Academic Performance of College Students Essay

The lack of adequate background and/or preparation, among other things, causes many students to withdraw from college or to graduate with low grades, which often makes it difficult for them to obtain suitable jobs. This paper examines the academic performance and efforts to seek assistance for academic and related problems of undergraduate students at North Carolina A&T State University. To that effect, the grade reports of business and economics majors and responses to a survey of students enrolled in business and economics courses were qualitatively analyzed. See more: Foot Binding In China essay The results of the analyses indicated that many students experienced academic deficiency and did not seek assistance when faced with problems. The results also revealed that many of the students who sought assistance rated the services they received as ineffective and indicated their preference for school-level advisement services. The development of a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement center would alleviate these problems. Such a center, with a comprehensive and extended advisement and counseling program, will be more effective than university-wide services in improving student academic performance and marketability upon graduation. ********** Teaching, research and service are usually used as a yardstick to measure faculty contributions to higher education institutions. Major universities have long stressed the importance of research activities relative to teaching. Over the last two decades, many of smaller teaching institutions, including the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) where research activities were recognized only to the extent that they would keep educators and the knowledge they transmit to students current, have been under pressure to acquire external funds for scholarships, faculty development, and meeting accreditation standards (Fielding 1985). As these institutions, particularly the HBCUs, placed more emphasis on faculty research productivity, they are faced with the challenge of striking a balance between teaching and research activities. Nevertheless, most colleges and universities recognize that teaching is the ultimate goal of their institutions (Wiley 1993). The main factors considered for improving teaching effectiveness among other things, include teaching approaches and techniques and faculty availability for student assistance and advisement. However, students in higher education institutions must be motivated and committed to make reasonable efforts toward handling various activities, such as reading, written assignments, class discussion, presentation and examinations, effectively. Accordingly, the students’ commitment to attain a good education, their study habits and cooperation, their motivation and efforts to seek assistance, when needed, are equally critical for learning. Thus, since the provision and consumption of education service occur simultaneously, the students’ active participation in the process is a necessary condition to transform teaching to effective learning (Norales and Addus 2003). This paper assesses the academic performance and efforts of undergraduate students to seek assistance for academic and related problems at North Carolina A&T State. The paper (1) examines the academic performance and deficiencies of the students in terms of their overall grade point averages; (2) identifies the relative magnitude of student academic and related problems from freshman to senior classifications; (3) presents student evaluation of the effectiveness of advisement and counseling services available to students; and (4) recommends the development of a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement center to improve student academic performance and marketability upon graduation. Methods and Instrumentation The 1998 grade point averages (GPAs) of undergraduate business and economics majors were used to determine the levels of student academic performance and deficiencies, with the application of chi-square statistic test to the relevant data. The student grade reports (the most recent data available) were obtained from the North Carolina A&T State University’s School of Business and Economics. In addition, data from students were collected through a student survey of 2002. The sample for the student advisement and counseling effectiveness questionnaire consisted of students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University. The questionnaire items were designed to elicit responses from students to determine the magnitude of student academic and related problems, efforts to seek assistance to solve their problems, evaluation of effectiveness assistance they received, and preference for the location of advising and monitoring services within the University. The results of this study can be used as a source of data that can provide information on the curriculum effectiveness at North Carolina A&T State and other universities. Such data can assist educators in curriculum planning and development so that they can better meet the needs of students. Student Academic Performance and Survey Results The results of this study are based on the examination of the School of Business and Economics student GPAs and the student advisement and counseling survey of students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University. The results are centered around (1) the student academic performance levels and deficiencies; (2) the magnitude of student academic and related problems; (3) the students efforts to seek assistance to solve problems; (4) the student evaluation of effectiveness assistance received; and (5) the student preference for the location of advising and monitoring services. The following are the findings of the study based on student grade point averages and student advisement and counseling services questionnaire responses. Student Academic performance. The school of Business and Economics at North Carolina A&T State University consists of accounting, business administration, business education and economics and transportation/logistics departments. The distributions of grade point average of students enrolled in the School during the 1998 fall semester are presented in Table 1. For the data in the Table, the chi-square test statistic is significant. This indicates that grade distributions by classification are statistically different. Generally, the number of students with low grade point averages decreased from freshman to senior classifications. In other words, more freshmen maintained lower grades relative to seniors, and more seniors maintained higher grade point averages than freshmen. More specifically, the data indicates that, in the School of Business and Economics, 55% of freshman, 14% of sophomore, 16% of junior, and 6% of senior students maintained below 2. 00 grade point averages. The decline in the proportion of students with lower grades from the freshman to senior levels is an indication of either grade improvements, transfer from one program to another or withdrawal and/or suspension/dismissal from the university. In their senior year, 41% of students maintained a GPA of below 2. 50, 23% below 2. 25, and 6% below 2. 00. For all classifications, 53% of students maintained a GPA of below 2. 50, 39% below 2. 25, and 26% below 2. 00. The School of Business and Economics cannot afford to ignore 23% students who may graduate with a GPA of lower than 2. 25 and 41% below 2. 50, only to find it difficult to find professional jobs of their choice in their respective fields. Apparently, students need to be monitored, encouraged and assisted to play an active role in their pursuit to achieve their education and career objectives. Student Survey Results Of some 206 students who responded to the survey, 52% were female and 48% were male students. By classification, 10% were freshmen, 30% sophomore, 37% junior and 23% senior students. In terms of general fields of study, 68% majored in business and economics and 32% in other areas, including arts and sciences, education and engineering (Table 2). These figures suggest that the survey represents a balanced coverage on gender, student classification, and various fields of study. Magnitude of Student Academic and Related Problems: Of 154 who sought assistance, 52% were female and 48% were male students. By classification, 9% were freshmen, 30% sophomore, 37% junior and 25% were senior students (Table 3). The data in the Table is indicative of the fact that the number of problems faced by students generally declined from freshman to senior year of their study. Of 52 students who did not seek assistance, 52% were female and 48% were male students. By classification, 17% were freshmen, 30% junior, 37% sophomore and 19% senior students. A total of 56% who did not seek help were junior and senior students. The reasons indicated for not seeking assistance are that 19% did not have any problems, 17% did not have time to seek assistance, 19% did not know the availability of assistance, 14% did not believe such assistance would be useful, and 15% indicated a combination of the above factors (Table 4). Student Efforts to Seek Assistance: Out of 206 students who sought assistance, 60% consulted with their academic advisors and 30% with course instructors or respective departments. Only 4% indicated to have sought assistance with the University Center for Success (Table 5). Student Evaluation of Assistance Effectiveness: Of 154 students who sought help, 72% indicated that the assistance they were offered was effective resulting in grade improvements, enhanced self-confidence, remaining in major for the better, and changing major for the better. However, 28% indicated that the assistance they received was not effective at all (Table 6). Student Preference for Advising and Monitoring Services: Of 206 survey respondents, 147 (71%) indicated their preference for student monitoring and counseling services at school/college level (as opposed to counseling at the university level); and 92% indicated that they would seek assistance more often if such services were available at school/college level (Table 7). The Case for Academic Monitoring and Advising Center The findings of this study reveal that relatively low grades and high failure rates were maintained by upper level undergraduate students with the possibility of marketability problems. The findings further show that 28% of survey respondents said the assistance services they received were not effective. Another 28% of the respondents, of which 56% were juniors and seniors, did not seek help to resolve their academic and related problems. In addition, 71% of respondents indicated their preference for a school-level assistance services, and the overwhelming majority (92%) said they would seek help more often if such services were available at the school level. It follows that a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement center (AMAC), with a comprehensive agenda for student advisement and counseling, will be effective in improving student academic performance and marketability. The need for the AMAC is underscored by other studies. The main problems affecting student academic performance include inadequate background, working long hours, lack of time to study and seek advice, lack of time management skills, bad study habits and skills, and lack of self-confidence. Many students are also faced with various impediments in their pursuit of higher education and career objectives, including financial problems, family responsibilities, and social and extracurricular activities. Some of these activities do not only take away from the time needed for sleeping, attending class and studying, but they also cause considerable stress resulting in negative effects on academic performance as measured in terms of GPA (Womble 2001). The results of a survey of 239 university students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University indicated that most students did not have sufficient time to read the textbook and study, and that their absence from class was work related. The majority (56 %) of the students stated that they could not take lecture notes while listening, and 29 % said they could not understand the lecture (Norales and Addus 2003). Kelly et al (2001) classified college students into short sleepers (individuals who slept six or fewer hours a day), average sleepers (individuals with seven or hours of sleep a day), and long sleepers (individuals sleeping nine or more hours a day). They found that the individuals who represented long sleepers reported higher GPAs than the first two groups. Many students are admitted to a university as a result of their performance in examinations that do not demand the same preparation levels required to succeed in higher education. Thus, one of the main factors affecting the academic performance of college and university students is the lack of adequate preparation skills (Beswick and Ramsden 1987). Entwistle et al (1989) studied the academic performance of electrical engineering students and found that low course grades were associated with inadequate study skills, and that many students had not established adequate independent study strategies required to succeed in higher education. Eikeland & Manger (1992) looked into factors affecting student achievement, especially those factors related to high failure and dropout rates. The findings showed that organized study habits had a positive impact on self confidence during the students’ first semester, but such study habits did not have a direct effect on grades until as late as their fourth semester in college. In a survey of close to 350,000 students attending four-year public and private colleges, over 70 items related to the students’ educational experiences on the survey instrument were grouped into 12 factors. (1) The survey results indicated that out of these factors, public college/university students rated academic advising as the most important aspect of their educational experiences. Private college/university students rated academic advising second to only instructional effectiveness in importance. When students were asked to rate five items (2) comprised academic advising, both public and private college/university students rated the academic advisor’s approachability and the academic advisor’s knowledge about major requirements as strengths–meaning most important and most satisfying (Noel-Levitz 2003). In general, the success or failure in higher education are not explained by the student attributes or faculty teaching efficiency in isolation, but by the complex interactions between students and the learning environments they experience (Entwistle 1990). Thus, students are in need of comprehensive advisement, counseling and support services including time management, stress management, efficient study style, habits and skills, reading, writing, and lecture note taking skills, and other support services. These must help students enhance their capacity to master the relevant subject, self confidence, verbal and written communication, academic performance, and to be competitive and productive members of the community. Academic Monitoring and Advising Center The findings of this study, along with the discussion of relevant literature, suggest that a school-specific AMAC, with a comprehensive agenda for student advisement and counseling, will be effective in improving student academic performance and marketability. The primary purpose of the AMAC is to enhance student academic performance and produce marketable graduates by providing extended assistance and guidance to students in academic activities and related areas. At North Carolina A&T State University there are university-wide student support services, including the Center for Student Success (which is focused on student retention) and school-level academic assistant services. In addition, there are programs which are designed to mentor students with high academic standing, in collaboration with potential employers, to prepare them for the real world work environment upon graduation. However, many students who for various reasons fail to perform to their potential levels deserve to be uplifted through a similar program provided by the AMAC. Compared with university-wide academic counseling services available for students, the AMAC will be more effective for needy students can be given individual and unique attention suited to their specific needs by their respective schools. In addition to regular advisement provided by academic advisors, the AMAC will provide counseling services for students who fail to reach a minimum GPA of 2. 