Work With Lycon To Prosecute And Convict Socrates; Write A Speech/Paper On This Topic For Trial Day
Tuesday, August 25, 2020
Jorge Rascon, Myriam Encinas , Lian de la Pue nte, Essays
Jorge Rascon, Myriam Encinas , Lian de la Pue nte, Javier Sobarzo, Jose Rodrigue z, Francisco Carrillo, Ana Lagarda, Juan Ceballos y Susy Martinez. The advantages in appropriation and disinfection. The association Pata de Perro is devoted to help lost mutts. This association has a unique program where they require the assistance of volunteers, the practice environmental awareness venture, the instructive program, this is the point at which they go to schools and give a discourse about would could it be that they do. Probably the greatest program they have is where you can help gather pledges cash for future cleansings. The individuals at Pata de Perro are the ones dealing with the canines. The volunteers work without being paid. Volunteers are frequently the ones who sell things, for example, beds, collars and even homes. The cash is utilized for gifts to creature covers and other creature consideration administrations. In the city of numerous urban communities, there are a large number of lost pooches strolling around putting their life in danger while looking for food and asylum. Internationally there are a gauge of 500 million canines, of which roughly 80% are stray or undesirable. Some of them were left by their proprietors, others experienced childhood in the boulevards. As indicated by the Ministry of wellbeing in 2015, there are 123,299 canines in Hermosillo, Sonora and 73,979 of them live in the city. The greater part of them end up wiped out, hurt and even dead. The fundamental motivation behind why there are many lost mutts is on the grounds that canines duplicate quick and in extraordinary sums. In normal, they can have 6 mutts, however it relies upon the variety and sizes, for instance, enormous pooches can have up to 14 young doggies, while the little ones, can have from 1 to 5. On the off chance that they have a great deal of pups they can't deal with every one of them, so they end up deserted on lanes. This is pitiful on the grounds that they are brought into the world just to endure. Consequently cleansing comes helpful and we might have the option to keep hounds from being brought into the world just to be left incredible. Disinfection it's a careful technique through which the vet expels the conceptive organs. Humanes affiliations and havens are vocal defenders of disinfection for populace control. As indicated by the Humane Society of the United States, 6 to 8 million pooches and felines enter protects every year, and in any event half of them are euthanized. The association likewise computes that a rich canine can deliver 6 to 10 little guys in a year; that implies that the female and her posterity can, hypothetically, produce 67,000 undesirable mutts over a range of six years. Lost canines need to manage a ton of troubles, the greatest of them is the quantity of instances of creature misuse. In 2016 there where about 60% of instances of creature misuse including hounds. In numerous nations, including Mexico, creature misuse is possibly rebuffed when the creature who is being mishandled has a proprietor. While the abusers of lost canines have done it without having a legitimate result, in any event, when the maltreatment winds up slaughtering the pooch. To have the option to secure them selection can be an extraordinary arrangement and opportunity since you are not just giving them a home, you are removing them from the abuses of our general public. Before embracing you should be capable enough to have the option to deal with another life that is not yours. Probably the greatest advantages of selection are the way that you get genuine love and the ability to have the option to spare an actual existence. A creature needs numerous things to have the option to carry on with an upbeat and solid life. Pets need a perfect space to rest, food, a spot to do their requirements and a spot where they can run free. The pets will value all that you accomplish for them. They will be cheerful and faithful. Canines are viewed as a companions and incredible friend s. Having a pooch in your family can really assist you with your wellbeing, truly and mentally. At the point when you are pushed, having a pooch lessens the degree of stress you have. Mutts help individuals to be less inclined to have a respiratory failure; they help to address
Saturday, August 22, 2020
Review of a school discipline policy Assignment
Survey of a school discipline approach - Assignment Example There is normal similarity in writing related with the administration of testing activities that the premise should be the underwriting of valuable conduct. Traditionally, conduct gauges in school were habitually described by what was not middle of the road, and correctional methodologies focused on the supports accessible to actualize guidelines and punish excruciating activities (Dwyer, 2003). This paper endeavors to furnish educators with some bearing concerning how to execute strong strategies for supporting productive conduct, nonetheless, likewise how to adapt to conduct which fundamentally harms a couple childrenââ¬â¢s ability to pick up from training. It also expects to guide teachersââ¬â¢ responses to a scope of activities in a manner which will establishment increasingly appropriate conduct. It may be primarily helpful to as of late qualified educators, who over and over see the conduct the board as the most testing component of their occupations. It may likewise be valuable to class representatives who want to help exchange and joint effort regarding the matter of conduct. There is no generally settled depiction of testing conduct. Conduct is portrayed as fair or deplorable in a cultural setting, and is too molded by the more extensive milieu wherein individuals relate with each other. In like manner terms, coaches recognize that difficult activities in the school setting incorporates activities that: interferes with the studentââ¬â¢s individual as well as other studentsââ¬â¢ learning; challenges the regular activity of the school; sets out the privilege of representatives and understudies to a safe and composed condition; contains a period, consistency, power or pushiness that is away from the common cluster of what schools stand; and is less plausible to be responsive to the typical combination of inclusions utilized by the school for understudy wrongdoing (Oââ¬â¢Mahoney, 2003). These comprise of: savage conduct, which
Monday, July 27, 2020
More on the Application Essays COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog
More on the Application Essays COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog With our Early Action deadline behind us and our January 5 (deadline with fellowship consideration) and February 5 (final deadline) deadlines approaching, weâd like to provide some more information on our application essays. For general essay tips, we recommend checking out our blog entry on writing a strong essay. For the MIA/MPA program applications, the following essays are required: Personal Statement Describe future self to future employer, or current self to future employer Optional Essay A quick tip on the Personal Statement In addition to sharing your personal story, this is an opportunity to indicate a clear trajectory for your professional and personal development. This is the chance to share how SIPA can fit into your path for moving forward. We encourage you to be as detailed as possible when writing this essay. What to include on the Future Career Essay The purpose of this essay is to provide a space for prospective applicants to identify their professional strengths and establish a âpersonal pitch.â Imagine writing a short cover letter to your ideal employer. What skills would you want to highlight? What previous experience makes you an exceptional candidate? What professional qualities do you bring to the table? More on the Optional Essay Please keep in mind that this is an optional essay. If you feel that you do not need this additional space, then do not feel obligated to fill in this space. However, if there is something you feel you could not express in other areas of the application, please use the optional essay to share this with the Admissions Committee. This is your opportunity to highlight what makes you unique as an applicant, or to offer greater detail into a part of your application that you feel you should address. Weâre looking for the whole picture on our applicants, so the more information you provide, the better. Our SIPA community prides itself in having a diverse student population, made of a myriad of personal and professional stories. We look forward to reading your essays and learning more about YOU!
Friday, May 22, 2020
Target Costing - Free Essay Example
Sample details Pages: 3 Words: 920 Downloads: 7 Date added: 2017/09/24 Category Advertising Essay Type Argumentative essay Tags: Development Essay Did you like this example? Target Costing on Mercedez ââ¬â Benz Mercedes-Benz (MB) is one of the worlds most successful car manufacturers since its establishment in 1886. They used target costing in the design and production of one of its products, the M-Class, which is a new sports utility vehicle model, in response to their first time suffering loss in 1993 because of cost inefficiency and problems with material purchasing and adapting to market changes. MB started developing a range of new products such as the C-Class in 1993, the E-Class in 1995, the new sportster SLK in 1996, and the A-Class and M-Class All Activity Vehicle (AAV). The issues could be raised from this case are how MB reacts to the environmental changes by applying target costing (TC) into the production of its new product, M-Class All Activity Vehicle (AAV). Competitive Environment and Strategy By taking advantages of its customer loyalty and sound brand image, MB was focusing on protecting their existing market share, which can be described as a defender (Miles and Snow, 1978). However, the first-time money losing in 1993 made MB realized that the market was changing rapidly and introducing new strategies is necessary, in order to remain alive in the market. Moreover, there are some concerns regarding the target costing application to the AAV product. First, this system will take overly-long development time. Cooperative, mutually beneficial, long-term relationships with suppliers should be maintained to diffuse cost reduction effort. MBââ¬â¢s strategy was producing vehicles that were more expensive and delivered a greater perceived value to customers. To run with this startegy, MB need an intensive cooperation with their suppliers to ensure the production processes could run effectively as they were planned. MBââ¬â¢s suppliers provided systems rather than individual parts or components for production of approximately 65,000 vehicles annually. Although the target cost might be met, develop ment time may increase because of repeated value engineering cycles to reduce costs, ultimately leading to the product coming late to the market. The other concern of implementating target costing on MB is employee burnout. One of specialisation of MB which is differentiates them from others producers is MB produce luxury cars, with exclusive design and hig brand image. They need reliable designers to maintain and develop their products. Indirectly, it become a high pressure for designers that could possibly contributes employee burnout. MB has moved to adapt with the environmental change and to increase their profitability after facing their first loss is seeking new markets, new segments, new niches. Their first move is conduct a market research (concept phase) for one year. The analysis revealed that there is a good opportunity in the AAV market. After identifying customer preferences and component importance index, target cost index are determined. The index indicates that transmission, electrical system, and other function groups are candidates for value engineering. Regarding to the concerns of target costing application on MB, those concerns basically impose that there is a risk of making things worse by pushing it too far. People would normally consider productââ¬â¢s feature as an integration of a series of functions which could be added or subtracted, upgraded or redesigned in car industry. Nowadays, auto makers upgrade and introduce new cars almost every year. Thatââ¬â¢s one difference from other products which has a once-for-all design process. But for a platform, it was MBââ¬â¢s policy to develop new platforms for its series of car every 7 to 8 years, and every development is a new structure rather than simple modifications which means it has a long development life for a platform before itââ¬â¢s launched. So compared with other products, design and engineering process plays a vital role in the whole cycle life of car and mista ke in this process normally will lead to a very big risk of unsuccessful products. Then it comes out the paradox between state of art and state of market. While designer and engineer trying to make an artist, management focuses on profitability, itââ¬â¢s where MBââ¬â¢s Target costing is available to push designers hard to design cost out. Therefore, MB should work its best to derive a comprehensive category list prior to index development. Finally obtain the target cost through the Target Costing equation. Importance Index (table 4) shows the degree of importance towards customers of each component which may be considered when purchase of a new MB product while Target Cost Index (table 5) is a measure for the deviation of importance (which the component should be given) and component cost. ABC is an ideal instrument to meet this requirement. Therefore, Tartget Costing was used in the AAV production project. However, there are some problems existing in the development of those indexes as well as the way MB was interpreting them. Meanwhile, MB could use achievement ratio and cost reports to monitor the performance of Kaizen Costing. MB then compared the target cost with drifting cost to find out the cost reduction targets for each function group. In order to achieve this, MB should seek to develop certain organizational arrangements (through policies or culture) to foster a spirit of continuous improvement. Finally, i would like to recommend MB to always maintain a good relationship and cooperation with all those suppliers since MB become rely on them to achieve target costing. Indeed, as a leader in luxury car market, innovation on design and features of product are the most important things to be considered. So, regeneration and ideaââ¬â¢s tranformation amongst designers, engineers and the rests of human resources shuold be developed by the innovative and modern learning, training, and development systems. Donââ¬â¢t waste time! Our writers will create an original "Target Costing" essay for you Create order
