Critique Paper

 

Critical Evaluation Al Gore’s Climate Change Message: Assessing Effectiveness, Presentation Elements, and Impact 

    Al Gore delivered a message on climate change, urging for radical climate action, as reported on December 3, 2023. He emphasized that climate change, resulting from human behavior, causes significant weather alterations. Gore highlighted the root causes of climate change and underscored potential disasters that could harm future generations. In contrast to the mere discussion, Al Gore encouraged people to take action, advocating for steps beyond words, such as adopting simple practices like proper waste segregation. The aging world is substantiated by factual evidence presented through graphs and pictures, illustrating year-by-year changes. Gore's message emphasizes the urgent need to address climate change through tangible actions. The overall program, including images, graphs, and especially the speaker, made the message clearer and captured the listeners' attention. The effectiveness of visual aids, the speaker's engagement with the audience, the structure and organization of the program, the credibility and relevance of the information, the impact on conveying the message to the listeners, and any biases or limitations in the presented information were all considered.

    With conviction, Al Gore discussed the message, showcasing natural disasters with factual evidence. He presented the impact of human activities, such as deforestation and pollution from land transportation and manufacturing. These behaviors contribute to thinning and damaging the Earth's protective layers, leading to an intensification of heat, as evident in the significant rise in temperatures in the year 2021, as depicted in the displayed graphs. With this evidence, Al Gore encourages people to take action to have a peaceful life.

    The visual aids are incredibly impressive with smooth transitions. The slides feature labeled pictures that enhance understanding, and the graphs provide a clear year-by-year comparison, illustrating the effects of climate change such as intense droughts, floods, and overuse of methane. The video's high-tech presentation, including graphs and pictures, enhances comprehension. The use of colors effectively highlights key information for each climate change impact. Al Gore is renowned for his powerful speeches on climate change, which are distinguished by a formal tone that highlights how serious the problem is. Al Gore's slow pace makes it possible for the listener to take in the information without feeling rushed. Al Gore notably engages the audience because Al Gore expertly uses comedy to simplify difficult subjects. Delivered with greater power, the intentional emphasis on important words heightens the importance of vital arguments. All things considered, Gore's presenting style skillfully communicates the urgency of solving climate change while maintaining an engaged and informed audience by fusing a serious tone with entertaining components. The structure and organization of the TedTalk are exceptionally well-executed. Al Gore began by introducing the topic and providing a brief overview of climate change. Subsequently, Al Gore presented key points on various disasters, each supported by factual evidence, such as yearly comparisons through graphs, showcasing the impact of events like droughts. The presentation maintained a high level of organization, seamlessly transitioning from one specific disaster to another while supporting each point with cause-and-effect relationships and accompanying videos. In the conclusion, the speaker offered actionable steps to mitigate or prevent climate change. Overall, the TedTalk exhibited a remarkably smooth flow, presenting information step by step logically and engagingly.

    Al Gore's credibility and relevance are highly impressive. The information that is presented is not based on speaker opinions but consistently relies on scientific evidence from reputable sources such as NASA studies. Al Gore demonstrates statistics, comparing data each year and employing a scientific foundation. The credibility is evident in the use of visuals, including pictures and videos, to ensure accuracy, such as depicting flooding and the transformation of land into rivers due to climate change. Additionally, Al Gore references specific countries, like Africa, showcasing the severe impact of intense drought with labeled evidence. All of this information is supported by factual evidence, whether in the form of images or videos. Right from the beginning, Al Gore emphasize the term "climate change" using his tone. Al Gore specifically stresses words related to the cause and effect of climate change. Al Gore maintains direct eye contact with both the audience and the camera, making it clear how the speaker is persuading through the use of facial expressions, whether conveying sadness, providing information, or expressing excitement. Al Gore appears to genuinely feel the emotions behind every word that utters. Overall, Al Gore strives to convince the listeners to take action. Others believe that it is impossible, but the speaker strongly disagrees because it is possible to stop climate change. Also, facial expressions play a crucial role, as Al Gore illustrates scenarios of the potential outcomes if the environment is neglected or if responsible actions are taken. Al Gore is determined to deliver the message that intended, and from your analysis, he seems to have succeeded in doing so effectively. The information presented by Al Gore is derived from scientific evidence, highlighting the observable increase in natural disasters attributed to climate change. Each natural disaster is systematically addressed, such as the intensification of droughts, wherein Gore elucidates the associated issues. For instance, he underscores that the heightened evaporation due to excessive heat leads to the depletion of water in rivers, rendering them arid. This formal presentation seeks to emphasize the scientific grounding of the information shared by Gore, providing a structured approach to elucidate the consequences of climate change on various natural phenomena. While Gore's commitment to raising awareness is commendable, it's always prudent to seek a balanced understanding by consulting diverse sources and perspectives in the scientific community. This helps ensure a well-rounded comprehension of the challenges and potential solutions associated with climate change.

