IT Project Management Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

IT Project Management - Assignment Example Three cells on top, a full width cell in the middle showing Activity name and three cells on bottom. Each of these cells represents important information about the activity as shown below in the picture:- Calculation of Early Start and Early Finish time: Early start time in the first activity is set to 1 whereas duration is given in the requirements. Early finish time is calculated by adding duration in early start time. Early start time of the next sequential activity is set to the previous activity’s early finish time. Adding duration, Early Finish time is found. All activities are traversed in the forward direction and their early start, duration and early finish time is found in this way and written in their respective cells. Early start time of activity that is approached by two or more activities is set to the highest time. For example Activity 14 is approached by Activity 8 which has early finish time as 76 and Activity 12 which has early finish time as 39. The highest early finish time is 76 so early start time of Activity 14 is set to 76. Calculation of Late Start and Late Finish time: Reaching to the end of the activity or finish traversing is restarted in the backward direction. The last activity’s early finish time is set to its late finish time. Deducting duration, late start time is set. Traversing backward previous activity’s late finish time is set to the late start time of the current activity. Then deducting duration, late start time of previous activity is found. All activities are traversed in the backward direction and their late finish, float/slack and late start time is found in this way and written in their respective cells until the start is reached. Late finish time of activity that is approached by two or more activities is set to the lowest time. For example Activity 5 is approached in backward direction by Activity 6 which has late start time as 22 and Activity 7 which has late start time as 65. The lowest early finish time is 22 so late finish time of Activity 5 is set to 22. Calculation of Float or Slack time: The Float or Slack time is the difference between late finish and early finish time. It is same as the difference between early start and late start time. All the activities that have float/slack as zero is critical activity and must be part of the Critical Path. Start and Finish Activity box: Each diagram begins with the start box having values of zero for early start, duration, early finish, late start, float and late finish. Each diagram ends with the finish box having values of maximum days needed to complete for the project. It is set in all the cells of early start, duration, early finish, late start, float late finish. Directional Arrow: Each activity is linked with a directional arrow to show the sequential flow of the activities. The arrow can be in the forward direction to show the progress of work flow or up and down direction to show the parallel works. No backward dire ction is allowed in the network diagram because the time once passed never returns. Task 3: Constraints of Days and Amount Applying constraint of completing project within 70 days has forced to break up two of the activities. Activity 6 of 15 days which has been now changed to Activity 6(a) and Activity 6(b) each of 10 days duration calculated by 2/3*15 formula given in constraints. Similarly Activity 8 of 39 days is now

Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 7

Management - Essay Example Motosuzhou is looking for technical and training opportunities from developed countries such as US. However, the negotiation failed as the negotiation teams failed to come on common grounds due to communication and trust issues. This case study aims to discuss the dissimilarities between both the cultures and how this impacted the negotiation process. Furthermore, this case study would move on to evaluate the reasons for the failure of the negotiation team and how this was impacted by the composition of the team. In the end, the case study would provide strategic alternatives and recommendations for this particular case. What are the main characteristics of Chinese culture? How do they differ from the predominant characteristics of U.S culture? How do these differences relate to the negotiation process? Chinese culture is a culture quite different from that of the American culture. Chinese culture relies on eastern values and traditions while the American culture is more modernized a nd relies of western values. Often these cultures come at a clash with each other due to the inherent differences in the way people within these cultures interact (Lee, Yang and Graham, 2006). The concept of Guanxi is very important for the Chinese. It relates to the building of a network within the business circle. This relationship is built upon mutual obligations that are not necessarily spoken among the people but these obligations are implied and known. Guanxi is developed usually among the Chinese people and foreigners are not included within this network due to cultural and language differences. The Guanxi is a powerful tool among the Chinese to develop trust among each other and to get the job done with minimal issues. In the case of negotiating with foreigners such as the Americans, Guanxi is not present. This means that the negotiation process lacks one of the basic elements and this makes negotiation considerably difficult (Pye, 1982). Trust is also another aspect of the Chinese culture. The Chinese must trust the other person they are dealing with before they sign an agreement with him. Trust is cultivated by spending time together and by belonging to the network. However, the Americans take on a direct approach. They use the law as a means of dealing with untrustworthy people. In the negotiation process, the Chinese take on a slower approach to negotiation as compared to the Americans (Tung, 1982). The Chinese is formal culture as opposed to the informality found within the American culture. The formality within relationships does not imply that the Chinese are pretentious or false. In the Chinese culture, expressing one’s emotion on the face is considered impolite behavior and thus the Chinese have a method of masking their emotions of hurt, anger, frustration behind a mask of neutrality. The Americans on the other hand, are forthcoming with their emotions and they believe in direct expressing of their emotions. While the Americans rely on direct words to convey their message, the Chinese are usually subtle in expressing their thoughts and opinions (Ghauri and Fang, 2001). In a negotiation process, the Americans go about by laying down the basic principles and demands. Once these demands and principles are acknowledged, they move on to the next phase of the negotiation process. In the Chinese culture, people wish to develop mutual understanding and trust before beginning the negotiation p

