Discussion Post Question: “Institutional Review Board is an important step in the research process. State the required components one should look for in a project to determine if IRB submission is needed. Discuss an example of a research study in one of your literature review articles that needed IRB approval, and describe why IRB approval was needed in this instance”. The study to be referenced is attached.
Author: admin
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Unlocking Potential: My Journey to an MBA in Pursuit of Business Excellence
Need a Personal Statement for my MBA application. I’m planning to apply to schools like Warwick & ESCP.
Note: the essay should be 100% unique and not AI generated. Please keep a friendly tone, use simple words, and avoid making it impersonal. Very important, the structure of the essay should be proper. My CV is attached to give you an overview of my profile.
My experience would be the strongest and most unique value that I would bring to the table. I have been involved in the business world from a very young age. I have seen the ups and downs and worked with people from around the world with vastly different experience levels. I have led teams and initiatives that has seen a couple of market leading brands move over to us from competitors, and introduced several international brands for the first time to not just UAE but the GCC. I have hired candidates across seniority levels, working by myself, working with headhunters, through mass walk-ins and simple job posts. I have directly managed layoffs due to non-performance and due to market situation. I have successfully navigated the business through the challenge posed by Covid. I understand that, its not about right or wrong. Its about understanding what’s at stake. It’s about making timely decisions, its about following through on promises and facing up to challenges. I see myself as a jack of all trades I have been in leadership roles, facing the market from a very early age, and I have learned that it’s not about being the smartest person in the room but it’s about how we utilize the resources and knowledge around us to achieve our goals. I’m a sucker for discipline and process and believe business longevity is built on strong foundations. I now intend to return to my studies and ensure I upskill myself and strengthen my roots. So that I can return to my businesses and help unlock their fullest potential. I aspire to expand and consolidate my position in the food and hospitality sector over the next 10 years, having developed at least 3 in-house brands with a strong international presence and pursuing vertical integration. I aim to be a leading figure in the consumer space, working in the food and hospitality sector. Through the MBA, I aim to work closely with bright minds from my age group and learn from domain experts working on cutting-edge technology and solutions that help transform the world today. -
“Exploring the Role of Technology in Education: Challenges and Opportunities”
I have uploaded the Rubric/Guidelines, Module Overview, Reading and Resources, and chapters from the textbook.
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“Applying Civic Engagement and Values in Action: My Experience with the Civic Engagement Project”
Use concepts and ideas from the course to narrate your experiences with the Civic Engagement Project
(CEP) in a written or audio-visual format. Ideally, you will synthesize ideas from the course readings,
draw comparisons from the documents you have read, and apply this information to your CEP. Cite at
least two of the course readings in your CEP Report.
Use this assignment as an opportunity to expand on your previous weekly reflections. Apply the
knowledge and experience that you’ve gained from your time at Bellevue University and explain how
you used what you’ve learned to enhance your engagement project.
Remember, it is your responsibility as a student to demonstrate your personal learning experience
based on the assigned course materials.
Project Report Elements:
At a minimum, your CEP Report will include the following information:
1. Project Overview
2. How do your values and your major align with your CEP?
3. How did you demonstrate engaged citizenship?
4. How has your CEP impacted your organization/person?
5. How will you use what you’ve learned throughout your volunteer experience post-graduation?
6. Conclusion
7. Two source citations from the course readings
While a specific tracking of volunteer hours was not required, you are required to complete 12 hours
of volunteer work for your Civil Engagement Project.
Please make sure to indicate on your report if
you have completed the 12 hours of volunteer work. This can be as simple as listing the following on
the top of your report:
Total Volunteer Hours = X.
