Needs Assessment.

Needs Assessment. With the given situation of a new job and a new plant, the method choice for assessment would be the focus groups. As compared to the other methods, this was found most suitable for the circumstances being as it had more advantages than disadvantages for the scenario. The advantages of using this method for the company's needs assessment are: (1) The method is found useful with complex issues and with a new position and a new company, the face-to-face meeting with subject-matter experts would be necessary in constructing a needs assessment for a new training program. (2) Questions are modified to foresee and consider any unanticipated issues that may poise as a future obstacle. The assessment is based on speculating what the needs are going to be and not what they already are. And with the listed disadvantages, two are automatically disregarded on the basis that this organization is a new one and group members attending are also new and this makes the focus meeting a non-threatening one.The new construction of the team dissolves the possibility of being misinformed on job performances, and team members are more willing to contribute sincere information. For a decent assessment the consumption of time or the utilization of a skilled specialist are essential.Upper-Level Management in the Needs Assessment.The second part of the needs assessment analysis, 'who' the training exists for, was traditionally left up to the trainer to decide. But with the changes in the marketplace, a competitive advantage required more from the training process than just the basic skills development. Incorporating upper-management into the assessment process ensures a broader perspective and lines up the training and development goals with that of the company. When evaluating for a needs assessment, the management levels seek the answers for different inquires. The subordinate...

Commerce Clause Meaning and Applications

Commerce Clause Meaning and Applications The Commerce Clause is a provision of the U.S. Constitution (Article 1, Section 8) that grants Congress the power â€Å"to regulate Commerce with foreign Nations, and among the several States, and with the Indian Tribes. This law gives the federal government the power to regulate interstate commerce, which it defines as the sale, purchase, or exchange of commodities or the transportation of people, money, or goods between different states.   Congress has historically cited the Commerce Clause as justification for laws and regulations controlling the activities of the states and their citizens. In some instances, these laws lead to controversy over the constitutional division between the powers of the federal government and rights of the states. Dormant Commerce Clause The courts have interpreted the Commerce Clause as not only an explicit grant of power to Congress, but also an implied ban against state laws that conflict with federal law- sometimes called the Dormant Commerce Clause. The Dormant Commerce Clause refers to the Commerce Clause’s implied prohibition against state laws that conflict with federal law by discriminating against or excessively burdening interstate commerce. This prohibition is primarily intended to prevent the states from enacting â€Å"protectionist† trade laws. What Is Commerce? Since the Constitution does not explicitly define â€Å"commerce,† the exact meaning is a source of legal debate. Some constitutional scholars contend that â€Å"commerce† refers only to trade or exchange. Others argue that it has a broader meaning, referring to all commercial and social interaction between residents of different states. These divergent interpretations create a controversial line between federal and state power. Interpretation of Commerce: 1824 to 1995 The first legal interpretation of the scope of the Commerce Clause came in 1824, when the Supreme Court decided the case of Gibbons v. Ogden. In one of the first major expansions of the powers of the federal government, the Court ruled that Congress could use the Commerce Clause to enact laws regulating both interstate and intrastate trade. In the 1905 case of Swift and Company v. United States, the Supreme Court refined its 1824 interpretation by ruling that Congress could apply the Commerce Clause in regulating the practices of local businesses- intrastate commerce- only if those local business practices were in some way a part of a â€Å"current† or stream of commerce that also involved the movement of goods between states. In the 1937 case of NLRB v. Jones Laughlin Steel Corp, the Court significantly broadened the reach of the Commerce Clause. Specifically, the Court held that any local business activity could be defined as â€Å"commerce† as long as it had or was likely to have a â€Å"substantial economic effect† on interstate commerce. Under this interpretation, for example, Congress gained the power to enact laws regulating local firearms dealers if any of the guns they sell are manufactured outside of their states. Over the next 58 years, not a single law based on the Commerce Clause was invalidated by the Supreme Court. Then, in 1995, the Court narrowed its interpretation of commerce with its ruling in the case of United States v. Lopez. In its decision, the Court struck down parts of the federal Gun-Free School Zones Act of 1990, finding that the act of possessing a firearm is not an economic activity. Current Interpretation: The Three-Part Test When deciding that a state law is a valid exercise of the state’s power to regulate interstate commerce under the implied prohibitions of the Commerce Clause, the Supreme Court now applies this three-part test: The law must in no way discriminate against or excessively interfere with interstate commerce.The commerce regulated by the state law must not be of a nature that requires regulation by the federal government.The federal government’s interest in regulating the commerce in question must not outweigh the interest of the state. To uphold a state law under the Commerce Clause, the Supreme Court must find that the law’s benefits outweigh its burdens on interstate commerce. In addition, the Court must find that in enacting the law, the state is not attempting to advance the economic interest of its own citizens over those of the citizens of other states. Current Applications in Law In its 2005 decision in the case of Gonzales v. Raich, the Court returned to a wider interpretation of the Commerce Clause when it upheld federal laws regulating the production of marijuana in states that had legalized marijuana possession. The Supreme Court’s most recent interpretation of the Commerce Clause came from the 2012 case of NFIB v. Sebelius, in which the Court upheld Congress’ power to enact the individual mandate provision of the Affordable Care Act requiring all uninsured individuals to secure health insurance or pay a tax penalty. In reaching its 5-4 decision, the Court found that while the mandate was a constitutional exercise of Congress’ power to tax, it was not a proper use of Congresss Commerce Clause or Necessary and Proper Clause powers. Sources †Commerce Clauseâ€Å" Legal Information Institute. Cornell Law School.â€Å"Commerce Clause Limitations on State Regulation.† University of Missouri-Kansas CityWilliams, Norman. Why Congress May Not Overrule the Dormant Commerce Clause. UCLA Law Review (2005). â€Å"Federal Courts Split on Constitutionality of Individual Mandate in Health Care Law.† Regulatory Review (2011).

