Staff Retention in Non Profit Organizations Essay

Staff Retention in Non-Profit Organizations: Reducing Turnover by Developing Successful Human Resources Management Strategies Willa Haskins Empire State College Abstract Staff turnover and retention rates are concerns for all employers, especially in the current economy (Opportunity, 2010). However, research and statistics show that the non-profit sector consistently experiences high turnover rates (Mizell, 2005). High turnover rates during economic hard times can have a serious detrimental effect on non-profit businesses. In this study, we reviewed several online articles and reports that provided us with key information about turnover in non-profit organizations. Research revealed that the average turnover rate over the last†¦show more content†¦Some feel their supervisors don’t understand them and some are just on the way to the next highest paying job. No matter the reason, the loss of staff affects the quality and quantity of service we provide to our clients. Turnover increases critical incidents with our clients by putting them in harm’s way by utilizing staff they may not have been properly trained to deal with th e client and their particular needs (Wenger, 2011). Furthermore, turnover causes severe staffing shortages and increases overtime costs for additional staff to cover those vacated positions (Wenger, 2011). As an HR professional, I wanted to focus this research on finding the answers to the questions I had around turnover. My research will include the concepts of recruitment and selection in acquiring human resources as well as compensation and training and development and will be used in formulating the strategic recruitment plan. Discussion Research has revealed that there are several major causes of turnover in non-profit organizations: job dissatisfaction, poor supervision (Wenger, 2011), lack of appropriate skills and qualifications, and non-competitive salaries (Opportunity, 2010). Each factor will be examined as it relates to turnover and staff retention. Financial Advisor (2007) reported that one of the major reasons employees left their jobs was because of job dissatisfaction. Kreitner and Kinicki (2010) defined job satisfaction as â€Å"an affective or emotionalShow MoreRelatedOrganizational Development Essay1733 Words   |  7 Pageseducator to introduce the idea in a staff meeting. After discussion, the nurse educator plans to develop the idea, identifying factors both for and against the change. Identification of stakeholders. The nurse educator must also identify major stakeholders, such as leaders within the organization having fiscal responsibility. Identification and involvement of stakeholders is the first step in creating change within and organization (Shirey, 2012). In our organization, a meeting would occur with stakeholdersRead MoreThe Cloud Of Cloud Computing1462 Words   |  6 Pagessupported by the cloud services. The access to these cloud computing services is easily available since it only requires the access to the internet and other installations are required. Hence all these applications are easily accessible by the organizations and all the smart devices such as smart phones, i-pad. The cloud applications are available in three platforms PAAS, IAAS and SAAS. The demands for the cloud computing services have seen much spike as compared to the other in-house computing servicesRead MoreThe Effective Leader : Effective Leaders757 Words   |  4 Pagesmem bers to become well-rounded and step up when needed. Effective leadership is invaluable to an organization, well rounded, valued employees will show pride in their work and increase productivity. Respected staff will always reflect directly in customer satisfaction ratings, fostering a stellar reputation, building a loyal customer base and attracting new customers. Employee retention saves organizations valuable staffing costs, as employee turnover is costly Read MoreTalent Retention Essay1705 Words   |  7 PagesTalent Retention One of the most important things that a company can strive toward is reducing their turnover by retaining valuable talent. The people a company retains may be the most important question, special programs to hold onto high-producing employees are a wise investment for organizations, across-the-board. Turnover cost is something that all companies need to consistently evaluate. Henemann, et, al. (2012) points out, â€Å"Although turnover is often seen as a detriment to organizationalRead MoreThe United States Healthcare Industry1214 Words   |  5 Pagesand increasing service area competition for various not for profit organization. Which has resulted in closure and consolidation of several not for profit health care organization. The author has elaborated various factors, in this case study that are responsible for developing crisis for a diverse nonprofit healthcare organization. This case study discusses Emanuel Medical Center (EMC) founded in 1917, an independent non-profit hospital located in Turlock, California. Mr. Robert Moen PresidentRead MoreThe Human Resource Director Of St. Anthony Foundation917 Words   |  4 PagesHuman Resource Director of St. Anthony Foundation (St. Anthony’s). She has worked at the organization in that capacity for the past 25 years. Prior to St. Anthony’s, she worked in Human Resources for Macy’s and a small startup company. Her desire to work closely in employee relations is what brought her to the non-profit sector after 20 years in the private sector. St. Anthony’s is an established non-profit, providing over 64 years of critical care. Located in the Tenderloin District, it providesRead MoreCase Study Analysis : Human Resource Management1400 Words   |  6 PagesCase Study Analysis Human Resource (HR), represents the most critical element within any organization. This includes managerial changes, such as restructuring or the disposition of an organization from nonprofit towards profit making. Human resource plays a vital role in achieving the objectives of the organization. Additionally, employees are required to be treated with decorum and respect, which will maintain and improve their productivity. Treating an employee with respect is reciprocated throughRead MoreIntroduction. Sns Is A Marketing And Public Relations Company1544 Words   |  7 PagesRelations Company committed to delivering industry savvy public relations services to clients globally. Our mission is to provide world leading strategies that will help create and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with individuals and organizations vital to their growth and development. It is therefore essential that the company provides an atmosphere of leadership, expertise and services that enhance the quality and effectiveness of client’s communications projects and programs. As suchRead MoreCase Study Analysis : Human Resource Management1471 Words   |  6 PagesCase Study Analysis Human Resource (HR), represents the most critical element within any organization. This includes managerial changes, such as restructuring or the disposition of an organization from nonprofit towards profit making. Human resource plays a vital role in achieving the objectives of the organization. Additionally, employees are required to be treated with decorum and respect, which will maintain and improve their productivity. Treating an employee with respect is reciprocated throughRead MoreThe Human Resource Director Of St. Anthony Foundation883 Words   |  4 Pagesthe Human Resource Director of St. Anthony Foundation (St. Anthony’s). She has worked at the organization as a director for the past 25 years. Prior to St. Anthony’s, she worked in Human Resources for Macy’s and a small startup company. Her desire to work closely in employee relations is what brought her to the non-profit sector after 20 years in the private sector. St. Anthony’s is an established non-profit, providing over 64 years of critical care. Located in the Tenderloin District, it provides

Quality of Documents with Fast Track Projects - 1029 Words

One of the most important problems we are facing in our organization is the quality of our documents especially with the fast track projects 1. Identify the issues. This first step is critical. It is essential for each group member to clearly understand the problem so that all energy will be focused in the same direction. A good way to define the problem is to write down a concise statement which summarizes the problem, and then write down where we want to be after the problem has been resolved. The objective is to get as much information about the problem as possible The problem is the bad quality of our documents at fast track projects as a consequence of the leakage of recourses and shortage of time as well. 2. Understand everyone s†¦show more content†¦Moreover we can establish for employ some team leader at structural and electro mechanical departments In addition we can provide coerces in specific technical and managerial issue for project manager 4. Select an option or options. There is no only one alternative, we have to compromise between all the above options and make a time schedule to apply all of them, and assign someone to follow up the time schedul 6. Document the agreement. Write conclusions that we reach and take the approval from the top managements and quality management Then all department heads have to sign it and send a mail for all this party for informed and take actions as well. 7. Agree on contingencies, monitoring, and evaluation. ï‚ · ï‚ · ï‚ · Conditions may change. Make contingency agreements about foreseeable future circumstances (If-then!). How will we monitor compliance and follow-through? Create opportunities to evaluate the agreements and their implementation. (Let s try it this way for three months and then look at it.) Effective problem solving does take some time and attention more of the latter than the former. But less time and attention than is required by a problem not well solved. What it really takes is a willingness to slow down. A problem is like a curve in the road.Show MoreRelatedProcurement Strategy for a Construction Project Essays1220 Words   |  5 Pagesa suitable procurement strategy for a construction project, there are some issues which need to consider. From all of those issues, there are 3 big issues that mainly affect the selection decision which are time, cost and quality. There is several type of procurement strategy available in market that commonly used for construction project and each of the common method will be analyze and compare to find the most appropriate method for this project. The choice of procurement strategy is very importantRead MoreProcurement Strategy For A Construction Project Essay1195 Words   |  5 Pagesa suitable procurement strategy for a construc tion project, there are some issues which need to consider. From all of those issues, there are 3 big issues that mainly affect the selection decision which are time, cost and quality. There is several type of procurement strategy available in market that commonly used for construction project and each of the common method will be analyze and compare to find the most appropriate method for this project. The choice of procurement strategy is very importantRead MoreElicitation Techniques Essay1481 Words   |  6 Pagespromoting arrangement, which enables groups to surpass their clients desires. The mystery of building up the ideal showcasing technique covers up in the intelligent courses of events which show associations amongst conditions, and enable groups to track execution, build up the proper resources for their crusades, and oversee and dispatch an assortment of helpful occasions. Over that, Wrike is appropriate for inventive groups, as it gives an Adobe Creative Cloud augmenta tion that spreads affirmationRead MoreCis 517 Prairie Waters Project1068 Words   |  5 PagesPMI 2011 Project Of The Year Award Winner The Prairie Waters Project Prairie Waters Project (PWP) was the largest water project of its type completed in more than 30 years in Colorado. The efforts and unwavering ethics of the project team members resulted in delivering outstanding water quality to the city of Aurora. A severe drought in 2002-2004 left the city of Aurora with only a 9-month supply of water. The Leaders of the city considered over 40 optional ways and methods to get additionalRead MoreImplementing Organisational Guidelines And Procedures1477 Words   |  6 PagesEnsure decisions taken are consistent with organisational objectives, values and standards The school’s objectives are: to be the top quality provider of vocational education within Australia and on the international standard level. The school’s values are to set its students as the top priorities to provide them with the excellent customer service and quality of teaching. The school’s standards are excellent teaching staffs, student services and timely responses of any emergencies. Ensure decisionsRead MoreImplementing A New Tracking System Essay1632 Words   |  7 Pageshearing within the allotted time. It’s time to move into the fast pace and changing technology world. The Office of Appeals must be equipped with today’s technology to ensure that our beneficiaries and stakeholders receive information and assistance as quickly and efficiently as possible. Incorporating a new tracking system could serve that purpose. By instituting a new tracking system, the Division of Medicaid could greatly improve the quality or services it provides to its beneficiaries and stakeholdersRead MoreWork With Talented Native Speaking Experts1058 Words   |  5 Pagescreate a list of your favorite TextMasters to work with. Quality Guarantee Our writers are selected based on a rigorous testing system and are monitored on an ongoing basis to ensure a professional level of quality. Additionally, you can choose the Quality Control option to have one of our internal language managers check your project before being sent back to you. That’s how we’ve been able to achieve a 98% client satisfaction rate. Fast On Demand Submit your order in a few minutes and get theRead MoreWhat Is The Potential Quality Plan In Business Management1621 Words   |  7 PagesA Business Management professional with eight years experience in retail, eMarketing, airlines, media and IT industries. I enjoy working to targets and a confident communicator who has a proven track record of developing new business and motivating a team to consistently exceed targets. Quality Assurance Analyst Data Capture Experts Pty Ltd (Oct 2017 – Present) ï‚ § Review functional and design specifications to ensure full understanding of individual deliverables ï‚ § Identify test requirements fromRead MorePreparing A Good Test Strategy Document With Simple Steps1245 Words   |  5 PagesHow to Prepare a Good Test Strategy Document with Simple Steps Testing strategy illustrates the testing methodology of the SDLC. It is created with the intention of informing team members of any major issues associated with testing process. Test strategy is considered as a high level document developed by PM for the testing engineers to specify testing approach. Test strategy is based on business requirement specification. Test strategy should consist for the following: 1. Testing aims and scopeRead MoreProject Engineer : The Shear Complexity Of The Project1571 Words   |  7 Pages PROJECT ENGINEER QUESTIONNAIRE What did/do you like about your current position? What I liked most about my previous project engineer intern position was the shear complexity of the project. Hundreds of workers for numerous subcontractors used to be present every day on site and the management of their activities, quality, schedule and cost of the project was challenging and exciting. What frustrates you about your previous/current position? I spent a major amount of time managing the document

