What Are the Reflective Practices of Teachers?

What Are the Reflective Practices of Teachers? Teachers play a significant role in shaping the quality and effectiveness of the teaching and learning practices. Research on effective teaching has shown that effective practice is linked to inquiry, reflection, and continuous professional growth (Harris, 1998). The professional development of teachers takes many forms ranging from activities set by school administration to personal reflective practices about classroom experiences. Schon (1996) defined reflective practice as thoughtfully considering ones own experiences in applying knowledge to practice while being coached by professionals in the discipline. For teaching, reflective practice refers to the process of the teacher studying his or her own teaching methods and determining what works best for the students. Thus, teachers reflective practices are necessary to teach effectively and they address an important issue in providing meaningful lessons to students. Elementary teachers as well as the teachers of other grades can be supported to be involved in reflective practices on their own experiences. 1.1 Rationale The classroom realization of curriculum reform comes about through the actions of individual teachers (Christou et all, 2004). Teachers beliefs, practices, and working environment shape and direct their implementation. Teachers should be able to understand and appreciate the changes that the curriculum is attempting to implement and not otherwise. (Zanzali, 2003) There is a literature which presents the processes and barriers involved in the implementation of curricular change (e.g. Fullan, 1991; Macnab, 2003). Romberg (1997) showed that the use of a new curriculum in the classroom could create disjunctions between the teachers former knowledge and practice, which require resolution. The development and implementation of any curriculum will affect teachers in significant ways and if teachers are not helped in coping with demands brought about by changes in the content, pedagogical and psychological considerations, the implementation process will not be effective. Experience around the world in developing, industrialized, and information-based countries has shown that professional development is the key determining factor for improved classroom performance. Effective professional development experiences are designed to help teachers build new understanding of teaching and learning (Hea-Jin Lee, 2001). According to Baird and Rowsy (1989), high quality in-service program should be designed if teachers were to benefit from it. Regardless of particular circumstances, an effective curriculum development process usually entails a structured professional development program in order to guide the curriculum development process. The aim of this study is to investigate elementary teachers reflective practices on their mathematics teaching as they are involved in a continuing mathematics teaching professional development program as a consequence of a two mathematics education program integration process at a private elementary school in Ankara. In this study, two elementary teachers will participate in the study and they will be interviewed in order to get information about their reflective practices on their teaching. In addition to this, those teachers lessons will be observed in their classes through the professional development program in order to see their implementation. The participants will also keep reflective journal on their mathematics teaching practices. The findings will contribute to the future in-service training programs in Turkey. 1.2 My motivation for the study As a mathematics teacher teaching grades from 6 to 8, I realized that students have some problems related to mathematics learning and some of these problems are related to their previous learning experiences in early grades. These problems are brought to the upper grades if they were not solved in the earlier grades. It can be said that, students do not learn well and as we desire and I believe that some of these problems are related to the teaching, in other words, it is directly related to the way we teach the mathematics topics. In our country, elementary school teachers are responsible for teaching mathematics as well as teaching other subjects. As far as I am concerned, teaching mathematics especially to 4th and 5th grades is difficult for many elementary school teachers. In this respect, teachers, who are teaching in these levels should be supported by means of continuous program that involves several different components such as seminars, lesson observations, interviews, and reflective practices. By seeing the potential sources of the problem and having some solution ideas, as a mathematics teacher I can provide support for elementary school teachers in my school. Thats why, from my point of view, this study will serve a valuable information in order to understand elementary school teachers way of thinking in teaching mathematics by means of their reflective practices. 1.3 Research Question The research question related to this study is as follows: What are the elementary teachers reflective practices on their mathematics teaching as they are involved in a continuing mathematics teaching professional development program which is developed as a consequence of a two mathematics education program integration process at a private school in Ankara? CHAPTER II:  REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE The goal of this study is to investigate elementary teachers reflective practices on their mathematics teaching as they are involved in a continuing mathematics teaching professional development program as a consequence of a two mathematics education program integration process. This chapter is devoted to the review of literature related to this study. The issues that will be covered in this chapter are the term reflection, reflective practices, and studies on reflection and reflective practice. What you need is a theory which underlines the reflection. Not for this assignment, but for your TIK and dissertation. 2.1 The term reflection: Although the term reflection became popular after the studies of Schon, the roots of the term extend to John Dewey. Dewey (1933) claimed the importance of active and deliberate engagement with problematic situations in providing development. He defined reflection as an Active, persistent and careful consideration of any belief or supposed form of knowledge in the light of the grounds that support it and the further conclusions to which it tends constitutes reflective thought (p. 9). According to Dewey (1933), reflection does not consist of a series of steps or procedures to be used by teachers. Rather, it is a holistic way of meeting and responding to problems, a way of being as a teacher. As he stated, reflection involves intuition, emotion, and passion and is not something that can be neatly packaged as a set of techniques for teachers to use (p.9 you give the page number what where is the quote?). Dewey (1933) believed that an individual should to have three profiles in order to r eflect; being open-minded, responsible and whole-hearted. These imply openness to new ideas and thoughts, being aware of the meaning and consequences of ones actions and the capacity to fully engage with new ideas and actively seek them out respectively. He further stated the four-part experiential-reflective cycle showing the relationship between experience, description, interpretation, and action. Rodgers (2002, p. 845 as cited in Lee, 2005) characterized Deweys four criteria for reflection as follows: Did you take this directly from your second reference? Or did you paraphrase them? Is a meaning-making process that moves a learner from one experience into the next with deeper understanding of its relationships with and connections to other experiences and ideas. Is a systematic, rigorous, disciplined way of thinking, with its roots in scientific inquiry. Needs to happen in community, in interaction with others. Requires attitudes that value the personal and intellectual growth of oneself and of others. Deweys ideas and the idea of professional reflection were developed in the 1980s with the Schons (1983) new concepts of reflection-in-action and reflection on action. Schon stressed the relationship between reflection and experience and distinguished between `reflection-on- action and `reflection-in-action. While reflection in action can be described as the reflection done during the action, reflection on action is done after the action. Griffiths (2000) stated that, reflection both in and after action is important in order to evaluate and moderate intuitive practice. Another distinction about the types of reflection is done by Van Manen (1995). He stated that the simplest forms of reflection that regularly occur in teacher education take place before, during, and after teaching, and Van Manen defines them as anticipatory, contemporaneous, and retrospective types of reflection. 2.2 Reflective Practice Jaworski (1998) defined reflective practice as a rather thoughtful way of teaching, evaluating what occurs and feeding into future planning without a demand for overt, critical, knowledgeable action (p.7). Similarly, Schon (1983) defined reflective practice as thoughtfully considering ones own experiences in applying knowledge to practice while being coached by professionals in the discipline. According to Pollard (2005), reflective teaching implies an active concern with aims and consequences as well as means and technical competence (p15). He stated the seven main characteristics of reflective practices as follows: I think instead of listing them in this way, you should combine these in a paragraph. You may use most of your expressions below, but put them through a flow in the paragraph. Reflective teaching implies an active concern with aims and consequences, as well as means and technical efficiency. Reflective teaching is applied in a cyclical or spiraling process, in which teachers monitor, evaluate and revise their own practice continuously. Reflective teaching requires competence in methods of evidence-based classroom enquiry, to support the progressive development of higher standards of teaching. Reflective teaching requires attitudes of open-mindedness, responsibility and wholeheartedness. Reflective teaching is based on teacher judgment, informed by evidence- based enquiry and insights from other research. Reflective teaching, professional learning and personal fulfillment are enhanced by dialogue with colleagues. Reflective teaching enables teachers to creatively mediate externally developed frameworks for teaching and learning. McKenna (1999 as cited in Jay and Johnson, 2002) listed the characteristics of practitioner who is reflective by saying he; focuses on some dimension of their pedagogy; sees that dimension from a variety of perspectives using techniques of reframing and reflective listening; and engages in dialogue with their peers in order to illuminate the boundaries and frames of thought which limited their current perspective, with the goal being to take action based on a thorough and reflective understanding of events, alternatives, and ethics (p. 13). Again, you have page number but where the quote begins and ends (quotation marks) is missing. Instead, you should write these in your own words in a paragraph. 