International Student Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

International Student - Research Paper Example This paper would cover all these issues and problems in an analytical way from the available resources. Contemporary Trends on Education Abroad In recent times a large number of students spent a semester abroad to improve their knowledge about foreign languages and also to make new experiences concerning other cultures and habits. Therefore students have to face with a variety of problems due to a new environment such as understanding difficulties or different social behavior and attitudes. Despite occurring problems, it has been suggested that international students might benefit from new experiences in a foreign country, whereas domestic students are likely to acquire appropriate social skills and to widen their horizon. No doubts, there are certain difficulties of an international student, studying abroad, and there are advantages for both, international and domestic students who might take out of a cross-cultural relationship. Students are eager to travel overseas to be internati onal students these days. This variety of students comprises of primary level schools students to university level mature students. There are certain attractions in becoming an international student. Firstly, studying overseas offer students with an unusual familiarity compared to local schools. International students have to adjust to the strange and unfamiliar environment which includes sharing rooms with peers, coming across the four seasons and interacting in languages that could not be well understood in their native countries. Since international students are always involved in experiencing various things, many opted to study abroad for this very reason. Secondly, settling overseas temporarily, students have to plan between roommates whom to purchase foodstuff and provisions because supermarkets are so distant away. Also, they have to choose whom to cook and do house chore as schedules are tense. Hence, bonds between friends would be strengthened since students have to discuss about the planning. This interactive skill of communication will be helpful in their future careers. Sharing rooms with classmates, they have to speak proper English to assure the message is brought across to the other party. In addition, students would be able to learn about other cultures through the stories and knowledge shared between their roommates. Thirdly, students would be capable to go through their preferred school more effortlessly because international institutions are plentiful and, therefore, have advanced number of vacancies. Upon entering their desired schools, students will feel more determined and confident for choosing the courses they are interested in. In overseas schools, students are also trained to speak up and ask questions if they are in doubts. As compared to local schools, overseas schools are more liberal and this results in productive results. Lastly, when students are overseas, they will get the freedom they long for. Students will learn to be more m ature and be responsible in their actions since there is no one to monitor their movements. Problems and Issues Faced by an International Student Some students also suffer through racial discrimination and loneliness. Local students would despise those who travel over to their county to study. These students are being despised because they are of different skin color and work much harder than those local students. Without their loved ones by their sides to support them, many would think of giving up.

Philosophy of Education Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Philosophy of Education - Essay Example Quality in education matters because without accomplishing some goal, there is no end purpose of that education and each party is wasting time on a meaningless relationship (Brennen). The process of instructing a child must give some meaning. In addition, using some set, objective standard of quality for instructors, one can provide the basis for improvements and advances made in favor the education system. When such a standard exists, educators have an idea of what they should aim for, and they can create plans and objectives to achieve those goals. Goals for children depend upon their age level and individual potential for improvement. For this reason, a teacher must work collaborative to set goals. Not only is it useful to get feedback from children on how much they want to accomplish, it is important to introduce the skill of goal setting early in life. This kind of teaching that encourages an active system of feedback serves to empower children, which will prove useful as they g row older and into adults (Aschermann). In this relationship, children put forward an idea of what they are capable of doing and accomplishing, and the teacher interprets and formalizes those observations.

Video game console Essay Example for Free

Video game console Essay I got my first video game console in the summer of 1991. My parents purchased it from SEARS for my birthday and at which point I had no idea what it was. A couple of the kids and their parents knew that it was and were shocked that my parents spend $100 dollars on something like that. It was still in the box until one afternoon I came home from school. I set it up in the living room, only room with a television. Popped in Super Mario Bros, this simple 8-bit game would change the entertainment industry. I did not become a fanboy until I attend Florida AM. Besides my classes and football schedule, I usually spend my free time in my apartment. One of my friends back home told me about Microsoft’s Xbox gave gamers the ability to play against each other and they did not need to be in the same living room. Walked into a Game Stop and walked out with my first console since the Nintendo my parents got me so many birthdays ago. Once at my apartment, plugged everything in and started playing. Completely different from what I remember when I was eight years ago. Xbox became my gateway drugs, from hours of study, from the beating my body would take from football and boredom. History of Sonys gaming console. Before Sony entered into the gaming industry they establish Sony Computer Entertainment (SCE) in mid-November of 1993. SCE main purpose was to handle production, RD (research and development) and the sale of both hardware and software for their video game consoles. This introduction took place a year before Sony launched their first video game console, Playstation. Playstation shipped to Japan first, in December of 94 and it was not until September 1995 when it shipped to the rest of the world. Playstation joined Nintendo 64 and Sega Saturn as the fifth generation of gaming consoles. Playstation sold for over nine years and sold over 100 million units worldwide, 2004 was the last year that Sony produced a Playstation. In 2000, SCE launched their second console, Playstation 2 (PS2). A decade later PS2 would be most popular console even well into the seventh generation console like Playstation 3 and Xbox 360. At their initial launch, PS2 only competition was Sega’s Dreamcast, which made $97 million on its release date. SCE closed the gap quick with PS2, which made $250 million on launch day. What helped a lot with the PS2 success was the console’s backward compatibility, gave gamers to play a lot of their favorite Playstation on their new PS2 and it was equipped with a DVD-player. With this feature, it helped expand SCE audience beyond their target audience, from the everyday gamers to someone wanting to upgrade their home entertainment system. With PS2 initial success and continue success, Sega’s Dreamcast had no room to grow and finally discontinuation in March of 2001. PS2 remaining the only console on the market for six months until the announcement of Nintendo’s GameCube and Microsoft’s Xbox. By this time, PS2 had huge advantage over the two, so to complete with both systems. SCE marked down their prices by $100. Towards the end of 2006, Playstation 3 (PS3) hit store shelves for the holiday season. This was the only console on the market that used a Blu-ray disc drive to run their software (games). With the launched of PS3, SCE introduced an answer to Microsofts Xbox Live online