The Major Factors to the Romam Empire Falling Essay

For more than two thousand years, Rome was a large, powerful, and dominating empire. The ancient kingdom seemed unstoppable, but in just few centuries later, Roman power fell and was obliterated. No one knows exactly how the empires demise came to be and is still debated today but there are some major factors recognized that caused Rome to fall. The land of barbarians were located beyond the western border of Rome along Rhine and Danube rivers and would slowly become a serious threat to Rome and eventually led to the fall of the empire. At first, they posed no danger as they were only German farmers that were nomadic because of their poor agricultural skills. The barbarians could not develop a political structure either so they were†¦show more content†¦In the end, the emperors and rebels died at the hands of their own associates. To gain more security, large provinces were split into smaller regions to minimize military power to any one official so one administrator doesnt have significantly more power than another. As provinces continue to be broken up, the army for each area became so small they could not even protect the locals from raids and criminals. A successful usurper named Constantine changed the composition of the Roman army and crippled the empires central government by abandoning Rome as a capital, along with other emperors, with slow, ineffective communication between the officials and uncertainty at the court which made it hard to operate the government. He tried to avoid conflict and did nothing to solve the difficult situations. The army was also affected as they relied on the state politicians to provide materials, men, and finances for war but the officials could not with the ongoing problems at the government. Wherever the emperors traveled, the army moved along with them and only protected where the rulers were which left other areas defenseless. The once 5,000 soldiers per legion decreased to prevent the rebels gaining a large ar my which continued to force Romes armed force to hire and rely on barbarians to protect the Rhine and Danube frontiers. By the middle of the fourth

My Expectations Of An Aa Meeting From Movies And Tv Shows

My expectations of an AA meeting come from movies and TV shows. I have always thought that the meetings were long – at least 2 hours. I also expect there to be a small amount of people at the meeting. I think that the majority of the people at the meeting will be men in there 40s or 50s. At the meeting, I expect everyone to be sitting in a circle. I have always thought that the people at AA meetings do not want to be there. The people will say â€Å"Hi I am ______, and I am an alcoholic.† I think that people may or may not share personal information. In addition, I’m not sure what the ratio of recovering/sober alcoholics to the amount of people still addicted to alcohol. I also think that even though the meeting will not be necessarily†¦show more content†¦The site also gave me an option to change the meeting type. There are closed, open, beginner, men only, gay, smoking permitted, wheelchair accessible, young people, women only, etc types of meeting. I chose open meeting. From there, the site gave me over twenty open meeting options that day for the time that I chose. I scrolled down the page until I found three or four options close enough to take public transportation to. I found one meeting right off of the subway called â€Å"Early Night Out.† The building that the meeting is held at is called â€Å"The Washington West Project† located on 1201 Locust St. The meeting took place on the second floor of the building in a small room. The meeting began with the discussion leader reading a passage from a book called Living Sober. The chapter was titled, â€Å"Be good to yourself.† After reading the passage, the discussion leader talked about his sobriety and offered some words of wisdom to the group as a whole. He then opened the floor for each person to say whatever he/she wants about his/her journey to recovery. The meeting then was passed from person to person. This part of the hour-long meeting went on for 45 /50 minutes. Each person began their statement/story with â€Å"I’m __________, and I am an alcoholic.† The others then responded, â€Å"Hey/Hi ___________.† Some people talked about how they are several years sober. Others were obviously very new to the process. Most of the individuals

Government Expenditure and Inflation

Question: Discuss about the Government Expenditure and Inflation. Answer: Introduction Inflation refers to the persistent rise in general price levels. Not necessarily the high prices that constitute inflation but the rising ones. A small/sudden rise in prices may not imply inflation but possibly will reflect short-term workings of the market (Kim Lin, 2012). Government spending, on the other hand, refers to expenses that the government incurs for the economy, the society, or for its maintenance. The increase in government spending will be inflationary only when the extra expenditure is more than what the standard functioning of the system can afford through taxation, public loans, or grants (Ruge-Murcia, 2013). The paper will focus on Keynesian and Classical theories to explain how an increase in government spending might give rise to inflation. Keynesian Theory In the Keynesian view, an increase in either of the components of Aggregate Demand (AD) including the growth in government spending, (i.e., AD= G+ I+ C + X M) gives rise to Demand Pull Inflation (DPI). The level of prices at full employment, just like the price of a commodity, is determined by the interaction between Price aggregate demand and aggregate supply. In the figure on the next page, OP1 gives the price level at full employment. An increase in government spending shifts the demand curve outwards to AD2. The resultant rise in price (OP2) provides a mechanism where resources are reallocated from inactive sectors of the economy to more active ones. The only way for the government can have more resources at full employment, is by private entrepreneurs and consumers getting less. Given the inelasticity of supply curve, if the consumers are unwilling to part with their claim on resources voluntarily, the demand curve will shift outwards, and the price will rise further. It is important to note that increase in government spending can cause inflation at levels below full employment of output. It is best illustrated by the diagram below. The aggregate supply curve (AS) rises upwards in the beginning but takes a vertical shape after full employment level (OYf) is reached. Assuming OY1 is the initial level of output, an increase in government expenditure will result to Y1 to Y2 rise in national output. Consequently, the prices will rise to Op2. The price responds to additional demand and rises further to OP2 if the consumers are unwilling to part with their claim (or when government expenditure continues to expand). A price increase reduces the real consumption of wage earners (Hossain, 2014). Workers press for higher wages to compensate the rising cost of living. If their demand is granted, the cost of production rises, prompting producers to raise the prices. A further increase in prices increases the cost of living still further, and employees demand even higher wages. In this way, prices and wages chase each other as inflation gathers momentum. If unchecked, this may easily lead to hyperinflation where prices and salaries chase each other at fast speeds. Monetarists/ Classical View Modern monetarists, among them Milton Friedman, agree with Keynesians that inflation is a result of excess demand for goods and services. The difference between Keynesians and Monetarists view of inflation is that while Keynesians explain inflation as rising out of real sector forces, monetarists explain inflation on account of growing money supply in the economy ("The Demand-Pull Inflation (Explained With Diagram), 2014). Monetarists believe that inflation is everywhere and always a monetary phenomenon brought by a more rapid in money supply than in output (Blaug, 2013). Given a full employment level, monetarists believe that a change in the quantity of money will lead to an equal-proportional change in price. Monetarists believe deficit financing is a cause of inflation. When the budget expenditure exceeds the revenue, the government closes this gap with fiat money. The government may ask the federal bank to print more cash balances, which makes the money supply in the economy exceed the available goods and services, phenomena described as too much money chasing too few goods. When the government tries to finance the expenditure through the printing of cash balances, money supply in the economy increases. The resulting situation is where there is excess money supply with the public over the demand. The households try to restore equilibrium by reducing the money balances through an increase in expenditure of goods and services. Thus, according to modern monetarists, an increase in the supply of real monetary balances increases the aggregate demand for goods and services. If there is no proportionate rise in output, then the excess cash balance leads to excess demand, which causes inflation. Other Ways Government Expenditure can lead to Inflation Government spending may be inflationary when it funnels vast sums of money into cartels such as higher education and skin care. The government by doing this supports directly the monopolistic pricing, which drives the prices higher, irrespective of whether the money supply is contracting or expanding. Cost push inflation may arise when the value of the dollar goes down due to an increase in money supply. A decline in the value of the dollar about other foreign currencies makes the prices of imports rise, and this leads to cost push inflation. Conclusion Its evident that a rise in government expenditure causes inflation out of real sector forces, increase in money supply, and cartel financing. The state of the economy will determine whether the method of financing government expenditure is inflationary or not. The closer the economy is to full employment, the more likely the new spending will lead to inflation. An economy in deep recession, low capacity utilization, and high unemployment of labor will be able to produce more goods and services due to increase in government spending. To that extent, government expenditure will be not inflationary but expansionary, or not as inflationary as it would otherwise be. An increase in government spending financed by bond sales to companies and individuals is a viable option for printing more money. It causes no increase in money supply, bank reserves, or bank deposits. Government expenditure financed by taxation is neither inflationary nor expansionary; as the growth in government spending is counteracted by a reduction in private spending; thus minimal to no change in the aggregate expenditure. References Blaug, M. (2013). The Classical Economists Revisited. History Of Political Economy, 38(2),398-400. https://dx.doi.org/10.1215/00182702-2005-010 Hossain, A. (2014). Monetary policy, inflation, and inflation volatility in Australia. Journal Of Post Keynesian Economics, 36(4), 745-780. https://dx.doi.org/10.2753/pke0160-3477360408 Kim, D. Lin, S. (2012). Inflation and Inflation Volatility Revisited. International Finance,15(3), 327-345. https://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2362.2013.12001.x. Ruge-Murcia, F. (2013). Government expenditure and the dynamics of high inflation. Journal Of Development Economics, 58(2), 333-358. https://dx.doi.org/10.1016/s0304-3878(98)00117-5 The Demand-Pull Inflation (Explained With Diagram). (2014). YourArticleLibrary.com: TheNext Generation Library. Retrieved 22 September 2016, fromhttps://www.yourarticlelibrary.com/macro-economics/inflation-macro-economics/the-demand-pull-inflation-explained-with-diagram/37994/

