Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Writing Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words
Writing Assignment - Essay Example Our superior staff and workforce, however, have been able to contribute to our steady growth despite overall industry patterns. Our current expansion plans include adding a sizable number of professional, high-tech jobs requiring the skills that you possess. As a former employee, you would have a distinct advantage as a valuable addition to our staff. Many companies are reluctant to rehire their former employees, and EDS has carefully considered the effects of this course of action. We believe strongly that the events that led us to make this offer were the inevitable result of unforeseen business forces. EDS admires your sense of individuality and in no way feels that it reflects on your loyalty or commitment as a business professional. While we can not guarantee that a position will be available for you, or that you would return to your original title, we are open to discussing your future with EDS. I would like to say that we appreciate your past performance and hard work at EDS and sincerely hope that you would consider continuing our positive relationship. I'm confident that as EDS continues to innovate and expand, you could make an important contribution to the future performance and progress of EDS. Again, I would like to say that you have the background and knowledge we are seeking to move EDS forward into the future.
Monday, October 28, 2019
Impact of Brand Image and Advertisement on Consumer Buying Behavior Essay Example for Free
Impact of Brand Image and Advertisement on Consumer Buying Behavior Essay Impact of Brand Image and Advertisement on Consumer Buying Behavior Impact of Brand Image and Advertisement on Consumer Buying Behavior Muhammad Ehsan Malik, Muhammad 1 2 Mudasar Ghafoor, 3Hafiz Kashif Iqbal, 4Qasim Ali, 4Hira Hunbal, 4Muhammad Noman and 4Bilal Ahmad 1Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan Dean Economics and Management Sciences, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan 2School of Business, University of Dundee, Scotland, United Kingdom 3School of Business and Economics, University of Management and Technology, Lahore, Pakistan 4Department of Business Administration, University of the Punjab Gujranwala Campus, Pakistan Submitted: Apr 27, 2013; Accepted: Jun 3, 2013; Published: Jun 20, 2013 Abstract: Brand image and advertisement play a crucial role to boost up any business performance as brand image is an implied tool which can positively change people’s buying behaviors and advertisement is behaving as a driving force for any business as it’s an effective source to convey your message and stay in customer’s mind. The purpose of this study is to examine the impact of brand image and advertisement on consumer buying behavior in the general public at Gujranwala city. Questionnaire survey was used to collect the data by using non probability convenient sampling technique. A sample of 200 questionnaires was used in which 175 responses were collected within the period of one month. Findings show that brand image and advertisement have strong positive influence and significant relationship with Consumer buying behavior. People perceive the brand image with positive attitude. Study depicted that teenagers in Gujranwala are more conscious about their social status so they prefer branded products and advertisement affects their Consumer Buying Behavior positively. In the last of article limitations of research, implications and suggestions for further research also included. Key words: Brand image Advertisement Consumer Buying Behavior INTRODUCTION can build long term profitable relations with customers. People in our society are so conscious about their any business can positively affect the behaviors of status and they prefer to use branded products to show people regarding brand image, satisfaction and loyalty. off their status symbol. Brand is considered as implied At present time in global and emerging markets device through which any business can attain the business war is not only on price but customer attraction, attraction of people and can enjoy the competitive edge. loyalty and relationship matters a lot. Companies are so In our local scenario it also considered as a valuable asset conscious about their customer’s satisfaction. for any business as it can change peoples’ buying Advertisement plays a crucial role for any business to behavior. It can play a vital role to expand any business. boost up its performance graph as it is a powerful strategy Brand image development is a long term process and it to attract your customers toward your product. In can prove a strong weapon to fight with your competitors. Pakistan advertisement also becoming a driving force for Customers rely on branded products and mostly prefer to any business because it can force people to change their buy products with well known brand name. Marketing behavior regarding your product in positive sense. valuable strategies and tools can develop the brand of Advertisement is a dominant and leading weapon in all any product. If brand is managed in effective ways, a marketing tools due to its positive impact on consumers’ business can enjoy maximum number of customers and buying behavior. It’s an effective way to communicate Refine quality of products and social
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Chivalry??. . . . . . . . . Today?? :: essays research papers
Chivalry is usually known as a moral system or an honor code. It originated in the 12th century when kings ruled the country, as a code to make peace. Now there is no king or queen monarchy, now there’s that wonderful thing that we call the Government. If you were to ask me if chivalry existed today I’d have to say that there are some examples, but there sure aren’t as many as there used to be. Back in the time when King Arthur ruled a lot of the people were loyal to their king and their country. Now our wonderful crime, racism, and hate conquer all systems. Some ways that you might be able to say that chivalry still is around is perhaps clubs, such as, basketball teams or baseball teams. The teams as well as the fans have great loyalty to their team. The fans will wait outside for days to get tickets for the big game. People pay to see fights on Pay-Per-View. And if you ever go to a Hawks game I’ll guarantee you that their fans will â€Å"tell off†anyone that is saying anything bad about their beloved team!      Also another way that you would see chivalry today is in corporate businesses. For example, I work or 21st Century Telecom Inc. I do Technical Support. Anything that goes wrong with your Internet access or your e-mail devices, will be fixed by me. We are in a very corporate area, State and VanBuren, and when we have meetings about things that no one can tell the media, or other companies, such as mergers or special events. It seems that no one ever says anything negative. We are very dedicated to our job and sometimes you will catch one of our Administrators sleeping here over-night. Now if that isn’t dedication to your job, I don’t know what is!      Another way that you could find chivalry today would be all the Unions. Chicago Unions have plenty of hard working men and women in all sorts of trades. They are very loyal and proud (most of them!) of their work that they have done. Then you get the people that just want their paycheck. Those are the types that really don’t show much loyalty or contribute much to their job.      Some ways that you could say that there is not really chivalry in today’s society is the slowly disintegrating church.
Thursday, October 24, 2019
“White Man’s Burden†Essay -- Literary Analysis
Rudyard Kipling’s 1899 poem â€Å"The White Man’s Burden†epitomizes the European man’s view on imperialism, Euro-centrism and social Darwinism. Four centuries before 1899, such ideas were briefly hinted in the letter from Christopher Columbus to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella, however by 1899 these attitudes strengthened and developed fully into their complete meaning. The U.S and Europe’s imperialism in the nineteenth century were the most influential ever in the history of human civilization. The immense motive for imperialism came from social factors including religion and Social Darwinism. Missionaries frequently rushed to Africa and Asia to convert its people to Christianity. On the other hand, social Darwinism argued the survival of the fittest- applying science to racism, which fed ideas of European racial superiority. After landing on the African continent, Europeans felt they had a duty to civilize Africa, which is explicitly indicated by â€Å"The White Man’s Burden.†When white men invaded countries in Africa, they saw a new group of people who wore very little clothing and lived in simple buildings. This gave the Europeans the idea and need to help these people become more developed and evolve socially (Bentley and Ziegler 912). Rudyard Kipling’s "The White Man's Burden" encouraged the United States to impose colonial rule in the Philippines. Stanzas like â€Å"To wait in heavy harness,†¨ On fluttered folk and wild – Your new-caught, sullen peoples, †¨Half-devil and half-child†, indicates that Kipling believed main taining oversea colonies was a burden for the colonial empire because the empire was responsible for the inferior people. His reference to Filipinos as being both half devil and half child explicitly means that new ca... ...entley, J. H., Ziegler, H. F. Traditions & Encounters: A Global Perspective on the Past. Vol II – From 1500 to the Present. Fourth Edition. McGraw Hill, 2007. 2. Reilly, K. Worlds of History: A Comparative Reader. Third Edition. Bedford / St. Martin’s, 2007. 3. â€Å"Napoleonic Wars (1799-1815).†History of War. 2000. Dugdale-Pointont. 27 April, 2008 . 4. â€Å"Convention Revising the General Act of Berlin, February 26,1885, and the General Act and Declaration of Brussels, July 2,1890.†American Journal of International Law. 1921, 15(4), 314-321. 5. â€Å"Social Darwinism.†Explore the World of Replicators. 2000. Think Quest. 27 April, 2008 . 6. â€Å"Age of Discovery.†HCS-OSU. 1992. OSU. 27 April 2008 .
