Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Essay Example for Free

Weber’s The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism Essay Maximilian Weber was a social scientist and political economist who is believed to be one of the fathers of the contemporary branch of public governance and sociology. Now better known as Max Weber, he was born on April 21, 1864 in Germany, the eldest among the brood of seven. His sociopolitical roots can be attributed to his father, Max Weber Sr. , who was a well-known elected official and social servant, while his modesty to her mother Helene Fallenstein. This sociopolitical inclination indeed ran in the family as Alfred Weber, his younger brother, was similarly a economist and sociologist (Turner, 1993). With Weber’s foremost and yet most influential oeuvre The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, a whole lot of his other shaping discourses contained in his journal began to circulate in 1904 (Ringer, 1997). In 1912, Weber made an attempt to institute a left-wing party in politics in an effort to coalesce liberals and social democrats. Though, this endeavor was abortive for the reason that a number of liberals were apprehensive of the radical ideologies of the social democrats (Baehr, 2002). Plagued by pneumonia in Munich, Maximilian Weber departed this life on the twentieth of June in 1920 (Turner, 1993). Indeed, no sociologist other than his contemporaries, like Karl Marx, has had a greater impact on sociology than the German sociologist Max Weber (Novak, 2005). Significantly a good deal of Weber’s work represented a debate with the ghost of Marx. Although finding much of value in Marx’s writings, Weber disagreed with Marx on a number of important matters. Over the course of his career, Weber left a legacy of rich insights for a variety of disciplines including economics, political science and history. Among sociologists, he is known not only for his theoretical contributions but for a number of specific ideas that in their own right have generated considerable interest and research. His sociological work covered a wide range of topics, including politics, bureaucracies, social stratification, law, religion, capitalism, music, the city, and cross-cultural comparison (Ringer, 1997). Weber believed that sociologists can derive an understanding of their subject matter in a manner that is unavailable to chemists and physicists. In investigating human behavior, sociologists are not limited to such objective criteria as weight and temperature; they can examine the meanings individuals bring to their interactions with one another. Consequently, Weber contended that a critical aspect of the sociological enterprise is the study of the intentions, beliefs, values, and attitudes that underlie people’s behavior (Ringer, 1997). Weber employed the German word Verstehen, meaning understanding or insight, in describing this approach for learning about subjective meanings people attach to their actions. In using this method, Weber mentally attempts to place themselves in the shoes of other people and identify what they think and how they feel. Whereas Durkheim argued that sociologists should direct their investigations primarily to social facts that lie beyond the individual, Weber thought it also essential that sociologists examine the definitions people use in shaping their behavior (Ringer, 1997). Another notable contribution made by Weber is his concept of the ideal type. An ideal type is a concept constructed by a sociologist to portray the principal characteristics of a phenomenon. The term has nothing to do with evaluations of any sort. Rather, it is a tool that allows sociologists to generalize and simplify data by ignoring minor differences in order to accentuate major similarities. Weber contended that if sociologists are to establish cause-and-effect relationships, they must have concepts that are defined in a precise and unambiguous manner. The ideal type affords such a standard, especially in the study of concrete historical events and situations. It serves as a measuring rod against which sociologists can evaluate actual cases (Ringer, 1997). In his writings, Weber stressed the importance of a value-free sociology. He insisted sociologists must not only allow their personal biases to affect the conduct of their scientific research. Weber recognized that sociologists like everyone else, have individual biases and moral convictions regarding behavior. But he insisted that sociologists must cultivate a disciplined approach to the phenomena they study so that they may see facts as they are, and not as they might wish them to be. By the same token, as discussed in his work Objectivity In Social Science, Weber recognized that objectivity is not neutrality (Ringer, 1997). Neutrality implies that a person does not take sides on an issue; objectivity has to do with the pursuit of scientifically verifiable knowledge. Weber saw a role for values in certain specific aspects of the research process, namely, in selecting a topic for study and in determining the uses to which the knowledge is put. Clearly, data do not speak for themselves; they must be interpreted by scientists (Ringer, 1997). For his part, Weber was led to study bureaucracy because it was an important part of the Germany in which he lived. Moreover, was not afraid to express a value judgment or to tackle important issues of the day (Baehr, 2002). Weber was particularly impressed by the ability of bureaucracies to rationalize and control the process by which people collectively pursue their goals (Baehr, 2002). Although he was concerned about some of the negative consequences of bureaucracy, Weber contended that the needs of mass administration made bureaucracy an essential feature or modern organizational life. In his work The Theory of Social and Economic Cooperation, Weber argued that bureaucracy is an inherent feature of modern capitalism (Ringer, 1997). Yet he was equally insistent that a socialist society could not dispense with the arrangement. Indeed, Weber thought that socialism would see an increase, not a decrease, in bureaucratic structures. While recognizing the limitations of capitalism, he nonetheless felt it presented the best chances for the preservation of individual freedom and creative leadership in a world dominated by formal organizations as in his time (Ringer, 1997). In The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism, Weber turned his sociological eye to one historic breakthrough, the development of capitalism. He sought a link between the rise of the Protestant view of life and the emergence of capitalist social arrangements in Western society. He maintained that the development of capitalism depended upon the creation of a pool of individuals who had the