2.3 Studies on reflection and reflective practice Try to avoid talking about the article. Instead, talk about the study or the ideas presented. Griffiths (2000), discussed the term reflection as it relates to teachers and teacher education. She drew particularly on Schons (YEAR) definitions of two types of reflection, which are reflection-in-action and refection-on-action. In the article, differing definitions of reflection and their inter-relationship are explored, and how these relate to courses of initial teacher education in a variety of countries and cultural contexts is discussed. In addition to this, questions about the value and purpose of reflection were also raised, especially in the context of its practical relevance to teacher education. Another study is done by Jay and Johnson (2002) who explored the facets of reflection. They provided a typology designed to guide teacher educators in teaching reflection to pre-service teachers. After a short review on reflection, they defined the term reflection, reflection process and its content, and the typology of reflection is presented. The profile of typology consisted of three dimensions of reflective thought which are descriptive, comparative, and critical. In her article Frid (2000) discussed that although it has framed many mathematics teacher education practices in the last decade, it has ultimately not had substantial impact on classroom practices yet. Therefore she examined some reasons for this lack of impact. In the article, the stages and foci of teacher development are underlined from the stage of beginning student teacher to an autonomous teacher. In this paper the importance of broadening and embracing constructivist pedagogy more fully were mentioned in order to provide ways for the development of student teachers as professionals who have technical knowledge and skills as well as capacities for life long learning, flexibility and autonomy. Jaworski (2006) defined teaching as learning practice and she addressed the challenge of developing theory in relation to the practices of mathematics teaching and its development. She specially dealt with inquiry in mathematics learning, mathematics teaching and the development of practices of teaching in communities involving teachers and educators. Jaworski handle the inquiry as a tool which can lead to developing inquiry as a way of being when practiced as part of a community, in which members collaborate, as learners to develop their practice. The paper offered some ways for mathematics teaching development. In his writing, Farell (2008) described the foundations and components of reflective practice to facilitate the use of this approach among educators who work with adult English language learners. He firstly defined the reflective practice by giving briefly the related research and then he mentioned about practice, by discussing some techniques and tools such as action research, teaching journals, teaching development groups. He further discussed the continuum of reflection and how can teachers engage in the reflective practices in order to make continuous development in their career. As Frid (2000) and Jaworski (2006) mentioned, it is easy to set relationship between constructivism, inquiry method and reflective practices. The importance of reflective teaching is a central component for designing teaching and learning experiences for teachers. (Lowery, 2003, p.23). According to Van Manen (1995) in everyday life, the practice of pedagogy can only be reflective in a qualified and circumscribed sense (p.35). Reflective practice occurs when teachers consciously take on the role of reflective practitioner, subject their own beliefs about teaching and learning to critical analysis, take full responsibility for their actions in the classroom, and continue to improve their teaching practice (Farrell, 2008; Jay Johnson, 2002). Teachers can engage in these reflective practices in a constructivist manner in any time they need to develop themselves. 2.4. Developing a reflective practice-empirical research studies It is evident that there is an emphasis on the literature that reflection is strongly related with experience, in other words practice. Van Manen (1995) raised some questions about the meaning and place of practical reflection in teaching and about the relation between knowledge and action in teaching. He underlined the importance of reflective thinking which has a complex array of cognitively and philosophically distinct methods and attitudes. He defined different reflection profiles namely retrospective reflection on (past) experiences, anticipatory reflection on (future) experiences, and contemporaneous reflection. He raised the questions considering different cases, such as for novice teachers, experienced teachers, and explains the different findings in different occasions. In her article Lowery (2003) mentioned the importance of reflective teaching in providing development in teacher knowledge and research results that defines the reflective thinking as distinguishing strategy between experienced and novice teachers. She discussed the importance of teacher reflection; she describes the three-level plan to promote reflective teaching, which are understanding the importance of reflective thinking, implementing reflective strategies the reflective cycle and developing a reflective venue. Another study was performed by Loughran. Loughran (2002) examined the nature of reflection and to suggest how it might become effective reflective practice that can be developed and enhanced through teacher preparation programs, He underlined the inefficiency of experience alone is mentioned and importance of reflection for learning. The main message he gave in the article that, if learning through practice matters, then reflection on practice is crucial, and teacher preparation is the obvious place for it to be initiated and nurtured (p.42). 2.4.1. Reflective Practice among Preservice Teachers In their article, Harford and MacRuairc (2008) reported on the study they performed among twenty preservice teachers with the aim of examining the use of peer-videoing in the classroom as a tool to promote reflective practice among student teachers. The pre-service teachers who were participated in the study were from a variety of subject disciplines participating in a Post-Graduate Diploma in Education program in an Irish university. They defined the purpose of this paper as to contribute to the international debate over best practice in supporting, encouraging and scaffolding reflective practice. The findings of the study indicated that the use of peer videoing in the classroom has a powerful function as a catalyst for reflection and critical dialogue among teachers. In another study, Kullman (1998) focused on what transpired during a mentor training course in Hungary. This mentor training course involved prospective mentors and student English Language teachers. In the course, role plays proved to be the stimulus for an exploration of how far the model of mentoring commonly promoted takes sufficient account of contextual factors. He discussed the mentors roles, the ways in helping student teachers reflect on their classroom experience and how to promote reflection in relation with the contextual factors. The study of Lee (2005) has the purpose of investigating how the process of reflective thinking develops in preservice teachers and reviewing the criteria for assessing reflective thinking. Lee performed the study with the participants who enrolled as juniors in a secondary mathematics program in Korea. The data were collected by interviews, observations and written documents such as survey questionnaires and journal entries. Reflections of preservice teachers are assessed from two perspectives, one of them is content and the other one is depth. In the study, it is found that reflective thinking depends on personal background, field experience contexts, and the mode of communication. The criteria for depth of reflection are defined as recall, rationalization and reflective levels. In her article McDuffie (2004) reported on the study which has the aim of investigating the pre-service teachers thinking with regard to reflective processes and how they use their pedagogical content knowledge in their practices. The case study was done with two elementary preservice teachers during their student teaching internship program. She found that the pre-service teachers use their pedagogical content knowledge in anticipating problematic events and in reflecting on problematic events in instruction. She further founded that the limited amount of pedagogical content knowledge and lack of confidence had effect on the pre-service teachers reflection while in the act of teaching; therefore they were more likely to reflect on their practices outside of the act of teaching. 2.4.2. Reflective Practice among Novice Teachers In the literature, the amount of studies done with expert teachers and preservice teachers is greater than that of novice teachers. In one of these studies Roehrig et. al. (2008) conducted a grounded theory analysis in order to explore the potential for mentoring to support novice teachers use of effective teaching practices. The study was conducted with six beginning primary teachers in the US, and with their mentors. The data were collected by means of survey, interview, and observation. The results of data analysis revealed that some factors, other than type of mentoring program were related to beginning teachers success in improving classroom practices. It was found that more effective beginning teachers mentors had more experience as mentors and were more effective teachers than other mentors. In addition to this, more effective beginning teachers communicated more with mentors, more accurately self-reported use of effective teaching practices, and were more open to mentoring. Another study with novice teachers was performed by Cavanagh and Prescott (2010). They reported on their study that was conducted with three beginning secondary mathematics teachers. The aim of the study was to interpret how beginning teachers reflective practices developed during a one-year university teacher education program and concurrent professional fieldwork experience or practicum. The data were collected through the interviews during the practicum and once more in their first year. A three-stage, hierarchical model of reflective practice of Lee was used to interpret the interview responses. Results of the study revealed that the participants showed improvement in their ability to reflect on their teaching during the practicum. 2.4.3 Reflective Practice among Expert teachers One of the studies performed with expert teachers is done by Curtis and Szestay (2005). They reported on the learning outcomes of experienced teachers who attended a program designed to enable them to come together and engage in professional development through structured and systematic reflective practice. They used both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis methods. As a quantitative data collection method, they used questionnaire and as qualitative methods, they used one-to- one, face-to-face audio recorded interviews. They interviewed with seven past seminar participants, three primary school teachers, three high school teachers and one middle school teacher. Six themes emerged from the teacher responses. These are, renewed enthusiasm for teaching, looking at teaching with fresh eyes, shifts in understanding teaching, becoming more reflective and aware as teachers, enhancing the quality of student learning and building professional communities. As another study, Jaworski (1998) discussed the study of teacher researchers undertaking research into their own mathematics teaching at the secondary level. The study used qualitative methods to explore the processes and practices of Mathematics Teacher Enquiry (MTE) project research. Two important considerations were the special nature of mathematics in this research, and the role of external researchers in the MTE project. In this study, the teachers were seen as reflective practitioners, who develop knowledge and awareness through enhanced metacognitive activity. Their research was characterized as evolutionary, in contrast with established patterns of action research. This study reveals the fact that, teachers researches have commonalities and some differences, and these results provide potential for the development of mathematics teaching. In her article, Walshaw (2010) dealt with the ways of understanding what structures a teachers narrative about his practice. This study was a part of the larger project that represented the New Zealand component of the international Learners Perspective Study (LPS) and on one teachers reflections on a sequence of algebra lessons at the secondary school level, in a larger project. The data were collected through classroom video records, interviews with and classroom researcher observations. As a result of the project, Walshaw pointed out that reflections are more than instruments of change; they are also instruments of social reproduction. Zaslavsky and Leikin (2004) performed a study with junior and senior high school mathematics teachers with the aim of analyzing the processes encountered by the teacher educators, as members of a community of practice, which contributed to their growth as teacher educators. In addition to this, thy aimed at testing their theoretical three-layer model of growth through practice in special context, which is professional development of mathematics teacher educators. The study was conducted as grounded theory approach within in-service professional development program. In another study, Farell (2001) reported on the study that he performed with one non-native speaker, a teacher of English as a foreign language in Korea, during a 16-week period with the aim of understanding what the teacher talked about in the three modes of reflection: group meetings, individual meetings and what she wrote about in her journal; and what was the level of her reflection in each activity: descriptive or critical. The results of the study revealed that the teacher shows a clear preference for group discussions as her method of reflection over the other two activities: journal writing and classroom observations. 