Methods and Challenges in Data Collection

1. FOREWARD Authors as Adams, Khan, Hafiz and Raeside (1), suggest some method for data collection, basing on the situation, warning from possible threats to the validity and reliability of data collected. Whatever the method of data collection chosen (observations, experimentation, survey, interviews, diary method, case study, data storage, triangulation), there are several hypothesis that need to be considered since the beginning (1); the challenges born from the nature of the research and level of detail the researcher want to reach, then by time and budget available, so careful consideration and planning of data collection is required.There are some common principles, for examples try to eliminate as much as possible human errors, analyze all useful data instead of the only one which seems to fit in the theory, run multiple tests to check eventual errors. Collecting data is crucial in many different field of business interest, e. g. from concurrency evaluation to create a model f or the estimation of pipe price, before to meet the supplier for the final negotiation.For example, first strategy adopted from bid and proposal department, for the evaluation of piping price impact, is to evaluate raw material steel price and add a certain percentage which consider total cost of ownership. Second strategy can consider different elements which compose final price, starting from source of data instead of estimate a percentage only. This is one of the key elements: Bebell, O’Dwyer, Russel and Hoffmann (2) studied the importance of technology in the last past years to help researcher to evaluate and confute data availability and validity, for example triangulating the same data.In any case, quantitative methods doesn’t contextualizes in the situation, considering for example the market situation, the human ability to concretize business relationship, †¦ 2. CHALLENGES 3. 1 Source of data World is full of data and opinion, the advent of technology and internet allow to many users all over the world to get access to the web for those who have access, source of millions of articles, opinion, paper, studies, †¦ According to Bebell, O’Dwyer, Russel and Hoffmann (2) the use of laptop and nternet by learners and scholars, in both cases resulted that about 50% or more use technology to make first research and to deliver instruction. The central IT organization in a statistical agency has a very important role in Web-based data collection, since data collection system has two very broad component – an electronic questionnaire, and everything else associated with moving that electronic questionnaire to and from a respondent, including systems and security considerations (3).Since the best result is get if the questionnaire, interview, survey, †¦ is focused as much as possible to the argument of research and to participant that well know the argument, source(s) of data, have to be identified since the beginning, pos sibly during the data collection planning stage. Doing this, the researcher optimizes his / her time, avoiding to source data time per time is need. Researcher has to avoid interpretation and misunderstanding in the question, in order to get invalid responses.This imply that for example, the questionnaires received, if duly filled, may not be very useful because don’t meet the requirements, otherwise, target of the research cannot be reached. Infact rate of response can results too low so unacceptable, and potentially people can decide to not respond since they don’t know about the question. Initial investment of the time to plan the job, avoid creating questionnaires inefficient to the researcher. When we face to questionnaires which don’t know what’s talking about, the first reaction is to leave it blanks or give confused answers.For these reasons, random sampling techniques, stratified random sampling techniques integrating with pre-test, are crucial i n order to avoid eventual fairness, big enemy of the study, even if the researcher has to consider that a pre-test may sensitize or polarize the person’s behavior and consequently, better performance on the post-test. Some methods for avoiding this issues, will be analyzed in the next chapter â€Å"strategies† 3. 2 Characteristics of collected data The target of the researcher is to get the data as objective as possible and the best response rate, not only in terms of numbers but as much representative as possible (2).It means that collects objective data, makes it stronger and unassailable the research, and open to any new research or alternative solutions. Some examples of objective criteria could be: * Market value * Scientific findings * Efficiency of the model * Professional standards defined * Equal treatment * Tradition * Legal (court) * Reasonableness Collecting the right data, allows the researcher to get representative answers which help to find a solution to the problem that he / she places, otherwise the study can be compromise since the beginning, or can drive the researcher to solution not representative of reality.For example, company can decide to capture data of saving from a certain database characterized by having certain accuracy, i. e. two decimal places; at the end of analysis, the researcher have to know that the result is affected by a certain error value. Infact, even if minimal error is occasionally acceptable, in some cases can lead to unacceptable inaccuracy or even to the failure of the project. For this, determine the level of tolerated error is need during the collection of quantitative data. Techniques and devices for the quantitative collection have to be characterized by a certain tolerable range of error. 3. 3 Data collectionTwo main different categories can be considered: primary (data not available by previous research, †¦) and secondary (data are available elsewhere). In both cases, when we’re col lecting quantitative data, it is often tempting to record and use only which results that correspond to priori test, experiments or theory, especially when the expected results are so different from the ones got. However, could happen that especially these unexpected data shown problems with the experimental procedures, so these values should not be ignored. Last but not least, assertiveness of the researcher avoid to influence the questionnaire or data search.For example, supplier A has quoted 100 and supplier B = 70, C = 72, D = 68 for the same identical package. Technical evaluation has been done for all; it means that, the same package has more or less 40% of difference in price compared than A. It may seems an anomaly, in most of the cases that is since one supplier is trying to getting much money, but a careful analysis can lead to evaluate that B and C quoted very low at the beginning, in order to get the PO, foreseeing to recover later on adding some parts, reaching or going over price of A. 3. 4 Cost and timeData collection process can requires observation of the research phenomenon, over than time for collection, surveys, †¦ This particularly happen in the longitudinal studies, where data have to be analyzed at different time. Nevertheless, changes can occur in the subjects during the observation period, so they can be influenced. Cost can limit the data acquisition phase, limiting the collection and right type of data need to conduct the research. As the size increases, variability decreases. Moreover instrumentation with right accuracy, basing on the accuracy target level of the research, can be a limit for the research. . STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME 4. 5 Maintain original data Reliability and validity can be proved, without manipulation, and maintain the opportunity eventually to examine again, reinforcing the conclusions. It means that, since the best and quick results are gain through computer, memory disk should be necessary to store the data. Other reason is that longer is a study, higher is the possibility that historical data are necessary since the time tends to change the conditions. Moreover, pre-test need, when done, need to be stored. 4. 6 Pre-testThey can influence the subjects, so post-test different from pre-test can avoid this effect. Multiple independent trials minimize error when collecting quantitative data, asking to distinct group to run the test or experiments aimed at collecting specific quantitative data. These 2 groups can compare the results, which should be the same. 4. 7 Clear and easy data blank document In order to avoid low rate of response, it has to be easy to use and clear, in English language or the language of the subjects, allowing the participants to give informative and accurate.Over this, the blank is to be simple and quickly to be filled, otherwise participants can be discouraged. 4. 8 Double check source and people for data collection When data collection is delegated to other people or relies to the use of internet, the collection is by other people. For example, company which get information through surveys under payment, it’s a very high quality and quantity way to complete surveys, but need to be analyzed whose responder are really working on the answer or are interested to get the reward only.Temptation to manipulate data to enhance results is common; when happens, the validity of the research becomes doubt. For sure most of the times mistakes are unwanted, and the response need to be identified. One way to solve this problem should be solved using technology (2). For instance, software can help to create an average, classify and evaluate which are completely out of average and why, since they could be representative of the survey or due to the low knowledge of the responders, collect all the evaluable data finding eventual correlation between the variables.In conclusion, find the middle way in optimizing the additional cost and reduction of time tha nks to technology, is a concrete challenge for the researcher which would share his / her research to others, since research designed to solve problems in medium – long terms, rather than short terms, is increasingly required in today’s business environment. REFERENCES 1) Adams, John; Khan, Hafiz T A; Raeside, Robert (2007) â€Å"Research Methods for Graduate Business and Social Science Students.Sage India† 2) Damian Bebell, Laura M. O’Dwyer, Michael Russell, Tom Hoffmann – 2010 Concerns, Considerations, and New Ideas for Data Collection and Research in Educational Technology Studies 3) Richard W. Swartz and Charles Hancock – 2002 Data collection through web-based Technology 4) Reetta Raitoharju1, Eeva Heiro2, Ranjan Kini3, and Martin D’Cruz – 2009 Challenges of multicultural data collection and analysis: experiences from the health information system research

