Communication in the digital economy , Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Communication in the digital economy , - Essay Example It is the management’s ability to build and maintain flourishing association with their target consumers. External factors involve both opportunities and threats which change continuously with the changing environmental factors (accenture.com, 2010). In addition, marketing environment consists of the actors and forces outside marketing that affect marketing management’s ability to build and maintain successful relationships with target customers. The marketing environment offers both opportunities and threats. The environment continues to change rapidly. The marketing environment is composed of Micro-environment and Macro-environment. Micro environment includes actors which are close to the company. These include customer markets, suppliers, advertising mediators, competitors and community. The Macro environment constitutes several other factors which are basically the larger communal forces that influence the micro environment. These forces are: demographic, economic, natural, technological, political and cultural forces. The transformation in the business environment is due to many reasons. Some of them are discussed keeping in view the automobile industry (Jain & R. K. Garg, 2011). 1. Demographic shifts Due to increase in population and urbanization, there has been a steady change in demographic factors. These factors affect market demand and consequently supply as well. With the change in the target market, the company has to maneuver its strategies accordingly. Customers desire newer, superior products at a lower price. The company’s primary target market is young men aged between 20 years and 30 years. These men are most likely having a couple of part-time jobs that put them in a better position to finance the cost of their cars. The main reason for targeting young men in their 20s is that they like to show off flashy cars. 2. Technological development and Innovation It is compulsive for organizations to keep up with the pace of techn ology. These changes in technology affect the mechanism in which the products are made and also the way in which they recruit and eventually their business culture. Invention of Smartphones has increased communication while social media have made it possible to reach target audience in a more convenient and effective way (Root et al., 2012). 3. Changing Global and Economical setup Due to recessions in the economy, there has been a market intervention approach, which has increased the coordination and dependency between public and private sector. Considering the prices of car specifically Prestige Auto-serve has segmented their cars in two categories which are luxury cars and super luxury cars. Both of these categories are focused specifically to the elite class of the society. The company sells prestigious cars including Mercedes, BMW, and Audi. It as well offers a couple of services including servicing cars, driving lessons, insurance services and financial services (Corwin et al., 2012). 4. Increased competition Due to the certain reasons, like increased valuation, customer awareness and competition, companies are required to venture into new markets, adopt new techniques, and formulate innovative strategies to gain that competitive edge which will make them stand out. If new businesses want to emerge as more compatible than it should have innovative ideas

Critical thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Critical thinking - Essay Example Though, theories and methods are proven or disputed, still due to the critical thinking these conclusions are not final and they are always exposed to comments and criticism. Thanks to critical thinking knowledge is added to all fields allowing for the perpetual evolution of disciplines. Critical thinking and critical approach contribute for the desirable skills that all students aim to - to be able to assess decisively situations. Universities insist on critical thinking because it develops and evolves intelligence and associative thinking. Critical thinking has been interpreted and measured in numberless ways. According to Pascarella and Terenzini (1991) critical thinking "typically involves the individual's ability to do some or all of the following: identify central issues, make correct inferences from data, deduce conclusions from the information or data provided, interpret whether conclusions are warranted on the basis of the data given, and evaluate evidence or authority" (p. 118). They note that the impact of the activated critical thinking is evidenced in postsecondary education. The imperative that students have to concentrate and develop their critical thinking in their postsecondary education identifies the need for scholars to accent on other aspects of thinking while at university. Very often students receive feedbacks on... zing, synthesizing and/or evaluating information gathered from, or generalized by, observation, experience, reflection, reasoning or communication, as a guide to belief and action (1)." For them critical thinking is a process and not an end. Paul and Elder (2002) emphasize that there are 9 qualities that transform the language into an optimal use: clarity, precision, depth, accuracy, relevance, significance, logic, breadth and fairness. Usually students who master the critical thinking technique will be able to: Search patterns and underlying rules; Connect ideas to previous knowledge and examine and compare theories and real life experience; Verify and substantiate evidence and relate it to the conclusions; Explore the arguments for and against and ask critical questions and made assumptions; Recognize alternative viewpoints and being able to built counterarguments; Generalizing main concepts and seeking clarifications to build sustainable knowledge; At university level critical thinking is essential for combining discussion with peer-editing activities and to stimulate the collaboration between pupils. An example of encouraging critical thinking at university is establishing "buzz groups" within the class and each groups will discuss a certain aspect of the topic and the other will try to build counter-arguments and critique the conclusions. A research conducted by Johnson et al (1991) shows that "buzz group" discussions following the guidelines of covering main concepts and then critically evaluating if a counter-argument can be built helps students to develop problem-solving skills and to enhance their independent thinking. In "buzz group" discussions learners are able to formulate problems and to be involved in the process of exploratory learning. This is so,

Balanced Scorecard and Strategic Decision Making Essay