attitudes and values necessary to function as entrepreneurs. The critical problem, Weber said, is to uncover the origin of the motivating spirit of capitalism in precapitalist society. He believed that Protestantism, particularly Calvinism, was crucial to, but not the only factor in, the rise of this spirit (Novak, 2005). As the milieu influenced Weber, Calvinism is actually based on the teachings of the French theologian and reformer John Calvin, and found expression in a variety of religious movements, including Puritanism, Pietism, and Anabaptism. Weber noted that Protestantism and modern capitalism appeared on the historical scene at roughly the same time. There were other links as well. First, capitalism initially attained its highest development in Protestant countries, particularly the United States and England whereas Catholic nations like Spain and Italy lagged behind. Second, in nations with both Protestant and Catholic regions? such as Germany in his time, it seemed to be the Protestant regions that pioneered in capitalist development. And third, Weber marshaled evidence that suggested it was by and large the Protestants, not the Catholics, who became the early capitalist entrepreneurs (Novak, 2005). It is worth noting that The Protestant Ethic and the Spirit of Capitalism was one of Weber’s earlier works. In lectures given shortly before his death, Weber incorporated many new elements in his analysis of the origins of large-scale capitalism (Ringer, 1997). Even so, his early work, although not necessarily accurate in all its particulars, remains a sociological landmark. It demonstrates the impact religion can have on human affairs in producing outcomes that are not necessarily intended or foreseen by its adherents. References Baehr, Peter. (2002). â€Å"In the Grip of Freedom: Law and Modernity in Max Weber. † Canadian Journal of Sociology. Novak, Michael. (2005). â€Å"Max Weber Goes Global. † First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life. Ringer, Fritz. (1997). Max Weber’s Methodology: The Unification of the Cultural and Social Sciences. Harvard University Press. Turner, Bryan S. (1993). Max Weber: From History to Modernity. Routledge.

Economical Aspects of Architectural Design

Economical Aspects of Architectural Design Basics of Project Management Contents (Jump to) a) Describe and explain the difference between real estate and other assets / economic goods (e.g. capital products). b) Give at least three reasons why a client make an investment in real estate. c) In line with the scenario, List and explain all of the following:- the reasons for the client to appoint a Project Manager, referring to a least five (5) client’s tasks d) The kind/type of skills a Project Manager should have, and explain why s/he should be generalist within a client’s organization. e) List, explain and debate the major aspects/characteristics, to optimize the investment cost and subsequent (follow-up) costs within the design under constant consideration of the intended purpose. Also explain the basic interrelation between investment cost and subsequent cost. As the instructed project manager for an office building, you are being asked to analyse the architect’s design concerning economical aspects, by answering all the tasks in this brief. Task 1.1 a) Describe and explain the difference between real estate and other assets / economic goods (e.g. capital products). In order to know the differences between real estate and financial assets, one must first understand what these assets are. First and foremost, real estate is all of the value-generating properties and commodities owned by the client, being physical items such as lands and buildings on which you can put a specific value on. Such value is determined by various factors like the location, functionality and cost. Meanwhile, financial assets are all those transactional instruments which can be converted into cash. In fact, such assets can be in the form of trade receivables, shares or bonds and are done to represent an underlying value or percentage of the real estate. The difference between the two, is that such financial assets are more liquid when compared with real estate since they can be easily converted into cash. In fact, financial assets such as stocks can be easily sold within a matter of hours while real estate normally takes months to sell. Another difference between the two, is that the actual property may experience depreciation through the years while financial assets may generate more cash flow due to perpetual growth over the years. Needless to say, one must keep that in real estate the client would own the actual land, a land component which will have an infinite lifetime. Also, financial assets may possess a greater risk since the investment being done can’t be physically seen or studied. Finally, one must also keep in mind that the economic cycle is always changing by time (as seen in the image below) and therefore if such investment is to be done, the client must have an idea of the economy’s situation in the near future. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/financial-vs-real-asset-79865.html http://www.gulfbase.com/InvestmentTutorial/Section?id=24 https://books.google.com.mt/books?id=ciJwGJfjHGkCpg=PA739lpg=PA739dq=real+estate+versus+financial+assetssource=blots=rJtkg_kdgksig=D5u9lFi7MdLceg06jRKJrKMja7chl=ensa=Xei=RMCGVIXxGMz5UKOtgsgDved=0CEEQ6AEwBQ#v=onepageq=real%20estate%20versus%20financial%20assetsf=false http://pages.stern.nyu.edu/~adamodar/pdfiles/valn2ed/ch26.pdf b) Give at least three reasons why a client makes an investment in real estate. There are various reasons why a client should invest in real estate. These three main reasons are; Rental Such procedure is considered to be an old practice which is still commonly used nowadays, were the client buys a property and rent it out to a tenant/s. In fact, in such system the client/landlord is responsible to maintain such property in a condition and ensure that all taxes and other fees are also paid by this individual. On the other hand, the landlord will then request the tenant to pay a specific fee to cover all of the cost for maintenance and accommodation. Usually, when the mortgage of such property has been paid, the consequent rents will become a profit to the client. Trading Unlike the rental procedure, trading involves the buying of property with the intention of holding them for a short period before sell them in order to make profit. Especially when it comes to undervalued properties, a prospective client can make a substantial amount of profit for a low capital investment especially when renovation are done. Develop Although the previously mentioned reasons can offer a reasonable profit to the client, one must not forget that once an investment is done on