Finding Data Participants and Completing Surveys

Finding Data Participants and Getting Surveys Completed Gathering primary data is often a massive challenge even for the most experienced researchers. This is particularly true when running surveys. Questionnaires typically need a large sample to be valid (over 50 participants), which can certainly raise the stakes for your project. The next tips should make your life much easier and ensure that your study is up to the tutor’s expectations. Evaluate Your Sample Feasibility You can remove a lot of stressors when writing an elaborated proposal or simply outlining the scope of your research. Try to identify your questionnaire sample and its accessibility in advance. Should you distribute the forms among a specific population? How easy would it be to contact the participants from this group? Do you need to run a pilot survey? Some samples are inherently more difficult to survey than others. For example, company CEOs typically do not have time to complete questionnaire forms. It may be wise to suggest a more realistic sample asking to participate regular employees or line managers. Establish Contacts within Your Target Population It’s quite difficult to recruit participants if you don’t know anybody from your target population. When writing a dissertation or research paper, try to personally contact one or two people belonging to your desired audience. Having a friend or a good acquaintance who can help with data collection and providing background information is a huge boon. You can boldly aim at analysing BP if you have a couple of personal contacts (better managers) inside this company. Just make sure you are not breaching any ethical regulations by completing an ethics form first. Use Digital Media to Your Advantage Digital media are a quick way to recruit additional 20-30 people in a pinch. Try not to limit yourself to conventional options, which are Facebook and Twitter. Message boards (Reddit), streaming websites (Twitch) and forums (SomethingAwful) are active communities representing different demographics and population segments. Do not forget to mention these in your methodology chapter! However, a word of caution. You will never have a guarantee that your questionnaire is completed by the actual representatives of the target population. The visitors of your chosen website would also need to be informed of the purpose of the study and reassured that their information is protected. Anonymising all personal data and storing it safely is crucial. Data collection is difficult, but you can simplify this process by having an open mind and being ready to use unconventional platforms. In addition, such services as SurveyMonkey and Google Forms will make your life easier. Another option is getting professional help by ordering a dissertation or just a specific chapter and focusing your efforts on improving other skills, getting employment experience or simply allowing yourself to relax a bit.

How Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Came to Be

In reaction to an increase in the amount of cocaine being smuggled into the United States and cocaine addiction epidemic proportions in the 1980s, the U.S. Congress and many state legislatures adopted new laws that stiffened the penalties for anyone convicted of trafficking certain illegal drugs. These laws made jail terms mandatory for drug dealers and anyone in possession of certain amounts of illegal drugs. While many citizens support such laws many view them as inherently biased against African Americans. They see these laws as part of a system of systemic racism which oppresses people of color. One example of mandatory minimums being discriminatory was that possession  of powdered cocaine, a drug associated with white businessmen was sentenced  less harshly than crack cocaine which was more associated with African American men. History and the War on Drugs Mandatory drug sentencing laws came about in the 1980s in the height of the War on Drugs. The seizure of 3,906 pounds of cocaine, valued then at over $100 million wholesale, from a Miami International Airport hangar on March 9, 1982, brought about the publics awareness of the Medellin Cartel, Colombian drug traffickers working together,  and changed U.S. law enforcements approach towards the drug trade. The bust also sparked new life into the War on Drugs. Lawmakers began to vote more money for law enforcement and began to create stiffer penalties for not only drug dealers, but for drug users. Latest Developments In Mandatory Minimums More mandatory drug sentences are being proposed. Congressman James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), a proponent of mandatory sentencing, has introduced a bill to Congress called Defending Americas Most Vulnerable: Safe Access to Drug Treatment and Child Protection Act of 2004. The bill is designed to increase mandatory sentences for specific drug offenses. It includes mandatory sentencing of 10 years to life in prison for any person age 21 or over who attempts or conspires to offer drugs (including marijuana) to someone younger than 18 years old. Anyone who has offered, solicited, enticed, persuaded, encouraged, induced, or coerces or possess a controlled substance, will be sentenced to a term not less than five years. This bill was never enacted.   