Benjamin Franklin: Experiment with Electricity

Benjamin Franklin: Experiment with Electricity

Abstract

            Franklin stood to be a major contributor in the field of science, especially physics and managed to bring forth a different dimension of lightning. He was instrumental in the enlightening of America and the shape of its science and innovation. The paper has two main sections; the first one dealing with Franklin’s general life and impact in America and the second part exclusively deals with his experiment with electricity.

Introduction

            Benjamin Franklin is among those ranked to have founded the United States of America. Franklin was a versatile player in shaping the human life which saw him get involved in various fields. He was a leading political theorist, author, politician, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman, and a diplomat among others. Franklin became a major personality in the quest to enlighten America and with his theories and discoveries in physics; he became a key player in the history of physics. As a scientist, he invented many things among them being a stove, an odometer carriage, the lightning rod, the glass 'armonica' and bifocals. In his lifetime, Franklin engaged in the facilitation of numerous civic organizations, a university and a fire department. In the verge of his campaigns for colonial unity, Franklin earned himself a title as, ‘The First American’. Due to his authorial prominence and being a spokesman for several London colonies, and then being an ambassador of France in America, he greatly contributed to the growth of America.

¹Brands, Harison (2010) The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. Random   House Digital. p. 390.

Franklin’s contributions and inventions

            Franklin was involved in the structuring of the ethos and morals of American such as issues pertaining to marriage, community spirit, education, opposition to authoritarianismin politics and religion. He created a lot of impact in self-governing institutions following his introduction of discoveries vis-à-vis his tolerant and scientific values of the enlightenment in America. Franklin was the most accomplished American during his age and had great influence in the inventions and shaping up the American societal stracture.² Franklin invented prodigiously in his lifetime. He invented a lot of things and had many creations among them being the urinary catheter that was deemed flexible. Franklin was always motivated to have his own inventions and believed that humans should not only rely on the inventions of others but should also seek to invent things that have never been invented. The experiment relating to electricity that Franklin undertook was famously referred to as the kite experiment. This scientific experiment was adopted by Benjamin Franklin and experiment's main purpose was to try and unearth the hidden facts about lightning’s and electricity’s nature. This experiment was mooted by the fact that in 1750, there were public discussions in France concerning the lightning bearing an electrical nature.² During that time, Franklin was interested in the subject and had listed a dozen concepts in relation to electricity and lightning in his notebooks. The experiment with electricity (Kite experiment)

            Franklin then decided to use a kite in his experiment with electricity having realized the dangers posed by using conductive rods. In making the kite, Franklin first made a small cross of cedar forming two light strips, ensuring that the arms were long reaching the four corners of the large thin silk

² Leo, Lemay. The Life of Benjamin Franklin: Soldier, Scientist, and Politician, 1748-1757.(Penysylvania: Pennsylvania Press,2008) p. 245

handkerchief he used. The edge of the handkerchief was tied to the ends of the cross to form the body of a kite, which was properly fitted and matched the tail, loop, and string, and was able to rise in the air just like the kites made using paper.  Franklin used silk majorly to allow it to bear the wetness of the rain and to avoid tearing in the thunder and wind. He then attached to it a pointed wire that was very sharp at the top of the stick that was upright, rising more than a foot above the wood. He then fastened the end of the twine. Franklin then raised the kite when a thunder-gust appeared to be coming on while standing within a door to avoid wetting the silk ribbon. He made sure that twine did not make any contact with the door frame. Thunder clouds soon come above the kite, the pointed wire on the kite then drew the electric fire and then the kite was electrified with all the twine. Consequently, the loose filaments attached to the twine stood out in every way and could be attracted by a finger or a close object. The kite then plentifully streamed outwards from the key following the approach of the knuckle once the rain had wetted the kite and the twine. This made it to freely conduct the electric fire. The phial was charged at the key and electric fire was obtained leading to the kindling of the spirits. This elaborated on the similarity as all the experiments relating to electricity are always performed using a glass object that is always rubbed and do bear the same results as  that of lightning. In that experiment, the kite was less to electrocute Franklin because he stayed on the ground as the kite flew higher. He ensured that the kite’ string was dry at the end he was holding for insulation while allowing rest of the string to be rained on to provide conductivity.³ Franklin assumed that the key attached to the string and then connected to a  jar was accumulating electricity from the bolt of the lightning, a fact that was correct. During the experiment, visible lightening did not strike the kite. However, Franklin observed that strings attached to the kite were repelling each other thus concluding that there was some charging of the Leyden jar. ³

³Vladimir, Rakov & Martin, Uman. Lightning: Physics and Effects. (London:Cambridge University Press, 2007)  656.

