Research Korner: Research Questions Examples

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants

RESEARCH PROPOSAL The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants   This paper discusses in detail the research proposal on the impact of P. juliflora (mesquite tree) on local desert plants. In particular, the research will focus on the allelopathic influence of mesquite trees. In this research proposal, the background, context and theme of the study are presented; the objectives of the study and the research statements are formulated. Here, vital concepts, questions and assumptions are stated. Finally, the scope and limitation of the study, methodology to be used and the significance of the research are discussed.   Introduction Mesquite pods are among the earliest known foods of prehistoric man in the new world (Duke, 1983). Pods are made into gruels, which are sometimes fermented to make a mesquite wine. The leaves can be used for forage. The wood is used for parquet floors, furniture, and turnery items, fencepost, pilings, as a substrate for producing single-cell protein, but most of all for fuel. Toasted seeds are added to coffee. The bark is rich in tannin, which is used for roofing. The gum forms an adhesive mucilage, used as an emulsifying agent. Gum is used in confectionary and mending pottery. Roots contain 6–7% tannin, which might discourage Rhizobia. Mesquite juice is cathartic, cyanogenetic, discutient, emetic, stomachic, and vulnerary; it is a folk remedy for catarrh, colds, diarrhea, dysentery, excrescences, eyes, flu, headcold, hoarseness, inflammation, itch, measles, pinkeye, stomachache, sore throat, and wounds (Duke & Wain, 1981). Mesquite flower contains (Per 100 g): 21.0 g protein, 3.2 g fat, 65.8 g total carbohydrate, 15.5 g fiber, 10.0 g ash, 1,310 mg Ca, and 400 mg P. The leaves contain 19.0 g protein, 2.9 g fat, 69.6 g total carbohydrate, total carbohydrate, 21.6 g fiber, 8.5 g ash, 2,080 mg Ca, and 220 g P. Fruits contain 13.9 g protein, 3.0 g fat, 78.3 g total carbohydrate, 27.7 g fiber, and 4.8 g ash. Seeds contain (ZMB) 65.2 g protein, 7.8 g fat, 21.8 g total carbohydrate, 2.8 g fiber, and 5.2 g ash. (FAO, 1981). Another analysis of the fruit shows 14.35% water (hygroscopic), 1.64% oil, 16.36% starch, 30.25% glucose, 0.85% nitrogenous material, 5.81% tannin-like material, 3.5% mineral salts, and 27.24% cellulose. Mesquite gum readily hydrolyses with dilute sulfuric acid to yield L-arabinose and D-galactose and 4-o-methyl-D-glucuronic acid at 4:2:1. Owing to the high content of arabinose, the gum is an excellent source of sugar. Roots contain 6.7% tannin, bark 3–8.4%, and dry wood 0.9%. The alkaloids 5-hydroxytryptamine and tryptamine are reported from this species (Simpson, 1977). P. juliflora have been introduced to Oman for shade, decorative, food for domestic animals and pasture. Vigorous growth, prolific seed production and effective seed dispersal enables P. juliflora to strongly compete with, and to some extent, eliminate native vegetation. P. juliflora may also change the fuel load in plant communities. The changed structure and fire regimes of the habitat is likely to adversely impact on both native vertebrate and invertebrate fauna. P. juliflora was introduced to Salalah in Oman in the mid-seventies. In 20 years, P. juliflora has spread just from a few trees and now occurs throughout the 1 million ha. Mesquite was spread by ruminants which ingest seeds and excrete them in manure. Manure is a common source of fertilizer for agriculture. With high content of hard seed, passage through the digestive system of ruminants acts to scarify seed. Mesquite was found to be well adapted to environment with high moisture such as drainage lines, irrigation canals, bridge inlets and outlets and irrigated farm lands. Mesquite causes many serious problems. It competes with native plants, eventually killing them; large quantities of pods are consumed and excreted in manure as only the pods are palatable to livestock and not the leaves; very high pods production occurs e.g. 3.34 kg per tree ensuring rapid spread, with seedling germination at very high densities forming thickets; and the seeds can be transported long distances by goat and sheep, and by water to favorable sites some distance away. The primary purpose of achievement of Directorate General of Nature Reserves at Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources is to protect not only the local wildlife and its components from human activities but also from other organisms including animals and plants. After habitat loss, invasive or exotic species are considered the greatest threat to the preservation of natural resources. Additionally, more than one million acres of Oman land are infested by exotic invasive plant species. Large numbers of exotic plants such as the Prosopis juliflora (mesquite) invade native plants; they compete with, and displace many native species. With this, the researcher finds the necessity to study the harmful impact of mesquite trees on other plants. In this study, P. juliflora’s  allelopathic effects on other plants’ rate of germination and growth in terms of root, shoot and seedling will be determined. Allelopathy in trees and forests is an important health care issue (Coder, 1999). Allelopathy is the chemical modification of the site by an individual to enhance interference effectiveness. Allelopathy also involves the ecological communications between species which can positively or negatively influence growth, behavior, reproduction, and survival of associated species. According to El Fadl (1997), in his investigation of the potential allelopathic effect of P. juliflora on agricultural crop seed germination and seedling growth, aqueous leaf extracts of the tree contain substances that inhibit sorghum, pearl millet and sesame seed germination and retard seedling development when applied at concentrations greater than 5%. However, the crop biomass production increased with increasing amounts of P. juliflora litter in the soil. Based on El fadl’s (1997) study, it is unlikely that P. juliflora produces harmful levels of potentially allelopathic substances, and hence it is suggested that this tree can be successfully intercropped in agroforestry systems. The study showed that the use of P. juliflora in agroforestry has a great potential for rural people in a region very vulnerable to drought and famine. Risk minimisation should not be viewed only through increasing the agricultural crop productivity; even more importantly, the pod production is of paramount importance especially during times of scarcity of fodder and food El Fadl (1997). The study will consider the many benefits of mesquite trees on the ecology. However, it will be necessary to present its other side. This research will be divided into five chapters. In Chapter 1, the nature of the problem, background of the study, research objectives and methodologies will be presented. Chapter 2 will review previous studies on P. juliflora. The third chapter will discuss the methodologies that will be utilized. The fourth chapter will present the result of the experiment. Finally, Chapter 5 will provide significant conclusions and insightful recommendations.  Research Statement General Purpose of the Study Generally, the purpose of the research is to conduct an experimental study on determining the effects of mesquite on local desert trees. The research will also conduct a gene-mapping of mesquite and determine the allelopathic effect of mesquite trees on local desert plants. Research Questions To support the aforementioned fundamental purpose, the research will specifically attempt to answer the following questions: 1.    In general, what are the effects of mesquite trees on local wild life? 2.    Specifically, what are the effects of mesquite trees on local desert trees? 3.    In what way do mesquite trees affect local desert trees? 4.    