Hotel and Hospitality industry Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Hotel and Hospitality industry - Assignment Example It is part of an International hotel group called Saint Emilton Hotel Group (SEHG). Since the hotel is having 40 hotels in its portfolio in Europe and Far East, therefore it can be safely assumed that the group is experienced enough in the business. It is being felt that hotel facilities are not being used to its fullest potential, therefore the General Manager, Robert Herr as asked Kati Mertens, the Front Office Manager to examine and prioritise the pricing strategy. Some of the key issues that Kati needs to look into, are; b. Tourist visitors too fall in two categories. One from an affluent class, for whom price is no consideration, and he is on the lookout for comfort and pleasure. On the other hand less affluent and middle income group customers always desire reasonable pricing for a decent comfort. This sort of data can be gathered from feedback forms (for return customers) and by judging them through correspondence or at the front office. Accordingly differential pricing strategy can be prepared depending upon their economic background. The visitor who's here on a tourism spree has the requirements for sight-seeing etc. Therefore, it is equally important the Hotel has a tie up with some tour operators for such sight-seeing tours etc. must be c. c. The business visitor on the hand requires a host of facilities like, meeting rooms, conference facilities, Fax, Wi-Fi,

Public Service Broadcasting and the Unique Way by which the BBC Essay

Public Service Broadcasting and the Unique Way by which the BBC Funding Impact - Essay Example Generally, journalism refers to the science of gathering and analyzing information that generates some kind of significance from the public (Hodkison, 2011:39). The BBC Company stands as the pioneer of public service broadcasting systems in the world. Other countries systems gain expertise and knowledge from the analysis of the service’s past and its development to its current statue. This paper seeks to examine the use of journalism and mass media in the public service broadcasting systems, and the current means used to sustain and fund the relevant institutions. In this paper, much focus is on the BBC broadcasting service, and the general conduct of its operations. The current type of journalism possesses numerous results. These include the reporting of general news, politics, sporting, crime, interviews, and economics. Journalism employs numerous avenues of communication, depending on the platform in use (THE BBC TRUST CONCLUSIONS, 2008:16). These include oral, written, or a combination of both forms of communication. This is a very precarious profession. This is because the career involves working on newly happened events. This is because the public is usually more inclined to information regarding recent or currently breaking news regarding various issues, individuals, regions, or natural happenings. Therefore, an individual who is involved in the industry must possess various special qualities. These include being open-minded, intelligent, non-partisan, and ready to adapt in varying situations. In addition, he/she has to control his emotions appropriately, in case he is required to account on tragic situations or calamities while on spot (Cobley, 2010:59). The career also offers generous benefits, including meeting with famous individuals. Nevertheless, these benefits do not come free. A journalist must always be able to think straight and focus perceptively, even in intimidating circumstances. This is a major requirement if one is able to deliver effectively on the current assignment. However, as with all other professions, this career has also drawn heavy criticism from the public. Critics claim that this profession is a unique one because it the individuals involved earn their living through educating the public about information and issues that they personally know nothing about (Hodkison, 2011:84). The most popular and most effective form of journalism happens through mass media. The conduct of journalism through mass media has been heavily influenced by the rapid development of digital expertise. Mass media refers to any avenue whose purpose is to convey mass communique. It refers to the process of conveying a message from one source to a comparatively bigger audience through conveying machines or tools. For ages, constituents of mass media included magazines, television, books, recordings, newspapers, movies, and the internet (Branston, 2006:78). The sustained boom in the field of digital communication knowledge and te chnique has drawn fervent arguments as to whether to add video, computer games, and cell phones to the group of mass media constituents. In recent times, there has been evidence of advertisers and marketers scheming to exploit the use of satellites to

Law Enforcement Career

Law Enforcement Career Law enforcement is a challenging career choice that will make a positive difference to society. Law enforcement is a public service supplied to the community by the city, state and federal governments (Funk Wagnalls New Encyclopedia, 1986). Law enforcement officers are the front line of protection for the public within all of our communities. They protect us twenty four hours a day, everyday in every facet of our lives. Law enforcement is there to keep us safe in our travels as well as where we work and live. This is a very serious profession and at times dangerous but is a field that is absolutely imperative in order to keep society safe. This career is not for everyone. A successful law enforcement officer must have the desire to serve the public. Not many individuals would choose a career that has as one of its requirements having to run towards danger. This goes against all human instinct. Attempting to make the world a better place is very rewarding and noble mission. Those who elect such a career for the right reason of wanting to serve their community are very special individuals. They put their own safety on the line for all of us. There seems little doubt that law enforcement is a dignified career that should have the respect of everyone. For those who have future aspirations in this field, it takes education, hard work, courage and determination to be able to obtain this very rewarding career choice. A police officer can make a real difference in peoples lives. How many careers can make that statement? All societies need law enforcement. Law enforcement has existed in the United States since the beginning of European immigration. J. Edgar Hoover famous founder of the Federal Bureau of Investigation once said justice is incidental to law and order. This comment gets to the root of why we have laws and the need to enforce them. Justice will be served when individuals rights and freedoms are protected. Law enforcement means ensuring obedience to laws (Websters New Edition Dictionary, 1997). American colonists brought with them the structure of the office of constable from the European system when they immigrated in the 1700 and 1800s. The first local modern police department established in the United States was the Boston Police Department in 1838, followed by the New York City Police Department in 1845 (Stinchcomb, 2003). As people immigrated to the United States and people moved westward towns and cities were built. The need for protection of the individual was necessary. In time la w enforcement was installed in these new territories for without it there would be no civilized society. Law enforcement is a key component of criminal justice system and is necessary for a safe society. A career in law enforcement is something that many people pursue, however not all are suited for the career. My aspiration is to make my community safe from crime and society a better place to live. This has always been my dream. My paternal grandfather was a New York City police officer for nearly 30 years. My respect for him and others who carry on this difficult but truly meaningful work has inspired me. There are basic requirements that must be met in order to pursue a professional law enforcement career. The first step an individual takes towards becoming a New York City police officer is to take a written civil service examination. The Department of Citywide Administrative Services (DCAS) administers these exams. DCAS is responsible for the actual administration of the exam as well as the compilation of the list of names of individuals who pass the exam. DCAS then provides the New York City Police Department with the list of candidates. The Applicant Processing Division then begins the selection process. The New York City Police Department requires completion of 60 credits of college work with a 2.0 grade point average. Two years of military service can be substituted for the educational requirement. Also required is a medical examination as well as a character background check (New York City Police department, 2011). Once these criteria have been met an individual can be consider ed for appointment. As far as the rest of the country and other jurisdictions, the educational requirement for a police officer varies state to state. Some require a college degree while others just high school (US Department of Labor, 2010-11 ed.). Successful officers require above average intelligence and good physical conditioning. They should have good interpersonal skills and strong willingness to learn. The police department will thoroughly investigate the background of all candidates prior to appointment to the police academy. Critical to the job is sound character. An applicant is disqualified for a prior conviction of a crime. Previous work experience will allow investigators the chance to obtain a positive reference which will enhance the chances of appointment to the police force. What can one expect upon appointment to the New York City Police Department? The first five years on the department, an individual is designated as patrolman. Working conditions vary dependent on assignment. Upon graduation from the police academy the rookie officer is assigned to a training officer (Warners, 2011). The new officer was trained in text book cases while at the academy. The training officer is there to indoctrinate the new officer to the day to day work. This will help bolster the new officers experience by leveraging the knowledge of a veteran officer while also building the rookies confidence. Some assignments may be more difficult than others as crime varies in different parts of a city. The work week is 40 hours. The hours of the day worked will vary as there obviously must be 24 hour coverage. Shifts can be 8am to 4pm, 4pm to 12am and 12am to 8am. There may be some variation dependent on a specific assignment. NY City Police officers receive 28 paid days off a year and unlimited sickness time. Medical coverage is part of their compensation. At this present time an officer can retire after 20 years of service with half pay which is exempt from both New York City and New York State taxes. If an officer is permanently injured on the job they will receive three quarters pay exempt from all taxes including federal taxes. Police and Sheriffs patrol officers had a medium annual wages of $51,410 in May 2008. Police and detective supervisors medium income was $75,490 in May 2008 (US Department of Labor, 2010-11 ed) New York City police department salaries begin at $41,000 and will increase up to $60,000 within the first five years (New York City Police Department, 2011). Emotional stress is a great problem. For the patrolman working the street no two days may be alike. Police officers experience physical stress with working shift work as well as facing physical danger. This stress not only impacts the officer, but also affects their family. Many marri ed officers get divorced. Managing the stress of job and family pressure is important to the officers mental well being. Severe stress has been shown to adversely affect an officers health, From a management view this will lead to absenteeism which in turn leads to decreased productivity. (Tang and Hammontree, (1992). Critical to the individual candidate for a law enforcement position is the ability to mitigate stress via the police department counseling programs as well as through outside interests. Also the candidate must understand their own self with regard to anxiety and how they deal with it. There is a broad range of ethnic diversity on the New York City Police force. In addition there is broad diversity in the community. Officers are constantly being evaluated by their supervision. The entire department is constantly being monitored by the civilian review board as well all the media that covers police activity daily. As with any career choice there are both advantages and disadvantages with a law enforcement career. The advantage of the New York City Police Department is the ability to take and pass written examinations all the way up to the captains designation. The onus is on the individual to be motivated to prepare and pass these written examinations. A disadvantage is being subjected to New York City fiscal constraints which will impact pay scales along with other benefits. This is mitigated by the collective bargaining by the police union which generally has the police officers best interests in mind. There is a solid employment future as the city will always require law enforcement. Ideal career path is police officer for 5 years, then take the sergeants exam. A sergeant must wait 3 years prior to testing for lieutenant and then 2 years prior captains test. There are many specialties within the police department. There is the K-9 unit, detective, narcotics, scuba, aviation, marine, mounted horse division and various others. One of particular interest is forensics or the application of scientific analysis in process of criminal investigation (Websters New Edition Dictionary, 1997). The captain is the highest tested position before political appointments to inspector. Constant training and study in all of the police department rules and regulations as well as in human behavior is the best path to advancement. As previously discussed physical and mental stress can wear down the individual. Overall opportunities in local police departments will be favorable for individuals who meet the psychological, personal, and physical qualifications. In addition to openings from employment growth, many openings will be created by the need to replace workers who retire and those who leave local agencies for Federal jobs and private-sector security jobs. Jobs in local police departments that offer relatively low salaries, or those in urban communities in which the crime rate is relati vely high, may be the easiest to get. Some smaller departments may have fewer opportunities as budgets limit the ability to hire additional officers. Bilingual applicants with military experience or college training in police science will have the best opportunities in local and State department (US Department of Labor, 2010-2011 ed.). Law enforcement is a challenging career choice that will make a positive difference to a society. A police officer is entrusted with enormous power. No other government official has the same breadth of authority (Baker, 2006). A police officer is true public servant who must exhibit compassion, courage, sound judgment and constant alertness. Few professions have such an opportunity to help people so directly (Baker, 2006). A career in law enforcement would be very challenging as well as personally rewarding. I believe that I am well suited for a career in law enforcement. I am interested in helping others. Such a career can make a real difference to society. My personal temperament is generally understanding and I enjoy being out in the community. In order to attain my goal I must become college educated. I must prepare to the best of my ability for the rigors both physically and mentally of a law enforcement career.