Form for Summarizing and Evaluating Research Articles Essay

In terms of the social functioning of drug users, Kandel referred to numerous studies that have examined the effect of drug use on social functioning in adolescents and young adults. The author was interested in further examining this topic as it pertains to these individuals’ transitioning into adulthood. Previous studies cited by the author have addressed this topic from the standpoint of how marijuana use affects the age of marriage, but no previous study has looked at child-bearing practices. The author hypothesized that the delinquent behavior found in adolescent drug-users will similarly be found in drug-using parents. In terms of parenting style, Kandel cited studies on three widely-recognized parenting styles (authoritarian, authoritative, and permissive) and studies that examine child-bearing practices of drug users with data collected from clinical settings. The author questioned whether this data will be replicated by studies with general population samples. Evaluation: The literature review of the social functioning of drug users is thorough, and the research questions and hypotheses (both of which are clearly stated) are clearly justified by the literature review. Additionally, the section of literature review devoted to studies of parenting style and drug use is valuable as it cites studies that are more closely related to my own research interests. I question the author’s use of a three-tiered description of parenting style as a four-tiered model (authoritative, authoritarian, indulgent, and neglectful) is more commonly used. Methods: Kandel collected the data from 1,277 people (ages 28-29) she has been following since 1971 (and thus she has amassed considerable information on the history of their drug use). Data was obtained from two-hour long personal interviews with the subjects. Questions were asked about parenting style in relation to the oldest child in their care and about the history of use of 12 different drug classes. Questions about children’s behavior and parenting issues were taken from previously issued questionnaires and not designed specifically for this study. Many of the questions about drug use were also taken from previously issued studies. Evaluation: The large sample size and the large body of information about the subjects’ drug use lend credibility to the study. The results of the study, however, might be skewed as the only people interviewed were the parents. As the parents have a history of drug use, and abuse, I would not implicitly trust all of their responses about parenting style and the behavior of their children. It would have been helpful if, for instance, teachers were interviewed about the behavior of the children implicated in the study. It would also have been appreciated if the author had discussed why the pre-existing questionnaires were chosen. Were these particular questionnaires ones with a proven track-record of statistically reliable results? Are they the most-widely used in the field? Are there any shortcomings of these questionnaires? Results: The study found that the strongest associations between childrearing patterns and child behavior are between parent discipline and child aggression and between parental closeness and child attachment to the parent. The data is broken down by gender of parent, and different results were found for maternal and paternal parenting styles for many of the child behavior patterns. Then, Kandel looked at the data to see patterns between drug involvement and marital/parenting status. Drug users (both current and former) are more likely to be single with no children. Next, she examined the relationship between drug involvement and parenting style and found â€Å"very few statistically significant relationships† (p. 189). Finally, she looked for associations between drug use and the children’s behavior, finding that maternal drug use is strongly associated with problems controlling children. Evaluation: Though the tables displaying the statistical analysis of the results provide the number of respondents who fall into the categories being discussed, the text itself contains none of these numbers. For instance, nowhere in the text does the author give the number of drug using mothers. From one of the tables, I found this number to be 166 (a very small sample given the number of participants in the study). Discussion and Conclusions: Kandel was quick to note the limitations of this study and the need for further research to fill these limitations. She also positioned this study and its findings within the framework of previous studies and remarked on the larger implications of her study. Evaluation: The implications of this study can be tied directly to my own research project. Kandel notes that â€Å"conduct problems in childhood and early adolescence are among the most important precursors of adolescent drug involvement† (p. 192). Overall Assessment of Quality: This is, in general, an average article. The conclusions came directly from the results, the methodology met the demands of the research question, and the research question grew out of the literature review. However, I have some concerns about the discussion of parenting style (only three types of parenting are considered), the unquestioned use of pre-existing questionnaires, and the lack of acknowledgment of ethical issues. Complete Reference: Adalbjarnardottir, S. & Hafsteinsson, L. G. (2001). Adolescents’ Perceived Parenting Styles and their Substance Use: Concurrent and Longitudinal Analyses. Journal of Research on Adolescence, 11 (4), 401-423. Abstract: The concise abstract provides details on the study, the participants, the questions that were asked, the variables, and the findings. This abstract indicates that this article is essential to my research. Evaluation: The abstract is absolutely extraordinary in the amount of detail that is provided in so few words. Introduction: This study developed from previous research in which it was suggested, but not proven, that interpersonal processes (such as parental and peer factors) are effective predictors of substance use. Evaluation: The introduction’s assertion for the necessity of this research is convincing. Literature Review: The authors presented a detailed review of the literature on the following topics: family socialization and tobacco and alcohol consumption, parenting style, and the discrimination of licit and illicit drugs in studies of this nature. They noted an important oversight in previous research: most studies of adolescent substance abuse have focused on single dimensions of parenting style (some studies focus on support, some on control, etc. ). In order to correct this lapse, the authors used Lamborn’s four-fold typology of parenting style. The distinction between licit and illicit drugs is germane to this study as cultural perceptions of licit and illicit drug use are omnipresent in Icelandic culture. The three hypotheses of this study are very clearly expressed: â€Å"adolescents from authoritative families would report lower levels of licit drug use,† â€Å"adolescents from neglectful families would report higher levels of licit drug use,† and â€Å"adolescents from neglectful families would report higher use of illicit drugs† (pp. 405-406). Evaluation: The authors clearly point out areas in which previous research is valuable and areas in which it can be improved upon. Their analyses of prior studies provide clear justification for their own study. The clear development of the research questions and hypotheses from the literature review is reflected in the organization of the article: the introduction and literature review are combined into one section. Methods: An initial sample of 1,293 14-year old students (all native Icelanders, all Lutheran, and all speaking Icelandic as a first language) participated in the study at base-line. 928 of these students participated in a follow-up session three years later. Of these students, 347 could be classified into one of the four family types. These 347 students form the nucleus of the study. The authors chose these 347 students in order to compare the results of the concurrent and longitudinal analyses. Because the authors wanted to ensure that neglectful families were represented in their study, they used passive consent procedures (as opposed to active consent). The students filled in the self-report questionnaire during school hours. The questions asked about cigarette smoking, alcohol use, illicit drug use, parental and peer substance use, socioeconomic status, and parenting styles. The authors used logistic regression analyses to determine whether parenting style (as perceived at age 14) presented a significant risk factor for substance use at the time of the baseline screening as well as three years later. The following variables were considered: gender, socioeconomic status (later considered insignificant), smoking at age 14, drinking at age 14, smoking of parents, drinking of parents, smoking of peers, drinking of peers, parenting style, daily smoking at 17, heavy drinking at 17, and illicit substance abuse. Evaluation: The discussion of methodology is thorough, and the study is well-designed to answer the research questions. The authors gave examples of the types of questions that were asked as well as the choices of answers. The variables are clearly described and defined, and the description of the measurement processes is clear. The authors were quick to answer any potential ethical questions that might arise: they noted that the students were not paid for the study, and they provided a rationale for their use of passive consent procedures. One concern I have is that the authors only considered hashish and amphetamines in their questions about illicit drug use; they did not consider other types of illicit drugs or misuse of prescription medications. Results: The authors used both descriptive data analysis as well as inferential data analysis. In their attrition analysis, the authors found that students who perceived their parents as neglectful were more likely to drop out of the study. The authors cautioned that this might have somewhat skewed the results of their study. The authors found that parenting styles, gender, and peer smoking were indicators of smoking at age 14. Smoking at 14 and parental smoking were the sole indicators of daily smoking at 17. Parenting style and peer drinking were predictive of drinking at 14. Parenting style, peer drinking, and drinking at 14 were associated with heavy drinking at 17. Parenting style, smoking at 14/17, drinking at 14/17, and gender were associated with illicit drug use. Evaluation: The descriptive analysis clearly summarizes the participants and variables. The statistical analyses are appropriate to the research questions and hypotheses. However, as the authors noted, there is a lack of data about 17-year old students with neglectful parents. Discussion and Conclusions: The authors detected a general relation, as expected, between parenting styles and adolescent substance use. Their results support previous research which had suggested that adolescents with authoritative parents were less likely to use substances such as tobacco, alcohol, and illicit drugs. In some respects, the results of this study differ from previous European and American studies, a fact which led the authors to question the extent to which cultural differences affect adolescent drug use. The authors were careful to note and discuss three limitations of their study: the self-report measures, the method used to assess parenting style, and the attrition rate. Evaluation: One weakness of the discussion section is that the authors do not identify many ways in which this study opens the door to future research. Overall Assessment of Quality: This is a high-quality article that directly bears on the subject of my own research project. The primary strength of this article lies in how well-organized the study was, from the original research questions to the conclusions. The authors noted the limitations, and potential weaknesses, of the study, but their accounting for these factors is satisfactory. My primary concern with the study is that the authors did not draw enough distinction between the types of illicit drug use. This is an area that I will consider in my own study.

Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Project Essay - 1

Vulnerable Population in the Workplace Project - Essay Example 2009). The disadvantages are driven by the social conditions, which a person works, live, play, and learn. This paper provides an overview of the health disparity in work place among the elderly. In the United States, health care disparity manifests itself in a number of ways both major and multiple. In one side, the health disparity is evident articles, which address life expectancy; the shortest and the longest living. On the second side, is the economic burden, in which a joint research by the Joint Centre for Political and Economic Studies, observed that cost of health care provision contributes to premature death. The aforementioned disparities lean on social and economic factors; where one lives, work, grow, and age. Primarily, social determinants such as access to care, poverty, and low socioeconomic status influence health provision in the society (RCEZEC 2009). It is arguable that the disparities in health provision influence health outcome. The health care disparity influen ces the lives of the underprivileged in the society more than the other groups. Health documents categorize the following groups under the underprivileged the disabled, the elderly, low income among others. The society seems to be judging the aforementioned categories before providing them with this vital service. Some critics have observed that the elderly in home health care have been subject to disparity. In a bid to establish the barriers to health care disparity, a study in a home health care for the elderly was paramount. The documentations about barriers to health care have indicated the following. The main barrier that hampers provision of health care among the elderly is the language barrier. Communication is essential tool in discharging healthcare services because of a number of reasons. Firstly, communication enables the healthcare practitioners to establish the right medication for the patients (HHS, 2010). Secondly, communications enables effective services to the pati ents. The second barrier documented to health care provision is the low income. Elderly, persons living in homes for the elderly have to meet the bills for the services they acquire in these facilities. In addition, meeting the expenses would depend on the income level of the individual. Coincidentally, many old people from the low-income families do not demonstrate the ability to meet their own bills because of limited savings. The above barriers have influenced provision of health care in the elderly home. The historic disparities, socially or economically has shaped the elderly that the project has targeted. Most Hispanic elderly, speakers have limited knowledge in English language. This has been a challenge in promoting health care provision in homes that host this group. The language problem has historical root, emanating from the cultural preferences, poverty, and political inclinations that shaped the lives of people in the past. Presently, attending to their social challenge s involves, understanding their culture, social status and bridging between modernity and the ancient tradition. Action Plan to Combat the Barriers Since language barrier influence the provision of health care among the elderly in the elderly homes, this project has established that it can work with bilingual nurses or healthcare professionals. This plan intends to give attention to health disparity cases of elderly persons that fail to communicate their problems effectively to the medical practitioners. The Hispanic

