buy custom Innovation in Verizon essay

buy custom Innovation in Verizon essay Introduction to the Company, Industry and the Consumers Verizon is a leading service provider of communication, information and entertainment technologies in the form of data, voice and video products. It makes use of intelligent wireless, global IP and broadband networks to address and meet the growing demands of speed, utility, mobility, and convenience of on-the-go and high-end and low end technology consumers. Because of its pro-active approach in bringing new product and service ideas as well as injection of ingenuity in technological expertise in the industry, the company enjoys the status of being an innovation leader (Verizon, 2011). Verizons goal is to be the global leader in the 4G LTE wireless network. It is the first company to have introduced the idea. It is committed to use collaborations, partnerships and strategic alliances to attain market leadership and global market share (Verizon Business, 2011). It spends heavily annually to expand and enhance its technological expertise to sustain its innovation leadership in the industry that is otherwise bombarded with intense rivalry. Verizons main rivals include ATT, Google, HP, Microsoft, who are continually engaged in bringing new technological innovations to the technology and IT industry (Verizon Business, 2011). In order to stay ahead in the game, Verizon has made use of acquisition, partnership and collaboration strategy that allows it to utilize the technological expertise to introduce innovations regularly in the industry before others and fortify its market share in the industry to reduce the threat of competition (Bigliardi et al., 2011). Competition is not the only threat from the external environment that Verizon faces, consumers present the company with the biggest challenge. Verizons customers include high-end and low-end users. The high-end users comprise of business and industry users, whereas, the low-end users comprise of private consumers who use gadgets and IT equipment and services for personal use (Verizon Business, 2011). Where high-end users seek convenience, speed and efficiency in the IT products and services from Verizon, low-end users seek gadgets that are affordable and compliment their lifestyle above their requirements for speed, convenience and efficiency (Bigliardi et al., 2011). The IT and technological companies have induced a new culture of consumerism that entails complete reliance on gadgets and high-tech equipments for everyday activities. Because of the continuous introduction of new products and services in the markets by rivals and competing firms to stay in the market, a new culture of consumption has emerged where consumers are less brand-loyal and more price-sensitive (Zhu et al, 2011). They seek new products every quarter and regularly switch to new products and new brands to stay in and up to date with technological consumption. This becomes challenging when technology changes at a rapid pace. The rapid pace of technological change is another big challenge that has to be coped up with (Bigliardi et al., 2011). Verizon has invested heavily over the past years to stay ahead in the market. It has launched innovation centers, reshaped and restructured its internal organization, revolutionized corporate and marketing decision making and implementation and information management, all of which allows it to address changing technological, and consumer trends and sustain its position in the market as an innovation leader. Verizon plans to expand across 20 to 30 new markets internationally and cater to new ethnic consumers, such as in India, China, Russia, and other emerging markets. The paper discusses Verizons approach to innovation in the form of the innovative products services it has introduced, how technological leadership has been attained and managed and how is the workforce and organization structured and managed to meet the industry and consumer demands of innovation. Verizons Innovativeness Verizon is positioned in the market as a visionary innovation leader. Figure 1 illustrates the positioning of Verizon against rivals, such as ATT. Verizon ranks high in terms of completeness of vision and ability to execute strategies. It is an industry leader in 4G LTE smart phones. And the main reason that accounts for this positioning as its pro-active response to industry changes and consumer trends. This is the main reason which makes the firm an innovative one. Each of its products and services reflect the embedment of innovative technology and innovative ideas (Verizon Business, 2011). It has three key markets that it caters to with its products and services: the wireless market, broadband network market and enterprise and business market. Verizon Wireless is targeted at the low-end consumer market. Verizon offers them 3G and 4G smart phones and related services as well as broadband and internet services. Verizon offers broadband and internet services as monthly packages. For phones and gadgets the company sues competitive pricing models to attract more price sensitive consumers. Verizon has attained innovation in each of these markets. In the wireless market, Verizon offers voice and data products (Verizon, 2011). Verizon introduced the largest 3G network for the customers that incorporate the innovative features of internet usage, emailing, video and picture sharing as well as access to play downloadable games. This was followed by its break-thorough innovation of 4G LTE smart phones and services to allow consumers to enjoy the best that wireless service provider like Verizon has to offer. The product package that Verizon introduced for the