Natural Fruit and Beverage Company and Italian Beverage Company

Background The beverage industry in the United Kingdom is well developed. There are firms that have been in this industry for several years. They have taken a large share of the market. Companies such as Natural Fruit and Beverage Company and Italian Beverage Company are well developed in this market.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Natural Fruit and Beverage Company and Italian Beverage Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More They have a deeper understanding of the market and therefore can manipulate market conditions to favor them. This makes the market very competitive. However, apart from all these, a clear gap ought to be filled through creative business idea (Ghemawat 1991, p. 47). The consumers of fruit juice are not fully satisfied in most markets in the United Kingdom. Bigger companies produce their products in mass. However, fruit juices may not take this long. For this reason, these kinds of produc ts have remained popular in the UK market. It is upon this realization that the researcher decided to draw a report that would lead to the establishment of the firm that would operate in this market. The business opportunity Fruit juice is a snack that is very popular among the people of UK. From those on trips or tours to those from or to work, as well as school-going children, fruit juice is a common product. It is popular because it is easy to consume and it is refreshing. A product has a ready market. Competition in the market is not very stiff because major beverage firms have not considered this type of product. Once introduced in the market, sales of the product are assured (Ghemawat 1999, p. 89) The product Description Fruit juice, just as the name suggests, is a juice made from fruits. It is very natural, with no additives. The juices are squeezed from their fruits to make the beverage using a special machine called the blender. The juice is then stored in a cool place but not necessarily under refrigeration.Advertising Looking for proposal on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Customers would be served the product in plastic cups with a straw. No such additives as food color or sugar would be added. The product would be free of any industrial product. It is simple and natural. Novel features and benefits for users This product is pure and natural. It is the best product for anyone who feels thirsty. It is even better than water because it is as natural as water but on top of having 75% water content, it is also rich in vitamins and other nutrients. It does not have chemicals found in cola products or such other related drinks (Oster 1994, p. 67). It is of benefit to one’s health. Medics from all over the world recommend it. Achievement to date The project is yet to be enrolled in the market. However, the team has successfully identified the location where the project wo uld be launched. All members have made their contributions. The team has drawn a proposal that would be presented to donors. Technology development milestones This product does not require sophisticated technology to be successful. It requires simple tools in order to accomplish its production. Although there are new blenders, which are bigger and more efficient, this has not brought a big shift from what has been in use. However, refrigeration advancements have had positive impacts on it. The product is highly perishable and having storage facilities that lower its temperatures not only make the product more durable but also more refreshing. Intellectual property Although this project may not have much in terms of intellectual property, measures have been put in place to impede anyone from implementing its blue print before it enters the market. The business plan would remain an intellectual property of the firm. Opportunities for further development/expansion This project has the capability of advancing to cover other cities not covered in its first phase. The project would start with the London market. Because of the projected sale, it is planned that after one year, it would be rolled out to the city of Manchester.Advertising We will write a custom proposal sample on Natural Fruit and Beverage Company and Italian Beverage Company specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The market for this product is big and the requirements needed are simple and readily available within the immediate environment. The raw materials used are inexpensive and can be obtained from within the locality (Besanko Dranove 1996, p. 67). To expand production, it may not need much effort. With the market readily available, the project would easily take off in other markets outside the initial one. The Market Market structure The UK market targeted by this project is varied in terms of age, gender, and level of income. The product targets both male and female customers. It also cuts across ages as young, middle aged and the old would find it refreshing. Market trends and drivers The market driver for this product is, among other factors, weather. This market is easily affected by weather (Porter McGahan 2007, p. 41). During hot seasons, the market for this product becomes very large. Many people become attracted to the product because of its refreshing nature. During cold season, sales may drop, as many would prefer other beverages such as tea and coffee. However, health sensitive customers would still come for the product even during this period. The market is learning more on healthy food, a fact that boosts the sales of this product. Market segmentation According to Kanniainen Keuschnigg (2005, p. 74), the easiest way to navigate the market is to segment it according to its similarities and differences. When segmenting the market for this product, demographical characteristics of the targeted market would be giv en emphasis. Although the product is popular across ages, the level of consumption varies according to age. Teenagers and young adults constitute the most attractive segment. In terms of income, middle-income earners constitute the most attractive market segment.Advertising Looking for proposal on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Target markets Key characteristics As stated above, teenagers and young adults constitute the most attractive market segment. Some of the characteristics make the market attractive. One of it is that individuals in this group are spendthrifts. They love leisure and would go for it at all costs within their means. Fruit juice offers them a relaxed feeling when out on a tour or travel. They rarely bargain and most of their payments are always made in cash. These groups like partying. During such parties, it would be easy for the marketing team to secure an order from them to supply the product in such parties. Size and future growth estimates The size of the target market is huge. Within the city of London alone, the number of teenagers and young adults is great. The competition Key competitors Several competitors for this product in London exist. There is a direct and an indirect competition in this market. The indirect competitors are very advanced in this market. The Coca Cola Comp any offers a wide range of products that come as direct substitutes for fruit juice (Amable 2003, p. 56). With brands such as fanta, sprite and cold tea, the company creates a very strong competition in the market. To the health sensitive individuals who want to quench their thirst, this Company comes with its bottled water that is, Dasani. There is also a direct competition from smaller firms offering fruit juices in the same market. Barriers to entry This market operates like a perfect competition market. The government has been keen on encouraging entrepreneurship in the country. Any barrier to new firms wanting to join this industry is eliminated. The only barrier that remains therefore is the market knowledge. There are investors who are keen on entering this market. However, because they lack appropriate knowledge about the market, they prefer to stay away. Though not meant to be a barrier, some investors consider the registration process and charges concerning the same as a b arrier. Our competitive advantage Our firm has a competitive advantage in the market (Porter 1990, p. 66). The product has been proven free of any industrial product. Furthermore, various physicians have recommended due to its health sensitivity policy. To those offering similar products, the product packaging and pricing would be the cutting edge for our product. The product would be sold at a slightly lower price. Our customer care service would be responsive to the needs of customer. Communication would also be enhance to increase this satisfaction. Commercialization Plan Business objectives The project is guided by well-laid objectives. The main objective is to turn the project into a powerhouse in the beverage industry in the UK. In so doing, we hope to be one of the major employers in the kingdom. Overall Business Strategy The project plans to employ an outward in approach in conducting its activities once the project becomes operational. Strategic goals would be laid after ta king into consideration what the market wants (Casper Matraves 2003, p. 1871). Key commercialization milestones The planners of this project have conducted market analysis and have successfully understood market requirements. For the commercialization process, the team has identified a suitable location where it would take place. All relevant stakeholders have been informed. Marketing strategy When introducing the product in the market, the team has planned to offer the product to the market at break-even prices for the first one week. This low price is meant to draw customers to the firm and create a name. After the first week, normal pricing, which would be market friendly, would be adopted. The business would also employ other customer attraction strategies. Production and operations The members will carry out production and general operation. The members would run the project during the initial years. As the firm grows, it is planned that relevant skills would be employed to ma nage production and operations of the firm. Risk analysis In every business venture, there are always some risks that would be faced in the market. One such risk is customer indifference. Because it is a new business unit, some customers may fail to identify it. Market competition in itself is a risk. Management The current members and their roles This project was started by a group of ten high school graduates from different schools within the city of London (Hollingsworth 2000, p. 597). They were motivated by the need to have an income-generating project that would help them be self-reliant. They elected project coordinator, who also doubled as the chairperson of the entire team. He was the team’s representative to the outside world. To help him lead this team, a secretary and a treasurer were also elected. All members have the duty to ensure that activities of the group are operational. All the activities of the firm were to be conducted by members without hiring any indiv idual. Future management needs As the project grows, the current members would consider hiring some external skills, especially in the management. Because the current team has no technical expertise on issues of strategic management, it plans to hire a few graduates in the field of management as the business grows (Porter 1980, p. 56). There would also be the need to hire a few college graduates in food and beverages. They would be bringing their knowledge into the firm so that the firm would be in a position to not only respond to the changing needs of the market but also meet the regulatory procedures put in place by the concerned bodies. Financial projections At the inception level, the major source of finance is expected to be the contributions from the members in form of subscription fees. However, the project is expected to be self-supportive within the fourth month of operation. Further details about the financial projection are given in the appendix below. Key revenue assump tions There are some revenue assumptions that have been made in coming up with the plan for this project. The first assumption that was made was that the project would be self-supporting within its first four months of operations. It is assumed that within this period, the project shall have overcome the initial challenges and would be in a position to break-even within the period (Hall Soskice 2001, p. 35). It is assumed that after the fifth month, the firm would start registering positive returns in its revenues. It was also assumed that the project proposal would be considered for initial funding by the concerned donors. Key expenditure assumptions The team assumed that the expenditure of the project would be within its budget constrain. It is believed that the initial purchase, which would involve purchase of the machines and other required tools, as well as the raw materials to start the project, would take up about forty percent of the total amount that would be available for the project. The project would use the remaining percentage to ensure that daily production needs are catered for (Gompers Lerner 2004, p. 57). The amount that would be obtained from the daily operations would be ploughed back to the project. Sources of finance The sources of finance for this project are divided into three categories. The first category would be funding from the members of the project. From the subscriptions and annual payments, the project would have some amount to further the project. The project hopes to obtain further funding from donors who would consider the project viable and worth investing. Their funding may come in form of grants or loans that would be refunded later (Peteraf 1993, p. 182). The last source of funds would be the proceeds from the business. This is expected to be the main source of finance for the organization in the end. Exit for investors Investors in this project would exit at their own pleasures. However, here are well laid procedures for such members to leave, especially when they need a refund. All the members are assigned a value of shares according to their contributions. This value would increase or decrease, depending on the growth of the firm. When leaving, the member would sell his or her shares to other members. If no member would be willing to buy the value, then the business fraternity would buy it and appropriately refund the leaving partner. Cash Flow Forecast Projected Cash Flow 2013 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter Cash Flows from Operating Activity Cash receipts from customers 15,300,000 16,500,000 17,400,000 18,300,000 Cash paid for raw materials -600,000 -620,000 -640,000 -700,000 Cash paid for Direct Labor -2,000,000 -23,000,000 -2,350,000 -2,370,000 Cash paid for Selling, Gen, Adm. Exp. -3,200,000 -3,400,000 -3,400,000 -3,600,000 Net Cash Flow from Operating Activities 9,500,000 -10,520,000 11,010,000 11,630,000 Cash flow Flows from Investing Activity Equities issued 3,200,000 0 0 0 Bonds Issued 4,000,000 Equities purchased -1,000,000 0 0 0 Net Cash Flow from Investing Activities 6,200,000 0 0 0 Cash Flow from Financing Activity Interest payments -300,000 -300,000 -300,000 -300,000 Dividends receipts 150,000 160,000 160,000 170,000 Dividends payment -250,000 -270,000 -280,000 -280,000 Net Cash Flow from Financing Activities -400,000 -410,000 -420,000 -410,000 Net Increase in Cash 15,300,000 10,930,000 10,590,000 11,220,000 Beginning of Year Cash Balance 9,200,000 24,500,000 13,570,000 24,160,000 End Year Cash Balance 24,500,000 13,570,000 24,160,000 35,380,000 2014 1st Quarter 2nd Quarter 3rd Quarter 4th Quarter 18,900,000 19,800,000 20,700,000 21,600,000 -710,000 -730,000 -760,000 -810,000 -2,400,000 -2,500,000 -3,670,000 -3,700,000 -3,500,000 -3,700,000 -4,200,000 -4,400,000 12,290,000 12,870,000 12,070,000 12,690,000 0 0 0 0 0 -4,000,0 00 0 0 0 -4,000,000 0 0 0 -300,000 -300,000 -300,000 -300,000 200,000 600,000 660,000 750,000 -300,000 (350,00) -350,000 -400,000 -400,000 300,000 10,000 50,000 7,890,000 13,170,000 12,080,000 12,740,000 35,380,000 43,270,000 56,440,000 68,520,000 43,270,000 56,440,000 68,520,000 81,260,000 List of References Amable, B 2003, The Diversity of Modern Capitalism, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Besanko, D Dranove, D 1996, Economics of Strategy, John Willey Sons, Nueva York. Casper, S Matraves, C 2003, â€Å"Institutional Frameworks and Innovation in the German and UK Pharmaceutical Industry†, Research Policy, Vol. 32, no. 1, pp 1865–1879. Ghemawat, P 1991, Commitment, The Dynamic of Strategy, Free Press, New York. Ghemawat, P 1999, Games Businesses Play: Cases and Models, MIT Press, Cambridge. Gompers, P Lerner, J 2004, The Venture Capital Cycle, MIT Press, Cambridge. Hall, PA Soskice, W 2001, Varieties of Capi talism: The Institutional Foundations of Comparative Advantage, Oxford University Press, Oxford. Hollingsworth, RJ 2000, â€Å"Doing Institutional Analysis: Implications for the Study of Innovations†, Review of International Political Economy, Vol. 7, no. 1, pp 595–644. Kanniainen, V Keuschnigg, C 2005, Venture Capital, Entrepreneurship, and Public Policy, MIT Press, Cambridge. Oster, SM 1994, Modern Competitive Analysis, Oxford University Press, Nueva Peteraf, MA 1993, â€Å"The Cornerstone of Competitive Advantage: A Resource-Based View†, Strategic Management Journal, Issue.14, no.1, pp 179-191. Porter, ME 1980, Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors, The Free Press, London. Porter, ME 1990, The Competitive Advantage of Nations, London, MacMillan Press. Porter, ME McGahan, MA 2007, â€Å"An Interview with Michael Porter†, The Academy of Management Executive, Issue 16, no. 1, pp 2-44. This proposal on Natural Fruit and Beverage Company and Italian Beverage Company was written and submitted by user TrueBel1evers to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Dishonest Graft essays

