Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Business Ethics - Essay Example It is also significant because it changed the rules businesses had to play by. Now, they have to answer to a public oversight board run by the government, so the stakes are a lot higher if they act in ways that are unethical. Some other ways the Act changed business is in the ways it eliminated conflicts of interest with auditors, and in the enhanced protection it allowed for whistle-blowers, which â€Å"prohibit the employer from taking certain actions against employees who lawfully disclose private employer information† in the case of fraud (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell, 105). Three of the public oversight board’s duties are the registration of public accounting firms, the inspection of accounting firms, and the enforcement of compliance with accounting rules of the board, professional standards, and securities laws relating to the preparation and issuance of audit reports and obligations and liabilities of accountants (Ferrell, Fraedrich, Ferrell

Learning Strategies Essay Example for Free

Learning Strategies Essay In the poem â€Å"Students† by Tom Wayman, it reviews four theories with context on different learning methods. The first theory is the Vaccination Theory of Education†, detailing how once you have learned a subject, you never have to review or touch on the topic again for it is lodged in ones brain for all eternity. However, such a learning technique seems foolish because as time goes on, materials tend to fade in ones brain unless occasionally reviewed. With this in mind, material previously learned would venture from one’s memory and would leave them lacking of knowledge on the subject. For the best learning, many people including myself would prefer the knowledge once learned to be forever held by the beholder, to use in future situations. The next theory is â€Å"The Dipstick Theory of Education. † This theory relates learning to that of a car engine; only needing oil to a certain line, therefore only needing to learn to a certain degree. This again seems unrealistic to the many dreamers out there, who are constantly trying to extend the limits, the ones who do not want to be blocked by barricades. Countless material is available for the public’s access, which means the learning a person can achieve is limitless. This theory seems adequate for those individuals who only want to get by in life. However, the majority of the population who want to succeed and be proud of their success are going to want to stray away from this theory, for it will only prevent you from following the path you truly want to go down. The â€Å"Adopt the Kung Fu Theory of Education†, is the theory that follows next in the poem. It reviews the idea that one can use knowledge as a self defense mechanism. This theory makes complete sense to me. How else would a person be able to back up their statements, ideas and opinions better, than with knowledge? Not only does the knowledge help in that area, it can help a person grasp a better understanding of the world around them, as well as it can improve their common sense. Use knowledge as a supporter, to smooth the bumps in the road before you, so you can travel on a trouble free path. The last theory is â€Å"The Easy Listening Theory of Learning. † It proposes that if a person sits back and observes their environment, they can achieve optimal learning. This type of learning seems only achievable for those who learn best through visual or auditory aids; in settings where they learn most efficiently by viewing or hearing material. However, for those individuals who learn best through hands on tasks, â€Å"The Easy Listening Theory of Learning†, would not be in their favor. It would put them at a disadvantage, and make them fall behind the rest. This theory does not accommodate everyone with learning in the same fashion; therefore, it cannot be used as a universal learning technique for optimal learning in everyone. My own theory however, differs greatly from any of the learning theories displayed in the poem â€Å"Students. † My theory to insure my learning exceeds my own goals is I put in a maximum effort. The goals I set myself are extremely high and almost seem unrealistic. Nonetheless, this is what give me the motivation and strive I need to put in a great deal of effort. Postponing undesirable activities is what I seem to be a natural at, cramming to get them completed when time is limited. It is in that rushed state that I feel my mind works most efficiently. However, we all know this is a poor work method and that is why I set such high goals to make it seem unrealistic. By doing that, I insure I start the activity at a sooner time because it feels as if I have more to complete than actually necessary. That way, I can keep my eye on the target at all times because it makes me feel as if I have much work to do to achieve it still. In reference to this course, the date I began was much later than any applicants should have started. By doing that, it has given me very limited time to get this course completed. It is now that I can truly test out my theory for all that it is worth, because it is now that I feel the completed course expectations are very unrealistic based on the vast material I have to cover by a certain date. However, I plan to be vigilant to get through this course so I can walk the graduation stage at the end of the year. When that dream of mine comes true based on my goals of completing this course, it is then that my theory has once again proved me right in its successfulness.

Cosmological Argument For The Existence Of God

Cosmological Argument For The Existence Of God How did the universe begin? Throughout history, that question has probably been the most debated topics between the philosophical, scientific and religious communities. I believe it is human nature in us that continues to seek the answers to why and how and not just sit back on blind faith. Even with todays advances in science about our universe and its origin, we are no closer to providing solid proof for what caused the beginning of the universe or proving if it just always existed. I actually find that very interesting in the fact that through the major advancements in the medical field, scientist have successfully found vaccinations for diseases that have killed millions, robots that perform surgery, cloned animals, and the list could go on and on. But science has provided no solid evidence on how the universe got its beginning. Many philosophers and theologians believed that the existence of the universe needed an explanation. Plato (c.427-347 BCE) and Aristotle (c. 384-322 BCE) were among the earlier philosophers who attempted to answer the question in what became known as the cosmological arguments. According to Plato in his dialogue The Laws he argued that motion in the world and the cosmos was imparted motion that required some kind of self-originated motion to set it in motion and to maintain that motion. Aristotles arguments were centered around the fact that things just dont exist, nothing comes from nothing, there needed to be a cause. During his study he realized that for every cause, there is one before it that caused it to happen, which eventually he realized, caused an infinite backwards cause of causes. Ultimately coming to the conclusion that there must have been a first cause. St. Thomas Aquinas is considered to be one of the greatest Christian philosophers that ever lived. He was also an Aristotelian scholar. Aquinas adapted Aristotles first cause for things in motion but did not stop there. Aquinas began under the assumption that if things are in motion then it had been caused to be in motion by something else. But if that were the case, that would create an infinite regression which he believed to be incorrect because that meant there was still no starting point but he knew at some point, it was set in motion. Aquinas explanation was, there must have been a first-case, the un-caused, cause. Aquinas believed that the un-caused causer was God. Another way he tried to proof his point was the argument for contingency. He explained that there are natural things that are possible to exist or not to exist. But it is impossible for these to always exist. So if it is possible for things not to exist, than at one time, nothing could have existed. Aquinas cosmological argument for the existence of God is known to be the most popular by philosopher and religious scholars. In his theological masterpiece, Summa Theologia, he proposed varies forms of cosmological arguments to explain ways that he thought would prove God exists. Ma ny skeptics do not accept the existence of God because to them, there is no logical explanation for his existence. Some of the oppositions are listed below: If everything has a cause, what caused the first cause God? If God did create the universe, how do we know it was just one God? If we accepted the argument that such a being created the universe, how do we know he had anything to do with religion? The counter argument indicated that the cosmological argument do not necessarily lead to the conclusion that there was a being that is responsible for the creation of the universe. Theists believe that God is self existent. God is omnipotent (all powerful), omnipresent (everywhere at once), omniscient (all knowing) and omnisapient (has all wisdom). They believe that God is exempt from the uncaused cause because he is eternal and not dependent on a cause for his existence. They go on to say that we may never know why or how creation took place or to explain Gods intentions of the event but he is an omniscient and omnipotent being. God does not need a reason to exist. The cosmological arguments seeks to prove the existence of God. To those that belief in God, there are no questions concerning his existence. For it is him that created everything. They believe that The Bible has scripture that goes along with these arguments and proves his existence. To the non-believers, they think that the cosmological arguments provide no evidence of the existence of God and that it just raises more questions about the origin or the universe. Could it be that there is no explanation? Did the universe just happen or has it always existed? This may be one of those questions that science will never have an answer for and to that everyone will accept. Until then, religion is a personal choice. No answer is right or wrong. I personally believe that God exist and that there is proof, to me everyday that he does.

Essay --

Hi my name is Ethyn Scott, can I ask everyone to stand up please – That was fairly easy for most of us right? Thank you, please be seated. There are approximately 1.7 million Americans living with being an Amputee, according to statistics verified by Diabetes Amputation Prevention, Net Wellness Foundation on July 28,2013. Many of these people become amputees due to health issues but most are males under age 45 that had injuries that lead to amputations due to trauma. The War in Iraq has left more soldiers with amputations than any other previous war and coined a new term Dismounted Complex Blast Injury, which involves multiple limb amputations.[1] With such high numbers of young people with multpile amputees, the need for better prosthetics , and technological advances, what was once science fiction is now a reality with the creation of the Exoskeleton. A robotic suit that allows paraplegics the use of their limbs and gives the military personal super human strength. When President Obama ended the 9 year War in Iraq 4,400 United States troops were ordered to return to their homes by January 2012. According to the U.S Defense Department the human cost of more than 5,225, deaths, 50,159, injured, over 1,572 amputees have lost one or both legs, as well as with 486 soldiers having multiple amputations, The Exoskeleton is not just for paraplegics but also the military, and what was once science fiction is now a reality. The Exoskeletons similar to Tony Stark AKA Iron Man! How many of you have seen the Iron Man movies? Well did you know his bulletproof, computer interfaced, flame-throwing, flying, weapon- loaded, body armor suit that allows him to become super human actually exists! Well not entirely, the Exoskeleton is the Iron... ... maneuverability and agility over the XOS 1 version. It is also more resistive to environmental challenges.† The XOS2 astonishing great new features allows the operator to run and walk but it is not only limited to that. â€Å"Approximately 70% of the injuries orthopedic surgeons see while serving in the region are orthopedic-related.† Due to the new ability of the suit allowing soilders to lift a large object and hold for a long period of time with out pain, this should stop the orthopedic pain caused to the body by the heavy loads. The XOS2 like the first verison the XOS(used in hospitals) is tethered to the hydraulics power source by a wire. There is a develop in a XOS2 Suit not requiring a power wire, Researchers plan to develop a fuel carrying backpack in hopes of having a battery that last 8 hours long and will allow mobility and the user in combat environments.

