A History and Effects of Concussions in Football and Hockey

A History and Effects of Concussions in Football and Hockey A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury which results from a bump blow or jolt to either the head or body causing the brain to move rapidly in the skull. A concussion affects normal brain function and can have severe and long-term health effects (McGannon, et al., 2013). In this regard, an individual should not ignore the slightest bump on the head as it can have serious long-term effects. The signs and symptoms of a concussion include headaches, nausea, fatigue, memory problems, confusion and sleep disturbances or even mood changes. Symptoms manifest right after the injury, but some are not recognized until later. It is estimated that 1.6 to 3.8 concussions occur each year in the US associated with sports and recreation. Concussions in Football and Hockey since the 1990’s Diehl (2010), asserts that the National Football League continues to have an increased number of retired players who have suffered concussions and developed memory and cognitive issues such as Alzheimer’s, depression and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). CTE is a degenerative brain disease associated with multiple head traumas. In 1994, Paul Tagliabue the NFL commissioner created the Mild Traumatic Brain Injury committee. He also asserts that concussions are a part of the profession and as an occupational hazard. In the same year, Troy Aikman a Dallas quarterback took a knee to head an event that landed him in the hospital. In the same year, Chicago Bears Merrill Hoge retires due to multiple injuries on the head which result into not being able to recognize anyone. The NFL commissioner dismissed the reports on the media that concussions were increasing as mere assumptions. In 1995, Pellman experimented with Boomer Esiason’s return from a concussion by using an unproven system involving QB’s sitting before a computer screen and concentrating. In 1997, The American Academy of Neurology published its guidelines recommending removal of players after having concussions, but NFL dismisses it. In 1999, NFL issued millions in disability payments to retired players. In 2,000, research indicates 61% of former NFL players have had concussions. 49% of the players had numbness or tingling, 28% had neck or cervical spine arthritis, 31% had memory loss issues, and 16% could not dress while 11% could not feed themselves (Macciocchi, 2001). In 2012 NFL reported 261 concussions, 229 in 2013, 206 in 2014 and 271 in 2015. In 2016, the NFL and NFL Players’ Association implemented a new policy to enforce concussion protocol. In Ice Hockey, total concussions are relatively small as compared to football. There is lower participation in the game at both high school and college level. Research indicates that since 1990 through to 2004, the rate of concussions in men who participated in the sport stood at 0.41 per 1000. Concussions in hockey players happen at 6.3% during practice and at 10.3% during the game. The relationship between age and shocks, however, remains unclear. Since 1995 to 1997, the concussion rate was higher in ice hockey players. Since 2006 to 2013, only 511 incidents were reported in 844 games (Iverson et al., 2001). How the media portrays concussions in football compared to Ice hockey? Slobounov and Sebastianelli (2014) cite that the concussion issues in sports have recently attracted considerable media coverage in the past few years. The media focused on professional football or Ice Hockey and such like high-speed games where there is full contact between powerful players. Despite there has been a dramatic improvement on how the media reports on the severity associated with serious brain injuries and concussions, more need to be done to improve the health of the players. It is of essence that the media reports on facts rather than sensationalizing issues that could lead to misinterpretation of such sports. Hockey and Football are the collision sports with the highest rate of concussions according to media reports. The discrepancy between reported cases and actual injuries are similar in football, which has the largest cases of concussions (Womble and Collins, 2016). The American media leaves the impression that TBI and violence are part and parcel of hockey and cannot be avoided. In the past, the media focused on TBI only when star players were affected, however, there is a shift in focus since all players are included. In both Ice Hockey and Football, the media would in the past indicate that protective gear was a way to ensure player’s safety, but they now say that protective gear is part of the problem since it makes the players feel invulnerable invoking risk taking in them. The media has been blamed for fanning fear of the long-term effects associated with head injuries. The NHL accused media of speculation and spreading fear rather than having scientific evidence (Niranjan and Lunsford, 2014). Further, the Commission denied media reports that concussions are likely to lead to CTE in the long run. The media has covered all players who have died in the NHL as being suspected of having CTE. The media has investigated all deaths of Ice hockey players by first assuming that they had brain related injuries, as a result of concussions they acquired from the field. It is no different with football players in the NFL. Despite numerous reports associating head injuries to brain damage, the NFL still denies the connection. The media reports about the players who are reluctant to report injuries for fear of missing play time. Such players do not realize the long term effects until they retire from the field. Concussions in Ice hockey and football Both football and hockey are physical contact sports that can have strenuous effects on the body. In respect to concussions or overall injuries, football appears to be affected than hockey. The American Sports data carried out research in 2006 that indicates that in every 100 participants of ice hockey 9.5 received concussions while the number doubled in football. Other determinants of injuries include the position of the players in both games. Defensemen and forwards in hockey are likely to sustain concussions since they spend a lot of time skating and in contact with others In football, however, goalkeepers are less liable to sustain injuries as compared to other players in touch with the opposition. Concussions are similar in both sports with most of them resulting from T-bone hits or between the eyes. The hit rattles the brain’s center of gravity. Further, the run makes the mind to rock dangerously forward and backward such that it hits the skull. In younger players, the brain is flush with the bone making the effect less severe. What’s more, helmet to helmet hits can cause serious injuries. Bumps to the side of the head are far more serious since the spinning of the brain during a rotational concussion can lead to serious injuries. Experts assert that rotational forces result in breakage of nerve cells and fibers eventually causing a stretch in the blood vessels beyond their ability to stay intact. After a hit, the brain gradually accelerates releasing neurotransmitters which eventually become chaotic and useless. The cell fails to transmit nerve impulses since it’s impaired and not –functional. Protocols for football and hockey athletes Throughout history, considerable information has been accumulated regarding the psychological and physical attributes of high profile players. Based on the present information, desirable fitness profiles are laid out for elite players particularly in hockey, and the patterns are used to compare future players. The protocols are necessary to identify a player’s weaknesses, fitness and physical or physiological capability of a player. There is a model for sports injury prevention which follows a conceptual process. The model determines the extent of harm; it also determines the