50 during each semester. To start with, such students will be able to discuss issues regarding specific courses and their course loads with an advisor from the AMAC, and receive advice on how to successfully manage their time and handle their course loads. Also, the AMAC if necessary, can suggest changes in course, course loads and schedule to help the students balance their time between school and work. As mentioned above, one of the biggest problems that many students have is lack of time and time management skills. If this problem is solved early, students will be able to maintain a more marketable GPA. The AMAC will continuously monitor students and evaluate their grades throughout each semester to insure that these students continue to do well in the school, and graduate within a reasonable period of time. Students who need assistance must be identified at the appropriate time and be given intensive advice and counseling. It will maintain a data base for all students in the School of Business and Economics with an overall GPA of 2. 50 or less. The data can be collected from student applications, academic records, and surveys (Seidman, 1996). The AMAC will coordinate its activities with university programs designed to provide remedial services to students with deficient backgrounds. It will refer students to other departments and and University support services for problems outside its responsibilities. Such intensive intervention will likely help not only improve academic performance, but also retain students and enable them to graduate with decent grades. Student participation in the AMAC’s program shall enhance their capabilities to improve their academic standing through sound advice and counseling which will positively influence their attitude toward learning and grades, time management skills and study habits. The AMAC will further facilitate development of university policies and programs designed to overcome academic deficiencies and encourage students to stay in school and achieve their academic and career objectives. Conclusions Academic advising is a very important aspect of students’ educational experiences in higher education. In order to enhance teaching and learning effectiveness, higher education institutions must listen to their students unique needs and priorities by assessing assistance services available to students. The results of such assessments can be used to develop targeted action plans for serving specific student population. The results of the analyses of data obtained from the School of Business and Economics grade reports and a survey of students enrolled in business and economics courses at North Carolina A&T State University, along with other relevant literature, imply that many college students need a school-specific academic monitoring and advisement services at an early stage of their college career. It is apparent that it becomes difficult, if not impossible, for junior and senior students to make meaningful grade improvements due to the short span of time available to them during their last years of study before graduation. This may pose a serious marketability problem for some of the graduates of these programs with low grades. In the real world of ever increasing globalization and more competitive job market environments, college students need to acquire higher skills and GPAs. The proposed AMAC is certainly a first step to guide needy students in this direction. References Beswick, D. and Ramsden, P, (1987). How to Promote Learning with Understanding. Working Paper 87:1. Melbourne: Center for the Study of Higher Education, University of Melbourne. Eikeland, O. J. and Manger, T. (1992). Why Students Fail During Their First University Semesters. International Review of Education 38(5), 489-503. Entwistle, N. J. (1990). How Students Learn and Why They Fail. Paper Presented at Conference on Talent and Teaching, University of Bergen. Entwistle, N. J. , Hoursell, D. , Macaulay, C. , Situnayake, G. and Tait, H. (1989). Success and Failure in Electrical Engineering Courses in Scotland. Summary of a Report to the SED. Edinburgh: Department of Education and Center for Teaching, Learning and Assessment. University of Edinburgh. Fielding, G. J. (1985). Transportation Education, Part Two. Report of Joint Conference, Eno Foundation Board of Directors and Board of Consultants. Transportation Quarterly, 39(2), 207-233. Kelly, W. E. , Kelly, K. E. and Clanton, R. C. (others) (2001). â€Å"The Relationship between Sleep length and Grade-Point-Average among College Students,† College Student Journal. Noel-Levitz Research (2003). â€Å"Academic Advising Highly Important to Students,† www. noellevitz. com. Norales, Francisca O. and Addus, Abdussalam A. (2003). â€Å"University Students’ Learning Efforts,† Texas Business and Technology Educators Association Journal, Vol. VII, No. 1. Seidman, A. (1996). Retention revisited: R = E, ID + E & In, Iv. Journal of College Student Retention. 71(4), 18-20. Wiley, III, Ed (1993). Re-Emphasizing Teaching. Black Issues in Higher Education. Womble, Laura P (2001). â€Å"The Impact of Stress Factors on College Students’ Academic Performance,† Working Paper, University of North Carolina, Charlotte, N. C. ABDUSSALAM A. ADDUS Associate Professor DAVID CHEN Associate Professor ANWAR S. KHAN Professor Emeritus Department of Economics and Transportation/Logistics North Carolina A&T State University Notes. (1) the factors are: academic advising, campus climate, campus Life, campus Support Services, concern for the Individual, instructional Effectiveness, recruitment and financial aid effectiveness, registration effectiveness, responsiveness to diverse population, safety and security, service excellence, and student centeredness. (2) the items are: the academic advisor’s approachability, the academic advisor’s knowledge about major requirements, the academic advisor’s concern about the student’s success as an individual, the academic advisor’s assistance to set goals and work toward, and the clearness and reasonableness of major requirements. Table 1 Grade Distribution of Students in the School of Business and Economics by Classification, Fall 1998 Grade Range Classification Freshman Sophomore Junior No. % No. % No. % 3. 50-4. 00 20 6 46 19 20 10 3. 00-3. 49 26 7 44 18 32 16 2. 50-2. 99 45 13 62 25 45 23 2. 25-2. 49 33 9 33 13 33 17 2. 00-2. 24 37 10 28 11 34 18 Below 2. 00 200 55 35 14 31 16 Total 361 100 248 100 195 100 Chi-square: 278. 38 * Grade Range Classification Senior All No. % No. % 3. 50-4. 00 18 7 104 10 3. 00-3. 49 42 17 144 13 2. 50-2. 99 90 35 242 24 2. 25-2. 49 47 18 146 14 2. 00-2. 24 44 17 143 13 Below 2. 00 14 6 280 26 Total 255 100 1059 100 Chi-square: 278. 38 * Note: * Statistically significant at 5 percent probability level. Source: School of Business and Economics, NC A&T State University. Table 2 Profile of Survey Respondents Item Frequency Percent Gender (n = 206): Male 99 48. 1 Female 107 51. 9 Classification (n = 206): Freshman 21 10. 2 Sophomore 61 29. 6 Junior 77 37. 4 Senior 47 22. 8 Major Area Unit (n = 206): Business and Economics 140 68. 0 Other Areas * 66 32. 0 * Include Arts and Science, Education, and Engineering. Table 3 Distribution of Number Problems for Students who Sought. Assistance * (n = 154) Classification Number of Problems and Gender One Two Three Four Five Six Total Plus Classification: Freshman 4 1 3 2 1 2 13 Sophomore 16 4 7 9 8 2 46 Junior 14 14 12 6 4 7 57 Senior 6 7 14 7 3 1 38 Total 40 26 36 24 16 12 154 Gender: Male 19 15 15 11 8 6 74 Female 21 13 19 13 8 6 80 Total 40 26 36 24 16 12 154 * Problems include adding/dropping courses, choosing major, changing major, improving grades, time management, internship opportunities, personal problems which affect academic performance. Table 4 Distribution of students who did not Seek Assistance (n = 52)  frequency Percent of Total Classification: Freshman 9 17. 3 Sophomore 14 29. 9 Junior 19 36. 5 Senior 10 19. 3 Total 52 100. 0 Gender: Male 25 48. 1 Female 27 51. 9 Total 52 100. 0 Reason for not Seeking: Did not have problems 10 19. 2 Did not have time 9 17. 3 Did not know availability of assistance 10 19. 2 Did not believe it is useful 7 13. 5 Combination of last three 8 15. 4 Other reasons 8 15. 4 Total 52 100. 0 Table 5 Student Efforts to Seek Assistance for Academic Problems (n = 154) Assistance sought from Frequency Percent Academic Advisor 89 59. 7 Department/Course instructor 44 29. 5. University Center for Success 6 4. 0 SOBE resource Lab 3 2. 0 University Counseling Service 3 2. 0 Career Counseling 2 1. 4 Financial Aid 2 1. 4 Table 6 Student evaluation of Effectiveness of Assistance Sought (n = 149) Item frequency Percent Grade improved 13 8. 7 Enhanced self-confidence 4 2. 7 Remained in major 15 10. 1 Changed major for better 16 10. 7 Two or more of above 60 40. 3 No effect 41 27. 5 Table 7 Student Preference for Counseling/Monitoring Services Location (n = 206) Item Frequency Percent Prefer student Counseling at school level Yes 147 71. 3 No 44 21. 4 Indifferent 15 7. 3. Would seek assistance more often if Available at school/college level) Yes 92 44. 7 No 15 7. 3 Not sure 45 21. 8 Indifferent 54 26. 2 Gale Copyright: Copyright 2007 Gale, Cengage Learning. All rights reserved. Economic Scene Colleges Are Failing in Graduation Rates Top of Form Bottom of Form †¢ Share By DAVID LEONHARDT Published: September 8, 2009 If you were going to come up with a list of organizations whose failures had done the most damage to the American economy in recent years, you’d probably have to start with the Wall Street firms and regulatory agencies that brought us the financial crisis. From there, you might move on to Wall Street’s fellow bailout recipients in Detroit, the once-Big Three. Multimedia [pic] From the Most Selective Colleges, More Graduates Related The College Dropout Boom Economix: Which Colleges Are Doing Their Job? Reader Responses: Failing Colleges Readers’ Comments Share your thoughts and read responses to readers’ comments from David Leonhardt on the Economix blog. †¢ Read All Comments (113)  » But I would suggest that the list should also include a less obvious nominee: public universities. At its top levels, the American system of higher education may be the best in the world. Yet in terms of its core mission — turning teenagers into educated college graduates — much of the system is simply failing. Only 33 percent of the freshmen who enter the University of Massachusetts, Boston, graduate within six years. Less than 41 percent graduate from the University of Montana, and 44 percent from the University of New Mexico. The economist Mark Schneider refers to colleges with such dropout rates as â€Å"failure factories,† and they are the norm. The United States does a good job enrolling teenagers in college, but only half of students who enroll end up with a bachelor’s degree. Among rich countries, only Italy is worse. That’s a big reason inequality has soared, and productivity growth has slowed. Economic growth in this decade was on pace to be slower than in any decade since World War II — even before the financial crisis started. So identifying the causes of the college dropout crisis matters enormously, and a new book tries to do precisely that. It is called â€Å"Crossing the Finish Line,† and its findings are based on the records of about 200,000 students at 68 colleges. The authors were able to get their hands on that data because two of them are pillars of the education establishment: William Bowen (an economist and former Princeton president) and Michael McPherson (an economist and former Macalester College president). For all the book’s alarming statistics, its message is ultimately uplifting — or at least invigorating. Yes, inadequate precollege education is a problem. But high schools still produce many students who have the skills to complete college and yet fail to do so. Turning them into college graduates should be a lot less difficult than fixing all of American education. â€Å"We could be doing a lot better with college completion just by working on our colleges,† as Robert Shireman, an Education Department official who has read an early version of the book, says. Congress and the Obama administration are now putting together an education bill that tries to deal with the problem. It would cancel about $9 billion in annual government subsidies for banks that lend to college students and use much of the money to increase financial aid. A small portion of the money would be set aside for promising pilot programs aimed at lifting the number of college graduates. All in all, the bill would help. But it won’t solve the system’s biggest problems — the focus on enrollment rather than completion, the fact that colleges are not held to account for their failures. â€Å"Crossing the Finish Line† makes it clear that we can do better. †¢ The first problem that Mr. Bowen, Mr. McPherson and the book’s third author, Matthew Chingos, a doctoral candidate, diagnose is something they call under-matching. It refers to students who choose not to attend the best college they can get into. They instead go to a less selective one, perhaps one that’s closer to home or, given the torturous financial aid process, less expensive. About half of low-income students with a high school grade-point average of at least 3. 5 and an SAT score of at least 1,200 do not attend the best college they could have. Many don’t even apply. Some apply but don’t enroll. â€Å"I was really astonished by the degree to which presumptively well-qualified students from poor families under-matched,† Mr. Bowen told me. They could have been admitted to Michigan’s Ann Arbor campus (graduation rate: 88 percent, according to College Results Online) or Michigan State (74 percent), but they went, say, to Eastern Michigan (39 percent) or Western Michigan (54 percent). If they graduate, it would be hard to get upset about their choice. But large numbers do not. You can see that in the chart with this column. In effect, well-off students — many of whom will graduate no matter where they go — attend the colleges that do the best job of producing graduates. These are the places where many students live on campus (which raises graduation rates) and graduation is the norm. Meanwhile, lower-income students — even when they are better qualified — often go to colleges that excel in producing dropouts. â€Å"It’s really a waste,† Mr. Bowen says, â€Å"and a big problem for the country. † As the authors point out, the only way to lift the college graduation rate significantly is to lift it among poor and working-class students. Instead, it appears to have fallen somewhat since the 1970s. What can be done? Money is clearly part of the answer. Tellingly, net tuition has no impact on the graduation rates of high-income students. Yet it does affect low-income students. All else equal, they are less likely to make it through a more expensive state college than a less expensive one, the book shows. Conservatives are wrong to suggest affordability doesn’t matter. But they are right that more money isn’t the whole answer. Higher education today also suffers from a deep cultural problem. Failure has become acceptable. Students see no need to graduate in four years. Doing so, as one told the book’s authors, is â€Å"like leaving the party at 10:30 p. m. † Graduation delayed often becomes graduation denied. Administrators then make excuses for their graduation rates. And policy makers hand out money based on how many students a college enrolls rather than on what it does with those students. There is a real parallel here to health care.