Senior Project - Team Contract Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Senior Project - Team Contract - Essay Example The deadline for turning in the work should be set well before the final deadline so that any changes that need to be made can be accomplished. The best case scenario would be to see that all components are turned in at least two days before the deadline so that the work can be assessed for its value by all of the members of the team. By creating this deadline, the group can ensure that there is enough time for all aspects of the project to be perfected after evaluations by each member. If a member does not turn in their work by the team deadline it will give the team time to compensate for this problem. Lack of participation will be incorporated into the notes that will be made on the overall project and reported according to the guidelines that are provided for the project. Team leadership will be selected according to a group discussion. However, the best teams are not divided by leadership, but by responsibilities. Therefore, the team leader will have the responsibility of making sure that all aspects of the project are in on time, but will not be given the powers to rule over issues that occur during the project nor be given the power to veto aspects of the project. The goal will be to work as a team in such a way as to encourage the strengths of each team member and compensate for any weakness. The team leader will organize the details of the project, but will not have the power to control the project. This should be a collaborative effort, rather than ruled by a dictator. Section III In order to deal with team conflict, it will be necessary to put into place a way to negate any disagreements on how the team should progress towards its goals. Conflicts can occur due to a number of different problems that might arise during the project. Seeing the project through different ideas will be the first potential problem. A team vote on how to focus the project from the beginning will help to negate this potential problem. Making sure that all members are on boar d and agree on how the project should proceed will be the best way to prevent problems from the beginning. A second problem that might arise involves the issues of strengths and weaknesses. Before tasks are given to each of the members, it is important that each member identifies which parts of the project will give them the best opportunity to excel and which aspects are representatives of weaknesses. Creating a chart that identifies all tasks and allowing members to identify their strengths and weaknesses will assist in giving responsibilities and in balancing out where weaknesses are shown. The team agrees to handle all conflicts through mature and reasonable methods of communications. The team agrees that it will not argue, but discuss any disagreements on the project and that it will be necessary to sometimes deal with conflicts that arise. Through a recognition that the potential for a disagreement exists, it is clear that the project members are willing to work through any pr oblems that might come to light. As disagreements come to light, the differing sides of the problem will be discussed through breaking down each element of the disagreement, assessing which portions are similar and which elements require a decision or

The Success and Challenges of Ryanairs Operations and Marketing Essay

The Success and Challenges of Ryanairs Operations and Marketing Strategies - Essay Example It is evidently clear from the discussion that the technology which is used by Ryan Air is one of the key factor successes because it saves check-in time and also helps to reduce check-in staff costs. Through this process, a company can maximize its profits. Effective resource planning and redesigning its operations are also the success factors. The company maintains low fare as it is generally operated short distance trips. This policy attracts fare-conscious customers who have to travel frequently. The demand is increasing and the travelers are motivated as they are getting the best value for money air services. The company carries out point to point operations on a regular basis which helps to eliminate the requirement of frills services. This point to point operation eliminates extra cost and travelers can get direct routes and non-stop services which cannot be provided by the long route airlines services. Units costs are also reduced as the aircraft are utilized more. As the rou tes are direct so it helps to reduce operating costs and further expenses. It targets to reduce aircraft equipment costs. They have generally used the single type of air crafts but later they upgraded it by using the new model of aircraft for stiff competition in the market and also for environmental rules and regulations. So this competitive mentality is another key factor of success as well as they are thinking about the society at large and agreed with corporate social responsibility. The company has the core competence which is nothing but a set of technology and skills. Through this core competence, the company enables to achieve a particular benefit which they also can provide to its customers.

