Interview Questions Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Interview Questions - Assignment Example Applied Interview Questions The research initiative developed five interview questions that it administered to four individuals within the stated age groups. The following five questions were used, Who is your best friend? Why? Is it fair to judge people? Is it good to express anger? Does God really exist? At what age should people get married? Summary of Each Child’s Developmental Status Preschooler The child, at this stage, has not developed strong cognitive ability and is significantly immature as compared to an adult, with respect to reasoning. Thoughts appear to be specific, restricted, and offered only one at a time. At the same time, the child cannot connect occurrences with their causes to explain causal relationships. Even though members of the group can identify observations such as in nature, they still do not know what drives such occurrences. They also offer personalized responses to questions. In the interview, for instance, the child could identify her best frie nd but the reason for such friendship is misunderstood. This is because their often plays are a consequent of their closeness and not vice versa. The answer with respect to judgment also expresses the level of cognitive ability, as the child seems to have answered the question without considering factors around actions that might have lead to subject situations. Based on the response, the child thinks that people should be judged simply because of their involvement in an act without considering factors towards such actions. The same argument applies to the child’s response with respect to anger to mean that as long as people have emotions, they are free to express them without considering the emotions’ possible impacts. This is also observed in the other questions (Tuckman & Monetti, 2010). Elementary School Student A child’s development ability is more advanced at this stage and a higher level of reasoning is demonstrated. Even though much of the child’s thoughts are still self-centered, there is application of trial and error in application of logical reasoning. Operational reasoning towards comparability is, however, less developed within the age group who may miss rationality on value measurements. Results of the interview questions reflect the difference between the preschooler and the elementary school pupil. The child’s reason for his best friendship is for example more rational that that of the preschooler as it identifies a mutual relationship besides offer from the friend as a driver. Even though the response to the judgment question was not accompanied by the interviewee’s reason, the child’s opinion that it is not fair to judge people shows some rationality towards social and environmental factors that may force people into adverse actions. The other responses correspond to those offered by the preschooler and indicates that the two groups are close to each other in terms of cognitive development (Tu ckman & Monetti, 2010). Middle School Level Child The child at the middle level school has developed more ability that the previous two groups. The group can adequately apply rationale in comparing objects’ values, a property that was lacking in the preschooler and the elementary school children. The child has also, at this stage, developed operational abilities and

What is Segmentation Targeting and Positioning

What is Segmentation Targeting and Positioning As we studied the definition of marketing as understanding customer needs and working to satisfy their needs, but different customers have different tastes, needs, and wants. That means they do not want same products and services, hence the need of dividing the market comes into the picture.Finding potential market which has potential customer and satisfies organisational goal i.e. profit is done in dividing market or in other words Market Segmentation. Products or services offered by organisation should be landed off at right place. Segmentation emerges as a need for marketing managers when it is needed to make their product at right place. The concept of segmentation was introduced in 1956 by Smith, who defined it as viewing a heterogeneous market (one characterised bydivergent demand) as several smaller homogeneous markets [JOURNAL OF MARKETING MANAGEMENT, 2009, Vol. 25, No. 3-4, pp. 357-373 ISSN0267-257X print /ISSN1472-1376 online  © Westburn Publishers Ltd.] Obviously managers may wish to understand customers requirements in order to target product offerings and/or promotional messages but, as Hackley (2005, p. 15) observes, in many organisations segmentation becomes a defaultactivity. It is not possible to target everyone and some criteria have to be applied todivide consumers into manageable categories. [JOURNAL OF MARKETING MANAGEMENT, 2009, Vol. 25, No. 3-4, pp. 253-272 ISSN0267-257X print /ISSN1472-1376 online  © Westburn Publishers Ltd.] For instance, people who buy steel lintels in Japan use them in very similar ways to buyers of steel lintels in Germany. These similarities in the use of products have led many business-to-business marketers down the road of convenience segmentation i.e. a group of customers in France would be treated the same as a group of customers in Spain, except that the first group is spoken to in French and the second in Spanish. In other words, language is the criteria for segmentation and not needs. [Corporateauthor: by b2b marketing] Markets can be segmented in different way as there is array of option and no single prescribed way. There are three broader groups in which market can be segmented: Behavioural, Psychographic, Profile. Behavioural Variables: This variable is applied when the people in the market seek for products which benefit orientated. This variable include benefit sought, purchase occasion, purchase behaviour, usage, perceptions and beliefs. These included variables are applied for different products of parent companies before segmenting the market. Psychographic variables: This variable suggests grouping customers on their lifestyle and personality. These include lifestyle and personality. Profile Variables: this variable extends the study in depth to reach customers very efficiently. This includes age, gender, lifecycle, social class, income, geographic, and geo-demographic.The main reason being the modes of reaching customer are defined in this variable i.e. readership or viewership in different location, different age/gender, different income groups etc. Tyre industry segmentation process is simple and narrow because of less variety of parent products. Michelin had segmented its products on basis of utilization based on automotive industry. Their products and services have been widely segmented according to use and demographic. Their main emphasis is on demographic locations which clearly define that requirements are different for different areas. Michelin has divided its products and services globally as core product, value added services, innovation drive and engineering services. Core products include tires for different segments of use and requirement. Following figure illustrates Michelin product classification: [SOURCE: BERNSTEIN ANALYSIS, EUROPEAN TIRE MAKERS: SIGNIFICANT RESEARCH CONCLUSIONS ,] [SOURCE: CORPORATE HOST, JANAURY 2004, MICHELIN PERFORMANCE AND RESPONSIBILITY] Above diagram illustrates organisation of Michelin product lines into different areas of activity, with its own marketing, production and sales force. Special activities such as Digital Maps are handled by VIAMICHELIN and other accessories products in LIFESTYLE. Market segmentation of Michelin has done is as shown below: Targeting is mainly done using three broad strategies: Mass Marketing is way in which instead of analysing the differences of customers want we analyse similarities whichever may be the market segment. According to history of marketing, in early 19 century Coca Cola had adopted this strategy but as of now it had to change. Another example like distilled water manufacturers did not differentiate the market according to needs which still they follow up in some parts of world (for eg. Asia or Africa). They have a common product for all. This strategy is also called as undifferentiated marketing. [Armstrong] Selective Marketing, involves aiming selected product for selected segment of market. This strategy of segmentation is followed for every pocket, purpose and personality. This market coverage strategy results in stronger segment position and higher sales, but note that it also results in increased costs of separate marketing, research, forecasting, promotion, planning, and channel management.[Armstrong] Niche marketing, also called ad concentrated marketing mainly focuses on large share of one or few segments or niche. This strategy mainly helps the organisation to reduce RD concentration areas and expenses as they are focusing on limited set of customers i.e. one . [Armstrong] [Jobber 283,2010] For example, visualize the mass marketing person as standing smack in the middle of a major league park. On the ground, in front of this person, is a large pile of various denominations of currency. The mass marketing person just set this pile of currency on fire. He wants to attract the attention of the seated spectators using the smoke from the burning currency. He has put out the word that smoke from burning currency will clear all eight sinus cavities. Since the ballpark is so huge, by the time the smoke reaches the parks perimeter, it will be severely diluted by the size of the park and the distance from the fire to the spectators. Although the spectators might know about its benefits, the area is so spread out that theyll hardly smell the smoke. The end result will be minimal unless a tremendous amount of currency is set on fire to produce much more smoke. On the other hand, I see a niche marketing person as someone who takes the same pile of dollar bills, goes over to a pre-determined section of the bleachers then sets his pile on fire. He knows, from prior research, that the crowds in that section of the bleachers are interested in clearing their sinuses. Because of the smaller area, they will also be able to strongly smell the burning currency. The niche marketer will have better results using the same amount of money because its impact is targeted.Whether its a baseball field, the printed media or the Internet the results will be the same. That is, its much easier to attract the attention of a smaller crowd that youve identified as being interested in what you have to offer. (Corporate author:http://marketing.about.com/cs/advertising/a/nichevsmass.htm) Positioningis mainly done to locate the product level in market place. This variable involves creating distinct market value by providing competitive advantage. Where is product to be launched, when is to be launched, how to be marketed. This can be done effectively and successfully by implementing strong marketing mix, in which involves providing product and services to customer with differential advantage. Providing additional features, valued images created by advertising, better distribution. [jobber p285,2010] Michelin has laid importance to targeting and positioning in valuable way. They have advertised them using their legendry brand ambassador BIBENDUMto reach their customers. Their advertisements empower their strengths for customer attraction. They have clearly aimed these advertisements to attract their customer who are more focused towards quality, product life, product performance and positive effects, product durability and reliability in weather conditions. MICHELIN products having tag lines on their advertisements as : LASTS UP TO 25% LONGER, ITS TIME TO FIGHT BACK FUEL EFFICIRNT TYRES, THE RIGHT TYRE CHANGES EVERYTHING, Hence, examples of tag lines incorporated by Michelin have added a brand value as well as competitive advantage in existing market.