Balanced Scorecard and Strategic Decision Making - Essay Example It reflects the following core principles: (1) No single measure can provide a clear performance target or focus attention on all the critical areas of the business. (2) The Balanced Scorecard seeks to minimize the common problem of information overload on business leaders by limiting the number of measures used. (3) The approach is a way to clarify, simplify and then operationalize the Mission (Purpose/Values/ Behaviours/Strategy) at the top of the organization (Johnson and Kaplan 1987). The Balanced Scorecard is a measurement framework and concentrates attention on the four primary perspectives of corporate performance. Each perspective focuses on a particular question fundamental to the future prosperity of the overall business (Kaplan and Cooper 1997). Australian organizations have utilized different types of performance measurement covering financial, customer, internal and growth levels. From financial perspective, Australian organization use techniques to measure: profitability (Net Profit Margin and Return on Total Funds), Shareholder Income (Dividend Level and Dividend Cover), company's growth (Sales Trend (year on year growth)) and stability (Gearing (Debt: Equity) Ratio Interest Cover (times)). From customer perspective, it is possible to measure: Customer Care, quality, availability, brand values. From internal perspective, it is possible to measure Staff Retention and employees development, performance and communication. From growth perspective, it is possible to measure innovation and investment opportunities, creativity and company's performance (sales and profit) (Johnson and Kaplan 1987). For each of the Business Objectives the Strategic Key Performance Indicator (SKPI) represents the measurement tool. Related to each SKPI a stretching but achievable target level of performance should be set and clearly communicated to all relevant staff. To achieve this target, specific initiatives need to be identified, implemented and reviewed. The Balanced Scorecard therefore drives performance throughout the organisation. There is a direct line of integration between the Vision of the organization and the Strategy that is being pursued. It also provides the top level scoring' mechanism to ensure each aspect of the business is on-track' (Kaplan and Norton 1992). The financial ratios are applied to the business to examine current achievement and trends. They can also be applied to competitors to enable external benchmarks' of performance to be established. There are many potential ratios available but these comprise those that would be regarded as a core set' designed to provide an overall insight into the business and the challenges facing management. They reflect the typical approaches used by corporate management, business analysts and bankers (Lynch and Cross 1991). The analytical ratios can individually be helpful in the review of past performance, future projections or competitor comparison. In addition there are several vital linkages that should be recognized to further enhance understanding and insight. From an internal perspective the primary driver of performance and success is widely acknowledged to be the competence and commitment of the workforce at all levels. Employees are generally concerned with two aspects: It is these five aspects of Quality, Cost, Delivery, Safety and Morale (QCDSM)

Problems with the pre-admission call center Case Study

Problems with the pre-admission call center - Case Study Example The pre-admission procedure is an extremely crucial process in any infirmary. It is a crucial procedure because it provides the concerned doctor the chance to inform the infirmary of a patient’s surgery or appointment. It notifies of the patient’s admission date and the length of stay in the hospital. It is a prior encounter with a physician who elucidates the entire process, addresses any queries with regard to the treatment. It ensures that the ailing individual approves of his or her treatment at the infirmary. In this procedure, it is vital to confirm any individual details, Medicare or health coverage information, entitlement information and any physician’s information provided. The pre-admission call office has professionals, who have the responsibility to contact patients prior to admission to assess their medical accounts, confer their discharge needs, and respond to any queries that the ailing individuals might have, as well as offer directions with rega rd to the day of admittance to the infirmary. The nurse at the centre also ensures that the patient gets an appropriate appointment time for his or her respective medical procedure. In this same process, the patient might be required to get blood testing, x-rays, sessions with a physiotherapist and a dialogue with regard to discharge time. The pre-admission phase creates a chance for medical personnel to relate with the patients. This is usually to reveal the caring aspect of the infirmary via personalized, patient centric treatment. It provides an opportune time to foster ailing individual’s health literacy and their comprehension of care procedures so as to avert any needless readmissions (Forbes, p.1). A vital requirement to averting these readmissions is medical resolutions. This is where accessible and potential contra-intervening medical therapies are established and remediated. Persons with the least health literacy, low agreement profiles, and intricate regimens are m ost in danger. The doctor’s failure to recognize potential medication problems early is a patient security subject that can rapidly corrode a patient’s assurance in the infirmary. This can put patient in jeopardy. In addition, the pre-admission procedure assists reveal risks that can influence treatment and describe post release follow up treatments. This, consequently, enhances patient gratification issue. This process also assists in enhancing post discharge personal management. This is mainly to thwart expenses and perils related to needless re-admissions. The pre-admission process makes certain that all patients’ needs have been established. It also ensures that a patient comprehends everything that is going to occur and the related peril. It is a significant procedure since the patient’s as well as the infirmary’s resources is planned properly. An inclusive process assists in developing a positive initial impression on the client. The pre-admi ssion procedure ensures efficient resource utilization and advances patient gratification and security. Fostering post release process all through the pre-admission procedure can make sure that a patient has an affirmative last impression. This also ensures that the patient has adequate information required for a secure recuperation. The significant objective of the pre-admission procedure is education of patients. This is prior to treatment, as well as post discharge supervision. This process also aids in developing a checklist of requirements for varied patients. This helps in averting issues that emerge from incoherent additions or deletions in drug utilization. It also assists in directing the patient to the correct healthcare physiotherapist. It also ensures establishment of accountability as well as developing patients’ alerts utilizing a transitional treatment command office. Furthermore, it assists in the scheduling of treatment dates as well as making sure post disch arge best procedures are designed

Aircraft Solutions Essay Example for Free