mechanism of particular injury that needs to be prevented, developing and implementing interventions as well as reassesses the injury incidence to determine whether the process was a success. The NHL and NLF have come up with measures to prevent concussions likely to lead to brain damage in the future. They organizations have established concussion management protocols which entail baseline testing that requires all athletes to complete an Impact Neurocognitive as well as a Biodex balance system baseline test before they are cleared as first-year athletes. The test includes checking concussion history, cognitive assessment, and symptom evaluation. The NHL and NFL have made significant strides in reducing the number of a concussion occurring in the field. While concussions cannot be eliminated, they can be reduced. In this regard, technological advancements in finding solutions have been adopted. The NFL, for instance, introduced protective gear and new helmets, therefore making profound changes progressively and quickly. The newly introduced helmets have a cut out at the front meant to make it flex more but at the same time maintain an overall stiffness. Additionally, the thick padding that is behind the free space makes it move less, but just enough such that the player can take big hits. The impact from any side allows flex in the helmet such that it can dissipate the hit before the impact is felt on the head. Those are just a few of the features relating to new helmets and mouth guards intended to reduce injuries. It is worth noting that the new initiatives introduced before there are significant reduction and significance to the athletes. Besides new improved attire, the league implemented two rule changes with an objective of augmenting athlete’s safety. Firstly, an offensive player intending to catch a ball that has already been intercepted will be ruled as defenseless, therefore, cannot be attacked in the neck area or head by the opposition as possession changes and a penalty will be enforced. Moreover, the league has issued certified players trainers who are located in sky boxes in every game the mandate to stop play at the touch of a button once they see a player exhibiting injury signs even if he sustained the injuries in previous games. What’s more, the NFL is liaising with Canadian football league to improve concussion treatment. NHL, on the other hand, recommends the use of standardized helmets to reduce incidents of skull injuries besides issuing proper training to determine head and neck injury. The NHL concussion protocol stipulates that players must get approval from the team doctor before r eturning to play. They are taken to a calm place to be evaluated; their memories, balance as well as general awareness are assessed. However, the NHL and NFL need to do much more to reduce incidents of injury in the field. Firstly, there should be mandatory sit out periods for concussed players. Additionally, there should be independent doctors to examine the players. The NHL and NFL should ensure retired players are taken care of with proper remuneration as well as medical covers. Evolving Technologies likely to prevent concussions Lots of focus has been placed on developing technologies and equipment with an objective of preventing head injuries. Since 1990’s, helmets were designed to minimize head injury resulting in morbidity and mortality. Such helmets were nothing more of leather padding, therefore, were slowly replaced with metal helmets with plastic to reinforce protection. Although helmets can assist players to minimize the extent of the injury sustained, recent innovations such as the Q-collar made by Q-30 innovations utilizes a radical approach to determine the extent of injuries on a player (Fainaru-Wada and Fainaru, 2014). The device lightly clamps down a player’s jugular veins causing the brain to swell and fit more appropriately within the skull. The idea is to create a backfill in the brain such that the volume of blood increases. The device, therefore, assists in determining the actual number of hits a player sustains. Current technologies seem to concentrate on improving helmets b y redesigning them such that they can displace the force of a blow or minimize the impact for the part of the face or head that takes the most hit. NFL and NHL health care plan for players Health and wellness entail much more than the emotional or physical well-being. It means having resources and support to ensure stability and productivity in all areas of life. Players need health care benefits as well as specialized treatment programs. What’s more financial assistance and career building are imperative. The NFL offers a comprehensive wellness program to its athletes (Webbe, 2011). The program involves providing free consultation on a medical issue for the players and their family. Players are checked before games and have a health insurance package. Moreover, retired players have access to a neurological care program that provides access to comprehensive tests in six hospitals across the US. The players also have access to the spine treatment program across selected hospitals in the US. Moreover, they have a joint replacement program, prescription drug card program, priority access to assisted living as well as a vested inactive life insurance. NHL, on the other hand, provides medical cover for the players on a contractual base of seven years and beyond that if a player sustains injuries. Moreover, the league provides insurance to some players through a temporary total disability program where each team pays a premium according to the salaries of the five top paid players but it can administer the coverage in a manner it sees fit. Effects of Concussions on NHL and NFL players Concussions, as established earlier, have long become part of hockey and football. However, minimal concussions can be experienced through recommended precautionary measures combined with the recent technologies. It is imperative that players maintain their well-being for the sake of the game as well as their lives in the long haul. Concussions have led to a loss of talented athletes or long term irreversible injuries. Once a player sustains a head injury, the resulting effect is that he gets pulled out of the game, sometimes never to play again which is a costly affair to the team. Benefits packages offered to players who have had concussions can affect the associations negatively such that they may fail to have enough resources for the active players. Concussion issues have led to numerous lawsuits that are costly for both leagues (Robidoux, 2001). Long-term effects of multiple concussions Exposure to concussions can cause an individual player to have mild cognitive impairments (MCI’s), CTE as well as other adverse outcomes. Additionally, multiple concussions can lead to post-concussion syndrome (PCS) (Robidoux, 2001). As such, it is paramount that a player fully recovers from a single concussion rather than risking a subsequent concussion. Failure to adhere could lead to severe neurological damage. With such an understanding, managing concussions calls for comprehensive, specialized and state of the art methods. Conclusion The media has taken personal interest researching and reporting on concussions experienced in football, ice hockey, and all contact sports. Despite the growing awareness about the long-term effects of concussions from contact sports, calls by the media and the public to burn such sports may be premature. Collision sports expose individuals to neurological dangers, but they come with a host of benefits as well. The media has sensitized the public about the dangers linked to concussions prompting the NHL and NFL to take appropriate actions to reduce concussion rates. As such, one could argue that the media has played a significant role in saving the lives of individual players or highlighting their plight. Many athletes have received treatment and benefits due to media exposure.

