Scholarship, Practice and Leadership in Higher Education

From a pragmatic point of view, what higher education demands in the current context of the Information Age and the globalized, digital economy is a vision of improvement and change; that is, a vision for moving forward, a vision which discerns mistakes and more importantly, addresses them. It is important to note that teaching and learning are processes; fundamental modes of human behavior and endeavor. With the increasing demand for higher education across countries, and as new technology applications emerge, most of administrators, faculty, and students embrace a new educational infrastructure; one which is built upon information technology. While this is true, it is also true that the digital divide is widening. This is to say that children from the lowest strata of society have less access to computers, the Worldwide Web, and new information resources in their schools than the wealthy. Such realities create future problems for these children because of the fact that most careers nowadays require information technology skills. Within this context, this paper seeks to explicate how information literacy influences, shapes and moulds scholarship, practice, and leadership in higher education. It is important to note that there are a number of definitions of information literacy but most of these definitions are derived from the definition provided by the American Library Association (ALA) Presidential Committee on Information Literacy (1989): To be information literate, a person must be able to recognize when information is needed and have the ability to locate, evaluate, and use effectively the needed information (p. ) As far as higher education is concerned, information literacy then should not be viewed as discipline specific, but the other way around; a position argued by Diane Zabel in her article entitled â€Å"A Reaction to Information Literacy and Higher Education. † â€Å"It is imperative that information literacy not stand in isolation but be integrated across the curriculum† (Zabel, 20 04). It can be observed that the demands of the current global and digital economy require more collaboration and concerted efforts. If we are to comply with such demands, the direction that our institutions of higher education should take, in terms of their instruction and research should be leaning towards multi-disciplinary, participatory and collaborative approaches. â€Å"For information literacy to succeed, it must be integrated, relevant, ongoing, collaborative, and applied† (Zabel, 2004). Such ideas resonate even in Sean Lauer and Carrie Yodanis’ article entitled, â€Å"The International Social Survey Programme: A Tool for Teaching with an International Perspective. † Lauer’s and Yodanis’ focus is, however, on the teaching of sociology in the undergraduate curriculum. Over the years that we have used ISSP in the classroom, we have found that it does contribute to a learning environment in which students’ sociological questions and answers are not limited to their own country but are cross-national† (Lauer et al, 2004). The current global and digital economy h as implications not only in terms of instruction and research, but also on the concept of leadership. In as far as the current market paradigm is concerned, corporate business activities also tend to put premium on teamwork, collaborations, and collective strength in terms of leadership. In the current global and digital economy, the idea is for an individual to be capable of multi-tasking and networking; faculty members who do not only teach but also do research, practicing nurses who do not only do clinical duty but also do research, sociologists working side by side with medical practitioners, etc. In the final analysis, information literacy is a very important life-skill that an individual should possess in order to cope up with the demands of the globalized and digital economy.

Risk Management Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

Risk Management - Case Study Example Risk management is the practice of managing the resources of the operation in such a way as to maintain an acceptable level of risk. This in turn should generate a corresponding level of return that will allow the goals of the operation and management to be achieved. The use of time, financial and other resources to effectively manage the risks so that goals can be achieved is the risk management. Risk management comprises of risk assessment and risk control. Assessing Risk is identifying and analyzing risk. Controlling Risk is taking steps to reduce risk, provide contingency, monitor improvements. Risk Management is important for ensuring that a computer project isn't scuppered, preventing accidental loss or disclosure of information, avoiding computer fraud, hacking, ensuring the smooth running of an information system and maintaining your career prospects. Sources of Risk: There are five main sources of risk in an operation: production risk, marketing risk, financial risk, legal risk and human resource risks. Production risks include yield and quality variability. Marketing risks include changes in the price and external conditions. Financial risks include variability in debt, equity capital and ability to meet cash demands. Legal risks include responsibilities for contracts, statutory compliance, tort liability and business structure. Human Resource risks include people management and estate transfer. Types of Risk: There are two types of risk that affect the volume of investment. The first is the entrepreneur's or borrower's risk which arises out of doubts in his own mind as to the probability of his actually earning the prospective yield for which he hopes. This is a real social cost, though susceptible to diminution by averaging as well as by an increased accuracy of foresight. If a man is venturing his own money, this is the only risk which is relevant. But when a system of borrowing and lending exists, which means the ranting of loans with a margin of real or personal security, a second type of risk is relevant which we may call the lender's risk. This may be due either to moral hazard, i.e. voluntary default or other means of escape, possibly lawful, from the fulfillment of the obligation or to the possible insufficiency of the margin of security, i.e. involuntary default due to the disappointment of expectation. This is a pure addition to the cost of investment which would not exist if the borrower and lender was the same person. Moreover, it involves in part a duplication of a proportion of the entrepreneur's risk, which is added twice to the pure rate of interest to give the minimum prospective yield which will induce the investment. For if a venture is a risky one, the borrower will require a wider margin between his expectation of yield and the rate of interest at which he will think it worth his while to borrow; whilst the very same reason will lead the lender to require a wider margin between what he charges and the pure rate of interest in order to induce him to lend (except where the borrower is so strong and wealthy that he is in a position to offer an exceptional margin of security). During a boom the popular estimation of the magnitude of both these risks, both borrower's risk and lender's risk, is apt to become unusually and imprudently low.From