Motivation Techniques in Workforce Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words - 9

Motivation Techniques in Workforce - Case Study Example Big Ray’s company is supposed to have good human resource policies (Bernanke 23). It gives fair treatment to all employees and has a no-layoff policy. It is recommended that the human resource managers be motivating their employees to be more productive by offering incentives. The incentives include a medical cover, gifts etc.   There is a need for Big Ray’s company to promote a team spirit where everyone in the organization is made to believe that they â€Å"are in this thing together† (Bernanke 25). This will apply to all managers and employees. Great things will be achieved when people work together.   Communication problems are supposed to be resolved in order to enhance loyalty. Lack of communication is interpreted by employees as not caring. Open and frequent communication with employees at Big Ray’s company will build trust and diminishes fear. Communication is important because employees will air their grievances and make suggestions. This is important at the Big Ray’s company because of the nature of the job. This should be maintained because it boosts the morale of workers.   Motivation is important in any work because it increases job performance (Bernanke 27). Employees who are motivated to work by being given bonuses increase their output than their counterparts who are not given bonuses, financial incentives etc.   Employees work well in an environment that is free of too much noise and health hazards. For example, the area where the materials at Big Ray’s company is handled, cut and processed is loud and dangerous. This is supposed to be reduced in order to compete with their competitors who offer good working conditions to their employees.

Education in Medicine Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Education in Medicine - Essay Example Thus, evidently, education has become a mandatory requisite and is no more an option! One may ask, what are the benefits of obtaining education. The advantages accrued are many. Firstly, education bestows a good career and secure financial position. However laid-back one might be, if one possesses an educational background, he or she c an fall back on it at any point in life. It acts like a secure safety option, in turbulent times. It also guarantees us our bread and butter for life! Therefore, it is extremely important to possess a good educational background. Secondly, it helps a person understand the ways of the world. Education opens numerous doors and avenues for a person. For instance, a person, on receiving some amount of information about a particular disease through education can go no and read and learn about the disease from varied sources. Education opens up new horizons and displays a variety of options. As a child, one is taught numerous subjects. Thus, it helps one become well-versed and at least well-acquainted with all areas of life.

Product Excellence Using Six Sigma Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Product Excellence Using Six Sigma - Assignment Example The literature on integration method between Design for X and DFSS is explained below which can help in identifying the principles of design for X in the context of DFSS along with the critical analysis on the implementation of Design for excellence and DFSS. The section will first explain the literature on the concept of the design for excellence and then critically evaluate the factors that can identify the loopholes in the designing procedures. Design for X is the term used for the product development. It is referred to as a system or strategy, which is used in the product development lifecycle (Eder & Hosnedi, 2010, p. 180). The design for X is another name of a model for excellence. The system incorporates wide variety and collection of product development design guidelines. In order to improve the technical features of a particular product, the design guidelines provided in the design for X can help in the development, controlling and innovation phase of the product development . The guidelines also educate or increase the procedural knowledge of the engineers, who are involved in the product development cycle with technical expertise. 1. The guidelines are based on the experienced engineers and their past experiences. The new entrants may have the problems of clearly understanding the technicalities, which are described under design for X. The experience-based guidelines may have the dependencies of the context and assumptions on the basis of which the design was developed. Therefore, the design may change over time. It can be explained with the help of the example of apple incorporation i.e. Steve Jobs left Tim Cook some problems such as despite of the fact that Tim Cook initially followed the same designs, which were actually followed by Steve Jobs and used the experienced-based guidelines of Steve Jobs but it was initially proved to be difficult for the Tim cook to understand the fact that the success story of Apple Inc., was not based on the existing designs but on the innovation of new designs at different intervals (Yarow, 2014).  Ã‚  

