Saturday, September 7, 2019
Weekly Reflections New Ver Essay Example for Free
Weekly Reflections New Ver Essay Weekly Reflection Discuss this weekââ¬â¢s objectives with your team. Your discussion should include the topics you feel comfortable with, any topics you struggled with, and how the weekly topics relate to application in your field. Prepare a 350- to 1,050-word paper detailing the findings of your discussion. General Questions General General Questions LDR 531 Week 1-6 Everything included (All Assignments and DQs + LDR 531 Final Exam) 100% Correct Version 4 Get at least one of your general education requirements done and finished in your first semester. Consider taking a dreaded class to get it over with, rather than have it hang over your head and dreading it. In addition, it would be sad to be stuck in freshman classes as a senior four years down the road.
Friday, September 6, 2019
Technology as a Facilitator in the English as a Foreign Language Essay Example for Free
Technology as a Facilitator in the English as a Foreign Language Essay Technology has taken over most areas of our lives including schools. Specifically, the arrival of the internet changed the way that language is taught thanks to the possibility of communicating throughout the world and because of the many sources online. This essay will deal with different aspects of computers and internet in the process of teaching and learning English as a foreign language (EFL). First, I will give examples of different technological tools that can be used to teach a language. Second, I will present the advantages of using technology for learning different aspects of a language. Then, I will present the disadvantages of technology. Finally, I will provide recommendations for teachers regarding the use of technology in the EFL classroom. I chose this subject since I have worked in the Hi-Tech industry for over a decade and I am interested in applying the Hi-Tech resources to help my students the best way I can. I believe that nowadays technology is the most essential element in our lives, and is a great tool to use in the EFL classroom. Technology includes computers, software programs, internet, video players, overhead projectors and data show projectors, as well as multimedia (texts, films, video, audio, animation, and graphics). Since students need to experience the language in every aspect possible, technology can be an effective tool to teach languages including EFL. This is important because in the early 80s, Howard Gardner proposed the theory of multiple intelligences. He stated that each student is unique and learns in a different ways. Today, various tools and applications of technology can be used in multiple ways in the EFL classroom regardless of the studentsââ¬â¢ level or the subject taught. It can provide opportunities that address individual student learning and meet the different learning styles. Language learning and teaching is enabled by the many sources of materials that students can use. First, the internet enables teachers to bring different cultures into the classroom, which is an important element in language learning and teaching. For some tasks, such as listening exercises, computers have advantages over traditional approaches because they provide sound as well as visual input that helps students with contextual clues. Second, a variety ofà software programs allows students to practice vocabulary, reading, listening comprehension, grammar, and speaking skills. An environment rich with language: allows the students to interact with each other so that learning through communication can occur (Liaw, 1997, in Patel, 2013). The computer with its different learning strategies and games constitutes an attractive kind of teaching. Third, Case and Truscott (1999, in Green, 2003), report that the independence the students acquire while working on a computer pushes them to read from simple to complex texts since it addresses their personal needs. Most students find it easier to approach a writing task on the computer because it is more enjoyable. One reason is the use of graphics and dictionaries available online that help them write more confidently. Moreover, the use of e-mail is a way to encourage students to write in a new language. According to Trenchs (1996, in Green, 2003), students use e-mails, willingly because they dont feel forced to do so and because they know they are not being graded. The lack of pressure encourages students to share information while doing so in a foreign language. In addition, the use of e-mailing is an excellent tool to improve writing skills as well as vocabulary acquisition. The computer and internet have become the main means for communication on a worldwide level and since communication is considered an excellent tool for promoting language learning, technology is welcomed in the EFL classroom. The students have the opportunity to communicate freely without a time limit or social concerns. Even the weaker students are able to take an active part in class and communicate confidently with their teachers through e-mails. In spite of the importance and effectiveness of technology, when teaching and learning EFL in concerned, there are some disadvantages. First, the computer can be an overwhelming and imposing instrument for both students and teachers. The complexity of the computer possibilities may cause frustration, as students and teachers spend a lot of time struggling and trying to understand how to use it. The search for suitable materials is also time consuming and can be very exhausting. In addition Colaric and Jonassen (2003 in Morgan, 2008) warn teachers from the vast library. Inà other words, the search for information and hyper-linking may be a distraction from the learning process. An additional disadvantage is the teachers lack of computer skills and technical knowledge. This usually leads to a complete waste of time in class and adds to both