Understanding Scaled Scores on Standardized Tests

Scaled scores are a type of exam score. They are commonly used by testing companies that administer high stakes exams, such as admissions, certification and licensure exams. Scaled scores are also used for K-12 Common Core testing and other exams that assess student skills and evaluate learning progress. Raw Scores vs. Scaled Scores The first step to understanding scaled scores is to learn how they differ from raw scores. A raw score represents the number of exam questions you answer correctly. For example, if an exam has 100 questions, and you get 80 of them correct, your raw score is 80. Your percent-correct score, which is a type of raw score, is 80%, and your grade is a B-. A scaled score is a raw score that has been adjusted and converted to a standardized scale. If your raw score is 80 (because you got 80 out of 100 questions correct), that score is adjusted and converted into a scaled score. Raw scores can be converted linearly or nonlinearly. Scaled Score Example The ACT is an example of an exam that uses linear transformation to convert raw scores to scaled scores. The following conversation chart shows how raw scores from each section of the ACT are transformed into scaled scores.   Raw Score English Raw Score Math Raw Score Reading Raw Score Science Scaled Score 75 60 40 40 36 72-74 58-59 39 39 35 71 57 38 38 34 70 55-56 37 37 33 68-69 54 35-36 - 32 67 52-53 34 36 31 66 50-51 33 35 30 65 48-49 32 34 29 63-64 45-47 31 33 28 62 43-44 30 32 27 60-61 40-42 29 30-31 26 58-59 38-39 28 28-29 25 56-57 36-37 27 26-27 24 53-55 34-35 25-26 24-25 23 51-52 32-33 24 22-23 22 48-50 30-31 22-23 21 21 45-47 29 21 19-20 20 43-44 27-28 19-20 17-18 19 41-42 24-26 18 16 18 39-40 21-23 17 14-15 17 36-38 17-20 15-16 13 16 32-35 13-16 14 12 15 29-31 11-12 12-13 11 14 27-28 8-10 11 10 13 25-26 7 9-10 9 12 23-24 5-6 8 8 11 20-22 4 6-7 7 10 18-19 - - 5-6 9 15-17 3 5 - 8 12-14 - 4 4 7 10-11 2 3 3 6 8-9 - - 2 5 6-7 1 2 - 4 4-5 - - 1 3 2-3 - 1 - 2 0-1 0 0 0 1 Source: ACT.org The Equating Process The scaling process creates a base scale that serves as a reference for another process known as equating. The equating process is necessary to account for differences between multiple versions of the same test. Although test makers try to keep the difficulty level of a test the same from one version to the next, differences are inevitable. Equating allows the test maker to statistically adjust scores so that the average performance on version one of the test is equal to average performance on version two of the test, version three of the test and so on. After undergoing both scaling and equating, scaled scores should be interchangeable and easily comparable no matter which version of the test was taken.   Equating Example Lets look at an example to see how the equating process can impact scaled scores on standardized tests.  Imagine that say you and a friend are taking the SAT. You will both be taking the exam at the same test center, but you will be taking the test in January, and your friend will be taking the test in February. You have different testing dates, and there is no guarantee that you will both take the same version of the SAT. You may see one form of the test, while your friend sees another. Although both tests have similar content, the questions are not exactly the same. After taking the SAT, you and your friend get together and compare your results. You both got a raw score of 50 on the math section, but your scaled score is 710 and your friends scaled score is 700. Your pal wonders what happened since both of you got the same number of questions correct. But the explanation is pretty simple; you each took a different version of the test, and your version was more difficult than his. To get the same scaled score on the SAT, he would have needed to answer more questions correctly than you. Test makers that use an equating process use a different formula to create a unique scale for each version of the exam. This means that there is no one raw-to-scale-score conversion chart that can be used for every version of the exam. That is why, in our previous example, a raw score of 50 was converted into 710 on one day and 700 on another day. Keep this in mind as you are taking practice tests and using conversion charts to transform your raw score into a scaled score. Purpose of Scaled Scores Raw scores are definitely easier to calculate than scaled scores. But testing companies want to make sure that test scores can be fairly and accurately compared even if test takers take different versions, or forms, of the test on different dates. Scaled scores allow for accurate comparisons and ensure that people who took a more difficult test are not penalized, and people who took a less difficult test are not given an unfair advantage.

An Authoritarian Personality Is A Personality Type

An authoritarian personality is a personality type in which an individual inhibits prejudice. It is said to be caused by a variety of certain circumstances, which were determined by Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswik, Levinson, and Sanford during the year 1950. Through many tests and analysis of over 2,000 respondents from middle-class Whites to inmates of San Quentin State Prison, they were able to figure out the characteristics associated with authoritarian personality. The characteristics include compliance in beliefs of conventional values, not having criticism towards authority and complying to authority, and concern regarding power and toughness. Also, their intolerance is related to aggression towards people that do not oblige to authority or conventional norms. Researchers believe that a rigid upbringing leads those who have an authoritarian personality to treat others like how they were treated. The Bogardus scale was created by Emory Bogardus in 1968 to measure social distance empi rically. The scale determines the desire of people in association with different racial and ethnic groups during certain social situations. After 70 years of administering the test, certain patterns have formed. White Americans and northern Europeans are said to be on the top of the hierarchy. While, eastern and southern Europeans are at a greater social distance and racial minorities are on the bottom. Color-blind racism has been known as laissez-faire or post-racialism or aversiveShow MoreRelatedAuthoritarian Personality Is A Personality Type971 Words   |  4 PagesAuthoritarian Personality is a personality type in which an individual inhibits prejudice It is caused by a variety of certain circumstances, which were narrowed down by Adorno, Frenkel-Brunswik, Levinson, and Sanford during the year 1950. Through many tests and analysis of over 2,000 respondents from middle classes Whites to inmates of San Quentin State Prison, they were able to figure out the characteristics associ ated with authoritarian personality. The characteristics include compliance in beliefsRead MoreOutline the Similarities and Differences Between Adorno Et Al.’S (1950) and Altemeyer’s (1981) Approach to Authoritarianism1048 Words   |  5 Pagesprone to such levels of violence and hate in the name of political ideology. The ‘Authoritarian Personality’ was a concept suggested in 1950 by German sociologist Theodor Adorno and colleagues following their research identifying the personality traits believed to allow an individual to be bias towards and follow a fascist ideology. Although initially met with great excitement, over time the authoritarian personality alone was seen, by many psychologists, as not sufficient to explain the potentialRead MoreOrdinary People Analysis1069 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿The Authoritarian, the Permissive and the Authoritative Ordinary People Parents are perhaps the greatest influences in a person life. They mentor us, shape us and model us into the type of people they would be proud of. This is no different in the movie, Ordinary People which portrays a family of three struggling through a tragedy and its byproducts. The movie highlights the three different parenting styles through the two parents, Beth and Calvin, of Conrad. Furthermore the movie underscoresRead MorePrejudice: A Problem With an Unknown Origin Essay889 Words   |  4 Pages There are numerous theories, but the three likely one were discovered by three separate groups of researchers.The researchers findings are discussed in â€Å"The Evolution of Prejudice- Biological† the idea prejudice comes from evolution, â€Å"Authoritarian Personality AJC- psychological† the idea it is an effect of childhood, and â€Å"Basis of most prejudices is ignorance† the idea it comes from our societies’s influences. In the article â€Å"The Evolution of Prejudice- Biological† Neha Mahajan and researchersRead MoreAnna Wintour Assignment Essay1355 Words   |  6 Pagesadopted her stern and tough working attitude from her father who was known as ‘Chilly Charlie’ within the media world due to his cold demeanour quite like his daughter who is known as ‘Nuclear Wintour’. Anna Wintour’s leadership style adopts a very authoritarian style approach due to the fact that it is evident she has clear expectations about how work should be carried out, in what style and within which time span. Due to her dominating attitude within the work place, it is also very noticeable that thereRead MoreThe Authoritarian Personality By Erich Fromm1214 Words   |  5 Pages In his essay, â€Å"The Authoritarian Personality,† Erich Fromm elucidates the two types of authoritarian personalities: the passive-authoritarian (masochistic, submissive), and the active-authoritarian (sadistic, dominant). In contrast to the authoritarian personality—which is marked by one’s inability to rely upon oneself—Fromm posits that the character of the independent individual is marked by two skills: love and reason. According to Fromm, love allows the individual to maintain autonomy whilstRead MoreHow Parenting Styles Affect Childhood Development1139 Words   |  5 Pagesdiscipline strategy, communication skills, and maturity. Incorporating these areas, she posted four types of parenting styles: authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and neglectful. Authoritarian Parenting In this style of parenting, children are given arbitrary rules and expected to give unquestioning obedience. Failure to follow instructions will result in severe or unnecessary punishment. Authoritarian parents tend to fail to explain the reasons for the rules, causing the child to see the rulesRead Moreâ€Å"a Personalised Induction Will Always Be More Effective.† Discuss. Base Your Answer on Theoretical Concepts and Techniques Presented in Class.1697 Words   |  7 Pagesanswer on theoretical concepts and techniques presented in class. | There are many different ways in which a hypnotic screed can be personalised to suit the individual that they are being tailored for; just as there are many different types of personalities and experiences to be taken into account when doing so. Because in hypnotherapy we are working with the clients subconscious mind we need to make sure that it is as accessible as is possible, and there are a number of ways of doing this. Read MoreChild s Interaction With Caregivers Essay1239 Words   |  5 PagesA child’s interaction with caregivers can affect them for the rest of their lives. Attachment and parenting styles play a role in a child’s personality, social, and cognitive skills. It is important for adults to understand the severity of attachment and positive relationships with children. Attachment is the foundation for a strong relationship between caregivers and children. Children usually become attached to the person who cares for them most often during their first year of life. There isRead MoreLeadership Styles And Its Impact On Society1323 Words   |  6 Pagesin the last several years in order to keep up with the latest trends. Years ago there was only one style of leadership that shaped America. It was Authoritarian. In order to understand how leadership styles have changed, all leadership’s styles must first be explained. Styles of Leadership- Authoritarian, Democratic, and Laissez-Faire â€Å"Authoritarian: perceive others as needing direction, needs to control, and believes that others are inherently lazy (Theory X). On the positive side, it is efficient

