebook have 901 million monthly users and more(prenominal) than 125 billion friends connected at the end of March, 2012 (Karpinski et al., 2013).The positivist and negative impacts of social network on students social conduct and academic achievement can be examined by their engagement, collaborative work, creativity, distraction, and grade point average (GPA). Research has shown that students intimacy on social networks have a positive connection to their engagement, and negative connection to their academic performance. Many researche rs indicate that students academic performance can be increased by enhancing their engagement, and it has been say that students engagement has a significant predictor of their academic performance (Wise et al., 2011).The relationship between students academic engagement and their academic performance is in treaty with (Junco, 2012). They describe that students engagements are powerful forces for psychosocial development and academic success. Social networks have the potentials of improving learning styles, as they provides alternative to traditional teaching format much(prenominal) as creation of online familyroom society, and also enhancement of student-teacher and student-student interaction (Merchant, 2012)Social network increases social interactions and allows easy communication between, families, friends, neighbourhoods and global communities. nigh social networks incorporate rafts of communication tools like mobile connectivity, blogs, photos and video sharing which a llows cross- mooringing to each other as desired by the users (Merchant, 2012)It has been reported that social network interactions allows quality relationships, connectedness, positive behaviours and also sharing of relevant learning have been observed on social network sites (Martin Dowson, 2009). Forkosh-Baruch Hershkovitz, (2012), also reported that lecturers, learners, system/software designers, decision makers and students are coming to social network sites for significant educational activities, and also establishes new innovations using interactive and collaborative online journals. Griffith and Liyange (2008) reported that students use social network in their academic studies such assort and team based works.In this regards social network plays a central role in learning environment as a major conduit for getting resources, knowledge, social support and socialization for learning distribution (Cho et al., 2007). It provides help for students preparing for or finding emp loyment (Connelly, 2011).On the other hand, researchers have shown that high level of internet economic consumption among adults of certain age conference (16-24 years) for social and emotional advancement could be regarded as internet addiction or pathological internet users for the concourse (Odaci and Kalkan, 2010). Internet addiction is the inability to limit internet usage despite its detrimental effects on social behaviour and academic performance and also cause of anxiety when internet accessibility is restricted (Odaci, 2013). Young adults that experience difficulties in communication skills in the real emotional state have reported significantly reduction while using social network but in real life their social skill is pitiful and therefore problematic in social behaviour and academic performance (Caldwell Cunningham, 2010 Caplan, 2010 Odaci, 2013).Social behaviour is an indispensable constituent of social psychology that can e genuinely be positive or negative. It c onsists of social determinant such as attitude, self-concept, collaboration, communication, violent behaviour and conflict reduction etc (Bertram, 2009). Social network helps to provide teaching on direct knowledges and also feeds a better global modelling for social organisation which determines how individual patterns of social behaviour correlate to group characteristics. The behaviour of an individual can affect the behaviours of others within the same social networks. Social behaviour can, for instance, influence flow of discipline or behaviours throughout a group (Makagon et al., 2012). Social networks do not only provide an assessment of popularity, but they can also be exploited as a vehicle to unclutter or access important information (Fetta et al., 2012).According to Lewis et al., (2007), the the great unwashed movement of people to the use of social network has instigated researchers into investigating impacts of social networks. It may not be an exaggeration if we say that many modern day young adults, especially students, make use of social network on a perfunctory basis (Boyd Ellison 2007).According to Bryant Bryant (2005), the internet possesses the capability to influence our young adults and students behaviour very easily. This researcher has had experiences with youths/students in the library and classes that spend most of their time chatting and notice sexually explicit resources that might produce negative effects on their behaviour. Arising from the fore going, this researcher intends to make the postgraduate students attitudes as regards the use of social network during formal classes and library in Heriot-Watt University.At the end of the research, recommendations will be made based on the students response. Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn and Twitter are chosen for this research work because of the large number of students that use these online social networks for chatting and sending messages (Cheung et al., 2010 Golder et al., 2007 Stutzman, 2006). It is essential for the academic institutions to know the positive and negative impacts of social network on students behaviour and academic performances.Benefits and obstacles of social network on educational systemSocial network sites (SNS) has become one of the helpful tools that can revolutionized educational sector to suit essential to improved knowledge for both student-student and student-teacher interaction. As an effective new culture of learning, social network site (SNS) offers students opportunity to use informal ways to communication, learn and collaborate independent of time and quadriceps femoris (Zaidieh, 2012). It also helps teacher to keep constant communication and get feedback from students which improves learning efficiency. Social network sites play major role between students-teachers by allowing students to be in constant connections with other students, educators, alumni, administrators within and foreign the academic environment ( Jiang and Tang, 2010 Zaidieh, 2012). SNS has the ability to attract, motivate and engage students in meaningful academic practices, content exchange and other collaborations (Mills, 2011).SNS provides student-teacher flexibility in learning, teaching and also the ability to join groups in specific subjects or disciplines and alter them to connect, view photos, videos and instructional activities established by other users of the network (ELI, 2007). SNS gives students and teachers the possibility of repetition i.e to either retrieve information immediately or later which is problematical when using traditional methods of teaching (Dobrzanski and Brytan, 2007). In contrast to SNS the non-SNS method such as blackboard and module are much focused and lack ad hominem touch and network capacity of SNS. SNS has the potentials to actively encourage online community building and extend learning beyond the boundaries of the classroom (Smith, 2009 Brady et al., 2010).It provides unique opp ortunities for educators and instructors to facilitate a very strong sense of community within students and encourages creation of new knowledge and collective intelligence by individualised interactions. SNS provides shared forum where students can post or share, and engage in collaborative discussion while sharing common land sources like links, video and photos (McCann, 2009). It represents a defined shift towards social and community web-based application that can cultivate and sustain subject specific social networking. It does not only attract people but also hold their attention, inspire them, to contribute and bring them back time without number all to get desirable qualities for educational purposes. SNS makes it easy and quick to access, review, update and edit learning materials any time and everywhere (Cheong, 2002) and allows students and teachers to select desirable materials from large quantity of course offered on online.It allows easy distribution of learning mat erials and reduces stress and increases satisfaction among students. It gives students opportunity to study at their own self-pace and allow them to join bulletin board discussion any time while visiting classmates and instructors remotely in chat room. It overcomes the limitations of space and time in education and allows accessibility of available materials in their sites and also helps to resolves time table conflicts (Zaidieh, 2012).The major challenges of SNS in education sector including lack of privacy, miscommunication and pickings up times. Privacy is the major obstacles of SNS in education. Nissenbaum, (2004) described privacy as the contextual integrity which refers to the rules of appropriateness, in confines of the nature and types of information about diverse individuals within a given context, that is allowed, expected, or demanded to be revealed, and the rules of distribution, in confines of the movement, or transfer from one person to another. It simply means that in social network interaction individuals have expectations concerning what information is deem appropriate to collect and circulate. Thus, specific types of information are appropriate for sharing among a certain groups of friends but may not be good to open up to other social network users outside that group (Pai and Arnott, 2012). Its users express concern about privacy of their personal information and are most vigilant about safeguarding it (Dwyer et al., 2007). In social network site (SNS), people have lots of friends and the quality and integrity of these friendship are always in question because they are not always 100% honest and reliable and cannot actually verify personal details (age and location) of their members. It also allows accurate and positive self-profile that can be potentially abused by the openness (Zaidieh, 2012).Miscommunication In most cases, learner (students) face difficulties in expressing their ideas and views in constitution as most of them prefer t o express their ideas and views orally, the approach they are used to for many years of their studies. Face-to-face allows one individuals to perceive physical clues like tones, reflection, embody language in an online environment (Zaidieh, 2012).Taking up timeSocial network users spent much time in Internet, and more time online for their studies and works. Most times this causes lack of motivation towards learning and can be bored sitting in front of a computer for a very ache time especially when the learning materials presented is free of audio and visual effects that can attract learner towards learning (Zaidieh, 2012). Lenhart et al., (2010) reported that half of the users are idled online for hours from time to time. This finding suggested that the more online time, the more SNS users, took their toll on information consumption through the social network platforms. According to Zhong et al., (2011), more than half of the social network users stated that reading information and watching videos