Microsoft Internal And External Factors - 1652 Words

Trends Business Environment: Successful companies practice a disciplined management strategy which encompasses the four functions of management: planning, organizing, leading, and controlling. The application of these management practices is evident in further analyzing the management construct of Microsoft Corporation. A global corporation who specializes in providing technology solutions for five different business segments ranging from personal computers to gaming devices, Microsoft has demonstrated its ability to adapt to internal and external changes. Analyzing the the current internal and external factors related to the business environment of the organization. An evaluation of the business environment in which, Microsoft†¦show more content†¦Description: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to the obligation of an organisation to behave in ethical and moral ways. It refers to the notion that Microsoft have a responsibility to contribute towards community development and employee happiness. Its owner Bill Gates is a renowned philanthropist having given billions of dollars to charity. The awareness of social and environmental responsibilities has helped to strengthen the company’s brand recognition and consumer loyalty. Microsoft have long been one of the leaders in the market following its benefit from positive externalities with existing products in the market. These are elements that help the company with its adoption of the current policies and procedures of corporate social responsibility (CSR). Nonetheless, Microsoft has an opportunity to improve its goods and services to address this issue. The combination of alliance and influences within the market is in favor of the company’s progression through the evol ution of their social and environmental responsibility which, displays the committed to environmentally sustainable business practices. As reflection of Microsoft’s mission to build and maintain trust through a shared commitment to ethical behavior and to act with integrity. Seeking out different ways to advance sustainability through business practices, the products and platform capabilities offered to everyone that associates with the company.Show MoreRelatedInternal and External Factors of Management1396 Words   |  6 Pagestop 500 largest companies in the United States (Time Warner Co., 2008). Being ranked no. 44 in 2008, Microsoft has increased its revenues 15.4% since 2006 because of its continued efforts to release latest technology (Time Warner Co., 2008). To understand how Microsoft continues to lead in profits, sales and technology, the consumer must realize internal and external factors influence how Microsoft performs and operates. In depth, Microsoft’s planning functions are influenced by the consumer’s needRead MoreEvaluation Of The Burke Litwin Modification Model1748 Words   |  7 Pagesby establishing links between performance and also the internal and external factors that have an effect on performance. This modification this alteration this modification this variation this transformation} model relies on assessing the structure furthermore as environmental factors which may be tweaked therefore on guarantee an eminent change. The Burke-Litwin modification model begins with outlining a framework, comprising the moving factors which may be manipulated to ensure a power tool transitionRead MoreMicrosofts Management Planning Essay1231 Words   |  5 Pagesissues, ethics and corporate social responsibility have on the planning functions of management. It will also analyze the factors that influence the Microsoft’s strategic, operational, and contingency planning. The Microsoft corporation is one of the most prevalent and powerful companies in the private computer business. Established in 1975 by Paul Allen and Bill Gates, Microsoft has the strongest presence in just about all areas of computer software, from applications to programming tools. BillRead MoreMaking A Proactive Change Management Decision897 Words   |  4 Pagesthe classroom, and I thoroughly enjoy training students for the workforce. The courses I taught were technology geared toward Microsoft Office software. Since I made the decision to no longer teach and return to the university to complete my bachelor’s degree, this transitional change is something that I have been considering. However, there are internal and external forces that exist that may impact on extending my work schedule, and I expect to encounter some resistance from family members supportingRead MoreEssay on Microsoft Case Study943 Words   |  4 Pages1. INTRODUCTION Microsoft founded in 1975 by Bill Gates. It is the largest information technology (IT) company. For the year 2005, its revenue was US$39,788 million and net income after taxes US$12,254. Nevertheless, since the early 2000s, a string of bad news had seriously undermined the future growth of Microsoft. Personal Computer (PC) operating system and basic office are the near-monopoly software in the category. Purchase of QDOS (quick and dirty operating system) from Seattle programmerRead Moreâ€Å"Apple Inc --- Failing and Succeeding† Essay965 Words   |  4 Pagesprogrammed decision because it did stem from prior experience or technical knowledge about what works or does not work in a given situation (such as the choice not to license their software and how they learned that it wasn’t working as well as Microsoft who did license their software enabling them to surpass when they were new and clueless as to merging with other computer companies. 2) What type of decision-making environment --- certainty, risk, uncertainty--- did Apple have for each decisionRead MoreThe Swot Analysis : Accenture1531 Words   |  7 Pageshigher qualities IT service, and greater systems reliability. Mission, Vision, and Values Accenture is a company that wants to establish a clear communication between internal and external by deploying an anytime, anywhere philosophy through a single-instance, single-platform application. In doing so, values are placed on internal customers and stakeholders, rather than an idea of their need defined by IT engineers. Thus, a collaborative environment is the driving power behind Accenture valuesRead MoreOrganization Diagnosis Models: Microsoft and Skype Case Study1190 Words   |  5 PagesMicrosoft and Skype Organization Diagnosis Models Organizational diagnosis is necessary in this rapidly changing world so that organizations do not miss out on opportunities and threats. Everything needs to be planned, and accordingly goals need to be set and achieved. There are many ways of diagnosing an organization, several of which will be discussed below. It answers the questions of why there should be change in organization and what is the purpose of the change. One of the models that addressRead MoreImplementing A New Plan For Business1325 Words   |  6 Pagescompanies in the industry for a long time. The company is very popular among the customer because of its exceptional customer services and quality products. Now this year the company facing a difficulty due to the change of the operating system done by Microsoft and for this our software becomes obsolete. So it is necessary to make some changes in our company and need to come up with a new plan in order to stay in the business. Developing a Strategic Plan The development of a new plan for business and itsRead MoreSylllabus Mgt/2301148 Words   |  5 PagesWeek One: Functions of Management Details Due Points Objectives 1.1 Define the four functions of management.1.2 Explain how internal and external factors affect the four functions of management.1.3 Identify the steps in the decision-making process. Readings Read Ch. 1–3 and Appendix A of Management: Leading Collaborating in a Competitive World.Read this week’s Electronic Reserve Readings. Participation Participate in class discussion. Ongoing 2 Discussion Questions Respond to weekly discussion

Graduation Speech High School - 1036 Words

So far, all throughout high school, I have done my best in school. I strive to get the best grades I can. There are many opportunities out there, college related, that many people out of high school don’t have. I make sure I take advantage of these opportunities because all the hard work will be very rewarding in the end. During my sophomore year of high school, I had the chance to get into a four-year program that would have me take college classes while still in high school. Also, I would be able to job shadow different careers, practice interviewing skills, and get an internship. By the end of this program I would have an associate’s degree and have developed very useful skills necessary for a career. This whole program would be free.†¦show more content†¦When I walked into the testing room, I saw kids already on a computer taking their test. The room was silent while everyone was working hard on their test. While waiting in line for my turn to take the tes t, my stomach dropped from the nervousness I was feeling. I just wanted to get the test done and over with. At last, a computer opened and I was able to begin taking the test. The reading and grammar portions of the test went well for me, but they took forever to finish. I became extremely restless while taking the exam. The math portion was very difficult for me. There were so many questions and some of the math topics covered, were topics that hadn’t been covered in school yet. I am a very long test taker and seeing everyone finish their test before me caused me a great deal of stress. Every time I looked at the clock, time was flying by. I hated being one of the last few people in the room taking the test. I tried not to let this get to me. After a long four hours of testing, I was finally finished. My mom told me that while she was waiting for me to finish, she saw some kids almost to tears after taking the test. I just wanted to get home and take a break from all the te sting. I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the delicious, minty McDonald’s Shamrock Shake my mom had promised to get me after taking the test. Finally, after a month of impatience, I finally received my test results in the mail. My stomach filled withShow MoreRelatedGraduation Speech : High School934 Words   |  4 Pageslife would be graduation. For many people, graduating from high school is an objective. It takes a lot of time, effort, and determination to accomplish that goal. For others graduation is the end of high school, and the beginning of a new chapter in life. When graduated people feel as if adulthood has begun. In the long run, graduating opens a lot of opportunities for people to thrive. I can almost reminisce the day as if it was yesterday. I was sitting in bed like any other school day. It seemedRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School852 Words   |  4 PagesAccording to a report from Thomas Nelson Community College website, 15.7 percent is the graduation rate in 2010. 84 percent of students failed to receive their degree. That’s beyond sad. College can be difficulty especially with everyday life is getting harder to main family life work and financials. Because college is challenging, I know that I have issues that I must overcome. I told myself the more patient s I have the better success I will have. Although college will be difficult my goal isRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Essay2254 Words   |  10 Pages The day I graduated from high school The High school graduation day is a life full of journeys for everyone, high school life is a memorable time for most people, for me as well. High school can be filled with lots of good memories for some people and it could be filled with bad memories, for me it was both I had good times and I had bad times. The High school Graduation day should definitely be the best day of your life because that means no more high school, no more having to wake up at 6Read MoreGraduation Speech : High School Graduation854 Words   |  4 Pagesfail High School graduation can be an exciting time in a student’s life. It is a time in their lives where they begin to experience the kind of freedom that comes along with growing up. This freedom allows students to choose the type of college or University they would like to attend. It is necessary that they understand how responsible they need to be with the freedom that is being offered to them. When choosing what college or university to attend it may be tempting to want to go to a school thatRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Graduation1507 Words   |  7 PagesForest English 1010 9/9/2014 Graduation During our lives, most of us have hated getting up early. Whether we as humans enjoy mornings or not, we’re always looking forward to that unforgettable day. That special is high school graduation for me. Graduation is a ceremony that recognizes students that have excelled through school. Graduation was one of the best days of my life, perhaps even better than the day that I started college. There is no other day like graduation where there comes this feelingRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Graduation933 Words   |  4 PagesHigh School Graduation With regards to high school graduation, Balfanz, Herzog, and Iver (2007) followed 12,972 Philadelphia students enrolled in traditional middle schools from six grade (1996-1997) until 1 year beyond their expected graduation from high school (2003-2004) in order to understand what indicators would affect their projected graduation date. Unlike many of the early K-8 schools, the population Balfanz et al followed consisted of 64% African American, 19% White, 12% Hispanic,Read MoreGraduation Speech On High School Graduation851 Words   |  4 PagesThere Is No Success Without The Opportunity to Fail High School graduation can be an exciting time in a student’s life. It is a time when they begin to experience the kind of freedom that comes along with growing up. This freedom allows students to choose the type of college or University they would like to attend. It is necessary that they understand how responsible they need to be with the freedom that is being offered to them. When choosing what college or university they would like toRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School997 Words   |  4 Pagesup, I loved going to school and dreamed of one day attending college. Attending school every day and receiving good grades had become my top priority from K-12. I excelled from K-8th grade, but entering into high school was completely different than primary school. The atmosphere and environment was new to me, I was free to roam the halls or walk back out the door without any repercussions. This began my downward spiral in high school. My freshman year was by far the best school year for me becauseRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School897 Words   |  4 PagesHigh school was one of the most challenging moments in my life. Not only did I have to deal with the academic pressures and social issues from my peers I had external factors that were heavily impacting me as well. During my junior year my mom separated from her husband and me and my three little brothe rs ended up staying house to house with close relatives. Shortly after that time at the beginning of my senior year, my mom was sent to prison. In the midst of dealing with all of the demands thatRead MoreGraduation Speech : High School Essay1434 Words   |  6 PagesWhen I was in high school I had one goal, I would graduate top of my class and go to the University of Florida for pre-medicine, then onto their medical school. I never considered that I would want anything else, so I went to a specialty high school that would allow me to specialize in Biomedical sciences(STEM) and never even thought about the possibility of a life other than the one I had so precisely planned out for myself. When my nephews were born my sophomore year all of my priorities changed

