Animal Hunting And Its Effects On The Environment

This will also have a substantial effect on the environment and the Earth is already overpopulated as it is, this is clearly seen in different parts of the world. Cities go on for miles without any greenery and are overcrowded, roads look disgusting as there are so many cars on the road polluting the atmosphere and if the population increases even more, there will be more cars on roads which will cause even more air pollution in the atmosphere which means that plants and other species will die as the atmosphere will be so toxic or it could potentially introduce new diseases or cancers. Wild animals could also gradually die out and become extinct because of environmental destruction because the humans would be destroying their habitats and also due to over hunting animals. Animal hunting is a very popular activity to do and if there is a higher population, more people will be killing animals which is another factor that will cause the wild animals to gradually die out. Siberian tigers have been classed by the IUCN as being endangered. There are approximately 300 Siberian tigers left in the wilderness in the regions of China and North Korea and the factors that are influencing the lives of these tigers are due to humans capturing, hunting or the killing of the tigers and habitat loss due to humans constructing more buildings or cutting down trees to use for vital everyday things such as fences, buildings, shelves, desks and books. Overpopulation would start affecting manyShow MoreRelatedHorrific Affect of Pestcides in A Fable for Tomorrow from the Book Silent Spring by Rachel Carson918 Words   |  4 Pageshave severe harms and damages on the environment and other organisms. In the excerpt â€Å"A Fable for Tomorrow† from the book Silent Spring, Rachel Carson describes the disastrous and horrific effects of pesticides on the environment and animals of the town. In the essay â€Å"Our Animal Rites† by Anna Quindlen, she shows the inhumanity of anima l hunting by human. Furthermore, she argues how human migration is destroying the natural habitats that belong to the animals. In the excerpt â€Å"Reading the River† fromRead MoreHunting Is Not A Fair Thing1672 Words   |  7 Pages Hunting, meaning tracking or trapping of wild animals is one of the oldest activities known to mankind. Back in the days, hunting was a necessity of life for our ancestors to be able to obtain food for nourishment. People still hunt animals for food, but it’s more of a recreational activity now and laws govern which specific animals can be hunted. People who disagree about hunting say that it is detrimental to the beautiful nature, which results in numerous accidents every year and isRead MoreAnimal Endangerment And Extinction Of Habitat925 Words   |  4 PagesI. Animal Endangerment/Extinction II. Abused/Abandoned Animals III. Over Farming/Land Misuse IV. Environmental Pollution V. Deforestation I. Animal Endangerment/Extinction A. Destruction of Habitat B. Pollution C. Hunting and Fishing II. Abused/Abandoned Animals A. Confined, Major Culprit Climate Change B. Huge Amounts of Manure, Pollutes Soil C. Dead Animals, Pollutes the quality of life for individuals who live close. III. Over Farmed/Land Misuse A. Soil Erosion B. Land Degradation CRead MoreHunting Pros and Cons Essay1272 Words   |  6 PagesDannielle Fory BIO-220 Environmental Science May 4, 2013 Steven Lenk Hunting Hunting has been a way of life for thousands of years. As long as humans have been on earth, they have been hunting to provide food for their families. For many decades now, hunting has started to cause conflict among people. One of the main issues that have cause conflict has been overharvesting. Overharvesting can also cause issues with habitat and may put a strain on the relationship between the predator andRead MoreWhat s Merica Without Meat1657 Words   |  7 Pagesages have shared the tradition of hunting.Before the time of modern weapons were used to kill animals, people hunted. Back in the cavemen days people used sticks and stones to kill their food for their families. People had no option to hunt, it was the only way their families got food. Hundreds of years ago a new invention was made that made hunting a lot easier. After many long years pass and many animals killed by bow and arrow, a new weapon was invented. The deer rifle is very efficient, powerfulRead MoreHu nting Is No Longer Necessary For Survival1703 Words   |  7 Pagesfield and hunt game for me.† Hunting started millions of years ago for the intentions of food, clothing, and shelter supplies. Back in the Stone Age, hunting was essential for surviving in those critical situations that derived from everyday living. Recently hunting has become more a recreational sport and less of a necessity for survival, it is true that most hunters now days still eat the meat from the animals that they kill for sport and pleasure. However, hunting is no longer necessary for survivalRead MoreHunting Is An Essential Component Of Conservation944 Words   |  4 Pageshistory of hunting reveals that hunters of today share many of the same motivations and methods as ancient hunters. While technology and accessories may be different that those used for hunting thousands of years ago, the ability to take down an animal is something to be celebrated. When you learn the history of hunting, youâ₠¬â„¢ll gain greater appreciation for this old tradition. Hunting is an essential component of conservation and can be used in everyday life; it has been a part of American historyRead MoreHunting Research Paper1051 Words   |  5 PagesLedy 11/27/11 Hunting Hunting is a common activity all around the world, and if performed properly, can have many benefits to us and the rest of the planet. The art of hunting has been around since the beginning of time. Living off of the land used to be a necessity across the world, until the mass production of food came along. In America, people do not usually need to hunt to survive. However, the population of animal species needs to be controlled. Too many of one type of animal can cause a drasticRead MoreSport Hunting Should Be Stricter Regulations1286 Words   |  6 PagesHunting was originally a resourceful activity and a necessity for survival. It was crucial to use the animal for food, clothes, and tools. With the exception of cultures who still depend on this method, there are many developed areas where this is not longer required. From the lack of needing to hunt animals for resources, sport hunting has emerged. This is the recreational act of killing animals to use as trophies. The problem wi th sport hunting is that it is an unnecessary and unreasonable activityRead MoreHunting : An Effective Tool For Wildlife Management And Preservation Of Wildlife1577 Words   |  7 Pages Hunting not only provides people with healthy organic meat, it is also instrumental in the management and preservation of wildlife not only through the hunting itself, but also by the money generated by hunters that is used for this purpose. Hunting has existed since the dawn of time and continues to play a key role in providing people with the food they need to survive. Hunting plays many important roles in our world and has been a very effective tool for wildlife management and hopefully

Managerial Accounting And The Certified Management

Managerial accounting is used by an organization to ensure informed decisions are made regarding current and future operations. Businessmen and women must have the ability to comprehend financial information provided to properly determine the correct course of action. In the global market of today, an organization’s inability to accurately determine the best course of action can lead to financial ruin for the company. Uninformed decisions by leadership can derail a business’ prospects for success in the future. Business leaders must understand the differences between managerial and financial accounting, additional information needed for internal purposes, the evolution of managerial accounting, and the Certified Management (CMA)†¦show more content†¦An example of this is preparing next year’s budget in the current year so leaders are informed of any constraints in the upcoming year. Documents created in financial accounting must adhere to regulation s such as GAAP and IFRS. Once completed, these documents are verified by a certified public accountant (CPA) annually. These reports are summaries of the organization’s performance as a unit and concentrate on sufficient disclosure of required information. Managerial accounting documents are not regulated by guiding principles. They are generally presented in a cost benefit analysis format. There is no audit of these documents as they are for internal use only. These reports are more detailed than the documents in financial accounting and often provide performance information on each department and shift of an organization over a relatively short time frame. The goal of this information is to provide any course corrections before issues or problems become out of control. These differences in the sectors of accounting lead to a difference in the need and use of information for internal purposes. Since managerial accounting is intended for different recipients than financial accounting, the type of information needed and used in managerial accounting is different. Managerial accounting involves cost management, activity management, and investment management. Cost accounting is a shared input between financial and management accounting. The informationShow MoreRelatedThe Different Roles Of The Accounting Profession1305 Words   |  6 PagesThe Different Roles of the Accounting Profession Module by: Link-Systems International, Inc.. E-mail the author Summary: Demo/Sample Learning Object in Accounting Note: You are viewing an old style version of this document. The new style version is available here. Links [hide links] Supplemental links Weakly related linkThe Salvation Army Weakly related linkAmazon.com Weakly related linkGoogle Weakly related linkTwitter Weakly related linkVerizonRead MoreAcc 11410 Words   |  6 Pagesperformed in an organization, among which accounting is one of them. Define the accounting function and discuss how it differs from double-entry bookkeeping. Accountants analyze and interpret financial information, prepare financial statements, conduct audits, design accounting systems, prepare special business and financial studies, prepare forecasts and budgets, and provide tax services. Double-entry bookkeeping records the economic activities of a business. Accounting includes bookkeeping but duties areRead MoreManagerial Accounting Hilton Quiz1 Answers1526 Words   |  7 Pagesfollowing statements is true? | | | A) | Managerial Accountants are number crunchers who provide critical information to decision makers but do not themselves contribute to the decision making process. | | | B) | The role of the managerial accountant has not changed in the last twenty years. | | | C) | Managerial accountants play an integral leadership role on an organizations management team. | | | D) | The activities performed by the management accountant are administrative in natureRead MoreManagerial and Financial Accounting1235 Words   |  5 Pagesï » ¿Part 1 Managerial and Financial Accounting: Key Differences Several differences exist between the above branches of accounting. To begin with, when it comes to financial accounting, the financial reports prepared are primarily utilized by external users including but not limited to regulators, creditors and stockholders (Weygandt, Kimmel and Kieso, 2009). On the other hand, managerial accounting reports are primarily meant for internal users i.e. managers and other officers of the firm. TheseRead MoreAccounting1024 Words   |  5 PagesQuestion 1:   * Proficient-level:   * There are several important functions performed in an organization, among which accounting is one of them. Define the accounting function and discuss how it differs from double-entry bookkeeping. Answer: According to the Dictionary of Accounting Terms, Accounting is defined as a one step process of recording, measuring, interpreting and communicating financial data by preparing financial statements in order to reflect financial condition and operatingRead MoreSignificance of Managerial Accounting776 Words   |  3 PagesManagerial accounting and its significance Introduction In the professional education of today, which is inclusive of management accounting education, the universities and colleges are finding problems. The learning institutions have limited resources and also have incapability in making sure students graduate with the necessary knowledge and skill. These two elements are fundamental for the graduates future career decisions. The title managerial accounting has much to do with nurturing accountantsRead MoreDifference between Financial and Managerial Accounting 637 Words   |  3 PagesThe primary difference between financial and managerial accounting is that financial accounting is used for external members of the company; they do not control or run the businesses’ operations. An example of external members would be customers and shareholders of the business. On the other hand, managerial accounting is used for internal members in the company such as managers and officers. The internal members use managerial accounting to increase efficiency and effectiveness within their companyRead MoreChapter 1 Revew Accounting Help1048 Words   |  5 Pagesof the following entities would not require accounting information pertaining to their economic activities?  Ã¢â‚¬ ¨a.  Social clubs.†¨b.  Not-for-profit entities.†¨c.  State governments.†¨D.  All of these require accounting information.†¨e.  None of these requires accounting information.    †¨Difficulty: Easy†¨Ã‚   2.  Which of the following is not an objective of financial reporting described in FASB Concepts Statement No. 1?  Ã¢â‚¬ ¨a.  To provide information about how management of an enterprise has discharged its stewardshipRead MoreAccounting Is The Study Of Recording, Analyzing And Preparing Financial Documents For Record The Financial Standings Of A1487 Words   |  6 PagesAccounting is the study of recording, analyzing and preparing financial documents to record the financial standings of a company or person. There are several different types of accounting such as financial, managerial, tax and much more. Most types of accounting require at least a bachelor s degree in business; higher positions require advanced education. Becoming an accountant is not easy, but following these steps is essential to achieving a goal. There are many tasks to expect as an accountantRead MoreWhy The Aicpa Is Becoming More Popular1408 Words   |  6 Pagesthroughout the United States, a degree in a ccounting is becoming more popular. Many students realize that being an accountant offers a high-paying salary and a very stable job market. Although this may sound appealing, the process in reaching this gratitude may be difficult for some. In most cases, one must become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) or a Certified Management Accountant (CMA). To becoming certified, you must pass the exams the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the

