Procurement Plan between Silwan Food International and AGS Logistics LLC

Procurement planning involves activities carried out by institutions or companies in their process of acquiring goods or services. This plan is always scheduled for a specified period of time. It defines all the activities and steps that a company will use to purchase goods or services needed.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Procurement Plan between Silwan Food International and AGS Logistics LLC specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Planning or scheduling of activities, which involves the procurement of goods and services in organizations enables them to purchase quality goods or services. It also ensures that an organization is able to acquire the products or services with the least cost possible. Organizations are able to meet purchasing objectives easily when they have a procurement plan than those companies that do not have a procurement plan (Heldman, 2011). The purpose of a Procurement Plan in Organiza tions The main purpose of a procurement plan is to inform the companies involved in procurement process how they will carry out the process of product acquisition. It states how the acquisition will be organized, executed and managed throughout the process. Scheduled activities always help the organization to manage time and measure the quality of the services or the products purchased. It ensures that the work is completed within the stipulated time frame (Berry Milosevic, 2005). Logistics Services In the case of Silwan Food International and AGS Logistics LLC, where these two companies are under an agreement, the procurement plan will ensure that the companies follow the conditions provided in their agreement until their contract is over. It will also ensure that AGS Logistics LLC performs the services as required by the agreement and that they follow all steps needed (Berry Milosevic, 2005) Procurement Definition Silwan Food International is a company that supplies milk powder, dried nuts and fruits, cocoa, gear and other products. The company decided to source logistics services to enable it concentrate on other important services to the customers. Through a review of available logistics providers in UAE, the company approved AGS Logistics LLC to be their logistics providers.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This company uses technology to transact their business and to provide the services to their customers. This is why the company has been able to maintain its position as a logistics provider in the market. Their goal is to use innovative approaches to meet the needs of their customers (Saxena, 2008). Silwan Food International requires logistics services that also include loading, warehousing, and offloading among others. The companies have customers from outside the country and therefore freight services are required. AGS Logistics LL C will provide freight services for the Silwan Food International to take the products needed outside the country. Assistant managers in the procurement department of Silwan Food International will have the authority to authorize transactions in the absence of the procurement managers. This is because all terms and conditions are provided in the logistics agreement signed by the two companies (Berry and Milosevic, 2005). Services Justification Deadline Transport skimmed milk powder 15, 25*2500 to Yemen Packed as specified by the customers. Needed by July20th2005 Transport walnuts, AA+ only halves, 2000, 25 kg packs to Kuwait Packed as per the minimum weight of the product Needed by September 14th2005 Take Instant Fat Filled Milk Powder 26/15 Coconut Fat to Swaziland Packed as required by the customers Needed by 20 November2005 Type of Contract to be Made All products transported to the customers will be sold on the organizations fixed price. The procurement teams from bo th companies will determine the maximum quantity that AGS Logistics LLC will transport at a time as required by the contract. As per the agreement between the Logistics Company and Silwan Foods International, they will negotiate the price, which will be charged for those three activities required to be performed as specified on the first part of this plan. This is to ensure that the exercise will use the least cost possible. AGS Logistics LLC has shown its ability to perform their duties effectively by transporting as per the orders of customers. It saves Silwan Foods International a lot of cash since they only release to order therefore do not make oversupplies or buy a lot of products which are not needed by the customers (Turner Simister, 2001). The logistics providers are required to transport the right product to the right place while maintaining the quality and condition of the products at the minimum cost. Bids from the qualified suppliers are solicited to acquire the servic es or goods within the agreed time frame (Berry Milosevic, 2005).Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Procurement Plan between Silwan Food International and AGS Logistics LLC specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Contract Approval Process Before a company decides on outsourcing goods or services, cost analysis should be conducted for a purpose of comparing costs. If a company gets that outsourcing is much economical than providing the services themselves, then they are free to outsource. The main reason why companies outsource the services is to enable them to concentrate on their core activities of meeting the needs their customers and also in meeting the objectives of the firm. For a company like Silwan Foods International to outsource logistics services from a logistics provider, its aim is to reduce excess inventories, warehouses and to reduce labor cost. This also reduces the working capital investment and fixed costs. The company needs to analyze the costs of services that they are planning to outsource and compare them with the costs of providing it internally. Solicitations are sent to vendors who provide the goods or the services the company wants to outsource. The vendor who meets the criteria set by procurement team is identified (Saxena, 2008). For the transaction between Silwan Food International and AGS Logistics LLC, purchases below $ 5000 can be approved by the procurement managers. Any transaction which exceeds such amount of money must be approved by the joint agreement of the board of contract review. It will require the board to meet for them to determine which of the contract they will take for the transactions exceeding $ 5000. The board must be made by individuals from the all the departments of the company who understands the goals and objectives of the company (Turner and Simister 2001). Decision Criteria Decision criteria are used to determine the reliability eff iciency and effectiveness of the organization that has been awarded the contract to provide the services. Silwan Food International must evaluate the accountability of AGS Logistics LLC in providing the logistics services to them.Advertising Looking for research paper on business economics? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The performance of AGS Logistics LLC must be evaluated against the expectations of Silwan Food International. The company must ensure that logistics providers enable them to meet their objectives of meeting their customer’s needs within the least time possible. Firm’s performance is affected by a lot of factors which includes its structures, environment, strategies resources and learning. Performance of any organization can be measured under different categories. Demand-oriented capabilities involving delivery, reliability, after sale services and responsiveness to target markets are among the factors which are used by many organizations to measure performance. The supply oriented capabilities include reduction of distribution cost of the organization and the geographical coverage (Turner and Simister 2001). Quality of logistic services provided by the AGS Logistics LLC will be measured by comparing the performance with the expectations and on the basis of the contract between the two companies. Customer’s feedback is a requirement to gauge the effectiveness of the services. One of the Silwan Food International is to meet the needs of the customers efficiently. The speed in which the products enter to the market can win the company a competitive advantage or leads to customers shifting to the competitors. The perception of Silwan Food International customers may be affected negatively if they do not get the products they ordered in the right place and at the right time. Quality of logistic services provided by AGS Logistics LLC can be measured against the number of orders gotten from the areas served by the company (Shadrach Ekeanyanwu, 2003). Past performance and history of the organization can determine the future performance. Past performance is a key indicator of the ability of the organization to meet their duties well. It places the organization in a better position to forecast the quality of the services which is to be provided. Th is performance indicator enables the suppliers uphold high performance in providing goods and services. This indicator enables organizations to recognize strengths, weaknesses and capabilities of their supplies (Turner Simister, 2001). Silwan Food International can be in a good position if it is able to determine the capability of AGS Logistics LLC through the review of its past performance. Performance evaluation of suppliers is vital since it guarantees the organization with quality service and customer satisfaction. If AGS Logistics LLC past performance had not been good and there are records showing inefficiency of logistics services, then Silwan Food