Significance Of Teamwork In Organizational Competitiveness Case Study - 1

Significance Of Teamwork In Organizational Competitiveness - Case Study Example Members of the teams benefit from knowledge sharing, which is important in career development and workplace learning. Teams may or may not be effective depending on their formation and leadership. Successful teamwork is characterized by a high team spirit in which every member is contented and willing to take part in accomplishing the tasks. Moreover, the employees working in a successful team tend to be enthusiastic about identifying with it. They also demonstrate loyalty to its leadership as well as among each other, as well as a willingness to work together. Everyone is usually focused on the accomplishment of a shared vision and owns the goals of the team. For this reason, organizations that promote strong teamwork are able to maintain competitiveness by offering effective services to the customers. Beardwell & Holden (2001) observe that customers are attracted to an organization in which they are served in a similar manner regardless of the staff member that deals with them. This paper presents a critique of the view that teamwork is always positive. It highlights U.S and UK organizations that exhibit teamwork in the workforce. It also compares these organizations with others that operate in the international markets Many organizations engage in projects targeted at particular target segments in the market and hence the strategies for the accomplishment of particular organizational goals need to be understood by all the people involved among the workforce. For example, if an organization has engaged 12 people as marketing representatives, it is important for them to work as a marketing team that is composed of employees with similar objectives.

The Influence of Media on Learning Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

The Influence of Media on Learning - Essay Example In the near future, Robert Kozma (1994) was saying, telephone, cable television, and digital computer technologies will merge (Stix, 1993). There is then the prospect of an interactive video supposedly "integrated with large multimedia databases to be distributed to people in various settings all over the world." With this announcement will probably come the threat of educational processes becoming quite expensive, complex, and made beyond the reach of most people. This is because Kozma doesn't present much defense on the significance of these changes. If we do not soon understand the relationship between media and learning-if we have not forgedsuch a relationship, this technology may be used primarily for interactive soap operas and online purchases of merchandise. Its educational uses may be driven primarily by benevolent movie moguls who design "edutainment" products whose contribution to learning may be minimal. There is much sense in the warnings and the hypothetical situation that Kozma (1994) gave. But much of his despair with the use of media may be caused by lack of emphasis on dialogue. A discussion on the theory of transactional distance (Moore, 1997) would be in order here. With all of these media, something has to bridge the gap between teacher and learner. Only then will media and its sophistication have any meaning (Moore, 1997). Any communication system devoid of feedback is deficient, as is the lack of interaction with the use of media in teaching. Kozma (1994) does not underscore this but only in the light of mentioning the delivery-truck model of transforming information. In teaching, it is the same as that of the derided hypodermic model (Smith, 1997) or of the banking system of education (ARRC, 2002) where the teacher deposits information and withdraws them back again through quizzes. There is very little learning then and throughout it all, the student may not have learned anything beyond memory work, where information stored can only evaporate after the quiz. True, "learning is a process by which the learner strategically manages available resources to create new knowledge by interacting with information and integrating it with information stored in memory" (Richey, 1989). This is why media cannot get all of the credit for the learning of the student, who still has to interact intelligently if he has to learn. On this regard, I would agree with critic, Richard Clark (1983). Kozma (1994) quoted that "learning with media is a complementary process within which representations are constructed and procedures performed, sometimes by the learner and sometimes by the medium." Studies are needed in this aspect to determine which are those performed by the learner and which are those by the medium. This aspect is emphasized because the case presented may be likened to children's' toys. While the objective is for the child to know how to manipulate things, discover how it could perform for his needs and interests, and where something is lacking, the child himself is supposed to be challenged to think of how the thing lacking is produced. Apparently, the situation has changed to the detriment of the child's thinking because of available technology. A

Importance of Quality and Quality Management

Importance of Quality and Quality Management NEED OF QUALITY In todays competitive world producing world class products. In order to survive in the competitive world market producing different product with best techniques, it is important for the firms to take extra mileage to the quality of product and service they provide. In the recent world consumer are aware of the products and service provided by the other firms. Also today there are government empahasis on the quality issues of the products. So firms give extra emphasis on quality and productivity. Total quality management is an attempt in this direction. In other words it is an effort to take the advantage of competitive market by focusing on the organisational operations which is important for the customers, by providing customers best product and services using new manufacturing techniques. Definition of quality The totality of features and characteristics of a product or service that bear on its ability to satisfy stated or implied needs Quality is the extent to which products and services satisfy the requirement of internal and external customers So the Quality Management is the leadership, infrastructure and the resources that support employees as they meet the needs of those customers. A quality product or service is one that satisfies the customer. Usually there are two types of products quality 1) Quality of design Quality of design measure the functionality of a product or services. It is the decision of designer to include or exclude certain production features. The customer really measures quality through appearance, operation and reliability. 