Parental Involvement And Its Relationship To Discipline In Elementary Schools Essay

There is a plethora of research on books, journal articles, and stand-alone reports on the subject of parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. These writings include research reports, expert opinions, theory papers, program descriptions, and guidelines for how to address this issue. Many of these reports are informative and useful, and because parental involvement and its link to discipline have been greatly emphasized in the past few years, there is considerable current information. An important influence on the way parents raise their children are the experiences they have in their family of origin (Hops, Davis, Leve, & Sheeber, 2003). The way a person is raised influences the rest of their life. Socioeconomic status can have a very significant effect on a family and how parents behave with their children. This effect continues into the school environment and could be directly related to how students behave in schools (Hops et al. ). The extra stress that families from a lower Socio Economic Status (SES) household experience can cause parents to use more punitive parenting practices. Some students have shown that, along with the economic hardships families from low SES groups experience, minority ethnic groups also have to deal with the added stress of racism (Pinderhuges, Dodge, Bates, Pettit, & Zelli, 2000). These factors all have an influence on parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. Discipline concerns in schools are not new. MacDonald (2002) stated that student behaviors that require discipline have always existed in schools. However, it is the seriousness and widespread nature of discipline concerns that is disturbing. School campuses, once islands of safety, are now faced with violence daily (MacDonald). School discipline problems are impacting every demographic segment of society. O’Donoghue (2005) stated that in the 1990s, discipline concerns were viewed widely as an inner city phenomenon, but since then, discipline concerns have been distributed across the entire spectrum of schools in the United States of America. At a time when our nation’s children need adult guidance the most, some parents retreat from involvement in their child’s schools. Johnson (1999) stated that our nation’s youths are making desperately poor choices oftentimes guided by equally confused peers. All children, youths, adolescents, and teenagers alike need the advocacy and support of parents. Parental involvement is vital to the behavior and achievement of students. Unfortunately, many parents are doing much less than they should be doing. According to the U. S. Department of Education (2005), American mothers, on the average, spend less than half an hour a day talking, explaining, or reading with their children, and fathers spend less than 15 minutes interacting with their children. As vital as parental involvement is to discipline in schools, many parents do much less than they should and many schools engage in practices which serve to limit the extent of parental involvement. Literature Review Several researchers have attempted to categorize parental involvement according to the nature or type of activity in which parents are involved. Epstein and Salinas (2004) suggested that parents may be involved as tutors, volunteers, advisory committee members, school board members, or room mothers or room fathers. They grouped these types into three basic groups: advocates, decision-making partners, and co-production partners. They defined advocacy as politically active parental involvement; decision-making refers to parental involvement as committee members; and co-production refers to parental involvement in those areas or activities that contribute to school efforts for developing and planning and instructing students toward improved behavior and achievement (Epstein & Salinas). Data from the 2005 Children’s Defense Fund indicated that every day in American, 13,076 students are suspended from school, 6,042 students are arrested, 3,356 high school students drop out of school, and 3,087 students are corporally punished. Additionally, more than 3 million acts of violence and theft were reported in American public schools (Walker, Colvin, & Ramsey, 2005). A factor in improving discipline in American schools is to empower school personnel to be proactive rather than reactive. This means that teachers must become skilled in behavior management strategies that would enable them to create school environments that motivate students to act according to school and classroom rules as well as foster positive interpersonal interactions with peers and authority figures (Lewis & Sugai, 1999). In contrast to zero tolerance policies that emphasize punishing instead of positive consequences, it is critical to stress positive incentives that will motivate all students to behave (Lewis & Sugai). When schools develop disciplinary action plans, parents should be included at every stage of the process to obtain their input and to give them a sense of shared responsibility. According to the National Parent Teacher Association (2004), the following three types of parental involvement are critical to a child’s education: (a) parents as first educators in the home; (b) parents as partners with the school; and (c) parents as advocates for children in society. The full involvement of parents is vital to the success of these efforts. Barton, Coley, and Wenglinsky (1998) identified four basic components of parental involvement: the basic obligation of parents, school to home communications which include monitoring students’ discipline, parental involvement at school, and parental involvement in learning activities at home. Children growing up in society today need parental involvement and adult attention more than ever before (Comer, 2006). Parents belong at the center of a child’s education. The single best way to improve students’ behavior is by strengthening parents’ role in it, by both reinforcing parents’ relationships with the school and by helping and encouraging parents in their critical job of teaching the young. Not all teachers are parents, but all parents are teachers (Comer). The most basic statement that can be made about parent and family involvement is that when it is effective, everyone benefits. Research has shown us conclusively that effective parental involvement in education benefits parents, teachers, and students, whether the involvement is at the pre-school, elementary, middle, or high school level (State Department of Iowa, 1999). Purpose of the Study The purpose of this study was to examine issues surrounding parental involvement in schools. The experiences of parents were examined with the goal of giving parents an opportunity to express themselves in parent surveys. The study brought new insights to the body of research concerning parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. Research Questions 1. What is the relationship between the level of parental involvement and the number of student discipline referrals? 2. What is the relationship between socio economic status and the level of parental involvement? 3. What is the relationship between the level of parental involvement and student academic success? Limitations/Delimitations Limitations 1. This study was limited to two elementary schools in a Trenton, North Carolina school district. 2. One limitation would be the honesty of parents’ responses. 3. Another limitation would be the sample size of the respondents; therefore, the findings should be viewed with caution. Delimitations 1. Duplication of the study may or may not produce the same results. 2. The study analyzed one school year of discipline records for students. Definition of Terms Parental Involvement – Parents’ level of active involvement in their child’s education (Epstein & Salinas, 2004). Parenting Styles – What strategies parents use to as it relates to disciplining their children at home (Coolahan, McWayn, Fantuzzo, & Grim, 2002). Socioeconomic Status – A person’s social and economic status (Bradley & Corwyn, 2002). Student Academic Success – measured by students’ mathematics and reading scores obtained from the Georgia Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (GCRCT). Student Discipline – Control or order exercised over students. The system of rules used to maintain this control (Barton, Coley, & Wenglinsky, 1998). Student Referrals – Discipline referrals students receive for disciplinary problems in school (Gosche, 2005). Importance of the Study It has become increasingly evident that parental involvement in education contributes to students’ success in school. Research also suggests that when parents are involved in their children’s learning at school and at home, discipline referrals decrease at school and academic progress increases (Comer, 2006). This study is important because it investigated the relationship between the level of parental involvement and student academic success. It also investigated the relationship between the level of parental involvement and the number of student discipline referrals and the relationship between socio economic status and the level of parental involvement. It is essential for this data to be examined because the results will assist school boards, statewide evaluators, and school personnel in restructuring the learning environment to address and include parental involvement and its relationship to discipline in schools. Chapter Two will provide a review of the literature findings on parental involvement and discipline. CHAPTER TWO: REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE Introduction Not all parents are involved in their children’s school although there is a dire need for parental involvement and guidance in schools (Kornbluth, 1997). All children, regardless of age, need the unwavering support of their parents to further guide their academic growth. According to the U. S. Department of Education (2005), â€Å"American mothers, on the average, spend less than half an hour a day talking, explaining, or reading with their children, and fathers spend less than 15 minutes daily interacting with their children† (p. 2). The U. S. Department of Education further stated that positive results such as increased student performance, better communication between parents and teachers, and better socialization skills occurred when parents play an active role in their children’s education. According to Barton, Coley, and Wenglinsky (1998), chaos in the schoolhouse requires disciplinary measures. An exemplary discipline program is truly vital to the success of schools, thus making good discipline an educational requirement. Research has shown that when schools have discipline problems, academic achievement is negatively affected. As a result, a distinct relationship exists between how students achieve academically and their behavior in school (Barton, et al. ). A dire need exists for parents to partner and communicate with school staff so that problems with discipline could be reduced. Johnson (1999) stated that poor choices are often made by children and adolescents in the United States, and these choices are oftentimes aided by their bemused peers. Research by Kornbluth (2006) has noted that many schools do not put forth enough effort to enlist parents’ support and involvement in schools. On the other hand, Waggoner and Griffith’s (2001) research revealed that students with involved parents performed at higher levels on standardized tests than students with uninvolved parents. In a similar vein, Kornbluth’s study found that students not only performed better in school but also improved in discipline when their parents were actively involved in their education. It has become increasingly evident that parental involvement in education is a major contributing factor to reduced disciplinary concerns and a need for disciplinary action in schools. An article by the San Diego County Office of Education (2000) entitled, What Does Research Tell us About the Influence of Parental Involvement on Student Achievement, includes research on the benefits of parents nurturing their children at home and the importance of parents setting academic goals and expectations for their children. It also stresses the importance of parents’ involvement in their children’s education as it relates to their academic success. According to Parlardy (2005), parental involvement produces a decline in classroom disruptions and the need for disciplinary action while improving school climate, teacher and student morale, and student achievement. Cotton’s (2001) study revealed the importance of effective schoolwide and classroom discipline strategies and lists various ways to improve discipline in schools such as staff commitment to achievement, parental involvement, high expectations for students and faculty, clearly defined rules, and good school climate. Additionally, Wright, Wright, and Heath (2004) provided research on how the No child Left Behind act affects parents, teachers, administrators, and students as it relates to discipline and parental involvement. Waggoner and Griffith’s (2001) research supported parental involvement since it strengthens teacher/parent/student relationships and reinforces teachers’ expectations in the home environment. Homework is another area where parental involvement is critical. When parents are aware of what the curriculum entails and what teachers expect, they are better equipped to help their children with homework so that increased learning could occur. Kornbluth (2006) provided data to support the importance of parental involvement in schools. The results of their study revealed that students with involved parents performed better on tests than students with uninvolved parents. Hand in hand with parental involvement is involving the community in the school. Epstein and Salinas (2004) noted the benefits of partnering with the community. These benefits included having businesses become partners in education and serving on school councils along with parents. The benefit that is derived from this is that the community is involved in the decision-making process of the school and; therefore, has a pulse for the school’s goals and missions. As a result, one of the goals will also be to decrease disciplinary infractions and improve student learning. What is Parental Involvement? There are numerous books, journal articles, and stand-alone reports on the subject of parents’ involvement in their children’s education. Parental involvement is a term that frequently has different meanings to people. Nevertheless, it is safe to say that parental involvement covers a multitude of interactions between parents, students, and the school (Swap, 1998). Swap further postulated that parental involvement may be as simple as a parent attending a Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meeting or a conference with the teacher or as complex as representing other parents in decision-making situations or other aspects of school governance. In general, parents may take an active role, passive role, or non-involvement role regarding their participation in the school their child attends. A review of literature indicates that there are several strategies and activities available to parents, teachers, and administrators to obtain optimum parental involvement at different levels of commitment. For example, parents may volunteer to read to a class, become a book buddy for a student, or work with their child on take-home learning materials (Gordon, 1998). The research overwhelmingly demonstrates that parental involvement is a component that is positively related to improving students’ discipline and achievement in schools. When defining parental involvement, it is very important to consider Brandt’s (1979) four basic assumptions about parental involvement. The first assumption is that the family’s capabilities for providing a learning environment that accentuates the positive elements of cognitive and emotional factors can be improved (parent impact model). The second assumption is that the child’s health, nutrition, social, and psychological development influences academic learning (comprehensive services model). The third assumption is that when schools are made more responsive to parents, this responsiveness will lead to better discipline and achievement by the child (school impact model). The fourth assumption for parental involvement is that everything relates to everything else (community impact model). Swap (1998) asserted that various models have different assumptions and goals that must be clear to all participants. Swap’s premise of parental involvement described four models and their goals: The protective model’s goal is to reduce conflict between parents and educators, primarily through the separation of parents’ and educators’ functions and to protect the school from interference by parents. The second model’s goal (school to home transmission) is to enlist parents in supporting the objectives of the school. The third model’s goal (curriculum enrichment) is to expand and extent the school’s curriculum by incorporating the contributions of families. Finally, the fourth model’s goal (partnership) is for parents and educators to work together to accomplish a common mission – success for all children. Barriers to Effective Parental Involvement According to Hampton, Mumford, and Bond (1998), many students come from home environments described as America’s worst problems such as drug abuse, neglect, alcoholism, and domestic violence. On the other hand, Kornbluth (1997) maintained that not all students are in trouble because their parents are irresponsible, lazy, or uninvolved. Many students come from good homes, and they have parents who are doing their best to care for them. Often parents face different circumstances that affect how well they believe they can make contributions to their children’s education. Issues such as language barriers, work schedules, transportation, and access to childcare, for example, affect the frequency and conditions under which parents believe they can realistically spend time in schools (Kornbluth). Seeley (1999) noted that another complicating factor facing parental involvement is the idea that some well-meaning school staff members feel that they have been delegated as the educators of children and the sole responsibility for education is in their hands. Seely proposed that this idea of delegation has been subconsciously signaled to the parents so that they do not need to be involved in their children’s educational experiences. In brief, Seeley’s study concluded that one must convince all involved in the child’s education that parental involvement is essential to the education process. This study further implied that once parents and teachers understand the importance of parental involvement, they will be willing to commit do doing all that is necessary to achieve the identified goals. Davies (1998a) revealed that the growing number and variety of students’ ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds make reaching out to families increasingly complex. Educators who think only in terms of traditional families are likely to have a particularly hard time dealing with today’s great variety of family types. Davies suggested that educators must face their own misperceptions about parents. However, a child born to parents who are mature, educated, employed, and married is statistically more likely to do well rather than a child who lacks that family support, even if the child is exposed to a host of government intervention programs. Parenting Styles and Ethnicity According to Coolahan, McWayn, Fantuzzo, and Grim (2002), parenting styles differ based on ethnicity and are also determined by parents’ characteristics. Parents from different cultures may have different characteristics and may, therefore, use different parenting styles when raising their children. For example, ethnic differences have been found in the acceptance of spanking. Thus, there may also be ethnic differences in parenting (Pinderhughes, Dodge, Bates, Pettit, & Zelli, 2000). Research has found the authoritarian parenting style to be more common among African-American families than European-American families (Clark & Gross, 2003). Families from the same SES group but from different ethnic groups have been found to have differing levels of stress. For example, African-American families with low SES report higher levels of stress than European-American families with the same SES. This could be due to the fact that African-American families are also vulnerable to additional race-related stressors (Pinderhughes et al. , 2000). The Asian-American culture differs from European and Mexican-American cultures. Studies have shown that the styles of parenting used among Asian-American families may differ significantly in some areas. For example, Liu (2003) found two main types of parenting styles among Asian-American families. They are care and overprotection. When parents use the care styles of parenting, they are affectionate, emotionally warm, empathic, and close to their children. However, many Asian-American families use a style of parenting that closely resembles an authoritarian style called overprotection in which parents strictly enforce rules and discourage independent behavior. The overprotection style of parenting is comprised of parental control, overprotection, intrusion, excessive contact, and prevention of independent behavior. Other studies have found that the families who use the care style of parenting are closer and more functional with each other (Kee, Sim, Tech, Tian, & Ng, 2003). They also found the families who use the overprotection style of parenting to be more dysfunctional on the average. Other studies on parenting styles and ethnicity have found African-American families from low SES groups to have a more punitive attitude towards their children because of the higher levels of stress they experience (Pinderhughes, et al. , 2000). This attitude would lead to a more authoritarian style of parenting. Authoritative parenting predicts good psychosocial outcomes and problem behaviors in all ethnic groups and is associated with increased academic performance (Steinberg, Darling, & Fletcher, 2005). Parenting Styles and Their Relationship to Discipline Parenting styles begin determining, to a significant degree, how a child will develop at a very early age. For example, with infants, sensitive, responsive maternal behavior is associated with healthy and secure mother-infant relationships (Isabella, Belsky, & von Eye, 1999). According to Schaefer (2000), parenting style is the single most important factor associated with conduct disorders. Behavioral instability and non-optimal parenting across four generations was examined by Gosche (2005), and it was reported that non-optimal parenting is reproduced in subsequent generations due to the development of unstable behavioral styles in children exposed to poor parenting. Children who are exposed to more hostility from their parents are more likely to display aggressive behavioral styles as adolescents and adults which, in part, cause their aggressive and hostile behavior toward their children (Gosche).

