Thomson Greenhouse Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Thomson Greenhouse - Essay Example These figures show that a the potential new greenhouse would offer a good return on investment and could be paid back relatively fast; however, profitability would have to be increased slightly in order to break even. 3. Thomson Greenhouse has very healthy current and debt ratios, so this means that the firm is able to borrow money easily. Also, productivity is healthy because inventory is replaced only every three months or so. The profitability of Thomson Greenhouse is also very strong, so the long-term outlook is positive. The business is now at the point where it could potentially expand and not be affected too much because of the strong financial position that it is in. 4. If the business was passed to one of the sons then specific organizational roles would have to be given to ensure the future success of the business. Any son that took on business would have to have the desire and commitment to Thomson Greenhouse. On the other hand, if the business is sold to an outsider, what kind of profit will Earl and Lisa make from the sale. The deal would also need to be attractive to the potential

Withholding and withdrawal of Medical treatment decisions from Case Study

Withholding and withdrawal of Medical treatment decisions from Children and neonates - Case Study Example Parents, doctors, the health care team have a common goal in ensuring good health and sustaining the life of children and neonates. Although advanced technology makes it possible to prolong life, prolonging life beyond a meaningful point in some neonatal and children's cases involves making difficult decisions on when and how life sustaining treatment is to be withheld or withdrawn. The Ethics Advisory Committee of the Royal College of Pediatrics and Child Health (EAC - RCPCH) has defined five categories in which the withholding or withdrawal of life sustaining medical treatment can be done.With holding or withdrawing does not even mean that the child will receive no care. Such a decision is followed by palliative care for the child. The withholding and withdrawing decisions is made by only experienced senior doctors. Clinical situations of these decisions include Non-resuscitation of a baby at birth with congenital abnormalities like anencephaly, making the child incompatible for su rvival; Non- resuscitation of a baby born with a gestational period of twenty three weeks or less making the baby neurologically impaired; withdrawal of ventilation from the baby with birth asphyxia leading to brain damage.The frequency of selective non treatment of extremely premature, critically or mal formed infants in Level III intensive care nursery (ICU) and the reasons documented by neonatologists for their decisions to withdraw or with hold life support has been well documented (Wall, 1997). They reviewed all the medical records of 165 infants who died at a level III (ICN) during 3 years. One hundred and eight infant deaths were found to be due to withdrawal of life support and thirteen deaths due to withhold of treatment. End of life decisions in new born with incurable diseases are difficult for pediatricians. In Netherlands, deliberate ending of life can be acceptable choice if a life full of severe and sustained suffering that cannot be relieved by any other means is expected of the child (Verhagen 2005). During a study for the period from January 1988 through December 1991, of 529 neonates admitted in Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam, the Netherlands, 524 had been found dead of which 28 were due to the disease and 24 cases due to withdrawn or withheld treatment. In 15 of the 24, treatment was withdrawn due to severe congenital anomalies; in 9 of the 24, treatment was withdrawn because of serious complications. But in all the cases withdrawal was done unanimously after lengthy discussions between doctors, nurses and the parents (Hazebroek, 1993). Withdrawal of treatment in pediatric intensive care units accounts for between 43% and 72% of deaths in U.K (Mcmillan 2000). The Law:- All such professional decisions are done within the framework of law. The children Act (England and Wales 1989) safeguard the children's welfare. The Act also introduces the concept of parental responsibility. A number of judgments on withholding or withdrawing life sustaining treatment have proved that there is no obligation on part of the doctors to give treatment which is futile and burdensome and such a treatment could be treated as an assault. They have also given enough scope for the treatment goals to be changed in case of a dying child. These judgments have legalized the withdrawal of feeding and medical treatment In such cases in the best interests of the children. Withdrawal of life sustaining treatment in appropriate cases is not active killing, nor does it breach the article 2 of the European Convention on Human Rights. Decision Making: Initially the medical team must wait for enough information about the clinical status of the child. The decision making process involves all members of the Health Care Team and the parents. In practice, a decision to withdraw treatment is usually a matter of consensus. However such major decisions always require a second opinion, legal as well as clinical.

The Colloquy Grog Shop Marketing Essay

The Colloquy Grog Shop Marketing Essay Colloquy Grog Shop is a unique local bar/coffee/tapas house that provides a friendly, effective place where singles can meet. Colloquy Grog Shop is not your typical bar where people go to meet other singles. Colloquy Grog Shop has a  unique service called the structure conversation system that is quite effective for allowing singles to meet each other and provide them with valuable insight into the other person through reflective conversation.   The structured system provide an atmosphere that lowers inhibitions and breeds confidence allowing singles to meet other singles and gain insight into their personality by way of thoughtful discourse. Meeting people is one of the largest hurdles 25-45 year old singles face.   Colloquy Grog Shop provides this group with an effective solution to this problem.   Situation Analysis Colloquy Grog Shop has just begun business, and marketing is essential to its success and future profitability.   The bar offers a place for people  to meet  in a comfortable, person-meeting environment.   The basic market need is place where singles can meet new similar people.   Colloquy Grog Shop uses a sophisticated conversation system to enhance and facilitate singles meeting each other. Market Summary Colloquy Grog Shop possess good information about the market and knows a great deal about the common attributes of the prized and loyal customers.   Colloquy Grog Shop will leverage this information to better understand who is served, their specific needs, and how the Grog Shop can better communicate with  them. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000100.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Market Analysis 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 Potential Customers Growth CAGR Singles 9% 210,987 229,976 250,674 273,235 297,826 9.00% Non-singles 7% 134,432 143,842 153,911 164,685 176,213 7.00% Other 0% 0 0 0 0 0 0.00% Total 8.23% 345,419 373,818 404,585 437,920 474,039 8.23% Market Needs Colloquy Grog Shop is a unique bar/coffee shop/tapas house that is organized to try to facilitate new friendships.   