The Sociological Imagination, By C. Wright Mills And Allan...

Throughout history, the relationship between individuals and society has been a puzzling conundrum. Humans generally tend to understand their own experiences and lives through an individualistic outlook in which society is simply a collection of individuals. However, C. Wright Mills and Allan Johnson disagree and relate the significance of a â€Å"sociological imagination† in connecting one’s experiences and life to a greater social context. According to Mills, the sociological imagination is â€Å"a quality of mind† that allows its possessor to employ information and develop reason in order to establish an understanding and a desire to apprehend the relationship between social and historical structures and one’s biography, which is their experiences and lives (Mills 2013: 3). To achieve this, one requires the capacity to relate and range from a purely individualistic perspective of the most â€Å"intimate features of the human self† to â€Å"the most impersonal† perception (Mills 2013: 4). A key part of this is the ability to understand the correlation between â€Å"personal troubles,† which affect the person’s character and their immediate relations, and â€Å"public issues† that extend beyond the individual and involve multiple social environments and the failure of multiple institutions (Mills 2013: 5). For example, if one couple divorces, then it is a personal trouble , but if a significant portion of the population is divorcing annually, then it is a public issue caused by the failure ofShow MoreRelatedWhat Can We Do? Becoming Part Of The Solution1619 Words   |  7 PagesThe Sociological Imagination is a concept first used by a well-known sociologist, C. Wright Mills, in 1959. In Mills article, The Promise, indicates that, The sociological imagination enables its possessor to understand the larger historical scene in terms of its meaning for the inner life and the external career of a variety of individuals(Mills, 3). Sociological imagination helps individuals to contemplate their own troubles in a deeper level and view their daily routines in an entirelyRead MoreWhat does it mean to think sociologically? Illustrate your answer with examples from sociological research and from your own experience.1903 Words   |  8 Pagessociology is to adopt a sociological viewpoint or think sociologically. Etymologically, sociology is the study of society but this doesnt differentiate sociology from other forms of social study. Hence, many begin to describe thinking sociologically by what it is not - it is not thinking politically, thinking anthropologically, thinking historically or thinking psychologically, for example (Berger 1966: 11-36; Reiss 1968: 2-3). Others try to determine the nature of sociological thinking by detailingRead MoreContemporary Issues in Management Accounting211377 Words   |  846 Pagesmanagement control systems and strategy Kim Langfield-Smith v vii xi 1 20 42 69 92 117 146 166 198 217 243 x CONTENTS 12. Management accounting, operations, and network relations: debating the lateral dimension Jan Mouritsen and Allan Hansen 13. Trends in budgetary control and responsibility accounting David Otley 14. Making management accounting intelligible Hanno Roberts 15. Changing times: management accounting research and practice from a UK perspective Robert W. Scapens 16Read MoreDeveloping Management Skills404131 Words   |  1617 PagesManagement—-Study and teaching. 2. Management—Problems, exercises, etc. Kim S. II. Title. HD30.4.W46 2011 658.40071 173—dc22 I. Cameron, 2009040522 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 ISBN 10: 0-13-612100-4 ISBN 13: 978-0-13-612100-8 B R I E F TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S Preface xvii Introduction 1 PART I 1 2 3 PERSONAL SKILLS 44 Developing Self-Awareness 45 Managing Personal Stress 105 Solving Problems Analytically and Creatively 167 PART II 4 5 6 7 INTERPERSONAL SKILLS 232 233 Read MoreOne Significant Change That Has Occurred in the World Between 1900 and 2005. Explain the Impact This Change Has Made on Our Lives and Why It Is an Important Change.163893 Words   |  656 PagesE SSAYS ON TWENTIETH-C ENTURY H ISTORY In the series Critical Perspectives on the Past, edited by Susan Porter Benson, Stephen Brier, and Roy Rosenzweig Also in this series: Paula Hamilton and Linda Shopes, eds., Oral History and Public Memories Tiffany Ruby Patterson, Zora Neale Hurston and a History of Southern Life Lisa M. Fine, The Story of Reo Joe: Work, Kin, and Community in Autotown, U.S.A. Van Gosse and Richard Moser, eds., The World the Sixties Made: Politics and Culture

A comparison of two types of renewable energies in China...

Today it is the imperative of each country supply own citizens by water, food, energy, infrastructure. If country want to improve own economic, politic situations in the World, it should, first of all, advance the citizen’s level of living, because the main value of any country is the countries civilians. Therefore, one of the majorities of factors which could improve living level ipso facto improves industrial and economic situation of a country is the energy sustainability. Nowadays, China is the World’s leader in population, according to the Central Intelligence Agency (2010) it supply about 1.33 billion people. It is seen that China needs gigantic supplies of energy, because of large energy consumption. At the present, there are many†¦show more content†¦Role and meanings of these energy types in China As mentioned by Feng and other researchers (2007, 188) China is the World’s leader in biomass technology and its consumption. Biomass energy defines as energy that obtains by producing it from organic matters, such as crop residues, firewood, foul, industrial and bio wastes (Zhang et al. 2007, 440). So, to attain this energy there is a great deal of distinct types of contraction biomass energy: direct burning, co-firing, biomass gasification, repowering, and other types (How Biomass Energy Works 2010). The easiest and common way of converting organic matters to the energy is the direct burning: biomasses should be burned to produce a steam; consequently this steam runs turbines which generate electricity (How Biomass Energy Works 2010). Another widespread example of bio energy is biomass gasification – a production of syngas by combination a heated biomass with oxygen under pressure, which could easily produce electricity by transforming it into steam, which goes throug h the electricity generation turbines (ibid.). Especially, China utilizes direct burning and biomass gasification (biogas) as the main forms

Essay The Accident Of A Car Accident Essay Example For Students

Essay The Accident Of A Car Accident Essay Last year I got involved in a massive car accident. It was the most terrified part of life. It was the moment. I will never forget in my whole life. Before, I never realized how people really feel when a car accident happens. But,after this car accident I know what really it felt like. It was the moment. My mind was totally feared of driving. I was crushed by the hot metal and cold dirt of car. I was not feeling my arm,my body was numbed.It was felt like my lower body pressed down with monster force. All I could feel was the noise of car accident ringing in my ear.I was barely able to move my body. I was kept thinking. What my parents going to think about this? Where is my friend John? I looked through the window and saw the cars passing by totally unknowing of what really happened. I tried to call somebody for help but nobody was listing my voice. I was waiting for help. I thought, it was the end of life. It was just another day of my life. The fourth ring of my alarm woke me up. As usual, I was not feeling to go in school. I slept a couple of more minutes.After while, the shine of the sun coming from the window woke me up. I slowly stretched my arms and slid out of bed. I brushed my teeth and took the shower. Downstair,my mother was calling me for breakfast.I was still undecided what should wear for school. After browsing for while I found something to wear,and finished getting myself ready for school. When I checked the clock, I was running late as usual, which was not a surprised. I quickly ate my half sandwich and left the rest of the sandwich on the table.I took my car key, jump in my black Lexus and made my way to school.During my way to school, I got a call from my friend John. John is my best friend since when we were . .d thinking what I would have done in the past. Cause this terrible accident happened to me. I was sent to el camino hospital, where I went to the operation theater for my hipbones surgery.The doctor told me after surgery that my hipbones was fractured the reason they had to put a plate in hipbones to stay together.Although, my left arm was also fractured the reason I could not feel my arm. After surgery, they took me to the other room and gave me a couple of injections. Momentarily, I went to sleep. I woke up in the next day and thinking hopefully it was just a dream,but it’s not. I opened my eyes and saw a couple of relative looking me like a stranger. My dad came over my bed and gave me a hug and I literally started crying after thinking about the accident. I could not believe after a massive car accident I was still alive. Doctors kept in hospital couple of week ?

