To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapters 1-3 Free Essays

To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapters 1-3 1. Dill, Jem, Simon Finch, Atticus, John Hale Finch, Calpurnia, Mrs. Henry Lafayette Dubose, Mr. We will write a custom essay sample on To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapters 1-3 or any similar topic only for you Order Now Radley, Boo Radley, Mrs. Radley, Mr. Conner, Miss Stephanie Crawford, Nathan Radley, and Scout are introduced in the first chapter. 2. This book is set in the Great Depression (1929-1939). Harper Lee used the Scottsboro Case (1931) as the spark to write the trial sequences in the novel. 3. Scout narrates in the first person, telling what she saw and heard at the time and augmenting this narration with thoughts and assessments of her experiences in retrospect. Although she is by no means an omniscient narrator, she has matured considerably over the intervening years and often implicitly and humorously comments on the naivete she displayed in her thoughts and actions as a young girl. 4. In To Kill a Mockingbird the Finch family is well off compared to the rest of society. The father, Atticus, is a lawyer. 5. To Kill a Mockingbird takes place in the fictional small Southern town of Maycomb in the 1930s. 6. Scout and Jem’s fathers’ name is Atticus and he is a lawyer with a distaste for criminal law, but he protects an innocent, black man. . The doors and shutters are always closed, the yard is unkempt, and one of the inhabitants of the house hasn’t been seen in years. 8. The children think he’s mad, violent, eats raw animals, walks around people’s yards at night, can kill plants by breathing on them, and is going to KILL THEM ALL. 9. Miss Rachel’s nephew. He’s in Maycomb because he visits Miss Rachel every summer. Dill is also a friend and â€Å"fiance† of Scout’s. He’s also Jem’s friend. 10. Scout goes to school for the first time. 11. The teacher becomes annoyed with Scout because Scout already knows how to read and write, and she tells the teacher about the Cunninghams, making her look like a fool. 12. Her father (Atticus) was a lawyer and would come home from work and read the paper. He used to read her stories and that’s how she learned to read. 13. Scout gets in trouble by learning how to read, write, and by telling Miss Caroline about the Cunningham’s financial situations. 14. Jean Louise Finch is Scout’s real name. 15. No, because she doesn’t respect their family clans (Cunninghams, Finches, Ewell, etc. , customs, and more traditional learning styles. 16. It shows that miss Caroline does not know a thing about her student and needs to get to know them better! because poor scout thinks he is helping put miss Caroline and Walter but he gets spanked and punished because she does not know her students because she is a new teacher. 17. She got in trouble with her teacher for explaining on why Walter didn’t take the money that Miss Caroline (the teacher) offered him. Scout wasn’t someone who took embarrassment lightly! 18. Jem invites Walter Cunningham over for dinner to try and resolve the situation. 19. It takes a long time because Walter doesn’t want to owe them, and he doesn’t want to rely on charity and spoil his honor. 20. She is alarmed at the things ‘jumping’ out of Burris Ewell’s hair, which he calls ‘cooties’†¦ 21. Scout wants to quit school because her teacher told her she wouldn’t be allowed to read or write for years. 22. He taught them to stand in the other persons shoes, look at their soul and not make judgements based on race or social status. How to cite To Kill a Mockingbird Questions Chapters 1-3, Essay examples

Triangulation in Social Sciences Research †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Triangulation in Social Sciences Research. Answer: Introduction The research paper would potentially focus on conducting both empirical research and also in designing an effective methodology for data collection and analysis for understanding the factors that enhance the level of pressure concerning decision-making functions in automobile industry. The research would also probe in understanding the impacts of pressure of decision-making functions and the manner the pressure can be reduced for enhancing productivity of decision-making in automobile industry. Decision-making activities are required to be carried out in an information-sharing and collaborative environment between the different stakeholders such that the same helps in reducing the level of pressure concerning decision-making functions. Thus, effective information technology tools are required to be aligned contributing in information-sharing such that the same would help in reducing pressure concerning decision-making activities. The research aims in finding out the reasons and rationale regarding decision making under pressure in automobile industry. It would thereby aim in understanding the impacts behind generating decision making under pressure in automobile industry. Finally the research activity would also aim in understanding the process through which pressure can be reduced regards decision making in the automobile industry. The objectives of the research activity are outlined as follows. To understand the reasons behind growth of pressure regards decision making activity in automobile industry. To reflect on the positive and negative impacts of decision making under pressure in automobile industry. To reflect on the fashion by which pressure can be lessened for enhancing productivity of decision making in automobile industry. Research Questions What are the reasons for conducting decision making activity in the automobile industry under pressure? What are the impacts of the decision making activities conducted under pressure on the automobile firms? How can the pressure be reduced for aiding in effective decision making in the automobile industry? The growing levels of complexity concerning changing structure of consumer demands with also the demand for new technological levels and sustainable products run on renewable energy sources is observed to increase the level of complexity concerning decision-making functions in automobile industry. The research activity thus focuses on understanding the different processes through which pressure concerning decision-making can be reduced in automobile firms and its impacts thereof. Nowadays the activities concerning decision-making in the automobile industry are observed to turn increasingly complex owing to growing intricacies concerning the product development stages, enhancing the productivity of the supply chains and also in terms of meeting the sustainability objectives while introducing new technologies, operational processes and products. Moreover, the decision-making activities in the automobile industry are now governed with a demand for acting in a transparent, flexible and collaborative fashion through involving ideas generated by different stakeholders to the decision-making process(Ghemawat, 2011). Thus lack of availability of effective connectivity and online or virtual sharing platforms creates pressure concerning carrying out the decision-making functions in automobile industry. Continual changes in consumer demand regarding new and sustainable car models with also the growth of external competition contribute in growth of pressure regarding dec ision-making in automobile industry(Kapoor, 2017). Positive and Negative Impacts of making decisions in pressure in the Automobile Industry Decision-making activities under pressure are observed to have both positive and negative impacts for the automobile industry. On a positive note decision-making activities under immense pressure contribute in generating faster decisions and in rapidly redesigning the production and customer servicing processes to meet external and stakeholder demands. It thereby enhances the responsive nature of the automobile firms(Heugten, 2011). On the negative front, decision-making activities under pressure signify a failure concerning the sharing of effective information aiding in decision-making functions between the different stakeholder groups. The same affects the productivity of the decision-making functions leading to a failure in meeting of desired objectives(Baumrukov, 