customers incorporated apps from Google, Microsoft and leading gaming software providers that allowed consumers to attain a wholesome smart phone and IT experience. The technological innovation at Verizon is aimed at on-the-go consumer lifestyle (Washington Post, 2011). For internet users, Verizon makes use of fiber technology that allows consumers to enjoy high speed internet surfing and downloading as well as connecting their gadgets and phones with their PCs and laptops and download and save HD videos (Cisco, 2011). For business and enterprise users of Verizon, it is a leading service provider of IT, enterprise solutions, communication systems and networking solutions. It caters to 96 per cent of the Fortune 1000 companies and organisations across 150 countries worldwide with its innovative and strategic oriented services and products. Verizon has, thus, attained innovaton leadership in terms of its products and services not only in the low-end consumer market but also in the high-end business market. Figure 2 illustrates the products and services categories of Verizon in the realm of innovation. Verizon has also recently entered into new customer markets with the launch of its new LTE technology center. These markets include application providers and technology providers. This has been enabled with the help of its partner Cisco that has incorporated its technological expertise in the LTE innovation centers of Verizon and is continuously engaged in developing software, applications and phones that could add to the companys innovation targets and goals as it continues to expand across the world (Cisco, 2011). Attaining technological leadership is a challenge in the industry that Verizon operates in considering the fact the industry inculcates a rapid pace of change. This rapid pace of change threatens the companies to strive for survival and, herein, innovation comes to rescue the firms who use it as a tool for acquiring survival, competitive advantage and market leadership. Break-through as well as continuous innovations cannot introduced and executed effectively in the market without technological leadership (Washington Post, 2011). Use of technological expertise for the development of a product line is not a one-time game for companies in the IT industry. For this purpose, Verizon has sought partnerships and strategic alliances with technology and IT leaders in the industry to aid in its market growth and allow it to attain technological leadership (Cisco, 2011). Also, part of its strategy is to vertically integrate is operational and production circuit to induce effectiveness in its v alue chain that allows it to meet innovation and technological standards of the industry (CNET, 2011). The soundness and accurateness as well as efficiency and wholesomeness in the technology used in the products and services can only be attained if specialized service providers are used for each of the technological requirements. Verizon has partnered with Cisco, Google and IaaS Terremark to attain a competitive edge in the market in terms of technological leadership. Each of these partners provides Verizon with a distinct technological service that allows Verizon to operate in a vertically integrated value chain. Partnership with Cisco is associated with the launch of the new LTE innovation centers. These innovation centers have been developed to conduct in-company research and development in a more advanced fashion. The company has incorporated high-tech technological equipment in to the centers which have cost the company nearly $2 million. The facility at Boston, US, that has been opened occupies a space of 150,000 square feet and has employed 300 engineers (CNET, 2011). The LTE innovation centers allow the company to produce and improve products and services for both high end and low end consumers. These innovation centers are launched in major locations across the US which is its home country. Cisco allows Verizon to induce technological expertise in the back-end services and operational processes such as research and development and production and testing of new ideas (Cisco, 2011). On the other hand, Verizon has partnered with Google to add Google applications such as Google Calendar, Google Docs and Google sites in the 4G LTE smart phones for its low-end as well as high-end users. Googles expertise in the application and software development that is tied with the internet has allowed Verizon to incorporate into its 4G LTE smart phones wholesome internet experience for on-the-go consumers that allows them to stay connected and synchronize their phones with their personal computers and other gadgets of use (Daily Tech, 2011). With the assistance of its another strategic partner, IaaS Terremark which specializes in cloud computing services, Verizon has introduced cloud computing in its organisation-wide operations. Cloud computing is an essential requirement of IT companies who are bombarded with data that needs to be continually sorted out and made use of. The advantages of this change that the company has received are: faster procurement, deployment and management of technological resources as well as faster transformation of information received from business intelligence into new product ideas and strategies to tackle competition and threats from the industry (Cisco, 2011). Therefore, Verizons vertical integration business model that incorporates partnerships and alliances with technology and IT service providers allows it to sustain technological leadership. This technological leadership is an essential component for an innovative firm which in an ongoing fashion allows the company to stay ahead in the market (Barczak