Investment Appraisal Project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Investment Appraisal Project - Essay Example WACC=wdkd(1-T)+wpkp+wsks Where   Kd = interest on debt   Kp = cost of preference shares   Ks = cost of shares and retained earnings.   WACC is calculated by multiplying the cost of equity by the market value of the equity and cost of debt by the market value of the debt. Cost of equity can be defined as the minimum rate of return that a company must generate and offer to their investors in order to provide a return on their investment and for assuming some level of risk. If the company does not offer this risk to the investors, there is a chance that the shareholders might sell these shares in the market. Selling of the company shares can be interpreted as a negative sign for the financial outlook of the company and will put a downward impact on the market value of the company. Cost of company’s equity can be calculated through ‘Dividend Growth Model’ and ‘Capital Asset pricing model.’ The formula for dividend growth model is as follows. E = D o Ke - g Where E is the market value of the equity, Do is the recent dividend paid or the dividend projected for the next year, Ke is the cost of the equity and g is the growth rate of the dividend. The dividend growth model assumes that the dividend grows in perpetuity at a definite rate. This growth rate can be computed by observing the historical dividend pattern of the company and calculating the growth rate through simple discount rate formula. Cost of debt is actually the rate at which the present value of the interest payments and redemption amounts equals the current market value of the debt. The following formula further clarifies. Where M is the market value of the bond currently on which it is being traded in the market, i is the interest payment and kd is the rate of return required by the debt holder. From the formula it can easily be deduced that the market value of any bond is the present value of the interest payment. But the above formula is only applicable in the c ase of debt having maturity till perpetuity. In case tax is involved, the interest is taken after tax. Cost of debt is basically the internal rate of return. As provided in the given information, the company’s debt equity ratio is 50%, which means that 50% of its operations are financed through debt and the other half is through equity. The company has available cash balance of ?450,000 and thus, in case the company opts to purchase any of the buildings, it will have to issue bonds by acquiring more debt. Since the company anticipates that the interest rates are likely to be increased in the future, it would be prudent to raise more funds through equity in order to curtail the impact of increased finance charge on the profitability of the company. The project under consideration requires a careful estimation of all the relevant costs and revenues; a misjudgment in the forecast will cause an error in the project net present value, which might result in the acceptance of a proj ect which is not financially viable. CALCULATION BASED ON DISCOUTNED CASHFLOW First, consider the building A which costs ?1,112,000. The following table presents the calculation of the Net Present Value (NPV) of the particular investment decision. Item Amount in ? '000 Years Now 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 Cost of the site (1,112) Cash in-flow

Strategy management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Strategy management - Essay Example These strategies are usually based on theoretical frameworks that guide a firm towards success or growth. There would be three different strategic frameworks utilized in this study for critical analysis such as Porter’s diamond model, Porter’s generic strategies and Yip’s drivers of internationalization. Michael Porter has been able to elaborate on three types of general strategies that are basically used by every other organization. There are two dimensions that define these three generic strategies like strategic strength and strategic scope. Porter developed the diamond model in order to analyze reasons behind some firms becoming competitive in specific locations. On the other hand, Yip’s drivers of internationalization states that there are drivers such as cost drivers, market drivers, competitive drivers and government drivers which drives overall international strategy. In this study all the three strategic models will be applied on Samsung and Micro soft Nokia. Samsung is a South Korean company and it consists of affiliated subsidiaries and business. The company had entered into electronics industry in 1960s. Nokia is an information technology and multinational communications firm of Finland. This firm is regarded as the biggest vendor in mobile phone market and has recently entered into strategic alliance with Microsoft so as to use for its smartphones an exclusive Windows platform. As per figure1, market drivers basically mean market forces. This driver encompasses similar needs of customers, transferable marketing strategy and global customers. Customers possessing same needs or wants are usually offered same product. On the other hand, global customers shall differ in their demands which have to be addressed properly. Cost drivers consist of economies of scale, country specific differences and favorable logistic conditions. Economies of scale can be well justifiable in terms of research and

The Role of a Modern Industrial Manager Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

The Role of a Modern Industrial Manager - Essay Example Therefore, understanding the role of industrial manager would be highly beneficial and could dictate the success of an organisation. To have a clear understanding of management and the role of an effective manager, one must first take a look at history. As early as 3000 BC, there has been evidence of formal management where business transactions were recorded through written documents (Pindur, Rogers and Kim 1995). As the years went on, people realised the importance of management and started laying down theories and principles reflecting it. The years progressed and different concepts and techniques were born. Leaders learned the value of delegation of authority (Smith 1776). Specialization in tasks was learned to be effective in the work force. These, along with many others, became managerial techniques. The 19th century gave birth to what is known as classical management (Pindur, Rogers and Kim 1995). Aiming to provide a scientific foundation for the management of organisations, this school of thought soon became the most popular among those who study management. The Industrial Revolution had a hand in its development. When workers were transferred o factories, replacing small home-based shops, a need to efficiently manage the work force arose (Pindur et al 1995). Classical management was both scientific and administrative. It believes that through scientific management, productivity may be improved (Taylor 1911). It was said that successful industrial managers are born and not made. Nevertheless, systematic or scientific management when executed properly will show us that, the foundation of good management rests upon theory and principles and not merely genetic inheritance or nature (Taylor 1911). Another point of classical management is to discredit the old notion that the interests of employers and of employees are conflicting. Scientific management reiterates that these two are actually the same (Taylor 1911).