2016). The amount of pressure concerning decision-making activities in the automobile industry can be effectively reduced through the incorporation of effective information technology systems and processes that would enable greater collaboration between the different stakeholders like suppliers, production and operation managers and customers. Development of effective collaboration between the parties involved in decision-making helps the production and operation team gain key access to effective resources and infrastructure while also in gaining access to key ideas from customers for designing of effective and sustainable vehicle models(Machado Davim, 2016). Different types of analytical tools are required to be rightly incorporated for contributing in generating productive decision-making under pressure. Use of different types of analytical and designing tools are required to be incorporated for aiding the decision-making process concerning automobile designing (Tavana, 2014). The research would be carried out through the involvement of two research philosophies like Interpretivism and Positivism. Interpretivism based research activity requires the focus to be made on the development on unstructured questions that helps in generating narrative inferences addressing the research problem. It focuses on interpreting the perception and feelings of the respondents associated to the context of the research. The open-ended questions are employed by the researcher for undertaking of interviews of respondent groups to meet the objectives of interpretivism research. Employment of interpretivism research philosophy contributes in generating qualitative inferences (Hussein, 2009). The deployment of Positivism Research is identified as that which requires the use of statistical tools and diagrammatic research styles for aptly addressing the research objectives. Positivism research philosophy focuses on generation of research hypotheses and thereby in employing quantitative techniques for proving the same. The researcher in terms of employing Positivism Research aims in the development of unstructured or close-ended questionnaire sets that contributes in generating specific and quantitative inferences for meeting research objectives (Hammer, 2015). Research Technique The employment of inductive research styles requires the researcher to focus on studying different literary sources for gaining access to qualitative and conceptual inferences. The study of contextual research activity ideally contributes in the development of novel contexts and theoretical approaches while also helps in the generation of a conceptual diagram associated to the research problem. Qualitative inferences are generated based on the employment of inductive research (Gioia, Corley, Hamilton, 2013). The incorporation of deductive research activity focuses on generating research hypotheses and thereby conducts survey activity through the generation of structured questionnaires that are employed for conducting surveys. Conducting of deductive research ideally contributes in the generation of quantitative and specific inferences that meets the different research hypotheses (Cortina, Aguinis, DeShon, 2017). The use of secondary or empirical research is made in terms of study of potential literatures like books, journals and other online articles and reports in the research context. Employment of secondary research design helps the researcher for gaining access to authentic and qualitative data in a faster and cheaper manner. Qualitative inferences gained from the use of secondary research ideally serve as an effective background for carrying out primary research activities in future (Parker, Morgeson, Johns, 2017). Employment of primary research activity requires the development of both open and close-ended questionnaires. The questionnaires are used for conducting of interviews and surveys respectively. The application of primary research activity is identified to be time consuming and costly in nature. However, the application of primary research contributes in generating current inferences for effectively addressing different research objectives (Venable, Pries-Heje, Baskerville, 2016). Carrying of interview and survey research ideally contributes in generating both qualitative and also quantitative inferences associated to the research issue. The combination of both qualitative and also quantitative research approaches ideally helps in meeting the objectives of triangulated research. Employing triangulated research enhances the potential of research in that the same addresses both the research questions and objectives. Qualitative inferences gained based on conducting of interview and quantitative inferences gained based on employing survey activity rightly helps in the generating both elucidatory and specific inferences (Wolf Floyd, 2013). The conducting of interview based research activity requires the generation of focused groups that are subjected to interviews based on the construction of open-ended questionnaires. Here, the researcher focuses on incorporating different types of instruments like good quality microphones, recording gadgets, pen and paper for capturing and recording inferences rendered by respondents. The use of the above tools rightly helps in generating interview transcripts which in turn fulfills the conducting of the research activity. Focused groups are required to be constructed of managerial respondents pertaining to different automobile companies which would be interviewed for gaining of in-depth inferences associated to the research context. Face-to-face interviews are carried out such that the same helps the researcher for undertaking of notes regarding observation made of the respondent groups (Wright, Wahoush, Gabel, Jack, 2016). Data collection regarding survey activity is conducted by the researcher through the development of structured questions for generating specific inferences to address the research objectives. The structured questionnaires thus constructed are required to be dispatched to the respondents either through the use of physical mailers or based on the application of survey monkey as an online survey tool. Quantitative data is collected through the development of five-point likert scales against the different structured questions such that the percentage of responses gained associated to the different questions are tabulated in an excel sheet for conducting of needful analysis (McCarthy, Wagner, Sanders, 2017). The undertaking of focused group interviews requires the researcher for designing of focused groups through the incorporation of non-probability sampling approaches like convenient sampling. The use of convenient sampling ideally contributes in selection of respondents for conducting of focused groups in a faster and simpler fashion. Convenient sampling style requires the researcher to randomly select managerial respondents of around 20 in number from the larger population of managers (Etikan, Musa, Sunus, 2016). The carrying out of survey research activity requires the researcher for selection of large number of sample respondents through the employment of probability sampling like stratified random sampling. The employment of stratified random sampling requires the researcher for development of the survey population based on two different strata sets like that of supervisors or front-line managers and employee groups. Around 100 respondents are required to be selected from two strata groups in a random fashion. The incorporation of stratified random sampling approach ideally contributes in reducing the chances of emergence of sampling errors had in the case of simple random sampling (Cekim Kadilar, 2017). The carrying out of interview based research activity contributing in the generation of qualitative inferences requires the researcher for focusing on conducting of qualitative data analysis. The conducing of qualitative data analysis requires the researcher for development of codes through the identification of words and phrases and thereby in identification of correlation between the different codes for generation of qualitative inferences. Herein, different codes like decision making, decision making under pressure, productivity of decision making, automobile