The Effects of Recess Before Lunch on Students Behaviors free essay sample

The purpose of my action research was to see if providing recess fifteen minutes before lunch plays a positive role in improving student’s behaviors during the rest of the lunch period. My hope is that by providing behavioral at-risk students with the opportunity to play outside before they eat lunch, there will be a decrease the amount of behavioral incidences. I strongly believed that incorporating recess time everyday would help students release energy and be more focused throughout the rest of the day. As a classroom teacher, I feel that if students are more focused they will know how to handle behavioral issues more appropriately. This research helped me find out what the effects of daily recess are on student’s behavior. The participants in the study were a mix of girls and boys. I decided to focus my attention on third, fourth and fifth grade students who frequently are suspended because of inappropriate school behavior that disrupts their learning and others. We will write a custom essay sample on The Effects of Recess Before Lunch on Students Behaviors or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page This action research is important because of the pressure to increase activity in school has come from efforts to combat childhood obesity, because the results may aid in the awareness of the importance in having daily recess as a part of students’ curriculum. Many organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), National Association of Sports and physical Education, and National association of Early Childhood Specialists in States Departments of Education all believe that recess plays an important role in developing the whole child. It was important to me because I believe students should have time in the day to exercise their bodies so they can be ready to exercise their minds. This study was conducted to try to increase the knowledge known about the effects f daily health-related physical activity on a student’s behavior. Limitations of the Study This study has a few limitations. First, this study will only be discussing information gathered on six children. Therefore, there is no assurance that this information can be used to generalize to all students. A second limitation to this study is the time frame. This study was taken place over two weeks, due to city wide state testing. Literature Review There are many articles and debates that discuss the extent recess plays on a child’s academic, physical and emotional well-being. The purpose of this study is to examine the effects of recess on students with behavioral issues. For this study, I wanted to see how recess before lunch changes students’ behaviors in the lunchroom. This study will focus specifically on inappropriate school behaviors during lunch time in order to explore the following questions: Does fifteen minutes of physical activity before consuming lunch help stop bad behaviors in the lunchroom and classroom? The purpose of my action research is to gain more of an understanding of how daily recess plays a role in students’ behavior. This review of literature will include research on the impact recess plays on student’s developments and the relationship between physical activity and behavior. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (2007), 14 to 18 percent of United States children in grades 1 through 6 get 15 minutes or less of recess daily. About 40 percent of schools have reported that they have eliminated recess all together to concentrate on academics. The No Child Left behind Act of 2001 has geared schools attention toward ELA and Math testing. Therefore, other â€Å"less important† subjects have been pushed to the side. However, there are many documented benefits associated with keeping recess a daily activity in a child’s day. According to Anne Santa (2007), students are more attentive and less restless after a recess break. Furthermore, Anne Santa (2007) states that recess can play a powerful role on students’ social development. On the playground or schoolyard students will be confronted with aggression, teasing and bullying. Arguments will emerge about who was out in tag or who was not playing fair. Given these opportunities, children learn how to handle conflicts. As teacher’s we are the ones to guide students on how to handle these situations. These situations help teachers instruct their students on how to find a solution everyone can agree on without resorting to aggression. Lastly, Anne Santa (2007) mentions how recess plays a major role in a child’s physical health. The U. S. Department of Health and Human Services recommends that â€Å"all children over 2 years old get 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous exercise on most days of the week† (Council on Physical Education for Children, 2001). According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, â€Å"over 15 percent of children in the U. S. are overweight or obese† (Council of Sports Medicine and Fitness Council on School Health, 2006). Pellegrini and Davis (1993), observed kindergarteners, 2nd and 4th graders over a few months. They noticed that the day’s students were not given a break, children’s attention decreased in the classroom. On the other hand when students we given just a few minutes for a break in between periods were able to attend more and be more engaged. According to Verstraete, Cardon, (2006), â€Å"and regular physical activity during childhood and adolescence is associated with improvements in physiological and psychological health†. Furthermore, many intervention studies have focused on physical education classes to increase children’s physical activity levels at school. But the recommended 60 minutes a day is not met in just PE classes alone. Verstraete stated, (2006), â€Å"school time allocated to PE is limited; recess is scheduled for more periods each day, making it an important school environment factor for the promotion of PA†. In other words, children do not always receive physical education on a day-to-day basis. The National Association for Sport and Physical Education cautions schools against allowing children to be inactive for longer than two hours (Council on Physical Education for Children, 2001). Inappropriate behaviors arise when children are inactive for too long (2001). How can we fix this problem? Recess before lunch is a school-based program that allows students to have recess before lunchtime. In the article, â€Å"Scheduling Recess before Lunch: Exploring the Benefits and Challenges in Montana Schools† by Bark, Stenberg, Sutherland nd Hayes (2010), discusses the benefits of giving students the opportunity to play before eating lunch. According to Bark, Stenberg, Sutherland and Hayes, the results of incorporating this recess before lunch program promoted an increase in healthy food consumption, more pleasant eating environment, and improved student behavior across school settings. The most challenging part researchers found in incorporating the recess before lunch program (RBL) was scheduling. Montana elementary school had to â€Å"revise class schedules, developing efficient methods for hand washing, and providing adequate student supervision during lunch blocks (2010). According to Tanaka, Richards, Takeuchi, Otani, and Maddock (2005), found that â€Å"having recess before lunch reduced discipline problems amongst sixth grade students†. The four pilot schools in Montana who implemented the recess before lunch program (RBL) noted, â€Å"principals reported fewer discipline problems in the cafeteria, playground, and afternoon classes following the implementation of RBL. Also, written discipline referrals declined in RBL pilot schools, confirming teacher reports of improved behavior† (2010). Studies have shown that giving children recess on a daily basis can help promote health-related physical activity. This can improve children’s academic, physical and emotional development. Allowing children daily physical activity improves attention in the classroom, which then improves recall (Santa, 2007). It also improves social interaction and prepares them for adult negotiation when a problem arises. Recess before lunch can improve children’s behaviors throughout the day (Bark, Stenberg, Sutherland and Hayes, 2010). Investing in our children’s social and physical well-being is just as important as increasing academic performance. Schools are the perfect setting to increase physical activity in children’s lives. In this setting children can engage in physical activity in physical education class, recess and extracurricular activities after school. The current study examined the effects recess plays on 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students who are at risk for behavior problems. I used the recess before lunch intervention to see if fifteen minutes of daily physical activity over two weeks will improve student’s behaviors in the lunchroom. Research Methods This action research study attempted to measure the impact recess plays on a targeted group of students who experience significant behavior problems at lunch. These students were â€Å"at risk† for behavioral issues and did not have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or receive mandated services for guidance counseling. I developed a 15-minute before lunch recess program. This recess program was conducted daily for a week. It took place for the first fifteen minutes for the students’ 45 minute lunch period. This study was conducted with 6 third through fifth grade students from the same public elementary school in Brooklyn, New York. The elementary school was a K-6 school with approximately 500 students. The student population is largely Hispanic (73%). These groups of students were made up of three boys and three girls. The students in this study were identified through teacher discipline referrals, guidance counselor recommendation and lunchroom aid referral. Each source reported the students as having persistent and significant difficulties with disrespect, following rules, aggression, self-control, and poor coping skills. Following the referral of the participants that were identified as having at risk for behavioral issues, a five question survey was created. The questions gathered information on the teachers and lunchroom aids views about recess and the role it may play on students’ behavior. Daily behavior log checklists were created to observe students’ overall behavior in the lunchroom pre and during recess intervention that observed specific behaviors of the identified participants. They were created to record specific â€Å"undisciplined† behaviors in the lunchroom; and how frequently they are exhibited. The checklist evaluated the students’ behaviors before and during the recess program was implemented. The behavior log checklist looked at 5 factors (i. . , respecting peers, can’t stay in seat, aggressive behavior such as hitting, disrespectful toward adults and poor coping skills). I used a mixed methods approach to gather and analyze data collected using an experimental design. It is important to calculate specific behaviors for tangible comparison of behaviors. However, it is also important to see how the participants felt about the experiment. The participants in the study were given a pre and post interview about how they feel in the lunchroom. The data collected was used to determine if student behaviors improved at the nd of the one-week recess program and if participants’ attitudes toward lunch was changed. Data Analysis I collected data to verify the usefulness of recess before lunch plays on students’ who experience significant behavior problems in the lunchroom. I collected data through teacher and lunchroom aids surveys, student interviews and behavior log checklists. I performed quantitative and qualitative data analysis on teacher and lunchroom aid surveys. This study included teacher and lunchroom aid surveys (Appendix A) regarding before lunch recess. Figure 1 shows the results of the teachers and lunchroom aids surveys. Figure 1: Teacher and Lunchroom Aids Feelings Toward Recess Before Lunch | |Strongly Agree |Agree |Disagree |Strongly Disagree | |Question 1 |3 Teachers | | | | | |3 Aids | | | | |Question 2 | |3 Aids | |3 Teachers | |Question 3 |3 Teachers | | | | | |3 Aids | | | | |Question 4 | | |3 Teachers | | | | | |3 Aids | | |Question 5 | |1 Teacher |2 Teachers | | | | |3 Aids | | | The behaviors of the participants before and after the implementation of the recess before lunch assessments were analyzed and graphed (see Appendix B for checklist). The graph in Figure 2 shows the participants ehaviors in the lunchroom prior to intervention and the changes that occurred during recess intervention. [pic] I conducted an interview with the participants to examine their feelings about the lunchroom before and after implementation of recess intervention. (Comments found on appendix C and D) Results The quantitative results showed positive improvement in students’ behavior after implementation o f recess before lunch, as shown in Figures 2. In Figure 2 all six students’ showed a drastic improvement in aggressive behavior and respect toward adults. There was little to no change in respecting their peers. There was a slight improvement in students’ getting out of their seats and coping skills. The quantitative analysis of the teacher and lunchroom aid surveys showed little to no hope that the recess before lunch program would improve at risk students’ behaviors, see Figure 1. They strongly agreed that recess should be given on a daily basis. Classroom teachers disagreed that recess given daily would improve students’ behaviors throughout the day. While the lunchroom aids agreed that students’ behaviors would improve throughout the day if given daily recess. Both teachers and lunchroom aids strongly agreed that high risk behavioral students will show improved behavior if given recess. Both teachers and lunchroom aids disagreed that recess before lunch would be more beneficial than after lunch. The teachers had mixed feelings toward my last question about attention. Two teachers disagreed that recess would help students be more attentive throughout the rest of the day while the other teacher agreed. All three lunchroom aids agreed that attention throughout the rest of the day would improve if given recess daily. The students’ interviews showed negative views about the lunchroom before implementation of recess program (Appendix C). The students’ views about recess before lunch were more positive after implantation of recess program (also on Appendix C). The students’ comments from Appendix C and the teacher observations from the checklists revealed a positive relationship between recess before lunch and improving students’ behaviors in the lunchroom. Summary and Conclusion This action research study attempted to measure the effects recess before lunch plays on a targeted group of students who has persistent problems at lunch and in the classroom. I hoped that students’ behaviors would improve if given the opportunity to release energy outside on a daily basis. I wanted students to problem solve when playing games and transfer those qualities to other stressful situations that occur throughout the school day. I hoped that the result of recess before lunch would improve students’ attitudes toward adults and their fellow peers. After implementation of recess program students showed positive improvements in behaviors in the lunchroom. From the comments the students made (see Appendix C), I believe their lunchroom experience improved. Most students felt the lunchroom to be very crowded, loud and time to be with friends. They had negative feelings toward the lunchroom aids (Teachers as they would say). After implementation program some students expressed they were more hungry, they made better choices throughout there day and made new friends from other classes. I concluded that the quantitative and qualitative data showed that recess before lunch helped â€Å"at risk† students with improving their behaviors. If everyone sees the importance of recess in a child’s development, then why are we cutting this out of the school day? The behavior log checklists show that students who are â€Å"at risk† drastically improve in handling aggression when given the opportunity to release excess energy (see Figure 2). The students’ comments on the interviews provided insight to their perspective. They had a negative experience when coming to the lunchroom. One made a comment about feeling â€Å"like they can’t breathe, because too many people are talking and moving around all at once†. Another student felt lunchtime should be a time to cut loose and have fun because they never get to do that during the day. It seemed that most of the students’ felt that lunch time was there time and they need more space. After implementation of the recess program students’ felt more relaxed. One student commented that, â€Å"she was hungrier and didn’t really care what was going on around her and just wanted to eat†. Another student said, â€Å"Running outside felt great! If we did that every day I promise I’d listen more to teachers†. I concluded that recess does play a positive role on students’ behaviors in the lunchroom. It also plays a positive impact on how students feel about giving them what they want and they will prove to you they can do better. Future Actions and Directions If I had more time, I would have liked to see the affects of the recess before lunch program had after lunch. I would like to see if recess before lunch helps improve students attention, time on task and behaviors throughout the rest of the school day. I also would like to see how recess before lunch and after lunch affect students; is there a difference between the two? I do want to conduct a workshop or professional development with my coworkers to show my action research and the benefits that recess plays on students’ behaviors. Reflections I believed that all students benefit from daily recess. Students who have severe behavior issues and students with disabilities would benefit the most from recess. All students should be given the opportunity to socialize with friends, problem solve and figure out positive ways to cope with feelings through interaction with their peers. They do not get enough opportunities to learn from each other outside the classroom environment. I hope this action research will open the eyes, ears and hearts of administrators to see the importance recess plays on the developing child. REFERENCES Bark, K. , Stenberg, L. D. , Sutherland, D. , Hayes, D, (2010). Scheduling Recess Before Lunch: Exploring the Benefits and Challenges in Montana Schools. School Nutrition Association. Vol. 34, Issue 2. P. 1-8 Blom, L. C. , Alvarez, J. , Lei, Z, Kolbo, J. (2011). Associations between Health-Related Physical Fitness, Academic Achievement and Selected Academic Behaviors of Elementary and Middle School Students in the State of Mississippi. ICHPER—SD Journal Of Research In Health, Physical Education, Recreation, Sport Dance, 6(1), 13-19. Ridgway, A. , Northup, J. , Pellegrin, A. , LaRue, R. , Hightshoe, A. (2003). Effects of Recess on the Classroom behavior of Children with and without Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder. School Psychology Quaterly, 18(3), 253-68. Santa, A. , (2007). The Playground as Classroom. Educational Leadership, p. 78-80. Verstraete, J. M. , Cardon, G. , Clercq, L. R. , Bourdeaudhuij. , M.. (2006). Increasing children’s physical activity levels during recess periods in elementary schools: the effects of providing game equipment. Journal Of Public Health, Vol. 16, No. 4, 415-419.

