Business Is All About Money - 1216 Words

Executive Summary Business is all about money. All the activities done to run a business is to earn profits. It is an economic activity. Be it a small business or big, it is important for an entrepreneur to have an idea in mind as well as on papers too. When idea is in mind it is easy to assume that it is great and can be turned into a successful business. But that is not the case, when an entrepreneur sits to write up the business plan i.e. what is the vision and mission of the business, what are its objectives, what are the critical success factors and how those factors would be worked out, then the real picture pops out. While writing the business plan, entrepreneur can analyse how good the idea is, whether it can be converted into the product that customer wants and whether it will make profits. In this study I have researched about whether my idea of running a healthy soup salad and juice cafà © in Auckland can be a successful business or not. I have researched about the current market, growth potential, which customers can be targeted, how the marketing can be done, what can be the differentiation or competitive advantage, what kind of staff or skills would be required, who can be the suppliers, what kind of further research would be required once the business starts, how much time it would be required to launch the cafà ©, who are the current competitors and what services are they providing, how the financial requirement would look like, whether I have that much moneyShow MoreRelatedMaking Money Online Is Good Or Bad? Essay1582 Words   |  7 PagesThe idea of making money online is attractive to many, primarily because of the benefits it offers. Making money online is thought to be a hoax to some people, i can assure you it s not as i am living breathing proof of. How ever I would like to add to all this by saying that making money online is not something that happens miraculously. Making money online is not a quick fix or get rich quick scheme as certain very unethical people will tell you .However making money online is possible andRead MoreThe Effects of the Economy On Business Administration Essay examples933 Words   |  4 PagesEffects of the Economy On Business Administration The career I choose to pursue is the career of Business Administration. This career consists of running a small or big business and being able to run it and be capable of making small or very important decisions. A business runs and depends on the people and how people spend their money. If people spend their money responsibly and they know how to administrate their money and will make the economy to be stable and be good. As we all know, the economy hasRead MoreBusiness for the Glory of God1318 Words   |  6 PagesRunning head: THE BIBLE’S TEACHING ON THE MORAL GOODNESS OF BUSINESS Business for the Glory of God: The Bible’s Teachings on the Moral Goodness of Business A Review Assignment Write a 5-7 page review, you should briefly articulate the author’s main positions or themes and then interact with them. That is, choose one or two main points that you agree with and/or two in which you do not agree, supporting your thoughts with well-reasoned arguments. Jessica N. Eppes Liberty University ProfessorRead MoreB120 Tma03 Essay1292 Words   |  6 PagesProfit and Loss account A profit and loss account is intended to show a business its income and expenditures and calculate the company’s net profit or loss based upon the difference between those figures. It is extremely useful in determining past performance and to try and predict future results. It enables a business to see what changes could make to improve on its profit. It also give enough information to help a business to set targets. We can learn more from the statement. As it shows theRead MoreA Career as an Entrepreneur Essay example1667 Words   |  7 PagesBusiness has been a large part of my family, and has started to grow on me. My dad worked in sales for many years, and is now the President of a company in Staples. My mom started her own cleaning business, and now works for herself, as well as my uncle owns a golf course, and a pump and well business. My other uncle has his own handy man business, while one of my aunts operates a redimix and construction company . So I guess it could be said, business is kind of in by blood. What I know WhenRead MoreB120 tma031109 Words   |  5 Pagescalculate the company’s net profit or loss based on the difference between those numbers. It is really useful in determining past performance and to try to predict future results. It allows a business to see what kind of changes can make an improvement on its profit. It also gives enough information to help a business to set targets and form a strategy. We can learn more from the statement. As it shows the expenses so we can see where the largest expenses are, this can be used to find out the immediateRead MoreRaising Capital For Any Startup1324 Words   |  6 Pagesinvest in a business idea that is not easy for some entrepreneurs. Applying for secured personal loan or even a loan without collateral is not promising to anyone too. So, if you are looking for a business loan without collateral, you have to understand that getting a small business loan without collateral is certainly tough in today’s economy. That’s why you find a lot of searches on internet about â€Å"how to get loan without collateral† and it is commonly asked by many people from all parts of theRead MoreBusiness For The Glory Of God1506 Words   |  7 PagesBusiness for the Glory of God is a book that helps Christians work in Business for God. Wayne Grudem did an excellent job of sharing and providing the purpose and meaning of business and ways to glorify God while conducting said business. The main themes Grudem talks about include; ownership, productivity, employment, commercial transactions, profit, money, inequality of possessions, competition, borrowing and lending, attitudes of the heart and the effect on world poverty. He kept his thoughts shortRead MoreBusiness Case Study1617 Words   |  7 Pagescosts,which might not be enough money because,they will need a building and computers of there own.So they could get a bank loan and have to pay off their debt or they can get a 4th partner who will b e a limited partner and just pump money into the business.An issue might be that they are all friends and friendships can cause issues for the business,which could result in the bankruptcy for the business. (B)So i think partnership would make the most sense because they all have skills that the other peopleRead MoreRich Dad Poor Dad Summary1378 Words   |  6 Pagesso important. It also introduces the fact that you need not to earn high to become rich. This book is meant for those people who don’t have or have little knowledge about finance and investment. This will help them to learn the basic rules of investing alongwith financial education. Robert Kyosaki, the author of this book tells about his learnings from two role models, one, his own dad who is poor and other his friend’s dad, who is one of the richest people in Hawaii. The author has learnt different