The Grog Shop will offer a changing menu of tapas, microbrews, and assorted coffee drinks in conjunction with a structured conversation system.   Colloquy Grog Shop seeks to fulfill the following benefits that are important to their customers. Selection:  a creative choice of food and drink and a well-constructed structured conversation system. Accessibility:  the patron will gain access to the Grog Shop with minimal waits and long business hours. Customer service:  the customer is ALWAYS right. Competitive pricing:  all products will be competitively priced relative to the competition. Market Trends The market trend is headed toward a more sophisticated customer.   The restaurant/bar patron today is more sophisticated in a number of different ways: Food quality:  the preference for higher-quality ingredients is being reinforced as customers are being subjected to an increasing number of options. Quality conversation:  patrons are recognizing intellectual conversations can be had in bar settings and would prefer this over normal bar talk. Access to meeting people:  people are tired of being single and are looking for ways to meet like-minded individuals. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000210.jpg Market Growth In 1999, the global bar/restaurant   market reached $24 billion dollars.   Alcohol sales are estimated to grow by 9% for the next few years.   This growth can be attributed to several factors.   The first factor is Americans reliance on alcohol for socialization.   This factor is intuitive as alcohol breaks down social inhibitions. Another factor is the trend to eat and drink outside of the home.   This occurs as Americans work longer and longer hours during the week.   Eating and drinking out is a convenience that many are willing to pay for.   It also provides contact with more people. SWOT Analysis The following SWOT analysis captures key strengths and weaknesses within the company and describes the opportunities and threats facing the Grog Shop. Strengths Strong relationships with third party vendors. Excellent staff who are highly trained and customer attentive. The structured conversation system. Weaknesses The Grog Shops limited brand equity. The struggle to continually have current and new  conversation topics. A limited marketing budget to develop brand awareness. Opportunities A growing market with a significant percentage of the of the target market still unaware of the Grog Shop. Increasing sales opportunities as people become familiar with the advantages of the structured conversation system. The ability to lower variable costs through efficiency gains. Threats Competition from taverns. Competition from other sources of singles meeting events. A slump in the economy which will decrease discretionary spending. Competition The competition comes from several different sources. Bars There are many different types of bars or taverns.   Some are better than others for meeting people, however, none of them have the business mission to bring together singles. Coffee Shops Coffee shops are typically an easy-going social setting that does lend itself for people to meet others.   Conversations occur in part because of the historical underpinning of coffee houses, in part by virtue of the fact that the background music is not blaring. Coffee shops rarely have any type of organized activities to bring singles together. Other Events/Activities Aimed at Bringing Together Singles. One activity/phenomenon that has started in New York City and moved to a few other larger cities (not including Portland) is an activity that has a long rectangular table that always has one seat opposing the other.   People  sit down  with females on one side and males on the other (this seating arrangement is for heterosexual gatherings) and will have a limited number of minutes (usually 10) to chat. Typically, conversations can be  about anything, however you are not to reveal the job/profession that you are involved in, beyond that, anything is fair game.   The table rotates and you end up speaking with a lot of different people.   You then create a list of the top five that you would like to speak with again and if the matching person also has you on their list, phone numbers are released to the two people.   Another activity might be some sort of outdoor activity like hiking or rafting and it is organized as a singles event.   There are also other type of single s events, too numerous to mention.   Lastly, there are resources like personal sections in local papers where people can  post or respond to personal advertisements. Every person has their own method of meeting people, some  more useful than others.   Colloquy Grog Shop  predicts singles will abandon, or at least supplement, their current method of meeting people with the Grog Shops activities as they are thoughtfully designed to achieve the goal of introducing like-minded individuals.   Product Offering Colloquy Grog Shop sells the following: Eight  Microbrews on Draft and  Bottled Alcohol, specifically beer, is served for two reasons.   One, alcohol reduces inhibition, making it easier for people to meet and interact with new people.   Two, and more importantly, beer, particularly draft beer generates wonderful profits.   Microbeers are chosen because microbrews are of higher quality than large production beers and our target segment prefers higher-quality beer. Espresso, Cappuccino, Coffee, and other Coffee/Espresso drinks. Coffee and coffee-related drinks are hugely popular, particularly in the Pacific Northwest.   Northwesterners expect good coffee/espresso at most food/drink establishments and it is often associated with good conversation. An Assortment of  Tapas Tapas are chosen because they can be relatively easy to make, the offerings can be changed frequently, and tapas are  more community orientated, meaning they are designed for a table/multiple people to share.   This reinforces Colloquy Grog Shop mission of bringing new people together. The service offerings are based on a system for singles to meet new people.   This is accomplished through a structured conversation system.   The Grog Shop is divided into two sections, one smaller section of tables that is for people meeting people that they already know.   The other, larger section is the section of tables for singles to come and meet new people.   This section is composed of 4-top tables (table seating for four) where a customer will come and sit down at the table among other people.   The table will be marked with a topic of conversation in the center.   Throughout the evening as there is turnover of the table or the conversation is exhausted, the server will introduce a new topic. The topics of conversation are far reaching, some are recent news or sports, while others are intellectual, and some are philosophical.   The bulk of the topics will be of the latter varieties as people that are interested in meeting people through the conduit of convers ation will typically prefer heavier stuff to provide more insight into that person. If you ask a majority of single 25-45 year olds, most will say they have difficulty meeting new people.   Regular bars are not an ideal place to meet people because beyond their visual image, it is quite difficult to learn anything material about the person to determine if there are some commonalities. The typical bar has loud music and is not geared up for serious conversation.   Bars are also less than ideal to meet people because of the uncertainty or ambiguity when meeting new people at a bar.   