Collection of Information for Systems Analysis Essay examples

A critical part for systems analysis is the collection of information. From the very beginning, analyst need to understand the information systems that are currently in use. Besides, analyst has to find out expectations of users about how they prefer to improve the current systems and organizational operations with the new or replacement information systems. Last but not least, analyst will need to discover how users feel about the new or replacement information systems. There are many techniques for collecting these information. Face-to-face interviewing and self-administered questionnaires are two main techniques among them. This report is about a comparison of face-to-face interviewing and self-administered questionnaires.†¦show more content†¦The form of questionnaire could be through telephone, mail or even email in this day and age. The following part will discuss advantage and disadvantage for face-to-face interview and questionnaire. After that, a recommendation will be given for which techniques should be used to collect feelings of staffs’. 1.2 Advantage and Disadvantage of face-to-face interview According to Holbrook, Green and Krosnick (2003, p.79), face-to-face interview is known for its high-quality. Kendall and Kendall (2006, p.110) argue that an a question-and-answer format is used for information gathering interview which is a directed conversation with a specific purpose. In fact if we want to understand why we need to choose interview as a select technique, we need to find out what we can get from the interview. One thing that we can get from the interview is the opinions of the interviewee and his or her feelings about the system, organizational and personal goals, and informal procedures for interacting with information technologies. The truth is that opinions maybe more important and more revealing than facts. An example can be given as asking the owner of a traditional store who has recently implement an online store how many customer has complain and need to refund who deal through Web transactions each week. She replies:† About 20 to 25 a week.† Th en you may discover that the average is only 10.5 per week. A conclusion willShow MoreRelatedA Research Study On Research1173 Words   |  5 Pages one of the most important steps in the research process to accomplish is the collection of data. Notwithstanding the research project and whether the method of research is whether qualitative or quantitative, data must be collected. Data collection is essential whether the method of choice is a mail survey, a telephone survey, an interview, an experiment, field research, or secondary data analysis. Data collection is an important aspect of any research study. Inaccurate data can impact the resultsRead MoreA Research Study On Data Collection1205 Words   |  5 Pagesimportant steps in the research process needs to be accomplished and that is the collection of data. Notwithstanding the research project and whether the method of research is whether qualitative or quantitative, data must be collected. Data collection is essential whe ther the method of choice is a mail survey, a telephone survey, an interview, an experiment, field research, or secondary data analysis. Data collection is an important aspect of any type of research study. Inaccurate data can impactRead MoreCrime Analysis954 Words   |  4 PagesHOW TECHNOLOGY IS USED IN CRIME ANALYSIS CJ 216 Highfill, Lucrissa 9/7/2010 Leave this page blank The first step in the crime analysis process is the collection of data; this step is closely connected to data storage. As noted above, this step occurs outside the direct control of the crime analysis function. In most police agencies, officers and/or civilian employees enter crime reports and other data into a computer system. Officers may write reports in longhand that are then enteredRead MoreProject Plan Essay1563 Words   |  7 Pagestwenty-five million dollar business. Although many of the features of the company are still underdeveloped, there are many opportunities that are forecasted for the growth and success of the company. Currently, the company houses a smaller scale limited information technology infrastructure that has been successfully maintaining the companies technology base. The goals for the company are to expand from one floor to three floors tripling in size. The company has had a significant amount of success and is foreseenRead MoreA Research Study On Research772 Words   |  4 PagesResearch philosophy is based on the assumptions which define research strategy and explains the relationship between a research study and the data collection process (Zikmund, 2012). 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Comparing it with a more complex Systems model; and suggest a more detailed model of the traditional intelligence cycle willRead MoreWhat Inclusions And Exclusions Persist From The Days Of Big Data Collection And Analysis704 Words   |  3 PagesDiscussion Week 2 Group 1: Volume of Data Participants Name Aishwarya Patil Jiayang Su Jingxin Wang Nishant Singh Xinni Song Yuchen Xie 1. What inclusions and exclusions persist from the days of traditional data collection and analysis to today’s era of â€Å"big data† collection and analysis? Considering our volume-based view to data, there are two types to describe the data volume, which are Total Volume(TV) and Unit Volume(UV). Recently, machine generated data is more in volume than the traditionalRead MoreProject Deliverable 2 : Business Requirements934 Words   |  4 PagesChief Information Officer Table of Contents Document Control 2 1 Business Requirements 4 1.1 Project Overview 4 1.2 Background including current process 4 1.3 Scope 4 1.3.1 Scope of Project 4 1.3.2 Constraints and Assumptions 5 1.3.3 Risks 5 1.3.4 Scope Control 5 1.3.5 Relationship to Other Systems/Projects 5 1.3.6 Definition of Terms (if applicable) 5 2 Business Requirements 2.1 Project Overview A data collection and analysis company aims at upgrading the information system infrastructureRead MoreThe Benefits Of Erp Systems For Small And Mid Size Organizations1160 Words   |  5 Pagesresearch is to study the use of Information Technology and particularly ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) system for small and mid-size organizations. There was a time when IT and large Information Systems were used only by large organizations. That was the time when the cost of technology was high and the mid-size and large organizations were not able to afford the high cost of ERP systems (Vieru, 2015). With time, the cost of computing has come down. Today, ERP systems are also used as a service.Read MoreThe Communication System Project Teams : Problems Of Transfer Knowledge And Information For The Management Of It Projects1077 Words   |  5 PagesAbstract Communication of project teams is a vital factor in the success or demise of a project. The purpose of this paper is to summarize and analyze the article The Communication System Project Teams: Problems of Transfer Knowledge and Information for the Management of IT Projects by Dr. Jerzy Kisielnicki. The paper will provide overview of Dr. Kisielnicki study of communication of a project team, what techniques are used, the effect that the communication has on the project, and the project manager’s

Mgt 521 Week 1 Paper Channels of Communication Free Essays

MGT 521 Channels of Communication According to our readings, â€Å"There are two main forms of communication channels; oral communication and written communication. † (Robbins Judge, 2011). Within these two channels, there are 10 different types of communication. We will write a custom essay sample on Mgt 521 Week 1 Paper Channels of Communication or any similar topic only for you Order Now In the communication process, it is important for the sender to clearly convey the meaning of the message for the receiver to be able to interpret. In order to achieve this goal, the correct communication channel and style must be used. Scenario I To interact with your team about the best beverage strategy, I would use an informal communication channel. According to our readings, an informal communication channel would â€Å"provide feedback to upper management, which would lead toward progress in achieving higher goals and relay any issues that may occur in help resolve these issues† (Robbins Judge, 2011). Further, face to face communication would be the best form of oral communication to be used as an informal communication channel. The team only has one week to develop a global marketing strategy, so the meetings must be more informal and be able to work out the possibilities in a live face to face series of meetings. Other forms of communication such as phone calls, voicemail, or emails could result in slower and shorter discussions. The team needs to be as efficient with their time as possible to deliver this strategy. To convey the strategy to the VP of Operations, I would use a more formal and upward communication channel. According to our readings, a formal channel of communication is â€Å"established by the organization and transmit messages related to the professional activities of members. They traditionally follow the authority chain within the organization† (Robbins Judge, 2011). Since formal communication follows the chain of command, it is more proper for the team to put their strategy in a written presentation for initial review I would send the VP of Operations an electronic communication (e-mail) that would present the strategy because this is the quickest way to send a lot of information for review. Once the e-mail has been received and reviewed, I would follow up with a video conference to achieve a more face to face communication channel and make sure that all business plans are clearly hashed out and analyzed. This would also be a good solution is the VP is at another location and would not have to travel to have a final meeting. Scenario II In this scenario I would use a formal communication channel with e-mail communication to contact the IT department. This email can be marked with high priority and be received immediately by the IT department. Also, formal e-mail would follow company procedure and allow a written, documented channel of communication for their records and verification. I would also use e-mail communication as a type of downward communication to inform my employees about what happed as well as provide them with the new login name and password. This type of downward communication is best for employee communication or when the management wants to inform a large number of employees. This type keeps employees informed and offers security by allowing each employee the opportunity to click and create a new login name and password. In addition, I would use a memo as a second form of communication, to make sure that all employees have another form of written communication in case they have not checked their e-mail. As always, if employees have additional questions or concerns, they can always use verbal face to face communication and simply approach their manager for more information if the written communication is not clear. Scenario III For this for this difficult situation, I would first use oral communication through an all employee meeting. I would inform about the difficulties of the company, and the overall tough decision to let some employees go in order to keep the business afloat. I think that oral communication is more sincere, and employees can see the nonverbal body language of the employer as they explain this difficult situation. Also, an important aspect of a face to face meeting is that it avoids rumors or the grapevine affect that would most likely occur if the employer simply sent a memo or e-mail to the employees. I would want the employees to have the equal opportunity to this information and avoid hurtful rumors or gossip that would likely occur from a simple electronic written message. To inform the affected employees, I would use both oral and written communication. I would first approach them in person and ask to talk to them in person (in private) in my office. If I sent an e-mail or other form, this would create anxiety and be unfair to the employees. I would be as respectful and to the point as possible. In the oral line of communication, I would show my sincerest efforts to show apathy for the situation and also offer any help with a reference for future employment opportunities. I would also be businesslike and explain the last day and other important information that will be completed to confirm the termination. I would follow up with written communication for both sides’ records. I would send a private email for the privacy of the recipient and mark a high priority with a recipient’s confirmation attached to the email upon its opening. This line of communication would have all of the details and state the date all of this will come in effect. An e-mail can also have an attachment with any paperwork that needs to be signed before the last day. This final written communication is more formal and brings closure and hopefully less emotion to the communication process. Works Cited Robbins, Stephen P. Judge, Timothy A.. (2011). Organizational Behavior. Fourteenth Edition; Published by Prentice Hall How to cite Mgt 521 Week 1 Paper Channels of Communication, Essay examples

