Why You Shouldnt Trust Homeschooling Statistics

When arguing the pros and cons of any issue, its usually helpful to have agreed-upon facts on hand. Unfortunately, when it comes to homeschooling, there are very few reliable studies and statistics available. Even something as basic as how many children are being homeschooled in a given year can only be guessed at. Here are a few of the reasons you should take any facts and figures you see regarding homeschooling — good or bad — with a grain of salt. The Definition of Homeschooling Differs Would you consider all these children homeschoolers? A child enrolled in a virtual public charter school who does all schoolwork at home.A child who spends part of the week in public school classes.A child who homeschooled some years but not others. When it comes to counting heads and drawing conclusions, its important to compare apples with apples. But since different studies use different definitions of homeschooling, its hard to know if studies are actually looking at the same group of kids. For instance, a report from the National Center for Education Studies, part of the U.S. Department of Education, includes students who spend up to 25 hours a week — five hours a day — attending classes in a public or private school. Its hard to equate that experience to that of a child who has never sat in a classroom. States Dont Keep Complete Records of Who Homeschools In the U.S., it is the states that oversee education, including homeschooling. And each states laws on the matter are different. In some states, parents are free to homeschool without even contacting the local school district. In other states, parents must send a Letter of Intent to homeschool and submit regular paperwork, which can include the scores of standardized tests. But even in states where homeschooling is closely regulated, good numbers are hard to come by. In New York, for example, parents must submit paperwork to the school district — but only for children within the age of compulsory education. Below the age of six, or after age 16, the state stops keeping count. So its impossible to know from state records how many families choose to homeschool kindergarten, or how many teens go on from homeschooling to college. Widely-Quoted Studies Are Biased Its hard to find an article about homeschool in the national media that does not include a quote from the Home School Legal Defense Association. HSLDA is a nonprofit homeschool advocacy group that offers legal representation to members in some cases involving homeschooling. HSLDA also lobbies state and national legislatures to present its conservative Christian viewpoint on issues regarding home education and family rights. So its fair to question whether HSLDAs studies represent only its constituents and not homeschoolers from other walks of life. Likewise, it seems reasonable to expect that studies by groups in favor of or opposed to homeschooling will reflect those biases. So its not surprising that the National Home Education Research Institute, an advocacy group, publishes studies that show the benefits of homeschooling. Teachers groups like the National Education Association on the other hand, often release statements criticizing homeschooling simply on the basis that it does not require parents to be licensed teachers. Many Homeschooling Families Choose Not to Take Part in Studies In 1991, Home Education Magazine ran a column by Larry and Susan Kaseman which advised parents to avoid taking part in studies about homeschooling. They argued that researchers could use their school-based biases to misrepresent the way that homeschooling works. For instance, a question about how many hours are spent teaching implies that parents should be sitting down with their kids doing desk work, and ignores the fact that a lot of learning happens in the course of everyday activities. The HEM article went on to say that academics who conduct studies often come to be regarded as experts on homeschooling, by the public and sometimes by homeschooling parents themselves. Their fear was that homeschooling would come to be defined by the measures looked at in the studies. Along with the issues raised by the Kasemans, many homeschooling families dont take part in studies to preserve their privacy. Theyd simply rather stay under the radar, and not risk being judged by people who might disagree with their educational choices. Interestingly, the HEM article came out in favor of case histories. According to the Kasemans, interviewing individual homeschooling families to hear what they have to say about their educational styles is a more effective and accurate way to provide data on what homeschooling is really like. Many Scholarly Studies Are Stacked Against Homeschooling Its easy to say that most homeschooling families are not qualified to educate their own children — if you define qualified to mean certified to teach in a public school. But could a medical doctor teach her children anatomy? Of course. Could a published poet teach a homeschool workshop on creative writing? Who better? How about learning bike repair by helping out in a bike shop? The apprenticeship model worked for centuries. Measures of public school success like test scores are often meaningless in the real world, as well as in homeschooling. Thats why demands that homeschoolers submit to more testing and studies that look at homeschooling through the lens of traditional schooling can miss the true advantages of learning outside a classroom. Homeschool Research to Take With a Grain of Salt Here are some links to research on homeschooling, from a variety of sources. Number of Homeschoolers by State: Updated listings by Ann Zeise from A2Z Homes Cool.The International Center for Home Education Research: Formed in 2012, this group says it provides nonpartisan information about homeschooling.Education Week Homeschooling article: Overview from 2011 with links to related articles and studies.New Nationwide Study Confirms Homeschool Academic Achievement: HSLDA article with links to studies.1.5 Million Homeschooled Students in the United States in 2007: Article from the National Center for Education Studies.What Have We Learned About Homeschooling?: Article by E. Isenberg from the Peabody Journal of Education, 2007, that discusses the lack of reliable data on homeschooling.Home Schooling in the United States: Trends and Characteristics: Study by K. Bauman published in Education Policy Analysis Archives in 2002, using data from the 1990s.