gaming service, Playstation Network (PSN) and it was free everyone. This system was also backward compatible with pervious Playstation games. SCE developed PSN to help Playstation gain ground with online gaming and downloadable content (DLC). What I liked about PSN was that it allowed it’s user to download the full game and gave the gamer a trail period of 60 minutes. This was a lot better than go out and spending $60 dollars on a game that would eventually turn into a paperweight. Last year SCE introduced their fourth installation of Playstation, Playstation 4 (PS4) and released a week before Microsoft’s Xbox One. PS4 only other competition is Nintendo’s Wii U. Nintendo since GameCube focused more on younger gamers because it could not keep up with the mature rating games that both Sony and Microsoft released. With Nintendo taking a back step, PS4 only real competition was Xbox One. Playstation 4 has not looked back since their launch date. By early February 2014 they have sold over five million units, compare to Xbox One three million units. History of Microsoft’s gaming console Late 2001 Microsoft took its first steps in the gaming industry. They announced their first gaming console to the world Xbox. Not since 1996 has, an American company offered a gaming console. By early 2002, Xbox completed with all of the sixth generation console Nintendos GameCube, Segas Dreamcast and Sonys Playstation 2. In all honestly, Microsoft only real threat was Sonys Playstation 2; as both consoles were designed for the advanced gamer. With the launch of Xbox, Microsoft also ventures into the world of online gaming, with their service Xbox Live. Unlike Sonys Playstation 2 and Segas Dreamcast, Xbox Live charged a fee to play online against players across the world and gave subscribers the ability to download gaming content to gamers. Like the other two consoles, gamers were required to have their own broadband connection. Before Xbox discontinued, it has sold 24 million units worldwide. Four later after the successful launch of Xbox, Microsoft introduced Xbox 360. With the success of Xbox and the video game industry entering its seventh generation gaming console, only three major players where left in this industry; Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft. Microsoft launched Xbox 360 with Xbox Live, as they did with Xbox. With the introduction of Xbox Live, not only did it change the way gamers played their game but also changed how the industry produce their games. Per Colin Moriarty, Senior Editor at IGN. com, he reported that by October of 2013 Xbox 360 has sold 80 million units and still climbing. With this success, it made Xbox 360 the seventh best gaming console, behind both Sonys Playstation and Sonys Playstation 2. This showed the video game industry that Microsoft, like Sony once before them, was a major player and was there for the long run. From its release date, Microsoft made sure to lock down exclusive titles and become the first with new downloadable content (DLC). Exclusive games like Halo and Gears of War, gamers were jumping ship and trading their Playstation consoles to purchase these titles. Then in 2009, Microsoft released and again shocked the gaming industry with the introduction of Kinect. This gave gamers a glimpse of the future for the industry. Unlike Nintendos Wii, Kinect was completely motion censored and voice commanded. This new accessory gave Xbox 360 new arsenal to complete with Nintendos Wii and Sonys Playstation 3 new Move project. Over ten years since the launch of Xbox, in late May 2013, Microsoft announced Xbox One was to follow Xbox 360. Later that year, in November, Microsoft launched their third gaming console. This is was also the beginning of the new generation of gaming consoles. Upon its conference at E3 2013, Xbox One took a lot criticized for its initial digital rights management policies (put restrictions on the resale and sharing between gamers); along with Kinect usage, requirements and a higher price tag than its competitors. Receiving a lot of criticism, Microsoft dropped all the restrictions before release November 21 2013. Microsoft’s Xbox One vs. Sony’s Playstation 4 @ E3 2013 Every year at E3 (Electronic Entertainment Expo) Microsoft, Nintendo and Sony hold a larger conference to display their new hardware or software. Microsoft announced that the Xbox One would launch in November 2013 and would retail at $499. They also announced the end of Microsoft Points and replaced by actual currency. Microsoft also announced a redesigned Xbox 360, available in stores immediately, which looks similar to the Xbox One. During the event did not spend any time discussing the hardware upgrades nor the policy on used games. A topic that was hurting Microsoft since they announced it earlier in the year. Priced at $499 putting Xbox One at the higher end of both consoles and this was because each console came with Microsoft’s Kinect accessory. SCE showed the world what the Playstation 4 would look like and priced at $399 in the US ($100 less than the Xbox One). SCE also discussed used games strategy and Sony announced there would be no DRM (Digital Rights Management) or protection on used PS4 games. They could also trade freely and play after initial purchase. Sony also announced that the PlayStation Plus subscription membership is now required for online gaming. 2013 let the console wars between Playstation and Xbox begin. Both consoles were release in November, giving PS4 a one-week (November 13) lead on Xbox One (November 21). At the end of 2013, the PS4 sold a little over four million units and Xbox One managed to sell over three million units. At the end of the console cycle, if Sony only managed to sell 1. 2 million more consoles than the Xbox One, Microsoft would be happy to take because it give them a tie. However, those sales come at the end of 2013 and only had about a month and a half in the shelves, and the figures would have always ended up somewhat similar due to the rush of pre-sales and limited stock. Now that the early rush is over and both consoles are easier to find, the January sales figures would be more telling regarding the popularity of the consoles. At this time, Microsoft has yet to release Xbox One in Japan and other European countries, with a release date sometime in late September 2014. What was Microsoft thinking? What is currently hurting Microsoft sells of Xbox One, are issues that they did not address at E3? The gaming community was not ready for the advance changes and radical ideas that Microsoft was trying to introduce. The public did not approve the idea of having to buy a game brand new. This idea was taking business away from a lot of video game store, big stores like GameStop and smaller privately own stores. This was also going to restrict gamers to lend games to each other. Sony just sat back and watched how Microsoft’s ideas fail. The gaming community turned away from those ideas. These ideas and plans were the cause of many people canceling their pre-order of the new system, even hardcore Xbox fans were jumping ship. Microsoft went into damage control before launch date. All the systems were to be updated before release and updated patches were uploaded on launch day. Consoles: Xbox Xbox 360 Xbox 360 w/ Kinect Xbox One Playstation Playstation 2 and Playstation 2 Slim Playstation 3 slim and Playstation 3 1st edition Playstation 4 References: Microsoft Confirms Next-Gen Xbox Announcement. IGN. April 24, 2013. Retrieved April 24, 2013. Xbox One ignites a new era of games and entertainment this November. Microsoft. June 10, 2013. Retrieved June 10, 2013. Retailers Sell Out of Initial Xbox 360 Shipments. Retrieved October 14, 2008.EXCLUSIVE: Xbox One Confirmed as Name of Microsofts New Console. Retrieved May 7, 2013. Microsoft: Kinect SDK Coming In March. Gadgetsteria. com. February 21, 2011. Retrieved March 16, 2011. New PS3 has sold over one million. Eurogamer. Retrieved November 7, 2009. â€Å"PlayStation 2 Breaks Record as the Fastest Computer Entertainment Platform to Reach Cumulative Shipment of 100 Million Units (PDF) (Press release). Sony Computer Entertainment. November 30, 2005. Retrieved June 8, 2008. â€Å"PlayStation 2 manufacture ends after 12 years. The Guardian. January 4, 2013. Retrieved January 4, 2013.