Essay --

The first time I happened to know about computer networks was when in my third semester, I attended a lecture on networking by one of the university professors. This lecture had left me awed. With the increased curiosity in this field of networking, I enrolled myself in a course called "Networks". Within this course, I got an opportunity to work on various switched networks, FTP, DNS, DHCP, NFS and Telnet configurations, shell programming, apache web server, structured cabling, firewall services, configuring send mail and some countermeasures for hacking. The ample amount of hands-on experience and tests that they had made us take, was sufficient to evoke a propensity towards networking. Since then, there has been no looking back. Very early in my life I realised my penchant for engineering which made me take up diploma in electronics and communication right after school. The experience of studying in a prestigious institute like Vivekanand Education Society’s Polytechnic, Mumbai, acted as a web where engineering concepts gripped my mind. Subjects such as Computer fundamentals and Digital communications compelled me to dig deeper and explore more into this field. I ranked 2nd in the institute and 16th in the final academic year across the Maharashtra state, is a testimony to the fact that I strive to do my best at anything that I commit to. This helped me build a strong foundation which in turn opened the doors to Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, one of the premier institutes affiliated to Mumbai University, to pursue my degree in Electronics and Telecommunication engineering. My experience as an undergraduate student at this institute has played a vital role in shaping my interest towards networki ng. The rigorous curriculum ... ...ffered by Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the North Carolina State University being particularly in tune with global industry demands and recent developments will undoubtedly provide me with unique learning opportunities. I see at the North Carolina State University the chance to acquire the skills that will allow me to develop as a true leader in my professional realm through my exposure to on-going research initiatives such as the work being carried out by Dr.Jayant Baliga in the scope of Networking. I desire to pursue PhD in network securities taking my interest further in this field. As a high-achiever and an individual driven by her passion, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity provided to me. I can assure you that my admission into your University’s MS program will be met with the highest level of commitment and dedication. Essay -- The first time I happened to know about computer networks was when in my third semester, I attended a lecture on networking by one of the university professors. This lecture had left me awed. With the increased curiosity in this field of networking, I enrolled myself in a course called "Networks". Within this course, I got an opportunity to work on various switched networks, FTP, DNS, DHCP, NFS and Telnet configurations, shell programming, apache web server, structured cabling, firewall services, configuring send mail and some countermeasures for hacking. The ample amount of hands-on experience and tests that they had made us take, was sufficient to evoke a propensity towards networking. Since then, there has been no looking back. Very early in my life I realised my penchant for engineering which made me take up diploma in electronics and communication right after school. The experience of studying in a prestigious institute like Vivekanand Education Society’s Polytechnic, Mumbai, acted as a web where engineering concepts gripped my mind. Subjects such as Computer fundamentals and Digital communications compelled me to dig deeper and explore more into this field. I ranked 2nd in the institute and 16th in the final academic year across the Maharashtra state, is a testimony to the fact that I strive to do my best at anything that I commit to. This helped me build a strong foundation which in turn opened the doors to Sardar Patel Institute of Technology, one of the premier institutes affiliated to Mumbai University, to pursue my degree in Electronics and Telecommunication engineering. My experience as an undergraduate student at this institute has played a vital role in shaping my interest towards networki ng. The rigorous curriculum ... ...ffered by Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the North Carolina State University being particularly in tune with global industry demands and recent developments will undoubtedly provide me with unique learning opportunities. I see at the North Carolina State University the chance to acquire the skills that will allow me to develop as a true leader in my professional realm through my exposure to on-going research initiatives such as the work being carried out by Dr.Jayant Baliga in the scope of Networking. I desire to pursue PhD in network securities taking my interest further in this field. As a high-achiever and an individual driven by her passion, I am determined to make the most of every opportunity provided to me. I can assure you that my admission into your University’s MS program will be met with the highest level of commitment and dedication.

Holmes

Herman Webster Midget was the first American serial killer the terrorized Chicago in the late sass's, yet he was a slave to his own mind and his own disorders. Herman, who Is also famous as H. H. Holmes had two personality disorders that drove him to commit the actions that he committed. Evidence shows that Holmes had personality disorders Like narcissistic personality disorder and antisocial personality disorder. H. H Holmes shows signs of antisocial personality disorder in many ways. To begin with, Midget started at an early age torturing animals (CNN).He used to be afraid of actors but one day he had an experience with a skeleton and after that he was changed forever. Also in his famous castle there was remains of bodies in the basement with pure evidence of torture. It is evident that Dry. Holmes tortured these young women with no evidence of any remorse. (How Stuff Works). Dry. Holmes himself that he was slowly and slowly turning into the devil since he didn't feel any remorse o r anything of such towards his victims (H. H. Holmes; Master of Illusion, chapter 17).The treatment for antisocial personality disorder Is very tricky but usually most actors use operant conditioning-rewarding the good actions and punishing the Illegal ones-(Notational Library of Medicine). Of course such treatment was not present In the time of Dry. Holmes so he had no way of getting help. Another personality disorder Dry. Holmes had was narcissistic personality disorder. Narcissistic personality disorder is when a person has an inflated self image and inflated goals that he will stop at nothing to achieve them.This was the case with Midget, as a matter of fact, Herman killed his con-partner in order to perfect a con on an insurance company to get some extra money. H. H. Holmes; Master of Illusion, chapter 3). Having shown that he doesn't really care about his friend or anyone he supposedly had an emotional attachment with, he proved that he has narcissistic personality disorder. T his might be caused by his father's beating to him and his abuse. The only way to truly treat that Is through talk therapy so he can try to form deeper connections with people he should be familiar Walt(Notational Library of Medicine).Again, this kind of treatment wasn't available in the time of Dry. H. H. Holmes so he had no opportunity to seek help. Some people might argue that Dry. Midget had a form of fetishism paraphernalia since he picked out his victims to be young blonde women. Thyrotrophic, or attraction you hair could have been the reason for his choice of victims (Right Diagnosis). The treatments of this include psychoanalysis, hypnosis, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, drug therapy(Relight Diagnosis). It's very unclear whether he had this disorder or not. All In all Dry. H H Holmes had a lot of personality disorders that led him to become the monster he was.

A Person Who I Admire

A person who I admire A person who I admire is an interesting topic. I believe you can admire more than one person. A typical admiration I have seen is when people boy, are admiring a very famous singer, actor etc. although it is typical, it is still a good admiration because you can use that person as your role model or idol. Fx. If your role model is a sportsman, then you can admire his performing skills, and maybe learn something from him or her. But trough my life I have admired many persons, friends, older people, teachers, etc.All these people have given me experiences and personal abilities which I have acquired with help from them. My opinion is that I cannot admire one person specially. When I admire someone I respect the person’s character. After my experience I also admire someone when I am in his presence. A person who can change a bad day to a good day, fx my mother. My mother is defiantly one of my top 3 list over admired persons. Just imagine without your mother you would not exist. Everyone should admire how housemothers are struggling to raise there children’s.I am indeed of her proud of my mother, it is because of her that I am that what I am today. When I always have been in a bad mood my mother opened up my minds to look at things in a different perspective. Fx when I has had a problem she shared her experiences with me and learned me to tackle every situation. Another important person who I likes to admire is my father. A father and a mother is an admirable couple that forms a basis of a children’s life. My parents are like advisers, I can talk to them when I need help.They are motivating me to achieve my goal. I promised myself when I grow older and start a family, i will tell my children’s about my childhood and how I admired my parents. At least my expectation for myself is that I can be a loved parent. I really hope that I will have the same kindness that my parents have. My parents taught me that I can have a good life in 2 ways. The first one is a life full of material comforts, good economy, good education, and high position in the society.The second one is life where you are satisfied with your life, and when you have a good family and good friends, but it doesn’t mean it is an opposite life where you live in extreme poorness you have some material comforts. But let’s say that you lose some money. Then you should not get sad and frustrated because there is something more important than money in our lives. I have a friend at my soccerteam. Once a time he told me about his childhood, and that before he came to Denmark he had lived in Afghanistan. He was 4 when he and his family escaped from war.He said that he lived a good life in Afghanistan. His father owned a company, and they have a good economic. But when the war started the family was forced to run away from the country. Now his father is a cleaner and his mother is on social society. But even though he had been th rough that he is still happy that he lives in peacefully Denmark. That’s a life my parents taught it is possible to live a life with happiness without being a millionaire. That is what I most admire my parents for, teaching me about life.I think every human on this planet should admire his parents and look up to them, am proud of being there child. Without my father I would not know how to be a man. No one can reprove me like my father. If a child grows up without a father he is missing some basic abilities. The same is if a girl child grows up without a mother something will be missing. My parents have done a lot to me, they have sacrified time, nerves, and energy just to raise me up, and I have not forgotten all that hard work. That’s why im not just admiring them but also respecting them when they are giving me orders.I am helping them with assignments. Finally I very appreciate them for after my opinion being the best parents for me. My parents are them who I admir e most, I don’t know exactly why but your parents will always be there for you. A friend or some other randomly people are not the same as your parents. When you admire you parents they are admiring you too, that’s maybe not the same to other people. You like them but maybe they don’t like you. Even when my parents die I will remember them in my mind and there soul and goodness will still be living in me.