a real estate it can offer multiple possibilities to develop such property. Therefore it is very important that when a client is buying a property, one makes sure that such investment can offer such profit possibilities in the future. http://www.investopedia.com/articles/pf/06/realestateinvest.asp http://realestate.about.com/od/realestateinvesting/qt/why_invest.htm http://www.yourinvestmentpropertymag.com.au/buying-property/35-reasons-to-invest-in-real-estate-120946.aspx Task 1.2 a) In line with the scenario, List and explain all of the following:- the reasons for the client to appoint a Project Manager, referring to a least five (5) client’s tasks (200 words) In order to have an optimum office building, one must have a combination of a specific target definition, adequate planning and professional execution from a team having an expert understanding. If adequate planning is used within the timeframe of the office building, it can reduce losses while also saving from the overall cost and time. In fact, such client tasks may include: Schedule Monitoring Quality Assurance Decision making Cost Monitoring Permit compatibility Although these are only few of the tasks that fall under project management, for this reason a project manager is appointed on behalf of the client. Such appointment must be done in order to have an individual which can make decisions and report back to the client. Since the office building may require a substantial amount of time to manage, a team of project management must be set up in order to realise the client’s concept. Within the office building the project manager will handle the mentioned client tasks like monitoring of schedule to ensure the deadline date is met, monitor cost to keep in line with the budget, conduct quality assurance to make sure they are within the agreed specifications and also support the client in the remaining tasks. Such procedure must be done to reduce the load or handle those which cannot be delegated by the client. Slide 68- understand with relation to time cost and quality†¦. https://books.google.com.mt/books?id=BNVOAaPw6qMCpg=PA106lpg=PA106dq=why+should+a+client+appoint+a+project+managersource=blots=sCklzzM8IWsig=lVnUwtNFt38m1VYKXjYzFwdm0S0hl=ensa=Xei=ahqIVNr7GMnsO8yJgfgDved=0CCgQ6AEwAA#v=onepageq=why%20should%20a%20client%20appoint%20a%20project%20managerf=false https://books.google.com.mt/books?id=7Tif1JpevVwCpg=PA7dq=why+should+a+client+appoint+a+project+managerhl=ensa=Xei=ih6IVNWoKIG5OMn_gKgHved=0CCUQ6AEwAQ#v=onepageq=why%20should%20a%20client%20appoint%20a%20project%20managerf=false * b) The kind/type of skills a Project Manager should have, and explain why s/he should be generalist within a client’s organization. (200 words) As the project manager of the office building, it is important to have a number of skills that ensures one can be comfortable with the specific project type and responsibilities associated with it. Such responsibilities may include process organisation, target definition, planning process and construction implementation. The project manager has to be able to give the best advice to the client, while building a healthy communication with the architects and specialists found within the project. Furthermore, by clearly defining the ‘Target Definition’, the project manager will ensure that all phases are done one after the other in the smoothest way possible. More importantly, the project manager must be also a generalist within the client’s organization in order to handle both the stages of the project and participants involved. A generalist project manager, will have enough experience to know that when involving participants at the early stages of the project they w ill put their knowhow and transmit their information to achieve a better overall outcome. Furthermore, such project manager will be able to look into the various project processes and create specific management functions in order to integrate the planner’s objectives with the demand of the executing companies. CHECK WHETHER TO ADD SPECIALISTS https://www.linkedin.com/groups/Project-Manager-Specialist-Generalist-37888.S.204373857 think about cost implication†¦remember the balcony alteration in midi project Task 1.3 c) In line with the scenario, List and explain the differences between line and staff functions (Project Leadership and Project Controlling) within different project management functions, giving at least five (5) examples concerning client’s tasks. http://www.ukessays.com/essays/construction/commercial-real-estate-residential-real-estate-construction-essay.php During the project leadership and project controlling of the said office building, one can decide to choose either line or staff function. Line Function In this system, the hierarchical structure starts with the client and continuous with the other participants involved within the project. Since our office building is relatively complex, the client may not be able to manage all tasks and so, by assigning a project manager he will be responsible to handle the various client’s tasks. This will give a good idea of the project’s management requirements since they can directly impact the outcome of the project. Such client’s tasks are; Project Organisation Ensure permit compatibility Processes execution Enforcement Ensure project financing Such procedure, may also be adopted when the clients does not have a certain management knowhow. In such cases the engaged project manager will act as a â€Å"Temporary CEO† and represent the client in various managerial functions especially when it comes to the control of planner and executing entities.However, one must keep in mind that the project manager will still report to the client’s request. Staff Function On the other hand, within a staff function the client no longer has the ability to act as the primary deciding role but now he has to report to the project’s consultants. This system gives the client the responsibility to control this project (office building), however constant reporting must be made with the project manager. Add someting Task 1.4 d) List and explain the differences between transferable and non-transferable client’s tasks. (400 words) In large scale project Transferable tasks Non-transferable tasks e) List, explain and debate the major aspects/characteristics, to optimize the investment cost and subsequent (follow-up) costs within the design under constant consideration of the intended purpose. Also explain the basic interrelation between investment cost and subsequent cost. (500 words) One must ensure that the design of the scenario matches the concepts and sketches Make sure that the concept has been followed to ensure that the agreed initial concept is after all met. Any saving done at design stage one must see a saving at a later post-commission.