George MacDonalds The Princess and the Goblin :: MacDonald Princess Goblin Essays

George MacDonald's The Princess and the Goblin The moon has been worshipped as a female deity since the beginning of time. Not only is the moon a feminine principle, it is also a symbol of transformation due to its own monthly cycle of change. With this in mind, it is clear upon a close reading of The Princess and the Goblin by George MacDonald that the grandmother figure is a personification of the moon, and as such is a catalyzing agent for Irene's maturation and transformation through the course of the novel. Taking this a step further, the elder Irene contains the threefold aspect of the Moon Goddess. She is Artemis, Selene, and Hecate; the crescent moon, the full moon, and the dark moon; maiden, mother, and crone (Rush, 149). Due to the three-fold nature of the grandmother, one can break this story into three parts. It begins with Hecate the Dark Moon and crone, moves to Artemis the crescent moon and maiden, and ends with Selene the full moon and the mother. After interacting with each of these aspects, Irene undergoes a significant transformation which ultimately leads her to the next aspect. This tripartite structure is prevalent in folklore. Irene encounters Hecate the Dark Moon in her first two visits to her grandmother. This image of the grandmother is reinforced in two ways in Irene's encounter with her. First, her physical description matches the dark aspect, "she was dressed in black velvet with thick white heavy-looking lace about it; and on the black dress her hair shone like silver"(MacDonald, 13). Silver is the metal associated with the moon (Jobes 119). In addition, as Hecate is one of the caretakers of children (Stapleton, 89) and in the second scene with the grandmother, while she is still Hecate, she heals Irene's injured thumb. However, there is a much more subtle way in which the grandmother is developed as being Hecate. Since Hecate is the moon before, "she has risen and after she has set," (Jobes 1120) then the dark aspect of the grandmother in her first two scenes demonstrates that Irene is still in the dark period before her major transformation, before being brought into full illumination. Despite being within the dark aspect, Irene still benefits from her first encounter with her grandmother and thus undergoes a small change. Due to meeting her grandmother, Irene realizes that sometimes it is wise to keep her own counsel.

William Blake

Name: Brandon Clark William Blake was born in London on November 28, 1757, Blake passed away on 12 August 1827. James Hess father, a hosier, and Catherine Blake Hess mother. Two of his six siblings died in infancy. From early childhood, Blake spoke of having visions at four he saw God â€Å"put his head to the window†; around age nine, while walking through the countryside, he saw a tree filled with angels. Although his parent's tried to discourage him from â€Å"lying,† they did observe that he was different from his peers and did not force him to attend conventional school.He learned to read and write at mom. At age ten, Blake expressed a wish to become a painter, so his parent's sent him to drawing school. Two years later, Blake began writing poetry. When he turned fourteen, he apprenticed with an engraver because art school proved too costly. One of Flake's assignments as apprentice was to sketch the tombs at Westminster Abbey, exposing him to a variety of Gothic s tyles from which he would draw inspiration throughout his career. After his seven-year term ended, he studied briefly at the Royal Academy.Flake's first printed work, Poetical Sketches (1783), is a collection of apprentice verse, costly imitating classical models. The poems protest against war, tyranny, and King George Ills treatment of the American colonies. William Blake and his works have been extensively discussed and criticized over the twentieth and now this century, until then he was barely known. He started to become more popular around 1863 with Alexander Gilchrest biography â€Å"Life† and only fully appreciated and recognized at the beginning of the twentieth century.It seems his art had been too adventurous and unconventional for the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century, maybe you could even say he was ahead of his time? Either way, today he is a hugely famous figure of Romantic literature, whose work is open to various interpretations, which has been know n to take a lifetime to establish. As well as his works being difficult to interpret, him as a person has also provoked much debate.Henry Crab Robinson, who was a diarist and friend of Flake's at the end of his life asked the question many students of Blake are still unable to conclusively answer: In his life, Blake rejected conventional religion. His poems are influenced by this. Blake wrote a poem called ‘The Little Black Boy' ‘My mother bore me in the southern wild, And I am black, but O! My soul is white; White as an angel is the English child: But I am black as if bereaved of light. My mother taught me underneath a tree And sitting down before the heat of day, She took me on her lap and kissed me, And pointing to the east began to say.Look on the rising sun: there God does live And gives his light, and gives his heat away. And flowers and trees and beasts and men receive Comfort in morning Joy in the noonday. And we are put on earth a little space, That we may learn to bear the beams of love, And these black bodies and this sun-burnt face Is but a cloud, and like a shady grove. For when our souls have learned the heat to bear The cloud will vanish we shall hear his voice. Saying: come out from the grove my love & care, And round my golden tent like lambs rejoice.Thus did my mother say and kissed me, And thus I say to little English boy. When I from black and he from white cloud free, And round the tent of God like lambs we Joy: Ill shade him from the heat till he can bear, To lean in Joy upon our fathers knee. And then I'll stand and stroke his silver hair, And be like him and he will then love me. ‘ Summary: A black child tells the story of how he came to know his own identity and to now God. The boy, who was born in â€Å"the southern wild† of Africa, first explains that though his skin is black his soul is as white as that of an English child.He relates how his loving mother taught him about God who lives in the East, who gives light and life to all creation and comfort and Joy to men. â€Å"We are put on earth,† his mother says, to learn to accept God's love. He is told that his black skin â€Å"is but a cloud† that will be dissipated when his soul meets God in heaven. The black boy passes on this lesson to an English child, explaining that his white skin is likewise a cloud. He vows that hen they are both free of their bodies and delighting in the presence of God, he will shade his white friend until he, too, learns to bear the heat of God's love.Then, the black boy says, he will be like the English boy, and the English boy will love him. Shows the conflict between races in religion, suggesting that people of black nationality are of a lesser standard and inferior to whites; throughout the poem the black boy is comparing himself to the white child and wanting to be friends. This Poem has several techniques a few being Rhyme (ABA), personification example of this is when he sass â€Å"for when our souls have learned† . Metaphor an example of metaphor is shown when he writes â€Å"And I am black, but O!

Analysing the impact of Chinese FDI in Africa: A case study of Nigeria and Ghana.