A window of the world Essay Example

A window of the world Paper Television advocates often claim to present window on the world a picture of reality which gives viewers unprecedented access to the world outside their community or country. When television was first created many, such as Lord Reith, the first BBC general director and others claimed that even then that television would be a window of the world. However, is this statement valid now, if indeed it ever did. To insinuate that television is a window of the world is to imply that observing the television is the same as looking out of a window in a house, however, the difference is a television set allows the audience to choose anybodys window of the world to look out of. To a certain extent television does represent a window of the world. The reason for this is television allows the audience to see and experience other cultures, other countries that they may not, if it was not for the existence of television. Another argument is that television portrays life through different genres such as the news, documentaries and soap operas especially. An example of television being a window of the world is the broadcasting of the Iraqi War as we saw pictures of what life was like in Iraq before and after the war. We also saw the statue of Saddam Hussein being torn down. During the war we were saturated with images of the war, which we have never seen before. We will write a custom essay sample on A window of the world specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on A window of the world specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on A window of the world specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer However, it could also be claimed that the news, especially during war time does not give us a window of the world due to broadcasting laws, and censorship, also they have to be careful of what images they use as they may be distressing. Also, on the first year anniversary of the attack on the World Trade Centre, the BBC broadcasted a documentary called 9/11, which filmed the two aeroplanes hitting the Twin Towers as it actually happened. In addition, it depicted how the fire fighters dealt with the crisis. Thus, this could be described as being a window of the world because it shown an important event as it unfolded. Another genre where it could be argued that represents a window of the world is soap operas, as soaps often portrays contemporary issues, such as domestic violence, paedophilia, and mental illnesses. In addition, often when we watch television we occasionally relate to characters in soap operas or in other types of television programmes, suggesting that the audience knows people who are like the characters, like friends or families, alternatively, they could have gone through similar experiences to a character, thus, suggesting that soap operas do in some way depict reality. Allen states that One of the most popular images of a daytime soap opera is one who cant tell the difference between reality and fiction. A small minority of viewers does believe what they are watching is reality, and as a result viewers may send wedding presents when characters in the soap are getting married, or may attack a soap villain when they see them on the street. For these people, television is truly a window of the world. However, it is argued that very few people do behave in this way and can differentiate between reality and fiction. However, events in soap operas such as Eastenders or Coronation Street happen during a short time span, whereas in real-life it would happen during a longer period of time, and thus cannot represent real-life. Also, in viewers lives they have periods of dullness and inactivity, however, this is rare in a soap characters life. In addition, soaps sometimes adapt news stories to make into a storyline, for example during the 1980s there were growing incidents of aids, and lead to schedules being saturated with programmes discussing, reporting and analysing the growing Aids crisis. In addition, the more realistic and grittier soap operas such as Eastenders and Brookside began using it in their storylines. However, it could be argued that television does not represent a window on the world. The reason for this is because television programmes is constructed of highly selective images of what goes on in the world. Thus, television creates someone elses view of the world rather than reflecting. Also, television does not represent a window on the world because television programmes is acted, and edited. Thus, television is carefully constructed to appeal to the target audience. In addition, television may represent a window on the world for some, however, some programmes may be biased towards subjects such as politics or religion, therefore, and some programmes may not represent everybodys view without leaning towards one viewpoint. In conclusion this essay has addressed the question To what extent does television represent a window of the world? To a certain extent television does represent a window of the world as it portrays real-life events. However, it does not always represent television as a window of the world as television can be biased and does not represent everyones window of the world.

Free Essays on Being A Lesbian Is A Political Choice

Lesbian Families When I first signed up for the Lesbian Families Team Presentation I was a little tentative because I didn’t know what to expect. Whenever I heard the word â€Å"Lesbian†, I would always cringe a little inside because to me that is not a normal life style. As our group was brainstorming ideas for our presentation I said that I would do a brief history for this topic. Throughout my research, I realized that being a lesbian is a life style, and even though being a lesbian is a life style, we are all humans that deserve a fair chance at life. Just because lesbians might act differently, dress differently, and talk differently, that doesn’t mean that they should be excluded from a normal life in general. Being a lesbian is a political choice. The development of Lesbian-Feminist politics as the basis for the Liberation of women is a Lesbians’ top priority. All lesbians are now in revolt because all Lesbians define themselves in terms of a woman and reject the male definitions of how she should feel, act, look, and live. On the other side of things the male society defines the lesbians as a sexual act, and the lesbian society rejects males sexual and political domination; she defies his world, his social organization, his ideology, and his definition of her. Speaking in terms of how lesbians’ think, the lesbian is a woman-identified woman who commits herself to women not only as an alternative to oppressive male/female relationships but primarily because she loves women. Therefore woman-identified lesbianism is, then more than a sexual preference. It is a political choice. Women in the movement have in most cases gone to great lengths to avoid discussion and confrontation with the issue of lesbianism. It makes other very up tight, to know that they are talking to a lesbian. They people are hostile or try to incorporate conversation into some broader issue. When lesbians are put into this situation the... Free Essays on Being A Lesbian Is A Political Choice Free Essays on Being A Lesbian Is A Political Choice Lesbian Families When I first signed up for the Lesbian Families Team Presentation I was a little tentative because I didn’t know what to expect. Whenever I heard the word â€Å"Lesbian†, I would always cringe a little inside because to me that is not a normal life style. As our group was brainstorming ideas for our presentation I said that I would do a brief history for this topic. Throughout my research, I realized that being a lesbian is a life style, and even though being a lesbian is a life style, we are all humans that deserve a fair chance at life. Just because lesbians might act differently, dress differently, and talk differently, that doesn’t mean that they should be excluded from a normal life in general. Being a lesbian is a political choice. The development of Lesbian-Feminist politics as the basis for the Liberation of women is a Lesbians’ top priority. All lesbians are now in revolt because all Lesbians define themselves in terms of a woman and reject the male definitions of how she should feel, act, look, and live. On the other side of things the male society defines the lesbians as a sexual act, and the lesbian society rejects males sexual and political domination; she defies his world, his social organization, his ideology, and his definition of her. Speaking in terms of how lesbians’ think, the lesbian is a woman-identified woman who commits herself to women not only as an alternative to oppressive male/female relationships but primarily because she loves women. Therefore woman-identified lesbianism is, then more than a sexual preference. It is a political choice. Women in the movement have in most cases gone to great lengths to avoid discussion and confrontation with the issue of lesbianism. It makes other very up tight, to know that they are talking to a lesbian. They people are hostile or try to incorporate conversation into some broader issue. When lesbians are put into this situation the...

Maintaining Jobs Description Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Maintaining Jobs Description - Essay Example Updating a job description is vital in the sense that it guides the employers during compensation process. To motivate the employees it is essential to indicate the specific pay that a company offers. Based on the need to enhance the performance of the employees through evaluation and appraisal, it is significant to update a job description. Job analysis-This is an investigative process entailing observing the employees while undertaking their duties. In this way, managers will acquire wide range of information that is important in determining the structures of the jobs. Recording the basics-This entails clearly defining the vital functions of every job. One of the notable aspects of a job description is that it should be simple and concise. Other details included during this stage include marginal duties, job title, and section of the job as well as quantity of work that an employee is supposed to undertake. Consistency-This entails standardizing the job descriptions. In this way, organizations are in a better position to compare the performance of the employees based on the job description. Additionally, maintaining consistency in job description is useful in evaluating the employees. To ensure that employee’s responsibilities are in line with the job descriptions, it is vital for Marvin the InAndOut Company general manager to ensure that job descriptions are updated on an annual basis. As the company operations expand, employees will be exposed to large number of duties. In this regard, it will be imperative for Marvin to undertake monthly review of the company duties. In this way, he will review the job descriptions to accommodate the new responsibilities. In the future, it will be essential for the company owner and the general manager to regularly hold meetings with the aim of evaluating the performance of all the

Will Evolving Forms of Journalism Be an Improvement Essay

Will Evolving Forms of Journalism Be an Improvement - Essay Example The growth of the Internet has had far reaching effects on almost all industries. In journalism, the internet has expanded the opportunities for individuals to generate content and disseminate it to potentially millions of users at a low cost. Participatory journalism takes two forms; civic journalism and independent journalism. The former is most suited to improve the field of journalism. In civic journalism, media outlets give their audience an avenue to comment and report on public matters concerning them. Social media provide a gathering place for a broad range of people to participate in a discourse on everyday issues. During the Arab Spring, Social media played a large role in informing the public and gathering support for civil disobedience efforts. While traditional media remained gagged by Arab governments, social media sites of both regional and international media were alive with thousands of user-generated reports. Even when Arab governments shut down internet access, citizens worked to provide alternative internet access. Alex Jones claims that the collapse or diminishing popularity of traditional news media has the potential to impact negatively on democracy (Alexander and Hanson 169). His argument is valid to some extent as the verification of news that traditional media offers ensure that the information provided to the public is free and fair to all parties and devoid of irregularities. However, throwing a blanket condemnation on participatory journalism ignores evidence that do not support Jones’s argument. Jones mistakenly believes that quality journalism is entirely responsible for democracy. In 19th Century America, while most newspapers openly favored particular parties, voter turnout was considerably higher than modern day America where journalism could be considered to be of a higher quality than in the past. The impact of social media on audience levels are seen in two approaches. The first approach is that through

