The rise of the online university

Starting a new venture such as an online university is a risky affair under any circumstance. In fact, the risks are further aggravated when the new venture has few precedents.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on The rise of the online university specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In addition to the risks associated with a new venture, an online university must raise capital from cynical sources, hire inexperienced staff, and establish a new market for its services (Greenwood Suddaby, 2006, p.29). This paper will address two problems associated with a novel venture and the different types of legitimacies that need to be garnered in relation to online universities. There are two main challenges that an online university must face in new populations. First, it must devise efficient practices and capabilities under conditions of ambiguity and ignorance. Second, an online university must create relations with an envi ronment that is ignorant to their existence. In nutshell, an online university faces legitimacy issues as it strives to curve a niche in the market. The question that arises is: what is legitimacy? A number of social scientists have given different definitions of legitimacy. According Suchman, legitimacy is â€Å"a generalized perception that the actions of an entity are desirable, proper, or appropriate within some socially constructed system of norms, values†¦and definitions† (1995, p.574). Legitimacy is socially constructed in the sense that it mirrors an analogy between the activities of the legalized entity (online university) and the common values of a particular social group (Suchman, 1995, p.574). There are three main types of organizational legitimacy that are relevant to the existence of an online university. Pragmatic legitimacy entails the direct exchanges between the entity (online university) and its immediate audiences (Suchman, 1995, p.578). It also refer s to the process where the public, main stakeholders, government officials and other influential leaders accept a venture as suitable and right (Aldrich Fiol, 1994, p.648). Moral legitimacy, on the other hand, mirrors a normative assessment of the online university and its activities. It is mainly concerned with whether the activities of the online university support the welfare of the society. Thus, moral legitimacy gives credence to the social welfare of the society over the organization’s self-interests (Thornton Ocasio, 2008, p.103).Advertising Looking for assessment on education? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Cognitive legitimacy involves the spread of knowledge concerning a novel technology. It can be ascertained by assessing the level of public knowledge regarding a new technology. An example is the introductions of online universities that have enable millions of students around the world to access education from their homes (Suchman, 1995, p.581). Lack of adequate sociopolitical legitimacy is a major barrier to the introduction of novel technology. For example, online universities may fail to secure approval from vigilant government agencies because the society lacks knowledge about its activities and the related long-term effects (Aldrich Fiol, 1994, p.661). Government agencies can make a major contribution by restructuring the inter-organizational atmosphere of new entities (such as online universities) in order to foster understanding between firms. The methods for developing and sustaining trust, reputation, trust and institutional legitimacy are interrelated. Obtaining the trust of stakeholders within and around the new entity creates a foundation from which to develop a knowledge base through mutual exchange rules with other comparable organizations. These interactions eventually enable member organizations to organize as a group and to create an expansive reputation of their i ndustry as a permanent reality. Trust is an important element that facilitates a smooth flow throughout the legitimacy-building process (Aldrich Fiol, 1994, p.663). References Aldrich, H.E., Fiol, C.M. (1994). Fools rush in? The Institutional Context of Industry Creation. Academy of Management Review, 19, 645-670. Greenwood, R., Suddaby, R. (2006). Institutional Entrepreneurship in Mature Fields: The Big Five Accounting Firms. Academy of Management Journal, 49: 27-48 Suchman, M.C. (1995). Managing Legitimacy: Strategic and Institutional Approaches. Academy of Management Review, 20, 571-610.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on The rise of the online university specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thornton, PH Ocasio, W. (2008). Institutional Logics. New York: Ashgate Publishing. This assessment on The rise of the online university was written and submitted by user Yusuf Robinson to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

The Great Dparture essays

The Great Dparture essays The Great Departure illustrates the United States evolution from a traditional isolationist Nation to an interventionist nation. Daniel Smith presents the factors that influenced the United States to enter the war and conveying the mindset of American leaders and the issues they faced pertaining to the war. WW I dragged the U.S. out of its isolationist shell and placed the U.S. at the forefront of international politics. Propaganda was a tool used by Germany and the allies to influence the U.S. Weather the Propaganda was used to keep the U.S. out of the war or to try and draw the them into the war made no real difference. Dr. Alberts briefcase affair and the German execution of Nurse Edith Cavell show the extent of Propaganda in the U.S. and other atrocities of war carried out by either side. Daniel Smith recognized the importance of these Propaganda stories and the heterogeneous culture of the U.S. underestimated the actual impact on public sentiment. The U.S. the great melting pot had an enormous immigrant population, to underestimate the effect of Propaganda on a population that had close personal ties to their home land, and their ability to influence the actions of government in a democratic republic is a mistake. President Wilson was operating under this assumption that the people would influence the government when he neglected to accept any of the Senator Lodges changes to the peace treaty. This in not the reason the U.S. joined the Allies in WW I, but the heterogeneous makeup of the population was an influence on why the U.S. moved away from an isolationist state. Balance of powers was a factor that influenced the U.S. in its views of WW I. The U.S. and the world had come to rely on the principle of balance of power to ensure peace, security and trade throughout the world. It was no doubt that a victory by the Central Powers would catapult Germany to superpower status and upset the balance of...