Records Management

Both ministry of Education and school generates information on a daily business that plays a role in the daily operation of an institute that are referred to as records. This information generated is also use for projecting and planning purposes. (Managing records at school level). Managing and organization student’s records into a cohesive and efficient might seem like an impossible task, but it depends how much effort is placed in it, that makes it possible. School that properly manages their records meets its legislation responsibilities, aids its administrative processes and ensures that records are stored when needed and destroyed when permissible. As a result, all schools should have records management system in place. Having already note that records are information, there are ten categories of information. Firstly, Action information which would be files that requires immediate response. In an institution, this information would be letters and request transfers. More than likely, action information is one that will benefit the institution so it should be brought to attention very quickly. Therefore, it is normally requested that action information be marked with an urgent sticker. Non- Action information is another category of information. Unlike Action information, Non-Action information is the type that does not require immediate action, but they do require an action. For example, if a new Minister of Education was assigned, then the school receives a letter of this action, there is no need for it to have an immediate response. It is important to note that non-action information is no less important than any other information. Therefore due to protocol and respect, it should be acknowledged. The third category of information is reoccurring information which can be described as data which is based on activities or event that reoccur in intervals. Examples of reoccurring information would be student’s attendance, accounting, assessment results and inventories. On the other hand, another category of information is non-reoccurring which refers to matters that may not recur on a regular basis during the life span of an organization. The fifth category of information is internal information that is generated within the organization. The purpose of internal communication is to enhance communication amongst colleagues so that work can be produce, managed and handle with confidentiality. When a school holds a meeting, this information may use for the bettering of the school. For example, letters from the head of the department to all staff concerning who should and should not be accepted in class for safety purposes. The complete opposite category of information which will be external will be for the use of outside communication. Next, Historical information is data that relates to past events and activities and is usually non action information. Also, future information is data that concern with events to come or take place. The two final categories of information are documented information that refers to information entered onto permanent records and non-documented information which is oral. Records are the evidence of what an organization does externally and internally. (ARMA 1) According to research records can also be defined as a documented proof of a transaction or activity. This may include business activities, contracts negotiations, and business and personnel file. Records are categorized into four categories. Firstly, the most important records which are classified as vital records includes will include a deed for property, contract sales, or budgets of the organization. Next, important records management will include board meeting minutes, financial and operating reports. Third, Useful Records can include product change letter and the least important type of records which is classified as non-essential will include memos like birthday parties and department newsletter. In addition to that, records come in many formats which comprises of physical paper, electronic, media and various databases. Not having a proper system to manage records of a company, business or institution can have a vast on its production. As a result, the world has been modernized with what is known as records management. Records Management can be defined as a systematic control of records throughout their lifestyle. (ARMA 1). The ISO 15489 also described records management as â€Å"the field of management that is responsible for the efficient and systematic control of the creation, receipt, maintenance, use and disposition or records, including process for capturing and maintaining evidence of and information about business activities and transaction in the orm of records. † (ISO 15489). Records Management includes setting policies and standards, assigning responsibilities and authorities, and integrating records management into business systems and processes. Records management in general plays an important role because records are information and assets that holds value for organization. Organization and institutions alike are given a responsibility to manage records to maximize profits, control cost, provide confidentiality, teach effective, and learn efficiently. At the end of the day, effective records management is required to ensure that information needed is retrievable, authentic and accurate. Just like all other business, companies and organization learning institutions are one of the most needed places for a proper and effective management system because they have task of teaching and providing a learning institutions. School records are reproductions of written records than relates to the school itself or students of the institution and they are records that should be kept under strict confidentiality. School records comprises of registers, school’s budget, students medical files, test scores and other valuable data about Administrators, teachers and students that are a part of the day to day running. Some benefits of an effective management are records are more easily identified and protected. An effective management improves storage and retrieval system as well. Next an effective records management increases productivity within the organization and it reduces cost for equipment, space and personnel’s. In the educational facilities specifically, an effective records management can first of all help save lives. Taking a look at the United States for example in a journal article that states evidence is mounting that food allergy and anaphylaxis have been increasing in school age children. It also stated that 16 % of these children have a reaction in school. It has been proven that an allergic reaction can sometimes result in death. If a record of these students health is kept, the school can be alert. Also, if so many children are starting to have this allergic reaction and the statistics continue growing, vendors can be asked to stop providing it. School records can also assist in taking caution with one education. If on a regular basis a child is evaluated for what seem to be a disorder or down syndromes, this child can be given the treatment he or she need to learn effectively. In addition to that, it is also important to manage school records effectively because the majority of the times, school records serve as the historical source. In order words, school records tell the history of the school. School records also supply information needed for outside communication such as school districts or Ministry of Education to process the planning and decision making by heads to facilitate school, staffs and students. Last but least, school records facilitates continuity in the administration of the school which can all be labeled as managing records from an administrative perspective. Though administrators keep more vital records, teachers and staff must also keep records to result in an effective, efficient and productive classroom. Teachers should keep record of parent’s communication, attendance, behavior and students portfolio. If a teacher don’t plan purposes and set up a system that will easier track grades and other important data, retrieving the information when needed will not be easy. Accurate records don’t happen unless they are properly recorded, files, stored, transfer and retrieved. In a classroom to manage records a teacher need three things. This includes a grade book, an attendance log, a student portfolio and a time management plan folder. Good and accurate records management shows when a teacher classes are faring and progress can be seen in children individual progress. Take for example, a record recording a student’s behaving that is evaluated and then sent down to the councilor. The councilor would deal with the matter and progress can be seen in the child’s behavior which will then show in their academic performance. Accurate and good records management in the classroom also makes the pupils aware of the teacher’s productivity and expectations. For example, children will be less likely to accuse the teacher of losing their work, because they witness good records management. Another positive trait of good records management from a teachers aspect is ensuring security for the child which is done by taking a classroom register. This will asses whether the child is attending school regularly and is sometimes used to keep track on compulsory education. In situations like this, a child parent can be called in or forwarded to The police department or social sevices if a child often misses school. Maintaining records is tiring and very time consuming, yet teachers are always left with this burden. Taking note of the vast amount of paperwork they have to deal with, it is sometimes relevant for them to create a simple filing system, to store and make retrieval of valuable document less difficult. There are three mean types of filing sytem use. They are alphacbetic , numerical and subject filing. According to research â€Å"the key element in making records management filing rules effective are consistency and documentation. † (ARMA Records management Quarterly 1) Consistency means rules stay the same from day to day and person to person. When different people use the same records but under different rules or procedures, consistency is said to be evaluated.

