Effect of Neo-Geography on Professional GIS

Effect of Neo-Geography on Professional GIS Will Neo-geography cause the end of professional GIS Almost everything that happens, happens somewhere (Longley et al. 2005) meaning that everything happens in geographic space. It can be of critical importance to know not only what happened and when but where something happened as well. A GIS is a computer-based system that provides for the storage and representation of geographic data. GIS data are most commonly stored in a relational database format, from which they can be analysed, combined and displayed as maps or in other data formats. In recent years there has been a large increase in the use of neo-geography, that is the use of applications such as Google Earth, Google Maps, Bing Maps etc. to create maps. These maps usually use a base map from one of the above applications with spatial data collected and displayed over it. The large increase in people using neo-geography has led to discussions as to whether neo-geography will cause the end of professional GIS. GIS GIS is a tool that allows users to visualise data (generally on a map) in order to see patterns and relationships in a given area or subject. (Kemp (ed.) 2008) defines GIS as â€Å"fundamentally concerned with building shared understandings of the world in ways that are robust, transparent and, above all, usable in a range of real world settings.† According to ESRI a GIS â€Å"lets us visualise, question, analyse, interpret, and understand data in many ways that reveal relationships, patterns, and trends in the form of maps, globes, reports, and charts.† (GIS DEMYSTIFIED) however claims that this is too general a definition for such a complex and wide ranging set of tools and says that: â€Å"GIS is, in essence, a central repository of and analytical tool for geographic data collected from various sources. The developer can overlay the information from these various sources by means of themes and layers, perform comprehensive analysis of the data, and portray it graphically for the user.† It is a computer application designed to perform a wide range of operations on geographic information. Geographic information is defined as information about locations on or near the surface of the Earth, and may be organized in a variety of ways (Goodchild 2009). A GIS includes functions to input, store, visualise, export, and analyse geographic information. With GIStechnology, people can compare the locations of different things in order to discover how they relate to each other. For example, using GIS, the same map could include sites that producepollution, such as gas stations, and sites that are sensitive to pollution, such aswetlands. Such a map would help people determine which wetlands are most at risk. GIS can use any information that includeslocation. The location can be expressed in many different ways, such aslatitudeandlongitude, address, orZIP code. Many different types of information can be compared and contrasted using GIS. The system can include data about people, such as population,income, or education level. It can include information about the land, such as the location of streams, different kinds ofvegetation, and different kinds ofsoil. It can include information about the sites of factories, farms, and schools, orstorm drains, roads, and electricpower lines. Neo-geography Neo-geography is a term that refers to techniques, tools and practices of geography that have been traditionally beyond the scope of professional geographers and geographic information systems (GIS) practitioners (Turner 2006). (Castree, Kitchin Rogers 2013) describe neo-geography as follows: â€Å"The new forms of geographical knowledge enabled by Web 2.0 technologies where in geographical data are sourced through the collective actions of many individuals, and processed and displayed through online resources. Neo-geography produces geographical outputs that have not been produced by professionals, but rather through crowdà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ sourcing. These data range from place tags on virtual globes, to uploaded GPS traces of locations, to georeferenced communication that can be mapped and combined with other data to create large, dynamic, open data sets.† Szott (2006) describes neo-geography as â€Å"a diverse set of practices that operate outside, or alongside, or in the manner of, the practices of professional geographers.† He goes on to explain that rather than being scientifically based, methods used in neo-geography tend to be based on more personal and artistic tendencies that are â€Å"idiosyncratic applications of ‘real’ geographic techniques† which can be of value to the cartographic and geographic sciences but don’t conform to professional practice. As mentioned in the above quote from Castree et al. (2013) neo-geography has been enabled by Web 2.0 technologies. Web 2.0 is a term that was introduced in 2004 and refers to the second generation of theWorld Wide Web (TechTerms 2008). While it suggests new version of the World Wide Web the term actually refers to technological improvements in software and changes in how software developers and end users use the web (Fu Sun 2011). These improvements and changes lead to the introduction of services such as Google Maps, Google