Restaurant Operation Management - 5805 Words

Restaurant Operation Management EXECUTIVE SUMMARY This project is about us being hired as a restaurant manager of a new American ethnic restaurant. It has a seating capacity of 80, which it serves mainly American cuisine accompanied with various types of alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages. The operation time is from 11am – 1am and our target market would consist of 50% local and 50% tourist. As restaurant manager, we are assigned to produce a proposal for this upcoming restaurant which will be starting its business in three months time, which the proposal has to include the following details: * Introduction, history, background, and concept of the new restaurant * A special menu which are suitable for all the meal periods,†¦show more content†¦These traits must be inborn with the entrepreneurs or restaurant managers who wish to succeed in restaurant operation management. Further to these, there are many managerial skills have to be equipped so that they can manage and ensure the whole restaurant operation runs effec tively and efficiently, which include planning, organizing, coordinating, staffing, directing, controlling, and evaluating. In fact restaurant operations require more than just that. It involves several closely related and sequential management activities, which starts with menu planning and continues with purchasing, receiving, storing, issuing, kitchen production (preparation, cooking and holding), serving (moving final food and beverages products from production to service staff), and service (service staff delivering the products to the customers). All of these activities are related and thus each and every stage of activity will be affecting one another in the effectiveness of the overall operation. 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Accounting Handout 7.1 Essay Example For Students

Accounting Handout 7.1 Essay Assignment 8. 1 Handout 1. Internal controls are designed to safeguard assets, encourage employees to follow company policies, promote operational efficiency, and ensure accurate accounting records. Requirements R1. Which objective is most important? R2. Which must the internal controls accomplish for the business to survive? Give your reason. 2. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act affects public companies. Requirement R1. How does the Sarbanes-Oxley Act relate to internal controls? Be specific. 3. Separation of duties is a key internal control. Requirement R1. Explain in your own words why separation of duties is often described as the cornerstone of internal control for safeguarding assets. Describe what can happen if the same person has custody of an asset and also accounts for the asset. 4. There are 5 characteristics identified in the chapter as pitfalls of e-commerce. Requirement R1. List the 5 characteristics identified in the chapter as pitfalls of e-commerce. 5. Answer the following questions about the controls in bank accounts: Requirements R1. Which bank control protects against forgery? R2. Which bank control reports what the bank did with the customer’s cash each period? R3. Which bank control confirms the amount of money put into the bank? 6. The Cash account of Safe and Secure Security Systems reported a balance of $2,490 at May 31, 2011. There were outstanding checks totaling $500 and a May 31 deposit in transit of $300. The bank statement, which came from Tri Cities Bank, listed the May 31 balance of $3,360. Included in the bank balance was a collection of $680 on account from Ryan Saar, a Safe and Secure customer who pays the bank directly. The bank statement also shows a $20 service charge and $10 of interest revenue that Safe and Secure earned on its bank balance. Requirement R1. Prepare Safe and Secure’s bank reconciliation at May 31. 7. Review your results from preparing Safe and Secure Security Systems’ bank reconciliation in problem #6. Requirement R1. Journalize the company’s transactions that arise from the bank reconciliation. Include an explanation with each entry. 1 8. Diedre Chevis sells furniture for DuBois Furniture Company. Chevis is having financial problems and takes $500 that she received from a customer. She rang up the sale through the cash register. Requirement R1. What will alert Betsy DuBois, the controller, that something is wrong? . Review the internal controls over cash receipts by mail presented in the chapter. Requirement R1. Exactly what is accomplished by the final step in the process, performed by the controller? 10. A purchasing agent for Westgate Wireless receives the goods that he purchases and also approves payment for the goods. Requirements R1. How could this purchasing agent cheat his co mpany? R2. How could Westgate avoid this internal control weakness? 11. The following petty cash transactions of Lexite Laminated Surfaces occurred in August: Requirement R1. Prepare journal entries without explanations. 