Wednesday, December 25, 2019

The Vision Of The Department Of Homeland Security

Change in strategy The vision of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), is â€Å"to ensure a homeland that is safe, secure, and resilient against terrorism and other hazards† (United States Department of Homeland Security, 2015). To achieve this vision, DHS has developed five core missions these are, â€Å"to prevent terrorism and enhance security, to secure and manage US borders, to ensure and administer immigration laws, to safeguard and secure cyberspace, and to ensure resilience to disasters.† To accomplish this DHS must have quality skilled staff, only with stable sustained leadership can there be any hope for a resilient workforce. Although there are many agencies which make up DHS, these agencies tend to function in such a manner that is often described as being decentralized. Perhaps the biggest reason for this decentralization is the need of these individual agencies to desire a sense of autonomy which in turn leads to tension amongst the various component s as well as headquarter elements. Only by implementing a stable, sustained sense of leadership within DHS, can there be any chance of creating positive lasting change across the various agencies. Furthermore, this sustained leadership will aide by helping to foster a culture in which the employees who make up these various agencies are now motivated in a positive manner. Another important step is the implementation of better workforce management. As the institute of medicine described, â€Å"Leaders are not born, theyShow MoreRelatedEssay on The Department of Homeland Security 1208 Words   |  5 Pagesto discuss the plan that the Department of Homeland Security has set forth for the years of 2012-2016. This plan outlines the entire vision of the department to essentially accomplish their missions and goals. The plan consists of missions varying from border security to cyber security. We must not forget the men and women on the front line working hard to ultimately secure and provide safety for the United States of America. The Department of Homeland Security National Strategic Plan was createdRead MoreHomeland Security And Homeland Defense1321 Words   |  6 Pagesin its security. The result of the tragic events was the establishment of homeland security. The White House, the federal government and the Congress joined together to establish it. On September 20, 2001, President George W. Bush issued an executive order 13228 to establish an Office of Homeland Security within the White House and assigning the Governor of Pennsylvania, Tom Ridge as its Director (Bullock, Haddow, Coppola, 2013, p. 4). Ever since, the United States (U.S.) Department of HomelandRead MoreEssay on Evolution of Homeland Security750 Words   |  3 Pages  Evolution of Homeland security   The evolution of Homeland security started in September 11, 2011. When terrorist took control of 4 flights in the United States and planed to kill millions of lives including their own lives. Everyone knows this day as 9/11. When ex-president George W. Bush created the Department of Homeland Security act of 2002. There were 22 agencies that were inherited into the DHS and three agencies that were not included in the DHS. The agencies that make up partRead MoreU.s. Federal Department Of Homeland Security1245 Words   |  5 PagesThe idea of the establishment of the Department of Homeland Security evolved into the biggest U.S. government reorganization in American history. Prior to the establishment of the Department, Americans increasingly became concerned about terrorism on our soil. This concern was triggered by the World Trade Center bombing in 1993, the Oklahoma City bombing in 1995 as well as the discovery of a bomb at the Atlanta Olympics in 1994. Additionally, it became more apparent to the Americans that terrorismRead MoreThe Transportation Security Administration ( Fema )1540 Words   |  7 Pages This report below is a concerning the overall DHS program prioritization which will address the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) which is a directorate under the DHS and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) which become part of the Emergency Preparedness and R esponse Directorate of DHS. This report could have not been prepared without gathering background information concerning the following area hazard/threats, hazard identification and risk analysis, terroristRead MoreThe Department Of Homeland Security991 Words   |  4 PagesIntroduction Considering the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)has only initiated actions in 2003, it has performed necessary security procedures and accomplished significant purposes and breakthroughs. As DHS progresses to grow, more activity predominates for them to address weaknesses in its current operational strategy. Implementation efforts are in place to strengthen the efficiency and to integrate its management areas (acquisitions, financial management, human capital, and information technology)Read MoreTerrorism Influences1537 Words   |  7 Pagesattacks, police departments have adopted homeland security measures. Every police department has a homeland security measure and also added counterterrorism to their regular mission to enhance their capabilities. Police departments have obtained terrorism related equipment and training and recent grant allocations are a clear illustration of how things have changed since 9/11. Communities and individuals are more aware of their surroundi ngs and are willing to cooperate with new security measures createdRead MoreEssay on National Disaster Medical System1519 Words   |  7 Pagesdealing with medical affects of catastrophic peace time disasters in which helped aide military as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs medical systems by aiding wounded individuals from overseas to the U.S. All 50 U.S. states are funded locally through the government, by organizations such as FEMA and Red Cross. Citizens fail to realize the importance of having financial security during the response stage of a disaster program in damaged areas. Financial stability plays a huge role inRead MoreHomeland Security1093 Words   |  5 PagesCity. The United States of America has not worried much about self-defense or in this case homeland security. Due to the actions on September 11th homeland security has been the main goal of many politicians and voters. Homeland security builds coalitions and partnerships, protects civil rights and civil liberties, and develops human capital. History The foundations and principles of homeland security are rooted deeply in American history. The preamble of the Constitution, as written by GovernorRead MoreA Report On Organizational Environment Essay1537 Words   |  7 Pages2015). The agency provides law enforcement and security services in the protection of government employees and GSA owned and leased facilities. The main product offerings are: †¢ Enforce Federal Laws, conduct criminal investigations, serve warrants through law enforcement authority granted by the Secretary of Homeland Security derived from Section 1315 of Title 40 (40 USC 1315) of the United States Code. †¢ Provide law enforcement coverage for high security events to include major sports events such as

Tuesday, December 17, 2019

Bed Breakfast Feasibility Study - 1545 Words

Bed Breakfast Feasibility Study Business Industry: The business industry I have chosen according to the 2012 NAICS Definition falls under; Accommodation and Food Services- Sector 72 †¢ The Accommodation and Food Services sector comprises establishments providing customers with lodging and/or preparing meals, snacks, and beverages for immediate consumption. The sector includes both accommodation and food services establishments because the two activities are often combined at the same establishment. Excluded from this sector are civic and social organizations; amusement and recreation parks; theaters; and other recreation or entertainment facilities providing food and beverage services. (North American Industry Classification System, 2012) Sub classification is as defined as the following; †¢ NAICS 721191: Bed Breakfast Inns. This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing short-term lodging in facilities known as bed-and-breakfast inns. These establishments provide short-term lodging in private homes or small buildings converted for this purpose. Bed-and-breakfast inns are characterized by a highly personalized service and inclusion of a full breakfast in a room rate. (Barnes Reports, 2011) The sub classification puts the bed and breakfast inn industry in 1% of hotels and motels. Business Trends: Online Reservations - An increasing number of BBs are adding online reservation systems to make it easier for travelers to make reservations and forShow MoreRelatedWheelchair5342 Words   |  22 PagesTRINITY UNIVERSITY OF ASIA Cathedral Heights 275 E. Rodriguez Sr. Avenue, Quezon City A Feasibility Study on â€Å"HOUSE OF WHEELCHAIR† In Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy College of Business Administration Presented to: Mrs. Cecile Baniqued Presented by: Christian Aris Guy Jeffrey Jaramillo Dianne Lozano Janelle Ann Sotto CHAPTER I EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A. Company Name : House of Wheelchair The business proponents came up withRead MoreHomelessness Is A Major Topic Affecting The United States And Other Parts Of The World1836 Words   |  8 Pageshomelessness such as visible homelessness, which is described by being on the streets, sleeping rough, and in shelters (Long). There is also hidden homelessness, which explains those in temporary housing with relatives or friends; living in bed and breakfast accommodation, and squatting (Reeve). There has been a large number of homelessness due to the loss of SRO or Single Room Occupancy. This linked to several reasons: gentrification, slum lording and warehousing. Gentrification in this sense refersRead MoreHotel/Motel Market Analysis 23903 Words   |  16 PagesHotel/Motel Market Analysis Developing a business plan for an existing business or conducting a feasibility study for a new venture requires a thorough analysis of market conditions. Market conditions in your area have a significant impact on the profitability of your hotel or motel. The strength of the local lodging market affects how many rooms you can sell and the rates that you can charge. This guidebook will help you analyze your market so that you can gauge the potential of your operationRead MoreFeasibility Study for a Beach Resort16987 Words   |  68 PagesExecutive summary This feasibility study is commissioned by Mr. Jaime D. Reyes, a resort owner from Pinamalayan, Oriental Mindoro. The resort owner would like to further utilize his resort, Bulaklak Garden Resort, a 24-hectare beach front in Brgy. Pili. Currently, only 3-hectares of the land is being utilized, making 21-hectares a viable spot for improvements. However, due to financial constraints, the owner would like to loan to the bank to finance the probable expansion of his resort, and beforeRead MoreChapter 1 Systems Analysis and Design Thesis (Resort)7416 Words   |  30 Pagesat all places. Almost all business entities use computer systems in dealing with their transactions and storage of their files. Computer has made the work easy with its speed, memory, reliability in computing, and ease to retrieve data. The study is made for the VCWWWI that deals with day-to-day operations transaction systems, room and cottages reservation, property management system, conference and banqueting system, and stock-control system. REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE History of ResortsRead MoreQuestions On Online Hotel Management Essay7516 Words   |  31 Pagesnot be conceivable without every one of them. Table of Contents CHAPTER 1 5 INTRODUCTION AND CONCEPT FORMULATION 5 1.1CASE STUDY 5 1.2Problem Statement 6 1.3Solutions 6 1.4Objective 7 1.5Feasibility Study 7 1.5.1Supply/Demand Dynamics 8 1.5.2 Occupancy Average Rates 8 1.5.3 Hotel Revenue Projections 8 1.5.4 Hotel Expense Projection 8 1.5.5 Hotel Feasibility Study ROI 9 1.6 Resources 9 1.7Introduction of website 9 1.7.1 Types 9 1.7.2 Advantage 10 1.7.3 Disadvantage 11 1.8.1 Hypertext Pre-processorRead MoreFeasibility Analysis for an Ecotourism Hotel in Costa Rica9552 Words   |  39 PagesLa Fuerza Feasibility Analysis Introduction 3 Summary Of The Concept 3 The Destination 5 Key Points of the Innovative Idea 5 1 MARKET ANALYSIS 6 1.1 Industry Age, Size, and Growth Rates 6 1.2 Industry Trends and Changes 6 1.3 Industry Structure 7 1.4 Market Characteristics 9 Market Segmentation: 9 Ecotourist Profile: 10 2. COMPETITIVE ANALYSIS 12 2.1 Major Competitors (direct, indirect, future)Read MoreCase Based Pediatrics for Medical Students10891 Words   |  44 Pagesreceptors in this area d. The medication can be injected while the client is in any position Situation 2 – The therapeutic use of massage and medication to help decrease stress and pain have been strongly recommended. 6. Laura wants to do a study on this topic: â€Å"Effects of massage and meditation on stress and pain†. The type of research that best suits this topic is: a. Applied research b. Qualitative research c. Basic research d. Quantitative research 7. This type of researchRead MoreMass Customization in Apparel Industry6705 Words   |  27 PagesG Asai 1 Table of Contents Introduction................................................................................................. 3 Who should do mass customization?............................................................ 4 Feasibility of Mass Customization................................................................. 6 Supply Chain Restructuring.......................................................................... 8 Cost Drivers Cost Savers in Mass Customization:...Read MorePlanning Principles Systems And Practice4084 Words   |  17 Pagesidentifies eleven employment precincts that vary in size and offering. A large amount of residual maritime industrial lands exists around Rozelle and White bays, whilst the rest are surrounded by residential and commercial land uses (Employment Lands Study, 2010) The demographic profile according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, of the Leichhardt also shows a rapidly aging population; predicted 83% increase of persons aged 65+ in Leichhardt by 2031. Household types: - 63% family household,