INTRODUCTIONResearch ProblemThe proposed research aims to examine the effect of Chinese Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Ghana and Nigeria in order to perform a cross-country analysis of the respective impacts of such investments in these countries. Ghana and Nigeria share a number of similar characteristics, which make for a useful comparison, as it is posited in this study that the similarities between the two African countries will allow for a cross-national comparison of the impacts of Chinese FDI in these countries. The results of the analysis will be used to make recommendations on how Ghana and Nigeria should make appropriate use of China’s FDI to achieve development in these countries. Analyzing the impact of Chinese FDI in Ghana and Nigeria has been the topic of some academic research. However, previous studies have focused on the individual relationships between these African countries and China (SWAC/OECD, 2011). With the rapid changes in the global investment environment, especially in light of the global recession, it is essential to identify the key determining factors of FDI inflows to Ghana and Nigeria, in order to analyze the impact of these FDIs in this region. Although economic growth has been specified as a developmental goal in this region, academic research exploring the nature of the economic relationship between China and Ghana / China and Nigeria suggests that the influx of FDI into these developing economies may have the effect of retarding the overall development in these countries, as it prioritizes the exploitation of natural resources over essential developmental goals (Oyeranti, et al., 2010).Aims and ObjectivesThis research has two main goal s. First is to assess the impacts of Chinese FDI in Ghana and Nigeria in order to conduct a cross-country analysis of their respective economic relationships. Second is to analyze the overall impact of Chinese FDI on the development of these countries. In order to realize the primary goals of this study, the following objectives have been identified: To establish a theoretical framework for analyzing the impacts of FDI in developing countries, specifically within the context of countries in the West African which have abundant natural resources To construct a theoretical framework for measuring the impacts of FDI in Ghana and Nigeria, taking into consideration the differences in economic development and investment climate. To determine the factors influencing the economic relationship between China and Ghana / China and Nigeria, and to analyze these in terms of the established framework. To compare and contrast the respective impacts of Chinese FDI on Ghana and Nigeria in order to draw conclusions regarding how to manage and improve their relationshipsResearch QuestionsA set of research questions has been formulated based on the main goals and objectives of the study. These questions help to guide the study by ensuring that the analysis stays focused on the primary research subject. Below are the research questions for this study : What are the determinants of FDI impacts in African countries and how are these measured What are the specific impacts of Chinese FDI in Ghana and Nigeria How do these impacts correlate with the determinants identified in question 1 To what extent are the impacts of Chinese FDI in Ghana and Nigeria comparable What cross-country recommendations can be made in order to ensure that developmental goals and positive determinants of FDI are achieved in both countriesBackground informationDue to rapid globalization and the growing interdependence among countries, FDI has been recognized as one of the most significant means of international capital transfers. Over the years, FDI has grown to be an essential component in the economic development of many nations (Benacek et. al., 2000). Morgan (2003) and Johnson (2005) have highlighted the beneficial impacts that FDI can provide to a host country. These include: (a) generating additional resources such as capital and technology, to help boost the level of domestic outputs and deliver better, more affordable goods and services; (b) outflow of human resources, management practices and technologies from foreign firms to domestic businesses , which enables the host country to improve their operations and competitiveness; and (c) increased involvement of the host country in transnational markets, such as foreign exchange market and international trade. Due to the economic growth and welfare that FDI brings to the host country, this investment is preferred by most developing countries because it offers a faster way to achieve a more advanced level of economic development. However, FDI presents a lot of risks for investors. Due to these risks, countries are compelled to offer tangible incentives, as well as to put supportive regulation and systems in place to draw investors. Unfortunately, most developing nations frequently neglect to build an incentive system for foreign financiers (Botric & Skuflic, 2005). Consequently, the bulk of FDI is offered to developed countries such as the US, Germany, and Belgium (UNCTAD, 2011a). Traditionally, investment relationships in Ghana and Nigeria are established with European and American investment partners, as these countries are the primary sources of FDI, trade, and financial and technical aid. These relationships involve a number of bilateral and regional agreements with Nigeria and Ghana. Despite the many years of economic relationships with these countries, there are still differing opinions as to the impact of these investments on the development of Ghana and Nigeria (Tsikata, et al., 2010). FDI in Africa has been increasing steadily since 2002 with approximately $53 billion worth of FDI in 2007, representing an increase from 2006 of 47.2%. This increase was the highest recorded level of FDI in Africa at the time. With the global recession, the percentage of global FDI into Africa has experienced a significant decline from 3.2% in 2006 to 2.9% in 2007. Since then, however, the African economy has proved resilient, growing to over $61.9 billion in 2008, and the rate of return on FDI in Africa since 2004 has grown to 12.1%. In addition, mergers and acquisitions in Africa have risen by approximately 157% to $2 billion in 2008 (Oyeranti, et al., 2010). Investment in Nigeria and Ghana by Chinese investors has grown substantially since 1971 as a result of the complementary nature of their economies. Chinese investment in Ghana has been growing consistently in the previous decade with significant increase seen from 2004 to 2005, representing $3.09 million and $17.87 million, respectively. Research indicates that the Chinese share, as a percentage of total investment by China in Ghana, implies that FDI is increasing (Frimprong, 2012). Investment by the Chinese in Nigeria reveals a similar situation, as Chinese FDI grew twice as much between 2003 and 2005, increasing from $3 billion to $6 billion. Ghana and Nigeria lack significant investments in infrastructure that is needed to support the development required to result in measurable economic growth. To this end, China has developed a successful and competent construction industry, coupled with the ability to provide Nigeria and Ghana with the requisite capital needed to drive this infrastructure development (Oyeranti, et al., 2010). In this way, the flow of investment into Ghana and Nigeria is complementary due to the nature and needs of the respective economies. However, the Chinese industrialization drive and the subsequent inflow of FDI into China’s economy has led to rapid growth in the manufacturing sector, which entails the use of oil and mineral inputs that are overwhelming China’s internal resource capabilities (Ibid). As a result, China is looking to developing nations such as Nigeria and Ghana to supplement their energy resource requirements to support their growing economy. Consequently, the relation ship between Chinese FDI inflows into Ghana and Nigeria are being described as exploitative and as having an upsetting effect on the Western development goals that have been set for the region (Tsikata, et al., 2010). This negative perception about China’s interest in Nigeria and Ghana are due to the fact that the oil and gas sector accounts for more than 75% of Chinese investments. This implies that China seeks to exploit Nigeria’s natural resources. This further suggests that Chinese FDI in Nigeria is a relationship prone to exploitation and is potentially damaging to the developmental goals of the region (Oyeranti, et al., 2010). Despite these negative views, Chinese FDI in Nigeria and Ghana has not been focused solely on the exploitation of natural resources. Chinese FDI has actually helped to achieve significant growth in the manufacturing and services industry in both countries (Frimpong, 2012). The investment climate in Africa has become significantly more attractive as a result of the considerable efforts to liberalize investment regulations and offer incentives for FDI. The result, however, has not been as positive as originally intended due to significant concerns over the economic and political stability of the region. LITERATURE REVIEWFDI definitionThe analysis of relevant literature has shown that there is not one universally recognized definition of FDI. Nevertheless, the various definitions of FDI do not differ considerably. FDI is commonly perceived as either a real phenomenon or a financial phenomenon (Moosa, 2002). Within the perspective of a financial phenomenon, FDI is defined as: A kind of transnational investment transfer; wherein FDI is the outcome of variations in interest rates between two economies, because the country with higher interest levels is more appealing for foreign businesses An external supply of funding for the national economy ? FDI shows the influxes of foreign investment into the nation within a certain timeframe, which is indicated in the balance of payments A means of reducing and eventually eradicating poverty through FDI-driven economic growth in developing countries, and in Africa, specifically in light of United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDG) (Asiedu, 2006) However, when FDI is considered exclusively in financial terms, there seems to be an underestimation of the degree to which FDI is related with a varied array of production elements. Among the most crucial non-financial inflows are managerial skills, expertise, and technology. This implies that although financial flows seem to a main component of FDI, it is not necessarily the leading element. Furthermore, according to Moosa (2002) a distinctive characteristic of FDI compared with other kinds of international investments is its function in directing management policies and decisions. As such, describing FDI as purely a financial phenomenon appears to undervalue this aspect. A more inclusive definition of FDI that is mostly acknowledged by other international organizations (e.g. IMF, Eurostat, UNCTAD) is proposed by OECD. According to the OECD (1999, p.7), FDI ’reflects the aim of obtaining a lasting interest by a resident entity of one economy (direct investor) in an enterprise that is resident of another economy (direct investment enterprise).’ The term ’lasting interest’ refers to the formation of a long-standing association concerning the investor and the direct investment establishment This also involves important impacts on the management of such enterprise. A direct investor is ’the owner of 10% or more of ordinary shares or voting stock‘(OECD, 1999, p.8). The IMF recommends applying this requirement of a minimum 10% ownership to differentiate direct investment vis-a-vis portfolio investment through shareholding. Based from this perspective, a direct investor can be any of the following entities: (a) individual, (b) group of associated individuals, (c) government, (d) incorporated or unincorporated company, private or public, and (e) group of associated companies, incorporated or unincorporated. The entity has a direct investment establishment situated in a country that is not where the direct investor resides (Duce, 2003). Direct investment enterprise can have any of the subsequent forms: Subsidiary ? a direct investor controls greater than 50% of the voting power allocated to shareholders. Controlling the shareholdings can be done either directly or indirectly, via a different subsidiary. The direct investor has the authority to secure or terminate members of the Supervisory Board or Management Board. Associate Company ? a direct investor owns between 10 to 50 % of the voting power allocated to shareholders. Likewise the control of shareholdings can be done either directly or indirectly. Branch ? a direct investor is also the owner of an unincorporated establishment (whole or joint ownership) in the host country. This can be in several forms, such as a joint venture, an unincorporated partnership, or a permanent office for the direct investor. This may also be in the form of fixed/immobile equipment, movable equipment, property, or constructions located in the host country (OECD, 1999). Choosing a specific kind of direct investment business also depends on different considerations, the most significant of which is the present law in the host country (Duce, 2003). In considering the impact of Chinese FDI in Ghana and Nigeria, it is useful to consider the form