Conclusion

            At the end of his experiment, Franklin claimed to have received a shock that was mild afterwards when he moved his hand towards the key. He then deduced that the lightning had ultimately charged the Leyden jar and the key with negative charges. This was proof that lightning has an electric nature. Franklin feared that his experiment was bound to fail and thus be ridiculed. That is the reason as to why during the experiment he took his son only and his publishing of the results of his experiment is in third person.

 Bibliography

Brands. (2010) The First American: The Life and Times of Benjamin Franklin. Random House Digital. p. 390.

Leo, Lemay (2008). The Life of Benjamin Franklin: Soldier, Scientist, and Politician, 1748-1757.  Pennsylvania : Pennsylvania Press. p. 245

Vladimir, Rakov & Martin, Uman ( 2007). Lightning: Physics and Effects. London: Cambridge University Press. pp. 656.

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Business Report-Country Analysis: New Zealand- (CHICAGO FORMAT)

Business Report-Country Analysis: New Zealand:

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Executive Summary:

The business environment in New Zealand presents an ideal opportunity for the country to explore its potentials. After intensive analysis and broad based dissection of the gains and risks involved, this recommendation gives a green light in foreign investment in New Zealand, owing to the fact that the country has undergone radical changes in its economic policies of late, the country has a deregulated and decentralized economy that is accessible by international markets. The country is free from foreign exchange controls and is free from restrictions on dividends, profits, royalties, capital transfer and interests from or into New Zealand.¹ This ideality is further flanked by the high level of infrastructural development in telecommunication and transport sectors alongside having a political system that is liberal, capitalist and that embraces democracy to its fullest.

The Macro Environment

New Zealand’s Description:

New Zealand’s market economy is developed, modern and prosperous. The country has a high rated Gross Domestic Product estimated at 28,250 dollars in relevance to its purchasing power parity (PPP). New Zealand’s economical strength was ranked at position 4 in 2012 by The Heritage Foundation at the Index of Economic Freedom vis'a vis number 5 by the Human Development Index in 2011.

New Zealand’s economy has been boosted by the numerous extraction industries which have been dealing in kaurin gum, whaling, native timber, gold, flax among others.³ The country enjoys a high living standard due to the high demand for various agricultural products at the United States of America and the United Kingdom. The country has a strong economy and has since seen the strengthening of the New Zealand dollar. This has led to an increase in prices of the agricultural products from the country. The exploitation of coal, gas and oil form the major source of energy, providing 69 % of the gross energy in the country. New Zealand exploits other sources of energy including the renewable energy which form 31 %, geothermal power and hydroelectic energy.

New Zealand has an advanced transport network comprised of road networks of up to 98805 kilometers that are valued at two billion dollars, well developed ultra modern railway systems covering 2565 miles and there are bus links to connecting the major cities in the country. The country’s transport system is further spiced by the presence of six international airports. New Zealand has an advanced telecommunication system that was ranked 12th by the UN International Telecommunication Union.⁵

Political aspect and Stability:

New Zealand has a mixed economy that is characterized by democratic, capitalist and liberal governance. The economic system in the country majorly comprises of the public sector and the private sector. All the business that is not run or owned by the government is classified as private sector business. The private sector ranges from the small businesses that are owned by individuals to the large multinational enterprises. There are the profit making and non profit making companies in the public sector.⁶ The government of New Zealand has privatized or incorporated its departments that are engaged in commercial activities. The government of New Zealand also has shares in a number of sectors.

Legal implications:

Being a member of the Common Wealth, New Zealand applies the common law system of the English. The country has a court system that is hierarchical ranging from the District Courts, the High Courts, which also have the commercial sections to handle disputes that are commercial in nature, to the Court of Appeal.  As a member of the World Trade Organization, the country observes the trade regulations. New Zealand also has membership at the Asia Pacific Economic Corporation (APEC) and conforms to the Closer Economic Regulations Agreement (CER), thus, opening up its markets for easy access by the member states.

Economic situation and Stability:

New Zealand’s economy is among the world’s modern and best economies. However, the country has an unemployment rate of about 6.7 %, which is a struggle from the over 10 % unemployment rate that was ensued by the over thirty- year economic recession.

Despite being branded a successful economy, the country faces a lot of challenges.⁷The country has never recovered its income levels due to the economic crisis that tool toll of its economy in the 1970s.