teachers and students confusion. Finally, the cost of maintenance is another disadvantage of using technology, especially in schools. So, unless the teacher is well trained in technology, and can solve problems that might occur, a technician will be needed. Schools usually find it difficult to support the purchased technology, and that makes them useless. Hence, in order to turn technology into a teaching strategy, teachers need to be encouraged to acquire the necessary skills in using technology to help improve their teaching. In addition teachers need to be aware of the importance of technology in enhancing learning in the EFL classroom. Once teachers and students learn how to make responsible use of computers, and master the skill of selecting and editing the large range of information for their purposes, language acquisition will become easier. To conclude, having given examples of different technological tools that can be used to teach a language. Then, presented the advantages and disadvantages of using technology in the EFL classroom and finally provided recommendations for teachers regarding the use of technology, it can be said that technology, specifically computers and the internet, has many benefits for language learning when it is used correctly. Teachers can use it to improve the learning environment and the studentsââ¬â¢ vocabulary as well as reading, listening, and speaking skills. Also, technology in the EFL classroom offers students a range of information, motivation to learn and an enhanced quality of class work. This essay has also shown the disadvantages of using technology when teachers and students do not know how to handle it moderately and wisely. It is extremely important to remember that technology is a great tool in the EFL classroom, but it cannot replace the teacher. References 1.Case, C. and Truscott, D. (1999). Using Technology to Help ESL/EFL Students Develop Language Skills. In: Green, (2003). 2.Green, T. (2003). Using Technology to Help ESL/EFL Students Develop Language Skills. http://iteslj.org/Articles/Ybarra-Technology.html/26.4.2013. 3.Liaw, M.L. (1997). Computer Network Technology-A Facilitator in English Language Teaching Learning. In: Patel, S.D. (2013). 4.Morgan, M. (2008). More Productive Use of Technology in the ESL/EFL Classroom. http://iteslj.org/Articles/Morgan-Technology.html./26.4.2013. 5.Patel, S.D. (2013). Computer Network Technology-A Facilitator in English Language Teaching Learning. https://sites.google.com/site/journaloftechnologyforelt/archive/3-2-april-2013/2-computer-network-technology-a-facilitator-in-english-language-teaching-learning./ 26.4.2013 6.Trenchs, M. (1996). Using Technology to Help ESL/EFL Students Develop Language Skills. In: Green, (2003).
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Mtn Nigeria: Telecommunication
Mtn Nigeria: Telecommunication MTN Nigeria is a well know telecommunication industry geared towards dealing with all aspect of telecommunication infrastructural development as it concerns GSM rollout. MTN Nigeria has its central head quarter in South African. MTN was incorporated in Nigeria February 2001 as the first none indigenous Telecommunication Company in the areas of GSM technologies. They have passion for excellence. Global System for Mobile communication (GSM) is a digital mobile telephony system that is widely used all over the world. GSM is widely used in place of all other wireless telephony technologies among which are TDMA (Time division multiple access), CDMA (Code division multiple access). This uses a variation of time division multiple access (TDMA). MTN Nigeria GSM system operates at either the 900 MHz or 1800 MHz frequency band. In todays highly competitive business environment among telecommunications companies in Nigeria, MTN as organization know that Change Management is critical to their competitive advantage and long term success and survival. This reality have made MTN to invest huge resources on formulating and implementing organizational change for their success survival and at the same time investing huge resources in training of their employees (both management and lower-level staffs) on the knowledge of Change management. As Tofler A. stated in the ilearn module (2010), module03, unit1, page2, There is only one constant today and that is change change is inevitable for a successful business achievement. Based on this eminent quote, MTN Nigeria adopted a change program, MTN Nigeria Project office was enlarged to become Capital Programs Group (CPG) within the last five years. Collection of materials on the enlargement of Project Office to Capital Programs group was done through personal contact with top management levels, Program Managers, Managers, Engineers, course material relevant materials from the web. MTN STRUCTURE PRIOR TO ENLARGEMENT OF PROJECT OFFICE TO CAPITAL PROGRAMS GROUP (CHANGE PROGRAMME) As earlier mentioned MTN Nigeria has passion for excellence in areas like, Acquiring and retaining customers, Developing Implementing Market Strategies, Stimulating increased usage of products and services, Generating revenue, Retaining Customers, Stimulating usage Research. . Prior to the enlargement of their project office, MTN Nigeria has only one technical unit that oversee all their network rollout operation maintenance activities. This comprises of many divisions as showed below. Network Implementation Division Network Programs Unit Network Project Management Network Operation Division Network Intelligent Engineering Support Services NMC Operation Network Access Division Network Quality Assurance RF Planning Unit Wireless Bearer Services RF/BT S OPS TX Planning Unit Network Group Figure i: Structure of MTN Network group before the change program implementation. The various divisions implement any given task as stipulated by the organization. Large numbers of sites built was not necessary because the need for expansion was yet to