2) Quality of performance Quality of performance measures how products and services match the intent of the design. This characteristic traditionally has been the focus of a quality management program. In this regard, quality refers to doing it right at first time. APPROACHES TO QUALITY There are 2 approaches to quality TRADITIONAL APPROACH Traditional approach to quality uses an acceptable quality level that permits a certain level of defects to a product produced and sold. The AQL is where level of defects are allowed to minimize the total quality cost. Traditional approach believes that the defects will payoff the failure cost and prevention and appraising costs. As prevention and appraisal cost increase, the internal and external cost are expected to decrease. As long the failure cost are greater than the corresponding increase in prevention and appraisal cost it is acceptable. THE MODERN APPROACH Modern approach is to GET IT RIGHT FIRST TIME. It believes in total quality control and view the optimal quality cost with Zero defects are produce. For firms operating in the advanced manufacturing environment quality is a critical dimension. Quality cost can be managed differently then implied by the traditional AQL model. Defects can be reduced below the AQL level and quality cost can be reduced simultaneously THE COST OF QUALITY Market shares of many firms have eroded because of the firms using high quality products have been able to sell mare than the products of lower price. In order to compete in the market, firms have placed quality prior to the price. Firms have placed emphasis on quality and productivity in order to Produce saving such as reducing rework cost and Improve product quality. Cost of quality is the cost due to poor quality which exist in the product. Quality cost are the cost incurred by investing in the prevention of non-conformance to requirement appraising a product or service for conformance to requirement Failing to meet requirement. Cost of quality are classified into three categories Prevention cost Prevention costs are those cost incurred to prevent defects. Amount spent on the quality training program, research to determine the customer requirement and improve production equipment are the prevention cost. Appraisal cost Appraisal cost are the cost associated with measuring, evaluating and auditing product or services to assure conformance to quality standards and performance requirement. These cost includes the cost of inspection of product purchase in process or in final or service audits ie the costs associate with products supplies and materials Failure cost Failure cost are cost resulting from products or services not fulfilling the requirements of the users need. Failure costs can be either internal or external. Internal costs are the cost occurring prior to delivery of products or furnishing the services. Example cost of scrape, rework, reinspection, retesting, material review and down grading. External costs are the cost occurring after the delivery of product or during furnish services to the customer. Example processing customer complains, returns, warranty claims and product reclaim. Total quality management total Quality Management is a global customer orientated management philosophy, which encompasses all actions, values and beliefs of an organisation which aims to continuously improves and maintain quality standards. It is a systematic approach to education, management and operation designed to focus and co-ordinate the efforts of all employees in an organisation. TQM is supported by two key beliefs: that quality is what the customers say it is and that must be thoroughly integrated into the fabric of the organisation including its basic strategies, culture and management systems. It is an essential pursuit for total quality. It is zero defect approach. It emphasises the top level of quality where zero defective goods are produced. This approach opposes the traditional belief of acceptable quality level which accepts to produce and sell predetermined defective units. This approach allows some defects in order to minimize the total quality cost. Studies indicate that cost of poor quality is 20%for the manufacturing and 30% service industries of the gross sale. Quality expert maintain that the optimal quality level should be about 2.5% of sales. The accounting dept is the major force in the firm that keep track of and report on quality PRINCIPLES OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT Making the product right first time is the main objective of total quality management. Successful implementation of TQM program will reduce cost than increasing it. It is obvious that better quality will increase productivity. This principal is based on the principle that when less time is spent on repairs and rework and more time is given on manufacturing will increase productivity. When an organisation keep the accurate records of cost of quality tqm will demonstrate that effective total quality measure cost will payoff the cost of repair and rework. Elimination of high reject rate results in fewer repairs, rework or scraps resulting in reduction in cost. Comparing the cost of quality with tqm is necessary for the management who are cost conscious in both industry and government. Management will measure the success of tqm on the basis of cost data. Successful implementation of tqm can eliminate the following costs Rework or repairs Inspection of rework Testing of rework Warranty cost Returned materials Discounts adjustment and allowances The cost of prevention in tqm is far lower than the above failure costs. FEATURES OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT A systematic way to improve the product and services A structured approach in identifying and solving problem A long term method of quality control A process support by managements action A process that is supported by statistical quality control A technique practice by everyone. ELEMENTS OF TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT A focus on the customers:- Any functional unit has customers whether they are external customer or internal units. tqm advocates that the managers and employee are so customer focus that they always try to meet or exceed customers expectations. The management must accept concept that quality gets customer orders and meet the customers needs and expectations which is the stretagic goal of tqm Long term commitments: Experience shows that significant gains come only after management makes long time commitment to improve quality. Customer focus must be constantly renewed to keep that goal foremost. Top management support and direction: The top management must be driving force behind tqm. Senior manager must show their personal support by using the quality improvement concept in their management style and providing financial and staff support. Employee involvement Full employee