The SAT Controversy :: essays papers

The SAT Controversy 1) According to the video and the article, who and how was the SAT developed and for what purpose? The SAT, or as it was called in the beginning, the Scholastic Aptitude Test, had its debut in the late 1930’s. In 1933, a gentleman by the name of James Bryant Conant became the president of Harvard University. At the time he became president, only the elite in the area were admitted into Harvard. This distinct social group was all male, all white, all Protestant, most Episcopalian. They basically were descendents of the Puritans who had come from Europe. These were decent people but they had formed a very closed group, almost a club, and controlled everything. James Conant was not particularly fond of this group and he wanted to unlock the hold they had not only on Harvard but on all of America. He had a vision, which actually originated with Thomas Jefferson, that there were people across America who were very intelligent, very talented, and very successful and you needed to find them, educate them and then let them run the country. His goal was a classless society. However, he needed a way to identify these people so he could bring them to Harvard to get that education. As a step in that direction, Conant instituted a new scholarship program for boys who were academically gifted and who did not come from the elite Eastern boarding schools where Harvard had always received its students. However, Conan needed a way to evaluate these students. He gave that task to his assistant dean, Henry Chauncey. Henry Chauncey was a very ambitious individual who loved mental testing. Chauncey met a man, named Carl Brigham who had been part of the army’s IQ testing team during World War I. Eventually, Carl Brigham adapted the army’s IQ test for use in college admissions and Chauncey reported back to Conant about the new SAT test. Conant wanted assurance, however, that this test was a test of pure intelligence and not of the quality of the education a student had received. It was important to him that boys of low or modest means and schooling not be penalized. Chauncey reassured Conant and the SAT was adopted to evaluate the applicants for the scholarship to Harvard. Later it was accepted as the entrance exam into Harvard for all students and eventually all Ivy League schools.

Music Business Merchandising and Law

Discuss how the Music Business is a system comprised of principle subsystems. There are several key components to the success of an artist in the music business. These components support one another, and enable each to complete tasks that are designed to further the marketability of an artist or group. One such component, or subsystem, is the agent. The agent acts as the legal representative of an artist. This person, or company, manages all of the legal issues associated with an artist’s image and career. Agents, typically, are the face of the artist to the business world. These agents meet with promoters, and venue owners to secure the performance rights, and facilitate touring. They also ask as mediators between the artist and publishing companies to ensure that all legal issues are addressed, and that the transfer of the artist’s created materials are handled in the proper manner. Another aspect of the agent’s responsibility is to maintain and negotiate contracts for the artist, with their respective parent companies. This is to ensure that the artist receives all the proper representation that is required to ensure that the contracts that the artists are bound by are fair, and ethical. The next subsystem is the parent company itself. Often referred to simply as the â€Å"label†, record companies are the binding source of power within the music business. The label is the enterprise which holds the contracts, oversees promotion, ensures distribution, and holds the records on taxes, royalties, and payments to the artist and all his/her employees. Record companies range in size, depending on the scope of their enterprise. Small or independent companies typically handle and short list of clients, and are able reach a limited area for the release. The larger companies are multinational conglomerations that hold interests in hundreds of artist. These companies are able to reach markets the world over. They also, typically, oversee a wide range of music business genres. The next part of the equation is the distributor. It is the job and obligation of the record distributor to procure the reproduction rights of an artist, produce large quantities of the product, and ensure that the product is available for the public demand. Just as the record company, record distributors range in size and scope. With the small companies reaching a localized market, and the larger, international companies, reaching every market available, the distributors serve the record companies directly. Though they are dealing in the product of an artist, they rarely deal directly with them. It has only been in recent years that the Music Business has had the ability to find and foster increasing numbers of qualified leaders. The music business, though in existence for centuries, has only in the past few decades created an environment that fosters a profitable medium. The earliest professional musicians were limited to audiences of royalty, and noble elites – for they alone possessed the wealth enough to pay for such extravagances. This early form of the music business was also limited by the desire of the leading nobles or royalty in the scope of content and style. The musicians, such as Mozart, in his day, were allowed to create only what was pleasing to the royal court – and profited very little from it. However, in the 20th century, artists began to see a freedom that had eluded them in the past. With the increasingly large audience base in the United States, artists from multiple genres were able to procure livable wages in town halls and theaters. Following World War I, there was a large outcry for artistic expression in the arts in the United States – and a boom of employment followed. The era of the Big Band, saw music leaders, such as Duke Ellington, tour the entire country – playing their own music and earning their own wages. This boom in musical freedom peaked in the 1950’s with the rise of â€Å"Rock and Roll† – and such artists as Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis and Roy Orbison. The late fifties, though socially repressed, saw the first millionaires rise from the music industry – and along with them, the rise of the industry itself. The era of Sun Records, in Memphis Tennessee, showed the music world that vast amounts of income that could be generated with a properly maintained and well organized corporate entity. The number of record companies increased drastically, and by the early 1960’s there were dozens of large scale companies operating the in United States. The next big step came in the form of British artists. The arrival of The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, and other English groups into the United States, opened the door for the first multinational company holdings. The rights of these groups to perform and sell their records within the United States meant that American companies had to hold part of their ownership. Soon this would lead to the expansion of American companies to other countries, to acquire the artists directly, and increase the profitability – by eliminating the shared contracts. Today, we see companies such as Sony, Viacom and Time Warner, as companies that are reaching every part of the globe, and dealing with not only music, but all ranges of entertainment arenas. These world wide conglomerations hold interest in hundreds and thousands of entertainers each, and command vast amounts of yearly income from the music business alone. Discuss the emphasis placed on the fact that Performing Arts Professionals rely heavily on a full staffed support system to gain and sustain success. The amount of legal issues that govern an artist today is nearly as expansive as the United States tax code – which is also one of the many things that must be dealt with. The time that is necessary to maintain accurate records, deal with all of the promoters, distributors, lawyers, and agents would be impossible for a single person, or even a small group of people, to undertake. Nationally marketed artists have dealings with thousands of people that are related to the marketing and distribution of their product. This is why the music industry has created several specific positions that are intended to deal directly with each facet of an artist’s career. There are tour managers who deal directly with local promoters and venue owners to schedule events and solidify contractual necessities. There are also public relations agents who deal with the entertainment press and ensure that all the necessary information about an artist is available for public knowledge – or in some cases, unavailable. There are also entertainment lawyers whose job it is to ensure that all of the issues that involve the artist are dealt with accordingly. These issues may include copyrights, ownership of the material, and/or the transfer of these from one party to another. Another very important part of an artist’s career management team would be the accountant. As we have seen with artists such as Willie Nelson and others, improperly managed income can result in terrible personal and economic costs to the artist. The amount of time that is necessary for this task to be maintained successfully, in the cases of especially large acts, is hundreds of hours per week – of course impossible for the artist to worry about and still maintain a career in music. Finally, there are the people whose job it is to ensure that every recorded track is perfect, and marketable – the producer. Today’s recording technology is vastly more complex and sensitive than was seen even twenty years ago. The expertise that is necessary to operate and adjust the sound boards for a recording artist takes years of training within itself. Some of these producers, such as Bob Rock and Jermaine Dupri, have as much recognition as the artists that they support. They are also some of the highest paid professionals within the music business – as they often hold a large percentage of the finished product’s copyright and therefore, profits. What are the FOUR FACTORS which represent the essential core foundation contributing to the success of those who â€Å"win† in the Music Business? The first factor is marketability. This is the ability of an artist to create a body of work that is acceptable to the largest possible audience. The more people who would listen to an artist’s chosen style, the easier it is to sell and profit from that style. The term â€Å"Pop Music† is the very definition of this. With artists today such as Jessica Simpson and Kelly Clarkson, who produce mainstream music that pushes few boundaries, the ability for the record companies to market these artists is greatly increased. Next would be the playability of an artist. This is the ability for an artist to be broadcasted on radio stations and television networks. It is important that an artist be able to be broadcasted on national radio stations to ensure that the artist is heard by the largest possible number of people – thereby increasing the possible number of record buyers. There are acceptations to this rule, however. Groups such as Korn and Pantera have each had number one records in the United States – with little or no airplay. This leads to the next factor – touring. Touring is the best tool that an artist can utilize to see that their work is seen by the public. Tours are usually very profitable ventures, the most often the source of greatest amounts of income for the artist or group. Tours also enable the buying public to see, first hand, the musical ability and entertainment value of an artist. Some artists, such as the Grateful Dead and Phish, never had large numbers of record sales, however their non-stop touring schedules ensured them a strong fan following and large profitability. Both bands also used a tactic that brought them much success as artists, but not as enterprises, the use of bootlegged recordings. They allowed audience members to record their performances and sell them on their own, without fear of reprisal. This created a strong fan solidarity, but most certainly contributed to their low actual album sales. Finally, there is the factor of performance, itself. No artist or group could maintain a career without an enjoyable and entertaining performance. The necessity for performance is at the root of an artist’s success. Combining