of investment that FDI takes, with regard to the respective economies. Based from preliminary research, it is clear that Chinese FDI in Nigeria is significantly higher than its FDI in Ghana, when compared to one another. Considering the high concentration of FDI in the oil and gas sector, it is possible that the economic relationship between Nigeria and Chinese may be contradictory to the developmental goals and overall well-being of the country. Whilst Chinese FDI in Ghana is seen across a variety of sectors such as aluminum, iron ore, manganese, alloy, timber, waste materials, cocoa beans, cotton linters, and frozen fish (Rahman, 2012). This indicates that the overall impacts of Chinese FDI in Ghana may be more attuned to developmental goals, compared to China’s relationship with Nigeria.FDI determinants – Theoretical ApproachAs FDI became a focal point in the current global economy, researchers have attempted to describe the conduct of multinational firms and FDI determinants through the proposal of different theories. Adam Smith (Concept of Absolute Advantages) and David Ricardo (Theory of Comparative Advantages) had originally discussed FDI as a feature of international trade. Smith and Ricardo proposed that countries should focus on producing goods where they can offer a cost advantage (i.e. absolute advantage for Smith; comparative advantage for Ricardo). The surplus of goods generated by a country is intended for export. Simultaneously, the country imports goods that it cannot produce domestically because it lacks cost advantages for their production (Sen, 2010). The theories of Smith and Ricardo are the foundations of current views on FDI. Therefore, these will be considered in the design of the theoretical framework. Heckscher and Olin linked international trade and with the benefits brought by the factors of production. Thus, a country must focus in producing final goods of which the raw materials are reasonably plentiful in the country. Conversely, the country is recommended to import the basic components of goods that are in limited supply. This theory regards FDI as a component of transnational capital movement. FDI flows are seen amongst economies and are described by various capital concentrations. Countries that are well-off in terms of capital transfer their production to countries that have abundant labor supply. This is characterized by more returns to capital and lesser returns to labor. This process continues till labor and capital are equalized in the countries involved (Benacek et al., 2000). While these theories were able to associate FDI with labor costs and higher rates of investment returns, these were unable to completely rationalize FDI phenomenon (Assuncao, 2010). As such, th ese will not be fully utilized in the creation of this study’s theoretical framework. Another FDI theory is given by Kindleberger (1969), who presumes that direct investment can be cultivated in situations where market shortcomings or government interferences exist. In this context, particular economies produce commodities in which they can demonstrate a comparative advantage; while other products are exported because the country cannot produce them efficiently. Thus, the relationship between FDI and trade can be either substitutable or complementary. Kindleberger’s (1969) theory is applicable to the context of Ghana and Nigeria because of its considerations of market imperfections and government interventions. These will be helpful in explaining some aspects of the theoretical framework. Obstacles to commerce may affect FDI in two contradictory ways. On one hand, high trade barriers tend to boost FDI because these result in high export costs. This contention stresses the location advantage aspect of FDI. In contrast, high trade barriers are a hindrance for the parent company, especially in situations with high levels of trade with associated firms. Other researchers have also discussed the relationship between FDI and trade openness (Balasubramanyam et al., 1996) and majority of studies find a positive association among these variables (Benacek, 2000). Dunning (1993) combined the components of Trade Theory and the Theory of the Firm. Based on the OLI model, Dunning (1993) classified FDI determinants into three groups. These are: (a) Ownership-specific advantages such as technology and know-how; (b) Location-specific advantages including market size, transport costs, etc.; and (c) Advantages that are particular to internationalization, wherein the firm supposes that selling of ownership advantages to third parties is not as lucrative as internally employing these advantages. Moreover, Dunning (1993) came up with the Investment Development Path based from the findings of his study. This framework identified five stages in the development of a country. These stages have a substantial effect on FDI inflows (Gorynia et al., 2005; Benacek et al., 2000). These stages of development will be one of the components in the theoretical framework; thus, this study is important to this research project. The institutional approach presents a different perspective on the subject. Root & Ahmed (1978) and Bond & Samuelson (1986) suggested that the environment, where the enterprise conducts its operations, is unpredictable and unsure. Thus, the firm’s decisions will be greatly affected by institutional forces (i.e. regulations and incentives). However, in actuality, government policy defines the options that are presented to a company and which influences the firm’s decisions regarding FDI, licensing, and exporting (Assuncao, 2010). The role of government in FDI is another aspect which will be explored in the theoretical framework. The institutional approach will be part of this analysis. Last but not least, it is beneficial to consider Ozawa’s (1992) study, which connects the patterns in developing countries with Porter’s theory of a country’s competitive advantages. According to Porter, there are four groups of attributes that can be applied to a country. These are: (a) factor conditions; (b) demand conditions; (c) firm strategy, structure and rivalry; and (d) related and supported enterprises. These have an influence on the nation’s competitiveness (Smith, 2012). Ozawa argues that the foreign investment received by developing countries, which are mainly allocated to labor-intensive sectors, results in a process of learning and technology purchase. It aids developing economies to raise their competitive advantages and thus, push the economy onward along the various stages of development ? moving from the fundamental factor-driven stage to the innovation-driven stage. This is described by an increasing external FDI (Ozawa, 1992). The discu ssion on competitive advantage is again a major component of the theoretical framework which will be the outcome of this research. As such, the study by Ozawa (1992) presents some arguments that are crucial to the discussion of this research.FDI determinants – ClassificationDunning (1998) identified four groups of FDI motives. The first two groups of motives are features of the initial stage of FDI, while other groups are related to sequential FDI (Gorynia et. al., 2005). Resource Seeking – the firm intends to obtain specific resources at less costs than in the local/national market Market Seeking – the firm intends to operate in a specific overseas market because of its size or anticipated growth. The firm builds a global strategy for the foreign market, or reduces the expenditures related to serving a certain market from a neighboring facility instead of from outside the country Efficiency Seeking – the firm intends to justify its production, distribution, and marketing (Gorynia et. al., 2005, p.65) Strategic Asset Seeking – the firm seeks to extend its strategic goals; for instance, supporting their competitiveness in international markets Clause (1999) and Calderon et al., (2002) categorized FDI determinants in two groups: (a) ‘Push factors’ or investor’s intentions to position capital/investment overseas: (b) ‘Pull factors’; or country-specific determinants, also referred to as location determinants. These factors influence the decision of the investor to find capital in a specific country. Additionally, pull factors are political, including growth estimates, or the country’s system of rules/regulations and rewards/incentives. The authors also highlighted other pull elements in the case of transitional economies. These include the process of privatization and the intensification effect, in which a direct investment results in other direct investments (Vita and Kyaw, 2008). Lastly, UNCTAD (2011a) segregated FDI determinants into three categories: (a) policy framework such as economic and political stability, competition policy, etc.; (b) business facilitations, including the costs of business operations, investment motivations, etc.; and (c) economic determinants such as market growth and infrastructure. Although these determinants help to ascertain the overall desirability of the country, the significance of specific groups differs depending on the sector and entry modes. The various FDI determinants will be explored as components of the theoretical framework. These will be investigated to find out which FDI determinants are applicable to the Ghanaian and Nigerian context.Investment Climate in Ghana and Nigeria – A Comparative AnalysisAttracting increasing amounts of FDI has been a significant priority of Ghana’s government when developing and reforming economic policy. The Ghana Investment Advisory Council (GIAC) was formed with the help of the World Bank and is comprised of local and multinational companies and institutional observers from around the world. The aim of the GIAC is to ensure the removal of any regulations, which may discourage FDI in the country. The GIAC, however, does not have regulatory power over the natural resources sector, but does regulate investment in all other sectors, such as banking and other financial institutions, telecommunications, energy and real estate (Tsikata, et al., 2010). The most beneficial eleme nt of the investment climate in Ghana is that there is no general economic or industrial strategy aimed at discriminating against foreign owned business or subsidiaries, but conversely there are incentives offered if the projects are deemed critical for national development. Prior to 1995, Nigeria was considered one of the most unsuitable countries in Western African for FDI due to a combination of considerable restrictions and unsuitable investment climate ? the result of social, economic, and political tensions that continue to plague the country. In 1995, however, Nigeria changed the investment climate substantially by opening the economy to FDI and reversing these severe restrictions. The Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) was created to manage the approval of business licenses and motivations to improve the investment climate. All restrictions on limits in foreign shareholding were also abolished in order to promote and facilitate FDI. According to current Nigerian investment law, 100 % foreign ownership of firms is allowed in every sector, with the exception of the petroleum sector. In this sector, investments are restricted to existing joint ventures or new production sharing contracts (Oyeranti, et al., 2010). This, however, is not n ecessarily a restrictive provision specific to Nigeria, since production sharing contracts have become a modern way of ensuring that ownership over natural resources is held by the host nation. It is evident, therefore, that both the Ghanaian and Nigerian investment climates are conducive and receptive to FDI from China. In determining the potential impacts of these investments on the economies of the country, it seems evident that there is a need and desire for large capital investments. At the same time, there is the need to stay in control of their natural resources, namely oil and minerals, which has resulted in the only restriction on FDI in the respective economies. The crucial difference between the two countries is the vast superiority of Nigeria with regards to their oil resources and the far-reaching effects that this has had on the country as a whole. This factor must, therefore, be critically considered to assess the impact of Chinese FDI in the country.Chinese Interest in West Africa – FDI AnalysisChina provides an ideal investment partner to African countries and is often more beneficial to the host nation that traditional investment partners for a numb er of reasons, including fewer demands on the host country in exchange for investment, fewer conditions for assistance, offered assistance at lower rates of repayment and lower interest rates, and offered training for technical and professional personnel in doing so (technology transfer) (Renard, 2011). Historically, the interest in Africa from the Chinese perspective has been primarily based on the need to supplement their own natural resources, with the rapid development of their manufacturing industry necessitating a significant amount of resources far outweighing any domestic production in China itself and with an abundance of these resources in West Africa, China sought to increase their investment in and trade participation within the region. In 1987, China exempted raw materials and other components due for re-export from custom duties which bolstered