industry, decision making in automobile industry and decision making under pressure in automobile industry are required to be identified and thereby the relationship between such are required to be analyzed for gaining of qualitative inferences (Gioia, Corley, Hamilton, 2013). The conducting of quantitative data analysis requires the researcher for incorporation of different statistical and diagrammatic research tools for generation of specific and quantitative inferences in addressing the research objectives. Statistical tools like descriptive statistics can be employed for generation of quantitative inferences like mean, median and mode values and also skewness associated to the research variables. Similarly, different diagrammatic tools like pie, bar and line charts are needed to be constructed for enhancing the quality of the inferences gained based on the use of quantitative research (Wright, Wahoush, Gabel, Jack, 2016). Research Ethics The undertaking of interviews and surveys requires the fulfillment of some ethical guidelines. The researcher firstly focuses on helping the respondents understand and approve the rationale and objectives regarding conducting the stated research. Approval of the research objectives and rationale rightly helps in generating needed support of the respondent groups for the undertaking of the research activity. Secondly, the researcher also requires in generating a statement reflecting that inferences rendered by the respondents are restricted in being published in printed and online fashion without gaining needed approval from the respondents. This would help in retaining the trust of the respondents on the researcher (Graf, 2017). The first chapter focuses on generating an introduction to the research issue. It would also focus on generating research aims and objectives. It would also reflect the research questions that need to be answered for conducting the research. The second chapter ideally focuses on conducting a literature review in terms of studying of books, journals and other online articles associated to the research issue. The study of potential literature ideally contributes in the development of a contextual diagram. Further, the second chapter also focuses on development of research hypotheses for carrying out the research analysis. The third chapter would ideally focus on identifying the different research methods for carrying out the research activity. The chapter in addition to identifying the different research methods also focuses on identifying the fashion based on which data can be collected and analyzed for addressing the research questions and objectives. The third chapter would ideally focus on conducting a detailed analysis through the generation of open and close-ended questionnaires for conducting of interview and survey based research respectively. Collection of qualitative and quantitative inferences through the conducting of interviews and surveys requires the incorporation of qualitative and quantitative research analysis for generation of needful inferences. The fourth chapter focuses on generating a summary of the research activity conducted along the research report. It would also focus on the generation of effective recommendations based on the inferences gained from the analysis. Project Budget The budget for addressing the different sections in the research activity is outlined as under. Task Contents Budget Formulation of the Problem Statement and identifying the research aim and objective with also reflecting on the research questions. This section focuses on formulating the problem statement. It also contributes in identification and highlighting the different aims and objectives behind conducting the research. The section also highlights the research questions that are required to be answered in terms of conducting the research. $50 Conducting of empirical research and also deigning of conceptual diagram with research hypotheses Here, the researcher is concerned with the sourcing and study of essential literature associated with the research issue. It then focuses on development of a conceptual model based on empirical research and generation of research hypotheses. $200 Highlighting the different research methods Herein, the researcher is required to identify the different research methods for carrying out the research while also reflects on the different data collection and analytical processes to be involved. $100 Conducting the data analysis The researcher focuses on conducting data analysis through the use of qualitative and quantitative research tools. $300 Summarizing and drafting the research paper The researcher finally summarizes and drafts the research paper for submission $100 Total $750 Project Scheduling The project scheduling is reflected through the use of a Gantt Chart as follows. Serial No Tasks October November December 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3 4 1 Discussion of the Research Problem 2 Identifying Research Aims and Objectives and also reflecting on research questions 3 Rationalizing the research activity 4 Carrying out empirical research and formulation of conceptual diagram 5 Development of Research Methodology 6 Conducting of interviews and surveys for collecting data 7 Analyzing the data collected 9 Summarizing the inferences and generating recommendations 10 Drafting the research activity and gaining approval of the same References Baumrukov, I. (2016). Manual of First Aid Professional English, Part 1. United States : Xlibris Corporation. Cekim, H. O., Kadilar, C. (2017). Hartley Ross type unbiased estimators using the stratified random sampling. Hacettepe Journal of Mathematics and Statistics , 46 (2), 165-176. Cortina, J. M., Aguinis, H., DeShon, R. P. (2017). Twilight of Dawn or of Evening? A Century of Research Methods in the Journal of Applied Psychology. Journal of Applied Psychology , 102 (3), 274-290. Etikan, I., Musa, S. A., Sunus, R. (2016). Comparison of Convenience Sampling and Purposive Sampling. American Journal of Theoretical and Applied Statistics , 5 (1), 1-4. Ghemawat, P. (2011). World 3.0: Global Prosperity and How to Achieve It. United States: Harvard Business Review Press. Gioia, D. A., Corley, K. G., Hamilton, A. L. (2013). Seeking Qualitative Rigor in Inductive Research: Notes on the Gioia Methodology. Organizational Research Methods , 16 (1), 15-31. Graf, C. (2017). The Pillars of Publication Ethics and Research Integrity: Spread the Word. Chinese Medical Journal , 130 (12), 1502-1504. Hammer, M. R. (2015). The Developmental paradigm for intercultural competence research. International Journal of Intercultural Relations , 48, 12-13. Heugten, K. v. (2011). Social Work Under Pressure: How to Overcome Stress, Fatigue and Burnout in the Workplace. United States: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Hussein, A. (2009). The use of Triangulation in Social Sciences Research: Can qualitative and quantitative methods be combined? Journal of Comparative Social Work , 1-12. Kapoor, V. (2017). What You Can Learn From Military Principles. United States : Bloomsbury Publishing. Machado, C., Davim, J. P. (2016). Green and Lean Management. United Kingdom : Springer. McCarthy, J., Wagner, J., Sanders, H. L. (2017). The Impact of Targeted Data Collection on Nonresponse Bias in an Establishment Survey: A Simulation Study of Adaptive Survey Design. Journal of Official Statistics , 33 (3), 857-871. Parker, S. K., Morgeson, F. P., Johns, G. (2017). One Hundred Years of Work Design Research: Looking Back and Looking Forward. Journal of Applied Psychology , 102 (3), 403-420. Tavana, M. (2014). Analytical Approaches to Strategic Decision-Making: Interdisciplinary Considerations: Interdisciplinary Considerations. United Kingdom : IGI Global. Venable, J., Pries-Heje, J., Baskerville, R. (2016). FEDS: a Framework for Evaluation in Design Science Research. European Journal of Information Systems , 25, 77-89. Wolf, C., Floyd, S. W. (2013). Strategic Planning Research: Toward a Theory-Driven Agenda. Journal of Management , 30 (10), 1-35. Wright, A. L., Wahoush, O., Gabel, C., Jack, S. ,. (2016). Qualitative Health Research Involving Indigenous Peoples: Culturally Appropriate Data Collection Methods. The Qualitative Report , 21 (12), 2230-2245.