Safeguards for Educational Records Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Safeguards for Educational Records - Essay Example If a student’s educational records appear incorrect, parents or eligible students have the right to review their educational records and request for changes to be made when appropriate. If the school disagrees to changing the student’s records, the parent or eligible student has a right to a formal hearing to discuss the matter. Divorced parents must provide custody information that is set forth from the court order. In cases where the parents are divorced, the courts may order for one of the parents to have full custody of the student. In this instance, the parent who has lost his or her custody may not have written permission to access the student’s educational records. In this situation, I will require the parent to provide documentation before the student’s educational records are released. Grandparents must provide a written statement that grants them permission to access the student’s records. Grandparents will be required to provide me with documentation for permission to access the student’s educational records. If the grandparents have custody of the student, I will require grandparents to provide a written statement that shows proof of custody. Foster Parents must provide the proper documentation for the student before the student’s information is released to them. The foster parents must prove that they have guardianship over the student. As a teacher, I will keep an updated copy of the current foster parent of the student to protect the student’s safety and educational records. Step-parents need permission from the student’s parent/legal guardian to discuss the student’s educational records with the step-parent. I will implement a system that requires the step-parent to provide proof of legal marriage to the student’s parent. As a safety measure, I will keep an updated copy of the step-parent authorization form to review the student’s records. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) help to enforce the privacy of the student’s educational records and alleviate unauthorized individuals from obtaining access to the student’s educational records.

Business Data Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Business Data Analysis - Essay Example The value of correlation coefficient is positive. Therefore it can be said that as age increases so does income. The level of dissatisfaction is significantly higher in women as compared to men. There were 14 ‘extremely dissatisfied’ responses from women as compared to only 6 from men. On the other hand the positive responses were 117 as compared to only 89 from women. However almost 21 males very a little dissatisfied as compared to only 8 from women. a. Predictors: (Constant), How many promotions, if any, have you received while working for your present employer?, How many traumatic events did you experience last year?, How many hours did you work last week, at all jobs?, How many years of school have you completed?, In your household, how many family members, including yourself, were employed last year?, Age, Your pre-tax income last year ($000), Total family pre-tax income last year ($000), Since you were 16 years old, about how many years have you worked for full-time pay? The age of employees at the company varies between 69 and 18. This is a very large level of diversity. This diversity can be help in creating creativity but also can be a tough task to manage such a diverse workforce. The major workforce has their age in the mid thirties. The age of employees can affect their output. Therefore it was important to analyze the affect of employee age on different variables. The analysis revealed that as the age of employees was increases their number of hours worked were becoming less. This means that older people were working less as compared to the younger workforce. This can be due to the higher posts of senior employees and managerial roles. The increase in pretax income with an increase in age also supports this theory. As the employees get older they become senior and therefore have a better pay scale and have to put in fewer hours. The age however was totally unrelated to union membership. Therefore we can that there was an

Solving exams questions for Corporate Risk Management Essay - 1

Solving exams questions for Corporate Risk Management - Essay Example The pure loss exposure of a company in terms of assets is that the company may lose the value of its assets to zero due to some uncontrollable risk events. The assets such as property may be lost in its value because of natural disasters such as earth quakes, tsunami etc. Example includes the companies like Nestle has big manufacturing plants internationally, that are exposed to its asset loss such as property, furniture fixtures, plant destruction etc because of uncontrollable events such as earthquakes (Williams, et al., 1998). The exposure that may arise because of the possibility of financial loss to the business is referred to as Personnel Loss Exposure. The loss to the business because of death, retirement or sickness of the key employee of the company is referred to as personnel loss. The death of Steve jobs gave significant financial loss to Apple Inc. The reason was that the Steve jobs was considered as the one who managed Apple Inc., with his innovative ideas (Williams, et al., 1998). The exposure that may arise because of the claim against the monetary damages is referred to as liability loss exposure. It creates legal responsibility of the company or person, to pay for injury or damages to another party. The insurance company takes the responsibility to pay off the damages against the liability created on the insurer. It refers to as the indirect loss exposure to the assets of the company. The most common example of consequential loss is the firm losses his clients and business because of street closure or strikes. Therefore, the consequential loss exposure is the exposure to the implied losses that may arise due to unexpected circumstances. The firm may abandon the loss exposure if the exposure already exists. This can be explained with the help of example of pharmaceutical company, which may not sell particular product because the chances of loss

Counterinsurgency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Counterinsurgency - Essay Example Accordingly, the primary focus should be to improve the quality of the police and other security forces, strengthen government institutions, and separated the populace from the insurgents. Contemporary counterinsurgency methodologies introduced in the Philippines, Malaya, Algeria and Vietnam prove when the government accomplished these tasks, it defused the insurgency's political and ideological premise, discredited their cause, and created a political environment unsuitable for an insurgency to thrive. DISCUSSION: Intelligence reports show clashes between Taliban and coalition forces have increased significantly in 2008, highlighting the Taliban's resurgence and complicating NATO efforts to stabilize the country. Taliban, Hekmatyar, and Haqqani militants have expanded their influence in rural regions where NATO/ISAF and the Afghan government cannot provide sufficient security. Violent attacks have tripled in these areas - particularly against civilian non-combatants perceived to be in support of the government. Consequently, the U.S. planners must convince NATO and commanders to employ specific counterinsurgency approaches to reverse these trends. 1. Secure the Afghan-Pakistan border. ... Thus far, US/NATO strike operations along the border and inside Afghanistan have not curtailed militant force infiltrations and security forces have been unable to pursue retreating insurgents across the border. In order prevent these incursions, a more audacious containment strategy must be implemented. Measures include increasing security force levels in select border regions, formalizing intelligence cooperation activities with Pakistan, and erecting barriers along major infiltration corridors. First, NATO must expand the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Afghan National Police (ANP), and Afghan National Army (ANA) presence in the remote border regions where infiltrations and armed attacks most often occur. Diligent law enforcement activities should be the primary focus in populated areas and villages to disrupt support sanctuaries and networks logistics networks. ANA forces should occupy security checkpoints and border encampments to interdict hostile incursions. In the meantime Afghan and Pakistani officials formally demarcate the Durand Line by establishing a mutually recognized border, then erect a series of defensive fences along known infiltration corridors to deny militants access into Afghanistan. Technology based surveillance systems and interdiction platforms must be employed in tandem with physical structures. French counterinsurgents successfully employed similar fencing startegy in Algeria when they built the Mortice Line to contain the Front de Liberation Nationale (FLN) insurgents. Within a year of construction, the eight foot electrical fence proved to be a decisive counterinsurgency additive. The combination of static defenses and mobile border forces had killed over 6,000 would-be intruders and intercepted

MARKETING RESEARCH FOR A NEW MATERNITY CARE PRODUCT LINE NORTON Essay

MARKETING RESEARCH FOR A NEW MATERNITY CARE PRODUCT LINE NORTON CHILDRENS HOSPITAL - Essay Example Along this line, a marketing research is required to produce the needed information. (Please see Appendix B.) As far as identifying the problem, there is actually none. This is being stated because the hospital has the capabilities to introduce and establish the proposed maternity care unit. It is only as to how extensive the new product line should be to capitalize on the local market, which indeed appears to be a captured market, and to therefore maximize the earnings of the hospital. The concern of the top hospital men is therefore more on the leverage of answers rather than of a problem. There are no problems. Instead, there are answers that must be sought in making the final decision on whether or not to push the project. The aims of the research is (1) to obtain as much information on the reaction of the local market to the idea of establishing a full-service maternity care department or division in the children's hospital, and (2) to document all these information and data to become the basis of management on whether or not to so push through with the introduction and establishment of the new product line. The research design uses statistical data gathering with 270 responde... Aims of the Research The aims of the research is (1) to obtain as much information on the reaction of the local market to the idea of establishing a full-service maternity care department or division in the children's hospital, and (2) to document all these information and data to become the basis of management on whether or not to so push through with the introduction and establishment of the new product line. Research Design and Procedures The research design uses statistical data gathering with 270 respondents in the local community. The demographical spreads are divided into age, gender, marital status, education and income. Upon the other hand, the questions regarding preference have been anchored on the reputation of the hospital, quality of care, distance from home, advice from doctor, advice from friends, advertisements, friendliness of the staff, maternity facilities, nursery facilities and maternity insurance. In the end, the results will be quantified as to maximum, minimum, median and mean. The survey taking is to be done directly on a person-to-person basis for each respondent as this is the most effective approach. In sum, statistics will be the prime source of information and data that will serve as the main tool in the decision making process as envisioned by the management of the hospital.2 Results of the Samples 1. Overall demographics Among the respondents, the most come from females, married, aged 26 to 40, have obtained some college education, and with income range from 70,000 to 99,000, while the least come from males, never married, aged 41 to 55, high school graduates, and those with income less than 20,000. (Please refer to Appendix E.) 2. Interest in the Idea of a Children's Hospital For those

