Research: Computer and Video Games

Chapter Two Abstract This research paper explores published articles that report on results from research conducted on how portable electronic communication gadgets affect a student’s study habit. The articles, however, may vary in their own point of view regarding the effects on the students. According to A. Saez (2011), it was pointed out that technology is an integral part of our day-to-day lives. Other articles included in this paper elaborated positive and negative effects of gadgets. According to Admin (2011), electronic gadget devices can have positive and negative effects on youth.Also, According to Jessy Norman (2009), computers and other related technologies have become an enormous part of our daily lives. They have altered our sense of people, space, and time. shadow66 (2006) has pointed it out that the main problem is the proper use of this gadgets or the knowledge that are easy to be accessed. Introduction Electronic Communication gadgets are essential to society and to people’s everyday lives. These gadgets have benefits but as well as drawbacks. Take modern technology as an example to elaborate.According to shadow66 (2006) Advantages and Disadvantages of Modern Technology; Technology can be defined as science applied to practical purposes. Nowadays, when the rapidness of development and research is so impressive, it is easy to think about the advantages of modern technology. On the minus side, there is weaponry which is the inseparable issue of the new technologies. Hence, the main problem is the proper use of this knowledge. Nevertheless, weapon engineering propels and provides a huge advance also the industry despite highly developed machinery pollutes the globe.According to Admin (2011) What is the Effect of Electronic Gadgets on Youth? ; Electronic gadget devices can have positive and negative effects on youth. According to the National Institute on Media and the Family, video games can help children practice following direction s and problem solving, and refine motor and spatial skills. Negative effects include social isolation, aggressive behavior, violence, confusing reality and fantasy, and poor grades. Signs of possible psychological addiction to computer or video game use among youth an include worsening school grades; choosing the computer or video games over family, friends or social activities; or restlessness and irritability when not playing a video game or on the computer. Signs of possible psychological addiction to computer or video game use among youth can include worsening school grades; choosing the computer or video games over family, friends or social activities; or restlessness and irritability when not playing a video game or on the computer. According to Australia's media network ABC, Monash University's research shows that children who sent text messages were faster on some tests, but also less accurate.In a NetWorkWorld article, Text Message Language Won't Affect Kids Spelling, Canad a's University of Alberta said that boys who used emphasized â€Å"text speak† were on average worse spellers, while girls who largely abbreviated were better spellers. A 2007 Pew Internet & American Life Project study revealed that strangers contacted 43 percent of social-networking teens online; 31 percent of social-networking teenagers have online â€Å"friends† they have never personally met. According to Jessy Norman (2009) Bad Effects of Technology; Computers and other related technologies have become an enormous part of our daily lives.They have altered our sense of people, space, and time. From our living rooms, we can now talk to people, and watch events unfold in far-off places. Shopping, banking, and game playing are just a few of the other daily activities that have also changed. So many aspects of the ways we communicate and handle information have been altered by technological development. Cellular phones, answering machines, voice mail, fax machines, cab le televisions, computer networks, satellite communications and e-mail are only some recent changes.Other manifestations of this change would be the location of where it is happening. Yes, it is everywhere, including the classrooms for the use of educating children. Technology is now becoming more popular in the presence of classrooms all around the world. Tomorrow's future is in the hands of today's students. According to Angel Lucifer (2009) What Are The Negative And Positive Effects Of Advance Technologies, Like The Internet, To Student's Performance? ; One of the most compelling arguments made against the use of omputers by children is the risk of repetitive motion injury such as carpal tunnel syndrome. This problem may be greater for children than for adults because their musculature and skeletal systems are not fully formed and may be at greater risk for injury. Children's risk of suffering repetitive motion injuries may be further increased because they tend to use computers that are sized for adults, placed on adult-sized furniture, and positioned for an adult user. Another possible risk of using computers is eye-strain, which may include dryness due to not blinking enough, headaches, and blurry vision.To reduce this risk, it is important to limit the time spent staring at the screen; take frequent breaks, making sure to focus the eyes on distant objects; and blink frequently. It is also important to position the monitor sixteen to twenty-seven inches away and in a way that ensures that the user views it at a slightly downward angle. Following some highly publicized events in Japan, it has been suggested that there may be a risk of seizure for children playing video games containing bright flashing lights. Many video games include an elementary school student uses a computer in the school library while another students looks on.The ease and facility with which children use computers comes from the ability children have for assimilating tools in their e nvironment for their personal use. (O'Brien Productions/Corbis) a warning to this effect in their documentation. Fortunately, very few children are susceptible to this condition. For those who are, however, this is potentially a very serious situation. According to Alex Saez (2011) Bad Effects of Electronic Gadgets; Technology is an integral part of our day-to-day lives. People all over the world rely on it for things like communication, organization and employment.Not a day goes by when you don't encounter someone talking on his cell phone, tapping away on a laptop or listening to an MP3 player. While this technology is impressive, there are certain drawbacks in areas like health, public safety and education that should be addressed. Being aware of these dangers can help diminish or reverse these drawbacks. According to the website Healthy Hearing, one-third of teenagers own an MP3 player, such as an iPod. Dr. Craig Kasper, Director of Audiology at the New York Otolaryngology Group , warns that these devices can cause ear damage if used improperly.If the volume is too high or if the individual listens for a long time, hearing damage can happen. Also, ear buds are more dangerous than regular headphones. Healthy Hearing recommends that listeners keep the volume below 70 percent and limit listening time to between 60 and 90 minutes. If you want to listen indefinitely, turn the volume down to 50 percent. Text slang, such as â€Å"ur† instead of â€Å"you're† is commonly used through cell phone texting. However, a recent study shows that kids and teens are actually letting these obscure abbreviations seep into their normal writing.A recent study by Pew Internet in 2008 revealed that 50 percent of students use informal slang in their assignments. Furthermore, 38 percent admit they have used abbreviations in their schoolwork like â€Å"LOL†, which stands for â€Å"laugh out loud†. Additionally, 25 percent say that they use emoticons such a s â€Å"smiley faces† in formal writing. The problem has become so apparent that some U. S. politicians are concerned that the English language and sentence structure is being twisted, negatively affecting students' learning. Electronic gadgets are now very essential to our society today.We need electronic gadgets to do business, to have some recreation and help us get through our daily lives. For better or worse, technology has a significant influence on the study habits of students. In many ways, such as with computers, researching and fact gathering is made easier. However, whether you are a student, a teacher or a parent, you have probably found that the vice is often wrapped in the virtue, and that the same things that are beneficial can also prove to be distracting. References Admin, (2011). Electronic gadget devices result to positive and negative effects on youth. What is the Effect of Electronic Gadgets on Youth?Lucifer, A. (2009). Use of computers by children is the risk of repetitive motion injury. What Are The Negative and Positive Effects of Advance Technologies to Student’s Performance? Norman, J. (2009). Computers and other related technologies have become an enormous part of our daily lives. Bad Effects of Technology. Saez, A. (2011). People all over the world rely on it for things like communication, organization and employment. Bad Effects of Electronic Gadgets. Shadow66, (2006). Technology can be defined as science applied to practical purposes. Advantages and Disadvantages of Modern Technology.

Cold War: Cuba and Latin America Essay

Cold War: Cuba and Latin America There were several motivations for United States policy in Latin America during the 1950’s and the 1960’s. Some of these motivations included the applying of the policy of containment in Latin American to stop the spread of communism. Another motivation was to stop the growing alliance between Cuba and the Soviet Union. All of these motivations were set in place to avoid the development of a second Cuba in Latin America. It was urgent for the United States to act since now there was Soviet Union presence in Latin America offering to be an ally. The United States had numerous justifications for the polices that it followed during it’s presence in Latin America. One of them being President John F. Kennedy’s Alliance for Progress. The United States offered Latin America countries that were developing economically aid; this was a method of applying the policy of containment. The United States need to stop communism motivated them to pass the Alliance for Progr ess. The United States justified the policy by arguing that they needed to have a policy in Latin America that went beyond the Roosevelt Corollary. After 1959, the United State was still devoted to ridding Fidel Castro’s presence from Cuba. The United States policy makers saw the alliance between Cuba and Soviet Union as dangerous thing, particularly after the critical Cuban Missile Crisis. In the Dominican Republic, the Johnson Administration justified the assassination of Rafael Trujillo since his dictatorship had become a liability to the United States. Trujillo was at one point a United States ally because he was willing to protect its interests but he was cruel to his own people and the United States feared he would spark a revolution in the Dominican Republic, much like the one that had brought Fidel Castro to power. There were many things that the United States ignored as it followed the polices that they had enacted. One, being the lack of evidence that there was a relationship between Castro and the Soviet Union before 1959. Another being that the Alliance for Progress was modeled on the Marshall Plan for Western Europe but Latin America was not Western Europe (92). There was also the contradiction between the Alliance for Progress, that it was nice than the method that it followed in Latin America during the 1960’s.

