Friday, September 6, 2019
Testbank for macroeconomics canada in the global environment Essay Example for Free
Testbank for macroeconomics canada in the global environment Essay Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomics Canada in the Global Testbank for Macroeconomic. The test bank is what most professors use as a template when making exams for their students, which means thereââ¬â¢s a very high chance that you will see the exact questions in the tests! The file is either in . doc, . pdf, excel, or zipped in the package and can easily be read on PCs and Macs. Delivery is INSTANT. You can download the files IMMEDIATELY once payment is done. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us. Our response is the fastest. All questions will always be answered in 6 hours, most of the time within 30mins. We also faced similar difficulties when we were students, and we understand how you feel. But now, with the Official Test Bank, you will be able to * Anticipate the type of the questions that will appear in your exam. * Know the correct answers to those questions. * Reduce the hassle and stress of your student life. * Improve your studying and get a better grade! * Get prepared for examination questions. * Save you time and help you understand the material. This is the authentic testbank that is designed for your specific textbook. Delivery is made immediately via digital download so there is no waiting. Test Bank is guaranteed accurate.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Effects of Sedentary Lifestyle on Obesity
Effects of Sedentary Lifestyle on Obesity Introduction Currently, obesity and overweight is a main global health problem plaguing almost the whole planet. Studies show that in 2005 1.6 billion adults were overweight and 400 million adults were obese. As it is portrayed, obesity and overweight is a problem of the contemporary societies that cannot be confronted. According to a recent study of the World Health Organisation, it is predicted that there will be 2.3 billion overweight adults by 2015 in the world and more than 700 million of them will be obese. Also it is important to realise that obesity and overweigh are modern problems of the societies since statistics referring to these problems did not exist 60 years ago. Therefore, it is clear that obesity and overweight apart from genetic predisposition and psychological disorders might derive as well from the modern sedentary lifestyle that is highly affected by the recent technological development and from poor nutrition as there is an increase in convenience food. However in order to understand the extent and significance of the problem it is important to define and analyse overweight and obesity. Obesity can be defined as a medical condition in which body fat has accumulated to the extent that it has a negative effect on health. A healthy body requires a minimum amount ofà fatà for the proper functioning of theà hormonal,à reproductive, andà immuneà systems, asà thermal insulation, asà shock absorptionà for sensitive areas, and asà energyà for future use. But the accumulation of too much storage fat can impair movement and flexibility, can alter theà appearance of the body and cause health problems. Obesity increases the likelihood ofà various diseases like heart disease,à type 2 diabetes,à breathing difficulties during sleep (pulmonary diseases), hypertension, certain types ofà cancer, andà osteoarthritis. In particular, cancer of the colon as well as prostate in men and cancer in breasts, ovaries and cervix in women have been found to be related to obesity. Furthermore, hypertension has been found to be related CHD and strokes. As a result, obesity has been found to reduceà life expectancy and be one of the leadingà preventable causes of deathà worldwide. Investigators have estimated that if everybody had the optimal body mass there would be 3 years added to life expectancy, 25 percent less coronary heart disease and 35 percent less congestive heart failure and brain infection. Overweight is generally defined as having moreà body fatà than is optimallyà healthy, without reaching the body fat value for obesity. The generally accepted view is that being overweight causes similar health problems to obesity, but to a minor degree. It is estimated that the risk of death increases by 20 to 40 percent among overweight people and that being overweight at age 40 reduces life expectancy by three years. Being overweight or obese has been identified also as a cause ofà cancer. Psychological well-being is also at risk in the overweight individual due to socialà discrimination. However, children under the age of eight are normally not affected. The prevalence of obesity and overweight is strongly related to age. The 16 to 24 years age group (for both men and women) is substantially less at risk ofà becoming obese than older age groups. Those aged between 25 and 34 have the second lowest rates of obesity and overweight. Middle aged people are those who are in the most risky position of becoming obese or overweight. In order to further understand obesity and overweight it is important to analyse the methods used in order to classify and tell the degree to which a person is overweight or obese. The most popular method used is that ofà the Body Mass indexà (BMI), orà Quetelet