How does Learning and Employee Development contribute to Essay - 1

How does Learning and Employee Development contribute to organisational success and performance within social care services - Essay ExampleFurthermore, the dissertation has make use of questionnaires and interview techniques to collect data from line managers at a voluntary sector social service provider, namely Loretto Care. The main findings of the interrogation are The managers at Loretto Care are of the view that investment in tuition, development and on the job training can be directly ripe and can lead to success at personal (employee level) as well as at the organisational level and the main barriers to learning and the effectiveness of training as identified by the managers at Loretto Care include workload, time pressures and lack of internal motivation. The respondents have pointed out a need to encourage registration with and coincidence of training programmes and employees with the SSSC requirements to ensure standardisation and monitoring the effectiveness of these p rogrammes. The main conclusion is in that locationfore that development and learning programmes for employees can effectively enhance organisational performance if there is robust planning to meet the needs and requirements of the organisation and are culturally embedded via appropriately qualified line managers in undertaking their role. Keywords Training and development, SSSC Registration, build of line management CONTENTS Abstract Chapter 1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Introduction Purpose and rationale of the study Scope of the Study Aims of the Research Significance of Study stage of the Dissertation Conclusion of the Chapter Page 1 2 4 5 6 7 9 Chapter 2 2.1 2.2 2.3 Literature Review Outline of the Chapter limited research in the Social Care Sector Conclusion of the Chapter 10 10 11 19 Chapter 3 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 3.6 3.7 3.8 3.9 Methodology Introduction to research design Research see Research Methodology Sample, time and Site for study Research instrument Research Pilot Que stionnaire Ethical and Validity issues Scope and Limitations of the Design Conclusion of the chapter 21 22 23 23 25 26 27 28 30 31 Chapter 4 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Results and Findings Findings Theoretical Framework legislative Context Discussion Conclusion of the chapter 32 32 44 55 62 85 Chapter 5 5.1 5.2 Conclusion Recommendations Final Conclusion 86 92 93 References Appendices Appendix 1 Ethical Approval Appendix 2 SSSC Codes of Practice Appendix 3 Interviewee information and consent Appendix 4 Questionnaire results and data List of Tables, Graphs and Diagrams Figure Description Page 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 4.6 4.7 4.8 4.9 4.10 4.11 4.12 4.13 4.14 4.15 4.16 4.17 4.18 4.19 4.20 Summary of job roles of the Participants Qualification of post holders Qualifications of the staff Summary of responses of the L&D strategy Effectiveness of the learning and development strategy Overall job satisfaction relating to L&D Learning and development activities undertaken by managers Learning and develo pment opportunities for team members Impact of enactment with SSSC Experiential Learning Model Kolb and Fry Developments on Experiential Learning Jarvis Learning at Work and Human Resource Development - Slotte Skills demonstration by employees not qualified as per SSSC Skills demonstration by employees qualified as per SSSC Training needs analysis collation methods Factors in the positive contribution of L&D Promotion of L&D Perceived barriers to providing L&D opportunities Learning and

Communication plan for childhood obesity Term Paper

talk plan for childhood obesity - Term Paper ExampleThis essay Communication plan for childhood obesity outlines the draft how to reduce the growing rate of obese children in consequence of communication strategy. Parents have the greatest responsibility in bringing change to the current level of obesity among the young children in US. Parents have a duty to determine the kind of food their children eat and the engagement of children in somatogenic activities (Williams, et.al, 2013). The mothers should be encouraged to breastfeed their babies adequately and avoid feeding them babies with foods containing high calories, sugar and fat. Parents should encourage their children to take part in physical activities regularly and limit the time which those children spend watching television, videos and playing computer gamesTeachers determine the kind of physical activities that children engage in which in school. In virtually cases, teachers are focused on academic performance of their schools and limit the time in which their students engage in physical activities (Williams, et.al, 2013). All training institutions should have a well structured program that specifies the time for students involvement in physical activities and time for class work. Therefore, teachers should give adequate time for physical activities to their students every mean solar day in order to improve their wellbeing. In addition, students take their meals at school during the day. Therefore, teachers have a duty to ensure that health foods are available for the students while in school.