    Climate change is a matter of utmost seriousness, as it poses the potential to curtail human lifespans and jeopardize the prospects of future generations. It is the collective responsibility of humanity to safeguard the environment and assume accountability for every action taken. Earth stands as the sole planet abundant in the essential requisites for life, an experience granted only once in a lifetime. Now is the opportune moment to transcend rhetoric and embark on decisive actions, recognizing that each action holds the potential for positive outcomes. While the enormity of this task may seem insurmountable to some, as articulated by Al Gore, "It is not impossible." Solutions have already been identified; however, what is lacking is the requisite human commitment to implement these solutions.

Position Paper

 

  E-commerce Marketplaces (Tiktok Shops, Shopee, Lazada) vs. Independent Online Stores. Which option exhibits a more favorable balance of benefits than drawbacks: a position paper

 

    In the fast changing environment of online commerce, businesses must choose between established E-commerce Marketplaces like TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada, or the independence and control provided by establishing an Independent Online Store. This debate is about which solution strikes a better balance of benefits and negatives. This paper we will look at the benefits of E-commerce Marketplaces, suggesting that they provide a superior combination of benefits that can propel enterprises to higher success. 

    Global reach and visibility are critical factors that contribute to the success of businesses in the digital age. The justification for the assertion that E-commerce marketplaces offer unparalleled access to a global audience can be explored in several dimensions. In today's business world, e-commerce is booming and a paradigm change that affects consumers and marketers alike (Amin & Knsana, 2016). E-commerce marketplaces provide an unparalleled platform for reaching a global audience. Platforms like TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada boast millions of users, allowing businesses to tap into diverse markets effortlessly. According to a report by Statista; Shopee, for instance, had over 310 million active users as of 2022. This extensive reach provides businesses with an opportunity to enhance brand visibility and attract a more extensive customer base. Moreover, the nature of E-commerce marketplaces encourages cross border transactions. Consumers from different regions and countries converge on these platforms, creating a melting pot of market opportunities. This inherent diversity allows businesses to tap into niche markets and tailor their products or services to meet the varied needs and preferences of a global customer base.

    Bulacan et al. (2021) highlight the satisfaction of consumers with Shopee's user-friendly website and application interface. This positive sentiment is rooted in the ease with which consumers can navigate through the platform. The study emphasizes that users find it easy to locate desired products, and the checkout process is seamless on Shopee. According to the findings, the overall shopping experience on Shopee is characterized by its convenience, with consumers expressing satisfaction not only in finding products effortlessly but also in the efficiency of the checkout and order placement processes. E-commerce also has its strategies to the new norms and technology era that would help their business grow. As per Rosario & Raimundo (2021) based on new technologies, e-commerce is leading the way in changing marketing strategies by facilitating better decision-making and product information. As a result, marketing strategies are requiring more and more information to better understand client needs, which begs the question of which marketing strategy will best meet consumer expectations. This user-friendly interface significantly contributes to a streamlined shopping experience for consumers, ultimately saving them time (Bulacan et al., 2021). As online shopping platforms compete for user attention, the ease and efficiency of the user interface become pivotal factors in enhancing overall customer satisfaction and loyalty. 