and Sultan, 2001). Verizon uses this technological leadership that it has attained through a vertical value chain with a hand full of investments to compete effectively in the market, fortify its market share, expand in to new customer segments and geographic markets and sustain its position in the market as an innovation leader. Organizational Approaches towards Innovation Verizon realizes that, in order to compete effectively with rivals, keep up with the changes in the industry and sustain its position in the industry as an innovative company, it has to align its internal company environment with the changes in the external environmental and the demands of the consumers. In order to survive in the industry, customer focus and an internal culture of innovation is fundamental (Agarwal and Selen, 2011). There is pressure on the IT companies to reinforce the culture of innovation in the organization which only adds to the pressure on the employees. Supervision and controlled environment of working are two forces that produce a negative impact upon the performance of the employees. Employees of the IT companies are the drivers of the technological revolutions and induce new ideas that shape technological break-through that companies introduce in the market. They need to be motivated in order for the companies to stay innovative and attain technological le adership in the industry (Verizon Business, 2011). Customer Focus and Innovativeness are two key fundamental values that shape the management approach of the company. These values are withheld by each employee that allows the management to align individual goals with the corporate goals. An innovation-centered culture prevails in the organization that encourages employees to bring forth new ideas to the management (Veerizon Business, 2011). The company-wide focus towards innovation is curtailed and effectively managed through a business model that allows the management to make sure that information and knowledge is shared mutually, on time and at a speed that allows the smooth flow of operations and activities necessary to meet the performance targets (Uri, 2002). Verizon previously made use of an IT enabled business model that allowed virtually monitoring, managing and coordinating with all employees. Now, it has moved from the IT enabled business model to an empowered business technology model (BT). This is a strategic shift that the organization has taken to induce a more sound, high-tech and innovation-centered structure into the company. Within this structure web-centric management of the workforce takes form (Verizon Business, 2011). Workers and employees are allowed flexible working hours. They are dealt with virtually by the manager. The company hires only the most talented staff and management practices minimum supervision of the workforce (Amalia and Nugroho, 2011). This is the beauty of the organizational structure of the company that through the web-centric structure, multiple employees and projects can be managed and monitored easily (Amalia and Nugroho, 2011). Cloud-computing is embedded in the internal infrastructure of the company, from teleconferencing to virtual management; employees are connected with the company at all times. This makes it easier for the company to align the activities of the employees to its corporate targets and goals. Not only this but the structure gives space as well as freedom to explore to employees which is a powerful tool of motivation that the management makes use of to keep employees aligned to the corporate goals and objectives (Verizon Business, 2011). This organizational structure requires decentralized approach to decision making which is effectively practiced in the organisation (Uri, 2002). The organisational structure that is web-centric and incorporates cloud computing allows Verizons management to effectively procure, deploy and management technological resources and in time transform these into innovative products and services and sustain technological leadership. Innovation Concepts and Process The innovation issues that are relevant to Verizon are the type of innovations that it introduces in the market as well as the process it makes use of to introduce innovations. Verizons innovations can be termed as continuous product innovation rather than break-through. The continuous product innovations are those that are introduced regularly in the market that are improvements of the previous innovations (Agarwal and Selen, 2011). Breakthrough innovations are those new ideas that take the society by a storm. They change the consumerism altogether and move consumer towards a new shift (Drucker, 2006). Smart phones, broadband and enterprise solutions have already been introduced in the past decade. Therefore, Verizons improvements in the already existing product ideas cannot be termed as a breakthrough innovation. Verizon has, however, has introduced product innovations, in the form of 3G and 4G smart phones, high-speed broadband as well as innovative enterprise solutions that have not induced a revolution in the society but have improved the services and products using technological leadership. Verizons innovation stems from its ability to transform industry changes and consumption trends into new product, applications and service ideas. The innovations are introduced in a continuous basis. This involves continuously engaging in taking feed from the market through business intelligence and consumer and market research studies, research and development in laps and introducing and testing new improvements to the products that meet customer expectations (Verizon Business, 2011). The information obtained from the business