Barriers to ICT in Nigeria School Research

Barriers to ICT in Nigeria School Research Information communication technologies (ICTs) are information usage tools that are used for the production, storage, processing, and distribution and exchanging of information. The many different information tools work together, and merge to make a networked world- which gets into every part of the world (UNDP Evaluation Office, 2001). It is a progressively more powerful tool for getting involved in global markets, enhancing political accountability; recovering and making better the delivery of basic services; and enhancing many development opportunities (UNDP, 2006). Ogunsola (2005) says Information Communication and Technology is a based electronic system use for transmission of information, to respond, process and retrieve, which has influenced the way we generally live our lives. Access to global knowledge and communication can be gained (Ogunsola, 2005). The use of ICTs by student make them get more knowledge and understanding to complicated subject topics and concepts and are m ore likely to remember information gained and apply it outside the walls of the classroom. (Apple Computer, 2002). In addition, students deepen their understanding and knowledge through ICT because there is access to information at different levels. (CEO Forum on Education and Technology, 2001). Nigeria is a developing country populated with over 124,009,000 people.60% of the population in Nigeria lives in the rural area which do not even have access to social amenities like computers or IT amenities for distribution of information. Most schools in Nigeria do not have computer systems in their schools and even those that have do not make use of it or get the full utilization of the effectiveness and efficiency of information technology. The development of information technology in Nigeria has not attained the required heights which is affecting the use information and communication technology in the education system of the country. (Oyebisi, 2003) Education System in Nigeria is structured into four different levels; we have the primary education, secondary education which is divided into two different cycles-junior secondary school and senior secondary school, and we have also got the Tertiary and higher education level. The primary education is run for six years for ages from 5 to 11yrs after an examination called common entrance is written to secure admission into the junior secondary school education, the junior secondary school cycle is run for 3 years and from age 11 to 13 years and also the senior secondary school cycle also run for 3years from age 13 to 16 years after which a senior secondary school certificate (SSCE) is taken which stands as a requirement for entrance into the tertiary and higher education level. The tertiary and higher education level comprises of universities, polytechnics and college of education. (International organization for Migration). This dissertation will be a study on the secondary educatio n level in Nigeria focusing on the senior secondary school cycle. In Nigeria, the ability and effect of information technology has been known in the school system. (Yusuf, 2005).The evidence of this is shown in different reform policies laid down by the country to integrate ICT especially computer in the Nigeria school system. The federal government 1988 document policy implements the introduction of computer studies, both software and hardware, to the various levels of education in the country. The document also stated that secondary school teachers should be trained which was facilitated by introducing computer systems some of the secondary schools. In 2004, the revised National Policy on Education (FRN, 2004) focuses more on the need of ICT at all Nigeria education levels. For example, in the section 11 sub-section 102 (a) states that All states, Teachers Resource Centres, University Institutes of Education and other professional bodies shall belong to the network of information and communication technology (ICT) (p.53) and also further stated in the section 11 sub-section 102(d) states Government shall provide facilities and necessary infrastructure for the promotion of information and communication Technology at all levels of education (p.53). However, despite the written documents were accepted, they were not implemented which has left Nigeria to still be lacking in the usage of Information technology in the Nigeria education institutions. 1.1 RATIONALE FOR THE RESEARCH Information and Communication technology has made impact in all aspects of life (Oliver, 2002). Information and communication Technology has proved and provided so many positive effects in every aspects of any country, organization. Many countries have experienced drastically change in their environment especially their education factor through the use of information technology. In spite of such positive impact most developing countries like Nigeria are still yet to efficiently and effectively incorporate the use of information and communication technology into their educational system. This study will be researching the barriers and also factors that preventing the effective and efficient use of ICT in Nigeria and the steps to be taken to improve the usage of ICT. 1.2 RESEARCH QUESTION The research question developed to guide the study is What are the factors preventing the usage of Information and communication Technology (ICT) in the senior secondary school educational system of Nigeria? And what steps that could be taken to promote ICT usage in this sector? The following research sub questions were developed to guide the study: What is the current secondary school education system in Nigeria? What is the current level of usage of ICT in senior secondary school education system in Nigeria? What are the factors influencing usage of ICT in Nigeria senior secondary school education system? What are the barriers affecting the usage of ICT in Nigeria senior secondary school education system? What can be done to improve the current situation of ICT usage in Nigeria senior secondary school education? 1.3 AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this research is to be able to identify and analyze the different barriers preventing the usage of ICT in the Nigeria senior secondary school education system and make suitable recommendations to improve the current usage. 