Dishonest Graft essays George Washington Plunkitt declared that there is a difference between honest graft and dishonest graft. He and other Tammany politicians engaged in "honest graft." They didn't steal a dollar from the city treasury. They just saw their opportunities and took them within the law. The dishonest graft was that the penny grabbing thieving politicians robbing the city treasury, levying blackmail on diorderly house, or working in with the gamblers and lawbreakers. The actions of dishonest graft would against law. An example of "honest graft" would be when Plunkitt knew that city was going to lay out a new park at a certain place, he bought up all the land he can in the neighborhood. After the board of this or that made its plan public, the value of the land would increase. He could get huge profit from the actions like that. Another example would be he knew there was a new bridge they were going to build. He bought as much property that had to be taken for approaches. He sold at higher price later. The last example of "honest graft" was an old granite blocks action hold by city. George W. Plunkitt bid and got 250,000 fine paving stones with $2.50 by uniting his rivals. The first example of "dishonest graft" would be politicians and city officials robbing and stealing the city money or property by using their political power. Another example of "dishonest graft" would be city officials demanding the payoffs from prostitutes and gamblers with the promise that their businesses would not be shut down by the police. ...

The Norse Essay

The Norse Essay The Norse Essay The Norse Most of the Norse people lived on farms and in longhouses that were about 30 meters long (large hall like buildings). The walls were made of timber or stone and a thick turf roof to retain heat. In the very center of the house was the fire pit (hearth), to heat and provide light to everyone inside. Family members, live stock and farm workers all lived under the same roof, and originally it was one single room but eventually they made it into several rooms. The town people lived close together and in houses made of wood, wattle and daub, they had enough room for a yard, rubbish pit and workshop. Surprisingly the thought to be dirty and barbaric Vikings, were actually quite cleanly. Ornate combs, used by men and women, were one of the most commonly found artifacts at their settlements. Also found at these settlements were bejeweled gold and silver brooches, rings and necklaces. As a result of clothes decaying over thousands of years it was hard to know exactly what the Norse people wore, but based on ancient paintings we can assume the Norse women wore woolen or linen smocks with brooches. Women who were married also wore scarves on their heads. Men were thought to have worn woolen tunics over trousers. Norse outfits also included cloaks and caps in winter. When woman gave birth, they were surrounded by only women, and they were in kneeling position on the floor and as the birth progressed it was elbow to knee position and the baby was taken out from behind. If the births were difficult, woman would sing songs to the gods to ask for help. A tradition held by the Norse people is having feasts. They held these after things such as, a marriage, successful trade, or raid. At the feast the meal consisted of pork meat, goat meat, beef and bread that had seeds to add flavor. The Norse people drank wine, beer and mead, a strong alcoholic drink made from honey. Another ritual they had was carving runes (their alphabet) into their weapons; they believed this gave them protection during battle. One of the many festivals that the Norse celebrated was Jul; a festival of 12 nights. This is the most important holiday of all. On the night of December 20th the god Ingvi Freyr rides over the earth on the back of his shining boar bringing light and love back into the world. This story later evolved and changed into the god Wotan (Odin) charging across the sky on his eight legged horse a sleipnir. Children would leave hay and sugar in their boots for sleipnir, in return Wotan would leave them a gift for their kindness. The grey bearded Wotan turned into Santa Claus, and the eight legged horse sleipnir became the reindeer. One of the most prominent rituals was sacrificing (blot), and a communal feasting on the meat of the animal that was sacrificed, and drinking beer and mead were also a large part in the feasts. The Norse people had their own kind of alphabet; â€Å"One of the ways that historians have gained an insight into the lives of the Norse people is through their written relics, mostly found on stone memorials. The Norse people wrote using the 16 runes (letters) of the futhork (alphabet). Each rune not only represents a phonetic sound (like the modern-day alphabet), but can also represent an object. The first rune, for example, can not only be read as 'f,' but can mean 'cattle' or 'wealth.'† As a result of having no paper they carved runes into bones, weapons, and rocks, wood and metal. The runes were used to label, and keep track of items. They were also very crafty people; the women made clothes themselves and the men repaired the farm equipment and weapons themselves. Tapestries and embroideries were found at their settlement as well as flutes and panpipes. This gives us a glimpse into their life, and their possible love of music. One of the largest icons in the Norse culture is the Viking ship it was used as a war and trading vessel but had an incredible design and art. The largest art we have from this time

Zedong and Xiaoping Different Ideology and One Same Goal Essay

Zedong and Xiaoping Different Ideology and One Same Goal - Essay Example The turbulent period which has shaped China is brimming of reformists like Mao Zedong and Deng Xiaoping. Mao Zedong, born into a peasant family in Shaoshan, Hunan Province, is an advocate of Karl Marx and his idea in communism and the proletariat. Along with Zhou Enlai, Zhu De and Lin Biao, Mao Zedong was a founder-member of Chinese Communist Party (CPP) when it was established in 1921 (bbc.co.uk). Mao’s ushering into Marxism could be attributed to his devoted reading of Marx’s â€Å"The Communist Manifesto† while he worked in the University Library (bbc.co.uk). His early political career with CPP laid him in the Koumintang Nationalist Party as a political organizer. When Chiang Kai-Shek emerged as the new leader of Koumintang, after the death of Dr. Sun Yat-sen, he launched an â€Å"anti-communist purge†. Consequently, Mao led his followers and the communist Red Army in the legendary 6,000 mile retreat â€Å"Long March† to Northwest China â€Å"to establish a new base† (â€Å"Mao Zedong†). When Mao gained the upper hand after defeating Chiang in a civil war in 1949 (the year Mao proclaimed the founding of People’s Republic of China), he set out to â€Å"reshape Chinese society.† ... nd set out to reform and bring about economic growth and development which freed estimated â€Å"170 million peasants out of extreme poverty† by the early 1990s. Among the socio-economic reforms brought by Deng was the abolishment of rural agricultural communes tantamount to a condemnation of Mao’s Great Leap Forward: the giving of permit to city dwellers for them to start small-scale businesses, allowing ordinary Chinese citizen to buy consumer goods, the imposition of tough population controls that included forced abortions to limit families to one or two children, and inviting foreign investors to the country (â€Å"Reformer with an Iron Fist†). Deng also criticized Mao’s Cultural Revolution when it shut down schools and suck the student population â€Å"into the ubiquitous Red Guards† (â€Å"Reformer with an Iron Fist†). Although Deng’s affiliation with the left is as staunch as Mao’s, the two are at odds when it comes to ec onomic development. Mao’s tact ensconced in Great Leap Forward is juxtaposed by Deng’s liberalization of trade, commerce and industry in China. Mao’s personality exemplifies conservatism at a time when changes brought by the West trickles in Japanese soil and other countries in Asia. Mao headed China in manner somewhat regressive and insulated from the Western influence and urbanity. On the other hand, the progressivist and pragmatic brand of leadership which could be influenced by France – where he also developed in himself the idea of capitalism – Deng brought about urbanization and industrialization in China. It is interesting to note that Deng who is a central figure in CPP had suffered 3 overthrows in 1933, 1966 and on 1978 by his fellow revolutionaries when he attacked Mao’s ideology. Known to be a â€Å"capitalist roader†

The Global Strategy of IKEA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

The Global Strategy of IKEA - Essay Example IKEA has become one of the most successful furniture retailer’s in the world. IKEA low-cost-approach to doing business and innovative marketing and brand identity has allowed IKEA to mold and convert their brand image and company to become a lifestyle oriented company. IKEA was one of the pioneers towards globalization by offering furniture that was sold unassembled to its clientele therefore it could be shipped more securely and economically and consequently sold at the lowest possible costs to their customers. The company carefully adapted their corporate structure, business model, and culture to maintain and build their brand image, while carefully adapting their product offerings and marketing to match the preferences, customs, and needs of their local clientele. IKEA has become much more than a furniture merchant, it embraces customers with lifestyle that embraces good taste and recognizes value. The company has thrived in the global market where others competitors have n ot succeeded in penetrating. The key strategy to IKEA’s global success has been in keeping in line with their original philosophy of success which has been to provide unique, functional, simplistic but beautiful furniture designs and products at a low cost. This unrelenting pursuit of efficiency and frugality has permeated throughout the corporate culture and structure (Quickmba, 2011).

