Nursery Business Plan

Market Strategy Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center’s program is currently being publicized to the community at two levels, i.e. the state level and the local level. Prince Mohammed University in Khobar has a link in its website that has information with regard to Little Angels Nursery Daycare program (Pride, Hughes, Kapoor, 2012). This information can be accessed by interested parents who want to bring their children on board.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Nursery Business Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The information on the link includes the list of services or programs that are offered by the daycare; in addition, a list of frequently asked questions is also included in the information. Apart from the link on Prince Mohammed University’s website, Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center also uses brochures or flyers as a way of advertising itself to the interested parents. Marketing of the nursery daycare aims at creating more awareness to the parents through advertisement and campaigns. In addition, the marketing strategies seek to increase the number of admitted children into the program. Nonetheless, marketing is very beneficial as it seeks to inform the target audience about the salient features of the nursery daycare programs and the competitive advantages; this will help in erasing all the doubts that the parents may be having with regard to the programs and services offered. The entire staff members of Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center have been efficiently trained and they know their roles with regard to the marketing strategies of the organization (Madura, 2007). Children from poor families are often signed up through family support staff. The family support staff members have a role to play in terms of advertising the nursery daycare’s programs and service to the poor parents and advising them on their qualifications and the procedure for ap plying for the child care programs. Management Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center will adopt a ‘Management by Objectives’ approach, whereby it will develop committed employees who are aware of their roles and services and also the mission and vision of the institution. Therefore, the employees will be motivated to work hard with the aim of achieving the mission and objective of the institution.Advertising Looking for term paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This management approach sets out SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time bound) objectives to the employees and it will also improve on communication and coordination; thus, feedbacks will be received constantly. The management style will also provide for constant participation of all the employees as they will be required to take part in setting the targets or goals to be achieved by the institution; thus, a person will not feel left out or overlooked. The members of staff will be so attached to the values of the institution which will make them have a strong organizational culture. This is because the values are so precise and they will have no difficulty in embracing them. The management will be strong and efficient and will provide for quality leadership. No employee will be more equal than the other, thus they will all be treated equally and fairly with much respect. The directors will all be available and reachable. The employees will be committed to their work and they will strive to maintain the values and the morals of the institution at all times. This management style will be more beneficial to the parents who intend to have more than one child on the program. This is due to the fact that, when the parents have a busy schedule, they will always resort to nursery daycare centers that offer services for extended hour. With this kind of management style in place, the parents will not fe ar to leave their children for long hours in the nursery daycare. Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center intends to recruit qualified and able teachers to spearhead the programs in the facility. With this regard, the amount of remunerations that the teachers will be offered will match the ones offered to the public school teachers. In addition, the teachers will be remunerated as per their levels of teaching experience and as per their contributions and effectiveness to the nursery daycare; therefore, their salaries are not expected to be the same all through. An attractive salary package is aimed at attracting the best teaching talent in the field and this too has a positive effect on the nursery daycare’s success.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Nursery Business Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Financial Sources and Uses Presently, there are two main flows of funds into Little Angels Nursery Day care Center. The first flow of funds is through the State Aid program. The other flow of funds is through Financial Grants. The State Aid program funds a major part of the institution, about 60 percent. The other remaining bit is funded through Financial Grants. The State Aid funds are used to meet the cost of paying the teachers their salaries and other benefits and the cost of building or renovating the classrooms. The Financial Grant funds are used to meet the cost of transporting materials into the nursery daycare, the cost of maintaining the premises and the costs of paying overtime work to the teachers. There are various conditions for a nursery daycare center to qualify to access the Financial Grant programs. One of the conditions is for the nursery daycare center to demonstrate that their projects are viable and committed toward the well being of the institution. There are a team of auditors and supervisors in place to make sure that the funds are efficiently used and are no t misappropriated in any way. The other remaining source of finance for Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center is through fees paid by the parents for the upkeep of their children within the institution. These funds are actually used for purchasing books and other learning materials for the children. In addition, the funds are also used to buy sporting equipments to be used for the physical development of the children. Academic and social trips are also financed by the funds collected from the fees paid by the parents. A summary of the financial sources is in the table below. Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center, Full-day Nursery and Daycare Center Advertising Looking for term paper on health medicine? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Budgeting Process A budget process entails how an organization constructs and endorses a budget. Budgeting is a long process as it entails distributing expenditure equivalently among the various departments or sectors of the organization. In budgeting, capital is apportioned in a manner that enables the organization to achieve its financial objectives. In Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center, budgeting is set up to cover all the financial shortcomings and also prepare the organization to meet the future investment plans in a focused manner. The practicability of budgeting is in line with the long term strategic plans of the organization. When budgeting is done in an appropriate manner, all the financial goals of the company will be captured. The budget guides the organization to accomplish investment plans since only relevant items are included in the budget. Just like many organizations, the budgeting process in Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center is initiated from the Finance Dep artment. The Finance Department designs spreadsheets that aim at guiding the departmental head to put in order a good quality budget. After the Finance Department has designed the spreadsheets, the Daycare Administrator sits in a meeting with the various departmental heads, who submit their budget estimates for the next financial year. After that, the Finance Department works out the cost estimates of the various proposals submitted by the departmental heads as they prepare the budget. After the budget is completed, it is forwarded to the hospital administrator and other top managers for evaluation and endorsement. The last stage of the budget process is the approval of the budget. The Daycare Administrator agrees to the request by the Finance Department concerning the list of expenditures proposed. Budgeting plays a very vital role in the organization as it sets out economic objectives to steer the organization forward. The budget has to be endorsed by the administration before bei ng implemented. Different departments have different needs; therefore, the budget is not the same for each department. A proper budgeting ensures that the organization’s goals and policies are preserved and maintained. This is beneficial to the organization since the nursery daycare is viewed by the society as to be playing a major role in safeguarding the welfare of the little children in the society. Management of the funds Little Angels Nursery Daycare will come up with a funds management process that will scrutinize the budgets and proposals and ensure that there is proper allocation of the funds to the various sectors of the institution. It will be required that before any funds are disbursed, a full application form is filled and it will have to be approved by the relevant committee in charge. Only urgent and relevant budget proposals will be approved by the committee. The committee will ensure that the funds are properly allocated and managed so as to avoid any misappr opriations. A proper audit team will be in place to counter check the management of the funds. The auditors will have to make a report at the end of every financial year of the institution so as the measure the progress of the nursery daycare by comparing it to the previous year’s results. When the funds are properly managed, the daycare will be in a good position to attract more Financial Grants and State Aid programs. Monitoring and Accountability Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center is expected to be strict when it comes to handling of its financial resources. The funds flow directly into the institution and all financial decisions are made by the management of the institution. It is, therefore, imperative upon the management to come up with a proper monitoring and evaluation program to oversee the management of the funds and to ensure that the audit team performs an efficient and satisfactory work. A proper monitoring and evaluation program will keep the institution on it s toes and will further boost the confidence and the faith that the parents have with regard to the daycare. When this happens, many more children will be admitted to Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center and in the process the flow of funds into the institution will rapidly rise. The monitoring and evaluation process will ensure that the financial management of the institution is in compliance with the stipulated regulation framework. With this regard, the monitoring and evaluation team will conduct longitudinal surveys in order to assess the social responses of the children in the Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center. The outcome of the survey will put the institution in a good position to make recommendations as per the needs of the children. In addition, the outcome of the survey will reveal the shortcomings of the institution and further help with the planning process so that the institution can move forward and maintain a positive track record. Conclusion Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center aims at becoming the leading nursery daycare center in the region. As well stipulated in the mission statement which fosters a full-time safe and fun environment for the children of the university staff and children of the students; the staff members are very qualified to provide a favorable environment for the development of the children. The goals of the institution are in line with the mission and they aim at promoting the children’s social and physical development through a combination of indoor and outdoor activities. The daycare will come up with an efficient marketing strategy and an elaborate management system in order to oversee the development of the organization. The budgeting process is done internally and efficiently. Budgeting plays a crucial role toward the financial planning of the institution, thus, a well planned monitoring and evaluation team will ensure that all protocols are given maximum consideration. References Madura, J. (2007). Introdu ction to business. Mason, OH: Thompson/South-Western. Pride, W. M., Hughes, R. J., Kapoor, J. R. (2012). Business. Mason, OH: South-Western/Cengage Learning. This term paper on Nursery Business Plan was written and submitted by user Bobby B. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here. Nursery Business Plan Executive Summary The business plan is on the baby care service industry targeting the children of the PMU University in Khobar. It is a partnership business with five members were capital will be individually contributed. It will provide the baby care services to babies of the age 0-5 years.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Nursery Business Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The mission of the Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center is to provide full-time services and fun environment to the children of the university staff and students. This will be achieved through putting clients’ needs first and offer of quality services. The services provided will be distributed along the different age groups (0-1, 1-2, 2-3, and 3-5 years). General description The business enterprise will be in the baby care industry where baby care services will be provided to the children of age zero to five years. The business enterprise will be named The Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center. It will target the children of the staff at PMU University in Khobar and those of the students who are mostly foreigners. The business enterprise is a Partnership Company that will be co-owned by five members. The strength of the company is that it will have skilled employees and administration that would ensure that all the goals and objectives are achieved. It will be funded through partnership contribution who will also act as the administrators. Mission statement The focus of the little angles nursery daycare center is to provide a full-time safe and fun environment for the children of our university staff and students. Moreover, our qualified faculty will provide a respectful treatment and a rich learning process which promotes each child’s social, physical and emotional development. Company goals The goal of the Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center is to create a safe environment in a friendly homelike atmosphere for children of ages between 0-5 years. Objectives The objectives of Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center are:Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More To determine the value of play in children’s learning and development processes. To have a combined environment by sharing information and building a relationship with the parents. To promote children’s social and physical development through the combination of indoor and outdoor activities To build self-esteem and confidence personalities among the children Keys to Success Put the needs of our clients first as we belief in customer satisfaction through quality services. Company Profile The Company Ownership is a co-owned enterprise with five members. After seeing the need to take care of young children, the members have partnered forming The Little Angles Nursery Daycare Center. The reason why partners hip was chosen was based on the issue of raising adequate startup capital. Each member will be a general partner meaning they shall be active on day to day activities (Pride, Hughes, Kapoor, 2012). They also wanted to take advantage of the different members’ educational backgrounds, skills, and experiences for effective running of the institution. Advantages of a business partnership are that is allows members to share responsibilities based on their skills, and raise adequate capital. In addition, it offers varied and diverse decisions which are essential for business running (Madura, 2007). In case of any losses, the partners usually share them equally (Madura, 2007). Start-up Plan Each of the members will contribute equal amount of capital for leasing the housing facilities and running the business enterprise. Depending on their different skills and educational backgrounds, each member will undertake their field of interest and specialty to encourage division of labor and specialization. Benefits, salaries, bonuses, and profits will be equally shared among the partners. The company will hire specialized baby care takers whom are mostly mothers. Willing employees of The Little Angles Nursery Daycare Center will undergo health screening as well as educational training catered by the business. This is aimed at increasing the competitive advantage of the company by offering quality service. Company Locations and Facilities The Little Angles Nursery Daycare Center will be located at the PMU University in Khobar. The business enterprise targets children of the university staff as well as those of the university students. The children being taken care of are of the age zero to five years old. The Little Angels Nursery Daycare Center will provide educational and physical facilities to help promote each child’s social, physical and emotional development. Different rooms will be available to cater for the different children age groups at different age groups. Products and Services Services and Service Description The Little Angles Nursery Daycare Center located at the PMU University in Khobar will provide recreational, physical and educational facilities to the children of ages between 0-5. These are the children of the University staffs who reside within the premises of the educational facility as well as those of the students. The services provided in the little angles and nursery and daycare will depend on the age limits as children of different ages require different services as advised in BTEC First Children’s Care, Learning and Development.Advertising We will write a custom term paper sample on Nursery Business Plan specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More 0-1 years This is a tender age group that will be taken care of by the Little Angels’ Nursery Daycare Center. Children at this stage require a lot of attention and care (Understanding children’s develop ment, n. d., Para. 4). There rooms will be homely with soft furnishing, duvets, cushions and nursery furniture like baby walkers. The rooms will be well colored with scattered toys around the children’s bedrooms and others hanging on the ceiling. The employed staff will be responsible for holding and talking to the babies. To ensure that the children get the best services, the ratio of baby care staff will be one to three. The work system will ensure that each child familiarizes with their ‘nanny’. The staff members of the Little Angels’ Nursery Daycare Center are well trained and most of them will be mothers themselves. Since the nursery and baby care is located within the learning institution, parents will be allowed to check on their babies anytime for assurance purposes. They will also be allowed to call in anytime to check up on their children welfare. Other services offered include settling in period which is of about one to two weeks that would allo w the baby to familiarize with the new environmental condition and our staff. At the end of the day when the parents will be collecting their babies, they will be offered with a daily operational sheet showing the following: The activities the child has enjoyed and done on that particular day. The number of nappies or pampers used in that day. The condition of the baby physically and social wise. The food calories taken and the liters of water taken. When the child reaches one year will be moved to the adjacent rooms that hosts toddlers of ages of between 12 to 24 months. However, the moving up will depend on the child’s development abilities like mobility. It will also depend on the child’s needs as well as their health and socializing abilities. The child will be familiarized with the rooms before being moved. 1-2 years The children under this age bracket require a lot of care and attention as they are on development stages (Understanding children’s develo pment, n. d., Para. 5). The toddlers will be provided with a range of collections for investigative, exploratory, and learning purposes. The place will be stimulating as the child will be developing emotionally and physically. The toddlers will be taught and encouraged on how to paint, draw, solve some jigsaws, and other engaging activities that will stimulate their brain development. This will definitely promote the personal development, social skills, and promote independent learning. The toddlers in Little Angels’ Nursery Daycare Center will be allowed to rest for two hours and can sleep on available mats.Advertising Looking for term paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The developmental needs of the child will be taken into considerations by the use of both outdoor and indoor physical and learning environment. The ratio still remains one to three as the needs of the children are almost the same as those of zero to one year. The toddlers socializing skills will be developed as they will be encouraged to share and play with other toddlers. They will be grouped in teams and encouraged to share their toys and other materials. At the end of the day the toddlers will be issued with a worksheet with the following: The progress of the child socially, emotionally and physically. Food calories taken and amount of water. The child’s emotional and learning abilities. Before the child is moved to a pre-school, the parent shall be engaged in a discussion where advice shall be availed to the parents. 2-3 Years The children at this age group will be on a preparatory transition to join the other older groups. With their ability to move around, talk, and understand, the ratio of staff member to child be increased from one to three to one to four. They will be taught how to write, draw, and paint. They will be encouraged to socialize so as to develop socialization skills as well as relationships with their staff and other children. They will also be encouraged to mingle with other experienced big groups. They children will be prepared for transition period from a toddler to a more experienced child. More physical activities and exercises will be encouraged to develop the child physical and mental capabilities. Parents will be encouraged to call anytime during the day to check up on their children for reassurance purposes. The children rooms will be filled sand, water, music, and a home corner. This would encourage them play with real environmental facilities as they familiarize themselves with the surroundings. At the end of the day the parents will be provided with a chart with following; Socializing abilities and any antisocial b ehavior that the parent would like to know. The physical, emotional, and social developments of the child. Food calories taken and health progress of the child. 