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Literary Analysis: The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman Essay
Since its publication in 1892, The Yellow Wallpaper, by Charlotte Perkins Gilman, has generated a variety of interpretations. Originally viewed to be a ghost story, it has been regarded as gothic literature, science fiction, a statement on postpartum depression, having Victorian patriarchal attitudes and a journey into the depths of mental illness. More controversial, but curiously overlooked is the topic of the rest cure’ and whether Gilman’s associations are fact or fiction. Evidence supports Charlotte Gilman may have misrepresented the Weir Mitchell Rest Cure, and pokes more holes in The Yellow Wallpaper.†The story’s female character is suffering from â€Å"temporary nervous depression a slight hysterical(1) tendency,†and prescribed a rest cure. The treatment enforced absolute bed rest, forbade physical, mental or social activities and required total isolation from family and friends. Eventually the lack of stimulation and complete solitude only added to the desolation, and pushed her to the brink of insanity. The Yellow Wallpaper was based on Gilman’s personal experience with postpartum depression and treatment received by Dr. S. Weir Mitchell, pioneer of the Rest Cure. The parallels between her experiences and those of the story are noticeable, as are implications of late nineteenth-century patriarchal and medical attitudes toward women, during that time. As a fictional story, and nothing else, The Yellow Wallpaper depicts a postpartum woman driven to psychosis by an inept doctor who is also her husband. However, as a fictional autobiography, it is read as an â€Å"indictment of the nineteenth-century medical profession and its patriarchal attitudes.†After the 1973 reissue of The Yellow Wallpaper, Gilman directly criticizes Mitchell’s treatment, saying, â€Å"the real purpose of the story was to reach Dr. S Weir Mitchell, and convince him of the error of his ways.†She claimed his rest cure brought her â€Å"perilously near to losing [her] mind.†Mitchell’s â€Å"errors†by many accounts, far surpass his medical therapies alone. A tenacious male-chauvinist, by today’s standards, he was vehemently opposed to women voting, and strongly against higher education. He felt it got in the way of being good wives and mothers, saying â€Å"there had better be none of it.†Women’s â€Å"finest nobleness†according to Mitchell, was â€Å"to be homeful for others.â€
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Useful Japanese Adjectives
Useful Japanese Adjectives Here is the list of useful Japanese adjectives and their pronunciations. bigookiiÃ¥ ¤ §Ã£ ã „ smallchiisaiÃ¥ ° ã •ã „ longnagaié• ·Ã£ „ shortmijikaiçŸ ã „ thick, fatfutoiÃ¥ ¤ ªÃ£ „ slender (person)yasetaã‚„ã ݋ Ÿ thinusuièâ€"„ã „ widehiroiÃ¥ ºÆ'ã „ narrowsemaiç‹ ã „ heavyomoié‡ ã „ lightkaruiè » ½Ã£ „ hightakaié «ËœÃ£ „ lowhikuiä ½Å½Ã£ „ fasthayai速ã „ slow, lateosoié …ã „ many, muchooiÃ¥ ¤Å¡Ã£ „ few, littlesukunaiÃ¥ °â€˜Ã£ ªÃ£ „ hardkataiã ‹ã Ÿã „ softyawarakaiã‚„ã‚ らã ‹ã „ deepfukaiæ · ±Ã£ „ shallowasaiæ µâ€¦Ã£ „ beautifulutsukushiiç ¾Å½Ã£ â€"ã „ uglyminikuié†Å"ã „ prettykireinaã ã‚Å'ã „ã ª cutekawaiiã ‹ã‚ ã „ã „ cleanseiketsunaæ ¸â€¦Ã¦ ½â€Ã£ ª dirtykitanaiæ ±Å¡Ã£ „ fasthayai速ã „ slowosoié …ã „ strongtsuyoiÃ¥ ¼ ·Ã£ „ weakyowaiÃ¥ ¼ ±Ã£ „ calmshizukanaé ™ã ‹ã ª brightakarui明るã „ darkkuraiæšâ€"ã „ newatarashiiæâ€" °Ã£ â€"ã „ oldfuruiÃ¥ ¤Ã£ „ youngwakaiè‹ ¥Ã£ „ hotatsuiæš‘ã „ coldsamuiÃ¥ ¯â€™Ã£ „ far, distanttooié ã „ nearchikaiè ¿â€˜Ã£ „
Monday, October 21, 2019
Preparing for the Private School Interview
Preparing for the Private School Interview Private school interviews can be stressful. You are trying to impress the school and put your best foot forward. But, this doesnt have to be an interaction that makes you lose sleep at night. Here are some tips to make the interview go more smoothly. Research the School Beforehand ​If you really want to attend a given school, be sure you know some basic information about the school before the interview. For example, you shouldn’t express surprise that the school doesn’t have a football team during the interview; thats the kind of information thats readily available online. While you will find out more information on the tour and during the actual interview, be sure to read up on the school beforehand. Make it clear that you know something about the school and are eager to attend by making such remarks as, â€Å"I know your school has an excellent music program. Can you tell me more about it?†Prepare for the Interview Practice makes perfect, and if youve never been interviewed by an adult before, this can be an intimidating experience. Its always a good idea to study potential questions they may ask you. You dont want to have scripted answers, but being comfortable talking off the cuff about given topics will be helpful. Be sure you remember to say thank you and to shake hands with the admission officer at the end of the interview. Practice good posture and remember to make eye contact with your interviewer, too. Older students may also be expected to know about current events, so you might want to be sure that youre keeping up on whats happening in the world. Also be ready to talk about potential books, things that are happening at your current school, why youre considering a new school, and why you want that school in particular. Younger children may be asked to play with other children in the interview, so parents should be prepared to tell their child ahead of time what to expect and to follow rules for polite behavior. Dress Appropriately Find out what the school dress code is, and be sure to dress in attire that is similar to what the students wear. Many private schools require students to wear button-down shirts, so don’t dress in a tee-shirt, which will look impolite and out-of-place on the day of the interview. If the school has a uniform, just wear something similar; you dont need to go buy a replica. Don’t Stress Out This goes for both parents and students. Admissions staff at private schools are far too familiar with the child who is on the brink of tears on interview day because his parents have given him a bit too much advice- and stress- that morning. Parents, be sure to give your child a big hug before the interview and remind him- and yourself- that you are looking for the right school- not one you have to campaign to convince that your child is right for. Students need to remember to just be themselves. If youre the right fit for a school, then everything will come together. If not, then that just means there is a better school out there for you. When on the tour, be sure to respond to the guide politely. The tour is not the time to voice disagreement or surprise about anything you see- keep your negative thoughts to yourself. While it’s fine to ask questions, don’t make any overt value judgments about the school. Many times, tours are given by students, who may not have all the answers. Save those questions for the admission officer. Avoid Over-Coaching Private schools have become wary of students who have been coached by professionals for the interview. Applicants should be natural and should not make up interests or talents that aren’t really innate. Don’t feign interest in reading if you haven’t picked up a pleasure reading book in years. Your insincerity will be quickly discovered and disliked by the admissions staff. Instead, you should be prepared to speak politely about what interests you- whether it’s basketball or chamber music- and then you will come across as genuine. Schools want to know the real you, not the perfectly poised version of you that you think they want to see. Common Interview Questions Here are some common questions you might be asked in private school interviews: Tell me a bit about your family? Describe the members of your family and their interests, but stay away from negative or overly personal stories. Family traditions, favorite family activities, or even vacations are great topics to share.Tell me about your interests? Do not fabricate interests; speak about your true talents and inspirations in a thoughtful and natural way.Tell me about the last book you read? Think ahead of time about some books you have read lately and what you liked or didn’t like about them. Avoid statements such as, â€Å"I didn’t like this book because it was too hard†and instead speak about the content of the books. Article edited by Stacy Jagodowski
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Free Essays on Implementing School Uniforms
Implementing School Uniforms â€Å"A child was brutally beaten today when he fought back against another student who tried to steal his brand new sneakers.†This is a headline that is becoming all too familiar to us. In the past few years, city schools have had a number of serious problems concerning students being ridiculed or being attacked simply because of their attire. School used to be a safe place for children to learn during the day. Students should not be afraid to attend school, but often that is the case. They have to live with the fear of being hurt or ridiculed by the other students that deem them to be different. Many times in our society the class structure is often exposed through material items. Children are often shielded from this, but it becomes evident in the clothes they wear to school. Whether it is a rich kid who finds himself in danger for having more, or a poor kid who is ridiculed for not having enough, this is a problem that needs to be solved. School officials in many city sch ools have begun to regulate this problem by making it mandatory that the students wear uniforms. This is a valid solution to a problem that many times prevents children from receiving a proper education. Uniforms should be implemented to prevent these circumstances, which have an enormous affect on the educating process in our public schools throughout the nation. When you hear about the violence that plagues today’s schools, uniforms are usually the first applicable solution to the problem. Uniforms continue to be an upcoming issue in the minds of school officials, parents, and even the President. In the article titled, â€Å"Uniforms, Expulsions Not Just for Private Schools†it states that; President Bill Clinton promoted uniforms in public schools in his State of the Union Address in January or 1996, when he praised them as â€Å"a way to promote safety and discipline in schools†. Clinton also stated: I challenge all our schoo... Free Essays on Implementing School Uniforms Free Essays on Implementing School Uniforms Implementing School Uniforms â€Å"A child was brutally beaten today when he fought back against another student who tried to steal his brand new sneakers.†This is a headline that is becoming all too familiar to us. In the past few years, city schools have had a number of serious problems concerning students being ridiculed or being attacked simply because of their attire. School used to be a safe place for children to learn during the day. Students should not be afraid to attend school, but often that is the case. They have to live with the fear of being hurt or ridiculed by the other students that deem them to be different. Many times in our society the class structure is often exposed through material items. Children are often shielded from this, but it becomes evident in the clothes they wear to school. Whether it is a rich kid who finds himself in danger for having more, or a poor kid who is ridiculed for not having enough, this is a problem that needs to be solved. School officials in many city sch ools have begun to regulate this problem by making it mandatory that the students wear uniforms. This is a valid solution to a problem that many times prevents children from receiving a proper education. Uniforms should be implemented to prevent these circumstances, which have an enormous affect on the educating process in our public schools throughout the nation. When you hear about the violence that plagues today’s schools, uniforms are usually the first applicable solution to the problem. Uniforms continue to be an upcoming issue in the minds of school officials, parents, and even the President. In the article titled, â€Å"Uniforms, Expulsions Not Just for Private Schools†it states that; President Bill Clinton promoted uniforms in public schools in his State of the Union Address in January or 1996, when he praised them as â€Å"a way to promote safety and discipline in schools†. Clinton also stated: I challenge all our schoo...