Battle of the Moms Essay -- Sociology, Motherhood, Working Mothers

â€Å"Motherhood has become a flash point for envy, resentment, and guilt because everyone struggles and envies what the other has† (nymag.com). There seems to always be a battle between working mothers and stay at home mothers, and the debate has always been controversial. Although there are many factors that differentiate children raised by a stay at home mother and a working mother, there is no right way on how to raise a child. The differences between both moms have both positive and negative characteristics but neither one can be said to be the correct way on raising a child. A â€Å"right way† does not exist. WHY WORKING MOTHERS WORK? â€Å"In the United States today, more than half of mothers with young children work, compared to 30% in the 1970’s† (American Academy of Pediatrics). Working mothers tend to work because they have been working since before they became a mom. They are so accustomed to their job that they decide to remain working after having a child. Others find that their families require two incomes or in some cases their income may be the sole source. Some research seems to persuade that the working mother is having detrimental effects on the child, however new research is showing no such result. INTRODUCTION TO BENEFITS OF A WORKING MOTHER While working mothers may be exhibiting excess stress on their decision to work outside the home any ill emotional and academic effects on their children seem to be nonexistent. In some situations it seems that children who pertain to working mothers actually benefit compared to those of non working mothers. Positive results that were found through studies show that mothers who work helped the family with economic conditions, consequently being able to avoid poverty and being ab... ...oms may choose to not work because of family roles they believe in. Many come from families who believe that the women should be a homemaker. According to society, mothers who stay at home for their children do not have a role that is truly essential (Fisanick 201). CONCLUSION Although according to studies, the status of a working mother or a stay at home mother does not determine a child’s academic ability, it seems as though parenting is an obsession. Both sides feel as though they are being judged by society and that they need to please the standards society is expecting from a mother. â€Å"We need someone to say: Do the best you can. There are no rules† in order for everyone to feel better about their own parenting style. â€Å"None of these parenting patterns is encoded in our DNA. â€Å"Mothering and Fathering are different all over the world† (newspaper article).

Business Activities To Achieve Result Essay

Question1 Discuss how is each function of the organization is related to each other Answer: Discuss how is each function of the organization is related to each other.  Your business’s functions are the things it does — production, sales, marketing, research and billing, for example. The organizational structure defines the relationship and interactions between the parts of your business, and identifies how the chain of command runs through the different levels. You can set up your business structure around your organizational functions, but even if you don’t, function and structure will influence each other. Planning Vision Directional and motivational guidance for the entire organization Mission An Organization’s reason for being. It reflects the culture and values of ownership.  The planning function of management controls all the planning that allows the organization to run smoothly. Planning involves defining a goal and determining the most effective course of action needed to reach that goal. Typically, planning involves flexibility, as the planner must coordinate with all levels of management and leadership in the organization. Planning also involves knowledge of the company’s resources and the future objectives of the business. Look more:  define problem essay Organizing The organizing function of leadership controls the overall structure of the company. The organizational structure is the foundation of a company; without this structure, the day-to-day operation of the business becomes difficult and unsuccessful. Organizing involves designating tasks and responsibilities to employees with the specific skill sets needed to complete the tasks. Organizing also involves developing the organizational structure and chain of command within the company. Related Reading: How Do Control Mechanisms Affect the Four Functions of Management? Staffing The staffing function of management controls all recruitment and personnel needs of the organization. The main purpose of staffing is to hire the right people for the right jobs to achieve the objectives of the organization. Staffing involves more than just recruitment; staffing also encompasses training and development, performance appraisals, promotions and transfers. Without the staffing function, the business would fail because the business would not be properly staffed to meet its goals. Coordinating The coordinating function of leadership controls all the organizing, planning and staffing activities of the company and ensures all activities function together for the good of the organization. Coordinating typically takes place in meetings and other planning sessions with the department heads of the company to ensure all departments are on the same page in terms of objectives and goals. Coordinating involves communication, supervision and direction by management. Controlling The controlling function of management is useful for ensuring all other  functions of the organization are in place and are operating successfully. Controlling involves establishing performance standards and monitoring the output of employees to ensure each employee’s performance meets those standards. The controlling process often leads to the identification of situations and problems that need to be addressed by creating new performance standards. The level of performance affects the success of all aspects of the organization. http://smallbusiness.chron.com/relationship-between-organizational-functions-organizational-structure-18571.html Question 2 Explain the aims and objectives for any company. Also, draw a process map for any of the function Answer: A business aim business’s aims are targets in from of statement of purpose that defines where an entity wants to be within a certain time span. Any business aim must be measurable, achievable, and realistic, because an entity’ aims are important in defining the nature of policies that will be formulated to run a business unit. It is important for individual to note that, not all business aims are measurable quantitatively, because some business aims are aimed at improved service delivery and maintaining the rapport of an organization Aims are set with this in mind: S- Specific M- Measurable A- Attainable R- Realistic T- Time A business objective  is the plan you will use to reach the goals you need for your organization If you are making a business or organization for your company’s coming you will not garner much success without clearly defined business objectives. A business objective will create a union between the mission and the strategies of your organization (i.e. marketing, productivity, projected profits, results). If you and your employees do not know where the organization is headed—then everyone will just travel in different failing directions The company that I choose is Apple. Apple Inc. is an American multinational corporation headquartered in Cupertino, California, that designs, develops, and sells consumer electronics, computer software and personal computers. Its best-known hardware products are the Mac line of computers, the iPod media player, the iPhone smartphone, and the iPad tablet computer. Its consumer software includes the OS X and iOS operating systems, the iTunes media browser, the Safari web browser, and the life and iWork creativity and productivity suites. Apple was founded by Steve Jobs, Steve Wozniak, and Ronald Wayne on April 1, 1976 to develop and sell personal computers. It was incorporated as Apple Computer, Inc. on January 3, 1977, and was renamed as Apple Inc. on January 9, 2007 to reflect its shifted focus towards consumer electronics. Apple is the world’s second-largest information technology company by revenue after Samsung Electronics, and the world’s third-largest mobile phone maker after Samsung and Nokia.