2.4.4 Summary of literature review on teachers reflection and reflective practice From the literature review, we can summarize the following statements. To begin with, the theory and practice division is dominant in the literature related to the reflection and reflective practice. Secondly, it is learned from literature that, reflective practice is a valuable and important component in teacher development. It is promoted to be included in preservice teachers education program as well as in-service teacher development programs. Thirdly, when we look at the literature from the aspects of tools and methods in order to promote reflective practices, we see that reflective journal writing, use of videos, observations, peer observations, reflective dialogue are the most common preferred ways. Another thing that attracts our attention in the literature review is that it relates constructivism and inquiry with reflective practices of teachers. As a last statement, we can mention on the literature which emphasize on the social aspect of reflections. The literature review on reflective practices of teachers revealed some further research needs. First of all, studies are needed regarding how the incorporation of effective ways in a continuous development program be achieved so that teachers benefits from these practices. In addition to this, some research would be beneficial on collaborative reflective practices of teachers on their teaching area as well as on teaching in general. Further, the role of scaffolding in developing teachers reflective practices can also be a study area. Some research on assessing the effectiveness of reflective practices would be beneficial. From the literature review it is seen that that reflection is a hallmark for development of teachers and for providing quality in teaching; it should be given importance to provide development of teachers both in undergraduate programs and continuous education programs. CHAPTER III:  METHODOLOGY 3.1 The research site The present research is a qualitative study using elementary teachers reflective practices. The study will be conducted with two elementary teachers in one private elementary school in Ankara. Two mathematics programs, namely Primary Years Math Program (PYP-math) and mathematics program designed by Ministry of National Education (MoNE) have been integrated in this school in 2010. There are approximately 100 staff including coordinator, principle and vice principals, teachers, counselors, program development expert, and measurement and evaluation expert in this school. The school has approximately 700 students from kindergarten to 8th grade. There are four sections at each grade level. The school starts at 8.30 in the morning and finishes at 15.35 and teachers are to be at school during whole week between these hours except for one half day in a week. In addition to these, for Tuesdays and Thursdays the working time extends to 17.00 and all the meetings and workshops are planned in this period. The school is implementing a new program for two years for K5 grades. This program is called Primary Years Program (PYP), which is a part of International Baccalaureate Program (IB) developed by International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO). The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) was established in 1968 and is a non-profit, international educational foundation registered in Switzerland. The PYP is based on the inquiry and thematic in nature. Teachers teaching the same grade level come together and develop six transdisciplinary thematic units to be covered during whole year. 3.2 The Overall Research Design of the Study The data will be collected by means of reflective journals, in-depth interviews and lesson observations. When we look at the literature from the aspects of methods in order to be used for data collection for teachers reflective practices, we see that observations and interviews are very commonly preferred (Cavanagh and Prescott, 2010; Curtis and Szestay, 2005; Lee, 2005, Roehrig et. al., 2008). In addition to this, journal writing is found a valuable tool in the literature to promote teachers reflective practices. (Farell, 2001, 2008; Lee, 2005) 3.3 The Participants Two elementary teachers will participate in the study. In the school, one group of elementary teachers teaches to the grades 1-3 and the other group teaches to the grades 4 and 5. The participants of the study will be selected from those who generally teach to 4th and 5th grades since in these grade levels, mathematics content is more intensive when compared to lower grade levels. The participants will be selected according to number of years in teaching in school and teaching experience overall. Teachers having five to fifteen years of experience will be preferred as participants. Classroom teachers are all female in this school; therefore the participants will be female. 3.4 Data Collection Procedure The participants will be interviewed in the beginning of the process in order to gather general information about them as teachers. After that, their lessons will be observed within at least five whole observation cycles, including five pre-interview sessions, five lesson observations and five post-interview sessions. The lessons will be video-taped and participants will be provided a copy of each observed lesson video in order to make reflection on it before coming to the post-interview session. Each of the observation cycles will be completed in two weeks, therefore the observation cycle process will last about ten weeks. In addition to this, the participants will keep reflective journal during these ten weeks and the journal entries will be checked at the end of each observation period. The general design of the data collection procedure is in the Table 3.1. Table 3.1 Data collection procedure Week 1 Initial General Interview Week 2 3 Observation Cycle 1 Reflective Journal Entries Literature Review: Medical Research on Schizophrenia Literature Review: Medical Research on Schizophrenia Research is a way of developing a better understanding of a specific chosen area which can help improve further studies within the chosen subject. An interesting subject to research is a mental health condition known as schizophrenia and how it affects people within modern society. This specific mental health topic was chosen due to personal reasons and also as a professional interest. This research paper will help gather more information and knowledge toward the understanding of the illness to help progress further within the mental health care industry. In an article published by Medical News Today (2014) Nordqvist (2014) it describes schizophrenia as a mental health disorder which affects the brain and causes delusions, confusions, social withdrawal, psychosis, loss of personality and can also cause the patient to portray some unusually bizarre behaviour. MNT (2014) also states that this disease of the brain will normally hit a person during their late adolescent years or early adulthood years, but goes on to stress that it can affect anyone at any given time of their life. According to research gathered by the National Institute of Mental Health (2014) a person suffering with schizophrenia will have to cope with the symptoms for life but, treatment can relieve many of these symptoms. The research information that was published by NIMH (2014) was secondary data founded and collected by medical professionals that study and research schizophrenia as a profession. The study that was conducted is known as an epidemiology study (a study of patterns of disease within the community or population) and was used to collect the primary data through participant observation and surveys (patient 2014). In recent research studies it is suggested that one in three people to every 100 in the UK suffer with schizophrenia according to statistics provided by Mind (2014). This works out around 220,000 people living in Wales and England and around 24,000,000 worldwide suffer with this illness (RC Psych 2012). These figures founded for this particular research paper are qualitative (open questionnaires) and quantitative (numerical information collected through closed questions) based as they were done through doing surveys and questionnaires on the population of the UK society having home treatment and therapies to help deal with their mental health condition. They are also only based on people living at home with the condition so it excludes people who are confined to prison or within a mental health hospital so as one could imagine the statistics will be much larger in numbers than this. All these statistics come from reliable sources as the figures come from the amount of patients that a re being treated by medical professionals, and they are then reported back to the government so that they are able to collect this information and record the figures accurately through the quantitative data gathered by the researches. In 2009 Gattaz (2009) did a study examining the link between schizophrenia and the sufferer’s urbanicity. This study was carried out during 20 different studies (known as a systematic review, where more than one case is studied, Saha et al 2005) in Western Europe and at the end of it Gattaz (2009) came to the conclusion that the longer a person living in that kind of environment is exposed to urban residence the higher their risk of developing schizophrenia was. This study was ethical in its research as the subjects were all demographically similar with their age, gender, sex and migrant status being within the same range. However during this investigation one of the major methodological (which is the way the researcher would go about discovering the knowledge in a systematic way) (Killam, 2013) implications of conducting the study into the relationship between the neighbourhood and schizophrenia was the timing of the individuals exposure. This was discovered when March et al (2008) assessed and reviewed the study and looked into the validity and the reliability of the study (the quality and the accuracy of the results). This study then becomes unreliable and inconclusive due to the unethical approach which means the hypothesis to this research can be researched again through a more in-depth approach. Kelly et al (2009) conducted research in order to find if there is a link between schizophrenia and urbanity. This was a longitude study spanning over several years. The subjects were identified by attending psychiatric services within an urban catchment of Dublin during the period of 1995 – 1998 where subjects from North East Ireland were also identified. The population used was 171 during the period of 1995 – 1998 and 153 subjects during the period of 1995 – 2001. All cases bar one were ethically Irish and all were male. The researchers collected qualitative data by means of face to face interviews. The research found that males were almost twice as likely to suffer from schizophrenia in urban areas, in comparison to males in rural areas. However, incidences of psychosis were lower in urban areas in comparison to the rural counterparts. This research found that the results suggested that males were 48% more like to suffer from schizophrenia This research did highlight the risks of schizophrenia when living in urban areas. However, this study gives a biased conclusion as all subjects were male and Irish. This research could not be used to generalise the risk cross culturally. Research involving an even ratio of male and female, also an even ratio of ethnicity would probably give a less biased result. One website named as Schizophrenia (2010) Dr Ira Glick breaks down the etiologic pathway to explain the way that schizophrenia sets in. Etiologic is a medical research term, it is important as the collected information gathers evidence for the investigation into the causes of such illnesses and diseases (Miettinen 2011). The research described on the website schizophrenia (2010) goes on to suggest that schizophrenia starts with the early environmental insults which is the genetic predisposition where, this will then lead onto the neurodevelopmental abnormalities and target features. The later environmental insults start with the further brain dysfunction and schizophrenia which will then lead to the onset of psychosis which is the neurodegeneration and schizophrenia. The study shows that ever growing research suggests that schizophrenia could possibly be prevented whilst the mother is pregnant with their child or, in the early stages of childhood. This could be a good thing because a s many other research studies suggest, schizophrenia runs in the family and that deformed genes are passed down hereditary through the family (NHS 2012). RC Psych (2014) online research website has recently been looking into research suggesting that schizophrenia is linked with the misuse of the illegal drug known as cannabis. These studies suggested that there is a clear strong link between the two with the early use of cannabis and the later mental health issues in those with a genetic vulnerability. Not only was it found that schizophrenia is linked with cannabis misuse but also another mental health issue known as bipolar disorder. According to RC Psych (2014) there is now sufficient evidence that the younger the person is misusing cannabis the higher the chances are of developing the condition later on in life. So in other words they are stating that the more cannabis smoked by an individual the more susceptible the individual is in developing the illness. Another research that has been studied between people who suffer with schizophrenia and healthy individuals asks the question ‘Is there a difference between the perception of emotional and non-emotional facial expression affected the same within healthy individuals and those who suffer with the mental health illness?’ The results from this study showed that patients suffering with schizophrenia showed impairments in the recognition of identity compared to the groups of young and old healthy individuals. Similarly though it found that old healthy individuals have the impairment of learning new faces the same as experienced in the ability of patients with schizophrenia recognising the learning of new faces (Silver 2014). The method used in this research was through direct observation where the participant’s behaviour was observed by the person conducting the research. In one of the largest studies to ever be undertaken, scientists believe they are closer than ever before in understanding the complex interplay between a person’s upbringing and their genes that can result in schizophrenia (independent 2014). Within this study the group of Psychiatrists analysed the DNA of 37,000 schizophrenic patients with completely different backgrounds and found that 128 independent genes located at 108 different locations in the human chromosomes significantly contribute the susceptibility of developing schizophrenia, whereas before 83 of these have never been previously linked to the condition. This research study will hopefully prove to be a breakthrough in understanding and hopefully finding a cure one day for the illness. Larsson et al (2012) conducted research into the use of counselling for individuals suffering from schizophrenia. The research methodology was analysing how eight psychologists talk about and around the topic of schizophrenia to patients by using semi structured interviews. This allowed the researchers to gather qualitative data. Each participant signed a consent form to and were fully briefed in regards to what date was being collected for research. This ensured that all research methods were completed ethically. Larsson et al (2012) concluded that the use of psychology in diagnosing schizophrenia is heavily underrated, The diagnosis of schizophrenia is almost unheard of in counselling psychology literature. Researchers stated that â€Å"conflicting, theories about the cause and nature of schizophrenia have arisen as outlined by Geekie and Read (2009). These include evolutionary theories, psychodynamic and psychoanalytical, life event theories, sociological and anthropological and philosophical and existential theories.† The research concluded that counselling along with medication brought something different to the treatment of schizophrenia. However, there was a danger of counselling pathologising the individual further. Counselling has been identified as being underepresented in the treatment of schizophrenia. Counselling was identified as being underrepresented within the NHS in general. Further research using counselling and medication for individuals with schizophrenia could prove to be very informative in treating an individual. However, with NHS budgets getting cut, this could prove to be a barrier in effectively treating individuals with schizophrenia. In the conclusion to the researches named above the most important thing is finding the key main factor that causes the illness to help in finding a treatment to try and prevent it, keep it at bay or possibly cure it. As research is put into place to help improve a better quality of life for persons suffering with conditions such as schizophrenia all the individuals taking part need to be treated equally therefore these studies need to be ethical in their research to help get a better understanding. Correct training of staff in hospitals, institutes, and self help groups would be of a beneficial factor but these are not cost effective and will cause the government to be paying out expenses for all aspects of the path that needs to be taken in getting there. On the other hand if a better understanding and knowledge of the condition was available to the sufferers then this could keep the cost down as the patients may not be afraid to seek help which can result in them leading a normal and healthy life the same as the next person, being able to get an education behind them, work, get a social life without feeling out casted due to the ignorance of mental health within society (Kings College London 2009). There are so many different theories in the causes and implications on schizophrenia there will be researches going on for a very long time in trying to establish the true cause of the condition. From the research gathered above if society and medical professionals were more educated on mental health illnesses such as schizophrenia then there wouldn’t be as many problems and research into the condition would become easier as sufferers won’t feel as though they are being judged because of the condition but will feel more that there is help out there for them. References: Cannabis and Mental health (2014) Available online at: http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/mentalhealthinformation/mentalhealthproblems/alcoholanddrugs/cannabisandmentalhealth.aspx Accessed on 24/11/2014 Causes of schizophrenia (2012) Available online at: http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Schizophrenia/Pages/Causes.aspx Accessed on 25/11/2014 Crawford et al (2012) Report of the National Audit of Schizophrenia (NAS), RCP: London DNA hope on schizophrenia: Research breakthrough points at over 100 genes (20143) http://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/health-news/dna-hope-on-schizophrenia-research-breakthrough-points-at-over-100-genes-9619638.html Accessed on 27/11/2014 Epidemiology (2014) Available online at: http://www.patient.co.uk/doctor/schizophrenia-pro Accessed on 27/11/2014 Kelly, B. OCallaghan, E. Waddington, J. Feeney, L. Browne, S. Scully, P. and Clarke, M. et al (2010) Schizophrenia and the City: A Review of Literature and Prospective Study of Psychosis and Urbanicity in Ireland: Schizophrenia Research 116(1), pp. 75-89. Killam, L (2013) Research Terminology simplified: Paradigms, Axiology, Ontology, Epistemology and Methodology, Sudbury: Author Kings College London (2009) Excellence in Mental Health Care: Putting Evidence into Practice, Achievement of Excellence, London: Kings Health Partners, pp. 1 Larsson, P. Loewenthal, D and Brooks, O. (2012) Counselling psychology and schizophrenia: A critical discursive account. Counselling Psychology Quarterly 25(1), pp. 31-47. Meittinen, O.S (2011) Epidemiological Research: Terms and Concepts, London: Springer Mental Health Problems (2014) Available online at: http://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/statistics-and-facts-about-mental-health/how-common-are-mental-health-problems Accessed on 26/11/2014 Nordqvist, C (2014) What is schizophrenia. Available online at: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/36942.php Accessed on 27/11/2014 Saha, S (2005) Systematic Review of the Prevalence of Schizophrenia. Available online at: http://www.plosmedicine.org/article/info%3Adoi%2F10.1371%2Fjournal.pmed.0020141 Accessed on 25/11/2014 Silver, H. Bilker, W (2014) Social Cognition in Schizophrenia and Healthy Aging: Differences and Similarities The path to Schizophrenia (2010) Available online at: http://schizophrenia.com/hypo.php Accessed on 25/11/2014 What is schizophrenia (2014) Available online at: http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/schizophrenia/index.shtml Accessed on 27/11/2014

Kwanpen Case Study

Consumer Behavior: Singapore and desire for luxury: Singapore is among the top 10 destinations for luxury brands worldwide (69% of all usury retailers present). Luxury stores are present everywhere in the city more particularly In Orchard Road and shopping centers. Between 2006 and 2010, sales of luxury goods grew by 18% 1. Even if the sales have slowed down during the scrolls of 2009, they rose again In 2010 The luxury goods become more and more popular whatsoever watches, clothes or handbags.One of the mall reasons of this trend Is the growth of high-income households. The annual disposable incomes above US $75,000 increased by 4% between 2006 and 2010, so more Singapore are able to afford luxury goods. On the other hand their awareness to luxury brands (especially European ones) increased significantly. Luxury brands take more and more importance in lifestyle magazines and all others advertising mediums. We know that usually Asian people attach importance to the image. When they b uy a product they think about the image returned by this product.Many business men and women, with high Incomes, deal with foreign clients; they want to present a groomed Image. That Is the reason why they are willing to buy luxury products. Other high-income earners In Singapore are the experts. They tend to buy luxury goods and then Influence the local trends and the way Singapore see luxury products. This desire to own luxury brands coupled to high incomes and advertising presence in Medias will maintain and increase the demand for luxury brands. Luxury companies expected to benefit from important sales over the forecast period.However, growth of luxury goods seems not be able to affect non-luxury products, because most Singapore are still prudent with their spending. Why Singapore prefer global brands instead of local brands? 