Experimental and Quasi-Experimental Research Designs Essay

The experimental research design is one of the most reliable quantitative designs available. Basically, it requires that the researcher conduct an actual experiment in order to prove the research hypothesis. Similar yet fundamentally different from the experimental design is the quasi-experimental design. his paper discusses the procedure in conducting an experimental design research and differentiates it from a quasi-experimental research design. Examples of each are given to facilitate further comparison and contrast. The first step in conducting an experimental research design is to identify the independent and dependent variables. According to Random House’s dictionary of statistical terminologies, â€Å"the dependent variable is the event studied and expected to change when the independent variable is changed. † (Random House, 2001, p. 534). In Butler and Lijinsky (2005) which is an example of experimental research, the independent variable was the type of rat while the dependent variable was the toxicity level. This meant that the research seeks to verify whether different types of rats would have different acute toxicity levels. After the identification of the independent and dependent variables, the next step is to randomly select a sample for the experiment. To randomly select a sample means to make sure that all of the members of the population have an equal chance of being selected (Corder &Foreman, 2009). For example, when seeking to study a school population as is the case in of Stevens & Slavin (1995), random sampling is conducted by placing all of the possible respondents in a list and selecting from that list randomly. In this way, each student has an equal opportunity to be selected for the study. Lastly, once the experiment is conducted, a secure atmosphere is generated wherein the effect of other factors are minimized (Mertens, 1998). Going back to Butler and Lijinsky (1995), the experiment was conducted in a secure atmosphere where the only variables were the type of rat and the toxins induced to them. All other factors such as the food they were given, the space of their cages and so on were kept the same for the different types of rat. In a quasi-experimental approach, an experiment is also conducted and dependent and independent variables are also selected. Measures to keep all other variables constant are also taken. However, the defining difference between the tow is that quasi-experimental designs do not conduct random sampling (Mertens, 1998). For example, the quasi-experimental research conducted by Dutton (1986) simply a sample from those that were available. This is not random sampling and therefore the design cannot be considered as experimental but it does fit the quasi-experimental description. In conclusion, it is clear that while experimental and quasi-experimental research designs are similar, they do have an essential difference. References Butler, A, and Lijinsky, W. (2005). â€Å"Acute toxicity of aflatoxin G1 to the rat† Journal of Pathology, 102 (4), 209-212. Corder, G. , Foreman, G. (2009). Nonparametric Statistics for Non-Statisticians: A Step-by-Step Approach. Wiley. Dutton, D. (1986). â€Å"The Outcome of Court-Mandated Treatment for Wife Assault: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation. † Violence and Victims, 1(3) 163-175 Mertens, D. (1998). Research methods in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative & qualitative. Sage. Random House. (2001). Random House Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary. Random House, Inc. Stevens, R. , and Slavin, R. (1995). Effects of a Cooperative Learning Approach in Reading and Writing on Academically Handicapped and Nonhandicapped Students. The University of Chicago Press.