Aircraft Solutions Essay SecurityAircraft Solutions Security and Policy Assessment Table of Contents Executive Summary1 Company Overview1 Security Vulnerabilities1 Decentralized Anti Virus1 Access Control List Policy3 Recommended Solutions6 Bitdefender6 AlgoSec Security Management Suite7 Impact on Business Processes7 Budget8 Summary8 References9 Executive Summary As Aircraft Solutions takes the next step in its growth, it is imperative that its IT infrastructure keep pace as to not counteract gains made by the company during this expansion. This is especially important given it designs and fabricates components for both commercial and defense related industry. Given the increase in staff as well as outside vendors accessing the network, a more centralized approach to antivirus protection has to be adopted. It is equally important that certain elements within the network that have been done manually, such as Access Control List policy, be automated to avoid consuming the IT department in an ever escalating bar of employee hours. Company Overview Aircraft Solutions operates within California in two separate physical locations in San Diego and Santa Ana. Working within both commercial and defense industries, their products are used globally. Aircraft Solutions is overtly technical in nature utilizing Business Process Management (BPM) for end to end processes that interacts with customers, vendors, and suppliers. BPM also fills a critical role of internal communications for IT to ensure customer needs are being fulfilled precisely as they have been ordered. Security Vulnerabilities Decentralized Anti Virus In reviewing the software utilized by Aircraft Solutions, it is stated that security is handled by anti-virus software that is independently operated for all workstations and servers. This seems to be a continuation of the host centric theme as evidenced by host based IDS. Whereas host based IDS can be seen as a more viable alternative to network based IDS, the same cannot be said for anti-virus software in this scenario. Given that the company operates two individual physical locations that run the gamut from design to production, it can be assumed that their employee pool is not small despite actual numbers not being mentioned. With these numbers, it is quite unlikely that all employees are maintaining their due diligence in ensuring that they are properly updating their anti-virus applications and operating them in such a manner that they are being used efficiently. The primary weakness of this policy is that the end user is responsible for its upkeep. It is reasonable to assume that someone working in a loading dock may not have the same level of computer aptitude as an engineer and would be more likely to cause a break in security by allowing a virus into their computer and threaten the network (Department of Homeland Security, 2012). As security is only as strong as the weakest link, this opens the proverbial floodgates of illicit access to the company network. This is problematic in that official statistics gathered in 2012 estimated that the United States ranks third in the world with 50. 1% of all unique users detecting threats from a virus (Kaspersky Security Bulletin, 2012). The most common virus credited with 75. 01% of all online attacks with 712,999,644 instances are malicious URLs (Kaspersky Security Bulletin, 2012) that can infect a computer without the user even realizing what has occurred. Not even anti-virus software will keep a user completely safe as it is reported that 32% of all users have been infected with a virus despite such protection measures (Zorz, 2010). Once infected, viruses can either cause extreme lag with the network, slowly gather information to be used against the company or sold to anyone willing to purchase it, or even cause damage to physical components used in the business (Weinberger, 2012). There are many other nefarious effects of an infected computer within a network that can cripple productivity and cut into the revenue generating capacity of the company. When you take into consideration that a slower network will cause a decrease in company production and will not reduce the cost of daily operations in terms of equipment, utilities or workforce then you must look at the financial ramifications of such an event. The creation and dissemination of viruses has become big business that will grow exponentially as it has moved from the stereotypical basements of hackers into the realm of organized crime and legitimized aspects of armed services for many nations the world around (Fisher, 2012). It is reported that worldwide, viruses have stolen approximately $1. 6 trillion (CMP Media Inc. , 2013) from the global economy. Access Control List Rule policy Security policy at Aircraft Solutions dictates that all firewall and router access control rules pertaining to packet flow be evaluated on a bi yearly basis. Network infrastructure documentation for the company lists one firewall and two routers that are currently in operation that fall within these parameters. Within the San Diego headquarters, all of these devices act as a bulwark against any unwanted intrusion from the Internet at large. Documentation also details there are contractors and suppliers along with customers to contend with regarding external access to the network through these devices. Looking at the internal physical topology it is seen that there is a single router providing packet control for all traffic between the Defense Division in Santa Anna and the rest of the company consisting of Human Resources, Accounting, Direct Computer Numerical Control, Sales and Marketing, IT, and information from the database. Conversely, this same router would also have to act the single point of control between all internal departments at San Diego as it is the only piece of equipment that possesses layer three functionality before passing the firewall. Given these relationships this demonstrates these three devices, particularly the router connecting Santa Anna and San Diego, require extremely detailed and expansive routing rules to effectively run the business. Departmental access list rules could for the most part remain static and not require a great deal of attention once implemented as IP schemas would be established ahead of time for each department. Issues begin to arise when you take into account that over the course of two years, multiple projects will most likely be spun up, numerous unique circumstances, and growth of the network will create a myriad of antiquated access control rules that will represent gaping holes in security that can allow unauthorized access to sensitive company materials and intellectual property. This would also lead to a lack of documentation of access control rules so that there would be no manner in which to simply reference which rules were in place and for what reason. Each annual security review will then sideline the IT department as it analyzes the access control list rules and begins to path them out to their respective devices. At this point, ownership of the device would have to be established, the purpose of that device, and then verifying if access was still warranted. Disagreements at this juncture would result in managerial oversight as department heads would then have to present their cases for and against access. Obviously, this would draw management, especially that of IT, into contracted deliberation that would distract from day to day business. A lack of an overall firewall policy, a bi yearly evaluation of access control list rules, and the previously mentioned issue of non centralized anti-virus software