Monday, December 9, 2019

Computer Fraud and Abuse Techniques-Free-Sample for Students

Question: Discuss about the Computer Fraud and Abuse Techniques. Answer: Northwest industries had suffered from the problem of computer fraud. The cyber crime is increasing year by year. The different computers are connected by way of internet as some of the computers are having information in regard to the secrets of trade and valuable assets related to information technology, hence they can suffer from computer attack by the foreign government or the anti-social elements. There are different kinds of techniques available in order to do computer attack. Hacking is the most commonly used technique under which an access which is unauthorized or modification is being done in regard to the part of the computer system or other electronic device. Hijacking is also being used as part of computer attack under which the person hijacking gains control of the computer system of other person and thus carries the illegal activities without the knowledge of the main user of the computer system. The network of hijacked computers is also formed which is known as botnet in order to attack different systems. The internet attacks that are launched by the hijacked computers which are t he part of the botnet network is termed as the zombie. The creation of the network is being done by the bot herder. The hijacked computers performing the botnet also lead to denial of service attack as the internet server is being over loaded with the fraud mails and requests being sent by the different attackers. Spamming is also commonly used as a part of computer attack in order to send same messages to a group of people at the same time. Spoofing is also commonly done as a part of the computer attack under which the communication sent electronically is being altered so that the recipients trust can be gathered. Spoofing is done in various forms such as the e-mail spoofing, caller ID spoofing, IP address spoofing, SMS spoofing, etc. Zero day attack is also done on the computer systems. Now a day, internet terrorism is also increasing and it is disrupting the business and communication done electronically. Thus there are various types of techniques which are increasing the compute r attack. Social engineering is also a form of computer fraud. Social engineering is a technique under which the person complies with the wishes of the penetrator so that they are able to get the logical and both physical access to the computer network and system. Hence it helps in gaining access to the confidential and private data. Social engineering is done in various ways such as the identity theft, pretexting, posing, phishing, carding, pharming, and typosquatting etc. The other form of computer fraud is malware. Malware is a type of software that is used to perform harm on the computer system. The software of malware had now a day extended to the mobile phones also. Malware comes as a result of the installation or process of injecting done by a attacker located at remote location. Malware affects the shared files, attachments on e-mail and other remote located vulnerabilities. Spyware is a type of software that provides the personal information about the users to other person without the permission of the user. The different types of spyware are adware, scareware, ransomware, etc. The various types of malware software are Keylogger, Trojan horse, time bombs, logic bombs, trap door, packet sniffers, rootkit and superzapping. The computer worm is also a form of computer fraud which copies itself as a program on the computer system automatically and is then transmitted to other computer systems connected by way of network. Thus different hackers had attacked the computer system of RPC. Packets sniffers and eavesdropping had been used as a technique for hacking. Hence a deep research was being carried on by Jason in regard to various types of computer frauds mentioned above. The hacking process in the company by the hackers had led to interception in regard to all the communications which are pending in regard to merger in both the companies. The hackers are now gaining more knowledge day by day and they are launching various new types of techniques under which they do not require pre design program in order to adversely affect the computer system of other person to or to gain information in regard to the confidential task of the company. They just decide their targets and work accordingly. The hackers are also using the search engines in order to find information in regard to their target computer systems. Hence adequate measures need to be taken in order to control the computer fraud.

Sunday, December 1, 2019

Internet Addiction Essays (1934 words) - Behavioral Addiction

Internet Addiction Internet Addiction Research Paper Theme: Social Impact of the Internet 8 October 1997 ABSTRACT The Internet is the largest source of information in the world today. With its web sites and chat rooms, it is a means of communicating with people in places all over the face of the earth. Since its conception in 1973, the Internet has grown at a whirlwind rate. 51 million adults, were on-line as of the second quarter 1997 in the United States alone. Some say that the Internet is so enjoyable that it is almost addictive. The problem is that researchers are beginning to agree with them. Studies are revealing that there may be an actual form of addiction involved with over-use of the Internet. Identifying which category of addiction the Internet falls into is the problem. There are no real answers yet because research in this area is at the beginning stages. While lost in this so called ?Cyber Community' for long periods of time, people are neglecting other important activities like; time with the family, socializing, work and health concerns. One of the most extensive studies on Internet Addiction to date was conducted by Dr. Kimberly S. Young of the University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. In her study, she revealed concrete evidence supporting the Internet Addiction claim. However, help for web addicts is available. There are several web sites available for the treatment of Internet addiction, as well as counseling centers and clinics. Is it Live, or is it Internet? Internet Addiction The Internet is the largest most versatile source of information in the world today. With its web sites and chat rooms, it is a means of communicating with people in places all over the face of the earth. But with all this power at our fingertips, are there any negative impacts of using this interface? Are we as ?simple humans' capable of interacting with such a powerful communication source. Recent studies are beginning to uncover evidence that would suggest that maybe some of us are not so capable of dealing with this technology. In fact, as more research is conducted, experts are finding that the Internet may even be addictive! Development of the Internet began about 15 years ago. In 1973 the U.S. Defense Research Projects Agency initiated a program to research the techniques and technologies for inter-linking various types of networks.1 The objective was to develop communication protocols that would allow networked computers to communicate transparently across multiple, linked networks. This was called the internetting project and the system of networks that emerged from the research was known as the Internet. Since that time, various other research projects, to include those conducted by the U.S. National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, have shaped and tailored this project to give us the Internet as we know it today. (1) The Internet has now grown to include over 4500 Service Providers in the United States alone. A survey by Christian Huitema of Bellcore indicated that there were 26 million host computers on the Internet as of September 1997.2 A survey conducted by Intelli Quest Information Group Inc. showed that 51 million adults, age 16 or older, were on-line as of the second quarter 1997 in the United States alone.3 With such a large portion of the population swimming in this seemingly never-ending sea of information, what is the real impact of the Internet on society? It seems that the majority of society thinks the Internet is the greatest invention since the telephone. This is probably best justified by the whirlwind rate at which the Internet grows. In fact, some say that the Internet is so enjoyable that it is almost addicting! The problem is that recent studies have shown that the Internet may not only be addicting because it is enjoyable, but that a fairly large number of users are experiencing addiction of a clinical form.4 Identifying which category of addiction the Internet falls into is another problem. There are no real answers yet because research in this area is at the beginning stages. A few researchers are comparing the Internets effects to marijuana as a psychostimulant. They argue that the chemicals in marijuana activate the same stimuli as the Internet.5 Most researchers to this date do, however, agree that this is some type of behavioral addiction. People can become addicted to activities even when there is no physiological dependence or physiological addiction. Overeating, sex, work, exercise and gambling can be addictive if done to excess.6 Behavioral addiction means (2) that the activity alters your emotional state in some way. The