Impact Of Attitude And Information Free Essays

Abstraction: This survey investigated the effects of pupils ‘ attitude, instruction and larning methodological analysis on accomplishment in mathematical geometric building. The survey was carried out as a consequence of uninterrupted hapless public presentation in geometric building in Senior Secondary Schools, a 3 twelvemonth progressive educational plan in Nigeria. A purpose sample comprised of 35 Male and 27 Female pupils from two integral categories of different private secondary schools in the Lagos Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State was used for the survey. We will write a custom essay sample on Impact Of Attitude And Information or any similar topic only for you Order Now A 28 ( 28 ) – point questionnaire titled, â€Å" Survey of Attitude to Mathematicss † ( SAM ) , to happen out the pupils ‘ attitude to mathematics by and large and geometric building in peculiar, and A 3- point word- job type, teacher made Mathematics Achievement Test in Geometric Construction ( MATGC ) instruments were used to carry on the survey. An experimental group was taught utilizing computing machine and based on constructivist theory of larning for a period of 12 contact hours over a period of 4 hebdomads. The responses of the questionnaires were subjected to descriptive analyses while the MATGC tonss were subjected to t-test, Pearson correlativity coefficient and arrested development analysis. Consequences revealed that attitude appeared to play a minimum function in accomplishment of geometric building in mathematics. In malice of divergent earlier findings on impact of instructional methodological analysis on accomplishment and attitude, this survey r evealed the constructivist attack as a better attack in learning as it had a positive impact on accomplishment and attitude towards the subject. The survey farther revealed that male pupils performed better than female pupils. Deduction of all these findings calls for reappraisal of mathematics curriculum by inclusion of Assisted Delivery Method in learning geometric building in schools. A farther survey is recommended for rural and public school scenes as against the urban and private school scenes. It is besides recommended that an ADM attack be applied to other countries of mathematics where pupils perform ill. Keywords: Attitude, Computer, Constructivist Theory Introduction Education, such a critical force and major participant in a state ‘s economic system, liberates the head and opens up broad chance to whoever acquires it. An educated people can utilize available technological developments to his/her advantage. Today the power of a state is determined non by its portion size of economic wealth but by its technological art. â€Å" The distinction, safety, and wellbeing of states have been entwined for centuries with the ability of their people to cover with sophisticated quantitative thoughts. Leading societies have commanded strong mathematical accomplishments to maintain them on the taking border in scientific discipline, medical specialty, and engineering ( National Mathematics Advisory Panel. Foundations for Success, 2008 ) . Despite the fact that some people do n’t hold much preference for mathematics and see it as an highly hard topic, it is a necessity in all aspects of society. Two chief grounds for troubles of larning mathematics are the abstract construction of mathematics and instructors ‘ attempts to do pupils memorise the capable alternatively of assisting them internalise mathematical cognition ( Summers, 2006 ) . In add-on, math learning methods may hold a positive impact on pupils ‘ apprehension and public presentation in this capable country. Information Communication Technology ( ICT ) an country that has pervaded every aspect of human life with the command of computing machine applications giving a competitory border to persons in the school every bit good as occupation markets. ICT can be used to leverage instructional methods in the schools. Harmonizing to Chung ( 2004 ) who noted that mmethods of learning mathematics are founded upon and straight affected by the pedagogue ‘s probes of larning. Teachers must look into and utilize best instruction patterns to impact pupil larning. Computer-based instructions will no uncertainty be a utile method to present mathematical constructs most particularly those viewed as hard subjects. Performance is a map of attitude and ability. To get accomplishments, be it cognitive, affectional or otherwise one must be mentally and emotionally prepared. A incorrect attitude could turn a superb pupil who is capable of doing As into an mean pupils who achieves merely Bs and Cs. Despite the fact that mathematics is a nucleus capable taught at both the Junior and Senior Secondary degrees of Education in Nigeria, pupils continue to execute ill in this topic ( NPE, 2004 ) ; a topic described as the ‘queen of the scientific disciplines ‘ by the celebrated German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss. The Chief Examiners ‘ studies ( Nigeria ) of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination all said that pupil ‘s public presentation in mathematics continues to be hapless, but laid accent on geometric building as one of the countries where pupils performed ill ( May/June 1998, Nov/Dec 1998, Nov/Dec 2003 and Nov/Dec 2004, Table 1. ) . Reasons for this amongst others were attributed to: Poor appreciation of the inside informations needed for replying inquiries Insufficient borings and tutorials from instructors and deficiency of sufficient single assignments and undertaking The suggestions made for betterment were: Students should organize survey groups and exchange thoughts Students ‘ cognition of the basicss of English Language should be improved More drills and tutorials should be given by instructors. Sufficient single assignment and undertaking should be used to prosecute pupils. Year Campaigners ‘ Strengths Campaigners ‘ Failing May/June 1998 Logarithm Linear Equations Statisticss Linear Equations Geometric building Trigonometry Coincident Equations Set Theory Nov/Dec 1998 Logarithm Statisticss Set Theory Geometric building Bearings Trigonometry Nov/Dec 2003 Statisticss Number bases Longitude and Latitude Geometric building Word job on Inequalities Bearings Nov/Dec 2004 Probability Commercial Arithmetic Linear Equation Explicating Algebraic Expression Geometric Construction Bearings Set Theory Use of Four Figure tabular array â€Å" Table 1 † : Performance in subjects examined at the SSCE Examination The issues raised above and the fact that good cognition of geometric buildings ( The mathematics of the belongingss, measuring, and relationships of points, lines, angles, surfaces, and solids ) are of import foundations for pupils who will wish to foster their instruction in such countries as mathematics, technology, natural philosophies and other subjects under Science and Technology ( S A ; T ) – an country of Education the Federal Government of Nigeria is passionate about its function in national development. These are what necessitated this survey. Purpose of the survey The intent of this survey was to: Investigate possible differences between the impact of traditional method of learning geometric building and the aided find method Show the importance of appropriate methodological analysis in teaching/learning, particularly in Mathematics. Look for any relationships between public presentation and instructional methods Investigate whether attitude and methodological analysis impact pupils ‘ public presentation in mathematical geometric building Suggest ways that can be used, to guarantee betterment in instruction of geometric building in mathematics. Methodology Research inquiries Department of energies attitude play a function in accomplishment in geometric building in mathematics? What are the impacts of the traditional method of instruction and the aided find method on pupils ‘ accomplishment in mathematics geometric building? Does Gender hold any function in accomplishment in geometric building in mathematics? Research Hypothesiss Students ‘ attitude will non significantly affect their accomplishment in geometric There is no statistically important difference between public presentation of computing machine and chalkboard groups There is no statistically important difference between male and female pupils in the combined dependant variables that make up the acquisition results Design of the Study This survey made usage of both study and experimental designs, get downing with a study to find pupils ‘ attitude to mathematics by and large and geometric building in peculiar, followed by four hebdomads tutorials to two integral categories Population of the survey The population of the survey comprised the SS2 Students in Private Secondary Schools in Lagos State. ( Since Mathematics is compulsory ) Sample and Sampling Techniques The sample size comprised of 62 pupils was used for the survey. These pupils were drawn from two indiscriminately selected Private Secondary Schools from a Local Government Area of Lagos State, one of the 36 provinces doing up Nigeria. The pupils were selected from integral SS2 categories in the schools comprising of 35 male and 27 female. There were 33 pupils from Science integral categories of one school and 29 pupils from Social Science integral categories ( Commercial ) of another school. The SS2 pupils in these schools had a pretest. The pretest books were graded out of 30marks. The average mark for a Social Science category was 9.45 while for the scientific discipline category it was 11.18. These agencies were used as benchmarks to sort the pupils into More Knowing Others ( MKO ) and Less Knowledgeable Others ( LKO ) . Any pupils hiting above the mean were classified as MKO while pupil hiting below the mean was classified as LKO. The scientific discipline category and societal scientific discipline categories were assigned as experimental and control group severally. The ground for this was that the schools where the scientific discipline sample was drawn had all the installations needed for computer-based instruction, such resources as computing machines, internet entree, changeless power supply, and a contributing research lab. Students could utilize the bundle at their free periods which afforded them the chance to make single farther work. The MKO and LKO were indiscriminately mixed in the category to accomplish a collaborative acquisition consequence ; the purpose of this randomisation was to neutralize all immaterial variables such as sex, personality, age, race, parents ‘ educational position, hapless nutrition, etc. that may impact the findings of this research work. However such step ining variables as fixed mathematics course of study, clip available after categories, decrease in attending and assimilation which may be due to tire after normal school hours could non be controlled. Research Instruments The research instruments used were: Twenty-eight point questionnaire titled â€Å" Survey of Attitude to Mathematicss † ( SAM ) to happen out pupils ‘ attitude toward mathematics by and large and geometric building in peculiar. And A three-item word-problem type, teacher made Mathematics Achievement Test in Geometric Construction ( MATGC ) was administered as a pre trial to command and experimental group for classification of the MKO and LKO. The same trial was administered to both the control and experimental group as a station trial. The MATGC was drawn from past West African Examination Council ( WAEC ) , Secondary School Certificate Examination ( SSCE ) inquiries ( 1998-2008 ) . The pick of WAEC, SSCE inquiries was based on the fact that they are standardised trial inquiries which had already undergone cogency and dependability trials by WAEC. It is besides the scrutiny the pupils will take at the completion of their Senior Secondary Education. Method of Data Collection The pupils were divided into two groups, a control and experimental group. The SAM was administered to both groups by the research worker with the aid of the mathematics instructors of the categories used. The pupils were encouraged to reply all inquiries in the questionnaire while the benefits that will accrue from the research were clearly explained to them. Deduction of non replying all inquiries in the questionnaire was besides explained to them. The Students were given codifications alternatively of utilizing their names to conceal their individuality in order to promote them to take part in the research. These codifications were written on the single Survey of Attitude to Mathematics ( SAM ) . Method of informations aggregation for the MATGC: The three-item trials were administered to the experimental and control group with the aid of their category instructors. The engagement of the instructor was necessary if the pupil will take the research earnestly and for meaningful informations aggregation. The same designation codification used for the SAM by an single pupil was used for the MATGC. This enabled the research worker to fit the documents of the pupils together. The pretest books were graded out of 30 Markss utilizing a marker usher which was developed and used for rating the trial. The tonss were analyzed in order to place the More Knowing Others ( MKO ) and Less Knowledgeable Others ( LKO ) in the experimental group. A mark above the experimental group category mean ( Mean=7.58 ) qualified a pupil for MKO class while a mark less than the average qualifies a pupil for LKO. The MKO and LKO were made to sit alternately in their several categories to accomplish the collaborative acquisition consequence ; the purpose of this randomisation was to neutralize all immaterial variables such as sex, personality, age, race, parents ‘ educational position, hapless nutrition etc that may impact the findings of this research work. However, such intervening variables as fixed mathematics course of study, clip available after categories, decrease in attending and assimilation which may be due to tire after normal school hours could non be controlled. The two groups of pupils ( i.e. the experimental and command groups ) were now taken through a four hebdomads learning of one hr per twenty-four hours for every other twenty-four hours ( i.e. Mondays, Midweeks