Concepts of Ethics and Professionalism in Business

Concepts of moral philosophy and Professionalism in trans care lineIntroduction spay is the sole(prenominal) constant factor in every twenty-four hour period life. It is witnessed from the St sensation mature to civilized age. When shift affects life it too affects the environment and hapicraft. The line of merchandise environment becomes extremely complex as de part inflicts variety and diversity lead story to deep and fundamental ways. change everywhere in the imbed, environments of credit line based on the expectation of beau monde has alerted railway line houses to realign its priorities. The changing scotch, political, legal and sociable environment has also made the line of work and agate linemen to consider the echt approach to concern. Therefore, there is paradigm shift from the goal of maximization of get or wealthiness to honourable heart and soul to arrive at them. The be cl years fool been marked the creation over for fastity of change ushered in by the advent of technology and industrial revolution. This period has also been marked for its attempt to generate unquestioning faith in tender reason and in sortect. The last century has witnessed that the intellect argon becoming the cornerstones of the participation. The rapid changes take over improved the cadence of living, also establishing a lot of intelligent relationships in and around the confederacy.There is a maturation realization t come forth ensemble over the world that moral philosophy is virtu aloney most-valuable for any origin and for the progress of any hunting lodge. ethics makes for an efficient delivery. moral philosophy is good in itself, ethics and profit go together in the long express and ethics alone can comfort the golf-club. An ethic on the wholey obligated governance is one, which has developed a culture for caring for the citizenry and for the bettorment of society as a satisfying. respectable motive has a con siderable influence on the economy for efficient and smooth functioning. The government, the laws can non always resolve genuine recognise problems of the society and business enterprise. good behavior enhances the quality of life. An ethic each(prenominal)y based economy can do wonders in the way of creating wealth or society.The chore of business is to optimize the outcome of economical activity. It is the economic environment of business, which is the radical circumstance in evaluating the business tactics. The present day economic environment of business is a complex phenomenon. The economic relations with the government, general, society and society influence the trend and hearty system of economy. bulk and society be decompose and parcel of an placement. flock want and need to be ethical non only in their private life unless also in public. The people are the ultimate sufferers if the affairs of the organization were conducted unethic tout ensembley which are detrimental to the society. Therefore, they have a annoying over this. Over the last two decades, there has been a shift in the attitudes of embodied and their executives towards ethics. A silent revolution is in under way in business ethics today. The ideas, beliefs and attitudes associated with the profit ethic are being ch aloneenged as never before. The historical idea of the divine right of capital no long-range applies. The changes in the determine, cultures and customs lead to change, which in swordplay lead to re-engineering of ethics.The world of business ethics is quite broad and its tentacles spread into a number of areas in the larger sphere of business society relationship. The favorable responsibilities of businessmen, for instance, intelligibly embroil ethics and morality. There is always a doubt in the approximation of the businessmen almost what is and what is non ethical. It is difficult to understand business or business society relationships, witho ut cognition of the ethics. calling ethics is what society expects from business. Mark Twain once said To be good is noble. To tell people how to be good is even nobler.*FCS, Senior Reader in Corporate Secretaryship, Alagappa University, Kraikudi.**Ph.D.What is Business ethics?ethical motive is defined as the strike of standards of conduct and moral judgment. ethics is the study of what ought to be, what is the ultimate good and how to achieve it. People have always thought that the primary purpose of business is to serve society. Business must have a sociable fealty differentwise business cannot enjoy affectionate sanction. It is a study of human beinge actions in respect of being right and wrong. Ethics is an attempt to peck that ought to be. Ethics forms critique of both ultimate values and goals and the heart and soul utilise in trying to achieve them. The history of business ethics displays a growing recognition of the need to examine the accessible transformations that have impacted organization, management and society. Ethics is a mass of moral article of beliefs or sets of values about what conduct ought to be. Ethics is a written or ad-lib set of legislations or rulers governing business or profession. Ethics is a study that constitutes good and bad conduct, including related values. It has to do with fulfilling the relationship with people and society at large. When this applied in a business context, it becomes business ethics. Ethics in business has become one of the most thought-provoking issues confronting the entire business community. Establishing ethical humour is like starting an unfading marathon. The first step should be to change unethical behavior. It is an on sledding process. It never stops. Ethics is a contract between the business and the community based upon certain values of principles. An effective program of ethics requires appointment and commission from all. The constituents should ensure commitment towa rds ethical behavior at all take aims. Ethical consideration and ethical behavior should run thro the marrow of the swot up and should be carried by the capillaries to all move. Maximizing return has made a paradigm shift towards to the concept that it should be ethically achieved. Mr.J.R.D. Tata in his hold words, ethical values have too often been ignored in recent years in the belief that quicker profits would be result.Major attributes of ethicsConcept The field of ethics may be conceived as a discipline, science, study or evaluation.Content The subject proposition of ethics is concerned with what is good or bad, right or wrong. purpose judgement is required to determine whether human action is ethical or not. The judgment concerns the overt act, not the motivations behind it. Behavior and its cause is that what which is judged.Standards Judgment is based upon standards, which are, of course, values.value The final element of ethics therefore, is the set of values an d criteria apply as standards for judging human conduct.Need for EthicsBusiness ethics are very much influenced by loving movements, social system and social preferences. No business can survive or grow without social harmony. Individuals values, however best they may be, are not sufficient to attain the maximum level of ethical makeance. Ethics and social indebtedness are necessary for the survival because of the highly competitive climate that prevails today. The climate in which business crops has become cold and unfriendly to day as a result of revelations of unethical behavior that have rocked nations and the world. Ethics is crucial for an efficient and smooth operating economy. An ethically based capitalist economy can do wonders in the way of creating wealth for society. According to economic philosopher, Adam Smith that our system of capitalism does not work come up unless it has the moral co-operation of its participants. Jewish theologian wrote Its what people do w hen they all are alone, when one is looking that makes all the difference between civilization and the jungle. Ethics is important because either government or legislation cannot do everything to protect society. Technology races ahead much faster than the government can regulate. People in an industry often know the dangers in a accompaniment technology better than government regulators who sit at a distance. Ethics is good in itself. Ethics is important to create a swimmingly and efficiently running economy. The Bhagavad Gita asks us not consider only the fruits of our actions. It invokes the judgement of fall downionless action. The concept of Gita of doing ones duty without seeking for the fruits, Manus concept of get debts as surface as property, the Mauriyan idea of accountability interpret a basis for Gandhijis belief that politics and business must work hand in hand for the development.Factors having impact on ethicsEthical considerations start by class, structure, ec onomic group, industry, professional group and so on. Business ethics has to be on par with the ethical code of the society in which it dies. It is essential that the business cleaves to the well-established ethics. The following are the factors that creates the basis to ethical consideration (a) Value, (b) coating,and (c) Transformation.VALUE determine are additions or accretions to the image. Values are not fixed. They change. As they undergo change the society and its constituents also have to undergo the process. When the values undergo a change it takes the culture along with it. Values are crucially important factor in business relationships. Values create credibleness with the public. It leave alone certainly add value to the concern and create more credibility by being morally responsible and accountable. This creates a federal agency in those who are directly and indirectly involved. An organization perceived by the public to be ethically, socially concerned go out b e honored and respected even those who have no knowledge of its actual functioning. Not only this enhances the credibility at heart itself but also with its employees. It creates a feeling of oneness among employees having a jet goal. For an separate business values derive from multitude of sources, such as mission of business as a social institution, the nation in which business is located, the vitrine of industry in which it is active and the nature. Over a period of period value become institutionalized with regard to business and society. These values perform two important functions. First they form as a make pass to business environment. Second, they become strong motivators for people in business. They become the reveal factor in the system relationship of business with society. Business has certain rights but it also has certain responsibilities to society and in turn society has certain rights and responsibilities in regard to business activity. Value-ethical attitude helps management for better decision- reservation. The decisions are in the interest of public, society and environment. Ethical decisions are in the interest of public, society and environment. Value added rather based ethical decision-making will make an organization and its decision-maker to look into all fonts of economic, social, politico-legal aspects.CULTURECulture is depict as human environment of humans. The system aspect of culture is the set of relationship that makes it viable for human beings to create a society to pass the accumulated learning of the species from generation to generation and continue to make the accumulations of learning. Culture refers to activities, thoughts, feelings and artifacts which man acquires as a member of the society. Cultural differences separate the ethical attitude of disparate people. Much more emphasis is given to construct and developing relationship and much less emphasis is given to the diddle concept issues.TRANSFORMATIONTra nsformation is yet another reason for the change in culture and values. Transformation with regard to communication, viewing, travelling, shopping, working and playing reckon a change in the ethics and ethical practice. These phenomenal increase and development in these areas brought about a social change amongst public, society and business. These have improved the life style and quality of life, which in turn has created a change in the cultural and cultural values delivery out a revolutionary change in the ethical standards. Change is a permanent feature on mans social life and social system in the form of transformation. The economy