Seminar in criminology -classmate response 11 Essay

Seminar in criminology -classmate response 11 - Essay Example Secondly, the other aspect of prison life is that psychotic breaks are common among some inmates. In the documentary, an inmate such as the Armando Doctor masturbates in public and cuts himself regularly which in my view seem like signs of psychosis (HD Documentary, 2014). Hence, this shows that prison is a place that has a high chance of impairing the cognitive function of a man who is mentally stable. Rodriguez has made a perfect comparison between the study and the events occurring in the documentary. By citing inmates such a Doc, Merchant and Mr. Jack, as examples in her discussion, Rodriguez makes it easier for readers and viewers to make the connection between the study and the documentary. Lastly, I noted that Rodriguez also used different sources to reference her work. Though there are no in-text references, she makes it easier to gain access to the study and the film, for any person who might read her discussion for the first time. She has also made it easier for her readers who might be future law enforcement officers, politicians or lawyers to realize that having high rates of incarceration are not helpful for those who are repeat offenders. Sykes, G. (2014). Inmate subcultures. In J. Wooldredge & A. Thistlethwaite (Eds.), Forty Studies that Changed Criminal Justice: Explorations into the History of Criminal Justice Research. Boston, MA: Little, Brown &

War and Peace in Middle East Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

War and Peace in Middle East - Essay Example Middle East has its own recognition on the globe for sensitive political developments. The area is well known for its rich oil resources and for its religious divisions between the people. Starting with the important and North African Country in Middle East; Egypt played vital role in the activities of Arabian countries in the history of the area. Many activities of the Arabian countries revolve around Egypt till the occurrence of revolution in 1952. The country was under the ruling of Khedives and kings for years together. Hence, it made the country fully corrupted and it remained backward. Simultaneously, European countries like Britain and France eyed Egypt for business opportunities. In the course of time, the revolution ruined the country and the later situations were totally different. The socio-economic conditions were changed. The fertile land in the country remained unused and people have become poor and even begged for food. Thus the country was trouble-torn for a long time (Peter Mansfield, 1965). The rest of the Middle East is always in news due to political and socio economic equations. According to David Fromkin (1989), the boarder quarries between the countries like Iraq, Syria, Turkey, Iran and Jordan make the area hot and the countries frequently exchanged fire at their boarders. More or less, UK, USA, Russia, and France involved in the daily activities of above-mentioned countries. The developed countries considered the Middle East as a play ground for their battle enthusiasm keeping in view that it is rich in oil resources. The proposal of alliance between Turkey (Ottomans) and Germany was a cause for Russia's unhappiness and it provoked Britain to invade Turkey and bagged a bitter experience. As a result, the involvement of Europeans from 1922 in the Middle East resulted in rise of Arab nationalism. That made all Arabian countries in the Middle East to act as one against the acts of Europeans but did not ensure the establishment of a country like Israel in case of Jews. In the above course of activities, UK wanted to make Husain as the king of Saudi Arabia to control the area of Middle East. However, it was not possible due to the socio-political situation at that time. Consequently, UK has to maintain its army troops there for years together and it becomes burden to that country. In the course of time, Britain and other European countries wanted to mend the situation in the Middle East according to their wish. As the religious differences between people resulted in disputes between states, to exploit that situation the UK implemented Balfour declaration to advocate Jewish national home in Palestine. Consequently, substantial part of Palestine has become the land of land mines and thousands of people were killed in Wars between Israel and other Muslim dominated countries in Middle East. As Palestinians want to rule themselves from Gaza and Israel wants to control them, the deviations between the two races always put th e area in blood bath and concept of Arab Nationalism has been strengthened.  

Eve and Adam, Remark of the savages Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Eve and Adam, Remark of the savages - Essay Example The author argues that even though it is generally accepted that Adam is the name of the first male to be created by God, the Hebrew terms Adham is in fact neutral and can be used for both sexes. The second main idea and important point the author presents in the article is that Eve, the first woman, was created through a divine act and not because Adam requested God to do so due to loneliness. The author, in trying to explain that the perceived male superiority is not fact, quotes Genesis 2:18 where God makes the decision to create a helper or â€Å"ezer† in Hebrew for Adam. She informs us that the word â€Å"ezer† is usually used to define a mutual and equal relationship between people and does not indicate inferiority as is always perceived. The thesis of this writing by Benjamin Franklin is the suggestion that Native Americans experienced hypocrisy from the White Europeans which the author points out by giving examples in the value of respect between the two nations of people. The first main idea and most interesting point the author puts forward is a depiction of the ways in which the Indians behaved and went about their daily lives although the White Europeans always thought of them as a backward people. Franklin gives examples such as the hospitable nature of the Indians whereby he says they were always more than ready to help out strangers whereas the English were more concerned about how much money one had before deciding to help them out. The author also shows how much respect and decorum the Indians had during debates and when talking. He gives the example of public debates where in the Indian culture, they would listen until one finished talking while in the European culture, they were accustomed to shouting an d yelling. Another main idea and important point in the writing is that of satire and hypocrisy, the author, in

Project management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 6

Project management - Essay Example 48). The difference between the two is that one focuses on the delivery of quality products (control), while the other works on ensuring that the confidence of delivering quality products is present (assurance). This paper will examine the difference and relationship between the two, and how organizations are using these concepts to ensure their products are exceptional in a highly competitive market. Both these terms work toward ensuring that the final products meet the required standards of quality. Quality control is often seen as a reactive measure, where the quality of a product is tested and screened. It involves all the operational skills and techniques that are needed to fulfil the different requirements in a quality product. Quality assurance, on the other hand, is seen as a preventive strategy. In this strategy, the company is keen on planning, filing, and assenting to guidelines that work on assuring the quality of products (Webber & Wallace 2011, p. 83). At the beginning of any project, QA must be carried out to ensure that the risks identified and specified are mitigated. QA is often regarded as a pro-active managerial tool or technique, which is used to guarantee a certain level of quality in a company’s product. Appropriate QA and QC should be undertaken once a project has been chosen. This is in order to provide the necessary and pertinent information on the project to avoid the risks that may be present as with any project (Rose 2005, p 76). In the case of the UK stabilisation and solidification treatment and remediation, adequate QA and QC must be guaranteed to ensure a consistent and systematic approach to dealing with the entire process. This is from the project’s conception/beginning to the project’s end/completion. It is through adequate QA and QC that the treatability studies, testing and design procedures, and the construction

Treadway Tire Company Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Treadway Tire Company - Case Study Example This high level of dissatisfaction by the line-foreman segment was being manifested through an increased trend of employee turnover. In 2007 alone 23 line-foremen left the Lima plant both voluntarily and involuntarily. This high turnover has negatively implications on the plant’s productivity and cost. It prevents the Lima tire plant from realizing its potential of being Treadway’s lowest cost producer and number one plant for productivity in North America. Four elements of the work system that contribute towards the problems at Treadway are: (1) inadequate training and development for new hires; (2) poor communication from upper management; (3) a poor organizational and/or power structure; and (4) a performance review system. From the case it is clear that for one to effectively perform the duty of a line foremac one needed skills in areas such as understanding union contracts, employee and production scheduling, pay and so on. However, at Treadway’s Lima plant new line foremen received only informal training, which was conducted at the discretion of the general supervisor and area manager (Skinner and Beckham 5). This situation is aggravated by the poor or limited communication between upper management and line-foremen segment. In such a scenario it would not be far-fetched to expect the quality of this informal training to be inadequate. The line foremen were expected to take charge of the hourly employees and were held responsible over the hourly-employees’ actions yet they lacked the authority needed to do so. This reflects a poor power structure – which reflects poor organizational structure. In a good organizational structure the person who bears responsibility has to be given the authority to perform whatever needs to be done with regards to that responsibility. This in a way made line-foremen to be undermined by their charges. Lastly, we are informed that in order to get a good review, line foremen were expected to meet targets without

TRADOC Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

TRADOC - Essay Example Indeed, it must be realized that in order to realize its mission, there must be a proper integration of the activities of TRADOC. Considering that the mission of the Command revolves around training, it is imperative to note that this training is geared towards creating effective formations that can help address the overall mission objectives of the US Army (TRADOC 2012) . TRADOC also has an objective of ensuring the Army is guided through doctrine. This is a very important objective especially in the disciplined forces. It is often realized that many people in the Army fail to understand much of the doctrine that guide their operations. In this respects, challenges often abound. In line with TRADOC’s missions of designing a capable and versatile US Army, this objective is definitely a proper way of ensuring the compliance with the law. TRADOC also seeks to develop very adaptive leaders both drawn from soldiers and civilians. Indeed, as a training unit, TRADOC seeks to transfo rm not only the army but civilians as well. It therefore extends its training in order to create a population that understands and appreciates the important role of the Army. Through proper leadership, it is expected that the mission of TRADOC will be achieved across the board as people will share much of the information obtained from the Command. As a training Command, the core objective of TRADOC is therefore to recruit and train solders and to provide various ways that support unit training. In this respect, TRADOC oversees Army school across the country which train over 500,000 soldiers and service members yearly. The training is always made to reflect the changing times and this call for much innovation and agility. In this case, the trainees are always suited to serve in both times of peace and war. All these objectives outlined above certainly have various measures to ensure they are effectively achieved. With respect to building and integrating the various formations, one me asurement aspect can be a united and cohesive Army and proper coexistence between the Army and the civilians. It is often realized that a lack of integration of the various units presents many challenges in administration. Such a measurement would therefore be effective in gauging the effectiveness of the training in this respect. As regards civilian training, one measurement metric can involve conducting a survey on the civilians to determine whether they understand the imperatives of Army training and the need to appreciate the role of the Army in the society. Lastly, with respect to overall training, measurement is achieved by the quality of the various Army commands and whether they realize their particular objectives. For instance their performance in war or in peacetime activities such as natural calamities can effectively provide an insight on their effectiveness DePuy, W. E., (Swain, Gilmore & Conway, 2000). Considering that the focus of TRADOC is essentially training, the e xpected level of performance or target is the lack of any challenges in operations with respect to the various formations. On civilian training, the target is the achievement is a cohesive coexistence between the solders and the civilians. In terms of general training, the target is professionalism and excellence in terms of performance at all times (King & Demsey, 2008). In order to ensure a successful