International would get the reason to turn down agreement. The two companies have the right to disclose information about their past performance and this information should be used to determine each company’s future expectation (Shadrach Ekeanyanwu, 2003). According to Saxena (2008), Comparison of in-sourcing and outsourci ng cost is used to reduce operational cost in organizations. This is because the organization is able to make a decision on whether to outsource or in-source. Before a company decides to outsource, they consider the benefits each decision will make to the organization. The fee charged by the service providers assists organizations in making decision. Some organizations fail in making an outsourcing decision by considering the suppliers with the least cost without considering the effectiveness and quality of services. Quality of services provided by AGS Logistics LLC made the Silwan Food International to select it as their main suppliers of the logistics services (Turner Simister, 2001). The last performance measurement in the decision criteria is the date of delivery. A company may be able to select its suppliers based on how well they meet the deadlines set. Suppliers who fail to meet deadlines are not support to be considered for contracts. This is because they can cause mistrust from the customers if their needs are not met in time. When supplies deliver the products or services in time, they save the organization a lot of operating cost and they are also winning that organization a competitive advantage. The organization is able to reach more customers and satisfy them. AGS Logistics LLC company provides high services to other organizations within the agreed time. Their past performance in delivery of goods has shown that the organization is able deliver large amount of stock to the customers in the right time that the customers need them. Its association with prominent and well performing organizations in UAE has placed it in a position that every organization wants to outsource the logistics services from them (Shadrach Ekeanyanwu, 2003). Term and Termination The conditions of the agreement start from the date that the agreement was signed between the two companies. The agreement will take a period of three years if the two companies do not a reason to terminate it. During those 3 years, there will be a meeting every first day of May to negotiate the charges. AGS Logistics LLC will give a report on any increase in charges in 45 days before they meet to negotiate. The increase in warehouse charges will also be presented in writing to the Silwan Food International 15 days before the date of negotiation and at least 5 days before the transportation date. All notices required by this agreement will be made in writing. Any other parties under this agreement can file a request to terminate the agreement. This may be due to default materials. If one of the parties writes a notice containing the details of the default and the other party ignores the complaint or fails to rectify the default within 20 days, the company can terminate the agreement and seek other reliable companies. The termination of the agreement can also happen if one party fails to vacate the appointment of the other party within the agreed time in the contract. After t he termination of the contract, the AGS Logistics LLC will return all the copies of documents, data, records which belong to the Silwan Foods International. Silwan Foods International will have an obligation to return the document to the AGS Logistics LLC upon the termination of the contract. The notices which will be made with regard to this agreement will be delivered directly to the company not longer than one day. The addresses of each company are given in the details sheet presented with the contract document. Vendor Management In this section, the roles of every person involved in the procurement of services and products will be stated to ensure that every person has a role to play in the acquisition of products in the organization. Quality and appropriateness of the products or services are verified by the procurement team to ensure that they are of good quality and that they are in quantities which the companies agreed. Vendor management ensures that the suppliers continue t o supply the required goods and services of good quality as it is stated in the agreement. Procurement managers are responsible to manage vendors and to schedule for meetings to monitor the progress of their progress. Key performance indicators enable the manager to evaluate the work done by the suppliers whether they have met the requirements in the agreement. In a contract agreement, the parties indicate the time, venues and dates when they will be meeting to evaluate their progress. Communication is vital in vendor management because errors which might arise or changes that must be made are solved early before they cause unsatisfaction. Project specifications guide procurement teams from both organizations in checking the quality and effectiveness (Saxena, 2008). The agreement of AGS Logistics LLC and Silwan Food International stated that they will be meeting one in six months to monitor the progress of their contract. It is during these meetings that procurement managers and his team from Silwan Food International value the quality of services that AGS Logistics LLC provides to them and whether they meet the requirement of customers in delivering them their products which they have ordered. Any changes in price charge fro the suppliers are communicated at the meeting for negotiation purposes (Saxena, 2008). Performance Metrics for Procurement Activities Metrics to be used in assessment of the performance of the procurement activities are stated in this section of procurement plan. These metrics ensures that the suppliers observe the schedule that they agreed in supplying their products and services. They are used to measure the supplier performance. Procurement team uses them to compile data on procurement activities of the organization to guide them in choosing a supplier in future. Procurement departments develop their own performance metrics which guides them in selecting future suppliers and also ensures that the performance of the current suppliers is within the schedule of the organization. Rating tables are developed by the procurement team for a purpose of building past performance database (Turner Simister, 2001). Each company in the agreement has the obligation to protect the other party’s information† (2006, p. 35). One party can gain access to the other party’s information without the consent of the other party. The company is, therefore, obliged to use the information only in the performance of the duties in the agreement but not for other purpose whatsoever. They are bound to disclose the information only to their employees who needs in the process of providing the services. However, the parties are free to disclose the confidential information if and only if the information is needed by law. If under any circumstances, the information is being needed by law, the disclosing party has to inform the other party through writing and ask for assistance in the disclosure of the information. If the disclos ing party informs the other party before it discloses the information, this will not be regarded as a bleach of contract since both the parties will be aware of the disclosure Rating table Vendor Product quality Ontime delivery Documentation quality Development cost Development time Cost per unit Transactional efficiency Vendor 1 Vendor 2 Vendor 3 Scale 1-3 where: Unsatisfactory Acceptable Exceptional Procurement managers from Silwan Food International manages their performance metrics to monitor and measure the performance of AGS Logistics LLC so that after their contract is over, they can be able to decide on whether to renew that contract or get other logistics suppliers. The metrics summarizes the whole performance and progress of the suppliers and also gives them a challenge to deliver quality goods and services for the fear that their contract may not be renewed. Project plan must be approved by the sponsor and signed by the procurement manag er. References Berry, A. Milosevic, Z. (2005). Extending choreography with business contract constraints. International Journal of Cooperative Information Systems, 6, 131-179. Heldman, K. (2011). Project management jump-start. New York, NY: John Wiley Sons. Saxena, A. (2008). Enterprise contract management: A practical guide to successfully implementing an ECM Solution. New Jersey, NY: J. Ross Publishing. Shadrach, B. Ekeanyanwu, L. (2003). Improving the Transparency, Quality and Effectiveness of Pro-poor Public Services Using the ICTs: An Attempt by Transparency International, pp 120-138. Turner, J and Simister, S (2001). Project contract management and a theory of organization: International Journal of Project Management.PP.457-464. This research paper on Procurement Plan between Silwan Food International and AGS Logistics LLC was written and submitted by user Lewis Kane to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Project plan Emirates airline and fly Dubai