[4] Fortune magazine named Apple the most admired company in the United States in 2008, and in the world from 2008 to 2012. On September 30, 2013, Apple surpassed Coca-Cola to become the world’s most valuable brand in the Omnicom Group’s â€Å"Best Global Brands† report. However, the company has received criticism for its contractors’ labor practices, and for Apple’s own environmental and business practices. As of May 2013, Apple maintains 408 retail stores in fourteen countries as well as the online Apple Store and iTunes Store the latter of which is the world’s largest music retailer Apple is the largest publicly traded corporation in the world by market capitalization, with an estimated market capitalization of $446 billion by January, 2014. As of September 29, 2012, the company had 72,800 permanent full-time employees and 3,300 temporary full-time employees worldwide. Its worldwide annual revenue in 2013 totaled  $170 billion. As of Q1 2014, Apple’s five-year growth average is 39% for top line growth and 45% for bottom line growth. In May 2013, Apple entered the top ten of the Fortune 500 list of companies for the first time, rising 11 places above its 2012 ranking to take the sixth position. Apple is the most successful startup company of all time, by market capitalization, revenue, and growth Apple has been the biggest public company in the world since overtaking Exxon Mobil to reach the number one spot last year, but Monday’s move means that it has now entered the record books as the biggest company ever. At Monday’s close of trade, Apple shares need to settle at $657.50 for the record to be set on a closing basis as well, according to S&P Dow Jones indices. The shares were trading 2 percent higher to $661.15 at around 1.19 p.m. Apple shares have rallied as investors anticipate the release of the iPhone 5 and possibly an iPad Mini in September as well as more details about the company’s plans for an Apple TV, according to analysts at Bernstein Research. â€Å"Everyone loves a winner, if you play the quick trade be careful,† said Howard Silverblatt, senior index analyst at S&P Dow Jones Indices in emailed comments. â€Å"If you are an investor check the fundaments and business plans, and avoid the hype in your decision.† Apple scaled new heights as fellow technology heavyweight Facebook Inc briefly plumbed new depths. The No. 1 social network slid to a record intraday low of $18.75 on Monday before bouncing back to trade around $20 after Capstone upgraded the company’s stock to buy from hold on Monday. http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Apple_Headquarters_in_Cupert http://www.ask.com/question/what-is-an-aim-for-a-business?ad=SEO&an=SEO&ap=google.com.ly&o=102140 Question 3 (This question provides evidence for grading criterion 1.3 ) Identify if there is a quality gateway implemented on the output of the process you had chosen in previous task Answer financial services practice, equally your company and you, in my opinion, are exposed to risk every day. Some of those risks are the same as those faced by every small business, but some are single to the financial services industry In all cases, understanding the risks and the potential for losses keeps you one step ahead. Minimizing risk must be one of your key strategic objectives as you idea the future of your business. Financial Risk Almost all sorts of large businesses require a minimum sort of risk analysis. For example, commercial banks need to properly hedge foreign exchange exposure of oversees loans while large department stores must factor in the possibility of reduced revenues due to a global recession. Risk analysis allows professionals to identify and mitigate risks, but not avoid them completely. Proper risk analysis often includes mathematical and statistical software programs Compliance Changes Every advisor who plans an investment strategy for a client must consider tax and regulatory issues. Investment plans often incorporate tax advantages put into place by the federal or state government in order to encourage investing. The danger arises if tax or regulatory laws change and clients are financially damaged by the changes. Even if you are not held legally responsible, such a situation may damage your reputation. Keeping that risk to a minimum means staying on top of tax law and researching the effects of planned changes to your clients’ portfolios. It should go without saying that you should structure your clients’ strategies on sound investment principles, rather than trying to exploit the latest tax loopholes. Expectation Risk As a professional advisor, you must follow SEC and other federal and state  regulations in your dealings with clients. Many individual clients, however, do not necessarily understand your role in their investments. This can lead to clients believing that you are providing services that you are not, or that you are constantly monitoring their portfolios for them. Misunderstandings in this area can result in litigation and damage to your reputation. In order to ensure that your clients are on the same page with you, draft an engagement letter that clearly outlines your services and have clients sign it. Market Risk The portfolios you manage on behalf of your clients – as well as your own – are subject to the ups and downs of the investment markets. The strategies you have in place for your clients are partially dependent on whether a bull or bear market exists. Data Security You have access to significant financial and other sensitive information about your clients; they expect you to maintain confidentiality and protect their information. A security breach can land you in legal hot water and can destroy the reputation you have built. If you are not sure how to beef up the security around your clients’ data, meet with a data security expert to learn how to properly handle and store confidential information. The Bottom Line It is impossible to protect you and your company against all risks, but you can minimize them through proper planning. Being aware of potential risk pot holes, before you hit them, can keep you on the right road. Gateway Review Process : The Gateway Review Process examines programs and projects at key decision points in their lifecycle. In order to provide a project’s Senior Responsible Owner (SRO) with meaningful, timely advice, a review should be conducted prior to a project  decision point. For example, a Gateway review of a business case should occur several weeks before the business case is submitted through the relevant Public Authority approval process. This enables recommendations to be addressed before the business case is submitted for approval. The review provides a project’s SRO with independent guidance that can improve or advance a project. The primary purpose of a review is to add value to the project team’s own expertise in order to help them be more successful in delivering the project. Gateway reviews are applicable to a wide range of programs and projects. To help you determine if your project may be suitable for a Gateway Review, please complete the project assessment tool. http://www.ask.com/wiki/Compliance_(physiology) http://www.ask.com/web?q=++Compliance+Changes&qsrc=364&o=15732&l=dir http://www.ask.com/web?q=Compliance+Changes&qsrc=19&qo=spellCheck&o=15732&l=dir Question 4 (This question provides evidence for grading criterion 2.1 ) Develop a plan according to the task given by any company In any business we have some steps or point the we have to go under if we are going to open any new business like for example in McDonald is going to open a franchisee in Libya there will be few steps they have to do includes strategic planning, operational planning, market research and financial analysis Strategic planning is an organization’s process of defining its strategy, or direction, and making decisions on allocating its resources to pursue this strategy. In order to determine the future direction of the organization, it is necessary to understand its current position and the possible avenues through which it can pursue particular courses of action. Strategic planning is the process of looking at an organization’s current status and determining where that organization wants to be in the future. Strategic planning involves looking  at an organizations strengths, weaknesses What