Arthur Andersen Failure to Report Accurately Essay

Enron Corporation has been accused of cooking the books and overstating company profits in its financial reports. In addition, Enron’s trading business adopted mark-to-market accounting, which meant that once a long-term contract was signed, income was estimated as the present value of net future cash flows, even though in some cases there were serious questions about the viability of these contracts and their associated costs. Author Andersen provided both consulting and auditing services which created an inherent conflict of interest. On one hand, Andersen was auditing an Enron financial recording system and strategy based for the most part on the advice of its own consultants. Evidence eventually surfaced that some internal†¦show more content†¦In addition, when news of Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) investigations of Enron were made public, Andersen attempted to cover up any negligence in its audit by shredding several tons of supporting documents and deleting nearly 30,000 e-mails and computer files. James Bodurtha, Jr., argued that leading up to the downfall of Enron, the primary motivations for Enrons accounting and financial transactions seem to have been to keep reported income and reported cash flow up, asset values inflated, and liabilities off the books. (Bodurtha, James N., Jr. (Article, Spring 2003) Arthur Andersen was accused of applying reckless standards in their audits because of a conflict of interest over the significant consulting fees generated by Enron. The auditors methods of reviewing the financial transactions were questioned as either being completed solely based on receiving its annual fees or simply a lack of expertise in properly reviewing Enrons questionable accounting practices. The accountants looked for new ways to save the company money, including capitalizing on loopholes found in Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), the accounting industrys standards. An Enron accountant revealed they attempted to aggressively use the GAAP document to their advantage and added that the large number of rules had created the opportunity to manipulate the weaknesses of the system, whichShow MoreRelatedEnron Corporation : The Enron Scandal Essay1172 Words   |  5 Pagescompany . However, in some cases auditors can fail to recognize – or intentionally ignore – misleading data within a company’s financial statements, leading to negative outcomes for lenders and investors. This report will discuss the Enron scandal in which the auditing firm Arthur Andersen LLP turned a blind eye to the fraudulent actions of Enron Corporation, leading to the downfall of both companies and great harm to thousands of stakeholders. Enron Corporation Background Enron Corporation was anRead MoreThe Sarbanes Oxley ( Sox ) Essay2099 Words   |  9 Pagesthe largest audit fraud alongside Arthur Andersen and filed for one of the largest bankruptcies in history in 2001 after producing false numbers and committing fraud for years (â€Å"Enron’s Questionable Transactions† page 93). Enron failed to run an ethical business in multiple aspects. The executives of the company abused their powers by having board members not properly oversee its employees. Enron committed accounting malpractice by producing false financial reports to hide the debt from failed projectsRead MoreImportance of Generally Accepted Auditing Standards (GAAS)4938 Words   |  20 Pagesprovided to be able to render a report of the financial statements audited stating that it is free from any misstatement. GAAS are divided into three categories such as the general standards, the standards of fieldwork and standards of reporting. Auditors can render reports of the financial statements audited in four ways. The report render can either be qualified opinion, unqualified opinion, adverse opinion and disclaimer of opinion. Auditors who considered the report to be free from any materialRead MoreCorporate Governance and Auditors14709 Words   |  59 Pagesrun the company was given a loan of U.S$366 million. Arthur Andersen was the auditor at that time. ï‚ § HIH insurance Ltd –The Company collapsed in March 2001, creating a loss of AUS$5.3 billion. Arthur Andersen was the auditor of the company at that time. ï‚ § One-Tel-was an Australian mobile telecommunications company. The company collapsed with AUS$2.4billion in debts and losses. ï‚ § Arthur Andersen. ï‚ § Tyco In Zimbabwe corporate failures brought the financial sector into crises in 2003 to 2004Read MorePharmaCare Analysis Essay3093 Words   |  13 Pagesproducts or services must be factual and backed up with proof (Scientific Evidence). Violators could be penalize by a cease and desist order which makes the company stop running the illegal ad or deceptive practice. The company would in the future report to the FTC staff regarding all future ads and pay a fine of $16,000.00 a day for all future violations. There are other penalties like civil suits and corrective advertising, costing the violator thousands or millions of dollars. Corrective advertisingRead MoreLge 500 Week 10 Discussion 12 Essay2300 Words   |  10 Pagesattention to public trust. The public auditing companies were interested in the clients instead being watchdogs for the publics over the publicly traded companies. Congress created the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (PCAOB) to address the failure of account ing industry’s self-regulations. Before PCAOB, accounting firms used to audit each other; however, with SOX, the PCAOB is responsible auditing the accounting firms. Creating the PCAOB was the most important since congress wanted to makeRead MoreSarbanes Oxley Act Of 20021635 Words   |  7 Pagesvirtual governance reforms and corporate disclosure in the United States history. This act made it possible to quantity the responsibilities of company’s management. Pursuing personal interests is nature calling and nobody can predict the future accurately, which presents the difficulties to control the market participants’ behaviour. While the agency theory assume that all agents’ greed could be monitored by some methods such as contracting and performance measures, which were ignored by Enron intentionallyRead MoreCase Study Enron Scandal5642 Words   |  23 Pagesflow by showing that funds were flowing through its books when it sold assets. Although these practices produced a very favorable financial picture, outside observers believed they constitutes fraudulent financial reporting because they did not accurately represent the company‘s true financial condition. Most of the SPEs were entities in name only, and Enron funded them with its own stock and maintained control over them. When one of these partnerships was unable to meet its obligations, Enron coveredRead MoreSarbanes-Oxley Research Paper2807 Words   |  12 PagesTexas. The company was started in 1985 when Houston Natural Gas Omaha-based InterNorth merged together (Thomas, Rise and Fall of Enron). Today, Enron Corporation is most widely known for their 2001 accounting scandal, which led to the biggest audit failure and largest bankruptcy in American history. After Mr. Jeffrey Skilling, Enron’s President, was hired, he began to build up a staff of top executives that were able to conceal billions of dollars of debt the company had incurred from failed projectsRead MorePossible Exam 310042 Words   |  41 Pagesrestrictions and regulations on the investment banking industry starting in 1999. FALSE 3. For the most part, the credit ratings granted to mortgage-backed securities did not accurately reflect the true risk of the securities. TRUE 4. In hindsight, most observers agree that Enron’s problems were caused by a failure of the board of directors to exercise adequate oversight. TRUE 5. Although The Board of Directors is responsible for approving the hiring of auditors, they are not responsible

Political Ideologies On Current Day Topics That Are...

Growing up, I was raised in a white, conservative, upper-middle class, Christian home. At a young age I listened and asked questions to what my parents and family members were discussing when the news came on, normally politics. As I got older and started thinking more for myself I did research on what actually I was blindly agreeing with just because that’s what my parents believe. I came to the conclusion that my ideology was similar to theirs. It wasn’t until about sophomore year in high school that I started questioning every topic that came up in politics or society. Slowly my heavy conservative feeling became less. Today I still declare myself as a conservative, but not extreme and do side with some liberal views. When getting ready for this paper I came across the article â€Å"Conservative vs. Liberal Beliefs† from the Student News Daily. In this paper I will discuss my political ideologies on current day topics that are disputed between politicians and m embers of society. To start off I will start with a sensitive subject, abortion. From my moral feeling and religious background I would say no abortion because it’s murder; I believe life starts at conception. This being said I think it should be legal, to a degree. If a woman is raped or has been part of incest, I believe that it should be okay for that woman to have an abortion. Another circumstance that I believe should apply is if that baby the woman is carrying is possibly fatal to the pregnant woman. I do believeShow MoreRelatedRole of Media in Pakistan5662 Words   |  23 Pageswhile 30 cases were recorded in NWFP, 23 in Baluchistan, 16 in FATA, a dozen in AJK and three in Northern Areas. How media suffered in Pakistan history What was shocking about the coup was that it was not ostensibly against the government of the day (Musharrafs own) but against the judiciary and the media. 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The desired result is a change of the attitude toward the subject in the target audience to further a political agenda. Propaganda can be used as a form of political warfare. While the term propaganda has acquired a strongly negative connotation by association with its most manipulative and jingoistic examples, propaganda in its original sense is neutral, and may also be construedRead MorePublic Health Paper12265 Words   |  50 Pagesinfectious disease, locating public health, the enlightenment, the Sanitarians, national provision of services, the inception of the National Health Service, ‘crisis in health’, The New Right, The Third Way, new public health. Public health, the new ideology may be taken to mean the promotion of healthy lifestyles linked to behaviour and individual responsibility supported by government action; whereas traditionally the description tended to relate more to sanitary reform and ‘healthy conditions’. 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Organizational Resources and Capabilities Tools

