Problem Solving Simulation free essay sample

Assignment:Â  Problem-Solving Simulation How did you interpret the problem? When I was interpreting the problem I was trying to look at the whole picture. When in all reality I should have been breaking down the problem into sections so I could concentrate on the issue at hand. I will have to admit that shook my head allot over this because it was hard to look outside the box, as one might want to say. The goal was to get all three animals to the other side of the river without any of them being harmed by one of the other animals. The cat would eat the mouse if left alone, or the dog and the cat would fight if left alone. The strange part was the mouse and the dog could not be left on the other side of the bank either. What strategy did you use and how did you evaluate your progress? The strategy I took was that to find most common problem between the three animals. We will write a custom essay sample on Problem Solving Simulation or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page When I was evaluating the possibilities of getting them all three over the river it was overwhelming at first. I was able to attain that the main problem was the cat. The cat did not get along with the dog, nor did it get along with the mouse. The only obvious thing to do was to get the cat across the river first. This way the dog and the mouse were safe on the other bank. My problem was once I got the cat across the river and came back for one of the other animals I soon realized that either one I took next would cause a problem with the cat. Did you encounter any obstacles while solving the problem? I was upset that I could not get my mind to look outside the box. There had to be a reasonable solution to this problem. A few obstacles were encountered along the way while I was trying to solve this mystery. I would take the cat over first which was fine, because the dog and mouse was okay while on the original side of the river. As soon as I would take over one of the other animals with the cat all heck broke loose due to the cat not getting along with either the dog or the mouse. I knew there had to be an easier answer to this problem. After thinking carefully, I took the dog over first then the cat and mouse fought and then when I took the mouse over first then the dog and cat fought. It almost seemed impossible. Were you aware of this thought process as you worked through the problem? Then after careful consideration and the knowledge I had that the cat had to be the instigator in all this fighting I knew for sure that the cat had to go first. After reading the assigned reading to this issue I knew the answer was outside the box. I will admit that I even placed this task to my mom just to see if she would be as stumped as I was. Now as a recap; I knew the cat was the bad guy in this scenario, so the problem was how would I get the other two over there safely? Then it came to my mom and me! Wow what a revelation it was. Yes the cat was the mean one, and could not be left alone. So, you had to send the cat over first and return raft for another animal. Once you had the other animal over to the bank you had to put the cat back onto the raft and leave him alone on the first bank. This gave you the time you needed to get the other animal over to the other side. So in all reality the cat was the first one to cross over to the other side and the last one to be left on the first side. I do have to say this was a mind stretcher of an activity. I do enjoy trying to figure things like this out. It may take me a while but it is awesome when you do figure it out, at that point you knew you looked outside the box and found your answer.