Are the Steps in Strategic Planning & Management? There are many different frameworks and methodologies for strategic planning and management. While there is no absolute rules regarding the right framework, most follow a similar pattern and have common attributes. Many frameworks cycle through some variation on some very basic phases: 1) analysis or assessment, where an understanding of the current internal and external environments is developed, 2) strategy formulation, where high level strategy is developed and a basic organization level strategic plan is documented 3) strategy execution, where the high level plan is translated into more operational planning and action items, and 4) evaluation or sustainment / management phase, where ongoing refinement and evaluation of performance, culture, communications, data reporting, and other strategic management issues occurs. Leadership Above all, the strategic planning process needs drive — the continuing commitment to pushing the process on through difficulties, obstacles and opposition. The whole process requires someone to be designated as coordinator and to be responsible for keeping the process moving against the timelines. Without a strong commitment, there will be no outcome . Consultation After this comes the ability to recruit, consult and persuade members and stakeholders. A successful strategic planning process will be genuinely inclusive, involving all its stakeholders — paid and volunteer staff, board, clients, funders, and the community. Resources There are resource implications in embarking on strategic planning. It’s going to take time, staff, and attention away from your day-to-day operations. If your Board isn’t prepared to commit resources to the project then you’re better off not attempting it. Operational planning is the process of linking strategic goals and objectives to tactical goals and objectives. It describes milestones, conditions for success and explains how, or what portion of, a strategic plan will be put into operation during  a given operational period, in the case of commercial application, a fiscal year or another given budgetary term. An operational plan is the basis for, and justification of an annual operating budget request. Therefore, a five-year strategic plan would typically require five operational plans funded by five operating budgets. Operational plans should establish the activities and budgets for each part of the organization for the next 1 – 3 years. They link the strategic plan with the activities the organization will deliver and the resources required to deliver them. An operational plan draws directly from agency and program strategic plans to describe agency and program missions and goals, program objectives, and program activities. Like a strategic plan, an operational plan addresses four questions: Where are we now? Where do we want to be? How do we get there? How do we measure our progress? The operations plan is both the first and the last step in preparing an operating budget request. As the first step, the operations plan provides a plan for resource allocation; as the last step, the OP may be modified to reflect policy decisions or financial changes made during the budget development process. Operational plans should be prepared by the people who will be involved in implementation. There is often a need for significant cross-departmental dialogue as plans created by one part of the organization inevitably have implications for other parts. Operational plans should contain: clear objectives activities to be delivered quality standards desired outcomes staffing and resource requirements implementation timetables a process for monitoring progress Market research is any organized effort to gather information about target  markets or customers. It is a very important component of business strategy The term is commonly interchanged with marketing research; however, expert practitioners may wish to draw a distinction, in that marketing research is concerned specifically about marketing processes, while market research is concerned specifically with markets Market research is a key factor to maintain competitiveness over competitors. Market research provides important information to identify and analyze the market need, market size and competition. Market research, which includes social and opinion research, is the systematic gathering and interpretation of information about individuals or organizations using statistical and analytical methods and techniques of the applied social sciences to gain insight or support decision making Financial Analysis: Financial analysis (also referred to as financial statement analysis or accounting analysis or Analysis of finance) refers to an assessment of the viability, stability and profitability of a business, sub-business or project. It is performed by professionals who prepare reports using ratios that make use of information taken from financial statements and other reports. These reports are usually presented to top management as one of their bases in making business decisions. Continue or discontinue its main operation or part of its business; Make or purchase certain materials in the manufacture of its product; Acquire or rent/lease certain machineries and equipment in the production of its goods; Issue stocks or negotiate for a bank loan to increase its working capital Make decisions regarding investing or lending capital Other decisions that allow management to make an informed selection on various alternatives in the conduct of its business. http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/bsi/quality-through-standards/why-is-quality-important.html#axzz2v6zOqYVh http://businesscasestudies.co.uk/bsi/quality-through-standards/why-is-quality -important.html#axzz2v6zOqYVh Question 5 (This question provides evidence for grading criterion 2.2 ) List your aims and convert them into SMART aims Business ‘ goals and objectives , missions and visions are important for success . Must be all the work for its own objectives in order to plan accordingly and work hard to achieve it , and setting goals will also help employees to be motivated to work hard and achieve goals condition. SMART objectives : – it is a set of goals that should be , and measurable , specific goals can be achieved by focusing on the specific results on the exact timing . is specified , stretch, and large. is measurable , motivational , and meaningful . is to be achieved , and agreed to and accepted . is for results , and a realistic and reasonable. is for time bounded Specific: – the specific goals and objectives of any business, must be clear, defined well, understood by the all employees whom are working in a specific project. Measurable: – means that the goal is capable to be achieved and know when it is suppose to be achieved. Achievable: – the goals must be agreed by different stakeholder in the company, therefore they would be motivated to achieve the requirement goals. Results: – the availability of the all requirements resources lead to focus on achieving specific results. Time bound: – setting a time to finish the work in order to work hard to make employees work hard to achieve it on time. SMART objective focus on the time and the achievable goals more than the activities and plans to achieve it. Reasons for using SMART: – Clear goals and objectives to be achieved. Specific goals help to analyze and control the business’ future. Give reasons to implement it. Specific goals add value to the daily works and tasks. Goals motivate employees to work more and more. Set a direction for achieving the goals http://www.statuspath.com/business-goal-and-objective-examples/ http://www.entrepreneur.com/article/38292 Question 6 (This question provides evidence for grading criterion 3.2 ) Choose the right system to complete the objective in the most efficient way ? Quality Management  a recent phenomenon Advanced civilizations that supported the arts and crafts allowed clients to choose goods meeting higher quality standards than normal goods. In societies where arts and crafts are the responsibility of a master craftsman or artist, they would lead their studio and train and supervise others. The importance of craftsmen diminished as mass production and repetitive work practices were instituted. The aim was to produce large numbers of the same goods. The first proponent in the US for this approach was Eli Whitney who proposed (interchangeable) parts manufacture for muskets, hence producing the identical components and creating a musket assembly line. The next step forward was promoted by several people including Frederick Winslow Taylor a mechanical engineer who sought to improve industrial efficiency. He is sometimes called â€Å"the father of scientific management.