Communication in Early Childhood Education Essay

Effective communication creates a learning environment where students can learn according to their individual needs in a safe and accommodating environment. Think about your early childhood education (or your child’s early education), was it flexible to suit individual learning experiences or were children required to conform to the teacher’s methods of teaching? If you answered the latter, do you think the former would improve the quality of education? Pedagogues’ in all divisions of education should possess proficiency in different levels of communication, whether  they are teaching primary or secondary students or university alumni, to be able to address a combination of the various age groups (colleagues, students, parents or superiors). Educators will face difficulties in providing a satisfactory level of education without the necessary skills to communicate effectively to these groups of people. Early childhood educators with effective communication skills demonstrate an ability to adapt their teaching methods to suit the needs of their young individual students, which benefits the progression in child development. The teacher’s positive mood determines the emotional climate of the classroom,  creating a healthy and safe learning environment for the children and allows teachers to communicate comfortably with children, parents and colleagues, therefore, resolving issues efficiently. Early childhood educators who communicate effectively with children and parents create a positive classroom atmosphere, where successful learning can take place. Teachers and parents must be able to communicate and cooperate to build a strong relationship for the best interests of the child. Do parents have an innate trust in teachers? (For them to leave their children in the teachers care, in some  cases, almost a stranger) Whether or not this is accurate, teachers must build on this trust to create a supportive parent-teacher relationship. Each situation is different and teachers should be aware of their body language, and use of language, so when speaking with parents their communication should be different when talking to parents than when they are chatting with friends. The first step is establishing a dialogue by approaching the parent first and making them feel welcome and relaxed, as parents may be resistant in making first contact, due to, a bad experience with teachers themselves, as children or bad experiences in other  schools with other teachers (Miller, 2003 & Roffey, 2002 as cited by Porter, 2008). There are different strategies teachers can use to maintain effective communication with parents and build strong relationships once they have made communication. Keeping a parents trust is important in maintaining open lines of communication so they can discuss concerns relating to the child and solve issues promptly. Teachers can gain parents confidence by always respecting confidentiality and avoiding rumors. If a parent finds out that, their child’s teacher breached confidentiality or is  a known gossip, parents will find it difficult to confide in them with an issue regarding their child, particularly if it is of a personal nature. Parents are also more likely to approach their child’s teacher if they know they can discuss issues and reach a mutual agreement (Bender, 2005). Teacher-parent communication is all about showing trust and comfort with each other. Frequent communication between these two parties creates less tension, when an issue arises, allowing a constructive discussion to take place and reaching an agreement sooner without hostility. Teachers can increase parent participation in the child’s learning by updating  them in upcoming activities and events, so they can be included in their child’s education, stay informed in their child’s successes and concerns, participate in special events, and contribute to their child’s overall learning process. The activities and responsibilities of the school should not be limited to the school environment and cease once the child has reached home, therefore, teachers and parents should allow room for overlapping (Edwards, 2000). Keeping parents updated on their child’s school progress allows parents to provide the necessary support and encouragement at home, giving them a better understanding of their child’s development. At the same time, teachers should obtain information from parents regarding the child’s progress at home, so teachers can help children accordingly at school. This back and forth communication between parents and teachers will provide students with a supportive network that benefits everyone concerned (Ramirez, 2006). It is also the responsibility of teachers to advice parents when their child is involved in an accident. Teachers should always take detailed notes of incidents, remembering to keep confidentiality (between parents), if more than one student was involved (Koza, 2007).  If a parent became aware about an incident through their child, it may give the parent the impression that the teacher tried to conceal the incident. By keeping parents constantly informed, reinforces the parent-teacher relationship, giving parents’ confidence in the teacher’s ability to care for their child. Teachers need to be flexible in their teaching, to meet each individual’s needs. Teachers must demonstrate various teaching styles to accommodate how each individual â€Å"learnt-to-learn† (Edwards, 2009), by applying the learning methods children are familiar with enables them to accomplish more and feel comfortable in  their new learning environment. The way children learned to do tasks at home is crucial to their learning when they reach early childhood education, since each child learned to follow instructions and complete tasks differently, it would be insensitive to treat all children the same without taking into account their cultural differences and experience (Marotz, 2009). Educators teaching young children must consider the learning methods each individual is already accustomed to and design their teaching methods around the children’s experiences, and so, communication can be  used effectively by incorporating different teaching strategies such as speaking, writing and visual demonstrations. For example, a child who has learned to complete a task by reading instructions will perform more efficiently if they are able to read from the board or paper, instead of following verbal instructions from a teacher. Teachers should make the effort to understand each child’s previous learning experience and background, so they can identify the best teaching method required by each child. Teachers must adopt appropriate methods and language for teaching and should outline the schools (or teachers) code of conduct regarding  language, to parents, so they can enforce the same rules at home to avoid children bringing inappropriate language to school, causing disruptions in the learning of other children and disgruntling other parents. As teachers gain experience with children and parents of different cultures, religions and abilities, they develop their own communication skills so they can provide improved services to the children they teach in the future. A safe and positive classroom is an important environment for the learning and development of a child. As a classroom leader, the teacher must behave and  communicate in a manner that creates a positive emotional climate in the classroom; firstly, teachers must resolve or reduce stress caused by work and personal issues, doing so outside of the classroom, so they can concentrate on the needs of the children when they are in the classroom. Secondly, by displaying self-confidence, a strong sense of self-worth and control over their emotions creates a classroom atmosphere where children are happy, comfortable and safe, as a result, children respond more positively to their teachers and classmates (Marotz, 2009). Ebbeck & Waniganayake (2003) stated that young children generally have a  sense of happiness and positiveness in them, but society depresses this and upsets the way children view the world and future, by creating fear in them (the media showing violence, bad behavior, and superficial concerns). However, teachers can empower children by showing them â€Å"how to take their place in society and create a better now and future† (Ebbeck & Waniganayake, 2003) and give them a feeling of optimism in everything they try to accomplish. Teachers who build a trusting bond with their students are also better equipped, in understanding each individual, allowing children to open up and discuss personal problems with them. This enables  teachers to speak and listen to each individual easily and identify signs of possible abuse, bullying or other health and safety concerns. In conclusion, effective communication is essential to all learning environments and without it, teachers will struggle to teach and students will face learning difficulties, resulting in a decline in the quality of education. In early childhood education, it is up to the teachers to ensure that each child’s education environment is safe and comfortable for the child, by showing flexibility in teaching to meet individual requirements and showing care and understanding to assist children with concerns. A strong parent-teacher relationship creates a support network where information is exchanged and issues are solved, to allow the child to concentrate on his or her learning and development. Early childhood educators are there to guide and support children in all aspects of life. References Ebbeck, M. & Waniganayake, M. (2003). Early childhood professionals: Leading today and tomorrow. East Gardens, Australia: Maclennan & Petty Pty Ltd Edwards, MC (2000) Center for effective parenting is a collaborative project of: The Jones center for families, 3. Retrieved from http://www. parenting-ed. org/handout3/Parental Involvement/Communicating with. Teacher Handout. pdf Edwards, S. (2009). Early childhood education and care. Castle Hill, Australia: Pademelon Press Koza, W. (2007). Managing an effective early childhood classroom. Huntington Beach, USA: Shell Educational Publishing. Marotz, L. R. (2009). Health, safety, and nutrition for the young child (8th ed. ). Australia: Cengage Learning Porter, L. (2008). Teacher-parent collaboration: Early childhood to adolescence. Camberwell, Australia: ACER Press Ramirez, L (2006) Parent teacher – The benefits of creating a supportive parent teacher relationship. Retrieved from http://www. parenting-child-development. com/parent-teacher. html.

