Gates of Fire is on the Commandant of the Marine Corps’ Reading list. It is taught at West Point, the United States Naval Academy, and at the Marine Corps The Basic School. The novel stresses the literary themes of fate and irony as well as the military themes of honor, duty, stoicism, and esprit de corps.
Answer all of the questions included in Parts 1 and 2 below. Be sure to answer questions using complete sentences and show all work in your calculations.
Provide a written conclusion, when appropriate, for the problem that you are addressing.
Be sure to include a paragraph or two in the last part of your paper that explains the information that you learned in the assignment. Support your paper with at least two references.
Part 1
1. Explain what a scatterplot can indicate to an investigator. What is the difference between strong positive correlation and strong negative correlation?
2. The following data are obtained concerning R and D expenditures and sales for six health care firms
Firm 1 2 3 4 5 6
R and D (millions $), x 219 120 162 13 57 16
Sales (millions $), y 5,790 4,300 9,980 201 1,904 794
Construct a scatterplot for this data. What type of relationship do you see?
3. Find an example of two pairs of variables that are positively correlated. Give a reference for the source of data. Then, explain why you think they are positively correlated.
4. If a pair of variables show strong positive correlation, does this mean that one variable may be considered as a cause for the other? Explain your answer thoroughly and provide an example to illustrate your point.
5. Which of the following is true about the correlation measure r:
a) r can be any real number
b) r can be any positive real number
c) r is always between 0 and 1
d) r is always between 1 and 1
6. Provide a set of correlation values r that are consistent for the given phrase:
a) x and y have a strong positive correlation
b) x and y are not correlated
c) x and y show a mild negative correlation
7. a) Explain what a regression line is in terms of geometry.
b) What type of relationship should there be among two variables for a regression line to be used?
c) What are the advantages of regression?
8. Describe the two components of a one variable regression equation.
9. a) Explain what a residual is when developing a regression model.
b) Illustrate the concept of residuals using your scatterplot from Problem 2.
Part 2
1. The fleet manager of a trucking company is trying to improve his pricing policy and has been investigating the amount spent on gasoline. He would like to determine if there is a linear relationship between the weight of a loaded truck and gas mileage. The following information was collected where x is the weight of a loaded vehicle in hundreds of pounds and y is the miles per gallon.
x 26 35 29 39 20
y 22.0 16.1 18.8 15.7 23.4
a) Use SPSS or Excel to create a scatter plot for this data. Hint, use the Insert Menu for the scatterplot and Add Trend Line for the regression line. For additional help, see the website: http://www.excel-easy.com/examples/scatter-chart.html
b) Obtain the correlation for these two variables, display the regression line and the equation on the chart. Copy and paste the chart into your Word file.
c) If the weight of a vehicle is 32, what do you predict the gas mileage will be?
d) Should there be a gasoline surcharge for vehicles that weigh more than 3200 pounds? Justify you answer using the results of parts a, b, and c.
2. In Problem 3 of Part 2, Week 1 there are two data sets consisting of BMI and percent body fat. Perform a regression analysis to see if body fat percentage is a good predictor of BMI. Use SPSS or Excel and be sure to include the following:a) A scatterplot. Hint, use the Insert Menu for the scatterplot and Add Trend Line for the regression line. For additional help see the website http://www.excel-easy.com/examples/scatter-chart.html
b) A correlation measure r. Hint, use the Excel function CORREL
c) The graph of the regression line on the scatterplot Hint, Add a trend line to the Scatterplot
d) The regression equation. Hint, include the equation option when adding the trend line
e) A discussion that explains how well body fat works as a predictor of BMI
Copy and Paste the chart into your Word file.
3. In airplane manufacturing, rivets are used to join parts. The following table gives the number of oversize rivet holes and the number of minor repairs on 12 sections of an airplane.
Oversized Minor
Rivet Holes Repairs
46 22
52 26
48 21
60 28
67 33
61 32
70 33
54 25
52 34
67 35
48 26
57 30
a) Construct a scatterplot for this data.
b) Find the correlation measure r. for these two variables.
c) Add a regression line and regression equation to the scatterplot.
d) Use the results to discuss the relationship between these two variables.
e) Use the regression to predict the number of minor repairs when the number of oversized rivet holes is 40.
