Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Bipolar Disorder Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Bipolar Disorder - Essay fontJohnson, Gustavo J. Rey, Mark A. Blais, Ana Rivas-Vazquez (2002). What is really very alarming about this guinea pig of mental inconvenience oneself is that a traffic circle of citizenry who atomic number 18 afflicted with bi-polar disorder are prone to suicidal thoughts. In fact, about 19% of those who suffer from this disease are exposed to lifetime risk of suicide (Rivas-Vazquez, Rafael A., Sheri L. Johnson, Gustavo J. Rey, Mark A. Blais, Ana Rivas-Vazquez (2002). You see, bi-polar is a degenerative disorder meaning it keeps coming back to haunt the sufferer.Bi-poplar disorder is one of the nearly common chronic and severe mental disorders that often go undiagnosed and untreated for a long time. A lot of people who are suffering from this type of ailment do not even know that they bi-polar disorder and they go through life without even getting treatment for this type of disorder. In most cases, people who have bi-polar disorder are diagnosed with depression (Supplement to The Journal of Family Practice (November 2007).Because of misdiagnosis and poor treatment, many people who are suffering from this disorder has to suffer through severe bouts of mental disturbances without even getting the right type of treatment. This situation roll in the hay be quite detrimental to the mental state of the patient and may submit the patient to take some drastic measures, such as suicide, to end his or her suffering. Fortunately, this situation can be prevented. Although bi-polar disorder is a complex medical illness that involves the human brain, with proper diagnosis and treatment, a person who is suffering from this type of ailment can eventually recover from a severe chronological succession of bi-polar disorder and lead a normal life.Bi-polar disorder is more commonly known as manic depression. Based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual that most psychiatrists use to diagnose mental disorders, the most reliable
Monday, April 29, 2019
Business Environment Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words
Business Environment - denomination ExampleFred smith was the founder of the telephoner. Recently it has been converted into Public Limited Company. The subsequent part of the come across would be dealing with the changes that have taken place in the business environment of the computer persistence in the form of an informational report. Purpose The main purpose of the make-ups like metalworker Electronics is offering quality products to the customers so that they can assemble the computer according to their own wish. The company facilitates the customers by offering them a big range of quality products. These products be manufactured by taking into consideration three main factors a) terms Effectiveness, b) Modularity and c) Maximum Reliability. The company aims at achieving customer satisfaction by means of efficient and proficient personnel. The companys team of professionals has good understanding of the industrial necessities which would attention them in upholding th e managerial works in an excellent manner. The purpose of the organization is making consistent performance by manufacturing quality products so that it supports Smith Electronics in having huge acceptance throughout the UK market and European joint. The company plans to perform its functions along with sustainment of smooth cooperation with the valued customers. The latest technologies which are user friendly are implemented within the products in order to increase the pray as well as the customer satisfaction. The goal of the organization is to energize the experience of the customers highly satisfactory and convenient. This enables making long term relationship with them. The professionals in the company are employed after proper testing of their skills. In order to provide excellent experience to the customers, the employees are trained specially about how to interact with the customers. The success of an organization depends to a great extent upon the demand of its product s and services in the operating(a) market. Smith Electronics focuses on increasing the annual demand of its products which might help it in achieving a global recognition. The organization is committed towards bringing excellent computing experience to the customers in United Kingdom and European Union. The goal of the company would stimulate its performance by guiding the operational activities. However, Smith Electronics holds good position in the computer industry of United Kingdom and European Union in aspects of the customer service, product quality and the stores design. The extent to which Smith Electronics meets the objectives of the stakeholders The business objectives are those ends which the organizations set out for achieving. The organizations plan for strategies in order to achieve these objectives. The stakeholders are important part of the organization (Phillips 6). The objectives of Smith Electronics are set by balancing the demands of the stakeholders in the organi zation as maintenance of favorable relationship with them is very important (Svendsen 2). The objectives of the organization have been established after blending the interests of all the stakeholders. The stakeholders of Smith Electronics always have an influence in its actions or operations. The major stakeholders include the shareholders, employees, creditors, bondholders and customers (American Institutes for Research finishing touch Project
Sunday, April 28, 2019
Behavioural Program Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Behavioural Program - Essay ExampleOperant conditioning is founded on the premise that manner can either be reinforced or eliminated by introducing or removing a certain good or social occasion that the subject is used to. Operant conditioning among children is usually done by eliminating the thing that they love the most such as attention. Many people induce assert that this is an authoritarian come out to raising children. However, what most of them do not realize is that the method actually works. Operant conditioning has caused behavioural transformations among various cases and the same can occur to Claire. (Dennis & Pennce, 2008)This behavioral program leave alone be created by use of goods and services of Claires consequences so as to attain the desired result in this case it will be to deal with Claires tantrum issues and her behavior which is verbally and socially inappropriate.The method will combine the efforts of Claires parents and impertinent behavioral experts s uch as a child psychotherapist. The reason for choosing an external party is that Claire will have time away from her parents where she can learn appropriate behavior without interruptions from her parents. The program is a combination of defunctness and mild punishment where extinction refers to the complete elimination of temper tantrums an issuer that is very possible as asserted by some behavioral experts.Claire will be taken into a room where she will limp there for a certain amounts of weeks. Consequently, this program will involve some kind of social speck that may eventually lead to positive rewards at the beginning of the session. However, with the continual application of the program, social contacts will be reduced to a bear minimum where Claire will not get a venture to interact with other persons after she begins exhibiting undesirable behavior. The program will also allow differential reinforcement in that when Claire
Saturday, April 27, 2019
ACCOUNTANT Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
ACCOUNTANT - Essay ExampleOne overstated expenses sharply while the second was the true record. It was hoped that the supernumerary amounts, once approved by the IRS, would result in an excess of reimbursement that could be fed into the revenue stream and form a source of revenue for the business. This falsification of accounts is equal to fraud. It is known as a qui tam or false claims case (Eichenwald, 1998, 3.1).When the amounts involved are kinda large, the danger that Alderson faced, even after termination of employment could range from permanent injury to death threats to himself and his family. afterward his dismissal from service, Alderson and his family were forced to move from his house in Whitefish to a cramped cottage in countrified Montana where they lived frugally. It took 13 years for a decision to be made and Alderson to be awarded with damages that were competent enough to cover his expenses and let him live a comfortable retirement. The principle that Mr. Ald erson committed himself to after observation a partner sign an Audit Report at Arthur Anderson was that the signing had better mean that some(prenominal) was being committed to was correct and true to the best of the accountants knowledge and the opinion that they gave was without disfavour and vouched for the integrity of the records that they had checked and
Friday, April 26, 2019
Nursing Infomatics Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
nursing Infomatics - Assignment ExampleNursing randomness processing is concerned with the question, How many times does a draw realise to click a mouse (Giannini, 2010, p. 1).The need for nurses to be technologic tout ensembley savvy is more important than ever. Nursing informatics groundwork help patients receive a better quality of care. Nursing informatics includes how nurses gather and record information tohelp improve patient health care (Giannini, 2010, p. 1).What does nursing informatics include Nursing informatics includes implementation of information engineeringoptimizing information management and communicationand utilizing electronic records (Giannini, 2010, p. 1).Why is this include in the curriculum Nursing informatics should be included in the curriculum because all nurses in practice today should be familiar with how to use technology in the workplace in assign to help their patients and make everyones lives more efficient and easier.Whether it be use of an IV pump or an electronic thermometer, every technology makes things easier for the nurse and the nurse is always going to encounter technology on-the-job (Giannini, 2010, p. 1). This makes the essential of including informatics in the nursing curriculum even more important.As technology changes, so does the theater of operations of nursing. ... 1). This makes the necessity of including informatics in the nursing curriculum even more important.The good informatics nurse understands theory, implementation, and evaluating outcomes (Giannini, 2010, p. 1). This is what the curriculum will teach the nursing student.As technology changes, so does the field of nursing. Although there is no way to predict what the time to come holds in technology, the role of the nurse in informatics is to continually be attempting to bridge the gap between technology and clinical practice, communicating with both arenas (Giannini, 2010, p. 1).So what lies in the future The future of informatics is to create a more efficient health care system with information technology, specifically systems that are multi-layered so there are no separate electronic charts synthesization and interfacing systems which are seamless basic language within a unified system and best practices in informatics (Giannini, 2010, p. 1).How can one expect a nursing student to benefit from taking this course The answer is unbiased patient care will be improved. As one nurse said it best, The more we have at our fingertipsthe better we are going to be able to take care of that patient (Giannini, 2010, p. 1).C. How this contour Fits with the Philosophy of the Nursing Program and College as a Whole.Nurses today must be trained so that they are competent when they go out into the field. Nurses are often the liaison between information technology and real nursing (Giannini, 2010, p. 1). In order that competent nurses are trained properly with regard to technology, all nursing curricula should include a course on nursi ng informatics. A competent individual in nursing informatics is
Thursday, April 25, 2019
Business law class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Business law come apart - Essay ExampleOn the other hand, if the patients condition was not critical, the doctor could start out considered the postponement of the surgery for a while. So before declaring the doctor as a culprit we aim to know the exact condition of the patient before the surgery.On the other hand the ECR manufacturer sure deserves punishment. There is no doubt about the crime committed by the ECR manufacturer. It is the manufacturers state that to ensure the quality of their product before introducing it to the market. If the users of a product suffer injuries or damages cod to a product, they have every right to sue against the product manufacturer.In my opinion, the nursing staff, and the anaesthesiologist have vigor to do with this problem. Nursing staffs normally work as per the instructions of the doctor. If the doctor asks them to do something they should obey it. For instance if the doctor asks the nurses to inject certain medicine to a patient, they should do it. Same way, if the doctor asks them to use an putz they should use it and the doctor is the responsible person if any problem occurs.Anaesthesiologist is also not responsible for the to a higher place problem. The transaction of the Anaesthesiologist is related to the anaesthesia given to the patient. If the patient develops any problems due to overdose or under(a) dose of anaesthesia, Anaesthesiologist needs to take responsibility for that. But in this case, no such incidents were reported and the anaesthesiologist cannot be sued by the patient.On the other hand the patient can consider suing against the hospital authorities or management also. Hospital management is responsible for the damages caused to a patient by the defective equipments. It is the duty of the hospital management to purchase better quality products and to keep all of them in proper shape. In
Wednesday, April 24, 2019
Administrative Law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words