Enrolling and Authenticating Computing Devices

Question: Discuss about the Enrolling and Authenticating Computing Devices. Answer: Introduction: Nowadays, the manual process of summarizing, analyzing and reporting the financial data and information is become the old concept in the field of accounting (Biswas 2015). Today majority of companies of all sizes use the accounting software while recording the business transactions. Interestingly, the accounting software records and processes the financial transactions of the business within the application of the functional modules. Accounting software can be easily prepared the statements for financial details. This report will cover history, the accounting process of development and adoption, and the current market popularity competitive advantages among different accounting software. Background of the application of accounting software: In the digitalized business field, companies have often faced challenges in the bookkeeping system manually. To incorporate large number of accounting transactions, different size of businesses preferred to record their transactions to utilize accounting software. However, companies needs time to get familiar with a particular accounting software practices. Historically, Intuit was founded in 1983 and played a remarkable role in modernizing accounting for the digital field. There ranges of software is huge, where QuickBooks being the most popularly used worldwide. Though the accounting has evolved over the years, the accounting fundamentals have remained the same. Prior 2000, a lot of small size businesses used paper based accounting systems. After the introduction of the GST, several Australian companies have switching their preferences to use accounting software (Zuo et al 2017). By using different accounting software, companies finds easy in handling ranges of accounting activitie s such as improved invoice capabilities, facilities of automated data entry system, bank fees, level of security, user satisfaction, advance mobile activities, comprehensiveness, interfaces and level of maintenance and many other facilities. Concept of Accounting Software/Packages: There are different types of the accounting software/packages available for accomplishing all kind of business requirements. For instance, personal accounting software mainly fulfills the requirement of the home users or small businesses (Janvrin and Watson 2017). Limited accounting functionalities are applied by this kind of accounting software. By nature, the accounting software for small businesses is segregated by single entry products and simple and inexpensive with simple functioning such as management of budgets. On the other hand, the highly customized business requirements often use several integrated accounting software system for accomplishing the critical business needs. An integrated approach in accounting helps to monitor and record expenses, income and stock. However every business has different accounting requirements and thus, knowledge about the different accounting packages needs to be collected. Nevertheless, choosing the right software depends on three main facto rs including price, flexibility and features. Current Market Size: 60 percent of the software market of cloud accounting has been captured by MYOB and QuickBooks in Australia (Wilson 2016). However, there are many software accounting providers available which provides bookkeeping online and offline facilities including preparation for statement of business activity such as SAP, XERO, Recon and many others. Different Accounting Packages/Software (Prominent leaders): QuickBooks is ideal accounting packages for small, medium and growing businesses in almost every industry of Australia. This is the most popular online book-keeping plans for small business. The simple start procedure by investing $13.50 per month is enough for installing QuickBooks into the system. By using QuickBooks, companies manage BAS and GST obligations. This accounting software is perfect for working on PC, tablet, Mac and mobile. Using this accounting software, the company can management automated payroll system freely up to ten employees. This is one of the competitive advantages of this accounting software. MYOB is another popular business accounting software for small businesses in Australia. The owner needs to invest $35 per month for installing MYOB essentials and $85 a month for MYOB Accounting Right Plus. This accounting software gives perfect exposure to reports on PAYG, BAS and GST. MYOB helps in quick invoice processing, establishing link with bank account, easy payroll system and many others. Historically, MYOB has been used for long with their conventional offline desktop software. However, this accounting system has developed their online version to adopt cloud computing system into the company databases (Domeika 2015). This online accounting exposure helps to access from most of the devices anywhere. Xero was designed on the revelation that desktop accounting software was very difficult to use. Xero retains in the highest spot in accounting software ratings. This accounting software gives the highest customer satisfaction against the investment of $25 a month. By providing 247 support, users can reconcile 20 bank transactions simultaneously with the use of Xero accounting software. By registering with Xero, the registered users have the full access to the account. Reckon is popular accounting software used in Australia. Installing this software by investing $5, the users can manage unlimited bank reconciliation, budgeting, GST and BS reports. Furthermore, multi layered data security has been provided by this software. Providing free 247 support and utilized as free mobile app for Android, this accounting software manages finance perfectly on behalf of enterprises. Sage is another well-known business accounting software in Australia for all size businesses. This accounting software helps in pay bills, instant invoicing, manage inventory and many others. Bringing best in class standards of accounting by Sage 50, users gets beneficial for securing desktop installation, unlimitedly access to support along with new subscription plans for offering the best value for the business. This potentiality has been expanded with cloud and online apps that connect with this software. Competitive advantages to use accounting software packages: Today, there are many more accounting software providers in the market of Australia. Majority of the small and medium size organizations in the country are now preferred to use packaged accounting software. On the other hand, the introduction of the computerized accounting software provides several competitive advantages relative to paper-based accounting software and helps in real-time data processing as per the companys financial position (Asnis et al 2015). There are several advantages of typical computerized accounting packages which include: On-screen input display corresponding the printout of the sales invoices Automatic customer accounts update in the sales ledger Record keeping of supplier invoices Automatic update of transactions to the general ledger Adjustment of stock records (automatic) Integration within different accounting modules and business databases with the program of accounting Automatic suppliers account update in the purchase ledger recording of bank receipts Establish a perfect automated payroll system along with other entries of accounting After highlighting above mentioned features of accounting software, it can be said that accounting software packages helps business in several ways: The fast bookkeeping system can be established and a lot of record keeping time can be reduced. Secondly, fast and accurate invoices, purchase, order, credit notes, payroll documents and printing statements can be processed in an automated manner. Thirdly, the level of accuracy in recording the accounting entry can be improved relative to the use of manual process (Contractor et al 2015). Fourthly, the accounting software packages have the capability to run reports for determining accounting payable and receivables within a particular period of time. Limitations of accounting software packages Though there are many accounting software is available in the market of Australia, but the user needs to get time to accustom in practicing particular software effortlessly. In other words, advantages can be achieved after giving manual instructions perfectly. However, technological advances can change the way the operational path of businesses including the way accounting is managed (Wang and Huynh 2013). Evidence suggests that businesses are quite sensitive towards security of the accounting information in a computerized program because the quality of the program are limited or rather restricted itself and the security system of the company. On the other hand, automatic posting of accounting transactions can be done with the help of accounting software packages. However, the accounting packages may find challenges if business entered incorrect information into their databases. Lastly, software program still needs knowledgeable members to use the accounting software effectively. Thu s the training exposure needs s to be provided by the management authority of businesses. However, it may be found less affordable for small or medium size businesses. Moreover, use error is a potential difficulty that could create incorrect accounting data for the company. Recommendation Businesses in Australia need to follow the recommended steps to get more advantages by the use of different accounting software packages/software into their databases: The sustainability accounting framework needs to be followed for sharing correct accounting information so that users can record right transactions at the reporting time. Holding special training sessions for the accounting staff of the organization could be helpful for adapting changes in accounting program or the update to a new version. This step will be beneficial for staff of the company which makes aware about the new features of the accounting software. While switching to a completely different accounting system, users needs to be careful while transferring data from the previous system. This step is mandatory for maintaining records perfectly till the end of the accounting period. Conclusion: The above literature clearly indicates that several accounting software used in the Australian market. The conventional book keeping system is become less favorable compare to computerized accounting software packages. MYOB , Xero and QuickBooks are few of the most popular accounting software in the market of Australia. Choosing the right accounting software packages, however, still an important decision in the business filed which depends on the financial requirements of enterprises. References: Asnis, J., Peterson, M.J. and Kelly, M., Openpeak Inc., 2015. Method and system for enrolling and authenticating computing devices for data usage accounting. U.S. Patent 9,100,390. Biswas, S., 2015. Application of Accounting Information System: A Study on Listed Banking Companies of Bangladesh. ASA University Review, 9(1). Contractor, S., Alexander, L.V., Donat, M.G. and Herold, N., 2015. How well do gridded datasets of observed daily precipitation compare over Australia?. Advances in Meteorology, 2015. Domeika, P., 2015. Creation of the Information System of Enterprise Fixed Asset Accounting. Engineering Economics, 60(5). Janvrin, D.J. and Watson, M.W., 2017. Big Data: A new twist to accounting. Journal of Accounting Education. Wang, D.H.M. and Huynh, Q.L., 2013. Effects of environmental uncertainty on computerized accounting system adoption and firm performance. International Journal of Humanities and Applied Sciences, 2(1), pp.13-21. Wilson, R.M. ed., 2016. Researching Accounting Education: Australian Contributions. Routledge. Zuo, J., Pullen, S., Rameezdeen, R., Bennetts, H., Wang, Y., Mao, G., Zhou, Z., Du, H. and Duan, H., 2017. Green building evaluation from a life-cycle perspective in Australia: A critical review. Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, 70, pp.358-368.

Product Life Cycle Essay Example

Product Life Cycle Paper 1. Introduction It has been well established that Product Life Cycle (PLC) concept has a significant impact upon business strategy and corporate performance. Since the term was first used by Levitt (1965 ) in an Harvard Business Review article â€Å"Exploit the Product Life Cycle† the concept has been widely accepted and applied by marketing practitioners all over the world. The product life cycle concept is one of the most quoted and most frequently taught elements of marketing theory. According to Mercer (1993: 269) the influence of the product life cycle can be seen in other theories, from new product development, positioning differentiation and portfolio analysis. Since its adoption by marketing, the product life cycle (PLC) has achieved universal acceptance because of its appeal and wide application. According to Weber (1976: 12) the product life cycle concept provides an intuitively appealing and readily understandable framework of analysis for considering future growth opportunities and pitfalls. As time passes sales increase slowly at first (introduction phase), then more quickly (growth phase), then once again more slowly (maturity and saturation phases), and finally decrease (decline phase). This assignment discusses the importance of repositioning and differentiating for an organization’s products or services using the concept of Product Life Cycle (PLC). It also critically analyses the actual practice an organization undertakes to repositioning or differentiating it products. Based on the critical analysis a set of recommendations are provided for the selected organization to improve its overall positioning differentiating efforts during the various stages of PLC. Within this context, the organization that is selected is Bahrain International Retail Development Centre (BIRD) which is one of the leading corporate training providers in Bahrain. 2. Discussion 2. 1 Description of the selected organization- BIRD Bahrain International Retail Development Centre (BIRD) is a sister concern of Bahrain Duty Free. It is a joint venture between Bahrain Duty Free Air Rainta International, set up since 2001. We will write a custom essay sample on Product Life Cycle specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Product Life Cycle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Product Life Cycle specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer It is one of the leading corporate training providers and broadly caters to Management Development, Retail, Customer Service/Sales, Purchasing Supply Management Business English training areas or categories. Within each of these training areas or categories it provides a range of courses that are tailor made training programme to assist the participants in their professional development right from entry to higher levels. In addition to customized training programmes, it also designs delivers a range of open programmes workshops on relevant topics/ areas on a regular basis. BIRD in the last seven years approximately has successfully conducted a range of such effective training programmes for leading organizations in Bahrain such as Bahrain Duty Free, Batelco, Bin Hindi, Y K Almoayyed Sons, Al Hawaj, Jashanmals, National Motors, Al Rashid Group, Garmco and many such leading reputed organizations in Bahrain. 2. 2 Key issues facing BIRD BIRD has positioned itself as a quality training provider with emphasis of satisfying the client training needs through innovative training programmes that have quality in every aspect right from design to delivery. However though it is able to meet its client needs satisfactorily it be profitable it faces key competition from other training providers. Further BIRD operates in a price sensitive training market. The entire training market is fragmented with many competitors trying to capture each other market share purely on price. However what needs to be established that whether the training market is mature or BIRD’s products are mature. There are few companies which are actually quality conscious but they are not enough to justify the revenue generated by BIRD. Majority of the clients or companies want new training at reasonable prices. In addition they are looking for value addition, such that the training is not a cost, but an investment in human resources for their staff. This value addition can be through quality accredited globally recognized training programmes, training needs analysis at no cost or any other consultancy services required by the client. Further the clients or companies are not able to differentiate BIRD’s training solutions or products from others specifically on the basis of quality. In other words, ‘BIRD’ needs to reexamine and reassess the following issues related to its training programmes 1. It needs to critically analyze its current positioning differentiating strategies for each of its broad training programmes or categories specifically which if they are in maturity stage. This should also to be done for the company as whole that is what brand image BIRD has and how do clients perceive it. 2 based on the analysis it needs to explore various repositioning differentiation strategies for its range of training programmes to make it more effective in the long run. . It needs to establish whether the training market is mature or BIRD’s products are mature. 2. 3 Understanding Positioning Differentiation Positioning is the aspect of the product or brand actively communicated to the target audience, specifically, its competitive advantage, values and imagery. It is strongly related to the perception and image of the product. When devising a positioning strategy for a product, marketers must establish a unique and distinctive image of that product in the mind of the consumer. This will differentiate a company’s product from its competitors. Kotler, 1998) Similarly Kotler and Keller(2006) define positioning as the act of designing the company’s offering and image to occupy a distinctive place in the target market whereas repositioning can be defined as the changing/modifying the existing positioning to occupy a distinctive place in the target market. Differentiating is the deliberate marketing decision by organizations to differentiate their products on the basis of various dimensions such as product features, benefits, performance, conformance, durability etc. or even its service dimensions such as ordering ease, durability, installation, maintenance repair etc. Kotler,1998) Whatever dimensions a company selects to differentiate its product it then decides to effectively position it in consumer’s m ind. 2. 4 What is Product Life Cycle Concept (PLC)? PLC includes the different stages an organization’s product goes through right from the day it introduced in the market to the day it is withdrawn or declines from its market. It includes four stages- Introduction, Growth, Maturity Decline. (Kotler, 1998) This PLC Concept is usually for a product category (training), a product form (retail training) or product/brand (City Guilds retail training qualifications). Typically the product life cycle is a bell shaped curve as seen in figure 1 ,but their can be variations such as growth slump maturity pattern, cycle – recycle pattern and scalloped pattern (Swan Pinl 1982; Tellis Crawford, 1981) Figure 1 – Typical bell shaped curve of PLC During each of the stages the product sales, profits, level of competition and number of customers vary and go through different changes, thus pose different marketing challenges, opportunities, and problems to the organization (Kotler Keller, 2006) The pattern of sales, profits, number of customers level of competition are summarized below 1. Market introduction stage o high costs osales volume low olow or no profits due to high developmental costs ono/little competition competitive manufacturers watch for acceptance/segment growth losses odemand has to be created ocustomers have to be prompted to try the product 2. Growth stage ocosts reduced due to economies of scale osales volume increases significantly oprofitability opublic awareness competition begins to increase with a few new players in establishing market oprices to maximize market share 3. Maturity stage ocosts are high to maintain market share sales volume peaks oincrease in competitive offerings oprices tend to drop due to the proliferation of competing products obrand differentiation, feature diversification, as each player seeks to differentiate from competition with how much product is offered osales are high but profits are low 4. Decline or Stability stage o costs become counter-optimal osales volume decline or stabilize oprices, profitability diminish profit becomes more a challenge of production/distribution efficiency than increased sales. (Kotler,1998;Kotler Keller,2006) 2. 5 Positioning PLC The maturity stage tends to be longer than the previous stages and poses big challenges to marketers. This is the stage the marketers need to mange the most otherwise the product will move into decline stage which is not desirable. According to Kotler Keller (2006) the organization has various options- 1) Market modification by working out two factors that make up sales volume Volume= number of product/brand users x usage rate per hour This can be done by expanding the number of brand/product users by connecting nonusers or by entering new market segments and winning competition’s customers. Volume can also be increased by convincing current users to increase their product or brand usage. 2) Product modification: Sales are also stimulated by modifying the products characteristics through quality, feature or style improvement. This may also involve repositioning the existing product with improved/ modified changes and then to be communicating this repositioning successfully to the target market ) Other marketing mix modification This includes changing the other marketing mix such as prices, distribution, advertising, sales promotion etc Thus maturity stage is the most challenging stage that needs to be managed effectively so that the product does not loose it market share or enter decline stage. According to Kotler and Keller (2006) the company’s overall positioning and differentiating strategy must c hange over the various stages of PLC. When products reach maturity they are well known. However, as competing products enter the market; mature products can begin to look old and tired. Action must then be taken to refresh the product’s image or repositioning. This repositioning can create new appeal for existing consumers or attract new consumers. Business 200 Case Study (http://www. business2000. ie/cases/cases_9th/case7. htm) 2. 6 Critical analysis of BIRD’s product in terms of PLC stage positioning strategies 2. 6. 1Applying the PLC concept majority of all BIRD’s training programmes are in mature stage, other than the Purchasing Supply training programmes. These Purchasing Supply training programmes which are offered in association with Chartered Institute of Purchasing Supply (CIPS) were introduced this year (2008) and are thus are in introductory stage but if considered from overall training market, these training progranmmes are already existing in the market, being offered by many competitors. Thus the market for these programmes is mature highly competitive. 2. 6. 2 The retail training programmes which are the main revenue generator are two fold –globally accredited City Guilds training programmes and company specific customized training programmes. Both the kinds of programmes are in maturity stage and they drastically need to be re assessed in terms of being repositioned to consolidate its position in the market. The overall market for these is also some what late growth stage transiting into mature stage. 2. 6. 3Other training programmes such as Management development Customer service / sales are more or less in similar stages as retail training but probably more competitive. 2. 6. 4 Business English training programmes is in maturity stage and the overall market for these products is also in maturity stage. 2. 6. The overall image or positioning of The BIRD as a quality training provider is well accepted in the market palace but it can be enhanced further and communicated and understood clearly by its clients. 2. 7 Recommendations Based on the above critical analysis following recommendations have been provided for BIRD- 2. 7. 1 Product modification As regards its Purchasing Supply training programmes, since it is in intro duction stage it needs to create more awareness about its programmes and position them on the basis of quality such as qualified trainers, suitable class timings, quality infrastructure- class room, pantry etc. nd other issues related to training. Every thing related to training programmes specifically all the elements of marketing mix should spell out quality so that the positioning is clearly communicated and understood by its target market. Regarding its retail training programmes specifically for City Guilds it should continue to position it as quality programmes with clear emphasis on its accreditation from City Guilds. Regarding the customized training programmes it should emphasize on BIRD’s experience expertise in delivering these programmes. For its management development, customer service / sales Business English courses it needs to reposition and make them value added without compromising on quality. This value addition can be providing detailed pre course and post course evaluation, training needs analysis( TNA ) if cist allows and any other elements of training that the client value. This repositioning with changes in the product need to be communicated effectively to the target market is able to understand and appreciate this repositioning. . 7. 2 Market expansion modification As regards the overall positioning of BIRD as one stop training solution provider for its client which means they should consider BIRD for all their training requirements in all areas. This will increase the market share of BIRD and also the raise the bar of BIRD as quality training provider in all areas. This will also provide market expansion and modification increasing the number of clients and their volume of business as well. 3. Summary This assignment established that an organization products go through different stages and each stage needs to handled differently as regards its positioning | differentiating strategies. Maturity stage is the most crucial stage and thus is the most challenging for an organization. The critical analysis of BIRD’s products established that most of its products are in mature stages operating in more or less mature markets. As a result a set of recommendations were provided to effectively improve the overall positioning as well as individual positioning of broad categories of training programmes References †¢Levitt, T. (1965) Exploit the Product life cycle: Harvard Business Review: Vol. 43: Nov- Dec:pp 81 -94 †¢Kotler, P. , (1998), Marketing Management analysis planning implementation and control, (9th ed. ), Prentice Hall, Australia †¢Kotler, P. Keller, K . L. (2006) Marketing Management: 12th eds:Pearson Education Limited: Upper Saddle river: New Jersey †¢Business 2000 case study: Extending the product life cycle through repositioning (http://www. business2000. ie/cases/cases_9th/case7. tm) †¢Weber, J. A. (1976) Planning Corporate Growth with inverted product lifecycle: Long range planning: Oct: 12 -29 †¢Mercer, D. (1993) A Two decade test of Product life cycle theory: British Journal of Management: Vol4: Issue 4: Dec: 269 – 274 †¢Swan, J. E. David, R. R. (1982) Fitting Marketing Strategy into varying product life cycles: Business Horizons: 72 – 76 †¢Gerald, J. Tellis Crawford, C. M. (1981) An evolutionary approach to Product growth theory: Journal of Marketing: Fall: 125 134