The Role of the Nephron

The Roles of the Nephron of the 120 ml of blood that is filtered by the kidneys each minute, only I ml (that's less than I%) turns into urine that will eventually leave the body (after approximately 300 – 400 mis of it accumulates to fill the bladder! ) That leaves 119 ml of fluid called filtrate to be returned back to the blood stream. Good thing, otherwise you would have to micturate (pee, urinate) once every 3 minutes and drink 1 L of fluid every 10 minutes in order to maintain Homeostasis!!!The one million nephrons in each human kidney are amazingly efficient at selectively removing wastes from the blood while at the same time conserving water, salt ions, glucose and other needed materials. The nephrons accomplish this task in 3 main steps; these 3 steps are also called the 3 main roles of the nephron: Filtration, Reabsorption and Secretion. Fiftratffln Filtration is aecomplished by the movement of fluids from the blood into the Bowman's capsule. Beabsorpttort Reatuorptias wolves the selective transfer of essential solutes and water back into the blood.Secretion Secretion Involves the movement of wastes from the blood into the mphron. 1. Filtration The renal artery carries blood into the kidney (approximately 600 mis of blood enters a kidney each minute). The renal artery then branches into arterioles which then branch intoaspecialized capillaries called the glomerulus. Because of the great difference in diameter between the renal artery and the glomerul us, blood entering the glomerulus is under very high pressure. This pressure forces about 20% of the blood plasma (about 120m1 of the 600 ml) out of the glomerulus and across the membrane of Bowman's capsule.Bowman's capsule acts to â€Å"filter† or separate some of the substances that are located in blood plasma from others. This is because some substances are small enough to fit through the pores of the membrane of Bowman's capsule and some are too large and thus do not enter Bowman's capsul e with the rest of the blood plasma. Water, salt ions (sodium, potassium and choride), glucose molecules, amino acids and urea molecules are all small enough to go through the membrane pores into Bowman's capsule. Blood cells (rbc, wbc and platelets) and proteins on the other hand are too large to leave the capillaries or enter Bowman's capsule.The fluid inside of Bowman's capsule gets a name change; it is now called â€Å"filtrate† because it is blood plasma that has been filtered, This filtrate is identical to blood plasma minus the blood cells and proteins. Filtrate is said to be isotonic to blood plasma with respect to its concentration of water, salt ions, glucose, amino acids and urea. The filtrate will then proceed from Bowman's capsule through the rest of the nephron in the following order: proximal convoluted tubule, loop of henle, distal convoluted tubule and finally the collecting tubule.From the collecting tubule, the filtrate will enter the pelvis of the kidney a nd be called urine. 2. Reabsorption Useful materials such as sugars and salt ions are reabsorbed back into the blood stream. That is, materials that could still be used by the body are sent back to the blood. Reabsorption happens as filtrate passes sequentially through the nephron. Materials re-entering the blood stream do so through the capillary network surrounding the nephrons. In short, â€Å"good† stuff is sent from the nephron back into the blood. A.Proximal Convoluted Tubule (PCn: As the filtrate enters the PCT approximately 80% of the salt ions (sodium and potassium), glucose and amino acids are ACTIVELY TRANSPORTED out of the PCT and back into the blood stream by special â€Å"pumping† cells located in the walls of the PCT. The process of active transport requires energy. Energy in the form of ATP is supplied by the numerous mitochondria that are embedded in the walls of the PCT. Because of ionic attraction, negatively charged chloride ions (CI-) will flow pas sively out of the PCT as they are attracted by the positively charged sodium and potassium ions (Na+, K+).As the concentration of the above mentioned solute molecules drops inside of the PCT, water then diffuses out of the PCT and into the capillary network passively by the process of OSMOSIS. The lining of the PCT contains microvilli to increase the surface area over which this reabsorption can occur. B. Descending Loop of Henle: As the filtrate travels into the descending Loop of Henle, both sodium and potassium ions passively diffuse from the salty tissues of the surrounding medulla BACK INTO the Loop of Henle. (Although this is eabsorption of materials, the materials are not going back into the blood stream at this point). At the same time, water continues to move out of the Loop of Henle and into the capillary network by osmosis. The filtrate at this point is more concentrated (hypertonic) with respect to salt ions than it was in the PCT, both because water has been removed fro m it, and because salt ions have been again added to it. C. AscendineLoop of Henle As the filtrate proceeds up into the ascending Loop of Henle, the choride ions are actively pumped back out of the nephron.Because of ionic attraction, sodium ions then passively follow the chloride ions out of the tubule and into the tissues of the medulla. These ions only move into the medulla and not back into the blood stream. Since the ascending Loop of Henle is impermeable to water, water cannot leave this part of the nephron. Because of this, the filtrate gets more dilute again. Because the opposite happens in the ascending and descending Loops of Henle, the process is called the COUNTER CURRENT MECHANISM. The process is also known as the CHLORIDE SfUFT.D. Distal Convoluted Tubule (DCT) As the filtrate passes through this part of the nephron, water continues to passively diffuse out of the nephron and back into the blood. Water continues to diffuse out of the DCT because the surrounding tissues of the medulla are now very salty due to so much sodium and chloride ions accumulating there. The salty tissues attract the water out of the DCT because the medulla is hypertonic with respect to salt concentration when compared with the salt concentration of the filtrate (now hypotonic).Water that enters the medulla will then diffuse back into the blood stream. Because of the continual re-absorption of water, the filtrate becomes more and more concentrated with wastes, mainly urea. The amount of water that diffuses can be regulated by a hormone called ADH. The amount of water that diffuses from the DCT back into the blood depends on the needs of the body; if the body is dehydrated, more water will go back into the blood, and less will be left in the nephron to make less urine.The opposite occurs if the body is over hydrated. E. Collectin g Tubule C The same thing that occurs in the DCT also occurs in the CT 3. Secretion Occurring at the same time as reabsorption is a process called secretion. Secretion is when a cell releases a substance to its outside†¦ in this case, non-useful and toxic substances are ACTIVELY TRANSPORTED from the blood into the nephron – usually in the regions of the distal and proximal convoluted tubules.Substances which are secreted include excess acid (H+) or base (OH-) ions, excess glucose (high glucose levels are found in diabetic urine or urine of someone who has recently consumed a large amount of sugar-this is the kidney's way of helping to ensure that the blood sugar level doesn't get too high), ammonia, and drugs (this is why urine is used from many drug tests – the breakdown of many drugs including marijuana, cocaine, heroin, sleeping pills, codeine and many other medications can be detected even in minute amounts in the urine).The process of secretion ensures that materials that are potentially harmful to the body are quickly disposed of by being â€Å"dumped† into the fluid that is about to become uri ne. Secretion happens mainly in the regions of the DCT and CT but some also occurs in the PCT. In short, secretion involves â€Å"bad† stuff being removed from the blood being sent to the urine. of the loop after chlorine. The sodium rushes The Counter Current Mechanism of the Nephron out by diffusion because of its ‘fatal attraction' to chlorine.The chlorine and the sodium ions collect and dominate the fluids outside the loop The loop of Henle works toward the goal of water conservation. Animals that live in a terrestrial environment need to be careful not to waste water. It is clearly a waste,if water is in short supply, to release too much water with the urine. As a result there needs to be a mechanism to encourage water out of the urine and back into the blood. The loop of Henle creates that animals.There i s no way of actively capturing water in the urine that is passing through the collecting ducts. It would almost seem too late to capture the water that is alread y on its way out of the body. However, the nifty nephron creates a trick with its loop of lienle to get the water out of the collecting duct before it leaves the kidney, kidney. The ascending loop of Henle actively transports chlorine ions out of the filtrate with carrier proteins. Chlorine builds up in the fluids of the medulla by active transport.Because it is a negative ion, it creates a cause for the sodium ion, which is positive, to rush out It does so by creating a salty environment in the medulla area of the mechanism in terrestrial of I-fenle creating a salty environment. This salty environment catches the attention of the water that is passing through the nearby collecting duct. salt. The collecting duct is permeable to water but not permeable to the Water can. not resist moving into the The salt creates an osmotic salty medulla. pressure that pulls the water out of the collecting duct by osmosis. Water has a ‘fatal attraction' to salty solutions. ) Once the water is out of the duct it is no longer destined for elimination but can' now be picked up by the nearby. ,Mood capillaries and returned to be used by;. body systems. Meanwhile, back at the loop of`-†¢Henle, trouble is starting. The ascending loop is running out of salt. There is no need to worry. The salt trick can continue because the descending loop in its wisdom is stealing back the salt that the ascending loop is so generously releasing.This helps to keep a constant flow of salt inside the loop for the ascending lope to pump out . Because of the generosity gfthe ascending loop and the stinginess of the descending loop a salt trade or salt current is established as the salt moves ouc of the ascen ding loop and into the descending loop, This salt current established by the loop of lienle maintains an environment that attracts water out of the ducts containing urine and back into the blood.This process is called the counter current mechanism. (ER 25 EXCRETION AND WE BALANCING OF WATE R AN Cl ruti†n i Tubular secretion Nctwp -i> Urea _, How Materials Move Into and Out of the Nephron As Urine Forms. As a Al. nephron extends through the kidney's cortex and medulla and dumps urine into the collecting duct, various substances enter and leave the filtrate. Broken lines represent segments of the nephron wall that are permeable to water, while solid lines represent wall segments impermeable to water.Narrow arrows represent passive diffusion of materials into or out of the nephron tubule, while wide arrows represent active transport against concentration gradients. Filtration activities are shown in blue, tubu. l ‘eabsorption activities in green, and tubular secretion in yellow. U ne is shown as yellow. traces nephron function and material movements step by step. The t FU†,t. Ic r1