Difference Between Computer Literacy and Information Literacy Essay

1. Why is it important to understand the difference between computer literacy and information literacy? The difference between computer literacy and information literacy is as follows: Information literacy is the ability to access, organize, evaluate and use information from various sources. Computer literacy is having the knowledge to use technology in order to manipulate computer software or hardware. There is a strong correlation between the two, but they are still different. Both concepts use critical thinking, but information literacy goes beyond knowledge and access in learning more. To be clearer, with information literacy one is taking what has been read and learned and applying it. With computer literacy one can have the knowledge but not necessarily know how to use it or apply it. Basically, with information literacy one will take the knowledge to the next step by using the access to organize, use and evaluate what has been found. With computer literacy one has the technology to manipulate the computer, but they may not have the information to continue on through the process and derive a conclusion based on evaluations and organization. Computer literacy, if you want to think of it in steps, is the literacy before information literacy in which the person is on their way to gaining the extra knowledge they need in order to apply what is currently known. Information literacy also requires one to have awareness in how information systems work and the link between information need, sources and channels. An example would explain this easier. You can know how to use Google search, but unless you take it a step further such as knowing what you need, the sources and the channels to gain what you need you will be stuck with unhelpful answers. Certainly, you know you need keywords in a search engine, but unless you know what keywords you are stuck. This is the relationship between the two concepts. 2. Discuss the three elements of an information system (hardware, software and persware) that managers must consider. Which of the three do you consider the most important? Hardware: Is the physical aspect of computers, telecommunications, and other devices. The term arose as a way to distinguish the â€Å"box† and the electronic circuitry and components of a computer from the program you put in it to make it do things. Software: Software is a term for a set of instructions, which makes a computer to perform a task. The set of instructions are commonly known as a program, without which computers cannot do any operations. A software is classified broadly in to two groups, application software, which includes normal utility applications like Microsoft word, PowerPoint etc. that interacts and performs user specific tasks and system software, such as operating systems, which interacts directly with hardware to make the system work and also provide a platform for other applications to work. Persware: Defined as the people aspect of an information system, without this aspect of an information system the hardware and software components become computer literacy. The people who drive and run the information system also help to determine which types of data to collect, store and disseminate for reporting and analysis purposes. The three Components of information system talked about the input, processing, output and feedback processes. Most important is the feedback process; unfortunately it’s the one most often overlooked. Just as in the triangle above, the hardware (input and output) and the software (processing) receive the most attention. With those two alone, you have computer literacy. But if you don’t use the â€Å"persware† side of the triangle to complete the feedback loop, you don’t accomplish much. Add the â€Å"persware† angle with good feedback and you have the beginnings of information literacy. 3. Which of the six business objectives do you think is the most important? How can information systems help a business meet these objectives? The Six Important Business Objectives of Information Technology Product Development Information technology can speed up the time it takes new products to reach the market. Companies can write product requirement documents by gathering market intelligence from proprietary databases, customers and sales representatives. Computer-assisted design and manufacturing software speed up decision making, while collaborative technologies allow global teams to work on different components of a product simultaneously. From innovations in microprocessors to efficient drug delivery systems, information technology helps businesses respond quickly to changing customer requirements. Stakeholder Integration Stakeholder integration is another important objective of information technology. Using global 24/7 interconnectivity, a customer service call originating in Des Moines, Iowa, ends up in a call center in Manila, Philippines, where a service agent could look up the relevant information on severs based in corporate headquarters in Dallas, Texas, or in Frankfurt, Germany. Public companies use their investor relations websites to communicate with shareholders, research analysts and other market participants. Process Improvement Process improvement is another key IT business objective. Enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems allow managers to review sales, costs and other operating metrics on one integrated software platform, usually in real time. An ERP system may replace dozens of legacy systems for finance, human resources and other functional areas, thus making internal processes more efficient and cost-effective. Cost Efficiencies Although the initial IT implementation costs can be substantial, the resulting long-term cost savings are usually worth the investment. IT allows companies to reduce transaction and implementation costs. For example, the cost of a desktop computer today is a fraction of what it was in the early 1980s, and yet the computers are considerably more powerful. IT-based productivity solutions, from word processing to email, have allowed companies to save on the costs of duplication and postage, while maintaining and improving product quality and customer service. Competitive Advantage Cost savings, rapid product development and process improvements help companies gain and maintain a competitive advantage in the marketplace. If a smartphone competitor announces a new device with innovative touch-screen features, the competitors must quickly follow suit with similar products or risk losing market share. Companies can use rapid prototyping, software simulations and other IT-based systems to bring a product to market cost effectively and quickly. Globalization Companies that survive in a competitive environment usually have the operational and financial flexibility to grow locally and then internationally. IT is at the core of operating models essential for globalization, such as telecommuting and outsourcing. A company can outsource most of its noncore functions, such as human resources and finances, to offshore companies and use network technologies to stay in contact with its overseas employees, customers and suppliers.

Surgical Site Infection in Post-Op Patients Research Paper

Surgical Site Infection in Post-Op Patients - Research Paper Example Its impact on mortality, morbidity, and cost of health care has resulted in its identification as a top nationwide priority in the healthcare sector. The majority of surgical site infections are unnecessary and preventable to a large extent. They account for forty percent of all the infections acquired in hospitals. On top of that, they contribute to a longer recovery, further threat of other complications, additional pain, and even death in extreme cases. Research conducted has also revealed that surgical patients who develop complications from the surgical site infections are twice likely to die compared to those not infected (Dellinger, Hausmann & Bratzler, 2005). Furthermore, they have sixty percent more chance to be admitted in ICU, the hospital stay becomes longer, and lastly the readmission rate increase as six times more compared to those patients without infections (Griffin, 2005). These factors have demonstrated the need for interventions to prevent surgical site infections from affecting surgical patients. Several interventions are put in place by various groups to reduce surgical site infection rates and mortality of patients. These groups comprise the National Quality Forum, the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. They have collectively recommended the use of prophylactic antibiotics to prevent surgical site infections. The SSI avoidance through prophylactic antibiotic use consists of three core elements. These elements are appropriate selection, first dose timing, and discontinuation of the dose postoperatively. Selecting an appropriate antibiotic to prevent an infection is extremely beneficial. The antibiotic selected should be one that can effectively work against the microorganism likely to cause surgical site infection (Kurtz, 2011). The antibiotic selection varies depending on the kind of surgery. Physician and clinical experts from various health bodies, boards, an d groups have developed guiding principles for appropriate antibiotic selection (Surgical Infection Prevention Guidelines Writers Work group 2004). From the proposed strategies, hospitals are anticipated to create inter-department protocols based on local consensus and formulary of the practitioners. The protocols are the guidelines that direct the medical staff on what to do in cases of emergencies. In this scenario, they assist in ensuring that the most appropriate antibiotic is chosen since they can be prepared beforehand and performed by the nursing and pharmacy personnel. In this situation, the need to note down a unique antibiotic order for every surgical patient is reduced. Furthermore, the unique regimen may contain an error or some portion of it may be inadvertently omitted (Griffin, 2005). The protocols are therefore developed with the assistance of local experts, the physicians, and surgeons handling the infectious disease at the hospital. The protocols contain clear guid elines to direct the staff on recommended substitutes in case allergic reactions occur, or the criterion as to when a doctor should be notified for a different antibiotic order. The antibiotic protocols should be reviewed, renewed, and updated annually basing the changes on the accessibility of medicines and amendment in guidelines nationwide. The timing of the antibiotic administration is another fundamental aspect in preventing surgical site inf