Management Contributes Towards Maximizing Profits

Question: Discuss about the Performance Management Contributes Towards Maximizing Profits. Answer: Introduction Currently, organizations present a high degree of dedication towards the reinforcement of reward system, which are aligned with other HRM practices used to attract, retain and motivate employees (Cook, 2009). Efficient performance management practices helps in attracting result driven workers who can succeed and thrive in the performance based working environment (Johnson, 2006). Hence, performance management is a crucial business strategy to motivate the employees and make the workers contribute their available talent to enhance the productivity of the firm, if implemented effectively. Hence, a question arises that how does performance management contribute towards maximizing profit. The study has been developed to answer the question by arguing the best way to implement performance management system within the operations of the firm to maximize profit. A critical evaluation of the performance management issues have been presented along with the impact of performance management on the organization. Finally, the paper presents an argument on the ways in which performance management contributes towards maximizing profit in an organization. Critical Evaluation of issues in Performance Management In the contemporary business environment, performance management can be identified as the order of the day. Performance management is a significant process to assess the efficiency and productivity level of the subordinates attached to the organisation. Precisely, the ultimate objective of performance management will be to increase the potential efficiency of the target employees so that the firm can make more profitable deals (Brown, 2016). There are a number of tasks included in performance management such as defining latest business actions, monitoring the performance standards of the viable activities, and investigating the leading measures to meet the outcome of the firm. Moreover, there are some issues in performance management to be discussed herein below: Lack of Reliability: Performance Management System (PMS) has been created on the basis of trusting relationship between managers and subordinates. In the most of the cases, lack of reliability towards the supervisors may lead to a poor outcome of the performance management metrics as employees are reluctant to follow the metrics. Meanwhile, inexperienced management, biasness of the managers, and poor communication skills of the supervisors can lead to a lack of credibility (Gliddon, 2014). As a result of the scenario, employees are skipped the PMS without making substantial efforts. Lack of Consistency: Lack of uniformity from the supervisors side may lead to ineffective PMS. Most of the occasion, inconsistent feedback from the managers and supervisors can create confusion among the employees. Therefore, employees are started to distrust the outcome of the PMS. Such inconsistent communication can backfire on the ultimate objective of the firm as employees will reluctant to be engaged in a substantial way (Khan, 2010). Lack of Proper Objective: Decisively, lack of clear objectives in the PMS will reduce the efforts of the subordinates. A well-developed PMS must clearly specify the goals and objectives for the employees establishing communication (Cohen, 2013). For instance, PMS must deliver significant targets to the employees to be achieved. If targets are not set correctly, the productivity, as well as profitability of the company, will be reduced. Lack of Comprehensible Strategy: Lack of precise strategy can hamper an organisation to achieve the goals that have been defined through PMS. Most importantly, some of the entrepreneur businesses have found it difficult to provide significant guidance and targets to be reached. Therefore, lack of comprehensive strategy can be identified as one of the biggest challenges in performance management. Impact of Performance Management on an organization Performance management can be termed as one of the fundamentals in developing significant HRM practices and policies leading to organisational success. A well-structured performance management system can connect the organisational target and objective with the performance standards of the employees. Precisely, effective performance management theories will stimulate the workforce to put the best effort for firms success (Carmeli, 2008). By setting challenging goals and objectives through PMS, the management will encourage the subordinates to apply the repertoire of knowledge and skills. By applying control theory, the management of an enterprise can influence the behaviour of the subordinates through positive feedbacks. Moreover, the feedbacks will help out the subordinates to make any alteration in the performance standards to meet the requirement. Precisely, such performance management theory will turn the employees to be engaged with the firm (Kourti, 2017). In this way, the loyalty of the subordinates will be enhanced. As a result of the consequences, efforts from the employees will increase the profitability and earnings of the firm. Alternatively, the social cognitive theory has influenced the self-efficiency standards of the employees. By increasing the self-belief of the subordinates, performance management can deliver strengths to the employees to make a positive impact. Moreover, expectancy theory of performance management has delivered high-level o motivation to the target audience to achieve the objective in terms of reward (Denton, 2006). Such performance management theory changes the motivational behaviour of the target subordinates to expect a reward on the basis of performance. Instrumentally, such concept of reward will motivate the team to put the best effort at the workplace. Understandably, performance management will lead to employee motivation, employee engagement and employee retention at the highest level. By offering the motivation, the productivity of the workforce will be increased at a substantial order. Therefore, performance management leads to motivation while motivation leads to output (Gliddon, 2014). Clearly, performance management has inspired the employees to achieve the target so that the profitability of the firm will be magnified. Motivational behaviour change of the employees will ultimately increase the business potentials and profitability, to say the least (Mone London, 2014). Broadly speaking, performance management has utilised the opportunities of motivating employees to make a positive impact on sales and profitability of the firm. Argument and Discussion After creating a reliable source of performance management information, a clear picture can be drawn about the value adding factors of the firm that can be communicated to every individual in the value chain of the business. The productivity of the organization relies on its workforce. The employees perform well when they are acknowledged about the results of the work performed by them (Li, 2016). The performance management system provides the workers with an ability to act on the information to generate a greater value and a measurable and clear stake in the future results. In the earlier period, it was difficult to measure the performance of the local decision makers and compensate their actual contributions (Li, 2016). Information was not available for verifying the work and performance of the workers. But, with the development of information system and implementation of technology in the performance management system, the reliability, validity and accuracy of information has improved to actually compensate the workers for their job (Jeong Choi, 2015). Hence, performance management has emerged to be an effective motivation tool for the management of a large organization. It is important to note that profit maximizes by doing better work. In other words, enhancement of the productivity is the key to increase the profitability of the firm. There are several organizations that use the performance measurement approaches to improve the compensation models (Li, 2016). Furthermore, when an individual has a better understanding of the organizations goals and has trusted information to use the available resources in the best way, they can enhance their overall contribution to the organization to make more profit. An effective performance management system motivates every individual in the organization to get keenly vested in the operations of the firm (Jeong Choi, 2015). The performance management system is the ultimate way of dividing the functions of a large company into small ones by providing power and information to every contributor to act as a small owner of the firm and work for the best interest of both the company and themselves (Jeong Choi, 2015). According to the above discussion, performance management helps to maximize the efficiency of the operations. On the other hand, knowledge can be best used when it is driven into the operations of the firm, when individuals are empowered to act motivationally and have personal interest in the final results (Mone London, 2014). The development of information technology in performance management has helped to vest the employees with knowledge, while governing the operations of the business. Hence, performance management can be identified as the key factor for motivating the employees and enhance their productivity to maximize profit. Conclusion By considering the above discussions, performance management is the key to motivate the employees. It acts as a medium to inform the workers regarding the goals and objectives of the firm. On the other hand, performance management helps to evaluate the current performance gaps to develop new strategy to improve the productivity. Furthermore, the effectiveness of the compensation packages aligned with the performance evaluation processes can be helpful in making the employees take interest in the operations of the firm for the benefit of the firm as well as themselves. Conclusively, performance management is the key to enhance productivity that finally leads to maximization of profit. References Brown, M. (2016). Designing effective performance systems.Performance,26(3), 14-18. Carmeli, A. (2008). Top Management Team Behavioral Integration and the Performance of Service Organizations.Group Organization Management. Cohen, C. (2013).Business Intelligence(1st ed.). London: Wiley. Cook, S. (2009).The effective manager(1st ed.). Ely, Cambridgeshire, U.K.: IT Governance Pub. Denton, D. (2006). Using intranets to make virtual teams effective.Team Performance Management: An International Journal,12(7/8), 253-257. Gliddon, D. (2014). Effective performance management systems current criticisms and new ideas for employee evaluation.Performance Improvement,43(9), 27-34. Jeong, D. Choi, M. (2015). The impact of high-performance work systems on firm performance: The moderating effects of the human resource functions influence.Journal Of Management Organization,22(03), 328-348. Johnson, R. (2006).Effective performance management(1st ed.). Victoria, B.C.: Trafford. Khan, S. (2010). Impact of Authentic Leaders on Organization Performance.International Journal Of Business And Management,5(12). Kourti, I. (2017). Effective performance management of inter-organisational collaborations through the construction of multiple identities.International Journal Of Business Performance Management,18(2), 236. Li, P. (2016). The impact of the top management teams knowledge and experience on strategic decisions and performance.Journal Of Management Organization, 1-20. Mone, E. London, M. (2014).Employee Engagement Through Effective Performance Management(1st ed.). Hoboken: Taylor and Francis.

The Classroom of the Future Essay Example

The Classroom of the Future Essay Wouldnt it be great to use technology in your classroom! Wouldnt it be fantastic to increase your intelligence, fluency and concentration! I reckon it would. Technology has yet to be fully introduced into classrooms as some schools can not get enough cash from the Government. Those schools will miss out on a dramatic increase in test scores, improved work ethics and in student behaviour by not allowing their students to get the benefits of technology in the classroom. Who doesnt want that?When textbook work is given out, I know that we often dread the long, repetitive, boring questions and do not co-operate. Researchers are currently designing the the classroom of the future which uses multi-touch screens on table tops to encourage students to get involved with learning, how fun and educating would that be. The three-year project has been tested with four hundred students with ages ranging from eight to twelve in the U. S. Results have shown that students have increased in both fluen cy and flexibility in mathematics.Multi-touched tables are controlled by the teacher and a smart board. The teacher is able to give out work virtually while students interact with the desks trying to solve the problems. This type of learning can help us collaborate as we would learn equally and together. This new technology may be great to use in some subjects but, we still need to learn writing skills that will be needed for later in our lives. Involvement with technology can increase concentration and the flow of creativity by showing the freedom with technology, just by the school allowing technology in the classroom.Organised and full of information lessons on the screen of your computer, may be the gateway into the future of education if society can accept it. Online lessons for schools and universities could help students who are finding their education starting to be out of reach. Bill Gates, the multi billionaire who formed Microsoft gave his vision in which students watched lessons online delivered by the brightest minds in the field. Online lessons could mean that you could watch in the comfort of your own homes, by yourselves with no one to disrupt you and by the best teachers in the entire world.However, you would have to supply their own Internet which can lead to costly Internet plans. Students then would have the ability to watch certain parts or the whole lesson again unlike where teachers in classrooms go over it once and expect you to know it. The classroom of the future here could be in front of your computer at a library, school or even at home. Why would we want spend most of our time in a dull classroom where you could be chilling at home still learning.Part of having lessons in the classroom of the future could mean that you could choose which teacher or learning environment that suits you best, such as a female student wanting a female as a teacher. The Gates Foundation, formed by Bill Gates again has invested heavily in education techn ology. A new project that the Gates Foundation is supporting is inBloom, a service that allows you to have tailored lessons with teachers. I think we can all relate that there is always one student that dominates the classroom discussions.With one-on-one learning the student is able to answer questions without being intimidated by the other students. This type of learning could lead to the increase of intelligence in a specific subject. Tailored education could lead to an influx of new occupation opportunities as new staff would be needed in cities and towns across the world. The cost of hiring teachers could be too much and schools may have no choice but to close down. This classroom of the future would allow students to achieve their maximum potential in specific subjects allowing a wider range job opportunities.Schools of today are slowly integrating technology into the classroom such as Smart boards and allowing computers to be used during lessons. This increase of technological advances in education is just the start of the new technological age. Schools not participating in using technology could risk some students not being able to fit in with other students who were taught with technology and therefore creating a divide between the normal and advanced students that used technology in the classroom. You dont want to be the normal student, start using technology and you will succeed.