Administrative Law - Essay Examplets. Consequently, there has been an urgent need to semi and overcome such inciteivities of prostitution which are in most communities considered as unacceptable. However, some countries in the dismount of the stated problem have legalized prostitution through brothels with the imposition of certain re fastidiousion so as to minimize criminal offences, simultaneously preserving mixer interests. For instance, even though an increasing percentage of population general deciphers a strong believe that legalization of prostitution or brothels can de-motivate the performing of such offences, communities cool it perceive that such acts are immoral and should never be legalised as it might harm the social environment and the following generations by a large extent. Based on this understanding, in the light of bawdyhouse Licensing Act 2011 (Cth), the case scenario of Alice will be assessed. Alice is an adult citizen of Sydney and runs a number of art g alleries. Deciding that she would father a brothel madam, Alice renovates a dilapidated youth hostel into a high course of instruction brothel. Correspondingly, she applies for a brothel license pursuant to the Brothel Licensing Act 2011 (Cth). Although she is granted with a brothel license, twain conditions were mentioned rigidly in the agreement which she feels to be inhibiting her business growth prospects. Accordingly, many issues are observed to show up opposing the license granted to the brothel. Concentrating on these issues, the report will intend to evaluate the specifications of such acts and its impartiality to be enacted. Decision or Decisions That Alice Can Seek Judicial Review Of The Minister decides to grant Alice a brothel license based on two rigid conditions. The first condition restricts that there be a maximum of four citizenry on the premises at any one time. Correspondingly, the twinkling condition deliberates that the brothel shall provide prostitution run only within the hours of 9am to 5pm and from Monday to Friday only. It is worth mentioning in this picture that prostitution has been found as one of the oldest professional practices performed by people even after be strongly opposed in the orthodox period of human civilisation. In the current day perspective, many countries including United Kingdom, Canada, France, and Germany among others have made prostitution and brothel legal with the intention to reduce the rate of charge up crimes bringing-in various legal restrictions. Laws that prohibit prostitution and brothels have often been opposed by feminists accusing it to act as sex discrimination. Therefore, in a free and independent society, such laws are regarded as incompatible as these legal implications tend to violate the basic rights and individual liberties unnecessarily. Prostitution services do non harm any of the party engaged in the prostitution due to mutual agreements rather it does de-motivate people to fo rcefully indulge in such activities. People who agree to pay value for the prostitution services rendered to them at their own will and interest are the likely clients of the brothels. It has often been mentioned that it is appropriate to enact strict laws against trafficking defining it to be a category of sex crime, rather than on brothels which focuses on agreed informal activities1. Thus, with reference to Alice
What Caused the Current Economic Crisis Term Paper
What Caused the Current Economic Crisis - Term Paper congresswomanThis meant the very foundations on which our principles and understanding of the whole economic system was based on were shaken and jolt to an extent that people lost confidence in its integrity. It raised questions that directly pointed fingers on the functioning of the international pecuniary markets. The whole crisis began when the US investors lost confidence in the value of sub-prime mortgages resulting in an adverse liquidity crisis. In fear of the effects of the looming liquidity crisis, the US Federal Bank injected long sums of capital, liquid money, into fiscal markets in an attempt to prevent several hundred thousand businesses and individuals from declaring bankruptcy. By the end of September of the hobby year, the economic crisis had worsened as its negative effects started to crash stock markets on all the continents. This make investment highly volatile and investors lost millions of dollars overni ght as this continued to spread further. A natural elevation was reached where consumer confidence was at its lowest in fear of the inevitable outcomes. Analyses reveal that at a more(prenominal) than fundamental level the economic crisis could be attributed to the diligence of massive global imbalances. These imbalances were the outcomes of long periods of excessively let out monetary constitution in the major advance economies during the aboriginal part of this decade. A major ingredient in this was the significant increase in the budget deficit of the United States, while at the equivalent time the accumulation of huge amounts of surpluses in Asia, particularly in China and the oil exporting countries of meat East. The current account balance of US in 2008 as a perpenny of its GDP was -4.7%, and for China, Saudi Arabia, Russia and UAE was 10%, 28.9%, 6.1% and 15.8% respectively. This showed that even after billions of revenue for the Western Giant United States, the glo bal net mix of money was directed towards the Eastern part. This imbalance was ever growing as the Economic power was tardily and gradually shifting from the West to the East. Experts stated that these imbalances were seen as the consequence of the relative inflexibility of the currency regimes in China and other such countries. According to Portes (2009), prevailing global macroeconomic imbalances were the major underlying curtilage of the crisis. The gap between the saving-investment function was extensive and this gap was only widening with time since developing countries started relying more heavily on developed economies to provide for their development expenditures. The immediate impacts of these huge cross-border financial flows were seen on the financial intermediation process. (Mohan, 2009) As stated earlier the monetary policy of US was also a impart factor to the financial crisis of 2008. To understand this we have to visualize the dot com bubble burst in the early 20 00s. This resulted in a reduction of the interest computes and consistent ease in the monetary policy of US and other advanced economies. These rates maintained as low as 1 per cent in US during the period 2003-2004. This gave ample opportunity for new businesses to thrive in the country and huge investments were made during the first half of the decade. Figure 1 clearly demonstrates that during 2008 the effective federal fund rate in the US was around 1 per cent margin. This relatively loose monetary policy meant that proceeding were being done on a credit basis more than ever in the register of the country. The effects of this were visible in the credit crunch of 2007 that eventually combined with other factors to bring some the economic crisis. The growing demand from the US consumers and its increasing reliance on cheap consumer goods being trade from Asian countries, mainly China,
Tuesday, April 23, 2019
The Oriole Furniture Inc. (Case Study) Case Study
The oriole Furniture Inc. ( ) - Case Study ExampleThe sales and production activities of all the three lines are managed by Mr. Mente. Each segmentations vice president prepares an annual wampum plan, in which the result of estimate for the year has been a profit of $22.7m and the sales volume is $77m. Mr. Menson, the corporations president, has not been satisfied with the submitted profit plan. He wants a profit of $23.9m on a sales volume of $81m. When the actual performance of the division is compared with the budget, Mr. Mente finds that sales remain at 11% below plan and profit is 18% below plan. The contend before the company is that the division fai conduct to meet the budgeted requirement during the year, and the company may consider action in midyear to ensure it reaches its budget by year-end. What does Mr. Mente need to do? What is he proposing to do about his situation? Mr. Mente should retool the plan to reach up to the new sales budget. He should try to figure out the modestness for the difference in actual performance with the budgeted performance through a complete analysis of the situation. The reasons he will explain to his top manager for not attaining the expected performance are the tough scotch situation and old machineries besides the difficulty in finding good furniture designers. To achieve the companys profit objectives, Mr. Mente has planned to delay the purchase of some new machinery which costs $500,000 and to forego hiring dickens new furniture designers. But it is correct to replace the old machinery that broke down frequently and led to over time labor, which will decrease the labor efficiency and delayed delivery schedules. This investment, in fact, is an summation for the company and will speed up the production process. He should drop the idea of hiring new furniture designers so that he rear save $100,000 in salary expenses. He can give learning and counseling to improve the existing workers performance. What ar e budgets supposed to do and what must Mr. Mente do in the attached seven months to (probably) keep his job? Budget is a process of planning the use of resources over a definite period of time. It should activate individuals to achieve performance levels agreed to and set forth for a better control and coordination of activities, the company may prepare budgets for each and every activity which, in turn, helps in cut production costs. Mr. Mente has to identify the reason for the variance in actual performance and budgeted performance. Knowing how much is being spent each month will enable him to consider whether further action needs to be taken to spend in future. This process is only worthwhile if the budget is realistic. Analyzing variances against an unrealistic budget is pointless. However, in a well-run organization the comparison between actual costs and budget is used as the actor for attaining the set goal. The difference between budget assumptions and actual outcome is the key issue that Mr. Mente faces. He can use variance analysis techniques to solve the issue. Mr. Mente has to start his work from the bottom line. He needs to motivate the personnel and evaluate their performance. The company also needs to invest in better equipment to increase productivity without increasing the cost towards hiring more people. The company also anticipates an increase in price of the raw veridical up to 6%. So Mr. Mente should ask the factory personnel
Monday, April 22, 2019
Carving Leaders from the Warped Wood of Humanity Essay - 34
Carving Leaders from the Warped Wood of Humanity - Essay ExampleA bidding made by the motive that was very interesting in regards to this discussion was, We respect leaders who do the interest of the followers first, but most leaders dont pay a expenditure for doing that on a regular basis, nor do most circumstances require them to calculate their interest in relation to the interest of their followers (Ciulla, 2001). I agree with the author that managers have to consider many factors and variables in their decision making the process that has nothing to do with altruism. The interest of the customers of a company and the community be important to consider, but managers atomic number 18 supposed to maximize shareholders wealth. For that to occur companies have to optimize the use of their sparing resources to improve the sales and profits of the company. My personal opinion in regards to the topic of whether leadership and altruism are correlated concepts differs from the opin ion of Joanne Ciulla. I think that altruism can sharpen the perception of a company, thence the strategy can be beneficial for the profitability of the company. selflessness is a win-win proposition for all the parties involved. A company that has a true sense of the importance of ethics will make a design effort to help interest groups in need through altruism efforts. Altruism can enhance the public image of a corporation. The use of altruism reflects well on the leadership abilities of a manager. Altruism should not be visualized as a cost instead, it should be viewed as a moral and socially responsible way to give back to the community that builds the brand value of a company. condescension my difference of opinion with the author in regards to the relation between these two concepts, I agree with the author in that it is possible to be honestly responsible without using altruism. There are lots of ethical decisions that managers must make that do not involve altruism.
Sunday, April 21, 2019
Individual analysis of an organisation of student's choice Assignment
Individual analysis of an organisation of students election - Assignment ExampleWal-Mart emerged as a global retailing corporation from being a topical anaesthetic retailer with the successful implementation of a unique and undisputed supply chain and operations vigilance system within the business. The major characteristics of the operations circumspection of Wal-Mart which have driven the success of the company on a global platform are the unique inventory management systems, non-replicable everyday low determine strategies, the wasting disease of high end technology and integration in the supply chain and a centralize procurement and distribution system. Wal-Mart has become the undisputed leader in the retail segment through the use of the everyday low pricing strategy which has driven high volume of sales and subsequently increase profitability for the company. Wal-Mart is acclaimed for having maintained the highest run profit margins, inventory turnover and sales per squ are feet among the retail companies operating in the United States and other countries in the world. The operations management of Wal-Mart has played a key spot in the popularity of the company and the emergence of the company as the number one retail business among some(prenominal) players in the retail industry.Wal-Mart as a business has both privileged and external stakeholders. Both the internal as well as the external stakeholders of the company have much interest in the activities and management of the business. The internal stakeholders of Wal-Mart include the shareholders, the management and the employees of the company. On the other hand, the external stakeholder group comprises of mainly the customers, suppliers, distributors, competitors and the governments of the countries in which the stores of Wal-Mart operate. The well-nigh important internal customers are tee employees and the most critical external customers of Wal-Mart are the customers of the business. Wal-Mar t is renowned for managing its kind-hearted resources very well and is currently
Saturday, April 20, 2019
History musicMichael Jackson Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
Hi point melodyMichael Jackson - Essay ExampleHe was won more(prenominal) than a dozen Grammys, had multiple albums go platinum, and made millions of dollars in sales and merchandising. However, there was more to the story than just a tale of achiever and wealth. Michael Jackson used his celebrity to draw attention to important issues that needed addressing, as well as, humanitarian and charitable causes worthwhile of being noticed. In this, Michael Jacksons career transcended musical genres, he evolved himself and his music to the needs and causes that were relevant to the times.Michael Jackson was born in rarefied of 1958. He was the 7th of 9 children. Raised in a large and musical family he became the whizz of the familys musical aggroup, The Jackson Five. Unfortunately, the experiences in the earliest years of his career were some of the most difficult. The groups father was rather strict and difficult to please. Regardless the Jackson Five went on to gigantic fame and th e Jackson boys became a household name to fans all over (Rolling Stone 1). However, Michaels greatest success would come when he began his solo career in the late 1970s. In the early 1980s the music produced by Wham and The Bangles were phasing the last of the Disco dance hits out. It was here that Michael Jackson fit in to the offbeat pop of the era. He released Thriller in 1982, which changed the way people perceived the potentials of music videos for generations to come (CNN 1).These songs reflected the more enjoyment loving, almost decadent, times that defined the early 80s decade. The lyrics reflect the fun of dance and creativity. However, while life was unattackable in the United States, other nations around the world were struggling just to survive. Michael Jackson co-wrote We Are the initiation in order to draw attention to the famine, disease, and suffering occurring in Africa (CNN 1). It was here that much of Jacksons work began to reflect a message of universal unity and peace, ,making changes in one s self, and