Marks and Spencer Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Marks and Spencer - Essay Example According to the latest assurance statement being published, Marks and Spencer had been able to take care of most climate change issues, all of the 100 commitments that it made under Plan A and has also taken care of 32 of the safety and health standards underlying Plan A by 2009. But there are certain limitations in this regard as well. For instance, the company did not abide by the group performance degrees while claiming the completion of Plan A commitments. A lookout for prior to zeroing down upon a company are two aspects define the degree of responsibility that a company complies to while operating its business and their crucial nature often drives these companies to reach out any measures for accomplishing them. Marks and Spencer indeed had complied with the expectations of its investors and stakeholders as promised in Plan A. the company not only undertook measures to retain environmental sustainability but also indulged in community services which even helped it earn rewards from Business in the Community. However, there still remain subtle rooms for improvement in this aspect even though it had come a long way towards a better governance and sustainability position over the last few years.... They must be sufficient enough to motivate the employees to their jobs but not more than needed. In addition, remuneration is incentive based for executive directors, a chunk of whose incomes will base upon individual and organisation performance. However, the structure of their package should be decided in a transparent and fair manner. For instance, no executive will be indulged in deciding his own financial reimbursement. Audit Committee The Board must publish a comprehensible and evaluative company financial report at regular intervals and make transparent arrangements for implementing these reports. Furthermore, it is also the Committee’s responsibility to look after internal control of the firm to protect the interests of shareholders as well as that of the company. They produce an internal audit report where they mention the pace of work being carried on post submission of the report. This report identifies the risks as well as the weaknesses that the company is feature d with and have to be tackled in order to meet the annual targets. Shareholder Relations The company supports a timely dialogue interaction with its shareholders to arrive at mutually agreed company objectives. It is the Board’s responsibility to watch over the fact that a pleasing conversation takes place with the shareholders. In addition, investors should be allowed to fully participate in the Annual General Meetings of the company to voice out their concerns (Marks and Spencer Group plc, 2010). Institutional Shareholders There must be a mutual understanding between institutional investors and the company under concern. In addition, these shareholders have voting

Disseratation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 8250 words

Disseratation - Essay Example This conclusion is reached based on the observation of children and their teachers in a primary school from levels 1-6 as well as the concerns of the SENCO.It was found that there were wide gaps in the theory and practice of SEN teachers as apparent from the discrepancies from their interviews and what the author had a chance to observe later on.Other issues that arise in the discussion is the difficult task faced by the primary schools as they come to terms with the effective management of the special educational needs struggling from funding problems and parental expectations. The paper recommends that either there should be a return to the formerly segregated learning techniques or home teaching or there should be better initiatives to promote the development of flexible training modules which are designed to be practical and relevant for primary schools. Such training facilities would require the collaboration between the primary teachers , LEA staff and local training providers. The past two decades have been pivotal to the change in the ways in which the local Education Authorities and schools have been required to respond to pupils with special educational needs (SEN). ... Such training facilities would require the collaboration between the primary teachers , LEA staff and local training providers. introduction The past two decades have been pivotal to the change in the ways in which the local Education Authorities and schools have been required to respond to pupils with special educational needs (SEN). This began when the 1981 Education Act was passed and there was a rush to change the assessment and referral systems of the SEN pupils.The change sped up with the more recent Education Act 1988 with its intense implications for the practice and provision of SEN learning.This legislation combined with the introduction of the National Curriculum,and the 1992 White Paper have all brought a large challenge to management of the SEN initiatives.This has also in part been affected by the altered in service funding arrangement which have also impacted teacher funding.The changing SEN initiative in the UK was based on the Warnock report the recommendations of which were aimed at revolutionizing the historic practice of dealing educationally with children with disabilities or learning difficulties in a segregated fashion. However how successful this initiative to has been in letting learning disabilities not get in the way for children to be educated in their neighborhood school, sharing learning with their peer is debated in this dissertation.This is particularly obvious from the funding problems and the difficulties faced by the teachers in dealing with learning disabilities.In this regard my dissertation offers a fresh perspective which actually favours that when segregated these children might be treated by specialist teachers.Admittedly it is unfair to separate SEN pupils from

Steel building design Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5000 words

Steel building design - Coursework Example At the same time, the design should also ensure and provide the necessary comfort, energy-efficiency and safety to the inhabitants. To attain the fundamental building requirements, it is then necessary to integrate adequate structural resistance to building designs. The primary purpose of this is to sustain the actions (i.e. loads, imposed displacements, thermal strains) and influences resistance so that the building will remain serviceable and durable (Brettle, 2009). Meanwhile, in order to secure the structural safety of the building during its intended life, it should be designed and executed with appropriate degrees of reliability. Further, it should also be built in an economic sustainable approach in order to meet its required serviceability structure or structural element standard. Meaning it should fit for the use or function it is required whilst providing comfort and physical aesthetic. Moreover, building designs also incorporated robustness to ensure that the built environ ment is resistant to damages cause by events such as explosion, impact and consequences of human errors (Brettle, 2009). Likewise, it is also important to consider the snow loads, wind actions, thermal actions, and other accidental actions in the building designs in order to integrate appropriate building resistant techniques and strategies. The snow load capacity of the built environment is very important to determine in order to integrate in the design the characteristic values applicable for ground snow load for the site and the imposed roof snow load and shape coefficient. The EN 1991-1-3 (Annex C) of the UK Eurocode provides the snow load map which would be used to deter snow loads for building construction. Meanwhile, the Annex B of the same Eurocode also provide the benchmarks applicable for present roof shape coefficients including other information for exceptional snow drifts, multi-span pitched roofs, roofs abutting and close to taller structures, roofs with projections, o bstructions and parapets. It is also important to note the applicable wind actions in building designs. The EN 1991-1-4 of the UK Eurocode served as guideline in order to determine the natural wind actions during the construction phase of the building. The code also included other information such values of wind actions, value of the basic wind velocity, wind speed, peak velocity pressure, and wind pressures and forces. Likewise, thermal actions should also be considered in the design in order to address the seasonal climatic changes. The characteristic values of thermal action are enclosed in the EN 1991-1-5 of the UK Eurocode. The code is also served as temperature reference especially when steel sub-grade materials are utilized in the building construction. However, it is recommended to further refer to the EN 1993-1-10 of the Eurocode to meet the required standard. Moreover, the UK Eurocode also provided general principles and rules especially during construction and execution o f the building works in order to avoid and prevent accidents in the work site. These guidelines are enclosed in the EN 1991-1-6 of the UK code which included temporary works i.e. cofferdams, falsework, scaffolding and propping system. It also noticeable that new building designs utilized structural materials that are fire resistant. Aside from this, building designers also integrated adequate built-in fire safety measures such as

Letter and Memo paper Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Letter and Memo paper - Assignment Example I, as well as I am sure many other readers like me, would agree with the fact that the socio – economic spectrum has been blown out of proportion just because of the steep competition to help get into one of the top educational institutions. It is rather shocking to find that the affluent are still faced with a persistent and pervasive anxiety, while the middle – class are underrepresented and the poor have absolutely no access to the best educational opportunities. According to me, the most interesting part of the article was about the â€Å"amicus briefs submitted to the Supreme Court in the landmark affirmative case concerning the University of Michigan — to give an edge in admissions to disadvantaged students, regardless of race.† But equally interesting and I must say rather shocking was to read the article further and find that former president of Princeton, William Bowen and his associates found through studies carried out in 19 different colleges, that this was totally untrue because applicants from different disadvantaged backgrounds got â€Å"essentially no break in the admissions process.† On behalf of all the other readers of the New York Times, I take this as an opportunity to express my views about this social scar on society and offer a few useful suggestions. Though I do like the idea of a lottery system when names of those who have achieved a high standard on the academic front are randomly selected for admission, yet I feel that an entrance exam where all are treated equally based solely on merit would be a good idea. Those who do their best must be given a seat irrespective of the background or status they belong to. Another suggestion I like to make in this regard is that it would be good if the top colleges set aside at least 5% of their seats and grant admission to students who specifically come from not very affluent backgrounds but who are really deserving. Once again, on

It for my eco class Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

It for my eco class - Essay Example This is correct because the First Amendment prohibition against Congress making laws abridging speech does not exempt corporate speech. A potential danger of distinguishing corporate speech from free speech is that it places a limit on free speech. This is a danger because limiting constitutional rights is the same as questioning the integrity of the document and implying that the rights can be selectively applied (Polsby 23). On the other hand, a con of the Supreme Court’s ruling is that it has in a way made it possible for corporations to buy elections because it has opened elections to undue corporate influence over the election process. Corporations bring people together and give them tremendous power and influence that is more than that of individual voters. Another dimension to the ruling’s risk of opening the election to undue corporate influence is the potential for foreign corporate influence (Wilks 67). This risk is imminent especially because of the fact that foreign entities and persons own many corporations in the United States. Allowing foreign corporate influence on the elections of the United States is like creating a lee way for these foreign entities and individuals to support and endorse regimes which support their agenda even if it is not meant to benefit Americans (Smith 36). My opinion on this matter is that despite the advantages that come with this Court decision, it has serious negative implications that cannot be overlooked. Allowing corporations to fund certain political candidates compromises the efficacy of the outcomes of elections. This is because it will make voters feel that their preferred candidate did not win or lose the election justly. This is because voters reckon that corporations have more access to capital than they have and as such the outcomes of elections will represent the voice of corporations more than