Market Model Patterns of Change Essay Example for Free

Market Model Patterns of Change Essay 1. Describe the industry and explain the general pattern of change of the particular market model Health insurance in the United States providers represent competitive market because they are numerous, variety of choices, and no single entity has much power over prices. The health insurance can be considered as rapid growth industry. Recently, this industry is transforming in a rapid way and evolving into an oligopoly. Insurance markets in many states are eventually controlled and dominated by a few large firms. There were more than five hundred health insurers involved mergers between 1998 and 2008 (Bakhtiari, 2010). Although there are hundreds of small insurance companies operating in the market, the industry Led by WellPoint, 12 health plans cover two-thirds of the enrollment in the U.S. commercial-insurance market (Bloomberg News, 2010). An analysts report cited in the article predicts there will be 100 insurers with around 200,000 members could be forced out of business. Smaller insurers are increasingly unable to invest in the infrastructure and technology to effectively manage care (Bakhtiari, 2010). However, mergers have been the main power rather than small insurers going out of business. 2. Hypothesize the basic short-run and long-run behaviors of the model in the industry you have chosen in a â€Å"market economy† This paper uses Kinked-Demand theory of oligopoly; there is no single theory that explains oligopoly behavior. The kinked demand model assumes that if one firm raises the prices, other firms will not follow to increase. If the firm reduces its price, it is assumed that its competitors will follow suit and reduce their prices as well. The result is a demand curve for the firm that is kinked at the current equilibrium price (Low, 2000). Taking this as assumption, a single health insurer that tries to raise price will lose market share mainly just because other insurers are not following, it will suffer a loss in demand because the competitors’ prices remain low. In contract, if a single firm that cuts prices, all of its competitors will follow to reduce the price. As a result, a firm will have a kinked demand curve. Firms may operate at a profit in the short-run if demand for the product is high relative to costs. The firm may force to go out of business if it can’t generate enough revenue to even cover the variable costs. Hence the model predicts that prices in the long run should be fairly rigid in an oligopoly. This could indicate that insurance premiums will remain fairly stable in the health insurance industry. The kinked demand theory suggests there will be price in these markets and the firms will rely more on non-price competition to boost sales, revenue and profits. The result in market share is no gain and relative small increases in quantity demanded (Low, 2000). 3. Analyze at least three (3) possible areas for the industry that could lead to transaction costs, and explain each in detail In the health insurance industry, transaction cost could arise from acquisition expenses, process outsourcing, and increased product complexity.Acquisition is the expense of soliciting and placing new insurance business on a company’s books. It includes agent’s underwriting expenses, medical and credit, report fees, commissions, and marketing support services. The significant efforts are made by insurance companies to lower acquisition costs because of the competition. Outsourcing of processes may become a necessity when firms gather up more and more customers due to mergers, the current workforce will no longer be able to handle jobs. Sometime, hiring more employees could be very costly for some firms because of increasing market salaries; outsourcing could be the better option. Firms will have to pay additional expenses to outsourcing firms that process application and provide customer service. This lead to transaction cost. Transaction costs may also arise from increase product complexity due to firms grow, merge and consolidation. Products become more complex catering to more segments due to gathering more customer; firms increase product lines. Hence, customers will have to incur transaction costs in searching or inquiring for the best product, and in estimating the quality of the service. 4. Speculate about the behavior that could result from these transactions and propose at least two (2) strategies for dealing with them It affects consumers’ behavior for reconsidering the health plan when transaction costs arise from product complexity. Any uncertainty arises from product uncertainty; it refers to the difficulties in determining the quality of purchased products (Thompson, 2004). Consumers are likely to inquire more information if purchased services will meet their expectations before they purchase. Consumers rely on the quality examination that insurance agents or references. This product uncertainty may increase transaction cost. This can be dealt with by reinforcing product quality through advertising about the products and services, meeting with potential customers, and providing training to employees to meet better expectation. When transaction costs arise from enforcement and monitoring, behavioral results are uncertainty. Behavioral uncertainty refers to the inherent difficulties faced by buyers in accurately evaluating the contractual performance of insurance companies (Thompson, 2004). This increases transaction cost as consumers spend more time thinking about buying insurance because the claims may against them or excessive policy. This can be dealt with by ensuring that potential customers understand the nature of the contract. 5. Collect costs, revenue data, or other data from the industry you deem relevant. Explain how you would modify the data in order to make it relevant to decisions a manager must make Base of the data from Austin Hungerford, health insurance markets in many local areas are highly concentrated and the exercise of market power in concentrated markets generally leads to higher prices and reduced output. In the data, medical loss ratios among major insurers range from a low of 70.7% to almost 89%. Some major commercial insurers have had significant decreases in medical expense ratios in the past decade. For example, CIGNA HealthCare’s medical loss ratio, 86.3% in 2001, fell to 70.7% in 2008 (Austin Hungerford, 2009). In general, medical loss ratios can change dramatically from one year to another. This explained by unexpectedly high medical costs or by aggressive pricing intended to increase market share. The above data help managers understand industry characteristics better than an individual. It is relevant to managers by consolidating all of the medical loss ratio, and combining them in an industry average. The managers have a better feel for industry averages and trends. 6. Explain the major factors that affect the degree of competitiveness in your industry. Use the data to develop at least three (3) measures (e.g., productivity measures) to show how the industry is evolving The first factor is the number of firms on the market. If there are large number of firms operate in industry, overall prices will be reduced. The second factor is government regulation which affects the degree of competitiveness of the health insurance industry. The third is government provides health insurance. This can change the entire game plan for health industry. Private firms may be unable to compete against government’s insurance plans. That will affect the overall competitiveness of the industry. These measures to show how the industry is evolving include average prices of health insurance plans, potential buyers, and overall average medical costs. Average price of health insurance will show the industrys evolution by examining patterns of profit growth in relation to health insurance costs. The number of health insurance buyers will help understand the growth patterns in customer base, and demand for health insurance plans. Medical costs will show the relationship between industry growths, inflation of costs, and increase in general medical care.

The Use of Cell Phones While Driving is Dangerous Essay -- cell phone,

Although cell phones have not been around for a very long time, they have become a key part of our lives. People use their cell phones for just about everything such as: texting, talking, schedule planning, internet surfing, etc. Sometimes we can even do two or more of these things at the same time. Unfortunately, people are also choosing the wrong time to be using their cell phones: while they are driving. As a society, we have become so focused on how much we can do at one time that we are willing to risk our personal safety as well as the safety of others because we can’t put down our cell phones. Using a handheld cell phone while driving is dangerous to the driver themselves for a couple of good reasons. One such reason is that maneuvering your vehicle while using a cell phone is made even more difficult because one hand is busy fiddling with the phone instead of resting on the wheel. From personal experience, it is harder than most people think to drive or perform driving maneuvers with one hand. Parallel parking is very difficult for most people, even with both hands; doing it one handed would be made impossible because parallel parking requires incredibly subtle movements with the steering wheel. On the main roads, vehicles will often pass you and either slow down or speed up while in front of you which indicates some sort of distraction that hampers their ability to maintain a constant speed. Another reason is that by allowing their focus to waiver during handheld cell phone use, drivers forfeit their ability to react quickly to difficult and/or dangerous situation s. Such a situation might be missing an important turn or exit which may require a lot of backtracking depending on whether the driver is in the cit... ...around the driver if they cannot concentrate on driving. I believe that handheld cell phones should be made illegal because of the unnecessary dangers they create. While I cannot tell you what you should and should not do, I do hope that based on this paper that you are able to use your better judgment and act responsibly. Hang up and drive because using a cell phone while driving is not worth the risk of taking your own life or someone else’s. Works Cited Clark, Scott. â€Å"A Close Call – But Don’t Ban Cell Phones In Cars.† Buzzmaven. Buzzmaven Labs, 17 Apr. 2007. Web. 10 June 2010. . â€Å"Distracted Driving: What You Don’t See.† Oprah. Harpo Productions, 15 Jan. 2010. Web. 10 June 2010. .

Ap Biology Lab 1 Questions

AP Biology Lab 1 Ross Lordo Introduction Questions 1. The solute potential would be -2. 48. If the concentration inside the cell is . 15 M, then would diffusion out of the cell and into the solution of . 1 M. This is due to water potential and the tendency for water to move from areas of high water potential to low water potential. 2. The turgor pressure must be equal to the water potential if there is no net diffusion.The cell and environment have reached equilibrium and the movement of water is equal on both sides. Getting Started 1. Kinetic energy is the energy an object possesses due to its motion. The difference between kinetic energy and potential energy is the kinetic energy is the energy of an object that is already in motion and potential energy is the energy possessed by an object at rest. Potential energy is stored energy, while kinetic energy is energy being exerted. 2.Temperature can affect the rate of diffusion. If the temperature is colder, the rate of diffusion is muc h slower as a result of all particles becoming closer together. If the temperature is warmer, there is much more energy present and therefore allows for the diffusion to take place at a fast rate. The distance a molecule needs to travel across the membrane can also affect the rate of diffusion. If the distance across the membrane is large, then the rate of diffusion will be much slower and vise versa. 3.A high temperature can speed up the diffusion process by providing more energy for the molecules and also for eliminating in double bonds in the phospholipid membrane. A low temperature will decline the rate of diffusion, as the particles will have less energy. The distance travelled will also affect diffusion rates. The longer the distance, the slower the diffusion is going to take place. The shorter the distance, the quicker the rate of diffusion 4. Gradients offer a pathway for molecules to go in and out of the cell.Many molecules are to big to fit through the semipermeable phosph olipid membrane and these gradients allow these large molecules to be able to cross through the cell. 5. Most cells are small because diffusion can take place at a quicker rate. The convolutions allow for more space to be able to be used in order to get molecules across the membrane. These small cells allow for materials to quickly be able to reach the cell membrane and get in or out of the cell, without having to make a long journey from an inside part of the cell. . Water will move out of the cell. The high water potential means there is little solute in the cell and more in the outside environment. In order to balance these concentrations, water moves out of the cell and creates equilibrium with the environment. 7. If saltwater is applied to a plant, the plant would shrivel up and die. This is a result of the water moving out of the cells in order to try to balance the concentration of solute compared to inside the cell.The water movement out of the cell would cause the cell to s hrink and the lack of water would eventually cause the plant to die. 8. A plant can control its turgor pressure through its central vacuole and cell wall. If a great amount of water is inside the cell, the central vacuole will take in some of the water to take some of the pressure of the cell wall. The cell wall can also eliminate water from making its way into the cell. The would cause the cell to keep expanding, but slowly eliminate its excess water.