Friday, April 19, 2019
The US financial crisis of 2008 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
The US financial crisis of 2008 - Essay ExampleIt is not easy to identify the precise cause of the crisis. There were a number of factors that contributed to the crisis. The combination of the diverse factors led to a toxic potent mix that eventually reached a tipping point in September 2008, heralding the beginning of the full-blown financial crisis. The causes of the crisis can be divided into two. In the first group, there are long term morphologic problems within the US economy. These were deeper latent issues that existed for some time with seemingly no ill effects to the economy. The first was too much debt. From 1980 to 2007, the total debt per individual in the country rose from just below US $ 4 000 to around US $ 30 000 (Federal debt per person US 1). The perception that the housing market had perfect price inelasticity fuelled the debt accumulation. Americans using the think of of their homes for refinancing believed the value of their homes will continue rising witho ut affecting the demand for housing. This debt levels were too high for a healthy economy. The looming structural deficits also played a role. Medicare and Social Security off-balance sheet debt was likely to increase the US insolvency, bring down investor confidence on the country. The US has had trade deficits consistently for some time. The deficits are mostly because of the dollar having a reserve currency status and undervaluing of the Chinese Yuan. This led to the decline of the US export industry, and the dependent manufacturing base. internal deficits mirror the external trade deficit. The government cannot borrow indefinitely, and the large internal deficits contributed to the crisis (Jickling 2). The valuation agencies had a evanesce in the crisis. The market relies excessively on the ratings given by the rating agencies. Laws and regulations that allow the use of ratings as a basis for permissible investment fundss buttress this dependence. However, the rating agencie s have a poor regulatory framework. The rating agencies are an oligopoly and, did not provide accurate rating assessments. Some of the AAA ratings given to the subprime mortgage-backed securities were later downgraded to dust status. Rating agencies failure was due to use of poor economic models, conflicts of interest and poor oversight. The US valueation code was also a contributory factor. The tax code is inefficient and has complex rules. It also has tax expenditure subsidies exploited by the suave Wall Street operators. Another factor leading to the eruption of the financial crisis is deregulation of the financial sector and the markets. The SEC in 2004 liberalized the net capital rule. Consequently, investment argot holding companies were free to run extremely high leverage ratios (Jickling 3). The SECs Consolidated Supervised Entities meant to police the largest investment banks was an ineffective voluntary program. Other laws, for example, the Commodity Futures Moderniza tion Act (CFMA) and the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) give financial institutions calling card blanch to undertake risky transactions that were unregulated in a vast scale. The laws placed too much faith in self-regulation and robustness of the market. By 2007, most financial institutions had accumulated large debts with dubitable credit worthiness. The deregulation led to the invention of spurious financial instruments that enriched the financial sector at the expenditure of everybody else. In this category, the
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Relationship between Lung and Tooth Abscess Assignment
affinity between Lung and Tooth Abscess - Assignment ExampleIf tooth decay is discovered early, cavities that could develop into abscesses can usually be treated. Since both diseases develop due to poor oral hygiene, practicing proper oral hygiene is the best way to go along aceself from contaminating the abscesses. Avoiding cigarette and alcohol consumption not only serves as a prevention neb for a tooth abscess but also for a lung abscess.In ancient times, lung abscesses posed challenges to practitioners because of the long duration of the illnesses. A lung abscess was commonly associated with morbidity and mortality and supportive care was the major form of treatment. correspond to Ferri (2013), a lung abscess is an transmittal of the lung parenchyma resulting in a necrotic cavity containing pus (p. 9). In order to better comprehend this infective disease of the respiratory tract, one needs to know the chance factors associated with the disease. Ferris (2012) study found th e risk factors to be alcohol-related problems, seizure disorders, cerebrovascular disorders, drug abuse, poor oral hygiene and obstructive malignant lung diseases.According to Joiner, a dental abscess develops when a pus-filled sac forms in the tissue at the root of a tooth (2001, p. 348). It is cognize to bring intolerable pain to the affected. The tooth usually throbs and aches to make chewing or biting very painful. If one does not seek medical care, the infection spreads through the surrounding tissue and bone, causing the neck and casing glands to become swollen. This is usually accompanied by a severe headache and fever, which are the common symptoms of infections. Joiner (2001) adds that the causes of a tooth abscess are bacteria accumulation in the deep pockets found between gums and teeth or infections on the roots of teeth.Numerous symptoms are observed in persons suffering from lung and tooth abscesses. These symptoms are usually prolonged occurring for weeks to months. For alung abscess, they include fever, chills and sweats, coughs, sputum production and amphoric breath sounds (Ferri, 2012).
Wednesday, April 17, 2019
The prediction about the future impact on current low oil price Essay
The prediction about the succeeding(a) impact on current low oil price - Essay ExampleOil prices meet slumped almost by 50% ever since the last summer resulting from the longest running slump for xx years. This is mainly because, the United States shale oil, and to a smaller degree the return of the Libyan oil to the market, has increased total but a slowdown in the European Union and China economies has abridged choose (Richard Anderson business organisation reporter, 1). With the thriving United States shale industry indicating minimal signs of decelerating, there ar good explanations to predict that the current slip by in the price of oil will carry on for some time. This fall indicates that the debt bubble that has been attribute the global economy for quite a very long time ever since the World contend II is failing to increase significantly. If the debt bubble slumps, then we will be in a ample problem (Tverberg).According to the author, OPEC, the cartel of chief glo bal oil producers, has at many times being stepping in to stabilize the prices by cutting production. However, this time round OPEC said that it was not willing to do so even if the oil slumped to $20 a barrel. Without OPEC inventively backing up the oil price, and with possibly weaker demand owing to the slow economic progress, the oil prices are expected to stay at below $ coke for ages to come. The future markets indicate the prices will recuperate slowly to reach about $70 by 2019, although many experts predict a range of $40-$80 for the subsequent few years and those at higher risks are the ones progressing hard to gain access.
Financial Ratios Analysis of IBM 2005-2006 Case Study
Financial balances Analysis of IBM 2005-2006 - Case Study ExampleThere was as well an inverse increase in current li great power of $4,939 ($40,091 - $35,152 million) which adversely affected the companys runniness dimension. This decline also reflected in acid test proportion or the ability to settle promise immediately as it also declined by 13.492. 2. Leverage ratios compend a. Debt to-total-assets ratio ( radical liabilities/total assets) 2005 2006 % of change Total debt $22,682 $22,641 Total assets 105,748 103,234 Ratio .687 .724 5.386 b. Debt-to-equity ratio 2005 2006 % of change Total debt $22,682 $22,641 Total equity 28,506 33,098 Ratio 2.195 2.621 19.40 c. Long-term debt-to-equity ratio 2005 2006 % of change Long-term debt 15,425 $13,780 Total equity 28,506 33,098 Ratio .466 .483 3.648 d. ... Changes in liability decreased minimally only when still, the increase in total assets helped drive debt to asset ratio up by 5.386 %. Since debt was almost eonian in 2006, debt to equity ratio significantly went up when IBM registered a profit in the previous year, where portions of the fire gain were retained as equity. 3. Activity ratio analysis a. Inventory turnover 2005 2006 % of change sugar Sales 91,134 91,424 Inventory 2841 2840 Ratio 32.07 32.53 .01 b. Fixed assets turnover 2005 2006 % of change Net Sales 91,340 91,424 Net furbish up assets 60,087 58,574 Ratio 1.517 1.561 2.900 c. Total assets turnover 2005 2006 % of change Net Sales $91,340 $91,424 Total Assets 105,748 103,234 Ratio .862 .886 2.784 d. Average prayer period Payment terms for gillyflower and accounts receivable financing generally range from 30 to 90 days (IBM, 2006 pg. 79). With regard to activity ratios, IBM did a good job of maintaining its level of inventory to 2841-2840 million patronage the increase in sales in 2006 ($91,424 million). It only meant that IBM has a very good internal manoeuvre and monitoring of its inventory. In sum, the activity ratio of IBM increased by 2.784 % which can be mainly attributed to its ability to maintain its inventory despite the increase in sales. With regard to collection period, IBM adopts Payment terms for inventory and accounts receivable financing generally range from 30 to 90 days (IBM, 2006 pg. 79). 4. Profitability ratio analysis a. Gross profit margin 2005 2006 % of change Gross profit margin 36,532 38,295 Net Sales 91,134 91,424 Ratio .401 .419 4.488 b. Operating profit margin Operating profit margin 0.134 0.146 0.012 8.95522388% c. Net profit margin ratio 2005 2006 % of change Net profit after tax 79,940 94,920 Net Sales 91,340
Tuesday, April 16, 2019
Assessments for Early Childhood Programs Essay Example for Free
Assessments for earlyish puerility Programs EssayWilliam J. Wilson once said, The person who scored well on an SAT willing not necessarily be the opera hat doctor or the best lawyer or the best businessman. These tests do not measure character, exactership, creativity, or perseverance. Why do we test disciples? What is the procedure of assessments? Do these tests and assessments benefit the disciples? These ar questions educators have been asking for years. It is impossible for one to determine a childs academic abilities based solely on a test. Yet on that point still needs to be some form of assessments performed in disposition to evaluate the academic level each student has reached. nevertheless how oftentimes assessing is too much? How heavily do educators rely on the results of these assessments? The main issues, when it comes to assessing primeval childishness students, ar the consequences of the assessment results and how they affect the child. According to The issue Academies of Sciences, there ar two key principles that encourage the success of assessment. The first is that the purpose of an assessment should be a guide for assessment decisions.The purpose for whatsoever assessment must be determined and clearly communicated to entirely(a) stake- holders before the assessment is designed or implemented. Most important, assessment designed for courses should not be apply to assess individual children. Because different purposes train different kinds of assessments, the purpose should drive assessment design and implementation decisions (The National Academies of Sciences, 2008). The second principle is that any assessment performed should be completed in a coherent administration of health, educational, and family support services that produce optimal development for all children.Assessment should be an integral part of a coherent system of early childhood care and education that implys a range of services and resources (T he National Academies of Sciences, 2008). These two principles develop the main purpose of why assessing is important and how assessments should be conducted. After having an understanding of the purpose of assessments, why is it so important to begin evaluations at such a young age? What is the purpose of evaluating infants and toddlers?Author sue Wortham explains evaluating toddlers and infants determine whether the child is developing normally or if they show any signs of delay and need assistance. completely in all, the main purpose of assessment is to benefit the child (Wortham, p. 32). The NAEYC believes that during a childs early years, evaluating and assessing their development should be the primary focus. They want to study how young children grown and give away. All the results of assessment are used to inform the planning and implementation of experiences, to communicate with the childs family, and to evaluate and improve teachers and programs impellingness (Wortham, p.34).Teachers in any case use assessment results to in order to plan their curriculum accordingly. So exactly do assessments search for? Assessments look not only for what the child is already capable of doing separately but also what they cigarette do with the dish out of a teacher or another student (Wortham, p. 35). So how are they assessed exactly? There are umteen different assessments given to children across the U. S. everyday. These may be administered orally or as written works, such as questionnaires, surveys, or tests. These may include standardized tests, observations, checklists, rating scales, rubrics, interviews, or portfolios.Each of these serve a different purpose in order to give different pieces of information indispensable to evaluate the child in question. Standardized tests, though many disagree with them, are meant to measure individual characteristics. Observations, on the other hand, are one of the almost effective ways to measure students characte ristics. When children are young, it can be hard at times to determine if there are any developmental delays (Wortham, p. 39). Developmental checklists, or scopes, are mainly used at all levels of education.These checklists are lists of the learning objectives that have been established by the teacher in order to keep chase of their learning and development. Items on a checklist are rated with a negative or positive response from the teacher. pass judgment scales, unlike checklists, provide measurement on a continuum and are used when a collection of criteria is needed to attain specific information. Another form of assessment teachers commonly use is Rubrics. Rubrics were created to evaluate authentic and public setation assessments (Wortham, p. 41). Rubrics, like rating scales, have a range of criteria that must be met.However, unlike rating scales, rubrics can be used to not only determine the quality of performance required, but are also used to assign grades. Rubrics make i t easy for students to understand what is expected and is makes it easier for teachers to grade assignments. The final types of assessments that are most frequently used are performance and portfolio assessments. These evaluations might be administered through interviews given directly by the teacher in order to understand the childs thinking and understanding (Wortham, p. 41). Teachers may present these evaluations through directed assignments, activities, or games.The performance results are typically kept in a student or teacher portfolio. These portfolios contain samples of students work and are used as a sort of progress report card. Keeping detailed reports of students work in the portfolios help teachers keep track of their students progress and help determine which areas of learning are absent attention (Wortham, p. 41). Overall, according to Wortham, these tests, whether administered to an individual child or a group of students, are meant to determine a students abilities , achievements, aptitudes, interests, attitudes, values, and personality characteristics (Wortham, p.39).Now having an understanding of the different types of assessments used to evaluate students and the purpose, let us turn to the negative and positive effects of these evaluations. It is crucial for educators to administer tests and evaluations carefully, because it they are poorly articulated, it can lead to decisions that are unfair or unclear, and they may do harm to programs, teachers, and, most importantly, children (Snow, C. E. Van Hemel, S. B. , p. 341-342). Evaluations and assessments are not meant to punish a child, and therefore, should never be overseen lightly.It is important that the information gathered outweighs any negative effects. Editors of earlyish childhood Assessment Why, What, and How, Catherine E. Snow and Susan B. Van Hemel, explain that although the same measure may be used for more than one purpose, prior consideration of all potential purposes is ess ential, as is careful analysis of the positive content of the assessment instrument. Direct examination of the assessment items is important because the title of a measure does not always reflect the content (Snow, C. E. Van Hemel, S. B. , p. 346).So what are some negative effects? prohibit consequences of assessment conclusions may include program de-funding, closing a center, firing a teacher, mislabeling a child, or a reduction in program resources (The National Academies of Sciences, 2008). These effects, such as mislabeling a student, can stick to students for the rest of their education career. Once a child is entered into a program, it can be difficult at time for teachers to look past that label. Children all develop at different his or her own pace. No one child will develop and learn the same way as another child.They all grow up and develop at different stages. Yet educational theorists have been able to discovered and gather enough information to conclude that chil dren, if divided in age groups, do tend to engage a certain development pattern. The problem is, it is hard to determine which children are the outliers in these results without carefully administering straight-laced assessments. Assessments are not used to necessarily judge student or punish them. Their main purpose is to help students, teachers, and parents. So what are some positive effects of assessment and evaluations?Students that benefit from assessments and evaluations are those that are properly observed and tested. Teachers also benefit from the use of assessments because it helps them create an appropriate curriculum for their students. Evaluating children at a young age can have a positive effect if a delay or disability is in fact found, and because it was caught early, the student has a better chance of exceeding their potential in school. Catching developmental delays or disabilities at a young age is the same as finding cancer at an early stage in the sense that th e earlier the cancer is found the chances of pick are greater.Assessment results are used to plan for instruction, evaluate instructional programs, and report student progress. These are all positive results of assessments. Without the results of assessments and test, how can educators determine what to teach their students? Evaluations, if planned and administered properly, can be more unspoilt than harmful. Unfortunately, not all teachers evaluate children fairly or appropriately. So it is important for parents to stay involved in their childrens education in the event that the results of an evaluation do not match the potential of their child.Parents should jockey the norms and abnormalities of their childs behavior. Therefore, it is always beneficial to the child for parents and teachers to communicate. This way if a child is acting up in class, and the teacher notifies the parent, the parent may confirm any fears right away by merely saying, that isnt like him or hes just n ervous. Avoiding drastic measures and not move to conclusions is the proper way to evaluate a child fairly. What are the predicted long-term benefits to primaeval Childhood Assessments? atomic number 18 assessments and student evaluations accurate?Should teachers be required to assess and evaluate students as much as they already do? These are just a few of the questions that plagued educators for years. Too much assessing has placed so much pressure on students and teachers, inevitably taking away a childs desire to learn for the sake of learning. The purpose of assessments and evaluations is a great concept, but placing too much pressure and emphasis on the test results is tainting the original purpose of learning. References Bers, T. H. Mittler, M. L. (1994). New Directions for Community Colleges.Assessment Testing Myths and Realities A Critical polish up of Student Assessment Options, 69-83. Brink, M. (2002). Involving Parents in Early Childhood Assessment Perspectives fro m an Early Intervention Instructor. Early Childhood Education Journal, 29(4), 251-7. Retrieved from Education Full Text database Early, D. M. , McKenna, M. , Slentz, K. L. (2008). A Guide to Assessment in Early Childhood Infancy to Age Eight. Washington State Washington State Office of Superintendent of everyday Instruction. The National Academies of Sciences (2008). Early Childhood Assessment Why, What, And How.Retrieved October 19, 2011 from http//www. bocyf. org/head_start_brief. pdf. Early Learning Standards Task Force and Kindergarten Assessment Work Group. (2005). Early Childhood Assessment For Children From Birth To Age 8 (Grade 3). Harrisburg, PA Pennsylvanias Departments of Education and Public Welfare. Snow, C. E. Van Hemel, S. B. (2008). Early Childhood Assessment Why, What, And How. Washington, D. C. The National Research Council Of The National Academies Wortham, S. (2012). Assessment in Early Childhood Education, (6th ed). Upper Saddle River, NJ Pearson.
Monday, April 15, 2019
Conversation Starter Essay Example for Free
Conversation Starter EssayKeeping pace with the rapidly ontogenesis health handle industry has been a challenge for human resource (HR) professionals. Increasing health care costs, aging workforce primed for retirement over the next decade, and regulatory complexity bequeath be prevalent challenges for human resources. (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Responding to the effects of health care reform, and counseling organizations on which actions to take are an exacting concern for management in human resources (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Health care providers are feeling the pressure as the industry moves to an accountable care model. With reimbursement contingent on patient satisfaction and safety, cost containment is more crucial than ever (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Providers are leaning on HR management to ensure their workforce is prepared to fitting the challenges.Identifying and promoting talent within the organization, formal succession planning, and leadership programs can give o rganizations the advantage in an dynamic industry (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Recruitment and retention of competent, skilled candidates that meet mandatory staffing ratios adds to the list of challenges HR professional result face (Aberdeen Group, 2012). Lacking qualified applicants to fill positions within the organization, human resources have turned to training and reading to heighten the skills of current qualified workforce, while offering desirable salary and benefits packages to retain young workers (Minton-Eversole, 2011). anticipate changes in demographics and social conditions will greatly influence the approach taken by HR professionals with the millions of individuals attain retirement age. (Minton-Eversole, 2011).Many of these individuals in the workforce are not prepared financially for retirement eliminating the chances for junior recruits to enter the profession (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Forecasted replacement needs will more than double the job openingscreated by frugal growth between 2008-2018 (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Knowing where the retirements will occur, and if there will be sufficient resources to replace them, will be the imposing challenge (Minton-Eversole, 2011). Human resource departments are engaged nimblely in employing and growing of the strategies that will influence the health care industry. Reducing costs, improving patient care as hearty as safety, recruitment and retention of qualified applicants will be unfeasible for health care providers without active HR management in the organization.ReferencesAberdeen Group. (2012). Aberdeen Group. Retrieved from http//htpp//blogs.aberdeengroup.comMinton-Eversole, T. (2011). Society For Human Resources Management. Retrieved from http//www.shrm.org
Sunday, April 14, 2019
Setting up a car sales garage Essay Example for Free
Setting up a car sales gar historic period EssayI Have Chosen To Provide A Good Service To My Customers Because I Think This provide Differentiate From The Competition And I Expect To Gain More Customers Through This. I Have Chosen To Increase Sales And Profit As I Will Then Be Able To In go down More silver Into The Business And Expand My Stores Into New aras And Expand My Product Range. seminal fluid Of Finance Most Of My Money Will Come From My Partnership And This Money Will Be use To Pay For Rent Which Will Be Approximately 1500 Per Month. I let Based This On profits Research Which Identified Medium Sized bylet In Newcastle Would Cost Around This Amount To Rent. The Money Will Be Used For Refurbishment And Initial Stock And If Any Money Is Needed I Will Ask The Bank For A Sm on the whole Loan/oerdraft For Up To 5000. If I Take Out A Loan I Expect To Pay 6-7% Interest If I Take It Out Over 5 Years. This Percentage Is Because The Current Interest Rate Set By The Bank O f England Is 5. 5%. If Grants Are Available To Locate In Newcastle Would Apply For One As They Are Available To Certain Areas For display case Rundown Areas.I Have Chosen Not To Get A Mortgage Because It Would Tie Me In For A Period Of Up To 25 Years And Make It Difficult To Relocate To Another belongings Or Area Because I Would Have To Sell My Existing Property First. Competitor Scan In This Section I Will Undertake a competitor scan by visiting local competitors or researching the internet. I Will Outline 3 main competitors in the local atomic number 18a. I Will Then Explain their strengths and weaknesses and outline how you entrust make your business better than theirs.I collected my entropy from 100 pack, this gives me an accurate amount of results and an even sample percentage. I chose 100 people and used their answers and put them in graph. I chose these people with stochastic sampling. This is where I choose people to do it at random when I was giving them out so that everyone has an equal chance of get chosen. The results ar as follows 1. hinge on The Graph above shows that males seem to be more interested in my shop so I will aim my products towards a male population.The graph shows that a absolute majority of people under age 30 were interested in my shop. So I will taper this group. 3. Wages The graph shows the majority of people earn 10000 30000. I will aim my products toward these people. As a lot of my accessories I will be marketing are expensive it is better to aim the price range to high earning individuals. 4. Cars The graph shows the four most dominant types of car owned by my target market. As these cars are most popular I will specialise in selling accessories for these models. I am right off going to summarise my questions.Most people whom I questioned said that they probably would steal my product. Most people said they would commit between i 300 i 1500 depending on the item. The majority of people would buy their sep arate from a car hypermarket. Most people said they look for quality and rise priced split when purchasing them, these are also the reasons people said I improve my services to differentiate me from all competitors. Laws Affecting My Business The Race Relations Act, 1976 Makes discrimination on grounds of race illegal in the same(p) way as the Sex Discrimination Act.Again, there is scope for GOQs for example, advertising for an Italian waiter to work in an Italian restaurant. How It Affects My Business Prevents people from racial discrimination at work and prevents people of colour prejudice such as when applying for a job. The Equal Pay Act of 1970 Sets out that women and men should ask for the same pay for doing the same type of work or ranked as being of the same value. How It Affects My Business This prevents men and women being paid different wages for the same job.And means I will have to pay both sexes equally. When recruiting people I must make sure they are getting pa id the same as someone else doing the same job. have chosen these companies to supply these parts as they are well known by my target age group and are reasonably priced. The parts will be specifically suited for different makes and models of cars. The main cars I will stock for are the Ford Fiesta, Renault Clio, Vauxhall Corsa and the Ford Focus. I will stock these parts for these cars as my target market set these as popular choices.I will differentiate myself by passing special discounts to store observance holders and allow them to purchase items on credit. I will give each customer free readjustment for customers who spend over i 1250 and will give all customers a year long coin back guarantee and free servicing if they are store card holders, this differentiates me from my competition because none of them offer this service. I have chosen not to offer credit agreements as a lot of companies have lost a lot of money in recent months through customers being unable to pay t he money back.I will try to portray my company as a company that offers inviolable quality named products at very competitive prices. This will in turn reach a well respected image for my business which will help me stand out from the competition, this will help pull out my target market. I have chosen the name AutoModz as my company name as this relates to the products Im selling and is catchy. Product Life Cycle Introduction During this stage my sales will be low. Heavy promotional spending is needed I will do this by spending a large raft of my money on advertising such as leaflets and paper advertisements.The aim of my promotional strategy is to create awareness of my business. Growth During this stage sales and profits are steadily rising, I will need a lot of advertising to promote the demand. I will attempt to build up customer loyalty before the entry of competitors. I will use persuasive advertising such as special offers and customer guarantees. Maturity During this s tage the product will be bought by the majority of my target market also during this stage the rate of sales growth will start to slow down.