My Educational Experience Essay

My education began in first grade in 1974. My state didn’t mandate kindergarten, so my parents didn’t send me, even though my brothers and sister went. It wasn’t easy for me, because school was the first place I ever got to interact with other people, mainly children, as an equal. Before school started, I was pretty much kept indoors, and not allowed to have contact with other people, except for members of my own family. Being the youngest, I was looked down upon as being inferior, a lower class citizen, and basically, a big joke. During the first 5 years of my life, I figured that was all I was entitled to, and even though I hated it, I lived with it. In first grade, I had to interact with other kids for the first time, which wasn’t easy. I did eventually learn that I could be an equal to them, and soon settled down into school. The quality of education that first year wasn’t bad, I learned a lot and grew a lot during that year. I had great teachers too, who really gave me the help I needed. Second grade at that school was a different story though, I had a different teacher, who wasn’t very good, and seldom offered the help I needed. I was also treated like I was lower than the rest of the students. I don’t know what her problem with me was, but it set me back a great deal, both academically and emotionally. When I needed help, it wasn’t given and I was often ignored. She felt that it wasn’t worth it to help those students who needed it. Fortunately, my parents saw this and intervened, first trying to negotiate, then after that broke down, transferred me to another school. The new school was very different, being more structured than the first, and being a boys’ school. When I started, I was behind in many ways due to the problems of my previous school, but I had a dedicated teacher who helped me catch up the best she could in a short time. I remember having difficulties with cursive writing, which my new teacher helped me with, but giving me a crash course in it for a few weeks at recess every day. I did learn it, but never learned it well, and always got poor marks in penmanship as a result. I don’t fault her for that because she did the best she could under the circumstances. In other areas, I began to excel, often being on the honor roll, being one of the top students in the class. In fact, my teacher was very surprised at how I had started the school behind, and had caught up and excelled. It was nice to be appreciated, both at home and school because I did so well, and it really felt good to accomplish something. I stayed at that school for over 2 years, and had one day hoped to walk across the stage and graduate from there. It never happened because while I was in fourth grade, for some unexplained reason, my parents, who had always respected this school, began to despise it. Among their complaints were I was always doing homework, the school is a â€Å"playhouse,† and â€Å"they don’t do anything,† which I meant they offered few extracurricular activities, which was a true statement, but in my opinion, wasn’t a problem. On one occasion, I was even picked on about the khaki uniforms we had to wear, which had been worn by my brothers at different schools with no complaints at all from my parents. They constantly harassed me knocking everything about the school and eventually, I gave in and agreed to go to another school, the same school my sister was attending. This new school was totally different from the previous school. It was coed, the classes were larger, and seemed to put academics in lower regard than I was used to. I was also introduced to the concept of â€Å"school spirit,† the mindless blind following and support of your school regardless of what they do. I also learned that being a boy who was not athletic was a serious strike against me, since they valued football and other sports over everything else. At my other school, we had always had textbooks that were current and up to date. At this new school, the books were often old and falling apart, if we were lucky enough to get one. During the second and last year I was there, fifth grade, I was basically forced to support my sister in her school band activities, in order to show â€Å"school spirit,† something I had no interest in. I was dragged to every single football game, which I didn’t enjoy at all, and even worse, my parents often tried to make me praise her and tell her how much I enjoyed it, which I didn’t. I would rather have stayed home taking it easy, than sitting in the cold stands being blasted with wind and rain, as we sometimes had to endure. I was also dragged to parades she marched in, and often had to listen to her complain about having to do it. My view was to exercise a little free will and not worry about it, but was told, â€Å"it’s a school activity.† She made a choice to play in the band, why not live with the consequences. One other new experience I had there was being used for slave labor. Since I wasn’t an athlete, I often spent P.E. periods picking up trash on the grounds, which many times, made me miss afternoon classes. In spite of my parents’ complaints, this practice continued. Fortunately, I was taken out of that school, not because of my difficulties, but because of the poor teachers my sister was forced to endure. Sixth grade was my first and only year in Catholic school. What was really strange was we wore khaki uniforms, the same design I had worn only a year and a half before, that my mother said were â€Å"awful looking.† I was also a hard year partially because of the previous summer, which was spent not doing things I liked, but having to go into the swimming pool everyday on my sister and mother’s command. That summer was so humiliating that I often couldn’t look at myself in the mirror, because I felt like a puppet, dancing on my mothers’ and my sisters’ strings. That year was difficult because many of the students didn’t accept me, because I was a transfer student, and I often felt like less of a person because of the humiliating summer I spent before. I also had a hard time going to my parents, since the previous summer had showed me they didn’t’ really care about how I felt or if I had a problem, but instead about forced conformity. It also seemed like my parents had something to prove to this school, which I don’t understand. In one instance, I had to write about what I had done that day, and my mother was determined I would put no TV on that piece, because she wanted to show I didn’t watch TV, which wasn’t true. She does often lie to get what she wants and even when caught sees no problem with it, but will not tolerate anyone else lying to get their way. At the end of the school year, my mother asked me if I wanted to have a swimming party for my class, to which I responded no. She went to my teacher and set one up anyway, which showed me how little my feelings meant to her. I didn’t know how to swim, and had no interest in it, yet she would do anything to force me to swim, enjoy it, and even devote my entire life to it. I honestly believe her goal was to eliminate everything from my life excluding school and swimming, a life I couldn’t have survived. Seventh grade was another school I was sent to because of my sister, she was going there so I had to go there. I did not at all fit in, mainly because most of the students in my class had been expelled from other schools, and I hadn’t. I also had incompetent teachers, many of whom were employed there solely, by the principal’s own admission, worked cheap. I was very unhappy there, not only for these reasons, but because I was discriminated against not only at school, but at home as well. At school, our class was banned from many events, because of a few problem students. That didn’t bother me much, but I also got discrimination at home. My sister would often brag to people about how I spent my summers as her slave because I had to drop anything I wanted to do when she wanted to swim, and often had other students call me â€Å"Igor† after the hunchback assistant in the old horror movies. If I ever said anything derogatory to or about my sister, I would be punished, yet she did all of these things to me, and even admitted to our parents she had done it, but was never punished. In fact, they often said that it was impossible for a girl to be bad, that only boys are bad. The school seemed to preach the same thing, in fact, she was once in a fight and there were no consequences, I was and was punished at school and at home. She should have been punished too but instead she was able to brag to my parents and everyone else about fighting, with no consequences. Another incident of discrimination was with my sister’s English class and my Math class. We both had to deal with incompetent teachers, who were neither certified nor held degrees. The classes were impossible and we learned little. What our parents did was to go down to the school and arrange for her to get special treatment, meaning the principal would teach her personally, while I got nothing. I felt if she got out, why shouldn’t I? When I said this, I got no answer, no discussion, other than â€Å"That’s just the way it is.† Fortunately, I only stayed one year at this school, which was more than enough. However, I wasn’t out of the woods, I had to spend another summer of forced swimming with my sister, which again, made my life miserable. Eighth grade was my first and only year in public school. My mother made numerous promises to me about how it would be better than anything else, but it wasn’t. I was basically harassed again, for being a transfer student, and because my voice had changed before everyone else’s. A lot of the students constantly grunted at me to make fun of my voice, and nobody would do anything about it. My parents said it had nothing to do with my voice, but instead, was because I â€Å"act goofy,† yet would never explain to me what I did that was so bad. I was very miserable, I didn’t know what to do, and suffered day in and day out, and many times, wanted to end my life. What finally brought down my life there was I didn’t participate in an optional project for the science class, and as a result, my science teacher, the only teacher out of six, wouldn’t recommend me for a gifted program, something my parents took very hard. Ever since, even now 18 years la ter, they call me uncooperative. I was also punished for the entire summer, being barred from TV, music, reading, and any other activity I found pleasurable, being allowed nothing but swimming when my sister wanted me to because â€Å"getting in that pool everyday will build you up until you are a human being again.† My sister in the mean time attended public school, and also refused to activities she didn’t want to do. She was downgraded by her English teacher for not doing some optional projects as well but was she punished, or course not. Our parents simply went to the school board, and got her grades changed, from C to A, and was given me as a swimming slave for the summer. I didn’t understand this, she gets a reward for her behavior, and I get punished. I guess my parents don’t believe in punishing girls, I don’t know. My sister went to college, but I ended up in another so-called Christian school. During my first year, I refused to be put through â€Å"Freshman Hell Week,† in which senior students are allowed to humiliate freshman for a whole week. To me, that sort of behavior had no business in school, and was far from the strict environment my parents told me it would be. What added insult to injury that year was when my parents saw the yearbook and pictures of Hell Week, my mother actually said â€Å"You should have gotten together with them and acted goofy.† First I’m accused for allegedly â€Å"acting goofy,† and them I’m criticized for not â€Å"acting goofy.† This makes absolutely no sense. My high school years weren’t very happy. My grades were ok, but I didn’t like it at all. I was often picked on because I didn’t do extracurricular activities, I didn’t date, and basically thought there was a world beyond football, proms, and cheerleaders. The worst came my junior year, I was turned down for the honor society, and my parents at first, thought it was politics, then turned against me condemning me for having no personality, not being nice enough, participating in no activities, and not being â€Å"glib,† which has been an obsession of theirs ever since. They often condemned me for believing that school grades are based on work, instead of personality, something I never understood, since I was nice and didn’t make any trouble for anyone. My senior year was uneventful, thank goodness, and I was glad to be out of that place. Many people complain about the ineptness of our public schools and want vouchers and other initiatives to privatize education. My experiences tell me this will not work. Many of the private schools I went to were no better and even worse than public schools. The public school I attended had textbooks for each student; I can’t say that about a few of the private schools I was associated with. In addition, the excellent school I went to between second and forth grade is now closed, due to lack of enrollment, while the football school continues to stay in operation. My school years were very painful for me, not only for what I went through at school, for what I went through at home, where it was often preached, â€Å"nothing matters but school and swimming.† If I made poor grades, I was punished, but if my sister did the same thing, it was the school’s fault. One day, I know I will completely heal of it all, but now, I’m just working towards that day. The answer is out there; I just have to find it. Amen.