online gave them short time for using non-SNS materials, such as broadcast and printed documents, indicating a move in trend of information from non-SNS to SNS, especially among students.Many researchers observed that students spend several hours in a day attending to different social network sites even during lectures and library sessions thus creating distractions and reducing the time to focus on their studies. For example, in the lecture or library, most students leave their mobile phone on and silently chat on the social network sites and when the lecturer sets an examination, with high expectation of good grades majority of the students will not do well. This scenario is ominous for both the students involved and the society at large. If this situation is not put under control, it will affect the students focus towards academics and possibly increase the number of students dropping out of school.Pempek, et al., (2009) studied College Students social network ing experiences on Facebook using 92 scholars. The study revealed that the students spend minimum of 1 hr. on daily bases with social network. The researchers reported that students spend more time reading the circumscribe from their friends responses, uploading pictures and to keep in touch with friends.Other researchers however, observed that there is no relationship between time spent on the use of social network and students academic performance. Hunley et al., (2005) opined that there is no significant between the time spent on the social networks and the Grade Point Average (GPA) of students. This finding is in agreement with Kolek and Saunders (2008) which observed that social network usage and the GPA of Users have no relationship. On the other hand, Verden Boogart, (2006), reported that social network users have lower GPAs more than non-users. This finding correlates with the report by Flad (2010) that 32% out of 35% of the students that use social network have poor academ ic performance, and concluded that social network is good for students socialisation but negatively impact on their academic performance.Barratt et al., (2009), observed that many students log onto Facebook many times in a day, thus spending valuable time, if spent on their studies would lead to excellent academic performance. It is necessary to examine whether or not social network involvement by students improves their academic works and social behaviour.How Social network Improves learning style?In the world today, higher institutions explore emerging technologies such as social network sites as a new or improved tool to enhance teaching and learning. Social network sites support student, and boost the integration in the higher education classes. Even though the infrastructures to support social network presently exist in most universities, instructors are slow in adapting to the tools as an educational one. Recently, Sadaf et al., (2012) studied pre-service teachers beliefs abou t their intent to use social network in their future classrooms. The results opined that half (51%) were committed to the new technology as an instructional tool because it increases student engagement. Brady et al., (2010) studied the use of social network at North Carolina State University. Seventy percent hold with the notion that SNS made communication skill possible between peers than a comparable face-to-face class. Nearly (82%) indicated that SNS help them communicate outside the class as well. Most users (74%) also agreed that SNS allows them to reflect and comments on other peoples work more effectively than a face-to-face class.In addition, Ajjan and Hartshorne, (2008), reported that Social network sites are viewed as useful tools to improve students satisfaction (32%) and also increased student-student interaction (56%). For instance, SNS enables scholars and teachers to remain current in their research areas, and also to explore recent approaches to teaching through net working with colleagues, interacting with different individuals, discussing their research/or work, and also expose their work or research interest to greater audiences. For example scholars use SNS such as blogs to support their bookish endeavours. Researchers have identified that blogs are used i) as a debate platform for scholars who seeks a live public intellectuals, (ii) for recording or sharing logs of virtuous research, (iii) as a type of tongue-in-cheek i.e water cooler to which analytical discussions of only scholarly experience can occur (Kirkup, 2010). Blog usage extends beyond research to include teaching endeavours (Deng and Yuen, 2011). Cho et al., 2007 reported that early Twitter users used Twitter for making instructional information and provide students with opportunities to communicate with professional communities outside the classroom.Future usage of social networkIn the past few years, social network sites have attracted the interest of researchers which exami ne the role this technology plays in higher education. Few of the work have showed the affective outcomes of social network site integration. Some of the studies examined learning outcomes and students achievement as related to the educational usage of social sites in college courses. King et al., (2009) described the recent development of an inter-professional team work in the healthcare field that shows how to integrate social networking. The researchers stated that in future integration of an educationally structured social network sites will facilitated growth toward the concept of effective communication which will overcome barrier of place in learning.Some researchers have also reported that in future social network sites could foster scholarship that is social (Chong, 2010 