Saturday, May 9, 2020
Hunger of Memory Essay - 595 Words
In Hunger of Memory, Richard Rodriguez situates his individual experiences with education in such a way as to expose what he sees as the fallacious logic behind bilingual education and affirmative action. He uses arguments to propagate the systematic problems with such programs. His autobiography explains in great detail the entangling problems all American children face by instituting bilingual programs and affirmative action endorsements. Bilingual education offers a completely different world for students of different ethnic background and thus creates a comfort zone limiting the risk-taking factor necessary for the maturation of a child to an adult. Rodriguez argues supporters of bilingualism fail to realize while one suffers aâ⬠¦show more contentâ⬠¦Bilingual education, as Rodriguez states, romanticizes public separateness and trivializes the dilemma of the socially disadvantaged. Rodriguezs autobiography also portrays the social and economic problems with affirmative action for the privileged minority student. He reports, In the late 1960s nonwhite Americans clamored for access to higher education, and I became a principal beneficiary of the academys response, its programs of affirmative action (143). Ironically, the author now regrets having been involved with (or forced into) accepting the assistance these programs offered: For me there is no way to say it with grace. I say it rather with irony sharpened with self-pity. I say it with anger. It is a term that should never have been foisted on me. One I was wrong to accept (143). Potential students from the lowest socioeconomic groups were not even considered by institutions of higher learning simply because the colleges only looked at the boxes checked on applications, and not the actual students financial needs. The author explains, Most blacks simply couldnt afford tuition for higher education. And, beca use the primary and secondary schooling blacks received was usually poor, few qualified for admission. Many were so culturally alienated that they never thought to apply; they couldnt even imagine themselves going toShow MoreRelatedHunger of Memory2061 Words à |à 9 PagesHunger of Memory: The Education of Richard Rodrà guez Hunger of Memory is an autobiography of the writer Richard Rodrà guez and his transition from youth to manhood told through a series of recollected stories. The premise of his writing was centered mainly on his struggle to maintain both his Mexican heritage and closeness to his Spanish-speaking family, while at the same time being assimilated into American culture and obtaining an advanced education. Within the book Richard Rodrà guezRead More Hunger Of Memory Essay628 Words à |à 3 Pages The theme of separation is an important development in the novels Hunger of Memory and How the Garcia Girls lost their Accent. The novels deal with separation differently. For Hunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez, the separation allows Richard to move from the private world to the public world. Here, separation is a movement for a solution, which is citizenship. In How the Garcia Girls Lost their Accent by Julia Alvarez, the separation is an effect from Antojo. Richard Rodriguez immediately recognizesRead MoreHunger of Memory Precis1278 Words à |à 6 PagesMolina 1 English 116 Professor J. Flynn November 06, 2013 To Care or Not to Care: Obamacare For the past years, our countryââ¬â¢s health care programs have been asked and petitioned to be improved. President Obama took action into account and decided it was time for our nation to have an affordable and well operated health care program, known as Obamacare. A bill that would allow us to grow and succeed at an affordable cost, but to what expense? Obamacare has severe consequences that willRead MoreHunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez1011 Words à |à 4 Pages To be an ethnic American is a culture all on its own. Hunger of memory by Richard Rodrà guez gives an insight into the rarely viewed world. A person that no longer falls into either category of family or American community. Such an individual is stuck between two worlds, in which two different cultures collide yet form a rift through family, language and education. Family is the first thing anybody grows to know. You become familiarized with the traditions and the people of the unit. In the caseRead MoreHunger Of Memory By Richard Rodriquez1268 Words à |à 6 PagesAmerican soil. Anything from racial discrimination or bias at work, in neighborhoods, at school, etc., can all be challenges that people encounter when making a move to the U.S. Such challenges are described by Richard Rodriquez in his autobiography Hunger of Memory. In this passage, he explains how cultural differences between Mexican and American ways of life have shaped him into the person that he is today. He also chooses to highlights the problems that he faces growing up in a predominately white neighborhoodRead MoreHunger of Memory, by Richard Rodriguez1459 Words à |à 6 Pagesas a main struggle for Richard Rodriguez, Luis Rodriguez, Sandra Cineros, and Victor Villasenor and Avtavio Paz. Their writing reflects clear pictures about the challenges and the problems they face to keep going on with their objectives. In Hunger of Memory, by Richard Rodriguez, the author writes his autobiography talking about his life when he was in elementary school. His story starts when his family immigrated to the United State when he was a very young. The author is shy and not confidentRead MoreHunger of Memory: Religion Essay667 Words à |à 3 PagesHunger of Memory: Religion Rodriguez is very open about Catholicism and the identities and views that he has had in his life both as a child and now as an adult. He begins by explaining how as a child, the Church had a profound impact on his everyday life. The Church had ââ¬Å"an extraordinarily physical presenceâ⬠in Rodriguezââ¬â¢s early life as he had a church and a catholic school both within one block in either direction of his home (Rodriguez pg 85). As a young boy, Rodriguezââ¬â¢s first taste of churchRead MoreHunger of Memory by Richard Rodriguez620 Words à |à 2 PagesIn Richard Rodriguez autobiography, Hunger of Memory, Richard himself writes about his educational journey. Rodriguez wrote such book in 1982. The book revolves around the life a young immigrant child, whom has a difficult time understanding how to adapt himself in the given environment. Furthermore, the book navigates the readers though Richards transition form boyhood to adulthood. Not only so, but Richard discusses h ow the opportunities that were presented to him altered his viewpoints in lifeRead More`` Hunger Of Memory `` By Taghreed Alhaddab Essay1829 Words à |à 8 Pageseducation and social mobility have a connection has been around for many years, with people having different views and perspectives on this topic. Some may say the two has no relation at all, while some, like Richard Rodriguez in his autobiography, Hunger of Memory, may presents his argument that education plays a role in social mobility but because of other factors such as affirmative action, obtaining a higher education, after all, does not necessarily mean upward mobility. The purpose of affirmativeRead MoreEducation In Richard Rodriguezs The Hunger Of Memory977 Words à |à 4 PagesRichard Rodriguez, the author of ââ¬Å"The Hunger of Memory,â⬠is a Mexican man who rose above prejudices to become a distinguished member of society through education. Sherman Alexie, the author of ââ¬Å"Superman and Me,â⬠is a Native American man who grew up on an Indian reservation with a love of books and a penchant for learning in an attempt to exceed further than the predetermined path set in front of him. Rodriguez perceives education as something that has built a division between him and his family but
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
Quality Engineering And Management Systems Education Essay Free Essays
string(65) " makes it comparatively easy to gauge the truth of consequences\." SamplingA is that portion ofA statisticalA pattern concerned with the choice of an indifferent orA randomA subset of single observations within a population of persons intended to give some cognition about theA populationA of concern, particularly for the intents of doing anticipations based onA statistical illation. Sampling is an of import facet ofA informations collection.AL The three chief advantages of trying are that the cost is lower, informations aggregation is faster, and since the information set is smaller it is possible to guarantee homogeneousness and to better the truth and quality of the informations. We will write a custom essay sample on Quality Engineering And Management Systems Education Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now EachA observationA mensurate one or more belongingss ( such as weight, location, colour ) of discernible organic structures distinguished as independent objects or persons. InA study sampling, study weights can be applied to the informations to set for theA sample design. Results fromA chance theoryA andA statistical theoryA are employed to steer pattern. Stipulating aA trying frame, aA setA of points or events possible to mensurate Stipulating aA trying methodA for choosing points or events from the frame Successful statistical pattern is based on focussed job definition. In trying, this includes specifying theA populationA from which our sample is drawn. A population can be defined as including all people or points with the characteristic one want to understand. Because there is really seldom adequate clip or money to garner information from everyone or everything in a population, the end becomes happening a representative sample ( or subset ) of that population. Although the population of involvement frequently consists of physical objects, sometimes we need to try over clip, infinite, or some combination of these dimensions. For case, an probe of supermarket staffing could analyze check-out procedure line length at assorted times, or a survey on endangered penguins might take to understand their use of assorted runing evidences over clip. For the clip dimension, the focal point may be on periods or distinct occasions. Sampling frame In the most straightforward instance, such as the sentencing of a batch of stuff from production ( credence sampling by tonss ) , it is possible to place and mensurate every individual point in the population and to include any one of them in our sample. However, in the more general instance this is non possible. There is no manner to place all rats in the set of all rats. Not all frames explicitly list population elements. For illustration, a street map can be used as a frame for a door-to-door study ; although it does nââ¬â¢t demo single houses, we can choose streets from the map and so see all houses on those streets. The sampling frame must be representative of the population and this is a inquiry outside the range of statistical theory demanding the judgement of experts in the peculiar capable affair being studied. All the above frames omit some people who will vote at the following election and incorporate some people who will non ; some frames will incorporate multiple records for the same individual. Peoples non in the frame have no chance of being sampled. Statistical theory Tells us about the uncertainnesss in generalizing from a sample to the frame. In generalizing from frame to population, its function is motivational and implicative. A frame may besides supply extra ââ¬Ëauxiliary information ââ¬Ë about its elements ; when this information is related to variables or groups of involvement, it may be used to better study design. Probability and non chance trying AA chance samplingA strategy is one in which every unit in the population has a opportunity ( greater than zero ) of being selected in the sample, and this chance can be accurately determined. The combination of these traits makes it possible to bring forth indifferent estimations of population sums, by burdening sampled units harmonizing to their chance of