Saturday, April 13, 2019
Therapeutic Communication Essay Example for Free
Therapeutic parley EssayThe medical dictionary describes a therapeutic communication as A process in which the nurse consciously influences a client or helps the client to a better understanding finished verbal or nonverbal communication. This communication summary will describe an event which occurred on a work placement in practise. A reflective frame work will be used to evaluate the interaction Gibbs reflective model will be used indoors the essay. hilst on placement with the district nurse we received a call from a enduring intercommunicate us that her leg was non quite right, as she has problems with her eye sight she wasnt fitting to give us a description on what state her leg was in. I went out and spy when observing that this patient had leg ulceration which was on both sides of her left leg. I questioned descriptively to hold in how long she was feeling un wanton, she reported that it was over two months this enabled me to place the event in time and helped me to advance a visual picture of the circumstances.I encouraged description of events by asking the patient how it went on noticed as she has carers visiting her twice a day to apply creams. It happened as a issuing in the carers having communication issues as they did not report changes on the breakdown of the patients skin. Whilst way on the wound I decided the appropriate form of intervention would be compression bandages. The patient was reluctant to have a bandage applied to her leg although I empathised with the patient by intercommunicate them what would happen if the appropriate bandage was not applied and that it was the only possible way of getting it to improve properly.At the time I was thinking that the patient was not informing me properly and felt they were not telling me the full story of how the wound got to the stage it has. The fact that I got tuition from the patient was better as I was able to see how they felt and what appropriate measures had to be taken . The bad part of the understand was that the patient seemed reluctant to give me information as she didnt want the wound to appear as bad and she was trying to avoid bandages being applied to her legs.I realised that the situation was not managed well, and that if there was no communication issues between the carers and the district nurse the situation would have been avoided. I could have asked a group more closed questions and kept open questions to a minimal to gather specific information. I also could have reassured the patient a lot more by telling them that the finality of using compression bandages and explained the purpose of using compression, and explained how this would make a huge different to the wound in a short period of time.If the situation was to rise a get I would approach it a lot more sensitively and I would try and gather more information by firstly gaining a better rapport with the patient, then asking open questions to gather a wider amount of informatio n, then to gain specific information I would ask closed questions. This will allow me to get all the information I need and at the same time the patient will be more relaxed and comfortable with the decision and outcome.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
MCDonalds Essay Example for Free
MCDonalds Es takeSt grazegy and Repositioning the Brand McDonalds in India Sameer, Sharanbir Kaur Abstract- Despite global slow subdue, Indian economy is resurgent and offers fresh opportunities as nearly as challenges to global players. McDonalds lock in treats the Indian merchandise as peerless of their young commercializes although what they take on achieved in 15 years hither, it would usually translate them 25 to 30 years in a nonher market. McDonalds philosophy of Quality, Service, Cleanliness and Value (QSCV) is the guiding potency behind its stellar service to the nodes. However at that turn up is distillery a huge potential in the Indian diet market that remains untapped in terms offamily restaurants, quick service restaurants and eat eateries. Coming in the wake of these, their re stigmatization effort requires much more(prenominal) than a mere change of the logotype or signage. There is a need to critically evaluate the right marketing mix. The artic le is centre upon assessing the marketing efforts in India in terms of positioning of McDonalds. Index Terms- Rebranding, Repositioning, Demography, Marketing Mix I. FAST forage INDUSTRY IN INDIA T he Indian spry provender industry has evolved over while and al modalitys has been in line with the needs of people of all ages and segments.There be put inprises which scale from one room discloselet to a chain having hundreds of numbers like McDonalds in India. As per refreshing research cut through ? Indian Fast Food Market Analysis? , India is blessed with one of the tumultuousest growing fast diet markets in the humanness. The Indian fast fodder market is growing at an annual return rate of 30-35%. Almost all big fast food brands of the world have succeeded in fashioning their presence felt in the country and most of them wag an appreciable development. Although the market has witnessed robust growth in the past couple of years, it remains largely under penetrated and c erstntrated in the metropolitan cities.However, there is large room for growth in tier-II cities, tier-III cities which are mostly untapped. Therefore, the future of Indian fast food industry lies in masses that live in tier-II and tier-III cities. In 2013, the global fast food market is forecasted to have a value of $200 jillion, an increase of 29. 3% and a volume of 94. 7 billion transactions, an increase of 10. 4% since 2008. The consumer spending on processed food has increased at an average rate of 7. 6 per cent annually from 2008 to 2010 and this is awaited to rise at an average of around 8.6 per cent until 2012, according to a report by Assocham. Almost all big fast food brands of the world have succeeded in making their presence felt in the country and most of them are posting appreciable growth. It is estimated through the Euromonitor International and Credit Suisse Emerging Consumer Survey, that the average Indian spends just $ 11 as compared to his Chinese counte rpart who would ideally spend $ 20 on fast food. Yet , if we see the Indian spending on food in totality , they spend 23 % of their earnings on the uniform while the Chinese spending is 20 %.So, the inference that depose be drawn is that owing to the have pattern of Indians they prefer to eat at home and would spend on cooking ingredients over fast food. However, this does not spell good novels for the industry. It is set to witness the entry of new-sprung(prenominal) fast food players that plan to hit the Indian market with a vengeance with international giants like Dunkin Donuts and Starbucks being amongst them. II. THE opposition People prefer fast food because its cheap, easy to prepare, and heavily promoted. India is a developing country with 2 percent of organized and 98 percent of unorganized sector.So most of the fast foods that came into Indian market as India has a high growth in every sector. Major players in fast food in India are McDonalds KFC Pizza Hut Dominos Ca fe Coffee Day Barista more than 75% of McDonalds restaurants worldwide are owned and operated by independent local anaesthetics. McDonalds mathematical product line in India is almost similar to other burger chains with a dominant Indian flavour. Perhaps, it would be correct to say that their only similarity with their foreign outlets is that they have French french fries and still use buns. Examining the immense Indianzation they have attempted intheir menu here it wouldnt be surprising to see Indian Chapatis in place of buns. Their current offerings reflect the same. www. ijsrp. org International ledger of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 2, cut back 9, kinfolk 2012 ISSN 2250-3153 2 Table I Present Menu for McDonalds India Menu Ranges Burgers and other Bites Spicy Delights McSpicyPaneer ExtraValue meals chicken McNuggets Meal McAloo Tikki Happy Price Menu Breakfast Menu Favourites Sausage McMuffin with egg French Fries McAloo Tikki Happy Meal Meals Source McD onaldsIndia. com Desserts Big Spicy Paneer Wrap Filet O Fish MealMaharaja Mac Meal McVeggie /McChicken Meal Chicken McGrill Beverages McSwirl Iced tea/ Cold Coffee Minute housemaid Pulpy Orange/ Cappucino/ Tea Soft Serve (Strawberry /Chocolate) Veg Supreme Veg Pizza McPuff Veg McMuffin Sausage McMuffin Pancakes Filet O Fish Chicken Maharaja Mac Chicken McGrill Meal McChicken/ McVeggie McVeggie Meal McFlurry McChicken meal III. BUSINESS computer simulation The Business Model of McDonalds is a franchise-based model coupled with strong corporate branding. The focus is on the branding of McDonalds as a globally accepted service provider with strong customer perception about www. ijsrp. orgInternational Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2012 ISSN 2250-3153 3 Happy Employees means Happy Customers McDonalds Efforts of repositioning its Brand-Recently, McDonalds management has decided to change itsstrategies. They now compliments to provide no t only a place to sit and eat just now also an carry out that can be enjoyed by their customers. general anatomy 1 The Service Marketing Triangle Zeithaml and Bitner (1996 ) McDonalds complete very early in their business that in show to achieve happiness amongst customersthe possible alley is through happy, motivated and committed employees.In accordance with this they played on the customer first system. plain in India, their efforts clearly indicated that they were keen to understand the Indian consumer. Hence they adapted themselves to tickle the taste buds of their Indian customers to hold out a brand that enjoys a very high brandrecall. Therefore they focused on interior as well as external marketing. The level of importance has changed to be in the following order (the most important people arenow at the top). Corporate Branding The marketers are shifting the branding efforts from their product brands to a more holistic corporate branding .The reason for the shift c an be traced to the article of belief that, it is the corporate image that carries a great impact on the buyers who are more aware and more exposed to media coverage on various issues be it environmental state, being corporate social responsibility or be it responsibility towards health of future generation. McDonalds describe a corporate branding framework that is based on three elements Figure 2 McDonalds Service Pyramid Figure 3 Corporate Branding Source Hatch and Schultz (2003)), Bringing the Corporation into Corporate Branding, European Journal ofMarketing, The recent McDonalds rebranding strategy is a part of this thought and vision. McDonalds road to conquest has not always been rosy. They have been at the receiving end of the medias onslaught. There was a huge rumpus in US after media exposure against McDonalds unhealthy menu that was affecting the nation and starring(p) it to a generation suffering from obesity and heart diseases among many more ailments. There were em ployment issues internally which showed that they did not treat their workers well. Hence they assessed their strategies again and came up with new objectives thatstrengthened their previous aims and gave a new direction to them as well. www. ijsrp. org International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2012 ISSN 2250-3153 4 McDonalds Marketing Efforts Over the Years Proactive Rebranding A Proactive strategy includes a new line of business or market that does not conform to the active brand identity. When McDonalds once referred to itself as Mickey Ds to target kids in a commercial, it had just coined a new way of catering to an audience separate from its traditional family audience.Objectives of McDonalds Repositioning StrategyMcDonalds, the promise of American fast food anywhere in the world, has had to rethink and reposition its brand offerings in different countries. While some(prenominal) grassroots elements like Ronald were left in place the menu underwent an overhaul. For example, in India, the menu has no beef dishes since it is not considered religiously correct to eat cows meat there is the very popular McAlooTikki, a potato-based patty in burger buns the Big Mac is replaced by the Maharaja Mac, the Big Mac in chicken there is also the paneer (cottage cheese) McVeggie burger.The Italian McDonalds has a special coffee spot. To celebrate its 20th day of remembrance in China, McDonalds rebranded under the Make Room for Happiness campaign. They had all you want coffee refills Wi-Fi and a more modern restaurant design were unveiled. This was done exclusively for China, where McDonalds positioned itself as a place to relax apart from the high demands of the average Chineses life. Its Im Lovin It slogan made way for Make Room for Happiness, and McDonalds became the place where the stressed young Chinese can spend quality time rejuvenating after working for presbyopic hours.The result was an 18% increase in sal es, and an increasing legion of fans that is fueling McDonalds growth in China. McDonalds Changing Markets Changing Strategies Decades after its launch, the Big Mac is changing colours, literally. The worlds largest fast-food chain is letting go of its acquainted(predicate) red-and-yellow colours for more muted tones as it goes for its biggest and costliest revamp in the country, in line with its global strategy of attracting more adults. For the next generation of consumers McDonalds plans to cultivate a very different image from its existing one.After revamping 280 stores in various markets last year, McDonalds is now opting for the Tampa model and will spread that design to upwardly of 800 locations this year roughly triple what it did last year. The community is donning a new look when India is on its way of becoming a global hotspot for food retailers, with chains like Starbucks, Burger King planning to enter the country. Some McRemodel highlights include Redoing roofs Th e bright red roofs that have topped McDonalds for several decades are getting the heave, replaced with flatter, more conventional roofs.Muting paint The neon yellows and reds common to the interiors and exteriors are becoming history, replaced with much more subtle oranges, reds, yellows and unconstipated greens. Updating chairs Those industrial steel chairs are giving way to wooden chairs, colorful stools and, in some cases, vinylcovered chairs that resemble leather. Some stores will have larger lounge chairs similar to the kind you might expect to find in a coffee shop. Doubling drive-through To ease lines inside and outside stores, many locations are pass oning second drive-through windows to speed up service.Splashing colour McDonalds hasnt junked its familiar red and yellow colors altogether, but it is making them far less obvious. Instead of filling the restaurants with them, its splashing bright yellow and red here and there for effect. Dividing dining areas The sea of tables and chairs is history in the remodelled stores. The new dining rooms are divided into separate eating zones for larger groups, eat-and-run customers and folks who want to stay and lounge. Adding flat-screens TVs Large, flat-screen TVs some playing contemporary harmony are showing up in manylocations, though fewer than half of the remodelled stores will march them. The new design makes the customer feel more comfortable and at leisure to enjoy their surroundings. This offers to McDonalds two key opportunities- firstly, to shift to another www. ijsrp. org International Journal of Scientific and Research Publications, Volume 2, Issue 9, September 2012 ISSN 2250-3153 customer base with high spending power and then to broaden their menu with offerings at a higher price point. Risks Involved When a global organization like McDonalds is going in for rebranding, a lot of financing isinvolved and the global impact is huge. Though the step taken by the managers of McDonalds is well calculated but speculations are on till the time it doesnt fair well in the market and most importantly to the customers. This kind of rebranding in the Indian Food Industry can help change the image of McDonalds completely like in the case of Pizza Hut, which has become a part of fine dining segment, which it was not earlier. The Indian consumer is considered to be loyal but still the risks involved are high. 1. A trade-off between what is expected from a company and what a company has to gain from theconsumers One can see that one facet raises the scale while the other weighs it down making it a tough task. In order to sustain the balance, it requires big investments which will surely add to the costs incurred in the rebranding. If the rebranding falls flat, it will result in a major profit decline. 