Essay on Atzheimer´s Dementia Posterior Cortical Atrophy

This essay will discuss the form of Alzheimer’s dementia Posterior Cortical Atrophy, from the aspects of the journey by Sir Terry Pratchett. In addition the essay will discuss symptoms of the disease, pathology, and anatomical structures and locations. Sir Terry Pratchett (Pratchett, 2013) has opened a discussion about dementia due to his diagnosis of Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA). PCA is a type of condition associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) that affects the parietal and occipital lobes damaging how the brain is able to process and understand visual information. This deterioration of visual processing can impact the person with PCA, in how the person can perform daily tasks such as reading, driving or even walking in certain†¦show more content†¦The occipital lobe is in a posterior position and the function of the occipital lobe is vision including perception and colour and movement (Stannard Gromisch, 2012). Atrophy is described as a process of tissue wastage or cell death (Lippincott Williams Wilkins, 2006). According to (Jones Gaillard, 2005-2013) the pathology of PCA includes Neuritic plagues and neurofibrillary tangles which are found in the parieto-occipital and temporo-occipital areas, as well as occasionally in the primary visual cortex. It is thought that PCA is a version of AD, with very little difference in the pathology. â€Å"Neuritic plagues or senile plagues are extracellular and composed of a central core of beta-amyloid peptides aggregated together with fibrils of beta-amyloid, dystrophic neurites, reactive astrocytes, phagocytic cells, and other proteins and protein fragments derived from degenerating cells or liberated from neurons† (Weerakkody Gaillard, 2005-2013). In addition PCA is identified by a significant concentration of plagues and neurofibrillary tangles (NFT) in the occipital lobe and the parietal lobe as well as the connection known as the occipitotemporal junction ( Tsunoda, et al., 2011). The author’s go on to explain that they hypothesise that PCA is connected to AD, dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), corticobasal degeneration (CBD)

Economics Problems Free Essays

Homework #3: Question 1. Problem and Application 4 on page 285. Please work on a, b, c, d, and e only. We will write a custom essay sample on Economics Problems or any similar topic only for you Order Now That is, ignore f. When you reconstruct the table in your work, please lower the space for Marginal Product and Marginal Cost by a half step. In other words, the first entries of Marginal Product and Marginal Cost should be aligned with the second entries of other columns. (50 points) Table of Costs: WorkerOutputMarginal Product Total CostAverage Total CostMarginal Cost 00–$200———– 12020 300$15. 00$5. 00 25030 400 8 3. 33 39040 500 5. 6 2. 50 412030 600 5 3. 33 514020 700 5 5 615010 800 5. 33 10 71555 900 5. 81 20 A. The table shows the marginal product; marginal product rises at first, but then starts to decline because of diminishing marginal product. B. The table shows the total costs for this scenario. C. Again, the table shows the average total cost. The average total cost will be shaped like a â€Å"U. † The average total cost declines as quantity rises when the quantity is low. When the quantity is high, the average total cost rises. D. The table shows the marginal cost. The marginal cost, like the average total cost, is also â€Å"U† shaped, but unlike the average total cost it rises steeply as the output increases. This is because of diminishing marginal product. E. When the marginal cost is falling, the marginal product is rising and vice versa. Question 2. (20 points) The licorice industry is competitive. Each firm produces 2 million strings of licorice per year. The strings have an average total cost of $0. 20 each, and they sell for $0. 30. a. What is the marginal cost of a string? Marginal cost = Change in total cost/change in quantity .30-. 20=. 0=Change in total cost .10/1=. 10 The marginal cost of one string is $0. 10. b. Is this industry in long-run equilibrium? Why or why not? No. In a long run quilibirum all firms are maximizing profits. No firms have incentive to enter or exit because all firms are earning zero economic profit. The firms in this competitive market are making a profit of $0. 10 on each string of licorice. At this rate there is no long-run equilibrium, but if more firms join this market to get in on some of the profit then there will be a long-run equilibrium; when too many firms join the market the demand goes down. This can cause firms to make zero profit. Question 3. (30 points) Consider the following table. The price of the product is $8. Quatitity Total cost 0. $8 1. 9 2. 10 3. 11 4. 13 5. 19 6. 27 7. 37 a. Calculate profit for each quantity. How much should the firm produce to maximize profit? b. Calculate marginal revenue and marginal cost for each quantity. Graph them. At what quantity do these curves cross? How does this relate to your answer to part (a)? c. Can you tell whether this firm is in a competitive industry? If so, can you tell whether the industry is in a long-run equilibrium? How to cite Economics Problems, Papers