Corporate law Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Corporate law - Essay Example The accuser has the hard work to prove the accused is guilty. If the Australian Securities and Investment Commission will sustain this theory and it can be proven by evidence, this would constitute vitiation ( impairing the quality or effectiveness of an act such as to contaminate, spoil, make invalid) of consent which would make the contract voidable ( contract is valid unless it is questioned or objected, then, it is made illegal or void).(www.allwords.com). Under the corporation law of Australia, the contract is invalid if voidable. A voidable contract may be held valid if there is failure to question the same within You could reference see point in time legislation and updates to determine if you are following the law. If Bevin could prove fraud there will be cancellation of contract and a possible award of damages to Bevin. Since Bevin signed and approved the sale of his shares, then his negligence for not reading the fine print is not ground for cancellation of contract. To answer the SUB ISSUE no 1, the possible defenses and remedies of Wonders to uphold the validity of the contract is as follows. DISCUSSION:Wondersteel could invoke the defense of good faith by proving that it did not compel Bevin to sell his share because other stockholders were also offered to sell their share aside from Bevin. Under a free market economy, the seller offers a stock or product at a proposed selling price. The buyer or bidder then gives a bid price, usually lower than the offer price. If they both do not agree to the offer and bid, then the seller may lower his offer price and the buyer may increase his bid price. This is the normal practice in the Australian Stock Exchange. No force or intimidation was seen in the situation here. In answering ISSUE NO. 2, Regarding possible loan contract violation between Wondersteel and XYZ bank my opinion is as follows. The case states that Mr Malcolm _______ http://www.asx.com.au/index.htm (2005) http://portsea.austlii.edu.au/pit/ (2005) www.newadvent.org (2005) used some of the loan funds to pay Malcolm's mortgage repayments of his luxurious Sydney home and private school fees for his children. He also transferred a very large amount out of the loan funds to an overseas corporation, which owns 51% of Wondersteel' shares. In fact Wondersteel even defaulted on its repayment to XYZ and a receiver was appointed under the terms of the charge document. DISCUSSION: It appears that Wondersteel ,by prima facie, violated its contract with XYZ Bank. Although XYZ Bank is not without recourse, when a receiver was appointed under the terms of the charge, the use of the loan funds is still unjustified. Mr. Malcolm as director owes loyalty to Wondersteel. Under the law ,directors are agents or trustees of the corporation. As agents or trustees they hold a fiduciary relationship with their corporation which is their principal. The directors, according to the Australian Corporation law, required to safeguard the assets and

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Issues

Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Issues The vast majority of patients seeking treatment for an eating disorder do not meet full DSM criteria. What are the implications for diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders? What are the broader implications for categorical versus dimensional perspectives on the diagnosis of mental illness? The American Psychiatric Association’s (APA) Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) is a handbook of written guidelines that primarily focuses on the classification of mental disorders rather than the mental disorders itself. It is used in the prevention, management and assessment of a patient’s mental state. Aside from this, it is also serves to provide as a common ground for researchers to work on, to study the criteria to further improve it for future DSM revisions. In clinical practice and research, the DSM’s role is facilitated by its classification system; usually either categorical or dimensional in approach (4th ed., text rev.; DSM–IV–TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000; Kraemer, 2007). The categorical approach is the assessment of either a positive or negative diagnosis based on a strict set of standardised criteria. Conversely, the dimensional approach is a more relaxed approach than the categorical, where it in volves the classification of mental disorders by quantifying a person’s symptom and representing them with numerical values on one or more scales. It concerns the degree of presence of the mental disorder apparent within the patient, rather than the actual presence; that is, how much of the criteria does the patient correspond with. The higher the scores on the scores of the scales the more likelihood the patient has the disorder. For instance, higher scores on the Hamilton Depression scale, a seven point Likert scale, will indicate a higher chance the patient is depressed (Brown Barlow, 2005). As recognised by Brown and Barlow, there is a potential positive implication of adopting a DSM with an increasingly dimensional approach. However, there is a continual debate regarding the categorical and dimensional perspectives of diagnosis. This is especially present with the richly dimensional oriented DSM-V (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Machado, Goncalves Hoek, 2013; Regier, Kuhl, Kupfer, 2013). Throughout this paper, the broad implications of this continual debate will be discussed, following by the investigation of the implications for patients who do not meet the full DSM Eating Disorder criteria. A patient has a higher chance of being diagnosed with depression  if they score higher a patient scores on the Hamilton Depression scale, a seven point Likert scale, the higher the likelihood they are depressed (Brown Barlow, 2005). Throughout the various version of the DSM, its use the categorical approach requires the acknowledgement that there are heterogeneous factors among disorder populations that are not within the diagnosis (4th ed., text rev.; DSM–IV–TR; American Psychiatric Association, 2000). As a result of this, there are high levels of co-morbid positive diagnoses – 79% of lifetime mental disorders are observed in people with at least one diagnosed mental disorder (Kessler, Chiu, Delmer Walters, 1994; Krueger, Bezdjian, 2009). From this, an implication of a categorical approach can be deduced; that is, positively diagnosed patients should be assigned standardised treatments that are not necessarily aimed at only treating them due to heterogeneous factors such as co-morbidity. The dimensional approach, however, utilises more clinical information about the heterogeneous factors that are present in patients (Brown Barlow, 2005). The implication formed here for the dimensional ap proach would be assignment of various appropriate treatments that would be deemed most effective for the respective patient, as there is sufficient clinical information regarding the patient’s varying dimensions. Additionally, with regards to the categorical approach, the lack of presence of a single criterion for a particular mental disorder in the DSM can ultimately determine a positive or negative diagnosis. Consequently, the forms large residual undefined categories, such as the Eating Disoder – Not Otherwise Specified (EDNOS) category, where it is a category aimed for patients who do not meet the full criteria for anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa or binge eating disorder (that was introduced in the DSM-V) (5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013; Machado, Goncalves Hoek, 2013). Due to the nature of the dimensional approach, quantifying dimensions of disorders, it will help reduce the formation of large residual categories, thus, can be seen as an implication of the dimensional approach (Brown Barlow, 2005). Hence, patients have less of chance being diagnosed into the residual category of mental disorder under a classification system that priorities the rec ognition of presenting criterion, even though they do not satisfy the fixed diagnostic criteria of a categorical classification approach. The dimensional approach makes use of one or more scales to measure particular dimensions of various mental disorders. This can be seen as a potential positive implication for clinical practice and research (Lopez, Compton, Grant Breiling 2007). Initially, Kraemer (2007) found that the categorical approach is most beneficial to clinical practitioners, whilst the dimensional approach is most beneficial to researchers. However, Lopez et al. (2007) came to realise that clinical practitioners would also come to benefit from the growing popularity of dimensional orientation, since the changes in severity of a mental disorder and its dimensions could be quantitatively measured by fluctuations in multi-ordinal scales. Hence, proving to be more informative than measuring responses to interventions by comparing the fluctuations between the borderlines of a positive and negatives diagnosis, as in a categorical approach. Moreover, this implication relates to how an improvement of research outcomes would be apparent through the adoption of a increasingly dimensional approach. Unfortunately, there are many associated negative implications of adopting a more dimensional approached, which are apparent with the difficulties of changing an existing classification system (First, 2005). With the increase popularity of the use of the dimensional approach, similar to the direction and development of research of the DSM-V, there would be an apparent difficulty in merging past and present research to reach conclusions about present studies (First, 2005; Reiger, Kuhl Kupfer, 2013; 5th ed.; DSM–5; American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Moreover, issues will arise in the clinical use of the DSM, resulting practitioners to revise their diagnoses of existing patients as well as their practice with new patients. Lopez et al. (2007) also outlined a complication of the diagnostic criteria of earlier DSMs, where most were in favour of the dimensional approach, will be present as there will be a varying abilities of different psychiatric disorders to be measured dim ensionally. They highlighted this with comparison between dimensional approach adapted to psychoses obtained from a scarce literature and a dimensional approach for substance use disorder obtained from a supportive literature. Thus, concluding that the shift from categorical classifications approaches to dimensional approaches will be difficult in the future. The implications of categorical approaches of diagnosing mental disorders are evident through the concern with the diagnoses of eating disorders. One of these implications is the large residual EDNOS category. The majority of individuals who seek treatment for eating disorders are diagnosed with EDNOS. Due to the strict nature of the criteria of eating disorders, patients being negatively diagnosed due to not fulfilling the criteria; only having partial eating disorders like partial anorexia nervosa and partial bulimia nervosa, resulting an increase in the EDNOS category. The implication here would be a demand for treatment from an excessively heterogeneous population diagnosed with EDNOS. However, practitioners are at risk in having no solution or intervention to use, due to the EDNOS category lacking homogenous characteristics which are required to determine research-based effective treatments.

The Three Main Theories of Deviance and Their Strengths and Weaknesses

The Three Main Theories of Deviance and Their Strengths and Weaknesses A functionalist analysis of deviance looks for the source of deviance in the nature of society rather than in the biological or psychological nature of the individual. Although functionalists agree that social control mechanisms such as the police and the courts are necessary to keep deviance in check, many argue that a certain amount of deviance can contribute to the well-being of society. Durkhiem (1895) believed that: * Crime is an 'integral part of all healthy societies'. This is because individuals are exposed to different influences and will not be committed to the shared values and beliefs of society. * Crime can be functional. All societies need to progress and all social change begins with some form of deviance. In order for change to occur, yesterday's deviance must become tomorrow's normality. Nelson Mandela, once imprisoned as a 'terrorist', eventually became president of South Africa. * Societies need both crime and punishment. Without punishment the crime rate would reach a point where it became dysfunctional. Durkheim's views have been developed by A. Cohen (1966) who discussed two possible functions of deviance: 1. Deviance can be a 'safety valve', providing a relatively harmless expression of discontent. For example, prostitution enables men to escape from family life without undermining family stability. 2. Deviant acts can warn society that an aspect is not working properly, for example widespread truanting from school. Merton (1938) explains how deviance can result from the culture and ... ... (taking advantage of 'insider' knowledge to make huge profits on the stock exchange). This is illegal, which suggests that capitalists do not always get the laws they want. 5. 'Left Realists' believe that Marxists put too much emphasis on corporate crime. Other crimes such as burglary cause greater harm than Marxists imply. Their victims are usually working-class and the consequences can be devastating for them. 6. Post-modern Criminology rejects Marxist criminology as being neither believable nor defensible. Despite these criticisms, Marxism has been an influence on a number of critical perspectives on deviance. Some have drawn their inspiration from Marxism and can be referred to as neo-Marxist approaches. Others owe less to Marxism and are better defined as radical approaches.

