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The Idea Of A University
The Idea Of A University
In John Henry Newman’s, “The Idea of a University”, Newman concentrates on the purpose of a university. In fact, he categorically suggests that it is most vital to center attention to students attending the university when he claims that, “it is a great point then to enlarge the range of studies which a university professes, even for the sake of the students” (Newman 52). According to his assertion, he does not only view university as a place where people can acquire professional knowledge, but also a place where people enrich their spirits and learn techniques of seeking truth in life. This opinion is absolutely true regarding a university since a university will always act as a teaching ground for a student, not only in acquiring professional knowledge, but also in attaining some principles regarding life. Therefore, it is not just one kind of study that a student will obtain from going to a university but a range of them.
Newman affirms that, “though they cannot pursue every subject which is open to them, they will be gainers by living among those and under those who represent the whole circle. This I conceive to be the seat of universal learning” (Newman 52). In this assertion, Newman is of the perspective that although not every student will have a chance of learning all those subjects; however, being just around other students enhances their learning. This is very true since students are capable of acquiring knowledge through their peers; although a learner is not capable of studying certain subjects in class, he can learn them from other students, which is an advantage to the fellow students. Thus, the university should be viewed as an institution of universal learning since every student can learn from fellow students.
The students learn to depend on each other for any assistance in their studies and indeed, advance in their studies and contribute to the world later. Students do not view teachers as their only source of acquiring knowledge but also their fellow students. The minds of the students are not focused narrowly on one subject only but tend to be exceedingly open minded. Newman asserts that, “He apprehends the great outline of knowledge, the principles on which it rests, the scale of its parts, its lights and its shade, its great points, its little, as he otherwise cannot apprehend them” (Newman 53). Students can acquire knowledge without fully understanding it and later have access to more information, which they utilize to formulate ideas and opinions.
Newman is of the idea that vocational-driven education is not helpful to an individual since it only confines an individual to a small room. Originating from the developments of the society, more individuals are now viewing the value of studying in the university. Individuals are seeing the need of going to the university because they usually see it as the first step to gaining success in life. Although holding a university degree certificate in a major subject like Finance, Accounting and Economics, is viewed as key in obtaining a good job, it is not a good idea since it represents specialization. This is according to Newman, where he states that, “if his reading is confined simply to one subject…a point into which I do not here enter, certainly it has a tendency to contract his mind” (Newman 52). Here, he implies that, the moment an individual focuses on one particular subject, he is not capable of thinking about a question in varied ways because he becomes trapped in one direction. In order to broaden their minds, individuals require diversifying in different subjects so as to broaden their minds and have different ways of solving problems. As a result of globalization, there is a need to diversify the area of study so as to gain the best results in work. The best results in job will usually result from good cooperation and communication, which requires a person with an all-round talent. Therefore, there is an immense need to diversify in the subjects of study.
A university must take the responsibility of training individuals to be good members of society. According to Newman, a university has a sacred mission: “it aims at raising the intellectual tone of society, at cultivating the public mind, at purifying the national taste, at supplying true principles to popular enthusiasm and fixed aims to popular aspiration, at giving enlargement and sobriety to the ideas of the age, at facility the exercise of political power, and refining the interview course of private life” (Newman 54). A university should be taken as an integral part of the society, where every society member can become engaged in order to improve the member. Therefore, every society member should have a chance of going to university. A university should not only teach professional knowledge but should also teach members good members in society. This is according to Newman when he stresses that, “If then a practical end must be assigned to a University course, I say it is that of training good members of society” (Newman 53). If a university does not only focus of teaching professional knowledge, but also engages in teaching other forms of knowledge, then the society members will become good and responsible individuals. However, if only professional knowledge is imparted to members of society, there is a likelihood of irresponsible behavior in society; for example, there have been instances of school shootings, where some students kill other students. This depicts a university as a place of learning, where only professional knowledge is taught, which is exceedingly wrong.
Conclusion
From Newman’s perspective, which I concur with, the idea of a university encompasses various elements that contribute positively to society. A university should be viewed as a place where members of society acquire professional knowledge and enrich their spirits; the university should not only deal with the academic affairs of students, but should also guarantee enriching the students with other forms of knowledge that help in the development of the students as individuals and society at large. A university should also provide a wide range of subjects in order to provide students with an opportunity to gain wide knowledge. Besides, a university should be in a position to take the responsibility of training individuals to become good society members. Rather than providing vocational training to students, which is limited, a university should have the capacity to train individuals in various subjects in order to make individuals become widely talented members of society. Therefore, rather than specialization in a major subject, a university should allow diversification. In addition, a university should allow students to share knowledge since as they do so, they enlighten one another.