Project plan Emirates airline and fly Dubai Executive summary Emirates airline and Fly Dubai provides flight services from the United Arab Emirates to different parts of the world. Fly Dubai is a low-cost airline based in Dubai and provides flights to other destinations. It is rapidly expanding its operations in getting into the international scene. The airline connects with the Emirates airlines to provide flights for the Emirates customers to destinations not served by the Emirates.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Project plan: Emirates airline and fly Dubai specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The airlines have purposed to renovate one of the terminals of the Dubai international airport to improve on the quality of their services. The intended project is a construction of a double perimeter fence all round the terminal. This will improve on the security at the airport leading to increased customer and employee satisfaction. More customers will be attracted to the services of the airline. Similarly, the employees will be motivated thereby improving on their output. As such, the project has objectives that are in line with the objectives of the different airlines. The perimeter-fencing project is divided into several activities ranging from the initial training on project management, through the construction processes to the final installation of CCTV. Each of these activities has an estimated duration. The whole project is intended to take ten months (about 40 weeks). The project will cost about Dh 100 million (equivalent to about $ 25 million). It is to be executed in the 2011/2012 financial year. The identification of the different activities involved in the project and the precedence relation is essential in ensuring that the project runs smoothly. A Gantt chart showing the start and finish time of each activity as well as their precedence relations will be use in monitoring the progress of the project. By examining the Gantt chart , activities critical to the project like conducting training, recruitment of professionals, excavation, and the construction of the concrete wall are identified. Much resource can then be channeled to these activities as opposed to the less critical ones to ensure that the project is completed in time. The success of the project will depend on the cooperation of the different individuals involved. Proper communication between the project stakeholders is essential in minimizing the risks involved in the project.Advertising Looking for assessment on project management? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Introduction Fly Dubai is an airline that was founded in 2008 to provide low-cost air transport services in the Middle East countries. The airline has its headquarters in Dubai, United Arabs Emirates. It started its flights operations in 2009 with a daily return flight between Dubai and Beirut (Flemming 2009). It was also intended to provide daily return flight between Dubai and Amman. The airline was expected to have rapid expansion and offer flights to the other countries in the Middle East, India, parts of Europe, and northern and East Africa (Flemming, 2009). In deed, the airline has had significant growth in its operations over the short period. As a step towards expansion of its operations, Fly Dubai often connect with Emirates airlines to provide flights to some areas that were not served by Emirates. The Emirates customers destined to regions like Djibouti and Alexandria can ‘connect through Dubai to and from an Emirates flight’ (Connecting with flydubai). In order to improve on its operations, Fly Dubai with the support of the Emirates airline has purposed to reconstruct the perimeter fence of the Dubai airport terminal 2, one of the terminals at the Dubai International Airport. Fly Dubai has concrete management team with professionals with modern technical skills.. The issue o f security is fundamental in different business and even non-profit organizations. Security becomes one of the key performance drivers in these organizations. Industrial and commercial organizations are more concerned with the security of their premises. One of the measures that can be taken to ensure security of these premises is perimeter fencing. Perimeter fencing can be ‘used very effectively to help with warehouse security, factories, schools, and car park security [whereas] electric powered fencing is important as perimeter security for military bases, power stations, prisons, and construction sites’ (Advanced Perimeter Systems Limited, 2011). CCTV surveillance is essential in detecting agents of a criminal or terrorist act that has occurred in a given situation. The airport has facilities that should be protected in much the same way as those in other business premises. Similarly, there is need to ensure that no criminal and terrorist acts are committed in the in ternational hub. This is achievable if proper screening is possible for thus entering the airport.Advertising We will write a custom assessment sample on Project plan: Emirates airline and fly Dubai specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Thus, the project that is to be considered in this case is perimeter fencing to ensure security in the airport. It will not only include the construction of a physical barrier around the airport but also an establishment of electric powered fence on the perimeter. The project will be accomplished by an installation of CCTV within and around the airport. The project plan Goals and objectives of the project The goals and the objectives of this project are strategically defined in line with the overall business goals and objectives of the organization. The organization is a provider of transport services to passengers and goods. Thus, it aims at increasing its market share by attracting and retaining many cli ents in order to ensure sustainability of its operations. In order to achieve this, the organization intends to provide high quality services to its customers. It also aims at providing a safe working environment for its employees. It is the need of the organization also to operate according to the legal provisions within the United Arabs Emirates and across the borders. An improvement on the airport facilities is one of the measures for ensuring that these business objectives are achieved. The perimeter fencing helps in preventing crimes and terrorist attacks thereby improving security at the airport. This is a busy airport serving several passengers and a number of air cargos with millions of tons of freight and mail. Proper perimeter fencing of the airport will improve on the international recognition of the facility. The airport is a source of employment for thousands of people and a key contributor towards economic development. The safety at the airport is thus very essential i n the local and international scene. High level of security in the airport will define the quality of services provided to the customers. More clients will be attracted to the services of organization thereby increasing the market share of the organization. This is in line with the business objectives. Assessment of the business case for the project Reasons for the project The perimeter-fencing project is important for a number of reasons. One reason of the perimeter fencing is enhancement of security (Free No-Hassle Estimate, 2011). The completion of the projects will ensure that only authorized genuine travelers are allowed into the airport. Another reason that is also related with security is the privacy of the airport.Advertising Looking for assessment on project management? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More The airport is fenced to ensure privacy of some of the operations. Planning of crimes and other terrorist attacks can be minimized of some of the operations such as preparations for departure are kept private. This achieved through proper perimeter fencing. Perimeter fencing is also done for aesthetic purpose (Free No-Hassle Estimate, 2011). It is aimed at improving the physical attractiveness of the airport. The costs The project is projected to cost about Dh. 100million. The airport is intended to have a double fence, a concrete wall, and an electric powered chain link. The amount is subdivided to different activities within the project. This include purchase of construction materials for the concrete wall (Dh 30 million), payment of salaries and wages for the laborers during construction (Dh 24 million), purchase of materials and construction of electric fence (Dh 20 million) and installation of CCTV (Dh 20million). The remaining Dh 6million is left to cater for the emerging issu es during the execution of the whole project. Benefits of the project As has been stated, the project has certain benefits to the organization. It will save the organization the losses that are incurred due to crimes carried out in the airport. This initiative will also ensure compliance with legal provisions. As such, the organization is not bound to suffer other losses like fines by relevant regulatory agencies. The improved security and the attractiveness of the airport will attract more clients to the organization. This will increase the sales at the organization thereby ensuring sustainable operations. The improved working environment will also boost the morale of the airport workers who will in turn deliver their duties responsibly. This will improve on the total output of the organization. Thus, there is linkage between security at the airport, customer satisfaction, and employee satisfaction in the organization. Timescales The project will be implemented in the FY 2011/2012. The project is intended to take a period of about 10 months. However, the benefits of the projects will not be evidenced immediately after its completion. The improved sales and increased customer satisfaction will be evidenced at least a year after the completion of the project. Investment appraisal The organization could carry out, including forgoing the perimeter fencing completely, other alternative projects. It could employee security officers to patrol the areas surrounding the airport in order to detect and prevent intended terrorist attacks and other criminal acts. This is not only costly but also unreliable due to expanse of the surrounding geographical area. The intended project has to be beneficial to the