10 traits of a great manager, according to Google

10 traits of a great manager, according to Google There are many reasons that Google has been successful in its bid to become a globally dominant company. (Its onetime motto, â€Å"don’t be evil,† probably didn’t hurt.) But one of the most important factors is one you can’t see by going online and using one of their many tools, or asking your Google Home to tell you: effective management. You don’t build a company that big and that successful without quality people at all levels.In its regular Project Oxygen studies to analyze how to improve management and leadership at the company, Google has come up with a number of traits that make a good manager.1. â€Å"Is a good coach†A coach is only as strong as what his or her players produce. A high-quality manager supports the team, always working closely with team members to provide guidance, motivate them, and make sure that everything is moving along as it should.2. â€Å"Empowers team and does not micromanage†It may seem like getting the outcome you want from employees means micromanaging their every move. In reality, it’s a fast way to take power away from individuals and make them less likely to grow and change in ways that make the work better. A great manager knows when to step back and let team members take agency and initiative, building their own confidence and leadership skills while getting the work done. Trusting your team to do what they need to do is a morale booster, and helps create more productive, more satisfied employees.3. â€Å"Creates an inclusive team environment, showing concern for success and well-being†If employees don’t feel supported, work is likely to suffer and you start losing talented people. A great manager makes sure that each team member feels valued and supported in their work. Knowing that your manager cares about you, and not just the work output, improves morale and helps employees feel like a necessary part of the team’s goals.hbspt.cta.load(2785852 , '9e52c197-5b5b-45e6-af34-d56403f973c5', {});4. â€Å"Is productive and results-oriented†Setting goals and making sure everyone is working effectively toward them is a key part of managing well. It’s up to the manager to set those expectations, and show that he or she is just as committed to them as everyone else.5. â€Å"Is a good communicator- listens and shares information†Nothing causes frustration in the ranks faster than poor communication to and from the top. There’s a reason that communication skills are on just about every job description under the sun. It’s not just about passing information, it’s also about knowing how to hear and understand what’s going on, react appropriately, and communicate outward. That means being able to navigate sticky work politics, as well as take feedback and concerns from employees.6. â€Å"Supports career development and discusses performance†A great manager doesn’t just see team members as faceless worker bees doing the same job over and over indefinitely. A great manager works with team members to find opportunities for improvement and define job goals in a way that pushes them forward. Performance reviews (whether formal or periodic â€Å"how are things going?† check-ins) can identify ways employees can grow and let them know you’re there to support that.7. â€Å"Has a clear vision/strategy for the team†Another morale killer: not really understanding how or why the work is being done. Managing well includes coaching employees toward a particular goal or strategy. Sometimes those are handed down from above as part of a larger corporate mission, but other times it means defining what your group hopes to achieve. Having a clear strategy and communicating that to team members shows how everyday work is contributing to the company’s larger goals or mission. It’s your job to make sure everyone’s seeing the forest and t he trees.8. â€Å"Has key technical skills to help advise the team†It may be that your job is assembling and cultivating experts- not being an expert yourself in a particular process or skill set. You don’t necessarily have to be better than your employees at everything, but you should definitely have enough technical skill to be able to speak intelligently about it, and be ready to provide guidance or support when necessary.9. â€Å"Collaborates across Google†No team is an island. (Okay, that’s not quite how it goes, but you get the gist.) No matter how specialized your team may be, chances are you have to get information from other teams, communicate with other teams, or collaborate on projects with other teams. It’s important to make sure those connections with other groups and colleagues across the company are valued, and ensure that communication is smooth between your team and others.10. â€Å"Is a strong decision maker†Being the boss means having to make the decisions, tough or not. Getting input from others is important, but if you want to push your managerial skills to the next level, that means owning the decision-making process and backing your decisions with as much information and education as possible.If you’re looking to boost your bossing, paying attention to these 10 qualities will help you become a well-rounded manager.