Overview of The First Red Scare :: essays research papers

In the early part of the twentieth century, Americans feared and fought against the principles of the Bolsheviks. Few Americans today even know what the â€Å"Red Scare† was, let alone fear these ideas. However, many of the basic Bolshevik ideas are alive and well in the United States. Citizens of the United States are beginning to accept and even believe in many principles that the Bolshevik Revolution was all about, including eminent domain, loss of freedom of speech, loss of privacy, and income redistribution in the form of very high tax rates. The textbook years for the Red Scare were from 1917 to 1920, but there were important events before 1917 that preceded the Bolshevik Revolution. â€Å"The first â€Å"reds† were those Americans who supported the French Revolution at the end of the eighteenth century.† (Hoyt, 11) The first Marxian socialists to come to the United States were German immigrants who began arriving in 1848. They slowly began to change the labor organization, and over a few years the Socialist and Communist parties were born. In 1901, all Americans were made aware of left-wing radicalism after an anarchist named Leon Czolgosz assassinated President William McKinley. â€Å"No more was needed to make Americans fear and hate the very words â€Å"anarchist,† â€Å"radical,† â€Å"red† and â€Å"socialist,† all of which they lumped together†. (Hoyt, 13) All of these events culminated in creating a certain fear in Americans from these groups. The climax of the fear of radicals, and the start of the Red Scare was when in November 1917, when the Russian Revolution took place. Earlier that year, there were only 11,060 Bolsheviks in Russia, yet five months later they managed to seize power. When American began to understand this concept, they were all struck with fear. Americans did not want to go back to a controlling government that they had just escaped by coming to America. The Red Scare began because of several bombs that were mailed to many people. These bombs were constructed so that when the person receiving the bomb opens their package, they will be greatly injured, or killed. There were about thirty bombs sent through the mail, and only about five were actually opened. These bombs were addressed to important people like John D. Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan, commissioners of immigration and many others. Bombs were the physical scare to people, but inside, Americans were â€Å"nervous that reds could get into the government and control the people.

Environmental Ethics Essay -- Ecology Environment Nature Essays

Environmental Ethics   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It is a strong belief of mine that the responsibility of protecting the environment is much greater on today’s generation than is was for past generations. The reason that I feel the way that I do is because at this point a substantial amount of damage has already been done and in order to prevent any further environmental destruction intervention on our part is necessary. After all, we (humans) are the main cause of the problems; shouldn’t we also be a part of the cure. If we had always taken the environment into consideration prior to our actions we would not be faced with some of the environmental issues we are facing today. The problem started with the past generations but the solution now has to start with us. We have to be overly conscious of our actions and what affect they will have on future generations. Since we enjoy the rights to breathe fresh air, play in the sun, live among a vast variety of plant and wildlife, then shouldn’t our children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and their grandchildren, also have the chance to enjoy those same rights? My answer to that question is yes they do! We owe that to them so we all have to take a stand for our values, morals, ethics and actions regarding the preservation of a healthy and rich natural environment.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The responsibilities for past generation regarding the environment was no less than ours today however, the differences are that we are now stuck with the job of correcting the mistakes of past generations, then the population was much smaller than it is today and will be in the future and more people equals potentially more pollution. I can compare this situation to one of a student who starts a class with all A’s and all he needs is to get a passing grade on the final and he will end up with a least a B for the class, verses a student who starts off the class with low B’s and C’s on his tests who will need to get a high B low A to just pass the class with a C. We are the B, C, student who needs an A just to pass the class with a C. It would be easier for us and less of an emergency if only our past generations would have taken us into the same consideration that we are now trying to for our future generations. It is my assumption that It wil l be easier for the future generations to maintain a healthy natural environment than to have to repair a damaged one. ... ...e else who may be going the same place I try to ride the bus to work or into town when ever I can. I am much more conscious of when and where I drive my car. I feel that I am at an advantage since I live in a big city where I don’t necessarily need to drive in order to get where I need to go I have plenty of options and I have started to use them.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion I understand how important it is to preserve and protect the natural environment. I feel that we owe it to future generations to take measures so that they can potentially live somewhat happy healthy lives. The measures that we take today to protect the environment will affect us tomorrow and them a lot further down the line. I am willing to take responsibility for my actions today so that tomorrows generations both human and non human can thrive. I am grateful for the organizations like the Earth Day Organization that work to bring environmental issues awareness to everyone. If everyone would simply try to take the smallest measures to preserve and protect our environment I believe it will result in large results. References: Joseph R. Des Jardins, Wadsworth / Thomson Learning. Environmental Ethics 2001.

