Tuesday, January 21, 2020

Computational Linguistics :: Essays Papers

Computational Linguistics Computational linguistics is a discipline between linguistics and computer science which is concerned with the computational aspects of the human language. This area of computer science overlaps with the field of Artificial Intelligence. Basically, computational linguistics is a series of programs that interprets human speech into words and actions. There are a couple of different areas of computational linguistics and those areas are theoretical computational linguistics and applied computational linguistics. Each one of those areas are divided up into more areas. Theoretical computational linguistics is composed of theoretical linguistics and cognitive science. This particular area deals with formal theories about the linguistic knowledge that a human needs for generating and understanding language. This area has advanced so much, and has become so complex that it can only be managed by using computers. With these computers computational linguists develop formal models simulating aspects of the human language and then incorporates that into programs. These programs that they write constitute the basis for the evaluation and further development of their theories. Along with these theories there is another part that plays a big role in theoretical computational linguistics and that part is cognitive sciences. What I mean by that is that part of these programs interprets what is being said and then it matches it up to what is in its programming. The other part of computational linguistics is called applied computational linguistics which focuses on the practical outcome of modeling human language use. The methods, techniques, tools, and applications in this area are often subsumed under the term language engineering or (human language technology. The current computational linguistic systems are far from achieving human ability of communicating they have numerous applications. The goal for this is to eventually have a computer program that will have the same communication skills as a human being. Once this is achieved it will open doors never thought possible in computing. After all the major problem today with computing is communication with the computer. Today’s computers don’t really understand our language and it is very difficult to learn computer language, plus computer language doesn’t correspond to the structure of human thought.