5 categorías para obtener la green card

5 categorà ­as para obtener la green card Obtener la tarjeta de residencia permanente, tambià ©n conocida como green card, da derecho a vivir y a trabajar en Estados Unidos. Adems, si asà ­ se desea, es el primer paso en el trmite para obtener la ciudadanà ­a estadounidense a travà ©s de la naturalizacià ³n. Cada aà ±o fiscal se tramitan aproximadamente un millà ³n de nuevas tarjetas de residencias. En este artà ­culo se informa sobre las 5 grandes categorà ­as para obtenerla y cules son las razones por las que la peticià ³n de la green card puede rechazarse. Conseguir la green card por và ­nculos familiares En Estados Unidos, la mayorà ­a de los migrantes obtienen la green card por peticià ³n de un familiar, que debe ser ciudadano de los Estados Unidos o residente permanente. Los ciudadanos estadounidenses pueden pedir los papeles para sus padres, cà ³nyuges, hijos y hermanos. Los progenitores, esposos e hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os tienen la consideracià ³n de familiares directos y la tramitacià ³n se demora, como regla general, en torno a los 12 meses. Sin embargo, las peticiones para hijos casados de cualquier edad, hijos solteros mayor de 21 aà ±os y hermanos se demoran aà ±os, incluso dà ©cadas. Adems, en el caso de pedir a un migrante mexicano, la demora es todavà ­a mayor. En todos estos casos el tiempo de espera va a venir determinado por la fecha de prioridad de la solicitud. Por otro lado, los residentes permanentes legales pueden pedir a sus cà ³nyuges y a sus hijos solteros, tanto menores de 21 aà ±os como mayores de dicha dicha edad. El boletà ­n de visas que publica todos los meses el Departamento de Estado es la mejor herramienta para tener una idea aproximada de cunto se estn demorando las peticiones para hermanos, hijos casados o hijos mayores de 21 aà ±os de ciudadanos y todas las peticiones de familia efectuadas por un residente permanente. Permiso de residencia por razones laborales Las empresas estadounidenses pueden solicitar una green card para trabajadores extranjeros, siempre que ese puesto de trabajo no pueda ser cubierto por ciudadanos americanos o residentes permanentes legales. Estas son las 100 empresas que ms patrocinan. Es posible que las empresas no patrocinen directamente la green card. De hecho, un amplio nà ºmero de extranjeros que son patrocinados por una empresa son profesionales titulares de una  H-1B  y que pueden utilizar su visa como trampolà ­n para conseguir la residencia en Estados Unidos. Esta es una de las pocas visas que tiene una naturaleza considerada de  doble intencià ³n. Es decir, en principio se concede por un plazo de  3 aà ±os  que se pueden extender hasta seis, pero durante este tiempo se puede realizar un ajuste de estatus, por razones familiares o laborales, y asà ­ conseguir la  green card.  Pero la H-1B no se convierte jams automticamente en una residencia, sino que debe haber una peticià ³n de la tarjeta por parte de una empresa. Asimismo, la visa  L-1, transfer entre empresas, tambià ©n es considerada de doble intencià ³n y permite buscar activamente un patrocinador de una green card. Adems de esos casos, existen situaciones especiales donde incluso no es necesario el patrocinio de una empresa. Por ejemplo, el caso de personas con habilidades especiales, como artistas, deportistas o cientà ­ficos de gran prestigio pueden autopatrocinarse una residencia permanente mediante la visa EB-1, ya que no hay necesidad de mostrar oferta de empleo previa. Cabe destacar que son casos excepcionales.   Loterà ­a de visas de diversidad para residencia en EE.UU. Cada aà ±o el gobierno de Estados Unidos sortea 50.000 visas de inmigrante conocidas como de diversidad que dan derecho a una green card para la persona que gane el sorteo, su cà ³nyuge y los hijos solteros menores de 21 aà ±os. Se aplica para esta loterà ­a todos los aà ±os al inicio del aà ±o fiscal estadounidense, es decir, en octubre, y sà ³lo se admiten solicitudes digitales. Se prohà ­be que participen los ciudadanos de paà ­ses con altas tasas de inmigracià ³n hacia EEUU. En estos momentos, los siguientes paà ­ses hispanoparlantes estn excluidos Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, Mà ©xico, Perà º y Repà ºblica Dominicana. El permiso de residencia para inversionistas Los extranjeros que inviertan un mà ­nimo de un millà ³n de dà ³lares y creen al menos diez puestos de trabajo en Estados Unidos tienen derecho a una visa EB-5 y acabar consiguiendo la green card. La cantidad a invertir puede reducirse a medio millà ³n de dà ³lares, si la inversià ³n se realiza en una determinada rea econà ³micamente deprimida designada asà ­ por las autoridades inmigratorias. Esta residencia en Estados Unidos es temporal, en el sentido de que pueden ser revocadas si no se mantienen los requisitos de cumplimiento durante cierto tiempo. Tradicionalmente era necesaria una inversià ³n directa, trabajando el inversor en el negocio. Ahora, sin embargo, se admite una inversià ³n indirecta. No hay que confundir esta visa de inmigrante EB-5 con las visas no inmigrante pero que tambià ©n se dan por inversià ³n y que se conocen como E-2, para todo tipo de negocios, o como E-1 para los casos de negocios de importacià ³n/exportacià ³n. Finalmente decir que, en contra de una creencia muy extendida, una inversià ³n inmobiliaria por muy cara que sea no es suficiente ni para obtener la green card por la visa EB-5 ni una visa no inmigrante, a travà ©s de la E-2. es necesario que se trate en ambos casos de un negocio real y activo. La green card por razones humanitarias Las personas que sufran considerable violencia fà ­sica y psicolà ³gica y, al mismo tiempo, ayuden a la policà ­a o a agencias del gobierno estadounidense en el esclarecimiento de un crimen podrà ­an vivir y trabajar en EEUU protegidos por una visa U. Al transcurrir tres aà ±os, siempre y cuando oficialmente se certifique su ayuda en la investigacià ³n o castigo de una actividad criminal, podrà ­an solicitar una tarjeta de residencia permanente. Tambià ©n existe la visa T para las và ­ctimas de trfico humano y una autopeticià ³n por VAWA para casos especà ­ficos de violencia domà ©stica. Asimismo, cabe destacar el programa de Inmigrantes Juveniles Especiales -SIJ, por sus siglas en inglà ©s- para jà ³venes que han sido abusados o abandonados por uno de sus padres o ambos. En todos estos casos, antes de iniciar cualquier tipo de tramitacià ³n es altamente recomendable asesorarse con un abogado migratorio puesto que si no sale bien la peticià ³n el migrante podrà ­a acabar siendo deportado. Situaciones especialespara sacar la green card Existen otros caminos para conseguir la green card, pero estn limitadas a casos muy especà ­ficos, como por ejemplo los de asilo y refugiados polà ­ticos o el registry, para los migrantes que pueden demostrar presencia continuada en Estados Unidos desde 1972, etc. Problemas para obtener la residencia permanente Reunir los requisitos para poder solicitar el permiso de residencia no garantiza que se vaya a conceder, pues hay causas que obligan a las autoridades migratorias a rechazar  la solicitud de la tarjeta de residencia porque no se cumplen los requisitos para ser admisible para ingresar a Estados Unidos. Cabe destacar que, aunque en la mayorà ­a de los casos es posible solicitar  perdà ³n en los casos de negacià ³n de la peticià ³n de permiso de residencia, es difà ­cil obtenerlo. Adems, en muchos casos, incluso no es posible ni siquiera pedirlo. Precisamente porque entender cà ³mo sacar la green card y dà ³nde pueden surgir los problemas es complicado, se recomienda tomar  este quiz - trivial o test- para verificar que tienes los conocimientos bsicos para obtener y conservar la tarjeta de residencia.   Por à ºltimo, si se est abierto a la posibilidad de emigrar a un paà ­s que no sea Estados Unidos, estos son 20 paà ­ses con programas de obtencià ³n de ciudadanà ­a y/o residencia a cambio de una inversià ³n. Las cantidades y las condiciones varà ­an enormemente. Puntos clave Se puede sacar la residencia por familia, inversià ³n, loterà ­a, razones humanitarias y otrasMs de un millà ³n de migrantes sacan la green card anualmenteLos tiempos de demora varà ­an desde unos meses a ms de 2 dà ©cadasInmigracià ³n no da la aprobacià ³n final a las peticiones de migrantes considerados inadmisibles Este artà ­culo es sà ³lo informativo. No es asesorà ­a legal.

