Academic and Professional Skills Development Essay Example for Free

Academic and Professional Skills Development Essay There is a new world in the academic and the post academic the students must adapt themselves to. The world has become increasingly competitive and there is an exponential expansion of knowledge and information and this means that the students who will survive in this new world order are the ones who will adapt to keep up with this highly dynamic world. The way universities used to be has changed and they are now not only centres of disseminating knowledge, but also centres of promoting change (Soontiens, 2002). This change is not just intellectual change, it is all encompassing change that makes a complete makeover of the raw material it receives in the formative years and gives out a refined product that is well shaped to tackle the emerging issues in the world. Gone are the days when having a degree was something to be cerebrated by all and sundry. Nowadays, if you have just the undergraduate degree, you are just another first among equals and you do not have any competitive advantage over millions of others who have a first degree like you. This means that learning is a life long process and this world belongs to those who understand this fact (Verville, 1990). This is because the world is now being moved by knowledge and information, and these are two highly dynamic facets; how else do you acquire them apart form engaging seriously in lifelong learning (Soontiens, 2002). Even the world economies have changed from the conventional heavy economies to the modern knowledge based economies where knowledge and information and not machineries and physical labour are now the drivers of the economies. The most powerful thing right now in the world is information and knowledge and students must dedicate their lives to continuous process of learning to be able function in this highly knowledge driven world (Soontiens, 2002). Another important element that the universities are emphasizing today is critical thinking. Thinking is important but critical thinking is what differentiates a smart student or even worker from the rest (Soontiens, 2002). The more the world is changing, the more the problems are evolving and the solutions to these problems must be found for progress to take place. These problems cannot be solved by ordinary thinkers; they can only be solved by critical thinkers. This is another area that the universities are focusing on. They are out to churn graduates with acute problem solving skills by teaching them how to make critical analyses of life situations (Soontiens, 2002). For the students to be said that they have adequate problem solving skills, they must be able to use some habits of the mind and one of these habits is formation of perspectives; which involve the organization of arguments into parts and then separate the most important from the least important. It also involves separating opinions from facts and then the value of each is appreciated (Verville, 1990). This is the basis of critical thinking. Another habit of the mind that is involved in critical thinking is analysis. After forming perspectives, it is important to ponder on the arguments in a way that is reflective. This involves the use of logic and also knowing the limits of the analysis. The other critical habit of the mind that is involved in the process of critical thinking is imagination (Soontiens, 2002). This is the disposition to make an evolution of your view of an issue using contemporary and conventional patterns that will suffice now and in the future. A university that is not equipping its students with the aforementioned abilities is in a very wrong path. The workplace, just like the academic arena has changed significantly. Education alone cannot help one to fit in the contemporary work environment because of its highly social and flexible nature. Thus the universities are putting this into consideration by ensuring that they do not mould academic giants and social dwarfs who cannot fit in today’s workplace. They are churning out all round products that are readily prepared to face the challenging job market and the demanding workplace (Verville, 1990). That is why you see in the workplace today, people are not necessarily doing what they studied. Education students are working in banks, Law students are working as news reporters and so on. This means that one thing that the universities are teaching very well is flexibility: do not just follow one line, there are many things you can do there with your education. In the workplace, the workers must be able to work as a team and individually.   There are some more habits of the mind that can help them to fit well in the highly challenging, demanding and evolving workplace (Soontiens, 2002). One of these habits of the mind is empathy. Empathy involves sensing reasonable views, revering all views and honoring the one that is the most persuasive. The other habit of the mind is communication which is the ability to take the duty of explaining ideas in a clear, truthful and sober way that respects all those who are listening to them or seeing them being communicated.   The other habit of the mind that ought to be developed is that of commitment. This is the recognition of the necessity to act when there is an action worth attention and being patient to the situation one has stepped forward to respond to (James, 2003). The current generation takes the flak for the many ills that are happening in the society. The generation has been labeled as irresponsible, insensitive and morally corrupt and the universities are taking measures to ensure that all the raw materials they receive will be devoid of the aforementioned tags by the time they are being churned out as products. This means that apart from just giving the intellectual knowledge, they are also equipping the students with skills that will make them responsible members of the society who can be trusted to take over the leadership from the old conservative generation that is far beyond the benefit of the modern information and knowledge revolution. This means that there are programs that are teaching leadership skills, social welfare skills and may other skills that can make the students reliable members of the society (Verville, 1990). The habits of the mind that can help the students to become more responsible members of the society include, value which is the choice to apply a pattern of behavior that is intellectual and ignoring the patterns that are less productive. The other habit of the mind is inclination that includes the tendency to apply the aforementioned behavior without pressure or motivation (James, 2003). Sensitivity is another habit of the mind that will make the students to become more responsible members of the society because of its ability to perceive opportunities and threats and also emphasizes the appropriateness of applying behavior that is intellectual in pursuit of opportunities and in evasion of threats. Capability is a habit of the mind that will help the students in application of the basic intellectual skills that are central to behavior while commitment on this platform means the desire to reflect and improve the behavioral performance (James, 2003). In conclusion, university students in the contemporary world must adapt to the knowledge and information that is expanding markedly. They must be life long learners who think critically and are flexible to be able to fit in this highly dynamic world. They must be problem solvers who can work independently and in a team. The education system today, apart from teaching the basics of education is also teaching the students to become responsible citizens who are open minded and can communicate with people from allover the world.   This new approach by the universities is a step in the right direction and should become a global concept inherent in all the academic systems. As illustrated in the essay, this new mode of learning borrows heavily from Costa and Carrick the Habit of the mind and it puts a whole new psychological dispensation to the world of academia that will ensure the mind must change for the individual to embrace the change in the society.