What are the measures done by Omani authorities in addressing the mesquite problem? Overall Research Aim             The project primarily aims to explore the nature of mesquite trees and to present their benefits as well their harm on the ecology. Objectives             To carry out the overall aim, the following aims will be realized: 1.    Assessment and evaluation of the benefits and harms of mesquite trees on the environment. 2.    Review of related literature on P. juliflora and its allelopathic influence on local desert trees and gene-mapping.  3.    Conducting a laboratory experiment to determine the allelopathic effects of mesquite trees on desert trees. 4.    Generation of significant conclusions and insightful recommendations   Overview of Methodology There are three kinds of research methods, correlational, descriptive and experimental (Walliman and Baiche, 2001). The correlational research refers to studies in which the purpose is to discover relationships between variables through the use of correlational statistics (r). The square of a correlation coefficient yields the explained variance (r-squared). The descriptive research method uses observation and surveys. In this method, it is possible that the study would be cheap and quick. Finally, the experimental method is the only method that can be used to establish cause-and-effect relationships. (Creswell, 1994) In this method, the subjects are split into two or more groups. One group, called the experimental group gets the treatment that the researcher believes will cause something to happen (this treatment is formally called the independent variable). The experimental and control groups are compared on some variable that is presumed to reflect the effects of the treatment, or outcome. This is formally referred to as the dependent variable. The primary source of data will come from the laboratory experiment that will be conducted by the researcher.  The secondary sources of data will come from published articles from science journals, books and related studies on allelopathic influences of P. juliflora and gene-mapping. For this research design, the researcher will gather data, collate published studies from different local and foreign universities and articles from science journals; and make an analysis of the result of the experiment and collected documentary and verbal material.  Afterwards, the researcher will summarize all the information, make a conclusion based on the null hypotheses posited and provide insightful recommendations on addressing the mesquite tree problem. In assessing and evaluating the overall benefits and harm of mesquite trees on Omani environment, the researcher will personally seek pertinent data from the Ministry of Regional Municipalities, Environment and Water Resources. Afterwards, in reviewing the literature, the researcher will gather all relevant literature from libraries and the Internet, organize them according to topic, identify the headings and subheadings, and synthesize the literature. Then, the researcher will identify issues and problems to be addressed in the research. For this study, a laboratory experiment will be conducted. The process will include the test of mesquite tree water extracts on some desert plants in terms of rate and germination percentage and growth rate of root, shoot, and seedling of some desert plants. The researcher will design the experiment processes with the help of the advisor. Finally, with the help of a statistician, the researcher will make the statistical analysis. After gathering the results, a preliminary analysis of the results of the experiment will be conducted. Then the advisor will check the preliminary analysis. Afterwards, the researcher  will conduct detailed analysis of the results.   Objectives for the Experiment 1-    To study the effects of water extracts on the rate and germination percentage of some desert plants. 2-     To study the effects of water extracts on the root growth of some desert plants. 3-    To study the effects of water extracts on the shoot growth of some desert plants. 4-    To study the effects of water extracts on the seedling growth of some desert plants.   Protocol: (Experiment 1) Extract preparation 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Root, stem, leaves, 	flowers, fruits, and seeds of Prosopis juliflora are collected.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Five to ten gram of 	plant material are weighted and soaked in 100ml of distilled water for 24h.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Then homogenized and 	filtered using Whatman No.1 filter paper. </li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Five to ten gram of soil 	sample are collected from under canopy of P.juliflora.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="color: black; text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Soils samples are soaked 	in 100 ml distilled water for 24h and after shaking in an electric shaker 	for 30 min, are passed through Wharman No.1 filter paper.  </li> Extract bioassay 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Seeds of each test 	species are scarified.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Seeds are surface 	disinfected with 0.52% NaOCl (sodium hypochlorite) solution for 1 min and 	thoroughly washed in sterilized water and then soaked in test solution for 	4h.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Distilled water is used 	as control.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	The seeds are then 	germinated using sterilized test tube, 20mm in diameter and 180mm long, and 	line with 3.5 ×16 cm strips of Whatman No.1 filter paper folded to form 	channel and 1.5 ml of respective test solution is then added to each test 	tube.  </li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Each treatment is then 	replicated three times with five seeds each. </li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	Germination of seeds is 	recorded upon emergence of radical every 24h for 3days.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"> 	The rate of germination 	is estimated by using Khan & Unger (1984) index of germination velocity = 	∑G/t, where G = number of seeds germinated at 2-day intervals, t = total 	germination period. The data are subjected to statistical analysis.</li> 	<li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; line-height: 200%"></li> Scope and Limitation             This study will only cover the allelopathic impact of P. juliflora on desert plants in Oman. The outcome of this study will be limited only to the data gathered from previous studies on mesquite trees and from the primary data gathered from the result of the laboratory experiment that will be conducted by the researcher. As the research was completed in a relatively short period of time other factors and variables are not considered. This might have an impact on the results of the study.   Significance of the Study             This study will be a significant endeavor in promoting awareness on the harmful side of mesquite trees. This study will be helpful to environmentalists for this will present significant findings on the impact of mesquite trees on local desert trees. Moreover, this study will be an important contribution to a body of research concerning allelopathic influences in plants.   References Coder, K. B. (1999) Allelopathy in trees and forests: A selected bibliography. Daniel B. Warnell School of Forest Resources, The University of Georgia. Available at [www.forestry.uga.edu]. Accessed [15/10/03].   Creswell, J.W. (1994) Research design. Qualitative and quantitative approaches. Thousand Oaks, California: Sage. Duke, J. A. (1983) Handbook of Energy Crops. Unpublished El Fadl, M. A. (1997). Management of Prosopis juliflora for use in agroforestry systems in the Sudan. University of Helsinki Tropical Forestry Reports 16,  107. FAO (1980) Genetic resources of tree species in arid and semi-arid areas. Rome. Simpson, B. B., ed. (1977) Mesquite, its biology in two desert scrub ecosystems. Dowden, Hutchinson & Ross, Inc. Stroudsburg, PA.