intelligence, benchmarking, and market and consumer research studies triggers the innovation process at Verizon. The innovation process starts with the realization that there is a need to improve the product. This realization comes from the research findings of consumer trends, sales trends and industry trends and the pro-active approach of the management. Followed by this, brainstorming takes place to find solutions to potential problems that the company foresees in the data it has obtained. Brainstorming comprises of engineers and managers sitting together in meetings and conferences (Drucker, 2006). The most common innovative thinking tool used by IT companies is product bundling that combines two or more services or product ideas together. This is evident from the incorporation of several applications and services into a single smart phone or a gadget. This idea generation leads to product development and market testing. This is an ongoi ng and continuous process that is followed within Verizon. The new LTE innovation center has been launched specifically by Verizon for the purpose of a high level of innovation building in the company. This reflects the commitment of the company towards bringing continuous product innovations in the industry. Conclusion Verizon is positioned in the market as a visionary innovation leader. It has three key markets that it caters to with its products and services: the wireless market, broadband network market and enterprise and business market. With innovation tucked under its belt, it plans to expand across 20 to 30 new markets internationally and cater to new ethnic consumers, such as in India, China, Russia, and other emerging markets. The corporate strategy of Verizon to incorporate the social media to sense trends, cloud computing to and communicate with the low-end users and co-branding with rivals to bring new technologically sound innovations in the market and curb the threat from competitors has allowed Verizon to become an innovative company. Verizons vertical integration business model that incorporates partnerships and alliances with technology and IT service providers allows it to sustain technological leadership (Barczak and Sultan, 2001). This technological leadership is an essential co mponent for an innovative firm which in an ongoing fashion allows the company to stay ahead in the market. Verizon uses this technological leadership that it has attained through a vertical value chain with a hand full of investments to compete effectively in the market, fortify its market share, expand in to new customer segments and geographic markets and sustain its position in the market as an innovation leader. Buy custom Innovation in Verizon essay

English - Cause and Effect Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

English - Cause and Effect - Essay Example The concepts of causes and effects have been applied in various disciplines such as philosophy and mathematics. The relationship between causes and effects can be of a reciprocating nature, where an event can lead to certain consequences, which can then lead to the previous event. On the other hand, same causes can lead to different effects, based on the environmental factors and the circumstances surrounding such occurrences. There are various rules that govern the relationships between causes and effects. For there to be a valid relationship between the two, causes must occur before the effects. This way, the effects must be a consequence of the occurrence of causes. The other rule governing this relationship is the fact that the causes must be bordering the effects, without any dividing factors in between them. Additionally, there must be a constant union existing in the causes and the effects, in a way that the causes can play to generate the effects (Gregory, 1992). Thus accordi ng to the rules of cause and effect relationship, any difference in the results must have been generated by a difference in the causative factors. This relationship can be based on what is the contributory factor to a certain problem. In this case, when an individual faces a serious problem, there is a need to seek what could be the real cause of that problem, just before embarking on seeking the solution to that problem. This is necessary because, if individuals do not seek the real cause of the problem they face, there is a likelihood of taking actions towards solving such problems, which in real sense might not help in eliminating the problems. Thus, in a life situation, the analysis of a cause effect relationship is necessary to help amicably solve the life challenges (David, 1975). The complete analysis of the causes of a problem ensures that an individual solves such a problem the first time. This is beneficial, other than tackling an issue when the actual relationship has not been well discovered, which may end up making an individual solve an issue halfway, only to revert to the same later, when the same problem re-occurs (Gregory, 1992). In understanding the relationship between cause and effect, then an individual needs to identify an issue at hand, consider all the factors that are involved or surrounding such an issue, which could have an impact on it, narrow down to the factors most related to that issue and finally pin point the actual factors involved. This way, the causative factors are indentified, which could have caused the situation at hand (Pearl, 2000). The cause-effect relationship has been widely applied in the religious front. This application has occurred in the form of religious doctrines upholding the viewpoint that for every action that, an individual commits, then there must be a corresponding effect. This way, in religion, any good deed will result to good results, while any bad one will give rise to bad implications on the part of the individual involved in the deeds (Pearl, 2000). Such doctrines upholds the viewpoint that the actions individuals do, either good or bad, will have an effect on such individuals, either in this life, or in the life after. More to this relationship, the religious doctrines provides for an explanation in the consideration of intent, rather than the actual act. Thus according to the religious doctrines, the intention of an individual, rather than the