Monday, January 13, 2020

The Effectiveness Of The Implementation Of Performance Management

Purpose – The intent of this paper is to supply an overview of the manner the public presentation direction system is being implemented for Educators in State Secondary Schools in Mauritius, to measure its effectivity as a tool to better public presentation in secondary instruction in the populace sector and to do recommendations to policy shapers on countries necessitating betterment. Design/methodology/approach – Datas were obtained from studies of secondary school Educators in educational zone 3 of Mauritius ( n=245 ) . The research workers used chi-square trial, Pearson correlativity and factor analysis in order to measure whether the new system was carry throughing its intent and to associate apprehension of Performance Management System ( PMS ) to its effectivity in secondary schools. Findingss – The findings indicate that pedagogues in Education Zone 3 believe in the importance of the PMS to better quality of instruction. They agree that it is a good planned procedure up to the concluding assessment phase. There is a weak relationship between the sentiment of Educators on effectivity of the PMS and its really taking to school betterment. Career development programs did non organize portion of the PMS. They view the PMS as undependable to mensurate public presentation, drawn-out and clip devouring with no follow up on public presentation spreads and for developing demands of the appraised. PMS is implemented merely as another bureaucratic tool. Originality/Value – Bing the first research of its sort in the secondary instruction sector in Maurtius, this research might be of value to the Ministry of Education, every bit good as to Managers of Private Secondary Schools who wish to utilize the public presentation direction system as a tool to measure and better the public presentation of pedagogues and thereby take at ‘quality of instruction for all ‘ . Limitation – As merely secondary schools of zone 3 are in their 2nd twelvemonth of PMS, our sample was restricted to that zone merely. Cardinal words: Educators, Performance Management, Performance direction system, public presentation steps, State Secondary Schools, Mauritius.IntroductionGlobalization together with a competitory universe environment and developments in engineering have made it imperative for all sectors in the economic system to supply better services to their clients and secondary schools are no exclusion. The Government of Mauritius realized that human capital is an of import resource with which Mauritius has been endowed, and that optimal usage demands to be made of this resource in all sectors and the instruction sector was no exclusion. Being cognizant that public officers working in schools ( both primary and secondary ) need to be dynamic, proactive, vivacious, frontward looking, advanced, effectual, executing and consequences oriented, it became imperative to set in topographic point a system which would let non merely to measure the public presentation of Educators working in these schools but besides to analyse their preparation demands. In 1976, the authorities introduced free secondary instruction for one and all and in 2005, made instruction compulsory for all kids up to the age of 16 old ages. Since so, it has become the duty of the Educators working in secondary schools to bring forth citizens with the needed accomplishments and competences needed by the economic system. Bearing in head that the one-year budget for Performance Management for secondary instruction is Rs.1.2 million, it becomes imperative that authorities ensures that public financess are being decently used in order to run into the outlooks of the citizens. The vision of the Ministry of Education is ‘to provide Quality Education to All ‘ . To accomplish this vision it is of import that those who deliver the service in the instruction system execute to the best of their ability. Thus it becomes necessary non merely to measure the forces working in our secondary schools, but besides to look into their preparation demands. The PMS can let to function this double intent which was non being achieved through the present Performance Appraisal system i.e. the Confidential Reporting System in the Civil Service in Mauritius which dates back to colonial times. Confidential Reporting has been in topographic point since 1963 and amended twice since so in 1973 and 1979. However, as ment ioned above it is no longer functioning its intent due to its legion failings viz. , it is a cosmopolitan one tantrum system for all public officers, there is no engagement of the appraised and he is non made aware of his strengths and failings, therefore doing the system unjust and inconsistent, it has no yardstick to mensurate the grade of public presentation of assorted facets of the occupation as there are no fit professional criterions, all standards are assigned the same evaluation, thereby doing no difference between most of import and least of import standards, subjectiveness, prejudice and bias are ineluctable in this system of describing as it does non follow a scientific attack and the system is used merely for publicity and does non place the preparation demands of the officers in the visible radiation of ascertained public presentation. The restrictions of the Confidential Reporting System gave rise to the demand for better system whereby both valuator and appraisee would be taken on board. An effort was made to present a new public presentation assessment strategy in the mid-1990s but it failed likely due to its bad selling, which led to resistance from both Trade Unions and Public officers. Against this background, a Task Force on Performance Management was set up which created a Framework for all Departments/Ministries to follow corporate strategic planning and step accomplishment of organisational aims and divisional work marks against established public presentation indexs. The Draft Performance Management Framework stipulated that the assessment of employees should get down with a public presentation understanding based on a preset work program, continued with regular reappraisals and completed with a general reappraisal of public presentation, appraisal of development demands and acknowledgment of public presentation. In line with the recommendations of the Task Force on Performance Management, the Pay Research Bureau ( PRB ) study 2008 recommended inter alia that all Ministries/Departments should measure and reexamine sporadically their public presentation in relation to established marks ; they should follow and implement a Performance Review Scheme as an built-in portion of Performance Management on a uninterrupted footing ; and the Ministry of Civil Service and Administrative Reforms should move as a coordinating Ministry, responsible to spearhead the debut of the Performance Management System and instill a Performance orientated civilization in the Public Service. Furthermore, the PRB 2008 in its study recommends that as from fiscal twelvemonth 2011-2012: ( I ) increases may be granted three months before for employees who perform beyond the acceptable criterions systematically for a period of one twelvemonth and nine months ; and ( two ) more than one increase may be granted at a spell, say two increases, for uninterrupted outstanding public presentation for three back-to-back old ages. The PMS is still in its babyhood in State Secondary Schools being introduced in the educational system merely in 2008. Mauritius is divided into four educational zones and the navigation in secondary schools was done in all schools of educational zone 3 during the twelvemonth 2009 and in this current twelvemonth they are in their 2nd PMS rhythm whereas the secondary schools of the other 3 educational zones ( 1, 2 and 4 ) are in their first PMS rhythm. It is hence of import to analyze whether all stakeholders have the necessary cognition and apprehension of the Performance Management System, the nature of the current Performance Management agreements, the Performance Management Process, the Performance Measures in order to mensurate its effectivity in State Secondary Schools in Mauritius.1.1 Knowledge and apprehension of PMSThere are legion definitions of Performance Management, from the general position, as a agency for an organisation to recognize its aspiration ( IDeA, 2001 ) to th e more specific one, aiming at single employees, directing and heightening their public presentation, therefore bettering organisational effectivity ( Williams, 2002 ) . However, the common characteristic of all definitions lies in the accomplishment of the organisations ‘s ends or aims: It is the procedure of bettering the quality and measure of work done and conveying all activity in line with an administration ‘s aims ( Bruno walters, 1995 ) . Harmonizing to the Local Government Improvement and Development, UK public presentation direction is ; taking action in response to existent public presentations to do results for users and the populace better than they would otherwise be. All these definitions merely give the intents of the Performance Management system. ( Armstrong and Baron, 2004 ) have stressed that public presentation direction is a tool to guarantee that directors manage efficaciously ; that they guarantee the people or squads they manage know and understa nd what is expected of them, have the accomplishments and ability to present on these outlooks, are supported by the organisation to develop the capacity to run into these outlooks, are given feedback on their public presentation and have the chance to discourse and lend to single and squad purposes and aims. It is besides approximately guaranting that directors themselves are cognizant of the impact of their ain behaviour on the people they manage and are encouraged to place and exhibit positive behavior. Execution of a Performance Management System will assist to obtain better consequences from persons, squads and the organisation as a whole as both valuator and appraisee understand and manage public presentation as per an agreed model for planned ends, aims, criterions and competences. This appears to be a more comprehensive definition of Performance Management as it gives all the of import phases in public presentation direction but does non speak on placing public presentation spreads and supplying the necessary professional development. ( Armstrong, 1999 ) identifies the chief extra characteristics of public presentation direction as: the engagement of all members within the organisation as spouses in the procedure, concern with inputs ( competencies and accomplishments ) every bit good as end products, based upon understandings refering answerability and duty, concern with squad public presentation every bit good as single public presentation, uninterrupted procedure and non reliant on an one-year reappraisal, personal reappraisals focus on constructive patterned advance, betterment and development, recognizes the demand for preparation and dressed ores on ‘self managed ‘ larning ‘ , feedback is every bit much spontaneous as possible and non reliant on luxuriant signifiers. ( Engelmann & A ; Roesch 1996 ) identified negative effects of ill designed and ill administered strategies as: hapless motive and ego regard because employees receive unequal feedback on their work public presentation, small o r no focussed communicating about public presentation between directors and employees ; inefficient usage of directors ‘ clip and judicial proceeding over alleged prejudiced actions.The Performance Management Procedure:Performance direction means a shared committedness to high public presentation. It helps to concentrate attending on more effectual instruction and monitoring to raise the quality of learning and to profit students, instructors and the school. It means supplying appropriate and effectual personal preparation and development to guarantee occupation satisfaction, a high degree of expertness and patterned advance of staff in their chosen profession1. Performance Management is an on-going, synergistic procedure between an employee and his/her supervisor. It involves the undermentioned phases: Pre-appraisal – Planning and holding on Performance: The valuator discusses and records precedences and aims with each of the instructors in his/her squad and discusses how advancement will be monitored through a two manner communicating between valuator and appraisee. A work program is developed and agreed upon by both parties. Mid-appraisal – Pull offing Performance: At mid term of the stage, the appraisee is called upon to transport out a self rating of the accomplishments and public presentation spreads as per the work program, following which the valuator conducts a formal interview with the appraisee to reexamine and enter advancement made on the public presentation understanding and to inform him of the countries that need betterment. Final Appraisal – Reviewing Performance. At the terminal of the one twelvemonth rhythm, the valuator reappraisal, evaluates and paperss the public presentation of the appraisee during the appraisal period. The appraisee is called upon to one time once more self evaluate his/her public presentation against the work program agreed upon during the pre-appraisal phase. The valuator carries out a concluding interview to give the appraisee specific public presentation information in respect to good public presentation and to 1. [ Online ] available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.burford.oxon.sch.uk/policy/performancemanagementpolicy.htm [ Accessed on 13 November 2010 ] supply any pertinent suggestions for betterment, and action programs are developed in audience with both parties for lacking countries. This type of communicating and certification allows chance for an appraisede to adhere to the expected consequences for the station during the following appraisal twelvemonth.1.3 Nature of current Performance Management SystemEffective public presentation direction requires consistently determinant and pass oning what needs to be done ( purposes, aims, precedences and marks ) , a program for guaranting that it happens ( betterment, action or service programs ) , some agencies of measuring if this has been achieved ( public presentation steps ) and information making the right people at the right clip ( public presentation coverage ) so determinations are made and actions taken2. The PMS ‘s function can be classified into three chief classs: ( a ) Strategic: consist the functions of pull offing scheme execution and ambitious premises ; ( B ) Com munication: comprises the function of cheque place, following with the non negotiable parametric quantities, pass oning way, supplying feedback and benchmarking ; ( three ) Motivational: comprises the function of measuring and honoring behaviour and encouraging betterment and acquisition 1.3.1. Performance Management System in United Kingdom: Findingss of ( Andrew Brown, 2005 ) in ‘Implementing public presentation direction in England ‘s primary schools ‘ showed that considerable fluctuation exists among primary schools as to how they are implementing public presentation direction. This was due to confusion and uncertainness on the portion of all stakeholders refering the significance and intent of public presentation direction. He concludes that factors that influence the effectivity of public presentation direction in any one primary school are the extent to which: ( a ) the caput, instructors, governors and public presentation direction advisor have a common apprehension refering the significance of public presentation direction and the intents of presenting the enterprise into schools ; ( B ) all relevant stakeholder groups are suitably and sufficiently good trained to implement the enterprise ; ( degree Celsius ) the school ‘s organisational civilization is such that the determination to present a system of public presentation 2. [ Online ] available at hypertext transfer protocol: //www.idea.gov.uk/idk/core/page.do? pageId=4405770 [ Accessed on 13 November 2010 ] direction is perceived by the school ‘s caput, instructors and governors to be an appropriate and worthwhile one ; ( vitamin D ) the public presentation direction aims which the caput and instructors receive are sufficiently specific, mensurable, relevant and ambitious ; ( vitamin E ) the methods and indexs adopted to mensurate the public presentation direction aims of the caput and instructors are considered to be sufficiently varied and just ; ( degree Fahrenheit ) the construct of â€Å" overall public presentation † is sufficiently good defined, mensurable and accepted by both the valuators and appraisee ; ( g ) sufficient resources are available to implement instructors ‘ single professional development programs ; ( H ) the associated wage and wages systems are perceived to be both just and feasible. In short, England has a good established Performance system including Performance Thresholds, nevertheless, there is no consensus on whether fiscal inducements wo uld actuate instructors in advancing good instruction ( Croxson,2001 ) . 