Incorporating Nonverbal Communication into Dietetics and Nutrition Essa

1.1 Introduction This research paper makes recommendations for incorporating nonverbal communication into Dietetics and Nutrition. 1.2 Limitations This report is limited to paralinguistics, gestures, clothing and adornment within nonverbal communication in the field of Dietetics and Nutrition. 1.3 Scope This report aims to highlight the importance of paralinguistics, gestures, clothing and adornment in the setting of Dietetics and Nutrition. Peer reviewed articles and theoretical evidence provided to address how we change individual’s perceptions of professionals by using nonverbal behaviours therefore effecting client health outcomes. Advice and strategies for improving client /professional relationships are included. 1.4 Methodology To complete this report, data was collected over a 5 week period using resources from the Internet and Library of the University. Theoretical evidence was also taken from the Communication Theory textbook. The data was collected and analysed from numerous authors of peer reviewed articles that discussed in varying degrees the many aspects of nonverbal communication. 2.0 Outline of nonverbal communication and link to Dietetics and Nutrition Non-verbal communication plays an integrative role for successful client/professional relationships in the field of Dietetics and Nutrition. Non-verbal communication effects the way we a person perceives our level of empathy, trust, competence, therefore can effect the success of client outcomes. Clothing and adornment, paralinguistics and gestures are aspects of non-verbal communication that are used in conversing consciously or subconsciously, conveying a message to another about themselves and their purpose. Problems can occur... ... p. 504). Koster, FRT. (2005). The power of communication. Modifying behaviour: effectively influencing nutrition patters of patients. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17-22, . Koster, FRT.,Verheijden, MW., & Baartmans, JA. (2005). The power of communication. Modifying behaviour: effectively influencing nutrition patterns of patients. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17-22. Mishra, B. (2009). Role of Paralanguage in Effective English Communication. The Icfai University Journal of Soft Skills, 29-36, NSControl. Nair, B.R., Attia, J., Mears, S. & Hitchcock, K. (2002) Evidence-based physicians’ dressing: a crossover trial. M.J.A. 177, 681–682. (as cited in Cant, 2009, p. 504). Rane, D.B.. (2010). Effective Body Language for Organizational Success. The IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 17-26, . Incorporating Nonverbal Communication into Dietetics and Nutrition Essa 1.1 Introduction This research paper makes recommendations for incorporating nonverbal communication into Dietetics and Nutrition. 1.2 Limitations This report is limited to paralinguistics, gestures, clothing and adornment within nonverbal communication in the field of Dietetics and Nutrition. 1.3 Scope This report aims to highlight the importance of paralinguistics, gestures, clothing and adornment in the setting of Dietetics and Nutrition. Peer reviewed articles and theoretical evidence provided to address how we change individual’s perceptions of professionals by using nonverbal behaviours therefore effecting client health outcomes. Advice and strategies for improving client /professional relationships are included. 1.4 Methodology To complete this report, data was collected over a 5 week period using resources from the Internet and Library of the University. Theoretical evidence was also taken from the Communication Theory textbook. The data was collected and analysed from numerous authors of peer reviewed articles that discussed in varying degrees the many aspects of nonverbal communication. 2.0 Outline of nonverbal communication and link to Dietetics and Nutrition Non-verbal communication plays an integrative role for successful client/professional relationships in the field of Dietetics and Nutrition. Non-verbal communication effects the way we a person perceives our level of empathy, trust, competence, therefore can effect the success of client outcomes. Clothing and adornment, paralinguistics and gestures are aspects of non-verbal communication that are used in conversing consciously or subconsciously, conveying a message to another about themselves and their purpose. Problems can occur... ... p. 504). Koster, FRT. (2005). The power of communication. Modifying behaviour: effectively influencing nutrition patters of patients. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17-22, . Koster, FRT.,Verheijden, MW., & Baartmans, JA. (2005). The power of communication. Modifying behaviour: effectively influencing nutrition patterns of patients. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 17-22. Mishra, B. (2009). Role of Paralanguage in Effective English Communication. The Icfai University Journal of Soft Skills, 29-36, NSControl. Nair, B.R., Attia, J., Mears, S. & Hitchcock, K. (2002) Evidence-based physicians’ dressing: a crossover trial. M.J.A. 177, 681–682. (as cited in Cant, 2009, p. 504). Rane, D.B.. (2010). Effective Body Language for Organizational Success. The IUP Journal of Soft Skills, 17-26, .