Adopting an Information Strategy

Introduction Many improvements in the information technology have recently occurred changing the entire manner in which organizations conduct their businesses. With the help of sophisticated communication devices such as the Internet, coupled with the implementation on of the latest models such as trading hubs and distributed networks, companies stand a chance to slash their total expenditure.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Adopting an Information Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Unfortunately, many organizations are unable to receive optimum utilization of this technology because of the implementation of poor strategies for adopting information technology. The use of effective information strategy should reshape the culture and strategies in an organization. Peters, Heng, and Vet (2002, p.21) define information strategy as â€Å"a unified blueprint utilized by an organization for capturing, processing, delivering, integrating, and presenting of organization’s information in a timely, fast, clean, and consistent manner.† In this regard, any information flowing within an organization should be fast, consistent and devoid of any errors. The new and fast business models have thoroughly sidelined convectional methodologies used by organization in their activities. In any organization, adopting an information strategy is critical in ensuring that the organization withstands stiff competition from other companies. This paper provides a critical literature review on adopting an information strategy by selecting five articles focusing on the issue. The essence of adopting an information strategy Creating an effective communication strategy is of immense essence in any organization. In the recent decades, many organizations have recognized the significant potential of effective information strategies to support various organizational activities, aiding them to gain a unique competitive advantage (Peters, Heng Vet, 2002, p.19). This has increased the essence of adopting information strategy by many organizations all over the globe. Adopting information strategy increases efficiency in a company by ensuring the delivery of all the necessary information in a timely manner with no interruptions. In addition, information strategy aids in keeping healthy relationships between the company and its customers. Through information strategies, multinational companies are able to perform their activities in any part of the globe by utilizing standardized procedures. As Peters, Heng and Vet (2002, p.22) reckon, â€Å"an organization develops through a path of evolution in order to survive†¦this path†¦through a process of continuous change†. Every organization has to be innovative to survive.Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn Mor e Peters, Heng and Vet discuss the strategy of information system within Leasehold Company from 1963 all the way to 1986. They discover the evolution pattern and factors affecting information system strategy. This provides a better insight on adoption of information strategy in various organizations. As the study conducted reveals, there was no application of IS planning. Instead, organizational evolution concepts provided a significant contribution in the process of analyzing the whole development of IS a strategy at this company. As the author posits, identifying IS strategy and utilizing it to serve diverse objectives is of paramount importance (Peters, Heng, Vet 2002, p.23). Another importance of adopting information strategy is an improvement of customer relations in an organization. Utilizing media to communicate with customers has many benefits. Chung-Hoon Young-Gul (2003, p.653) reckon, â€Å"enabled by advanced and sophisticated technologies, companies can now collect unprecedented amount and depth of data on their customers and turn it into valuable information for strategic purposes of the business.† Collecting and analyzing customer’s information is paramount. People need to do it by building a CIS that will enhancive management of customer relationship. An effective CIS should support all types of customer information. As Chung-Hoon and Young-Gul (2003, p. 669) point out, an effective CIS should have the capacity of managing the entire customers’ life cycle, transforming one-time buyers into lifetime core customers. Attracting and retaining customers are of exceptional essence in any organization, as it increases sales leading to more revenues. Factors affecting the adoption of information strategy The current world is changing at a tremendous rate towards effective and faster communication and sophisticated technology that has availed wide options for organizations (Michael 2003, p.27). However, inasmuch as information st rategy provides many benefits, people need to consider certain factors before its adoption by an organization.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on Adopting an Information Strategy specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The article written by Peter, Heng, and Vet provides an extensive description of this by analyzing a case study involving the evolution of Information system (IS) strategy in a Dutch company named Leasehold that involves itself in global leasing. The article emphasizes on the potential of utilizing information systems in improving the efficiency of various activities in an organization. Thus, it enables them to remain competitive in their field. However, the cost of information systems (IS) is a significant hindrance to the adoption of this technology by many organizations. Companies that want to automate their operations, gain strategic advantages, and enhance decision-making have to spend large sums of money approximately millions of dollars. A recent study by Akmanligil and Prashant examine the strategies for global development of information systems, and the main factors affecting their selections. According to this article, cost is one among the key factors influencing the selection of information systems. Akmanligil and Prashant (2004, p. 45) astutely reckon that, â€Å"despite the fact that faster and cheaper communication devices and computers are often introduced to the market on a daily base, the software costs of building information systems (IS) is much higher than that of hardware at a ratio of 80: 20†. Consequently, organizations have to carry out a thorough study of the financial implications of the information strategy they are planning to adopt. Failure to accomplish this will lead to a financial whammy, thus, slowing down operations in the organization. The challenge of globalization is another factor that affects the adoption of information systems . As Akmanligil and Prashant (2004, p.46) posit, globalization has a great impact on how activities of a multinational company are coordinated on a worldwide basis. The system used to mange activities of an organization across one or many borders is referred to as a global information system (GIS). It is extremely critical in managing business activities in multinational corporations (Akmanligil Prashant 2004, p. 46).Advertising Looking for critical writing on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The planning of the methods utilized before implementing information strategy is another factor affecting the adoption of information technology. Utilizing a skilled planning method is of paramount essence. This is because of the fact that comprehensive planning methods provide clear steps for planning a new information strategy (Salmale Ton 2002, p. 446). Planning the Information Strategy is critical for an organization that aims at maximizing its utilization of resources. The main objectives of the planning stage for information strategy include establishing an effective information strategy, which relies on complete evaluation of business strategies (Mua Goy 2002, p.14). Establishing technical strategy for the most efficient use of new or advanced information technology, as well as establishing developmental plans of unique user-oriented sisters that will meet information priorities and needs of an organization are other objectives. They also include the definition of a unique information architecture that will enable future developments of remarkable systems for data sharing. Upon meeting these objectives, the organization will achieve its full potential. As Salmale and Ton (2002, p.446) reckon, Formal information strategy planning structure makes it easier for management in an organization to integrate information systems (IS) or information technology (IT) projects with various events and plans in other subsystem and vice versa. In addition, utilizing various strategies for discussing new ideas prior to adoption of information strategy is significant. For instance, utilizing brainstorming session will aid the organization to come up with new ideas for adopting and using information strategy. In their studies, Salmale and Ton (2002, p. 454) recommend utilization of four cycles method in making long lasting decisions about organizations’ ICT infrastructure. The first cycle is