Question: Discuss about the Organizational Resources and Capabilities Tools. Answer: Introduction: An analytical approach is a form of corporate strategy, also referred to as rational approach which depends on the development of a chronological system of steps or procedures. In other words, this stratagem involves a systematic linear thinking and ought to be combined with an emergent approach to be effective. An emergent strategy, on the other hand, is a type of organizational strategy which relies primarily on instinctual thinking, leadership, and erudition. It is seen as a fragment of management and again should be combined with an analytical approach for it to be successful. This paper aims at analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of planned or analytical and emergent approaches to strategy. To bring this concept out successfully, I will embed my arguments in Makkah Construction Development Company, one of the best performing corporations in the Middle East headquartered in Saudi Arabia. Analytical/planned approach As Macredie, (2008) points out an analytical strategy involves a clearly enunciated vision and concomitant plans with a presence of proper control mechanisms to execute them in a stable foreseeable or manageable environment. From this argument, it is evident that there are three characteristics of an analytical strategy. A typical company often has a precise mission which is articulated in an unambiguous manner to keep all stakeholders on the same page. Since its inception in June 1989, Makkah Construction Development Company has had the purpose of operating predominantly within the Real Estate Sector concentrating entirely on Diversified Real Estate Activities and emerge the market-leader in this particular sector. Moreover, there exists a mutual organizational intention among various stakeholders at every level. All employees in Makkah Construction and Development (4100) are committed to achieving the companys set goals and objectives. These shared-intentions as Heisig, (2002) sup ports, should be accomplished regardless of any environmental force. Various team players in our firm of interest place quality above every other aspect, sometimes at the expense of earnings. In analytical approach, managers execute a strategy, state it precisely and endeavor for its viability in the competitive environment without considering any external factor compelling them to alter their plan. In other words, it is non-responsive to external influencers such as government policies, changes in customer choice or emergence of new technology. However, it is clear that this phenomenon cannot be applicable in the modern business environment considering various factors such as competition, national financial crises, and other adverse economic conditions. In short, organizations usually operate in an environmental setting with various influencers which they have no control over, and as such, purely analytical approach is not logical (Kevrekidis, Frantzeskakis, Carretero-Gonza?lez, 2 008). Vision can deliver a holistic view of organizations path, with opportunity for adaptation that is the final vision can come up in the course of the journey itself (Kelly Booth, 2004). In an emergent strategy, stakeholders' feedback and comments are welcome on firm's previous undertakings, threats, and opportunities and hence the organization's vision is refurbished and developed again. Besides, in emergent approach, flexibility to an adaptation of external business influencers and distortion of threats into opportunities are fundamental. We can, therefore, take this as a bottom-up strategy, an essential constituent of the analytical approach since it ensures that information from all aspects of the company is incorporated in the decision-making process (International Symposium on Environmentally Conscious Design and Inverse Manufacturing, Umeda, 2012). In Makkah Construction Development Company, for instance, information in various departments flows freely, and managers make decis ions by putting into consideration all inputs. In analytical approach, formal plans and precise intentions are pre-determined before starting the journey, and the business strives to achieve its purpose without considering the impact of external environmental factors. On the other hand, in emergent strategy, businesses are adaptable to emerging threats and opportunities, and it is quite responsive to external inputs. For a planned approach to be successful, the business must operate in a perfectly predictable environment where it has full control over. Organizations which advocate for an emergent approach anticipates for significant changes in the future of the business, and as such, they are flexible enough to adapt to new operation mechanisms depending on the prevailing business environment. The rational strategy assumes a controllable and predictable environment which as (Swayne, Duncan, Ginter, 2008)say is almost impossible to have in the modern high-tech and ever-changing business world. In emergent approach, business activ ities need to be conducted consistently over time with a significant view of what is transpiring in the external environment of the firm. Implemented strategies should be open, responsive, and flexible to adjustments in the course of the business life. The rational approach, on the other hand, is non-responsive and strategies advocated for tend to be rigid and only focusing on what the organization has control over (Ginter, Duncan, Swayne, 2013). Practical Experience and These Approaches I was working as a BGDM (Business Growth and Development Manager) in Alinma Bank Stock Company when the regional government instructed them to execute rigorous preventive measures to alleviate the impact of the 2010 credit-crisis exposure. The company's vision was at a very high echelon, and the business opportunities and threats seemed unknown and as such as we progressed we considered input from our environments, for instance, Bank's stakeholders and government regulatory bodies. We later used their feedback and input to formulate our vision in the course of the journey. Had we opted for an analytical approach, it would have failed, because we did not have any clue about the external business factors. Besides, the course of the ground situation was unpredictable, and as well we had no hint on the best measures to implement and circumvent the impact of credit crisis in our business. Both external (cyber-attack and government monitoring) and internal factors (readiness of the bank st aff and anxiety of possible job loss) challenged us. The staff members advocated for a planned approach where decision-making process could not require any external input and the business could thrive without considering the impact of external influencers. We first motivated them and promised them any strategy that the management will make will not affect their privileges neither will it influence their occupation rights. After that, we gathered their feedback, arranged workshops to brainstorm on the jeopardizing issue of credit-crisis, and we unanimously turned this threat into an opportunity, and our Programme was recommended by the already motivated staff. A pragmatic strategy requires a company to combine both analytical approach and emergent approach at the same time. Leaders at this point are able to establish a vision to direct their subjects and initiate a path to accomplish the business goals. It is of paramount importance for the implemented strategy to be highly sensitive and responsive to the external influencers in the course of the journey. We can argue that both stratagems have some concomitant drawbacks but their significance in the journey to succeed cannot be underestimated. However, it depends on the situation at hand and the business domain too (Siim, Mokre, 2013). In a manufacturing company such as aircraft and automobiles industries or even in insurance or banking domain, planned approach is applicable since these sectors function in a Bureaucratic structure where Standard Operating Processes are adhered consistently with a diminutive scope of invention. Once an analytical approach is executed, people follow unquestionably the laid down mandates and rigorous supervision implemented to accomplish the pre-determined objectives, and they are not hindered by any external factor (Roberts, 2015). Emergent strategy is being enhanced as time elapses is in association with and accommodating the varying authenticity. Pavarini, Autumn School Correlated Electrons. (2013)maintain that it is a front-line tactic as it tends to resolve definite problems. In this contemporary unpredictable, swiftly-evolving, boundary-less business environment, it is essential for organizations to be more responsive to attain the competitive-edge over contestants in the industry. This aspect makes emergent strategy more practical and advantageous in a slow-growth market as well. References Ginter, P. M., Duncan, W. J., Swayne, L. E. (2013).Strategic management of health care organizations. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass, Wiley. Heisig, G. (2002).Planning stability in material requirements planning systems. Berlin: Springer. International Symposium on Environmentally Conscious Design and Inverse Manufacturing, Umeda, Y. (2012).Design for innovative value towards a sustainable society: Proceedings of EcoDesign 2011: 7th International Symposium on Environmentally Conscious Design and Inverse Manufacturing. Dordrecht: Springer. Kelly, L., Booth, C. (2004).Dictionary of strategy: Strategic management A-Z. Thousand Oaks, Calif: Sage Publications. Kevrekidis, P. G., Frantzeskakis, D. J., Carretero-Gonza?lez, R. (2008).Emergent nonlinear phenomena in Bose-Einstein condensates: Theory and experiment. Berlin: Springer. Macredie, R. (2008).Modelling for added value. London: Springer. Pavarini, E., Autumn School Correlated Electrons. (2013).Emergent phenomena in correlated matter: Autumn School organized by the Forschungszentrum Ju?lich and the German Research School for Simulation Sciences at Forschungszentrum Ju?lich 23-27 September 2013 ; lecture notes of the Autumn School Correlated Electrons 2013. Ju?lich: Forschungszentrum Ju?lich, Inst. for Advanced Simulation. Roberts, A. J. (2015).Model emergent dynamics in complex systems. Siim, B., Mokre, M. (2013).Negotiating gender and diversity in an emergent European public sphere. Swayne, L. E., Duncan, W. J., Ginter, P. M. (2008).Strategic management of health care organizations. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass.

Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck free essay sample

An examination of the relationship between George and Lennie in John Steinbecks Of Mice and Men. This paper gives a character sketch of the two main characters George Milton and Lennie Small, discusses their dependencies on each other and determines how their characters affect the plot and flow of the story. One important point in establishing the importance of George and Lennies character in the story and their dependence on each other is through their character sketches. George Milton was illustrated in the novel as small and quick, dark of face, with restless eyes and sharp strong features while Lennie is described to physically big in form and is said to be as big as a bull (Planet Papers 2002). George may be small in physical stature, he compensates for his deficiency in built by possessing the mental ability to think rationally and logically, which Lennie obviously does not have, since he was a mentally-challenged individual. We will write a custom essay sample on Of Mice and Men by John Steinbeck or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page Lennie, although unable to comprehend complex ideas and thoughts, has a special ability to care and love for those people who value him for whatever he is, and George is evidently the only person who cared for him despite his mental deficiency and shortcomings in character.

Free Essays on Englands Colonization in North America

England’s Colonization in North America England’s colonization in North America first started in 1497. In 1497 John Cabot claimed the basis of England’s land in North America. The land that was claimed could not be colonized until the early 1600’s because of Spain’s control of ocean travel and trade. Spain was the powerhouse on the 16th century. It wasn’t until 1588 that England would start to consider colonization. Hostility existed between Spain and England over trade and colonization. On August 8th, 1588 English defeated Spain in the Spanish Armada. England was now able to think about colonization on the North American coastline. Two main companies would start the colonization to North America. These companies were the Plymouth Company and the London Company. The Plymouth Company was founded in 1606 by a group of puritanical people. The Plymouth companies head quarters were in Bristol, England. The Plymouth Company would need a charter to travel and colonize in North America. Charters were very hard to create and because of this the Plymouth Company purchased their charter from the Muscovey Company. The Muscovey had financed the trips of John Cabot. This charter gave the Plymouth Company legal right to colonize land from present day Connecticut to Maine. Th Plymouth Companies colonization starts in 1606 when George Pophom makes and attempt to reach Maine but fails. In 1619, Edmund George successfully makes it to Maine and explores the coastline. The first major expedition for the Plymouth Company starts with a group of Pilgrims in 1620. The Pilgrims first tried to colonize in Holland although it didn’t work out because they felt that too much English heritage was being lost. The Pilgrims went back to England and renewed their charted. They could now settle south of the Hudson River, which is present day Monmouth County. On November 16th, 1620 the Pilgrims landed on Cape Cod. They had no le... Free Essays on England's Colonization in North America Free Essays on England's Colonization in North America England’s Colonization in North America England’s colonization in North America first started in 1497. In 1497 John Cabot claimed the basis of England’s land in North America. The land that was claimed could not be colonized until the early 1600’s because of Spain’s control of ocean travel and trade. Spain was the powerhouse on the 16th century. It wasn’t until 1588 that England would start to consider colonization. Hostility existed between Spain and England over trade and colonization. On August 8th, 1588 English defeated Spain in the Spanish Armada. England was now able to think about colonization on the North American coastline. Two main companies would start the colonization to North America. These companies were the Plymouth Company and the London Company. The Plymouth Company was founded in 1606 by a group of puritanical people. The Plymouth companies head quarters were in Bristol, England. The Plymouth Company would need a charter to travel and colonize in North America. Charters were very hard to create and because of this the Plymouth Company purchased their charter from the Muscovey Company. The Muscovey had financed the trips of John Cabot. This charter gave the Plymouth Company legal right to colonize land from present day Connecticut to Maine. Th Plymouth Companies colonization starts in 1606 when George Pophom makes and attempt to reach Maine but fails. In 1619, Edmund George successfully makes it to Maine and explores the coastline. The first major expedition for the Plymouth Company starts with a group of Pilgrims in 1620. The Pilgrims first tried to colonize in Holland although it didn’t work out because they felt that too much English heritage was being lost. The Pilgrims went back to England and renewed their charted. They could now settle south of the Hudson River, which is present day Monmouth County. On November 16th, 1620 the Pilgrims landed on Cape Cod. They had no le...