choice. Probability trying includes: Simple Random Sampling, Systematic Sampling, and Stratified Sampling, Probability Proportional to Size Sampling, and Cluster or Multistage Sampling. These assorted ways of chance trying have two things in common: Every component has a known nonzero chance of being sampled and Involves random choice at some point. Nonprobability samplingA is any trying method where some elements of the population haveA noA opportunity of choice, or where the chance of choice ca nââ¬â¢t be accurately determined. It involves the choice of elements based on premises sing the population of involvement, which forms the standard for choice. Hence, because the choice of elements is nonrandom, nonprobability sampling does non let the appraisal of trying mistakes. These conditions place bounds on how much information a sample can supply about the population. Information about the relationship between sample and population is limited, doing it hard to generalize from the sample to the population. Nonprobability Sampling includes: A Accidental Sampling, A Quota SamplingA andA Purposive Sampling. In add-on, nonresponse effects may turnA anyA chance design into a nonprobability design if the features of nonresponse are non good understood, since nonresponse efficaciously modifies each component ââ¬Ës chance of being sampled. Sampling methods Within any of the types of frame identified above, a assortment of trying methods can be employed, separately or in combination. Factors normally act uponing the pick between these designs include: Nature and quality of the frame Handiness of subsidiary information about units on the frame Accuracy demands, and the demand to mensurate truth Whether detailed analysis of the sample is expected Cost/operational concerns Simple random trying In aA simple random sampleA ( ââ¬ËSRS ââ¬Ë ) of a given size, all such subsets of the frame are given an equal chance. Each component of the frame therefore has an equal chance of choice: the frame is non subdivided or partitioned. Furthermore, any givenA pairA of elements has the same opportunity of choice as any other such brace ( and likewise for three-base hits, and so on ) . This minimises prejudice and simplifies analysis of consequences. In peculiar, the discrepancy between single consequences within the sample is a good index of discrepancy in the overall population, which makes it comparatively easy to gauge the truth of consequences. You read "Quality Engineering And Management Systems Education Essay" in category "Essay examples" However, SRS can be vulnerable to trying mistake because the entropy of the choice may ensue in a sample that does nââ¬â¢t reflect the make-up of the population. For case, a simple random sample of 10 people from a given state willA on averageA produce five work forces and five adult females, but any given test is likely to overrepresent one sex and underrepresent the other.A SRS may besides be cumbrous and boring when trying from an remarkably big mark population. In some instances, research workers are interested in research inquiries specific to subgroups of the population. For illustration, research workers might be interested in analyzing whether cognitive ability as a forecaster of occupation public presentation is every bit applicable across racial groups. SRS can non suit the demands of research workers in this state of affairs because it does non supply subsamples of the population. Systematic sampling Systematic samplingA relies on set uping the mark population harmonizing to some telling strategy and so choosing elements at regular intervals through that ordered list. Systematic trying involves a random start and so returns with the choice of everyA kth component from so onwards. In this instance, A k= ( population size/sample size ) . It is of import that the starting point is non automatically the first in the list, but is alternatively indiscriminately chosen from within the first to theA kth component in the list. Equally long as the get downing point isA randomized, systematic sampling is a type ofA chance trying. It is easy to implement and theA stratificationA induced can do it efficient, A ifA the variable by which the list is ordered is correlated with the variable of involvement. However, systematic sampling is particularly vulnerable to cyclicities in the list. If cyclicity is present and the period is a multiple or factor of the interval used, the sample is particularly likely to beA unrepresentative of the overall population, doing the strategy less accurate than simple random sampling. Another drawback of systematic sampling is that even in scenarios where it is more accurate than SRS, its theoretical belongingss make it hard toA quantifyA that truth. Systematic sampling is an EPS method, because all elements have the same chance of choice. Stratified sampling Where the population embraces a figure of distinguishable classs, the frame can be organized by these classs into separate ââ¬Å" strata. â⬠Each stratum is so sampled as an independent sub-population, out of which single elements can be indiscriminately selected. There are several possible benefits to stratified sampling. First, spliting the population into distinguishable, independent strata can enable research workers to pull illations about specific subgroups that may be lost in a more generalised random sample. Second, using a graded sampling method can take to more efficient statistical estimations ( provided that strata are selected based upon relevancy to the standard in inquiry, alternatively of handiness of the samples ) . Even if a graded sampling attack does non take to increased statistical efficiency, such a maneuver will non ensue in less efficiency than would simple random sampling, provided that each stratum is relative to the group ââ¬Ës size in the population. Third, it is sometimes the instance that informations are more readily available for single, preexistent strata within a population than for the overall population ; in such instances, utilizing a graded sampling attack may be more convenient than aggregating informations across groups ( though this may potentially be at odds with the antecedently noted importance of using criterion-relevant strata ) . Finally, since each stratum is treated as an independent population, different trying attacks can be applied to different strata, potentially enabling research workers to utilize the attack best suited ( or most cost-efficient ) for each identified subgroup within the population. A graded sampling attack is most effectual when three conditions are met Variability within strata are minimized Variability between strata are maximized The variables upon which the population is stratified are strongly correlated with the coveted dependant variable. Advantages over other trying methods Focuss on of import subpopulations and ignores irrelevant 1s. Allows usage of different trying techniques for different subpopulations. Improves the accuracy/efficiency of appraisal. Licenses greater reconciliation of statistical power of trials of differences between strata by trying equal Numberss from strata changing widely in size. Disadvantages Requires choice of relevant stratification variables which can be hard. Is non utile when there are no homogenous subgroups. Can be expensive to implement. Probability proportional to size sampling In some instances the sample interior decorator has entree to an ââ¬Å" subsidiary variable â⬠or ââ¬Å" size step â⬠, believed to be correlated to the variable of involvement, for each component in the population. This information can be used to better truth in sample design. One option is to utilize the subsidiary variable as a footing for stratification, as discussed above. Another option is probability-proportional-to-size ( ââ¬ËPPS ââ¬Ë ) sampling, in which the choice chance for each component is set to be relative to its size step, up to a upper limit of 1. In a simple PPS design, these choice chances can so be used as the footing forA Poisson sampling. However, this has the drawbacks of variable sample size, and different parts of the population may still be over- or under-represented due to opportunity fluctuation in choices. To turn to this job, PPS may be combined with a systematic attack. The PPS attack can better truth for a given sample size by concentrating sample on big elements that have the greatest impact on population estimations. PPS sampling is normally used for studies of concerns, where component size varies greatly and subsidiary information is frequently available ââ¬â for case, a study trying to mensurate the figure of guest-nights spent in hotels might utilize each hotel ââ¬Ës figure of suites as an subsidiary variable. In some instances, an older measuring of the variable of involvement can be used as an subsidiary variable when trying to bring forth more current estimations. Bunch trying Sometimes it is cheaper to ââ¬Ëcluster ââ¬Ë the sample in some manner e.g. by choosing respondents from certain countries merely, or certain time-periods merely. ( About all samples are in some sense ââ¬Ëclustered ââ¬Ë in clip ââ¬â although this is seldom taken into history in the analysis. ) Cluster samplingA is an illustration of ââ¬Ëtwo-stage trying ââ¬Ë or ââ¬Ëmultistage trying ââ¬Ë : in the first phase a sample of countries is chosen ; in the 2nd phase a sample of respondentsA withinA those countries is selected. This can cut down travel and other administrative costs. It besides means that one does non necessitate aA trying frameA naming all elements in the mark population. Alternatively, bunchs can be chosen from a cluster-level frame, with an element-level frame created merely for the selected bunchs. Cluster trying by and large increases the variableness of sample estimations above that of simple random sampling, depending on how the bunchs differ between themselves, as compared with the within-cluster fluctuation. However, some of the disadvantages of bunch trying are the trust of sample estimation preciseness on the existent bunchs chosen. If bunchs chosen are biased in a certain manner, illations drawn about population parametric quantities from these sample estimations will be far off from being accurate. Matched random trying A method of delegating participants to groups in which brace of participants are foremost matched on some characteristic and so separately assigned indiscriminately to groups. The process for matched random sampling can be briefed with the following contexts, Two samples in which the members are clearly paired, or are matched explicitly by the research worker. For illustration, IQ measurings or braces of indistinguishable twins. Those samples in which the same property, or variable, is measured twice on each topic, under different fortunes. Normally called perennial steps. Examples include the times of a group of jocks for 1500m before and after a hebdomad of particular preparation ; the milk outputs of cattles before and after being fed a peculiar diet. Quota trying InA quota sampling, the population is foremost segmented intoA reciprocally exclusiveA sub-groups, merely as inA stratified trying. Then judgement is used to choose the topics or units from each section based on a specified proportion. For illustration, an interviewer may be told to try 200 females and 300 males between the age of 45 and 60. It is this 2nd measure which makes the technique one of non-probability sampling. In quota trying the choice of the sample is non-random. For illustration interviewers might be tempted to interview those who look most helpful. The job is that these samples may be biased because non everyone gets a opportunity of choice. This random component is its greatest failing and quota versus chance has been a affair of contention for many old ages Convenience sampling Convenience samplingA is a type of nonprobability trying which involves the sample being drawn from that portion of the population which is close to manus. That is, a sample population selected because it is readily available and convenient. The research worker utilizing such a sample can non scientifically do generalisations about the entire population from this sample because it would non be representative plenty. For illustration, if the interviewer was to carry on such a study at a shopping centre early in the forenoon on a given twenty-four hours, the people that he/she could interview would be limited to those given there at that given clip, which would non stand for the positions of other members of society in such an country, if the study was to be conducted at different times of twenty-four hours and several times per hebdomad. This type of trying is most utile for pilot proving. Several of import considerations for research workers utilizing convenience samples include: Are there controls within the research design or experiment which can function to decrease the impact of a non-random, convenience sample whereby guaranting the consequences will be more representative of the population? Is at that place good ground to believe that a peculiar convenience sample would or should react or act otherwise than a random sample from the same population? Is the inquiry being asked by the research 1 that can adequately be answered utilizing a convenience sample? Panel sampling Panel samplingA is the method of first choosing a group of participants through a random trying method and so inquiring that group for the same information once more several times over a period of clip. Therefore, each participant is given the same study