Management in Construction Contracting †Free Samples to Students

Question: Discuss about the Management in Construction Contracting. Answer: Introduction In order to reduce traffic congestion and improve vehicular traffic throughput the NSW government has awarded a contract to Westlink; the project entails expanding the M5 Motorway, M4 Motorway, and M5 East from the present 4 lane highway to an eight lane motorway. The project entails building interchanges and underpasses to enhance traffic flow, and especially move heavy commercial vehicles underground from the Parramatta road. The project will also stimulate the revitalization of neighborhoods. The project entails expanding 33 km of road and is expected to be completed in 2023; it is expected to act as a future gold standard on how to manage public projects. The project involves multiple stakeholders, including three main project contractors that have merged to form a single entity (Westlink) with two consultants and three design companies. The Australian Government will provide a concession of $ 1.5 billion, in partnership with the NSW government so that phase 1 and 2 of the three phased project can be undertaken concurrently. The project has enormous organizational as well as operational challenges. This paper reviews the project challenges and deliverables and proposes, based on a weighted method, on the best way to undertake the project. The scope of this paper is to propose the most suitable project management and delivery method, by proposing, with justification, the best project delivery model, the best financial contract type, and the best procurement method; with respect the the unique challenges of the project and the required deliverables. The paper will then draw conclusions at the end. Project delivery method There are three methods in which the project can be delivered; namely; design-build (DB), design-bid-build (DBB) and contract management at risk (CM@R). The DB model entails the owner (in this case, the NSW government) selects and signs a contract with the DB team; the DB team is usually a joint venture between different contractors that have their own designers and led by a general contractor. The DB team makes the designs based on discussions with the owner. After the design is done and the owner makes approvals, the DB team is then responsible for the entire construction and delivery of the project, as well as coordination of design and construction (Cushman Loulakis, 2016). In the DBB model, the project owner procures the services of an architect/ designer, who designs the entire project, with specifications for drawings, design, and the contract packages. The entire package is presented to contractors (general contractors), who then bid for the project; the general contractors usually engage several subcontractors to bid for the project, and usually, the lowest bidder gets the job. The selected general contractor, working with their subcontractors, then become responsible for building the project based on the design and there is increased control over the project by the project owner (Warhoe, 2013). In the CM@R model, there is a construction manager who makes a commitment to deliver a project at a GMP (guaanteed maximum price). The applicant for the project designates a design engineer and a firm to undrtake CM@R in a discrete and separate design and construction contract; the CM@R offers advice related to construction management during the development of design. When the GMP is agreed upon, the CM@R becomes the general contractor during the entire construction project and is used when the benefits of design-build benefits are desired, as well as contractual control over project design and definition (Clough et al., 2015). however, for the NSW road construction project, it is essential that various criteria based on the unique project conditions and requirement s be used to determine the best approach, using a weighted scoring mechanism. The relevant criteria are listed in the table below, as well as the weights and scores assigned to them, as guided by the project requirements and deliverables. The criteria have been used in the context of the project challenges and circumstances, as well as the deliverables (Dey, 2006). From the scoring and weighting, the most suitable project delivery model is the design-build; this is because based on the selected criteria and the nature of the project, it is the most suitable model. The project structure is such that the owner accepts less risk and the team that will undertake the construction is a consortium with its in-house team of designers, consultants, as well as subcontractors (Han, 2007). The general contractor (Westlink) is a joint venture; the project is very huge and complex and requires experienced contractors with sufficient technical ability in-house for managing design and construction. Further, having to manage traffic flow during expansion and construction means known site factors as a criteria is given a higher weight, along with experience, in-house technical ability, project size, delivery speed and budget that can best be met under the DB model. The requirement to have an effective management structure that is sustainable, the less direct involvement by the project owner and the complexity of the project implies that DB is the most suitable approach, based on the scoring and weighting of the criteria (Edgerton, 2009). The above analysis gave DB a cobined score of 811 (highest), followed by CM@Risk (657), and lastly, DBB at 618. Financial Contract Type This pertains to the M4 long term financing structure and should be based on cash flows; it has to take into consideration the risks and costs for financing (handfinger, n.d). Already, the Government together with the NSW, have provided a concession of $ 1.5 billion, which is just 8.9% of the entire contract sum. The project will be delivered in three stages; the concession will enable the first two stages to be undertaken concurrently. There are three main forms of financial contracts relevant to the M4 road expansion and construction; the lump sum financial type, the cost plus fixed fee contract, and the guaranteed maximum price. The lump sum contract entails making a single payment for a contract of the stipulated sum. This is a basic financial contract in which the contractors agree on a fixed amount for undertaking th construction project and the owner/ employer agrees to pay the agree upon lump sum once the works have been completed (Hugill, 2005). The Guaranteed Maximum Price Contract (GMP) refers to a contract type where the contractor gets compensated for the costs they incur during construction, plus a fixed fee, which is governed by a maximum ceiling price. Any cost overruns is the responsibility of the contractor unless a formal change has been undertaken to increase the GMP. Any savings accrued from cost under-runs or savings have to be returned to the project owner (Carmichael, 2000). The cost plus fixed fee contract is a contract type in which the costs incurred by the contractor are reimbursed by the project owner. It also includes a payment for the contractor which is negotiated as a fixed fee at the start of the project. The fee remains fixed and does not vary in relation to the actual cost; however, the contract fee can vary or be adjusted due to changes in the works to be undertaken under the terms of the contract (Kelleher Abernathy, 2010). The criteria selected for doing the weighting are based on the unique circumstances of the contract. The most important thing is the budget; the maximum amount that is available to undertake the construction project. This is also given a high weight because it has a huge and direct bearing on the entire financial contract; it cannot be exceeded. The possibility for adjustments is also given a high weight because it dictates who will ultimately absorb the risk of adjustments in contract sum. The delivery model is another criteria used to determine the financial contract type to be used; the financial contract must be consistent, and complementary to the chosen project delivery model. The structure of the project also has a bearing on the financial contract type; the M$ expansion project is very complex in terms of size, scope, and duration, as well as the number of subcontractors. External factors and how can influence project cost is also an important criteria; factors such as inflation, weather and environmental factors, and unexpected incidentals can have a significant impact on the project cost, and so it is also used as a criteria. Based on the criteria and other factors, scores were assigned to the three different contract types in reference to the project situation and inherent merits/ demerits of the different financial contract types. Lump sum contract type gets a low score on influence of external factors, the project structure, and the delivery model because these factors can change significantly. Further, the budget gets a high score since it means the agreed amount is what will be paid (Chan et al., 2011). The project structure also get a low score since it is to be done in phases and the budget is so huge that it is not possible for the contractor to raise the amount of close to the total amount to undertake the project to be paid after doing the works. For these reasons, the lump sum had the lowest weighted score of 504. The GMP was also scored in relation to the criteria chosen. Possibility of adjustments and external factors influence such as weather get very low scores since any adjustments will be borne by the contractor (Chan et al., 2011, hence it gets a total weighted score of 602. For the cost plus fee, the contract type is suitable for the contract delivery type and the criteria used for assessment, and gets a high score of 780. The cost plus fee allows costs to be identified early and the contractor has greater control and reduced risk from changes (Rodriguez2017) Procurement method The procurement method is also an important aspect of construction projects because it is impacted by the type of financial contract, the project budget and delivery model; it must also be consistent with the two aspects of construction. The procurement methods under consideration here include Competitive, Negotiated and Best Value. Competitive procurement are procedures used to develop procurement using bidding where would be supplies quote their prices and the most competitive (lowest price for the highest value) is selected. This offers a fair chance to all players while also enabling transparency. Best value procurement pertains to using other factors apart from price, such as expertise and quality in selecting vendors. Negotiated procurement on the other hand pertains to vendor selection without formal price competition or advertising and suppliers are selected to the best advantage of government, though other factors such as price and quality are also considered (Kelleher Aber nathy, 2010). to determine the best model, various criteria were identified and weighted. The criteria used include assurances that quaity will be achieved and competitive (lowest price) attained. The procurement model must also be suitable for the project delivery and financing model, as well as reducing/ minimizing risk. These were computed in a table as shown below; The scoring was doe based on the criteria and the project unique challenges and issues; the competitive procurement had high scores in terms of assuring quality as the NSW intends the project to act as a benchmark for future projects. Further, it has a high score for cost as it ensures transparency and lowest price for the highest quality. Further, it minimizes risks such as failure to deliver by suppliers because they are evaluated technically. The negotiated model scores very low on cost and averagely on suitability for the delivery model and financial contract as well as on risk; there is a risk that negotiations will not provide the best quality products. The best value model scores highest on quality and minimized risk, but just above average on other criteria since the project is complex and cost I a major factor that best value does not consider as a priority. Based on these, the competitive procurement model, that just edges the best value procurement method, is chosen as bei ng the most suitable for the M4 road expansion project Conclusion Having reviewed the contract conditions and terms and unique circumstances, as well as criteria for the project delivery model, financial contract type, and procurement; this paper concludes that the best delivery model is design build; the most suitable financial contract type is cost plus fee, and the most suitable procurement method is the competitive model. References Carmichael, D. G. (2000). Contracts and international project management. Rotterdam: A.A. Balkema. Chan, Daniel W. M., Chan, Albert P. C., Lam, Tsun-ip Patrick, Wong, James M. W. (2011). An empirical survey of the motives and benefits of adopting guaranteed maximum price and target cost contracts in construction. (International journal of project management, July 2011, v. 29, no. 5, p. 577-590.) Elsevier. Chan, Daniel W. M., Chan, Albert P. C., Lam, Tsun-ip Patrick, Yeung, Fai-yip, Chan, Joseph H. L. (2011). Risk ranking and analysis in target cost contracts: empirical evidence from the construction industry. (International journal of project management, Aug. 2011, v. 29, no. 6, p. 751-763.) Elsevier. Clough, R. H., Sears, G. A., Sears, S. K., Segner, R. O., Rounds, J. L. (2015). Construction contracting: A practical guide to company management. Hoboken, New Jersey : John Wiley and Sons, Inc Cushman, R. F. Loulakis, M. C. (2016). Design-Build Contracting Handbook.New York; Wolters Kluwer (Firm). Edgerton, W. W. (2009). Recommended contract practices for underground construction. Littleton, Colo: Society for Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration. Dey, P. K. (January 01, 2006). Integrated project evaluation and selection using multiple-attribute decision-making technique. International Journal of Production Economics, 103, 1, 90-103. Han, S. H. (June 01, 2007). Predicting Profit Performance for Selecting Candidate International Construction Projects. Journal of Construction Engineering and Management, 133, 6, 425- 436. Handfinger, A. P. (n.d.). Understanding Contractual Pricing Arrangements Fixed Price, Cost- Plus, and Guaranteed Maximum Price. Retrieved August 26, 2017, from https://www.pecklaw.com/images/uploads/communications/Client_Alert- Understanding_Contractual_Pricing_Arrangements.pdf Hugill, D. (2005). Financial management in construction contracting. London: Blackwell Publishing. Kelleher, T. J., Abernathy, T. E. (2010). Smith, Currie Hancock's Federal government construction contracts: A practical guide for the industry professional. Hoboken, N.J: John Wiley Sons. Rodriguez, J. (2017, April 27). Guide to Cost Plus Contracts Plus More Variations. Retrieved August 26, 2017, from https://www.thebalance.com/all-about-cost-plus-contract-basics-plus- 4-more-options-844913 Warhoe, S. P. (2013). Applying earned value management to design-bid -build projects to assess productivity disruption: A system dynamics approach. Doctoral Thesis; Skema Business School.