Pros of Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Supporters of mandatory minimums view it as a way to deter drug distribution and use by extending the time that a criminal is incarcerated therefore preventing them from committing more drug-related crimes. One reason mandatory sentencing guidelines are established is to increase sentencing uniformity—to guarantee that defendants, who commit similar crimes and have similar criminal backgrounds, receive similar sentences. Mandatory guidelines for sentencing greatly curtail judges sentencing discretion. Without such mandatory sentencing, defendants in the past, guilty of virtually the same offenses under the same circumstances, have received vastly different sentences in the same jurisdiction, and in some cases from the same judge. Proponents argue that a lack of sentencing guidelines opens up the system to corruption. Cons of Mandatory Drug Sentencing Laws Opponents to the mandatory sentencing feel that such punishment is unjust and does not allow for flexibility in the judicial process of prosecuting and sentencing individuals. Other critics of mandatory sentencing feel that the money spent in longer incarceration has not been beneficial in the war against drugs and could be better spent on other programs designed to fight drug abuse. A study performed by the  Rand Company  said such sentences have proven to be ineffective in curtailing drug use or drug related crime. The bottom line is that only decision makers who are very myopic would find long sentences to be appealing, said study leader Jonathan Caulkins of Rands Drug Policy Research Center. The high cost of incarceration and the small results that it has shown in fighting the war on drugs, show that such money would be better spent on shorter sentencing and drug rehabilitation programs. Other opponents to mandatory sentencing include Court Justice Anthony Kennedy, who in August 2003 in a speech to the American Bar Association, denounced minimum mandatory prison terms. In too many cases, mandatory minimum sentences are unwise and unjust, he said and encouraged the bar to be leaders in the search for justice in sentencing and in racial inequities. Dennis W. Archer, former Detroit mayor and Michigan Supreme Court Justice takes the position that it is time for America to stop getting tougher and start getting smarter against crime by reassessing mandatory sentencing and irrevocable prison terms. In an article posted on the ABA website, he states, The idea that Congress can dictate a one-size-fits-all sentencing scheme does not make sense. Judges need to have the discretion to weigh the specifics of the cases before them and determine an appropriate sentence. There is a reason we give judges a gavel, not a rubber stamp Where It Stands Because of cuts in many state budgets, and overcrowded prisons due to mandatory drug sentencing, lawmakers are facing a financial crisis. Many states have begun to use alternatives to imprisonment for drug offenders—usually called drug courts—in which defendants are sentenced into treatment programs, rather than jail. In states where these drug courts have been established, officials are finding this approach to be a more effective way of approaching the drug problem. Research shows that drug court alternatives are not only more cost-effective than prison sentences for defendants who commit non-violent crimes, they help reduce the rate of defendants who return to a life of crime after completing the program.

Essay on Human Embryonic Stem Cells - 2138 Words

On April 28, 2011 - the United States Appeals Court overturned the rule of a federal judge because of several issues that emerged with stem cell research being funded by the government. Although, the science of human embryonic stem cell is in its initial stages - there is much hope for scientific advancement due to the ability for human embryonic stem cells to grow into virtually various kinds of cells Favorably, advocates for stem cell research and pharmaceutical companies strongly believe that stem cells may pave a way to discover new methods of treatment for devastating ailments; such as, Leukemia, Alzheimer’s disease, Heart disease, Parkinson’s disease and diabetes- a prospect that is inspiring to both scientists and those who are†¦show more content†¦In order to extract and harvest these stem cells the living human embryos must be destroyed. Once obtained, these flexible cells are cultivated and stored in laboratories and replicate every 2-3 days which ma kes them very popular amongst HESC researchers for these cells can be made into many specific cell types like heart and nervous cells (Guinan, 305-9). Advocates for embryonic stems cell research believe that embryonic stem cells may hold the keys to cures such as Parkinson’s, Multiple Sclerosis (MS), stroke, burns, spinal cord injuries and other immune and genetic diseases. The base of their argument: if the science is there why not use it to alleviate or prevent suffering? In addition, the aforementioned argument, advocates ask: what status does this embryo have? With polarizing celebrities such a Michael J. Fox , Christopher Reeves and even our family members dealing with debilitating diseases, these faces are constant reminder of the diseases scientists have yet to find a cure for and the suffering they deal with daily. For example: Multiple Schlerosis (MS), a disease in which ones autoimmune system eats away at the protective covering of our nerves. Depending on the severity of deterioration, those afflicted may lose their ability to walk, speak and in some cases lose their sight. Those burdened with this crippling co ndition, expect to watch their quality of life go from living self dependent, active lives to having to rely on lovedShow MoreRelatedThe Human Embryonic Stem Cells910 Words   |  4 Pagesdiscovery of human embryonic stem cells, scientists have had high hopes for their use in treating a wider variety of diseases because they are â€Å"pluripotent,† which means they are capable of differentiating into one of many cell types in the body. However, the acquisition of human embryonic stem cells from an embryo can cause the destruction of the embryo, thus raising ethical concerns. In 2006, researchers introduced an alternative to harvesting embryonic stem cells called induced pluripotent stem (iPS)Read MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cells1916 Words   |  8 PagesThe human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) have defined by Bryant and Schwartz (2008) is in the mammalian embryo, there are several cell divisions that take place after the fertilization of the sperm and the egg in the uterus. There is no growth in the total volume of the cell, so the cells that are known as blastomeres get progressively smaller. Then, they are rearranging into a hollow ball known as blastocyst and surround the blastocoel which is a fluid-filled cavity. The blastocyts and then segregateRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research1625 Words   |  7 PagesProduction and the Scientific and Therapeutic Use of Human Embryonic Stem Cells, the Pontifical Acade my for Life presents the field of stem cell research with a statement regarding the official Roman Catholic position on the moral aspects of acquiring and using human embryonic stem cells.  