Impact of Religion on Contemporary Politics Essay Example for Free

Impact of Religion on Contemporary Politics Essay Amongst countless issues of the decade, an appealing dispute, that is persistent, is the significant impact of religion on contemporary politics and its perpetual distinction between the positive and negative influences that is associated with the effect. Religion has consistently been a resilient drive of change, development and settlement. Religion has been the core of several systems of human affairs that co-exist today including economics, welfare, law, philosophy, art and most importantly, politics.[1] However, according to historian Farhang Mehr, a realistic appraisal of the current impact of religion on the official policy and governmental structure of each country can only be made in its historical context: the record of the colonial rule in that country, indigenous conditions, cultural background, and peoples real and perceived grievances. [2] Relevant examples consisting of the attitude of religion in the political affairs of Israel[3], the influence of the Roman Catholic Church in shaping the entirety of politics in Quebec[4] and the emergence of Islam as a political force in many countries like Iran[5], reveal that these events and many others throughout history are substantial catalysts in determining the intensity of the religious impact on modern-day politics.[6] The impact of religion on politics cannot be seen with all its fierceness and intensity anywhere else in the world but in the Middle East as it highlights the Arab-Jewish wars in the region that have been going on and off for almost the past 60 years.[7] Religion is of utmost importance in the Holy Land (Israel) and hence, religious disputes are a commonality to the Israeli crowd which is a combination of religious (observant) and non-religious (secular) Jews.[8] The arrangement creates an environment where either party has harsh demands and even though, neither group ends up winning; it always leads to frustration on either side.[9] The role of state-supported religion is usually studied as the issue that is responsible for the problem in the relationship between religion and politics.[10] Despite the fact that the major monotheistic religions namely Judaism, Christianity and Islam take pride in originating in the Holy Land of Israel, the population of Israel comprises of 80% Jews; of which approximately one-fifth consider themselves to be religious or in other words, wholly or partially observant of Jewish law.[11] The vast remainder of the Jews still pursue the path of their ancestors by practicing the traditions and sacraments of Judaism but persevere to maintain a Jewish state by standing on secular ground.[12] All be it, whilst the virtually divided Jews were found surviving the disputes between the two groups, the aspiration of a Jewish state led to the encouragement that public policies of the nation should replicate its Jewish nature and be a stronghold for Jews all around the world.[13] From religious texts and proven findings, it is well recognized that the land that is called Israel, currently, is considered the Promised Land the land that they have always been promised by God. Due to various historical incidents that included invasions, battles and conquests, the Jews were spread across different parts of the Middle East and some parts of Europe. The followers of the Zionist movement (support of establishment of independent, separate Jewish State in Palestine)[14] pressed for a Jewi sh State and after plenty of bruises and broken bones, Israel was recognized and formed in 1948.[15] The very purpose of the formation of a Jewish state alone shows that it has more to do with the religion than with simply a group of people wanting a country and therefore, it is clearly evident that religion has played a major role in the shaping of the politics of Israel. The only essential conclusion is that decisions in modern-day politics in Israel usually comes down to two religious groups than two political groups due to diverse interpretations of the religious teachings and traditions, and the excessive popularity of secularism in most parts of the world. The fundamental religious values affect the complex of power and search for national goals that shape the contemporary Israeli political horizon.'[16] Similarly, the dominant presence of the role of the Church in aligning communities to live in peace and harmony and to be subject to law and order through the aspect of politics is extremely evident as is seen in the case of the Roman Catholic church in Quebec, Canada. The province of Quebec is fashioned upon religious intentions and till date, these ideals uphold grand authority in organizational decision making of the governments law and regulations. Two major factors indicate the impact of the Church in the making of Quebec, of which includes primarily, the assistance offered by the government (comprised of passionate Roman Catholic, French officials) in the settlement of French Roman Catholic immigrants that arrived in Canada post-1639.