Making Discipline Decisions for Principals

Making Discipline Decisions for Principals A major facet of a school principal’s job is to make discipline decisions. A principal should not be dealing with every discipline issue in the school, but should instead be focused on dealing with the bigger problems. Most teachers should deal with smaller issues on their own. Handling discipline issues can be time-consuming. The bigger issues almost always take some investigation and research. Sometimes students are cooperative and sometimes they are not. There will be issues that are straight forward and easy, and there will be those that take several hours to handle. It is essential that you are always vigilant and thorough when collecting evidence. It is also crucial to understand that each discipline decision is unique and that many factors come into play. It is important that you take into account factors such as the grade level of the student, severity of the issue, history of the student, and how you have handled similar situations in the past. The following is a sample blueprint of how these issues could be handled. It is only intended to serve as a guide and to provoke thought and discussion. Each of the following problems is typically considered to be a serious offense, so the consequences should be pretty tough. The scenarios given are post-investigation giving you what was proved to have actually happened. Bullying Introduction: Bullying is probably the most dealt with discipline issue at a school. It is also one of the most looked at school problems in the national media due to the increase in teen suicides that have been traced back to bullying problems. Bullying can have a life long effect on victims. There are four basic types of bullying including physical, verbal, social, and cyber bullying. Scenario: A 5th-grade girl has reported that a boy in her class has been verbally bullying her for the past week. He has continuously called her fat, ugly, and other derogatory terms. He also mocks her in class when she asks questions, coughs, etc. The boy has admitted to this and says he did so because the girl annoyed him. Consequences: Start by contacting the boy’s parents and asking them to come in for a meeting. Next, require the boy to go through some bullying prevention training with the school counselor. Finally, suspend the boy for three days. Continuous Disrespect/Failure to Comply Introduction: This will likely be an issue that a teacher has tried to handle by themselves, but haven’t had success with what they’ve tried. The student hasn’t fixed their behavior and in some cases has gotten worse. The teacher is essentially asking the principal to step in and mediate the issue. Scenario: An 8th-grade student argues about everything with a teacher. The teacher has talked to the student, given the student detention, and contacted the parents for being disrespectful. This behavior has not improved. In fact, it has gotten to the point that the teacher is starting to see it affect other students’ behavior. Consequences: Set up a parent meeting and include the teacher. Attempt to get to the root of where the conflict lies. Give the student three days In School Placement (ISP). Continuous Failure to Complete Work Introduction: Many students across all grade levels do not complete work or do not turn it in at all. Students who continuously get away with this may have large academic gaps that after time almost becomes impossible to close. By the time a teacher asks for help on this from the principal, it is likely that it has become a serious issue. Scenario: A 6th-grade student has turned in eight incomplete assignments and hasn’t turned in another five assignments at all over the past three weeks. The teacher has contacted the student’s parents, and they have been cooperative. The teacher has also given the student detention each time they have had a missing or incomplete assignment. Consequences: Set up a parent meeting and include the teacher. Create an intervention program to hold the student more accountable. For example, require the student to attend a Saturday School if they have a combination of five missing or incomplete assignments. Finally, place the student in ISP until they have caught up on all work. This assures that they will have a fresh start when they return to class. Fighting Introduction: Fighting is dangerous and often leads to injury. The older the students involved in the fight are, the more dangerous the fight becomes. Fighting is an issue you want to create a strong policy with strong consequences to discourage such behavior. Fighting typically doesn’t resolve anything and will likely happen again if it isn’t dealt with appropriately. Scenario: Two eleventh grade male students got into a major fight during lunch over a female student. Both students had lacerations to their face and one student may have a broken nose. One of the students involved has been involved with another fight previously in the year. Consequences: Contact both students’ parents. Contact the local police asking them to cite both students for public disturbance and possibly assault and/or battery charges. Suspend the student who has had multiple issues with fighting for ten days and suspend the other student for five days. Possession of Alcohol or Drugs Introduction: This is one of the issues which schools have zero tolerance for. This is also one of the areas where the police will have to be involved in and will likely take lead in the investigation. Scenario: A student initially reported that a 9th-grade student is offering to sell other students some â€Å"weed†. The student reported that the student is showing other students the drug and is keeping it in a bag inside their sock. The student is searched, and the drug is found. The student informs you that they stole the drugs from their parents and then sold some to another student that morning. The student that bought the drugs is searched and nothing is found. However, when his locker is searched you find the drug wrapped up in a bag and tucked in his backpack. Consequences: Both students’ parents are contacted. Contact the local police, advise them of the situation, and turn the drugs over to them. Always make sure that parents are there when police talk to students or that they have given permission to the police for them to talk to them. State laws may vary as to what you are required to do in this situation. A possible consequence would be to suspend both students for the remainder of the semester. Possession of a Weapon Introduction: This is another issue which schools have zero tolerance for. Police undoubtedly would be involved in this issue. This issue will bring the harshest consequences for any student violating this policy. In the wake of recent history, many states have laws in place that drive how these situations are dealt with. Scenario: A 3rd-grade student took his Dad’s pistol and brought it to school because he wanted to show his friends. Luckily it was not loaded, and the clip was not brought. Consequences: Contact the student’s parents. Contact the local police, advise them of the situation, and turn the gun over to them. State laws may vary as to what you are required to do in this situation. A possible consequence would be to suspend the student for the remainder of the school year. Even though the student had no ill intent with the weapon, the fact remains that it is still a gun and must be dealt with severe consequences in accordance with law. Profanity/Obscene Material Introduction: Students of all ages mirror what they see and hear. This often drives the use of profanity at school. Older students especially use inappropriate words often to impress their friends. This situation can quickly get out of control and lead to larger issues. Obscene materials such as having pornography can also be detrimental for obvious reasons. Scenario: A 10th-grade student telling another student an obscene joke that contains the â€Å"F† word is overheard by a teacher in the hallway. This student has never been in trouble before. Consequences: Profanity issues can warrant a wide range of consequences. Context and history will likely dictate the decision you make. In this case, the student has never been in trouble before, and he was using the word in the context of a joke. A few days of detention would be appropriate for handling this situation.

Preparing Risk Management Guidelines Assignment

Preparing Risk Management Guidelines - Assignment Example ated and economical application of resources to minimize, monitor and control the probability and /or impact of unfortunate events (Howells & Schulze, 2009, p. 89). There are various causes of business risks such as natural causes, financial risks, market risks, credit risks, accidents, legal liabilities, and projects failures among others. A business should have well defined strategies to manage and control various risks that may occur in business including the contractual and vicarious liabilities (Austen-Baker, 2011). The risk management guidelines will help the business management to establish resources for designing and delivering professional and effective risk management strategies during execution of business its operations. The parties in a contract must follow the right channel of communication in order to minimize liability. For example, if some conditions arise that makes discharge of the contractual duties impossible or delayed the party should communicate with the other party immediately and agree on the best course of action to take (Austen-Baker, 2011). The most common methods of managing risks in business includes averting of risks, transfer of risk to a third-party such as insurance, reducing the negative impact of risks and acceptance of some or all consequences of risks (Stone & Devenney, 2014). The parties to the contract should do all they can to avoid the occurrence of risk during the implementation of the contract. If one party failed to perform according to the contract and the other party had an opportunity to mitigate the loss suffered due to partial performance or lack of performance of the contract, both parties will be held responsible, and the offended will be liable for contribut ory negligence. The damages that the offender can pay in such a case are reduced by the amount of damage contributed by the offended person as stated in the case of Nettleship v Weston [1971] 2 QB 691 in which the trainee driver was held partly accountable

International Marketing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words - 2

International Marketing - Essay Example these methods help to identify the efficiency of marketing strategies developed and implemented by the companies (Cateora, Gilly & Graham, 2009, p.7). On the other side, evaluation of the effectiveness of marketing strategies will be done through cost effectiveness business operation and growth of revenue of the companies. Before starting in-depth analysis of marketing strategies, brief overviews of the two companies need to be discussed. Overview of the two companies Procter and Gamble Procter and Gamble or P&G is one of the leading multinational consumer goods company based in America. The company headquartered in Ohio, USA and listed in New York Stock Exchange. It has successfully developed a diversified portfolio of popular brands of consumer durables. There are numbers of products in each brand and most of the products are very much popular worldwide. According annual financial report of 2011, P&G has reported revenue of $82.6 billion. Based on this performance, the company was ranked fifth position in the list of World’s most admired company by Fortune magazine. It was in sixth place in 2010. Procter and Gamble was established in 1837 by William Procter and James gamble. Throughout this glamorous history of more than 170 years, the company has grown by revenue and market share in consumer durable industry. Unique organizational culture of P&G stands for its purpose, values and principles. P&G people and P&G brands are the key foundation of P&G’s success whereas P&G consumers drive this success. Global brands of the company can be categorising in two parts. One is beauty and grooming and another is households care. In beauty and grooming categories most popular global brands are Camay, Gillette, Olay, Pantene, Old Spice, Secret etc. On the other side, Ariel, Tide, Mr. Clean, Swiffer, Febrize, Duracell, Charmin etc are most popular brands in households care category. P&G ranked 25th position in â€Å"World’s Most Innovative Companiesâ €  by Bloomberg. It is also listed in Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations by Dow Jones Sustainability Indexes. Nestle Nestle S. A. is one of the leading multinational consumer durables company in the world. It offers nutritional and health-related consumer goods. The company headquartered in Vevey, in Switzerland. Nestle is the world’s largest food company in terms of revenue and market share. Nestle has wide portfolio of popular food brands. This product portfolio includes baby food, breakfast cereals, bottled water, dairy products, coffee confectionary, ice cream, snacks and pet foods. The company has production unit in most of its foreign markets. It has more than 450 production units in 86 countries. 29 most popular brands of Nestle have contributed annual sales of more than 1.1 billion in 2011. These include Nespresso, Kitkat, Nescafe, Nesquik, Vittel, Smarties, Vittel and magi etc. Nestle is one of the largest shareholder of L’Oreal which is the largest c osmetics company in the World in terms of revenue and market share. Nestle was the merger of Anglo-Swiss Milk company and Farine Lactee

