Reflection on Teaching Statistical Research Methods

Reflection on Teaching Statistical Research Methods I began teaching almost fifteen years ago, while in medical school. It was then that I discovered my love for teaching and its potential to transform the lives of both students and teachers. These two aspects have become the driving forces of my teaching. My teaching philosophy rests on four elements. First, I set challenging goals for both students and myself. Second, I believe in the effectiveness of action-oriented and participatory learning. Third, I value diversity in and outside of the classroom. Finally, I view teaching as complementary to research. My preferred teaching areas (biostatistics, epidemiology and social determinant of health) are closely related to choice of my research area. This will allows me to bring examples from my own research and service into the classroom, as well as to further my own thinking through classrooms discussions. Teaching research methods and methods of statistical analysis often provides a unique opportunity to motivate and empower students, as many are often skeptical about their abilities in these areas. Because students learn in a variety of different ways, I use a variety of methods in my classes to help ensure that one method will clarify concepts when others do not. By being flexible in my approach to teaching quantitative methods, I am able to help build the self-confidence of those who need it, and to communicate the principles of sound research methodology and statistical analysis to all students. Flexibility alone, however, is not sufficient. I also believe that it is important to demonstrate my own passion for the subjects I am teaching, not only to build my credibility as a teacher and mentor, but also to inspire students to develop skills and aspirations of their own in quantitative areas in which they may not have been interested previously. My overarching concern when teaching courses on research methodology and methods of statistical analysis is that students develop an ability to think critically and logically when evaluating statistical information that is presented in research, as well as in their everyday lives. Although not every student can be expected to develop an interest in quantitative methods per se, I believe that they all need to be able to evaluate whether stated conclusions are supported by the available data and analytic results. This helps to create informed consumers of research and provides students with a skill set the can apply to their future careers. My teaching plans include developing interactive and audiovisual teaching materials. I will also use various tools, both technological and pedagogical, that will effectively reinforce the teaching materials. I make use of a variety of instructional methods, including traditional lecture, technological tools, group work, and individual practice. I also vary my methods according to course content and student preferences. I will also like to take advantage of the internet, especially in terms of using some great applets that are available on the web for class demonstrations. I believe that one should employ whatever tools that will most effectively accomplish the job of teaching students so that they retain the main ideas long after they have forgotten who taught them. I believe that epidemiology and medical statistics courses should be tailored to the needs of the students, with a balance of theory and application that is appropriate to the audience. Graduate students need a good under standing of both the theory and application of statistical methods. It is important for all students to see the connections: the connections between theory and practice, the connections between raw data and inferences, and the connections between different types of statistical methodologies. I also think that students need to practice with the connections between raw data and inferences. By this I mean that students need hands-on experience not only with data analysis, but also with explaining the results of their analyses clearly and concisely in writing. It is important that they are not just able to do a regression analysis, for example, but to also understand the usefulness and limitations of their analysis. On a practical note, I will like to supplement my lectures with numerous example data analyses, using real data whenever possible, and base my homework assignments on realistic problems. I also like to give homework assignments that involve writing a brief report to summarize a statistical analysis, or a critique of a published analysis, as well as individual or group projects and presentations. I also think students should be exposed to the practice of statistics through critical appraisal of journal articles using standard and validated tools. In and out of the classroom, I strive to present material to students in a clear, logical and interesting manner. I work hard to provide examples from empirical research, and to connect the course materials to the areas in which they are interested. To create a dynamic classroom experience for everyone, I encourage students to express themselves through class discussion and to apply course concepts to their own experiences. And, to ensure students know they make a difference in my courses, I always try to have them complete an informal mid-semester evaluation of the course and my teaching. This allows me to make positive changes during the semester and to make sure each course is successful. I would like my students to see me as an accessible, supportive person who respects them as individuals and is interested in their intellectual and personal development. I will strive to communicate to them the excitement that is gaining new knowledge from day to day. Often it is the interaction between teacher and students that nurtures the motivation and enthusiasm for science.