index. The Body Mass index is a statistical measure of body weight based on a persons weight and height. Though it does not actually measure theà percentage of body fat, it is used to estimate a healthyà body weightà based on a persons height. Due to its ease of measurement and calculation, it is the most popular diagnostic tool to identify weight problems within a population, usually to classify adult underweight, overweight and obesity. Body Mass Index is found by dividing the body mass in kilograms by the square of height in meters. This technique can also act as a health since it appears to provide relative results concerning the degree of risk associated with overweight or obesity. Mortality and morbidity start increase at high rates at a BMI of more than 25. Therefore the desired levels of BMI are those below 25. Below there is a table of the BMI classification according to the World Health Organisation confirming what was previously stated. Classification BMI(kg/m2) Underweight
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
The Arguments For And Against Globalization Economics Essay
The Arguments For And Against Globalization Economics Essay Globalization is a modern phenomenon, which can be analyzed from various points of view. Roughly, we might say that globalization is integration of regional economies, societies and cultures in a globe-spanning network of communication and trade. This term is part of a historical process of capitalism which is a new international order in the context of a single world. Globalization is sometimes used to refer specifically to economic globalization. This topic will be developed along the essay. However, as once was expressed by the ex-secretary of the United Nations Brutos Gali, there is no only one globalization, there are many globalizations such us technological, sociocultural, political, biological An example of that not only the economic globalization exists is the creation of the International Penal Court, since the human rights are starting feeling the effects of the globalization and it is necessary uniform and universalize the recognition of the fundamental rights of the citizenship. Globalization also refers to a process of interaction between societies and local cultures in a global culture to what we would call sociocultural globalization. Different definitions The word globalization is defined by different authors, official institutions and dictionaries according to their point of view. Therefore, there is not only one precise meaning of this term universally accepted by everybody. On the one hand, United Nations (UN)à [1]à has defined it as an event, unavoidable in our history. It makes one world through the exchange of goods, products, information, knowledge and culture. This is a result of the step forward in the field of communications, transport, technology and industry. According to the World Bank Group (WBG)à [2]à , the most utilized meaning for globalization is an intercontinental economic activity, which has increased sharply. In this activity they include Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), International Commerce and Capital Flow. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF)à [3]à has combined both the United Nations and the World Bank Groups definition. It also talks about globalization in terms of FDI, Capital Flow, International Commerce and the surprising evolution of communication and technology. Furthermore, IMF specifies that sometimes globalization makes it necessary for the workforce and knowledge to have to move to another country. But, these kinds of institutions are not the only ones who want to give their own definition of globalization. A wide range of authors have given their opinion on the topic. For example, David Dollarà [4]à , in an interview published in the World Bank Group Web, said that the economic globalization, or as he would rather use, the economic integration takes place when a country reduces or eliminates the commercial barriers such as custom duty, and they accept investments and trade from the rest of the world. However, Leslie Sklairà [5]à thinks that it should be seen as a new phase of capitalism, one that transcends the unit of the nation-state. His college, Anthony Giddensà [6]à , does not think in the same way as him. In this case, he talks about globalization as a transformation in the global market, the evolution in the communication and trade between nation-states in physical commodities, information and currency. Evolution from two different points of view Theodore Levittà [7]à was the creator of the word globalization. He used it for first time in his book called The Globalization of Markets to describe the transformation of the international economy which had been taking place since 1960. However, its evolution is not clear enough. Some people say that it started in 1980s and others are in favour of 1870s. But in either case, the bases of globalization are three specific ideas, according to the Washington Consensus: a severe fiscal system, privatization and the relaxation of the restrictions on economyà [8]à . The World Bank Group talks about four steps in Globalizations evolution. Whereas, Leandro Sà ¡nchez Zepeda, in his doctoral thesis, explains that there are five different stages. I do not have enough