Auditing Practice Financial Accountability

Question: Discuss about theAuditing Practice for Financial Accountability. Answer: Introduction: The process of an audit was relied upon for many years, but the relevant practice of auditing comes into existence for a very short period. The methods have been adopted at the time of Industrial Revolution. Now the firms became aware of the need for fraud detection, financial accountability, etc. in the business. On the other hand, Control compliance becomes a much larger problem because of an established flexible and widely applicable control structures which often entail a colossal number of checks For these reasons it may be temporarily re-parameterized which generated the need and assurance for auditing in the firm.(audit analytics looking towards future). On the other hand, Zhang et al. (2012) discussed the fact that the methods of an audit are at risk of becoming less relevant if they do not change accordingly to meet the needs of stakeholder, especially for timeliness and scope. In this context a question rose by a very well-known author on the basis that whether the business is performing an audit or function of management if the group reviews analysis and gives their decision on the matter of the firm (Elder et al. 2013)? According to Kozlovski and Vasarhelyi (2014), large audit databases aimed about the validation of daily feeds. In the given case, Barry and Betty have three children. Robert and Chan were holding 20% shares of the company and Jane holds 40% shares. The reason behind is that she has a degree in management moreover she is associated with the daily work of the enterprise. In the first company meeting, she has informed the shareholders about the conversion of the business. Earlier the company was governed under the partnership act but now due to conversion, it is regulated under the corporation law. For this, the company has to make certain changes in their management. This report furnishes all the necessary information regarding the relevant changes. Nature of Auditing: It is helpful in locating the errors of the fraud. It detects and rectifies the mistakes. It boosts the morale of the staff. It is necessary for taxation purpose. The main aim behind this is to produce a reliable source of audit practice for smaller companies. It can be suspected that error and fraud detection has remained a paramount objective (Chandler and Edwards 2013). According to the queries of the shareholders of the company the audit report furnishes the following information: Process of Auditing: The Proper audit process is to be done in a systemized manner so that correct view of the financial condition of the firm can be ascertained. It needs proper planning related to announcement letters, meetings, audit program, etc. As we know that planning is the foremost step in any organization. Each person should make a proper plan so that he can work on it accordingly. In any business organization, proper planning is needed so that the other members of the company can work accordingly and gets up to date information about the enterprise. Moreover, it helps the auditor to notify the needs of the client (Christensen, Glover and Wolfe 2014). The next step is to do proper fieldwork: -proper fieldwork is required in case of preparing working papers, audit summary, etc. Working papers are those documents which includes all the relevant evidence related to the review. It is used by the management so that they can have an idea that the reports were planned and carried out correctly. Another step is to prepare Audit report: -it includes the draft of the meeting, response of clients, comments on customers, final report, etc. The report should be completed within 30 days after the completion of fieldwork. The last and final step is to prepare follow-up: - this includes the review and report of monitoring, audited annual report of the board, etc (Christensen, Glover and Wood 2012). Who could be the Auditor? As per the requirement of the act the person who makes an application to ASIC after fulfilling certain necessities. In the given case the company has to submit its registration report under the board before acting as an auditor. Hence, as per the statement, the firm can act as an auditor for the company BB Ltd (Asic.gov.au 2016). Would it be wise to allow a third party (the auditor) access to their confidential business information? Yes, an auditor can do so with the permission of the client to access on their financial statements or any confidential business information. The auditor helps the company by giving true and fair views of the financial accounts. What if they do not have the Accounts Audited? As per Australian law, it is not mandatory for a company to furnish audit report but the directors still felt the need of maintaining audited accounts of their business (Randtke and Detweiler. 2012). They can identify their weakness in accounting system easily and can work for the improvement. It also helps in locating fraud in the company. Now the management has full report about the directors day-to-day workings. Can Jane do the Audit Herself? The section 307 of the Corporation Act 2001 defines Audit as the opinion formed by the auditor whether the financial report are prepared in accordance with this act and accounting standards. The section 307A of the act requires that if an individual auditor or audit company is conducting audit then it should be conducted in accordance with the auditing standards. The section 324CD of the Corporation Act 2001 states out the conflict of interest situations. In the section 324CD (2) of the corporation act 2001 it is clearly stated if there exists a relationship between the auditor and the audited body then it will considered as conflict of interest. The relevant relationship if the audited body is a company includes that the auditor has relationship with the company, or the auditor is a current or former director of the company, or if the person is currently or formerly involved with the management of the company. The law therefore states that if the following condition exists then the person cannot be the auditor of the company. In the given case, Jane is a shareholder and is involved in the management of the company so it can be concluded according to the relevant provisions of the companies act that Jane cannot be the auditor of the company. Conclusion: Being the manager of the reputed audit firm of the city after analyzing all the documents and from the details furnish by the company it can be said that the association BB co.ltd has furnished all the answers of the queries arose by their shareholders and members in a very relevant manner as prescribed by the law. When the company pays a high dividend to their members than the irregularities of account cannot be noticed but when the revenue declines internal cost are scrutinized more diligently. Therefore, from the above mentioned definition we can understand that the term audit gives us a systemized knowledge of the subject The Company can fill the tender bid with its name after filing all the documents of the company. The company has conducted meeting regarding the conversion and the members of the board are agreed for it. The company has no criminal records or any infringement records in the past. The company has to maintain certain working papers in the future also than only the company can run its business smoothly and soundly. Hence, the company BB can act as a corporate in the near future. References: Badolato, P.G., Donelson, D.C. and Ege, M., 2014. Audit committee financial expertise and earnings management: The role of status.Journal of Accounting and Economics,58(2), pp.208-230. Chandler, R.A. and Edwards, J.R., 2013.British Audit Practice 1884-1900 (RLE Accounting): A Case Law Perspective. Routledge Christensen, B.E., Glover, S.M. and Wolfe, C.J., 2014. Do critical audit matter paragraphs in the audit report change nonprofessional investors' decision to invest?.Auditing: A Journal of Practice Theory,33(4), pp.71-93. Christensen, B.E., Glover, S.M. and Wood, D.A., 2012. Extreme estimation uncertainty in fair value estimates Implications for audit assurance.Auditing: A Journal of Practice Theory,31(1), pp.127-146. Davis, R.E., 2012. The Case for Continuous Auditing of Management Information Systems. Eilifsen, A., Messier, W.F., Glover, S.M. and Prawitt, D.F., 2013.Auditing and assurance services. McGraw-Hill. Elder, R.J., Akresh, A.D., Glover, S.M., Higgs, J.L. and Liljegren, J., 2013. Audit sampling research: A synthesis and implications for future studies.Auditing: A Journal of Practice Theory,32(sp1), pp.99-129. Erkens, D.H. and Bonner, S.E., 2012. The role of firm status in appointments of accounting financial experts to audit committees.The Accounting Review,88(1), pp.107-136. Guidance Statement GS 011 Third Party Access to Audit Working Papers GS 011 - 1 - Guidance StatementIssued by the Auditing and Assurance Standards Board Messier Jr, W., 2016.Auditing assurance services: A systematic approach. McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Rubric, O., 2015.The application of analytical procedures in the audit process(Doctoral dissertation, University of Pretoria. Asic.gov.au. (2016).Applying for auditor or authorised audit company registration |Asic.gov.au. (2016).Applying for auditor or authorised audit company registration | ASIC - Australian Securities and Investments Commission. [online] Available at: https://asic.gov.au/for-finance-professionals/company-auditors/applying-for-auditor-or-authorised-audit-company-registration/ [Accessed 17 Aug. 2016].