Tuesday, November 26, 2019

Free Essays on Cosmogony

Cosmology: Science vs Religion In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Christian belief encountered significant opposition. Until then, most of the world shared the belief of the â€Å"Medieval world view† that not only was the earth positioned at the center of the universe, but that God was all knowing, all powerful and all good. God was thought to have created and sustained the wondrous workings of the universe. This belief told the people all they needed to know about the meaning and purpose of life. Then, scientific discovery and methods began to undermine religious beliefs. Scientists began to reveal that natural laws and natural forces governed the world. Opposing beliefs, e.g. the Marxism belief, criticized Christian views. People like, Bacon, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo and Newton all played significant roles in challenging the recognized views at that time. In contrast to the â€Å"medieval world view†, the â€Å"scientific universe† is impersonal, governed by natural laws and understandable in physical and mathematical terms. Many people trust the information science offers rather than religion because science seems to be more reliable. Science has replaced religion as the dominant intellectual authority because science offers the chance to understand the universe, whereas religion just assumes things. Many believe, as was said by Richard Dawkins, â€Å"the truth means scientific truth†. Along with the logical Positivists, they claimed the only meaningful statements were scientific. It is unfortunate that such a view is seen by so many as it takes more than one view to understand the universe fully. Non-religious philosopher, Bertrand Russell, once quoted another example of the narrow-minded view non-Christians seem to share, he once said, â€Å"What science cannot discover, mankind cannot know†. Although sc ience explains much about life and the universe, some people choose to believe religion. One major reason for the ... Free Essays on Cosmogony Free Essays on Cosmogony Cosmology: Science vs Religion In the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, Christian belief encountered significant opposition. Until then, most of the world shared the belief of the â€Å"Medieval world view† that not only was the earth positioned at the center of the universe, but that God was all knowing, all powerful and all good. God was thought to have created and sustained the wondrous workings of the universe. This belief told the people all they needed to know about the meaning and purpose of life. Then, scientific discovery and methods began to undermine religious beliefs. Scientists began to reveal that natural laws and natural forces governed the world. Opposing beliefs, e.g. the Marxism belief, criticized Christian views. People like, Bacon, Copernicus, Kepler, Galileo and Newton all played significant roles in challenging the recognized views at that time. In contrast to the â€Å"medieval world view†, the â€Å"scientific universe† is impersonal, governed by natural laws and understandable in physical and mathematical terms. Many people trust the information science offers rather than religion because science seems to be more reliable. Science has replaced religion as the dominant intellectual authority because science offers the chance to understand the universe, whereas religion just assumes things. Many believe, as was said by Richard Dawkins, â€Å"the truth means scientific truth†. Along with the logical Positivists, they claimed the only meaningful statements were scientific. It is unfortunate that such a view is seen by so many as it takes more than one view to understand the universe fully. Non-religious philosopher, Bertrand Russell, once quoted another example of the narrow-minded view non-Christians seem to share, he once said, â€Å"What science cannot discover, mankind cannot know†. Although sc ience explains much about life and the universe, some people choose to believe religion. One major reason for the ...

Saturday, November 23, 2019

Essay Services

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Thursday, November 21, 2019

Proposal for a dessrtation about (Company analysis and valuation) Essay

Proposal for a dessrtation about (Company analysis and valuation) - Essay Example 1.6.3 Sampling Technique Due to the nature of data to be collected, which are mostly secondary data, there shall not be any sampling techniques in place. Rather, the researcher shall use purposive sampling technique to select four petrochemical companies as well as to select the sources of data. Purposive sampling is when the researcher selects participants according to his discretion. It is a non-probability sampling technique. It will be useful in this situation to give the researcher access to his preferred companies and sources that he deems contain the most appropriate data he wants to work on. 1.6.4 Data Analysis There shall be both qualitative and quantitative data analysis of data collected. Quantitatively, figures from documents and websites shall be analyzed using tables, cross tabulation, percentages, pie charts and bar charts. There shall also be qualitative data analysis of the discretional views and interpretations made by the research on the data collected about the fo ur companies. Editing Process 1.6.2 Types and Sources of Data The major type of data to be collected will be valid and official financial statistics and statements of the companies. These shall be sampled from sources such as audit reports, financial statement, financial reports, error logs, and business plans of the companies. Useful and authentic internet websites such as websites of the World Bank, IMF and other authoritative business sites such as MarketLine and Global Insight shall be used. Because the researcher may not have direct interaction with the companies because they are spread abroad, he shall use financial database such as Euromonitor, Datamonitor, Datastream and OSIRIS to gather official data about the companies. 1.6.3 Sampling Technique Due to the nature of data to be collected, which are mostly secondary data, there shall not be any sampling techniques in place. Rather, the researcher shall use purposive sampling technique to select four petrochemical companies as well as to select the sources of data. Purposive sampling is when the researcher selects participants according to his discretion. It is a non-probability sampling technique. It will be useful in this situation to give the researcher access to his preferred companies and sources that he deems contain the most appropriate data he wants to work on. 1.6.4 Data Analysis There shall be both qualitative and quantitative data analysis of data collected. Quantitatively, figures from documents and websites shall be analyzed using tables, cross tabulation, percentages, pie charts and bar charts. There shall also be qualitative data analysis of the discretional views and interpretations made by the research on the data collected about the four companies.

Tuesday, November 19, 2019

Reading Educational Research Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Reading Educational Research - Essay Example According to Archer, Halsall and Hollingworth (2007, p 167), there are clear distinctions between the two gender identities: Femininities and Masculinities. It is in this regard that a qualitative methodology is applied to research and bring out these differences. More significantly, the implication of the differences in gender identities on the society and the behavior of the youth are described by the authors. It is argued by qualitative researchers that a methodological approach is an effective way of investigating and describing differences between people (Silverman, 2004, p. 59). It is in relation to this argument that Archer, Halsall and Hollingworth (2007, p 173) have focused in two major areas in their article. Firstly, the events in which young women participate in as compared to the male counterparts. Secondly the authors reflect on the social environment in general with an aim of demonstrating the views of the society on gender identities and gender roles. Archer, Halsall and Hollingworth (2007, p 170) employ theoretical perspectives and resources to interpret the data of the qualitative study. It is argued that a theoretical framework is used to add credibility to the discussion of research findings especially when a qualitative methodology is used to describe a social issue (Strauss & Corbin, 1998, p. 9). The theoretical framework employed by the authors in their discussion is that of feminism. The authors describe the various categorization of feminism such as hetero-normative sexuality, heterosexual femininities and hyper femininity. Through the theoretical framework and research findings, the authors present the reader with three main arguments as described in the following sentences. Firstly, the disengagement of working class girls from schooling is mediated by the manner in which they construct hetero-femininities. Secondly, Archer, Halsall and Hollingworth (2007, p 169) point out that the ethnic diversity among inner city girls construct the capital which they acquire as a way through which they would generate self worth, identity and value. Lastly, the authors explain the reasons why the young girls invest more on glamorous appearance. According to Skeggs (1997, p. 124), identities are constructed through cultural and social theory. Skeggs (1997) discusses gender, class and culture in relation to feminism and argues that theoretical view of these issues in an effective approach for deeper understanding. It is therefore evident that Skeggs (1997, p. 145) presents arguments that are congruent with the postulates of Archer, Halsall and Hollingworth (2007, p. p 176). This is exemplified by reflection that the modern society is characterized by changing power relations and gender roles. Skeggs (1997) further explains that gender and class should be fused so that the representation of power relations in the society can be understood fully. Nonetheless the information that is presented by Skeggs (1997, p. 170) is based on an ethnographic research. This author uses the works of Pierre Bourdieu and the feminist theory to describe the position that is occupied by the female gender within the modern society. The ethnography of gender and class helps in understanding the differences between the two gender identities within a school social environment. According to Archer, Halsall and Hollingworth (2007, p 178), the working class gir