creates a very dangerous environment for data security. A port that is opened for user access is a window into the companys network that can ultimately be exploited. The more ports that are left open, the greater the opportunity for intrusion. This same lack of a detailed firewall policy also entails that these multiple holes in security can vary in scope since there is not a set control in place to reign in the extent of the security exception being asked (Hogg, 2011). These open ports make the company susceptible to port scanning as outside entities search for network soft spots that can be exploited to gain entry. These scans occur with such constant frequency that they are referred to as Internet background radiation (Notenboom, 2008). Given these factors it is a foregone conclusion that there will inevitably be a breach of the network as a result. Such an event would result in loss of intellectual property, decrease of production, and repeated incidents would create a devastating loss of trust in the eyes of customers. An ancillary security risk is derived from the time and energy spent by IT during each manual review of all access control listings in the firewall and routers. It is feasible that each rule will take an average of an hour to complete if all goes smoothly with tracing the routed path from beginning to end, complying with internal ticket work, verifying the device, and accepting a reason for the route to be in existence. More time would be expended by both engineering staff and then management if there was a dispute as to if a rule should be left in place or not. In terms of just the basic work to go through all the established rules that will accumulate over the course of 2 years, a conservative estimate of 25 requests for new rules per week (based on personal experience within a mid-sized company) would yield a total of 2600 new lines to be analyzed. Assuming approximately a third of these rules could be associated together as projects are increased or decreased, that leaves roughly 866 lines that translates into as many employee hours that will be occupied for this task over the course of 108 days. A team of five in the IT department would require just over 21 full working days to effectively handle this task at a cost of $2,898. 75 to have entry level Network Engineers (Salary. com, 2013) dedicated to the task . If a quarter of these rules are disputed, then the company will pay out another $9,964. 70 (Salary. com, 2013) of lost productivity as the IT manager has to contend with other managers to mediate the need for the rules. It is likely that this endeavor would constitute a major departmental project at the end of the 2 years instead of being worked on throughout the duration. During this time, other work will be assigned to secondary status and put projects and perhaps updates that could be critical in risk of being done on time as all energy and focus resides on the access evaluation. Recommended Solutions Bitdefender To effectively control antivirus from a central source that will push updates to all network devices, demand all equipment connecting has antivirus and allow for mobile devices to be used without issue, Bitdefender small business pack would be the ideal choice. Given that this application suite will provide service to all Windows OSs from XP to Windows 8 along with Macintosh and Linux support [ (Squidoo. com, 2012) ], it is perfect for allowing outside vendors who may not conform strictly to the Windows platform adopted by Aircraft Solutions. Support for the product is offered by email, and phone coupled with configuration assistance free of charge. As it was not definitely declared how many employees are with Aircraft Solutions, there is a pricing scale of $449. 95 per year for 20 computers and 20 mobile devices [ (Bitdefender, 2012) ]. AlgoSec Security Management Suite In terms of Access Control List management on the firewalls, industry reviews would recommend a single piece of software, Algosec Security Management Suite. With this application, all a user is required to do is simply enter in the IP of the device wanting entry to the network as well as the IP of the device is wishes to access. Algosec will then compute the path from source to destination, provide a listing of all firewalls in the path, and then list out what changes would need to be made to firewall configuration. With a click of a button, it would even implement these changes thereby freeing an inordinate amount of time on the part of IT staff and management [ (AlgoSec, 2012) ]. Cost of the application is approximately $10,000 [ (AlgoSec, 2013) ] which also include support of the product and updates. Impact on Business Processes Implementation pains felt as both Bitdefender and AlgoSec are introduced will be minimal at best. In each instance, less work will be required of employees as they are no longer responsible for their own antivirus and the process by which firewall flows are drafted and put into configuration will be dramatically increased. The point of contention that might make itself known will be at the onset of these applications being installed as they will require some new policy changes. At first, there will most likely be an uptick in questions asked of IT as employees want to know what is required of them with Bitdefender antivirus. It will also require new policy on the part of IT in terms of management of the application as well as procedures for pushing updates into the network. AlgoSec will be almost entirely without incident as it will create a process by which a request is put in for access and instead of being delayed as the path is verified, it can move directly into managerial oversight for approval. Budget Product| Features| Cost| Bitdefender| Centralized AV updatesScalable user supportInternal firewallIntuitive GUIApplication supportInstallation assistance| $449. 95 per year per set of 20 computers/20 mobile devices| AlgoSec| Firewall path operation automationFirewall configuration change automationNegates access control rule auditsProduct support and updates| $10,000 (approximate quote)| Summary Without changes made to IT policy, requests upon the IT department for access to the network and the bi yearly audit of existing rules will eventually grind all departmental progress to a complete stop for months at a time. Automation in this arena as well as a universal standard for antivirus are dire in maintaining a secure network with the necessary resources to make changes as needed. In the face of company growth, if automation is not embraced, then it will become necessary to increase the IT staff by at least 50% within the next 2 years to simply maintain the status quo. Assuming an employee pool of 100, an investment in Bitdefender and Algosec at this time will cost $12,249. 75, with reoccurring annual fees of $2,249. 75. Such an amount if a far cry from an extensive uptick in staff. The end result will be a far more efficient IT department that will be able to accomplish more sustentative work with existing staff at hand. References AlgoSec. (2012, january). AlgoSec Security Management Suite. Retrieved February 18, 2013, from Algosec. com: http://www. algosec. com/en/products/products_overview AlgoSec. (2013, January). How to Buy. Retrieved February 18, 2013, from algosec.

