The Management Skills Of A Farm Manager Management Essay

The Management Skills Of A Farm Manager Management Essay My position for this assignment is as a farm manager. Farm management deals with the organization operation of a farm with the objective of maximizing profits from the farm business on a continuing basis. The farm manager needs to adjust his farm organization from year to year to keep abreast of changes in methods, price variability resources available to him.   Topic 1.   Management skills As a farm manager I discussed leadership as management skills. Leadership means knowing when to lead and when to allow others to lead. Farm managers are employed by farm owners or tenants to make sure the farm runs efficiently and profitably. They may run a whole farm or just part of it, such as an arable (crops) unit. As a farm manager, you could work on one of three main types of farm livestock (animals), arable (crops) or mixed (animals and crops). Your work would depend partly on the type of farm, but could include: planning the running of the farm setting budget and production targets buying and selling animals or produce keeping financial records and records of livestock and/or crops Recruiting, training and supervising staff. Farm managers must know what crops will be profitable during a growing season based on factors such as disease, weather projections and market fluctuations in prices of domestic farm products, according to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics. They then must develop planting and harvesting schedules and supervise farm employees. Farm managers also must know how to apply fertilizer and pesticides to crops, or they must care for  animals  and lead breeding activities if they manage livestock farms. Farm management training programs teach students how to perform these many critical responsibilities. A farm leader is persistent in achieving the goal that will benefits others (as well as him- or herself). A farm leader is patient in their persistence; although the leader wants to achieve the goal as quickly as possible, the farm leader will not abandon the effort just because the goal is not achieved immediately. Instead, the leader will explore alternatives if one strategy did not lead to fulfilling the goal, a leader will look for another strategy. A farm leader develops their successor; no one will last forever but a person who is committed to the goal that benefits a group, will take steps to assure the group continues to strive for the goal even after the farm leadership has transferred to other people. Topic 2.   Strategic planning What are some of the basic questions to be addressed in a strategic plan?   Strategic planning is the formal consideration of an organizations future course. All strategic planning deals with at least one of three key questions: What do we do? For whom do we do it? How do we excel? How might a manager facilitate strategic planning?  Ã‚  HINT Review the decision making process addressed earlier in the semester.   The preparatory phase of a strategic business plan of a farm manager relies on planning. The first phase of a strategic business plan include: Analysis of the current situation past year Business trends analysis Market analysis Competitive analysis Market segmentation Marketing-mix SWOT analysis Positioning analyzing perceptions Sources of information Marketing plan strategy objectives next year Marketing strategy Desired market segmentation Desired marketing-mix TOWS-based objectives as a result of the SWOT Position perceptual gaps Yearly sales forecast What are some of the similarities and some of the differences between strategic planning and the decision making process? Strategic planning is the process that clearly defines business objectives and assesses both the internal and external situation to formulate and implement the strategy, evaluate the progress, and make adjustments as necessary to stay on track. On the other hand decision making can be regarded as an outcome of mental processes (cognitive process) leading to the selection of a course of action among several alternatives. Every decision making process produces a final choice. The output can be an action or an opinion of choice. Topic 3.   Information  management:   address the following questions.   Many of you are involved or will likely be involved in a business.   In one sentence, identify the type of business, such as an agricultural supply firm, or a grain farm, or a feedlot operation, or a food processing plant. As a farm manager I would like to involve in agricultural supply firm. What type of market and production information is needed to operate that type of business and where will that information be found?   Is the market and production information  likely to be public  or private?  Ã‚  How do you know it will be public or private information?   How does the answer to this question relate to the level of competition the business faces? (HINT:   consider and apply relevant economic theory to the business you are considering (characteristics of competition).)   The type of market and production information which is needed to operate aggrictural suppy farm is An  agricultural cooperative. It also known as a  farmers co-op, is a  cooperative  where  farmers  pool their resources in certain areas of activity. A broad typology of agricultural cooperatives distinguishes between  agricultural service cooperatives, which provide various services to their individually farming members, and  agricultural production cooperatives, where production resources (land, machinery) are pooled and members farm jointly.[1]  Agricultural production cooperatives are relatively rare in the world, and known examples are limited to  collective farms  in  former socialist countries  and thekibbutzim  in Israel.  Worker cooperatives  provide an example of production cooperatives outside agriculture. The default meaning of  agricultural cooperative  in English is usually an agricultural  service  cooperative, which is the numerically dominant form in the world. There are two primary types of agricultural service cooperatives,  supply cooperative  and  marketing cooperative. Supply cooperatives supply their members with inputs for agricultural production, including  seeds,  fertilizers,  fuel, and  machinery services. Marketing cooperatives are established by farmers to undertake transformation, packaging, distribution, and marketing of farm products (both crop and livestock). Farmers also widely rely on  credit cooperatives  as a source of financing for both working capital and investments. Where will you find the information; that is, what type of sources willl you use  (e.g., government agencies, private firms, your own research)?   What type of data banks will you use?   Be sure to cite appropriate examples of data sources, such as government web sites. The information must be private. Topic  4.  Risk Management  Ã‚   Address the following questions in this  part of the  memo.  