The Effects of Stress Among Female Registered Nurses Essay Example for Free

The Effects of Stress Among Female Registered Nurses Essay Prior research has suggested that nurses, regardless of workplace or culture, are confronted with a variety of stressors. As the worldwide nursing shortage increases, the aged population becomes larger, there is an increase in the incidence of chronic illnesses and technology continues to advance, nurses continually will be faced with numerous workplace stressors. Thus, nurses need to learn how to identify their workplace stressors and to cope effectively with these stressors to attain and maintain both their physical and mental health. This article describes workplace stressors and coping strategies, compares and contrasts cross-cultural literature on nurses workplace stressors and coping strategies, and delineates a variety of stress management activities that could prove helpful for contending with stressors in the workplace. (Lambert and Lambert 2010, Nurses’ workplace stressors and coping strategies). In Baguio City, hospital nurses are not spared from the environmental culprit called stress. They are too prone to this even a seated individual can easily observe, but stress as they say always come with the work, nurses chose to be of service to the sick, and sick people are in the verge of experiencing most of the stresses, sometimes the nurses who takes good care of them are the absorbers to some of these stresses. Possibly yet, stress is also present in the work place when nurses are overworked and unavoidably there are build up tension among themselves causing now a strained working relationship. According to Betty Neuman, a nurse theorist she said that stressful environment causes the majority of illnesses and when it becomes severe and neglected it could lead to death. Stress has been categorized as an antecedent or stimulus, as a consequence or response, and as an interaction. It has been studied from many different frameworks (or perspectives? ). For example, Selye proposed a physiological assessment that supports considering the association between stress and illness. Conversely, Lazarus advocated a psychological view in which stress is â€Å"a particular relationship between the person and the environment that is appraised by the person as taxing or exceeding his or her resources and endangering his or her well-being. † Nevertheless, stress has been regarded as an occupational hazard since the mid-1950. In fact, occupational stress has been cited as a significant health problem. Work stress in nursing was first assessed in 1960 when Menzies identified four sources of anxiety among nurses: patient care, decision making, taking responsibility, and change. The nurse’s role has long been regarded as stress-filled based upon the physical labor, human suffering, work hours, staffing, and interpersonal relationships that are central to the work nurses do. Since the mid-1980s, however, nurses’ work stress may be escalating due to the increasing use of technology, continuing rises in health care costs, and turbulence within the work environment. (B. M. Jennings, 2010, Work Stress and Burnout among Nurses). The writer’s opinion with regards to the sudden rise and use of technology in the hospital, these are true and stressful especially among older nurses. Some of them feel intimidated about it since they need to learn how to use computerized gadgets and equipments needed to fasten treatment. Some institutions require knowledge to advance technology in order to be hired, some they assume all nurses are computer literate, if they are not; this becomes a failure to their evaluation which later on could serve as basis for their termination a major impact to the life of a nurse. Workplace stress can be described as the physical and emotional outcomes that occur when there is disparity between the demands of the job and the amount of control the individual has in meeting those demands. Anytime stress occurs, it is an indication that the demands placed upon the person have exceeded the persons personal resources, whether these resources are physical, emotional, economic, social, or spiritual. Thus, workplace stress occurs when the challenges and demands of work become excessive, the pressures of the workplace exceed the workers ability to handle them, and job satisfaction turns to frustration and exhaustion. (Lambert and Lambert, 2010). Nevertheless, work stress and burnout remain significant concerns in nursing, affecting both individuals and organizations. For the individual nurse, regardless of whether stress is perceived positively or negatively, the neuroendocrine response yields physiologic reactions that may ultimately contribute to illness. In the health care organization, work stress may contribute to absenteeism and turnover, both of which detract from the quality of care. Hospitals in particular are facing a workforce crisis. The demand for acute care services is increasing concurrently with changing career expectations among potential health care workers and growing dissatisfaction among existing hospital staff. By turning toxic work environments into healthy workplaces, researchers and nurse leaders believe that improvements can be realized in recruitment and retention of nurses, job satisfaction for all health care staff, and patient outcomes particularly those related patient safety (B. M. Jennings, Chapter26 Work Stress and Burnout among Nurses: Role of the Work Environment and Working Conditions). In one article entitled â€Å"Job Stressors and Coping Mechanisms among Emergency Department Nurses in the Armed Force Hospitals in Taiwan† it states that, nurses, as one of the professional service groups, tend to be exposed to extreme workloads. Their works are generally characterized by having a high contagious potential, being labor-intensive, having an overwhelming job shifting, and experiencing malicious complaints from patients. Compare to other general and professional service jobs, nursing requires handling complicated and dynamic occurrences under strict time pressures. Studies have generally revealed that continuously excessive workloads tend to lower their job satisfaction and deteriorate in turnover intentions. These contextual difficulties indeed continuously challenge a nurse’s temper and professional performance. This may be particularly true for nurses in the emergency departments of the AFH. (Wei-Wen Liu, Feng-Chuan Pan, Pei-Chi wen Sen-Ji Chen, Su-Hui-Lin, 2010). In another study entitled â€Å"Effects of job rotation and role stress among nurses on job satisfaction and organizational commitment†, they mentioned that Job rotation inspires nurses to achieve higher performance, allowing continuous growth at work, extended knowledge and skill, and increasing clinic patient care-taking quality. Scholars have all proposed that job rotation may help employees to acquire multiple capabilities and expand vision, and that it can be an approach to reduce job burnout. But emotional pressure often occurs in the work environment where interpersonal interactions are highly involved. Especially, the nurses working at hospitals not only implement independent and professional nursing activities in accordance with doctors advice, but take responsibility for any immediate threat to patients lives as well. Thus, the importance of nurses is undeniable, and the influence of urses qualities and capabilities on medical care quality can never be ignored. Therefore, the primary concern of the practical field of medical care is to exhaustively recognize how role stress among nurses could affect their job satisfaction and organizational commitment, and effectively utilize the job rotation system to enhance and develop nurses job satisfaction and organizational commitment, in order to promote competitive advantages (Wen-Hsien Ho, Ching S. Chang, Ying-Ling Shih and Rong-Da Liang, 2010, Effects of Job Rotation and role stress among nurses on job satisfaction and organizational Commitment). It is the writer’s point of view that stressful lives among nurses are sometimes not all related to work, some nurses go to work stressed. This maybe due to presence of children, relationships or overworked at home so that when they report for work they are already exhausted and becomes exhausted all the more if there are many patients to attend to. These are also true most especially among women, since they do much of the work at home; attending to school activities of their children and attending to the needs of the whole family, physically, financially, and socially they become vulnerable to stress and illness. Despite all the work stress that the nurses endure, there are also some ways that help nurses cope with stress. To keep them physically, emotionally, and mentally stable if not strong, they divert their attention to activities which they consider relaxing. Nurses learn techniques on how to control their temper when being stressed at work, for some they just endure tensions and exhaustion but once they reached home it is there that they find comfort and peace of mind, but to others, home sometimes adds to more stress, so they prefer staying out like malling. In an article entitled â€Å"Nurses’ Workplace stressors and coping strategies† it describes strategies to help nurses cope; coping can be defined as the constantly changing cognitive and behavioral efforts to manage specific external and/or internal demands that are appraised as taxing or exceeding the resources of the person. Coping activities may be problem-focused in that they are directed externally and involve attempts to manage or change the problem causing the stress. On the other hand, coping activities may be emotion-focused in that they are internally directed and involve attempts to alleviate emotional distress. Examples of problem-focused coping includes problem-solving activities, recognizing ones role in solving a problem and confronting the situation by using some degree of risk-taking behavior; while emotion-focused coping includes wishful thinking, avoidance of confrontive behavior, and detachment or disengagement from the situation. This study will use the Integrative Transactional Process Model by Beehr and Schuler to guide on the effects of stress among registered Nurses in the workplace. According to the Integrative Transactional Process Model by Beehr schuler’s 1982, it corporate environmental stressors, perceptions, the stress response and stress outcomes, plus a host of moderator variables. The environmental stressors pertain to what the registered nurse encounters in his/her workplace perceived as stressful stimuli. The coping mechanisms that registered nurses utilize in combating the effect of stress to her/himself pertains to the perceptions and the response of a registered nurse to stress. This method model is in accordance with Lazaru’s conceptualization of stress by focusing on the role of cognitive appraisal (individual perception) which also highlights the nature of the (mis) fit between the organism and the environmental demands. The discrepancy between, whether challenges or goals, and the way the person perceives his potential responses to his demands cognitive stress. It is the person’s own perception of the stressful event and the appraisal of one’s ability to cope that stress. Time (duration of stress) is incorporated through the separation of the immediate perception of stress and longer term response segment of model. The name of the model implies that its relationship is reciprocal, happens across time and/or stressor and integrated diverse areas of theory. This had implied the importance of time in the stress process. That is why the years of service and the age of the registered nurse was taken as variables in the scope of the study. Individual and contextual differences such as organizational changes, job qualities personal experiences, and individual needs/values are given central role in the models which are also considered strengths of this model. These qualities correlate to the variables specifically to the ward assignments of these registered nurses and their working relationship among nurse supervisors and other health personnel. Their everyday encounter in the workplace give them the opportunity to gain experience which maybe a nurturing or bad experience that may contribute to the stress of the registered nurse. This model considers the individual and contextual differences among registered nurses which in the study pertaining to their age and gender. The aim of the study is to find out the following effects of stress among registered nurses in the workplace. It specifically aims to find answers to the questions: 1. ) what are the effects of stress among registered nurses in the workplace considering the following a. ) Physical health b. ) Emotional health c. ) Mental health 2. ) Is there a significant difference on the effects of stress among registered nurses considering the following a. Age b) Gender and c. )Years of service in the hospital, 3. ) Is there a significant difference on the effects of stress among registered nurses when assigned to a. ) Emergency ward b. ) Operating Room c. ) Surgical ward, and lastly, 4) What are the coping mechanisms utilized by registered nurses to overcome stress in the workplace?   This study is for the nurses themselves, the outcome of this will serve as a guide for them to determine, where thus the highest stress related factor occur in the lives of hospital nurses particularly the female nurses. It will be an eye opener for them in a way that they will know that simple interaction among other people could mean two different things; it can be negative or positive in effect that could cause stress. To the nursing profession especially in the field of research, this study would serve as a tool to use, as a source of information and guide not only among nurses but to other health practitioners as well, from this output, they can yield flyers or pamphlets entitled â€Å"what causes stress in the workplace†, which would contain vital information’s about stress, its causes and effects to ourselves and to the people that surrounds us. Lastly, to the Hospital administrators, this research would serve as a source of information, so that they will become aware, up to what extent does stress do among workers. This could also serve as basis in giving rest days among workers when needed. â€Å"A well rested employee becomes a productive, efficient and successful employee†. The study will utilize a questionnaire in the form of a self-assessment checklist that was developed by the researchers based on review of literatures. The first part of the questionnaire is a letter to the respondents that informs them of the purpose of the study to give full disclosure of information. The second part includes the demographic data inclusive of name (which is optional) and workplace of the respondents, followed by the questionnaire proper. This will be answered by the respondents thru checking the correct rating in assessing the Effects of Stress among Registered Nurses in the Workplace. The questionnaire will be subjected by a research expert, Ms. Geraldine D. Delson, M.A.N. She was chosen to validate the questionnaire for the reason that she is an instructor in the SLU- School of Nursing, major in Psychiatry and therefore she is well-knowledgeable on the topic. She will be asked to evaluate the relevance of the items in the questionnaire using a four-point scale, where a score of 1 is not relevant, 2 as somewhat relevant, 3 as quite relevant and 4 as very relevant. After rating, all the items with a score of 3 and 4 will be counted and divided by the total number of items in the questionnaire. Her comments and suggestions will be taken into consideration during the revision of the tool. Reliability of the questionnaire will be subjected to a preliminary item analysis. The questionnaire will be distributed to thirty (30) staff nurses having their duty at the operating room, emergency ward and medical-surgical ward of SLU-Hospital of the Sacred Heart. After answering, the questionnaires will be collected and will be asked for their comments and feedbacks regarding the questionnaire. Answers in the tool will be checked by the researchers to check for presence of ambiguity. Their comments will be taken into consideration in the revision of the tool before finally floating it. In the data gathering procedure, initially, the researchers will be giving a letter to the Chief Administrator of the Hospital informing her about the purpose of the study and that their respective Institution is chosen to be the locale wherein a number of nurses having their duty there will be taken as the respondents. Also, the letter will ask for permission to float questionnaires to the chosen respondents. After granted the permission, data gathering follows. During the data collection, the researchers will be given different hospital wards based from the selected special wards of SLU-Hospital of the Sacred Heart where they will collect data. In all the special wards chosen, the researchers will introduce themselves to the respondents and will establish rapport. The researchers will also inform the participants of the purpose and nature of the study before consent will be taken. In cases wherein the respondents decline to be part of the study, their decision will be respected. For the respondents who will agree, the researchers will present the checklist and they will give instructions as to how they will answer it. After giving the necessary instructions and reminders, the respondents will be given enough time to answer the questionnaire. The researchers will maintain a distance of 1-2 meters from the respondents while the questionnaires are being answered. To ensure anonymity, names will not be required to be written. The researchers will emphasize that any unanswered item will make their whole answers invalid. To prevent such occurrence, the researchers will stay with the respondents and double check on the answers of the questionnaire once it is passed to the researcher. After the respondents finish answering the checklist, the researchers will retrieve it and the researchers’ gratitude for participation will be expressed. The researchers will assure the respondents that they will be informed of the results of the study. After collecting the checklist, the researchers will check it for any unanswered item. All incompletely filled out questionnaire will be disregarded. The data collected will be collated, tabulated, organized and analyzed. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe and summarize the data that will be gathered, making the data readily comprehensible. Through it, the researchers will be able to identify significant differences between the variables of the study. Frequency count and percentage (Sanchez, 1988) will be utilized to measure and compare data such as age, total number of male and female nurse respondents and years of service. For the physical, emotional and mental health effects, as well as the effects on whether they are nurses assigned at the operating room, emergency department or the surgical department, frequency count, and the coping mechanisms utilized, weighted mean and ranking will be used. Weighted mean measures the average of the responses (f) in relation to the weight or the rating (r) allotted to the said response. To determine the significant difference on the respondents responses on the effects of stress among registered nurses in the workplace, nurses are grouped based on age and gender, the F-test or analysis of variance (ANOVA) test ( Tan, 1997) will be utilized. A statistical technique designed to whether the means of more than two quantitative populations are equal. The variances are used to test the quality of more than two populations. The effects of stress among registered nurses are categorized according to physical health, mental health and emotional health. The study was conducted among registered nurses of SLU-Hospital of the Sacred Heart regardless of gender, and those who are twenty five years of age and above, assigned at the operating room, emergency and surgical ward. The nurse respondents are also categorized according to their number of years in service After the researchers collected, collated, tabulated and organized the data, results were analyzed. Descriptive statistics were used to describe and summarize the data that were gathered. Through it, the researchers were able to identify the significant differences between variables of the study. In table one (1), weighted mean and ranking were used, weighted mean measures the average of the responses. Looking at the table, in category one (1) effects of stress among nurses in their physical health, question number one (1) increase in overall sickness absence has the highest mean score of 3.1, while question number three (3) I do not want to go to work early garnered the least mean score of 2.4, meaning most of the nurses assigned at the operating room, emergency ward and surgical ward when under physical stress opt to absent from work by filing a sick leave. And only few nurses do not want to report to work early when under stress. Second category which is the effect of stress in the mental health of nurses, question number eight (8) conflicts arise with colleagues, garnered the highest mean score which is 2.8 while question number six (6) I have ethical problems with my job, garnered the lowest mean of 2.1, while questions 11, 13, 14,15,16,17 and 19 (please refer to table 3) are all ranked as second question with the highest mean score of 2.6 and 2.7 respectively. The highest result means that nurses when under stress have this tendency to create tension at work and lots of misunderstandings happen between and among them, which sometimes become evident when they are doing their job then suddenly commit mistakes. Then it is good that the lowest mean score is number six, having ethical problems with job, meaning nurses despite stressors and other problems, they still respect each other and remain professional when dealing with it. The third and last category which is effect of stress to nurses in their emotional health, question number twenty five (25) I feel overloaded at work has the highest mean score which is 2.7, while question numbers twenty seven (27) my relationship with co-workers are poor and twenty eight (28) poor relationship with patients, are the two with the least mean score of 2.2 respectively. The meaning of the highest result which is I feel overloaded at work goes to show that nurses becomes work engine at the hospital, this could be due to under staffing or un equal division of work load. While it is a good remark that number 27 and 28 garnered the lowest mean score, because poor relationship with co-workers as well as with patients does not bring out the best in a nurse and in nursing service. In an article entitled â€Å"Nurses’ workplace stressors and coping strategies†, it defined stress as the physical and emotional outcomes that occur when there is disparity between the demands of the job and the amount of control the individual has in meeting those demands. Table two (2) is the coping mechanisms used by nurses when under stress in the workplace. Weighted mean and ranking are the statistical treatment used to determine the results. Coping mechanism number five (5) I say no to overtime if I do not feel happy to do it garnered the highest mean score of 3.4, while coping mechanisms numbers two (2) I exercise regularly and number thirteen (13) I allow myself to feel angry and express this in a safe way have the least mean score of 2.4, meaning nurses are but human beings, they feel and they learn to say no when it comes to overtime because of exhaustion. They reach the point when they are totally burn-out. In an article entitled â€Å"Stress Management†, it says that these stressors can lead to the classic â€Å"burn-out† syndrome. Instead of persisting until this happens, nurses can learn more effective coping strategies, become self-aware, acknowledge their own limitations, and acquire emotion-fcused and problem-solving skills (Selye, 1956). While that is the highest result, we come to the lowest which are numbers two and thirteen. Exercising regularly got a low mean score most probably because nurses when they get home from work they are already tired and there is no more time for them to do some exercising. While the latter expressing anger the safe way, it got also a low score most probably because it was not clear to the respondents what was meant by safe way to express anger. Safe way can be counting from one to one hundred, inhaling and exhaling until the body feels calm. Or maybe drinking or eating your favorite dish, food can become an outlet of anger; these are few ways of safe outlet for anger.

Assessment of Students Special Needs Essay -- Education

The first school I was worked in Saudi Arabia was a small village far from the city more than an hour and a half. I was general classroom teacher for only four students in the first grade . One of my students did not respond for any oral or written tests. After the first week, I decide to tell the school principal about her poor performance in the classroom comparing to her peers. The principal asked the supervisor at the city education department who suggested that parents should take their girl to the education health center in the city because no specialist available to visit remote school. The principal told her mother that she should take her to diagnose her problem in city. Her mother came to school after few days and she asked for her daughter file because she has learning disability and she will study in special school. Students require precise tests to be classified as students with disabilities or learning difficulties which is called assessment. Assessment is defined as â€Å" the process of gathering information about a student’s abilities or behaviour for the purpose of making decisions about the student† (Elliott, Braden, & White, 2001,p.12). it is used to decide if students with special needs are eligible for special education services and, if eligible, to decide what are these services (Reschly, 1996; Browder, 1991). This essay will briefly discuss the key aspects of assessment, the purposes of assessment for students with disabilities, and the assessment adaptation. Miller, Linn, and Gronlund (2009) pointed out the general principles of the assessment process. The first principle is the specification of what is to be assessed and of what are the intended goals to be achieved, before the selection of assessment pro... ...ation for Students with Disabilities , 6 (1), 40-53. Salvia, J., Ysseldyke, J. E., & Bolt, S. (2007). Assessment in Special and Inclusive Education (10th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company. Spinelli, C. G. (2002). Classroom Assessment for Students with Special Needs in Inclusive Education. New Jersey Colombus, Ohio: Merrill Prentice Hall. Taylor, C. S., & Nolen, S. B. (2005). Classrom Assessment supporting Teaching and Learning in Real Classrooms. NewJersey: Pearson. Venn, J. J. (2006). Assessing Students with Special Needs (4th ed.). New Jersy: Pearson. Westwood, P. (1995). Effective Teaching: Paper Presented at the North West Region Inaugural Special Education Conference Prioritries, Partnerships (and Pulm Puddings). Armidle. Ysseldyke, J. E., & Salvia, J. (1988). Assessment in Special and Remedial Education (4th ed.). Boston: Houghton Mifflin Company.