1.3.2 Performance Management System in New Zealand: Effective public presentation direction involves sharing an apprehension of what needs to be achieved and so pull offing and developing people in a manner that enables such shared aims to be achieved ( Dransfield, 2000 ) . In New Zealand, since 1997 public presentation assessment is compulsory for all instructors who are appraised against nine Professional Standards which include: professional cognition, professional development, learning techniques, pupil direction, motive of pupils, publicity of Te Reo Maori linguistic communication, effectual communicating, support for and cooperation with co-workers and part to wider school activities. These professional criterions aid to guarantee that employer and direction outlooks are clear and consistent across each school. Based on these criterions public presentation indexs are developed which require the school to place cardinal facets of public presentation ( that can be verified ) , fi nd what information is needed to measure public presentation against each of the professional criterions, make up one's mind how public presentation is to be assessed ( the appraisal method/s ) , design methods for roll uping the public presentation information. Performance indexs are reviewed from clip to clip to guarantee they are still relevant and appropriate. The public presentation assessment is carried out which focuses on the nine professional criterions and leads to a written appraisal study for treatment and audience with the instructor. This public presentation assessment includes readying of a statement of aims which are discussed and agreed upon at the beginning of the public presentation direction rhythm. Then there is an interim assessment, the intent of which is to supervise advancement against professional criterions and to foreground success and turn to any concerns. It besides provides an chance to discourse and enter any alteration to the agreed public presentati on outlooks. The reappraisal may affect observation of instruction, an interview and readying of an interim study. The following phase is the Final Appraisal whereby the valuator and appraisee meet to discourse the instructor ‘s public presentation over the twelvemonth based on professional criterions and indexs. The valuator informs the appraisee of the accomplishments and discusses what needs to be addressed in the undermentioned twelvemonth in footings of farther professional development. Teacher public presentation may besides include equal assessment, parent feedback, pupil feedback, pupils ‘ public presentation consequences and documental grounds such as lesson programs, appraisal records and resources used. Once instructors have met the appropriate degree of professional criterions they entree the 2nd tranche of salary rates ( Ozga, 2003 ) . Principals may postpone patterned advance for instructors who have non met the professional criterions at the appropriate de gree during the assessment period but so they must set in topographic point a plan for support and development to help the instructor to run into the criterions. If a instructor disagrees with the recess of the salary increase the instructor may, within 14 working yearss of being notified of the deferral seek a review3. However, ( Carol Cardno, 1999 ) states that in New Zealand the public presentation direction system has non good started and has non improved the public presentation of instructors and pupils. The New Zealand policy resembles closely our Mauritanian system, whereby the primary intent is to supply a model for bettering quality of learning. There the school board is responsible for seting in topographic point an assessment procedure with appropriate professional development orientation ( Cardno, 1999 ) . ( Rohento, 1992 ) found that instructors supported the debut of pecuniary inducements, and believed that a performance-related wage strategy would increase their attempt and have a positive consequence on student attainment. Harmonizing to some caputs, although the public presentation direction was non used to penalize hapless executing instructors, it was a utile agencies of placing and turn toing countries of failings with instructors ( Burgess et al, 2001 ) . 3.Draft National Guidelines for Performance Management in Schools, Ministry of Education, 1995.1.3.3 Performance Management System in Malaysia and CanadaMalaysia has adopted a Result-based Management Approach ( RBM ) , which focuses on systematic and structured public presentation direction, whereby, the Intergrated Performance Management Framework ( IPMF ) helps in being results-oriented in plan planning and delivery4. Canada is in its early phase on public presentation direction which has replaced the â€Å" Supporting Teaching Excellence † which was the instructor public presentation assessment policy. The policy model for pull offing people is effectual as of July 2010. It applies to the nucleus public disposal and is said to necessitate sustained leading and investing of clip and money5.1.3.4 Performance Management System in MauritiusIn the Mauritian context small research has been done as the PMS is still in its early phase. The lone research on the effectivity of Performance Management System has been carried out by ( Chittoo and Ramphul, 2006 ) in the Health Sector where they claim that Performance Management in the instance of Mauritanian infirmaries is still a implausible thought because irrespective of how good a technique it is, there is a fright to implement it due to swerve deficit of s taff who still have to fulfill the clients to the ‘extent possible ‘ . The execution of public presentation direction may do affairs worse in the present state of affairs. The failings and prejudices that can do the PMS to neglect include absence of engagement, organisation civilization, low dignity, high outlooks and inaccurate evaluations ( Lukheenarain, ( 2009 ) . Published in a imperativeness article, caput instructors and school principals are said to be kicking about an overload of paperwork. Performance Management is seen as a good thing where instructors can hold their say in their public presentation assessment, nevertheless, tonss of administrative work coming with the system, can be a hurdle6.Effectiveness and Efficiency( Anthony and Young, 1994 ) argue that efficiency and effectivity are the two key standards for judging public presentation. Effectiveness is seen as the relationship between an organisation ‘s end product and its aims ( results or conseq uences ) and efficiency as the ratio of end products to inputs ( e.g. disbursals ) , or the sum of end product per unit of input. In add-on, ‘Economy ‘ ( i.e. inputs ) is frequently added to finish what is normally referred to as the ‘Three Es ‘ of public presentation measuring ( Hyndman & A ; Anderson, 1997, Boland and Fowler, 2000 ) . To enable the rating of economic system, efficiency and effectivity, it is necessary to mensurate inputs, end products and results ( or consequences ) . However, in public sector organisations which frequently have multiple, long term non-financial aims focused on social impact, it can turn out hard to mensurate the ‘three Es ‘ and hence hard to measure public presentation ( Hyndman & A ; Anderson, 1997 ) . ( Neely, Kennerley and Martinez, 2004 ) reported that there has been much prescription sing the design of PMS but really small consideration of whether such systems really work ( Neely et all, 2004 ; France & A ; Bourne, 2003 ) . It is deserving observing that Speckbacher et Al ( 2003 ) have reported that 8 % of 174 German talking states decided non to implement a Performance Measurement System because they could non see the advantages or ‘positive impact ‘ particularly given the attempt required to implement such systems. The above literature reappraisal raises a figure of inquiries that are relevant to this survey. In peculiar whether public presentation direction in schools leads to improved public presentation or merely answerability. It is merely through a farther research on the effectivity of public presentation direction for pedagogues in State Secondary that it would be possible to convey out the strengths and failings of the system and aid to do recommendations to the governments on how to better the system so every bit to carry through the vision of the Ministry of Education of ‘Quality instruction for All ‘ and besides do it sustainable in all province secondary schools in the hereafter.HypothesisThe Performance Management System for Educators in State Secondary Schools, if decently understood and implemented will assist to better School Effectiveness in footings of both pupil and instructor public presentation.Methodology2.1 Purpose of the surveyThe research paper has assorted aims. First given the increased accent on public presentation direction in Mauritius following the defects of the Confidential Reporting system, the paper examines the extent to which both Educators and Curates have a cognition and apprehension of the Performance Management System. Second it provides an overview of how the current public presentation direction system is being implemented in secondary schools in Education Zone 3 in Mauritius. Third it looks into how assorted standards used in the measuring of single public presentation in schools are related to teacher attitudes and perceptual experiences. It probes into the strengths and weaknesses/problems and troubles being encountered both by valuator and appraisee in the execution of the system. Last it makes an attempt to measure the effectivity of the Performance Management System as it is presently implemented in province secondary schools and do an effort at explicating recommendations to policy shapers on the betterments ne eded to do this system sustainable in secondary schools in the hereafter. The usage of multiple methods in a survey secures in-depth apprehension of the phenomenon in inquiry because it adds energy, comprehensiveness and deepness to the probe ( Cresswell, 1994:174 ; Denzin & A ; Lincoln, 1998:163 ; Salomon, 1991: 10 ) . Therefore, both quantitative and qualitative informations aggregation techniques were used. Research Design: The research documented in this paper relied on informations obtained from both primary and secondary beginnings. Survey Questionnaire: The quantitative attack involved a questionnaire study, because it helps to garner informations at a peculiar clip with the purpose of depicting the nature of bing conditions ( Cohen & A ; Manion, 1995:83 ) . Questionnaires were used for both Educators and Rectors and included chiefly closed inquiries and three unfastened ended inquiries. For the closed inquiries the Likert graduated table was used. The questionnaire foremost asked for demographic informations such as age, gender, station held and old ages of experience in the station. Then respondents were asked inquiries on their cognition and apprehension of the Performance Management System. Next, respondents were asked their positions on the nature of the current Performance Management System agreements at their school, the Performance Management procedure and the standards used in the measuring of single public presentation. Open ended inquiries related to the strengths and failings of the current Performa nce Management System at their school and the betterments they would wish to see in the present system. The questionnaires were designed in a logical and specific mode to accomplish the necessary consequences. The subsequent stairss were pursued in the undermentioned order: Shaping ends and aims, planing the methodological analysis, finding feasibleness, developing the instruments, choosing a sample, carry oning a pilot trial, revising the instruments, carry oning the research, analysing the information and devising recommendations. Questions for both classs were dispensed on a pilot footing in one school and necessary amendments were made. Interviews: In add-on to questionnaires, qualitative information was collected through semi structured interviews with Curates and the Zone Director in order to acknowledge their perceptual experiences on the effectivity of the Performance Management System in Secondary Schools in Zone 3 and notes were taken. The notes consisted of statements and remarks made by the interviewees which were identified as being important and of import. Triangulation: While questionnaires and interviews were the primary methods of informations aggregation, the secondary methods of informations aggregation included survey of statistics from the Ministry of Education and other relevant paperss such as the Performance Management Guide by the Ministry of Civil Service Affairs, the Pay Research Bureau Report 2008 and the Confidential Reporting system.2.3 ParticipantsIn Mauritius, there are 3439 Educators ( appraisee ) and 63 Curates ( valuators ) in State Secondary Schools over the island. For the intent of this research the mark population consisted of 660 Educators ( appraised ) and 12 Curates ( Appraisers ) working in State Secondary Schools in Zone 3 as they are the lone secondary schools which are finishing their 2nd PMS rhythm, the first one holding been completed on a pilot footing in 2009. Zones 1, 2 and 4 have non yet completed a full Performance Management rhythm. Questionnaires were administered to 280 Educators and Curates fr om 8 province secondary schools, who formed the sample population. 245 Educators and all 8 Curates responded favorably. Semi-structured interviews were held with the 8 Curates and the Zone Director who is by and large responsible for the overall direction of different schools in this Zone.2.4 Analysis TechniquesChi square trial, Pearson correlativity and Factor analysis are carried. The consequences are used to mensurate the cognition and apprehension of both Educators and Rectors of the current Performance Management System, its procedure, the importance of its different standards in the measuring of the public presentation of persons, respondents ‘ attitudes and perceptual experiences on the public presentation steps, the strengths and failings of present Performance Management System and the betterments they deemed necessary. These findings are so related to the literature findings. They are analyzed in order to judge the efficiency of the present system so as to explicate necessary recommendations for policy shapers to do it more effectual and sustainable as a agency of mensurating public presentation of all Educators in Secondary schools in Mauritius.Datas AnalysisQuestionnaire informations were computerized utilizing SPSS package. Open ended inquiries were categorized harmonizing to the response. For the structured interviews, qualitative informations, forms and classs were identified and described. Validity was ensured through triangulation whereby study informations from pedagogues were verified with study informations from curates and farther supplemented by the interviews of the Rectors and the Zone Director.3. FindingssThe perceptual experiences of the effectivity of the execution of PMS in our State Secondary schools are discussed and linked with the literature harmonizing to the undermentioned classs: cognition and apprehension of PMS ; nature of current PMS agreements ; Performance Management Process ; public presentation steps ; and PMS from an administrative point of position. Educators who responded to the questionnaire have a average age of 36.4 ( SD=0.889 ) , an mean old ages of 8.2 ( SD=1.48 ) old ages of learning experience, 58.5 % of whom were female and 18.3 % held place of duty as caput of section. They were all appraised by their curate.3.1 Knowledge and apprehension of PMSFigure 1. Knowledge and apprehension of PMSQuestions were framed harmonizing to literatu re findings as referred to in Figure 1. The survey has revealed that more than 50 % of pedagogues believe in the importance of PMS for set uping a high public presentation civilization, concentrating on end product and procedures of accomplishing consequences and bettering the procedure of instruction and acquisition. As Walter ( 1995 ) stated, PMS is the procedure of bettering the quality and measure of work done and conveying all activity in line with an administration ‘s aims.3.2 Nature of current PMS agreementsAn