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Identify and select a contemporary management issue from current Essay
Identify and select a contemporary management issue from current affairs - Essay Example Body Globalisation There are various perspectives which can be used to explain and define globalisation. These perspectives and explanations span the historical, economic, and socio-cultural realms. For purposes of this discussion, the economic perspective shall be considered. Higgott and Reich (1998, p. 8) discuss that globalisation â€Å"might be characterized functionally as an intrinsically related series of economic phenomena†. Under this perspective, inclusive aspects of globalisation would also embrace liberalisation, the deregulation of trade activities, the reduction of state control functions, expansion of foreign direct investments, and the coordination of capital markets (Higgott and Reich, 1998). A globalised economy also means that the sale, production, and the manufacture of goods can be made on the wider global market. Labour would also be able to include the global citizenry, with a possibility of covering a more diverse, more talented, and an even more skille d labour market. The article by Schifferes (2007) discusses that globalisation seems to have a significant impact on rich and poor countries, â€Å"transforming regions such as Detroit of Bangalore from boom to bust – or vice versa – in a generation†. ... Globalisation has been an acknowledged element in the economic progress seen in the past few decades, and more apparently in recent years; moreover, its benefits seem to be spreading not just to the developed states, but to the developing and emerging economies of Asia. Multinational corporations (MNCs) have also thrived well under this globalized economy as these corporations have built numerous manufacturing plants in various countries in order to take advantage of cheap labour and more accessible natural resources (Schifferes, 2007). MNCs have also found globalisation to be largely advantageous to them due to the difficulties in tracking their progress; in effect, some of them have actually become virtual corporations as they outsource many of their production activities to other countries like Asia (Schifferes, 2007). As the developing nations and emerging economies have been enjoying the fruits of globalisation, developed nations seem to be experiencing some of its pitfalls. It seems that globalisation has become a global equalizer as it is stripping away many of the advantages which the developed nations used to have over the developing countries. Now the economic playing field is on equal ground with the richer countries needing the cheap labour and lower production costs, while the emerging economies are continuing to enjoy major gains in profits and a larger access into the global market. As the developing countries and emerging economies are benefiting well from the globalization activities, the West has become anxious about globalization. In the UK, investors have been worried about outsourcing white collar jobs with the general public protesting about the thousands of jobs being outsourced
Friday, October 18, 2019
Role of the United States Contitution Paper Essay
Role of the United States Contitution Paper - Essay Example overnment in the development of a uniform system of trade as follows: â€Å"The Congress shall have power†¦..to regulate commerce with foreign nations and among several states and with Indian tribes.†(www.usconstitution,net). The United States Constitution thus spells out the regulatory role of the federal Government. This is very important because if businesses are allowed to operate completely without any kind of regulation, then there is a scope for abuses of business power to take place. For example, big corporations could turn themselves into monopolies and take over all the business, thus resulting in unfairness to customers who will be saddled with heavy prices at the whim of the monopoly. Such a move would also produce a lack of business fairness and opportunity for others to also flourish and thrive in the economy through the effective exercise of competition. But by allowing the federal Government to play a regulatory role, the national government can make use of its power to ensure that opportunities and resources are provided to a multiplicity of groups, so that there is potential for the balanced development of power rater than it becoming aggregated in the hands of a few wealthy corporations. The Government’s regulatory role extends to the development of sound monetary and banking systems and ensuring that adequate opportunity is provided to all, including those minority and disadvantaged sections of society who may not have the resources and wealth to make the best use of business opportunities existing in the economy. In the case of McCullogh v Maryland Justice Marshall found unquestionable evidence existing in the Constitution to support the position that the American people, who are in effect, the source of the Constitution, wished to accord to the Government, the powers to lay down taxes and to collect them, as well as to regulate commerce and since this was the intent of the people, it must have also been their intent that the national
Internet and related web technologies Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Internet and related web technologies - Essay Example Basically, the Internet refers to a huge network of networks in which millions of computers and devices are connected to each other via cables or some other medium. Hence, the internet is surely a huge hardware mixture of millions of business, personal and governmental devices and computers, in which all linked like highways and roads. At the present, the internet has turned out to be a significant part of people’s lives. In addition, the Internet is not the ownership of a single person and even there is not a single organization or government that runs it. However, they can pose some technical rules and hardware/software standards regarding how people plug into the Internet. As compared to the Internet, the World Wide Web is the huge collection of digital pages. In other words, this huge and significant software component of the Internet is responsible for distributing data, information and content in the form of HTML pages. In addition, these web pages and information are ac cessed and viewed by using free software known as web browsers (Gil, 2013). The DNS and Directories As discussed above, the data and information on the Internet can be accessed through web sites and these web sites use proper names, which are known as domain. In addition, on the internet each domain name is identified as IP (internet protocol) address. In view of the fact that these IP addresses are difficult to remember so they can be replaced with some of the well-known and user friendly terms such as www.google.com, on the other hand the IP address of this domain could be different in the database such as 32.34.43.23. Basically, the Domain Name System (DNS) is an Internet directory service that is used by the Internet to convert or translate user-friendly web site names into the mathematical format such as IP addresses which are used by the computers for communication over the Internet. In this scenario, a large number of systems (computers and other devices) on the Internet get together to offer this directory service. Moreover, these directories allow people to connect to computers by making use of names instead of numbers. Furthermore, DNS also allows computers and other devices to web addresses and handle email (Shelly, Cashman, Vermaat, Cashman, & Vermaat, 2004; UCAR, 2009). Navigational Tools and Search Engines Basically, the navigational tools are software applications that are used to navigate a web site. In this scenario, there are a large number of navigational tools which allow us to access data and information from the Internet. For instance, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Google Chrome are two of the well-known navigational tools. On the other hand, a web search engine is a software system that is developed with the purpose of searching for the desired data, information (videos or any content) on the World Wide Web. In this scenario, the results that appear in response to a search query are normally provided in a line of results which are know n as search engine results pages (SERPs). In addition, the results of a search query can contain anything such as information, pictures and other types of files. Some of the well-known search engines are Google, MSN, and Yahoo (Wikipedia, 2013). Intranets and Extranets The intranet is a kind of network that can be used within an organization. This network cannot be accessed by the people outside of the
Thursday, October 17, 2019
ETourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
ETourism - Essay Example Doodles can be seen on the top of the main page, which depict the various cultural elements of Malaysia, and are consistent with the tourism theme. These are basically aimed at giving the visitors of the website an overview of the ways they can stay in touch. However, by incorporating the depictions of the Malaysian culture they serve to grab the attention of the people who are interested in travelling to Malaysia. Moreover, it can be seen that there is a blank white background which makes all the colorful images and text pop out and make it more visible. Websites with image backgrounds are often termed as "amateur", due to the fact that it's mostly unprofessional sites that use those. Famous, reputed websites like Google, Yahoo, eBay and Amazon etc. don’t use unprofessional backgrounds which have images. The website has also given a great deal of thought to organization. This is as important as the overall aesthetics of the website because everything is compact and does not c onfuse the visitors by haphazard information. It also does not make the website look uninteresting with big, useless chunks of information that will bore the visitor. The website has also refrained from using frames. Even though using frames will improve the usability, the address bar does not change as you switch pages. That makes it impracticable for anyone to bookmark a particular page in the site if they wish to, or emailing it to a friend to share the page (Bluejay, 2001). Lastly, the images are high quality- but compressed at the same time so as to reduce the time needed to open them up in the website and therefore, reducing the time that the visitors have to wait to see the images. The font is also very visible and simple in order to place more emphasis on the pictures surrounding and making them more attention grabbing (Website design: Interpersonal Qualities of a good web designer, 2006) Content Over and over again we have always have the sense of hearing SEO companies and SEO consultants’ affirm that content is king, in terms of search engine optimization campaigns. They are nowadays considered as correct in terms of such positioning. This is because of the fact that content has a lot of contributions in an SEO campaign, among these are contents helping as a roadmap to endorse the website to the search engines by incorporating keywords or key phrases into the content which is going to be crawled and indexed by the rummage around engine bots or crawlers. Another is that the content is a boulevard where website owners can encourage the website visitors to adapt from being a mere visitor to becoming a client. Content nevertheless, must always be kept or written in towering quality. (Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), 2002) The website truly Malaysia is very appropriate in terms of its content. The content must not be robotically generated. This means that the content must not just be taken and amended by an application; it should always be wri tten by an actual human being as the meaning being put into words is also for the use of a human being. The content is interesting, as boring content will not be able to keep the visitor on the website, thus raising the websites’ spring back rate; it is hence important to make all content attractive, adding underneath images and charming texts as well as interesting titles that would really help in keeping your visitors from straight away going to another website.