Works Cited
Newman, John Henry. “The Idea of a University.” The Presence of Others: Voices and Images That Call for Response. Boston: Bedford/St. Martin’s, 2000. Print.
The hypothesis in the article On the Road of Electronic Commerce, is the exploration of electronic commerce technology
Introduction
The hypothesis in the article ‘On the Road of Electronic Commerce,’ is the exploration of electronic commerce technology in the business world today. The article is detailed about the introduction system and the efficiency it has of the global business today. It qualifies to be a hypothesis in this case since it is systematically tested in the field to discover the effects. The theory of electronic commerce has been practically put to test to identify how effective it is in different areas of business and the economy at large.
In the article, the general idea is establishing the ability of businesses today to benefit from electronic commerce. This is basically tactical application of technology in running of a business in order to survive the fast rising competition in the market. (Bloch., et.al, 1996) suggest in the research regarding the hypothesis that the application of the methods in different business models would enable establish the effectiveness.
Summary
Basically, as described by (Bloch, et.al, 1996), the electronic commerce concept entails the using of the internet and technology to transact different kinds of business. This ranges from service provision industries to goods related businesses. The article also describes the uses of the electronic sources and the specific areas which include communication. It is worth noting that besides transacting; communication and accessing of information is the most popular and effective usage of the internet. To effect the testing of the hypothesis, a model of the system is formed that will simplify the process and make it easily understandable. Most importantly, the advantages and disadvantages of the electronic commerce method are assessed to ensure all relevant data surrounding the hypothesis is realized.
Generally, the tests conducted have established the use of electronic technology as a positive way of reassuring clients and ensuring there is healthy competition in the market. Organizations are able to compete on the same playing ground under these circumstances. (Bloch, et.al, 1996) has analyzed the model from the identification of the need to the support offered to the clients which is availing the information at their convenience and appropriately. The e-commerce has also been assessed with regards to the marketing strategies and the costs it has on the businesses. The article provides evidence that despite the increment in the initial costs at the time of establishment, the after income will increase by much more than the costs. Considering different structures of organizations, frameworks that can possibly suit all firms are formulated to enable sufficient application of the technology. This is in terms of the working structure to the costs and values of the businesses (Bloch, et.al, 1996).
Response by Clients
The hypothesis was readily accepted in the market following the massive advantages that were discovered by the researchers and observed by the clients. It was clearly going to be much more advantageous to the client than the firms deciding on whether to use them or not. However, the advantages are bound to reflect to the business after the costs of installation and possible training are covered. It also reflects after the sales begin to increase following the new and effective method. This therefore, explains why the hypothesis was welcomed in the business field. Though there may be reluctance due to the magnitude of change that will be required if implemented, it was generally acceptable as an efficient idea.
Implications of the Hypothesis
In an event that the hypothesis is actually practiced following the positive acceptance, there will be several implications that will enhance the performance. Some will also require much finance from the firms adopting the method. Some of the inevitable implications of adopting the hypothesis include:
Training of workers
Where e-commerce is the new trend of business in the globe, the existing staff may need to be trained for computer literacy in order to efficiently work with the new system. Though this may be quite costly, it has been established to be a form of capital where the results/returns will be realized once the business starts benefiting from the project.
Saves time
Without the application of this hypothesis, clients are required to personally access the locations of the various businesses whose products they are interested in. however, the introduction and implementation of e-commerce methods will save the clients’ time since they can access the products and services they need online. Similarly for the businesses, less time is spent explaining to the clients the specifications of the products, thus, both parties can save time which is very much economical.
Enhancement of Quality over Quantity
With the availability of information regarding organizations and their products, (Bloch, et.al, 1996) has argued that it will be possible for the clients to opt for higher quality products despite the price since there is adequate time to compare the specifications of both. Thus, where quality is highly a priority, the firms will have the pressure to produce good and highly ranked commodities which ranks the industry highly and causes health competition.