Professionalism project Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Professionalism project - Essay Example Sheng reckons that individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and government can use managerial accounting to evaluate their business performance. More so, Sheng notes that managerial accounting follows no accounting standards or general principles and hence companies can choose specific tools and techniques for managing their businesses (Caplan 1). Sheng observed that business could implement managerial accounting by themselves or hire professional accountants with knowledge on management accounting to carry out this role. In Sheng’s case, her relative uses certain managerial accounting techniques to evaluate the business performance of the food store. Most importantly, Sheng says that various management accounting techniques help their family in making important management decisions. She named the techniques he relative uses that included budgets, variance analysis, target costing, activity based costing, just – in - time system, and break-even analysis. Sheng states that budgets are important in the food store as they create a financial road map for the management to follow while planning on how to spend business capital in the future. Sheng notes that the process of making the food store’s budget involves the analysis of past production figures, labor cost, and raw material costs used to do specific things in the business. She hence says that they use another technique called variance analysis to ensure that the management follows the budget and provides information on how to handle potential variances. Sheng states that variance analysis involves the calculation of variances on the assumed labor costs, and level of sales in the food store. As such, variance analysis helps the management of the food store to choose which department in the food store needs changes. On the other hand, Sheng state that her relative uses Just-in-time systems to ensure that supply of products to the food store takes

State of the World Oceans Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

State of the World Oceans - Essay Example This means that the different agencies should work together, new agencies having more effective programs should be created, and redundant agency programs must be removed. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) should be strengthened to allow it to meet many of its ocean-related responsibilities. With this, a streamlined, better and more effective management of ocean resources can be achieved. The second major recommendation was to strengthen the scientific research and better dissemination of results from scientific research. Compared to other countries, scientific researches on the oceans have lagged. The recommendation calls for more research funding, more exploration, technology development, and improved management of information. Scientific findings provide the basis for new policies, and careful and relevant decision-making, and more importantly, educational material. The enhancement of public education on ocean ecosystems is the third major recommendation. With this, the Commission hoped to promote learning and awareness of ocean ecosystems, through formal and informal education, with the final goal of giving even the youth, in particular, a sense of stewardship for this resource. Formal educational systems should introduce students to oceans and their roles in the world’s ecosystems, and provide them the opportunities to decide on careers that involve ocean science and technology. Other recommendations deal with the management of coastal and ocean ecosystems towards better management of natural resources and improved lives of the communities near the ocean. A balance between conservation of the ocean ecosystem and economic opportunities of the local community can be achieved by empowering coastal management. These recommendations hope to achieve better fishery management

The Test Statistic Essay Example for Free

The Test Statistic Essay Background: The decreasing scores of students in standardized tests in math and science have been a cause for concern for most education reformers; hence, intensive remediation had been designed for those who have been found to perform poorly at these tests. In order to test whether the intervention programs are effective, scores in the previous tests before the remediation was given will be compared to test scores after the remediation. Statement of the problem: Is there a significant difference in the test scores of students before and after the remediation program? Independent variable: Remediation program Dependent variable: Test scores (before and after remediation) Hypothesis: Null hypothesis: There is no significant difference in the test scores of students before and after the remediation program. Alternative hypothesis: There is a significant difference in the test scores of students before and after the remediation program. Effect size The effect size would indicate the magnitude of the difference of the scores, using Cohen’s (1988) conventional system, an effect size of .02 is small, .05 is moderate and .08 is large. The probability value would only tell us whether to reject of accept the null hypothesis but in no way tells us whether the difference is small or large. Statistics t = 5.192 df = 214 n = 216 Effect size: .05 Report   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The answered research question is â€Å"Is there a significant difference between the test scores of students in science and math before and after the remediation program?† The hypothesis tested is as follows: Ho: p = 0 Ha: p ≠  0   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   The result of the t-test on student scores in the science and math test (t=5.192 at .05) which is larger than the t-critical value (p 4.33), with a sample size of 216 and a degrees of freedom of 214. Therefore the null hypothesis is rejected and the alternative hypothesis is accepted, thus, the remediation programs have indeed statistically increased the test scores of the students in science and math. The effect size is at .05 which is moderate (Cohen, 1988), this would indicate that the difference in the before and after test scores is moderate in value and hence is not really that large as expected. This would mean that the present remediation program has done its work but much is desired before it could be said that it has really reached its objective. References Cohen, J. (1988). Statistical Power Analysis for the Behavioral Sciences. New York: Academic Press. Cohen, B. (2001). Explaining Psychological Statistics. New York: Wiley. Moore, D.S. (2000). The Basic Practice of Statistics 2nd   ed. New York: W.H. Freeman.