agreeing on stakeholders, as well as planning objectives. The second cyc le involves aligning business objectives as well as information objectives. The third cycle concerns itself with analyzing all resources and infrastructure of the organization, while the last cycle involves authorizing actions. The advantage of this method is the periodical updating of the plans for information strategy organization and ICT infrastructure, thus, eliminating hiccups. Challenges faced in adopting information strategy Many organizations face diverse challenges while implementing information strategy. These challenges come in different forms and require thorough scrutiny in eliminating them. As Salmale and Ton (2002, p.442) reckon, â€Å"with the advent of new technologies such as Internet, the challenge of aligning information strategy with business is more significant and difficult than ever before†. In essence, organizations should employ professionalism in dealing with these challenges in order to avoid losses. The basic tasks worth performing before adopting any information strategy include developing and implementing strategic visions, governing all the projects, allocating all the resources required, ensuring effective management commitment, and planning the entire infrastructure (Thomas Dent-Micallef 1997, p. 386). In addition, information flow is another challenge. Ineffective communication has diverse and detrimental effects on the organization. As Chung-Hoon and Young-Gul (2003, p. 662) posit, more customers are lost through lack of follow up. Because of the complexity of the information in large organizations, information flow encounters a barrier, thus, decreasing efficiency in the organization. In this regard, companies should strive to ensure efficient flow of information between various departments. Chung-Hoon and Young-Gul (2003, p. 667) propose a unique framework of dynamic customer management consisting of three stages: customer acquisition stage, customer retention stage, and customer expansion stage. Using this framewo rk, organization will stand a chance to keep all the information concerning it customers. In addition, this information will be easily available to salespeople, making it easy for the organization to follow its customers. Conclusion Based on the diverse expositions discussed in the paper, adopting information strategy in an organization is paramount especially in the current world characterized by globalization and stiff competition. Moreover, efficient methods and strategies for embedding information technology in an organization into exiting processes are paramount. Organizations should identify them to achieve their goals and objectives. The organization responsibilities, as well as roles, require redefinition to match with information strategy that an organization is adopting. Encouraging development and research activities on adoption and maintenance of unique information technology in organizations is also paramount. It is imperative for all systems, projects, and organization al practices, to correspond with values of information strategy in an organization. References Akmanligil, M., Prashant, P., 2004. Strategies for global information systems Development. Information Management, 42(1), pp. 45-59. Chung-Hoon, P., Young-Gul, K., 2003. A Framework of dynamic CRM: Linking Marketing with information strategy. Business Process Management Journal, 9(5), pp. 652-671. Michael, T., 2003. IT as a Booster of Economy. Oxford: Oxford UP. Print. Mua, M., Goy, N., 2002. Factors Affecting IT. New York: Word Press. Print. Peters, S., Heng, M., Vet, R., 2002. Formation of the information systems strategy in A global financial services company. Information and Organization, 12(1), pp. 19- 38. Salmale, H., Ton, A., 2002. Dynamic and emergent information systems strategy formulation and implementation. International journal of Information Management, 22(1), pp. 441-460. Thomas, P., Dent-Micallef, A., 1997. Information Technology as Competitive Advantage: The Role of Human Business and Technology Resources. Strategic Management Journal, 18(5), pp. 375-405. This critical writing on Adopting an Information Strategy was written and submitted by user Barbara Berry to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Millenium of the West essays

The Millenium of the West essays According to The Economist article "The Millennium of the West," the last millennium, especially the last 250 years, has seen a triumph of the West's beliefs, ideas, military and government. The article makes an attempt to step back in time and analyze the evolution of economic growth, science and technology throughout the world. A commonly stated adage is that one can predict the future by looking into the past; therefore, we will use The Economists research into our past millennium in order to peer into the future and predict the state of the world in June of 2007. When one questions the future of the world they are forced to and must examine the past and current status of the West and its coming state as well. Currently the western world is characterized by electoral democracy, the rule of law, tolerance of descent, and the belief in individual rights. The triumph of western civilization has brought a flourishing of knowledge and wealth, health and population, and institutions and ideas. What if western characteristics were suddenly to change by a world-altering event? Our what if all the West's characteristics slowly evolved into an altered structure? From research into the past we understand that it is possible that certain dominant civilizations are vulnerable to change and may fall as a result of more influential and commanding structures. As a result, a change in the dominance of western civilization is foreseeable, yet it may be unlikable that such an event would occur in the next five years. However, nothing proves that the West's triumph will endure. In fact, Japan has already made a huge mark on the world economy with its exceptional technological advances and its highly efficient organizational and manufacturing structures. Furthermore, with their enormous population's, China and India may also pose a threat to the West's power and influence over the world. In addition, India's influence continues to pose a t...

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

Revising - Essay Example These include logistics, activities prior to the trip, activities during trip and activities following the organized research trip for business students. The study reflects the approach that smaller universities and colleges can take to meet accreditation standards. Getting accredited will help them internationalize their standards and incorporate learning into their curriculum. South Korea has been included as an example to analyze internationalization of the business curriculum. Hofstedes model demonstrates essential differences between United States and South Korea. Traditional cultural practices are witnessed in South Korea and have to be well known by business students. Active learning plays a critical role to enhance problem-solving skills (Sohn, 2006). The case study highlights the importance of including active learning component along with international dimension in a business curriculum in South Korea. There are certain accrediting agencies like Association of Collegiate Business Programs and Schools and Collegiate Schools of Business International, which aims at designing innovative business program. The international dimension outlines importance of diversity or multicultural understanding. Other standards put across by accrediting agencies are a global business dimension where globalization plays an integral role in the business curriculum (Yu, 2010). Another aspect of such curriculum is including problem-solving mechanism as well as active learning skills. Both these objectives could be simultaneously accomplished by focusing on abroad programs for teaching staff and students. However smaller schools lack sufficient funds to incorporate abroad study program for an entire semester. This study is inclined towards an overseas program held in South Korea (Self, 2009). The exchange program to South Korea is divided into various segments such as logistics, trip activities, post-trip

Week 1 discussion questions Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Week 1 discussion questions - Coursework Example By counting the number of branches we can obtain all the possible outcomes of any event. It may be drawn horizontally or vertically. Mean is usually referred to as the average of a number of values. It is obtained by taking the sum of all the given values and then dividing by the total number of entries. It is quite simple to find the mean of the values. However the students may face a problem if there is a zero in the given data; adding a zero will not affect the value of sum but if zero is not counted as an entry huge errors may arise in the mean value. The students may also experience difficulties in accepting the result of the mean of the given numbers because the mean that is obtained may sometimes be a number from the given data and sometimes may vary from the given values; this variation can sometimes be large and sometimes be small. At this point the students face difficulty in accepting the answer. For