knowledge to decide which is more appropriate, so in the following paragraph I am going to give details about the development of both thoughts. According to the WGBà [9]à , these are the steps: From 1870 to 1914: this period was characterized by the step forward in transport and the elimination of commercial barriers. The amount of exports augmented almost 8% and 10% of the total population moved to another country. From 1914 to 1950: the situation was as before 1870, marked by protectionism. From 1950 to 1980: during those years, the process evolved to an economic integration between rich countries. Moreover, Europe, North America and Japan opened their markets. From 1980 until 2009: in this time, manufacturing increased to 80% worldwide. Some countries, such as Brazil, India and Vietnam, improved their international commerce and the globalization made developing countries improve. On the other hand, Leandro Sà ¡nchez Zepedaà [10]à has put forward a different opinion in his doctoral thesis: From 1870 to 1913: this period was marked by a peak in commerce due to an increase in capital and labour force. From 1913 to 1950: due to the Great Depression, the First and the Second World War international commerce decreased. From 1950 to 1973: thanks to the Bretton Woods system, global integration was strengthened. From 1973 to 1990: during these years the amount of public companies which became private increased, the financial system started to be more open to the world, communication and transport advanced and it became international. From 1991 until today: there are more free-trade areas, such as ALADI, NAFTA and ASEAN, and the economic integration has become stronger. In contrast to previous periods, the workforce moves less and capital and information are crossing borders. GLOBALIZATION Globalization itself is a continuous and dynamic process that challenges the laws of the countries in how they regulate the operation of enterprises and economic behaviour of individuals at the international level, who can give employment to workforce unemployed and also benefit from remaining irregularities and weaknesses in a particular country. It is a complex phenomenon; therefore it should not surprise us that it causes different reactions in different individuals or groups. Some consider that threatens the framework of the nation state, national identity and the modern concept of democracy. For some, it promises a new era of riches for all, for others, it is the seduction of a consumerism that will bankrupt morally and economically the majority. In favour of globalization Why economic globalization is a good system? Advances in communication and transportation technology, combined with free-market ideology, have given goods, services and capital unprecedented mobility. For example, Northern countries want to open world markets to their goods and take advantage of abundant, cheap labour in the South. To do this, these countries use international financial institutions, such as, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, and regional trade agreementsà [11]à to compel poor countries to integrate by reducing tariffs, privatizing state enterprises and relaxing environmental and labour standards. Globalization is a phenomenon that is important to the develop of the economy in every country, due to the general opening of markets for goods and capital suggests the end of trading blocs, regional treaties and economic independence of countries but also facilitates the ability to solve economic needs that local players have been unable to satisfy. It makes easy the commerce between different countries and decreases the difference between developed and underdeveloped countries. Some factors in favour of globalization are: Global economy and market, which can lead to a better utilization of resources. Greater ability to maneuver compared to fluctuations in national economies. New opportunities of develop markets. Using economies of scale, it can reduce cost. International cooperation. Growth and mergers between companies. Privatization of public companies. International financial deregulation. Development of means of communication and transport. The free movement of capital allows a more efficient allocation of global savings and provides to emerging economies the resources to develop and promote the consolidation of a sustained and balanced growth. Globalization opens up opportunities for developed economies to improve their efficiency and productivity and allows economies in developing to improve the living standards of its population. Against of globalization When globalization was defined, it tried to minimize the impact of negative points and reinforce positive points. Some factors against globalization are: Lack of control over markets and multinational enterprises. Increased economic social and territorial imbalances. Concentration of richness and increased social inequality. Non-fulfilment of minimum labour standards. Full employment, a priority until recently, was postponed. The work has to behave as a commodity, subject to the laws of supply and demand and the production needs, without laws that safeguards smooth minimum rights. Damage to the environment. Threat to biodiversity and cultural heritage. Dominance of financial-speculative economy over real economy. Increase