their international trade with African countries as being a significant source of these products and raw materials (Renard, 20 11). With the Chinese accession to the WTO, the protectionist barriers were further removed and this served to increase trade even further. Trade in components is therefore a significant part of Chinese interest in West Africa, as well as raw materials in exchange for consumer products with low capital intensity with a commitment to moving towards more technology-intensive products. In addition to the trade investment in West Africa, diplomacy in the region has focused on bilateral agreements with African governments. In 1994, the Exim Bank (China Export-Import Bank) was founded to encourage Chinese exports and FDI in Africa, with a specific focus on improving the infrastructure (Wang, 2007). On the other hand, China Development Bank (CDB), also established in 1994, opened the China-Africa Development Fund to assist Chinese FDI distribution into Africa, through the financing of Chinese firms looking to invest in the region. Finally, SINOSURE (China Export and Credit Insurance Corporation) provides these firms with insurance and protects against the risks associated with Chinese exports and foreign investment (Renard, 2011). These banks have a less risk-sensitive profile than most private banks in traditional Western investment partners, making them more willing to encourage to investment in often high-risk African countries, including Nigeria. The opportunity to invest in Africa by Chinese firms is as a result of the long-standing history of trade relations and supported by less risk-sensitive banks. These banks aim to encourage FDI in West African countries in order to sustain and potentially increase trade relations with the Chinese economy. With many of the major players in the Chinese economy being state-owned (as a result of the prevailing political regime), there is a significant interest in encouraging FDI with these West African countries due to China’s desire to sustain its high economic growth. This supports the main assumption of this research that China’s FDIs into Ghana and Nigeria are exploitative in nature. Because China’s desire to sustain its economic growth as the main driving factor for its FDI, there is a lot of suspicion that Chinese state-owned investors will not care about the long-term effects of FDI, especially as it focuses on extracting natural resources and raw materials fro m Ghana and Nigeria. METHODOLOGYResearch PhilosophyThis study applies the positivist philosophy, based on the presumption that experiment and observation are highly significant in perceiving human behavior. According to this philosophy, the world can be understood in a rational way. This approach focuses on analyzing facts and seeks to understand connections; reduces experience to simple components; and tests formulated hypotheses. It usually produces qualitative data, which seeks to be unbiased and precise (Saunders et. al., 2009).Research ApproachThis study is empirical and it acknowledges the significance of gathering and utilizing data, to achieve precise and clear conclusions. Inductive and deductive research approaches will be employed in the study. The deductive approach is described as highly structured. Theories of FDI motivations are first presented, since they are especially relevant to the Chinese FDI climate. Next, the relevance of these theories to both Ghana and Nigeria is discussed through the analysis of empirical data. An inductive approach is observed throughout the gathering and examination of empirical data from trustworthy sources. From this perspective, the researcher analyses the data obtained by others, which has been integrated with the research procedures. Given the research objectives, this study has an explanatory quality . Explanatory research aims to explain if there is an association among two or more variables of a specific incident or phenomenon. The aim of this study is to ascertain whether there is an association between FDI inflows from China to Ghana and Nigeria using a framework for the measurement of these impacts based on economic, political or social factors which may be influenced by foreign investments.Data Collection ProcessPrimary and secondary data will be gathered to analyze the possible impacts of FDI inflows from China. Selected economic indicators will also be analyzed using multiple regression analysis. This research will examine the following economic indicators: GDP growth rates; GDP per capita; inflation rates; employment rates; unit labor costs; trade balances (represented as a percentage of GDP); foreign exchange rates; Corporate Income Tax Rates; percentage of people with higher education; developmental goals identified by the host country and other international bodies, and public spending on higher education. The data that will be used in this research will be taken from several different secondary research sites. Data sources are national statistics, scholarly publications, UNDP, IMF and the World Bank, as well as any other directed research that is seeking to understand the relationship between Chinese FDI and its impacts in Ghana and Nigeria countries.Limitations of ResearchThe current research is limited to the extent that Ghana and Nigeria are compatible in conducting the comparative analysis. The main concern is that the vast difference in the oil dependency of these two countries will lead to a number of conclusions, which are not compatible with one another, due to the fact that the Nigerian economy revolves around oil production. It is reasonable, therefore, to think that the application of this theory to Ghana may lead to conclusions or recommendations for improvement, which cannot be applied to the Nigerian context due to its resource dependency and the influence of the social, political and economic climate. In order to mitigate this limitation, the researcher aims to look specifically at the dependence on natural resources (mineral and oil) in the Ghanaian economy in order to ensure that this factor is given sufficient consideration in reaching the conclusions of this theoretical research.Secondary PublicationsPublished secondary resources will also be utilized in this study. These sources discussed FDI determinants from a general perspective and presented global outflows of FDI from China. These also analyzed the general determinants of FDI impacts in Africa as a developing region, with a specific focus on Ghana and Nigeria, and compared these impacts against one another to determine recommendations for the improvement or mitigation of FDI impacts. The application of secondary data in addressing the objectives of this research will add to the overall clarity of the research. Secondary data will be gathered by studying documents from various sources, su ch as international organizations and statistics offices. Other materials are peer-reviewed articles, research papers, books, and other scholarly publications. These will aid in recognizing and incorporating the most relevant literature within the context of the main research questions.Limitations of Secondary SourcesThere are some limitations in using secondary sources. One limitation is that it involves the possibility of incurring knowledge gaps. This refers to the occasions when researchers are unable to find the specific data they are looking for. Moreover, data might be outdated or is not relevant to the research problem. Furthermore, the researcher might find contradictory points of view in the secondary data, which will result in confusion and ambiguities. To lessen these kinds of risks, the researcher will seek the advice and guidance of academic staff specializing in this research subject regarding suggestions on literature. The researcher will also come up with a comprehensive list of international databases of FDI to find the most current data.Data AnalysisThe data analyses that will be applied in this research are comprised of four important steps. Data will be arranged in a rational way. The arrangement of primary and secondary data is based on the selection process (based on the researcher’s judgment). Data will be sorted into three categories. The categories are as follows: (a) Theoretical application of FDI in a Chinese context; (b) Ghanaian and Nigerian investment climate and context; (c) the relationship between Chinese FDI and the Ghanaian and Nigerian political, social, and economic factors. Data will then be analyzed using a number of qualitative research techniques. Results will be organized in terms of theoretical FDI themes identified in the initial research. DISSERTATION PLAN Below is the Gantt chart for the dissertation. This outlines the main activities that will be conducted for this research. Project TasksStartDuration Task 1: Writing the research proposal05 Task 2: Writing the project plan55 Task 3: Conducting the literature review1014 Task 4: Gathering of secondary data247 Task 5: Creation of theoretical framework3120 Task 6: Analysis of the data5114 Task 7: Writing the final research report6514 Note: Start – Represents the number of days from the start date of the research project Duration – The number of days required to complete the task REFERENCES Asiedu, S. (2006) Foreign Direct Investment in Africa: The Role of Natural Resources, Market Size, Government Policy, Institutions and Political Instability. United Nations University Publication [online] Available on: http://www.people.ku.edu/~jbrown/virus.html [Accessed 1 April 2013] Assuncao, S., Forte, R. and Teixeira, A. (2011) Location determinants of FDI: a literature review. Porto: FEP. Benacek, V., Gronicki M., Holland, D. and Sass, M. (2000) The Determinants and Impact of Foreign Direct Investments in Central and Eastern Europe: A Comparison Survey and Econometric Evidence. Journal of United Nations. 9(3). Pp. 163-212. Bevan, A. and Estrin S. (2004). The Determinants of Foreign Direct Investments into European Transition Economies. Journal of Comparative Studies.32. Pp.775-787. Botric, V. and Skuflic, L. (2005) Main determinants of Foreign Direct Investments in the South East European Countries. Zagreb: Institute of Economic. Calderon, C.L. and Serven, L. (2002) Greenfield FDI vs. Mergers and Acquisitions. Does the distinction matterChile: Central Bank of Chile. Duce, M. (2003) Definition of Foreign Direct Investment: a methodological note. Madrid: Banco de Espana. Dunning, J.H. (1993) Multinational Enterprise and the Global Economy. Essex: Addison-Wesley Publication Company. Frimprong, S. (2012) Research on Relationship between China and Ghana: Trade and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI). Journal of Economics and Sustainable Development, 3(7), pp. 51 – 61 Gorynia, M., Nowak J. and Wolniak R. (2005) Motives and Modes of FDI, Firm Characteristics and Performance: Case Study of Foreign Subsidiaries in Poland. Journal of Transitional Management.10 (3). Pp.55-87. Johnson, A. (2005) The effects of FDI inflows on host country economic growth. Jonkoping: Jonkoping International Business School. Moosa, I. (2002) Foreign Direct Investment: Theory, Evidence and Practice. NY: Palgrave Macmillan. Morgan, T. (2005) How does FDI affect host country developmentUsing industry case studies to make reliable generalizations. [In:] Morgan T., Graham, E. and Blomstrom, M., Does Foreign Direct Investment promotes developmentWashington: Institute for International Economics. OECD (1999) OECD benchmark definition of Foreign Direct Investment.3rd edition. Paris: OECD. Oyeranti, O., Babatunde, A., Ogunkola, E. & Bankole, A. (2010) Chinese-Africa Investment Relations: Case Study of Nigeria. Nairobi: African Economic Research Consortium Ozawa, T. (1992) Foreign Direct Investment and Economic Development. Transnational corporations. 1(1). Pp. 27-54. Rahman, M. (2012) Political Economy of China’s Foreign Direct Investment in Ghana. GhanaWeb [online] Available on: http://www.ghanaweb.com/GhanaHomePage/NewsArchive/artikel.php?ID=236093 [Accessed 1 April 2013] Renard, M. (2011) China’s Trade and FDI in Africa. African Development Bank, Working Paper Series, no. 126. Belvedere: African Development Bank Saunders, M., Lewis, P. and Thornhill, A. (2009), Research methods for business students. 5th Ed. Harlow: FT Prentice-Hall. Sen, S. (2010) International Trade Theory and Policy: A review of the literature. NY: Levy Economic Institute. Smit, A.J. (2010) The Competitive Advantages of Nations: Is Porter’s Diamond Framework a New Theory That Explains The International Competitiveness of CountriesSouthern African Business Review.14. Pp.105-130. Tsikata, D., Fenny, A. & Aryeetey, E. (2010) Impact of China-Africa Investment Relations: An In-depth Analysis of the Case of Ghana. Institute of Statistical, Social and Economic Research University of Ghana: African Research Consortium UNCTAD (2011a) World Investment Report 2011.Non-equity modes of international production and development. NY: United Nations. UNCTAD (2011b) World Investment Prospect Survey2011-2013.NY: United Nations. Vita, G. and Kyaw, K. (2008) Determinants of FDI and Portfolio Flows to Developing Countries. A panel co-integration analysis. European Journal of Economics, Finance and Administrative Sciences, 13.Pp. 161-168. Wang, J. (2007) What Drives China Growing Role in Africa. IMF Working Paper, WP/07/211. International Monetary Fund, African Department.