Analysis on “Porphyria’s Lover” by Robert Browning Essay

In â€Å"Porphyria’s Lover†, Robert Browning dramatically builds intensity and exhibits the decline in the situation’s stability to express the impending doom of the characters’ love. The enigmatic tone suggests the fear in the lover’s heart would soon overcome him – the fear of the destiny of their forbidden love. Throughout the poem, Browning intensifies the situation indicated by each narrative shift. There are several instances of this which correspond to a new action or a fresh point of view. In line twenty-one, the transition from â€Å"me† to â€Å"she† occurs at the hyphen, indicating a new look on the situation. Before the hyphenated shift, the poem was a completely factual account of the actions taking place; it was storming, Porphyria came inside, she sat down next to her â€Å"lover† and then at the hyphen, the speaker begins analyzing the situation and interpreting her words. This creates suspense because it places the control of the poem into the hands of her lover. The second shift occurs between lines thirty-nine and forty-one. This is, perhaps, the most electrifying and suspenseful point in the poem. Preceding this narrative shift, a sense of discordance was barely present between the two characters. This is noticed when Porphyria attempts to speak to her lover and â€Å"no voice relpl[ies]† (line 15). At the shift, the plot climactically intensifies when he strangles her to death. This horrifying action goes further to prove the presence of fear in the heart of the speaker. He could see no other reasonable course of action to take that would resolve their love’s predicament but to end it – with as little residual pain as possible. Simultaneously, the poet uses normally innocent and customary descriptions in a way that highlight the degradation of the situation at hand. When Porphyria entered the cottage, she â€Å"withdrew [her] dripping cloak and shawl, / and laid her soiled gloves by† (lines 11-12). This relatively common act reveals something greater about the situation. When she came out of the dark stormy night and took off her cloak, she ultimately opens herself up completely to her lover, but the dirt on her gloves indicate something is  wrong, something dark about their past. Even more, this act shows the confinement placed upon her from the outside world’s disappointment; however, with him, she feels comfortable and trusts him entirely. This is all foreshadowing to the horrific events yet to take place and how their â€Å"struggling passion† would soon be relieved. The devices reveal the backwards morals of the poem, the outcome of ill-destined love, and the fatal alteration of human behavior when tainted by passion and clouded with fear. The thrilling and constant addition of suspense along with the dissolving strength of the plot achieves the poet’s goal of creating a stunningly suspenseful rendition of a love story.

The Crimes of Margaret Allen

The Crimes of Margaret Allen On February 5, 2005, Wenda Wright was cleaning the home of Margaret Allen when Allens purse containing $2,000 turned up missing. Allen was furious about the missing money and accused Wright of stealing it. When Wright denied it and tried to leave, Allen struck her in the head, causing her to fall to the floor. Determined to get the housekeeper to confess, Wright asked her 17-year-old nephew Quinton Allen, to bind Wrights wrists and legs with a belt. Allen then beat and tortured Wright for over two hours with bleach, fingernail polish remover, rubbing alcohol and hair spritz, which she poured onto her face and down her throat. Begging for Her Life Barely able to breathe, Wright begged Allen to let her go. Her cries for help woke up one of Allens children who walked into the room and witnessed what was happening. Allen instructed the child to rip off a piece of duct tape that she tried to put over Wrights mouth, but because her face was so wet the tape did not stick. Allen then strangled Wright to death with a belt. Allen, her nephew, and Allens roommate, James Martin, buried Wrights body in a shallow grave off the highway. Later Quinton Allen went to the police and confessed to his part in the murder and led authorities to where they buried the body.​ Margaret Allen was arrested and charged with first-degree murder and kidnapping. Autopsy Report During Allens trial, forensic pathologist and chief medical examiner for  Brevard County, Florida, Dr. Sajid Qaiser, testified about the results of the autopsy performed on Wenda Wright. According to the report, Wright had multiple bruising on her face, the front, and back of her ear, her left torso, and all over her left side, trunk, right hand, thigh, knee,  left eyebrow, forehead, upper arm, and shoulder area.   Wright’s wrists and neck showed signs of ligation, which meant she was hung or something was tied tightly around those areas. Based on these discoveries, he concluded that Wright died as a result of homicidal violence. The jury found Allen guilty of first-degree murder and kidnapping.   Penalty Phase During the penalty phase of the trial, Dr. Michael Gebel, a neurological physician, testified that he had discovered that Allen suffered over the years from multiple head injuries. He said that she had significant intracranial injuries and was at the lower end of intellectual capacity. He went on to say that Allens organic brain injury likely destroyed her impulsive control and her ability to control her moods. Because of this, Dr. Gebel felt that Allen would be unable to see that her attack on Wright was a criminal act. Dr. Joseph Wu, a neuropsychiatry and brain imaging specialist, also testified that Allen was given a PET scan and that at least 10 traumatic brain injuries were found, including damage to the frontal lobe. A damaged frontal lobe affects impulse control, judgment, and mood  regulation. Due to this, he felt that Allen would not be able to follow the rules of society regarding conduct. Other witnesses, including family members, testified that Allen was subjected to a lot of abuse as a child and had a tough and violent life. Allen testified on her own behalf and recounted that she had suffered multiple head injuries from being beaten as a child. Victim Impact Testimony Wenda Wright’s domestic partner, Johnny  Dublin, testified that Wright was a good person and that Wright believed that she and Allen were good friends. Other family members gave impact statements regarding the impact Wrights murder had on the family. Despite the medical findings, the  jury recommended a sentence of death in a unanimous vote.  Circuit Judge George Maxwell followed the jurys recommendations and sentenced  Allen  to death for the murder of Wenda Wright. On July 11, 2013, the Supreme Court of Florida upheld the conviction and the death sentence. Co-Defendants Quinton Allen was found guilty of second-degree murder and received a 15-year sentence. James Martin was sentenced to 60 months in prison for his help in burying Wrights body.

PhD Thesis Writing

PhD Thesis Writing PhD Thesis Writing PhD Thesis Writing: The Way to Ease Your Job Some students set the precise objects during the education course in the university. The majority of students prefer to graduate successfully and obtain the solid and well-paid job position in the future. It is absolutely normal, but the role of universities could be underestimated. For instance, to prepare the perspective and competent researcher the students have to write the appropriate PhD thesis. For the university it would be a good chance to check the skills of student, his/her predisposition to qualitative and objective research, and his/her ability to conduct the solid research work independently. PhD thesis is a serious, probably, decisive work for the student who intend to build the career of successful researcher. PhD Thesis: Preparation and Key Factors. PhD thesis is a type of work that requires a competence and deep understanding of the subject. The good and thorough preparation will put basis for possible success. Firs t of all, as a researcher, you have to select to area of research try to choose the most appropriate sphere, where you could unlock your analyzing potential. Do not underestimate the option of good adviser the responsible adviser can give some tips and necessary recommendation. Think about possible sources of information beforehand. Make a PhD thesis outline and define the PhD thesis proposals. It will be your detailed plan of actions. When the stage of preparation is over, we get into the next level. PhD Thesis: Tips For the Working Process Here we can mark out the following points:During your work under PhD thesis use general knowledge and the questions you are going to answer. Carefully think about the answers, remember about the regular technical progress in our life, back your words with a facts and real arguments. Do not forget about the thesis proposals and follow only by the points of your plan; point the importance of your researchs purpose; Use the approved informational sources, scientific conferences, highly-rated scientific books; When you are writing, do not forget to defense your information. Sometimes, it is useful to include the general comments of some scientific authorities; Show the reader that you approve and exploit your knowledge in practice; Do not go too far in your description speak laconically and logically. Do not be afraid to show your wide thinking, but stay away from the areas that have indirect sense in relation to your topic. Of course, you must seriously look at this task: prove you are diligent and responsible person, be argumentative and follow the instructions. Good luck, folks!

Terrorism and Globalization Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Terrorism and Globalization - Assignment Example While such benefits either maintain or heighten the status of globalization, globalized progress occurs at the cost of the distribution of gains. Where considerable gains are obtained by rich nations or individuals, greater inequalities result, further causing potential conflicts within local settings and abroad. Another probable cost is perceived in the control of national economies which could shift from sovereign governments to other entities, typically leading to extreme nationalism or the rise to fundamentalist political movements (Intriligator). These ends eventually trigger the emergence of terrorism by an organization or movement that feels the necessity to contradict the direction of globalized trends especially on the thought that globalization promotes inequality and uneven allocation of the country’s goods, impoverishing minorities. This becomes, hence, one of the great causes behind the creation of terrorist groups such as the al-Qaeda and the Ku Klux Klan (KKK) of the Reconstruction era in the U.S. which have both carried out severe violent reactions after the principal objective of advancing extreme ideologies as global jihadism and white supremacy with anti-immigration, respectively. Through suicide bombings of the al-Qaeda and KKK’s hostile killings with cross burnings, state authorities and the general public are reminded of being careful with the steps taken toward political and economic aims across the

Economic devlopment in tanzania and oman Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Economic devlopment in tanzania and oman - Essay Example On the other hand, Soheir Mohamed Hegazy writes about the economic development initiatives that Oman has taken over time. She relates the advancements in the economy of the nation to its cultural set-up while proposing the needfulness for the betterment of the tourism infrastructure. Therefore, this work will present an analysis of two articles; Tanzania in Transition: from Nyerere to Mkapa by Wangwe (2010) and Conservation of Omani archaeological sites, Haratal Bilad by Hegazy (2014). The analysis will, therefore, give the background for the comparison of the historical developments of the two economic systems. Professor Samuel Wangwe is an economist and economic advisor to the government of Tanzania, as well as a policy researcher who has played a role in several organizations. He is a presiding member of the Independent Monitoring Group (IMG), a body that is responsible for supervising the partnership of the government of Tanzania and donors. The chapter, therefore, reviews the challenges and the improvements that the government has gone through altogether and provides an insight as to the suggested course of action that will suit the government of Tanzania at best. Wangwe gives a brief background information regarding the history of Tanzania economically. The government officials developed strategic reforms basing on the economic crisis that arose during the 1980s, which primarily targeted finances (Utz 2008). As the time progressed, the government and its regime sought to integrate institutional reforms into their agenda. However, this was proved to be a challenge since it required an advanced gradation of obligation from administrative figures, which was not put in place. Consequently, donors noted the limitations and shortcomings and believed that the government was not interested in its promised programs. Contrarily, the government felt that donors were intrusive in the