Ip3 training and development Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Ip3 training and development - Research Paper Example here we can see the four level of evaluation which is reaction, learning, behaviour and results let us look at it one by one.Reaction At this level, the trainees reaction to the training given is analysed. Reaction is important as it gives an insight on how the training was received by the audience. For example, the trainees look content and asking questions essence they are receiving information in a better way. As per (GSA, 2014) Although participant reactions to training are clearly not the sole indicator of its effectiveness, it is possible that their reactions stage one variable that is part of the larger homological network of variables that influence training effectiveness.Learning Here the measure of knowledge gained by the trainee is assessed. How a lot their knowledge increased can be done with the help of learning objective prepared in advance. For example it can be assessed with the help of questionnaire and cont ribution play. As per (Solar, 2013) The third level of evaluation answers the question are they applying what they learned.Behaviour - Here the change in the behaviour of the trainee due to the training is looked in to. For example, the job of the employees can be observed after the training session as a follow up measure.Government of South Australia (2014). Good for your business. In http//www.skills.sa.gov.au. Retrieved June 26, 2014, from

Carnival Corporation Case Study Essay Example for Free

fair Corporation Case Study Essay bazaar Corporation as the largest cruise grade in the world is being a leader and innovator in the cruise line industry. Many of the onboard activities and run were introduced to strengthen the make doncies between competitors. The challenges of the Carnival were being subjugate by the watchfulness with creative and innovative strategies. As a corporate entity, Carnival did not refuse to withdraw money to settle the ocean pollution charged by public. The expansions of cruise line market via acquisition of a few subsidiaries dominate the cruise line in the world. 1. Strengths (internal factors) First, the largest cruise line in the world, as the leader and innovator in the cruise industry (growth from two converted ocean liners into an organization with multiples cruise lines). Second, the belief of management and Board of Directors that the association lead grows better. It motivates the employees to work hard. Third, internal grow in te rm of vessels that approximately ten vessels are under construction. Fourth, employees loyalty (the longest period employees remain in this organization is more than or less eight years) because Carnival management treating well to their employees in terms of wages). Fifth, creative and innovative corporate officers that is ready to face challenges. Sixth, Carnival has operable hump and economic of scales that causing them to set out lowest break even point in the same industry. WeaknessesFirst, in 1972, the speed of displace was slow. Second, the long-term debt at bottom 1999 and 2001 is plusd (the pay game of debt may lower the revenue and thus decreasing the dividend payment for shareholders). Third, the expand market (business) of Carnival causing the severey in managing the business. Fourth, trim down on remuneration income in 2001 is because of higher costs and expenses.2. Op wayunities (external factors) First, the expansion through acquisition buttocks reduce the competitors in same industry and has the ability to compete with other competitors (lower advertising costs). Second, collaboration with break agents can promote cruises. Third, the industry is expected to have bright future in passengers, consolidation through mergers, buyout, and little cruise operator fai coax, and the expansion of the industry worldwide. Fourth, expand of target customers from older masses to younger people. Fifth, expand of onboard activities (casino, disco, and nightclub). ThreatsFirst, terrorist events that were happen in 11 September 2001. Second, disconfirming publicity in 2002 where Carnival subjected by the ocean pollution charges and Norwalk-like virus that tinct the cruise industry. Third, the increased of send away costs and airline costs that affect the industry. Fourth, the failure of Carnival discontinued operations of Fiesta marina Lines that affect the companionship image. Fifth, Persian Gulf War that was increased competitors in the cruis e industry particularly in Caribbean area. Sixth, Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines had institute a major shipbuilding program that challenges Carnival. The emergence of Walt Disney Company in the cruise market and the prospect of young ships on the horizon give impact to the family cruise holiday fraction.3. Core competencies Yes, Carnival has core competencies because it is the competency crosses divisional boundaries, Carnival can do highly well, and must continuously reinvest in it i) Adding diversion onboard such(prenominal)(prenominal)(prenominal) as disco, nightclubs, casino, and others. Carnival also tries to attract younger cruisers by providing vacation package that included airfare to the port of embarkation and home after the cruise. ii) Product positioning Carnival believes that cruise market comprised to three particles (contemporary, premium, luxury) with assorted passenger demographics, characteristics, and growth requirements. iii) Travel agents collaborate with travel agents to promote cruises. Carnival also training travel agents from nonaffiliated travel firm to sell cruises.4. Distinctive competencies Yes, Carnival has distinctive competencies because distinctive competency is the superior to those of the competitions and difficult for competitors to compete with Carnival i) Investment in new ships Carnival is expanding its internal growth by investing in new ships. The ships under constructions are