analysis of the public presentation direction procedures and activities in the school provides an apprehension of the execution of PMS. 74.5 % of pedagogues believe that PMS is a good planned procedure. One of the purposes of PMS in to better public presentation of schools. Harmonizing to Jenny Ozga ( 2003 ) , the nucleus premises of public presentation direction are that public presentation degrees in the public sector can be raised, that is to do the schools on Scotland more efficient and effectual than in Finland. Reliance on mark scene and monitoring as a cardinal component of the direction of instructors rises concern about the possible distorting effects of marks on relationship between instructors and directors, and on instructors ‘ definition of their nucleus undertaking. Teachers and caputs experience under force per unit area to show good public presentation. This position was besides reflected in our survey, the sentiment of pedagogues on effectivity of PMS in their school and whether current PMS agreement leads to betterment in public presentation of school have been analysed utilizing cross tabular matter and Chi-square ( I†¡2 ) trial to happen out if there is an association between these two variables. The formulated hypothesis is H0, there is no association between sentiment on effectivity of PMS and PMS really taking the betterment in public presentation and H1, there is an association between sentiment on effectiv ity of PMS and PMS really taking the betterment in public presentation. Table 1 shows that bulk of pedagogues do non hold that PMS leads to betterment ( 33.1 % ) and are decrepit linked to school effectivity ( 40 % ) . I†¡2 50.248 with grades of freedom 8. Probability ( 0 ) is 5 % . Therefore at 5 % degree of signifigance H0 is rejected and we accept H1. Cramer ‘s V value being 0.320 shows weak relationship between the two.Table 1. PMS arrangement – betterment in school public presentation * Opinion of PMS as appraisee CrosstabulationOpinion of PMS as appraisee Entire Not effectual Reasonably uneffective Neither effectual nor uneffective Reasonably effectual really effectual Disagree Count 11 11 26 11 1 60 Expected Count 5.9 5.9 19.8 24.2 4.2 60.0 Neither agree nor disagree Count 12 12 33 44 3 104 Expected Count 10.2 10.2 34.4 42.0 7.2 104.0 Agree Count 1 1 22 44 13 81 Expected Count 7.9 7.9 26.8 32.7 5.6 81.0 Entire Count 24 24 81 99 17 245 Expected Count 24.0 24.0 81.0 99.0 17.0 245.0 In the survey on â€Å" Implementing public presentation direction in England † s primary school † , ( Brown, 2005 ) , 24 out of 30 headteachers considered the public presentation direction preparation which they have received as unsatisfactory and most of the instructors stated that there was no formal preparation in public presentation direction. Merely 20 % of curates ( 8 in all ) and 25 % of pedagogues ( 247 in all ) agree that sufficient preparation was given before execution of PMS, and they believe that the preparation was non effectual and excessively brief ( based to open ended inquiries and interview ) . Training on PMS is believed to be deficient, there has been no farther preparation or follow up and new recruits are non offered any signifier of preparation or briefing. PMS, so far, has non helped to better school effectivity or pupil public presentation. They are non confident about the success and sustainability of PMS. Once the PMS rhythm is over, there is no coverage and follow up and pedagogues are non offered developing harmonizing to their demands. The biggest job they are confronting is clip restraint, to follow single pedagogue and transport out one to one interview. Interviews carried out with curates gave farther penetrations into the execution of PMS. All curates believe that PMS is an of import tool for estimating public presentation and guaranting answerability. PMS is seen as really much adapted to the new direction paradigm, quality confidence and undertaking based budgeting ( PBB ) . It is being implemented without major jobs, all staff are join forcesing, there is no job with the work program, midterm assessment and terminal of twelvemonth assessment. Everything is being done satisfactorily and curates find PMS better than the â€Å" confidential study † . They view PMS as bettering collegiality and believe that with clip it will further better. However, it is done automatically because they all know that they have to follow.3.3 Performance Management ProcessHarmonizing the survey on ‘Teacher perceptual experience of the effectivity of instructor assessment in Botswana ‘ ( Monyatsi, 2006 ) , bulk of respondents ( 44.7 % ) agreed that assessment procedure in Botswana motivates instructors. However, in our survey on the province secondary schools in zone 3 merely 20 % of pedagogues find PMS utile and the bulk ( 66 % ) are apathetic to public presentation direction but go through the gestures. 52 % of the respondents agree that the valuator invites self-appraisal and uses congratulations to actuate pedagogues. Confidentiality and trust issues, particularly in relation to appraisal coverage and who has entree to the information was one on the participants concern, ( Cardno, 1999 ) . 57.2 % of the pedagogues responded positively when asked whether they trust PMS procedure in their school and 75 % feel that confidentiality is maintained throughout the PMS procedure. This shows that confidentiality and trust is non an issue in our schools. An analysis of discrepancy ( ANOVA ) is used to compare current PMS taking to betterment in public presentation of pedagogues to the existent assessment procedure is given in table 2 below. As the homogeneousness of discrepancy trial ( .000, .001, .019 ) is & lt ; .05, the ANOVA tabular array was constructed as shown in table 2. The significance value being & lt ; 0.05, we reject the void hypothesis and accept that there is a difference between the current PMS agreements taking to betterment in public presentation of pedagogue and the assessment mechanism carried out by the curate as promoting for pedagogues.Table 2. ANOVA to compare current PMS taking to betterment in pedagogue public presentation and the existent assessment mechanism by utilizing congratulations, discuss public presentation and non personality and encourages self-appraisal.Sum of Squares ( combined ) df Mean Square F Sig. Curates use congratulations to do motivate pedagogues 46.599 2 23.300 19.481 .000 Curates discuss public presentation non personality 35.246 2 17.623 15.834 .000 Rector invites self assessment 45.989 2 22.995 24.768 .000 Brown ( 2005 ) besides investigated how PMS would assist to better professional development of instructors. The positions of both caputs and instructors were assorted. On the positive side, some instructors felt that a formal one-year reappraisal, to reflect on assorted facets of their public presentation enabled them and their leader to jointly explicate a extremely individualized development program. However, it was reported that even though an appropriate program had been formulated, it had non been implemented due to shortage of clip and resources. One of the premier importance of PMS is staff development. Khim Ong Kelly et Al ( 2007 ) stated that there are important challenges in efficaciously measuring the aptitude of instructors for different calling paths and in measuring what constitutes good public presentation. In England primary schools, ( Brown,2005 ) , the positions of both caputs and instructors about public presentation direction assisting to better professional devel opment of instructors are assorted. The boxplot ( Figure 2 ) show a normal unskewed distribution with 32 % response as impersonal, same applies for public presentation reappraisal being a preparation program for each pedagogue. This shows that the same uncertainness applies to our system.Table 3. Rotated Component MatrixComponent 1 Problem work outing accomplishments .787 Duty .756 Versatilty .755 Leadership .739 Planing .730 Strategic thought .710 Technical cognition .703 1 Strongly disagree-15 % 2 somewhat disagree-14 % 3 neither agree nor disagree34 % 4 somewhat agree-32 % 5 strongly agree-4 %3.4 Performance stepsOne ground for replacing the confidential study is because it has no yardstick to mensurate the grade of public presentation of assorted facets of the occupation as there are no fit professional criterions. Furthermore, there is general consensus from all the research conducted that the ends of public presentation direction system or assessment are to better quality and answerability. In their survey, Chittoo and Ramphul ( 2006 ) , referred to the systems attack with the 3e ‘s – economic system, efficiency and effectivity. However, the extent to which this mark is achieved remains blurred due to restraints such as clip, fiscal resources and staff. The great bulk ( around 80 % ) of respondents agree that the standards in the measuring of single public presentation ( student focal point, competency, attending and promptness, communicating accomplishments and others ) are of import or critical. Factor analysis was carried out to happ en out which PMS measures pedagogues see to be more of import. The 26 PMS steps rated by the respondents were considered in this trial which is applicable as the determiner ( 1.11 ) is greater than 1A-10-5. Table 3 shows the revolved constituent matrix with some PMS steps in footings of precedence as seen by the pedagogues. It is interesting to observe that the first three steps are related to personality traits and accomplishments. However, 60-70 % pedagogues believe that PMS is undependable to mensurate public presentation, is drawn-out and clip consuming, with excessively much paper work and that there has non been follow up for the preparation demands identified during assessments. These findings are confirmed utilizing bivariate correlativity trial. At 1 % degree of significance ( two-tailed ) , there is a weak but negative correlativity ( Pearson Coefficient ( R ) is -0.002 ) between the standards to be assessed and the manner of appraisal in PMS.3.5 PMS from an Administrative point of positionThis survey confirms information published in local imperativeness article, that is PMS is seen as a good thing but tonss of administrative work coming with the system can be a hurdle. The Zone Director monitors the execution of PMS in the schools. She confirmed that all schools in zone 3 are implementing PMS as instructed. Curates do kick about PMS being clip devouring but they all managed to finish the procedure. However, she is non satisfied with the execution of PMS, accent is laid on measure, guaranting that PMS is implemented in all schools, but there is no quality, no clip for analysis of public presentation, rating and proper coverage. The Ministry is concerned with the completion and entry of the PMS, but there is no construction for follow up and developing. As Lukheenarain ( 2009 ) stated, certain failings and prejudices can do PMS to neglect, some of them as revealed by our survey are: no analysis, no follow up and deficiency of support from higher gove rnments, no clear guidelines of what to make after one PMS rhythm, deficiency of forces and clip restraints. The strength of PMS is that pedagogues and curates are cognizant of what that are supposed to make harmonizing to their work program, they hence make the necessary attempt to accomplish their cardinal consequence countries by executing the cardinal undertakings. The Zone Director is unable to state if some schools are making better than others because of PMS as there is no analysis done, but she believes that if done decently with an appropriate mechanism for analysis, preparation and coverage, PMS is traveling to be fruitful. The whole PMS needs reappraisal, harmonizing to her it has to be seamster made for instruction sector and should be user friendly and attractive for both valuator and appraisee. To do PMS sustainable, at the terminal of each rhythm there should be a mechanism for coverage, analysis and forming preparation Sessionss to make full in the public presentatio n spreads identified. Furthermore, some pedagogues proposed the debut of wage related public presentation in order to actuate and promote them to follow the system. We would wish to thank Mrs R. Koomar for her valuable aid and back up throughout this research paper.CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS.The intent of this paper, as stated at the beginning, has been to look at the effectivity of the execution of public presentation direction system for pedagogues in province secondary schools of educational zone 3. All schools in Zone 3 are implementing PMS as instructed by the Ministry of Education and Human Resources. The bulk of pedagogues believe that execution of PMS can be good as it will set up a high public presentation civilization in the instruction system. However, the bulk of pedagogues in Zone 3 are apathetic to PMS but merely follow with another bureaucratic standard. Analysis has shown that execution of PMS is non linked to effectiveness in the sector. This survey shows that all those involved should possess the cognition and apprehension of its intents, procedures and step, if the whole procedure is to be effectual. There is a deficit of work force to work on public presentation direction system in schools and therefore it is seen as an extra undertaking. Curates and pedagogues likewise in Zone 3 believe that execution of public presentation direction system has resulted in more paper work instead than concrete action. There is no proper staff development follow up in topographic point and as a consequence pedagogues and curates feel PMS has non produced the coveted results. Allotment of financess and proper preparation are non in topographic point to run into the demands of pedagogues and curates likewise. Emphasis is laid on completion of the public presentation direction rhythm and the results are kept in shortss and no proper actions taken to rectify any failings or reward those who are executing to the satisfaction of the top direction. Bearing in head the benefits which the public presentation direction system can convey to bettering the effectivity of services in province secondary schools, the undermentioned steps should be looked at and set in topographic point. Curates and pedagogues should be given more appropriate preparation on public presentation direction system which is tailored to the demands of instruction. It should be related to pay ; extrinsic wages can assist to better pedagogues ‘ public presentation. Educators who are executing outstandingly should be rewarded with another increase on the wage spinal column that is the pedagogue can leap two graduated tables on the wage ladder. There should be more committedness from the top degree of disposal ; the Ministry of Education should be committed non merely to measure ( figure of schools who have completed the rhythm ) but besides to quality of the results. It will add drift and motivate staff to take public presentation direction more earnestly. The Ministry should look into geting more financess for formal and on-going preparation. Professional development of the staff should be given due consideration so that pedagogues can profit from it and happen the exercising of public presentation direction system fruitful. Protected clip should be given to the valuator and appraise likewise so that they both can give due consideration PMS. Regular update should be held at regular intervals during the twelvemonth so that all freshly recruited pedagogues and curates are acquainted with the system. PMS should be reviewed, updated at sensible periods so as to aline it with the vision of the Ministry of Education of â€Å" Quality instruction for All ‘ . Further research on the topic should be encouraged by the Mauritius Research Council, the University of Mauritius, the University of Technology, Mauritius and other third establishments through the Student Research Grant Scheme as proposed in the Budget for 2011 and recommendatio ns made should be studied and implemented where executable. Professional Standards for Educators should be worked out in coaction with this cell because it is good known in direction that if the person/s who are traveling to be affected by policy determinations are taken on board in the treatment phase, they feel a committedness to the determination and will seek to stay by them and make the ends set. Those non making the set marks should non be regarded as ‘ failures ‘ , instead they should be given in service and professional development classs to assist make full the public presentation spreads identified during the execution phase. Use of engineering can be of aid in cut downing the excess paperwork.