The Matthew Shepard Event Essay -- Gay Bashing Violence Law Papers

The Matthew Shepard Event The human body is an object in which one lives and the medium through which one experiences oneself and the world. The human body vests claims on ideology and space; and thus participates as the site on which conflicts about belief systems and territory contest violently. Gay bodies become entangled in violence when they enter into arenas that combat certain ideas. Gay bashing illustrates incidences all in which bodies experience physical injury. In modern U.S. communities various militant conservatives individually target homosexuals in "gay bashing." Though few conservative political groups explicitly avow targeting gays for physical violence, their members individually carry out anti-gay brutality. Mathew Shepard's brutal murder in 1998 illustrates a relatively recent incident in which the human body becomes politicized. What is the process by which the pain and death of Shepard's body transform the personal into the political? What does "gay bashing" mean to attackers, victims an d the state? The attackers' deliberate decision to raise Shepard's body stemmed from their intensions to make public what was private. To narrow the scope of analysis, I argue that by writing into law a "gay panic defense" statute the state establishes an anti-gay social atmosphere in which private citizens act as agents of the state to protect patriarchy by carrying out implicitly legalized physical violence against gays. The Gay Panic Defense uses the word panic to convey a sense of abruptness in the perpetrators' thought process during the moment they carry out the criminal behavior. The Oxford English Dictionary defines panic as "a sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety." The word panic projects the illusion that t... ...ial meaning becomes embodied by meaning within context that ultimately has a stake in the body. Participating in the transformation of the private into the public, the human body is both an object in which one lives and a site of political articulation. Works Cited 1. Foucault, Michel. 1977. Discipline and punish. New York: Random house. 2. Friend, Richard A. 1993. "Choices, not closets: heterosexism and homophobia in schools." Beyond Silenced voices. Albany: State University of New York Press. 209-235. 3. Kaufman, Moises. 2001. The Laramie Project. New York: First Vintage Books. 4. Nardi, Peter, Bolton, Ralph. 1991. "Gay bashing: violence and aggression against gay men and lesbians." Social perspective in lesbian and gay studies. New York: Routledge. 412-433. 5. Sedgwick, Eve Kosofsky. 1985. Between Men. New York: Columbia University Press.

The impact of Christian Religious Education

The context of studying religious in a society such as ours, Christian religious educations give me the opportunity to learn from religion (Christian religion) in an organized Manner.From my perspective, Christian religious education aims to support and develop my religious identity by giving me the opportunity to participate at Christian religious practices. Religious education like Christianity involves religious practices such as praying, caring for others, and dealing with the challenges of life.In these practices I see Christian religious education as an inspirational reality of God’s teaching; the only reliable tool that I rely on in the time of difficulties and challenges. The concepts of God, creation, redemption, or eternity are concepts that are difficult to understand unless with faith and the teaching of Christian religious education.From this standpoint, progress in Christian religious education refers to my participation at religious practices in a more proficien t way. The aim of this paper is to get a clear view on the significance of studying Christian Religious Education and its impact on me as an individual.Growing up as a KidAs a kid growing up I attended Catechism classes (first Holy Communion and Confirmation), as far as going to the seminary (Catholic seminary) after my graduation from high school. I attended catechism classes and was taught the Catholic doctrines and other Christian beliefs.Therefore, Christian religious education has impacted my life and my personal growth. Consequently, learning through religious education enables me to:Develop my knowledge and deepen my understanding of the Christian faith, especially my Catholic faith and other Christian beliefs. It helps me understand the relevance of the Catholic faith and the meaning of life. It fosters the values, attitudes and practices which are well-suited with my faith as Christian. Christian religious education develops my skills of reflection, critical thinking, and h ow to act in accordance when making moral decisions. It nurtures my prayer life as an individual.It helps me understand and appreciate significant aspects of other Christian traditions such as observing lent, the practice of station of the cross and advent season. The observance of all of these makes a positive difference to my Christian life and put my beliefs and values into action.The Influence of Christian Religion Education on meThe impact of Christian religious education on me is that it transfers Christian moral values and norms to me as person or individual growing up to become responsible and appreciating myself and others. It teaches me the actual duty of a Christian and acquaints me with religious practices and obedience to authorities in the neighborhood, homes, state and in the universal society.Christian religious education helps me to develop the knowledge and understanding of Christianity and especially, the catholic doctrine. Christian religious education specially the catholic doctrine have taught me some religious norms and it values and has encouraged me to learn from various religious beliefs, values and culture while at the same time, focusing my own beliefs regarding my religion.My study at the seminary and catechism classes has also help me to be mature personally and socially as well as refining my judgments and decisions on religious, moral and social issues, preparing me for life in a secular society.During my time in primary school I can clearly recall that Christian religious education in the context of catholic religious teachings popularly known as â€Å"doctrine† in catholic schools was a compulsory subject for us. It was mandatory subject, not an optional one.In fact anyone who could not pass doctrine in St. Francis high school (Pleebo, Maryland County) is assumed not to be able to do well or pass other subjects. As the result, Christian religious education gave me a stronger sense of my identity and it made me to know m y place in the world that I live in through Christian religious and ethical teaching.Christian Religious education guides me through my spiritual journey. It motives me and helps me been focus on my spiritual life. If I don’t understand what I am implementing in my life, then I will end up losing focus in my Christian activities.Christian Religious education aids me in instructing me how to understand the existence of God and how to obey his commands. Christian Religious education assists me in keeping me from doing the wrong things and repeating the same mistakes over and over again.It instructs me to obey authorities and follow the teaching of the scriptures, so that I may teach the little one or my own kids the ways of life of my