Consumer Guarantees Law and Legal Services

Question: Discuss about the Consumer Guarantees Law and Legal Services. Answer: Introduction: Consumer protection law is a way available to individual to fight back against the business practices which are abusive. These laws are designed at global level to provide protection to consumers and prevent the abusive practices of sellers of goods and services. Consumer protection laws are applicable on sellers when they seek to earn profit by providing wrong information or does not provide complete information to consumers. In Australia, consumer protection laws exists at both federal and state level. They are enforced by agencies of government, offices of attorneys generals, and other government bodies. This paper contains the discussion on consumers protections, brief note on historical development of consumer protection law in Australia, and how consumers protection laws operate at both federal and state level in Australia. In this paper, we also discuss the process of protection of consumers when consumers are not satisfied with the product or service they get. Consumer protection and historical development of consumer protection in Australia: Section 3 of ACL defines the consumer as a person or business who purchased goods and services which does not exceed amount of $40000, goods and services exceed the amount of $40000 but they are of such nature which ordinarily used for domestic, household or personal consumption, and also cover the goods related to commercial road vehicle (Competition and Consumer Act 2010, n.d.). The main purpose of consumer protection laws is to protect the consumers against unfair practices of trade conducted by sellers for seeking profit. Usually, all the commercial organizations are managed and controlled according to the market condition which put them in dominating position from their customers and organizations use this position to exploit their consumers. Consumer Protection Law in Australia provides the detailed application and effect of law related to consumer protection and liability of product in Australia. The consumer protection law was developed in Australia by the agreement signed by Council of Australian Governments. The provisions of this law are the mirror of the provisions specified in Trade Practices Act 1974, and some additional protections are also added to the consumers. Usually, this law reflects the provisions of consumer protection of fair trading legislation which applicable in both state and territory (Bruce, 2013). In 1980, a successful attempt was made by government of Australia to implement the consumer law through a legislation introduced under Part V of the Trade Practices Act 1974. The benefits of this law are for the short period, and governments at individual level included Australian government take actions at their own for the improvement of consumer laws which result in divergence, duplication and complexity. Actions of government results in confusion in the mind of consumers related to their rights and also business organizations are not able to understand their obligations under law. All these confusions result in loss of cost, time and efforts. At that time general consumer laws in Australia was defined by 13 Acts which almost covers the same matter related to consumer protection, it also includes two national laws that is Trade Practices Act 1974 and the ASIC Act 2001, and 8 state and territory Fair Trading Acts. Three more jurisdictions are there in which three more laws are enacted for consumer protection. There are also some general consumer provisions related to sale of goods in eight state and territories of Australia. These laws are complex and confusing for consumers and businesses. After considering this problem the new Act is introduced by the government of Australia that is Australian Consumer Law. This new Act replaces almost 850 Sections in above mentioned Acts, and does not include number of ancillary enforcement and other regulations that support them. The Australian Consumer Law (ACL) is the national law, and the main purpose of this law is consumer protection and fair trading. On 1st January 2011, ACL is commenced and it is a cooperative reform of the Australian government and the States and Territories through the Legislative and Governance Forum on Consumer Affairs (CAF). Administration of ACL is conducted by Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), and some other consumer protection agencies operated in the states and territories. Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) also show their involvement on relevant matters (ACL, n.d.). Australian Consumer Law covers following matters: Law related to national unfair contract terms which cover standard form of consumers and business contracts small in nature. National law also guaranteeing rights of consumers while dealing in the goods and services. National law related to safety of product and enforcement of laws. National law related to unsolicited consumer agreements which deals with door to door sales and also telephone sales. National rules related to lay-by agreements. Penalties, power of enforcement, and consumer redress options. The ACL applies at national level, in all the states and territories of Australia and to all businesses conducted in Australia. All those transactions which are occurred before 1st January 2011, all the previous national and state laws are applied. This law is administered by ACCC and enforced by all courts and tribunals in Australia, and also include the tribunals and courts of the states and territories. All those protections which are provided in ACL are similar to the protections provided in the provisions of Australian Securities and Investments Commission Act 2001 (ASIC Act). Therefore, all the products and services related to finance are treated in similar way. Council of Australian Governments signs the Intergovernmental Agreement which results in establishment of ACL. In 2008, productivity commission of Australia provides the recommendation of ACL, and this commission also found that ACL provide between $1.5 and $4.5 billion benefit to the Australian community (ACL, n.d.). ACL is defined under Schedule 2 of the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 which is previously known as the Trade Practices Act 1974 (TPA). Following are some chapters of ACL which are defined below: Chapter 1: in this chapter there are set of definitions, and also some provisions related to consumer law, and this section also includes definition of consumer. Chapter 2: this chapter defines the general protections, and these general protections help in creates standards related to business in the market. These general protections include following bans: General restriction on misleading conduct and deceptive conduct in business. General restriction on unconscionable conduct and specific restriction on unconscionable conduct in case of consumer and some particular business transactions. There are some provisions which make unfair contract terms in consumer contracts void. This chapter includes some specific protections which deal with the particular forms of business conduct, and it includes: Restriction on some specific practices which are unfair in businesses. It also deals with consumer transactions related to goods and services. Cover liability of manufacturer in case of safety defects in goods. Chapter 4: it deals with criminal offences related to particular matter covered by chapter 3. Chapter 5: this chapter includes power of enforcement and remedies. ACL regulations are set out in part 6 and 7 of the Competition and Consumer Regulations 2010, and it gives practical effect to the provisions of ACL (ACL, n.d., ACCC, n.d.). Remedies available to consumers: Consumer guarantees are defined as set of rules which regulates the sell and purchase transactions of consumers, and these rules are provided under ACL. Rules related to consumer guarantees define the situations under which business is liable towards their consumers and provide remedy to them. This guarantee automatically applied to the goods and services provided by seller or manufacturer. Businesses that provide goods or services to consumers must comply with the consumer guarantees, manufacturers, and importers must comply with the consumer guarantee. Goods must consist following guarantees: Goods must be of acceptable quality. Goods must fulfill the purpose for which they are manufactured. All the necessary information related to goods must be provided to consumer. Goods must be free from hidden securities and charges. Goods must be selling with undisputed possession. Repair facility must be available for reasonable period of time. Goods must be free from defects (ACCC, n.d.; Queensland Government). Remedies provided by ACL to consumers are divided into four parts, and these remedies are related to supplier and manufacturer of products. Following remedies are available to consumer when consumers are not satisfied with the goods: Remedies which are related to guarantees provided by supplier of goods. Remedies which are related to guarantees against manufacturer of goods. Remedies which are related to guarantees against supplier of services. Remedies which are related to guarantees against supplier and credit providers (Find law, n.d.). Remedies available to consumers are determined by the failure to comply with the consumer guarantee. These failures are split into two parts that is major failure or non major failure. Failure to comply with consumer guarantee is considered as major failure if supplier failed to comply with following guarantees: Guarantee under section 51 that is title of goods, section 52 that is undisturbed possession, section 53 that is undisclosed securities, section 54 that is acceptable quality, Section 55 that is fitness for any undisclosed purpose, Section 56 that is supply by description, and Section 57 that is supply by sample and demonstration. In case of major failure consumer has right to reject the goods or they can seek compensation for any reduction in the value of goods purchased by them. In this person has right to: Reject the goods and asked for refund. Repairs of goods. Replacement of goods Sue the defaulter for damages and seek compensation. A non major failure is not defined by the law, but any failure which is not covered by major failure can be considered as non major failure. In case of non major failure, consumer has right to get remedy from the supplier within a reasonable time (Legal Services Commission, n.d.). Any individual who suffer any personal injury or death and any person who depend on the injured or deceased person have right to file claim against the manufacturer of product. Person also have right to file suit if goods are defective and cause damage to the persons property (Hobart community, n.d.). In Australia, consumer guarantee laws are enacted with the purpose of harmonizing and provide clarification on law which sets mandatory standards of quality in contracts related to supply of gods and services, and this law also assists consumers and business to understand their rights and obligations respectively. Consumer guarantee laws are not completely successful in meeting their aim of harmonization, and it is clear that different laws are applicable on business transaction and on contracts of financial services and products. Still some aspects of law are not clear under consumer guarantees law, especially related to new term that is acceptable quality which is introduced by replacing the old term merchantable quality, and also relationship between warranties which are extended and consumer guarantee. However, there are some new concepts which govern the remedies provided in case of failure of consumer guarantee under consumer guarantee law (Paterson, 2011). ACL has made number of changes in the mandatory quality standards related to supply of goods and services to consumers, and it also extends statutory regulation related to express warranty. Consumer guarantee law removes the standard related to mandatory quality from the contract law domain, and it introduce remedies which are completely different from the remedies provided in contract law. Conclusion: In this paper, we discuss the laws related to consumer protection and also the structure and implementation of these laws in Australia. After considering the above facts, it is clear that government of Australia provides many rights to the consumer and also imposes many obligations on businesses. Now, business man cannot take advantage of their domain position in market by defrauding the consumers. They owe duty of care towards their consumers, and in case of negligence conduct consumer have right to file suit for compensation against manufacturer, supplier or retailer. At last, we conclude that consumer protection laws are playing important role in preventing unfair trade practices. References: ACCC. Buying safe products. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.accc.gov.au/consumers/consumer-protection/buying-safe-products. ACCC. Consumers' rights obligations. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.accc.gov.au/business/treating-customers-fairly/consumers-rights-obligations#consumer-guarantees-applying-to-goods. ACL. ACL review. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://consumerlaw.gov.au/. ACL. An Introduction to the Australian Consumer Law. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from:https://consumerlaw.gov.au/consumer-policy-in-australia/resources/an-introduction-to-the-australian-consumer-law/. ACL. Legislation. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://consumerlaw.gov.au/the-australian-consumer-law/legislation/. ACL. The Australian Consumer Law. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://consumerlaw.gov.au/the-australian-consumer-law/. Bruce, A. (2013). Consumer Protection Law in Australia, 2nd Edition. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://store.lexisnexis.com.au/product?product=consumer-protection-law-in-australia-2nd-editionmeta_F_and=9780409334005gclid=CjwKEAiAtefDBRDTnbDnvM735xISJABlvGOvlTO7eKkJSOUdJrAepYkGc58MJMObDpNoLThSVcM7jhoCVVnw_wcB. Competition and Consumer Act 2010- sect 3. Cridland, M. (2015). What to do with a faulty product. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.choice.com.au/shopping/consumer-rights-and-advice/your-rights/buying-guides/what-to-do-with-a-faulty-product. Find law. Consumer law: Goods purchased that are suffering from a major failure. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.findlaw.com.au/articles/4504/consumer-law-goods-purchased-that-are-suffering-fr.aspx. Hobart Community. What remedies are available. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.hobartlegal.org.au/tasmanian-law-handbook/consumers-money-and-debts/australian-consumer-law/what-remedies-are-available. Legal Services Commission. Defective Goods. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.lawhandbook.sa.gov.au/ch10s02s08.php. Paterson, M. J. (2011). The new consumer guarantees law and the reasons for replacing the regime of statutory implied terms in consumer transactions. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.austlii.edu.au/au/journals/MelbULawRw/2011/8.html#Heading392. Queensland Government. Consumer guarantees your products must meet. Retrieved on 13Th January 2017 from: https://www.qld.gov.au/law/laws-regulated-industries-and-accountability/queensland-laws-and-regulations/selling-your-products-and-services/guarantees-warranties-and-refunds/consumer-guarantees-your-products-must-meet/.