Stakeholder Analysis free essay sample

Stakeholder Analysis Picture the face of a student receiving a research paper, not to thrilling, some will start sooner than others but everyone must start their research papers somehow and some way. Google means â€Å"to search† and now in days it can be used for browsing, personal computing, email, and broadband networking (Krazit). Years ago when internet and Google did not exist students actually went to the library to not only study but to get and look through books. That is how students got their research for papers, while students today use the internet and mostly Google. Now when students go to the library they use it for a study area and internet access. Walking into the library at Colorado State University, in Fort Collins, you will find students with more computers than books. Libraries have more reliable sources but most students only use their resources if they are required by a teacher. We will write a custom essay sample on Stakeholder Analysis or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Google is a quicker and easier than making time to go to the library and find a book. Even though libraries are changing to keep up with the new technology, Google is changing faster. Students are now reading on iPhones, kindles, and Google search engines when before they were using printed books (Glazer). The libraries were used so students could get books for research. These days, librarians have seen more online searches in the library than people actually searching for books (Hafner). How much longer until Google takes over the libraries purpose of using their books for research? Stakeholders who could partake in this question could be librarians, Google investors, current college students, and college alumni’s. Librarians may be one of the top stakeholders for the changes in student’s research ways. The librarians want to help the students and make sure that the information they are using is reliable. They believe that students must use library books and databases instead of Google (Mantel). Librarians thin that Google is not a good source; they mainly say this because they want students to use their resources. Like the other stakeholders librarians know technology is changing and trends are following so in order to stay up to date they need to change too (Timpson). Librarians need to make changes like making their research options more convenient to students. Unlike the other stakeholders librarians have to go against Google because they want students using the library. If Google takes over libraries researching purposes then librarians could possibly lose their jobs. Google investors could be another stakeholder because with Google changing and becoming more reliable they have a chance to make more money. Google investors want to make money and they want to show that Google is a reliable source for students. They believe that the little advertising they have done has helped them save money and get the word out (Krazit). They assume that there are a lot of people out there who rely on them for information. 83% of students begin searches using search engines† (Timpson). Unlike librarians, they want the students to use Google so they can make more money, they do not care about their education. They also know that they still need to make changes and become more than just a search engine, just like other stakeholders. Another stakeholder would be college alumni’s because they did not have internet as an option, so you can compare how much h as changed. Students wanted to go to the library to research or maybe even hang out. They believed that the library was to check out books for research.

Painting Analysis of Mona Lisa Essay Example

Painting Analysis of Mona Lisa Paper Essay on Mona Lisa, Analysis To develop a complete mind; study the science of art; learn how to see. Realize that everything connects to everything else. â€Å"(da Vinci).† Although there are many ways to capture a themed art; what one perceive is what the viewers reflect emotionally. The artist can choose to be very detailed leaving nothing to the viewer’s imagination, or they can give limited detail allowing viewers to use their imagination to perceive what the artist is trying to convey. The eyes are the window to the world. One can experience texture optically as well as movements and body language. Many elements may be used individually to stress their particular character. There are five main elements that really can provide a full understanding of both images. As one admires the following famous painting â€Å"Mona Lisa â€Å"created by Leonardo da Vinci (fig. 1), which is believed to have been painted c.1503-1506, perhaps continuing until c. 1517. This painting has been on permanent display at the Louvre Museum in Paris since 1797. Leonardo da Vinci used many elements of this well-known art. The first element sets the tone of the piece by using earth tone colors. These colors give it a very vivid background. The second element is lighting on key areas, where the artist feels the need to get its viewer’s interest. The third element is the use of lines, horizontal, and curves. Vertical lines give height, horizontal lines suggest distance and calmness. Curve lines project a sense of comfort and ease. The fourth element used is negative space such as trees, roads, and the sky. The fifth element used is what he painted this image on; poplar panel with oil. We will write a custom essay sample on Painting Analysis of Mona Lisa specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Painting Analysis of Mona Lisa specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Painting Analysis of Mona Lisa specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer Read more great essay samples completely for free on Essaylead.com!