How Human Behavior Is Comparable to the Crucible Essays

How Human Behavior Is Comparable to the Crucible Essays How Human Behavior Is Comparable to the Crucible Essay How Human Behavior Is Comparable to the Crucible Essay Essay Topic: The Crucible John Proctor is at a trial for witchcraft. John Proctor states, l speak my own sins, I cannot Judge another. Proctor states this as he confesses that he was the one who committed the act of witchcraft. When he states, l cannot Judge another, he is implying that he is referring to his affair with Abigail, is being accountable for the fault In his matter, and does not wish to place the blame on anyone else. A theme of fear Is prevalent when John Proctor Is saying, l speak my own sins. This holds true cause he knows that If he does not tell the truth, he knows that he will likely be executed at the gallows. There Is also a sense of logic when John Proctor states, l cannot Judge another. By saying this, John Proctor Is using accountability to not place his wrongdoings on Abigail Williams. Not unlike John Proctor, most people will usually tell the truth out of fear if they want to avoid getting killed. People tell the truth out of fear as they believe that their life is more important to them than the punishment, if there is any that may await them. While many people demonstrate a sense of being illogical by avoiding punishment by using a scapegoat, there are other people, like John Proctor, who states, I cannot Judge another, he is admitting to his crime and does not place the blame on Abigail as he knows that he should tell the truth. When John Proctor stated, speak my own sins, I cannot Judge another, the fear and hysteria that he had after being accused for witchcraft led him to tell the truth at the trial to avoid further punishment. After John Proctor confesses, Detonator calls for the marshal. He calls for the rascal to bring seven condemned prisoners, including John Proctor, to the gallows. According to Detonator, Twelve are already accused; seven are expected to die this morning. While Detonator knows that he is wrong, he fears that backing down will make him look weak. Detonator knows that he is wrong because he knows that the seven accused, who were going to the gallows, do not deserved to be killed for accusations of witchcraft or links to the devil. However, Governor Detonator does not back down In the execution of the seven who were accused. He does not back down s he believes that If he does back down, that his pride will be shattered. Detonator believes that his pride will be shattered because If he does not execute the seven who were accused, he gets the Impression that he will look foolish In the religious community as he did not execute those who were not abiding by the laws of religion. However, Detonator Knows deep clown Tanat execution Is wrong. He Knows Tanat execution is wrong because he believes that maybe it is wrong for one to be killed due to a religious infraction. Not unlike Governor Detonator, there are people in our society who know that certain deeds are wrong. However, instead of following their own ideals or morals, there are people who believe that if they do not live up to what those people around them expect that their pride will be shattered because those people will look foolish to other people in society. However, this is not always true as there are people who stand up for what is right and reasonable without caring what anyone else thinks. When Governor Detonator stated, Twelve are already accused; seven are expected to die this morning, he could have used his sense of season to prevent the executions, however, pride got in the way and the seven accused were executed. Before John Proctor was executed, he had a chance to be saved by Reverend Hale. Reverend Hale stated, Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own. I came into this village like a bridegroom to his beloved, bearing gifts of high religion; the very crowns of holy law I brought, and what I touched with my bright confidence, it died; and where I turned the eye of my great faith, blood flowed up. Reverend Hale, who enters Salem with a naive attitude, realizes that he caused irreparable damage after John Proctor was accused. In order to help John Proctor, Reverend Hale advises Elizabeth Proctor to have John Proctor sign a false confession to save his life so he will not suffer a severe punishment. Initially, Reverend Hale uses his power and authority in the wrong way, by compromising John Proctors life. However, Reverend Hale demonstrates reason by demonstrating accountability for his mistake. After that, Reverend Hale demonstrates power and reason by suggesting the solution of having Elizabeth Proctor sign a false confession o prevent John Proctor from suffering a severe punishment. When Reverend Hale initially compromises John Proctor, he demonstrates reason, power, and logic by aiding John and Elizabeth Proctor. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, demonstrates superstitions of innocent people. Power is demonstrated by Reverend Hale when he impacts yet helps John Proctor. Reason that is sidelined by pride is demonstrated by Governor Detonator while John Proctor demonstrates accountability. These are how the themes in The Crucible apply to our society lives.

Power Tool Market Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Power Tool Market Analysis - Essay Example Finally, the difference in the estimates is not material. The projected values represent a decline of approximately 11.5% over the last year's figure of 1.8 million units by U.S. Census Bureau. The values for the last 5 years show a continuous declining trend. The following table summarizes the historic actual values. From the above statistics, it can be concluded that the demand for power tools in this sector may not increase in 2007 as the economic activity is declining. The demand may infact decrease since lesser number of houses will be developed. The expenditure for residential construction is expected to be at $504 billion as per Realtor, and $434 billion as per Haughey, in 2007. This shows a declining trend as the last year's (2006) figures show that the expenditure was $581 billion and $608 billion for 2005 (Realtor, 2007). The actual historic data is shown in the table below (U.S. Census Bureau: 930 - Value of Private Construction Put in Place: 1995 to 2005, 2007). This declining trend indicates that this sector will have less demand of power tools in 2007 than it was in prior years. This is because the expenditure for construction will decrease and power tools industry provides the tools that are used for construction. Hence, demand will be negatively affected for this market. The expend

Does the threat of prison serve as a deterrent Discuss with reference Essay

Does the threat of prison serve as a deterrent Discuss with reference to the work of at least two academic theorists - Essay Example Across the societies and in all nations, a prison system has been set and mandated with primary responsibility and authority of punishing these criminal offenders who have been found guilty by court. To deter is to use punishment as way of averting criminal acts. A prison is a setting where criminal offenders are contained legally as way of punishment for the crimes they have committed (Perrier and Pink, 2003:58). The question that, therefore, rises is if prisons actually serve to deter crime from happening. This essay will discuss the extent and ways in which prisons function in their attempt to reduce and deter crime and demonstrate if actually this objective is achieved. This will be based and compared to the theoretical perspectives of prison and role in crime deterrence. It is of great concern to anyone who has interest in crime prevention to critically analyse the role of prison system in curbing crime through preventing a reoccurrence and initiation of a new one. There has been a massive transformation in the recent time in the prison departments with different people expressing divergent opinions concerning the main role of a prison. Some people would argue that the prison should be a rehabilitation centre with structures and facilities that are suppose to empower the offenders and show them a new perspective in life. Other people from a different school of thought would say that availing positive and empowerment tools to offenders would be reinforcing criminal acts and, therefore, no one would learn from the mistakes. Punishment is the best way to unlearn behaviour rather that exposing a criminal to positive and enabling conditions. While it appears to be a motivation and reinforcement of a criminal behaviour, a holistic rehabilitative measure have been put in most prisons to make sure that prisoners come out of their dens afresh with clearly set goals and ambition so as to make a change in the society. This has