RESEARCH PROPOSAL: The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants

RESEARCH PROPOSAL The Impact of Prosopis Juliflora on Local Desert Plants This paper discusses in detail the research proposal on t...

Research Proposal on Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People?

Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People? Introduction In the continuing efforts of the organizations to create a competitive advantage against their competitors and establish a strong relationship in the market, they tend to apply various motivational approaches that can increase the performance. People are considered as the most natural helpers or workers that maybe not perfect but can move according to what is being asked them to do. Based on the theories of motivation, there are many strategies that the leaders can use to satisfy the people’s needs for improvement. In addition, the quality of work is what being paid by the leaders. The continuous effort of the HR managers and organizational leaders in harnessing the professionalism out of the employees is one of then main targets of the business leaders.   Background of the Study and Problem Statement Although, there are many innovative ways that already established to improve the quality of performance that might contribute in the overall performance of the organization. Still, leaders are seeking to the most effective option that can be easily handled. Most of the actions being taken by the leaders are the motivational approach which increases the performance of an employee. However, the knowledge about the motivation is not enough unless it is proven effective by the organization.  The motivational approach suggests that employees should provide the expected effort from them according to what is being paid by the firm. On the other hand, what is the most effective way to increase the performance of an employee is through the use of payment.  Research Aim and Objectives The main aim of the study is to understand the motivational approach through the use of payment and as well as measuring its effectiveness in all the level of employees. There are three important objectives that can help the study achieve its aim. First is to have a deep understanding on the objectives or purpose of motivation. Second is to determine the various approaches being implemented by the leaders just to reach their expectancy on their employees. And last is to consult the perceptions of the employees regarding the payment as a motivational approach.  Literature Review Critically, the nature of motivation centers with the energy, direction, persistence and partial achievement in doing a certain work. There are different intention that portrays of each employee because of their uniqueness in terms of characteristics and bearing. Typically, a person enables to achieve their goals by fueling great enthusiasm towards it. Within the study of motivation, there is a wide concept which has been widely applied in both academics and professional world. The overall result of motivation is highly valued because of the positive implications that it promises within the organization. In a lighter way, motivation can be alike to the carrot and stick technique, wherein the leaders gives punishment and rewards to the people who are not focusing on their appropriate responsibilities. The organizational leaders embrace the truths that the people play their role within the workplace according to the factors that might affect them (Linnenbrink and Pintrich, 2002). Most of the previous studies pertaining to the motivational approach gave emphasized on the monetary rewards that can be the answer on the needs of an employee. The payment scenario is not entirely the total motivation for the employee but still proven effective to develop the potentials found among the individuals. The kind of payment being given by the organization is different among the compensation or standard payment the employees. In this matter, the organization should be prepared on the certain conditions that might be presented in the implementation of the monetary rewards. The challenge is now on the business and their ability to answer the stability of their financial matters because it is another expense that they must cover (Alexy and Leitner, 2007; Ghosh, 2007). Methodology The suggested method in the study is the use of the survey and interview within a typical workplace. Firstly, there should be a consultation in the population of the workforce regarding the existence of motivation and the influence that it created to increase their performance. The survey will be in a form of questionnaire using the Likert Scale to make it easier to the participants. The second phase of the method which is the interview will serve as a supporting documentary that will determine on how effective the motivational approach can be in the eyes of the managers. In addition, the use of payment as a motivational approach is not being set aside and which will be the center of the interview.    References: Alexy, O., & Leitner, M., (2007) “Norms, Rewards, and Their Effect on the Motivation of Open Source Software Developers”, Accessed 17 June 2010, from http://opensource.mit.edu/papers/Alexy_Leitner_-_Norms_Rewards_and_Their_Effect_on_the_Motivation_of_OSS_Developers.pdf Ghosh, R.A., (2007) “Study on the Economic Impact of Open Source Software on Innovation and the Competitiveness of the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Sector in the EU”, Accessed 17 June 2010, from http://ec.europa.eu/enterprise/ict/policy/doc/2006-11-20-flossimpact.pdf Linnenbrink, E., & Pintrich, P., (2002) “Motivation as an Enabler for Academic Success”, School Psychology Review, Vol. 31, No. 3