Human Vomit essays

Human Vomit essays Durante este periodo de evaluacin la calidad de su trabajo se ha mejorado. Ud. ha manejado bien su presupuesto y recursos y ha evitado gastos innecesarios. Ud. ha estado al dà ­a con las plizas de la compan. Con respeto a sus relaciones con otros tengo que destacar el trato bueno de su personal y su facilidad para trabajar en equipo. Ud. trabaja atentamente con sus compan me han dicho que Ud. siempre cumple sus promesas y hace caso a su bienestar. Ud. proyecta una imagen de honradez y promueve confianza en nuestra compa Ud. es un comerciante muy competente y demuestra un potencial excelente y un afn de superacin fuerte. No obstante, hasta el presente, su trabajo aà ºn sufre por problemas en el manejo del tiempo y la productividad. Aunque no hemos recibido ninguna queja de sus clientes, nos hemos preocupado de la cantidad de trabajo que ha producido y sobre su habilidad de ponerse en un horario ms consistente(el à ºltimo mes, por ejemplo, a menudo lleg tarde y sali pronto casi cada dà ­a y est acostumbrado a tener largas conversaciones telefnicas personales). Le pedimos que tenga presente que para ser lucrativa nuestra compan. Esperamos que pensar en su futuro con nosotros y destacar sà ­ mismo para mejorarse en este aspecto de su trabajo. Ud. tiene el derecho a responder por escrito a esta evaluacin. ...

Milton and Our First Parents Essay

Milton and Our First Parents Essay Free Online Research Papers Milton and Our First Parents Essay John Milton’s character of Satan is quite unique compared to most classical literary portrayals; he does not fit the classical caricature of, for example, Dante’s gargantuan three-headed demon, or the contemporary view of the fiery nymph equipped with horns and goats’ feet. He seems rather a dynamic character with whom it is easy to sympathize, harshly cast out of heaven because of his poorly constructed violent and prideful nature. He is in some sense heroic, and thus quite sophisticated and charismatic. In the human world, it is certainly this sort of man that is most easily able to tempt and win over a vain woman- and then our author introduces the nature of Eve. Milton’s portrayal of Eve in Paradise Lost as a quietly vain and ambitious being indicates her character weakness and subsequent pivotal role in the Fall. Despite the differences in ambition and obedience between our two first parents, they are similarly both portrayed as extremely majestic beings. They are naked and ignorantly happy; they cannot progress in knowledge in their state, but they are blissfully enjoying the emotional and sensuous joys of their innocent condition. Even Satan, having greater knowledge than Adam and Eve, looks upon them with envy and mourns his fallen state: â€Å"Invincible: abashed the Devil stood, / And felt how awful goodness is, and saw / Virtue in her shape how lovely, saw, and pined / His loss†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (108). Especially in Book IV, Milton focuses most of his attention on depicting the attributes and desires of Eve. There are two central characteristics of Eve on which he concentrates; both have to deal with her intrinsic womanhood. The first is her inherent inferiority to Adam- she can only contact God through her husband, and her only purpose for existence is dependent on him: â€Å"O thou for whom / And from whom I was formed flesh of thy flesh, / And without whom am to no end†¦Ã¢â‚¬  (97). And again, to Adam, â€Å"My author and disposer, what thou bidd’st / Unargued I obey; so God ordains, / God is thy law, thou mine: to know no more / Is woman’s happiest knowledge and her praise† (102, italics added). If one defines sexist as simple gender inequality, it is evident that Milton is certainly sexist in this portrayal. It is obvious that through these passages, he is creating a hierarchy congruent with the general views of 17th century Europe- man seemingly ca n exist and function without woman, but woman is a byproduct of and has no existence without man. The second peculiar characteristic of Eve is her vanity. From the outset of Book IV, we are treated to an account of Eve recollecting her creation. She peers into a lake in Eden and sees her reflection- at first she is captivated by its beauty without knowledge of what it actually is, but she is soon informed and not only loves it, but is tempted to turn back to the lake when she sees Adam’s inferior beauty. The fact that Milton initiates his character sketch of Eve with a description of her vanity indicates its importance and subsequent role in the Fall. John Milton wrote his epic poem at least in part in attempt to describe the rationale for evil in the world and the fallen state of the human race; Eve here seemingly represents the female gender as a whole and Milton is representing the general vanity of women. From vanity comes ambition- such is the case when Eve has her dream at the beginning of Book V. She dreams that she is guided to eat the fruit of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, and by doing so, she becomes a goddess and ascends to heaven. Vanity often consists of viewing oneself as greater than one actually is, and Eve’s approval and excitement about the dream here indicates her ambitious desire to be a goddess. Again, the contrast between the two genders is amplified by Adam’s disapproval and disturbance with the dream. Milton paints a clear portrayal of our first mother- her excitement with the notion of disobeying God indicates her spiritual inferiority to Adam; her weakness of vanity stamps a further convincing argument on her potential to fall to this character flaw and disobey God. Surely, if Satan were to choose someone to tempt to partake of the fruit and initiate the Fall, these attributes would prove quite convincing in his choice to select Eve as his tool to frustrate the happiness of God’s creation. Research Papers on Milton and Our First Parents EssayComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoHonest Iagos Truth through DeceptionEffects of Television Violence on ChildrenMind TravelThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseWhere Wild and West MeetBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XRelationship between Media Coverage and Social and19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraAnalysis Of A Cosmetics Advertisement

joining seo

joining seo Deven Wise Leadership of Public Service H.SSection 4: Applicant short response sectionShort response #1:I believe that at the time and extent that we as American's in a diverse society that we are in a bad time right now, where many families are fasted by loosing their jobs, and not being able to get their raise or the money that they really deserve to get. Those families that are suffering with not able to support their family wont be able to feed their family correctly or buy their family things that they want and need. I believe that if the country stays the way it is that this country "America" will be in bad shape and will be heading for some trouble.My opinion and my family's opinion we think that it really isn't fair that people that work for their entire life that cant even get the money that they are suppose to get, but on the other hand millionaires and billionaires that are already rich can still get richer and richer.That's why as I walk to school in the morning and after noon I still see protestors that want to stop Wall Street and their millionaire thieves from stealing. The reason why that I had chose the issue as a national was because what I had wrote I really feel that if the country really stays the way it is it will be a bad country, many, and many American workers really get fed up of what the politicians are doing and how they govern new yorkShort response #2:I have couple of reasons why that I want to be apart of the "SEO" program is for I really want to be apart of a program that really helps you and gives...

Current Strategy of Apple & its Competitive Advantage Case Study

Current Strategy of Apple & its Competitive Advantage - Case Study Example Later on, from 1980s many of the companies decided to diversify their business so that they both can be provided as a complete package. Among these companies, IBM was the first to emerge as the market leader in manufacturing personal computer, different software and other computer-related accessories (Bergin, 2001, p.25). In this report, the prevailing competitive strategy of Apple Plc will be evaluated in the light of internal as well as external strategies and policies followed by the company as well as its competitors. After analyzing the findings of the research, the key strategic issues related to the Apple will be discussed and then a few alternative opinions will be suggested that will assist the company to retain a sustainable competitive position in the computer and electronics industry. The history of Apple has not been very encouraging. Profitability had eluded the company for long and its market shares were hardly commendable. In the mid 90s, the company faced stiff competition from its rival operating in the same industry. The CEO of the company took all possible actions to expand its market share by minimizing the operating cost through outsourcing and other such allied activities. Despite these efforts, Apple was fast losing its appeal among the customers as a product that promises innovation and creativity. As soon as Steve Jobs took up the position of CEO, the market position of Apple saw an immediate reversal of fortunes. The CEO, with its maverick leadership style, made Apple one of the names to be reckoned in the international market. The core strategy of Apple can be summed up as constant innovation leading to the eventual betterment of its product offering. Steve Jobs firmly believes that innovation is not just a science but it is also an art. Such philosophy has lent Apple technological superiority along with aesthetic appeal. The CEO of the company maintains a ‘closed miniature technology-economy’ that assists the company to develop its unique environment.