Capital Structure and Corporate Performance

The assignment deals with the financial analysis of ratios of Maldives Transport and Contracting Company (MTCC). Maldives Transport and Contracting company is engaged in marine and land transport business and also has a separate division which deals with marine and land constructions. The company was one of the first public sector company which was established. The financial performance of the company is to be analyzed with the help of significant ratios. The major ratios which are to be analyzed for the company are liquidity, profitability and efficiency ratios. The analysis will be containing an insight of the capital structure of the company and stock performance of MTCC. Liquidity ratios are used to measure the liquidity of the company which means whether the business has enough liquid cash to meet the short-term liabilities of the company or not (Higgins 2012). In the liquidity ratio sub-head, the most significant ratios are current ratio, liquid ratio and cash ratio. As per the calculation shown, the current ratio of the company has first declined from 1.34 in 2014 to 1.28 in 2015 and then again increased to 1.34 in 2016. This shows that the company is more than capable of handling the short-term business requirements. If the current ratio of the company is above 1 then it signifies that the company is able to meet with the current short-term expenses of the business which MTCC has as stated above (Ahrendsen and Katchova 2012). An ideal current ratio is however 2:1, which means that the current assets must be twice of current liabilities. The quick ratio of the company shows that the ratio is on an increasing trend from 2014. The ratio increased from 0.96 in 2014 to 1.08 in 2016 as per calculations. This is a favorable result as the higher the quick ratio the more liquidity the business has and ideally quick ratio should be greater than 1. However, the ideal results of a quick ratio vary from industry to industry. The cash ratio of the company has decreased and the ratio suggest the real cash of the company is falling. The ratio however does not take into consideration account receivable and inventory and only considers cash and asset which are close to cash. The profitability ratios of the company measure the overall profitability of the company considering the significant areas such as gross profit, net profit, operating profit and similar other areas (Al Karim and Alam 2013). These ratios depict whether the company is performing well in terms of profitability or not. The gross profit ratio shows that the gross profit of the company first increases from 18.73% in 2014 to 23.84% in 2015 and then again decreases to 22% in 2016. The gross profit for the year 2016 has decreased which the company needs to improve and also analyze why the gross profit of the company fall during 2016. The net profit ratio of the company also shows a fluctuating and a similar result when compared to gross profit ratio. The net profit ratio of the company for the year 2016 show a ratio of 8.80% which is even lesser than the ratio result which was calculated for 2014 which is 10.57%. This is not a favorable sign for the business and therefore the business needs t o improve the same. Net profit ratio is a financial indicator and the company needs to improve the overall net profit of the company (Tugas 2012). The operating profit ratio also depicts a fluctuating result and has a similar result and analysis as gross profit ratio and net profit ratio of the company.   The return on assets and return on equity also show unfavorable results for the company in the year 2016. The return on asset has decreased from 0.9 in 2015 to 0.8 which is shown in 2016. The return on equity also shows a decreasing trend which was 30.22% in 2015 which has reduced to 18.70% in 2016 which is even lesser than the estimate of 2014. The next group of significant ratios which are to be considered are the efficiency ratio of the company. Such type of ratios generally covers all types of asset turnover ratio of the company. The receivable turnover ratio of the company shows how efficiently the company is able to collect the credit allowed on sales by the company. an high account receivable ratio signifies that the company has a strong credit policy and all credit operations are running smoothly. The receivable turnover ratio of the company shows that the ratio has increased in 2016 which is 1.59 and the same was 1.44 in 2015. Therefore, it suggests that there has been improvement in the receivable turnover ratio or collection policy of the company as the case may be. The inventory turnover ratio shows that the ratio has significantly increased in 2016 in comparison with 2015 results. The inventory ratio of the company for the year 2016 is 4.28 which is much more than previous two years results. The higher the inven tory turnover ratio the more favorable for the business as it will then portray a strong sales structure and lesser inventory in stocks (Ehiedu 2014). While lower inventory turnover ratio shows poor sales structure and more inventory capacity at hand of the company which is being unused by the company. The asset turnover ratio of the company also shows that the ratio has increased from the previous years results (Tehrani, Mehragan and Golkani 2012). The asset turnover ratio for the year 2016 is shown at 0.89. Asset turnover ratio measures the capability of the company to generate revenue or sales in comparison to the assets of the company. The next group of ratios is the capital structure ratio which measures the components of the capital structure of the company. The debt ratio of the company shows that the company’s debt ratio has decreased from the result of 2015. The debt ratio for 2015 was 0.61 which has reduced to 0.58 in 2016. From the perspective of risks debt ratios of any company are preferred to be lower as the risk is also low. In this case it can be said that it is favorable for the business of MTCC. The equity ratio shows how much equity capital has the business incorporated in the capital structure of the company. The equity ratio of the company has increased from 2015 which was 0.39 to 0.42 which is shown in 2016. This signifies that the company is now using more of equity in comparison to last year. The gearing ratio of the company shows the total debt which is used by the business in comparison to the equity capital of the business. It is similar to Debt equity ratio however it contains more va riations which can provide different results. The gearing ratio of the company 7.07% in 2016 which is lower than previous year figure as the company has reduced the debts of the company. This shows that the company is payoff the debt capital and incorporating more of equity capital in the capital structure mix of the company (Babalola and Abiola 2013). The debt equity ratio of the company shows that the ratio has reduced from 1.59 in 2015 to 1.40 in 2016 which also shows that the company is reducing the debt capital of the company. With the analysis of the debt equity ratio it is evident that the company is trying to restructure the capital structure of the company and add more of equity capital in the mix. However, the full benefit of the capital structure can be extracted when a certain balance is attained between debt and equity capital funds. The stock performance ratios are related and measures the performance of the company on the basis of valuation of stock or earning per shares or market value of shares (Delen, Kuzey and Uyar 2013). Earning per share is the measure of the company’s profit per share which is earned by the shareholders of the company (Brigham and Houston 2012). The earning per share of the company has fallen sharply from 312.76 in 2015 to 23.076 in 2016 which is a drastic fall. This is a serious concern for the business as if it is not improved than the company’s stock prices and market valuation will repeatedly fall. The dividend payout ratio show that the ratio is much more than previous year’s measure which shows that the company has declared dividend in spite of low Earning per share. Price earning ratio is the measure of the price which the investor pays for $ 1 profit in the company. The price earning ratio of the company has increased from the previous year results. The following recommendations can be offered to the company for improvement in the key financial ratios: Any business which is planning to start or establish itself in the market needs to plan out the financial requirement which the business needs. In other words, there are certain expenses which initially which the business must incur in order to establish the business in the market (Lee, Sameen and Cowling 2015). The two most popular form of business which can be open are partnership form of business and private limited companies. A partnership form of business is a business where two or more parties cooperate together in order to run a business. In case of partnership the liability of the partners may be unlimited or limited as per the agreement in the Partnership deed (Allen and Kraakman 2016). Whereas in a Private Limited Company the shareholders are the owners of the company, however the company is operated by board of directors who are representatives of the shareholders of the company. The liability in a company is limited to the number of shares which is held by the shareholders of the company. Moreover, a company is regarded as a legal person whereas a partnership form of business does not enjoy such a right 9Burns 2016). Both the above forms of businesses require initial capital to start up the business and also long-term finances for smooth operation of the business. In case of partnership form of business, the various options of financing which are available are: Personal Savings: In a partnership form of business personal savings is an important source of finance. The partners of the firm contribute to the total capital of the firm and operates in a similar fashion whenever there is additional requirement of funds (Gbandi and Amissah 2014). In case of a startup partnership business, generally individuals resort to capital contributions which will be made by the partners of the firm to meet the start up cost of the business instead of taking a loan from banks. The amount which is contributed by the partners are the basis on which the profit which is earned by the firm is distributed among the partners unless otherwise agreed upon. Retained profits: The profits which are earned by the firm are reinvested in the business in many cases which is then used as reserves or retained earnings. However. such type of financing cannot be done in the initial years of the business but for long term financing purpose of the business (Fairfield and Jorratt De Luis 2016). This is the most productive type of financing as it does not create a burden on the business as in the case of debts and also the partners are not bringing in any capital into the business. Short term /Long term Bank loans: This is another mostly used source for financing of capital for the business. The partnership can take a loan as per the requirement of the business that is it can be short term as well as long term in nature. This source of financing can be used by the business at initial stages of the business and also in the pursuance of the long-term business objectives of the firm (Shin 2012). The financing which is done through bank loans can meet both the objectives which can be start up financing as well as long-term financing of the business. Additional Partner’s Capital: In many situation, there has been cases where the firm is requiring additional capital and the firm does not want to take a loan from banks then they use this technique. Whenever there is an admission of a new partner in the partnership firm, the individual brings in his share of capital for the purpose of investing in the firm and also determining the profit ratio which he is going to get. The additional capital which is brought by the new partners is used for financing purpose of projects and operation of the business. This type of financing is rarely used by firms as admission of a new partner means that the profit sharing ratio diminishes. However, it is commonly seen that a partnership business applies such techniques when a partner retires from a business so as to meet the capital requirements of the business. In case of a company form of business the most common sources of financing for a business are discussed below: Issue of Shares: The most important sources of financing for a business is through issue of shares which can be equity shares or preference share as per the requirement of the business. The company has the ability to issue shares in order to collect small amount of capital per share from potential investors (Engel and Stiebale 2014). The share capital as collected by the business is used in financing the projects of the company. Such sources of financing are useful in start up business as well as financing for the long-term business objectives. In addition to this, financing with share capital is a reliable source of financing for the business (Bobinaite and Tarvydas 2014). Bank Loan: This is another option which is available to the company which can be used for financing of the business. The company can take long- term as well as short term loans from banks for day to day operation of the business. However, lumpsum amount for loans as required by the company is not always available and the bank requires certain securities on the basis of which the bank will be allowing the loan to the company (Robb and Robinson 2014). In the startup phases of the business, company generally do not get any loan from the banks unless they provide ample amount of securities against the loan amount. Debentures: Another source of financing of the business is by issuing debentures for collecting capital. The capital which is collected with the issuance of debentures forms a part of the debt capital of the business. The capital which is collect by the use of debentures can also be used to finance projects and it can issued for collecting funds for start-up cost and also for long-term financial requirements of the business (Buigut et al. 2013). Retained Earnings. The company form of business also employs the concept of retained earnings. The company retains a part of the profit which is earned by the company during previous year and the business reinvest the profits in the business again (Serrasqueiro and Nunes 2012). The retain earnings method which is used by the business is known as plough back of profits in the business. Moreover, such method is advantageous to the company as it increases the internal strength of the company and makes the company financially strong. The retained earnings of the business depend on the amount of profit which was earned by the business in previous year. Moreover, the business cannot use such type of capital in start up financing of the business and has to resort to other means of sourcing of finance. Preference Share Source of Financing This refers to the funds which are raised by the business by issuing shares which are also known as equity (Elsas,   Flannery and Garfinkel 2014). Tis refers to the capital which is taken from a bank or financial institution This type of capital is similarly raised as equity sources of capital but such shares have rights of their own and are different from equity sources of capital (Gitman, Juchau and Flanagan 2015). This is regarded as own capital of the business This is regarded as borrowed capital of the business or also known as loan capital of the business. This also forms a part of the own capital of the business (Abdulsaleh and Worthington 2013). The risks which are associated with equity shares is high as equity shares are generally risky in nature (Bekaert and Harvey 2017). The risks which is associated with debts are low and debt capital are considered less risker than equity sources of capital. This type of shares are not as risky as equity shares but has certain risk factor. The return which is generated by equity share capital is in the form of dividends and such dividends depends on the profit which is earned by the company and also on the decision of the management. If the company is not earning profits than the company will not be paying any dividend. The return which is related to debt capital is interest which is fixed and regular in nature and generally depends on the agreement of debts of the business The return which is generated by such sources are fixed unlike equity sources of capital and they are need to be paid even if the company is earning losses. Thus, from the comparison of the above three sources of capital it can be said that the equity source of capital is very useful even though it is a risky source of capital. The consultancy business will be able to collect bulk amount of capital from equity sources and also there is no pressure of dividends in initial years even if the business earns losses. Abdulsaleh, A.M. and Worthington, A.C., 2013. Small and medium-sized enterprises financing: A review of literature.  International Journal of Business and Management ,  8(14), p.36. Ahrendsen, B.L. and Katchova, A.L., 2012. Financial ratio analysis using ARMS data.  Agricultural Finance Review,  72(2), pp.262-272. Al Karim, R. and Alam, T., 2013. An evaluation of financial performance of private commercial banks in Bangladesh: Ratio analysis.  Journal of Business Studies Quarterly,  5(2), p.65. Allen, W.T. and Kraakman, R., 2016.  Commentaries and cases on the law of business organization. Wolters Kluwer law & business. Babalola, Y.A. and Abiola, F.R., 2013. Financial ratio analysis of firms: A tool for decision making.  International journal of management sciences ,  1(4), pp.132-137. Bekaert, G. and Harvey, C., 2017. Emerging equity markets in a globalizing world. Bobinaite, V. and Tarvydas, D., 2014. Financing instruments and channels for the increasing production and consumption of renewable energy: Lithuanian case.  Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews,  38, pp.259-276. Brigham, E.F. and Houston, J.F., 2012.  Fundamentals of financial management . Cengage Learning. Buigut, K., Soi, N., Koskei, I. and Kibet, J., 2013. The effect of capital structure on share price on listed firms in Kenya. A case of energy listed firms.  European Journal of Business and Management ,  5(9), pp.29-35. Burns, P., 2016.  Entrepreneurship and small business. Palgrave Macmillan Limited. Delen, D., Kuzey, C. and Uyar, A., 2013. Measuring firm performance using financial ratios: A decision tree approach.  Expert Systems with Applications,  40(10), pp.3970-3983. Ehiedu, V.C., 2014. The impact of liquidity on profitability of some selected companies: The financial statement analysis (FSA) approach.  Research Journal of Finance and Accounting,  5(5), pp.81-90. Elsas, R., Flannery, M.J. and Garfinkel, J.A., 2014. Financing major investments: information about capital structure decisions.  Review of Finance,  18(4), pp.1341-1386. Engel, D. and Stiebale, J., 2014. Private equity, investment and financial constraints: firm-level evidence for France and the United Kingdom.  Small Business Economics,  43(1), pp.197-212. Fairfield, T. and Jorratt De Luis, M., 2016. Top income shares, business profits, and effective tax rates in contemporary Chile.  Review of Income and Wealth,  62(S1). Gbandi, E.C. and Amissah, G., 2014. Financing options for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.  European Scientific Journal, ESJ,  10(1). Gitman, L.J., Juchau, R. and Flanagan, J., 2015.  Principles of managerial finance. Pearson Higher Education AU. Higgins, R.C., 2012.  Analysis for financial management. McGraw-Hill/Irwin. Lee, N., Sameen, H. and Cowling, M., 2015. Access to finance for innovative SMEs since the financial crisis.  Research policy,  44(2), pp.370-380. Robb, A.M. and Robinson, D.T., 2014. The capital structure decisions of new firms.  The Review of Financial Studies,  27(1), pp.153-179. Serrasqueiro, Z. and Nunes, P.M., 2012. Is age a determinant of SMEs' financing decisions? Empirical evidence using panel data models.  Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice,  36(4), pp.627-654. Shin, H.S., 2012. Global banking glut and loan risk premium.  IMF Economic Review,  60(2), pp.155-192.   Tehrani, R., Mehragan, M.R. and Golkani, M.R., 2012. A Model for Evaluating Financial Performance of Companies by Data Envelopment Analysis-A Case Study of 36 Corporations Affiliated with a Private Organization.  International Business Research,  5(8), p.8. Tugas, F.C., 2012. A Comparative Analysis of the Financial Ratios of Listed Firms Belonging to the Education Subsector in the Philippines for the Years 2009-2011.  International Journal of Business and Social Science,  3(21). Zeitun, R. and Tian, G., 2014. Capital structure and corporate performance: evidence from Jordan.