Sectionalism in American History

Sectionalism in American History Free Online Research Papers Sectionalism in the United States has been an inevitable reality that we have dealt with since the start of the nation. Sectionalism is defined as an excessive concern for the interests of one group or area to the detriment of the whole. There are countless issues that have divided the country and cause unrest between the citizens of the United States. The three that I have chosen to explain are The Dred Scott v. Sandford Case, The Nullification Crisis and The Second Bank of America. Dred Scott was an African slave who lived in states and territories where slavery was illegal, including Illinois and Wisconsin. Those two states were part of the Illinois Territory. Not only was Dred Scott a slave but his wife Harriet was as well. They were both owned by Dr. John Emerson who was in the United States Army. This caused them to be transferred between Illinois and Wisconsin quite often. Legally, in Illinois, Dred was free to claim his freedom. In October of 1837, Dr. John Emerson had been transferred to St. Louis, Missouri where he had left Dred and his wife Harriet behind to be hired by another master. This was Illegal under the Missouri Compromise. The Missouri Compromise stated that Missouri was allowed to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine was to enter the Union as a free state. The Compromise also drew an imaginary line at 36 degrees parallel. This divided the new Louisiana Territory into two areas, one north and one south. All of the Louisiana Territory north of this line was free territory. The following month, Emerson was transferred to Fort Jessup, Louisiana and then the following February, he married Irene Marie Sanford and sent for Scott and his wife from Minnesota, where they had been staying. Dred and his wife followed Emerson and his family, first to St. Louis and then to Fort Snelling They stayed in Fort Snelling until May of 1840. On their trip to Fort Snelling, their first child was born named Eliza Scott. After Emerson died unexpectedly in December of 1843 Scott tried to purchase his freedom from Irene Emerson in February of 1846, but she refused. In April of that same year, Dred sued for his freedom. He argued that since he had been living in both a free state and a free territory he was legally free. In his first case, he lost because he was unable to prove to the court that he was a slave. The judge ordered a second trial in December, 1847 which Irene Emerson appealed to the Supreme Court of Missouri. The court ruled against her in June of 1848. A new trial didn’t start until January of 1850. The jury ruled that Scott and his family were legally free. It was then that Irene Emerson appealed a second time to the Supreme Court of Missouri. After losing case after case, Irene Emerson decided to turn the case over to her brother, John F. A. Sanford. The Missouri Supreme Court then reversed the previous case’s decision and decided that Dred Scott was still a slave, which did not agree with the laws of Missouri which stated that â€Å"slaves taken into Free states were automatically free† (Henretta et al 1993: pg.232). That decision was then discussed at the St. Louis State and Federal Courthouse and on March 6, 1857 seven out of nine Justices on the Supreme Court declared no slave or descendant of a slave could be a U.S. citizen. It was also stated by the court that Scott had no rights and could not sue in a Federal Court and must remain a slave. A second instance of sectionalism and its effect on the nation was the Second Bank of the United States. Five years after the failure of the First Bank of The United States, the Second Bank of the United States was created in 1816. Its goal was to help alleviate the currency problems that arose during the presidency of James Madison. Located in Philadelphia, The Second Bank of The United States began when James Madison and Albert Gallatin realized that the government could not keep up with the finances of the country after the significant damage the War of 1812 had done financially to the country. There was a large increase in banknotes among the new private banks and a result of this was the great increase in inflation. Despite the debt caused by The War of 1812, there was also a huge economic explosion because of the damage from the Napoleonic Wars and due to the damage that had done to Europe’s agricultural area; America had a huge agricultural expansion. This then led to the bank increasing in its loans so that just about anybody could borrow money. People began to buy lots of land which doubled and maybe tripled the prices of land. The citizens of the United States were so caught up in the economic boom that was happening that they didn’t even notice all the fraud the bank was causing. In 1818, the bank finally realized what was happening to the country due to the banks excessive lending so they put in a policy to rescind some of the loans that were given out. This slowed down the economy tremendously and ultimately led to The Panic of 1819 which was the very first financial crisis to ever happen to the United States. By 1830 Andrew Jackson was so fed up with the outcome of this bank he had a thorough investigation done and said that this bank established â€Å"beyond question that this great and powerful institution had been actively engaged in attempting to influence the elections of the public officers by means of its money.† Even though it was said that the bank’s charter would run out by 1836, Andrew Jackson wanted to put an end to it prematurely and put an end to all the corruption it had brought to the economy of the United States. The head of the Second Bank wanted to have a 4 year extension but when given the bill, Jackson quickly vetoed it. The Second bank worked solely off the tax revenue that the federal government deposited regularly. In 1833, Andrew Jackson had the Secretary of Treasury to only deposit the tax revenues into the state banks. By this time, the Second Bank began to lose money. And in 1836, the bank’s charter expired and it turned into a regular bank in Philadelphia. Five years after that, the former Second Bank of America, went bankrupt altogether. Another sectional issue that effected American history was the Nullification Crisis of 1832. Nullification is an act by which a state will nullify or invalidate a federal law within its borders that it deems unconstitutional. Nearing the end of his first term in office, President Andrew Jackson was forced to somehow deal with the state of South Carolina on the issue of the protective tariff. The businessmen and farmers of the state of South Carolina were hoping that Andrew Jackson would use all his presidential power to help modify tariff laws that had been opposed by the citizens for a long time. Many of the people of South Carolina felt that all the benefits of protection tariff were going to Northern manufacturers. While northern states grew richer, South Carolina grew poorer, hurting many of the small businessmen and farmers in the process. John C. Calhoun responded to this by presenting nullification in the South Carolina Exposition and Protest. They tariff was then rendered nul l and void by the state of South Carolina. The legislative branch then passed a law that would enforce the ordinance which included â€Å"authorization for raising a military force and the appropriation of arms.† In response to that, in November of 1832, President Jackson had seven vessels and a man-of-war over to Charleston, South Carolina. Soon after, on December 10th of that same year, he ordered a proclamation to undo the nullification. President Jackson then stated that the state of South Carolina had â€Å"stood on the brink of insurrection and treason. He pleaded to the state of South Carolina as a whole to stress their allegiance to that Union which their ancestors had fought for. When the question of tariffs came up again in Congress, Senator Henry Clay was the sole advocate for the protection tariff and proposed a compromise to Congress which passed soon after its proposal in 1833. It stated that all duties more than 20 percent of the value of the goods imported were to be reduced gradually, so that by 1842, the duties on all articles would reach the point of the Fair Tariff of 1816. Leaders of the nullification in South Carolina thought that they would have the support of the other southern states, but instead the southern states felt that South Carolina’s course of action was unconstitutional. This then led South Carolina to withdraw of all of their actions. Overall, America as a whole will never completely agree on any one issue. Ultimately, it is instances such as these that make American history, history. Research Papers on Sectionalism in American HistoryThe Effects of Illegal ImmigrationNever Been Kicked Out of a Place This Nice19 Century Society: A Deeply Divided EraPETSTEL analysis of IndiaBook Review on The Autobiography of Malcolm XComparison: Letter from Birmingham and CritoCapital PunishmentThe Relationship Between Delinquency and Drug UseQuebec and CanadaAppeasement Policy Towards the Outbreak of World War 2

Knowledge is nothing more than the systematic organisation of facts Essay - 1

Knowledge is nothing more than the systematic organisation of facts. Discuss this statement in relation to two areas of knowledge - Essay Example This was classical definition of knowledge which was ultimately endorsed but initially was described by Plato. Some grasp of knowledge’s relationship to information is required by an understanding of knowledge. The difference between knowledge and information has long been the practice in everyday language (Daniel, 2006, pp. 36).â€Å"Knowledge is nothing more than the systematic organization of facts† is the main theme of this essay. This essay will discuss this statement in relation to two areas of knowledge, i.e. history and ethics. Furthermore, it will investigate the ways of knowing and the two areas of knowledge. The potential knowledge issues, the sort of real life situations which can be drawn out and the challenges and difficulties will also be addressed by this essay. The labeling and division of the knowledge we posses are referred to as the areas of knowledge. Eight different areas of knowledge are identified by the TOK course. Ethics and History are the two areas of knowledge, which I will consider. The study of how to live our lives morally or the moral philosophy is referred to as ethics. Ethics is a branch of knowledge which is concerned with moral principles. The issue of moral issues is an example of a key area of discussion in ethics. Conduct is influenced or governed by these moral principles. The study of morals is referred to as ethics. Since ethics is based on the mind of an individual, therefore, knowledge may be refuted by the idea of ethics. Ethics may be based on beliefs or religion or may be raised through our own experience. In order to list things as facts, there may not be a written formula booklet of ethics. Since ethics is created and related to the time we live now, therefore, it is not highly related to the past. An area of knowledge that studies the recorded past is referred to as history. Understanding of human behavior can be deepened through study

The Entrepreneurial Process Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The Entrepreneurial Process - Essay Example This paper will argue in favor of some of these theories but also posit how two important variables are critical in the entrepreneurial development: in addition to the environment by which the process operates in, there is the fundamental element of the person, the entrepreneur. The idea is that the process begins with people who have the aptitude, skills, preference and desire to establish a business. What this means is that the process goes far beyond a simple discovery of opportunity. It is rooted on the motivations and desires of individuals, this is what drives people to become entrepreneur and be effective and successful in pursuing their entrepreneurial objectives. These variables are best depicted in the experience of Shane Eten and his FEED Resource Project wherein he aimed to build an anaerobic digester and make money in the process. Before Eten became an innovator and an entrepreneur, selling his business plan for grants then to venture capitalists, he was first a student and an employee. Together with his upbringing, these stages in his life cultivated a character that is typified by restlessness, ambition and vision. Without these factors, Eten would not have the capability to discover opportunities. His personal preferences, behavior and abilities as influenced by his environment as he grew up into adult life, were responsible for the motivations, acumen and decision-making capabilities. For example, Eten liked his work at the startup company Angstrom Micro Systems because his job was never the same day-to-day. At the apex of this aspect is the question why there are people who start businesses as opposed to those who want to work for others. The dominant theory explains that there are those who are more inclined to become entrepreneurs either because of their work temperament, character and skills. The theoretical literature is not short on evidences supporting this view. For instance, according to Carsrud and Brannback (2009, pp.143), "not every one fits into the role of an employee working for another person within an organization," because, "some decide to blaze their own trail through the business world." In similar vein, Kuratko and Hodgetts (2008, pp.44) theorized that the role of the individual is important, particularly his or her psychological profile because this individual is the energizer of the entrepreneurial process. The aptitude that is dependent on individual characteristics has been highlighted by Morris, Kuratko and Covin (2010, pp.180) who explained that an entrepreneur must be creative to design solutions for challenges and obstacles entailed in the entrepreneurial process. Eten demonstrated these various attributes. He loved working for the highly dynamic IT company. Afterwards, he was forced to adapt to the negative developments in his career. Then, finally, he was able to spot an opportunity to establish his own business and worked for its realization. Now, after the focus on the human agency perspect ive, there is also the case of the entrepreneurial process, which highlights the part played by the environment. In the experience of Shane Eten, this is demonstrated in highly structured procedures by which his ideas were turned into reality. First, he applied for grants and his business proposals were