participation is the integral part of this process. Every employee must participate in achieving this goal. It involves managers, supervisors and employees in improving service delivery, solving systematic problems and correcting errors in the all the parts of production process. Effective and Renewed Communications. The power of internal communication is central to employee involvement. Regular communication must be made at all levels in order to adjust its way of involvement and reinforce the commitment to total quality management. Reliance on standards and Measures Standard and measures should reflect customers requirement and changes that needs to be introduced in the internal business of providing this requirement. This emphasis doing the right thing right the first time. Commitment to Training Training is very important for the success of total quality management. This should start for the top level management to all associated with this task. Areas required for concentration must be identified. Required trainings skills and courses need to be provided to the person involved in. Modern approach to quality are associated with a number of GURUS. The modern approach to quality is reflected in the following quality gurus. The modern era of quality was herald by the following gurus. W. EDWARDS DEMING W. Edwards Deming, also known as father of quality control in 1951. He was an American statistician, professor, author, lecturer and consultant. He is well known for improving quality production in America though he was recognised for his work more in Japan. After World War II he travelled to Japan at the request of Japanese government to assist its industries in improving productivity and quality. He taught that by adopting appropriate principles of management, organization can increase quality and reduce cost at the same time. His basic premise was that high quality is equal to lower cost. If you get it right first time then there are minimum prevention, detection remaking cost. His philosophy is summarised in his 14 key principles. Create a culture of constancy of purpose towards improving of product and services. ie replace short reaction with long term planning. Adopt the new philosophy. ie the implication is that management should adopt the philosophy instead of expecting the workforce to do so. Cease dependence on inspection if variation is reduced there is no need of inspection of item for defects. Reduced number of suppliers to a manageable quality. Award supply contracts on the basis of conformance than low cost. Also specify the quality expectation from them. Set up programs for continuous improvement of costs, designs, processes, products, culture, etc Institute continuous training programs to maximise the contribution of each employee. If employee are inadequately trained there will be no uniformity in the work process leading to variations. Establish leadership. It means focus supervision on helping employees. Encouraging them to do a better job and take pribe in their work. Eliminate fear from the work place by encouraging communication. Fear may prevent them acting to best for the organisation. Break down barrier between departments by encouraging team work. Eliminate slogans- Another central idea of TQM is it is not people who make the mistake it is the process they are involved in. Harassing the workforce without improving the process will have a reverse effect. Eradicate management by targets. The numerical target may also lead to production and delivery of poor quality goods. Remove barriers to pride of workmanship. Institute education and self improvement of training in new and appropriate technologies Defining clearly the transformation is everyones job. Though some of the principles were challenged they remain vital for the concept of quality management. PHILIP B. CROSBY PHILIP B. CROSBY contributed to the concept of quality in 1979. He is widely recognised for promoting the concept of Zero defects and for defining quality as conformance to requirement. He initiate the Zero Defect program at the Martine Company Orlando, Florida Plant. As quality control manager the perishing missile program, he was credited for 25% reduction of cost and 30% reduction in scrap cost. He stated that the management must include cost of quality as part of financial system. Crosby defines quality as conformance to requirement. He stated that what cost money are the unquality thing. Quality is free when organisation emphasis on prevention of mistakes than to detection. Mistakes are caused either because of lack of knowledge or lack of attention. The first can be identified and corrected while the second is the attitude which can be changed by the individual. To achieve this Crosby listed the 14 steps to quality improvement. It must be made clear that management are committed to quality. Quality improvement team of senior management must be formed. Evaluate the process to measure quality to find out where the potential or current problem to quality lies. Evaluate the cost of quality to explain as a tool for management. Create awareness among employees the personal concerns for the quality. Appropriate action must be taken to correct the problems identified in the process of quality. Process of improvement must be monitored constantly and must make sure zero defect quality process is carried out. Trained supervisors must actively carry out their part in quality improvement. Hold the Zero defect day to reaffirm management commitment. Individual must be encouraged to set improvement goals for themselves and for their groups. Employee must be encouraged to put for the obstacle in their way to quality improvement. Appreciate the performance of the employee for their participation. Quality councils must be established to communicate at regular basis The process of quality improvement must be reviewed so that it continues and do not stops. ARMAND V. FEIGENBAUM THE PROPONENT OF TOTAL QUALITY CONTROL. ARMAND V. FEIGENBAUM proposed the theory of total quality control. He believed that high quality could be achieved only through organizational support. He also asserted that the quality must be priority and not afterthought. He emphasised on the administrative viewpoint and considered human issue as a basic issue to quality control. He stress that quality do not mean the best but best for the customers use and selling price. Quality control represents a management tool with 4 steps. Setting quality standards. Appraising conformance to thsee standards Acting when standards are exceeded Planning for improvement in the standards According to him quality must encompass all the phases of in manufacturing the product which includes design, manufacturing, quality check, sales, after sales services and customer satisfaction. He also put forward the way to control the above phases. Feigenbaums idea of modern