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Cost Accounting

Cost Accounting

Cost-Volume-Profit analysis also abbreviated as CVP refers to a model in cost accounting usually very useful when it comes to the making of short run decisions as well as in the provision of elementary instruction. The model is especially important as it allows for the estimation of future costs, revenues and profits, therefore allowing for planning and effective monitoring of operations. The model itself entails examination of changes in profits as a result of changes in the prices, costs and sales volumes. This not only allows for planning on levels of operating activity to be used in future, but also helps in providing information on products to be emphasized on, revenues required to avoid making losses, budgets for discretionary expenditures that may arise, whether fixed costs need to be increased, the volumes of sales that would enable the organization realize its target profit margins as well as whether or not the fixed costs currently being utilized expose the organization to a level of risk that may be unacceptable (“Cost Volume Profit Analysis,” n.d).

CVP can be used for the tablet simulation in order to determine the relationship between volumes of sales and the profits, as well as the costs involved in the making of each model. For instance, making the X6 costs less than making an X5 by 27,674,418, and yet the profit differences are just 6,411458, a meager profit difference, considering the cost and volumes of sales for the two products. The best product to concentrate on therefore based on Cost-Volume-Profit analysis would therefore be X6 tablets, as they cost less to produce, require lesser sales volumes to create the target profit margins, making them the ideal product out of the three.

Utilizing this information when it comes to the break even analysis definitely helps, as it means that concentrating on the production of X6 will allow for an earlier break even point, due to the fact that it requires less costs to produce and realizes the required profits at lower volumes of sales a definite advantage if one considers the need to break even. The risk associated with losses is also lower, meaning that breaking even would come sooner if the X6 tablet was the only product being produced by the company. Using CVP in break even analysis is therefore of tremendous value, as it would help the company reduce the number of units required to be sold in order to break even by encouraging adoption of the best and most prudent market strategy.

CVP can help in determining pricing, by allowing for projections on future sales and their relation to pricing. This can therefore help determine whether the best market strategy is to target huge sales volumes, or lower sales volumes with higher profit margins. CVP would also help determine the probability of a new product performing well and therefore the need for more research and development, while at the same time allowing for projections on potential costs.

The other financial technique that might be of help in the simulation data is the differential cost analysis, as this would only focus on the costs that are associated with each product, as well as the differences ion income associated with each product, and a decision on the best course of action made based on this information (Rajasekaran, 2010).

References

Rajasekaran, V. (2010). Cost Accounting. Pearson.

n.a, (n.d). Cost Volume Profit Analysis. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.wiley.com/college/sc/eldenburg/ch03.pdf” http://www.wiley.com/college/sc/eldenburg/ch03.pdf

HYPERLINK “http://forio.com/simulate/jelson/tablet-development-sim-1/simulation/#p=page1” http://forio.com/simulate/jelson/tablet-development-sim-1/simulation/#p=page1

Cosmological Proof Of The Existence Of God

Cosmological Proof Of The Existence Of God

Thomas Aquinas proposed the cosmological proof of the existence of God, which was founded on the concept of the ‘first cause’ (Mosser 1). As Aquinas explains everything that exists today has been created by a person, and for that reason, because human beings are also creations of another, then there must be a supreme being that was responsible for the creation of humanity. Using his observation on the complexity and sophisticated engineering that characterizes the human and animal body, Aquinas argues that there must exist another being that is involved in the creation of humanity (Mosser 1). The primary principle of this theory is that something must have caused humanity and the rest of the universe to exist, and for that reason, God must exist. Without the existence of a being to create humanity and the rest of the animals on earth, then it would be impossible to explain where humanity originated from. In essence, Aquinas’ theory of the existence of God argues that human beings are too complex to have formed on their own.

A closer and critical examination of the ideas presented by Aquinas as compared to the works of other philosophers, the cosmological proof of God’s existence seems as the most viable explanation with regards to the existence of God. This is because of various reasons such as the fact that the theory recognizes God as a supreme being. According to the cosmological theory of God’s existence God is referred to as being supreme since he is responsible for the creation of humanity. Most opposers argue that this theory contradicts itself because it argues for the first cause but does not explain where God came from or who created this being called “God”. The argument here is that if indeed everything must have been caused by something, then it is only logical that God must have also been caused by another being. However, though such arguments may appear to have a concrete case, they fail to realize that God is a supreme being and cannot be compared to human beings and animals. This theory is also closely associated with the traditional religious theories regarding the existence of God, thus making it the most viable explanation regarding the existence of God. The theory carries both philosophical and religious connotations, thus can easily be understood by individuals. It allows people to critically think about God and his existence and does not fall short of illustrating his supremacy above the rest of the universe. It allows people to critically think about the well-famed question “What Came First, The Chicken or The Egg”, and because no one can find a logical answer for this question, the only explanation is the existence of a God (Mosser 1).

Philosophy is centered on finding answers to questions that human beings have been trouble with throughout history. By trying to prove the existence of God, philosophers assist human beings to make sense of the world and the existence of everything in the universe. Without providing proof of the existence of God, human beings would lose meaning in their lives and they will not live in the fear of God hence causing a considerable amount of chaos. It is, therefore necessary for philosophers to provide such proofs as it assures a balance in the world and inhibits chaos and destruction.

Work Cited

Mosser K. A concise Introduction to Philosophy. San Diego: Bridgepoint Education Inc, 2001.