William Faulkner and His Rose for Emily

William Faulkner is considered to be one of the most prolific writers and among the most influential ones for that matter in the last century in American Literature. His numerous contributions to the literary field were so immense and, as a result, he became a Nobel Laureate and won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1949.Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on William Faulkner and His Rose for Emily specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More His oeuvres range from novels to short stories and poems, and he has created a permanent spot in the history of American literature. A Rose for Emily is regarded as one of the most outstanding and the most controversial pieces of work. This story is full of captivating details which can make a short story really interesting for the reader and for the critics. On the one hand, the vast majority of critics admit that it is not a true style that was preferred by William Faulkner. On t he other hand, it is always interesting to develop various experiments and intrigue the audience with extremely captivating ideas. In fact, William Faulkner made a successful attempt to impress the reader: his A Rose for Emily is a unique collection of ideas and themes which are always interesting to read and evaluate. In spite of the fact that a number of negative opinions were developed around the story, even negative criticism attracted people’s attention and prove how mature the writer could be in the chosen style. Some critics defined A Rose for Emily as a kind of exploitative story not inherent to Faulkner, still, they talked about it and made the author recognizable. People said that even really talented writers could become famous and gain desirable respect and recognition only after their deaths. William Faulkner proved that popularity had a variety of sides, and he chose the one that made his famous during his life, and immortal after his death. A Rose for Emily is the story that is characterized by numerous critical opinions: readers found the story interesting, unusual, and educative; and critics tried to admit as many negative or weak points as possible and prove that the chosen style, relations between the characters, and even frequent use of flashbacks were not winning enough to introduce the most amazing work ever. William Faulkner usually chose some unpredictable development of the events in order to impress the reader and in order to make critics notice his work. Some critics admit that this story was full of â€Å"history’s unwillingness to advance, evolve, or progress† (Aboul-Ela 18). During his life, Faulkner was able to get a number of various opinions and attitudes to his work, still, he was always confident of his abilities and writing style. In general, the criticism that was developed during the time when the author was alive had more negative than positive nature, and it was hard to recognize a true interpretatio n of a story and unclear narration offered. So that â€Å"the critical cannon of A Rose for Emily has become as bloated as the character herself† (Farnoli, Golay, and Hamblin 243).Advertising Looking for critical writing on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There were many different themes which have been criticized, and critics found it rather interesting to discover weak and strong points of the story: flashbacks which helped to understand that â€Å"aunt Emily was †¦ a little different† (Faulkner and Robinette 10) seemed to be weak enough to explain the essence of the author’s message and the method of characterization seemed to be more strange. Much attention was paid to the relations between Emily and her father which lead to the tragic end of the relations with Homer. It is always interesting to define who should be blamed for a human death, women’s tears, and pain that may be spread over many people around. In fact, with the help of a critical overview, it was possible for the reader to comprehend a true genre of the shot story, and it was not a horror story but an educative lesson that proved ho blind people with their assumptions could be. In spite of the fact that Faulkner was known during his life and a number of his works had been already recognized, not all readers were able to accept his new decision to introduce horrors. And some reader accepted A Rose for Emily not as â€Å"a ghost story at all but rather a story of a woman with a domineering father who grows old and dies in the small†¦ town† (Marius and Anderson 5). In my opinion, this particular story by William Faulkner is characterized by the opinions which could be hardly differentiated before and after his death. There are many supporters and opponents of his talent as they were during his life. It is not very difficult to define some powerful aspects of the story like an amazing flashback at the end of the story when Homer was discovered on Emily’s bed. This idea proved that the power of a woman is worth attention and recognition. Even now the relations between women and men are not similar to each other, and each story may have its own end either dramatic or happy. This is why there are so many reasons to respect the achievements of the author and his ideas which are expressed through the story. A Rose for Emily seemed to be an immortal calling by Faulkner with the help of which he reminds the readers that each type of relations without considering whether it is developed at early times (like it was with Emily’s father) or when a person grows up (the relations with Homer) has its own consequences and may influence a lot of aspects which are so crucial for a human life. The work was first published in 1930 in a copy of Forum, a magazine (Reuben). It was easily one of those short stories that featured most in many collections of shor t stories. It was a work that was not easy to interpret. This is why so many possible and plausible interpretations appeared within a short period of time. The story was popular at the time of its publication. â€Å"A Rose for Emily is by far the best-known, most reprinted, most widely read, and most discussed short story† (Towner and Carothers 63).Advertising We will write a custom critical writing sample on William Faulkner and His Rose for Emily specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In general, the story A Rose for Emily introduced by William Faulkner at the beginning of the 20th century is a perfect lesson for people who live in modern world. Very often people are blind because of the opportunities offered and cannot define their own weaknesses. On the one hand, it is a terrible truth that has to be admitted and cannot be understood. And on the other hand, A Rose for Emily becomes more amazing and educative story that fulfi ls this life and helps to discover the essence of the life. Works Cited Aboul-Ela, Hosam. Other South: Faulkner, Coloniality, and the Mariategui Tradition. Pittsburg: University of Pittsburg Press, 2007. Print. Fargnoli, Nicholas, Golay, Michael, and Hamblin, Robet. Critical Companion to William Faulkner: A Literary Reference to His Life and Work. New York: Infobase Publishing, 2008. Print. Faulkner, William and Robinette, Joseph. A Rose for Emily. Woodstock, IL: Dramatic Publishing, 1983. Print. Marius, Richard and Anderson, Nancy. Reading Faulkner: Introductions to the First Thirteen Novels. Knoxville: The University of Tennessee Press, 2006. Print. Reuben, Paul P. â€Å"Chapter 7: William Faulkner.† PAL: Perspectives in American Literature- A Research and Reference Guide. 2010. Web. Towner, Theresa and Carothers, James. Reading Faulkner: Glossary and Commentary. Collected Stories. Mississippi: The University of Mississippi Press, 2006. Print.Advertising Looking for critical writing on american literature? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More This critical writing on William Faulkner and His Rose for Emily was written and submitted by user Bo B. to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