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Offender Recidivism and Employment - Essay Example aper aims to discuss about offenders on supervision and how their employment status determines their success on supervision and their recidivism on re-offending. Determining the proper response to the re-offending behavior of criminals has plagued governments, criminologists, the judiciary, and the community for some time. A precise figure for the rate of recidivism cannot be ascertained, as much crime goes unreported and the courts do not convict all offenders for various reasons, including lack of evidence. Rates of recidivism also depend on what measures are used in terms of the time frame considered and whether one is concerned about particular offences, re-arrest rates, or re-imprisonment. There are many factors that contribute to the re-offending behavior of an individual. Many prisoners have poor education and employment histories, experience greater rates of mental illness and bad physical health, and have issues associated with drug and alcohol misuse. The effect of prison or jail sentences on recidivism is an important issue to those concerned with public safety and the cost-effectiveness of putting convicted offenders in prison. Opinions are divided between those advocating longer sentences in the interest of public safety, and those advocating shorter sentences with the assumption that incarceration, or longer prison terms, will not reduce recidivism rates. This paper summarizes the theories and the empirical studies on this issue. Study findings indicate that the effect of incarceration (versus other sentencing options) and sentence length on recidivism is complex and is likely to be offender-specific. For some offenders, incarceration and longer confinement seem to increase the risk of recidivism. For other offenders, the likelihood of re-offense will either be unaffected or reduced by longer terms of incarceration. Furthermore, early-release programs do not appear to affect overall recidivism rates. It is well recognized tha t offenders have a high

Science at work research Essay Example for Free

Science at work research Essay For this project I have sent a letter to each company, I have emailed 1 of the companies and visited 2 of the companies in order to help me with my research. Although not all companies gave me the relevant information, I also used the internet to help me fill in the missing gaps. Production Organisations The only product organisation I have chosen to do is Dulux. Dulux is a paint company. Dulux Customer Care Centre ICI Paints Wexham Road Slough SL2 5DS Tel: 08444 817 817 Dulux produce a wide range of different paints and products both interior and exterior to help you paint. Here are a few examples of what products they make. Paint Paint is any liquid liquefiable or mastic composition which after application to a substrate in a thin layer is converted to a solid film. Products made for interior:Paint pod: Paintpod roller system, Paintpod matt emulsion, Paintpod silk emulsion, Paintpod 2m extension tube, Paintpod extra reach handle, Paintpod roller sleeve, Paintpod dip tube, Paintpod edging brush, Paintpod spare parts Main Range: Matt, Natural hints matt, Feature wall matt, Soft sheen, Solid emulsions matt, Solid emulsions silk, Non-drip gloss, Satin wood, Professional liquid gloss, Pure brilliant white eggshell, Quick dry gloss, Quick dry satin wood, Tile paint, Cupboard paint. Exterior products: Products made for exterior:Main range: non-drip gloss, professional liquid gloss. Once: Gloss. Weathersheild: smooth masonry paint, textured masonry paint, ready to roll smooth masonry paint, exterior gloss, exterior satin, exterior one coat gloss, exterior undercoat, exterior stablishing primer, multi-surface fungicidal wash, exterior preservative primer. What Science is involved? Paint is manufactured with mineral fillers (clay and limestone) and pigments from various minerals. Paint contains four basic ingredients pigments, resin solvents and additives. Each has a different purpose. The pigment is for colour, resin is a binder, the solvent carries the pigment and resin from the paintbrush to the wall, the additive is added to change or improve its characteristics, in paint it is added to help the paint stick better. Making the paste: Pigment manufacturers send bags of pigments to the paint factory where it is them premixed with the resin, the solvent and additives to form a paste. Dispersing the pigment: The paste mixture is then routed to a sand mill (shown below) this agitates tiny particles of sand to grind the pigment particles to make them smaller then dispersing them throughout the mixture. The mixture will then be filtered to remove the sand particles. Although not all paint companys use a sand mill, instead they may be used in a high speed dispersion tank. (Shown below) here the premixed paste is subjected to high speed agitation by a circular toothed blade attached to the rotating shaft. Using this process will blend the pigments into the solvent Thinning the paste: No matter how it is dispersed whether by sand mill or dispersion tank the paste must be thinned to produce the final product. The paste is transferred to a large kettle where it is agitated with the right amount of solvent to match the paint desired. Canning the paint: The paint is then pumped into the canning room. Empty cans are rolled horizontally onto labels the set upright for the paint to be pumped into them. A machine will then place the lids onto the filled cans and a second machine will press the lid so it is sealed. The handles are then made and cut by a bolometer before hooking them into the holes made on the cans. The cans are then boxed and sent to the warehouse. Health and safety act: The health and safety act defines general duties on employers, employees, contractors, suppliers of goods and substances for use at work, person in control of work premises and people who manage and maintain them. The act enables a regime of regulations by the government ministers through the statutory instrument. They created an extensive system of specific provisions for various industries, including discipline and risks. It enforces powers backed by criminal sanctions extending to unlimited fines and imprisonment for up to 2 years. The act provides a critical interface with the law of European Union on workplace health and safety. How is the HS act used in Dulux? The health and safety act will be used in Dulux to make sure that paint is not left on the floor and so that the company is a safe environment to work in. listed below are a few ways in which they will ensure health and safety:   They are to make sure there is no paint left on the floor to ensure no accident occur   They are to make sure Special clothes will be worn to protect the workers from toxic chemicals. They will Ensure that all equipment is safe to use to help prevent accident occurring   They will ensure that All fire exits are clearly marked and not covered so easy access incase of a fire   All rules and regulations are clearly stated, visible and always followed. There is a fire safety point Cleary situated.   Ensure all fire alarms work Service organisations The 1st service organisation I have chosen to do is within the health care system. I have chosen to do a hospital. I will research manor hospital. Manor Hospital Moat Road, Walsall, WS2 9PS 01922 721172. Manor hospital offers a wide range of services from AE to Vascular surgery. I have listed a few below:   AE   Cancer services   Care of the elderly Dermatology   Ear, nose and throat surgery   Maternity Orthodontics   Pharmacy and medicines   Sexual health Therapy services   Urology   Vascular surgery Manor hospital is a place where you can get medical treatment. They help you in a variety of different ways. I have chosen to do focus my project on the AE What Science Is Involved? In the AE there are a variety of different sciences involved. Although not all are used daily. There are some things that you may not be aware off that use science. The AE is a place where you go if you have been involved in an accident. They deal with all accidents and emergencys ranging from a sprain up to a breakage of a bone. Although this may seem like no science is involved there is. Biology is mainly used because its deals with the human body. They need to have a biology degree. For example if somebody were to come into AE with a nail in there hand, they would have to use the biology in order to figure out the best treatment n how to go about getting the nail out. Would they just pull it out or would they operate? After deciding this they will need to sterilise the nail in order to stop the micro-organism infecting the wound. This is another form of science involved. After that if they choose to operate they will use anaesthetic. Although this may seem as if this is not using science it is. This is used to temporarily reduce sensation so that painful procedures or surgery can be performed. There are 2 types of anaesthetic:   General; makes the patient unconscious   Local; numbs the part of the body that would feel pain. They will ensure that there are enough seats available so that people are not standing around. The 2nd service organisation I have chosen to do is Berkley practice. This is a GPs practice. Berkley practice Churchill Road Walsall West midlands. WS2 0BA The Berkley practice provides a wide range of services such as:   Blood tests STI Tests   Pregnancy tests At the Berkley practice there is more than one GP available to suit your needs, as each GP may have a different area of expertise. This also may be so that it is easy access to your GP if you live close by. Although you may have a personal GP you may also chose to use a different Doctor. What Science is involved? As a dentist they will need to know a variety of different thing that involve science such as x-ray machines and chemicals. Here below are some of the sciences used. A dentist will diagnose and treat problems relating to the teeth and gums in the mouth. This means the dentist will need to know the science of the body but specifically the mouth and teeth. This will be so they can give advice about brushing and healthy eating for looking after teeth and gums. They will also need to know the science of chemicals and antibiotics so that they are able to provide proper protection and pain relief. Dentist will also need to know the science of x-rays machines and other equipment so that they can be used safely and easily without accidents occurring. Finally dentist will need to know the science of infectious diseases so that he can prevent them happening whilst providing treatment. Health and safety: Like in the hospital the GP may have some of the same constraints to ensure safety. Ensure all equipment is clean and safe to use   Ensure that gloves are worn when treating a patient   All needles will be put into a container   A fire safety point clearly stated   Ensure that all rules and regulations are stated, visible and always followed.   Ensure that all fire alarms work The 3rd service organisation I have chosen to do is Darlaston leisure centre Victoria Road Darlaston Walsall WS10 8AP Telephone 0121 526 7473 Fax 0121 568 7379 Darlaston leisure centre offers a wide range of activities and facilities such as:   Childrens gym Adults gym   Swimming pool   Tanning studio   Swimming lessons   Vending area   Spectators area steam rooms   holiday camps Darlaston leisure centre also caters for disabled people by providing disabled access, parking and disabled changing facilities. What Science is involved? Chlorine: Chlorine is the chemical that is often used to keep swimmingpools free of bacteria that can be hazardous to humans. It kills bacteria through a simple chemical reaction. The chlorine solution breaks down into different chemicals including hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. Both of these kill micro organisms and bacteria by attacking the lipids in the cell walls and destroying enzymes and structures inside the cell, thus making them harmless. If not enough hypochlorous acid present the cleaning process can take much longer. After the cleaning process both chemicals either combine with another or are broken down into single atoms, this then makes the chlorine harmless. Although chlorine is good for swimming pools it may also produce side effects such as; Itching; chlorine may have an itching effect on some skin, more likely to affect people with sensitive skin.   The smell; chlorine has a distinctive smell that some people may find sickly   Fading clothes; clothes may begin to fade if being exposed to chlorine for to long, such as your swimming costume around summertime.   Inhaling; inhaling a massive mount of chlorine may be hazardous to your breathing. Health and safety Darlaston leisure centre will also be a service provider that uses the health and safety act 1974. They will use this to ensure that all children using the facilities are safe. They may do this by:   ensuring there are ore than 2 staff watching the pools at all times   ensuring all fire exits are clearly labelled and visible   Ensuring that staff is watching children whilst in the gym children should not be in the gym as accidents may occur. Children should be out having fun. The equipment used may be too complicated for them. The age range for this gym is 8-16.   ensuring all food available is able to eat clearly stating the rules and regulation of the centre and are always followed  Ã‚  making sure that there are qualified first aiders available  Ã‚  ensure that a fire safety point is clearly situated ensure that all fire alarms work Below are copies of the emails and letters sent to the companies in order to help me with my research? Letters: This is the letter that I used to send to all of the companies. I edited the letter in order for it to be suitable for the companies. Dear whom ever this may concern, My name is Jaymie lee Howard I am 17 years old and am currently at 6thform, I am studying applied science. At the moment we are currently doing organisations using science. I am using your company as part of my coursework and was hoping you could answer these questions for me in order to help me. I would like to ask you if you could please answer these questions for me. 1) What type of work takes place within your company? 2) What science is used to help make the products offered for service? 3) What health and safety constraints do you have? 4) Does everybody follow the health and safety act? It would really helpful if you could answer these questions for me as they are not displayed on the website. Thank you for your time, Yours sincerely, Jaymie-lee Howard I also used this layout for my emails.