22 Reasons Being a Nurse is Really Hard

22 Reasons Being a Nurse is Really Hard You’re a nurse. You want to be a nurse. You know someone who’s a nurse. No matter what your connection to nursing, we’re here to tell you just how hard it is for these folks who strive daily to keep us all alive and well. There’s no question about it, being a nurse is really hard. Here are 22 prime examples of just how hard nursing can be.Nurses Must Have Extreme Confidence at All Times1. They routinely have to make life-and-death decisions for multiple patients at a time, often with little notice or preparation, i.e. a five-minute shift report.2. They can get transferred to a wing or department for a day (that they know almost nothing about) and be expected to act as though they’ve been at it for 20 years.Nurses Have Encyclopedic Knowledge and Stellar Memory3. They’ll get berated by a doctor for the one thing they forgot, but never thanked for the 1001 things they manage to hold in their head throughout a shift.4. They have to know all there is to know about 18,000+ medications: etiology, classification, contraindications, dosage, allergies, etc.5. They need to be able to determine the significance of lab results and decide whether to bring in a doctor in the middle of the night if there are obscure abnormalities in your bloodwork or tests.6. They actually read the research findings taped to the back of the bathroom stall door by the higher-ups.7. No matter how old they are, they’re often asked to learn whole new software systems from scratch.8. They can take your pulse with nothing but their fingers and a watch in 15 seconds flat.Nurses are Caretakers of Everyone Around Them†¦9. They have to figure out what to feed themselves and their families while they’re cleaning out your catheters and bedpans.10. They have to manage care- PT, OT, radiology, diet, social services, medications, consultants, and wound care- for multiple patients at a time, but also remember where they put their car keys.11. They n eed a doctor’s permission to write you a prescription for extra strength ibuprofen, but are routinely trusted to float catheters through patients’ hearts and veins to monitor them on the regular.†¦At the Expense of Their Own Health12. If they want to eat, they probably have to have the names and phone numbers of all the local take-out places stored in their memory.13. They often arrive at work when it’s still dark out and go home after it’s dark again.14. They feel guilty leaving their patients for the 1o to 30  minutes they (maybe) get to take for lunch.15. They spend 12+ hours a day on their feet and still are told by their own doctors that they should get more exercise.16. They probably have two dozen sets of scrubs, but none without a stain from someone’s bodily fluid.17. More often than not, they won’t get a chair when they need one at the nurses’ station.The Have a Unique Set of Quirks and Everyday Problems18. They might have to choose a doctor for themselves based on whether that doctor is kind to nurses.19. They have to know their patients by diagnosis and room number before they can bother with a name.20. They probably feel naked without their stethoscope, pen, or other crucial implement.21. Their worst nightmares involve anything from losing patients to doctors calling them and they can’t find a patient’s chart.22. They have to learn to read doctors’ â€Å"handwriting.†Bottom line: it’s hard to be a nurse. If you are one, thank you for all you do. If you’re not, go thank a nurse!

How can IR theories be brigged Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

How can IR theories be brigged - Essay Example Some of the core theories surrounding international relation are that of idealism, Realism, Marxism, Functionalism, Dependency theory, Critical theories and other areas such as international ethics and rationalism. There are some major gaps between the international relation theory owing to the time factor as well as the evolution of new ways and dimension to the theories. It is possible to bridge the theories in international relation and bring in a whole new dimension to the area. There were two distinct enterprises when it comes to international relations. The first set of theories dealt with the organization and dynamics of international relations. These theories provided concrete policies that are directly aimed at international relations. Proliferation of theories based on these few areas gave rise to concern and opened the arena for the new theories. The second set of theories that came about at a later point of time aims at giving us a thorough understanding of the internatio nal relation but in an indirect manner. Some of the first set theories include liberalism and realism whereas the second set comprises of ontological and epistemological issues that indirectly leads us to international relations. ... Instead, both the areas should be read together and thus bridging of international theories becomes very much crucial to get to the crux of the subject matter. Such implicit and explicit area of international theory will open new arenas or close unwanted views. This bridging will definitely help us understand the world of politics in a better manner. For instance, let us take the example of bridging of the Constructivism and Feminism in International Relations. Both of these theories belong to Critical international relations theory which believes that the behavior of the state as well as an individual can be changed. Constructivism is a discipline in international relation which believes that a prominent portion of the international relation is subject to historical and social contingency than the influence of the necessary consequences of human activities or that of world politics. Feminism, on the other hand, is the area of that target at the gender concerns in the international r elations and politics arena. The IR feminism looks into to the areas of international politics affected by men and women and the gendered factors surrounding some of the major areas of international relations. Both feminism and constructivism seems way apart but they seem to merge at a single point. Feminism is a historical and social contingency that has a major influence in the international politics. This is where the merging happens, thereby providing us a new area called Feminist constructivism. Feminist constructivism is an IR theory that is built upon the concept of construction as well as studies as to the influence of gender in world politics. A deeper look into construction will lead you through a way to understand

Nutrition and fitness (answer the questions) Essay - 2

Nutrition and fitness (answer the questions) - Essay Example While exercising, muscular endurance is essential because the continual pressure exerted on the muscles makes it possible to carry out heavy tasks without becoming tired. There exists a relationship between muscular strength and muscular endurance because one cannot exist without the other. Muscles occupy forty percent of body mass. The body depends on muscles for movement and because of this mass they are responsible for a portion of the metabolism that takes place inside bodies. Strong, well toned muscles help make work that had seemed difficult become easy to do and complete. To increase muscle endurance, an individual has to have strength in the muscles. This is because if a person has the strength, then building up endurance will happen rather quickly while a person with little or no muscle strength may take longer to increase muscle endurance. The continual exertion of force on the muscle with much heavier loads over a long period causes the muscle to harden and expand thus increasing the endurance level the muscle has to stress. This goes to show that muscle endurance goes together with muscle strength. This means that these two processes depend on each other for optimum results. Training teenagers is usually very difficult since they are impatient. This is usually very difficult since they work on gaining muscle endurance without first putting on muscle strength and want results in the quickest way possible. They use any avenue to get the results they need. This is usually very difficult since they work on gaining muscle endurance without first putting on muscle strength. Such actions lead to catastrophic results and injuries such as strains, sprains, dislocations, fractures and tendonitis. Further disregard may lead to other chronic complications, for example, nerve damage, bone stress injuries, muscle overloads and rotator cuff

Computer Forensics Essay Example for Free

Computer Forensics Essay Computer forensics, also called digital forensics, network forensics, or cyberforensics, is a rapidly growing field that involves gathering and analyzing evidence from computers and networks. Because computers and the internet are the fastest growing technology used for criminal activity, the need for computer forensics specialists will increase in years to come. A computer forensics specialist examines computer media, programs, data, and log files on computers, servers, and networks. Many areas employ computer forensics specialists, including law enforcement, criminal prosecutors, military intelligence, insurance agencies, and information security departments in the private sector. A computer forensics specialist must have knowledge of the law, technical experience with many types of hardware and software products, superior communication skills, a willingness to learn and update skills, and a knack for problem solving. When a problem occurs, it is the responsibility of the computer forensics specialist to carefully take several steps to identify and retrieve possible evidence that may exist on a suspect’s computer. These steps include protecting the suspect’s computer, discovering all files, recovering deleted files, revealing hidden files, accessing protected or encrypted files, analyzing all the data, and providing expert consultation and/or testimony as required. A computer forensics specialist must have knowledge of all aspects of computers, from the operating system to computer architecture and hardware design. There are three main areas of law related to computer security that affect computer forensics and those come from the fourth and fifth amendment, the U. S. federal rules of evidence and hearsay and finally the three U. S. statutory laws. Computer forensic specialists must be very careful when doing any type of investigation and be sure to follow the laws, if the laws are broken in any way they can be charged with a felony. In conclusion to sum up what computer forensics is in a short it is simply the application of computer investigation and analysis techniques in the interests of determining potential legal evidence.

The Bridge :: essays research papers

Sweat poured down my rugged unshaved face, bathed in my camouflage, and dripped on my MP5 sub-machine gun. As I ran for my God-forsaken life I spit out my fresh chew and screamed at my division sniping in the nearby trench, â€Å"GET THE HELL OUT! IT’S GONNA BLOW!!† Once I gained their attention it was too late. BAWOOSH! I tried to glance at my four other companions but I only caught a glimpse their distraught visages a split second before debris covered my sight and I was luckily blown forward from the impact of a Chinese high explosive grenade. My sniper division, was unluckily obliterated by it. I was knocked unconscious; barely gasping for air. Various thoughts filled my head†¦ A chunk of our team snipers wiped out within a second, including my long time friend PFC Ransom, two year Green Beret sniper specialist, I use to drink Michelob with back in college before we got drafted. I almost forgot it was a couple days before it would be my birthday. I can’t believe the war was almost over because it seems like it has lasted for an eternity. How did I get knocked unconscious? I couldn’t even recall the face of my wife and the baby girl she gave birth to from what I read in her letter. I have to defend the bridge at all costs, but am I even alive?†¦But the only thing that ran through my head at the moment was how devastating the end of this skirmish between China and us it was and how it should’ve been. The conflicts between the U.S. and China that would last for a decade all started on April 1st, 2001 when U.S. a UP-403 spy plane collided with a Chinese F-8 fighter jet, killing the Chinese pilot and tearing one of the wings of the spy plane as it safely landed into a Chinese air field. As Chinese officials demanded an apology for the mishap, they kept the crew of 24 as hostage for eighteen days forming one of the most critical standoffs in U.S. history. After the ten days elapsed, a cataclysmic event shocked the world. On April 19th, 2001, the Chinese army unloaded clip after clip from their AK-47 rifles into the 24 crew members, starting a war that would last for 10 years. Naval destroyers invaded China’s east coast 10 days later. D-Day II a week after that unloaded 2 million soldiers into Beijing after primary cities were bombed by B-52 bombers carrying hydrogen missiles.