Ã‚   What risks or  uncertainties does or will your business face?   Why do you consider them risks or  uncertainties?   How did  you identify or recognize them?   How do you assess them or measure the amount of risk or uncertainty?   How do you prepare for them?   What is the rationale for your risk management decision? Consider the ideas on risk management presented in the Kay text. Risk can be described as  the uncertainty  or  the unknown  relating to an action or an activity. For example, the outcome of an action or event could be better than expected or less than expected. As a farm manger the risk or uncertainties the business face/ identify/ recognize and prepare are: Production/technical risk Price/market risk Financial risk Legal risk Personal risk Availability of labor Availability of capital Equipment breakdown Health of the business owner Natural disasters such as rain, drought, storms, floods, etc. Power outage following a storm or other natural disaster Natural event that damages your product, such as e-coli entering the food system Availability of transportation Changing government regulations Business activity or event that violates an environmental regulation Availability of a market in which to sell our product or service Topic 5.   Position description and performance review Farm manager Position description Farm managers raise animals, tend crops, plan strategies for maximum yield, organise farm administration, work machinery, organise associated businesses and manage staff. They need to have technical and practical competence, coupled with the ability to make sound business decisions. Farms are generally arable, dairy or livestock, run by management companies or single-owner farmers. Crops range from cereals, oil seed rape and potatoes to vegetables and salad crops. Livestock are usually pigs, cows or sheep. Farm managers must appreciate the need to satisfy regulations set by the  Department for Environment, Food Rural Affairs (DEFRA) (http://www.defra.gov.uk)  for safe, high-quality produce farmed in an environmentally sustainable manner. Typical work activities Farm managers are responsible for planning, organising and managing the activities of a farm to meet the objectives of the owner. Typical work activities include: planning finances and production to maintain farm progress against budgeted parameters; practical activities, e.g., driving tractors, operating machinery, feeding livestock, spraying fields, etc; marketing the farms products; buying supplies, such as fertiliser and seeds; arranging the maintenance and repair of farm buildings, machinery and equipment; planning activities for trainee staff, mentoring and monitoring them; maintaining and monitoring the quality of yield, whether livestock or arable crops; Work conditions An assistant or trainee farm manager can expect to start on around  £22,000 (salary data collected Sep 09). After two years training, salaries rise to around  £28,000. Experienced farm managers earn in the region of  £60,000. Senior posts, including those in a consultancy or advisory role, can pay in excess of  £70,000 (salary data collected Sep 09). Salaries are usually dependent on experience and the size of the farm. Other benefits usually include farm produce, a pension scheme and private health insurance. Continuing professional development (CPD), e.g., in crop management is now available. Farm managers may also have accommodation included as part of their salary package, and/or the use of a vehicle and phone. Entry requirements Previous hands-on farming experience and technical knowledge are as important as academic qualifications, and some employers may appoint candidates on the basis of their experience alone. However, a degree is greatly valued and most farm managers hold at least a degree or HND/Foundation degree in agriculture, or a related subject. In particular, the following subjects may improve your chances: agriculture; farm business management; crop management; horticulture; land/estate management; agricultural engineering. Training Lantra: The Sector Skills Council for the Environmental and Land-based Sector (http://www.lantra.co.uk)  runs a variety of regional and national courses. These include short courses at all levels, from training on specific kinds of equipment, such as chainsaws, through to assessing and validating NVQs up to level 5   a trainee assistant farm manager would be working towards NVQ Level 4 in the first instance. Career development Most beginners in farm management expect to start as an assistant or by managing an enterprise, such as a pig unit, depending on their interests. After that, experience can progress to more responsibility and management. Most farms now are focused on a single activity so, in order to gain a broad range of experience, a farm manager may move from one farm to another. Different areas of the country specialise in different types of production as the climate and soil Farm manager Performance reviews are often used as a tool for evaluating employee raises, potential layoffs, productivity metrics and  job  security. Therefore, farm manager job performance reviews naturally create stress on the part of the manager reviewing an employee and the employee being assessed. With farm manager review, planning and inclusion of detail, farm managers can create job performance reviews for their employees that foster increased productivity, ensure clarity of goals and simultaneously lower the stress of the review process.

New Zealand Families Today

RESEARCH PROJECT Women in later life who have chosen to remain voluntarily childfree what are the implications if any? 1. AIM The aim of the research is to explore the implications of remaining voluntarily childfree for women in later life within the New Plymouth district of New Zealand. 1. a. INTRODUCTION Within many Western industrialised societies there are notions that children provide fulfillment, give purpose and offset loneliness in later life. There are tales like the ‘Three Spinsters’ from the writers The Brothers Grimm which have contributed to the stereotypes of childless women as lonely, bitter and unfulfilled for decades. If children are necessary at preventing loneliness in older age there is concern in regards to the New Zealand population trend. The 2006 New Zealand census released reports that by 2016 one in four women will remain childless. The implications of the assumption that children are necessary for elderly wellbeing could mean that our ageing generations may be prone to loneliness. The changing demographics of our society combined with the findings that there is no research to date on voluntary childfree women in later life within New Zealand has amplified my interest in this research topic. My interest in this research proposal stems from my own position in life. I am a 35 year old Pakeha woman who has chosen to remain childfree. I have had many assumptions put forward to me in regards to my personal choice to remain voluntarily childfree. These are mainly aimed