Similarities between college and high school Essay Example for Free

Similarities between college and high school Essay College and high school are very similar because they both focus on making us a better player in the race of life. First of all, students have to earn good grades. In college students have to get good grades in order to have a better career, likewise in high school pupils have to get decent grades to get accepted into a better college. Second, the classes are similar. The courses we take in college and high school have same context, however college courses are more challenging. In addition, college and high school teaches the same way. They both have textbooks, teachers, classrooms, homework, and of course the final exam. Moreover, they both have clubs and organizations. High school and college have organizations and clubs that a student can join that fits their interests, these organizations and clubs can make their college application or a resume look worthy. For these reasons, it is clear that college and high school have similarities in many ways. College and high school are very similar because they both focus on making us a better player in the race of life. First of all, students have to earn good grades. In college students have to get good grades in order to have a better career, likewise in high school pupils have to get decent grades to get accepted into a better college. Second, the classes are similar. The courses we take in college and high school have same context, however college courses are more challenging. In addition, college and high school teaches the same way. They both have textbooks, teachers, classrooms, homework, and of course the final exam. Moreover, they both have clubs and organizations. High school and college have organizations and clubs that a student can join that fits their interests, these organizations and clubs can make their college application or a resume look worthy. For these reasons, it is clear that college and high school have similarities in many ways. College and high school are very similar because they both focus on making us a better player in the race of life. First of all, students have to earn good grades. In college students have to get good grades in order to have a better career, likewise in high school pupils have to get decent grades to get accepted into a better college. Second, the classes are similar. The courses we take in college and high school have same context, however college courses are more challenging. In addition, college and high school teaches the same way. They both have textbooks, teachers, classrooms, homework, and of course the final exam. Moreover, they both have clubs and organizations. High school and college have organizations and clubs that a student can join that fits their interests, these organizations and clubs can make their college application or a resume look worthy. For these reasons, it is clear that college and high school have similarities in many ways. College and high school are very similar because they both focus on making us a better player in the race of life. First of all, students have to earn good grades. In college students have to get good grades in order to have a better career, likewise in high school pupils have to get decent grades to get accepted into a better college. Second, the classes are similar. The courses we take in college and high school have same context, however college courses are more challenging. In addition, college and high school teaches the same way. They both have textbooks, teachers, classrooms, homework, and of course the final exam. Moreover, they both have clubs and organizations. High school and college have organizations and clubs that a student can join that fits their interests, these organizations and clubs can make their college application or a resume look worthy. For these reasons, it is clear that college and high school have similarities in many ways. College and high school are very similar because they both focus on making us a better player in the race of life. First of all, students have to earn good grades. In college students have to get good grades in order to have a better career, likewise in high school pupils have to get decent grades to get accepted into a better college. Second, the classes are similar. The courses we take in college and high school have same context, however college courses are more challenging. In addition, college and high school teaches the same way. They both have textbooks, teachers, classrooms, homework, and of course the final exam. Moreover, they both have clubs and organizations. High school and college have organizations and clubs that a student can join that fits their interests, these organizations and clubs can make their college application or a resume look worthy. For these reasons, it is clear that college and high school have similarities in many ways.

Tensions in Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening :: Stopping Woods Snowy Evening

Tensions in Stopping by Woods The poem as a whole, of course, encodes many of the tensions between popular and elite poetry. For example, it appears in an anthology of children's writing alongside Amy Lowell's "Crescent Moon," Joyce Kilmer's "Trees," and Edward Lear's "Owl and the Pussy-Cat." Pritchard situates it among a number of poems that "have ... repelled or embarrassed more highbrow sensibilities," which suggests the question: "haven't these poems ['The Pasture,' 'Stopping by Woods...,' 'Birches,' 'Mending Wall'] been so much exclaimed over by people whose poetic taste is dubious or hardly existent, that on these grounds alone Frost is to be distrusted?" The views represented--and the representations of the poem itself, affiliated with the work of Dickinson, Longfellow, Dante, and the Romantics--range from emphasis on its gentility to its modernist ambiguity. Nevertheless, more than one critic underscores its threat to individualism, its "dangerous pro spect of boundarilessness," which suggests the masculine conception of poetic selfhood with which the poem is commonly framed. Seasons were a conventional means to illustrate feelings, as in Helen Hunt Jackson's "'Down to Sleep'": November woods are bare and still; November days are clear and bright; Each noon burns up the morning's chill; The morning's snow is gone by night; Each day my steps grow slow, grow light, As through the woods I reverent creep, Watching all things lie "down to sleep." I never knew before what beds, Fragrant to smell, and soft to touch, The forest sifts and shapes and spreads; I never knew before how much Of human sound there is in such Low tones as through the forest sweep When all wild things lie "down to sleep." Each day I find new coverlids Tucked in and more sweet eyes shut tight; Sometimes the viewless mother bids Her ferns kneel down full in my sight; I hear their chorus of "good night," And half I smile, and half I weep, Listening while they lie "down to sleep." November woods are bare and still; November days are bright and good; Life's noon burns up life's morning chill; Life's night rests feet which long have stood; Some warm soft bed, in field or wood, The mother will not fail to keep, Where we can "lay us down to sleep."