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research Introduction This work is to present the case study as a research approach, showing that its characterization is not an easy task, due mainly to its many different approaches and applications. It highlights its increasing importance as a research tool, exploring its origins, meanings and delineation as an investigation methodology. In order to demonstrate its application, it indicates its most common advantages and constraints, stressing the important role played by the researcher, who must be careful about generalizations, striving constantly for scientific rigor in the treatment of the subject. The case study method is considered a kind of qualitative analysis (GOODE, 1962) and has been considered, according to Yin (1994, p. 10): the weaker brother of the methods of Social Sciences. But despite the weaknesses and limitations, the case study has had widely use not only in social research, but also as a modality research, with applications in many other areas or in disciplines that has a strong orientation to legal practice and administration, besides being used for the preparation of theses and dissertations. The main objective of this work is to present the case study method as a research approach and to consider issues relevant for the conduct using this method, analyzing its advantages and disadvantages that should be considered in light of the kinds of problems and questions to be answered. Case study can accomplish many of the same goals as other methods. For example, the case study can be exploratory (create new knowledge), constructive (solve some problem), or confirmatory (test a hypothesis with empirical evidence). The case study can also use either a primary (the researcher collects the data) or secondary (the researcher uses someone elses data) approach. In the view of Yin, à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ãƒâ€¦Ã¢â‚¬Å"the case study represents an empirical research that investigates a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context, and includes a method comprehensive, with the logic of planning, gathering and data analysis.à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬Ã‚  Can include both single case studies as multiple, as well as quantitative approaches and qualitative research. (Yin 1994 p.23), help us, he says, to understand and distinguish the case study method to other research strategies such as the historical method and in-depth interview, the experimental method and survey. The method often is presented as being more appropriate for exploratory research and particularly useful for hypothesis generation and this may have contributed to complicate the understanding of what the study method cases, how it is designed and conducted. (Yin, 1994) According to different authors, the case study has originated in medical research and psychological research, with analysis in detail of an individual case that explains the dynamics and pathology of a given disease. With this procedure it is assumed that one can acquire knowledge of the phenomenon studied from intense exploration of a single case. Besides the medical and psychological, it became a major methods of qualitative research in human and social sciences. Advantages and Disadvantages of Case Study Research Cast in a narrative format, descriptive case studies can make complex science and technology projects accessible and interesting to a non-scientist audience. The potential scope of the case study format is flexible and broad, ranging from brief descriptive summaries to long, detailed accounts. Using a storytelling approach, the evaluator may present the genesis of ideas, explore what happened and why, give an account of the human side of a project, explain goals, explore project dynamics, investigate particular phenomenon, and present outcomes in their complexity without being subject to the confines inherent in most other evaluation methods. The freedom to collect multiple kinds of information makes the case study method useful for exploring ideas and constructing theories about program or project dynamics. Despite its advantages, the case study method is traditionally considered to have several major limitations as an evaluation tool. Descriptive case studies are qualitative and unreliable. And, whether qualitative or quantitative, case studies typically relate to single projects, or, at best, small clusters of projects, such that their results usually cannot be generalized to the entire portfolio of projects. Noting that distinguished scholars frequently use case study as a method of analysis, Yin, in his landmark book on case studies, asks, If the case study method has serious weaknesses, why do investigators continue to use it? (Yin, 1994) Among the possible explanations Yin considers are that people are not trained in the use of other methods, or, for governmentally sponsored research, that the difficult permission procedures required for surveys and questionnaires have made their use a bureaucratically hazardous affair, leading researchers to the case study method, which is relatively unencumbered by restrictions and requirements. Identifying three types of case studies à ¢Ãƒ ¢Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã‚ ¬ descriptive, exploratory, and explanatory, Yin argues that the case study method qualifies as a serious research tool. He states, In general, case studies are the preferred strategy when how or why questions are being posed, when the investigator has little control over events, and when the focus is on a contemporary phenomenon within some real-life context. (Yin 1994 p.1) One of the biggest disadvantages to using the case study method has to do with external vs. internal validity. Using the case study method, the researcher often does not have control over certain variables and events and, therefore, cannot control them as the researcher could in a lab experiment Consequently, the researcher using the case study method must be content that his/her findings may only be applicable to similar cases. What the case study gains in internal validity, it loses in external validity. Construct validity is especially problematic in case study research. It has been a source of criticism because of potential investigator subjectivity. Yin proposed three remedies to counteract this: using multiple sources of evidence, establishing a chain of evidence, and having a draft case study report reviewed by key informants. Internal validity is a concern only in causal (explanatory) cases. This is usually a problem of inferences in case studies, and can be dealt with using pattern-matching, which has been described above. (Yin 1994) External validity deals with knowing whether the