or interview at two or more clip points ; each period of informations aggregation is called a ââ¬Å" moving ridge â⬠. This trying methodological analysis is frequently chosen for big graduated table or nation-wide surveies in order to estimate alterations in the population with respect to any figure of variables from chronic unwellness to occupation emphasis to weekly nutrient outgos. Panel sampling can besides be used to inform research workers about within-person wellness alterations due to age or aid explicate alterations in uninterrupted dependent variables such as bridal interaction. There have been several proposed methods of analysing panel sample informations, including MANOVA, growing curves, and structural equation p atterning with lagged effects. Replacement of selected units Sampling strategies may beA without replacementA orA with replacing. For illustration, if we catch fish, mensurate them, and instantly return them to the H2O before go oning with the sample, this is a WR design, because we might stop up catching and mensurating the same fish more than one time. However, if we do non return the fish to the H2O ( e.g. if we eat the fish ) , this becomes a WOR design. Formulas Where the frame and population are indistinguishable, statistical theory outputs exact recommendations onA sample size. However, where it is non straightforward to specify a frame representative of the population, it is more of import to understand theA cause systemA of which the population are results and to guarantee that all beginnings of fluctuation are embraced in the frame. Large Numberss of observations are of no value if major beginnings of fluctuation are neglected in the survey. In other words, it is taking a sample group that matches the study class and is easy to study. Research Information Technology, Learning, and Performance JournalA that provides an account of Cochran ââ¬Ës expression. A treatment and illustration of sample size expressions, including the expression for seting the sample size for smaller populations, is included. A tabular array is provided that can be used to choose the sample size for a research job based on three alpha degrees and a set mistake rate. Stairss for utilizing sample size tabular arraies Contend the consequence size of involvement, Ià ± , and I? . Check sample size tabular array Choose the tabular array matching to the selected Ià ± Locate the row matching to the coveted power Locate the column matching to the estimated consequence size The intersection of the column and row is the minimal sample size required. Sampling and informations aggregation Good informations aggregation involves: Following the defined sampling procedure Keeping the information in clip order Noting remarks and other contextual events Recording non-responses Most sampling books and documents written by non-statisticians focused merely in the informations aggregation facet, which is merely a little though of import portion of the sampling procedure. Mistakes in research There are ever mistakes in a research. By trying, the entire mistakes can be classified into trying mistakes and non-sampling mistakes. Sampling mistake Sampling mistakes are caused by trying design. It includes: ( 1 ) A Selection mistake: Incorrect choice chances are used. ( 2 ) A Estimation mistake: Biased parametric quantity estimation because of the elements in these samples. Non-sampling mistake Non-sampling mistakes are caused by the errors in informations processing. It includes: ( 1 ) A Overcoverage: Inclusion of informations from exterior of the population. ( 2 ) A Undercoverage: Sampling frame does non include elements in the population. ( 3 ) A Measurement mistake: The respondents misunderstand the inquiry. ( 4 ) A Processing mistake: Mistakes in informations cryptography. In many state of affairss the sample fraction may be varied by stratum and informations will hold to be weighted to right stand for the population. Thus for illustration, a simple random sample of persons in the United Kingdom might include some in distant Scots islands who would be extraordinarily expensive to try. A cheaper method would be to utilize a graded sample with urban and rural strata. The rural sample could be under-represented in the sample, but weighted up suitably in the analysis to counterbalance. More by and large, informations should normally be weighted if the sample design does non give each person an equal opportunity of being selected. For case, when families have equal choice chances but one individual is interviewed from within each family, this gives people from big families a smaller opportunity of being interviewed. This can be accounted for utilizing study weights. Similarly, families with more than one telephone line have a greater opportunity of being selected in a random figure dialing sample, and weights can set for this. How to cite Quality Engineering And Management Systems Education Essay, Essay examples
Tuesday, April 28, 2020
Politics, Institutions and Project Finance The Dabhol Power Project
Background The Dabhol Power project was controversial from start. This came at a time when India opened the power sector to foreign direct investments. In an attempt to attract investors to finance the sector, Indian officials visited US to seek investment and technological resources for the sector.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Politics, Institutions and Project Finance: The Dabhol Power Project specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More During this visit, Enron officials expressed their interest in commissioning a private power plant. In June, Enron official visited the site in India. The project cost amounted to US$3.1 billion. There was hurry in signing the agreement for the cost of the project. ââ¬Å"Neither central nor state government engaged independent technical assistance or conducted a financial appraisal of the project and the main contract was concluded without competitive bidding of any kindâ⬠(C ustom Book, 2011). Two months after signing the contract, Enron submitted a comprehensive implementation proposal. According to the proposal, execution of the project was to be in two phases. Phase one involved construction of 695MW gas fired power station. Phase two involved construction of additional 1,320MW gas fire plant. The total capacity of the plant was to be 2015MW. In May 1999, completion of phase one occurred. The Maharashtra government proposed to stop the project because the power produced was too much expensive. Maharashtra State Electricity Board defaulted on payments to Dabhol Power Corporation. These problems continued for some time. Thereafter, the board of Dabhol Power Corporation authorized the management to terminate the contract any time (Custom Book, 2011). This treatise discusses the inherent risks in the project.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Risk Breakdown Structure Risk management is necessary before and during execution of a project. The process of risk management attempts to identify and assess risks. This process allows for clear understanding of risk and effective management of risk. A project manager needs to mitigate risks so as to ensure success of a project (Hillson Simon, 2007). A project manager can use various models to assess risk of a project. According to Hillson (2002), risk breakdown structure is a ââ¬Å"source oriented grouping of project risks that organizes and defines the total risk exposure of the project. Each descending level represents an increasingly detailed definition of sources of risk to the projectâ⬠(Hillson, 2002). Therefore, this structure breaks down risk in various categories. Risk breakdown structure for the Dabhol Project is as shown below. Table 1.0 Level 0 Level 1 Level 2 Level 3 Project Risk Political Changing political environment Political instability Bureaucracy In efficiency Slow moving administration of state Conflict in prices over approved projects. Re-examination of prices Approval of projects without proper appraisal Lack of survey of the political environment Economic Currency Fluctuations in currency since the project was in US dollars Inflation resulting from high cost of the project Commercial Expensive power purchase agreement Lack of proper valuation of the project Lack of environmental scan such as PESTLE analysis Lack of approval of the project by the relevant authorities Lack of appraisal of the project Unfavorable labor market Lack of analysis of the conditions of the foreign direct investments Instability of financial markets in India Lack of expertise to execute the project in the host country Unavailability of raw materials High cost of externalities Failure to analyze the sources of funds Environmental and human rights Environmental damage Pollution of fresh water Diversion of fresh water to the project Contamination of salt water which affects aquatic animal Land grabbing for the project. Human rights Harassment of protest leaders Arrogance to the staff members and lack of transparency Violation of human rights Lack of involving the community in planning and execution of the project Legal Consistency the Indian laws Some of the elements in the agreement may not agree with Indian laws Stringent laws in the host country Potentially most critical risks A risk breakdown structure lists down all possible risks of a project in different categories such as legal, technological, political environment, competition, human rights, economic, and management. These categories depend on the nature of the project. Risk breakdown structure helps in comparing projects or tenders. It also helps in risk reporting. A project with high risk exposure is likely to be unattractive.Advertising We will write a custom case study sample on Politics, Institutions and Project Finance: The Dabhol Power Project spe cifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More From the risk breakdown structure, it is apparent that some risks are more critical than others. Therefore, it is necessary to separate the risks based on their impact on a project. From the above breakdown, the most critical risks of the project are political, economic, political, environmental and human rights (Heldman, 2005). A list of these risks is as summarized below. Table 1.1 List of risks Rank Level 1 Level 2 1 Political Change in political environment 2 Economic Currency Commercial 3 Environmental and human rights Environmental damage Human rights Analysis of nature of each risk and the factors that cause them Political risk The Dabhol Project occurred when the country had changing political environment. Politics determines approval and survival of such projects. Approval of the multibillion dollar project highly depends on the political leaders. The contract with Enron was legal ly valid and had nothing to do with politics. However, the buyer of the Dabhol product was the state (Maharashtra State Electricity Board). Therefore, Enron had to maintain a relationship with its customer (government). ââ¬Å"Problems arose since it failed essentially to notice that power and politics permeate deals with governmentâ⬠(Custom Book, 2011). ââ¬Å"MSEB rescinded the power contract in May 2001 because it was too expensiveâ⬠(Custom Book, 2011). Therefore, lack of support from the government led to collapse of the project. Enron pulled out from the project and quoted a price for its equity in the company.Advertising Looking for case study on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More It is also apparent that the government also barred state owned companies from buying a stake in Dabhol. Failure to appraise the financial implications of the project by the Indian Government led to collapse of the project. Economic risk Maharashtra State Electricity Board was the sole buyer of Dabhol Corporationââ¬â¢s product. With a single buyer, the project faced a risk of collapse in the event that the buyer withdrew. The sole buyer withdrew from the project. This led to its collapsed (Crouhy, Galai and Mark, 2006). There was no survey of the market conditions of the project. Environmental and human rights A project manager should be cautious about damage on the environment inform of pollution. Also, it should be conscious about human rights. A project can face resistance as a result of lack of adherence with these two. The Dabhol project led to ââ¬Å"pollution of fresh water, diversion of fresh water to the project site, potential contamination of salt water, and land acqui sitionâ⬠(Custom Book, 2011). It also led to brutal handling of the people who protested against the project. The project faced opposition from the community at large, human rights activists and environmentalists. This is because they ignored public complaints about the project. Termination of this project was the best option for the public. References Crouhy, M., Galai, D. Mark, R. (2006). The essentials of risk management. United States of America: McGraw Hill Companies. Custom Book, (2011). Project risk management: Casepack 2011. New York: John Wiley Sons. Heldman, K. (2005). Project managerââ¬â¢s spotlight on risk management. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Hillson, D. Simon, P. (2007). Practical project risk management: The ATOM methodology. Vienna, VA.: Management Concepts. Hillson D. (2002). Use a risk Breakdown Structure (RBS) to understand your risks. Web. This case study on Politics, Institutions and Project Finance: The Dabhol Power Project was written and submitted by user Danny Garrett 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.