Earth, Bing Maps and MapQuest among others. These services are referred to as WebGIS. WebGIS is any GIS that uses Web technologies (Fu Sun 2011). As these services became more popular developers such as Google started to release an application programming interface (API) for their programs. An application programming interface is a set of programming instructions and standards for accessing a Web-based software application orWeb tool (Roos 2007). Releasing APIà ¢â‚¬â„¢s to the public allowed software developers to design products powered by WebGIS. The term ‘neo-geography’ was coined by one of the founders of platial.com, Di-Ann Eisner (Maguire 2007). She used neo-geography to describe the ‘new’ geography of overlaying or ‘mashing up’ two or more sources of geographic information. The release of API’s allowed developers and users to quickly and easily show geographically based data on shareable maps creating what has become known as a ‘mashup’ (Turner 2006). This could, for instance, be a Google Maps base layer overlaid with mobile phone coverage. Using the Google Maps API a software developer was able to take the original application (Google Maps) and overlay content (the mobile phone coverage over it) effectively ‘mashing’ the two together. Web 2.0 has resulted in a rise in user-generated content (UGC) of which volunteered geographic content (VGI) is UGC of a geographic nature (WEBGIS pg250). VGI is digital spatial data that is created voluntarily by citizens rather than by formal data producers (webgis pg279 goodchild 2007a). â€Å"The availability of mapping APIs like Google’s has facilitated the concept of a ‘mashup’ as the ideal presentation vehicle for VGI by providing a geographical backdrop† (Learning From the Crowd: The Role of Volunteered Geographic Information in Realising a Spatially Enabled Society). VGI has become a hugely important channel through which geographic data is collected. The table below taken from WEBGIS (XXXX) shows the geographic information collected from popular websites. Example websites and essential geospatial questions asked Use cases Geographic information contributed Wikimapia What places do you know? Users draw a rectangle and describe the place with a few sentences Constructing a comprehensive global gazetteer database Picasa, Panoramio, and Flickr online albums (geotagging) What photos can you share about places you have been? Users upload geotagged photos or upload and geotag the photos by zooming to a location on a map Recording and reporting the past and present conditions of places or events with the use of photos OpenStreetMap What GPS data do you have for the roads you bike, walk or drive? Users upload the track logs of their personal GPS receivers Constructing street and highway data layers for many areas SeeClickFix Where and what problems do you see that need to be fixed? Users report problems such as potholes and graffiti by drawing on and annotating maps Identifying problems for local authorities Twitter (GeoTweeting) Whats going on here? Users report personal activities, other events, or incidents at their locations Monitoring and reporting activities Conclusion Neo-geography has caused a large shift in the way people view and use maps. The Conclusion Focus on data quality Focus on analysis that gis’s can carry out, neogeo can’t really do this – only really displys at the mo planning Also focus on fact that most neogeo is built on a gis foundation. These reasons neogeo will not end prof GIS GIS has a huge amount of uses including: Managing business activities Planning Emergency services Land management Transport Utility operations Benefits of GIS include: Fundamentals of GIS (intro to GIS first few pages) GIScience – the professional arm? Introduction Geography (use demystified, use GIS: an introduction, use gis and science)( The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Business PDF) They will explain gis from geography How much gis used now in daily life, business etc (google gis in daily life)( CONCEPTS AND THEORIES OF GIS IN BUSINESS)( The use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) in Business PDF) Mention neogeo; use intro to neogeo try to rehash what it is in a few lines with examples The hardware and software functions of a GIS are as follows: Acquisition and verification Compilation Storage Updating and changing Management and exchange Manipulation Retrieval and presentation Analysis and combination These actions are applied to the data held in the GIS. All of this data is georeferenced i.e. linked to a location on the earth’s surface using a coordinate system. Information can be attached to locations (Heywood, Cornelius Carver 2011) tell us that in general, the definitions of GIS cover three main components: It is a computer system comprising of both hardware and software, It uses spatially referenced or geographical data and, Carries out various management and analysis tasks. Hardware is used to collect and input data. Analysis of the information can then be undertaken using the software. By providing spatial analysis of suitably coded data it is possible to provide striking, visual representations of data. These representations can often reveal patterns and trends that might otherwise have gone unnoticed without the use of GIS techniques.