Lab Experiment to Identify Unknown Compound

Lab Experiment to Identify Unknown Compound Abstract. The purpose of this experiment was to identify the unknown compound. The tests that were done to determine the identity of the compound include qualitative solubility tests, quantitative solubility tests, measuring solution conductivity, anion and cation test, flame test, and formation of precipitate. It was found that the compound had no smell, was soluble in water, and not soluble in toluene and acetone. The ions dissociated in the water, creating conductivity. When the ammonia test was performed no ammonia smell was produced. The flame test yielded a color that matched that of sodium bicarbonate indicating that the unknown compound contained sodium. The anion test for chloride proved to be positive, resulting in the summation that the unknown compound was sodium chloride. Introduction The group is employed by an Environmental Protection Agency to indentify a compound in the landfill in your home town. The group must also discover as many chemical and physical properties of the compound as we can. We need to devise two syntheses of the compound, and compare them for cost effectiveness, safety, and potential yield of the compound. To identify the compound, the physical properties (smell, color, and state) need to be established. Next, the qualitative solubility of the compound was tested in water, toluene, and acetone, which would determine whether the compound would dissolve from rain water or other chemicals that may be present in the landfill and create runoff. Conductivity was also tested with a voltmeter in order to determine whether or not the compound would be dangerous when dissolved in water. If the compound was conductive it would dissolve in water and produce an electric current. The flame test was performed to specify one of the elements. A solution of w ater and the element was used to place the nichrome wire in, and then the nichrome wire is placed into the flame. If the flame produces a color it is indicative of a certain metalloid ion or metal. A color is produced in the flame when the heat of the flame changes the metal ions into atoms which then become excited and produce light that can be seen with the naked eye. It is also important to analyze the presence of certain cations and anions using tests that identify the presence of the anions chloride and sulfate, and the presence of the cation ammonium. The anion tests for chloride and sulfate prove to be positive when a white precipitate forms and the ammonium test proves to be positive when an ammonium smell is produced. After all of the physical and chemical tests were performed, a solution of the unknown compound and a solution of what was deduced to be unknown compound were reacted with an acid (nitric acid), a base (potassium hydroxide), silver nitrate, potassium sulfate, and potassium nitrate in order to determine if they produce the same results. Gravimetric filtration was then performed with the known and unknown substance. A precipitate was formed using silver nitrate, which could then be weighed. After the filtration process, the unknown compound was then synthesized to produce a percent yield. Results TABLE 1 Physical Properties Test Color White State of Matter Solid Odor None Solubility in Water Soluble Conductivity 0.35 volts TABLE 2 Anion Tests Tests Performed Results Test for Chloride White Precipitate Formed Test for Sulfate No Reaction Test for Nitrate No Brown Ring Test for Carbonate Clear Test for Acetate Clear, Odorless TABLE 3 Cation Tests Tests Performed Reaction Results Test for Ammonium NH4Cl + NaOH Ã   Ammonium Smell No Odor Flame Test Bright Orange/Yellow Flame Sodium TABLE 4 Reaction Tests Type of Reaction Balanced Equation Reaction Acid NaCl(aq) + HNO3(aq) -> NaNO3(aq) + HCl (aq) None Base NaCl(aq) + KOH(aq) -> NaOH(aq) + KCl(aq) None Double Displacement NaCl (aq)+ AgNO3 (aq)-> AgCl (aq)+ NaO3(aq) Precipitate formed Double Displacement NaCl(aq) + K2SO4(aq) -> Na2SO4(aq) + 2 KCl(aq) None Double Displacement NaCl (aq) + KNO3(aq) -> NaNO3(aq) + KCl(aq) None TABLE 5 Gravimetric Analysis NaCl (aq) + AgNO3 (aq) -> AgCl (s) + NaNO3 (aq) Vacuum Filtration Trial # Amount of Precipitate Produced (grams) Percent Yield Known Trial 1 1.081 88.18 % Known Trial 2 1.196 97.56% Unknown Trial 1 1.211 98.78% Unknown Trial 2 1.185 96.66% Unknown Trial 3 1.170 95.44% TABLE 6 Synthesis Reaction Reaction Amount Produced (grams) Theoretical Yield (grams) Percent Yield HCl (aq) + NaOH (aq)Ã   NaCl (s) + H2O (l) 1.971 2 98.55% Discussion First, the physical properties of the unknown compound were observed and recorded. It was found that the compound was crystalline in structure, a solid, white, with no odor (Table 1). All of these properties suggest that the compound was ionic because ionic compounds do not have a distinct odor and are solid at room temperature because of their high melting points. The unknown compound was then tested for solubility in water, toluene and acetone. The compound was soluble in water, indicating the compound was a polar or ionic compound, and not soluble in toluene or acetone which eliminates it being polar or nonpolar. Therefore, this points to the compound being ionic. After the compound was dissolved in water, the conductivity was tested with a voltmeter, which produced a voltage of 0.35 volts proving that the substance is conductive since it is over 0.1 volts. This further proves that the unknown compound was ionic since only ionic compounds dissociate in water and create an electric current. The flame test was performed to determine one of the elements in the compound. Four known compounds, sodium bicarbonate, magnesium nitrate, calcium sulfate, and potassium nitrate were put under the flame test to compare the unknown to. When the unknown compound was put under the flame test it produced the same color as sodium bicarbonate, bright orange/yellow, indicating the presence of sodium (Table 3). The ammonium test was also performed to verify that the compound did not contain ammonia. No smell was produced when the unknown solution and sodium hydroxide were mixed, and a smell would indicate the presence of ammonia. Therefore, the compound was proven to contain sodium. When the anion tests for chloride and sulfate were performed, a white precipitate was produced from the chloride test, indicating the presence of chloride while the sulfate reaction created no precipitate indicating the absence of sulfate (Table 2). In addition, the unknown compound was put through a series of reactions along with what was believed to be the compound in order to compare the reactions to determine if they produce the same reactions. First sodium chloride, what is believed to be the unknown compound, and the unknown compound were reacted with silver nitrate, which produced a precipitate because it was a double displacement that produced AgCl which is not soluble in water. Sodium chloride and the unknown compound were reacted with potassium sulfate but produced no reaction because the products sodium sulfate and potassium chloride are both soluble in water. Sodium chloride and the unknown compound were then also reacted with potassium nitrate, creating a double displacement reaction which produces sodium nitrate and potassium chloride, which are also both soluble in water, therefore producing no reaction. When sodium chloride and the unknown compound were reacted with an acid, nitric acid, but the presence of the s odium chloride did not affect the pH of the nitric acid because it was an ionic compound. When the sodium chloride and the unknown compound were reacted with a base, potassium hydroxide, there was also no reaction or change in the pH of the potassium hydroxide because the sodium chloride is an ionic compound. Both the sodium chloride and the unknown compound produced the same results in every reaction further proving that they are one in the same (Table 4). Once it was found that sodium chloride and silver nitrate produce a precipitate when reacted, the reaction was used to produce a certain amount of precipitate which was then used in gravimetric analysis to see if both the known and unknown compound would produce the same amount of precipitate. The reaction that was filtrated was NaCl(aq) + AgNO3 (aq) -> AgCl (s) + NaO3(aq). The results from the known reaction were 1.77 grams of filter paper and 1.081 grams of precipitate alone, while the theoretical yield was 1.225 grams. The unknown reaction has yet to be found. The percent yield for the reaction was 97.56% (Table 5). A synthesis reaction was the final test preformed. The following chemical reaction occurred: HCl(aq) + NaOH(aq) Ã   NaCl(s) + H2O(l). Once all of the water was evaporated out with the use of a hot plate, the precipitate was able to be weighed and the percent yield could be calculated. The reaction had a percent yield of 98.55% (Table 6). Conclusion After being employed by the Environmental Protection Agency, the group was able to identify the compound in the landfill. After all of the tests and reactions were performed, it was found that the unknown compound was sodium chloride. Its solubility in water, conductivity, and crystalline structure points to the fact that the compound is ionic. The positive flame test for sodium indicates that sodium is one of the elements in the compound because it produced a bright orange flame. The positive chloride test, when a white precipitate was formed, indicates that chloride is the second element in the compound. The unknown compound and sodium chloride were put through the same reactions and consistently produced the same results, further indicating that the unknown compound is sodium chloride. The gravitational analysis of the known and unknown substances provided similar results, backing up that the unknown substance was sodium chloride. The synthesis reaction produced a percent yield of 95.05%. Experimental Procedure: Physical Properties Tests 1. The physical state of the unknown compound was observed. This included the state of matter, smell (using the wafting technique), color, and structure. 2. A small amount of the unknown compound was placed in approximately 50mL of water and stirred to see if it would dissolve. 3. The same solution was used for the voltmeter and the conductivity was recorded. Anion Tests Chloride Ion Test Approximately 1 mL of the unknown solution was placed in a test tube and 1 mL of 6 M HNO3 was added. After that another 1 mL of AgNO3 was added. Whether a white precipitate was formed or not was recorded. If a white precipitate is observed, a chloride ion is present in the solution. Sulfate Ion Test Approximately 1 mL of the unknown solution was placed into a test tube and 1 mL of 6 M HCl was added. After that another 1 mL of BaCl2 solution was added to the same test tube. Whether or not a white precipitate formed was recorded. If a white precipitate is formed, sulfate is present in the solution. Cation Test Flame Test 1. The heat from the Bunsen flame was used to cleanse the nichrome wire. 2. A small amount of the unknown compound was placed onto the nichrome wire and held over the flame. The color of the flame was observed. Ammonium Test Approximately 1 mL of 6 M NaOH was added to 1 mL of the unknown compound solution. The waft technique was used to detect if there was any odor. If the smell of ammonia was present, there were ammonium ions present in the solution. Reactivity Tests Reaction with an Acid A solution with a small amount of unknown compound was mixed in 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of ammonium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions were placed in to two separate test tubes and a small amount of HNO3. Double Displacement Reaction A solution of a small amount of unknown compound was placed into 50 mL of water and a separate solution containing a small amount of sodium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions was placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of K2SO4 was added into each test tube. The test tubes were then swirled and mixed. Double Displacement Reaction A solution of a small amount of unknown compound was mixed with a solution of 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of sodium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions were placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of AgNO3 was added into each of the test tubes. The test tubes were then swirled and mixed. Double Displacement Reaction A solution of a small amount of unknown compound was mixed in 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of sodium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of the two solutions were then placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of KNO3 was added to each test tube. The test tubes were then swirled and mixed, and whether or not a reaction occurred was recorded. Reaction with a Base A small amount of unknown compound was mixed with 50 mL of water and a separate solution of a small amount of ammonium chloride and 50 mL of water. A small amount of these two solutions were then placed into two separate test tubes and a small amount of KOH was added. Gravimetric Analysis 1. A Buchner flask was used with a funnel placed over the top. 2. The filter paper was weighed and then wetted with water slightly. 3. The solution containing the precipitate was poured onto the filter paper and left until most of the liquid had seeped through. 4. The filter was then removed from the funnel and placed into an oven for 10 minutes until the precipitate and paper had completely dried. 5. The filter paper was then weighed with the precipitate still on top. The weight of the filer paper was subtracted from the new weight to obtain the most accurate result. 6. The procedure was completed three times with the unknown substances and twice with a known substance. Synthesis Reaction 1. Approximately 12.3 mL of ammonium hydroxide was mixed with 6.2 mL of hydrochloric acid in a beaker. 2. The solution was placed on a hot plate (under a hood) and allowed to boil until all of the liquid evaporated. 3. The remaining precipitate was removed from the beaker and weighed. References Cooper, M. M., Cooperative Chemistry Laboratories, McGraw- Hill: New York, NY, 2008.