Military History Paper Research Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words
Military History - Research Paper Example Army professional can draw from military history how areas such as casualty evacuation were managed during the Vietnam War as compared to the Civil war. Moreover, military history also enables army professionals to promote the continuity of this history by learning its value. These incentives reinforce why army professional should study military history. Introduction Winning a war requires a combination of factors, and military history is part these forces. Being in the army calls for a rich understanding of military history, which dates back to hundreds of years (Jessup, Robert, & Coakley, 2005). Today, there are few people who see the value of military history. Instead, many people believe that study of military history has no place in the current world, where war is modernized and fought using sophisticated arms. Needless to say, there are many incentives that military professional can gain through the study of military history. The United States has a collection of chronological records detailing the experiences of soldiers, war events and development of arms that add to the rich history of its military history. Overlooking these resources is not welcome, particularly when military professionals do not take time from their busy schedules to glean from these records. While many military professionals remain deployed in various hot spots, taking the time to study military history has the potential of increasing their success in war. Through the study of military history, army professionals can learn how to make appropriate decisions, manage situations in war, engage threats in war, and promote continuity of military history. Value of Military History Managing war The role of military history in teaching army professionals how to manage wars cannot be underestimated. Professional army personnel must be ready to understand how wars are managed in order to achieve defined objectives. The methodology to manage wars is an essential aspect of military history. This is because those studying military histories can see those gains made by other soldiers and reflect on them. Possibly, these army professionals can gain new insights on how war and surrounding situation can be managed to produce outcomes that align with desired objectives. For instance, there are many aspects of management that army professional can learn from history. During the Vietnam War, the United States army made significant gains by making one of the most lauded evacuation programs in military history. Military history books detail that the United States army used helicopters to conduct aeromedical evacuation that helped save the lives of many soldiers in the war. Army professionals taking military history can study this literature in depth and gain a thorough understanding of how these evacuations were possible. When studying this information, military professionals would appreciate that such services were available during the American Civil war where many solider died of their wounds (Britannica Educational Pub, 2010). Certainly, military professionals who study military history will understand the value casualty management and other facets of war. Decision making Studying military history has the potential of improving the ability of army professional to make correct decisions. Decision-making is an art that requires perfection over time. Nonetheless, reading military histo
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
ETourism Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words
ETourism - Essay Example Doodles can be seen on the top of the main page, which depict the various cultural elements of Malaysia, and are consistent with the tourism theme. These are basically aimed at giving the visitors of the website an overview of the ways they can stay in touch. However, by incorporating the depictions of the Malaysian culture they serve to grab the attention of the people who are interested in travelling to Malaysia. Moreover, it can be seen that there is a blank white background which makes all the colorful images and text pop out and make it more visible. Websites with image backgrounds are often termed as "amateur", due to the fact that it's mostly unprofessional sites that use those. Famous, reputed websites like Google, Yahoo, eBay and Amazon etc. don’t use unprofessional backgrounds which have images. The website has also given a great deal of thought to organization. This is as important as the overall aesthetics of the website because everything is compact and does not c onfuse the visitors by haphazard information. It also does not make the website look uninteresting with big, useless chunks of information that will bore the visitor. The website has also refrained from using frames. Even though using frames will improve the usability, the address bar does not change as you switch pages. That makes it impracticable for anyone to bookmark a particular page in the site if they wish to, or emailing it to a friend to share the page (Bluejay, 2001). Lastly, the images are high quality- but compressed at the same time so as to reduce the time needed to open them up in the website and therefore, reducing the time that the visitors have to wait to see the images. The font is also very visible and simple in order to place more emphasis on the pictures surrounding and making them more attention grabbing (Website design: Interpersonal Qualities of a good web designer, 2006) Content Over and over again we have always have the sense of hearing SEO companies and SEO consultants’ affirm that content is king, in terms of search engine optimization campaigns. They are nowadays considered as correct in terms of such positioning. This is because of the fact that content has a lot of contributions in an SEO campaign, among these are contents helping as a roadmap to endorse the website to the search engines by incorporating keywords or key phrases into the content which is going to be crawled and indexed by the rummage around engine bots or crawlers. Another is that the content is a boulevard where website owners can encourage the website visitors to adapt from being a mere visitor to becoming a client. Content nevertheless, must always be kept or written in towering quality. (Search Engine Optimisation (SEO), 2002) The website truly Malaysia is very appropriate in terms of its content. The content must not be robotically generated. This means that the content must not just be taken and amended by an application; it should always be wri tten by an actual human being as the meaning being put into words is also for the use of a human being. The content is interesting, as boring content will not be able to keep the visitor on the website, thus raising the websites’ spring back rate; it is hence important to make all content attractive, adding underneath images and charming texts as well as interesting titles that would really help in keeping your visitors from straight away going to another website.
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
How I Learnt How to Navigate the Cyber Space Essay
How I Learnt How to Navigate the Cyber Space - Essay Example Plainly speaking the experience would be unforgettable, defining, and somewhat perplexing. This paper explores my first steps on a journey through the cyberspace. Introduction Having read and heard a lot about the internet and cyber space, and obsessed over the concept for what seemed like my whole life, I had a few things in mind I was more than anxious to try. My initial approach was an intricate mixture of curiosity, anxiety, and bewilderment. I was keen to find out if some of the things I had read about cyber space were true. To be specific, I had even come up with a list of a few things of my own with which to challenge the ingenuity of the outspoken technological phenomenon. However, I was inwardly unsettled over how the new virtual world would appear to me. Precisely, I was keen to find out whether cyber space would it be a passive unexciting computing experience. My greatest wonder was whether the web, arguably one of the best inventions of the century, would be an infinitely complex and unfathomable mass of data and material that would be utterly intolerant to my inexperience, and numbing to my bristling curiosity? Technology has always been my greatest source of marvel and intrigue for as long as I can remember. All things I found amazing about human accomplishments with regard to innovation were beginning to gather around technology and later and by extension computing. While some things would seem normal on computers and their many applications, for instance, do calculations at unimaginable speeds, some elements were especially influential to my curiosity and interest in computers. Particularly appearing improbable was the claims that it could do a multiplicity of activity including communicating with other computers with people all over the world in virtually no time. Even to a person fairly read on technology, particularly computing, this was simply extraordinary: I knew that computers had a myriad of abilities, which were beyond some of our wilde st perceptions on what is possible through human endeavour. I knew that computers could control complex systems, that computing knowledge had been critical in man’s first conquest of the moon in the outer space, could store mammoth amounts of data, do apparently complex and time-consuming manual activities at blinding speeds, and replace common technological innovations such as typewriters, and video output devices with unmatched effectiveness (Rajashekar, 22). At the time, it was only possible to read materials about the internet and the web in physical libraries. Therefore, metaphorically, I consider my first web experience occurred before I ever typed my first word on a browser search tab. What I found out about cyber space was more than I was hoping to unfold, and quite honestly, quite sobering. The moment I typed in a dictionary vocabulary, a popular name in computing, and the president’s name, my reality materialized from a haze of eccentric veneer and supressed doubts. I was sure of one thing, I was going to be part of this community, intellectually, and in many other ways a kid my age could imagine, I felt I belonged, and had means to let my imaginations run wild with a few keystrokes. The internet at the time was painfully and insufferably slow by today’
HR data collection Essay Example for Free
HR data collection Essay HR data collection makes company able to measure against it supporting workforce planning, monitoring progress and development, developing initiatives for generic cases. It identifies and analyses information to aid the organization in making ultimate decisions both beneficial to the organization and its employees. Two reasons considered closely. Through HR data collection an organisation can: 1) comply with legislative and regulatory requirements regarding equal opportunities, equal pay audits, recruitment, assessing skills balance, absence recording. 2) monitor training and performance for employees, assessing each individual employee for productivity and identifying training needs. That means assessing the productivity within the business. Being well informed about the workforce is the key to aim the ultimate goal of the organization. Data collection enables management team to make informed decisions about future activity. Two types of data collected and their support: 1) Attendances is useful to monitor and gauge daily working hours and monitor absences. That enables HR to manage regular absentees successful and deal with any issues the employee might have. 2) Organisational records which includes: staff turnover, absenteeism, recruitment documentation, learning and development. HR department can monitor staff level making decision about a further recruitment process. It is also essential collecting and updating employee records such as home addresses and people to contact in time of emergency. These information are helpful where the employee not to come to work without notice. Records can be stored: 1) Electronically through computerised system. In this way organization can keep information up to date easily and any information can be sent and received rapidly. It also reduce company costs and the amount of data can be stored with no taking up much office space and they can be sorted, found, moved and protected easily. 2) Manually in paper format. In this case the risk of corrupted data is less and information are accessible in any time considering occurrences of power cuts or electronic system crashes. Moreover problems with duplicates of the same record are usually avoided. Two items of UK legislation relating to recording and storing HR data: 1) Data Protection Act, 1998. It concerns all personal records whether held in paper or electronic format. The act contains eight protection principles specifying personal data must be: Processed fairly and lawfully. Obtained for specified and lawful purposes. Adequate, relevant and not excessive. Accurate and up to date. Not kept any longer than necessary. Processed in accordance with the â€Å"data subject’s†(the individual’s) rights. Securely kept. Not transferred to any other country outside the EU without adequate protection in situ. 2) Freedom of Information Act, 2000. It allows people to ask any public body for information on both any subject an organization has and themselves too. So that the act encourages organization to be transparent and, unless a valid reason, the organization must provide requested information within 20 working days. Through this act people can access to informations needed and ensure they are not exploited or used inappropriately.