Critically examine the differences between two theories of leadership Essay

Critically examine the differences between two theories of leadership and examine the effect that strategic leadership can have on the succe - Essay Example e main goals and objectives for the followers while in other cases the people may agree on their objectives and the leader will assume the responsibility of guiding them to reach to the goals (Paul, 2005). One way of trying to understand leadership is by using theories. Leadership theories are assumptions about characteristics or styles of a leader. The theories are used to distinguish among different kinds of leaders and their styles as well as their motivations. The focus of the theories is to determine specific skills and qualities that differentiate one leader from his or her followers and other leaders. There are various theories in the study of leadership with each theory using a different approach to explain the concept of leadership (Paul, 2005). Among the most common theories of leadership include contingency theory, great man theory, behavioral theory and trail theory. The most notable question that these theories aim at responding to is as to whether leaders are born or whether they can acquire leadership. This fundamental question has been the main puzzle that leadership analysts have grappled with over the years. A common understanding in leadership and management is that there is no precise answer to the question because every leader is different from the other, and while it is true that some individuals are born to lead, there are others who acquire leadership. This essay will explore two main theories of leadership and critically analyze them with a view of exposing their differences in their approach to leadership as a consequence. The main theories that this essay will endeavor to study are the trait theory and the behavioral theory of leadership. The paper will also explain the concept of strategic leadership. The paper will conclude by examining the effect of strategic leadership in either success or failure of businesses. This theory is based on the notion that leaders are born with innate abilities and qualities that enable them to guide

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Uniting Legl Dctrine nd Discurse t Rethink Wmen's Wrkplce Rights - Essay Example As the discussion stresses almÐ ¾st since the Ð ¾rigins Ð ¾f the struggle fÐ ¾r wÐ ¾men's rights, disÐ °greement hÐ °s existed Ð ¾ver the mÐ ¾st effective wÐ °ys tÐ ¾ secure wÐ ¾men's equÐ °l stÐ °nding befÐ ¾re the lÐ °w. Despite impÐ ¾rtÐ °nt Ð °dvÐ °ncements, the lÐ °w cÐ ¾nsistently hÐ °s limited wÐ ¾men's rights when cÐ ¾mpÐ °red tÐ ¾ thÐ ¾se Ð °ccÐ ¾rded tÐ ¾ men. The Ð °rticle thÐ °t is being Ð °nÐ °lyzed Ð °pplies feminist reÐ °dings Ð ¾f rhetÐ ¾ricÐ °l theÐ ¾ry Ð °nd the lÐ °w tÐ ¾ help explÐ °in the reÐ °ch Ð °nd ideÐ ¾lÐ ¾gy Ð ¾f legÐ °l lÐ °nguÐ °ge prÐ °ctices thÐ °t perpetuÐ °te structurÐ °l Ð °nd Ð °ttitudinÐ °l bÐ °rriers tÐ ¾ gender equÐ °lity. In unmÐ °sking legÐ °l discÐ ¾urses Ð ¾f pÐ ¾wer used tÐ ¾ mÐ °rginÐ °lize the stÐ °tus Ð ¾f wÐ ¾men wÐ ¾rkers, the Ð °uthÐ ¾r fÐ ¾cuses upÐ ¾n the Supreme CÐ ¾urt's treÐ °tment Ð ¾f wÐ ¾men in Ð ° series Ð ¾f cÐ °ses Ð °ddressing wÐ ¾rker rights Ð °nd Ð ¾ccupÐ °tiÐ ¾nÐ °l freedÐ ¾m. In dÐ ¾ing sÐ ¾ the fÐ ¾cus is cÐ ¾ntended tÐ ¾ the pÐ ¾int thÐ °t CÐ ¾urt decisiÐ ¾ns invÐ ¾lving wÐ ¾men's Ð ¾ccupÐ °tiÐ ¾nÐ °l freedÐ ¾m cÐ ¾ntribute tÐ ¾ the cÐ ¾ntinued subÐ ¾rdinÐ °tiÐ ¾n Ð ¾f wÐ ¾men in the wÐ ¾rkplÐ °ce. This research declares that the structure Ð ¾f the Ð °rticle is simple Ð °nd fÐ ¾llÐ ¾ws the lÐ ¾gicÐ °l thinking Ð ¾f the Ð °uthÐ ¾r Ð °s she is fÐ ¾rwÐ °rding the issues Ð ¾f rights equÐ °lity Ð ¾n the wÐ ¾rkplÐ °ce, in pÐ ¾litics Ð °nd in Ð ¾ther Ð °reÐ °s Ð ¾f life where the men seem tÐ ¾ dÐ ¾minÐ °te. UltimÐ °tely, this pÐ °rt cÐ ¾ncludes thÐ °t by integrÐ °ting the structure Ð ¾f legÐ °l rules with the lÐ °nguÐ °ge used tÐ ¾ express them intÐ ¾ Ð ¾ne Ð °nÐ °lyticÐ °l methÐ ¾d, it is pÐ ¾ssible tÐ ¾ exÐ °mine the discÐ ¾urse thÐ °t cÐ ¾urts hÐ °ve used tÐ ¾ justify cÐ ¾ntinued restrictiÐ ¾ns Ð ¾n wÐ ¾men in the wÐ ¾rkplÐ °ce.