Beelzebufo Devil Frog Facts and Figures

Beelzebufo Devil Frog Facts and Figures Name: Beelzebufo (Greek for devil frog); pronounced bee-ELL-zeh-BOO-foe Habitat: Woodlands of Madagascar Historical Period: Late Cretaceous (70 million years ago) Size and Weight: About a foot and a half long and 10 pounds Diet: Insects and small animals Distinguishing Characteristics: Large size; unusually capacious mouth About Beelzebufo (Devil Frog) Slightly outweighing its contemporary descendant, the seven-pound Goliath Frog of Equatorial Guinea, Beelzebufo was the largest frog that ever lived, weighing about 10 pounds and measuring nearly a foot and a half from head to tail. Unlike contemporary frogs, which are mostly content to snack on insects, Beelzebufo (at least by the evidence of its unusually wide and capacious mouth) must have chowed down on the smaller animals of the late Cretaceous period, perhaps including baby dinosaurs and full-grown dino-birds in its diet. Reprising a common theme, this prehistoric amphibian evolved to its giant size on the relatively isolated Indian Ocean island of Madagascar, where it didnt have to deal with the large, predatory, theropod dinosaurs that ruled the earth elsewhere. Recently, researchers investigating a second fossil specimen of Beelzebufo made an amazing discovery: as big as it was, this frog may also have sported sharp spikes and a semi-hard, turtle-like shell along its head and back (presumably, these adaptations evolved to keep the Devil Frog from being swallowed whole by predators, though they may also have been sexually selected characteristics, the more heavily armored males being more attractive to females during Devil Frog mating season). This same team also determined that Beelzebufo was similar in appearance to, and perhaps related to, horned frogs, genus name Ceratophrys, which today live in South America - which may hint at the exact time of the breakup of the Gondwanan supercontinent toward the end of the Mesozoic Era.

FIN 419 Week 3 Problems Essays - Mathematical Finance, Loans

FIN 419 Week 3 Problems Essays - Mathematical Finance, Loans Problem 1-A $85,000.00 Future Value: $873,260.59 9%FV 30$873,260.59 PV(D2,D3,D1) Interest:9% Answer Years:35Future Value:$42,777.60 PV(B4,B6,0,B2,0) Problem 1-B Present Value$85,000.00 Interest:11% Answer Years:30Future Value:$738,972.37 PV(B10,B12,B8) Problem 1-C If rates were to raise the amounts needed for the 35 year period prior to retiring would lower. Increasing the interest rate increases the future value of the investment causing a lesser amount to be required. Problem 2-A YearAmountPresnt Value FactorPresent Value 1 $7,000.00 0.9345794391/(1+A19)^B24 $6,542.06 B19*D19 2 $4,000.00 0.9259797991/(1+A20)^B24 $3,703.92 B20*D20 3 $8,000.00 0.9075191551/(1+A21)^B24 $7,260.15 B21*D21 4 $10,000.00 0.8934537991/(1+A22)^B24 $8,934.54 B22*D22 5 $13,000.00 0.8821235421/(1+A23)^B24 $11,467.61 B23*D23 Rate7%Total (Answer) $37,908.27 Problem 2-B When the earning rate increases the total amount decreases. As the rate increases so does the interest earned toward the investment. The larger your rate is the lower your present value will need to be to cover your future value shortfall Problem 3-A Amount: $(25,000.00)$10,768.29 PMT(B31,B32,B30)End of Year Loan Payment Annual Interest:14%Answer Years:3 Payments:3 Problem 3-B Please see attached excel spreadsheet for Loan Amortization Schedule Problem 3-C As the principal amount is paid onto a loan the interest amount decreases. This is because interest is determined based on present balance. Problem 4-A To start we are putting $500 down on a $6,500 loan, which leaves $6,000 Loan: $(6,000.00) Annual Rate:14% Years:2Answer Payments:24Monthly Payment:$288.08 PMT(B43/12,B45,B42) Total:$6,913.86 E45*B45 Problem 4-B Again, to start we are putting $500 down on a $6,500 loan, which leaves $6,000 Loan: $(6,000.00) Annual Rate:9% Years:2Answer Payments:24Monthly Payment:$274.11 PMT(B49/12,B45,B48) Total$6,578.60 E52*B52

Case Study of the MAXXI National Museum

001.jpg"/ Contemporary Architecture img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.003.jpg"/ This study will concentrate on MAXXI National Museum and it will supply a comprehensive reappraisal of Contemporary museum architecture ( built in Rome in 2009 ) , designed by the Zaha Hadid Architects. As it was said in â€Å"Museums in the 21stCentury† , there is no uncertainty to state that museum architecture seeks it’s development through the periods, divided into pre- and post-Bilbao epochs. Bilbao ‘s edifices are a assortment of architectural manners, runing from Gothic to modern-day architecture like Guggenheim Museum Bilbao ( construct in Spain in 1997 ) which gives the beggary of modern-day Bilbao motion. Rome has no duty to turn itself into a voguish modern metropolis ; its glorification remainders on the accomplishments of antiquity, the Renaissance, and the Baroque. In mid1990’s a new policy in Rome for ’the publicity of modern-day architecture’ has tried to alter the architectural understatement by its metropolis authoritiess, po licy with different facets, positions and cultural activities, with willingness for freshness. The foundation of the Maxi Museum was followed by international design competition uniting all the new chances. Hadid’s proposal is an impressive urban sculpture with dynamic and indefinite exhibition infinite. To build this essay, and turn out that MAXXI museum is an illustration of Modernism assorted beginnings have been researched. Therefore, its consistence includes Architectural construct and urban scheme, infinite V object, Institutional Catalyst and Contemporary Spatiality. The essay was conducted in the signifier of a study, with informations being gathered via books â€Å"Lubetkin A ; Tecton: An architectural study† by Yoshio Malcolm Reading A ; Peter Coe ( 1992 ) , â€Å"Frank O. Gehry: The complete works† by Francesco Dal Co A ; Kurt W. Foster ( 1998 ) , and the undermentioned articles â€Å"MAXXI Museum in Rome by Zaha Hadid Architects wins the RIBA Sta rling Prize 2010† by Levent Ozler, â€Å" Zaha Hadid ‘s MAXXI – National Museum of XXI Century Arts† by Zaha Hadid Architects, † Starling Prize 2010 Goes to Zaha Hadid’s MAXXI Museum in Rome† ( unknown writer ) . img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.004.jpg"img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.005.jpg"img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.006.jpg"The early architectural modernism was so sudden interruption with tradition. Raise the streamer of artistic simplification and geometrization, advanced substantiate this aesthetic motto, ethical and political. The technique had become progressive character, and the machine – a metaphor.In the history of the foundation of modernism function has Berthold Lubetkin along with Le Coubusier second- coevals well-known modernist. In 1932, Lubetkin formed the Tecton partnership including Gofrey Samuel, Sir Herbert, Michael Dugdale, Valentine Harding and Anthony Chitty. Main old ages of work for Tecton partnership were the period from 1932 till the effusion of the Second universe war, and their work can be categorized in four sect ions: Apartments in north London, the work for Finsbury Borough Council, The menagerie work and house undertakings. One of the picturesque undertakings commissioned to construct after earned repute from the designed Regen’s park ( built in London, 1978 ) and Whipsnade zoo ( built in Whipsnade in 1931 ) was Dudley Zoo. Its location is outside Birmingham, in town called Dudley opened in May 1937.The geometric character of edifice consisted 12 animate being enclosures which despite the different maps of the edifices they formed relationship based on close connexion between them which was an early modernist illustration in England. In another manus on the official page of MAXXI museum Zaha Hadid commented that â€Å"the museum should non be seen as an object, but as a field of buildings† . Another manner to back up the touch of modernism is connected with the concrete walls in Kiosks, smallest edifices in the menagerie. Concrete is material typical for this period, and the same building techniques are used in Maxxi museum. In that manner is proven that Maxxi museum was portion of the Modern motion ( modernism ) . img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.007.jpg"img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.008.jpg"/ img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.009.jpg"Another modernist for this period is half American half Canadian designer Frank Gehry. Among the well-known work of him is ( built in Spain in 1997 ) . The projected was funded and owned by Basque Country Administration, showing good entree for trade concern. The internal organisations of the infinites are distributed in three floors. The cardinal tribunal of the edifice serves as unit point, with unfastened position to the metropolis. Different art galleries fill the infinites with intent to expose impermanent exhibitions, lasting exhibitions and art from populating artist.The stuff for the exterior curving walls of the edifice is limestone and for inside is used plaster. Natural visible radiation is captured via fanlights with the aid of sunglassess control during the twenty-four hours. And as Frank Gehry says for the unconsciously made curved walls â€Å" the entropy of the curves are designed to catch the visible radiation † . With this commendation it is suggested that applied scientists along with the designer used scientific cognition, one of the typical features for modernism. In Maxxi museum the fluid and sinuate forms, the assortment and interweaving of infinites and the modulated usage of natural visible radiation is taking to functional model. By mensurating all these of import facet in order to hold this consequence and allow the visible radiation to come into the edifice they highlight the map. Therefore MAXXI museum it was besides used scientific cognition. img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.010.jpg"/ Once it was said by Frank Lloyd Wright ‘s that the perceptual experience â€Å"form follows function† implies the believes that it is design service to its map. Harmonizing to arcspace.com the chief design thought of Maxi museum it is conected to the usage of the edifice exhibition infinite for ocular humanistic disciplines. Maxi museum walls traversing country and their interfaces define the interior halls of the museum and exterior.Because of the geometric abstraction in Maxxi museum â€Å"Form follows function† , we reach another feature of modernism. Modernism introduces the construct of â€Å" truth to stuffs † which states that the edifice stuffs should be exposed instead than conceal and situated in the appropriate topographic point. An illustration of this is statement is Maxxi museum. With its limited scope of stuffs, such as the walls of open concrete or grey flooring utilizing its defects, it is constructed a sequence. On 2nd floor and 3rd, the touch of daytime can be sense over the glass roof supported by steel prances. They possess a mechanism that helps for the exhibition of pictures and sculptures which are non mounted to the floor. In that why Maxxi museum is modernist edifice. Another designer of the modernism motion was Oscar Niemeyer. After his single development in architecture and a series of undertakings in the metropolis Belo Horizonte, he began to experience passion for egg-shaped forms which links with his fatherland, rivers and even woman’s organic structure form and concrete as a stuff for building. The same stuffs are used in Maxxi museum, another good ground to back up the grounds of Contemporary architecture. Exposed concrete and glass we can see in Peter Behrens edifice called AEG. Wassily Kandinsky was a Russian painter, who worked chiefly in Germany and France. Kandinsky is expressionist and proclaimed himself for Godhead of the first abstract picture, despite concerns that it dates back to consider with an earlier day of the month. His first plants were abstract water-color. His work in life base on ballss through three phases: feeling of external nature, improvisation and works composings. Wassily works and lived ab initio in Munich and subsequently in Russia, but because the conditions of Russian Communism – the censoring of totalitarian government – was forced to emigrate. First assume learning at the Bauhaus in Germany, after the closing of the school by the Nazis escaped to Paris. In 1933 by the National Kandinsky taught in Weimar, Dessau and Berlin, where he met with Russian constructivism. At that clip, the geometry acquired high quality in his art. Forms which are reminding of micro-organisms, but ever picturing interior life of the Was sily. He used an unordinary colour composings copying Slavic folklore. And mix sand with dyes to leave raggedness colourss. Consequently to theguardian.com it mentions that Maxxi museum has different assortments of colourss, such as: Grey, black, white and broad scope of pick mixtures of the open concrete. Our attending is grabbed, from the ruddy abstract elements from the ceiling, positioned in order to demo the modern-day character of the edifice through colour.Respectively of Wissily Kandinsky colour theory based on abstract elements and signifiers, we have proven our claim. img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.011.jpg"/ img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.012.jpg"/ Modernism is period with extremely advanced technological development.It categorizes the exposure of the construction, that’s why it could be called the period of Structural Expressionism. High-tech architecture creates new ocular thoughts, and the esteem for economical edifice buildings led to hapless fabrication quality. During the 1880ss it was hard to distinguish this technological betterment from post–modern architecture. This is exemplified in the work undertaken by Richard Rogers and Renzo Piano, Centre Pompidou. As it was reference in archdaily one of the chief design construct thoughts was the typically structural bring outing for modernism. The edifice was dived with the aid of colour coding.Using this system it could be easy recognized the different constituents or country of the edifice. For illustration electrical mechanism was colored in orange and yellow, constructions and stepss were painted in gray.In maxi museum we have exposure of stairway excessively , which led once more to the idea that Maxi museum is modernist edifice. img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.013.jpg"img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.014.jpg"/ Le Corbusier is a Gallic designer and it was born in Switzerland. He formulated his five rules of modern architecture, in which he remains faithful to the terminal of his life. The first rule is connected with columns – it separates the house from the land through several back uping columns. The 2nd rule is garden – he besides uses gardens on the roof of edifices. The 3rd rule is a little figure of supporting walls. The 4th rule is widely glazing and the last 5th rule is free facade – exterior walls free from their supporting map. And based on those five point rules he adjusted one of his undertakings: Villa Savoye which has large influence over the modernism. With unfastened program and sequence of inclines, he dares the occupants to travel through the infinites invariably. In Maxxi museum the visitant are invited to come in into a series of uninterrupted infinites, instead than the compact volume of an stray edifice. So in both instances we have a incorporate i nfinite. img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.015.jpg"img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.016.jpg"/ img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.017.jpg"img alt="" src="https://s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/aaimagestore/essays/1137939.018.jpg"/ Decision: To sum up, the chief end of the essay was to find and explicate why Maxxi museum is modern-day edifice. Based on several perceptual experiences typical for modernism, it was proven consequently to the construct â€Å"Form follows map † , â€Å" Truth to stuffs † , unhidden constructions and scientific cognition. Maxi is a museum with legion volumes and extension of lines, without centre point, stand foring the circulation of images and thoughts. Building is seen as a 2nd tegument of the metropolis, reacting to the environment, the edifice is seen as artistic s stretching pulling over the fantastic landscape.