around 10 vessels. It is difficult for other competitors to invest in these large numbers of ships in same period but Carnival can do. ii) External expansion through acquisitions Carnival has five subsidiaries that control the major cruise lines in different countries. This causing Carnival becomes as the largest cruise line in the world.5. What trends are emerging in cruise industry?i) The adding diversion onboard such as planned activities, disco, nightclubs, casino, and other forms of entertainment activities (different kinds of activi ties that suitable for different ages of target customers). ii) Moderate priced vacation for younger cruisers that included airfare to the port of embarkation and home after the cruise. iii) All inclusive packages that began with bags were tagged for the ship at the airport, air-conditioned bus, meals, onboard activities, house keeping service, until passengers were transported back to airport. iv) Love story movie such as Titanic and Love boat that promote the romance onboard encouraging couples to join cruise.6. Marketing system i) legal injury moderate price (vacation packages) that middle-class clients afford to pay. Prices for different trains of rooms are charged according to the customers needs. ii) Product vacation package that suitable for the clients aged. Other onboard activities such as casino and disco. The service from picking up the clients at airport to board and dropping clients again at airport. iii) Place Caribbean ports and other destination such as Walt Di sney World, Holland, and Costa, as long as the clients want to go. iv) Promotion some of the promotions are done by travel agents. The Fun Ship cruise that with designated impermanent party and everyone is welcomed by Carnival is another success promotion.7. The importance of travel agents The travel agents will help Carnival to promote the cruises as an alternative to Disney or European vacation. For people who never return a cruise in their life, or afraid of taking a flight to the destinations will be attracted. Thus, it shows that the outstanding role of travel agents to Carnival. Besides that, not only attracting clients to take a cruise as the core business, selling cruise is also part of the Carnival business. Thus, Carnival is training travel agents from nonaffiliated travel firms to sell cruise. Because of the attractive benefit in term of money provided by Carnival, in year 2000, Carnival took reservations from somewhat 29000 travel agencies to promote the business. A nd, it proves that this strategy in promoting cruises either to attract clients boarding the cruise or selling the cruise is succeed. 8. Flight or cruise?We will choose cruise because we have not travel yet to some where by cruise before. i) In our opinion, although the price for a cruise might be higher a bit than to take a flight to Caribbean island that we can afford to pay. By choosing a package for the cruising is worth because there will be variety of services that suitable for us as active younger cruisers rather than just to sit in the flight and we have nothing to do. ii) even off though cruise may take a longer time to reach Caribbean island, the final destination that we will reach is Caribbean island no matter we take a cruise or flight. Thus, we can sleep together the onboard facilities that we have paid for. Disco, nightclubs, gym room, cinema, and casino are the places that we seldom go for but we can enjoy if we take a cruise for this vacation. iii) Cruise is a pla ce that we can relax ourselves since the purpose of travel is to relax our mind. The sea view from a ship can make us happy and reduce our stress. On the other hand, we can also meet some new friends through this trip. iv) Besides, we can experience some exotic destinations when the cruise will sail in the ports. The cruisers can come down from the vessel and visit some famous spots. Adversely, if we take flight, we cant visit anywhere except just transit in airport.9. Evaluation of Carnivals targeting to specific target market i) Contemporary segment served by Carnival ships, featured a casual ambiance. ii) Premium segment served by Holland America, for longer market and appealed to more affluent consumers iii) Luxury segment served by Seabourn and Cunard, catered to experience cruisers. The above are the target market for Carnival. Each segment has different types of costs to be charged to consumers. For the contemporary segment, it is more suitable for family and people who ne ed relaxing during a short period of holidays. The price is cheaper than premium or luxury segment. For the premium segment, it is more suitable for affluent consumers, who need a longer period to relax.It normally targets an older people to board because the facilities in the ship are more suitable for their ages. This segment of cruise will have more cabin or public space per person. In term of price, it is the most expensive and little people can afford to pay. The price for this segment is higher than contemporary segment. Not everyone will prefer this segment of cruise because they need to consider the available time for taking the cruise. The luxury segment targets for super rich consumers where they were served as king and queen in the ship. The consumers who taking this segment of cruise can show that they have a higher social shape and prestige is the main consider by consumers.10. Strategic management in Carnival Carnival has a very unique and successful strategic manage ment in cruise industry. During terrorist events in 2001, the world cruise industry was negatively impact by it. However, to overcome this problem, Carnival offered a deep discount to lure back the passengers. In year 2002, Carnival was subjected to the ocean pollution charges. The company was withdrawing $18 million to overcome this turn off. This strategy is not only to overcome the issue ethically but also to maintain the company image. Carnival is doing well in pricing strategy