Fibonacci Essays - Fibonacci Numbers, Fibonacci, Numerals

Fibonacci Leonardo da Pisa, or more commonly known as Fibonacci , was born in Pisa, Italy in 1175. He was the son of Guilielmo Bonacci, a secretary of the Republic of Pisa. His father was only a secretary, so he was often sent to do work in Pisan trading colonies. He did this for many years until 1192. In 1192, Bonacci got a permanent job as the director of the Pisan trading colony in Bugia, Algeria. Sometime after 1192, Bonacci brought Fibonacci with him to Bugia. Bonnaci expected Fibbonacci to become a merchant and so arranged for him in instruction of calculational techniques. One of the major themes in this involved the Hindu-Arabic numerals which had not yet been introduced into Europe. Eventually, Bonacci enlisted his son's help in carrying out business for the Pisan republic and sent him on trips to Egypt, Syria, Greece, Sicily, and Provence. Fibonacci took this grand opportunity offered by his father, to study and learn the mathematical techniques employed in these various regions. Around 1200, Fibonacci returned to Pisa where, for at least the next twenty-five years, he worked on his own mathematical compositions. The five works produced by him in this period which have survived are: the Liber Abbaci; the Practica geometriae ; an undated letter to Theodorus, the imperial philosopher to the court of the Hohenstaufen emperor Frederick II; Flos , a collection of solutions to problems posed in the presence of Frederick II; and the Liber quadratorum , a number-theoretic book concerned with the simultaneous solution of equations quadratic in two or more variables. The most famous of these works is Liber Abbaci. The Liber Abbaci is Latin for ?The Book of Calculations?. This book was designed for the Latin-speaking-European-world to accept the decimal number system. The first chapter of Part 1 begins: These are the nine figures of the Indians: 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1. With these nine figures, and with this sign 0 which in Arabic is called zephirum, any number can be written, as will be demonstrated. He also introduced a series in Liber Abacci. It is the Fibonacci sequence, named in his honor. The series begins with 0 and 1. After that, he added the last two numbers to get the next (1, 2, 3, 5, 8, 13, 21, 34, 55, 89, 144, 233, 377, 610, 987,...) He discovered it as a solution to. In 1225 Fibonacci took part in a tournament at Pisa ordered by the emperor himself, Frederick II. It went as follows: Beginning with a single pair of rabbits, if every month each productive pair bears a new pair, which becomes productive when they are 1 month old, how many rabbits will there be after n months? After 1228, virtually nothing is known of Leonardo's life, except that by decree the Republic of Pisa awarded the 'serious and learned Master Leonardo Bigollo' (discretus et sapiens) a yearly salarium of 'libre XX denariorem' in addition to the usual allowances . This stipend rewarded Fibonacci for his pro bono advising to the Republic on matters involving accounting and related mathematical matters. Fibonacci died some in 1250, presumably in Pisa. Mathematics

cancer1 essays

cancer1 essays Most cancers are named after the part of the body where the cancer first starts. Lung cancer begins in the lungs. The lungs are two sponge-like organs in the chest. The right lung has three sections, called lobes. The left lung has two lobes. It is smaller because the heart takes up more room on that side of the body. The lungs bring air in and out of the body, taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide gas, a waste product. The lining around the lungs, called the pleura, helps to protect the lungs and allows them to move during breathing. The windpipe (trachea) brings air down into the lungs. It divides into tubes called bronchi, which divide into smaller branches called bronchioles. At the end of these small branches are tiny air sacs known as alveoli. Most lung cancers start in the lining of the bronchi but they can also begin in other areas such as the trachea, bronchioles, or alveoli. Lung cancer often takes many years to develop. Once the lung cancer occurs, cancer cells can break away and spread to other parts of the body. Lung cancer is a life-threatening disease because it often spreads in this way before it is found. Imaging tests: these tests use x-rays, magnetic fields, sound waves or radioactive substances to create pictures of the inside of the body. Some of the imaging tests used to find lung cancer and to see where in the body it may have spread include x-rays, CT scan (computed tomography), MRI (magnetic resonance imaging), PET (positron emission tomography) scans, and bone scans. Sputum cytology: a sample of phlegm (spit) is looked at under a microscope to see if cancer cells are present. Needle biopsy: a needle is placed into the tumor to remove a piece of tissue. The tissue is looked at in the lab to see if cancer cells are present. Bronchoscopy: a lighted, flexible tube is passed through the mouth into the bronchi. This test can help find tumors or it can be used to take samples of tissue...

Project Procurement1 Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Project Procurement1 - Essay Example In reality it is not as simple as it seems because the choice can rotate from small matters such as if a company makes turbine generators they might have to consider either to set up ball bearing manufacturing machine with in their business premises or should they simply purchase it from outside or for instance a car manufacturing company might consider making a engine or purchasing it from outside resources. The buy or make decision does not only pertain in manufacturing companies but it is also found excessively in outsourcing companies for instance a data processing company will think if they should hire data entry employees or give them out to specialized service providers (Probert, 1997). Till the twentieth century many of the companies were manufacturing all their components in house. While some companies like Ford Motor Company was not only extracting the iron ore from their own plant but was also fabricating the equipment needed to assemble the car on the other hand Toyota had started purchasing three fourth of their entire raw material from the suppliers and were only focusing on assembling the car parts together. As years passed the trend of purchasing from outside resources has become more and more common. The trend is more common amongst the service businesses such as fleet management, billing and collection, fleet management and man power recruitment. The Business Process Outsourcing has become extremely popular. The companies are now outsourcing their entire value chain to other companies both locally and outside the boundaries of the county. The best example of outsourcing would be the IT outsourcing industry which has grown from 131 billion to $ 160 billio n in 2006 (Mahadevan, 2008). Whether to buy or whether to manufacture is a question that is always on the minds of the procurement team. There are various issues that are associated with the buy or make decision making such as firstly the team has to decide whether

The Controversial Approach of the Bank of England Essay

The Controversial Approach of the Bank of England - Essay Example This report presents a critical overview of the approaches adopted by the Bank for the sake of economic recovery in the country. Considering the devastating effects of the recent financial crisis, the Bank of England considered it essential to improve liquidity position through initiating â€Å"liquidity support operations† (Joyce). The intention behind these operations was to facilitate interbank market with more readily available funds. The Bank, in this regard, outstretched its normal operations by way of enabling commercial banks to obtain funds more easily. In addition to these initiatives, the Bank also considered other measures, such as, the introduction of â€Å"Special Liquidity Scheme† which enabled banks to exchange their assets with T-bills, which otherwise could not be materialized on short notice. This facility later was referred to as the â€Å"Discount Window Facility† (Joyce). However, these policies were brought into action after the Bank loosen ed the monetary policy by way of lowering down interest rates significantly. Although, the purchase of public and private assets was termed as a policy measure by the Bank, but in fact, these actions were forced to be taken by the Bank since the earlier loosening of monetary policy came out to be ineffective in achieving the 2 percent rate of inflation (Joyce, Tong and Woods). ... The growth trends in the UK economy from the first quarter have all been recorded in negative, i.e. – 0.1 percent, - 1.2 percent, 0 percent, - 1.4 percent, - 0.5 percent and – 1.3 percent. On the other hand, like other sectors of economy, the output of the construction sector of the UK declined significantly by 5.2 percent during the second quarter of the current fiscal year (Richards). According to the critics, the public and private assets purchasing policy of the bank proved to be detrimental itself for the economy as the Bank of England swapped financial assets with the commercial banks so as to increase the backup reserves of the banks, which could be used to further increase their lending operations in the market. But on the other side, the loosening of monetary policy and decline in interest rates meant that the deposits made by public in the bank were valueless. Moreover, the lowering down of interest rates also decreased the targets for businesses in the UK whi ch were set in relation to the returns expected on equity and capital of the firms. At the same time, it was also expected that the increased inflation rates would turn into increased demand and thus such increase in demand would lead to economic revival in the UK and would also improve lending operations in the UK financial market (Auerback). However, things went opposite to what was expected; as reported in the recent publication of the British Bankers Association, the mortgage lending for the month of June came out to be ? 7.2 billion, which if compared with the latest semi-annual averages was less than by ? 0.8 billion. Further, forecasting of mortgage lending shows that this declining trend

Social Construction of gender Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Social Construction of gender - Research Paper Example These include the mesosystem, exosystem, chronosytem, microsystem, and the macrosystem (White, Livesey, & Hayes, 2012, p.16). This paper will give a limelight on the theory, including the five layers and also develop a marriage related genogram to detail more on family development. The ecological systems theory is important and was proposed by Bronfenbrenner in an attempt to move away from the conventional focus that perceived the immediate environment of an individual to be more important than the relationships. He also wanted to focus on the development process and not necessarily concentrate on the isolated variables at a particular period of time. Most of the models place more emphasis on nurture versus nature in the development of people. Nevertheless, the ecological systems theory looks closely at the person’s environment in terms of context and quality. In his theory, Bronfenbrenner theorized five major environmental related factors that tend to impact development and growth in a person. They include the exosystem, mesosystem, microsystem, and the chronosystem (White, Livesey, & Hayes, 2012, p.16) The microsystem is the layer that is in close and direct contact with a child. It encompasses close ties within the family and the interactions that a child has with their family, school, neighbors, or hospital among others. Therefore, the theory claims that people are not merely recipients of the main occurrences or experiences that they get when socializing with people in the micro-system level or environment. However, they play a major role in contributing to the development and the construction of such an environment. This means that parents tend to influence the beliefs of their children and vice versa. Under this level, an individual is an active participant and is influenced by his or her immediate environment. Various scholars have been applying the microenvironment concept to comprehend the development of a