organization. In deed, the perimeter-fencing project is among the most critical. It is estimated that rate of return on this will be about 40% annually. On the hand, the losses that can be associated with forgoing the projects are huge, irregular and may not be predicte d. Assumptions and constraints The business case is based on certain assumptions. Firstly, it is assumed that it is a legal requirement to fence facilities like airport. It is also assumed that the management of the organization is willing to implement the project given the necessary resources. It is also assumed that resources are available. However, the extent of the operations will be regulated by the scarcity of the available resources. The appropriate project planning and management tools The project can be easily managed if it is broken down into simpler subdivisions of project tasks termed as activities. The whole project is divided into two broad categories of activities corresponding to the construction of the two fences. The perimeter-fencing project starts with the construction of inner concrete wall. The activities corresponding to the construction outer fence begin after the trenches have been laid. It is important that the project should be completely exhausted so that all the tasks are included in some activity (Construction planning, n.d). Some of the activities that constitute the whole project have some relations. There are activities that have to be carried out before others can be initiated whereas other activities can be performed simultaneously. There are estimates for the duration to be taken by each of the activities that make up the project. Some activities may not have duration but have to be categorized as activities since the commencement of other activities will depend on them (Construction planning, n.d). There are activities whose start time or completion time can be delayed without affecting the completion time for the project. On the other hand, there activities whose start and finish time cannot be delayed without delaying the whole projects. These are termed as critical activities and a trade-off of resources can be carried out to ensure that there executions are not interrupted. It is important to identify such activities th at depend on the completion of other activities in the entire project chain without time floats. This is necessary to estimate the total project completion time. The project has been broken down to different activities. Some of the activities involve other separate tasks that have been grouped together. The activities involved in the project and their estimated durations in weeks are provided here below. Conducting training and education on project management to different personnel within the organization (3) Procurement of construction materials for the concrete wall (2) Recruitment of skilled professionals (4) Recruitment of unskilled laborers (3) General excavation and demolishing the existing fence (3) Excavation for the utility trenches (4) Construction of the wall (18) Procurement of the construction materials for the outer chain link fence (3) Placement of the framework for the fence (3) Construction of the fence (3) Installation of the electric powered fence above the chain link (2) Constructions of gates (6) Installation of CCTV (2) The above activities have precedence relations that can be defined as follows. The management of the projects will be accomplished by the personnel in the organization and not the hired professionals. It is then necessary to have the different individuals trained before the other activities of the projects can be carried out. Thus, activity A will be the predecessor of all the other activities in the project. Activities B, C, and D can all be done simultaneously after A. Activity E can only be performed after C and D are accomplished since the excavation will require both skilled and unskilled laborers. The excavation for utility trenches (activity F) then follows activity E. The activity G involves the construction of the concrete wall as well as making installations like lighting system. Activities H and I can be performed simultaneously after the completion of activity F (Excavation for the utility trenches). The comp letion of both activities is necessary for the commencement of activity J. Gates will be constructed corresponding to the two layers of fences. Thus, the commencement of activity K has to follow the completion of the activities G and J. the last activity in the project will the installation of CCTV (activity M). Monitoring and control of the project A critical path analysis of the network developed by the above activities indicates that the activities A, C, E, F, G, L, and M fall on the critical paths and the total estimated completion time for the project is 40 weeks. The available resources will be channeled more towards these crucial activities in order to ensure that the set duration of ten months is not exceeded. Some of the have floats and can be delayed for sometime without delaying the whole project. For instance, the start of activity B can be delayed by a maximum of two weeks without affecting the successive projects. Activity D may also be delayed by one week without affe cting activity E. The floats will enable the monitoring and evaluating team to allocate much resource like human hour on the crucial activity to improve the completion time for the project. To monitor the progress of the activities, a Gantt chart will be helpful in providing a visual impression of the activities that should have been performed at a given time (GANTTCHARTS, 2011). The Gantt chart indicates the activities that can be delayed without affecting the project completion time. It shows the starting dates and expected completion dates of the activities (Ganttcharts, 2011). The Gant chart will also indicate the dependency between different activities in the whole project (Sodipo, 2008, p.158). It is then possible to crass the project depending on the resources available. This involves performing a trade-off between time and the available resources until it is uneconomical to reduce further the duration. Managing risks The project may fail to be implemented even if the resourc es are available. This happens since the different stages of the project from its definition and diagnosis to the implementation and final usage involve different individuals. Different levels of stakeholders exist in the process of executing the project. This includes the primary stakeholders, secondary stakeholders and the peripheral stakeholders. Some failures may occur due to a misunderstanding among different stakeholders. This misunderstanding is in turn caused by poor and untimely communication between the key stakeholders. The failures may be minimized through proper identification of the objectives of a given project and the key stakeholders of the project. In this case, an effective means of communication is then identified that ensure a common understanding of the project and its objectives by all the concerned personnel. The timely communication will enable the concerned individuals to provide their opinions concerning the intended project. It will be possible to learn a bout the opinions that are opposed to the project. The conflicting issues that arise may be ironed in time in favor of the project. The different individuals concerned with this particular project have been identified. The different boards have an effective communication with each other and the arising issues can be tackled easily. Failures are also avoided by allocating the responsibilities to the right individuals. Most of the activities involved in this project require expertise in the relevant areas. Proper care will be taken to ensure that the right professionals and skilled workers are hired to carry out such activities. The human resource section in conjunction with the IT Project manager will be responsible for the recruitment of the right professionals for the different assignment. Conclusion The importance of this project for improved operations at the airport is evidenced. The success of the project will depend on the cooperation of all the stakeholders involved in the pr oject. Proper communication of the intended projects to the various stakeholders is essential in ensuring its success. There is need to have a proper coordination of all the activities involved in the organization. Much attention should be given to the critical activities that have been identified in the project. It is also important to examine the previous projects that had been carried out and the challenges that were faced. The failures for this project can be anticipated from the failures that have been experienced in the other projects that have been carried out by the organization. Reference List Advanced Perimeter Systems Limited. 2011. Perimeter Fencing, Electric Perimeter Fencing, Perimeter Management CCTV. Web. Available from: apsltd.net/ . Connecting with flydubai. 2011. Emirates can now provide through connections to selected flydubai destinations. Available from emirates.com/english/plan_book/connecting_with_flydubai/connecting_with_flydubai.aspx Construction planning. N.d. Defining precedence relationship among activities. Web. Available from: http://pmbook.ce.cmu.edu/09_Construction_Planning.html#9.4%20Defining%20Precedence%20Relationships%20Among%20Activities . Flemming, A., 2009. Fly Dubai Low Cost Airlines Information for Fly Dubai. Available from http://airtravel.about.com/od/charterlowcostairlines/qt/flydubai.htm Free No-Hassle Estimate. 2011. Perimeter fencing. Web. Available from: vikingfence.com/article-perimeter-fencing . Ganttcharts. 2011. About Gantt charts. Web. Available from: ganttchart.com/ . Sodipo, E., 2008. Project Management Explained. NY: Lulu.com.