around the notion that I am destined for loneliness in later life and that I will be unfulfilled. Therefore I have made my position within this research proposal transparent as I acknowledge it is influential to my perspective when I undertake the research. Delwyn Field Page 2 The research proposal will outline the research methodology to be carried out. The research will be qualitative based on a feminist’s perspective, to provide knowledge of women issues, for women from women. The research will be guided by feminist ideology and explore the socially constructed norms of womanhood without motherhood. The data collection will be the use of storytelling which is fitting with qualitative research. The story telling process will enlighten the researcher on how the participants came to their chosen life path. This will be informative as the participants came from the eras of where motherhood and childbirth was predominately something that happened to women not chosen by women (Held, 1989, as cited in Riley, 2008). The participants for the research will be women who have chosen to remain childfree and they will be over the age of 65. The age range of 65 plus is described as late adulthood in human development lifespan theories (Berk, 2007). I have chosen this age criteria because critical social, emotional and developmental stages occur in this period of life which are broadly universal to most elderly (Berk, 2007). The research proposal will also be based on the New Plymouth district of New Zealand. The New Plymouth district consists of â€Å"New Plymouth and the towns of Waitara, Inglewood, Urenui, Okato, Bell Block, Oakura and many other smaller rural communities† (New Plymouth District Council, n. d. ). Within New Zealand there is no empirical research done on New Zealand voluntary childless women in smaller urban areas in later life, hence why the research will be conducted here. 2. LITERATURE REVIEW This literature review has minimal reference to New Zealand literature as there is a limited study on voluntary childfree persons within New Zealand. Therefore the majority of the literature relied on is sourced from Western industrialised countries. In 1997, Cameron investigated voluntary childless within New Zealand in her book Without Issue; New Zealanders who choose not to have children. The participants within Delwyn Field Page 3 the research were numerous and involved mostly the qualitative approach of telling their story (Cameron, 1997). One of the themes that was highlighted in Cameron’s (1997) study was the social perceptions of voluntary childfree persons; the assumption that they were unhappy, selfish, emotionally unstable, immature and LONELY. This assumption of lonely old women has fueled the myth that those who choose not to have children are going to be miserable in their later years (Cameron, 1997). This was a common theme uncovered in further literature. This stereotyped image of voluntary childfree as lonely and unfulfilled is still predominating in our society in the twenty first century. Riley in her 2008 Masters of Social Science in Psychology researched stereotyping of voluntary childfree couples within New Zealand. This qualitative study interviewed and held focus groups of ten couples, to delve into stereotypes, pressures and harassments of their chosen life path. One of the stereotypes that were identified was that they were â€Å"destined for loneliness in later life† (Riley, 2008, p. ii). Throughout Riley’s 2008 thesis the belief by those who have/want children is that for individuals in society, and especially women children were fundamental in providing fulfillment and companionship. Jamison, Franzini and Kaplan (1979, cited in Riley, 2008) investigation of American university students supported Riley (2008) view that there are negative implications for women in later life who were remaining childfree. The students perceived these women to be â€Å"less likely to be happy and satisfied in old age† (Jamison, Franzini & Kaplan, 1979 cited in Riley, 2008, p. 21). The participants in Riley’s (2008) research noted that there was harassment and pressure in regards to the implications and risks they were taking in remaining childfree. These were messages that in later life they would be alone, they would not have children to support or give them fulfillment this would be internalised and their wellbeing would be effected (Riley, 2008). Delwyn Field Page 4 Regret is a message that childfree persons seem to hear continually in regards to their decision (Cameron, 1997). But there is to date research that has actually provided the opposite outcome. In Jeffries and Konnett (2002) research found that 22 out of 23 participants of the Canadian voluntary childfree women did not regret their decision nor felt that their wellbeing was affected by their decision. When analyzing Zhang and Hayward’s (2001) quantitative research of Americans in the 1993 Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD) to conclude the Psychological wellbeing of childless older persons stereotypes are actually unfounded. The result of their research concluded that childlessness when voluntary did not support the hypothesis that â€Å"childlessness increases loneliness and depression for divorced, widowed and never married elderly persons† (Zhang & Hayward, 2001, p. 311). Therefore children make little difference in how women fare in later life in regards to loneliness. This was again confirmed by Rempel’s (1985) research article into the childless elderly. Rempel used the 1979 Social Change in Canada’s data base to compare childless and parent elderly. The results from the research showed that statistically there were minimal disparities of what they were missing in life. The article stated there were benefits to both choices in life. When reviewing the article Rempel (1985) highlighted the ability of those who were childfree to have a parallel quality of life of those who were parents in later life. This refutes the concern that childfree elderly are isolated and lonely. What points to the parallel quality of life is that thou adult children provide support networks to elderly parents. The childfree elderly also have an established network of friends and family e. g. siblings who contribute to their support networks (Rempel, 1985). Rempel (1985) suggest this is due to childfree persons knowing that in later life children are not going to be available. So in turn they produce a life that ensures they are â€Å"capable self reliant elderly† with an established support network they nurture (Rempel, 1985, p. 347). Delwyn Field Page 5 Zhang and Hayward (2001) confirmed that the social support network was crucial in childfree elderly maintaining wellbeing. Their research linked older childless persons being integrated into close friend networks instead of the close family networks older parents had established this was on par or to a greater level at providing support (Zhang and Hayward, 2001). The research also underpinned the role of siblings, nieces