The Brick and Mortar Video Rental Industry Essay Example for Free

The Brick and Mortar Video Rental Industry Essay The video rental industry is an ever evolving industry that changes with the economy, evolution of culture, and technology. Due to the changes in general environment surrounding the video rental industry, it can be said that this once lucrative brick and mortar industry has gone through a death and rebirth. New concepts of distribution such as Netflix, Redbox, and cable rentals have hastened the extinction of the weekend drive to the video rental store. Various forces influence the video rental industry as it transitions from a bricks and mortar industry into a more technologically advanced industry. To remain viable the video rental giants must be willing to evolve. Extensive organizational changes are essential in the progression of the video rental industry. By identifying and exploring the changes that need to occur, the changes that have occurred, and by assessing the implications and effectiveness of these changes one can determine the viability off and direction that this lucrative industry must take. For the brick and mortar rental business to stay viable many changes need to occur. Organizational change may be varied in its definition and the amount of change that must occur. The text, Implementing Organizational Change Theory into Practice by Bert Spector states that one example of change might be â€Å"introducing a new business model to meet innovative competitors† (2010, pg. 1). For the former rental industry brick and mortar giants to remain competitive they must make changes and become more cost effective, convenient, technologically advanced, accepting of changes regarding the human implications, and managerially forward thinking. If these changes do not occur the likelihood that the former brick and mortar giants such as Blockbuster, Movie Gallery, and Hollywood Video will be able to compete with the new concepts of distribution such as Netflix, Redbox, and cable rentals is very minimal. Cost effectiveness and convenience are two of the largest forces driving the need for change. The days of four dollar video rentals for three nights is coming to an end. With the need for the average consumer to think in a more cost effective manor the idea of a one dollar per night movie rental at a kiosk in the local grocery store appeals to the consumers need for savings. As consumers find themselves now completely acclimated to a computer and internet age, the sociocultural as well as technological forces become more apparent in the video rental industry. †Americans are watching movies via video subscription services such as Netflix, vending machine services such as Redbox and services that offer movies on demand via cable, satellite and the Internet†(Lieberman, 2010). Through dot com companies like Netflix, the consumer has the option of paying a monthly fee and downloading and watching videos through their children’s gaming systems such as Xbox 360 or Wii system. They also have the option of ordering rentals through their cable or satellite provider. Our culture has become more technologically savvy, but also is very much more convenience driven. Our culture has become enamored with the quick rental fix. These Driving forces behind the changes in the video rental industry have created the reason and the need for change. However, there are human implications such as why consumers want change and the resistance to change that might occur within the organization that must be considered.

Wernicke’s Area and Speech Production Essay Example for Free

Wernicke’s Area and Speech Production Essay Wernicke’s Area Wernickes area is the region of the brain where spoken language is understood. Neurologist Carl Wernicke is credited with discovering the function of this brain region. The Wernickes area is located on the temporal lobe on the left side of the brain and is responsible for the comprehension of speech (Brocas area is related to the production of speech). Language development or usage can be seriously impaired by damage to this area of the brain. Functions of Wernicke’s Area includes: ââ€"  Language Comprehension ââ€"  Semantic Processing ââ€"  Language Recognition ââ€"  Language Interpretation Speech Production Speech production is the process by which spoken words are selected to be produced, have their phonetics formulated and then finally are articulated by the motor system in the vocal apparatus.  The production of spoken language involves three major levels of processing. The first is the processes of conceptualization in which the intention to create speech links a desired concept to a particular spoken word to be expressed. Here the preverbal intended messages are formulated that specify the concepts to be verbally expressed. This is a competitive process in which an appropriate word is selected among a cohort of candidates. The second stage is formulation in which the linguistic form required for that words expression is created. This process involves such processes as the generation of a syntactic frame, and phonological encoding which specifies the phonetic form of the intended utterance. At this stage a lemma is picked that is the abstract form of a word that lacks any information about the sounds in it (and thus before the word can be pronounced). It contains information concerning only meaning and the relation of this word to others in the sentence. The third stage is articulation which involves the retrieval of the particular motor phonetics of a word and the motor coordination of appropriate phonation and articulation by the lungs, glottis, larynx, tongue, lips, jaw, and other parts of the vocal apparatus. 2.2 Wernicke’s Aphasia The brain also can be impaired. Suharno (1982) identified one of the brain disorder that causes language disorders, namely CVA (Cerebral Vascular Accident) which means to damage blood vessels in the brain, is an example of local brain damage, and damage spread that attacks the brain. One of the brain disorders is Wernicke’s aphasia. Aphasia is partial or total loss of the ability to articulate ideas or comprehend spoken or written language, resulting from damage to the brain caused by injury or disease.  Wernickes aphasia is a language disorder that impacts language comprehension and the production of meaningful language. The disorder is related to damage to the Wernickes area. Individuals with Wernickes aphasia have difficulties understanding spoken language but are able to produce sounds, phrases, and word sequences. While these utterances have the same rhythm as normal speech, they are not language because no information is conveyed. 2.3 Case Example According to YouTube that uploaded by squirtofmylife on Feb 20, 2012 which titled â€Å"Wernicke’s aphasia Interview with Amelia Carter. She had stroke and know she has aphasia. In this video shown that Amelia is difficult to understanding what the speaker say to her. First, when the questioner (while showing bottle, bell, ball,   hunger, and notebook) asked her â€Å"Amelia what is this?† she always gives answers that doesn’t match with what questioner shown. Second, the questioner said that she has to repeat what the questioner said, but she answers with different word. And the last test the questioner said â€Å"Amelia finished this song ‘Marry had a little lamb’† then she continues the song  Ã¢â‚¬Å"little lamb little lamb Marry had a little lamb its fleece was white as snow†. When she wants to answer the question she needs more times to understand the speech. Based on the analysis about speech production and the case about Amelia Carter, it passes the several process to do something that we can see from the model below. So, the process of speech is succeed. But, when the brain has a damage, especially in the part of producing language in the Wernicke’s area on the temporal lobe on the left side of the brain because it is responsible for the comprehension of speech, the process of speech production can be hampered. As the result, what is taken out can not match, what we thinking about is not appropriate with what we say. The example is the case of Amelia Carter, she had stroke and it strikes the part of producing language in her brain. She loss the abillity to understand language. She can speak clearly, but the words that are put together make no sense. This way of speaking has been called word salad because it appears that the words are all mixed up like the vegetables in a salad.