Should the government increase the minimum wage Essay

Should the government increase the minimum wage - Essay Example t employers could not afford these federally mandated pay raises and would be forced to lay-off workers and that most persons who make the minimum wage are teenager or temporary workers, not heads of households with a dependent family to support. This discussion examines the benefits of raising the minimum wage not only for those workers who would gain monetarily but to employers as well and the economy as a whole. Currently, the minimum wage stands at $5.15 per hour. Congress recently voted itself another pay raise but killed a bill that would raise the minimum wage to $7.50 an hour. â€Å"Raising the minimum wage to $7.50 would positively affect the lives of more than eight million workers, including an estimated 760,000 single mothers and 1.8 million parents with children under 18† (Dobbs, 2006). This modest increase would only have put minimum wage earners near the poverty line, about $16,000 for a family of three (Poverty Guidelines, 2006). As a result of the inaction by Congress, these eight million American workers will not be able to provide the most basic needs for their families. In 2002, the U.S. Census reported that approximately 2.6 million full-time, year-round workers were subsisting at wages that placed them below the poverty line (U.S. Census Bureau, 2003, p. 7). The minimum wage has not been raised in seven years, the longest time span since the law first went into eff ect in 1938. This decline in the real value of the minimum wage over the last seven years translates into lower real wages for millions of workers and contributes to the income gap between poor working families and the middle class. Raising the minimum wage would allow those who make minimum salaries to keep up with inflation. It would help those that need it the most such as single mothers and minorities. In addition, it would cause a ‘ripple effect’ in that wages would also increase for those that make just above the minimum. In 1968, a full-time employee who earned

Strategic Quality and System Management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Strategic Quality and System Management - Essay Example Each of these phases requires careful planning, which operations management facilitates in achieving. Through specialisation of activities, it becomes possible to produce in mass quantities in short duration alongside of meeting the objectives of quality. The process of effective operations management involves setting up suitable facilities, procuring resources and developing effective supply chain strategies. Work force management, training and communicating with clients are also essential peripheral activities associated with operations management (Heizer, Render and Weiss, 2004). The prime motive of an operations management process is to develop systems which facilitate manufacturing quality goods and services. The system design includes phases such as product development, process planning and capacity panning (Slack, Chambers and Johnston, 2010). Product development is a vital part of the success of operations management process. The designed product must be as per the needs and objectives of the organisation. Products must be designed in a manner such that they offer differential benefits to customers as compared with existing competitors (Slack, Chambers and Johnston, 2010). Product designing process would broadly include two important phases, namely technical component and business component. The technical components would include planning for the required tools, machines and selecting the sequence of operations. The business component includes selecting proper human resource and management systems so that the output is achieved as per the pre establishe d plans and objectives of the organisation (Voss, Tsikriktsis and Frohlich, 2002). Process planning is a method which matches and allocates the resources required to different production activities, as per the product design. The capacity planning process includes forecasting demand and determining the type of resources which needs to be acquired

The Bill Clinton Years in the White House Research Paper

The Bill Clinton Years in the White House - Research Paper Example The New Democrats championed for smaller governments as well as welfare reform and had support from Republicans and Democrats. Moreover, Americans attribute his policies to a centrist Third Way philosophy of power. His charm and power to pull people to his side enabled him to achieve his dream of guiding America to prosperity through the promotion of peace and introducing laws that changed America. Bibliography Clinton was born in 1946 of William Jefferson Blythe, Jr. and Virginia Dell Cassidy (Clinton, 3). His father died in an automobile accident when Virginia was 6 months pregnant. His mother left him under the care of his grandparents in order to study nursing. Virginia later remarried to Roger Clinton, a brother to her late husband. Roger was an alcoholic and gambler who frequently behaved violently to his mother and stepbrother. At times, he came to the defense of the mother when his stepfather abused her. Despite such treatment, he adopted his stepfathers’ name, Clinton as a sign of gesture to him. He grew up in Arkansas where he became a skilled musician, rugby player as well as a student leader at Georgetown University. Moreover, Clinton forms part of alumni of Georgetown University and became an associate of Kappa Kappa Psi and Phi Beta Kappa where he earned a scholarship to the University of Oxford (Clinton, 7). Despite having a passion for medicine, he never achieved it but instead opted to study law at Yale Law School. Furthermore, he is married to Hillary Clinton who has served as US Secretary of State since 2009 and a former New York Senator from 2009 – 2009. The Clintons met and dated at Yale Law School where they received their law degrees. The couple has one child, Chelsea. She has been a source of happiness and hope in their lives. He is a Christian and a Baptist. His major achievement as Governor of Arkansas was the overhaul of the education system, which led to increased performance and accountability. He also became Chair of the National Governors Association (Clinton, 15) Achievements Clinton became USA president after defeating the incumbent president George H. W Bush. He rode on the wave of economic growth to power since the incumbent had performed dismally in promoting economic growth. During his years as president, he reigned over the longest era of peacetime economic growth and development (IMDb, 1). During his era, peace was paramount and this provided a favorable environment for economic expansion. This resulted in growth and expansion of the US economy after poor performance under his predecessor George H. W. Bush. Moreover, he assented into law The North American Free Trade Agreement that expanded the US trade market and partners. This contributed to the economic boom since US products recorded massive sales as well as the provision of a favorable business environment (IMDb, 1). Therefore, US traders experienced minimal problems concerning trade policies and regulations with the North American trade partners. Immediately after being inaugurated as president, Clinton accented to the Family and Medical Leave Act, 1963. The law provided for employers to give employees unpaid leave for serious medical condition or pregnancy (Joseph, 12). This Act was signed and got a majority public approval since it helped many people to pay bills and meet other expenses while not on work. Through the Act, Clinton helped reduced financial problems and constraints experienced by the sick or pregnant women and thus, considered the best president.

Secluded Paradise in the Community Park Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Secluded Paradise in the Community Park - Essay Example Many other oaks look like them, but somehow I know these two more intimately. My special place pertains to that hollow under these trees, my own secluded paradise. These trees and all other elements in my sanctuary refresh my mind and body, help me reflect and think, and inflame my motivations in life. The pin oak leaves contain colors that simmer outwards and the breeze refreshes with greenery scents; these natural elements revitalize my drained mind and body. The demands of school, workplace, and social relationships can be grueling. They crisscross and cut me inside, for whenever I want to spread myself as thickly as possible, I only spread like a thin wafer across multiple activities. After exams and other tiring activities, I often rush to my special space. It provides a time to be one with nature, which can be exceptionally spiritual, for God made these beautiful trees to take care of exhausted people like me. Once I looked at their leaves and wanted to paint them. Not having m y painting tools with me, I memorized their details and what they made me feel. The warm colors of red, orange, and yellow clung to each other, tugging but not fully merging. No color wins or loses in these battles. Vermillion and red orange stained the leaves’ veins, while Naples yellow and other values of yellow flowed outwards to their edges. The red bled into the yellow, as if painting wet red on a wet yellow cotton rag paper. The burst of colors granted me a sense of peace. They reminded me of the wonderful hues in life that change and combine with many others. The breeze forgave my sudden intrusion in their space. It enveloped me with quick warm hugs from time to time. The greenery scents brushed my nose, while faraway laughter of teenagers, kids, and parents flew by. The bench felt cold and rough. It matched my feelings before I went there. Sitting and just staying there invoked positive emotions. My sanctuary breathed freshness into my mind and then slowly massaged my body. I felt as warm as these colors: red, yellow, and orange. I closed my eyes and I spilled over these colors and they spilled over me. I flowed with them, colors on top of colors, never completely mixing. My dark colors subsided. I felt yellow all over. Then, I felt red and orange. Such swirling emotions that fix my darkness instead of muddling my core calmed every bone, muscle, and emotion that previously strained. I flexed and knew my spirit’s weariness had been washed away, as I prepared for moments of reflection. Reflection comes easily under these trees because they take out the confusion and clear the mind. Modern life assaults humanity with so many interferences. Cellular phones ring with text messages or calls. Advertisements blare with large printed words and images. Buy this! You need this! You want this! Automobiles blast their own cacophony of noises. Beep, beep, screech, vroom! People dash in the streets, with no time to stop and speak to one another and purs ue long conversations. Children cry and kick their nannies, while both their parents work full-time. The nannies take the kicks and try to assuage their foster children. The pollution smells toxic with cigarette smoke and garbage heaps, and then perfumes and flower shops ridicule the latter, but not entirely defeating the former’s strength. I cannot help but want to flee this physical battering of my senses. And fled I did. Under my oaks simple scents, noises, sights,

ObamaCare is Driving a Wedge Between the Socio-Economic Classes Essay Example for Free