Essay on Muslims

Essay on Muslims Essay on Muslims Islam, Arab and Middle Eastern Americans: A view from the outside Lee S. Snider Chamberlain College of Nursing Islam, Arab and Middle Eastern Americans: A view from the outside A. Jamal & N. Naber (2008) wrote not all Arabs are Muslims and not all Muslims are Arabs, when in fact, the United States often conflates the categories of Arab and Muslims. The top six countries with the largest Muslim populations are Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, India, Turkey and Iran. None of these countries are Arab. Arab countries include a diversity of linguistic, ethnic and religious groups (Jamal et al, 2008). In this paper we will discuss what is it to be Muslim in America both pre/post Gulf Wars and post September 11, 2001. First, this paper will explain the basic understanding of Islam and those who practice it and how it differs and relates to three other religious beliefs Christianity, Judaism and the often confused with, Sikhism. Second, this paper will review the differing points of view of Islam and Arabs from both the United Kingdom and United States. How are they the same? How are they different? Why have these nations just started to recognize this group not as citizens, but both as domestic and foreign terrorists? Continuing, we will review the history of Arabs, Arab Americans, Muslims and people of Middle Eastern decent living in the United States. We will discuss some the prejudices and discriminations Arab-Americans, Arabs, Muslims and people of Middle Eastern decent have endured since the two Gulf Wars and the September 11 terroristic attack. Finally, we will discuss what w e can do to help alleviate the current prejudicial and discriminatory attitude of race and religious relations among the United States, Arab Americans, Arabs, Middle Eastern and Islam. Islam, Christianity, Judaism and Sikhism Islam is the second largest religion in the world with over 1 billion followers (British Broadcasting Company (BBC), 2009). Islam was revealed over 1400 years ago in Mecca, Arabia and those who practice it are called Muslims. Muslims believe there is only one God – Allah. Muslims believe that God sent a number of prophets to mankind to teach them how to live according to Prophet Muhammad. Muslims base their laws on their holy book the Quran and the practice of Sunnah (BBC, 2009). To Muslims, the scripture of the Quran is the word of Allah as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad by the Angel Gabriel (Housley, 2007). Approximately one third of the Quran’s text is made up of narratives of earlier prophets, most of them biblical and the Quran rewrites the story of Jesus Christ more radically than that of any other prophet and in doing so reinvents him (Khalidi, 2009). The Sunnah is the practical example of the Prophet Muhammad and the five basic Pillars of Islam. These pillars are (1) the declaration of faith, (2) praying five times a day in a mosque, (3), giving money to charity, (4) fasting and (5) a pilgrimage to Mecca – at least once in a Muslims’ life (BBC, 2009). Christianity on the other hand is the world’s most popular religion with over 2 billion followers. Unlike Muslims, Christians believe in one God and that this God sent his only son, Jesus to earth to save humanity from the consequences of sins (BBC, 2011). Christianity in relation to Islam is viewed both as a precursor in the line of historical monotheism and also as a deficient form that have deviated from its purity (Thomas, 2005). Christians believe in the holy trinity of God the Father, God the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Christians base their beliefs on their holy book, the Bible. One of the most important concepts in Christianity is when Jesus gave his life on the cross-called, the crucifixion, and then his rising from the dead, the resurrection. However, there are many people who identify as Christian without believing in, observing any Christian traditions or holy concepts which would be heresy for Muslims. Negative stereotypes of Muslims and Arabs have

6 Reasons to Read Before Class

6 Reasons to Read Before Class Everyones college and grad school experience is a little different, but the one thing all have in common is reading. You already know that college entails a lot of reading. Guess what? Grad school is way worse.  Expect your reading load to triple, at least, in graduate school. With such a huge set of reading assignments, you might be tempted to fall behind and not read before class. Here are six reasons why you should avoid temptation and read ahead of the class. Make the Most of the Class Time Class time is valuable. Be sure that you can follow along. When you read ahead of time, you are more likely to understand the organization of the lecture. Youll be better able to figure out whats important and what isnt (and thereby take effective notes). Understand the Topic and What You Don't Understand If everything that you hear in class is new, how will you determine what you understand and whether you have questions? If you have read beforehand you can focus your attention on filling gaps in your understanding by paying more attention during some parts of the lecture and by asking questions. Participate Most classes require at least some participation. Be ready to answer questions and to discuss the topic. Its easy to participate when you know the topic. Reading beforehand helps you to understand the material and gives you time to consider your perspective and opinions. Dont get caught unprepared. Professors opinions matter - do not get caught faking it. Show Off Reading before class lets you show that youve read, that you care, and that you are intelligent. Youll be able to ask good questions and participate in a way that demonstrates preparation, interest, and mastery of the material. These are all positive marks in profs views. Participate in Group Work Many classes require group work, often in class. If you have read, you are ready and likely will not mooch off of your classmates, or benefit from their hard work. In turn, if you have read you can tell when the group is taking a wrong turn. Contrary to some stereotypes, effective group work requires preparation. Show Respect Reading ahead of time shows respect for the instructor and interest in the class. While instructors feelings should not be the primary motivator of your behavior, relationships with faculty are important and this is one easy way to get your relationship with your professor off to a good start. Think ahead- faculty are often important resources for advice, recommendation letters, and opportunities. Many students find reading tiresome, a great deal of work. Try employing reading strategies such as the SQ3R method.

Report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words - 2

Report - Assignment Example Your Supplementary Text helps you or go online. You will use these journal articles to write your structured report. So please keep copies of these articles. Cash, H., Rae, C., Steel, A. and Winkler, A., (2012). Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice, US National Library of Medicine   National Institutes of Health, Curr Psychiatry Rev. Nov; 8(4): 292–298. King, D., Delfabbro, P., Griffiths, M. and Gradisar, M. (2012). Cognitive-Behavioral Approaches to OutpatientTreatmentof Internet Addiction inChildrenand Adolescents, Journal of Clinical Psychology: In session, Vol. 68(11), 1185–1195 Extend your search by including five other sources of information relating to your topic below. They can be conference papers, newspaper articles, magazines, etc. Enter them in APA 6th edition style correctly here. Internet addiction should be recognised as a clinical disorder, psychiatrist claims, (n.d.). Mailonline, Retrieved from http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-542768/Internet-addiction-recognised-clinical-disorder-psychiatrist-claims.html TIP: The title of your report must be narrow/focussed. You might want to review this title after you have finished the entire report. The title should give the reader a good idea of what to expect in the report. While Internet obtained an indescribable power of impact toward the way people got connected, such technological advance have also altered the relationship between them, creating basis for the scholars to dive into the potential of Internet addiction and its effect on people’s behavioural changes. Researchers ultimately agree that the new digital era has created its impact on the development of the human mind. Despite such useful features as availability to obtain incredible information and opportunity to be more socially connected, possibilities for self-education, freedom from shyness and huge economic betterment, psychiatrists have noticed that excessive use of Internet can lead to

Analysis of Two Articles about Robots Assignment

Analysis of Two Articles about Robots - Assignment Example Robots are largely used to perform labor tasks. The need to increase production and improve efficiency is very necessary and finding the best robot for this is very important. I major in Mechanical Engineering which is directly related to the construction of the robots. The first article, â€Å"Team Designs Tiny Robots That Can Build like Termites† gives a significant design of tiny robots that can build without outside intervention. The second article, â€Å"Believable Robot Characters† gives an account of how important is the believability of robots when it comes to human-robot interaction. The article was published by Dow Jones & Company Inc. in New York, United States and authored by Robert Lee Hotz. The organization of the article only provides a heading and several paragraphs describing what the author wants to pass. It also has an abstract that summarizes what the information contained in it (Robert, 2014). The article is written in simple a U.S English language and is directed to the audience at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science in Chicago. It focuses on the ability of the robots to help in building any structure that they are instructed to. The article was published by Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence, La Canada in the United States and authored by Simmons et al. The organization of the article provides headings and subheadings dividing every point communicated by the authors. There is also a subtract summarizing the content and objective of the article. The article is directed towards people in the entertainment industry who are greatly interested in the human-robot interaction through the integration of consistent storyline, verbal and nonverbal behavior and social context. It is also written in a simple and understandable language (Simmons, 2011).