Information Management

In the current market, most companies use ERP system to solve most of their management issues and also assist an organization in running efficiently. The ERP system is also well- known to be really simple and easy to work with for many organizations. In the following sections, this essay will discuss about the process and pitfalls of using an ERP system, the advantages and disadvantages of it and with these, it will conclude on the ERR system.What is an Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) System The Enterprise Resource Planning System or simply known as an ERP system, is primarily a professional application software that carries out standardized methods to streamline information among each and every division within an organization (Leonie, 2012). The ERP system coordinates information reliably all around whatever is left of the organization. ERP system incorporates a range of modules including financial, accounting, HARM, sales, distribution, manufacturing and logistics (Deer ret al, 2005).This range of modules each has its own System which often possessed compatibility issues with each other. This is when an ERP system comes in handy whereby it joins all this incompatible modules together so as to be able them to communicate, share and impart information effectively. With the ERP system establishing communication among these incompatible oodles, there will not be a need to stir information from diverse framework, doing additional computations or interface with the sales results from a few months back or handling flow.In conjunction with this framework, each person inside the organization would be able to retrieve the relevant information he/she require in order to perform their task effectively and efficiently. Table 1 below are some modules that use an ERR system (Leonie, 201 2): Table 1: Organizational Modules that utilizes ERP System Organizational Modules which Utilizes ERP System Account & Finance Sales & DistributionLogistics Human Resource Production Gen eral Ledger Accounts Payable & Receivable Fixed Asset Sales Queries (Inquires & Quotations) Sales Orders Delivery / Shipment Invoice / Billing Purchasing, Tracking & Sales Shipment of Inventory Items Tracking of Product Lots & Serial Numbers Tracking of Product Quality Test Results Warehouse Capacity Management personnel management Organizational management Payroll Time management Personnel development Tracking the change of unrefined materials into finished items Track Labor, Overhead and other amassing costs Stipulate the full cost of creationThe Process and Pitfalls of Switching to ERP system With the ERP system being setup correctly, the whole system will become very sophisticated, incorporating decreases in administration procedures; enhanced benefits; less demanding expenses; and performance that is more dependable. Below are some points on the process and pitfalls of switching to an ERP system (Suddenly, 2011 Reduces Unnecessary Paperwork: An ERP system reduces majority of th e paperwork, as all correspondence between departments are able to experience the same framework.Using a sales department and production department for illustration purposes, whenever the Sales Department input a sales order into the ERP system, the Production Department personnel would be notified of the sales requests within a very short period and they can begin processing the sales request and issues preparation requests to the production team. In the event that there is a need to, workers can get a printout Of the processed sales request.From the point where the Production Department began processing the sales request and eventually issuing the preparation request, no unnecessary paperwork were incurred but yet task could still be effectively performed in an efficient manner. Enhanced Productivity: Productivity will be enhanced if ERP system is applied correctly, as it will greatly improve on time and material usage. Intelligence and rules can also be programmed accordingly and applied. For example, similar production orders can be combined and produced concurrently, as this will allow more proficient utilization of staffs, machines, and resources.Easier Costs: Less demanding expenditure (imparted as a rate of the revenue earned) might be fulfilled with the usage of an ERP system. For instance in the event whereby suppliers have gotten a full collaboration, the ERP system makes it keel to execute the buying arrangement without a moment to spare. This can cut down the expenses of final product stock keeping and set free capital for other purposes. Solid Performance: ERR system can often provides businesses with flawless and efficient operations, however this useful advantage is often neglected as it could not be justified as a source of income to the organization.However, it is still important to note that this strong performance of ERR can provides organizations with flawless and efficient operation when information can be relayed to various departments i n a fast, little or no error manner, using the name example mentioned earlier for reducing unnecessary paperwork. With the process being discussed, the ERP framework also contains a few pitfalls and they would be discussed below. Incorrect Rationale for using an ERP: A generally committed error, particularly when ERP-like frameworks initially showed up, is the decision for ERP with the incorrect rationale.There had been numerous organizations who settled on ERP to massive clean-up on their chaotic operation methods, unfortunately this move practically ends up in a catastrophe. The old yet famous proverb suggested ‘garbage in – refuse UT' always stands and should never be forgotten by any organizations. To keep away from these traps, it is highly important for organizations to enhance their methodology with more sensible requirement before establishing an ERP system. Underestimating the Time: Often, companies are too engrossed in implementing the ERP system such that the y underestimated the time spent.Arrangement of the usage requires much unforeseen and excess work and time spent. Understatement of the obliged attempts could deliver extreme results. Underestimating the Cost: Quite often, certain ERP system provider gives a proposition that are easily understandable by clients, yet in reality this proposition may possessed unseen problems once the system finished development, that can result in significant clashes between the client and ERR system provider. Organizations must ensure that they had considered all expense segments and how specific situations may influence the system development cost.One of the common problem faced by organization is their failure to conduct feasibility study when deciding to have the ERP system or not. Failure to do feasibility study will lead to painful results at the end of the day whereby the real cost of eating up the ERP (e. G. Agreement, permit, upkeep, expenses of execution) could cost a lot more than the reven ue they could earn when the ERP is up and running. Incorrect ERP Selection A small or medium organization ought to abstain from purchasing an enormous framework, and rather actualities one that is more proper to their prerequisites and plan (with some room to develop).Another similar issue is picking the incorrect kind of ERP system – many varieties of ERP systems are readily available in the market, some that are task arranged Reps and some that are handling line situated Reps. It is important to verify the type of framework an organization pick that adjusts to the sort of business they operate. The Advantages & Disadvantages of using an ERP System Essentially, ERP system which is correctly outlined, properly setup and accurately completed ERP results could give huge profits to any organization regardless of their volume or development.The capacity to immediately run status reports with no physical information entrance in databases can give organizations significant data on business operations and consider all the more opportune responses to changing business situations. Farsighted corporations have started to take a gander at their professional frameworks as a very vital component of their general business speculation system and operate similar monetary measurements to professional programming that are highly utilized when procuring another plant or new gear.In the quick moving universe of business, a progressed, present day ERP framework is no more simply a key to business achievement, however a centre component of survival. If any organization experiences issues running reports continuously, or their workers spent unnecessary time inputting the same piece of information repeatedly into other frameworks, or vital business measurements that needs to be ascertained by hands on worksheets, this organization will definitely reap the benefits of when they have an advanced ERR business bundle (Leer-lie, 2012).However, on the other end some disadvantages of using an ERP system would be the huge cost, its long journey, its data length, and the time spent on implementing the programmer. The implementation process can take up to several months for the system to be full up and running. Complexity is also one of the factor that organization faces when it comes to implementing the yester. Overall, ERP frameworks do not really seem appropriate for Small or Medium-sized Enterprises, or simply known as Seems whereby they essentially have difficulty in defending the starting cost of their enterprise (LOL, 2011).Some other disadvantages of using an ERP system would be discussed below (LOL, 2011). Impacting on Business Processes: ERR structures are often an immediate progression to the processes or procedures of business organizations, and this often leads to entanglement rather than actualities. In order to ensure that each one some piece of the equines fits into the ERP structure, it is unrealistic that individual procedures and arrangements co uld be kept up, so the execution of an ERP structural engineering has a tendency to take the state of a much more extensive business change venture.This is all the time an iterative methodology. At the point when characterizing the extent of the ERP at an early stage, huge numbers of such contemplations are often remains unknown. ERR executions possessed the possibility of being viewed as tasks that â€Å"constrain† unwanted reforms on the business organizations' operation. Thus once the ERP usage is underway, the only solution for any change is to change business formats without preparing the whole system from scratch.ERP Systems that lacks Flexibility and Adaptability: ERP system building design gives itself well to build organizations that possessed characterized procedures and methods. With the ERP system being set up, the system would succeed for those organizations, yet for other organizations that wish to perform major fundamental reforms, the ERP system could turn out to be exceptionally rigid. Because of the path in which the structural engineering is situated up, even generally little changes might e immoderate and entangled to execute.Dynamic organizations, continually looking to roll out improvements in course would not be able to enjoy the profit brought about by having an ERP, as the ERP would never be synchronized with what the business actually does. Problems Created through Ongoing Supports: External vendors often uphold ERP frameworks. This can result in many issues created when these external vendors are required to adhere to administration level understandings, thus the time to react to abnormalities and the nature of essential help could not keep up with business requisites.Permitting and support charges could be incurred heavily into the already thriving expenses of the ERR system. The greatest fear of any organizations are the security of their confidential information held within the ERP, as the system are mostly maintained by ex ternal vendors, the organizations feel that they do not have ‘true' control of these confidential information. Risk of Efficiency being Dissolved by Businesses A compelling ERP depends on the correct type of business procedures to help and keep up with structural planning.For instances, Organizations that do not UT resources into further skills upgrading of staffs will never be able to see the profits through ERP execution. Whenever organizations are working in an extremely conservative way, these organizations can never truly understand and appreciates the ability of an ERP framework. Structural engineering relies heavily on an exceptionally incorporated plan of action and disappointment to impart information between offices will restrain viable living up to expectations. Fundamentally, to completely profit using ERP framework, the business will be required to be executed in a certain manner readily.A few organizations have acknowledged robust benefits from the usage of the E RP system, though majority of the people believes that the results did not advocate the start-up cost of the ERP. As these ERP systems are often very costly, organizations must think thoroughly of whether does this ERP truly benefit the business, and at the same time whether business really needs to have an ERP. Conclusion An ERP system may be an exceptionally important device for each undertaking in which centre methodology could be supported by programming.

PEST analysis and a SWOT analysis for Arm Holdings Essay

PEST analysis and a SWOT analysis for Arm Holdings - Essay Example This has made Arm Holdings' products to be very popular in the market today. So far, there is no altitude of Arm Holding products in the sense that they fail to become popular in other countries because they are foreign products. Their product have been very competitive in the market since they have been designed with the latest technology and since the world today is growing fast as far as information technology is concerned, then they are being manufactured at the right time. Since Arm Holdings Products are produced and marketed international, they consider the level of inflation, interest rates, long-term Gross Domestic Product's per capita prospects in order for them to know the way forward as far as distribution and marketing of their products is concerned. Arm Holdings Company to ensure their products are competitive in the market, they have always ensured that they do a feasibility study on the internal environmental factors in which the firm operates. In order for the firm to they match the organization's resources and a capability in the competitive environment in which it operates, SWOT analysis tool has been a very important tool. 2 Over the years, Arm Holding Company products have had a brand name in the market.