religion (Christian) and how to follow it teachings. Encourages me to look more into what I accept as true and reflect on that spiritual knowledge. It helps me understand the Word of God as expressed in the Christian scriptures and especially the teachings of the Catholic Church. And considering how situations can affect the way that I understand things in my lives and the world around me. Reflecting on the Catholic beliefs that my life has meaning, therefore, the essence of Christian religious education is to help me to value the teachings of the scriptures and that which God reveals in our lives.It helps me recognize such knowledge and understand issues which are never fully realized except in actual relationships with the scripture (God) or teaching of Christian religion education. It helps me truly develop and  engage common issues in concrete actions.Why Christian Religion Education Matters to me?Christian Religious education makes a distinctive contribution to my well-being. It promotes my moral, social and above all my spiritual, development. It prepares me for societal challenges and future responsibilities. Religion and beliefs inform our values and are reflected in what we say and how we behave. Christian Religio us education try to explain or give meaning to challenging questions about the ultimate meaning and purpose of life, beliefs about God, and the nature of reality, issues of right and wrong and what it means to be human. It develops my knowledge and understanding of the nature of religion and belief including Christianity, and other principal religious issues, such as the TRINITY, (three persons in one God).God the FATHER, God the SON and God the HOLY SPIRIT, philosophy that are difficult to understand. Christian religious education offers me the opportunities for personal reflection and spiritual development. It enhances my awareness and understanding of Christianity and beliefs, teachings and practices. Christian religious education had impacted my life, to be more precise, it helps me to understand issues of faith and the existence of God. There are things I cannot do because of my beliefs and faith.I cannot take away human life, because I have value for other and the life of peop le. I cannot encourage abortion or homosexual arts.Taking away other life is murder, murder is a crime. Christian religious education, specially my doctrine (catholic doctrines) forbids that. And Christian religious educations help enhance and foster my beliefs. Therefore, my value of God is deepening.Christian religious education today is vital. As the issue of extremism emerges, I begun to wonder how these people lost their moral direction and they have turn against society in the name of religion. One might want to look to their religion as one aspect of what shaped their thinking.Instead of judge them; I extend forgiveness, because my religion (Christianity) teaches me how to forgive. After all, Christ said in the Bible â€Å"he who is without sin should cast the first stone.†Christian religious education is priceless. Christian religion offer open debate about all moral and ethical points of view. It is open to free debate, unlike other religions which forbids open discu ssion of some critical issues.In order to combat ignorance, Christian religious educations enlighten my mind. It causes me to act as detects by the scripture or my doctrine.The reason a society falls is its lack of morality. Christian religious education taught me about morality, ethics and to love others, even if they don’t act very loving toward me.The skills, understanding and knowledge acquired from Christian religious education during my seminary and catechism class’s days, couple with my Christian ethics class at AMEU is very necessary. They help to broaden my knowledge and positively sharp my thinking to be mature in my attitudes.Christian religious educations help me to be open minded, value for others and self understanding. Experiencing self-assurance about my own beliefs and identity and increasing my perception of my religious, moral and spiritual ideas.ConclusionIn conclusion to this paper, I will say Christian religious education from all angle and from a ll area of society has shown without any doubt its significance on me as individual and society cannot be ignored.Christian Religious Education has prove to make available openings for spiritual expansion in the course of helping me to think about and act in response to questions of meaning and function in life, and questions about the s existence of God and morals in human society; to consider and react to  critical issues especially issues of morality and real challenges of life.This has helped me to make clear and knowledgeable decision on religious and moral issues. Our society today is face with many moral issues, such as same sex marriage know as gay marriage and the issue of abortion. Christian religious education has helped to develop my sense of character and belonging, preparing me for life as individual in society.It gives me consciousness and understanding of my beliefs, including practices and values of Christianity. Christian Religious Education is a tool that streng then my ethical attitude and values, including choices and behavior and my believed toward abortion, drugs and homosexuality.

Business and Administration Unit 1 Assessment 1

Unit one: Principles of personal responsibilities and working in a business environment Assessment You should use this file to complete your Assessment. †¢ The first thing you need to do is save a copy of this document, either onto your computer or a disk †¢ Then work through your Assessment, remembering to save your work regularly †¢ When you’ve finished, print out a copy to keep for reference †¢ Then, go to www. vision2learn. com and send your completed Assessment to your tutor via your My Study area – make sure it is clearly marked with your name, the course title and the Unit and Assessment number.Please note that this Assessment document has 8 pages and is made up of 7 Sections. Name: Devan Primus Business and Administration Unit 1 Assessment 1 Section 1 – Know the employment rights and responsibilities of the employee and employer 1. Identify four main points that would be included in a contract of employment. If possible, use an example contract to support your answer (feel free to obscure any confidential information). Place of employment S. Com Group Limited (Company Registration Number 02209742) whose registered office is at 800 the boulevard, Capability Green, Luton, Bedfordshire.LU1 3BA Job Title Warehouseman Start Date The date in which an employee would commence work Holidays e. g. The contractor will be entitled to accrue, on a pro rata basis, 28 days of paid holiday per year (for the avoidance of doubt the 28 days are including Bank Holidays). payments for holiday will be calculated on the basis of the Normal Rate. Holidays may only be taken with the prior written consent of S. Com. The contractor shall endeavour to co-operate with the Clients requirements at all times and any request for paid holiday should be made as far in advance as possible.The Contractor must record all authorised holiday in the relevant timesheet. 