Correspondence Rule and Qunie-duhem theory essays

Correspondence Rule and Qunie-duhem theory essays A correspondence rule (c-rule) is when observational and theoretical terms are put together to form a specific definition. Science has evolved through this by positivists by combining theoretical and mathematical logic. The c-rule is the basis for all positivists. The bioconditional affect though is that which connects observations to theories through and if and only if stance. By using mathematical logic, positivists have concluded that there are 5 rules that are the essence of the c-rule. To start, one must have a quantifier(s) to state what the observational object is under scrutiny. Next the positivist would add mathematical logic to the equation through the use of symbols. The results are then determined as observational and/or theoretical terms, applying naturally to the laws of nature. The reasons behind this logic though are simple. Positivists wanted to discredit the fact that science and experimentation are subjective. By creating a standard way of testing and interpr eting results through mathematics, science now becomes universal and objective. People still try to discredit positivism though. They say that positivists use subjunctive mathematics rather objective mathematics. Through these accusations, positivists take a mighty blow and become nearly wholly discredited. By saying that positivists are subjunctive, one is saying that positivists add to the disorder of the experiment by using theory over fact. If a positivist came to me with an experiment on how to get better tire traction on a race track I, being a skeptic, could discredit him by saying that his logic falls on the theoretical side and is therefore subjunctive. Now to argue against me, the positivist would go out to the  ¼ mile strip and lessen the air pressure of his front tires, creating more tire to track surface area (assuming the car is FWD as well). He has now proved t ...

Free Essays on Mending Wall

â€Å"Mending Wall† by Robert Frost assesses the relationship between two neighbors who join in the annual refurbishing of the stone wall that separates their land. The culprit of the damage is evident and mysterious. Repairs caused by intruding hunters are made often, so the responsible force remains unclear. The narrator mentions the â€Å"something there is that doesn’t love a wall, that wants it down.† This â€Å"something† is unidentified and unexplained, which leaves the reader to his imagination Frost uses the imagery of the wall to depict man’s separation from man and nature. The poem illustrates two diverse characters with profound differences in their perception of what the wall represents. He offers no answer regarding who’s right or wrong, but again, a plethora of room for one’s own interpretation. The mischievous narrator tells the story of himself and his neighbor getting together each spring to mend holes that appeared in the wall. He describes these holes as â€Å"gaps even two can pass abreast.† He owns an apple orchard and finds himself questioning the purpose of the wall since there aren’t any cows to keep from eating his apples. He doesn’t quite understand what they are â€Å"walling in or walling out.† He has a playful notion in his mind when he suggests that it was elves they should keep out. He also adds humor by saying that his apples couldn’t cross the property line to eat his neighbors' pinecones. Regardless of these playful thoughts, the narrator truly wants to build a friendship rather than rebuild what he feels is a barrier to it. He doesn’t want to keep the old wall because he believes that it serves no modern purpose and acts as a barrier that stops a man’s quest to connect with nature and mankind itself. The neighbor has a completely different perception of what the stone wall represents. He relies on traditional wisdom that was passed down from his father. Twice in the poe... Free Essays on Mending Wall Free Essays on Mending Wall There is a lot happening in Robert Frost’s poem, â€Å"Mending Wall† (1914) and as a result, there can be many different valid interpretations of the poem. The time period in which it was written, the form, and the content all correspond to each other in very important ways. These three factors lead me to believe that the poem is much more then just a commentary on one man’s feelings about repairing an old wall. The year 1914 is, in my opinion, the most important outside factor when discussing the work. The obvious reason being that it was a very pivotal year in World War I, but it was also a time when Women’s Rights were being debated, and it was not so long after the end of the Civil War. That being said, the issues that those facts bring to mind – destruction/death on a large scale, feminism/challenging tradition, slavery/racism – play important roles in what the overall message of the poem is. â€Å"Mending Wall†, in my opinion, is a poem that challenges old values and ideas of the status quo.... Free Essays on Mending Wall â€Å"Mending Wall† by Robert Frost assesses the relationship between two neighbors who join in the annual refurbishing of the stone wall that separates their land. The culprit of the damage is evident and mysterious. Repairs caused by intruding hunters are made often, so the responsible force remains unclear. The narrator mentions the â€Å"something there is that doesn’t love a wall, that wants it down.† This â€Å"something† is unidentified and unexplained, which leaves the reader to his imagination Frost uses the imagery of the wall to depict man’s separation from man and nature. The poem illustrates two diverse characters with profound differences in their perception of what the wall represents. He offers no answer regarding who’s right or wrong, but again, a plethora of room for one’s own interpretation. The mischievous narrator tells the story of himself and his neighbor getting together each spring to mend holes that appeared in the wall. He describes these holes as â€Å"gaps even two can pass abreast.† He owns an apple orchard and finds himself questioning the purpose of the wall since there aren’t any cows to keep from eating his apples. He doesn’t quite understand what they are â€Å"walling in or walling out.† He has a playful notion in his mind when he suggests that it was elves they should keep out. He also adds humor by saying that his apples couldn’t cross the property line to eat his neighbors' pinecones. Regardless of these playful thoughts, the narrator truly wants to build a friendship rather than rebuild what he feels is a barrier to it. He doesn’t want to keep the old wall because he believes that it serves no modern purpose and acts as a barrier that stops a man’s quest to connect with nature and mankind itself. The neighbor has a completely different perception of what the stone wall represents. He relies on traditional wisdom that was passed down from his father. Twice in the poe...

Easter Celebrations Origins and Customs

Easter Celebrations Origins and Customs The meaning of the many different customs observed during Easter Sunday have been buried with time. Their origins lie in both pre-Christian religions and Christianity. In one way or another all the customs are a salute to spring marking re-birth. The white Easter lily has come to capture the glory of the holiday. The word Easter is named after Eastre, the Anglo-Saxon goddess of spring. A festival was held in her honor every year at the vernal equinox. People celebrate Easter according to their beliefs and their religious denominations. Christians commemorate Good Friday as the day that Jesus Christ died and Easter Sunday as the day that He was resurrected. Protestant settlers brought the custom of a sunrise service, a religious gathering at dawn, to the United States. Who is the Easter Bunny? The Easter Bunny is a rabbit-spirit. Long ago, he was called the Easter Hare, hares and rabbits have frequent multiple births so they became a symbol of fertility. The custom of an Easter egg hunt began because children believed that hares laid eggs in the grass. The Romans believed that All life comes from an egg. Christians consider eggs to be the seed of life and so they are symbolic of the resurrection of Jesus Christ. Why we dye, or color, and decorate eggs is not certain. In ancient Egypt, Greece, Rome and Persia eggs were dyed for spring festivals. In medieval Europe, beautifully decorated eggs were given as gifts. Easter Egg Photo Gallery Continue Egg Rolling In England, Germany and some other countries, children rolled eggs down hills on Easter morning, a game which has been connected to the rolling away of the rock from Jesus Christs tomb when he was resurrected. British settlers brought this custom to the New World. Dolly Madison - Queen of Egg Rolling Easter Parades Good Friday is a federal holiday in 16 states and many schools and businesses throughout the U.S. are closed on this Friday. Continue Strange Easter Patents

Health Care Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Health Care Analysis - Essay Example nal environment; apart from this issue, the various stages of the implementation of the specific computer application will be also presented in this report (as analytically as possible). At the same time the advantages of this system and its overall impact on the performance of the East London Clinic but also on the development of the knowledge management of the health care sector will be explained. Any necessary modification made to the system prior to its implementation in the specific organization is identified and evaluated taking into account the characteristics of the particular industrial sector and the position of the firm within its industry. The Interactive Order System is among the computer applications that were implemented in the East London Clinic the last 2 years aiming to support the improvement of the services provided to clients and contribute to the limitation of the time required for the completion of various tasks. The implementation of the specific computer application was completed a month ago. Since then, despite the relatively short term, a significant improvement has been observed in the delivery of orders and the assignment of tasks to the doctors/ nurses across the Clinic. The specific system offers to the employees of the administrative department of the Clinic the ability to accept the orders quickly (by choosing among existed forms) and save the data received into easy to identify folders – the system provides a set of pre-structured choices (tasks/ categories) being adapted to the needs of each particular healthcare organization. One of the most important characteristics of this system is it s interactive feature – i.e. the ability offered to customers/ patients to communicate directly with the administrators in the Clinic placing their order for specific healthcare services. It is the specific feature that has helped towards the improvement of the performance of the East London Clinic (increase of the number of orders received,