Pearson Chemistry Notes Essay

1. i. All elements are composed of tiny indivisible particles called atoms. 1. ii. Atoms of the same element are identical. The atoms of any one element are different from those of any other element 1. iii. Atoms of different elements can physically mix together or can chemically combine in simple whole-number ratios to form compounds 1. iv. Chemical reactions occur when atoms are separated from each other, joined, or rearranged in a different combination. Atoms of one element, however, are never changed into atoms of another element as a result of a chemical reaction. Sizing up the Atom Atoms are very small the radii of most atoms fall within the range of 5 x 10^-11 m to 2 x 10^-10m atoms can be seen in scanning electron microscopes atoms can be moved 4. 2 Structure of the Nuclear Atom Overview Lots of Dalton’s theory is accepted except that atoms can be divided Atoms can be divided into three subatomic particles Protons Neutrons Electrons Subatomic Particles Electrons Discovered by UK physicist J. J. Thomson (1856-1940) Are negatively charged subatomic particles. Thomson’s Experiment passed electric current through gasses at low pressure. Sealed the gases in glass tubes fitted at both ends with metal disks called electrodes electrodes connected to source of electricity one electrode called the anode became positively charged other electrode, called cathode, became negatively charged resulted in glowing beam called â€Å"Cathode Ray† that traveled from cathode to anode. Findings cathode ray is deflected by electrically charged metal plates positively charged plate attracts the cathode ray negatively charged repels it Thomson knew that opposites attract hypothesized that a cathode ray is a stream of negatively charged particles moving at high speed called particles â€Å"corpuscles†. Later called â€Å"electrons† Millikan’s Experiment US physicist Robert A. Millikan (1868-1953) carried out experiments to find the quantity of an electron’s charge. Oil drop experiment suspended negatively charged oil droplets between two charged plates. then changed voltage on the plates to see how it affected the droplets’ rate of falling he found that the charge on each oil droplet was a multiple of 1. 60 x 10^19 coulomb meaning it was the charge of an electron calculated electron’s mass Millikan’s values for electron charge and mass are similar to those accepted today. An electron has one unit of negative charge and its mass is 1/1840 the mass of a hydrogen atom Protons and Neutrons Four simple ideas about matter and electric charges 1. Atoms have no net electric charge; neutral 2. Electric charges are carried by particles of matter 3. Electric charges always exist in whole-number multiples of a single basic unit; that is, there are no fractions of charges. 4. when given a number of negatively charged particles combines wit an equal number of positively charged particles, an electrically neutral particle is formed.

Investment of starhub

This report intends to highlight the current issues Startup faces and its impact on their earnings and share valuations. Tells industry in Singapore only has three players – Startup, Singlet and MI, thus, we would also look at Singlet and MI to aid in our analysis. In our report, we first use the SOOT analysis and Michael Porter's five forces to address Startup current issues as the issues identified would affect Startup future earnings. The majority of the threats that Startup faced is brought up by Singlet.Example, Singlet won the PL rights which results in a drop of subscribers for Cable TV for Startup. However, there are still opportunities to grow, from an example of reaping the benefits from the existing market. By using Michael Porter's five forces, we analyzed that the level of competitive rivalry for the industry is strong. The historical calculations reflect the current issues that Startup faced hence deriving with various estimated valuation of Startup's stock. The DuPont ROE approach gauges Startup's recent financial performance, in comparison with the other two operators.By putting all figures together, we saw that Startup ROE has always been the highest throughout the past few years in 2008 to 2012. Thus, we forecasted that Startup ROE will remain higher than its competitors. With application of various valuation models, we can examine the intrinsic value of Startup's share price and make assumptions and estimation. Thereafter, this value was compared with the current market price to determine if the share is worth investing in. After much computation, the intrinsic share price of Startup is higher than the market share price, thus, it was undervalued.Therefore, our group has decided to go forth with a SELL decision at the time of ululation. Contents 1 . About Startup Ltd 1. 1 . Company Background Startup Ltd, which started in year 2000, is the second operator in the Singapore telecommunications market. It is an info-communications company, providing a wide range of information, communications and entertainment services. Startup is a component stock of the Straits Times Index and the MASC.' Singapore Free Index. Startup drives a HASP+ mobile network to support its nationwide GSM network, and an LET network with connection speeds of up to Mbps.They also implement an island-wide HOFF network that carries multi-channel Cable TV services (including Internet TV, HDTV, and on-demand services) and high speed residential broadband services. They operate a widespread fixed network business too that provides voice, date and wholesale services. In addition, Startup tapped on Next Generation Nationwide Broadband Network to host advanced media-rich value-added services (Startup AAA). 2. SOOT Analysts on startup Ltd The comprehensive SOOT profile of Startup will provide the reader a detailed analysis of the organization's business structure and operations. 2. 1 . Strengths 2. . 1. First Mover Advantage Startup has a competitive adv antage over Singlet and MI with their cable television u to their first mover advantage into the Cable Television market. Being the first in the market allowed them to lock-in popular programs on exclusive contracts such as English Premier League (PL). Furthermore, Startup is the only cable TV that broadcast tennis channels, where subscribers are able to catch the entire top tennis events all year round. As long as having a Hub ID, subscribers can watch it on TV, or on laptops, tablets, and smartness via TV anywhere at Startup's website (Startup Bibb). . 1. 2. Products and Services Mobile Market Although Startup's market share standing is second in the mobile industry with 27. % in June 2012, their product offerings are very strong and competitive. Asinine News (2013) reported that Startup launched its High Definition (HAD) Voice technology in 4th March 2013. They are setting themselves apart because of its value added service in the 36 mobile network whereby the sound quality for l ocal voice calls will be significantly improved. This will encourage new customers to switch over and customer loyalty among the existing customers.This could lead to a revenue uplift of between 5-10%. Cable TV Market Startup monopolized in the Cable TV market between 2002 to 2007, until Singlet launched Minot in mid-2007. In order to stay competitive, Startup acquired many new channels. For instant, they acquired a new 24-hour Japanese entertainment channel in 2013 as there has been a lack of Japanese programmer on TV apart from Japan Hour (Straits Times Bibb). In order to tide itself from the loss of PL to Singlet, Startup's TV revenue still remain robust with other strong channels like BEEF Euro 2012.Statistics showed that ARPA increasing from $52 to $54 (Straits Times 2012). Startup is also the first to launch Lions as they see that there was much hype about local football after the Singapore national team won the last Suzuki Cup (Straits Times 20th). This shows that Startup is trying to increase the variety of channels offered and deciding what is to be shown on TV instead of allowing consumers to choose. 2. 2. Weaknesses 2. 2. 1 . Late-Mover Despite moving first into the cable television industry, Startup established itself much later than Singlet.Startup was incorporated on 1998 while Singlet on 1992. Therefore, Singlet already seized the biggest share of the pie and established a respectable name that is highly recognized by consumers. Where else Startup which is new to the consumers will require a longer time to infiltrate into the Tells market ND build up consumers' trust. In addition, Startup is a late-mover in LET rollover of G wireless data communications. Startup is expected to complete this project by the end of 2013. But by then, both competitors, MI & Singlet will already have nationwide LET coverage (Tells – Integrated Singapore, 2013).Singlet's fast and aggressive actions attribute to them being the Tells monopolist. 2. 2. 2. Global P resence Startup also have a smaller global presence as compared to Singlet who is the leading communications company in Asia. In the Superabundant Survey, Singlet ranks at no. 5 while Startup didn't even make it to the list. Being a global company also means that their bargaining power is higher and their geographic presence is stronger (Superabundant, 2012). Although Singlet's main market is concentrated in Singapore and Australia, they also have alliances situated in Indonesia, Belgium, India, Taiwan, Thailand, Philippines, and Honking.This means that Singlet will be less dependent on Singapore market due to their diversification as compared to Startup. 2. 3. Opportunities 2. 3. 1. Fiber Broadband Figure 2: Data taken from Business Monitor International 2012. Figure 3: Data taken from Business Monitor International 2012. The appeal of high- speed broadband services will lead to the decline of fixed line business and increase the use of value-added services such as Poop and PIPIT u sing the fiber line. The Next Generation Broadband Network based on FIFTH will deliver 1 Gaps speeds in 201 5 (Business Monitor International 2012).The growth momentum is expected to pick up in the next two years as operators persuade consumers to upgrade their existing broadband to the fiber technology. Towards the end of 2012, Startup's figures were made up of 439,000 residential broadband subscribers from 431,000 in June 2011. On he other hand, cable modem subscriptions declined from 696,000 in June 2011 to 655,000 in June 2012. This shows that there is a huge opportunity for Startup to reap from the Fiber Broadband Market. 2. 3. 2.Reap the Benefits from their Existing Market Figure 4: Data obtained from Singapore Telecommunications Report SQ 2012. Figure 5: Data obtained from GIGS 2012 Survey. As the Tells industry in Singapore is reaching saturation, the only way for Singlet, Startup and MI to grow is to increase the RAPID for each existing customer or to attract new customers from their competitors. Take for instance; there is an increase f only 0. 