as a whole has been through five revolutions in the twentieth century, which have transformed its base structure and method of functioning.IMPORTANCE OF ETHICSEthics corresponds to basic human needs. Most people want to be ethical not only in their private lives but also in their business affairs. People want to be part of the organization, becau se they perceive its purpose and activity to be beneficial to society. The basic ethical needs are probably one of the most cogent reasons for ethical concern on the part of organizations.Ethics create credibility with the public. A union perceived by the public to be ethically and socially concerned would be honoured and respected even by those who have no intimate knowledge of its actual working. Gaining the confidence of the community is vital to the business sector. Public opinion is the most fibrous military force in a democratic society. It is a way of achieving higher(prenominal) standards ethical behavior.Ethics give management credibility with employees. It provides a common language for aligning a companys leadership and its people. Ethics when perceived by employees as genuine create common goals, values and language. The management has credibility with its employees because it enjoys credibility with the public. It creates oneness among the employees.Ethics help in be tter decision-making. Ethical decision made by the company will always be in the interest of the shareholders, stakeholders, public and their employees. This is because respect for ethics will force the management to consider all aspects of a question both economic, social and ethical aspects.ETHICS IN MANGEMENTEthics are principles of conduct used to govern the decision-making and behavior of an individual or group of individuals. Management is concerned with making decisions within an organization. Ethics of the individual or group making decision have significant implications for the organizations stakeholders, employees, customers, shareholders, suppliers, the government and the public at large. It is important to develop code of ethics for decision-making. A code of ethics is a written document that outlines the principles of conduct to be used in making decisions. Code of ethics is based on philosophical approaches justice, individual rights and utilitarianism. The principle o f justice involves making decisions based on truth, without bias and consistency. The principle of individual rights concerns making decision based on protecting human dignity. The principle of utilitarianism involves making decisions directed towards promoting the greatest number of people. The Laws relating to ethics in business speaks about consumer protection, product safety, shareholders and stakeholders rights and environmental protection. Having a code of ethics with an instruction execution program is the minimum requirement for reputation of the management. Ethics focus its anxiety on solving not only the inbred problems of the concern but also of the society at large. The economy as a whole has been thro five revolutions in the twentieth century, which have transformed its basic structure and method of functioning. First, the organizational revolution led to increase in number, coat and power of organizations of all types. Second, the bodied revolution expanded the sc ale of business enterprise and led to dominate of modern big business corporations. Third, the managerial revolution saw the emergence of a class of professional mangers who took over the active control of large corporation. Fourth, the property revolution separated self-possession and management and diffused property rights within the corporation. Finally, the capitalist revolution brought about a change in the moral order of capitalism and greatly enlarged the public eccentric of business and the economic role of government. In this changed socio-economic environment the focus of business ethics is on social responsibility. amicable responsibility is a reaction to the goals of the society and the economic, technological, social and political forces that sour the society.The ethics in the business community is not alienated or any different from the ethics in the society at large. The codes of ethics, legislative changes and the standards will not result in the desired holistic change. It is the mind set of the concerned people which matter most and not the fall that forces compliance with reluctance. Hence, there is an imperative need on the part of the collective sector and profession to create a higher standard of openness, truthfulness, honesty, clarity, transparence and accuracy to ensure that all the stake holders have the best possible convictionly teaching. The corporates in general and professionals in particular must adhere to the highest ethical standards and assume a positive duty to unfold and update equivocally material information.Institutionalizing EthicsA business that seriously desires to operate in an ethical environment has to institutionalize ethics by mechanical drawing up a company policy and code of ethics, familiarizing all concerned at all levels with the code of ethics and ensuring the implementation. Code of ethics is nothing but a blue print of what is going to followed and select by the company from then onwards. The co mpanys ethical code should be printed and circulated to all those who deal with the company, by clearly bringing out what is unethical conduct. The company may appoint ethics committee which offer training within and outside. The duty of the committee is to report periodically to the Board and offer proposal for the betterment. The committee must also review the code of ethics from time to time keeping pace with the changing environment. Business ethics has to be practiced and preached. Before setting business standards, ethics and morality have to be internalized so that they become a part of the blood stream. If the corporate becomes committed to self-imposed standards of business morality the whole countrys standards could be influenced. education of Program of EthicsMerely endorsing a standard code or copying that of another will not suffice. It is important to find out on what topics and areas require guidance.Select a prominent personality to approve the business ethics poli cy.Choose a framework, which addresses issues as they affect different constituents or shareholders of the company. The usual ones are shareholders, employees, customers, suppliers, and local/national community. Some big businessman even include competitors.The code needs piloting perhaps with a sample drawn from all levels from different locations.The code of conduct enclose should be distributed in booklet form.Publish and send the code to all concerned.Values and ethics are matters of governance. The board must be notified to involve themselves for ethical policing.Practical examples of the code in action should be introduced into all areas.Training for all concerned.Review mechanism should be established.A code master needs to be appointed.facets of business ethicsStakeholder/Shareholders or other providers of coinTransparency and openness in all dealings. Providing adequate information to the shareholders/stakeholders. The investment protection and return on investment.Empl oyeesHow the business values employees ? The companys policies on working conditions, recruitment, development and training, rewards, health, safety security, equal opportunities, retirement, redundancy, discrimination and harassment.Customer dealingsCustomer satisfaction. Quality of product or service dealt. Fair pricing. After-sales service. nightspot/CommunityThe laws of the society and community are to be respected. Environmental protection, pollution abatement, Energy Conservation. In short improving the standard and quality of life. politicsBusiness ethics from the point of view of business and businessmen is to provide information to the government in all matters that is required to be. Following the guidelines, policies and standard set up by the government. Paying the taxes that is legitimately due to the government.A growing global rolePeople around the globe are more connected to each other than ever before. Information and money flow more quickly than ever. Goods and services produced in one part of the world are increasingly available in all parts of the world. International travel is more frequent. International communication is commonplace. This phenomenon has been titled globalization. charm some people think of globalization as primarily a synonym for global business, it is much more than that. The same forces that allow businesses to operate as if national borders did not exist also allow social activists, labour organizers, journalists, academics, and many others to work on a global stage.It means communication, interconnectedness.It means accomplishing things easier, cheaper, and quicker.Something on a bigger scope than local.It means opportunity, trim back mess barriers, growth.It means that there are many different ways to do things, all of which are valid in their own right.It means a composite of things, an aggregate view.It means reallocating resources away from poorer nations to wealthier nations.Its meaning depends on your poin t of view.Globalization is a medium which touches nearly every aspect of contemporary live in the civilized world. Globalization is the engine of trade and of explosive economic prosperity. Globalization is a dynamic concept of popular proportions. The result is the pressure on business to play a role in social issues will continue to grow. There is a growing interest, therefore, in businesses taking a lead in addressing those issues in which they have an interest where government has failed to come up with a solution. It is the continuing commitment by business to behave fairly and responsibly and contribute to economic development while improving the quality of life as well as of the community and society at large.Unless there is accountability and hydrofoil in the dealings the business cannot be socially responsible. The values of accountability, social responsibility, long-term vision, and ethical behavior have become more important. The wealth maximization or profit maximizat ion begins at the floor level leading to value addition. When once value is added the concept of social responsibility would creep in. The present day scenario is different and far from reality.The world is entryway a century with unprecedented changes for peace and progress. Globalization is the buzzword in the context. Business is the silken thread that binds the whole world. Therefore globalization of ethics is needed. The need is envisaged in the following areas.Global need forStable and honest governmentsTransparency and openness to promote honesty in governmentsCommitment to internationally recognized human rightsDevelopmental programs for environmental protection, pollution control, energy savingEvolution for world code of ethics for businessConclusionA society cannot function without a set of values. club is undergoing social change. Business system is a product of customs and beliefs of the society in which it exists. Ethics is a study of what is right and wrong. Ethical considerations decide whether the business enterprise is on par with the societys needs. Society is undergoing social change due to ethical considerations. So long as the value systems and philosophies of business go together, society will accept it. The resultant contribution would be positive. Social and ethical challenges in business take several forms and the impact is multidimensional and corporate governance is the key phrase. The changes that are taking place in the internal and external environment in which the business operates gave rise to a re-identification of their mission statement as BE INFORMED. BE INVOLVED. MAKE A DIFFERENCE. This radical ethical standard and social attitude is blooming everywhere.References1.Bowie, Norman E Business Ethics Prentice Hall Inc., New Jersy.2.Davis Keith Blomstrom.R.L. Business Society McGraw Hill, New York.3.Donaldson, John Others Business Ethics Academic Press, London.4.Dr. Robert F. Drainan Globalizaion and Corporate Ethics JRD TATA foundation for ethics in Business, XLRI Jamshedpur.5.Kumar.A, Joshi.K.M, Jagni.B.J. Ethical Issues in Management solid ground Publishers, New Delhi.6.Mathias,T.A.Sj Corporate Ethics Allied Publishers, New Delhi.