Grand jury paper Essay

Explore the right to a preliminary examination and the role of the grand jury A preliminary hearing may not be held in every criminal case in which a â€Å"not guilty† plea is entered. Some states conduct preliminary hearings only when a felony is charged, and other states utilize a â€Å"grand jury indictment† process in which a designated group of citizens decides whether, based on the government’s evidence, the case should proceed to trial. Last but not least, the possibility always exists that any time prior to the preliminary hearing a criminal case will be resolved through a plea bargain between the government and the defendant. A Grand Jury determines whether there is enough evidence for the trial. Grand juries carry out this duty by examining evidence presented to them by the prosecution, and issuing indictments, or by investigating alleged crimes and issuing, presentments. A grand jury is traditionally larger and more distinguishable from a petit jury, which is used during trial. Both of these are good for both parties because it gives a chance for both parties to see what evidence and figure out how the state is going to proceed. The DA must only present enough evidence to convince a judge that he has enough evidence to go to court. The Defense may not know if the DA has much more damning evidence in the future, so it can be unknown to the Defense and be a guessing game. It offers a chance for a judge or jury to decide if the case merits going to trial, and if it doen’t then the defendant is released. But if there is very good evidence, and the Defense realizes that they perceive that the Prosecution has very good evidence, then it is a chance to plea bargain, in which both parties may wish to do, in order to avoid drawing out proceedings.

Asleep Essays

Asleep Essays Asleep Paper Asleep Paper Essay Topic: poem In the poem Asleep, Wilfred Owen links sleep to death. The one word title of the poem depicts a scene of soldiers dying quietly and slowly, It is ironic that the word has only two short syllables and is pronounced lightly without stressing any of them, actually suggests such a heavy, serious theme-death. The poem opens with under his helmet, up against his pack work and waking, suggesting to us their long battles and sufferings, not for just one day or two days, but many days. In the next line, sleep took eath took, Owen make a direct comparison or rather, describe a process of how the soldiers died when they fell asleep. We notice that him is made the subject that is taken by sleep and death which are personified ( a sense of dominance), suggesting that the soldiers going through the war is greatly victimized by it. The aborted life in the next line pictured a dying baby in the womb, this idea parallels to the idea of the soldiers dying in their sleep. The chest, arms and blood (parts of the body) are personified. For instance, the arms are like humans, feeling sleepy and have the human tendency to fall slack, together with the blood been described as stray and came creeping, and the simile that compares the flowing of the blood to the ants on track, suggesting how slowly and torturous the death of the soldiers are. The fragment descriptions of the body parts come together to give us a wholesome picture of slow death of the soldiers in the war. In the second stanza, Owen questioned the meaning of death. Whether his deeper sleep lie shaded by the shaking of great wings r whether yet his thin and sodden head. The two questions served as a direct comparison between the illusion that one is honored and blessed to die for his country and the reality and callousness of the war that they died miserably without any dignity in the war. The great wings is referred to the propaganda used by the authorities, the image of the wings appeared to be angelic and protective, but the fact that the soldiers are shaded by the wings implies that the truth of their death is covered by the fairy tale stories told by the authorities. The adjective great also emphasize how influence and convincing the authorities are. In the thoughts that hung the stars, the thoughts refer to the idea nurtured by the authorities that that dying for ones country is good. However it is high pillowed on calm pillows of Gods making, the God again refers to the high authorities, making means creation, and pillow is essential for people to sleep comfortably, this suggest how the authorities create and inculcate idealist beliefs in the soldiers to make them willing to sacrifice and fight in the war. The imageries of the clouds, rains, sleets of lead (bullets) and winds scimitars suggest the cruelty and dangers the soldiers faced in the war. However, the idealism instilled by the authorities blinded them from seeing the real situations. The next or whether showed us the reality and physical states of the soldiers dying in the war. From his thin and sodden head confuses the low mould, we can visualise how the bodies of the soldiers shrink overtime and how dirty and lifeless they are that we can not even differentiate their heads from the mud. This also give us a sense of indignity of their death as their dead bodies are compared to the mud (with the emphasis of the low), an useless and unwanted material. Owen further describes his hair being one with grey grass autumns that are old, all the grey, autumns and old suggest aging, and shows how the soldiers senesced prematurely in the war. Again, Owen employs a metaphor to compare their hair to the grass and finished fields, suggesting their insignificance and commonness of the dying soldiers, and also provide us with an unsightly scene of corpses lying all over on the battle fields. The three questions followed (who knows? Who hopes? Who troubles? (who cares)) shows the callousness and insensitivity of the authorities, the civilians and all the people who do not go to the war because they do not know anything about the desperate and hopeless situation of the soldiers in the battle. Let it pass! implies a sense of acceptance, which perhaps, has been adopted mentally by all soldiers in the war. However, the exclamation mark suggests a sense of desperation, showing their no choice but to accept situation since their fate is no longer determined by themselves in the war. The last two lines compare and contrast the situation between the sleeping people and people who are still awake. Ironically, Owen says it is less tremulous, less cold for the people who already died than the living people who are still fighting in the war, suggesting that the dead soldiers can at last truly be at rest while the living soldiers must awake to the never-ending tortures if the war. The final sign alas! mourns the sorrow on behalf of we-the living people, but at the same time, reinforce the sense of acceptance as suggested previously by the Let it pass! The tone of the whole poem is dreary, sarcastic and disillusioned. With the use of ironies in showing the contrast between illusions and realities, the poem sounds critical and cynical. The intensive employment of images in describing dying soldiers and the war cause the tone to be dark and somber. Furthermore, the rhyme contributes to the dark mood as well. In the first part of the poem, we notice that Owen uses mainly the consonance of p and k, as in the rhyme of words like pack and back, waking and quaking, sleeping and leaping. These two consonance first give rise a heavy tone to the poem, the k sounds relatively heavier than the p, which parallels to the idea of death being a deeper sleep. The heavy sounds also contribute to the fighting mood of the war which is still going on. In the later part of the poem, however, the consonance o and u occurs more frequently. low mould, autume.. old) As we can see from the finished fields which implies the war has over, it is possible to say that Owen uses these gloomy and mournfully sounded consonance to suggest the sorrow and the degradation of the soldiers through the war. The a and e consonance employed in the last few lines, coupled with the meaning of the words (that has been discussed earlier on) suggests a sense of acknowledgement and bitter acceptance of the soldiers lives.

Theoretical Yield Example Problem - Chemistry Homework

Theoretical Yield Example Problem - Chemistry Homework This example problem demonstrates how to predict the amount of product produced from a given amount of reactants. Problem Given the reactionNa2S(aq) 2 AgNO3(aq) → Ag2S(s) 2 NaNO3(aq)How many grams of Ag2S will form when 3.94 g of AgNO3 and an excess of Na2S are reacted together? Solution The key to solve this type of problem is to find the mole ratio between the product and the reactant.Step 1 - Find the atomic weight of AgNO3 and Ag2S.From the periodic table:Atomic weight of Ag 107.87 gAtomic weight of N 14 gAtomic weight of O 16 gAtomic weight of S 32.01 gAtomic weight of AgNO3 (107.87 g) (14.01 g) 3(16.00 g)Atomic weight of AgNO3 107.87 g 14.01 g 48.00 gAtomic weight of AgNO3 169.88 gAtomic weight of Ag2S 2(107.87 g) 32.01 gAtomic weight of Ag2S 215.74 g 32.01 gAtomic weight of Ag2S 247.75 gStep 2 - Find mole ratio between product and reactantThe reaction formula gives the whole number of moles needed to complete and balance the reaction. For this reaction, two moles of AgNO3 is needed to produce one mole of Ag2S.The mole ratio then is 1 mol Ag2S/2 mol AgNO3Step 3 Find amount of product produced.The excess of Na2S means all of the 3.94 g of AgNO3 will be used to complete the reaction.grams Ag2S 3.94 g AgNO3 x 1 mol AgNO3/169.88 g AgNO3 x 1 mol Ag2 S/2 mol AgNO3 x 247.75 g Ag2S/1 mol Ag2SNote the units cancel out, leaving only grams Ag2Sgrams Ag2S 2.87 g Ag2S Answer 2.87 g of Ag2S will be produced from 3.94 g of AgNO3.

Visual Analysis Survey of Western Art II Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Visual Analysis Survey of Western Art II - Essay Example The piece of art, Madonna and child are now part of the collection of the Lowe art museum in the University of Miami. Madonna and child is a painting done on a piece of wood thus commonly referred to as tempera on wood. It is believed to have been done toward the 16th century and is approximately 80x60 centimeters. Madonna and the child had been neglected for a few centuries but once discovered it became very expensive. It suddenly rose to twenty two million pounds as per the national scientific department. Lately it is the property of Lowe in the University of Miami after being given off as a gift. Before the 16th century, Italy comprised of many states which spoke different languages, thus a need to stand out was paramount. The Italians soon led the way by speaking about their culture through works of art like paintings. This is how Lorenzo di Credi and other painters and sculptors like Da Vinci, Donatello, Verrocchio, Filipo Bruschnelli and others got famous. The painting Madonna and child talked about Italy’s love and curiosity of religious issues and how they felt about it. It showed that culturally, Italians are a religious nation. The cultural aspect was seen in the technique that most Italian works of art appeared in. for example, Madonna and child was on tempera of wood while other works by other Italian artists were made of oil on wood and such stuff. This article is going to thoroughly survey the piece of art Madonna and child. This it is going to look into from the paintings composition to its characteristics and comparison to other works of art. The composition of the painting of Madonna and child by Lorenzo was due to Italy’s religious passion. During this era Catholicism was widely spread in Italy and its roots were firmly instilled in the people who used sculptures and paintings to bring Christianity and especially Catholicism to reality. Therefore the theme that led to Madonna and child

Joseph Mengele Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Joseph Mengele - Essay Example As a teenager, Mengele proved to be a very brilliant person, and was often praised by his instructors for his great control and self-discipline. He was very delightful, assertive, and good looking. Mengele’s favorite subjects at school included zoology, physics, and biology, but his most favorite subject was anthropology, which is the study of humans. After graduating in 1930 and wanting to make a name for himself, Mengele left the family business and ventured into medicine. This was the beginning of his infamous career. Mengele soon joined the Nazis and immediately applied for the highest position in society, the SS. The SS was an elite squad that controlled Germany’s racial cleanliness and strictly adhered to the Nazi beliefs. In the period building up to WWII and during the war, Mengele was drafted and served as a soldier. In addition to fighting on the battlefield, he was able to practice his medical skills and given power to make choices. Mengele was awarded many m edals during his service, including the First Class, Second Class, and two Iron Crosses, for bravery and courage. Later, after becoming wounded on the battlefield, Mengele was sent back to Berlin to conduct his medical experiments, through which he earned the name â€Å"Angel of Death.† Mengele was recognized as the angel of death, inflicting harm and spreading hate to all, including many innocent Jews who were unlucky to encounter him. â€Å"Usually 70 to 90 percent of all new arrivals had been condemned to die without even a passing glance from their judge and jury at Auschwitz. The handsome officer who held omnipotent sway over the fate of all the camp's prisoners was Dr. Josef Mengele, the Angel of Death† (trutv). Josef was called the Angel of Death for many reasons. One of them was that he would kill large crowds of people without hesitation. Once there was an infestation of lice in the women’s section of Auschwitz camp, and Josef came up with an idea to fi x the problem. He gassed all 750 of the women, killing them in order to solve the lice pandemic without hesitation. He was never reluctant to kill and did not think twice about the human cost of his experiments. He specifically conducted experiments on twins, the procedures of which were gruesome and torturous. These experiments included gutting and removing the reproductive organs of his patients (Auschwitz), and injecting chloroform into the hearts of a set of twins at the same time in order to instantly paralyze and then kill them. His nickname, â€Å"Angel of Death,† suited him very well. He lived up to his title through conducting numerous inhumane experiments. Josef Mengele fled from Auschwitz on January 17, 1945 (Mengele) as the Soviet army advanced toward Berlin. During the first few years of the post-war era, Mengele remained in hiding on a farm near his native Gunzburg. He took on a fake identity and began working as a farm hand. Mengele was kept informed of recent political events through his secret contacts with old friends in Gunzburg. Although he still hoped to conduct his research and experiments, it became increasingly apparent that the Allies would not let such a notorious villain escape. Eventually, he died while on the run in a drowning accident in Brazil, after which the body was checked to