results are generalizable beyond the immediate case. Some of the criticism against case studies in this area relate to single-case studies. However, that criticism is directed at the statistical and not the analytical generalization that is the basis of case studies. Reliability is achieved in many ways in a case study. One of the most important methods is the development of the case study protocol. The secondary data is data previously gathered and recorded by other researchers. There are many advantages and disadvantages to using secondary data for research purposes. One of the most important advantages is the fact that a research can be built on previous research using required experience and knowledge. Moreover, secondary data are usually much cheaper than primary data and very often is freely provided. In addition to this, the collection of secondary data can be extremely rapid due to high-tech information accessibility and other media. However, the disadvantages of secondary data are equally very important and it must be gathered and used carefully. In most cases such data have been taken during past research with a specific target and this may not link with other research. Therefore, the circumstances under which secondary data have been created should be examined in detail; otherwise it has no value at all for further research (Zikmund, 2003). When a researcher uses this kind of data he/she should be aware of the time period these data refer to. Another disadvantage of secondary data is that researchers sometimes give different definitions for the same problem making the estimation of the final research result confusing. In addition, there can be many other difficulties when using secondary data. The researcher has to know extensive details about the process which has produced the data, such as the samples that have been used and whether the process has taken all the necessary into account. In many cases, adequate information is very difficult to be found or even impossible (Zikmund, 2003). Quantitative data also has advantages and disadvantages. A major advantage is that it is numerous and it is easily understood. Furthermore, the results are subjective. This means that if it is a result of a large sample, this result can be generally applied and it is scientific. Another great advantage is that quantitative data is considered as reliable. This means that if a researcher repeats research following the same process, he will find the same results. A major disadvantage of this kind of data is that they are narrow. In other words, it represents a reality without providing any explanation for the result. In a way, it gives picture of the symptoms and not the real problem. Qualitative data also has advantages and disadvantages. A major advantage is that produces more in-depth, comprehensive information. It emphasizes the importance of looking at variables in the natural setting in which they are found. Use subjective information and participant observation to describe the context, of natural setting, of the variables under consideration, as well as the interaction of different variables in context. A major disadvantage of this type of data is that the very subjectivity of the inquiry leads to difficulties in establishing the reliability and validity of the approaches and information. It is very difficult to prevent or detect researcher induced bias. Its scope is limited due to the in-depth, comprehensive data gathering approaches required. In conclusion this work presents some discussion of case study in terms of its advantages and disadvantages. Case studies are considered valuable in research as they enable researchers to examine data at depth analysis. As an alternative to quantitative or qualitative research, case studies can be a practical solution when a large sample population is difficult to gain. Although case studies have various advantages, in that they present data of real-life situations and they provide better understandings into the detailed behaviours of the topics of interest. The case study method, like all research methods, is more appropriate for some situations than others. When deciding to use this method of research, an investigator should keep in mind the dangers and criticisms that are usually made to the method in question and must take precautions and care necessary to avoid them or minimize their consequences. Nevertheless, the Case Study Method offers significant opportunities for the researcher; it may facilitate the study of many cases that wanted to be investigated. This method, as well as qualitative methods is useful when the phenomenon being studied is large and complex, where the body of knowledge is insufficient to support the proposition of causal questions, and where the phenomenon cannot be studied outside the context where it naturally occurs. The researcher must use the designated data gathering tools systematically and properly in collecting the evidence and need to define its object study, the type of research focus, control that the investigator has over actual issues, and the focus on contemporary phenomenon rather than historical and, from there, build a research process, limiting the universe to be studied. Throughout the design phase, researchers must ensure that the study is well constructed to ensure construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability. A common point among several authors (GOODE, 1962 and Yin, 1994) is a recommendation for great care when the design phase, researchers must ensure that the study is well constructed to ensure construct validity, internal validity, external validity, and reliability. Like all research has advantages and limitations of its application, and deserves the care needed when the search for generalizations. Case study method has always been criticised for its lack of rigour and the tendency for a researcher to have a biased interpretation of the data. But despite the criticisms, weaknesses and limitations, the case study has had widely used in all areas. However, its importance is undeniable as an instrument research and the study should be located in academic discussion. External validity reflects whether or not findings are generalizable beyond the immediate case or cases; the more variations in places, people, and procedures a case study can withstand and still yield the same findings, the more external validity. Techniques such as cross-case examination and within-case examination along with literature review help ensure external validity. Reliability refers to the stability, accuracy, and precision of measurement. Exemplary case study design ensures that the procedures used are well documented and can be repeated with the same results over and over again.