There has been an inequality in income and New Zealand is experiencing a deficit in its GDP of approximately 9 %. However, New Zealand has a public debt of 33.7 % which is lower as compared to other nations that are developed like New Zealand. The main reasons for the deficits in the accounts of New Zealand include the failure of agricultural exports earnings and the earnings from the tourism industry to cover up for the imports of goods that are advance manufactured and other imported goods.⁴

New Zealand’s Cultural aspects:

New Zealand is widely identified with the Maori culture. This culture was influenced by the Irish and the British immigrants who moved into New Zealand. This culture was greatly changed by Christianity. Currently, the Maori culture has been subdued by assimilation and the increased availability of higher education. The expansion of cities has led to the dominance of urban cultures. New Zealand still values its traditions and this is exhibited in the presentations in the various films, art, humor and literature which do contain the traditional themes of New Zealand.

Endowment Factors:

The economy of New Zealand was strongly based on the extractive industries from the past. This was further strengthened by the agricultural based activities in the country. Dairy and meat products earned the country huge money therefore contributing largely to the growth of the economy. This was further attributes to the high demand for the agricultural products by the UK and the USA.⁷

New Zealand’s economy is today driven by the manufacturing industries which comprise of paper and wood products, fabrication of metals and the processing of food. Significantly, New Zealand’s economy is diversifying and there is a great return by the service industry which includes the business services and finance sectors.

New Zealand’s population provides for a good opportunity for business. With a population of about 4.5 million people, the country has most of its population living in the widely spread 16 main urban areas. This further creates an environment that is business friendly. With about 53 % of New Zealand’s population lives in the main cities, there is a wide market for business.      The climate in New Zealand is favorable hence the evenly population in the country.

With the advancement and development in the transport and telecommunication system in New Zealand, there is an ideal environment for the establishment of businesses. The country has a lot of potentiality in the service sector including banking, tourism among others. With the open market system and growth of manufacturing industries, business towards the same sectors is more likely to thrive in New Zealand.

New Zealand’s main priority currently is the energy sector. There is dire need to increase the energy capacity in the country as the current natural gas and the hydroelectric energy can power just 65 % of the industrial and domestic energy. This offers a lot of opportunity for business that wants to expand in New Zealand. With the prediction of an oil crisis looming, there are chances of the products going up thus affecting various sectors like the transport sector.⁴

Summary

Doing business in New Zealand has a lot of benefits specifically due to the open market and opportunities. This is further profitable as there is a reasonable unemployment rate which can be taken advantage of in order to get enough labor for the business. Opportunities such as the country’s need to increase its energy production capacity can be seized and used to make good business in the country. Being a young country, various investors are rushing to New Zealand to establish businesses

However, doing business in New Zealand is associated with certain risks. The major risk is tied to the weakening of the dollar as a result of economic recession which hit the nation among others. Recovery from the crisis has not been fully achieved and there are still fears of the collapse of the dollar.⁷

Conclusion:

After the assessment of the pending risks and benefits, I recommend that the company can explore business opportunities in New Zealand. Despite the fact that there has been an economic strain in New Zealand due to the economic recession, there are still a lot of opportunities in businesses in the countries and more companies are moving into New Zealand to seize the opportunities. The country has advance infrastructure in transport and telecommunication which is an advantage in carrying out business in the country. Labor is readily available due to unemployment and there is readily available market as most of the country’s population live in urban areas and t New Zealand is a member of most regional trade blocks.. Despite the fact that it may be challenging economically to do business in a highly industrialized county like New Zealand, the infrastructural advancements plays to the advantage of the business.[1]

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[1]National Bank of New Zealand. Investing in New Zealand. National Bank of New Zealand 

²IBP USA Staff. Doing Business and Investing in New Zealand Guide. International Business Publications USA, Mar 20, 2009

³CCH editors. New Zealand Master Tax Guide: .... for Students. CCH New Zealand Limited, 1996

⁴Usa Ibp Usa. New Zealand Company Laws and Regulations Handbook. Washington D. C.  Int'l Business Publications, Sep 1, 2009 

⁵PricewaterhouseCoopers. Doing Business and Investing in New Zealand, 2002

⁶Benjamin Graham. The Intelligent Investor, Rev. Ed. HarperCollins, Mar 17, 2009 

⁷Nabil G. Khoury. Investing in New Zealand. MBA research paper. 1994 

 