1.4 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY The objectives of this study: To understand Nigeria current senior secondary school education system. To understand the current usage level of ICT in senior secondary school education in Nigeria. To identify the factors influencing the usage of ICT in senior secondary school education in Nigeria. To identify the barriers affecting the usage of ICT in senior secondary school education in Nigeria. To establish the suitable ways by which the usage of ICT in senior secondary education in Nigeria can be effective 1.5 GANTT CHART The Gantt chart shows the framework for the research in terms of time scale apportioned to the different aspect of the research. Its a representation of the different tasks and activities that will be done in the research project. (See Appendix 1) CHAPTER TWO 2.0 LITERATURE REVIEW Africa has experienced the growth of ICTs in different areas over the past decades and it includes education. The metamorphosis from teacher-centred educational method to learner -centred education the all over the world in the previous years, adds to the use of ICTs in education. Lending from the phrase Knowledge -Driven world as envisioned by (Hawkins, 2004;Inwent, 2004), it connotes that education developmental practices must centre on the same access (i.e. equal) and value of education which should emphasize the significance of change in the educational sector via use of ICTs and providing new generations with improved expertise to operate in the 21st century. The use of ICTs in African countries and Nigeria in general is rising and considerably increasing. Conversely, while there is a vast knowledge on how ICTs are being implemented in advanced countries, there is less information on the method in which ICTs are being brought in into schools in less advanced countries (Beukes-Amiss and Chiware, 2006). Observing the less-developed countries in accordance to these authors, there is usually a short access time for each month using ICTs via both the students and teachers and even a lesser time taken with good Internet access. It ought to be observed that accessibility of ICTs with reference to access in terms of proportion of teachers to students varies considerably. In spite of this, the recent and rising technologies challenges the conventional process of Learning and teaching, and the manner in which education is controlled or managed. Despite the fact that ICT is a vital area of research in its own right, it is getting a key impact throug h all prospectus areas. Simple global communication gives immediate access to a wide array of data, challenging assessment and assimilation skills (Fowowe, 2006). Rapid communication and better access to ICTs in homes, educational establishment, and at work may possibly mean that acquisition of knowledge or learning turn out to be a truly lifelong activity-activities via which the rate of hi-tech change, forces continuous assessment of the teaching progression or process itself. Besides the importance of the research, laying emphasis on the part of the Internet and students mind-set or attitudes towards it has been well thought-out. Nowadays, Internet has become our part of communal order via the provision of a variety of functions. On the other hand however, it has immense function by implementation of method of education and system at all the society. Moreover; having awareness of the educational technologies and its major parts as Internet needs being more creative i.e. readiness, to put in new growth, creativeness or originality for learning, allowing individuals have their own learning with supportive and collective intelligence, making significant learning based on the constructivist approach (Maddux, et al., 1997). 2.1 FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO USING ICT IN THE CLASSROOM In Accordance to Cox and Preston (1999), there are quite a few factors that have been recognized which could support and influence teachers in the usage of ICT in classrooms. In order to examine these factors furthermore with reference to teachers ICT use, the research makes use of the TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) done by Bagozzi, Davis and Warshaw (1989) which was an edition of hypothesis of reason action by Fisbein and Ajzen (1980) to examine the basis for the usage of ICTs by teachers. 107 adult users who had been using a managerial system for 14 weeks were tested with this model, and it was observed that peoples usage of computer was guided by the intents of their minds to use it and that knowledge effectiveness was also strongly related to these aims. 2.2 TEACHERS AND INSTRUCTIONAL APPLICATIONS OF ICTS Several different types of technology could be used to maintain and improve learning. All from digital moviemaking, video content, to handheld technologies and laptop computing has been used in classrooms. Likewise, new usage of technology such as pod casting are constantly emerging (Marshall, 2002). From Marshals view point, a variety of technologies brings different types of package and provides different purposes in the classroom. E-mail and Word processing promotes communicational skills; spreadsheet and database programmes promote organizational skills; and software for modelling promotes the basic understanding of Mathematics and Science concepts. It is imperative to look at how these electronic technologies vary and what type makes them essential as a van for education (Berker, 1994). Available technologies in classrooms nowadays vary from simple tool-based functions for example word processors, to scientific repositories of online data. Others are handheld computers, primary historical documents, two-way distance learning classrooms and closed-circuit television channels. Prensky (2005) emphasized that even the mobile phones that a lot of people now take with them can be used to gain knowledge. In accordance with Zhao and Lei (2006) all technology is possible to play diverse roles in the learning of students. Instead of trying to illustrate the effect of all technologies by putting them as the same, researchers ought to consider the various types of technologies that are being used in class-rooms and for what intentions. Two universal differences can then be looked at from the literature. Learners can study from computers where technologies are used basically as teachers and tend to enhance students essential knowledge and skills. Furthermore, it is feasible for them to be taught with computers where technologies are used as tools that can be used in varieties of goals in the knowledge acquisition process and can be as resources to help in the development of advanced order thinking, research skills and creativity (Ring staff and Kelley, 2002; Reeves, 1998). Murphy, et al., (2001), said that the primary structure of student studying from computers is explained as DES (Discrete Educational Software), CAI (Computer-assisted Instruction), ILS (Integrated Learning System), and CBI (Computer-based instruction). Applications of this software are also the most broadly accessible applications of learning machinery in schools nowadays, alongside the word-processing software, and have immensely helped in classroom for over 20 years (Wong, Ravity, Becker, 1999). Murphy et al., (2001) elucidates that teachers employ the use of (Discrete Educational Software) DES not only to enhance teaching, as in the previous years, but to provide means for self study, bring in topics, and give chances to learn ideas otherwise difficult to get to students. The software also performs two key hypotheses about how computers can aid learning. Primarily, the users capability to relate with the software is barely described in methods intended particularly to encourage studying with the tools. Secondly, computers are seen as a medium for acquiring knowledge, to a certain extent than as tools which may perhaps support more learning. As Discrete Educational Software (DES) is known as the universal method or approach to computer use in students acquisition of knowledge. Of late, the usage of computers in schools has developed more varieties as educators identify the potency of studying with technology as a way of enhancing or improving students problem solving abiliti es and reasoning. Zhang (2005) remarks that this move that has been motivated by the superfluity of communication devices and new information now more available to students at home and in school , each of which gives new enablement to students and teachers alike for enhancing and improving student success and to meet demands the 21st century skills. 