E-commerce. Social Networking Sites Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

E-commerce. Social Networking Sites - Essay Example Facebook’s most important method of earning revenue is through advertising. A major chunk of its revenue is generated by the self-serve advertisement system which allows companies to decide who they want to market to, based on various preferences such as age, gender, marital status and the likes (Guardian 2009). The same report talks about Facebook selling virtual advertising estate on their websites to anyone who can dole out the cash, directing them to pages or profiles as they see fit. Finally, Facebook’s base of 3rd party apps has been the basis for many credit-card based transactions (in games for example) of which Facebook receives a certain percentage. All of these methods have helped Facebook’s revenue rise enough to be able to breakeven with its day to day costs which is a major breakthrough for any social networking site (Guardian 2009). MySpace The leading social networking site before Facebook was established, MySpace had made its name in the field for being a site that was preferred by upcoming musicians for its ability to allow easy sharing of music. It was considered the youth’s most preferred network, since it was the first site that allowed them to ‘relate to brands and bands’ (Web Strategist 2008). ... MySpace The leading social networking site before Facebook was established, MySpace had made its name in the field for being a site that was preferred by upcoming musicians for its ability to allow easy sharing of music. It was considered the youth’s most preferred network, since it was the first site that allowed them to ‘relate to brands and bands’ (Web Strategist 2008). However, the site currently owned by Specific Media, failed to innovate and lost a lot of its market share after the advent of Facebook, and has a current active user-base of 110 million users (The Next Web 2010). MySpace’s revenue model also revolves mostly around advertising. The site uses the basic two types of advertisements that are used by a lot of popular websites, namely pay-per-view and pay-per-click. In the former, the marketer pays a certain amount of money to have his Advertisement Banner up on MySpace’s pages while in the latter; he pays a certain amount (usually a few pennies) for every click that his advertisement gets. Although that may not sound like much, but with MySpace’s users still numbering in the million, the numbers certainly add up with the company making more than $550 million in revenue in 2007. However, since MySpace has fallen behind its major competitors, it needs to attract more users and perhaps find a more effective way of earning revenue than just relying on their current method, which seems ‘archaic’ in comparison with Facebook. Twitter Launched in March 2006 by Jack Dorsey, Twitter revolutionized the concept of communicating through social network sites. Instead of relying on photos or music, the heart of Twitter

Accounting Information Systems Example Questions

Accounting Information Systems Example Questions ACCOUNTING INFORMATION SYSTEM II INTRODUCTION Accounting is the basic way of organizing and reporting financial information which is all about inflow and outflow of money. Accounting system is also used to identify, analyse, measure, record, summarize and communicate relevant information to the internal and external users. Data is the facts that collected, recorded, stored and processed in information system. While information is the data which is already organized and proceed to provide meaning and help in the process of decision making. Information is data that have been organized and processed to provide meaning to a user. Users typically need information to make decision or to improve the decision making process. As a general rule, users can make better decision as the quantity and quality of information increases. This information helps to understand what an AIS does. As regarding all the questions given it is basically exploring the information environment of an organization. From these we can look at the types of information used in business, the flow of information through an organization and the relations in the information systems components. Next , it also shows the impact for the organization structure on accounting information system where there is a interrelated function for the business organization. Questions: 1. A successful accounting information system must provide information for management decision making. In that management’s decisions evolve around an organization’s strategy, the accounting information system should be designed to support the organization’s strategy. Describe the two basic strategies suggested by Michael Porter and identify an organization that you believe follows each strategy. Be sure to describe why you believe that the organization follows the strategy you suggest Michael Porter, world-renowned professor of business at Harvard claimed that there are two basic business strategies that companies can follow. First of all, a product differentiation strategy entails adding features or services not provided by competitors to a product so that we could charge customers a premium price. Secondly, a low cost strategy entails striving to be the most efficient producer of a product or service. A company can succeed in both producing a better product than its competitors and doing at cost below its industry average. However, company must choose between the two basic strategies. If they concentrate on being the lowest-cost producer, they will have to forego some value-added features that might differentiate their product. If they focus on product differentiation, they most likely will not have the lowest costs in their industry. Thus, a business strategy involves making choices. Porter argues that the fundamental choice companies must make involves selecti ng a specific strategic position they wish to adopt. He described three basic strategic positions. Firstly, a variety-based strategic position involves producing or providing a subset of the industry’s products or services. For example, Jiffy Lube International focuses on oil changes and lubrication services rather than a wide range of automotive repair services. Secondly, a needs-based strategic position involves trying to serve most or all of the needs of a particular group in a target market. For example, AARP focuses on retirees. The third strategic position is an access-based strategic position involves serving a subset of customers who differ from other customers in terms of factors such as geographic location or size, which creates different requirements for serving those customers. For example, the stock brokerage offices of Edward Jones are located primarily in smaller towns and cities not served by the larger brokerage houses. Michael Porter also explains that these three basic strategic positions are not mutually exclusive and, indeed, often overlap. For example, Southwest Airlines employs a variety-based strategic position because it only offers a subset of the products provided by the airline industry. Southwest also employs a needs-based strategic position in that it has identified a specific target market for which it designs its services. Finally, Southwest employs an access-based strategic position because it does not service all markets. 2. Within the value chain of an organization there are five primary activities and four support activities. Describe how an accounting information system fits into the value chain of an organization. Where does it add value? The goal of any business is to offer value to its customers. The profitable of the business is depended on the creation of the value which is greater than the cost of the product or services. Value chain is the analysis which defines the accomplishments of the organization achieves and joined them to the organizations of the competitive position. The value chain concept can be drawn by distinguishing that organizations must interact with suppliers, distributors, and customers. Accounting information system can add value with providing precise and appropriate information. These will makes that five primary value chain activities can be performed more effectively and efficiently. Five primary value chains stated are inbound logistics, operations, outbound logistics, marketing and sale, and service. Each of these primary activities is linked by another to support actions which help to increase the effectiveness of efficiency. Inbound logistic is like receiving, keeping or storing, and allocating the materials that are inputs to the organization’s product or service. While, operations was of those inputs that can be transform into products or services. Then it will dis tribute those products or services to customers which is known as outbound logistic. Marketing and sales give function for helping the customer to buy the products or services of the organization. The last one which is service was the post-sale support which is provided to customers, like repair and maintenance function. Support activities are also within the value chain of the organization. These support activities can be classes into four categories. First, firm infrastructures which are like accountants, administration and lawyers which participating in the company’s accounting information system. Second was a human resource which includes of hiring a new employee, training employee and paying employees, and also handling employee benefits. Next is technology of the organizations. This technology can be related to the activity of the organization to improve their products or services. The last one is the purchasing. Organization will purchase some resources which are neede d to carry out the entity of the primary activities. Accounting information system can also add value by improving the quality and reducing the cost of products or services. Next, it can improve the efficiency like just in time. Just in time is an inventory management method which is resources, goods and labour are planned to fill exactly when needed in the process of productions. It can also add value by improving the decision making. The decision maker observes about the information output made by the transaction processing system, the management reporting, and the whether the budgeting systems meets their needs in the organization and the control of tasks. Sharing of knowledge also can be add value to the organization. Accounting information system used to share knowledge within the organization is like using of a business database to assists the staff to identify the appropriate experts who can help with a particular client. 3.Why data and information are among an organizations most valuable assets? Data are about the facts which are not processed, edited, summarized, or redefined and which do not have direct effect on the users. It is important to have the data because it is used to represent the observation or measurement of the business activities. Different kind of data that can be collected in the business can be about the facts on activities that take place, the resources affected by the activities and the people who participate in the activity. For instance, data that is collected during a sales event which states on the date and amount of sales of goods and services based on the quantity and the price per unit. Where else, information is basically about the data that have been organized systematically to provide meaningful information for the relevant users. With the information that is given we can easily make decision for an organization and information is also known as mandatory and essential. For example, a sales agent will receive the daily report on the sold item t hat are being out in daily transaction. Both data and information are an important asset for all the organization. Firstly, with this data and information, an organization are able to protect themselves from being in financial losses. If there are any circumstances on the losses than they will know it by checking the data and information and they can secure their company from bankruptcy. Next, these data and information can help to improve the efficiency of an organization. This can be done because with the relevant data and information an organization are able to well designed their information by providing timely information as needed on time. For instance, a manufacturing company are able to provide up to date information on their raw materials and inventories with the location as because it is well managed and being organized. Followed by, the ability to make a decision, where as an organization they are able to make relevant decision with the data and information available beca use with this data and information organization are able to make a decision to solve their problem. For example, with the data and information from the organization on the results of previous decision provides value feedback that can be improved to make future decision, where if a particular marketing strategy is tried in organization and with the data and information gathered indicates that it will be a success full business in an organization. Lastly, data and information are an important asset because there can be a misappropriation of data and information if they are not protected. Every organization will use they own method to protect their data and information from being stolen by internally and externally as well. As an information the security, control and privacy of data and information are being an important issue worldwide. Therefore, with proper internal and external control they can be aware of fraud, error, software failure and natural and political disasters. 4. THE AIS PLAYS AN IMPORTANT ROLE IN MAINTAINING A STRATEGIC POSITION, HOW There are two basic strategies which are To be a lower cost producer than competitor and To differentiate product and services from competitors. The three basic strategic position included of variety based strategic position, need – based strategic position and access – based strategic position. Variety based strategic position is more to provide a subsets of the industry’s products and services. Need based strategic position will offer most or all of the needs of a particular group of customers in a target market. Access – based strategic position will provide a subset of customer who differ from others in terms of factor such as geographic location or size. Accounting information system plays its role in maintaining strategic position by collecting data about each activity and by transferring data into information which can be used by managements to coordinate those activities. A well designed Accounting Information system can maintain a strategic posit ion of an organization by Improving the quality and reducing the cost of product or services. Normally, sales of a firm will increase if they provide goods or services in less price with high quality. This will be the main issue that arise among the competitors. For example, an accounting information system can monitor all the machines activities. It can immediately detect the problem occurred if there is any. This will help to maintain the goods quality and reduces the number of waste products. Besides that, It is also improving efficiency. It can be explained by just – in – time concept. This approach is mainly based on time information. This approach requires constant, accurate, and up to date information about the raw materials and their location in order to make sure the availability of raw materials to produce goods. It is also help by sharing knowledge. The main difficulties faced by many firm is the employee will never receive the accurate information based by the upper level management. Sharing knowledge can improve company operation and provide a competitive advantage. It is also plays an important role in improving efficiency and effectiveness of supply chain. It is can be explained by allowing customers to directly access in inventory and sales order entry system. This approach will lead to reduce in sales and marketing cost. It will also increase customer retention rates. Other than all this, it is also improving the internal control structure. An accounting information system with the good internal internal control structure can help the system to protect by fraud, errors, system failure and disasters. Lastly, it is also improving a good decision making. Decision making is a complex activity. Improved decision making is very important. 5. How to provide more information to get better decision maker? Decision making is a complex, multistep activity, identify the problem, collect and interpret information, evaluate ways to solve problem, select a solution methodology and implement the solution. AIS can help decision making in its all phases. Reports could help in identifying problems. Differentiation in decision models and analytical tools can be given to users. Information can help to get better decision if it identifies situations requiring management action. Besides that, large information could help make better decision when it presents a basis for choosing among alternative actions by decreasing uncertainty. For example, information is used to establish prices and verify credit policies. Information about the result of past decision postulates a valuable respond that can be used to improve future decision. For example, if a particular marketing strategy is tried and the information gathered indicates that it did not succeed, a different marketing strategy is selected. AIS can improve decision making by stipulating perfect information to a timely manner. For example, Wal-Mart has invented a huge database that contains all information about daily sales transactions at each of its stores. The information helps to enhance the amount of every product collected at each store. CONCLUSION An effective accounting information system provides the management information for decision making. Management’s decisions can develop an organization’s strategy of the accounting information system which designed to support the organization’s strategy. There are two basic strategies that are suggested by Michael Porter, that are product differentiation strategy which is adding features to charge customer at premium price and also low cost strategy which help to determine the efficient producer of the resources. Michael Porter decide that there are three basic strategic position that are variety-based strategic, needs-based strategic and access-based strategic, that are not mutually limited and often overlap. For addition, accounting information system can add value to the organization. These can help to provide organization accurate and precise information. It also can add value to improve the quality and reducing the cost, improve the efficiency, improving the decision making and also can share knowledge towards the organizations. All organization has data and information to continue as long as to be operated. These data and information is most valuable asset of an organization. In the case of manufacturing company, data and information will make organization well managed and being organized. It also can improve the efficiency of an organization and these data will able to secure themselves from being in financial losses. An accounting information system with the good internal control structure can help the system to protect by fraud, errors, system failure and disasters. Lastly, it is also improving a good decision making. Decision making is a complex activity. Improved decision making is very important.