The life and death of Ernesto Guevara de la Serna :: essays research papers

Ernesto Guevara de la Serna the future Che Guevara was born on June 14 in Rosario in Argentina. At the age of two Che had his first asthma attack, a disease that he had to suffer with right up until he was shot to death by Barrientos’ troops in the forests of Bolivia. His father Ernesto Guevara Lynch, an engineer, was from a family of Irish descent, and his mother, Clia dela Sena, was an Irish-Spanish descent. When Che was three his family moved to Buenos Aires. His asthma attacks had gotten so worse that the doctors advised him for a drier climate. So once again Guevara family moved, this time to Cordoba. The Guevara’s were a typical bourgeois family, and in terms of their political inclinations they were known to be liberal closer to left. During the Spanish civil war they had supported the Republicans. Ernesto followed the war very closely, as his uncle had gone to Spain as a reporter Ernesto knew all about the war. In time their financial situation worsened. Che started Dean Funes high school where he was being educated in English. In the meanwhile, he was also learning French from his mother. In 1944 Guevara family moved to Buenos Aires. They were having serious financial problems now so Che started working while he was a student. He registered to medical school. In the early years of his study at the medical school he travelled throughout the northern and western Argentina, studying on leprosy and tropical diseases in the villages. In his last year at the school, Che went on trip through the Latin America by motorbike with his friend Alberto Granadas. This gave him the chance to get to know better the exploited villagers of the Latin America. Che graduated from medical school as a doctor in March 1953 and decided to work in a leper colony in Venezuela. He was on his way to Venezuela when he was put to jail in Peru because of his earlier publication on the natives. When got out, he stayed in Ecuador for a while, where he met Ricardo Rojo, a lawyer. Meeting Ricardo turned out to be a turning point in Che’s life. He changed his mind of going to Venezuela, and instead went to Guatemala with Ricardo Rojo. When revolutionary Arbenz government was overthrown by a rightist coup, he took refuge in Argentina embassy.

Transvestic Fetishism :: science

Transvestic Fetishism Introduction Someone you know-any male close to you-could be having a secret "affair" behind closed doors and you may not even be aware of it. Not to worry, it may not involve another woman. This man may be having an affair with female clothing. If so, it is safe to say that this man is suffering from a transvestic fetish. What is a transvestic fetish? Transvestic Fetishism is a psychosexual disorder found mostly in men. To better understand this disorder, we must first look at the definition. Transvestism is defined as dressing in the clothing of the opposite sex to achieve sexual arousal, excitement, and gratification. Fetishism is the reliance on nonhuman objects as the preferred or exclusive method of achieving sexual excitement. The major symptom of fetishism is the use of nonliving objects to obtain sexual arousal. The most common fetish objects are articles of women's clothing such as bras, underpants, stockings, shoes and boots. The individual will often masturbate while fondling, kissing, or smelling the fetish object. In other cases, the individual's sexual partner will wear the object during sexual encounters, thereby providing an arousing stimulus that enables the fetishist to participate in otherwise normal sexual behavior. Thus, men suffering from transvestic fetishism gain sexual pleasure from dressing in women's clo thing, a behavior defined as cross-dressing. Cross-dressing can range from wearing only one article of women's clothing while alone to dressing completely in women's clothing and appearing that way in public. In some cases, the cross-dressing is so effective that it is difficult to distinguish a cross-dressed transvestite from a woman. However, the person's goal is not to "pass" but to achieve arousal. Cross-dressing seems to be exclusively male behavior, and there is really no explanation for it. There is no evidence of any hormonal or genetic abnormality. One explanation is that childhood experience with cross-dressing may have been associated with sexual play and arousal. One sample of transvestites found that 78 percent were either married or formerly married, and marital friction is one of the main reasons that transvestites seek therapy. A man with a transvestic fetish will often masturbate while dressed in women's clothes and will fantasize about other men being attracted to him while he is dressed in those clothes. In a very limited number of cases, homosexuals may cross-dress to attract other men, but the homosexuals do not gain sexual pleasure from the cross-dressing and are therefore not diagnosed as having a transvestic fetishism. Transvestic Fetishism :: science Transvestic Fetishism Introduction Someone you know-any male close to you-could be having a secret "affair" behind closed doors and you may not even be aware of it. Not to worry, it may not involve another woman. This man may be having an affair with female clothing. If so, it is safe to say that this man is suffering from a transvestic fetish. What is a transvestic fetish? Transvestic Fetishism is a psychosexual disorder found mostly in men. To better understand this disorder, we must first look at the definition. Transvestism is defined as dressing in the clothing of the opposite sex to achieve sexual arousal, excitement, and gratification. Fetishism is the reliance on nonhuman objects as the preferred or exclusive method of achieving sexual excitement. The major symptom of fetishism is the use of nonliving objects to obtain sexual arousal. The most common fetish objects are articles of women's clothing such as bras, underpants, stockings, shoes and boots. The individual will often masturbate while fondling, kissing, or smelling the fetish object. In other cases, the individual's sexual partner will wear the object during sexual encounters, thereby providing an arousing stimulus that enables the fetishist to participate in otherwise normal sexual behavior. Thus, men suffering from transvestic fetishism gain sexual pleasure from dressing in women's clo thing, a behavior defined as cross-dressing. Cross-dressing can range from wearing only one article of women's clothing while alone to dressing completely in women's clothing and appearing that way in public. In some cases, the cross-dressing is so effective that it is difficult to distinguish a cross-dressed transvestite from a woman. However, the person's goal is not to "pass" but to achieve arousal. Cross-dressing seems to be exclusively male behavior, and there is really no explanation for it. There is no evidence of any hormonal or genetic abnormality. One explanation is that childhood experience with cross-dressing may have been associated with sexual play and arousal. One sample of transvestites found that 78 percent were either married or formerly married, and marital friction is one of the main reasons that transvestites seek therapy. A man with a transvestic fetish will often masturbate while dressed in women's clothes and will fantasize about other men being attracted to him while he is dressed in those clothes. In a very limited number of cases, homosexuals may cross-dress to attract other men, but the homosexuals do not gain sexual pleasure from the cross-dressing and are therefore not diagnosed as having a transvestic fetishism.