2 â€Å"Rider's digest trusted brand survey 2008†, 23 April 2011, My Paper According to the newspaper â€Å"My Paper† market survey, 26% of S ingapore favor local brands (so 74% favor global brands)2. Even if there are many strong local brands such as Tiger or Singapore Airlines the support of home- growth brands Is very low.So we will try to understand why Singapore have a preference for global brands instead of local brands. The mall reasons that come In mind are that Singapore attach a lot of Importance to their Image. The 2 notions of status and belonging are key points of the Asians consumer behavior. Singapore is a modern society Tanat Keeps peep collectivist relations slantingly. The Singapore society is highly, individuals are strongly sensible of their place thin the group, institution or society as a whole, and their attitude, dress and speech corresponding to their status.They are extremely fussy about the need to keep their dignity. They attach great attention to the choice of products; prices, brand and presentation should reflect its own social status. As to personal appearance, color, material and style of clothing, they must match the social status that defines the age, sex, occupation†¦ Singapore wear luxury goods show to others that you are part of high class. The quality of the product has less importance than the image that the brand will reflect. Awaken has the opposite positioning in Singapore.Belonging It is essential for Asian people to be accepted by his peers and the fear of rejection, exclusion, is intense, creating a need to always be part of the trendy and fashionable group. Singapore have a different approach of buying luxury goods compare to westerns people. They buy this kind of product to be a part of a group, because the trend is to buy western fashion products. It is a consequence of the westernizes. PERSONAL We can compare the Moscow pyramid of the western people and the one of Asian people.It appears that personal need which is very strong in western societies sonnets exist in Asians societies. Status Self-actualization SOCIAL Admiration Affiliation Belongin g Prestige Safety PHYSICAL Physiological The statement that Singapore prefer global brands can be contradicted by the fact that there are only a few Singapore brands, so we have the feeling that Singapore do not support their own brands. But in many industries and especially in the fashion industry, local brands suffer from the comparison with global brands.For the case of Awaken it is obvious that the brand is subjected to this specific consumer behavior. But in an other hand Awaken achieved to succeed n Hong Kong, a very similar market than Singapore. We can explain this by many facts. First Awaken is not seen as a local brand in Hong Kong, they overcame the Asian consumer behavior difficulties. We will now explain what the main defaults of the brand which prevent Awaken to succeed in Singapore. Brand equity & Obstacles 10 netter unreason ten salmonella's customer Attlee towards Awaken, lets study the key components of Awakener's brand equity.Thanks to the brand equity definition, 3 keys have to be taken in considerations: â€Å"The differential effect†, â€Å"the brand knowledge† and â€Å"the consumer response to marketing†. In the luxury market, the differentiation is based on what the brand reflects to the costumer and less on what the product is. Awaken is trying to differentiate himself from his competitors on the product characteristics (handmade, crocodile skin†¦ ). The Awakener's differentiation strategy is not appropriate with the luxury market where the differentiation is done through the brand image since the quality is implicit.Therefore there is a lack into the Awakener's brand equity. Since the three keys of the brand equity are pretty linked, the brand knowledge is weakened such as the consumer response to marketing. In order to give some recommendations to Awaken, it's relevant to focus on the sources of brand equity in order to understand what goes wrong with Awaken. There are three sources of brand equity that are : brand association, brand awareness and brand accessibility The brand awareness is the extent for a customer to recognize a brand and its elements.Awaken does not have a lot of brand awareness. Indeed, as our opinion poll pinpointed only 21% of the people do know that the brand exists. Moreover only 8% of the people recognized the brand logo and 59% did not really like it. Therefore it's hard to create a favorable attitude toward the brand and receptiveness to the message. The accessibility of the shops reinforces the brand awareness. Accessibility is how easy it is or how easy it seems to be, for customers to interact with and to purchase the brand.In the case of Awaken this component of the brand equity is well done since the number of point of sales correspond to such a product ‘E: one or two maximum in each principle market. This kind of strategy with a very exclusive distribution channel is very efficient especially in the luxury business. However the flags ships are a b it less luxurious and with less mantra than the other brands. For all those reasons, even if the accessibility is a drawback and could be improved. The last source of brand equity is the brand association. Brand association is relative to past experience between the customer and the brand.Product use and advertisement are the basis of this concept. As Awaken is not wildly spread in Singapore and does not do any advertisement, the costumer cannot easily associate the brand to anything. According to our opinion poll, it's clear that a large majority (79%) of the costumers does not have any mental association for this brand since they don't know the brand. For those that know the brand (21%) the mental map is as follow: As we can see on the mental map ( appendices B) all the associations that are made with the brand are very material and none is related to brand universe, Which is a basic feature in the luxury market.Now lets consider the uniqueness of the selling proposition that is à ¢â‚¬  fashionable, handmade and high quality crocodile product that last for life†. This positioning is quiet unique and in one hand can be a compelling reason to buy product from the brand but in the other hand in this market it's debatable whether this proposition is efficient. Indeed, the kind of costumer that buy products for the quality are not focus on fashion and are more likely to appreciate very classic model with a style that will last over the years.Last but not least the colors are too flashy for such a proposition ii a 30 years old woman can appreciate a pink purse but will it be ten same when seen Is pyramid of Awaken. Considering all tense International we can Dull As it appears on the pyramid some part of the pyramid are missing. Therefore we can conclude that the brand has not built a brand image yet. In Singapore their target market is very narrow. Indeed they target people with high incomes that are only looking for quality and don't care about consideratio ns such as: the image that is shown by the product.In Singapore people buy product to be part of a group and the rich people group like to buy European brands. Therefore the target market is very narrow. Recommendations Awakener's marketing strategy is not efficient. Gingersnap's market is a particularly one, as we pointed out in our first part. We do really think that Awaken should first redefine the target. The target is not clear, so the positioning does not match with the target expectations. So the positioning should be created for this specific target. Now, the positioning is focus on the product characteristics.But in a luxury market customers are less likely to buy a product for rational reasons (product's characteristics) than irrational ones (brand universe). So the key points on which Awaken should work salience, imagery, feelings and resonance, that is to say the missing points of the CUBE pyramid. Nowadays Awaken focus only on the product and the quality, they should de velop their brand. The brand is not valuable in Singapore. They do really have to work on the brand equity. The salience can be improved by the communications. As we mentioned Awaken do not use the media and either did not do any advertisements.So our recommendations to fix that would be to launch a communication campaign into specialized Medias, such as fashion magazines (Vogue, Ell†¦ ). We could also imagine exposing Awaken handbags in window-store in luxury hotel halls The biggest obstacle concerning the imagery is that Awaken is not seen as an international luxury brand. As explained before Singapore are more willing to buy global brands products instead of local rand's especially in the luxury market. Awaken cannot hide its Singapore origin, but the can make the customers forget about it.For instance they should hire western models instead of Asian ones and do brand endorsement with international stars which are particularly famous in Singapore. It will also show that the brand is well- known abroad. According to our opinion poll Awaken has no dominant â€Å"feeling†. They should develop the image of the brand so that they would be able to make the customer have specific feelings when they buy a handbag. The main feelings that must be developed are the social approval feeling that is common to almost all luxury brand and the security feeling to differentiate itself from its competitors.For instance they could associate themselves with a very famous international luxury watch company (as Jaeger Lecture or Role) to make crocodile skin bracelet. Consumer will associate the feelings of security and social approval of the watch brand with Awaken. And it will increase the international image of Awaken. The last feeling that Awaken should work on is the resonance. They should work on the brand universe to increase customer loyalty. Entering Into a Awaken snoop NAS to De a unlike experience. I nee should increase their shop standards.

Advanced Auditing Case 2.3

Advanced Auditing Case Assignment 2. 3 1. (a) When confirming year-end accounts receivable, auditors hope to accomplish the objective of obtaining evidence from third parties to evaluate the client’s assertions of year-end accounts receivable amounts. The client’s assertions that accounts receivable confirmation can effectively address are existence, rights, and valuation. b) When performing year-end sales cutoff tests, auditors hope to accomplish the objective of obtaining evidence from third parties to evaluate the client’s assertions of sales recorded for the period under audit. The client’s assertions that sales cutoff tests can effectively address are completeness and presentation. 2. Coopers & Lybrand made several significant errors of judgment in its effort to confirm the Wow Wee receivable at the end of 1995.These errors of judgment include ignoring or overlooking red flags including: the 69% change in the percentage of factored accounts receivable from 1994 to 1995, the $2. 4 million in sales to Wow Wee booked in the final day of fiscal 1995, the fact that Wow Wee is a manufacturing company, the fact that Wow Wee was left out of the top 25 customers list when it was among the top 5 based on recorded sales, and the clearly falsified bill of lading.Coopers & Lybrand failed to make the appropriate modifications to their planned audit procedures to examine these irregularities. Coopers & Lybrand also failed to follow up on the confirmation of the Wow Wee receivable that they accepted from Goldberg. These errors of judgment involve extreme negligence on the part of the auditors. I would classify these errors as reckless as there is no evidence to support that Coopers & Lybrand were involved in the fraud.I think that the auditors did not suspect that fraud would occur at Happiness Express in 1995 as they had previously audited Happiness Express in 1994 and rightfully issued an unqualified opinion. I think that the auditors believe d that these were simple mistakes that did not need to be further examined. The company’s revenue grew so significantly from 1994 to 1995 and because of this, I think that is was easy for the auditors to believe that the employees were simply overwhelmed by the company’s alarming growth and made mistakes as a result. . Yes Coopers & Lybrand should have confirmed the receivable from West Coast Liquidators at the end of fiscal 1995 because it represented 13%, a clearly material amount, of the total accounts receivable. They also should have included one or more of the sales to West Coast Liquidators in their year-end sales cutoff tests for 1995 as many of these transactions were booked in the final month of the fiscal year.Sales transactions occurring close to the end of the fiscal year are much more likely to be suspicious in nature or fraudulent than transactions occurring earlier in the year. 4. The alternative procedures that can be applied to a large receivable of a n audit client when a confirmation cannot be obtained include examination of subsequent cash receipts, the matching of such receipts with the actual items paid for, and examination of shipping, or other client documentation.The evidence provided by these methods may differ from the evidence provided by confirmation of a receivable depending on the client’s documentation of the transaction. Typically, in a company with proper internal controls and documentation, alternative procedures should be able to effectively address the same assertions that the confirmation of a receivable address. At very least, alternative procedures provide evidence for the existence assertion. 5. According to AU Section 317. 7, auditors should be aware of the possibility that illegal acts, such as insider trading, may have occurred however, an audit made in accordance with GAAS provides no assurance that illegal acts will be detected or that any contingent liabilities that may result will be disclose d. In the event that an auditor discovers evidence concerning the existence of possible illegal acts that could have a material indirect effect on the financial statements, they should apply audit procedures directed to ascertain whether an illegal act has occurred.