Jurassic Park :: Essays Papers

Jurassoc Park A billionaire has created a technique to clone dinosaurs. From the left behind DNA that his crack team of scientists and experts extract he is able to grow the dinosaurs in labs and lock them up on an island behind electrified fences. He has created a sort of theme park on the island which is located off the west coast of Costa Rica. The island is called Isla Nublar. He plans to have the entire planet come and visit his wondrous marvels. He asks a group of scientists from several different fields to come and view the park, but something terribly goes wrong when a worker on the island turns against him and shuts down the power. The main characters in the book are: John Hammond who is a billionaire developer who has used his resources to create the dinosaur filled island known as Jurassic Park. He is an old grandfather, and he dies in the book by a dinosaur known as a Procompsognathus. Dr. Alan Grant who is a renowned paleontologist, agrees to visit Jurassic Park only to find out it is the home of several Dinosaurs. Unlike the movie Dr. Grant loves kids in the book. Dr. Ellie Sattler is a Paleobotinist and Alan Grant who is among the first people to tour Jurassic Park. Tim who is the 11 year old grandson of John Hammond is very into computers and loves Dinosaurs. His 7 year older sister is Alexis. She has a kind of tomboy attitude and loves baseball. Ian Malcom is the Mathematician that uses "Chaos Theory" to predict disastrous results. Finally there is Dennis Nedry. He was the computer genius who's greed and ambition bring chaos to Jurassic Park. The characters show the greatest difference in the movie and the book. There were many opposites in the characters. One of the obvious differences is that the roles of Tim and Lex were reversed. The book starts off when some of the dinosaurs have escaped form the island.

Natura Case Study

Individual Natura case study preparation paper Whether Natura, the Brazilian beauty company, based on biodiversity of Brazil, should expand its business in Russian market is the critical issue of this case study. However, it is necessary to inspect pre-issue before we evaluate the international investment strategy. After reviewing whether the company is capable of dealing with globalization, we move on to measure the Natura’s international marketing strategy. Is Russian the best next step for Natura’s international foot for?If yes, we propose the possible alternatives for entering this market by minimizing the political risk and operating risk. (1) Was the company ready to go globalization? Evaluating criteria as follows: * Organization structure culture Natura’s unique organization cultures are open-minded for opinion-expressing, transparent decision-making process, and intimacy with its stakeholders. The strong corporate value shared by every individual within this group make the expatriates from this company could convey the brand DNA in foreign market. * Brand visibility in global marketsNatura has a strong market position in Brazil, and continued building up the brand image in Latin American countries. However, it brand visibility is not strong enough in the rest of world and the brand image is weak in the European countries as well. * Global resourcing and distribution network The raw material, production, product development is all in Brazil. Natura has yet built up the global logistic network; therefore, the distribution cost and inventory management would be the major problem for the company while it steps out globally. Insufficient experience in expansion of global business,† dealing with different cultures, different social structure, and different consumer behaviors† Much of the international business experience of Natura is limited in Latin American countries. Although there is diversification in culture, consumer b ehaviors, the closed countries were easier to deal with the differences and minimize the marketing difficulties. However, for the rest of markets with totally different language, culture background, religion, regulations, Natura has no sufficient experience and knowledge to manage it. Sufficient talents in global management During this period, there have no sufficient managers with global vision and management expertise in Natura. Even though managers from other firms have the skill in running direct selling, they could not convey the company’s value and brand DNA. This shortage of human resource would be another obstacle for Natura’s globalization. Sub-conclusion: After analyzing Natura’s competences in globalization, we found that Natura was just at the beginning stage of globalization although it started its international business from 1982.From the financial result, we still could find out that Natura had no prominent performance in foreign market. (2) Was t he Russia is the best choice to next step in Globalization? Is Russian experience valuable to the Naura’s globalization? Assessment of Russian market * Bureaucratic system * Unawareness of product quality and unconcern about the environment and nature. * Russian was becoming familiar with the direct selling; therefore, the education cost for sales rep. and consumer would be relatively lower than other markets which have low acceptance in direct selling.Assessment of Russian cosmetic and skin-care market * Consumer in Russia did not care about the natural products and knew nothing about Natura. They regarded the international famous brands and local brands. Natura lacked of brand image as strong as P&G or L’Oreal. * It took time to build up its own local network in stakeholders since there is no manager who can deliver the brand DNA knew the Russian market. * Mastering the delivery network in the Russian markets would be the potential problem for Natura. Natura would fa ce the challenges in global logistic while its products were manufactured, shipped from Brazil. The shipping cost, inventory management, timeliness of products, ordering system within subsidiary in Russia and parent company would be the key issue to expand business in Russia. * The weather in Russia is totally different from Brazil. It would be a main concern that Russian would not like to trust a brand from Amazon region. * The local regulation in cosmetics and skin-care should also be taken into account. Sub-conclusion:After assessing the key factors in entering Russian market, we can find that the Russian market is not mature enough to penetrate for Natura which was not equipped with sufficient experience in global business management and had a strong willing to preserve its brand DNA. Since Russian consumers were not respectful the nature and environment, the market did not attached to this brand DNA in that moment. Furthermore, due to the political situation and business enviro nment, the experience in Russia could not duplicate or be applied after micro-adjustment in other western countries. 3) Following preceding question, if yes, what is the best entry strategy for the Russian market? If no, what is the best next step for Natura in globalization? Combined the assessments above, stepping in Russian market would not so urgent or profitable for Natura. For the international development, the best next step in globalization for Natura should focus on the grand American market. There are several main pros to implement this strategy, as follows: * USA market has the similar diversified ethnic background and furthermore, the Latin American is one of the main ethnic origins. American consumers are relatively mature in product knowledge and appreciate the natural skin-care product. Their pursuit in beauty is as vigorous as the consumer in Latin American. * The business model of direct selling in USA is mature and consumers used to shop products in mail ordering a nd direct selling. * Finally, the infrastructure of logistic in local market is consummate. * For Natura, it would be a big step in globalization if it could be successful in USA market. The success in USA market could build up the brand awareness and enhance its position in bio-diversity cosmetic and skin care product.Still, there were cons to enter USA market, such as facing more fierce competition from other international companies and it would be required more CAPEX to invest in the grand market. If Natura take the Russian market as the must-be market, then we would recommend this company cooperate with the local leading company, Kalina, who had the strong retail network and knew the local market very well. Natura could use the franchise model to expand the Russian market and to build up its brand image and awareness through the Kalina’s advantages.After Natura gaining experience and building up strong brand image, it could change its business model and enhance its brand DNA and values. Under this strategy, there exist some potential risks. For example, Natura had to make a completed regulation about the branding in order to preserve the consistency and its values. Natura had to keep tight connection with franchisee to learn more local experience and react to market needs. At the end of cooperation, it might have to pay higher price to buy back the franchising right if its products performed very well in Russia.