and Fridays ) . Classs were conducted after the stopping point of the regular categories, which was designed to take attention of non interrupting the normal mathematics categories and seting those taking portion in the experiment at a disadvantage. The research worker took the experimental groups while the controlled groups were taken by their single mathematics instructor who had been before taught how to utilize the lesson program drawn up by the research worker. The entire figure of contact period came to three hours a hebdomad and a sum of 12 hours for the full period of learning. Consent from school authorization and parents had been antecedently sought. Students in the experimental group were taught utilizing the ADM method, a collaborative-based group learning utilizing the computing machine. The ADM was an cyberspace based geometric building tutorial developed by John Page on hypertext transfer protocol: //www.mathopenref.com/ . The pick of this bundle is the simpleness with which it taught geometric building, utilizing lifes and graphical illustration. Students of the experimental group have entree to computing machines and to the bundle at school during their free periods or if they have internet entree at place thereby larning further on their ain. The bundle is synergistic, provides good visual image for the pupils, it is free for all users, intriguing and captivates the pupils ‘ involvement. It hence provides good apprehension for pupils. Students were now required to execute buildings affecting angle 750, 150O, 1050 angles. Any angle which are non basic have to undergo some uses such as add-on or minus. This was the major jobs the pupils faced. At this point they were allowed to join forces in add-on the MKO were to help the LKO to acquire to a point they could use the construct and build the assorted angles on their ain. The control groups who were taught by their several instructors were taught utilizing the chalkboard, chalkboard compass, and swayer as a medium of direction. They were taught how to build basic angles, , how to bisect angles, buildings affecting angle 750, 150O, 1050, i.e angle which have to undergo some uses such as add-on or minus. No coaction was allowed in this group. Drills and assignments were given to both the experimental and control groups at the terminal of each contact period, while two group undertakings were given to both groups after the terminal of the contact periods. The SAM and the MATGC were now administered to the control and experimental group as station intervention. The responses to SAM and the trial documents were collected, scored and analyzed. Method of Data Analysis All informations gathered were organized and analyzed utilizing the undermentioned stairss. The responses from the pre and station SAM were placed against the four- point Likert Scaling, Strongly Agree ( SA=4 ) , Agree ( A=3 ) , Strongly Disagree ( SD=2 ) and Disagree ( D=1 ) for positive statements while the points were reversed for negative statements i.e. ( SA=1 ) , ( A=2 ) , ( SD=3 ) ( D=4 ) . Descriptive analyses was used for the SAM. There were no uncomplete responses to any questionnaire since the filing of the questionnaire was closely monitored by the research worker to guarantee all inquiries were answered by pupils. The MATGC was scored out of 30 Markss utilizing a marking strategy. The pre and station tonss from MATGC were subjected to Pearson Correlation coefficient analysis for variables that can be ranked and ordered, e.g public presentation and attitude, while t-test statistics was used for variables with no order such as relationship between attitude and instructional method while relationships amongst multiple variables such as attitude, public presentation and methodological analysis were subjected to multivariate analysis of discrepancy ( MANOVA ) . Arrested development analysis was besides used to happen out the part of each of the independent variables to the dependent variables. All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 degree of significance. Findingss In this research, three research inquiries and four hypotheses were posed. The consequences of the pre-test and post-test of MATGC were analyzed utilizing agencies, standard divergence ( S.D ) , t-test statistics. All hypotheses were tested at 0.05 degree of significance. A p- value ( deliberate value ) lt ; than 0.05 leads to rejection of the void hypothesis, otherwise it is accepted. HYPOTHESIS I- Students ‘ Attitude will non significantly affect their accomplishment in geometric building Table1a: The Pearson correlativity between attitude and accomplishment before intervention Variable Pre-Attitude mark Pre-Achievement mark Pearson correlativity ( R ) 1.000 0.038 P – value 0.684 Nitrogen 62 62 Pre – Accomplishment mark Pearson correlativity ( R ) 0.038 1.000 P – value 0.684 Nitrogen 62 62 Table1b The Pearson Correlation between Attitude and Achievement after intervention Variable Post-Attitude mark Post-Achievement mark Post attitude mark Pearson correlativity ( R ) 1.000 0.005 P – value 0.955 Nitrogen 62 62 Post – Accomplishment mark Pearson correlativity ( R ) 0.005 1.000 P – value 0.955 Nitrogen 62 62 From Table 1a above, the Pearson-correlation coefficient between accomplishment mark and the attitudinal mark before intervention was positive but weak ( r=.038 ) . The p-value which is the important value of correlativity between the two variables ( pre- accomplishment mark and pre-attitudinal mark ) is r=0.684 which was greater than 0.05 demoing that the correlativity was non important before intervention. From Table 1b shows the Pearson-correlation coefficient between accomplishment mark and the attitudinal mark after intervention ( r=.005 ) , which was positive but weaker than earlier intervention, while the p-value which is the important value of correlativity between the two variables ( post accomplishment mark and station attitudinal mark ) was p=0.955. The values showed a farther weakening of the relationship between attitude and public presentation. Since this is greater than 0.05 i.e P gt ; 0.05, it follows that the correlativity was non important. Therefore there was no important relationship between the station accomplishment mark and station attitudinal mark. The attitude of pupils hence did non significantly affect their accomplishment in geometric building. HYPOTHESIS II- There is no statistically important difference between public presentation of computing machine and chalkboard groups. Table 2a: T-test analysis of pretest tonss for control ( Blackboard ) and experimental groups Treatment group Nitrogen Mean S.D df tcalc p-value Experimental Group 33 8.58 6.37 60 1.634 0.108 Control Group 29 6.17 5.02 Table 2b: T-test analysis of station -test tonss for control and experimental groups Treatment group Nitrogen Mean S.D df tcalc p-value Experimental Group 33 11.18 8.59 60 0.932 0.355 Control Group 29 9.45 5.48 The pre-test as shown in table 1a above, the mean of the experimental group ( = 8.58 ) is higher than that of the control group ( = 6.17 ) . The p-value which is the important value shows that the difference is non important ( p gt ; 0.05 ) . The hypothesis is hence upheld for the pretest. Table 2b presents the post-test tonss and the t-test analysis which showed that the experimental group maintained the lead with a mean of 11.18 over the control group with a mean of 9.45. The t-test analysis shows that the important value of 0.355 is besides greater than 0.05. Again, the hypothesis is upheld in the station trial tonss. In drumhead, from the tabular arraies 2a and 2b above, the experimental group ( computing machine group ) performed better in both the pre and station trials than the control group as evidenced by the agencies ; but the difference in the average public presentations of the two groups is non important. It so follows that the impact of the computing machine assisted direction is non noticeable. HYPOTHESIS III: There is no statistically important difference between male and female pupils in the combined dependant variables that make up the acquisition results Note: The variables that make up the acquisition outcomes in this survey are Students ‘ accomplishment ( tonss ) in geometric building scrutiny. Students ‘ attitude to geometric building. A one-way between groups Multivariate Analysis of Variance ( MANOVA ) was performed to look into sex differences in larning results ( accomplishment and attitudes ) . Two dependent variables ( Achievement in geometric building scrutiny and attitude to geometric building ) were involved. The independent variable was gender. There was a statistically important difference between males and females on the combined dependant variable: F ( 2, 58 ) = 3.763, P = 0.029 ; with lambda = 0.885 ; Eta squared = 0.115. when the consequences for the dependent variables were considered individually utilizing 0.05 alpha degree of significance, the lone difference to make statistical significance was the accomplishment mark after intervention: F ( 1,59 ) = 6.713, P = 0.012 ; Basque Homeland and Freedom squared = 0.102. An review of the average tonss indicated that males reported higher tonss ( intend = 13.154, SD = 7.00 ) than females ( average = 8.457, S.D = 7.01 ) . HYPOTHESIS IV: There is no statistically important difference between computing machine and chalkboard groups in the combined dependant variables that make up the acquisition results. Note: The variables that make up the acquisition outcomes in this survey are ; Students ‘ accomplishment tonss in geometric building scrutiny. Students ‘ attitude to geometric building A one-way between groups Multivariate Analysis of Variance ( MANOVA ) was performed to look into differences in larning result ( achievement and attitudes ) . Two dependent variables ( Achievement in geometric building scrutiny and Attitude to geometric building ) were involved. The independent variable was instructional methodological analysis. There was no statistically important difference between computing machine and chalkboard groups on the combined dependent variables: F ( 2, 59 ) = 0.591, p=0.557 ; Wilks ‘ lamda = 0.980, Eta squared = 0.020. When the consequences of the dependent variables were considered individually, none of the differences reached statistical significance. An review of the average tonss indicated that the computing machine group performed better in both achievement tonss in geometric building scrutiny and attitude to geometric building than the chalkboard group. Below are the agencies and standard divergences. The Hypothesis is hence upheld that ther e is no significance difference between the two groups in the combined dependent variables. Dependent variable Group Mean S.D Achievement trial in geometric building Computer group 11.18 8.59 Blackboard group 9. 45 5.48 Attitude to geometric building Computer group 71.97 4.24 Blackboard group 70.76 10.13 Discussion The credence of this hypothesis provides replies to the research inquiry, â€Å" Does Assisted Discovery Method of direction affect pupils ‘ accomplishment in geometric building positively † . The hypothesis may non be important and does non uphold Rosen ‘s ( 2007 ) survey on â€Å" Different Learning Environments Provide Different Learning Experiences † where he stated that overall constructivist acquisition environments are more effectual than traditional 1s, but to the contrary to outlooks, traditional scenes did non differ from constructivist 1s when traditionally-appropriate steps were used. The consequences of this probe were able to reply some of the research inquiries: What are the impact of the ADM and traditional method of learning on pupils ‘ accomplishment in mathematics geometric building? Harmonizing to hypothesis two, the mean and standard divergence of both the pre and station trial was non statistically important therefore there may non be any noticeable impact that instructional engineering had on public presentation of both the control and experimental group. The ADM attack nevertheless, harmonizing to hypothesis four revealed a better attack in footings of betterment in both accomplishment and attitude of the experimental group. There was merely a little impact in attitudinal alteration after the intercession from the experimental group. The ground for this could be attributed to the involvement pupils have in computer-based instruction as supported by earlier findings of ( Salami 2008 ) that pupils taught mathematics with computing machine engineeri ng achieved cognitively higher than those taught without computing machine engineering. Further research by Julia in ( Salami 2008 ) stated â€Å" computing machine tutorials, developing through World Wide Web etc can be a rewarding utile experience for pupils † . The Impact Gender played in attitude and public presentation to geometric building survey revealed that male ( average =13.154 ) as against female ( mean=8.457 ) performed better in geometric building than females. This may be topic specific as there are surveies to demo that mathematic public presentation is non gender particular. Decision This research has been able to demo that both the traditional method of direction and the computing machine based method plays an of import function in learning and larning.The deduction for this is a demand to: Deduction to Practice Students ‘ attitude is cardinal to larning and instructors should make all possible to instill in pupils the right attitude. ADM attack should be applied to other countries of mathematics where pupils perform ill. Deduction to Policy Better on mathematics curriculum by seting more accent on usage of Instructional AIDSs in instruction and acquisition. The accent should be on the usage and non which specific one as from this survey the attitude of pupils to whether traditional or computer-based was non important, but the impact of instructional method was noticeable in public presentation. More teacher preparation development plan in current instructional methodological analysis Female pupils should be given more encouragement in larning mathematics. Further Surveies A farther survey is recommended for rural and public school scenes as against the urban and private school scenes used for this survey. How to cite Impact Of Attitude And Information, Essay examples