12. Gwen O’Malley, an accountant for Ireland Limited, discovers that her supervisor, Blarney Stone, made several errors last year. Overall, the errors overstated the company’s net income by 20%. It is not clear whether the errors were deliberate or accidental. Requirement R1. What should O’Malley do? 13. The following items could appear on a bank reconciliation: Requirement R1. Classify each item as (1) an addition to the book balance, (2) a subtraction from the book balance, (3) an addition to the bank balance, or (4) a subtraction from the bank balance. 2 14. Louise’s Dance Studio created a $200 imprest petty cash fund. During the month, the fund custodian authorized and signed petty cash tickets as follows: Requirement R1. Make the general journal entries to a. create the petty cash fund and b. record its replenishment. Cash in the fund totals $15, so $10 is missing. Include explanations. 15. Each of the following situations has an internal control weakness. Requirements R1. Identify the missing internal control characteristics in each situation. R2. Identify the possible problem caused by each control weakness. R3. Propose a solution to each internal control problem. 16. The April cash records of Donald Insurance follow: .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 , .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .postImageUrl , .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 , .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549:hover , .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549:visited , .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549:active { border:0!important; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549:active , .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549 .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ub9b37107a6373039eb5eff6a5de3c549:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Essay on A Long Way Gone By Ishmael Beah EssayDonald Insurance’s Cash account shows a balance of $17,040 at April 30. On April 30, Donald Insurance received the following bank statement: 3 Additional data for the bank reconciliation: Requirements R1. Prepare the bank reconciliation of Donald Insurance at April 30, 2011. R2. Journalize any required entries from the bank reconciliation. 17. On November 1, Fab Salad Dressings creates a petty cash fund with an imprest balance of $400. During November, Sunny Lewis, the fund custodian, signs the following petty cash tickets: On November 30, prior to replenishment, the fund contains these tickets plus cash of $245. The accounts affected by petty cash payments are Office supplies expense, Travel expense, Delivery expense, Entertainment expense, and Inventory. Requirements R1. Explain the characteristics and the internal control features of an imprest fund. R2. On November 30, how much cash should the petty cash fund hold before it is replenished? R3. Journalize all required entries to create the fund and replenish it. Include explanations. R4. Make the December 1 entry to increase the fund balance to $450. Include an explanation, and briefly describe what the custodian does. 4

The role of teamwork in management

Executive Summary This report entails an analysis of the role of teamwork in ensuring that individuals are effective and efficient in attaining their goals. The report is composed of a number of sections. In the first section, a background study which illustrates the increased incorporation of teamwork in ensuring that individuals attain their goals is illustrated. The second section entails a literature review on teamwork.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The role of teamwork in management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In the review, the report gives a definition of the concept of teamwork. It also considers a number of elements associated with teamwork. One of these issues relates to the factors that make teamwork to be successful. The various factors evaluated include clarity of goals, competence amongst team members, creation of a collaborative climate, incorporation of a result driven structure and ensurin g unified commitment. Other factors include ensuring external support and recognition, standards of excellence and principled leadership. The paper also presents a number of arguments for and against teamwork. In the third section a practical application of the concept of teamwork is illustrated. Finally, a conclusion and number of recommendations with regard to teamwork are outlined. Introduction Background to the study The success of organizations in different economic sectors is dependent on the effectiveness with which its workforce is managed. According to Price (2007, p.85), the 21st century is characterized by an increment in the number of challenges that organizations are facing. Some