The Four Topics Method of Analysis: A Pregnant Accident Victim Essay

The Four Topics Method of Analysis is a tool developed by clinical ethicists used to examine clinical encounters. This method provides a consistent, organized framework for gathering information regarding the encounter in order to perform analysis. The method is organized into four parts: Medical Indications, Patient Preferences, Quality of Life, and Contextual Features. We can organize information regarding this case study by using the Four Topics Method beginning with the Medical Indications. Maria, a 20-year-old female, has been involved in a motor vehicle accident. She has a history of Sickle Cell disease and is currently twenty-five weeks pregnant with her first child. Initially Maria presents with somewhat stable vital signs. She displays tachypnea, and complains of severe abdominal cramping as well as weakness, light-headedness and left shoulder pain. She is neurologically intact with lung sounds that are within defined parameters. Maria’s condition changes and she begins to display signs and symptoms of internal bleeding. This is a life threatening condition. The problem is critical and can be reversed with a transfusion and surgery. The goal of transfusion would be to replace blood loss and restore vascular volume and the goal of surgery would be to repair the bleed. If the bleed is corrected in a timely manner and without c omplication, the probabilities of success are somewhat high. There is no plan in place to account for therapeutic failure. Medical care in this instance could not only save the life of this patient but also that of her unborn child. Further harm to Maria and her baby could be avoided if she would agree to the treatment. The next area to consider is Patient Preferences. In th... ...s driven by non-maleficence, or the intent to â€Å"do no harm†. They know that withholding treatment for religious beliefs will potentially be fatal to both. While Maria is acting out of loyalty to her religious beliefs, the medical staff is acting out of loyalty to the patient’s well being and that of her unborn child. It would be unfair if no party were acting on behalf of that child. In conclusion, providers in this case must pursue every option in delivering life saving treatment for this child. This may involve legal action. If it were just Maria providers may attempt to influence her decision, but ultimately it would be up to her to refuse suggested treatment. Since her decision affects the life of the baby providers are called upon to save that child . Works Cited Unborn Victims of Violence Act, 10 and 18 U.S.C.  § 1841 et seq. (Cornell Law 2004).

Madam & Eve

The story takes place in South Africa. The main characters are Madam Eve and her daughter, Thandi. During the apatheid Eve was Madam's slave, since the end they remained good friends. 1. It is the first school day for Thandi a black young girl. Her mother and madam and Madam accompanies her to the entrance of school and say her to enjoy herself. 2. Thandi meets two school young-boy-white. 3. One asks Thandi for what she is here. And the other one adds that this school was a great school until people as Thandi arrives. 4. By far Madam and Eve look at the scene and think Thandi is again a victim of rascisme. 5. Madam querels them, by explaining them that now it is the new South Africa. Where blacks and whites live together and have the same rights. 6. The boys are surprised of reactions of the ladies. Because the problem is not the skin colour of thandi, but the fact whether she is a girl. Cause this school used to an all-boys school. 7. A third black little boy makes his appearance. To show and press on the fact that the blacks are not a problem in this school but the girls yes! Furthermore for them the girls are Yucky !! 8. Madam et Eve Smile 9. But Thandi does not want that they get away like that. Conclusion : To conclude, we can say that this comic strip raises the new problem of this society, the sexism.