Friday, March 20, 2020
Strength Within Creativity essays
Strength Within Creativity essays Despite oppression, African-American women of the past were able to overcome obstacles by taking on the role of artists. They relied on their creative spirits to carry them through their wretched existence. In Alice Walkers essay In Search of Our Mothers Gardens, she explains how the mothers and grandmothers of her generation held on to their dignity and strength through their expression of creativity. The boldness represented by this creativity shows the dynamic depth of their souls and the courage they found within it. Walker gives examples of some of these women in her essay and uses this method to effectively express her point. Women such as Mahalia Jackson, Elizabeth Catlett, and Frances Harper were able to rise above negative circumstances from their past by allowing their natural creativity to shine. Alice Walker wrote, Our mothers and grandmothers, some of them: moving to music not yet written. And they waited. They waited for a day when the unknown thing that was in them would be made known . . . (Walker 695). Although they were unable to openly express their creativity, they were able to pass it on to their daughters who would have deserving opportunities to be artists. As the granddaughter of a slave on a Louisiana plantation, Mahalia Jackson had the opportunity to allow her grandmother to be known as an artist. Mahalia started her singing career at the age of sixteen as a member of the Johnson Gospel Singers and later became the official soloist of the National Baptist Convention. Speaking of her great success, she stated, I dont work for money. I sing because I love to sing (Broughton 56). It is clear that women of this time were truly deep and passionate about their creativity because of their love for it. It is evident that their grandmothers live on through their lives. Although Mahalia Jackson is not mentioned in Walkers essay, ...
Tuesday, March 3, 2020
How to Procrastinate and Get Nothing Done - Proofed
How to Procrastinate and Get Nothing Done - Proofed How to Procrastinate and Get Nothing Done Are you getting too much work done? Would you rather spend your time worrying about deadlines? If so, follow our guide on how to procrastinate and watch your productivity drop instantly! The circle of procrastination. 1. Donââ¬â¢t Plan Anything If you really want to get nothing done, the last thing you need is a plan. After all, planning your working day will help you manage your time effectively and give you a sense of your overall progress. Instead, take on various tasks at random, regardless of how important or difficult they might be. If youââ¬â¢re lucky, youââ¬â¢ll get bogged down in something pointless and complex! 2. Find a Chaotic Environment It is much easier to be productive if you have a calm and controlled work environment. Ideally, this should be somewhere quiet and comfortable, with everything you need easily accessible nearby. However, if youââ¬â¢re looking to procrastinate, we suggest doing your work somewhere busy, uncomfortable, and noisy, such as a coffee shop during the lunchtime rush or a busy airport lounge. Yup. This seems like a good place to get work done.(Photo: Josh Hallett/flickr) 3. Check Twitter Constantly It goes without saying that social media is much more interesting than work. After all, why would you want to do anything useful when you could procrastinate by spending hours arguing with anonymous online strangers about whether Marvel or DC make the best superhero movies? And donââ¬â¢t forget that there is more to the internet than just Twitter and Facebook! There are literally thousands of ways to waste time online, so the procrastination opportunities are infinite. You can run, but your followers will find you eventually!(Image: Alan ORourke) 4. Blame Yourself Perhaps youââ¬â¢re already behind with your work. Well, now is the time to self-recriminate for your lack of productivity. By focusing on what you should have done so far instead of what you could do next, you can guarantee that you wonââ¬â¢t get anything useful done soon! 5. Try to Do Everything by Yourself When people work together, they are much more likely to get stuff done. And if you can ask a friend or a colleague for help with something difficult, you will find it much easier to achieve your goals. This is why the true procrastinator always works alone. If you try to take on every task by yourself with no assistance from anyone, any progress you do make will be slow and stressful. A Final Piece of Adviceâ⬠¦ Of course, if you actually want to get some work done, we recommend doing the opposite to everything weââ¬â¢ve said above. So, if you want to avoid procrastination, you can: Plan your work carefully and break it down into simple steps Create a calm, disturbance-free environment Use a website blocker to limit your access to online distractions Reward yourself for good behavior and forgive yourself for mistakes Donââ¬â¢t be afraid to ask for support! And remember that weââ¬â¢re here to help with proofreading, letting you focus on the important stuff.
Sunday, February 16, 2020
Managment Issues in the Global Family Business Essay
Managment Issues in the Global Family Business - Essay Example It has been said that most family businesses do not last more than two generations and that wealth barely lasts more than three generations (Lee 2008, p.8; Paisner 2007, p.7). Paisner (2007) notes that less than thirty percent of family-owned businesses have sustained their activities for more than two generations before shifting management, and even fewer businesses have managed to maintain their activity to the third generation. This implies that thousands of family businesses wrestle with myriad issues. Successor development, management transition, ownership transfer, creativity, and future focus are some of the issues that becloud the success of family businesses. Italian Family Business presents some of the key characteristics that determine the success or failure of family ventures all over the world. Multi, the owner of the restaurant, has to grapple with management issues and fights tooth and nail to prevent Guido from taking away the family business, something that many othe r similar businesses are grappling with. A look at the major characteristics of entrepreneurial businesses illuminates some of the gaps that might have landed Multi and his family into trouble. There is an unspoken misconception that creativity is only reserved for musicians and writers. This belief is commonplace in most family businesses. In others, there is an underlying conception regarding the usual manner of conducting business. Both mindsets can stifle business creativity, which is an antecedent to innovation, making it hard for family businesses to survive beyond two generations.
Sunday, February 2, 2020
Demographics of Durango Local Coffee Houses Research Paper
Demographics of Durango Local Coffee Houses - Research Paper Example Durango is indeed a small city relative to the highly commercialized and highly populated cities in New York and California. Out of the 5492 households, 22.4% have children below 18 years old who are still living with them, 34.2% of the population are married couples that live together while those under the age of 18 compose 16.6% of the population, 26.1% of the population from 18-24, 27.2% from 25-44 years old, 19.4% aged from 45-64 and 10.7% aged 65 or older (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.). In terms of income, only 7.3% of the population live below the poverty line, the median income for Durango households $34, 892 and the median income for families $50,814, while male are recorded to have higher incomes than females by a discrepancy of almost $7000 (Wikimedia Foundation, Inc.). Currently, there are five top local coffee shops in the city- Durango Joe's on College, Magpies Newsstand, Durango Coffee Company, Steaming Bean and Starbucks in Durango. I have done an individual study on these five local coffee companies to answer the queries regarding the demography of people who frequent these local coffee shops. To know their target customers is also one of the goals of the study. In addition to this, I have also observed the marketing strategies, specifically the advertising strategies that these coffee shops employ to attract their target customers, through direct observation and further research. Durango Joe's on College Starting the year with a bang was Durango Joe's, after its owner Joe Lloyd received the Entrepreneur of the year Award in January. Having a simple philosophy and goal of making each person's day alive with a cup of coffee, Durango Joe's branches are sprouting up all over the town to reach many of its customers (Durango Joe's Coffee). Durango Joe's has recently opened a branch in Farmington to add to its existing branches. Given my observations, Durango Joe's is frequented by diverse types of people specifically of females, who are at early age, particularly of 15-20, 20-25 and 25-30 age groups and with men who are at their late stage, 30-40,40-50 and 50-60 age groups. The younger women who visit the store are usually those who access the net for school or job requirements or who just want to enjoy the comfort and peace of the store. With available personal computers and internet access, these are possible for any consumer. These women are also the ones who usually bring in their books to the store and read while also enjoying a cup of coffee. This has been a habit among the young people especially the women and this explains the higher number of young women in Durango Joe's. Among the groups, older men at the age of 40-50 registered the highest frequency of Durango Joe's visit. The reason for this is that most of these middle aged men do come in groups, being friends or officemates. Durango Joe's has been the popular hub of this group of people who dine for precious chat and laughter. With the recently launched, online ordering, Durango Joe's is not just spreading market to diners but also to those who need instant coffee satisfaction away from retail locations. Magpies Newsstand What exactly makes the
Saturday, January 25, 2020
General ethics in film making
General ethics in film making Introduction Should the moral and ethical guidelines of documentary and mockumentary filmmaking be strictly adhered to if they impede on the overall artistic vision and message of the film? For the bases of this thesis I have chosen to answer this question through a discussion of the ethics of cinema vrit and the documentary/mockumentary style genre. In particular, I have chosen to focus my study on one film of this style of filmmaking. The 2006 film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan, often referred to simply as Borat! (Borat the character and Borat! the movie (hereafter Borat!), is a mockumentary comedy film directed by American filmmaker Larry Charles and distributed by 20th Century Fox. (1) It was written, produced by, and stars the English comedian Sacha Baron Cohen in the title role of a fictitious Kazakh journalist traveling through the United States, recording real-life interactions with Americans. The character of Borat himself is distingu ished by exaggeratedly strong misogyny, anti-Semitism and antiziganism (racism against Romani people or gypsies), which is depicted as, apparently, the norm in his homeland of Kazakhstan. The character of Borat was originally created by Sacha Baron Cohen. He was used as a character for Da Ali G Show, a related satirical TV series starring Baron Cohen and featuring amongst others the title character Ali G and Borat. The first series of Da Ali G Show originally aired on Channel 4 in the UK in 2000. In the series, Baron Cohen carries out ridiculous interviews with unsuspecting people (including celebrities and high- ranking officials). (2.) This film Borat!, is shot in mockumentary style using handheld and often hidden cameras. A mockumentary is essentially a mock documentary, a parody of the earnest nature of the documentary genre (3). As a medium, it is most successful when the traditional documentary structure is maintained or exaggerated. Mockumentary filmmaking is made under much of the same genre rules as that of Cinema Vrit. Interviews in a mockumentary are deliberately tiresome, with the interviewers reaction shots obviously edited at a later date for either comic effect (4). Often, even the shooting and editing of a mockumentary compared to a genuine documentary is different. The sincere documentarian, such as Werner Herzog in Grizzly Man (2005) will edit any embarrassing, non-plot relevant or self-indulgent interviews before the point that the audience will laugh at the character. Grizzly Man documents Timothy Treadwells infantile affection for bears, his anger at society, his raging narcissism, his paranoia and finally the tragic deaths of Treadwell and his girlfriend (still .01) in October 2003. (.5) (still .01) Outtakes from Timothy Treadwells original video footage were later screened for the first time as part of the exclusive companion film. In order to put Treadwells experience into context.