Gender Differences Between Gender And Sex - 1334 Words

Often times you go through life, being confused about what to wear, what to eat, or what you just learned in class. However, many people are constantly categorized to be confused about what their whole life and purpose is, because they cannot be placed in one of the two socially accepted gender categories- male or female. This idea or â€Å"disorder†(Medical Dictionary) is commonly known as being transgender. I do not think that there are only two categories for gender; I believe that there are people who are not considered to be only male or female, but both. Due to different religions, influences, social structures, and expectations, people can be put into hiding and therefore never establish a distinct and accepted place in society. In the ongoing controversy, I believe society continues to make the transgender community and essentially any other difference in humanity an uncomfortable subject, which is easily converted to the individual being confused about their social i dentity or gender. The difference between gender and sex, according to Marilyn Frye is that sex is based off of the biological make up of who you are. For example, what chromosomes you inhibit through DNA replication, and what genitalia you are born with. Gender refers to â€Å" behaviors, roles, expectations, and activities in society† (Medical News). According to Medical News Today, another unique aspect and trait that both gender and sex hold is that the differences in sexes do not vary throughout the world,Show MoreRelatedGender Differences Between Sex And Gender911 Words   |  4 Pages Now in our generation there has been great controversy about what gender you are and what kind of love you believe in. One thing many people fail to realize is that your gender and your designated sex are two completely different things. Not only is there that divide between sex and gender but there is pre-determined rules that everyone is expected to follow that is connected to their specific gender. Be cause gender is an ever-changing thing for some there needs to be the support for those wishingRead MoreDifferences Between Sex And Gender871 Words   |  4 PagesWith sex and gender being such a predominate factor in determining our position in society, it is difficult to hinder ourselves from distinguishing certain characteristics and attributes to be masculine (male) or feminine(female). Is is paramount to distinguish the differences between sex and gender. Sex is determined by our hormones and anatomy while gender is the social meanings, behaviors, and expectations attached to a given sex by society (Logg, Lecture Notes, Fall 2015). Generally speakingRead MoreDifference Between Sex and Gender1127 Words   |  5 Pagessociety, the in depth differences between sex and gender has grown to be one that is discussed extensively by psychologists and sociologists too. Sex in itself is a more scientific term that explains the innate physical attributes of an individual. On the other h and gender carries a more social tone. Meaning, that it refers to the different clothing, activities, career choices, and positions people hold in society. This essay aims to highlight some of the key differential aspects between these two concepts;Read MoreDifference Between Sex and Gender1134 Words   |  5 Pagessociety, the in depth differences between sex and gender has grown to be one that is discussed extensively by psychologists and sociologists too. Sex in itself is a more scientific term that explains the innate physical attributes of an individual. On the other hand gender carries a more social tone. Meaning, that it refers to the different clothing, activities, career choices, and positions people hold in society. This essay aims to highlight some of the key differential aspects between these two concepts;Read MoreDifferences Between Sex And Gender Essay1151 Words   |  5 PagesThere are distinct differences between Sex and Gender. Sex is divided up into two divisions , male or female, based upon their reproductive system. Gender is the notion set by society on what social behaviours are acceptable for males and females, for example the expectation that females are more caring or nurturing than men. Gender can be further divided into two subcategorise: identity and stereotype. Gender identity is the concept that your sex and gender do not have to be the same but can differentRead MoreDifference Between Sex And Gender2324 Words   |  10 PagesDifference Between Sex and Gender and How They Can Define Us A topic that has been heavily discussed throughout this course is the difference between sex and gender. For past several centuries the word gender has been used particularly as a substitute for sex and vice versa. It has proven to be quite a useful term in the past, however, distinctions between the terms sex and gender, in instances where one word would be more proper to use than the other, have not been fully recognized. In most instancesRead MoreThe Differences Between Sex And Gender1027 Words   |  5 Pages A major question in social science is the difference between sex and gender. Contrary to popular belief, sex and gender are not the same. Sex is defined as biological differences that make someone a male or female. On the other hand, gender is a social arrangement that defines how to act according to sex categories (Conley 2013). According to the writer and sociology professor, Dalton Conley, gender is so deeply rooted in social construction that it may seem as a natural st ructure of humans’ livesRead MoreDifferences Between Sex And Gender1498 Words   |  6 Pagespeople tend to confuse between sex and gender thinking that they’re the same thing. Sex is the two main categories of male and female into which humans and most other living things are biologically divided in. Gender however, is the state of being male or female and typically used with reference to social and cultural differences rather than biological ones. Children in the same family have different experiences in their interactions with their mothers and fathers. Such differences may teach childrenRead MoreDifferences Between Sex And Gender2408 Words   |  10 PagesThis essay will navigate the differences between sex and gender through definition and discourse. First I will discuss sex with reference to biology, what it means to possess the parts of a man and of a woman. Within this context I will address intersex people and will examine transgenderism. I will then explore and identify gender through a discussion of Gender Identity Disorder (GID) associated with transgenderism touching briefly on the construction of gender roles. The paper will criticallyRead MoreThe Difference Between Sex and Gender743 Words   |  3 PagesIn today s society sex and gender seem to have two separate connotative meanings. Sex is a more scientific term that explains physical traits and sexual preferences. Gender carries a more social tone. Meaning that it refers to the different clothing, activities, career choices, and positions people hold in society. A person s social status helps separate or classify the two sexes. brbrSex is the total sum of physical characteristics that distinguish males and females from each other. The most

Biography Of William Henry Gates IIi Essay - 1414 Words

Gates? William Henry Gates III was born in Seattle, Washington on October 28, 1955. He has always shown interest in computers since the age of 13 years old where he attended Lakeside School. Bill grew up in a upper middle class. He has two sisters named Kristianna and Libby. His mother’s name was Mary and his father was William Sir. Growing up Bill’s house hold was warm and close they were always encouraged to be competitive and strive for success. Bill was very close to his mother. Mary had a short career of being a teacher then later decided to stay at home with her children. Bill have always showed signs of be competitive and he also loved to read. He would read reference books such as encyclopedias.(Bio) Around 12 years Bill’s parents became concerned with his behavior he was doing good in school but seem to withdraw himself at times. At the age 13 Bill was enrolled in Seattle’s’ Prerparay Lakeside School. He did excellent in all his subjects. While attending school a Seattle company donated computers to the school. Bill became curious and entranced with the computer. Bill even designed a Tick-tac-Toe program for students to play against the computer. Bill right then knew his passion in life. While attending this school, he met his future partner Paul Allen. They both had their difference on things but they still were curious about inventing software. They both went in to business in1970 Bill was 15 yea rs old. They developed a program called Traf-O-Data this was toShow MoreRelated Bill Gates: One of America’s Greatest Essay1362 Words   |  6 Pagesthat make difference. Bill Gates has made a huge difference in today’s world; he is an extremely successful entrepreneur, an active philanthropist, and a very motivated person in general. With this motivation he has and will accomplish anything he puts his mind to. He was CEO of Microsoft and became the richest man in the world. He also created one of the most credible and generous charitable organization in the world. As a positive influence on today’s world, Bill Gates has proven himself as personRead MoreBill Gates Love of Computers749 Words   |  3 PagesBorn on October 28, 1955 in Seattle to an upper middle class family, William Henry Gates III began to show an earnest curiosity in computer programming at the age of 13. Gates pursued his interest in the programming field and then cofounded the worlds lea ding company in computer software. This did not happen overnight, yet Bills dedication and genius helped him create Microsoft. Now, while being at the top, Bill Gates keeps inspiring us by sticking with his company, bringing us the latest softwareRead MoreBill Gates: A Global Leader917 Words   |  4 Pageseffect in the way we live and see life. His name is William Henry Gate III or as we all know him as Bill Gates. William Henry Gate III was born in Seattle on 1955 and was raised in a wealthy family. His father was a successful attorney and his mother was a top executive at a national bank. This upbringing gave him the opportunity to study in the most prestige school on his state where he discovered his love for computers. The beginning While Bill Gates was at junior high a group of parents raise moneyRead MoreBill Gates: The Real Most Interesting Man in the World766 Words   |  3 Pagesother than William Henry â€Å"Bill† Gates III (Khan, â€Å"Gates, Bill 1955-â€Å"). Gates, a prosperous entrepreneur and technology mogul, has demonstrated both practical and IQ intelligence through both his experiences and successes in life. Gates’ upbringing and childhood accomplishments along with his professional achievements and fierce personality all contribute to his outlier status in American society. Gates, born in 1955, was one of three children of William Henry Gates II and Mary Gates. Due to hisRead MoreThe World s Most Successful Entrepreneur, The Bill Gates Essay1419 Words   |  6 Pagesmost successful entrepreneur, the Bill Gates (ranker.com). According to Forbes, Bill Gates is on the top as the richest man in the world and Forbes 400 list of successful entrepreneurs and 7th rank of the world’s most powerful people. Background of Bill Gates: (Ref 2 books) On October 28, 1955 in Seattle, Washington, Bill Gates was conceived as William Henry Gates III. His father was an accountant named William Henry Gates II and mother Mary Maxwell Gates. Bill was an extremely dynamic and lovedRead MoreBill Gates: A Very Inflenential and Famous Man Essay905 Words   |  4 Pages Bill Gates Bill Gates is one of the most influential, famous men in the world. He was one of the youngest and wealthiest man in the world. We’re not talking about the