Is ACT Word of the Day a Good Way to Study Vocab

Is ACT Word of the Day a Good Way to Study Vocab SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips Are you building up your vocabulary to get ready for the ACT? While memorizing obscure words won't get you too far, learning medium-level words in multiple contexts will help you out a great deal on ACT Reading and English. Besides "multiple-meaning" words, you also want to review scientific terms to be prepared for the ACT Science section. This guide tackles the "one word a day" strategy and how you can use it effectively to prepare for the ACT. First, how useful isstudying just one word a day? Is Studying a Word a Day Helpful? As I discussed above, you don't need to memorize obscure, difficult wordsto get ready for the ACT, because those won't be tested anywhere on it. Instead, the ACT tests words of medium difficulty that you're more likely to befamiliar with, but might not realize can have different connotations in different contexts. That's why your daily vocabulary studying should be less about learning new definitions and more about studying how a word can be used in multiple contexts. If you study one word a day, then your knowledge could really build up over time. This means, of course, that you'd have to start early, like several months to a year out from your test. If you only started two weeks before your test, that would only add up to 14 words! Not so helpful. Since many ACT Word of the Day resources might notgive you any or more than one example sentence, studying a word a day is most effective if you can seek out other contexts in which your word of the day is used. On a similar note, you could write your own example sentences to make sure you know how to use the word in different ways. Reading the word in multiple contexts, using it in your own writing, and looking for it in your reading going forward will help you retain the word in your long-term memory. Let's take a closer look at the pros and cons of studying vocabulary by using ACT Word of the Day. Take time to review - don't let goldfish brain happen to you! Pros of ACT Word of the Day Taking just five minutes out of your day to learn a new word (or learn how a familiar word can be used in new ways) can be rewarding for your test prep and your own self-education. It helps with "trickle learning," or learning a small amount everyday until it adds up to a great well of knowledge. It reminds you to stick with the rest of your ACT prep schedule, and it orients you to learning at least one new thing everyday. If you start early, then the number of words you've studied can really add up over time. It's a convenient and low-pressure way to injectsome test prep into each and every day. In this way, it's much less stressful than studying a ton of words all at once right before your test. As I mentioned above, the ACT tests words of moderate difficulty and makes sure you understand them in context. Studying your ACT vocabulary in different contexts will help with vocabulary questions on the English and Reading sections, plus it will improve your overall reading comprehension and writing abilities. Improving your verbal abilities will help you in school, in college, and beyond. Finally, this small commitment to studying a word a day could be like a gift you give yourself. Anytime we set a long term goal and slowly make small steps to get there, we build up our power to stick to our goals, maintain a sense of self-discipline, and put purpose behind ouractions. The benefits of studying an ACT Word of the Day are clear, but what are some potential downsides to this approach? Cons of ACT Word of the Day Studying just one word a day takes a long time to build up. While it might start out by only taking 5 minutes or so out of your day, you might find yourself having to review more and more to keep track of the words you studied months or even a year before. It could become harder to keep up with your ACT Word of the Day if it starts to become a bigger time commitment than you originally anticipated. Another con is that there are not too manyonline resources specifically for ACT Word of the Day. Its counterpart, the SAT Word of the Day, is much better served online with websites, email lists, and even a New York Times blog. Because of the lack of ACT email lists, you probably have to expend more effort to make your own Word of the Day flashcards from vocabulary lists. Besides vocabulary words, the ACT sometimes also tests common idioms, like hush-hush, get an edge on, against the clock, and streak past. You probably won't find these on vocabulary lists, so might have to find these on your own, as well, if you need some review. Most native English speakers will be familiar with these, but if English is your second language then you might want to seek these idioms out, as well. I mentioned that there aren't too many online resources for ACT Word of the Day, but you can make your own from lists of ACT words and definitions. Using this map from The Phantom Tollbooth, you can journey towards Dictionopolis onyour way to the Sea of Knowledge (...or use the websites listed below). Where Can You FindACT Words of the Day? One site that you can visit for ACT Words of the Day is Number2.com. It shows you a word, definition, and one example sentence. It would be a good idea to find other examples of the word in context, as well as writing it in your own sentences. This site does not usually include very obscure words, but unfortunately it does not differentiate between ACT Word of the Day and SAT Word of the Day. Some of the words will be helpful; others, not so much. PrepScholar, on the other hand, has an ACT-specific list of itstop 150 vocabulary words. You could use this list to make flashcards or simply study one word a day. As this list is ACT words and definitions, you again would want to seek out these words in context. Even just googling each word will pull up at least one example sentence from an online dictionary, and you can continue to search for them online and in your reading. In addition to these words you'll need for the Reading and English section, you can also incorporate science vocabulary into your ACT Word of the Day and general prep. While the ACT Science is like the Reading section in a lot of ways, there still is some actual science that you need to know to gain a strong score. Now that you know where to find commonly tested ACT words, how can you study them one day at a time? How to Study ACT Words of the Day Like a DIY project, you can create your own ACT Word of the Day by making flashcards or uploading your own lists to vocabulary-building sites like Quizlet orWordDynamo. These sites let you take timed quizzes and play matching games, which could be a quick review once you've been studying word of the days for a few weeks or months. As I mentioned above, your vocabulary questions on the ACT will generally ask how a word is used in context. Make sure to understand the vocab word in all its meanings and connotations, as well as note the context clues in example sentences that hint at its meaning. If you can be proactive and incorporate it into your own writing, then you'll also be able to reinforce your understanding of the word in its varioususages. Studying a word a day is a quick and easy way to learn words, add some test prep into your daily schedule, and remind yourself to stick to your overall study schedule. Making this part of your routine will help you build your study and time management skills. With studying ACT vocabulary, you should focus on quality of words rather than quantity. The 150 most commonly tested words I mentioned above are the ones you should prioritize, plus the science terms you'll need to grasp. Start early, ramp up review close to your test date, and integrate your studying of vocabulary with your overall prep for comprehending English, Reading, and Science passages. In addition, make sure to customize the way you study ACT words to your personal learning style and goals. How Do You Learn New Words? Like with all aspects of prepping for the ACT, you should reflect on your learning style and design the approach that works best for you. If you feel stressed about the ACT, then starting early with a word a day andan ACT Question of the Day will gradually introduce you to the test and help you diagnose your strengths and weaknesses. If you're more deadline-driven, then these approaches are still useful for gaining some familiarity with the test while leaving more intensive studying for the months leading up to it. Try to pay close attention to ACT words when they pop up in your reading. You know that feeling when you learn something new and suddenly start seeing it everywhere? That can happen with vocabulary words, too, and it can help reinforce your understanding and long-term retention. Enhancing your verbal abilities willbe helpful not juston theACT, but in all aspects of communication in your academic, professional, and personal life. What's Next? To best study for the ACT, you need to know exactly what kind of content is tested on each section. Read about what's actually on the English, Reading, Science, and Math sections of the ACT. Are you wondering when to take the ACT? Learn how to choose your test dates. Aiming for a top ACT score? Read our guide on how to get a perfect 36 ACT score. Want to improve your ACT score by 4+ points? Download our free guide to the top 5 strategies you need in your prep to improve your ACT score dramatically.

How Victimization Evolves to Empowerment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3500 words

How Victimization Evolves to Empowerment - Essay Example All the same, King chooses a moderate and democratic viewpoint of empowerment, while Malcolm presents a more militant path. What Malcolm says about racial discrimination is that black people suffer â€Å"political oppression at the hands of the white man, economic exploitation at the hands of the white man, and social degradation at the hands of the white man.†2 King on the other hand remarks that black are denied their â€Å"constitutional and God given rights† under racial discrimination.3 It can be seen from the above statements that while King views the system as the culprit, Malcolm points his fingers to the mainstream white. It is in the backdrop of the racially discriminatory Jim Crow laws that both make their above-mentioned statements. Malcolm calls Jim Crow laws, a â€Å"segragationist conspiracy† and prescribes black to break them, while King calls for fighting against the segragationist laws as a part of a civil disobedience movement so that it can be transformed into a political struggle. While Malcolm thus stresses retaliation, King stands for collective political action. Martin Luther King realizes that for the process of empowerment to begin, first the black and the society should fully understand the dimensions of victim status. In â€Å"The Letter from Birmingham Jail,† when Martin Luther King writes an open letter to the eight white religious leaders, he is answering their allegations against him and the agitating black people as well, but also is making use of the opportunity to discuss the issue of racial segregation of black people.4 This forced entry of the black narrative into main public discourse is first step in the process of empowerment. This is an attempt to get the mass society acknowledge that black are real victims. This assertion of victim status then also becomes a prelude to the forthcoming empowerment process. King in his letter is trying to make both white and black people see the facts about bla ck victimisation.5 King was arrested and put in Birmingham jail for taking part in a demonstration against racial violence and discrimination.6 He wrote this letter in response to the statement issued by eight white religious leaders of the South, expressing concern over the â€Å"untimely† and violent nature of black protests.7 King utilizes his chance to reply to the white leaders so that he can show the wider public the ground realities of black life, a picture usually suppressed in mainstream narratives. In this manner, King by tailtoing a mainstream discourse, tries to win the attention of the mainstream audience, in order to make them see a marginalised issue. This method adopted by King stands proof to the fact that it is only through making victims as well as perpetrators acknowledge the victim status of the black, that the process of empowerment can begin. From this point of view, the letter of King can be viewed as addressed to both black and white people. King asse rts the need for black unity for the sake of their empowerment, and anchors his arguments on the universal value of justice to get wider support for them. King declares that he presumes the eight white leaders to be genuine and sincere in their concerns.8 This is a demand, and warning in disguise, that the white leaders are expected to adhere to the declared genuinity of their concerns. By making such a demand, King shows black that they have every right and courage to demand justice.