Sunday, January 5, 2020

Do Public Debates Help Or Hurt Candidate Success - 868 Words

Do public debates help or hurt candidate success in US presidential elections? The date was September 26 1960, at exactly 7:30 p.m., somewhat an unfamiliar young and Catholic Senator from Massachusetts was about to change the world. One of the most unusual points on the timeline of history where things changed very drastically all in a single night, was about to change the political domain and of course the world. Senator John F. Kennedy and Vice President Richard Nixon was about to partake on an adventure that was ordinary. On that night, one of the most legendary moments transpired. This moment increased the power of television and benefited electioneering since the political button on a shirt. The Nixon-Kennedy encounter had all interest, with the nation watching the first televised presidential debate. For a majority of the United States of America, it was their first presentation of John F. Kennedy. When Kennedy, the 42-year-old Irish-American Junior Senator, was approached about the idea of debating his political opponent on television, he agreed instantaneously. While on the other hand, Vice President Nixon had just concluded 12 days of hospitalization for a mishap knee injury. Richard Nixon’s sweaty, pale and underweight, appeared sickly, while on the other hand a glowing Kennedy, self –confident, and not to mention good looks won America’s hearts. Millions watched the first debate and were impressed as the young, attractive, articulate Senator from MassachusettsShow MoreRelatedPolitical Perspectives On The Political System1365 Words   |  6 Pages Political perspectives Ch. 2 VS. Dialogical ethics and significant choice Ch. 4 The political system is similar to communication theory in the sense that they both have interdependent rules and ethics that are important to the success of the members participating. Just as there are different compartments to politics, there for communications as well. There are specific values to politics just as there are to communications. Politics implements heavy usage of rhetoric, while a large portion ofRead MoreThe Violence Of Language On Social Media1477 Words   |  6 PagesI am writing to you privately because I don’t want to risk offending you in front of other people. That being said, I do not believe what I am about to say is offensive. To begin, I am disappointed with the meme you posted on social media that makes fun of Caitlin Jenner for supporting Republican candidate Ted Cruz. My issue with this situation is not the meme itself, but how in your post you referred to Caitlin as Bruce. Now, as a democrat myself and a person who doesn’t particularly like Ted CruzRead MoreThe Tax System Of The United States1597 Words   |  7 Pagesthe economy has in place over the suggested flat tax system. 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First of all, I was in the House for six years, because of this I understand how the institution is run from the inside, and I understand the problems of the Senate. I believe that this is a very important aspectRead MoreThe Presidential Election Will Elect The President And Vice President Of The United States2648 Words   |  11 PagesUnited States. One of the customs of Presidential elections is the debates held between the candidates prior to that event. The topics discussed in these debates are of controversial nature and their role is to target and convince undecided and independent voters - those not belonging to a specific political party. Presidential debates are usually held towards the last phases in the election cycle, right after nominations. These debates are broadcast live on television and radio, and they draw overRead MoreIs Politics A Politician?4068 Words   |  17 Pagesthrough direct personal connection and networking. This type of politics is incredibly important because it creates a more intimate and special kind of deal that makes that person more willing to support a particular politician. Not to mention it can help on a personal level by moving up social and trust levels, which is a huge part of politics. This kind of politics is different than wholesale politics which targets a large audience rather than an individual person. A congressional cloakroom is aRead MoreEssay on History Of The Original Lincoln2983 Words   |  12 Pages In 1858, there was a great struggle within the state of Illinois for a seat in the Senate. The well know Stephen A. Douglas, the favored candidate, was excepted to win. Abraham Lincoln was not a well known candidate. 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They say that they couldn’t control their urges. An example of this would be if someone were to break a vase and they justified their actions by saying they couldn’t help themselves. The second category, denial of injury, neutralizes the action by arguing that because no one got hurt, it wasn’t a problem. This type of neutralization occurs if someone stole a bike, but justified it by saying there were no physical injuries, just stolen property. The third category of neutralizationRead MoreEssay on Affirmative Action3547 Words   |  15 Pagesrequired contractors to adopt an â€Å"acceptable affirmative action program† (Cahn 1). Over the past three decades, many debates continue as to whether or not affirmative action still belongs in America. Affirmative action is an issue that evokes strong emotions for both supporters and non-supporters alike. Those against affirmative action argue that affirmative action does not help minorities but rather degrades them. They argue that affirmative action sends minorities the message that they