where they offer different kinds of packages with moderate price for different kinds of customers.To improve the core competency of the company, Carnival tried to increase the services onboard and adding diversions onboard. Even though other cruise company can imitate this strategy but Carnival is the first to invent the same strategy that succeeds to gain revenue from it. Carnival tried to introduce new strategy to make more convenience to consumers such as the all-inclusive package. The main purpose of this strategy is to maximize the satisfaction of consumers on Carnival services. Finally, to reduce the competition in cruise industry and to compete with other competitors in the same industry, Carnival did acquisition on many cruise lines as subsidiaries. The expansion of Carnival in cruise line market through acquisition can tighten the status of Carnival in cruise industry.11. The advantage of being a chlorofluorocarbon The individuals (foreigners or locals) who held the stocks of Carnival under the CFC status are incorporation exempt shipping operations of United tells persons from income tax. Carnival with all of its income (except of United State source of income from transportation, hotel and tour business of Holland America) would be exempt from United State federal income taxes at the corporate level. This exemption not only can increase the revenue of Carnival, it also allows the company to have more funds (liquidation assets) to run more projects or activities for the company. The reason of government to give exemption to Carnival is because to come along this industry to growth and attract more passengers boarding on ship, especially the ship with casino. It will increase the government sources of money.12. How to maintain low costs, high level of service? i) Vertical integration or outsourcing Carnival can try to take in-house or outsource the products or services in related industries such as shipbuilding, meal preparation industry, and transportation (bus). This is because either vertical integration or outsourcing, which contributes the lowest cost, will be the choice of Carnival to either produce in-house or to outsource the needs. The good relation with suppliers can guarantee the best quality of the products or services. The in-house produce (vertical integration) can guarantee for the high level of products and services quality. ii) Maintain employees Experienced employees can be the senior for the new comers. They can train and guid e the new workers while doing a task rather than the company to send them for training course. Thus, maintaining experienced employees can save the labor cost and maintain the service quality to passengers. iii) Maintain cruise standard (such as salutary standard) by periodically checking to avoid break down during cruising and it may need higher cost to repair and bring inconvenience to passengers.Conclusion The success of Carnival is depends on the innovative Board of Directors and management. The growth of cruise market becomes more significant because of the low fares high quality of service. Carnival is dominating the cruise line market but they still do investment in improving the services so that to avoid the core competencies become the weaknesses of the company. Even though the net profit of year 2001 is decreased but it did not mean that they have weak internal control. External factors such as increased in fuel cost also are considered the factor in the declining profit. Finally, Carnival has the potential to grow in cruise line market because they already gained the experience in cruise line and they have strong financial to support many cruise activities.

Lower class citizens Essay Example for Free

Lower descriptor citizens EssayIn our first workshop we looked at the diverse classes aboard the titanic. We studied how the first, second, and third class passengers would react going on the titanic. We determinationd still images to show our diametric facial and body expressions. Looking rearwards at our work we could have improved the government agency we staged our still images and could have consumptiond much space up stage so that the auditory modality had a better thought process of our body and facial expressions. I also think that we could have use more still images instead of just 3 we could have used five to show the contrasts of the different classed passengers on the titanic, this would have also improved our performance because the audience would have had a better view of interest and mannerisms from the characters. In the second workshop we looked at the titanic and the 9/11 attack. First, we started looking at the titanic and made 3 still images tom sh ow the different type of characters, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd classed passengers. We developed these by adding hand gestures and facial expressions and also adding role play. Using role play we had to think of the different uses of tone of voice and how each person would speak, like the 1st class passengers would use proper words and would speak clearly whereas the lower class passengers would use cockney and wouldnt speak very clear. We then went on looking at the 9/11 attack on America in 2001.We then had to retain role play of a hijacker taking control of the plane and killing an air hostess while she was giving out drinks. We then had to cash in ones chips on to making a role play. I played a window cleaner, complaining about my job when the plane is coming at my windows that I am cleaning. We then did parrot on the shoulder to empathise the worry of those who were there. When we used role play we had to make sure that we used all the effective facial and body expressions to show h ow we were reacting at the time of one of the largest disasters in history.In the third workshop we developed our understanding of hot seating, and used galore(postnominal) examples of the titanic to help us. We had to be questioned by the root word about his or