Dreams in Of Mice and Men Essay Example

Dreams in Of Mice and Men Essay Dreams are like goals we want to reach. In John Steinbeck’s novel Of Mice and Menthe characters Lennie, Candy, and Curley’s wife have dreams that didnt come true. Of Mice and Men is about two best friends Lennie and George. They work on the ranch where all the trouble starts. They have a dream that they will have a piece of land that has animals. The characters of Lennie, Candy, and Curley’s Wife had dreams that have motivated them to work hard. Lennie’s dream motivated him. Lennie is a large man who is mentally challenged. George repeats his and Lennie’s dream when he says â€Å"Someday we’re gonna get the jack together and we’re gonna have a little house and a couple of acres an a cow and some pigs† (pg 14). This is important because Lennie stays out of trouble and makes him happy. This quote makes me think that Lennie is feeling excited and happy because he gets to take care of the rabbits. George tells Lennie â€Å"When we get a coupla of acres i can let you tend the rabbitis all right. (pg 15). This is important because George is giving Lennie responsibilities and he likes soft things. Lennie’s dream is similar to Candy’s dream because they want a better life. Lennie’s dream is different to Candy’s dream because he doesnt want to tend the rabbits. Lennie’s dream is similar to Curley’s Wife because they want a better life. Lennie’s dream is different to Curley’s Wife dream because she want to be a actress. In the next paragraph will discuss Candy’s dream. Candy’s dream gave him motivation and hope. Candy is a lonely swamper with a crippled hand. Candy’s feeling useless working at the ranch â€Å"s’oose i went in with you guys. Tha’s three hundred and fifty bucks i’d put in† (pg 59). This is important because Candy wants a gobetter life and wants to join the dream. This quote makes me think Candy is hopeful because he wants to join Lennie and George. Knowing that he is crippled Candy says â€Å"i We will write a custom essay sample on Dreams in Of Mice and Men specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Dreams in Of Mice and Men specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Dreams in Of Mice and Men specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer

Unit 3 Discussion Example

Unit 3 Discussion Example Unit 3 Discussion – Coursework Example Cisco Powered Network Discussion The Cisco networking system, also commonly referred to as the IOS controls various Cisco switchesand routers as well as providing an interface for the configuration of the Cisco devices. The Cisco Security personnel provide its users regularly with safety guidelines and measure to counter the daily threats. The IOS also comes up with various network management models functions which may include; Fault, security, configuration and performance management. Under fault management any faults detected are isolated from the network; security management provides access only to authorized people to access the network and other corporate resources (Liu, 2009). The configuration team is in charge of managing configuration files, inventories as well as software and finally the performance team monitors the overall performance and ensures it is maintained at a high level.The other best practices that can be put across in administering a Cisco powered network incl ude: Coming up with a telnet password. This can be arrived at by: router (config) #line vty con 0 router (config-line) #log in. router (config-line) #password Cisco. This telnet protocol will connect several devices to the internet and get access to various resources. It will also provide a command line interface. It is also necessary to enable the interface so as to provide the administrators with a flexible ground for accessing other physical networks. It can be enabled through router (config-if) # no shutdown, at the same time it can be controled by disabling it through router (config-if) # shut down. The flexibility may at times add complexity to the task of the administrators. Finally, it is important for the administrators to consider setting or coming up with a secret password (Tetz, 2011). This practice will always enable them override the enabling password feature and help them encrypt it within the config file. This will be arrived at by router (config) enable secret (desi red name one wishes to use as a secret password).ReferencesLiu, D. 2009.  Cisco router and switch forensics: Investigating and analyzing malicious network activity. Burlington, MA: Syngress.Tetz, E. 2011.  Cisco ® networking all-in-one for dummies ®. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

Alexander Fleming Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Alexander Fleming - Essay Example In fact, the advancement of penicillin was a critical occasion in the fight against infectious sicknesses, and the person who uncovered it, Sir Alexander Fleming, remains an important individual in the chronicles of medicinal history. Sir Alexander Fleming was born at Lochfield near Darvel in Ayrshire, Scotland on August 6th, 1881. He went to Louden Moor School, Darvel School, and Kilmarnock Academy before moving to London where he went to the Polytechnic. He spent four years of his early life in a transportation office before attending St. Marys Medical School, London University (Maurois, 1959). Fleming passed with distinction in 1906 and started research at St. Marys under the guidance of Sir Almroth Wright, a pioneer in vaccination. At St Marys Hospital Medical School, he exceeded expectations, rapidly demonstrating his manual expertise and creativeness; to such an extent that for some time it looked as though a future in surgery beckoned until he was attracted to the microorganisms hunting and helpful sleuthing. He finished his degrees at the University of London in 1908, and stayed on at the prestigious Inoculation Laboratory of Almroth Wright. He got M.B., B.S., (London), with Gold Medal in 1908 and turned into a lecturer at St. Marys till 1914. He served all around World War I as a commander in the Army Medical Corps and in 1918 he came back to St.Marys. He was chosen Professor of the School in 1928 and Emeritus Professor of Bacteriology, University of London in 1948. He was chosen Fellow of the Royal Society in 1943 and knighted in 1944 (Maurois, 1959).   In 1915, Fleming got married with Sarah Marion McElroy of Killala, Ireland, who in 1949 died. Their son became a general medical practitioner. In 1953 Fleming got married again; Dr. Amalia Koutsouri-Voureka was his wife, a colleague at St. Marys

In the Lake of the Woods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

In the Lake of the Woods - Essay Example In the hypotheses chapters O’Brian has presented quotes from real books and reports (The My Lai court martials, histories, psychological books political biographies) and fictional sources (characters in the novel). As I see, the main aspect of the novel that grabs the readers and doesn’t let them go without completing it is its POV (Point of view). Usually authors use ‘one’ point of view as a tool to convey the mood and outlook they want to portray through their writing. However, a writer can even use first, second and third point of views together to diversify his storyline, which is what O’Brian has done in the discoursed novel. The element that gives this novel the feel of a first person narrative, despite of the fact that it is written in the third person is the ‘footnotes’. These are the footnotes that are included in the chapters and in which the narrator identifies himself and discusses his reasons for writing the story. Also he tells the problems he has encountered while writing it as the narrator has selected and organized the evidences to reveal thematic links between individual pieces of evidence, the main narrative, and his theories. Conseque ntly, the unique blend of two different points of views is the essential of â€Å"In the Lake of the

Water Chemistry Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Water Chemistry - Essay Example Solutions Polysaccharide- these are polymers that are made of several chains of either monosaccharide units or disaccharide units Glucose- this is an example of a monosaccharide. It is a simple sugar consisting of a hydroxyl group (OH) in the structure. Glucose structure Amino acids- organic compounds with an amino group (NH2) and a carboxyl group (COOH). Fats- organic compounds with carbon, hydrogen and oxygen present in their structure. Fats contain glycerol which houses hydroxyl (OH) group and fatty acids which houses carboxyl (COOH) group. Proteins- Contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in their structure. Proteins consist of both amine (NH2) and carboxyl (COOH) groups. #2 Solutions (a) Entropy- this is a measure of how much a system is disordered. Denoted by S. (b) Enthalpy- this is the product of pressure of a system and volume of a system added to the internal energy of a system. (c) Gibbs Free Energy- this is the product of entropy and absolute temperature subtracted from the e nthalpy of a system. (d) Exothermic reaction- this is a chemical reaction in which energy is released in the form of either light or heat. Endothermic reaction- this is a chemical reaction where energy is absorbed from the surrounding. The energy can be in form of heat but not in all cases.