Finding the Best Part of Myself Essay Example For Students

Finding the Best Part of Myself Essay An experience plays a key role in our life. For me experiences from different cultures and societies had played a vital role in making me the person I am now. Growing up in India and moving to the USA had gave me so many experiences in my life. These experiences that I had from both societies helped to judge what is good and what is bad. Experiences plays a huge part in our life. Experiences for a human being is like oxygen we breathe in. Every single day we have some sort of experiences in our life whether is good or bad we have to face it. Just like oxygen that we breathe in, we dont know if is polluted or not but we just breathe in the oxygen. As experiences plays a huge part in our life, so does learning from the experiences too. So, I believe that experiences and learning from the experiences would make a human, a better person in the society. For example, living in India with my grandparents had given me lot of knowledge about how to face life under difficult experiences or situations. My grandfather was a hardworking and dedicated person. He have been working in the field for over 70 years until he was bedridden. He worked in the field to provide us with food and money. Every day, he learned something new about how to have a better produce from the land. Sometimes, he had to change the way he thought would have gave better produce to another. His experiences had given him lot of knowledge about how to do something and how to not. He learned from his mistakes and improved or did different things to correct his mistakes. As a kid, I always looked at him to learn how he faced situations like a warrior. He had had bad experiences in the field too but he never gave up, he worked harder. His hard work for better production from the field made me to work harder in my life and also, through his dedication I have learned to stick with my goals until I have achieved it. Moreover, not just having the experience made my grandfather successful, but having an experience and learning from it made my grandfather successful. Even though, he was successful farmer he was really cheap, he would not spend or waste a single penny for things he didnt wanted. He saves them all and puts them in the bank to get huge interests. He had always told me not to waste money, rather save it. My grandfather only started saving because my father had lot of debts, so, my grandfather wanted to help him. My grandmother always used to say that my grandfather only started to save money due to fact that my father had a debt. So, the situation/experience made my grandfather to save money. Myself I was able to use my experiences from India, in the USA for saving money, helping and respecting others. Thus, it is the experience that makes person to do certain things. Learning from our experiences and living accordingly will only make us a better person. Without learning from our experiences will not rectify the mistakes and we will keep doing the same mistakes again and again, until we have learned from the experiences. In my life all the experience I had only changed me to a better, successful, hardworking and dedicated human. My experience in India and learning from those mistakes had made be the person I am. So, not just experience makes you a better person but, it is important to learn from the mistakes too. Thus, it will make a better human in the world.