7% q-o-q and 4. 1% of y-o-y in Figure 4. The decelerating growth shows that the mobile sector is coming to saturation.Startup has to focus more on generating higher revenue from their existing subscriber base by migrating pre-paid subscribers to post-paid subscribers while sustaining the pre-paid subscriber growth by targeting foreign workers, low-income consumers and long-staying tourists with more attractive promotions. Also, Startup can gain more market share from their competitors as many Singapore are reported being unhappy with Singlet's customer service, reception and Minot slow start-up. MI's customers are also most dissatisfied as it was reported that their number of complaints increases every year from 6. % in 2010, to 9. 1% in 2011 and 16. 3% 2012 the GIGS 2012 survey. 2. 4. Threats 2. 4. 1 . Exclusive Rights to Sports Channel Figure 6: Pay TV dropped by 2% due to the loss of PL Rights. Taken from S tartup Annual Report 2012. Startup has a prevailing position in the Cable TV market due to a lack of competition for a couple of years. Thereafter, Startup's position was challenged by Singlet when they won the rights for PL from 2010-2013. Subsequently, Singlet won 89,000 subscribers in 2011 while Startup only added ,000 subscribers.Towards the end of June 2012, Singlet had 380,000 Minot subscribers while Startup had 543,000 subscribers (Business Monitor International 2012). The statistics will worsen the situation for Startup when it was announced that Singlet outbid Startup for the coveted rights of three more seasons of the English Premier League- 2013-2016. Singlet also aggressively acquired the rights for BEEF Europe League, BEEF Champions League, Series A, FAA Cup, and other prominent football tournaments. This will lead to Startup's customer base switching over to Singlet for sports channel. . 4. 2. Singlet Narrow It's Gap with Startup's Channel Besides losing the bid of PL to Singlet, Singlet's aggressive acquisition of content and customers will continue to erode Startup's market share in Cable TV. Singlet's Minot offerings have broadened significantly after it added 40 channels from Fox International Channels to its line-up on 1 Novo 12. With a new line-up of more than 130 channels, Singlet has substantially narrowed its gap with Startup (1 57 channels), diminishing Startup differentiation and dominance (Singapore Business Review 2013).Secondly, MIM TV service offers potentially slightly cheaper offer (10%) s compared to Startup because of the direct like-for-like cost analysis for both Tells company as a result of product bundling differential on content. If Singlet beef up channel varieties, aggressive sales tactics, and addresses the network quality problems on PIPIT, the gap between Singlet and Startup will narrow drastically. 2. 4. 3. Mobile Data Services Business Monitor International (2012) predicted that the mobile data usage is likely to in crease up to 25% or more of ARPA.This could be due to increasing investors for next generation technologies such as LET and HASP+, which would drive more emend for mobile data service. In response to the dramatic growth of the demand, operators would accelerate their investment in these technologies. Strategy Analytics (2011) forecasted that operators who invest early will see improvements in gross margins after 2014. As MI is the first Tells in South East Asia to launch a nationwide G LET network, it gained a competitive edge over the rest. For now, Singlet has 80% coverage in Singapore, and in early 2013, it will have 95% coverage (Singlet, 2013).Both MI and Singlet launched LET plans earlier than Startup which results in Startup lagging behind. Startup should accelerate their investment in the new generation LET and HASP+ infrastructure in order to prevent their subscribers from switching to other operators. 2. 4. 4. Sunset Industry Figure 7: Data obtained from Telecoms and Techn ology Industry Report in Singapore 2012. Figure 8: Data Obtained from Singapore Telecommunications Report SQ 2012. The fixed line business didn't experience much growth in the first two quarters of 2012 which is attributed to the operators' bundling strategy and consumers' preference of mobile and Poop.It is forecasted that in 2016, the AMONG could replace the fixed line arrive with Poop over fiber. As we can see from the market data above, the figure of telephone main lines has been forecasted to decline from 1. 407 in 2013 to 1,194 in 2016 while the mobile subscription is forecasted to rise from 8,648,000 in 2013 to 9,812,000 in 2016. Hence, Startup needs to offset this fading income (Business Monitor International 2012). In addition, there are lesser television viewers nowadays as they can download shows from the internet and they find that the free television programmer (Channel 5, Channel 8 etc) is sufficient.In the black market, there is also n illegal box whereby consumers ca n get all the channels for free. As Startup requires the installation of cable, so many people don't want to go through the hassle to pay for installation and ruin their existing outlook of their house. 2. 4. 5. Reallocation of Spectrum In 2012, there will be a proposed framework for the reallocation of spectrum for G telecommunication systems and service. With increasing spectrum available, it allows faster data transfer rates and provision of more innovative services (IDA, AAA). IDA will conduct a main auction that involves two bidding stages in 2013.The bid that Leeds the highest total value will earn the final assignment. Based on the bidding for PL, Singlet has been very aggressive because they have the spending power and ability to challenge Startup and MI head on. This would be a potential threat for Startup as if they are unable to win the bid; Singlet would have a larger quantity of spectrums thus withholding a better connection than the rest As a result, the subscribers fr om the other two operators might switch to Singlet as their prices are undifferentiated hence the only unique selling point is the quality of products (IDA, Bibb). . Porter's Five Forces Analysis . 1 . Competitive Rivalry The number of competitors will increase when new technologies are launched in this technologically complex market. They will compete for data intensive and high speed internet connection, hence heightening rivalry in the market (Industry Profile 2010). All three operators have three different markets to compete in such as Mobile, Broadband and Cable TV hence they can diversify their revenue sources. However, these services offered by the operators are fairly similar and this worsens the rivalry.Besides the three existing operators, Singapore also saw new players such as Supernatant and LAG Telecoms and Imperceptibly. Overall, rivalry in this market can be evaluated as strong. 3. 2. Threat of New Entry Figure 9: Data obtained from Business Monitor International â₠¬â€œ ‘Singapore Telecommunications Report SQ 2012'. Potential entrants will be enticed by the dynamic market growth of Mobile, Broadband and Cable TV market. However, they will find it tough to compete with these established companies- Singlet, Startup and MI due to price competitions.New operators without their own structure can buy entrance to the Tells market thus save the capital required to enter the market (Industry Profile 2010). Unfortunately, Singapore popular response for higher bandwidth might infer that the player needs to spend more to invest in the infrastructure for future growth. The saturated market indicates that the new entrants have to attract the customers away from their existing subscriber instead of targeting a new customer segment (Industry Profile 2012).If Startup wants to grow their market share, they need to create more value-added services such as High- definition video chat, Mobile TV. New entrants need to differentiate themselves from the existin g players with more attractive promotion plans, higher bandwidth or faster upload-download time. Take for instance, Imperceptibly enticed subscribers by promising not to bind the first 100,000 subscribers with contracts. By 2013, Imperceptibly boosted 17% market share of the fiber broadband consumer market within one year (Yahoo News 2013). Overall, threat of new entry in this market can be evaluated as strong. . 3. Buyer Power The key buyers are end-users. In this market, buyers have fairly low switching costs and are determined by the time needed to break the existing contract and switch to a competitor's contract or with a cancellation penalty. Buyer power is strengthened, especially since full mobile number portability (NP) was launched in June 2008 (Industry Profile 2010). Brand reputation may play a part in switching operators, but ultimately the price is a bigger consideration for buyers along with factors such as the quality of connection, speed of access and existing bundli ng benefits.Buyer power is weakened again due to the variety of potential customers available- individual customers, business corporations, foreign workers. With only three operators in the Tells industry, this translates into weak bargaining power of the errs as they do not have more choices to choose from. Moreover, in the broadband market, internet access is highly important for normal consumers and especially vital for business consumers. Overall, buyer power is measured as moderate in the Tells market. 3. 4. Supplier Power The key suppliers are manufacturers of software, hardware and network owners with substantial negotiating power.This market is characterized by strong supplier power because of the high cost of switching as exiting a contract prematurely can be challenging (Industry Profile 2012). If the operator own and operate their own hysterical network then their suppliers would be manufacturers of software and hardware such as Cisco Systems. If the operator does not pos sess the network and acquire wholesale access to the infrastructure thereafter offering it to the end- parties, then the key suppliers would be the network owners. Take for instance, Startup purchased Fiber broadband from Opponent or Startup's PL channel rights from PL itself.Network manufacturers are not completely dependent on the Tells Operators' market for their revenues as it's by contractual rights (Industry Profile 2010). Generally, supplier power is evaluated as strong. 3. . Threat of Substitute Substitutes to this market are virtually non-existent because there isn't any strong threat to Internet as a whole. The internet itself is a substitute for various services and products- egg, brick-and-mortar store to online stores. Overall, the strong market growth prevents any potential rivalry hence the low threat of substitution.