Supervision and Leadership Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Supervision and Leadership - Essay Example This paper highlights that leadership is not about management. Leadership focuses on the top line and Management focuses on the bottom line. While managers focus on the numbers, leaders focus on people. Management is doing things right whereas leadership is doing the right things. Team building and vision are the core of leadership. Leadership is all about building peak performing teams, teams focused on accomplishing goals. Leaders are able to effectively communicate and motivate the team to perform the set goals. As the report stresses leaders face the challenge of being part of a group while simultaneously leading it. This is hard to do well and requires a mix of skill, hard work, initiative, and discretion. A leader’s ultimate responsibility is the management of the group: ensuring safety, while providing an experience for the participants. Leaders work to make the expedition run smoothly and work together to ensure the project aims are met. A good leader recognizes that they cannot do everything and they have to involve their team. Many of the leader’s responsibilities can be delegated to members of the group. Leaders should remember that for many tasks, demonstration is better than explanation. Leaders must monitor progress against: the targets, the motivation and the enthusiasm of the team; the suitability of individuals for specific jobs; and many other items.

Antient Ages in Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Antient Ages in Anthropology - Essay Example Asian and European people were among the first to use the metal technology. Due to this, and the constant interaction between men, the technology had o spread through other parts of the world even though at a very slow rate. Some of the tools that came with the invention of metals include; spears, swords, arrow heads knife, and farming implements like hoes ploughs etc. These tools were stronger than stone tools and made work much easier to complete. For example when people went to war, spears and arrows were used against the enemies who was some distance off. Knifes were used for cutting meat as well as trimming grass and other thorny areas not to forget that they acted as digging instruments to dig out weeds (Maret, 39).After the metal age, came the METAL BRONZE AGE. This type of technology was mainly used by Asians and Africans around 3rd BC. It was used to make chariots, tablets for writing on as well as housing materials. At this moment of time, copper was invented. Copper later became the most valuable metal due to its ability to conduct electricity.Bronze was used in palaces to make cups, trays, statues of kings, plates, table’s kilns pots, floors and armor for the soldiers who went to battle (Wolf, 89). Anthropology is all about man’s existence all through times to the present day. It describes the technological trends that man has been able to go through to be in his present position. The ages can be described as the STONE AGE 2nd BC from Ethopia to Egypt in Africa .

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies Assignment

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies - Assignment Example Through strategic positioning of the products and services of Skype, Microsoft strategically noticed the level of usage of Skype, through the voice and video calling application in addition to other features. Strategically, the acquisition connected the business of Microsoft Corporation and blended well with other services and products of this corporation. This also facilitated the strategic evaluation of the priorities of its products, as well as the development of business strategies of the corporation (Gaughan, 2010). The fact that Skype was a computer to computer based telephone program, made it even more ideal for Microsoft Corporation. Once it was acquired, the corporation was able to provide voice services to its wide range of clients across the globe, and this placed the corporation strategically for providing a wide range of services. This was not only a strategic decision for marketing the products of the corporation, but also a wise move that has seen the corporation incre ase its market share (Frankel, 2007). The justification for the opinion is that Microsoft is able to generate revenue through Skype, both locally and internationally through the services of the acquisition. This is facilitated by the fact that the services are computer based, and thus cheaper than the rates of other companies (Ulijn, 2010). Identification of a probable candidate corporation that has not been involved in mergers or acquisitions, and explanations why this company would be a profitable target Although mergers and acquisitions are applied by corporations strategically to finance and effectively manage the dealings of the corporation, through effective combination of various companies as well as similar entities that have a common enterprise for effective and rapid growth, there are corporations that have purely ignored this corporate strategy. Most corporations purchase companies and business entities for the purpose of combining their enterprise strategies (Gaughan, 20 10). An evaluation of the business-level strategy and one corporate-level strategy of a corporation that operates internationally, which is recommended for improvement The practice has clearly demonstrated that corporations that operate at the international level are subjected to more barriers and risks, due to the dynamic changes associated with the various regions across the globe. For the purpose of effective management of these risks, there is need for such corporations to evaluate the business-level strategies for the purpose of realizing the true value of conducting business at the international level (Frankel, 2007). A business-level strategy is fundamental for increasing the business value of any corporation. It is a very critical point for the corporation to identify and apply and appropriate business-level strategy. The practice of mergers and acquisitions has been applied by most corporations for the purpose of realizing the business-level strategies that are ideal for th eir cases. It is a very common trend which has seen most international corporations change their image in order for them to meet the demands and values of the consumer base. Apple has ideally identified such features through its technologically marketing strategies. The corporation has adopted modern quality appeals to

A Modest Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A Modest Proposal - Essay Example Patrick’s Cathedral as Dean. He is known for his marvelous works such as Gulliver’s Travels, A journey to Stella and The Battle of Books etc. In this essay he proposes a method to mitigate the tense and misery in the life of the poverty stricken Irish people. While describing the family conditions of the beggars and the woeful economic situation of the Irish laborers who couldn’t feed their family and their infants, Swift points out a â€Å"surplus† of those infants who could not be fed. By considering the possibility of selling the children into slavery once they reach at the age of twelve, he objects that scheme, not because of the brutality in that scheme but because of its impracticality. Swift said that twelve years is a long time in which a child cannot be fed because of the fragile conditions of his parents, and that he came to know from his acquaintance in America that a one year old child in good healthis : â€Å"a most delicious, nourishing and wholesome Food, whether Stewed, Roasted, Baked or Boiled†(Swift, n.p.). From this point onwards, Swift supports his idea of subjecting the children into cannibalism at earlier age than to nurse the child for twelve years. Following this scheme the mother of the child has only one year to milk him/her so as to make him/her a perfect food for the upper class. After selling her child she would get enough time to work until she is pregnant again. He also showed that this idea if implied would help in reducing the Catholics too, as a Catholic child breeds rapidly as compared to a Protestant child. People could make use of their skin as well. Next he discusses the recipe for older children but refutes it because the meat of an older child would never be as fresh as the infant’s meat. He concludes with six advantages of this scheme and says that nobody should object his proposal until and unless somebody comes with a genuine counter argument and that this entire proposal is in the favor of the Irish prosperity. Critical Analysis Jonathan Swift is known for his satirical writings about the political situation prevailing at that time in his country and the snide comments about the unjust policies of his time. In this article he talked about the somber and murky situation of the poor people of Ireland and the condition of the streets and public places full of beggars followed by a team of their ill conditioned children. The mother of such children instead of earning are forced to beg their infants. All this strive for those children who would either turn themselves into thieves (because of the deprivation of basic necessities), or sell themselves to Barbados or fight for Spain, provide no actual benefit to the country. This fragile and solemn condition of these helpless infants adds more to the already present country grieves. Having explained this weird condition in a melancholic tone he suddenly shocked the audience by his own seemingly a very ruthless an d brutal solution of the problem. He calculates and shows the result that a 12 year breeding of children and then selling them is an impractical scheme and that it costs too much to the parents. However by using a very shrewd stance and highlighting all the negative aspects of the aforesaid scheme he puts forward his own idea of subjecting the infants to cannibalism at the age of one year. The audience had not yet recovered from the shock his seemingly hysteric and madding ideaand he started giving the calculations regarding the saving of a family who follows this proposal. He continued to explain the need of such an idea which if implemented save a thousands of currency per annum. At this point one reading all this juxtaposition of problem and solution would think that the author of this essay could be a serial killer or a

Humana Insurance Hispanic Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Humana Insurance Hispanic Market - Essay Example Speaking of various backgrounds, Humana is also servicing the individuals or customers from varied ethnic backgrounds including the Hispanics. With Hispanics constituting a sizable portion of the population in US, organizations operating in various sectors including the ones in the Insurance sector like Humana are giving extra focus to this section of the population. Although, Humana is carrying out customer friendly strategies in regards to Hispanics, specifically the strategy of localization or customization, when viewed in an overall manner, it is not doing it effectively, and so if it can optimize or improve that strategy, it can give Humana the competitive advantage in relation to the Hispanics Market. According to US Census Bureau, more than 50 million Hispanics currently live in the United States, comprising about 17 percent of the total U.S. population. (Black, 2013). Although, Hispanics are a varied ethnic population, differing in the aspects of country of origin, race, etc., they speak the common language of Spanish. Their population is on the rise and that is making impacts on the health sector as well. â€Å"They are the fastest growing racial or ethnic population in the United States today and are expected to comprise approximately 30 percent of the total US population by 2050.† (Black, 2013). Despite witnessing fast growing rates, the Hispanics continue to face discrepancies regarding health coverage as well as care, thereby making them â€Å"the highest uninsured rate among racial/ethnic groups, with nearly one in three lacking coverage† (Black, 2013). These facts about the Hispanics, apart from reflecting how they are not completely covered under insurance , also brings out the key point of how they are a strong prospective customer base for the insurance companies including Humana. In that direction, Humana has