Research Proposal on Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People?

Is Pay a Motivation for All Level of People? Introduction In the continuing efforts of the organizations to create a competitive advan...

Research Proposal on Computerized Library System

Computerized Library System Introduction Schools set the various pedagogical changes to achieve the current level of education in other countries. Because of the growing numbers of computer users, this became an effective medium to demonstrate the knowledge and skills of the students. From the traditional searching process for the books in the libraries, the interactive usage of computers can be now addressed as part of the library system. Background and Problem Statement In the aim of the universities to supply the necessary materials to their students, the idea of library management system is introduces. This involves the utilization for processing, accessing and retrieving the information that can effectively support the process of student’s learning, decision- making and scholastically approaches. Because of the organized approach and systematic management of the information, the accessibility and retrieval in the library can be easy. However, how effective does the computerized library system in the schools or universities to be implemented across the country? Research Aim and Objectives The aim of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of the computerized library system in order to support the continuous learning in various pedagogical settings. To achieve this primary goal, the study should consider the three objectives. First is to compare the existing library system from the traditional system and identify the pros and cons in both public and private learning institutions. Second is to compare and contrast the various schools or universities that successfully managed the computerized approach as new library system (e.g. Moi University in Kenya and University of the Philippines in Philippines). Third is to identify the weaknesses and potential threats to make a recommendation on how to strengthen the computerized library system. Literature Review By exploitation of the computers in access and management of information, universities can now administer the library’s operational efficiencies and organizational effectiveness. The more informative system in libraries can efficiently aid the processing of knowledge by supplying the useful information. The computerized library system in universities is expected to lessen the burden on both librarian and students in searching for the appropriate books and information. Therefore, the new library system centers in the advantages in terms of accessing, retrieving, and sharing information most especially in a technologically oriented University environment (Shibanda, 2002). The integrated process of a computerized library system can keeps the track of all the books and periodicals and keeping the status updated. Apparently, there are “user IDs” and associated passwords to make an access in the system. This will keep all the information regarding the materials updated and monitored. The use of the computerized library system is a kind of technology that is popular in the developed countries. Perhaps, this is the right time for the developing countries to show any sign of development and progress even in the technological approach. A computerized library system among the universities is just a simple approach to change the approach of the schools in their one of most busy areas. Through the use of the necessary infrastructure and implementation of the process, the computerized library system can be effective. However, the country or the universities should answer the various challenges including the interactive connections (telephone and modem), the electricity problems, and the process of accessibility and privacy issues. In building the strengths among the universities, it is foremost important to address the issues that might affect the efficiency and effectiveness of the process. The idea of the computerized library system is supported with the interactive environment of the country. This will serve as an advantage of the country to implement and negotiate the movement towards the computerized library systems (David, 1996). In the Philippines, there are many universities that openly participated in the computerized library systems which add to their value of promoting the learning. However, it is obvious that most of the universities that managed this new system are private or semi-private institutions. The centralized reason that might contribute in this system is the large investments that the universities bound to provide. If all of the universities in the country successfully provide the library computerization, there is a possibility to place the learning in a most accessible and easiest way. Methodology The suggested method in the study is the use of the comparative case study of the universities or schools that are implementing the approach on the integrated and interactive library system. In this way, the study can measure the reliability and validity of the library process in achieving the more systematic approach. This will also give way to the researcher/s to investigate the literature gaps that might contribute on strengthening the library system.  References: David, L.T., (1996) The DOST-ESEP Libraries: The First Library Network in the Philippines, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://www.iatul.org/doclibrary/public/Conf_Proceedings/1996/David.doc Shibanda, G.G., (2002) Development Strategy of a Technological University Library Management Information System (MIS): A Case of Moi University, Kenya, Accessed 02 Aug 2010, from http://www.iatul.org/doclibrary/public/Conf_Proceedings/2002/shibandu.pdf

Research Proposal on Computerized Library System

Computerized Library System Introduction Schools set the various pedagogical changes to achieve the current level of education in oth...