Self-Assessment on Group Work

Self-Assessment on Group WorkThe End or The Beginning?Donald J. PetersDoug Flemming IntroductionThis mental faculty has served as a reminder that I should not give up on root word fundamental interaction. I need to embrace the dynamics so I can be a better manager, attractor and assort member. We own learned astir(predicate) the significance of crowds and that a large quality of our professional life fundament altogethery relies on our host interaction skills. up(a) assort interaction skills can be very satisfying to wholly theme members and advance the business brass sectional model as rise. thither be alike some significant difficulties and hurdles intertwined with sm all group interaction. This makes groups a crucial focus for field of battle, examination and action. The end of this summary radical is to identify key concepts or topics that we sire discussed, examine why we subscribe group interaction, a soul-searching of our dexterity, and a raillery on h ow group OL313 is functioning.Topic 1 Discussion Background factorsThe first relegate I demand to discuss is background factors. By definition, background factors argon attri moreoveres that existed front to the groups formation and provide probably endure after the group no longer exists. Some relevant background factors include personalities, age, health and values. temper is unity of the most in-chief(postnominal) background factors in small group interaction (Tubbs, 2009). I am a member of a alteration proposal operative(a) group and succeed monthly meetings for my organization. In this spend a pennying group, we discuss electric receptacles and the perceived failures of the accommodation proposal parade. The normal at inclineees from the Tinker AFB mend include both government and civilian employees who were purposely selected by the working groups senior member and government manager. There argon various subject matter experts who also attend based on leadersh ips selected topics and questions.I was order to attend and support this working group as I call for been anointed the subject matter expert for these issues. My office has the responsibility to receive the registration proposals from the initiator and in certain(a) approval in a timely manner. often measure this is not as easy as it come ships. The working group prexy is one of the high-ranking government employees in our building. Questions argon asked at the meetings and the answers atomic number 18 not listened to. These processes are enter by the Air Force and there is very specific guidance detailed in the instructions. It is my observation that the chair has a need to control or influence the process to the request that it is interfering with the revealcomes of the group.Due to my perceptions of the chairman and the group in general, this meeting is fundamentally a time killer for me. I continue to pull up stakes breeding as requested but I no longer allow th e patience to deal with the point counter point discussions which keep the process moving in a circle. There claim been interactions with other group members who have noticed that there is a difference in my office when I attend this meeting. I would say I need to do a better job of camouflaging my attitude while attending this meeting. I dont believe I can bypass my attitude without engaging the source. nature appears to be the most relevant background factor in this patternuation. It appears that the chairperson has instruct themselves to look for opportunities for improvement without regard for the documented process. I was trained to follow the documented process for repeat up to(p), sustained results. I have conceded that the documented processes may be too restrictive for our purpose, but there is also a process to seek relief from said restriction. Situationally, I have determined that this could be a personality issue, at least on my weaken. The Myers-Briggs Type Indica tor (MBTI), a popular method of measuring personality, revealed that I demonstrated a high tendency towards introversion. Some of the authoritys introverts are described include, to a greater extent(prenominal) reserved, like to be alone and more focused.I have learned, that although I dont see this as my fault, I have been a contributing factor to the problem or issue at hand. I have been a hindrance to the working groups goal of resolving the modification proposal issues. I have set a personal goal to try and resolve this conflict. I may not be able to fix a problem within a working group but I should be able to control my actions and set an model to follow.Topic 2 Discussion Circumstance and StructureI work in a windowless building but the technology used in some of our league rooms is our window to the world of the B-2 bomber. Normally the ambiance of the building I work in feels restricting. A dreary brand where the atmosphere never changes. The conference rooms however , are very puff up maintained and tastefully decorated. It gives off a good vibe when you attend meetings in these conference rooms and I believe it effects the way slew act and react to the information discussed in these venues.The meetings that I usually participate in take place in three large, well maintained conference rooms located throughout the building. There are normally several large rectangular tables set up in a horseshoe design and the chairs are very comfortable. The horseshoe layout allows dignitaries or the head of the meeting to sit at the head of the table. This position allows all participants to view the leader of the meeting. Due to the number of personnel, there is an overflow field of view established on both sides of the tables.One large advantage we implement in our conference rooms is the ability to video teleconference (VTC) surrounded by geographically separated units. The attendees can view each locations coverer if they share the very(prenomin al) equipment architecture. The conference rooms also have the capability to driving force sketching slides, normally power point, across multiple locations and that ability allows all participants to share data. I enjoy the capability to observe the VTC briefers as they provide their information to the group. It helps me remember that they are people like me, and not mediocre some other voice with a tasker or an assignment. The VTC capabilities also help to humiliate travel expenses that would otherwise be accepted as the normal salute of doing business.During the last five years, I have noticed that people tend to sit in the same locations when attending meetings in these conference rooms. I also sit in the same locations depending on the meeting issue and my role during the meeting. There are meetings when I am required to brief information to the group and its during those meetings when I sit at the table. That seat is as close to the VTC camera as possible so I am off ca mera to the group, but located near a microphone so I can be heard. some other meeting I attend puts me more in a support role and I try to sit away from the table, but close enough to the briefer to attend to with questions or clarifications. These perceived seating assignments appear to be accepted as the norm by all attendees. I have needed to sit in other locations than my normal place and there have been times when the meeting chair did not mean I was in attendance.The sizing of the group does have an impact on discussion. Smaller groups, less than ten, appear to be more relaxed and willing to facilitate the exchange of ideas or speak up when required. The larger groups, to include the offsite attendees, lose focus on the discussion topic and start sidebar conversations. Theses sidebar conversations can be very distracting and limit the exchange of ideas and reasoned answers to topics at hand. I personally think I coiffure better in the smaller groups and need their feedba ck to help my performance. The larger groups are a challenge for me as I dont always know who the players are and how they normally function. It appears or feels as if there is no cohesion or unity.The converse engagement that I see demonstrated during these meetings, using our marvellous VTC system, is the wander. In this case the leader is viewed as the central person, or hub of the wheel and all confabulation and comments must pass through the hub or leader (Tubbs, 2009). The leader of the meeting is in control of the technology and responses are limit to the leader of the meeting. The other offsite users appear to manage their meeting in the same fashion. I think it works very well in preventing people talking over one another while using the technology. The ability to have productive meetings is related to many different factors. From the setup of the conference room tables to your territorial seat at the meeting, these influences can contribute or impede the groups abili ty to operate. Some organizations have grown very adept at the use of this technology and I feel that its use provides everyone with more feedback on the items discussed. Although it appears our leadership is using a restrictive communication network described as the wheel, it seems to work well for the groups using this technology.Why view Group InteractionAt the basic level interaction is obviously communication. Small group interaction is the process by which three or more members of a group communicate, verbally and non-verbally, to influence one another (Tubbs, 2009). Why does an organization or individual need to educate themselves about interaction? The answer appears to be straight forward in that most every business requires some form of interaction or communication. For that communication to be successful, it requires certain skills and capabilities. The continued study of communication will down your skills and competencies which, in turn, will allow you the opportun ity to become a more effective manager, leader and team member. This companionship can save the organization time and limit expenditures.Self-AnalysisThe first thing that comes to mind is how such(prenominal) time has passed since I have been in a classroom. The lie with has initiated a reassessment of my abilities as a student, learner and team member. As a student, I realize I need to improve my study skills and manage interaction daily. After retiring from the military, I intentionally sought out employment that would limit interaction. I did not want to be in leadership or management as I did not want to have that responsibility again. As I have progressed through the on-going company, I require those skills once more if I hope to be promoted. My ability to learn has not changed and for that I am thankful. But knowledge application has suffered.This course has shed light on some communication issues I am experiencing at work and that identification has led me to a new goal. That goal is to participate in the process through interaction and communication. Im not sure if I can reverse any of the electronegative interaction trends I have noticed, but I am sure I want to be a person that contributes, not a person that detracts from the group goals. Once I wrapped my head nearly what the professor expected and the teaching style, I enjoyed the class. I am a slow starter with new information but my interest in the subject matter increased with each week of instruction.Group OL313Another module down and the group is that much closer to completing the verifiable of a college degree. I dont presume to know what the rest of the class thinks but I for one am very comfortable being part of this group. The fact the most of us have either had military experience or have worked close to the military complex seems to be the one thing we all share other than being human I mean. I do not recall one instance where we had an issue within the group. As the oldest member of the group, I have faced technology challenges during instruction. Everyone in OL313 has helped or offered to help me sort out those issues. There have been several in our group who appear to have shown a pronounced improvement in communicating and interacting. It has been a pleasure to witness those changes for the better. I appreciate working with a group of this caliber and look forward to the few months we have remaining in this program.ConclusionTo conclude, I have briefly discussed the background factor of personality and that it is the one of most important factors to small group interaction. Personalities exist prior to group formation and will likely remain the same after dissolution. The topic of structure was intercommunicate with discussion centered on seating arrangements and technology. A brief self-analysis of my skills and where I think I need to go from here as well as some thoughts on why we need to study small group interaction. And finally, I closed with anal ysis if how I think the OL313 group is performing.ReferencesTubbs, S. L. (2009). A Systems Approach to Small Group Interaction. New York McGraw-Hill.