3-5 Years This age group consists of children who can talk, walk, play, and understand (Understanding children’s development, n. d., Para. 6). The ration of this age group is usually one staff to eight children. The staff have been trained in EYDCP (early year’s development childcare partnership) and equipped with any other required skills. The rooms will be well decorated for the children with more learning materials rather than mere drawings. This is to stimulate their mental capabilities, reason and understanding. The children will be provided with wide range of activities and resources and they include; Water and sand Music Science area Small World toys Book corner Construction area Art Craft area Outdoor play Math’s area Writing table Role Play area Other services provided are Child preparati on to the challenges faced in an infant school Little Angels’ Nursery Daycare Center will offer a safe, play tested, and happy environment for the child where they will learn to gain independence and socialize beyond the family setting. Prepare the child for the first stage in elementary school. Identify the child special problems if any through continual observations and assessments. This would allow the parents know the problems and rectify them before the child joins elementary schools. Children will be trained for daily routines and responsibilities. The children will be encouraged to be independent, develop communication and social skills and the act of sharing. Parents will be provided with necessary information that pertains to the elementary schools for first graders around the University. Competitive Comparison Since the business is the first of its kind around the institution and town, no competition is expected in the short term. However, competition may be experi enced in the next five years if other nursery and baby care institution mushroom. For the mean time, the company will be experiencing a monopoly as well as operate as price takers. Future facilities and services The enterprise will expand its facilities and increase its employees as the number of clients children increase. This will ensure that every child necessity is taken care of. It will also put on more play facilities like swings, sliding rails, and bouncing castles among others. Industry Analysis The baby care industry is a new concept in Saudi Arabia with little players as most of the mothers are housewives. This means no competitors around the university and its environs thus the need to establish one around the area. The other aspect of the industry is that it’s a growing one that will be faced with emergent competitors in the near future. However, the business enterprise with create a brand name and put into place strategic plans that would play as competitive adva ntage in the near future. Reference List Madura, J. (2007).  Introduction to business. Mason, OH: Thompson/South-Western Pride, W. M., Hughes, R. J., Kapoor, J. R. (2012).Business. Mason, OH: South-Western/Cengage Learning. Understanding children’s development (.n. d.). BTEC First Children’s Care, Learning and Development. Web. This term paper on Nursery Business Plan was written and submitted by user Alia Ray to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Moral Leadership and Business Ethics

Moral Leadership and Business Ethics Business Ethics Morality Morality entails the application of opinion, principles and laws of good behavior in any specific society. Although morality is hinged on the intrinsic aspects of society, some principles are applicable in a universal manner.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Moral Leadership and Business Ethics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Permissibility of conduct is dependent on the moral standing of the parties involved in judging the conduct, the timing and other factors. As a result, what is morally acceptable in one location may be unacceptable elsewhere. Poulton (2006) observed that morals are determined on a limited geographical, social, political and cultural setting, thereby inculcating the uniqueness of the standards. Pup (2010) morality is fundamental to human existence, considering that moral dilemmas rarely exist. The intrinsic nature of humanity confers a clear understanding what is morally acceptable and solutions are automatically identifiable. According to Gini (1996), â€Å"John Dewey argued that at the pre-critical, pre-rational, pre-autonomous level, morality starts as a set of culturally defined goals and rules which are external to the individual and are imposed or inculcated as habits†. Human beings form a major component in the business, and every entity is part of business. As a result, morality still remains a major concern for any business place, since it is impossible to separate the three elements. Ethics As a branch of philosophy, ethics is concerned with the conceptual, logical and rational determination of right from wrong. Ethics play a major role in determination of good from bad, morality from immorality and justice from injustices.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In most cases, ethical conduct is intrinsic, with the outcom e of judgments founded on the conduct of the subject of the actions. As a result, ethical conduct is mostly hinged on ‘preaching and drinking water’ and walking the talk. The underlying motives for ethical conduct are what determine the morality of the conclusions by the individuals. Over the past, standard codes of ethics have been developed, with these standards playing a major role in guiding decisions (Poulton, 2005). There are an amorphous number of dimensions of ethics, based on normative, descriptive and comparative foundations. With regard to the business place, ethics are the applicable and moral principles which guide conduct in the business place. Due to the pluralistic and ultra-egoist nature of ethics, the fact that it relates to the conduct of one person with regard to others elevates its importance in the business place. According to Poulton (2005, p. 1), â€Å"Business ethics, pertains to human in ­teractions when sourcing, producing and marketing goo ds and services for profit, and include the relationships between business management and their employ ­ees, the firm and its primary stakehold ­ers, the business and its relationships to the community, government and society in general†. In the determination of what is right or wrong in the business setting, it is important to take into consideration the nature of the activities and the stakeholders to be affected by the decisions. In the pursuit of generating wealth for the investors and satisfying consumer expectations, businesses are expected to certain scenarios with conflicting implications of outcomes. The principles of business ethics are considered fulfilled if the outcome is just, fair and equitable with regard to the wellbeing of human beings. The social construction of business implies that it is impossible to disengage business entities from society, since they are interrelated.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Moral Leadership and Bus iness Ethics specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Moral Responsibility According to Poulton (2005), this describes the status where a person, natural or legal, serves acknowledgement in the form of praise or reprimand, primarily due to their actions or omissions. As a primary concern of ethics, moral responsibility is hinged on the actions, intentions and omissions of the moral agents, or individuals who are responsible in any capacity in society. The magnitude and nature of moral responsibility is dependent on the status of an individual in society, and the rationale behind the expectations by society. The foundation of moral responsibility is the existence of determined and tangible moral standards in the specific society. Moral responsibility exists in two dimensions. The first dimension is associated with obligation or compulsion. In this accord, an individual is morally responsible for outcomes which he had control over, was knowledgeable a nd failure to avert the outcomes (Velthouse and Kandogan, 2005). Moral responsibility can also originate from actions that are unintentional, but involve injurious outcomes, either to a person, or to according to existing legal provisions. It is thus necessary for an individual to display reasonable skill and care in their action in order to avoid moral responsibility from obligations and culpability. Corporate Responsibility Also referred to as corporate social responsibility, this approach to self-regulation is incorporated into business in order to ensure that entities comply with the norms on an international level, existing and expectations of the wide range of stakeholders (Phillips, 1996). Organizations have found it necessary to establish corporate social responsibility standards in order to support other efforts in achievement of organizational goals.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In addition to enhancing appeal across society, organizations have found it beneficial to establish intricate social responsibility approaches aimed at enhancing the positive effects of its activities on the ecological set up, society, consumer groups, jurisdictions and other forms of stakeholders. Poulton (2005) noted that the entry of the multinational form of operations widened the importance of corporate responsibility. As a strategic imperative across all industries, social responsibility has played a wide range of functions to complement and supplement core functions of businesses including window dressing, pre-empting regulatory actions and distracting stakeholders from focusing on the economic functions of a business. Corporate social responsibility has risen to the top echelon among the non-financial goals for any business wishing to succeed in the highly competitive world. Organizations at all scales of operations have found it necessary to go the extra mile in ensuring th at the stakeholders’ expectations are met. This is regardless of the fact that such efforts actually entail costs and expenses which are not directly linked to revenue-generating capabilities. As a result, corporate social responsibility exists as a unique aspect in acquisition of competitive advantage in the market place. Ethical Principles Professional Responsibility and Competence Professional responsibility arises from acquisition of certain competencies in a specific area of knowledge. Responsibility in professional circles originates from expertise and ability to comprehend intrinsic aspects of the subject. Phillips (1996) directed that the ability to understand and conceptualize the code of conduct, how to overcome conflict of interest and act in a professional manner can only be achieved through an intricate appreciation of the primary and secondary principles in the specific areas. Professional responsibility is determined depending on the specific professions and th e extent to which the individual qualifies as a professional. Competence on the other hand relates to the ability to conceptualize aspects of a specific discipline. Competence