Saturday, December 28, 2019

Significance Of The Resurrection Of Jesus - 1511 Words

According to the New Testament, what is the significance of the resurrection of Jesus? Student No. D Essay Title: What is the Significance of the Resurrection of Jesus? In this task, I will investigate a range of academic literature to answer the essay question ‘What is the Significance of the Resurrection of Jesus?’ and the influence it has on the Christian life. As Christians Easter Sunday is the day that we celebrate the resurrection of Christ. Marcus, Borg and Wright (2009) discuss Jesus in terms of a pre-and post-Easter Christ. The post-Easter was what he became after his death. The author is of the view that Jesus followers continue to experience the post- Easter Jesus as â€Å"an experiential reality, not simply and article of†¦show more content†¦Warnock (2010) says that the resurrection of Jesus was a powerfully divine event in creation’s history and how the Holy Spirit works in our lives. (p13) Warnock (2010) says that the resurrection is still changing lives today, it changes us as Christians from being spiritually dead to being alive to God again and it offers us forgiveness and freedom. It also offers us hope beyond the grave. It changes fear into love and despair into joy when we follow Jesus. Footnote 1 â€Å"it changes fear into love, despair into joy.† Footnote 2 â€Å"the king of all Israel is the God who rules all things. Easter Sunday is very significant to in the resurrection of Christ. At Easter time, we celebrate the rising for Jesus from the grave. This shows the importance of the resurrection which is about Jesus post-death experiences and when he became Lord. The resurrection is important because it was the day that God rose his Son from the dead. NT Wright - the meaning of Jesus According to Wright (1999). The resurrection of Christ was very significant. The author writes to say that the post Jesus resurrection saw a huge rise in Christianity and many Christians experienced Jesus after his death. Jesus rose from the grave and left an empty tomb. Wright (2003) says it does not matter what happened to the corpse of Jesus it is irrelevant to the truth of Easter is it is about the resurrection. The significance here is that the resurrection developed the Christian faith. MyShow MoreRelatedSignificance Of Resurrection And The Created World1321 Words   |  6 PagesTH501X2 Basic Christian Doctrine Brian Edgar Significance of Resurrection to the Created World Requirement #4 April 24, 2015 Christie M. Berty Around the world, every spring, in many different types of celebrations, millions of people acknowledge that around twenty centuries ago Jesus Christ was raised from the dead; commonly known as â€Å"Easter.† Easter is a celebration of the significance of the resurrection of Jesus and it has significance for the created world. The origin of the wordRead MoreA Meal With Jesus Christ Essay1601 Words   |  7 PagesA Meal with Jesus Twelve disciples were hand selected to spend 3 years with Jesus. They learned from a man who brought then a renewed spirit, taught them a new way of life, and who demonstrated what it looked like to be a perfect being. Then, one night while sitting around the dinner table, Jesus prophesized his own death and resurrection, and called out the disciple that would betray him. Knowing that the end was near, Jesus gave his disciples bread as a symbol of his body and wine as his bloodRead MoreLewis Used Arthurian Tales And Mythology To Make His Novels1051 Words   |  5 Pagesthrough the fantasy and myth, demonstrated Biblical concepts through his works. Aslan, the lion, one of the main characters in The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, sacrifices himself for a traitor which represents the Biblestory of the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. Aslan is king by right of the entirety of Narnia, omnipotent, righteous, worshiped by his followers, and hated by his enemies. In the story, Edmund betrays Aslan and his siblings, Peter, Susan, and Lucy and joins the White Witch, the mainRead MoreSignificance Of Christ s Resurrection Essay1630 Words   |  7 Pages Upon discussing about the importance and significance of Christ’s resurrection, there will be a few different, major aspects that this research paper will cover. The resurrection touches many different area of studies. Those who consider this event to be true (doesn’t have to just be Christian only) will have to agree that it’s a historical landmark; a phenomenal, miraculous event that cannot be too easy to explain. On the theological aspect, which all Christians should be take into considerationRead MoreThe Resurrection Of Jesus Was A Literal, Historical Event1282 Words   |  6 Pageslife and death. Questions such as ‘What is there after death?’ and ‘Do I have a purpose on this planet?’ have plagued countless people. When looking at the statement in question,  "It is not necessary for Christian faith to believe that the resurrection of Jesus was a literal, historical event.†, one must remember that in the minds of Christians, not only is it a comfort that there is something after death, but also an answer to both of the previous questions; yes, there is life after death and; yesRead MoreEssay Jesus: Religous Myth1196 Words   |  5 Pages Jesus resurrection is one of the greatest religious myths in world civilization. The stories of his resurrection was are told in the Bible, and also passed down from generation to generation. The resurrection happened after Jesus Christ was crucified on the cross, and his body was placed in the tomb. Joseph of Arimathea had Jesus Christ’s body placed in his own tomb. Jesus never made tomb a permanent resting spot though. On the third dayRead MoreThe Empty Tomb753 Words   |  4 PagesThe Gospel writer’s varying depictions of the events at Jesus’ tomb demonstrate a mixture of history, theology, and artistry. Each writer interprets and reframes the Resurrection event in a way that is appropriate for their overall theology; they do so through description of the people and events who were there, as well as by using characteristic themes and diction consistent with their larger narrative. Matthew’s Gospel account of the empty tomb contains a unique event—an earthquake. As the womenRead MoreThomas Langford s Central Doctrines Of The Christian Faith960 Words   |  4 Pages In the Old Testament, God s kingdom is portrayed as a place where the Lord rules over all. Many of the prophets talked of a time where peace and justice under God would never end (Isaiah 2:4, Daniel 7:14, Zechariah 14:9). In the New Testament, Jesus talked frequently about the kingdom in ways that show it is here now, partially here, or has not come at all yet. While Wesley anticipated a soon return of Christ to claim his Kingdom, he stressed, like Paul, that there was no need to be sitting aroundRead MoreGospel And Gospel Of John1127 Words   |  5 PagesGospel’s Analysis In the faith of Christianity, their are four distinct disciples of gospel accounts. Each of the four gospels has its own unique contribution to shaping a precise picture of Jesus. Scholars have contributed a great deal to the understanding of the circumstances of their writing, along with the intentions of their authors. Their are two groups to which the gospels are separated by. The synoptic gospels and the gospel of John. Their are critical differences between these two groupsRead MoreComplexities Directly Related to the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ1033 Words   |  4 Pagesdirectly related to the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. The majority of these pertain not only to the reason for his crucifixion but also for popular interpretation of this act and the significance attributed to it. Jesus taught and did much that was contrary to both Jewish and Roman conceptions of law and religion. Many of his transgressions were also directly related to the nature of his death and the signifi cance it would later on take. Both Romans and Jews sought Jesus death because he was ecclesiastically

Friday, December 20, 2019

Deregulation And Lack Of Supervision - 983 Words

Additionally, reasons for most of the major crises were deregulation and lack of supervision. Until recently, such complex products like derivatives were unsupervised as they were not directly connected to the deposits. A change in regulation is one of the problems which arises for structured products. For example decision of government to decrease use of non-standardised or opaquely priced financial products. The aim of such action is to attract attention of structured products users to the need of covering externalities placed by such instruments. Moreover, crises are considered to be consequences of several negative economic indicators, however this is not correct for the 2007 crisis, which happened during the period of high and stable growth rate and low inflation. Due to a strong connection between financial markets, the crisis spread fast globally. This showed that even well-developed economic system can experience damageable drops. As a countermeasure, in developed countries, governments set their monetary policies to stimulate industrial output and recover financial markets. 4.2. Structured Products are to Blame Structured products are blamed for playing important role in the 2007 crisis. The securitisation process changed the way banks operate as the originate-to-hold model replaced by the fee driven originate-to-distribute model. New operating model helped banks reduce maturity mismatch for assets and liabilities. However, such products are not transparentShow MoreRelatedThe Act Of Texas And The Sunset Advisory Commission ( Sac )1586 Words   |  7 Pages(Gaebler 6). This would mean that RTs along with 18 other programs would not have to hold a state license to practice their craft (Sunset 52). Deregulation may sound like a good idea on paper, however in practice, it is anything but. The potential negative outcomes in the form of patient harm and possible death would far outweigh any benefit. Deregulation of respiratory therapists in Texas began in the government as a proposal, was fought against by those who say the potential danger in the ideaRead MoreThe Bubble Economy. The Direct Caus e Of The Japanese Banking834 Words   |  4 PagesDuring 1980s, sustained economic growth and low inflation rate were the main characteristics of macroeconomic environment in Japan. This condition caused the upward growth expectations of asset prices, uncontrolled credit expansion and financial deregulation. At the same period, the United States has a substantial increase in the current account deficit and a sharp increase in the foreign trade deficit. In order to depreciate the U.S. dollar by intervening in currency markets, five countries includingRead MoreGlobalizations Impact on Government Business Relations1845 Words   |  7 Pageshighlighted: firstly, the area in which there will be a trade diversion between Asia and Australia will be in the clothing, textile and automobile industry. Secondly, overall exports would fall. And lastly, interest rates in Asia would fall because of their lack of diversion. The Federal Trade Agreement by the Government of Australia will enhance freer trade and enhance total trade. USA will become a trading partner and Asias retaliation will have no negative impact on the real GDP of USA and AustraliaRead MoreThe Term Global Financial Crisis (Gfc) Refers To The Financial1745 Words   |  7 Pagesan international banking crisis, which then developed into a global economic crisis, The Great Recession (Williams, 2010). This essay will conclude that that due to private sector financial management, government regulations and legislation and deregulation were at the root cause of the crisis and give explanations surrounding this criteria. To gain a detailed understanding of the Global Financial Crisis it is essential to examine the preliminary factors surrounding it. 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These changes have been influenced largely by challenges posed by deregulation of the financial sector, globalization of operations, technological innovations and adoption of supervisory and prudential requirements that conform to international standards. It is widely believed that savings and investment must go hand in handRead MoreDeregulation Created the Subprime Mortgage Crisis1373 Words   |  6 PagesDeregulation Created the Subprime Mortgage Crisis The mid-1990s saw an economic revival. What incited this activity was a technology boom like no other. It created a new era of electronics and computing. There were cell phones, desktop and laptop computers, the Internet, electronic games, flat panel TVs and major advances in business software and efficiencies. The housing industry was a big benefactor of this new economy. Home prices began to rise again by 1996. The rate of home ownership duringRead MoreEnron : A Look At Ethics994 Words   |  4 Pagescompanies, Houston Natural Gas and Inner North. Under the supervision of chief executive officer, Kenneth Lay, Enron profited tremendously from the deregulation of the natural gas industry, which gained them substantial credibility on Wall Street (Watkins). In an attempt to achieve further growth, began investing billions of dollars in foreign projects and trading ventures (History.com Staff). Also, a team of executives was hired under the supervision of Jeff Skilling to speculate the market (Watkins).Read MoreCode Of Conduct Through Their Own Behavior1408 Words   |  6 Pagesand standards apply to a variety of financial and non-financial areas (Yurtoglu, 2012). 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Thursday, December 12, 2019