The Importance Of Market Segmentation

The Importance Of Market Segmentation Market segmentation is one of the most important concept in marketing and business (Bowen, 1998). It is believed that segmentation is the most powerful tool to develop strategies and to understand market (Richard and Sundaram, 1994). Segmentation that carried out properly will actually boost up sales and profits (Reid, 1983). However in contrary, the industry players which in this case restaurant seems to believe that by segmenting their market will actually narrow down their business, they tend to believe that price is the most effective tool to attract and win the market (Crawdford-Welch, 1994). Finally, looking to the reasons of the pro and contra, the researcher decided to segmenting the market further which are by psychographic or the lifestyle and behaviouristic or the purchase occasion. It is because the researcher believed that by segmenting the market may lead to understand the market deeper and therefore can come out with right strategies. To this end, the following section will reviews the literature on market segmentation which focus on Generation Y, psychographic and behaviouristic, next will also review about the factors influencing Generation Y in choosing restaurant and last but not least type of consumers by psychographic segmentation. 2.2 The importance of market segmentation Market segmentation does exist because it is believed that market is not similar (Beane and Ennis, 2007) and it is very important as this is a marketing strategy that contributes to business or industry players (Bowen, 1998).Segmentation can actually act as a key to enhance sales and profits while it can help to maximize the usage of facilities by the specific target market, besides that, it as well help to penetrate new market segment and to maintain repeater (Reid, 1983). Besides that, it is as well open up new chances to create new product and advertising strategy (Beane and Ennis, 2007). Kotler (1980) believed that in order for segmentation to be useful and effective, it must be measurable, accessible and substantiable. Kotler (1980, pp.308) mentioned that a segment should be the largest possible homogeneous group of buyers that it pays to go after with a specially designed marketing program. Segment is opportunity (Beane and Ennis, 2007). For instance, senior customers take qual ity of food as their first concern (Knutson and Patton, 1993). While for young customers, food quality is not the most important factor in choosing restaurant (Soriano, 2002). These show that different generation has different demand and need, therefore it is necessary for industry players to understand clearly the characteristics and the trends of each generation. However, industry players in this case restaurants seem to believe that by focusing on one market, it is not effective as it may reduce the sales volume. Most of the industries players emphasize on price while they believe it may attract and retain customers but at last it actually drive to less profit (Crawford-Welch, 1994). It is not a false to target more than a market segment, however, different segment has different characteristic, and hence it is unnecessary to have all discount or price reduction while it is not the most important thing for some market segment. On the other hand, a theory of restaurant revenue mana gement believed that it is important to maximize revenue by keeping the balance of demand and supply but without putting aside customer satisfaction (Kimes, 2004). 2.2.1 Four major markets segmentation Kotler divided market into four main areas which are geographic, demographic, psychographic and behaviouristic. Geographic segmentation is the simplest segmentation. It is to differentiate customers by region, climate and population density. Demographic segmentation in the other hand is the most common segmentation. This is perhaps because demographic segmentation provides the easiest information and allows it to be transferred from one study to another study (Beane and Ennis, 2007). The segmentation divided by age, sex, income, education level, type of family, nationality and race (Beane and Ennis, 2007). Psychographic segmentation or known as lifestyle segmentation is a complicated segmentation as it demands way of life and social class. According to Plummer (1974) psychographic segmentation gives better answer in describing segments compare to demographic segmentation. Last but not least is behaviouristic segmentation, it consists of purchase occasion, benefits sought, user status , degree of usage, degree of loyalty, readiness stage, and marketing factor sensitivity (Kotler, 1980). In this study, the researcher will go through demographic segmentation which is focusing on Generation Y and psychographic segmentation which will divide Generation Y according to their specific character and last behaviouristic which will look into the occasion they have for dine in restaurant. 2.2.1.1 Demographic segmentation Kivela (1997) studied about types of restaurants and he found that factors such as dining occasion, age and income are the main variables that contribute to decision in choosing fine dining, theme, family or fast food restaurant. Apart, it is believed that segmentation especially demographic segmentation plays significant role to help the industry players as Shank and Nahhas (1994) found that in family dining restaurant, older and younger consumers have different preferences. One is more loyal than other and they as well have different habits. Similary, a study conducted by Becker-Suttle, Weaver and Crawford-Welch (1994) found that in term of menu variety and food portion in a full-service restaurant, senior citizen has different expectation with the non-senior one. However, in contrary, Oh and Jeong(1996) believed that demographic variables are not enough to understand specific expectation. Similarly, Swinyard (1977) as well mentioned that demographic variables are the lowest betwee n segmentations. These reasons drive the researcher to believe that it is important to segment market by demographic segmentation but it has to be narrowed down. Therefore, the researcher will go to more specific segmentation which is not only Generation Y in general but specific them by the psychographic as well as behaviouristic segmentation. 2.2.1.2 Psychographic segmentation Psychographic segmentation is help in developing consumers profiles from psychology side based on lifestyles. (Hsu, Kang and Wolfe, 2002). It involves the evaluation of interest, activities and opinions. (Kotler, Bowen and Makens, 1998). Furthermore, psychographic segmentation is used in order to identify deeper consumers psychology and to understand consumers way of living. (Schewe and Calantone, 1978). For instance, Woodside and Pitts (1976) found that psychographic which include lifestyle variables are more useful and accurate than demographic. Same opinion mentioned by Abbey (1979) who found that lifestyle variables are more reliable and applicable rather than demographic. Moreover, Weaver et al. (1994) said that if psychographic research is carried out properly, it will have a great impact on promotional effort. Proper audience and media will be targeted by looking on their psychographic needs. Zins (1998) as well believed that psychographics segmentation is increasing because i t will explain in various ways than demographic segmentation. Based on the Swinyard and Struman (1986), there are three customer segments in restaurant industry which are family diners, romantics and entertainers. While Oh and Jeong (1996) stated that there are four different segments which are classic diners, convenience seekers, service seekers and indifferent diners. On the other hand, Bahn and Granzin (1985) found that there are health, gourmet, value and unconcerned segments that exist. The researchers stated that for those health concerned segments, absolutely they will not choose fast food restaurant as their main dining destination. Using cluster analysis, Yuksel and Yuksel (2002) divided market into five which are value seekers, service seekers, adventurous food-seekers, atmosphere seekers and healthy-food seekers. The researchers conducted the study because they believed that demographic variables like age, gender and income are not enough to understand market expecations (Oh and Jeong, 1996). Crawford-Welch (1991, pp.301) criticized segmenting by demographic and noted decriptive data, by their very nature, are of little analytical worth in that they are not capable of implying causality and are, in turn, poor predictors of behaviour. Demographic has low power of describing market (Swinyard, 1977). Looking for these reasons, the researcher of this study decided to not only look for Generation Y but also narrowing the market to psychographic segmentation and behavioristic segmentation like what Yuksel and Yuksel (2002) had done in their study. 2.2.1.3 Behaviouristic segmentation To be more effective, previous researchers used consumers buying behaviour as one of the segmentation variables (Oh and Jeong, 1996). Some believed that behaviour are better determinants in order to understand the market segments (Loker and Purdue, 1992). It has been mentioned that in order to predict behaviour, benefits has to be offered rather than looking only to the lifestyle, personality, age, gender or nationality. In restaurant cases, services act as attributes that can be called benefits (Bahn and Granzin, 1985). On the other hand, Boulding et al. (1993) mentioned about links between behaviour and service quality, customers help in word of mouth advertising. Customers do will to recommend one establisment if they get better service (Parasuraman, Zeithaml and Berry, 1994). However, service is not the only thing that sell by one establishment. Therefore, to understand better customers is a necessary. 2.3 Generation Y Generation Y is people who born between 1974 and 1994 (Neuborne and Kerwin, 1999 in Hanzaee and Aghasibeig, 2010) and they are children of Baby Boomers or Generation X (Herbig, Koehler and Day, 1993). Adults Generation Y are married, but younger one are still students. Industry players are now focusing on Generation Y as their biggest target market because this generation are large in size and they have potential spending power (Wolburg and Pokrywczynski, 2001) and therefore they are trying to meet up the expectation of this people. Moreover, the reason why it is important to know deeply the expectation of Generation Y is because Generation Y is not easily influence by marketing therefore it needs more effort to target this generation (Bush, Martin and Bush, 2004). It is obvious that age is a factor that makes different generation act differently however it is not the only factor. Teenagers nowadays are different compare to previous teenagers. Commonly, they have less financial commitments. They spend 70% of their income for food, travel and entertainment. They love to go for party, movie and listen to radio (Mark McCrindle, xxxx). He as well believed that people act different according to the age. However, he believed that it is the only reason as he mentioned that experiences play in the part. For instance, Generation X era was where AIDS, single parents, personal computer and multiculturalism took part, while Generation Y have internet, globalisation and environmentalism issues. {{Read : BB understanding gen Y}} Generation Y is optimistic, energetic, technology driven, pragmatic, resilient, with high social awareness and open to and eager for new experiences (Coyeman, 1998, p.40). However, this group will be de-motivated if they are insulted especially regarding their intelligence, over-promised and over exposed (Coyeman, 1998). On the other hand, based on generational theory, different generations bring different values, beliefs, interests and expectations (Benckerdorff et al, 2010) and thus different strategy has to be used. Fields et al (2008) believed that Generation Y is more focused on brands, fun, friends and digital. Generation Y was born and raised during brands period, therefore they are used to it and have different respond compare to other generations (Merrill, 1999). They are relaxed, confident, educated but impatient and self-focused. They are multitasked that greatly influence by friends and mates. Mark McCrindle (xxxx) also mentioned that Baby Boomers rely on data and facts i n making decision while Generation Y rely more on peers. Generation Y live in community and therefore they rather make decision in group than individual. {{Read : BB understanding gen Y}} Previous studies also mentioned that Generation Y are much more needy compare to other generations (Randall.S.H, 2010) and it is because Generation Y has been socialized into consuming earlier (TRU, 1999 in Bakewell and Mitchell, 2003). Furthermore, The purchasing power of adolescents in the market cannot be underestimated. Being customers of their own, adolescents have experienced how to react when services provided were not satisfactory. (Hsu and Chiu, 2008, p.244). These prove that Generation Y are unique and they have different demand and expectation with previous generation, thus to study deeper of what needed by Generation Y is important to help in improving business. 2.4 Generation Y and dining Generation Y spend more because of unusual purchasing power (Phelps, 1999) and they have more disposable income compare to previous generation (Tomkins, 1999 in Bakewell and Mitchell, 2003). They spend their income for entertainment, travel and food (McCrindle, 2002 in Hanzaee and Aghasibeig, 2010). This supported by a survey that conducted by the National Restaurant Association found that most of Generation Ys income is spent for outside food and restaurants (Brook, 2005). Another study by Auty (1992) also found that students who are in the group of Generation Y eat out for social occasions, do not really concern about others recommendation and money. These facts build curiosity of the researcher and therefore the researcher decided to conduct the study in order to find out the factors that considered by Generation Y while choosing restaurant for birthday celebration, hence, industry players especially restaurants may know what exactly to do and what promotional tools to develop. In fact, technology changes play important role in causing Generation Y become more materialistic compare to previous generation. (Bakewell and Mitchell, 2003), this may means Generation Y want technology while they are eating. Hence, it is believed that marketers are being challenged by this young generation because they keep seeking and exploring a new dining places and experience (Wishna, 2000). 2.5. Factors influencing restaurant selection criteria Consumers choose a restaurant based on several factors and knowing what factors that may drive the success of the company is very important in order to plan future strategy of the company (Geller, 1985). 