Movie Dr. Strangelove Essay

Yes, it is my opinion that the ideology of the cold war was reflected by the tension shown in the movie â€Å"Dr. Strangelove† by Stanley Kubrick. The tension between peace and war, like the U. S. and the Soviets during the cold war, is reflected by the actors the movie portrayed. The movie â€Å"Dr. Strangelove† gave a satirical look at how war can be manipulated and the players who manipulate it. The secretiveness of the Cold war was reflected poignantly in the movie, causing confusion which helped key players to execute their evil plans. The Cold War was the first public war held behind closed doors. Diplomacy was used, per say, instead of action. Although both sides of the conflict were readily able to show force no really force was used to end the war. Few Americans really knew just how close the film was to real life. The film including the characters and script were very similar to the policies and military leaders of the Cold War. The secrecy was vital to the tension during the Cold war and to the movie. During that time in America there were no Freedom of Information Act that would give light to citizens and this caused much speculation and visions of devastating war. But now with information readily available it is almost shocking just how much the movie mirrored real life. Dr. Strangelove in the movie reminded me of Henry Kissinger. The ending of the movie gave me a glimpse of what I believe would happen if there were such a mistake and just how political officials would feel if this would happen. The statement by General Turgidson, â€Å"Mr. President I’m not saying we would get our hair mussed, but I do say no more than 10-20 million killed, tops! † is how most political leaders would actually think and do think. During war there are acceptable levels of casualties and to most civilians it would be shocking at how high the levels are. Since the adopted policy of President Theodore Roosevelt’s that instead of opposing intervention by European nations in the Western Hemisphere that the U. S. would intervene when necessary to guarantee political and economic stability around the world. This concept has been a cornerstone of American foreign policy from the 1900’s on up to today. To fight the rise and influence of the Soviet Union after WWII the U. S. adopted containment to prevent the rising of communist power. The soviets responded by establishing Communist governments in Eastern Europe. This was the beginning of the Cold War. This war was not fought by bullets but by propaganda and secrets. Allies for this war was gained by giving economic and military assistance. During this war there were times that were hot and times there were thaws. So it is very easy for me to see the reflection of tensions that mirrored real life when comparing the Cold War and the movie â€Å"Dr. Strangelove†. Reference: Kubrick, S. (Director & Producer). (2004). Dr. Strangelove, or how I learned to stop worrying and love the bomb [Motion Picture]. United States: Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment [DVD]