E-commerce law in European Union Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

E-commerce law in European Union - Essay Example To quote the report, most retailers "still seem to operate on the assumption that the internal market is partitioned along national lines".1 Doubts over the enforcement of e-commerce laws among the member countries of the European Union have been expressed by stakeholder groups like the European Digital Rights (EDRi). Concerns regarding the future of electronic commerce in the E.U. internal market have arisen because of insufficient surety of legal action by the governments, institutions and private parties. It is said that lack of certainty resulting in legal action may undermine human rights such as freedom of expression, freedom of information, freedom of thought, freedom of creation, the right to education, as well as the rights to privacy and the protection of personal data.2 2 â€Å"EU E-Commerce Law May Undermine Human Rights, Group Says†. IDG News. 11 Nov. 2010. http://www.pcworld.com/businesscenter/article/210408/eu_ecommerce_law_may_undermine_human_rights_group_says.html The governments, industry groups and E.U. are looking to tighten online privacy to protect user data. As per the Wall Street report, paper work is in processing stage to create â€Å""A comprehensive approach on personal data protection in the European Union." The E.U. member states view the protection of personal data a fundamental right while on the other hand the Digital Due Process coalition, an industry group with members such as Google, eBay, Microsoft, AT&T, the ACLU and Americans for Tax Reform have different plans on privacy reforms. They are against any more protections. Conflicting stakes have created the need to define and enforce rules clearly and limit the undue interference of the regulators.3 As per the new strategy paper of the European Commission, â€Å"People should be able to give their informed consent to the processing of their personal data,† the European Commission said Thursday in a new strategy paper. The E.U. has finally decided to

Cause of china's one child policy (argumentative research paper) Paper

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Marketing Plan for SmartTravel App Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 8

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Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Physics Instrumentation