Hurricane sandy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hurricane sandy - Essay Example Work and classes were also cancelled as a result of all the circumstances happening in the areas. When the storm hit New Jersey, I consider it lucky for me to have been away on vacation. I may not have felt the direct effects of the storm as it hit the city nevertheless the information about what happened on that dreadful day has shaken me so strongly. Looking at all the deaths and the widespread effects of the storm on television, I thought about how things would have been for me if I were in New Jersey during that time. The event made me think about how a life could be lost in such an unexpected circumstance at an unexpected time and place. Who could have thought that the two cities could be so largely affected by the storm? New York, most especially, is considered a strong city where one can find security and yet it was not spared by a calamity that has proven to be destructive to the place it hits regardless of that place’s reputation and status. Indeed, this world offers no secure security. The money, job and other things found in the cities of New York and New Jersey that people consider to give assurance for their future have been affected by the storm as well. ... I could just imagine what difficulties the people have been through during the past days. The city that was once beautiful looked so devastated that I begun to think how vulnerable everything and everyone is to such destructions. The sight brought tears to my eyes knowing that people indeed have been through a lot of difficulties as they tried to clean up the city and fix everything to get the place back in order. Looking back at the events during the hurricane, I cannot help but think about the victims who suffered a lot. However, in the midst of the hardships, the spirit of unity once again arose among the American people. The president was shown on television giving support to the victims not only verbally but also in terms of physical help such as sending necessities to the cities. Moreover, people helped each other in order to overcome the difficulties they are going through. This struck me so strongly that it really made me appreciate our being humans when it comes to circumsta nces such as this. Political enemies may have heated arguments during ordinary days however, when such calamity occurs, political, religious or cultural beliefs find no strength in stopping the people to be united in helping each other to rise again. Such events make me think and consider what I should do as an individual to partake in such acts of kindness that may affect other people in ways I can just imagine. In this world that is full of troubles and threats, any help is necessary to make our place livable. Just like New Jersey after hurricane Sandy, the place has become physically bad for living. However, the efforts of people helping each other to bring the glory of the place back, made the challenges easier for

The Underground Railroad Essay Example for Free

The Underground Railroad Essay The Underground Railroad was an important element in the fight for and promotion of freedom for blacks enslaved within the United States during the 19th century. However, in order to understand its importance to the development of U. S. society it is necessary to understand its historical and contextual basis. Leading off from the Mexican-American war which ended in 1848 there was increasing tension between Americans living in the northern section of the United States and those living in the south particularly over the issue of slavery (Epps, 2004). Those in the North had long demonstrated their intolerance for the continuance of slave practices in the Union and those in the South had long expressed sentiments that the practice of slavery would continue. This variance in viewpoint soon led to the North-South divide which also took on a strongly political aspect. Blacks in the South, jealous of their counterparts in the North and craving freedom from a lifetime of slavery, had long been exploiting this variance in viewpoint with regard to slave since the 1780s by finding opportunities to escape their plantations in the South and find refuge in the North or in Canada. This practice kept increasing as the divide between the North and South widened. Run-away slaves were often quite welcomed in the North and some sympathizers, beginning with the Quakers, assisted them in their escape. The practice of helping slaves cross over into the North and Canada was figuratively referred to as the Underground Railroad or the Liberty line. The literal Underground Railroad was a network of safe havens (Hicks, Montequin Hicks, 2000, p. 27) in the form of safe houses, churches and shelters (Anonymous, 2003, p. 10) to which safes running away could turn to facilitating their onward progress to the North, which represented freedom. The network of safe havens stretched from the states in the South to as far as Canada (Hicks, Montequin Hicks, 2000). The concept of this network as a railroad is evident in the codes that those involved used to refer to various components of the movement. Slaves that were running away were referred to as passengers, persons who were guiding them along the different routes were called conductors and the places at which they stopped were named stations. Thus the Underground Railroad was not a physical place or space but a movement aimed at liberating blacks from slavery. Numerous individuals collaborated in making this movement into the success it is now proclaimed to have had. Some estimates are that about 30, 000 blacks were able to escape via the Underground Railroad (Anonymous, 2000, p. 10) and still others put the figure at twice as much. Though the precise numbers are not known it is still very evident that the work of the individuals involved in the Underground Railroad movement was quite effective in bringing many blacks out of a lifetime of slavery. As has been noted before the movement began with the work of the Quakers. Over the lifetime of the Underground Railroad countless other individuals, the majority of whom were black but including whites and women, were involved in the process. One of the names most notably associated with the Underground Railroad is Harriet Tubman. She had herself been a slave when she took the opportunity, in 1849, to head north along the Underground Railroad. She subsequently became actively involved in helping other blacks escape slavery. It is reported that she made a total of nineteen round trips between the North and South bringing to freedom approximately 300 African slaves (Chism, 2005, p. 47). The persons who facilitated the slaves moving between safe houses on the Underground Railroad, were putting themselves at considerable legal risks and thus activities had to be carried out as clandestinely as possible. There were laws designed and implemented specifically to curb the rate of assistance that escaped slaves were given in the North. The Fugitive Slave Act of 1793 gave owners the power to retrieve their slaves from whatever state they escape to, even in the North. This act proved to be unsuccessful so it was later reinforced with additional provisions in 1850. Under the new act persons were obligated to return runaway slaves to their owners and law officials in all states were mandated to upkeep this law and participate in active slave recovery (Williams-Myers, 2005). With these stringent legal conditions it was indeed with fear and trepidation that many slaves took on the challenge of running for the North. The efforts made by the conductors, the keepers in the safe houses and all who facilitated the journey, are indeed commendable since they reached out to humanity without regarding person safety. Several states northern states, as a result of the large genesis of African Americans into the North, soon became de jure slave settlements. In Mid-West states such as Iowa, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio and Michigan as well as in Northeast states such as Pennsylvania, New York, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine (Sayers, 2004, p. 437) large numbers of newly escaped blacks took up permanent residence and began to make a life in freedom. The Underground Railroad indeed represents not only the struggles towards emancipation but also, according to Williams-Myers (2005) â€Å"a moral challenge to an immoral mindset† References Epps, Garrett. (2004, Summer). The Antebellum Political Background of the Fourteenth Amendment. Law and Contemporary Problems, 67(3), 175-211. Williams-Myers, A.J. (2005, Jul). Some notes on the extent of New York Citys involvement in the Underground Railroad.  Afro-Americans in New York Life and History, 29(2), 73. Sayers, D. O. (2004). The Underground Railroad Reconsidered. The Western Journal of Black Studies, 28(3), 435-443. Hicks, B., Montequin, L. Hicks, J. (2000, Jan). Learning about our community: From the underground railroad to school lunch. Primary Voices K – 6, 8(3), 26-33. Chism, K. (2005, Mar). Harriet Tubman: Spy, veteran, and widow. OAH Magazine of History, 47-51. Anonymous. (2003, Feb 13). Researchers to study Natchezs role in Underground Railroad. Black Issues in Higher Education, 19(26), 10.