her background, behaviour and motivation. The characters were based around the catering on the titanic and had all sorts of questions asked to visit information about the occupation. We created a scene in which enables us all to get a detailed idea about what it was like to work on the titanic.In workshop four we firstly had to do 3 still images to show the towers standing, falling and the towers no longer standing at all. We had to think of how we could use of our body and facial expressions to show the audience the effects it had. We then looked at a contribution of text called Requiem for Ground Zero by Stephen Benkoff. The piece of text told us how the twin towers exploded when the plane hit the building. We had to e xplore the text and then look at how we could use it in role play. My group first came up with three still images showing how three different people were trap. We then looked at fallen.This was a phone call that was made when those who were trapped could get hold of their loved ones. We used split screen to show how the different phone calls are made and what is said. During this exercise we had to think about the way we would use body and facial expressions to show emotion. We then moved on to role play. We created a scene that included levels and thought tracking to create more of an atmosphere to our work. The levels meant that we could show what level the characters were, in relevance to showing how important they were in our role play.During workshop five we also did 3 still images on The survival list for the titanic. We used facial expressions and body language to show to the audience the different class. For example the 1st class people would look put through on the lower c lass and their heads would be up very high wheres the lower class people their heads would be down all the time. The higher class got to look at the list first so in this case we would see them pushing past the lower class citizens.The facial and body expressions that we used showed that the majority of higher class people were delighted about the news because they were first priority when it came to life boats and survival. The lower class people would be very upset, due to the fact that they werent as important when the life boats were being filled, so many of the lower classed passengers aboard the ship died.

Plato’s Theory of Knowledge, A Guide to Reaching Higher Grounds Essay Example for Free

Platos Theory of Knowledge, A Guide to Reaching Higher grand EssayThe human knowledge may be regarded as having a two parts One that he sees hears and touches, on the other he organizes capitulum s on what he learns through the senses. Philosophers leave given considerable attentions to questions ab show up the reticuloendothelial systemources of knowledge. Some philosophers think that that the particular thing seen, heard and touches ar to a greater extent outstanding. They believe that general ideas are formed from the examination of the particular facts. A philosopher who feels that the knowledge is acquired in this way is called empiricist. The view of the knowledge net be deliver the goods only through the sense of experience.According to them the real knowledge is ground on what our sight, hearing smell and other senses tell us it is really out in that respect and not what people makes up in their heads. Other philosopher thinks it is much important to find a g eneral law according to which particular facts bathroom be understood or judge. This method advocates rationalist. A newer school pragmatism, believe that the value in use is the real test of the fairness and convey and truth of an idea are tested by the practical consequences. These are some of the groups that search about the roots of the theory of knowledge.When a soul wants to be tyro you must know what the light within us is. This light will guide us in every step of our lives. It is a go on what is greater than conduct, what is greater in the physical things that we see. It is the moment when we begin to know something that is greater than, which is also within ourselves. According to the Augustinian Theory of knowledge, there are two objectives to be considered. One is to show how knowledge of all kinds is achieved and how therefore true reality maybe discovered. The second is to provide the groundwork for the reform of the cultural reading to ensure the proper develo pment of the people through teaching knowledge.Inner awakening is that you follow your ego, but after you realize and teach, we follow gods will. We as a person must know and search ways to be enlightened. Enlightenment is the aim of any person. But after you get this enlightened dont fear that you will loose everything. You must enjoy things more passionate but you know when and how and do not abuse your force-out of enjoyment like you did before enlighten.The theory of knowledge gives us a guide on how human reach the higher level of enlightenment. It gives us the unrivaled by mavin step and details on how knowledge is acquire. Plato a great philosopher considers some of the details about what is the nature of knowledge and the way it was obtained. In the traditional analysis of knowledge Platos theory of knowledge divides into three approaches (1) the allegory of the cave (2) the metaphor of the divide line (3) and the doctrines the forms.The cave tells us that to the highes t degree of the people who are living in the cave, in the dark has converted to salvation because of the knowledge that they acquire. The divided line visualizes the levels of knowledge in a more systematic way. Plato states that there are four stages of the knowledge development. (1) Imagining, which tells us that the looks or appearance seen as true reality. For example an art, which tells us that what we have seen is not ineluctably what, you get. (2) Belief, Plato gives us the idea of seeing the reality does not always believe. We have the strong conviction of what we see but not with absolute certainty.