Improve And Test The Usability Of Goodreads - Linkedin And Bandcamp

Question: Discuss about the Process To Improve And Test The Usability Of Goodreads, Linkedin And Bandcamp. Answer: Introduction The purpose of the study is to gather user information and experience regarding three websites, Goodreads, Linkedin and Bandcamp and in the process to improve and test the usability of these three websites. After a brief interview process, answers will be thoroughly assessed as to infer how the overall performance of the website can be enhanced. With the tool called usability engineering. Following the interviewing session a designer can evaluated and improve the website in an efficient manner by comprehending the user. The project will be responsible for focusing on how well the websites have their influences on the user and how it can be made more popular amongst the users. List of Interview Questions: bandcamp.com- 1) How does the user normally discover and listen to music? 2) Under which circumstances do they choose to purchase music? 3) Does the user engage with the musicians they listen to in any way? Goodreads.com How many books does the user typically read? What formats do they use for reading? How do they discover or choose new books to read? How do they engage with other people regarding books? Linkedin.com Has the user looked for jobs before? If so, how? If not, how would they look for a job? What information does the user want to know to decide on the relevance of a job? What support does the user want in applying for a job? Brief description of the usability test performed Usability testing emphasizes on the flaws and drawbacks of websites in order to improve its functioning and operations. There were a number of tasks stated previously in order to attain information from the users regarding the stated websites. Bandcamp is a website about singers and artists, striving to integrate music into everyday life and culture. The tasks associated with Bandcamp are searching for the track LOL in order to find out in-depth information about the task, for instance the copyright information. The above stated task will be significant to analyse users interaction with the website, the scenario will help the users to engage themselves with the website in a flawless manner. The task for Goodreads and Linkedin will assess the same from the users. The most effective and information seeking tasks are those assigned to Goodreads as it requires the user to write a review on one of the books they have read from Goodreads and suggest how helpful the site will be to the auth ors. The task gives the user a context or scenario for understanding and consequently improves the interaction level of the user with the website. The task poses an open-ended situation for the user to explore and write about the website. The next most information-seeking task is of Linkedin as the amount of time needed to asses and proceed with the task is significantly minimum. The task will able to find out a number of issues like whether the cost of online job posting is posing as a major hindrance to the users of Linkedin. It also includes a group interaction process whereby the test will bring to the forefront the users experience, issues since online job posting has become the backbone of attaining talented employees for the recruiters and vice-versa. The task will ensure to what degree the website is pleasant and advantageous to use. It will focus on each and every user and their unique preferences and expectations regarding Linkedin. Summary of the information Questions User A on B User B on C User C on User A Q1. Q1. User A has reported to read 5 books each month. Q1. In case of Bandcamp.com, we got to know that in todays generation, users or music lovers generally access to their favorite music from online portals because of the versatility of music available there Q1. Yes, they have looked for jobs before. With Linkedin we came to know that users have used online interface to look for jobs befitting their education and experience. They find online job portal very informative in a well- listed manner. Q2. Q2. In case of Goodreads, we came to know the advantage of online book reading and its popularity amongst readers of wide age range and occupation. Q2. Purchase of music usually is very rare, especially when it came to gifting near ones Q2. From online portals they can access a number of information like details of company, employee ratings, remuneration, and availability of similar jobs in different cities and the pre-requisites of the job position before proceeding with applications. The user want the support of a filtered job search from online portals so that they can look through and apply to jobs from their domain of expertise Q3. Q3. Users discovers new books in Goodreads based on readers rating and reviews, suggestions from Goodreads based on users most read authors and genres and obtaining suggestions from friends who are similar users of Goodreads. The recommendation engine generates a list of books that are hardly heard of with fascinating descriptions to intrigue the readers Q3. The users engage with the musicians with the help of tags and this further creates an opportunity for the fans to discover new artists and music belonging from that genre. Q3. The availability of relevant jobs in their own city or other cities where they would prefer to move into could also be useful to the users. Q4. Q4. The readers engage amongst themselves with Goodreads community interaction and book recommendation options. Task User A on B (GOODREADS) User B on C (BANDCAMP) User C on User A (LINKEDIN) Where does the user look for the commands or information? Goodreads Bandcamp.com Linkedin.com What errors does the user make, if any, when attempting to complete the tasks? The user committed wrong rhetorical analysis of the book. Confusing the book with another book was also frequent. The uploaded image file was corrupted. Repeated errors were made in comprehending certain technical aspects of UX designer job. Mistakes in calculating and analyzing job costs. How long does the user take to complete the tasks, and any subtasks? 1 hour 25 minutes 30 minutes What positive or negative emotions does the user express while completing the tasks? Negative-Biased opinions. Positive- amazement to come across a number of books. Negative- Nothing notable Positive- Excitement to explore more artists and genres. Negative- Lack of participation while working as a team. Positive- Eager to What notable comments are made by the user while thinking aloud? The easy navigation and availability of books sped up the process of completing the task. In-depth artist information prompted a quick emotional attachment with the songs. There is a stark variety of people with vast number of job preferences accessing Linkedin. Additional Task Goodreads Bandcamp Linkedin 1. Create a community and discuss book genre, interesting points and social contexts approached, to be viewed by public. Identify your favorite genre and collect more information on the singers of that genre. Mass messaging to survey individual users experience and expectations after using Linkedin. Dimension of Usability Effective: the websites are useful to the users because of the convenient and easy user-friendly interface. With Bandcamp, users effectively came across music and songs from the favorite genres or genres closed to being their favorite. Goodreads and Linkedin were also effective in showcasing or making the users aware of products of their liking. The books and types of jobs that Linkedin produced in front of the users were both relatable and useful for them. Efficient: Efficiency depends on the amount of time the websites are taking along with the accuracy of results that they are being able to produce. The users found it easy to navigate through the websites and the results were structured in an organized manner with relevant information grouped together for users. The same is especially true with Goodreads where the users came across interesting books from different genres without hassles. Engaging: some users found Linkedin and its contents structured in a haphazard manner. Many users found it rather creative and presented in a curiously professional way. The number of parameters for job search also perplexed some of its users. With Bandcamp and Goodreads were vary systematic with easy book recommendation options and genre enumerated in alphabetical manner. The same is applicable for Bandcamp with a clear view of interviews in a neat e professional manner. Error Tolerant: the three websites are well-reputed amongst users for providing error free content and important details to be accessed by users. Easy to Learn: users have been using these three websites because of their informative manner. Linkedin especially provides with an easy apply feature explaining in lucid language the operations and features. Goodreads and Bandcamp provides with colorful illustrations to make the products more appealing and relatable to the audience. Conclusion Linkedin is accessed by millions of people unrestricted by geographical boundaries with lesser number of problems like repeat your password and the like. However, many users have complained about the lack of relevancy in job searches and different pages use different button styles which tend to become a bit deviating and problematic. Gopdreads on the other hand is very illustrative following a simple page format. With Bandcamp, it uses bright color combination, creation of multiple number of lucidly written blogs and coverage to influence album sales accelerating its growth and profit level. According to data, users had greater accessibility to music and artists owing to Bandcamps strategic usage of tags and visual aid to work on the music tracks popularity. Limitations of the study and recommendations Communicational problems amongst the different users completing the tasks therefore delaying the process. Is not adequate enough for a thorough market research and opinions depend from person to person thereby making the process of preparing a statistical graph erroneous for websites like Bandcamp. Is not dependable for carrying out long-term plans or deducting definite conclusions like which one is the best-selling album as in the case of Bandcamp and therefore developing strategic marketing plans. The above method is only useful for designing short-term innovative ideas. Recommendations Making it less scenario-based and more data-oriented. Vague recommendations should be avoided by providing screenshots and thereby working on the illustration section to generate more audiences for this kind of study. Bandcamp can make use of image map to improve accessibility of users. Justification of recommendations and synchronize it with the business goals and technical constraints. For instance, in case of Bandcamp a community based research should be conducted in order to come up with more varieties of music. This would be an effective way for Bandcamp for promoting music and consequently website. Reflection: The process helps a business to identify and know in-depth about the choices and psychological pattern of different customers and align the services and products accordingly. The cost-effectiveness of the test further makes it wildly desirable and a comprehensive way to assess the importance and significance of e-commerce and design ways to improve the same. The results will encourage the designers of websites to come up with better options to improve their service and can keep the usability report away from public gaze. The concept is to create a realistic scenario to assess the usability of a product, in this case, the three different websites goodreads, Bancamp and Linkedin. It would be of considerable help to Bandcamp for branding and improving the quality of content, music, that the website has. It ensures that quality and versatility is consistently met.