Impact of Contemporary Globalisation on Thailand

Impact of Contemporary Globalisation on Thailand Introduction Contemporary globalization is defined as the final wave of globalization, and is characterized by the acceleration and intensification of the technological, cultural, religious, economic and political integration (Gerle 2000). Although this has led to development and advancement in many countries around the world, it has raised issues in many parts of Asia facing religious and social concerns. This essay will argue that contemporary globalization will raise issues in the traditional social and religious visible in two Asian nations, Thailand and Malaysia. The values that will be discussed is in relation to the paper are the Buddhist and Collectivist values for the Thai, and Islamic values for the Malays. Thailand and Malaysia are countries that are similar in the fact that they have both dominant religions that are closely linked with their way of life. Both countries are multiethnic and multicultural but Malaysia has a higher percentage of 50% ethnic Malays and 60% of the country practicing the Islamic faith (Nations Online 2011). In Thailand, it has majority of Thai which is 75% and with 94.6% of the country practicing the Buddhist faith (CIA 2011). First this paper will discuss the conflict that occurs in the business culture of Thailand and Malaysia. Next, it will explain how contemporary globalization is intertwined with popular culture, or ‘pop culture, and has placed a significant Western influence upon the youth of Thailand and Malaysia, and has changed their social ideology compared to the traditional ideology. Finally, the paper will identify how globalization has led to conflict with the conservative religious values that exist in Thailand and Malaysia. Business culture in Thailand and Malaysia The global spread of Multinational companies (MNCs) has led to the popularity of conducting a business in a Western style, which has led to conflict in the traditional Thai and Malay business culture. In research conducted by Niffengger, Kulviwat and Engchancil (2006), traditional Thai business culture is strongly influenced by Buddhism.It explains that business is run in Thailand in a uniquely paternal style, and although the relationship between superior and subordinate is, â€Å"formal and authoritarian, the boss is expected to be benevolent and paternalistic† (Leppert 1996).   An example of how differently a local Thai business operates in comparison to a Western MNCs is visible in the example of the Siam Cement Group in 1998, when they â€Å"reported a loss of 52.5 billion Baht but did not lay off a single one of their 35,000 employees†, while on the other hand, â€Å"Kmart in 2003, laid off 57,000 of their staff to avoid bankruptcy and even closed one thirds of their stores† (Niffengger et al 2006 p. 409). It is just from the fundamental way of operating a business in the West that has come about from contemporary globalization which is very foreign to the Thai, and brings issues in the social and business aspect. For example, sexual equality was not common until the early 20th century due to Western influences upon Thailand and it is still seen as untraditional or unconventional in a traditional Thai business for a woman to be in a managerial level (Thaiways 2002). Through the influences of Western values which has come from contemporary globalization, traditional Thai business values face a dilemma on how to preserve their traditional business culture in the midst of the increasing MNCs. Malaysias business practice bias is visible through the Bumiputra policy, meaning â€Å"sons of the soil†, which is the preferential treatment of the native Malay people. The Bumiputra came about from the New Economy Policy (NEP) in 1971 with goals to alleviate poverty and social and economic imbalances through equity ownership, employment, and other fields. Stoever (1985) explains the fields that ownership of productive resources should be 30% in the Bumiputra hands, for public and private corporations the Bumiputra should be 30% of the employees. Finally, Malays are given other advantages in university admissions, bank loans and credit access. Although the Bumiputra policies are deeply imbedded into the Malaysian business culture, there are numerous ways that the Western practices of business have placed a significant amount of complication in the traditional Malay businesses. The traditional Islamic way of establishing the economy was from, â€Å"the desire to defend Islamic civilization against foreign cultural influences† (Kuran 1995 p.15). However, due to contemporary globalization the influence of the â€Å"Western secular system and capitalistic culture has been slowly adopted by a growing number of Malay business† (Mutalib 1993). The adoption and the continuation of coming into contact with the capitalist business culture of the West will endanger the survival of the Muslim culture, as argued by Al-Maududi (cited in Ahmad 2009), because it may result in complications to differentiate the Western and Muslim mindset and lifestyle. Although Malaysia has a strong protection for the ethnic Malays as seen wi th the Bumiputra policies, the gradual influences of the Western business culture is starting to endanger the security of the Malays and the way they conduct business. Popular Culture in Thailand and Malaysia Advancements in technology allows the Western media to be easily accessed by almost everyone in the nation, which will bring issues with the traditional lifestyle as the youth become more interested in what the Western media brings. Pop culture is commonly connected to cultural imperialism because it the Western film, television programmes, and music is known to impose bourgeois values and capitalist ideology (Berger 2008). There are many causes of the introduction of pop culture and the impact is has placed upon Thailand, like Tourism and Media. Tourism was one of the earliest forms of the introduction of pop culture in Thailand. Westerners make up a significant portion of the Thai tourism industry, and leave an imprint of their culture behind. Thailand has won many tourism awards and is the first in the world for having the Best Tourist country for five consecutive years (Asiativ 2011). However, that has led to a form of ‘neo-colonization in consumerism and tourism. What tourism can do in a political economy approach is that developed metropolitan cities often impose their values on developing countries; in addition, the recipient countries face environmental, social and economic problems (Chang and Raguraman 2001). Furthermore, in order to accommodate the influx of tourism, Bangkok, which is the capital city of Thailand, reformed itself so that it will have an ‘Old Bangkok, where the roya l palace and historic temples are located, and a ‘New Bangkok, where there are numerous shopping malls, hotels, and skyscrapers (Burke, Brash, and Bush 2010). Thailand is slowly losing its traditional characteristics within the cities. Besides tourism, Berger (2008) also added that Thailand was going through rapid modernization and was losing their Thai identity and becoming more ‘Americanized due to the western media. It is telling how from Rodcumdees (2002) research, the media is becoming the most common way for locals to learn more about the West; television being the first and the internet and Western music as the 4th most popular medium. Due to Thailand accommodating tourist needs and influence from Western culture and habits that the tourists leave behind, as well as the accessibility of the Western media, this culminates in the erosion of Thailands authentic and exotic traditional values. Malaysia is also at a similar situation where pop culture influences the youth of the nation, especially for the ethnic Malay population. The Malaysian former Deputy Prime Minister, Anwar Ibrahim delivered a speech   in The Straits Times (cited in ed. Souchou   2001) where he described his concern of media and technology because, â€Å"in recent years there have been an overwhelming, almost imperialistic diffusion of Western or Western-influenced cultural products.† The issue in Malaysia is that the youth are absorbed in wanting to be like their idols that they see on MTV or eating McDonalds or KFC instead of eating their local delicacies. It is further explained by (Jayne 2003) that it is also partially the state governments responsibility that the youth are being influenced by pop culture because of the lack of support for local pop culture that youths have no other choice but to search for their individuality or values in the western media which is e asily accessible and popular globally. The lack of support for the local pop culture and the accessibility of the Western pop culture through contemporary globalization have caused the Malay youths to wander away from the traditional social values and practices. Way of Life in Thailand and Malaysia Finally, through the discussion of the two different aspects of contemporary globalization, it is significant to discuss the most crucial aspect of how globalization comes into conflict with the traditional way of life of Malaysia and Thailand due to their daily life being intertwined with religion. In Thailand, there is a strong impact of contemporary globalization bringing issues to the traditional way of life for Thailand. The difference between the youth and the older generation as discussed in how pop culture is causing Thailand to lose its religious, cultural, and traditional way of life; moreover, it is leading to more dilemma. The forces of contemporary globalization did not stop at just imposing its Westernized culture, but also spread its influence to hybridizing the Buddhist religion of Thailand, which has caused an uprise and several issues in the nation. It is explained by Kitiarsa (2005) that this ‘hybridization has led to the rise of many public religious movements that are â€Å"responses to the wider, largely economic-impersonal forces of globalization that have profound ramifications for Thai social life.† It is discussed by Geert Hofstedes Cultural Theory that the West and Thailand have a significant difference as to how Buddhism is deeply interwo ven into the way of life for the Thai people (Niffengger et al. 2006). For example, the Thai people believed in the predestination of human life, and how it cannot be altered or changed. However, through Western influence of how an individual has the power to change his or her destiny, this belief is challenged (Thaiways 2002). These Western ways of thinking through contemporary globalization has influenced the traditional Thai values and is shifting the way of life to the people which endanger the preservation of the Thai values.   In Malaysia contemporary globalization is eroding the traditional social values and practices that have flourished in the nation for years. In Malaysia, many Muslims have started to adopt the ‘Hi/Hello culture, which contrasts with the Islamic greeting which is ‘Assalamu Alaikum (May peace be on you) because while the Western greeting does not carry any â€Å"emotional attachment or blessings to someone. The Islamic greeting not only expresses emotional attachment, but also conveys blessings of peace for the person being greeted† (Nurullah 2008 p. 6). Through this influence and visible change in the country, Malaysia is starting to feel a form of threat from this ‘Westernization and is further explored by Gerle (2009) that in Malaysia, the state attempts to â€Å"recreate a Muslim identity in order to protect oneself against the West, in terms of economic dominance as well as values.† However, it is uncertain whether this attempt will succeed or not du e to the wide influence that contemporary globalization already spread itself to. Conclusion The impact that contemporary globalization has on Thailand and Malaysia through the advancement of technology, introduction of foreign companies, and culture can be seen through this essay to be having a significant amount of challenges to the traditional religious and social values. Through the examination of the Buddhist Thai business culture and the Islamic Malay business culture, it is visible that the Western business culture is more individualistic, while the Thai and Malay business culture focuses on conformity, importance of religious practices, and taking care of the business as family. In addition, pop culture has caused the Thai and Malay youths identity to be more ‘Americanized due to the increase of western media and internet access. Finally, the cultural and social practices, and the way of life of the Thai and Malay people is changing due to contemporary globalization like way of speech, daily lifestyles, and changes in their traditional religious practices is starting to distance the people from their traditional way of living. There are attempts taken by the government and people who are passionate in keeping their traditional social and religious values. But from observations of the examples of the impact of contemporary globalization, this seems to be a challenging task indeed.