2.3 BARRIERS TO ICT USAGE IN EDUCATION The observation that teachers proficiency and lack of understanding to weigh up the use, tasks and roles of ICT in education as the two major factors obstructing teachers willingness and self-confidence in using ICT support. Likewise, (JISC, 2004) in their observation on rising development in learning technology showed that the most noteworthy obstacles seen are linked to the training of staff in the use of ICT, staff attitude, access and ICT expertise in general. Furthermore (Elgort, Marshall Mitchell, 2003) similarly reported that staffs keep on identifying a lack of time as an obstacle to the use of technology. At the same time this has been interpreted to mean that staffs have not had the moment in time to attain the essential or Basic skills needed, which now appears more probable that it reveals a sense of main concern communicated by the institution and a need by academics to see a revisit on the investment or outlay of their time in accelerating their teaching and educationa l delivery with latest technology. Earlier study of academic staff attitude and manner of approach to the use of technology has also repetitively discovered time and a lack of such examples (e.g. knowledge and skills) as major obstacles to technology implementation (Marshall, 2000). The observation of ICT, has been user-friendly by teachers in this research is significantly relevant what Cox et al. (1999) observed. This is owing to the fact that most factors that teachers regard as making it easier to use ICTs was seen by Cox et al. as adding to the constant use of ICT by teachers in their learning, and which were also seen to be of main importance to these teachers in their teaching. The issues are: making the courses easier, interesting, and more diverse, more fun for them and their pupils, more enjoyable and more motivating for the pupils among others. In addition, it should be of a worthy note that in TAM (Technology Acceptance Model) by (Davis et al., 1989), one of the fundamental themes studied was apparently ease of use. This, in accordance to Davis generally influences peoples acceptance or approval to use a particular technology. CHAPTER THREE 3.0 RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Research is a cautious enquiry or search into a research question, or venture to ascertain new, or gather old facts etc., by methodical study of a subject. A good research is organized, truthful, and regularly assisted by knowledge of experts. It is governed by an in-depth understanding of what it means to be acquainted with something, by principles for performing things observed, for putting together and evaluating evidence to enable choices to be made between competing accounts of an observable fact, for testing the reliability of conclusions (Sharp et al, 2006) The research methodology is divided into parts: The research design and the data collection. 3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN 3.1.1 Research Approach There are two types of approaches to a research, inductive approach and deductive approach. These two approaches are use to assess information. 3.1.1.1 Inductive Approach Inductive approach is a research approach that has to do with collection of data and then analyse the data, from which a theory is developed. It emphasize on having understanding on the human factor reasoning. It uses quantitative method in collection of data. The researcher is part of the process of the research. (Saunders, et al, 2009). 3.1.1.2 Deductive Approach For the purpose of this study, deductive approach will be used. Deductive approach is an approach that has to do with shifting from theory to data; there is development of theory or hypotheses, in which a research strategy is designed to test it. It emphasizes more on scientific principles. It is a highly structured approach. It uses collection of qualitative method (Saunders, et al, 2009). Deductive approach analyse the relationship between research and theory. Theories that have been developed are then tested. Theories gathered are quite illuminating until they are tested. A researchers analysis of any theory may change after data has been collected, tested and analyse. These may be because ,new theories might have been developed before the researchers finishes his or her analysis and also the data collected by the researcher may not fit into the real or initial theory. (Alan, et al, 2007) The process of deductive approach is-Theory, Hypothesis, Data collection, Findings, Hypothesis confirmed or rejected and Revision of theory. (Alan, et al, 2007) 3.1.1.3 WHY DEDUCTIVE APPROACH? The approach that will be used for this study is deductive approach because it is already established that Information and Communication Technology has made a very great impact in education but despite this Nigeria is still lacking in the use of ICT in education. Most of the secondary school students are yet to use a computer in their studies and teachers are finding it very difficult to change their system of teaching by using ICT in their system f teaching. Therefore here will now be collection of data through questionnaires to test this theory. 3.2 DATA ANALYSIS There are two types of methods used in data analysis, they are: Quantitative analysis Qualitative analysis 3.2.1 Quantitative analysis Quantitative analysis is a type of analysis that uses numerical data for its data analysis process like graphs collecting data through data collection technique such as questionnaire. (Saunders, et al, 2009). 3.2.2 Qualitative analysis Qualitative analysis is a type of analysis that uses non-numerical data for its data analysis process such as categorising data through data collection technique such as Interview. (Saunders, et al, 2009). Researchers that make use of qualitative analysis gets close to the targeted population which are being researched so as he or she can have a better understanding of them in terms of behaviour, beliefs and values. In qualitative analysis, new research concepts and theories emerges out of the collected data .Due to the relationship that tend to exist between the researcher and the people he or she is investigating, qualitative researchers play an active role in the research design and gets more involved in whole process. 