† He was one of the intellectual leaders of the Efficiency Movement and part of his approach laid a further foundation for quality management, including aspects like standardization and adopting improved practices. Henry Ford was also important in bringing process and quality management practices into operation in his assembly lines. In Germany, Karl Friedrich Benz, often called the inventor of the motor car, was pursuing similar assembly and production practices, although real mass production was properly initiated in Volkswagen after World War II. From this period onwards, North American companies focused predominantly upon production against lower cost with increased efficiency. Why the quality is important for business? The basic model behind most businesses is to create products or services and sell them to customers for a profit. These products or services must live up to a certain quality standard expected by customers. If the quality level is not met, there are consequences to face for the business. Therefore, quality is important to a business for a number of reasons. Customer Retention and Value To retain customers for repeat business, a company must sell products that live up to the customer’s expectations. If a customer has a good experience, they are likely to come back and spend money with your business again the next time they are in need of your products or services. A customer must feel like the product or service he bought from your company was worth the price. If some customers feel that they paid too much for the quality or product received, you will likely not get any repeat business from them in the future. Reputation A company’s reputation relies heavily on the quality of its products or services. This is relevant to both customer reviews and company marketing. For example, high-end clothing designers or expensive car companies often set the bar high through their marketing efforts, which typically promise perfection, as well as the expensive price tags on their products. If those expectations are met by the customers who buy their products, the company maintains its reputation. Customers who receive a lower-quality product than expected will complain to friends, family and co-workers about how the product or service did not live up to expectations, which will ultimately lower your consumer reputation, especially if the majority of your customers have negative experiences. Legal Issues The things you sell to consumers must also be safe, and not just for legal reasons. If you are in the food industry and you sell rotten food to a customer, it can lead to health issues for that person. Similarly, if you sell an electronics device that has not passed safety inspections, it can lead to safety issues for the consumer, like an electrical fire or shock. Malfunctioning or unsafe products are a threat in almost every industry, and could lead to dangerous situations for your customers Safety The things you sell to consumers must also be safe, and not just for legal reasons. If you are in the food industry and you sell rotten food to a customer, it can lead to health issues for that person. Similarly, if you sell an electronics device that has not passed safety inspections, it can  lead to safety issues for the consumer, like an electrical fire or shock. Malfunctioning or unsafe products are a threat in almost every industry, and could lead to dangerous situations for your customers Costs Poor quality increases costs. If you do not have an effective quality control system in place, you may incur the cost of analyzing nonconforming goods or services to determine the root causes and retesting products after reworking them. In some cases, you may have to scrap defective products and incur additional production costs to replace them. If defective products reach customers, you will have to pay for returns and replacements and, in serious cases, you could incur legal costs for failure to comply with customer or industry standards. THE BENEFITS OF QMS Quality management systems, such as the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards, have a number of benefits. While these systems may demand time and resources when being created and implemented, the benefits will continue for as long as the procedures and processes are followed. And this will outweigh any disadvantages or inconveniences that a quality management system brings. Repeatable Processes Quality management systems will provide your business with a number of processes that are constantly repeated to produce a product or a service. Over time, these processes are honed and refined until you have a system that is effective and produces high-quality results. Knowledgeable Staff Because you will have so many repeatable processes, the staff carrying out these actions will have a clear definition of their roles and responsibilities, as well as what you as a manager require of them. In knowing the exact process that needs to be carried out, mistakes and errors will decrease. 9000Resource.com states that staff members â€Å"are more satisfied and motivated once there are defined roles and responsibilities.† Increased Business Many clients actively seek an organization that has some sort of quality  management accreditation, whether it be from ISO or from another body. If you have implemented quality management systems and been accredited by a global body, your company will stand out among your competitors. Supplier Relationships A good quality management system will define a procedure whereby all new and existing suppliers are vetted on a regular basis to ensure their competence and quality of service. Ongoing agreements and relationships can therefore be struck with reliable suppliers, and you can be assured that the service you are given is of the standard that you require. Customer Satisfaction Because a quality management system defines processes and procedures that lead to a high quality product or service, your customers will be pleased at what you are providing. This will prompt them to return to your company, as well as recommend you to friends, family and colleagues. This will boost your business reputation and attract clients and suppliers. Improved controls, discipline (e.g. prevents the use of short cuts and duplication of activities), procedures, documentation, communication, dissemination and customer satisfaction, quicker identification and resolution of problems, greater consistency (i.e. the job is done the same way, time after time and best practices are shared), increased quality awareness, in particular from those departments and people who traditionally perceived ‘quality’ not to be their major concern. A reduction in errors, customer complaints and non-conforming products, services and costs and the retention of customers. Assistance with the liberalization of trade through common rules and language. Responsibility for quality issues is placed firmly where it belongs, with the supplier and not the customer. Reduction in the number of customer audits and assessments and also a reduction in the time taken, leading to a saving in resources need for such activities. Identification of ineffective and surplus procedures and documents and other  forms of waste. better working environment http://blog.simplilearn.com/it-service-management/service-quality http://www.business-online-learning.com/define-total-quality-management.html#.UxdxEx_TkcA Question 7 (This question provides evidence for grading criterion 4.2 ) Devise monitoring and control plan and operationalize it ? Dates of creation revision plan Should reconsider its business plans on a regular basis, especially if the work is to expand quickly, and suffer from cash flow problems, and add new products or services or access to new markets. Align your dates with short-term goals and long-term action plan set out in the original and make a comparative analysis. Depending on your business, and this could be a review of monthly, quarterly or yearly. The development of a tracking system If your business plan contain measurable goals, and to