MIH548 - Theory Based Research - Mod 3 SLP Essay

MIH548 - Theory Based Research - Mod 3 SLP - Essay Example Also included are operational variables of BMI and waist circumference as well as physical activity and use of high energy foods (Pietilainany, Kapro, Rasomen, 2001). The variables that were operationalized were BMI, waist circumference, high energy food intake. They set an average BMI over the years of study per age group as well as waist circumference. The last studies of these groups of children were done when they reached the ages of 22-27 years old. Waist circumferences and high energy food intake were also defined along this continuum of study. One of the validity tests that they had to use here was the statistical conclusion validity and the reason for that is because there are many different variables being used. The most important variable to look at here is the use of twin to measure genetic effects on activity and obesity. All of the genetic backgrounds were traced and these twins did meet all of the criteria for a valid study showing that the statistical results were appropriate given the causal nature of the genetic part of the study (Burns & Grove, 2007). Internal validity is about whether this is real world testing and in this case it certainly is as there are definitely real world issues for twins like any other child as far as developing or not developing obesity. Extraneous validity is important also and these children were allowed to live their normal lives with each of the parameters that might affect them tracked and then checked again over the years. In other words it was not set up that one twin would be sedentary while the other was active leading to one that was obese and one that was not. They lived their usual lives and if one was obese, it was determined by the real lifestyle that child led. Mustelin L, Silventoinen K, Pietalainen K. (2009) Physical activity reduces the influence of genetic effects on BMI

Blooms Research and Response Essay Example for Free

Blooms Research and Response Essay Each domain has its own set of specific expectations. Bloom broke down his taxonomy into different levels of complexity. They are arraigned in a hierarchy from less to more complex. When teaching, the educator will use the levels so that mastery of the first level is necessary by the learner before the next level can be achieved. The Cognitive Domain focuses on knowledge and developing the skills of comprehension, it also uses critical thinking skills. There are six levels of complexity in this Domain: Knowledge, Comprehension, Application, Analysis, Synthesis, and Evaluation. The Affective Domain focuses on how the learner deals with emotions and with his ability to feel empathy for others. Bloom broke down this domain into five levels: Receiving (awareness), Responding (active participation in the learning process), Valuing, Organization, and Internalizing (values held that influence a behavior so it becomes a characteristic). The third domain, the Psychomotor Domain was not broken down into subcategories by Bloom but by Simpson in 1972. The Psychomotor Domain focuses on the ability to manipulate an object physically. This domain has seven levels: Perception, Set (readiness to act), Guided Response, Mechanism, Complex Overt Response (the ability to perform without hesitation), Adaptation, and Origination. When used, Bloom’s Taxonomy will provide the educator with a measurable way to assess the level of comprehension of the taught information by the learner (â€Å"Big Dog and Little Dog’s Performance Juxtaposition,† 2010). Nurses can use Bloom’s teaching method in educating patients with chronic diseases. First the nurse must assess the patient for level of understanding and readiness to learn. The nurse uses the Cognitive Domain to teach the patient about his specific disease and to facilitate understanding of all concepts associated with the disease and its treatments. In following the hierarchy the nurse would start with the simplest information and ideas and increase the complexity of the information after the patient has exhibited comprehension of the previously taught material. Using the Affective Domain the nurse helps the patient deal with his emotions related to his diagnosis and to attach a value to it. Once a patient has processed the information given to him, realizes the importance of managing his care and placing a value on its importance, he is ready to use the psychomotor domain. The educator uses the Psychomotor domain to teach the skills portion of education. Diabetics need to learn how to use blood glucose testing equipment; patients may need to learn how to self-catheterize these are just two examples of skills that nurses teach that fall under this domain. There are many areas of education a nurse teaches daily. One of which is the information given to patients with chronic diseases in order for them to achieve or maintain self-sufficiency. Bloom’s teaching method gives those patients the best chance at mastering the necessary information and skills needed to live day-to-day with a chronic illness.