List, describe, and explain the rules regarding consent searches under Essay

List, describe, and explain the rules regarding consent searches under the Fourth Amendment. Provide case examples that illuminate the rules - Essay Example Government agents may circumvent official warrants if by doing so they would prevent a crime from happening or a criminal escaping. In Terry v. Ohio (1968), a law enforcement officer spotted three men milling around the entrance to a jewelry shop and suspected that they were preparing for robbery. He advanced to the men, identified himself and demanded to frisk them. While performing the search, he found illegal hidden weapons on the defendants, leading to their conviction. The defendants made an unsuccessful appeal before the Supreme Court by arguing that their conviction was based on bad evidence obtained without a search warrant as required under the 4th Amendment (Slobogin 398). By contrast, in Mapp v Ohio (1961), the Supreme Court dismissed the defendant’s conviction for being found in possession of illegal porn material, noting that the arresting officers did not identify themselves properly (Slobogin 504). Besides, the officers denied the defendant the right to counsel who was at the scene of crime. The 4th Amendment stipulates strict rules for government officers to follow while undertaking searches and seizure of evidence. Even though, individual privacy is not clearly stated in the US constitution, illegal searches violate privacy of citizens and are therefore

Standardized testing Essay Example for Free

Standardized testing Essay Standardized testing has assumed a well-known role in recent efforts to advance the quality of education. Regardless of where they went to school or what curriculum they followed, students are tested on the same material, which can be loosely grouped into knowledge domains and skill sets that encompass; natural sciences, social sciences, humanities, reading, speaking, writing, and mathematics. National, state, and district tests, combined with minimum competency, special program, and special diploma evaluations, have resulted in a greatly expanded set of testing requirements for most schools. By definition, a standardized test is a test where the same test is given in the same manner to all test takers. It is administered and scored in a consistent or â€Å"standard† manner. It is designed in such a way that the questions, conditions for administering, scoring procedures and interpretations are consistent, and are administered and scored in a predetermined, standard manner. 3 Using standardized tests to perform assessments is beneficial for several reasons. First, because standardized tests yield quantifiable information (scores, proficiency levels, and so forth), and results can be used in screening programs. Second, standardized test results provide information regarding an examinees areas of strength and weakness. Third, standardized test results allow a student to be compared to age- or grade-peers. And lastly, standardized tests can be used to assess students progress over time (e. g. , re-administering tests after the application of an intervention or following the institution of a remedial program the most significant benefit of results from a test given in a standardized fashion is that the results can be documented and empirically verified. This then allows for the results to be interpreted and ideas about an individuals skills generalized. Although standardized testing is beneficial in some situations, the validity and value of traditional standardized tests are subjects of increasing debate. Recent studies raise questions about whether improvements in test score performance actually signal improvement in learning. Student’s performance on one particular day and does not take into account external factors. There are many people who simply do not perform well on tests. Many of these students are smart and understand the content, but it doesn’t show on the test. Many students also develop test anxiety which hinders performance. Finally, there are so many external factors that play into test performance. If a student has an argument with their parents the morning of the test, chances are their focus isn’t going to be where it should be. In elementary schools less time is being spent on sciences, social studies and the arts to make way for  preparing the students  to take the tests in math, reading and writing. Teachers feel strong pressure, especially from district administrators and the media, to improve their students test scores. With the stakes getting higher and higher for teachers, this practice will only continue to increase. The sad reality is that it fosters an atmosphere that is boring and lacks creativeness. Teachers have such pressure to get their students ready for these exams that they neglect to teach students skills that go beyond the tests. But despite criticisms of standardized testing, the proficient teachers of today do not accept that their students have limitations, or are incapable of learning any given concept. Instead these teacher work hard every day to make material relevant for their children and develop lesson plans that speak to individual lesson plans. While both critiques and proponents of standardized testing could debate their sides all day, the need to assess students to determine both their progress and the progress of their teachers and schools is undeniable. Standardized testing evaluates students early in their education on their readiness both scholastically and behaviorally Students and their parents are able to measure at least generally their progress and areas in which they need. Standardized test shape people’s futures, so they need to be created fairly, so everyone has an equal opportunity to have a successful future. While the jury is still out on whether or not there is a better method of determining individual student progress. The need for a common measure to compare students to bring about change is still more present than ever.

Abortion :: essays research papers

Abortion: Murder or Convenience? The woman was 22 weeks pregnant when she sought the assistance of Dr. Martin Haskell, the originator of the partial-birth abortion procedure, to rid herself of her already-kicking child. Haskell performed the first stage of the partial-birth abortion. He inserted a seaweed-based substance into the woman's cervix and instructed her to return the following day. But in this case, things did not go according to plan. The woman complained of severe abdominal pain on the first night and, being far from Haskell's clinic, reported to the emergency room of her local hospital, Bethesda North, in Cincinnati. As she was being examined (she did not say she was pregnant), the baby was born - alive. Pediatricians and neonatologists came running. The baby girl weighed in at 1 pound. The doctors decided that the child was very unlikely to survive and instructed that nothing be done. Connie Boyles, a nurse, and Shelly Lowe, a medical technician, saw the baby girl gasp for air and were stunned. Lowe, knowing that the nurses were busy caring for other patients in the emergency room, asked if she could hold the child she dubbed "Baby Hope" until she died. The request was granted. Lowe wrapped Baby Hope in a blanket and settled into a rocking chair for what she imagined would be just a few minutes. She sang to her and stroked her cheeks. "I wanted her to feel that she was wanted," Lowe explained later. "She was a perfectly formed newborn, entering the world too soon, through no choice of her own." The baby sucked on her lower lip, opened and closed her hands, and moved a bit as Lowe held her. She also did something else - she continued to breathe on her own. After three hours, Baby Hope died in the arms of the compassionate Shelly Lowe. The state of Ohio issued her a death certificate. The cause of death was listed as "extreme pre-maturity secondary to induced abortion.† Lowe was asked at a press conference what her position on abortion was. She said she had been pro-choice but was now pro-life. What changed her mind? Three hours. (http://www.gravityteen.com/pregnancy/kickin.cfm?StoryID=52) Many people believe that a woman has control over her body, but is the â€Å"blob of tissue† inside her really part of her body? Many scientists say â€Å"no,† they say that life begins at conception. Dr. Matthews-Roth of Harvard Medical School has given over 20 resources that agree with and support the fact that life begins at conception.