exploitation of child labour Controversy The liberalization of international trade means more economic growth and welfare, such as the example of China, where foreign capital has invested heavily and the country has emerged remarkably by the effect of globalization. But if we go to Africa, we can see that its people are sinking ever deeper into poverty and degradation of economic, social and political life. There, no one invests and the one thing that Africa is used by Occident is for the arms business and to recover the debts they owe to developed countries. It is true that globalization encourages free trade among countries, but there are also negative consequences because some countries try to save their national markets. Companies are buying goods and services from foreign countries. Workers, who were sacked, are forced to work into the service sector, where wages and benefits are lower. This has contributed to the deterioration of the middle class, who have been relegated to lower positions. People in the lower class have to make more efforts to climbing out of poverty due to the absence of the middle class as a stepping stone. THE PROBLEMS OF GLOBALIZATION Globalization is the shortest and most viable way for the developing world to achieve political, social and intellectual modernity. Globalization is said to be the best and most effective means for the developing world to achieve comprehensive development, because it is the sole way to progress for this world economically. Changing the world to the better is through applying globalization. There are problems in the process of globalization: if other countries produce goods better than other, maybe a lot of citizens from this last country will be sacked; if one state collects less tax, companies could go there to get more profit. The process of globalization entails adjustments in national and international economies, to which countries must adapt. Income distribution: in many cases goods are produced in a nation through the importation of them is less restricted. The removal of import barriers may cause a substitution of goods produced within the country by others imported. This way, domestic manufacturers are affected. However, the elimination of trade barriers can make a product cheaper, which is an advantage for consumers because they can buy more with the same funds. On the other hand, globalization promotes the concentration and the emergence of large multinational companies. The possibility of selling its products worldwide and reduce production costs through exploitation of economies of scale, cause that small businesses reducing their sales potential. This can result in the reduction of global competition and that one or a few companies dominate the market. Evade national law: the possibility of settling in any country encourages companies to look for those where production costs are lower. As the laws of many countries may increase costs for businesses, they seek countries which have less legal regulation. In fact, there are territories in which companies dont pay taxes for the profit. They prefer to settle there, due to they can pay higher returns to their shareholders.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
The Role of Gender in Art Essay -- feminist art
Introduction ââ¬Å"ââ¬â¢Genderââ¬â¢ is defined here as the cultural construction of femininity and masculinity, as opposed to the biological sex (male or female) which we are born with. Although feminist theory in its various forms does not offer any single explanation of the differences between men and women, most feminists would reject the idea that male and female characteristics can be found exclusively in any fixed biological attributes. Although some feminists are more concerned than others with tracing of masculine and feminine characteristics to their essential biological roots â⬠¦ (essentialists), most feminists from a wide range of positions have contributed to the argument about the relative importance of social, cultural and psychic forces in the construction of identity as either feminine or masculine.â⬠1 This essay will initially address how art history has been discussed by feminist historians in the latter part of the twentieth century. It will then discuss two pairs of mutually contemporary works of art whilst attempting to introduce concepts into the discussion of the works themselves, in order to point to differences or similarities in technique, form and style, and ways to approach an analysis of the work. Finally a conclusion will be drawn on the importance of the role of gender arising from the discourse. Gender and the role of gender is now a major part of the paradigm of the historiographical study of art. Since the 1970s feminist art historians have challenged the extant tenets of art history and have explored radical approaches to gender in art. It is important to note that art historians have formed a crucial part of the wider debate concerning feminism. Linda Nochlin`s essay ââ¬ËWhy Have There Been No Great Wome... ...erasure from the history. The work is chronological in sequence, which according to Chicago traces the social origins and decline of matriarchy, it`s replacement by patriarchy, the institutionalisation of male oppression and of women`s response to it. ââ¬Å"The Dinner Party is both clumsy and pathbreakingâ⬠¦ The Dinner Party is right on time. It comes in the wake of modernism, in loud colours and emotional, high-pitched tone; it rides on the wave of feminist study and insight; it takes seriously both the truths and excesses of female consciousness; it fills a large room; it engaged some 400 (sic) workers in something bigger than anyone; it cannot be ignored and it should not go away.ââ¬