An Analysis of John Updikes A&P Essay -- A&P Essays JOhn Updike Paper

An Analysis of John Updike's A&P In his short story "A & P" John Updike utilizes a 19-year-old adolescent to show us how a boy gets one step closer to adulthood. Sammy, an A & P checkout clerk, talks to the reader with blunt first person observations setting the tone of the story from the outset. The setting of the story shows us Sammy's position in life and where he really wants to be. Through the characterization of Sammy, Updike employs a simple heroic gesture to teach us that actions have consequences and we are responsible for our own actions. Sammy is a 19-year-old boy conveying a cocky but cute male attitude. He describes three girls entering the A & P, setting the tone of the story. "In walk these three girls in nothing but bathing suits. There was this chunky one, with the two piece-it was bright green and the seams on the bra were still sharp and her belly was still pretty pale...there was this one, with one of those chubby berry-faces, the lips all bunched together under her nose, this one, and a tall one, with black hair that hadn't quite frizzed righ...

Knowledge Is the Ultimate Power

Knowledge is the Ultimate power by jayaram Dear friends, have you ever gazed at the night sky and wondered â€Å"What is this Universe? Why is the universe the way it is? Where did we come from? How long our Earth and human race last for? † I think everybody has these questions at least once in their life and we may have a little bit answers. If you want to get better answers, you must read an awesome book called â€Å"A brief history of time† written by Stephen William Hawking mainly for a layman. Stephen William Hawking is a cosmologist, Physicist and Mathematician who is believed to be one of the greatest minds and a living genius.How you will feel if one day you come to know that you are going to die within two years? We will lose our heart. We will lose our future dreams. Some fellows will start to enjoy whatever they wanted to enjoy in their entire life. Some fellows even will try to suicide or start to abuse the God like why the god cursed me? The Same thing happ ened to Hawking. At the age of 21 he was diagnosed with the incurable disease ALS shortly before his marriage, and doctors said he would lost control of his muscles day by day and would not survive more than two years.At first, Hawking was shocked and upset. He could not find any reason for living except one goal to complete understanding of the universe, why it is as it is and why it exists at all. He lost the use of his arms and legs. Fortunately the progress of his illness slowed down Despite his growing physical disabilities, he determined to live and make professional progress in the world of science. Hawking explained the beginning of the universe with the help of black holes which Einstein couldn’t answer.Unfortunately at the age of 42, Hawking caught pneumonia and had a tracheotomy operation, which made him voiceless and as of now he has been almost completely paralyzed. To communicate he has been using a voice synthesizer which auto-completes the words entered throug h a sensor on his cheek. He can speak only 4 words for a minute. Inspite of all disabilities he wrote 6 books through which he changed the perception of human beings about the universe. He had a zero-gravity space flight to encourage public interest in space.He had an attractive family. He got Presidential Medal of Freedom the highest civilian honor in the United States. He is the king of cosmology not because of political power; he has everything not because he is a billionaire. He is a celebrity not because he is a Hollywood or pop hero. He has sold more books on physics than Madonna has on sex. All is because of his search for truth, Quest for Knowledge and knowledge is the ultimate power. The world of knowledge is waiting for our contribution. Let us add something to it.