Forecasting Essay

1. Tupperware only uses both qualitative and quantitative forecasting techniques, culminating in a final forecast that is the consensus of all participating managers. False (Global company profile: Tupperware Corporation, moderate) 2. The forecasting time horizon and the forecasting techniques used tend to vary over the life cycle of a product. True (What is forecasting? moderate) 3. Sales forecasts are an input to financial planning, while demand forecasts impact human resource decisions. True (Types of forecasts, moderate) 4. Forecasts of individual products tend to be more accurate than forecasts of product families. False (Seven steps in the forecasting system, moderate) 5. Most forecasting techniques assume that there is some underlying stability in the system. True (Seven steps in the forecasting system, moderate) 6. The sales force composite forecasting method relies on salespersons’ estimates of expected sales. True (Forecasting approaches, easy) 7. A time-series model uses a series of past data points to make the forecast. True (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 8. The quarterly â€Å"make meeting† of Lexus dealers is an example of a sales force composite forecast. True (Forecasting approaches, easy) 9. Cycles and random variations are both components of time series. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 10. A naive forecast for September sales of a product would be equal to the sales in August. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 11. One advantage of exponential smoothing is the limited amount of record keeping involved. True (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 12. The larger the number of periods in the simple moving average forecasting method, the greater the method’s responsiveness to changes in demand. False (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 13. Forecast including trend is an exponential smoothing technique that utilizes two smoothing constants: one for the average level of the forecast and one for its trend. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 14. Mean Squared Error and Coefficient of Correlation are two measures of the overall error of a forecasting model. False (Time-series forecasting, easy) 15. In trend projection, the trend component is the slope of the regression equation. True (Time-series forecasting, easy) 16. In trend projection, a negative regression slope is mathematically impossible. False (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 17. Seasonal indexes adjust raw data for patterns that repeat at regular time intervals. True (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 18. If a quarterly seasonal index has been calculated at 1.55 for the October-December quarter, then raw data for that quarter must be multiplied by 1.55 so that the quarter can be fairly compared to other quarters. False (Time-series forecasting: Seasonal variation in data, moderate) 19. The best way to forecast a business cycle is by finding a leading variable. True (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 20. Linear-regression analysis is a straight-line mathematical model to describe the functional relationships between independent and dependent variables. True (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, easy) 21. The larger the standard error of the estimate, the more accurate the forecasting model. False (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, easy) 22. A trend projection equation with a slope of 0.78 means that there is a 0.78 unit rise in Y for every unit of time that passes. True (Time-series forecasting: Trend projections, moderate) 23. In a regression equation where Y is demand and X is advertising, a coefficient of determination (R2) of .70 means that 70% of the variance in advertising is explained by demand. False (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 24. Tracking limits should be within  ± 8 MADs for low-volume stock items. True (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 25. If a forecast is consistently greater than (or less than) actual values, the forecast is said to be biased. True (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 26. Focus forecasting tries a variety of computer models and selects the best one for a particular application. True (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 27. Many service firms use point-of-sale computers to collect detailed records needed for accurate short-term forecasts. True (Forecasting in the service sector, moderate) MULTIPLE CHOICE 28. Tupperware’s use of forecasting a.involves only a few statistical tools b.concentrates on the low-level dealer, and is not aggregated at the company level c.relies on the fact that all of its products are in the maturity phase of the life cycle d.is a major source of its competitive edge over its rivals e.takes inputs from sales, marketing, and finance, but not from production d (Global company profile, moderate) 29. Which of the following statements regarding Tupperware’s forecasting is false? a.Tupperware’s fifty profit centers generate the basic set of projections. b.Tupperware uses at least three quantitative forecasting techniques. c.Tupperware uses only quantitative forecasting techniques. d.†Sales per active dealer† is one of three key forecasting variables (factors). e.†Jury of executive opinion† is the ultimate forecasting tool used at Tupperware. c (Global company profile, moderate) 30. Forecasts a.become more accurate with longer time horizons b.are rarely perfect c.are more accurate for individual items than for groups of items d.all of the above e.none of the above b (What is forecasting? moderate) 31. One use of short-range forecasts is to determine a.production planning b.inventory budgets c.research and development plans d.facility location e.job assignments e (What is forecasting? moderate) 32. Forecasts are usually classified by time horizon into three categories a.short-range, medium-range, and long-range b.finance/accounting, marketing, and operations c.strategic, tactical, and operational d.exponential smoothing, regression, and time series e.departmental, organizational, and industrial a (What is forecasting? easy) 33. A forecast with a time horizon of about 3 months to 3 years is typically called a a.long-range forecast b.medium-range forecast c.short-range forecast d.weather forecast e.strategic forecast b (What is forecasting? moderate) 34. Forecasts used for new product planning, capital expenditures, facility location or expansion, and R&D typically utilize a a.short-range time horizon b.medium-range time horizon c.long-range time horizon d.naive method, because there is no data history e.all of the above c (What is forecasting? moderate) 35. The three major types of forecasts used by business organizations are a.strategic, tactical, and operational b.economic, technological, and demand c.exponential smoothing, Delphi, and regression d.causal, time-series, and seasonal e.departmental, organizational, and territorial b (Types of forecasts, moderate) 36. Which of the following is not a step in the forecasting process? a.Determine the use of the forecast. b.Eliminate any assumptions. c.Determine the time horizon. d.Select forecasting model. e.Validate and implement the results. b (The strategic importance of forecasting, moderate) 37. The two general approaches to forecasting are a.qualitative and quantitative b.mathematical and statistical c.judgmental and qualitative d.historical and associative e.judgmental and associative a (Forecasting approaches, easy) 38. Which of the following uses three types of participants: decision makers, staff personnel, and respondents? a.executive opinions b.sales force composites c.the Delphi method d.consumer surveys e.time series analysis c (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 39. The forecasting model that pools the opinions of a group of experts or managers is known as the a.sales force composition model b.multiple regression c.jury of executive opinion model d.consumer market survey model e.management coefficients model c (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 40. Which of the following is not a type of qualitative forecasting? a.executive opinions b.sales force composites c.consumer surveys d.the Delphi method e.moving average e (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 41. Which of the following techniques uses variables such as price and promotional expenditures, which are related to product demand, to predict demand? a.associative models b.exponential smoothing c.weighted moving average d.simple moving average e.time series a (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 42. Which of the following statements about time series forecasting is true? a.It is based on the assumption that future demand will be the same as past demand. b.It makes extensive use of the data collected in the qualitative approach. c.The analysis of past demand helps predict future demand. d.Because it accounts for trends, cycles, and seasonal patterns, it is more powerful than causal forecasting. e.All of the above are true. c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 43. Time series data may exhibit which of the following behaviors? a.trend b.random variations c.seasonality d.cycles e.They may exhibit all of the above. e (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 44. Gradual, long-term movement in time series data is called a.seasonal variation b.cycles c.trends d.exponential variation e.random variation c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 45. Which of the following is not present in a time series? a.seasonality b.operational variations c.trend d.cycles e.random variations b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 46. The fundamental difference between cycles and seasonality is the a.duration of the repeating patterns b.magnitude of the variation c.ability to attribute the pattern to a cause d.all of the above e.none of the above a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 47. In time series, which of the following cannot be predicted? a.large increases in demand b.technological trends c.seasonal fluctuations d.random fluctuations e.large decreases in demand d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 48. What is the approximate forecast for May using a four-month moving average? 49. Which time series model below assumes that demand in the next period will be equal to the most recent period’s demand? a.naive approach b.moving average approach c.weighted moving average approach d.exponential smoothing approach e.none of the above a (Time-series forecasting, easy) 50. Which of the following is not a characteristic of simple moving averages? a.It smoothes random variations in the data. b.It has minimal data storage requirements. c.It weights each historical value equally. d.It lags changes in the data. e.It smoothes real variations in the data. b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 51. A six-month moving average forecast is better than a three-month moving average forecast if demand a.is rather stable b.has been changing due to recent promotional efforts c.follows a downward trend d.follows a seasonal pattern that repeats itself twice a year e.follows an upward trend a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 52. Increasing the number of periods in a moving average will accomplish greater smoothing, but at the expense of a.manager understanding b.accuracy c.stability d.responsiveness to changes e.All of the above are diminished when the number of periods increases. d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 53. Which of the following statements comparing the weighted moving average technique and exponential smoothing is true? a.Exponential smoothing is more easily used in combination with the Delphi method. b.More emphasis can be placed on recent values using the weighted moving average. c.Exponential smoothing is considerably more difficult to implement on a computer. d.Exponential smoothing typically requires less record keeping of past data. e.Exponential smoothing allows one to develop forecasts for multiple periods, whereas weighted moving averages does not. d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 54. Which time series model uses past forecasts and past demand data to generate a new forecast? a.naive b.moving average c.weighted moving average d.exponential smoothing e.regression analysis d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 55. Which is not a characteristic of exponential smoothing? a.smoothes random variations in the data b.easily altered weighting scheme c.weights each historical value equally d.has minimal data storage requirements e.none of the above; they are all characteristics of exponential smoothing c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 56. Which of the following smoothing constants would make an exponential smoothing forecast equivalent to a naive forecast? a.0 b.1 divided by the number of periods c.0.5 d.1.0 e.cannot be determined d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 57. Given an actual demand of 103, a previous forecast value of 99, and an alpha of .4, the exponential smoothing forecast for the next period would be a.94.6 b.97.4 c.100.6 d.101.6 e.103.0 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 58. A forecast based on the previous forecast plus a percentage of the forecast error is a(n) a.qualitative forecast b.naive forecast c.moving average forecast d.weighted moving average forecast e.exponentially smoothed forecast e (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 59. Given an actual demand of 61, a previous forecast of 58, and an of .3, what would the forecast for the next period be using simple exponential smoothing? a.45.5 b.57.1 c.58.9 d.61.0 e.65.5 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 60. Which of the following values of alpha would cause exponential smoothing to respond the most slowly to forecast errors? a.0.10 b.0.20 c.0.40 d.0.80 e.cannot be determined a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 61. A forecasting method has produced the following over the past five months. What is the mean absolute deviation? 62. The primary purpose of the mean absolute deviation (MAD) in forecasting is to a.estimate the trend line b.eliminate forecast errors c.measure forecast accuracy d.seasonally adjust the forecast e.all of the above c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 63. Given forecast errors of -1, 4, 8, and -3, what is the mean absolute deviation? a.2 b.3 c.4 d.8 e.16 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 64. The last four months of sales were 8, 10, 15, and 9 units. The last four forecasts were 5, 6, 11, and 12 units. The Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD) is a.2 b.-10 c.3.5 d.9 e.10.5 c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 65. A time series trend equation is 25.3 + 2.1 X. What is your forecast for period 7? a.23.2 b.25.3 c.27.4 d.40.0 e.cannot be determined d (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 66. For a given product demand, the time series trend equation is 53 – 4 X. The negative sign on the slope of the equation a.is a mathematical impossibility b.is an indication that the forecast is biased, with forecast values lower than actual values c.is an indication that product demand is declining d.implies that the coefficient of determination will also be negative e.implies that the RSFE will be negative c (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 67. In trend-adjusted exponential smoothing, the forecast including trend (FIT) consists of a.an exponentially smoothed forecast and an estimated trend value b.an exponentially smoothed forecast and a smoothed trend factor c.the old forecast adjusted by a trend factor d.the old forecast and a smoothed trend factor e.a moving average and a trend factor b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 68. Which of the following is true regarding the two smoothing constants of the Forecast Including Trend (FIT) model? a.One constant is positive, while the other is negative. b.They are called MAD and RSFE. c.Alpha is always smaller than beta. d.One constant smoothes the regression intercept, whereas the other smoothes the regression slope. e.Their values are determined independently. e (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 69. Demand for a certain product is forecast to be 800 units per month, averaged over all 12 months of the year. The product follows a seasonal pattern, for which the January monthly index is 1.25. What is the seasonally-adjusted sales forecast for January? a.640 units b.798.75 units c.800 units d.1000 units e.cannot be calculated with the information given a (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 70. A seasonal index for a monthly series is about to be calculated on the basis of three years’ accumulation of data. The three previous July values were 110, 150, and 130. The average over all months is 190. The approximate seasonal index for July is a.0.487 b.0.684 c.1.462 d.2.053 e. cannot be calculated with the information given b (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 71. A fundamental distinction between trend projection and linear regression is that a.trend projection uses least squares while linear regression does not b.only linear regression can have a negative slope c.in trend projection the independent variable is time; in linear regression the independent variable need not be time, but can be any variable with explanatory power d.linear regression tends to work better on data that lack trends e.trend projection uses two smoothing constants, not just one c (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 72. The percent of variation in the dependent variable that is explained by the regression equation is measured by the a.mean absolute deviation b.slope c.coefficient of determination d.correlation coefficient e.intercept c (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 73. The degree or strength of a linear relationship is shown by the a.alpha b.mean c.mean absolute deviation d.correlation coefficient e.RSFE d (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 74. If two variables were perfectly correlated, the correlation coefficient r would equal a.0 b.less than 1 c.exactly 1 d.