Diverse Family Structures Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Diverse Family Structures - Assignment Example A product of the parental genetic make-up and will automatically assume the subculture or culture of the parents. The second proposition states that the environment a child shares with the peers and outside home experience help shape their personality. In this manner, if the parents of a child struggle, then the children will struggle too. The reason is that the parent will bring up the child in a struggling environment that will shape the character of the child as he or she grows. A typical case scenario is that of street families where there is continuity of homelessness on struggles in the generations. One important factor in the development of a child is education that equips the child with knowledge and skills to become better-adapted members of the society. As Harris (2009) pointed out on the proposition of environment and child development, education can mold the character, coping, and adaptation skills of a child to overcome the social status of the parents. Parents entrust teachers with the children with a hope that they will learn (Harris, 2009). The first approach is inculcating a positive attitude of possibilities amidst struggles to help the children appreciate opportunities that can shape a future and destiny lies with education and hard work. Since most children in school believe their teachers, it is a prime opportunity to help them think beyond the struggles the parents face. A school is a social place that should offer a platform of interaction among three parties, that is, parent-teacher, teacher-pupils, and pupil-pupil. Therefore, a teacher must devise a way to connect with the parents and guardians of the pupils in the school. Mandel (2008) outlines various ways of enhancing parent-teacher partnership.

A Short story Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A Short story - Essay Example Based on his dad interest in driving and education, Tom used to be driven to the school every day in the morning and in the evening. His father, though a good driver who emulated the road signs and rules was a tough driver who drove with a high speed unless there was a traffic jam. During his trip to the school, Tom used to ask his father many questions as to why he was driving in that high speed and go between cars yet the car was not involved in an accident. His father did not lie to him but informed Tom that diligent and confident is the major aspect that a good driver is supposed to follow. This made Tom to have an interest in driving. Tom’s dad was a person who wanted his children to develop their career at their early ages. During the holidays, Tom used most of his free time driving with James, his father. In this way, Tom closely interacted with his father and he was in a better position to ask all the disturbing questions that he was asking as they were driving to and from the school. His father on the other hand, allowed Tom to drive in flat areas where there were no cars in order to avoid accidents. Most notably, the father taught Tom on all the aspects of driving including the physical parts of a motor vehicle and the road signs. When being taught by his father Tom used to disturb him with all sought of questions. Being eager to know how to drive and become an excellent driver, Tom loved the way his father drove the family and this inspired him. Whenever the car could get a puncture, James would repair the puncture and the journey would continue without delay. The basic mechanic process that Tom†™s dad used to undertake any time the car experienced problems inspired Tom since he would look at his father going down the car and try to make things work in the right manner. Though Tom’s dad used to allow Tom to drive in lowlands and where their were no vehicles, his father one day as they were driving from school to