A Critical Evaluation Of Selected Teaching Materials English Language Essay

A Critical Evaluation Of Selected Teaching Materials English Language Essay This assignment is aimed at providing a critical evaluation of one of the modules (units) in the textbook New Cutting Edge, Pre-intermediate level in a relevant context for its possibly best use. This is an internal evaluation of a unit, in McDonough and Shaws (1993) terms, rather than just an external evaluation based on the statements of the publishers. It is well known that no textbook can be so generic to function in an ideal manner in all specific contexts, but if chosen with tact, textbooks can provide a general framework for an optimal use of time and resources at the hand of teachers and learners. The lack of an objective standard to evaluate textbooks should not bring this significant investigation to a halt because in the long run nothing can replace the care and discretion in selection of the best available resource. Experience together with skill in this area would definitely serve learning. Introduction There are different views on the use of textbook, from those who put it at the heart of English language programmes (Sheldon 1988: 237) to those who consider their use as problematic (Swales 1980). A reasonable stance is a halfway between a long standing and extreme arguments on whether textbook makes all the difference or makes no difference whatsoever. Despite being far from perfect, textbooks remain the most suitable means of providing structure (Hutchinson and Torres 1994) and they currently are regarded as an inevitable resource for language learning with its capacity and relative effect depending on context and the situations (Cunningsworth 1979, McGrath, 2002). Reasons for evaluation of textbooks A general perception is formed, as Sheldon (1988) have noted, that regards coursebooks as temporary goods for profit rather than treating educational quality. McGrath (2002) relates the utility as a direct function of informed judgement of a teacher on the appropriateness of a particular textbook for a given classroom. Selection, rejection, addition and modification are four processes that teachers can use to adapt coursebooks to their needs (McGrath, 2002: 59). Richards (2001: 260) contends that because most teachers are not material writers themselves, they should adapt already available textbooks to fit students needs and seek ever opportunity to be creative and supplement the textbook exercises or activities whenever necessary. a teacher will find the need to modify, or expand some parts while omitting other parts, or reorganising the content in textbook as appropriate, a fact which is also very true for Cutting Edge. It should also be noted that book may be perfectly suitable for one situation but short of most parameters of a fair selection in another situation. Thus, its evaluation in isolation is impossible. Thats why Richards (2001: 256-257) explains that studying the role of textbook, teachers and learners in the curriculum takes precedence over textbook evaluation. Methods for evaluation There are various methods and several perspectives for implementing evaluation. One perspective to textbook evaluation is what Hutchinson and Waters (1987) present simply as an analytical matching process to available solutions, but a generally agreed upon criteria for evaluation can be summarised as the focus on design, linguistic content, topic, and logistics (McGrath, 2002). Evaluation an also be done internally or externally. The fundamental methods to evaluate a textbook are listed by McGrath (2002) as the impressionistic, the checklist, and the in-depth methods. Evaluation using impressionstic method Cunningsworth (1995) holds that impressions are useful as a general introduction and a quick overview which helps choosing the coursebook. The coursebooks title New Cutting Edge may not be very revealing but it is exciting combined with its cover images. The size is convenient and the representations look multicultural. Following Cunningsworths checklist (1995), the topic of the module, important firsts, is a key point to consider whether the as it suggests variety and raises real interest, and enables learners to expand their cultural awareness. It provides great potential for student interaction. Tomlinson (2003) argues that graphic details such as opening pictures have a great impact on learners. In module 2, the photo of women in very chic dresses is not readily connecting to the topic or the other one near that, too. Images with more motion could disclose the energy of the topic. The photos in the first two pages are not the units strongest point since they are culturally loaded or at best unfamiliar to foreign language learner but photos in page 3 and onward are very engaging, funny and expressive. Another good point is the balanced focus on form and meaning which go side by side, and column by column. Following is an adapted evaluation checklist (drawn from McGrath 2002). It provides a brief overview of appearance and physical details based on an impressionistic method. Practical considerations affordable Yes weight (for transportation purposes) Yes Support for teaching and learning Teachers book available? Yes Cassettes/CD-Rom available? Yes Suitable for self-study? Yes Context Relevance Suitable for length of course? No Suitable for aims of course? Yes Suitable for learners level? Suitable for learners cultural background? Suitable for teachers? Required resources available? Likely appeal to learners Layout Visuals Topics Yes Yes (partially) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes (partially) The impressions may be more accurate for experienced teachers but they are often very subjective and simplistic. The in-depth methods, on the other hand, deserve such a space which is beyond the confines of this paper. The practicality of checklist method is highlighted in Cunningsworth (1995: 2). Therefore, several methods and perspectives including checklist methods worth consideration in this paper. To evaluate the book part I selected which is followed by an evaluation from external and internal perspectives as well as a micro analysis. Evaluation through Checklists Cunningsworth (1995) developed a checklist which is widely used for evaluation of textbooks. This is one the first checklists that gives a broad analysis (Tomlinson 2003). It should be noted that any checklist has its own advantages and disadvantages and they should be adapted to meet the needs of a specific context (McGrath, 2002: 27). Cunningsworths checklist (1995) is powerful in addressing language content, skills, topics as well as methods but ignores the role of culture and institution. McGrath (2002) pinpoints the principles underlying the design of materials. Checklist is adaptable such as the questionnaire Rahman and Sinha (2010) used. It is given to both teacher and students after background information, to elicit their appraisal of the textbook via several items assessing its layout and physical make up, subject matter, vocabulary and structure, exercises and activities. The questionnaire given to teachers has an extra section on their evaluation of aims and goals and has more items on each of the above mentioned sections. Almost any quality that teachers and language teaching methodology would deem essential for textbooks can be evaluated through a checklist. For instance, learner-centeredness is a quality that can be fostered in a textbook in a form of gradual independence from teacher and developing students self confidence in using English (Cunningsworth, 1995). Jun, Hua and Huiru used an evaluation questionnaire to this effect from which applying a gist