Ideology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Ideology - Coursework Example .†( Eatwell and Wright, 17). In simple words, political ideology consists of certain notions or ideas about how the socio-political regime should function to create a certain type of social order, and concerns itself as to how the political power should be allocated and to be used to what ends. Personally my political ideology would tend be more of the conservative type. I have always believed that my country comes first, and one should consistently be ready to fight for his country, without looking at the ethical or moral side of the issue. As per my beliefs, a good, stable economic condition of a country comes from individual efforts of its citizens and a free trading order. I strongly believe that in US, especially in today’s context, the immigrants have become a huge burden, with them taking away a large share of the job market, which should in natural course have gone to the Americans. Though not overtly religious, I believe in more conservative social values, and d o not particularly endorse the concept of same sex marriage. Environmental protection certainly does not top the list of my priorities, as I feel that US has already done more than enough in this regard, and any further effort would mean job cuts and economic losses. I find private spending is more efficient than the government pattern of expenditure which is far more extravagant and inefficacious. So all these personal political ideologies put me into the bracket of what in US is known as the Conservative Republican. In regards to the government’s involvement in our lives, for better or for worse, I certainly feel that we could do without too much of interference from the government in our daily lives. Less of government certainly spells better for us. Strict trading regulations by the government tend to create problems of stagnation and a closed economy, which results in widespread poverty and destitute conditions.

Software Lifecycle Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Software Lifecycle - Research Paper Example The nature of the desired system in terms of system user requirements and its complexity will determine the choice of the SDLC model to be adopted. Generally, the success of system development is more dependent on how closely the plan and steps in the chosen model are followed (Alan, Edward, & Edward, 1988). For this scenario, the most suitable model for developing the system is the Spiral model. The spiral model of software development life cycle is one of the models that have been designed to improve the software development life cycle. After several years of research and development, spiral model offers a greater risk –driven approach of system development process as compared to the other models that are more document driven or code driven (Barry, 1988). The choice for this approach is based on the nature of the project; the project is described as being volatile and dynamic. It is also prone to the exit of the development team members and incoming of new staff to help in the development of the system. Essentially, the project faces a lot of risks during its development cycle and also requires integration to a more complex system upon completion. Consequently, a risk oriented approach is ideally the best model to be used in the project. Spiral model is a risk oriented approach that has been designed to incorporate the risk analysis aspect of the project. It is also one of the best approaches since it has been designed to incorporate many of the strengths of the other SDLC models and eliminate their weaknesses (Alan, Edward, & Edward, 1988). The spiral model has advantages that are unique to its approach of system development. It has a high amount of risk analysis compared to other models. The model is also ideal for projects that are complex in nature and are mission critical. The software is also produced at the early stages of the software lifecycle (Barry, 1988). The spiral model carries more similarities to the incremental model,

Environment degradation Essay Example for Free

Environment degradation Essay This is the deterioration of the environment through depletion of resources for instance water, soil and even air. In environmental degradation, the ecosystem is destroyed and wildlife undergoes extinction. There are many forms of environmental degradation that are of negative impact to agriculture. For instance, when habitats are destroyed, biodiversity is lost and natural resources are depleted. The environment is most affected as organisms which give it life are no more (Schertenleib, Forster Belevi, n. d). The earthworms that enrich soil fertility are killed by soil pollution. This means that if earthworms are all eliminated, the soil will not be fertile. The degradation of the environment can occur naturally, or through human processes which includes different kinds of pollution. Areas of concern in the same concept are loss of rain forests, air pollutions and the ozone depletion. The marine environment is also affected. These kinds of pollutions are known to occur all over the world and the blame is on the people themselves for the activities they carry out. This has poisoned the planet’s oceans and even the remote areas. Major disasters like oil spills have ruined the local environment. All these hazards can be curbed by individuals by stopping the constant pollution of the environment. To some extents, different organizations have been formed to help rehabilitate locations that have been affected. One way to do this is urban agriculture. With urban agriculture, the environment can be conserved since the wastes from industries can be converted to be fertilizers in the farms around the cities. Statistical facts It is estimated that 50% of the world’s populations live in cities (UNFPA, 2007). In the cities, most populations settle there for various reasons such as studies and seeking for employment. As economic pressures mount, the urban population engages in urban agriculture as labor is available with large population in urban centers. The growing of crops and rearing of animals in the urban areas has become common. About 800 million people are involved in urban agriculture world wide and this has contributed to the feeding urban residents (Schertenleib, Forster Belevi, n. d). It is definite that with food production or rather the general production of farm outputs, the city residents can get a plenty supply of food in their respective areas of residence. With large populations in the cities and with plenty food products from urban agriculture, there will not be any instance of food deficiency. Urban residents with low income spend between 40 percent and 60 percent of their income on food every year (RUAF, n. d). The only remedy to this is that these low income residents can start practicing urban agriculture to supplement the expenditures on food. If they participate in urban agriculture, they will be able to save up to 60% of their incomes at the end of each year (Neondo, 2003). The money they would have spent on buying food can be saved and used to develop other areas of the economy. This means a lot of to the growth of the economy of the particular country. It is expected that by 2015, about 26 cities in the world will have a population of 10 million or even more (FAO, n. d). To be able to manage these populations, countries are obliged to concentrate in urban agriculture because they have little choices left. It is therefore encouraged for urban dwellers to practice heavily on urban agriculture, with an objective of keeping the country away from food shortage come 2015(FAO, n. d). 2. The spectrum of urban agriculture and the function of relevant organizations Urban agriculture has some aspects that distinguish it from rural agriculture. One of them is the fact that it is integrated into the urban economic and ecological system. It is evident that urban agriculture is embedded in the urban ecosystem of which it interacts with. Such linkages involve using urban residents as laborers and the use of typical urban resources for instance organic waste as compost and urban waste water for irrigation. In urban agriculture, there is a direct link with urban consumers and direct positive and negative impacts on urban ecology (Amin, 2002). Urban agriculture is also characterized by being part of the urban food system and competing for urban land with other urban functions. It is also influenced by other urban policies and plans. Some of the organizations that influence urban agriculture both directly and indirectly are Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), Community Food Security Coalition (CFSC), Urban and Peri-urban Agriculture (UPA), and the Resource Centers on Urban Agriculture and Food Security (RUAF Foundation)