(6.) Whereas, the mockumentary filmmaker will intentionally leave these embarrassing edits in the finished film for comic effect. In doing so, the moral and ethical dilemmas faced by professional documentarians are, for the purpose of the film, overlooked so as to get the best result, joke, outrageous comment, or sound bite in most cases. An example of this is Michael Moores Roger and Me (1989) when Bob Eubank (still .02) host of US game-show The Newlywed Game is shown telling an off-color joke: Why do Jewish women never get AIDS? They only marry a**holes, they dont screw em. Eubanks claims that he only told the joke because he thought the camera was off. (7.) (still .02) Borat is part of a cinematic tradition of using mockery to diminish the power of political, social and cultural oppressors.(8.) This is done by exposing the absurdity of their control, much like past great films such as Charlie Chaplins The Dictator (1940) and Stanley Kubricks Dr.Strangelove (1964 ) Within the first chapter of this thesis, I define and address the core elements of cinema vrit and compare and contrast it to that of Direct Cinema and sincere documentary filmmaking. The moral code of ethics that filmmakers use as guidelines when first approaching the public as subjects for their films will also be addressed. For the basis of my second and third chapters, I take the case study of Borat! and form an argument around the mockumentary genre in relation to ethical dilemmas. In Chapter Two, I addres s the ethical oversights on the part of the filmmakers and the careless treatment of their subjects. I isolate and identify scenes and cases within the Borat! film as examples of how the filmmakers fail to respect the moral and ethical guidelines that inform other documentaries. By relating film practice to this established codes of ethics I show how the filmmakers jeopardized the rights of the people used in the film, such as the fraternity brothers and the residents of the village of Glod. I show one side of the argument in the second chapter. This argument explains with the use of examples, how the filmmaker has taken advantage of the subjects or in some cases used their likeness without proper informed consent(9.) in order to stay true to the artistic vision of the film. I look to detail the actions of both the subject and the filmmakers as well as the anatomy of the scene and the level of interaction and knowledge that the filmmakers offered the subject before participating in the project, if any. I also address the resulting effect on the subject. In doing so, I show that the filmmakers artistic vision and message, no matter how great or relevant, can have a long lasting negative effect on the subjects and participants of the film when they are duped into being pawns and unsuspecting foils to the main comedic actor playing a part with a hidden camera. The third chapter of the thesis, however, I show how the artistic vision was sincere and that the right to public freedom of speech was fairly used for the greater message and intent of the film. My goal is ultimately to present both sides of the same argument and through doing so, construct a complete and informed judgment on the moral and social goals of the film, as a satire, which I will present in my conclusion. This will prove that the actions of the filmmakers, although morally unethical, were still legal and artistically relevant. Borat! aims to set an important precedent that the artistic vision and the use of comedy or social satire are crucial to the success of the mockumentary genre of filmmaking. In the context of Borat! I choose specific examples, to address the intention behind the filmmakers conduct towards their subjects. Chapter One The Theory Of General Ethics Relating To cinema vrit And Direct Cinema In Modern Film Making. In this chapter I define the theory of ethics in relation to professional and employee ethics, in the relevant context of filmmaking. Because this thesis is about mockumentary filmmaking it will first help to establish the ethical foundations for the circles of filmmakers and other professionals working in this genre. When dealing with the subject genre of documentary and/or mockumentary filmmaking, it is first crucial is define a difference between the two. The word documentary was coined by Scottish documentarian John Grierson (10.) Griersons principles of documentary were that cinemas potential for observing life could be exploited in a new art form and that the original actor or subject and original scene are better guides than their fiction counterparts to interpreting the modern world. A mockumentary is essentially a parody of the documentary nature of filmmaking and is successful when the structure of a traditional documentary is exaggerated. These films are not unlike the cinema vrit filmmaking style, was most prolific in 1960/70s French filmmaking and/or Direct Cinema films. Although the terms are often used interchangeably, cinema vrit and Direct Cinema are two distinct documentary film sub-genres. Direct Cinema rose from the French film movement of the 1960s that strove for candid realism by showing people in everyday situations with authentic dialogue (11.) Influenced by documentary filmmaking and Italian Neorealism, the method produced examples such as Jean Rouchs Chronicle of a Summer (1961) (12.) and Chris Markers Joli Mai (1962). (13.) A similar movement in the U.S, captured the reality of a person or an event by using a handheld camera to record action without narration, as in Frederick Wisemans Titicut Follies (1967) (14.) and the Maysles brothers Salesman (1969) (still .03)(15.) (still .03) There are subtle yet important differences among the terms Direct Cinema and cinema vrit. Direct Cinema is largely concerned with the recording of events in which the subject and audience become unaware of the cameras presence. Direct Cinema is essentially what is now called a fly on the wall documentary. Originating in the late 1950s, Direct Cinema was made possible by the advent of lighter, more portable cameras, which could be hand-held and operated with a very small crew.(16.) This lean shooting style allowed filmmakers to change locations and camera angles easily and spontaneously, which resulted in a degree of intimacy never before seen on screen to date. The Direct Cinema filmmakers role involves not attempting to change the outcome of the events. He or she is filming in an observational context and ideally should not use the film to advance any type of political or social agenda. Direct Cinema filmmakers are generally interested in accurate reporting, regardless of the outcome. Cinma vrit, which means Truthful Cinema, combines naturalistic techniques with stylized editing and camerawork. Scenes are sometimes staged and the camera is used to provoke subjects. (17.) It is also known for taking a provocative stance toward its topics. 13 Cinema vrit filmmakers, while still interested in the recording of true events, typically have an agenda in their work, which sets them apart from Direct Cinema. Michael Moores documentaries Roger and Me (1989) (still .05) and Bowling For Columbine (2002) are examples of modern cinema vrit. (still .04) (still .05) In recent years, these types of movies have often featured the filmmaker himself, as in the case of Borat! (still .04), taking part in the action onscreen. Cinma vrit involves stylized set-ups and interactions between the filmmakers and their subjects, even to the point of provocation, which in the case of Borat! will become apparent. The presence of the filmmaker and camera is used as a tool in a way to reveal the truth from the subject. The camera is obviously apparent and always acknowledged. It performs the raw act of filming real people and events in a confrontational and sometimes absurd way. This raises interesting questions about the illusion of cinema, while faced with these styles of filmmaking, the audience is forced to confront the paradox of the truth claim in documentary cinema by mixing direct documentation 14 (fact direct cinema) and reenactment with characters playing themselves (fiction cinema vrit) in order to suggest that perhaps they are one in the same. The cinema vrit filmmaker acts as the catalyst of the situation. A much discussed example of cinema vrit would be the film that will become the topic of discussion throughout the course of this thesis Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (2006) directed by Larry Charles and starring Sacha Baron Cohen. It is hardly surprising that documentary and mockumentary films present ethical problems, in relation to the royalty to the original artistic concept and vision of the filmmakers, to the audience as a willing participant and, of course, the filmed subject as the focus basis of the film. In order to regulate all parties, production companies operate from a code of ethics rather then a strict legal binding. Ethics are important, because they give people a shared basis of understanding in rela tion to the concepts of right and wrong. When the public is involved, it helps the filmmakers to have a ready understanding of how to react to a certain situation if some dilemma should arise. A Code Of Ethics is essentially a set of guidelines that are designed to set out acceptable behaviours for members of a particular group, in this case filmmakers. Generally, production companies and film crews govern themselves with a code of ethics, especially when they handle sensitive issues like likeness rights, taking the subjects life situation into the equation and interactions with other cultures. In addition to setting a professional standard, a code of ethics can also increase confidence in an organization by showing outsiders that, members of the organization are committed to following basic ethical guidelines in the course of doing their work.(18.) 15 The Code primarily consists of four overall ethical principles, Respect, Competence, Responsibility and Integrity. In relation to the respect for the rights and dignity of the person, this principle requires of filmmakers treat their clients as persons of intrinsic worth with a right to determine their own priorities, that they respect clients dignity and give due regard to their moral and cultural values(19.) Film makers should take care not to intrude inappropriately on clients privacy and as far as possible, they shall ensure that clients understand and consent to whatever professional action they propose. The second point is that of competence. Filmmakers must constantly maintain and update their professional skills and ethical awareness.(20.) They should recognize that the knowledge of their own expertise and capacity for work are limited, and take care not to exceed the limits. The third point is responsibility. In their professional activities, filmmakers are required to act i n a trustworthy, reputable and accountable manner towards clients (subjects) and the community. They shall avoid doing harm to clients and research participants, and act to prevent harm caused by others. (21.) They should act positively to resolve ethical dilemmas and they should also ensure that those whom they supervise act ethically. Finally the fourth point is integrity. Filmmakers are obliged to be honest and accurate about their intentions, the effectiveness of the services that they offer, and their research findings. They are expected to treat their subjects in a fair, open and straightforward manner, honour professional commitments, and act to clarify any confusion about the subjects role or responsibilities. Where possible, they shall avoid the use of deception with research participants. They shall not use the professional relationship to exploit clients, sexually or otherwise, and they shall deal 16 actively with conflicts of interest. They shall take action against harmful or unethical behaviour in colleagues or members of other professions.