of these challenges arise from the high rate of globalization. Globalization presents a challenge to management teams. This arises from the fact that it stimulates competition. In order to be successful in attaining their goals, individuals and organizations are considering developing their com petitive advantage through incorporation of optimal management strategies. One of the aspects that are gaining prominence relates to human resource management. Human resource management plays a significant role towards the employees attaining their goals. Human resource management entails bringing individuals within an organization together in order to meet the goals each individuals. Price (2007, p.86) further asserts that human resource management enables employees to enhance their potential. Human resource management is aimed at ensuring that the employees are efficient and effective in executing their duties so as to improve organizational performance.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There are different human resource management strategies that can be incorporated in order to ensure that the employees are effective and efficient in attaining their goals. One of these str ategies relate to teamwork. According Rupar and Rupar (2006, p.239), the concept of teamwork is increasingly gaining prominence in the operation of organizations. Aim In order to understand why this is so, the author of this report conducted an analysis on the concept that people working in teams always achieve their goals more efficiently and effectively than people working alone. Scope This report concentrates on the role of teamwork in ensuring that individuals attain their goals more effectively and efficiently. Literature review Teamwork According to Cohen and Bailey (2001, p.241), a team refers to a group of people who are mutually dependent on each other in executing their tasks. They also share responsibilities. Alternatively, teamwork can be defined to include the cooperative and coordinated efforts through which a group of individuals operate in an environment of trust and responsibility with the objective of attaining a common objective. Over the few past decades, the con cept of teamwork has been a core component of man’s effort to survive and attain personal development. According to Rupar and Rupar (2006, p. 239), the concept of teamwork is becoming prominent with regard to development of individuals. Individuals have realized that it is difficult to survive by operating on their own. Individuals working together as a team are more effective and efficient in attaining their goals. This arises from the fact that the team members are required to surrender a certain degree of their self-interest and personal ego in order attain a common goal. The success of a team is regarded to be a collective success. Factors that promote teamwork Clarity of goals According to Isaksen and Tidd (2006, p.186), the success of teamwork is dependent on a number of factors. Firstly, there must be a clear understanding of the common goals in addition to sharing a common vision amongst the group members.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The rol e of teamwork in management specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More By having a clear understanding of the goals, each member is charged with the responsibility of ensuring that it the goal is attained. This arises from the fact that the benefits of the teamwork would only be achieved if the results are achieved. Having a clear understanding of the goal ensures that each member undertakes his or her task with a high level of clarity. Competent team members and a collaborative climate Porter-O’Grady and Malloch (2007, p.286) assert that the success of a team is dependent on the degree of competence and cooperation amongst the team members. This opinion is also held by Isaksen and Tidd (2006, p.187) who assert that team members must have sufficient skills and a strong drive to collaborate with each other. Despite the existence of diversity amongst the members, teams should utilise the different talents and strengths positively. For this to be achieved, development of a climate of mutual trust is paramount. Result-driven structure According to Eugene (2008, p.38), teams within organisations incorporate a result-driven structure in an effort to achieve their goals. Isaksen and Tidd (2006, p.186) further assert that member of a high performing team are more productive. This arises from the fact that there is a well implemented structure which defines various aspects that the team members have to adhere to. Some of the structures relate to implementing open communication structure so as to ensure that there is an effective and efficient provision of feedback, clarity of tasks and accountabilities. Additionally, the organisation has to ensure that performance is well monitored (Isaksen Tidd, 2006, p. 186). Unified commitment According to Reeves, Lewin, Espin and Zwarenstein (2010, p.51), every individual member of a particular group must have a certain degree of commitment so as to develop unity within the team. Team members should develop mutual support towards other members in order to achieve the desired goal. This results into a high level of motivation amongst the individuals. In addition to the above factors, there are other factors that promote teamwork. These include; external support and recognition, standards of excellence and principled leadership.Advertising Looking for essay on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Arguments for working in teams There are a number of benefits associated with teamwork that contribute towards individuals attaining their goals more efficiently and effectively compared to people working alone. Some of these reasons are discussed below. By working in teams, individuals’ level of creativity is enhanced. This arises from the fact that teams are composed of individuals who posses diverse knowledge and skills which are shared amongst the members. Gupta (2007, p.212) asserts that working as a team contributes towards individual attaining continuous improvement. This arises from the fact that members gain knowledge from mistakes and experiences. As a result, a continuous learning environment is created. For the teams to be successful in attaining their goals, the members are required to share information. West (p.11) asserts that teamwork contributes towards cross-fertilization of ideas. Working as a team also gives individuals access to diverse scientific tools a nd techniques which contribute towards attainment of efficiency. Gupta (2007, p.212) asserts that the scientific tools and techniques incorporated in a team enhance resource utilisation. This arises from the fact that wastage of finances, time and materials in executing the tasks is eliminated. Turner (2001, p.333) asserts that the resultant effect is that the individual team members’ knowledge is enhanced due to the high level of exposure to diverse view points. According to Gupta (2007, p.203), individuals working as a team are more creative and innovative compared to those who have adopted an individualistic approach in executing their duties. Working as a team also develops individuals’ attitude towards risk. Gupta (2007, p.203) is of the opinion that working as a team motivates individuals to be more risk taking in order to attain their goals. Gupta (2007, p.208) further asserts that working as a team enables individuals to evaluate their strength in dealing with uncertainty, taking calculated risks and taking advantage of the opportunities. In the event that the degree of risk is high, team members pool their efforts and resources in order to deal with the situation. By working in uncertain situations, individuals become more confident in taking risks. Working as a team motivates individuals to be continuously innovative in performing their tasks. This enhances the effectiveness with which they attain their goals. Odgers (2005, p.311) asserts that working as a team motivates individuals to accomplish their duties effectively and efficiently. This arises from the fact that team members appreciate their colleagues’ contribution, knowledge and competence. This creates an environment conducive for working. However, Odgers (2005, p.311) asserts that it is necessary to create a calculated conflict within a team in order to foster creativity amongst team members. Odgers (2005, p.311) asserts that conflict within a group can contribute towar ds the growth and development of the team members. Working as a team contributes towards individuals accomplishing all the tasks requirements in addition to their human needs due to the high level of motivation. The resultant effect is that these individuals become more effective and efficient in executing their duties hence attaining their goals. Working in teams also enables team members to be more committed in designing and implementing various operational strategies. For examples, some of the strategies which the team members incorporate are creative and flexible. Gupta (2007, p.210) assert that working in a team enables team members to be effective in eliminating possible hurdles that may limit attainment of the goals. Teamwork enables individuals to be positive in countering challenges and taking advantage of the different opportunities presented. Additionally, teamwork leads to creation both formal and informal networks which enhances the effectiveness and efficiency with whi ch individuals achieve their goals. For a team to operate smoothly, Gupta (2007, p.208) asserts that integration of work standards is paramount. The standards create pressure to individuals to adhere to the standards. This has the effect of enhancing their operational efficiency