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Cosmetics Product Characteristics

Cosmetics

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TOC o “1-3” h z u HYPERLINK l “_Toc378044512” Product Characteristics PAGEREF _Toc378044512 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378044513” Key Products PAGEREF _Toc378044513 h 1

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378044514” How do the competitors differentiate? PAGEREF _Toc378044514 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378044515” Pricing Characteristics PAGEREF _Toc378044515 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378044516” Promotional Characteristics PAGEREF _Toc378044516 h 2

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378044517” Competitive Rivalry PAGEREF _Toc378044517 h 3

HYPERLINK l “_Toc378044518” References PAGEREF _Toc378044518 h 4

Competitive analysis for beauty products that target skin and face markets as operated by three main players namely; Procter and Gamble, Unilever and L’Oreal USA Incorporated.

Product CharacteristicsProcter and Gamble face and skin products stand out in the market with a strong brand name that captures both the male and female market segments in a separate perspective. The higher market end that the Company has been able to colonize attracts very competitive product prices with a wide variety of products.

Unilever has fewer face and skin products that the company has concentrated on, mainly advocating for its skin food and natural appeal on its skin products. Both the middle end and lower end market features for skin products are captured at Unilever.

L’Oreal USA Incorporated has the least of the market presence in terms of brand varieties. However, its concentration in “Active Cosmetics” only clearly defines an accurately manageable scope that taps both beauty and pharmacy client ends.

Key Products

Procter and Gamble key skin and face product varieties include; Braun, Covergirl, DDF, Fusion, Gillette, Mach3, Olay, Old Spice, about 9 Prestige fragrance products, Prestobarba/Blue, SK-II and Venus (Procter and Gamble, 2011).

Unilever key products in skin and face market include Pond’s creams, Pond’s Cleanser, Brut, Dove, Impulse, Lynx brands, Lux shampoos, Lux body washes, Lux soaps, Eye Masks and Lotions such as Vaseline among many others (Unilever, 2011).

L’Oreal USA has four distinct key brands for the skin and face markets which include Dermablend, La Roche-Posay, Skinceuticals and Vichay that retail in various product packages (L’Oreal, 2011).

How do the competitors differentiate?

All the three competitors differentiate their market share through marketing and product design as well as branding. Some of them have a global market strategy that has clearly been set out regarding the market features. However, the brand name stands out in all the other differentiation elements.

Pricing CharacteristicsCompetitive pricing strategy differences that the three companies have exhibited are largely driven by the type of a particular brand that they compete in. For instance, different product appeal levels for aftershave products are created by the market popularity that the company has been able to achieve. This attracts certain pricing benefits if a strong brand name exists. L’Oreal USA products attract a higher market pricing due to the technology involved in marketing (Nanocolors, 2009). Procter and Gamble products have a pricing approach that taps on both innovation and strong market presence and brand loyalty. Competitive intelligence that tracks performance and market operation of the competitor to inner operations

Promotional CharacteristicsDifferences in advertising and promotional strategies have enabled the companies to reach their specified market segments. For the local market for instance, Unilever utilizes different marketing strategy to handle competition from Procter and Gamble and L’Oreal USA when compared with the international market across the globe. L’Oreal USA has been able to target the specific Northern America market through localized strategy unlike Unilever that has a global outlook in marketing.

Competitive Rivalry

Degree of rivalry between Procter and Gamble and Unilever has been very strong and bitter as manifested by an espionage program that Procter and Gamble instigated against Unilever. Procter and Gamble has had stiffer competition with L’Oreal USA in the market control, particularly in nano patenting and marketing (Nanocolors, 2009). Price wars are also frequent in the market segment, with various varieties from each of the companies posting vary competitive price tags. Frequent product innovation also characterizes the market segment for instance in the nano patenting that L’Oreal USA and Procter and Gamble seems to control.

The most significant competition that these companies face indirectly comes from other market products that characterize the various market segments. For instance, besides dealing in cosmetics, Unilever and Procter and Gamble also participate in other product lines such as home care and food. Other industries such as food industries that advocate for natural cosmetics for beauty management are also on the rise (Organic Monitor, 2006). In such a perspective, the threat of the cosmetic industry is mainly in the nature of ingredients that the companies use to produce the products.

ReferencesNanocolors (2009) “ HYPERLINK “http://nanocolors.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/nano-the-top-10-big-cosmetics-companies-loreal-procter-gamble-and-henkel/” o “Nano & the top 10 big cosmetics companies : L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble and Henkel on the podium for patents” Nano & the Top 10 Big Cosmetics Companies: L’Oréal, Procter & Gamble and Henkel on the Podium for Patents” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://nanocolors.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/nano-the-top-10-big-cosmetics-companies-loreal-procter-gamble-and-henkel/” http://nanocolors.wordpress.com/2009/10/29/nano-the-top-10-big-cosmetics-companies-loreal-procter-gamble-and-henkel/

L’Oreal USA (2011) “Active Cosmetics,” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://www.lorealusa.com/_en/_us/index.aspx?direct1=00003&direct2=00003/00005” http://www.lorealusa.com/_en/_us/index.aspx?direct1=00003&direct2=00003/00005

Unilever (2011) “Health and Hygiene: Beauty and Style,” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://www.unilever.com/brands/hygieneandwelbeing/beautyandstyle/?WT.LHNAV=Beauty_&_style” http://www.unilever.com/brands/hygieneandwelbeing/beautyandstyle/?WT.LHNAV=Beauty_&_style

P&G (2011) “Beauty and Grooming” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://www.pg.com/en_US/brands/beauty_grooming/index.shtml” http://www.pg.com/en_US/brands/beauty_grooming/index.shtml

Organic Monitor (2006) “European Sales of Natural Cosmetics Surge,” Retrieved from: HYPERLINK “http://www.organicmonitor.com/100160.htm” http://www.organicmonitor.com/100160.htm

Corruption- where does it start

Running head: CORRUPTION- WHERE DOES IT START?