Research on retail market Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Research on retail market - Essay Example The first reason for this option emerges from the fact that my Company is new in the ICT market and due to limited financial resources Sole proprietorship provides the best option as a result of: Its simplicity; it is operated under a simple set up that involves fundamental business requirements for instance; the nominal costs associated with the initial stage of development are relatively low as compared to other business vehicles such as partnerships and incorporation. Another reason emanates from the fact that Sole Proprietorship requires only the payment of licenses and other basic operational fees for commencement of its activities. The third most imperative reason for taking this form of business operation is to ensure that I develop my management skills in ICT management. Sole Proprietorship provides the platform that will facilitate may career development in the field of ICT business. This occurs due to the fact that I will be responsible for all the activities conducted in the business hence improving my managerial skills. Consequently, this form of business operation would create a favorable ground for the development of my new business since cases associated with other forms of business vehicles like complex taxation processes will be avoided. That is, sole proprietorship cannot be differentiated from its original owner hence the method of taxation on such business is less complicated as compared to partnerships and incorporation. Moreover, other negative facets that may arise due to mismanagement that are usually experienced in partnerships and incorporation are also prevented. For instance; poor productivity that may arise due to poor modus operandi of one of the partners that lead to law suit are prevented in sole proprietorship. Sine the owner of sole proprietorship is responsible for all its management issues, much effort is

Nutrition Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Nutrition Questions - Essay Example ure of the nutrient breakdown often results in a lack of energy, excessive sleepiness, or similar problems that would otherwise act to counter weight loss gains. As a result of these limitations one’s overall perception of fad diets and drugs is highly suspicious. Adolescence has been defined as a developmental stage distinguishing childhood from adulthood. While the age of 18 is the legal definition of adulthood, the actual developmental transition is determined by psychological and physiological factors. One of the predominant developmental stages associated with adolescence is puberty. As adolescence is a pivotal developmental stage there are a number of nutrition-related problems associated with it. One of the most prominent nutrition-related problems of adolescence is that of malnutrition, particularly its effect on weight gain. While the high numbers of adolescents that are overweight is in great part due to a lack of exercise, a nearly equal problem is overeating, or eating the wrong foods. Another issue is that of under nutrition. Particularly in the cases of anorexia, adolescents are particularly apt to these as they face the challenges of the teenage years. As this is a critical growth period proper nutrition is important as it has been shown to affect health in later life. Specific health problems from poor adolescent nutrition include osteoporosis, heart disease, and diabetes. Other potential problems related to nutrition include stomach and kidney pains brought on by bulimia that, like anorexia, is another frequent disorder related to the adolescent development stage. In addition to these noted nutrition-related problems adolescents in this development stage are susceptible to many of the same nutrition related problems of regular adults; over consumption of daily vitamins can cause a series of health related problems. Ultimately, because of these issues it’s highly important for adolescents to pay particular attention to their nutrition and

LAW OF TORTS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

LAW OF TORTS - Essay Example Trespass is identified as a form of redress in case of direct or indirect injury and the system also recognises other civil actions such as defamation as going to be explained in detail below. In the case of tort law, the person who suffers injuries is called a plaintiff and the person who has inflicted those injuries is called a defendant. It is of paramount importance for the claimant to be able to prove that the negligent behaviour of the defendant has caused injuries or loss of business. There are traditionally three elements in the tort action which the plaintiff has to prove in order to be successful in winning the claim. There is need to prove that the defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care, the defendant breached that duty by falling below expected standards and the defendant’s conduct caused the plaintiff to suffer physical or economic harm (http://legal-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Tort+Law). Where it can be proved, recovery for loss can be effected by the court of law. As going to be discussed in detail below, there is need to establish three elements in tort action. Tort action also encompasses negligence which is described as the act of doing something a reasonable man would not do and a plaintiff must prove in such a case that the defendant owes a duty of care (Donoghue V. Stevenson 1932). The House of Lords in the case of Capiro Industries vs. Dickman (1990), proposed the adoption of the following conditions where the three stages should be taken into consideration which include; foreseeability, proximity as well as reasonability. In some cases it may not always follow that a duty of care exists but common sense ought to prevail to avoid an otherwise serious injury to another person or loss of business or profit. Due to the fact that a person may deliberately expose someone to danger or a situation which can cause losses leaves him liable to negligent behaviour where he is

France and Russia Semi-Presidential Systems Analysis Essay

France and Russia Semi-Presidential Systems Analysis - Essay Example Democracy is simply understood as highly associated with freedom. On the contrary, it would be a bit harder to define authoritarianism due to the fact that it is quite supple and diverse in its form. In other words, it is very interesting to find out why some countries ended up themselves in authoritarian regime knowing the fact that there is no individual freedom associated with it. In addition, it is very complex and not everyone could substantially express their freedom. At some point, there must suppression of individual rights involved. After all, authoritarianism requires absolute obedience to authority. This is the basic requirement in authoritarian regime contrary to emancipation of individual freedom in democratic regime. In democratic regime, it is the people who have the higher authority to select among themselves somebody to be seated in the higher rank, to represent their voices. Submission therefore to this instituted authority would mean complete obedience and respect of the voice of the majority. In this case, it is always the majority wins and has ultimate right over the minority. This only means that for as long as there are minority groups, democratic regime should always subject itself to varying amendments in many aspects in governance. For instance, the emancipation of law should at some point be allowed to undergo process of voting prior to its implementation. In the legalization of abortion, democratic regime always has the chance for ratification by the majority. Substantial debates are necessary just to make sure that everybody’s possible voices on the said issue are heard. On the contrary, one could always associate authoritarianism with dictatorship, monarchy, one-man rule, autocracy and even police state. This what it means about authoritarianism being diverse. In democracy, the rulers are restricted by a constitution, law and even oppositions such as the minority group and even some insurgents. However, this is not the case in the issue of authoritarian regime. There is a repressive control of the people in authoritarianism. Seeing these definitions and illustrations of authoritarianism and democracy would somehow suggest that it would be impossible why countries remarkably engaged themselves with authoritarian regime. It is important to look at this issue in detail most especially in the case of Russia. In this paper, the proponent tries to elaborate some factors that could probably explain why Russia has slid into competitive authoritarianism. Based on history, Russia like France has semi-presidential systems. However, France chose to remain democratic but Russia decided to slide into competitive authoritarianism. There are many probable factors that one could elaborate for the reason of acquiring substantial explanation. However, in this paper, the proponent chose to discuss one of the most important factors considered to be elemental for the institution of authoritarian regime in Russia. This is th e issue concerning democratic value. Democratic value People lack democratic values. Perhaps, this is a good point to start with. In Russia, history could tell that in its archaic society, the leaders always decide for the people. People were never thought to decide among themselves and thus lacking responsibility and freedom to think of different things for the good of the country. This is a remarkable impact and

The impact of the CISG on international business transactions Essay

The impact of the CISG on international business transactions - Essay Example 1.2. Thesis statement Recent years have been proved to be challenging for financial markets all over the world due to a spread in the international business transactions as well as the risks behind it. Starting from this idea, and also the past customs in international trade, this paper proposes to analyze the impact of contracts for international sale of goods (CISG) on the international business transactions. 1.2. Literature Review According to Ferrari (2009) contracts for international sale of goods was a huge success. In his paper he has argued that it is one of the greatest legislative or governmental achievements in the process of harmonizing the classified commercial law. Within a short span of time a total of 70 countries became the member of CISG. A number of eminent scholars have highlighted the importance of CISG in the international arena. In order to cite an instance according to Fletcher (2009) the Contract for International Sale of Goods is one of the most successful a ttempts to harmonize the international trade. He further quoted that CISG project was a successor of the 2 substantive international sales agreements. The agreements were ‘Uniform Law on the Formation of Contracts for the International Sale of Goods’ and ‘Uniform Law for the International Sale of Goods’. It has to perform a number of functions. Some of them are highlighted below:- It administers the international sales agreements if both the associated parties are belong from the member countries. To manage the conflicts between the member countries with respect to international trade. It also tries to safeguard the private sovereignty of the member parties. Chapter 2 Building on the CISG 2.1. International... In general United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods is a necessary convention for the member countries that provide rules to administer the cross border sale of goods. It mainly seeks to lessen the problems of international trade pertaining to law. It is also a fact that whenever a cross border transaction takes place some form of disputes is bound to happen. Hence in order to reduce it and facilitate smother transaction process harmonization of international trade took place. This has also led to the formation of CSIG. It offered easier ways to carry out foreign trade when compared with the complex laws and bodies found in most of national rules and regulations. After the incorporation of CSIG the system of international trade witnessed drastically changes. There were hassle free transactions, and the process become easier. Apart from that it was also notices that the transaction cost got highly reduced thereby offer benefits to both the parties inv olved. Furthermore after its incorporation there were also large relaxations in the international trade law. Hence on the basis of the recoded data and reviewing the literatures about the United Nations Convention on Contracts for the International Sale of Goods, it can be concluded that CSIG played an extremely important role in facilitating smoother international trade. Hence it has been able to impact positively on the international business transaction.