and effectiveness. In order to achieve ones goals, it is paramount for one to change. However, Gupta is of the opinion that it is difficult to change working as an individual. This limits the effectiveness and efficiency of attaining one’s goals. On the other hand, working as a team enables individuals to change by effectively identifying the need to change, designing and implementing the desired change (Kandula, 2006, p.118). Arguments against teamwork According to Isaksen and Tidd (2006, p.184), teamwork limits individual contribution. This arises from the fact that a group may be characterised by a number of dominant individuals who have a high influence on the decision making. The resultant effect is that the outcome of the team is affected. Additionally, working as a team may result to individuals being forced to conform to certain thoughts. This means that teamwork enhances group think. However, the quality of decisions made by a particular team may be low thus limiting the effectiveness and efficiency of attaining their goals. Isaksen and Tidd (2006, p.184) further assert that working as a team may lead to conflicting individual biases. The resultant effect is that an unproductive level of competition may be created which may be emergence of ‘winners and ‘losers’. Practical application of the concept of teamwork Considering the efficiency and effectiveness associated with teamwork, there are a different ways through which the concept of teamwork can be applied in organisations. According to Mylonas, Harvey and Hodges (2007, p.22), organisational performance is determined by the degree of effectiveness and efficiency in executing different tasks. In an e ffort to develop competitive advantage, organisations are increasingly incorporating project management. In order for project management to be effectively integrated in organisations, it has become necessary for firm’s to integrate project teams. The project teams are developed in accordance with the different projects. Iceland and Ireland (2006, p.489), assert that firms in different economic sectors are facing challenges which require them to be more effective and efficient in executing their duties. One of the ways through which organisations can achieve this is by integrating teamwork in their projects. Through teamwork, it would be effective and efficient for projects to achieve their goals. This arises from the fact that a high degree of creativity, collaboration, innovation and trust are developed in executing the various tasks. Conclusion and recommendations Despite the limitations of working as a team, the analysis has illustrated that teamwork contributes towards in dividuals being effective and efficient in achieving their goals. Teamwork enables individuals to become more creative in executing their duties. This arises from the fact that teams are formed of different individuals who possess different skills, information and knowledge. For example, through collaboration which is a core component of teamwork, individuals’ knowledge and skills are improved. The resultant effect is that their level of competence in executing their duties improved. Additionally, teamwork enhances innovation and continuous improvement amongst individuals. This culminates into a high degree of efficiency and effectiveness of attaining the stipulated goals. One of the factors that enhance this is the risk taking characteristic of teams. Teamwork also enhances a high level of commitment in attaining the stipulated goals. This is achieved through incorporation of a result-driven structure and standards which individuals are required to adhere to. In order for in dividuals to be effective and efficient in attaining their goals, it is paramount for them to incorporate the concept of teamwork. However, the teams should be effectively managed to ensure that they do not deviate from the intended objective. Reference List Cohen, S. Bailey, D., 2001. What makes teams work; group effectiveness research from the shop floor to the executive suite. Journal of Management. Vol. 23, issue 3, pp. 239-290. California: University of Southern California. Eugene, R., 2008. Relationship between teach job satisfaction and teaming structure  at the middle school level. New York: ProQuest. Gupta, B., 2007. Governance and management of technical institutions. New Delhi: Concept Pub. Co. Iceland, D. Ireland, L., 2006. Project management; strategic design and  implementation. New York: McGraw-Hill. Isaksen, S. Tidd, J., 2006. Meeting the innovation challenge; leadership for  transformation and growth. Chichester: John Wiley and Sons. Kandula, I., 2006. Perf ormance management. New York: PHI Learning Pvt Ltd. Mylonas, A., Harvey, J. Hodges, J., 2007. Business organisations and  management for Queensland. South Yarra, Vic: Macmillan Education Australia. Odgers, P., 2005. Administrative office management; complete course. Mason: Thomson. Porter-O’Grady, T. Malloch, K., 2007. Quantum leadership; a resource for health  care innovation. Sudbury, MA: Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Price, A., 2007. Human resource management in a business context. London: Thomson. Reeves, S., Lewin, S., Espin, S. Zwarenstein, M., 2010. Interprofessional  teamwork for health and social care. Chichester: Wiley Publishers. Rupar, B. Rupar, M., 2006. Importance of teamwork for non profit organisations.  