Corruption- where does it start?

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Corruption: Where does it start?

Corruption is prevalent in many organizations including the judiciary, police, in schools and businesses. Political corruption is the most common type that is seen in many countries. Political corruption is defined in the article “Corruption –Definitions” as the exploitation of authority for personal gain. The extent of corruption varies from minor ones involving returning favors to major corruption acts including institutional bribery. Corruption begins both in bureaucratic and political offices and can either be grand, petty, prearranged or unorganized. Corruption facilitates crimes like embezzlement, prostitution and drug trafficking though this are not the only crimes that are linked to corruption. If an institution or a country is interested in wiping out corruption, then it is necessary to analyze corruption effectively and distinguish it from other crime.

What is the root cause of this vice? Who is to blame when a government official takes a bribe or when a company defrauds its consumers by inflating their prices? Mark (2009) argues that the root cause of corruption is bad parenting because it is the responsibility of parents to teach their children the difference between right and wrong at a tender age. It is the parents’ duty to teach their children that it is bad to lie or steal from others. It is evident that most of the values in children are passed on from their parents either deliberately or unintentionally.

According to Wendy (2004), corrupt acts like taking bribes can be a way of escaping punishment. Individuals in the wrong can give bribes in order to evade punishment by either the police or the judicial system. A bribe is viewed as a convenient way for one to easily get what they want. People with a low pay or minimum wages feel that they have to accept bribe so as to make a decent living. Corrupt individuals are selfish and insensitive to the suffering caused by their corrupt acts owing to their greedy nature. They go out of their way to justify their corrupt acts just because they benefit from it and at the same time become deep rooted in this vice of corruption.

Corruption poses a major threat to the development of a country or an institution by undermining good governance and democracy. Corruption in legislative bodies and in and in the electoral process decreases accountability and policymaking representation. At the same time, corruption challenges the authenticity of government and democratic ethics such as tolerance and trust. Corruption also destabilizes economic growth through generation of distortion and inefficiency in the private and the public sector as discussed in the article “Corruption –Definitions.” Corruption is evident in many countries and poses a major obstacle to the welfare of local citizens. Political corruption implies that government policies are meant to benefit only a few including those who give bribes and not the country.

Conclusively, Corruption is a vice that is evident in many institutions and countries. It undermines good supremacy and democracy by posing a threat to the development of a country or an institution. The source of corruption can be due to the bad parenting skills evident in the current generation as explored by Mark (2009). Parents bear the responsibility of education their children the distinction between right and wrong at a tender age. Corruption as discussed by Wendy (2004), can be as a result of low wages paid to workers who in turn feel the need to receive bribes in order to make a descent living. It is also a way for criminal offender to evade punishment by offering bribes either to judges or the police. Institutions or countries with the intention of wiping out corruption should first analyze its root cause and work towards eliminating the disgracing vice.

References

Wendy, S. “What Are the Causes of Corruption?” China Daily. 09 February 2004. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://chinadaily.cn/english/doc/2004-02/09/content_304379.htm” http://chinadaily.cn/english/doc/2004-02/09/content_304379.htm

Mark, S. “Corruption: Where Does It Start?”Giving New Meaning to Parenting. 26th January 2009. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://gnmparents.com/corruption-where-does-it-start-2/” http://gnmparents.com/corruption-where-does-it-start-2/

“Corruption – Definition.” Word IQ. Retrieved from HYPERLINK “http://www.wordiq.com/definitio/corruption” http://www.wordiq.com/definitio/corruption

Corruption of Marriage in Nevada

Didion, Joan. “Marrying Absurd”, 2005. Web. HYPERLINK “http://dl.ccc.cccd.edu/classes/internet/english100kn/MarryingAbsurd.pdf” http://dl.ccc.cccd.edu/classes/internet/english100kn/MarryingAbsurd.pdf (Accessed 5 December 2011)

Corruption of Marriage in Nevada

The institution of marriage is perhaps one of the most astounding in the development of individuals in the society and is usually marked with jubilations reminiscent of its importance. Holding a wedding casually is not only contrary to the expectation of the importance of this event but also an insult of the noble intentions of tying the knot. Citing the compromising environment in which marriage and weddings in Nevada apparently contradict social expectations, Joan Didion generates deep feelings worth worrying for this American State. The author applies imagery to depict the casualness and contempt with which the Nevada community accords important social events, which generates a perfect nexus with the actual developments regarding absurdity around marriage. Irony and contradictions conspicuously persist throughout the article as the author’s attempt to paint the moral decadence with regard to marriage strikes a perfect balance in the discourse. The author paints the entire wedding quagmire in Nevada using imagery from an environmental scan and the commercial hype in Las Vegas which is unfavorable for serious social events.

In light of the description of the physical environment that the author picks to create imagery on the marriage confusion, a contrasting image appears giving the main theme a deep sense of life. From the premise that a couple’s engagement immediately after a wedding is like a young life, a nurturing environment can be thought of. Making an extrapolation of the most supportive conditions of a young life, perhaps the most delicate care and environment would be appropriate for inclusion in the nurturing conditions. However, Nevada is located in a harsh physical environment with desert conditions that could make a young life to struggle for survival. In terms of the physical harshness, if not desiccated to death, an encounter with poisonous rattlesnakes and bruises from mesquite present the cruelty awaiting.