Training and Development Case Study Questions and Instructions

Assignment 2 – Training and Development 2008   NOTE: Word count 1500 – 2000 words allowed (no additional words over 2000)   Con has just been appointed to the position of Customer Service Officer in a very busy organisation. He works for a large national company which has been established for over 75 years. His previous job was in the retail section of the company.   Naturally, Con is excited about the position and the future prospects if he performs well. At his appointment interview he was delighted to hear that he would be sent on a training course which would provide some of the skills he would need in his new job. He was sure that he could handle the job with a little support from his manager at the beginning. He thought that training would help him to perform well in his new role but he was a little uncertain about how he might cope given his lack of formal education. The ‘Customer service’ course would be a full week in duration and would be conducted in the second week of his appointment, from 6pm to 8pm after work.   Con entered the training room feeling reasonably confident, but a little anxious. He met some people whom he knew so this helped to reduce the nervousness. The course began with the trainer introducing herself. She then started delivering the introductory one-hour presentation on the new topic using a lecture-style approach. There was an opportunity to ask questions but no-one did. Then the second hour of the lectures commenced and at the conclusion, tea and coffee was provided. By this time Con felt he needed to refocus as he had become quite anxious again. He had a sensation that he was heading down a path going to where he did not know.   He was relieved to hear from the other members of the course that they too had this feeling. In fact, two people were discussing that they might leave as they felt it was a waste of time not knowing why they were learning what they were being presented with, nor understanding where it was all leading them. They were also finding it difficult to concentrate and understand the information being presented.   1.            Analyse and discuss Con’s reaction to being offered training and why he and the other participants felt anxious once the training had commenced.   2.            Suggest ways in which the training session could have been better managed.   3.            Discuss the relationship between the workplace environment and the effectiveness of Con’s learning. Discuss what can be done to ensure that this is a positive relationship.   4.            Describe the design of a one-hour training session on ‘Introduction to Customer Service’ or ‘Introduction to Teamwork’. You are required to provide relevant details of the training session but you do not need to provide copies of learning materials such as handouts or slides. You can present this as a ‘lesson plan’ in the format suggested by Noe (more detail needed) or as a description of the session making sure you address the required features. Justify your approach. Three objectives should be identified.   Your answers in questions 1 – 4 should be supported by reference to learning theories.

Training and Development Case Study Questions and Instructions

Assignment 2 – Training and Development 2008 NOTE: Word count 1500 – 2000 words allowed (no additional words over 2000) C...

Stress in Juvenile Detention Officers

Stress in Juvenile Detention Officers   Research Problem             The research will investigate stress arising in the domain of work and family as reported by juvenile detention officers. The work-family interface has received little attention in workers such as detention officers in stress research, therefore the present study aims to investigate work and family stress among juvenile detention officers.   Statement of the Problem             The study will investigate self-reported stress among juvenile detention officers in the domain of work and family.   Purpose of the Study             The aim of the study is to (1) identify the major work and family stressors among juvenile detention officers; (2) identify the impacts of work and family stress on the job performance of juvenile detention officers; (3) identify the impacts of work and family stress on the family life of juvenile detention officers; and (4) explore the impacts that work and family stress have on each other.   Research Questions             The study aims to investigate on the issue of work and life stress among juvenile detention officers. It aims to answer the following questions: 1. What are the major work and family stressors among juvenile detention officers? 2. What are the impacts of work and family stressors on the job performance of juvenile detention officers? 3. What are the impacts of work and family stress on the family life of juvenile detention officers? 4. What are the impacts that work and family stress have on each other?   Rationale, Relevance and Significance of the Study             Stress is believed to be a part of human life. Adults suffer from stress. There are a plethora of studies that point at the workplace and the home as the primary sources of stress. As stress may arise both in the work and family domains, then it is logical to expect that stressors may have cumulative effect and that stress in the work environment may impact on stress in the home environment, and vice versa.             The present study will be of relevance and significance to detention facility managers and human resource departments as it may provide illumination of the various stressors that impact the performance of detention officers. It will be of considerable contribution to the area of Human Resource Management particularly Health and Safety as the study intends to investigate the impacts of stress on the family-life and work-life of detention officers.     Theoretical Framework             Work-family research have been divided into work-family conflict (work interfering with family) and family-work conflict (family interfering with work). Different types of spillover have been identified across the work and family domains: (a) negative spillover from work to family; (b) positive spillover from work to family; (c) negative spillover from family to work; and (d) positive spillover from family to work (Williams and Alliger 1994). The study will flow in the similar vein with the intention to discuss both work stress and family stress and investigate on spillover.   Research Design             The study will make use of qualitative research design. The qualitative research design often involves a merging together of various data collection strategies. It is flexible and elastic, capable of adjusting to what is being learned during the course of data collection. The qualitative research design tends to be holistic, striving for an understanding of the whole and it requires researchers to become intensely involved.             According to Newman and Benz (1998), a qualitative research involves an interpretative, naturalistic approach of the subject matter. Qualitative research is about studying things in their natural settings. A researcher conducting qualitative research attempts to make sense of, or interpret, phenomena in terms of the meaning people bring to them. Qualitative research involves different methods of gathering and collecting of empirical materials such as case study personal experience, introspective, life story, interview, observational, historical, interactions, and visual texts.   Data Collection Procedure             The primary mode of data collection is survey. The sample will be drawn from different juvenile detention facilities. The researchers will coordinate with the management of these detention facilities and will ask for permission to include detention officers in the study. Once the management gives permission, one of the researchers will attend a staff meeting where the purpose of the study will be explained and questionnaires will be distributed.   Analysis Procedure             In order to assess the perceived work and family stress among juvenile detention officers, The 10-item form of the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) (see appendix) by Cohen et al (1983) will be used. The PSS will be used to measure the degree to which situations in one’s life are perceived as stressful. Participants will be asked to indicate how often they felt or thought a certain way during the last month. Items will e answered using a 5-point scale ranging from 0 (never) to 4 (very often).               In order to investigate on the sources of work and family stress, the researchers will device two questions that will require the participants to rate sources of work and family stress on a scale of 0 (not stressful) to 7 (extremely stressful).  To explore specific stressors in the work and family  contexts, two open-ended questions will ask participants to indicate the greatest source of work stress and the greatest source of family stress that they had experiences during the last month.             In order to investigate on stress spillover, the researchers will include to questions asking participant to indicate the extent to which work stress impacted in home and the extent to which home stress impacted on work. These will be answered using a 0 (not at all) to 7 (very much) scale.   Limitations to the Study             One of the researchers’ perceived limitations of the study is the likelihood that the individuals who are experiencing more stress may not complete and return the questionnaire. Therefore, the levels of stress found may not be an accurate reflection of those in the intended population.             Another perceived limitation of the study is the use of self-report measure. Self-report measures are subject to problems of memory and language ambiguity. There is also a possibility of measurement biases, for example a participant may not report his work as being stressful for fear of such comments may affect their relationship with the management.     References Cohen, S., Kamarck, T., and Mermelstein, R. (1983). A Global Measure of Perceived Stress. Journal of Health and Social Behavior, 24, 385-396. Newman, I. and Benz, C. R. (1998). Qualitative-Quantitative Research Methodology: Exploring the Interactive Continuum. Carbondale, IL: Southern Illinois University Press. Williams, K.J. and Alliger, G.M. (1994). Role Stressors, Mood Spillover, and Perceptions of Work-Family Conflict in Employed Parents. Academy of Management Journal, 37, 837-868.     Appendix