Ikea Pestle And Strategic Options Analysis Marketing Essay

Ikea Pestle And Strategic Options Analysis Marketing Essay INTRODUCTION The aim of this paper is to conduct a SWOT and a PESTEL analysis of IKEA and summarise an assessments of IKEAs strategy and strategic options. IKEA, which was started in 1943, is the world largest furniture retailer. It offers a wide range of well-designed, functional home furnishing products at affordable prices. This enables as many people as possible to afford them. IKEAs focus throughout its existence has been to make and provide good products at low prices to customers. Thus, it has with time developed methods that are both cost-effective and innovative. SWOT ANALYSIS According to Kourdi (2009), an analysis of the companys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats is a good tool for gathering information on the strategic position of the business. He explains that strengths and weaknesses are found within the internal environment of the organisation while opportunities and threats are usually found from the external environment within which the business operates. Strengths IKEA provides other amenities in their stores these include playrooms for children, ample parking space and restaurants and Swedish cafà ©s. This attracts customers who care about parking and who have children. The children can be left playing at the play zone while the parents do the shopping. IKEA designs its own furniture. This makes the business become innovative in designs and also assures customers of the same range of furniture and quality all over the world. Long-lasting relationships with selected key suppliers are a major strength of IKEAs purchasing and product development strategy. This is because IKEA is directly involved only in conceiving, distributing, and selling its products Designing products so that they can be packed flat and assembled by our customers greatly reduces IKEAs cost. This means IKEA can ship more items in one truck, less storage space is required, labour costs are educed and transport damages are avoided. For the customer, this means lower priced products and easy transportation home. Weaknesses Scandinavian design and style is not everyones preference. IKEA needs to diversify on its product design to appeal to other conservative markets in the world. For example, customising some products and amenities like restaurants to oriental markets in a place like China or Hong Kong , Arabic ones for the middle-east or even African products for the African market (when it ventures to Africa) will appeal more to another market segment of traditionalists or very patriotic citizens of these regions Since IKEA does not own any transport facilities, its supply and distribution network is physically connected through external actors and thousands of logistic partners. Coordinating and connecting this complex network it had adopted needs a lot of concentration and very advances monitoring system, in addition, IKEA does not unilaterally control and most of the logistic relationships Opportunities There is the potential to expand to other areas where IKEA has no stores due to its international fame, strong globally recognised brand and growing demand for its products. These untapped markets include South America and Africa. IKEA recycles materials in its aim to grow organically. IKEAs website states that There is a true business potential for IKEA in providing solutions that enable customers to live a more sustainable life at home. IKEA is developing effective solutions for customers in order to support them recycling or reusing used products, aiming at no products ending up at landfill and the recycled materials used in producing new IKEA products.  [1]   Threats IKEA delegates much responsibility to its competent partners. These are normally either those who have long been in charge of manufacturing a certain product, or those who have specific technical competences. This provides a difficulty in controlling and maintaining standards. Due to this, IKEAs competences and organizational structure need to keep on being re-visited and modified to fit specific partners and interaction processes and networks Like any other business, Competition from low end general discount retailers such as Wal-Mart, office supply stores such as Office Depot, and discount warehouses such as Costco. Wal-Mart is the worlds number one retailer. These general merchandise retailers tend to aggressively promote their furniture products on the basis of price as well. Another threat is the high-end specialty retailers who normally offer luxurious store environments designed to appeal to people looking for feelings of affluence, high class, ostentation prosperity, and comfort. These retailers also offer various payment options and easy credit to make it easier for shoppers to commit to a more items or costly products. PESTLE ANALYSIS PESTLE is a tool that is used to analyse the macro-environment in which an organisation exists. It is an acronym that stands for Political, Economic, Social, Technological, Legal and Environmental factors. PESTLE analysis generates information that helps senior managers when strategising and when formulating strategic plans and policies Morrison (2008) argues that PESTLE analysis can also be used as a framework for looking outside the organisation to hypothesise what may or may not happen. It is a useful framework to use to ensure that some of the basic factors are not overlooked or ignored. Used in a similar way to that of business planning  [2]   Political environment This includes issues to do with government policies on taxation, tariffs and trade restrictions. It also encompasses employment laws and the activities and involvement of trade unions. Political stability of the environment is also important. IKEAs political environment is favourable. In Europe and America, the political systems have developed over long time providing a very stable environment. IKEA does not operate in Africa where most nations are not politically stable Economic Factors IKEA like most businesses in Europe and America is currently operating in global economic recession. In most countries, there has been slow economic growth for the last two years. Other economic factors are typical to each country and have to with inflation rates, interest rates, wage rates and minimum wage legislations. Sociological factors Markets where IKEA operates are faced with changing social trends. For example there are now fewer first time buyers in the housing market which is mainly due to hard economic times. Thus there may be a deceleration in the markets growth rate. According to echeat.com, many people associate Sweden with a fresh healthy way of life.  [3]  This Swedish lifestyle is reflected in the IKEA product range. The freshness of the open air is reflected in the colours and materials used and the sense of space they create by using blond-coloured woods, untreated surfaces and natural textiles. IKEA has also developed a very comprehensive corporate social responsibility program. IKEAs social responsibility policy gives a provision for humanitarian donations and support to various charities such as the World Wildlife Fund, UNICEF and Save the Children fund. Technology IKEA has embraced technology as a business tool. It has an up to date website from which customers can view online catalogues, check for stock availability before going to the store, order online and even correspond with the customer service team. As technology evolves, IKEA will perpetually keep on updating and upgrading its technology to keep pace with its global networks ranging from network relationships with supplier to those with distributors. Legal IKEA is a global business. This means that it is affected by many laws and legislations in all the different countries. This poses a threat where IKEA may be unable to control standards and/or quality in some jurisdictions where IKEA products are where there are no regulations to control working conditions. Environment Since it was founded IKEA has been sensitive to the environment which leads it in making better use of both raw materials and energy. This keeps costs down and helps the company to reach its green targets and have an overall positive impact on the environment SUMMARY ON IKEAS STRATEGY AND STRATEGIC OPTIONS IKEA can create more opportunities and tackle threats by strategic planning whist taking advantage of its strengths and working on its weaknesses. In the case study IKEA Invades America, IKEAs strategy is to have market dominance and market leadership as far as house furnishings are concerned. It can do so by assess its external and competitive environment Low-prices for it products is the main IKEAs strategy that makes customers want to buy from IKEA. This low price strategy is coupled with a wide range of well designed products. IKEAs products cater for every lifestyle and life stage of its customers, who come from all age groups and types of households. This diversity in the niche market is increases IKEAs potential market. In the case study Strategy in Industrial Networks: Experiences from IKEA by E. Baraldi, Industrial networks and business relationships play key roles for the strategy of IKEA. It should therefore continue to work with suppliers who take responsibility for people and the environment and who want to grow and develop with IKEAs growth. As part of its continuous work to improve conditions in the supply chain, IKEA has implemented a revised code of conduct, IWAY, and joined an industry collaboration exploring the possibility of developing global supply chain standards (IKEA sustainability report 2009: 13) Sustainability needs to be a part of the IKEA business strategy, and must therefore be integrated into each and every one of IKEAs business strategies, and in its product range (IKEA sustainability report 2009: 8). IKEA will need to lead developments with innovation and technical know-how and be transparent to its stakeholders. IKEAs products, processes and systems should continue demonstrating responsibility for people and the environment.