They have declared that it is not morally legitimate to produce or use human embryos as a source of stem cells, nor is it acceptable to use stem cells from cell lines already established. Thus, bringing up the conflictingRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research2490 Words   |  10 PagesFederal Government to fund stem cell research through the National Institute of Health. There are various types of stem cells, but the policy issue mainly covers human embryonic stem cells. This policy revokes President George W. Bush s executive order 13435 which put heavy limitations on federal funding for stem cell research. Although this policy has already taken effect, there are still bans and immense regulation on particular methods of human embryonic stem cell extraction that involve theRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cells ( Hescs )1627 Words   |  7 PagesEstablishment of iPSC The interest in developing human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) as a regenerative medicine has been prospering due to its pluripotency and indefinite self-renewal capacity since first discovered in 19981,2. However, the method to harvest hESCs by destroying embryos raised ethical concerns and thus the progress of this therapeutics has been impeded for years. Alternative approach was not achieved until the discover of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) by integrating a combination ofRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research992 Words   |  4 PagesThe liver is known in the medical community as a miracle organ because is it the only known organ in the human body that can regenerate itself if half of it is cut out. Tissue regeneration has always been a desirable fantasy, but now it is almost a possibility. Human embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that, although unspecialized, can differentiate into various specialized cells, such as nerves, muscle, skin, or even blood. Sadl y, controversy surrounds this relatively new scientific conceptRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research1313 Words   |  6 PagesJessica Rogers Kendra Gallos English III Honors 18 April 2016 Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research, or HES cell research, is a very controversial ethical debate. This issues is a dilemma for scientist, religious activist, and many more. HES cell research is being disputed because the practice is morally wrong. The other side of the issue stands with many scientist, being that they see the potential lives it could save in the long run. Religious activist, andRead MoreHuman Embryonic Stem Cells : The Moral Dilemma898 Words   |  4 PagesHUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELLS: THE MORAL DILEMMA Stem cells are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, even after long periods of inactivity. Stems cells can develop into many different cell types within the body during early life and growth. Stem cells can also serve as an internal repair of sorts inside many tissues. When a stem cell divides, it has the potential to either become another type of cell with a specialized function or remain a stem cell. The abilitiesRead MoreHuman Stem Cell Research : Ethical Dilemmas With The Utility Of Embryonic Stem Cells1879 Words   |  8 PagesTrevor McCarthy Human Embryonic Stem Cell (hESC) research possesses ethical dilemmas with the utility of embryonic stem cells (ESCs) derived from human blastocyst, one of the earliest stages of embryonic development. Embryonic stem cell derivation is controversial because there are different opinions and beliefs on when an embryo is deserving of full moral status, equal to the moral respect, rights and treatment to that of a human being. ESCs extracted from a blastocyst will undergo experimentationRead More Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay4185 Words   |  17 PagesHuman Embryonic Stem Cell Research Many scientists believe that research on human embryonic stem cells, components of human embryos created in laboratories, will eventually yield cures to a number of devastating human conditions including juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s disease and spinal cord injuries. On August 9, 2001, President George W. Bush announced he would permit federally funded research on existing stem cells lines derived from human embryos. He prohibited the federal funding of research

Financial Statement Analysis of Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels

Question: Discuss about the Financial Statement Analysis of Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels. Answer: Introduction Financial statement analyse is a technique of evaluating any companys weaknesses and strengths through resealing the association among distinct aspects of an income statement or balance sheet. This analysis offers clarity through employing several techniques including Z-score, trend, off balance sheet and cash flow statements analysis. The organizations those are selected for the evaluation is Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels to be a vital aspect to observe that the revenue is decreasing for an organization. Moreover, the net profit increased that needed further evaluation to analyse the negative correlation among them. The drawback of the paper considers that the research scope is limited or the four-year period that does not offer a clear indication of an organizations superior performance. Trend Analysis Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels is observed to deal with several challenging situations in comparison to previous year. Both the companies have been dealing with the challenge in increasing their profits for enhancing the sales [1]. Revenue for both Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels has considerable decreased in the year 2016 because of global economic crisis. Raw material prices are gradually increasing along with tourism within the nation is decreasing gradually that has resulted in decreased profits and increased materials cost. Performances of both the companies are deemed exceptional. Hotel sales of Al Buraimi Hotel have decreased gradually along with increasing sales cost that resulted in decreased gross profit. On the other hand, sales of Batinah Hotels have gradually decreased considerably that resulted in increased profits in contrast to previous year. It was uncompromising for both the organizations to hold its customers once again from its rivals as the costs at which these neighbourhood organizations sold was too low where organizations like Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels could not diminish the costs as it was underneath their edge of wellbeing. [2] Cost of sales for both the organizations contain food products, handling charges, excellent dining services and so forth. Due to the retreat, it was watched that the costs of food products and related items required for the creation had diminished radically along these lines taking the upside of this circumstance. Al Buraimi Hotel attempted to buy more raw materials for making superior recipes and increment its capital in work in advance hence came about an expansion in inventories which includes completed food based commodities and food materials. The organization would later offer these items at a higher edge and gain higher profits. This was likewise found in the announcement of monetary position with an expansion in the inventories and plant, property and hardware expanded. Additionally the inventories for Batinah Hotels had expanded which is because of higher creation to exploit low costs. With the customers and organizations obtaining power contracting and happen to wind up cost wary; the organizations attempted to enhance their deals by offering using a loan which can be demonstrated by looking at the receivables expanding. Both the organizations were utilizing fetched cutting activities in the ranges of dissemination, grease mixing and working costs keeping in mind the end goal to enhance their edges on the items; this was seen with the cost of offers decreased amounts for Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels. Therefore, the finance cost has diminished as the organization has just a transient credit and no overdraft in the present year. While the premium cost has expanded that contrasted with the most recent year as the organization's auxiliary had taken a loan, likewise the premium wage has expanded as the call stores with business banks, which are here, and now in nature have matured. The salary charge cost had diminished for Al Buraimi Hotel as the working costs had expanded for the most part the managerial costs, which brought about a lower working benefit contrasted with the earlier year subsequently the expense sum likewise decreased. In the meantime the salary assess cost had expanded for Batinah Hotels as the benefit before income tax has expanded besides the organization could limit its costs which brought about this higher net profit contrasted with the earlier years. Cash Flow Analysis The cash generated from the operating activities of Al Buraimi Hotel has increased to 5618 Rials in 2016 from 1688 Rials in 2015. This is because of the reason that receivables and inventories has decreased considerably for the company could not attain the benefit of raw materials price reduction and could not make revenue by selling at an increased margin in the upcoming years. [3] On the other hand, there has been a gradual increase in receivables as the companys revenues were decreased. Moreover, the local competitors of both the hotels is deemed to impact the sales that results in selling goods with credit for increasing the revenue. Similar trend was observed in case of Batinah Hotels, where the payables are also observed to be increasing because of raw material of credit purchases along with costly raw materials long with maintaining and increasing sales. Cash Flow Analysis AL BURAIMI HOTEL SAOG AL BATINAH HOTELS SAOG Particulars 2013 2014 2015 2016 TOTAL 2013 2014 2015 2016 TOTAL Net Cash Flows from Operating Activities 89,332 37501 1,688 5,618 134,139 -7595 94663 893561 92936 1073565 Net Cash Flows from Investing Activities -28,645 -7,125 -3,529 -343 -39,642 -1096880 -61357 -763483 -79872 -2001592 Net Cash Flows from Financing Activities -67,799 -29,386 1,409 -1,953 -97,729 1074521 79870 -225107 -46399 882885 TOTAL -7,112 990 -432 3,322 -3,232 -29954 113176 -95029 -33335 -45142 Cash gathered from the investment activities for Al Buraimi Hotel was observed to decrease in the year 2016. Such decrease is observed to be reduced because of their investments within intangible and fixed assets in comparison to previous year. [4] Moreover, the same is observed to increase for the Al Batinah Hotels in the year 2016. This is due to the reason that the company is investing more in the machinery, fixed assets in comparison to the previous years, and paid for the joint ventures for the