Stress in Juvenile Detention Officers

Stress in Juvenile Detention Officers Research Problem The research will investigate stress arising in the domain of wor...

Final Proposal_An action plan of Customer Retention Using the distinctive Strategies of IT/IS; A Case Study of Exploration and Production in Oil & Gas Industry

PROJECT PROPOSAL   Student name:                                                                                         Student No:         Email Address:                                                                           Award Name:  MSc in Technology Management   Site Name:      Apiit Malaysia   Title of project:        An action plan of Customer Retention Using the distinctive Strategies of      IT/IS; A Case Study of Exploration and Production in Oil & Gas Industry   Proposed Supervisor:   Please record which modules your topic is related to: Marketing (MKT). E-marketing         Introduction Today the most important business sector in the world is the oil & Gas industry which offers a benefit for every individual, group of people and government sector, given the high commodity prices and increasing the profit of economic. the dependency on oil and gas products, the every day materials and resources from oil and gas are evident in all aspect of our daily lives (University of Aberdeen, 2006) and by exploration and production of oil and gas in order to impact upon many areas of the workforce it will help to sustain the oil and gas industry because without oil and gas exploration and production the world would literally grind to a halt (University of Aberdeen, 2006). Recent rises in petroleum prices have spurred many new exploration activities. Spending on world wide exploration and production is estimated to have risen 30 percent in 2006 by US$ 268 billion (Upstream, 2007). For example crude oil and petroleum products are widely traded and effectively have a single price after allowing for transportation costs and quality differences in more clarification in 1960 would have been worth 6.6 times more in 2005 this mean that the average oil price of $1.9 a barrel in 1960 is equivalent to $ 12.59 a barrel when expressed in 2005 U.S. dollars (World bank, 2007). The reason behind successful oil & gas companies and becoming world wide business is because the ability to provide a clear approach of products, services, advance technology and successful customer feedback which can offer a higher profit for industry and providing a close-loop process for gathering customer feedback to continuous improve business practice (Parasuraman et al, 1985). Customers in Oil & Gas industry should be seen as on-going opportunity, to better understand the rational behind this theory and to face the challenge of building customer loyalty, Hunter (2007) identified five types of customer such as: loyal customers, discount customers, impulse customers, need-based customers, and wandering customers. Ahmad & Buttle (2002) stated that the organization should focus on existing customers because those are the once who can not only provide feedback about products and services, but also work together with suppliers to add-value to a particular service by improving the process. Through successful customer care or creating an effective customer focus, Oil & Gas industry will be able to provide an opportunity to increase the customer satisfaction/retention, increasing the sales and revenue and creating value for Oil & Gas industry shareholder (Greenberg, 2004). Focusing and identifying on customers which is the most important factor in Oil & Gas industry because through it Oil & Gas industry will be able to provide a successful program of customer retention plan and ability to retain its customers and satisfy them.   Project background According to Eriksoon & Lofmarck Vaghult (2000) customer retention is central to the development of business relationships, is specific to the context of each firm, and this is rarely recognized in models for customer retention. Customer retention is important to most companies because the cost of acquiring a new customer is far greater than the cost of maintaining a relationship with a current customer (Ro King, 2005) which have a significant advantages in the form of lower prepayments, increased revenue, improved pricing on securitizations, customer retention has been shown to be a primary goal in firms that practice relationship marketing (Gronroos 1991, Coviello et al, 2002) which mean satisfied and properly served customers are more likely to return to an organization than are dissatisfied customers who could choose simply to go elsewhere (Ovenden, 1995). The main challenge faced by the mortgage industry  is the continued price sensitivity of their consumers as  a result the main objectives for many companies is to employ customer retention and development programs that will serve to reduce this price sensitivity and therefore reduce the flight risk of customers (Davis et al, 2007). In additional customer retention programs allow companies to collect data about their customers, this data can be used to better understand target market, and communicate with customers or to customize future interactions with customers and also can be a relatively inexpensive means of making customers feel special, increase their purchases and recommend prospects (Ro King, 2007). However, successful implementation of customer retention has to be carefully planned, executed, maintained, and measured it also need to be accompanied by customer service, product development, and product deliver strategies that aligned with the targeted customer base (Davis et al, 2007). Globally the major players in the petroleum industry are Exxon and Shell group, who account for roughly 20% of the world’s production (AL-Ghamdi & Suhail, 2006) and according to Passemard & Kleiner (2000) that the competitiveness of some firms arises from macro economic phenomena directed by exchange rate, deficit of the national budget or interest rate.   