The phenomenon of city as a symbol of a modern way of life

The phenomenon of city as a symbol of a modern way of life is as complex as the structure of modern societies. In fact, city can be seen as a miniature version of a smaller society within a larger one, as most people living in cities tend to strongly identify themselves with them. And if we take into account the fact that in the Western world the percentage of city dwellers in contrast to people living in the countryside is continuing to grow due to the process of urbanisation (Hayward, 2004, pp.17-18), the phenomenon of city as a of dominant life style of humans deserves the most attentive examination.In particular, the urgent topic in the study of the ways in which city functions is the problem of its inner structure and dynamics in light of the often voiced concerns that the contemporary city is becoming more fractured and polarised than ever. The disturbing degree of this polarisation can be appreciated with the help of the so-called ‘dual city theory’, which, among other things, aims to show how the changes in economy, such as the removal of most of manufacturing jobs from the urban areas coupled with the state`s minimal involvement into the social sphere, lead to significant changes in the social structure of modern cities â€Å"in which the richer get richer, the poorer more poor and the middle classes are shrinking† (Holt-Jensen, 2002, p.3).Still, even without this socio-economic aspect of the city life, there is a plenty of reasons why the contemporary city may become fractured. One of them is the presence of ethnic sub-groups in many cities that occupy distinct areas and in this way in essence form isolated cultural islands. This peculiarity of many modern cities is reinforced by the more traditional but very important division between their functional parts, such as historical districts, usually attractive for tourists, downtown, industrial areas, and bedroom communities. This internal structure also inevitably shapes the economic and social structure of cities, as being historically perpetuated this type of division forms corresponding social patterns, represented by correspondence of a certain city district to a certain social class of people inhabiting it. As a sad example of such a firm correspondence may serve districts with the increased criminal activity, which cannot be exterminated by any legal enforcements.As the result of the working of the mentioned factors, it is indeed possible to say that the contemporary city in many respects resembles a fractured and polarized environment, in which it is possible for people to feel themselves lonely even in the crowd (Clarke, 2003, pp.192-195).By the way, speaking about specific problems stemming from the high density of population in most modern cities, such as ubiquitous traffic jams or the issue of environmental pollution, it is worth to mention that it is perhaps one of the unifying factors for all the city communities as such challenges require a cohere nt and unanimous action. Also, in relation to the positive roles that cities play in the modern world, it should be said that in their frames a lot of opportunities exist for the cultural exchange and development, so that cities can be seen as miniature melting pots of languages and cultures.As we can see, the view that the contemporary city is becoming more fractured and polarised is indeed not devoid of the truth. However, it seems safe to claim that this is happening not so much due to the peculiarities of the life in cities as such, but rather due to the natural processes of social interaction. Thus, city is an environment in which all the forms of social change are just manifested and amplified in a very clear form. SourcesClarke, D., B. (2003). Consumer Society and the Postmodern City. RoutledgeHayward, K. (2004). City Limits: Crime, Consumer Culture and the Urban Experience.