Many people feel uncomfortable in situations where they are not sure how to act. The ideal situation to meet someone is during an activity that is mutually enjoyed, whether it is at an art museum or mountain biking in the Cascade Range. Colloquy Grog Shop creates a setting in a bar/coffee shop that encourages thoughtful conversation, allowing patrons to gain insight into the other singles.   The key to the conversation system is structure.   The rules are clearly established.   Singles sit down at specific tables and discuss the assigned topic of conversation.   Everyone at these tables are single and looking to meet new people.   The conversation is used to elicit insight into the other person, their values and perspectives as well as implicit and sometimes explicit insight to their background and past.   The structured conversation system is successful because it reduces ambiguity or uncertainty in the singles social scene allowing people to feel more comfortable in the setting and open up more to  new people.   Additionally, for intellectually minded people, it allows them to find people with similar interests, whether the similarity is based in the topic of conversation or more generally in conversation itself. Keys to Success Attracting customers who find value in the Grog Shops offering and who will frequent the Shop regularly in order to meet like-minded single people. Excellent customer service. Maintaining a cost of goods on foods at below 50%. Critical Issues The Grog Shop is still in the speculative stage as a retail operation.   Its critical issues are: to continue to take a moderate fiscal approach to business operations and  to build brand awareness which will drive customers to the Grog Shop. Marketing Strategy Colloquy Grog Shops strategy will be based on communicating Grog Shops value to the targeted segments.   This will be done through a variety of methods.   The first method will be strategically placed advertisements.   One place that will be  used for advertisements is the Willamette Weekly, the liberal arts magazine that details all of the entertainment in Portland.   This will be the main source of advertisements because the demographics of their readership are fairly similar to Colloquy Grog Shops demographics.   Another source of marketing will be done with strategic relationships with companies that have similar customer demographics.   One prime example is the Multnomah Athletic Club.   While the clubs patrons are not necessarily overwhelmingly single, the rest of the demographics match up.   The MAC is a fairly exclusive downtown athletic club that by virtue of the membership costs, attracts professionals.   The strategic relationship with be mutually beneficial where both organizations will develop visibility for each other.   The other form of advertising will be using grassroots methods where customers will be given coupons for their friends to try Colloquy Grog Shop for the first time.   The coupon will be an economic incentive for the newcomer to try Colloquy Grog Shop.   The coupon also has the added force of a referral from a friend. Mission Colloquy Grog Shops mission is to provide a neighborhood bar/coffee shop where single people can meet.   We exist to attract and maintain customers.   When we adhere to this maxim, everything else will fall into place.   Our services will exceed the expectations of our customers.  Ã‚   Marketing Objectives Develop brand awareness through a steady, month to month increase of new customers. Develop an increase in sales while achieving a status quo state or   decrease  in marketing expenses. Develop awareness of the structured conversation system measured by customers coming to the Grog Shop solely for meeting people. Financial Objectives A double digit growth rate for each future year. Reduce the variable costs through efficiency gains. Reach profitability within the first year. Target Markets Colloquy Grog Shops customers can be broken down into two groups, singles, and non-singles.   The non-singles groups  are smaller than the singles groups by virtue of the fact that if you are meeting someone whom you already know, the two of you can come up with the topic of conversation yourself, therefore, Grog Shop offers this group less value.   The demographics for the non-singles is similar to the singles, to be listed below.   The larger group then is the singles.   The demographics of the singles are: Single:  self evident. Professional:  this characteristic is intuitive since the  underlying element of Colloquy Grog Shop is thoughtful conversation, and most professionals  appreciate thought-provoking conversation. Income over $40,000:  this to a large degree is correlated to the fact that they are professional. Age 25-45:  the largest group of singles looking for companions. Positioning The Colloquy Grog Shop will position itself as a reasonably priced tapas/bar/coffee house that has an innovative, effective system for allowing single to meet each other. The Colloquy Grog Shops positioning will leverage their competitive edge: A  unique approach to getting singles together called the structured conversation system.   This system was detailed in the Product and Services section, please refer to that section for more  information.   This system is a competitive edge because most bars/taverns do not have a niche that they are  concentrating on.   While every bar or coffee shop has a certain flavor and that is why someone will choose one bar or another, the flavor is only surface deep.   The business model of the establishment is to sell alcohol and provide a social setting.   Beyond these two values, there is little other genuine value that the establishments try to provide.   Colloquy Grog Shop is distinguished by the fact that their business model concentrates on developing value for   customers beyond serving drinks.   The Grog Shop develops an effective, albeit inherently structured, social setting that  encourages meeting like-minded individuals.   Providing the drinks is  the source of income, an ancillary part of the business model.   Generating value for the customers is the main focus, if the customers are happy then the revenue will follow (assuming of course that proper marketing and financial controls are employed).   Concentrating on the clients needs beyond serving alcohol is the distinguishing characteristic that will allow Colloquy Grog Shop  to rapidly gain market share. Strategies The single objective is to position the Colloquy Grog Shop as the premier place for young professional singles to meet like-minded individuals.   The marketing strategy will seek to first create customer awareness regarding their services offered, develop that customer base, and work toward building customer loyalty and referrals. The message Colloquy Grog Shop will seek to communicate is that The Grog Shop is THE place to meet intelligent singles.   This message will be communicated through a variety of methods.   The first method will be advertisements.   The bulk of the advertisements will be in the Willamette Weekly, a weekly entertainment guide in Portland that has impressive readership numbers for the desired target population. Another method will be through establishing strategic relationships with companies that have similar demographics such as the Multnomah Athletic Club.   Establishing a mutually beneficial relationship will allow both organizations to develop visibility for each other. The other form of advertising will be using grassroots methods where customers will be given coupons for their friends to try Colloquy Grog Shop for the first time.   