The Capital Structure choice of Pepsico

The Capital Structure choice of PepsicoThe collection of securities that the menage issues to put up metropolis from en receivableors is the star signs capital grammatical construction. Equity and debt atomic number 18 the most unremarkably used securities by households. The amount of debt de conditionines the incorruptibles leverage. The profligate should al focussings use a capital structure which provide maximize the get cherish of the securities issued.In parliamentary law to de preconditionine the capital structure of a sozzled, It is alike necessity to de frontierine the various dimensions a lot(prenominal) as mesh topology debt proportionality, fixed insurance coverage proportionality, interest symmetry, long term debt dimension, change flow ratio, etcetera to evaluate the do of the ratios on the on the firm. These ratios are useful for comparing analyzing with other contention firms. Ratios tending the firm to determine their position in terms of the merchandise abide by, book foster, securities industry capitalization, debt hold dear, revenues, etc.TheModigliani-Miller theorem states that, the firms value is unaffected by the musical mode it is financed in the absence of taxes, bankruptcy costs and asymmetric information in a perfect food market.It does not division if the firms capital is raised by issuing phone lineor by selling debt. It does not matter what the firmsdividendpolicy is. T here(predicate)fore, the Modigliani-Miller theorem is too often c on the wholeed thecapital structure irrelevance principle. We give smack at this theory in detail in capital structure.In this report we look at the contrary theories (pecking order theory, tradeoff theory, asset substitution theory, modigliani-miller theory) capital structure choice of PepsiCo by ascertain various ratios, comparing PepsiCo with its competitors. Analysis of the results and recommendations provided.INTRODUCTIONPepsi was originally name d as Brads Drink, later its creator, Caleb Bradham, a pharmacist from impudent Bern, North Carolina. Pepsi was created in 1893 and was later renamed as Pepsi Cola in 1898. Pepsi contained the digestive enzymes pepsin and kola nuts used in manufacturing Pepsi. Bradham had thought active creating a drink for people that was delicious and would help in digestion and boost energy.PepsiCo Inc. is an Ameri piece of ass Multinational Corporation headquartered in New York. The comp any manufactures markets sells a range of salty sweet grain ground snacks. It also produces carbonated non-carbonated beverages and other food products. PepsiCo has approximately 285,000 employees working in over 200 countries.Pepsi Cola Company began in 1898, exactly it exactly became known as PepsiCo when it merged with Frito Lays in 1965. Until 1997 it also owned KFC, pizza Hut and Taco Bell. In 1998 2001 PepsiCo bought Tropi potentiometera Quaker Oats. In 2005 PepsiCo surpassed coca-Cola Company i n market value for the first time in 112 years since both companies began to compete. Over the years PepsiCo has become a global beverage, snack foods telephoner. PepsiCo owns 5 diffe get billion dollar brands such as Pepsi, Tropi kindlea, Frito Lay, Quaker Oats Gatorade. PepsiCo also owns other brands such as Diet Pepsi, 7UP, Mirinda, Ruffles Potato Chips, Aquafina Bottled Water, Pepsi Max, Mountain Dew, etc.Indra Krishnamurthy Nooyi has been the chief executive of PepsiCo since 2006. PepsiCo delivered some solid monetary performance in 2009, Its plunder revenue grew by 5%, Core division direct profit grew by 6%, Core earnings per contend grew by 6%, Management ope rating immediate toleratement flow excluding certain items reached $5.6 billion up by 16%, Annual Dividend raised by 6%. PepsiCo estimated worldwide retail sales of $108 billion done all the products. In 2009 PepsiCos give the axe Revenue was $43,232 million, mixed net revenues of 37% from food products and 6 3% from beverages. Net Revenues produced accord to operations in US and outside US are 52% in US and 48% outside US. Net Revenues nonplusd through PepsiCo and its subsidiary companies are 48% by PepsiCo Americas Foods, 23% by PepsiCo Americas Beverages, 29% by PepsiCo International.2.1 PepsiCos Strategies for driving growthExpand the Global leading Position of Snacks BusinessEnsure sustainable profi dishearten growth in global beverages.Continue to deliver environmental sustainability goals and commitments.Cherish associates and develop the lead to sustain growth.2.2 PepsiCos Competitive Advantage StrengthsPepsiCos competitive advantage lies in their talented, give and hard working work-force, that work on its great brands, innovating producing differentiated products, victimisation excellent marketing methodologies. PepsiCo also uses cost saving initiatives in operations. whole these factors help them to sustain a competitive advantage in the market.PepsiCos chroma l ies in its brand name recognized all over the world, huge range of food and beverage products, marketing style in different regions according to the place culture segmentation, and huge marketing budget.CAPITAL coordinateThe most fundamental question of corporate finance is how a firm should raise capital from aimors. A firm must determine the fibre of security it impart issue to the sendors. Capital structure refers to the way a firm finances its assets through some combination of legality, debt, or other securities. There are different theories to determine the capital structure of the guild.(3.1) Pecking hostel theory (developed by Stewart Myers, 1984) states that the firms have a preferred structure for financing the factor with a naughty preference uses internal financing such as retained earnings before opting for any external financing. impertinent financing uses debts, convertible securities, preferred stock park stock. So the firm first uses its retained earnin gs for operations or investments or expansions and and so if required they can opt for external financial resources.(3.2) Trade-Off Theory states that the firms are financed partly with beauteousness and partly with debt. Debt financing is preferred here due to the tax benefits of debt. Debt financing also bears bankruptcy and non-bankruptcy costs. Further according to the theory marginal cost of the debts increases as the debt increases and marginal benefits castigate as the debt decreases.(3.3) Agency Cost Theory states that there are 3 different agency costs related to a firms capital structure, they are asset substitution, property flow underinvestment.Asset Substitution states that as the debt to righteousness ratio increases the firm gets much freedom to invest in new projects, this leads to the decline in the value of the firm which results into wealth being transferred from debt holders to shareholders.Underinvestment puzzles occur when debt appears to be more risky , in this scenario of the firm the returns from the investment in projects go away be directed towards the debt holders rather than the shareholders. This may lead to the firm declining to start any new projects, and there is a potential difference to increase the firms value.Free notes Flow states that free coin flow is also a problem for the firm if the hard immediate payment is not returned to the investors. Doing so go forth disrupt the value of the firm.(3.4) Modigliani-Miller Theory (developed by Merton Miller Franco Modigliani) states that it is assumed that there are no transaction costs, no taxes and there is a perfect market condition. They also stated that the value of a firm is determined by adding up all the debts and equity of the firm. This can be viewed through an example unassailable A sign of the zodiac BDebt value02,500,000Interest on debt05%Expenses on debt0125,000Share1,000,000500,000Price per share55Market value of equity5,000,0002,500,000From the above table we can see the market value of Firm A is 5million (only equity), Firm A is only financed by shares, therefore the value of Firm A is 5million.Market value of Firm B is 5million (equity + debt), 50% financed by shares and 50% by debt, but Firm B has to pay interest on the debts which is 5% of the debt value which is 125,000. Therefore the returns on equity for Firm B will be its earnings minus the value of interest on debts. Returns per share for Firm B will be returns on equity divided by earnings. If Firm B would have sold its stock at a premium rate so it could have make arbitrage profits.Modigliani Miller theory states that the value of a firm in a perfect market is not affected by the way the company is financed but it is affected through the sort of capital structure the firm utilizes.PEPSICOS NET DEBT RATIODebt ratio that indicates the proportion of debt a company has relative to its assets. The measure gives an idea to the leverage of the company along with the potent ialrisksthe company faces in terms of its debts. If debt ratio is high than 1 indeedce the firm has more debt than assets, if debt ratio is little than 1 then the firm has more assets than debts. The formula for calculating debt ratio is, Debt Ratio = bestow debt / organic assets. Debt Ratio helps to measure the risk a bank or financial institution will take if they are financing a firm.Net Debt is the measure of a firms overall debt by taking the net value of debts and immediate payment. Net Debt is estimated as, Net Debt = (long term debt + short term debt) silver specie equivalents. concord to PepsiCo, they measure net debt ratio on market-value solid ground where net debt equals kernel debt. PepsiCos Net Debt Ratio (L*) = (D + PVOL CMS) / (NP + D + PVOL CMS).D is the market value of come in debt (long term debt plus short term debt), PVOL is the pass value of operating leases, CMS is the bullion marketable securities, N is the number of common shares, P is th e common stock price. From the assignment referring to present 2 exhibit 4, all values in millions dollars except for the common stock price, D = 9215, PVOL = 479 * 5 = 2395, CMS = 1498 and reduce it by 25% for remitting to US therefore CMS = 1123.5, N = 788, P = 55.875.L *= (9215+2395) 1123.5 / ((788*55.875)+9215+2395) 1123.5L* = 19.2 % (PepsiCos Net Debt Ratio is 19.2%).Now to analyze this we can ask some questions as how much debt really exists? If we choose exhibit 2 in the assignment there are other factors like accounts payable, short term debt other legitimate liabilities which constitute of heart current liabilities plus long term debt other liabilities, all this unneurotic shows that the bestowity liabilities are 18,119million dollars, which is a bit high according to the market situation. That is why this shows the Moodys rating of PepsiCo is A1/A. PepsiCo will have to reduce their liabilities in order to gain a rating of Aa3/AA of coca-Cola.What kind of debt is it, long term or short term? Firstly let us talk about short term debt, if we talk about short term debts then we can assume it can be included in current debts, so according to the balance sheet in exhibit 2, total current financial obligation is 5230million dollars, while total long term liability is 12889million dollars, so the total long term debt is very high compared to total current liabilities. PepsiCo will have to reduce its long term debts more effectively in order to increase its ratings and also increase its assets. potbelly the company afford the debts ifit runs into financial trouble? Let us encipher the debt ratio as explained above in the beginning, Debt ratio = total debt / total assets (both values are in million dollars) = 18119 / 25432 = 0.71. If the debt ratio is less than 1 it means that the firm has more assets than debts. So PepsiCo can afford to be debt financed at a certain level. Looking at the current assets if the company runs into financial troubl e then it can clear all its debts by selling off its assets.RATIO COMPARISON ANALYSISTable of figure ratios referring to values given in exhibit 5 in assignment,RATIOSPEPSICOCADBURYSCHWEPPEScoca plant COLACOCA COLA ENTERPRISESMCDONALDSINTEREST COVERAGE4.5654.89616.9111.4447.379FIXED mail COVERAGE3.0944.28716.9111.4063.588LONG-TERM DEBT0.1650.0900.0110.5170.112TOTAL DEBT TO TOTAL ADJUSTED CAPITALIZATION0.1760.1460.0160.5210.125 bills FLOW TO LONG TERM DEBT0.4270.5692.7300.1550.539CASH FLOW TO TOTAL DEBT0.3950.3301.8390.1530.474Lets look at each ratio one by one in detail and analyze it.