Role Of Mathematical Programming

Role Of Mathematical Programming Introduction In order to survive and lead todays highly competitive and demand driven market, there is a great deal of pressure on management to make economical decisions. One of the essential managerial skills is the ability to allocate and utilize resources appropriately in the efforts of achieving the optimal performance efficiently. Mathematical models have long played an important role in management and economics but it is only in the last few decades that management per se has received the sort of rigorous study that permits the application of mathematics. It is one of the primary tools used by operations researchers in making decisions. Mathematical programming Mathematical programming is the OR technique that has been most widely applied in management and economics. It has been used to solve a considerable range of problems in financial markets forming portfolios of equities, bonds, loans and currencies, generalized hedging, capital budgeting, cash management, insurance management, equity and bond index tracking, estimating the implied risk neutral probabilities for options, designing leveraged leases, computing the maximum loss sustained by shareholders, spotting insolvent banks, sorting out the failure of a stock exchange and understanding the forces leading to financial innovations. It deals with models comprising of an objective function and a set of constraints. An objective function is a mathematical expression of the quantity to be maximized or minimized. For example, manufacturers may wish to maximize production or minimize costs, advertisers may wish to maximize a products exposure, and financial analysts may wish to maximize rate of return. Constraints are mathematical expressions of restrictions that are placed on potential values of the objective function. For example, production may be constrained by the total amount of labor at hand and machine production capacity, an advertiser may be constrained by an advertising budget, and an investment portfolio may be restricted by the allowable risk. Symbolically, mathematical models in operations research may be viewed generally as determining the values of the decision variables which will Optimize subject to The function is the objective function while represents the constraint, whereis constant. The constraintsare the non-negativity constraints. In general,optimization of the objective function signifies either amaximization or minimizationof this function. The types of the objective and constraint functions of a mathematical model depend directly on the systems which they represent. Thus, these functions may be linear or non-linear. Also the decision variables may be continuous or discrete and the parameters of the system may be deterministic or probabilistic. The result of this diversity in system representation is the development of a corresponding number of optimization techniques suitable for solving these models. These mainly include linear programming, integer programming, goal programming, non-linear programming, dynamic programming, and stochastic programming. The Mathematical Programming Approach There is an orderly sequence of steps that is followed for a systematic formulation, solution and implementation of a mathematical programming model. These steps could be applied to the development of any management science model. Although the practical applications of mathematical programming cover a broad range of problems, it is possible to distinguish five general stages that the solution of any mathematical programming should follow. These stages along with their main characteristics are as follows : A. Formulating the Model The first step to be taken in a practical application is the development of the model. The following are the elements that define the model structure : Selection of a time horizon Selection of decision variables and parameters Definition of constraints Selection of the objective function B. Gathering the Data After defining the model, the data required to define the parameters of the model must be collected. This involves the data regarding the objective function coefficients, the constraint coefficients and the right hand side of the constraints. C. Obtaining an Optimal Solution Due to the lengthy nature of calculations required to obtain the optimal solution of a mathematical programming model, a digital computer is invariably used in this stage of model implementation. Nowadays, all the computer manufacturers offer highly efficient codes to solve mathematical programming models. D. Applying Sensitivity Analysis Sensitivity analysis, also called post-optimum analysis, is performed on the optimal solutions obtained for the linear programming problems originally formulated. This analysis is important for several reasons : Data uncertainity Dynamic considerations Input errors E. Testing and Implementing the Solution Once the optimal solution is obtained, it should be tested fully to ensure that the model clearly represents the real situation. The importance of conducting sensitivity analysis as part of this testing effort has already been discussed. If the solution is unacceptable, new refinements have to be incorporated in the model and new solutions obtained until the mathematical programming model is adequate. When the testing is over, the model can be implemented. Implementation usually means solving the model with real data to reach a decision or a set of decisions. Types of Mathematical Programming A. Linear programming Linear programming is one of the most successful disciplines within the field of Operational Research. It arose as a mathematical model developed during the second world war to plan expenditures and returns in order to reduce costs to the army and increase losses to the enemy. It was kept secret until 1947. Post war, many industries found its use in their daily planning. Linear programming is a technique for making decisions under certainity i.e.; when all the courses of options available to an organization are known in advance and the objective of the firm along with its constraints are quantified. Out of all the possible alternative that course of action is chosen that which yields the optimal results. Mathematically, linear programming problem calls for finding non-negativeso as to maximize a linear functionsubject to a system of linear equations : There are two extensions of Linear programming which are as follows : a) Integer Linear programming The Integer Linear Programming (ILP) is an extension of Linear programming where all of the variables must only take on integer values. b) Mixed Integer Linear Programming The Mixed integer Linear Programming (MILP) is also an extension of the Linear programming, but some of the variables must take on integer values while others take on real values. B. Quadratic programming Quadratic Programming is a special type of mathematical optimization problem. It is the problem of optimizing (minimizing or maximizing) a quadratic function of several variables subject to linear constraints on these variables. C. Goal Prgramming Goal Programming is promulgated as an aid for decision-making problems with multiple, possibly conflicting goals. In a typical goal programming model, each goal is formulated as a constraint. There are two variables associated with each goal (each constraint), over-achievement deviation and under-achievement deviation. The value of these two deviational variables measure how well the corresponding goal is accomplished. An objective function in a goal programming formulation is usually a linear function in deviational variables. Specifically, the objective function takes the weighted summation of the deviational variables. The weights assigned to a deviational variable indicate the importance of the corresponding goal in decision-making process. The objective is thus to minimize the weighted sum of deviations from goal achievement, i.e., to accomplish the best overall achievement. D. Dynamic Programming Dynamic Programming is a mathematical programming technique which fragments a large problem into several smaller problems. The approach is to solve the all the smaller, easier problems individually in order to reach a solution to the original problem. This technique is useful for making decisions that consist of several steps, each of which also requires a decision. In addition, it is assumed that the smaller problems are not independent of one another given they contribute to the larger question. E. Stochastic Programming Many optimization problems are described by uncertain parameters. When these uncertain parameters can be considered as random variables and have known probability distributions, new optimization problems can be formulated that involve expected values of these random variables. In this manner, a new problem (called the deterministic equivalent) is obtained that removes the uncertainty and results in a deterministic optimization problem. This is the approach of Stochastic Programming. Application areas of Mathematical Modeling The applications of mathematical modeling in management and economics today are so manifold that it is difficult to list them down. A few of the major application areas of mathematical models are as follows :

Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains :: Travel Economics Papers

Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains Tourism is emerging as a major industry, and in recent decades, it has developed rapidly in mountainous regions throughout the world, especially in the Himalayas. Presently it is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The contemporary global middle-class spends a large amount of their disposable income on recreation and leisure. That money is increasingly being spent on activities such as mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan plateau. This growth in the tourism sector has increased the influx of capital into the Tibetan economy while at the same time negatively changing the socio-cultural aspects of Tibetan life and the environment in which Tibetan communities make their home. The increase in tourism in Tibet and the consequent commercialization of Tibet’s sacred mountains may lead to a loss of traditional forms of cultural expression among the diverse indigenous people of Tibet. Sacred Worldview The Tibetan people behold a sacred worldview that embodies adoration and worship for their mountains. â€Å"As though realizing that their very existence depended on the water, which flowed down from the mountains, they worshipped them† (Cameron 1984: 31). To show respect for the mountains, the Tibetans lined mountain tracks with shrines, adorned prayer-flags on mountain slopes, and they thought of mountain peaks as gods. Even the names the Tibetans give their mountains show respect. They call Mount Everest the â€Å"Goddess mother of the world† and Annapurna the â€Å"Bringer of Life† (Cameron 1984: 21). The Tibetan civilization and religion in fact has deep roots in an appreciation of the environment (Wardle et al. 1996: vi). In the Buddhist tradition, spaces become sacred by their association with the Buddha or with other sacred persons (Eckel 2002: 65). Buddhism encourages this placement of value on land and nature. Buddhists believe that they live in harmony with nature, are interdependent with it, and continuity exists. Therefore, any destruction of nature that may be caused by tourism is viewed as sacrilegious. Types of Tourists Humans in the Himalayas over time traveled for the purposes of trade, resources, work, pilgrimage, or socializing. Some confirmations that travel has been an ongoing feature of the mountainous regions are the intricate systems of walking trails, resting places, and mountain passes, and presence of cultural traditions such as inn keeping and porters. Trade, livestock movements, journeys to work and ceremony are all traditional events that link the Himalayan places to one another over time (Karan and Zurick 1999: 16). Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains :: Travel Economics Papers Commercialization and Tourism of Tibet’s Sacred Mountains Tourism is emerging as a major industry, and in recent decades, it has developed rapidly in mountainous regions throughout the world, especially in the Himalayas. Presently it is one of the fastest growing industries in the world. The contemporary global middle-class spends a large amount of their disposable income on recreation and leisure. That money is increasingly being spent on activities such as mountaineering and trekking in the Himalayas and on the Tibetan plateau. This growth in the tourism sector has increased the influx of capital into the Tibetan economy while at the same time negatively changing the socio-cultural aspects of Tibetan life and the environment in which Tibetan communities make their home. The increase in tourism in Tibet and the consequent commercialization of Tibet’s sacred mountains may lead to a loss of traditional forms of cultural expression among the diverse indigenous people of Tibet. Sacred Worldview The Tibetan people behold a sacred worldview that embodies adoration and worship for their mountains. â€Å"As though realizing that their very existence depended on the water, which flowed down from the mountains, they worshipped them† (Cameron 1984: 31). To show respect for the mountains, the Tibetans lined mountain tracks with shrines, adorned prayer-flags on mountain slopes, and they thought of mountain peaks as gods. Even the names the Tibetans give their mountains show respect. They call Mount Everest the â€Å"Goddess mother of the world† and Annapurna the â€Å"Bringer of Life† (Cameron 1984: 21). The Tibetan civilization and religion in fact has deep roots in an appreciation of the environment (Wardle et al. 1996: vi). In the Buddhist tradition, spaces become sacred by their association with the Buddha or with other sacred persons (Eckel 2002: 65). Buddhism encourages this placement of value on land and nature. Buddhists believe that they live in harmony with nature, are interdependent with it, and continuity exists. Therefore, any destruction of nature that may be caused by tourism is viewed as sacrilegious. Types of Tourists Humans in the Himalayas over time traveled for the purposes of trade, resources, work, pilgrimage, or socializing. Some confirmations that travel has been an ongoing feature of the mountainous regions are the intricate systems of walking trails, resting places, and mountain passes, and presence of cultural traditions such as inn keeping and porters. Trade, livestock movements, journeys to work and ceremony are all traditional events that link the Himalayan places to one another over time (Karan and Zurick 1999: 16).