Ict In Schools A Means For Transforming Teaching Education Essay

The application of Information and Communications Technology ( ICT ) in schools is perceived as a agency for transforming instruction and acquisition procedure, and has therefore been met with important enthusiasm. The underdeveloped universe besides perceives ICT as a tool that will advance socio-economic, political, and sustainable development and as portion of the nucleus of instruction, aboard reading, composing and numeracy. This perceptual experience is emphasized in schools in Ghana. Students and students can make their prep on the cyberspace, because such services and installations exist on the cyberspace. The cyberspace can besides ease high quality instruction in the schoolroom every bit good as enrich the learning accomplishments of instructors. Harmonizing to Griffiths ( 1999 ) , in most underdeveloped states, though information engineering has been introduced, it is non to the full incorporated. In Ghana, witting attempts are being made by authorities to distribute the usage of information engineering in all sectors. As a consequence, the authorities of Ghana has passed a policy ( ICT for Accelerated Development ) to defend the class in advancing information and communications engineering in Ghana. In the ICT for Accelerated Development Policy, it stated that â€Å" policy attempts shall be directed at utilizing ICTs to ease system of E-learning and E-education every bit good as life-long acquisition within the population at big † .1.2 Statement of the ProblemIn order to accomplish the aims of the new educational reform ( 2007 ) and ICT4AD policy of the state, coachs and pupils should be encouraged to develop involvement in the usage of ICT Tools such as Web Based Learning ( WBL ) Tools to heighten instruction and a cquisition of the class. This is premier exampled by the manner coachs and pupils of Konongo-Odumase Senior High School abandon the usage of WBL Tools. The coachs and pupils are supposed to take advantage of WBL Tools to heighten instruction and larning yet as it is now, they do n't. It is as a consequence of this job that, the research worker seeks to utilize the WBL tools to better instruction and acquisition.1.3 Purpose of the StudyThe chief intent of this survey is to better instruction and acquisition of ICT in Konongo-Odumase Senior High School. This intent is intended to be achieved by look intoing into the non use of WBL Tools. The information gathered will assist convey out intercessions that would better instruction and acquisition of ICT through the usage of WBL. Specifically, this survey is aimed at: Use appropriate methods to heighten pupils understanding during ICT lessons. Use immediate feedback to pupils to actuate them to analyze the topic. Monitoring pupil ‘s public presentation through WBL Tools. Keeping the involvement of both coachs and pupils in the instruction and larning procedure by utilizing an easy manner of accessing information.1.4 Research QuestionsHow will you utilize WBL to assist actuate pupils to go active in the survey of ICT? What method of learning will outdo aid to better instruction and acquisition? To what extent would the given of immediate feedback to pupils actuate them to analyze ICT? Is it utile for instructors to utilize WBL Tools to learn? How will the pupils develop involvement in the class?1.5 Significance of the StudyThe result of this survey would convey to bare the importance of WBL to schools and other affected establishments in general. It will assist make a more efficient mechanization for the modern-day coach to student instruction and acquisition procedure. It is hoped that this survey will convey to bare the demand for WBL Tools and sharing of resources with the schools with connectivity.1.6 Restriction of the StudyIn malice of all the attempts put into the survey by the research worker, the research was saddled with the following jobs, which were possible reverse that influenced the concluding consequence. Not all the questionnaires administered were responded and returned. Time restraints in footings of limited periods to subject the long essay and other immaterial factors facilitated the choosing of Konongo-Odumase Senior High School. Some respondent intentionally or out ignorance gave inaccurate responses. Some respondents were hard to be interviewed due to their heavy agendas therefore the figure interviewed was smaller than anticipated.1.7 Boundary line of the StudyAll pupils in all secondary schools in Ghana offer ICT as a topic. However, this survey is narrowed down in range to fiscal and clip restraints. It hence confined itself to merely first twelvemonth pupils and a few coachs.Chapter TwoLiterature ReviewDefinition of Web-Based DirectionKhan ( 1997 ) defines Web-Based Instruction ( WBI ) as: â€Å" †¦ a hypermedia-based instructional plan which utilizes the properties and resources of the World Wide Web to make a meaningful acquisition environment where acquisition is fostered and supported. † Relan and Gillami ( 1997a ) define WBI as: â€Å" †¦ the application of a repertory of cognitively oriented instructional schemes within a constructivist and collaborative acquisition environment, using the properties and resources of the World Wide Web. † Web-Based Instruction, besides called Web-Based Training, is defined by Clark ( 1996 ) as: â€Å" Individualized direction delivered over public or private computing machine webs and displayed by a Web browser. WBT is non downloaded CBT, but instead on-demand preparation stored in a waiter and accessed across a web. Web-based preparation can be updated really quickly, and entree to developing controlled by the preparation supplier. † Though the above definitions are non indistinguishable, there is a common subject, which is that WBI takes advantage of the Internet and World Wide Web to present information.Importance of Web-Based DirectionWBI, which is an emerging field in instruction, is however, a portion of the rapid growing that is the Internet. Reasons for the growing of WBI include: promotes growing of distance instruction economically ( dependable and cheap beginning ) as compared to computing machine based preparation, unrecorded broadcasts, picture tapes, and so on, ( Relan and Gillani, 1997b and Santi, 1997 ) , enables scholars who prefer or are required to larn outside traditional schoolrooms to go to categories at their places or offices, ( Bannan and Milheim, 1997 ) , and provides bringing medium, content supplier, and capable affair in one bundle, unlike other mediums, such as computing machine based preparation, that require a separate bringing mechanism ( McManus, 1996 ) . Nichols ( 1995 ) predicts that: â€Å" The possible benefit from explicating rating methodological analysiss for the Web [ for instructional stuffs ] depends on whether or non the Web will go a lasting medium or a passing craze? In fact, the Web will probably shortly go the most popular medium for the bringing of distance instruction type stuffs. † The development of information engineering has easy changed the manner people interact with computing machines. This alteration has besides reached the learning procedure: distance acquisition, where pupil and instructor are connected by engineering alternatively of a schoolroom, is going a feasible option to traditional instruction methods, and is poised for major growing over the following several old ages. However, understanding how to utilize the World Wide Web ( WWW ) to back up preparation and acquisition activities presents a significant challenge for the interior decorators and judges of this emerging engineering. Particularly they have to understand how communicating and interaction, two cardinal characteristics of the acquisition procedure, are changed by the computing machine engineering. Furthermore, they have to research the possibilities of successfully teaching via webs while turn outing the acquisition and cost effectivity of these advanced systems. Get downing from t he theoretical background presented in Chapter 2 and 3, we present a model for the development of web-based acquisition environments. These tools can be considered a peculiar signifier of interactive multimedia: computer-stored information, which is connected and retrieved via links. An interesting development of interactive multimedia analyzed by the text are shared interactive multimedias, new Internet tools in which different users, who are at the same time shoping the same web site, can pass on with each other. The usage of computing machine engineerings to heighten larning began in late '60s with the attempts of innovators such as Atkinson and Suppes [ 1, 2 ] . Since that clip the presence of computing machine engineering in schools has increased dramatically, and anticipations are that this tendency will go on to speed up. In peculiar, the visual aspect of Internet-based information and communicating engineerings is altering how preparation is being conducted in many colleges, universities and private companies. As noted by Federico [ 3 ] â€Å" we are in the thick of a paradigm displacement in instruction and preparation from schoolroom centric to web centric † ( p.653 ) . On one side the development of information engineering has easy changed the manner people interact with computing machines. Technological progresss have bit by bit shifted the focal point off from computing machines as such, and toward what people really do with them. The most apparent mark of this alteration has been the creative activity of wholly new synergistic communicating environments like Computer Mediated Communication and Computer Supported Collaborative Work made possible by the increasing power and flexibleness of today ‘s information engineering [ 4 ] . In fact non merely does the usage of the World Wide Web non vouch effectual larning [ 6 ] . Inappropriate utilizations of engineering may impede acquisition. For illustration, it is good known that pupils can blow a batch of clip surfing the Internet. The first studies of Web-based Learning appear in the early 1990s edifice on 30 old ages of computer-assisted direction. Advocates claimed computer-assisted direction is superior to text-based, talk, and traditional educational methods for grounds that include control by the scholar over content, clip, and topographic point of acquisition ; sweetening of acquisition, logical thinking, and efficiency ; and cost nest eggs. Many surveies that reported advantages contained methodological defects and reported advantages unrelated to computer-specific characteristics. Web-based acquisition ( WBL ) represents a farther development of computer-assisted direction. Technical advantages of WBL include cosmopolitan handiness, easiness in updating content, and hyperlink maps that permit cross-referencing to other resources. These proficient progresss, specifically hyperlink and seeking capablenesss, fit the constructivist larning theory, where scholars search out and make their ain cognition bases. However, as was apparent with computer-assisted direction, possible advantages may non interpret into important betterments in educational results. Web-based larning environments can function as motivational, instructional, mold, feedback, and appraisal tools. These environments besides can impact the cognitive and societal behaviours of pupils ( Mayer 2001 ; Wallace 2001 ) .What is web-based acquisition?Web-based acquisition encompasses all educational intercessions that make usage of the cyberspace ( or a local intranet ) . There are presently three wide categorizations or constellations within WBL: tutorials, on-line treatment groups, and practical schoolrooms. The differentiations between these constellations are frequently blurred, and in fact a given WBL intercession might utilize a combination of two or three, but the deductions for learning warrant a conceptual, albeit at times arbitrary, separation. On-line tutorials are similar to face-to-face talks. They by and large consist of information structured by the instructor in a manner that will ( hopefully ) facilitate acquisition. Tutorials are frequently enhanced by char acteristics such as multimedia ( sound, images, films, and lifes ) , links to online resources ( full-text diary articles or related web sites ) and other countries within the class, and self-assessment tools. Effective online tutorials frequently besides make usage of schoolroom instances. Online treatment is similar to the face-to-face little group session. As with any little group, there may be an component of didactic instruction from the teacher ( eg a brief tutorial ) but the bosom of the instruction lies in group treatment. Teachers take on the function of facilitators – specifying the range of the treatment, monitoring and steering the treatment as needed, and supplying or assisting pupils to happen extra resources. Communication among group members can be asynchronous ( hold between directing a message and having the response ) or synchronal ( unrecorded ) . Virtual schoolrooms are computer-based simulations of schoolroom brushs. It is besides deserving observing wha t WBL is non. The cyberspace has found many maps in ICT instruction in which the primary purpose is non an educational intercession designed for web-based bringing. These include archives of face-to-face talks ( eg Power- Point slides or videotaped talks ) and class course of study, on-line disposal of trials and class ratings, and administrative communications. While surely utile, these maps do non represent WBL.The Role of WBLTsWeb-based acquisition tools ( WBLTs ) , besides referred to as larning objects in the literature, are defined in this survey as â€Å" synergistic web-based tools that support larning by heightening, amplifying, and steering the cognitive procedures of scholars † ( Agostinho, Bennett, Lockyer, & A ; Harper, 2004 ; Butson, 2003 ; McGreal, 2004 ; Parrish, 2004 ; Wiley, et Al. 2004 ) . WBLTs offer two notable characteristics that can cut down the impact of possible obstructions instructors face when utilizing engineering. First, typical WBLTs are designed to concentrate on specific constructs, doing them easy to larn, easy to utilize, and more attractive to busy pedagogues who have small clip to larn more complex, advanced package bundles ( Gadanidis, Gadanidis, & A ; Schindler, 2003 ) . Ease of usage besides makes WBLTs more toothsome to instructors who are discerning about utilizing engineering ( Kay, Knaack, & A ; Muirhead, in imperativeness ) . Second, a broad scope of WBLTs exist including drill-and-practice appraisal tools ( Adams, Lubega, Walmsley, & A ; Williams, 2004 ) or tutorials ( Nurmi & A ; Jaakkola, 2006 ) , video instance surveies or supports ( Kenny, Andrews, Vignola, Schilz, & A ; Covert, 1999 ; MacDonald et al. , 2005 ) , general web-based multimedia resources ( Van Zele, Vandaele, Botteldooren, & A ; Lenaerts, 2003 ) , and selfcontained synergistic tools in a specific content country ( Bradley & A ; Boyle, 2004 ; Cochrane, 2005 ) . Furthermore, in contrast to other larning engineerings burdened with execution challenges and costs, WBLTs are readily accessible over the Internet and instructors need non worry about inordinate costs or non holding the latest version ( Wiley, 2000 ) . It is speculated that the wide choice of readily accessible WBLTs will do it easier for instructors to incorporate WBLTs into a schoolroom environment. In drumhead, barriers to utilizing engineering reported by instructors such as clip, limited accomplishment, fright of engineering, and limited entree to engineering are partly addressed by easy-to-use WBLTs that are readily accessible in a broad assortment of pedagogical formats.WBLT Research in Middle and Secondary School ClassroomsExisting WBLT or larning object research is limited to the sphere of higher instruction. Out of the 41 empirical surveies reviewed for this paper, 29 ( 70 % ) focussed on WBLT usage in higher instruction, whereas merely eight ( 20 % ) examined WBLT usage in center or secondary school schoolrooms ( Brush & A ; Saye, 2001 ; Ilomaki, Lakkala, & A ; Paavola, 2006 ; Kay & A ; Knaack, 2007a ; Kong & A ; Kwok, 2005 ; Liu & A ; Bera, 2005 ; Lopez-Morteo & A ; Lopez, 2007 ; McCormick & A ; Li, 2006 ; Nurmi & A ; Jaakkola, 2006 ) . Four surveies examined in-between school pupils ‘ usage of WBLTs. Kong & A ; Kwok ( 2005 ) looked at nine-year-old pupils ‘ independent usage of WBLTs for 15-20 hours while trying to larn about fractions. Students who used WBLTs significantly outperformed pupils who did non utilize WBLTs. Ilomaki et Al. ( 2006 ) examined 11 and 12 twelvemonth old pupils utilizing WBLTs to analyze eating wonts. Teachers and pupils did non measure the effectivity of the five hebdomad, WBLT unit, but the pedagogical schemes used by the teachers were described in item. Liu & A ; Bera ( 2005 ) examined in-between school pupils ‘ usage forms with regard to a scope of WBLTs. Eighty-two per centum of the pupils generated successful solutions utilizing WBLTs. Finally, Nurmi & A ; Jaakkola ( 2006 ) reported that synergistic, simulation-based WBLTs produced significantly better consequences than drill-and pattern WBLTs. Five surveies looked at the usage of WBLTs in the secondary school schoolroom. Brush & A ; Saye ( 2001 ) reported that pupils tended to look at superficial content in a WBLT when left to their ain devices and that more active counsel and construction was needed when utilizing information based WBLTs. Ilomaki et Al. ( 2006 ) explored the pedagogical affordances of WBLTs in three countries: nutrition, sense of the encephalon, and multiple intelligences. Kay & A ; Knaack ( 2007b ) used a comprehensive appraisal tool to measure the usage of WBLTs and found that overall utility, clear instructions, organized layout, and good theme/motivation were peculiarly of import to pupils. Lopez-Morteo & A ; Lopez ( 2007 ) reported that pupils perceived synergistic, recreationbased, collaborative WBLTs positively. Finally, McCormick & A ; Li ( 2006 ) completed an extended survey analyzing the attitudes of 770 secondary schools instructors from six different European states toward utilizing WBLTs from the CELEBRATE aggregation. Overall, 70 % of the instructors thought WBLTs were utile. Just over half the instructors felt WBLTs were good designed, although this was clearly dependent on the type of WBLT chosen. Over 50 % of instructors experient Internet jobs while utilizing WBLTs. In add-on, approximately 60 % of all teachers thought WBLTs improved their instruction and felt that pupils were more engaged. Overall, WBLT-use research is positive, albeit slightly ad hoc and inconsistent in informations aggregation schemes. Two surveies gathered user public presentation informations, ( Kong & A ; Kwok, 2005 ; Nurmi & A ; Jaakkola, 2006 ) , four surveies collected descriptive informations ( Brush & A ; Saye, 2001 ; Ilomaki et al. , 2006 ; Liu & A ; Bera, 2005 ; McCormick & A ; Li, 2006 ) , one survey implemented a formal study ( Kay & A ; Knaack, 2007a, 2007b ) , and one survey accumulated anecdotal studies ( Lopez-Morteo & A ; Lopez, 2007 ) . With the exclusion of McCormick and Li ‘s ( 2006 ) paper, all eight old surveies looked at pupil perceptual experiences entirely ; teacher feelings of how good the WBLTs worked were non examined.Feedback in web-based acquisition applicationsTesting and appraisal are widely used in web-based acquisition applications, and e-learning Systems. Computer-based testing has a figure of advantages, viz. : facilitation of informations analysis coevals of speedy or sometimes even immediate consequences decrease of clip for trials development addition in user motive in the instance of frequent measuring possibilities of proving at any clip entreaty to a great figure of users/respondents with a big assortment of penchants, features, instruction, ends, etc. By and large, there exist many types of jobs of proving and appraisal in web-based larning systems, including both more proficient 1s such as user individuality confirmation and security issues and more general facets such as personalisation and version of assessment procedure. Lack of interaction between pupils and instructors is one of the chief jobs in web-based acquisition applications ( Mory, 2003 ) . During the acquisition procedure a pupil performs a figure of actions where feedback is important, for illustration in appraisals or in feedback chiefly consists of information about the trials consequences presented to a user. In web-based larning systems feedback presented by computing machine is normally aimed to replace feedback given to the pupil by the instructor and to better pupil public presentation ( Mory, 2003 ) . The chief function of feedback in web-based systems is to inform and to actuate the user to increase his or her attempt and attending. In web-based larning systems feedback plays a important function in interaction. The feedback is particularly of import in proving and appraisal that is organised within the learning procedure. Harmonizing to Brusilovsky and Miller ( 1999 ) proving constituents are the best developed synergistic constituents in web-based instruction. However, we consider these constituents as being ill designed still. Most of the current testing constituents in e-learning and other web-based applications do non back up feedback version. They do non give information about the user ‘s public presentation in the most suited clip and signifier for him or her. In traditional distance acquisition ( external, but non computer-based acquisition ) feedback has been examined from a figure of different positions ( Hyland, 2001 ) . The surveies have shown that pupils particularly wanted elaborate feedback and remarks. The feedback was expected to supply positive remarks on strengths, non obscure generalizations. It is recommended that unfavorable judgment in feedback be constructive and that pupils should hold a opportunity to react to remarks ( Hyland, 2001 ) . Harmonizing to Mory ( 2003 ) the feedback mechanisms that are used by pupils have changed with the progresss and growing of web-based larning systems. The usage of student-centred and constructivist attack in larning system supposes the usage of learner-to-learner interaction and provides meaningful equal and teacher feedback ( Dabbagh,2002 ) . Harmonizing to Bischoff ( 2000 ) pupils need regular feedback in order to cognize how their public presentation was evaluated, how they could better it, and how their classs are calculated. The effectual elements of on-line learning include frequent and consistent online feedback, diplomatic online feedback, and appraising online feedback. Based on qualities of on-line feedback ( multidimensional, nonevaluative, supportive, pupil controlled, seasonably, and specific ) outlined by Schwartz and White ( 2000 ) and Mory ( 2003 ) has suggested that feedback in the web-based acquisition system should hold the undermentioned qualities: prompt, seasonably, and thorough online feedback ongoing formative feedback about on-line group treatments ongoing summational feedback about classs constructive, supportive, and substantial online feedback specific, nonsubjective, and single online feedback consistent online feedback. In web-based acquisition applications the chief maps of the testing constituent are to measure the users, to give the user information about his or her public presentation, to actuate the user, and to concentrate the user ‘s attending on farther interaction with the system. Feedback differs from rating, where the chief end is to rate and enter the consequence of the testing for the intent of measuring the user. There are several chief jobs with feedback in web-based applications. First of wholly, there is the job of feedback representation. It is widely argued in favor of expressed presentation of feedback, but there are excessively few thoughts about what should be included into feedback and what sort of construction it should hold. Naturally, the feedback should match to the undertakings and to the single features of the user. The effectivity of different types of feedback in web-based acquisition system has been by experimentation studied by Mandernach ( 2005 ) , who evaluated the educational impact of showing assorted degrees of computer-based, on-line feedback ( no-feedback, knowledge-of-response, knowledge-of-correct-response, topic-contingent, and response contingent ) . The consequences of this survey have shown that the type of computer-based feedback did non hold any influence on pupil acquisition, but at the same clip the pupils reported distinguishable penchants for knowledge-of-response and response-contingent computer-based feedback. This allowed to reason that the pupils prefer feedback that is direct and clearly addresses the rightness of their response. The other job of feedback is the clip of its presentation. The user could be provided either with immediate or with delayed feedback. Harmonizing to Mathan ( 2003 ) the job of feedback timing is of important importance for tutoring systems. H e argued about the tradeoff between the benefits of immediate and delayed feedback: while immediate feedback is more effectual, delayed feedback supports better transportation and keeping. The advantages and disadvantages of immediate and delayed feedback can alter with different larning ends and scenes. The of import inquiry of feedback is that it can pull attending off from the undertakings increasing the clip required to put to death them. Harmonizing to Oulasvirta and Saariluoma ( 2004 ) disrupting messages such as feedback in human-computer interaction influence the extent and type of mistakes in retrieving. We argue that the jobs of feedback discussed could be partly solved by version of feedback to the undertakings and to the features of an single user. Feedback version in web based applications can supply a user with feedback that is the most appropriate for his or her personal features, existent temper, behavior, and heed ( Choe et al. , 2004 ) .