(3) Thinking, it is believe the microscopic world and move into intelligible world which it stands for the power of mind. Plato wants to see all things as they really are so we can see that all things are interconnected. (4) The development stage of the knowledge due to thinking. The third Approach is the Forms are the highest levels of reality. The forms are called ideas. Thes e are independent existing entities whose existence and nature are comprehensible only by the mind, even though they are not depend on being so grasped in order to existA person is in hence stage of immaturity, when theory of knowledge takes place he will undergo such different stages like at first he will see what is the source and problem of its immaturity understanding what is immaturity will mean a process that under go such enlightenment. after(prenominal) understanding and knowing the problem he will go to the next stage which is by visualizing the level of knowledge of being immature.He can have a research or he can conduct a qouestion and answer so that he can get some opinion so that it can help a lot in defining the problem of being immature. For instance, what distinguishes real knowledge from mere opinion? The real knowledge is based on the logic, the laws and the methods of reason that we use to understand the universe (Velasquez, 1999)By getting such knowledge and a nalyzing of what category or level he can stool a new solution in order of getting out of being immature.Thingking of the possible solution and ideas is the last satge of getting out of being immature.This process or step of solving ones problem is an example of theory of knowledge which can be apply to enlightenment.In any of the different stages they are interconnected to one another so that it can create a good solution which enlightens on a person.There is a given transmit of such enlightenment. For Parmenides, channelize is the confusion of the appearance (motion) with reality (permanence) and therefore the change is simply an illusion. Reality is the basis of truth (knowledge) where as changes produces only opinion (lack of knowledge). Although the senses tells us that the things appear to change and therefore things do change, our reason can distinguish the truth from that which appear to be true. When reasons say reality must be single permanent substances, then there can be no change. (Hankinson, 1998)Platos theory of knowledge leads us down many roads, but we see the same theme through out the light to dark ignorant to educate reality to really real.The theory of knowledge imparts us that in every circumstances in life there is a solution. In every situation that we have there is an appropriate answer. Having a knowledge or education gives us the true meaning of reality and real.That is when enlightenment takes place. When we have already the knowledge and reasons we know now how to handle and solve on any situation that we have.Enlightenment is one of important part in our life to have a sense of direction. If we can apply the the different stages of theory of knowledge and integrate it to its process of enlightenment there is a good way that humanities can have the truth , the reality, and the essence of having a knowledge.Believing to the knowledge that we have and through by the grace we can struggle and survive in any situation that we have.V elasquez, Manuel Philosophy A text with readings.New York Wadsworth publishing company, 1999.Hankinson, RJ. Cause and Explanation in Ancient classical Thought.Oxford Clarendon Press, 1998.Human Knowledge and Human Nature A new introduction to an Ancient Debate Oxford University Press, 1992 ISBN 0-19-875101-X ISBN 0-19-875102-8 (pbk.)http//www.philosophy.umd.edu/Faculty/pcarruthers/HKHN-Conclusion.htmAugustinian Knowledge Of theory http//www.users.bigpond.com/seckington/Augustinian%20Knowledge.htmWhat is Enlightenment ? (Quest-ce que les Lumires ?), in Rabinow (P.), d., The Foucault Reader, New York, Pantheon Books, 1984, pp. 32-50. http//foucault.info/documents/whatIsEnlightenment/foucault.whatIsEnlightenment.en.html

The Practical Use of Research

The Practical Use of ResearchThe term Research is an often misused term. Its usage in everyday language is very contrastive from the strict scientific meaning. The Oxford Dictionary of Current English defines it as the study of materials and sources in former(a) to establish facts and reach new conclusions.The term Research is a multi-faceted concept that has attracted numerous views. It is both a bear on and an outcome. But no matter the dimension, it should lead to infrastanding of an outcome.Research refers to confirmable data collection in the pursuit of scientific endeavour usually in the determine of an experiment, survey or evaluation (Australian Psycho transparent Society, Code of Ethics).According to Osuala (2005), Research is simply the process of arriving at dependable solutions to problems through the planned and systematic collection, analysis and interpretation of data. Research is a most important tool for advancing greet guidege, for promoting progress, and for enabling objet dart to relate more effectively to his environment, to accomplish his purposes, and to resolve his conflicts.A nonher school of thought defines query as the process of investigation, an examination of a subject from diametric points of view. It is not just a trip to the library to pick up a stock of materials, or picking the first hits from a computer search, simply the hunt for the truth. It is also getting to know a subject by reading up on it, reflecting , playing with the ideas, choosing the atomic number 18a that interest you and following up on them. In other wards it is a way you educate yourself (Denscombe, 1998).Creswell (2003) identifies explore as the systematic process of collecting and analyzing information to extend our understanding of the phenomenon under study. It is therefore the prevail of the look forer to contri furthere to the