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Engaging Special Needs Children in Regular Classes

Most of the parents nowadays are mostly concerned with guiding their children towards the attainment of meaningful education. In order to achieve this, the parents have opted to ensure that there is an impact created in the educational life of the children as early as during the early education, helping to shape up the child to be productive members of the society in future. This can only be achieved through an effective early education process, which is offered by the kindergarten schools. It is the desire of every parent that the child gets to grow under care and safety, and that their early childhood education is characterized by a lot of exploration and character building. Many parents are usually eager to enroll their children in the kindergarten to achieve this. However, there are other children who have special needs and who do not get equal chance to maximize their childhood in terms of education. Some countries like Saudi Arabia lack the experienced people to take care of those children with the special needs.

There have been opinions of alienating the students with special needs in their own schools. This is however improper for such students will be secluded from the other normal children and they will not be able to have equal experience like the normal children. There are those that feel that the children with special needs should not be separated from the rest of the children. I think this is the right way to go. However, the children with special needs should not be completely joined in the classes with the other children but there should be other lessons where the special children are attended to separately. (James, 2008)

Engaging the special needs children

The special needs children can be engaged in regular classes and they can equally benefit for they have the same abilities as their counterparts.  It is imperative to note that most of the children with special needs are attending regular pre- primary schools despite coming from backgrounds that are deprived. All the children have a right to be educated and have a right to learn together with their peers regardless of whether they have special needs or not. Taking children with special needs to special schools does not solve anything, but keeps the children away from their peers.

Identifying the needs

The teacher plays a pivotal role in engaging the students with special needs in the classroom and ensuring that they too gain from the teaching and learning process. This may not be easy especially in cases where the teacher has to handle a large group of children. However, the teacher can ensure that the children with special needs interests are met. The teacher should ensure that he or she is enfranchised with the weaknesses and tee strengths of all the children in the classroom. This will come handy in the manner in which the children are to be handled. It is also important to identify the various effects that disabilities can have on the general learning process of the children with special needs. Having identified this, the teacher should device ways through which these deprivations are to be overcome during the teaching and learning process. The best way of overcoming these challenges for a teacher is to have a good lesson plan that stipulates what is to be done during the lesson. The teacher can program the lesson in such a way that whatever happens in the classroom benefits all the students including the ones with special needs. (Klein, Cook and Gibbs, 2001)

Planning for individual children

Having confidence is yet another important aspect. Throughout the lesson planning, the teacher should ensure that there are plans for individual children to avoid those disadvantaging those with special needs. This therefore calls for confidence on the part of the teacher. Throughout the implementation of the plan which the teacher had earlier made, the teacher should view himself or herself as a facilitator and be of help to the children with the special needs. In seeking to engage the children with special needs, the teacher must be close to them and let the children feel free to share whatever difficulties and challenges they face in the learning process. For this to happen, the teacher needs to first identify the various difficulties that are faced by the children with special needs. After the identification of the difficulties, the teacher should than seek to get to the root cause of the difficulty to enhance more understanding. At this point, the teacher then devices ways of helping the children overcome the difficulties and challenges that they experience in the learning process.

Conclusion

For effective engagement of the children with special needs in regular classes, the teacher must take into consideration the fact that every child in the classroom learns as an individual hence the need to assess each and every one’s needs in the classroom, which may vary to hearing, visual or the intellectual needs. The teacher must also be flexible in responding to the diverse needs of the children. The support from the parents, the community and various organizations is also vital in helping in the engagement process of children with special needs.

References

James, A. (2008). School Success for Children with Special Needs: Everything You Need to Know to Help Your Child Learn. John Wiley & Sons.

Klein, M., Cook, R. and Gibbs, A. (2001). trategies for Including Children With Special Needs in Early Childhood Settings. NY: Cengage Learning.

 

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Sample Concert Report- APA

Concert Report

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Concert report

                    On November 11^th 2012 at the Lollapalooza concert, expectations were high as electrifying performances were expected from the likes of Black Angels, the Black Sabbath, Sharon, Afghan Whigs among other star performances. The festival of Lollapalooza at the downtown of Chicago is a festival that is well administered and offers perfect entertainment for the fans. The Lollapalooza concert offered a variety of foods and stuffs. The festival is always situated in the interesting town of Chow which always offers a variety of foods at its vendors. Most interestingly, I like the Gibson’s vendor for there are foods that are always made available to all the people going to the festival and at cheap prices. The pizzas at the vendor are always affordable and delicious.