(22.) When considering the production of either a Cinema Vrit or Direct Cinema film, it is important to weight in the moral and ethical dilemmas that the filmmakers must deal with in relation to the subjects of the proposed film. Whereas the Code Of Ethics serves to provide civic guidelines, the consent form acts as the legally binding part of the agreement. A consent form is A document explaining all relevant study information to assist the study volunteer (subject) in understanding the expectations and requirements of participation in a (filming) clinical trial. This document is presented to and signed by the study subject. (23.) A consent form is only relevant when signed under informed consent by the subject. Informed Consent is typically a medico-legal term when referring to medical practice, it is a form signed by the patient (or in th is case: subject) for the benefit of the surgeon (filmmaker) to perform treatment (filming). By signing a consent agreement to filming, the subject is stating that he or she is fully aware of his or her condition and understand the reasons why filmmaking is taking place and that he or she has agreed to that being carried out. The opposite of informed consent is informed refusal, in which like the consent acceptance, the subject in this case may also choose to refuse. Another aspect of the ethical guidebook be to considered with in the role of cinema vrit or Direct Cinema filmmaking is the maxim known as The Golden Rule or Ethic Of Reciprocity that essentially states that One should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself (24.) OR one should not treat others in ways that one would not like to be treated (negative form which is also called The Silver Rule.) 17 The Golden Rule is arguably the most essential basis for the modern concept of human rights, in which each individual has a right to just treatment, and a reciprocal responsibility to ensure justice for others. A key element of the Golden Rule in relation to documentary filmmaking is that the filmmaker, while attempting to film ethically treats their subjects with consideration, not just members of their crew. The Golden Rule is a moral and ethical guide; it is important to note that it is not strict legal merit. An objection to the Golden Rule is highlighted by Paul Treanor on his website, as he implies That I should transfer my perspective to the person affected, the one standing in front of me who will be affected by my action. But behind them may be another, who is affected by the person standing in front of me. (25.) These points have been highlighted in this chapter to give a wider insight into the ethical minefield that is taken on when entering into any practice with others f rom a professional and personal standpoint. As previously stated, these ethical codes have no legal bearing, but are relevant to all filmmakers when they engage with social actors for the purpose of making a cinema vrit or Direct Cinema film. It is the responsibility of all involved in the project to present a truthful and sincere front from the start. In the case of Borat!, the disagreements before and after filming from unwilling participants will highlight the misuse of these ethical codes and the results, both positive and negative. Chapter Two Subject Vs Artistic Vision The Ethical Responsibilities Of Borat! In Relation To Acquiring Consent From The Subject Within the context of mockumentary filmmaking, much like that of sincere documentaranians, the public are treated as social actors rather then fiction film performers. These subjects remain culturally relevent players. Their value as players resides not in the way they play a part but in a way their everyday behavior serves the needs of the filmmaker. But the question of garnering consent whether it be informed consent or consent defence, is an ethical maelstrom and this point is proven by the film Borat!. A film which managed simultaneously to offend Kazakhs, frighten Jewish Anti-Defamation Groups, annoy hypocritically thin-skinned Americans and spark off wide debate about its meaning and interpretation. Each filmmaker, production company and subject relationship works according to personal guidelines established either face-to-face or pre-organised and with mutual consent from each party. Precedents of ethical guidelines can only work to persuade the actions, so that each party is fully informed of the subject matter, representation and potential response of the subjects actions within the documentary which is done by acquiring informed consent. In the case of Borat! a variety of SLAPP cases have been brought against the filmmakers. The term Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation, known by the acronym SLAPP applies to a variety of different types of lawsuits, including those claiming libel, defamation, business interference, or conspiracy.(26.) Within the context of the film, the titular character Borat Sagdiyev is said to be from Kazakhstan. The Kazakhstan used in the film is a heavily fictionalized and satirized depiction of the former Soviet state. However, as it states in the (SLAPP) Defendants special motion to strike complaint record. Alarmed by the reportage of its fictitious reporter, the government of Kazakhstan launched a massive public relations an d diplomatic offensive, emphasizing its commitment to human rights and gender and 20 equality (27.) going so far as to release a four-page advertisement within the pages of The New York Times and to set-up presidential visits to the White House and 10 Downing Street. (still .06) Upon the release of the film the foreign ministry spokesman, Yerzhan Ashykbayev, told a news conference We view Mr. Cohens behaviour as utterly unacceptable, being a concoction of bad taste and ill manners which is completely incompatible with the ethics and civilized behavior of Kazakhstan people. (28.) Shortly before the release of the film too, the right to use the domain name www.borat.kz was suspended, and the site attached was closed down due to the site being hosted outside Kazakhstan and hosting false names.(29.) Kazakhstan was never actually filmed for the purpose of Borat! but rather used solely in namesake. Nicolae Todorache and Spiridom Ciorebea, residents of Glod, Romania, the village actually used to depict the satirized Kazakhstan (still .06), sued the filmmakers for 21 $30 million claiming they were misled into thinking they were participating in a documentary about the villages poverty and the rich heritage and belief system upheld by the inhabitants. Alan Rosenthal author of New Challenges In Documentary (1988) writes Consent is flawed when obtained by the omission of any fact that might influence the giving or withholding of permission. (30.) However, it is important to also state that the subject must not have been put under any pressure (coercion) to sway their decision, and that they reached a decision based on their full comprehension of the situation. So provided that those being filmed give their consent, where is the unethical behaviour? The morality lies in how the subjects are represented. The villagers in the town of Glod feel they were specifically targeted and portrayed in a negative manner and the lawsuit was filed on behalf of their entire village and Mr. Todorache, a one-armed man, who was seen wearing a sex toy attached to his st ump at the filmmakers request.(31.) The method of obtaining consent is stacked in the filmmakers favour. Rosenthal adds The ethical problem raised by such approaches is that they give the potential subject no real choice; the initiative and momentum of the situation favour the filmmaker. The presence of the film crew with official sanction is subtly coercive(32.). The film crew and equipment are all intimidating to be faced with for the person who has approached for the comment. The notion of consent defence, is another popular argument raised by Brian Winston in Lies, Damn Lies And Documentaries. He states, any measure of dubious or even unethical behaviour is justified after the event by the existence of the contract signed by the participant, the release form (33.). These agreements are in defiance of those who take the BSC Codes view (The BSC Code helps by providing a 22 framework of guidance into which, particular needs can be fitted,(34.) The guidance is for the general use of the professional consent defence for people (except minors or the mentally incapacitated) do know what they are doing. Coercion outside the law has expanded its meaning to embrace the idea of compulsion without physical treat. Often the consent defiance could be defended where the subject was uncomplaining or even benefited from their experience. But as Richard Andrew Hall states Did Baron Cohen really have to cross the pond to find such disturbing stereotypes?(35.) Surely, it would not be hard for him to find typical examples of racism in any other major ethnicly shared cities anywhere else in the world. So too, the film depiction of its anti-Semitism has also come into great debate amongst critics, audiences, the media and especially the Anti-Defamation League of America (ADL). The Anti-Defamation League, founded in 1913, is the worlds leading organization fighting anti-Sem itism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry towards Jewish people (36.). In one particular scene from Borat!, we see the titular character at a rodeo in Texas, performing a song directed towards Jewish people entitled In my country there is a problem that called on people to throw the Jew down the well, warning the public you must be careful of his teeth and that you must grab him by his horns to the delight of some members of the audience (still .07). 23 (still .07) While the ADL openly acknowledges that the film is a satirized and farcical characterization, they do state in a formal letter of warning to the filmmakers We are concerned that one serious pitfall is that the audience may not always be sophisticated enough to get the joke, and that some may even find it reinforcing their bigotry. (37.) Richard Andrew Hall states Baron Cohen heavily concentrated on the genuinely powerful, whether celebrities or those with money and power, but in Borat! he clearly started sliding towards pulling the piss out of more average citizens. Perhaps this is where he crossed the line. (38.) In 2005, a lawsuit was filed against the makers of the film and 20th Century Fox on behalf of two unsuspecting fraternity boys who claim they were duped into appearing in the spoof documentary. (39.) They were identified in the movie as fraternity members from a South Carolina University, and appeared drunk as they made insulting comments about women and minori ties to Cohens character. 24 The SLAPP lawsuit claims that in October 2005, a production crew took the students to a bar to drink and loosen up before participating in what they were told would be a documentary to be shown outside the United States. They were induced to agree to participate and were told the name of the fraternity and the name of their school wouldnt be used. After a bout of heavy drinking, the plaintiffs signed a release form they were told had something to do with reliability issues with being in the RV, their lawyer Oliver Taillieu states. (40.) The film made plaintiffs the object of ridicule, humiliation, mental anguish and emotional and physical distress, loss of reputation, goodwill and standing in the community. (41.) Although legally the participants have agreed to signing the consent, under the plaintiffs testimonies, it would appear that the filmmakers had intentionally duped the college students into appearing in the film with full, informed consent and it is impossible to defend the subject matter and opinions that the subjects raised while drunk, however, the filmmakers should be held accountable for putting the fraturnity boys in that situation and for provoking the racist and sexist responses they got. The filmmakers had knowingly overlooked the ramifications of the subjects actions on their lives after the films release and are guilty of negligent infliction of emotional distress. If the participant is fully aware of possible consequences and sees co-operation as a coherent political strategy, then the burden of the ethical dilemma has been lifted from the film-maker by the participant for his or her own ideological reasons. (42.) The Polish author of the blog Beatroot captured this well in a post on the Movania guidebook entitled Why is it that the only people liberals think its OK to laugh at these days are the white working class and Central and Eastern Europeans?