[17] During this period, a member of the royal council of Louis XIII of France, Cardinal Richlieu,[18] vigorously promoted the emigration of Roman Catholics to Frances colony, New France (Quebec) because he believed that Quebec, like France, was de stined to be a purely homogeneous group of people the idea of one religion, one language, and loyalty to one monarch.'[19] Quebec is spectacularly distinctive in the North American continent as it stands as the only political unit that comprises of, simultaneously, a predominant French and Roman Catholic combination of people.[20] Unlike other French Catholic countries like France or Italy, the Catholic approach of Quebeckers is more intense in that that a French Canadians entire thought process, his/her value system, lifestyle and government, is massively influenced by the doctrines and social philosophy of Roman Catholicism.'[21] This religious standpoint in administration is a result of the occurrences in history that Quebec underwent during the times of the French dominion in North America. The early settlers in New France (Quebec) were dependant for leadership upon two distinct authorities the Governor and the Bishop of Quebec. When the British subdued the French, the French settlers in Quebec paid minimal regard to the legitimate English civil authority as a colonial administration but instead, subjected themselves to the effective guidance and leadership of the Catholic church which was the only, other viable option available to them.[22] The circumstance not only led to the Churchs impact on politics but highlights the Churchs responsibility in replicating its values and philosophy in not alone moral and religious affairs, but also, economic, social, educational, and largely political matters.'[23] Secondly, the endorsement of measures by the authority composed of clergy of the Church of Quebec in regards to encouraging the natural increase in populace, particularly referred to as revenge of the cradle, highlights the influence of the Church in long-standing Quebec while working towards building a state that is able to maintain its identity and not be pacified by other dominant parties.[24] With the British conquest of Quebec from the French, it was generally perceived that the British administration would eradicate the identity of the French-speaking, Roman Catholic community by imposing rules like mandatory speaking of English at all levels of the state, by excessively populating the colony with English Protestants that are loyal to the British crown or through other fiercer means. In order to protect the identity of the French people of Quebec, the Churchs leaders initiated steps to increase the population. For instance, fathers (considered heads of families) were offered compensation that included a family allowance bonus if they had at least ten children while on the other hand, they would be fined if they did not arrange for their sons and daughters to be married off at an early age. To persuade young men to get married, they were forbidden from the right to hunt, fish or trade with the indigenous people in the land or even go into the woods, as the experience was considered a form of pleasure.[25] These occurrences aid in vividly understanding the concept of the revenge of the cradle which in its broadest sense refers to the state at which the birthrate of a minority group (French-speaking population, Quebec in Canada) is higher than that of the majority, principal group (English-speaking population, remainder of Canada) from fear of oppression or dominion.[26] Even though the Churchs role had a major effect in the politics of Quebec, the influence of the Church gradually declined long after due to the developing ideas of secularism. However, that does not prove fatal to the case in that the foundation of the politics of Quebec will always have been founded upon the philosophies of the Church. As perfectly laid out by a scholar, Although the leading role of the clergy in political affairs was to be challenged by the slow growth of a new lay leadership after 1800, the Church has been able to retain its pre-eminent position in most of the other fields up to the present time.[27] Likewise, the impact of religion on politics is well portrayed as in the case of the Islamic drive in the development of Iran. Historian, Fahrang Mehr wrote about the connection between religion and politics in the shaping of Iran, In the last three decades, Islam has emerged as a political force in many countries, including Iran. It has been a driving power behind revolution, assassinations, seizure of holy places and terrorism.[28] It is apparent that modern-day surroundings allow for the identification of drivers of change like Islam to allot power towards political and social agendas. Mehr further adds, Iran requires careful evaluation of the extent to which post-revolutionary Islamic regime has infused religiosity in the Iranian polity. The study should also take into account the credibility of clergies and the religious laymen who rule the country, bearing in mind that change is an organic process.[29] Rich historical data supports the fact that religion, liberalism, nationalism and monarchism were intertwined to Iranian politics which led to the shaping of the Islamic dominion in Iran.