Copy and paste the Excel chart into your Word file.
Length: 5 – 7 pages
References: Include a minimum of two scholarly peer-reviewed resources.External Resource (S): Books and Resources for this Week
o You must provide, when relevant, in-text citations (APA style) on your slides o You must include a reference slide (APA style) at the end of the presentation. This slide will not be counted as part of your 15. Note: You wont actually be presenting; however, you will be submitting the PowerPoint that would be presented to a senior level management team. It will be graded according to the following: 1. PowerPoint Design. The following resource will be the basis for design evaluation: http://www.proglobalbusinesssolutions.com/powerpoint-designs-tips/ 2. PowerPoint Content. Slide content should follow the order of your paper. Provide all key sections and key points as outlined in the assignment.
Performance of Islamic Banks versus Conventional Banks
A considerable number of empirical studies have compared the performance of Islamic and conventional banks (Al-Tamimi & Hussein, 2010), Ahmed and Khababa (1999), Darayseh and Chazi (2018), Akguc and Al Rahahleh (2018), Saquib and Kalra (2015), and Johnes, Izzeldin, & Pappas (2014).Most of these papers use objective measures to evaluate bank performance, but only a very few papers address theoretical issues Darayseh and Chazi (2018) , Aand Ahmed, & Khababa, (1999). Only limited research was conducted to specifically analyze the effects of Islamic principles on performance in the banking sector.
Following the advice of your advisor, begin here by saying how many papers in your review relate to this topic. Say how many were about measuring performance; how many were about explaining differences in performance; how many concluded that there were no differences in performance; how many said there were differences in performance. How many different countries were studied?
One article was found about measuring performance while two articles were found that indicated the Islamic bank has no differences in performance and the both banks work complement to each others with purl gross the efficiency. There were
The reason given for their preference is the high performance of Islamic banks. The researchers used two dependent variables to evaluate bank performance using two measures of profitability: Return on Assets (ROA) and Return on Equity (ROE). This study indicated that different factors had greater influence on the performance of the two different kinds of banks. For instance, liquidity and concentration were the largest influences on the performance of conventional banks, while cost and number of branches were more important factors in the performance of Islamic banks.
Ahmed and Khababa (1999) stated that the effective of commercial banks in the economic development in Saudi Araba. They have conducted an empirical study of 11 commercial banks in Saudi Arabia to assess the financial performance (in terms of profitability) of conventional banks. They used three models in order to identify the major variables that affected a banks profitability. They found that business risk and bank size ware the main variables that influenced performance. Was there any comparison made with Islamic banks? If not, why include this article?
Darayseh and Chazi (2018) investigated the risks of the banking system that affect the performance of the banking in GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council). the agency theory and financial model have been used because of the diverse results NOT A SUFFICIENT REASON. They found financial and macroeconomic ________________ ???? were important to determine the bank performance. Again, you need to find out if they have anything to say about Islamic banks in particular. All articles in this section should present some type of comparison of Islamic and conventional banks, because that is the title of this section.
A paper by Akguc and Al Rahahleh (2018) studied that the effects of shariah compliance and non-shariah compliance on bank performance. They found that shariah-compliant banks are more profitable than non-shariah-compliant banks. More detail on this important paper that directly addresses one of your major themes where did they conduct their study? How many banks were included in their analysis? Did they offer any explanation for why the shariah banks were more profitable??There are some barriers to the success of Islamic banks. Some of these are discussed in Saquib and Kalra (2015) through an exploratory-cum-descriptive study. These authors found one barrier to success is the misperception that Islamic banks only serve Muslims. Islamic banks also exist in non-Muslim countries, such as Russia and Australia, where banks have been following Islamic financing practices. (Is there any discussion of how well these banks are doing in those countries, or why they have been welcomed in these countries??)
Johnes, Izzeldin, & Pappas (2014) investigated the relationship between the efficiency of Islamic banks and product standardization, and concluded that the lack of product standardization has led to the low efficiency of these banks compared with conventional banks???. They suggest that Islamic banks should examine the benefits of moving to increased standardization. Give a clear example of a standardized product. This should probably be moved to the section below where you discuss banking products.