Nelson Mandela and Mohandas Gandhi Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Nelson Mandela and Mohandas Gandhi - Essay Example There are a few differences and many similarities between Mohandas Gandhi and Nelson Mandela. The world recognizes the two leaders for their stern fights against colonialism and especially against racism. The world famously recognizes Nelson Mandela for his fight against black domination and white domination. In his trial in 1962, Nelson Mandela finished his defense speech with the claim that he is ready to die for a democratic society. However, even though Gandhi also fought against racism, he seemed to have been advancing the rights of his Indian community. For instance, Gandhi encouraged the Indians in South Africa to defy the ways of the Europeans. The two leaders used different ways in their fights against colonialism. However, the two received similar treatments from the colonialists. They were both jailed on various occasions despite the fact that Gandhi used more peaceful ways than those used by Mandela. For an instance, in 1960s Mandela and his compatriots in the young league of the Africa National Congress (ANC), formed a military wing of the ANG called Umkonto we Siswe. Despite their different ways of actions, the two leaders are world famous for their excellent contributions to the elimination of colonialism. However, the two leaders received two different treatments from their people. Unlike Mandela, who received respect until his death in 2013, Nathuram Godse killed Gandhi on January 30 of 1948 before he became a prime minister (DeLuca). In conclusion, the colonial period generated many leaders. Nelson Mandela and Mohandas Gandhi are two famous leaders of the colonial period. The two leaders used different methods to fight the colonialists.

Do you think the scarcity (or excess) of water will lead to conflict Essay

Do you think the scarcity (or excess) of water will lead to conflict - Essay Example need to be found, because water requirements are interdependent and water resources cross political boundaries (Asser), but in view of the situation, it seems that conflict is inevitable. According to Ohlsson, water scarcity is brought about by two key issues: natural resource scarcity, and the approaches used to counter the former (qtd in Molen and Hildering 134). The law of nature cannot be put off, and many resort to construction of water reservoirs to address the impending, or shall we say, an already existing adversity. Unfortunately, the disproportionate allocation, movement, and storage of water, after a while, results in extreme phenomena such as floods and droughts (Northwest River Forecast Center); thus anyone of rational thinking will be indecisive about any act of water exploitation. It is not possible for a country to constrain the flow of water within its boundary without endangering itself and the others dependent on it. Feitelson sees the potential of a co-operation scenario, of shared rights and management (qtd in Molen and Hildering 139). Water is indispensable for survival, and reckless measures will only leave both parties empty handed. Experts recommend a number of ways to address water scarcity, to include enhanced conservation and reprocessing (Asser). Moreover, the United Nations relentlessly campaign for amity; and although conflicts may ensue on account of significant differences in culture and ideals, the dire need for water will not make it last

Social movement protest art -- Mexican American inequality in usa Research Paper

Social movement protest art -- Mexican American inequality in usa - Research Paper Example Consequently, he encouraged her and supported her artistic work. Frida’s paintings depicted her tumultuous and painful life. Nonetheless, her paintings made her leave a legacy as the greatest Mexican woman painter. She used a distinctive style of folkloric in her paintings, mainly on the different experiences and aspects of her life (Meadows, p. 57). Her paintings were self-portraits and still life, mostly capturing moments in her life. The issues she covered in her paintings included her unstable relationship with Diego Rivera, her inability to have children, psychological and physical pains after a bus accident, and other experiences she had (Meadows, p. 57). Similarly, Diego Rivera is considered the greatest Mexican painter of the 20th century. He was born in 1886 in Guanajuato, Mexico (CMMCA, p. 10). He chiefly excelled in the international art scene, where he championed the reintroduction of fresco painting into the modern art and architecture arena. He was also known for his radical political views and obsessive romance with Frida Kahlo, which intrigue the public even in modern times (CMMCA, p. 1). Through exhibitions in public spaces and galleries in the 1930s and early 1940s, Rivera brought his unique art and vision into the public. Through these exhibitions, he enlightened and inspired artists as well as his audiences. Using the fresco or wall painting genre in universities and other public buildings, he managed to introduce his work into the daily lives of the people (CMMCA, p. 2). Rivera favored fresco paintings, which are murals done on fresh plaster. Some of the themes dear to him included the physical process of human development and technological progress and its effects on life and lifestyle (CMMCA, p. 2). His other themes were the future of humanity and history. Being a Marxist, Rivera used his medium as a cure for the elite walls of galleries and museums. He was not only interested in history and human