    The assertion that creating and managing an independent online store involves numerous challenges is
substantiated by the multifaceted nature of establishing a robust e-commerce platform. When businesses choose to set up their independent online stores, they encounter a series of complexities that extend beyond the mere availability of products. Designing a user-friendly website demands a nuanced understanding of web development, graphic design, and user experience principles. This task often requires specialized skills or the engagement of professionals, potentially incurring additional costs for the business.On the contrary, E-commerce marketplaces, exemplified by Lazada, offer a compelling solution to these challenges. The user-friendly interfaces provided by these platforms significantly simplify the setup process for sellers. Lazada's intuitive platform, as referenced from Lazada Seller Center (2023), is designed to minimize the technical expertise required from sellers. This means that businesses, even those without extensive technical know-how, can navigate the setup procedures seamlessly. By streamlining the setup process, E-commerce marketplaces not only reduce the barriers to entry for businesses but also enable them to focus more on their core competencies – delivering quality products or services. This contrast highlights the practical advantages of opting for E-commerce marketplaces, emphasizing their role in simplifying the often daunting and resource-intensive task of creating and managing an online store independently. 

    In the fast-paced world of online commerce, where decisions between E-commerce Marketplaces and
Independent Online Stores affect the fate of firms, the debate tends to favor the former. The advantages mentioned in this discourse provide a compelling case for businesses seeking a competitive advantage in the digital marketplace. E-commerce Marketplaces such as TikTok Shop, Shopee, and Lazada emerge as success catalysts due to their wide-reaching embrace of a worldwide audience and satisfying user interfaces. According to Statista (2022), these platforms have massive user counts, giving businesses an unparalleled potential to increase brand visibility and connect with varied consumers. The intrinsic diversity of these markets promotes not only worldwide access but also cross-border transactions, resulting in a mosaic of market potential for firms. Furthermore, the satisfaction and flexibility offered by platforms like Shopee, as elucidated by Bulacan et al. (2021), showcase the tangible impact of a user friendly interface on consumer experience. The streamlined shopping processes, from product discovery to checkout, not only satisfy customers but also cultivate loyalty in an intensely competitive landscape. The ease of management provided by E-commerce Marketplaces, exemplified by Lazada's intuitive platform, reshapes the narrative around the challenges of independent online stores. Simplifying the setup process, these platforms empower businesses to focus on their core competencies, mitigating the technical and resource-intensive hurdles associated with independent endeavors. In closing, the debate leans decisively towards E-commerce Marketplaces, not just as a solution but as a strategic partner in the pursuit of online success. As businesses contemplate their online presence, the question remains: Will you ride the wave of innovation offered by E-commerce marketplaces, or risk being left in the wake of a swiftly advancing digital economy? The answer lies not just in adaptation but in the strategic alignment of your business with the dynamic forces shaping the future of commerce.

Review Paper

 

 Self-perception of ABM Students towards their Academic, Social and Emotional College Preparedness; a review paper

 

    In order for a learner to succeed and graduate in their college journey, the learner should be prepared in different crucial aspects. The transition from high school to college is a critical juncture journey where even high-achieving students often grapple with feelings of unpreparedness, encompassing the academic, social, and emotional aspects. This lack of readiness, as observed by Boden (2011), can manifest in insecurity and confusion. Furthermore, the variance in preparedness levels among incoming college students, as noted by DeAngelo and Franke (2016), can result in a turbulent transition, with potential withdrawal and dropouts. In light of these challenges, it is imperative to scrutinize the notion of college readiness. Wignall (2020) defines college readiness as a fusion of essential skills, knowledge, and behaviors that high school students must possess upon graduation. A learner should be prepared with these three crucial aspects that would help students to be successful in their college journey; Academic, Social, and Emotional Readiness. 

 

    According to Conley (2007) academic preparedness is Academic knowledge and skills that students need to succeed in doing college-level work. Academic preparedness will establish and help learners succeed in college. A student must fully be equipped with skills and knowledge before entering college for a learner will not fail. The student will have a better chance of completing a college degree if he is better equipped intellectually for college (ACT Research and Policy, 2013). In conformity with Palafox, Lorenzo & Palafox (2018) determined based on the entrepreneurial and employability abilities for which the ABM students scored highest on assessments. But there are studies that shows reading and writing is the struggle of the students in business that impact their performance. Key cognitive strategies, key content knowledge, key transition knowledge and skills and key learning skills and techniques are the 4 areas to develop college and career readiness (Conley & French, 2014). The 4 areas revolve around the academic preparedness which includes critical thinking, knowledge, skills, and techniques. 