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Physics Instrumentation TITLE : MRI IMAGE ARTIFACTS MOHAMAD AL-HAFIZ BIN IBRAHIM Name of Student: Mohamad Al-Hafiz bin Ibrahim TABLE OF CONTENTS (Jump to) LIST OF FIGURES 1.0 INTRODUCTION 2.0 MRI ARTIFACTS 2.1 RF leakage 2.2 Aliasing 2.3 Patient motion 2.4 Gibbs Truncation 2.5 Chemical Shift 2.6 Magnetic Susceptibility 2.7 Flow Motion 3.0 CONCLUSION 4.0 REFERENCES LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1: Zipper Artifact may appear as horizontal line across the image Figure 2: The part of the body that outside the FOV is mismapped within the FOV. Figure 3:The appearances of ghost lines at the anterior to the abdominal wall Figure 4: Image shown the effect of head movement or motion during MR scanning Figure 5: Bright and dark lines are visible in image Figure 6: Arrow show dark line at the interface of fat and water . Figure 7: MR image shown massive distortion of magnetic field . Figure 8: (a) CSF pulsation-related artifact in the phase encoding direction in T2-weighted image while (b) show reduction of flow artefact 1.0 INTRODUCTION Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is one of the medical imaging and diagnosis technique which widely used due to its capability to produce high resolution of cross- sectional anatomical images and high tissues contrast. Eventhough MRI has various advantageous features, but still there are numerous sources of artifacts either patient-related, signal processing-dependent and hardware (machine) related (Erasmus, Hurter, Naudà ©, Kritzinger, Acho, 2004). Definitely, artifacts can degrade the image quality and may mimicking pathology or obscure the abnormalities which can lead to misdiagnosis of MRI images. The MRI artifact can be defined as a structure or feature appearing in MRI image produced by artificial means which is not originate within the scanned object (Erasmus et al., 2004). Commonly, MRI artifacts can be caused by RF leakage, aliasing, patient motion, Gibbs, truncation, chemical shift, magnetic susceptibility and flow motion. 2.0 MRI ARTIFACTS 2.1 RF leakage Cause This artifact also known as Zipper artifact. It occurs when there are leakage of RF or electromagnetic energy generated from certain equipment into MRI system (Stadler, Schima, Ba-Ssalamah, Kettenbach, Eisenhuber, 2007). This extrinsic RF came at a certain frequency then interferes with MRI signal produced by patient. The potential sources of the extrinsic RF are due to penetration of the RF into the shielded scanning room especially when the door is open during images acquisition (Ruan, 2013). After that, the RF will be picked up by the receiver chain of the image sub system (Zhuo Gullapalli, 2006). This RF perhaps generated by radio, illumination or electronic device such as monitoring equipment in the surrounding (Stadler et al., 2007). Remedy In order to overcome this artifact, the operator should identified and eliminate the possible source of the penetration. It can be done by ensure the door of the MR room remain closed during scanning, use only MR compatible MR monitor equipment, and remove the external RF source from the surrounding (Ruan, 2013). Figure 1: Zipper Artifact may appear as horizontal line across the image (Allen, n.d.). 2.2 Aliasing Cause Aliasing or wrap around artifacts can be describe as an artifacts that caused by anatomy that lies outside of field of view (FOV) mismapped within the FOV (Westbrook, Roth, Talbot, 2011). This is because of improper selection of parameter in MR systems especially FOV. The FOV in MRI means the anatomical area that should be covered or imaged during scanning (Morelli et al., 2011). When the selected FOV is smaller than the size of area that should be imaged means the data are under-sampled (Ruan, 2013). Therefore, there are high chances for signals from the outside FOV falsely detect then create an interference with signal within FOV and encode on the reconstructed images thus ‘wrap around’ to the opposite side of image which become aliasing artifacts (Erasmus et al., 2004). Westbrook et al., (2011) state that aliasing artefact can happen along frequency encoding axis (frequency wrap) and phase encoding axis (phase wrap). Remedy Basically, this aliasing artifacts can be eliminated through increase the sampling rate or oversampling along the frequency direction (Westbrook et al., 2011). However, high pass and low pass filter should be used as well in order to filter out frequency outside the FOV which can increase noise in image (Hiroshi, Schlechtweg, Kose, 2009). Besides that, selection of receiver coil which unable to excite or detect the signals from anatomical tissues that lying outside the FOV also important to minimise the artifacts (Ruan, 2013). Lastly, No Phase Wrap (NPW), Phase oversampling or Fold Over supression techniques is also preferred to avoid aliasing artefact by oversamples in phase direction, thus, the phase curve get to extends and cover wider signal producing structures (Westbrook et al., 2011). Figure 2: The part of the body that outside the FOV is mismapped within the FOV and located at the opposite side of the image (Prashant, 2014). 2.3 Patient motion Cause Patient motion artifact is a very most common artefact in MRI. It is caused by movement of anatomical structure during imaging sequence (Zhuo Gullapalli, 2006). There is a broad range of examples of structure movement such as heart or arterial pulsations, respiration process, peristalsis, tremor (Parkinson’s disease) and gross movement of patient (Stadler et al., 2007). Hence, if there is a scanned anatomical part moved during the scanning, the phase gradient cannot predict and encode the signal, thus, that structures will be misplaced in phased encoding direction. As a result, it will causes MR images shown the appearances of mismapping, blurring and ghosting artefact within it (Westbrook et al., 2011). Remedy There are several ways to eliminate or avoid the patient motion artifacts. The remedies are nullifies signal by applying pre-saturation pulses over the area which have potential to produce artifacts (Stadler et al., 2007). This way is more effective to prevent ghosting during patient swallowing. Besides that, Westbrook et al (2011) proposed that attaching a set of bellows over patient’s chest in respiratory compensation which is also known as respiratory ordered phase encoding (ROPE) might help to minimize ghosting in longer sequences while in short sequences, cooperation from patient to hold their breath during scanning is preferred. Next,cardiac gating also plays role in reducing this kind of artefact. For example, electrocardiogram (ECG) gating used to monitors cardiac motion that trigger the excitation pulse. Hence, each excitation pulse in each slice can be timed and acquired at the same phase of cardiac cycle (Westbrook et al., 2011). In the other hand, asking for patient cooperation for keeping still, clear explanation about procedures, and optimize the patient’s comfortability are important to make them immobilize during scanning (Hiroshi et al., 2009). Figure 3:The appearances of ghost lines at the anterior to the abdominal wall indicate as motion artifact because of breathing (Zhuo Gullapalli, 2006). Figure 4: Image shown the effect of head movement or motion during MR scanning (Hornak, n.d.) 2.4 Gibbs Truncation Cause Truncation artefact also can be called as Gibbs Ringing artefact (Czervionke, Czervionke, Daniels, Hauhgton, 1988). Its happen as result of It is causes by abrupt undersampling of data that results in incorrect representation of high and low signals interfaces (Westbrook et al., 2011). That problems lead to visibility of fine lines in MR image and also respectively caused by incomplete digitization of the echo (Ruan, 2013). However, according to Erasmus et al.,(2004), alternating dark and bright lines may visible in image due to a sharp transition in signal intensity. Remedy In order to correct this type of artefact, there are several ways that can be used. For example, increase the matrix size, 256 x 256 instead of 256 x 128 (Westbrook et al., 2011). Next, applying various filters to k-space data before Fourier transform also should be considered (Erasmus et al., 2004). Besides that, provide more phase encoding steps also preferred to make truncation or gibbs artifacts less intense and narrower (www.mr-tip.com, n.d.). Figure 5: Bright and dark lines are visible in image parallel and adjacent to the outer convexity of calvaria (Prashant, 2014). 2.5 Chemical Shift Cause This type of artifact commonly found in MRI image of abdominal and spine imaging. Since fat and water each consist of hydrogen protons but different combination of molecules, fat contain hydrogen binds with carbon,while in water, hydrogen combine with oxygen (Westbrook et al., 2011). Hence, that different chemical environment exist shown that there are different precession frequency between fat and water which fat has lower precessional frequency rather than water (Erasmus et al., 2004). Based on the Larmor equation, precessional frequency is proportional to the strength of magnetic field (Westbrook et al., 2011). Therefore, this chemical shift can become artifact due to that difference of the precessional frequency between fat and water at higher field of magnetic strengths during the frequency encoding or slice-select directions (Ruan, 2013). That frequency is basically used to encode their spatial positions, thus, any chemical shift can lead to spatial misregistration of the MR si gnal (Morelli et al., 2011). MR images will show the bright or dark outlines at fat-water interfaces as the artefact. Remedy To avoid this artefact , a few remedies should be considered such as perform scanning at low magnetic field strength, increase the receive bandwidth in keeping with good signal-noise-ratio (SNR) (Westbrook et al., 2011) . It is also suggested to use minimum FOV as possible. Lastly, swapping phase and encoding direction also may useful to reduce this artefact (Hiroshi et al., 2009). Figure 6: Arrow show dark line at the interface of fat and water indicate as chemical shift artefact (Javan, Rear, Machin, 2011). 2.6 Magnetic Susceptibility Cause Susceptibilty can be refer as characteristic of substance which be magnetized when exposed to magnetic field (Gary, n.d.). MRI physics explain magnetic susceptibility artifacts normally happens because of substance or material especially ferromagnetic materials and also at air-tissues interface which have different degree of magnetic susceptibility that can distort the external magnetic field when placed in large magnetic field. Besides that, the differences also lead to magnetic field inhomogeneity at the scanner region resulting in spins dephase faster and frequency shift between surrounding tissues (Zhuo Gullapalli, 2006). Artifacts in the image will appear as bright and dark areas with spatial distortion of anatomical structures (Stadler et al., 2007). Remedy Generally, these artifacts can be reduced by ensure all metal objects that attached to the patient has been removed before the scan. Next, spin echo sequences are more preferred to be used instead of gradient echo because it use 180 ° RF rephasing pulse which ideal at compensating for phase differentiation between fat and water (Westbrook et al., 2011). Since fast spin echo techniques also contribute in reduction of this type of artefact, hence, short TE is used along with spin echo (Stadler et al., 2007). Metal Artefact Reduction Sequence (MARS) technique can be used in order to minimize the size and intensity of this artifact which developed by magnetic field distortion by introducing an additional gradient following the slice gradient during frequency encoding gradient is used (Olsen, Munk, Lee, 2000). Figure 7: MR image shown massive distortion of magnetic field due to implanted dental retention system (Schubert, 2012). 2.7 Flow Motion Cause Flow artefact can be categorized as one kind of motion artefact which mainly caused by natural motion of liquids such as blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in the body. For example, hydrogen nuclei in blood flow within the scanned slice may trigger excitation from an incoming RF pulse, however, the signal perhaps cannot be readout due to possibility of that flowing blood have left the slice (Hiroshi et al., 2009). As a result, vessels image appear empty or low signal intensity (less bright). Generally, there are reasons of low signal intensity such as intravascular signal void by time of flight effects, first echo dephasing and fast flow (Hiroshi et al., 2009). Nevertheless, this artifacts also can appear bright or high signal intensity. This is because of the slow blood flow (flow related enhancement), even echo rephrasing and diastolic pseudogating (Hiroshi et al., 2009). Remedy The preferred solutions as remedies for flow motion artifacts are by reduction of phase shifts using flow compensation in order to produce gradient moment nulling, suppress the blood signal by apply saturation pulses parallel to slices and synchronization of imaging sequences with cardiac cycle using cardiac triggering (Zhuo Gullapalli, 2006). Figure 8: (a) CSF pulsation-related artifact in the phase encoding direction in T2-weighted image while (b) show reduction of flow artefact with gradient moment nulling (Morelli et al., 2011). 3.0 CONCLUSION It is important for all operators, radiologist and engineers in MRI are able to recognize common MRI artifacts because there are a broad of range of cause that contributing to artefact. Eventhough, artifacts are unable to be totally eliminated but it can be minimized or avoided with specifics remedies in order to improve the MR image quality (Morelli et al., 2011). Therefore, basic knowledge of MRI artifacts should be learned and all MRI system operators should familiar with their MRI unit in department. 4.0 REFERENCES Allen, E. D. (n.d.). Zipper and Related Artifacts. Retrieved May 9, 2015, from http://mri-q.com/zipper-artifact.html Czervionke, L. F., Czervionke, J. M., Daniels, D. L., Hauhgton, V. M. (1988). Characteristic features of MR truncation artifacts. American Journal of Roentgenology, 151, 1219–1228. http://doi.org/10.2214/ajr.151.6.1219 Erasmus, L. J., Hurter, D., Naudà ©, M., Kritzinger, H. G., Acho, S. (2004). REVIEW ARTICLE: A Short Overview of MRI Artefacts. SA Journal of Radiology, 8(August), 13–17. http://doi.org/10.1021/jp1019944 Gary, P. L. (n.d.). What is MRIà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¯? Magnetic Resonance Imaging ( MRI ). Hiroshi, Y., Schlechtweg, P., Kose, K. (2009). Magnetic Resonance Imaging. Imaging of Arthritis and Metabolic Bone Disease:Expert Consult Online and Print, p34–48. http://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511549854.007 Hornak, J. P. (n.d.). The Basics of MRI: Image Artifacts. Retrieved May 9, 2015, from https://www.cis.rit.edu/htbooks/mri/chap-11/chap-11.htm Javan, R., Rear, J. R. O., Machin, J. E. (2011). Fundamentals Behind the 10 Most Common Magnetic Resonance Imaging Artifacts with Correction Strategies and. European Society of Radiology, 1–78. http://doi.org/10.1594/ecr2011/C-1248 Morelli, J. N., Runge, V. M., Ai, F., Attenberger, U., Vu, L., Schmeets, S. H., †¦ Kirsch, J. E. (2011). An image-based approach to understanding the physics of MR artifacts. Radiographicsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¯: A Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc, 31, 849–866. http://doi.org/10.1148/rg.313105115 Olsen, R. V, Munk, P. L., Lee, M. J. (2000). Metal Artifact Reduction Sequence: Early Clinical Applications. Radiographicsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¯: A Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc, 20, 699–712. Prashant, M. (2014). Aliasing artifacts. Retrieved May 11, 2015, from http://radiopaedia.org/cases/aliasing-artifacts Ruan, C. (2013). MRI Artifactsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¯: Mechanism and Control. Personal Conclusion, 1–9. Schubert, R. (2012). Magnetic susceptibility artifact. Retrieved May 9, 2015, from http://radiopaedia.org/cases/magnetic-susceptibility-artifact Stadler, A., Schima, W., Ba-Ssalamah, A., Kettenbach, J., Eisenhuber, E. (2007). Artifacts in body MR imaging: Their appearance and how to eliminate them. European Radiology, 17, 1242–1255. http://doi.org/10.1007/s00330-006-0470-4 Westbrook, C., Roth, C. K., Talbot, J. (2011). MRI In Practice (4th Editio, pp. 225–260). United Kingdom: Blackwell Publishing Ltd. www.mr-tip.com. (n.d.). MRI Artifacts. Retrieved May 8, 2015, from http://www.mr-tip.com/serv1.php?type=artsub=Gibbs Artifact Zhuo, J., Gullapalli, R. P. (2006). AAPM/RSNA physics tutorial for residents: MR artifacts, safety, and quality control. Radiographicsà ¢Ã¢â€š ¬Ã‚ ¯: A Review Publication of the Radiological Society of North America, Inc, 26, 275–297. http://doi.org/10.1148/rg.261055134