originates from actions directed towards acquiring knowledge and experience in a specific field. Competence is not necessary academic in nature, which is a basis of professional responsibility. Ethical standards are closely linked to professional responsibility and competence. Professionals and competent Learning and Development According to Phillips (1996), learning and development provides employees with an opportunity to acquire custom designed and unique approaches to understanding the needs of consumers. In most cases, learning and development provides organizations with the necessary inputs in capturing the interests of the society in which it lives in. Acquisition of professional competencies is based on widely practices principles, which are not specific to the internal and external environment facing the organization (Poulton, 2005). As a result, ethical operations can only be established through learning and development programs. The design and contents of the learning and development programs have to be objective and tangible. Responsibility to the Organization Responsibility to the organization originates from the fact that the people running the organization are not necessarily the owners (Phillips, 1996). Managers are expected to play a role in the achievement of the organizational goals. Successful organizations are based on identification of ways to satisfy a certain category of needs and wants. In most cases, these organizations represent an important aspect of any society, since the goods they provide are primary to survival. As a result, if such organizations fail, the society is bound to suffer from the lack of the specific goods and services from the market. For example, failure of a banking institution is bound to result to loss of life savings and trust in the fina ncial system, thereby propagating domino effect across the globe. As a result, ethical and moral standards are primary features in the responsibility to the organization, for people who have decision-making and operational powers. Responsibility to the Society According to Boatright (2009) businesses are expected to be responsible to the society, primarily due to the fact that all resources available for production are drawn from the society itself. Right from skilled and unskilled employees to the inputs for production, businesses have no option but to recognize the input of society. The end-result of the production cycle is destined for society as well, since these are the individuals who provide the consumers with life sustaining products and services. Training Training provides organizations with the capability of understanding the best approach to achieve the organizational goals. The training programs are aimed at ensuring that the organization has the employees with the neces sary skills and competencies to handle their roles. Knowledgeable employees are able to appreciate what is good from bad. In addition, the employees will appreciate the expectations of society, making them capable of conducting themselves in a morally upright manner. Trainings are designed to cater for diversity, sexual harassment, mentoring and cultural training. Diversity Training in diversity provides organizations with the ability to understand the differences in cultures and social set ups across the globe. Training on diversity normalizes the expectations based on morals, ethics and legal requirements. As a result, employees are able to appreciate the exact reason why customers and other stakeholders have differing demands. In addition, employees will be able to understand the differences in needs and wants among consumers across the organization. This will play a major role in appreciating the best approach to delivering services, products and other aspects such as corporate social responsibility. Ethical standards vary from place to the other, making training in diversity an important aspect in the maintenance of ethical standards. Sexual Harassment Sexual harassment is a gender based form of discrimination, influencing the ability of individuals to co-exist (Boatright, 2009). Morality issues are closely linked to sexual harassment, making it necessary for employees to understand what entails sexual harassment in the workplace. Different cultures have varying perceptions regarding what sexual harassment is. In addition, employee strained in sexual harassment is able to increase productivity by eliminating the challenges originating from sexual harassment. In most cases, sexual harassment exists between employees and rarely between employees and other stakeholders. As a result, it is necessary for the company to appreciate the aspects of sexual harassment in the workplace. Cultural Training Cultural training is an important part of ensuring that organiz ations working in multicultural training are able to understand the intrinsic requirements for each culture. Appreciating cultural implications provides organizations with the ability to determine the expectations of the stakeholders, who are drawn from different cultures. As indicated in the definition of ethics and morals, it is important to understand the expectations of individuals in order to find a common ground. Individuals working for organizations are expected to possess moral and professional responsibility, which is only possible through a clear understanding of cultures. Mentoring According r to Velasquez, M. (2006), mentors play a significant role in ensuring that organizational culture is maintained across generations. Mentors provide formal and informal avenues through which training and development of new employees can be achieved without the need for outlay of resources. In most cases, mentors perform development of employees in a unique and custom-designed approach . This approach depends on the mentor and the person being mentored. Mentoring is also possible for ethical and moral standards. Individuals who are well-versed with these aspects stand an opportunity to promote the knowledge standards among other employees for the betterment of the organization. Conclusion Businesses have no option but to align objectives with goals. Financial and non-financial performance is hinged on the ability of the organization to appeal in totality. Comprehensive appeals entail performing according to expectations, and going the extra mile. In the spirit of seeking competitive advantage, most organizations have found it necessary to establish ethical and moral standards. Although such morals are hard to achieve, organizations have no option but to invest in training and development, training on diversity in the workplace, develop corporate social responsibility and ensure that all its actions are ethical. On a personal level, each employee has to ensure that they are aware of the dimensions of diversity through mentoring and cultural training, ensure that their actions exude responsibility to society and the organization, and avoid actions which are considered repugnant to society at large. References Boatright, J. (2009). Ethics and the conduct of business (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ : Prentice Hall. Gini, A. (1996). Moral Leadership and Business Ethics. Loyola University Chicago In Ethics and Leadership Working Papers. Web. Phillips, M. J. (1996). Corporate Moral responsibility: When It Might matter. Business Ethics Quarterly, 5(3). Poulton, M. S. (2005). Organizational Storytelling, Ethics and Morality: How Stories Frame Limits of Behavior in Organizations. Electronic Journal of Business Ethics and Organization Studies, 10(2). Pup, A. (2010). An agenda of Morality for Business Ethics. Annals of the University of Petrosani, Economics, 10(1). Velasquez, M. (2006). Business Ethics: Concepts and Cases (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River : Pearson Prentice Hall. (F.I.M. 2003- 2008), First impression management. Web. Velthouse, B. and Kandogan, Y. (2005). Ethics in Practice: What Are Managers Really Doing? Web.

My useful psychology book Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

My useful psychology book - Essay Example In relation to this, the paper will be discussed from my perspective, which is how exactly this book has been a helping hand; this includes meditation, how to manage stress and managing myself in time. Meditation has been preferred for one’s peace and healthiness, however this was not included in my normal routine, but introduction of this book has been a very great help as the text introduced and somehow persuaded me to try out meditation. Once I started this exercise, I couldn’t help but notice the positive changes it started to bring in my life. For instance, it reduces tension related problem such as anxiety, joint and muscles issues and headaches. Not only this, the feeling of boundless energy and to be creative, being emotionally stable and feeling unusually happy and healthy are some of the perks of meditating. Moving to the next help that has been extended to me by reading and examining this book is the different ways and procedures through which I can manage stress. The initial step that is needed to be taken to ensure stress management is the very core from which this problem is erupting. If the original reason behind this issue is external that one should try to eliminate this factor, or if tit is internal that one should produce ways to deal with it. Another way to control stress is keep doing what you love such as painting, reading, go for outing, sharing with your parent, sibling or friend, because the more you indulge yourself in your favorite activities, the less you ponder over the issues that generates stress. Interestingly, stress is also sometime caused when you do something which you shouldn’t have done, so sometimes confessing helps too in reducing stress. Likewise, one should always try to look at the bright side or do things the right way. Exploring the third benefit which I have extracted from the book; the initial and the most important thing when managing yourself in time is to set achievable and realistic goal, because if