Oedipus the King Essay Example for Free

Oedipus the King Essay In Sophocles Oedipus the King, the themes of fate and free will are very strong throughout the play. Only one, however, brought about Oedipus downfall and death. Both points could be argued to great effect. In ancient Greece, fate was considered to be a rudimentary part of daily life. Every aspect of life depended and was based upon fate (Nagle 100). It is common belief to assume that mankind does indeed have free will and each individual can decide the outcome of his or her life. Fate and free will both decide the fate of Oedipus the King. Both sides of the argument can be greatly supported. The Greeks believed in the idea that personality of the individual greatly affected his or her life (Nagle 120). Their personality was what decides their own free will. A wise man will make good decisions in his life; an ignorant and stubborn man wont be so fortunate. The character traits of a person have a certain positive or negative affect on the choices that he or she makes. For Oedipus, one of these attributes was the desire for knowledge and truth about his own existence. This driving force in the play led to the truth of his origin. This ties in with his own aspect of free will. His free will is based on his drive for knowledge. Throughout the entire play, Oedipus pushes Tiresias, Creon, Jocasta, the oracle, the messenger, and the shepherd for information regarding his beginnings. Each one of these characters in some way or form refused to give him a thorough answer. As he draws closer to the answer, another character tries to stop his journey. Oedipus continues moving onward even though others request he didnt. Oh no, listen to me, I beg you, dont do this. Listen to you? No more. I must know it all, see the truth at last (Sophocles 195). His desire for truth kept pushing him to continue his search, ultimately leading to his downfall. The entire time Oedipus had the capability to discontinue the plight. However he made the independent decision to continue. Another instance where choices directly linked Oedipus to the prophecy was at the crossroads. Oedipus demonstrates an important trait in his character, stubbornness. This trait is visible when Oedipus reacted to the man pushing him aside at the crossroads. the one shouldering me aside, the driver, I strike him in anger! . I killed them allevery mothers son! (Sophocles 189). In ancient times when a caravan was coming down the road they usually pushed you to the side. Oedipus didnt like this and flipped out, killing all of them. It was his stubbornness that caused this to happen. His personality led to the decision to kill the caravan and unknowingly, his father too. If he were a wise and content man, then his decision would have differed. When Oedipus defeated the Sphinx by solving the riddle, he could have refused to take the missing kings throne. He could have also declined to marry the former kings wife, unaware that the queen was his own mother. He accepted both of these without any regrets. If his decision was different it might have altered the course of events in the future. His personality made sure that the decisions went the way they did. These choices were made by Oedipus with his own free will, his own decisions. He didnt have to accept these gifts, but did none the less. These conclusions would lead to his own demise, but they were his own mistakes, not fate. Free will can also be found in the actions of Jocasta and Laius. The choices they made were not made by their own judgement, but rather reactions to a situation that neither of them was prepared to deal with. Upon hearing the prophecy that foretold the future sins in their household; they made a harsh decision out of fear. They had little Oedipus sent to die at the foothills of a mountain. This reaction seems very cruel, but back in ancient times it was very natural. Being that an oracle foretold the prophecy, Jocasta and Laius responded as any Greek parents would. They solved the problem by removing Oedipus from the equation, but in the end their decision wasnt the right one. This leaves the readers of the play to wonder what might have happened if Jocasta and Lauis never sent Oedipus to die as an infant. Would the prophecy still have taken place? It seems that it wouldnt have, because Oedipus wouldnt have engaged in the misled wandering after he left his adopted home. Oedipus would have had no reason to fulfill the prophecy, but that is another question that we dont know. On the other hand, if Oedipus didnt listen to the prophecy suggested to him in Corinth, he never would have returned to Thebes to carry out his destiny. All these instances can be looked at that free will was the deciding factor. Was it really? Fate can also be looked upon in every instance, equally a strong argument against free will. Oedipus desire for knowledge can also be looked at by the standpoint of fate. He was born with his own stubbornness. The Gods themselves made him that way and it can not be changed. No matter what his decisions were, their gift to him will lead to the path they gave him. He cant escape the fate the Gods have given him. He kept pushing farther and father, but it just led to his downfall. Nothing he could have done would have stopped that. The prophets make this clear in their prophecies throughout the text. All the premonitions they say come true. They cant be avoided because the Gods made you with your personality and it controls your life. Ultimately they control you. When Oedipus reaches the crossroads, it was fate that led to the events that took place. Short work, by god-with one blow of the staff (Sophocles 189). This quote reveals that the gods did play apart in the events that took place. Oedipus prophecy was to kill his own father. Unwillingly because of his stubbornness Oedipus struck down and did indeed kill his father. Because the gods gave him this trait, his fate was unavoidable. The traits of Oedipus would generate the right sequence of events that would eventually lead to his prophecy coming true. Oedipus personality was the cause of the events. His free will blended in with the fate given to him by the gods. All together it was fate that decided these actions. The prophecy given to Lauis and Jocasta is also another example of unavoidable fate. Even though it wasnt there own choices to get rid of their son, their reaction to the prophecy set up the events for the future. If they never sent Oedipus to die at the mountainside, he most likely never would have killed Lauis at the crossroads. Their reaction was to a message given to them by the Gods. The Gods dictated what was going to happen. They told the prophet to give out the prophecy. Leading to the vanquishing of little Oedipus. All along every action leads to ones fate in life. The greatest show of fate in the text is when Oedipus gauges his eyes out with the golden clips. He does this in reaction to the events that take place. Oedipus was aware that he alone was responsible for his actions and gauged his own eyes out. That is the free will standpoint on the issue. Oedipus was at the same time not responsible for his actions. The gods controlled his personality and therefore controlled the outcome of his life. If Oedipus realized this he might not have taken his own sight. The gods use their power to provoke humans free will. They were responsible for the demise of Oedipus, but in the same time convince the human that it was there fault. Free will and fate can be related to every aspect of Oedipus the King. The gods who control fate manipulate the thinking and concepts in humans free will. Ultimately fate is what overcomes all. It may not seem like it, but free will was given to mankind by the gods or God. So in turn the gods decide the fate of everybody when they created man. It was already decided and can not be changed. One can still argue the position that free will is more dominant, but if you relate to creation and how the gods made man, fate overcomes. In Oedipus the King, Sophocles made it clear to his fellow Greeks that mankind has the ability, even with prophecies and oracles, to make choices free from influence of divine forces. He also shows that fate does play a part in humans lives too. They tie into each other for a direct balance. Overall, fate is the divine power that controls free will and determines ones life.

A Stereotypical Media :: essays research papers

The media of today’s society plays the peddler to the stereotypes that plague our country. However, the media is not solely to blame. Susan Sontag states in her essay â€Å"The Image World†: â€Å"Through being photographed, something becomes part of a system of information, fitted into schemes of classification and storage†(Sontag 196). Through our own demand as consumers, the use of advertising in television, newspapers, and especially magazines relays to the public an erratic system of stereotypical information. The system of information relayed through photographic imagery in advertising directly affects the thoughts of society, on how a woman should look and feel. Thus, mixing the stereotypical woman of delicacy, and grandeur with sex and sexuality. The vast amount of stereotypical advertising today is directed at the middle-class, American worker. This specification in advertising is due to the fact that the middle class workers are the main consumers. This idea is represented in the magazine, Newsweek. Printed on April 3, 2000, Newsweek prints numerous articles of news that are not so focused and in-depth, but still contains valid consistency. The magazine is M/C Phillips, Page 2 truly tailored to the middle class and so is its advertising. In the midst of clutter, from articles of political power, to the rise of the doughnut culture, sits an ad of poise and content. Posted by the Target Corporation, a store tailored to the middle class, the ad displays, a very young, beautiful woman covered shoulders to toe in ivy, holding a rayon handbag. She is poised, illustrious and elegant, a mirror image of a statue. The backdrop of the image is calm, organized and serene. The ad reads â€Å"ivy plant $6.99, rayon crochet bag $14.99†(Newsweek 7). However, the ad’s imagery at first glance does not fully portray the stereotypes within it. The appearances of stereotypes in this serene ad are hard to find, but are found deep in the t ext of the image. The apparent purpose of the ad is to sell items such as a handbag, and ivy plants. However, the apparent does not relay the reality. The use of a woman’s stereotypical sexuality covers up the real with the fantasy. A stereotype as defined by the Module, â€Å"Images of Women and Men†, â€Å"is viewed today as a process that distorts reality†(Unger & Crawford 219). So in essence this is what the image, or the advertisement has done. Advertising takes the process of photography, and distorts its reality by applying such methods as stereotyping.