-1 or +1 e.greater than 1 d (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation analysis, moderate) 75. The last four weekly values of sales were 80, 100, 105, and 90 units. The last four forecasts were 60, 80, 95, and 75 units. These forecasts illustrate a.qualitative methods b.adaptive smoothing c.slope d.bias e.trend projection d (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, easy) 76. The tracking signal is the a.standard error of the estimate b.running sum of forecast errors (RSFE) c.mean absolute deviation (MAD) d.ratio RSFE/MAD e.mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) d (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 77. Computer monitoring of tracking signals and self-adjustment if a signal passes a preset limit is characteristic of a.exponential smoothing including trend b.adaptive smoothing c.trend projection d.focus forecasting e.multiple regression analysis b (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 78. Many services maintain records of sales noting a.the day of the week b.unusual events c.weather d.holidays e.all of the above e (Forecasting in the service sector, moderate) 79. Taco Bell’s unique employee scheduling practices are partly the result of using a.point-of-sale computers to track food sales in 15 minute intervals b.focus forecasting c.a six-week moving average forecasting technique d.multiple regression e.a and c are both correct e (Forecasting in the service sector, moderate) 96. A skeptical manager asks what short-range forecasts can be used for. Give her three possible uses/purposes. Any three of: planning purchasing, job scheduling, work force levels, job assignments, production levels. (What is forecasting? moderate) 97. A skeptical manager asks what long-range forecasts can be used for. Give her three possible uses/purposes. Any three of: planning new products, capital expenditures, facility location or expansion, research and development. (What is forecasting? moderate) 98. Describe the three forecasting time horizons and their use. Forecasting time horizons are: short range—generally less than three months, used for purchasing, job scheduling, work force levels, production levels; medium range—usually from three months up to three years, used for sales planning, production planning and budgeting, cash budgeting, analyzing operating plans; long range—usually three years or more, used for new product development, capital expenditures, facility planning, and R&D. (What is forecasting? moderate) 99. List and briefly describe the three major types of forecasts. The three types are economic, technological, and demand; economic refers to macroeconomic, growth and financial variables; technological refers to forecasting amount of technological advance, or futurism; demand refers to  product demand. (Types of forecasts, moderate) 100. List the seven steps involved in forecasting. 1. Determine the use of the forecast. 2. Select the items that are to be forecast. 3. Determine the time horizon of the forecast. 4. Select the forecasting model(s). 5. Gather the data needed to make the forecast. 6. Make the forecast. 7. Validate the forecasting mode and implement the results. (Seven steps in the forecasting process, moderate) 101. What are the realities of forecasting that companies face? First, forecasts are seldom perfect. Second, most forecasting techniques assume that there is some underlying stability in the system. Finally, both product family and aggregated forecasts are more accurate than individual product forecasts. (Seven steps in the forecasting system, moderate) 102. What are the differences between quantitative and qualitative forecasting methods? Quantitative methods use mathematical models to analyze historical data. Qualitative methods incorporate such factors as the decision maker’s intuition, emotions, personal experiences, and value systems in determining the forecast. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 103. List four quantitative forecasting methods. The list includes naive, moving averages, exponential smoothing, trend projection, and linear regression. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 104. What is a time-series forecasting model? A time series forecasting model is any mathematical model that uses historical values of the quantity of interest to predict future values of that quantity. (Forecasting approaches, easy) 105. What is the difference between an associative model and a time-series model? A time series model uses only historical values of the quantity of interest to predict future values of that quantity. The associative model, on the other hand, attempts to identify underlying causes or factors that control the variation of the quantity of interest, predict future values of these factors, and use these predictions in a model to predict future values of the specific quantity of interest. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 106. Name and discuss three qualitative forecasting methods. Qualitative forecasting methods include: jury of executive opinion, where high-level managers arrive at a group estimate of demand; sales force composite, where salespersons’ estimates are aggregated; Delphi method, where respondents provide inputs to a group of decision makers; the group of decision makers, often experts, then make the actual forecast; consumer market survey, where consumers are queried about their future purchase plans. (Forecasting approaches, moderate) 107. List the four components of a time series. Which one of these is rarely forecast? Why is this so? Trend, seasonality, cycles, and random variation. Since random variations follow no discernible pattern, they cannot be predicted, and thus are not forecast. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 108. Compare seasonal effects and cyclical effects. A cycle is longer (typically several years) than a season (typically days, weeks, months, or quarters). A cycle has variable duration, while a season has fixed duration and regular repetition. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 109. Distinguish between a moving average model and an exponential smoothing model. Exponential smoothing is a weighted moving average model wherein previous values are weighted in a specific manner–in particular, all previous values are weighted with a set of weights that decline exponentially. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 110. Describe three popular measures of forecast accuracy. Measures of forecast accuracy include: (a) MAD (mean absolute deviation). This is a sum of the absolute values of individual errors divided by the  number of periods of data. (b) MSE (mean squared error). This is the average of the squared differences between the forecast and observed values. (c) MAPE (mean absolute percent error) is independent of the magnitude of the variable being forecast. (Forecasting approaches: Measuring forecast error, moderate) 111. Give an example—other than a restaurant or other food-service firm—of an organization that experiences an hourly seasonal pattern. (That is, each hour of the day has a pattern that tends to repeat day after day.) Explain. Answer will vary. However, two non-food examples would be banks and movie theaters. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 112. Explain the role of regression models (time series and otherwise) in forecasting. That is, how is trend projection able to forecast? How is regression used for causal forecasting? For trend projection, the independent variable is time. The trend projection equation has a slope that is the change in demand per period. To forecast the demand for period t, perform the calculation a + bt. For causal forecasting, the independent variables are predictors of the forecast value or dependent variable. The slope of the regression equation is the change in the Y variable per unit change in the X variable. (Time-series forecasting, diff icult) 113. List three advantages of the moving average forecasting model. List three disadvantages of the moving average forecasting model. Two advantages of the model are that it uses simple calculations, it smoothes out sudden fluctuations, and it is easy for users to understand. The disadvantages are that the averages always stay within past ranges, that they require extensive record keeping of past data, and that they do not pick up on trends very well. (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 114. What does it mean to â€Å"decompose† a time series? To decompose a time series means to break past data down into components of trends, seasonality, cycles, and random blips, and to project them forward. (Time-series forecasting, easy) 115. Distinguish a dependent variable from an independent variable. The  independent variable causes some behavior in the dependent variable; the dependent variable shows the effect of changes in the independent variable. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 116. Explain, in your own words, the meaning of the coefficient of determination. The coefficient of determination measures the amount (percent) of total variation in the data that is explained by the model. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 117. What is a tracking signal? How is it calculated? Explain the connection between adaptive smoothing and tracking signals. A tracking signal is a measure of how well the forecast actually predicts. Its calculation is the ratio of RSFE to MAD. The larger the absolute tracking signal, the worse the forecast is performing. Adaptive smoothing sets limits to the tracking signal, and makes changes to its forecasting models when the tracking signal goes beyond those limits. (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, moderate) 118. What is focus forecasting? It is a forecasting method that tries a variety of computer models, and selects the one that is best for a particular application. (Monitoring and controlling forecasts, easy) 124. A management analyst is using exponential smoothing to predict merchandise returns at an upscale branch of a department store chain. Given an actual number of returns of 154 items in the most recent period completed, a forecast of 172 items for that period, and a smoothing constant of 0.3, what is the forecast for the next period? How would the forecast be changed if the smoothing constant were 0.6? Explain the difference in terms of alpha and responsiveness. 166.6; 161.2 The larger the smoothing constant in an exponentially smoothed forecast, the more responsive the forecast. (Time-series forecasting, easy) 126. The following trend projection is used to predict quarterly demand: Y = 250 – 2.5t, where t = 1 in the first quarter of 2004. Seasonal (quarterly) relatives are Quarter 1 = 1.5; Quarter 2 = 0.8; Quarter 3 = 1.1; and Quarter 4 = 0.6. What is the seasonally adjusted forecast for the four quarters of 2006? PeriodProjectionAdjusted 9 227.5341.25 10 225180.00 11222.5224.75 12220132.00 (Time-series forecasting, moderate) 127. Jim’s department at a local department store has tracked the sales of a product over the last ten weeks. Forecast demand using exponential smoothing with an alpha of 0.4, and an initial forecast of 28.0. Calculate MAD and the tracking signal. What do you recommend? 130. A small family-owned restaurant uses a seven-day moving average model to determine manpower requirements. These forecasts need to be seasonalized because each day of the week has its own demand pattern. The seasonal relatives for each day of the week are: Monday, 0.445; Tuesday, 0.791; Wednesday, 0.927; Thursday, 1.033; Friday, 1.422; Saturday, 1.478; and Sunday 0.903. Average daily demand based on the most recent moving average is 194 patrons. What is the seasonalized forecast for each day of next week? The average value multiplied by each day’s seasonal index. Monday: 194 x .445 = 86; Tuesday: 194 x .791 = 153; Wednesday: 194 x .927 = 180; Thursday: 194 x 1.033 = 200; Friday: 194 x 1.422 = 276; Saturday: 194 x 1.478 = 287; and Sunday: 194 x .903 = 175. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 131. A restaurant has tracked the number of meals served at lunch over the last four weeks. The data shows little in terms of trends, but does display substantial variation by day of the week. Use the following information to determine the seasonal (daily) index for this restaurant. 132. A firm has modeled its experience with industrial accidents and found that the number of accidents per year (Y) is related to the number of employees (X) by the regression equation Y = 3.3 + 0.049*X. R-Square is 0.68. The regression is based on 20 annual observations. The firm intends to employ 480 workers next year. How many accidents do you project? How much confidence do you have in that forecast? Y = 3.3 + 0.049 * 480 = 3.3 + 23.52 = 26.52 accidents. This is not a time series, so next year = year 21 is of no relevance. Confidence comes from the coefficient of determination; the model explains 68% of the variation in number of accidents, which seems respectable. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 133. Demand for a certain product is forecast to be 8,000 units per month, averaged over all 12 months of the year. The product follows a seasonal pattern, for which the January monthly index is 1.25. What is the seasonally-adjusted sales forecast for January? 8,000 x 1.25 = 10,000 (Time-series forecasting, easy) 134. A seasonal index for a monthly series is about to be calculated on the basis of three years’ accumulation of data. The three previous July values were 110, 135, and 130. The average over all months is 160. The approximate seasonal index for July is  (110 + 135 + 130)/3 = 125; 125/160 = 0.781 (Time-series forecasting,  moderate) 135. Marie Bain is the production manager at a company that manufactures hot water heaters. Marie needs a demand forecast for the next few years to help decide whether to add new production capacity. The company’s sales history (in thousands of units) is shown in the table below. Use exponential smoothing with trend adjustment, to forecast demand for period 6. The initial forecast for period 1 was 11 units; the initial estimate of trend was 0. The smoothing constants are = .3 and  · = .3 136. The quarterly sales for specific educational software over the past three years are given in the following table. Compute the four seasonal factors. 137. An innovative restaurateur owns and operates a dozen â€Å"Ultimate Low-Carb† restaurants in northern Arkansas. His signature item is a cheese-encrusted beef medallion wrapped in lettuce. Sales (X, in millions of dollars) is related to Profits (Y, in hundreds of thousands of dollars) by the regression equation Y = 8.21 + 0.76 X. What is your forecast of profit for a store with sales of $40 million? $50 million? Students must recognize that sales is the independent variable and profits is dependent; the problem is not a time series. A store with $40 million in sales: 40 x 0.76 = 30.4; 30.4 + 8.21 = 38.61, or $3,861,000 in profit; $50 million in sales is estimated to profit 46.21 or $4,621,000. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 138. Arnold Tofu owns and operates a chain of 12 vegetable protein â€Å"hamburger† restaurants in northern Louisiana. Sales figures and profits for the stores are in the table below. Sales are given in millions of dollars; profits are in hundreds of thousands of dollars. Calculate a regression line for the data. What is your forecast of profit for a store with sales of $24 million? $30 million? Students must recognize that â€Å"sales† is the independent variable and profits is dependent. Store number is not a variable, and the problem is not a time series. The regression equation is Y = 5.936 + 1.421 X (Y = profit, X = sales). A store with $24 million in sales is estimated to profit 40.04 or $4,004,000; $30 million in sales should yield 48.566 or $4,856,600 in profit. (Associative forecasting methods: Regression and correlation, moderate) 139. The department manager using a combination of methods has forecast sales of toasters at a local department store. Calculate the MAD for the manager’s forecast. Compare the manager’s forecast against a naive forecast. Which is better?