'To what extent is the study of the self relevant to social care work' Essay

'To what extent is the study of the self relevant to social care work' - Essay Example These three are the core pillars that a person should always put into consideration in establishing an effective community involvement. The importance of knowing the reflexive consciousness aspect is that it covers self awareness, self knowledge and self esteem. These three creates a doorway for a person to see the outline of his personal being before engaging into inter-personal activity like social work. First self awareness and self knowledge provides a person a clear blue print of his strengths and weaknesses that as a result, provides a strong self conceptualization. The main goal here is for self enhancement which is very important to achieve self esteem whenever a person will engage in a social work. Confident to relate with other can be acquired if a person knows that he will be effective enough to handle social situations. It is a matter of getting into the public, so a person’s knowledge of his â€Å"self† creates a path or direction on how to bridge to the public. The next thing that follows in understanding self is the interpersonal and social capabilities that are achieved in effectively knowing your â€Å"self†. At this point, what is important is to how you can cater with the social world. This is dealing with other people, so self enhancement will now come from the feed back that a person could get from the people. This is a matter of presenting â€Å"self† to the society which is the core rule of social and interpersonal being. In developing social and interpersonal skill, a person will be guided by the concept of knowing what the society and culture of the society wants, thus gathering impressions from the social world. Competence in dealing with others is on the basis of the impression management which is an external factor. At the end, the most important part which establishes the relationship between self and social work is when a person will be doing his function as social care agent which requires self

Generalization, Miniaturization and the case of Italo Calvino Essay

Generalization, Miniaturization and the case of Italo Calvino - Essay Example With the nexus of focus on Valdrada concentric upon the â€Å"eyes†, Calvino goes to great lengths to illustrate just what Marco Polo â€Å"saw† within the place and how he understood/interpreted this. Whereas Marco Polo was of a relatively high social class and his level of education was above that of the average individual during Renaissance Italy, Calvino illustrates that he was not inclined to attempt to use the scientific method; instead, Polo relates complex and instrinsicly nuanced facets of Valdrada in a matter of fact way. This matter of fact detail and the pedagogical nature in which he discusses these aspects lends the reader to engage with these facets of Valdrada as nothing short of fact. Yet, by comparing the quote of Susan Stewart, provided in the introduction, the reader is cautioned as to the ramifications of not objectively considering what details might be overlooked within such a cursory approach. The visual representation that is reflected within Calvino’s section on Valdrada denotes, among many other things, the following: â€Å"The ancients built Valdrada on the shores of a lake, with houses all verandas one above the other, and high streets whose railed parapets look out over the water. Thus the traveler, arriving, sees two cities: one erect above the lake, and the other reflected, upside down† (Calvino 123). Within this literary statement of fact, the reader is represented with a picturesque landscape that can easily be miniaturized to reflect a greater understanding for the region and people in question.

Significance of Manned Missions to Mars Essay Example for Free

Significance of Manned Missions to Mars Essay After Apollo 11 succeeded in the first manned mission to land on the Moon in 1969, people’s interests were gradually leaving the Moon and went on to Mars, which is the most similar planet to Earth in the solar system. In such a current of public opinion, the U. S. and other countries have been trying to send human beings to Mars. However, today, there is a debate as to whether we should continue making efforts to send mankind to Mars, or not. Some people say that it is not worth the expense and risk to make a manned flight to Mars. On the other hand, others think it is still important to continue making those attempts – not for a material purpose, but for pursuing romance of space travel. Opponents of a manned mission to Mars claim that it costs too much to keep making attempts, and if we did not have to spend such money on those missions, we could increase health-care, education, and some other budgets. It is true. However, what is waiting for us in such a future as we will get at the sacrifice of dream or romance? What is necessary for people of today is not material wealth which we can get by cutting the budget of missions to Mars but mental wealth which we can cultivate by pursuing romance or dreaming of it. Opponents also maintain that we should quit trying to make those impractical attempts and wait until the technology is established because we cannot send mankind to Mars with the current technology. However, this argument is off the point because it is not important whether those attempts are impractical or not at the present moment. Necessity always makes technology develop. By practically continuing making efforts to send mankind to Mars, we can develop the technology which is needed to make it possible. In order to get something, we have to do something. Just waiting for something doesn’t help. The other arguments advanced by opponents is that we will not have any beneficial results except mental satisfaction such as dream or romance even if we can make a manned flight to Mars. However, of course, there are several beneficial things we will get from the success of missions to Mars. At first, understanding Mars helps us to understand more about our planet Earth because of the similarity between these two planets. We may be able to know how to protect the environment on Earth by studying how Mars died. Additionally, space engineering is one of the latest frontiers of science. We will be able to apply the technology we will have developed in this field to several other fields. Accordingly, missions to Mars have a benefit not only for people who are interested in Mars but also for people who are not. Certainly, it may not be easy to continue making efforts to send mankind to Mars, and it costs a lot. Nonetheless, things we get by missions to Mars are more than things we lose by it as mentioned above. By pursuing romance of space travel, we make dream which seems impossible to be achieved come true, and while we enjoy technology and knowledge we get from missions to Mars, we can avoid losing mental wealth at the same time. We should continue trying to make a manned flight to Mars.

Valuation of Companies: Strategies and Theories

Valuation of Companies: Strategies and Theories Part A The valuation of company assets depends a varies a great deal; attempts to find theoretical models that cover all of the aspects of a business valuation has proven difficult; as such, many of the major valuation theories have been proven to have both specific strengths and weaknesses. One of the core difficulties inherent to the great majority of theories available is the reliance on specific factors in their equations that remain subject to widespread debate as to how, precisely, they should be measured in order to attain the most accurate appraisal of a company’s given value. Many problems inherent to risk assessment and company valuation include: the weighting of future long-term assets versus short-term stock market value; the precise period from which historical data should be dated from; and how risk should be defined precisely. Of course, stock market appraisal is innately probabilistic, and the development of a coherent and foolproof theory for valuing company stock re mains very unlikely. There are, however, many strengths and weaknesses inherent to the myriad of hypotheses and models available to us. One of the most ambiguous factors inherent to theories of valuation is the prediction of future growth, known as a forecast horizon. The economic growth model, which will be described later, suggests that forecasted profit over a pre-specified horizon does not affect the value of the company as such, but affects the manner in which that value is distributed over the period of the horizon. Thus, the specific horizon period utilized can impact upon the perceived growth of the company. Of course, the horizon period can indirectly impact upon the perceived value of the company in DCF and economic growth forecasting models, especially if value is tied to changes in economic assumptions regarding the general future growth of the company and its continuing value. Of course, measuring the exact forecast period is not an exact science, but must take into account a number of factors if it is to provide us with an accurate view of the relationship between explicit free cash flow and continuing value. Firstly, the horizon period should be long enough to predict that the company’s growth period will be over at the end of it. Secondly, the horizon period shouldn’t be overly long as this will inevitably impact upon the predictive capacity of the theory. Of course, the length of the horizon period also impacts upon the Return on Invested Capital (ROIC), often because the horizon period is inappropriately equated to the competitive advantage of investment of a company. As such, ROIC is directly equated to levels of continuing value presupposed by the horizon period used in determining levels of continuing value as compared to the value of explicit cash flow. As Kollar et al. (2006) suggest, â€Å"the key value driver formula is based on incremental returns on capital, not companywide average returns. If you assume that incremental returns in the continuing-value period will just equal the cost of capital, you are not assuming that the return on total capital (old and new) will equal the cost of capital† (p. 283). Instead, original capital will continue to earn the same returns that were projected in the former period. Part B The attainment of the true value of a company based upon its position in the stock market is a difficult task, and many differing theories have been developed to come to terms with perceived valuation weaknesses in previous theories. This is especially prevalent today, as many recent problems, from the bubble bursting on the dot com revolution, to recent accounting scandals in large financial firms, have stressed the need for more rigorous methods of determining true value. One problem that management have had to encounter is the paradox of retaining short-term profits in a sustainable manner that can ensure long-term health of the company. The stock market obsession with factors such as the quarterly rate of return places emphasis on short-term profitability. One competing model, that takes into account assumed growth of the company, can be found in the many discounted cash flow (DCF) models that are being used more frequently as a result of the failings of simply using present rate of return to determine a company’s overall value. DCF models differ from economic profit models because they forecast the potential of future growth of the company and incorporate that into the present-day value of the company. As such, DCF models incorporate estimates of future growth into the present model; however, further analysis of the two competing models for determining company value suggest that, in theory at least, the results should create the same overall value. The economic profit model uses the theory of Alfred Marshall (1890), in which he suggests that â€Å"What remains of the owner’s profits after deducting interest on his capital at the current rate may be called his earnings of undertaking or management† (p. 142). As such, any perceived value created by the company should take into account the opportunity cost of the capital as well as expenses. As such, in many respects the economic profit model is more rigorous in measuring the present-day value of the company, because DCF determines free cash flow through measuring investments in capital and fixed assets. Of course, because the level of investment can be delayed by management, it is possible to generate short-term value at the expense of long-term value. In theory however, both models should produce the same results. Ultimately, DCF is useful for determining the price of an asset in the long run; as such, it provides one of the most useful tools for measuring the long-term profitability of an investment by factoring in future cash flow models. While the presence of short-term deviations in market value can be useful in certain contexts in determining value, many of the models practised are unreliable and unstable in practice. Fluctuations in short-term market value is difficult to measure with any degree of accuracy, whereas DCF models reflect the true value of a company more accurately as the model is based on the acquisition of long term profitability. Certainly, the role of strategic manager should be covered in the great majority of instances by the DCF model. As Koller et al. (2005) suggest, â€Å"What matters is the long-term behaviour of your company’s share price, not whether it is 5 or 10 percent undervalued this week. [†¦] Managers who use the DCF approach to valuation, wit h their focus on increasing long-term free cash flow, ultimately will be rewarded with higher share prices† (p. 100). Therefore, the predictive capacity of DCF can be used as an effective model for creating future growth, although its predictive methods and mechanisms can occasionally be doctored to create larger levels of short-term growth at the expense of long-term growth, as a result of the correlative relationship between investment levels and free cash flow in any valuation process. In addition, DCF relies heavily on projected scenarios; as Mauboussin (2006) comments, â€Å"small changes in assumptions [in the DCF model] can lead to large changes in the value† (p. 7). This requires the need for rigorous assessment of a large quantity of possible growth scenarios. Part C CAPM uses three variables for determining the expected return of a stock, which can furthermore be used to determine the expected value of a company. Unfortunately, despite CAPM providing us with a â€Å"tour-de-force† (Fama French 2004, p. 28) of theoretical analysis that can provide us with a useful series of principles by which central principles of asset pricing can be taught, its empirical record is poor enough, according to Fama French (2004), to â€Å"invalidate the way it is used in applications† (p. 1). The problems with CAPM are built upon a number of difficult foundational principles that, in practice, prove to be unrealistic. Firstly, the Sharpe – Lintner CAPM model (see Sharpe 1964, Lintner 1965) assumes the presence of unrestricted riskfree borrowing in their equations. Of course, this is an unrealistic assumption that severely affects predicting the empirical data. Modifications by Black (1972) attempt to remedy this by creating effective asset v aluations based on risk modelling; but Black’s analysis merely suggests that unrestricted short selling, rather than unrestricted riskfree lending, is a central assumption, and proves equally false in practice. The use of CAPM is therefore encumbered by a number of weaknesses, and relies on a number of assumptions that, in practice, prove difficult to measure. These include difficulties in ascertaining precisely which risk-free rate should be used in particular circumstances, as well as difficulties in measuring the market risk premium and beta. A number of alternative models of determining company value based on risk assessment exist, all of which rely on a fundamentally different definition of risk itself. While CAPM defines a stock’s risk as its sensitivity to the stock market on the whole, other systems use more rarefied versions of risk assessment: the Fama-French three factor model, for example, defines risk in terms of sensitivity to three portfolios: the stock market, a portfolio based on book-to-market ratios and a portfolio based on firm size. Whether the Fama-French three factor model is a better system than the CAPM system remains to be seen; while it is widely held that the Fama-French model offers us a more comprehensive assessment of risk to value than CAPM, which does not rely on the assessment of other portfolios, many critics also state that the Fama-French model is subject to the same interpretative problems as the CAPM system – namely, the Fama-French model, like CAPM, does not state how muc h data should be used; this is especially important considering that the system is based on historical evidence. As Koller et al. (2005) suggest, â€Å"Since 1926, small companies have outperformed large companies, but since 1982, they have not† (323). The lack of a rigorous method for determining how far back the data related to regressed returns should go creates many inconsistencies in risk assessment and valuation, such as the one highlighted above. Arbitrage Pricing Theory (APT) offers us a model similar to the Fama-French model but more generalised in its practice. Of course, while it suffers from the same fundamental implementation-related weaknesses as other models, although it differs insofar as it factors into its central equation the actual return of a security, which is fully specified. While theoretically this model is successful, again it reveals many weaknesses in determining the overall value of a company based on the assessment of portfolio risk: implementation and application of the theory has seldom been presented because of the more generalised nature of the variables and the factors in the central equation; in practice, there has been little agreement on what these factors should be, how many there should be, and how these factors should be weighted and measured. As such, CAPM retains its validity despite its essential weaknesses as, some economists argue, it represents the â€Å"least worst† model for de fining risk. As Koller et al. (2005) suggest, â€Å"It takes a better theory to kill an existing theory, and we have yet to see the better theory. Therefore, we continue to use the CAPM while keeping a watchful eye on new research in the area† (324). Bibliography Brealey, R. A. Myers, S. C. (2003), Principles Of Corporate Finance, 7th ed., London: McGraw-Hill. Koller, T., Goedhart, M., Wessels, D. et al. (2005), Valuation: Measuring and Managing the Value of Companies, London: John Wiley and Sons. Lintner, J. (1965), â€Å"The Valuation of Risk Assets and The Selection of Risky Investments in Stock Portfolios and Capital Budgets.† Review of Economics and Statistics. 47:1, pp. 13-37. Marshall, A. (1890), Principles of Economics, Vol. 1, New York: MacMillan Co. Mouboussin, M. J. (2006), â€Å"Common Errors in DCF Models†, Legg Mason Capital Management. Sharpe, W. F. (1964), â€Å"Capital Asset Prices: A Theory of Market Equilibrium under Conditions of Risk†. Journal of Financial Economics, 10:3, pp. 237-68.