Greenhow, 2009), conversational and open (Oblinger, 2010 Pearce et al., 2010). Social scholarship is the practice in which the use of social tools is an integral part of the research and publishing process that is characterised by openness, fast conversation, and collaboration, accessible, sharing, cheaper and transparent revision (Pearce et al., 2010). Social network sites which provide digital scholarship is more than scarce using information technologies and communication skill to research for materials teach students and collaborate with other, but also to embrace the open values, ideologies and potentials of technologies essential for peer-to-peer networking and also a way of working in order to profit both the academic work and society at large.Picking up the mantle, Greenhow et al., (2009) suggested that todays student experienced different online identities due to new digital technologies at hand (for example role playing sites, and virtual worlds). They opined that this new development presents a fundamental shift from the non-SNS to SNS and concluded that in future learners participation will be evidenced by inter-connections, content creation and participation attitudes i n and out of the classroom.QUESTIONNAIRESA modified questionnaire instrument designed will be used in other to arrive at a everyday perception as regards to students opinion to the use social networks, behaviour to academic pursuit and social behaviour (Goodson et al., 2005 Pascarella et al., 2009).Considering the advantages of the quantitative approach, the researcher uses questionnaires to get many responses on the students behaviour towards the use social networks during classes and library sessions. on that point are 18 questions designed to elicit the participants opinion on the use of social network during classes and library sessions, social behaviour and time spent using social networks.Figure 1. Basic model of social behaviour and academic performance of students using social network (Adapted from Paul et al., 2012)The questionnaires measuring each of the following constructs time spent on social network, predictors of behaviour, time management skills, academic competenc y, attention Span, student characteristics and academic performance were developed from literature and discussions with supervisor. For example, questions that best describe the factors which explain studentsonline networking behaviour were adopted from Cameron, (2010). Questionnaires that are related to factors such as academic competency, Information on GPA, time management skills, study strategies, student characteristics, etc. are adopted from Mizerski and Pettigrew, (2003) Sansqiry et al., (2004) Paul et al., (2012).The questionnaire adopted five point Likert scale of Strongly Agree, Agree, Undecided, differ, Strongly Disagree (Ary et al., 2000). The adaptation of this method is to provide correct and simple grammar in other to achieve the research objectives and also provide answers to the research questions.CATEGORIES OF SOCIAL NETWORK SITES on that point are many social network sites that exist today. The most popular sites such as Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and LinkedIn ar e free registration. All that is required from the prospective users is to provide their profile picture. Social network sites have several categories which are available in the World Wide Web (WWW) (Brown, 2011). Social network categories are the class given to a large groups based on certain functions, features, forms and meaning. Each of the social network categories has their specific focus and functions but all have common characteristics. They have features such blogs, videos, records of members, journal and many more (Othman et al., 2011). Thelwall (2009), reported that social network tools have three main categories as regards to friendship connections, (Fig1.2). The first phratry social network is for social communication among members. Facebook, MySpace, twitter, etc. have this feature. Category two, with LinkedIn as example aims at searching for new contacts. Category three is the social navigation network through which specific types of information or resources can be o btained.Figure 1.2 shows about 22 categories available in social network like discussion, education, and library. Most of the website falls into more than one category such as MySpace which can be categories into music and friendship category.FacebookFacebook was originally introduced in 2004 as an online Harvard social network site which allows students living on University residential halls or students from other faculties of the University to register as users and communicate with their fellow students (Zywicas and Danowski, 2008). In 2006, Facebook was made public for everybody (Urista et al., 2009) and in December 2006 it had over 12 million users and at the end of December 2009, the active users increased to 350 million (Hew, 2011). Today Facebook is the most populated social network site in the majority of the countries with more than 400 Million users. In March 2011, Europe had the highest number of Facebook users 234.6 million followed by 163.9 million in North America (Kar pinski et al., 2012).Facebook is a social network site in which individuals or groups can share photographs, personal information, and communicate with friends (Hew, 2011). Facebook is also considered as the leading social network site used among college students. For example, Ellison et al., (2007) reported that in USA, 90% of the Undergraduate students Participate on Facebook. In British undergraduate students, Facebook has also become the most popular SNS used (Madge et al., 2009).Munoz and Towner, (2009) suggested that Facebook can have