Essay --

This part discusses the key findings found in the previous chapter and relates in to the literature review section of this research. All of the research objectives were met and research questions had definite conclusive answers. The information gotten from the questionnaires appears in a flow linking all research objectives together and answering all research questions which will be discussed and analysed below one after the other. Objective 1 To understand innovation and how its absence leads to the failure of businesses Innovation is a change in technology, source of organizational renewal & growth and the primary source of competitive advantage (Porter 1990). Question 10 & 11 gives us some understanding of innovation and Question 7 & 8 gives leads on how lack of innovation can lead to business failure. Questions 10 required respondents to say the propose direction they think innovation should be directed to. 17 respondents were of the opinion that innovation should be inspired from employees and those at the bottom of the organisational hierarchy because they are in constant discussion with customers. Those at the bottom like employees at the customer service know a lot more about customer’s needs, wants and complains compared to the knowledge top management has about customers. 3 of the respondents were of the opinion that management has more experience, exposure and business knowledge as compared to lower level employees and so should influence innovation and then get employees execute it. This approach is usually not the best because management are not in direct contact with customers and so influencing innovation will be like dictation what employees should offer customers. 26 respondents said management should influenc... ...they want to innovate because the goods and/or services they want to produce are for the customers. If management innovates without customers consent, they may manufacture something customers don’t want and they product and/or service will not be accepted which will mean wasted resources producing them. Despite the important role customers play in innovation, famous leaders like Steve Jobs of Apple and Henry Ford of Ford don’t see the importance of taking customer’s opinion into consideration when innovating. Question 9 asked whether customers should be taken into consideration when an organisation wants to innovate. 72% of respondents strongly agreed that customers should be considered, 26% agreed, 2% disagreed and no one was neutral or strongly disagreed. This study proves that customers are a vital part of an organisation especially when innovation is concerned.

Case study Business policy

The Midwest suburb dealer was once a top Daimler-Chrysler dealer for three years in a row ending 2007. During this time, the dealer was the envy of the entire Midwest car market because of its spectacular sales performance along practically all categories of vehicles. For so many years, the dealership was an apple of Chrysler’s eyes. At the end of the year 2008 however, the dealership dropped to the lowest rung in all 87 Midwest dealers.From a sterling performance of $1.2 billion group revenues in 2006, the dealership revenues slid to just $120 million during 2008 or just a mere 10 per cent of its peak performance. What happened to an erstwhile enviable dealer becoming a corporate issue of great proportions? The financials are obvious but what non-financial factors were responsible for the steep decline in revenues?The critical incidents: Pre 2005-2007The Midwest Chrysler dealer commenced business in May 1995 as a used car dealer starting off with a $2 million investment from the partnership of John Clarkson, an accountant by profession; and Stephen Howell, both in their early thirties.The partners agreed that John Clarkson will become the general manager for three years with the other partner Stephen Howell, a former used car salesman, becoming the general manager for three years as well starting 2003 to 2005 after which John assumes back the position from 2006 to 2009.The dealership did very well selling used cars up to 1999 when the partners found an opportunity to become an exclusive Chrysler dealer. From the $2 million investment, above industry returns jacked up total resources to $20 million by December 2001 and revenues of $50 million.   A sales force of 20 topnotch salesmen from competing dealers were recruited and formed into a cluster sales force of two and assigned in nearby counties and further beyond the state.Sales commissions were increased to 5 percent above industry to sustain the drive of the twenty account executives.   By the end of 2002, total revenues hit $86 million with total assets of $36 million. Upbeat sales were triggered by aggressive selling of both new and old line of cars, supported by aggressive financing from every financial services outfit available in the area.Motivated by the sales trend, the company further increased its sales force by another ten and covered nearby states of Missouri, Iowa, Indiana, Kentucky and Wisconsin, all considered bright areas for almost every Chrysler variant.Thanks to the aggressive sales force that dominated the dealership from 2002 to 2005.By the end of 2005, total corporate resources reached $140 million with revenues hitting $600 million. At this point however, several financing firms were starting to distance themselves from the Midwest dealer for one significant reason: the account executives have been referring subprime buyers, demanding and collecting bigger commissions, proposing too aggressive financing terms than before and threatening to form their ow n financial services group to siphon the good accounts and refer subprime accounts to the local financiers. The sales force was discovered to have favored certain financiers.The general manager at this point was Stephen Howell whose term started 2002 and ended 2005. It was he who conducted an aggressive hiring of account executives that generated the unprecedented revenues. Hiring of new employees was likewise intensified that bloated the dealer workforce by more than 30 non-productive employees without real assignments. Many of these workers were referred by the account executives.Howell accommodated these referrals without referring to the budget control systems adopted by the company, one of the several internal control systems put in place by Clarkson before he stepped down in 2002.   

Learned Helplessness Essay

Firmin, Hwang, Copella and Clark’s research study focuses on testing the strength of the student against his or her â€Å"learned helplessness.† This phenomenon includes the following: Contingency, which addresses the uncontrollability or stability of the situation, and Cognition refers to the various attributes that individuals display in reaction to their environment. Having prior research studies regarding learned helplessness in motherhood (Kashdan et al. 2000) and boys with ADHD (Milich and Okazaki 1991), Firmin et al. were able to assemble an exam comprised of â€Å"easy† and â€Å"difficult† questions to be administered in the form of an exam to college students. The goal of the study assesses the students’ degree of frustration during test failure and how frustration triggers learned helplessness within the constraints of an exam. To what extent does a failure experience in the early part of a test influence or elicit helplessness within a student? Methodology Participants included students from two psychology classes from a private Midwestern university. The majority of participants are Caucasian and between the ages of 17 and 20. Each individual was administered an exam ensuring anonymity among scores and responses. A research edition of the Shiley Cognitive Scales was utilized in this experiment with a total of 88 questions in three sections: Vocabulary, Abstraction, and Block Patterns. The vocabulary portion included 50 words in which the participant was asked to identify a synonym to an original word. The Abstraction section included 24 self-generated responses that completed the appropriate sequence of words, numbers or letters. The final part of the exam, Block Patterns, asked students to choose the most appropriate pattern to fit the rest. Students were split into two groups: one group with higher SAT/ACT scores than the other. The questions asked in the exam were rated as â€Å"easy† or â€Å"difficult† by determining the success rate of each question (questions that were most often answered correctly in both groups were considered â€Å"easy†). Two tests were created with the same questions but in different orders: Test A began with the most difficult questions and gradually became easier; Test B began with the easiest questions and gradually became more difficult. Data Analysis Data was analyzed on three tiers: number or correct answers on easy items, number or correct answers on difficult items, and total number of correct answers. Results and Conclusions Those who took Test A had fewer correct answers on easy questions than those who took Test B, but more correct answers on the difficult questions, and the overall test. Generally, students who were administers difficult questions before easy questions tended to give up on the easy questions due to frustration, but performance on the difficult questions was not diminished. Because each group was given enough time to complete the exam (all participants finished the last section), Firmin et al. believe the difficulty to easy gradation of Test A created a negative impact on student’s ability to respond correctly.