References:
Bloch, M., Pigneur, Y., & Segev, A. (1996). On the Road of Electronic Commerce — a Business Value Framework, Gaining Competitive Advantage and Some Research Issues. Retrieved from http://portals.dmst.aueb.gr/ec/papers/OnTheRoad_1stLecture__5137.pdf
The humanitarian and development role played by NGOs in Myanmar
The humanitarian and development role played by NGOs in Myanmar
There is no clear-cut definition of ‘non-government organizations (NGOs)’ but according to Merrill (2008, p. 4), the term generally refers to non-profit organizations that are not government instruments and that aim at representing, protecting and advancing public interests and values. NGOs may also represent interests and values of specific groups and can include community-based or grass-root organizations. In Myanmar (also known as Burma), there are approximately 214,000 local and international NGOs which support various programs and services (Steinberg, 2010, p. p. 126).
The locally-based NGOs in Myanmar operate at various levels, focusing on giving support to various programs and services that the government does not want to give, ignores or is incompetent to provide (Steinberg, 2010, p. p. 126). These NGOs operate on condition that they do not threaten the power base or engage in any efforts to undercut the state. According to Steinberg, (2010, p. p. 126), their effectiveness in any region in Myanmar depend on their relationship with the local military command. Prior to 2006, there were approximately international NGOs operating in Myanmar. Since January 2006, the number reduced significantly as country’s military government increased operational requirements and surveillance for NGOs (Steinberg, 2010, p. p. 126). However, more recently, the regulations have relaxed, giving chance for international organizations to expand their roles in the country.
According to United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees UNHCR (2010), HIV/AIDs crisis has been a major cause of concern in Myanmar with almost 1% adult population HIV positive as of 2009 (UNICEF, (2010). Malnutrition is also a severe problem in this nation with more than 25% of new born babies underweight and approximately a third of the children suffering from malnutrition by the age of five (World Health Organization, 2012). Since the military took over the government in 1989, women from all ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds in Myanmar have been denied most of their fundamental rights (O’Shannassy, 2007, p. 5).
Further, according to the UNHCR (2012), a significant number of Myanmar population suffers from lack of health care and education, with little government support. Another report produced by UNHCR in 2008 showed that only 43% of this nation’s population had access to safe water and adequate sanitation (UNHCR, (2008). Both the local and international NGOs operating in Myanmar focus on supporting various humanitarian programs and services such as confronting the HIV/AIDs crisis, providing food relief, supporting access to health care and education, providing safe water and sanitation, promoting the rights of women and starting community-based development projects and micro-loans. This paper seeks to investigate the humanitarian and development role played by both international and local NGOs in Burma.
1.1 Aim/Objective of this studyThe central aim of this study is to analyse the humanitarian and development role played by both local and international NGOs in Myanmar.
Research Questions
The research will seek to answer the following questions:
Which humanitarian programs do local NGOs support in Burma?
Which humanitarian services do local NGOs support in Burma?
Which development programs do International NGOs support in Burma?
Which development services do International NGOs support in Burma?
What has been the impact of the local and international NGOs’ interventions in Burma?
How effective have intervention efforts by local and international NGOs in Burma been?
Research Methodology
Research strategy
Research strategy influences the design and gives an opportunity for the researcher to examine how each of the various available approaches may limit or contribute to his/her study, (Trochim, 2001, p. 96). Depending on the nature of a study, the researcher may adopt either qualitative or quantitative approaches or both. Qualitative tools are based on content analysis, among other things and after which the results are presented in a non-numerical format. This approach helps the researcher to gain a deep insight into the topic of study. On the other hand, quantitative tools generally borrow from physical sciences in that they are structured to analyse data collected rather than views and perceptions, (Katsirikou & Skiadas, 2010, p. 96).
The researcher plans to adopt a naturalistic approach so as to apply the topic of this study in specified contextual settings and also due to the probing nature of the study topic. To achieve the objective for this study, the researcher opts for a qualitative approach defined by Creswell (2003, p. 214) as a “Sequential Exploratory Strategy”. This strategy, according to Creswell (2003, p. 214), provides a very flexible approach in collecting and analysing data.
Research methodThe research will be both ethnographic and desk-based. Scholarly articles and books on the humanitarian and development role played by both local and international NGOs in Myanmar will be examined. Additionally, primary data on the same topic will be collected using interviews.