The Five Pillars of Islam – Shahadah

The Shahadah (profession of faith) What is it? Specific, religious description Shahadah (testimony, oath) (witness, to know and believe without suspicion) Summary and declaration of Muslim faith One enters Islamic faith when reciting the Kalima (statement of faith) â€Å"I bear witness that there is no other deity but, Allah, and I bear witness that Muhammad is the messenger of Allah† (in Arabic) Muslims recite the Kalima with understanding and full internal acceptance It is not sufficient for anyone to just recite these words but one should believe in it by heart with a firm convictionReciting the Kalima, they proclaim that : 1. Allah is the only God and Muhammad is his prophet; 2. accepts that this is true -> Should be constantly and consciously present in the heart of every muslim 3. and that they will obey all the commitments of Islam in their life These words are the first words newborns hear, and the last words heard by the dying. A Muslim lives with these sentences, hea rs them and utters them at least once every day Part of the ritual prayer in the 2nd pillar of IslamFor sunni Muslims, it is the first of the five pillars of faith; while the Shi’a connects it to their lists of pillars of faith The Shahadah has certain conditions that makes a person benefit from the Kalima (testimony of faith) 9 Conditions of the Shahadah: Knowledge (‘ilm) having the basic and general knowledge of the shahadah what this testimony concerns? As a normal person would have to know what they are testifying about when making an oath. because not knowing what you are testifying about is absolutely unacceptable.It would mean nothing, basically. Certainty (yaqeen) In Islam, any kind of doubt is similar to disbelief (Kufr) Muslims have to be certain of the truth of the Shahadah Allah describes the believers in the Qur’an â€Å"the (true) believers are those only who believe in Allah and His messenger and afterward doubt not, but strive with their wealth a nd their lives for the cause of Allah. Such are the sincere. â€Å"? (al-Hujjarat : 15). Muslims have to be certain of the truth of the Shahadah and that there is no sense of doubt or wavering of hearts. oubts and suspicions are more dangerous than lusts and desires for a person’s faith cure: is the sound knowledge of the Qur’an and Sunnah Acceptance (qabool) after knowing and being certain of the shahadah, one must accept it believer accepts the implications of the shahadah = also means believing in what the Qur’an states or by the Prophet without any questions asked whatever comes from Allah or Muhammad, a true Muslim believes in it as the truth Submission (Inqiyad) he actual physical enactment with the deeds of the shahadah duties to be performed with sincerity to Allah and seeking forgiveness and guidance from him the meaning of Islam itself, â€Å"the submission to the will and commands of Allah† eg. performing the five daily prayers as it is compul sory for them to do so; and reciting the Kalima everyday of their lives Truthfulness (as-sidq) saying the shahadah honestly. One to mean it. Hypocrites -> not believing in it but saying it to protect themselves and gaining something from doing so Sincerity (ikhlass) eaning of sincerity is opposite of shirk (nifaaq)->(avoiding or neglecting a duty or responsibility) when making the shahadah, must do it for the sake of Allah they are Muslims only for the sake of Allah, all of their actions are done only for the sake of Allah are they Muslims for their parents and would do whatever their parents would like them to do? or are they muslims for allah’s sake and would do whatever Allah wants them to do? Love (mahabbah) love of the shahadah, its meaning and being happy with it Denial of False worship orship only Allah and deny any false deities(Taghoot) Adherence (astaqeem) adherence or support of it until death reflects in the Hereafter the shahadah is a Muslim’s banner until death to be in complete state of surrender, submission, obedience to Allah Muftah ul Jennah (Key to Paradise) Proclaims it with sincerity and devotion and acts and lives in accordance to its requirements How and why is this pillar important for the everyday life of a muslim? Most important article of faith Reinforces(strengthens, promotes) the muslim faith and represents acceptance f Allah and Muhammad and the religion, Islam The significance of this declaration is the belief that the only purpose of life is to serve and obey Allah through the teachings and practices of Muhammad Reciting the Kalima is the most essential act of Islam The Second Pillar – Prayer The faithful perform ritual prayer – which is known as Salat – at least five times each day This the expression of gratitude and love towards Allah By practicing Salat is also the recognition of the greatness of Allah and the inferiority of man Prayer offers guidance and peace of mind for the faithfulTo pr epare for Sadat, Muslims perform wudu or ritual washing of the face, arms and feet. Formal prayer incorporates various postures such as standing, kneeling, bowing and touching one’s forehead to the ground. This demonstrates the act of submission and surrender before Allah The five prayer times are determined by the position of the sun in the sky, and not the clock, both men and women Muslims prayer at dawn, midday, mid afternoon, sunset and before going to bed. dawn; is known as fajr and is called when there is merely the slightest glimmer of light on the eastern horizon and homes are still in total darkness.The prayer must be performed before the sun appears over the horizon. It includes the words ‘prayer is better than sleep’ midday; is known as zuhr is just after the sun has reached its highest point or zenith mid afternoon; known as ‘asr, is just after the sun has reached the midpoint between the zenith and the western horizon sunset; known as the Maghr ib is performed when the sun has touched the western horizon Before bed; known as ‘isha when the last glimmer of red has faded from the western sky Muslims usually say their prayers on small prayer mat, known as sajjada, lways facing towards the holy city of Mecca. The recitation that is essential for every unit of every prayer is the al-Fatiha – the first chapter of the Qur’an. How to pray to Allah: Make sure your body and place of prayer are clean. Perform ablutions if necessary. Make the intention to perform your obligatory prayer. Standing, raise hands up and say â€Å"Allahu Akbar† (God is Most Great). Standing with hands folded over chest, recite the first chapter of the Qur'an in Arabic. Then recite any other verses of the Qur'an that you would like. Raise hands up, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. Bow, reciting three times, â€Å"Subhana rabbiyal adheem† (Glory be to my Lord Almighty). Rise to standing while reciting â€Å"Sam'i Allahu liman ham idah, Rabbana wa lakal hamd† (God hears those who call upon Him; Our Lord, praise be to You). Raise hands up, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † Prostrate on the ground, reciting three times â€Å"Subhana Rabbiyal A'ala† (Glory be to my Lord, the Most High). Rise to a sitting position, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † Prostrate again in the same manner. Rise to a standing position, saying â€Å"Allahu Akbar. † This concludes one rak'a (cycle or unit of prayer).Begin again from Step 3 for the second rak'a. After two rak'as, one remains sitting after the prostrations and recites the first part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. If the prayer is to be longer than these two rak'as, one now stands up and begins again to complete the prayer, sitting again after all rak'as have been completed. Recite the second part of the Tashahhud in Arabic. Turn to the right and say â€Å"Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah† (Peace be upon you and God's blessings). Turn to the left a nd repeat the greeting. This concludes the formal prayer. The third pillar of faith: The Poor Tax. Description:The Poor Tax is also known as Compulsory Charity or Zakat. It requires every financially stable Muslim to give to this charity. Zakat is viewed as â€Å"compulsory charity†, for those who have received their wealth from God are obligated to give to the community in need. Islam requires man to consider his personal wealth as belonging to Allah and, therefore, to set apart a portion for Him. No maximum limit has been prescribed, but a minimum limit has definitely been fixed. According to statutory Zakat, each individual must abide by this and spend a fixed minimum percentage of his wealth every year in the way prescribed by Allah.Zakat must be paid on different categories of property including gold, silver, money, livestock and agricultural produce. It also requires an annual contribution of 2. 