Risk Essay Example Competitive Environment and Risk Assessment

Competitive Environment and Risk Assessment Barclays Bank is one of the leading banks in the world with operations in 60 international countries. The current financial crisis has caused serious problems for financial institutions, and Barclays is no exception. The recent fiasco has thus strengthened the argument that there must be a more comprehensive corporate governance code for the financial institutions. (Kalbers, 2009). Barclays therefore has to prepare itself for the relatively new and more radical changes that may take place in future in terms of new corporate governance challenges. Competitive Pressures Historically, it has been observed that the Britain’s Corporate Governance movement has been hijacked by top accountancy firms in order to maximize value for shareholders; other stakeholders, such as employees, customers and the community, have been relatively neglected.(Cassidy, 2003).   Today’s environment is relatively more volatile than beforehand due to perceived threats to the global financial system specially in the aftermath of the current financial crisis. It is critical to note that in such an environment, the overall competitive pressures are mounting on many financial institutions including Barclays to maintain their positions within the market. Of great significance is that the current financial crisis has resulted in the decline of loanable funds to the consumers; this will likely result in a drastic decrease in revenue as well as profitability for Barclays Bank. The recent results however, indicate that the firm has been able to withstand pressures and the results of the first half of 2009 has shown considerable improvement by the bank. Strategic Challenges One of the most important challenges faced by the Barclays Bank is to keep its dominance over its traditional markets. Though the bank has been able to meet the current global financial crises however, its ability to service the market has reduced due to overall external economic conditions. Firm therefore needs to revise its internal control mechanism in such a manner that it successful withstands external challenges. The new capital requirements under BASEL II are another significant challenge because it will require Barclays to manage and maintain a certain level of capital against its assets. Similarly, the collective malpractices in financial system as a whole is another significant challenge because banks have indulged themselves into activities which   Customer services is another significant challenge in such scenario where profits are declining and expectations are rising for more efficient customer services. In order to cope with the increased pressures of the financial c rises, Bank of England has significantly lowered the interest rates whereas the overall cost structure of the banks have remained the same which therefore resulted into lose profitability for the banks. This also indicates the UK’s financial institutions are still finding it hard to achieve a balance between risk and reward and subsequent development of corporate governance mechanisms which can help achieve organizations this aim.(Gentle, 2009). Recommendations In order to overcome these strategic challenges, Barclays has to strengthen its internal controls and procedures. The non-existence of checks and balances on the activities of the managers provide incentives to the managers to engage into such activities which are potentially not in favor of all stakeholders. The overall focus shall therefore be on ensuring complete and more transparent reporting of the all issues of the bank while at the same time implementing an effective corporate governance code by strengthening the role of various other stakeholders. References Cassidy, D (2003) Maximizing shareholder value: the risks to employees, customers and the community. Corporate Governance. 3 (2) 32 – 37 Gentle, (2009) Work in progress?: How the credit crunch has its roots in the lack of integrated governance and control systems. The Journal of Risk Finance. 9 (2) 206 210 Kalbers, L (2009) fraudulent financial reporting, corporate governance and ethics: 1987-2007. Review of Accounting and Finance. 8 (2) 187-209 So Shall We Write Your Assignment Too? We’ve done it for thousands of students, and they are thankful and satisfied. Since you’ve been reading all this, you most probably want to pay someone to do your assignment. Trust us; that someone is our company! Open your account and place order now.

Planets And Solar System Essays - Planetary Science, Planet

Planets And Solar System Essays - Planetary Science, Planet Planets And Solar System Planets and Solar System The Planets and the Solar System Planets 2 A planet is a celestial body that revolves around a central star and does not shine by its own light (Grolier, 1992). The only planetary system that is known to man is our solar system. It is made up of nine planets which range in size and make-up. The nine major planets in our solar system are Mercury, Venus, Earth, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, Neptune and Pluto. There are also many other minor planets which are also in our solar system, but they are unimportant compared to the nine major planets. In this paper I will discuss the planets and how they are each unique. Mercury which is the planet that is closest to the sun is the first planet I will discuss. Mercury is the smallest of the inner planets. It is speculated that the heat from the sun made it impossible for the gases present to become part of the planetary formation. The surface of Mercury is extremely hot. It is approximately 470 degrees celsius on the surface and is thought to be even hotter at the two hot spots. These hot spots are on opposite ends of the equator. It is the heat of the surface that makes it impossible for Mercury to have any type of atmosphere. Mercury orbits the sun once every 88 days and has a true rotation period of 58.6 days. It is the closest planet to the sun and therefore orbits faster than any other planet (Thompson/Turk, 542, 1993). It is said that Mercury rotates three times for every two trips around the sun, so that during Planets 3 every alternate perihelon passage the same face points directly at the sun. Geologically, the most remarkable features of Mercury are compressional cliffs or faults, just the sort of wrinkles that might form in the crust if the interior of the planet shrank slightly (Morrison, 74, 1993). It is speculated that it was the solidification of Mercury's metallic core that caused this global shrinkage. Mercury is also . . . enriched in metal or depleted of rock (Morrison, 74, 1993). It is also believed that some of the inner core of Mercury is still in a fluid state. Scientists also believe that Mercury's surface is made partially of silicate rock. The best way to describe Mercury is, . . . small, heavily cratered and airless (Morrison, 71, 1993). Venus is the second closest planet to the sun and is said to . . . most closely resemble Earth in size, density, and distance from the sun (Thompson/Turk, 542, 1993). Venus is known to most scientists as the sister planet to the Earth. It is called this because it closely resembles the Earth's mass, density and diameter. The only thing different is that Venus is shrouded in thick clouds that completely hide the surface of the planet (Grolier, 1992). The surface temperature is also much warmer than that of Earth. Venus completes one revolution around the sun in 224.7 days. This makes the Venusian day equal to 117 earth days. It is thought that this slow rotation may be the reason why Venus has no magnetic field. Planets 4 The atmosphere of Venus made up of 98% carbon dioxide and 2% Nitrogen. This atmosphere also has the presence of helium, neon and argon. This is yet another thing which makes Venus different from Earth. The surface of Venus is quite a bit like that of the Earth. The surface has volcanoes and smooth plains. Much of the volcanic activity on Venus takes the form of Basaltic eruptions that inundate large ares, much as the mare volcanism flooded the impacted basins on the near side of the moon (Morrison, 93, 1993). One thing that differs from Earth is that there is no water liquid on the Venusian surface. Some of the scientific data that follows was taken out of Cattermole's book. The mean distance from the sun is 108.20 Km. The equatorial diameter is 12,012 Km and the equatorial rotation is 243 days. Finally the mass of Venus is 4.87*10^24 (Cattermole, 63, 1993). Venus, although different than Earth, is still our sister planet. Mars is the fourth furthest away from the sun and is recognized by its reddish color. Mars is also very much like the Earth. More than any other planet in the solar system, Mars has characteristics that make it an Earth-like world (Grolier, 1992). One thing that is very similar to Earth is the rotation period. Mars rotation period is only thirty seven minutes longer than the Earth's. This

Generic Drug Profile : Salbutamol Generic Drug Profile - Salbutamol

New Zealand trade names: Ventolin, Respigen, Salamol, Asthalin, Salapin and Broncolin. Drug Class: Therapeutic class: bronchodilator. Pharmacologic class: sympathomimetic (stimulates the sympathetic nervous system). It is also classified as a SABA (short acting ÃŽ ²2-agonist). Formulations: The most common administration is by inhalation of a pressurised metered dose aerosol. Inhalation of Salbutamol directly reaches the lungs and acts rapidly with fewer side effects, but only 10-25% is actively absorbed as the remainder is swallowed (Orion Phama, 2015). Oral administrations by tablet and syrup forms are used by patients who can’t manage the inhaled route. Salbutamol has a lower onset of action via the oral route and 50% of the dosage is absorbed from the intestinal tract (Salbutamol, 2014). Salbutamol can also be given intravenously for severe or life threatening asthma. It may also be given by intramuscular injection. Patients are best treated with single-ingredient ÃŽ ²2-agonist preparations so dose adjustment is simple (NZ Formularya, 2015). Indications: Salbutamol is a ÃŽ ²2-agonist which causes bronchodilation by relaxing smooth muscles on the bronchiole. It is a reliever of bronchospasms in asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD) and emphysema. It provides short acting but instant bronchodilation to reverse airways obstruction. Inhalation of Salbutamol has an onset period of 5-15 minutes and lasts for 2-5 hours. Salbutamol isIs the Illegalization of Marijuana Valid? Is The Illegalization of Marijuana Valid? The debate over the legalization of Cannabis sativa, more commonly known as marijuana, has been one of the most heated controversies ever to occur in the United States. Its use as a medicine has existed for thousands of years in many countries world wide and is documented as far back as 2700 BC in ancient Chinese writings. When someone says ganja, cannabis, bung, dope, grass, rasta, or weed, they are talking about the same subject: marijuana. Marijuana should be legalized because the government could earn money from taxes on its sale, its value to the medical world outweighs its abuse potential, and because of its importance to the paper and clothing industries. This action should be taken The first step in Martin Luther King Jr.’s nonviolent campaign is collection of facts to determine whether injustices are alive, which is what Antigone does when hearing about the death of both of her brothers. What! Has not Creon to the tomb preferred One of our brothers, and with contumely Withheld it from the other? Eteocles Duly, they say, even as by law was due, He hid beneath the earth, rendering him honour Among the dead below; but the dead body Of Polynices, miserably slain, They say it has been given out publicly None may bewail, none bury, all must leave Unwept, unsepulchred, a dainty prize For fowl that watch, gloating upon their prey! This is the matter he has proclaimed – Excellent Creon! (Sophocles 2). Antigone is talking to Ismene and telling her all she has heard about the injustice that she has heard that Creon has created. She is very frustrated and wants only to bury her brother so he may have a peaceful afterlife and not go to the underworld or be stuck in purgatory. Creon’s edict stating Polynices cannot be buried under any circumstances is harsh because Creon most likely would have revolted against his brother if he was banish from Thebes just so he wouldn’t have to share the throne. After Antigone gathers upThe Country Of Brazil : Brazil Brazil is the fifth largest country in the world and the largest in Latin America. Its limits are: To the north, Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and French Guiana; to the south, Uruguay, Argentina, and Paraguay; To the east, the Atlantic Ocean; And to the west, Peru and Bolivia. The capital of Brazil is Brasilia. Brazil occupies almost half of the South American territory. Brazil has borders with all South American co untries except Chile and Ecuador. The most important cities in Brazil are Sà £o Paulo and Rio de Janeiro. (theapricity.com) Landforms of Brazil Brazil is divided into five primary geographic areas: The Southern Highlands, the Norther Guiana, Brazilian Highlands central and east, the massive Amazon River Basin, Pantanal wetland areas of the southwest. Guiana Highlands The Guiana Highlands composed mainly of flat-topped mountains extending in a roughly east-to-west direction across the north of the country. Guiana has approximately a territorial extension of 214,970 square kilometers. They are home to Brazil 's highest point. The Guiana Highlands feature plunging waterfalls and deep waterfalls. Amazon Basin To the south of the Guiana Highlands lie the lowlands of the Amazon Basin. The Amazon Basin covers an area of 6,122,726 km ², and covers lands in several countries of South America: Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, and Bolivia. Brazil is the one that has more extension in the Amazon Basin. The largest tropical rainforest