A Qualitative Research Survey on Why People Leave Online Studies

A Qualitative Research Survey on Why People Leave Online Studies Methodology The rationale for this research design is to provide insight into the method used for refining a theoretical explanation that makes the theory more general and applicable across a wide spectrum based on Creswell’s (2002) definition.Advertising We will write a custom thesis sample on A Qualitative Research Survey on Why People Leave Online Studies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Creswell’s (2002) multipronged theoretical proposition provides a framework for inquiring into theoretical questions, issues, or problems associated with the decline in the number of students studying online. That is given further support based on the conflict theory which explains why students may choose to leave these graduate on-line programs (Bean, 1990). Yin (2003) borrows from Creswell’s (2002) theory and with further investigations finds a positive correlation of Creswell’s (2002) theory through a survey conducted by Neale et al, (2006) by relating several patterns to Creswell’s (2002) theoretical proposition using a pattern matching technique. Neale et al, (2006) takes the study a notch higher by stating that a survey is appropriate â€Å"when there is a unique story to be told, offering a more complete picture of what happened in the program and why† (Neale, et al, 2006, 4). Purpose The purpose of this research is an inquiry into the conflicts students encounter when undertaking online undergraduate programs to determine their lack of desire to continue and complete their goal, and gain an understanding of why they subsequently leave these types of programs, regardless of the study duration. This qualitative research will draw on Allen (2003) and Willging’s (2008) views to understand the requirements that work for online students as the subsequent product. According to Berg (2007), a qualitative research is an instrument that locates an individual in an environment by making factors that influence the outcome from online students leave their programs known to the observer, a fact concurred upon by (Yin, 2009).Advertising Looking for thesis on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Yin (2009) adds another dimension to qualitative research to be interpretive in crystallizing a meaning. On the other hand, quantitative research assigns numerical values to observations on a given scale. An appropriate method for conducting this study, according to the National Center for Educational Statistics (2010), will use closed ended questions rating systems and â€Å"best fit† answers in the survey of questionnaires administered to on-line learners (McLaughlin, 1998). An in depth analysis of the data collected will be organized and established patterns will be validated to further explain reasons deterring a particular population from pursuing their degree programs in an on line setting, a concept borrowed from Bailey’s (2002) studies. This research will explore the phenomena that a group of students who entered a specific graduate program have over a course of time (the classroom experience) dwindled away to a minimal number who are continuing degree completion (Neale, 2006). (including post classroom research). Subjects Based on Palys’s (n.d) perspectives on purposive sampling, current on line students participating in online learning from universities within the SACS (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools) will be the proposed respondents. These subjects have been identified as graduate level, on line students, who enrolled in a program with the aspirations of completing a graduate degree as prescribed on the university’s timeline. According to Palys (n.d), the researcher will have to identify respondents based on the purpose of the study. The participants will be asked to participate in a brief non compensated survey design ed to solicit answers about their academic on line experience and personal situations likely to cause them leave the process.Advertising We will write a custom thesis sample on A Qualitative Research Survey on Why People Leave Online Studies specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The instrument will be designed to gain specific information regarding the conflicts these students face based on a framework that draws on the decision making theory. That explains where they decided it to be to their best interest to forego their desired outcome of the experience of completing an on line degree. The participants will be assured that their participation will be voluntary and confidential, and in no way will their identity be compromised and no personal information will be included in the research, research instrument, or shared with any third party. This will be done by providing student a confidential page to fill and an informed consent form to inspire confidence in the participants. That will further assure the participants that they will not be susceptible to risks of exposure of the information they give and that they will be informed of the results of the study. Ancillary concerns are based on a participant rate of a minimum of 33%, from this type of a response, there is a high confidence that a valid sample can be disseminated and applied to this research. Data The data collected will be from a cohort of current students admitted to accredited on line, Ph.D. programs. The criteria expectation is they are admitted to a University for the purpose of degree completion, in a specific department and program. The population has been observed to have a considerable dropout rate-define compared- from the time of registration to the end of on line class completion (prior to administering qualifying exams). The purpose of this sample is to examine a collective group (cohort) who started in a graduate level, on line program and to track their longitudinal decline and the specific decision making situation (conflict) that influences their decision to withdrawal rather than continue through the conflict.Advertising Looking for thesis on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Participants in this study may live in various geographic areas of the United States, but attend Universities in the SACS region, this effort will be facilitated by contacting the on-line directors at these Universities via e mail. Surveys may be administered through a third party web based platform (e.g. www.surveymonkey.com or another web based provider) to ensure standard application. These on-line learners are the focus of this study (Nettles Millett, 2006). After initial contact, a time sensitive window for data collection will be used. Once participants reply to the instrument, data collected will be reviewed for patterns that are consistent to the types of conflicts that the participant encounter and influence the critical decision possibly leave the on line programs. This information will be coded into categories for data transposition. Creation of codes will be consistent with inclinations and discontent encountered while articipating on line classes. This research will fo cus on the factors relative with dissatisfaction that could perpetuate a decision to leave a program and will be correlated with decision making theories. Coding this quantitative data will be necessary to convert the responses into phenomenal descriptions to correlate the decision making theory to conflict theory criteria and thus authenticating the data collected. The time line for this data is historical, so no future (anticipated drop out) rates will be considered. A data base management system (DBMS) using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) will be used to organise the data collected using a coding system. The technique provides the mechanism for organisation of data in logical structures, thereby allowing sharing of data for multiple applications (Talhouni, 1990). Following this, appropriate stored data were inputted into the input interfaces of the relevant tools used in the study. The processed data were retrieved from the output interface of the tools used accor dingly. t – Test Statistic Student’s t-test is a parametric test-statistic for testing hypothesis when the data are in ratio or interval form (Okoko, 2000). The use of student’s t-test for hypothesis testing requires the calculation of the means and standard deviations of the distributions to be compared, and also the standard error of the difference between the two means. In order words the test is suitable for one mean value (one sample test) or for comparing two mean values. It is given by the following expression When t – value is calculated the significance or otherwise of the test at a given significance level (ÃŽ ± level) can be determined. If t value is greater than t critical at the set level of significance reject the null hypothesis that there is no significance difference in the means of the two samples and accept the alternative otherwise accept the null hypothesis (Okoko, 2000). Role of Researcher The researcher will independently collect d ata by examining the cohort of students enrolled in online programs. On the other hand, the research will collect data using rigorous data collection instruments and other relevant information by conducting qualitative researches including literature reviews, examining documents, and participating in the administration of interviews. In addition to that, the researcher will play the role of reviewing ad organizing collected data and other information in a form to be analyzed. The researcher will also identify research variables, assign numerical values to the variables, frame the data, and provide adequate details about the data. References Allen, I. J. (2003). Sizing the Opportunity: the Quality and Extent of Online Education  in the United States, 2002 and 2003. Needham, MA: Sloan. Bailey, M. (2002). A new perception on the construct of distance learning. New York: Miller Associates Publishing. Bean, J. (1990). Why students leave: Insights from research. In J. B. D. Hossler, Th e  Strategic Management of College Enrollment (pp. 170-185). San Francisco: Jossey-Bass. Berg, B. L. (2007). Qualitative Research Methods for the Social Sciences (6th ed.). Boston: Pearson. Creswell, J. (2002). Qualitative Inquiry and Research: Planning, Conducting, and  Evaluating Quantitative and Qualitative Research. Upper Saddle River, NJ: Merrill Prentice Hall. McLaughlin, G. P. (1998). Changing Perspectives on Student Retention: A Role for  Institutional Research. Research in Higher Education, 1-18. National Center for Educational Statistics. (2010). Digest od Educational Statistics. Washington, DC: IES National Center for Educational Statistics. Neale, P. T. (May 2006). Preparing A Case Study: A guide for Designing and  Conducting a Case study for Evaluation Input. Watertown, MA: Pathfinder International. Okoko, E. (2000). Quantitative Techniques in Urban Analysis. Ibadan: Kraft books Limited. Talhouni, B.T.K. (1990). Measurement and Analysis of Construction Labour Pr oductivity. An Unpublished Ph.D. Thesis, Department of Civil Engineering of the University of Dundee. Nettles, M. . C. M. Millett. (2006). Three Magic Letters Getting to Ph.D. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. Willging, P. A. (2008). Factors That Influence Students Decision to Dropout of  Online Courses. Journal of Asynchronous Learning Networks, 115-127. Yin, R. (2003). Case Study Research (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA : Sage. Yin, R. (2009). Case study Research: design and Methods (4th ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage. Palys, T., (n.d). Purposive Sampling1. Retrieved from sfu.ca/~palys/Purposive%20sampling.pdf

Byzantine-Seljuk Wars and the Battle of Manzikert

Byzantine-Seljuk Wars and the Battle of Manzikert The Battle of Manzikert was fought on August 26, 1071, during the Byzantine-Seljuk Wars (1048-1308). Ascending to the throne in 1068, Romanos IV Diogenes worked to restore a decaying military situation on the Byzantine Empires eastern borders. Passing needed reforms, he directed Manuel Comnenus to lead a campaign against the  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Seljuk Turks with the goal of regaining lost territory. While this initially proved successful, it ended in disaster when Manuel was defeated and captured. Despite this failure, Romanos was able to conclude a peace treaty with Seljuk leader Alp Arslan in 1069. This was largely due to Arslans need for peace on his northern border so that he could campaign against the Fatimid Caliphate of Egypt. Romanos Plan In February 1071, Romanos sent envoys to Arslan with a request to renew the peace treaty of 1069. Agreeing, Arslan began moving his army into Fatimid Syria to besiege  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Aleppo. Part of an elaborate scheme, Romanos had hoped that the treaty renewal would lead Arslan away from the area allowing him to launch a campaign against the Seljuks in Armenia. Believing that the plan was working, Romanos assembled an army numbering between 40,000-70,000 outside Constantinople in March. This force included veteran Byzantine troops as well as Normans, Franks, Pechenegs, Armenians,  Ã¢â‚¬â€¹Bulgarians, and variety of other mercenaries. The Campaign Begins Moving east, Romanos army continued to grow but was plagued by the questionable loyalties of its officer corps including the co-regent, Andronikos Doukas. A rival of Romanos, Doukas was a key member of the powerful Doukid faction in Constantinople. Arriving at Theodosiopoulis in July, Romanos received reports that Arslan had abandoned the siege of Aleppo and was retreating east towards the Euphrates River. Though some of his commanders wished to halt and await Arslans approach, Romanos pressed on towards Manzikert. Believing that the enemy would approach from the south, Romanos split his army and directed Joseph Tarchaneiotes to take one wing in that direction to block the road from Khilat. Arriving at Manzikert, Romanos overwhelmed the Seljuk garrison and secured the town on August 23. Byzantine intelligence had been correct in reporting that Arslan had abandoned the siege of Aleppo but failed in noting his next destination. Eager to deal with the Byzantine incursion, Arslan moved north into Armenia. In the course of the march, his army shrank as the region offered little plunder. The Armies Clash Reaching Armenia in late August, Arslan began maneuvering towards the Byzantines. Spotting a large Seljuk force advancing from the south, Tarchaneiotes elected to retreat west and failed to inform Romanos of his actions. Unaware that nearly half his army had departed the area, Romanos located Arslans army on August 24 when Byzantine troops under Nicephorus Bryennius clashed with the Seljuks. While these troops successfully fell back, a cavalry force led by Basilakes was crushed. Arriving on the field, Arslan dispatched a peace offer which was quickly rejected by the Byzantines. On August 26, Romanos deployed his army for battle with himself commanding the center, Bryennius leading the left, and Theodore Alyates directing the right. The Byzantine reserves were placed to the rear under the leadership of Andronikos Doukas. Arslan, commanding from a nearby hill, directed his army to form a crescent moon-shaped line. Commencing a slow advance, the Byzantine flanks were struck by arrows from the wings of the Seljuk formation. As the Byzantines advanced, the center of the Seljuk line fell back with the flanks conducting hit and run attacks on Romanos men. Disaster for Romanos Though capturing the Seljuk camp late in the day, Romanos had failed to bring Arslans army to battle. As dusk neared, he ordered a withdrawal back towards their camp. Turning, the Byzantine army fell into confusion as the right wing failed to obey the order to fall back. As gaps in Romanos line began to open, he was betrayed by Doukas who led the reserve off the field rather than forward to cover the armys retreat. Sensing an opportunity, Arslan began a series of heavy assaults on the Byzantine flanks and shattered Alyates wing. As the battle turned into a rout, Nicephorus Bryennius was able to lead his force to safety. Quickly surrounded, Romanos and the Byzantine center were unable to break out. Aided by the Varangian Guard, Romanos continued the fight until falling wounded. Captured, he was taken to Arslan who placed a boot on his throat and forced him to kiss the ground. With the Byzantine army shattered and in retreat, Arslan kept the defeated emperor as his guest for a week before allowing him to return to Constantinople. Aftermath While Seljuk losses at Manzikert are not known, recent scholarship estimates that the Byzantines lost around 8,000 killed. In the wake of the defeat, Arslan negotiated a peace with Romanos before permitting him to depart. This saw the transfer of Antioch, Edessa, Hierapolis, and Manzikert to the Seljuks as well as the initial payment of 1.5 million gold pieces and 360,000 gold pieces annually as a ransom for Romanos. Reaching the capital, Romanos found himself unable to rule and was deposed later that year after being defeated by the Doukas family. Blinded, he was exiled to Proti the following year. The defeat at Manzikert unleashed nearly a decade of internal strife which weakened the Byzantine Empire and saw the Seljuks make gains on the eastern border.