talent, creation and execution in the proper construct will make for a successful artist. As seen with groups such as The Door, who were arguably the most intellectual group of the 1960’s, saw their popularity plummet as the drug and alcohol induced antics of front man, Jim Morrison, became belligerent and sometimes, combative to the audience. The Business of Music: This encapsulates the sum total of all issues that are involved in the recording, marketing, and obtaining of profit from music. The enterprise of music involves thousands of titles and positions that work to ensure the profit of an artist or group. Though, sometimes seen as the driving force behind musical trends, the business of music is intended to see that all possible musical endeavors are profitable and lucrative. The New Professionals: This is a description of groups of people who have left their original positions – such as lawyers, doctors, or CEOs etc. – to become involved with the music business. These people are shown an opportunity to capitalize on an artist or venture relating to the industry and have the resources to embrace it. Though not always long term, these professionals see the allure of the music business in much the same way as the artist. The desire for fame and fortune inspire these professionals to endeavor to make their fortunes in this business. Often taking to the production chair, or the marketing position, these people attempt to create a sustainable income promoting, producing, or investing an artist or group. Versatility: This is the ability of company to encompass multiple genres within their network. This ability allows for a single company to reach a diverse audience and increase the sales numbers of the company itself. Also, this enables a company to reach an audience with a diverse selection of musical tastes. For example, should a prospective record buyer feel that the standards of a company are high; they may pursue an artist from the same company, but outside of their normal listening area. This also allows for a single company to manage markets in multiple countries. Sony, for example, is a company bases in Japan, with holdings in many countries, in including the United States. Their diverse distribution enables Sony to sell to countries with different languages, genres, and preferred media. Job Floating: This is a term used to describe an artist who has yet to sign to a set contract, but has a marketable body of work. Much like â€Å"Free Agency† in professional sports, Job Floating is the passing of an artist from one agent or producer to another, in hopes that this artist would either sign to the company, or record their project with a reputable producer. This allows a record company to obtain distribution rights to an artist’s work without that artist signing a committing contract with that company. This option increases the ability for a company to reach the independent markets, as well as the mainstream. Education: Education in the music business is the acquisition of knowledge that better prepares the individual for all of the possible eventualities that arise within the industry. Just as with any other business venture, preparedness is essential to success. An individual receives this education from any one of dozens of colleges or technical schools that offer such courses. These schools, such as Art Instruction Schools, International, offer in-depth courses that revolve around the information needed to succeed. â€Å"Commercial† side of Music Industry: This is the area of the music business that is solely interested in the profit of a musical venture. These projects are often called â€Å"jingles† and used in advertisements and television commercials. The artists that are employed in these ventures often differ from the mainstream artists, in that they do not attempt to create an artistic expression, but rather a short, and very memorable tune that can be easily identified with a certain product. These ventures are also not intended for wide consumption. They are intended for short lived, commercial endeavors that seek to increase the sales of a product or service, outside of the music industry. Bibliography Ream, Rundi. â€Å"The Songwriter’s Guild of America†. SGA.COM. 2004.    Online access: 29  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   March 2008. URL:    http://www.songwritersguild.com/index.html â€Å"International Alliance for Women in Music†. IAWM.COM. 2006.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Online Access: 29  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   March 2008. URL: http://www.iawm.org/ Whitsett, Tim. â€Å"The Dictionary of Music Business Terms†.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Mixbooks. New York. 1998.   

Older Workers In The Workplace. Does Aging Reduce The Work

Older Workers in the Workplace Does aging reduce the work effectiveness of older workers? In this fast-growing economy, many people believe that older workers should stop working at a certain age because younger workers will keep up with rapid economic development better. Lois Lowry describes this discrimination in The Giver when citizens get older, they give up their jobs, and are treated as children instead of knowledgeable individuals to maintain the sameness in the community. Similarly, because of ageism, modern society falsely limits the opportunities of the group of older workers. The misunderstood perception in the present can be against themselves in the future because most people, who are lucky to live long, will join the group of†¦show more content†¦Indeed, older workers have plenty of experience with the clear understanding in organizations. Therefore, they have the capacities to make good decision quickly and less mistakes. Refer to the book of Lois Lowry, people in the community always ask t he Giver for advice since he has the memories that is consider as wisdom (130). Similarly, that critical thinking and wisdom have gained through the years in jobs lets older workers delivery top quality as well as helps companies avoid the repetition of mistakes. In tough marketplaces, it is important to realize that older workers are the source that bring profits to companies because after working for a long time, they have built good relationships as powerful strings to connect loyal and potential customers with companies. Under those