Distillation- Gas Chromatography Investigations Lab Report

Distillation- Gas Chromatography Investigations - Lab Report Example In the case where there are two compounds with a vast different vapor and pressures, then the two compounds can be separating through the technique referred to as simple distillation. In this case, simple distillation involves warming a mixture so that the liquid with higher volatility vaporizes first. The vapor of this liquid substance is then collected in a separate flask for purposes of being condensed back into liquid. However, for mixtures of compounds having same boiling points, a simple distillation would be performed multiple times or a fractional distillation would be applied over its length. In essence, fractional distillation is often used in separating mixtures of liquids that have a boiling point that are quite close to each other. Fractional distillation constitutes a long glass tube often packed with either ceramic or glass material allowing the vapor to vaporize and condense a number of times in the course of traveling up the column. Moreover, the condenser (fractiona ting column) is packed with these materials purposely to help increase its surface area. This is based on the principle that whenever a solution gets distilled in fractions, it goes through various re-distillations that help increase the purity of the product at the end of the tunnel. As liquid gets heated, vapor starts rising. These vapors condense when they come into contact with the fractioning column cooler surfaces. Continued heating of the distillation liquid leads to the increase in the rise of the vapors. The condensed vapors within the fractioning column re-vaporize hence moving up the column. Repeating this process several times causes components with the lowest boiling point to reach the top of the fractionating column first, which is the collected in the collection vial. Other components are collected following their ascending order of their boiling points. This process is applicable in the fractional separation of mixtures having multiple liquids. For instance, crude oi l is often separated in towers which are one hundred and fifty feet high. In this respect, more than 100 different components get separated from two thousand barrels of crude oil each day. Equipment or Materials In this experiment, the set of apparatus included 3 glass vials, Crystallizing Dish, Ice Steel wool, Microscale kit, Boiling chips, Hot plate, 100-mL beaker, Mixture of organic liquids, and Digital thermometer. Procedure In this experimental the set up was carried out in a hood. To start with the distillation, apparatus for this experiment was set up. Using scintillation vials or a 10 mL graduated cylinder, the distillates were collected. 10ml of ethyl acetate, and 10mL isoamyl acetate were obtained and transferred to the 50 mL round-bottom flask. Then the stirring bar was added to the flask with the stirring function being activated during the process of distillation. The stirring bar acted as a boiling stone and was added to help prevent bumping. The warming of the flask w as done making sure the distillate starts being collected in the graduated cylinder. At this instance, the temperature of the vapor when the first drop of the distillate started being collected in the cylinder was recorded. This was done making sure the thermometer was well positioned. The plate was adjusted in making sure the collection rate of the distillate was approximately 1 drop per second. The temperature was recorded after each mL of the distillate

HRM Module Examination Questions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

HRM Module Examination Questions - Essay Example It should be noted that without work-life balance, employees tend to feel guilty and deprived of not being able to attend to activities involving their family as their career life robs them of these. Thus, they compensate these through several absences in order to make time for non-work activities. Absences also occurs when employees are physical exhausted and are suffering from sickness from overworking. In order to improve attendance, companies should strive to make the workplace worth going to. The workplace should not be a venue of stressful and tiring tasks by designing leisure activities every now and then. Also, rapport among colleagues should be established. Rewarding employees who are always present can also be pursued. Instead of adopting the total renumeration approach, the CIPD is pushing through the total reward system which is comprised of flexible benefits, opportunity for personal growth, recognition of achievements, flexible working hours, and others that are indeed favorable for employees. The CIPD argues that the total reward system will yield benefits such as â€Å"easier recruitment of better quality staff, reduced wastage from staff turnover, better business performance, and enhanced reputation of the organisation as an employer of choice.† The first and last advantages from CIPD are seen to be obvious benefits from a total reward system. As employees are favored, adoption of this scheme will surely boost company image thereby allowing it to recruit prospective applicants more efficiently. However, for the reduced wastage from staff turnover, this is quite questionable because adopting total reward system might not necessarily decrease turnover. Also, since employees have different personalities a more relaxed management approach might not work for some and might even promote a carefree attitude among employees. There are five stages in the process of performance management namely strategy definition,