kind of influential that doesn’t influence your everyday life directly. Bill Gates has changed technology in so many way it’s almost impossible to list them all, and one of the most respected businessman to date. During the last decades of the twentieth century, software entrepreneur Bill Gates and his company Microsoft haveRead More Bill Gates Essay1359 Words   |  6 PagesBill Gates William Henry Gates, III was born October 28, 1955 in Seattle, Washington. He was the middle child of three born to William and Mary Gates. ATrey,@ as he was called because of the III, was sent to a private school by his father, a lawyer, and mother, a former teacher now on several prestigous boards (Moritz, 238). At age 13, Bill had completely taught himself programming after taking a computer studies class. After scoring a perfect 800 on the mathematics half of the SAT, he graduatedRead MoreBill Gates and How the World Was Effected by His Accomplishments1203 Words   |  5 PagesBill Gates How he effected the world with his accomplishments William Bill Gates III was born on October 28, 1955. He accomplished many unbelievable things, and highly influenced the people around him in many ways. In University, Bill Gates was known to be the smart computer nerd, who totally amazed all of his friends with his knowledge. One of the people that he had influenced the most was Steve Ballmer, current Microsoft s Chief Executive Officer, whose room was down the hall from BillRead More Bill Gates and how the world was effected by his accomplishments1166 Words   |  5 Pages Bill Gates How he effected the world with his accomplishments nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;William Bill Gates III was born on October 28, 1955. He accomplished many unbelievable things, and highly influenced the people around him in many ways. nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;In University, Bill Gates was known to be the â€Å"smart computer nerd,† who totally amazed all of his friends with his knowledge. One of the people that he had influenced the most was Steve Ballmer, current Microsoft’s Chief ExecutiveRead MoreBill Gates Essay1325 Words   |  6 PagesBill Gates We read books for a number of reasons but usually because we want to or we have to. When you pick up a book it falls into one of three types, dependent on whether it is a want to or a have to type of book. First theres the kind of book you pick up and like the look of but then the first chapter is so bad that you have to put it down because you are either too confused by the plot or you discover it has been written in some obscure untranslatable language. The second type is where

Inquiring Minds Want to Know 1 2 Essay - 869 Words

First and foremost for any case study, the reader must first understand what they are researching and why. Penton Media, a publisher of business trade magazines such as Industry Week, Machine Design, and Restaurant Hospitality, was the subject of this particular case study. Upon reading the case study on Penton Media, the reader learns that Penton Media has made great progress in the growth of their company through a six year period, 1992-1998, based on the research results provided. Ken Long, Penton Media’s Director, stated in 1998 that there was a growing belief that Penton Media was generating fewer services than in the past. In 1992, Penton Media was reaching out to their readers by having them request product information through†¦show more content†¦Upon defining the research question(s), the investigative questions need to be identified throughout the case study. For this case, the investigative questions are: What are the percentages of readers/subscribers us ing the reader service cards currently in comparison to the years past? If there is a decline detected in the usage of reader cards, what are the alternative methods that they are using to contact businesses and companies? Is there any way to implement different strategic means of these methods to enhance advertising revenue? After identifying the investigative questions, the management questions are the next step on the management-research question hierarchy. The management questions for this case include: Will Penton Media experience a decline in revenue due to the alternate methods of advanced advertising technology of customer inquiry stimulation? Penton Media will need to make a management decision is the last step for the hierarchy. In this case, Penton Media will need to decide whether to terminate the use of reader service cards in the magazines they advertise and replace the advertisements with alternate methods of advanced technology advertising. If they do decide to imple ment a more strategic technologically advanced method of advertisement, the readers and subscribers will be able to directly contact businesses and companies they are interested in on a presentShow MoreRelatedInquiring Minds Want to Know--Now! Question Seven Eight Essay820 Words   |  4 PagesCase Study Assignment Four: Inquiring Minds Want to Know--Now! Question Seven: Assume you are compiling your research report. How would you present the statistical information within this case to the Industry Week decision maker, the manager who must decide whether or not to continue to publish reader service cards? In the provided case study, Penton Media has performed a research study to determine consumer and industry interest in reader service cards, included in Penton publications (CooperRead MorePoem Analysis: Facing West from Californias Shores by Walt Whitman1879 Words   |  8 Pageshistory When I read a poem, I get an idea of what the author is trying to convey. When I read it again, it touches something within. The more times a poem is read, the more it grows within, until its very idea takes ground in some part or other in our mind, and only then is it fully understood. But because we all have different holds for the poem to grab on to, we all come from different backgrounds and even different times, how can we ever say â€Å"this is the correct way (to interpret it)†? The answerRead MoreInquiring And Analyzing The Problem984 Words   |  4 PagesInquiring and Analyzing What is the problem? 1.My Logo can’t be so big enough, I need to think some other patterns. 2.I don’t know how to draw it on computer. 3.I need more ideas. 4.I need to sure my personality is. 5.I don’t know how to design a thing. I never done it. Who is it a problem for? Myself. Where is the problem occurring? At the computer. What is the cause of the problem? The problem is I can’t use computer very well.Like how to find some similar to my logo’s picture, and how to use theRead MoreKants Transcendental Problem: How is Natural Science Possible?1403 Words   |  6 Pages(Kant 679R). Kant finds that we derive experience from concepts, this saves natural science by limiting it only to experience (Kant 688L). To prove this belief he creates the argument: 1. Necessarily, the mind or faculty of understanding contains categories of concepts {C1, C2, C3, †¦ , C12}. 2. Necessarily, if (1), then experience has features {F1, F2, F3, †¦, F12}. 3. Therefore, necessarily, experience has features {F1, F2, F3, †¦, F12}. Kant explains that concepts do not come from experienceRead MoreToyota Case Study : Toyota Company1309 Words   |  6 Pagesa division of Toyoda Automatic Loom Works gave to the creation of autos under the heading of the organizer s child, Kiichiro Toyoda. Kiichiro Toyoda had flown out to Europe and the United States in 1929 to examine car generation and had started inquiring about gas fuelled motors in 1930. In 1934, the division created its first Type an Engine, which was utilized as a part of the principal Model A1 traveler auto in May 1935 and the G1 in August 1935. Generation of the Model AA traveler auto began inRead More1.Write an Executive Summary of Your Marketing Plan for Alert Medical Bracelets1046 Words   |  5 Pageswith inquiring customers so they will help get the word out through word of mouth from experience. Last but not least we will post flyers out in the local business and the community for the target market. My Life Alert Bracelet will have to persuade the potential audience that they want and need our bracelet for the safety of their family or friends. In the process of being successful with our advertisement can create and also nurture a sense of I want and IRead MoreThe Etiquette Of Customer Service1601 Words   |  7 Pages There are justifiable situations that require customer service representatives to say â€Å"I’m sorry† without apologizing. Situations include: a plan benefit that is not covered, denial of a pre-authorization, or an appeal denial. Session#1 I’m Sorry When this occurs, there are phrases that you can consider utilizing to indicate acknowledgment of the situation. †¢ â€Å"I sympathize with your situation/frustration†. As customer service representatives, it is sometimes required for us to allowRead MoreCultural Symbolism Of Tattoos1134 Words   |  5 Pagesrealization that by having a tattoo a person is not entitled to be tawdry. People are beginning to have new outlooks on tattoos, the question remains though, why would someone want a tattoo? The pain of getting a tattoo is one of those feelings that you can’t seem to forget, especially if it’s your first tattoo. Why would anyone want to endure self- inflicted pain? That question is asked all of the time. The only answer is that receiving a tattoo, a person gains a sense an immediate feeling of self-approvalRead MoreThe Euthyphro, By Socrates And Euthyphro1733 Words   |  7 PagesEuthyphro, having the reputation of being divine and pious, told Socrates that he is indeed an expert in these matters relating to piety, but Socrates makes it his mission to prove Euthyphro wrong in the most indirect and clever way possible. Question: 1. In the Euthyphro, Socrates questions Euthyphro about his proposed course of action concerning his father. Explain in detail the reason given by Euthyphro. Answer: Socrates informs Euthyphro that he is being prosecuted by Meletus, who is chargingRead MoreMy Career Pl Paulo Coelho1673 Words   |  7 PagesMy Career Plan As Paulo Coelho puts it, â€Å"When you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it†. The moment I read this line in the book The Alchemist, I thought it did not make any sense. However, I later realized that what this quote means for me is that when I decide what I want, I just go for it. It took me some time to realize I wanted to be an accountant. I first had to learn about my weaknesses and strengths before knowing what career was right for me. My love

Research Method Advent of Technology