                    At the festival, I was surprised for I saw a group of people try to jump the gate. They did this in order to avoid passing through the required check points which are always at the main festival’s entrance gate. The festival patrons were a good number and were dressed in their popular American Native head dress and some people who were attending the concert were carrying with them animals which were stuffed, a fact difficult to understand.

                    The first performance was by the Black Angels. The performance was interesting to me and I do like their performance. At the show, I was surprised to see teenage boy holding a whisky bottle in his hand and urinating in it. I thought it was very embarrassing though it seemed normal to him. This year, the main fashion for the teens was jeans trousers and t shirts for the males and the ladies opted to have casual trousers. Some were in cowboy hats and to add to the glamour, some had scuffs and colorful ‘bandanas’.

The Black Angels’ performance

                    The festival had a domination of the blacks, with the Black Keys, Black Angels, Black Sabbath among others. The Black Angels took to the floor in a magnificent touch. The singers from Texas were not to disappoint as they has a series of thrilling performances. The present crowd was charged and ready to receive the songs and performance from the artists. High levels of acumen of music were exhibited by the Zach Galifinakis band members who were perfectly assembled by the talented Alex Maas as its front man. The instruments were swapping and were fairly arranged, the moment that I enjoyed most was the drumming of the drum set and the ever bright guitar man who was exciting all along. The solo voices of the Feedbackladen filled the podium to the marvel of the audience.

Performance by Afghan Whigs.

                    The group took the better part of the afternoon with Dulli Greg being busy alongside the Afghan Whigs. It was great to have him back with the group. The guitar’s buzzing seemed ok especially in the presentation of ‘Gentleman’ and the band ensured it was to the beat.

                    The Black Sabbath never disappointed with Tommy Clufetos leading the band with his terrific drumming skills, standing in for Ward Bill. Wakeman Adam effectively blended in to create the rhythm with his keyboard. This rocking by the Black Sabbath went on for close to two hours without tiring the audience.

                    There were a series of other performances from the wizard of harmonica, Ozzy, Snow-blind and Butler. The flop at the festival was the Sweet Leaf who dented the good musical atmosphere of the festival. The festival was generally exciting and the new fans were glamorous that night. The festival at Lollapalooza came to a close successfully, with a lot of excitement and content. I was absolutely satisfied with the festival. (Buckley, 2003)

Reference

Peter Buckley (2003). The Rough guide to rock: the definitive guide to more than 1200 artists and bands. London: Rough Guides

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Pollution- MLA

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Pollution

Pollution can be defined as the introduction of contaminating factors to the environment. This release of contaminating substances into the environment is always through different ways, into different aspects of the environment, one being air. The following discussion will involve the types of pollution, their causes and the way to control the pollution effects to the environment.

There are various types of pollution to the society and they take various forms. This pollution is aided by pollutants. The first one is air pollution. This is the emission of harmful substances into the air. This includes chemicals and other particulates that are emitted to the atmosphere. Some of the gases that pollute the air include the following; carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide and other gases that are harmful to plants, human beings and other animals that breathe or use the air for the production of their food. (Rajvaidya, 123)

The discussion will also highlights other types of pollution such as water pollution. Water pollution on the other hand is the introduction of foreign and harmful effluents to the water systems and sources. This makes the water system to be dirty and mostly not ready and healthy to be used by the intended users which are plants and animals. Chemical contaminants such as chlorine, sulphur and other acidic effluents and dirty water that is emitted from industries and even other homes who normally discharge it into the rivers.

In addition to that the discussion will also be concerned about noise pollution among other types of pollution. Pollution can be controlled using the most commonly applied methods which include prevention and other corrective measures that will reduce the effect to the environment.

Types of Pollution

We have various types of pollution that cause mayhem to the environment. Such include; air pollution, water pollution, and littering, light pollution, noise pollution, and soil pollution.

Air pollution is the emission of harmful gases to the air that should be safe for animals and plants to use in their various functions which involve production of food and other functions such as breathing. The chemicals and the particulate matter cause discomfort, diseases and also damage to most living things. Pollutants can be classified into primary or secondary. Primary pollutants are the directly emitted foreign particles to the air such as carbon dioxide from the motorcycles and industries. Secondary pollution is not emitted directly but they come as a result of the reaction of the primary pollution. (Ruscoe, Budden 324).