3.3 PROPOSED RESEARCH STRATEGY FOR THE CURRENT STUDY The research strategy chosen must be able to answer the research question and sub-questions appropriately and also meet up the objectives set.(Saunders,et al,2009).There are many types of research strategies which include, experiment, survey, case study, action research, grounded theory, ethnography and archival research. . (Saunders, et al, 2009).For the purpose of this study, the research strategy to be used is survey. Survey strategy enables one to sampling, whereby data can be collected from a small population representing a large size population. 3.4 DATA COLLECTION METHOD The data collection method that will be used is questionnaire and which will be administered by using postal and also telephone interview. The postal or mail questionnaire will be administered to respondents which are principals, teachers and students, which will be sampled randomly, while the respondent for telephone interview will be Government official. 3.5 POPULATION TO BE SAMPLED The participant s will involve 25 principals, 250 teachers and also 250 students will be selected randomly from different senior secondary schools.10 Government officials will be used for the telephone interview. The questionnaire given will be filled by the respondents, which will be collected back. 3.6 TYPE OF DATA The kind of data to be collected include: Gender; Age; Qualification; Experience; school location, Education Level, ETC and also further questions to be asked are What is your level of computer literacy? Which kind of ICT do you have access to in your school? How frequent do you have access to the ICT items per week? What is the adequate level of the availability of ICT and access to them? What are the activities done with ICT items? What are the factors hindering the usage of ICT in the school? These are just few out of the questions to be set in the questionnaire; more questions will be added as i further into the study. 3.7 PROPOSED RESEARCH ANALYSIS FOR THE CURRENT STUDY The combination of both Qualitative and Quantitative analysis would be use for the purpose of this research for the data collected; because numerical data will be used for it data analysis and questionnaire will be used as the data collection technique and also the interview that will be conducted with the government officials will be analysed with quantitative. They will be given their opinions in the answering of the questions. REFERENCES Apple Computer, (2002).The impact of technology on students achievement. Available at:http://www.aple.com/education/research/index2.html {Accessed on{12/05/2010} Ajzen, I., Fishbein, M. (1980). Understanding attitudes and predicting social behaviour. Englewood Cliffs,NJ: Prentice-Hall. 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Available at: http://www.ceoforum.org/downloads/report4.pdf Cox, M.J., Preston, C., Cox, K. (1999) What Motivates Teachers to use ICT? Paper presented at the British Davis, F.D, Bagozzi, R.P Warshaw, P.R. (1989) User acceptance of computer technology: a comparison of two theoretical models. Management Science. 35(8). 982-1003 Educational Research Association Conference. Brighton. September. Federal Republic of Nigeria (FRN) (2004).National policy on education (4th edition.)Lagos: NERDC Press Fowowe, S.S. (2006).Information technology: A veritable tools for sustaining the Universal Basic Education Programme in Africa. Paper presented at the African conference on Achieving Universal Basic/Primary Education in Africa in 2015. University of Botswana. 16- 19 October Gray, D.S. . Souter, N. (2003).Secondary science teachers use of, and attitude towards ICT in Scotland. A Report, University of Strathclyde, Glasgow, UK. Hawkins, R.J. (2004). Ten lessons for ICT and Education in the Developing World. World. Inwent. (2004) eLearning development and implementation: course information and documentation. Bonn: Inwent International organization for Migration, Ireland.()Available at:http://www.iomdublin.org/DORAS%20Nigeria%20Education.html#Secondaryeducation{Accessed 12 May 2010} JISC. (2004).Developing maturity in e-learning. Available at: http://www.aclearn.net [Accessed 21 May 2010] Kelly, K. (2002). Lesson study: Can Japanese methods translate to U.S. schools? Harvard Education Letter,18(3), 4-7. Lei, J. Zhao. (2006). Technology uses and student achievement: A longitudinal study. Computers and Education. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com {Accessed on 02 June 2010}. MADDUX, C., et al. (1997). Educational Computing. A Viacom Company in United States of America. Marshall, J.M. (2002).Learning with technology: Evidence that technology can, and does support learning .San Diego: State University Marshall, S., Elgort, I., Mitchell, G. (2003).Raising the Valleys: An Approach to Developing Staff Capability in e-Learning. Available at: http://surveys.canterbury.ac.nz/herdsa03/pdfsnon/N1123.pdf [Accessed 21 May 2010] Marshall, S. (2000). Report on the 2000 UTDC Survey of Academic Staff Needs for Teaching Technology Support. Wellington NZ, Victoria University of Wellington. Murphy, R., Penuel, W., Means, B., Korbak, C., Whaley, A. (2001). E-DESK: A review of recent evidence on the effectiveness of discrete Educational Software. Menlo Park, CA: SRI International. Ogunsola, L.A. (2005). Information communication technologies and the effects of globalization: Twenty-first century digital slavery for developing countries- Myth or Reality? Electronic Journal of Academic and Special Librarianship 6 (1- 2) 1-10. Oliver,R.(2002).The role of ICT in higher education for the 21st century: ICT as a change agent for education.Available at http: {Accessed 10 May 2010} Oyebisi, T.O (2003).The impact of the environment on the growth of the Nigerian IT industry. International journal of Information management. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com{Accessed 03 May 2010}. Pensky, M. (2005). What can you learn a cell phone? Almost anything! Innovative: Journal of Online Education,1 (5). Reeves, T.C. (1998). The impact of media and technology in schools: A research report Prepared for The Bertelsmann Foundation Sharp J.A., Peters J. and Howard, K (2006) The Management of a Student Research Project (3rd edn), Aldershot, Gower/Milton Keynes, The Open University. (Set book for M801). Saunders M.,Lewis P. And Thornhill A. (2009) Research methods for business students(5th edition) U.N.D.P. Evaluation Office. (2001).Information communication technology for development, No 5, pp 1- 31 UNDP. (2006). Information communication technologies and development. Available at:http://usdnhq.undp.prg/it4dev/ {Accessed 01 June 2010}. UNESCO, (2004). ICT pedagogy. UNESCO office. Yusuf M.O(2005) Information and communication Technology(ICT) and Education.Analysing the Nigerian national policy for information technology.Int.Educ.Joornal.Available at:http://ehlt.flinders.edu.au/education/iej/articles/v6n3/v6n3.pdf{Accessed 02 June 2010} Zhang, Y. (2005).Development and validation of an Internet use attitude scale. Computers and Education.Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science {Accessed 15 May 2010}

Homesick :: essays research papers