The Monk :: essays research papers fc

The Monk: A Rebellious Offspring of the Age of Reason Understanding the Gothic novel can be accomplished by obtaining a familiarity of the Augustan point of view, which helps to develop a reference point for comparing and contrasting the origin of Gothic literature. The thinking that was being questioned by the Gothic novel was Augustanism; and without some understanding of Augustan principles and their role in eighteenth-century thought it is difficult to understand the purposes of the Gothic revival, either in terms of history or in terms of the way in which it offered a new conception of the relations between man, nature and a supreme being. David punter describes the political relationship of the Augustan thinker to the literary world, â€Å" It is tempting to see in Augustanism the doctrine of a small cultural elite holding on to power and status under increasing pressure, and that pressure as precisely that exerted by the new reading public on the homogeneity of the old literary establishment (p 31 Punter). This small number of e lite would have included, but not limited to, Fielding, Johnson and especially Pope. However, Fielding and Johnson were slowly stepping outside of the realm of the Augustan limitations. Fielding was undoubtedly Augustan in his beliefs in the stability of social rules and the necessity of a social and psychological compromise, but his mocking attitude towards literary stipulation represents a more moderate Augustan replication. Johnson, on the other hand, was a firm believer in these literary rules and yet it was his ‘Preface to Shakespeare’ which became the first significant breach in these limitations. Alexander Pope’s ‘Essay on Man’ embodies the cosmological, theological and ethical beliefs of the Augustan age; while at the same time exemplifying submission to the rules of literary form. The Augustan approach was intellectual with formal restraint; while relying on reason and traditionalism to create literary works. These stipulations were very con trolled by their boundaries and could not be exaggerated with out being broken. The Augustan critical attitude condemned spontaneity for its chaotic qualities, imagination for its objection to reason and liberalism for its opposition to traditionalism. Gothic fiction appears as a specific response to the Age of Reason’s order. During the late eighteenth-century, several different kinds of new fiction arose to challenge the Augustan tradition; leading the way was the Gothic novel. An interest in those things, which cannot be understood, for example religion and the soul, results in an overwhelming expansion of what is accepted as art in the literary world.

Character Analysis of Meredith Grey in Grey’s Anatomy Essay

Meredith Grey, M. D. is a fictional character from the medical drama television series Grey’s Anatomy, which airs on the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) in the United States. The character was created by series’ producer Shonda Rhimes, and is portrayed by actress Ellen Pompeo. Meredith is the series’ protagonist, and was introduced as a surgical intern at the fictional Seattle Grace Mercy West Hospital, eventually obtaining the position of resident, and later attending. As the daughter of world-renowned surgeon Ellis Grey, Meredith struggles with the everyday life of being an attending, maintaining the relationship with her one-night stand and eventual husband Derek Shepherd, her new-found motherhood, and the friendships with her colleagues. Meredith is the narrator of the show and serves as the focal point for most episodes. Pompeo’s connection with Patrick Dempsey (Derek Shepherd) is acclaimed as a high point of the series. Rhimes has characterized Meredith as not believing in good or bad, but doing what she thinks is right. Pompeo has been nominated for several awards, winning many of them, for her performance on the show. Grey has been positively received by television critics, with Alessandra Stanley of The New York Times referring to her as â€Å"the heroine of Grey’s Anatomy†. News of Pompeo leaving uprose when it was made clear that her contract ended after the eighth season. Speculation occurred again when Rhimes reported that Grey’s Anatomy will be returning for a ninth season. TVLine reported that Ellen Pompeo has signed on for two more years, along with her fellow cast members.