International Business Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International Business - Research Paper Example ates and sold domestically. Furthermore, it is the hope of this author that by elaborating upon the fundamental decision-making structure that must be engaged with in order for such a choice to be made logically, the reader will come to a more full and complete appreciation for the many factors that take place prior to affirm determining what particular strategy and means of operation it will pursue. Finally, the analysis will seek to take a definitive stance with regards to whether making or buying a product is the better approach. Before delving too deeply into the issue at hand, it should be understood that such a level of inquiry necessarily demands that the firm/business entity must engage in a cost-benefit analysis of outsourcing versus domestic production. However, although it may seem that this cost-benefit analysis is necessarily something that is simple, it involves a series of steps, several different measurements, and a thorough analysis of both compliments and inputs of production as well as projected levels of sale and/or import tariffs/taxes/duties (Kisner, 2003). Due to the general complexity of this decision-making process, many firms have engaged in electronic software systems that help to keep a running tabulation of all differentials involved. However, for purposes of this brief analysis, the reader should seek to integrate with the determinant costs and benefits based upon experience analytical and non-electronically facilitated process. From even a cursory review of the make versus buy argument, the reader should come to understand there are essentially for primal numbers that the analyst must be fundamentally aware of. These four determinants which must be measured prior to any consideration being given are as follows: the volume, the fixed cost of making, per-unit direct cost when making, and per-unit cost when buying (Whittle, 2012). Accordingly, the preceding analysis will seek to engage the reader with a more full and complete underst anding of why each of these four determinants must be fundamentally understood and appreciated prior to any actionable decision being made by the entity in question. Besides the obvious level of importance of the four specific values which have been listed an elaborate upon the above, their overall importance is more specifically with regards to their representation within two specific equations. Ultimately, as can be expected, these two equations are understood as â€Å"costs to buy was quote and â€Å"costs to make†; however, more often, these equations are merely referenced in terms of their respective acronyms – CTB/CTM. Respect to CTB, this can be defined as volume multiplied by per unit cost when buying (Zhu, 1997). Likewise, with relation to CTM, this can be understood as fixed unit costs plus per unit direct cost multiplied by volume. In and of themselves, the determinant compliments of these equations tell the producer/importer little if

Big five personality inventory with academic success

Big five personality inventory with academic success Many validation studies have been performed to test the validity of the Big 5 personality inventory with academic success and performance as well as which personality is predictor of good grades. In particular studies have found that contentiousness and openness especially correlated with academic performance. This essay will examine and evaluate the usefulness of the big 5 personality inventory and will be discussing its validity and implications. Conscientiousness personality traits lead students to be organised, disciplined and motivated to succeed. This in turn has a positive effect on their ability to study and on their effort and commitment they put into their work (Maltby et al 2007 p.387) a trait referring to individuals level of dutifulness, achievement striving and organization. Bratko, Chamorro-Premuzic Saks (2006) also have documented and argued that the Importance of Conscientiousness in educational settings is self-explanatory: Being organized, disciplined and motivate d to succeed has no doubt beneficial effects on students study habits, affecting their level of effort and commitment with the course (Bratko, Chamorro-Premuzic Saks 2006). Research indicates that the Big Five Traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness, Conscientiousness and Agreeableness) reflect core aspects of humans personality and have strong influences on behaviour (Costa McCrae 1992 in Komarraju Karau 2005). Conscientiousness has consistently and positively predicted examination performance as well as grade point average and academic success. Openness is positively related to final grades with high scorers using learning strategies that emphasize critical thinking. Neuroticism is related to reduced- academic performance. Agreeableness is positively associated with grades. Entwistle and Entwistle (1970 in ibid) found that stable introverts using good study methods achieved higher performance than extroverts or emotionally unstable students, whereas Furnham and Medhurst (19 95 in ibid) showed a significant positive correlation between sociability and performance in a seminar class (Komarraju Karau 2005). Paunonen Nicol (2001 in Durham 2004) found the Big Five traits among the significant predictors of grade point average (GPA) in a population of college students. Similarly, Lounsbury, Loveland, Sundstorm Gibson (2003 in Durham 2004) found that Big Five traits significantly predicted cumulative GPA among adolescents in high school and middle school. Lounsbury et al (2003 in Durham 2004) found that the Big Five constructs of conscientiousness, openness and agreeableness were positively related to course grades and grade point average. Durham (2004) therefore argues that these results suggest that students who are more open to new learning, discovery and exploration, higher on self control. More orderly, higher of achievement striving and lower on anxiety, impulsivity, hostility, and vulnerability will have higher GPA. Durham (2004) furthers his argume nt by saying that students who sit in the front of the class (conscientiousness) prepare their assignments (conscientiousness), follow the directions given (agreeableness) and ask questions (openness) and usually better students; high levels of openness, conscientiousness and agreeableness and low levels of neuroticism are an ideal combination (Durham, 2004) Hypothesis The hypothesis of this literature review is that Big 5 personality traits of Openness, contentiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism are significantly related to academic performance and predicting grades. There have been many studies documented which have investigated the relationship of the five personality traits namely, openness, contentiousness, extraversion, agreeableness and neuroticism with academic achievement. For example, in studying the relationship between the big five personality traits and academic performance, Komarraju Karau (2005) developed the following specific hypotheses. First, as Neuroticism is characterized by emotional distress and poor impulse control (Komarraju Karau 2005), Komarraju Karau (2005) expected students high in Neuroticism to have difficulty in coping with academic challenges and dealing with setbacks. There, Komarraju Karau (2005) predicted that Neuroticism would be positively related with the academic motivation factors of debilitating anxiety, withdrawing, disliking school, and discouraged about school. Extraverted individuals are warm, socially-oriented, and assertive (Komarraju Karau 2005). Agreeable individuals tend to be trusting and co operative, and may be receptive to collaborative learning (Komarraju Karau 2005). Therefore, Komarraju Karau (2005) predicted that Extraversion and Agreeableness would both be positively related with approval and affiliating motives. Komarraju Karau (2005) argue that because assertiveness is an element of Extraversion they predicted that Extraversion would be related with influencing motives. Individuals high in Openness seek novel experiences, are intellectually curious, and may be more receptive to novel educational experiences Komarraju Karau (2005). The researchers therefore predicted that Openness would be positively related with thinking and desire for self improvement. Finally, conscientious individuals are generally organized, disciplined, and hard working, and have been found to achieve greater academic success (Komarraju Karau 2005). Therefore, the researchers predicted that Conscientiousness would be positively related with persisting, achieving, and desire for self- improvement. Komarraju Karau (2005) found that avoidance was positively related with both Neuroticism and Extraversion, and was negatively related with both Conscientiousness and Openness, with Neuroticism explaining the most variance. Komarraju Karau (2005) argue that these results may suggest that neurotic students tend to avoid many aspects of academic life and view education as a means to an end rather than an intrinsically fulfilling enterprise. Similarly, Komarraju Karau (2005) argue that extraverts may be more concerned with social aspects of college life. In contrast, conscientious and open students are less likely to be avoidant in their motivation. Komarraju Karau (2005) found that students with higher levels of Openness and Extraversion were more engaged in learning, with Openness explaining the most variance. Komarraju Karau (2005) further their argument by saying this suggests that students who are sociable and enjoy exposure to new ideas are likely to be engaged i n the educational experience and may benefit from discussion and interactive learning. Finally, Komarraju Karau (2005) found that students who were more conscientious, neurotic, and open to experience scored higher on achievement with Conscientiousness explaining the most variance. Komarraju Karau (2005) argue that these results suggest that students who are responsible and intellectually curious may be more achievement oriented, hard-working, and competitive. Komarraju Karau (2005) noted that neuroticism was related with achievement, and this relation between Neuroticism and achievement may be because of compulsive preparation Komarraju Karau (2005). Correlation of subjective responses and objective assessment and confirmation of the validity of conscientiousness trait with relation to academic achievement Discussion section There may be narrower personality traits that could add to the incremental validity of the Big 5 inventory with relation to academic success and predicting grades for example. Lounsbury, Sundstorm, Loveland Gibson (2003) investigated and examined the narrow traits in addition to the Big Five in predicting academic success among adolescents. Lounsbury et al (2003) investigated individual grade point average (GPA) and scores from the Adolescent Personal Style Inventory among 220 seventh-graders and 290 tenth-graders, including agreeableness, conscientiousness, emotional stability, extraversion, and openness, plus four narrow traits, aggression, optimism, tough-mindedness, and work drive. Lounsbury et al (2003) found that all traits correlated significantly (P The validity and reliability of the NEO PIR in terms applicability: discussing the issue for the professional development of the teacher in schools and also for the positive feedback and educational development of the child, analysing the practicality of the learning style Personality tests that are to predict academic achievement and success are not only for the professional development of the teacher, lecturer but also for the personal and educational development of the student or pupil at school or university. These personality tests therefore they need to be such that the teacher and student can interact with them for the teacher to perhaps to alter his or her teaching style and approach and more so for the student to be aware of his or her subjective and predominate learning style and how these are contributing to many cognitive aspects such as information processing, retention of information, memory or indeed knowledge acquisition. Research has testified that from the NEO PIR the trait that is predominately applicable is conscientiousness as we have seen, although the other four have also contributory effects for academic achievement, however the practicality of using it may still be questionable because if the trait of conscientiousness is the p redictor of academic success then will it be easy for the student to develop these traits within him. How easy will it be for the teachers to aid and support the students in developing a conscientiousness personality is questionable. An easier way for both the student to understand for his or her own academic development and also for the teacher to support the student may be through the education of personal learning styles. Learning styles in particular is a model which pinpoints and highlights the cognitive abilities necessary for