and nephews played in elderly childfree lives as being important compared to that of elderly parents lives (Zhang and Hayward, 2001). Connidis and Davis (1990) qualitative survey of over 400 older person to conclude the place of family and friends in later life also states the use of differing support networks of elderly people is beneficial. In depth individual one hour interviews in America discovered that among elderly persons a diversified social network provides the best support in later life (Connidis and Davis, 1990). This is most favorable to childfree women as they tend to develop the strongest ties with friends and siblings as both companions and confidents (Connidis & Davis, 1990). This may be again due to ensuring their self reliance in later life due to no children to depend upon. One of the key findings in loneliness, social isolation and living alone in later life was the size of the individual’s social network in offsetting negative effects of loneliness (Victor, Bowling, Bond & Scambler, n. d). Though a large amount of this literature review has shown loneliness is not the destiny of elderly childfree persons, it unfortunately has not included New Zealand childfree women. Therefore when analyzing Riley’s (2008) childfree participants in her New Zealand study was there any key theme that was established in regards to social networks and loneliness pertaining to the participants? All participants raised the concern of their status ‘childfree’ as making them more socially excluded. The difficulty of remaining friends with people when they became parents was expressed due to the â€Å"nature of the relationship† would change (Riley, 2008, p. 57). Maintaining friendships with parents was an issue and affected social networks. Cameron (1997) also discovered this in her Delwyn Field Page 6 study that childfree people believe that if they were parents they would have access to larger social networks (Cameron, 1997). This is because parents have more in common with other parent’s children provide a connection that is not available to childfree (Riley, 2008). Although to date no data could be found within the literature research to confirm that parenting is a guarantee to social inclusion. Unfortunately no participants were elderly to conclude loneliness in later life. More research needs to be conducted in regards to New Zealand Childfree persons to conclude social network supports and loneliness in elderly here. An article released by New Zealand Statistics in 2008 concluded that if trends continue one in four elderly women in New Zealand will be childless. New Zealand statistics also stated that childless is more common among women living in main urban areas (Boddington & Didham, 2008). Boddington and Didham (2008) who collated this information from the 2006 census state this is due to the larger social networks available in main urban areas. So will women who remain voluntary childfree and reside in smaller urban areas, be subjected to more negative impacts from their decision due to more smaller social networks? 3. METHOD The research proposed is from a qualitative approach using storytelling as a means of data collection. This method is applied because of the argument presented in favor of qualitative research that it â€Å"†¦views the social world as a complex, dynamic reality†¦ of multiple layers of meaning†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (Connolly, 2002, p. 27). Therefore qualitative data enables a more comprehensive insight into the complexity of people. Qualitative research also supports feminist principles of where women are collaborative and equal in the research (Smith & Noble-Spreull, 1986). Where-as if a quantitative method was applied in this research, it would focus on controlled data where the researcher has a hierarchical relationship with the researched, thus not equal and consistent with feminist values. Also through telling their stories women are given a voice to speak out within the public arena Delwyn Field Page 7 on pronatalism attitudes (promoting childbearing) which have been linked with patriarchal values and subordination of women (Riley, 2008). In turn this research will empower women to explore the complexity of childfree women which is important for feminism. Hence the qualitative approach when researching women who choose to remain voluntary childfree embraces the feminist perspective and enables us to seek understanding and information from the participant’s point of view (Bryman, 2001). 3. 1 DATA COLLECTION The data collection for the research is through one on one interview through storytelling. Davidson & Tolich state â€Å"storytelling aims to explore an individual’s identity†¦through personal accounts† (Alice, 2003, p. 6). It is a method that reveals rich data because when individuals talk of their understanding of events they may retell it giving greater insight to the complexity of their experiences and themselves (Webster & Mertova, 2007). This would be favorable in this research because the participants may have quite unique and complex accounts of their chosen life path where their po int of view is vital for data collection. Feminists also believe that storytelling is unique at capturing the â€Å"diversity of experiences between women† (Alice, 2003, p. 67). The interviews will be conducted within the participants home, at times which are most convenient for them. There is no structured time set due to the nature of the data collection method, but the research is based on one or two in depth interviews. The life stories will provide the interview format, my role as the researcher will be to provide prompts to encourage the flow of the interview process. Being an insider within the research proposal, and having my position transparent through contributing and sharing in the interview, will enhance the process of sharing stories. Through the storytelling collection method the research will seek to cover several aspects of the participant’s life story. These will be consistent with revealing data that will help to conclude what it is like to be voluntary childfree in later life. See appendix one for subject matter the interviews will be seeking to cover from each participant. If a more formal structured Delwyn Field Page 8 interview was to take place assumptions about the participant may taint their viewpoint and limit the data collected (Bryman 2001). The interviews will be recorded by audiotape, once consent is gained from the participants (Appendix two). This will enable me, the interviewer, to remain focused on the participants and enable the flow of the interview. Note taking will not be included as it may distort respondent’s answers and may be interruptive in the flow of the interview (Bryman 2001). The audiotapes will be transcribed by the interviewer and transferred to a hard copy. The participants will be invited to be supplied with a full copy of the audio interview and hard copy. This will in turn encourage reciprocity i. e. equal bi directional