High-Tech Education

Using high technology methods in the process of education is a serious matter that a lot of people argue about it, some agree and the others disagree with it. Although it provides the education with a lot of futures that makes it better than the past. It also has some disadvantages that reflect on this process. But they think that old methods that were applied in the classrooms have more benefits than that high tech ones. And some people also consider that these new technology may change the role of both student and teacher to be unlike as usual. One of its disadvantages according to the author's opinion is that it may also distract students and fragment their attention†¦. â€Å"Why am I against using technology in the classroom? Why do I ban laptops in my classroom?. This article by David Cole, a professor of Law at Georgetown University. Was published on 23 of October, 2008,In the Washington Post. The main claims that the author thinking about it may be summarized in some specific points like that he considers that by using these high tech methods in education like internet, laptops and blue ray DVD Players might actually hinder the education not making it better because they make both students and teachers or doctors passive. The author hopes that if classrooms are restored to the Pre-Internet days of wooden tables and chalk. This means taking technology out of the class room and back to â€Å"TEACHING NAKED†. By flying to the purpose of his we can mention that he totally disagrees with this new education system and he agrees strongly with the â€Å"TEACHING NAKED†. Without the aid of any machines just because Dr Jose Bowen thinks that if you have a good PowerPoint presentation it does not mean you have a good lecture. Classroom time should be reserved for discussions with professors, aiming at teaching students to think critically, argue, and raise new questions. Then, by analyzing the author's opinion and his point of view, the pre-internet days of wooden tables and chalk are the most suitable and useful way of learning and educating people because this old technique allows educators to think, work, exert efforts and teaching themselves and never forget what they had, always remember it during applying it in their aily life. Unlike the high-tech learning which provides easy way for learning and just reading not sharing at all, so he just receives the information not work or search for it. And the author provided his theory with slight strong evidences and reasons, than can Be summarized in the following explanation as, a survey that found that 59 percent of students called at least half their lectures boring –particularly those involving power point. Then , he thinks that â€Å"note taking on a laptop encourages verbatim transcription and the note taker tends to go into stenographic mode and no longer processes information in a way that is conducive to the give and take of classroom discussion because of taking notes the old fashioned way , by hand , is so much slower , the student actually has to listen , think and prioritize the most important themes . So as he thinks if one's idea of a lecture is a process by which the notes of the

Advantages and Disadvantages of Family Businesses

Family ownership or management of business is predominant in different countries. Family businesses exist in different sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing and services. Many of today’s prominent business firms that provide popular products and services and own respected brands are family businesses. Some businesses also start out as family businesses before shifting to other forms of business organisation. Family businesses are also significant contributors to economic growth. Firms owned or managed by families can be small, medium or large.Regardless of the size and scale of operation, the sheer number of family businesses translates into a diverse range of consumer products as well as employment opportunities and household income. However, like other forms of business organisations, family businesses have advantages and disadvantages that require consideration to support justifications for suitability in the present business environment.Advantages of Family Businesses Family businesses offer a number of advantages. These advantages explain the predominance of family businesses and the increase in firms owned and operated by families.The first advantage is the commitment towards the business that family members exhibit (Leach & Bogod 1999; Longenecker et al. 2006). Firms established and operated by families enjoy the commitment of family members involved in managing the business.There is a strong attachment to the business, as an outcome of direct and personal efforts. There is also the strong motivation to keep the business going. This leads to prudent decision-making over expenditures and investments (Longenecker et al. 2006). The business has high value to family members as a source of family pride and a legacy passed on from one generation to the next (Fleming 2000).The second advantage is flexibility over a wide range of areas, particularly work arrangements and responsiveness to change (Leach & Bogod 1999). Family members managing the busine ss are flexible when it comes to the time and effort they give to their work. As a highly valued venture, the family business becomes a priority to ensure business success (Fleming 2000). Family businesses also exhibit flexibility in responding to changing conditions in the business environment. Direct involvement in operations supports immediate recognition of problems and emerging opportunities (Sonfield & Lussier 2009).Decision-making over solutions or in tapping into opportunities also happens fast to respond to issues and needs. The third advantage is long-term planning fuelled by the goal of sustainability (Leach & Bogod 1999). The intention for family businesses is to continue across different generations (Fleming 2000). This intention influence strategic planning to ensure the stability and sustainability of the business. There is better anticipation and control of risks. Contingency plans are set in place. There is also high reliance on business knowledge and skills acquire d by the family (Lee, 2004).The fourth advantage is the exercise of direct control over the business by family members (Sonfield & Lussier 2009). The management of the business by family members supports speedy decision-making (Leach & Bogod 1999). Direct knowledge of operations provides information needed to support sound decisions. Decision-making can happen on the spot as problems emerge or comprise an expedited process. Moreover, family businesses are able to transmit family values into the corporate culture to ensure that operations align with the goals envisioned by the family (Fleming 2000).The last advantage is the achievement of employee motivation (Leenders & Waarts 2001). One source of employee motivation is the trust (Tagiuri & Davis 1996) emerging in the relationships within the business adopted from the fiduciary relationship among family members. Employees are extended trust to create the perception of value to the business.Another source of employee motivation is goo d channels of communication (Tagiuri & Davis 1996) that create a pleasant work environment. Communication not only eases work but also ensures the necessary support for the conduct of work. Appreciation and recognition are also easily communicated.Disadvantages of Family BusinessesFamily businesses also have disadvantages. Even if family businesses comprise the predominant form of business organisation worldwide, there are also family businesses that fail when the disadvantages overshadow the advantages. The first disadvantage is the rigidity of business structure and culture (Leach & Bogod 1999). Family businesses have the tendency to stick to tradition. While traditional practices may have led to the success of the firm, the changing business environment may require change.The value accorded to traditions and the fear of losing control may work against needed change. The second disadvantage is the impending conflict between family values and business interest (Leach & Bogod 1999) and conflict between personal life and the business (Longenecker et al. 2006). There is an overlap between family and business interests. Conflict emerges in areas when there is deviation between family and business interest such as in decisions to bring in external investors or change business practices. Decision-making can also become emotional when personal considerations intertwine with business (Fleming 2000).The inability to find a point of compromise can result to serious problems. The third disadvantage is the difficulty of continuity or succession (Leenders & Waarts 2001). Succession is a process charged with strong emotions and high stakes (Fleming 2000). Conflicts can arise when there are different family members aiming to become successors. The process requires consideration of competence apart from membership in the family to ensure not only the continuity of the family business but also the sustainability of the business itself (Lee, 2004). Unaddressed emotional issues can lead to the failure of the business.The fourth disadvantage is the threat of leadership crisis (Leach & Bogod 1999). A problem in the allocation of power can emerge when there is reluctance to allocate greater power to one member of the family to facilitate decision-making. There is likely to be preference for equal sharing of power, which can delay decisions during a deadlock (Sonfield & Lussier 2009). Problems with leadership can also relate to succession. There may not be good leaders in the family but there is preference for family members to lead the business (Fleming 2000).The last disadvantage is difficulties in achieving efficiency and profitability because of the preference for equity to the detriment of efficiency (Lee 2004). The placement of unknowledgeable and inexperienced family members in key positions instead of hiring external experts to take charge, while the family member gains experience, can lead to irrational or rash decisions that affect the performance o f the business (Fleming 2000). Similar situations focusing solely on equity can result to inefficiency that has a direct adverse effect on profitability.ConclusionFamily businesses have advantages and disadvantages. The family business, as a form of business organisation, suits today’s business environment through the advantages that are inherent or prominent in family owned or managed firms such as commitment, flexibility, control, long-term planning, and employee motivation. Addressing the disadvantages can be by finding the strategic balance between family and business concerns or interests that work for the business at present and in the future. In doing so, family businesses can ensure sustainability even in the fast-paced business environment.