Determination of Ka for a weak Acdi Essay Example for Free

Determination of Ka for a weak Acdi Essay In the experiment preformed the objective is to titrate a weak acid with a strong base. In a titration of a weak acid with a strong base the titrant is the strong base and the analyte is a weak acid. The reaction that will occur is the direct transfer of protons from the weak acid to the hydroxide ion. The data gathered will be represented on the titration curve, a graph of the volume of titrant being the strong base plotted against the pH . The pH is an indicator of an acids strength. The titration curve can be used to determine the pKa. By reading the graph the equivalence point can be found; which is the point where equal parts acid and base have reacted by knowing this the half-equivalence can be found pH=pKa. Procedure In the experiment pH paper will be used instead of a pH meter. The pH will be determined at the beginning and the end of the titration and the data table will be used to calculate the intermediate values. A burette is a more accurate piece of glassware used to deliver the titrate; in the lab being performed disposable pipet will be used making it very important to consistently dispense the same size drops. Before the titration the volume of a drop must be determined. A pipet is completely fill with distilled water. The average number of drops in a mL and the average quantity of a mL represented by on drop is calculated and recorded. Water is added drop by drop to a graduated cylinder from a pipet at the first, second and third mL lines the water drops are recorded. The average number of drops are calculated per mL. The average of the quantity of a mL represented by a drop is also recorded. A data table is set up to represent the trail averages. First 2. 0 mL of unknown acid is measured into graduated cylinder and then poured into a beaker the volume is the recorded. By using a toothpick a drop of acid is placed onto low portion of pH paper, the pH level is recorded. One drop of the phenolphthalein indictor is added to the acid and the color is recorded. The beaker is set on a white sheet of paper before moving on. Next, a well in the 24-well plate is filled with NaOH solution and then sucked up into an empty pipet. The pipet is the held vertically slowly adding drop by drop the NaOH into the beaker of the unknown solution. Drops are added until a color change occurs, changing to a faint pink for at least 30 seconds. A plastic spoon is used to stir after the addition of each drop. The number of drops of NaOH is recorded and the equivalence point is now determined. A drop of the acid is now transferred by toothpick to the high range pH indicator strip. The pH level of the acid is recorded before titration. The contents of the beaker are poured down the drain and all equipment is thoroughly cleaned. The above procedure is repeated twice more, all data is recorded to 4 decimal places for each trail on the data table. The average of the 3 trails is calculated and data is recorded. At the top of the pH column the unknown’s acid’s starting pH level before titration is entered. Next, the pH level of the acid after the titration, at its equivalence point is entered at the bottom of the pH column. The appropriate pH levels for each 2 drop interval is then calculated, by subtracting the initial pH from the final pH and dividing the resulting difference by the number of rows minus 1. This number is then added to the previous pH value. A graph is then made, pH is plotted on the y axis and volume of NaOH added on the x axis. This represents the titration curve. The pH that corresponds with the equivalence point and half equivalence points are located and the pKa is determined for the unknown acid, pH=pKa. The relationship between Ka and pKa is that Ka is the equilibrium constant for the dissociation of a weak acid and pKa is the half-equivalence point where pH=pKa. In addition to the pH, Ka is an indication of an acids strength; pKa = log Ka. B. The potential sources for errors in this experiment are the inconsistent and miscounting of drops of NaOH in the titration. The pipet must be held upright dispensing the exact size drops to have an accurate measurement. C. If your experimental Ka is 5. 3 and the actual Ka of your unknown acid is 4. 7, what is your % error?