Prehistoric Life During the Cenozoic Era

Prehistoric Life During the Cenozoic Era Facts About the Cenozoic Era The Cenozoic Era is easy to define: its the stretch of geologic time that kicked off with the Cretaceous/Tertiary Extinction that destroyed the dinosaurs 65 million years ago, and continues down to the present day. Informally, the Cenozoic Era is often referred to as the age of mammals, since it was only after the dinosaurs went extinct that mammals had the chance to radiate into various open ecological niches and dominate terrestrial life on the planet. This characterization is somewhat unfair, however, since (non-dinosaur) reptiles, birds, fish, and even invertebrates also thrived during the Cenozoic! Somewhat confusingly, the Cenozoic Era is divided into various periods and epochs, and scientists dont always use the same terminology when describing their research and discoveries. (This situation stands in stark contrast to the preceding Mesozoic Era, which is more-or-less neatly divided into the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous periods.) Heres an overview of the subdivisions of the Cenozoic Era; just click on the appropriate links to see more in-depth articles about the geography, climate and prehistoric life of that period or epoch. The Periods and Epochs of the Cenozoic Era The Paleogene period (65-23 million years ago) was the age when the mammals began their rise to dominance. The Paleogene comprises three separate epochs: * The Paleocene epoch (65-56 million years ago) was fairly quiet in evolutionary terms. This is when the tiny mammals that survived the K/T Extinction first tasted their newfound freedom and began to tentatively explore new ecological niches; there were also plenty of plus-sized snakes, crocodiles and turtles. * The Eocene epoch (56-34 million years ago) was the longest epoch of the Cenozoic Era. The Eocene witnessed a vast profusion of mammalian forms; this was when the first even- and odd-toed ungulates appeared on the planet, as well as the first recognizable primates. * The Oligocene epoch (34-23 million years ago) is notable for its change in climate from the preceding Eocene, which opened up even more ecological niches for mammals. This was the epoch when certain mammals (and even some birds) began to evolve to respectable sizes. The Neogene period (23-2.6 million years ago) witnessed the continuing evolution of mammals and other forms of life, many of them to enormous sizes. The Neogene comprises two epochs: * The Miocene epoch (23-5 million years ago) takes up the lions share of the Neogene. Most of the mammals, birds and other animals that lived during this time would have been vaguely recognizable to human eyes, though often considerably bigger or stranger. * The Pliocene epoch (5-2.6 million years ago), often confused with the ensuing Pleistocene, was the time when many mammals migrated (often via land bridges) into the territories that they continue to inhabit during the present day. Horses, primates, elephants, and other animal types continued to make evolutionary progress. The Quaternary period (2.6 million years ago to the present) is, so far, the shortest of all the earths geologic periods. The Quaternary comprises two even shorter epochs: * The Pleistocene epoch (2.6 million-12,000 years ago) is famous for its large megafauna mammals, such as the Woolly Mammoth and the Saber-Toothed Tiger, that died off at the end of the last Ice Age (thanks partly to climate change and predation by the earliest humans). * The Holocene epoch (10,000 years ago-present) comprises pretty much all of modern human history. Unfortunately, this is also the epoch when many mammals, and other forms of life, have gone extinct due to the ecological changes wrought by human civilization.

Report on Peters Principle Essays

Report on Peters Principle Essays Report on Peters Principle Paper Report on Peters Principle Paper In a hierarchically structured administration, people tend to be promoted up to their level of incompetence. Thus, every position will eventually be occupied by someone who is not quite capable of doing the job. This maxim was Peters response to the universal question of why things go wrong. The thing is that it is human nature to blame other people for their mistakes. So, I think we shouldnt be surprised that everybody immediately grasped the principle because everybody recognized that their own boss was an example of the principle in action. Top-down organizations operate under the Peter Principle, which as we already mentioned, states that everyone within the organization rises to the level of his own incompetence. As long as someone is competent, he will continue to perform well and be promoted for it. However, there will come a time when he is no longer competent enough to be promoted for what he is doing, and he will inevitably remain in that position so that his incompetence can be blamed for all of the other incompetence that flows from the managers directly above him who were promoted in exactly the same way. In top-down organizations managers are focused on processes and regulations. They do not support their employees as much as they control them. Managers do the thinking, employees do the doing. Finally, a company with a top-down structure is competitively disadvantaged in the long run. In order to stay in business and remain competitive, companies have to be, run smoother, be more cost effective, grasp innovation, build leaders, and be able to change quickly and be flexible above all else. Careers were made and careers were shattered and destroyed as people reacted, and to our strong belief highly overreacted, to Dr. Peters great insight. The point is that when we read the case, at first we were astonished, as Peters principle sounded so truthful, BUT after analyzing the topic we concluded that it had some significant faults. They are as follows:Â   Its not wise to promote incompetent people to higher positions. The Laws of Gravity always prevail, making them eventually falling back down on you, taking the whole organization with them; Weve heard of way too many successful and extremely talented managers and people in other fields, (we exclude Georgia in many cases, of course:();Â   A person may be unable to reach their level of incompetence for a simple reason such as that higher level in a given hierarchy simply doesnt exist; Peter suggests that every person is motivated and wishing to get promoted, but all of us have heard of people stuck on their jobs. Its just that some prefer to stay in their places; because they might love the job theyre assigned to, or hysterically afraid to get a promotion, as they have low self-esteem and underestimate their capabilities which results in fearing new position and/or being unable to fulfill the high expectations, or a person can in fact know for real he is not fit for the suggested position. Unfortunately, the more afraid a person is, the worse his/her mistakes are, and the more closely that someone has to be watched over, and the less we justify forcing the person to accept the so called irresistible offer! To avoid the feared and undesirable promotion people start simulating incompetence. We think in the case it is very well described and dont consider necessary to deepen the issue. Instead we want to emphasize your attention on the following: To get promotion being competent on existing position is not enough, as there are numerous strong obstacles that prevent a persons going up in the organizations hierarchy. For one thing lets take our country for example. To get promotion in Georgia you need the help of a so called strong hand, as at least 80% of workers get promoted thanks to their relatives and/or close acquaintances. Now lets try to analyze Peters Principle from managers point of view. What can be said is what we already mentioned: It is highly unwise to promote people to their own level of incompetence. Why? We think the answer is obvious, if you want your organization to stay in business you MUST have very smart and competent employees, and thats what we have in reality. Managers do try to have competent people do the job, and so far, thank God, they successfully handle it most of the time. We should not forget that people need to be treated with respect, knowing that their input matters and their ideas can change how things are done. They need to know that someone is proud of them for doing their jobs well. Everyone is an expert at something. And we emphasize the importance of the previous sentence. It was all we wanted to share with you at this point and we can only wish and hope we made our ideas clear as crystal and they are acceptable, as the topic contained immense opportunities and unfortunately we couldnt possibly cover all the angles no matter how much we wanted to.