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies Assignment

Merger, Acquisition, and International Strategies - Assignment Example Through strategic positioning of the products and services of Skype, Microsoft strategically noticed the level of usage of Skype, through the voice and video calling application in addition to other features. Strategically, the acquisition connected the business of Microsoft Corporation and blended well with other services and products of this corporation. This also facilitated the strategic evaluation of the priorities of its products, as well as the development of business strategies of the corporation (Gaughan, 2010). The fact that Skype was a computer to computer based telephone program, made it even more ideal for Microsoft Corporation. Once it was acquired, the corporation was able to provide voice services to its wide range of clients across the globe, and this placed the corporation strategically for providing a wide range of services. This was not only a strategic decision for marketing the products of the corporation, but also a wise move that has seen the corporation incre ase its market share (Frankel, 2007). The justification for the opinion is that Microsoft is able to generate revenue through Skype, both locally and internationally through the services of the acquisition. This is facilitated by the fact that the services are computer based, and thus cheaper than the rates of other companies (Ulijn, 2010). Identification of a probable candidate corporation that has not been involved in mergers or acquisitions, and explanations why this company would be a profitable target Although mergers and acquisitions are applied by corporations strategically to finance and effectively manage the dealings of the corporation, through effective combination of various companies as well as similar entities that have a common enterprise for effective and rapid growth, there are corporations that have purely ignored this corporate strategy. Most corporations purchase companies and business entities for the purpose of combining their enterprise strategies (Gaughan, 20 10). An evaluation of the business-level strategy and one corporate-level strategy of a corporation that operates internationally, which is recommended for improvement The practice has clearly demonstrated that corporations that operate at the international level are subjected to more barriers and risks, due to the dynamic changes associated with the various regions across the globe. For the purpose of effective management of these risks, there is need for such corporations to evaluate the business-level strategies for the purpose of realizing the true value of conducting business at the international level (Frankel, 2007). A business-level strategy is fundamental for increasing the business value of any corporation. It is a very critical point for the corporation to identify and apply and appropriate business-level strategy. The practice of mergers and acquisitions has been applied by most corporations for the purpose of realizing the business-level strategies that are ideal for th eir cases. It is a very common trend which has seen most international corporations change their image in order for them to meet the demands and values of the consumer base. Apple has ideally identified such features through its technologically marketing strategies. The corporation has adopted modern quality appeals to

Humana Insurance Hispanic Market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Humana Insurance Hispanic Market - Essay Example Speaking of various backgrounds, Humana is also servicing the individuals or customers from varied ethnic backgrounds including the Hispanics. With Hispanics constituting a sizable portion of the population in US, organizations operating in various sectors including the ones in the Insurance sector like Humana are giving extra focus to this section of the population. Although, Humana is carrying out customer friendly strategies in regards to Hispanics, specifically the strategy of localization or customization, when viewed in an overall manner, it is not doing it effectively, and so if it can optimize or improve that strategy, it can give Humana the competitive advantage in relation to the Hispanics Market. According to US Census Bureau, more than 50 million Hispanics currently live in the United States, comprising about 17 percent of the total U.S. population. (Black, 2013). Although, Hispanics are a varied ethnic population, differing in the aspects of country of origin, race, etc., they speak the common language of Spanish. Their population is on the rise and that is making impacts on the health sector as well. â€Å"They are the fastest growing racial or ethnic population in the United States today and are expected to comprise approximately 30 percent of the total US population by 2050.† (Black, 2013). Despite witnessing fast growing rates, the Hispanics continue to face discrepancies regarding health coverage as well as care, thereby making them â€Å"the highest uninsured rate among racial/ethnic groups, with nearly one in three lacking coverage† (Black, 2013). These facts about the Hispanics, apart from reflecting how they are not completely covered under insurance , also brings out the key point of how they are a strong prospective customer base for the insurance companies including Humana. In that direction, Humana has