 

    Other aspects that need to be ready is social aspects. Good character and behavior, which go beyond academic abilities like self-management, self-discovery, and mindset, are considered crucial by the majority of students. In line with Jawad (2017) looked at the students' perceptions of their level of college readiness and discovered that academic behavior and cognitive abilities are two things that help kids adjust to college life. Having social skills help students to succeed in college as teamwork as an essential soft skill (Sulaiman, et al).

    Aspect that needs to be ready is emotional preparedness. In accordance with Igoe (2017) shows that emotional preparedness was heavily stressed as a necessary skill to help learners reach his full potential in college and beyond. College journey is full of trials and struggles that learners will face on. Students must be skilled on handling life’s challenges for student will not be discouraged and continuing pursue in college. Discovered in a study that students who feel less emotionally prepared for college than their peers are probably going to experience depressing things on campus and receive worse marks (Stoltzfus, 2015).

    The findings from the review presented different aspects that learners need to be ready and equipped with skills and knowledge before entering college. The present paper highlights the different aspects such as Academic preparedness, social preparedness, and Emotional preparedness that learners must have before entering college for a learner not to be dropout and withdraw. According to Jaime (2017) when students are prepared for college, they choose their future careers wisely before enrolling.

Reaction Paper

 A reaction paper about Self-perception of ABM Students towards their Academic, Social and Emotional College Preparedness

 

    Remedios P. Magnaye's study "Self-Perception of ABM Students towards Their Academic, Social, and Emotional College Preparedness" explores the important elements of being ready before starting college. This study illuminates the perspectives of first-year college students pursuing the accountancy, business, and management track, providing insightful information about the prerequisites for entering the higher education system. A significant finding of this research is the concerning pattern of pupils arriving at college unprepared. Withdrawals or dropouts are frequently the outcome of this unpreparedness. The study is worth to read since it highlights the need of emphasizing academic preparedness, social and emotional readiness, and improving reading and writing abilities as the three main pillars of college readiness.

    One of the most significant requirements for success in college is academic preparation. A strong academic foundation lays a foundation for future success and gives pupils the tools they require to succeed in their studies. The study makes clear how important it is for students to have a solid foundation in knowledge and abilities when they start college in order to successfully navigate the difficult courses they will take. To avoid falling behind in college and to stay up with their peers, the study highlights that students need to have the skills, knowledge, and behaviors that every high school student must have and achieve upon graduation. The article also highlights four essential elements that are necessary for college success. These keys encompass mastering key cognitive strategies, possessing key content knowledge, having key transition knowledge and skills, and utilizing key learning skills and techniques. Each of these keys plays a crucial role in shaping a successful college journey, emphasizing the significance of critical thinking, core subject proficiency, degree program initiation, and effective learning methods.

 

    Beyond academic preparation, the study emphasizes the need for emotional and social preparedness. Academic excellence is important, but social and emotional intelligence are also essential for professional readiness. Developing social skills and forming relationships are vital components of college life. Five critical aptitudes in the social-emotional domain are identified by the study as self-management, self-awareness, relationship skills, responsible decision-making, and social awareness. These attributes strongly influence a student's total achievement, showing how important a positive social environment is in addition to academic aptitude. In order to resolve conflicts, peers' support and friendship can be quite helpful, therefore social and emotional readiness is crucial for success in college.

    The study also highlights the deficiencies in ABM students' reading and writing abilities. Even though they are skilled at analyzing data and understanding business problems, these are areas that need to be improved. Understanding business transactions and related documents in college requires the ability to read and write. Students must be equipped with excellent reading skills. Good reading abilities have several advantages, including intellectual stimulation, career success, and personal growth. Poor reading comprehension can have a big effect on writing ability, influencing word choice, syntax, sentence structure, and other aspects. Also, students must be skilled when it comes to writing. It is important to improve your writing abilities because they can have a favorable impact on your schooling, profession, creativity, and personal growth.

    The study concludes by highlighting how crucial it is to prepare well before starting college. Prior to starting college, students need to focus on three key areas: better reading and writing abilities, social and emotional intelligence, and academic preparedness. Students can greatly increase their chances of succeeding in the challenging and complex environment of higher education by attending these areas. The research study is very commendable since it provides thorough information that extends from the relevant literature to the end, including an abundance of figures and precise data obtained from reliable sources. For Senior High School students, especially those in Grade 12 who are about to move up to a new academic level, this research is highly recommended. It is a priceless tool for getting students ready for a variety of important topics.