Accompanying evidence of the harsh conditions imagery of the actual desert-like life in Nevada, which probably make weddings a casual affair in this environment fits perfectly in the discourse. Las Vegas is cited majorly in many respects of this environment where sensible marriage would not exist. Presence of call girls in plenty in the town simulates a scandalous environment where casual unions are the order of the day (1). Presenting such an environment as a perfect choice for conducting a wedding is perhaps an insult at its best and scandalous at its worst. Gang life emerges in the discourse as a normal setting in which raving merry and gambling best thrive making Las Vegas as a preferred destination for fun seekers. Immediate gratification conspicuously obscures reasoning and patience which characterize honorable unions as weddings. Amyl nitrite poppers easily offered by stewards in this city paint a picture of a careless and addiction driven society that can only make things complicated for the married life. Such is the casualness in the physical setting that Nevada and Las Vegas in specific gives to marriage at the behest young unsuspecting couples who later find difficult to find control of the confusion.

Commercialization of fun in Las Vegas perhaps contributes to the indecent lack of distinction between marriage and fun. Apparently, commercialization of sex in Las Vegas is a little over the moralist’s perspective of a balanced society in terms of vices and values. Fun jinx hovers around Las Vegas and makes it above all standards of American definition of having fun in an outing. Every fun crazy and addicted spoilt and delinquent brat would find Las Vegas as a place to call home. Lack of sensual control in the city would force everyone to forgive the dwellers for confusing marriage with fun. The author reckons that Las Vegas lacks a sense of time since fun goes on every second of the days of the week around the year. In the context of this fun business frenzy, the confusion seems to wipe across any decency around noble ideas such as sex within marriage hence mockery of the wedding event in fun. The fun business around weddings in Las Vegas is evident in the wedding-intensive chapels in the city (2). Commercial plans for every wedding detail characterize the casual environment representing the contradiction. In such a commercial environment, moral decadence overshadows every holy shred of the institution of marriage, with scenes of underage couples and improper conduct from parents taking center stage at such weddings.

In conclusion, marriage absurdity in Nevada is particularly a casual encounter as the conditioned environment no longer recognizes it as so. A cold environment devoid of a moral backing corrupts marriage values from the community just as harsh climate in the nearby desert does. A casual treatment of serious tenets of life defies odds in Nevada, making delicate social organizations to suffer. It is therefore difficult for marriage to be a normal affair with a harsh environment and a highly commercialized social setting supported by fun addiction, due to the contradiction they give to marriage.

Work Cited

Didion, Joan. “Marrying Absurd”, 2005. Web. HYPERLINK “http://dl.ccc.cccd.edu/classes/internet/english100kn/MarryingAbsurd.pdf” http://dl.ccc.cccd.edu/classes/internet/english100kn/MarryingAbsurd.pdf (Accessed 5 December 2011)

Correlational Research

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Correlational Research

Although correlational research has been used over time as one of the most important methods qualitative research, it is in most instances compounded by certain shortcomings that undermine the credibility and validity of the results that are attained. For this reason, researchers or investigators using this type of research need to exercise a high degree of cautiousness in a bid to enhance the credibility of their results. This is particularly so because in the psychological field, the relative researches have far reaching implications on the wellbeing f the society. Besides being employed in policy formulation and enforcement, the respective findings inform critical decision making. It is against this background that this paper explores important confounds in Tomasello’s Culture and Cognitive Development and Gauvain’s Cognitive Development in Social and Cultural Context. It then proceeds to determining whether the respective investigators have acknowledged the inherent inconsistencies in their researches. Finally, it describes a research design that could be useful for clarifying the results of the respective correlational research.

Typically, correlational research does not establish direct and distinctive social relationships between the factors under examination. It this respect, it becomes difficult to make credible inferences accordingly. In his study, Gauvain (1998) argues that culture plays an imperative role in cognitive development. The author attributes the organization and development of cognitive development to three main factors that include cultural values and activity goals, the material as well as symbolic tools that are useful for satisfying cultural values and goals and the higher level structures that are useful for instantiating the cultural values and goals of daily practices. The shortcoming of this study is its failure to appreciate the individual capacities that greatly influence cognitive development. In this respect, it is worth appreciating that culture is a very complex and dynamic social aspect that can not be explored from a single distinct point of view. This is further compounded by the fact that it is dynamic and influences the biological wellbeing of an individual.

Gauvain (1998) acknowledges that personal abilities and skills that emerge and are displayed in various social environments have not been accounted for. He suggests that future studies need to focus on this aspect in order to make the study complete. This is due to the fact that the individual is at the center stage of both the culture and cognitive development. An ideal research design in this regard could have focused on the employment of multiple regressions. This entails use of multiple factors to accredit the respective relationship.

Tomasello (2000) on the other hand explores the relationship between culture and cognitive development. Through culture, he indicates that humans are able to develop their cognitive ability and foster revolution. Children in this regard are presented as having the ability to learn through adults as opposed to from adults. Likewise, this study is limited by the cat that it does not put in consideration various social and biological factors that foster the cognitive development. This is regardless of the fact that the author underscores that in certain situations, the learning does not occur through imitation. Besides the biological evolution and cultural processes, it should be acknowledged that environmental factors also contribute significantly to the process of learning. In essence, cognitive development is a complex process that is necessitated by various factors that share intricate and augmenting relationships. Tomasello (2000) inconclusively and indirectly mentions this concern but does not directly address it at the end of the study. He makes the mistakes of concluding that there is indeed a relationship between cognitive development and the biological and relative cultural factors.