Reading
https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2020/11/values-graphic-care-behaviour-family-love-tradition-free-speech/ -
Sending file: Haiku and Acrostic “Analyzing the Importance of Grammar, Classification, and Coherence in Writing”
Sending file: Haiku and Acrostic
Start Assignment
Due Sunday by 11:59pm
Points 24
Submitting a text entry box, a website url, or a file upload
File Types doc, docx, and txt
Attempts 0
Allowed Attempts 1
Available Jun 24 at 12am – Jun 30 at 11:59pm
Sending file: Haiku and Acrostic
Objective
After studying the elements of poetry and different kinds of poems, the student will be able to write two paragraphs and create two original poems. (24 points)
Instructions
For this assignment, you will write two paragraphs and create a haiku and an acrostic poem.
Paragraph and Poem 1: My Hometown
Write a short paragraph using correct paragraph structure (3-5 sentences) about your hometown. Indicate its location and some interesting details about it.
Write a haiku about your hometown (3 lines with a 5,7,5 syllables pattern)
Example of Haiku
Flashing in the sun
Sleek gray creature of the sea
Waiting to be caught.
Flash / ing / in / the / sun (5 syllables)
Sleek / gray / crea / ture / of / the / sea (7 syllables)
Wait / ing / to / be / caught. (5 syllables)
Paragraph and Poem 2: A Person I Admire
Write a short paragraph using correct paragraph structure (3-5 sentences) about a person you admire. Include your feelings towards this person.
Write your acrostic poem about this person using his or her name vertically. Include his or her qualities.
Example of Acrostic (Name: Jason)
Joyful like a little child
Always jumping here and there.
Simply clever on his thoughts
Outstanding among the crowds
Now and then always Jason.
Submit your work in a Word file. Include your name and the name of your professor on the assignment. Complete your work using font Times New Roman 12.
Grading Scale (24 Points)
6 Pts Paragraph: My Hometown
Includes title, topic sentence, supporting sentences, concluding sentence, indentation, and correct grammar and spelling.
6 Pts Haiku: My Hometown
Contains three lines
Follows 5-7-5 syllable pattern
Poem is related to hometown
6 Pts Paragraph: A Person I Admire
Includes title, topic sentence, supporting sentences, concluding sentence, indentation, and correct grammar and spelling.
6 Pts Acrostic Poem: A Person I Admire
Name of the person written vertically
Each line begins with a word using the letters of the person’s name written vertically
Poem is related to the person who is admired
Rating Points
24 points
Deliverable
The activity is individual. The work must be delivered on time, without spelling or grammar mistakes. The works will be submitted to the tool to detect the similarity of content. Submit the answers in a Word document, Times New Roman, size 12.
If you have doubts or questions, you must publish them in the Doubts and Questions Forum in time to help you in a timely manner.
Activity Availability
The activity will be available to take at any time of the week. (Monday to Sunday).
Review Resources
Basic:
Kennedy, X. J. & Gioia, D. (2017). Backpack literature: An introduction to fiction, poetry, drama, and writing (5th ed.). New York, NY: Pearson.
The University of British Columbia (2018). Bibliographic Genres. Retrieved from https://wiki.ubc.ca/Bibliographic_genresLinks to an external site.
Rubric
ENG1102: M3: Sending file: Haiku and Acrostic
ENG1102: M3: Sending file: Haiku and Acrostic
Criteria Ratings Pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeSentence Structures
5 pts
100-90%
Sentence Structures were 100-90 % correct,
4 pts
89-80%
Sentence structures were 89-80 % correct.
3 pts
79-70%
Sentence structures were 79-70% correct
2 pts
69-60%
Sentences structures were 69-60 % correct.
1 pts
59%
Less than 59% of sentence structures were correct.
0 pts
Not done
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeFollows instructions accurately
5 pts
100-90%
Instructions were followed 100-90%.
4 pts
89-80%
Instructions were followed 89-80%.
3 pts
79-70%
Instructions were followed 79-70%.
2 pts
69-60%
Instructions were followed 69-60%.
1 pts
59%
Instructions were followed less than 59%.
0 pts
Not done
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeGrammar
5 pts
100-90%
Paragraph is gramatically correct 100-90%.