Experiments of Copper (II) Sulphate

Experiments of Copper (II) Sulphate Aim This experiment is to calculate the x which is water of crystallization and the chemical equation is CuSO4 (aq) Â · xH2O (s) and to observed colour changed when complex formation of copper (II) sulphate are formed. Introduction Molar mass is summation of all the atomic masses in a chemical equation. Transition metals are the elements which are found in the d-block in The Periodic Table. The element which is in the first transition series is strong oxidizers and they can form bivalent metal ions which have reducibility and its charge is 2+. Because of empty of d-orbital, transition metals easily form coordination compounds. Copper can form coordination compound; however, its d10 structure is stable so that its highest charge is +3. Hydrochloric acid, its chemical formula is HCl. It is a strong acid and is easily vaporize so that after opening the container which contains HCl, the acid vapour will be seeing very clearly. Because HCl can volatilize, it will combine with the water and form HCl drops (Baidu.Baike, 2009). Copper (II) sulphate often exists as a crystallization as a pentahydrate which means a molecule contains five crystallization of water. It can be sale as blue vitriol which is a chemical material using to produce pigments, battery and so on (Chmicalland21, nd). Ammonia solution is a colourless liquid and has pungent smell. If it is exposing to air it loses NH3 quickly (Down.Food126, 2008). The displacement reaction is a simple substance reacts with a compound, and forms other kinds of simple substance and compound. The Crystal Theory is a theory that search for the chemical bond of the transition metals. The transition metals ions are located on the crystal field and surrounding by anions and dipole molecules. The anions are called central ions, and the dipole molecules are called ligands. These ions can affect the energy which belongs to d-orbital, because of a splitting of energy levels. However, this theory can used to explain the colour changes of the complex (Science.Jrank, 2010). Lister and Renshaw (2000, p469) has pointed out that the molecules or ions use lone pairs to form dative bonds with a d-block metal which is surrounding by a transition metal to form, its a complex. In addition, these kinds of molecules or ions are called ligands. Method Firstly, several apparatus were used in this experiment, for instance, crucible, spatulas, burner, tongs, electronic balance, stand, dessicator, paper clip, conical flasks and pipettes. Secondly, some chemical were used, for example, hydrated copper sulphate, water, concentrate hydrochloric acid, ammonia solution. The last but one, students should wear the coat and safety glasses in the experiment. Part A First, the inside of crucible was cleaned. Second, a paper clip was placed into the crucible and weighed by electronic balance. The weight was recorded down to 0.01g. Third, 3g of copper sulphate was placed into the crucible using the spatula, and was weighed by the electronic balance. Fourth, the burner was lit, and was put under the stand. The paper clip and copper (II) sulphate was placed on the stand and was heated for about 5 minutes. The crystal was stirred with the paper clip. The colour was observed. Fifth, the crucible was placed inside the dessicator for 5 minutes to cool down using tongs (The paper clip was left in the crucible). Sixth, the crucible was weighted when it was cool enough. At last, some water was added into the crucible and indicates the blue colour which is the colour of crystallization of water. Part B Firstly, some copper sulphate and water was put into 3 conical flasks and was shaken to dissolve. Secondly, concentrated hydrochloric acid was dropped into one conical flask using a pipette and observed. Lastly, some ammonia acid was dropped into a second conical flask using another pipette until the colour changed. The colour of this solution should observe carefully after different volume ammonia acid was added. Discussion Part A The chemical formula in part A is CuSO4 (aq) Â · xH2O (l) > CuSO4 (aq) + xH2O (l) Mr 160 + 18x 160 Mass 2.22g 1.4g 1.4 (160 + 18x) = 160 * 2.22 224 + 25.2 = 355.2 25.2 x = 131.2 x = 5.20634 Therefore, x is equal to 5. Here is an explanation of the calculation. The Mr of CuSO4 is 160, and the Mr of water is 18x which the x is still a unknown value. The mass of CuSO4 and water is 2.22g and 1.4g. The number cross multiplies with each other. As a result, the x was come out. Thus, the value of x is slight greater than predict. According to the theory, the right result should be lower than 5 value, maybe the copper sulphate was oxidised, and the water of crystallization was not evaporated enough so that influence the final result. The copper (II) sulphate became black because of the oxidation of the copper. The copper (II) sulphate in the experiment was heated twice in order to make the water of crystallization evaporate completely. If it heated too strongly, the colour of copper sulphate will turn to black. The chemical equation of this reaction is: CuSO4 (aq) > CuO (s) + SO3 (g) Part B One of the reasons why the colour changed is causes by spectrum. The copper (II) sulphate indicated blue in the experiment. Because when the ordinary sunlight passes through the solution, the solution absorbed the wavelengths of the light. The red area in the spectrum was absorbed by the copper (II) ions. However, the sunlight which through the solution and on the other side of the conical flasks made the solution indicates the colour except red. The blue colour is the mixture of wavelengths (Chemguide, 2009). The colour changed in ammonia solution added into copper (II) sulphate is causes by the complex. The light blue colour substance was indicated, and this is basic copper sulphate precipitate. After more ammonia solution was poured into the solution, the precipitate will dissolve and produce [Cu (NH3)4] 2+ which is an indigo colour substance and replaced the basic copper sulphate, and water molecule was replaced by ammonia (Chemguide, 2009). The chemical equation is: Cu2 (l) + 4NH3 (l) > [Cu (NH3)4] 2+ (aq) The transition metals have their own colour causes by d orbital. When the HCl was poured into copper (II) sulphate