Assessment learning Essay Example for Free

Assessment learning Essay 1. What are the functions, concepts and principles of assessment in learning and development? (1. 1, 1. 2) The function of assessment is a way to measure a learner’s competence against agreed standards and criteria. The awarding body of the particular qualification will have an assessment strategy what will state which criteria needs to be met to complete the mandatory and optional units and the best method for acquiring the evidence. A range of methods will be used to judge whether a candidate has demonstrated the skills, knowledge and understanding to be competent against the criteria. The assessor will need to ask themselves if the assessment process when put into practice will be: Fair – the given activities during assessment are relevant to the candidates needs and reasonable adjustments are made so not to disadvantage any person. Reliable – If the assessment was carried out by a different assessor, in a different place, the results would be consistent. Valid – the assessment is suitable to the qualification being assessed. Safe and manageable – the assessor must not put unnecessary demands on the candidate or their work colleagues in the place of occupation. Suitable for the candidates needs – before planning an assessment the assessor would need to take into account the candidates needs, their subject requirements and take into consideration any prior learning, additionally, plan suitable methods to be used. The assessment cycle to ensure the learner has met the performance and knowledge criteria required to achieve the qualification achieved all aspects of the qualification successfully. The cycle will begin with the initial assessment which will establish any prior learning or experience of the subject to be taken and will identify individual learner’s needs. Furthermore, diagnostic tests can recognize if a learner has for instance, dyslexia. The second part of the cycle will be the assessment planning, where the assessor and learner agree on the methods to be used for evidence, set target dates and who will be involved, such as, work colleagues. Thirdly, the assessment activity will establish which methods to judge whether a candidate has demonstrated the skills, knowledge and understanding to achieve the required standard. The penultimate part of the cycle will be where the assessor makes a decision as to whether the standard has been met and provide feedback to the learner. Lastly, progress will be reviewed and any changes to the assessment activities can be made. The assessor will use a range of Benchmarking will be used to ensure the learner’s performance is on target against the accepted standard of the subject area. This data will contribute to the quality assurance and development of best practice. 2. What is the role and responsibilities of the assessor? (1. 3) The role of the assessor is required to be competent and knowledgeable with the standards of the awarding body so they can explain the criteria to the candidate, thus the learner knows what they are working towards. Subsequent to the assessment planning an initial assessment needs to have been carried out to identify any individual needs, prior learning, skills and knowledge the learner may have. When planning the assessment the assessor should have the relevant information of where the learner works and what they do, this will ensure the correct units will be covered and correct methods are chosen. The assessor will use the assessment plan as a tool for assessing the learner’s competence and knowledge against the agreed criterion ensuring that it is fair, valid and reliable. The assessor must clearly record all assessment decisions and show which criteria was met. Each conducted assessment will record achievements accurately and any evidence provided by the learner must be checked by the assessor to ensure it is authentic. To ensure confidentiality the information will be available to share with those with a legitimate interest. After the assessment the assessor will provide constructive feedback to the learner concerning their achievements as soon as possible and identify any gaps in the learner’s knowledge and skills. At this stage the candidate will either plan to be reassessed or progress onto  the next assessment. The assessor will be responsible to the organisation, occupational standards and awarding organisation when planning, managing and delivering assessment and must maintain good practice and follow legislation throughout to maintain the integrity of the qualification. 3. Explain the regulations and requirements relevant to assessment in own area of practice(1. 4, 3. 4, 3. 5, 8. 1) The assessor will be required to follow a range of policies and practises set by the regulatory bodies of standards, for example, Ofqual, Sector skills council, Institute of learning. Other regulations such as, health and safety, equality and diversity, data protection, risk assessment, etc will be discussed below. It is the responsibility of the assessor to ensure that the above are carried out during the assessment process. For example, the assessor must abide by the health and safety rules of the candidates work place and report any unsafe practice or dangerous equipment. The need of wearing protective clothing and safety shoes may be required. The assessor or internal verifier must only intervene with an assessment is if the health and safety is placing someone in danger. Under the management of health and safety at work regulation 1999, the assessor must assess the risks to prevent any hazardous practices and locate information on who holds the first aid certificate and what the fire and emergency course of action is. The assessor is responsible to carry out a risk assessment to safeguard the learner during assessment and establish any risks which may occur during the assessment activities in the work place. While there is always a possibility of risk in any every day occurrence, the assessor has a duty of care to notify of the risk and advice of the possible outcome regarding safety. It is the assessor’s responsibility to ensure all documentary evidence is kept safe during external assessments and data kept secure. Any assessor who works with vulnerable adults or children will be required to have a criminal records bureau check before being allowed to work in that occupational area. The check will identify any unsuitable person and must be used to protect and safe guard adults and children at risk. The disability discrimination act legislated that no disabled person should be discriminated against because of a disability, whether it is a physical or mental impairment. In 2002 and 2005 the act was extended to include educational organisations. This meant that suitable provisions must be made for disabled persons to overcome any physical barriers and not be treated less favourably because of their disability. The initial assessment should clarify if the learner has any particular learning needs or disabilities to ensure equality and diversity needs are met. The assessor has a duty to ensure no learner is discriminated against; everyone has an equal opportunity for learning and development. Assessment activities should reflect the diversity of the learner, for example, culture, language and ethnicity and not be biased to the person who produced them. Every person is entitled to learn in a safe environment, whether it be the assessor or learner. It is illegal to inflict corporal punishment on anyone and if restraint is required then it must follow the organisations strict guidelines on discipline. The copyright, Designs and Patents Act (1988) is one that the assessor should discuss with the learner at the start of the assessment process as it relates to the authenticity of their own work and products. It is unlawful to use someone else’s work as their own without referencing to the rightful owner, as this is plagiarism. The assessor must always ensure the learner signs and dates their own work, especially if it has been prepared on the computer for acknowledgement that they are the original owner. The assessor will have confidential information about their learners, such as, name, age, birth date on record and under the Data Protection Act all this information must be kept confidential and secure. If the information is kept on a computer, then it should be protected with a password that protects against other entering the system. If the information is paper based then it must be kept in a filing cabinet which is lockable. The learner can request to see any information held about them under The Freedom of Information Act 2002, so it is important to back up copies, if electronically stored in case of being deleted. The information should not be kept longer than necessary and the holder will need to register as a data user if the period is over 2 months. There may some occupational areas which require the candidate to wear a uniform, for example, a white tunic top if working in a restaurant or protective clothing, such as, reflective jacket, hard hat and safety boots if on a construction site. The assessor will need to dress in accordance with the health and safety regulations when doing an assessment in the work place with the learner. Once the assessor has qualified they must register with the Institute for Learning and keep up with their continuing professional development. It is crucial that the assessor abide by the code of professional practice to ensure they are working to the same standard and not under achieving. If the former should happen then it could have a dramatic effect on the assessment centre quality assurance when the external verifier carries out an inspection visit twice a year. To ensure standards are being met and claim for certification is valid the external verifier will need to see a mixture of the candidate’s files and interview a variety of assessors. If the standards have been met and the external verifier is satisfied that the correct procedures are being followed the centre will receive a grade of 1-2. Unfortunately if the centre receives a grade of 3-5 then there is a possibility that they could have the direct claim status and registration suspended until the matter is resolved. 4. Explain the strengths and limitations of at least 4 different assessment methods, making reference to how each method can meet the needs of individual learners. (2. 1) ASSESSMENT METHOD Observation Strengths. The observation method is an excellent opportunity for the assessor to take a holistic approach during assessment; benefits are the assessment is viewed by the assessor, thus the evidence is authentic, plus, cost and time effective. The holistic assessment can be time consuming so the assessor will need to plan the assessment so they can identify which learning outcomes from all units can be demonstrated at the same time. Knowledge based and performance based assessment can be linked with evidence which is natural occurring. The method meets a learners needs as they can carry on their normal work practice. If any prior learning evidence can be presented, such as a certificate or witness statement and/or a professional discussion at the end of the assessment. Limitations It is necessary the assessor and candidate agree for a suitable time and place for the observation to take place. If the assessment is to be cost effective then the evidence must be collected during a busy time when the most evidence can be collected. If a witness testimony is to be used the assessor must find a suitable person who has witnessed the learner do the task, this must be arranged beforehand. The assessor must ensure that the candidate is confident enough to demonstrate their competence or else it could discourage them and waste time. The assessor must remain open minded throughout the observation and not offer advice or interfere even if they feel the candidate is doing something wrong. Assignments Strengths Assignments are an excellent opportunity for the learner to demonstrate knowledge and use research skills. The assignment can be set out so several aspects of qualification can be assessed. The learner needs are met as they are able to work at their own pace and in their own time. Limitations The learner must be had been taught all aspects of the syllabus beforehand. The assignment could be time consuming to write and may not be suitable to learners who have literacy difficulties, work full time or have families to support. The assessor must assess each assignment individually and provide written feedback. Witness Testimony Strengths The witness can confirm competence or achievements of the learner as they will have observed them in their normal practice of work, someone who works with the candidate to confirm the learner’s competence in a certain area of criteria. The learner may feel more confident displaying skills in front of a colleague rather than being observed by the assessor. Witness statements are useful as they can fill in any gaps. The method would suit the needs of someone who is performing the task frequently. Limitations The assessor must ensure the suitability of the witness and that they are experienced in the occupational area, the assessor needs to confirm this by seeing evidence, such as a copy of their CV or certificates. The witness statement must be authentic and the assessor will need to check this. A witness cannot confirm the learner’s competence as they are not an assessor. Oral questions and answers Strengths The assessor could use questioning as a way to meet gaps in evidence; questions could be adapted to meet the criteria. A question could be used to increase the candidates thinking about a certain task rather than performing it. Furthermore, it gives the assessor an insight as to how much knowledge the candidate has in their occupational area. This method could be used during an observation or used later after the observation; it would meet the needs of a learner who has difficulty with written English. The assessor would need to know the candidate understands what is being asked in the question or else the learner may struggle to answer correctly. Limitations The assessor would need to be careful not to ask closed or leading questions as this could be viewed as being subjective as the assessor could be putting words into the learner’s mouth. The most beneficial questions would be open, probing and hypothetical to get the most from knowledge and understanding of the learner. 5. What key factors do you need to consider when planning assessment? (3. 1) WHAT. The assessor will need to discuss and be in agreement with what criteria is being met and how it is being assessed and others involved. The assessor will need to talk about what the learner’s job role entails and how this is relevant to the unit in question. This will enable the assessor to plan and agree with the learner the types of evidence most suitable for demonstrating competence and the best methods for assessment to be used. The assessor must make sure the evidence is appropriate to meet the specified performance criteria and where possible knowledge to be assessed through performance or professional discussion or questioning. The assessor must ensure the learner is ready to demonstrate their competence and understands the processes involved, for example targets. WHEN The assessor and learner will need to agree when the assessment will take place and arrange a suitable date, time and duration when the most evidence can be collected and if the holistic approach could be used to obtain evidence. It would be beneficial for the assessor if the assessment took place during a busy period of learner work activity. However, the assessor must ensure the learner is not taken away from their duties for an unnecessary length of time or cause disruption to the business operations. WHERE The assessor Assessment would ideally take place in the learner’s work place as this where the most evidence can be collected. As the assessor will be entering the learner’s work place it is important to involve the employer in the planning process. However, for non-performance evidence it could be more cost effective to assess via Skype, email or to arrange a meeting in a suitable place of convenience, not necessarily the learner’s work place. HOW The learner will want to know how the assessment will take place and what will be involved during the assessment. The assessor will need to discuss and agree with the learner the most suitable method of assessment to collect the most evidence. The assessor must ensure the assessment is fair, unbiased and cost effective by making the best use of time; if the learner is required to produce any prior evidence then this must be arranged in advance of the assessment. Holistic assessment in the learner’s work place would be beneficial for it is naturally occurring evidence. The assessor would use observation, witness testimony and professional discussion for performance evidence and multiple choice questions, verbal questioning and assignments for knowledge and understanding. The assessor will make a judgement on the evidence and decide whether the learner has demonstrated enough to meet the criteria or not. The assessor will need to arrange how and when feedback will be given to the learner to attend to any performance issues. 