(5.1) Interest coverage ratio is used to work up the firms ability to pay interest on the debts. If the ratio is low the firm has huge debt expenses. If the ratio is less than 1 then it means that the firm is unable to generate revenues to incur the interest expenses. Interest coverage ratio = earnings before interest and taxes (EBIT) / interest expense. concord to the table above, we can see that interest coverage ratio of PepsiCo is 4.565 which is very higher than 1 and is considered as good. Comparing it with other companies in the table, we can see that coco Cola has the highest ratio of 16.911 which is very impressive, but Coca Cola Enterprises has a ratio of 1.44 which is a caution alarm for its investors. To be on a safer side if the ratio is 1.5 or less then firms ability to wager its interest expenses can be questionable i.e. the is not able to generate sufficient returns to meet the interest expenses.(5.2) Fixed charge coverage ratio is used to calculate the firms ability to pay its fixed-charges such as rent and interest on debt without increasing the debts. If the ratio is less than 1 then the firm is not able to pay its fixed charges and vice versa. Fixed-charge coverage ratio = (EBIT+ fixed charges before tax) / (fixed charged before tax +interest). According to the table above, we can see that PepsiCos fixed charge coverage ratio is 3.094 which is greater tha n 1. Comparing it with other companies in the table, Coca Cola has the highest ratio of 16.911 which is very impressive, but for Coca Cola Enterprises is 1.406 which is very less. PepsiCo should decrease its debts in order to reduce its fixed charges which will help to increase the value of the ratio.(5.3) Long term debt ratio is used to calculate the firms leverage. Higher the ratio, higher is the firms leverage. Firm with a high ratio is considered more risky for investors to invest because they have more liabilities than equity and vice versa. Long term debt ratio = long term debt / (long term debt + preferred stock + common stock). According to the table above, PepsiCos long term debt ratio is 0.165 which is less. Comparing to other companies in the table, Coca cola has a ratio of 0.011 which shows that it has more equity than liability, but Coca Cola Enterprises has a ratio of 0.517 which shows that it has almost 50% equity and 50% liability, so investing in Coca Cola Enterpris es is more risky.(5.4) Total debt to total adjusted capitalisation ratio is used to calculate the firms leverage which includes long term and short term debts. Total debt to total adjusted capitalisation ratio = (long-term debt + short term debt) / (long-term debt + short term debt) + preferred stock + common stock. According to the table above, PepsiCos total debt to total adjusted capitalisation ratio is 0.176. Comparing to other companies in the table, Coca Cola has a ratio of 0.016 which shows it has more equity than liability, but coconut palm Cola Enterprises has a ratio of 0.521 which is again very risky.(5.5) Ratio of cash flow to long term debt is used to calculate the firms ability to generate cash in comparison with the long term debts. Ratio of cash flow to long term debt = cash flow / long term debt. According to the table above, PepsiCos ratio of cash flow to long term debt is 0.427 which is not good enough. Comparing it with other companies, Coca Colas ratio of cash flow to long term debt is 2.730, which is very impressive. PepsiCo has more long term debts than its annual cash flow while Coca Colas annual cash flow is 3 times the value of its long term debt. Firms with a high cash flow after interest and taxes are in a better position to distribute cash dividends. Firm with high cash flow can also use the cash to invest in other projects, buy assets, reduce debts etc.(5.6) Ratio of cash flow to total debt is used to calculate the firms ability to generate cash in comparison with its total debts. Ratio of cash flow to total debt = cash flow / total debt. According to the table above, PepsiCos ratio of cash flow to total debt is 0.395. Comparing it with other companies, Coca Colas ratio of cash flow to total debt is 1.839 which is very good. PepsiCos total debt is more than twice the value of its annual cash flow while Coca Colas annual cash flow is 2 times the value of its total debt.After considering all the ratios in the table, we can say that PepsiCo needs to reduce its debts by a huge margin and generate more cash so that it can use this cash to pay out more dividends to its investors, increase equity and reduce liability, invest in more products, buy assets, etc. Coca Cola is the largest competitor of PepsiCo, so PepsiCo needs to improve its equity in order to compete more effectively with Coca Cola. If company has less debts and liabilities people will invest more which will provide PepsiCo with a good rating as Coca Cola. PepsiCo can slow suck money from the market for investments and also it can easily pay it back. nonetheless in financial or economic crisis it will be the least(prenominal) affected company. Capital structure of PepsiCo has debt and equity. According to the net debt ratio we can say PepsiCo has about 20% 25% debt and 75% 80% equity.PEPSICOS valuation OBJECTIVERatings are given to companies depending on various factors such as its debt value, equity value, sources of finance, stock price, num ber of shares, profits, dividends, etc. Moody rated A as upper-medium grade, subject to low credit risk,but that have elements present that purpose a susceptibility to impairment over the long term. PepsiCo has a rating of A1/A which places it in the upper medium grade category. A1 is the high smell rating given to PepsiCo, Aaa is the highest rating available. Coca Colas rating is Aa3/AA shows that it has much better ratings then PepsiCo.If PepsiCo wants to have a net debt ratio of 20% 25% then it will have to increase its debts and reduce equity, if this happens the collective Debt Rating of PepsiCo might fall to Baa which is lower medium grade. This will show a bad image of the company in the market, investors will find it risky to invest in PepsiCo. This means people will not buy shares of PepsiCo and it will not be able to raise funds through the issue of share to decrease its debts or to invest in the business. As a result of which they will have to dramatize from the bank s, Banks would also lend them funds to a certain limit where their assets are equal to liabilities, Banks would like to make sure that PepsiCo are able to pay back the funds with interest before lending them the funds. PepsiCo should reduce their net debt ratio to at least 15% instead of increasing it, due to this they will have more cash flow, reduced debts, can easily pay back dividends to investors, they can easily raise funds through issue of shares instead of borrowing from banks or other financial institutions. This will overall help PepsiCo to increase its ratings from A to Aa.CONCLUSION

Ethosomal Formulation as a Carrier for Transdermal Delivery

Ethosomal verbal expression as a Carrier for transcutaneous lurchABSTRACTThe aim of present work was to develop, characterisation, of stable ethosomal preparation as a carrier for transdermic pitch shot of paroxetine hydrochloride. To prepare this ethosome diametrical preoccupation of soja lecithin and fermentation alcohol was taken. Vesicular sizing, polydispersity prop onenessnt, zeta potential, entrapment effiency were determined by photon coefficient of correlation spectroscopy and ultracentrifugation techniques. The intro interpe send awayration matter across human the Great Compromiser skin was done. Stability subscribe to was done on optimised F2 saying. Vesicle size of it slack as enlarge in the stringency of fermentation alcohol. Entrapment capacity profit with attach in concentration of soya lecithin. The ethosome exhibit entrapment effiency of 40-64%. Invitro suffusion excogitate across human skin ethosome F2 construction showed heightser transd ermal flux 26.39%g/cm2/hr. Release mechanism of Invitro permeation shows zero order drug destitute from expression. In vivo pharmacodyanamic airfield F2 formula showed monumental immobility as analyze to controlled group. Stability study depart revealed no significant change build in size distribution was found for 90days. Our result indicates that the developed ethosomal schema may be potential and safe to delivery paroxetine hydrochloride through transdermal deliverys.INTRODUCTIONIn recent years the attraction of lipid cyst use in delivery clay for skin treatment is change magnitude (1, 2). Paroxetine hydrochloride (PXH) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Commonly available in anovulatory drugs and capsule dosage form, but oral administration have number of grimace effects as well as it undergoes extensive hepatic metabolism. Variation in plasma concentration and long term therapy leads to grueling side effects (3).To overcome these difficulties such a s extensive hepatic first pass metabolism transdermal delivery is beneficial (4). The utilizable of transdermal delivery has been proved for some antidepressants (5,6). It is previously reported that significant increase delivery of drugs across the skin would be done by using an ethosomes as bracing permeation enhancing carrier (7-10). authorship of ethosomes constitution mainly contains phospholipids, neutral spirits and water (12). Solubility and high encapsulation efficiency determine for large range of lipophilic drugs can be obtain callable to presence of ethanol. Ethanol may provide vesicles with soft flexible characteristics, which chuck up the sponge them to penetrate more simply into the deeper layers of the skin (13). The present aim focuses on the preparation and characterization of ethosomal formulation for PXH transdermal delivery. The aim of present study was to develop stable ethosomes carrier for transdermal delivery of PXH. The effect of ethanol and soya le cithin on the permeation of PXH through the human skin was evaluated. sensible and methodMaterialSoya lecithin was purchased from Research Lab Mumbai. Ethanol was purchased from Loba chemical Mumbai. Cholesterol was purchased from Research Lab Fine Chem Industries, Mumbai. PEG-400 was purchased from Dipa Laboratory Chemicals. All materials and solvents utilize in this study are of analytical grade.Preparation of ethosomesSoya lecithin and PXH, were turn in ethanol. Double distilled water was added slowly with a fine float in above ethanol dispersion with constant mixing at 700 rpm on magnetic stirrer, in a well-sealed methamphetamine hydrochloride container. coalesce was continued for an additional 5 min. The system was kept at three hundredC end-to-end the preparation and was then left to cool at room temporary workererature. (7, 8) physiologic CHARACTERISATION OF ETHOSOMEVesicles size distribution, polydispersity index and zeta potentialThe vesicle size distribution, poly dispersity index and zeta potential of vesicles was determined using photon correlation spectroscopy (Beckmann counter, Delsa Nano, USA). Formulation were reduce by 1/4th distilled water before measurement and measurable three times at scattering angle of 900. The polydispersity index (PI) was employ as a measurement of the width of the size distribution. PI less(prenominal) than 0.4 indicates a homogenous and monodisperse population. Zeta potential was measured as the touch electrophoretic mobility pixilateds of laser microelectrophoresis in a thermostated cell.Entrapment efficiency (EE)The entrapment capacity of PXH by ethosomal vesicles was determined by ultracentrifugation. Formulations were kept overnight at 4 micro-centrifuge (Tarsons) 12000 rpm for 30 min. The supernatant was removed and drug get along was determined in both the sediment and the supernatant. The entrapment capacity was calculated as follows, (T2C) /T 100, where T is the entire amount of drug that is detected both in the supernatant and sediment, and C is the amount of drug detected only in the supernatant.In vitro permeation studyPreparation of cadaver skinSkin samples provided from Government aesculapian College and Hospital, Aurangabad. Obtain from breast reduction operation and subcutaneous fat was carefully trimmed and then rinse with normal saline, prepared skin was warp in aluminium foil and stored at -200c until use. (15)ProcedureInvitro skin permeation studies were performed on a Franz diffusion cell with an effective diffusional area 0.785 cm2 and having receptor compartment volume of 15ml. The skin was brought to room temp and mounted with the donor compartment juiceless and gift to the atmosphere. Initially, the donor compartment was empty and receiver compartment was filled with phosphate buffer storage ph 7.4. The receiver fluid was stirred with magnetic bead with the stronghold of 100rpm and the temperature was maintained at 371. The phosphate buffer pH 7 .4 was replaced with the fresh one at every 30 min to stabilize the skin. It was found that the receiver solution should a negligible peak area after 3hr and beyond indicating complete stabilisation of skin. 5ml ethosomes formulation was placed into the donor compartment and sealed with paraffin film to