Factors to Instructors Satisfaction of Learning Management Systems

Learning direction systems ( LMS ) enable establishments to administrate their educational resources, back up their traditional schoolroom instruction and distance instruction. LMS survive through teachers ‘ uninterrupted usage, which may be to great extent associated with their satisfaction of the LMS. Consequently, this survey examined the cardinal factors that influence the teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition, and how this satisfaction is related to their purpose to continuously utilize LMS in blended acquisition and strictly for distance instruction. These investigated factors are related to teachers ‘ single features ( computing machine anxiousness, engineering experience and personal innovativeness ) , LMS ‘ features ( system quality, information quality and service quality ) , and organisation ‘s features ( direction support, inducements policy and preparation ) . The findings indicated that computing machine anxiousness, persona l innovativeness, system quality, information quality, direction support, inducements policy and preparation are cardinal factors to teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition. Furthermore, teachers ‘ satisfaction is a important determiner of their uninterrupted purpose to utilize LMS in blended acquisition, and their purpose to strictly utilize LMS for distance instruction. Introduction Learning Management Systems ( LMS ) and e-learning have become recently the difficult sell among stakeholders in instruction and preparation. A figure of top universities around the universe have adopted LMS for teachers and pupils to heighten the educational procedure ( Hawkins & A ; Rudy 2007 ; Browne et al. , 2006 ; National Center for Educational Statistics, 2003 ) . More than 90 per centum of all take parting academic establishments in the US are following LMS ( Hawkins & A ; Rudy, 2007 ) . Similarly, about 95 per centum of take parting establishments in the UK have adopted LMS ( Browne et al. , 2006 ) . Users ‘ satisfaction of an information system is critical to its uninterrupted success. Likewise for a LMS, its success to a great extent depends on teachers ‘ satisfaction of the system. Measuring single users ‘ credence and usage of the e-learning systems is a â€Å" basic selling component † ( Kelly & A ; Bauer, 2004 ) . Teachers may non to the full use all the characteristics, even when LMS are good in topographic point ; a study of more than 800 teachers at 35 LMS-adopting establishments found that really few teachers use LMS tools for measuring pupils or advancing community ( Woods et al. , 2004 ) . Research besides indicated that fright of engineering and deficiency of clip may restrict teachers ‘ acceptance of LMS ( Yueh & A ; Hsu, 2008 ) . Teachers ‘ demands and capablenesss should exhaustively be investigated when deploying LMS applications ( Yueh and Hsu, 2008 ) . Therefore, teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS is important and should b e carefully studied to guarantee successful LMS deployment. LMS survive through teachers ‘ uninterrupted usage, which may be to great extent linked to their satisfaction of the LMS. Consequently, the aim of this survey is to look into the cardinal factors lending to teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS usage in blended acquisition environment. These factors can be categorized as teachers ‘ single features ( computing machine anxiousness, engineering experience and personal innovativeness ) , LMS ‘ features ( system quality, information quality and service quality ) , and organisation ‘s features ( direction support, inducements policy and preparation ) . Investigating the non-technical factors is of import to advance the acceptance and diffusion of LMS enterprises ( Albirini, 2006 ; ElTartoussi, 2009 ) . In add-on, the survey besides assesses how teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS usage in blended acquisition is related to their uninterrupted purpose to LMS usage in blended acquisition, and their purpose to strictly utilize LMS for distance instruction. Several organisations initiate their LMS acceptance by utilizing them in blended acquisiti on environment, to promote the hazards of a complete pure LMS usage for distance instruction. The undermentioned subdivisions discuss the background literature, research model and methodological analysis, analysis and consequences, and the decision. Background Learning Management Systems & A ; Benefits Harmonizing to the World Bank ( 2010 ) , a LMS is a package bundle that automatically administers instruction and trains human resources. It is the usage of a Web-based communicating, coaction, larning, cognition transportation, and developing to add value to scholars and concerns ( Kelly & A ; Bauer, 2004 ) . In peculiar, a LMS is an Internet application that aims to back up instruction and preparation activities ( Cavus and Momani, 2009 ) and provides a platform to back up e-learning activities ( Yueh & A ; Hsu, 2008 ) . Course Management Systems ( CMS ) and Learning Content Management Systems ( LCMS ) are sometimes used to bespeak LMS ( Yueh & A ; Hsu, 2008 ) ; other related footings are Computer-assisted Learning ( CAL ) , Computer-based Learning ( CBL ) , and Online Learning ( Chan, 2008 ) . It should be noted, nevertheless, that LMS applications are non alone to educational establishments ; even public and private organisations use such systems for preparation intents. Many LMS applications are available. The most popular LMS used at colleges and universities in the US is Blackboard followed by WebCT, which was acquired by Blackboard, Inc. in 2006 ( Falvo & A ; Johnson, 2007 ) . Other LMS solutions are Moodle, ATutor, Learn.com, Joomla, and Krawler. LMS applications offer teachers several functionalities that benefits and contribute to learning procedure. Course direction tools, group confabs and treatment, assignment entry, and class appraisal are the primary tools in LMS ( Yueh & A ; Hsu ; 2008 ) . In add-on, LMS aid teachers provide scholars with educational stuffs and track their engagement and appraisals ( Falvo & A ; Johnson, 2007 ) . More technically sophisticated LMS characteristics include keeping office hours online, making pupil groups, and delegating on-line undertakings to groups, harmonizing to Yildirim et Al. ( 2004 ) . Besides, Ceraulo ( 2005 ) indicated that ePortfolios is a cardinal characteristic in some LMS applications, which e nable teachers to keep pupil entries throughout the class ( i.e. , trials, assignments, undertakings ) . LMS solutions purpose besides to increase involvement in larning and learning among scholars and teachers, severally ( Mahdizadeh et al. , 2008 ) . Furthermore LMS enhance learning procedure efficiency and consequence in cost-savings ( Aczel et al. , 2008 ) . Prior Studies on LMS LMS have been adopted by academic and developing establishments to back up their distance instruction and/or supplement their traditional manner of instruction ( Rainer et al. , 2007 ) . Users ‘ satisfaction of LMS, as any other information system, is critical to their uninterrupted success ( DeLone & A ; McLean, 2003 ) . There are a figure of surveies that have investigated the scholars ‘ credence, usage and/or satisfaction of LMS such as Arbaugh ( 2000 ) , Pituch and Lee ( 2006 ) , Roca et Al. ( 2006 ) , Liaw et Al ( 2007 ) , Raaij and Schepers ( 2008 ) , Sun et Al. ( 2008 ) , and Wu et Al. ( 2006 ) . However, limited quantitative surveies have investigated teachers ‘ credence, usage and/or satisfaction of LMS. In the LMS context, research workers have studied LMS credence and success, from teachers ‘ position, in assorted ways. Liaw et Al. ( 2007 ) assessed factors act uponing scholars ‘ and teachers ‘ behavioural purpose to utilize e-learning, which is influenced by sensed utility, perceived self-efficacy, and perceived enjoyment. Ball and Levy ( 2008 ) investigated the impact of teacher ‘s single features on teachers ‘ purpose to utilize LMS. Teo ( 2009 ) assessed the instructors ‘ perceived utility of LMS and perceived easiness of usage. However, users ‘ satisfaction of an information system is critical to its uninterrupted usage and resulted benefits ( DeLone & A ; McLean, 2003 ) . Furthermore, cardinal factors that might impact the teachers ‘ acceptance of LMS can be related to their single features ( Ball & A ; Levy, 2008 ; Liaw et al. , 2007 ; Raaij & A ; Schepers, 2008 ; Teo, 2009 ) , LMS features ( Pituch & A ; Lee, 2006 ; Roca et al. , 2006 ) and organisation features ( Sumner & A ; Hostetler, 1999 ) . None of these surveies, nevertheless, investigated the direct impact of teachers ‘ features, LMS ‘ features, and/or an organisation ‘s features on teachers ‘ satisfaction. User satisfaction is an of import index of IS success ( DeLone & A ; McLean, 2003 ) . In add-on measuring the impacts of organisation features along with teachers ‘ features and LMS features on teachers ‘ satisfaction is critical.Teacher FeaturesThe acceptance and satisfaction of LMS may, to a great extent, be determined by the features of its users. Several dimensions of users ‘ features have been proposed and investigated as determiners of engineering credence. In the context of e-learning, few surveies have investigated the impact of teachers ‘ dimensions on LMS credence. Ball and Levy ( 2008 ) investigated the impact of self-efficacy, computing machine anxiousness, and engineering experience on teachers ‘ purpose to utilize emerging larning experience in a l ittle private university in the US and found that self-efficacy was the lone major determiner of teachers ‘ purpose. Teo ( 2009 ) found that computing machine self-efficacy straight impacts pre-service instructors ‘ perceived utility, perceived easiness of usage, and behavioural purpose in Singapore. Liaw et Al. ( 2007 ) found that perceived self-efficacy determines teachers ‘ behavioural purpose to utilize e-learning in Taiwan. Albirini ( 2006 ) investigated the perceptual experience of school instructors of the usage of ICT in instruction in Syria, and the consequences highlighted the importance of instructors ‘ vision of engineering, their experiences with it, and the cultural conditions on their attitudes toward engineering. Mahdizadeh, Biemans, and Mulder ( 2008 ) found that instructors ‘ old experience with e-learning environments and easiness of usage explain instructors ‘ perceptual experience of the utility of e-learning environments and their existent usage of these environments. Teachers ‘ innovativeness is of import to the satisfaction of e-learning ( Raaij & A ; Schepers, 2008 )LMS FeaturesThe features of LMS may hold a great impact on the teacher ‘s credence and usage of LMS. Features of any information system, including LMS, may be related to system, information, and service support quality as classified by DeLone and McLean ( 2003 ) . E-learning systems ‘ quality was found to be important on the teachers ‘ perceived utility, perceived enjoyment, and perceived self-efficacy, which accordingly affect their purpose to utilize the system in the schoolroom ( Liaw et al. , 2007 ) . In the e-learning context, few surveies have examined the general quality of engineering or specific dimension. For case, from teachers ‘ and scholars ‘ position, Liaw et Al. ( 2007 ) investigated the impact of e-learning systems ‘ general quality on sensed utility, perceived enjoyment, and perceived self-efficacy, which accordingly affect their purpose to utilize the system in the schoolroom, and found it important. Albirini ( 2006 ) indicates that teachers ‘ vision of engineering impacts their attitudes toward the usage of ICT in instruction. Two important surveies on the impact of engineering on users ‘ credence of LMS are Pituch and Lee ‘s ( 2006 ) and Roca et Al. ‘s ( 2006 ) , but they are from the scholars ‘ position. Roca et Al. ( 2006 ) investigated scholars ‘ perceived system quality from three dimensions ( system quality, information quality, and service quality ) . They found that scholars ‘ sensed system factors ( system quality, information quality, and service quality ) straight affect their e-learning satisfaction and purpose to utilize and indirectly their sensed utility. Pituch and Lee ( 2006 ) examined the impact of system quality from three dimensions: the system ‘s functionality, interactivity, and response. As indicated, limited surveies provide a elaborate scrutiny of the influence of the three dimensions ( system quality, information quality, service quality ) of LMS on teachers ‘ satisfaction. This survey integrates these three dimensions of LMS on the teachers ‘ satisfaction.Organization FeaturesAn organisation ‘s features play a major function in the behaviours of its employees, including the credence usage and satisfaction of any engineering such as LMS. Corporate civilization plays a cardinal function in the success of any undertaking. Schein defines civilization as â€Å" the manner we do things around here † ( 1985, p. 12 ) . Cultural values shape an organisation ‘s norms and patterns, which accordingly influence employees ‘ behaviours such as LMS use. Some of an organisation ‘s features that might be relevant to the use of LMS are direction support, inducements, and preparation. There is a deficiency of empirical surveies that capture the influence of organisation factors on the credence and usage of LMS by and large. In the e-learning context, senior direction support and the alliance of e-learning with the section and university course of study are of import for its acceptance ( Sumner & A ; Hostetler, 1999 ) . Incentives are besides an of import factor for teachers ‘ credence to incorporate the engineering in learning. Incentives or inducements for teachers can be enforced by holding the usage of the engineering as a factor in a nomination for learning award, publicity, and term of office ( Sumner & A ; Hostetler, 1999 ) . Finally, developing end-users is of import, and can be in signifier of workshops, on-line tutorials, classs, and seminars. In add-on, Teo ( 2009 ) found that easing conditions, measured by proficient support, preparation, and administrative support, indirectly affect instructors ‘ credence of engineering in instruction. Teachers ‘ SATISFACTION OF LMS Framework Development This survey aimed to analyze the impact of teacher ‘s single features, LMS ‘ features, and organisation ‘s features on teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition, and accordingly, on their uninterrupted usage in blended acquisition and pure usage purpose for distance acquisition. As indicated, few surveies have examined this incorporate probe of teachers ‘ LMS credence and use. This survey assessed the single features based on teachers ‘ computing machine anxiousness, engineering experience and personal innovativeness, LMS features based on system, information, and service quality ; and organisational features based on direction support, inducements policy and preparation. The impact of teachers ‘ ego efficaciousness was besides ab initio considered as portion of teachers ‘ features, but was dropped out after the analysis because of low dependability and cogency of the concept in this survey. Figure 1 illustrates this survey theoretical account. Figure 1: Teachers LMS Acceptance and Use Model Instructor Individual Characteristics HypothesesComputer Anxiety HypothesisComputer anxiousness is â€Å" the fright or apprehensiveness felt by persons when they used computing machines, or when they considered the possibility of computing machine use † ( Simonson, et al. , 1987, p. 238 ) . Computer anxiousness is an of import factor for the credence of the engineering ( Ball & A ; Levy, 2008 ; Piccoli et al. , 2001 ; Raaij & A ; Schepers, 2008 ; Sun et al. , 2008 ) . Fear of computing machines may negatively impact the credence of LMS and the user ‘s sensed satisfaction ( Piccoli et al. , 2001 ) . Empirical grounds of the impact of computing machine anxiousness was assorted. Ball and Levy ( 2008 ) did non observe a important nexus between computing machine anxiousness and teachers ‘ purpose to utilize the e-learning ; nevertheless, Sun et Al. ( 2008 ) found that computing machine anxiousness significantly impacts the scholars ‘ sensed satisfaction of e-lear ning, and Raaij and Schepers ( 2008 ) found the computing machine anxiousness impacts the scholar ‘s sensed easiness of usage of e-learning. Therefore we hypothesized that: Hypothesis 1: Teachers ‘ computing machine anxiousness is negatively associated with their satisfaction of LMS.Technology Experience HypothesisUsers ‘ experience with the engineering ( EUT ) besides plays a major function in the credence of engineering ( Venkatesh & A ; Davis, 2000 ; Thompson et al. , 2006 ) . An person ‘s EUT is his/her exposure to the engineering every bit good as the accomplishments and abilities that are gained through utilizing a engineering ( Thompson et al. , 2006 ) . Therefore, EUT may impact teachers ‘ credence of LMS for their categories. Although empirical quantitative research, such as that of Ball and Levy ( 2008 ) , found no important impact of EUT on teachers ‘ purpose to utilize LMS, research workers Sumner and Hostetler ( 1999 ) indicated that current degree of computing machine accomplishments and extent of usage of calculating accomplishments in learning are of import for teachers ‘ credence of ICT in instruction . Likewise, Wan et Al. ( 2007 ) highlighted the importance of engineering experience on the acquisition procedures and, accordingly, larning results. Mahdizadeh et Al. ( 2008 ) suggested that teachers ‘ anterior experience with e-learning may explicate their perceptual experience of the utility of e-learning environments and their existent usage. Therefore we hypothesized: Hypothesis 2: The teacher ‘s experience with the usage of engineering is positively associated with their satisfaction of LMS.Personal innovativeness HypothesisPersonal innovativeness is another issue that may be critical factor on teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS. Personal innovativeness in information engineering context means individual ‘s attitude reflecting his inclination to experiment with and to follow new information engineerings independently of the communicated experience of others ; â€Å" Bing used to accommodating to new systems and procedures might uncover the utility and easiness of usage more rapidly to an advanced individual than to a non-innovative individual † ( Schillewaert et al. , 2005 ) . Teachers ‘ innovativeness is of import to the satisfaction of e-learning ( Raaij & A ; Schepers, 2008 ) Hypothesis 3: The teacher ‘s personal innovativeness is positively associated with their satisfaction of LMS. LMS Characteristics HypothesesSystem Quality HypothesisSystem quality is indispensable for the user ‘s satisfaction of any engineering, including LMS. Researchers, such as DeLone and McLean ( 2003 ) , and Seddon ( 1997 ) highlighted the impact of system quality on engineering credence, usage or satisfaction and have introduced several ways to mensurate it. Teachers ‘ credence of LMS may be determined to a great extent by system quality. The more functionalities, interactivity, and response of LMS, the better is its credence and use ( Pituch & A ; Lee, 2006 ) . Quantitative empirical surveies found a important impact of system features on e-learning credence: dependability ( Wan et al. , 2007 ; Webster & A ; Hackley, 1997 ) , handiness ( Wan et al. , 2007 ) , and system functionality, interactivity, and response ( Pituch & A ; Lee, 2006 ) . Albirini ( 2006 ) indicated that teachers ‘ vision of engineering impacts their attitudes toward the usage of ICT in instruction . Therefore, we hypothesized that: Hypothesis 4: Lumen system quality is positively associated with the teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS.Information Quality HypothesisInformation quality is besides of import for teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS, and refers to the perceived end product produced by the system. Information quality with great truth, relevancy, seasonableness, sufficiency, completeness, comprehensibility, format, and handiness are of import for the success of an information engineering ( Seddon, 1997 ) . There is a deficiency of research on the impact of information quality on teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS. Some research was conducted from the scholars ‘ position. Roca et Al. ( 2006 ) measured information quality of LMS by indexs related to relevance, seasonableness, sufficiency, truth, lucidity, and format, and proved that information quality was straight important for scholars ‘ satisfaction and indirectly for sensed utility. Likewise, Lee ( 2006 ) found content quality was imp ortant for scholars ‘ perceived utility. Consequently, we hypothesize that: Hypothesis 5: LMS information quality is positively associated with the teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS.Service Quality HypothesisService quality refers to the quality of support services provided to the system ‘s end-users. Teachers ‘ credence of LMS may be related to the quality of the support services. Common measurings of service quality are tangibles, dependability, reactivity, confidence, and empathy ( Parasuraman et al. , 1988 ; Kettinger & A ; Lee, 1994 ) . Few surveies have investigated the impact of service quality on LMS acceptance and success. For case, Roca et Al. ( 2006 ) assessed service quality by indexs related to responsiveness, dependability, and empathy, and confirmed its direct significance on scholars ‘ satisfaction and indirect significance of sensed utility in the e-learning context. Therefore, we hypothesized that: Hypothesis 6: LMS service quality is positively associated with teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS. Organization Features HypothesissManagement Support HypothesisManagement support is a cardinal factor for the credence of any organisational enterprise. Senior directors ‘ unfastened blessing and indorsement of LMS acceptance promote teachers ‘ acceptance and credence of LMS. Directors may back up an LMS by promoting teachers to follow it and place a clear vision of the aim of the LMS and how it is aligned with the university vision. Small research has investigated the impact of direction support on teachers ‘ credence of LMS. However, in the e-learning context, senior directors should clearly place the end of LMS for the university course of study ( Sumner & A ; Hostetler, 1999 ) . This directors ‘ support assures teachers that utilizing LMS is portion of the organisation ‘s civilization and is utile and encourages them to follow and utilize the system. Directors are recognized as a high authorization ( Ali, 1990 ) ; therefore, teachers ‘ acceptan ce and credence of LMS may be associated with the indorsement of their senior directors. Management support of end-users significantly improves computing machine use ( Igbaria, 1990 ) . Facilitating conditions, including administrative support, indirectly affect instructors ‘ credence of engineering in instruction ( Teo, 2009 ) . Consequently, we hypothesized that: Hypothesis 7: Management support is positively associated with the teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS.Incentives Policy HypothesisIncentives, in footings of inducements, are of import factors to promote teachers to incorporate LMS in their instruction. Incentives can be â€Å" non-trivial † pecuniary and non-monetary inducements. E-learning research lacks the appraisal of inducements on LMS credence. Incentives or inducements for teachers can be enforced by utilizing the LMS as a factor in nomination for a learning award, publicity, and term of office ( Sumner & A ; Hostetler, 1999 ) . These inducements ‘ policies push teachers to follow and use LMS