relationships within the research process, which is in line with feminism ideology (Smith & Noble-Spreull, 1986). It will also allow for the participants to confirm and have the opportunity to comment and make changes to their stories. This empowers the participant and encourages an egalitarian relationship which is congruent with qualitative research (Smith & Noble Spreull, 1986). The data through out the research project will be kept in a locked filing cabinet within my home in Taranaki. All information that is stored on computer will be contained in a secure file. At the end of the research project all data will be destroyed that is held on the computer, and within the filing cabinet. The participant’s audio tapes and hard copy transcripts will be returned to them or destroyed at the end of the research depending on their personal preference. The qualitative research will be analysed using coding where data retrieved from the story telling is broken down to key findings using the themes from the interview guide and other categories (appendix one). The other categories may be quite broad due to the in-depth nature of the data collection, thus sub categories may evolve through the data analysis (Bryman, 2001). The use of coding within the research enables the researcher to review transcripts and decipher significant common themes of the participants interviews Delwyn Field Page 9 (Bryman, 2001). The coding process will categorize the participant’s life stories showing common patterns in the social world of those who remain voluntary childfree and allow for analysis of the data (Bryman, 2001). Within the data collection coding should be done as soon as possible to â€Å"†¦sharpen your understanding of the data†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and help with providing other emerging patterns (Bryman, 2001, p. 398). These patterns above the interview themes will contribute to the findings and the development of a theory to conclude the implications of remaining voluntarily childfree in later life. Once the coding is complete the data can be statistically analysed. 3. 2 SAMPLE GROUP/ PARTICIPANTS The sample group will consist of seven voluntary participants. The criteria for the sample group will be female, aged 65 years plus, voluntary childfree, living independent within the New Plymouth district community and have no cognitive impairment e. g. Alzheimer’s and dementia. The participants will be recruited through volunteer means. An advertisement will be placed within the local New Plymouth Midweek paper, over a period of two months recruiting volunteer participants (appendix four). The advertisement will also target local agency Age Concern to advertise in their newsletter magazine (Appendix four). Recruitment will also depend on invitations been extended through snowballing where the researcher depends on the social network groups of childfree women to enable invitation. Bryman (2001) describes snowballing as the opportunity to use a small group to recruit other participants who are relevant for the research. This method of recruitment is chosen because there is no data base to seek women who have chosen to remain voluntary childfree available in New Zealand. The researcher will select the first seven participants who meet the chosen criteria. The number of participants allows the researcher to acquire a large enough sample base for data to be consequential in providing an analysis of voluntary childfree women. The Delwyn Field Page 10 group number is also conducive in enabling the type of data collection method to be effectively conducted. This is due the in depth nature of story telling collection methods in conjunction with the time restraints of the research proposal. The selected seven participants will be sent a letter introducing the researcher stating what is required as participants (appendix three), and a consent form (appendix two). The consent form will tell the participants of their rights, where the information will be used and ensure them that they can withdraw from the research at any time (appendix two). 4. ETHICAL ISSUES Through my study as a social work student I will be guided by the Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (ANZASW) Code of Ethics (2008) ethical responsibilities in research. The research carried out will be in line with social work practice and be sensitive to the â€Å"†¦wellbeing and dignity of participants† by integrating the following into the research proposed (ANZASW, 2008, p. 4). Before undertaking any recruitment the research proposed will be taken to the Western Institute of Technology (WITT) Ethics Committee to seek guidance and advice in regards to what research ethics committee I may need to gain approval from. This will ensure that the research meets the appropriate standards of being ethically sound. Within the voluntary recruitment process no partici pants will be â€Å"†¦obtained by coercion nor by force†¦Ã¢â‚¬  and at all times through out the research the participants have the right to withdraw without explanation to the researcher (Wilkinson, 2001, p. 6). The introduction letter (Appendix three) will be to ensure that participants are fully informed of all relevant information in regards to the nature, purpose and process of the research that is to be carried out. This information will be fully disclosed whether the participant has asked for it or not and will ensure that the participant gains full knowledge of what they are getting into (Wilkinson, 2001). This will all be disclosed before obtaining written consent (Appendix two) from the participants so that no deception occurs. Delwyn Field Page 11 All data collection methods will be conducted in a manner that upholds the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi; partnership, participation and protection. The research will be conducted so that self determination is sustained. This will be through participants obtaining a full copy of the audio interview and written copy of the transcript for clarification. This will also provide the opportunity for them to change and omit any information that they do not wish to be disclosed. Confidentiality will be upheld, names of participants will be deleted. Participants will be informed though that some information given may enable them to be identified due to the size of the demographic area; so complete confidentiality can not be fully guaranteed. All information obtained will be destroyed on completion of the research project, with the option that participants may have information returned to them if they wish. The concern for harm within the research would be that the research topic may generate negative memories and emotions for the participants. Under the clause 8. 