learning, which is a cognitive process. The tools of learning style can enable the student to completely understand which styles may aid him or her and according to that style of learning, the teacher will be able to help and support the student developing a interactional system between the teacher and the student in an academic environment and discussing cognitive variables in relation to learning styles rather than broad personality traits which maybe far difficult to generalize towards the students learning process. Therefore learning style approach and assessment may not only be a cognitive and academic achievement predictor most importantly on the basis of individual differences but this will enable both the teacher and student to interact with them for the professional development of the teacher and for the academic and cognitive development of learner. A well known and documented approach to learning is presented by Kolb (1984 in Maltby 2007) in which he discusses the learning processes such as concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization and active experimentation. Other than the Big Five traits of conscientiousness, openness, agreeableness, extraversion and neuroticism, there are other traits or, motivation related traits as argued by Lounsbury (2003 in Durham 2004) which can add incremental and predictive validity to the NEO personality inventory in the domains of education success. For example, Lounsbury (2003) found that traits such as aggression, optimism tough mindedness and work drive can not only significantly correlate with grade point average but moreover add incremental validity to the existing NEO Five. (Durham, 2004) In line with Lounsbury (2003) Durham (2004) is also for the inclusion of the factors of aggression, optimism and tough mindedness. Durham (2004) argues that these traits of optimism, aggression and tough mindedness could be better predictors of academic performance and grade point average. Optimism, Durham (2004) argues is a tendency to maintain positive expectations about the future and Prola and Stern (1984 in Durham 2004) found positive correlations between optimism and grade point average. Optimism is an important assessment because it influences task-orientated behaviours (Durham 2004). With regards to conscientiousness there will a consensus that it is correlated with academic achievement and performance through Meta analysis and self and other assessed approaches, however with regards to openness, although it has been acknowledged that it refers to academic intelligence, agreeableness, neuroticism, extraversion there is far lesser consensus how it refers and relates to academic achievement. For example Bratko, Chamorro-Premuzic Saks (2006) have found that some argue that high neuroticism is detrimental for academic performance on school examinations but others suggests that higher levels of worry and perfectionism that characterize neurotic individuals may lead to better and higher performance. The trait of extraversion is also debated with academic achievement as some have argued of negative correlation and other have argued of positive correlation (Bratko et al 2006). Bratko et al (2006) also argue that alternative explanations indicate in the direction of deve lopmental changes in the ability-extraversion correlation, such that brighter individuals become more introverted over time. Some traits of the BIG 5 such as extraversion, conscientiousness and openness which all relate to motivation, striving and academic self fulfilment have been correlated with certain measures but have not been correlated with other measures such as the IQ tests. Psychologists have argues that the NEO Big 5 personality inventory predominately reflects a persons motivation and in particular motivation to self actualise in academic domains but does not take into consideration specific academic cognitive abilities which is predominately related and correlated with academic success and achievement. For example, Ones Schmidt Viswesvaran 1993 (in Gagner Pere 2001) have established no correlation between motivational factors and IQ ability for academic progress. The psychologists argue that the tests such as the NEO PIR which may measure or take into consideration the motivation factor of conscientiousness and disregard cognitive abilities may not be highly valid in predicting achievement in comparison to higher validity and reliability of cognitive and IQ measures of predicting achievement, and the results obtained from an IQ test maybe useful for the professional development of the teacher with relation developing cognitive constructs of the child such as numeracy but also important for the development of the learner to know which areas in academia need to be concentrated upon. Gagner Pere (2001) assessed the unique contribution of motivation to academic achievement. Over 200 high school students completed two IQ tests and three motivation and conscientiousness related measures twice during a semester. The results revealed that IQ and motivation were not correlated; cognitive abilities were by far the best predictor of school achievement. The psychologists argue that these results question the belief of most educators about the crucial role of motivation as a determinant of scholastic achievement these findings may in invite the educators to not only consider moti vation and conscientiousness as an important factor of achievement but to also concentrate on the cognitive abilities of the learner and ways to enhance them perhaps by working with the learning style of the learner considering the VAK (the visual, auditory or kinaesthetic individual differences) and modifying educational resources to support all types of learners and by working within the unique learning style of the individual with the belief that by working within the cognitive framework of the individual this will improve the cognitive performance and abilities of the learner such as problem solving, information processing, logical and rational thinking which will enhance the IQ and therefore academic achievement. Komarraju Karau (2005) also acknowledge that students who are taught in a way that matches their learning style and ability are likely to achieve at higher levels. In light of the findings that there are less or no correlations of motivational factors such as conscien tiousness with academic progress Bratko et al (2006) argue that empirically, evidence is mixed with some studies indicating personality has incremental validity over ability in the prediction of academic progress but others showing it doesnt (Bratko et al 2006). Bratko et al (2006) also argue that personality inventories such as the NEO PIR use self ratings of traits. Whilst Bratko et al (2006) acknowledge and argue that most investigators have used self report personality inventories and academic progress as they are convenient and because they believe that people have a unique perspective of their own experiences and history of behaviour, however Bratko et al (2006) also maintain that self ratings can be inaccurate because people may present themselves in an unrealistically positive light or their position of an actor can bias their perception of their own consistent personality attributes other-rating data can be less susceptible to distortions caused by defensiveness and self-pr esentational strategies (Bratko et al 2006). As studies have shown that peer-ratings consistently show a substantial correlation with self rating data and their validity widely demonstrated (Bratko et al 2006), Bratko et al (2006) suggest that adding to peer-rating to self-rating can enhance the incremental validity of personality tests such as the NEO PIR further. Although some studies did not find a link between motivation and academic achievement some other studies did. For example Komarraju Karau (2005) investigated the relationship between personality characteristics and academic motivation. Their research examined the link between the Big Five personality traits and individual differences in college students academic motivation. Students were asked to complete the NEO Five Factor Inventory and the Academic Motivations inventory and the facets of both the academic motivations inventory and NEO big Five were correlated together which supports their academic motivation hypothesi s and its importance with success (Komarraju Karau 2005). This study not only indicated the importance of administering tests to examine academic motivations with relation to individual differences but also confirms the validity and reliability of the NEO Big Five. Personality or intelligence tests: independence of personality tests from intelligence: understanding the correlations of ability intelligence tests and personality tests Although studies have testified to the theory that measure of intelligence is valid and reliable for prediction of academic achievement some other studies have discovered the importance of personality tests independently from intelligence which adds to the validity and reliability of personality testing in relation to academic performance and achievement. For example Bratko et al (2006) analysed the relationship of self and other-assessed personality with school grades in 255 pupils. Conscientiousness was the strongest personality correlate of school grades for both self and peer-ratings. That is, the scores of self-rating and peer-rating for conscientiousness significantly correlated. It was interesting to discover that grades were negatively correlated with self assessed extraversion and emotional stability (neuroticism) and positively correlated with peer-ratings of autonomy. When cognitive ability was partialled out correlations between personality and school grades showed little change indicating that the effects of personality on academic performance was independent of intelligence. The investigators not only argue of the independence of personality to academic performance and therefore stressing its validity in domains of education but also argue that self ratings had only marginal incremental validity (3%) over peer-ratings in predicting school grades while incremental validity of peer-over self -rating was larger (9%). Therefore this study supports the notion that testing personality in domains of education and academic performance is indeed valid. In this study the self-rated assessment or rating compared to the peer-rated (observer) assessment and rating is thought provoking because there was a difference in both ratings and their correlations significances. In the study of Bratko et al (2006) noted that the relationship between. In the study Bratko et al (2006) found that the predictive power of conscientiousness increased substantially when assesse d by peer ratings as opposed to self-rating and there Bratko et (2006) argue that this suggests that socially desirable responding may undermine that validity of self rated conscientiousness. Their results also indicated that combining measures of conscientiousness with intelligence are likely to be advantageous when it comes to predicting academic progress (Bratko et al 2006). Bratko et al also argue that students may also want to look conscientious and autonomous in the eyes of personality tests and therefore Bratko et al (2006) recommend that investigators include social desirability alongside both peer and self-ratings of personality to explore determinants of success and failure (Bratko et al 2006). Another way to avoid distortion and therefore validity in applied educational settings is for participants to respond anonymously possibly