The Ups and Downs of Pulleys Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Ups and Downs of Pulleys - Research Paper Example In a simple fixed pulley (Fig - 1), one end of the rope passing over the grooved disc is tied to the weight being lifted while its other end is free to be pulled down, thereby making an effort to lift the weight. An ideal rope and pulley system simplifies the work done in pulling the rope and lifting the load against the gravitational pull. It does this by the transmission of linear motive force of the pull at end, through the entire rope to the lifted load at the other end. There is no net force acting on the pulley system at equilibrium as the force on the pulley axle is equally distributed along the two arms of the rope passing through the pulley. When the system is in action, the energy conservation principle is followed, with the work done in lifting the load (weight times the distance through which it is lifted) is equal to the tension in the rope or in other words the force with which the load is lifted. Lesser the magnitude of the lifting force compared to the weight of the l ifted load greater is the mechanical advantage (MA) of pulleys, which is the ratio of the lifted weight to the force exerted for lifting. The most novel thing about pulleys is that they reverse the direction of the force, thereby minimizing the effort. Pulling something downward is easier being assisted by gravity. So, by tugging at the rope downward, the weight tied to the other end of the rope is easily lifted through the air by a simple fixed pulley. (Walker, 12) The second most fascinating aspect about pulleys is the force by which the load is being pulled is equal to the tension along each rope line. Hence, greater number of ropes makes weight lifting easier and effortless for pulleys as the net weight is divided among the total number of ropes running through the pulley. Adding multiple pulleys increases the number of rope lines for distributing the total lifted weight among them (Fig - 3), thereby increasing the mechanical advantage. (Mezzanotte, 14) MATERIALS AND METHODS: We categorized the pulley system into three types; the single fixed pulley, the single moveable pulley and the combined system of pulleys. We devised one sample of a fixed and a moveable single pulley and four compound pulley systems combining a fixed and a moveable pulley by ropes wound around them in different directions. (Figures - 1 to 7) In each case a weight (W) of 500 grams was tied to the end of the ropes passing over the disc grooves. First the lifting forces were compared for the fixed and the moveable single rope and pulley systems (Figures - 1 & 2) and the data was collected to be analyzed. The next level of comparison was extended for the compound pulleys (Figures - 3 to 7) and the collected data was correlated with the first set. RESULTS: The results for the single fixed and moveable pulley system are tabulated below: Pulley Type Lifted Weight (in grams) Weight equivalent to the exerted force Mechanical Advantage

Oedipus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Oedipus - Essay Example Questioning the prophecies foretold in Oedipus’s life only lead him to disaster. The metaphor of blindness and sight in Oedipus The King suggests that the ability to see the truth of one's situation can have tragic results. This idea is evident when the traits, motivations, and language of each character are examined. Character Traits of Oedipus Oedipus is a man who gives importance to his head than his heart. Tragedy befalls him when he tries to alter the fate. Oedipus hears an Oracle prophecy hinting he will kill his father and marry his mother. He believes Corinth’s royal couple to be his parents. Hence, he simply stays out of Corinth to avoid causing any trouble to them. Even as a young man Oedipus believes he could change the fate through logical actions and science. But, the all powerful almighty just leads him out of Corinth only to kill his biological father Laius on the way (Oedipus Greek Mythology, 2004). Oedipus’s traits are revealed early in the story when he acts without discretion to banish the plague from his country. Oedipus’s intentions are good. But, his haste and over confidence simply makes him take one wrong decision after another. He kills Laius in a crossroad unnecessarily for a petty fight without thinking about the consequences. A person in his position would consider twice about handling people of his parents age. But, Oedipus blindly kills a man of his father’s age and marries a women who is aged enough to be his mother. He doesn’t give a second thought about anything and acts instinctively. Oedipus’s Greatest Motivation Oedipus's act of solving the Sphinx’s riddle makes him a headstrong man. He believes he can solve the mystery about his life without the help of the Gods. Oedipus’s motivation comes largely from this single victory. He cherishes it throughout the life as his own accomplishment without understanding it was yet another trap prepared for him to make him marry his biological mother Jacosta. He does not understand, questioning too much about ones fate will only lead to disaster. He turns blind to the several clues thrown before him about the murderer of Laius until the final confrontation with the Shepherd. Similarly, when Teiresias refuses to answer his questions, he unjustly accuses Creon for plotting against him. Though Oedipus occurs as an adult man throughout the play, his actions are childlike, immature and adamant almost all the time. His adamant nature is a result of his over confidence. It makes him take hasty and baseless decision which hurt others often. Oedipus’s Interactions with Teirsias Teiresias is a very important character in the story of Oedipus. He is a wise man who can actually see the future. He too is blind. Sophocles the author of Oedipus, the King purposely made the wise man blind to stress the metaphor. He is forcibly bought into the court of Oedipus as he does not wish to reveal fate's horrible game throu gh his mouth. Teiresias is insulted and threatened in various ways by Oedipus. But, Teiresias bears all of them humbly, knowing well the life of Oedipus is finished the moment he opens his mouth. Gifted with amazing prophetic power he does not bow to any threat. His unflinching courage makes him challenge two mighty kings without any compromise. Teiresias's dedication to truth and unshakable belief in Gods is his greatest motivation. The words spoken by Teiresias are as follows. â€Å"To twit me with my blindness--thou hast eyes / Yet see'st not