for their instruction. Therefore, we hypothesized that: Hypothesis 8: An inducement policy is positively associated with teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS.Training HypothesisSupplying end-users with preparation is of import, as preparation improves teachers ‘ acceptance of LMS and illustrates its possible utility, and encourages its usage in learning. Limited research has investigated the impact of developing on teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS. Training can be in signifier of workshops, on-line tutorials, classs, and seminars ( Sumner & A ; Hostetler, 1999 ) . Facilitating conditions, including preparation, indirectly affect instructors ‘ credence of engineering in instruction ( Teo, 2009 ) . Therefore, we hypothesized: Hypothesis 9: Training is positively associated with the teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS. Use and Future Intention HypothesesContinuous Blended Learning Intention HypothesisThe purpose to utilize the engineering is significantly determined by users ‘ sensed easiness of usage and perceived usefulness ( Venkatesh & A ; Davis, 2000 ) . The higher the teachers ‘ perceived utility of LMS, and existent usage, the more likely it is that they will go on to utilize it. Continuous purpose to e-learning usage is determined by sensed usefulness and satisfaction ( Hyashi et al. , 2004 ) . Therefore, we hypothesized: Hypothesis 10: The teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS is positively associated with their purpose to continuously utilize LMS in blended acquisition.Pure Use Intention hypothesisMany organisations begin their LMS acceptance as a auxiliary tool to traditional schoolroom instruction, trusting that this auxiliary acceptance will finally advance the pure usage of LMS for distance instruction. Perceived easiness of usage, perceived usefulness, and existent usage may hold an of import impact on uninterrupted purpose for auxiliary usage and purpose for pure usage of the LMS for instruction. When teachers believe that LMS is utile, and can be utilized for auxiliary intents, they are more likely to follow it strictly for distance instruction. The sensed utility of a engineering is found to be important determiner of the purpose to utilize the engineering ( Venkatesh & A ; Davis, 2000 ) . Perceived usefulness and auxiliary usage are important determiners of scholars ‘ usage of e-learni ng for distance instruction ( Pituch & A ; Lee, 2006 ) . Thus we hypothesized: Hypothesis 11: The teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition is positively associated with their purpose to strictly utilize LMS for distance instruction. Methodology Participants ‘ Profile This survey included 82 teachers from Oman. Teachers can voluntarily follow Moodle LMS to supplement their traditional categories. The teachers were from different colleges in the university and with different demographics. About 62 per centum of them were male and 38 per centum were female. About 5 per centum of them were adjunct lectors, 27 per centum were lectors, 50 per centum were adjunct professors, 13 per centum were associate professors, and 5 per centum were full professors. The teachers ‘ age varied from 20s to above 50s: approximately 8 per centum were in their 20s, 26 per centum were in their 30s, 16 per centum in their 40s, and 32 per centum were 50 or over. Almost 44 per centum had less than six old ages of work experience, 30 per centum had less than 11 old ages, 16 per centum had less than 16 old ages, 7 per centum had less than 21 old ages, and 2 per centum had more than 20 old ages. Most indicated that their computing machine accomplishments were above norm. Almost 71 per centum have above mean computing machine accomplishments ; 23 per centum, approximately norm ; and merely 6 per centum were below norm. The bulk, approximately 59 per centum, has used the LMS for categories for three old ages or more ; 30 per centum have used it for one to two old ages ; and 11 per centum have used it for less than one twelvemonth. Research Questionnaire The questionnaire was distributed to SQU teachers. An invitation electronic mail was sent to teachers to finish the survey questionnaire either online or on an affiliated MS Word papers. A reminder was sent two hebdomads after the initial invitation. Most of the teachers filled the questionnaire online ( about 95 per centum of them ) . The questionnaire included the concepts to be measured for quantitative analysis, along with demographic inquiries ( e.g. , gender, age, grade, LMS use experience, work experience, and occupation rubric ) . Concept measurings points were phrased harmonizing to a five-point Likert graduated table ( 1= strongly disagree ; 2=disagree ; 3=Neutral ; 4= agree and 5=strongly agree ) . To statistically measure the survey model, 28 indexs were used. Tables 1 and 2 show the entire indexs used for each concept. The LMS characteristic concepts ( system quality, information quality, and service quality ) were adopted and modified from Roca et Al. ( 2006 ) and Pituch and Lee ( 2006 ) . Individual features concepts ( computing machine anxiousness and engineering experience ) were adopted from Ball and Levy ( 2008 ) ; while the personal innovativeness concept was adopted from ( Raaij & A ; Schepers, 2008 ) . Organizational features ‘ concepts ( direction support, inducements, and developing ) were self-developed, based on Sumner and Hostetler ( 1999 ) . The user satisfaction concept was adopted from Sun et Al. ( 2008 ) , and uninterrupted blended acquisition and pure LMS purpose were adopted and modified harmonizing to Pituch and Lee ( 2006 ) . DATA ANALYSIS & A ; RESULTS PLS Analysis Methodology Data was analyzed by PLS-Graph 3.0 package. PLS ( partial least square ) is a variance-based structural equation theoretical account ( SEM ) technique that allows way analysis of theoretical accounts with latent variables ( Chin, 1998 ) . The PLS attack is a variance-based SEM that assists research workers in obtaining determinate values of latent variables for prognostic intents. The PLS does that by minimising the discrepancy of all dependent variables instead than utilizing the theoretical account to explicate the co-variation of all indexs ( Chin, 1998 ; Chin and Newsted, 1999 ) . Therefore, the theoretical account waies are estimated based on the ability to minimise the residuary discrepancies of the dependent variables. The PLS algorithm uses an iterative procedure for the appraisal of weights and latent variables tonss. The procedure about converges to a stable set of weight estimations. The rating of the theoretical account is based on ( 1 ) the appraisal of the theoretical a ccount measurings by measuring their cogency, dependability, and discriminant cogency, ( 2 ) the analysis of the waies of the structural theoretical account ( Chin, 1998 ) . Table 1 and Table 2 show the independent and dependent concepts ‘ steps and lading severally.Table 1: Independent Constructs Measures and LoadsConcept MeasuresLoadingComputer AnxietyI believe that working with computing machines is really hard. 0.8717 Computers make me experience uncomfortable. 0.9493 I get a sinking feeling when I think of seeking to utilize a computing machine. 0.8961Technology ExperienceI feel confident utilizing the e-learning system 0.7617 I feel confident downloading/uploading necessary stuffs from the Internet. 0.8460 I feel confident utilizing on-line communicating tools. 0.6333Personal InnovativenessI like to experiment with new information engineerings. 0.6713 Among my equals, I am normally the first to seek out new information engineerings. 0.9735System QualityThe system offers flexibleness in learning as to clip and topographic point. 0.7046 The system offers multimedia ( audio, picture, and text ) types of class content. 0.7225 The response clip of the system is sensible. 0.7017 The system enables synergistic communicating between teacher and pupils. 0.8190Information QualityThe information provided by the system is relevant for my occupation. 0.8537 The information in the system is really good. 0.9060 The information from the e-learning system is up-to-date. 0.8457 The information provided by the system is complete. 0.8186Service QualityThe system support services give me prompt service. 0.8485 The system support services have convenient operating hours. 0.8388 The system support services are dependable. 0.8859 The system support services are easy to pass on with. 0.8769Management SupportSenior decision makers strongly back up the usage of e-learning system. 0.8811 I get support by section chair or dean on my usage of e-learning system. 0.8253 My troughs highlight the importance of e-learning system on my course of study. 0.8624 Senior decision makers clearly identify the importance of e-learning to the course of study. 0.7517IncentivesThe usage of e-learning is a factor in the nomination for learning award. 0.9396 The usage of e-learning system is a factor in finding publicity. 0.9620 The usage of e-learning system is a factor in one-year lift of instruction. 0.9685TrainingI receive developing workshops on how to utilize e-learning tools. 0.8015 I receive online manuals on how to utilize e-learning tools. 0.7993 I receive seminars on the usage of e-learning tools. 0.8761Table 2: Dependent Concepts Measures and LoadsConcept MeasuresLoadingUser Satisfaction ( SAT )I am satisfied with the public presentation of the e-learning system. 0.8078 I am pleased with the experience of utilizing the e-learning system. 0.9133 My determination to utilize the e-learning system was a wise one. 0.8684Continuous Intention to LMS Use in Blended Learning ( CUI )I will often utilize e-learning system to make a instruction undertaking. 0.8743 I will utilize e-learning system on regular footing to supplement my categories in the hereafter. 0.8645 I will ever seek to utilize the e-learning system to make a instruction undertaking whenever it has a utile characteristic. 0.8917Purpose to Pure LMS Use ( PUI )I plan to learn strictly on-line classs for distance scholars. 0.9393 I will utilize e-learning system to learn strictly on-line classs. 0.9594 I plan to learn strictly on-line classs in every bit many occasions as possible. 0.9304 Concepts Validity and Reliability The dependability and the cogency are two standards used by research workers to measure the pertinence of their measurings to their investigated theoretical account. Reliability refers to the consistence of the steps ( indexs ) of a specific latent variable ; whereas, cogency refers to how good the construct is defined by the steps ( Hair et al. , 1998 ) . With PLS, the dependability of the measurings was evaluated by internal consistence dependability, and the cogency was measured by the mean discrepancy extracted ( AVE ) , which refers to the sum of discrepancy a latent variable gaining controls from its indexs. AVE was developed by Fornell and Larcker ( 1981 ) to measure concept cogency. The recommended degree for internal consistence dependability is at least 0.70, and is at least 0.50 for AVE ( Chin, 1998 ) . Tables 1 and 2 show the theoretical account concepts ‘ measurings and lading. Table 3 shows that the survey concepts ‘ dependability and AVE are above the recom mended degrees for all the concepts.Table 3: Concepts Reliability and ValidityConceptEntireItemsDependabilityAVEComputer Anxiety ( CA )3 0.932 0.821Technology Experience ( TE )3 0.794 0.566Personal Innovativeness ( PI )2 0.818 0.699System Quality ( SQ )4 0.827 0.545Information Quality ( IQ )4 0.917 0.734Service Quality ( SvQ )4 0.921 0.744Management Support ( MS )4 0.899 0.692Incentives ( IN )3 0.970 0.915Training ( TR )3 0.866 0.683User Satisfaction ( SAT )3 0.898 0.747Continuous auxiliary Use Intention ( CUI )3 0.909 0.769Pure Use Intention ( PUI )3 0.960 0.889 To accomplish the discriminant cogency of the concepts, Fornell and Larcker ( 1981 ) suggest that the square root of AVE of each concept should transcend the correlativities shared between the concepts and other concepts in the theoretical account. The discriminant cogency is used to guarantee the differences among concepts ( Chin, 1998 ) . Table 4 shows that the theoretical account constructs satisfy that regulation, as the square root of the AVE ( on the diagonal ) is greater than the correlativities with other concepts. Therefore, all the theoretical account concepts have a satisfactory discriminant cogency concept.Table 4: Concept ‘ Correlations and Discriminant ValidityConceptCalciumTelluriumPiSQIntelligence quotientSvQMultiple sclerosisInchTRSaturdayCUIPUIComputer Anxiety( CA )0.906Technology Experience( TE )-0.1530.752Personal Innovativeness( PI )-0.295 0.5510.836System Quality( SQ )-0.092 0.159 0.2600.738Information Quality( IQ )-0.078 0.179 0.209 0.6330.857Service Quality( SvQ )-0.027 0.056 0.128 0.472 0.6890.863Management Support( MS )0.199 -0.174 0.125 0.298 0.226 0.2290.832Incentives( IN )0.227 -0.224 -0.106 0.158 0.124 0.142 0.5300.957Training( TR )0.020 0.003 0.165 0.271 0.348 0.353 0.241 0.2970.826User Satisfaction( SAT )-0.338 0.182 0.333 0.491 0.497 0.324 0.226 0.209 0.3880.864Continuous auxiliary Use Intention ( CUI )-0.329 0.373 0.493 0.488 0.365 0.191 0.173 0.163 0.340 0.7640.877Pure Use Intention( PUI )0.008 0.123 0.374 0.103 0.054 -0.026 0.072 0.094 0.113 0.355 0.4350.943Model Evaluation and Paths Analysis With PLS, R-square values are used to measure the prognostic relevancy of a structural theoretical account for the dependent latent variables, and the way coefficients are used to measure the effects of the independent variables ( Chin, 1998 ) . The significance of the theoretical account waies was assessed based on their t-values.Table 5: Model Evaluation & A ; Paths AnalysisWayBeta( I? )p-valueHypothesisCAi? SAT– 0.3058 & lt ; 0.0005 H1: supportedTEi? SAT0.0587 & gt ; 0.5 H2: non supportedPIi? SAT0.1115 & lt ; 0.025 H3: supportedSQi? SAT0.1808 & lt ; 0.025 H4: supportedIQi? SAT0.2371 & lt ; 0.001 H5: supportedSvQi? SAT0.0398 & gt ; 0.5 H6: non supportedMSi? SAT0.1272 & gt ; 0.5 H7: supportedINi? SAT0.1476 & lt ; 0.01 H8: supportedTRi? SAT0.2046 & lt ; 0.001 H9: supportedSATi? CUI0.7693 & lt ; 0.0005 H10: supportedSATi? PUI0.3592 & lt ; 0.0005 H11 supported Table 5 shows the R2 values of the endogenous dependent concepts. The analysis indicated that the theoretical account explains 47.1 per centum of discrepancy in the teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition. The analysis besides showed that teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition explains 58.4 per centum of discrepancy in their purpose to continuously utilize LMS in blended acquisition, and 12.6 % of their purpose to utilize LMS strictly for distance instruction. Table 5 besides shows the waies ‘ coefficients analysis between the exogenic independent concepts ( teachers ‘ features, LMS ‘s features, and organisation ‘s features ) and the endogenous dependent concept ( teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition ) , and, accordingly, purpose ( uninterrupted LMS usage in blended acquisition, and LMS pure usage for distance instruction ) . The analysis showed that most of the teacher ‘s features, the LMS ‘s features and the organisation ‘s features to some extent have impact on the teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition. First, teachers ‘ computing machine anxiousness negatively impacts their satisfaction of LMS ( Beta -I? = – 0.3058, P & lt ; 0.0005 ) ; therefore hypothesis 1 is supported. Second, the impact of teachers ‘ experience with the engineering is non important on their satisfaction of LMS ( 0.0587, P & gt ; 0.05 ) ; therefore hypothesis 2 is non supported. Third, teachers ‘ personal innovativeness positively impacts their satisfaction of LMS ( I? = 0.2371, P & lt ; 0.001 ) ; therefore, hypothesis 3 is supported. Fourth, system quality significantly impacts teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS ( I? = 0.1808, P & lt ; 0.025 ) ; therefore, hypothesis 4 is supported. Fifth, information quality significantly impacts teachers ‘ satisfaction of L MS ( I? =0.2371, P & lt ; 0.001 ) ; therefore, hypothesis 5 is supported. Sixth, service quality is non important on teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS ( I? = 0.0398, P & gt ; 0.05 ) ; therefore hypothesis 6 is non supported. Seventh, direction support significantly impacts teacher ‘s satisfaction of LMS ( I? = 0.1272, P & lt ; 0.025 ) ; therefore, hypothesis 7 is supported. Eight, incentives policy significantly impacts teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS ( I? = 0.1476, P & lt ; 0.01 ) ; therefore, hypothesis 8 is supported. Ninth, developing significantly impacts the teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS ( I? = 0.2046, P & lt ; 0.001 ) ; therefore, hypothesis 9 is supported. In add-on, teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended larning significantly impacts their purpose to continuously utilize LMS in blended acquisition ( I? = 0.7693, P & lt ; 0.0005 ) , and their purpose to strictly utilize LMS for distance instruction ( I? = 0.3592 P & lt ; 0.0005 ) ; therefore, hy pothesis 10 and hypothesis 11 severally are supported. DISCUSSION & A ; CONCLUSIONS Discussion of Findingss and Deductions LMS include several tools that provide academic and preparation establishments an efficient and effectual agencies to back up distance instruction and supplement their traditional instruction. Furthermore, LMS enable these establishments to capture their educational stuffs and continue them for future reuse. This survey examined the impact of teachers ‘ features ( computing machine anxiousness, engineering experience and personal innovativeness ) ; LMS ‘ features ( system quality, information quality, and service quality ) ; and an organisation ‘s features ( direction support, inducements, and developing ) on teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition, and, accordingly, their future purpose of utilizing LMS in blended acquisition and in pure e-learning for distance instruction. The consequences showed that teacher ‘ single features, LMS ‘ features, and organisation ‘s features have assorted impacts on teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition. Sing the teachers ‘ single features, the survey, foremost, found that teachers ‘ computing machine anxiousness negatively impacts their satisfaction of LMS. In fact, the survey showed that teachers ‘ computing machine anxiousness is the chief cardinal factor act uponing teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS. As indicated earlier, empirical surveies showed assorted impacts of computing machine anxiousness on LMS acceptance ( sensed easiness of usage, perceived usefulness and satisfaction ) . These assorted consequences might be linked to computing machine literacy or cultural issues. Nevertheless, organisations need to look into the causes of persons ‘ computing machine anxiousness in order to extinguish it and accordingly better the acceptance of LMS in their organisations. Second, even though qualitative research has suggested that persons ‘ engineering experience might lend to the LMS acceptance and satisfaction, this empirical survey was unable to happ en a important impact of this factor on teachers ‘ satisfaction, which is consistent with Ball and Levy ‘s ( 2008 ) empirical survey. Third, the survey found that teachers ‘ personal innovativeness is another positive key factor to their satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition, which is consistent with ( Raaij & A ; Schepers, 2008 ) . Therefore, bettering teachers ‘ personal innovativeness will better their satisfaction of LMS. Refering the LMS ‘s features, the survey found system quality and information quality are besides positive cardinal factors to teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS. This determination is consistent with Roca and his co-workers ‘ ( 2006 ) empirical survey on scholars ‘ satisfaction of e-learning. Therefore, for a successful deployment of LMS organisations should guarantee that system is with high functionalities and contains good information quality. Unfortunately this survey was unable to observe a important impact of service quality on teachers ‘ satisfaction inconsistent with Roca and his co-workers ‘ ( 2006 ) happening. This survey, compared to Roca and his co-workers ‘ survey on scholars, investigated more factors. Refering the organisation ‘s features, the survey significantly found that direction support, inducements policy and preparation are cardinal factors to teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS. Even though much qualitative research has suggested this issue, non much empirical quantitative research has asserted this impact on LMS satisfaction. Therefore, organisations and their senior directors should invariably back up the LMS enterprise and promote teachers ‘ usage. Senior directors should besides incorporate LMS usage in their inducements policy such as a factor in nomination for a learning award, publicity, and term of office. Finally, senior directors should supply sufficient preparation to teachers ; this preparation plan can be in signifier of workshops, online manuals or/and seminars Finally, the survey found that teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS is a cardinal determiner of their uninterrupted usage of LMS in blended acquisition. The survey besides found that teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition is a cardinal determiner of their purpose to strictly utilize LMS for distance instruction. Few surveies have examined the nexus between teachers ‘ usage of LMS in blended larning to their purpose of pure e-learning. Therefore, this survey showed organisations that are non ready for pure e-learning, that the usage of LMS in blended acquisition is a valuable option to fix organisations and teachers to finish digital transmutation through the usage of LMS strictly for distance instruction. In decision, LMS is assuring for developing states, as they provide tools to expeditiously construct human resources. This survey offered important findings for research workers and practicians. The survey has demonstrated that single features, LMS ‘s features and organisation ‘s features are cardinal factors to teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition, and that teachers satisfaction of LMS is important factor on their hereafter purposes for blended acquisition or pure e-learning. Therefore, this survey provided utile penetrations for practicians ( teachers and academic establishments ) . Organizations, particularly in the Middle East where computing machine and Internet literacy is non every bit high as in developed states, should supply developing to decrease teacher ‘s computing machine anxiousness, and accordingly better their satisfaction of LMS. In add-on, organisations should follow high-quality LMS ( in footings of system quality and infor mation quality ) to advance their acceptance and usage by teachers. Furthermore, direction support and inducements are of import to better teachers ‘ satisfaction of LMS in blended acquisition. Restrictions and Future Research This survey has few restrictions. First, the sample was from one academic establishment in Oman ; more research can be conducted in several organisations in different states to better the generalisation of the findings. Second, the survey assessed LMS use from teachers ‘ position ; farther research may measure it from scholars ‘ position. Third, this survey was unable to measure the impact of self-efficacy ; new measurings might be developed to better its dependability and cogency across different states. Furthermore, future research could besides analyze in item the benefits of LMS for teachers and the critical factors act uponing organisations ‘ deployment of LMS.