1 of the ANZASW Code of Ethics (2008) the researcher must â€Å"†¦take all possible steps to protect participants†¦Ã¢â‚¬ , if distress does occur a referral to a counselor will be provided (ANZASW, 2008, p. 14). This service will be available during and up to the completion of the research. Potential problems that may occur in trying to carry out the research may be the perception that I the researcher are too young, thus discrediting my ability causing the participants to not talk to me. Also the ability to gain participants who wish to share their stories of their chosen life path of voluntarily remaining childfree may be considered too personal to share. If not enough participants are found the sample may not be large enough to give a significant and fair analysis of the implications of remaining childfree in later life within the New Plymouth district. Delwyn Field Page 12 At all times I will seek supervision due to my own personal position within the research topic. This will be to ensure information obtained from the research will not spark off any negative mental discomfort in my own personal life. . CONCLUSION This research proposal is an opportunity for women to tell their stories and enlighten society that womanhood in later life is not just valued on motherhood, thus disputing pronaltist ideology (Riley, 2008). These stories will hopefully support existing literature and remove assumptions, allowing voluntarily childfree women to be more valued in our socie ty and not stereotyped for later life implications. One of the greatest benefits of this research is that undertaking research on women in later life who are voluntary childfree may assist future elderly generations. This is through providing rich data from their life stories which may conclude coping techniques to ensure well being an offset loneliness in later life. With using a feminist perspective in the qualitative research methodology the research will work for women and give a voice to empower them in their choices. The weakness of the research is that there is no quantitative data for triangulation which may have provided the research with more validity and reliability. Future studies within New Zealand will be beneficial due to the limitations of this proposed research. Delwyn Field Page 13 6. Bibliography Alice, L. (2003). Power, experience, and process in femininst research. In C. Davidson & M. Tolich (Eds. ). Social Science Research In New Zealand: Many Paths to Understanding. (2nd ed. ). (pp 62- 68), Auckland: Pearson Education New Zealand Ltd. Alzheimer’s Society (2007, February). The relationship between Alzheimer’s disease and loneliness. Alzheimer’s Research News. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http://alzheimers. org. uk/site/script/news_article Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (Inc). (2008). Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers: Code of Ethics. (2nd revision). New Zealand: Aotearoa New Zealand Association of Social Workers (Inc). Ashcroft, C. DR (2009, April). Ageing in New Plymouth Planning for Tomorrow. New Zealand: Ministry of Social Development, New Zealand Government. Berk, L. (2007). Development Through the Lifespan (4th ed. ). United States of America: Person Education; Allyn and Bacon. Boddington, B. , & Didham, R. (2008). Busy making other plans: Increases in childlessness in New Zealand. Statistics New Zealand; Demographic Trends. Retrieved May 28, 2009 from http://www. population. govt. nz/NR/rdonlyres Bryman, A. (2001). Social Research Methods. United Kingdom: Oxford University Press Cameron, J. (1997). Without Issue: New Zealanders who choose not to have children. Christchurch, New Zealand: Canterbury University Press. Cahill, T. (2003, October). You Assumed Wrong. Macleans. 116 (40) 52. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http://proquest. umi. com/pqdweb Connolly, M. (2002, Spring). Routes of Knowledge Toward Informed Practice: Differing Paradigms in Social Work Research. Social Work Review, 14 (3) 27-29 Connidis, I. A. , & Davies, L. (1990). Confidents and Companions in Later Life: The Place of Family and Friends. Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences. 5 (4) S141-149. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http://socialsciences. gerontologyjournals. org/cgi/content/full//45/4/S141 Delwyn Field Page 14 Davey, B. (1999). Sketch of a Theory of loneliness. Perspective: Mental Help. net. 4 (4) 1-3. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http://www. mentalhelp. net/poc_doc. php. Dyson, S. (1993). The Option of Parenthood. Great Britain: Sheldon Press, Lond on Jeffries, S. , & Konnert, C. (2002). Regret and Psychological well being among voluntary and involuntarily childless women and mothers. International Journal of Ageing and Human Development, 54, 89-106. Retrieved May 29, 2009 from http://jfi. sagepub. com/cgi/reprint/30/5/670 New Plymouth District Council, (n. d. ). Living in New Plymouth: About New Plymouth. Retrieved June 16, 2009 fromhttp://www. newplymouthnz. com/livingNewPlymouth/AboutNewPlymouth/ Pitt, L. (1989). Patriarchs, Paddocks And The Personal: Five Women From The Wharehuia/ Te Popo District Talk About Their Lives. Unpublished Masters of Social Work Thesis, Massey University, Palmerston North. Pittaway, K. (2001, November). Your Kids, Your Problem. Chatelaine. 74 (11) 44. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http://proquest. umi. om/pqdweb Rempel, J. (1985, May). Childless Elderly: What are they Missing? Journal of Marriage and the Family. 47 (2) 343-348. Retrieved May 26, 2009 from http://www. jstor. org/stable/352134 Riley, T. M. (2008). Childfree couples experiences of stereotyping, harassment, and Pressure. Unpublished thesis of Masters of Social Science in Psychology, The University of Waikato, Hamilton. Rowland, R. (1982, M arch). An Exploratory Study of the Childfree Lifestyle1. Journal of Sociology. 18 (1) 17-30. Retrieved May 25, 2009 from http://jos. sagepub. com At Massey University Library. Smith, B. Noble-Spreull, C. (1986). An Overview of Feminist Research Perspectives in H. Marchant, & B. Wearing. (Eds. ) Gender Reclaimed: Women In Social Work. Sydney: Hall & Iremonger. Victor, C. , Bowling, A. , Bond, J. , & Scambler, S. , (n. d) Loneliness, Social Isolation and Living Alone in Later Life. ESRC Society Today. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http://www. esrcsocietytoday. ac. uk/ESRCInfoCentre/Plain_English Wane, J. (2008, May). Only the Lonely. North and South Magazine. 68-75 Delwyn Field Page 15 Webster, L. , & Mertova, P. (2007). Using Narrative Inquiry as a Research Method: An Introduction to Using Critical Event Narrative Analysis in Research on Learning And Teaching. USA: Routledge Wilkinson, T. (2001). The Core Ideas in Research Ethics in M. Tolich (Ed. ). Research Ethics in Aotearoa New Zealand: Concepts, practice, Critique. (pp. 13-24). Auckland: Pearson Education New Zealand. Zhang, Z. , & Hayward, M. (2001). Childlessness and the Psychological Well-Being of Older Persons. The Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences. 56:S311-S320. Retrieved May 8, 2009 from http://psychsoc. gerontologyjournals. org/cgi/content/full/56/5/S311

The Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man By James Weldon...