Soil pollution is the contamination of the soil composition which is mostly caused by manmade chemicals or any other change in the in the natural environment of soil. In most cases it is caused by industrial activities, chemicals that are used by the farmers and the improper disposal of waste materials. The mostly common chemicals that are soil pollutants include lead, other solvent and other heavy metals. Littering involves poor disposal of waste products, without permission and in an appropriate location. In most cases litter is associated with improper disposal of waste materials; it can also include electronic waste, dumped items such as furniture etc and abandoned vehicles and machines. (Ruscoe, Budden 124)

Light pollution is another type of pollution that deals with the abnormal intensity of light caused by man. This intense light causes harmful effects to the eyes of humans. It can further be divided into two types; an unpleasant light that interferes with the natural light and an excessive light that is emitted to the indoor light causing harm and discomfort to people.

Water pollution involves the contamination of water bodies such as lakes, oceans and other bodies of water. Water pollutions also occur when the contaminated water is not effectively treated to make it better. Water pollutions not only individuals but also all the biological components of the water bodies. (Selly, 90)

Noise pollution can also be categorized under air pollution as it occurs when excessive, machine created and unnecessary noise that disrupt the normal hearing of humans and causes disturbance to animal life is produced. However, most noises are created by machines and other transport systems which include motor vehicles, airplanes and trains. (Selly, 97)

Effects of pollution

Pollution as a whole creates serious and terrible side effects to the environment, animals and human beings. Air pollution may cause severe health conditions that include heart problems, respiratory infections, lung cancer and other disabilities caused by the air pollution. On the other hand, litter compilation for instance can be a source of breeding sites for mosquitoes and other harmful insects that cause diseases to human beings. (Swarup, Mishra, Jahuari, 231)

Moreover, water pollution causes a great harm to the water ecosystem. For example, it causes death to a number of aquatic plants and animals such as fish, frogs and other animals that spend part or most of their life cycles in water. To human beings, it leads to dangerous waterborne diseases such as cholera, dysentery and other deadly diseases. Apart from water, effect of soil pollution culminates to harmful diseases and other ailments that are caused by the intoxicated soils among other effects that cause harm to human beings and other animals and plant in the ecosystem.

Prevention of pollution

Pollution control ranges from a number of activities that are aimed at either reducing or completely stopping the pollution to the environment. They include activities such as recycling, refuse, preventing and mitigation of the pollution causing factors. Apart from the above activities there are other devices that can be employed to relieve the environment from pollution. They include; dust collection systems, sewerage treatment, and industrial wastewater treatment among others. (Swarup, Mishra, Jahuari, 102-154)

Works cited

Rajvaidya. Environment Pollution Control. New Delhi: APH Publishing, 2005, Print

Ruscoe Amellia, Budden Naomi. The Environment: Promoting Sustainability. Tokyo: R.I.C Publications, 2003, Print

Selly Nancy J. Industrial pollution Control: Issues and Techniques. Colorado: Wiley. 1992, print

Swarup R, Mishra N, Jahuari P. Environmental Water Pollution And It’s Control. New Delhi: Mittal Publications, 1992, Print

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Is Evolution a Gradual Process?

   

Is Evolution a Gradual Process?

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Introduction

The change of biological populations through inherited characteristics and over successive generations is referred to as evolution. Through evolution, there is a rise of diversity in the various biological levels from species, various individual organisms and the molecules like protein and the DNA. Charles Darwin is known to the father of evolution. It is believed that the life in earth underwent evolution from a common ancestor over 3.8 billion years ago. Darwin was the first scientist to propone the evolution theory and he presented his argument on a natural selection basis. In his natural selection, Darwin observes that there are three main facts that characterize evolution. The first fact is that there are more off springs that are always produced and that can survive possibly. The second characteristic of this selection is that the individuals vary in terms of their traits and thus, leading to a difference in terms of survival rate and the rate of reproduction. The last observation of this natural selection is that the different traits in individuals are hereditary and can be passed from one individual to the other. Eventually, when the individuals die, there is a replacement by a progeny of other individuals that are more adapted to survive in the environment. There have been two major divergent views concerning the nature of evolution. These two views have given rise to two major sides, one insisting the evolution is a gradual process while the other disputing this fact and observing that evolution is occurs in a mode of punctuated equilibrium. (Muehlenbein, 2010).

Evolution as a gradual process

Charles Darwin, who is also the father and proponent of the evolution theory, believes that evolution was as a result of a slow and a gradual process. He had a belief that this process took a stepwise mode as opposed to being perfectly smooth. In the support for evolution being a gradual process, Darwin indicated that the species took time to evolve and accumulate small variations. This gradualism was further ascertained by the recording of fossils of the changes that are incrementally small within the various species. However, there was the inability to find a number of the intermediate forms, a development that Darwin and other scientists blamed on the gaps that exist in the records of fossils.