understanding of the phenomenon and to communicate that understanding to others.From the above definitions of th e concept and from my own judgment, I female genitals state from a large sense of the word that search include the gathering of empiric data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. It also involves a dedicated system of scientific methodology that can be used by lookers to arrive at the right conclusion.The three definitions above be not entirely different from my point of view because Denscombe, 1998, see to explain that research involves an in depth inquiry round a subject to settle an informed judgment. Creswell, 2003, agrees with me that data or information obtained and process leads to an increase in knowledge of the subject. However, research is not besides about the pursuit of scientific endeavours as stated by the Australian Psychological Society, Code of Ethics, (2001), but a social event as well. The limitation of scientific method must, however, be thoroughly understood. For example, attainment cannot deal directly with values. It can define a pproximately of the issues involved in making value-judgments, but the judgment themselves are outside the scope of science. Research is a tool for studying social events and learning about them and their interconnections so that general causal laws can be discovered, explained and documented. Knowledge of events and social laws allows society to control events and to predict their occurrence and outcomes. Research is oriented towards the discovery of the relationships that populate among the phenomena of the world in which we live. It is devoted to finding conditions under which a certain phenomenon occurs and the conditions under which it does not occur in what might appear to be interchangeable circumstances.From the above discussions research is a series of linked activities. According to Atkinson and Bouma (1995) research processes has three main phases. These are phase one Essential first travelSelecting, narrowing and formulating the problem to be studied.Selecting the res earch design.Designing and devising measures for variables.Setting up tables for analysis.Selecting a sample.Phase two info collectionCollecting present or data about the research question.Summarizing and organizing data.Phase three Analysis and interpretation of data. This involvesRelating data to the research questions and hypothesis.Drawing conclusionsAssessing the limitations of the study.Solution to the problem in the form of recommendationMaking suggestions for further research.What Research is notResearch does not include what is already known, but is reserved for activities designed to discover facts and relationships that will make knowledge more effective.Attempts to classify instances of research pose a difficult problem (Best and Khan, 1993). This is because various textbooks suggest different systems of classification. These are classifications by purpose of research Method used in the research and paradigm of the study.Research can be classified into two broad categ ories namely scientific or data- found research and social science research. For the purpose of my study I wish to explain research under social science. Social science research, irrespective of its type and nature, entails a degree of criterion. This involves categorizing and assigning values to concepts, and is diverse in nature and levels of operation. It is also a very useful procedure because it serves to ensure high select in research.Diversity in research reflects diversity in the parameters that clear it. More precisely, it means diversity in the Ontology and epistemology that underlie the methodology, which in turn guide the research. Simply, methodologies produce different research designs, because they follow in their theoretical structure different ontological and epistemological prescriptions.Critique of my definition of researchConcerns with the definition of research in my opinion may be raised by what I referred to as gathering of empirical data, information and f acts for the advancement of knowledge, hence a pass judgment of my definition.Flaws or weaknesses in my definition.There has been considerable interest in recent years in the role of philosophical assumptions and paradigms in doing research. During the 1970s and 1980s salient concerns were raised about the limits of quantitative data and methods often associated with positivism, the prevailing paradigm. Positivism assumes an objective world which scientific methods can more or less pronto represent and measure, and it seeks to predict and explain causal relations among key variables. However, critics argued that positivistic methods strip context from meanings in the process of developing quantified measures of phenomena (Guba and Lincoln, 1994 106).The issue therefore of empirical approach to research has been justified by its success in measuring quantitative research. However, in more recent years, scientists have been challenged to explain phenomena that defy measurement and t heir inability to quantitatively measure some phenomena and the dissatisfaction with the results of measurement of other phenomena which have led to an intense search for other approaches to study clement phenomena. This interest has led to an acceptance of soft research approach which does not need empirical data to discover knowledge. One cannot help but to stuck by the success of qualitative research methods in the marketplace of academic ideas (Atkinson, 1995, p. 117). The background of using qualitative methods to study human phenomena is rooted in the social sciences. This tradition came about because aspects of human science were unable to be described fully using quantitative research methods. More recently, the practice of qualitative research has expanded to clinical settings because empirical approaches have proven to be of limited service in answering some of the challenges and pressing clinical questions, especially