Who Killed Palomino Molero

The story is basically about the murder of a young boy who was either drafted or enlisted in the base and is named palomino molero. The first chapter begins with the description of the boy’s corpse hung on the old carob tree. The description brought me goosebumps because the death suffered by Palomino is a pitiable one and is beyond my imagination. The boy’s mouth and nose being slit and his testicles pulled out to his thighs are the extremes of inhumanity. In order to interpret this brutal killing , the author writes â€Å"it was one thing to imagine it (referring to the situation while the boy was describing the situation)and quite another to see it and smell it. † The first chapter gives a brief view on the character of officer Lituma who is the one to have witnessed the tortured corpse. This chapter also gives an idea about officer Lituma’s friends and the friendship they share. They have their own theme song and they are known as ‘the unstobbables’. Even at the bar with his friends he cannot quite get the unpleasant incident out of his mind. There is an element of concern within him and a strong determination to find those cruel murderers of Palomino molero. The second chapter introduces the boy’s mother Dona Asunta. It also describes her lifestyle and the place in which she lives in. Lust and superstition are two other elements found in the story. Lieutenant Silva has strong sexual desires for Dona Asunta inspite of the fact that she is married and has children. Superstition arises when the Dona asks Lituma if he had found the guitar that belonged to her son because the fortune tellers had told her that the day the guitar is found that would be the day the murderers would be revealed to them. This chapter also tells us that Palomino was a great singer and a harmless lad who would not even hurt a fly. This chapter also introduces a character named Moises nicknamed Dumbo because of his unusually long ears. It ends with Lituma questioning Dumbo, about his brutal death and trying to come up with reasons to his brutal killing. In my opinion the story is quite exciting and it keeps me wanting to know more.

Warm-Up Activities and Fillers for the French Classroom

Warm-Up Activities and Fillers for the French Classroom Most language teachers find that there is a bit of dead time during class. This may occur at the beginning of class, as the students are arriving; at the end of class, as they are thinking about leaving; and right in the middle of class, when transitioning from one lesson to another. During this dead time, the best option is to spend five or ten minutes on a short, interesting activity. Teachers from all over have shared some great ideas for warm-up and filler activities- take a look. Building Sentences Put together the parts of a sentence. Categories List all of the vocabulary in a particular category. Conversations Pair off for short discussions. Meet Your Neighbor Practice greetings and personal details with other students. Music Videos Watch and discuss French music videos. Name Game Learn all of the students names. Quotations Discuss quotations by famous Francophones. Repetitions Have students repeat a list of vocabulary.

14 April Fools Day Pranks for College

14 April Fools Day Pranks for College Not all of us have the time or the patience to completely tinfoil someone’s dorm room, or sticky note their care. We don’t all have flash mobs of friends to do something nuts for April Fool’s Day. In this post we’ve got 14 gags that just about anyone should be able to pull off and there’s no real budget to speak of. Especially not if two or three people are in on them. Check it out! 1. Get like 80 Poppers And†¦ Here’s what you do: tape them to their dorm room door from this inside (no scaling any sky scrapers for this). With 100 of these things the sound will be pretty big; the mess will be lovely; you’ll scare the #$@ out of them! 2. The Best April Fool’s for Computer Nerds..EVER! After browsing the ten billion ideas Google has to offer, this is definitely one of the coolest. You’re basically going to put your head in a jar and then put it in their fridge. Or, you could go with their best friend’s, or significant other’s head. All you need is a computer. 3. Does Their Major Require Typing? Hey, if someone you want to play a prank on does a bunch of typing this is a really good one: rearrange the letters of their keyboard. It’s harmless, easy to do without breaking the keyboard and yeah. Even if they are the fastest and loudest typer in school, it will boggle their mind. You could order the letters to say something perhaps? 4. This is Hardcore This can get ugly fast so you need some finesse. If you’ve got a girlfriend/boyfriend, have a stranger they don’t know hand them a hand written â€Å"I’m breaking up with you and dropping out† letter. It helps if the gangs in on it, but again, while this will definitely get a reaction it might backfire†¦ 5. Nail Polish + Soap This is an oldy but goody. You just coat their soap with clear nail polish and in the morning when they try to shower it won’t lather and they’ll be like, â€Å"Whu?† 6. Fill the Halls with Fruit Not on the ground silly, but hanging from clear cords or strings. At least everyone will get their fruits in for the day. You could go with bananas, apples, pears, strawberries, grapes, or even go big with grapefruits. 7. Mouse + Jello These days a regular computer mouse doesn’t cost but a few bucks. So, go ahead and put their mouse in the middle of a jello mold of your choosing. It should be said that jello is both cheap and amazing. You can get pretty crafty with jello and just about everyone loves the stuff. 8. Go Pop Star Just pick a pop star they would love to have plastered all over their stuff and go to town. Bieber is always a favorite. But, let your imagination run wild. 9. Pregnancy This only works on guys that have no clue it’s April Fool’s Day. You know, those guys who only know basically New Years, Spring Break and Christmas. If they have a girlfriend, oh yeah this will get them good. If they don’t and you know someone they’ve been frisky with in the past that’s willing to play along†¦even better. 10. Flash Mob Anyone? Okay fine, no prank or gag list is complete without the theater company involved. 11. The Out of Reach Alarm Clock Simply put: legendary. Grab their alarm clock while they’re sleeping, set it to go off an hour earlier in a hidden place that will drive them nuts. If it can be taped to the ceiling out of reach – perfect! 12. The Ultimate Stink Bomb? Everybody loved a stink bomb. So why not bomb an entire dorm? Why not bomb an entire building? I mean you can get boxes of these things in multiples colors, head into the stairwell and go floor by floor (two people on both sides for ideal coverage). So awesome! And, if you’re major is covert operations you should be able to stealth-mode this and no one will even know you just pulled a prank that will make the college paper! 13. Dixie Cups for Miles This is especially cool for anyone that’s a fan of beer pong. You can get hundreds of these things for cheap (make sure to recycle them afterwards), fill them only a little bit with water or whatever works, and then chill. You could fill an entire dorm room hallway. You could fill their dorm room. It’s funny. 14. A Bed Full of Cornflakes! Cornflakes. Cheap, loud, crunchy, delicious with milk and processed sugar. Why not a bed, car, dorm room, or closet full of them? Okay all you aspiring students out there, how do you do it? Share your tips for pranks in comments!