arise. RESTRUCTURING OF PROJECT OFFICE TO CAPITAL PROGRAMS GROUP (CHANGE PROGRAMME) MTN Nigeria having established their vision and mission statement, Vision: To be the leading provider of telecommunication services in Nigeria with a mission to provide first class network quality, customer service and value. Mission statement is To be a catalyst for Nigeria economic growth and development ,helping unleash Nigeria strong development potentials not only through the provision of world class communication but also through innovative and sustainable corporate social responsibility initiatives To be able to leave up this expectation meet up with the new challenges associated with GSM companies within Nigeria beyond. After the end of the financial years 2003, the CEO top management executives of MTN Nigeria came up with new structure that is deemed to alleviate and accelerate network expansion quality throughout the federation. New departments were emerged, job responsibilities changed, new regions were created, new managers were appointed according to company policies. The new structure that was created is Capital Programs Group, CPG works in partnership with various technical suppliers and applies extensive project management skills to rollout all elements of MTN GSM network to the highest standards. The Department is comprised of the following Units: Logistics Core and Fibre Implementation Site Build Rollout BTS/Transmission/3G Upgrade Network Rollout Programme Support The creation of the new divisions gave the company better visibility in managing and rolling out of a better network infrastructure in the areas of 2G 3G networks at a very high speed to meet up with the present demand for customers expectation, and also generated serious revenue increase in subscribers base to relatively 30,000 million. INTERNAL EXTERNAL DRIVERS FOR CHANGE: INTRODUCTION MTN Nigeria came into the country not anticipating that the population in terms of their subscribers base will seriously increase after 3-4 years of operation. The rate at which call drop happens became erratic. MTN Nigeria needed more sites to fill the dead spots that bring about the high rate of call drop. The challenges on GSM technology expansion is seriously increasing in Nigeria. There is need for new technology advancement and new business models. This is a critical path in which top level management, program managers their subordinates needs to focus in achieving a better productivity. MTN conduct a survey through employees and consultant after the 2003 financial year ending with the origination for the CEO and top management. With reference to ilearn module (2010), module03, unit1, lesson 1, page2 internal external drives for change in MTN, the following factors are the primary drivers of MTN organisational change. Rapid technology advances. Weak business performance Poor customer satisfaction High rate of project failure Lack of innovation Mergers acquisitions Collaborative partnership models Outsourcing Greater agility in customers responsiveness New business models RAPID TECHNOLOGY ADVANCEMENT This is a significant driver for organizational change. Rapid development in technology motivated for technology innovation in MTN Nigeria. The increase in new technology advancement in GSM industry in Nigeria gave rise to the need for equipment upgrade in order to integrate the old equipments that may be obsolete in the near future with the new equipments. This was considered by the change agents in order to meet up with the new technology required to make them not to face a diminishing market share to competitors lose capital invested, most importantly bring about a reduction in their CAPEX capital expenditure to a reasonable value. POOR CUSTOMER SATISFACTION Due to the high volume of traffic been carried my MTN, customers started experiencing poor quality of service which gave rise to great number of call drops, capacity congestion, low voice quality, inadequate coverage area. Customers were unable to enjoy the real benefit of GSM using MTN Nigeria network.MTN saw the need and acted in that line to avoid losing their customer base to other competitors. WEAK BUSINESS PERFORMANCE There is a perceived threat from customers regarding the performance of the MTN network. When MTN started in Nigeria many people were in eager to purchase MTN sim card and other various products that meets customers expectation. There was high rate of product acquisition from customers within and near the neighboring countries. The demand for sim cards became tripled it became obvious that the present network capacity cant handle the demand for lines. The rate at which network rollouts were done could not meet up with the new challenging factors. This contributed to a great lose in their revenue generation. HIGH RATE OF PROJECT FALIURE The rate at which project failure occurs within the project office gave a concern to the entire management, this contributed to low number of sites rolled out per quarter yearly. There was no close supervision of site build contractors (SBCs) in other to achieve the desired quality on area of the infrastructures. The introduction of turnkey solution not properly managed also contributed to the failure, site build contractors having insufficient funds to finance their various projects. LACK OF INNOVATION Project office was made up of Engineers Project managers who are pioneers of MTN from South Africa. This group of people are expatriate who operates without processes and procedures, there was no lay down procedure. Virtually all projects where handled and micro managed by them, this gave birth to having most of the site build contractor been none indigenous companies. Projects became very slow because of inadequate man power to operate and handle various assigned works. NEW BUSSINESS MODEL There is need for MTN Nigeria to embrace new business models. The inadequate Transmission capacity became a hindering factor in