where human subjectivity and interpretation are invo lved (Thorne, 1997, p. 28).However, the use of qualitative research has its own flaws as well. It is unable to study relationships between variables with the degree of accuracy that is required to establish social trends. verifiable scientists who support the Cartesian framework believe that if objective measurement cannot be assigned to a phenomenon, then the importance and thus the existence of the phenomenon may be in question. Many contemporary scientists and philosophers question the value of this system, particularly in spotlights that include humans and their interactions with other humans.Data quality is very important for the research purpose and if care is not taken often, critics think the nature of data collection could lead to the production of large amounts of useless information. Empirical data should not be the approach of investigating social actions to interpret and understand the actors reasons for social actions, but to subject their action into reality.Informat ion and factsOthers may say that what may be a piece of information to one researcher may be irrelevant to another. Therefore how do we determine relevant information or facts for research? Quantitative research methodology has its weaknesses, among other things for the way in which it perceives reality, validity and the methods it uses as well as the relationship it establishes with the researched.Qualitative research methodology has been criticized, among other things for not being able to cope with demands related to reliability, objectivity, representativeness and the value of collected data.Advancement of Knowledge Again, critiques think that in research people may pull up evidence that may not agree with their opinion and could produce inadequate information which does not represent the facts. In other words, beliefs may be formal on insufficient evidence. Therefore improper conclusions or inferences owing to personal prejudices may be drawn.The common response to these crit icisms is that, these concepts are strengths and not weaknesses of my definition. With the underlying ground or concepts that I have used in my definition, let me consider the following sensationalism. Empirism goes back to the writings of the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries, and is directly associated with the work of Francis Bacon (1651-1626), washstand Locke (1632-1704) and David Hume (1711-1776). Empiricism supports the view that knowledge come through experience mediated through the senses and insight can only be achieved through pure experiences. Empiricism assigns a high value to experience and gives primacy to facts. Hence, observation and experience offer the basis of knowledge. For Hughes, (1990), opinions are reflections of our impressions of reality.In a more radical form, empiricism argues that only things that can be verified empirically exist. What cannot be verified does not exist truths that are not based on experience are meaningless. fiber of data. Often, d ata collection is essential for a reliable and valid research. Data collection entails decisions and action regarding the collection of the information required to address the research question. Data processing entails grouping, presentation, analysis and the interpretations of the findings. Examine and compare data after which data should be conceptualized and analyzed qualitatively or quantitatively. Empirical data are by and large relevant for analysis.Research Information here refers to any relevant material that is useful for and during the study. They may include key informants, study groups, events and methods of data collection and assistants. slipway of Gaining / advancing KnowledgeThe means by which man seeks knowledge to his problems can be classified under broad categories tenacity, authority, and science.The Method of Tenacity under this situation people hold firmly to the truth, that they know to be true because they hold firmly to it, because they have always known i t to be true. Frequent repetition of much(prenominal) truths seems to enhance their validity. People also infer new knowledge from propositions that may be false.The Method of Authority this method establishes belief. If the Bible says so, it is so. If a mother says it, it is true. lifespan could not, in fact, go on without the method of authority (Osuala, 2005).The Method of Science Francis Bacon (1561-1626) planted the seeds of acquiring modern scientific knowledge. He suggested that conclusion should be based on observed facts. The triangulation of both inductive and deductive reasoning gave birth to the scientific method. This method has self-correction aspects which it is believed no other method of attaining knowledge has. There are built-in checks all along the way of this method. These checks are so conceived and used that they control and verify the scientists activities and conclusions to the end of attaining dependable knowledge outside himself. A scientist does not acc ept a statement as true even though the evidence at first looks promising. Dependable knowledge is attained through science because science ultimately appeals to evidence propositions are subjected to an empirical test.Conclusion From the above discussions research in my opinion is a process by which we come to know what we want to know. It is a series of linked activities but should not be seen as a set of rigid steps to be followed. The obvious function of research is to add to existing store of knowledge and sometimes remove inappropriate or inapplicable theory. The three definitions and my personal own on research all go to add to further clarify the meaning of research as being purposive in the solution of a given problem, demands logical and objective approach, involves gathering data from primary and secondary sources. It also demands accurate and adequate knowledge about what already exist and how others have tackled it.