Ex Poser Extensive Reading

ENGLISH TEST 8th Grade/level 4 March 2011 aepas 2010/2011 Name: __________________________________________ Number: _____ Class: ____Teacher: ______________________ _________________ Reduzido Nao Sat Satisfaz Sat. Bastante Excelente Enc. Ed. _____________________ Enc Ex Poser by Paul Jennings 5 10 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 There are two rich kids in our form. Sandra Morris and Ben Fox. They are both snobs. They think they are too good for the rest of us. Their parents have big cars and big houses. Both of them are quiet. They keep to themselves. I guess they don't want to mix with the ruffians like me.Ben Fox always wears expensive gym shoes and the latest fashions. He thinks he is good-looking with his blue eyes and blond hair. He is a real poser. Sandra Morris is the same. And she knows it. Blue eyes and blonde hair too. Skin like silk. Why do some kids get the best of everything? Me, I landed pimples. I've used everything I can on them. But still they bud and grow and burst. Just when y ou don't want them to. It's not fair. Anyway, today I have the chance to even things up. Boffin is bringing along his latest invention – a lie detector. Sandra Morris is the victim.She agreed to try it out because everyone knows that she would never tell a lie. What she doesn't know is that Boffin and I are going to ask her some very embarrassing questions. Boffin is a brain. His inventions always work. He is smarter than the teachers. Everyone knows that. And now he has brought a long his latest effort. A lie detector. He tapes two wires to Sandra's arm. â€Å"It doesn't hurt,† he says. â€Å"But it is deadly accurate. † He switches on the machine and a little needle swings into the middle of the dial. â€Å"Here's a trial question,† he says. â€Å"Are you a girl? † Sandra nods. You have to say yes or no,† he says. â€Å"Yes,† replies Sandra. The needle swings over to TRUTH. Maybe this thing really works. Boffin gives a big grin. â₠¬Å"This time tell a lie. † says Boffin. â€Å"Are you a girl? † he asks again. Sandra smiles with that lovely smile of hers. â€Å"No,† she says. A little laugh goes up but then all the kids in the room gasp. The needle points to LIE. This lie detector is a terrific invention! â€Å"OK,† says Boffin. â€Å"You only have seven questions, David. The batteries will go flat after another seven questions. † He sits down behind his machine and twiddles the knobs.This is going to be fun. I am going to find out a little bit about Sandra Morris and Ben Fox. It's going to be very interesti ng. Very interesting indeed. I ask my first question. â€Å"Have you ever kissed Ben Fox? † Sandra goes red. Ben Fox goes red. I have got them this time. I am sure they have something going between them. I will expose them. â€Å"No,† says Sandra. Everyone cranes their neck to see what the lie detector says. The needle points to TRUTH. This is not what I expec ted. And I only have six questions left. I can't let her off the hook. I am going to expose them both. Have you ever held his hand? † Again she says, â€Å"No. † And the needle says TRUTH. I am starting to feel guilty. Why am I doing this? I try another tack. â€Å"Are you in love? † I ask. A red flush starts to crawl up her neck. I am feeling really mean now. Fox is blushing like a sunset. â€Å"Yes,† she says. The needle points to TRUTH I shouldn't have let the kids talk me into doing this. I decide to put Sandra and Ben out of their agony. I won't actually name him. I'll spare her that. â€Å"Is he in this room? † I say. She looks at the red Ben Fox. â€Å"Yes,† she says. The needle points to TRUTH. â€Å"Has he got blue eyes? I ask. â€Å"No,† she says. â€Å"Brown? † I say. â€Å"No,† she says again. I don't know what to say next. I look at each kid in the class very carefully. Ben Fox has blue eyes. I was sure that she loved him. â€Å"This thing doesn't work,† I say to Boffin. â€Å"I can't see one kid who doesn't have either blue eyes or brown eyes. † â€Å"We can† says Boffin. They are all looking at me. I can feel my face turning red now. I wish I could sink through the floor but I get on with my last question. â€Å"Is he an idiot? † I ask. Sandra is very embarrassed. â€Å"Yes,† she says in a voice that is softer than a whisper. And he has green eyes. † I – READING-COMPREHENSION A – Say if the following statements are true (T) or false (F). Quote from the text to justify your answer. 1. Sandra and Ben Fox are upper class children. __________________________________________________________________________________ 2. Sandra and Ben are very talkative and extrovert kids. __________________________________________________________________________________ 3. Sandra has skin problems. _______________________________________________________ ___________________________ 4. Boffin bought a lie detector. _________________________________________________________________________________ ? ? ? ? B – Match the sentences with the words (write the numbers inside the squares) SENTENCES WORDS KEY 1. form (line 1) 1 a) direction 2. ruffians (line 3) 2 b) wide smile 3. pimples (line 7) 3 c) sound made by surprised person 4. burst (line 7) 4 d) class 5. grin (line 18) 5 e) convince me 6. Gasp (line 20) 6 f) badly behaved people 7. Tack (line 32) 7 g) explode 8. Talk me into (line 35) 8 h) spots on skin C – Read the following statements and find synonymous expressions in the text. 1.David has an opportunity to revenge himself. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 2. The lie detector is extremely correct. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 3. David wants to humiliate Sandra and Ben in public. _______________________________ ______________________________________________________ 4. David is certain that Sandra and Ben are having an affair. _____________________________________________________________________________________ 5. David can’t make it easy for Sandra. ____________________________________________________________________________________ D – Give complete answers to these questions on the text. 1. What is David’s opinion about Ben and Sandra? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. How does David describe himself? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 3.Do you think David has a high self-esteem? Quote two sentences from the text to justify your answer. ______________________________ ______________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 4. Why did Sandra agree to try the lie detector? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 5. â€Å"Sandra smiles with that lovely smile of hers† (line 20). Comment on this sentence. ___________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ 6. â€Å"I wish I could sink through the floor† (line 45). How was David feeling at this point of the story? ____________________________________________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________________________________________ II – LANGUAGE FUNCTION A – Complete with FOR or SINCE. 1. ________ two years 2. ________ two weeks 5. ________ one year . ________ last year 3. ________ six months 6. ________ 1999 8. ________ yesterday 4. ________ August B – Choose the correct option and write the corresponding letter in the blanks. 1) He _____ there when he was a child. 6) I _____ her since last year. a) has lived a) haven't seen b) lived b) didn't see 2) They _____ a few minutes ago. 7) She _____ ill since Thursday. a) Left a) Was b) b) have left b) has been 3) I _____ the project last night. 8) _____ to Rome? a) have finished a) Did you ever go b) finished b) Have you ever been 4) I can't get into my house because I _____ my keys. ) It stinks in here; someone _____ smoking. a) Lost a) Was b) have lost b) has been 5) I _____ up smoking last year. 10) I've known her since we _____ at school together. a) Gave a) Were b) have given b) have been C – Complete with the PRESENT PERFECT or the SIMPLE PAST. David _____________________ 1(have) pimples sice he was eleven and he _________________________ 2(try) everything he can on them, but they ____________________ 3(not disappear) for three years. In the past, when he ________________ 4(be) younger, his skin _____________________ 5(not have) any pimples and it _____________________ 6(look) like silk.D – Look at Barry’s plans for the weekend and form sentences about what he’s going to do. Use the expressions in the box. *listen to music *play chess *go on a picnic *clean the house *go cycling *cook a meal 1. _____________________________________________________________________ 2. _____________________________________________________________________ 3. _____________________________________________________________________ 4. _____________________________________________________________________ 5. _____________________________________________________________________ 6. ________________________________________________________ _____________E – Read these sentences and choose the most appropriate answer. 1. I’m so excited! I †¦ my new dress on Friday night! 2. Poor little thing! Look at her face. She †¦. a) am going to wear a) are going to cry b) will wear b) is going to cry c) won’t wear c) will cry 3. You should have brought your umbrella. Look at those dark clouds! It †¦ a) isn’t going to rain b) is going to rain c) will rain 4. -â€Å"Ben is ill†. – â€Å"Is he? I †¦ him tonight. † 5. My cousins †¦ their holidays in London. I wish I could go with them! a) will spend b) won’t spend c) are going to spend 6. Tomorrow we †¦ our old friend Michael in town.We’re so excited! a) aren’t going to meet b) are going to meet c) will meet 7. I hope Caroline likes Robert Redford. I †¦ her to the cinema. a) are going to invite b) am going to invite c) will invite 8. I can’t walk home. I †¦ a taxi. a) am going to call b) will call c) won’t call a) will take b) won’t take c) am going to take F – Read the dialogue below and fill in with the correct form of the future . Bryce: What ____________________________ (you/do) today? Diana: I ___________________________ (clean) my room. It’s a mess. Bryce: Oh, but we have an exam on Monday. __________________________ (you/not study)?Diana: Yeah, I know†¦ but I promised my mum. Oh dear, what shall I do? Well, I ______________________ (try) to talk to her. Bryce: Wait! I ___________________________ (help) you clean your room and then we can study together. What do you say? Diana: __________________________________ (you/do) that for me? Bryce: Of course! What are friends for? Diana: Oh that’s really nice of you! III – WRITTEN PRODUCTION Write a short summary of the story â€Å"Ex Poser†. ____________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________ _______________________________________________