Possible Impacts of Marketing Innovation on the Organizational Culture Dissertation

Possible Impacts of Marketing Innovation on the Organizational Culture of a market leader, and Managerial Attitudes Towards its - Dissertation Example This two-way communication takes place over online social media (OSM), like Facebook, Twitter and YouTube (Shu & Chuang, 2011). In the last decade the marketing communication has adapted to this new possibilities and the international percentage of interactive marketing with the customer has tripled (Kottler, Wong, Saunders, & Armstrong, 2005). Marketing and innovation in marketing depend largely upon the leadership from the top management within an organization. The right organizational culture and the focus on marketing are crucial for companies in a competitive industry (Bridgewater & Doyle, 1998). A company?s organizational culture (OC) consists of its constitution, strategies, and corporate value. It also includes the common experiences and standards that characterize an organization (Buelens, Van den Broeck, Vanderheyden, Kreintner, & Kinicki, 2006). Many distinct definitions for OC exist, it is important to be aware of the differences (Driskill & Brenton, 2011). There are two major schools about OC, which differ mainly in the aspect by whom it can or cannot be influenced or manipulated. The â€Å"German approach† towards OC sees the origins of OC in the interaction of employees and therefore not changeable through decisions of top management. The â€Å"American approach† defines OC as something that belongs to the company and can be influenced at discretion by top management (Dixon & Dougherty, 2010). It will be the â€Å"German approach† that will be explored in this study. A positive OC supports performance and efficiency of a company and can lead to superior market positions; furthermore it is seen as giving benefit to the brand (Aaker & Joachimsthaler, 2000). OC is an important factor for most market leaders. Commonly they do not reach the top of the market or distinguish themselves through external factors that lead to advantage. Often times it is strong internal commitment and a functioning integration of employees, that leads to success. Market leaders strongly value a positive internal environment of the organization, especially in very competitive markets (Simon, 2009)(Spear, 2009). Within the international food industry the Internet has become popular over the last years to market products. Most major food brands are using the possibility to communicate with their customers and integrate them into their marketing (Grunert & Ramus, 2005)(Ballantine, 2005). Looking at Germany?s food industry, the meat product sector is a major segment for the economy, with an annual turnover of about 16 billion Euros (German-meat, 2010). The current market leader of this industry is Rugenwalder Muhle GmbH (RwM), with the largest market share and the highest revenue since a significant time span. Being the market leader innovation is extremely important to RwM. Within the German meat industry RmW is the only organization that currently uses OSM as a great part of their marketing mix. The connection that OC and innovation have within a company is found to be substantial; OC is

Learning Solutions Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Learning Solutions - Essay Example As the paper declares students are supposed to craft what they study to be part of themselves. Getting, as well as keeping, ELLs engaged are maybe the most significant steps in creating a flourishing learning outcome. Research has showed that a majority of students in United States universities, particularly Texas, go through their first year of education only to drop out in the second year. This is particularly because the students cannot relate what they learn into their daily lives. It is as if the instructions offered to them make no sense. Relating academic instructions to daily lives is the best technique of making (not only ELLs, but also other) students understand the importance of education. This paper will assist educator to rethink the classroom in a manner that will allow both ELLs and other normal students to feel engaged in classroom activities in order to succeed in their education. Recent research has showed that the classroom design affects levels of interactions, as well as engagement of ELLs. Therefore, the amount of instructions acquired also depends on the classroom design. A study conducted by the National Training Laboratory discovered that only 5% of what is instructed by a lecturer is retained by ELLs . Discussion groups, on the other hand, had a percentage of 50, and normal practice took the day by 70%. Sophocles, a Greek philosopher, was already aware of this when he wrote that a person should learn through doing (practice) things. It is vital to notice that, even though people think that they know how to do something, there is no certainty until that something is tried. This paper outlines that Dekhinet notes that a student should be motivated to practice what they learn in the classroom. He goes on further to argue that educators stress much on students being keen to what they teach and forget the vital fact that allowing them to practice is the key to coming up with a successful education outcome. Therefore, what this paper is advo cating for is that a teacher should also try to incorporate him/herself with the practice belief. A classroom should be set in a manner that gives students a feeling as if they are putting to practice what they are being taught. Such a classroom should be comfortable for both the learners, as well as the educator. Comfortable classrooms, psychologically and physically, keep minds focused, endorse a sense of well-being, and minimize distractions. Hence, a student will be able to capture the instruction more easily. Comfort is not always an experimental phenomenon. However, we know that when a person is uncomfortable, he or she is distracted. Lighting, temperature and furnishings, all have a significant role in an individual being comfortable. Psychological comfort is also vital. Environments, which are uninviting or intimidating, will affect the depth of learning that can occur or acquiring instructions.  

Criminal Litigation CW Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Criminal Litigation CW - Essay Example Following your arrest by the police on suspicion of having committed the felony, you, like any other suspect have a right to a first hearing. You should be aware of the fact that the first hearing is intended to protect you as a suspected criminal, from unreasonable seizure and detention. Basically, the hearing will be carried out to establish whether there is adequate proof to support your full trial. At the initial hearing, various procedural measures may be explored to ascertain whether the police acted within the law during the initial stages of the criminal justice process. Owing to the less seriousness of the offense, you may be notified of the felony, informed of the right to legal representation and the legal requirement as to remain silent. The court may caution you against breaching the gag order, and proclaim that your statements may be admissible in court as evidence against you. You may also receive advice on how to secure a bail, especially now that the source of fundin g for your defence has already been found. Under English legal tradition, a plea is normally entered and the bail set at the initial appearance, so this case shall not an exception. The case scheduled for hearing at the Magistrate’s Court after committal shall entail the plea and modalities on how the case will be managed. In most cases, the hearing takes place in every suit in the Court, and is driven by the requirement to ensure that all important procedures have been followed, in order to enable the court to ready itself for trial. The Magistrate will be expected to act in a managerial manner in order to inject a sense of understanding among the parties concerned so that the case may move on smoothly. The Magistrate shall preside over the entry of names of the witnesses into the court records. Additionally, the Prosecution papers and exhibits shall be unveiled for the first time on that day. Any official admissions, or legal provisions or issues related with the acceptabil ity of the evidence may come out during the first hearing of your case. The court shall then receive information about the proposed timeline of the trial. These issues are usually handled as a set of questions, which the attorney who has been assigned for you shall fill on your behalf. Meanwhile, the Magistrate will provide directions on how to best deal with the case in fair, expeditious, and efficient manner by ordering the entry of a plea. In light of thus, you will be required to participate. If you plead guilty, the trial process may begin immediately, especially if the advocate whom we have assigned to lead your defence does not seek for an adjournment. If you plead not guilty, then it shall be incumbent upon the prosecution and defence to furnish the court with any important issues that will support the expending of the case. Not guilty plea A not guilty plea comes to be when a defendant neither pleads guilty nor enters a no contest plea. The not guilty option earns a defenda nt adequate time to acquire legal advice if he or she does not have one already. When the case comes up for hearing on May 17, 2013, please plead not guilty when the judge formally makes the request to determine the direction which you want the case to take. In the event that you fail to elect any plea

The Effectiveness Of Technology