A Comparative Study of Accounting and the Environmental Factors Essay

A Comparative Study of Accounting and the Environmental Factors Influencing Accounting in Australia and Sweden - Essay Example It begins with the discussion of Mueller’s classification of accounting then narrows down to the accounting values within which a comprehensive analysis of the Swedish and Australian accounting environments are based. Gerhard Mueller carried out an environmental analysis which supports the discussion on the accounting classifications. Gerhard identified four different approaches to the accounting development which provide the necessary categorization of countries based on accounting values. This includes the microeconomic pattern, macroeconomic pattern, uniform accounting pattern, and the independent discipline pattern (Mueller, 1967). The macroeconomic pattern is based on the interrelationship between business accounting and the economic policies of the nation. The corporate objectives are usually to follow instead of leading national economic policies. Business and economic stability is promoted through the smoothening of accounting income; to stimulate growth, adjustment of depreciation rates is necessary; to promote investment, the creation of special reserves is necessary; and to meet macroeconomic concerns it is necessary to develop social responsibility accounting. The examples given for this approach included French, Germany and Sweden. The microeconomic pattern on the other hand can be seen as a sub discipline of business economics. This pattern provides the focus directed towards the specific economic entities. In this pattern, economic analysis is the source of accounting concepts. An essential concept is determined by maintaining in real terms the monetary capital invested in the companies. The microeconomic approach is demonstrated by some companies in Netherlands and Australia through replacement-value accounting (Chanchani & Willett, 2004). Accounting is viewed in the light of an efficient method of control and administration derived from the uniform accounting