2a) List three key points of legislation that affect employers in a business environm ent. Security Data Protection Health and Safety 2b) List three key points of legislation that affect employees in a business environment. Employment Rights and Responsibilities Grievance Procedure Equal Opportunities 3. Identify a range of places where a person can find information on employment rights and responsibilities. You should identify at least two internal and two external sources of information.You can get internal information from you line manager or a representative from your trade union. You can also find external information from the government websites and libraries. 4. Describe how representative bodies can support employees. For example Trade Unions can help employees with such things as disciplinary hearings and any disputes employees have regarding wages, holidays or even changes in the work place. 5. Briefly describe employer and employee responsibilities for equality and diversity in a business environment.You should give at least two employer responsibilities a nd two employee responsibilities. If possible, provide relevant equality and diversity procedures from your workplace (or place of study) to support your answer. These documents should be annotated to highlight the relevant sections. When hiring a new employee a company should never discriminate. For example if they interview a person who was over weight or from an ethnic background, they should still be considered for the job based on their skill set not their background or how they look.Also as a company stake holder’s, manager and team leaders have a responsibility to ensure and maintain equality and diversity throughout the company to make sure every employee is respected and treated fairly. Every individual employee is responsible for their own behaviour and actions. They should never make another employee feel unsafe, singled out or be unfairly treated. Any employee who is ever witness to such discrimination has a duty to report it to the relevant management without fea r of being discriminated against themselves. . Briefly explain the benefits of making sure equality and diversity procedures are followed in a business environment. Your answer should include one benefit for the employer, one benefit for the employee and one benefit for the overall organisation. Employee By offering employees training opportunities who are willing to gain extra skills to progress in their career, they will find staff will work harder and be more productive. In the long run staff will feel appreciated knowing their all being treated fairly.Employer By offering training opportunities and not discriminating in any way or form, the company can bring in talented people from all backgrounds that in turn will bring fresh and new ideas. Organisation Overall outcome for the company will see a happier work force and productivity increased possibly leading to increased profits. Section 2 – Understand the purpose of health, safety and security procedures in a business en vironment 1. Identify employer and employee responsibilities for health, safety and security.If possible, provide relevant health, safety and security policies / documents from your workplace (or place of study) to support your answer. These documents should be annotated to highlight the relevant sections. An employer is responsible to ensure that all workers have a safe place to work in regards to their health and safety. They must assess any risks an employee will encounter whilst in the work place, not only this but anyone who comes into contact with their business. Risk assessments should be carried out and information given to all employees making them aware of all isks and how to deal with situations if and when they arise, this can be achieved by training staff on relevant protocols and use of equipment. It is an employees responsibility to look after themselves an that of others who may be affected by their actions at work, employee, co-workers and employer must work togethe r to ensure that everyone meets their legal requirements. If an employee has any worries about health and safety in their work place they should voice their queries to either a manager, team leader or a health and safety representative.To support my answer I have some health, safety and security polices from an old place of work. Risk Assessments/Methods Statements †¢ Make sure you know what hazards exist before you start work. Have them communicated to you. †¢ Always follow instructions given to you by your line manager/supervisor. †¢ Risk assessments/method statements have been completed for your protection and are there to create awareness of the hazards you may be subjected to. Ask to read the assessments before you commence work. Machinery and Equipment Use only serviced and tested equipment †¢ Use the machinery or equipment for the purpose it is intended. †¢ Know the location of the cut off switch. †¢ Ensure that you have been trained and authoris ed to use that item of machinery or equipment. †¢ If defective equipment is found, clearly mark it, ensure no one else can use it and report it to your line manager/supervisor. †¢ Read instructions carefully before operation. If in doubt ask. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) †¢ You must co-operate with PALL by wearing PPE to combat potential hazards. Factory floor employees must provide their own safety boots and overalls. †¢ Protective eye goggles are to be worn at all times on the factory floor. 2. Explain the purpose of following health, safety and security procedures in a business environment. Following these procedures is very vital for a company, keeping its staff safe is a main priority when it comes to health, safety and security. Keeping employee’s information confidential meeting legal responsibilities in regards to the data protection act, also protecting staff from personal attack or assault. . Describe three different ways of maintaining a safe and secure business environment. Three different ways of maintaining a safe and secure business could be †¢ Using passwords on computers to stop unauthorised access †¢ Making sure valuables are locked away and kept out of sight †¢ Reporting any security issues to the appropriate person Section 3 – Understand how to communicate effectively with others 1. Complete the table below with descriptions of different methods of communication.You should include two verbal, two non-verbal and two written methods of communication. |Methods of communication |Description | |Verbal communication |1. Standing in front of colleagues giving a presentation. | | | | | | | |2. Having a conversation over the telephone. | | | | | | | |Non-verbal communication |1.Body language i. e. facial expression and peoples attitudes. | | | | | | | | |2. persons posture or hand movements | | | | | | | |Written communication |1.Writing an email to a colleague | | | | | | | | |2. ending a letter to a client | | | | | | | 2. Using two specific examples, explain how to choose the most appropriate method of communication to meet your needs and the needs of others.If you had a deadline to meet and had to make changes at the last minute to a project, you would need to inform all relevant people of the changes as soon as possible. The most appropriate method would be verbal communication as sending an email for instance may get to all recipients to late. Written communication is a most appropriate method when detailed information or instructions are required, for example a client or business associate is far away to easily speak to over the phone or in person. 