terms of adopting new business models that will be profiting to the company. Before the restructuring of the project office to capital programs groups new business models like providing E1 solutions to customers couldnt be achieved. But after the restructuring MTN Nigeria started providing E1 solutions to various banks industries in the country which also increased their revenue. MERGER ACQUSATIONS When MTN Nigeria merged and consolidated operations with VGC communications limited sometime in October 2006, significant reengineering took place. To align the management objectives restructuring was the main drive in this factor. The integration of MTN and VGC created a major challenge in streamlining and integration of existing satellite operations structure. After the merger acquisition, some of VGC staffs left the organisation due to change in portfolios, change of project task. This shows that a careful, committed dedicated planning should have been adopted in bring this to realization. OUTSOURCING There is need for MTN Nigeria to adopted outsourcing in some of their business areas. This is expected to improve flexibility and services to their customers. Initial when MTN started in Nigeria, recharge cards where been produced from South Africa, subscriber in the remote area where there is MTN coverage experience difficulty in purchasing the required air time for their business. After the restructuring some of the air time denomination was outsourced and transferred to other parties, along with personnel and other resources to increase the production rate. MTN OBJECTIVES IN MAKING THE CHANGE MTN Nigeria has passion for excellence in following areas, acquiring and retaining customers, Developing Implementing Market Strategies, Stimulating increased usage of products and services, Generating revenue, Retaining Customers, Stimulating usage Research. MTN Nigeria also ensures that the human organisational structure is consistently aligned to business goals in order to achieve organisational effectiveness. The below objectives where considered by MTN Nigeria adopting the change process. To set up a body(Capital Programs Group) that will effectively project manage the accelerated rollout of MTN Nigeria site build rollout In order to meet up with high competition of mobile networks in Nigeria, MTN Nigeria decided to create structure and culture that will be imbedded in operation for operational efficiency Network Rollout at a cheaper cost while achieving same target in terms of quality and service Clarity of responsibility and Value Addition To drop entire operational cost(OPEX) Improve top down and down top communication between executives, managers their subordinate Greater Client and Stakeholder Orientation There is need for MTN to reduce call rate to an affordable value. Network expansion to provide adequate capacity to customers. Increase speed of rollout figures by adding up more regions in order to overcome terrain and distance complexity. Removal of bureaucracy in order to boost up implementation time Empowerment of region for faster decision making Market differentiation by having wider network coverage in the country Maintain Checks and Balances Consistent with Effectiveness Offering different customer choices in terms of broadband, 2G 3G, enterprise solution, Wimax, rural telephony etc. Expanding subscribers base in order to generate more revenue. Environmentally friendly mode of operation example, Safety and health activities (SHE), Nigeria civil aviation authority (NCCA), Environment impact assessment (EIA), building permits approvals before implementation. HOW MANAGERS COULD IDENTIFY THE CENTRAL ISSUES PALN THE ACTION REQUIRED TO ACHIEVE OBJECTIVES. INTRODUCTION Managers must embarrass the fact that people mind set constitute of environment and culture (ways of doing things). Major factor that must be considered for a successful organisational change still lies with environmental, people technology issues. Mangers should also consider peoples issue which has some constraints namely social political cultural factors, these two constraints will go a long way in helping managers identify central issues plan for action in achieving their various objectives. There are always bottle necks in managing the affairs of organisational change by managers, by applying the Seven Ss model such issues will be address and optimum result achieved by managers. EXPLAINATION OF SEVEN Ss MODEL The 7Ss model is the management model that has seven interconnected factors that is used in organizing a company in a holistic and effective way. McKinsey 7Ss model ensures that organization works effectively and well once they reach the desired endpoint. Managers should ensure that 7Ss model is being used in a wide variety of situations where an alignment perspective is useful, this will also boost the performance of MTN Nigeria managers helping in identifying the central issues and project proper action plan, The seven Ss factors are mentioned below: Super ordinate goals Strategy Structure Systems Style Staff Skills Figure 2 below depicts the interdependency of the elements and indicates how a change in one affects all the others. Super ordinate goals This is one of the factor that comes from the top level management, e.g. CEO, this determines the organizational stand for what MTN believes in the Can Do Spirit , share values characterizing the principles aims which should pull it towards successes of MTN Nigeria, core values, the corporate/team culture, Strategy: What is our strategy? How do we intend to achieve our objectives? How do we deal with competitive pressure? How are changes in customer demands dealt with? How is strategy adjusted for environmental issues? Structure: How is the company/team divided? What is the hierarchy? How do the various departments coordinate activities? How do the team members organize and align themselves? Is decision making and controlling centralized or