Management Accounting - 3474 Words

MA360 EXAM SOLUTIONS – 2011 SECTION A Question 1 (a) |Selling Price per|Year 1 Sales Units |Year 1 Year End Stock units |Year 2 Unit Sales |Sales Revenue Year 1 | |Unit ( £) | | | |( £) | |20,000 |800,000 |400,000 |500,000 |(100,000) | |40,000 |1,600,000 |800,000 |500,000 |300,000 | |60,000 |2,400,000†¦show more content†¦The profits of the Sussex Glass Company would also be maximised. [1] [6] Question 3 (a) HSC Total sales revenue (25m x  £1.80**) 45.0 [1.0] 32% Gross Margin ( £45m x 0.32) 14.4 [1.0] Total required costs 30.6 ** HSC selling price per sandwich = (100 / 133.333) x  £2.40 =  £1.80 [2.0] Labour cost calculations: Y10 = 60,000 x 10 -0.3219 = 60,000 x 0.4765 = 28,590 hours [1.0] Total time taken for 10 batches = 28,590 x 10 = 285,900 hours [1.0] Y9= 60,000 x 9 -0.3219 = 60,000 x 0.4930 = 29,580 hours [1.0] Total time taken for 9 batches = 9 x 29,580 = 266,220 hours [1.0] Time taken for 10th batch = 285,900 – 266,200 = 19,680 hours [1.0] Total time taken: First 10 batches 285,900 hours Next 15 batches (19,680 x 15) 295,200 hours [0.5] Total 581,100 hours [0.5] Known costs:  £ Packaging and labelling: 25m x  £0.15 3 750 000 [1.0] Distribution (8% of  £45m) 3 600 000 [1.0] Labour (581,100 x  £8) 4 654 400 [1.0] Fixed overheads 746 600 [0.5] Ingredients (balancing figure) 17 849 000 [1.0] Total costs as per the above 30 600 000 [0.5] Ingredients cost per sandwich:  £17 849 000 / 25m =  £0.714Show MoreRelatedManagement Accounting1950 Words   |  8 PagesManagement in business and human organization activity, in simple terms means the act of getting people together to accomplish desired goals. 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