would be useful. Firstly, communication skills are developed fairly well through the New Cutting Edge since we have two speaking task about important firsts through both an open-ended personal and a picture-aided controlled activity. A scaffold for doing this task is in the 3rd page where a sentence completion task required pair work and comparison activity about personal information an earlier in the module. Most other tasks are fill-in-gap grammar, vocabulary and writing exercises as well as pronunciation practice. Pair work encourages cooperativ e learning and pronunciation practice leads to an awareness of linguistic skills. The topic important first can relate very well to students lives, views and feelings and offers options to cater for learner differences. Answer key on page 158 is a helpful reference material, but there is little sign of indexing and internet technology that enhance independent language learning. External Evaluation The publishes claims that New Cutting Edge follows a Communicative Language Approach to teaching English which supports learners all-inclusive development in their language by incorporating all language skills. Students are promised to see improvement in their functional English and their ability to communicate on a daily basis. It is also said that the contents hold the interest and respond to the needs of students at this level. Topics are wide-ranging, attractive and up-to-date and designs and images are so vivid that makes this book superior to other coursebooks. The activities in each unit are described as so engaging that can lead students to a comfortable use of English outside classroom in real life situations and that exercises both focus on essential grammatical points and help learners to communicate spontaneously enriched by an authentic sample of reading, listening, writing, speaking, listening and pronunciation activities. Units of  New Cutting Edge  correspond to the Common European Framework which allows students and teachers to simply check the learning outcomes against a generally recognised standard. The coursebook also boasts of a very clear and cumulative structure in consecutive modules that gradually build on each other to improve grammatical points, key vocabulary, and various skills as well as revision and practice opportunities. The supplementary materials for New Cutting Edge are in sufficient, supply which is deemed as suitable because of its interactive nature  and its various features which contains class/ student audio cassettes and CDs, a workbook with key, as well as teachers books, tests, videos, mini dictionary and links to other companion websites. (www.longman.com/cuttingedge) Internal evaluation The New Cutting Edge series have the characteristics of modern textbooks Haines (1996) lists such as being multi-componential (grammar, vocabulary, reading, speaking, writing and a study tip in one module), commercialised, and culturally sensitive as well as having a rich design which consist of lively pictures, visual aids and diagrams, indentations, word clouds, bullets and numbering. The first page begins with a catchy headline and itemised summary besides pictures at the top. Even in grammar section simple pictures and design are intended to help learning while in vocabulary section, more expressive images are used (human faces for words of feeling). The visually attractive cover of this book is a plus like Headway series because as McGrath (2002) claims, the cover, title or sizes of a book are important factors in motivating learners. Evaluation of textbook with micro-analysis of the chosen module (unit) New Cutting Edge, Pre-intermediate by Cunnigham and Moor taps several language skills and subskills. It is a textbook intended for teaching English as a Foreign Language. The New in title suggest maturation from an earlier version besides having a tricky commercial effect. The authors claim that it just got sharper and fresher and easier to use (New Cutting Edge, Pre-intermediate Students Book, back cover). The book is composed of fifteen modules, each containing eight pages, with additional resources such as tapescripts, mini-dictionary and consolidation material. Auxiliary matter consists of a teachers resource book, workbook with and without key editions, CDs and audio cassettes for students use and a separate cassette for classroom use as well as an accompanying website, tests and videos. The book under review is in general support of an integrated skills approach and this second unit has a particular emphasis on pronunciation. Texts for reading are kept short. Writing is practiced at the end of module after speaking tasks. This means productive skills are last in order of presentation. The colourful layout and reasonable placing of items makes it look smart but the photographs are not of highest quality but the illustrations are and cartoons are lively. Closer scrutiny follows in a tabulated form. Topic: Important Firsts. Potential to enhance speculation, but may be too short. Language Focus: Past Simple and Time Phrases A good continue to a tense in previous module (unit). Timely to introduce time phrases (matching with topic) Vocabulary and Wordspot Thematic presentation of new vocabulary with visuals is very engaging. Diagrams in wordspot can consolidate that but it may be difficult for learners at this level. Speaking The first task with questions which makes learners to talk about generally activates the outgoing and breaks the ice for other students who seem to be clueless. The second task is aided with pictures and scaffolds the shy to talk about other people. Pronunciation There are three areas in this unit to deal with pronunciation of past tense regular and stress, a bit above the right size, relatively. Listening There are 11 parts for which there is need to listening and tape, which is relatively high. They address not only the listening part itself but also pronunciation and stress practice as well as checking answers to vocabulary and grammatical exercises. Reading Reading parts are short which may be good at this stage of course if it helps fast pace. May be a supplementary reading is required for faster students. Writing The writing practice comes at the end and reading writing integrated activity. Review In the practice section, grammar and vocabulary exercises dominate and there is no pronunciation exercise despite the weight it has throughout the unit. i: Sequencing ii: Methodology i: Sequencing of skills is generally good with some skills practice between. An exception should perhaps be made for writing: it should not be the last or the least or seem so. Because of its learning potential for foreign language learners that often go unrealised. ii: it follows a task based syllabus and a mixture of communicative approach to language teaching with form-focused instruction as it brings language focus into attention. Conclusion This evaluation once again confirm the point that a quest to find a perfect coursebook maybe unrealistic, but there will be a best book for any situation (Grant 1987). The organization of the material in this units as a sample of the book in question, suggests ways that language can be integrated in the diverse aspects of life.  However, students with more enthusiasm can be given an opportunity to produce more output. My recommendation is to supplement the material with more tasks requiring productive language use such as writing and speaking and that there be more room for discussion and illustrations or examples. They can be set as homework, or if time allows, at the end of session. In all, I found this book very inspiring and highly recommend it for use in an appropriate level and context.