positive impact on college students life, and further stated that students can use Facebook to communicate with other students concerning their assignments, group work or project, or teachers communicating their students regarding useful information on a specific course links.On the other hand, researchers have shown concern in regards to possible negative impacts of Facebook usage among college students. For example, Kirschner and Karpinski, (20 10) reported that students spending hours on Facebook may adversely affect their academic performance.Facebook profile can be classified into four main groups i) control elements, ii) referents elements, iii) preference elements, iv) contact elements. Control elements are fields like the gender of the user, length/period of Facebook membership, and their institutional status. Referents elements include hometown, residence and high school which are based on profile fields or common points of contact among the users. Preference elements are simply based on port of personal interest and self-descriptive information of the user. For example, About Me, my interests, my favourite Music, favourite movies, favourite TV-shows, favourite books, favourite quotes, and my political views. Contact elements are profile fields such as e-mail address, instant messenger screen name, and the relationship status (Cain, 2008 Lampe et al., 2007).Facebook users can also create groups and become a fan of a finical page of their interest organization such as football clubs, and celebrities thus allowing users with common goal to get together and support the organization or the celebrity. Facebook also serve as sources of entertainment because of the availability of games and other applications. Examples of such games and applications are Crazy Taxi, My Fairyland, and Facebook for iPhone (Hew, 2011).MYSPACEMySpace is one of the popular social networks sites in the world today. It was launched in atomic number 20 in 2003 to compete with other networks like Friendster and Xanga etc (Anderson, 2007). It grew rapidly by taking advantage of Friendsters mistake and failure. According to Anderson, (2007) Indie-rock bands that were expelled from Friendster because of profile problems moved to MySpace network and began to attract users. There were several advertisements by most popular clubs in MySpace. It is believed that music was not only the anchor issue that attracted users of MySpace but rather there were symbiotic connectedness between music bands and fans that helped to expand MySpace beyond expectation.MySpace is unique because it allows addition of features based on the users interest (Boyd, 2006). Boyd said that teenagers started using MySpace in 2004 to connect to their friends and not just for the reason that they belong to the bands. MySpace site achieved its highest growth rates with three different groups, namely, the musicians, teenagers and undergraduate students.Among SNS, MySpace gives greater self-expression than the popular Facebook and Twitter. It allows the users to customize their virtual space through an open format in which the designed elements, like text, video, music, graphics and photographs can be used to display their users online personality. With this feature users can create self-image that can be communicated to the mass audience. MySpace also gives the users more anonymity by providing the option of using a nickname. (Kane, 2008 Boyle and Johnson, 2010).TwitterTwitter is a free social network site and micro blogging service which enables the users to read and post short text-based message that is not more than 140 words, called tweets. Some people tweet with micro-blog platform, while others regard it as a social networking site (Bake, 2009). A Web service which allows people to post brief messages to other users of the same service is micro-blogging. It derived its feature from Instant Relay rattle on (IRC) including instant messaging and handsets.According to Bake (2009), Twitter is one of the social network web-based applications that allow its users to build their own profile either publicly or semi-publicly. Twitter uses the exact basic features like find people profile and uploading pictures on profile etc. The traditional contacts in twitter are following and following categories. Twitter does not belong to only SNSs socializing category but also to networking with navigation, (Thelwall, 2007).This network allows you to follow users (following) and also followed by other users (followers) without any authorization. Messages sent are automatically published on the front page of the users (timeline) (Torreente et al., 2012). Any user may reply or retweet any tweet, which can generate public debate and conversation. Links can also be added to the tweets in order to create additional information beyond the 140 words.Some key potentials of Twitter are that it is a window to the unlimited source of information and can be regarded multi-focal. It gives the opportunity to create lists of manage tweets by themes, authors and tags which helps users to manage the information and also easier to follow a contingent topic. It is an ideal tool to disseminate information and to broadcast live events such as conferences, and any event worldwide. Twitter is fast and viral i.e. anyone can tweet and the spread of information can be unstoppable. One of the features of Twitter is the ability to i nclude links which makes it easier to move from particular content to another (Torreente et al., 2012).Influence of social network on social behaviour of studentsSocial behaviour is a kind of influence from specific group of people which may positively or negatively affec

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