develop a tracking system to evaluate where you stand regularly. For example, if the plan calls for earning a certain amount of revenue per month, and keep track of revenue on a daily or weekly budget to monitor and control the process. This approach allows you to tweak your system if your numbers are off the mark. Monitoring key elements often. Key elements for a plan of action research on the market and competition, as well as the projected income. Each of these elements are subject to rapid change, and must remain aware of where you stand in relation to these issues. Coordination of business and marketing plans Interfere business and marketing plans in several ways, for a review of all the documents at one time on a regular basis can help you to monitor and control objectives and measurements of each plan. If an element of one plan changed dramatically, and assess its impact on other plan. For example, if you invite your marketing plan to be able to launch a major media campaign, but revenue forecasts weak business plan, and review all stay on the right track. Make changes if necessary A business plan is not a document is subject to change. Consideration of the plan liquids that can be tweaked and updated as your business changes and grows. Do not cling to elements of the plan that is outdated or no longer useful. For example, if part of your plan for a period of five years, includes a move to a larger facility, but find that after a five-year facility for your small works just fine, and to review and update the business plan. Constantly reviewing your plan so that you are always looking forward to the one, three and five-year increments, based on expectations of future performance in the past. What is Project Management? Project management focuses on controlling the introduction of the desired change. This involves: Understanding the needs of stakeholders. Planning what needs to be done, when, by whom, and to what standards. Building and motivating the team. Coordinating the work of different people. Monitoring work being done. Managing any changes to the plan. Delivering successful results. More specifically, what is a project? It’s a temporary group activity designed to produce a unique product, service or result. A project is temporary in that it has a defined beginning and end in time, and therefore defined scope and resources. And a project is unique in that it is not a routine operation, but a specific set of operations designed to accomplish a singular goal. So a project team often includes people who don’t usually work together – sometimes from different organizations and across multiple geographies. The development of software for an improved business process, the construction of a building or bridge, the relief effort after a natural disaster, the expansion of sales into a new geographic market — all are projects. And all must be expertly managed to deliver the on-time, on-budget results, learning and integration that organizations need. Project management processes fall into five groups: Initiating Planning Executing Monitoring and Controlling Closing Stakeholder management All management is concerned with these, of course. But project management brings a unique focus shaped by the goals, resources and schedule of each project. The value of that focus is proved by the rapid, worldwide growth of project management: In organizations and businesses, project management can be concerned with anything, particularly introducing or changing things, in any area or function, for example: people, staffing and management products and services materials, manufacturing and production IT and communications plant, vehicles, equipment storage, distribution, logistics buildings and premises finance, administration, acquisition and divestment purchasing sales, selling, marketing human resources development and training customer service and relations quality, health and safety, legal and professional technical, scientific, research and development new business developmentand anything else which needs planning and managing within organizations. https://www.google.com.ly/?gws_rd=cr&ei=0XQXU_H3Mqm60gGjqYGYDA#q=Dates+of+creation+revision+plan+

Equilibrium Experiments

Aim: To investigate the theory of equilibrium via the completion of two experiments which rely on the use of equations TPLcos? +TPMcos?, which can be rewritten as (Mass Ag) cos?+(Mass Bg) cos?. For the second part of the investigation I will try to prove the equation (W*x)/d +weight of a ruler. Introduction In this investigation I will carry out two experiments, which in each case will prove a different aspect of the theory of equilibrium. There are two theories' I wish to prove. The first is † tension (Tpl) in the string Pl is equal to the weight of A and tension in the string pm (Tpm) is equal to the weight of B. For equilibrium the sum of the vertical components of these two tensions must be equal to the weight of c. Which means that: Tpl cos? + Tpmcos? = MassCg which can be written as (MassAg) cos ? +(MassBg) cos ? = MassCg (equ 1) Also: the moment of a force about a point is equal to the magnitude of the force x its perpendicular distance from the pivot. For equilibrium, the moment of the weight about the pivot will be equal to the moment in the opposite direction due to the weight of the ruler. Therefore (W*x)= weight of the ruler times distance d Weight of ruler = (W*x)/d. (equ 2) Diagram Method for experiment a 1. Set up the arrangement shown in figure 1, check that the point p is in equilibrium. 2. Note the value of masses A, B, and C and measure the angles LPO ? and MPO ?. 3. Keep masses A and B constant and note the new value of angles ? and ? for different values of mass C 4. Record results in tabular from. Method for experiment b 1. Set up apparatus as in fig 2. 2. Find point of equilibrium. 3. Note value for the mass used and the distances x and d. 4. Repeat last two stages for several sets of masses and record results in tabular form Calculation These where done on paper by hand for ease of presentation Error Analysis I have generated my errors on the fact that I thought that I could only read the I choose the error of. The way in which I got the final answer out was to run through the calculation twice, once with the answer I got – the error and then again this time with the answer I got + the error. I think that in the first experiment I was a little over the top with the error. I said that I could read the angle to about 5. But when I did the calculation again with the new values. I found that the gap was quite large. And that I was quite close to the true value and that although the value did fall in the gap, the gap could have been a lot smaller. This say to me that the error need not have been so large, and that I read the angle quite well. For exp B Conclusion In conclusion I have found out that equ 1 stand true. In the aim I set out to see if I could prove it I have put in all the results. The answers I get out are generally good. They are the same as the mass or in the cases were they are not they are close and fall well in the range of the errors. Problems with this experiment: the main problem I had with this experiment is the way I was told to find the angle. This way was not that accurate. It left a large margin for error. This is some of the anomalies may have crept in. For the second of the two experiments I found that the mass of the ruler was 0.128g. This was obtained by weighting the ruler on a set of scales. After putting the numbers through the formula for weight of ruler, and then dividing the output by g, which was 10, I managed to get a value for the mass of the ruler. On average this value was 0.119g, which is only about 7% away form the real mass of 0.128g.on farther analysis and after calculating the upper and lower bounds by changing the results by adding or subtracting the errors I found that the outcome from adding the errors to the results and the outcome from subtracting the errors was the same, 0.119g. This meant that the error was not a large enough value to affect the results a significant way. Therefore finally I found that the mass on the ruler to 0.119g this is 7% out for the value, which I recorded as the mass for the ruler. The reason for this is unknown. I can only guess to the reason. One possibility is the mass I recorded for the ruler was out. And as my results are so consistent this is a large possibility.