4 pts
89-80%
Paragraph is gramatically correct 89-80%.
3 pts
79-70%
Paragraph is gramatically correct 79-70%.
2 pts
69-60%
Paragraph is gramatically correct 69-60%.
1 pts
59%
Paragraph is gramatically correct less than 59%.
0 pts
Not done
5 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeClassification and supporting details
4 pts
100-90%
Classification and supporting details are 100-90 % accurate.
3 pts
89-80%
Classification and supporting details are 89-80 % accurate.
2 pts
79-70%
Classification and supporting details are 79-70 % accurate.
1 pts
69-60%
Classification and supporting details are 69- 60 % accurate.
0 pts
59%
Classification and supporting details are less than 59 % accurate.
0 pts
Not done
4 pts
This criterion is linked to a Learning OutcomeUnity and coherence
5 pts
100-90%
Paragraph is 100-90% coherent.
4 pts
89-80%
Paragraph is 89-80% coherent.
3 pts
79-70%
Paragraph is 79-70% coherent.
2 pts
69-60%
Paragraph is 69-60% coherent.
1 pts
59%
Paragraph is less tan 59% coherent.
0 pts
Not done
5 pts
Total Points: 24
PreviousNext -
“BIOL180 Assignment 3: The Final Presentation – Exploring the World of [Organism Name]” Reproduction, Structure and Function, Energy Ecology, Habitat, and Conclusion of [Organism Name] Exploring the Life of the Common Daisy: A Comprehensive Study of its Physical Description, Life Cycle, Reproduction, and Ecological Role “Exploring the Fascinating World of Animals: An In-Depth Study of a Chosen Organism” “Sources and Citations for the Final Presentation on the Han Dynasty”
Instructions
BIOL180 Assignment 3: The Final Presentation
For this assignment, you will use the “species” you chose for the Week 2 Mini-Presentation.
Objective: Develop an audio-narrated PowerPoint presentation based on the research you have conducted about your chosen species.
Before You Start:
To prepare for this assignment, I recommend that you do the following:
Read these directions carefully
Read the BIOL180 Final Presentation Grading Rubric.pdf.
The grading rubric is a detailed evaluation that I will use to assess your performance. It also will help you understand what is expected of you as you prepare your assignment.
Use your own words (paraphrase). For help with paraphrasing, please review the ‘Quoting and Paraphrasing’ help in the Trefry Library Writing@APUS Center.
Note that your Turnitin report similarity score should be under 20% (not including references) and free of paraphrasing issues. Review the color-flagged text on your report, fix any issues, and resubmit again before the deadline (this assignment is set to unlimited submissions until the deadline).
Note that less than 10% of your work should contain direct quotes.
Email me with any questions!
[Recall that Wikipedia is not considered a credible source for our purposes and should not be used in class.]
Assignment Instructions: Putting it all together, you will develop your presentation based on the work you submitted for all of the steps to date as well as the instructor feedback you were given.
Final Presentation requirements:
Your presentation will be submitted as an audio-narrated PowerPoint, narrated by you, the student. You cannot use “text-to-speech” programs or technologies that do the narration for you unless noted as an approved accommodation in a current DSA letter you have furnished to me. For instructions on how to create audio narration in PowerPoint, see the following link: Record a Slide Show With Narration. Audio narration is a requirement!
Proper use and pronunciation of scientific terminology are required. For help with pronunciation, see this link: Cambridge Dictionary
There must be visual elements (e.g., photos, videos, graphs, figures).
Your presentation must contain approximately 10-15 slides (excluding reference and title slides) and run approximately 5-10 minutes.
Text is organized using concise phrases with proper in-text citations typed on the slide not in the notes area.
Work that is improperly cited and referenced or lacking either proper in-text citations or references may not be accepted for credit.
Be sure to add your name, date, class name, instructor name, and project topic to the TITLE SLIDE.
The required topics/subtopics: Your presentation should contain the following in the order listed below. Remember to follow the instructions in the colored box which corresponds to your organism type.