Ethnographic Study of the Informal Sector

Ethnographic Study of the Informal Sector INTRODUCTION The informal sector will be understood through an exercise of selling of paper clips as street vendors for a period of seven days. Paper clips are a stationery item used for binding papers together and are used by students, offices, lawyers, and government officials amongst others. However today, the availability of substitutes like staplers (a creation of technology) has challenged the utility of the commodity. The informal sector is that part of the economy which is not taxed, monitored by any form of government or included in any gross national product (GNP), unlike the formal economy. In 1997-98, the informal economy generated nearly 76% of employment and nearly 46% of the income in Mumbai. Despite their physical existence and the millions involved in it, for sheer survival, their ‘official’ ‘invisibility’ makes them ineligible for most statutorily ordained benefits and allowances. PREPARATORY STAGE A pre-sales activity was conducted to understand the potential target group. The interactions revealed that most consumers don’t have a requirement for this product, as staplers are a more reliable paper binding solution. The pre-sales research revealed that paper clips are sold in quantities of 100 clips a box. Based on the findings, a sales model was developed wherein the bulk of 100 clips would be resold 10-12 clips in plastic pouches. This would allow people to purchase small quantities and also convenient selling. The model adopted is similar to wholesaler-retailer supply chain model wherein the retailer makes bulk purchases from a wholesaler and sells smaller quantities to the customer. A similar model is used by street vendors who buy in bulk and retail smaller quantities. A cost-plus pricing strategy was adopted and a profit margin of 200-300% was agreed upon, which would be reduced through the course of the exercise until enough capital was accumulated. In addition to repacking, a packaging strategy was adopted. Zip lock plastics would be used to package the paper clips, thereby adding value to the commodity. Purchases of both the paper and the packaging material were made from the wholesale market in Abdul Rahman Street, Crawford Market where stationery is dealt with in wholesale quantities. Due to capital constraints, stock could not be purchased in bulk, limiting our bargaining power. It was decided that any profits incurred on the first day, would be ploughed-back to maintain a better inventory status. Locations selected for selling activity consisted of areas frequented by office goers, students and children. The objective set for the selling exercise was to cover costs and make profits by adopting a sales maximization approach through the use of strategies like customization, price discrimination, bundling, advertising, and market segmentation. EXECUTION STAGE Due to dearth of capital on the first day of our study, a sufficient stock of paper clips was purchased but did not allow for purchase of packaging materials. Waste packaging materials from the streets of Crawford Market was used as a substitute for the ‘zip lock pouches’. A huge profit margin was targeted on the first day that would generate capital to fund better quality packaging for the remaining days. The entire experience over the 7-day period is illustrated in the table below (refer Appendix I). Day Location Rationale for Location Experience Day 1 Fort, Outside Bombay High Court Potential Buyers: lawyers and office goers.  ·Problem arose because people returning home from work and lunch did not stop to indulge  ·Prices were very high so sales were slow.  ·Selling on the wrong side of the road and changed position to target people going towards the station. Day 2 HR, Jai Hind and KC College. Potential Buyers: Students, who have utility for stationery, especially females using customization and improved packaging material.  ·Customization and product bundling proved to be very effective. -The colored and fancy paper clips were sold out, despite higher price Zip locks used resulted in quick sales  ·Right time for sales (1pm onwards) when most students were done with their lectures. Day 3 Street Vendor Fair, Outside St. Michael’s Church, Mahim To study the variation in the sales of the commodity on a normal day in comparison to ‘special occasions’  ·Relatively easier to sell during a ‘fair’ or during special occasions  ·People are more willing to buy when exposed to multiple commodities within a given space. Day 4 Marine Drive To understand variation sales in a tourist and recreational spot  ·The price was lowered as a larger stock was procured due to profits from the previous day  ·Concentrated on sales promotion strategies by giving off free units to girls who purchased packets  ·Strategy was successful (word-of-mouth marketing played a significant role) Day 5 Trains, Central Line – CST to Dadar (Return) To understand the variation sales in a mode of transport  ·The female partner made large sales in the ladies compartment of the while the other partner was unsuccessful in the general.  ·Women are more approachable on trains which can be attributed to the large number of sellers in the women’s compartments on trains  ·Buying behavior exhibited by women is primarily an outcome of ‘novelty value’ of the products being sold Day 6 Marine Lines Station To sell amongst other street vendors and understand the dynamics of street vending.  ·Holding up a banner to ‘advertise’ the product did not work in the informal sector  ·Other experienced vendors came and interacted with us, passed comments and also ridiculed us. They moved away after they didn’t see a threat to their business  ·Interaction with vendors: On asking about the ‘hafta’ to be paid, they refused to speak to and turned away An unsuccessful sale as it was a Saturday.  ·Interaction with authorities: A BMC truck came to evict the vendors, confiscating their supplies, politely asked us to move Day 7 Republic Day Parade, Marine Drive To understand how national holidays have an impact on sales in the informal sector  ·Stood beside a flag vendor considering people might need clips to put on the flags.  ·No sales took place as people were engaged in watching the Parade EVALUATION STAGE Theory versus reality On engaging with the market on a first hand basis, we came across the following economic concepts while studying various sales strategies to maximize our sales in order to keep earning a profit. :- Monopoly firm: Since we were the only sellers of this product on the streets, we had the liberty to use price discrimination along with product differentiation. We gauged our targets and according to their outlooks and then decided the price to charge them. Price discrimination:-the same products were sold at different prices in different spaces to different consumers. First degree and third degree price discrimination was adopted. Under this the firm charged different prices to different set of consumers. For example while selling in the High Court premises; we sold the small quantity at Rs. 20 a packet to lawyers while we sold the packet to women in trains at Rs.5. In the former case, the entire consumer surplus was converted into the firm’s revenue and profits. The concept of third degree price discrimination was used here where groups having inelastic demand (lawyers/office goers) were charged a higher price compared to the women in trains who had elastic demand for whom the price was comparatively lower. The theory of price discrimination did not work for us as instead of playing with consumer surplus to make profits, we ended up just covering costs per day, neither did it minimize our costs nor did it increase output. Moreo ver the experiment of just 7 days was too short to judge this concept. However, the law of demand was justified wherein there is more demand when there is reduction in price. The elasticity was 1.0195 which is relatively elastic. However, from the interaction in the market we found out that it is inconsequential and hence, nullified. (Refer Appendix II) Product Bundling: The firm offered several products for sale as one combined product. It is a common feature in many imperfectly competitive product markets. The firm used the technique of bundling to create more demand and capture the market. For example- instead of selling big metallic binders, metal U- clips, colored U-clips and fancy clips separately we bundled them together and sold them as a packaged deal at Rs. 20 targeting the college students. This concept worked for us. Sales maximization: was set as possible goal which occurs when the firm sells as much as possible without making a loss. We implied this strategy wherein we after a point where we had covered all our costs, we concentrated on selling as much as we can even if it is at a low profit margin as long as there was no loss. This helped us in earning our revenue and capital for next days. Thus, the application of this theory was successful. We also came to the conclusion that paper clips as such are not a commodity that a street vendor would sell. It is more likely to be found in stationery shops as they serve a market which requires all these goods. Lessons Learnt: Operating in the informal economy showed us that there existsno perfect knowledgewith respect to commodities being sold (in terms of availability and price).Venturing further into the streets of Crawford Market revealed that the commodity sold is much cheaper when compared to the peripheral shops. The procurement exercise highlighted the prevalence ofinformation asymmetry. The presence of street vendors is a menace for commuters but a boon for the working poor by providing goods (sometimes necessities) at a substantially cheaper price. The survey revealed that most street vendors require credit in order to start an enterprise but were often denied access due to lack of collateral but they haven’t applied for any loans due to a variety of reasons. They are not well aware of the government policies and are subjected to constant evictions by the municipal corporations as we observed when the street vendors were made to flee the scene when the BMC truck arrived at Marine Lines station during the course of our study. An important aspect is the self-employment, which is an important component of the informal sector that allows this section of the urban poor to earn income but is also classified into different types of employment like employees, middlemen, and unpaid family members or self-employed. Thus, the informal sector acts a livelihood-sustainin g platform. Interactions with street vendors, it was found out that they suffer from problems like hypertension, hyperacidity migraine attacks and severe backaches. Another aspect revealed was the participation of women. Women form a significant proportion of the informal labor force. (Refer Appendix III for Survey Questionnaire and Appendix IV for results/findings). Policies in place: The National Policy for Urban Street Vendors, 2004 was the first policy that called hawkers as â€Å"vendors† in designated areas called hawker zones and non-hawker zones and to ensure absence of congestion and maintain hygiene in public spaces and streets. Policy of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, 2009: By the National Commission on enterprises in the unorganized sector, this bill has not been introduced so far. It does not focus on natural markets like railway stations, depots, taxi stands, etc. Heavy fines are levied on unregistered sellers and their goods are confiscated. Non perishables are left off with heavy fines; however, fruit and vegetable vendors lose everything. The â€Å"Panchnama† of confiscated goods is not issues by policemen and records are not maintained. National Policy on Urban Street Vendors, 2009: It reports the conditions of work and promotion of livelihoods in the unorganized sector. It provides a constitutional angle to practice any occupation. For example: Right to adequate means of livelihood, Article 14, 19 (1) (g), 38(2), 39(a) and 41. Suggestions:- Registration must be made compulsory for street vendors by issuing licenses to prevent illegal rent seeking activities in the form of â€Å"haftas† from officials and thus, providing them with recognition. Incentive to register can be provided to street vendors by providing subsidized healthcare to registered vendors. Cheap housing and accommodation or slum rehabilitation can be provided to register street vendors as most of them are migrants from all over the country. A mechanism to file a PIL must be established for the street vendors to seek redressal for confiscated goods. Alternate spaces should be allotted for their activities if the area has to be cleared of such activities. For example, the shift of Agra Market during the 2010 Commonwealth Games. Stricter laws and there enforcement is necessary so that illegal hawking is avoided and they do not seem a nuisance to the commuters. In this way, both parts of the society can live in harmony.