ObamaCare is Driving a Wedge Between the Socio-Economic Classes Essay The Affordable Care Act is amplifying the difference between socio-economic classes because the ACA encourages employers to cut employee hours. The mainstream of college students hold jobs while studying so that they can pay rent and phone bills, and occasionally go to the movies or out to dinner. We get the money for these bills and happenings through bi-weekly paychecks. We work hard, usually for forty to fifty hours a week, and are compensated near minimum wage. Although miniscule, it is still enough to cover the daily expenses in our lives and to have a bit left over for extraneous items, however if hours are lost then this will not be the case for us students. Big businesses for example, are often the ones who disburse paychecks to people attending college. They offer entry-level jobs that are easy to come by, are constantly expanding, and have a high turnover rate. Large corporations, such as Regal Entertainment Group, Five Guys Burgers, and Petco, are cutting employee’s hours down to less than thirty a week. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) supports employers to provide health insurance to employees working full-time (thirty-plus hours weekly). By cutting the  hours, people are no longer are entitled to health insurance provided by the employer. The lower class of the U.S. economy consists of a demographic of people whose hours are being cut. A continuing decline of hours will only result in more financial burdens on the employees. Losing eleven hours could mean an individual who manages paying for groceries as well as car insurance with the same paycheck may have to start choosing between the two when receiving future checks. In addition to cutting hours, many employers are limiting hiring to avoid spending more money on health coverage. Robert Samuelson supports the idea that the ACA’s costs and complexities are going to deter some companies from hiring, and that it would be divisive to the socio-economic classes. In â€Å"Both Sides May Lose the battle over Obamacare† from October 25’s Register-Guard, Samuelson states that as a result of employers not being able to afford health care for all employ ees, hours must be cut. A business only has reduce hours to under thirty a week in order to avoid paying health care. Once this cut is made, a previously full-time employee is taking home 100-200 dollars less each paycheck. This unfortunate trend will continue and even increase: 15% of larger employers and 20% of small businesses plan to reduce employees’ hours or benefits according to a recent survey by the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. Small businesses play an important role in the U.S. economy and are a strong driver of job growth and innovation. But small business are severely disadvantaged by the current U.S. health care system relative their larger counterparts. A new report by the Council of Economic Advisors (CEA) examines the challenges faced by smaller firms under the current health care system, and the likely impacts of health care reform on small business and the workers they employ. This implicit tax disadvantages small firms in both the market for the best workers and the market for their products. For example, both Trader Joe’s and Home Depot have stopped providing health care to part-time employees, and Forever 21 plans to cut hours and reclassify some employees as part-time. In fact, businesses all over the country, compelled by the financial strain introduced by the ACA, are making similar decisions. Once the ACA goes into effect, even more businesses will be forced by the financial reality o f the Act to reduce employee hours. As the wage earning potential of part-time employees falls, we can expect more extreme changes to the economy. Among these changes, businesses are now expecting employees to find and fund their own health care. This is nearly impossible when many workers are already living below the poverty line. Irrespective of how small the premiums will be, it will still over-burden many employees. There will be times ahead when many Americans are going to have to choose between paying for their health insurance and paying a monthly bill; disturbing when you consider the children and people with disabilities. Even after these employment cuts, the White House claims that the number of part-time employees that are looking for full-time work remained the same during the month of September at 7.9 million employees. Jason Furman, chairman of the White House Council of Economic Advises said, We are not seeing any effect in the data. With this data being manipulated, it would appear that all of the employees that have been reassigned as part-time workers are okay with it. This is not the case; businesses have unt il 2015 to cut hours and avoid paying for employee healthcare. The number of part-time workers looking for full-time work will steadily increase over the next twenty-four months; the statistics need to be revisited when people are more aware of cuts that businesses are enforcing. People who fall below the poverty line will pay less for health care compared to those who are in the middle class. Based on individual/family income, people may be eligible for tax credit subsidies through state-ran exchanges. Based on household income, people are placed in different subsidy brackets. Even with the tax credits, people have no choice but to take home less money and to pay out of pocket for health insurance that they previously did not want. Many businesses have claimed they are not cutting hours, but instead are holding off on hiring because of costs caused by the ACA mandates. Employers who postpone hiring are still damaging to the economy. In fact, postponing hiring can do just as much damage, if not more to the economy than cutting hours. People would much rather have fewer hours at a job, than no job at all. In turn, this also increases the unemployment rate, thus driving the wedge between social classes even deeper. Any employer that cuts hours to avoid paying h ealth insurance will create a bigger difference between the socio-economic classes. By taking away hours that an employee is able to work at a business, the employee has no choice but to take home less money in their paychecks. Earning less money reflects  directly on their socio-economic class, setting them farther apart from the wealthier individuals on the scale. Without resolution, cuts in full-time employment will increase the gap between socio-economic classes. It is making the poor even poorer, and separating the less wealthy from the rich even more then they already are. The economy is going to fall into a slump, people will not be able to pay car payments, nor provide adequate food for their families. What is going to happen to our country, the country that is based on the forty-hour workweek, if corporate business does not cease their greedy actions? Our only option is to wait and see what happens. Works Cited Conover, Chris. Who Can Deny It? Obamacare Is Accelerating U.S. Towards A Part-Time Nation. Forbes. Forbes Magazine, 31 July 2013. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. economic effects of health care on small business. executive office of the president council of economic adviers (2009): 18. health reform . summary of the affordable care act (2013): 13. McVeigh, Karen. US Employers Slashing Worker Hours to Avoid Obamacare Insurance Mandate. The Guardian. The Guardian, 30 Sept. 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2013. Myers, Lisa, and Hannah Rappleye. Obama Admin. Knew Millions Could Not Keep Their Health Insurance. NBC News. NBC, 28 Oct 2013. Web. 29 Oct. 2013. Nicks, Denver. Trader Joes Explains Why Its Cutting Health Benefits For Part Timers. Swampland.Time.com. Time Magazine, 17 Sept. 2013. Web. 28 Oct. 2013.

Evaluating Theories in Developmental Psychology

Evaluating Theories in Developmental Psychology Michelle Holding A key area studied in developmental psychology is sex and gender. Sex is a biological term which refers to the genetics and DNA which we are born with. Females are born with XX chromosomes and males are born with XY chromosomes. (Hayes 2000, p664) states that sex is the biological quality of the individual, someone is biologically either male or female. Gender is a psychological term which refers to the gender identity a person identifies with, such as masculine or feminine. Are gender is not determined at birth but is learned behaviour. (Hayes 2000, p664) states that gender refers to the social aspects of this distinction, to the behaviour and conduct which the individual engages in as they interact with other people. (Hayes 2000, p18) explains the nature/ nurture debate as an example of determination in psychology. Nature and nurture are two opposing view-points concerned with what causes someone to develop. On one hand naturists see development as arising through innate factors- inherited characteristics. On the other side it is seen through development and learning. The nature perspective explains that we are born this way, with reference to gender, our identity is chosen before we are born it is based on genetics and DNA. The nurture side of the debate argues that we learn our behaviours through the environment, with reference to gender, we learn our gender identity through our environment and social interactions. One theory within developmental psychology is the social learning theory. Within this theory psychologists believe that we learn our behaviours through the environment we are exposed to within our lives. The social learning theory places great importance on observation and reinforcement (Gross 2010). Bandura (1963, cited in Malim Birch, 1998) conducted a study with the aim of seeing if the behaviours of children were reflective of behaviours they had observed. This was a lab experiment, children were separated into two groups. The experimental group was shown video footage of adults behaving aggressively towards a Bobo doll. The control group were not shown the Bobo doll. The children were then observed during play with a Bobo doll. Bandura found that the children from the experimental group displayed more aggressive behaviour towards the bobo doll than the control group. This study took place within a laboratory which means the experimenters had high control over variables, however this means it has low ecological validity as it is not very true to real life. Another study we looked at within the social learning theory is Smith and Lloyd (1978, cited in Hardy Hayes, 1999). This study was to see if mothers treat a baby differently depending upon the baby being dressed as a boy or girl. A baby was dressed in either girl or boy clothes. The mothers were then asked to describe the child’s behaviour. The results showed that the mothers treated the child in a sex stereotypical way depending on how the child was dressed. This study supports the social learning theory as it shows that parents have an influence on gender roles. This study took place in a controlled environment making it easy to replicate and the experimenters had high control over variables, however this also means the study is low on ecological validity as it is not very true to life. Other psychologists believe we learn our gender identity through the cognitive development theory. Kohlberg (1966) explains the cognitive developmental theory of gender as gender role development is a self-socialising process. This is dependent on the child’s sense of being a male or female. If a child is a boy the child will think I am a boy therefore I want to do boy things and he will gain approval for doing so and find this rewarding. The child will seek out, organise and behave in accordance with the information he has regarding gender roles. Social and cognitive factors are both important In the gender learning process. In this theory Kohlberg believes that gender development happens in three stages. Stage one is known as gender labelling, at this stage children can identify themselves and others as male or female, gender is not seen as stable over time or across superficial physical characteristics. Stage two is known as gender stability, here children recognise that ge nder is stable over time, boys will grow up to be daddies and girls will grow up to be mummies. However the unchanging nature of gender is not yet appreciated. Stage three is the gender constancy stage, this is when children have full appreciation of the permanence of gender over time and across situation. (Banerjee, R. 2005) A study which supports this theory is Slaby and Frey (1975, cited in Banerjee, 2005).The aim of this study was to see if childrens’s attention to same sex models was influenced by their level of gender constancy. Fifty five, two-five year olds were assessed using a series of questions to measure the children at each stage of gender development. The children were then classified as high or low on gender constancy. Several weeks later the children then watched a film with a split screen, male on one side, female on the other, eye contact was measured to determine which model on screen the child watched. They found that the children who had high levels of gender constancy watched the same sex model on the screen. This showed that both cognitive and social factors play a part in gender role development. This study was a lab experiment making it easy to replicate and giving the experimenters high control over variables, however it lacks ecological validity as this is not very true to life. This study is praised for scientifically being able to measure the levels of gender constancy within the children. Other criticisms are that it has low time validity as it was carried out in 1975 the results may not be the same in modern society. Only fifty-five children were used during the experiment which is a relatively small sample size therefore it can be argued that the results can not be generalised to the rest of the population. Within the two theories we have discussed the significant difference is that the social learning theory falls within the nurture approach and the cognitive developmental theory falls within the nature approach. In addition to these 2 theories, the psychodynamic theory looked into the emotional development in relation to gender. With evidence to support all theories it is difficult to determine how we develop our gender roles, however it helps teach the importance of both nature and nurture. Bibliography. Gross, R. (2010). Psychology, the science of mind and behaviour. 6th Ed. Hodder Stoughton: London. Hayes, N. (2000). Foundations of Psychology. 3rd Ed. Thomson: London. Hardy, M Heyes, S. (1999). Beginning Psychology. 5th Ed. Oxford University Press: Oxford Malim, T Birch, A. (1998). Introductory Psychology. Palgrave:Basingstoke. Banerjee, R. (2005). Cognition and gender development. [online] OpenLearn. Available at: http://www.open.edu/openlearn/body-mind/childhood-youth/childhood-and-youth-studies/childhood/cognition-and-gender-development [Accessed 14 Oct. 2014]. Page 1