Managerial Economics: A Game Theoretic Approach Essay

Using computations from Assignment 1, determine the market structure in which the low-calorie frozen, microwavable food company operates. The market structure that this company is likely to be in is the oligopoly structure whereby it could be in a duopoly or not. A duopoly is a market structure in which there are few firms in the industry. It is a market structure that lies between two market structures, that is, perfectly competitive market and monopoly. There are two or more sellers but the number of sellers is not as large as that of the ones present in a perfectly competitive market. The firm can be categorized as a monopoly mainly because of the cross sectional demand of the firm. The cross price elasticity demand of this particular firm is 0.68. This simply means that an increase in the prices of the competitors ’ product by one unit implies a 0.68 unit increase in terms of the quantity demanded. This basically implies that the cross sectional demand in inelastic. As such, the increase in price, decrease in price or generally the change of prices by this particular firm will not have a significant effect i n terms of the quantity demanded. This is the ideal representation of a firm in an oligopoly. The scope for individual action can be said to be way greater than in the case that the product was differentiated. In other words, one individual seller does not stand to lose in the case that he or she decides to charge a higher price. For this reason, this firm is definitely under an oligopoly market structure.(Webster, 2003) Outline a plan that will assess the effectiveness of the market structure for the company’s operations The issue of prices is basically the basis of the plan that is to be formulated. Generally, the price quantity combination depends upon the actions that are taken by the rest of the firms in the duopoly. In other words, the profit that is accrued by each and every seller is a result of the decisions that have been reached by each individual seller. The monopoly price that will be charged under this market structure could come with a series of consultations or simply individual experiments. For this particular firm to maximize its profits it needs to fix its price through an analysis with the assumption that there exists only one firm in the market. In the event that the firm fixes its price higher than this price, it will make gains. In the event that it fixes the price lower, it will lose. Given that business operations have changed from the market structure specified in the original scenario in Assignment 1, determine two (2) likely factors that might have caused the change. Predict the primary manner in which this change would likely impact business operations in the new market environment. The assumed market structure was that the firm was under a perfectly competitive market. It however turns out that the firm is in an imperfect market, a duopoly precisely. There are a number of f actors that are likely to have caused the change in this market structure. One of the reasons is that there probably existed one factor of production that is owned by a few firms only. As a result, not many firms are able to produce the product. Besides, it is also a possibility that there existed many firms initially in the market under a perfectly competitive market. These firms could have decided to merge thereafter and consolidated themselves into one major firm with the aim of reducing competition. In this way, the number of sellers reduces. Analyze the major short run and long cost functions for the low-calorie, frozen microwaveable food company given the cost functions below. Suggest substantive ways in which the low-calorie food company may use this information in order to make decisions in both the short-run and the long-run. TC = 160,000,000 + 100Q + 0.0063212Q2 VC = 100Q + 0.0063212Q2 MC= 100 + 0.0126424Q The total cost function is an increasing function of quantity produced. This implies that an increase in the quantity produced results to an increase in the cost of production. This is consistent with economic theory. The intercept of the total cost function is 160,000 meaning that when no quantity is produced, or rather when the quantity produced is zero, the fixed cost is 160,000. The Marginal Cost function is also an increasing function of quantity produced. It gives the effect of producing an extra unit. The firm should thereby produce up to a level whereby the cost of producing an extra unit does not exceed the returns from that particular unit.