Those in support for gradualism indicate that evolution is a variation and a selection that happened in a more gradual manner. Evolution is termed to be gradual because it is often very hard to notice over a short period of given time. There are small variations that do take place in the organisms that eventually make them be better fit to be in the selected environment more than the initial parent organisms. Moreover, organisms with traits that are more helpful do survive in the environment and those with traits that are less helpful end up dying off. The population is bound to change over a long period of time, with this change being gradual. This school of thought believes that evolution is a gradual process that takes place slowly, constantly and consistently. The proponents of the model of gradual evolution believe that the species that are progenitor are the ones that do give rise to other new species yet there is no mechanisms that specially account that account for the numerous new species or genera that are of higher classification. Notably, there is just the accumulation of the various changes attributed to the alleles which are small and found in the pools of genes. (Hall, 2011)

Charles Lyell and James Hutton’s geological based findings indicated that gradualism basically builds to the fact that the mall changes that are built up over a long time are responsible for the large changes that are seen in individuals and in organisms. This perspective is based on the processes of geology and formed the base for Charles Darwin’s Theory of Evolution. This is the idea that he adapted and therefore came to conclusion that evolution is a process that takes place over a long time span for the ultimate change to be observable. In support of this view by Darwin and other proponents of the fact that evolution is a gradual support is the records obtained from fossils. There are numerous fossils which prove these transitional features and ascertain the fact that there are structural adaptations that species develop in the process of transforming into species that are more adaptable and fit to survive in the naturally selected environment. Gradual evolution has further been supported by the geologic time scale which shows that there has been a change in the species since the time that life was incepted in the Earth. This change has taken place over millions of years.

Evolution is not a gradual process

There has been a school of thought that believes that it is a misconception to term evolution as to be a gradual process. This school of thought is based on the factor that evolution occurs in a punctuated mode. This is the mode whereby there is an increment in the changes more that the time that is seen in discrete intervals. This school of thought holds the view that there is most of the time when there is no virtual change on the organisms, thus, dismissing the fact that evolution takes place gradually. According to those who oppose the gradual evolution, they think that the changes seen as a result of evolution often occur in spurts.

According to this view, evolution occurs in punctuation where there are certain periods when the changes are very little or basically not there while in other periods the changes that occur are huge and more pronounced. These changes are believed to occur usually as a result of mutational processes in the genes. The mutations are believed to occur randomly and not inherited by the off springs from the previous generations but are often passed to the next generation. This argument holds that despite the danger of mutations, they do serve an important function in equilibrium that is punctuated and are vital in the survival of individuals in their environments. The mutations are always very important for the purposes of the survival of the individuals and there is usually a change over a short period of time, creating a difference between those who have these traits or mutations and the individuals who do not have them.

This argument based on evolution by punctuation is based on the fact that there are instances or periods when the changes in individuals occur rapidly over a given time. Later, these changes subside and this is followed by a long time of stability and inactivity in as much as changes are concerned. (Mayr, 199)

The argument against gradual evolution is majorly based on the manner in which the changes occur. The punctuated equilibrium bases its argument on the fact that mutations are responsible for the ultimate large changes that are experienced in organisms. However, those in this thought observe that mutation can be rapid and lead to a change in the organisms but can also be cause by sudden changes in the environment. This may force the species to expedite the changes in order to conform to the new environment which may be harsh in order for the species to survive.

Conclusion

Despite the two varying arguments, there is one thing that both schools of thoughts hold, this is the fact that evolution is a process that is taking place and that it occurs over a long period of time. The only point of dispute is on the mode of the change of structures in the species. Those holding on to gradual evolution insist on the gradual rise in formation of the new species from progenitor species while those for punctuated evolution insist on the fact that there are varied changes at various times. They base their argument on the fact that species experience changes at given periods at rapid speed while in other periods there is less or no change at all. Evolution is actually a gradual change as there cannot be variations in the structural developments of the different species. The changes are often effected at very slow pace and take several years to be observed. Further, this gradual change is always as a result of the off spring species developing traits that are more adapted to their new environment and that are more advanced than those of the parent species.

References

Hall, B. (2011). Evolution: Principles and Processes. London: Jones & Bartlett Learning. 