The results of Yudistiras 2004 study contrasts with the findings of other researchers who found that Islamic banks in the Middle East were less efficient than those in other Muslim countries. Yudistira claims that Middle Eastern Islamic banks are supported by regulatory authorities that enhance their international standing and allow them to be able to compete on a global stage. Not clear that this paper is about Islamic banks versus conventional banks. It seems like Yudistira is comparing Islamic banks in different countries. The title of this article says that 18 banks are studied are these all Islamic banks???? Maybe this information does not belong here perhaps it can be used in the section on Economic Development
Efficiency (Define efficiency is this a performance measure? Maybe literature on efficiency should go in the section above, and only concentrate on development in this section) Islamic Bankings Impact on Economic Development
Following your advisors advice, begin this section with a short paragraph saying how many papers you reviewed dealt with the topic of Islamic bankings impact on Economic Development and make a comment as to whether most of these papers report that this impact has been highly favorable.
Gheeraert (2014) explored the role of Islamic banks in economic development of the banking sector Where?What country/region did he study?? Provide more specific info!!. Gheeraert concluded that there was strong empirical evidence (what exactly is the nature of this evidence?) that the presence of Islamic banks tends to increase the development of the banking sector in the Muslim region. (What explanation does he provide for this?) Gheeraerts research suggested that Islamic banking involves higher-risk investment activity than conventional banks because give a specific reasons for this and relate how higher-risk investment might positively impact economic development give an example (example small business loans to persons who might not qualify for a loan at a conventional bank maybe?????)Gheeraert (2014) found that the Islamic bank has significant and positive impact on the development of the banking sector and the economy as a whole. The investments made by Islamic banks play an important role in the development processes, making them crucial assets for developing countries in the Muslim world and for the rest of the world. Shariah-compliant Islamic banks have development objectives that commercial bank do not. Identify these development objectives. These banks have a greater capacity to increase the savings of middle- and lower-income groups, from believers who are poor as well as rich. Can you provide any reason for why they save more? Saquib and Kalra (2015) suggest that the effectiveness of Islamic banking services in Indonesia is that they provide opportunities to overcome social and economic problems. Again, try to give a specific examples what social/economic problems are addressed by Islamic banking?
LOOKS LIKE YOU COULD USE SOME MORE REFERENCES IN THIS SECTION.Current Banking Practices at Islamic Banks
Need an introductory paragraph here. Comment on the number of papers that deal with this topic. Also, clarify what you mean by business techniques. Generally, to be shariah compliant, Islamic banks need to use different kinds of financial instruments than conventional banks to avoid riba. This is the place to bring up the issue of how some authors claim that Islamic banks often behave like conventional banks and try to get around the restrictions on riba. This is one of your research questions and has not been addressed in your paper so far.Another study agrees with the high performance of Islamic bank which indicated the commercial bank needs to bring a new business method in order to prosper the commercial bank and focus to improve the Human Resource development and enhancing the customer services along with effective strategy plan (Ahmed & Khababa.1999) Unclear if you are writing about Islamic banks or about conventional banks here
Each student will complete a term project in which they will develop a detailed research proposal describing a researchable problem and the methods they plan to use to study it. This proposal should have the depth and quality one might expect for a fundable proposal to a funding agency or an acceptable dissertation or thesis proposal. Students will be asked on the Discussion Board to present and defend sections of their proposal to the class and to complete the semester with a final proposal to be posted to Canvas by Monday, December 4, 2017 (no late exceptions) by 11:59 pm central standard time. Proposal preparation will normally include some form of intensive investigation preparing the researcher for the research and facilitating the design of a realistic proposal. Details: All assignments must be single-space, times new roman, 12pt. font, standard 1 inch margins, in-text citations with full reference page, submitted to Canvas on due date. The Final Proposal will be 15 pages, however students will have complete half of this work prior and will have opportunity for revisions for the final proposal. Sections: Introduction, Literature Review, Significance, Research Question, Research Methods and Measurement Analysis, Conclusion, and References Getting Started:Part 1–Topic. Select an issue that really interests you. One of the ingredients for a good paper is a researcher who is sincerely interested in finding the answer to a social science question. Be sure, however, that the issue can be analyzed and that it has been the subject of social science