Question: Describe about the Research Method for Advent of Technology . Answer: Introduction: Background With the advent of technology, the Information and Communication Technology industry has started encompassing a wide area, offering its scope of application in the educational sector as well. The QLD group of private schools, has established itself as one of the most recognized organization in the educational sector of Australia (Fiedler 1967). However, since the year of 2010, the profit-earning capacity of the organization, has gone through a sharp decline, that in turn has raised the question on the effectiveness of the leadership style adopted by the school authority. Project Research Problem At present, it has been observed that the QLD group of schools has been suffering from problems, such as a low rate of consumer retention and low level of satisfaction, among the students, and their families. Consequently, the students are switching to other schools, which pose a serious threat to the long-term sustainability of the organization. It has been observed that the leadership style required for utilizing the ICT for marketing the service, and motivating the employees, is wanting in the organization. The management authority of the organization is unable to employ the effective use of CRM, ERP and Intranet, for marketing the educational service, as well as for motivating the employees. Besides, the use of internet for regular interpersonal communication among the employees of the organization helps in creating a positive and enriching workplace. Hence, the research intends to examine how can an effective leader utilize ICT for influencing the clients, as well as motivating the employees. Focus of the Study The purpose of the research is to analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of the communication strategies adopted by the managers of the organization, assuming leadership roles. The research intends to examine the extent to which the ICT is being utilized by the managers for communicating the strategies and organizational goals to the respective employees. Since, in case of the ICT, the workers do not communicate with each other in real presence, it is important to understand the challenges inherent in virtual mode of communication. Furthermore, although several organizations including the QLD group of schools make use of mobile marketing and internet marketing, the importance of eCRM, in evaluating the consumer rate of satisfaction, is often being dismissed by the leaders. Purpose of the Research The areas which the particular research intends to examine, includes the following: The communication tools are being used by the organization The most popular communication strategies employed by the QLD group of schools The ways to improve the communication strategies for promoting the service before the clients (Glynn et al.2010) Research Questions: The research questions that the research study intends to analyze are as follows: Why should the QLD group of schools try to improve its marketing communication strategy? What will be the probable benefits of the implementation of a new communication strategy? What is exactly the perspective of the consumers regarding the marketing communication strategy, so far adopted by the QLD group of schools? Significance of the Project: The QLD group of schools has always remained one of the most recognized organizations in Australia. However, in the recent few years, the organization has been unable to retain its position, owing to the stiff competition in the educational sector. Hence, it is highly important to understand the role communication technology can play, in regaining the position of the organization, helping it thrive in the competitive market. The research project is expected to enlighten on the effective use of ICT that can help the organization gain the trust of the consumers. It will also help to examine the extent to which QLD group of schools will be able to customize its service, communicate with the consumers, and respond to the needs of the consumers, with the help of the ICT (Graeff 1997). Furthermore, the research will also examine the effectiveness of the currently used relationship marketing strategy of the organization. Project Related Summary: As discussed above, the research intends to analyze and comprehend the effectiveness of the communication strategies that can be or rather should be adopted by the QLD group of schools, if it wants to accomplish long-term sustainability. The research aims to analyze the usage pattern of the internet, messages or social media, that determines the organizational success of any institution. The rapid exchange of information between the management authority and the consumers, can help in capturing the attention of the consumers while also anticipating the needs and expectations of the same (Hughes et al. 2015). Planned Research Methodology Single Case Study The following project will be based on a single case study that will be researched upon. The research will be primarily conducted, on the basis of the data collected with the help of the interview, that is being conducted with the chosen employees, working in the two chosen branches of the QLD group of schools. The employees, working in the managerial position, will be able to elucidate the communication strategies adopted by the organization, as part of the marketing and promotional strategy (Taylor et al. 2015). Next, a survey will be conducted on the consumers of the organization, asking them about the effectiveness and impact of the chosen strategies, and their perspectives regarding the strength and the weakness of the communication tools. Besides this, the research study to be conducted, will also be based on the secondary data, to be collected by reviewing the literary articles and the recently published journals, dealing with the use and effectiveness of the ICT tools in reta ining the consumers, and creating consumer goodwill. Primary Data The data that is being collected and observed with the help of first-hand experience is regarded as the primary data in any research method. The primary data is usually collected by organizing interviews and by conducting surveys, whereby the data is collected directly from the respondent. In case of the present research method, the primary data collection method has been selected, as it will help in collecting comprehensive data, that is case-study specific and highly relevant for undertaking this research. The primary data is being collected in two ways- first of all with the help of an interview and secondly with the help of a survey. The interview will be organized, for gaining an insight into the commonly used ICT tools, as employed by the managers of the organization. On the other hand, the effectiveness of these ICT tools, in satisfying the consumer needs will be assessed by conducting a survey on the consumers of the organization (Bryman 2015). For conducting the semi-structu red interview, the stratified sampling method is to be chosen, whereby the consumers satisfying two criteria will be considered for the interview. The two criteria are : He or she must belong to the management authority of the QLD group of Schools He or she must have been involved in the marketing activities of the organization, since the last 5 years. On the other hand, the survey will be conducted for recording the response of the consumers, in relation to the present ICT strategies implemented by the organization, A Random Sampling Method can be adopted for conducting the survey, whereby the guardians of the students, studying in the institution will be asked to respond to the online survey questions mailed to them. Secondary Data The secondary data will be collected by reviewing the latest articles and recently published journals that deal with the innovative ICT technologies, as employed by different organizations off the world, for generating maximum consumer satisfaction. These articles describe the process in which the ICT can be utilized for improving the consumer service, and fulfilling the consumer demand (Cohen et al. 2013). The consumer satisfaction can be easily measured in terms of the empathy and responsiveness of the consumers, with the help of the ICT, and the entire process can be comprehended by reviewing the literary articles and business reports of the most reputed organizations of Australia Ethical Consideration: A research should always be conducted in a highly ethical and responsible way. Hence, for conducting the following research, steps will be taken so that the research does not violate the ethical and legal norms it is required to comply with. Accordingly, the research will be conducted on the basis of the knowledge and independent research and findings, and will not be plagiarized in content. Further, the research will not disclose confidential information, and the surveys conducted, will be conducted solely after the consent of the respondents. The entire ethics checklist, that will be followed, is being cited below: 1. Will the human subjects be informed of the nature of their involvement in the collection of data and of features of the research that reasonably might be expected to influence willingness to participate? Yes 2. Will the human subjects be told that they can discontinue their participation at any time? Yes 3. Will the human subjects in your study be aware that they are the targets of research? Yes 4. If the subjects are underage, will their guardians be asked to sign the consent form? N/A 5. Is the confidentiality of the human subjects identity positively ensured? Yes 6. In cases where there is a possibility that the human subject's identity can be deduced by someone other than the researcher, is the subject's right to withdraw his/her data respected? Yes 7. Will the researcher fulfil all the promises made to the human subjects including providing the summary of the findings upon request? Yes 8. Will all necessary measures be taken to protect the physical safety of the human subjects from dangers such as faulty electrical equipment, poor grounding, lack of oxygen, falls, traffic industrial accidents, possibility of hearing or vision loss etc.? Yes 9. Will the human subject be debriefed (told the true nature of the study) after the data has been collected? Yes 10 In cases in which the human subject is dissatisfied or a complaint about the researcher or procedure, will the researcher explain to the human subject that he or she may express this complaint to the Subject Coordinator? Yes 11. Does the study involve concealment from and/or deception of the human subject? No 12. Will deception be used in order to obtain agreement to participate? No 13. Will the study involve human subjects who are legally or otherwise not in a position to give their valid consent to participate such as children, prison inmates, mental patients? No 14. Will information on your human subjects be obtained from third parties? No 15. Will any coercion be exerted upon subjects to participate? No 16. Will the study involve physical stress to the human subjects such as might result from heat, noise, electric shock, pain, sleep loss, deprivation of food and drink, drugs, alcohol? No 17. Will the study cause any mental discomfort to the human subjects such as fear, anxiety, loss of self-esteem, shame, guilt, embarrassment etc.? No 18. Could publication of the research results possibly interfere with strict confidentiality? No 19. Could publication of the research results possibly harm the human subject - either directly or through identification with his/her membership group? No 20. Are there other aspects of the study that may interfere with the protection of the well-being of the human subjects? No Schedule for Completion: For the purpose of conducting the research, the estimated time to be required is stated below: 0-2 3-6 7-8 9-10 14th Research Activities Weeks Weeks Weeks Weeks Week selection of Research topic Literature Review Data collection Data analysis Final business Research thesis Reference List: Bryman, A. 2015.Social research methods. Oxford university press. Cohen, L., Manion, L., Morrison, K. 2013.Research methods in education. Routledge. Fiedler, F., 1967. A Theory of Leadership Effectiveness. New York: McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. Glynn, M. A., DeJordy, R., 2010. Leadership through an organizational behaviour lens: A look at the last half-century of research. Graeff, C. L. 1997. Evolution of situational leadership theory: A critical review. The Leadership Quarterly, 8(2), pp153-170 Hughes, R, Ginnett, R Curphy, G 2015, Leadership: Enhancing the Lessons of Experience, 8th edn, McGraw-Hill Irwin, New York, pp193 Imen Keskes, 2013 Relationship between leadership styles and dimensions of employee organizational commitment: A critical review and discussion of future directions, pp 27 Limsil, K., Ogunlana, S.O., 2007. Performance and leadership outcome correlates of leadership styles and subordinate commitment. Engineering, Construction and Architectural Management, 15(2): pp164-184 Taylor, S. J., Bogdan, R., DeVault, M. 2015 Introduction to qualitative research methods: A guidebook and resource. John Wiley Sons.