The Effectiveness Of Technology Over the years, technology has played a vital role in educational innovation, providing both teachers and students with more options and flexibility in their teaching and learning practices. With the internet and computer technology availability, technology becomes increasingly indispensable in the field of education. In todays schools, multimedia software, content based CD-ROMs, online resources and many other technologies provide students and teachers with many new research tools, limitless wealth of information, shared professional practices, communication tools, and new modes of learning (keane, 2002) in (Eunjoo Russell, 2002). Availability of internet in schools enables both the teachers and students to have a variety of opportunities to expand the curriculum. Todays school continue to be challenged by the increased visibility, roles and cost of instructional technology tools. Considering current trends in education, a modern classroom would not be complete without computers, software, internet connections, projectors and a variety of other high-tech device (Keane, 2002). According to Hasselbring, Barron Risko, (2000), schools will be equipped with the best hardware and software in the near future, but it is unlikely that teachers and students will use them effectively if teachers are not trained. The success of technology infusion in schools depends on training teachers. In the digital age, schools will require teachers to have competent technology skills and be able to effectively implement the use of instructional technology in classrooms. Therefore, it is logical to require teachers to be trained to handle such technologically equipped classrooms. Technology integration in the classroom has become an important aspect of successful teaching. It has triggered many researchers to investigate different aspects of such integration (e.g., Kotrlik Redmann, 2005; Bauer Kenton, 2005; Judson, 2006; Zhao, 2007; Gulbahar, 2007; Anderson Maninger, 2007; Abbit Klett, 2007; and Wood Ashfield, 2008). This is because it allows students to learn more in less time and allows schools to focus on global learning environments if used appropriately. It could also be an effective teaching tool when used to engage all students in the learning process. During the last few years, technology has been adopted in many areas such as business, entertainment, government and education. The global adoption of technology has been the landmark on the educational scene for the last few years (Albirini, 2006). Harvey (1983) envisages that the effectiveness of the use of computers in education may be an important factor in determining which countries will succe ed in the future. In recent years, educational technology has been to a large extent incorporated into teaching and learning practice in many educational institutions across the globe. This phenomenon has taken place as a response to economic, social and pedagogical pressures (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2001). From the economic rationale, it is believed that knowledge and competence in technology will enhance graduates opportunity to be professionally employed (Thornburg, 2002). Indeed, it is argued that the measured level of employability will strengthen the economy of a nation (Mutula Bakel, 2007). The social rationale sees competence in the use of technology as a necessary skill for graduate to participate in community development (OECD, 2001). This can aid students to lead the society to meet the challenges of the global information. As regarding the pedagogical rationale, the integration of technology in education claimed to facilitate a transformation of teaching an d learning process from being highly teacher centered to student centered (Trucano, 2005). The student-centered environment is argued to be more favourable than the teacher-centered environment because it gives learners the opportunity to actively participate in knowledge construction (Roblyer, Edward Havriluv, 2004). Teachers are managers of learning experience. As managers, they are meant to ensure that the environment is structured in a way that learners are given the opportunity to engage in a deep and meaningful learning process. A way through which this role can be accomplished is for teachers to assume the responsibility of an educational technologist, i.e., a professional who embarks on the study of theories and practices associated with the use of technology in instruction. According to Seels (2004), in Westergaad (2008), there are general roles that educational technologists must take. First is the regulation and reinforcement of selected media to promote learning, second is to educate teachers and stake holders about the use of media and the third is critique and lobby policies that influence media utilization. Among the three roles, the first is expected from teachers in the classroom. The fact that a lot of factors are responsible for students underachievement is not new to researcher s but amongst those factors could be teachers perception of the effectiveness of technology. Perception refers the way one think about something and ones idea of what it is like, also it is an ability to understand the true nature of a subject especially as it affects our environment. However teachers perception of the effectiveness of technology is in different ways hence, learning is a process which produces series of changes in behaviour or it is more or less a change in behaviour that result from activities, training or observation. It is a change in behaviour that confirms learning. Technology has had a significant impact on teaching and learning in schools (Cuttance, 2001). Reviews of several research projects have substantiated the potential of educational technology to enhance learning environments (Sivin-Kachala Bialo, 1994) and improve student learning outcomes (Hativa Becker, 1994) through active student engagement, collaborative learning, frequent and immediate feedback and real-world contexts for learning (Roschelle, Pea, Hoadley, Gordin Means, 2000). In addition, ICT enhances higher order thinking (Educational Testing Service, 1989), and impacts on student attitudes, motivation, self esteem, social competencies and enjoyment of learning (Joiner, 1996: Rowe, 1993: Tiernay, 1996; Wellburn, 1996). However, the extent to which ICT facilitates and enhance teaching, learning and the learning environment is dependent in part on the adequacy of teachers skills and knowledge (Wenglinsky, 1998). Technology integration into teaching and learning process is an effective way to widen educational opportunities, but this is yet to be fully utilized by teachers as an instructional delivery system. Bauer Kenton (2005) in their research found that some teachers were highly educated and skilled with using technology, but are not integrating technology on a consistent basis in the teaching and learning process. Ertmer, Conklin, Lewandowski, Osika, Selo, and Wignall (2003) indicated that beginning teachers wanted to use technology and have adequate technical skills, but teachers lacked knowledge on how to integrate technology in teaching and learning. Technology integration is not a one size fits all (Wepner, Tao, Ziomek, 2006) where teachers do the same thing for their students or where teachers possess the same specific skills to be competent technology users. Teachers need to know how and why to use technology in meaningful ways in the learning process for technology integration t o work. Like many educational reform efforts, the introduction of technology in schools has been less than successful. Over the last century there were several waves of massive investment in technology to improve education, but none has had significant lasting impact on education (Cuban, 1986). Implementation of technology is a complex process that depends on characteristics of technology, workers, environment, and subtle interactions among these components (Bayer and Melone 1989; Yetton, Sharma Southon 1999; Wolfe, 1994). Questions have been asked in studies about many failed educational innovations. In Fullan (1991) a question was raised that Why technology isnt used more in schools? Also in Tyack Cuban (1995) a question was also raised that Why cant innovations that seem to hold great promises be adopted by schools in spite of great efforts? Many researchers have been searching for solutions to this persistent puzzle. In this study, the search continues by the examination of teachers perception of the effectiveness of technology in enhancing teaching and learning. But it is not intend to simply repeat previous research but to search for new factors that may affect technology uses in schools because it is believed that previous research have identified most, if not all, factors that may have an effect on technology integration in schools. What is needed is an integrating framework that can provide new directions for research and specific suggestions for policy and practice. Thus it is taken as a res ponsibility to extend existing research by investigating the relationships among the long list of factors that have already been identified to be related to school technology uses. In particular, teachers perception of the effectiveness of technology to theoretically integrate and organize sets of factors that affect implementation of technology. It is also hoped that this framework will help in better understanding of other educational innovations, since technology, is a special case of innovation. Statement of Problem Due to the role of technology in the advancement of society in general and educational sector in particular, effective technology integration into teaching and learning has become the focus of many educators. Over the years, the problem of under achievement has been a general problem. For example, many researchers in Nigeria which include; Adeyemi (2005), Balduf (2009), Chukwu (2009), Patric (2010), Obomanu (2011) and Anakwe (2011) have conducted series of research to investigate what could be responsible for the problem. In their studies, factors such as lack of adequate laboratory equipment, ineffectiveness and lack of teaching proficiency of teachers, lack of qualified teachers and school factors have been identified as major causes of underachievement of students. Despite all these efforts of research and findings, the poor performances of students still exist. However, little emphasis has been laid on the integration of instructional technology into teaching. Disproportionately very few schools and teachers adopt the use of instructional technology in classroom teaching in Lagos state. As indicated by Byers (2000), Cope (2002), and also Kahveci (2011) the perception of the effectiveness of instructional technology by teachers may play a role in the adoption and integration of these technologies. This henceforth justifies the need for this study to investigate the effect of teachers perception of their technology integration competencies, barriers obstructing such integration, and incentives to increase it, in addition to other related issues in classroom learning environment. Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study is to examine teachers perception of the effectiveness of technology and the rate at which they adopt technology into classroom teaching. Research Question The following questions will guide this study; How do teachers perceptions of the effectiveness of technology affect the rate at which they integrate it in their teaching process? Does the demographic characteristic of teachers such as gender, age, years of teaching experience, grade level taught, content area, and educational level affect the rate at which they integrate instructional technology? Statement of Hypothesis There will be no significant effect of teachers perception of the effectiveness of technology on the rate at which they integrate it in their teaching process. Significance of Study Mode of teaching and instructional tools employed in the teaching process is of a major importance in determining the achievement of students. This study will create in the students, teachers and curriculum builders the awareness of technology, its integration, effect and benefits. These will also help the teachers in knowing there level of technological competency and also factors that might be militating against the integration of these technologies in teaching. It will also highlight the need for teachers to combat deficit thinking. Because only by this will teachers develop positive attitude towards instructional technology utilization in teaching process. This study will also clarify to the teachers the need to use technology as a catalyst for change and improvement in the practice of teaching. Further, it will clarify to the teachers the need to integrate technology into teaching so as to facilitate the constructivist method of teaching which can be used to enhance student lear ning of specific subject matter. For the school administrators and curriculum builders this study will assist in their planning by suggesting specific strategies and procedures that can make technology integration easy and achievable. It will also give empirical support for a need to upgrade and increase the level of instructional technology integration in the classroom in a manner that will enhances student learning. It will also show them the need to orientate teachers on the need for technology integration in their teaching practices. If the findings of this study are adequately applied, the learning facilities available to the students will be enriched in technology by school administrators and this will in turn enhance the students performance and better their achievement. Scope of Study and Delimitation This is a study into the effect of teachers perception of the effectiveness of instructional technology integration in enhancing teaching in selected tertiary institution in Lagos state. CHAPTER 2 REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE In this literature, teachers perception of technology integration and factors affecting their level of technology integration will be discussed. This chapter therefore reviews related literature based on the purpose of the study. The literature of this study is derived from researches from 1999 to 2012. Outline of Literature Review Introduction Difference between Technology Integration and Technology Use Impact of Technology Integration on Teachers and students Factors Affecting Teachers Level of Technology Integration Teachers Perceptions of Technology Integration and Gender Differences Barriers Technology Integration 2.1 Introduction The use of technology in education has emerged to become an increasingly indispensible part of higher and professional education (Almekhlafi, 2006a). Technology, in addition to giving learners the opportunity to control their own learning process, also makes available for them ready access to a large amount of information over which the teacher has no control (Lam Lawrence, 2002). Literacy is defined as the ability to read and write, but currently, the definition of literacy has gone beyond this. A new type of literacy is developing as our society makes new technological developments. Teachers are now faced in addition to their preparing students to read and write with the task of educating students to be technologically literate. Definition of literacy according to Mullen and Wedwick (2008) in Catherine (2011) is no longer the traditional definition which is being able to read and write, the definition is now expanding to computer and technology literacy. The literate of the twenty-first century must be able to download, upload, rip, burn, chat, save, blog, Skype, IM, and share. The main goal of literacy, no matter what type, is to be able to communicate effectively. Digital literacy, computer literacy or technological literacy all enhance a persons ability to communicate by adding another dimension to the arsenal of skills a literate person already possesses (Jones-Kavalier Flannigan, 2008) in (Catherine, 2011). The each day growing complexity of education, the rise of the information to learn, the need for qualified and modern education require the use of computers as a tool in education. The use of technology in education will provide that the education will be carried out in accordance with the needs of the era as well as that the highest appropriate yield will be received from education (Kayri, Genà §oglu and Kayri , 2012). The computer which is one of the technological capabilities and a basic element of culture in our century, has become a tool which its use is rapidly spreading (Arslan, 2003 Odabasi, 2006) in (Kayri, Genà §oglu and Kayri, 2012). 2.2 Difference between Technology Integration and Technology Use When using technology in the classroom, it is important to distinguish between technology use and technology integration. Technology use is just the use of technology; it means much more to integrate technology (Catherine, 2011). The difference between technology use and technology integration for learning is that integration implies full-time, daily operation within lessons. Integration involves daily use of technology in reforming the everyday classroom routines (Gorder, 2008). Technology integration is not about the availability of technology, but more about the teachers effective use of technology that makes a difference in reforming the classroom. The teacher is the most important ingredient for success when using and integrating technology (Mandell, Sorge, Russell, 2002). Beckett, Wetzel, Chishlom, Zambo, Buss, Padgett, Williams and Odom (2003) in Gorder, (2008) said teachers are central to the creation of a technology-integrated environment that is learner-centered and motiva ting. Therefore, without teachers who can integrate technology, students exposure to technology remains limited and inequitable. Ozel, Yetkiner and Capraro (2008) in (Catherin, 2011) claim that there are five phases for properly integrating technology. These five phases employ the following questions: Why should I use a technology-based method? How will I know students have learned? What teaching strategies and activities will work best? Are adequate hardware, software and technical support available? What worked well and what could be improved? By examining each of these questions, a teacher is not just using technology, the teacher is thoughtfully planning how technology can be used in the lesson in order to best suit the needs of the students which is integration. 2.3 Impact of Technology Integration on Teachers and students Technology is appealing to teachers because it addresses the need of learners with visual styles as well as of learners with special needs. Moreover, technology exposes learners to a world of information. It has also enabled some teachers to implement new teaching techniques learned through computer (U.S congress of Technology Assessment, 1995) in (Almekhafi, 2004). There are numerous researchers who have explored the area of technology integration worldwide and have came up with reports indicating its positive impact on teaching and learning for teachers using technology. These studies include; Guha, 2000; Manzo, 2001; Shelly, Bilig, Jesse Acosta (2001); Zorfass and Rivero, 2005; Almekhlafi, 2006. Guha (2000) conducted a study to investigate the personal experience of elementary school teachers using computers in the classroom. He investigated their present use of computers in the classroom, and their views on current computer use as compared to their preferred use in classroom instruction. He came up with findings which reported positive correlations and significant differences between the previous training, computer usage in the classroom and comfort level of teachers and their present computer training, level of comfort, and computer usage in the classroom. Manzo (2001) also carried out a study on technology integration in an Art class. He found out that most of the students, who are enrolled in the Electronic Arts Class prior to enrolment, were not able to compete effectively in most of their other classes. But after experiencing the effect of technology utilization, they began to appreciate the importance of doing well in all subjects. Also, Shelly et al. (2001) in their study examine a project titled the WEB Project. The findings of their survey suggest that teachers should as they integrate technology into different areas in the academic content, emphasize the use of meta-cognitive skills, application of skills, and inquiry of learning. Almekhlafi, A.G. (2006a) in his study investigated the effect of Computer Assisted Language Learning (CALL) on elementary-prep school students improvement in English as a foreign language (EFL). Results from the study show evidence of the effect of CALL on learning English as a foreign language. It was discovered that a positive attitude was experienced toward CALL, it was also perceived its utility for helping them learn EFL, and the students had a strong intention to use it in the future. The literatures, both in theory and practice, supports the idea that students learning in a community of learners environment using technology as a tool for learning, are able to build on prior knowledge, feel success and grow to their fullest potential. It seems evident that a constructivist-learning environment allows students to experience success with the integration of technology. However, researchers caution us to recognize that technology alone cannot bring about all the needed changes in todays classrooms. 