quality concept was more management based. He recommended that Increase operators efficiency to enhance overall quality. Prospecting to increase quality awareness in the organisation. Involving all the employee in the quality enhancement process. He also believed that quality must not be regarded as cost reduction tool but must be taken as an administrative effort to provide channel for knowledge integration and communication and encourage employee to participate in quality initiative. His concept is reffered to as quality at source and mean that every worker manager and authorities are responsible for performing their work with perfect quality. In TQC quality is more important than production rate so the worker must be given authority to stop production where quality problem arises. KAORU ISHIKAWA KAORU ISHIKAWA wanted to change the way people think about the work. He insisted that quality is not just improving product quality but also can go further. His notion of quality control called for continuous customer service. According to him quality improvement is a continuous process and can always go one step ahead. The head of the fish is the outcome desired, or effect. Contributing factors leading to this or causes are listed as boxes at the end of ribs. Each rib can then be broken down further into the specific factors. Once a diagram has been completed then it can be used to select areas to be tackled and their priority order, and how they can be managed. Generating a complete diagram aids the consideration of an overall development strategy. With his cause and effect diagram also called fish bone diagram management were able to make significant and specific advancement to their quality improvement. With the help of his diagram the users can find out all possible cause of the result and find the root of process imperfection. By pinpointing the root problem this diagram provide improvement from the very base of the problem. His philosophy of total quality management can be summerised as follow Product quality is improved and becomes uniform. Defects are reduced. Reliability of goods is improved. Cost is reduced. Quantity of production is increased, and it becomes possible to make rational production schedules. Wasteful work and rework are reduced. Technique is established and improved. Expenses for inspection and testing are reduced. Contracts between vendor and vendee are rationalised. The sales market is enlarged. Better relationships are established between departments. False data and reports are reduced. Discussions are carried out more freely and democratically. Meetings are operated more smoothly. Repairs and installation of equipment and facilities are done more rationally. Human relations are improved. JOSEPH M. JURAN DR.JOSEPH M,JURAN developed the quality trilogy.- quality planning , quality control and quality improvement. Good quality management requires quality actions to be planned , improved and controlled. Juran believed that quality is dependent on the customer satisfaction and dissatisfaction. His ten steps to quality are Create awareness for the need improvement. Goals must be set for improvement Ways to reach the Goals Facilitate training Carry out project to solve problem Progress must be reported Efforts must be recognised. Results must be communicated Achieved results must be maintained Maintain momentum His concept of quality did not just concentrated on the end of customer but also on internal and external customers.

The Chamber: A Look Into The Novel And Film Essays -- essays research

The Chamber: A Look Into the Novel and Film Stories about crime prove to be a strong part of America's entertainment in this day. In The Chamber, John Grisham writes about a Klansman who is convicted of murder and a grandson who tries to save his grandfather is on death row. This story is now a major motion picture. This story carries a strong emotional following to it because it both questions and supports the death penalty in different ways. Grisham shows this when he writes: " ‘ I've hurt a lot of people, Adam, and I haven't always stopped to think about it. But when you have a date with the grim reaper, you think about the damage you've done.' " The messages about the death penalty are brought about in different ways in the film and in the novel. Although the novel and film adaptation of The Chamber have some significant differences, the plot and character perspectives are used to convey a political message about the death penalty. (378) The various characters in The Chamber have different traits and backgrounds that affect their perspectives on certain issues. Sam Cayhall is one of the main characters in the story whose background is filled with hate because of his connection with the Klan. "The second member of the team was a Klansman by the name of Sam Cayhall," "The FBI knew that Cayhall's father had been a Klansman, . . . " (Grisham 2-3). Sam, who is brought up under the influence of the Ku Klux Klan, uses "politically incorrect" terms for other minorities when he talks with Adam Cayhall in death row. " ‘ You Jew boys never quit, do you?' ", " ‘ How many nigger partners do you have?' " " ‘ Just great. The Jew bastards have sent a greenhorn to save me. I've known for a long time that they secretly wanted me dead, now this proves it. I killed some Jews, now they want to kill me. I was right all along.' " (Grisham 77-78). These statements reflect Sam Cayhall's intense hate for others which is derived from his young upbringing in the Ku Klux Klan. Sam's background as a Klansman is told by Grisham using Sam telling Adam about generations of Klan activity: " `Why did you become a Klansman?' `Because my father was in the Klan.' `Why did he become a Klansman?' `Because his father was in the Klan.' `Great. Three gene... ...onster, Ruth Kramer thinks David McAllister is a hero for demanding justice. These are the two sides of the coin which is the death penalty in The Chamber. As Grisham writes it, Ruth Kramer's situation is well described by Lee in this line: " ‘Bitter? She lost her entire family. She's never remarried. Do you think she cares if my father intended to kill her children? Of course not. She just knows they're dead, Adam, dead for twenty-three years now. She knows they were killed by a bomb planted by my father, and if he'd been home with his family instead of riding around at night with his idiot buddies, little Josh and John would not be dead.' " (61). The Chamber is a story about life and death and how it is treated by different people. In the film, The Chamber more about relationships. " ‘The film is about a young man, very alone in the world, connecting with his grandfather and trying to understand who he is.' " (Greer 4). Despite the differences between the two, The Chamber proves to show a political message on the infliction of the death penalty in America.