No Child Left Behind Essay example -- Education Teaching Learning Essa

No Child Left Behind As students in a Structure & Philosophy class, one of the main components has been to introduce and familiarize us with the No Child Left Behind Act. President Bush passed this legislation on January 8, 2002. The NCLB Act was designed to ensure each and every student the right to a fair education, to give parents more options in their child’s education, and to guarantee all teachers are highly qualified. By highly qualified, the act means teachers must have at least a bachelor’s degree, have full state certification or licensure, and have demonstrated competence in their subject areas (US Dept. of Education). â€Å"Making the Grade,† which was published in the Salt Lake Tribune in September of this year, is an article arguing the negative sides of the No Child Left Behind Act. Through this article, a majority of the discussion regarded the budgeting involved with NCLB. This article calls No Child Left Behind a â€Å"one-size-fits-all formula for improving education in America† (Making the Grade). According to President Bush, the NCLB Act is â€Å"’the cornerstone’ of his administration† (Salt Lake Tribune). Like with any legislation, however, come both positive and negative sides. As argued in â€Å"Making the Grade,† the No Child Left Behind Act seeks to reduce gaps in testing areas that have allowed kids to advance without having high-quality skills in subjects such as math and reading. By discovering what kids are slipping through the gaps in testing, it will be easier for schools to aid these students and make sure they are not left behind. Other main goals of this act include to find teachers who are not well educated in the subjects they are currently teaching, and to locate those schools who fail t... ... Act highly overweigh the few negative sides of the act, such as the supposed lack of funding as pointed out in â€Å"Making the Grade.† With time and patience, I feel everyone will see the benefits of this act and will be supportive of a brighter future of education in the US. Works Cited: â€Å"Making the Grade.† Salt Lake Tribune. 14 Sept. 2003. 30 Oct. 2003. http://web.lexisnexis.com/universe/document?_m=e639f774e6d2737990eb1dcaeec86e34&_docnum=92&wchp=dGLbVlbzSkVA&_md5=66c0907fb6980f1de15959b46cf292a4 US Department of Education. Choices for Parents. 8 November 2003. http://www.ed.gov/nclb/choice/index.html?src=ov US Department of Education. No Child Left Behind. 8 November 2003. http://www.ed.gov/nclb/landing.jhtml US Department of Education. No Child Left Behind. 8 November 2003. http://www.ed.gov/nclb/accountability/ayp/testing.html