The coupon will be an economic incentive for the newcomer to try Colloquy Grog Shop.   The coupon also has the added force of a referral from a friend. Marketing Mix Colloquy Grog Shops marketing mix is comprised of these following approaches to pricing, distribution, advertising and promotion, and customer service. Pricing:  the pricing scheme is based on standard industry practices. Distribution:  all services and products will be distributed from Colloquy Grog Shops retail space. Advertising and promotion:  the most successful advertising will be with Willamette Weekly.   Additionally, strategic relationships will be developed with companies such as Multnomah Athletic Club as well as use of a grassroots promotion system. Customer service:  obsessive customer attention is the mantra.   The Grog Shops philosophy is to do whatever needs to be done to impress the customer.   While this could reduce short-term profits, it will strengthen long-term profitability. Marketing Research During the initial phases of the marketing plan development, several focus groups were held to gain insight into a variety of likely customers.   These focus groups provided useful insight into the decision making process of these consumers. An additional source of dynamic  market research  is a feedback system based on a suggestion card system.   The suggestion card  has several statements that patrons are asked to rate in terms of a given scale.   There are also several open ended questions that allow the customer to freely offer constructive criticism or praise.   The Grog Shop will work hard to implement reasonable suggestions in order to improve their service offerings as well as show their committment to the customer that their suggestions are valued. The last source of market research will be competitive analysis.   This will be done by regularly visiting competitors and analyzing their service offerings. Financials This section will offer a financial overview of the Grog Shop as it relates to the marketing activities.   The section will address break-even analysis, sales forecasts, expenses forecasts, and how those link to the marketing strategy. Break-even Analysis The Break-even Analysis indicates that $30,237 will be needed in monthly revenue to reach the break-even point. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000600.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Break-even Analysis Monthly Revenue Break-even $20,299 Assumptions: Average Percent Variable Cost 32% Estimated Monthly Fixed Cost $19,654 Sales Forecast The first two months will be used to set up the physical location, hire personnel,  establish vendor relationships and obtain an alcohol license.   The  third month will be the grand opening.   Business during the second month will be understandably slow as a steady customer base takes time to build.   By month four it is forecasted that sales will steadily grow.   http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000300.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Sales Forecast 2001 2002 2003 Sales Drinks $105,921 $271,254 $296,874 Food $69,908 $179,028 $195,937 Total Sales $175,829 $450,282 $492,811 Direct Cost of Sales 2001 2002 2003 Drinks $26,480 $67,814 $74,219 Food $29,361 $75,192 $82,293 Subtotal Direct Cost of Sales $55,842 $143,005 $156,512 Expense Forecast Marketing expenses are  budgeted to remain fairly steady throughout the year.   There will be an initial ramp up  of spending  to generate visibility.   After this ramp up advertising will be fairly consistent month to month. http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif http://www.mplans.com/coffee_bar_marketing_plan/images/30000000000000000000000000000400.jpg http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Marketing Expense Budget 2001 2002 2003 Advertising $4,800 $2,400 $2,400 Strategic relationships $2,000 $1,200 $1,200 Other $2,400 $1,200 $1,200 Total Sales and Marketing Expenses $9,200 $4,800 $4,800 Percent of Sales 5.23% 1.07% 0.97% Controls The purpose of The Grog Shops marketing plan is to serve as a guide for the organization. Implementation The following milestones identify key marketing programs.   It is important to accomplish each one on time and on budget.   http://www.mplans.com/graphical/images/sbp_images/click_to_enlarge.gif Milestones Advertising Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Marketing plan completion 1/1/2001 2/1/2001 $0 Karen Department Advertising 1/1/2001 1/1/2004 $9,600 Karen Department Strategic relationships 1/1/2001 1/1/2004 $4,400 Karen Department Grassroots promotion 1/1/2001 1/1/2004 $4,800 Karen Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2003 1/15/2003 $0 ABC Department Total Advertising Budget $18,800 PR Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total PR Budget $0 Direct Marketing Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total Direct Marketing Budget $0 Web Development Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total Web Development Budget $0 Other Start Date End Date Budget Manager Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Name me 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Other 1/1/2006 1/15/2006 $0 ABC Department Total Other Budget $0 Totals $18,800 Contingency Planning Difficulties and risks: Problems generating visibility and awareness of the Grog Shop. An entry into Portland of the conversation roundtables or other single meeting events. Lower than forecasted consumption of alcohol. Worst case risks may include: Determining that the business cannot support itself on an ongoing basis. Having to liquidate equipment to cover liabilities.

Free Essays on Terrorism: Independence Day Has New Meaning :: September 11 Terrorism Essays

Independence Day Has New Meaning    This week we will celebrate the Independence of our great nation, gained through the blood and sacrifice of our ancestors. This is the day we were meant to honor our way of life and the freedoms we enjoy. Disregarding the true meaning of the holiday, I am afraid that many of us, myself included, had forgotten the sacrifice our independence demanded. July 4th became little more than a day off work, punctuated by an excuse for family and friends to gather with the added attraction of fireworks. As in years past, there will be picnics and barbecues and fireworks. Some things will not change.       This year, for me, the significance will be different. We are not free in the same way as we were last year on this day. The events of September 11, changed that. It forced us to come face to face with what our way of life represents. Those tragic events woke this nation from centuries of complacence and reminded us what our freedom is worth. The veiled promises of terrorist acts to come may change the way we celebrate this year, but we will celebrate with rekindled determination.       This year our celebration of freedom has a restored sense of reality. I hope that each of us will see in our minds, the faces that flashed across our television screens of those who will be with us in spirit only this year. Those whose lives were stolen away in a foolish terrorist attempt to weaken our nation. Forever imprinted in our memories, are the gruesome images before, during and after the dreadful events of 9/11. Behind the surface gaiety, there are now absolute memories of lives sacrificed for our people and their freedom. I take solace in the knowledge that the intent of terrorists to weaken this nation and its people has had the opposite effect.