decentralized? Is this as it should be, given what were doing? Where are the lines of communication? Explicit and implicit? Systems: What are the main systems that run the organization? Consider financial and HR systems as well as communications and document storage. Where are the controls and how are they monitored and evaluated? What internal rules and processes does the team use to keep on track? What are the fundamental values that the company/team was built on? Style: How participative is the management/leadership style? How effective is that leadership? Do employees/team members tend to be competitive or cooperative? Are there real teams functioning within the organization or are they just nominal groups? Staff: What positions or specializations are represented within the team? What positions need to be filled? Are there gaps in required competencies? Skills: What are the strongest skills represented within the company/team? Are there any skills gaps? What is the company/team known for doing well? Do the current employees/team members have the ability to do the job? How are skills monitored and assessed?
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
The Internet Essay -- Communications, Media
This proposal will assess how the present of new media, particularly internet, influence the agribusiness community in Indonesia in term of the way they communicate and make transaction. This media is not only useful to diffuse and exchange information quickly in wider geographical areas, but also to get the up to date agricultural information and develop network beyond conventional boundaries, conditions which are necessary for the survival of their business. For developing country like Indonesia and particularly in agribusiness sector, in general, internet is still considered as innovation. For this reason, it is useful to explore obstacles, potency, and social implications of this new digital technology in this sector. The study will answer question of how various agribusiness actors respond to this new media; why some agribusiness managements adopt it and why some others not. If they adopt it, then what type of information they usually deal with. Furthermore, it is useful to ex amine the agricultural networks, with regard to interrelationship and transaction between agricultural ecologies (like between the sellers and sellers with the buyers). Many factors, such as economic consideration (like scale of business), complexity, and trend could influence the adoption of the technology. Thus, it is necessary to examine the micro and macro factors which have associations with the adoption of the technology. Finally, this study will answer the social impact of this media: whether internet causes special type of communication gap in cyberspace ââ¬âthe digital divide? Combination of survey and in-depth interviews techniques will be applied for this study, which will be conducted in Indonesia. Literature Review (12-15 pages) Today, w... ...internet (considered as ââ¬Å"microâ⬠factor), relative advantage (macro factor), and social compatibility (meso and macro factor) (Rogers, 2003). Then, several relevant demographic variables will also be postulated. As the consequences, there are three variables/questions that will be explored (see the diagram below). I will state each hypothesis, and then followed by the rationalization of the hypotheses and questions. Perceived compatibility with organizational characteristic Perceived difficulties Perceived relative advantage Perceived compatibility with social environment Demographic factors (Antecedents) Adoption or not adoption of internet Type of information and purpose of using internet Segments of person to be in contact Geographic location of stakeholders (Consequences)
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
hollywood on trial :: essays papers
hollywood on trial The world is full of injustice. Of programs that want to accomplish the right things but get twisted by the people that run them. This essay will deal with the reasons and Birth of the Hays Commission, the ludicrous steps they took to add "morality" to the motion picture industry, and some other sensors of the time. All things said in this essay are true and taken from the Hays correspondence its self. It is a known fact that sex sells. It is used by advertisers to get us to by there product, and likewise it is used by producers and directors to get us to see their films. During he Depression, no one had enough money to buy dinner much less go see a movie. So, there was a increase in the sex that was on the screen to pull in people. Not that there was any rules or guidelines of the studios to follow. It was just they didn't care. There was a outcry by the catholic church and in April, 1934 a committee of bishops were set up named The Legion of Decency. These Bishops would tell all the priests, and they in turn would in turn tell the parishioners what movies were proper to see and what was not. This thought scared the Hollywood studios. A boycott of that size in the middle of a depression would crush them. The heads of all the major studios got together to solve this problem. They knew that they didn't want to lose the Catholics, and they didn't want government intervention. Their solution was to have a board to censor all the movies coming from the major studios (at that time it was legal for studios to own their own theaters so independent films weren't generally seen by the public at large). To head this committee was William Hays. "William Hays was a Republican politician from Indiana with the impatient look a mailman whose paycheck was being sent by mail. Actually he was the Postmaster General in one of the most corrupt administrations of the century, Warren G. Harding"(Gardner, xvii). Because of this, he had friends on high places in the movie industry. Even though his name was on the committee all he was responsible for was making the set of rules.