Access To Prisoner Education And Correctional Education

Access To Prisoner Education And Correctional Education Prisoners receiving an education will always be opposed by some people. Most prisons offer inmates the opportunity to pursue educational courses, including basic adult education, secondary education, college courses, special education, vocational training, and study release programs. Such programs teach inmates new skills and equip them for life when they complete their sentence. Today, over ninety percent of the federal and state prisons offer some form of educational program to inmates. Prisoners obtaining an education while incarcerated should not be an option, it should be mandatory. Some of the prison population would not be in prison, if they received proper support early in life. Over half of the prison populations have a reading and writing skill level at or below an eleven year old child. With proper education support, a portion of the prison community would never return to prison. they are still human beings that need a purpose to their lives in order to be productive people is the single most effective tool for reducing recidivism. Mandating correctional education would make it much easier for a parolee to find and hold a decent job, and unlike drug users or any other addition, there are no relapses for those who escape illiteracy. In 1991, the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act was created by an Office of Correctional Education. This act was intended to increase the quality of education in the United States prisons. In 1994, Congress passed the Violent Crime Control and Law Enforcement Act which would make convicted felonies ineligible for the Pell grants. The studies showed that for every dollar spend on education, two dollars that would cover the cost of re-incarceration are saved. The societys welfare is positively impacted when inmates acquire education. Misconduct is also effectively reduced by these programs because emphasis on personal responsibility, respect and tolerance of others are being taught. The Inmate Education enables inmates to acquire pro-social values and life skills. The Department of Education study on prison education is significant because it quantified the reduce in recidivism among inmates due to attending classes or training while in prison. Read more at Suite101: Education in Prison: Benefits of Inmate Education Program http://www.suite101.com/content/education-in-prison-a94395#ixzz0zgMpxRoz States budget cuts have taken away educational opportunities in prisons. Teachers were laid off. College correspondence courses and vocational trainings have been cut drastically. All of these changes signify fewer opportunities for inmates to educate themselves and become more productive citizens when released back into society. A big reason why the current budget crisis in California exists is because of the numerous prisons that were built and then filled to overcapacity. That resulted in having to pay for more correctional officers salaries, more food, more clothing, and more medical attention for inmates. Prisons then wouldnt be so overcrowded. When inmates leave prison with a G.E.D., college degree, or vocational training skills, they have a better chance at making it in society. the progress we made in education to convince the parole board when it came time for release. Without schooling, this opportunity to show our aspiration and tenacity through education has been taken fr om us. When you release people from prison who didnt get the opportunity to further their skill set or education, youre sending people home to where they were before coming into prison. If the public doesnt take note of the fact that the success of inmates in prison will eventually help our society and communities in the long run, it shouldnt expect the crime rate or the amount of money they pay in taxes for housing prisoners to go down If a prisoner received an education while incarcerated, the prisoner has something to offer society. If the prisoner has nothing to offer, it is most likely that the person will end up in jail. prisoners are mandated to being educated while in prison, once released they can find employment and have a home. The crime rate will decrease as a whole. Most people feel they have no other choice in life, but to become criminals. Although it is in fact prison, the treatment they receive is nothing short of easy. With free meals, free exercise equipment, free religious services, free counseling, and free college education, prison seems ideal. Some argue that privileges offered in county prisons are too abundant and defeat the purpose of serving ones actual sentence, while members of the opposite belief say that these offerings are needed to keep the inmates sane. Education does change minds, teaches people how to think better, [and] how to find alternatives to the way they used to do things, said Stephen Steurer, executive director of the Correctional Education Association. The main argument erupting in the minds of American citizens today, however, is: should inmates receive a free college education? The opinion can go either way. For some, they feel free college education is a privilege taken way too lightly by the inmates who are receiving it. Hard-working American citizens fight everyday to be their best, striving to succeed as far as they can. Why is it fair that inmates, citizens who have committed crimes, are able to receive a college education for free? Inmates who have caused their families and communities harm are being given an education that they most likely take for granted. If one is in prison, chances that they are aiming to better their education while serving their time are slim. If a murderer is convicted, does society really believe that their first thought when they arrive at their vacant jail cell will be when does school start? No. Counseling and help is what they really need. If somebody is creating chaos and destruction, an education should not be their first priority to making things better. Those who have chosen to commit a crime have chosen to limit their opportunities and freedoms. Providing inmates with a college education also means that tax payer money is going to said programs. Why should innocent, law-abiding citizens be forced to pay for those who have done wrong? The professors and instructors employed at prisons are taking time out of their schedules to provide for those who have done wrong. These people are taking a risk and could be caught in serious danger if the students are not watched carefully. The information and knowledge that they gain could also be used negatively. If one is in prison because of a crime that involved deep knowledge and planning, providing them with an education may only better their success rate if they choose to again commit a crime. Another topic of concern; why should death row inmates or felons who have received a life sentence be given free education? Death row inmates can take some classes, although they are not allowed to leave their cells. A teacher delivers instruction to the prisoner through the bars. They will not be able to use the knowledge they gain because they will always be in jail. So whats the point? Many continue to ask; should repeat offenders still receive a free college education? Obviously they have been given a second chance to better their lives and make things right again, but they still continue to make mistakes. Why do these felons deserve this right, when law-abiding citizens still must pay the fee for higher education? From the other end of the spectrum, however, many will argue that education in prison is what inmates need to keep them sane and alive. Providing them with an education will offer the knowledge that they can have a successful life after prison. Some believe that what inmates are taught in jail should be based on a personal level and that the curriculum should focus on individual effort. On March 14, 2006, a group of educators began their work at a local prison in Worcester, Mass. The experience they gained not only gave them a great sense of self accomplishment, but allowed them to learn along with their students. They know how to translate educere, which in this context means enlightenment or to enlighten, into a meaningful practice and thus transform education into practical knowledge, the kind that leads not only to a better job but also to a more meaningful and creative life. Its rejuvenating, said Antonio Rivera, 23, of the Cheshire Correctional Institution, who is less than halfway through a 12-year sentence for drug dealing. Another example of schooling in prisons occurs in Hagerstown, Maryland. The prisoners, who are held at the Maryland Correctional Training Center, a medium-security facility, recently earned their Master of Theology Studies degrees through the Prison-to-Pulpit program from Covenant Theological Seminary of Tallahassee, FL, a training school