[30] In 651 CE, the Arab invasion of Iran led to the elimination of nationalism due to the influence of Islamic principles but eventually (in around 1502 CE) studies recognized that nationalism and religion particularly Shiaism, again intermingled and safeguarded Irans independence from the invasion of the Ottoman Empire (which demanded loyalty of all Muslims).[31] Above all, the Iranian Revolution in 1978-79 proved to be an important manipulator of law and governance in Iran including the states internal policy which in turn mainly affected educational systems and the kind of learning imparted to the students based on Islamic fundamentalism.[32] That being told, Islamic fundamentalism is often misjudged. The term is usually represented on a level of faith and while giving it meaning it could turn out to be profusely negative rather than positive.'[33] One analysis reveals that, In relation to Islam, it is important to recognize that the term fundamentalism (usiliyyah) is not self-descriptive but has been applied by others in their attempts to describe and understand contemporary Islamic history and politics.'[34] In correspondence to Iran, fundamentalism has a profound stance unlike in other Islamic nations. The Iranian government has steadily been involved in competition with Saudi Arabia (the epicenter of the Muslim world) to stay up to par in procuring the attention of the Islamic world and gaining significance; thus, offering home and harbor to the worlds Islamic fundamentalists which include leaders, activists, thinkers and others. This is done on the watch of the Iranian Foreign Ministry by hosting events, seminars, conferences and so on for increasing awareness.[35] The Iranian government is motivated by Islamic principles and continues to be a mark of strength in the Muslim sphere and thus, it is evident how effectively a religion can influence the politics of a nation. There exists several other countries that have undergone certain historical incidents generated by the influence of one or even more religions leading to transformations in contemporary political models and structures that are quite similar to the impact of the Zionist Movement (Jewish group) that led to the whole new formation of a nation Israel, the significant role of the Catholic Church in the polity of Quebec and also, the foundation of the Iranian polity on the concept of Islamic fundamentalism. As much as this research justifies the argument that the historical background of a religions doing has a part to play in figuring out the style of modern-day argument, it is also manifest that contemporary politics might not be entirely continuing in the path set by past occurrences. For instance, present-day Israel, has a law that is influenced by the Jewish traditions and customs which would include that all glory belongs to God for He protects His people as in the days of Moses but then comes a trend tending towards self consciousness where the people of the nation are exhorted by their leaders to prepare for their enemies by training in self defense and learning to protect ones self.[36] Similarly, in Quebec, the public realize that there is a need for secularization and so, have advocated the limitation on the rights of the Church in the involvement in politics. However, there are some nations like Iran and Saudi Arabia that are unable to divulge from the law given to them and thus, maintain the relationship between religion and politics quite effectively; the results there of be positive or negative. The relevance of the impact of religions on politics is very significant in understanding why countries, nations and their leaders interact with each other the way they do and how the pathway of politics can be predicted based on past occurrences; thus, the issue of this research appeals to historians, politicians, religious leaders and educationalists all alike. Works Cited Blumberg, Arnold. The History of Israel. Westport, CT: Greenwood Press, 1998. http://www.questia.com/read/98623170. Knowles, Valerie. Strangers at our Gates. Toronto, ON: Dundurn Press, 2007. Liebman, Charles S., and Asher Cohen. Synagogue and State: Religion and Politics in Modern Israel. Harvard International Review 20, no. 2 (1998): 70. http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-30308720. Merriam-Webster, Zionism. Last modified 2012. Accessed November 15, 2012. http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/zionism. Milton-Edwards, Beverly. Islamic Fundamentalism since 1945. New York: Routledge, 2004. http://www.questia.com/read/108858736. Quinn, Herbert F. The Union Nationale: A Study in Quebec Nationalism. Toronto: University of Toronto Press, 1963. http://www.questia.com/read/2983146. Rubenstein, Richard L., ed. Spirit Matters: The Worldwide Impact of Religion on Contemporary Politics. New York: Paragon House Publishers, 1987. http://www.questia.com/read/94614328. Sharkansky, Ira. Politics and Policymaking: In Search of Simplicity. Boulder, CO: Lynne Rienner, 2002. http://www.questia.com/read/105768998. Suyama, Nobuaki. Quebec: Populate or Perish. New Zealand International Review 22, no. 3 (1997): 15+. http://www.questia.com/read/1G1-20059576.