2. storage positioning McDonalds needs to have the most current information to determine if present outlets are cannibalizing each others business. To achieve this McDonalds team willneed comprehensive, demographic data of India along with both theirs and competitors outlets. IV. CONCLUSIONThe task is mammoth as McDonalds tries to keep up in the race for a piece of the great Indian pie . As per Forbes , McDonalds India operations contribute 30 % to their sales which is a considerable share. It might become imperative to create a Point of Difference to fight it out in the Indian market as all fast food brands have modelled themselves on local flavours now , the latest being KFC with its ? Streetwise menu. While McDonalds does have the edge with its excellent issue chain and distribution network the customer ultimately does become the king with low brand faithfulness in this category being thegeneralisation . The rebranding effort on their part seeks to bring 5 in a new flavour to their brand offering but what remains to be seen is whether they are still able to strike a chord with the customer. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to express our heartfelt gratitu de to the people who aided us in this endeavour of ours. First and foremost , we would like to thank Mr. Praveen Gupta, HOD , Lal Bahadur Shastri Institute of Management for his rich time and support. Also, a special mention to the staff of McDonalds Jor Bagh, Delhi who was very patient and helpful during our visits to the outlet for the study.REFERENCES 1 2 3 4 5 Lovelock,Wirtz and Chatterjee ,? Services Marketing ? , in Plastics ,Sixth Edition ,India , Pearson , 2010 , pp. 66-98 , pp. 340-372 Aaker, D. A. (2004b), ? Leveraging the Corporate Brand? , California Management Review, 46 (3), pp. 6-18 Bijoor, H. , ? A Time to Rebuild? , Business India, February 20,2011 pp. 48. Hatch, M. J. and Schultz, ? Bringing the Corporation into Corporate Branding ? , European Journal of Marketing, 2003, 37 (7/8), pp. 1041-1064. Jacquelline, B. and Kline,S ,? From McLibel to McLettuce Childhood, Spin and Re-branding? ,2007 , Society and Business Review, 2(1)
Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Work ethic Essay Example for Free
Work ethic EssayI would re tout ensembley like you to sort out them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Ch tout ensemble in every(prenominal)enging myself academic anyy is non a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction. I form done everything to keep a wide armament of options open and am look forth to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in erudition and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, evoke students.I am armed with a wild independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong browse ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am aspect forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into victor in college and beyond. penis penis penis penis I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Cha llenging myself academically is non a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction.I squander done everything to keep a wide rate of options open and am expression forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in skill and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, raise students. I am armed with a approximative independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong consummation ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am feel forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond.I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is non a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction. I switch done everything to keep a wide start of options open and am tone forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in erudition and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, interest students.I am armed with a bowelless independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong march ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond. I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction.I imbibe done everything to keep a wide coordinate of options open and am looking forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in accomplishment and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, interest st udents. I am armed with a knockabout independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong ferment ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond.I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction. I birth done everything to keep a wide adjust of options open and am looking forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in skill and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, arouse students.I am armed with a infuriated independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong deed ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. Th e above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond. I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction.I have done everything to keep a wide array of options open and am looking forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in science and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, interesting students. I am armed with a fierce independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong work ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond.I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction. I have done everything to keep a wide array of options open and am looking forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in science and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, interesting students.I am armed with a fierce independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong work ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond. I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction.I have done everything to keep a wide array of options open and am looking fo rward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in science and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, interesting students. I am armed with a fierce independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong work ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond.I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction. I have done everything to keep a wide array of options open and am looking forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in science and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, interesting students. I am armed wi th a fierce independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong work ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality.I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond. I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction. I have done everything to keep a wide array of options open and am looking forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in science and the opportunity to connect socially with otheractive, interesting students. I am armed with a fierce independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong work ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along w ith my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond. I would really like you to tell them that although I am goal oriented, I am by no means one-dimensional. Challenging myself academically is not a chore but rather a process culminating in self-esteem and satisfaction.I have done everything to keep a wide array of options open and am looking forward to a traditional college experience including strong school spirit, a Greek system, a strength in science and the opportunity to connect socially with other active, interesting students. I am armed with a fierce independence, well-grounded sense of self, a strong work ethic, drive to succeed, and disarming personality. I am looking forward to college with enthusiasm. The above-mentioned qualities along with my zest for all life has to offer translate into success in college and beyond.
Monday, April 8, 2019
European settling in America Essay Example for Free
European settling in America EssayThe discovery of the Americas was matchless of the biggest events in history. But some tend to look over the fact that the discovery of the Americas led too to the discovery of Native American groups who were already chill outd here. So did the Europeans really have the right to go under in the Americas? The Europeans had every right to settle in the Americas. They had this right because no nation or cultivate of government had been established here. If a nation or government had been established, then it would be a contrastive story. The problem with the Native Americans was that they were so sparsely spread out around the Americas.If they had all been in iodin large area things possibly could have gone better for them than they did. The Europeans did have every right to settle in the Americas, but they had absolutely no right to dispossess Indians of their land. The Indians had colonised here historic period and years before the disco very of the Americas by the Europeans. The Indians had somehow ventured over to the Americas, just as the Europeans had done, and made a office here. Europeans had no right to take that away from them. The Europeans should have been more compassionate towards the Native Americans.They should have view the fact that they had settled here first, but human pride got in the way and they wanted what they couldnt have. The Europeans lied, cheated , and take from the Indians making for a very confrontational accommodation. This is not the way they should have gone about this. numerous things could have been done to aid in a more peaceful accommodation. First and foremost, the Europeans could have settled anywhere else in the Americas, whereas it is very large with plenty of land. If they really wanted the specific land the Indians were on they could have coincided with them.They could have lived in peace amongst each other. The two cultures could teach other new things, and dish up on e another. If this still didnt work, the Europeans could have peacefully negotiated with the Indians, no violence or deceit involved. Sadly, the Europeans hearts werent in the right place when they came across the Indians, and most of the Europeans wanted the Indians gone or exterminated. As Christians, we are supposititious to help others and be compassionate. Had the Europeans approached the Indians with this mindset things could have been done more peacefully between the two cultures.
Sunday, April 7, 2019
Research on Science Essay Example for Free
research on acquisition EssayABSTRACTThe study explores paths in which disciples who have participated in a syllabus innovation, erudition awake(p) acquire cognizance serve up skills and perceive the relevancy of culture in fooling life. It investigates whether students have, after the class, perceived an improvement in applying science outgrowth skills. Four classes of second-string 2 prove students att demiseed iodin of four modules in the light quick programme and responded to a pre- and post-course survey to quantity their perceived skill competency for sever every(prenominal)y process skill. They withal responded to questions on whether the programme enhanced their senseof the relevance of perception in everyday life. Five students from severally module were selected to provide create verbally feedback at mid-course and write a journal after the course. The content of their feedback and journals were analysed to provide deeper insight of the r esults of the information surveys. The selective information was triangulated with teachers feedback, which was employ to provide insight of the movers that affect the acquisition of the process skills. The hapings show of import enlarge in students acquaintance of skill competency while a risque percentage of students indicated that the programme has found them much alert of the relevance of apprehension in their lives.INTRODUCTIONTraditional study approaches in which students atomic number 18 passive recipients of association atomic number 18 inconsistent with the call for Singapore enlightens to Teach Less, Learn More (TLLM). There is a imply to allow learning to occur in settings that atomic number 18 relevant to students experiences and real world problems. In Clementi t give Secondary School (CTSS), Project Work was recitationd as a platform for students to transfer their learning and apply in dependable applications. However, teachers who had conducted P roject Work for experience at Secondary 2 nonice that students work appears lacked depth in the specific content area, and the skills necessitateed for scientific investigations. This spurred the want to coer content association relevant to the calculates assigned. It also raised the concern that recognition process skills, as stipulated in the MOE Lower Secondary information (LSS) Syllabus, were not sufficiently emphasised compared to acquiring scientific knowledge. Teachers also indicated that students were unable to appreciate the relevance of accomplishment in solving problems in their lives after past Project Work t selects. recognition routine Skills acquisition process skills is commonly employ to describe a set of broadly transferable abilitiesthat are reflective of what scientists do. These skills are grouped into two types basic and amalgamated. Basic process skills provide a germinal activity for learning the integrated skills, which are much complex s kills for solving problems or doing wisdom experiments. In this study, reflecting is listed as a process skill to be investigated, though it is usually considered part of thinking skills which is a broader family unit that subsumes process skills.Some comprehension educators have argued that doctrine students accomplishment facts is not as important as developing their intuition process skills so that they terminate learn this knowledge on their ingest (Young, 1995). Studies in the United States have shown that elementary school students who are taught process skills, not only learn to white plague those processes, scarce also retain them for prospective use. In Singapore, the MOE Primary Science syllabus also emphasises the teaching of basic process skills and some integrated skills, while the LSS syllabus emphasises the use of process skills for planning investigations and creative problem solving, and other thinking skills.Curriculum design plays an important role in t he acquisition of Science process skills. The MOE Assessment Guidelines for LSS recommends an hard-core teaching of the process skills, followed by the integration of these skills by students in experimenting or carrying out investigatory projects. Padilla (1990) pointed out that when Science process skills are a specific planned number of a Science programme, those skills can be learned by students Teachers necessitate to select curricula which emphasise Science process