5% of an individual’s wealth and assets. This money that is given as Zakat can only be used for certain specific things, like to support the poor and needy, free slaves and is a form of social security in a Muslim society. Importance: Islamics encourages the sharing of their wealth with others and helps people to stand on their own and become active members of society. In Arabic, Zakat literally means â€Å"purification† this is considered to purify one’s heart of greed.The Zakat is also a means of helping those poor Muslims. If all Muslims paid their taxes there would be no poverty in the world. It is a system made by Islamics to help poor people and to maintain balance between luxury and poverty. It’s main purpose is to discourage the accumulation of wealth within groups in society and to fix the uneven distribution of wealth in society. Zakat, first and foremost, makes it plain to people that their entire ‘possessions’ are gifts of Allah The Zakat has great importance in the life of Muslims: It is a test of their faithfulness.It tests how one will help a those in need with what they have been given by God’s wealth. It is obligatory for all muslims. Those who refuse to pay the Poor Tax have false claims about being Islamic It separates the believers from the non believers. Those who believe in God would not ignore their requirement to pay the Poor Tax A payment of the Zakat brings Muslims together. The money collected is spent for the welfare of needy persons It removes social evils. The poor tend to commit theft because of their lack of money and by giving them financial support the crime level is lowered.It spreads wealth throughout the community. It gets a proportion of the money that many richer Muslim’s keep hoarded and it is then circulated throughout the market Importance: Zakat is the third ‘pillar’ of Islam. Zakat means setting apart for Allah every year a certain portion of one’s savings and wealth (generally 2. 5 percent) and spending it upon reli gious duties and on needy members of the community. The fulfillment of this duty is, in fact, a kind of reminder that all one has is in trust for Allah. Man should, therefore, hold nothing back from Allah.Islam requires man to consider his personal wealth as belonging to Allah and, therefore, to set apart a portion for Him. No maximum limit has been prescribed, but a minimum limit has definitely been fixed. According to statutory Zakat, each individual must abide by this and spend a fixed minimum percentage of his wealth every year in the way prescribed by Allah. Zakat is a symbol of one’s obligation to recognize the rights of others and to be in sympathy with them in pain or in sorrow. Zakat, first and foremost, makes it plain to people that their entire ‘possessions’ are gifts of Allah.Zakat is an annual tax, or duty, in essence and spirit: it is recognition on the part of man of the share which Allah, and other men, have in his wealth. – Zakaah purifies and cleanses wealth, and purifies the soul from stinginess and miserliness. It strengthens the love between the rich and poor, takes away hatred, makes security prevail and brings happiness to the ummah happy. The Fourth Pillar: FASTING IN ISLAM: Who must fast? Fasting ramadan is compulsory upon every Muslim, male or female, who has these qualifications: 1. To be mentally and physically fir, which means to be sane and able 2.To be of full age, the age of puberty and discretion, which is normally about fourteen. Children under this age should be encouraged to start this good practice on easy levels, so when they reach the age of puberty they will be mentally and physically prepared to observe fasting. 3. To be present at one's permanent settlement, your hometown, one's farm, and one's business premises, etc. This means not to be on a journey of about fifty miles or more. 4. To be fairly certain that fasting is unlikely to cause you any harm, physical or mental, other than the normal reactions to hunger, thirst etc.Exemption from Fasting These said qualifications exclude the following categories: 1. Children under the age of puberty and discretion. 2. Insane people who are unaccountable for their deeds. People of these two categories are exempted from the duty of fist, and no compensation or any other substitute is enjoined on them. 3. Men and women who are too old and feeble to undertake the obligation of fast and bear its hardships. Such people are exempted from this duty, but they must offer, at least, one needy poor Muslim an average full meal or its value per person per day. . Sick people whose health is likely to be severely affected by the observance of fast. They may postpone the fast. as long as they are sick , to a later date and make up for it, a day for a day. 5. Travelers may break the fast temporarily during their travel only and make up for it in later days, a day for a day. 6. Pregnant women and women breast-feeding their children may also break the fast, if its observance is likely to endanger their own health or that of their infants. But they must make up for the fast at a delayed time, a day for a day. . Women in the -period of menstruation (of a maximum of ten days or of confinement (of a maximum of forty days). They must postpone the fast till recovery and then make up for it, a day for a day. General Recommendations ?It is strongly recommended by Prophet Muhammad to observe these practices especially during Ramadan: 1. To have a light meal before the break of the dawn, known as Suhoor. 2. To eat a few dates or start breaking the fast bu plain water right after sunset, saying this prayer Allah humma laka sumna, wa' ala rizqika aftarna. (O God! or your sake have we fasted and now we break the fast with the food you have given us). 3. To make your meals as light as possibe because, as the Prophet put it, the worst thing man can fill his stomach. 4. To observe the supererogatory prayer known as Taraweeh. 5. To exhange s ocial visits and intensify humanitarian services. 6. To increase the study and recitation of the Qur'an. 7. To exert the utmost in patience and humbleness. 8. To be extraordinarily cautious in using ones senses, one's mind and, especially, the tongue; to abstain from careless gossip and avoid all suspicious motions.No food, drink, smoke or sexual pleasures are aloud during this month of Ramadan. 5th Pillar of Islam: The Hajj Where did the belief originate from In Muslim belief, Mecca has a unique status that goes back to the dawn of time. The Qur’an tells the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, in much the same way as does the book of Genesis. There are a number of popular stories about where they fell. One is that Adam fell on Sri Lanka, on the top of what is now known as Adam’s Peak, and that Eve fell in Arabia.They spent many years looking for and at last met each other on the site of one of the great rituals of the Hajj, not far from Mecca: the plain of Arafat. Millions of pilgrims congregate here each year. The word Arafat in popular etymology means ‘recognition’, and the plain has this name as the place where Adam and Eve at last met, recognised each other and were reunited. Adam built the original Ka’ba, to be known as the House of God—the first place of worship on earth. It thus preceded any other sacred site on earth. Description of pillarHajj (pilgrimage) is a great annual event for Muslims. Hajj is an important ritual worship that should be performed by any adult Muslim (man or woman) at least once in life if one can afford it physically, financialy and safely. There are many reasons for why Hajj is important and for why Muslims perform hajj. First of these reasons is that Hajj is the fifth pillar of the Islam 5 pillars. You as adult Muslim (man or woman) is required to perform hajj at least once in your life if you can afford it financially, physically, and safely.Hajj (pilgrimage) is a great annual event for Muslims. Hajj is an important ritual worship that should be performed by any adult Muslim (man or woman) at least once in life if one can afford it physically, financialy and safely. Performance of the rites of the pilgrimage to Mecca, the Hajj to the seventh to the 10th day of dhu’l-hajja (12th month of the muslim calendar) Obligation for every Muslim to visit Mecca once in there life, who is of age, and of stable health, who has the financial means Significance of pillarThe pilgrimage to Mecca is an important aspect of the Islamic religion. Every Muslim person with the financial means to go to Mecca are expected to visit the sacred site. Mecca is the birthplace of Muhammad but this is not the central reason for its importance to Muslim people. The central reason for the significance of the 5th pillar of Islam is that Mecca is considered by the Muslims as the city of God. At the centre of Me cca is the Sacred Mosque, built around the Ka’ba. Mecca has its own unique status as it goes back to the dawn of time.The Qur’an tells the story of the disobedience of Adam and Eve, and their expulsion from the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, in much the same way as does the book of Genesis. Passage that relate to it The first House [of worship] established on earth is indeed that at Bakka [Mecca], [set there] as a blessing and guidance for all peoples. In it are signs that give testimony. [In it is] the place where Abraham stood. Whoever enters it is secure from harm. The Pilgrimage to the House is a duty humankind owes to God. (Sura 3:96–97) Proclaim to humankind the Pilgrimage! They will come to you on foot, hey will come on every scrawny camel, they will come from every distant valley to behold the blessings prepared for them and recite the name of God on the appointed days, [as they sacrifice] the beasts and cattle He has provided for them. T hen eat of these cattle, and feed the poor and destitute. (Sura 22:27–28) The ‘Five Pillars' of Islam are the foundation of Muslim life: Faith or belief in the Oneness of God and the finality of the prophethood of Muhammad; Establishment of the daily prayers; Concern for and almsgiving to the needy; Self-purification through fasting; and The pilgrimage to Makkah for those who are able.