Understanding The Childhood And The State Sociology Essay

Understanding The Childhood And The State Sociology Essay The aim of this essay is to critically analyse both case studies by Virginia Morrow using arguments from the New Sociology of Childhood. The first part of the essay will discuss the concept of new sociology of childhood by explaining what it is, why it came about and what it main claims are. It will then move on to explore the findings of the above mentioned qualitative research of a group of children between 8 and 14 years of age in relation to their perspective on what they believe families to be. Children as social actors and childrens participation are key notions in what is considered as a modern day discourse. The implications discourses have in the ways in which children are portrayed and treated within society and the influence the actions taken by people and the judgement taken by them are often the subject of social constructionists. It is also well documented that different cultures can also have different perception, so can different situations and circumstances. In recent years, researchers have developed innovative methods for undertaking research with children. It has been customary to carry out research methods which have not directly involved children, for example, the study of children on a large scale and this has led to some disagreement by some sociologist because it is seen as carrying out a survey on children rather than with children. As an alternative, researchers have shifted towards the importance of giving the child a voice as social actors and being central in any research practise. It could be argued that most sociological policies and theories have in the past regarded children as being totally dependent, incapable, and dependent on their families to function successfully within a society. However, by adopting a childrens right perspective which is compatible with theoretical developments in the new sociology of childhood can mean that children have the power, skills, knowledge and resources to protect them. Children have been identified within the international framework of human rights as deserved of special consideration. As quoted by J. Eekelar à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“the language of rights performs an important function. It acknowledges that there are certain things which we should provide for children, not just because adults think it would be nice if they had them, but because we are prepared to recognise that children want them, or can reasonably be assumed to want themà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ . (J.Eekelar Why Children? Why Rights? 2003) According to (James and Prout 1997) children are referred as active social agents and reliable informants of their own experience, who construct and shape the social structures and processes of their lives. Followers to this theory pay much attention to how children perceive the world around them and that they have their own distinctive way of looking at family life whereby the relationship is seen as a two way process with the child and the parent have a shared influence on any decisions taken. The research, by Morrow proposes that the majority of children do not want to make decision but rather would prefer to make a contribution to ther decision making process. None the less, there are some theorists who do not consider children as having sufficient protection even today. One of the sociologists is Melanie Philips who makes a case that the traditions of parenthood in the UK has broken down and that childhood simplicity has been destabilized by those with open mind which in turn could mean that children are given too many powers and rights. Other would suggest that the concept of cnew theory of childhood has become much more complicated and that there is an indication that the idea of a traditional childhood is yet again being lost. It is argued that this is not because of lack of understanding but through the lack of economic equality. Combined with the sophisticated and business-like way of living, it could be believed that childhood has somewhat been reduced as a result to the exposure to more adult information creating a child that is much more interested in everyday materialistic objects, and as such à ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã…“expelled from the garden of childhoodà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚  (Postman, 1983) According to (Leacock 1981), within the new sociology of childhood, one of the key elements is that children should be considered as social actors, and by doing this, children are then taken from the idea of being objects, and to be studied on the basis that childrens beliefs and experiences do give insight into the meaning of childhood (Callinicos,1993). The research by Virginia Morrow (1998) was undertaken to explore two current phenomena . Firstly, that children of today experience quite varied family settings on their way to adulthood The second phenomena was in relation to the changes that have occurred in recent sociological theories whereby children should be listened to and importance given to what they have to say. The study looked at what childrens perceptions were on the family unit and how this might differ between cultures and background. It appeared that for many of the children, regardless of their ethnic background, their life revolved around their family or the extended family. One of the main findings was that childrens view in the main does not concur to what is considered as stereotypical notion of what a nuclear family is. Another key finding was that all the children included words such as care,support love and respect when describing what characteristics of family. Again this was though regardless of ethnic background, where they came from or their gender. A difference was found between children of different ages, as younger children saw having children and being in a marriage as the basis to a family and backed this up with examples from their own families. Older children were more ready to look at things outside their own domain. Many of the children referred to the term relations when describing their family and many were aware that individuals were related in different ways such as through marriage or genetically. In general, children explained that families were important to them and they saw their own family as any other family in general. When the question of who was important to them, the answer was parents, especially their mothers because they provide love and care. For some of the children, their sisters and brothers were seen as important to them. It appeared from their reactions that friendship was very important so some older children, especially girls. Finally, when asked about being listened to and being able to give their opinion, the children needed to be involved in decision making and have their say in what happens to them. Some considered that they were being listened to by their families while other did not. Some of the older children however, did mentioned that making a decision was not an easy task. On reflection therefore, the aim of this essay was to analyse the above mentioned case studies taking the new sociology of childhood into consideration. It could be said that discourses offer different and contrasting ways of thinking about children and childhood and as a consequence how they are viewed and treated by society. What this discussion serves to highlight is that there are conflicting thoughts surrounding the concept of childhood and that there is no clear right or wrong way of looking at what childhood conveys.