Assessment and Evaluation of English Learning Modules

Assessment and Evaluation of English Learning Modules Assessment and Evaluation We did the worksheets for the Standard Four pupils in SJK (T) RRI. The worksheets that we did are Unit Six to Unit Ten. Unit Six is Tell Me A Story, Unit Seven is Be Safe and Unit Eight is Save, Spend Wisely. Unit Nine which is Stories from other lands and lastly Unit Ten is Let’s Celebrate. We based our questions on the English Year 4 textbook and other relevant resources such as workbooks and educational newspapers. The worksheets consist of three levels. The first level would be the High English Proficiency (HEP) and the symbol would be a triangle. Second level would be Average English Proficiency (AEP) and the symbol represented it would be square. The third level is Low English Proficiency (LEP) which is a circle. We tried our level best to come out with worksheets which are suitable for all the students to answer. All the worksheets given have its’ own answer sheets as well. This is to enable teachers to know the answers. There are different number of questions and sections in each unit. This is because; every unit has its own types of questions that can be formed. One question will be one mark. The worksheets consist of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), fill in the blanks, rearrange and rewrite the sentences and write sentences. We also take into account skills such as reading, listening and speaking into our worksheets besides just writing. By this, students can improve and do well in their future test or examinations. From the trial worksheet, some students are capable of completing the worksheet, but most of them need guidance from the teacher. They like the multiple choice questions because they just need to circle the answer instead of writing the answer by themselves. These worksheets can help them because it is a form of practising for them. Unit Five which is â€Å"Tell Me A Story†, the first section is where students are required to choose the correct sentences by filling in the number in the correct box provided. In this section, the students need to read through the story first and then figure out the sequences of the story. The story in this section is â€Å"The Mouse- Deer and the Crocodile† (Wignell, 2009). This enables students to think well. As for the second part, students must join the two sentences into one. They must use â€Å"and†, â€Å"but† and â€Å"because† in order for them to join the sentences. The reason for this exercise is to enable students to learn how to join two different sentences into one. In order to let the students understand how to join the sentences, there will be an example provided for them. This will make it easier for the students. The last section of the worksheet is fill in the blanks. This part, students are required to fill in the blanks to com plete the story. The story is â€Å"The Fox and the Grapes† (n. d, 2013). By this, students will be able to read the story and learn at the same time. This enables them to be creative in putting words that fits and tally with the story given. For Unit Seven, activity 1 and 2 are for the LEP students. Activity 1 is a reading activity which uses simple English for students to read. Activity 2 is MCQs. This can help the LEP students to choose answers from the choices given. However, question five will be fill in the blanks where students can give their own point of view. Here, students are required to think a bit. This can help in their Creative, Critical Thinking Skills (CCTS). Activity 3 is a reading activity, but it is for the AEP students. It uses long and difficult words. Activity 4, students are required to circle the words with the correct spelling. It is for AEP students. The words are longer and the word choices are close to each other. What makes it more challenging is that, the spelling might be wrong, but the pronunciations can be the same. As for activity 5, students need to put the correct punctuations in the sentences. There are short and long sentences. The longer the sentences the more punctuation needed in one sentence. In Chapter Eight, students are going to learn about how to save and spend money wisely. It is important to teach children about the financial skills from young (Shin, 2013). In the first part of the worksheet, we try to enhance their reading and speaking skills. Reading and speaking skills are critical to children’s development, but it is important for their success in school and work (Boyse, 2010). Multiple choice questions can consider as an easy level, because they just need only recognize a correct answer (Popham, 2011). For the AEP students, they can train their critical thinking skills from finding out the words from the diagram that had shown in the worksheet. Here, they can also improve their grammar skills. The students will do some exercises on the â€Å"do† and â€Å"don’t†. They will be asked to write down a short sentence regarding the action in the pictures that had been shown. Moving on, there will also be questions where students need to calculate the total cost for owning each type of pet and write a short sentence in response to a direct question (Popham, 2011). In additional, since the topic is about saving and spending wisely, students need to write down their daily usage of their spending. Picture of what they are saving for also can be drawn in the space provided, as they will be asked to draw it. This can enhance their awareness in saving money. Chapter Nine would be Stories From Other Lands. We first started with MCQ’s. Students will be required to read a passage given and answer the questions. In the second section of the worksheet which is filling in the blanks, the students’ grammar ability is being assessed. Section D, students was asked to complete the short sentences based on the pictures. In this section, we had given some words to help them construct and complete their own sentence. Besides that, complete the sentences based on the pictures are a useful way of finding information about physical objects (Yeh, Lee, Darrell, n.d.). These pictures also help students to construct sentences easily. Thus, this enables them to construct their own story. As for the last questions for Unit Nine, students ought to create any sentences regarding the pictures given. The story given was about the The Crow and the Pitcher. This is for the HEP students because students must make sentences with the correct grammar and punctuations. Lastly, in chapter ten, students are going to learn about festivals. Firstly, the LEP students will start by reading short paragraphs about other cultures. These include the cultures of Chinese, Muslims and Murut. We included a paragraph about the culture of the minority group in Malaysia which is Murut. By doing so, students will be exposed to more minority groups in Malaysia besides Kadazan-Dusun which will be taught in the textbook. In the second session, for AEP students, we had prepared questions where students are required to fill in the blanks with the help of the picture given at each blank. With the help of visuals, students will be able to accurately retrieve the content associated with the visual (Kouyoumdjian, 2012). Besides filling in the blanks, MCQ’s were also being included in the worksheet. Lastly, as for the HEP students, they are required to complete the sentences based on the pictures and words given. The last question for this activity requires students in their CCTS where they have to think and answer the question. In conclusion, the purpose of all these worksheets is to make sure that the students improve on their English. A slight improvement is always better than nothing. When we interviewed the English teacher who is Ms Siti, she told us that the students there do not have high performance in English. They are weak in grammar and spelling. Most of them cannot spell words correctly. This happens even though teachers try to guide them by going through all the exercise, question by question. Therefore, by giving them our worksheets, we hope to help them to be better in English and know the importance of that language. References Book Popham, W. J. (2011). Classroom Assessment: What Teachers Need to Know. United States: Pearson Education. Internet resources Boyse, K. (2010). Reading, Literacy and Your Child. Retrieved from http://www.med.umich.edu/yourchild/topics/reading.htm Chin, S. (2012, November Thursday). The goose that laid golden eggs. Retrieved July Tuesday, 2014, from Enjoy Reading, English Story Books: http://englishstorybooks01.blogspot.com/2012/11/the-goose-that-laid-golden-eggs.html?m=1. Dr. Savitz, J. (2014). Tips for being safe. Retrieved July Thursday, 2014, from Rowan University: http://www.rowan.edu/open/studentaffairs2/sexualviolence/tipsforbeingsafe.html. Emma. (2004). Top 10 tips for staying safe online. Retrieved July Wednesday, 2014, from Safety net Kids: http://www.safetynetkids.org.uk/personal-safety/staying-safe-online/. Haker, F. (1931). Safety first. Retrieved July Thursday, 2014, from Books of Short Stories: http://bookofshortstories.com/stories/safety-first.htm. Kouyoumdjian, H. (2012). Learning through visuals. Retrieved from http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/get-psyched/201207/learning-through-visuals (N. d.). (2013). The fox and the grapes.Retrieved 21 July 2014 from  http://www.moralstories.org/the-fox-and-the-grapes/ Panda, S. L. (2013, January Monday). A beautiful poem on Childrens Day. Retrieved July Thursday, 2014, from PoemHunter.com: http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/a-beautiful-poem-on-children-s-day/. Shin, L. (2013). The 5 Most Important Money Lessons To Teach Your Kids. Retrieved from http://www.forbes.com/sites/laurashin/2013/10/15/the-5-most-important-money-lessons-to-teach-your-kids/ Stephen. (2008, September Saturday). Learn and earn. Retrieved July Wednesday, 2014, from Motivation: http://academictips.org/blogs/learn-and-earn/. Wignell, E. (2009). The mouse-deer and the crocodile. Retrieved 21 July 2014 from  www.edelwignell.com.au/docs/the-mouse-deer-and-the-crocodile.pdf Yeh, T., Lee, J. J., Darrell, T. (n.d.). Photo-based Question Answering. Retrieved from http://www.icsi.berkeley.edu/pubs/vision/Yeh Photo base d-1.pdf