MICROORGANISMS:
The Introduction Section
Organism Introduction
The common and scientific name of your organism. Please see this link to help with scientific names if needed: How To Write Scientific Names of Organisms
Where you observed your organism (country, state, park, zoo, etc.)
A brief discussion on why you chose your organism
If possible, a picture and/or video of you safely observing your species in the field. If not possible, search the Internet for an image (and remember to cite your source for the image) in a typical habitat.
The Body of the Outline
Physical Description
You must include a brief physical description of your selected species. You can use your personal observations. If you cannot safely observe your organism, you must research.
size, coloring, etc. (e.g., Differences between male and female, juvenile and adult.)
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Life Cycle: describe the life cycle of your organism. The life cycle refers to the series of changes that happen from the beginning of life as your organism develops and grows into a mature organism. Please see here for some hints on the Life Cycle. If you have any questions on this, please ask!
Reproduction: You must discuss the reproductive strategies of your organism. For example, discuss how your microbe undergoes asexual reproduction.
Structure and Function
Please select one organ system of your organism that you find to be particularly interesting and describe both the anatomy and physiology of that system.
If you have selected a bacterium or a fungus, the concept can be more complex. Please contact me directly for more help is needed.
Energy Ecology
If you can observe these, that is best. If not, research.
What are the food sources? Types? Amounts? Temporal pattern of feeding?
Habitat
Where your organism lives. This does not refer to a city or state, but rather the natural environment in which your organism lives.
You should consider abiotic factors, such as soil, water, etc., as well as biotic factors, such as predators, hosts, etc.
The Conclusion Section
This section should contain four to six points that sum up the main points from the body of the outline.
Start your conclusive section with one sentence summarizing some basic information about your chosen organism (name and geographical distribution).
Continue with a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the life cycle and any particular body structures.
Include a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the ecological role of your chosen organism in its ecosystem.
Wrap up the conclusive section with a closing note that provides brief information about a unique fact and/or behavior of your chosen organism.
IV. Reference Slides
Include a final “References” slide listing a minimum of five (and no more than 10) academically and scientifically credible sources used for facts shared in your Final Presentation (Not including images or other media).
Include a final “Media References” slide of all images, videos, graphs, audio elements, etc., used within your presentation.
All references included in the reference lists should be cited internally within the Final Presentation and vice versa.
For guidance on how to format your references properly in APA style, please see here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/
If you are using an electronic source, see here: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_electronic_sources.html
Important Note: APUS discourages the use of auto-citation tools (e.g., citation generators) by students enrolled in 100- and 200-level courses because the University believes students need to learn and understand the reasons for citing sources used in their work, as well as how to cite sources correctly.
Work that is improperly cited and referenced or lacking either proper citations or references may not be accepted for credit.
V. Internal Citations
These are not listed on a separate slide but instead placed throughout the Final Presentation via in-text citations anytime you paraphrase, use direct quotes, or want to use visual/audio components from other sources. Therefore, all source material should be cited.
All internal citations listed within the Final Presentation should be included in the reference lists and vice versa.
If you are not sure what in-text citations are and how to format them, please visit this link from the Trefry Library. Click to open the section labeled ‘IN-TEXT CITATIONS | FORMAT’. https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center/apa-style-guide-info.html
NOTE:
The reference slides and your title slide are not included in the slide count for your presentation.
Do not include the summary/evaluation sections from Assignment 1: Annotated Bibliography; simply list the references utilized in your presentation in APA format on the reference slides.
Work that is improperly cited and referenced or lacking either proper citations or references may not be accepted for credit.
PLANTS/FUNGI:
The Introduction Section
Organism Introduction
The common and scientific name of your organism. Please see this link to help with scientific names if needed: How To Write Scientific Names of Organisms
Where you observed your organism (country, state, park, zoo, etc.)