A Dissertation Proposal Essay Example for Free

A Dissertation Proposal Essay Chapter One: The Problems and Its Components The problem to be investigated in this study is school climate, considering and comparing teacher perceptions of both the actual and ideal psychological environment in three different African American private schools. The literature indicates that an open climate with lines of communication that are established at all levels, staff freedom, professional interest, and participatory decision making, among other similar factors, will lead to positive teacher attitudes and improved teacher performance. The relationship between teachers’ perceptions of the actual and ideal psychological school environment has not yet been tested for African American private schools. See more: Examples of satire in adventures of huckfinn essay Problem Background As explained by Beachum and McCray (2004), school climate has a significant impact on the attitudes and performance of teachers in that it influences professional growth and development in academic and social terms, influences the ability to handle work pressures, and ultimately can lead to attrition if the climate is not open and does not have adequate lines of communication. The school’s value systems, work pressures, participatory decision making, resource adequacy, growth opportunity, and student support all play a part in the overall climate of the school (Cole-Henderson, 2000). The study of this climate is of critical importance to the well being, positive attitudes, and professional development of the school’s teachers. The current need to provide every child with qualified and committed teachers in the face of a national teacher shortage supports the importance of conducting research on factors influencing teacher attitudes and stressors in the teaching profession, particularly those that might affect burnout and turnover. It is also clear that a healthy school climate–a school with a strong academic emphasis and a principal who has influence with superiors and is willing to use it on behalf of teachers–is conducive to the development of teachers beliefs that they can influence student learning and make a difference. It is also clear that work pressures can exert additional stress on a teacher if the school climate is perceived in a negative light. Numerous studies (Harris, 1999; Jamal, 1999; Ma Macmillan, 1999; MacDonald, 1999; Remy, 1999) have focused on teacher stress. According to Remy, research has shown that 40% of new teachers leave the profession within 5 years. These studies also have shown that approximately half of all teachers leave the profession within the first 7 years because of job-related stress. Because teaching is a stressful occupation (Ma Macmillan; Remy; Weiss, 1999), teachers often self-select out of the profession. Schools must then scramble to replace these teachers. Remaining faculty and the school district become further strained in the attempt to make up for the shortage. Knowledge of how teachers perceive the current school climate and what teachers think the ideal environment should be would be of invaluable importance. Theoretical Orientation The literature review will focus on both the conceptual framework of the study and the major variables of concern. The conceptual framework will be based on attribution and motivation theory. The major variables of concern are the ideal and actual perceptions of the school climate by teachers. Initially, attribution theory was presented as a theoretical process in the late 1970s and middle 1980s (Frieze, 1976; Weiner, 1979, 1985, 1986). It provided the framework for examining the responses of teachers to such academic outcomes of students as failure or success in the general education classroom. Since that time a number of studies have been conducted that provide empirical support of its principles. According to Graham (1990; 1991), both ability and effort have been identified as the major perceived causes of individual teacher failure or success. In other words, failure can be overcome by effort, while success comes about as a result of personal competence. Teacher ability is comprised of aptitude and learned skills in an academic context. Effort, on the other hand, is the amount of exertion applied to a learning situation. Attribution can be applied in situations in which teachers try to understand their own behavior. It can also be applied when teachers try to assess the classroom performance of students in order to increase their teaching success (Graham, 1990, 1991). When teachers’ expectations are not met, the instructors may resort to any number of actions. They may often be tardy or absent. In fact, attrition is often the end result. The individuals may also withdraw from teaching psychologically–that is, not concentrate, do no more than absolutely necessary, and have no interest or initiative. As a result, the quality of teaching in general may suffer. Vroom (1964) stated that motivation is a product of the anticipated worth that individuals place on a goal and the chances they see of achieving that goal. According to Vroom, three factors influence achievement: force, valence, and expectancy. Force equals valence times expectancy. Force is the strength of the teachers’ motivation while valence is the anticipated satisfaction from the result. Expectancy is the probability of achieving the outcome. The impact of force depends on both valence and expectancy. For example, if teachers show indifference in achieving a goal, the valence becomes zero. Specifically in his expectancy theory, Vroom (1964) suggested the following: Motivation = Perceived Probability of Success (Expectancy) x Connection of Success and Reward (Instrumentality) x Value of Obtaining Goal (Valance, Value).   From this formula it is clear that a high value for one variables of the formula will result in a high motivation value and vice versa. In Vroom’s (1964) view, the three variables must exist for motivation to take place. Thus, when teachers do not think they will be successful at a task or do not value the results of becoming successful in their school or do not perceive a connection between their attitude and the school climate, it is more than likely that they will not apply themselves to the teaching activity. Organizational theory also relates to the proposed investigative study in terms of communication. According to this theory, restrictive and closed climates with closed lines of communication relate to poor teacher performance (Cole-Henderson, 2000). The school system is an organization, and thus communication theory applies. When lines of communication are closed teachers do not communicate with administrators or students, and school management does not communicate with teachers other than giving orders from the top down. Communication only flows from the top down. In such a school system, the perceived motivational climate is negative and achievement goals suffer (Bennett, 2002). Clearly, when there are open lines of communication, there is more interest in teaching and thus knowledge has more meaning. This translates into improved achievement on the part of both the teacher and the student. It is clear to see that school climate has a decided bearing on teachers in a number of different ways. Purpose of the Study The purpose of the study is to evaluate teacher perceptions of the climate of three independent Black private schools in relationship to the actual and ideal climate. Thus, the purpose is three-fold: 1. To determine if teacher perceptions of the actual school climate differs between and among the three African American private schools included in the study. 2. To determine if the teacher’s perceptions of the ideal or preferred school climate differs between and among the three African American private schools included in the study. 3. To determine if there is a correlation among teachers who teach at different levels in the three schools included in the study regarding their perceptions of their school climate. Research Questions The major research question can be stated as follows: â€Å"Is the actual school climate of independent African American private schools adequately meeting the perceptions of its teachers regarding their ideal school climate perceptions?† From this question several sub-questions have been formulated. These may now be listed as follows: 1. Do teacher perceptions of the actual school climate differ between and among the three African American private schools included in the study, as determined by scores on the actual environment answer form of the School Level Environment Questionnaire (SLEQ)? 2. Do teacher perceptions of the ideal or preferred school climate differ between and among the three African American private schools included in the study, as determined by scores on the ideal or preferred environment answer form of the School Level Environment Questionnaire (SLEQ)? 3. Is there a significant correlation among the perceptions of teachers employed in the three schools included in the study in terms of their view of their school climate, as determined from both answer forms of the School Level Environment Questionnaire (SLEQ)? 4. Do the perceptions of teachers differ for those who teach at different student grade levels, as determined by a comparison of results from the School Level Environment Questionnaire for teachers instructing at different levels? Limitations and Delimitation One limitation of the study relates to the fact that the research has no control over the teacher participants’ reliability. It will be assumed, however, that the teachers will answer the survey questionnaire items honestly and to the best of their ability. There is also a certain weakness associated with only the use of a survey questionnaire to obtain data for analysis. Researchers do suggest the use of two or more sources–that is, triangulation – to produce better support data (Babbie, 2003; Creswell, 2003). With respect to delimitations of the study, the data source of this case will be limited to three independent Black private schools located in an urban city. Definitions Several common terms and designations are used uniquely in the proposed study. These are defined as follows: Independent Black private school. This term refers to a school owned by African Americans which is not dependent upon national or local government for financing its operation and is instead operated by tuition charges, gifts, and perhaps the investment yield of an endowment (Mahiri, 1998). School climate. This term refers to the school atmosphere. In restrictive and closed schools, authority emanates from the top down through hierarchical levels. Communication is restrictive and closed. In an open school climate, communication reaches all levels and moves in all directions (Moeller, 2005). School climate perceptions. Teacher views of their school environment will generally influence their motivation to teach, grow professionally, participate in decision making, and handle work pressures. In this study, the term will be operationally defined by scores on the School Level Environment Questionnaire (SLEQ)? Self-concept. Self-concept is considered the most basic and crucial components of personality and can be influenced by environment. Self-concept can become positive in an open school climate; conversely it can become negative in a closed and restrictive school climate. The proposed study views self concept in this context (Branden, 1999). Staff development. For this research project, this term pertains to any activities that attempt to improve the teacher’s ability to implement a new instructional program. Staff development includes an emphasis on attitude, competencies, and knowledge that enhances learning (Sykes, 1996). Teachers perceptions. In general, perceptions in the present study pertain to teachers thoughts, beliefs, and feelings about professional development training, work pressures, participatory decision making, innovation, staff freedom, student support, professional interest, and affiliation, among other related variables. Their thoughts and beliefs affect their teaching approach and presentation. Teachers are active information processors who affect classroom events as much as they are affected by them (Chance Costa, 1998). Importance of the Study African American students are not doing as well in school as others and this may be related to their teachers (Tatum, 2006). The findings of this investigative study may provide valuable knowledge about the teachers of these students. Also, other independent schools can use these outcomes to improve their educational programs for teachers and improve teacher productivity. In addition, the implications may insure that the professional and development needs of the teachers are met at school. The proposed study will add to the scholarly research. School reform and restructuring as it relates to professional development of teachers have gained momentum in the United States for the past 2 decades (Sparks, 1997). Meaningful educational reform cannot occur, however, unless teachers are integrally involved in the reform process and unless they have the time and resources to conceptualize the implementation of the changes need in their classrooms. But more research is needed to identify the ways in which the school climate can become more open and conducive to these needs. The significance of the proposed study lay in its ability to add to the database in this respect. The significance of the study and its potential results touches a number of areas and addresses several different audiences. As noted, the findings will add to the scholarly research. For example, understanding factors that influence teacher perceptions of climate in African American private schools can help reveal the underlying logic that influences their motivation, professional development, and perhaps their participation in the decision making processes. Chapter Two: Review of Literature It is important to note that educational researchers have consistently found unequal levels of achievement between African American and Caucasian students (Bankston Caldas, 1997; Graybill, 1997). Educational specialists such as Hurd (2001) refer to the problem faced by African American students, as the achievement gap and further point out that in today’s school systems less than 60% of African American high school students graduate in 14 years. Joseph (2000) noted that if Caucasian students were dropping out at the same rates as African American students, we would declare a state of crisis in teaching these students. According to Tyson (2002), it is time to require teachers and administrators to address the problem and to consider issues related to achievement motivation among African American students. According to Baldwin, Coney III, and Thomas (1993), the eleven areas of school effectiveness are â€Å"effective instructional leadership, clear and focused mission, safe and orderly environment, positive school climate, high expectations, frequent assessment/monitoring of student achievement, emphasis on basic skills, maximum opportunities for learning, parent community involvement, strong professional development, and teacher involvement in decision-making.† In these areas of school effectiveness, school climate is one of the most important things wherein it has been subject to extensive research. School climate is a term referring to the â€Å"personality of a school,† according to Hoy and Miskel (1982). It is a characteristic of a school which includes the school’s physical structure of its buildings and the interactions between students and teachers. These are the two factors that both affect and help to define the concept of school climate according to Marshall (2004). Les Gallay and Suet-ling Pong (2004), on the other hand, viewed school climate as â€Å"the part of the school environment associated with attitudinal and affective dimensions and the belief systems of the school that influence children’s cognitive, social, and psychological development.† They also cited Ashby and Krug (1998) and Griffith (2000) on what school climate is a how it affect the society. According to Ashby and Krug (1998), school climate is reflected in the social interactions within the classroom and within the school community. According to Griffith (2000), values, attitudes, beliefs and communications are subjective matters; many researches rely on the perceptions of the participants (teachers, students, parents) to measure the effect of school climate. For many years and up to the recent days, the concept on school climate influencing significantly in educational outcomes is still being researched by many researchers. Perceptions on school climate influence many people (e.g. students, teachers, parents) which may also influence the processes and outcomes in a physical, social, and learning environment. Research shows that both teacher and student perceptions of school climate influence student achievement. An early study by Fraser (1989) laid the groundwork for this research. Fraser (1989) studied the effects of classroom environment on student achievement, for example, and found that student outcomes could be improved by creating classroom environments that are conducive to learning. Classroom environments studied by Fraser (1989) used student perceptual data to assess the school environment and reach conclusions. A number of studies have been conducted since the 1980s showing a relationship between students’ perceptions of the school climate in various terms and their achievement in one form or another. In 1995, the study of Bulach, Malone, Castleman on the investigation of variables related to student achievement showed that there is a significant difference in student achievement between schools with good school climate and schools with poor school climate. On schools with positive school climate, students develop a positive perception on school climate, making them comfortable with the learning environment they are in. On separate studies conducted by Hirase (2000) and Erpelding (1999) on the relationship between school climate and achievement of students, both studies came up with same result that schools with a positive climate had a higher academic achievement as compared to schools with negative climate. Another case presented by Freiberg (1998) showed that the students’ perceptions are important especially during the transition from one school level to another (e.g. elementary to high school). According to him, attending a new school can be frightening for students which could affect their perceptions on the school climate which could consequently affect their learning outcomes or performance. With that, the research showed that having good or positive school climate will result to an easy transition or adaption to the new school environment and a good performance of students may be easily achieved. This chapter will focused more on the theories and studies related to the teachers’ perception on school climate in order to have critical views on it. In addition, this chapter will also present and analyze established studies on the influences made by school climate on teachers’ perceptions and subsequently to the effect of having these perceptions to the assessment and improvement of the students’ performance in school. Conceptual Framework The conceptual framework of the study is related to attribution, motivational, and organizational climate in terms of lines of communication. According to attribution theory, teachers’ perceptions of their school teaching experiences will generally influence their achievement motivation and performance development more than the actual objective of those experiences (Weiner, 1985). School climate is also an important aspect of learning and effective instruction (Freiberg, 1998). When teachers are more empowered, students are able to voice their concerns and learn from the experience. When questions and answers are free flowing, the school climate is open. For example, understanding factors that are influenced by an independent Black school climate such as academic achievement can help reveal the underlying logic that influences teacher motivation and performance (Joseph, 2000). Motivation on the part of teachers is an important aspect of effective instruction (Joseph, 2000). Vroom (1964) defined motivation as a product of the anticipated worth that individuals place on a goal and the chances they see of achieving that goal, as mentioned in Chapter 1. According to him, three factors influence achievement: force, valence, and expectancy. Force is the strength