The Delphi Technique: Making Sense of Consensus

A peer-reviewed electronic journal. Copyright is retained by the first or sole author, who grants right of first publication to the Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation. Permission is granted to distribute this article for nonprofit, educational purposes if it is copied in its entirety and the journal is credited. Volume 12, Number 10, August 2007 ISSN 1531-7714 The Delphi Technique: Making Sense Of Consensus Chia-Chien Hsu, The Ohio State University & Brian A. Sandford, Oklahoma State University The Delphi technique is a widely used and accepted method for gathering data from respondents within their domain of expertise.The technique is designed as a group communication process which aims to achieve a convergence of opinion on a specific real-world issue. The Delphi process has been used in various fields of study such as program planning, needs assessment, policy determination, and resource utilization to develop a full range of alternatives, explore or expose underlying ass umptions, as well as correlate judgments on a topic spanning a wide range of disciplines. The Delphi technique is well suited as a method for consensus-building by using a series of questionnaires delivered using multiple iterations to collect data from a panel of selected subjects.Subject selection, time frames for conducting and completing a study, the possibility of low response rates, and unintentionally guiding feedback from the respondent group are areas which should be considered when designing and implementing a Delphi study. The Delphi technique, mainly developed by Dalkey and Helmer (1963) at the Rand Corporation in the 1950s, is a widely used and accepted method for achieving convergence of opinion concerning real-world knowledge solicited from experts within certain topic areas.Predicated on the rationale that, â€Å"two heads are better than one, or†¦ n heads are better than one† (Dalkey, 1972, p. 15), the Delphi technique is designed as a group communicatio n process that aims at conducting detailed examinations and discussions of a specific issue for the purpose of goal setting, policy investigation, or predicting the occurrence of future events (Ulschak, 1983; Turoff & Hiltz, 1996; Ludwig, 1997). Common surveys try to identify â€Å"what is,† whereas the Delphi technique attempts to address â€Å"what could/should be† (Miller, 2006).In the literature, Delphi has been applied in various fields such as program planning, needs assessment, policy determination, and resource utilization. Delbecq, Van de Ven, and Gustafson (1975) specifically indicate that the Delphi technique can be used for achieving the following objectives: 1. To determine or develop a range of possible program alternatives; 2. To explore or expose underlying assumptions or information leading to different judgments; 3. To seek out information which may generate a consensus on the part of the respondent group; 4.To correlate informed judgments on a topic spanning a wide range of disciplines, and; 5. To educate the respondent group as to the diverse and interrelated aspects of the topic (p. 11). CHARACTERISTICS OF THE DELPHI TECHNIQUE The Delphi technique is well suited as a means and method for consensus-building by using a series of questionnaires to collect data from a panel of selected subjects (Dalkey & Helmer, 1963; Dalkey, 1969; Linstone & Turoff, 1975; Lindeman, 1981; Martino, 1983; Young & Jamieson, 2001).Delphi, in contrast to other data gathering and analysis techniques, employs multiple iterations designed to Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Vol 12, No 10 Hsu & Sandford, Delphi Technique develop a consensus of opinion concerning a specific topic. Ludwig (1994) indicates: Iterations refer to the feedback process. The process was viewed as a series of rounds; in each round every participant worked through a questionnaire which was returned to the researcher who collected, edited, and returned to every participan t a statement of the position of the whole group and the participant’s own position.A summation of comments made each participant aware of the range of opinions and the reasons underlying those opinions (p. 55). More specifically, the feedback process allows and encourages the selected Delphi participants to reassess their initial judgments about the information provided in previous iterations. Thus, in a Delphi study, the results of previous iterations regarding specific statements and/or items can change or be modified by individual panel members in later iterations based on their ability to review and assess the comments and feedback provided by the other Delphi panelists.Other notable characteristics inherent with using the Delphi technique are the ability to provide anonymity to respondents, a controlled feedback process, and the suitability of a variety of statistical analysis techniques to interpret the data (Dalkey, 1972; Ludlow, 1975; Douglas, 1983). These characteri stics are designed to offset the shortcomings of conventional means of pooling opinions obtained from a group interaction (i. e. , influences of dominant individuals, noise, and group pressure for conformity) (Dalkey, 1972).One of the primary characteristics and advantages of the Delphi process is subject anonymity which can reduce the effects of dominant individuals which often is a concern when using group-based processes used to collect and synthesize information (Dalkey, 1972). Additionally, the issue of confidentiality is facilitated by geographic dispersion of the subjects as well as the use of electronic communication such as e-mail to solicit and exchange information.As such, certain downsides associated with group dynamics such as manipulation or coercion to conform or adopt a certain viewpoint can be minimized (Helmer & Rescher, 1959; Oh, 1974; Adams, 2001). Controlled feedback in the Delphi process is designed to reduce the effect of noise. Based upon Dalkey (1972), noise is that communication which occurs in a group process which both distorts the data and deals with group and/or individual interests rather than focusing on problem solving.As a result, the information developed from this kind of communication generally consists of bias not related to the purposes of the study. Basically, the controlled feedback process consists of a well organized summary of the prior iteration intentionally distributed to the subjects which allows each participant an opportunity to generate additional insights and more thoroughly clarify 2 the information developed by previous iterations.Through the operation of multiple iterations, subjects are expected to become more problem-solving oriented, to offer their opinions more insightfully, and to minimize the effects of noise. Finally, the ability to use statistical analysis techniques is a practice which further reduces the potential of group pressure for conformity (Dalkey, 1972). More specifically, statistical ana lysis can ensure that opinions generated by each subject of a Delphi study are well represented in the final iteration because, â€Å"at the end of the exercise there may still be a significant spread in individual opinions† Dalkey, 1972, p. 21). That is, each subject would have no pressure, either real or perceived, to conform to another participant’s responses that may originate from obedience to social norms, customs, organizational culture, or standing within a profession. The tools of statistical analysis allow for an objective and impartial analysis and summarization of the collected data. THE DELPHI PROCESS Theoretically, the Delphi process can be continuously iterated until consensus is determined to have been achieved.However, Cyphert and Gant (1971), Brooks (1979), Ludwig (1994, 1997), and Custer, Scarcella, and Stewart (1999) point out that three iterations are often sufficient to collect the needed information and to reach a consensus in most cases. The fol lowing discussion, however, provides guidelines for up to four iterations in order to assist those who decide to use the Delphi process as a data collection technique when it is determined that additional iterations beyond three are needed or valuable. Round 1: In the first round, the Delphi process traditionally begins with an open-ended questionnaire.The open-ended questionnaire serves as the cornerstone of soliciting specific information about a content area from the Delphi subjects (Custer, Scarcella, & Stewart, 1999). After receiving subjects’ responses, investigators need to convert the collected information into a well-structured questionnaire. This questionnaire is used as the survey instrument for the second round of data collection. It should be noted that it is both an acceptable and a common modification of the Delphi process format to use a structured questionnaire in Round 1 that is based upon an extensive review of the literature.Kerlinger (1973) noted that the use of a modified Delphi process is appropriate if basic information concerning the target issue is available and usable. Round 2: In the second round, each Delphi participant receives a second questionnaire and is asked to review the items summarized by the investigators based on the information provided in the first round. Accordingly, Delphi panelists may be required to rate or â€Å"rank-order Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Vol 12, No 10 Hsu & Sandford, Delphi Technique items to establish preliminary priorities among items.As a result of round two, areas of disagreement and agreement are identified† (Ludwig, 1994, p. 54-55). In some cases, Delphi panelists are asked to state the rationale concerning rating priorities among items (Jacobs, 1996). In this round, consensus begins forming and the actual outcomes can be presented among the participants’ responses (Jacobs, 1996). 3 Rescher (1959), Klee (1972), and Oh (1974) concur that choosing individuals who are simply knowledgeable concerning the target issue is not sufficient nor recommended.Considering the necessity of selecting the most qualified individuals, Delbecq, Van de Ven, and Gustafson (1975) specifically state that three groups of people are well qualified to be subjects of a Delphi study. The authors recommend: â€Å"(1) the top management decision makers who will utilize the outcomes of the Delphi study; (2) the professional staff members together with their support team; and (3) the respondents to the Delphi questionnaire whose judgments are being sought† (p. 85). Delphi subjects should be highly trained and competent within the specialized area of knowledge related to the target issue.Investigators need to closely examine and seriously consider the qualifications of Delphi subjects. Oh (1974) indicates that choosing appropriate subjects is generally based on the judgment and discretion of the principal investigators. Jones and Twiss (1978) state that the prin cipal investigators of a Delphi study should identify and select the most appropriate individuals through a nomination process. Ludwig (1994) also states that, â€Å"solicitation of nominations of well-known and respected individuals from the members within the target groups of experts was recommended† (p. 2). Generally, the pool of selecting possible Delphi subjects is likely to use positional leaders (Kaplan, 1971; Ludwig, 1994), to follow a review of authors of publications in the literature (Meyer, 1992; Miller, 2001), and/or to make contacts with those who have firsthand relationships with a particular issue (Jones, 1975; Anderson & Schneider, 1993). The latter basically consists of individuals who are primary stakeholders with various interests related to the target issue or research effort.Concerning the appropriate number of subjects to involve in a Delphi study, Delbecq, Van de Ven, and Gustafson (1975) recommend that researchers should use the minimally sufficient n umber of subjects and should seek to verify the results through follow-up explorations. Ludwig (1994) notes that the number of experts used in a Delphi study is â€Å"generally determined by the number required to constitute a representative pooling of judgments and the information processing capability of the research team† (p. 52). However, what constitutes an optimal number of subjects in a Delphi study never reaches a consensus in the literature.Delbecq, Van de Ven, and Gustafson (1975) suggest that ten to fifteen subjects could be sufficient if the background of the Delphi subjects is homogeneous. In contrast, if various reference groups are involved in a Delphi study, more subjects are anticipated to Round 3: In the third round, each Delphi panelist receives a questionnaire that includes the items and ratings summarized by the investigators in the previous round and are asked to revise his/her judgments or â€Å"to specify the reasons for remaining outside the consensu s† (Pfeiffer, 1968, p. 52). This round gives Delphi panelists an opportunity to make further clarifications of both the information and their judgments of the relative importance of the items. However, compared to the previous round, only a slight increase in the degree of consensus can be expected (Weaver, 1971; Dalkey & Rourke, 1972; Anglin, 1991; Jacobs, 1996). Round 4: In the fourth and often final round, the list of remaining items, their ratings, minority opinions, and items achieving consensus are distributed to the panelists.This round provides a final opportunity for participants to revise their judgments. It should be remembered that the number of Delphi iterations depends largely on the degree of consensus sought by the investigators and can vary from three to five (Delbecq, Van de Ven, Gustafson, 1975; Ludwig, 1994). Subject Selection Regarding the selection of subjects for a Delphi study, choosing the appropriate subjects is the most important step in the entire p rocess because it directly relates to the quality of the results generated (Judd, 1972; Taylor & Judd, 1989; Jacobs, 1996).Since the Delphi technique focuses on eliciting expert opinions over a short period of time, the selection of Delphi subjects is generally dependent upon the disciplinary areas of expertise required by the specific issue. Regarding any set standards of selecting Delphi subjects, there is, in fact, no exact criterion currently listed in the literature concerning the