How Economists Define and Measure Treatment Effects

How Economists Define and Measure Treatment Effects The term treatment effect  is defined as the average causal effect of a variable on an outcome variable that is of scientific or economic interest. The term first gained traction in the field of medical research where is originated. Since its inception, the term has broadened and has begun to be used more generally as in economic research. Treatment Effects in Economic Research Perhaps one of the most famous examples of treatment effect research in economics is that of a training program or advanced education. At the lowest level, economists have been interested in comparing the earnings or wages of two primary groups: one who participated in the training program and one who did not. An empirical study of treatment effects generally begins with these types of straightforward comparisons. But in practice, such comparisons have the great potential to lead researchers to misleading  conclusions of causal effects, which brings us to the primary problem in treatment effects research. Classic Treatment Effects Problems and Selection Bias In the language of scientific experimentation, a treatment is something done to a person that might have an effect. In the absence of randomized, controlled experiments, discerning the effect of a treatment like a college education or a job training program on income can be clouded by the fact that the person made the choice to be treated. This is known in the scientific research community as selection bias and, it is one of the ​principle  problems in the estimation of treatment effects. The problem of selection bias essentially comes down to the chance that treated individuals may differ from non-treated individuals for reasons other than the treatment itself. As such, the outcomes such treatment would actually a combined result of the persons propensity to choose the treatment and the effects of the treatment itself. Measuring the treatments true effect while screening out the effects of selection bias is the classic treatment effects problem. How Economists Handle Selection Bias In order to measure true treatment effects, economists have certain methods available to them. A standard method is to regress the outcome on other predictors that do not vary with time as well as whether the person took the treatment or not. Using the previous edition treatment example introduced above, an economist may apply a regression of wages not only on years-of-education but also on test scores meant to measure abilities or motivation. The researcher may come to find that both years-of-education and test scores are positively correlated with subsequent wages, so when interpreting the findings the coefficient found on years of education has been partly cleansed of the factors predicting which people would have chosen to have more education. Building upon the use of regressions in treatment effects research, economists may turn to what is known as the potential outcomes framework, which was originally introduced by statisticians. Potential outcomes models use essentially the same methods as switching regression models, but potential outcomes models are not tied to a linear regression framework as are switching regressions.  A more advanced method based upon these modeling techniques is the Heckman two-step.