solution, the [Cu (H2O) 6]2+ was produced, and the colour of this ion is blue. After that, the [CuCl4]2+ was produced, and its colour is yellow. However, the solution was turned to green. Lister and Renshaw (2000, p476) pointed out that the energy gap between d orbital is suitable for the frequency of electromagnetic radiation in the ordinary light, as a result, most of the transition metal has its own colour. Conclusion To summarize, part A shows that how to calculate the water of crystallization, and colour changed between hydrated copper (II) sulphate and anhydrous copper (II) sulphate. In part B shows the definition of ligands, complexes and colour change cause by the spectrum. Reference Baike.Baidu [online] (2009) Available at: http://baike.baidu.com/view/1729.htm?fr=ala0_1_1 Accessed date: December 28, 2009 Chemguide [online] (2009) Available at: http://www.chemguide.co.uk/inorganic/complexions/colour.html Accessed date: January 6, 2010 Chmicalland21 [online] (nd) Available at: http://chemicalland21.com/industrialchem/inorganic/COPPER%20SULPHATE%20PENTAHYDRATE.htm Accessed date: January 10, 2010 Down.food126 [online] (2008) Available at: http://down.food126.com/download/view-software-3346.html Accessed date: December 28, 2009 Lister, R. and J., Renshaw (2000). Chemistry for Advanced Level (3rd edition). Cheltenham: Nelson Thornes Ltd, Accessed date: December 28, 2009 Lane, R (2009) Chemistry Practical 2 Handout Accessed date: December 28, 2009 Lookchem [online] (2008) Available at: http://www.lookchem.com/COPPER-II-SULFATE-PENTAHYDRATE-1-1-5-/ Accessed date: December 28, 2009 Science.Jrank [online] (2010) Available at: http://science.jrank.org/pages/13786/crystal-field-theory.html Accessed date: January 6, 2010

The link between Social Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties

The link between Social Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties There is a continuous interest in the emerging body of literature to investigating the link between social, emotional and behaviour difficulties (SEBD) and speech, language and communication difficulties (SLCN). SEBD in children with SLCN is determined as a concern area of enquiry in recent years. The literature covers Education, Health and Social Disadvantage as its three major perspectives. This essay centers on primary school children with SEBD and SLCN, from an education perspective and it covers certain facts, co morbidities, and the causes from the literature in understanding the link between SEBD and SLCN. Finally, it highlights the need for further study (on this topic) by diverse professionals. history The word Social has been introduced to Emotional, Behavioural difficulties (EBD) in the year 1998. Nevertheless, children experiencing SEBD are considered with Special Educational Needs (SEN) by the Code of Practice, (2001). Social, Emotional and Behavioural Difficulties (SEBD): refers to the three potential areas of developmental difficulty of a child: to understand, express, engage and acknowledge in a given context. Speech Language and Communication Needs (SLCN): refer mainly to Expressive (use of words and sentences, vocabulary and grammar broadly), Receptive (understanding the language and processing the information) and Pragmatic ( usage of language in a social context) language difficulties. Population study of children with SEBD and Communication Difficulties Nearly 71% of the children with SEBD are identified of having communication difficulties (Benner et al 2002). These studies were based on 26 papers on the link between SEBD and communication difficulties. In one of their studies, the overall mean of prevalence rate was found to be 63% in children with speech problems previously diagnosed in speech clinics and 46 % in children served in a variety of settings in general population. The research indicates the current estimation of prevalence in children with communication difficulties in  England and Wales is nearly 10% and also children with SEBD are inclined towards having communication difficulties (Law et al 2000). Children with receptive language impairments are at greater risk for developing SEBD (Beitchman et al., 1996). Approximately 3% of school children are having severe form of Attention Deficit Hyperacctive Disorder (ADHD) and are at high risk of anti-social behaviour as well as poor conduct. At least 10% of school age children are affected by motor or vocal tics, or a combination of both. Recent population studies estimate that  at least 1% of general population  of school age children are affected by a clinically handicapping Touretts syndrome. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder affects (1%) of school age children. They display obsessions and compulsions, which are considered as a neuropsychiatric disorder states Gillberg (2005). The study from the literature strongly indicates that the language impairment and social, emotional and behavioural difficulties are interlinked. (Cross, 2004). Co- morbidity of language impairment and SEBD Studies show that children  with SEBD have been studied for the co-occurrence of language difficulties where Benner (2002) finds 71% of the children being experiencing language difficulties significantly and other authors argue if it is due to a core neurological deficit. Botting and Conti-Ramsden (2000), has identified 40% of children with combined expressive and receptive language problems are most likely to experience behavioural problems and antisocial problems. Also Ripley and Yuill (2005) reported that expressive difficulties were linked to high level of emotional symptoms and tend to increase with the age of the child. Psychiatric Comorbidity: It is noticed that 42% of children who had speech or language difficulties at the age 5 had psychiatric disorder when diagnosed (Beitchman et al 1996). 