A brief discussion on why you chose your organism
If possible, a picture and/or video of you safely observing your species in the field. If not possible, search the Internet for an image (and remember to cite your source for the image) in a typical habitat.
The Body of the Outline
Physical Description
You must include a brief physical description. You can use your personal observations. If you cannot safely observe your organism, you must research.
size, coloring, leaf arrangement, flower color, etc.
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Life Cycle: describe the life cycle of your organism. The life cycle refers to the series of changes that happen from the beginning of life as your organism develops and grows into a mature organism – seed stage, germination stage, mature stage, and so on. Please see these links Life Cycle and Know the life cycles of plants — annuals, biennials and perennials for extra information. Plants can be a bit more complicated, so if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Reproduction: You must discuss the reproductive strategies of your organism. Are there any specific structures or cells involved in reproduction? Are the flowers specialized?
Structure and Function
Please select one organ system of your organism that you find to be particularly interesting and describe both the anatomy and physiology of that system.
If your organism is a plant, here is a list of the general plant organ systems
If you have selected a fungus, the concept can be more complex. Please contact me directly for more help if needed.
Energy Ecology
If you can observe these, that is best. If not, research.
How does your plant harvest the energy from the sun? How does it store the energy?
Habitat
Where your organism lives. This does not refer to a city or state, but rather the natural environment in which your organism lives.
You should consider abiotic factors, such as soil, water, etc., as well as biotic factors, such as predators, hosts, etc.
The Conclusion Section
This section should contain four to six points that sum up the main points from the body of the outline.
Start your conclusive section with one sentence summarizing some basic information about your chosen organism (name and geographical distribution).
Continue with a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the life cycle and any particular body structures.
Include a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the ecological role of your chosen organism in its ecosystem.
Wrap up the conclusive section with a closing note that provides brief information about a unique fact and/or behavior of your chosen organism.
IV. Reference Slides
Include a final “References” slide listing a minimum of five (and no more than 10) academically and scientifically credible sources used for facts shared in your Final Presentation (Not including images or other media).
Include a final “Media References” slide of all images, videos, graphs, audio elements, etc., used within your presentation.
All references included in the reference lists should be cited internally within the Final Presentation and vice versa.
For guidance on how to format your references properly in APA style, please see here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/
If you are using an electronic source, see here: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_electronic_sources.html
Important Note: APUS discourages the use of auto-citation tools (e.g., citation generators) by students enrolled in 100- and 200-level courses because the University believes students need to learn and understand the reasons for citing sources used in their work, as well as how to cite sources correctly.
Work that is improperly cited and referenced or lacking either proper citations or references may not be accepted for credit.
V. Internal Citations
These are not listed on a separate slide but instead placed throughout the Final Presentation via in-text citations anytime you paraphrase, use direct quotes, or want to use visual/audio components from other sources. Therefore, all source material should be cited.
All internal citations listed within the Final Presentation should be included in the reference lists and vice versa.
If you are not sure what in-text citations are and how to format them, please visit this link from the Trefry Library. Click to open the section labeled ‘IN-TEXT CITATIONS | FORMAT’. https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center/apa-style-guide-info.html
NOTE:
The reference slides and your title slide are not included in the slide count for your presentation.
Do not include the summary/evaluation sections from Assignment 1: Annotated Bibliography; simply list the references utilized in your presentation in APA format on the reference slides.
Work that is improperly cited and referenced or lacking either proper citations or references may not be accepted for credit.
ANIMALS:
The Introduction Section
Organism Introduction
The common and scientific name of your organism. Please see this link to help with scientific names if needed: How to Write Scientific Names of Organisms
Where you observed your organism (country, state, park, zoo, etc.)
A brief discussion on why you chose your organism
If possible, a picture and/or video of you safely observing your species in the field. If not possible, search the Internet for an image (and remember to cite your source for the image) in a typical habitat.