Apple Function and Form Essay Example for Free

Apple Function and Form Essay Apple’s product line extends from iPhone to iPod, from softwares to customer aid programs, and all are directed to seek the maximum customer value for maximum competitive advantage. This report focuses on the case study of Apple Inc. evaluating the importance of competitive advantage, the means of achieving them, the generic strategy used by Apple and the implementation, advantages and limitations of these strategies. In the end, we have also elaborated the recommendations to these limitations. Introduction: Background: Apple Inc.   is the name of a multinational company, that makes personal computers, consumer electronics, computer software, servers and is a vast distributor of media content. Apple has gone far from being just a company. It has become a company that specializes in almost all computer products all the way from 1976 (Dpnick330. wikidot. com, 2008). Apple found its existence in the year 1976 when Steve Jobs and Steve Woznaik released the Apple I in California (Nostoptechnology. com, 2014). Since then apple has been flourishing and providing its market with the products of innovation. The creation of the iPhone gave a competitive edge to the company, released in 2001. The very first computer with GUI (Graphical User Interface) was Apple Lisa which was launched by Apple in 1984 (Bellis, 2013). The company with the help of its founder Steve Jobs realized the key to success was to excel in softwares and provide innovation by all means. Jobs, with the help of Wozniak, wanted to create a friendly desktop which would enable the users to use computers not as a hobby, at its very start (Lu? sted, 2012). Apple has been extending its chain of products and now offers longer, broader and bigger Book of Apple Hacks with tactics and tricks to get the most out of iPod, iPhone and Apple Tv (Seibold, 2008). As Jobs took care of the finances, Wozniak was taking care of improving the functionality of the company’s products from the very start. (Linzmayer and Linzmayer, 2004) Objectives: Objectives are the expected outcomes, the report will accomplish. They should be SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely), corporate, functional, systematic, operational, hierarchical, quantitative, realistic and consistent. The report will encompass the following objectives: †¢The competitive strategy used by Apple Inc. †¢The measures taken to implement this strategy. †¢Examples of using these strategies for giving a competitive edge. †¢Advantages of this strategy by evaluation. †¢Limitations of this strategy by evaluation. †¢Recommendations to improve and enhance the competitive position of Apple Inc. Main Findings: Competitive Advantage: Competitive advantage is the means by which a company can perform better than its competitors and gain higher profits. The ability to create more economic  value than competitors is a company’s competitive advantage. Competitive advantage for any company is accomplished when the company creates superior value for its customers in comparison to its customers (Porter, 1998). One of the hottest trends in the business today is analyzing the best methods of companies to enhance their performance (Boxwell, 1994). When enhancing the company’s performance, innovation must be a main feature and the company should introduce new means of attracting the customers. When the customers are attracted, profit is gained which attracts customers and limits competitors. Competitive advantage is always temporary because the competitors often offer something new/better or imitate the offering. When the firm’s offering is average, customers don’t prefer it. This limits the cost advantage of the company. Sometimes the competitive advantage doesn’t come in handy especially when the offerings made by the firms are not preferable, are outdated, costly or have a negative image in the market. There are two measures to evaluate competitive advantage: the first is accounting measures which include advantage, parity and disadvantage ; the other is economic measures including above normal, normal and below normal. In order to achieve sustainable competitive advantage the firm should make offerings which cannot be imitated, should be focusing on customer benefits, and should be sustainable against time, competition and environmental changes. Business Level Strategy: The ability of a company to evaluate systematic environmental changes and its competitors impact of change for enhancing the performance of a company is known as the business or corporate level strategy of that company (Furrer, 2011). Business Level options focus on firms operating as individuals. Corporate Level options concentrate on options available where a firm diversification and different markets, each with its own strategy, business team and profit centre. A corporate level adds up the corporate more and is more than the sum of its parts (Business Community, 2012). Strategic Clock: Business level strategy uses a strategic clock which aims at gaining the maximum competitive advantage on the basis of perception of money from prices. The clock represents different positions referring to the different customer requirements. It helps companies understand the changing trends of the market and competitors strategies to enhance the performance. There are four strategies under this subject and they are: 1. No Frills Strategy: low priced offering low benefits includingcommodity markets, Price-sensitive customers, High power, low switching costs among buyers and Opportunity to avoid major competitors. 2. Low-Price Strategy: offering lower prices than competitors. This includes, Margin reductions and Inability to reinvest. 3. Hybrid Strategy: seeks at achieving differentiation and low price strategies together. Differentiation Strategy: Seeks at providing the maximum quality with no cost considerations and maximum focus on the value. Apple Inc. uses this strategy to gain the maximum competitive advantage. Other strategies are failures, strategies that include increasing price without the product benefits, reduction in product benefits either by increasing prices or maintaining price-loss market share. Generic Strategies: What exactly is a strategy? Strategy is the direction implemented by the company in order to achieve its long term objectives and gain competitive advantage. There is a direct relationship with strategy is with objectives and tactics. Objectives are the points a company needs to achieve and tactics are the methods of how they will be achieved with the aid of strategies. Strategic choices depend on basis of strategies, strategic directions and finally methods of implementing them. A competitive strategy is the systematic search of competitive advantage of the company through its strategic means (Eldring, 2009). Thinking critically, a competitor is the only action a company has as a way to success (Kossowski, 2007). In the 1980s, Professor Michael Porter argued that there were only four fundamental strategic options the companies usually use and are called as Porter’s Generic Strategy Options. He identified four primary principles as: †¢Cost leadership. †¢Differentiation. †¢Focus cost leadership. †¢Focus differentiation. Apple’s Mission statement: A mission statement of a firm is the goals and objectives confined in a statement which a firm expects to accomplish in a long period of time and thus a broader way. Apple’s mission statement, according to the year 2013, is focused on making the best computers in the world along with their other products which included MAC, OS X, iLife, iWork and professional softwares (Strategic Management Insight, 2013). Apple leads the digital revolution for giving a new innovative idea to the phones of today along with the music industry through iTunes and iPods. Apple’s Strategy: Apple uses differentiation strategy rather than cost leadership strategy because for apple, it is not about making the most out of its products, but it’s about making the best out of its products (Riley, 2013). Apple’s differentiation strategy is a part of Porter’s generic strategy. This kind of strategy offers something that is innovative and new in the market and can be both service and the product itself. Innovations from competitors are striving to defect Apple’s ecosystem, but Apple is giving them a tough competition (Canada, 2012). It is differentiated when it makes and offers more benefits than the core products as an augmented product in a form of customer service, customer support, etc. This strategy offers premium money and focuses on increasing the quality of the product or a service. Generic differentiation occurs when the quality of the products offered by the company are above the expectations of the customers. Such strategies imply to focus on increasing the price of the products compared to the competitors thereby increasing the competitive advantage. Apple uses its differentiation strategy through the following ways. †¢Service: Service must become an efficient means of achieving as a competitive weapon and should not become a damage control function in order to enhance performance with customers (Frei and Morriss, 2012). Apple exceeds the quality of its services by providing customer support through their outlets and on the web. Employees at Apple are told not to sell, but to help customers solve their problems. That is the reason the number of visits to apple sites and outlets are more than that of Walt Disney (Hanselman, 2011). It made a new benchmark for providing ‘unmatched services’ which has made its own customers. The Apple company has scored the highest in PC makers’ customer service survey (Secrets of Apple’s customer success, 2014). †¢Brand: Brand is a type of a product manufactured under a product name (Ibsen, 2007). Apple finds itself at the peaks of the most valuable brands as its competition in the world (Cole, 2013). The brand has extensively increased the bar by introducing innovation again and again in the extension of its product line over the decades (Badenhausen, 2013). As stated in Apples Most Important Branding Lesson For Marketers (Mourdoukoutas, 2013) Out of all the lessons marketers can learn from apple one has an ultimate significance that is branding begins on the demand side. Apple has made its brand image by delivering quality products and receiving customer loyalty in exchange. Apple has raised the bar for its brand, using innovation as a key. For examples the use of Walkmans and music players were terminated when a small and confined iPod was introduced in the market by Apple. Similarly the use of computers was more comforting when technologies like laptops, Macbooks, notebooks etc. replaced desktops. Apple also provided its customers with great technologies in phones and softwares like Microsoft. In short, Apple provides more than the needs and demands of the customers by giving them value and satisfaction and always raising their own standards. †¢Marketing techniques: As stated in Apple’s iPhone Marketing Strategy Exposed, (Mckormack, 2013), Apple has no marketing budget and doesn’t advertise its products anywhere, but uses exclusivity technique. Apple used this technique by not only offering special offers on its products, but also made the whole product line exclusive. For example, iPhone product range is made exclusively. Limiting the availability of the products attracts most of the apple customers. This conformed to the unique nature of the products of Apple, which made its accessibility and demand more. Apple marketing strategy comes under the famous tag line ‘Sell on value, not price’ as the company aims at seeking the customer value as a priority. Apple turns something ordinary into innovative, justify its prices, ignores its critics, extends the experience, easy understanding with the customers, builds the tribe and makes a name. In January 1997 Apple incorporated a three point marketing philosophy which was based upon customer loyalty (Moorman, 2012). Apple has been following this philosophy since thirty five years and this is the reason because it was voted overall winner of the 2012 of CMO Survey Award for Marketing Excellence (Cmosurvey. org, 2014). †¢Online Business: Apple also deals in making e business with its customers. It sells, assists and aware its customers through online websites. Customers from different locations and areas can access the sites for any related problems or information on the products and services of apple. It makes free shipping orders using FOB methods. The App store did $10 billion sales and $1 billion sales in December out of which 65% came from the online business yet alone (Yarow, 2013). Advantages of differentiation strategy: Following are the benefits of the strategy. †¢Customer Loyalty: Apple has the most customer loyalty compared to its competitors. An iPhone customer is hard to debate with an android customer. Apple customers forever stay with its brand and never turn to its customers because of the value it provides to its customers. The extensive customer loyalty of Apple lies in its simplicity to use and reliability concerns (Rogowsky, 2013). †¢An increasing competitive advantage: Being unique and giving extraordinary services makes Apple a leading brand with an increasing competitive advantage. The prices of Apple products are always high, but the quality and the value justify them all. Apple focuses on the value not the price or revenue. Putting every factor together Apple has a differential advantage that is challenging to put forth for any of its competitors (Magee, 2011). Limitations of the differentiation Strategy: Following are the limitations of Apple’s strategy: †¢Difficulty in managing the strategy: It is comparatively hard and difficult to maintain the differentiation strategy as many factors need to be considered in evaluating the value. †¢Higher costs: Apple’s products are always of high costs due to which many of its customers are drifting away. Some of the loyal Apple shareholders believe that Apple is making a huge mistake by blindly focusing on short term profits in the mobile industry and denying the current realities (Blodget, 2013a). Apple is being defeated by Samsung, because of its high prices, which is the leading smart phone company in the market (Kovach, 2014). Recommendations: Following are the recommendations for apple. †¢Introduce reasonable costs and focus b and c type markets. †¢Introduce more innovation in the differentiation strategy. †¢Maintain its strong brand by also providing the advertisements. †¢Keep awareness about its competitors and other external factors. Conclusion: The report envisaged the ways and the importance of competitive advantage prevailing in Apple Inc. It also elaborated and evaluated the generic strategy used by the company that is Differentiation strategy. This report elaborated the means and the implemented of the strategy under focus along with its advantages and limitations. Furthermore, it contributed in explaining the recommendations.

The Key Elements of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man Essay

The Key Elements of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man provides an introspective exploration of an Irish Catholic upbringing. To provide the reader with a proper interpretation, Joyce permeates the story with vivid imagery and a variety of linguistic devices. This paper will provide an in-depth of analysis of the work by examining its key elements. The central theme of A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man is Stephen Dedalus' alienation and separation from his trinity of family, country and religion. Stephen's separation from his family is evident when he literally flees from his father by "walking rapidly lest his father's shrill whistle might call him back." Stephen's separation from his clique is demonstrated by his adoration of the poet Byron, who his schoolmates (Boland & Heron) deem as a "heretic and immoral." Boland and Heron then proceed to attack Stephen with "a fury of plunges" that leaves Stephen "half blinded with tears." Other violent disagreements with his peers can be found when while attending Clongowes Wood College he is pushed into a ditch by Wells (a class bully) and catches a fever. The illness results in Stephen's desire to "go home" The theme of Stephen Dedalus' alienation with his religion is evident in his connection with the church. The Dedalus family live a resolute Catholic life and expect Stephen t o share their beliefs. Stephen directly questions the authority of the church when he asks.    "Is baptism with a mineral water valid? How comes it that while the first beatitude promises the kingdom of heaven to the poor of heart the second beatitude also promises to the meek that they shall possess the land? Why was the sacram... ...foreshadowing's importance, can be found in the fact that the story begins with a flashback to when Stephen was a very young child. As the narrative of his life continues, flashbacks are implanted.    A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man by James Joyce is a well written exhibition of the Irish Catholic life of an artist. Stephen Dedalus, infamously connected to the mythical Deadalus, becomes independent of his family, religion, and nation. To adequately illustrate his life, actual Irish dialect is used and intense images are presented. Thereby creating an introspective analysis of an artist. Works Cited and Consulted Bloom, Harold. Modern Critical Interpretations: James Joyce's A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. New York:Chelsea House Publishers, 1988. Joyce, James. A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man. New York: New American Library, 1991