research. Peruse academic journals and journalistic accounts to gain a sense of how the issue has been approached by others. Consider choosing a topic that may help you complete your programs requirements whether that be a thesis or dissertation proposal. You need to think through how you will conduct an analysis of your particular topic, what questions you will answer and what your specific focus will be. Most importantly, be creative and have fun with it. This assignment will not be included in the final proposal submission What are the social consequences of the issue/problem? Within the first few pages, clarify the focus of the paper to the reader. Research Question (half page). Clearly formulate and state your research question(s). If you have several questions, organize them into one primary question with a few related follow up questions. The research question(s) should relate back to and logically flow from the issue/problem discussed in the introduction and the literature review. This is perhaps the most difficult task as the research questions will theoretically frame your analysis and the kind of findings that you are likely to produce. Your question should be one that:Lends itself to sociological analysis
Is not a “yes” or “no” question
Has more than one plausible answer
Part 3: Literature Review and Significance of StudyLiterature Review (4-5 pages). Do an extensive literature review about the issue/problem. Draw upon as many sources as you can: books, journals, or other peer-reviewed academic sources. Discuss what the literature has and has not said about this issue/problem. What are the debates related to the issue? What are the limitations of the literatures in regard to your research interests? Focus on information relevant to your issue/problem only, not all of the literature on a topic. Work on developing a framework for asking your research question (or clarifying why you are asking it if it has already been stated). What is lacking in the literature that leaves open questions that you could answer? It is very important that you do not write your paper as just a summary of the articles, for example, do not organize your paper and talk about each article one by one. Use citations to validate your claims. In other words, draw upon literature to build a case for why you are asking this research question.Significance of Study (1 page). Discuss the significance & the importance of your issue/problem. How does it fit into current areas of research? This is also known as answering the so what question. Explain why your topic is important and why its significant to research.Research Methods and Measurement Analysis (4-5 pages). Discuss the research methodology and measurements to be used. Develop a research design utilizing a methodological approach that you have learned in this methods course. This section should consist of the research design, data acquired, and a discussion of how they contribute to answering your research question(s). Then describe how you will analyze the data that you would collect if you were to complete this project (ex. What coding strategy will you use?). Justify your choice. How will you check to see if your data is valid?Conclusion (1 page). Sum up your primary themes and discuss the implications of your proposed project for social change, policy recommendations and/or possible future research.Reference Page (1-3 pages). Cite all sources, both in-text and in a reference page at the end of the proposal.DUE (along with ALL above sections 12/4). See note below:FINAL PROPOSAL:Section A: Introduction and Research Question (revised from first draft)Section B: Literature Review (revised from first draft)Section C: Significance of Study (revised from first draft)Section D: Research Methods and Measurement AnalysisSection E: ConclusionSection F: ReferencesStudents will compile all portions of assignment (Parts 2-4) along with the Research Methods section (see below) into a FINAL PROPOSAL. Full points will not be awarded to students who do not include the previous assignments into the final proposal copy. Students should revise any areas of the previous assignments that they did not receive full credit prior to incorporating into final project. REVISE, REWRITE, PROOFREAD, AVOID PLAGIARISMADDITIONAL INFORMATIONEvaluation Process: Paper will be graded in terms of content, insight, originality, analytical skill, organization, clarity of expression, overall presentation style, spelling and grammar, and proper referencing protocols.
Include socio- cultural factors (education; violence; religion; etc.), political (womens political participation), and economic factors (women in the workforce); etc.b) Introduce your research topic: What is the gender issue you are analyzing in [your country of research]? Provide data/statistics to support your argument.c) What is done to address the gender issue in [your country of research]? Discuss the existing legal framework, and identify NGOs/Transnational Feminist Networks that address the gender issue.d) Comparison: Is [your research topic] prevalent in our own society? Why/why not? Present data/analysis and discuss the current status of legislation in the USA, if applicable.e) Conclusion: Discuss what you can do to address gender inequalities and/or human rights abuses against women/gendered minorities, locally as well as globally.FORMAT:7-8 pages (excluding bibliography)
typed 12 font Arial, double-spaced (approx. 1,500 words) in MLA REQUIRED REFERENCES:Website of a transnational network addressing the topic in the country of your choice.