provide occlusive condition. The sample where withdraw at invariable interval for 10 hrs filtered through 0.45 . membrane filter and analysed for drug amount by UV-Visible spectrophotometer at 294 nm.Permeation data analysisThe cumulative amount of penetrant, Q (g/cm2), which permeated the skin per unit surface area was plotted against time. The linear segment of the plot was taken as being the steady-state flux, (Js). The permeableness coefficient (Kp) was calculated asKp = Js/CvWhere Cv is the concentration of penetrant in the donor solution.Vesicle stableness evaluationStability of optimised ethosomes formulation was kept at room temp for 4 weeks. The measurement where conduc ted on of ethosomes that. Vesicle size, polydispersity index and zeta potential was measured at 1, 2, 3, 7, 14 and 21 days mean value where apply for the analysed of the data.2.5. In vivo Pharmacodynamic studyApproval to carry out pharmacodynamics studies was obtained (Institutional Animals Ethical Committee, sanction the protocol). lined Swim test (FST) and Locomotor Activity test (LAT) was utilize to evaluate antidepressant effect of the optimized F2 formulation. Rats of either sex weighing 250300 g were kept under standard laboratory conditions (temperature 23-30oc).The rats were kept with free access to standard laboratory diet. Approximately 14 cm2 of abdominal side of rats skin was shaved on the in for each one group provided group hard-boiled with marketed tablet formulation.Rats were divided randomly into three groups each containing six animals. Group -1 was considered as a control. Group-2 was treated with oral tablet of PXH containing 1.40 mg/day and administered w ithout anaesthesia by using simple poly-ethylene tube. Group-3 was treated with optimized F2 formulation applied transdermally containing 2 mg/day (equivalent to 0.60 mg/day) drug.2.5.1. overstretch float testRats were forced to swim in cylindrical glass tank (60 cm height X 30 cm in diameter) containing water after the administration of doses. Water was filled up to 40 cm height so they were swim without touching their hind leg or tail to bottom of the tank. On the 1st day of experiments, rats were forced to swim for 10 min. After 24 h, rats were re-exposed to forced swim for 5 min and animals were judged for immobility, climbing, and swimming. After a 5-min swim test, the rat was removed from the cylinder, dry and then returned to its home cage 29. Porsolt, R.D., Bertin, A., Jalfre M. (1977). Behavioral despair in mice a primary screening test for antidepressants. Arch Int Pharmacodyn Ther. 229, 327336.2.5.2. Locomotor activityHyperactivity, useable roles of specific neurobi ological and drugs potential psycho activity were discriminate by the locomotor activity study 30. Locomotor activity was measured in the open-field test. The apparatus consisted of a square arena (200200 cm), with a 50 cm height. The floor was divided into 30 equal squares. Animals were individually positioned in the centre of the arena and the activity was measured over 5 min. The open field was cleaned with isopropyl alcohol solution before behavioural testing to sub over delinquent possible bias due to odours and/or residues left by rats time-tested earlier. Also after each 3 animals apparatus was cleaned 31.Result and discourseVesicle size, polydispersity index and zeta potentialThe vesicle mean diameters for all formulation are shown in dining table 2. The result of photon correlation spectroscopy shows shorten peak for all formulation, which indicating that size of vesicle population is comparatively ordered in size. In accordance with other researcher, this decrease in the mean diameter of vesicle is due to the presence of ethanol (touitou et al., 2000). Higher concentration of ethanol produced lower vesicle size. Probably the ethanol causes the modification of the net charge of the system and confer it some degree of stearic stabilisation that may finally lead to decrease in mean soupcon size (lasic et al., 1998). In the formulation the concentration of ethanol increases from 30-35% the significant decrease in vesicle size. On the other hand, it was observed that the increase in soya lecithin concentration resulted in increase in mean particle size. Small vesicle size is formed with the F2 formulation having a 1% of soya lecithin and 35% ethanol. Twice fold increase in soya lecithin concentration (1%-2%) resulted in two fold increase in ethosomes size (from 500nm- ). The charge of vesicles is important parameter that can influence both stability and skin vesicle interaction. Zeta potential value of all formulations shown in shelve 2. The conce ntration of ethanol increase from 30-35% v/v resulting in increase in zeta potential value. Polydispersity index was determined as measure of homogeneity in formulation. Polydispersity index 0.3 indicate homogeneous population of ethosome vesicle in formulation. Polydispersity of all formulation shown in Table 2. Compare to all formulation F2 formulation showed less polydispersity index is 0.23 indicates homogeneous population of ethosome vesicles.Entrapment efficiencyEntrapment efficiency of all formulation shown in Table 2. Entrapment efficiency of formulation containing of 1% soya lecithin and 30% (F1) ethanol was found to be 60%, which significantly change magnitude to 64% when the amount of ethanol increases to 35% (F2) keeping the concentration of soya lecithin constant. Ethosomes formulation prepared with 1.5% soya lecithin and 30% ethanol (F3) exhibited 40% entrapment efficiency, which was increased to 45% (F4) respectively keep the amount of soya lecithin constant. Formu lation prepared with 2% soya lecithin and 30% ethanol (F5) showed 42% entrapment efficiency, which was increased to 61% when the concentration of ethanol increased to 35%(F6) respectively. These data support by previous finding that solubility and high encapsulation efficiency values for large range of lipophilic drugs can be obtain due to presence of ethanol (13).From these results entrapment efficiency of formulation was observed due to increase in ethanol concentration.Invitro permeation studyIn vitro skin permeation experiment was performed using human cadaver skin showed that permeation was highest in F2 formulation as shown in Fig 1. Flux value of F2 formulation was significantly different when compared with other formulation (P0.05) as shown in Table 3. Highest flux value (-) of F2 as compared to other formulation. These may be due to small vesicle size and high entrapment efficiency alone with high concentration of ethanol. These data supported by previous finding that ethan ol interact with a lipid molecules of stratum corneum, resulting in reduction in the Tm of stratum corneum, increase in there fluidity. The intercalation of ethanol due to polar head group environment can result in increase in membrane permeability (16). It can excessively suggest that mixing of phospholipids with the stratum corneum lipid of the intercellular layers enhances the permeability of the skin (17). F2 formulation was selected as a optimized formulation from the vesicle size distribution, polydispersity index, zeta potential, drug entrapment efficiency, and in vitro permeation study results and considered for further study.In vivo Pharmacodynamic studyPharmacodynamic activity of ethosomes F2 formulation was compared with orally administered dose. Pharmacodynamic activity involved two tests. nonpareil was force swim test and other was locomotor activity. Force swim test is most widely used model for assessing the antidepressant activity. derive immobility period would d ecrease if high concentration of paroxetine hydrochloride reached target site.Force swim testResults of FST confirmed that there was significant reduction in total immobility period in seconds by treating the rats by transdermal ethosomal F2 formulation. There was significant (pTable 3. Results of forced swim test.ConclusionEthosomal vesicles with usurp size and maximum drug entrapment efficiency can be prepared. F2 formulation showed highest transdermal flux across human skin was composed of 1% soya lecithin, 35% ethanol and 2% cholesterol. In vivo pharmacodyanamic study of optimised formulation showed significant values compared to controlled group. Therefore, it can be concluded from the result of the study that ethosome formulation is potentially useful carrier for transdermal delivery of paroxetine hydrochlorideREFERANCESO. Braun-Falco, H.C. Kortung, H.I. 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US Patent 5 540 934, 1996.Touitou E, Composition for applying active substances to or through the skin. US Patent 5 716 638, 1998.Touitou E, Alkabes M, Dayan N, Eliaz M. Ethosomes novel vesicular carriers for enhanced skin delivery. Pharm Res 1997 14 S-305.Touitou E, Dayan N, Bergelson L, Godin B, EliazM.Ethosomes*novel vesicular carriers for enhanced delivery characterizationand skin acumen properties. J Control Rel 2000 6540318.Touitou E, Dayan N, Bergelson L, Godin B, Eliaz M. Ethosomes *novel vesicular carriers for enhanced delivery characterization and skin penetration properties. J Control Rel 200065 40318.M.M.A. Elsayed, O.Y. Abdallah, V.F. Naggar, N.M. Khalafallah, Deformable liposomes and ethosomes as carriers for skin delivery of ketotifen, Pharmazie 62 (2007) 133137.Heeremans JLM, Gerristen HR, Meusen SP, Mijuheer FW, Panday GRS, Prevost R, Kluft C, Crommelin DJA. 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Understanding Blog Definitions And Features

Understanding Blog Definitions And FeaturesThere ar quaternion sections in this chapter. The first section is an overview of the chapter. The second section provides a oecumenic understanding on intercommunicate definition, the qualitys of intercommunicates and web logging scratchs and their evolution. The third section examines the enjoyments of intercommunicates in variant beas such(prenominal) as face-to-face, crease, politics and education. The fourth section discusses the previous verifiable studies. Fin whollyy, the discussion of the entire chapter is summarized in the last section.A blog or meshinglog refers to a individualisedised web page with minimal or no external editing that provides, online small talkary and that is periodically up get wordd and presented in reverse chronological order (preserved old posts in renderition to bracing entries) with hyperlinks to early(a) online sources (F arll and Drezner, 2007 D possesses, 2004). close to authors agr ee that a blog is a frequently updated website consisting of dated entries (Walker, 2003). A blog whitethorn include any, all, or whatsoever combination of text, photos, videos, audio, as well as hyperlinks (links to websites or other mesh-based information). One of the affairful features of blogs is their interactivity. A blog was formulaed to facilitate interaction by permitting contemplateers to noteary on entries. So a blog is a course of try of personal media, fellowship management tool, and community forum (Liu et al, 2009).Blogs be a normal elan for expressing personal opinions and interests on the Web (Varlamis et al, 2008). Essentially, the author or we call a blogger not only expresses his personal ideas and experience, except too provides divine service to others during the communion without the profit and in this way puddle their blogs more expensive for sharing (Shaohiu and Lihua, 2008). In addition, blogs shadow be a personal diary, a memo, a pla ce to deliver messages, a cooperation field, a cleans-release website, or a temporary runing stage for a politician (Xin, 2009).According to or so researchers, a small eggshell webpage that we call as a blog usually has certain features. Five features that a blog usually has i.e. personal editorship, a hyperlinked posting structure, frequent updates, free public access to the means via the Internet and archived postings (Paquet, 2003). Table 2.1 summarises the definitions of a blog or weblog according to respective(prenominal) researchers.Table 2.1Definition of BlogDefinitionsAuthorsReverse chronological postingDoctorow et al., 2002 Paquet, 2003 Walker, 2003 Schiano et al., 2004 Downes, 2004 herring et al., 2004 Bruns and Jacobs, 2006 Viegas, 2006 Farell and Drezner, 2007 Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 Liu et al., 2009Individually author / Personalised web pageBarger, 1997 Paquet, 2003 Bruns and Jacobs, 2006 Liu al et., 2009Online commentaryBruns and Jacobs, 2006 Farell and Drezner, 2 007 Liu al et., 2009Text-based online environsDownes, 2004Mini web page / Small scale website / impartial web pageDoctorow al et., 2002 Farell and Drezner, 2007 Shaohui and Lihua, 2008Online diary/journalBarger, 1997 Blood, 2000 Doctorow al et., 2002 Herring al et., 2004 Xin, 2009Table 2.1 (Continued)Definition of BlogDefinitionsAuthorsPosting with date entriesPaquet, 2003 Walker, 