R&D report Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

R&D report - Research Paper Example Internal combustion engines have also been designed to operate on natural gas since it is cheaper than crude oil derivatives. Although natural gas engines provide for cheaper operating costs, there is a constant need for maintenance on the valve assemblies. The relatively earlier failure of valves, especially exhaust valves, leads to increased maintenance costs as well as lowered machine reliability and availability. This is truer still for smaller gas engines that are employed in domestic backup power applications. This research employs a lubricator in order to improve the lubricity of natural gas so as to improve valve life and hence engine availability and reliability. Keywords: natural gas engine, lubricity, valve failure, exhaust valve, head assembly Table of Contents Statement of the Problem 11 Rationale 11 Assumptions 12 Limitations 12 Nomenclature 13 Terms. 13 Abbreviations. 13 Intellectual Property Issues 14 Patent. 14 Copyright. 14 Fair use. 14 Budget Overview 14 Analysis 1 6 Problem Analysis 16 Existing scenario. 16 Ideal scenario. 16 Gap analysis. 16 Performance Criteria 16 Focusing of the Task Objective 17 Limitations and delimitations of the project. 17 Governing propositions. 17 Assumptions. 17 Statement of the R&D objective. 18 Hypothesis 19 Solution Proposal Method 19 Mechanisms of the Task 19 RCA. 19 Observations and expert opinions. 19 Development Procedures 19 Computer aided engineering (CAE) techniques. 20 Machining. 20 Fabrication. 20 Fitting. 21 Governing Propositions 21 Performance Measures 21 Synthesis 21 Implementation 21 Testing 22 Equipment. 22 Methods. 23 Measurement. 24 Instrumentation. 24 Experimental Results and Data Analysis 25 Validation 26 Status of Task Objective 26 Sustainability 26 Transferability 26 Implications 27 Recommendations 27 References 28 Appendix A – Lubricator Design 29 3D CAD Models 29 Appendix B – Proposed Air Plenum 32 3D CAD Models 32 Index 34 List of Figures Figure 1 - Exhaust valve burn with t he burned area visible on the right side. Continued operation of this valve could have led to catastrophic failure of the engine. 10 Figure 2 - Arrangement of inlet valve and exhaust valve in a single cylinder engine configuration 22 Figure 3 - The gas genset used for the current research sourced from (Green Power, 2013) 23 Figure 4 - MTBF against lubrication feed rate 25 Figure 5 - Lubricator body with bracket welded on 29 Figure 6 - Lubricator graduation cylinder 30 Figure 7 - Lubricator end tail for insertion into air plenum 30 Figure 8 - Complete lubricator assembly including lubrication adjustment screw (shown on the left bottom corner) 31 Figure 9 - Proposed air plenum base 32 Figure 10 - Proposed air plenum top cover 33 List of Tables Table 1 - Budget for the current research. 14 Table 2 - Lubrication feed rate used for experimentation 23 Table 3 - Lubrication feed rates and the corresponding MTBF 25 Proposal to Research and Develop Lubricator for Gas Generators Natural gas s erves as a cheap fuel alternative to the more expensive diesel, gasoline, kerosene, light fuel oil (LFO) and heavy fuel oil (HFO). There has been a growing trend to utilise natural gas in power generation applications in the form of both turbines and internal combustion engines. The lubrication process in a turbine relies on an externally supplied lubricating agent only. However, internal combusti

Social media Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Social media - Essay Example There is a perception that non-users of social media are timid, scrupulous, and unsocial. Murat reveals that students who are extrovert use and stay longer on the social media sites in comparison to the introverts. Interestingly, people who are shy and anxious are frequent users of these sites though despite them having fewer following or friends. There is a trend that individuals who exhibit honesty in these sites tend to get social support from users of the social sites in discussion. However, it can be argued that individuals with smaller social friends in these sites have little motivation to use the networking sites hence it can be argued that the relationship between shyness and how frequently the sites are used has no significance. It is for these reasons that it can be stated with absolute certainty that the purpose of using social media sites; the methods incorporated; time spent; and on the sites have a relationship with individual traits of the users (Murat 77). The big five model of personality can be effectively and efficiently validated to illuminate the above conviction. Report from ProQuest (1) lists that the big five model constitutes of contentiousness, openness to experience, agreeableness, neuroticism, and extroversion. Extroversion encompasses either an individual possessing the trait of being an outgoing individual and energetic or the converse where one exhibits the traits of being reserved and solitary. On the other hand, neuroticism includes how sensitive or nervous individuals can be or how secure and confident they are while agreeableness tends to focus on friendliness and compassionate and conversely unkind and cold nature of some persons. ProQuest report (1) also asserts that conscientiousness attempts to categorize traits in terms of how efficient and organized a person can be or being easy going but careless. The last of the big five entails traits that certain kind of people exhibit by being open to experience.

Critically appraise the extent to which an understanding of cultural Essay

Critically appraise the extent to which an understanding of cultural differences can assist in managing people in the workplace - Essay Example This paper will critically appraise the extent to which an understanding of cultural differences can assist in managing people in the workplace. There has been a good definition of culture in the above first chapter. It is important to note that culture is either generic culture or local culture (Alatas, 2009). Generic culture consists of shared culture among people in the world, whereas local culture entails schemas that are shared by the only specific social group in this world (Alatas, 2009). Globalization has made this world a global village. In broader terms, globalization has brought people in this world closer. That said, people from different parts of the world have found themselves working together in the same corporations. This is very interesting because it seems hard to deal with people from different cultures. It requires deeper understanding of cultural diversities such as things not to say to people from different cultures, and the ways of communication (Calveley, 2015). A good understanding of cultural diversities by managers will make it easy for them to motivate employees, structuring strategies, and implementing important strategies. As noted in a study by Connaughton (2007), there are many levels where culture works. The first level is national level. Here, the unconscious values of people bring the difference in national culture. These values are taught when people are young. National culture is normally stable but changes afterward in the practices, but the unconscious values do not change (Connaughton, 2007). The second level is organizational level. Here, the level of practices is the one that brings the difference and are often manageable. Organizational cultures usually differ from one company to another, but the firms need to be operating in the same country (Connaughton, 2007). The third is occupational level. This lies between organizational and national cultures. For example, entering an occupation such as service in the