of the teachers’ motivation while valence is the anticipated satisfaction from the result. Expectancy is the probability of achieving the outcome. The impact of force depends on both valence and expectancy. In his view, the three variables must exist for motivation to take place. Thus, when teachers do not think they will be successful at a task or do not value the results of becoming successful in their school or do not perceive a connection between their attitude and the school climate, it is more than likely that they will not apply themselves to the teaching activity. But when teachers are motivated to perform competently in the classroom, they will have more positive attitudes resulting to a positive result to the students. As noted by Banks (2001), school climate can also impact teacher identity. Banks reported that, â€Å"The school climate communicates†¦the school’s attitudes toward a range of issues and problems† (p. 24). School values not in agreement with those of its teachers and a lack of communication and perceptions of shared power and control on the part of administration (teachers and principals), may negatively influence teachers’ attitudes about the school itself and their chances for professional development (Hoy Woolfolk, 1993). When the climate of the school promotes a harmonious value system that is in agreement school wide, and when high levels of communication exist, teacher attitudes are more positive. Thus it can be seen, as Karpicke and Murphy (1996) have noted, a positive school climate has a great impact on success of both teachers and students alike, significantly encouraging achievement on the part of all. Lynn and Hassan (1999) examined pedagogical practices and beliefs of African American teachers and students at a private middle school in an affluent African American community. Their investigative study provided a portrait of the school and the students in an attempt to raise the critical consciousness of the students. From their observations and interviews, they found the role of alignment between the school mission and teacher beliefs and practices was high. Also, there were shared views about the principles taught regarding the development of moral, intellectual, and spiritual aspects of students. According to attribution theory, teachers’ perceptions of their school climate experiences, whether they be the actual objective of the experience or not, will generally influence their attitudes toward teaching (Weiner, 1985). In other words, teachers try to explain their failure or success by relating (attributing) this to certain school climate characteristics. Weiner (1986) also linked attribution theory to achievement motivation in specific steps. In Weiner’s view, the first step starts with an outcome realization. Deciding whether or not the outcome is negative or positive represents the second step of this sequential process. During the third step, specific information about the outcome is gathered. Next, the search for a cause takes place. This involves a determination as to whether the outcome is the effect of a specific strategy, conscious effort on the part of the student in question (i.e., the doer), or just plain luck. In this way, achievement motivation is explained. McClelland (1985) also linked attribution theory to achievement motivation, but carried the analysis as well as the theoretical orientation a step further. McClelland identified variables or component parts that comprised achievement motivation and subsequently acknowledged some common characteristics. These included (a) concern for personal achievement over concern for external rewards for success, (b) an ability to set obtainable goals, (c) the desire for performance related feedback as opposed to attitudinal feedback, and (d) consistent thinking about ways in which progress can be made which thus increases their achievement levels. Expectancy theory as related to achievement theory is yet another theoretical orientation of the present investigative research. It should be explained that the emotional feelings of achievement and satisfaction are actually determined by each individual. Teachers decide on the degree to which their learning experiences are satisfying by comparing them with their own expectations (Whaley Smyer, 1998). Aspects of learning that fall short of these expectations can cause discontent. Often teachers compare their perceptions of their school climate to their perceptions of what it should be. If a teacher’s subjective evaluation or perception of ratio of school climate inputs to output (e.g., positive attitudes and satisfaction) is lower than the comparison, the teacher is very likely to be dissatisfied. Expectations and comparisons of perceived worth, however, are subjective, and often biased or even erroneous. Private Schools As the achievement gap grows larger, African American parents have also lost faith in public school education, especially those who have enrolled their children in private schools (Sander, 1997). This is because of some factors such as racial discrimination of the white teachers and white students to black students, low interest of students to go to school for a reason that they develop low self-esteem in school because of diverse ethnicity, and many other more. Black and White parents alike believe that attending private schools would rid their children of such problems as bullying, skipping school, high dropout rates, and would give their children a better chance to higher academic achievement. According to National Center for Education Statistics (2008), there are 28, 384 private schools in the United States now with 6.1 million PK-12 students enrolled. Over 25 percent of the nation’s schools are private schools and about 11% of all students are enrolled in these private schools. On the other hand, the National Center for Education Statistics, which periodically test the grade 4, 8, and 12 students’ skills and knowledge using the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), showed their analysis on the score of students from private and public schools. Based on their results, students in private schools consistently score well as compared to public students. There are many factors that could affect students’ achievement. Factors may include the type of school the student is enrolled, number of students in a classroom (class size), the efficiency of the teacher teaching the subject, the student’s classmates, and many other more including family and social factors that could hinders students’ achievement (Betts et. al, 2003). However, one of the most influential on students’ achievement is the way the teacher is teaching the subject and the values he/she taught to the students. With this reason, the teachers’ perception on their school climate will greatly influenced the way they will teach the students for their perceptions will determine factors that motivates them to teach such as job satisfaction or secured environment. Attribution Factors in Terms of School Climate A number of attribution factors influencing achievement motivation are identified in the literature and are examined in the research. These include (a) school climate in terms of lines of communication, (b) peer influence, and (c) perceptions of educational experiences. Each has an important influence and is considered to be an important attribution variable influencing achievement motivation. With respect to school climate, perceptions are related to their overall educational experience. Studies have shown that perceptions of school climate affect a wide variety of social and academic success factors, and vice versa. For example, the social environment and climate of the school and the actions within those environments influence students’ perceptions of their own effort and success in school (Kaufman, 2004). Moeller (2005) found that students’ perceptions of school climate and their own sense of responsible behavior are correlated. Studies also found that school climate can be effective in many ways. Researchers found school climate positively affect academic performance/achievement. They also found that it influences the behaviour of a student and the decision to remain in school (Monrad et al., 2008). Similarly, according to Kuperminc et al. (1997), a positive school climate showed association with fewer behavioural and emotional problems for students. Smerdon’s (2002) study, which collected data from a nationally representative sample of high school students, discovered that students who may need perceived school membership and open school climate the most and may benefit most from it perceived lower levels of membership than did their peers. The cultural environment in schools can also contribute to African American students’ poor academic performance. Teachers often comment on the fact that these items give them little chance to help African American students in meaningful ways: (a) they often can only maintain minimal order in the classroom, (b) school violence is on the increase, (c) with curriculum requirements teachers have little time to help student’s to fulfill the requirements of the curriculum, and (d) these students become discouraged and very often drop out of school (Hale-Benson, 1996). Voelkll (1995) examined the influence that participation and creating a warm school environment would have on academic achievement. The study included a nationwide sample of 13,121 eighth graders. The finding showed, â€Å"that there was a direct relationship between warmth in the classroom environment parent involvement in the school and students willingness to participate. It seems that participation in class has a distinct and crucial influence on the relationship between students’ perceptions and achievement† (p. 112). In addition, on the study conducted on school climate in urban environments by Haynes Comer (1993) showed that a positive school climate and is conscious of cultural differences can significantly improve academic success or performance among the urban students. Hoy and Woolfolk (1993), on the other hand, assessed teachers’ perceptions of the school climate as related to organizational health. Specifically, the researchers examined the relationships between two dimensions of teacher efficacy (general and personal teaching efficacy) and aspects of a healthy school climate as defined in terms of institutional integrity, principal influence, consideration, resource support, morale, and academic emphasis. The sample of the study consisted of 179 teachers from 37 elementary schools in New Jersey (Hoy Woolfolk, 1993). A modification of the Organizational Health Inventory was administered to the teachers to obtain the data for analysis. The researchers concluded from their data analysis that a healthy school climate (strong academic emphasis and a principal who was able to influence superiors on behalf of teachers) was favorable to the development of teachers’ beliefs that they could influence student learning, â€Å"Thus, teachers confidence that they can reach students was supported by organizational factors that help teachers manage and teach students† (p. 355). Studies have shown that a positive school climate is associated with increased job satisfaction for teachers (Taylor and Tashakkori, 1995; Ma MacMillan, 1999), level of work efficacy, and teacher autonomy. Teachers found satisfied in their jobs have more positive views or perception about school climate as compared to those teachers who were not satisfied (Bahamonde-Gunnell, 2000). While on the research conducted by Hirase (2000), the researcher found out that teachers working in a school with positive school climate have greater sense of work-efficacy. The research conducted by Erpelding (1999) found that there is a strong relationship between teacher autonomy and school climate. Same with the studies of Bempah et al. (1994) and Rosenholz (1989), when teachers feel that they have some power or autonomy and also involves into school-level decision-making, they are less likely to leave. Consequently, when teachers feel powerless and alienated, their efficiency to teach lowers (Ashton Webb, 1986). With an increased in job satisfaction, work-efficacy, and teacher autonomy, teachers will be able to educate the students with quality education, thus, increasing the students’ performance or success in learning and making the school successful too. To support this favourable development of teachers in positive school climate which can lead to successful school, studies also found that a having a positive school climate is related to indicators of school success such as standardized test scores (Monrad et al., 2008). Chapter Three: Methodology Previous chapters introduced the problem of the study, explained the purpose, provided the theoretical orientation, and reviewed the literature pertinent to the major variables. The purpose of this chapter is to detail the methodology that will be employed to collect and analyze the data. Thus, this chapter presents the design, procedures, and analysis plan for carrying out the study. Research Design The method for this study is based on a non-experimental design that focuses on the use of data collected using scores from the SLEQ in a selected population. Thus, the research approach of the study will be descriptive and will essentially represent a quantitative study. Research provides us with a variety of perspectives from which to see things and a way of empirically analyzing our findings (Rinaldo, 2005). It enables use to see from where we have come, provides us with a description of where we are now, and gives us some semblance of the direction in which we seem headed (Rinaldo). Quantitative and qualitative research is vital part of any investigation. Quantitative research is defined as the collection of numerical and statistical data (O’Neil, 2006). Quantitative research is frequently used to investigate research questions. This research often starts with the collection of statistics, based on data, observations, or surveys. One popular quantitative technique is the survey. Surveys can be administered by telephone, face to face, mail, or more recently by the Internet. Quantitative data is described by O’Neil as data which can be sorted, classified, measured in a strictly objective way. The relationship between these variables is expressed using effect statistics, such as correlations, relative frequencies, or differences between means (Hopkins, 2000). The researcher is a very valuable component throughout the collection of data. According to Glesne and Peshkin (1992), when conducting a quantitative study, the researcher is described as being detached, impartial, objective, and portrayal. The researcher’s purpose is to generalize, predict, and provide causal explanations. There are several approaches the research can use. Some approaches are subject to hypothesis, theories, manipulation and control, experimentation, deductive, and component analysis (Glesne Peshkin). According to Hopkins (2000), in a descriptive study, subjects are usually measured once and no attempt is made to change behavior or conditions; things are measured as they are. Hopkins stated that the aim in quantitative research is to distinguish the relationship between the independent variable and the dependent variable in a population. Selection of Participants Babbie (2003) indicated that it is appropriate for a researcher to conduct purposeful sampling because of the researcher’s knowledge of the population, its elements, and the nature of the research objectives. In addition, Babbie (2003) suggested that a researcher may want to study a small subset of a larger population in which members of the subset are easily identified. It is for this reason that three African American private schools in one urban area in the United States were selected for inclusion in the study. These will be named A, B, and C to ensure anonymity. Together, the study population total will be 67 teachers instructing preschool through twelfth grade. All will become the target population. Those who agree to participate in the study will become the sample. Their responses will provide data regarding their perception of the climate in their school, both actual and ideal. School A focuses on educating students ages 2-12 and strengthening basic educational components to prepare students to be competitive in a global society. The co-educational school enrolls 121 students in grades prekindergarten to fifth grade and employs 20 teachers. The student to teacher ratio is 9.3:1. All of the students are African American. School B is a Christian school. The co-educational school enrolls 220 students in grades prekindergarten to twelfth grade and employs 26 teachers. The student to teacher ratio is 7.8:1. Ninety-eight percent of the students are African American. School C has built its program around the concept currently known as African-Centered education, a holistic approach based upon the premise that children excel academically and intellectually when the curriculum, teaching methodology, and environment reflect the builders of yesterday and the ideas of the future. The co-educational school enrolls 215 students in grades prekindergarten to eighth grade and employs 21 teachers. The student to teacher ratio is 10:1. Ninety-eight percent of the students are African American. Instrumentation Data used in the proposed study to analyze the perceptions of teachers will be collected through administration of a test instrument, the School Level Environment Questionnaire (SLEQ), as developed by Fisher and Fraser (1990) and published in the Handbook of Tests and Measurement in Education and the Social Sciences (2000). The SLEQ is comprised of 56 items that measure teacher’s perceptions of the psychological environment of a school. As explained by the originators, the SLEQ consists of two answer forms–one that measures the actual environment as perceived by teachers and the second that measures the ideal or preferred school environment. Three different teacher samples assisted in the development of the test instrument (Fraser, 1989). Alpha coefficients ranging from 0.70 to 0.81 were provided as an estimate of the internal consistency of each of the eight subscales. These subscales include student support, affiliation, professional interest, staff freedom, participatory decision making, innovation, research adequacy, and work pressure. Each subscale consists of seven items which, when added together, provide a separate score. The scale development for the SLEQ was derived from the Work Environment Scale (Fraser, 1989). It is divided into three basic dimensions. These include relationship, personal development, and system maintenance and system change dimensions. As reported by Fisher and Fraser (1990), these broad dimensions were used for the development of the SLEQ. Non-participatory decision making (suggesting a closed school climate) is indicated, for example, by such items as â€Å"I have little say in the running of the school† and â€Å"It is very difficult to change anything in this school.† Resource inadequacy is indicated by responses to such items as, â€Å"Tape recorders and cassettes are seldom available when needed† and â€Å"The supply of equipment and resources is inadequate.† Assumptions It will be assumed that all study subjects will answer the survey questions honestly and to the best of their ability. It is also assumed that the students in the three schools where their teachers are being surveyed will be representative of the larger population of African American students attending an independent Black private school. Procedures Data will be collected by the researcher from the teachers at each school at a time selected by the administrators and researcher. The purpose of the study will be presented to the teachers and the questionnaires will be distributed. The researcher will remain until the teachers have completed the questionnaires and will collect the completed forms before leaving the meeting. Those teachers who agree to participate and return completed survey forms will become the sample. All respondents will be asked not to sign their name. In this way this researcher can assure anonymity. Those who wish a copy of the results when the study is completed will be asked to provide an e-mail address to be used for this purpose only. Data Processing and Analysis Data collected from survey questionnaires will be assessed to determine whether teachers’ perceptions of their actual school climate are similar to their perceived ideal school climate. The perceptions will be compared. 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