Monday, September 2, 2019
Music Is Cool!!! :: essays research papers
I love music my TWO greatest type of genries are Rap and Alternative. I was really surprised how great that DR. Dre did! I think that Eminem and dre are great. Eminem is definetlt a new era of a rap star he is puttin out some mad skillz. Papa Roach has just came out with a super great song that is called last resort.I play basketball and i am a very emotional person i like songs that have a deep impact on me and a true meaning. Here is how the billboard charts are as of today:1 1 8 'N Sync: No Strings Attached 7 Jive | 41702 1 2 - 1 Soundtrack: Mission:Impossible 2 Hollywood | 162244 2 3 6 48 Santana: Supernatural 12 Arista | 19080 1 4 3 24 Sisqo: Unleash The Dragon 4 Dragon/Def Soul | 546816* 2 5 4 4 Joe: My Name Is Joe Jive | 41703 2 6 7 33 Creed: Human Clay 4 Wind-up | 13053* 1 7 5 3 Toni Braxton: The Heat LaFace | 26069 2 8 2 2 504 Boyz: Goodfellas No Limit | 50722* 2 9 14 37 Dixie Chicks: Fly 5 Monument | 69678 1 10 16 27 Faith Hill: Breathe 3 Warner Bros. (Nashville) | 47373 1 11 15 42 Macy Gray: On How Life Is 2 Epic | 69490* 4 12 9 42 Destiny's Child: The Writing's On The Wall 4 Columbia | 69870* 5 13 11 72 Kid Rock: Devil Without A Cause 8 Lava/Atlantic | 83119* 4 14 12 26 Dr. Dre: Dr. Dre -- 2001 4 Aftermath | 490486* 2 15 8 3 Cypress Hill: Skull & Bones Columbia | 69990* 5 16 10 20 Jay-Z: Vol. 3... Life And Times Of S. Carter 2 Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam | 546822* 1 17 20 14 3 Doors Down: The Better Life Republic | 153920 17 18 13 21 DMX: ...And Then There Was X 3 Ruff Ryders/Def Jam | 546933* 1 19 - 1 Hanson: This Time Around MOE/Island | 542383 19 20 18 38 Christina Aguilera: Christina Aguilera 6 RCA | 67690 1 21 - 1 Mandy Moore: I Wanna Be With You 550 Music | 62195 21 22 31 26 Celine Dion: All The Way... A Decade Of Song 6 550 Music | 63760 1 23 26 33 Marc Anthony: Marc Anthony 2 Columbia | 69726* 8 24 19 5 No Doubt: Return Of
Sunday, September 1, 2019
How Can We Measure the Economic Growth of a Country? Essay
Experts have proposed many techniques to assess the economic progress of a country. One of these techniques is to calculate the sum of all the goods and services produced in the country which is known as gross domestic product (GDP). The indicator was created in the wake of great depression in 1930s and still is used to measure individual countriesââ¬â¢ economic performance. But now most of the economists claim that GDP alone cannot reflect the economic performance of a society because it has many flaws and does not acceptably measures the household productions, voluntary work, defensive and remedial spending and cash for clunkers. To begin with GDP does not account for the household productions which have sizable effect on the economy of a nation. Unpaid work for instance, causes fall in GDP as there is no value addition. For example, if a person cooks food for his or her family then it causes fall of GDP but if the family hires a chef then GDP boosts up. Letââ¬â¢s take the example of drying clothes in sunshine. If you let the sun dry your clothes, the service is free and doesnââ¬â¢t show up in our domestic product but if you throw your laundry in the dryer, you burn fossil fuel, increase your carbon footprint, make the economy more unsustainable ââ¬â and give GDP a bit of a bump. This seems illogical that if a person reduces his or her consumption then it will cause GDP to drop, eventually resulting into reduced welfare of the nation. According to various studies carried out in France, domestic production could represent as much as 75% of standard GDP. If GDP does not accurately responds to domestic production then how it can be considered a good measure for the welfare of a nation? Moreover, GDP does not correctly respond to voluntary work and public administration resulting into imperfect measurement of the welfare of a nation. A bicycle repaired by a friend makes GDP fall if the work used to be done by a professional. Thus, a society where voluntary work is widespread will enjoy a higher level of economic well-being but a lower GDP. As far as public administration is concerned, GDP always underestimates the contribution of public services. They are generally not bought by anyone on a market. For example, public gardens maintenance or tax collection. By the same token, a free service resulting from a past public investment (a road, a fountain, a public park or a public sport facility) will not appear in GDP, contrary to its private equivalent (priced road, private sport