selection of Delphi participants. That is, â€Å"throughout the Delphi literature, the definition of [Delphi subjects] has remained ambiguous† (Kaplan, 1971, p. 24).Regarding the criteria used to guide the selection of Delphi subjects, individuals are considered eligible to be invited to participate in a Delphi study if they have somewhat related backgrounds and experiences concerning the target issue, are capable of contributing helpful inputs, and are willing to revise their initial or previo us judgments for the purpose of reaching or attaining consensus (Pill, 1971; Oh, 1974). Helmer and Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Vol 12, No 10 Hsu & Sandford, Delphi Technique be needed.Witkin and Altschuld (1995) note that the approximate size of a Delphi panel is generally under 50, but more have been employed. Ludwig (1997) documents that, â€Å"the majority of Delphi studies have used between 15 and 20 respondents† (p. 2). In sum, the size of Delphi subjects is variable (Delbecq, Van de Ven, & Gustafson, 1975). If the sample size of a Delphi study is too small, these subjects may not be considered as having provided a representative pooling of judgments regarding the target issue.If the sample size is too large, the drawbacks inherent within the Delphi technique such as potentially low response rates and the obligation of large blocks of time by the respondents and the researcher(s) can be the result. Time Requirements Conducting a Delphi study can be time- consuming. Specifically, when the instrument of a Delphi study consists of a large number of statements, subjects will need to dedicate large blocks of time to complete the questionnaires.Delbecq, Van de Ven, and Gustafson (1975), Ulschak (1983), and Ludwig, (1994) recommend that a minimum of 45 days for the administration of a Delphi study is necessary. With regard to the time management between iterations, Delbecq et al. (1975) note that giving two weeks for Delphi subjects to respond to each round is encouraged. Ludwig (1994) indicates, â€Å"a drawback to Delphi was that the questionnaire method may slow the process greatly as several days or weeks may pass between rounds† (p. 54).More specifically, since developing the instrument, collecting the data, and administering the questionnaire are interconnected between iterations, ensuring Delphi subjects respond to the investigators on time does in many ways either promote or prohibit the ability of the investigators in analy zing the data, developing a new instrument based upon the prior responses, and distributing subsequent questionnaires in a timely fashion. These are challenging aspects of conducting a Delphi study and do require proper planning and management. The use and prevalence of electronic technologies (i. e. e-mail, teleconferencing, etc. ) may facilitate those who are interested in using the Delphi technique. Witkin and Altschuld (1995) note that electronic technology provides an opportunity for individuals to more easily employ the Delphi process by taking advantages of, â€Å"(1) the storage, processing, and speed of transmission capabilities of computers; (2) the maintenance of respondent anonymity, and; (3) the potential for rapid feedback† (p. 204). Data Analysis Regarding data analysis, decision rules must be established to assemble and organize the judgments and insights provided by Delphi subjects.However, the kind and type 4 of criteria to use to both define and determine c onsensus in a Delphi study is subject to interpretation. Basically, consensus on a topic can be decided if a certain percentage of the votes falls within a prescribed range (Miller, 2006). One criterion recommends that consensus is achieved by having 80 percent of subjects’ votes fall within two categories on a seven-point scale (Ulschak, 1983). Green (1982) suggests that at least 70 percent of Delphi subjects need to rate three or higher on a four point Likert-type scale and the median has to be at 3. 5 or higher. Scheibe, Skutsch, and Schofer (1975) reveal that the use of percentage measures is inadequate. They suggest that a more reliable alternative is to measure the stability of subjects’ responses in successive iterations. In the Delphi process, data analysis can involve both qualitative and quantitative data. Investigators need to deal with qualitative data if classic Delphi studies, which use open-ended questions to solicit subjects’ opinions, are conduc ted in the initial iteration.Subsequent iterations are to identify and hopefully achieve the desired level of consensus as well as any changes of judgments among panelists. The major statistics used in Delphi studies are measures of central tendency (means, median, and mode) and level of dispersion (standard deviation and inter-quartile range) in order to present information concerning the collective judgments of respondents (Hasson, Keeney, & McKenna, 2000). Generally, the uses of median and mode are favored. However, in some cases, as manifested by Murray and Jarman (1987), the mean is also workable.Witkin (1984) questions the appropriateness of using the mean to measure the subjects’ responses if scales used in Delphi studies are not delineated at equal intervals. In the literature, the use of median score, based on Likert-type scale, is strongly favored (Hill & Fowles, 1975; Eckman, 1983; Jacobs, 1996). As Jacobs (1996) states, â€Å"considering the anticipated consensus of opinion and the skewed expectation of responses as they were compiled, the median would inherently appear best suited to reflect the resultant convergence of opinion† (p. 57).The use of mode is also suitable when reporting data in the Delphi process. Ludwig (1994) specifically addressed that â€Å"the Delphi process has a tendency to create convergence, and though this was usually to a single point, there was the possibility of polarization or clustering of the results around two or more points. In these instances, the mean or median could be misleading† (p. 57). CONSIDERING DELPHI SHORTCOMINGS AND WEAKNESSES Potential of Low Response Rates Due to the multiple feedback processes inherent and integral to the concept and use of the Delphi process, thePractical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Vol 12, No 10 Hsu & Sandford, Delphi Technique potential exists for low response rates and striving to maintain robust feedback can be a challenge. â€Å"In the Delphi techniq ue, [poor response rate] is magnified fourfold because a maximum of four surveys may be sent to the same panelists† (Witkin & Altschuld, 1995, p. 196). If a certain portion of the subjects discontinue their responses during various stages of the Delphi process, the quality of information obtained could be discounted or at least critically scrutinized.As such, Ludwig (1994) specifically addresses subject motivation as the key to the successful implementation of a Delphi study and investigators need to play an active role in this area to help ensure as high a response rate as possible. Consumption of Large Blocks of Time The Delphi technique can also be time-consuming and laborious. Unlike other data collection techniques such as the telephone survey and the face-to-face administration, which can be simultaneously conducted by a group of people and can be completed in a short period of time if the sample size is small, the Delphi technique is terative and sequential. As a result , the necessity of taking large block of time to successively complete a Delphi process is inescapable. Ludwig (1994) indicates that, â€Å"a drawback to Delphi was that the questionnaire method may slow the process greatly as several days or weeks may pass between rounds† (p. 54). Optimally speaking, the iteration characteristics of the Delphi process provide the opportunities for investigators and subjects to improve the accuracy of the results.In contrast, the same characteristic also increases the workload of investigators and the amount of time needed to successfully complete the data collection process (Cunliffe, 2002). Potential of Molding Opinions The iteration characteristics of the Delphi technique can potentially enable investigators to mold opinions (Altschuld, 2003). An experiment, conducted by Scheibe, Skutsch, and Schofer (1975), indicated that Delphi subjects would rate their responses differently after receiving a distorted feedback.Dalkey and Helmer (1963) a lso noted that, â€Å"some ‘leading’ by the experimenters inevitably resulted from the selection of the information supplied† (p. 467). Moreover, Cyphert and Gant (1971) illustrated that a statement in their study was initially rated below average. However, Delphi subjects rated the statement above average after receiving false feedback. Therefore, Cyphert and Gant (1971) concluded that the Delphi technique could, â€Å"be used to mold opinion as well as to collect [data]† (p. 273).Indeed, â€Å"subtle pressure to conform with group ratings† was one of the major drawbacks in the Delphi technique (Witkin & Altschuld, 1995, p. 188). Delphi investigators need to be cognizant, exercise caution, and implement the proper safeguards in dealing with this issue. 5 Potential of Identifying General Statements vs. Specific Topic Related Information An assumption concerning Delphi participants is that they are equivalent in knowledge and experience (Altschuld & Thomas, 1991). However, this assumption might not be justified.More specifically, the expertise of Delphi panelists could be unevenly distributed, especially in the field of high technology (Marchant, 1988; Altschuld & Thomas, 1991). â€Å"Some panelists may have much more in-depth knowledge of certain topics, whereas other panelists are more knowledgeable about different topics† (Altschuld & Thomas, 1991, p. 187). Therefore, subjects who have less in-depth knowledge of certain topics are unable to specify the most important statements which have been identified by those subjects who possess in-depth knowledge concerning the target issue.The outcomes of a Delphi study could be the results of identifying a series of general statements rather than an in-depth exposition of the topic (Altschuld & Thomas, 1991). SUMMARY The Delphi technique provides those involved or interested in engaging in research, evaluation, fact-finding, issue exploration, or discovering what is actually k nown or not known about a specific topic a flexible and adaptable tool to gather and analyze the needed data. Subject selection and the time frames for conducting and completing a Delphi study are two areas which should be considered carefully prior to initiating the study.The additional precautions concerning low response rates, unintentionally guiding feedback, and surveying panelists about their limited knowledge of the topic rather than soliciting their expert judgments should also be built into the design and implementation of the study. The Delphi technique has and will continue to be an important data collection methodology with a wide variety of applications and uses for people who want to gather information from those who are immersed and imbedded in the topic of interest and can provide real-time and real-world knowledge. REFERENCES Adams, S. J. (2001).Projecting the next decade in safety management: A Delphi technique study. Professional Safety, 46 (10), 26-29. Altschuld, J. W. (2003). Delphi technique. Lecture, Applied evaluation design. The Ohio State University. Altschuld, J. W. , & Thomas, P. M. (1991). Considerations in the application of a modified scree test for Delphi survey data. Evaluation Review, 15 (2), 179-188. Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Vol 12, No 10 Hsu & Sandford, Delphi Technique Anderson, D. H. , & Schneider, I. E. (1993). Using the Delphi process to identify significant recreation research-based innovations.Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 11 (1), 25-36. 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The Delphi method: Substance, context, a critique and an annotated bibliography.Socio-Economic Planning Science, 5, 57-71. 7 Scheibe, M. , Skutsch, M. , & Schofer, J. (1975). Experiments in Delphi methodology. In H. A. Linstone, & M. Turoff (Eds. ). The Delphi method: Techniques and applications (pp. 262-287). Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Company. Taylor, R. E. , & Judd, L. L. (1989). Delphi method applied to tourism. In S. Witt, & L. Moutinho, (Eds. ). Tourism marketing and management handbook. New York: Prentice Hall. Turoff, M. , & Hiltz, S. R. (1996). Computer based Delphi process. In M. Adle r, & E. Ziglio (Eds. ).Gazing into the oracle: The Delphi method and its application to social policy and public health (pp. 56-88). London, UK: Jessica Kingsley Publishers. Ulschak, F. L. (1983). Human resource development: The theory and practice of need assessment. Reston, VA: Reston Publishing Company, Inc. Weaver, W. T. (1971). The Delphi forecasting method. Phi Delta Kappan, 52 (5), 267-273. Witkin, B. R. (1984). Assessing needs in educational and social programs. San Francisco, CA: Jossey-Bass Publishers. Witkin, B. R. , & Altschuld, J. W. (1995). Planning and conducting needs assessment: A practical guide.Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage Publications, Inc. Young, S. J. , & Jamieson, L. M. (2001). Delivery methodology of the Delphi: A comparison of two approaches. Journal of Park and Recreation Administration, 19 (1), 42-58. Citation Hsu, Chia-Chien & Sandford, Brian A. (2007). The Delphi Technique: Making Sense of Consensus. Practical Assessment Research & Evaluation, 12(10). Availab le online: http://pareonline. net/getvn. asp? v=12&n=10 Editors Note: Another paper on the Delphi Technique that appeared in Practical Assessment Research & Evaluation is: Yousuf, Muhammad Imran (2007).Using Experts’ Opinions through Delphi Technique. Practical Assessment Research & Evaluation, 12(4). Available online: http://pareonline. net/getvn. asp? v=12&n=4 . Authors Chia-Chien Hsu Post-doctoral Studies The Ohio State University 393 Schrock Road Worthington, OH 43085 Practical Assessment, Research & Evaluation, Vol 12, No 10 Hsu & Sandford, Delphi Technique Tel: (614) 885-0763 E-mail: hsu. 127 [at] osu. edu Brian A. Sandford Assistant Professor 214 Willard Hall Occupational Education Oklahoma State University Stillwater, Oklahoma 74074 405-744-3461 brian. sandford [at] okstate. edu 8