Sunday, November 17, 2019

Review of related literature Essay Example for Free

Review of related literature Essay This chapter covers a review of related literature which is pertinent to the study. The literature reviewed here provides three different but equally relevant insights on how to approach benefits realization. A. Literature Review The Continuing Role of IS The study Show Me the Money: Advanced Practices in Benefits Realization (2005), by Dave Aron, Chuck Tucker, and Richard Hunter, is a piece of related literature that is particularly relevant to the present research paper. Aron et al.’s work provides for a comprehensive analysis of the benefits realization life cycle, and provides for five key characteristics for effective benefits realization. Show Me the Money discusses how the benefits realization life cycle should actually be divided into three phases: 1) planning; 2) execution; and 3) harvesting. Advanced practices, according to Aron et al. , lead to increased business benefits, higher IS credibility, and improved learning which can be applied to an organization’s subsequent projects. An organization should focus on participating fully on each of the three cycles. The focus on benefits planning allows an organization’s portfolio to be maximized in terms of benefits potential. The work for the organization’s IS does not stop at the execution stage of benefits realization, but must continue on until the harvesting phase in order to optimize benefits. In Table 1 below, the advanced practices for each phase of the benefits realization life cycle is outlined by Aron et al. : Table 1. Advanced Practices in the Benefits Realization Process Source: Aron, Dave, Chuck Tucker, Richard Hunter. (December 2005). Show Me the Money: Advanced Practices in Benefits Realization. http://www. gartner. com/DisplayDocument? doc_cd=137020 The significant difference between basic practices and advanced practices in benefits realization, as seen in Table, shows the continued participation of IS in each and every stage of the cycle. During execution, in the advanced practices row, in particular, IS should contribute to change management. This means that information services’ role do not stop after delivery of the technology. The practices outlined in Table 1 can be summed up in the five characteristics for an effective benefits realization program as provided by Aron et al. in their research: Benefits realization is an end-to-end discipline The business should focus on the benefits life cycle. The organization should expand its focus from the systems development life cycle in order to enhance IS contribution to change management. Some factors to consider (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005): Benefits realization is a persistent need of every organization. ? Shifting IT portfolios make the benefits realization challenge even more pressing. ? Improving benefits realization goes hand in hand with closer business alignment. ? Benefits of IT-intensive initiatives are realized through three phases (planning, execution, and harvesting) ? Advanced practices deliver optimum benefits realization. ? Planning practices lay the foundation Benefits-focused planning will make sure that an organization’s portfolio is maximized regarding benefits potential. Advanced practices should include: use of benefits framework to define benefits; build results chains to identify all the activities needed; integrate benefits into management processes; synchronize all stakeholders around benefits commitments; make benefits coaching a part of the governance team’s role (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). ? Execution practices get the business ready IS execution should involve helping the organization to get ready for change in terms of process, culture, and addressing issues that arise. Focus however should remain on the end results or benefits the organization wants to achieve, with IS continuing to contribute to its implementation beyond delivery of the technology. Some recommendations provided by the Show Me the Money study on this are include: providing support to the organization with change management capabilities; use of empowered problem-solving teams; and adapting project governance in response to issues (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). Harvesting practices ensure that expected benefits are reaped The role of IS should not stop after execution and implementation of the benefits realization program. It should continue on to what Aron et al. have coined as the â€Å"harvesting† phase. This phase involves measuring the benefits that the project is expected to achieve. The organization, business and IS alike, must: manage the entire harvesting phase; run benefits-focused post-implementation reviews; evolve the project governance team into a harvesting steering group; and conduct an independent harvesting audit (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). In this way, the benefits may be quantified, measured, and valued. At the same time, IS and business learning must be analysed and reviewed at this phase. Evaluate and improve benefits realization practices The organization will have a better understanding IS contribution to benefits and how to improve such contribution when they evaluate its benefits realization practices. An understanding of the organization’s benefits realization readiness, an evaluation of its benefits realization risk, and implementation of benefits-focused pre- and post-implementation review tools will result in better business benefits, higher IS credibility, and improved learning for the entire organization (Aron, Tucker Hunter, 2005). In sum, Aron et al’s critical analysis seeks to redefine and emphasize the role of IS in benefits realization. That role should not be limited to the planning and execution stage but must continue on to the harvesting phase. This analysis is in keeping with the â€Å"concept-to-cash† framework of an ideal and effective benefits realization process. In such a framework, Show Me the Money reminds us, IS, and not just business, plays an important role from start to finish.

Thursday, November 14, 2019

Trials and Tribulations of Ariel Dorfman :: Essays Papers

Trials and Tribulations of Ariel Dorfman In the late 1950’s Chile was fighting a political war. Ariel Dorfman wrote many stories and essays dealing with the political oppression. Ariel Dorfman was exiled from Chile because of his writings, and struggled with his writing in Paris. With ambitions to return to his country he became one of the most significant Hispanic writers in the 20th century. Chile was going through a time of change. After the death of President Salvador Allende, Augusto Pinochet took over. Ariel worked for Allende and wrote many not so nice things about Pinochet. In 1973 Pinochet didn’t fire Dorfman, instead he just exiled Ariel from the country. After being exiled Dorfman went to Paris he came down with a case of writers block, which left him poor for a while. He eventually recovered and wrote many famous plays and poems. In one of his poems â€Å"He describes Latin America as an enigma a vibrant, sprawling, messy reality which did not itself know where it was or where it was going†¦a series of half-formed nations trapped in a history not of its own, trying to invent an alternative.† (Former Exiled Writer â€Å"Dorfman† 21) Born on May 6, 1942 in Buenos Aires, Argentina, Dorfman’s family was well aware of the horrors of war and the pain of exile, his Jewish grandparents fled the pogroms of Eastern Europe. At the age of two his family moved to New York City and he attended grade school there. When he was seven he began writing children’s fiction. He also expressed himself through painting. At the age of twelve he and his family moved to Chile where he completed his education, married, and in 1967 became a naturalized Chilean citizen. He attended graduate school in Berkley California in 1968 and 1969 and then he returned to Chile. As an adult Dorfman worked as an activist, journalist and writer. Dorfman actively protested against political oppression in Chile. When Chile’s democratically elected Allende and his Marxist government were overthrown in a coup by Augusto Pinochet in 1973 he found himself in opposition to those in power. Following Allende’s death, thousands of politicians, intellectuals, clergymen and writers, of which Dorfman was one, were expelled from Chile. Many famous and significant writings came from Dorfman. His writings include Windows, his Memoir Heading South Looking North: A Bilingual Journey, Death and the Maiden, along with many short stories and poems.

Tuesday, November 12, 2019

Panera Bread Case

These locations enable them to service both the shopping customer base, but also the equines base co-located In these high traffic areas. Their vision is one that their customers will love freshness of their products and the tastiness of their offerings to the degree that they will be driven to visit their stores repeatedly and often. Pander believes that the values they provide their customers are: creating wholesome healthy foods, maintaining affordable prices, to always innovate, and respect for both customers and employees.Bread is a staple of life and Pander believes that by them enhancing the flavors menu offerings around bread, then they will increase their ease market for baked goods served by Pander outlets and franchises. As a customer of Pander, I can tell you that their product offerings are so flavors that they are a strength to their business. There are two areas where the slogan or vision appear to deviate from the text; 1) overly broad language; and 2) rather generic. That said, we are talking about bread; and bread is the single most important staple for human life, next to rice.It works. One of Pander's strategic objectives is to expand their product line, creating further distance between them and their rivals, and to increase heir sales In foreign markets. They will achieve that strategic objective as a result of continued Investment and focus In five key business areas: 1) the quality of their food, 2) their increased marketing expenditures, 3) the roller of their Napery loyalty program, 4) the growth of their catering business, and 5) the quality of their operations and their people.We believe that success in these five areas will place Pander at the top of the list of the very best companies in our industry; and are a direct result of continued Investment in the quality of our customers' experience to alp drive product differentiation and thus provide Pander a completive advantage among Its peers. The Investments that were made over the l ast three years have driven Pander's results in 2011 and they believe the investments that were made in 2011 position them well for the future. Item 2: The company financial objective is to have long-term operating earnings growth target of 12-17% per year.In 2011, Pander had a very good year. Their Earnings per Share (PEPS) grew 28%. This was their fourth consecutive year that their PEPS has rowan 24% or greater; which Is above the upper end of their long-term earnings growth target. Their performance in 2011 was driven both by their strong operating performance as well as their ability to generate PEPS growth through deployment of their excess capital. Earnings growth of approximately 20% was driven by core operations, which was above their long-term operating earnings growth target of 12-17%.Additionally, an Incremental 8% earnings growth was driven by the more their ability to grow their bakery-cafe sales. In 2011, their Company-owned bakery- cafe sales increased 4. % vs.. 2010, and rose to 12. 4% on a two-year basis. They also celebrated the opening of their 1,50th store, nationwide. This, coupled with their debt free position, they believe these results will put them among the very best in their industry and are a direct result of continued investment in the quality of their customers' experience to drive product differentiation and competitive advantage.The investments that they have made over the last few years drove their results in 2011 and they believe the investments that they made in 2011 position them well for the future. Item 3 & 4 NOT SHOWN Item 5: This is a good example of sales, earnings and balance sheet analysis. It is missing the same store analysis and franchise versus owned stores analysis The net income for Pander Bread has increased from the third quarter of 2011 to the third quarter of 2012 by 22% or $36. MM. The Administration expense is up $MM. This is something we will continue to manage along with their asset growth.Total assets a re up by $MM in 2011. Return on Equity was 20%, which is 3% above the high end of their range of 12-17%. The Return on Invested Capital (ROCCO) is 5. % which is up from 4. 8% from the previous year. Inventory turnover when compared to the industry is really tremendous. Their inventory turnover ratio was 95. 5 as compared to the industry 6. 5. The sales growth has grown from 2010 being 6. 29% quarterly to 15. 79% quarterly in 2012. This shows a very strong growth in sales year over year and ties well to their strategy of growing sales within their market areas. It shows a strong demand for their product.The balance sheet for Pander is solid, in that they have 1,027,322 in total assets and only 372,246 million in total liabilities. They are basically debt free. They are showing year over year improvement in assets, liabilities, stockholder equity, revenues, and both company operated and franchise stores as well as the number of company owned and franchised Pander's opening every year. Earnings per share have risen from 0. 98 to 1. 25 over the last 12 months. Although system statewide revenue has increased every year since 2002 their sales growth has been erratic. For 2006-2007 there was an 18. 17% growth in sales revenue.From 2007-2008 revenue slowed to 16. 34% growth, before falling all the way to 5. 45%. It should be noted between 2009-2010 sales growth picked up to 1 1. 8%, indicating a possible upward trajectory after faltering during the recession. This is evidence off well-run, well-managed company. From all indications, their strategy appears to be working in quarter over quarter sales improvements. Items 6 and 7: Pander Bread's Value Chain consists of Inbound Logistics – Pander Dough Supplier, Other Supplier Management, Manufacturing – Franchise and Store-owned Cafes, Catering, R&D – Product Research and Development and Marketing.Each franchisee purchases dough directly from Pander Bread. Pander has an interest in each of the franchi sed stores succeeding because the company received 4%-5% royalties from sales continually. This means that Pander, as the supplier, has an interest to keep prices of dough as low as possible to maintain viable franchise operations. Outbound logistics – each franchisee purchases dough directly from The fresh dough is sold to both company-owned and franchised bakery-cafes at a delivered cost not to exceed 27% of the retail value of the product.These costs margins are achieved by producing the dough at central locations while employing economies of scale. Pander provides comprehensive house training, market analysis, and bakery-cafe certification. This corporate level tactic impacts the company's franchised and company owned stores by enabling Pander to develop systems used by all the cafes thus applying operational economies of scale. Since each cafe-bakery does not have to develop its own operations structure this reduces costs for each store. All the cafes offered an assortme nt of 20-plus varieties of bread baked daily and as of 2006 at least 22 types of sandwiches.Each of these breads and indices were regularly reviewed by the Marketing group to determine whether the products matched regular customer needs, new consumer trends, and seasonal relevance. The complexity of the product line enables Pander to match menu items with a variety of customer needs. This process ensured that weak selling items would be removed thus limiting excess inventory. Pander's Marketing is using focus groups to determine customer food and drink preferences, and price points. This work is done by only a few individuals at the corporate level and scaled to the rest of he cafes.The existing company and franchise owned cafes would be able to take advantage of this market information and subsequently reduce costs associated with sales and marketing information. Involving Pander's research and development new menu items were rolled out in limited cafes and developed in test kitche ns prior to nationwide release. This process addressed two cost drivers. First, by employing economies of scale, individual cafes will not have to spend resources and capital investing in the development of new menu items.Second, through the expertise of he advanced research and development department Pander ensures both quality of product and process. This will result in less product waste and increased customer satisfaction and in turn lowered costs. Pander Bread utilizes both structural and execution cost drivers to lower costs on the value chain particularly in inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, sales and marketing, and research and development. Their cost reduction across their value chain gives Pander a strong competitive advantage. Pander pursues continuous quality improvements in separate ways.They are well known for their after sale service. They are known for contacting customers who leave complaints offering them anything from coupons to free meals when th eir service is not up to par. Their high customer retention rate lends one to believe that they are also making improvements based on customer reviews. Their emphasis on marketing allows them to introduce new products that succeed because they are attached to the brand. An example of this would be their recent success with parfaits. They have also redesigned their stores over the years to make them more aesthetically pleasing, further building their own brand.