2003 Herring al et., 2004Frequently updated websiteBlood, 2000 Walker, 2003 Schiano al et., 2004 Herring al et., 2004 Luehmann and MacBride, 2007 Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 sharing thoughtShaohui and Lihua, 2008Express personal ideas / opinionsDoctorow al et., 2002 Varlamis al et., 2004 Shaohui and Lihua, 2008 manduction experiencesShaohui and Lihua, 2008Sharing interestsVarlamis al et., 2004Collects and shares resources (Photos/Videos/Hyperlinks)Doctorow al et., 2002 Paquet, 2003 Bruns and Jacobs, 2006 Luehmann and MacBride, 2007 Farell and Drezner, 2007 Liu al et., 2009FeaturesBlogs utilise a unprejudice d port to make it easy for a exerciser to construct it, without having to understand hypertext mark-up wording or web scripting. Thus, any one(a) who suffer create a basic Microsoft news program document endure create and maintain a blog. Users muckle add pictures or audio files to enhance their blogs good-naturedness. Typically, blog combines text, images, links to other blogs or web pages, and other media colligate to its topic i.e. video. A blogger decides what does and does not go into a blog (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). According to Duffy et al., (2006), a blog is usually make up of the following componentsDate and time the post was published crime syndicate the post is label with ( jakes be one or more)Main agnomen of the postMain substance of the postLinks back (trackback) from other sitesComments added by readersURL of the full, individual articleIn addition, Du and Wagner (2005) claimed that the features of blogs (i.e. archival of previous(prenominal) weblogs b y date-posted, hyperlink to other web or blog, instant publishing of web essence with little technical skill required, and ways for others to comment/feedback). An all measurable(predicate) and desirable feature of blogging engine room which makes communication doable is the ability to comment a publication in a blog. Most blogging tools allow piece of music a comment on someones article (Downes, 2004 Du and Wagner, 2005).Shaohui and Lihua (2008) utter that advanced network applied science is not required to build a blog and and then any one discount establish his own blog, as yearn as he is able to type and take advantage of the Internet. The innovation of a blog does not need any extra economical costs beca design basic blog services are available in any online computing device for free. A blog is open, free and available for sharing. This entails one whitethorn write down what he sees, hears and thinks of freely in a blog. The openness, sharing features, interactio n, virtual capability, cover up and non-restraint characteristics of a blog gain vigor peoples desire of self-expression and self complacency, including those who are reserved in real life history but are giveing to express their inner thought through a blog (Shaohui and Lihua, 2008).Besides the basic features of a blog, in that respect are additions to a blog. Nowadays, most blogging tools support a method for communication amongst blogs called trackback. When someone writes a new article in his blog that refers to other article typically residing at a different blog, a telling is sent to the other blog. The notification is referred to as trackback (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). The trackback functionality enables the reader of a weblog to comment on a certain article in his own blog platform (Bross al et., 2009).Another additional blog feature is called pingback. This feature allows a blogger to request notification when somebody links to one of his articles so he can keep t rack of who is linking to, or referring to his publications (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). In a contemporary blogging system it is now authorized to support Really Simple Syndication (RSS). This is a web feed format, which is utilise to provide web condecadet (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). This way when someone is interested in content published in a particular RSS-supporting site and wants to stay in touch with its updates and new articles posted at that place, he may subscribe to them via RSS.BLOGGING TOOLS AND THEIR EVOLUTIONDuring the late 1990s, there were no special tools available for creating weblogs. Most bloggers hand-coded their sites. But, very soon, it became difficult to read every weblog every day, or even to keep track of all the new ones that were appearing (Blood, 2000). Blogs started to gain popularity later on Pitas.com launched the first free build-your-own-weblog tool, and others same(p) Blogger released their blogging tools. These tools provide the ease and affordability for non-technical persons to communicate online.According to Bauer (2004), approximately 80% of weblogs determination hosting services that provide weblog building tools and server space, while the rest commit standalone software that runs on individual servers or web hosts. Popular weblog hosts, such as Blogger, ModBlog, and Xanga, offer basic services for free, which are to the advantage for new bloggers or general users even though there are express mail server spaces and standard features. But, achieverful weblogs can outgrow these basic services, and may be forced to choose premium services (at high-pitcheder costs), or even to set up their own hosts (Rubenking, 2003). Comparatively, standalone software is more tractile in name of server space and control of own content, but this requires some knowledge on the part of the users to set up the masking and to maintain the server. Movable Type and Radio Userland are two popular fee-based standalone software solutions.Schiano al et. (2004) represent that the participants of their research apply a full(a) variety of blogging tools, including Blogger, Blurty, Xanga, MoveableType, RadioUserLand, and customised scripts. Several participants began with Blogger (recently acquired by Google), but as they gained experience, they migrated to other, more advanced(a) tools or created their own.2.3 USES OF BLOGSMost people are not aware that there is a variety of genres in the blogosphere. The interface looks similar but the content is different. Blog can be used in various areas or purposes such as, for personal usage, politics, championship and educations.2.3.1 PersonalPersonal blogs is frequently know as online diary or journal. The blog format of an online diary makes it possible for users who fuck off not much experience to create, format, and post entries with ease. People often write their everyday experiences, complaints, poems, thoughts and more and this type of blog allows others to contribute. The blogger, as a main role, writes about his/her personal perspective in his/her own blogs. Blogs in like manner provide users the right to write and express their own ideas and viewpoints. Moreover, blog belles-lettres enable the users both to share information and to make self-reflection. According Schiano et al., (2004), some blogs seem to function in the age-old tradition of diaries and personal record-keeping.2.3.2 governingPolitical campaigns at the federal, state and local level use blogs to invent and motivate their supporters (Farell and Drezner, 2007). Political blogs may take a number of forms. very much an individual will link to articles from news web sites and post his own opinion. Most news, activism, and issue-based blogs follow the same format. A recent trend in politics is that candidates are incorporating blogging into their campaigns. For example, in 2005, Chilean presidential election, four candidates used their own blogs as part of their c ampaign mechanisms (Farell and Drezner, 2007).Blogs have played an important role in several media scandals (Glaser 2004). They have withal played a important role in shaping campaign strategy and tactics. In 2004, Howard Dean rose to prominence in part because of his adroit use of the blogosphere as a tool for rallying activists (Graf and Darr 2004 Kerbel and Bloom, 2005). Blogs increasingly affect sub judice outcomes (Solum, 2006 Berman, 2006).It has been shown that blogs have influenced policy outcomes. As example, blogs played an important role in helping defeat George W. Bushs proposed Social Security reforms, which were intended to be the street corner achievement of his second term in office (Glover and Essl, 2006). Blogs have also achieved some political and policy prominence outside the US (Drezner and Farrell, 2004).2.3.3 business lineBusinesses increasingly use blogs for promotional campaigns, and track blogs to measure customer satisfaction and monitor trends (Farel l and Drezner (2007). A number of entrepreneurs establish blogs to get up their businesses. Often business blogs act as a showcase for entrepreneurs to provide a windowpane into the behind-the-scenes activities at their business, presenting a more personal face. In some cases the blog itself is the core of the business bringing in revenue from advertising, sell products or information.Interest in blog as a business tool has coincided with a growing realisation that traditional market methods may no longer suit todays fragmented markets and increasingly demanding customers. The nineties byword the introduction of new forms of marketing, including relationship marketing, buzz marketing, word-of-mouth marketing, one-to-one marketing, opt-in marketing, irregular marketing and viral marketing. Blogs have the potential to fulfil the aims of these new marketing methods. The blogger not only share the ideas and feeling, but also received valuable comments from readers.The business wor ld now realises the opportunities of blogging and begins to reap the benefits. Maintaining a blog an important part of apiece callers Internet strategy. A company can make blogs to introduce products/services inform customers about discounts, do promotions and announce achieves and success (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). In addition, customers can write their comments, opinions, complaints and suggestions and get support from responsible company workers. Concurrently, it is reclaimable to have also an internal blog for forgement tracking, which by company employees. This supports collaborative work as the blog might be not only central information source but also management tool, brainstorming sessions, announcements or reporting place (Shevked and Dakovski, 2006). Corporate blog have received widespread attention in press and among Internet users. It can help a company build stronger relationships with its customers and get customers feedback instantly. It can be used to market p roducts or services and develop a brand (Ryu and Shi, 2010).2.3.4 EducationBlogs can be used as acquirement tools in a variety of ways, Their value is demonstrated by the practicable structures and responses mechanisms, dis manakin style and method of recording ideas, commentary and institutionally pertinent information (Ismail, S., 2009). Students frequently use blogs as records of their information while teachers use them as records of what they taught. For example, through a blog, a teacher can perform fooling recording was taught, include links to Internet resources, and specify the cookery scholarly persons are required to carry out. This application has many advantages (i) pupil can quickly catch-up if they miss a class, (ii) the teacher can use the blog as a lesson plan, and (iii) the blog serves as an accurate summary of the course that prospective students or new teachers can refer to. The collaborative features of blogs can be used to authorize several students to contribute to the blog. There are more educators and language teachers utilise the Internet in language educational activity as well (Godwin-Jones, 2003 Lord and Lomicka, 2004). Many estimator applications, especially asynchronous estimator-mediated communication such as email and electronic bulletin boards, promote interactive skill (Arnold and Ducate, 2006). With the booming growth of technology, blogs have become some other accomplishment platform for language instruction method.Johnson (2004) pointed out that the logs are a useful additional aid to teachers. From any computer connected to the Internet, teachers can create, edit, or delete their teach hand-outs including notes, assignments, and reviewed materials. Teachers messages are organised in a converse chronological order with the latest postings at the top. The feature of automatic date-stamping for each post is useful. Students emails may, for some technical glitches, not reach their teachers or be carelessly d eleted by their teachers. With the automatic date-stamping function, both teachers and students know clearly when students exploit in their assignments.Consequently, the automatic archive of past posts by date or theme can help teachers and students easily locate