Monday, October 14, 2019
Measures of Central Tendency
Measures of Central Tendency The one single value that reflects the nature and characteristics of the entire given data is called as central value. Central tendency refers to the middle point of a given distribution. It is other wise called as ‘measures of location. The nature of this value is such that it always lies between the highest value and the lowest value of that series. In other wards, it lies at the centre or at the middle of the series. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD AVERAGE: Yule and Kendall have pointed out some basic characteristics which an average should satisfy to call it as good average. They are: Average is the easiest method to calculate It should be rigidly defined. This says that, the series of whose average is calculated should have only one interpretation. One interpretation will avoid personal prejudice or bias. It should be representative of the entire series. In other wards, the value should lie between the upper and lower limit of the data. It should have capable of further algebraic treatment. In other wards, an ideal average is one which can be used for further statistical calculations. It should not be affected by the extreme values of the observation or series. DEFINITIONS: Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. Gupta (2008) in his work has narrated Lawrence J. Kaplan definition as ‘one of the most widely used set of summery figures is known as measures of location, which are often referred to as averages, measures of central tendency or central location. The purpose of computing an average value for a set of observation is to obtain a single value which is representative of all the items and which the mind can grasp simply and quickly. The single value is the point of location around which the individual items cluster. This opinion clearly narrates the basic purpose of computing an average. Similarly, Croxton and Cowden define the concept as ‘an average is a single value within the range of the data that is used to represent all of the values in the series. Since the average is somewhere within the range of data, it is sometimes called a measure of central value. TYPES OF AVERAGES: Following five are frequently used types of an average or measure of central tendency. They are Arithmetic mean Weighted arithmetic mean Median Mode Geometric Mean and Harmonic Mean All the above five types are discussed below in detail. THE ARITHMETIC MEAN: Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. It can be computed in a several ways. Commonly it can be computed by dividing the total value by the number of observations. Let ‘n be the number of items in a case. Each individual item in a list can be represented in a relationship as x1, x2, x3, ,xn. In this relationship, ‘x1 is one value, ‘x2 is another value in the series and the value extends upto a particular limit represented by ‘xn. The dots in the relationship express that there are some values between the two extremes which are omitted in the relationship. Some people interprets the same relationship as, which can be read as ‘x-sub-i, as i runs from 1 upto n. In case the numbers of variable in list is more, then it requires a long space for deriving the mean. Thus the summation notation is used to describe the entire relationship. The above relationship can be derived with the help of summation as: , representing the sum of the ‘x values, using the index ‘i to enumerate from the starting value i =1 to the ending value i = n. thus we have and the average can be represented as The symbol ‘i is again nothing but a continuing covariance. The readers should not be confused while using the notation , rather they can also use or or any other similar notation which are of same meaning. The mean of a series can be calculated in a number of ways. Following are some basic ways that are commonly used in researchers related to management and social sciences, particularly by the beginners. However, the readers should not be confused on sample mean and population mean. A sample of a population of ‘n observations and the mean of sample is denoted by ‘. Where as when one measure the population mean i.e., the entire variables of a study than the mean is represented by the symbol ‘Â µ, which is pronounced as ‘mue and is derived from the Greek letter ‘mu. Below we are discussing the concepts of sample mean. Type-1: In case of individual observation: a. Direct method- Mean or average can be calculated directly in the following way Step-1: First of all the researcher has to add all the observations of a given series. The observations are x1, x2, x3, xn. Step-2- Count how many observations are their in that series (n) Step-3- the following procedure than adopted to get the average. Thus the average or mean denoted as ‘and can be read as ‘x bar is derives as: Thus it can be said that the average mark of the final contestants in the quiz competition is 67.6 marks which can be rounded over to 70 marks. b. Short-cut method- The average or mean can also be calculated by using short-cut method. This method is applicable when a particular series is having so many observations. In other wards, to reduce calculations this method is generally used. The steps of calculating mean by this method is as follows: i. The research has to assume any one value from the entire series. This value is called as assumed value. Let this value be denoted here as ‘P. ii. Differentiate each a value from this assumed vale. That is find out individual values of each observation. Let this difference value be denoted as ‘B. Hence B=xn-P where n= 1,2,3,n. iii. Add all the difference value or get sum of B and count the number of observation ‘n. iv. Putting the values in the following formula and get the value of mean. Type-2: In case of discrete observations or series of data: Discrete series are the variables whose values can be identified and isolated. In such a case the variant is a whole number, but is form frequency distribution. The data set derived in case-1 above is called as ungrouped data. The computations in case of these data are not difficult. Where as, if the data set is having frequencies are called as groped data. a. Direct method: Following are some steps of calculating mean by using the direct method i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective frequencies (f). ii. Calculate the sum of the frequencies (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*f values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula b. Short cut method: Arithmetic mean can also be calculated by using the short cut method or assumed mean method. This method is generally used by the researchers to avoid the time requirements and calculation complexities. Following are the steps of calculating mean by this method. i. The first step is to assume a value from the ‘X values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) ii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘X to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = X-A iii. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df iv. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. v. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as Type-3: In case of continuous observations or series of data: Another type of frequency distributions is there which consists of data that are grouped by classes. In such case each value of an observation falls somewhere in one of the classes. Calculation of arithmetic mean in case of grouped data is some what different from that of ungrouped data. To find out the arithmetic mean of continuous series, one has to calculate the midpoint of each class interval. To make midpoints come out in whole cents, one has to round up the value. Mean in continuous series can be calculated in two ways as derived below: a. Direct method: In this method, mean can be calculated by using the steps as i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Multiply the mid points of each class interval (m) with its respective frequencies (f) i.e., find out mf iii. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. iv. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as b. Short cut method: Mean can also be calculated by using short cut method. Following are the steps to calculate mean by this method. i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Assume a value from the ‘m values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) iii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘m to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = m A iv. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df v. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. vi. Put the values in the following formula to get mean of the series THE WEIGHTED ARITHMETIC MEAN: In real life situation in management studies and social sciences, some items need more importance than that of the other items of that series. Hence, importance assigned to different items with the help of numerical value as per the priority basis in a series as called as weights. The arithmetic mean on the other hand, gives equal weightage or importance to each observation of the series. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. Following is the procedures of computing mean of a weighted series. By the way, an important problem that arises while using weighted mean is regarding selection of weights. Weights may be either actual or arbitrary, i.e., estimated. The researcher will not face any difficulty, if the actual weights are assigned to the set of data. But in case, if actual data is not assigned than it is advisable to assign arbitrary or imaginary weights. Following are some steps of calculating weighted mean: i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective weights (W) ii. Calculate the sum of the weights (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*W values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula Advantages of Arithmetic mean: Following are some advantages of arithmetic mean. i. The concept is more familiar concept among the people. It is unique because each data set has only one mean. ii. It is very easy to compute and requires fewer calculations. As every data set has a mean, hence, as a measure mean can be calculated. iii. Mean represents a single value to the entire data set. Thus easily one can interpret a data set its characteristics. iv. An average can be calculated of any type of series. Disadvantages of Arithmetic mean: The disadvantages are as follows. i. One of the greatest disadvantages of average is that it is mostly affected by the extreme values. For example let consider Sachin Tendulkars score in last three matches. Let it be, 100 in first match, 2 in second match and 10 in third match. The average score of these three matches will me 100+2+10/3=37. Thus it implies that Tendulkars average score is 37 which is not correct. Hence lead to wrong conclusion. ii. It is not possible to compute mean for a data set that has open-ended classes at either the high or low end of the scale. iii. The arithmetic average sometimes gives such value which cannot be found from the data series from which it is calculated. iv. It is unrealistic. v. It cannot be identified observation or graphic method of representing the data and interpretation. THE MEDIAN: Another one technique to measure central tendency of a series of observation is the median. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. In other wards, it is the exactly middle value of the series. Hence, fifty percent of the observations in the series are above the median value and other fifty or half observations are remains below the median value. However, if the series are having odd numbers of observations like 3,5,7,9,11,13 etc., then the median value will be equal to one of the exact value from the series. On the other hand, if the series is having even observations, then median value can be calculated by getting the arithmetic mean of the two middle values of the observations of the series. Median an a technique of measuring central tendency can be best used in cases where the problem sought for more qualitative or psychological in nature such as health, intelligence, satisfaction etc. Definitions: The concept of median can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Connor defined it as ‘the median is the value which divides the distribution into two equal parts, one part comprising all values greater, and the other values less than the median. Where as Croxton and Cowden defined it as ‘the median is that value which divides a series so that one half or more of the items are equal to or less than it and one half or more of the items are equal to or greater than it. Median can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Median in Individual Series Computation of Median in Discrete Series and Computation of Median in Continuous Series Computation of Median in Individual Series: Following are some steps to calculate the median in individual series. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. Than the median value can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the series. Where, N= Number of observation in that series. When N is odd number (like 5, 7,9,11,13 etc.) median value is one of the item within that series, but in case N will be a even number than median is the arithmetic mean of the two middle value after applying the above formula. The following problem can make the concept clear. Computation of Median in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Following are the steps of computing the median when the series is discrete. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies of the series. Computation of Median in Continuous Series: Continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of median is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get median in continuous series of data. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies column of the series. Form the cumulative frequencies, one can get the median class i.e., in which class the value lies. This class is called as median class and one can get the lower value of the class and the upper value of the class. The following formula can be used to calculate the median We have to get the median class first. For this, median class is N/2 th value or 70/2= 35. The value 35 lies in the third row of the table against the class 30-40. Thus 30-40 is the median class and it shows that the median value lies in this class only. After getting the median class, to get the median value we have to apply the formula . Advantages of Median: Median as a measure of central tendency has following advantages of its own. It is very simple and can be easily understood. It is very easy to calculate and interpret. It Includes all the observations while calculation. Like that of arithmetic mean, median is not affected by the extreme values of the observation. It has the advantages for using further analysis. It can even used to calculate for open ended distribution. Disadvantages of Median: Median as a means to calculate central tendency is also not free from draw backs. Following are some important draw backs that are leveled against median. Median is not a widely measure to calculate central tendency like that of arithmetic mean and also mode. It is not based on algebraic treatment. THE MODE: Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. Like that of median, mode is also more useful in case of qualitative data analysis. It can be used in problems generally having the discrete series of data and particularly, problems involving the expression of psychological determinants. Definitions: The concept of mode can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Croxten and Cowden defined it as ‘the mode of a distribution is the value at the point around which the items tend to be most heavily concentrated. It may be regarded as the most typical of a series of value. Similarly, in the words of Prof. Kenny ‘the value of the variable which occurs most frequently in a distribution is called the mode. Mode can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Mode in Individual Series Computation of Mode in Discrete Series and Computation of Mode in Continuous Series Computation of Mode in Individual Series: Calculation of mode in individual series is very easy. The data is to be arranged in a sequential order and that value which occurs maximum times in that series is the value mode. The following example will make the concept clear. Computation of Mode in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Hence directly, mode will be that value which is having maximum frequency. By the way, for accuracy in calculation, there is a method called as groping method which is frequently used for calculating mode. Following is the illustration to calculate mode of a series by using grouping method. Consider the following data set and calculate mode by using the grouping method. The calculation carried out in different steps is derived as: Step-1: Sum of two frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2=3, then 4+3=7, then 2+1=3 etc. Step-2: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4=7, then 3+2=5, then 1+2=3 etc. Step-3: Sum of three frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2+4=7, then 3+2+1=6 etc. Step-4: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4+3=9, then 2+1+2=5 etc. Step-5: Sum of three frequencies excluding the first and second i.e., 4+3+2=9, then 1+2+1=4. Computation of Mode in Continuous Series: As already discussed, continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of mode is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get mode in continuous series of data. Select the mode class. A mode class can be selected by selecting the highest frequency size. Mode value can be calculated by using the following formula Advantages of Mode: Following are some important advantages of mode as a measure of central tendency. It is easy to calculate and easy to understand. It eliminates the impact of extreme values. It is easy to locate and in some cases we can estimate mode by mere inspection. It is not affected by extreme values. Disadvantages of Mode: Following are some important disadvantages of mode. It is not suitable for further mathematical treatment. It may lead to a wrong conclusion. Some critiques criticized mode by saying that mode is influenced by length of the class interval. THE GEOMETRIC MEAN: Geometric mean, as another measure of central tendency is very much useful in social science and business related problems. It is an average which is most suitable when large weights have to be assigned to small values of observations and small weights to large values of observation. Geometric mean best suits to the problems where a particular situation changes over time in percentage terms. Hence it is basically used to find the average percent increase or decrease in sales, production, population etc. Again it is also considered to be the best average in the construction of index numbers. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. For example, if a series is having only two observations then N will be two or we will take square root of the observations. Similarly, when series is having three observations then we have to take cube root and the process will continue like wise. Geometric mean can be calculated separately for two sets of data. Both are discussed below. When the data is ungrouped: In case of ungrouped series of observations, GM can be calculated by using the following formula: where X1 , X2 , X3, XN various observations of a series and N is the Nth observation of the data. But it is very difficult to calculate GM by using the above formula. Hence the above formula needs to be simplified. To simplify the formula, both side of the above formula is to be taken logarithms. To calculate the G.M. of an ungrouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the log of individual observations i.e., calculate log X. Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate Then use the above formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. When the data is grouped: Calculation of geometric mean in case of grouped data is little bit different from that of calculation of G.M. in case of ungrouped series. Following are some steps to calculate the G.M. in case of grouped data series. To calculate the G.M. of a grouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the mid point of the continuous series. Take the log of mid points i.e., calculate log X and it can also be denoted as log m Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate or Then use the following formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. Advantages of G.M.: Following are some advantages of G.M. i. One of the greatest advantages of G.M. is that it can be possible for further algebraic treatment i.e., combined G.M., can be calculated when there is availability of G.M., of two or more series along with their corresponding number of observations. ii. It is a very useful method of getting average when the series of observation possess rates of growth i.e., increase or decrease over a period of time. iii. Since it is useful in averaging ratios and percentages, hence, are more useful in social science and business related problems. Disadvantages of G.M.: G.M., as a technique of calculating central value is also not free from defects. Following are some disadvantages of G.M. i. It is very difficult to calculate the value of log and antilog and hence, compared to other methods of central tendency, G.M., is very difficult to compute. ii. The greatest disadvantage of G.M., is that it cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. THE HARMONIC MEAN: The last technique of getting the central tendency of a series of data is the Harmonic mean (H.M.). Harmonic mean, like the other methods of central tendency is not clearly defined. It is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. H.M., is very much useful in those cases of observations where the nature of data is such that it express the average rate of growth of any events. For example, the average rate of increase of sales or profits, the average speed of a train or bus or a journey can be completed etc. Following is the general formula to calculate H.M.: When the data is ungrouped: When the observations of the series are ungrouped, H.M., can be calculated as: The step for calculating H.M., of ungrouped data by using the derived formula is very simple. In such a case, one has to find out the values of 1/X and then sum of 1/X. When the data is grouped: In case of grouped data, the formula for calculating H.M., is discussed as below: Take the mid point of the continuous series. Calculate 1/X and it can also be denoted as 1/m Make the sum of all 1/X values i.e., calculate Then use the following formula to calculate the H.M. of the series. Advantages of H.M.: Harmonic mean as a measure of central tendency is having following advantages. i. Harmonic mean considers each and every observation of the series. ii. It is simple to compute when compared to G.M. iii. It is very useful for averaging rates. Disadvantages of H.M.: Following are some disadvantages of H.M. i. It is rarely used as a technique of measuring central tendency. ii. It is not defined clearly like that of other techniques of measuring central value mean, median and mode. iii. Like that of G.M., H.M., cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. CONCLUSION: An average is a single value representing a group of values. Each type of averages has their own advantages and disadvantages and hence, they are having their own usefulness. But it is always confusing among the researchers that which average is the best among the five different techniques that we have discussed above? The answer to this question is very simple and says that no single average can be considered as best for all types of data. However, experts opine two considerations that the researchers must be kept in mind while going for selecting a technique to determine the average. The first consideration is that of determining the nature of data. If the data is more skewed it is better to avoid arithmetic mean, if the data is having gap around the middle value of the series, then median should be avoided and on the other hand, if the nature of series is such that they are unequal in class-intervals, then mode is to be avoided. The second consideration is on the type of value req uired. When there is need of composite average of all absolute or relative values, then arithmetic mean or geometric mean is to be selected, in case the researcher is in need of a middle value of the series, then median may be the best choice, but in case the most common value is needed, then will not be any alternative except mode. Similarly, Harmonic mean is useful in averaging ratios and percentages. SUMMERY: 1. Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. 2. Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. 3. The best use of arithmetic mean is at the time of correcting some wrong entered data. For example in a group of 10 students, scoring an average of 60 marks, in a paper it was wrongly marked 70 instead of 65. the solution in such a cases is derived below: 4. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. 5. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. 6. Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. 7. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. 8. Harmonic mean is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. QUESTIONS: 1. In a class containing 90 students following heights (in inches) has been observed. Based on the data calculate the mean, median and mode of the class. 2. In a physical test camp meant for selection of army solders the following heights of the candidates have been observed. Find the mean, median and mode of the distribution. 3. From the distribution derived below, calculate mean and standard deviation of the series. 4. The following table derives the marks obtained in Indian Economy paper by 90 students in a class. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 5. The monthly profits of 180 shop keepers selling different commodities in a city footpath is derived below. Calculate the mean and median of the distribution. 6. The daily wage of 130 labourers working in a cotton mill in Ahmadabad cith is derived below. Calculate the mean, median and mode. 7. There is always controversy before the BCCI before selection of batsmen between Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman. Runs of 10 test matches of both the players are given below. Suggest who the better run getter is and who the consistent player is. 8. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 9. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? How far it helpful to a decision-maker in the process of decision making? 10. Define measure of central tendency? What are the basic criteria of a good average? 11. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? Compare and contrast arithmetic mean, median and mode by pointing out the advantages and disadvantages. 