American Democracy :: essays research papers

Ravi Purohit-PUB 1250 2/16/05 The paper in which I chose to write about is American Democracy. When the thirteen British colonies in North America declared their independence in 1776, they laid down that â€Å"governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed.† This meant that they wanted a government for the people, run by the people. This is one of the basic ideals upon which our nation was founded. The â€Å"colonies† needed to have a written constitution to define and therefore more specifically limit government powers. After the Articles of Confederation failed to work in the 13 colonies, the U.S. Constitution was created in 1787. One ideal found in the Preamble of the Constitution is the ideal that majority rules. In our government, the Congress uses majority rules to pass bills, through Congress and the President. As there are so many checks and balances, sometimes they don’t even make it as bill. This is one of the ideals found in the Constitution. This separation of powers, within the three co-ordinate branches, the legislative, executive, and judiciary branch has no supremacy over the others. This was designed to prevent any branch, from infringing individual liberties safeguarded by the Constitution. Our constitutional rights are very important. Without these rights, the United States would not be any different from other places of the world that do not have as many rights. Our rights secure our liberties and ensure justice for all. I believe the Constitution was such a great document necessary for achieving American Democracy. This document was very concise in its expressed powers. In the words of James Madison, â€Å"If men were angels, no government would be necessary.† This was from Federalist #51 and states the only way government wouldn’t be needed is if we all were perfect angels and we wouldn’t need rules. The Declaration of Independence means to me that all men and women join freely together to make an equal government for the U.S. This is basically said in the preamble by a famous quote: "All men are created equal." The ideal of our government have remained true over 225 years. The U.S. grants its citizens with the rights such as freedom of speech and freedom of religion, etc, which separates us from other countries. I think that all countries should be able to decide what government they want to have until they harm the United States of America in any way.

The Influences Parents Have On Thier Children Essay -- essays research

Throughout our lives we're influenced and taught by many. It can have an effect on the way we view problems and events within public boundaries. One of the most important and most effective influences children have in their lives occurs from their parents. The parents of a child can have both a positive and a negative influence on their lives. In this novel there are two very good examples of how parents can be an important influence on their children. Father of Jem and Scout Finch, Atticus Finch, plays the loving, caring and intelligent single parent, he is struggling to keep his family together. He is an example of how parents can have a positive influence on their children. Bob Ewell, father of Mayella Ewell, is the drunken, abusive, and careless father, Bob is also a single parent. He is an example of how a parent can be a negative influence on their children's lives. Both fathers are very influential on the mental growth of their children. Parents can influence how their children behave, feel, and act towards the outside world. If a child is brought up with hatred, anger and even violence, they can learn to view the world in a highly negative way, by being dangerous and prejudice towards others. However if a child is brought up with caring and nourishment, they can learn to see the world from all different points of views and angles. Atticus raises his children with love and care, and teaches them to consider all angles of a situation before they judge someone; "...

The Yellow Wallpaper :: essays research papers

We Must Creep to be Heard   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  It’s 2:00am and I cannot sleep. I toss and turn while the question, â€Å"Why didn’t you stand up for yourself?† keeps playing over and over in my mind. The picture in my mind of a subjugated woman who feebly attempts to fight against feminine oppression and her impending insanity is vivid and disturbing and continues to slap against the recesses of my mind with an angry hand. What was Charlotte Perkins Gilman attempting to convey to her readers when she wrote â€Å"The Yellow Wallpaper† and created the characters of the narrator, her husband John, Mary and her sister-in-law Jennie? Obviously, in an exaggerated version of her own experience with post-partum depression and its prescribed â€Å"rest cure†, Gilman speaks of a world in which the female is forced into a role of the submissive counterpart to male dominance. In the following pages, I will describe how Gilman has effectively created characters that draw us into their vie w of control, dominance and frustrated silence against imprisonment in a paternalistic society, and how we are given a view into a perfectly healthy mind that goes awry.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To begin with, Gilman created the narrator as a nearly anonymous identity; we know her only as John’s wife. This power imbalance extends to other areas of their relationship. John dominates her in a progressively patronizing manner. His character is displayed as strong, practical and stereotypically masculine and he seems skeptical of her seemingly weak, feminine condition. John diagnoses her problem, and prescribes the â€Å"rest cure† he believes she needs. The narrator has no say in her condition, and when she attempts to speak her mind, he treats her like a child and makes light of her voice. â€Å"John laughs at me, of course, but one expects that† (An Introduction to Fiction 572) which illustrates the role women are expected to play and accept in a marriage. Another main function Gilman gave of John’s control over the narrator is his inhibiting of her writing. Although she believes writing would help her condition, as I’m s ure Gilman did, John insists it would only debilitate her ailment further. He stifles her creativity and intellect, forcing her into the role of the submissive wife. She is forced to hide her writings, which frustrate her more â€Å"I did write for a while in spite of them; but it does exhaust me a good deal—having to be so sly about it, or else meet with heavy opposition† (572).

Research And Ethics Essay

Conducting a qualitative research is not an easy task. Aside from considerations regarding gathering data, looking up literature and other sources related to the study, and such, researchers engaged in qualitative studies should also consider ethical issues in order to provide results that are not only reliable and valid but also acceptable in terms of morality and standard principles. For qualitative researches to exhibit the qualities of ethically accepted studies, they should comply with certain principles and guidelines. These principles and guidelines include simple yet socially acceptable rules such as respecting the rights and human dignity of other people, providing research results that are highly beneficial and contributive, adhering to fairness and equality, and presenting the truth and nothing but the truth. (Gonzales-Perez, 2007) One specific ethical issue in qualitative research is exploitation. This is a highly significant matter because it is related to the researcher’s relationship to the participants. Researchers should always respect participants avoiding exploitation, such that researchers do not impose power over them. (Gonzales-Perez, 2007) For instance, a researcher takes advantage of the vulnerability of child or female participants by imposing power and authority and drawing from them personal and sensitive information that violates the privacy of human beings. (Gonzales-Perez, 2007) Exploitation does not meet the responsibility of researchers over the security and welfare of the participants. Personal and sensitive information that will be presented in the research obtained from exploitation will not make the research study ethically or morally acceptable, annulling its reliability and validity as a research case. (Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research, 2008) Another ethical issue is the researcher’s responsibility to inform participants of the true nature of the research. This is based on the founding principles of qualitative research which states that the researcher should always protect participants from harm. Researchers should be able to inform participants of events that will follow the research process, such as the processes, operations, requirements, and such, in order for both the participants and the researcher to become aware of possible risks or threats. Considering the health of a participant is one possible consideration. For instance, the research study focuses on the effect of food to mood or emotions. The participant should be informed of the process, as a standard operating procedure, in order to determine problems, such as food allergies, and such. In addition, researchers should also obtain consent from participants before continuing the operation of the research process. This is one of the major responsibilities of the researcher as an advocate for human rights and dignity in terms of personal safety and wellbeing. In doing so, harm and catastrophes will be avoided. (Gonzales-Perez, 2007) The third ethical issue concerning qualitative research is misrepresentations of information covered by the research study. Opportunities for misrepresentations will not make the research study valid and reliable, simply because its content is open to many interpretations and points of view. The purpose of the research process is to provide information that is clear and direct, stating facts that represent the preciseness of data. Misrepresentation defeats this purpose. This violates ethical standards and guidelines because misrepresentations hold risks and threats, especially if data or information is interpreted in the wrong way. (Gonzales-Perez, 2007) Imagine a research study focusing on health practices that will protect the safety and wellbeing of the patients. Suppose the research study concludes with suggestions that will assist health care professionals in caring for their patients. If the information is interpreted wrongly, health care professionals might commit mistakes that will endanger the lives of their patients. Abiding by ethical issues and considerations, when conducting qualitative research, is highly important. Following ethics in qualitative research determines the nature and quality of the results and the research itself – whether it is acceptable, conducted in good faith, and is beneficial to the public. Researcher should always keep in mind that they are highly responsible for the results, whether desirable or undesirable, that might arise from the research study. Therefore, following ethical standards and guidelines is a must in order to go about the research process in a correct, accurate, and appropriate way. Resources Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research. (2008). Retrieved October 18, 2008, from SA Health Info. Website: http://www. sahealthinfo. org/ethics/ethicsqualitative. htm Gonzales-Perez, M. A. (2007). Ethical Issues in Qualitative Research. Retrieved October 18, 2008, from The Community Knowledge Initiative. Website: http://www. nuigalwaycki. ie/admin/documents/Ethical_Issues. pdf