How Immigration and Industrialization Affected Post-Civil War Essay

How Immigration and Industrialization Affected Post-Civil War Architecture in America - Essay Example American architecture was also largely dependent on English design books, a few prestigious technical schools and master builders who had immigrated during the old and new wars. The only buildings that showcased great architectural designs where churches such as the Cambridge and kings chapel and private homes (Secler, 2006). After the civil war America also underwent a transformation of the American life due to immigration and industrialization. It is this transformation that inspired a sense of historical consciousness in the American people which necessitated the development of architecture that would be unique to the Americans (Conn & Page, 2003). After the civil war, only two thirds of the Architects in America were native born. A large percentage of them came from Germany and Ireland. The designers and craftsmen during this period were foreign born. In the last half of the nineteenth century the Irish dominated the building industry. They had perfected their skills in carpentry and bricklaying. Most of the Irish in this sector later transformed themselves into builders and contractors. In Chicago, half the population was foreign born with a large number of them being Germans who penetrated into almost all Chicago architectural firms as architects and draftsmen. The German architects are hailed for their technological contributions to American architecture. In New York German firms such as Werner and Windolph, Albert F Doench were among the most prominent architectural firms in the area. Other migrant architects included Jewish architects from Central Europe such as Dankmar Adler, Leopold Eidlitz and his brother Marc Eidlitz one of the most prominent builders in New York (Elliot, 2003). In addition to these was also the immigration of new professional architects who being no longer inspired by the ancient historical designs in Europe were looking for inspiration for contemporary work in other countries. It is no wonder therefore

Subject political science in 1989 some observers claimed that marxism Essay

Subject political science in 1989 some observers claimed that marxism was obsolete. What if any analytical insights can marxist political economy still provi - Essay Example A Roman citizen often owned slaves who worked his land growing wheat; a feudal lord would seize the surplus wheat grown by the serf on the lands; the early capitalist farmers began to employ landless labourers to do their manual work for a wage that was less than the total value f the product that they created. In each case, wheat is grown on land by the labour f men and women, but the social arrangements are totally different. There are totally different class relationships, leading to totally different forms f society: ancient, feudal, and capitalist. The one thing that unites these three arrangements is that in each case a minority class rules and takes the surplus away from the producers. Each society, says Marx, embodies class exploitation based on the relationships f production, or rather, the modes f production. The key to understanding a given society is to discover which is the dominant mode f production within it. The basic pattern f social and political relationships can t hen be known. Since Marx concentrates his attention on the class structure f capita... While Marx recognizes that there are other classes, the fundamental class division is between this pairing f the exploiter and the exploited. The bourgeoisie derive their class position from the fact that they own productive wealth. It is not their high income that makes them capitalists, but the fact that they own the means f production. For example, the inputs necessary for production - factories, machines, etc. The ability f workers to work (labour power) is in itself a marketable commodity bought for the least cost to be used at will by the capitalist. In addition, the capitalist owns the product and will always pocket the difference between the value f the labour and the value f the product - referred to by Marx as 'surplus value' - purely by virtue f his ownership. His property rights also allow the capitalist the control f the process f production and the labour he buys. The proletariat in contrast, owns no means f production. Because f this exploitation, Marx viewed the bourg eoisie and the proletariat as locked in deep and unavoidable conflict. The criminal justice system, in the words or Marx, is used against, rather than for the people. Under capitalism, the system f law and punishment is inherently unjust, designed not to control crime for the good f the society but to subjugate the population. For instance, imprisonment is imposed less as a direct punishment for convicted felons than as a way to siphon off surplus labour from the population. Since a long cycle f growth and depression is inherent in capitalism, there will be times when there are too many workers that the economy cannot absorb. These surplus workers are a threat to capitalists, since they could organize into a revolutionary movement. Therefore, the theory

Change & Continuity in Contemporary Business Essay

Change & Continuity in Contemporary Business - Essay Example It also enthused the workforce with renewed vision of the company and provided clarity to them with regard to their roles in the makeover of the organization. Yet, the transformation could be called only a part success since this transformation has not solved the company’s major problem of ageing median age of its customers. The company would be again forced to brainstorm in order to tackle this situation. In the hurry to tackle immediate crisis, it has not made any provision for future market changes. It is yet to act as per the perceived changes in the coming years. Eventually, the report recommends that Harley Davidson should seek its future in newer market segments with new products. Among its employees, it should train and guide a chosen set of people to catch the signs of advancing change in the market scenario and take steps to prepare accordingly. It also recommends the organization to diversify in other automobile segments such as cars and commercial vehicles. As evident from the time bar above, Harley Davidson saw lots of ups and downs before it entered the transformation phase. Harley Davidson, in its early days was the only motorcycle manufacturer in America and ruled the motorcycle market. However, it was caught unawares when foreign entrants flooded the market with innovative, quality and affordable products. The Japanese players catered to newer market segments untapped by Harley. The change in management of the company and the new management’s haste to catch up with the competitors added to the woes of the company which was already suffering from declined market share. The company slumped to its lowest in terms of market share i.e. 23%. It was at this point that few of its managers decided to take over the company. They tried to understand the strengths of the competitors and the weaknesses of their own organization and brought about a fresh insight into work. Under the able leadership

Essay on Assam Essay Example for Free

Essay on Assam Essay Assam has been aptly described by some as ‘the Shangrila of the North-Eastern India’ – a state having breathtaking scenic beauty, rarest floras and faunas, lofty hills, lush tea gardens, undulating plains, mighty waterways, dense forests, fertile valleys, etc. It lies as a jewel of exquisite beauty and charm on the Northeastern horizon of India. Since the days of Hiuen-Tsang it has fascinated the rest of the world with her aura of myth and mysteries, history and folklore, music and dance. Known as Pragjyotishpura (land of Eastern lights) in ancient time and Kamrupa in medieval times, Assam is the anglicised name for the state. The name of the state may have come from the word ‘Ahom the people who migrated to the Brahmaputra valley in the early 13th century and gave shape to the Assamese of today. The state lies between 89 °. 50†² to 96 °, 10†² E. longitude and 24 °. 30†² to 28 °, 40†² N. latitude. Seven Indian states and two foreign countries touch its boundary. Spread over an area of 78, 438 sq. km. State has a total population of 26, 638, 407 according to Census, 2001. We have a clear picture of Assam only from the early 13th cent, when the country was conquered by Ahoms. Later they were ousted by the Burmese, who handed over the area to the British by the treaty of Yandaboo in 1826. All the major races of the world such as, Austro-Asiatic, the Indo- Aryans, Indo-Tibetans, Indo-Burmese, Mongolians, etc. have combined to make the great Assamese people of today. Assam, however, has remained practically a land of Tibeto- Burmese people. Assamiya or Assamese is the lingua franca of the state. Assam can be divided into three natural regions, namely the Brahmaputra valley, the Barak valley and the Hilly regions. These regions are quite distinct from one another with regard to the composition of people, manner of living and culture. The mighty Brahmaputra along with Barak has nourished the state from time immemorial and has been a source of solace as well as a source of sorrow for the people of the state. The economy of the state is overwhelmingly agricultural and about 75% of the population directly or indirectly depends on this sector for their livelihood. Rice, fruits, aracanut, jute, sugar cane, and tea are the chief agricultural produce of the state. The state also produces nearly half of the country’s total output of tea. he state is rich in natural resources such as oil, gas, coal, and limestone. The perfect fusion of heritage, tradition, faiths, and beliefs of  numerous races has resulted in many festivals in the state. The main festivals of Assam are the ‘Bihus’ which are celebrated all over the state by every one with great pomp and grandeur. The most colourful amongst the three ‘Bihus’ is the spring festival known as Rongali Bihu. Nature has abundantly blessed Assam with charming sights and exciting natural scenery. Kaziranga National Park and Manas Sanctuary are the chief tourist centres famous for Royal Bengal tiger, one-horned rhinos and golden langur. The other attractions of the state are the famous Kamakhya temple near Guwahati, Umananda temple, Navagraha temple, Kareng Ghar, Rang ghar, Talatal Ghar, Majuli island, Jatinga, etc. Nestling in the Himalayan foothills the state is rich in cultural heritage, natural beauty, and mineral resources. There is no denying the fact that the state of Assam during the last fifty years has made great strides in many fields. But a lot more remains to be done to bring the state to the forefront of development and progress. Given better political stability, adequate stress on industrialisation, proper utilisation of resources available and less militancy, the state can leap forward to an era of prosperity and all-round development.

How Much Television is Too much? Essay -- Media Entertainment Essays

How Much Television is too much? How much television is too much? Well on an average, children spend 25 hours a week watching television. And who’s to say it’s even quality stuff that they’re watching? This is a big question among many, if not all, American families. People today spend more time watching television than on any other single leisure activity. In fact, studies have shown that the average child spends more time in front of the television than in school. (Patterson, 2001) Television was once an educator, but overtime is gradually ruining our youth. Television is not necessarily all good or all bad, but maybe it’s just influencing people more than needed. Although it seems more corruptive than anything, television can be used as a great learning tool. The news is a major component of being informed about what’s going on in our society and country. An example is the attack of the World Trade Centers. People were informed of what was happening, what’s going to happen next, and how we could help. Another aspect is The Learning Channel (TLC), in which we are informed of many things regularly taught in school, such as births, different kinds of creatures, and about space and the Earth. The History Channel, as well, can be watched to learn about past wars and historical people. For children, cartoons have become a way for them to learn basic knowledge. Such cartoons are Sesame Street, Reading Rainbow, and Blues Clues, which are very educational and do not have to be monitored by parents, because the material should be suitable for younger children. If television is such a big learning tool, then where’s the problem? Although watching television doesn’t seem like such a big issue, it is. Many hous... ...ne day without watching television?† The people I asked were a random group of students. The results were almost unanimous with a whopping 89% saying no they couldn’t go a day without television, 8% said yes as long as they had the internet, and the other 3% said yes they could go without either (television or the internet) for one day. This goes to show just how much TV influences our daily schedules. In conclusion, television is a big impact on everyday lives. Without television where would we be? There are lessons-small lessons, enormous lessons, lessons that may be crucial to the planet’s persistence as a green and diverse place and also to the happiness of its inhabitants-that nature teaches and TV can’t. (McKibben, 1992) I believe he summed it up pretty well. Although TV was, is, and always will be a great invention, time doesn’t involve around it.