The major competitors of oil and gas industry had a good leadership, competent project team, willingness of management to take risk and make changes, technology solution and successful implementation of energy management program will lead the oil and gas industry to be more competitors and providing a successful products and services to its customers (Davis, HA. & Chan, EKS., 2001), Petrochemical industry of Saudi Arabia  can be an example of competition in petroleum industries sector which is primarily a petroleum economy with oil revenue representing 90-95% total Saudi export earnings 70-80% of state revenue and around 40% of countries gross domestic product (GDP) (AL-Ghamdi & Suhail, 2006). Besides the competitive challenges, the Saudi Petrochemical industry faces a number of other challenges. Some of the significant ones relate to a high dependence on a skilled expatriate work-force, high costs of technology transfer, low levels of productivity of the Saudi workforce due to a lack of motivation to work, and the emergence of regional competitors (AL-Ghamdi & Suhail, 2006), The key strength of Saudi petroleum industry lies in the low-cost of feed-stocks as well as cost of utilities which make the average variable cost lower than of its competitors (AL-Ghamdi & Suhail, 2006). Ahmad et al (2001) identify the following six economic benefits of retaining customers such as: savings on customers’ acquisitions, a guarantee of base profits, growth in per-customer revenue, reduction in relative operation costs, free of charge referrals of new customers from existing customers and finally price premiums as existing customers do not usually wait for promotions or price reductions before deciding to purchase. Through customer retention plan Oil & Gas industry can achieve its planning by colleting data and information about its customers which can enhance the Oil & Gas industry to enhance its operation and enhance its position in marketplace. Previous research into customer retention has focused on the opinion that retaining customers are easier to work with and that a lot of vital feedback can be gained from these customers (Isaksoon & Suljanovic, 2007) and potential advantages of pursuing strategies for satisfying or retaining customers rather than on the concepts themselves (Eriksson, Lofmarck Vaghult, 2000) which will lead the Oil & Gas industry to gain many advantages such as:: employee retention and satisfaction (Reichheld, 1995) providing a long-term relationship strategy between Oil & Gas industry, opportunities for new business, increasing the sales and creating value  for Oil & Gas industry’s shareholder (Greenberg, 2004). Customer retention can be an important factor in Oil & Gas industry because through customer retention, Oil & Gas industry can increase the opportunities to industry and its customers and ability to increase the customers’ profitability in higher level of performance.   Project Aims The aims of this project are to provide a successful action plan of customer retention plan using the distinctive strategies of IT/IS in Oil & Gas industry, also exploring how individuals and groups in Oil & Gas able to offer a clear structure and ability to provide higher-level of customer retention plan this will lead to an understanding of how the benefits of customer retention plan can drive Oil & Gas industry to be more competitive and to retain its customers.     Project objectives   <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To examine difference customer care program in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To examine the importance of customer retention in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To examine the improvement of customer retention in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To examine the distinctive strategies of IT/IS that enables Oil & Gas industry measure the customer behavior and attitude.</li> </ul>       Research program   Stage-1 (Duration one month) <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Gather an appropriate materials and resources in Oil & Gas industry. This would include journals, articles, and academic research.  </li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Analyzing the case studies such as: Microsoft, BMW, Shell Company and Petronas Company.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Select the customer retention area in case studies </li> </ul>     Stage-2 (Duration one month) <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Identifying a development program such as: customer loyalty program, customer retention program and customer satisfaction program.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To identify a development program in order to increase customer loyalty and decrease turnover in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To understand first hand knowledge from specific numbers of customers from the Oil & Gas industry based in overseas industry.</li> </ul>   Stage-3(Duration two month) <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Identify the most profitable customer and customer segment.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Exploring how individuals and groups serving the concepts of e-customer retention.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Understanding the process of using the IT/IS strategies in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Exploring how individuals and groups serving the concepts of e-customer retention.</li> </ul>   Stage-4(Duration two month) <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Developing the frame work of customer retention plan in Oil & Gas industry through stage-1 and stage-2.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Evaluating the concepts of e-customer retention in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Testing the frame work of e-customer retention plan from the interview in Oil & Gas industry.