The Body of the Outline
Physical Description
You must include a brief physical description. You can use your personal observations. If you cannot safely observe your organism, you must research.
size, coloring, etc. (e.g., Differences between male and female, juvenile and adult.)
Life Cycle and Reproduction
Life Cycle: describe the life cycle of your organism. The life cycle refers to the series of changes that happen from the beginning of life as your organism develops and grows into a mature organism. Please see here for some hints on the Life Cycle. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask!
Reproduction: You must discuss the reproductive strategies of your organism (e.g. release of gametes by a fish or hermaphroditic reproduction in earthworms), mate choice, mating displays, mate competition, and mating systems.
Structure and Function
Please select one organ system of your organism that you find to be particularly interesting and describe both the anatomy and physiology of that system.
If your organism is an animal, here is a list of the general animal organ systems
Energy Ecology
If you can observe these, that is best. If not, research.
What are the food sources? Types? Amounts? Temporal pattern of feeding? Specific handling or processing of food items by the organism (e.g. the way a squirrel manipulates an acorn)
Habitat
Where your organism lives. This does not refer to a city or state, but rather the natural environment in which your organism lives.
You should consider abiotic factors, such as soil, water, etc., as well as biotic factors, such as predators, hosts, etc.
The Conclusion Section
This section should contain four to six points that sum up the main points from the body of the outline.
Start your conclusive section with one sentence summarizing some basic information about your chosen organism (name and geographical distribution).
Continue with a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the life cycle and any particular body structures.
Include a brief summary (1-2 sentences) about the ecological role of your chosen organism in its ecosystem.
Wrap up the conclusive section with a closing note that provides brief information about a unique fact and/or behavior of your chosen organism.
IV. Reference Slides
Include a final “References” slide listing a minimum of five (and no more than 10) academically and scientifically credible sources used for facts shared in your Final Presentation (Not including images or other media).
Include a final “Media References” slide of all images, videos, graphs, audio elements, etc., used within your presentation.
All references included in the reference lists should be cited internally within the Final Presentation and vice versa.
For guidance on how to format your references properly in APA style, please see here: http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/560/05/
If you are using an electronic source, see here: https://owl.purdue.edu/owl/research_and_citation/apa_style/apa_formatting_and_style_guide/reference_list_electronic_sources.html
Important Note: APUS discourages the use of auto-citation tools (e.g., citation generators) by students enrolled in 100- and 200-level courses because the University believes students need to learn and understand the reasons for citing sources used in their work, as well as how to cite sources correctly.
Work that is improperly cited and referenced or lacking either proper citations or references may not be accepted for credit.
V. Internal Citations
These are not listed on a separate slide but instead placed throughout the Final Presentation via in-text citations anytime you paraphrase, use direct quotes, or want to use visual/audio components from other sources. Therefore, all source material should be cited.
All internal citations listed within the Final Presentation should be included in the reference lists and vice versa.
If you are not sure what in-text citations are and how to format them, please visit this link from the Trefry Library. Click to open the section labeled ‘IN-TEXT CITATIONS | FORMAT’. https://www.apus.edu/apus-library/resources-services/Writing/writing-center/apa-style-guide-info.html
NOTE:
The reference slides and your title slide are not included in the slide count for your presentation.
Do not include the summary/evaluation sections from Assignment 1: Annotated Bibliography; simply list the references utilized in your presentation in APA format on the reference slides.
Work that is improperly cited and referenced or lacking either proper citations or references may not be accepted for credit.
*Writing Expectations: Apply scientific concepts and use scientific terminology correctly. Utilize proper spelling, grammar, and punctuation. For help with pronunciation, see this link: Merriam-Webster Medical Dictionary.
Additional Resources:
**Please Note: If you use Office 365 (which is free through the University), you will need to download the software to your computer in order to add audio narration! The online version of PowerPoint does not have audio narration capability. If you are using a Chromebook or Apple product that does not allow you to download Office 365 to your device, please reach out to Classroom Support to assist you.