Fight Club Essay -- Literary Analysis, Chuck Palahniuk

Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club is a seductive novel which chronicles an unnamed narrator’s ability to cope with an emasculated, self-centered, materialistic society by creating an alter ego. Throughout the text, the theme of the emasculated modern man is presented both in the life of the narrator, and in the lives of the male characters he surrounds himself with. Through notions of absent fathers, consumerism and an innocuous/aimless existence, Palahniuk presents how men in modern society have lost their masculine identity and the extreme actions they go to in order to obtain it again. Belittled by their absent fathers, broken homes, and a feminine-centered society, the men in Fight Club present an incisive notion of the lives of modern men. With no outlet for expression the modern man is, in all aspects of his life, physically emasculated and emotionally castrated. Palahniuk represents the cultural loss of masculine identity in the second chapter of the text. A group of men sit together in a support group, helping one another cope with the emasculation they are destined to face. The support group, â€Å"The Remaining Men Together,† is for testicular cancer, meaning the men gathered are literally castrated. The men presented in the group struggle with emotional castration as well. One man, â€Å"Big Bob,† is revealed as a former body builder (a rather masculine profession) who abused steroids: trading in his â€Å"huevos† for â€Å"bitch tits† (Palahniuk 21). Bob has also been divorced three times and is now â€Å"bankrupt [with] two gr own kids who [will not] return his calls† (22). Big Bob and the rest of the group are emasculated and revert to emotional release, crying and group hugging, as their form of therapy. An emotional release such as crying is... ...he world free of history† (124) and create a new order where men are prominent. Similar to the experience of fight club, the men in the new order must rely on instinct and strength in order to succeed. Therefore the ability to endure pain is a way to attain power and masculinity. Chuck Palahniuk’s Fight Club is the story of the emasculated man living in the postmodern world. With no father to raise him he is left to his own devices. The grown man will ultimately succumb what culture tells him a man is, often relying on materialistic possessions to define his identity. As a result, the postmodern man becomes a slave to the social order and power relations of conventional society. Although he fits in with this society the emasculated man is miserable with his innocuous existence. Fight club, however, is the means in which he can restore his masculine identity.

Supply and Demand :: essays research papers

Supply 1   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The rubber supply in Japan is at an all time low. The article chosen discusses how the low supplies of rubber are not typical for the time of year. Tokyo rubber or TOCOM is the Tokyo Commodity Exchange which regulates the rubber market in Japan. A rally was held recently which was the largest in years because of the concerns about low supplies and historically low rubber stocks.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The benchmark December rubber contract on the Tokyo Commodity Exchange rose as high as 169.2 yen per kg, the priciest for TOCOM's key contract since March 11, 1996, when prices hit 174.6. At the close it was up 3.4 yen at 168.7 (TOCOM.). The contracts that are already signed between different companies for delivery from August to November of 2005 are not looking too good. The price for rubber is expected to rise five yen on the stock exchange. July’s contracts, which have no price limit, finished up seven at 189.8 yen per kg of rubber. This meant that the rubber contracts hit their life-time high. The expectations of investors in Tokyo are that the price of rubber will peak in August and begin to decrease when rubber supplies increase.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The price gap of rubber between the December and July widened to 21.1 yen. Rubber supplies have been low due to a delay in shipments from Thailand. Thailand is the world's largest manufacturer and exporter of natural rubber. The shipments of rubber have fallen due to bad weather conditions. Rubber supplies normally drop from the beginning of February which is winter and the dry season in southern Thailand. During Supply 2 this season, latex output declines because the rubber trees shed their leaves. Production in general, returns to normal by beginning of May, but the buyers are still not getting enough shipments.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Japan purchases over 60 percent of its rubber imports from Thailand. Because the signs of short production, rubber stocks in Japan have decreased to the lowest level in forty years. According to the he Rubber Trade Association of Japan, Prior to June of 2005, the lowest the stock had been was back in 1962. Because of the high costs of rubber and the decrease in supply, manufacturers are considering shifting to natural rubber from expensive synthetic rubber. High oil costs have also driven up rubber costs.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Because of the low supplies of rubber, companies are forced to increase the price.