Invisible Man - A Black Man in a White World :: Ralph Ellison, Invisible Man

Ralph Ellison’s The Invisible Man shows the conflict or struggle of one Black man struggling in a white culture. The most important section of this novel is that in, which the narrator joins â€Å"the Brotherhood†, an organization designed to improve the condition under which his race is at the time. The narrator works hard for society.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The narrator works hard for being rewarded society and his efforts named the representative of Harlem district. One of the first people he meets is Brother Tarp, a veteran worker in the Harlem district, who gives the narrator the chain link he broke nineteen years ago, while freeing himself from being imprisoned. Brother Tarp's imprisonment was for standing up to a white man. Therefore, he was sent to jail. Imprisonment made brother Tarp similar to invisible because, he lost part of his identity. However, he regained it by escaping the prison and giving himself a new name.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The chain plays an interesting part in the entire play. The chain symbolizes the narrator’s experience in college, where he was restricted to living up to Dr. Bredsoe’s rules. He feels that he too is trying to be an individual free of others people’s control. The chain functions as a link in several ways, between the two men, between the past and the present, as a symbol of opression, and eventually as a weapon for the Invisible Man as he uses it to fight in a street riot. It reminds the narrator significally of his grandfather, a man repressed by the system who went through his entire life trying to obey but at the same time hating all the men in power.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  At the end of the novel, the narrator continues to fight for his community. He feels betrayed and now he wants to destroy â€Å"The Brotherhood†. His plan does not work out. He tells the people of Harlem to go on a riot. He falls down though, he gets into isolation. While in isolation he decides that he wants to go back to the society. He grows to understand what the brotherhood and what Mr. Bedsoe (mentor) could never understood, that individuality doesn’t exclude being part of a group. He learned to be an individual for himself.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   I personally, enjoyed reading â€Å"The Invisible Man† by Ralph Ellison. The book I read was nonfiction, it was published in _______, copyright date _______.

Facilitating Learning and Assessment in Registered Nurse Practice Essay

In this portfolio I intend to expose the requirement of PP0127 of the process of facilitating learning and develop the skills of assessment as a registered nurse in the clinical practice. Mentoring is a development skill that offers a chance to deliver skill and knowledge by educating new students without any expectations and fears as mention by Huang & Lynch, (1995). I have been in the nursing industry for the past 4 years as a registered nurse. I am working in dialysis unit department as well knows private hospital that has been established for 27 years in Southeast Asia. I has been completed my diploma in nursing in year 2010 as recognized by Malaysia Minister of Government and commenced profession in year 2011. Being one of the senior nurses within my department, I am in charge of orientation of the dialysis department as well as the Environment Safety Health guidelines for the newly employed registered nurse in dialysis unit department. My nurse manager was assigned me to supervise a new registered nurse Miss Rina (pseudonym) in my department. She was graduated from nursing college in year 2013. Rina aged is 21 years old and originated from Malaysia (Appendix 1). Rina is under the mentorship of myself on the track for learning, new skill and establish better practical knowledge of the department. Rina was required to enhance her skills and knowledge in preparation of extracorporeal circuit for hemodialysis (Fresenius machine). A learning contract was also signed by Rina for consent of monitoring assessment (Appendix 2). Identifying Learning Needs, Planning and Managing Students Experiences Honey and Mumford (1992) in their adaptation of Kolb suggested four learning styles which recognized as activist, reflector, theorist and pragmatist in accordance with four-stage learning cycle of having an experience, reflecting on it, drawing applying the lessons learned. Therefore, Rina’s performance was observed prior to the provision of the program period. Rina learns was identified as a reflector learning styles. It is mean reflectors learn through observation, and by thinking about what they have observed, and constructing meaning through the process of the reflection. Specifically, it is expected that at the end of this provision period Rina would be able to: Understand and explain about the procedure Extracorporeal circuit is prepared under aseptic technique Visible air and sterilant are completely removed from the extracorporeal circuit. To provide safe delivery of patients care by ensuring Scope This procedure shall be carried out by clinical staff who have successfully completed the ‘Introduction to Renal Dialysis’ course certified competent Learning outcomes Outline the principles of prepared Extracorporeal circuit Outline the roles and responsibilities of the learner in prepared Extracorporeal circuit Demonstrate competency in prepared Extracorporeal circuit According to Furzard (1995), facilitator is reflected by coaching a learner in positive way to develop the process of teaching in their clinical placement. Mentors are being encouraged to use different way of technique to the learners, so that learners will more crucial and show interest to learn the procedure. It will also make learners to be systematically in the learning process Lister (1990). Fundamentally, as a mentor, I need to apply some theories and principles, to be able to plan and deliver a good lesson for Rina. Therefore, the knowledge will able to meet Rina’s needs and help her to achieve her goals. One of the most powerful theories is Maslow’s hierarchy of basic needs (1962) about motivation (Appendix 3). It is make me understand that my Rina will give up if learning is not take place in the appropriated manner without motivation. Motivation in the work place is important for Rina to achieve her goals. Besides that, physical environment is also important area in facilitating of learning in clinical practice. The process of teaching environment will be arranged in the clinical practice to decrease barriers between mentor and learners (Quinn, 1995). Through these, explanations, discussions and questioning, discussions will be beneficial for Rina to extending her skill and knowledge to perform well in the clinical practice. In these situations both of feel more comfortable and freedom to ask questions and talk openly to clarify the doubts. According to Rogers (1969), the demonstration skills are important within the clinical practice, so that learners will be profession in their skills. I also provided the method of how to prepared the Extracorporeal circuit, and  demonstrate the procedure to Rina. Bloom’s Taxonomy was created in 1956 under the leadership of educational psychologist Dr. Benjamin Bloom in order to promote higher forms of thinking in education, such as analyzing and evaluating, rather than just remembering facts (rote learning). The committee identified three domains of educational activities or learning (cognitive, affective and psychomotor) (Bloom, 1956). This learning helps Rina to develop her knowledge, attitude and skills. According these principles, a learning plan was done in the four weeks’ time (01/01/2014 to 31/01/2014). This is guarantee that appropriate time is provided to Rina to learn and complete the procedure gradually in the due time (Appendix 4). Facilitating Learning and Assessment An orientation program was conducted with Rina to make her feel comfortable and explain the plan about what are the expectations, responsibilities and attitude throughout the assessment. It is helps Rina to reduce her stress and anxiety. As a mentor, I will be providing her more confident and responsible to guide learners to avoid doing errors (Jeffery E.Auerbach). Rina has her basic knowledge on dialysis. Her requirements that she needs to achieved in her provision period was: To provide safe delivery of patients care by ensuring Definition of priming extracorporeal Why extracorporeal prepared under aseptic technique Why visible air and sterilant are completely removed from the extracorporeal circuit Complications if present of sterilant in extracorporeal According to Tomlinson, C. A. (1999), learners are will be act more effectively by visualize, perceiving and feel the sensations while performing procedure. Learners will be learning new things every day and gaining experience in daily activities. Visual learner is a learning style that easy to understand the contents from the aids and organizers. Rina was benefits from visual aid as a visual learner. Therefore, learning subjects like ideas, concepts, data, mind mapping and other information are related with images and techniques were presented via slide show to facilitate Rina’s learning. The teaching methods described by Collins and colleagues in the ‘cognitive apprenticeship model’ (Collins et al. 1989) are highly  specific and designed to foster situated learning and thus can be assumed to enhance learning in clinical practice. Collins et al. (1989) proposed six teaching methods promoting situated learning by helping students to acquire both cognitive and meta-cognitive skills and focus their observation of expert performance in practice so as to facilitate the development of their own problem-solving skills. Additionally, these methods foster the autonomy of students’ learning processes by encouraging