Personal Goal

Throughout my life there have been a lot of people, books and audio tapes that have taught me important lessons. For me, making the right decision in life is crucial as I believe we have only one life and one chance and we should make the most of it. In my life I want to be known for my successful career, my generosity and my positive influence towards people. I guess this is my long term goal in life and I am confident that my study in Northeastern University will take me closer towards my goal in life. Since I was twelve years old, I was in a position where I needed to choose between going to school in Indonesia, where I would stay close to my family and friends, or going to school in Australia, where I would get a better education, but be by myself, far away from my family and friends. I took action and moved from my comfort zone. Moving and living into a totally new country is certainly a great life experience which thought me that determination and self-motivation is the key in helping one succeed in life. My parents always remind me that when the time comes my responsibility is to continue our family business and taking care of my brother and sisters. It is in our culture that the eldest son in the family had the responsibility to take care of the whole family. I believe it is not an easy task but as a responsible son I will prepare and equipped myself with whatever I need to achieve this goal. My short term goal is to have a real working experience in one of the leading company in the United States. When choosing a University in United States, it was always my intention of not getting just a business theory but more importantly real working experience in a company. I do my research and finds that Northeastern University is known for its internship program in United States. In doing MBA degree at Northeastern, I will choose finance as my career track. I choose finance firstly because it is an important area that I need to understand in order to take my family business to the next stage and I also believe that by taking this career track it will get me ready to face the real business world. I am confident that by taking a MBA at Northeastern University will help me to achieve my short term goal of equipping me with knowledge and a real working experience that I really need. Determination and Self motivation is what will keep me moving towards my life goal and I believe that with strong determination and self motivation I will be able to accomplish all of my goals in life. Please answer the following questions: a) What have you learned in your research on Northeastern that has motivated you to apply? ) What unique contributions will you bring to the Northeastern community as a student? c) How will you benefit personally and professionally from your experience at Northeastern? A) The most appealing factor that motivated me to apply is the fact that Northeastern is one of the top Universities in United States that have the best internship program and the recommendation by people who claimed that the schools are so helpful with their students. I believe that University involvement in helping their student succeeding in their career is very important. I read a review that stated that Northeastern provide students with a lots of tools and workshop for their internship. B) In my career both in Indonesia and Australia, I had the opportunity to experience many different kinds of activity from sporting activity, community activity to working experience. My sporting experience includes representing Indonesia to play in an international U-13 competition, playing musical instrument in a band for a concert in Australia, one of a member in Indonesian Student Association in Australia, as well as having two years experience working as a marketing manager in a building material manufacturer company in Indonesia. As a student I am confident that my experience will bring unique contribution to Northeastern Community. C) Personally the most valuable thing that I could have is experiencing and learning in different culture, different environment and diverse people from all over the country. The chance of being able to be around different people from different country and background are priceless for me because it will open my mind about being able to adapt in a diverse environment and a challenge to be able to settle and work together with people from different culture and background. An experience outside university as well as in the workplace will no doubt give me a price less experience especially towards my career internationally, because in a business world we have to be able to deal with almost everyone and I will take this opportunity as my chance to practice this rare opportunity. I look forward to meeting new people from all over the world, making new friends, learning about the western culture, doing new activity and working together as a team. Another personal benefit is that living away from my family will make me able to be live independently and solving problems on my own. I believe that as I move along in my study at Northeastern I will have more and more benefit that right now I have not seen.

The rise of the qin dynasty Essays

The rise of the qin dynasty Essays The rise of the qin dynasty Essay The rise of the qin dynasty Essay The role/importance of Qin Shi Huang in early China Today China is a great industrial power, its rapid economic growth over the past few decades have been very remarkable. Almost everything is made in China, almost every United States citizen can be seen with at least one consumer item from the country. But this country was not always this great economic power. Long before China became the great power it is today, long before it was even a country, China was secluded from the outside world. Chinese history primarily focused on inner China because the surrounding area contained a very hostile environment. This independence thrust on the Chinese from its seclusion serves to explain how the Chinese developed a unique and independent civilization. Even within China, the country was never a unified state in ancient times. Rather, it was divided into dozens of independent Chinese states. However, after centuries of fghting, seven major kingdoms emerged, the most important being the kingdom of Qin. It was within this kingdom that Wang Ying Chen unified China after years of ruthless fighting. Under this king, China was, for the first time ever, unified under one ruler. When Wang came into power, his title as king was not good enough, so he renamed himself Shih Huang D, which means first emperor. Through his reign, he made China a greater power economically, politically and socially. Before his rule, China was not politically stable, so to avoid political chaos, conquered states could not be referred to as independent nations. Shih Huang Di then divided his empire into thirty six commanderies. These administrative units served well for China, for they made China more organized. And what made this system so unique was that it was different from what previous dynasties had done. Previous dynasties had used loose alliances and federations, which did not do the country well. Moreover, government appointments were no longer based on nepotism but rather on merit. This eliminated any corrupt activity within the government that would Jeopardize the country in any way. The first emperor of China was also responsible for unifying China economically. He standardized units of measurements for weight and measures. Moreover, he standardized the currency. And more importantly, he helped establish an extensive network of roads and canals that facilitated trade and contributed to the economic ell-being of the country. But most of all, under his rule, the Chinese script was unified. This made the communication system of China completely unified. These accomplishments were important in establishing China as a better country. China would not be the same if it were not for Qin Shih Huang. The influence he had over Chinese culture can not be doubted. Outline l. Intro a. China wasnt always as great as it was today b. Ancient times: not unified c. First emperor II. Political influence a. Standardized currency b. Network of roads c. Effect IV. Social influence a. Communication system V. Conclusion