James Weldon Johnson author of The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man discusses the issue of race and identity in his short story. Writing in first person Johnson follows the unnamed protagonist from childhood up to adulthood, he demonstrates in different areas how this unnamed man handles his identity and his race as colored. The fact that he remains nameless throughout the story shows more of the connection between identity and race. During the course of the story Johnson’s protagonist makes the argument that identity is highly based upon the race of the individual. His journey from adolescence to adulthood as a colored man seems to play a keen role in the jobs he makes and the people he interacts with, ultimately defining his identity based on his race. The definition of the protagonist identity is first question in his younger years as a child in the introduction of the first chapter. Growing up and attending a majority white school the young protagonist does not realize t hat he is half white half black until an incident in graded school. At the end of his second term at school the principal enter his classroom and asked all of the white scholars to stand in which case he stood among them thinking nothing of the case. It was not until the teacher asked him to sit down and to only stand once the principal asks for the others rise his race was revealed. Faced with the realization of his new identity as a colored boy, the young protagonist is devastated. He sees the otherShow MoreRelatedThe Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man By James Weldon Johnson Essay2267 Words   |  10 PagesThe Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, James Weldon Johnson James Weldon Johnson’s novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man was first published in 1912. This novel is one of the highly celebrated works during the Harlem Renaissance although it was published prior in 1912. Johnson graduated from Clark Atlanta University in 1894. He was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt as United States consul to Venezuela and Nicaragua. He also was highly involved in the Harlem Renaissance with hisRead MoreJames Weldon Johnson s The Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man And Nella Larsen s Passing3489 Words   |  14 PagesThe Theme of Passing, Racial Prejudice and Internalized Racism in James Weldon Johnson’s The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man and Nella Larsen’s Passing The concept of racial passing refers to the occurrence in which an individual is able to transcend racial boundaries. During the Harlem Renaissance, the term â€Å"passing† meant to signify mixed race individuals who were light skinned enough to pass as white and mingle freely within white society, almost completely undetected. This was significantRead MoreThe Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man Essay2265 Words   |  10 Pages However, issuing social categories based on race or ethnicity links to biased regulations and practices. Johnson’s novel, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, examines ways racial identity is socially constructed through the segregation of Jim Crow Laws, the act of passing off† another race, and through practices of lynching. The Autobiography of an Ex Colored Man explores the way racial identity is socially constructed within legally sanctioned forms of racism and discrimination. ThroughoutRead MoreRacial Segregation And Jim Crow Essay2143 Words   |  9 Pageswere always backed by the threat of violence, moreover, the southern race relations† (Holloway, â€Å"Jim Crow Wisdom: Memory and Identity in Black America since 1940†). The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man takes place during the Jim Crow era displaying the challenges and obstacles African Americans faced during this time. â€Å"Johnson devotes much of his attention to the black middle and upper classes, their constant struggles to hang onto their respective social standing, and their almost obsessive needRead MoreOf An Former Colored Man By James Weldon Johnson Essay2163 Words   |  9 PagesIn James Weldon Johnson’s â€Å"Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man,† the is written narrator to be perceived at face first as an average white male, when in fact he is inherently of colored descent. Consequently, in regards to society s principle of the one-drop rule, the narrator t hen faces an identity complex in understanding whether he is black since society has categorized him on the account of his bloodline, or white because of his external appearance. For at the end of the novel, he makes the consciousRead MoreJames Weldon Johnson s Narrative Of An Former Colored Man By F. Scott Fitzgerald2191 Words   |  9 PagesIn the James Weldon Johnson’s â€Å"Audio biography of an Ex-Colored Man†, Jonhson’s narrator at face first is written to be perceived as a white male, when in fact he is inherently of colored descent in regards to societies principle of the one drop policy. Consequently, the narrator is faced with an identity complex who finds it difficult to understand whether he is black because of societies has categorized him on the account of his bloodline, or white because of his appearance. For in the end of theRead MoreLangston Hughes Research Paper25309 Words   |  102 PagesHughes, in Toluca, Mexico. Langston had not seen his father since he was a small child, and he was excited about making the trip. However, during this visit, no affectionate bond would develop between Langston and Jim. Jim Hughes was a cold, difficult man, who was driven by ambition to make money and achieve respect. He had moved to Mexico to avoid segregation and racial injustice in the United States. As the manager of an electric company and owner of a ranch and mines, Jim expressed contempt for blackRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pageswish to thank John D. Kammeyer-Mueller of the University of Florida for help with several key aspects of this revision. The authors would also like to extend their sincerest thanks to the following instructors: Lee Boam, University of Utah Andres Johnson, Santa Clara University Edward Lisoski, Northeastern University Douglas Mahony, Lehigh University Douglas McCabe, Georgetown University Bradley Norris, Baylor University Jonelle Roth, Michigan State University Philip Roth, Clemson University DaleRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesDilemmas 86 SKILL PRACTICE 89 Exercises for Improving Self-Awareness Through Self-Disclosure 89 Through the Looking Glass 89 Diagnosing Managerial Characteristics 90 An Exercise for Identifying Aspects of Personal Culture: A Learning Plan and Autobiography 92 SKILL APPLICATION 95 Activities for Developing Self-Awareness 95 Suggested Assignments 95 Application Plan and Evaluation 95 SCORING KEYS AND COMPARISON DATA 97 Self-Awareness Assessment 97 Scoring Key 97 Comparison Data 97 Emotional Intelligence The Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man By James Weldon... The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, James Weldon Johnson James Weldon Johnson’s novel The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man was first published in 1912. This novel is one of the highly celebrated works during the Harlem Renaissance although it was published prior in 1912. Johnson graduated from Clark Atlanta University in 1894. He was appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt as United States consul to Venezuela and Nicaragua. He also was highly involved in the Harlem Renaissance with his own writings and support for others work. Johnson was a member of and first black executive officer in the NAACP. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man is a fictional novel dealing with racial identity and the idea of â€Å"passing† into white society. The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man depicts the life and travels of an unnamed narrator of mixed race. The narrator’s physical appearance is that of a white man though because of his mother’s African American classification he would also be considered an African Ameri can man. He is the offspring of what is suggested to be a wealthy white southerner and his mulatto or mixed race mother. The narrator is raised in the north in a somewhat privileged atmosphere compared to the majority of African American people of the time. During his childhood he fails to recognize his racial identity as being that of an African American boy until he is asked to sit down by the principal while all the white kids were asked to stand up. Not longShow MoreRelatedThe Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man By James Weldon Johnson2162 Words   |  9 PagesJames Weldon Johnson author of The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man discusses the issue of race and identity in his short story. Writing in first person Johnson follows the unnamed protagonist from childhood up to adulthood, he demonstrates in different areas how this unnamed man handles his identity and his race as colored. The fact that he remains nameless throughout the story shows more of the connection betwe en identity and race. During the course of the story Johnson’s protagonist makes theRead MoreJames Weldon Johnson s The Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man And Nella Larsen s Passing3489 Words   |  14 PagesThe Theme of Passing, Racial Prejudice and Internalized Racism in James Weldon Johnson’s The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man and Nella Larsen’s Passing The concept of racial passing refers to the occurrence in which an individual is able to transcend racial boundaries. During the Harlem Renaissance, the term â€Å"passing† meant to signify mixed race individuals who were light skinned enough to pass as white and mingle freely within white society, almost completely undetected. This was significantRead MoreThe Autobiography Of An Former Colored Man Essay2265 Words   |  10 Pages However, issuing social categories based on race or ethnicity links to biased regulations and practices. Johnson’s novel, The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man, examines ways racial identity is socially constructed through the segregation of Jim Crow Laws, the act of passing off† another race, and through practices of lynching. The Autobiography of an Ex Colored Man explores the way racial identity is socially constructed within legally sanctioned forms of racism and discrimination. ThroughoutRead MoreRacial Segregation And Jim Crow Essay2143 Words   |  9 Pageswere always backed by the threat of violence, moreover, the southern race relations† (Holloway, â€Å"Jim Crow Wisdom: Memory and Identity in Black America since 1940†). The Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man takes place during the Jim Crow era displaying the challenges and obstacles African Americans faced during this time. â€Å"Johnson devotes much of his attention to the black middle and upper classes, their constant struggles to hang onto their respective social standing, and their almost obsessive needRead MoreOf An Former Colored Man By James Weldon Johnson Essay2163 Words   |  9 PagesIn James Weldon Johnson’s â€Å"Autobiography of an Ex-Colored Man,† the is written narrator to be perceived at face first as an average white male, when in fact he is inherently of colored descent. Consequently, in regards to society s principle of the one-drop rule, the narrator t hen faces an identity complex in understanding whether he is black since society has categorized him on the account of his bloodline, or white because of his external appearance. For at the end of the novel, he makes the consciousRead MoreJames Weldon Johnson s Narrative Of An Former Colored Man By F. Scott Fitzgerald2191 Words   |  9 PagesIn the James Weldon Johnson’s â€Å"Audio biography of an Ex-Colored Man†, Jonhson’s narrator at face first is written to be perceived as a white male, when in fact he is inherently of colored descent in regards to societies principle of the one drop policy. Consequently, the narrator is faced with an identity complex who finds it difficult to understand whether he is black because of societies has categorized him on the account of his bloodline, or white because of his appearance. For in the end of theRead MoreLangston Hughes Research Paper25309 Words   |  102 PagesHughes, in Toluca, Mexico. Langston had not seen his father since he was a small child, and he was excited about making the trip. However, during this visit, no affectionate bond would develop between Langston and Jim. Jim Hughes was a cold, difficult man, who was driven by ambition to make money and achieve respect. He had moved to Mexico to avoid segregation and racial injustice in the United States. As the manager of an electric company and owner of a ranch and mines, Jim expressed contempt for blackRead MoreStephen P. Robbins Timothy A. Judge (2011) Organizational Behaviour 15th Edition New Jersey: Prentice Hall393164 Words   |  1573 Pageswish to thank John D. Kammeyer-Mueller of the University of Florida for help with several key aspects of this revision. The authors would also like to extend their sincerest thanks to the following instructors: Lee Boam, University of Utah Andres Johnson, Santa Clara University Edward Lisoski, Northeastern University Douglas Mahony, Lehigh University Douglas McCabe, Georgetown University Bradley Norris, Baylor University Jonelle Roth, Michigan State University Philip Roth, Clemson University DaleRead MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesDilemmas 86 SKILL PRACTICE 89 Exercises for Improving Self-Awareness Through Self-Disclosure 89 Through the Looking Glass 89 Diagnosing Managerial Characteristics 90 An Exercise for Identifying Aspects of Personal Culture: A Learning Plan and Autobiography 92 SKILL APPLICATION 95 Activities for Developing Self-Awareness 95 Suggested Assignments 95 Application Plan and Evaluation 95 SCORING KEYS AND COMPARISON DATA 97 Self-Awareness Assessment 97 Scoring Key 97 Comparison Data 97 Emotional Intelligence

International Law and Organizations Free Essay Example, 1000 words

Treaties can be cancelled through withdrawal or via termination and suspension. States can withdraw from an agreement or treaty at any time. However, certain specific notification procedures have to be followed and adhered to. A party to a treaty can be suspended if the aforesaid party has failed to honor or follow its obligations (Finnemore 56). Treaty breaching can earn a party a permanent suspension or a temporary one depending on how the signatories to the treaty view the breach. Chinkin defined international law as the set of regulations or rules that are generally accepted and regarded as binding between sovereign states (67). International law allows states and nations to have stable relationships. Unlike state laws which are applicable within a country s boundaries, international law is applied to nations rather than to private citizens. However, national law can be elevated to become international law if treaties accord or delegate responsibilities to supranational tribunal s. The ICC (international criminal court) is one such supranational tribunal. Consequently, positive international law is defined as the law of countries which is basically made via tacit or express agreement which is made between countries. We will write a custom essay sample on International Law and Organizations or any topic specifically for you Only $17.96 $11.86/page The European Union is a supranational body.