Outline of persuasive speech Essay

Specific purpose: To persuade my audience that IQ testing is not a valid measure to be used on modern populations. Central Idea: At the end of my speech the audience will know all about the disadvantages of IQ testing in addition to the bad impact it has on today’s society. Introduction: After taking 3 different IQ tests and averaging the results I can tell you that my IQ is either of 82 which is considered as low average or of 123 which is considered as superior! Ask yourself one question; would you look at me differently if you knew which one it really is? At the end of the speech you’ll know all about the disadvantages of IQ testing and why it is not a fit measure to be used on modern populations.  I’m going to first tell you about the consequences that a low IQ test result can have on a person’s life, then I’m going to tell you about how the IQ test is in fact not as reliable as anyone would think and finally even though it might not be 100% reliable it is still the best existing way of measuring logic. Body: I- A low IQ test score can result in having a psychological as well as a social impact on the test taker. A. Social impact: 1. The most dangerous assumption on IQ testing is that it measures someone’s biological or inborn intelligence that is set in stone and therefore can never change. The family and the teachers of someone with a low IQ will expect much less of that person which will then fail because of the lack of encouragements he is receiving. 2. Moreover, according to Bruce Uditsky in his article:† One of the original purposes of IQ tests was to determine or predict which students would require additional help to be successful in school. It then is an interesting question as to how these IQ scores evolved into stigmatizing, categorizing, racially prejudiced and negatively life-defining outcomes for students with developmental disabilities and others†. B. A child with a low IQ score will start feeling inferior to his  friends specially that at a young age competition between friends is at its peek. The negative labels applied as a consequence of an IQ test are lifelong and in the current context of our society limiting and hurtful. Transition: Therefore it is important to ask ourselves if this test that can determine if someone is mentally less capable than someone else is in fact reliable enough. II- The reasons why intelligence quotient tests are not reliable enough: A. A score can differ significantly from one IQ test to another taken by the same person, in the same conditions: 1- â€Å"During 2002–2003, as part of validation for their new IQ test, the KABC-II, Alan and Nadeen Kaufman looked at IQ test scores from a dozen children aged 12-13 who were tested on three different contemporary IQ tests. The first thing to note is that those exposed to greater opportunities for learning tended to score higher on IQ tests than those from lower-SES backgrounds. But even collapsing across SES, every single preadolescent had a different IQ score based on which test they took. The differences for the dozen children ranged from 1 to 22 points, with an average difference of 12 points†. 2- Therefore if a chi ld scored 75 on a test he would be labeled as â€Å"slow learner†, but it is very possible that the same child could have scored 95 on another approved IQ test, and a score of 95 is an average score. B. Moreover, IQ tests are culturally unfair, most of the approved ones are designed for use among white middle class children. And as we can see in this slide, an average Ethiopian person would be considered retarded in Hong Kong. Transition: On the other hand IQ tests are still the best way to measure logical thinking and can benefit children who get a good score on it. III- Benefits of IQ testing: A. If a student who has a high score is having difficulties learning, directly an assumption is made that his learning processes needs to be understood and educational strategies need to be applied in order to help the student become successful. B. In addition, if we don’t generalize it to be a test that measures intelligence IQ testing is the best way to measure logical abilities, which is the closest thing to intelligence. Conclusion: In conclusion, because IQ tests are administered by human beings on human beings, they are not 100% reliable and the same person can get very  different results on two different tests and because they are culturally unfair; IQ tests shouldn’t be considered as a valid measure of human intelligence and therefore a person with a low score should not be categorized and stigmatized for life. References: Udistky, B. (n.d.). IQ testing: A critique for parents of children with developmental disabilities. www.acl.org. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.aacl.org/clientuploads/documents/IQarticle.pdf Kaufman, S. B. (2013, July 7). IQ tests hurt kids, schools — and don’t measure intelligence. www.salon.com Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.salon.com/2013/07/07/iq_tests_hurt_kids_schools_and_dont_measure_intelligence/ Countries with the Highest / Lowest Average IQ. (n.d.). Statistic Brain RSS. Retrieved December 5, 2013, from http://www.statisticbrain.com/countries-with-the-highest-lowest-average-iq/