Potential Hazards Essay

Relating to the physical environment; If you were in a care setting e.g. Residential home, and the ventilation stopped working, or was not working as it should do. For example if some of the residents had an illness that could be passed on through air, then the probability is that all the residents and also staff would end up with the illness this is an acquired infection. Equipment; If you were in a care home for elderly people and they couldn’t use their legs or get up from sitting down you would have to use a hoist to help them up which is more time consuming, but it is against the law to drag lift them onto their feet. Therefore that is why staff have to use hoists, if a member of staff wanted to use the hoist to help someone up and it was broken this would be poor maintained and this could result in injury. Infections; If you were in a hospital and people were given certain needles, and they was not getting disposed of properly needles and all sharps are meant to be disposed of correctly in a yellow sealed box, if the needles wasn’t disposed of properly this would be an expose to danger and also hazardous waste. If they were not disposed of properly and were left lying about and someone accidently got injected with one of the used needles then this could cause an infection. Substances; In a care setting everything should always be clean for health and safety reasons, if a cleaner had been in and was bleaching the toilets and forgot to put the bleach back after cleaning them and one of the patients or residents went to use the toilet and seen the bleach they might have drunk the bleach which this chemical could cause chemical burns to the throat which is expose to danger. Working conditions; In a residential home sometimes they can be short staffed, which could lead staff to be overtired from the extra shifts, it could also make the staff rush and not be following all the procedures properly, not working to their best ability and also rushing their notes  throughout the day this could cause psychological distress to members of staff. Working practices; If you we were in a residential care home the would have to keep the doors and windows locked downstairs so they know who is going in and out of the building for security purposes, this security systems is really effective, but on the negative side this could result in loss of time. For example if the home caught fire and the fire fighters needed to get into the building and quickly as possible to get people out of the building having the doors and windows locked is going to waste time, this also could cause injury. Security Systems; In a residential home there would have to be CCTV around the outside of all doors and so you can see all windows, so you can keep an eye out for anyone trying to get in or out of the establishment. This is important because in a residential home you wouldn’t want people waltzing in and out. If there was an incident we would need to know who was in the building and who wasn’t this is why visitors have to sign in and out. If someone got in and possessions went missing we could narrow it down with the cameras but if we didn’t have cameras it would be hard to find out who did it, this could lead to loss or damage to the premises or personal belongings. Part 2 In this section I am going to give examples of the hazards that can arise in different settings. Residential Home; Elderly If a fire occurred in a residential home they would need to make sure that everyone inside the building got out safe so there would need to be fire exits, safety precautions and when they got everybody out safe they do a count of how many people were inside the building and how many are outside now. In a residential home it is important that the staff take health and safety procedures correctly and appropriately, within the care setting they need to be able to escape from the building in case of a fire, also to make  sure they don’t put each other in danger. So if a fire exit was blocked this could cause a hazard. Child minding; Young Children In a nursery a child minder is only allowed a certain amount of children at a time with them, due to having too many and not abiding to the ratio, if the child minder got distracted with one of the other children and another child had accidently swallowed an object this could cause the child to choke on the object they would have to try and get the object out of the young child’s mouth if this fails to work they would have to ring a ambulance , if the child minder had all the children in sight where she could see all of them this incident would have occurred. This could link to expose to danger. Public environment; Beach younger children If a children’s care home had organized a day at the beach for the children, the care workers would have to make sure that they had put sun cream on all of the children because if they just left them and some of the children got burnt this would be abuse towards the children. If the children wanted to go into the sea, a member of staff would have to go in with them to supervise them to make sure they wasn’t in danger or drowning or the current taking them out to sea. So if they had planned to take them out they would have to make sure there is enough staff to watch the children. Third Receiving Care For those that receive care a hazard for an elderly person could be that they cannot see very well so, loss of vision and slower reactions could be a problem if they was trying to find their way down to the dining area this would be a problem because they wouldn’t be able to see where there was going, so if things were left like this they could fall over and this would be an injury. If there was a younger person going down to the dining area there could be a sign saying ‘caution wet floor’ they might just ignore it and walk over it anyway and fall and really hurt themselves. This would be  lack of equipment. Workers in a setting Workers in a setting could have to deal with all sorts of patients timid, violent, shy e.c.t. if a resident was violent towards a staff member and hit them there would have to follow certain precautions because this is abuse, for example was the resident provoked to hit the member of staff? Was the resident in distress? Was the member of staff not listening or listening to their needs? There would need to be an investigation throughout the home and everyone will have to create a statement both about the staff and the resident. This would be some working conditions for some employees. Support staff Support staff in a health and social care setting should be given protective clothing because if one of the residents or care staff spills something on them or something gets on their skin that harmful in anyway this would be harmful substances because they were not giving the appropriate protective clothing. Visitors If there is a visitor that wants to come into the resident then there should be a buzzer that they have to press for the staff to identify, also a camera so they can see who it is. If there was not these safety precautions anyone could waltz in and out of the building which is not very professional, if someone did get in or someone got out of the building this would be because of poor security systems. This could result in injury.

Human Competition According Adam Smith and Karl Marx

â€Å"Human competition† according to â€Å"Adam Smith† is brought about by â€Å"selfish interests† (Ebenstein & Ebenstein, 2000, pp. 494 – 495).â€Å"Adam Smith† made this extremely clear when he said that â€Å"the free decentralized action of economic agents in a system of competition and private property brings advantages for each of them†¦each one moved by his selfish interest† (Ebenstein & Ebenstein, 2000, pp. 494 – 495). Interestingly, this is an unconscious thought of an individual according to â€Å"Adam Smith† (Ebenstein & Ebenstein, 2000, pp. 494 – 495).Causes of Human Competition According to Adam Smith â€Å"Adam Smith† said that competition was actually brought about by individual’s pursuit of a better life (Ebenstein & Ebenstein, 2000, pp. 494 – 495). People constantly find ways to reach their objectives not only to satisfy their own selfish interests but to enhance ones personal condition as well (Ebenstein & Ebenstein, 2000, pp. 494 – 495).Consequences of Human Competition According to Adam Smith What’s good about the unconscious desire of man to achieve self-interest is that, eventually, he or she will not only achieve a better life but that of others in the society as well (Ebenstein & Ebenstein, 2000, pp. 494 – 495).Human Competition According to Karl Marx â€Å"Human competition† according to â€Å"Karl Marx† is determined by his or her material conditions (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.). â€Å"Karl Marx† stated that â€Å"human competition† is highly related to the satisfaction of simple economic needs (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.).Causes of Human Competition According to Karl Marx Meanwhile, the following are some of the causes of â€Å"human competition† according to â€Å"Karl Marx†:First of all, â€Å"human competition† according to â€Å"Karl Marx† sprouted from â€Å"man’s existence† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.). It means that the existence of man requires satisfaction of human economic needs and so the aforementioned cause â€Å"human competition† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.).Furthermore, the historical act technically referred to as â€Å"the act of producing the means to satisfy human economic needs† also brought about â€Å"human competition† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.).Last but not least, survival is another cause of â€Å"human competition† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.). â€Å"Karl Marx† explained that since man â€Å"enters into a conscio us relation with nature for survival†, then he or she obliges himself or herself to â€Å"produce his or her means of subsistence† which eventually leads to human competition (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.).Consequences of Human Competition According to Karl Marx The following are some of the consequences of â€Å"human competition†:First of all is that it leads to the â€Å"division of society into economic classes† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.). For instance, in the â€Å"means of production†, â€Å"human competition† already exists because there are two types that exist, namely: â€Å"1) owners or the capitalists; and 2) non-owners of the means of production or the workers† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.).These two types compete for ownership with regards to anything that may be utilized to â€Å"produce material needs and maintain existence† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.).In addition to that, since â€Å"human competition† is highly related to the â€Å"mode of production†, it has also led to the â€Å"determination of the totality of the social superstructure† (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.). Simply put, â€Å"human competition† then also determines the composition of the State as well as political institutions (Marx’s Theory of Human Nature: Alienation, n.d., n.p.).

The True Villian in Ethan Frome essays

The True Villian in Ethan Frome essays Edith Whartons Ethan Frome was a novel marred by tragic irony. Its main characters, Ethan, Mattie, and Zeena, are each consigned to a lifetime of misery and despair. They have no one else to blame but the evil villain of the story, which is a character that has drained the will of all who encounter it. This character is none other than the vile town of Starkfield itself. Starkfield is a fictitious town located in the state of Massachusetts. In the introductory chapter Harmon Gow, a village stalwart, remarks to the narrator: All the smart ones got away. Each year it is host to harsh winters and below average summers. Settings like these have been known to drive people to the brink. That is how it effects the main characters with Zenna in particular. After inhabiting Starkfield for a number of years she became a haggard woman whom Ethan disgusted. Ethan himself is affected by the morose scenery( although his despair stems mostly from Zeenas constant bickering ). Mattie, a young and vibrant character, isnt too much worse for wear when Zeena sends her away. She simply hadnt stayed long enough to experience the mental erosion caused by Starkfield. The solitary confinement is another aspect of Starkfield that has a withering affect upon the minds of our characters. The duration of a trip from the Frome household to town is many hours. The people you interact with are the ones you will see your whole life. On the rare occasion you happen to come across a newcomer, the reaction will usually be that of curious delight. That is the reaction Ethan has when he is forced to live with Mattie. Due to the extreme isolation he becomes afflicted with an obsession for Mattie. Zeena instantly becomes an inescapable object of revulsion for Ethan. The most critical toll Starkfeild exhumes from the main characters is one of imprisonment. In the final pages of the book is ousted by an enraged Zeena. Ethan, now...