An ideal design in this regard needs to have addressed the issue of the common causal variable that is also referred to as the third variable. Basically, this constitutes a variable that is not a part of the research but which is instrumental in establishing a relationship between the outcome and predictors. In light of this study, this can be represented by the environmental factors that are imperative in this particular study. This would have gone a long way in bridging the inherent gaps and accrediting the study accordingly.

In sum, although correlational studies have been employed for a significant period of time, they have certain inconsistencies that have the ability to undermine the validity as well as credibility of the respective research. As it has come out from the preceding analysis, the two studies have certain inconsistencies that need to be addressed accordingly. The first study fails to provide a credible explanation for other cognitive representations that are exhibited by learners. He however acknowledges this shortcoming and recommends future studies to focus on this. An ideal design for it would have been employment of multiple regressions to explain his research topic. The second study fails to underscore the role of environmental factors that directly affect cognitive development. The author does not hover acknowledge this shortcoming. An ideal design in this respect would have considered the role of a third variable.

References

Gauvain, M. (1998). Cognitive development in social and cultural context. Current Directions in Psychological Science, 7, 188-192.

Tomasello, M. (2000). Culture and cognitive development. Current Directions in psychological Science, 9, 37-40.

Correlational Research in psychology

Correlational Research

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Correlational Research in psychology

Research in psychology relies on two primary categories of methodologies. One of the categories is correlational research, and the other one is experimental. Each of these two categories plays a significant role in research and is responsible for providing various aspects. Variables are the key differentiating aspects between the two categories in a research. Correlational research involves using statistics to determine the relationship between the involved variables (Schmidt, n.d.). Firstly, the research methodology involves identifying hypothesis and theories that two available variables are connected. In turn, this makes correlational study a quantitative research. The next step involves scrutinizing and grouping each of the variables with an aim of separating them. At this stage, researchers find as many details as possible about the subject under investigation. This is done using varying methods depending on the required information about a subject. Observation, for example, is a method that researchers apply in gathering information under correlational research. Taking surveys and handing out questionnaires are other methodologies that researchers apply in acquiring new information related to the subjects under scrutiny. Researchers also explore archived information about a subject with an aim of unraveling new information about the subject in a study.

Correlational research involves two variables that have a link. In this case, aggressiveness and performance are two variables that have a relationship. Aggressiveness is a variable that can relate to someone’s performance at work. In addition, it is an aspect in life that is easily triggered by different factors. These factors include life’s challenges where one has to be aggressive to overcome hurdles in life. Additionally, aggression can be triggered by goals in life. Just like hard work, aggression is a necessary ingredient required to attain great success in life (Waters, 2013). Therefore, aggression is easily brought out in a person by the urge to make a big achievement. As such, research of aggression can be based on a noticeable factor such as a life goal. Performance is something that workers strive to achieve at their places of work. They work with diligence as they look forward to impressing their employers and possibly attaining rewards. Performance is a factor that can be measured using different methods. For example, it is possible to quantify it by the number of products one processes within a defined period. The two variables presented in this case can be identified by making critical observations, which is one of the methodologies applied in correlational research.

Results obtained upon carrying out a study on one’s performance at work based on personal aggression can lead to several changes. The results can be used in various ways, but more importantly to improve the work place functionality. Often, employers aim at improving productivity at the place of work and they do that by checking their employees’ performance. Hence, the results attained from studying employees’ performance and aggression can be used to formulate means of improving productivity. Employers can coin triggers that can help employees achieve the required level of aggression. Such triggers include placing incentives, achievable deadlines, and workloads. Consequently, employees work with a mindset that they need to complete projects within the expected standards to attain the incentives set aside for them (Waters, 2013). Employers can use the results to know the areas in a workplace that need adjustments. However, some areas may be performing as expected while some may be in need of improvement.

References

Schmidt, R. S. (n.d.). Correlational research. Research methods. Retrieved on 20 September 2013 from http://capone.mtsu.edu/sschmidt/methods/correlational.html

Waters, J. (2013). Conducting correlational research. Capilano University. Retrieved on 20 September 2013 from http://www.capilanou.ca/psychology/student-resources/research-guidelines/Correlational-Research-Guidelines/

Correlation and Regression

Correlation and Regression

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Regression describes a statistical technique that helps to measure the association between a dependent variable and independent variable (s). Given dependent and independent variables, regression measures the direction and rate of change of one variable to the other. Therefore, through regression, it is possible to predict the value of dependent variable using the independent variables; the predictor and criterion variables help in determining the cause and effect association. On the other hand, correlation measures the closeness of the association between variables. It indicates the degree of association between variables (Jain, 2009).

The two statistical methods are similar in that they measure relationship aspects amid variables. Regression measures the direction of an association between variables while correlation measures the degree of association between variables (Jain, 2009). Besides, the two are similar in that they make use of available variables; without the use of these variables, the statistical methods cannot come up with the relationship aspects between variables.

On the other hand, there are some differences between the two statistical approaches. In regression, there must exist an independent variable and dependent variable (s) while in determining correlation, there is no need of having dependent and independent variables; the analysis does not involve the use of fixed and dependent variables. Correlation does not assume cause and effect association between two variables always. Although variables may high correlation, it does not imply one variable is the effect while the other is the effect. However, regression always expresses cause and effect association amid two variables (Jain, 2009). Besides, regression helps in making prediction while correlation does not aid in making any prediction between variables. Therefore, regression analysis will be preferred to correlation in researches involving cause and effect relationships.