Obesity in America Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Obesity in America - Annotated Bibliography Example This essay looks into some of the sources on the topic on obesity in America. Braun, M. (2012, September 18). Most Americans May Be Obese by 2030, Report Warns. ABC News. Retrieved November 3, 2012 from http://abcnews.go.com/Health/americans- obese-2030- report- warns/story?id=17260134 This website discloses obesity trends in the US and how it influences the economic conditions. This presents an interesting perspective to the topic and is a captivating area of inquiry. According to the article, over 50 percent of the US population could be obese by 2030. This could result into a drastic increase in the health cots from $18 billion to $66 billion annually and this cripple the health care system. The article however notes that this situation could be averted. This article is highly valuable in my research as it provides a way forward. It states that if individuals reduced their BMI by a slight 5 percent, a considerable number of individuals could be saved from obesity and related conditions and as a result health care costs could be reduced. Programs must be implemented an establishing a healthy environment for the young increase the chances of them growing up as healthy adults. In a nutshell, the article proposes an achievable goal. This article is highly important when handling the issue on how to control obesity in the population. It discusses the treatment approaches, lifestyle modifications, assessments, goals, pharmacotherapy and bariatric surgery. Normal behavior therapy is made up of behavior therapy, physical activity and a diet aspect. The article underscores the benefits of setting down lifestyle modification together with bariatric surgery and pharmacotherapy to attain the full benefits. The article was significant in my research as it underpinned the increasing numbers of the condition and the role played by health care

Coursework for Quantitative Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Coursework for Quantitative Methods - Essay Example The competitive markets will equalize the price of a similar good in the two countries when prices are expressed in similar currencies. For instance, a certain Television Set priced at 750 Dollars in Canada should cost 500 Dollars in United States when the exchange rate between the two countries is 1.50. Economists use two Purchasing Power Parity versions: Relative Purchasing Power Parity and Absolute Purchasing Power Parity. Absolute PPP is when the price level across countries is equalized. For instance, the exchange rate of Canada and US is computed by dividing the price level of Canada by that of the US. Assuming the exchange rate is 1.3 CAD per USD from 1.5 CAD per USD today. PPP theory implies the Canadian dollar will appreciate as USD depreciated. The relative Purchasing Power Parity refers to the degree of changes in the price level commonly known as the inflation rate. It says that appreciation rate of a currency is similar to the difference in the rate of inflation between the home and the foreign country. Assuming the inflation rate for Canada and US are 1% and 3% respectively, The US currency will depreciate against the Canada Dollar by 2% annually. Relative PPP withstands when the difference in inflation is very large. The concept is related to effect of trade and market arbitrage on the prices of similar products exchanged in multiple markets. In markets that are efficient, there must be a single price of those commodities in respective of their trading areas. The law of one price is also applicable to factor market. However, since the costs of the transaction and transport are positive, the law needs reformulation when applicable to spatial trade. Assuming we have two markets (Liverpool and Chicago) trading wheat and the wheat are transported from Chicago to Liverpool. The difference in the prices of wheat between the two markets should be similar to the cost of the transaction

Nursing Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Nursing Case Study - Essay Example Prolonged immobilization is one of the main causes for DVT (Poelkens, et.al., p. 111). In this case, the patient’s decompression surgery could have contributed to the formation of the thrombus, and such thrombus later travelled up his chest cavity, manifesting as pulmonary embolism. Initially, a thrombus which separates from its original site then travels through the circulatory system then on to the inferior venacava (Smulders, p. 23). The right ventricle then pushes the thrombus to the pulmonary arteries where the thrombus eventually lodges. Since the pulmonary arteries branch out to smaller blood vessels, the thrombus will likely lodge itself there (Smulders, p. 23). Multiple thrombi may be seen in the pulmonary area and they may be big or microscopic in size; the bigger ones may totally or partially block the major branches of the pulmonary artery. Such thrombus cuts the blood flow in the pulmonary arteries and this can cause increased resistance to blood flow in the pulmonary blood vessels. In instances of 50-60% decreased perfusion, pulmonary hypertension, right ventricle strain, and cardiac heart failure may occur (McGill University). Pulmonary reflexes also cause the release of humoral substances which then lead to the constriction of pulmonary blood ve ssels, thereby increasing vascular resistance. The pulmonary embolism, along with the patient’s lumbar decompression is causing the manifestation of his other symptoms including: tachypnoea, pleuritic chest pain, tachycardia, dyspnoea, and fever. Assessment The patient’s pulmonary embolism was diagnosed; however it is still important to note the clinical presentation of this condition in the patient. Since the patient is at a high risk for having PE, it is crucial to note the manifestations of this incident. Some common symptoms include: dyspnoea, pleuritic chest pain, tachypnoea, and tachycardia (Fedullo and Tapson, p. 1247). However, these symptoms cannot sufficiently establish a finding of PE. These symptoms are all apparent in this patient. These may all indeed point to his pulmonary embolism, however, some of these symptoms may be due to his lumbar decompression surgery. Other diagnostic tests may be used in order to detect pulmonary embolism. The first test is the D-dimer test which evaluates