Research procedure
This research project will rely on two basic phases; a conceptualisation and an empirical phase. In the conceptualisation phase, relevant literature related to the topic of study will be reviewed and the tools of data collection, interview schedules, developed. During the empirical phase, the required data for the research will be collected from the sections selected. During this phase the data collected will be analysed according to content validity as per the set objective of the research. The process of collecting data will start with addressing traditional ethical issues of access, acceptance, privacy, and confidentiality. The researcher will seek permission from all relevant institutions in the places where data will be collected. The researcher will also take initiative to inform participants what the research was about so that they will be able to prepare for the interviews. Study population
Personnel from local and international NGOs based in Myanmar form the population for this study. Since the researcher does not have capacity to study all local and international NGOs based in Myanmar, a sizeable and manageable segment of the population will be identified through the sampling process.
Sampling
This is a process of selecting a number of individuals for study in such a way that the individuals selected represent the larger population from which they were selected (Gill and Johnson, 1997). The researcher targets to conduct interviews on 20 to 30 personnel in around 20 local and international NGOs based in (the client can state the suitable geographical location) in Myanmar. The researcher will use simple random method of sampling to choose the institutions from which the sample would be drawn Myanmar.
Data collection methodsInterviewsSeveral semi-structured interviews will be conducted to explore the questions advanced for this study. As noted earlier, the researcher will focus on interviewing personnel working in local and international NGOs. Enquiry designs will be sent to the interviewees in NGOs ahead of interview date. Then interview sessions will be flexible and will be planned based on each interviewee’s availability. The interview sessions will be recorded on tape and the most important information highlighted by the participants will be noted. The researcher will use open-ended questions since this will help to obtain extensive information related to the topic of study.
Documentary and electronic sourcesThe researcher will gather part of the information needed for the study through documentary sources, especially books, electronic journals, newspapers, magazines and websites for NGOs operating in Burma. The researcher will also seek to be provided with reports and other documents with relevant information such as newsletters from the NGOs where primary data will be collected. Documentary sources, both physical and electronic, help to provide basic background information for a study (Gill et al, 2010, p. 28). Thus they will greatly help the researcher to make a study design.
Time (Research Schedule)
The research will be conducted during the month of March 2012. Sampling the responses, analyzing the data and writing a report of the findings will be done in April 2012. This is shown in the schedule below. (The client can change details here to suit him/her)
1st to15th March 2012 16th to 31 March 2012 1st to15th April, 2012 16th to 30th April, 2012
Preparing and sending Conducting interviews Data analysis Report writing Limitations to the research
There are several limitations and assumptions that relate to this study. First, the researcher has limited capacity to conduct analysis in NGO institutions from diversified geographical areas in Myanmar and thus, the study will be conducted on NGOs based in (the client can state the suitable location/area where the study will be carried out). Thus, it is not quite evident that the sample to be used in the study will be typical of the whole population of study. Another major challenge that the researcher might face is time available to access to the different NGO institutions to conduct interviews on the targeted participants.
References
Betsill, Michele Merrill, NGO diplomacy: the influence of nongovernmental
organizations in international environmental negotiations, Bern: MIT Press, 2008
Creswell, John W., Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods
Approaches, California: Sage Publications, 2003
Gill John, Phil Johnson and Murray Clark, Research Methods for Managers, London:
Paul Chapman Publishing, 2010
Katsirikou, Anthi & Christos H. Skiadas, Qualitative and Quantitative Methods in Libraries: Theory and Applications: Proceedings of the International Conference on QQML2009. New York: World Scientific, 2010
Steinberg, David I. (2010), Burma/Myanmar: what everyone needs to know, New York:
Oxford University Press
Teresa O’Shannassy, Burma’s excluded majority: women, dictatorship and the democracy
movement, London: CIIR, 2007
Trochim, William M. K.., the Research Methods Knowledge Base, (2nd ed.), Cincinnati:
Atomic Dog publishing, 2001
UNHCR, (2008), “Myanmar, Republic of the Union,” accessed March 11, 2011.
http://www.unicef.org/emerg/myanmar_43877.html
UNICEF, (2010), “Myanmar statistics,” accessed March 11, 2011.
http://www.unicef.org/infobycountry/myanmar_statistics.html
UNHCR, (2012), 2012 “UNHCR country operations profile – Myanmar, Working
environment,” Accessed March 11, 2011. HYPERLINK “http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e4877d6.html” http://www.unhcr.org/pages/49e4877d6.html
World Health Organization, 2012, “Global Database on Child Growth and Malnutrition,”
Accessed March 11, 2011. http://www.who.int/nutgrowthdb/database/countries/mmr/en/