References

Jain, T.R. (2009). Quantitative Method for MBA. New York: FK Publications.

Correlation and Regression with SPSS

Correlation and Regression with SPSS

Statistical assumptions for the study

The difference is zero

The data is normally distributed

The variance of the two variables are equal (homoscedasticity)

The study wishes to analyze the correlation that exists between education and affirmative action. During the study, t-test will be used for hypothesis testing. The independent variable is education while affirmative action is the dependent variable. During the study regression analysis will also be used. The regression line takes the following form:

Y= Bo + BX + e……whereY is the dependent variable (affirmative action), Bo is the constant, X is the independent variable (education) and finally e is the error term.

Hypothesis Statement

Ho: there is no relationship between education and affirmative action.

Ha: there is relationship between grade in elementary and high school and affirmative action.

In hypothesis testing we shall use the SPSS results found in Anova tables. The level of significance is 0.05. The p-value is 0.127 with 29 degrees of freedom.

The p-value (0.127)>0.05. Therefore we reject the null hypothesis but accept the alternative hypothesis. Therefore we conclude that there is a relationship between grade in elementary and high school and affirmative action.

Results

Regression

Y= -20.600 +0.67X + e

Interpretation of the regression at 95% confidence level

(-20.600) is the constant of the regression line. The coefficient of the independent variable (education) is given by 0.67. This means that; holding other factors constant, an increase in the level of education by one unit will raise the level of affirmative action by 0.67.

Correlation coefficients

Using Pearson correlation from the SPSS output, the coefficient between highest grade in elementary or high school and affirmative action is 0.67. This is a strong positive correlation; meaning that they both move in the same direction. Increasing grade in elementary and high school will result to a positive increase in affirmative action.

obesity in pregnancy

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Obesity in Pregnancy

Introduction

Obesity is characterized as having a body mass record (BMI) of more prominent than 30. More or less 15 to 20 percent of pregnant women are obese. Late years have seen an increment in the predominance of maternal corpulence during pregnancy in the United States and around the world. Obese women have expanded dangers for gestational issues, for example, hypertension, diabetes, and preeclampsia. Further, gestational obesity can unfavorably affect fetal development and bring about inborn anomalies, macrosomia, and fetal demise. Measures must be taken to diminish maternal adiposity, as even an unobtrusive weight reduction during pregnancy is gainful for the soundness of mothers and infants (Andreasen, Malene, and Anne 1022). Calorie confinement and moderate activity are demonstrated safe strategies for ceasing weight addition and/or actuating white- obese misfortune in these subjects.

Pregnancy outcome in overweight mothers was tended to as right on time as 1945. From that point forward, study plans have changed broadly. Being overweight or obese during pregnancy may prompt complexities during pregnancy. Pregnant women are at a more serious danger for unsuccessful labor, preeclampsia, infertility, hypertension, gestational diabetes ledge conception, and complexities during conception. Most infants destined to obese or overweight mothers are conceived solid. Then again, they are at expanded danger of conception deformities (counting imperfections of the mind and spine), preterm conception, and harm during conception because of extensive size, passing after conception, and adolescence obesity (Rees, Mahantesh, and Louis 74). Overweight women may enhance their shots of having a sound pregnancy by getting early and customary pre-birth mind, and working out. Overweight women ought to addition give or take 15 to 25 pounds during pregnancy and obese women ought to increase roughly 11 to 20 pounds

Issues/problems

Weight in pregnancy is currently a standout amongst the most critical difficulties in obstetric consideration. The predominance of corpulence in women has been characterized as 49.2% of African American women, 33.5% of white women, and 34.9% of women when all is said in done. The rate of weight in pregnancy is accounted for to be 6% to 10% and may be as high as 17% (Rees, Mahantesh, and Louis 81). A few experts accept that excessive intake of caloric versus calories depleted is the most widely recognized cause and records for 99% of weight. On the other hand, others express that obese women frequently ingest the same or less calories than their dainty partners. It has been recommended that women have inherited, set weight introductions and behavioral examples that focus their weight increase design all through life making change problematic. The metabolic parity is exasperates in the obese woman making her not able to keep up a steady, ordinary, body weight. One proposed clarification for this event is the likelihood of injuries in the midbrain locale influencing the hypothalamus which is in charge of voracity control. The etiology of corpulence incorporates metabolic, hypothalamic, endocrine, hereditary, dietary, latency, psychic (anxiety help), natural, and viral viewpoints (Galtier-Dereure, Catherine and Jacques 1244).

The relationship between maternal obesity and untimely conception is a matter of discussion. Contrasted and that in ordinary weight control subjects, the rate of untimely conception in overweight women was demonstrated to be lower, higher, or comparable. After delivery, obese mothers are more probable than ordinary weight mothers to encounter urinary indications, for example, urgency and stress incontinence (Andreasen, Malene, and Anne 1025). Weight increase during pregnancy is a solid indicator for maintained weight maintenance and weight picks up more than 9 kg are connected with the measure of weight held between 2 progressive pregnancies. Furthermore, Infants of obese mothers are at higher danger of being overweight at 12years of age than are babies of ordinary weight mothers. Notably, macrosomic newborn children are more prone to end up obese in later life. At the point when diabetes convolutes the course of pregnancy, newborn children are inclined to create overweight and obesity during youth, particularly on account of high conception weight. Hypertension during pregnancy is likewise in charge of expanded dreariness during early stages (Galtier-Dereure, Catherine and Jacques 1246). At 6 years old, mean diastolic circulatory strain is higher in offspring of women who created preeclampsia during pregnancy than in of offspring of control subjects.