Wednesday, December 4, 2019

Auditing and Accounting Issues Responsebility of Accountant

Question: Describe about the Auditing and Accounting Issues for Responsebility of Accountant. Answer: Part A: Audit Planning Preliminary judgment of materiality Materiality refers to the incorrect or missing information in the financial statements of a company which imposes significant impact on the decision making of the users. It is the key concept in accounting as because it helps auditors and accountants to decide which figures requires separate reporting (Berk and DeMarzo, 2007). The trial balance of Bobs Bikes shows the opening and closing balance of all the transactions from the year 2014 to 2016. The difference in the opening and closing balance of the accounts shows that there is incorrect information in the trial balance. The incorrect information means that the value of the company has increased or decreased during a period of time. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the accountant and auditor to analyze the financial statements and determining missing or incorrect information (Elliott and Elliott, 2008). The differences in the accounts in the trial balance are as follows: Trial balance Particulars Jul 1 2015 April 30, 2016 July 1, 2014 June 30, 2015 Differences Debit Credit Debit Credit Accounts receivable 124,320 112,000 -12320 Sales 201,515 187,450 -14065 Inventory 189,000 175,000 -14000 Depreciation 28,916 15,590 -13326 Wages 46,816 53,000 6184 The account receivable, sales, inventory, depreciation and wages account shows differences in their opening balance and closing balance indicting materiality in the accounts (Hillier, 2010). The values of account receivable, sales, inventory and depreciation has been overstated and the value of wages has been understated. Analytical review The trial balance is the account report that is shown at the end of financial year and listing end balance of each account. Trial balance ensures that all the debit amounts equal to the credit amounts that mean that there are no unbalanced entries in the journal. The trail balance of Bobs bikes shows all the debit and credit accounts that matches at the end of the report (Holton, 2012). The auditors uses the trial balance while conducting an audit and transferring the accounts into the accounting software. However, even if the debit and credit balance matches at the end of the trial balance report, it does not mean that there are no errors or omission in the listed account in the trial balance. The trial balance of Bobs bikes shows incorrect information and misrepresentation of the value of the company. Many accounts in the trial balance show incorrect value in the opening and closing financial income year (Keown, Martin and Petty, 2008). Trial balance is a report that is collected f rom the accounting records. The process of correcting any errors or omission in the trial balance as well as making adjustments in the trial balance is referred to as unadjusted trial balance. Five accounts selected and rationales The materiality has been found in the trial balance. The accounts that have been misrepresented are account receivable, sales, inventory, depreciation and wages account in the trial balance. The increase or decrease in the value affects the total value of the company. The account receivable has been overstated which means that the company has not received debt amount from the debtors (Moles, 2011). The inventory account has been overstated which means that the inventory has increased. The depreciation value has also been overstated showing high value. The wages has been understated showing that less wage has been paid by the company. The sales has been overstated which shows that the sales of the company has increased over the period. Part B: Sample selection Explanation/demonstration of sampling technique The primary aim and objective of the auditing is considered to secure the compliance with the clients works standards and thus helps to evaluate the overall financial performance of the company for the given fiscal year which eventually lead to the maximization of the profit (Saxena et al., 2010). Random Sampling Technique The random sampling technique in auditing is used by the auditor to select data without replacement. Once the account has been selected to test it is removed from population and it would not be subjected to the re selection (Shapiro, 2006). The random sampling technique can be used by the auditor in two ways: random number tables or computer programs. Systematic sampling technique Systematic Sampling technique enables the auditor to select sample data in such a way that there are uniform intervals between the sample items. In this sampling technique every Nth account is selected with random start (Spiceland, Sepe and Nelson, 2011). Haphazard sampling technique Haphazard sampling technique is the non statistical technique that is used by the auditor to stimulate the sampling while testing the status of errors of the accounting population. The findings shows that the properties of the haphazard samples substantially differ from those of the random sampling (Stittle and Wearing, 2008). The haphazard sampling technique can be used for substantive testing. It is an procedure to examine the financial report of the company and evaluating the errors in the document. Benefits of selected sampling technique Befnefits of Hapazrd approach The auditor should adopt random sampling technique while selecting the items. The benefits of haphazard sampling technique are that it needs minimum knowledge for the study and selection of the item. It is free from errors and suitable for the data analysis that includes use of the inferential statistics (Tripathi, 2008). The method is easy to use and simple as well as easy to assess the errors in the sample. It helps the auditor to select the data and analyze it appropriately to get the results. It will help the auditor to get better result from the sampling. It also allows the auditor to prevent the bias work and making the work easy. The random sampling technique provides a simple way to the auditor to select the data and make observations as well as depends on the limitation of the research and type of data (Wolf, 2008). Therefore, it allows the auditor to select items in a random in order to get appropriate results. The sales account has been determine and evaluated with the hel p of Haphazard approach. Drawbacks of random sampling technique The simple random samplings has some limitation as because it is expensive to use, time consuming and also difficult to organize. It requires complete list of data and depends on the study. The auditor may get confuse while using the random sampling. Therefore, it shows biased results that is not appropriate (Keown, Martin and Petty, 2008). Drawbacks of systematic sampling technique The systematic sampling technique assumes that the population size is available reasonably approximated. The auditors have to research to study the size of the data in the given area. The population needs to show the natural degree of the randomness along with the chosen metric (Holton, 2012). There is high risk of manipulation of data with the systematic sampling as because the auditor might be able to construct the system in order to increase the likelihood to achieve the targeted outcome. Part C: Considerations in substantive testing and collecting audit evidence300 In substantive audit approach auditor focus to verify each and every bit of information of the transaction on his own without depending on the information provided by the management. To provide non manipulative financial information to the investor and other key users of the financial statement is considered to be the primary reason for adopting a predominantly substantive approach in part b (Moles, 2011). Occurrence as it is signifies the first selecting an item for testing from the financial journal or ledgers and then analyzing the underlying primary source document. Tracing and vouching both are considered to be important as both are referred as the occurrence and completeness. Tracing signifies the selection of accounting transaction and then it leads to the journal or ledger. The direction of testing in this scenario is from the primary source document to the journal or ledgers and thus tests whether the overall transaction which occurred is recorded in the accounting records (Saxena et al., 2010). On the other hand vouching starts with the selection of the item for the testing purpose from the accounting journal or ledgers which further carry with analyzing the underlying source document. Therefore it is considered that vouching is providing more evidence that the item consist in the accounting journal or ledges have occurred. Business risk approach which is also known as the risk based approach Business risk approach is considered to be one the most prevalent approach based nowadays by the audit firm to complete the audit assignments. For example International auditing standards focus on understanding the entity and its marketing and financial environment including internal control system to understand the risk of material misstatement at the financial statement and assertion levels (Shapiro, 2006). No, as it will reflect negative value in financial ratios. Yes, as substantive report is zero reliance on the internal control. External auditor information is required before projecting outcome to the entire account balance. To decrease the detection risk which eventually helps to accomplish the expected level of audit risk which provide the assurance of the validity and propriety of the transaction to identify the monetary misstatement (Spiceland, Sepe and Nelson, 2011). Monetary misstatement is considered to be the primary reason to carry out part year trail balance. References Berk, J. and DeMarzo, P. (2007).Corporate finance. Boston: Pearson Addison Wesley. Elliott, B. and Elliott, J. (2008).Financial accounting and reporting. Harlow: Financial Times Prentice Hall. Hillier, D. (2010).Corporate finance. London: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Holton, R. (2012).Global finance. Abingdon, Oxon: Routledge. Keown, A., Martin, J. and Petty, J. (2008).Foundations of finance. Upper Saddle River, N.J.: Pearson Prentice Hall. Moles, P. (2011).Corporate finance. Hoboken, N.J.: Wiley. Saxena, R., Srinivas, K., Rai, U. and Rai, S. (2010).Auditing. Mumbai [India]: Himalaya Pub. House. Shapiro, A. (2006).Multinational financial management. New York: J. Wiley Sons. Spiceland, J., Sepe, J. and Nelson, M. (2011).Intermediate accounting. New York: McGraw-Hill Irwin. Stittle, J. and Wearing, B. (2008).Financial accounting. Los Angeles: SAGE Publications. Tripathi, M. (2008).Auditing and finance management. New Delhi: Navyug Publishers and Distributors. Wolf, M. (2008).Fixing global finance. Baltimore, Md.: Johns Hopkins University Press.