Saturday, November 9, 2019

Reading Strategy Essay

What Is It? To aid their comprehension, skillful readers ask themselves questions before, during, and after they read. You can help students become more proficient by modeling this process for them and encouraging them to use it when they read independently. Why Is It Important? Dolores Durkin’s research in 1979 showed that most teachers asked students questions after they had read, as opposed to questioning to improve comprehension before or while they read. In the late 1990s, further research (Pressley, et al.1998) Revealed that despite the abundance of research supporting questioning before, during, and after reading to help comprehension, teachers still favored post-reading comprehension questions. Researchers have also found that when adult readers are asked to â€Å"think aloud† as they read, they employ a wide variety of comprehension strategies, including asking and answering questions before, during, and after reading (Pressley and Afflerbach 1995). Proficient adult readers: Are aware of why they are reading the text Preview and make predictions Read selectively Make connections and associations with the text based on what they already know. Refine predictions and expectations Use context to identify unfamiliar words Reread and make notes Evaluate the quality of the text Review important points in the text Consider how the information might be used in the future Successful reading is not simply the mechanical process of â€Å"decoding† text. Rather, it is a process of active inquiry. Good readers approach a text with questions and develop new questions as they read, for example: â€Å"What is this story about? † â€Å"What does the main character want? † â€Å"Will she get it? † â€Å"If so, how? † Even after reading, engaged readers still ask questions: â€Å"What is the meaning of what I have read? † â€Å"Why did the author end the paragraph (or chapter, or book) in this way? † â€Å"What was the author’s purpose in writing this? † Good authors anticipate the reader’s questions and plant questions in the reader’s mind (think of a title such as, Are You My Mother? by P. D. Eastman). In this way, reading becomes a collaboration between the reader and the author. The author’s job is to raise questions and then answer them – or provide several possible answers. Readers cooperate by asking the right questions, paying careful attention to the author’s answers, and asking questions of their own. HOW CAN YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN? To help readers learn to ask questions before, during, and after reading, think aloud the next time you are reading a book, article, or set of directions. Write each question on a post-it note and stick it on the text you have the question about. You may be surprised at how many typically unspoken questions you ponder, ask, and answer as you read. You may wonder as you read or after you read at the author’s choice of title, at a vocabulary word, or about how you will use this information in the future. You should begin to model these kinds of questions in the primary grades during read-aloud times, when you can say out loud what you are thinking and asking. Read a book or text to the class, and model your thinking and questioning. Emphasize that even though you are an adult reader, questions before, during, and after reading continue to help you gain an understanding of the text you are reading. Ask questions such as: â€Å"What clues does the title give me about the story? † â€Å"Is this a real or imaginary story? † â€Å"Why am I reading this? † â€Å"What do I already know about___? † â€Å"What predictions can I make? â€Å" Pre-select several stopping points within the text to ask and answer reading questions. Stopping points should not be so frequent that they hinder comprehension or fluid reading of a text. This is also an excellent time to model â€Å"repair strategies† to correct miscomprehension. Start reading the text, and ask yourself questions while reading: â€Å"What do I understand from what I just read? † â€Å"What is the main idea? † â€Å"What picture is the author painting in my head? † â€Å"Do I need to reread so that I understand? † Then reread the text, asking the following questions when you are finished: â€Å"Which of my predictions were right? What information from the text tells me that I am correct? † â€Å"What were the main ideas? † â€Å"What connections can I make to the text? How do I feel about it? † Encourage students to ask their own questions after you have modeled this strategy, and write all their questions on chart paper. Students can be grouped to answer one another’s questions and generate new ones based on discussions. Be sure the focus is not on finding the correct answers, because many questions may be subjective, but on curiosity, wondering, and asking thoughtful questions. After students become aware of the best times to ask questions during the reading process, be sure to ask them a variety of questions that: Can be used to gain a deeper understanding of the text Have answers that might be different for everyone Have answers that can be found in the text Clarify the author’s intent Can help clarify meaning Help them make inferences Help them make predictions Help them make connections to other texts or prior knowledge As students begin to read text independently, you should continue to model the questioning process and encourage students to use it often. In the upper elementary and middle school grades, a framework for questions to ask before, during, and after reading can serve as a guide as students work with more challenging texts and begin to internalize comprehension strategies. You can use an overhead projector to jot notes on the framework as you â€Å"think aloud† while reading a text. As students become comfortable with the questioning strategy, they may use the guide independently while reading, with the goal of generating questions before, during, and after reading to increase comprehension. How Can You Stretch Students’ Thinking? The best way to stretch students’ thinking about a text is to help them ask increasingly challenging questions. Some of the most challenging questions are â€Å"Why? † questions about the author’s intentions and the design of the text. For example: â€Å"Why do you think the author chose this particular setting? † â€Å"Why do you think the author ended the story in this way? † â€Å"Why do you think the author chose to tell the story from the point of view of the daughter? † â€Å"What does the author seem to be assuming about the reader’s political beliefs? † Another way to challenge readers is to ask them open-ended question that require evidence from the text to answer. For example: â€Å"What does Huck think about girls? What is your evidence? † â€Å"Which character in the story is most unlike Anna? Explain your reasons, based on evidence from the novel? † â€Å"What is the author’s opinion about affirmative action in higher education? How do you know? † Be sure to explicitly model your own challenging questions while reading aloud a variety of texts, including novels, subject-area textbooks, articles, and nonfiction. Help students see that answering challenging questions can help them understand text at a deeper level, ultimately making reading a more enjoyable and valuable experience. As students become proficient in generating challenging questions, have them group the questions the time they were asked (before, during or after reading). Students can determine their own categories, justify their reasons for placing questions into the categories, and determine how this can help their reading comprehension. When Can You Use It? Reading/English Students who have similar interests can read the same text and meet to discuss their thoughts in a book club. Members can be given a set of sticky notes to mark questions they have before, during, and after reading the text. Members can then share their question with one another to clarify understanding within their group. Since students’ reading level may not necessarily determine which book club they choose to join, accommodations may need to be made, including buddy reading, audio recordings of the text, or the use of computer-aided reading systems. Writing  Good writers anticipate their readers’ questions. Have students jot down the questions they will attempt to answer in an essay or short story before they write it, in the order that they plan to answer them. Stress that this should not be a mechanical process – as students write they probably will think of additional questions to ask and answer. The key point is to have students think of themselves as having a conversation with the reader – and a big part of this is knowing what questions the reader is likely to ask. Math Students can ask questions before, during, and after solving a math problem. Have students think aloud or write in groups to generate questions to complete performance tasks related to mathematics. Social Studies Use before, during, and after questions when beginning a new chapter or unit of study in any social studies topic. Select a piece of text, and have students generate questions related to the topic. At the end of the unit of study, refer back to the questions and discuss how the questions helped students to understand the content. Science Use before, during, and after questions to review an article or science text. You can discuss articles related to a recent scientific discovery with students and then generate questions that would help them to focus their attention on important information. Lesson Plans Lesson Plan: Questioning, The Mitten This lesson is designed to introduce primary students to the importance of asking questions before, during, and after listening to a story. In this lesson, using the story The Mitten by Jan Brett, students learn how to become good readers by asking questions. This is the first lesson in a set of questioning lessons designed for primary grades. Lesson Plan: Questioning, Grandfather’s Journey. This lesson is for intermediate students using the strategy with the book, Grandfather’s Journey, by Allen Say. Lesson Plan: Questioning, Koko’s Kitten This lesson is designed to establish primary students’ skills in asking questions before, during, and after they listen to a story. You can help students learn to become better readers by modeling how and when you ask questions while reading aloud the true story, Koko’s Kitten, by Dr. Francine Patterson. This is the second lesson in a set of questioning lessons designed for primary grades. Lesson Plan: Asking Pre-Reading Questions This is a language arts lesson for students in grades 3-5. Students will learn about asking questions before reading and will make predictions based on the discussion of the questions. Lesson Plan: Asking Questions When Reading In this lesson, the teacher will read The Wall by Eve Bunting with the purpose of focusing on asking important questions. The students and the teacher will then categorize the questions according to the criteria for each.  © 2000-2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Original URL: http://www. teachervision. fen. com/lesson-plan/reading-comprehension/48698. html Asking Questions When Reading Grade Levels: 4 – 8 Lesson Summary. Generating questions plays a key role in the process of learning how to read, and then again in learning how to read better. There are so many question that students may have about the text that they encounter – questions about the author’s style or purpose, questions about new vocabulary, questions about what might happen, etc. Students need to first begin to feel comfortable asking questions, then learn to ask the vital questions that will direct their focus and clear up confusion. In this lesson, the teacher will read The Wall by Eve Bunting with the purpose of focusing on asking important questions. The students and the teacher will then categorize the questions according to the criteria for each. Materials When you read the story ahead of time, write any questions that pop into your head on post-it notes and have them available. Provide large pieces of paper and post-its for students, and locate enough copies of the book The Wall for partners. Provide a piece of paper for each group of four students. Prepare a piece of chart paper titled QUESTIONS with different columns of categories: Questions that are answered in the text Questions that I have to make an inference to answer Questions that are not important to understanding the story. Questions that require research to answer Questions about the author’s style Questions that clear up confusion Objectives: Students will ask questions before, during, and after reading. Students will categorize important vs. interesting questions with a focus on important questions. Procedure Explain that good readers ask questions before, during, and after reading to help them understand a story better. â€Å"Today, we’re going to focus on asking questions. † Present the book The Wall to the students and say, â€Å"I will read the title, and the back cover and look at the illustrations and think of as many questions as I can. These are the questions that I have before reading. † Read your prepared post-it notes to the students. Read the story to the children and think aloud, asking questions while reading. Stress that these are the questions you have during reading. Read your prepared post-it notes to the students. When you have finished reading the story, ask questions that pop into your head and stress that these are the questions that you have after reading. Read your prepared post-it notes to the students. Take your questions on post-its, think aloud, and categorize them in the appropriate column according to the type of question that you asked. The students partner-read and use post-its on pages where they have a question. Have partners narrow their questions down to two questions. Then have the partners share their questions with another paired group. The groups of four students choose one of their questions and write it on a larger piece of paper. Gather all students and have them share their questions. With help from the class, have students categorize their questions. Discuss the questions that are important vs. interesting, and have students focus on the important questions.  © 2000-2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Original URL: http://www. teachervision. fen. com/lesson-plan/reading-comprehension/48697. html Asking Pre-Reading Questions Grade Levels: 3 – 5 Lesson Summary This is a language arts lesson for students in grades 3-5. Students will learn about asking questions before reading and will make predictions based on the discussion of the questions. Students should be able to differentiate between a question and a statement, generate questions, and work in cooperative, heterogeneous groups. Objectives Students will brainstorm prior knowledge about the topic of a text Students will make predictions about the text by asking effective â€Å"before† reading questions in order to improve our reading comprehension. Key Understandings Asking and discussing questions will improve our comprehension of the text. Good readers ask questions before they read. Materials Two narrative texts Pre-reading Show Rubric Pledge Procedure Select two narrative texts, one will be used to demonstrate the â€Å"before reading† questioning strategy, the other will be used for guided practice. It may be easier to choose two texts by the same author or two texts of the same genre. Discuss the ways in which a pre-game show and asking questions before, during, and after reading are similar. Good readers are like sports casters. Just as sports casters discuss the sports event before, during, and after the game, good readers ask and discuss questions before, during, and after reading. This improves comprehension, or understanding, of the text. You may say something such as, â€Å"Who has watched a football, basketball, or baseball game on television? Sports casters help us understand the game by discussing it. They discuss the game with us before the game, during the game and after the game. Before the game, there is a pre-game analysis. That means that the announcer gives us background information about the game, teams, players, and coaches. This information can be used to make predictions about the outcome of the game. During the game, the announcers provide play-by-play coverage. They discuss important or controversial plays to help us understand what’s going on in the game and to explain how certain plays may affect the outcome of the game. They even provide replays of the most important events of the game to make sure we remember them. Finally, after the game, announcers interview the coaches and players to get different perspectives about how the game was played. They review the highlights of the game, confirm or disprove their predictions, and discuss the implications of the outcome of the game. † Tell students they are going to focus on asking questions before they begin reading a text. If possible, show a video clip of a pre-game sports cast. Use the analogy of a pre-game show and before reading questions to help students ask effective â€Å"before† reading questions. As you generate questions for each topic. Spend some time wondering about the answers and making predictions about the book. Write your predictions about the book in a separate column. Identify a purpose for reading the text. Narrative = for literary experience/enjoyment Expository = for information Functional = to perform a task/follow directions. Examine the cover illustration and read the title, modeling how to ask questions. Write the questions on chart paper or on an overhead projector. Look at the author and model how to generate questions. Activate background knowledge by taking a picture walk with students. Cover the print with sticky notes, and think aloud as you model how to generate questions, make predictions, and build vocabulary by carefully examining and discussing the illustrations in the text. Ask questions about the setting, characters, events, and genre of the book. Pre-Game Show Questions Before Reading Predictions Team A vs. Team B What teams are playing? What do we know about these teams? Where are they from? Have we ever seen either team play? In your opinion, are they skilled? Is one team better than the other? Title of Story/Cover What topic might this story be about? What do we already know about this topic? Have we read any other books about this topic? Do we have any experience related to this topic? Where and when did we have the experience? Coach Who is the coach? What do we know about the coach? What teams has he/she coached in the past? What is his/her coaching style? Author Who is the author? Who is the illustrator? What books have he/she written or illustrated in the past? Can we describe the style of the author/illustrator? Have I ever read other texts by this author? If so, what do I remember about those texts? Stadium Where is the game being played? Who has the home field advantage? What are the current weather conditions? How will the weather conditions affect the game? Setting Where and when does the story take place? Is the place/time familiar or unfamiliar to us? Have we read any other stories with a similar setting? Players Who are the key players? What positions do they play? What are their skills? Characters Who are the main characters? What role might they play in the story? Can we predict some of their character traits by examining the illustrations? Plays What plays are the coaches likely to run? Events What events may take place in this story? Rules/Principles of Game What are the rules of the game? What are winning strategies? Genre of Text What genre of story is this? (fairytale, folktale) Have we read other stories of the same genre? What are the characteristics of this genre? Tell students that the class will read the story together tomorrow, and learn to ask new questions while they are reading to help understand the story. Guided practice Give students the opportunity to practice writing and discussing some â€Å"before† reading questions for a new story. Place students in 6 groups and have each group record or role play a â€Å"pre-reading show† for the new book, just as sports casters broadcast a pre-game show. 1. title/cover 2. author/illustrator 3. setting 4. characters 5. events 6. genre of literature Select student leaders to guide each groups through the process of examining the cover of the new story and taking a picture walk. Allow groups to discuss their topic. Students should generate two of their own â€Å"before reading† questions on their topic, and then share their questions and provide feedback to each other. Have groups include information from their prior knowledge and personal experience as they discuss the â€Å"before reading† questions, and have them discuss the possible answers and make predictions about the book. After each student has had the opportunity to formulate and write two questions, jigsaw the groups to form TV crews for a â€Å"pre-reading† show. Each TV crew should have six students, one student from each group, 1-6. Review the parts of the rubric. Provide a time limit for each TV show, and tell students that each show should include: an introduction of the members of the TV crew slogan, jingle, or music a discussion of their prior knowledge about the topic a discussion of each member’s questions predictions about the book from each member Give groups the opportunity to practice asking and discussing their questions before role playing or videotaping their show. If time permits, allow students to make larger visual aids to display during the discussion. â€Å"Microphones† can be made quickly from rolling paper into tubes. Sharing Ideas Distribute rubrics to the class. Allow students to score each TV crew as they present. Independent Practice Have students think of a younger child that they will spend time with this week. Have them think of a book that they can read to the child. Have students use some of the â€Å"before reading† questioning strategies they learned to help the younger child understand the story. Students can use this questions framework worksheet to help them with questions to ask before reading, and help the child make predictions. The worksheet reminds students to ask questions about the title and cover, author and illustrator, setting, characters, events and genre. Assessment Each group will be assessed using the scores from the presentation rubric, scored by their peers and teacher.  © 2000-2012 Pearson Education, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Running Records Page Description: A running record is a way to assess a student’s reading progress by systematically evaluating a student’s oral reading and identifying error patterns. This template will help you track your students’ oral reading accuracy. Take advantages from kids that love harry potter Book Covers from Around the World: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban Page Description: Enjoy comparing and contrasting colorful cover art for J. K. Rowling’s Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban with this printable handout. Discuss the differences in interpretations from around the world with your students. Grade Levels: 2 – 7 Analyzing a Book Character Page Description: This chart of questions will help students analyze the cover art of a book. Use this worksheet when talking about the different cover art on each international edition of the Harry Potter books. Grade Levels: 3 – 8 Literacy Glossary Page 1 of 2 Accuracy Rate: This is the rate, shown as a percent, at which students accurately read the text. Concept Map: A concept map is a type of graphic organizer which allows students to consider relationships among various concepts. Often students are encouraged to draw arrows between related concepts enclosed in oval or other shapes. Error Rate: This is a ratio of errors to words in the text. Fluency: The rate and accuracy with which a person reads. Fluency results from practicing reading skills often and with a high rate of success. Formative Assessment: These tests are ongoing and based on the curriculum, providing a way to monitor student progress. They can be used to place students in groups, based on instructional needs. Frustrational Level: This is the level at which students are unable to read with adequate comprehension. Genre: A genre is a particular type of literature, such as narratives, poetry, dramas, or fables. Independent Level: This is the level at which students can read without assistance. Materials at this level should be chosen for independent reading, or fluency practice. Independent Reading Inventories: An informal formative assessment that provides graded word lists and passages designed to assess the oral reading and listening comprehension. Insertion: In a running record or informal reading inventory, this is a miscue in which students add another word when reading printed text. For example, if the sentence is: â€Å"The dog played,† the student reads: â€Å"The happy dog played. † Instructional Level: This is the level at which students can read with assistance from the teacher. Materials at this level should be chosen for reading instruction. Metacognition: This is thinking about one’s own thinking, or being aware of one’s own learning. When students are aware of how they think and learn, they can be taught to regulate their thought and learning processes. Omission: In a running record or informal reading inventory, this is a miscue in which students do not read a word or words in the printed text. For example, if the sentence is: â€Å"The sky was bright blue,† the student reads: â€Å"The sky was blue. † Onset: The part of a syllable that comes before the vowel of a syllable. The onset of the word box is /b/. Phoneme: the smallest unit of sound. It distinguishes one word from another (e. g. , man and fan are distinguished by the initial phoneme). Phonemic Awareness: This is a type of phonological awareness that involves the awareness and manipulation of individual sounds. Phonological Awareness: The auditory awareness of sounds, words, and sentences. The understanding that speech is composed of sentences made up of words. Words are comprised of syllables, and syllables are comprised of phonemes. Qualitative Data: Qualitative data consist of verbal or graphic descriptions of behavior and experience resulting from processes of observation, interpretation, and analysis. It is often comprehensive, holistic, and expansive. Qualitative Tools: These are tools that produce qualitative data consisting of verbal or graphic descriptions of behavior and experience resulting from processes of observation, interpretation, and analysis. Quantitative Data: Quantitative data consist of information represented in the form of numbers that can be analyzed by means of descriptive or inferential statistics. It is often precise and narrow data. Reading Conferences: Conferences conducted by teachers during independent reading time provide an opportunity to meet with a student to assess progress, to note reading strategies that are being used, monitor books being read, and to provide guidance in developing reading strategies. Rime: The part of a syllable that consists of its vowel and any consonant sounds that come after it. The rime of the word box is /ox/. Scaffolding: A scaffold is a supporting framework. Scaffolded learning is a teaching strategy that helps support students in their learning when they may have difficulties. A goal of scaffolded learning is to have students use a particular strategy independently. Screening Tests: These tests provide information that serves as a baseline. They are usually given to determine the appropriate starting place for instruction. Self-Correction: In a running record or informal reading inventory, this is a miscue in which students do not read a word or words correctly, but return to the text and read the word or words correctly. Self-Correction Rate: This is the ratio of self-corrections to errors when reading the text. Sound-Print Connection: Understanding the relationship between print and sound. Substitution: In a running record or informal reading inventory, this is a miscue in which students replace the printed word with another word. For example, if the sentence is: â€Å"She said, ‘No,'† the student reads: â€Å"She shouted, ‘No. ‘† Summative Assessment: These tests are usually given at the end of a unit or at the end of the year. They assess a student’s strengths and weaknesses over a period of time.