Is there an objective standard of taste? Essay -- Art, Aesthetic Princi

In Aesthetics, it is thought that in order to show that a work of art is truly great, it is required that an assessment of aesthetic value must be made (Graham, 2001). Therefore, it can be seen as important that such criteria of can be defined in order to make such an assessment. In this essay, I shall argue that it is not possible for there to be an objective standard of taste that can be defined through a set of binding aesthetic principles that can be used to judge value of artistic works. Rather, than an objective standard of taste can exist without aesthetic rules or principles. This shall be done by first examining Hume’s seminal work ‘Of the standard of taste’ (Hume, SOT). Firstly Hume’s idea of ‘agreeableness’ of a work art shall be addressed, and how the idea of the test of time can result in unanimity of in aesthetic judgement as evidence that there can be an objective standard for aesthetic judgement. This shall be confirmed by examining Hume’s non-cognitivist account of aesthetic judgement proposing that no properties of objects can make them viable candidates for aesthetic evaluation, only the immediate and spontaneous reactions that they can evoke from us can. After this has been established it will then be shown that due to the shared nature of the human species, such aesthetic sentiments can display reasonable uniformity. Although it will have already been established that a uniformity of taste exists, it will be discussed how aesthetic sentiments can be improved by a sound understanding of what is being appreciated, as it is possible for some aesthetic judgments to be better than others, through aesthetic judgment o f individuals that Hume regards as being good critics, who have well-tuned aesthetic sensibilit... ... (1963) The abbreviations and texts cited above are as follows: [T] A Treatise of Human Nature, edited by L. A. Selby-Bigge, 2nd ed. revised by P.H. Nidditch, Oxford: Clarendon Press, (1975) [SOT] â€Å"Of the Standard of Taste,† in, The Philosophical Works of David Hume, edited by T. H. Green and T. H. Grose. 4 volumes, London: Longman, Green, 1874-75. [Page references above to individual essays are to volume 3 of this edition.] Web Articles used Zangwill, Nick, "Aesthetic Judgment", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2006 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), URL = . Gracyk, Ted, "Hume's Aesthetics", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Winter 2006 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.), forthcoming URL = .

Dream of equal schooling Essay

Mr. Borsuk also found that with the exception of the element of religion in the voucher schools—an issue many feel is a violation of the separation of church and state– â€Å"it’s the same story that’s being played out in urban classrooms across America—a story of poverty, limited resources, poor leadership and broken families. † (2006). Based on firsthand experience observations garnered from visiting each and every voucher school that would allow it, Borsuk concluded that at least ten of the 106 schools visited appeared to â€Å"lack the ability, resources, knowledge or will to offer children even a mediocre education†¦. most of these were led by individuals who had little to no background in running schools and no resources other than state payments. † (Borsuk 2006). Nine of the voucher schools would not allow the reporters to observe their work, making one wonder why the secrecy? Like everything on earth, some bad must come along with the good. Alex’s Academics of Excellence happened to be a school begun by a convicted rapist, and kept on enrolling students even after allegations of drug use by staff on school grounds and a DA’s investigation. Thankfully, Alex’s, along with three others have closed—as a result of outside intervention, not due to parental outcry. Conservatives have focused on the undeniable problems in our public school systems as a reason for the voucher system. They say that the voucher system gives â€Å"choice† to parents and students, but in reality they are more interested in privatizing the schools, effectively removing them from â€Å"public oversight and responsibility. † (Special Voucher 2000). The alternative to the voucher system would be to â€Å"invest in our public schools, not abandon them,† according to the more liberal stance. Our society knows how to teach children, it just tends to do that job in unequal measures. Many times a disproportionate amount of money is spent on the already privileged children rather than on the low income areas. Perhaps the largest distinguishing factor in voucher schools comes down to religion. Many of the students in the voucher program schools pray together in class, read the Bible, the Torah, or attend Mass. Even parents who are not particularly religious feel their children will get a better education and learn moral values when placed in a parochial school. While the religious aspect is a sticking point for those who advocate the separation of church and state, the religious schools are the fastest growing area of voucher schools, and many parents who were interviewed felt their children were receiving a much better education in a parochial school than they did in public schools. Martin Carnoy, a Stanford University professor has been critical of the voucher system, pointing