The Cycle of Technology Integration Essay -- Education Teaching

The Cycle of Technology Integration The cycle of technology integration begins with planning, investigation, and experimentation. Schools go through an initial stage of planning and experimentation in which a few educators begin using technology in new ways. Then, these individuals become technology proponents. The next step in the cycle of technology integration is initial capital investments. This allows the department to determine the value of technology necessary in the schools. The ideal situation would be to have a computer in every classroom and have all of the teachers and students know and understand how to use it and receive a better education due to the technological advancements in the classrooms. After all of the costs are determined, readjustments are made. Technology Integration is a learned process requiring schools to continually re-figure their investments and methods of teaching with technology in schools. It allows the school to know how much money they have and what they will need. After t he readjusting process, new work and organizational models are created. Technology integration allows for students to greatly benefit. It allows for collaborative learning to take place with students peers and improves ones performance academically. In the United States today, most schools are currently in the first two stages of the process of technology integration (CEO 2000). Technology Innovations Technology Integration can truly only occur once the technology has been created. Film, radio, and the television were a few of the first ever created technologies in the world. In 1920, the first radio was created. This was just the beginning of the technological boom in America, which is quickly growi... ... Monitoring School Quality: An Indicators Report. Washington D.C: GPO, 2000. -A magazine article giving statistics and discussing how the learning ability of students is different from integrating the classroom. Hopkins, Gary. Education World. Principals Talk Tech: How is Technology Integration going? Retrieved November 5, 2002. http://www.educationworld.com/a_admin/admin268.shtml -An article talking about technology integration in the classroom from the principal’s point of view. It also discusses the current status of a few local schools. â€Å"Technology Integration in Education.† Edgewater Technology Teams With ASA to . Retrieved Novemeber 24, 2002 from Academic Search/Lexisnexis database. -The article talks about how a partnership allows for the Education Department of Missouri to have both better technology and cuts the cost down.

Biology Coursework: The effect of Trypsin on Gelatine. :: essays research papers

Implementing: - 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  First, I gathered the necessary equipment:  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thermostatically controlled water baths  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ice  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Thermometer  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Stop watch  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Test tubes  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Photographic film (b/w)  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Syringe  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Test tube rack  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ruler  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Scissors  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  O.1% trypsin made in pH7 buffer solution  §Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Mounted needle 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I then decided on the range of results and temperatures I was to investigate. I decided to observe 20 º, 30 º, 40 º, 50 º, 60 º, 70 º and 80 º. 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Next, I label each test tube with the temperature to be investigated and then added 2.5cm3 of Trypsin solution. 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I ensured that I cut the necessary pieces of film using a ruler and a pair of scissors. I cut pieces that were 2cm in length, and 1.6cm in width each. 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The only water baths of my choice that were running were at 30 º and 60 º. I therefore had to use the Bunsen burner etc. for the rest of the temperatures (excluding 20 º). I kept each test tube heated for 5 minutes. 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I added the photographic film pieces just before I placed the test tubes in the water baths/ Bunsen burners, and ensured that they submerged fully before I began timing. 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I carefully and frequently examined each test tube for the time that the film became transparent and listed the result Results: - Temperature ( ºC)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  20  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  30  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  40  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  50  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  60  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  70  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  80 Time taken (minutes)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  23:38  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  16:37  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6:06  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  6:40  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  7:53  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  8:24  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  10:15 Time taken (seconds)  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  1418  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  997  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  366  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  400  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  473  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  504  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  615 Rate of Reaction -(1/time in mins) 4.d.p  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.0426  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.0606  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.1667  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.1538  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.1250  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.1176  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  0.0976 It is evident from the graph and the table above, that as the temperature is increased, the amount of light passing through the tested solutions is decreased, and therefore the amount of pigment released from the beetroot samples is increased. The results produce a graph with negative correlation, a curve that has a negative gradient. The graph shows that as the temperature is increased, the colorimeter reading is decreased. The structure of my results proves my theory correct. The increase in temperature breaks bonds in the (mainly intrinsic) proteins in the cell membranes of the beetroot cells. The tonoplastis a membrane that holds the pigment, when this is affected, the pigment escapes and is released into the cytoplasm. When the outer cell membrane is denatured, the pigment is transferred into the solution. The tonoplastis a membrane that holds the pigment, when this is affected, the pigment escapes and is released into the cytoplasm. When the outer cell membrane is denatured, the pigment is transferred into the solution. The tonoplastis a membrane that holds the pigment, when this is affected, the pigment escapes and is released into the cytoplasm. When the outer cell membrane is denatured, the pigment is transferred into the solution. The diagram above supports my theory.