Thursday, November 7, 2019

Pro Legalization of Marijuana essays

Pro Legalization of Marijuana essays In the early 1900's Americans realized that alcohol and other types of drugs popular at the time were being abused and thought it may be a good idea to criminalize their use to stop the problems that their use and abuses caused. Legislation was introduced and made into laws, outlawing alcoholic beverages on January 29th, 1920, Marijuana in 1937, cocaine, and other mind altering drugs. It took our government 13 years to admit that these laws were a total failure and reversed most of them. I think it is time to change the remaining failing prohibition laws and let the tax payers decide for themselves what to consume. I believe in the theory of legalizing freedom. I don't believe in the government protecting me from myself. For some unknown reason they decided to keep nicotine legal in the forms of cigarettes, cigars, pipe tobacco, chewing tobacco, and snuff tobacco. Our government decided that they could create new taxes on these drugs since they may not have been aware of their dangers and habit forming tendencies. These new taxes could help pay for all the new federal government jobs that were created. Caffeine the active drug found in coffee and soft drinks was also ignored. Our government opened new federal branches of governments called The Federal Prohibition Agents and later the ATF, the Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms Bureau. Supply and demand have always controlled these drugs. Demand was high and the tax paying citizens were furious that a few decided for the rest that they could no longer have the freedom to consume these mind altering drugs. Alcohol was already being produced in stills in back yards around the country and occasionally someone got sick or even died from bad alcohol. Marijuana and cocaine were mostly used by either the rich or the minorities whereas alcohol was by far the drug of choice at the time. It didn't take long before ...

Tuesday, November 5, 2019

Floating Spinach Disks Photosynthesis Demonstration

Floating Spinach Disks Photosynthesis Demonstration Watch spinach leaf disks rise  and fall in a baking soda solution in response to photosynthesis. The leaf disks intake carbon dioxide from a baking soda solution and sink to the bottom of a cup of water. When exposed to light, the disks use carbon dioxide and water to produce oxygen and glucose. Oxygen released from the leaves forms tiny bubbles that cause the leaves to float. Photosynthesis Demonstration Materials You can use other leaves for this project besides spinach. Ivy leaves or pokeweed or any smooth-leaf plant work. Avoid fuzzy leaves or areas of leaves that have large veins. fresh spinach leavessingle hole punch or a hard plastic strawbaking soda (sodium bicarbonate)liquid dishwashing detergentplastic syringe (no needle, 10  ccs or larger)clear cup or glasslight source (bright sunlight works or you can use an artificial light) Procedure Prepare a bicarbonate solution by mixing 6.3 grams (about 1/8 teaspoon) baking soda in 300 milliliters of water. The bicarbonate solution acts as a source of dissolved carbon dioxide for photosynthesis.In a separate container, dilute a detergent solution by stirring a drop of dishwashing liquid in about 200 milliliters of water.Fill a cup partly full with the baking soda solution. Add a drop of the detergent solution to this cup. If the solution forms suds, add more baking soda solution until you stop seeing bubbles.Use the hole punch or straw to punch ten to 20 disks from your leaves. Avoid the edges of the leaves or major veins. You want smooth, flat disks.Remove the plunger from the syringe and add the leaf disks.Replace the plunger and slowly depress it to expel as much air as you can without crushing the leaves.Dip the syringe in the baking soda/detergent solution and draw in about 3 ccs of liquid. Tap the syringe to suspend the leaves in the solution.Push the plunger to expel e xcess air, then place your finger over the end of the syringe and pull back on the plunger to create a vacuum. While maintaining the vacuum, swirl the leaf disks in the syringe. After 10 seconds, remove your finger (release the vacuum).You may wish to repeat the vacuum procedure two to three more times to ensure the leaves take up carbon dioxide from the baking soda solution. The disks should sink to the bottom of the syringe when they are ready for the demonstration. If the disks do not sink, use fresh disks and a solution with a higher concentration of baking soda and a bit more detergent.Pour the spinach leaf discs into the cup of baking soda/detergent solution. Dislodge any disks that stick to the side of the container. Initially, the disks should sink to the bottom of the cup.Expose the cup to light. As the leaves produce oxygen, bubbles forming on the surface of the disks will cause them to rise. If you remove the light source from the cup, the leaves eventually will sink.If you return the disks to the light, what happens? You can experiment with the intensity and duration of the light and its wavelength. If you would like to set up a control cup, for comparison, prepare a cup containing water with diluted detergent and spinach leaf disks that have not been infiltrated with carbon dioxide.