(43.) In 25 the article he comments If this (sort of book) had been written about African people then, quite rightly, there would have been uproar and outrage. (44.) But it seems that Political Correctness extends to all groups these days except poor whites from urban, rural or semi-rural areas in America and Europe As Andrew Mueller notes in his review of the movie for Uncut MagazineWhat astonishes me about every Amercian he encounters is not their naivete, but their politeness, hospitality and the extraordinary degree to which Borat has to inflame situations to provoke reaction.(45.) Cynically, the consent form is simply a safeguard device or get-out-of-jail-free card, wheeled out by the filmmakers, against future lawsuits and liability. Production companies will claim that they ensure the participant is not being misled or manipulated by the filmmakers. Many times the consent form is a bureaucratic, legalistic detail, intent on absolving the production companies of responsibility. There to d issipate any whiff of coersion, it should not be used as a licence to knowingly take advantage of the everyday person. To weigh the ethical ramifications on a piece of paper is morally and ethically wrong.But they are also there to defend the filmmakers against the actions and reactions of the subjects and are predominantly responsible for some filmmakers avoiding litigation. The vast effects that the documentary could have on the lives of the subjects should be taken into account and not just betted against the contract. At the end of the film, it seems that in the case of Borat! that the usual disclaimer included at the end of the films credits states that before being considered for appearance in the film, all potential participants were required to sign long release forms, agreeing not to take legal action for any defamation of character or fraud 26 carried out during the films production. It states that all characters were fictitious, and also noted that no real person depicted or appearing in the film has sponsored or otherwise endorsed its contents. Before and following the universal release of the film in 2006, seven lawsuits had been filed against the production company, Baron Cohen and filmmakers for amongst others fraud, rescission of contract, common law false light invasion of privacy, statutory false light, appropriation of likeness and negligent infliction of emotional distress.(46.) 27 Chapter Three The Artistic Vision Vs The Subject In Reference to Borat! and The Use Of Humour to Expose Social Stereotypes and Bigotries. 28 As previously discussed in Chapter One, the Code Of Ethics acts as an ethical guideline for filmmakers, when it comes to such issues as garnering ethical consent or the valid use of likeness rights from a subject and the use of the public for the proposed project in a fair and informed manner. In this chapter I explore and reveal examples within the context of the film Borat: Cultural Learnings of America for Make Benefit Glorious Nation of Kazakhstan (hereafter Borat!) of intentionally overlooking these so-called guidelines for the sake of making a work with the artistic vision and integrity solely taking the forefront of the creative process. Despite a limited initial release in the United States, the satire was a critical and commercial success. Baron Cohen won the 2007 Golden Globe Award for Best Actor: Musical or Comedy, as Borat, while the film was nominated for Best Motion Picture in the same category. Borat! was also nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay at the 79th Academy A wards. On its release, Borat! boasted the highest-grossing opening ever for a picture playing at less than 1,100 theaters.(47.) Firstly, it is important to realize that there is public global interest in speech and opinions (such as the afore mentioned examples, previously discussed in Chapter Two) about American cultural values and attitudes towards anti-semitism, racism and sexism. Borat! as being part of a tradition of exposing and critiquing these American bigotries through the use of humour, seeks to expose these attitudes in their most debased forms and present them to the world an
Friday, January 17, 2020
Credentialing System Implementation Essay
The previous two parts of this three-part assignment, the systems analysis and application architecture and process design aspect of the credentialing software project at TPI Health Systems (TPI) was explored. This last paper will explore the implementation stage of the systems development life cycle (SDLC) as it related to the credentialing project at TPI. There are six major steps to the implementation phase of the SDLC: (1) coding, (2) testing, (3) installation, (4) documentation, (5) training and (6) support. The text actually details five steps and breaks-out the last step, support, into its own phase (Satzinger, Jackson, & Burd, 2004, p. 626). The first phase, coding, is done in any of three development styles: (1) input, process, output, (2) top-down, (3) bottom up. The input, process, output (IPO) method is defined by first doing the activities that require external input followed by elements that process the input and concluded by programs that produce output (Zachman, 1987, p. 279). The IPO is effective in developing user interface first and simplifies testing. It does have a disadvantage of late output modules (Satzinger et al. p. 629). The top-down and bottom up methods produce the needed top or bottom modules, respectively. Top-down coding has the advantage of having a working version of the program. Poor utilization of programming personnel in the beginning of the project is disadvantage of the top-down development method. The bottom-up method puts programming personnel to work immediate, utilizing resources effectively. Unfortunately, this method also requires additional programming to test the modules, as well as an overall delay of testing by waiting for the top modules to be developed. The credentialing project at TPI used a weak IPO method of coding. The major attention was placed on converting the data in the existing Visual Fox format to Microsoft SQL 2000 compatible data. The company, SyMed, made no provision for any user interface changes. The process of how a credentialing application flowed through the TPI credentialing process was observed in the analysis phase of the project and the project team had wanted some user interface changes to accommodate TPI processes. These changes did not fit into the SyMed project plan, so the TPI process was changed to accommodate the pre-written user interface of the SyMed system. Testing is the next phase of the implementation phase. A comprehensive testing program includes a stepwise process starting with unit testing, followed by testing of group components called integration testing and concluded with entire systems test (Satzinger et al. , 2004, p. 640). Individual units or modules are tested prior to integration with more advanced modules, using driver modules. Once a set of modules are put together, integration testing can take place. These test include checking for interface compatibility, run-time exceptions, parameter values and unexpected state interactions (Satzinger et al. , p. 644-645). Jeff Theobald suggests that an effort should be made to concentrate not on just errors in a single application or module, but also the system as a whole and between systems (Theobald, 2007). After these tests are completed, the project goes on to system testing. System testing often involves daily ââ¬Å"build and smokeâ⬠tests, where the system is set to run and is observed for ââ¬Å"smokeâ⬠or errors (McConnell, 1996). The TPI credentialing system was tested in this manner. The project made it through the first two testing phases (unit and integration), but never made it out of systems testing. It ââ¬Å"smokedâ⬠and never stopped due to a basic inability of the data store to handle the TPI method of placing multiple doctors in multiple entities. The SyMed development team called in the architect of the system and a step back to the analysis phase was made. Their entire development team, along with the architect, made a trip from Nashville to Louisville to redo the initial analysis. The team went back to Nashville with the new data and called back to say they could not do the project. The end of the project consumed uncounted person-hours, 7 months on the calendar and about $25,000 dollars. The next part of the implementation phase is installation. This phase is accomplished by several methods. The first is direct installation. This is where the new system is installed and implemented and the old system is ââ¬Å"turned off. â⬠This is a simple but risky way for a new system to be deployed. The next possible method of installation is parallel. This method is demonstrated by keeping both systems going for an extended amount of time. This is a low risk but high cost implementation scenario. Phased installation is the last method and is characterized by multiple possible pathways to final installation. Phased installation is also low risk, but can become quite complex due to the multiple pathways (Satzinger et al. , 2004). The TPI credentialing system, had it made it to this phase, was to be a parallel installation. Documentation is the next phase of implementation and usually consists of user documentation and systems documentation. User documentation is descriptions to users on how to work together with the system. It is typically how to startup and shutdown the system, the keystrokes necessary to do specific tasks, functions necessary to perform a specific procedure and troubleshooting tips (Satzinger et al. , 2004). System documentation usually consists of information necessary to maintain and re-implement the system in the event of a disaster. System documentation includes maintenance and upgrade procedures, analysis methods and in some cases, the source code and testing data (Satzinger et al. ). The TPI credentialing program had available pre-printed manuals of SyMedââ¬â¢s existing user interface and command sequences. The SyMed systems documentation was never provided. The next phase of implementation is training. Training can consist of formalized classes or presentations; self paced learning or group training. This training should be hands-on and emphasize actual applications that the system was created to perform. Timing of training is important. Training can be performed too early in the implementation progress, leading to unnecessary training that may need to be un-learned. Training is often seen as a luxury by some companies and is sometime omitted. This can be a costly mistake (Satzinger et al. , 2004). The TPI credentialing system was scheduled to have two days of formalized onsite training. The final phase of the implementation phase is support. As mention earlier, this phase s sometimes broken-out as its own stage. It is also often rolled into the training phase. Support is usually considered some form of help desk for most software development, though some companies offer only online documentation and troubleshooting. For this premise to work, the documentation needs to be robust and thorough. The TPI credentialing system never got to this phases and was unable to utilize either system. The failure of the TPI credentialing system software project had many contributors. Poor analysis and implementation of the SDLC was paramount, as well as budgetary issues. To sum it up, the failure was mostly due to TPI not knowing exactly what they wanted and needing more abilities than they had resources for, coupled with SyMedââ¬â¢s inability to recognize their limitations. The failure outlined above could have been mitigated by the knowledge and utilization of the capability maturity module (CMM). The CMM is a matrix that defines an organizations maturity of software processes Anderson, 2001). CMM is a process identification whose goal is to use defined and repeatable processes in software development. TPI would have scored a one and SyMed may have scored a two. Figure 1 illustrates the five modules of the CMM. Figure 1. Capability maturity module. This tool can be utilized by both software clients and vendors to identify potential success in a given software project. Additionally, IBM has developed the Rational Unified Process (RUP) for the object-oriented approach of software development. RUP is designed to make designed and repeatable processes easier. There are individuals who disagree with contention of repeatability for both CMM and RUP, claiming that like movies, software development success is not always repeatable.
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