6. Explain the benefits of holistic assessment and how you would plan for holistic assessment (3. 2). The assessor is responsible for ensuring that methods used during holistic assessment covers several aspects of the performance and knowledge criteria from different units. This will ensure the assessment is cost effective make evidence collection and demonstration of competence more efficient. The assessor would need to plan the assessment before it took place to ensure that any particular requirements of the learner are taken into account and the assessment is adapted to meet their individual needs. For instance, holistic assessments will benefit learners who have dyslexia or literacy difficulties. Holistic observation can include oral questioning and minimize the amount of written work the learner has to do. Thus they are not excluded or disadvantaged by having learning difficulties. If the learner has a disability then the assessor should make sure the learner has extra time to complete the assessment tasks and is given any support needed. Moreover, any learner with difficulties are entitled to have reasonable adjustments made to ensure they have the equality of opportunity and support to enable them access assessment. Furthermore, if the learner has difficulties then the individual learning plan will agree short term targets for achievement, assessment strategies and review dates. The benefits of holistic assessment are that the assessor is able to observe the candidate at work in natural occurring situations. The candidate would be able to demonstrate several aspects of the qualification and cover more than one unit at the same time by taking a performance unit which incorporates parts of a knowledge unit. Holistic assessment should ideally take place in the learners work environment and the candidate’s job role should be discussed with to establish any prior learning they have, to identify which units could be covered at the same time. By doing this it would reduce the amount of visits needed to the candidate’s work place, make the best use of time and ensure the assessment is cost-effective. 7. Why is it important to involve the learner and others in the assessment process? (4. 1) A learner should be involved in the assessment process so they can understand why they are doing assessment activities and the purpose of providing evidence of competence. The candidate’s involvement will enable them to remain motivated as they will have the opportunity to add their own input, analyse their own experience and understanding. Without support the learner could become confused and lack enthusiasm, but if others, such as the assessor and employer helped them to achieve their aim, it will give the learner self motivation and encourage them to remain positive through the assessment process. At some stage of the assessment process it may be necessary for someone other than the assessor to provide evidence of the learner’s competence in the work place. The witness must be known by the learner and experienced in the candidate’s occupational area, possibly a line manager. 8. Give examples of the types of information that should be made available to learners and others involved in the assessment process (4. 2) At the initial assessment the learner will have taken a skills test which is an analysis of the learner’s skills so they are aware of current skills and areas for development. The learner should be provided with all documentation they need for the award, such as, assessment plans, individual learning plans, feedback sheets, information on the company carrying out the assessment and the assessors contact details, phone number and email address. Additionally, a copy of the complaint and appeal procedure, equality and diversity Policies, how to contact the assessor for cancelling visits and information on health and safety 9. What are the benefits of peer and self assessment? (4. 3). The benefits of peer and self assessment are the learner develops skills, such as listening, observing and questioning and has a greater involvement in their own learning process. The peer and learner can understand the role and the need for assessment better. It allows for greater understanding of the criteria for achievement and how it is judged, thus, encouraging the individual to take responsibility for their own learning. The learner will develop analytical skills and improve self awareness of strengths and weaknesses and identify opportunities for improvement. Furthermore, develop the ability not only to assess their own work but that of others, thus developing analytical skills and use reflective practice of their own performance. When a learner assesses their own progress and those of their peers, they will learn to take personal responsibility of how to make a decision and provide feedback as to why that decision was made. 10. How can assessment arrangements be adapted to meet the needs of individual learners? (4. 4). The learner is entitled to a fair assessment and the assessor needs to use the most relevant assessment methods for the learner to demonstrate their ability. The assessor must take into consideration that not all learners are the same and treat the candidate as an individual, taking into account any requirements they might have. For example, the assessor needs to consider a learner’s work pattern involved working shift patterns and agree a suitable time for assessment which does not disrupt working practice and make the most of the meeting. Furthermore, confidentiality issues must be taken into consideration and reflection of individual learning styles. If the learner has dyslexia, learning difficulties or English is the second language then the assessor must work with the learner to establish which method of assessment would be more beneficial to them. The assessor will need to vary the methods to keep the learner motivated and extra time given to learners who have difficulties and ensure the learner understands what is being said to them. Feedback should be given as soon as possible to ensure the learner remains interested and motivated. 11. Explain how you judge evidence and make assessment decisions, making reference to the criteria and assessment requirements (5. 1, 5. 2) The assessment plan will need to be agreed by the assessor and learner to which assessment methods will be used to cover the entire criteria standard. The assessor needs to ensure that the assessment is valid, authentic, efficient, fair and reliable. At least four different methods would be used during assessments; these could be observation, evidence of knowledge, witness statements and professional discussion. Any prior achievement and experience of the learner will be taken into account as long as it is relevant to assessment of their competence; it would not be cost effective to have a candidate repeat an activity they had already acquired in the past. However the assessor must have proof that evidence is authentic by either asking for a copy of certificate or a witness statement and the evidence is current and relevant to the occupational standards. The assessor will review the evidence and assess it against the required elements of the qualification, it will allow for a decision to whether the candidate is competent or not yet competent. Competence can be awarded if the evidence is: * Valid * Reliable * Sufficient * Authentic * Current * Safe The assessor must abide by the Equality Act 2010 to not discriminate or harass against protected characteristics where fairness might be compromised. 12. Explain the procedures for and importance of quality assurance and standardisation. (6. 1, 6. 2) Quality assurance is important as it ensures the national standards are being maintained. The internal verification procedures will monitor equal opportunities and access the decisions made by the assessor are fair, valid and reliable. The internal verifier will use a range of methods to confirm that the assessment is meeting the requirements of awarding bodies. Methods used could be through observation, questioning, and professional discussion or sample the portfolio. It is vital that the assessor is assessing according to regulations and guidelines from awarding bodies, qualification and credit framework and keeps accurate records from assessments to create an audit trail for internal and external verification. To ensure all assessment decisions are consistent and fair the assessor will be encouraged to attend meetings with colleagues involved with the same subject and their internal verifier, to ensure they all understand the units they are assessing and looking for similar evidence. To compare assessment decisions and share good practice with colleagues will help the assessor to develop skills, up date knowledge and personal development. However, it is not compulsory to attend the meeting, the assessor could standardise their practice by reviewing standards and documents online. 13. Explain the appeals and complaints procedure (6. 3) The assessor should provide the learner with a written copy of the complaints and appeal procedure which meets the requirements of the awarding body and discuss this with them in the assessment planning session. If at any time during the assessment process the learner has a complaint or feels a decision the assessor has made is unfair to them, then the learner will know who to go to with their issue and how it will be followed up. However, before this stage is reached the assessor should encourage an informal discussion with the learner to see if the issue can be resolved. If the learner is not confident about discussing it with the assessor then it may be necessary to involve the internal verifier. However if the complaint or appeal remains unresolved then this must be put in writing to the chief executive who will look into and respond within 5 working days. If the learner is still unsatisfied with the outcome then they can request the complaint or appeal is investigated by an independent panel, which will consist of an independent assessor and internal verifier. The panel will investigate the appeal or complaint and notify of their decision within 14 working days. If at this stage the complaint or appeal has still not been rectified then the learner should contact the awarding body – NCFE, whose details will be given once it has reached this stage. 14. Why is the management of information important? (7. 1) The assessor will need to ensure that any documentation acquired during the assessment process is following the national standards for assessment and verification and be aligned with the centre and awarding body policies. Each document must be accurate stating which assessment methods where used, whether, observation, oral or written. Furthermore, they must show that both candidate and assessor agreed to how the evidence will be obtained and the decision made as to whether it was achieved or not. It is essential that any document is signed, dated and stored correctly to ensure data protection and confidentiality. Other types of documentation could be completed log books, action plans, feedback comments, learner records or anything which records the candidate’s achievement. It is imperative that the information is managed professionally as the assessor could find themselves in breach of laws and regulations, such as, data protection Act if they fail to comply. Failure to manage information correctly could result in having complaints and appeals made against the assessor and have a dramatic effect on the assessment centre quality assurance when the external verifier carries out an inspection visit twice a year. To ensure standards are being met and claim for certification is valid the external verifier will need to see a mixture of the candidate’s files and interview a variety of assessors. If the standards have been met and the external verifier is satisfied that the correct procedures are being followed the centre will receive a grade of 1-2. Unfortunately if the centre receives a grade of 3-5 then there is a possibility that they could have sanctions placed upon them and lose their direct claim status and registration suspended until the matter is resolved. 15. Why should you give the learner feedback? (7. 2) Feedback is an important tool for learning and development and to improve performance and motivate the learner. The learner will have a better understanding of how they have progressed during assessments. After the assessor has carried out an assessment they would need to give feedback to the candidate as soon as possible by either verbal communication or written. If verbal is used via phone or face to face, then this must be backed up by a written copy. The assessor should include information about achievement in relation to the criteria and any comments should provide detailed advice on how to cover any gaps between current performance and the target aimed for. The candidate should be encouraged to ask questions regarding the feedback to help them understand how the assessor had reached their decision. This would also assist the assessor to reflect upon their role and evaluate if the assessment process was fair, valid and reliable and the assessment methods used was the most appropriate for the candidates needs. If the candidate did not meet the required standard then the assessor should give constructive feedback which would focus more on the activity or work produced rather than the candidate. Constructive feedback is part of a successful assessment as the learner will know what they have achieved or need to develop. Thus the learner will be encouraged to take more responsibility of their own learning development and deepen their understanding of the criteria. Feedback should be given on a 2. 1 scale, known as the sandwich approach. It should start with positive comments, then the areas which need to be improved; lastly, the assessor should end the feedback on a positive to encourage the candidate to keep interested, motivated and confident. 16. What are the key policies and procedures that relate to assessment? For example Bright delivery policy and NCFE policies and procedures etc. Give a brief explanation of what each one is. (8. 1) The assessor will need to follow policies and procedures additionally to those mentioned in question 3, for example: Bright’s delivery policy states the following points: Bright’s delivery policy sates the following points: †¢Once the candidates deposit has been cleared and relevant paperwork is complete the candidate will receive their registration pack within 48hrs †¢Following this the mentor will contact the candidate within 48 hours †¢Mentors can be contacted mon – fri 9am – 6pm sat 10-1 †¢Alternately leave a message and the mentor will contact the candidate within 4 hours †¢Once all theory and practical assessments are complete candidates will receive their certificate. Under Bright’s delivery policy the following procedures relate to assessment: †¢Quality audit of completed Individual Learning Plans †¢Quali.