Presentation Tips and Guidelines
APA – In-Text Citations: The Basics
APA – Reference List: Basic Rules
Sample Presentation (Keep in mind that this is a sample presentation for biology using a format other than PPT with audio; PowerPoint with audio is the required format for your presentation)
Evaluation: Please review the BIOL180 Final Presentation Grading Rubric.pdf that describes how your presentation will be graded. NOTE: Regarding the scoring of the rubric, ALL criteria in a box must be met to earn the points assigned to that box.
I HAVE THE OUTLINE FOR THIS ASSIGNMENT ATTACHED!! -
“Exploring the Wonders of Jasper National Park” 1. Jasper National Park is located in the province of Alberta, Canada. It is situated in the Canadian Rockies and covers an area of 11,000 square kilometers. One major natural feature of
Forum: National Parks (Round 2, Forum 4)
All Sections No unread replies. No replies.
Here are links to lists of various national parks around the world. Choose ONE park from any of these lists, then answer the 3 questions below (should be at least 2-3 sentences each). You do NOT need to reply to another student for this forum.
https://www.national-park.com/list-of-national-parks-in-the-united-states/(Links to an external site.)
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/recherche-parcs-parks-search(Links to an external site.)
https://www.theactivetimes.com/travel/25-most-beautiful-national-parks-world (Links to an external site.)
* You get full credit for this forum by discussing the following 3 questions AND listing the websites you used to get the information. There are many websites discussing these parks. You’ll need to provide a list of website addresses you used (not a formal bibliography) in this forum in order to receive full credit (10-point penalty otherwise). Wikipedia is not acceptable.
1. Where, specifically, is this park located (aside from just the state or nation)?Describe one major natural feature of the park, along with common wildlife found there.
2. How were the major natural features of the park initially formed? How were they eventually weathered to look like they do today? (In other words, why do these features currently look like they do)?
3. What are the typical summer and winter temperatures and precipitation amounts? How has climate change impacted this park, or what are the major concerns related to climate change at this park (discuss the long-term changes in climate, not short-term changes in weather)? -
Title: Evaluating the Credibility and Usefulness of a Source: A Critical Analysis
Using the attached outline. Evaluate and write about the credibility and usefulness of a source.
Credibility (at least one full paragraph): Evaluate the source’s authenticity and reliability. Look at all the information that you can find about the source to establish the author’s trustworthiness.
Usefulness (at least one full paragraph): Using a combination of summary and analysis, examine the source on a critical level. Determine what the source’s purpose (thesis) is, and how it arrives at that goal. Examine its value to you and the project you are working on. How will it help you prove your own points? How might it come in handy to back up a claim (or address a counter-claim)?
Include a conclusion which shows your final assessments on both counts.
Answer the following questions at the end.
Reflection Questions
What types of questions did you ask yourself when evaluating the credibility and usefulness of your source? (2-3 sentences)
How do you feel this evaluation practice will help you as you continue to move through the research process? (2-3 sentences) -
“Analyzing Chevron Corp’s Financial Performance and Strategic Decisions: A Comprehensive Analysis Based on Form 10-K” Financial Analysis Report: Company XYZ
Chevron Corp
NYSE: CVX
Pick a publicly traded company you might be interested in learning more about (Chevron Corp).
Go to the company’s website and find a copy of their most recent Form 10-K. This annual filing with the SEC contains their financials and a lot of other information. For most companies, you can find the Form 10-K by going to the “investors” page, then “financials”, then “SEC filings”, then choosing the “annual items” option. I would suggest saving the pdf of the 10-K for future reference.
You will use the same 10-K for parts 1 and 2 of this analysis. You can also find the 10-K using Mergent Online through Business Library.