Videogames Don?t Kill People, People Kill People Essay -- essays resea

Videogames Don’t Kill People, People Kill People Every generation has pointed a finger at the recreational pastimes of young persons, accusing that these activities lead our nations youth astray and induce violent or antisocial behavior. Novels, music, TV, movies, and now the finger is pointing straight at one of the newest and quickest growing youth pastimes; videogames. This particular pastime differs from others in their reality and scope for direct participation, therefore allowing the crusty old curmudgeons to conclude that playing them leads all young people to commit acts of violence.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Numerous studies have been conducted to determine whether or not there is a direct link between violent tendencies and videogames. Some tests claim there is a definite link, others refute it, but both often show very shaky statistics. Most tests simply prove inconclusive. According to an article by Anne D. Walling, a recent study by Drs Bensley and Van Eenwyk shows that: Rates of adolescent violence, homicide, weapon carrying, and other markers of antisocial behavior fell consistently during the period when violent videogames became ubiquitous, more graphic, and more realistic. (1) This would suggest that youths are using videogames as a form of escape. Instead of being out on the streets committing acts of delinquency, they are instead at home, safely playing videogames.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Walling also provides the combined results from twenty-nine other individual studies of this topic. The studies all varied greatly in design and quality, preventing any firm determination from being reached. Children of middle school age and younger showed no association between videogames and aggression in girls, and both increases and decreases in aggression among boys. Studies of high school students predominately dealt with boys, often using self-report. Both calming and arousing effects were again reported, and no consistent relationship was drawn between violent games and actual behavior. In college students and young adults, results were yet again mixed, but calming effects were more common, particularly if the prior mood was hostile or aggressive (2).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  So-called experts like to point their fingers at Eric Harris as an example that violent videogames do indeed create violent children. Harris was one of the t... ...n that there seems to be no direct link to violent behavior and playing violent videogames. Studies even show that adolescent crime has decreased as videogames have become more realistic and graphic, showing that they seem to have a more calming effect on kids. As long as people can continue to differentiate between what’s real and what’s not, we should be just fine. However, as long as there are crusty old curmudgeons out there who are afraid of things they don’t understand, then videogames will always be under heavy fire. Works Cited Ahmed, Shahed. â€Å"Further Investigation of Violence and Gaming.† Gamespot. 6 August 2000. 8 April 2003 . â€Å"The Games Kids Play: Are Mature Video Games Too Violent for Teens?† Current Events 7 February 2003: 3. Grossman, Lev. â€Å"Busjacking for Grownups.† Time November 2002: 80-81. Satterfield, Shane. â€Å"IGDA Holds Game Violence Summit.† Gamespot. 8 January 2001. 8 April 2003. . Varanini, Giancarlo. â€Å"Violent Media May not be to Blame.† Gamespot. 8 February 2001. 8 April 2003. . â€Å"Violence is A-Ok.† Electronic Gaming Monthly August 2002: 13. Walling, Anne D. â€Å"Do Video Games Lead to Violent Behavior in Children?† American Family Physician 65 (2002): 1436-1437.

James Buchanan :: US Presidents

James Buchanan was born in Cove Gap, Pennsylvania on April 23, 1791. He became the fifteenth President of the United States of America on March 4, 1857. . He was the only President that was never married. His first lady was his niece Harriet Lane. He was the only citizen of Pennslvania to hold that office. He has been criticized for failing to take any positive action in order to attempt to pervent the country from sliding into the Civil War. Some have even speculated that he had gay tendencies with William Rufus King, the Senator for Alabama. He graduated from Dickinson College. After graduation he went on to study law. He was a member of the Pennsylvania State House of Representatives and then he was elected to Seventeenth and to the four succeeding Congressess. He was also chairman of the Committeee on the Judiciary in the Twenty-first Congress. With of these accomplishments he had created a great political background. Although his political background was excellent, his presidency was consider one of the worst ever. In his Inangural the President referred to the territorial question as "happily, a matter of but little practical importance" since the Supreme Court was about to settle it "speedily and finally." One of the main issues during his presidency was the very controversail issue of slavery. Although he opposed slavery, he acted very Kerry like by changing his beliefs. Buchanan decided to end the troubles in Kansas by urging the admission of the territory as a slave state. Although he directed his Presidental authority to this goal, he further angered the Republicans and alienated memebers of his own part. After all of this Kansas remained a territory. Another hot issue was regarding the sucession of southern states. President Buchanan, very dismayed and hesitant, denied the legal right of states to secede but held that the Federal Government legally could not prevent them. He hoped for compromise, but secessionist leaders did not want compromise so he just let them do what the wanted to do. Then Buchanan took a militant tack. As several Cabinet members resigned, he appointed northerners, and sent the Star of the West to carry reinforcements of Fort Sumter.