12. The expenditure on purchase of snacks by a group of hosteller per week is Measures of Central Tendency Measures of Central Tendency The one single value that reflects the nature and characteristics of the entire given data is called as central value. Central tendency refers to the middle point of a given distribution. It is other wise called as ‘measures of location. The nature of this value is such that it always lies between the highest value and the lowest value of that series. In other wards, it lies at the centre or at the middle of the series. CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD AVERAGE: Yule and Kendall have pointed out some basic characteristics which an average should satisfy to call it as good average. They are: Average is the easiest method to calculate It should be rigidly defined. This says that, the series of whose average is calculated should have only one interpretation. One interpretation will avoid personal prejudice or bias. It should be representative of the entire series. In other wards, the value should lie between the upper and lower limit of the data. It should have capable of further algebraic treatment. In other wards, an ideal average is one which can be used for further statistical calculations. It should not be affected by the extreme values of the observation or series. DEFINITIONS: Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. Gupta (2008) in his work has narrated Lawrence J. Kaplan definition as ‘one of the most widely used set of summery figures is known as measures of location, which are often referred to as averages, measures of central tendency or central location. The purpose of computing an average value for a set of observation is to obtain a single value which is representative of all the items and which the mind can grasp simply and quickly. The single value is the point of location around which the individual items cluster. This opinion clearly narrates the basic purpose of computing an average. Similarly, Croxton and Cowden define the concept as ‘an average is a single value within the range of the data that is used to represent all of the values in the series. Since the average is somewhere within the range of data, it is sometimes called a measure of central value. TYPES OF AVERAGES: Following five are frequently used types of an average or measure of central tendency. They are Arithmetic mean Weighted arithmetic mean Median Mode Geometric Mean and Harmonic Mean All the above five types are discussed below in detail. THE ARITHMETIC MEAN: Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. It can be computed in a several ways. Commonly it can be computed by dividing the total value by the number of observations. Let ‘n be the number of items in a case. Each individual item in a list can be represented in a relationship as x1, x2, x3, ,xn. In this relationship, ‘x1 is one value, ‘x2 is another value in the series and the value extends upto a particular limit represented by ‘xn. The dots in the relationship express that there are some values between the two extremes which are omitted in the relationship. Some people interprets the same relationship as, which can be read as ‘x-sub-i, as i runs from 1 upto n. In case the numbers of variable in list is more, then it requires a long space for deriving the mean. Thus the summation notation is used to describe the entire relationship. The above relationship can be derived with the help of summation as: , representing the sum of the ‘x values, using the index ‘i to enumerate from the starting value i =1 to the ending value i = n. thus we have and the average can be represented as The symbol ‘i is again nothing but a continuing covariance. The readers should not be confused while using the notation , rather they can also use or or any other similar notation which are of same meaning. The mean of a series can be calculated in a number of ways. Following are some basic ways that are commonly used in researchers related to management and social sciences, particularly by the beginners. However, the readers should not be confused on sample mean and population mean. A sample of a population of ‘n observations and the mean of sample is denoted by ‘. Where as when one measure the population mean i.e., the entire variables of a study than the mean is represented by the symbol ‘Â µ, which is pronounced as ‘mue and is derived from the Greek letter ‘mu. Below we are discussing the concepts of sample mean. Type-1: In case of individual observation: a. Direct method- Mean or average can be calculated directly in the following way Step-1: First of all the researcher has to add all the observations of a given series. The observations are x1, x2, x3, xn. Step-2- Count how many observations are their in that series (n) Step-3- the following procedure than adopted to get the average. Thus the average or mean denoted as ‘and can be read as ‘x bar is derives as: Thus it can be said that the average mark of the final contestants in the quiz competition is 67.6 marks which can be rounded over to 70 marks. b. Short-cut method- The average or mean can also be calculated by using short-cut method. This method is applicable when a particular series is having so many observations. In other wards, to reduce calculations this method is generally used. The steps of calculating mean by this method is as follows: i. The research has to assume any one value from the entire series. This value is called as assumed value. Let this value be denoted here as ‘P. ii. Differentiate each a value from this assumed vale. That is find out individual values of each observation. Let this difference value be denoted as ‘B. Hence B=xn-P where n= 1,2,3,n. iii. Add all the difference value or get sum of B and count the number of observation ‘n. iv. Putting the values in the following formula and get the value of mean. Type-2: In case of discrete observations or series of data: Discrete series are the variables whose values can be identified and isolated. In such a case the variant is a whole number, but is form frequency distribution. The data set derived in case-1 above is called as ungrouped data. The computations in case of these data are not difficult. Where as, if the data set is having frequencies are called as groped data. a. Direct method: Following are some steps of calculating mean by using the direct method i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective frequencies (f). ii. Calculate the sum of the frequencies (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*f values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula b. Short cut method: Arithmetic mean can also be calculated by using the short cut method or assumed mean method. This method is generally used by the researchers to avoid the time requirements and calculation complexities. Following are the steps of calculating mean by this method. i. The first step is to assume a value from the ‘X values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) ii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘X to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = X-A iii. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df iv. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. v. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as Type-3: In case of continuous observations or series of data: Another type of frequency distributions is there which consists of data that are grouped by classes. In such case each value of an observation falls somewhere in one of the classes. Calculation of arithmetic mean in case of grouped data is some what different from that of ungrouped data. To find out the arithmetic mean of continuous series, one has to calculate the midpoint of each class interval. To make midpoints come out in whole cents, one has to round up the value. Mean in continuous series can be calculated in two ways as derived below: a. Direct method: In this method, mean can be calculated by using the steps as i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Multiply the mid points of each class interval (m) with its respective frequencies (f) i.e., find out mf iii. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. iv. Mean can be calculated by using the formula as b. Short cut method: Mean can also be calculated by using short cut method. Following are the steps to calculate mean by this method. i. First step is to calculate the mid point of each class interval. The mid point is denoted by ‘m and can be calculated as . ii. Assume a value from the ‘m values of the series (denoted as A= assumed value) iii. In this step in another column we have to calculate the deviation value (denoted as D) of ‘m to that of assumed value (A) i.e., D = m A iv. Multiply each D with f i.e., find our Df v. Calculate the value of sum of at the end of respective columns. vi. Put the values in the following formula to get mean of the series THE WEIGHTED ARITHMETIC MEAN: In real life situation in management studies and social sciences, some items need more importance than that of the other items of that series. Hence, importance assigned to different items with the help of numerical value as per the priority basis in a series as called as weights. The arithmetic mean on the other hand, gives equal weightage or importance to each observation of the series. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. Following is the procedures of computing mean of a weighted series. By the way, an important problem that arises while using weighted mean is regarding selection of weights. Weights may be either actual or arbitrary, i.e., estimated. The researcher will not face any difficulty, if the actual weights are assigned to the set of data. But in case, if actual data is not assigned than it is advisable to assign arbitrary or imaginary weights. Following are some steps of calculating weighted mean: i. In the first step, the values of each row (X) are to be multiplied by its respective weights (W) ii. Calculate the sum of the weights (column-2 in our example) at the end of the column denoted as iii. Calculate the sum of the X*W values at the end of the column (column-3 in our below derived example) denoted as iv. Mean () can be calculated by using the formula Advantages of Arithmetic mean: Following are some advantages of arithmetic mean. i. The concept is more familiar concept among the people. It is unique because each data set has only one mean. ii. It is very easy to compute and requires fewer calculations. As every data set has a mean, hence, as a measure mean can be calculated. iii. Mean represents a single value to the entire data set. Thus easily one can interpret a data set its characteristics. iv. An average can be calculated of any type of series. Disadvantages of Arithmetic mean: The disadvantages are as follows. i. One of the greatest disadvantages of average is that it is mostly affected by the extreme values. For example let consider Sachin Tendulkars score in last three matches. Let it be, 100 in first match, 2 in second match and 10 in third match. The average score of these three matches will me 100+2+10/3=37. Thus it implies that Tendulkars average score is 37 which is not correct. Hence lead to wrong conclusion. ii. It is not possible to compute mean for a data set that has open-ended classes at either the high or low end of the scale. iii. The arithmetic average sometimes gives such value which cannot be found from the data series from which it is calculated. iv. It is unrealistic. v. It cannot be identified observation or graphic method of representing the data and interpretation. THE MEDIAN: Another one technique to measure central tendency of a series of observation is the median. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. In other wards, it is the exactly middle value of the series. Hence, fifty percent of the observations in the series are above the median value and other fifty or half observations are remains below the median value. However, if the series are having odd numbers of observations like 3,5,7,9,11,13 etc., then the median value will be equal to one of the exact value from the series. On the other hand, if the series is having even observations, then median value can be calculated by getting the arithmetic mean of the two middle values of the observations of the series. Median an a technique of measuring central tendency can be best used in cases where the problem sought for more qualitative or psychological in nature such as health, intelligence, satisfaction etc. Definitions: The concept of median can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Connor defined it as ‘the median is the value which divides the distribution into two equal parts, one part comprising all values greater, and the other values less than the median. Where as Croxton and Cowden defined it as ‘the median is that value which divides a series so that one half or more of the items are equal to or less than it and one half or more of the items are equal to or greater than it. Median can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Median in Individual Series Computation of Median in Discrete Series and Computation of Median in Continuous Series Computation of Median in Individual Series: Following are some steps to calculate the median in individual series. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. Than the median value can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the series. Where, N= Number of observation in that series. When N is odd number (like 5, 7,9,11,13 etc.) median value is one of the item within that series, but in case N will be a even number than median is the arithmetic mean of the two middle value after applying the above formula. The following problem can make the concept clear. Computation of Median in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Following are the steps of computing the median when the series is discrete. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies of the series. Computation of Median in Continuous Series: Continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of median is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get median in continuous series of data. The first and the most important requirement is that the data should be arranged in an ascending (increasing) or descending (decreasing) order. In the third column of the table, calculate the cumulative frequencies. Than the median class can be calculated by using the formula th value or item from the cumulative frequencies column of the series. Form the cumulative frequencies, one can get the median class i.e., in which class the value lies. This class is called as median class and one can get the lower value of the class and the upper value of the class. The following formula can be used to calculate the median We have to get the median class first. For this, median class is N/2 th value or 70/2= 35. The value 35 lies in the third row of the table against the class 30-40. Thus 30-40 is the median class and it shows that the median value lies in this class only. After getting the median class, to get the median value we have to apply the formula . Advantages of Median: Median as a measure of central tendency has following advantages of its own. It is very simple and can be easily understood. It is very easy to calculate and interpret. It Includes all the observations while calculation. Like that of arithmetic mean, median is not affected by the extreme values of the observation. It has the advantages for using further analysis. It can even used to calculate for open ended distribution. Disadvantages of Median: Median as a means to calculate central tendency is also not free from draw backs. Following are some important draw backs that are leveled against median. Median is not a widely measure to calculate central tendency like that of arithmetic mean and also mode. It is not based on algebraic treatment. THE MODE: Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. Like that of median, mode is also more useful in case of qualitative data analysis. It can be used in problems generally having the discrete series of data and particularly, problems involving the expression of psychological determinants. Definitions: The concept of mode can be clearer from the definitions derived below. Croxten and Cowden defined it as ‘the mode of a distribution is the value at the point around which the items tend to be most heavily concentrated. It may be regarded as the most typical of a series of value. Similarly, in the words of Prof. Kenny ‘the value of the variable which occurs most frequently in a distribution is called the mode. Mode can be computed in three different series separately. All the cases are discussed separately below. Computation of Mode in Individual Series Computation of Mode in Discrete Series and Computation of Mode in Continuous Series Computation of Mode in Individual Series: Calculation of mode in individual series is very easy. The data is to be arranged in a sequential order and that value which occurs maximum times in that series is the value mode. The following example will make the concept clear. Computation of Mode in Discrete Series: Discrete series are those where the data set is assigned with frequencies or repetitions. Hence directly, mode will be that value which is having maximum frequency. By the way, for accuracy in calculation, there is a method called as groping method which is frequently used for calculating mode. Following is the illustration to calculate mode of a series by using grouping method. Consider the following data set and calculate mode by using the grouping method. The calculation carried out in different steps is derived as: Step-1: Sum of two frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2=3, then 4+3=7, then 2+1=3 etc. Step-2: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4=7, then 3+2=5, then 1+2=3 etc. Step-3: Sum of three frequencies including the first one i.e., 1+2+4=7, then 3+2+1=6 etc. Step-4: Sum of two frequencies excluding the first one i.e., 2+4+3=9, then 2+1+2=5 etc. Step-5: Sum of three frequencies excluding the first and second i.e., 4+3+2=9, then 1+2+1=4. Computation of Mode in Continuous Series: As already discussed, continuous series are the series of data where the data ranges are in class intervals. Each class is having an upper limit and a lower limit. In such cases the computation of mode is little bit different from that of the other two cases discussed above. Following are some steps to get mode in continuous series of data. Select the mode class. A mode class can be selected by selecting the highest frequency size. Mode value can be calculated by using the following formula Advantages of Mode: Following are some important advantages of mode as a measure of central tendency. It is easy to calculate and easy to understand. It eliminates the impact of extreme values. It is easy to locate and in some cases we can estimate mode by mere inspection. It is not affected by extreme values. Disadvantages of Mode: Following are some important disadvantages of mode. It is not suitable for further mathematical treatment. It may lead to a wrong conclusion. Some critiques criticized mode by saying that mode is influenced by length of the class interval. THE GEOMETRIC MEAN: Geometric mean, as another measure of central tendency is very much useful in social science and business related problems. It is an average which is most suitable when large weights have to be assigned to small values of observations and small weights to large values of observation. Geometric mean best suits to the problems where a particular situation changes over time in percentage terms. Hence it is basically used to find the average percent increase or decrease in sales, production, population etc. Again it is also considered to be the best average in the construction of index numbers. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. For example, if a series is having only two observations then N will be two or we will take square root of the observations. Similarly, when series is having three observations then we have to take cube root and the process will continue like wise. Geometric mean can be calculated separately for two sets of data. Both are discussed below. When the data is ungrouped: In case of ungrouped series of observations, GM can be calculated by using the following formula: where X1 , X2 , X3, XN various observations of a series and N is the Nth observation of the data. But it is very difficult to calculate GM by using the above formula. Hence the above formula needs to be simplified. To simplify the formula, both side of the above formula is to be taken logarithms. To calculate the G.M. of an ungrouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the log of individual observations i.e., calculate log X. Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate Then use the above formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. When the data is grouped: Calculation of geometric mean in case of grouped data is little bit different from that of calculation of G.M. in case of ungrouped series. Following are some steps to calculate the G.M. in case of grouped data series. To calculate the G.M. of a grouped data, following steps are to be adopted. Take the mid point of the continuous series. Take the log of mid points i.e., calculate log X and it can also be denoted as log m Make the sum of all log X values i.e., calculate or Then use the following formula to calculate the G.M. of the series. Advantages of G.M.: Following are some advantages of G.M. i. One of the greatest advantages of G.M. is that it can be possible for further algebraic treatment i.e., combined G.M., can be calculated when there is availability of G.M., of two or more series along with their corresponding number of observations. ii. It is a very useful method of getting average when the series of observation possess rates of growth i.e., increase or decrease over a period of time. iii. Since it is useful in averaging ratios and percentages, hence, are more useful in social science and business related problems. Disadvantages of G.M.: G.M., as a technique of calculating central value is also not free from defects. Following are some disadvantages of G.M. i. It is very difficult to calculate the value of log and antilog and hence, compared to other methods of central tendency, G.M., is very difficult to compute. ii. The greatest disadvantage of G.M., is that it cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. THE HARMONIC MEAN: The last technique of getting the central tendency of a series of data is the Harmonic mean (H.M.). Harmonic mean, like the other methods of central tendency is not clearly defined. It is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. H.M., is very much useful in those cases of observations where the nature of data is such that it express the average rate of growth of any events. For example, the average rate of increase of sales or profits, the average speed of a train or bus or a journey can be completed etc. Following is the general formula to calculate H.M.: When the data is ungrouped: When the observations of the series are ungrouped, H.M., can be calculated as: The step for calculating H.M., of ungrouped data by using the derived formula is very simple. In such a case, one has to find out the values of 1/X and then sum of 1/X. When the data is grouped: In case of grouped data, the formula for calculating H.M., is discussed as below: Take the mid point of the continuous series. Calculate 1/X and it can also be denoted as 1/m Make the sum of all 1/X values i.e., calculate Then use the following formula to calculate the H.M. of the series. Advantages of H.M.: Harmonic mean as a measure of central tendency is having following advantages. i. Harmonic mean considers each and every observation of the series. ii. It is simple to compute when compared to G.M. iii. It is very useful for averaging rates. Disadvantages of H.M.: Following are some disadvantages of H.M. i. It is rarely used as a technique of measuring central tendency. ii. It is not defined clearly like that of other techniques of measuring central value mean, median and mode. iii. Like that of G.M., H.M., cannot be used when the series is having both negative or positive observations and observations having more zero values. CONCLUSION: An average is a single value representing a group of values. Each type of averages has their own advantages and disadvantages and hence, they are having their own usefulness. But it is always confusing among the researchers that which average is the best among the five different techniques that we have discussed above? The answer to this question is very simple and says that no single average can be considered as best for all types of data. However, experts opine two considerations that the researchers must be kept in mind while going for selecting a technique to determine the average. The first consideration is that of determining the nature of data. If the data is more skewed it is better to avoid arithmetic mean, if the data is having gap around the middle value of the series, then median should be avoided and on the other hand, if the nature of series is such that they are unequal in class-intervals, then mode is to be avoided. The second consideration is on the type of value req uired. When there is need of composite average of all absolute or relative values, then arithmetic mean or geometric mean is to be selected, in case the researcher is in need of a middle value of the series, then median may be the best choice, but in case the most common value is needed, then will not be any alternative except mode. Similarly, Harmonic mean is useful in averaging ratios and percentages. SUMMERY: 1. Different experts have defined differently to the concept of average. 2. Arithmetic mean is the most simple and frequently used technique of computing central tendency. The average is also called as mean. It is other wise called as a single number representing a whole data set. 3. The best use of arithmetic mean is at the time of correcting some wrong entered data. For example in a group of 10 students, scoring an average of 60 marks, in a paper it was wrongly marked 70 instead of 65. the solution in such a cases is derived below: 4. In such a case, the weighted mean acts as the most important tool for studying the behaviour of the entire set of study. Here use of weighted mean is the only measure of central tendency for getting correct and accurate result. 5. Median is generally that value of the entire series which divides the entire series into two equal parts from the middle. 6. Mode is defined as the value which occurs most often in the series or other wise called as the value having the highest frequencies. It is, hence, the value which has maximum concentration around it. 7. Geometric mean is defined as the Nth root of the product where there are N observations of a given series of data. 8. Harmonic mean is the reciprocal of the arithmetic mean of the reciprocal of the individual observations. QUESTIONS: 1. In a class containing 90 students following heights (in inches) has been observed. Based on the data calculate the mean, median and mode of the class. 2. In a physical test camp meant for selection of army solders the following heights of the candidates have been observed. Find the mean, median and mode of the distribution. 3. From the distribution derived below, calculate mean and standard deviation of the series. 4. The following table derives the marks obtained in Indian Economy paper by 90 students in a class. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 5. The monthly profits of 180 shop keepers selling different commodities in a city footpath is derived below. Calculate the mean and median of the distribution. 6. The daily wage of 130 labourers working in a cotton mill in Ahmadabad cith is derived below. Calculate the mean, median and mode. 7. There is always controversy before the BCCI before selection of batsmen between Rahul Dravid and V.V.S. Laxman. Runs of 10 test matches of both the players are given below. Suggest who the better run getter is and who the consistent player is. 8. Calculate the mean, median and mode of the following distribution. 9. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? How far it helpful to a decision-maker in the process of decision making? 10. Define measure of central tendency? What are the basic criteria of a good average? 11. What do you mean by measure of central tendency? Compare and contrast arithmetic mean, median and mode by pointing out the advantages and disadvantages. 12. The expenditure on purchase of snacks by a group of hosteller per week is
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