skills.These basic skills are learnt much efficiently if they are considered an important mark of instruction and if prove teaching methods are used. There must be a deliberate effort to focus on teaching process skills through with(predicate) a modified LSS curriculum. Young (1995) recommended that if teachers have the freedom to select their own topics, they should consider topics of direct interest to themselves and which would excite students. Science knowledge serves asbackground for lessons but should not take up the whole lesson. Instead, more time should be worn out(p) on activities that enhance the spirit of Science concepts and improve Science skills. Some studies have shown that instead of apply the didactic approach, teaching Science through the use of activity-based approaches significantly improved students achievement in Science process skills (Beaumont-Walters, 2001).Berry et al (1999) suggested a few crucial fixingss that influence the acquisition of process skills used in laboratory work. Firstly, students need the relevant content knowledge that is assumed by the task to be mentally engaged. For example, a more knowledgeable student would be able to explain an observation, which in turn validates his knowledge and gives him a authentic amount of intellectual satisfaction. The doing of Science has to be coupled with learning about Science, if students are to appreciate the regard as of scientific inquiry (Haigh et al, 2005). A second factor suggested by Berry et al (1999) is students ownership of laboratory tasks.Ownership would be more apparent in open laboratory tasks, where the student has to design his own experiment than in closed laboratory tasks, where the correct experimental procedure is create verbally out in a cookbook style and the student is likely to carry out the tasks unthinkingly. Another effective dodge to enhance students process skills would be to let students keep a scientific journal (Tomkins Tunnicliffe, 2001). It was notice that diary writers tend to build more confidence in their own adaptations, engage in intellectual debates with themselves over the plausibility of their explanations and ask questions that are more quantifiable.Relevance of Science in everyday life Research studies conducted in recent decades on students perception of school Science have consistently shown that they perceive Science as not relevant (Bennett, 2001). Similarfindings have raised a serious concern in several countries. For ins tance, a report by the Dutch Ministry of Education in 2002 observed that secondary school students did not see a connection between what they learnt in Chemistry lessons and the chemistry happening nearly them (Van Aalsvoort, 2004a). A subsequent report recommended teaching Science in context. However, a study carried out on a contextualised Science curriculum introduced to Swaziland students highlighted some shortcomings (Campbell et al, 2000). The findings showed that less than half of the sample students could draw on Science concepts to explain everyday experiences or solve everyday problems. It was suggested that contextualised learning could be made more effective through student-initiated project work on everyday problems.Van Aalsvoort (2004b) suggested using activity possibility to cope the issue of the relevance of Chemistry in chemical education, where reflection plays a key role in evaluating and developing an activity. Reflection could be carried out through writing re flection journals, which also helped enhance the acquisition of process skills, as mentioned earlier (Tomkins Tunnicliffe, 2001). According to Van Aalsvoort (2004a), relevance can be defined in four aspects (i) personalized relevance Science education makes connections to students lives (ii) headmaster relevance Science education offers students a picture of possible professions (iii) social relevance Science education clarifies the purpose of Science in kind and social issues and (iv) personal/social relevance Science education helps students develop into responsible citizens. This study considers relevance in three aspects personal, professional and social.INTERVENTIONProject Work aims for students to transfer the learning of concepts into applications in authentic settings. To address the areas of concern raised by teachers teaching Project Work, the Science viable programme was conceived to integrate Project Work and the LSS syllabus. This 13-week programme was conduct ed during Semester 2 of the Secondary 2 Express Science curriculum and used alternative evaluatement to replace the traditional end-ofyear examination. In this programme, a team of teachers crafted four modules which covered a variety of topics from Biology, Chemistry and Physics. As a motivating factor, students could choose from one of the four modules offered perfume Chemistry, Biodiversity, living Science and Water Rockets.In each Science ALIVE module, specific content knowledge was taught using hands-on strategies such as laboratory work, field trips, journal writing and group discussions. These strategies were intended to get on student engagement. Most importantly, the programme addressed the three key issues of concern in the pastime ways 1. Content knowledge covered was specific to each module and relevant to the projects that students were assigned. This enabled students to better transfer the concepts to the projects. 2. Science process skills could be applied by st udents through journal writing, laboratory work and investigative project work.Science process skills were used as criteria for assessment to emphasise their importance and focus. 3. To enhance the relevance of Science, students were condition a choice of the elective module to study, and to decide on the problem to work on for their projects. Contextualised learning, which draws on scientific understanding to explain everyday situations, was consciously infused into the curriculum design for each module. Reflection journals were create verbally after selected activities, which fit to activity theory helped students evaluate their learning (Van Aalsvoort, 2004b).RESEARCH QUESTIONSThe two research questions are (1) How does the Science ALIVE programme help students to apply their Science process skills? And (2) How can theScience ALIVE programme enhance the relevance of Science in students lives?METHODOLOGYParticipants 147 students from all four Secondary 2 Express classes attended the Science ALIVE programme and participated in the study. Pre- and post-course perception surveys were conducted for all students to measure their perception of their skill competency and their sense of the relevance of Science in their lives through the programme. In addition, five students were selected from each module to give written feedback in week 8 (mid-course) and write a journal in week 13 (at the end of the course). To provide maximum variation, the five students from each module were selected based on their Science grade in Semester 1 and their reasons for selecting the module which reflected their motivational level.Instruments In the pre- and post-course surveys, students were asked to rate their perception of their Science process skills using a four-point Likert scale. The post-course survey included an particular proposition to measure students perception of change magnitude awareness of the relevance of Science in their lives.Data Analysis For survey items on Science process skills, the stand for range of each skill was calculated for the individual module ( add-in 2) as well as crosswise all modules ( get across 1). Skills with orders of less than 3 (out of 4) were identified and analysed. The differences in mean treasures for pre- and post-course surveys were compared. The differences were considered significant if there was an plus or decrease of at least 0.3 in value (or 10% of the range of scale used). ledgers and mid-course written feedback of the 20 selected students were used to surface possible reasons for these perceptions. The data was triangulated with teachers feedback, which was used to provide insight of the factors that affect the acquisition of the process skills.For the survey item on the relevance of Science, the total percentage of students who indicated an Agree or potently Agree was computed for each module. Content analytic thinking of the journals and written feedback from the selected students were carr ied out. Frequency counts of the responses werebased on three categories personal, professional and social relevance. Teachers feedback was used to provide depth to the findings.RESULTS Acquisition of Science process skills The perception of all students on the level of their skill competency before and after the Science ALIVE programme was measured through surveys. The survey results were compared using the mean values for each process skill, as shown in Table 1.Table 1 Comparison of students perception of skills before and after Science ALIVE Mean value (scale 1 4) Pre-Course Post-Course 3.1 3.2 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 3.1 2.8 2.6 3.0 3.0 2.7 3.1 3.2Process Skill (a) Elabo valuation (Research) (b) Conducting scientific investigations (Planning investigations) (c) Conducting scientific investigations (Using scientific weapon) (d) Conducting scientific investigations (Analysing data) (e) communication (Writing scientific reports) (f) Reflecting (g) Questioning (Learning by asking questio ns)In the pre-course survey, the items which reachd less than 3 are the skills of planning investigations, using scientific apparatus, analysing data, writing scientific reports and learning by asking questions. Students perception rating increased in the following skills using scientific apparatus, analysing data and learning by asking questions suggesting that the Science ALIVE programme had benefited them in these areas, with the excludeion of planning investigations and writing scientific reports where there was marginal increase or no change between the pre- and post-course rating. This revealed that in general, students becalm did not have much confidence in these skills and suggests that more could be done in the next cycle to guide students in these aspects.The changes in the rating for items (b), (c) and (d) in the pre- and post-course surveys suggest that students perceptions that their skills in handling apparatus and equipment have improved. This could be attributed t o the fact that students were introduced to various new apparatus or equipment during project experiments in all modules. For example, the Biodiversity module used dataloggers which was equipment new to students.Skills in items (b), (c) and (d) are all part of the process of conducting scientific investigations. However, there was only a marginal increase in the rating for (b) planning investigations after the programme. This could be because planning investigations is a higher order process skill which encompasses fashioning hypothesis, laying variables and writing the experimental procedures.Analysis of Science process skills by skill category The results were further categorize to compare and study the changes in students perception of skill competency for the individual modules, as shown in Table 2.Table 2 Comparison of perception of skill competency by module Mean value (Scale 1 4) BioLife diversity Science Pre Post Pre Post 2.9 3.2 3.0 3.3 2.3 2.4 2.6 2.9 3.3 2.9 2.4 2.9 2 .8 2.4 3.3 3.3 2.4 2.9 2.7 2.5 3.1 2.9 2.8 3.0 3.1 2.9 3.2 3.0Module Process Skill (a) Elaborating (Research) (b) Conducting investigations (Planning investigations) (c) Conducting investigations (Using scientific apparatus) (d) Conducting investigations (Analysing data) (e) communication (Writing scientific report) (f) Reflecting (g) Questioning (Learning by asking questions) ElaboratingAroma Chemistry Pre Post 3.3 3.2 2.6 2.4 2.6 2.7 3.1 3.0 2.7 3.1 2.9 2.7 2.8 3.2Water Rockets Pre Post 3.1 3.1 2.3 2.4 2.6 2.5 2.9 2.6 2.5 3.0 2.9 2.7 3.0 3.2The results of item (a) in the pre- and post-surveys showed an increase in rating for this skill for the Biodiversity and Life Science modules. This could be because these modules are more content-based topics, which require greater use of such skills. It should, however, be noted that for Aroma Chemistry module, the pre-course survey score was already high and it might be difficult to make further significant improvement.From the written feed back of selected students in the 8th week of the programme, half indicated that they had learnt to research to look for more information. All five students from the Biodiversity module wrote that they had learnt to assess how reliable the sources are. For example, one student from the module wrote in her journal that before creating our ecosystem, we need to do research on the organisms that we choose, on what they feed on and their suitable habitat (Student S8).Teachers conducting the programme mat that roughly students were still at the developmentalstage of doing research, as they could not extract relevant information from sources. They also observed that some students lacked the initiative and discipline to do research work, though teachers had provided a list of resources. This could be seen in project reports, where the evidence of research is lacking. A likely explanation for this observation is the past traffic pattern of didactic teaching, resulting in students so used to being presumption all materials and information by teachers that they do not know how to get started (Teacher T3). Teacher T1 recommended the need to balance between providing students with information and allowing them to be breakaway in their learning.Conducting Scientific Investigations For item (b) on planning investigations, the Life Science module had the largest increase in perception rating (more than 10%). Here the Life Science teacher explained that students were taught how to design experiments step-by-step with given examples. The importance of planning in investigations is stated by one of the students in the module When we need to choose something, we need to think about all its aspects. After everything is ok, we can start work (Student S14). However, Teacher T2 commented that students still needed a lot of hand-holding and practice to be competent. A student from another module echoed this I am not sure how to design an experiment on my own.Item (c) on the prac ticable skill of using scientific apparatus or equipment had the largest increase for all modules, except Life Science where the initial pre-course rating was already high (mean 2.9). All modules were designed to include more hands-on activities, which inevitable the use of apparatus and equipment. integrity student wrote about the importance of using the right procedures as he learnt how to use steam distillation by setting up the apparatus correctly and doing the extraction mightily (Student S2), while another studentshared her new skill of using dataloggers to measure the distinct abiotic factors from the forests (Student S7). Teachers observed that the students were excited and enjoyed themselves when using new apparatus. On their part, teachers also sought to infuse rigour by ensuring that students fulfill the experimental procedures accurately. The enjoyment of Science through hands-on activities, particularly laboratory work, was a motivating factor in learning Science.T he rating for the skill of analysing or inferring from experimental data in item (d) increased more for three modules than for the Biodiversity module. This could be the result of students being given more opportunities to handle experimental data in their projects and make conclusions for the Aroma Chemistry, Life Science and Water Rockets modules. On the other hand, the investigative project for Biodiversity was of a smaller scale, and students main form of project assessment was a conservation proposal. One factor which attributed to the increase in perception rating was group collaboration. As students did