The experiment is, spending 2 hours with closing one eye.
During this time you can do thing usually you do every day, including brushing teeth, washing dishes, cleanning house and so on. (NOT watching TV or video game)Decribe your experience with one eye. Dicuss the difficulties
paragraph will introduce the reader to your chosen topic. This is also where you will name and
define what social stratification and the structure of inequality are and how one of major
theoretical perspectives (structural functionalism, conflict theory, symbolic interactionism)
explain both. It is important to do this because it establishes the focus of your paper. Be sure
to check your spelling and watch sentence structure too. I dont expect your papers to be
perfect but I do expect you to proofread them.
The second and third paragraphs is where the body of your papers begins and continues
until you write your conclusion paragraph. Also explain social class and use the perspectives of one theorist from
the chapter (Marx, Weber, Bourdieu) to explain what it means.
Be sure to define and discuss at least three other concepts related to social
stratification and the structure of inequality, and include examples of each. You may want to
focus on cultural capital or social mobility, or choose other concepts/theories from the book
that most interest you.
The last paragraph is your conclusion. This is where you wrap up your analysis and state
your conclusions. This paragraph should also be at least five sentences long. Be sure to 1Title needs to be social class. 2 full pages.
The FindingsThough the Arts in Trinidad and Tobago appears to be well represented within the stated curriculum of the Ministry of Education at the Secondary level at least, it is not without some flaws. Its use according to some of the teachers we interviewed currently in the system, can be problematic or simply too vague in its stated objectives in helping teachers realize them.
Due to a disproportionate focus of Arts by the Ministry between the primary level and secondary level learning institutions, the gap between primary level Arts education and the secondary level fail to adequately prepare Arts students with all the fundamental skills necessary to become successful, not just in the Arts discipline but in using the Arts as a catalyst toward the overall development of the individual.
From its infancy, the Ministrys priorities toward Arts education at the primary level, is lacking in some major issues which can cause some confusion and or anxiety to teachers within the primary system who are not properly trained in the Arts and feel intimidated to teach it. This along with a lack of designated creative spaces and equipment and in some cases lack of funding, create barriers to the development of Arts among students vital to the establishing a solid foundation from which, the creative skills of its students can be adequately nurtured.
From our investigations of two of this nations schools both primary and secondary level; in relation to the Ministry of Educations stated curriculum, we have made the following findings.
Please note that the information presented, refers only to the two schools in questions and does not claim to represent all primary and secondary schools. Due to differences in knowledge of the arts of teachers, availability of resources and knowledge of fundamentals among students, results may vary.
According to the Primary Schools stated curriculum objectives students should develop,
Sensitivities to:
Elements of Art & Craft i.e. line, colour, texture, shape, mass or space.
Principles of balance, contrast, rhythm, unity, proportion & value.
Works of Art & Craft
Nature and the environment
Materials in the environment including found and discarded materials
Aesthetic appreciation and critical judgement.
As stated above for illustrative purposes, the first portion of the curriculum for the primary school, is developing sensitivities to certain fundamentals related to Art. Though the curriculum later gives specific guidelines on lessons to help students accomplish these and others, some major challenges persists.
They are as follows:
In the few cases where teachers have some reasonable level of competence in the Arts, they lack the training of how to effectively teach it, thus the full complement of skills necessary to develop the student is not developed.
A lack of specialized spaces dedicated toward the creation and development of the art practice at the school. Due to this reality, cultivating an atmosphere that would inspire students to be interested in the Arts is difficult.
A need for more resources and funding for teaching materials and equipment necessary for the development of the Arts programmes.
A need to educate both the parents and teachers about the importance of the Arts curriculum toward the holistic development of the child. Parents at times do not understand this and tend to overlook Art studies as being a hindrance to their childs successes at exams.