Slovenija: University of Maribor. Turner, M., 2001. Groups at work; theory and research. New York: Routledge. West, M., 2004. Effective; practical lessons from organisational research. Malden, Mass: Blackwell. This essay on The role of teamwork in management was written and submitted by user Wesley S. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How Depth of Knowledge Drives Learning and Assessment

How Depth of Knowledge Drives Learning and Assessment Depth of Knowledge- also referred to as DOK- refers to the depth of understanding required to answer or explain an assessment-related item or a classroom activity. The concept of depth of knowledge was developed in the 1990s through research by Norman L. Webb,  a scientist at the Wisconsin Center for Education Research. DOK Background Webb originally developed depth of knowledge for mathematics and science standards. However, the model has been expanded and used in language arts, mathematics, science, and history/social studies. His model has increasingly become more popular in state assessment circles. The complexity of an assessment task is increasingly more difficult because the level often increases requiring multiple steps to complete. Does this mean that learning and assessment should not include level 1 tasks? On the contrary, learning and assessment should include a diversified set of tasks requiring students to exhibit a range of problem-solving skills within each level of complexity.  Webb identified four distinct depth of knowledge levels. Level 1 Level 1 includes basic recall of facts, concepts, information, or procedures- the rote learning or memorization of facts- an essential component of learning. Without a strong foundation of basic knowledge, students find it difficult to perform more complex tasks. Mastering level 1 tasks builds a foundation allowing students to attempt to complete higher-level tasks successfully. An example of level 1 knowledge would be: Grover Cleveland was the 22nd president of the United States, serving from 1885 to 1889. Cleveland was also the 24th president from 1893 to 1897. Level 2 Level 2 depth of knowledge  includes skills and concepts such as the use of information (graphs) or solving problems that require two or more steps with decision points along the way. The foundation of level 2 is that it often requires multiple steps to solve. You must be able to take what is there and fill in certain gaps. Students cannot simply recall the answer though some prior knowledge, as is the case with level 1. Students must be able to explain how or why in level 2 items. An example of a level 2 DOK would be: Compare and contrast a composite, cinder cone, and shield volcano. Level 3 Level 3 DOK includes strategic thinking that requires reasoning and is abstract and complex. Students must analyze and evaluate complex real-world problems with predictable outcomes. They must be able to reason their way through the problem logically.  Level 3 questions often require students to pull from multiple subject areas using a range of skills to come up with a solution that works. An example would be: Write a persuasive essay, citing evidence from other sources such as text, to convince your school principal to allow students to have and use their cell phones in class. Level 4 Level 4 includes extended thinking such as an investigation or application to solve complex real-world problems with unpredictable outcomes. Students must strategically analyze, evaluate, and reflect over time often having to change their approach on their way to coming up with an amicable solution. An  example of this level of knowledge would be: Invent a new product or create a solution that solves a problem or helps make things easier for someone within the confines of your school. DOK in the Classroom Most classroom assessments consist of level 1 or level 2 type questions. Level 3 and 4 assessments are more complex to develop, and they are also more difficult for teachers to score.  Yet, students need to be exposed to a variety of tasks at differing levels of complexity to learn and grow. Level 3 and 4 activities are challenging in different ways for both students and teachers, but they also offer many benefits that level 1 and level 2 activities cannot provide. Teachers would be best served by using a balanced approach when deciding how to implement depth of knowledge into their classrooms.