by mail as argued by Schinka (1997). Schinka (1997) suggests that these techniques of anonymity will minimize conscious motivation to distort pe rsonality profiles. Psychologists studied how the Big Five personality traits may relate to individual differences in academic motivation. Alongside the achievement and academic success, motivation is very important to reach academic success and this area also needs to be considered for students. Komarraju Karau (2005) also reflect upon an interesting meta-analysis in support of the personality tests such as the NEO PIR for academic performance and success as well as for convergent and predictive validity. For example, Komarraju Karau (2005) argue that Ackerman and Heggestad (1997 in Komarraju Karau 2005) found some modest relationships between personality and intellectual ability measures. In their study Openness was positively related to intellectual ability, whereas Neuroticism was negatively related to intellectual ability. Komarraju Karau (2005) argue that these investigators concluded that intellectual abilities, interests and personality are interrelated and that intellectual ability level an d personality traits determine success. The validity of personality tests and their application in academic prediction of ethnic and culturally different students Durham (2004) acknowledges that studies have established differences in the scores between African American Students and White students on personality measures, as well as in the educational domains including. Ethnic students bring their values and in particular ethnic values to the learning environment. Therefore, when assessing personality and correlating with grade point average it is important to consider and acknowledge different cultural and racial differences which may affect an individuals learning style and development (Durham 2004). Therefore, generalising the significances of the results on populations this issue also needs to be considered thoroughly. Durham (2004) argues if there are differences in the personality traits scores of black and white students the applicability of these assessments to ethnic populations in doubt. Using the MMPI may be appropriate for use with ethnic and racial students The validity and reliability of the NEO-PIR or Big Five inventory and its applicability across races and cultures Worrell Cross (2004) investigated the reliability and validity of Big Five Inventory scores in a sample of African American college students as performed on the Big Five Inventory. The investigators discovered that reliable measures could be developed from the Adjective Q -sort and that there are no perceived predictive validity differences between White and Black students using the NEO PIR (Worrell Cross 2004) The use of other measures especially the inclusion and applicability of the Assessment of Academic Self concept and motivation (AASM) Assessment of Academic Self concept and motivation was developed according to the motivational systems theory. The uniqueness of this assessment is that it postulates that motivation is the patterns of gaols, emotions and personal agency beliefs (self -concept) which is consistent with the socio-cognitive theory of personality development proposed by Albert Bandura. Durham (2004) argues that this model and assessment four aspects of self concept- ability, environmental responsiveness, control and value or importance it also assess four dimensions of the education environment: cognitive, social extracurricular and personal (Durham, 2004) validation studies have been performed by Rouse Cashin (2000 in Durham 2004) and have found support for this assessment as well. Durham (2004) argues of the advantages of this measure with ethnic clients because it measures internal locus of control and the motivation aspect can measure academic success. With regards to values and race and cultural d ifferences, John (1989 in Goldberg 1998) examined judges classifications of the 300 terms in the Adjective Check list into the Big Five Categories to examine its validity and argues that traditional values and individuation/ autonomy adjectives closely related to the persons self -concept and cultural determinants may lie outside the Big Five. Goldberg (1998) argues that other personality factors that are not included inside the Big Five are religiousness, sexuality, introspectiveness, maturity, gender roles thrift and suppression and repression (Goldberg 1998). As there lays other aspects beyond the Big Five it would be interesting to see these influences for academic achievement as well. Paunonen Jackson (2000) had also investigated into the NEO PIR and the Big Five traits and after a thorough investigation and analysis they found that a) Religious, devout, reverent b) sly, deceptive manipulative c) honest, ethical moral d) conservative, traditional, down-to-earth e) egotistical, conceited, snobbish and f) thrill seeking behaviours were independent from the Big Five Factors as they did not correlate. This finding is important to establish the internal consistency validity and what differences it would make if these traits are also examined along with cultural values as discussed to evaluate the impact it has on education success and achievement because these traits such as masculinity-femininity, religiosity, are also determinants of human behaviour and also academic motivation. These recommendations will improve the internal consistency of the NEO PIR personality assessment as argued by Paunonen Jackson (2000)

Bacteria and Acidic End Products

Title of the Experiment: Enterobacteriaceae Identification: The Enterotube II System Learning Objectives: After completing this exercise we were able to inoculate an unknown bacterium that belongs to the Enterobacteriaceae by using technology effectively with a Enterotube II. An Enterotube II is a miniaturized multi-test system for rapid identification of enterbacteriaceae. We then evaluated the test results and generated a five-digit code for the unknown bacterium.Thinking creatively and critically we had to fgure out the code by looking at the Enterotube and comparing he reactants to the original to see what the result was. We then had to use the five- digit code to correctly identify the unknown bacterium from the interpretation guide. Procedure: Step 1 : Remove organisms from a well-isolated colony. Avoid touching the agar with the wire. Step 2: Inoculate each compartment by first twisting the wire and then withdrawing it all the way out through the 12 compartments using a turnin g movement.Step 3: Reinsert the wire (without sterilizing), using a turning motion through all the 12 compartments until the notch on the wire is aligned with the opening of the tube. Step 4: Break the wire at the notch by bending. The portion of the wire remaining in the tube maintains anaerobic conditions essential for true fermentation. Step 5: Punch holes with broken-off part wire through the thin plastic covering over depressions on sides of the last eight compartments. Replace caps and incubate at 35 degrees C for 18-24 hours.Step 6: After encircling the numbers of the positive tests on the laboratory report, total up the numbers of each bracketed series to determine the five-digit code number. Refer to the Enterotube II Interpretation Guide for identification of the unknown by using the code number Results: Before inoculation of the Enterotube II showing the original colors of each test which was also used to compare with the inoculated enterotube. After the inoculation of th e Enterotube, many of the colors have changed which means they have reacted with the antibiotic.The reactants then helped me find out what the unkown bacterium is. Each color changed or reacted gives a certain digit Summary & Conclusions: Enterotube II identifies Enterobacteriaceae. The Enterotube II is a multiple test system designed to identify enteric bacteria based on Glucose, Adonitol, Lactose, Arabinose, Sorbitol, Dulcitol fermentation, lysine and Decarboxylation, Sulfur reduction, Indole, Acetoin production of glucose fermentation, Phenylalanine deamination, Urea hydrolysis, and Citrate utilization.Adonitol Bacterial fermentation of adonitol, which results in the formation of acidic end products, is indicated by a change in color of the indicator present in the medium from red (alkaline) to yellow (acidic). Any sign of yellow should be inter preted as a positive reaction, orange should be considered negative. Lactose Bacterial fermentation of lactose, which results in the for mation of acidic end roducts, is indicated by a change in color of the Indicator present in the medium from red (alkaline) to yellow (acidic).Any sign of yellow should be interpreted as a positive reaction; orange should be considered negative. Arabinose Bacterial fermentation of arabinose, which results in the formation of acidic end products, is indicated by a change in color from red (alkaline) to yellow (acidic). Any sign of yellow should be interpreted as a positive reaction; orange should be considered negative. Sorbitol Bacterial fermentation of sorbitol, which results in the formation of acidic nd products, is indicated by a change in color from red (alkaline) to yellow (acidic).Any sign of yellow should be interpreted as a positive reaction; orange should be considered negative. Voges-Proskauer Acetylmethylcarbinol (acetoin) is an inter mediate in the production of butylene glycol from glucose fer mentation. The presence of acetoin is indicated by the develop ment of a red color within 20 minutes. Most positive reactions are evident within 10 minutes. Phenylalanine Deaminase This test detects the formation of pyruvic acid from the deamination of phenylalanine. The pyruvic acid formed reacts with a ferric salt in the medium to roduce a characteristic black to smoky gray color.Urea The production of urease by some bacteria hydrolyzes urea in this medium to produce ammonia, which causes a shift in pH from yellow (acidic) to reddish-purple (alkaline). This test is strongly positive for Proteus in 6 hours and weakly positive for Klebsiella and some Enterobaeter species in 24 hours. Citrate Organisms that are able to utilize the citrate in this medium as their sole source of carbon produce alkaline metabo lites that change the color of the indicator from green (acidic) to deep blue (alkaline). Any degree of blue should be considered positive.After looking at the results of the Enterotube I came to conclusion that my unkown bacteria gave me the five-digit co de 34363 which translated to Klebsiella pneumonia bacterium that can form a capsule. It is found in the normal flora of GI tracts in humans. K. pneumoniae can become pathogenic in patients whose immune systems are compromised. K. pneumoniae can cause nosocomial urinary tract infections and pneumonia. In immunocompromised patients, death is possible. For a personto get the K. pneumoniae bacteria, they have to have direct contact with another person. K. pneumoniae is not able to be contacted through the air.Healthcare workers can help to decrease the spread of K. pneumoniae by washing their hands before and after taking care of a patient. It was established that the Enterotube system provides a simple, reliable, and rapid method for the probable identification of Enterobacteriaceae. The major advantage of the Enterotube is that all tests are done simultaneously by inoculation from a single isolated colony. It is also easier to inoculate, single inoculation, self- contained, numerous t ests, little media preparation, rapid results, reliability, uniformity, simple interpretation.