Developmental homology between man and animal Essay

According to Owen R (1848) as cited in one of the lecture notes, homology can be defined as the structural similarities found in species. According to him the organisms had a common ancestor hence a common plan was used to create them. For instance, proteins have a universal genetic code in all species. It is believed that the common ancestor had a similar genetic code hence the premise that species such as man and animal had a common ancestor. This has been used in the explanation of why animal and man have some similar physiological processes such as respiration and reproduction. Man and animal have been found to have similar plasma membrane. The plasma membrane has a phospholipids layer that is similar in both species hence strengthening the theory that man and animal have a common ancestry. Man and frog for instance have pentadactyl limbs. These are five digit limbs hence providing physical evidence of this common ancestor. Towels J and Nelson P. (1997), argued that before Darwin came into the picture, homology was morphologically defined using intelligent designs. It is then cited that Darwin modified the homology concept by introducing theories about common ancestry hence making it possible to understand the theory of homologous evolution. It rendered the intelligent design impossible. Acccording to findings found in the textbook Accuracy Society Organization it is argued that before homology came into the picture, the argument about the possibility of species coming from a common ancestor was not even on the table. According to Szarki (1949), Darwin only introduced the basics about homology and then many scientists were able to pick it from there and modify the concepts. According to research carried out by Geosciences Research Institute (1976), Man and animal were related structurally, physiologically, biochemically and embyologically. This is a homologous trait that supports the theory of man and animal originating from a common ancestor. According to an article in â€Å"Was Darwin Right? † website, evolution biologists argued that the homologous theory was the most powerful source of evidence of evolution since 1859. According to Jones E S (2003-2006), differences between man and ape are not explained. Scientists only argue about the issue of common ancestry. Evolution is basically seen as a fact and not a theory. According to information gathered from Agnosticism/atheism article, homologous structures enabled scientists and evolution biologists to trace the evolution tree of different species. Structural similarities The homologous limbs found in man and animal enabled to be classified as animals in general. This illustrated that they originated from a common ancestor hence explaining the homologous evolution theory. This illustrated that the pattern of bones in the hands of man and the wings of the bat were similar but played different roles which went on to confirm the theory of homologous evolution. It is believed that they had to come from the same ancestor for them to show such similarities. A good example is in a family where children look exactly like their parents. Similarity in development of the embryo. The embryos of both man and animal have been found to develop in a similar pathway hence lending weight to the theory of homologous evolution. Physiological pathways Man and animal have been found to share physiological processes hence the argument that they have a common ancestor. According to Fiscer W F, animals have been found to share physiological processes such as cell respiration, the generation of energy, and even the growth process. (p. 372). This argument basically focuses on the day to day physiological processes such as breathing and the generation of energy. Man and animal have structures that have a similar function hence enabling them to breath in a similar manner. It is believed that the breathing process of man and chimpanzee is indistinguishable. This fact is also used to give credence to the theory of homologous evolution. In addition, their growth and reproductive processes are also similar. Both man and animal have different gestation periods but of similar nature. It takes nine months for man to give birth while in some animals like elephants it takes two years to do the same. They share similar reproduction process and it also involves the embryo. Man and animal have been found to have milk glands in their sytem. this explains why after birth they are able to breastfeed their young ones. The young one of man and animals such as cow always suck milk from their mother’s tits. This again points to likelihood of a common ancestry and this gives even more weight to the theory of homologous evolution. These physiological factors are commonly found in man and animals. They also use related metabolic pathways in the process of generating energy. The liver is seen as the organ that plays a role in the production of energy in man and animal. The process of glycolysis takes place in the liver hence leading to the generation of energy. Information gathered on Glycolysis describes it as process that takes place in prokaryotes and eukaryotes. According to research done on Metabolic Pathways, chemical reactions were found to be taking place in cells hence the Biochemical relationship. The structures and functions of the cells found in man and animal are found to be similar. This can be illustrated by the presence of chromosomes which are found in deoxyribonucleic acid in both man and animal. The organism’s structure and functions depend on DNA and is determined by the genetic code located in the DNA molecule. The classification system always put homologous organisms close together. Darwin as cited by Wells J (2000) was able to explain the evolution theory using the homologous trait found in different organisms. Aristotle, as cited by Wells J (2000) had earlier noticed that different organisms had the same similarities in that they performed