purpose of business expansion. [5] Cash used within the financing activities is observed to be decreased for both the companies in comparison to the previous years. This is for the reason that Al Buraimi Hotel has addressed short-term loans of a particular amount. The dividend paid increased y considerable amount because of increased earnings and at the same time interest paid increased by a considerable percentage, that is on employed overdrafts facilities. On the other hand, Batinah Hotels cash employed within the financial activities was also decreased in comparison to previous year for the reason that dividend paid has deceased considerably. This for the reason that the hotel has taken loan of Rials 139587 that indicates increase in financing practices. [6] Z-Score Analysis The Altman Z-Score for Batinah Hotels is observed to be 2.75 in the year 2014 and 3.44 in the year 2015. As per the model, the organizations having a score of 3 is deemed to be safe for the organizational health with decreased chances of getting bankrupt in the upcoming years. On the other hand, the companies from 1.8 to 3 are likely to get bankrupt over the next two years. After observing the Z-score of Batinah Hotels, it was gathered that over the past four years, the company is observed to attain n increased Z-score. [7] This also indicates that the financial position of the company is observed to be superior with an increased score and this is for the reason that the company is performing in a better manner. Moreover, the retained earnings previous trend remains at an upward position that also have sufficient cash balance. This also signifies that an organization have adequate cash for financing all its operations. [8] Z score Analysis Company X Particulars 2012 2013 2014 2015 TOTAL Z score calculated 2.75 2.91 2.75 3.44 SWOT Analysis The SWOT Analysis for Al Buraimi Hotel is conducted under: Strengths Profitable domestic market Experienced business units Decreased labour costs Market entry barriers Increased revenue and profitability Weaknesses Paying of high taxes Barriers are faced by the industry Increased possibility of missing suppliers Business nit structure might turn out to be critical Opportunities Regular increase of an income level Existence in international markets New acquisitions New market trends can be observed Positive end can be observed in the industry Fast market changes Threats Regulations from government External risks of business Possibility of increasing costs The SWOT analysis of Batinah Hotels is conducted under: Strengths Strong sales and distribution networks Decreased labour costs Increased revenue and profitability Market entry barriers Superior existence in domestic market Weaknesses Possibility of increased loan rates Brand portfolio Opportunities Existence of global markets Possibility of new acquisitions Threats Cash flow Rising expenses Risks of external business Financial capability Off Balance Sheet Analysis Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels follows the standards of International Financial Reporting. [9] Financial statements of the company are generated through consideration of the assumptions and estimates that is likely to affect the companys balance sheet within the preparing date along with fair value changes. Such assumptions and estimates are relied on several factors for the company. The types of risks that can be faced by the Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels include credit, liquidity and market risks. At the same time, the management anticipated to deal with the risks in order to have certain material impact. The companies have maintained a provision for the costs of environmental remediation relied on the evaluations. It was also observed that the companies do not tend to have severe material impact on their earnings. Batinah Hotels faced loss of 114,761 Rials due to the reason that a gradual increase in the cost of goods sold has contributed to certain decrease in the net income. On the other hand, because of compensation, provision faced by Al Buraimi Hotel due to its employees is not likely to cause any material impact to take place and along with that, fewer provisions have been made within the financial statements. [10] Conclusion Financial statements evaluating of the selected company Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels has indicated that the future of this organization is deemed financially promising once they are highly capable to manage all their expenses. Financial stability is observed to be increased based on the trend analysis of the companies that ensures its increased liquidity and profits. The cash balances are also observed to be healthy as the company is observed to take debt for maintaining is effective business operations. Based on the evaluation of Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels it can be gathered that the company requires to increase its inflows for addressing all its debt obligations. The collection policies of Al Buraimi Hotel is observed to be effective but not that effective because of the receivables amount that was increasing that has great impact on its profitability. After the financial statements evaluation of the organization it can be gathered that Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels are performing in a better manner within the Oman hotel industry. The business of the hotel is observed to remain diversified in several segments. Management and diversification of risk managed in a better manner by Al Buraimi Hotel and Batinah Hotels. References Arabzad an, S, "Trend Analysis of Qualitative Research on Counseling Psychology Area(20002012)". inKorea Journal of Counseling, 14, 2013, 3871-3893. Cai, Y, "Investment and Financing Scale Analysis Model for Balanced Cash Flow". inApplied Mechanics and Materials, 421, 2013, 894-897. 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