Monday, September 2, 2019
The Funding of Making Chemical and Biological Weapons :: Chemical Biological Weapons War Essays
The Funding of Making Chemical and Biological Weapons Will the human race still be in existence in fifty more years? Although likely, there is a very real possibility that we will not be here. For example, after the Gulf War, we found Saddam Hussein stockpiling Weapons of Mass Destruction. Did you know that he had enough weapons to kill every single human, dog, and cow on the face of the earth? When I found that out, I thought it was very interesting, so I decided to do a report on it. If you keep reading, youââ¬â¢ll find out what Iââ¬â¢ve found out. Who funds the making of chemical or biological weapons? The answer is many people. Howeverâ⬠¦ the government is the main source of money. For example, they make labs built to find defenses against new chemical or biological weapons. The catch is that in order to find new defenses, they must first build new weapons. That brings us to terrorists. Government officials make the information on how to make these weapons of mass destruction too accessible to terrorists, which eventually results in successful terrorists attacks that injure or harm many people. An example of this was in the spring of 1995 when a Japanese mafia gang set off sarin gas and killed 12 people in a subway, while injuring over fifty. Now, you might be asking yourself, whatââ¬â¢s the difference between chemical and biological warfare? Some major differences are when each has been used in history and / or what makes up a chemical or biological weapon. First, thereââ¬â¢s the obvious difference of what makes up a chemical or biological weapon. Chemical weapons use chemical agents while biological weapons use bacteria from the earth and weaponizes the bacteria. While biological weapons have never been used for a modern war, they were once a very common weapon. You see, biological weapons were used for centuries in such ways as throwing dead bodies into their enemiesââ¬â¢ water supply to sabotage it. Chemical weapons were never used in ancient times, as they didnââ¬â¢t have the technology. They have however found much use in our modern world. In fact, during World War I, chemical weapons found more use than ever before. The main weapon was mustard gas, it was responsible for two percent of the total deaths during that period. The next time chemical warfare was used on a large scale was during the Vietnam War. The Funding of Making Chemical and Biological Weapons :: Chemical Biological Weapons War Essays The Funding of Making Chemical and Biological Weapons Will the human race still be in existence in fifty more years? Although likely, there is a very real possibility that we will not be here. For example, after the Gulf War, we found Saddam Hussein stockpiling Weapons of Mass Destruction. Did you know that he had enough weapons to kill every single human, dog, and cow on the face of the earth? When I found that out, I thought it was very interesting, so I decided to do a report on it. If you keep reading, youââ¬â¢ll find out what Iââ¬â¢ve found out. Who funds the making of chemical or biological weapons? The answer is many people. Howeverâ⬠¦ the government is the main source of money. For example, they make labs built to find defenses against new chemical or biological weapons. The catch is that in order to find new defenses, they must first build new weapons. That brings us to terrorists. Government officials make the information on how to make these weapons of mass destruction too accessible to terrorists, which eventually results in successful terrorists attacks that injure or harm many people. An example of this was in the spring of 1995 when a Japanese mafia gang set off sarin gas and killed 12 people in a subway, while injuring over fifty. Now, you might be asking yourself, whatââ¬â¢s the difference between chemical and biological warfare? Some major differences are when each has been used in history and / or what makes up a chemical or biological weapon. First, thereââ¬â¢s the obvious difference of what makes up a chemical or biological weapon. Chemical weapons use chemical agents while biological weapons use bacteria from the earth and weaponizes the bacteria. While biological weapons have never been used for a modern war, they were once a very common weapon. You see, biological weapons were used for centuries in such ways as throwing dead bodies into their enemiesââ¬â¢ water supply to sabotage it. Chemical weapons were never used in ancient times, as they didnââ¬â¢t have the technology. They have however found much use in our modern world. In fact, during World War I, chemical weapons found more use than ever before. The main weapon was mustard gas, it was responsible for two percent of the total deaths during that period. The next time chemical warfare was used on a large scale was during the Vietnam War.