Modernization Essay

As we begin to ponder the future of modernization, and the possible consequences that are apt to occur, perhaps we should first revisit the definition of modernization. To this end we can start by saying that modernization is thought of as a concept that states that the development of societies can be considered as a standard evolutionary pattern that has a tendency to stimulate growth. It can also be considered as the concept that refers to the process where society goes through several stages, including industrialization, urbanization, and various other social changes, that tend to completely transform the lives of individuals. One must first take into consideration that modernization, taken in-and-of- itself, should not be considered either good or bad. Modernization is not limited to the geographical bounds of the United States but actually affects people worldwide, and has wide ranging effects including politically, socially, economically, and environmentally throughout the entire populated world. Of course, as in most things, there are positive aspects of modernization as well as several consequences. Perhaps it could be posited that Industrialization began the social changes in the United States society that could be referred to as the modernization of the United States. Although there were many changes before industrialization they were perhaps not as wide-ranging or as monumental. For the purposes of this discussion we can say that modernization refers to the changes of social patterns since the time of the industrial revolution (Macionis, J. J. , 2011). These changes are going to continue, so that we can have better and more efficient technology. Our buildings are even being built to endure certain circumstance based on location. We have advanced so much there would be no reason to take a step back now. We are finding more and better ways to improve our everyday lives and makes things easier for an everyday commute. We have changed the way we think and treat people as well. Since we are a more diverse society people don’t judge each other based on their race, gender, sexual orientation, or ethnicity. The way we treat others in the workplace and sexual harassment has changed also sexual harassment is now a serious crime and has consequences. Modernization is a world-wide trend. We often use conference calling for business meetings in foreign countries. Most countries now have access to the World Wide Web as well. Countries are looking for ways to modernize and adapt to the new technology we have available. There are societies and religions that do not believe in modernization such as the Amish. In some societies socialization has become closer among residents while others societies have grown further apart. Schools are adapting to other cultures and standards. Education is changing as well as work ethics and duties. Countries want to find new ways to expand and progress. Japan and China are two countries that have shown major modernization in the last few decades. All countries can benefit from the progression of modernization. Modernization helps to societies as well as has its negative aspects. We will discuss the negative effects later. Technology blends with our society and traditions are often lost. With more technology we find less need for backbreaking labor and many jobs are replaced with machines. Modernization has even affected our environment with pollution. There are positive aspects to modernization as well. As mentioned before the technology helps in the workplace by making things more efficient, faster, and less costly. Modernization has also change the way be build. Many of our buildings are now modernized and more appealing to onlookers. We can now see other parts of the world just by searching the internet. We can socialize with others that are across the globe without leaving our homes. Modernization has led to social, political, economical, cultural changes, and more. We have brought change in society in numerous ways. Modernization has helped to legalize same-sex marriages, abortions and other things that were considered forbidden before. Some fear with the advance in modernization that we may lose sight in religious values. The great thing about modernization is more people are thinking for themselves, and fighting for what they believe in. A study done in china had found that people in underdeveloped areas where more likely to get lung cancer because of smoking in their homes and using solid heat to cook and heat. The study found it was better on their health to live in a more modernized society. The wood and coal used to make their heat and warm their food was also a cause of lung cancer. So modernization, even though it has also caused pollution in the past, can also help us to become more environmentally friendly. This study shows that we are learning from our mistakes and making better choices to make a better future. Modernization has its good qualities as well as its bad. Technology will continue to advance and societies will continue to adapt. We will continue our want and need for something faster, better, and more efficient than the technology we already have. Countries will continue to compete with each other to come out with the latest technology and best advancements. We will continue to accept new trends, ideas, and values. Some traditions will diminish though we will have new advancements to take their place. The U. S. alone has grown to accept new things such as same sex marriage, rights to vote and more. With as advance as we have become worldwide there is no reason for modernization to stop where it is. We can always learn new things, make new things and come together as better communities. We can also learn to adapt and make better choices for our environment to ensure a healthier world for generations to come.