Can biology learning process be improved through language

This action research aimed to better the acquisition and instruction of biological science at Form III degree by bettering the linguistic communication literacy of the pupils. The survey was both qualitative and quantitative as both attacks were related to each other for breath and deepness of analysis, which helped in the bite of information. In this chapter on methodological analysis I explain why action research was the best pick harmonizing to me, what were the analysis processes, ethical considerations, cogency, dependability and reflexiveness. The definition of an Action Research and the model of the Action Research survey, dwelling of planning, moving, detecting and reflecting are besides discussed. 3.1 Research paradigms The intent of this research is to better Biology instruction and larning through linguistic communication literacy. In order to make up one's mind which research methods to utilize it is of import to hold a expression at different research theoretical accounts. Research workers have assorted positions about the universe and hence, utilize different logics and techniques to look into it. Consequently there have been two chief viing theoretical accounts which have evolved: the rationalist besides called quantitative paradigm and the interpretative besides known as the qualitative paradigm ( Hammersley & A ; Atkinson, 1997 ; Bassey, 1995 ) . A paradigm can be defined as â€Å" a basic belief system or universe position that guides the probe † ( Guba & A ; Lincoln, 1994, p.105 in Denzin & A ; Lincoln, 2000 ) . The following efforts to cast some visible radiation on the rationalist and interpretative paradigms.3.1.1 The rationalist paradigmThe rationalist is linked with a world â⠂¬Ëœout there ‘ in the universe that exists whether or non, irrespective of who observes. Harmonizing to Cohen et Al. ( 2000 ) , â€Å" The ontological and epistemic footing of positivism is a belief in a individual independently bing world that can be accessed by research workers following an objectivist attack to the acquisition of cognition. † The research worker and the object of research are assumed to be independent entities. The rationalist can analyze the object without act uponing it or being influenced by it. Whenever any influence is recognized, schemes are adopted to command it. The methodological analysis of the rationalist paradigm is based on the theoretical account of the societal scientific disciplines. The perceiver is separate from the entities that are capable to observation ( Bassey, 1999 ; Silverman, 2000 ) . Furthermore, harmonizing to Opie ( 2004 ) , â€Å" taking a rationalist attack to educational research will about surely lead to processs, which result in the aggregation of quantitative informations and proving hypotheses, such as informations from questionnaires and difficult facts from experimental work. † The rationalists do non take into account their values. They carefully manipulate variables to forestall outcomes from being improperly influenced.3.1.2 The interpretative paradigmWorld is seen as a concept of a human head in the interpretative paradigm. Peoples perceive and so interpret the universe in ways, which are frequently similar, but non needfully the same. The interpretative paradigm is qualitative. This paradigm is conce rned with significances and the manner people understand things and forms of behaviours ( Denscome, 1998 ) . As Blaikie ( 2000 ) provinces in Mason, J. ( 2002, pp 56 ) Interpretivists are concerned with understanding the societal universe people have produced and which they reproduce through their continuing activities. This mundane world consists of the significances and readings given by the societal histrions to their actions, other people ‘s actions, societal state of affairss and natural and humanly created objects. † ( 2000: 115 ) . Furthermore, harmonizing to Mason, J. ( 2002, pp 56 ) , â€Å" interpretative attacks, nevertheless, is that they see people, and their readings, perceptual experiences, significances and apprehensions, as the primary informations beginnings. Interpretivism does non hold to trust on â€Å" entire submergence in a scene ‘ hence, and can happily back up a survey which uses interview. † The interpretative research worker has a detailed, rich and empathetic description, written straight and slightly informally ( Bassey, 1995 ) .3.1.3 Research paradigm for my researchHarmonizing to Grim et Al ( 2006 ) the divide between quantitative and qualitative societal methodological analysiss is so dramatic. A semi quanti-qualitative research I believe suited me best. For the intents of this survey, foremost of all the qualitative attack was adopted because it is in line with the thought of Creswell who states that the end of qualitative research â€Å" is to trust every bit much as possible on the participants ‘ positions of the state of affairs being studied † ( Creswell 2003, p. 8 ) . . Furthermore, this method was chosen because the research worker ‘s function will be that of a non-participant perceiver. Interviews, group treatments, observation and contemplation field notes, research journal, and analysis of paperss were done. The quantitative processs on the other manus were besides used for illustration through questionnaires in my methodological analysis.3.2 Action researchAction research is a procedure in which participants examine their ain educational pattern consistently and carefully, utilizing the techniques of research. It is based on the undermentioned premises: aˆ? Teachers work best on jobs they have identified for themselves aˆ? Teachers go more effectual when encouraged to analyze and measure their ain work and so see ways of working otherwise aˆ? Working with co-workers helps instructors in their professional development ( Watts, 1985, p. 118 ) . Implicit in the term action research is the thought that it begins with a rhythm of presenting inquiries, garnering informations, contemplation, and make up one's minding on a class of action. Typically, action research is undertaken in a school scene. It is a brooding procedure that allows for enquiry and treatment as constituents of the â€Å" research. † Frequently, action research is a collaborative activity seeking for solutions to jobs experienced in schools, or looking for ways to better direction and increase pupil accomplishment. Rather than covering with the theoretical, action research allows practicians to turn to those concerns that are closest to them, 1s over which they can exhibit some influence and do alteration. Furthermore, the procedure of action research assists pedagogues in measuring demands, documenting the stairss of enquiry, analysing informations, and doing informed determinations that can take to coveted results. Action research involves a self-reflective spiral of planning, moving, detecting, reflecting and re-planning. It provides flexibility well-suited to altering state of affairss due to its cyclic or coiling procedure. Within each rhythm there is action followed by critical contemplation. Stairss in Action Research Within all the definitions of action research, there are four basic subjects: authorization of participants, coaction through engagement, acquisition of cognition, and societal alteration. In carry oning action research, we construction modus operandis for uninterrupted confrontation with informations on the wellness of a school community. These modus operandis are slackly guided by motion through five stages of enquiry: 1. Designation of job country 2. Collection and organisation of informations 3. Interpretation of informations 4. Action based on informations 5. Contemplation ( Ferrance, E. 2000, p.6 ) I have chosen to make action research because it is a brooding probe of a problem.A The procedure will get down with the development of inquiries, which will be answered by the aggregation of informations. I will roll up informations, analyze, and construe all the consequences. Furthermore, I adopted the action research theoretical account because it is simple, systematic, and comparatively easy to utilize in the schoolroom, but most of all, appropriate for my research rubric. This theoretical account besides provides me with the chance to analyze and reflect on my instruction schemes and manners in an effort to increase linguistic communication literacy among my signifier 3 pupils in the acquisition of biological science every bit good as bettering my ain pattern and hence, lending to my ain uninterrupted professional development. There are