Effects of Memory and Learning

Can we really learn from our mistakes? If so, how does that actually happen? Knowledge and education has helped create connections with everything that we see in society. We call these connections that have formed our memories, both good and bad. Psychologists have researched and gathered information on the creation or formation of memories and learned behaviors. Furthermore, psychologists have provided ample information on how memories can affect the education of students or people looking to learn something new.Therefore, it is through the increase attention to the ways the mind is able to obtain memories and information that can essentially help us decrease our mistakes. Richard Atkinson and Richard Shiffrin developed a three-step model that details on how the brain is able to process and develop memories. All memories are created through the fleeting sensory memory before it is encoded into a short-term memory so that it can be continually rehearsed before it is translated into a long-term memory (Meyers, 2011).Basically Atkinson and Shiffrin’s theory is based on the idea that the mind can only retain information that is consciously received; however the modified version offered by Meyers (2011) presents a much different idea. According to Meyers the mind still translates incoming information into a sensory memory (Meyers 2011). The second step to this modified version still claims the encoding of the sensory memory into a working memory. This working memory concentrates on the encoding and active processing of current immediate stimuli (Meyers, 2011).Over time the information is rehearsed and turned into a long-term memory. The great thing about the working memory concept is that it associates new and old information and solves problems so that we are able to handle all situations that we engage in. So what factors and behaviors increase memory retention? To begin most information is encountered and retained through the act of rehearsing, or conscio us repetition (Meyers, 2011).Techniques and habits that have been proven to be successful through research has shown that prolonged exposure to the spacing effect, self-assessment, and serial position effect increases the individual’s ability to retain information much better than a person cramming last minute (Meyers, 2011). By providing a proper methodical and organized way to engage in new information a person gives the mind enough time to recall the information consistently for several years. Aside from rehearsing our mids are able to respond to encoding through multiple ways.Practicing the ability to form mental pictures, or imagery, helps build the minds ability to associate pictures and words (Meyers, 2011). A foundational element used from the beginning of time. Young children usually point to items in a home or outside and name the item they see according to what the teachers or parents say. Imagery is used by mnemonic devices in order to develop the retention and re call of memorized information via passages or speeches used by some of the best public platform speakers (Meyers, 2011).Through the use of imagery and mnemonic devices our minds are able to form a meaning to what we are trying to convey and ultimately we are able to organize and catalogue what we have learned within our memory. Understanding what factors and behaviors gives into the creation of our memory we as people and students are able to understand how teachers and psychologists are able to train our minds for further retention and absorption of information. Often at times failure seems to be the very thing that we learn from. It is from our parents and grandparents that we have heard the old trite adage â€Å"We learn from experience. It wasn’t until psychologists and educators came together to propose the testing effect. The â€Å"test effect† is essentially a well-established psychological phenomenon that proves that testing students on previously absorbed inf ormation allows for them to increase their retention of material opposed to the continual studying of materials (Roedlger III & Finn, 2010). Henry Roedlger III and Bridgid Finn quote several studies from several psychologists in which state, â€Å"students who make an unsuccessful attempt to answer a test question before receiving the correct answers remember the material better than if they simply study the information. (Roedlger III & Finn, 2010) This â€Å"testing effect† logic help students retain information in the pretesting stage by making them mentally engage in the attempt to answer the question by increasing the memorization of the information provided. Furthermore, the challenges presented to the students increase their focus, reduce their fear and engage their minds on a deeper level so that retention is at a maximum. Teachers, psychologists, and other professionals have all tried their best to figure out the best methods for learning and retention. By far the be st ould be known by the acronym SQ3R, also known as Survey, Question, Read, Rehearse, Review, is the five step plan that is known to increase the learning and retention for all in a controlled manner opposed to short term cramming session. With this method one can easily correct previous damaging studying habits with ones that are positive and more beneficial. By surveying the current study material by scanning headings and make note of how the chapter is organized can organize the way the mind is able to map out the best way to handle the new incoming information (Meyers, 2011).After surveying the information the student must form their own questions to answer based on the heading or preview question this can be as simple as, â€Å"How can I most effectively and efficiently master the information in this book? † (Meyers, 2011) By using a slow and methodical approach to the reading the chapter the student will find the answer to their question and maximize the retention of in formation. Engaging in active reading means that the student must also take notes and ask additional questions that will help with the learning process (Meyers, 2011).Each step that the student takes increases his or her information flow after the active reading has taken place it is best that the person rehearses the information that they have learned in order to engage the memory (Meyers, 2011). Anything that causes an issue during the rehearsal of information the person must review the information so that they are able to recall at a later time (Meyers, 2011). The final step in the plan is the review all information read and gathered during the first four steps, paying particular attention to the way the chapter is organized (Meyers, 2011).The SQ3R method is particularly adaptable and useful in the pretesting stage. According to research done by Henry L Roedlger III and Bridgid Finn (2010) in the article The Pulses of Getting it Wrong states that students who memorized questions from the test but failed to get the correct answer had a higher chance of passing the same question on the real test. So to increase material retention the student can easily focus on the questions given on the pretest as their guide to the information needed.Once the questions are in hand the student can locate the chapter, read the information, and return to the question and recall the proper information (Roedlger III & Finn, 2010). It is suggested that the student should return to the question every few days in order to drum up a recall on the answers, by doing so the student will have learned the material in a methodical and slow manner (Roedlger III & Finn, 2010). By practicing a simplified adaptable version of SQ3R the student or person will be able to recall the same information long after the course has ended.Our ability to increase the retention of new materials via SQ3R, testing effect or the varied ways that we naturally gather information infinitely increases our ability to formulate new memories. Educators and psychologists have devised new ways that help students increase their learning potentials both in and out of the classrooms. By setting a firm and steady memory creating foundation, the newly acquired learning retention potentials extends throughout the person’s life.Thus by increasing focus, research and installation of modified or new techniques by psychologists prove that we are able to learn from our mistakes or mistakes of others by creating memories that become a point of reference. All point of references, or memories, that we personally return to in time of inflection or reflection in order to gain information or advice as to why we should learn from the mistakes that we have made. References Finn, H. R. (2010, March/April). The Pluses of Getting it Wrong. Scientific American Mind, pp. 38-41. Meyers, D. (2011). Exploring Psychology. Holland: Worth Publishers.

The Ethical Pillars of Jainism

Jains believe that people are reborn again and again until they have freed themselves from samsara, which is the wheel of birth and death. The gradual process by which the souls learns to extricate itself from the lower self and its attachments to the material would involve purifying one’s ethical life until nothing remains but the purity is of jiva. Jains also believe that the universe is without beginning and that there is no creator or destroyer and that they can only be saved by their own efforts. They believe that the world operates by the power of nature, according to natural principles, Jains do believe in gods in demons, but as a form of humans. Jains believe in karma which is a subtle matter—minutes particle that we accumulate as we act and think. Also, Jains believe that our actions influence what happens in the future course of our life and that souls wonder until they free themselves from karma. In order to provide perfection and purification in their lives, Jains try to eliminate any false mental impressions, negative tendencies, or passions and to develop pure thoughts and actions. The three basic principles that Jains adopt to avoid accumulating karma are ahimsa (non-violence), aparigraha (non-attachment), and anekantwad (non-absolutism). Ahimsa is the non-violence principle and it is very strong in Jain teachings, and through Jainism it is influenced by Mahatma Gandhi. Jains believe that it is difficult not to harm other creature and that by simply breathing; Jains believe that tiny organisms are being killed by us inhaling them. Aparigraha is a non-attachment principle to all things and people and that people should cut one’s living requirements to a bare minimum. Possessions posses us; their acquisition and loss drive our emotions. Anekantwad, â€Å"manifold aspects† is the third principle. Jains try to avoid anger and being judgmental because that try and keep an open-mind about people by remembering that any issue can be seen from different angles.

Describe and evaluate psychological research Essay

There are many different factors into why some relationships fail and others succeed. In this particular essay, I will look into why some relationships do breakdown.  The first model into the dissolution of relationships was devised by Karney and Bradbury (1955). They said that there were three major factors that determined marital stability. The first of these were enduring vulnerabilities, which includes an unhappy childhood and high neuroticism. The second is stressful events such as illness or poverty. Lastly, adaptive processes also have an effect. This refers to constructive and destructive coping strategies to resolve issues. All three factors can be linked together; for example, enduring vulnerabilities can cause stressful events. This model is good because past research has shown that many factors have been associated with the breakdown of relationships, and most of these factors can be related to the three variables mentioned in this model. This shows that it can explain why some relationships do break down. Another strength is that it shows how these three variables can link together to reduce marital quality. However, it can be criticised as it places too much emphasis on marital quality and satisfaction leading to a break-up. Levinger argued that there are other factors that also affect whether a couple break up or not. An example of this is divorce – people may not want to go through the hassle. Duck (1988) proposed a four-phase model, which explains what happens during the termination of close or intimate relationships. The first stage is the intra-psychic phase, where one of the partners becomes very unhappy with the relationship. This then leads to the dyadic phase, where the other person becomes involved. If the problem is not resolved, then it leads to the social phase where family and friends become involved. If the problem is not resolved here then it goes to the final stage. This is the grave-dressing phase, where the ex-partners begin the organisation of their post-relationship lives. A strength of this model is that it addresses cognitive aspects, not just behavioural aspects of relationships. It has important implications for the repair of relationships. However, it can be criticised because, although it mentions the stages of a breakdown, it doesn’t provide reasons for why this happens. It also doesn’t take into account individual differences for example; it assumes that everyone goes through the same stages in a relationship break-up. This might not necessarily be true, for example not every relationship breakup may involve friends or family, or couples may go through the stages in a different order. Lastly, it is culturally biased, and so the results cannot be generalised to other countries. For example, Japan see break-ups as wrong and so probably wouldn’t go through those phases. Another theory into the dissolution of break ups is Lee’s (1984) Model of Relationship Break Up. He conducted extensive interviews of 112 break-ups of premarital romantic relationships. He argued that there were five stages to a relationship break-up. The first of these is dissatisfaction, which is when the couple realise there are problems within the relationship. Next is exposure where the dissatisfaction is brought into the open, and then is negotiation where discussions of the issues are raised. Resolution then happens when the partners try to find ways to solve the problems and if this doesn’t work, then termination happens, which is the final stage. However, there are weaknesses to this theory. For example, it assumes that everyone goes through those stages and so doesn’t take into account individual differences. In fact, couples may miss out certain stages such as resolution. In terms of both Duck and Lee’s models, a 6 or 7 stage model incorporating phases from both of the models would provide a better and more accurate account of the break up of a relationship. The Social Exchange theory, proposed by Thibaut and Kelley (1959) can also explain the dissolution of relationships. This theory is based on the cost and rewards, or the give and take in a relationship. Costs in a relationship could be seen as energy, time and money spent, whereas rewards could be affection, company and security. The Social Exchange Theory argues that the relationship will end if the costs are greater than the rewards. It states that we compare the relationship we are in to past relationships -if the costs and rewards are better or worse than before, it can help to determine whether we will stay in that relationship. This theory is strengthened by the Equity theory, which states that people are happiest in relationships if the give and take is about equal. However, there are some criticisms – firstly, it doesn’t take into account people’s feelings. Secondly, although it provides a reason for why relationships breakdown, it doesn’t explain how.