circumstances, older workers productivity is much more or at least on par with younger workers. Besides productivity, some employers are concerned about older worker s loyalties because younger workers are supposed to have a longer path with companies in the future. Of course their concern is reasonable because workers loyalies decides the turnover rate that is involved in hiring and training costs, but the Sloan Center on Aging and Work reports that older workers get high marks for loyalty (Dan). Most younger workers are on the stage of applying their skills and knowledge in order to earn experience and to figure out what will be their best careers. The desire of discoveringShow MoreRelatedDesire to Retire: Increasing Age Diversity in the Workplace1200 Words   |  5 PagesDesire to Retire: Increasing Age Diversity in the Workplace As a result of demographic changes in many industrialized countries, organizations are experiencing increased age diversity (Hertel, Van der Heijden, de Lange, Deller, 2013a). In the US, this is due to the aging baby boom generation (Schram, 2006), and organizations are faced with adjusting to the changing demographic. By contrast, in Europe and China the labor force is shrinking (Cheung Wu, 2013; Schermuly, Deller, Busch, 2014)Read MoreOlder Workers At The Workplace1616 Words   |  7 PagesOlder Workers in the Workplace (3rd draft) Does aging reduce the work effectiveness of older workers? In this fast-growing economy, many people believe that older workers should stop working at a certain age because younger workers will keep up with rapid economic development better. Lois Lowry describes this discrimination in The Giver when citizens get older, they give up their jobs and are treated as children instead of knowledgeable individuals to maintain the sameness in the community. SimilarlyRead MoreMandatory Retirement Essay examples1379 Words   |  6 PagesMandatory retirement is perhaps a necessary evil; as older employees are forced out of the work force, it creates space for new, younger employees. Mandatory retirement is a form of age discrimination, it forces a person to retire because they are a certain age; it does not take into account if that person wants to retire. It also does not take into account the financial standing of the individual, or if they are physically or mentally still capable of doing th e job. Although mandatory retirementRead MoreLuxor Cosmetics Case Study Analysis Essay886 Words   |  4 Pagesto deal with an aging workforce is essential. The debate on how to address this issue is only beginning. There are a host of issues that surround age and ability in the workplace, but examining a few could give a glimpse in the magnitude of the challenge. First, Age, how does it affect a company’s ability to manage long term. Secondly, Ability to perform the assigned task continually. With respect to age certain facts are undeniable. As workers become older, younger workers are always thereRead MoreAge Discrimination At The Workplace Essay1574 Words   |  7 Pages Mrs. Jeanie Gay Lewis Age Discrimination in the Workplace Human Resource Management Dr. Melissa Mann 9-20-2016 1 Introduction An all encompassing definition for age discrimination in the workplace is the practice of excluding applicants for hire or promotion based on the age of the individual. Related to the factor of age, age discrimination is an approach that does not focus on skill levels and job competency, and places emphasis on the calendarRead MoreRetaining The National Nursing Shortage1643 Words   |  7 Pagesissue. Possible solutions to the nursing shortage include retaining older nurses who are looking to retire, increasing the amount of students graduating from nursing schools, and drawing nurses who have left the nursing workforce back to the bedside (Hatcher, 2006). Leaders must assess the nursing turnover in their organization and strategize on ways to retain those nurses. Organizations must implement techniques to retain older nurses to help combat the national nursing shortage and prevent a nationalRead MoreThe National Nursing Shortage1724 Words   |  7 Pages Possible solutions to the nursing shortage include retaining older nurses who are looking to retire, increasing the amount of students graduating from nursing schools, and drawing nurses back to the bedside who have left the nursing workforce (Hatcher, 2006). Leaders must assess the nursing turnover in their organization, and they must strategize on ways to retain those nurses. Organizations must implement techniques to retain older nurses to help combat the national nursing shortage and preventRead MoreAge Discrimination Essay 91437 Words   |  6 PagesStereotypes about older people are a bound in our culture, but employers are not allowed to indulge in them when making workplace decisions. Manifestations of age discrimination can be subtle or blatant. Typical actions might include refusing to hire or promote older workers, curtailing their employee benefits, limiting their training opportunities or limiting their job responsibilities and duties. Older workers may be targeted in reductions of the work force; they may be encouraged to retire. ExitRead MoreDiscrimination Against Older Workers During The Labor Market Across Canada1762 Words   |  8 PagesDiscrimination against older workers is one of the forbidden grounds of discrimination in the labour market across Canada. Ag e discrimination affects an older adult’s career, advancements, opportunities, and privileges in the labour market. Furthermore, older adults tend to be marginalized, institutionalized, and stripped of responsibility, power, and their dignity (Nelson 208). The Canadian population is aging rapidly and that changes in the population age structure have led to considerable discussionRead MoreAge Discrimination At The Workplace Essay2284 Words   |  10 Pages Christina Jones Age Discrimination in the Workplace Human Resource Management Dr. Melissa Mann â€Æ' Introduction With the rise of the fastest age group expected to be between the age of workers 55 and older from 2012-2022, Age Discrimination will likely be on the rise. According to U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), for the fiscal year of 2015, there were 15,719 receipts that filed an Age Discrimination complaint under the Employment Act which was 20.2% of the total charges