several qualities of action research which allow it to prosecute strict apprehension: The engagement of all interested parties provides more information about the state of affairsA ACritical contemplation in each rhythm provides many opportunities to rectify mistakes. This is particularly so when there are rhythms within rhythms within rhythms, and where the critical contemplation is characterised by a vigorous hunt for disconfirming groundsA AWithin each rhythm the premises underlying the programs are tested in action.3.3 Research rhythmsA normally known rhythm is that of the influential theoretical account of Kemmis and McTaggart ( 1988 ) who believe in – program, act, observe, reflect ; and so, in the visible radiation of this, program for the following rhythm. It is the cyclic nature of action research, which allows responsiveness.A To my head, a cyclic procedure is of import because it gives more opportunities to larn from experience if there is existent contemplation on the procedure and on the results, intended and unintended. Furthermore, Action researc h allows us the chance to determine and polish our ain instruction and to construct on our ain successes. The process for this research will be chiefly learner centered, where the pupils will larn by making.3.4 Research InstrumentsThis subdivision contains description on how I conducted my research, with peculiar accent on research instruments. These are important in the procedure of roll uping information to reply the research inquiries and/or confirm or reject premises. There are different types of informations aggregation instruments, each with its ain specific properties, thereby geting specific utilizations. In this peculiar research, the observation agenda, research journal, equal observations, artifacts, and concentrate groups were used as instruments to roll up informations, in an effort to depict to the full and every bit amply as possible, whether the acquisition and instruction of biological science improved through linguistic communication literacy.3.4.1Observation agend aA really common method of research instrument is called observation agenda. In this instance the research worker has the function of non-participant perceiver. Non-participant observation involves the research worker acquiring into state of affairss where behaviour, interactions, and so on can be observed at first manus ( Harvey & A ; Mc Donald, 1993 ) . I undertook this method and walked about, casually, at the location to be researched, at a good clip to carry on research. The principle for utilizing observation as a tool for informations aggregation was to measure the pupils ‘ public presentation and how they reacted to assorted schemes. Furthermore, this research instrument was used because it normally collects really dependable, high-quality informations, and is regarded as being a cost effectual method of carry oning research. A big sum of information could besides be gathered in a short clip. As Cohen et Al ( 2000, pp 305 ) says, ‘Observation enables research workers to understand the context of programmes, to be open-ended and inductive, to see things that might otherwise be unconsciously missed, to detect things that participants might non freely speak about in interview state of affairss, to travel beyond perception-based informations and to entree personal-knowledge. ‘ Furthermore, as Cohen et Al ( 2000, pp 315 ) provinces, â€Å" Observation methods are powerful tools for deriving penetration into state of affairss. As with other informations aggregation techniques, they are beset by issues of cogency and dependability. Even low illation observation, is itself extremely selective, merely as perceptual experience is selective. † Furthermore, the covert engagement observation was used ( that is where the research worker does non uncover the grounds of her observation ) during normal biological science categories to cut down the component of prejudice to bring forth more dependable and valid information. This was done to decrease the incidence of the presence of the research worker to impact the behaviour of the pupils under survey. I wanted all the participants to act usually although they were expected to pass on merely in English linguistic communication every bit far as possible. In footings of cogency besides, experimental research findings are considered strong. Trochim ( 2000 ) states that cogency is the best available estimate to the truth of a given proposition, illation, or decision. Harmonizing to him, experimental research findings are considered strong in cogency because the research worker is able to roll up in depth information about a peculiar behavior and the usage of multiple beginnings of in formation helps increase cogency.3.4.1.1Structured observationStructured observations utilizing checklists coupled with a evaluation graduated table was used during the survey. The checklists allowed me to corroborate if a pre-specified behaviour was present. The usage of a checklist besides allows to concentrate on the precise facets of behavior to be analysed and circumvents a superficial overview of the schoolroom kineticss ( Macintyre, 2000 ) .3.4.1.2 Informal observationInformal observations were planned when transporting out the assorted lessons so as to enter information in a methodical manner in the research journal. This allows for contemplation on the troubles encountered and the behaviour of pupils.3.4.2 InterviewsHarmonizing to Freebody, P. ( 2003, p 137 ) , â€Å" Interviewing is best understood as an interactive event in which members of a civilization draw on and reconstruct their shared cultural cognition, including their cognition about how members-of-their-certain -kinds routinely speak in such scenes. † Informal interviews were carried out with the focal point group pupils. The feedback obtained from the interview was most constructive because the pupils were critical and had a different perceptual experience of the instruction and larning procedures from that of the instructor. They were a really enriching beginning of information because it was the pupils ‘ voice could be heard. The informal interviews were besides really valuable because they provided instant feedbacks on the research procedure, and helpful suggestions for betterment.3.4.3 QuestionnairesStudents questionnaires ( See Appendix **** ) were designed to assist the instructor research worker on her pattern and to inform her on future work.3.4.3.1Justification of questionnaire3.4.3.2Questionnaire design3.4.3.3Pre-test of questionnaire3.4.4 Research journalThe instrument I used to enter observations was a research journal. For each observation, the day of the month, clip, continuance, and description of information s observed were written. I jotted down notes in a journal that served as memory assistance and afterwards every bit shortly as possible full field notes were constructed. ( Hoepfl, 1997 ) .3.4.5 Peer observationsA co-worker from the Biology section was asked to go to some of the Sessionss and to observe down his observation in a checklist that was provided to him. He was asked to look for direction of resources, direction of clip, whether the aims of the lesson was met, schoolroom direction, and category engagement ( Refer to peer checklist in appendix **** ) . This instrument was used to triangulate informations and to formalize the action research.3.4.6 ArtifactsStudent ‘s books and work were collected for rating. For this intent, I designed a marker strategy, establishing on which I have judged the quality of work of the pupils. The taging strategy consisted of different standards. Each standard was allocated 4 Markss, giving a sum of 20 Markss. These tonss were so compared to estimate any betterment or advancement in pupils ‘ public presentation. ( Refer to appendix ****** for a sample of the taging strategy )3.4.7 Focus GroupsA focal point group is another first-class type of informations aggregation instrument, which has specific features, properties, and uses. Focus groups are meetings affecting groups of persons who have been selected by the research worker, who are peculiarly observed for the specific research subject. In this regard, frequent meetings were organised affecting the nine pupils who were observed for the research. Through these meetings, I tried to happen out from pupils if the schemes that were employed in the lessons were making all the pupils. It was after run intoing the pupils that I could acquire a better penetration on the activities to transport out to better the authorship of pupils.3.4.8 Critical