that has a Maryland branch. Personally, I believe inmates should not receive free college education while incarcerated. They have obviously committed a crime or a series of crimes, and need to be punished for their actions. While some argue that serving hard time is enough punishment, I believe that, as a prisoner, they have lost every right as a free man. If the education they were receiving was not at a collegiate level and had volunteers providing the material, it would be different. But for them to receive free college education is ridiculous. Students work hard to gain a college education, and it is not fair that one receives it for free, especially if they do not truly want it or appreciate it. People today argue about the temptations that society must face and overcome. In these hard times, it is tough to be a well-rounded individual. Obviously, there is no excuse for committing a crime, but there has to be somebody to blame. I truly do not understand why these criminals are given the education that hard-working men and women must compete for. The issue of inmates receiving free college education is a touchy subject that has obviously stirred controversy. American citizens are free to believe what they feel and, as a strong-minded country, it would be difficult to change their opinions Whether you are for or against inmates receiving free college education while incarcerated, one is entitled to their own opinion. In the words of Voltaire: I may not agree with the words you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it. I completely disagree with you. The American justice system is supposed to focus on rehabilitation and not be a penal system. I DO think there must be more therapy in prisons, but I also think there must be an opportunity to get an education or else you are setting these offenders up to fail when they are released from prison. As most individuals know, you must have a college degree to get anywhere in America these days. If offenders are released from prison and try to find a job with their criminal history, lack of recent experience, and no education they are not very likely to find a decent job, that is if they find a job at all. They leave the prison with nothing, you have to give them the foot hold of an education if they want it. Chuck on March 26th, 2010 11:07 am http://www.mhsroundtable.com/wp-includes/images/blank.gifAngie, There are good people who havent ever been arrested who cant afford to go to college, why should inmates get something law abiding people dont [for free]? Law abiding citizens shouldnt even get a free ride to college from the government anyway. You have to think things through logically and dont base your decisions off of your emotions. This is a good article. julian on April 6th, 2010 8:59 pm http://www.mhsroundtable.com/wp-includes/images/blank.gif chuck, I disagree with you. To say it isnt fair is based on emotion. Logically, if inmates do earn a college degree, it helps us benefit in the long run, because we wont have to spend more money sending them back to prison. Second they will also help by paying taxes. Chuck on April 8th, 2010 11:09 am http://www.mhsroundtable.com/wp-includes/images/blank.gif Im sorry Julian, youre wrong. First off, I never used the word fair, so if youre referring to me, youre misquoting. Anyway, my comment is completely logicalà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ people shouldnt be rewarded for a crime, therefore, people in prison shouldnt get free education. Logically, if inmates do earn a college degree, it helps us benefit in the long run, because we wont have to spend more money sending them back to prison. Second they will also help by paying taxes. This isnt logical, its not logical to assume a convicted criminal will automatically become a normal citizen. About 62% of people arrested will be arrested again. So you really believe that as soon as they get an education their ways will change? But again, you shouldnt be rewarded for committing a crime. barney on April 9th, 2010 11:18 am http://www.mhsroundtable.com/wp-includes/images/blank.gif I dont really agree with this article. Its based to much on the naive stereotypes of prison. Stereotypes such as every man in prison is guilty, they get everything for free, ect.. First off, educating criminals is probably more beneficial to the safety of them and others, making them educated is better than leaving them as violent apes. Lets say a man who has been in prison twenty years has just been released. He has nothing. No money. No friends, nowhere to live. Hell end back up in jail in less than 2 years. Give him an education, maybe it wont end up like that. Not every man in prison is guilty, thats just a sad fact. The justice system is not perfect and never can be. So unless you have been in those shoes, you could not possibly understand how important thing like an education can become to a man. Also, to be fair, if an inmate doesnt want an education, i dont think they would force it upon them. It is probably only going to be given to those who want it. TONY on April 13th, 2010 11:13 am http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/42b0a9829ced240740cbe3105a4e5ec8?s=70d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mhsroundtable.com%2Fwp-includes%2Fimages%2Fblank.gifr=G To all who read this article, I am the reason that the masters of theology program that came to MCTC in Hagerstown MD . I am a former armed robber and I never believed I deserved anything free. As a matter of fact I am grateful that I live in a time of mercy, Had it been 2000 years ago, I would have been on that roman cross myself, even 100 years ago I would have been hanged so, I can express with certainty ,as a former inmate, and now living a productive, taxpaying life with a wife and 2 kids and a member of my Church for many years now, that I never felt I deserved anything but punishment. And to the saying there are innocents in prison I didnt run into anyone trying to say that but to mention in one case a guy said he was innocent of the crime he was serving time for but guilty for others he didnt serve time for. To get back on my point, the program was started because God had put in my Heart to first , help converted Christians that were guilty felons to be able to defend their F aith against Islam and its recruiting of inmates, nationwide problem by The way, and 2 when they went back to their communities they would be a force for good and change their communities( In Baltimore city 8 out of 10 black men go to jail once in their life). Now, that being said Covenant theological seminary of Tallahassee is NOT FREE! We held Golf tournament fundraisers and also require inmates to pay (inmates make about 28 dollars a month from duties inside prison) so they feel invested and are less likely to drop out . Also this inhibits lazy inmates from undertaking something because its free then realizing its hard work to get that degree. The reason felons go back to jail is they have no credentials for a job, we wanted them to have some so they can take their place as ministers and pastors in a Church community that has mostly women in these positions(most black men in Baltimore city are in jail). I hope Kara reads this and hears that I do believe that when I committed my c rimes I deserved to lose every right as a free man. I deserved it then, I live with it now. I cant vote, I cant own a gun, I cant get a good govt job. Im a carpenter, I make poverty level wages. And I am grateful that I have this second chance. -Tony Chuck on April 14th, 2010 10:51 am http://www.mhsroundtable.com/wp-includes/images/blank.gif Youre a good man Tony. Patricia on April 21st, 2010 9:44 pm http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/2bc5a371e133586e0676c8a5d4733b72?s=70d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mhsroundtable.com%2Fwp-includes%2Fimages%2Fblank.gifr=G Im doing some research on a speech, a study (in the 80s) showed that prisoners who began but did not complete the college course work available at the time re re-arrested at a rate of about 44%, compared to those who attained a degree being re-arrested at 24%, thats huge! Especially when the cost of housing, feeding and clothing an inmate for one year today in a county Hailie about 32,000 a year. I work full time -40 hrs a week and still dont make that much. Also, Im getting college for free through a federal pell grant but convicted felons are not eligible b/c of tough on crime raegan policies. Why shouldnt people with a desire to learn who just didnt have the opportunity within their community be denied the option now simply because of a bad choice? If you can give them the tools to avoid finding themselves in the same situation over and over, why not John on April 22nd, 2010 11:56 am http://www.mhsroundtable.com/wp-includes/images/blank.gif Patricia, You are missing the point. What if a good person doesnt have the same oppurtunity as someone else? By giving criminals and people who cant actually afford college free rides, we are punishing people who work hard and pay for college because college spots are taken up and colleges