facility, etc.). Besides household production and voluntary work, another major flaw in the estimation of economic growth by GDP is that it does not appropriately measure production and often just represent it as a compensation for a previous destruction. For example, reconstruction of a destroyed bridge or repairing of inoperative machinery causes a rise in GDP. Another similar example is a boom in the business cycle after the period of recession. Now consider the upsurge in the income of the lawyers. If lawyers prosper because there are more crimes and more offences, does that mean the country is richer? Obviously not, but GDP states country is richer because GDP does not count for these crimes rather it only takes the rise in the income of the lawyers into account. Moving further, production is the decline of human and natural capital. But while calculating GDP this definition is mistreated. This can be illustrated by the example of two countries having same GDP but depreciation of human and natur al resources are not same. It reminds us of those companies who report profits only by under-reporting depreciation of assets. The case is not just theoretical: Britain and France have roughly the same GDP but British workers work 25% more. Furthermore, the contribution of defensive and remedial spending towards GDP has many shortcomings. For example, expenditures on health care, pollution abatement, flood control and costs associated with population growth and increasing urbanization ââ¬â including crime prevention, highway construction, water treatment and school expansion increase gross domestic product, although mostly what we aim to buy isnââ¬â¢t an improved standard of living but the restoration or protection of the quality of life we already had. (Polley) In this case, itââ¬â¢s clear that GDP indicates the growth in the economy but itââ¬â¢s only the maintenance of our standard of living. Thus GDP is not reliable to judge the standard of living of a community. Whatââ¬â¢s more is the cash for clunkers whose influence on GDP is also flawed. The new car purchases are added to GDP, but the destruction of the older vehicles is not subtracted. If instead we had a trade in program for new energy efficient homes that required destroying the older, less energy efficient home, we would reach a different result about GDP effects. The new home purchase would add to GDP as for cars, but the destruction of the old home would result in a reduction of GDP because imputed rent on homes is included in GDP unlike cars. In this case, the economic multiplier effects are different about two very similar programs and as a result our economic policies are affected. There are also hidden problems like underground economy which canââ¬â¢t be taken into account as there are hardly any statistics available. (Polley) If economic development is indicated by GDP, then our experts are proposing faulty policies because GDP is not an accurate measure for the economic growth. If we consider the problems in the calculation of GDP, then inaccuracy of the indicator clearly depicts that itââ¬â¢s not an adequate measure of economic progress. For an instance, letââ¬â¢s assume that GDP is a good indicator of economic well being. In this single number, you get an idea of whether the economy is expanding or contracting. Paul Samuelson, Nobel Laureate and author of many textbook references, once described GDP as ââ¬Å"truly among the great inventions of the 20th century, a beacon that helps policymakers steer the economy toward key economic objectivesâ⬠. But, we forget that how hard it is to accurately sum all of the goods and services produced in a country together, from bricks and tableware to banking and software. First of all, our definition of production is not clear. We often mix the restoration and production. Secondly, statistics for each component of GDP are not easy to gather. For example, there are no statistics available on black economy. Th ird, we need a sophisticated system that can add it all together, from the number of new cars and haircuts, to the volume of teaching etc. (Blades et all) Due to these problems, GDP cannot appropriately measure the welfare of a nation. Given the fundamental problems with GDP as a leading economic indicator, we should not consider it as a measurement of economic well being. Instead, ità is just a measure of economic activities within an economy and no where it is close of accurately reflecting the living standards of the people of that economy.
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