The American Dream in A Raisin in the Sun :: A Raisin in the Sun

The idea of the American Dream still has truth in today's time, even if it is wealth, love, or fame. The thing that never changes about the American Dream is that everyone deserves something in life and everyone, somehow, should strive to get it. Everyone in America wants to have some kind of financial success in his or her lives. The American dream is said to be that each man have the right to pursue happiness and strive for the beat. In the play "A Raisin in the Sun", the author shows an African-American family struggling to get out of the poverty line, which is stopping them from making financial stability, or the American Dream. Its main focus is on Walter's effort to make it, or be somebody. She also shows how race, prejudice, and economic problems effect a black mans role in his family, how he provides, and his identity. It is also said that that the Youngers family dreams were unreal and they couldn't attain there dreams due to their status in life. The two most common American dreams that the Youngers family want to achieve is to be accepted by the white society and to be financially stable. For example, when the Younger family received the insurance check in the mail Mama went out and brought a house in the white neighborhood. Shortly after she brought the house in the white neighborhood, which is known, as Clybourne Park they quickly sent a representative by the name of Karl Linder. Linder was apart of the New Neighbors Orientation Committee that welcomed newcomer in the neighborhood. Unfortunately, since the Youngers were black Linder stated " It is a matter of the people of Clybourne Park believing, rightly or wrongly, as I say, that for the happiness of all concerned that our Negro families are happier when they live in their own communities". (Hansberry 407). This basically states that Mr. Linder was trying to convince them not to live in their neighborhood because they didn't fit into the description of that community. This is an example of them not being accepted by the white society. Being financially stable allows you to have a better lifestyle, gain respect from others and to obtain power. By being financially stable you can live better because you can you don't never have to worry about how your going to eat, will all the bills be paid and maybe you could own your own business one day. This relates to the story "A Raisin in the Sun" because

Solar Cookers: They’re not just for Greenpeace :: Essays Papers

Solar Cookers: They’re not just for Greenpeace Solar cookers are not only part of our solar history, but quite possibly, part of our solar future as well. Solar cookers are thought to have originated around 1767. A Swiss naturalist named Horace de Saussure is believed to be the first solar cooking pioneer. Since the solar cookers invention, it has taken on three basic forms; the box solar cooker, the panel solar cooker, and the parabolic solar cooker. Like many renewable energy applications, each design has distinct advantages and drawbacks over traditional cookers as well as other solar designs. The box solar cooker is the simplest in design and therefore, the easiest to recreate. Directions on building one’s own box solar cooker can be found easily with an internet search. Box solar ovens can also be purchased commercially and range in price from $50.00 to upwards of $200.00. Typical box solar cookers are lightweight, easily set-up, and fairly safe. They do not lend themselves towards the most intense cooking temperatures. However solar cooking proponents are quick to point out that high temperatures aren’t necessary for cooking. The lower the temperature, the more time needed to cook. Also, food cannot exceed 212ï‚ °F until all of water has been evaporated, so really, any hotter than that is unnecessary. Many proponents also describe boiling times in terms of hours. Panel solar cookers are one step up in complexity from the box cooker. They can typically be assembled in an hour or so. These are widely produced in developing nations. They can be mass produced inexpensively and are easy to use. They reach generally higher temperatures but are less suited to cooking in more temperate environments. Manufactured units are available, though harder to find. The third solar cooker, the parabolic cooker, is the most variable in appearance. Some are very large exceeding 10 feet in diameter and others are so small they can be taken as a backpacking cook stove. They units available commercially are also variable; the relatively simple SolaReflex by Clear dome is 2 ft by 2 ft and retails for $89.00. Parabolic cookers can also be found for prices in excess of $200.00. Parabolic cookers can also be dangerous. They can create bright spots that can do damage to the eyes as well as hot spots that could burn you or your food.