raise prices to make up for the people who are given it free. Not only that but by giving it to everyone for free, it eliminates the value of college. The value of college is to gain an education to give you an advantage in the work force, if everyone has the same advantage you might as well not go to college. Besides, college is not a right, period. If you can find somewhere in the Constitution where it says everyone should get free college, let me know. Patricia on April 27th, 2010 4:47 pm http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/13001d190535f20f9bdf96ebd05f050c?s=70d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mhsroundtable.com%2Fwp-includes%2Fimages%2Fblank.gifr=G College isnt a right, but when people are released from prison and cant get a job, what do they do? They go back to committing crimes (again), you go back to what you know. There are federal grants and scholarships for people who cant afford it, Im a receipient of such a program. If it has been proven through research and actions that you can DROP the rate of people re-entering the prison system, and DROP the amount of TAX MONEY that is being spent on housing/clothing/feeding/hospitalizing criminals and put them to work to pay the taxes back once they finish some type of higher education, why would you not want to? I cant see why you feel that in that case college isnt an advantage but when our country can benefit from lower crime, better educated citizens and more people working, why wouldnt we want to see that? Tina on April 28th, 2010 2:40 pm http://www.gravatar.com/avatar/df04c4c3a4cddae7a874a685b466fdd5?s=70d=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.mhsroundtable.com%2Fwp-includes%2Fimages%2Fblank.gifr=G I cant believe where some of you making comments on here are coming from? I understand this is the United States of America and everyone is entitled to free speech, but really? Are you serious? PRISONERS ARE IN PRISON FOR VIOLATING OR TAKING THE TOTAL AND COMPLETE RIGHTS FROM ANOTHER PERSON!! Should they receive a free college education while there? NO, NO NO and I say NO again! I am a hard working citizen, My husband and I both work 40+ hours a week, We have 2 children to provide for and I go to college full-time as well. Do I get college paid for me? NO, I have to pay for it myself. My son is preparing to go to college next year as well, does he get college paid for him? NO, he will have to pay for it himself. I am also the victim of a horrible crime, my Father was murdered by a man that was out on parole for slicing someones throat! Where is the justice? Why does he deserve a free college education and I my family dont? Are prisoners going to change there ways, most likely not. There are a select, and I mean a very select few that may change. That is great for them! However, there are thousands of people, good people not in prison searching for jobs everyday cant find or get one. When a prisoner is offered a free college education, gets out of prison and finds a job because of the education he received while in prison, what kind of a system is that? Criminals getting a job over a good upstanding non-criminal citizen because of an education offered free while in prison? Prisoners should not get anything paid for, they should have to work for each and everything that they do get. They did the crime, they should PAY serve the time. They shouldnt have any rights that will better them in any way. They should suffer just as their victims have and do! An education is a privilege, not a right for a prisoner! In which, they DO NOT deserve at all! hi, i am a high school student but i completly disagree with them recievig an education that the rest of us has to pay for or file for a grant to be abaile to reciieve. I feel that you cant set someone up for failure! That they do this themselves when tthey make the choices that they have. If someone cared enogh then they wouldnt have dropped out or commited the crime. they find it a privilage and want to go more than stay out.. so why offer what is drawing people to jail? I may be just a high schoo, student but it seems ridiculous for us to waste our tx dollers on this!!!! Come on, mindy. With that little error-filled rant, you are undermining our point that prison inmates should NOT receive an education. Having recently completed my freshman year in college, I am already $5000 in debt. I have three more years, if you dont include medical school, to accumulate even more debt. From this viewpoint, I do not think that inmates should receive free education. I have never broken a law in my life, but I am going to graduate with a debt that I have to pay off while paying for my house, car, etc. Its not a matter of what is fair, but rather what is just. It is not justice that they receive free college education. They should pay for their choices to break the law. I agree that they should not receive free education beyond high school or GED. Its not fair for hard working people to have to struggle to send one of their family members to college. I do think that Tony has a good idea, I live in Maryland, tomake them pay for the education to let them know they are not being rewarded for their actions. They should be being molded and prepared to be able to function in the real world and learn how to obtain an education through their hard work and paying for it. I understand that life throws challenges sometimes beyond your control but just like the people that get them same kind of problems they learn to work through it and not go to jail, doesnt get a free education or get it handed to them. They have to work hard and then they are recognized for their accomplishments. Even though prisons are supposed to be for rehabilitation it is also punishment. So beyond them receiving the basics I dont hink that they should receive free college education. The y also take away jobs from people that shave been working towards their degrees for so many years and then someone that has committed a crime gets out and gets the opportunity first. I have family thats incarcerated and my views are the same. They should promote people striving to get an education when they get out and they can even help them but they should not be allowed to obtain degrees. Tina, I have to disagree with your assertion that PRISONERS ARE IN PRISON FOR VIOLATING OR TAKING THE TOTAL AND COMPLETE RIGHTS FROM ANOTHER PERSON!! The violent ones, robbers, murderers, thieves did, but I did not. I was convicted of selling marijuanna and I took no ones rights. The money being spent to educate a child in elementary school in 2008/2009 was just a little over $10000. http://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=66 The money being spent to keep a prisoner in jail ranges from twice that: http://www.dc.state.fl.us/pub/statsbrief/cost.html to 4 1/2 times: http://www.lao.ca.gov/laoapp/laomenus/sections/crim_justice/6_cj_inmatecost.aspx?catid=3. Thats your hard earned tax dollars at work. Lets imagine for just a moment that the education an inmate receives in prison actually helps him stay out of prison. Thats the case with me. The government is NOT paying 10 to 30 thousand dollars a year to keep me in prison à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ and they can use that money for another purpose. Perhaps to upgrade the Governors office bathroom. I might be in the minority, but I cared about and valued highly the educational opportunity I was afforded. It didnt make me a smarter criminal à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ it made me a smarter citizen that pays taxes. Instead of blaming The Man for putting me behind bars, my education showed me how I was the one that put myself behind bars. I have no interest in going back there and will do whatever I can to stay out of prison. Someone mentioned a statistic that over 60% of people released go back to prison with 2 years. That may be true. I submit, however, that an education earned in prison reduces that percentage by a significant amount. This URL has an interesting statistic à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ http://www.bard.edu/bpi/pdfs/crime_report.pdf Most strikingly, the State of Texas reported the extraordinary recidivism impacts of postsecondary education: [T]wo years after release, the overall recidivism rate for college degree holders was as low as 12%, and inversely differentiated by type of degree. The exact figures indicating these inverse recidivism rates for degree recipients were: Associates (13.7%); Baccalaureates (5.6%); Masters (0%). In other words à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¦ that 60+% recidivism rate applies to uneducated inmates. Allow a prisoner to earn an Associates and the rate drops to 13.7%. If they are incarcerated long enough to earn a Masters the likelihood of their return drops to zero. Every person that stays out of prison and rejoins society like I have, earns a wage and pays taxes. Part of those tax dollars go to pay for childrens education and part goes to pay for inmates incarceration. I know where I would rather spend my money and its not on keeping people in jail