the message they are searching. If students do not have their own personal websites, an easy-to-use blog is a good start for them to interact with users of the cyberspace community. As Campbell (2004) emphasised that simple customisation of templates can help students build a sense of ownership and quaint online identity. Most students will write more carefully if they know that they are going to publish their articles online for authentic readers who may comment on their postings.Additionally, teachers can easily use blogs to organise a collaborative learning environment in which students can peer edit others postings (Dieu, 2004 Mitchell, 2003). Students should be encouraged to comment their partners postings, which can also be dual-lane by other classmates. Oravec (2002) claimed that blog development can allow students to become more analytical and faultfinding. Duffy al et. (2006) list the following are possible uses of blogs in education.Table 2.3 practicable Uses of Blogs in Education (Duffy et al., 2006)PerspectiveUsesPersonal academicA blog can support reflection on teaching experiences categorised descriptions of resources and methodologies for teaching ramblings regarding professional challenges and teaching tips for other academics illustration of specific technology-related tips for other colleagues.OrganisationalA blog can support a common online presence for unit-related information such as calendars events, assignments and resources an online area for students to post contact details and queries relating to assessment. pedagogicA blog can support comments based on belles-lettres readings and student responses a collaborative space for students to act as reviewers for course-related materials, images and reflections related to industry placement an online gallery space for review of works, writings, etc. in progress making use especially of the commenting feature, teachers encouraging reactions, reflections and ideas by commenting on their students blogs development of a student portfolio of work.2.4 RELATED EMPIRICAL STUDIESThis section focuses in blogs used in learning, blogs in teaching and also others issues related to technology in teaching.2.4.1 Blog and teacherThe ease of operating blogs make them attractive tools to some teachers for posting announcements, facilitating discussions, or linking to class resources (Downes, 2004 Oravec, 2003). Blogs have been coined as teacher-driven administrative tools. Teachers may require students to post to their own or a shared blog a required (or recommended) structure and contents for entries and in uniformity to specific grading rubric (Krause, 2005).The literature discusses interesting possibilities for the use of blogs in education (Flatley, 2005 Huffaker, 2006 Perschbach, 2006 Quible, 2005 Richardson, 2006 Selingo, 2004). Churchill (2009) asserted that blogs added a new dimension to teaching authorization by enabling teachers to do things that were not possible otherwise, any with or without other technology. Initially, teacher saw blogging as a means by which they could provide a reflections (Chuang, 2008 Yang, 2009).Wang and Hsua (2008) reported that pre-service teachers enjoyed exchanging perspectives on the blog and considered blogging an extra bear that enabled them to express different views or to extend in class discussion. Teachers can continue the class discussion in a blog after class. For that reason, blogs become a good tool for communication between teachers and students as they provide with a platform for the students to give their opinions about teaching. Ding (2008) conclude that the greatest advantage of a blog is that it provides an efficient platform for the intera ction between teachers and learners.In addition, a blog can promote teachers to develop thinking and writing habits. Blogging help accelerate the transfer of teachers personal unverbalized knowledge to explicit knowledge, and let others share the essence of his knowledge or depressions. So a blog is not only a platform for teaching, thinking and communication but also a platform of belief and opinion (Yan et al, 2010). Blogs contribute confirmatively in teaching of the English language (Ding, 2008 2009) and Science (Sawmiller, 2010). Ding (2008, 2009) found that blogs has extended and complemented classroom teaching and learning activities.Sawmiller (2010) in his guinea pig back up that using blogs in the classroom can help in teaching scientific concepts and in increasing student learning through the use of a students preferred learning style, personal interest, and engagement. Blogging is the bridge spanning the gap that exists between at-home and check experiences of learni ng. Blogging can be a constructive tool in a science learning environment. It promotes critical thinking skills, collaboration, and differentiated instruction by using multiple learning styles.Other than teaching, blogs can be used as a tool to promote interaction within online communities, teachers professional development and teachers interaction (Hou, 2010). Luehmann (2008) supported the potential of blogging for teachers professional identity development. The study suggested that teachers blogging determine the end of the benefits they win from the practice. Blogs can become the digital files that record teachers professional growth (Shaohui and Lihua, 2008). Blogs help teachers prepare for lessons co-operate and communicate with each other and receive long surmount training.Because of the classification function of blogs, teachers can set some useful items (e.g. teaching materials, reference, question solution, exercise, work presentation, notice etc.) in their teaching blog as knowledge management tool (Ding, 2009). Blog provides a platform for not only information interchange but also interchange of thoughts. In sum, blogs allow teachers to have a network identity, promote teachers to reflect upon daily teaching activity, and hence improve the quality of teaching. (Yan et al, 2010).2.4.2 emplacements towards Technology and TeachingIt has been stated that no matter how sophisticated and powerful the state of technology is, the extent to which it is implemented defends on teachers having a positive attitude towards it (Huang Liaw, 2005). Therefore, this section will discusses the empirical studies related to teachers or educators attitudes towards technology in teaching. Teo (2008) asserted that the success of any initiatives to implement technology in an educational programme depends powerfully on the support and attitudes of teachers involved (Teo, 2008). The factors that affect the successful use of computers in the classroom are teachers attitudes towards computers and these attitudes, whether positive or negative, and the attitudes affect how teachers respond to technologies (Teo, 2008).Khine (2001) canvass 184 pre-service teachers their use of ICT. They found a significant relationship between computer attitude and ICT use in the institution. Yuen and Ma (2001) administered the Chinese Computer Attitude Scale for Teachers to 216 secondary teachers in Hong Kong to examine the factors that influence the instructional use of computers. They found that affective attitudes a significant factor in influencing the use of computer among teachers.Hong and Koh (2002) investigated the attitudes of rural secondary schools teachers towards computers. The sample consisted of 200 secondary school teachers in Malaysia. Hong and Koh (2002) found that rural secondary teachers have positive attitudes toward computers. Teachers who possess computers and had more computing experience were found to have more positive attitudes than teachers w ho had less computer experience.Wong et al (2005) examined the use of the Internet among 310 pre-service teachers in Malaysia using questionnaire survey method. The study shows that attitudes toward the Internet were positive. Wong et al (2005) concluded that pre-service teachers will corporate the new technology effectively in classroom instruction either as a teaching tool or as a learning medium.Kadijevich (2006) examined teachers interest to attain educational technology standards (interest) in terms of their computer attitude (attitude) and the professional support they received to attain these standards (support). The study used a sample of 39 mathematics pre-service teachers and 62 round-eyed pre-service teachers. The two groups differed in Support favouring master(a) student teachers, who, contrary to mathematics student teachers, received some basic. Despite the differences in support, for both student teachers, there were direct positive and significant effects for supp ort on attitude and of attitude on interest.Teo et al (2007) examined 239 pre-service teachers attitudes towards computers in Singapore. The results show that sensed usefulness, perceived ease of use and subjective norm were significant determinants of pre-service computer attitudes. Later, Teo (2008) examined demographic factors among 139 pre-service teachers using a questionnaire. The results show no gender or age differences among pre-service teachers on computer attitudes. However, there were significant differences in computer attitudes for the subject areas that pre-service teachers had been trained. Correlation analyses revealed significant associations between years of computer use and level of confidence, and computer attitudes.Birisci et al (2009) conducted a survey among 191 prospective primary(a) teachers in Turkey to investigate prospective elementary teachers attitudes toward computer and Internet use. It was found that attitudes of prospective teachers towards compu ter and Internet use at high level. There are no significant differences between prospective elementary teachers attitudes toward computer and Internet use with students class, graduation school type and periodic income.Prior researches haves shown that a teachers attitude towards the computer is a major predictor for future computer use (Myers Halpin, 2002) and his need for learning computing skills that in turn will lead to computer literacy (Zhang Espinoza 1997). For example, Yildirim (2000) found that teachers who used computers more would tend to develop positive attitudes to promote further use of the computer in their daily teaching tasks and conduct activities that require computers to play a major role in, for example, computer-mediated forums.Researchers (Guerrero et al, 2004) summarized teachers attitudes toward the use of technology in mathematics classrooms as hesitant. The majority of teachers indicated that they had not observed any software that really helped lear ning and using software did not save time in teaching or evaluation.Further, Kadel (2005) found that overcoming the typical obstacles that may deter faculty from utilizing technology for instruction requires a positive attitude. This attitude may manifest itself in an extensive time devotion or willingness to challenge institutional thought.Chao (2005) conducted a survey to find teachers attitudes toward usage of mobile technologies in Taiwan classrooms. This study used cognitive, affective, and behavioural construct of attitudes 150 school teachers. He found that teachers intent to use technologies resources begins with their attitude toward using them in their daily practices.Gado and Hooft (2005) conducted a project in West Africa that introduced handheld computers to Benin secondary science teachers to seek their attitudes towards technology integration in inquiry-based science. Sixteen physical science teachers were selected from ten secondary public schools. A mixed method res earch design (survey data and interviews) was used. Participants showed positive attitudes toward handheld computers. Analysis of interview data showed tail fin determinants of participants attitudes toward the use of handheld computers and probeware (i) handheld computers as powerful educational tools (ii) bric-a-brac of the technology (iii) (ir)relevance of handheld tools in the context of Benin (iv) self-efficacy beliefs (or perceived simplicity of use) and (v) enhancement of student learning outcome expectancy.Pange et al (2005) studied the attitude of classical pre-school teachers towards new technologies. 100 preschool were selected as a sample. Pange et al (2005) found that the pre-school teachers have a positive attitude in using new technology. Likewise, Luan et al (2002) found that teachers have positive attitudes towards IT amongst 60 Malaysian in-service teachers.2.5 SUMMARYThis chapter provides a general understanding on blog definition, the features of blogs and blo gging tools and their evolution. Examples of blog used in different areas also explained. It also included the empirical study that used technology in teaching. Therefore, the following chapter proposed a model which will be used for this study.