to the fact that other states are not participating. â€Å"No other places jumped on the bandwagon, and I think the reason is they don’t see anything spectacular and terrific happening. Basically, they can live without it. † (Borsuk 2006). It is felt in many sectors that the voucher program has been a huge drain on resources, taking away money and attention from the some 85,000 students who still attend regular MPS schools. These students are effectively losing out so that others can attend private schools. (Borsuk 2006). How do other states feel about the voucher system? The Florida State Supreme Court ruled on January 5, 2006 that Governor Jeb Bush’s pilot voucher program was illegal because it â€Å"violates the provision in the state constitution that prohibits using taxpayer money to finance a private alternative to the public education system. † (OnWEAC 2006). The decision was 5-2 and the court stated that the voucher school program hurt public education because it diverted public dollars into private systems. Voucher schools are being rejected at a national level as in November, 2005, a group of 23 House Republican’s â€Å"bucked its party’s leaders and defeated an effort to include a private school voucher plan in the House budget reconciliation bill. † (OnWEAC 2006). The question remains: What is the future of the Wisconsin Voucher system? From September, 2005 to January, 2006, the number of low income students attending voucher schools dropped sharply, a decline of nearly 1500 students. This could be due to the fact that three voucher schools were closed because they did not meet minimum standards, or perhaps the reasons are more far-reaching. (School Choice 2006). The Laws have recently expanded the eligibility of voucher recipients, now allowing students who are in schools that have ranked in the â€Å"academic emergency† or â€Å"academic watch† category for the past three years to receive vouchers. (School Choice 2006) The Maine Supreme Judicial Court recently upheld a very controversial state law that prohibits students from using publicly funded vouchers for religious schools. Justice Donald Alexander wrote that the â€Å"state is not compelled to pay for religious education; even though the U. S. Supreme Court has ruled that these programs are constitutionally permissible. † (School Choice 2006). Although this was a Maine case, the issue may soon arise in Wisconsin as well. Wisconsin has done its best and tried many alternatives, gone down many roads to improve the education of their children. Nobody can fault them for this, however it is clear that it is still far from a level playing field, and that more reforms are in order, more programs that guarantee each child a quality education. References: Borsuk, Alan J. (January 3, 2004). Dream of equal schooling is unrealized. Accessed on May 3, 2006 from: http://www.jsonline.com

Troy, Truth in the Myth Essay example - 1962 Words

The ancient city of Troy, a legendary city in classical literature and Hollywood films alike, has been an attraction to visit for at least twenty-five centuries. Visitors such as Alexander the Great, who stopped at Troy in 334 BC while on route east to conquer Asia, came to Troy looking for the city immortalized in Homers Iliad. Presently, archaeologists visit Hisarlik, a site in northwest Turkey, as it is believed to be the location of the ancient city. Alexander must have been puzzled when he had arrived in Ilion, the name of the city at the time of his visit. Ilion was a small colony founded centuries after the Trojan War supposedly took place; Alexander and his men must have had a similar reaction to what they saw as many a†¦show more content†¦Instead of a single Trojan war, he believes, there were dozens of conflicts fuelled by Troys geopolitical strategic position astride the sea-lanes of the Dardanelles. The prevailing winds and currents would trap ships for mon ths in Troys harbor on the Aegean, where they were ripe for plunder or simply the collection of a port tax. (Fleischman) It was these practices, according to Korfmann, that had made Troy very rich, yet hated throughout the sea. Troy was feared by sailors, and had also become a great target for military ventures. Korfmann called Troy a pirate fortress. (Fleischmann) In the late Bronze Age, villages had started to come together into larger regions. The first of these to come to significant power was Mycenae. Mycenae was across the Aegean from Troy, and was the mythical seat of King Agamemnon. According to Homer, it was here in Mycenae that the trouble with the Trojans had begun. Paris of Troy (with a little push from the Gods) kidnapped Helen; then married to Agamemnons brother, Menelous. Agamemnon came to the aid of his brother by getting Odysseus, Achilles, and many other warriors, and left in pursuit of her captors. Once at Troy, though, they were held at bay for ten years by King Priams (Paris father) army. The Greeks were finally able to penetrate the walls of the city by pretending to retreat, and offering the legendary Trojan Horse as a gift. The wooden horse was full of commandoes who, once nightfallShow MoreRelatedLeda and the Swan Notes763 Words   |  4 PagesLeda and the Swan notes Origins Leda and the Swan was a Greek myth in which the God Zeus transformed into a swan and raped the girl Leda. Different versions of the myth disagree on whether Leda was actually raped or seduced by