the same functions. The different organisms had functional similarities. He also noticed the structural similarities between different organisms. The structures had similar patterns but were able to perform different functions. This is described as homologous evolution theory and it is the most preferred theory used in explaining evolution. Similarly, forelimbs of both man and animal have been found to have a similar pattern bone patterns yet they perform different functions. Man uses his hands to grasp things while a bat uses its wings to fly. The wings found in bats and the hands of man have similar bone structure hence explaining the evolution theory efficiently. There also skeletons have similar features. Even if they have structural similarities that perform different functions, they are regarded as warm blooded mammals and they also have the ability to produce milk. All these facts point to the homologous evolution. Man and animals have different external appearances but their forelimbs are found to be homologous. Homolgous trait was thus defined as a trait of different organisms which have a common ancestor. It went on to explain that man and animal were of the same ancestry even if their forelimbs performed different functions. Similarities in strictures between man and animal According to study published by the â€Å"Answers in Genesis† Organization, homology has been used by botanists to describe organisms with similar structures. A good example is the pattern of bones in the forelimbs man and animal are similar but they conduct different functions. Various questions have been raised about the similarities in the pattern of the bones. One of the possible theories is that man and animal do have a common ancestor. The bones found in arms of humans have a similar structural pattern with bone found in the wings, of a bat. This is described as homologous trait even if they serve different functions. These similarities mean that they have a common ancestor hence explaining the developmental homology between man and animal. They even argue that they were created using a common plan hence the similarities in structures. The hand of a human and that of a chimpanzee are classified as homologous structures. Relationship of blood groups in man and animal Darwin as cited by Sohail K suggested that man and animal also have similar behaviors. The children of human beings always play a lot more so when they feel happy and are healthy. The young and healthy animals who feel happy also play a lot and they can seem to fight sometimes. A good example is that illustrated by puppies or kittens. Puppies and kittens are found to be very playful. They both show that they can be able to be happy and enjoy good life and they can be able to play. These common behaviors found in both man and animal further provides evidence of homologous evolution. Animals like humans can also be sad and afraid. This can be illustrated by the way they both react when in danger. Their muscles tremble and the heart beat faster hence the reason why they always flee from danger. Animals also feel sad when they lose a dear member of the family and most take care of the offspring(s) left behind. Darwin as cited by Sohail K suggested that both man and animal had a similar embryo. Similarities in the brain capacity of man and animal was also put into perspective hence further confirming the homologous evolution theory this illustrates that both man and animal share mental functions. These facts illustrate that both man and animal had a common ancestor hence the similarities in structures and behaviours. These traits are only found in organisms that share a common ancestor. Physiological processes Both man and animal share physiological function such as eating, digestion and so forth. They both have to put food through their mouth which is a common trait. According to the article published by Science and Evolution, man and some animals were found to have similar organs in their body. Some of the organs include the liver, appendix, and also the intestines. This illustrates that they were from a common ancestor hence a solid argument about homologous evolution. The liver play a similar role in both man and animal in the process glycolysis. Glycolysis pathway has been found in both man and animal hence further providing evidence of them having a common ancestor in the family tree. The study starts by illustration that homologous structures basically mean similar structures hence very important when it comes to the topic about evolution. Fossils. According to an article on Fossils and Evolution, fossils have been defined as prehistoric remains of organisms. As cited by Gore J. W. P, William, Smith in the 17th century was able to discover that fossils piled in sedimentary rocks in a vertical order in the whole world. This was an important clue in the explanation of the process of evolution. The fossil species were able to appear and disappear in different times. This illustrated that those species used to look for favorable environments in order to survive. They move from unfavorable places to those places tat they could survive. The recovered fossils of both man and animal have been found to be similar in appearances. Some animal’s fossils showed that they had a dental formula similar to those of humans hence providing evidence of homologous evolution in man and animal. The rocks found in the surfaces the earth have been found to be having animal remains. These animal remains have been described as fossils. These fossils have been used to explain and prove that there is a similarity between animal and man. They have been able to use these fossils evidences in order to determine the pattern of evolution. The fossils have been used to explain homologous evolution which suggested that animal and man had similar structures which performed different functions hence shared a common ancestor. According to research findings published in â€Å"All about Creation† article (2002-2008), fossils have been found to be buried in a sequential manner. This enabled the scientists to explain effectively the theory of evolution. Molecular homology According to the study published by the University of Waikato, it was found that living organisms have similar genetic code pointing again to a common ancestor. This evidence can also be used in man and dog. They have the same genetic codes . The bases responsible for molecular homology include are adenine, guanine, cytosine, and thymine. These bases are found in man and animals. These bases are able to encode instructions using a chemical language hence making the organisms respond to the instructions such as reproduction. The bases combine hence instructing the cells responsible to use amino acids to manufacture proteins . these manufactured proteins enable the cells to function. Without the proteins the organism has no life in it. The similarities in the genetic codes hence provide evidences of man and dog having a common ancestor. Fossils were used by scientists to prove that organisms changed from time to time. They did this by examining them and trying to determine their ages. This was very important in the study of evolution. They compared the theories of common ancestry, the structural similarities, the biochemical similarities, and the way the organisms developed. They were able to prove that man and animals had a common ancestor even if the organisms changed from time to time. They argued that man and bat had a common ancestor. The forelimbs of man and bat have similar bone patterns hence possible prove of common ancestry. They even used biochemistry to argue illustrate their theories. They singled out cytochrome c, which is a protein found in both man and animal. cytochrome c assists in anaerobic respiration. The similarity in cytochrome c in both man and animal helps in explaining the theory of homologous evolution. It illustrates that man and animal have a common ancestor. Conclusion According to evidence illustrated in this research paper, conclusions can be made regarding the developmental homology in animal and man in relation to evolution. There are similarities in structures in man and animal. These structures do perform different functions but they have similar bone pattern. An example to support the claim is the similar bone pattern in the hands of man and the wings of bat. They have a similar pattern but serve different functions. Man uses hand to grasp while bat uses wings to fly. This illustrates that man and animal have a common ancestor hence supporting the process of homologous evolution in man and animal. They also have similar physiological processes such as reproduction and respiration. Similarities in reproduction can be explained by the similarities in the embryos of man and animal and also by the different gestation periods they have and their ability to produce milk. Man, cow and dog can be able to produce milk for their young ones. This has been seen happening physically when mothers are breastfeeding their babies. Young calves have also been seen sucking tits of cows for milk. Man and cow plus other animals have mammary glands which are responsible for the production of milk. This fact enabled many evolution biologists put their arguments on the table about the possibility of man and animal having a common ancestor and they were able to convince many with their argument. Man and animal are believed to have a single ancestor hence the similarities in some of the characteristics. This makes the theory of them having a common ancestor possible. Man and animal have similar physiological pathways that produce energy and also their breathing pattern is the same. Chromosomes have also been found in the DNA of man and animal hence chromosomal similarities hence high chances of them having a common ancestor. The study has also led to the conclusion that man and animal could be having same blood groups. This is due to detection of A and B antigens in the saliva of horses. Fossils have also been used to explain homologous evolution in man and animal. Different fossils have been discovered with the almost similar formula as that of man. The dental formula of man and dog differ slightly hence the possibility of them having a common ancestor. Man and animal have also been found to have similar behaviours. When still young they play a lot and they are always happy when they enjoy life. both man and animal become sad when hey lose a loved one and the always take the responsibility of taking care of the orphans . these similarities lead to the conclusion that there is a man and animal have a common ancestor. Homologous structures are therefore very important in the illustrations of evolution theory. References Agnosticism/atheism retrieved on December 6, 2008 from http://atheism. about.com/library/glossary/evolution/bldef_analogous. htm All about creation organisation. Fossil Evidence for Evolution retrieved on December 6, 2008 from http://www. allaboutcreation. org/fossil-evidence-for-evolution-faq. htm Brand R (1976). Geoscience Research Institute. Homologies. Retrieved on December 6, 2008 from http://search. bio-medicine. org/more. asp? m=evolution Evolution. Evidences from living organisms retrieved on December 6, 2008 from http://bioweb. cs. earlham. edu/9-12/evolution/HTML/live. html Fischer F. W. P. (1997) Trace element in both animal and man—9. USA. NRC Research

What Social Factors Affect Students’ Use of Online Registration: An Exploratory Study