Design Thinking and Innovation at Apple Essay

BACKGROUND: Apple has been a leader in innovation for years and has been able to achieve so by striving hard to deliver insanely great products with simplicity and sophistication. The constant need for innovation, development of unique product development strategies and their prompt execution, the presence of the visionary, Steve Jobs and their bold attitude at business experimentation formed the basis of principles at Apple. During mid-1970s, computers were mere automation devices and were not perceived to be used for personal work. Apple reasoned the impact personal computing will have on individuals once they were able to see how beneficial the personal computers could be. It was essential these machines were highly user friendly. Apple achieved this by incorporating simplicity in the product design internally: by attending to the minutest detail in the product, evaluating whether a part or feature is really required, adopting new technologies, and externally: exploring different materials and approaches, enhancing customer experience by creating highly interactive products. To be able to provide with a smooth and flowing customer experience, it was necessary to consider the smallest detail while designing the product. The philosophy was to achieve sophistication through simplicity by working out the intent for the product, its concept development, the process of making it and the user experience of working with it. The sleek design and appearance of Apple products, easy-to-adopt solutions, and inside-out simplicity in their design and usage, consistency and resemblance across products has a huge impact on the user experience. ANALYSIS The innovation and existence of the creative core of technology at Apple has continued through years despite the disorientation it faced by the lack of focus, increased competition and changing leaderships during 1985-1997. Post 1997, Apple managed to get its act together under the able leadership of Steve Jobs by focusing on fewer projects, changing distribution system, embarking direct sales via online website and adopting sophisticated  marketing for its â€Å"insanely great products†. Tim Cook, the then Chief Operating Officer at Apple was responsible for cleaning up the operations of manufacturing, distribution and supply that were taken up during 1985-1997. A core approach to development was taken up: working intimately with manufacturers to find different materials and better processes, and being completely in sync with the customers, their needs and priorities. The basis of Apple was their consistency across its products which were accomplished by adopting a one platform strategy. All the products had the OSX operating system, which was undertaken with a vision to accommodate their development and production. This benefitted Apple (as a company): to develop and design components that were highly efficient and reliable by investing time and resources, its suppliers: allowed reuse and sharing assemblies and sub-assemblies at lower costs, its employees: added to their knowledge base and experience and most importantly, its customers: enabled easier adoption to its products due to familiarity and resemblance across products and lesser maintenance requirements due to stable, reliable designs. Apple has been keen on integrating customer experience in the design and development process. They followed an iterative customer involvement process in which they carried out extensive testing to improve user experience with the software and understanding the user expectations when they were trying to accomplish a task. Products were designed so the end user is able to employ them as tools to create and achieve their needs easily and effectively. Steve Jobs has played a pivotal, influential role in the driving Apple to the heights it has reached as a company and the reputation its products have built in the market. He had an inbuilt â€Å"design sense† and had a distinct vision of the meaning of the company, its products and how that can be achieved. It was his philosophy of simplicity that was adopted by the company of achieving beautiful, elegant solutions by digging deep into the key, underlying principle of the problem. Jobs demanded products with ultimate sophistication, high quality, and superior capabilities yet, simple UIs. It was his persuasion to have Apple computers for personal computing,  when the rest of the industry was busy creating enterprise solutions. His drive for excellence, and total involvement in every stage of product development and its presentation to the customer, have been the principal elements responsible for the innovation at Apple and the way the company is shaped up. Apple manages to create hype about its products and makes grand presentation to launch them in the market. The launched product is immediately available in the retails and on-line stores for customers to review and purchase. Apple values its secrecy and guards it fiercely. This creates additional hype around the product as they have been known for delivering innovative and appealing products. The constant innovation at Apple ensured they had improved versions of previously launched products, which were then marketed to promote users to have a portfolio of a single product. Apple took a bold step by moving to retail and having commercial stores for Apple products in a hope to attract non-Apple customers and retain the Apple fan base by providing elegant store designs and easy accessibility to their products. The intent was to generate foot traffic by luring shoppers and thereby increase curiosity and popularity. A smart move was undertaken by introducing a â€Å"genius bar† for tech repair and support which was undertaken publicly, adding to the â€Å"cool† factor. Apple was able to create a buzz around its products by launching retail stores at prime location in upscale malls. RECOMMENDATIONS Because Apple claims to build products that are for everyone, they should be priced so that they are affordable to everyone. With increase in the competition that Apple products are facing, they should make efforts to lower the cost without compromising the quality. Now that Apple has established itself as a brand and made a statement about its products, the new stores could be opened at other relatively cheaper yet, decent locations instead of high end malls or at expensive real estates. They could have an online virtual genius bar (video) that could help customers, especially those who aren’t good at communicating in English, with the problems they had with devices.