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men Essay -- Literary Criticism

Abstract: When Of Mice and Men is read between the lines, it is easy to discover Steinbeck’s objective. Men are destined to be alone, despite their hardships, despite their connections. In order to establish these ideas Steinbeck develops his characters, the relationships they share, and their interactions. Of Mice and Men is considered a classic novel for a reason. Steinbeck does an excellent job of establishing powerful themes while using unparalleled writing techniques. Steinbeck was able to take his upbringing as the common man and turn it into inspiration for novels. At the mention of the name, â€Å"John Steinbeck,† many associations can be made to the classic works produced by the man. However, he did not begin his life as a successful writer. Growing up in Salinas, California, Steinbeck lived the life of a common man, working to survive in the Land of Promise. He began to develop a taste for writing; however, he studied marine biology while he attended Stanford University. Without graduating with a degree, Steinbeck began working as a laborer and reporter for the American in New York City. After realizing that he was not meeting his goals, or at least coming close to them, Steinbeck moved back to California where he continued to work in various odd jobs while he pursuing his career as a professional writer. In the early 1930’s Steinbeck met Edwards Ricketts, a marine biologist who later became a major influence on his works. Steinbeck enjoyed listening to Ricketts’s views on the interdependence of life. Steinbeck became i ntrigued by these concepts and began applying these themes to all of his developing works. His first two publications were undeveloped and deemed failures, but with the production of Of Mice and Men, Steinbeck was introduced to the world of literary acceptance.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Of Mice and Men is considered an American classic that is taught by almost every high school and featured on most â€Å"must read† booklists. The reason for such appraise can be found in the themes lying within the book. Steinbeck establishes the concepts of man’s destiny by developing his characters, the relationships they share, and their interactions and using them to reinforce underlying themes. The relationship between Lennie and George opens many types of interpretation for critics of the novel. Some wonder whether George cares for Lennie and a person, or maybe Geo... ...e alone, despite their hardships, despite their connections. In order to establish these ideas Steinbeck develops his characters, the relationships they share, and their interactions. Of Mice and Men is considered a classic novel for a reason. Steinbeck does an excellent job of establishing powerful themes while using unparalleled writing techniques. Steinbeck was able to take his upbringing as the common man and turn it into inspiration for novels. WORKS CITED Attell, Kevin. Novels for Students: Man and Animal. Stanford University Press: Stanford California, 2004. Folsom, James K.. Critical Survey of Short Fiction. Salem Press: Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 1981. French, Warren. Reference Guide to American Literature. Harmony Books: New York, 1987 Goldhurst, William. Of Mice and Men: John Steinbeck’s Parable of the Curse of Cain. Western American Literature: New York, 1971. Levant, Howard. The Novels of John Steinbeck: A Critical Study. Columbia, Mo.: University of Missouri Press, 1974. Lisca, Peter. John Steinbeck, Nature and Myth. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1978. Paul, Louis. Contemporary Literary Criticism. William Beneton: Detroit, Michigan, 1982.