The Curtin Teaching Essay Example for Free

The Curtin Teaching Essay The Curtin Teaching, Learning and Student Experience Plan 2013-2017 outlines an ambitious vision for reforming teaching and learning, enhancing the student experience, optimising the education portfolio and the student experience. This vision, enabled through a number of strategic projects will position Curtin as leaders in globally innovative education; provide a richly interactive and personalised learning experience and provide opportunity for graduates, equipping them with skills for the future. It is in this context, that teaching excellence is defined. Key to the development of teaching academics, who are engaged in facilitating student learning, is the establishment of criteria to which excellent teachers can aspire. These criteria highlight the capabilities and skills that guide the successful recruitment, development, recognition and retention of quality teaching academics in higher education. The Curtin Teaching Excellence criteria provide a single set of measures to underpin all relevant reward and recognition processes, so that teaching excellence is clear and consistent with the University’s strategic goals. The teaching excellence criteria are designed to assist individual academic staff, particularly new and early career staff, in clarifying expectations, as well as providing guidelines to assist in the process of supporting academics and establishing guidelines for promotion and awards. The criteria will be used by academic staff and their supervisors as a formative development tool to identify career objectives, and development needs, in addition to forming the basis for informing promotion and awards. Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria are designed to be broad and flexible, whilst providing a robust and valid definition of excellent teaching within the Curtin context. The criteria are aligned to the teaching roles within Curtin Expectations for Academic Performance (CEAP)1 and the Curtin University Academic, Professional and General Staff Enterprise Agreement 2012-2016 Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Criteria Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria mirror those developed in an Office for Learning and Teaching Project2 and informed by criteria and evidence employed by the Office for Learning and Teaching3, the UK Professional Standards Framework for teaching and supporting learning in higher education  20124, the Higher Education Academy Benchmarking Project on Recognition of Teaching in Academic Promotion Project and analysis of criteria developed in other Australian universities. Staff who show evidence of ‘excellence in teaching’ will ‘contribute to systemic change in learning and teaching through ongoing knowledge sharing and dissemination, for example, presentations within the learning and teaching community, collegial mentoring, pairing and networking, and involvement in university and higher education committees’ (Office for Learning and Teaching). Curtin’s Teaching Excellence criteria aim to: 1. Support the initial and continuing professional learning of staff engaged in teaching and supporting learning. 2. Foster dynamic and culturally inclusive approaches to teaching and learning in transforming Teaching and Learning at Curtin through creativity, innovation and continuous development in diverse academic and/or professional settings 3. Acknowledge the variety and quality of teaching, learning and assessment practices that support and underpin student learning. 4. Facilitate individuals in gaining formal recognition for quality enhanced approaches to teaching and supporting learning. The Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL) for Curtin is systematic inquiry, critique, research and development in teaching, learning and the broader educational context which advances and publicly provides educational benefit to students, staff and the higher education sector. Teachers engaging in scholarship in teaching and learning seek to improve teaching at the tertiary level by: Consulting and applying the literature on teaching and learning Investigating their own teaching Adopting innovative teaching approaches Formally communicating their ideas and practice to peers through publication and other formal means; and Seeking and obtaining peer recognition for their ideas and practice. The scholarship of teaching and learning that underpins the teaching excellence criteria is taken from the definitions first proposed by Boyer (1990)5 and later adapted by the University of Queensland. Scholarly teaching Scholarly teaching in a discipline involves all of the following: striving for a high level of proficiency in stimulating students and fostering their learning in a variety of appropriate ways, being familiar with the latest ideas in ones subject,  being informed by current ideas for teaching that subject,   evaluating and reflecting on ones teaching practice and the student learning which follows. The scholarship of teaching The scholarship of teaching develops from a basis of scholarly teaching in a discipline but is not the same as excellent teaching. It involves exploring, testing, practicing and communicating improved pedagogies, learning processes, curricula, policies and learning materials. It meets the following additional criteria in the context of promoting student learning: It requires high levels of discipline-related expertise. It requires an understanding of who the learners are, how they learn and what practices are most effective in the context of the discipline (pedagogical content knowledge) It breaks new ground and is innovative It can be replicated and elaborated It is documented and subjected to peer review Educational Research Like other social science researchers, educational researchers are guided by theoretical and methodological paradigms. A research academic in the field of education deploys theoretical perspectives to understand educational practice. Educational research includes psychological and philosophical inquiry; historical, policy and cultural analysis; and empirical research on a range of areas including learning and teaching processes, pedagogy and curriculum studies. Such research tests the assumptions and worth of theory  in terms of whether it provides adequate explanations of the data and evidence. The aim of educational research is to expand our understanding of all aspects of education and to contribute to theoretical debates and developments in the area. The questions addressed are broader than those focused on in the area of teaching innovation and involve stakeholders beyond the context in which the innovation takes place (Research Assessment Exercise Guidelines, 2008)6. Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Criteria The seven criteria are: 1. Design and planning of learning activities, units and courses 2. Teaching and supporting student learning 3. Assessment and giving feedback to students 4. Developing effective learning environments, student support and guidance 5. Integration of scholarship, research and professional activities with teaching and in support of student learning 6. Evaluation of practice and continuing professional learning 7. Professional and personal effectiveness Evidence of Teaching Excellence at Curtin Teaching 1. Design and planning of learning activities, units and courses 2. Teaching and supporting student learning 3. Assessment and giving feedback to students 4. Developing effective learning environments, student support and guidance Evidence eVALUate Unit Summary Report including unit coordinator response eVALUate Teaching Evaluation Report Student learning outcomes: (retention and pass rates, student projects) Formal Peer Review Report Formal Teaching Evaluation Review – evidence of report Report from community partners and feedback on outcomes Faculty, University or national teaching awards Peer recognition of quality teaching eg invitations to teach in other universities Scholarship of teaching 5. Integration of scholarship, research and professional activities with  teaching and in support of student learning 6. Evaluation of practice and continuing professional learning Evidence Certificate of completion of Professional Learning program eg FOLT, ALUCP, ALCCP, ALFCP Formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Grad Certificate in Teaching Attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Training and experience from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop Peer reviewed publications / citations University or national teaching and learning grants Details of grants, awards (successful and unsuccessful) and outcomes Service and Leadership in Teaching and Learning (including Community Engagement and Professional Practice) 7. Professional and personal effectiveness Evidence Independent reports from mentees Peer review/ reviewer of curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Peer review of curricula as an expert Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer support and review. Outcomes of committee leadership Professional Association Awards that validate leadership and expertise in teaching and learning External Reports from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop Invitations to present keynote at Teaching and Learning and disciplinary conferences on teaching and learning Membership of senior advisory groups to Government Leadership in external professional networks / interest groups in teaching and learning Recognition by national or international professional bodies (awards, fellowships, honorary memberships etc) Leadership of professional bodies Contribution to the review and development of national and international professional practice standards Leadership of a school, faculty, university or national teaching and learning initiative Level Dimensions of Curtin’s Teaching Excellence Evidence of achievement Teaching Teach and support student learning Design and plan for learning Assess and give feedback to learners Develop effective learning environments and approaches to student support and guidance A A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" participating in team teaching within an established program with appropriate mentoring ââ€" gaining experience in teaching in a variety of settings (eg small and large group, clinical, lab, field, research supervision) ââ€" developing skills in all aspects of teaching practice, with appropriate mentoring, including -curriculum design, -development of learning materials -analysis of learning needs of students -identification of appropriate approaches to teaching moderation of assessments -development of formative and summative assessment appropriately linked to learning outcomes ââ€" seeking ways to improve practice by obtaining and analysing feedback ââ€" embedding reflective practice within all aspects of teaching. ââ€" maintaining currency with the latest ideas in discipline ââ€" being informed of current ideas for teaching in the discipline Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement Teaching evaluation review report Evidence of planned learning activities designed to develop the students’ learning Sound knowledge of the unit material eVALUate TER 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught B A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" using the latest ideas and research in the discipline in teaching and learning ââ€" applying current pedagogies in teaching and learning Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement eVALUate USR with unit coordinator response and response in unit outline Teaching evaluation review report Evidence of well-planned learning activities designed to develop the students learning Scholarly/informed approach to learning design Thorough knowledge of the unit material and its contribution in the course Effective and appropriate use of learning technologies Evidence of effective unit coordination and management of teaching teams and impact of mentoring on peers, colleagues Quality assurance and evaluation of teaching and learning (eg moderation, academic integrity) Student learning outcomes: (retention and pass rates, student projects) Additional evidence Tutor feedback on preparation, organisation, mentoring support Evidence of effective supervision of honours/postgraduate students to completion eVALUate TER 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught eVALUate USR 80% agreement or higher for two consecutive years and in most units taught C Strong teaching practice evidenced by: ââ€" teaching in a range of different settings (1st year to PG; large and small group, different learning environments); ââ€" consistently high percentage agreement in teaching and unit evaluations; other evidence of positive student feedback and peer review ââ€" reflection, review and continuous improvement of curricula, teaching resources and teaching approaches; ââ€" application to teaching practice of new ideas in the discipline and new ideas about teaching in the discipline ââ€" Recognition through awards and prizes at School or Faculty level ââ€" Mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career teaching academics As per level B plus: Formal Peer review report Evidence of reflective practice and plan for improvement Teaching evaluation review report Tutor feedback on preparation, organisation, mentoring support Evidence of effective supervision of honours/postgraduate students to completion Report from community partners and feedback on outcomes Receiving a teaching award (faculty or university) D A sustained record of excellence in teaching practice at all levels as evidenced by: ââ€" Breadth and depth of teaching portfolio, ââ€" recognition through awards and prizes at University level and above Mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career and Mid-Career teaching staff As per level C plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of leadership of effective curriculum development at the program level. Evidence of contribution to the teaching or curriculum and/or discipline at the national level. Curriculum, learning materials adopted at other universities Receiving a teaching award including curriculum development (university or national) Details of leadership roles and specific contribution Feedback from staff mentored E A distinguished record of scholarly teaching at all levels as evidenced by: ââ€" demonstrable impact on student learning in and attitude towards the discipline over a sustained period ââ€" demonstrable impact on success of graduates over a sustained period ââ€" recognition through awards and prizes at National level ââ€" substantial role in mentoring and supporting the development of teaching skills of Early Career and Mid-Career teaching academics. As per level D plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of a leadership role and impact in curriculum design and review, planning and/or development at the (inter) national level Evidence of  significant curriculum, disciplinary contribution through published student learning materials, textbooks Leadership in mentoring and supporting colleagues in planning and designing learning activities and curriculum Details of mentoring and leadership support of colleagues External peer recognition and/or review on impact of curriculum, discipline, innovation Scholarship of teaching Engage in continuing professional learning in subjects/ disciplines and their pedagogy, incorporating research, scholarship and the evaluation of professional practice A A developing profile in the scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" Participation in the communication and dissemination of teaching practice within the discipline ââ€" Participation in research on how students learn in the discipline ââ€" Presentations on teaching and learning at local and national conferences Teaching evaluation review report Excerpts from unit materials demonstrating incorporation of current teaching and learning research into teaching activities Evidence of teaching and learning scholarship in the practice of teaching and curriculum development Evidence of teaching materials and curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Evidence of self-evaluation leading to changes in practice and student learning Evidence of professional learning Completion of FOLT (all modules) Completion of ALUCP (if in unit coordination role) Evidence of attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Evidence of participation in conference / forum relevant to teaching and learning Working toward a formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Graduate Certificate in Higher Education A developing profile in teaching and a scholarly approach to teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" using the latest ideas and research in the discipline in teaching and learning ââ€" applying current pedagogies in teaching and learning As per level A plus: Evidence of professional learning Completion of ALUCP, ALCCP and/or ALFCP (according to role) Evidence of attendance at internal or external teaching-related workshops Contribution and systematic participation in professional learning or disciplinary engagement in the area, scholarship of Teaching and learning Formal teaching qualification in higher education e.g. Graduate Certificate in Teaching Teaching evaluation review report Evidence application of current pedagogies in the practice of teaching and curriculum development Membership of disciplinary teaching network (e.g. teaching and learning network, HERDSA, OLT) A strong record in the scholarship of teaching as evidence by: ââ€" Demonstrated institutional impact through curriculum development at the discipline or interdisciplinary level; ââ€" Presentations on teaching and learning at local and national conferences ââ€" Success in attracting funding to undertake projects related to teaching practice in the discipline As per level B plus: Details of grants, awards (successful and unsuccessful) and outcomes Teaching evaluation review report Contribution and systematic participation in professional learning or disciplinary engagement in teaching and learning Peer reviewed publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (local and national conferences) An excellent record of scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€"  Demonstrated institutional impact in relation to teaching policy and practice ââ€" Evidence of text books or innovative teaching materials that are used elsewhere ââ€" Participation in international organisations related to teaching area ââ€" A strong record of scholarly publication in major international education journals ââ€" Invited presentations at national and international conferences Partner and/or lead investigator on externally funded teaching and/or curriculum projects As per level C plus: Contributes to teaching and learning policy development and practice Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop (evidence of invitation) Peer recognition of quality teaching e.g. invitations to teach in other universities, awarded a faculty and/or University teaching award. Leadership and innovation in teaching practices and supporting students recognised at the university, disciplinary, national level Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer review and teaching evaluation Success in a university, national, discipline teaching award Peer reviewed journal publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning Textbook publications or innovative teaching materials used in the higher education sector A distinguished record of scholarship of teaching as evidenced by: ââ€" Recognition as an eminent international authority for scholarship of teaching, as reflected in: high quality scholarly publications in international education journals invitations to present keynote addresses workshops at relevant national and international conferences Lead investigator on externally funded teaching and/or curriculum projects teaching fellowships †¢Evidence of text books or innovative teaching materials that are used elsewhere As per level D plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Evidence of successful, strategic leadership and innovation in enhancing quality teaching practices and supporting student learning at the university, disciplinary, (inter) national level Evidence of championing an integrated approach to academic practice in the university, discipline, (inter)nationally. Evidence of establishing effective organisational policies and/or strategies for supporting and promoting others (eg through mentoring, coaching) in delivering high quality teaching and support for student learning Evidence of Keynote addresses and workshops in national and international Teaching and Learning conferences Peer reviewed publications in the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning sustained publication record in high quality international journals Leadership in Teaching and Learning, Engagement and Professional practice A Demonstration of potential for leadership in teaching and learning Teaching evaluation review report Contribution and active participation in school teaching and learning committees Evidence of participation in external activities relevant to the discipline/profession and community engagement Demonstration of growing profile in service and leadership in teaching and learning Teaching evaluation review report Active participation in School committees with measureable outcomes details, role and outcomes Independent reports from mentees Peer review/ reviewer of curricula which demonstrate engagement with the teaching/research nexus Evidence of significant external contributions to the discipline/profession and community engagement Demonstration of effective service and leadership in teaching and learning ââ€"  As per level B plus: Teaching evaluation review report Successful prosecution of a major task (sustained or one-off project) that enhances performance of School/Faculty in teaching and learning Evidence of supporting the development of teaching skills in Early Career teaching academics Evidence of successful achievement in roles such as mentor, peer reviewer A significant leadership role in teaching and learning as evidenced by: ââ€" Leadership in curriculum development and renewal at School, Faculty and institutional levels ââ€" Leadership in introduction of new approaches to teaching and learning at School, Faculty and institutional levels ââ€" Invitations to participate in reviews of teaching and learning at other institutions; involvement in national educational activities ââ€" Participation in collaborative partnerships relating to teaching and learning with other educational institutions or other bodies As per level C plus: Teaching evaluation review report (External expert) Peer review of curricula as an expert Leadership in supporting colleagues’ teaching through peer support and review Outcomes of committee leadership Professional Association Awards that validate leadership and expertise in teaching and learning External Reports from the relevant industry/profession/ discipline Invitation to present, design or evaluate a teaching and learning workshop – evidence of invitation Invitations to present keynote at Teaching and Learning and disciplinary conferences on teaching and learning – evidence of invitation Leadership of a school, faculty, university or national teaching and learning initiative E A national and international leadership profile in teaching and learning as evidenced by: ââ€"  Impact on educational policy and curriculum development nationally and internationally; contributions to curriculum debates ââ€"  Leadership in educational activities of national and international organisations ââ€"  Leadership of collaborative partnerships relating to teaching and learning with other educational institutions or other bodies As per level D plus: Membership of senior advisory groups to Government Leadership in external professional networks / interest groups in teaching and learning Recognition by national or international professional bodies (awards, fellowships, honorary memberships etc) Leadership of professional bodies Contribution to the review and development of national and international professional practice standards