3. Describe at least two ways of actively listening. Showing eye contact is a good way to show that you are listening to someone when they talking. †¢ Also writing down notes and questions to be asked at the appropriate time. Section 4 – Understand how to work with and support colleag ues 1. Explain the purpose of agreeing standards for your own work. Give at least two reasons. If the employee agrees to work place standards it gives the employee a better understanding of what is expected of them, this also enables them to keep track of their own progress and performance.Work place standards are set and known by managers, if employees don’t stick to them this could lead to employees interpreting the own ways of doing things causing conflict between themselves and other colleagues. 2. Explain the purpose of taking on new challenges and being able to adapt to change at work. Being able to take on new challenges at work would make you more valuable to an organisation, if you are more willing to learn new skills and progress with the company you could find yourself in a new job role with more responsibility.There are many reasons for change in the work place and most of these are made to make the organisation be more efficient for themselves, employees, clients and to stay inline with the ever changing legal requirements. 3. Explain the purpose of treating others with honesty and consideration. As the saying goes ‘do unto others as you would expect them to do unto you’. If u treat everybody the same with honesty and respect they will show you the same in return. This will make the work place and its employees run more smoothly with fewer hiccups.Every person is an individual and has their own problems but if you show respect they are more likely to open up and in turn begin to trust. This doesn’t mean you have to agree with them but shows you are willing to listen to their opinions and ideas, in the long run things can be achieved which will benefit everyone. Section 5 – Know how to plan own work and be accountable to others 1. Explain the purpose of meeting work standards and deadlines when completing tasks in a business environment. It is important to stick to work standards and deadlines in a company as failu re to do so could to adverse outcomes for the organisation.Every body has their duties and responsibilities and if they are not executed properly it can have a knock on effect and lead to the loss of clients and not hitting set out targets. 2. Describe two different methods that you can use to plan your own work in a business environment. By planning your work before starting a task you’re making yourself aware of what need to be achieved. You can do this by prioritising your work load getting the more important aspects done first and the lesser important task after.Avoiding any distractions that will cause you to lose site of what you have to achieve in a set timescale, this could be stopping to chat or other colleagues asking you to do trivial task which could be done at a later time, apologise and continue with your work. 3. Describe ways of keeping other people informed about progress and compare their effectiveness. What are the benefits and drawbacks of each approach? T elephone conversation You can keep your manager informed by telephone to update him/her on your progress.He or she will get all the information they need quicker but by communicating in this way it could lead to missed out information Meetings This is a good way of informing your manager and colleagues of your progress. The only draw back is its a little time consuming; nether the less you can fill your manager in with all the relevant information and also give an estimated completion time, if you feel you won’t get the job completed on time you can ask your manager for an extension. Section 6 – Understand the purpose of improving own performance in a business environment and how to do so 1.Explain the purpose of continuously improving your performance in a business environment. Continuing to improve your own performance can lead to better prospects for an employee. The better an employee is at their job the more chance of possible training, promotion or pay rise and h ave a long-term affect on their career prospects. This will make an employee constantly think about what they can achieve and end up with job satisfaction. 2. Describe at least two ways of improving your performance at work. Where relevant, illustrate your answer with specific examples from your own experience.Set yourself career targets as to where you would like to be in life. Try to take on extra responsibility at work and show team leaders/managers that you are capable of hard word. In previous employment I worked harder and it paid off, I was given extra responsibility to run a team of colleagues in the restaurant and make sure my section ran as smoothly as possible. 3. Briefly describe at least two different types of career pathways that may be available to you. I could take on a higher position in my current employment whether that is a team leader, supervisor or manager preferably a managerial position.Other options available to me could be in sales or even IT. Section 7 â⠂¬â€œ Understand the types of problems that may occur in a business environment and how to deal with them 1. Identify at least two different types of problems that can occur in a business environment. A minor incident could be that a customer had booked a table at your restaurant and on arrival be told that there is no reservation on the computer system. This could easily be resolved by apologising to the customer and getting them a new table as quick as possible.A major incident could be that a customer has had a serious trip or fall on the premises and for this type of incident I would call a manager. I feel a manager with more experience than myself would be better at handling this kind of situation in regards to legal obligation and how best to assist the customer. 2. Complete the table below by describing at least two specific problems that can occur at work and how they can be dealt with. |Problem |Dealing with the problem | |1.A customer has been waiting a long time for a me al they had |Go over to the customer and apologise for the delay and with the say| |ordered. |so from my manager offer a complimentary drink. | | | | | | | | | | |2.A customer has a complaint about a meal received from the |Speak to the customer and indentify what the problem is, take the | |kitchen. |food back to the kitchen and explain what is wrong with the food. | | |Ask the customer if they would like a replacement or prefer a | | |refund. | | | 3. Complete the table below by listing at least two problems you are able to deal with yourself and two problems you would need to refer to others to deal with (and how you would refer these problems). |Problems I can deal with: |Problems I would need to refer to others: |How are problems referred to others? | |1. |1. | |Customer toilets have run out of toilet roll. |A cooker in the kitchen has stopped working. |Ring maintenance explain the situation and | | | |ask for help | | | | | | | | |2. |2. | | |There’s a spill age in the kitchen. |You know of a colleague bullying another |Raise awareness to the relevant superior | | |member of staff. |manager. | | | | | | | | | | | | Once you have completed all 7 Sections of this Assessment, go to www. vision2learn. com and send your work to your tutor for marking.