friends3.5 SamplingSampling is important for analysis. For the intent of this thesis, I carried out purposive sampling. H ence, I chose a purposive sample of 30 % of 27 pupils in a signifier 3 category where I work. This sampling is representative of the mark population. The pupils are of low ability but among them, there are some pupils who tend to make better than the others. Hence, for trying, 30 % of the population was chosen stand foring a figure of 9 pupils. I sampled them as follows ; three high winners, three norm and three low winners. However, I would wish to indicate out here that when I refer to high achiever and low winner, it is non in its actual sense because all the pupils are of low ability. Here, high winner refers to those pupils who ever come out foremost, 2nd and 3rd in the tests and low winner refers to those who tend to be ranked among the last in the category.3.6 Student ‘s ProfileThe population of involvement for this survey consist of 27 pupils ( aged 14-15 ) in a signifier III category of a miss ‘s urban secondary school. The pupils joined the college with really hapless C.P.E. consequences. The pedagogues have to work hard with these pupils to do them come out with winging colorss in the S.C. test. The bulk of them belong to below middle-class households. This peculiar category was selected because it is the lone signifier three category where I work.3.7 TriangulationHarmonizing to Silverman ( 2008 ) triangulation is a research scheme whose major premise is that sociological research is a find procedure designed to acquire an nonsubjective truth that may be systematized as a formal theory of societal construction and procedure. It assumes that looking at an object fro more than one point of view provides research workers and theoreticians with more comprehensive cognition about the object. Furthermore, harmonizing to Freeman, D ( 1998, pg 96 ) , â€Å" triangulation is about what makes something hardy, able to back up its won weight, and hence reliable. Triangulation information beginnings are a affair of where you acquire your information ; triangulation aggregation methods are affair of changing the ways in which you gather that information. † Therefore, to minimise defects for the action research, I made usage of cross- scrutiny as an of import manner of look intoing that the grounds collected is every bit accurate as possible. The assorted research instruments used helped in triangulating informations and render the undertaking strong in footings of cogency and dependability. The triangulation method used as informations aggregation ( Figure aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ ) provided a step of cogency affecting the assemblage of informations from three different points of positions, viz. , that of the instructor, the pupils and a participant perceiver. Direct Teacher Observation Using a Checklist DATA COLLECTING TOOLS Participant Observation/Peer Validation Student Questionnaires Informal InterviewsFigureaˆÂ ¦aˆÂ ¦ . : The program for Triangulation Data Collection during the survey.Validity and dependabilityAs Silverman ( 1998 ) in Freebody, P. ( 2003, p 168 ) , â€Å" qualitative research workers in instruction demand to take earnestly the demands for dependability and cogency. † Denscombe, M. ( 1998, pg 85 ) , â€Å" Sing things from different position and the chance to confirm findings can heighten the cogency of the informations. They do non turn out that the research worker has ‘got it right ‘ , but they do give some assurance that the significance of the information has some consistence across methods. † As Silverman ( 1998 ) in Freebody, P. ( 2003, p. 168 ) , reveals qualitative research workers in instruction demand to take earnestly the demands for dependability and cogency. And harmonizing to Bassey ( 1999, p. 75 ) , dependability is the extent to which a research fact or determination can be repeated, given the same fortunes, and cogency is the extent to which a research fact or determination is what it is claimed to be. Furthermore, Kirk and Miller ( 1986 pp 20 ) define dependability as ‘the grade to which the determination is independent of inadvertent fortunes of the research ‘ . Furthermore, Silverman ( 2001, pp207-208 ) points out that look intoing the dependability is closely related to guaranting the quality of field notes. My research survey involved both qualitative and quantitative informations. The qualitative and quantitative researches seek for both dependability and cogency to supply a agency of garnering informations. Denscombe ( 1998, p. 85 ) , points out seeing things from different position and the chance to confirm findings can heighten the cogency of the information. The writer besides reveals that they do non turn out that the research worker has ‘got it right ‘ , but they do give some assurance that the significance of the information has some consistence across methods. This was done by the usage of the triangulation to back up the truth of the information gathered during my survey. The triangulation method used as informations aggregation provided a step of cogency affecting the assemblage of informations from different points of positions, viz. the pedagogues, students and co-workers.3.9 ReflexivityCarr and Kemmis ( 1986 ) commented reflexiveness as being: â€Å" Social life is automatic ; that is, it has the capacity to alter as our cognition and thought alterations, therefore making new signifiers of societal life which can, in their bend, be reconstructed. Social and educational theories must get by with this reflexiveness ; the ‘truths ‘ they tell must be seen as replies to peculiar inquiries asked in the rational context of a peculiar clip. † Carr and Kemmis ( 1986, p. 43 ) In connexion to my research undertaking, I applied reflexiveness by tie ining my research with all those concern viz. the school where I am working, my co-workers and the pupils involved in the survey. It was really of import for me to obtain informations, whether quantitative or qualitative, which are reliable to the research I am undergoing. I made it really clear to all those concerned that the research I am making will be good to the school, to the pupils and others pedagogues in this field of survey and last but non least to assist me in my professional development in being an pedagogue.3.10 Boundary lines and Restrictions3.11. Ethical considerationsAs Watt ( 1995, p. 1 ) mentioned, run intoing ethical standards leads non merely to a comparatively clear research scruples but to better research. Indeed Bassey ( 1999, p. 73 ) further refer research moralss under three headers: regard for democracy, regard for truth and regard for individuals. I conducted my survey following the re gulations of educational moralss. In order to keep rigorous ethical criterions to transport out the research, it was of import that I follow an established ethical guideline. So, at the really beginning of the research, the name of the school where the survey was carried out was non mentioned for the interest of confidentiality. Before get downing my research, I seeked the permission and credence of the Rector of my school ( Refer to appendixaˆÂ ¦. ) . The curate was informed about my research, its purpose, the agencies of roll uping the information and the deductions of the survey for the schools, my section and the students. A missive was addressed to the parents through the selected students to corroborate engagement in the survey. I wanted the participants to be in a place to give informed consent ( Cohen et al. , 2000 ) sing their engagement in the research. The pupils were informed about the intent and purpose of the survey and that they will be chosen as a sample to tran sport out a survey.The individuality of all participants was protected and anonyms were used in the thesis for confidentiality. The mark group was made cognizant that their work was being observed for the intent of research. The pupils were told that their work would be taken as artifacts and whatever observation would be made, would stay confidential, and in no manner be used against them. No parent and pupil had any expostulation.3.12 DecisionAn action research is the best-organized procedure of happening solutions to jobs through a planned and systematic aggregation, analysis, and reading of informations. Therefore, through this action research, I want to portion my cognition and experience about the betterment of instruction and acquisition of biological science through linguistic communication literacy, to fellow co-workers involved in the educational field.