2.5.1 Menu variety and choices Food variety involves various different items in menu. Industry players keep developing menu in order to attract consumers because it had been found that menu variety is one of a crucial factors in creating good dining experience (Kivela et al, 1999). Some concern about healthy menu option and it actually gives great impact in customer perception of dining experience (Johns and Tyas, 1996). Supported by Kivela et al (1999) who mentioned that healthy food is one of the important factors in dining satisfaction. On the other hand, Auty (1992) mentioned that food type and food quality are the most important factors that determine the restaurant choice but when it comes to dining out for celebration or social night, atmosphere is the most important factors. Supported by Lewis (1981) who found that food quality, menu variety, price, atmosphere and convenience are the most important factors. To discuss deeply about menu, West and Olsen (1990) said that menu innovation is very important in o rder to stay competitive and the researchers also said that to maintain reputation and efficiency of operation are the important factors. HA1 : Menu variety and choices have positive relation with restaurant selection criteria 2.5.2 Value for money Marketing tools such as sales promotion including discounts and special offers act as tools that motivate consumers (Mill, 2007). This researcher as well believed that when consumers perceived the value got less than the price given, they will not be satisfied. Some of them that price to assume the quality of the restaurant (Muller and Woods, 1994). File : from mei Different literature has different opinion, according to GeorgeCurasi, Bellenger and Danny (2003) discount are major factors that influence restaurant selection. Apart, another study by Mohsin, Mclnthos and Cave (2005) mentioned that general customers choose a restaurant in New Zealand due to value for money, offer variety and quality of food, own skilled and mannered staff and has well timed service. This study was conducted for general customers not Generation Y and this show a contrast with other studies that mentioned money is not the most important factor. HA2 : Value for money has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria 2.5.3 Ambience Physical environment such as ambience, decoration and atmosphere have a great influence on the dining experience (Sloan, 2004) and behavioural intentions (Ryu and Jang, 2007). Ambience or known as atmosphere is an element that plays an important role to customers. It involves design, space and layout, textures and patterns and building style (Collins, 2010). Mehrabian Russell (1974) believed that environment affect feelings that can cause one to stay longer even remain. Lighting and music influence customers senses (Baker Cameron, 1996). Music is frequently used nowadays whether it is in restaurant or shopping center, Smith Curnow (1966) found that shop with loud music indirectly chase customers. This study also has been study deeper by Milliman (1986), the researcher found that they are music volume and tempo that affect time and money spent by consumers. Furthermore, Zopiatis and Pribic (2007) who did their study among students in Cyprus as well mentioned that atmosphere as one of most influencing concern. Supported by Jang Namkung (2009) who found three main factors and one of them is atmosphere of the dining place itself. Obviousily, the design of the dining place itself is very important to generate sales of restaurant. To support this, there was a study which found that design in a store has a significant effect on customer it influence the decision of customer to approach, explore even purchase (Mehrabian and Russell, 1974). Even if the customers perceive the environment as a pleasure, customer will spend more time and money for it (Donovan et al, 1994). Hence, it is obvious that design of ambience plays a very significant role in affecting customers choices. HA3 : Ambience has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria 2.5.4 Peers Decision makers tend to decide something with regard to consequences of their choices in future, however the future is uncertainty, hence it can be concluded that the decision is a process (March, 1997 in Maitlis and Ozcelik, 2004). Furthermore, during the decision process, one decision is closely related to others decision (Dewey and Bentley, 1949 in Langley, A et al., 1995). To relate to this study, in celebrating birthday, friends and parents may as well play role in deciding the venue, thus, ones decision is made by interference of others. This supported by the finding of GeorgeCurasi, Bellenger and Danny (2003) who found that recommendation from peers are one of the factors that lead customers in choosing restaurant. Although in contrary, Auty (1992) found that young generation does not really concern about others recommendation, but it is still a possibility that one individuals decision is built from others interference. Furthermore, a recommendation from a friend influences significantly in decision to choose a restaurant (Sweeney et al., 1992). Mill (2007) believed that because recommendation from friends is not profitable and it different from advertising thus consumers will believe more and make decision in choosing the restaurant. According to Devine et al., (2003), social influences bring great impact to food choice, because they believed it shows attitude and habits. Apart, consumers heard the dining experience from friends and it help them to judge one restaurant better (Zeithaml and Bitner, 2003). Bailey and Tian (2002) did their study at Indian restaurant and they found that recommendations from friends greatly influence the decision. HA4 : Peers has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria 2.5.5 Service quality Tucci and Talaga (2000) mentioned that service quality affect the customers most in choosing restaurant. Service quality includes staff and physical environment. Human resources are the main key to success. (Enz, 2004). Therefore to have good staff is to start with success. As what had been mentioned by Jang and Namkung (2009) one of the main factors is service quality, which in restaurant case means staff and their services. A staff attitude may harass ones sattisfaction (Oliver, 1981). However, in contary, Clark and Wood (1999) mentioned that tangible factors like food influence more than intangible factors such as friendliness of staff. But that study against by study of GeorgeCurasi, Bellenger and Danny (2003) who found that customers want personalized service which indirectly means they want good staff. In Cyprus, a study has been conducted by Zopiatis and Pribic (2007), the researchers also mentioned that staffs attitude and professionalism are the main factors that influence t he student criteria in choosing dining place. During the time period of the study conducted, students are the Generation Y, therefore those factors are being consider. Moreover, length of waiting time on restaurant service is one factor that concern by customers too (Richarme Colias, 2007) because service time is a very sensitive issue for customers (Christopher, 1999). This supported by Jang Namkung (2009) who found service quality as attribute that influence customers in choosing restaurants. And more, GeorgeCurasi, Bellenger and Danny (2003) did mention about fast check-out as one of the factors that influencing the most. HA5: Service has a postive relation with restaurant selection criteria 2.5.6 Food quality Food is the fundemental of restaurant. There should be no doubt that food is one of the major factor that give impact on restaurant. Food should be fresh and tasty in order to maintain the quality and this is one of the factor that plays role in succeed of a restaurant. (Namkung and Jang, 2007). Even some studies had already focused on the food presentation, variety, healthy, taste, freshness and temperature. Kivela et al., (1999) focused on taste and they took it as the attribute in dining experience. It is believed that taste of food is very essential to customers (Cortese, 2003) and it gives impact to future behaviour (Kivela et al., 1999). Fu and Parks (2001) examined quality of food as one of the factors in choosing restaurant. MacLaurin and MacLaurin (2000) did the study on theme restaurants at Singapore and found food quality as one of the most important elements. Same goes to Clark and Wood (1998), they as well found food quality as the most influential factor in restaurant c hoices. Last but not least, Jang and Namkung (2009) found that product quality is important as one attribute that determine the choices of the restaurants consumers. Even Soriano (2002) believed that this is one of the factors that can attract customers to return to the restaurant. However, apart from all those studies, Cullen (2004) added that the attributes will change depends on demographic variables, experience, mood and dining occasion. File : food quality HA6 : Food quality has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria 2.6 Different expectation for different types of restaurant Many previous researchers did not concern about type of restaurant in conducting their study while it is believed that type of restaurant has significant influence on customers perception and expectation (Kim and Moon, 2009). According to Lewis (1981), there are three types of restaurant, family, atmosphere and gourmet restaurants. Different expectation will be bring by customers depends on the restaurant. For example, cleanliness as major factor has been mentioned by Knutson (2000) who did the study in fast food restaurant among Generation Y, followed by staff friendliness, price, service speed and consistency. The researcher as well found that atmosphere, promotional items, discount coupons and drive-through availability are the minor factors that affect the decision in choosing fast food restaurant. While in the study of Kivela (1997) mentioned that for fine dining restaurants, customers wish for good food quality and friendliness of staff, but in casual dining restaurants, they preferred speed of service to be improved and value-for-money food. Noone et al (2007) have done their study and found that customers show unsatisfied when they are rushed in a fine dining restaurant rather than in casual dining restaurant. Other findings as well mentioned by Sulek Hensley (2004), according to them, food quality is a must to full-service restaurants, while the most important factor for fast-food restaurants is waiting time (David Vollmann, 1990). Kim, Lee and Yoo (2006) believed that staff performance plays very essential role in a luxury restaurant. In fact, by considering those factors, therefore this study is conducted in order to find out what factors actually play roles for Generation Y in choosing restaurant for their birthday celebration, as it has been mentioned that different expectation will be bring by customers depends on their needs and perception. But in this study, the researcher decides not to differentiate the respondents by different type of restaurant because there has no previous study conducted yet hence the researcher would like to find out in general which may lead to further details result that can be use for further study. 2.7 Dining Occasion Dining behaviour is depends on dining occasion. For instance, restaurant behaviours are lead from the occasion (Kivela, Inbakaran and Reece, 1999). According to Sweeney et al. (1992), there are two dining occasion exist which are dinner with a group of friends and dinner with a friend. While according to June and Smith (1987) four occasion do exist: a birthday celebration, a business lunch, an intimate dinner and a family dinner. Different occasion bring different level of factors. In this study, an occasion which is birthday celebration is the main concern. By the finding of the previous studies regarding level of importance brings to different occasion, thus it is obvious that different factors and value bring by consumers while they choose their restaurant for birthday celebration. 2.8 Type of restaurants consumers In previous study of Yuksel and Yuksel (2002), they divided market using psychographic segmentation. The researchers used cluster analysis in order to analyze their data and they found that there are five different category of consumers. 2.8.1 Value seekers The researchers suggest that this group put high priority food quality and hygiene while choosing a restaurant. Moreover, they usually do not take location, atmosphere and service quality as their main consideration. HB1 : Value seekers are one type of restaurant consumers 2.8.2 Service seekers In this group, there are people who looking for quality of service while dining, they does not consider food quality as their preference but the price of the food is very important for them. HB2 : Service seekers are one type of restaurant consumers 2.8.3 Adventurous-Food seekers They find that availability of various and interesting food is the most important factor for this group of people. They do not concern about the prices and atmosphere. HB3 : Adventurous-Food seekers are one type of restaurant consumers 2.8.4 Atmosphere Seekers In contrast to other groups, this group want everything while dining, not only the atmosphere but they as well concern about prices, availability of interesting food and the location of the restaurant itself. HB4 : Atmosphere seekers are one type of restaurant consumers 2.8.5 Healthy-Food seekers The researchers as well found that there are certain group of people who concern about the healthy and nutrious food while they dine in a restaurant. They take food quality and hygiene as the most important factors. It will be a plus point for them if they have smoking and non-smoking area in seperation. While they have these high expectations, they do not mind to spend more money as well. 2.9 Hypotheses and Conceptual Frameworks Based on the literature review, six hypotheses appeared as factors that influence Generation Y in choosing restaurant and four other hypotheses appeared as type of restaurant consumers. Show the conceptual framework here (ramework, factors and type of consumers) The conceptual framework provided has positive relation between the factors and Generation Y in choosing restaurant. However, during birthday celebration, different factors may be arised. Moreover, consumers are not homogeneous, different type of people are expecting different. Therefore, the conceptual gaps appeared. In depth, six hypotheses that appear as factors that influence Generation Y in choosing restaurant are: HA1 : Menu variety and choices have positive relation with restaurant selection criteria HA2 : Value for money has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria HA3 : Ambience has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria HA4 : Peers has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria HA5 : Service has a postive relation with restaurant selection criteria HA6 : Food quality has a positive relation with restaurant selection criteria These six hypotheses have direct relation to Generation Y while choosing restaurant for dining but there has been no finding for birthday celebration before, hence this study helped in answering the gap. Yuksel and Yuksel (2002) by cluster analysis classified restaurant consumers into five groups, however, in this study the researcher decided to take out a group which is Healthy food seekers as the study is for occasion dining. Therefore, the researcher to not include healthy food seekers as part of the study. The other four are: HB1 : Value seekers are one type of restaurant consumers HB2 : Service seekers are one type of restaurant consumer HB3 : Adventurous-Food seekers are one type of restaurant consumers HB4 : Atmosphere seekers are one type of restaurant consumers This study designed in order to find out the relation of each type of consumers to the factors. For instance, value seekers may do not concern about atmosphere while service seekers may do not bother about food quality. While for the behaviouristic segmentation, it came from Question 8 and 9. The researcher will further analyze the answers obtained.