Zeus. In the myth, Leda gave birth to four children, who hatched from eggs. One of the children was Helen of Troy, the woman the Trojan War was fought over. Analysis on form The poem is a sonnet-it has 14 lines. Each of the lines has 10 beats to it. Yeats plays withRead MoreTrojan War and Troy819 Words   |  4 PagesHIS 111- Antiquity to 1500 Film Analysis- Troy Troy is an adaption of the poem written by Homer, also known as the Iliad. The screenplay was written by David Benioff and stars Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Brian Cox, Diane Kruger, and Rose Byrne. It is a brilliant story of love and war produced in 2004. My reason for choosing this film is because of the controversy over what is myth and what is fact regarding the fall of Troy. I find the movie so majestic yet the timeframe of the IliadRead MoreHelen Of Troy : The World Of Mythology1188 Words   |  5 PagesPoetry Analysis Essay Helen of Troy holds legendary status is the world of mythology. Being the catalyst of one of mythologies largest wars, Helen lacks no influence. Many know the story, at least in its most basic form, the girl so mesmerizingly beautiful that the mighty empires of Greece and Troy waged war over her. With that said, a story so widely known has, predictable, many interpretations. Here Edgar Allan Poe in his piece â€Å"To Helen† and H.D. in her piece â€Å"Helen† each capture their own interpretationRead MoreMyths In Greek Mythology998 Words   |  4 Pages1. A myth is a traditional story that helps convey a fundamental or cultural worldview, wherein values are established by heroes in a legendary context. These values often contain important human truths or universal truths about human nature. For example, Homers Iliad contains many important truths even though the story itself is full of fantastic/mythological elements, such as the appearance of the gods in the midst of the battlefield at Troy. However, Homer deftly mixes Greek mythology with historicalRead MoreSacred Places1504 Words   |  7 PagesWorld Trade Center: A Sacred Site R. Clark, J. Frazier July 4, 2010 Greg Underwood University of Phoenix The World Trade Center: Sacred Site Myths, while imagined, have their own explanations of the divine, that to the faithful and those who take the myth on faith , see as true, sacred and unquestioned. For those who do not see myths as religion and the lore and stories in it mere stories , events and elements in it are curiously close to the beliefs and persuasive elements of theRead MoreThe Trojan Horse1296 Words   |  6 Pageswas any real history behind that myth and in particular whether there was any real history behind the Trojan Horse,† says Edith Hall. In the epic poem, the Greeks set out for Troy to rescue Queen Helen, whose face â€Å"launched a thousand ships. After Edith had done research in Heinrich Schliemann first archeology dig he came to the conclusion that he was in the spot where Troy was. She believed that there were multiple earthquakes that lead to a new tower inside Troy being built. After reviewing theRead MoreAnalysis Of The Article Fences 1165 Words   |  5 PagesAfrican-Amer ican family in the 1950s. Troy Maxson is the breadwinner of his entire family because of his job in a garbage truck company. Cory, one of the children of Troy, is a great football player in high school and he wants to continue to play for college football, which has been absolutely denied by Troy because of the discrimination as a colored people they have. Rose, Troy’s wife, who is taking care of everything at home, but lost her love for Troy when she knew that Troy has been seeing some other womanRead MoreThe Trojan War - Fact or Fiction?1674 Words   |  7 Pagesancient tale of a mighty city called Troy that lay at the edge of Asia Minor whose prince abducted Helen, the most beautiful woman of all time, from the king of Greek Sparta, causing the Greeks to send an army in a thousand ships to attack and lay siege to Troy for 10 years. Historians have long doubted the credibility of Homer as a reliable historical source. However evidence has been uncovered by archaeologists t o suggest that The Iliad has some basis in truth within the epic saga and that althoughRead MoreMycenaean Greece : An Authentic Bronze Age Name1735 Words   |  7 PagesForrer in the 1920s and 1930s. When discussing an ethnic group named the Ahhiyawa in the texts, the scholar focused his attention on the place names Wilusa and Taruisa, which he advocated were the Hittite way of writing (W) ilios (ilios) and Troia (Troy). Former also noted the mention of a Wilson ling Alaksandu, who had made a treaty with the Hittite king Muwatalli; the name, closely resembling Alexander, the alternative name for Paris, son of Priam. Forrer offered other identifications includingRead MoreFailure Of The American Dream In The Writings Of F. Scott Fitzgerald, Zora Neale Hurston, And August Wilson1418 Words   |  6 Pagesfailures in life by using her granddaughter, Janie, as vehicle for her own financial success. Nanny fails by forcing Janie into marriages with abusive men, which is very similar to th e failure of the American Dream in August Wilson’s characterization of Troy Maxson as a failed baseball star in the Negro leagues that is too embittered to allow his son Cory, to become a professional athlete. In essence, these literary examples define the failure of the American Dream in the writings of F. Scott Fitzgerald