Diffusion and Osmosis Lab Activity Essays - Membrane Technology

Diffusion and Osmosis Lab Activity Essays - Membrane Technology Diffusion and Osmosis Lab Activity Dr. Alan Rizzo IB Biology SL Year 1 October 10, 2013 Diffusion and Osmosis Lab Activity Activity A Glucose concentration Time (min)Observation Glucose stripLugols solution (Starch indicator)Dialysis tube of glucose starch solution 0Test pad has green color, indicating 300mg/dL of glucose.Dark and transparent amber with tints of red. It is not uniform: contains dark spots of red color. Solution has translucent, pale, milky, cloudy white color. 3Test pad is yellow with a tint of green in various spots, indicating the concentration of glucose as being less than 100mg/dL. 15Test pad is very dark with green color, indicating glucose concentration of 1000mg/dL.Transparent, paler yellowish brown with tints of lighter shade of orange.Solution becomes less translucent and less milky. Data collection Conclusion and Evaluation From this experiment, it is perceived that the size of molecules matter when passing through a semi-permeable membrane. The dialysis tube initially contained only starch and glucose molecules. But because it was submerged in Lugols solution that had higher concentration of Iodine for a period of time, as a result of diffusion, indicator solutions molecules that consisted of iodine naturally moved from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration. On the other hand, glucose and starch are both macromolecules that are large in size. Glucose molecules are smaller, and some of them were able to diffuse through the dialysis membrane into Lugols solution while starch molecules were too large and remained in the dialysis tube. In the end, molecules in Lugols solution and glucose molecules were present outside the tube. Inside the tube, there were Lugols solutions molecules, remaining glucose molecules and starch molecules. The concentration of all solutions is balance d inside and outside the dialysis tube consequently. This experiment showed one systematic error. The dialysis tube, after being in amber-colored Lugols solution for a long time, should turn darker or black in color. Becoming darker in color indicates the diffusion of Lugols solutions molecules that pass through the membrane. In order to clarify this error, more trials of this experiment should be conducted on several dialysis tubes, which will cause the data to be less anomalous and more accurate. Activity B Potato sticks and salt concentration Introduction Hypothesis: The longer the time period potato sticks are left in salt solution, the more flexible they will become as most potato cells will be in the state of hypertonic solution. Potato sticksObservation - Effects of salt solution on potato sticks) BeforeAfter Rigid, bendable, rough Snaps broken Pale yellow Average length of 3 cmExtremely flexible Paler shade of yellow Does not snap broken when bent Average length of 2.9 cm Data collection Conclusion The experiment proves my hypothesis correct. This experiment causes potato cells to shrink as a result of osmosis diffusion. Initially, the concentration in potato cells is high, while the concentration of water in salt solution. Osmosis, movement of water molecules from a region of higher concentration to a region of lower concentration, caused water molecules within each cell to diffuse out into the salt solution in order to create equilibrium of concentration both in and outside the potato cells. Consequently of the decrease in amount of water in each cell, the flexible cellular membrane was pulled in and more wrinkled-like; the cell shrank in general. With cells now shrank and less rigid, potato sticks became more bendable and very flexible. Activity C Red onion cells and 2% NaCl solution Introduction Hypothesis: If red onion cells are exposed to 2% NaCl solutions drop longer, cell membranes will shrink further, as a result of becoming hypertonic solution. Conclusion This experiment demonstrated the process of osmosis and supports my hypothesis. By using the microscope, it was noticeable that red onion cells cell membranes were shrunk after a drop of 2% NaCl solution was put on the coverslip. It was the result of osmosis, which is the movement of water molecules from a region of high concentration to a region of lower concentration. When NaCl solution was dropped on the coverslip and entered red onion cells, the internal environment of each cell is more concentrated in terms of water. Consequently, the water molecules left the cells for the external environment, which had lower concentration of water molecules in order to create equilibriums inside and outside of the cell. The cell walls did not shrink as they serve as

SWOT Analysis of Wal Mart and Carrefour in China Essay

SWOT Analysis of Wal Mart and Carrefour in China - Essay Example Also, being a globally renowned company, the company can face a number of issues politically as well as other external factors. The company also faces high levels of cost competition across the country. Carrefour is one of the worlds second largest and the largest retailer in Europe. The company has been in the Chinese markets for the past few years and has opened as many as ten stores in China at the end of 2010. The main strengths of the company here include its strong global brand name and brand image. Also, the company’s strong experience and knowledge of the industry provides it with an upper hand. Also, since Carrefour has been in China since 1995, the company has strong suppliers and strong contacts within the country. The weaknesses of the company, however, include lack of strong and well-integrated systems within the country. Carrefour uses the strategy of adopting the country as many small markets instead of one large market. This leads to a lack of a strong integrat ed system for the company. In terms of the opportunities, Carrefour has a strong opportunity to enter into the development of small stores across the country as well as to use their strong relations with the suppliers to expand its business and increase the number of stores, considering the size of the Chinese markets (Carrefour). Finally, in terms of the threats, it is clear that the company also faces high levels of threats from other competitors like Wal Mart and also the small local retailers.