Importance of Exercise for the Elderly: Literature Review

Importance of Exercise for the Elderly: Literature Review Sports studies with business Chapter 1 Introduction The importance of physical activity and physical fitness in terms of â€Å"†¦ health and longevity †¦Ã¢â‚¬  have been linked since the â€Å"†¦ earliest records of organized exercise used in health promotion †¦ (which were) †¦ found in China around 2500 B.C†¦.† (Hardman et al, 2003, p. 3). Hippocrates, who is â€Å"†¦ often called the Father of Modern Medicine, wrote †¦Ã¢â‚¬ : â€Å"†¦ all parts of the body which have a function, if used in moderation and exercised in labours in which each is accustomed, become thereby healthy, well-developed and age more slowly, but if unused and left idle they become liable to disease, defective in growth and age quickly† (Hardman et al, 2003, p. 3). The link between exercise and health has been a long established fact in medicine that also traces back to â€Å"Cicero in 44 BC (who was himself echoing Aristotle) †¦Ã¢â‚¬  who believed that health as one ages is improved by having a good diet along with exercise and mental stimulation (Harlow, 2006). In fact, Cicero â€Å"†¦ saw old age as something yet to happen to him †¦Ã¢â‚¬  when he was in his sixties and writing his treatise in an period when less than â€Å"†¦ seven percent of the population reached sixty† (Harlow, 2006). The preceding three factors of diet, exercise and mental stimulation as mentioned by Cicero are ingredients that are present in when one participates in sports. The subject of elderly participation in sporting activities in the United Kingdom represents one of considerable importance as the percentage of older adults increases in proportion to the UK’s total population. This examination shall seek to equate the participation rates for sports in the United Kingdom, delving into how, and if social class represents a contributing factor concerning the potential of this group participating in sporting activities in later life. The prospect of sport participation in later life shall also be undertaken along with whether social class enters into this facet as well concerning participation rates. The importance of age is impacting the population in the United Kingdom whereby the number of people over the age of 65 has increased to 16 percent, with the age group 85 and older comprising 12 percent of the total population (National Statistics, 2007). The significance of the foregoing is that people are living longer as a result of better nutrition, health care, and living conditions as well as life styles (Quanten, 2004). Interestingly, Quanten (2004) makes the observation that medical science has determined that our basis for calculating the longevity of ancient civilizations is faulty in that the technique utilized in estimating age was based upon bone density. The bone samples generally belonged to middle aged men and women, thus the formula utilized to determine age was based upon the weakening of said density which was slower then than it is now (Quanten, 2004). Thus it was found that the estimation of age has been seriously under represented, putting the average life span of early man in the range of somewhere between 80 and 100 years, meaning that in modern terms civilization has lost ground in aging as opposed to gaining, as was the consensus of thought (Quanten, 2004). Evidence supporting the preceding in today’s world can be found in the fact that there are many examples of individuals living to 120 to 130 years, with the vast majority of them living in extreme conditions where a high degree of physical labour is required for survival, as represented by jungles untouched by modern society, and harsh climates as found in Northern Russia (Quanten, 2004). The common fact linking the ancient study and present day examples of individuals living 120 to 130 years is that their environments were and are more physical in their demands, with the lifestyles requiring more exercise. Kligman and Pepin (1992, pp. 33-34, 37-44. 47), the American College of Sports Medicine (1998, pp. 992-1008), Dishman (1994, pp. 1087-1094) and Nelson et al (1991, pp. 1304-1311) along with numerous other sources all attest to the benefits of exercise in early life as well as throughout life as beneficial in staving off disease as well as prolonging life. Studies as undertaking by Shepard (1993, pp. 61-64) and, Paffenbarger et al (1989, pp. 605-613) for example, cite incidences in Finland as well as Harvard University in the United States where those who consistently exercised lived on average 2 to 3 years longer that their more sedentary counterparts. The foregoing brief examples and analysis of age and exercise has been conducted to provide an initial foundation for understanding the framework of this examination which shall delve into elderly sports participation rates in the United Kingdom. The topic of this study is to attempt to determine, if possible, how social class affects the likelihood of doing sporting activities in later life, with its aim to see if social class does have an influence on people taking/carrying on sporting activity in this context. In conducting this examination, the foregoing also seek to compare individuals in the age group representing 55 years of age and above who participate in sporting activities against those who do not through a comparison of their social class backgrounds as represented by working middle class and upper middle class classifications to determine if any correlation exists. Chapter 2 – Literature Review Resnick et al (2006, p. 174), in â€Å"Screening for and Prescribing Exercise for Older Adults† advise that there is substantial scientific evidence that supports the benefits of exercise in maintaining â€Å"†¦ function, health, and overall quality of life for older adults. The article advises that physical activity represents â€Å"†¦ one of the greatest opportunities to extend †¦Ã¢â‚¬  an individual’s active as well as independent life and reduce the incidence of disability, and that regular physical activity by older adults are more likely to have better health (Resnick et al, 2006, pp. 174-182). In spite of the clear evidence of the preceding, most adults do not participate or engage in either sport or physical activity, and unfortunately the prescription of a regular physical regime is not yet a routine clinical practice (Resnick et al, 2006, pp. 174-182). The article went on to state that the best methodology via which to engage in a sport or ph ysical exercise is to first seek the aid of a physician to reach a determination of one’s present medical and physical state in order for a person to understand the types of activities they should / can engage in, as well as seeking help with a program to ease them into a proper regime. The Council of Europe (1993) defines sport as encompassing â€Å"†¦ all forms of physical activity †¦Ã¢â‚¬  which includes casual participation for which the aim of the activity is to improve â€Å"†¦ physical fitness and mental well-being †¦Ã¢â‚¬  along with the formation of social relationships and or obtaining competitive results. As such, the foregoing expands what one traditionally understands as the defintion of sport into a broader context that includes individual sport as well as fitness activities that include certain dance activities, and aerobics along with walking and cycling (Rowe et al, 2004). The Council of Europe’s (1993) definition includes informal and casual participation, along with the more serious club and professional pursuits (Rowe et al, 2004). The study conducted by Rowe et al (2004) defined participation as at least once a week in the activity, and found that the evidence collected indicated that the United Kingdom had moved t owards stagnation with regard to participation levels. The following chart reflects these findings: Table 1 – Sport, Game and Phyisical Activity Participation in the United Kingdom (Rowe et al, 2004) The preceding indicates the fluctuating levels of particpation occuring at the rate of at least one time a week over a four week period for the indicated periods. The following Table shows the foregoing, but excludes walking. Table 2 – Participation in Sports, Games and Physical Activity (Excludes walking) (Rowe et al, 2004) Social class differences explored in the study by Rowe et al (2004) showed a marked difference in sport participation between the highest and lowest social classifications, as one would expect owing to differences in the ability to spend time on pursuits as a result of disposable income and time, in addition to living closer to facilities and or having the transportation and or a circle of friends who also participate, thus making sport an increased part of their lifestyle. Table 3 – Differences in Social Class, Sport Participation 1987 – 1996 (Rowe et al, 2004) Table 4 – Projected Chanages in Number of Sport Participants between 1996 – 2026, Based on Trends Established 1990 – 1996 (Rowe et al, 2004) The total number of estimated particpants in varied sports activity is shown projected into the year 2026 in the above Table. The increased number is due to the rise of the number of people in these age groups as opposed to actual increased participation (Rowe et al, 2004). Older aged individuals, as shown by Tables 1 and 2 have significantly lower sport activity participation rates which to a large degree, as expressed in the study conducted by Rowe et al (2004), is due to reduced participation in their social group, aliments, lack of income, non-inclusion in their lifestyle as well as being uninformed that sport and exercise represent a healthful benefit that should be continued throughout an individual’s life. Thurston and Green (2004, pp. 379-387) support the previous contention of the development of more active lifestyles for older individuals, as does the Department of Health (1995) in their document â€Å"More People, More Active, More Often. Physical Activity in England†, and Department of Health douments in the years 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002 that all make references to the overwhelming evidence that indicates that frequent and regular physical activity is beneficial to health. The foregoing includes an increased life expectancy, diabetes, control over obesity, reduction in coronary heart disease, positive health outcomes, increased mobility and coordination as well as other benefits (Thurston and Green, 2004, pp. 379-387). Studies have shown that even if an adult begins sport and exercise programs as late as 60 years of age they can improve their life expectancy by 1 to 2 years, however 40% of adults in the above 60 year age group do not partake in such a regime even if they were aware of the benefits (Thurston and Green, 2004, pp. 379-387). The understanding of the importance of the older generation as a part of the overall national profile as well as economic, health, medical and social system, the House of Lords published is document titled â€Å"Aging: Scientific Aspects†, in 2005 (House of Lords, 2005). The Report stated that the â€Å"†¦ economic implications of changing life expectancy are †¦ of great importance †¦Ã¢â‚¬ , with the â€Å"†¦ urgency of these matters †¦ â€Å"made plain from statistics that point out â€Å"†¦ for the first time the number of people in England and Wales aged 60 and over was greater than the number aged under 16† (House of Lords, 2005). When the figures for what is termed the ‘oldest old’, meaning individuals above the age of 85 are included, the implications are even more striking: Table 5 – Oldest Old Comparisons, UK and the World (House of Lords, 2005) The growth rate of the aging population in the United Kingdom is outstripping the global rate to the point whereby the UK is projected to reach a figure of 20% of its total population in 2020, fully thirty years before the global population will reach that figure, thus making the prospect of old age health an important one for the country. Table 6 – Life Expectancy, United Kingdom (House of Lords, 2005) The above Table indicates that the life expectancy in England is higher when counted alone. In examining the elderly sports participation rate for the older population in the United Kingdom utilizing social class distinctions, it is important equate the defining aspects of these groups. The following defines the preceding as found in the House of Lords document â€Å"Aging: Scientific Aspects†: Table 7 – Social Class Segments (House of Lords, 2005) Table 8 – Life Expectancy by Social Class (House of Lords, 2005) The preceding Table represented an aid in the later determination of social class and if this factor has any bearing, and or influence upon participation in carrying on sporting activities in later life. The House of Lord’s report on â€Å"Aging: Scientific Aspects† did indicate through the study of varied reports as well as consultations that it came to the conclusion, which is a consensus view, â€Å"†¦ that aging is caused by lifelong accumulation of molecular and cellular damage †¦Ã¢â‚¬  as opposed to the theory of a â€Å"†¦ rigid inner clock †¦Ã¢â‚¬  (House of Lords, 2005). Importantly, the ‘Report’ indicated that the process of aging â€Å"†¦ is more malleable than has been generally appreciated †¦Ã¢â‚¬  and that the â€Å"†¦ mechanisms governing health in old age †¦Ã¢â‚¬  are processes that are ongoing throughout the lives of individuals (House of Lords, 2005). In reference to the implications of this examination, the ‘Report’ â€Å"†¦ summarized what appears to be a consensus view †¦Ã¢â‚¬  regarding the key factors promoting good health as well as slowing down the ageing process as (House of Lords, 2005): physical activity; having a social role and function; good nutrition; absence of risk factors such as smoking and drinking to excess; and good mental health and well-being The ‘Report’ stressed that physical activity represents a ‘key’ facet of good health and â€Å"†¦ is the major modifiable influence on health in old age† (House of Lords, 2005). In making such a statement the ‘Report’ referred to ‘The Royal Society of Edinburgh’ which stated that exercise has been shown as being a critical factor in maintaining as well as modestly increasing bone density of adults, and more importantly can aid in the minimization of bone loss in older individuals (House of Lords, 2005). The overall ‘Report’ on â€Å"Aging: Scientific Aspects† provided key background information that proved helpful, with regard to general information, and indispensable with regard to demographic groups, exercise, and the government’s recognition of the importance of the issue as well as the specific and key identification of key points. With regard to sport, the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (2007a) aims to encourage wider sports participation, and in regard to the focus of this examination, to promote sport at the grassroots level, which has implications concerning facilities that the older generation either has available, and or needs (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b). In its Report â€Å"Where are we Now: The State of Sport Today†, it clarifies that the government does not run sport, but recognizes it as an important factor in the health, and well being of children, adults, and the older generation (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b). Overall, across all age and demographic groups, the United Kingdom ranks in the middle of the European Union in sports participation by the general public, as shown by the following: Table 9 – European Union General Population Sport Participation (In Percent) (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b) In terms of intensity, individuals in the United Kingdom participate in sports on a less regular basis, and with less intensity (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b). The last aspect does not have applicability with regard to older adults, however the former is a telling statistics concerning its bearing on older sports participation. Table 10 – UK Sport Participation (In percent) (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b) Rate of Intensity The following table indicates the rates of participation of residents in the UK. Table 11 – Competitive and Organized Sport Participation in the UK (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b) The ‘Report’ indicates participation rates among social economic groups varies, however it does not break out these statistics into age groups. Table 12 – UK General Population Sports Participation by Social Economic Group (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b) Table 13 – UK Sport Participation by Ethnic Minority (Department for Culture, Media and Sport, 2007b) Sport England (2005) undertook a study that systematically reviewed published and unpublished research studies regarding children, and adult reasons concerning participation as well as non-participation in sport, which this examination utilized to add to the other research and literature sources. An important facet that was identified in the study was one representing an individual’s personal appearance and proficiency levels. The preceding two aspects are generally overlooked factors that are a part of a person’s sport participation consideration. The very real concern of having an unfit body, being out of shape, not able to conduct certain aspects of sport participation performance on a level that could potentially lead to personal embarrassment, are very real concerns that could and do enter into dissuading individuals from participating in a sporting activity (Sport England, 2005). Facilities and availability are also factors that enter into the participation equation, along with costs. For example, the incidence of parks, walkways, golf, tennis, cricket, bicycle paths, gym facilities and the like are more likely to be located near to upper income neighbourhoods than lower income