Due in part to these challenges, difficulties in accomplishing some of the curriculums stated objectives become apparent. However, the school has taken some steps in combatting some of these shortcomings.
They are as follows;
In order to contend with the lack of competencies that exist with some teachers with respect to training in some of the Arts, the school has employed the help of a dedicated Music teacher in conducting classes which has already proven to be extremely effective. A similar formula for Visual Arts would undoubtedly bring more successes.
Though the school lacks a dedicated art space that could motivate students to be interested in Art. The school has engaged its students in an ongoing Anti Bullying mural project at the school, which has been successful at not just encouraging student to be openly creative, but cultivates a culture of creative cooperation while simultaneously producing an atmosphere which inspires the creation and appreciation of Art that would no doubt become motivating factors to the students.
The school engages parents and the community in activities and shows to display the talents of it students. This works in helping raise funds for equipment and materials for the departments including the Arts, as well as fostering a sense of appreciation among parents about the importance of Art education to their children.With respect to the Secondary Schools curriculum however, as expected there is a step up in expectations and learning outcomes from the student. Broken down into three phases they are as follows:
1. Creating: concerning the manipulation of materials in activities designed to develop skills and techniques in producing and making art, facilitate choices about media & materials; develop skills and dexterity in the use of tools; allow for the conceptualization of ideas, the reorganization of knowledge, and the use of imagination in the making of objects and images.
2. Knowing: demonstrating technical knowledge about processes and materials, including knowledge of the visual arts through the ages and cultures.
3. Responding: this concerns the development of the students ability to respond or react to works of arts and their ability to criticize, analyze, interpret, access and make judgements and how learning these skills can affect their own work.From interviews expressed through the questionnaires returned by Ms Winter and Ms. Seemongal, we have identified similar challenges in the secondary institutions as well as new ones, these include:
A lack of clarity with respect to the Visual Arts curriculum, in some cases teachers may not have expertise in a particular area that may be required in the syllabus.
A lack of sufficient space, for effective art practice at the school. Presently the 2 art studios are insufficient for the 650 students in the Art programme at the school.
A shortage of Art teachers to teach the lower forms which may pose challenges to developing fundamentals essential to students creative development in the later forms and beyond.
Lack of sufficient funds for materials, equipment for projects dedicated to the expansion of the Arts programme at the school.
A need for proper training of teachers in how to accurately interpret what is required within the curriculum, and training in how to effectively teach Arts.For the most part, the challenges currently being experienced at the secondary school are similar to those at the primary level as well. Even in the cases of designated Arts teachers present at the school, there are limitations with respect to training in specific disciplines needed in accomplishing the objectives of the stated curriculum. Unlike the situation in the primary school, most of these challenges require direct intervention from the Ministry of Education itself in building strategies that would prove effective in combatting the issues presently being experienced.
Though some funds have been generated by students successes in various Art competitions hosted in their respective fields, generally the school is almost solely reliant on government funding and training in alleviating some of the shortages being experienced at the school presently.
Why are finding solutions to these issues important?
According to Alexandra York who wrote The Fourth R in Education, the importance of Art Education is essential to development of the whole person as an integrated individual. In the instance of St Augustine Secondary, according to its principal Ms. Seemongal, one of the problems she cited at her school was that of indiscipline.
From Ms. Winters own testimony, she affirms instances where students who have had problems with indiscipline in the past, has made positive changes as a result of being exposed to the Arts. This should be no surprise considering that York lists Developing Discipline as one of the benefits of Arts Education in schools. If enough resources are given to training teachers and well as introducing artists as part of workshops designed to get students excited of the possibilities in the practice of Art, then surely the probability of seeing vast improvements in this areas would be improved exponentially.
2. When considerning services for clients, a counselor must explore the actual services or resources that are available. There are 9 services that are listed that can benefit a client who has a disability. However if you have a client who was involved in a car accident and lost the use of their legs and is now in a wheelchair, what services would you recommend to get this client back to work and explain how they will help him go back to work? Chapter 12:1. Discuss the concept of Job seeking skills and why it may be important for a client to utilize this training?2. Discuss the difference between direct job placement and supported employment and why a counselor would need to utilize these services?