How compelling do you find Ball,s argument in this 2011 article Essay

How compelling do you find Ball,s argument in this 2011 article - Essay Example In terms of the catalyst for the educational change, Ball indicates that the primary contributing factor is the new types of education sponsors and providers. In considering the text, one recognizes that while Ball provides a varying amount of supporting information, the article lacks grounded empirical support for many of its contentions. Additionally, there is the recognition that the researcher does not directly involve themselves in the research. Because of these aforementioned elements, there is the potential that Ball’s insights are ideologically motivated. Still, there are also a number supporting elements. Fletcher-Campbell & Brill (2008; Action 1.9) indicated that it is important to consider the changing nature of education in socio-historical contexts. The recent global recession, as well as the emergence of for-profit instructional institutions, have concomitantly presented necessity and motivation for the shifting structures Ball refers to. A further recognition is presented by Edwards, Sebba & Rickinson (2007; Action 1.4) who indicate the importance of a multiplicity of perspectives to expand the range of interpretations. Ball’s insights then operate within these frames of reference. As one considers the particular arguments of the text, it becomes clear that they include a variety of notable points. Ball begins in discussing leadership. One of the important distinctions in this section is his consideration of new leadership frameworks. Ball (2011, p. 50) states, â€Å"there is the rhetoric and sensibilities of business into state schooling and the production of various forms of ‘entrepreneurial headship.’’’ Ball seems to be indicating that the shifting sponsorship and control of schools has resulted in a new form of leadership influenced by entrepreneurial values. One recognizes that the very language Ball implements in this section, namely ‘entrepreneurialism’ of educational environments, is a mode of considering the subject from multi-disciplinary perspectives. This is an approach supported by Mary James (Action 1.5) in encouraging learning across professional communities. On a larger conceptual scale, one considers the linkage between the workplace and the educational environment. A thematic current throughout the article is that Ball is increasingly referring to the hybridization of the work and school environment. There is the recognition that a similar dichotomy is explored in Action 1.6. While Ball’s argument continues to be rooted in the context of the classroom, there is a clear parallel to Action 1.6’s expanded contextual investigation to the workplace. In both instances, there is an increasing exploration of learning as intrinsically linked with working. Even while Ball may be ideologically opposed to the intrusion business on education, it appears that this is an inevitable new direction in education reform. Ball’s own contention that the ownership of these institutions have increasingly refrained from sharing process information, while outwardly a detriment to progress, in actuality it may hold significant potential for educational research. Edwards, Sebba & Rickinson (2007; Action 1.4) indicate that a multitude of stakeholders is actually beneficial for refining ideas. While the lack of proprietary sharing may be a slight drawback, the diversity of stakeholders is

Managerial Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 1

Managerial Finance - Essay Example Any effort that could increase profits above the hurdle will be ignored since the manager after meeting such pre-set goals will relax. Again, setting hurdles will also work against the regional executives since different policies affect investments differently according to the given country. Each country has a different inflationary level, lending rate, political stability and other cultures which together or singly affects investments. Setting a uniform hurdle rate is being unfair to countries with unfavourable investment policies. 2 Investing in Lower risk projects will normally be a favourite of the lower division managers since chances of them losing out on the investment is limited. This however, will always come with unfavourably low or unattractive incomes. While this might appear favourable to the managers, it may turn out to be a dislike of the shareholders. Shareholders would want to maximize profits without regards to risks involved, while the managers are more concerned about the risks involved in each venture. Risk is may be defined as the standard difference of return on an investment or portfolio of assets. It is measured using different methods including Value at risk. It helps business men to get prepared for the potentially turbulent market and is quoted in terms of percentage and fixed time horizon (Kwon Joon Chang, 2008). If a 77% one day of value at risk, and the security of 6%. This means that the estimate for the example is that in the next one day, there is 77% chance that the security will not lose more than 6% of its value. The equation may be written as: VaRÃŽ ± = inf{x Ï µ R: P (L > x) ≠¤ 1 – ÃŽ ±} It does not take into account the downside potential in case the portfolio encounters the one percent chance that it exceeds the loss threshold. In other words, once the losses exceed the threshold,