Essay Sample on Alfred Lord Tennyson

Essay Sample on Alfred Lord Tennyson Today, Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poetry is widely known and appreciated, though this was not always the case. In his early years of writing his poems were criticized for content and style of writing. This strongly impacted Tennyson and caused him once to cease writing for nine years. Tennyson’s childhood influenced his writing and this is often seen in many of his poems. He was regarded as the chief representative of the Victorian age in poetry. He become Poet Laureate in 1850 and was appointed by Queen Victoria and served 42 years. Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poetry was greatly influenced by his early childhood, best friend and religious beliefs; while his rhyme scheme was traditional; his morbid style was not popular for his time. This melancholy style of writing and use of topics of moral and intellectual beliefs of his time were especially vulnerable for later critic. Tennyson’s life at home wasn’t always a happy one. His father, George, began tutoring Tennyson after four unhappy years of schooling. George tutored his sons in classical and modern languages. However, George, along with some of Tennyson’s brothers, suffered from bouts of epilepsy. One of Tennyson’s brother’s had violent quarrels with his father, one was confined to an insane asylum later in life and yet another became an opium addict. George often suffered from depression and his drinking led to him becoming violent, abusive and paranoid. â€Å"Tennyson’s grandfather appointed his uncle his heir and his father was placed in the ministry.† (The Victorian Web) This great difference in money between his own family and his aunt and uncle’s led Tennyson to worry about money the length of his life. In 1827 Tennyson left his home in hope of a better life. He followed two of his older brothers to Trinity College, Cambridge. The Tennyson brothers published â€Å"Poems by Two Brothers† in 1827 which won each of them university prizes for poetry and made the quite popular at Cambridge. Shortly after an undergraduate club, The Apostles, invited Tennyson to join. These people remained his friends throughout his life, but one member formed an unparalleled friendship with Tennyson. Arthur Henry Hallam, another brilliant Victorian, had the most influence on Tennyson. Hallam later became engaged to Emily Tennyson, which only brought the two friends closer together. Hallam died in 1833 from illness, this shocked Tennyson and this grief led to some of Tennyson’s best poetry. In Memoriam and â€Å"The Passing of Arthur are some of the poems Hallam is remembered in. This experience led Tennyson to explore his thoughts on faith, immortality, and the meaning of loss: â€Å"O life as futile, then, as frail! / O for thy voice to soothe and bless! / What hope of answer, or redress? / Behind the veil, behi nd the veil.† (Netpoets) Within other passages of the poem is a symbolic voyage ending in a ‘vision of Hallam as the poet’s muse.’ (Online Literature) Tennyson continued to look to Hallam for inspiration even after the friend had died. Throughout Tennyson’s life he fell in love with many women. One such woman was Emily Sellwood. Tennyson had met Sellwood in 1836 at her sister’s wedding and later that year became engaged to her. Tennyson soon published POEMS, which was met with bad reviews, which called his work â€Å"affected† and â€Å"obscure.† (Poets) Tennyson was hurt by the harsh reviews and discontinued writing for nine years. Once he lost his inheritance on a bad investment in 1840 Sellwood’s family called off the engagement. Later Tennyson’s POEMS in two volumes became a popular success and gained him much respect. With the publication of In Memoriam he became known as one of Britain’s most popular poets. He was selected Poet Laureate in succession to Wordsworth. (Poets) Once success had found Tennyson he married Sellwood. They had two sons, Hallam and Lionel. They remained married throughout the rest of Tennyson’s life. Tennyson’s style of writing was not widely accepted when he began writing. Most of his early poetry was said to be morbid and melancholy. This type of reaction discouraged Tennyson. Tennyson wasn’t widely praised until the release of his POEMS in two volumes. Tennyson often wrote of nature, death and regret. â€Å"Tears, Idle Tears† is an example of this. â€Å"In looking on the happy autumn-fields, And thinking of the days that are no more.† (Poets) Tennyson is in a beautiful, happy place, and yet he is only regretting not being in the past. Death is shown in â€Å"The Kraken† which is easily shown in the last line; â€Å"In roaring he shall rise and on the surface die.† There are many other examples for Tennyson’s less than lively poetry. Tennyson uses luring words in his poems. If a person didn’t know anything about poetry they might think that they were reading a love poem. He uses words that almost calm the reader, although they might be reading about death, or regret. His use of language is very appealing. Alfred Lord Tennyson’s poetry was greatly influenced by his environment. His father was a clergyman whom later in life experienced epilepsy and would fall into bouts of drinking and depression. His very close friend and brother-in-law Hallam died suddenly, leaving Tennyson stung and deeply saddened. His wife Emily Sellwood’s family cancelled their wedding when he lost his money, only to rearrange it when he became a well-known writer. In some part of each of Tennyson’s poems you will find an example of his life, or his feelings about his life and happenings. â€Å"T.S. Eliot has called him ‘the great master of metric as well as of melancholia’ and that that he possessed the finest ear of any English poet since Milton.† (Online Literature) Despite Tennyson’s family history with health problems he lived a long life and died at the 83 on October 6, 1892. You can order a custom essay, term paper, research paper, thesis or dissertation on   Alfred Lord Tennyson topics at our professional custom essay writing service which provides students with custom papers written by highly qualified academic writers. High quality and no plagiarism guarantee! Get professional essay writing help at an affordable cost.