Analysis and Discussion of the Nature of Team Building Process
I have just been appointed as a Manager of a Department within a new company. My role will be to develop a new work group of twelve into an effective and cohesive business team. The aim of this paper will be to analyse and discuss the nature of the teambuilding process. I will look at the various components involved in this process, from Leadership Styles and communication methods to decision-making, planning, and group dynamics. Within the context of this framework I will attempt to integrate several academic models and theories in order to clarify my own ideas on the teambuilding process. Finally, I will focus on my own personal style of leadership and motivational techniques. Would I have been able to lead the team to achieve its maximum potential? Have I achieved a good balance between directing group actions and giving the group the freedom to make their own choices? Ultimately, have I been honest enough with the group to gain their trust and respect? The most important aspect in the initial teambuilding phase is time spent on planning. Before the team meets as a group it will be necessary to clearly define the reason for the team's existence. What will be their function within the context of the organisations future strategies? As Coghlan (1994,) states: â⬠Groups and teams play a key role in the process of planned organisational change. The change process typically involves teams in the organisation's hierarchy responding to the change agenda and adapting to it in terms of its tasks and processes. â⬠à I think it is essential at this stage to also consider which leadership style gives me the best opportunity to obtain maximum effectiveness for the group. The previous questions identify several separate issues i.e. what tasks will the group have to perform and how will this affect individuals within the group? John Adair (1985) identifies the relationship between the task, the group and the individual (see fig. 1) and how a balance must be maintained between all three in order to produce the most effective results for the organisation. Fig.1 Interaction of needs within the group. ( Adair, 1985) In order to fulfil each of these needs it is necessary to obtain a high degree of information, and to establish lines of communication. My first task will be to identify the companies strategy and what requirements they have for the team. Will the team have to report back specifically to anyone, or will there be a certain level of group autonomy? It will also be necessary to define the boundaries/parameters that the team will be required to work within. I will also establish what resources are available i.e. money, information, time and materials. Will we have use of a secretary for notetaking and access to a suitable room for team meetings? Once the issues of task have been established I will then explore the expectations and experiences of the individuals who will comprise the group. Schutz (1958) argues that it is possible to determine how well a group will come together by looking at the compatibility of the individuals within that group. In order to match personality types and balance skill levels it is useful to look at the work of Meredith Belbin (1993) whose research offers a typology of team roles and behaviour (fig. 2). Each team member would be required to complete Belbin's Self-Perception Inventory before the meeting. Tyson and Jackson (1992) further categorised Belbin's original eight roles into subsections of people, task and ideas. They identified the wide range of differences in personality and character those individual team members would bring to a group, this in turn enables predictions to be made about the possible strengths and weaknesses in group dynamics. I think that it would also be a useful tool for team members to understand their own unique attributes that they bring to the team. These one to one meetings will be a good opportunity to express to team members an outline of the companies objectives and to get a feel for their own expectations and interests. I would also emphasise that within the team a level of parity will exist, irrespective of external hierarchies, and that I would always be available if individual members felt that decisions taken within the group were causing external pressures. My final task before organising the first team meeting would be to get each member to briefly write down what their levels of expertise and experience are and a short outline about themselves, plus relevant e-mail addresses and telephone numbers (if they have access). This initial pattern of communication is comparable to ââ¬Ëthe wheel' Mullins (1999) where the leader acts as a central conduit through which all parties communicate and indirectly are all linked. My eventual aim however would be to decentralise this communication method and achieve ââ¬Ëthe all-channel network' Mullins (1999). The latter system requires that all members of the team interact with each other. I would hope that this system would produce an environment where all members feel comfortable enough to express themselves freely, and that the communication channels promote the free exchange of ideas. The next stage in the teambuilding cycle is the team meeting. This will require a certain amount of planning and consideration. This preparation will hopefully convey a level of professionalism and intent to each of the team members. Because the team are new to each other, and to me, I will be trying to gain their trust and promote confidence in the project. It is essential to ensure that everyone will be able to attend the meeting. I would plan for weekly meetings initially on one dedicated afternoon (probably Monday). This would allow the team to clear their schedule well in advance. Regular attendance demonstrates a level of commitment and promotes team unity, which is vitally important at this stage. It is also important to have an agenda with a time-scale built in, meetings can become long and drawn out and members lose interest and