What Social Factors Affect Students' Use of Online Registration: An Exploratory StudyXiaobing Cao, Ph.D., Institutional Researcher Robert Brodnick, Ph.D., Director and Assistant Professor Planning and Research University of the Pacific Association for Institutional Research 42nd Annual Forum June, 2002 (Toronto, Canada)Track 3: Institutional Management and PlanningAbstractWhat Social Factors Affect Students' Use of Online Registration: An Exploratory StudyThis study investigated how social factors affect college students' use of the online registration service that was recently offered in a private university in Northern California. During the first year, about 31% of the students who pre-registered their courses used the service. The results indicated that academic and demographic factors affected students' use of the online service. For example, students from certain disciplines (e.g. Pharmacy and International Studies) and high income families were more likely to use the online se rvice. It is interesting to notice that the results did not show a significant impact of gender on the use of online registration. Implications are presented for institutions considering alternative registration methods or the implementation of technological solutions to administrative processes.What Social Factors Affect Students' Use of Online Registration: An Exploratory StudyThe current study focuses on how social factors affect students' use of online registration. The online service was first offered at the university in spring 2001. Using online registration can be viewed as new technology adaptation. However, updated literature in students' new technology adoption is rare. It is worthwhile to investigate how social factors affect college students in adapting the new technology. There are two objectives for this study: reviewing relevant literature of the online registration and examining the impacts of social factors on use of the online service. Review of LiteratureAccordin g to the literature, online registration1 can be divided into three stages of development. The first stage is the 1970s. This is a â€Å"developing stage† in which some universities led higher education institutions to experience initial new technology application in administration (Michael, 1976; Chapman & Gambrell, 1976; Brown, 1979; Hengehold & Keim, 1975; Adams, 1974). During this stage, online registration underwent a period of experiments and testing. Online registration was beginning to be recognized for its operation in assisting university administration.The second stage refers to the decade of the 1980s. During these years, online registration was widely used by universities across the country. New features in the registration process were added and more experience was summarized (Heard, 1987; Cook & Parker, 1983; Arnett & Posey, 1986; Lonabocker & Long, 1983; Lisker, 1987). This period can be viewed as the â€Å"stabilized stage.† Cook & Parker (1983) conduc ted a survey of online registration practices among 66 colleges and universities. They found that online registration had improved academic advising.Online registration in the literature review refers to various methods through which a registration can be completed, such as, mainframe computer,  telephone, and web.New technology application had saved time for students, faculty and staff members (1987). Online registration has been clearly confirmed as â€Å"a successful approach† (Lonabocker & Long, 1983; Arnett & Posey, 1986).The third stage includes the 1990s and beyond. This period can be viewed as the â€Å"enhancement stage.† There have been new ways of exploring online registration such as using web service (Swein, 1997), integration of internet technology into all phases of the education process (Thomas, Carswell & Price, 1998), and getting specific groups of students involved in online registration (Kelly, 1998). Thomas et al. pointed out that the integrative approach has been effective in university administration. The third stage indicates that online registration has been well developed, looking for new ways to enhance the new technology environment through new technology convergence.Theoretical Framework & Research QuestionsSocial cognitive theory (Bandura, 1986) helps explain how human behaviors are affected by both social factors (e.g. family income) and personal factors (e.g. selfconcepts). The theory suggests that different social characteristics of students affect how they adapt themselves into the new technology environment. Based on social cognitive theory, the current study is investigating how social variables affect students' use of online registration. The following are the research questions. 1. To what extent do student academic variables impact the use of online registration? 2. To what extent do student demographic variables impact the use of online registration?  3. What are the effects of the academic and demograp hic variables on the use of online registration? MethodologyThe data were extracted from the university student information system. The  dependent variable was the registration method (online vs. walk-in). The independent variables were in two parts: academic variables and demographic variables. TheSocial Factors and Online Registration 5 University of the Pacificacademic variables included Major, Class, Grade, and Degree Level. The â€Å"major† was measured by the college or school a student majored in. The â€Å"class† described the students' class level including freshmen, sophomore, junior, senior, and graduate. The â€Å"degree level† was measured by two categories: graduate level and undergraduate level. The â€Å"grade† was measured by the students’ cumulative GPA. The demographic variables included Gender, Age, Ethnicity, and Family Income. The â€Å"family income† was a two-category variable including families with income =$90,000 . The data source was the adjusted gross income reported from FAFSA.ResultsTo answer research question one, â€Å"To what extent do student academic variables impact the use of online registration?†, a descriptive analysis was conducted. The results showed that the students who used the online registration were more likely those who majored in pharmacy (39%) and international studies (37%). The students who did not use the online registration were more likely those who majored in music (13%). The Chi-square test shows that the relationship between the registration method and major was significant, χ2 (6, n=3024)= 43.8, p