Sela Ward, the author of Homesick believes her family shows her everyday what a home truly is. Keeping in touch with her Southern roots is a chronic part of her life. This paper will share with you ideas about the book Homesick in addition to how it relates to my life and English 121.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book Homesick relates to my life in many ways. Like the author I feel the best gift my parents give me is spending family time together. Another way I can relate is that I get rapture from spending time with my friends. My family is also very close-knit like Ward describes hers in the book. Manners being a critical element to success are also an element that relates to my life. My life and the book Homesick have many ways they relate.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I thought the book Homesick was phenomenal. Ward used excellent writing techniques to make you feel as if you were living her life. The deep romance she feels for the South is fascinating. I enjoyed discovering about the charitable ways a successful actress has helped others. The story opens your eyes to lessons we carry with us from childhood. I didn’t want to put down this excellent book until I had read it all.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  There are many concepts in Homesick that relate to English 121. An acquisition in English 121 is to write for a universal audience; the book Homesick can be understood by a universal audience. English 121 and the book demonstrate how crucial it is to write descriptively. The book used good â€Å"hookers† to get the readers attention like we do in English 121. English 121 and the book closely relate in ideas.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The book Homesick relates to the reading Coming to an Awareness of Language by Malcolm X. The book and the reading are both expressive autobiographies. Both also reflect back to a previous time in the author’s lives. Homesick and Coming to an Awareness of Language both demonstrate lessons learned by the authors. Both authors tried to emulate people they respected. There are many similarities between the book and the reading.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Homesick demonstrates many examples of definition, narration and description.

Inventory Proposal Wal-Mart

Every company, no matter the size deals with inventory issues. How these issues are dealt with can determine the outcome of the company. If not done in a rectifiable fashion, the company could face serious threats up to and including closure. We chose Wal-Mart as our company from our last paper, as it proposes an interesting dilemma in that despite the continued growth, all is not well with Sam Walton’s creation. This paper will discuss the inventory problems, the expected benefits that may or may not motivate the organization for change and our assessment for an alternative solution. Wal-Mart is growing at a blistering pace adding nearly 500 stores in the past five years a 13% increase, but during this time period Wal-Mart has reduced its employee count by roughly 20,000. This has had a serious impact on the inventory. Bloomberg published an article that states that although Wal-Mart has one of the best supply chains in the world, without staffing that chain breaks down. The company does not have enough workers to help stock inventory on shelves, or distribute the inventory to stores. Customers either find stores looking disorganized and unkept, or simply find an empty shelf with no product (Flannelly, 2013). A leak reported to Bloomberg said Bill Simon, the executive vice president and chief executive officer for Wal-Mart’s United States operation stated during an executive officers meeting that the company has inventory problems. â€Å"We run out quickly and the new stuff doesn’t come in, â€Å"he stated, noting that these â€Å"self-inflicted wounds† were Wal-Mart’s â€Å"biggest risk. † (Foley, 2013) The issue is the amount of inventory that the current employees can stock is far less than is required to maintain adequate merchandise levels. A store may have inventory in the back, but if it is not seen by the customer, the store is considered to be out of stock. This poses two major problems for Wal-Mart. The main problem is that this lack of stock is costing Wal-Mart billions in sales and is essentially leading customers to competitors. More competitors, like Target and Costco, have gained some of the market share away from Wal-Mart; it seems as though maintaining good, well-stocked, exceptionally operated stores needs to become a priority for the company (Flannelly, 2013). Another major issue with this problem is that inventory sitting in the back depreciates and every hour it sits is like a leaking faucet. Not only is the product sitting and depreciating, there are higher possibilities that the product might be damaged, expire, or simply lose its market value. Adding insult to injury, customer satisfaction continues to decrease. Due to the lack of workforce Wal-Mart has remained in last place on the American Customer Satisfaction Index for the past six years. Those are staggering numbers considering that Wal-Mart is the number one retailer in the world. If this problem is not rectified, Wal-Mart and its world renowned inventory system will be six feet under. Shows a steady increase in inventory, due either to the increase in locations or The lack of adequate employees to stock merchandise. The graph above indicates that Wal-Mart has the most inventory during the months of October, November, and December. This is probably due to the increase in sales during black Friday and Christmas. This also indicates that the amount of inventory during the third quarter is significantly lower than the rest of the year. Gives a more definitive look at the highs and lows in regards to inventory by quarter. Utilizes linear regression to forecast future inventory during any given quarter. The above graphs show inventory to sales over the last three years. We found that although Wal-Mart continues to grow, their sales could be higher. Each year there is a decrease when comparing it directly to inventory. Between 2011 and 2012 the Sales difference was 6% and only 5% between 2012 and 2013. Inventory also has a dip showing an 11% increase between 2011 and 2012 but drops down to 6% between 2012 and 2013. The reason is rather simple. If inventory does not make it to the floor, sales will decrease. As inventory continues to sit, Wal-Mart is essentially bleeding out. Obviously the correct action would be to hire the needed employees to correct this problem, but the costs may be too high to do all at once, not to mention, Wal-Mart feels no need to do such. Our alternative solution would be to hire in increments and implement specialized training that specifically focuses on turning the inventory. All new employees should become subject matter specialist and the training must be repeated throughout the nation (White C. , 2013). While inventory is not the issue, it has become the equation of cause and effect. This must be a priority as the inventory is the life blood of the company. No blood, No business.