However, countless women are uninformed of current recomendations encompassing gestational weight addition and numerous put on above present gestational weight pick up rules during pregnancy, and do not lose the extra weight post pregnancy (Ovesen and Dorte 102). This builds the dangers in the present and future pregnancies. The unfavorable effect of weight on pregnancy starts before origination. Obesity lessens fertility and has been indicated to influence the strength of the human oocyte and the quality and improvement of the fetus right on time in incubation. Despite the fact that there are a few approaches to figure obesity, the most of the time utilized is the Body Mass Index (BMI). The BMI is computed as takes after: BMI refers to the patient weight in kg. In view of the vast number of clinically corpulent women in this nation and the potential clinical dangers connected with this condition, birthing assistants watching over these women must be mindful of the particular concerns and have learning in observation and treatment of resulting complications (Ovesen and Dorte 109).

Argument/claims

It is well acknowledged that the obese woman is herself at higher danger for wellbeing issues. Pregnancy is a period in women’ lives when the probability of weight increase is expanded putting the woman at danger during this time (Bogaerts 86). The survey of writing has uncovered numerous issues for the pregnancy of the obese woman also. These incorporate preeclampsia, anesthesia difficulties, hypertension, incontinence, increment in cesarean delivery, diabetes, discharge, neural tube deformities, endometritis, urinary tract diseases, and an increment in thromboembolism. Dangers to the neonate of the obese women have been distinguished as macrosomia with resulting inconveniences, for example, shoulder dystocia and paralysis, and difficulties connected with high-hazard maternal conditions. Simply precisely why these muddlings happen is still under scrutiny.

In a prospective multicenter investigation of more than 16,000 patients, a BMI of 30–39.9 was connected with an expanded danger of gestational diabetes mellitus, gestational hypertension, preeclampsia, and fetal macrosomia, when contrasted and a BMI of short of what 30. In this same study, the cesarean delivery rate was 20.7% for women with a BMI of 29.9 or less, 33.8% for women with a BMI of 30–34.9, and 47.4% for women with a BMI of 35–39.9 (Conway 77). Different studies have reliably reported higher rates of preeclampsia, gestational diabetes mellitus, and cesarean delivery (especially for capture of work) in obese women than in non-corpulent women. No less than three partner studies recommend that obesity is a free hazard element for spontaneous premature birth among women who experience fruitlessness treatment. In differentiation of this affiliation, it is proposed that social insurance suppliers sway obese women to get in shape before starting infertility help (Conway 84). Data likewise connects obesity with spontaneous premature birth among women who imagine characteristically.

Obese pregnant women are more inclined to conceive a newborn child with intrinsic abnormalities, and obesity additionally brings down recognition rates of fetal oddities during pre-birth ultrasonography. Data secure that the danger of neural tube deformities among corpulent pregnant women is twofold that of pregnant women of ordinary weight in the wake of rectifying for diabetes as a potential perplexing component. The advantange of the organization of folic corrosive measurements higher than 400 micrograms for every day has not been contemplated in obese pregnant women without diabetes (Leddy, Michael and Jay 170). Numerous studies have demonstrated that maternal obesity and intemperate weight addition during pregnancy are connected with extensive for-gestational-age babies. Besides, these substantial for-gestational-age babies are at expanded danger of youth and pre-adult weight. Despite the fact that the finding of fetal macrosomia is uncertain, prophylactic cesarean delivery may be considered for suspected fetal macrosomia with evaluated fetal weights more prominent than 5,000 g in women without diabetes and more prominent than 4,500 g in women with diabetes.

Contention exists in the techniques used to distinguish the clinically obese patient. BMI is a simple estimation to get yet has a few constraints. Since body arrangement is not equivalent for all body sorts, an issue with the BMI is that it makes the tall individual more slender and the short individual fatter. The BMI additionally does not separate in the middle of obese and muscle. This implies that a woman who is 5 feet tall weighing 180 pounds would be viewed as obese by the BMI yet does not meet the criteria for obesity by weight. It is in this way recommended by two studies that maternal weight is as powerful in deciding obesity as the BMI (Bogaerts 93). Cautious preconceptual directing is attractive for all patients including the clinically corpulent woman. Recognizing and examining therapeutic difficulties with the patient and empowering dietary advising, way of life changes, and folic corrosive supplement could perhaps bring about a healthier mother and newborn child (Dinatale, et al 5). The testing perspective for the maternity specialist is to present this data in a delicate and positive way.

Obstetric administration of the obese patient is frequently confounding and convoluted. Numerous prior conditions, and also the plausible entanglements emerging during the pregnancy and conception, can make administration of obese patients testing. An agreeable, strong, clinical practice rule has not been created inside the distributed writing explored. Numerous recommendations for antepartum and intrapartum administration were recognized by different sources. The idea of co-administration among different fortes is viewed as basic. Anesthesia, pulmonology, cardiology, dietary, and endocrinology may get to be fundamental zones for counsel. Corpulent pregnant women have an expanded plasma volume and subsequently serum alpha-fetoprotein levels will need to be balanced in like manner (Morin, 1998). Current weight pick up proposals during pregnancy are BMI < 19.9, 28-40 pounds, BMI 19.8-26, 25-35 pounds, BMI >26-29, 15-25 pounds, and BMI >29, no less than 15 pounds (Conway 102).