focus. Team members should be notified well in advance of the meeting, either by e-mail or memo. The initial phase of the meeting will allow the team to introduce themselves. This will then be followed by my own introduction, and a presentation which would emphasise the organisations goals and objectives (It might be necessary to invite someone from senior management to give a short introduction to the project, and to stress the importance of the teams involvement). I would then encourage the group to establish a team mission/charter, which would give the team focus, and would also help to develop team identity. It is important that members do not feel alienated because they are unable to link their work with overall organisational goals Maslow (1954). At the end of this talk I will introduce two more concepts to the group. The idea here is to increase awareness in the teambuilding process, whether through improved decision making or more efficient problem solving. The first is the observation sheet Mullins (pg.498, 1999). This is a feedback mechanism on individual participation, and could be a useful tool in future weeks. The sheet is a simple method for giving constructive feedback. However, in order to promote a non-judgemental environment it would be necessary to employ an independent assessor to undertake this role. Secondly I would introduce Tuckman's (1965) ââ¬ËTeam Development Wheel'. The wheel looks at change in the group process and focuses on the dynamics of a team's development. Tuckman identifies four different stages that should be accomplished in order to attain group maturity. The stages are: At stage one, Forming, the team has many questions, concerns. There are certain anxieties like, where do they fit into the group? Why am I here? Who are the other team members? Will I be able to get all my questions answered? It is important at this stage that the Team Leader has prepared well enough to reassure everyone by providing suitable answers and by providing a framework whereby individuals will have a better understanding of what they are expected to contribute. Belbin's (1993) team analysis could be usefully deployed at this stage. At stage two, Storming, the group may find difficulties occur as the team attempts to assert identity. Personal differences will emerge on the proposed direction that the group should take. This is a particularly difficult stage as competition and jealousy can cause other members to feel demotivated and to question their need to belong to the team. I would try to foster an open and honest forum. I would attempt to decrease my own influence on the decision making process and encourage the team to work their way through any difficulties, and hope that other leaders may emerge to offer further support. At stage three, Norming, a more cohesive unit will emerge. Team members will have developed more confidence in the group, there is a greater sense of belonging. Member's opinions are more readily accepted, and preconceived ideas are diluted in order to achieve common consent. At this point I can act more as a facilitator, providing occasional feedback, but allowing the group to formulate and expedite their own decisions. Finally at stage four, Performing, the group will have achieved a high state of maturity. A supportive and trust based ethos permeates the group. Tasks are tackled effectively, and the group has a flexible and resourceful approach to decision making and problem solving. My role at this point would still be as a facilitator, able to offer experience and advice when required. Each stage provides the group with insight into the various mechanisms' that are required to allow the teambuilding process to progress. By understanding the process the team will perhaps be more adaptable to change and work more fluently towards achieving team goals. It is vital that team unity is established at the earliest opportunity. It's important that team members leave this first meeting with a positive attitude to what they are being asked to accomplish. The team mission will outline the team's objectives, and members will be encouraged to share ideas and communicate with each other or through me. A further way to improve team unity is through the use of teambuilding exercises and training programs. Teambuilding exercises will give the group a chance to deal with real issues in a safe environment. They encourage the group to respond as a collective unit to achieve results and they assist with team bonding and individual growth. Taking this concept a step further, I would schedule a two to three day weekend away from the company, and invest a portion of the resources (if they are available) in a practical teambuilding exercise program. This type of weekend would focus on team issues like trust, respect, and empowerment, and would improve interpersonal relationships and promote strong partnerships. I would arrange this time away in the first month of the project. Training would be tailored to reflect my leadership style, whereby, I would empower the team with the freedom to make decisions within defined parameters Murdock (1999). I would arrange training sessions to deal ! with the two complementary key issues required for this process, i.e. communication and decision-making. With empowerment comes a level of responsibility; a responsibility that each team member would have towards each other to listen effectively and give constructive feedback. Team members must provide each other with feedback on whether their performance enhances the team's performance or impedes it. To do this they need an understanding of non-verbal communication and effective listening skills. Regular training sessions could provide each member with key skills. I would try to initiate some kind of training budget, specifically for the team, in order that this program of improvements could be accomplished.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Scope Limitation