students to formulate personal learning goals. In this study we will explore the use of the six teaching methods (modeling, coaching, scaffolding, articulation, reflection, and exploration) of the cognitive apprenticeship model as well as the role of the learning climate. As mention by Albert Bandura, learning is a process of observing people’s attitude and trained to develop learners as a role model in future. Apart from that, learners will be captured by listening and observing of the performance in their clinical practice as a learning point to achieve their goals. Rina’s attitude was identified by visualized and perform the job skills before carried out a task. This learning method was given a positive perception for her because visual learners are expert at observing and perceiving details. During the assessment periods, Rina was required to observe my demonstrations of the procedure, how to prepare the correct technique of preparation of extracorporeal circuit (Appendix 5). The process of learning as a mentor will be develop by understanding and gaining information of the procedure before task has been performed to the learners. Therefore, learners will be more confident and awareness to handle the procedure appropriately. Mentors are inspiring to be attentive to identify learners learning skills before guidance’s are being carried out, therefore difference types of learners has different type of learning skills that are be performed during working environment. Besides that, by observing learners performances through demonstration will be identify their understanding of the procedure. To be an effective mentor, mentors are encouraged to be prepared as a role model to a learner as suggested by Eric Parsloe, (1999). Rina was required to implement the procedure accurately after the demonstrations were given by me. These demonstration practices will be emphasize to develop her skills. It is also encourage and motivate her with adequate knowledge, thought process and supportive environment. Scaffolding has been defined by Wood, Bruner, and Ross (1976) as an â€Å"adult  controlling those elements of the task that are essentially beyond the learner’s capacity, thus permitting him to concentrate upon and complete only those elements that are within his range of competence. This method are supporting as well as providing comfort for Rina throughout the practice training. Learners are encouraged to think critical thinking and to clarify their doubt clearly in their professional as they will be prioritized on their learning practice and speak clearly to understand their needs. These critical thinking process will be enhance challenging for learners to interconnect their learning and procedure as they hands on with real equipment as mention by Chitty, (2001). As a mentor I arranged some questioning section for Rina to stimulating and clear her doubts better understanding. According to Bulman & Schutz (2008), mentor and learners are reflected by experiences one other to evaluated their performance in daily and upcoming practices for improvement. Through reflection, I was identified Rina’s strengths and weaknesses. It will be beneficially for me to make effectively and competently to guide Rina to improve and develop her skills as a professional registered nurse during the training periods. Kolb’s experiential learning theory offers the career counselor a meta-model with which to structure career exploration exercises and ensure a thorough investigation of self and the world of work in a manner that provides the client with an optimal amount of learning and personal development. During the third week of Rina’s training program, Rina was required to assist the senior registered nurse in preparing extracorporeal circuit. By this way encouraging Rina to implement her skills and providing safe deliver care. Rina’s performance was observed by me and another senior registered nurse to determine if she is able to handle and solve problem independently. While assessment, both formative and summative assessment were completely to assess the outcomes of learning skill of Rina. Instantly, competency checklist is important for learners to evaluate their level of understanding of the procedure so that learner will be more conscious on what they have being thought to perform according to the procedure as suggested by Yorke, (2003). Formative assessment is a feedback process of given an opportunity to demonstrate Rina’s learning. It is because to determine me to evaluate her response of the knowledge and skills that she received, and make adjustments i n learning plans for Rina in identifies areas need improvement  (Appendix 6). Through the assessment, Rina will be observed to see whether she successfully complete and was able to perform the required responsibilities by performing correct procedures (Appendix 7). Summative assessment is to finalize the feedback and evidence based of learning for learners to complete their assignments which has been thought in their learning process by Hanna & Dettmer, (2004). Summative assessment is evaluation of Rina at the end of the training program to identify the outcome of the program. By this summative assessment, I know the level of Rina understands about performing the procedure. These assessments include an exam (Appendix 8). That examines to grade Rina’s skill on preparing extracorporeal circuit, as well as her ability in the knowledge. Rina will repeat the assessment that she failed to make sure the important skills and knowledge are required at the end of the training program. Providing Ongoing Support and Guidance The Vygotsky, (1978) suggested that, zones of proximal development (ZPD) are identified that, real development progress by each and individually in their career. Mentor will be encouraging to involved learners to resolve problem solving by independently when learner occurs difficult time so that learner will be have a chance to experiences in their lesson. Besides that it also enhances to be a team work among colleagues and proficient on career. Furthermore, by using these techniques of learning Rina will be developing skills and approach through effective ways. Hereafter, it is comfort for Rina to be more confident to proceed the procedure of preparing extracorporeal circuit without any nervous or anxiety throughout the training and after the provision period also. During the provision period, I and Rina meet twice a week for discuss about the problems that she encounter and need further help to improve herself in performing the procedure. On this meeting time, the things of discussion were recorded as mention above (Appendix 4). Additionally, a senior registered nurse Dolly (pseudonym), with 10 years’ experience in dialysis unit department was assigned as Rina’s co-mentor, for the reason that Rina can look for her assistance when I am not around. In Kimble’s original definition he states that behavioral potentiality in learning occurs as a result of reinforced practice (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2009). Learning is a difficult definition to state because  learning is only observable through behavioral changes. Because learning cannot be observed if there is no change in behavior, the definition must contain and emphasize the need for behavioral change and in the textbook’s definition it stresses the importance of experience but leaves the theorist to specify the kind of experience he deems necessary to his research (Olson & Hergenhahn, 2009). Behavior is a key component when discussing the learning process. Without changes in behavior it is nearly impossible to document or record that learning has taken place. Olson and Hergenhahn claim that, the change, based on the definition given, must also be relatively permanent and must result from experience (2009). Thus, I believe that Rina will be able to learn from Dolly by observing how she performs the procedure by her way. Rina also had some discussion with Dolly to clarify her doubts. Through these Rina can improves her skills and perform well with confident. Furthermore, Dolly and I support and guide Rina in the practice area by assessing, evaluating and give positive feedback whenever she do the mistakes in her procedure to encourage her to achieved the knowledge, skills and to make improvements to promote her progress. This is one the framework to support learning and assessment in practice for Rina. Summary of Personal and Professional Development in Mentorship In the conclusion, I have confidence in that I and Rina have benefited throughout the assessment period. Rina was successfully accomplished her target to developing skills and knowledge in the assessment. According to David A Stoddard (2009), â€Å"mentoring involves helping others to discover and pursue their passions, recognize and deal with their pain and sort out their priorities. More than a sound business practice, mentoring is really a stewardship issue. It’s an opportunity to give of ourselves – our experiences, our expertise, and our gifts- and take advantage of opportunities to help someone be all that they can be.† I understand that mentoring is a challenging process for both of us, me as a mentor and for Rina as a learner to teaching and assessing her throughout the provision period. These mentoring processes identify my strength and weakness to progress my personal and professional development in career. Throughout the assessment period I have extended my knowledge and understand how to become a good mentor and has confident to guide learners in different methods for  my future students. I have also known various assessment and teaching strategies through the aspects of NMC standards. Further that, being a mentor is a good opportunity for me to identify my skills and knowledge in my department. It is helps me to developing my skills and knowledge as mentor role. In future, I as a mentor will be more confident in teaching my learner.