</li> </ul>     Stage-5(Duration one week) <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Finish documentation.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Printing document.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Submitting documents.</li> </ul>   Deliverables   <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Deliver a successful frame work of customer retention plan in order to retain customers, and to establish new information and control system.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To deliver a difference customer care program for various industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To analyzing the implementation of customer retention in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To evaluating the need of customer retention in Oil & Gas industry.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> To evaluating the need of IT/IS in customer retention in Oil & Gas industry.</li> </ul>     Commercial/industrial Collaboration   No applicable       Resources   To offer successful project of customer retention plan in Oil & Gas industry the following resource are required: <ul style="margin-top: 0in; margin-bottom: 0in" type="disc"> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Oil & Gas company experts.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Experts of customer service.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Marketing experts.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Public and APIIT library.</li> <li class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify"> Online journals </li> </ul>       The list of references   Ahmad & Buttle 2002, Customer retention management: a reflection of theory and practice, [online], Sydney, Australia, Available from http://emeraldinsight.com/0263-4503.htm, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   AL-Ghamdi & Sohail 2006, Sustaining Competitive advantage in the global petrochemical industry: a Saudi Arabian perspective, International Business and Entrepreneurship Development, 3(1/2), pp. 4-17.   Ahmad et al, 2001, Customer retention: a potentially potent marketing management strategy, Journal of Strategic Marketing, No. 9, pp. 29-45.   Coviello et al 2002, How firms relate to their markets: an empirical examination of contemporary marketing practices, Journal of Marketing, [online], 66(3), Available from http://www.emeraldinsight.com, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Davis, H.A. & Chan, EKS. 2001, Facilities, [online], 19(7/8), Available from http://www.emeraldinsight.com, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Davies et al 2007, Customer Retention in the consumer Finance Industry, [online], Available from http://www.pwc.com, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Eriksson, K. & Vaghult, AL. 2000, Customer Retention, Purchasing Behavior and Relationship Substance in Professional Services, Industrial Marketing Management,[online], 29(4), pp. 362-372, Available from http://www.emeraldinsight.com [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Gronroos, C., 1991, The Marketing Strategy Continuum: toward a marketing concept for the 1990s, Management Decision, [online], 29(1), Available from http://www.emeraldinsight.com, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Greenberg, P. 2004, CRM at the speed of light: Customer Relationship Management, Essential Customer Strategies for the 21st Century, 3rd ed, McGraw-Hill, United States of America   Hunter 200, The 5 Types of Customer: Increase Your Loyal Customer to Increase Your Sales, [online], Canada, The New York Times Company, Available from http://sbinfocanada.about.com/od/customerservice/a/customertypesmh.htm, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Isaksson, K. & Suljanovic, M. 2001, Customer Retention in Service Firms: Three case studies of companies in the Transport-Logistic Industry, [online], Lulea University of Technology, Department of Business Administration and Social, Available from http://www.emeraldinsight.com, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Ovenden, A. 1995, Keep your customers happy and your competition will slowly fade away, The TQM magazine, [online], 7(1), pp. 46-49, Available from http://www.emeraldinsight.com. [Accessed 2 December 2007]. Parasuraman et al 1985, a conceptual Model of service quality and its implication for future research, Journal of Marketing, [online], Vol 49, PP. 41-56, Available from http://www.emeraldinsight.com, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Passemard, D. & kleiner, B.H. 2000, Competitive advantage in global industries, Management Research News, 23(7/8), pp. 111-117.   Reichheld, FF. 1995, Loyalty and the renaissance of marketing, Marketing Management, 2(4), pp. 10-21, Available from http://www.ermeraldinsight.com, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Ro King 2004, Customer Retention Programs, [online], New York, The Alexander Group, Available from http://www.saleslobby.com/Mag/0601/FERK.asp, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   University of Aberdeen 2006, Overview of the North Sea Oil and Gas Industry: A key business training event for non-specialists, [online], UK, Available from http://www.abdn.ac.uk/northseaoverview/intor.shtml, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   Upstream 2007, E& P players plan New York firework, [online], Available from http://siteresoruces.worldbank.org/INTOGMC/Resources/cambodia_oil_gas_newsletter_1, [Accessed 2 December 2007].   World bank 2007, Introduction to Oil and Gas, [online], Available from http://siteresoruces.worldbank.org/INTOGMC/Resources/cambodia_oil_gas_newsletter_1, [Accessed 2 December 2007].     Project plan: (refer to appendix for project plan).

Final Proposal_An action plan of Customer Retention Using the distinctive Strategies of IT/IS; A Case Study of Exploration and Production in Oil & Gas Industry

PROJECT PROPOSAL Student name: Student N...