Final Exam: Corporations Essay

Question 1: Buttercup Corporation issued 250 shares of $11 par value common stock for $4,125. Prepare Buttercup’ journal entry. Question 2: Wilco Corporation has the following account balances at December 31, 2012. Common stock, $5 par value $511,670 Treasury stock 95,260 Retained earnings 2,400,840 Paid-in capital in excess of par 1,320,150 Prepare Wilco’s December 31, 2012, stockholders’ equity section Question 3: Woolford Inc. declared a cash dividend of $1.38 per share on its 2.22 million outstanding shares. The dividend was declared on August 1, payable on September 9 to all stockholders of record on August 15. Prepare the journal entries necessary on those three dates. Question 4: The outstanding capital stock of Pennington Corporation consists of 3,100 shares of $109 par value, 6% preferred, and 5,700 shares of $52 par value common. Assuming that the company has retained earnings of $83,000, all of which is to be paid out in dividends, and that preferred dividends were not paid during the 2 years preceding the current year, state how much each class of stock should receive under each of the following conditions. Question 5: Martinez Company’s ledger shows the following balances on December 31, 2012. 5% Preferred stock-$10 par value, outstanding 22,480 shares $224,800 Common stock-$100 par value, outstanding 33,720 shares 3,372,000 Retained earnings 708,120 Assuming that the directors decide to declare total dividends in the amount of $298,984, determine how much each class of stock should receive under each of the conditions stated below. One year’s dividends are in arrears on the preferred stock. Question 6: On January 1, 2012, Barwood Corporation granted 5,040 options to executives. Each option entitles the holder to purchase one share of Barwood’s $5 par value common stock at $50 per share at any time during the next 5 years. The market price of the stock is $72 per share on the date of grant. The fair value of the options at the grant date is $154,000. The period of benefit is 2 years. Prepare Barwood’s  journal entries for January 1, 2012, and December 31, 2012 and 2013. Question 7: Rockland Corporation earned net income of $340,800 in 2012 and had 100,000 shares of common stock outstanding throughout the year. Also outstanding all year was $908,800 of 10% bonds, which are convertible into 18,176 shares of common. Rockland’s tax rate is 40 percent. Compute Rockland’s 2012 diluted earnings per share. Question 8: DiCenta Corporation reported net income of $250,000 in 2012 and had 50,000 shares of common stock outstanding throughout the year. Also outstanding all year were 5,410 shares of cumulative preferred stock, each convertible into 2 shares of common. The preferred stock pays an annual dividend of $5 per share. DiCenta’ tax rate is 40%. Compute DiCenta’ 2012 diluted earnings per share. Question 9: Ferraro, Inc. established a stock appreciation rights (SAR) program on January 1, 2012, which entitles executives to receive cash at the date of exercise for the difference between the market price of the stock and the pre-established price of $24 on 5,050 SARs. The required service period is 2 years. The fair value of the SAR’s are determined to be $6 on December 31, 2012, and $13 on December 31, 2013. Question 10: Hillsborough Co. has an available-for-sale investment in the bonds of Schuyler with a carrying (and fair) value of $88,020. Hillsborough determined that due to poor economic prospects for Schuyler, the bonds have decreased in value to $57,020. It is determined that this loss in value is other-than temporary. Prepare the journal entry, if any, to record the reduction in value. Question 11: Capriati Corporation made the following cash purchases of securities during 2012, which is the first year in which Arantxa invested in securities. 1. On January 15, purchased 11,700 shares of Gonzalez Company’s common stock at $43.55 per share plus commission $2,574. 2. On April 1, purchased 6,500 shares of Belmont Co.’s common stock at $67.60 per share plus commission $4,381. 3. On September 10, purchased 9,100 shares of Thep Co.’s preferred stock at $34.45 per share plus commission $6,383. On May 20, 2012, Capriati sold 3,900 shares of Gonzalez Company’s common stock at a market price of $45.50 per share less brokerage commissions, taxes, and fees of $3,705. The year-end fair values per share were: Gonzalez $39.00, Belmont $71.50, and Thep $36.40. In addition, the chief accountant of Capriati told you that Capriati Corporation plans to hold these securities for the long term but may sell them in order to earn profits from appreciation in pri ces. Question 12: (Journal Entries for Fair Value and Equity Methods) Presented below are two independent situations. Prepare all necessary journal entries in 2012 for each situation. Situation 1 Hatcher Cosmetics acquired 10% of the 207,400 shares of common stock of Ramirez Fashion at a total cost of $15 per share on March 18, 2012. On June 30, Ramirez declared and paid a $80,200 cash dividend. On December 31, Ramirez reported net income of $123,500 for the year. At December 31, the market price of Ramirez Fashion was $18 per share. The securities are classified as available-for-sale. Situation 2 Holmes, Inc. obtained significant influence over Nadal Corporation by buying 25% of Nadal’s 30,800 outstanding shares of common stock at a total cost of $9 per share on January 1, 2012. On June 15, Nadal declared and paid a cash dividend of $43,800. On December 31, Nadal reported a net income of $90,500 for the year. Question 13: (Equity Method) Gator Co. invested $1,380,000 in Demo Co. for 25% of its outstanding stock. Demo Co. pays out 40% of net income in dividends each year. Use the information in the following T-account for the investment in Demo to answer the following questions. Question 14: (Fair Value and Equity Method Compared). Gregory Inc. acquired 20% of the outstanding common stock of Handerson Inc. on December 31, 2012. The purchase price was $1,320,000 for 50,000 shares. Handerson Inc. declared and paid an $0.87 per share cash dividend on June 30 and on December 31, 2013. Handerson reported net income of $741,000 for 2013. The fair value of Handerson’s stock was $32 per share at December 31, 2013. Question 15: (Call Option). On January 2, 2012, Jones Company purchases a call option for $450 on Merchant common stock. The call option gives Jones the option to buy 1,000 shares of Merchant at a strike price of $50 per share. The market price of a Merchant share is $50 on January 2, 2012 (the intrinsic value is therefore $0). On March 31, 2012, the market price for Merchant stock is $60 per share, and the time value of the option is $200. Question 16: In 2012, Amirante Corporation had pretax financial income of $207,000 and taxable income of $166,400. The difference is due to the use of different  depreciation methods for tax and accounting purposes. The effective tax rate is 40%. Compute the amount to be reported as income taxes payable at December 31, 2012. Question 17: At December 31, 2012, Fell Corporation had a deferred tax liability of $732,802, resulting from future taxable amounts of $2,155,300 and an enacted tax rate of 34%. In May 2013, a new income tax act is signed into law that raises the tax rate to 42% for 2013 and future years. Prepare the journal entry for Fell to adjust the deferred tax liability. Question 18: AMR Corporation (parent company of American Airlines) reported the following for 2009 (in millions). Service cost $405 Interest cost on P.B.O 736 Return on plan assets 825 Amortization of service cost 29 Amortization of loss 66 Compute AMR Corporation’s 2009 pension expense (in millions). Question 19: For Warren Corporation, year-end plan assets were $2,094,700. At the beginning of the year, plan assets were $1,762,400. During the year, contributions to the pension fund were $120,000, and benefits paid were $200,000. Compute Warren’s actual return on plan assets. Question 20: For 2010, Campbell Soup Company had pension expense of $48 million and contributed $296 million to the pension fund. Prepare Campbell Soup Company’s journal entry to record pension expense and funding. Question 21: Lahey Corp. has three defined-benefit pension plans as follows. Pension Assets (at Fair Value) Projected Benefit Obligation Plan X $637,500 $504,000 Plan Y 902,200 739,900 Plan Z 584,600 713,200 How will Lahey report these multiple plans in its financial statements? Question 22: For 2012, Sampsell Inc. computed its annual postretirement expense as $278,680. Sampsell’s contribution to the plan during 2012 was $185,750. Prepare Sampsell’s 2012 entry to record postretirement expense. Question 23: Wertz Corporation decided at the beginning of 2012 to change  from the completed-contract method to the percentage-of-completion method for financial reporting purposes. The company will continue to use completed-contract method for tax purposes. For years prior to 2012, pre-tax income under the two methods was as follows: percentage-of-completion $143,000, and completed-contract $65,800. The tax rate is 32%. Prepare Wertz’s 2012 journal entry to record the change in accounting principle. Question 24: In 2012, Bailey Corporation discovered that equipment purchased on January 1, 2010, for $50,000 was expensed at that time. The equipment should have been depreciated over 5 years, with no salvage value. The effective tax rate is 29%. Prepare Hiatt’s 2012 journal entry to correct the error. Question 25: At January 1, 2012, Beilder Company reported retained earnings of $2,027,300. In 2012, Beilder discovered that 2011 depreciation expense was understated by $442,300. In 2012, net income was $931,270 and dividends declared were $204,310. The tax rate is 38%. Complete the 2012 retained earnings statement for Beilder Company. Question 26: Simmons Corporation owns stock of Armstrong, Inc. Prior to 2012, the investment was accounted for using the equity method. In early 2012, Simmons sold part of its investment in Armstrong, and began using the fair value method. In 2012, Armstrong earned net income of $81,100 and paid dividends of $90,400. Prepare Simmons’s entries related to Armstrong’s net income and dividends, assuming Simmons now owns 11% of Armstrong’s stock. Question 27: Manno Corporation has the following information available concerning its postretirement benefit plan for 2012. Service cost $53,750 Interest cost 58,360 Actual return on plan assets 40,190 Compute Manno’s 2012 postretirement expense Question 28: Ravonette Corporation issued 310 shares of $13 par value common stock and 130 shares of $47 par value preferred stock for a lump sum of $17,500. The common stock has a market price of $22 per share, and the preferred stock has a market price of $98 per share. Prepare the journal entry to record the issuance Question 29: Garfield Company purchased, as a held-to-maturity investment, $82,400 of the 9%, 8-year bonds of Chester Corporation for $73,919, which provides an 11% return. Prepare Garfield’s journal entries for (a) the purchase of the investment and (b) the receipt  of annual interest and discount amortization. Assume effective interest amortization is used. Question 30: Clydesdale Corporation has a cumulative temporary difference related to depreciation of $606,600 at December 31, 2012. This difference will reverse as follows: 2013, $43,100; 2014, $264,300; and 2015, $299,200. Enacted tax rates are 34% for 2013 and 2014, and 40% for 2015. Compute the amount Clydesdale should report as a deferred tax liability at December 31, 2012