(Hirschey, 2008) Determine the possible circumstances under which the company should discontinue operations. Suggest key actions that management should take in order to confront these circumstances. Provide a rationale for your response The firm should discontinue its operations in the case that the Total costs are more than the total revenue. This would imply that the firm is making losses. The firm should also discontinue its operations in the event that the marginal costs are greater than the marginal revenue. That is, the cost of producing an additional unit is greater than the cost of selling that additional unit. The firm should also discontinue its operations in the event that the marginal revenue is zero or less. This is with regard to the law of diminishing marginal revenue which holds that the revenue from selling an additional unit will increase to a point where an additional unit of input will not increase the quantity produced. In this case therefore, extra costs will be incurred in the process of producing an extra unit but revenue will not change. This is an unproductive phase of production. Suggest one (1) pricing policy that will enable your low-calorie, frozen microwavable food company to maximize profits. Provide a rationale for your suggestion. At ceteris Paribus, the demand function of the market is The demand equation will be as shown below, with all other factors held constant: Q = -5200 – 42*(P) + 20*600 + 5.2*5500 + 0.2*10000 + 0.25*5000 Q = 38650 – 42(P) P = 38650/42 – (Q)/42 The equilibrium prices and quantities are; 5200 + 45P=38650 – 42P 33,450=87P P = 384.48 Q = 5200 + 45*(384.48) = 22,501.6 Total Revenue = Price X Quantity = {38650/42 – (Q)/42  }Q MR= 38650/42 = 920. 23 = P The average revenue should be equal to the price and give the demand function. The best pricing solution that this firm can and should make is to produce at this price. Outline a plan, based on the information provided in the scenario, which the company could use in order to evaluate its financial performance. Consider all the key drivers of performance, such as company profit or loss for both the short term and long term, and the fundamental manner in which each factor influences managerial decisions. Being a firm under the oligopoly market structure, the firm should put the concept of price leadership into practice. Essentially, this simply implies that the firm should be able to put itself out as a dominant firm and as such it should be able to command the authority to set the prices in the market. It should also be able to be the firm that commands any change when it comes to prices in such a way that it has the ability to change prices while the other firms follow suit. The firm therefore is in a situation in which it is able to control prices to its benefit. As a consequence, the other competing firms will not be able to maximize their own profits unless they follow the prices that are set by this firm. In other words, a special monopoly is created in the duopoly. (Washick, 2005) Recommend two (2) actions that the company could take in order to improve its profitability and deliver more value to its stakeholders. Outline, in brief, a plan to implement your recommendations. Due to the homogenization of products, there is the problem of competition especially among the buyers. This simply implies that there will be one single price for sellers. As a result, the best recommendation with regard to the action that the firm should take is to ensure that they maximize on output. A change in terms of output by the seller has a very significant effect in terms of the prices of the good that is produced. As much as the actions of his or her rivals could be somewhat unknown, it is most definite that the other sellers will change or alter the prices in a way that they will match the output. An increase in terms of the output also implies that the firm will also increase its revenue. The Collusion Solution is also another recommendation that could be used by this particular firm in question. This basically implies that the market participants could always try and join together in the event that the participants find that the competition is too much, they could join together so as to create one competitive firm. (Waschick,2005) References   Fisher, T., & Waschick, R. (2005). Managerial Economics: A Game Theoretic Approach. London : Routledge. Hirschey, M. (2008). Managerial Economics. New York: Cengage Learning. Webster, T. J. (2003). Managerial Economics: Theory and Practice. London: Academic Press. Source document

Pythagorean Theorem Definition

Definition: It is believed that the statement of Pythagoreans Theorem was discovered on a Babylonian tablet circa 1900-1600 B.C. The Pythagorean Theorem relates to the three sides of a right triangle. It states that c2a2b2, C is the side that is opposite the right angle which is referred to as the hypoteneuse. a and b are the sides that are adjacent to the right angle. In essence, the theorem simply stated is: the sum of the areas of two small squares equals the area of the large one. You will find that the Pythagorean Theorem is used on any formula that will square a number. Its used to determine the shortest path when crossing through a park or recreation center or field. The theorem can be used by painters or construction workers, think about the angle of the ladder against a tall building for instance. There are many word problems in the classic math text books that require the use of the Pythagorean Theorem. Also Known As: a squared b squared c squared. Or c2a2b2Alternate Spellings: PhythagorasExamples: See full visual