Review of Applications of Accounting Information System of Petroleum

Today the competitive world has thrown more challenges to the corporate world. More transparent and clear information to the corporate management and its customers also has been the trick of success in today’s market. A company can gain confidence and attract more customers if it is very transparent, clear substantial and subjective in its information it provides to its investors and managers. Keeping this in view Accounting Information System has been the talk of the corporate world.The petroleum producing countries are also forced to follow certain technologies in their accounting systems so as to get more information regarding distribution and sharing of profits among its investors. This article is a study on the importance and also applications of AIS in petroleum companies with special reference to Yemen. Concept and definition of AIS The definition of AIS has evolved over the years from one focusing on the provision of more formal, financially quantifiable information to assist in decision-making processes to one that embraces a much broader scope of information.The dimensions used to reflect the design of AIS include focus, orientation, time horizon, aggregation, integration, timeliness, financial and non-financial, and quantitative and qualitative. Defining AIS has been difficult today and research in this area is quite diverse. It includes behavioral studies of audit decision – making tools, field studies of organizational systems, design, development of general ledger systems, and development of accounting models that effectively utilize advancement in computer technology, application of different technology solutions to AIS situations, and many other types of studies.In general, an information system is used to represent the real world phenomena with a set of symbols which are captured and implemented within a computerized environment (McCarthy, 1979). Therefore, an accounting information system is one that translates representations of economic activities into a format that is valuable to accountants and to their customers i. e. , business decision makers, who need information about economic activities. Accountants are being pressured to redefine their contribution to organizations and to expand the scope of their activities beyond financial statement preparation and analysis.They are being called upon to become active enterprise-wide team members who provide information and guidance in strategic decision- making salutations. Similarly, day-to-day operations managers demand a wide range of financial and non-financial performance measures. Therefore, if AIS is going to allow today’s accountants to provide the information, business decision makers, should meet the following definition: â€Å"An accounting information system is one that captures, stores, manipulates, and presents data, about an organization’s value-adding activities to aid decision makers in planning, monitoring, and controlling the o rganization. This definition certainly includes financial accounting systems, which have the primary purpose of generating financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP). However; this definition recognizes that businesses must perform a wide range of value-adding activities (such as production, distribution, sales, etc. ) to be successful, and that the types of information needed to mange such activities will be extensive. Therefore, the scope of corporate systems that are included under the AIS umbrella is much broader than the general ledger system and the programs that prepare journal entries to feed it.Actually, AIS is a system that aids in processing transactions and in tracking the data that result from such transactions. These systems also must provide performance measurements (financial and non- financial) and help to enforce management control objectives. They include transaction processing systems (such as billing systems for sales processes), interorganizational systems that share data with upstream and downstream partners (such as web-based order systems and electronic data interchange cash receipt processing), and support systems.This enables economic exchanges (such as order processing, customer market analysis, and inventory control systems). This definition has strong integrative implication. For example, the impact of Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems on the market has been dramatic. These systems were initially designed around core functions such as manufacturing or human resources. As they matured, their breadth expanded to include much more of the organization’s activities. The key characteristic they embraced was developing an integrated data repository which was accessible by users throughout the organization.ERP systems provide massive amounts of data that is up dated in real time, and they are able to provide greater planning support and a wider range of performance measurements which were done previously by manufacturing or management planning systems. Accounting Information System (AIS) is the Information subsystem within an organization that accumulates information from the entity’s various subsystems and communicates it to the organization’s information processing subsystem. The AIS has traditionally focused on collecting, processing, and communicating financial-oriented information to a company’s external parties (e. . investors, creditors, and government authorities) and internal parties (mainly management). Under the traditional view of AIS, each organization’s functional areas, such as marketing, production, finance, and human resources, maintain a separate information system. However, organizations have found the need to integrate these separate systems into one seamless database or to enterprise-wide information system. Today, the AIS is concerned with non-financial information as well as financial data and information. Accounting Information System (AIS) is based on value accounting theory which are designed to store and summarize financial transactions used to produce financial statements in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP) and to account to the owners of the business in this way. The figure No. 1 has shown Accounting Information System as logical part of MIS. Management Information System (MIS) is defined as an organized method of providing information to each manger with all the data and only those data which he needs for his decisions when he needs them and in a form, which aids to understand and stimulate his action.Fig. No. 1 Illustrates AIS as a Logical Part of MIS. In short, the researchers agree with the definition by Remney Steinbart (2000) : An Accounting information system (AIS) consists of people, procedures and information technology. Accounting Information Systems Functions: Meigs et al. (1999) specified the basic functions of accounting systems in dev eloping information about the financial position of a business and the results of its operations; every accounting system performs following basic functions: 1. Interpret and record the effects of business transactions. 2.Classify the effects of similar transactions in a manner that permits determination of the various totals and subtotals useful to management and used in accounting reports. 3. Summarize and communicate the information contained in the system to decision makers. The differences in accounting systems arise primarily in the manner and speed with which these functions are performed. They ensure full control, which confirm the accuracy in recording and manipulating the data related to business activity and also, protect those data and organizations assets. Characteristics of Accounting Information:Stambaugh ; Carpente, (1992) counted in briefly the Information characteristics as follows. 1- Provided on timely basis. 2- Presented in an aesthetically appealing format. 3- Relevant to the decisions at hand. 4- Concise yet sufficient in scope to allow â€Å"what-if† analysis. 5- Flexible to interface with information from other functional units. There is also a several characteristics determine the qualities that make information valuable: 1. Costs-versus-benefits: sometimes information costs more to get additional information than the information is worth.Thus, cost-benefit considers to provide an overall constraint on the amount of information a decision-maker will get. 2. Understandability/Granularity/Aggregation: Many factors can contribute to the understandability of information, including user knowledge, skill, training, and motivation. In addition, information design choices its level of aggregation (or granularity) which will affect its understandability, hence, its usefulness for controlling information integrity. For some purposes, highly aggregated information may be called for; whereas for other purposes, very detailed information ma y be required.Thus, appropriately tailored levels of granularity/aggregation can be enablers of information integrity. A proxy for the understandability of information is its conformity with user-specified requirements. 3. Reliability : the information must be reliable, you must be able to count on its being what its purpose to be (this is known, more formally, as representational faithfulness), and on its being reasonably free from error and bias (this is known, more formally, as neutrality) . Additionally , for information to be reliable, it ought to be true.If seversal different people(or systems)set out to derive the information from the data, they should all come to the same conclusion (this is know, more formally, as verifiability). Infomration that is not veriable , or not neutral, or not representationally faithful can’t be relied on for decision-making. 4. Currency/ Timeliness: It must be accepted that absolute completeness and accuracy are impossible or impractical to achieve. Information Currency is affected by real world changes over time (as well as by information processing delays) with a commensurate impact on information accuracy.Since time is continuous, completeness and accuracy must be understood in a context that defines acceptable limits for information currency, hence accuracy. For example, if certain information, such as cash receipts is only updated on a weekly basis to accounts receivable, then accounts receivable could be considered accurate if it was missing a day’s worth of transactions. However, if information such as airline reservation transactions updates available seat inventory in real time, then seat inventory would be considered unacceptably inaccurate if a day’s worth of transactions were omitted.As presented here, processing timeliness and information currency are really aspects of information completeness, which in turn, determines the degree of accuracy that information possesses; however, because of their unique relationship to the dimension of time and the change that time engenders, it is useful to identify currency/timeliness as separate attributes of information integrity. 5. Validity/Authorization: Representational faithfulness of information about intangible objects implies that the information is valid in ways other than correspondence with an original physical condition.The concept of validity means that information represents real conditions, rules or relationships rather than characteristics of physical objects. In a general context, conditions, rules or relationships are valid if what they purport is true. In a business context, conditions, business rules or relationships are established or approved by parties with the delegated authority to do so. Thus, transactions are valid if they were initiated and executed by personnel or systems that have been granted the authority to do so and if approvals are authentic and within the scope of the authority granted to the ap prover(s).For example, if the credit limit assigned to a customer reconciles to the company’s rules and procedures used to set credit limits, the credit limit would be â€Å"valid. † Thus, the concept of validity includes elements of both accuracy and authorization. A validation process may therefore require an investigation of an individual item, a relationship between one item and another item, or a relationship between an item and a business rule, policy or standard. 6.Completeness: Accuracy by itself is insufficient to convey the full dimensionality of the requirements for representational faithfulness which requires completeness of information in both space and time. Thus, there is a fundamental trade-off between completeness and accuracy because measurement and processing limitations of information processing systems will prevent 100% real-time completeness, especially for subject matter that changes frequently. This, in turn, prevents 100% accuracy. In other wor ds, every discussion of accuracy is also a discussion of completeness, and vice versa.The amount of information is measured by the reduction of ignorance and uncertainty and not by the addition of knowledge. The Figure No. 2 illustrates the AIS characteristics according to Financial Accounting Standards Board (FASB) in 1980: Accounting Information Systems Components: An accounting system consists of the personnel, producers, devices, and records used by an organization to develop accounting information and to communicate this information to decision makers. The design and capabilities of these systems vary greatly from one organization to the next.In very small business, the accounting system may consist of little more than a cash register, a check book, and an annual trip to an income tax office. In large business, an accounting system includes computers, highly trained personnel, and accounting reports that affect the daily operations of every department. But in every case the bas ic purpose of the accounting system remains the same to meet the organization’s needs for accounting information as efficiently as possible. Many factors affect the structure of the accounting system within a particular organization.The most important are: the company’s needs for accounting information and the resources available for operation of the system. Accounting Information System Objectives: Naturally, there is no system without goal, we should differ between stated objectives and the real objectives, when the entity declares its stated objectives satisfies consumers wile the real objectives maximum profits at to gain. Each enterprise has implicit and explicit goals and objectives, enterprises may have a mission statement that describes their goals.These goals can vary widely among enterprises ranging from nonprofit organizations, where goals are aimed at serving specified constituents, profit organizations, where goals are directed toward maximizing the ownerà ¢â‚¬â„¢s objectives. It may seem at first sight to be an easy thing to do, but it can be seen as a complex problem in the absence of stated objectives. It means that the firm has no criterion against which to evaluate its success or failure or to use in the process of choosing between alternative activities.One of the problems in stating objectives for a firm is that only people involved with the firm can have objectives, not the firm it self. If this is accepted, then it is obviously possible that there is more than one relevant objective. Accounting is purely human invention, having no independent existence in nature. Hence, it can not in any true sense have been discovered, but it must have been constructed by human minds to serve human needs. Accounting Information System objectives are as follows: 1.Internal control, including the safeguarding of organization money and other property, the regular collection and payment of sums of money owed to and by it, and the prevention and detection of inefficiency, waste, and dishonesty by employees of the organization. 2. Measurement of financial data, by means of the recording of transactions and events affecting the financial state of the organization, and their processing in accordance with consistent rules. 3. Provision of information for planning and decision making to management. 4. Reporting of financial information to properties, investors, and other interested persons.Another author also gives his contribution in accounting system objectives, such as Ijiri, (1975) in addressing the question of what an accounting system should do ? He identifies ‘accountability' and ‘information usefulness' as the two main broad objectives that any accounting system should achieve. He states that accountability has clearly been the social and organizational backbone of accounting for centuries. In this sense to account for he takes to explain a consequence by providing a set of causes that have collectively produ ced the result. To provide accountability is thus an essential feature of an accounting system.However, in the modern business world, information usefulness is also an important, albeit secondary, requirement. Thus, the core of any accounting system is to provide accountability with information usefulness a necessary adjunct. All accounting information systems seek five basic results: 1. To record an actual, valid transaction; 2. To accurately classify the nature of the transaction; 3. To record the correct value of the transaction; 4. To place the transaction in the proper accounting period; and 5. To generate financial statements containing information about the transaction.