Week paper

Also, studies suggest that sound and thorough logic is required when applying innovation to an ineffective business practices. These goals can be better achieved by taking advantage of the efficient communication abilities of logical spatial intelligence. Thus, multiple intelligence assessment provides unique insight to practical communication and leadership practices. Introduction After completing the multiple intelligence assessment from the website literacy. Norms. Com, my top three learning styles were logic or math, nature, and spatial intelligence.Math or logic was my highest score, and I believe hat of my three best scores, math or logic is the most useful skill to communication and leadership. According to the website, the math or logic intelligence suggests that I focus on relationships between things and how things work. Additionally, critical thinking is a strength of math or logic intelligence. Some noted activities for math and logic thinkers that may be useful in leader ship roles include organizing complex materials, and looking at things critically. An example of such logical critical thinking would be looking at an advertisement in terms of its functional parts.A logical way of joking at an advertisement may ask, â€Å"what are the parts of the advertisement and how do the parts work together to make the advertisement effective? † Discussion Spatial learners, according to literacy. Works. Com, excel at visual organization. This type of learning seems to have a synergy with logical learning. I feel that spatial thinking is a visual manifestation Of logical thinking. The website further explains some useful spatial skills as working with charts and graphs, color coding, and other forms of visual representation.This skill set jumps out to me as excellent tools for communication. Being able to logically process ideas and then display them in clear and organized visual displays is an excellent way to communicate ideas. The recent popularity of power point presentations which use computers to generate organized and aesthetically pleasing spatial displays in order to communicate ideas show the immense power of spatial communication and leadership. In fact, throughout my previous education I have been very successful producing effective communication with spatial displays.Whether using physical props for public speaking class or presenting power point displays of my clinical research, refer use of spatial thinking. Accounting for one's own intelligence style as well as the intelligence style of subordinates is a useful strategy for effective leadership. Being a logical thinker has the advantage of being able to see how these various different learning styles fit together. When building teams, intelligence styles may be considered in two ways. In some situations it may be effective to build teams from similar types of people who understand each other and relate well together (Watson, 1993).In other times it may be beneficial to build a diverse team made Of many different intelligence types ho contribute a variety of different strengths and outlooks to a project. Either way, it is useful to know what are the strengths and weakness of the team members in order to devise a strategic grouping of working teams. Indeed, the research of Hopkins and Hopkins assert that a diverse workups provide such benefits as â€Å"increased profitability, learning, creativity, flexibility, organizational and individual growth, and the ability of a company to adjust rapidly and successfully to market changes†. Limitation means doing things in new and different ways which may be better than the old way of doing the same thing. When people with different learning types work together innovation can occur as each team member can communicate from a unique perspective. Rather than continuously repeating inefficient processes that seem natural to a particular intelligence type, a different intelligence type may be able to po int out improvements to the process that had been hidden to the other group members from their own intelligence perspectives. Roach and Bed near present a very complex research article analyzing the logic of innovation in business.At the conclusion of their complex logical reasoning they deduced some key summarizations about the SE of logic in management. For one they suggest that when applying change to a business, managers should not only look for simple cause and effect relationships. Instead they should look for deeper logical relationships. In their paper they cite a case of the Jacksonville Sausage business in which a simple linear cause and effect scenario seemed to suggest from the worker's point of view that managerial micro-management was leading to workers' errors.While the same situation from the linear cause and effect view Of the managers looked as if workers' errors was the cause of necessitated micromanagement. However, the authors suggest that simple linear logic wa s limiting the vision of the overall situation and disguising the fact that were individual outside factors to blame for both worker error and the micromanagement. The lesson to be learned was that a more powerful logic beyond simple linear cause and effect gave a richer understanding of the business and the required innovations to correct its problems.Such innovation is the advantage of a manager with logical ability. In a study of risk communication Via visual displays, Lipids and Holland discuss the advantages of spatial communication. The first advantage of spatial displays n communication is that they can reveal information that is difficult and cumbersome to communicate in other ways. For example line graphs excel and revealing trends while pie charts are unmatched at indicating proportions. Second, spatial displays quickly and easily communicate numerical information.And third, spatial displays are attention grabbers. Each of these advantages can be utilized by managers who m ake effective practice of spatial communication. Conclusion Each person is different in his or her abilities and intelligence types, but each uniqueness has something to contribute to effective leadership. Specifically, the intelligence attributes of logic and spatial reasoning are particularly effective at developing leadership communication skills.