ScopeThe scope of the study refers to the parameters under which the study will be operating. The problem you seek to resolve will fit within certain parameters. Think of the scope as the domain of your researchââ¬âwhatââ¬â¢s in the domain, and what is not. You need to make it as clear as possible what you will be studying and what factors are within the accepted range of your study. For example, if you are studying the ill effects of bullying on middle school children, the scope could include both face-to-face bullying and cyber-bullying in grades 6 through 8.LimitationsLimitations are matters and occurrences that arise in a study which are out of the researcher's control. They limit the extensity to which a study can go, and sometimes affect the end result and conclusions that can be drawn. Every study, no matter how well it is conducted and constructed, has limitations. This is one of the reasons why we do not use the words ââ¬Å"proveâ⬠and ââ¬Å"disproveâ⬠wit h respect to research findings. It is always possible that future research may cast doubt on the validity of any hypothesis or conclusion from a study. Your study might have access to only certain people in an organization, certain documents, and certain data. These are limitations. Subsequent studies may overcome these limitations.Limitations of Qualitative StudiesA limitation associated with qualitative study is related to validity and reliability. ââ¬Å"Because qualitative research occurs in the natural setting it is extremely difficult to replicate studiesâ⬠(Wiersma, 2000, p. 211). When you select certain methodologies and designs, for example phenomenology, they come with limitations over which you may have little control.Limitations of Case StudiesWe cannot make causal inferences from case studies, because we cannot rule out alternative explanations. It is always unclear about the generality of the findings of a case study. A case study involves the behavior of one pers on, group, or organization. The behavior of this one unit of analysis may or may not reflect the behavior of similar entities. Case studies may be suggestive of what may be found in similar organizations, but additional research would be needed to verify whether findings from one study would generalize elsewhere.Limitations of Correlational StudiesCorrelational research merely demonstrates that we can predict the behavior of one variable from the behavior of another variable. If a relationship exists then there is an association between variables. However, two variables can be associated without there being a causal relationship between the variables. If we find that X is associated with Y, it could mean that X caused Y, or Y caused X, or some ââ¬Å"thirdâ⬠(confounding) variable caused both X and Y without there being any causal relationship between X and Y.Correlational research may also have limitations with respect to the generality of the findings. Perhaps the study invol ved a specific group of people, or that the relationship between the variables was only investigated under some situation or circumstance. Thus, it may be uncertain whether the correlational findings will generalize to other people or situations.Limitations of Randomized ExperimentsExperiments involving the random assignment of participants to conditions sometimes allow us to make causal conclusions if the variables that are manipulated are not confounded with other variables. Experiments gain rigor by controlling for influences outside of the variables of interest. However, there still may be limitations with respect to the generality of the findings.The experiment may have involved a specific group of people, certain situations, and only some of the possible conceptualizations of variables. Thus, we may not know whether the findings will generalize to other people, situations, or conceptualizations of the variables. Withinà particular bounds, significant findings from an experim ental study may infer a general cause, but the presence of other unmeasured variables can limit that inference.Limitations of Survey InstrumentsSurveys that are distributed with time constraints were noted by Delva, Kirby, Knapper, and Birtwhistle (2002) as problematic in that people who struggle with real or perceived time constraints are less likely to respond to surveys because these possible respondents feel overworked ââ¬â they just do not have the time to complete the survey. Surveys often also suffer the limitation of forcing respondents into particular response categories, thereby limiting the range of responses. Unlike an interview, where respondents can ask clarifying questions, respondents are usually limited to the text in the survey itself for direction about how to complete it and where to respond.DelimitationsThe delimitations of a study are those characteristics that arise from limitations in the scope of the study (defining the boundaries) and by the conscious e xclusionary and inclusionary decisions made during the development of the study plan. Unlike limitations, which flow from implicit characteristics of method and design, delimitations result from specific choices by the researcher. Among these are the choice of objectives and questions, variables of interest, the choice of theoretical perspectives that were adopted, the paradigm (qualitative/quantitative/mixed), the methodology, the theoretical framework and the choice of participants.The first delimiting step is the choice of problem, implying that there were other, related problems that could have been chosen but were rejected or screened off from view. To elucidate the delimitations of your study review each decision you had to make in putting together your study. In your purpose statement you declare what your study intends to accomplish. In the delimitations section you can repeat this declaration along with a pronouncement of what the study does not intend to cover. In the latt er case, your decisions for excluding certain pursuits are likely based on suchà criteria as not directly relevant; too problematic becauseâ⬠¦; not feasible and the like. Make this reasoning as explicit as possible.
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