Comparing Fast Food Giants Burger King and McDonald’s

Burger King Versus McDonald’s Fast Food Franchises have raised many questions or debates that have risen because of obesity issues and health concerns in our society to this day. This has led me to compare Burger King and McDonald’s. Comparison of these two companies to see exactly what they have to offer and the fact that people seem to look at all fast food the same. It is all bad for you and causing health issues. Burger King and McDonald’s are the top two fast food chains and are known for serving unhealthy foods, but there are healthy choices available, as salads. As I have done my research to see if there are healthy options when we eat at these places. Truly comes down to whether it is us or the franchises making the wrong choices or whose fault it really is. Fast food franchises being all of the same or having differences amongst food options and services offered. Similarities Main thing appears to be a burger, fries, and a soft drink is what they are known for. Both of the franchises basically offer the same types of foods, combo meals, children meals, dollar menus, super sizes available, play lands and a drive thru for that fast service. Usually you can bet the food will taste the same each time you go, giving us the feeling of reliability. Whether you want to sit down as a family or eat on the go. Both of the companies keep the cost down to make it an affordable meal and giving us a variety to choose from. They both serve breakfast, lunch, and supper options. This is partially what makes it hard for us to say no. The convenience and time saving options really hit home to our busy schedules. Differences: Now even though they both seem to be basically the same, there are differences within these two franchises. One way that they are different is in the way they prepare and process their foods. At Burger King, they use a process where there is no human intervention while cooking their burgers. No one has to stand there and flip the burgers. This is saving time and providing employees to be available to keep moving and making meals more quickly. They also use a broiler, giving us that broiler taste. Where McDonald’s uses a basic grill style and someone has to be there constantly to turn and flip the burgers. Burger King has bigger and thicker burgers, providing more for your buck. They also have the option of onion rings instead of fries, and they are lower in calories than fries. When concerning their fries, they even have the option of no salt on them. This is an amazing option for those of us watching our sodium intake. The one thing that I was surprised with is that they provide Kraft macaroni and cheese and apple fries in the children’s meals, along with milk. The fries are still included, but for those parents who do not want them to have the fries, there is your other option. McDonald’s gives you a wider range of choices in desserts and salads. They offer 10 different types of salads, where Burger King only offers you 3 types of salads. Their happy meal is including a choice of low fat chocolate and white milk, fries along with apple slices. If you do not want your child to have fries, there’s the option of two packages of apple slices. They are attempting to offer a healthier choice for your children. Healthier choices If you want just the basic burger, fries, and a beverage, it really does not matter where you go; they both offer these and come down to the consumer’s taste buds. Basically either place you go, they both have begun to offer many healthy food options. It still is not the best choice, but you can choose something that will not cause so much weight gain. It is coming down to our choices on what we eat if we must go to a fast food restaurant. Some of the choices you can make: Have a salad with the dressing on the side, Burger King’s fries with not salt, have the condiments on the side or none, choose a burger with no bacon or cheese, have their oatmeal option with fruit on top, a veggie burger instead of meat, grilled instead of fried and have juice instead of soda. There are many things that we can choose to eat that will make our visit to these two places healthier. Both places provide brochures on the nutritional value on their meals, take time to check them out and see what you are eating. Burger King and McDonald’s are very similar in many ways, but do have differences. Just depending on what your taste buds are, if you want it made your way, or if you want a bigger burger. These will assist in determining to which company fits best to your desires. The salad option, McDonald’s is the way to go. They have best options in this category, but remember to go for the grilled instead of fried and have that dressing on the side. Just remember it is our choice to what we are putting in our body. References Associated Press. â€Å"McDonald's profit climbs 27 percent. † MSNBC. October 19, 2007. Retrieved November 26th 2011. Written by Associated Press on November 15, 2011 4:35 pm. http://newsone. com/author/associatedpress3/ Brandau, Mark (28 March 2011). â€Å"BK’s Chidsey to resign in April†. Nation's Restaurant news. Burger King Corporation. 2007, www. k. com, Retrieved November 26th 2011. Cordal, Ina Paiva; Walker, Elaine (28 October 2010). â€Å"Burger King Ousts top staff†. Miami Herald. 2010 10-K SEC Filing, Burger King Corporation, 30 June 2010, pp. 38-40. Hogan, David (1997). Selling 'em by the Sack: White Castle and the Creation of American Food. New York: New York University Press. Jakle, John A. ; Sculle, Keith A. ; Pappas (1999). Fast Food: Roa dside Restaurants in the Automobile Age (1st ed. ). JHU Press. pp. 116–117. ISBN  080186920X. â€Å"Mathew Burns of Long Beach, California, and Kieth g. Kramer, Burn's stepson and owner of a Daytona Beach, Florida drive in, founded Insta-Burger King, Burger King's predecessor. † Kroc, Ray and Anderson, Robert (1977). Grinding It Out: The Making of McDonald's. Chicago: Contemporary Books. Levinstein, Harvey (2003). Paradox of Plenty: a Social History of Eating in Modern America. Berkeley: University of California P, 2003. 228-229. Luxenberg, Stan (1985). Roadside Empires: How the Chains Franchised America. New York: Viking, 1985. Mcginley, Lou Ellen with Stephanie Spurr (2004). Honk for Service: A Man, A Tray and the Glory Days of the Drive-In Restaurant†. Tray Days Publishing. Schlosser, Eric (2005). â€Å"Fast Food Nation: The Dark Side of the All American Meal† HarperCollins Publishers. www. chapters. indigo. ca/books/Fast-Food-Nation. Retrieved November 25th, 2011. Thottam, Jyoti (June 6, 2005). â€Å"Fast Food Face-Off. † Time Online Magazine. Read more at Suite101: Which Fast Food is Better: McDonalds o r Burger King? | Suite101. com http://tasha-kelley. suite101. com/which-fast-food-is-better–McDonald’s-or-burger-king

History of the game Essay

As the rackets of the game have changed, the style of play has changed accordingly. During the wooden racket era, before the flood of the metal and metal composite rackets, players hit groundstrokes with slight topspin but mostly flat or with underspin, particularly on the backhand side. To provide the players with the underspin or flat shots, players hit with an eastern grip (slightly east of the continental style grip achieved by sliding the â€Å"V† area between the thumb and index finger down the side of the frame to the grip) to help generate slice and handle low balls better. Players used this style of play to compensate for the lower bounce produced on grass courts compared to the bounce of hard and clay courts today. In effect, groundstrokes had to be long and fluid with early preparation and a long follow through to get the necessary power and control by swinging the heavier wooden rackets.  Players with wooden rackets also stood sideways to the ball and stepped into the swing to generate more power. Furthermore, the small sweetspot of the wooden racket required players to have more exact, controlled swings instead of the quick, powerful, whip-like swings of today’s players. As an example, John McEnroe, a former tennis professional and Grand Slam winner, supports wooden rackets saying: I have been a proponent of the wood racket†¦wood rackets would bring back skill and finesse to the game and would make the points longer and more fun to watch. And I could watch all those young guys cry like that little baby doll that wets herself as they try to return a serve with a 15-ounce piece of lumber. (McEnroe 1).  As a result, players could not end the point with a single shot like today and therefore games consisted of more rallies. The rackets and styles of play have evolved to the 21st Century and have dramatically changed the way tennis is played. Instead of the long and fluid groundstrokes used with wooden rackets, lighter more powerful rackets have developed quick, short but powerful swings by tennis players today. The players also use a more western or semi-western grip (achieved by placing the racket on the ground and coming from straight above, picking the racket up with one hand). These grips tend to generate more power and topspin as well make it easier to hit high bouncing balls. This heavy topspin usually causes points to end more quickly with more winners and harder shots. These changes in the game are all in relation to the development of higher bouncing courts, hard courts and clay courts, and the shorter grass court tournament season. Also, as a result to the more powerful modern rackets, serves were consistently hit over 100 mph and many clocked at more than 120 mph contributing to the quicker points. Furthermore, many serves were unreturnable meaning that it would be almost impossible for players to return or even more to hit the ball with the racket. The change in rackets in the 20th Century was not only limited to a change in the game but the tennis market was affected as well. According to Edward Tenner, the new rackets were not as profitable for racket manufacturers as the wooden rackets were during the peak in tennis popularity in the early 1970’s (Tenner 3). However, shortly following this rapid growth in tennis popularity, tennis’s popularity among the common people started to decline. According to the records of the Tennis Industry Association, two years before the introduction of the Prince racket in 1974, the number of tennis players reached its peak and then started a decline (Tenner 1). Later, the sale of tennis balls was evaluated and showed a drop in tennis ball usage between 1990 and 1993 (Tenner 3). A short explanation of this event could be that players were not ready to pay the higher price for newer metal rackets. The modern rackets, costing about $150, were much more expensive compared to the lower price of wooden rackets in the early 1970s. However, the introduction of the modern rackets produced a larger selection of varying rackets for tennis consumers shown in the following excerpt from Tennis Magazine, â€Å"To play your best tennis, your racket has to complement your game. And with more frames than ever being designed for specific types of players, finding that magic wand has never been easier.† (2001 Racket Guide 1) In addition, modern rackets are designed for all different types of players including strictly baseliners to serve and volleyers. Mark Macky, Dunlop’s director of racket sports, shows this in the following statement, â€Å"It’s no longer enough to make a racket for one ability level – beginner, intermediate, advanced. Today, companies make rackets that are targeted to specific styles of play. A serve and volleyer, for example, will want a different type of racket than a baseliner.† (2001 Racket Guide 1) Although while racket manufacturers may have suffered from the introduction of modern rackets, consumers seem to benefit. According to â€Å"New York Times† newspaper, the new metal rackets prove to last longer and need restringing less often saving consumers money (Tenner 3). Furthermore, metal rackets can last up to ten years or more contrary to the wooden rackets that were damaged by age, warping, and cracking.  In conclusion, although many tennis professionals believe that wooden rackets would increase the charisma of tennis, there is undeniable evidence that proves modern rackets to be better for the game and all levels of players. Newer rackets provide more options for tennis players, giving them more power and control than ever before therefore elevating the level of play in the game of tennis. They also appeal to lower levels of players making the game easier to learn and in effect, better for everyone. In addition, although the market seemed to be falling, it is currently rising for the game of tennis and showing this, the U.S. Open has had more viewers in the year of 2001 than ever before in the history of the game.