30% of seven to eight year olds were determined as having difficulties of specific language impairments, on the total scale of the teacher completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire from both the special and mainstream schools (Lindsay and Dockrell, 2000). The ascertained percentage of children referring child psychiatric services for behavioural and emotional problems having unsuspected language impairment is 33% (Cohen et al, 1993). The prevalence from other studies also suggests that learning difficulties can account for high percentage of language problems in children with SEBD (Cross 2004). Estimation of concomitant prevalence of language deficits in children who exhibit anti-social behaviour is 10 times that of the general population (Donahue et al, 1994), also the strengths of relationship between language disorders and anti-social behaviour may increase throughout the life (Cantwell 1991).Henceforth, it is an established fact that a child with language difficulties is bound to have emotional and behavioural difficulties which further on have a tendency to rise. Characteristics: Children identified with SLCN may encounter and experience problems such as usage of vocabulary, understanding and recalling information, processing information, maintaining attention, following instructions by listening, taking part actively in various activities or joining in group discussions, relating to peers , memorizing specific vocabulary (SENCo Newsletter, 2010). Children with SEBD are more likely to be disruptive and disturbing, (they could be hyperactive, lack concentration, poor or immature social skills or personality disorders and quite a few exhibit challenging behaviours, mainly due to other complex special needs). This could be temporary or permanent which can become as a barrier towards their ability to learn as they experience restlessness, social withdrawal, poor attention and isolation according to Teacher Training Agencys National SEN Specialist Standards in 1999. Also these children are subjected towards low levels of self esteem, they lack in Regulating their emotions emotion regulation is a form of mental control states Parrot (2001). Developing social cognition which can lead on to failure in learning at school, as a result of emotional damage (Saarni, 1999). The fact is neither are they very different from their peers, nor do they fall particularly under a homogenous group; rather they can be considered on a continuum. In general, the disorders are based on DSM-IV (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, American Psychiatric Association, 1994). These disorders can be broadly divided as behavioural, emotional and developmental disorders. Other disorders include Developmental Disorders (like Autism seen as a Pervasive Developmental Disorder) and Reactive Attachment Disorder, Schizophrenia, eating disorder and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (Cross 2004). Heneker, (2005) postulates an interesting way when making a distinction of these disorders. First, the less-obvious disorders such as anxiety, school phobia, prolonged stress (due to various reasons such as transitions, communication difficulties, depression). Secondly, the well-known disorders such as, conduct disorders, hyperkinetic disorders. However, it is also possible that these disorders cover a wide range of abilities, including SLCN and some of the learning difficulties. Some of the causes and risk factors: Earlier, children experiencing difficulties with social interactions, bad conduct disorders, children exhibiting high levels of frustrations due to peer- rejections/maladjusted, aggressive behaviour or inappropriate behaviour in adjusting to school environment were regarded as abnormal and immature social cognition (Happe and Frith 1996). It is not what we think or feel but what we do that makes us maladjusted†¦.continued severity anxiety may get the better of people and induce them to take desperate ill-considered action which is against their interest but it is the action and not the anxiety which ranks as maladjusted. (Scott, 1982). Fortin and Bigras (1994)  claims that any of these below mentioned risk factors occur in isolation, addressing the complex interaction of the  factors  associated with  SEBD. The main factors being predisposing factor, child-based factors, contextual risk factors and also family-centered risk factors. They concluded that the accumulation of these factors increases the probability  that a child may develop SEBD. Interventions: Within primary schools, there has been a growing emphasis on interventions that can enable to bring difference in children identified with SEBD and also SLCN, with the aim of promoting the childs learning and development and level of school achievement. By introducing the storytelling intervention program called The Big Book of Storysharing by Peacey (2009), has demonstrated in bringing up a positive change while prioritizing on communication and sharing personal stories amongst primary school children from both mainstream and special schools. The purpose of this project is to develop social skills, language and communication skills. It has promoted positive attitudes and narrative skills. Children from special school were able to use words or signs, gaze eye contact while speaking, joining in narration by listening and telling stories, whereas the children from mainstream perceived to be more confident and gained pleasure in narrating stories which shows the effectiveness of the project. PALS a program to develop Social Skills for children. It emphasis and aims towards building confidence in children and participate actively in social contexts. The main purpose of this program is to teach social skills such as listening, sharing, taking turns, dealing with feelings of fear,  coping up with frustration, dealing with emotions effectively, etc. It is accepted by early childhood psychologists and NSW (New South Wales, Australia) that it reduces the problem behaviour and increases social skills significantly in children. It also indicates that children with internal behavioural difficulties (withdrawn, shyness, anxiousness, passivity) lack in communication skills which again has a significant effect in developing their social skills at schools and finally has an impact of low level of school achievement (Cooper, 2002). Henker (2005) proposed an individualized intervention for the children at a pre referral unit (PRU) who are identified for a specific communication need to ameliorate their skills such as: vocabulary, social skills and speech, grammar. It has been noticed that children were able to show improvement in one or more area, where they were