The Stages Of The Refrigeration Cycle Engineering Essay

The Stages Of The Refrigeration Cycle Engineering Essay The second law of thermodynamics is described as the most fundamental law of science (Khemani, 2008). It is fundamental in the sense that it can be used to explain not only refrigerators and heat engines but highly advanced phenomena such as the big bang. It has been put aptly in the words of Classius as it is impossible for a process to occur that has the sole effect of removing a quantity of heat from an object at a lower temperature and transferring this quantity of heat to an object at a higher temperature (Mortimer, 2008). This essentially means that heat cannot flow spontaneously from a cooler to a hotter body if nothing else happens (Mortimer, 2008) i.e. there needs to be an external agency to effect the change. In kitchen refrigerators, the closed box inside is able to be kept cool by the removal of heat from the inside of the box and depositing it on the outside. Because the heat will not move freely from the cold inside to the hot outside, as by the second law, it is important for it to be made to do so, this is done by using an intermediate fluid (Littlewood, 2004) which absorbed heat on the inside. This intermediate fluid is known as a refrigerant and carries the heat outside of the box whereby it it released into the air as heat as shown in (Littlewood, 2004). Figure 1 the flow of heat within the refrigerator a schematic (Littlewood, 2004) The fluid circulates within the pipe which passes in and out and can be found at the back of the refrigerator. It is kept by using a compressor (which uses electricity from the home) and allows it to work effectively without violating the second law of motion. (Littlewood, 2004) THE FIRST LAW Refrigerator takes in energy from a region that needs to be cooled (or kept cold) and deposits this heat energy into some other region that is outside of the refrigerator. In order to work, there has to be some mechanism in place, where the work done by a compressor and its electric motor is utilized. Using the First Law of Thermodynamics we can write: (Littlewood, 2004) Figure 2 the first law of thermodynamics (Littlewood, 2004) QC   QH  = -W Where: Qc energy or heat of the cold system QH = energy or heat of the hot system W = work done Since work is done on the refrigerator by another device (the compressor), rather than by the refrigerator itself, the work is done is deemed negative because of sign conventions. This is part of the first law (Littlewood, 2004). Suppose that 2.4 MJ of work is used to remove 5.2 MJ of heat from the inside of the refrigerator, then an amount of heat QH  = QC  + W = 5.2 MJ + 2.4 MJ = 7.6 MJ must be added to the kitchen. The refrigerator is termed as a closed system and it possesses a constant composition: U = U + (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡V) T dV U = U + (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡T) V dT U = U + (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡V) T dV + (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡T) T dT dU (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡V) T dV + (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡T) V dT According to Bain (2010), there are four basic parts to any refrigerator: Compressor Heat Expansion valve Refrigerant The exchanging pipes are a coiled set of pipes that is placed strategically outside of the unit. The refrigerant as will be discussed later on is a liquid that has the ability to evaporate efficiently so that inside the refrigerator is kept cooled. (Bain, 2010) A gas can be cooled by adiabatic expansion if the process is enthalphic. The gas expands through a process barrier from one constant pressure to the next and the temperature difference in observed. Insulation of the system made the process adiabatic. The result is that a lower temperature was absorbed on the on a low pressure side and the change in the temperature is proportional to the change in pressure. (Bain, 2010)  Ã¢â‚¬Å¾T  µ  Ã¢â‚¬Å¾P Figure 3 schematic of a domestic refrigerator (Bain, 2010) When an energy |qc| is removed from a cool source at some temperature Tc, and then deposited in a warmer sink at a temperature Th, the change in entropy is: (Atkins dePaula, 2006) Atkins dePaula (2006) also indicated that the process is not spontaneous because the entropy generated in the warm sink is not enough to overcome the loss of entropy from the cold souce. And because of this more energy needs to be added to the stream that enters the warm sink to generated the entropy required by the system. They further indicated that the outcome is expressed as the coefficient of performance, c: The less the work required to achieve a given transfer, the greater the coefficient of performance and the more efficient the refrigerator (Atkins dePaula, 2004). Because |qc| is removed from the cold source, the work |w| is added to the energy stream, the energy deposited as the heat in the hot sink |qh| = |qc| + |w|. Therefore, From: We can have an expression in terms of the temperature alone, which is possible if the transfer is performed reversibly (Atkins dePaula, 2006): Where: c = thermodynamic optimum coefficient of temperature Tc = temperature of the cold sink Th = temperature of the hot sink For a refrigerator, it important that a very low coefficient of performance. For a refrigerator withdrawing heat from ice cold water (Tc = 273 K) in a typical environment (Th = 293K), c = 14. As an example, to remove 10 kJ (enough to freeze 30 g of water), requires transfer of atleast 0.71 kJ as work. (Atkins dePaula, 2005) The work to maintain a low temperature is very important when designing refrigerators. No thermal insulation is perfect, so there is always some form of energy flowing as heat into a specific sample at a rate that is proportional to the temperature difference. (Atkins and de Paula, 2006). Figure 4 (a) the flow of energy as heat from a cold source to a hot sink is not spontaneous. As can be seen, the entropy increase of the hot sink is smaller than the entropy increase of the cold source, so there is a net decrease in entropy (Atkins dePaula, 2006). (b) The process becomes feasible if work is provided to add to the energy stream. Then the increase in entropy of the hot sink can be made to cancel the entropy of the hot source (Atkins dePaula, 2006) he rate at which energy leaks happen is written as: Where: A = a constant that depends on the size of the sample and details of the simulation Tc = temperature of the cold sink Th = temperature of the hot sink The minimum power, P, required to maintain the original temperature difference by pumping out that energy by heating the surroundings is: As can be seen the power increases as the square of the temperature difference (Th Tc). THE REFRIGERATION CYCLE The gas is pumped continuously at a steady pressure, the heat exchanger (which brings the required temperature) and then through a porous plug inside container that is thermally insulated. A phase change heat pump uses a liquid that has a low boiling point to transfer heat from a cooler area to a warmer one, in refrigerators. This heat pump is the most commonly used in domestic refrigerators. It employs a liquid, known as a refrigerant which has a low boiling point. The liquid requires energy (called latent heat) to evaporate, and it drains that energy from its surroundings in the form of heat. When the vapor condenses again, it releases the energy (in the form of heat). A refrigerant is a compound used in a heat cycle that undergoes a phase change from a gas to a liquid and back. Latent heat describes the amount of energy in the form of heat that is required for a material to undergo a change of phase (also known as change of state). Two latent heats are typically described. (Bamb ooweb, 2009)For other uses, see CFC (disambiguation). The pump operates a cycle in which the refrigerant changes state from its liquid form to the vapour form and vice versa. This process occurs repeatedly and I known as the refrigeration cycle. In this cycle, the refrigerant condenses and heat is released in one point of the cycle. It is the boiled (or evaporated) so that it absorbs heat in another point of the cycle. The widely used refrigerant is hydro fluorocarbon (HFC) known as R-134a (1, 1, 1, 2 tetrafluoroethane) and CCl2F2 (dichlorodifluoromethane). Other substances such as liquid ammonia, propane or butane, are be used but because of their highly flammable nature, they are disregarded as a good refrigerant. 1930 (MCMXXX) was a common year starting on Wednesday (link is to a full 1930 calendar). (Bambooweb, 2009)For other uses, see CFC (disambiguation). In the refrigerator the fluid used (e.g. CCl2F2 ) fluid is liquefied by compression then vaporized by sudden expansion which gives a cooling effect. The compressor, in itself does not create a cooling effect directly, as might be expected. The cooling effect is created when the refrigerant absorbs the heat from the cooled space. This is accomplished with a heat exchanger. (Bambooweb, 2009)For other uses, see CFC (disambiguation). A heat exchanger is a device built for efficient heat transfer from one fluid to another, whether the fluids are separated by a solid wall so that they never mix, or the fluids are directly contacted. The refrigeration cycle can be divided in two parts: The liquefaction stage The evaporation stage LIQUEFACTION STAGE The refrigerant vapour undergoes recycling by itself into the liquid form by the extraction of heat from a vapour at a higher temperature. The refrigerant is compressed by the compressor where a low pressure and low temperature condition is created. This is accomplished by an evaporating coil. During the compression process, the vapour of the refrigerant undergoes a temperature change (as an effect of the compression process). Additionally, the work of compression to create the high temperature and pressure vapour also contributes to the temperature change experienced by the vapour. The condenser that is located where the temperature is higher (i.e. the higher temperature heat sink) collects the vapour. Heat is then removed from the refrigerant and in lieu of this it condenses to its liquid state, hence the name for the condenser. Using the Joule-Thompson coefficient: For a perfect gas  µ = 0 Cp + Cv = (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡H/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡T)p (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡T)p Introducing: H = U + pV = nRT into the first term: Cp Cv = (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡T)p + nR (à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡U/à ¢Ã‹â€ Ã¢â‚¬Å¡T)p = nR EVAPORATION STAGE As the refrigerant leaves the condenser, the next part of the cycle begins. This is accomplishe when a high temperature and high pressure liquid passes through a metering device that is found within the refrigeration. The valve allows a specific quantity of liquid coolant to pass into the evaporation chamber. Evaporation chambers are relatively low pressure and this encourages coolant evaporation. Newly evaporated coolant is drawn though the cooling coils (typically a fan is used to blow air over the coils). Thus, the evaporative process produces the cooling effect. The refrigerant then is pulled to the compressor in the suction line where it will be compressed into a high temperature, high pressure gas and sent to the external heat sinking coils. Capillary action or capillarity is the ability of a narrow tube to draw a liquid upwards against the force of gravity. A refrigerator pumps heat up a temperature gradient. The cooling efficiency of this operation depends on the amount of heat extracted from the cold temperature reservoir (the freezer compartment), , and the work needed to do so. Since a practical refrigerator operates in a cycle to provide a continuous removal of heat, for the cycle. Then, by the conservation of energy (or first law), , where is the heat ejected to the high temperature reservoir or the outside. The measure of a refrigerator performance is defined as the efficiency expressed in terms of the coefficient of performance (). Since the purpose is to extract the most heat () per unit work input (), the coefficient of performance for a refrigerator, , is expressed as their ratio: Where, the conservation relationship given above is used to express the work in terms of heat. For normal refrigerator operation, the work input is less than the heat removed, so the is greater than 1. Refrigerators are commonly referred to as heat pumps of more specifically a it is a reversible heat pump because they basically pump heat. Figure 5 A simple stylized diagram of a heat pumps vapor-compression refrigeration cycle: 1)  condenser, 2)  expansion valve, 3)  evaporator, 4)  compressor. Opening a food refrigerator or freezer heats up the kitchen rather than cooling it because its refrigeration cycle rejects heat to the indoor air. This heat includes the compressors dissipated work as well as the heat removed from the inside of the appliance. The COP for a heat pump in a heating or cooling application, with steady-state operation, is: Where: ΆQcool is the amount of heat extracted from a cold reservoir at temperature Tcool, ΆQhot is the amount of heat delivered to a hot reservoir at temperature Thot, ΆA is the compressors dissipated work. EFFICIENCY The efficiency of a refrigerator (known as the coefficient of performance, COP) is defined as   For example, if 20 MJ are removed from the inside of the refrigerator by doing 7.5 MJ of work, then the coefficient of performance is equal to 20/7.5 = 2.67. SUMMARY OF THERMODYNAMIC OF A REFRIGERATOR AFTER ONE CYCLE Change in internal energy = 0 Change in heat is > 0 Total work > 0 Total volume change = 0 Change in Gibbs free energy = 0 Entropy change of the system = 0 Entropy change of the universe > 0