Computer History and Development Essay

The dictionary defines a computer as an electronic device for storing and processing data, typically in binary form, according to instructions given to it in a variable program. Primarily created to compute; however, modern day computers do much more today: supermarket scanners calculate consumers groceries bill, while keeping track of store inventory; computerized telephone switching centers play traffic cop to millions of calls, keeping lines of communication untangled; and automatic teller machines let’s banking transactions to be conducted from virtually anywhere in the world. Technology has been around for a centuries; growing rapidly year by year. One of the most important items Technology has produced is computers. The Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer also known as ENIAC was regarded as the first general purpose electronic computer. What came before the ENIAC; well, there is the abacas which some consider the first computer. Created over 5000 years ago in Asia and is still in use today. Using a system of sliding beads arranged on a rack, users are allowed to make computations. In early times, the abaca was used to keep trading transactions; until, this became obsolete with the introduction of pencil and paper. Within the next twelve centuries emerged a significant advancement in computer technology. The year was 1642, when Blaise Pascal, the 18 year-old son of a French tax collector, invented the numerical wheel calculator, also known as the â€Å"Pascaline. † Pascaline was a brass rectangular box that used eight movable dials to add sums up to eight figures long. This device was great and became popular in Europe; the only drawback was the limits to addition (Pascal’s calculator, 2010, para. ). Another event that epitomizes the Pascaline machine came from an inventor by the name of Gottfried Wilhem von Leibniz; a German mathematician and philosopher in the 1600’s. Gottfried Wilhem von Leibniz added to Pascline by creating a machine that could also multiply. Like its predecessor, Leibniz’s mechanical multiplier worked by a system of gears and dials. Original notes and drawings from the Pascline machine were used to help refine his machine. The core of the machine was its stepped-drum gear design. However, mechanical calculators did not gain widespread use until the early 1800’s. Shortly after, a Frenchman, Charles Xavier Thomas de Colmar invented a machine that could perform the four basic arithmetic functions. The arithometer, Colmar’s mechanical calculator, presented a more practical approach to computing because it could add, subtract, multiply and divide. The arithometer was widely used up until the First World War. Although later inventors refined Colmar’s calculator, together with fellow inventors Pascal and Leibniz, he helped define the age of mechanical computation. The real beginnings of computers that we use today came in the late 1700’s, thanks to Charles Babbage with the invention of the Analytical Engine. Babbage machine was a steam powered machine; although, it was never constructed it outlined basic elements of a modern general computer. Several more inventors added to machines that were out in the late 1800’s to help pave the way for the first generation of computers (1945-1956) (LaMorte, C & Lilly J, 2010, para. 4). Wars had a great deal in the advancement of modern computers; the Second World War governments sought out to develop computers to exploit potential strategic importance. Therefore, in 1941 a German engineer Konrad Zuse had developed the Z3. The Z3 was created to design airplanes and missiles (Computer History Museum – Timeline of Computer History, 2010, para. 3). Another computer that was created for war times was the ENIAC, first commissioned for the use in World War II, but not completed until one year after the war had ended. It was installed at the University of Pennsylvania, with a partnership alongside the U. S. government, its 40 separate eight-foot-high racks and 18,000 vacuum tubes were intended to help calculate ballistic trajectories. There was also 70,000 resistors and more than 4 million soldered joints; truly a massive piece of machinery that consumed around 160 kilowatts of electrical power. This is enough energy to dim the lights in an entire section of Philadelphia. This computer was a major development with speeds 1000 times faster than the current Mark I. For the next 40 years John von Neumann along with the University of Pennsylvania team kept on initiating new concepts into the computer design. With the combined genius of all the personnel they continued with new products such as the central processing unit (CPU) and also the UNIVAC. The Universal Automatic Computer (UNIVAC) became one of the first commercially available computers to take advantage of the CPU. This helped out the U. S. Census bureau. First generation computers were characterized by the fact that operating instructions were made-to-order for the specific task for which the computers were to be used. Computers had different binary-coded program called a machine language that told it how to operate. This made the computer difficult to program and limited its versatility and speed. Other distinctive features of first generation computers were the use of vacuum tubes, which were known for their breathtaking size, and magnetic drums for data storage (LaMorte, C & Lilly J, 2010, para. 10). The second generation of computers, from 1956-1963, began the age of smaller computers. With the invention of the transistor in 1948, bulky vacuum tube in televisions, radios and computers were all replaced. The transistor became available in a working computer in 1956, and the size of computers has been shrinking ever since (LaMorte, C & Lilly J, 2010, para. 13). Along with smaller computers the transistors paved the way for faster, more reliable and more energy-efficient products; thanks in part to the advances made to the magnetic-core memory. The first to take advantage of this new found technology was the early supercomputer, from IBM and LARC. These supercomputers were in demand by atomic scientist because the enormous amount of data that these computers could handle. By 1965, most big business processed financial information using second generation computers. With the second generation computer came new career opportunities such as programmer, analyst, and computer systems expert. Although, transistors was and improvement over the vacuum tube, they still generated a lot of heat, which damaged sensitive internal parts of the computer; the quartz rock eliminated this problem (LaMorte, C & Lilly J, 2010, para. 16). Third generation computers (1964-1971) began with Engineer Jack Kilby, with Texas Instruments, developing the IC (Integrated Circuit) in the mid 1900’s. The IC combined three components onto a small silicon disc, which was mad from the quartz. Later on scientist were able to fit even more electronic components onto a single chip, called a semiconductor. As a result, computers became smaller as more components were fitted on these chips. The third generation computer gave birth to the operating system. This allowed machines to run different programs all at once with a central program that coordinated and monitored the computer’s memory (LaMorte, C & Lilly J, 2010, para. 16). With the fourth generation of computer’s (1971-2000) only thing to do was to go down in size. There were three major chips that helped with computer downsizing the LSI, VLSI, and ULSI. Large scale integration (LSI) could fit hundreds of components onto one chip. Very large integration (VLSI) could fit hundreds of thousands of components onto one chip. Ultra-large scale integration (ULSI) could fit millions of components onto chips (LaMorte, C & Lilly J, 2010, para. 17). The size and prices of computers went down due to the fact, that so much was able to be put into an a area about half the size of a U. S. dime. Intel, which was founded in 1968, developed the Intel 4004 chip in 1971, which would become standard in everyday house hold items such as microwaves, television sets and automobiles. With such condensed power allowed for a new market, everyday people. Computers were no longer just developed exclusively for large business or government contracts. It was the late 1900’s, when computer manufacturers sought to bring computers to a more general consumer. These smaller and sleek computers came with a more user-friendly software packages such as word processing and spreadsheet programs. Early company who took advantage of selling these more user friendly computers was Commodore, Radio Shack, and Apple Computers. In 1981, IBM launched its personal computer for multi-purpose use in the home, office, and schools. IBM made the personal computer even more affordable and the numbers increased rapidly within the next year. Personal computer usage more than doubled, going from 2 million in 1981 to 5. 5 million in 1982. Fast forward 10 years later, there are 65 million PC’s owned by general consumers. With the introduction of Human Computer Interface (HCI), users could now control the screen cursor using a mouse mimicking one hands movement instead of typing every instruction. Smaller computers became more powerful, especially in the workplace, were they could be linked together to share memory space, software, and communicate with each other. This was achieved using telephone lines or direct wiring called a Local Area Network (LAN) (LaMorte, C & Lilly J, 2010, para. 20). The fifth generation of computers (Present and Beyond) is a generation that is in the works of some great advancements in computer technology with the utilization of computer chips. One of the major components of a computer is the chip; these are conducted of semiconductor materials and semiconductors that eventually wear out. A semiconductor is a material that is typically made of silicon and germanium; both of them are neither a good conductor of electricity nor a good insulator. These materials are then fixed to create an excess or lack of electrons (Semiconductor, 2010, para. 2). Integrated circuits grow old and die or are discontinued. This process can happen in many ways; modern chips as used in computers have millions of transistors printed on a small chip of silicon no bigger than a fingernail. Each microscopically transistor is connected to the others, on the surface of the chip, with even smaller aluminum or copper wires. Over the years, the thermal stress of turning the computer on and off can cause tiny cracks in the wires. As the computer warms up the wires can part and cause the computer to stop working. Even a few seconds of off-time can cool the system enough to allow the wires to re-connect, so your computer may work just fine for a few minutes, or hours, then after it warms up, it may fail, letting it cool off can bring it back to life for a few minutes or more (Computer Freezes and Crashes, 2010, para. 16). Of course, some chips are much more inclined to failure than others. The competition tries to gain an advantage on the market by building cheaper or faster chips; cheaper and faster means hotter and shorter-lived parts. Better quality equals higher prices; when the price goes up and nobody buys the products. Low quality products die of old age too early and they get a bad names, this causes products to not be sold. Most modern computers are constructed from the cheapest parts available. With this information being known, Intel, one of the best chip manufactures, designs their parts to be very vigorous and endure heat and malfunction. Intel was founded on July 18, 968, as Integrated Electronics Corporation. Intel Corporation is a worldwide semiconductor chip maker corporation based in Santa Clara, California, and is the world’s largest semiconductor chip maker, based on revenue. They invented the series x86 microprocessors; these processors are found in most personal computers (Intel, 2010, para. 20). Intel along with other competing companies is predicting no more mouse or keyboards by 2020. Right now with Intel-developed sensor and brain waves scientist are hoping they can find ways to harness brain waves to operate computers. This all would be done of course with consumer’s permission. Scientists believe that consumers would want the freedom gained by using the implant. The idea may be far-fetched now but 20 years ago tell a person that it would become almost necessary to carry a computer around; that idea would have been rebutted. Look around now, people cannot leave a computer or computer device home or even in a vehicle without feeling like something is missing, an almost naked feeling. Scientists believe that consumers will grow tired of dependence of computer interface. Whether it’s fishing out accessories or even just using the hands to interact, Scientists think consumers would prefer to manipulate various devices with their brains. Currently a research team from Intel is working on decoding human brain activity. The team has used Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (FMRI), these are machines that determine blood flow changes in certain areas of the brain based on what word or image the consumer is thinking of. This idea sounds farfetched but almost two years ago, scientist in the U. S. and japan announced that a monkey’s brain was used to control a humanoid robot. Scientist and the Intel team are currently working on getting to a point where it is possible to mentally type words by thinking about letters (Intel Chips in brains will control computers by 2020, 2010, para. 4). The story of the computer is amazing; to see how far technology has come is almost unreal. Evolving from the first computer the ENAIC, a huge machine that had thousands of tubes everywhere; computers are now small enough to be placed in a brief case for on the go use. Furthermore, with the everyday advancement of technology it won’t be long before farfetched ideas become a reality.