Write a maximum of 11-14 pages, double-spaced, analysis of the company based on your learnings on the topics addressed in their 10-K. Refer to the rubric and the topics below regarding what is expected in your analysis. There is a page limit because people in the business world want concise and to-the-point messaging written with proper grammar and easy-to-understand language that a person without much financial knowledge can understand. How you organize your report to cover the below is up to you, but I would use graphs, charts, visuals, and words. It must be easy to follow and written as an analysis and commentary rather than just stating the facts. I am not looking for quantity but quality of analysis. As a reader, I want to get the most analysis in as few words as possible.
Organizational Context:
What key features of the organization (e.g., major products or services, customers, location, etc.) help set the boundaries for business decisions? In other words, what key goods or services does your organization provide, for whom, where, and why?
How is the company organized and managed (e.g., by product groups, geographic region, function, etc.)? How does that affect accounting and financial information and subsequent business decisions?
Risks & Growth Opportunities: (You might want to read the management discussion & analysis to help you analyze this section)
What are some risk factors facing the company? How are they working on reducing the adverse effects of these risks? For example, is the company vulnerable to technological changes or cyber-attacks? Loss of high-talent personnel? Production disruptions?
What is a decision that your company is facing or might face? What information would be required (or at least help) with making that decision? If you were charged with implementing the gathering/analysis of the information, what sources would you try to use? Can you think of any obstacles related to the data? One overriding issue with data usage is keeping in mind motivations. If you ask me for information (data), my motivations may shape what I give you. Could this be an issue for this decision?
How might the organization better capitalize on non-financial factors such as market share, reputation, human resources, physical facilities, or patents? Support your response with relevant research and analysis. You can use Mergent Online to help with your research.
Past Financial Performance:
Analyze your company’s balance sheet, statement of income, statement of stockholders’ equity, and statement of cash flows. I am not just looking for net income, which went up by this, but I am looking for in-depth analysis. Below are some areas you can consider looking at that we have discussed in chapters 1-11:
Analyze the company’s performance year over year. For example, what do the amounts and year-to-year changes in revenue, operating income, net profit or loss, and Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization tell you? Do any items stand out?
Describe your company’s earnings quality. Any room for growth and improvement?
Any discontinued operations? If so, why were those segments closed?
How often do they pay dividends? How are retained earnings doing?
Complete a profitability analysis for your company and explain year-over-year changes in profitability ratios and what they mean for the company.
Revenue recognition criteria? Is revenue increasing/decreasing, and why?
What is happening to income from continuing operations year over year?
What are the sources and uses of cash? Any non-cash transactions?
What are some of the company’s significant accounting policies?
Are there any ongoing concerns or issues? Any related party transactions? Any subsequent events, and how are they disclosed?
AR methods used?
Inventory methods used?
Write down the inventory.
Interest capitalization?
Financial Health:
How is the overall financial health of the company? Can use liquidity and solvency ratios and/or graphs and charts to help the reader understand. For example, does the organization have enough cash for payroll and other bills? Does it have the right mix of debt versus equity (stock)? How do you know?
Give your conclusion on whether you would invest in this company and why.
Footnotes:
Focus on two footnotes from your class. The analysis can be related to any of the below topics. Do not select footnote topics not discussed in class.
-Critical estimates/judgment
-Revenue recognition
-Subsequent events
-Cash & cash equivalents
-Accounts receivable
-Inventory
-Property, Plant & Equipment
-Intangibles
-Impairments
Every company does footnotes a bit differently. So each topic may be a separate footnote or organized differently.
Be sure to compare the footnotes to those of another similar company. Do not give me screenshots of the footnotes in the paper. Take what you have learned in class, analyze what the footnote tells you about the company, and compare the company to another in the industry. You can compare using trends, ratios, and simple observations.
Attach a copy of the footnotes from your company and its competitor as an exhibit item. This is not part of the page limit. Don’t attach the entire 10-K, just the relevant footnote, so it’s easy for me to grade.
Rubric:
Guidelines for Submission: Your financial analysis report should be approximately 11-14 pages (excluding the title page). It should be double-spaced, with 12-point Times New Roman font, one-inch margins, and proper page number citations from the 10-K.