Linear B Archives and the Mycenaean World

What part do the Linear B archives make to understanding the Mycenaean universe in regard of one of the followers: societal administration, cult patterns, stock genteelness and agribusiness, warfare, bronze working? The Linear B archives provide us with the earliest primary grounds about Mycenaean palatial civilizations [ 1 ] and an alone penetration into the nature of Mycenaean warfare. The archives consist of about five 1000s clay records [ 2 ] and contain information on armor, arms, chariots, naval warfare and subordinate inside informations about possible military personnels. The importance of these paperss is greatly enhanced by the complete deficiency of historical histories [ 3 ] from this epoch, and besides the fact that about all of the ideographs used in the archives are devoted to armor, arms, Equus caballuss and chariots [ 4 ] agencies that they are of intrinsic value to the apprehension of warfare in the Mycenaean universe. However, there are restrictions with the Linear B archives, peculiarly in footings of their chronological scope, stock list manner and possibly bias representation of the importance of warfare under normal fortunes. It is besides of import to see what other finds have made critical parts to our apprehension of Mycenaean warfare, such as the castles themselves, lasting arms and representations of war or armor in art. Since all of the tablets come from the palatial Centres, one of their most of import parts is that they tell us straight about the economic systems of the castles and that their chief focus’ were ‘military preparedness’ [ 5 ] , defensive schemes and the wealth to back up these things. The Linear B archives record information about the production, renovation and besides the distribution [ 6 ] of many different types of military equipment. It is possible to construe from the archives, that the Mycenaean’s used a really centralized system to garner and organize military equipment and that this was based around the chief palatial composite. Evidence for this can be seen in a tablet from Pylos which lists 16 different topographic points that were responsible for providing an sum of bronze in the signifier of caputs for pointers and lances [ 7 ] . The tablets besides straight show the extent that these castles were concerned with holding a to the full equipped fo rce [ 8 ] , this is chiefly due to the sheer figure of mentions to armor and arms throughout the archives. The many tablets picturing armor are particularly utile when seeking to understand Mycenaean warfare. Tablets at Tiryns [ 9 ] , Pylos and Knossos all record suits of armor and supply us with grounds for the usage of armor across a wider scope of palatial Centres than archeological discoveries would propose. At Pylos the tablets mention at least 20 suits of armor with the ideographs for a cuirass and a helmet, and at Dendra there are at least one hundred and 40 suits recorded in the chariot tablet [ 10 ] . The ideograms themselves are of great value because organize them you can see the manner and type of armor which is really similar to the suit which was discovered at Dendra and those described by Homer [ 11 ] . Not merely do the archives provide grounds for the usage of armor they besides give us some indicant of the value of the armor itself. In some tablets the ideograph for armor is replaced with one for a bronze metal bar [ 12 ] , this could be interpreted as a representative of the value of the armor or possibly as an approximative measure of stuff used to do the armor itself. A farther part made by the archives is the being of an illustration on the contrary of a tablet. The drawing shows a adult male have oning cracklings and pulling his blade, and was likely the work of a Scribe while he was waiting to do his recordings [ 13 ] . This is peculiarly interesting as it allows us to see the influence that warfare may hold had on a member of Mycenaean society who chose to chalk out this scene and its shows the arm and armor which was associated with a soldier. Weapons are an indispensable portion of warfare and were a major resource recorded in the tablets. The importance of arms to the Mycenaean’s can be clearly seen in a tablet from Pylos which records a measure of recycled bronze by the figure of pointer or spearheads it would be able to do [ 14 ] . The tablets besides contribute to our cognition of which stuffs were being used to fabricate arms, for illustration we can state that most arms were being made from bronze because articles of Fe were ne'er mentioned in the tablets [ 15 ] . The usage of ideographs to picture arms allows us to partially see how the arms would be used ; thrusting lances, throwing javelins, slings and bows are all shown in the tablets [ 16 ] . The ideographs are besides utile because it is possible to compare types of blades or stickers by looking at what is different between each separate ideograph. In the Linear B archives there have been big Numberss of tablets devoted to chariots or their furnishings. Many of these parts have unsmooth terrain so this is frequently seen as peculiarly surprising. One illustration is the part around Knossos, which was, and still is, particularly cragged and the lone manner to utilize a chariot would be to convey it to the beach or to the fields some distance off [ 17 ] . Records associating to chariots include ; a tablet from Pylos naming one hundred and fifty one chariot wheels [ 18 ] , and the Knossos tablets having several hundred chariots and trim parts [ 19 ] along with single stock lists which record a name, chariot, Equus caballuss and a suit of armour [ 20 ] . However, of peculiar involvement in footings of chariots are a few texts from Knossos and Pylos. The first, from Knossos, records the distribution of defensive armor to each of the chariot crew [ 21 ] . The texts from Pylos, which were found in the Northeast Workshop, list leather points that relate to chariots, some illustrations are reigns, hackamores, espousals and saddlebags [ 22 ] . These groups of tablets provide us with information that non merely supports the other Linear B grounds, but besides archeological discoveries every bit good. The archives have far more limited information in footings of naval warfare. At Pylos there are some ill-defined mentions to over six 100 ‘rowers’ [ 23 ] , and lists of coastal colonies [ 24 ] , when considered together, these could be interpreted as naval administration or defensive readyings. A farther of import add-on to our cognition of naval warfare is the pulling found on the contrary of a tablet in Pylos, its shows an image of a ship. The image is non merely comparable to an ideograph used on a tablet from Knossos, but it besides resembles the ships used non by the Mycenaeans but the Minoans [ 25 ] . One could reason that there were possible convergences in the manner of ships used from the Minoan period into the Mycenaean epoch. The parts made by Linear B are undeniable, but on the other manus it is besides critical to see the disadvantages that these archives have. The records themselves were non intended to be long permanent [ 26 ] as they were merely preserved by opportunity. They are in a manner comparable to the modern post-it note: a disposable, inexpensive and movable manner of entering informations. The endurance of the tablets is besides wholly random [ 27 ] , which means that we are frequently left with disconnected subjects and it impossible to state how complete the archives we have are. The archives are besides merely based on a certain group of palatial Centres and so there is a possibility that there were some differences bing between these and others [ 28 ] . Therefore intending that utilizing the archives to acquire a image of the full Mycenaean universe is non dependable. A farther job with the tablets is the possibility that there are inaccurate. For illustration, those found in the ‘Room of the Chariot tablets’ , have been interpreted, by some, to be scribal exercisings and non echt records, the ground for this reading is that they were all written by different custodies in the same characteristic manner [ 29 ] . If this was the instance so much of our grounds for chariots would no longer be valid and the statement for their usage in cragged countries would be far weaker. The archives besides have immense chronological restrictions in footings of their scope as they are either limited to the last twelvemonth or so before the devastation of the castles, or they are random dateless old ages [ 30 ] . The maximal scope of the archives has been dated to between 14 hundred and twelve hundred BC, and each of the paperss merely refers to the current twelvemonth [ 31 ] . This makes it highly hard to determine information sing tendencies or forms across the whole of the Mycenaean epoch. It is besides of import to take into consideration that these records represent what can merely be seen as a period of agitation for the Mycenaean civilizations. The twelvemonth before the devastation of the castles would hold likely been far more militaristic than ordinary twenty-four hours to twenty-four hours life. In the tablets we see illustrations of particular commissariats made for this clip of warfare, one such illustration was Bronze Smiths being excused from holding to pay revenue enhancement because they were so busy doing arms [ 32 ] . The tablets from Pylos include records of parts of gold [ 33 ] and specific weights of bronze [ 34 ] from local functionaries ; it could be possible that this was to finance the war attempt. These records may so be giving us imbalanced position of the precedences of the Mycenaeans, and that possibly under less pressing times there is a much smaller focal point on warfare. Since the Linear archives are about wholly made up of stock lists [ 35 ] , it is exceptionally hard to understand either how objects were used or the nature of warfare itself in the Mycenaean universe. This is peculiarly important when you consider that none of the paperss record the being of an existent ground forces [ 36 ] . It seems apparent that although the archives provide us with a great sum of information, they do hold their restrictions. In order to to the full understand Mycenaean warfare it is besides necessary to see the archeological grounds that we have available. For illustration, the castles themselves show grounds of a demand for strong defense mechanisms. The edifice works which took topographic point before their devastation are a clear indicant of readying for besiegings and onslaughts ; in peculiar the debut of H2O supplies [ 37 ] that would let those inside the walls to last, even under a long term besieging. Furthermore the parts in footings weaponry from the archives are much more valuable to us when we use it aboard existent lasting arms and armor. One of the most of import finds was the Dendra armor, a full bronze corselet and neckpiece [ 38 ] which is made from a figure of single sheets of bronze [ 39 ] . Armours of this type were recorded in tablets at both Knossos and Pylos [ 40 ] and the armour type can be clearly recognised by the ideograms themselves. We can besides utilize comparings between archeological grounds and the tablets to follow different types of blade, and by making so it is possible to see some possible alterations in military patterns [ 41 ] . Since the archives consist largely of stock lists it is utile to see these points as represented by the Mycenaeans, in peculiar through art, which gives us the chance to see word pictures of chariots, arms and armor in usage. One such illustration of this is the ‘Silver Siege Ryhton’ from Shaft Grave four, which depicts an onslaught on a walled colony [ 42 ] . What is peculiarly interesting is that this is a seaborne onslaught and so could associate to the tablets naming coastal colonies from Pylos ; it besides shows an bowman [ 43 ] which supports information on arms. Another vas which provides utile information is the ‘Warrior Vase’ from Mycenae, this shows six work forces processing on each side of the vase. The work forces all wear white spotted, horned helmets, and carry lances and shields. They wear cracklings, abruptly fringed skirts and corselets [ 44 ] . The subject of processing soldiers is besides seen on the ‘Painted Grave Stelae’ from Mycenae [ 45 ] . It is possible so to acquire some thought of how the equipment of a soldier would be put together and to see that warfare had a large influence on Mycenaean art. The usage of Sus scrofas tusk helmets is far more emphatic through art than in the archives, for illustration ; in the fresco from Akrotiri which is dated to about 16 hundred BC [ 46 ] , and on a carven tusk alleviation from the house North of the ‘Oil Merchants’ which shows a Mycenaean warrior have oning a Sus scrofas tusk helmet. These illustrations are important because they represent the demand to see the Linear B tablets every bit merely one portion of the image, and non as a exclusive subscriber to our apprehension of Mycenaean warfare. In decision,