Organisational Behaviour College Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Organisational Behaviour College - Essay Example We can analyze Nucor by Robbins (2001), reinforcement theory ignores the inner state of the individual and concentrates solely on what happens to a person when he or she takes some action. Significant research indicates people will exert more effort on tasks that are reinforced than on tasks that are not this statement is definitely proven by Nucor as pay day is always a time to celebrate for the employees in 2005 they distributed $220 million and this made the employees work even more hard for them. Thus as Robison pointed they exert more efforts in their takes. Nucor realizes this shares its profit with its employees so that they can get the maximum from them Reinforcement theory will work well for Nucor's employees because they thrive on individual recognition and with little time and effort will become comfortable with being recognized as part of a team. Reinforcement theory works well for Nucor because employees are likely to put forth more effort if they know that same effort will be rewarded when the task is finally completed. The reward itself is not as important as knowing that there will be a reward. Q2).What Role Does Equity Theory Play In The Case Let us starts by explaining exactly what this theory is all about the equity theory states: employees weigh what they put into a job situation (input) against what they get from it (outcome) and then compare their input-outcome ratio with the input-outcome ratio of relevant others (Robbins, 2001 p115). It can also be said that Equity theory gives complete attention to on the feelings of employees of how fairly they have been treated in contrast with the treatment which other employees get " (Laurie 2007 p.435). Equity does play a huge role in the case , as Nucor knows that Equity plays an important role for employees. If an employee feels equally treated, he or she will sense fairness. If an employee feels they are treated unfairly, they may feel they are not being treated well enough. Thus when the company does not make enough profit or a bad batch of steel goes into market every one looses out on the bonus and profit sharing. By everyone I even mean the CEO and top management what more equity could the employee ask for Since each employee is an individual, equality is an important aspect of maintaining an effective. When there are individual differences among employees, there are also potential workgroup conflicts but Nucor solves this problem by making sure that bonuses are calculated every week so that every employee gets a bit of the cash. Robbins (2001) states that there are five different choices an individual might make if faced with inequity. They are as follows: distort either their own or others' inputs or outcomes, behave so as to induce others to change their inputs or outcomes, behave so as to change their own inputs or outcomes, and/or choose a different comparison referent or quit their job (p.

Inhalants(toluene) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Inhalants(toluene) - Research Paper Example Toluene can be difficult to identify especially without any chemical tests since it smells like most other hydrocarbons and most people might pass it for any ordinary hydrocarbon. Like other hydrocarbons, toluene is soluble in organic solvents and does not dissolve in any polar solvent such as water. Therefore, to test its presence using chromatography, t has to be dissolved in an inorganic solvent. This way, it can be able to be separated by chromatography. This allows it to be tested from other substances including blood to check if someone has inhaled it. This is a physical separation technique for separating volatile mixtures. It is practiced in areas such as pharmaceuticals, environmental conservation and cosmetics. Due to their volatility, human breath, secretions, and other body fluids can be analyzed using this technique. It can also analyze air samples for various compounds. This is one of the analytical methods that are used to test toluene. This technique came up in early 60s. Among the various forms of GC, gas-liquid chromatography is the most popular method. Combined with techniques such as mass spectrometry, it becomes invaluable to separation and identification of molecules. This technique has been applied in the separation of toluene from other compounds for a very long time. Various kinds of detectors can be used to separate toluene and the other components in the substance. They include flame ionization detector, thermal conductivity detector and electron capture detector. Factors influencing the separation process include the stationary phase’s polarity. The polar compounds have strong interactions during this phase. This causes polar compounds to have a longer retention times than their non-polar counterparts. The temperature also affects the process by reducing the retention time. Chromatographic detectors react differently to each compound. To

Planning Care Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Planning Care - Case Study Example Apart from this, he has a past history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic renal impairment. He has history of self-medication with Panadol few times a week and admits of medication noncompliance. His current admission is due to acute onset of chest pain and shortness of breath leading to emergency admission to the rural hospital where he was diagnosed with acute anterior myocardial infarction and was treated with thrombolytic therapy. There was abatement of symptoms, and he was sent to the metropolitan hospital for coronary angiography and further investigations. Mr. Walker understands that his disease is a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is caused by life-style associated risk factors. His diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus are interrelated to his dietary habits, perhaps obesity, and it in turn is causing chronic renal dysfunction, which may be further aggravated by his hypertension. His type 2 diabetes is an independent risk factor for his hypercholesterolemia, and both combined together would aggravate his atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and deteriorate the outcome in terms of adverse cardiac events. Moreover self-medication and non-compliance to medications would also worsen the clinical picture. He also understands that smoking and alcohol use are risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and they both may accelerate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and worsen his prognosis (Tacoy et al., 2008, 402-407). Mr. Walker has been educated on the relationship between the kidneys and hypertension. His chronic renal disease will cause hypertension, and hypertension will contribute to the development of chronic renal disease. Given his baseline myocardial infarction, hypertension is major modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis. Therefore, he was educated on the need for medication compliance and regularity of treatment (Zoccali, Mallamaci, and Tripepi, 2002, 381-386). Mr. Walker has been educated that non-pharmacologic or lifestyle measures are important not only to prevent hypertension, but his overall condition of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, all will respond to such measures. He has been educated on basic dietary measures such as low-fat diet, low-salt diet, diet high in fruits and vegetables, and abstinence from alcohol would reduce his high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, blood sugar, and weight, which all together would reduce his risks of coronary artery disease (Chyun et al., 2003, 302-318). Mr. Walker has been educated on physical activity and has been demonstrated what kinds of activity may be suitable for him. He has also been alerted about resumption of physical activity very slowly following his myocardial infarction. He has been told that regular exercise increases work capacity. Training increases exercise capacity by increasing both maximal cardiac output and the ability to extract oxygen from the blood. Although he appeared less motivated about doing a regular exercise program, it was stressed repeatedly to him that regularity and persistence in such a program will help him (Ignarro, Balestrieri, and Napoli, 2007, 326-340). Mr. Walker has been given information on cessation of smoking since cigarette smoking is perhaps the most preventable known cause of CHD today, leading to more deaths