attending this speech and language therapy weekly or twice a week. Evaluating staff questionnaires suggests that improvement has been obtained by the children with communication needs. Explanations of Intervention Programs: Peacey (2009) conceives that this project can demonstrate well if a named person from each school takes in charge to mediate with other members of the staff to motivate and repeat or retell the stories for the children. The second factor is to assure the age group of children has to be well chosen. Also this project did not demonstrate to be an effective one in measuring childrens specific difference in their usage of language on the standardized assessments for the children who were at the early stage of language development and have showed only minor improvements as they were experiencing learning difficulties. However, it consists of certain drawbacks. When the children were assessed in the areas such as, attention, impulse control and flexibility; it fails to identify and explain the gain of attention at both mainstream as well as special schools and it could not control impulses of all the children. It is time consuming (for the preparation of the project towards discussing obje ctives with the members for their participation and affirmation). Overall, the project has been identified for a positive outcome of making progress with the story telling skills where children enjoyed and valued their experiences and also it has established the concept of inclusion in both of the school cultures. The graph of the success rate indicates that PALS effectiveness is more on the age group ranging preschool children when compared to primary school aged group of children. Cooper (2002), states that social skills interventions work less effective for primary school aged children and on the other hand it works more effectively for preschoolers. Explanation from literature: Today in United Kingdom the government is providing the opportunity to the primary school teachers in various ways to provide better services to the children. For example, a SENCO training enables a class room teacher in understanding the different areas of difficulties experiencing by a child can play a vital role with the support of specific frameworks. There are other professionals from the local authorities to liaise with in supporting children with special needs including children with social, emotional behavioural difficulties as well as speech, language and communication needs. A large portion of children (with 50 % or more) are entering primary schools with low language levels and 5-7% of children from general population are identified with SLCN. Limited usage of language can oppose making relationships with peers at school and which can also lead to behavioural problems in the future (SENCo Newsletter, 2010). Evaluations and limitations: There are certain limitations to study the link between SEBD and SLCN. It is not always possible to identify language difficulties in children with other learning difficulties as research suggests that children with language difficulties may have underlying cognitive processing delays (Beitchman et al 1998; Torgeson, 1998). Instruments currently available for measuring underlying cognitive process are less technically adequate than instruments designed to assess language development or academic achievement (Beitchman, et al 1998). Often a communication difficulty can be interpreted differently as a behavioural difficulty in some cases (for example, a child who is unable to convey a message to his friend while playing can behave in a noncompliant and aggressive way). In contrast a behavioural difficulty can be interpreted differently when the other person is aware of the communication difficulty or need of that particular child. Language difficulties lead on to substantially high risk of anti-social behaviour. Receptive language difficulties not only go undetected but have adverse negative behaviour and have a profound affect on vital relationships throughout ones life span. Benner (2000). These children  tend to face a significant or high  risk  in attaining school achievement. On the other hand, most of the parents are unwilling to accept the fact that they are in need of help with regards to their childrens behavioural problems and look for help when they find and realize the situation, at a high risk. It is true that the response towards intervention programs is less when the behavioural problems are at an advanced stage. Parow (2009). Previous reviews of literature examined that relation between on wide range of antisocial behaviour and communication difficulties but very little of previous study or reviews focused specifically on Language skills of children identified with emotional, behavioural difficulties. This suggest the need for investigation in understanding the link between SEBD and SLCN by diverse participants. Conclusion: The Special Educational Needs (SEN) graph in England indicates the percentage level of children with SEBD inclines gradually with their age from primary school, whereas the SLCN tends to decline as the child grows. (Cross, 2009). There are substantial amounts of documented associations between behavioural difficulties and language and a large ratio of children with BESD have an underlying language problem. Expressive language difficulties are very apparent, but other language impairments can be harder to detect; a receptive language difficulty could easily be missed as it most often gets considered as a learning difficulty. Nevertheless the relationship is unclear in identifying the primary difficulty in decision making clinically and it is not appropriate for the population of children where language difficulties are unidentified / unsuspected previously. The need to find how language structure emerges through varied time frames is crucial for the current researchers. Therefore, the research indicates the need to encourage diverse participants for further research. In addition to public sectors of educational, health and social service or charity organizations rather include clinical psychologists, community developers, epidemiologists, medics, etc. should be involved. Note: This essay consist of 2,519 words only excluding references.