2.4 Factors Affecting Teachers Level of Technology Integration Numerous studies have been carried out as a result of the attention of many researchers drawn to the integration of technology at schools and factors influencing such integration. In a study on teachers who used computer technology in their instruction conducted by Bauer Kenton (2005), to investigate how much they used technology, the obstacles they had to overcome to succeed in its use, and their general issues and concerns regarding technology. It was observed that the teachers were who are highly educated and skilled with technology, were innovative and adept at overcoming obstacles, but that they did not integrate technology on a consistent basis as both a teaching and learning tool. Two key issues that were noted are; their students did not have enough time at computers, and that teachers needed extra planning time for technology lessons. Other concerns were outdated hardware, lack of appropriate software, technical difficulties, and student skill levels. Kotrlik Redmann (2005) examined the extent of technology integration in instruction by adult basic education teachers. The teachers used for this study are in the early stage of technology integration thereby more active in the area of exploration. The findings from the study reveals that that teachers feel some anxiety when it comes to technology integration, they perceived that they are effective in using technology regardless of whether they have integrated technology, and they are encountering barriers. As teachers perceive an increase in barriers, their integration of technology decreases; also, as the availability and increase of ICT tools, such as computers with Internet connection in the classroom and/or lab increases their level of technology integration. In a study conducted by Gulbahar (2007), investigating both student and teachers perception to illustrate how technology planning process was carried out in a private school in Turkey. Findings from the study indicated that even teachers and administrator staff felt themselves competent in using ICT available at the school; still, they reported a lack of guidelines that would lead them to successful integration. On the other hand, students reported that ICT is not utilized sufficiently in their classes. Zhao (2007) conducted a qualitative research to investigate the perspectives and experiences of teachers following technology integration training. The findings of his study indicated that teachers view towards technology integration is diverse, and this has an influence on their use of technology in the classroom. It further reveals that; willingness to use technology and positive experiences were related to teachers increased use of technology and to more creative use of technology, because most teachers who are willing to use technology, expressed positive experiences with technology integration training, increased their use of technology in the classroom, and used technology more creatively. But this did not ensure that teachers would replace their teaching with technology. 2.5 Teachers Perceptions of Technology Integration and Gender Differences The perspective of teachers of their understanding of technology, their utilization of instructional technology, and feelings about the support structure associated with this equipment have been examined with the findings suggesting that teachers believe technology is an integral part of the process of educating their students Almekhlafi Almeqdadi 2010. There are different literatures relating to gender differences in the technology integration. Of these studies include; Hong Koh, 2002; Kian Chee, 2002; Zhou Xu, 2007; Aremu Fasan, 2011; Hon Alison, 2012). Gender discrepancy was studied in both classroom access and use by Hong and Koh (2002), it was found that male teachers were less anxious when compared with the female teachers toward hardware. They also found that there is no significant difference in the overall level of computer anxiety of male teachers was not significantly different from the anxiety levels of female teachers. Only for the hardware anxiety domain was significant differences detected between male and female teachers. Zhou Xu (2007) conducted a study which was aimed at exploring how gender affects the process of technology adoption in post-secondary teaching. Findings from this study suggest that females had lower confidence and less experience in the use of computers in teaching. Also, they tended to learn how to use technology from others, unlike the males who were more likely to learn from their own experience. Also, in a study by Aremu Fasan (2011) which was aimed at investigating factors that could affect technology use and by teachers analysis from the study showed that the computer self efficacy was average for most of the teachers though female teachers have higher Computer self efficacy than male teachers. Hon Alison (2012) conducted a study which was used to examining the effect of gender difference regarding confidence toward using technology for learning in higher educational institutions. The findings of this study confirmed that male have more confidence in using technology for learning than do females because gender imbalances in computing are socially constructed and not related to a learners innate ability. 2.6 Barriers Technology Integration There are numerous researches that have documented a number of barriers which hinder the integration of technology. Out of these include ; Earle, 2002; Flores, 2002, Brinkerhof, 2006 and Almekhlafi Almeqdadi, 2010. In the study by Robert Ferries (1994) cited by Almekhlafi Almeqdadi, (2010), it was stated that barriers to technology integration included lack of knowledge of the available technological resources, time commitment, the risk associated with the use of technology and also the view of technology as an ever changing thing. According to Earle (2002), in her study, she classified the factors that affect technology integration in the classroom into two. These are extrinsic and intrinsic. These factors are defined as restraining force to the teachers. The extrinsic factors are identified as access, available resources, support, time, and training of teachers while the restraining factors that are intrinsic are identified as teachers attitudes, beliefs, practices, and resistan ce. In the study of Flores (2002), it was identified that in the attempt of teachers to integrate technology in their teaching activity, they were faced by many obstacle. In addition to administrative support and time scheduling for the use of technology, equity is another important issue. The introduction of technology is particularly hard when there are few resources. This is supported by Almekhlafi Almeqdadi, (2010) where he cited Brinkerhof (2006) who grouped the restraining into four (4) main categories: administrative and institutional resources and support, attitudinal or personality factors, and experience and training. CHAPTER THREE RESEARCH METHODOLOGY Introduction This chapter highlights how the field work will be carried out. It describes the design, nature of population, sample, instruments used and how the instrument will be administered as well as analyzed. Research Design This study is a descriptive study which will be conducted to investigate the effect of teachers perception of instructional technology and the level at which they integrate these technologies in the process of teaching and learning. Area of Study The study was carried out in Lagos state. Population of Study The population for this study will consists of all lecturers in the tertiary institution in Lagos state with special reference to the lecturers of selected tertiary institutions in Lagos state. Sample and Sampling Technique The tertiary institution in comprises of Colleges of Education, Poly-techniques, and Universities. In Lagos state, there are ____ Colleges of Education, ____ Poly Techniques, and ____ Universities out of which one will be randomly selected from each as a representative sample. In each of the selected schools, 60 lecturers will be selected using a purposeful random selection The sample of this study will be lecturers who will be selected using a purposefully random sampling technique. This will be the sample the questionnaire will be administered to. Instrumentation The instrument that will be used in this study is; The Mills Tincher Technology Integration Standards Configuration Matrix (TISCM). This is a model for determining technology integration by teachers (Mills Tincher, 2003). This instrument will consist of two sections as follows; Section A: Demographic data Section B: 18 Survey questions Validation of Instrument The instruments will be critically examined, scrutinized and amended by my supervisor and experts who are experienced in area of research to ensure the validity its of. Data Collection To answer the research questions in this study, a research tool (Technology Integration Standards Configuration Matrix (TISCM)) which was developed by Dr. Steven Mills, will be used to investigate teachers perception of technology and how they integrated technology on a daily basis. This tool will consist of a number of subthemes that will investigated teachers perceptions of their technology competencies and usage, determined how teachers integrate and use technology. Data Analysis Data gathered from questionnaire items will be analyzed using SPSS 17.0. Descriptive statistics, a multivariate analysis, and analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used. In addition, items will be analysed using Item Analysis method in order to get a deep understanding of the results from the questionnaire.

Poes Fall of The House of Usher Essay: Beyond Empiricism and Transcend

Beyond Empiricism and Transcendentalism in House of Usher      Ã‚   When Edgar Allan Poe wrote "The Fall of the House of Usher," two factors greatly influenced his writing. A first influence was John Locke's idea of Empiricism, which was the idea that all knowledge was gained by experiences, exclusively through the senses. A second vital influence was Transcendentalism, which was a reaction to Empiricism.   While John Locke believed that reality or truth was constituted by the material world and by the senses, Transcendentalists believed that reality and truth exist within the spiritual or ideal world. They believed that the external world was dependent solely on the conscious. Beverly Voloshin suggests that "Poe presents transcendental projects which threaten to proceed downward rather than upward" (19). Here it becomes obvious that there is a strong connection between John Locke's Empiricism and the resulting ideas of Transcendence, and the powerful effect that they had on Poe and other emerging Romantic writers of that time. In "The Fal l of the House of Usher," Poe establishes a new type of literature, one that emphasizes aspects of Empiricism as well as the idea of Transcendence. Poe uses this unique literature to introduce the Usher mansion and its intriguing and very troubled inhabitants.    Locke wrote the "Essay Concerning Human Understanding," which was published in 1690, and is credited with opening up the period of Enlightenment in Europe.   Its strongest connection to Poe was that it had a   "late popularity in New England"(Voloshin 18). With this popularity in New England, many of the writers of the time either voiced their approval of Empiricism, or took an opposite stance in their literature. Locke believed th... ...an upward. "The tales have a paradoxical structure in which transcendence is figured as an outward or downward movement, as the method for going beyond the universe of Lockean empiricism is to go through it" (Voloshin 19).   Poe brings this out with the narrator's "depression" and the "unredeemed dreariness of thought."   The language that is used in "The Fall of the House of Usher" presents a connection between the mental and the physical world, which then correlates with the debate between Transcendentalists and the empiricism presented nearly two centuries before.       Works Cited Koster, Donald N. Transcendentalism in America. Boston:   Twayne, 1975. Sahakian, Mabel Lewis and William S. John Locke. Boston:   Twayne, 1975.   Voloshin, Beverly. "Transcendence Downward: An Essay on 'Usher' and 'Ligeia.'" Modern Language Studies 18 (1988): 18-29.