Sunday, November 3, 2019

Management communication - memo Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Management communication - memo - Assignment Example It is an inter-level choice because of one heading and use of white space to stress points. It is also an extra-level choice because of using information displays of green blocks with information being stressed the bottom of the document. The document has used a framework of imaginary columns to merge graphic elements. The document can be improved utilizing headings to set points, using more than one font, as well as color moderation (Glushko & McGrath, 2008). Page Design 3: It is within the intra-level of design because of the use of different fonts and sizes, some in italics and others in bold. It is also an inter-level choice because of the different headings of different fonts and sizes. The document uses white space to accentuate points. It is also an extra-level choice because of using a colored picture at the centre of the document, and four other graphical pictures, which are black and white, evenly distributed within the document. The document is within the supra-level of document design because of the paper size change, grids that delineate the look of every section of the document. The document can be improved by utilizing one or two fonts, as well as using color highlights (Garcia, 2007). Page Design 4: It is within the intra-level of design because of the use of one type of font in bold. It is an inter-level choice because of the dissimilar headings of different sizes. The document utilizes white space to highlight points. It is also an extra-level choice because of using a colored picture placed at the bottom center of the document. It is also within the supra-level of document design because of the, color formats, grids that describe the look of every section of the document. The document can be improved by using two fonts or less and putting important elements in the top left and lower right quadrants of the page (Carliner et. al.,

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Macro Project Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Macro Project - Assignment Example Attributed to their low population, the two countries have achieved one of the highest employment rates in the world. As the statistics have it, the two countries have achieved above 90% employment rate and hence the economy grows rapidly. The rate of inflation in the two countries is very low, though some disparities are clear. When it comes to exports, the two countries export petroleum products as their principle source of foreign exchange. However, Qatar exports fertilizers and raw aluminum while Kuwait exports cement and ships. Their chief imports include cars, jewelry and aircraft; and food, construction material and vehicles for Qatar and Kuwait respectively. Qatar has favorable balance of trade as the difference between the export and import is very high. This means that the currency in Qatar is very strong against that of the trading partners. This implies that the country earn a lot in terms of foreign exchange. As such, it is important for the country to maintain its export at a higher level as it directly impacts its economic growth. Other significance of a higher net export is that the country will have better terms of international trade and higher bargaining power in international trade and other affairs, Hightower

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

Business Environment and Economics Research Paper

Business Environment and Economics - Research Paper Example It applies to Gerries also. Hence the dominant strategy of charging 10 will give a profit of 4000 when both of them charge the same price and a profit of 6400 when the other charges a higher price of 11. In a duopoly situation, over a period both the players by experience arrive at a strategy to meet the other player's pricing and adapt his own pricing to the same as that of the rival. This in a way distributes the market more or less equally and makes both the players earn almost equal profits. For example in the instant case if both the players charge 11 as the price per unit then each of them gats a profit of 4500. This is higher than that of 4000 earned by them while charging 10 per unit. This result may be obtained by a pre-commitment between the rivals to match the prices and thus collude with each other. (ii) Two fast food restaurant chains, BurgerBinge and McDennys, are considering outlets within the same small shopping mall. If they both begin operations they will each lose 100,000 pa. If only one sets up it will earn 250,000 pa. Profits. The first mover advantage is derived by the firm which enters the market first by taking control of the potential sources available and to maximize their use to gain. This is a market situation that exists purely for the fist entrant and the subsequent players entering the market may not be able to get the same advantages that were available to the first entrant, unless there was a slack on the first entrant to maximize the advantages. In the given instant if both the firms decide to operate the existing market will have to be shared between both the players which results in a loss of 100,000 to each firm. This is due to the fact due to inadequacy of sales the firms might not be able to cover the fixed expenses which will result in a loss to both of them, as they both share the available demand. If one of them decides to stay away

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Features of a Healthy Individual

Features of a Healthy Individual Part A is Read the Nutrition and Diet science box (provided in the attachment, page 21) summarize the main points in your own words (approximately 100 words). Part A The healthy diet can be subdivided into different functional components. There are those that comprise the major elements vital for the respiratory processes, such as carbohydrates and fats, and the proteins which are largely responsible for physical bodily maintenance. Carbohydrates provide the major energy elements with simple carbohydrates being easily assimilated into the blood stream and thereby into the respiratory pathway of the cell, and the complex carbohydrates being more resistant to digestive processes and thereby providing a longer term energy substrate. Fats also provide energy with unsaturated fats being a more healthy option than saturated ones. Vitamins and minerals are required in milligram quantities and facilitate vital specific metabolic processes in the body. Vitamins are categorised into water and fat soluble varieties Part B is using examples from Chapter 3, (provided in the attachment chapter 3 is on page 35) describe some psychological factors that are influences on the health of the individual (approximately 600 words.) Part B The health of an individual is the sum total of many disparate processes. Some of these processes can be influenced by the behaviour of the individual and this, in turn, is capable of being determined or modified by the beliefs, emotions and cognitive state of the individual as well as the environment. (Finlay L et al. 2005). Other factors are largely immutable such as the individual’s genetic make up which is determined at birth and despite recent advances in the field of gene therapy, is largely unchangeable. Personal choices are subject to many internal and external factors. If one considers alcohol as an illustrative example then clearly the level of alcohol intake of an individual is ultimately a matter of personal choice, but this can be influenced by belief systems which, in turn, can be modified by social pressures and other factors in the environment. Belief systems can be overridden or modified by compulsion or craving. A person may find that they drink alcohol when under social pressure such as being in a group when everyone else is drinking, but equally may not drink when they are alone. Alcohol has the added complicating effect that it directly affects a person’s state of mind (and therefore actions) in a variety of complex ways. It initially disinhibits a person but then, in higher doses, causes confusion and suppression of higher mental functions. Factors that were relevant in a sober state are not necessarily valid when significant amounts of alcohol have been drunk. A person may have the knowledge and belief that two drinks in an evening are sufficient for their perceived needs, but when they have had those two drinks, factors such as social pressure, a desire for tension release or relaxation, or perhaps a reduction of inhibitory thoughts, may culminate in an increased desire for more alcohol. This can be a vicious circle to the point where the toxic effects of alcohol become apparent . (Cheng A T A et al. 2004) There is a large body of evidence which details the effects of the misuse of alcohol on the body. Heart, liver and neurological problems are the commonest sequelae. The development of such complications may prove to be an additional factor in a person’s decision to change their lifestyle. The development of obvious heart or liver disease, which impacts on an individual’s quality of life, may prove to be a catalyst in modifying their drinking habits. Some individuals may have an â€Å"addictive personality†. While there is controversy about the actual definition of this trait, there seems little doubt that it exists. Such â€Å"addictive† people are far more likely to overindulge or persist in habitual or obsessive patterns of behaviour and drinking alcohol is an area where such patterns have been identified and observed. (Echeburua E et al. 2005) Genetic factors have been implicated (but not proved) in this addictive personality. Genetic factors have also been positively implicated in the variation of effect that alcohol has on the body. Some people appear to have greater tolerance to the effects of alcohol than others. This, in part, is due to genetically determined variations in the ability of their bodies to metabolise alcohol. (Wall T et al. 2003) These are some of psychological factors which seem to be generally accepted as being relevant in considerations of alcohol. There are clearly a great many other elements, as demonstrable risk factors include a higher risk of habituation in adolescents and adult men, particularly those with a family history of alcohol addiction, unemployment, marital problems, lower educational level certain ethnicities and cultural attachments. The exact causes of these associations is not clear and is likely to be a complex interaction of many factors, but most authorities agree that psychological factors are amongst the strongest influences on the desire to take alcohol. (Hawkins J D et al. 1997) References Cheng A T A, Gau S F, Chen T H H, Chang J C, Chang Y T (2004) A 4-Year Longitudinal Study on Risk Factors for Alcoholism. Arch Gen Psychiatry, February 1, 2004; 61( 2): 184 191. Echeburua E, Bravo De Medinar R, Aizpiri E (2005) ALCOHOLISM AND PERSONALITY DISORDERS: AN EXPLORATORY STUDY. Alcohol and Alcoholism 2005 40 (4): 323 326 Finlay, L., Pearson, C. and Ram S. (2005) Understanding health, Milton Keynes, The Open University Hawkins J D, Graham J W, Maguin E, Abbott R, Hill K G, Catalano R F. (1997) Exploring the effects of age of alcohol use initiation and psychosocial risk factors on subsequent alcohol misuse. J Stud Alcohol. 1997; 58 : 280 290 Jung J (2001) The Psychology of Alcohol and Other Drugs. A Research Perspective. Alcohol and Alcoholism Vol. 38, No. 1, pp. 98 99, 2003 Wall T L, Carr L G, Ehlers C L (2003) Protective Association of Genetic Variation in Alcohol Dehydrogenase With Alcohol Dependence. Am J Psychiatry 160 : 41 46, January 2003 ############################################################## 26.9.08 Word count 1,023 PDG