Economic Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 14

Economic - Essay Example In times preceding the period of Renaissance, regions in the European continent were divided in forms of principalities. The Pope of the church was considered to be the representative of God and King of a principality was considered to be the representative of Pope. Common men in the principalities did not have the freedom to undertake decisions regarding any facets of livelihood. After this era of brutality and cruelty on mankind, Europe faced the age of â€Å"rebirth† or Renaissance. Following that, Europe experienced a socialistic economic system for a long period of time. However, from the theory of Karl Marx, it can be stated that towards end of the 18th century, economy of Western Europe had experienced a capitalistic form of market system. The capitalist class in the economy were the merchants, who owned land as well as newly invented and superior state of technology (Hoffman, 2000). The labour resource, at that point of time, was almost utilized a non-living materialis tic resource. The population of the nations of Western Europe were significantly increasing. The economies were subjected to product and food crisis. Land owning farmers started to sell off their lands for establishing new factories. Crisis and scarcity forced economies to become more productive in nature. So, in order to become more productive, economies undertook the process of industrialization in Western Europe in early 19th century. Colonial rule became a common method of territory expansion for these Western European nations as economies required adequate raw agricultural inputs from its conquered colonies, for sustaining the demand for its new industrial sector. Industrialization had initially taken place in the economy of Japan in Asia, in the second-half of 19th century. However, in the latter half of 20th century, industrialization was experienced in other major economies of the Asian Continent, like, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan

Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC), Canada Research Paper

Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC), Canada - Research Paper Example The sequential approach of ADDIE is also followed by the instructional design document. In first place the ACEC audience will be analyzed for future training needs, the success of the instructional design depends heavily on the accuracy of the needs analysis. This will provide the basis for the design selection which includes the course format and any sub-phases The second phase begins with instructional needs identified in the analysis part and the design of the instructional design is discussed by the designer. Instructional strategy, course format, and the medium of instruction will also be finalized at this stage. Finally the course will be developed to achieve the desired instructional goals for ACEC, Canada. The instructional plan will ensure the induction of relevant material will keep the course outline as short as possible. Keeping the interest of the audience alive is an important requirement in development phase. The implementation of the instructional design will finalize the plan rollout timings, logistic and availability of resources deemed necessary for the completion of the course. This includes administrative support and availability of training staff to conduct the course. In final phase of the ADDIE model the evaluation of the overall instructional design will be assessed in terms of trainee’s capacity building and company’s objective realization. The quality of evaluation lies in its objectivity and the strength it introduces in the instructional design. ... Training of newly inducted engineers Analysis of training facilities presently available Coaching facilities for affiliated Companies Instructional facilities for Advance Technologies Lack of Academic Staff Qualitative and Quantitative Needs Required Training facilities (Quantitative) Facilities for Advance Technologies (Qualitative) Needs identified for ACEC All new engineers are required to have comprehensive training before they can be actually deployed at a real life project (Felt Need) Training for advance technologies is mandatory for the Core Professional Engineers at ACEC (Anticipated Need) Association has to plan training for affiliated companies time and again and permanent training need exists under this category (Felt Need) Lack of academic staff (Felt Need) Trainers training (Comparative Need) Selected Need Training of newly inducted engineers Instructional facilities for Advance Technologies Training of Newly Inducted Engineers Need analysis of the ACEC has established a â€Å"Felt Need† of providing training to newly inducted engineers in ACEC. The engineers current performance and excellence is satisfactory however it does not match the mission statement for the ACEC, therefore suggests a gap between the existing and desired level of excellence. The need was established after a qualitative interview session conducted with engineers of various domains and was responded by 95% engineers in favor of initial training. Instructional Goal Polishing critical skills in fresh engineering graduates thus enabling them to produce quality engineering models. Performance-Based Objectives A – audience – Fresh Engineering Graduates B – behavior – Skill enhancement C – conditions – ACEC’ Excellence D – Getting quality engineering Models Instructional

Planning Care Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Planning Care - Case Study Example Apart from this, he has a past history of hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and chronic renal impairment. He has history of self-medication with Panadol few times a week and admits of medication noncompliance. His current admission is due to acute onset of chest pain and shortness of breath leading to emergency admission to the rural hospital where he was diagnosed with acute anterior myocardial infarction and was treated with thrombolytic therapy. There was abatement of symptoms, and he was sent to the metropolitan hospital for coronary angiography and further investigations. Mr. Walker understands that his disease is a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, which is caused by life-style associated risk factors. His diabetes mellitus, hypercholesterolemia, hypertension, and type 2 diabetes mellitus are interrelated to his dietary habits, perhaps obesity, and it in turn is causing chronic renal dysfunction, which may be further aggravated by his hypertension. His type 2 diabetes is an independent risk factor for his hypercholesterolemia, and both combined together would aggravate his atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and deteriorate the outcome in terms of adverse cardiac events. Moreover self-medication and non-compliance to medications would also worsen the clinical picture. He also understands that smoking and alcohol use are risk factors for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and they both may accelerate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease and worsen his prognosis (Tacoy et al., 2008, 402-407). Mr. Walker has been educated on the relationship between the kidneys and hypertension. His chronic renal disease will cause hypertension, and hypertension will contribute to the development of chronic renal disease. Given his baseline myocardial infarction, hypertension is major modifiable risk factors for atherosclerosis. Therefore, he was educated on the need for medication compliance and regularity of treatment (Zoccali, Mallamaci, and Tripepi, 2002, 381-386). Mr. Walker has been educated that non-pharmacologic or lifestyle measures are important not only to prevent hypertension, but his overall condition of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes, all will respond to such measures. He has been educated on basic dietary measures such as low-fat diet, low-salt diet, diet high in fruits and vegetables, and abstinence from alcohol would reduce his high blood pressure, hypercholesterolemia, blood sugar, and weight, which all together would reduce his risks of coronary artery disease (Chyun et al., 2003, 302-318). Mr. Walker has been educated on physical activity and has been demonstrated what kinds of activity may be suitable for him. He has also been alerted about resumption of physical activity very slowly following his myocardial infarction. He has been told that regular exercise increases work capacity. Training increases exercise capacity by increasing both maximal cardiac output and the ability to extract oxygen from the blood. Although he appeared less motivated about doing a regular exercise program, it was stressed repeatedly to him that regularity and persistence in such a program will help him (Ignarro, Balestrieri, and Napoli, 2007, 326-340). Mr. Walker has been given information on cessation of smoking since cigarette smoking is perhaps the most preventable known cause of CHD today, leading to more deaths

Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC), Canada Research Paper

Association of Consulting Engineering Companies (ACEC), Canada - Research Paper Example The sequential approach of ADDIE is also followed by the instructional design document. In first place the ACEC audience will be analyzed for future training needs, the success of the instructional design depends heavily on the accuracy of the needs analysis. This will provide the basis for the design selection which includes the course format and any sub-phases The second phase begins with instructional needs identified in the analysis part and the design of the instructional design is discussed by the designer. Instructional strategy, course format, and the medium of instruction will also be finalized at this stage. Finally the course will be developed to achieve the desired instructional goals for ACEC, Canada. The instructional plan will ensure the induction of relevant material will keep the course outline as short as possible. Keeping the interest of the audience alive is an important requirement in development phase. The implementation of the instructional design will finalize the plan rollout timings, logistic and availability of resources deemed necessary for the completion of the course. This includes administrative support and availability of training staff to conduct the course. In final phase of the ADDIE model the evaluation of the overall instructional design will be assessed in terms of trainee’s capacity building and company’s objective realization. The quality of evaluation lies in its objectivity and the strength it introduces in the instructional design. ... Training of newly inducted engineers Analysis of training facilities presently available Coaching facilities for affiliated Companies Instructional facilities for Advance Technologies Lack of Academic Staff Qualitative and Quantitative Needs Required Training facilities (Quantitative) Facilities for Advance Technologies (Qualitative) Needs identified for ACEC All new engineers are required to have comprehensive training before they can be actually deployed at a real life project (Felt Need) Training for advance technologies is mandatory for the Core Professional Engineers at ACEC (Anticipated Need) Association has to plan training for affiliated companies time and again and permanent training need exists under this category (Felt Need) Lack of academic staff (Felt Need) Trainers training (Comparative Need) Selected Need Training of newly inducted engineers Instructional facilities for Advance Technologies Training of Newly Inducted Engineers Need analysis of the ACEC has established a â€Å"Felt Need† of providing training to newly inducted engineers in ACEC. The engineers current performance and excellence is satisfactory however it does not match the mission statement for the ACEC, therefore suggests a gap between the existing and desired level of excellence. The need was established after a qualitative interview session conducted with engineers of various domains and was responded by 95% engineers in favor of initial training. Instructional Goal Polishing critical skills in fresh engineering graduates thus enabling them to produce quality engineering models. Performance-Based Objectives A – audience – Fresh Engineering Graduates B – behavior – Skill enhancement C – conditions – ACEC’ Excellence D – Getting quality engineering Models Instructional