Interaction Relationship in the Airport

Airports are said to be one of the busiest workplaces in the world.   Big or small, airports play a special role as take-off and landing places for air transportations such as airplanes, helicopters and other aircrafts.More often than not, all the people in the airport whether one is a passenger or an employee, are moving at a fast pace and time is a very important element for travelers and airport personnel.As I was entering the airport, I already noticed passengers hurrying in or out of the waiting area. People from different races ranging from Asians, Caucasians, Africans, and Europeans among others were present everywhere.Some were talking, walking and running, making calls and carrying babies, some were standing still while some others were sitting. Some were falling in line to buy tickets, rescheduled their trips and raised their own concerns.Some were falling in line to proceed with their respective flights. Some were busy with their baggage and personal belongings. Some wer e too occupied with their appointments that they barely noticed what’s going on around them. The swiftness of the works made me dizzy as I continue watching each and every person within the premises. It was such an amazing sight!The ages of the passengers ranged from very young ages to older ages that are adequate and healthy enough to travel by air. Women, men, gays and lesbians — all sorts of genders were present at that moment as demonstrated by their physical appearances. Practically all types of personalities were there as depicted in their being sociable, shy, liberated, loud, soft spoken, noisy, angry, hostile, and gentle.Most gays were noisy and too advanced to be recognized while lesbians were quite silent and reserved. These factors revealed their particular identities even if I only heard their voices, without really listening to what they were conversing about.In terms of dresses, some wore casual outfits, some formal attire while others had on ragged appar els. Some were chic and stylish, some were simple.Some looked like they just got out from Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Elle, Glamour, GQ and other fashion magazines. Most women enhanced their clothing with accessories such as watches, jewelry, handbags, hats and caps, belts, scarves, sunglasses and other decorative items.Their foot wears varied from sneakers to sandals to clogs to wedges to pumps to loafers to boots and slippers. Some put on make-up while others stayed plain. As to hairstyles, I bet some dropped by the parlor to have their hair done while others remained uncomplicated.Business-looking and model-like passengers had good, commanding postures and kept a superior stance. Just by noting their body language, one could tell the kind of occupations these people have. Those who were smooth and well-kept have executive jobs as they monitored their organizers and laptops.Most of them did not hang up their mobile phones for the time being. They brought along with them suitcases and lap top cases. Their facial expressions also shared a bit about what they were going through — whether they were in a rush or they only have pleasure trips. Most belonged to the middle class while some were upper class passengers.Within the field site, most people were arranged in groups — families, friends or work groups. Families usually were crowded especially with children around and most of them, there’s too many of them in the company. Those travelling with friends somehow gave the impression that they were off for a good time or vacation.The work groups had serious appearances like they were about to attend meetings, conferences or important gatherings. Thus, they came out to be highly educated with white collar jobs.However, there were some who travelled alone and entertained themselves by listening to their iPods or mp4 players, browsing their laptops or reading newspapers or books to pass the time away.The airport employees wore their uniforms with corresp onding identification cards and pins. They looked and acted smart and they entertained the passengers’ concerns. The crew had a variety of responsibilities to make airport accommodations readily available.There were those responsible with the ticket desks, supervisors, maintenance, operations, food service and other functions. Airport security was also tight and they guarded the airport building quite firmly. They had sniffing dogs roaming around to catch possible terrorist plots as bombings.The airport environment is one interesting workplace to observe. People are always on-the-go, active and alert. It is good to know that people who work at the airport are efficient with their jobs since they take responsibility for thousands of lives who depend on the competence of their services. For projects applying participant observation, the airport is such an excellent subject.Works Citedâ€Å"Developing Your Observation Skills.† 05 September 2008. 05 September 2008 â€Å"P articipant Observation.† 14 November 2004. 05 September 2008 â€Å"Qualitative Research Methods: Participant Observation.† n.d. 05 September 2008 revision-notes.co.uk. n.d. Participant observation. 05 September 5, 2008 â€Å"What is Ethnography?† n.d. 05 September 2008

ASQ Agile v Waterfall Essay

Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Lisa Sieverts, PMP, PMI-ACP Phil Ailes, PMI-ACP Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Agenda †¢ †¢ †¢ †¢ What is a Project Overview –†¯ Traditional Project Management –†¯ Agile Project Management The Differences –†¯ Product Life Cycle –†¯ The Teams –†¯ Requirements –†¯ WBS/Product Backlog –†¯ Schedule –†¯ Risk –†¯ Quality Q&A 2  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 1 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management What is a Project? †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Temporary †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Goal †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Constrained 3  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management What makes projects special? †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Projects are characterized by uncertainty 4  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 2 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Traditional Waterfall Projects †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Traditional Waterfall Projects –†¯ Dates from the end of WWII –†¯ Grew out of Defense industry –†¯ Based on Deming Cycle of Plan-Do-Check-Act –†¯ Emphasizes heavy up-front analysis –†¯ Lots of documentation –†¯ PMBOK versions 1-4  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Traditional Waterfall Project High Medium Requirements Low Optional High Design Medium Low Optional High Development Medium Low Optional High Testing Medium Low Optional High Deploy Medium Low Optional 6  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 3 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Waterfall – Advantages 7  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Waterfall – Advantages †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Established Processes- Project Management Body of Knowledge †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Management Controls †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ (Apparent) Predictability †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Great for low uncertainty/high dependency projects –†¯ Construction –†¯ Update of established product –†¯ Maintenance projects 8  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 4 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Waterfall – Disadvantages 9  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Waterfall – Disadvantages †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Sometimes is more about the Process than the Product †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Keeps the customer at bay – by the time they see the end results it may be too late †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Project teams often become rigid and resistant to change: â€Å"Those darn users keep changing their minds.† †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Long product development time 10  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 5 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Agile Project Management †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ The Agile Way –†¯ Experiments in the 1990s –†¯ Values self-organizing teams –†¯ No formal â€Å"project management† –†¯ Iterative approach –†¯ Flexible  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Manifesto †¢ The Agile Manifesto for Software Development –†¯ â€Å"We are uncovering better ways of developing software by doing it and helping others do it. Through this work we have come to value: †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Individuals and interactions over processes and tools †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Working software over comprehensive documentation †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Customer collaboration over contract negotiation †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Responding to change over following a plan –†¯ That is, while there is value in the items on the right, we value the items on the left more.† 12  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 6 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management The Agile Way Sprints – High Priority Features Integrate Test Sprints – Low Priority Features Integrate Test Integrate Test Design Test Test Develop Integrate Test Demo & Feedback Develop Requirements Test Test Develop Sprints – Optional Priority Features Demo & Feedback Requirements Design Test Design Test Demo & Feedback Develop Requirements Test Demo & Feedback Requirements Design Test Sprints – Medium Priority Features 13  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Agile – Advantages 14  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 7 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Agile – Advantages †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Shorter development cycles †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Customer participates, providing direct feedback †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Team-ownership – developers, testers, analysts and customers work together †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Process encourages and easily adapts to change †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Improved quality because testing is continuous 15  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Agile – Disadvantages 16  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 8 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Agile – Disadvantages †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Lack of established processes †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Management resistance to change †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Reduced (apparent) predictability †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Requires culture change †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ It’s new – there isn’t a lot to draw upon 17  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Project Life Cycle †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Traditional: waterfall –†¯Initiate –†¯Plan –†¯Define –†¯Design –†¯Build –†¯Test †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Agile Projects: iterative –†¯Envision –†¯Speculate –†¯Explore –†¯Adapt –†¯Close –†¯Repeat as necessary 18  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 9 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management The Team †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Waterfall –†¯Sponsor –†¯Product Manager –†¯Project Manager –†¯The Team – defined roles †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Agile –†¯Sponsor –†¯Product Owner –†¯Scrum Master –†¯The Team – variable roles 19  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management The Requirements †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Waterfall –†¯ Large Document –†¯ Formal, based on analysis –†¯ Performed by Business Analyst –†¯ Completed before any development begins †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Agile –†¯ Small Index Cards –†¯ User Stories, based on conversation –†¯ Performed by the Product Owner –†¯ Completed â€Å"just in time† 20  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 10 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management The Foundation Documents †¢ Waterfall –†¯ Work Breakdown Structure 100 % of Scope 21  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management The Foundation Documents †¢ Agile –†¯ The Product Backlog Roman Pichler, Agile Product Management 22  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 11 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management The Schedule †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Waterfall –†¯ Built before work begins –†¯ End date is often †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Agile –†¯ Rebuilt every sprint –†¯ End date evolves based on team velocity –†¯ Focused on nearterm accuracy –†¯ Emphasizes regular delivery of working features predetermined –†¯ Strives to predict the future –†¯ Emphasizes delivery of the entire product 23  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Risk †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Waterfall –†¯ Inherently high-risk based on long product cycles –†¯ Emphasizes the ability to predict the future –†¯ Risk Register †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Agile –†¯ Inherently low-risk based on customer feedback –†¯ Emphasizes adaptation to changing environment –†¯ Risk Register 24  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 12 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Quality †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Waterfall –†¯ Testing is at the end †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Agile –†¯ Testing begins before development of the project –†¯ Testers work separately from developers –†¯ User Acceptance occurs at the end of the project –†¯ Testers and developers work together simultaneously –†¯ User Acceptance occurs at end of every sprint 25  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management What’s Different? †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Waterfall –†¯ Plan all in advance –†¯ Work Breakdown Structure –†¯ Functional specs –†¯ Gantt chart –†¯ Status reports –†¯ Deliver at the end –†¯ Learn at the end –†¯ Follow the plan –†¯ Manage tasks †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Agile –†¯ Plan as you go –†¯ Product Backlog –†¯ User stories –†¯ Release plan –†¯ Story boards –†¯ Deliver as you go –†¯ Learn every sprint –†¯ Adapt everything –†¯ Team ownership 26  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 13 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Summary †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Both Waterfall and Agile have the same goals: –†¯ Delivering a well- tested product that satisfies the customer within an efficient time frame that doesn’t leave the team worn out 27  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Questions 28  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 14 Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Thank You 29  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes Waterfall vs. Agile Project Management Contact Us †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Lisa Sieverts –†¯ Facilitated Change –†¯ www.lisasieverts.com –†¯ 603.762.0235 †¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¯ Phil Ailes –†¯ Ailes Consulting –†¯ www.ailes-consulting.com –†¯ 603.903.7051 30  ©Lisa Sieverts & Phil Ailes 15