Mayr, E. (1997). Evolution and the Diversity of Life: Selected Essays. New York: Harvard University Press, 1997

Muehlenbein, M. (2010). Human Evolutionary Biology. UK: Cambridge University Press.

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APA: Supervisory Skills: Toyota Company

Supervisory Skills: Toyota Company

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Introduction

Over the years, the Toyota Company’s objectives have been to to work in a framework that is geared towards building of positive attitude and maximum utilization of the inherent talents of the workers in the company. The company has been keen on the principle of respect for people and cutting on the wastes in an attempt to achieve its corporate social responsibility in the global market. in order to achieve this, there is need to fasten its policies and management operations so as to be the best company in terms of quality and service provision vis-à-vis marching the needs of the customers and the advancement in technology. (Hino, 2006)

It is important that the management of the Toyota Company be vigil in order to clinch any opportunity so that the company’s worth may grow and be developed. This needs the involvement and outright participation of all the departments and divisions in the company. at the Toyota Quality Control Department, I have identified a specific outline that will incorporate the various divisions including the support facilities, manufacturing equipment, materials, body and chassis, safety systems among others. The goals set in department are both short term and long term.

Organizational problems

There is need to fix the organizational problem in the department such as the decision making authority on short term. Toyota being a large organization with a large market presence, there are bound to be a lot of cultural conflicts. This conflict has affected the quality of the company therefore prompting an immediate reorganization in the department. The organization of the company has been structured on an apprenticeship model which is a traditional way. In this model, the engineers do spend years so as to learn about the various ecosystem designs. However, with the increasing rate of the change in technology dictates the company explores the option of using computers and electronics. With the increase in the computerization in cars, there is need to fast track the incorporation of the computerized system within a span of the shortest time possible. The reorganization of the department is essential is the establishment of the problems and the solutions of them.

Strengthening the Monitoring Function

The department needs to set a system of early detection of problems and their resolutions. This should include the safety systems. There is a urgent need to improve the process of safety decision making and a speedy means of implementing the set goals and targets. This should range from the systems of gathering information concerning the customers to the accurate analyzing of the information that is collected. There is need for a rapid response system as regards the acceleration that is unintended. The swift response to the customers’ concerns and voices is imperative in reigniting the strength of the company. (Nemoto, 1987)

Planning

Planning is very important in making a turnaround in the department. While establishing the planning mechanisms, emphasis should be put on the planning of the new products so as to ensure that the products produced by the Toyota Company are going to be free from any defects. There should be the manufacturing of quality automobile by the company. the facilities and manufacturing equipment departments will be handy and will need to be incorporated in the same.  The Computer Aided Design is a technical advance that should be used by the designers in the modification and creation of much faster specifications in order to improve the designs of the automobile. Again the Drive Systems division which largely deals in brakes, axles and wheels of the automobiles together with the Electrical Systems Division will have to be brought on board. The pre-production process’ importance is based on quality hence there should not be a compromise on the quality. The driving force in the establishment of the systems that meet the cost of production and the goal of the design is quality. Through stamping up planning, there will be a clear path that will be established in outlining all the processes of inspection and details in all the various departments of production.

Training

In developing the department and bringing change into the company, there is need for training to be undertaken. The Toyota's Quality Control Department intends to work hand in hand will all the stakeholders and the professionals in effecting the change in the systems. The importance of training will be to make sure that there is a smooth transition from the olden ways of doing things to a new approach. All the relevant departments that are involved in quality production will be incorporated into the training process. The amalgamation of the computer and technology into the department will further require acquaintance of the same. Through an intensive and extensive training program, the desired results will be got in the company.

Challenges

In every change inception there are always challenges. This ranges from the difficulty in adapting to the changes or unwillingness to effect the change. There may also be some frictions in the management and instruction provision. However, the challenges can be overcome by extensive consultation which is to be done across the departments. The directors are expected to have the qualities of being able to look at the big picture, have keen interest and sense in setting priorities and ultimately be able to provide the opportunities for the growth of the staff. These are the three essential qualities for the development of any company. (Amasaka, 2004)

References

Amasaka, K. (2004). Science Sqc, New Quality Control Principle: The Quality Strategy of Toyota.NY: Springer.

Hino, S. (2006). Inside the Mind of Toyota: Management Principles for Enduring Growth. New York: Productivity Press.

Nemoto, M. (1987). Total quality control for management:  strategies and techniques from Toyota and Toyoda Gosei. Prentice Hall, Inc.

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