How to Study for the ACT 10-Step Plan

How to Study for the ACT 10-Step Plan SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips The ACT is quite possibly one of the most important tests you'll take in high school; it's vitalto go in prepared.With somany sources offering thesolution to your test preparation needs, how are you supposed to know which path to take? What follows is a summary of the best advice I haveto offer on how to studyfor the ACT, based on my extensive experience as a tutor.I'll cover when to start studying, where to find practice materials, and how to approach the process itself. This guide will give you a complete plan for studying for the ACT. 3 Guiding Principles of ACT Study We'll get to the specific recommendations in a minute, but first I want to establish the underlying tenets that should guide your ACT preparation. #1: Personalize and Individualize No two people are exactly alike- nor should their study plans be. Make sure your study plan suits your individual needs. We at PrepScholar know a lot about test prep, but you know the most aboutyou. Think about how you can use the flexibility in our suggested plan to serve you better. If you'd rather study two hours straight, fine. If you'd rather study for four half-hour increments, that's fine, too. Do what's going to work best for you! #2: Start Early Give yourself plenty of time for the test preparation process. Three months should be sufficient for most students' needs, but those looking for an extreme score increase might need to stretch this timeline out to six months. Of course, that means you should know which boat you're in at least six months ahead of the test, so you'll want to start paying some attention to the process that early. #3: Doing Something Beats Doing Nothing What if you don't have six months, or even three months, to think about test preparation? What if you only have 15 minutes a day that you can spend studying? What if you don't have four hours free to take a practice exam? Use what you have- even if it's just 15 minutes a day for a month and a half, it'll be much better than nothing. If you have to break your practice exam(s) into multiplesittings, so be it. Not being in a position to do something right shouldn't be an excuse for not doing it at all.A little preparation is better than none. Even very little outweighs nothing at all. The ACT Prep Process: 10-Step Plan Now that we've covered the basics, let's get into the detailsof how to study for the ACT. Step 1: Read Up on the ACT If you have any lingering doubts about the ACT'sformat, its scoring, or the implications of various scores on your college hopes, this is the time to sort those questions out. Being fully comfortable with the test will help you relax a little, not to mention study more effectively. Step 2: Take a Practice Test Give this first test your best effort so as to get a more realistic score. On that note, make sure you're using an official ACT practice test. These will give you the most accurate sense of the ACT as well as the most accurate results. Plus, they're available for free! While you're taking this practice exam, make sure to read the instructions carefully;getting used to these directions will be a vital part of your test preparation. They don't change from edition to edition of the test, and you don't want to waste time on test day reading the same directions you could have grown familiar with months ago. Besides, fully understanding the task will save you a lot of grief. Oftentimes, we tend to answer the wrong question because we don't fully realize what's being asked of us. Step 3: Score Your Practice Test Review each and every question you got wrong. See why you missed the questions you did. Which ones were careless errors, and which ones were genuine weak spots in terms of content? Pay attention to all these problems since they give you good information on your tendencies, including where you tend to get careless and where you need to understand the directions better. Many practice tests come complete with answer explanations,and these are a great tool to use when you're looking at the problems you missed. Otherwise, try plugging the correct answer in and working through the problem with the goal in mind; this might help clarify things. Don't forget you can also ask for help if you're still struggling to make sense of something. Once you've got a good handle on which questions you missed (and why you missed them), try to identify the patterns of your strengths and weaknesses. Treat this as a diagnosis for where to spend the majority of your time for the next fewmonths. Step 4: Set a Reasonable Goal You know how the ACT works and you know where you stand. How much do you think you could stand to improve? What's a bit of a stretch, but still realistic? If you're scoring in the low 20s, it's too much to expect to land in the 30s. If you're scoring in the mid- to high 20s, though, a goal in the 30s might be reasonable depending on how committed you are to the process and how many resources you're willing and able to use. To set a specific ACT goal score, you'll need to look at the average ACT scores of admitted applicants to the schools you're applying to.Your goal score must be higher than these averages to give you the best chance of admission. For more tips on how to set an ACT goal score, check out our step-by-step guide. Winning at darts while blindfolded isnot a reasonablegoal. Step 5: Decide What Tools You'll Use Whatever course you take for studying, you'll need some good resources. Official resources are always the place to start.If you need to supplement ACT, Inc.'s materials, though, make sure you're looking at the credentials behind anyproduct and the average results of the people who have used itbefore you. You might choose to work solo, using books,websites, and apps on your own. This is something you should be doing to some extent no matter what. Again, you're the expert on you,so it makes sense to work out some kinks on your own. It's one of the most efficient and cheapest ways to study. Many times, however, it's not quite enough. You might choose to take advantage of an online prep program. This is kind of a happy medium; you're still working on your own, but you're getting external guidance and expertise. The guidance is all based on your work and progress and uses very accurate algorithms. That being said, it lacks that personal touch of in-person contact. You might choose to join a group course. There, you can bounce ideas around with peers and a facilitator. You've got the in-person feel, you've got great accountability, and you can ask questions specific to your needs, but the true personalization will be somewhat limited by the format. You can also choose individual tutoring. The great thing about this option is that you can get the most specialized, individualized, expert instruction available.You also get that in-person need met, though the cost is frequently prohibitive and your time with your tutor will almost