their projects in groups, they could discuss how to analyse the data obtained from the investigations.Students analysed their data in various ways depending on the type of data collected in each module. For example, Student S11 commented I got a chance to compare and compile the results of surveys, test the reliability of our product, put into tables and identify the similarit ies and differences present. Others learnt to analyse the cause of problems in their projects, as noted by Student S16 our rocket failed in introduction and we realise that the problem is due to the leaking of our rocket. Teachers however concurred in their observations that though students could comment on their data, their analysis lacked depth.Besides these investigative skills, many students also reflected in their journals that they haddeveloped observation skills during practical work and investigations. One student wrote In the past, I would have just used my eyes. Now I have learnt to use all of my five senses to know more about the subject I am observing (Student S10).Communicating In item (e), writing scientific reports was the focus in the skill of communicating. Though there was no change in overall student perception (see Table 1), Table 2 showed a significant off-white in the rating for Biodiversity module compared to an increase in Life Science module. The Biodiver sity teacher attributed the drop in rating to students realisation and shock in receiving feedback on their first report draft, as they did not anticipate scientific reports to be of slightly different nature and demands though they were briefed.But she noted that the readiness of formative feedback and the re-drafting of reports helped students in this skill. The Life Science teacher linked the increased rating to having provided illustrative examples and templates for students, but she felt that they were still lacking in the skill and could be given more practice. Students journals hardly mentioned this skill, except Student S10 who wrote that he learnt to sieve through the report for important points to put in the abstract.Reflecting Generally, students felt that they were able to reflect on their lessons. Item (f) in Table 2 showed an initial high rating which was unchanged after the programme. Students saw their journals as an luck to clarify and reflect upon their learning ( Student S3). At the end of the programme, a few students said that the reflections helped to monitor their understanding of lessons, and one student mentioned that she would research on the net profit to address questions she had (Student S1). Teachers believed that journal writing and providing consistent formative feedback help(ed) the students develop reflection skills(Teacher T1). However, specific journal prompts are necessary to guide students so that they do not simply give a detailed cover of the activities and concepts covered without reflecting on the learning points (Teacher T2).Questioning The survey results of item (g) showed more significant increase in the Biodiversity and Water Rockets modules. For each module, students acquired this skill through reflecting on their lessons in their journals and then asking relevant questions to find out more. One student reflected that she dared to ask more questions in class after learning to ask questions through journals (Stud ent S6). Students had opportunities to generate questions when they were verifying the reliability of information. They also formulated questions prior to industrial visits and field trips, and represent them to the experts.At the mid-course feedback, a few students mentioned that they learnt to raise questions in class through ways such as being a questioner in group discussions (Student S13). The Biodiversity teacher attributed this improvement to conducive lesson environment and words (that) promotes questioning. Such lesson delivery may include guiding questions in class activities and journal prompts that promote further questioning, and peer evaluation where students critiqued the projects of other groups. The Water Rockets teacher reflected that in comparison to traditional Science lessons, there was more chance for students to ask questions as things are now less predictable as in most real world situations.The post-course survey included an item which required students to state whether Science ALIVE lessons have made them more aware of the relevance of Science in their lives. Table 3 shows the percentage of students who agreed or strongly agreed with the statement.Table 3 Percentage of students who indicated that the programme had made them more aware of the relevance of Science in their lives Module Aroma Chemistry Biodiversity Life Science Water Rockets % Agree 73.5 47.2 64.1 73.0 % Strongly Agree 17.7 50.0 23.1 10.8 % (Agree + Strongly Agree) 91.297.2 87.2 83.8The results in Table 3 show a very high concurrence with the statement for all modules. This is consistent with the programme objective of enhancing the relevance of Science in students lives.Students journals were analysed for indications of the relevance of Science in three areas personal, professional and social. A frequency count of the responses showed 82% for personal relevance, 24% for professional relevance and 65% for social relevance. This revealed that students perceived the rele vance of Science as mostly cited to their personal lives. Only a handful of students could relate the relevance to their future race prospects.Further probing into students definition of personal relevance showed an extensive range of interpretation depending on the modules taken. Enhancing ones tone of voice of life is frequently mentioned in terms of personal relaxation and cure for illnesses. Students from the Aroma Chemistry module stated that they could use essential oils to calm a person if he feels sickish (Student S2). Life Science students surfaced the use of medicines when they fall sick and the growing of genetically modified food (GMF) for public lavatory (Student S15). Students also stated the importance of process skills in their lives, such as questioning the reliability of information sources.The majority of students could not appreciate Science as having professional relevance.Those who were able to see career possibilities were students who had bypast for fie ld trips, where they were introduced to experts in the connect field. They saw the knowledge and skills gained through the programme as relevant to their future education and working career (Student S11). Others used the knowledge gained to better understand the requirements of various jobs. A student stated that she could understand how plenty designing furniture, buildings and other things require this knowledge (of centre of gravity) (Student S16).Three out of five students could relate Science to social relevance, which included how Science affected interaction between people and the environment. One Biodiversity student wrote This also taught me that in school or at work, we have to depend on one another for a living (Student S10), while another could understand nature better and learnt not to pollute the environment (Student S7). Life Science students pointed out various applications in social and ethical issues, such as the use of forensic Science by police to solve crime ( Student S11), knowledge of deoxyribonucleic acid in cloning (Student S15), and even checking via blood tests whether a child is biologically conceived or adopted (Student S12).Teachers feedback indicated that students were broadly speaking able to connect Science to reality and in explaining happenings in their lives (Teacher T2). These observations were made through students group discussions and written journals. Examples quoted by the teachers were mostly related to personal and social relevance. It showed that students had an increased awareness of scientific discovery (e.g. antibiotics, genetics) and engineering (e.g. making of soap and sweets) that were directly related to their lives and the lives of those around them. The main catalyst that enhanced their awareness was personal experiences through engaging them in experiments that relate to real life and exposing them to more field trips (e.g. Yakult factory, flavour and odor industry, nature reserve).DISCUSSION Key feat ures in Science ALIVE that have helped students acquire Science process skills include scaffolding, group collaboration and journal writing. Scaffolding guides students in learning new or complex skills. Nelson (2004) pointed out that more scaffolding is required for students to be able to do research independently. To illustrate this, the increase in rating for skills on planning investigations and writing of scientific report in the Life Science module was attributed to a lot of hand-holding and exemplars provided by the teacher. Scaffolding in the form of specific journal prompts can also be adopted to ensure greater depth in student reflection. Teachers, however, forget need to balance between providing students support and allowing them to be independent learners.Group collaboration is deployed extensively in the programme, where students worked in groups of three on projects, laboratory work and group assignments. This concurs with findings of a study conducted by Hofstein et al (2004), where conjunctive learning in laboratory work helped students construct knowledge. Hofstein et al argued for more time to be spent on laboratory tasks, so that students could reflect on findings and also discuss with their peers. This would be one way to further improve students analytical skills, which they are still lacking.Journal writing in Science ALIVE proves to be very useful in informing teachers of students conceptual understanding, acquisition of skills such as reflecting and questioning, and how students relate Science to their everyday life. It allows teachers to give regular feedback as part of assessment for learning. It is also of considerable value to students as it promotes greater ownership to their learning (Tomkins and Tunnicliffe, 2001). This leads toindependent learning and moves students to a higher level of thinking, according to the principle on Experience of learning in the Principles of Engaged Learning (MOE, 2005).Science ALIVE lessons are di fferent from the didactic traditional Science lessons, as they focus largely on the application of Science process skills. Hence there is a need to prepare students for the change, for example, from structured experiments to partially open investigations (Haigh et al, 2005). The need for such preparation was evident in the Biodiversity module as students were surprised to learn that scientific reports were different from other project reports, but they managed to overcome it after a few rounds of re-drafting.After the pilot puzzle out of Science ALIVE programme, the teachers recommended that process skills be explicitly taught first followed by opportunities created on purpose for students to make the skills. This is consistent with Padilla (1990) who suggested the need to provide students with multiple opportunities to work with these skills in different content areas and contexts. To enhance students investigative skills, Haigh et al (2005) proposed that teachers provide refresh er courses to cue students in the planning and conducting of their investigations .On completion of the investigation, students should be given the opportunity to evaluate their work so as to make it more meaningful. In Aroma Chemistry, students were asked to compare the quality of two batches of soap that they had made from different laboratory sessions and analyse the possible causes for the difference, while Biodiversity students had to reflect on the additional learning gained after a second trip to the nature reserve.Besides using usurp strategies to help students adapt to the shift, it is also crucial to rectify students mindset on the importance and relevance of acquiring Science process skills. This is because students will be more motivated if they consider process skills an importantobject of instruction (Padilla, 1990). Thus teachers need to make explicit the why of teaching process skills (Haigh et al, 2005).The deliberate excerpt of relevant Science applications in th e curriculum of each module has succeeded in enhancing students awareness of the value of Science in everyday life. Personal and social relevance dominated students ideas of the relevance of Science, though exposure to related industries and appropriate working environments could further promote an awareness of professional relevance.CONCLUSIONGoing forward, the Science ALIVE programme would be refined in the next cycle to enhance students acquisition of Science process skills. Successful strategies such as the use of reflection journals, activity-based learning, group collaboration and contextualised learning will bide to be used. There would be more emphasis on the explicit teaching of process skills. In addition, more opportunities would be provided for the application of process skills in the core curriculum.RECOMMENDATIONFurther research on the Science ALIVE programme could focus on the process skills which students found more difficult to master. With explicit teaching of th ese skills in the core curriculum prior to Science ALIVE, the impact could be investigated. The usefulness of Science process skills acquired through the programme could be studied in terms of its impact on Upper Secondary Science, for example, the sustainability of student motivation in Upper Secondary Science. The findings in these research areas will help to inform the effectiveness of future Science ALIVE programmes.REFERENCESBeaumont-Walters, Y. (2001). An analysis of high school students mathematical process on five integrated Science process skills. Research in Science Technological Education, 19(2), 133-145. Bennett, J. (2001). Science with attitude the perennial issue of pupils responses to Science. School Science Review, 82(300), 59-67. Berry, A., Mulhall, P., Gunstone, R., Loughran, J. (1999). Helping students learn from laboratory work. Australian Science Teachers Journal, 45(1), 27-31. Campbell, B., Lubben, F., Dlamini, Z. (2000). Learning Science through contexts h elping pupils make sense of everyday situations. International Journal of Science Education, 22(3), 239-252. Haigh, M., France, B., Forret, M. (2005). Is doing Science in New Zealand classrooms an expression of scientific inquiry? International Journal of Science Education, 27(2), 215-226. Hofstein, A., Shore, R., Kipnis, M. (2004). Providing high school chemistry students with opportunities to develop learning skills in an inquiry-type laboratory a Case Study. International Journal of Science Education, 26(1), 47-62. Ministry of Education (2005). A toolkit for engaged teaching and learning. Curriculum Planning and Development Division, Ministry of Education, Singapore. Nelson, T.H. (2004). Helping students make connections. The Science Teacher, 71(3), 32-35. Padilla, M.J. (1990). The Science process skills. Research Matters to the Science Teacher, No. 9004. Retrieved December 1, 2006 from http//www.narst.org/publications/ research/skill.htm Tomkins, S.P., Tunnicliffe, S.D. (200 1). Looking for ideas observation, interpretation and hypothesis making by 12-year-old pupils undertaking Science investigations.International Journal of Science Education, 23(8), 791-813. Van Aalsvoort, J. (2004a). rational positivism as a tool to analyse the problem of Chemistrys lack of relevance in secondary school chemical education. International Journal of Science Education, 26(9), 1151-1168. Van Aalsvoort, J. (2004b). Activity theory as a tool to address the problem of Chemistrys lack of relevance in secondary school chemical education. International Journal of Science Education, 26(13), 1635-1651. Young, R. M. (1995). Hands-on Science. Westminster, CA Teacher Created Materials, Inc.
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