Online Shopping Environments In Developing Countries

Online Shopping Environments In Developing Countries Chapter 1: Introduction and context The emergence of online shopping as an alternative to the traditional shopping model has become a global phenomenon. According to Karake-Shalhoub Qasimi (2006: 4), consumers in both the developed and developing countries have moved with speed and glee to take up this opportunity to enhance the shopping experience and benefit from the ensuing benefits. In spite of the growing number of internet users and frequency of internet use among the current users, there exist variations on the global scale, with most of these variations closely related to the intrinsic features of the local environment. In a study by Alam, et al. (2008), over 600 million individuals have used this model; with the e-commerce market having surpasses $228bn as at 2007, with the projections for placing the figure at $320bn. The increased usage of online shopping is clearly written in the features of the model, with the advantages cutting across shoppers of all ages and demographics. In most cases socio-economic, cultural, political and infrastructural aspects of the environment contributes to the trajectory taken by the spread of online shopping by consumers within a specific geographical location. Studies by Zwass (1999); Wolcott, et. al. (2001) and Travica (2002) cited in Efendioglu, Yip Murray (n.d), indicated that infrastructural differences were the main sources of disparity between the consumption of online shopping services across difference environments. Other studies (Mcknight et al, 1998 and Lee Turban, 2001) have indicated that the cultural and socio-economic factors that have significant influence on online shopping with far reaching impact on the uptake of online shopping by the consumers in the developing countries. In this study, we take an insightful research into the online shopping environment in the developing countries. Environmental factors have a significant influence on the attitudes and behaviors of consumers, and the main focus of the investigation will be environment in china and how its influence on the online shopping aspects of the Chinese population. Through a quantitative and qualitative analysis, the research will depict the acceptance and diffusion of online shopping in China. Research aims and objectives The research objective was the exploration of the facets of the environment in china, with a critical investigation of their influence on online shopping. Just like in any other developing country, there are numerous factors that influence the choice of shopping model, with the availability of online shopping facilities being the most prominent. As a result, this study will depict the environmental factors that influence the consumption of internet services as well as the factors influencing the decision of sellers and retailers to offer online shopping services. The most prominent research questions include: * How online shopping environment affects customers behaviour? * How online shopping can contribute to promoting social and economic development? * In China and other developing countries, what problems are online shopping have and how to improve it? Chapter 2: Literature review The growing demand for better services by both consumers and shoppers have driven retailers and sellers to invent an endless number of models, each bearing a certain set of advantages of the preceding one. According to research by Alam Yasin (2010), success in rolling out online shopping facilities is depended on the acceptability of these factors, availability of enabling infrastructures and technical elements as well as positive customer attitude towards the internet as an avenue towards satisfaction of certain needs and wants. According to Alam Yasin (2010) the overriding need to ensure customer satisfaction as a way of enhancing customer loyalty remains the most prominent reason behind implementation of strategies in a business. Online shopping, just the traditional model, relies on the ability of the seller to attract and retain customers, thereby augmenting his returns. In most developing countries, the consumption of IT is complicated and hampered by the concentration of SMEs, which remain unviable options for online shopping as indicated by Olajubu, Afolabi Ajayi (2009). In the business-to-customer (B2C) model, online shopping culminates in the purchasing, selling and exchange of products facilitated by computer networks (internet), with electronic settlement of the transactions. Numerous models have been proposed to aid in analysis of consumer behavior in response to introduction of novel ICT structures. The most common include Rogers Diffusion model (Lawson, 2000), the perceived characteristics of innovation (Sideridis, 2010: 67), the reason action theory, the planned behavior theory (Mendes et al, 2004: 58) and the model for technological acceptance (Liu Ye, 2001: 336). Infrastructural aspects of online shopping have a significant influence on the ability of individuals to access the goods and complete the transactions as indicated by Teo, Wang, Leong, (2004). In the developing countries, economic development or underdevelopment has significantly contributed to the slow uptake of online shopping as an option, with most individuals preferring the traditional model. The lack of connectivity and communication infrastructure necessary for implementation of online services by the shoppers limits their choices, while making it an unviable option since only a small number of individuals will be willing and able to utilize the model in most cases, online shopping in developing counties has surfaced as a strategy for a select few categories of goods, limited to a small number of locations where the consumption of internet is significantly reliable. Even in those location, most individuals have not yet fully grasped and appreciated the intricacies of online shopping, thereby leading to the part-consumption of the service. As indicated by Wang (2003) the key determinants of success or failure depends on the quality of the services on offer and value-addition capabilities of the model in application. In addition to price and online presence, online shoppers are also in search for quality services, and a reason not to prefer the traditional shopping model over the online model. This originates from change in the attitudes of the individuals towards online shopping, mainly hinged on the ensuing trust on the part of the customers (Lee Turban, 2001). The numerous barriers to development of trust in the business to customer platform are closely related to the online shopping environment, which originated from the differences in both models as observed by Wang (2003). The environmental factors to be concern about include the political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental issues (Teo, Wang, Leong, 2004). Each of these factors has an overriding influence on the ability of consumers to utilize the internet for shopping as well as the availability of the goods online. The unavailability of case work and sufficient information to base the assessments regarding the spread in online shopping and retailing is the most prominent hindrance as observed by Findlay, Paddison Dawson (1990: 106) Developing countries have found it necessary to embrace technology as a way of measuring up to the steepening competition on the global scale. The increased competition by the global business unit has made it necessary for every business to avoid passing up on any opportunity to increase and retain its market share. As a result, it has become common for retailers and sellers to avail any kind of service to the consumers, in order to improve their current and future earnings. According to, online shopping is not a silver bullet to improvement in earnings. As indicated by the numerous failed ventures and organizations which relied on online shopping as a core strategic move to improve earnings, there is more to offering the goods and service online. According to Kamel (2006: 70), technological aspects of online shopping are a major aspect of the online shopping environment. Over the past decade, the number of individuals using the internet for day to day chores has increased tremendously, making it impossible for most individuals to operate without the internet. In the developing countries, investment in online service and communication infrastructure is still in its initial stages. However, the number of individuals consuming internet services grows by the day and for a country like China, it is true to postulate that there are a substantial number of internet users to warrant investment on e-commerce by businesses. In addition to shopping for goods and services, numerous individuals will be searching for information, making it a widely used service. The quality of online services such as website features (Shergill Chen, 2005) and home page design (Ho Wu, 1999) were observed to influence the consumers ability to choose online shopping. Political factors also influence the spread of online shopping practices in a developing country. Political structures influence the trajectory of development and availability of resources as well as public policy, which affects the availability of investments in the necessary sectors. As a result, political influence is a major contributor to prevalence of online shopping in a country, especially the developing countries where political structures are either underdeveloped or absent completely. As observed by Wilson (III.) (2004: 223 )â€Å"the new technologies have influenced social behavior, accelerated entrepreneurism, enhanced transparency and promoted new ideas.yet the market is substantially driven by competitive jockeying among powerful groups in agencies, ministries, government-owned companies and private bodies, including ISPs and ICPS.† Their influence on the spread of online shopping is undeniable, with the supply-side and demand factors culminating from their acti ons. Social factors influence the attitudes and perception of individuals. According to Efendioglu, Yip Murray (n.d), the long-standing preference of off-line transaction systems have a significant influence on the ability of individuals to migrate to the online facilities. Having served the needs of most individuals for long these off-line models, such as telephone and catalogue sales pose a threat to the implementation of the online shopping owing to their ability to provide the same level of perceived utility, in addition to having inculcated transition trust and the opportunity to socialize, as it is customary in China and other developing countries. As a result, the robotization of the shopping process is bound to conflict with the contemporary perception of the shopping process. According to McKinnon et al (2010: 327), success depends on establishment of online presence by the prospective consumers, and consequently adoption of the new shopping model. Chakrabati (2002: 81) posited that not all goods were suited for online shopping. The type of products on offer and on demand also influenced the spread of online shopping. The Study by Kamel (2006: 66) revealed that developing countries only account for 18.5% of the digitized information, which is small percentage as compared to the rest of the world. Consumption of infrastructural components has an influence on the environment, owing to the increased generation of e-waste (Zwass, 1996). Lack of disposal mechanisms of such wastes in addition to the increased need for energy to power the systems is bound to influence the environment. With each home having an internet connection, there originates the need for increased generation of energy thereby necessitating development of policies to address the environmental impact. Karake-Shalhoub Qasimi (2006: 209) and Kamel (2006: 71) noted that the legal quagmires facing cyber space still dog the developing countries, where legal systems are faced with numerous challenges. The inability to develop sufficient laws regarding conduct in cyber space to match the laws govern the real space is directly attributable to the inability of most individuals to take up online shopping as a viable alternative to traditional shopping. According to Wilson (III) (2004: 300) and Anwer et al. (2010) the unique nature of the internet presents real challenges even for developed countries, with policy agenda lacking with regard to privacy, security, protection of online consumers, electronic signatures, domestic and international trade as well as taxation matters. Chapter 3: Methodology The research will comprise of a qualitative and quantitative analysis. Through the use of a 25-question questionnaire, data will be gathered from a selected sample of 200 individuals. The data gathered will be analyzed through statistic means and presented in both tabular and graphical terms. Inferences from the data will be used in the generation of findings and conclusions. Chapter 4ÃÆ' ¯Ã‚ ¼Ãƒâ€¦Ã‚ ¡Practicalities The developing economies form a significant portion of the global market place. The immense number of consumers presents a potential market for goods and services, from both developed and developing markets. Rational consumers in search of maximization of utility are bound to prefer the most efficient model and the source of value addition, thereby making it imperative to understand the intrinsic nature of online shopping and the environment in developing countries. This research will present an insight into the challenges and successes of introducing online shopping to China, classified as a developing country, with sufficient data and information to provide guidelines applicable to other developing countries. The inferences and recommendations originating from this research are adaptable to other developing countries with slight customization to cater for differences in environments in the countries in question. Chapter 5ÃÆ' ¯Ã‚ ¼Ãƒâ€¦Ã‚ ¡Ethical aspects Owing to the necessity for human participation in the research, ethical issues arose regarding the conduct of the data collection process as well as the use of the findings from the study. As a rule, any data, information and assertions made by the targeted sample was to be used solely for the current project with strict privacy rules. The data collected through questionnaires was to be done on a basis of anonymity of the individuals, thereby making it impossible to tie the responses to a specific individual. Since the assertions made in the study were to be utilized in formulation of conclusions and recommendation, it was deemed representative of the situation and true to the knowledge of the individual. For this reason, the study was to be carried under strict adherence to the Universitys policy regarding research involving Human Participants, data and Tissue.