Reconnaissance of the newborn child through ultrasound during pregnancy to survey fetal development is dubious. Macrosomia, a conception weight in overabundance of 4,000 grams, is known to expand the danger of fetal damage. Finding of macrosomia can be troublesome in the obese patient since manual palpation and fundal tallness estimation may be clouded by maternal obese tissue. Ultrasound is as often as possible utilized for appraisal of fetal size. However, the more progressive the pregnancy, the less precise the ultrasound for the estimation. It is likewise expressed in the writing assessed that stomach palpation is extremely wrong in that 20% of these appraisals only before conception are not inside 450 grams of the real conception weight. On the off chance that fetal macrosomia is suspected, by utilizing serial ultrasound, quickened stomach development can be recognized by as ahead of schedule as 32 weeks incubation, showing that macrosomia is surely display (Bogaerts 102).

Gestational diabetes (GD) is an alternate concern among pregnant, obese women. GD is portrayed as carb narrow mindedness with onset or first distinguishment during pregnancy that normally vanishes after labor. Women at danger for GD incorporate a monozygotic twin of a non-insulin subordinate diabetic, the fat, and women with a past baby weighing more prominent than 9 pounds during childbirth (Beare, 1994). Because of the expanded danger of this condition early glucose screening is shown. A one-hour screen in the first trimester ought to be performed and if ordinary ought to be trailed by another hour screen in the second trimester (Henn, Theron, and Hall 57).

Solutions

Weight can trigger an assortment of destructive wellbeing conditions that have the inclination of influencing your whole life. Since eating less carbs is not empowered for pregnant corpulent individuals, physical activity is one of the answers for this issue. One of the best physical activities that women can do every day is lively strolling. This is significant in diminishing the danger of managing weight and safeguarding a solid weight and body. It is likewise prudent to work out in the rec center for roughly thirty to forty-five minutes 4 to 5 days week after week (Baeten, Elizabeth and Mats 436). Joining the consistent workouts with solid dietary propensities can help in altogether lessening your weight.

Obese women are at expanded danger of a few pregnancy muddlings. Accordingly, predisposition appraisal and advising are unequivocally supported. Obstetricians ought to give instruction about the conceivable complexities and ought to urge corpulent patients to embrace a weight-lessening project, including eating regimen, activity, and conduct adjustment, before endeavoring pregnancy (Sebire, et al 1176). Particular medicinal leeway may be shown for a few patients. At the introductory pre-birth visit, tallness and weight ought to be recorded for all women to permit computation of BMI, and proposals for proper weight addition ought to be checked on both at the starting visit and occasionally all through pregnancy.

At the point when guiding obese women about potential pregnancy complexities, it is imperative to advise them of the related fetal dangers, including rashness, stillbirth, inherent variations from the norm (eg, neural tube imperfections), macrosomia, and adolescence and pre-adult obesity. A few studies have reported a higher rate of unexpected labor for obese women than for women of ordinary weight. On the other hand, in a study by Galtier-Dereure, Florence, Catherine Boegner, and Jacques Bringer of more than 2,900 obese women, prepregnancy weight was connected with a lower rate of spontaneous preterm conception. A vast Swedish accomplice study reported a more serious danger of antepartum stillbirth among obese patients than among women who had a BMI of short of what 20. It is vital to examine potential intrapartum inconveniences with corpulent women, for example, the difficulties connected with anesthesia administration and the expanded danger of entangled and rising cesarean delivery (Sebire, et al 1176). Other potential issues incorporate trouble evaluating fetal weight (even with ultrasonography) and the failure to acquire interpretable outside fetal heart rate and uterine compression designs.

Conclusion

Weight during pregnancy was interfaced with maternal inconveniences going from consequences for ripeness to impacts on delivery and in the baby blues period, and in addition numerous entanglements influencing the hatchling and infant. The maternal complexities connected with obesity included expanded dangers of gestational diabetes mellitus, hypertensive issue, infertility, and delivery by Cesarean area. Fetal complexities included expanded dangers of macrosomia, intrauterine fetal demise and stillbirth, and admission to the neonatal emergency unit.

Weight causes huge inconveniences for the mother and hatchling. Mediations steered towards weight reduction and anticipation of inordinate weight pick up must start in the predisposition period. Obstetrical consideration suppliers must guidance their obese patients with respect to the dangers and difficulties presented by corpulence and the imperativeness of weight reduction. Maternal and fetal observation may need to be increased during pregnancy; a multidisciplinary methodology is valuable. Women need to be educated about both maternal and fetal muddling and about the measures that are important to improve conclusion, yet the most critical measure is to address the issue of weight preceding pregnancy.

Previously established studies appraisal and directing are emphatically empowered for obese women and ought to incorporate the procurement of particular data concerning the maternal and fetal dangers of weight in pregnancy, and also support to embrace a weight-lessening system. At the beginning pre-birth visit, tallness and weight ought to be recorded for all women to permit figuring of body mass list (figured as weight in kilograms partitioned by stature in meters squared), and suggestions for suitable weight addition ought to be looked into at the starting visit and occasionally all through pregnancy. Nourishment conference ought to be offered to all overweight or obese women, and they ought to be urged to take after an activity program. Pregnant women who have experienced bariatric surgery ought to be assessed for healthful lacks and the requirement for vitamin supplementation when shown. Corpulent patients experiencing cesarean delivery may require thromboprophylaxis with pneumatic pressure gadgets and unfractionated heparin or low atomic weight heparin. For all corpulent patients, anesthesiology counsel right on time in the process of childbirth ought to be considered, and conference with weight-diminishment experts before endeavoring an alternate pregnancy ought to be energized.

Work cited

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