10 Myths About Online High Schools

10 Myths About Online High Schools Don’t believe everything you hear about online high schools. Dispel your misconceptions by finding out the truth behind the ten most common myths. Myth #1 - Colleges Won’t Accept Diplomas From Online High Schools. Colleges around the country have accepted and will continue to accept high school diplomas from students who have done their work online. There is a catch, however: in order to be widely accepted a diploma must come from an online school that has accreditation from the proper regional board. As long as this is covered, colleges should accept diplomas from distance learning schools in the same manner they accept diplomas from traditional schools. Myth #2 - Online High Schools Are for â€Å"Troubled Kids.† Some online programs cater to students who haven’t been successful in traditional schools. But, there’s a host of other schools targeted towards different groups: gifted students, adult learners, students interested in a specific topic, and people from particular religious backgrounds. See also: Is Online High School Right for My Teen? Myth #3 - Online Classes Aren’t as Challenging as Traditional Classes. It’s true that some online classes aren’t as challenging as traditional high school classes. But, some traditional high school classes aren’t as challenging as other traditional high school classes. When looking for an online school, you’ll find a wide range of difficulty. The nice thing is that you can pick the school and class type that fits your knowledge and ability best. Myth #4 - Online High Schools Are as Expensive as Private Schools. Some online high schools are pricey, but there are also many quality schools with low tuition rates. Even better, state-sponsored charter schools give online students the opportunity to learn for free. Some charter schools will even provide a home computer, internet access, specialized materials, and personal tutoring at no cost. Myth #5 - Distance Learning Students Don’t Get Enough Socialization. Just because a student isn’t socializing at school, it doesn’t mean he or she doesn’t have the opportunity to socialize outside of the classroom. Many distance learning students connect with friends in their neighborhoods, meet others through community organizations, and participate in outings with other online students. Online schools may also provide the opportunity to interact with students and teachers through message boards, email addresses, and live chat. Is the half hour lunch break at traditional high schools really enough time to socialize anyway? Myth #6 - Online High School Students Do Less Work Than Traditional Students. Online students may finish their work faster than traditional students, but that doesn’t mean they’re doing less. Consider the interruptions in a traditional school day: breaks, transition periods, busy work, waiting for other students to catch up, teachers trying to quiet down the class. If there were some way to take out those interruptions and just let students focus on their work, they’d probably finish in about the same time it takes  online learners  to complete their assignments. Of course, this isn’t an absolute and the amount of work can vary between online schools. Some may offer a lighter load and others may challenge students with even more work than traditional schools. Myth #7 - Students Who Earn Credits Online Won’t Be Able to Transfer Them to Traditional High Schools. As long as the online high school is accredited, the credits should be able to transfer to a traditional high school. Sometimes credits don’t transfer because the traditional high school has different graduation requirements than the online school. In this case, the credits  don’t transfer because the traditional school has nowhere  to record them, not because the online school isn’t being recognized. The same issue can be a problem when students try to transfer credits between two traditional high schools. Myth #8 - Distance Learning Students Don’t Get Enough Physical Activity When They Take Classes Online. Most online schools require that students complete a physical education requirement in order to graduate. Many distance learning students also participate in community sports teams and other athletic activities. Some  traditional schools  even make exceptions allowing local distance learning students to participate in school sports programs. Myth #9 - Distance Learning Students Can’t Participatein Extracurricular Activities. It’s true that most online students will miss out on prom. However, that doesn’t mean they don’t have access to exciting, worthwhile activities. Some online schools organize social outings for students. With special permission, many traditional high schools will allow local students to participate in specific activities while continuing their studies elsewhere. Online students can also become involved in community clubs, classes, and volunteerism. Myth #10 - Online High Schools Are Just for Teenagers. Adults looking to get their high school diplomas are welcome to participate  in many online high school programs. Distance learning schools are often convenient for adults who hold jobs and can only complete assignments during certain hours. Some schools even have programs created specifically for mature students.

International ACCOUNTING and Finance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

International ACCOUNTING and Finance - Essay Example Unfortunately, the current method of costing has resulted to a drop in the profits of the company. Upon interviewing the present accountant, he admits that the old system is wanting but insist on continuing this cost accounting system because of the ease of computing the total factory overhead costs. The following paragraphs will dissect the current full cost accounting system and Davina’s recommendation that the activity based costing be immediately set up. The per machine hours method using 6,500 hours is better than the per direct labour hours method using 150% of direct labour hours (150% x 4,000 hours = 6,000 hrs) in recovering overhead costs. The above analysis of variances shows that the per hour cost of machine is lower under the direct labour hours method as compared to the direct labour by â‚ ¤4 per hour. Also, the Set up costs under the machine hours method shows that the per machine hour cost of â‚ ¤31 per hour is definitely lower than the per hour cost using the direct labour hours method amounting to the higher â‚ ¤33 per hour. Finally, the materials handling cost under the machine hours method amounting to only â‚ ¤18 per hour is definitely lower than the per hour cost of â‚ ¤20 per hour using the direct labour method. Method above shows that activity based costing gives us increase cost per hour. The standard products above shows that the per hour cost (blue color) above shows that the cost using machine activity cost driver unit is â‚ ¤ 79.86 per machine hour. And, overhead cost based on number of setups is â‚ ¤ 2,502.20 per set up. Likewise, overhead computation based on materials handling costs is â‚ ¤747.50 per materials handled. The specialized products computation above show that the cost per machine is â‚ ¤93.17 per machine hour. Also, the overhead cost based on the number of set up is â‚ ¤ 1,001 per set up. Likewise, the overhead costs based on materials handling is â‚ ¤398.57.

Cultural Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2250 words

Cultural - Research Paper Example This paper considers an economic explanation and an ecological one, along with an analysis of forest symbolism and a sociological analysis of honey collecting, to form the thesis of this paper: that the impact of hunting and honey-collection subsistence activities of the Mbuti, on gender and social organization, is mediated by forest symbolism that serves as a basis for their ideology, and that Forest symbolism and consequent social organization, of this hunter-gatherer society, shapes gender practices with respect to net and archery hunting, and also to honey collection. Five distinct theories are presented in this paper. The first, by Bailey and Aunger, is basically an economic theory. They argue that net hunting is participated in by women in areas where Mbuti find it to be more economically rewarding than working in the village gardens of agriculturalist outsiders. In archery hunting areas, this is not so. The second is Abruzzi’s, ecological theory about population pressur e. Abruzzi argues that the net hunting and archery hunting division is an adaptive response to the invasion of Mbuti territory by non-Mbuti outsiders. The third theory, core to this paper, is from a fascinating descriptive analysis by Mosko. Mosko’s paper introduces a structuralist theory of forest symbolism and kinship representation, nothing overtly specific to net and archery hunting, but actually, it would appear, quite central to it. The symbolism of the forest, as conceived by the Mbuti, and described by Mosko, places men at the center, the hearth, the vaginal entry to and exit from the womb, and similarly as close as possible to the center of the forest, the sacred space where it is forbidden to disturb by hunting. It places women at the periphery, near the food baskets in huts, and similarly in labor contact with the agriculturalists, at the periphery of Mbuti territory. Having read the other two papers first, and later reading Mosko’s paper, the idea dawned (t he fourth theory being the theory stated as the thesis of this paper) that the connection between gender and subsistence and social organization, as it pertains to net and archery hunting, actually has its roots in the forest symbolism of which Mosko spoke, although he did not apply it to that consideration. It follows to ask why, then, as so many anthropologists and ethnographers have asked before; why do women participate in net hunting but seldom to never in archery hunting? How might this unique, non-materialist way of looking at Mbuti social organization, from a more emic perspective of forest symbolism contribute to answering this question? The fifth theory considered in this paper is an ecological and sociological analysis of honey collection activities and norms. Ichikawa emphasized that honey collection, among net hunting Mbuti, is an activity that strengthens social organization, and that women and children participate in honey collection activities but do not, themselves, actually collect the honey, as that is done only by men. Inputting honey-collection information into consideration of the thesis of this paper, remaining sensitive to Mosko’s explanation of emic forest symbolism, the question of â€Å"why† might be more confidently answered. The impact of hunting and honey-collection subsistence activities of the Mbuti, on gender