certainly be limited by logistical constraints. Generally speaking, you're going to get your best results when you mix and match.It would be ideal if you could work on your own while also taking a course or completing an online program and getting tutoring. Of course, you'll need to consider all the practical restraints such as budget.Figure out what's going to get you the results you need without causing undue hardship in the present time. Step 6: Practice Follow some sort of routine for your ACT practice. Generally, you should be studying between 30 minutes and three hours each time you study- closer to 30 minutes if you're studying pretty much every day, and closer to three hours if you're only studying a couple times a week. Try to usea combination of books, websites/videos, and in-person guidance. No matter what resources you're using, it's a good idea to switch things up once in a while so you cover all your bases and give your brain a degree of variety. Our brains thrive on change, so take advantage of this fact. Step 7: Take Another Practice Test This is where things start to sound a little repetitive. You'll want to take another practice test to measure your progress. This also serves as a chance to to continue getting more comfortable with the format and layout of the ACT. You're actually going to do this a fewmore times, too,if you have room in your schedule. There's nothing like a mock exam for practicing both content and format. Aim to take a practice ACT every three weeks. You can take them less often if testing so frequently doesn't make sense in your situation, or you can opt for more often if you're feeling shaky on the tasks. Regardless,aim for at least three practice tests before the real thing. It's best to take each practice test in a single sitting under actual exam conditions so you can acclimate to the environment. This means taking the test in a quiet room and using the same time constraints you'll have on the ACT. Afterwards, analyze your results with the same care you did the first time around and plan any necessary adjustments to your routine. Time for ACT practice tests should come around periodically. Step 8: Practice Some More Continue on with your ACT study routine, making any adjustments according to the results of your most recent practice exam. Keep using the resources that helped you the most during the last round of practice, and also keep incorporating variety into your drills. Whether you're working with a tutor or not, it's a great idea to find someone who's willing to help you by being a test preparation "buddy." This could be anyone from a parent to a friend to a school librarian, just as long as they hold you accountable to your process and encourage you along the way. Step 9: Repeat Steps 7 and 8 As I mentioned before, things become cyclical at this point. You're going to study and test, study and test, right up until exam time. Keep assessing your progress,and keep asking others who are following your effortsto weigh in. Always be open to adjusting your process according to what's working and what's not. The week before the test, start to slow things down. Don't take a practice exam in that final week, and don't study quite as much; you know what you know, and it's no use driving yourself into a frenzy trying to cram anyremaining factoids into your brain. A day or two before the test, stop studying altogether, and use that time to rest and recuperate. Step 10: Maintain Self-Care Throughout the process of studying, make sure you're taking good care of yourself, physically, mentally, and emotionally. Give yourself regular encouragement. Get ample rest and do some recreational activities. Reward your hard work with small treats, whether that's an ice cream cone or a walk in the park. While you should always pay attention to your sleep,it becomes especially crucial three days to a week before the test. Our bodies don't operatesolely onthe sleep of the night before but a night or two before that. Gather all your materials the night before the ACT, and don't forget to have a good breakfast and plan in plenty of extra time for getting to the test center. Also, remind yourself that while the ACT is an important test, it doesn't define you or your future success.Keep the test in perspective. Reminders for Your ACT Studying Reading is hugely important. Even when you're not officially studying for the test, reading many different styles and genres (and actively engaging with the texts) can help prepare you for the ACT, specifically the Reading and English sections. Set minor goals to help you achieve your overarching goal. It's great to see goals getting checked off the list, and having a set of actionable, achievable items to work toward will provide invaluable guidance when you're not sure where to go next. I've said this before, but vary the sources you use and the ways you study.Our brains tend to shut down after too much repetition, so throw yourself a few curve ballswhenever possible. Remember that study buddy I said to find? Seek them out for encouragement and use them to help you stay on track when things get difficult. They can talk you through any challenges that arise in your prep. People who will give you good counsel are invaluable. Conclusion: How to Study for the ACT Studying for the ACT can seem like an overwhelming task. However,by establishing a routine of studying and taking full-length practice tests, it can be broken down into manageable steps. Your ACT study plan should be personalized,but it should also include some basic elements like frequent practice tests and varied sources to use in solo study. Similarly, it's a good idea to pursue an ACT prep course (in-person or online) and/or individual tutoring. In all of this, though, don't forget to take care of yourself- the ACT should be serving you, not the other way around.Get good rest, and make time for the fun things in life. Remember that the ACT does not determine your fate all alone. What's Next? If you want to get started on reading up about the ACT,we've got an article that covers what exactly a good score looks like, along with tips on how to get there. Need help coming up with an ACT study plan?Check out our four sample plans, and get tips on how to study for the ACT if you've only got a month before test day. Aiming for a perfect ACT score?Then read our expert tips on how to get one, from a verified 36 scorer. Want to improve your ACT score by 4 points? Check out our best-in-class online ACT prep classes. We guarantee your money back if you don't improve your ACT score by 4 points or more. Our classes are entirely online, and they're taught by ACT experts. If you liked this article, you'll love our classes. Along with expert-led classes, you'll get personalized homework with thousands of practice problems organized by individual skills so you learn most effectively. We'll also give you a step-by-step, custom program to follow so you'll never be confused about what to study next. Try it risk-free today:

Financial Market Assessment Bahrain Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Financial Market Assessment Bahrain - Essay Example The Index of Economic Freedom measures countries against a list of 50 independent variables divided into 10 broad factors of economic freedom. Low scores are more desirable. The higher the score, the greater the level of government interference in the economy and the less economic freedom a country enjoys. These 50 variables are grouped into ten categories: Trade policy, Fiscal burden of government, Government intervention in the economy, Monetary policy, Capital flows and foreign investment, Banking and finance, Wages and prices, Property rights, Regulation, and Informal market activity. As shown in Table 1, Bahrain ranked 20th of 155 countries (North Korea is 155th). Using the table, we can make a quick comparison of Bahrain and Hong Kong (HKG), the country with the highest economic freedom, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain's closest competitor for the title of the Middle East's financial capital. As Table 1 shows, Bahrain had the same scores as HKG in five out of ten categories, but in one of these (Fiscal burden), it scored higher (meaning, it performed worse) than the UAE, which is developing Dubai to compete with Bahrain. Since our paper is a study of Bahrain's competitive weaknesses in financial markets, we have a tool we can use to know what it should fix if it wants to win the competition with Dubai. The comparison with the United States gives us a better idea of how Bahrain fares in economic freedom. The U.S. is ahead only by a margin of two: better in three categories: Trade policy, Government intervention, and Informal market; worse in one: Fiscal burden; and tied in the rest. We now look briefly at where Bahrain did well. Then, by focusing on those where it scored badly, we can come out with the basic tools to analyze the degree of openness of Bahrain's financial sector. Bahrain's Good Points1 Bahrain scored well in four areas: monetary policy, banking and finance, wages and prices, and property rights. The main reasons for these are: Monetary Policy. Measured on the basis of the weighted average annual inflation rate of 0.04 percent, Bahrain is stable. Banking and Finance. Bahrain's banking and finance sector has very few restrictions. It is relatively easy to establish a bank; there are few, if any, restrictions or requirements on new banks; and foreign banks are welcome. At the end of 2003, there were 25 commercial banks, mostly foreign, and foreigners and Bahrainis alike have ready access to credit on market terms. The banking system is sound and undergoes examination and supervision by the Bahrain Monetary Agency (BMA), which has a solid international reputation. Efforts are being made to increase the liquidity of the Bahrain Stock Exchange (BSE), which opened in 1989. The government allows Gulf Co-operation Council (GCC) nationals to own 100% stakes in firms listed on the BSE and increased the proportion that could be owned by other foreigners to 49%. The Minister of Commerce has announced that ownership for non-GCC nationals will be increased to 100% by end-2005. Wages and Prices. Bahrain, despite issuing a minimum wage law, improved its wages and prices regimes in the past year, reducing its influence over setting of domestic prices. It liberalized its telecommunications sector, where it had monopoly power, and reduced state power over