How to Choose a Thesis Topic

How to Choose a Thesis Topic How to Choose a Thesis Topic Writing a thesis is an exciting part of your academic career. Not only is it an opportunity for you to display your mastery of the field, it’s also a chance to contribute to the knowledge of the topic in your discipline. Choosing your thesis topic is the first major step in your journey as a researcher. A well-chosen topic often leads to a study that is timely, relevant, and meaningful. Here are some tips to keep in mind when coming up with your thesis topic. Start with a broad idea When brainstorming on your thesis topic, start with a general idea of what you want to cover. Think of a particular topic in your field that interests you and best suits your field of study. Read on relevant literature Once you’ve selected a topic, collect articles relating to that topic. Read up on these articles and take notes. One expert note-taking process consists of: Creating a table with four columns. In the first column, write down all the main ideas relevant to the topic you chose. In the second column, list down all of the supporting ideas of each main idea. In the third column, list the original references or citations used by the article you are reading. In the last column, list your remarks or notes regarding the main idea. Determine gaps in all available literature While you’re going through articles of related literature, you may begin to notice topics that no other researcher has examined. A thesis paper is basically about â€Å"filling in the gaps of the literature† in your field. These gaps may include a certain group that has not been studied, or variables that may not have been previously considered. You can also find gaps in literature by reading the recommendation section of other research papers. Narrow down your topic Once you’ve determined possible gaps in the available literature of your chosen topic, decide which gaps you’d like to include in your own thesis topic. The topic you ultimately choose must possess the following qualities: It must be timely and address relevant issues that your field is currently facing. It is based on a logical rationale that is tied to an established theory. The variables are clearly stated. It must contribute to the existing body of knowledge available in your field. Choosing your thesis topic is only the first step of the journey. Writing your thesis can be a challenging journey, with many ups and downs throughout the process. Everything from the introduction to the conclusion of your paper must be well-written and grounded, producing a strong piece that is valuable to your chosen discipline. If you have made the first step in choosing your topic, but require assistance with writing your thesis, call . You can reach us at (647) 436-7280 for our Toronto and GTA location, (587) 880-4707 for our Calgary location, and (604) 245-5865 for our Vancouver location. You can also reach us toll-free at 1-800-573-0840.

MBA Math Skills Every Business Student Needs

MBA Math Skills Every Business Student Needs While some math requirements will vary by program, there are several MBA math skills that every business student needs to succeed. These skills can be obtained (or brushed up on) online, as part of a GMAT prep program or in a math refresher course, such as the pre-MBA math boot camps offered by many business schools. Some of the most important MBA math skills involve basic number sense, algebra, calculus, statistics, and probability. Basic Number Sense Basic number sense may seem elementary, but it is important because it is the foundation for all of the business math you will do in an MBA program. You should be able to understand symbolic representation (i.e. the different ways numbers can be represented), how numbers relate to each other, and how numbers can be used in real-world situations. More specifically, you should be able to: Represent numbers as percents, fractions and decimalsPerform conversions on percents, fractions and decimalsSolve problems using percents, decimals, fractions and mixed numbersSimplify mathematical expressions using the appropriate order of operations Algebra for Business Reviewing all the algebra you learned in high school is a must. Algebra is used constantly in business math, particularly in economics, finance, and statistics courses. You can start your preparation by reviewing the definitions of key terms like variable, constant, exponent and operator. After that, you should practice simplifying algebraic expressions, evaluating algebraic expressions with multiple variables, and expanding algebraic expressions using the distributive property. Finally, take time to learn how to: Solve linear equationsSolve systems of linear equationsSolve quadratics by factoringSimplify and solve binomialsSimplify and solve polynomials Calculus for Business Most business school professors will help you understand the calculus you need to know as you go through the curriculum, but if you spend all your time learning the math while youre in a program, youll get a lot less out of most courses than you should. Its a good idea to master a few essential calculus skills prior to the start of your program. Here are specific concepts to know before you go: Function composition and graphingFunction operationsLimits of functionsSlopes and rates of changeDerivatives and differentiationMinimum and maximum valuesExponentials and logarithmsDefinite and indefinite integrals Statistics for Business Statistical analysis is a common task in many MBA courses.  It is important to understand key measures, such as measures of central tendency and measures of spread or dispersion, as well as key properties of populations and samples. Brushing up on the following statistics concepts will help you ace your coursework: Calculate mean, median, mode and rangeCalculate the standard deviationCalculate normal distributionIdentify shifts in the meanCalculate statistical significanceInterpret sampling distributionEstimate sample and population variance Probability for Business When it comes to MBA math, knowing how to calculate probabilities is helpful but not absolutely essential. However, it is important to know how to use numerical probabilities to interpret scenarios, clarify information in uncertain scenarios, and communicate the probability of certain events occurring. You should know how to define all of the following terms: Dependent eventIndependent eventSimple eventCompound eventComplementary eventMutually exclusive eventNon-mutually exclusive eventConditional probability Math for Finance Every MBA student  takes at least one finance class. If youre specializing in a finance-related track, youll take quite a few finance classes. The curriculum will be much easier to navigate if you are familiar with finance mathematics. Some of the specific topics youll want to study before heading off to business school include the time value of money, rates of return and interest formulas. You should be able to calculate: Present and future valuesRequired rate of returnSimple rate of returnModified rate of returnInternal rate of returnSimple interest and compound interest Math for Accounting Like finance classes, accounting classes are practically  inevitable in an MBA program. Youll spend a lot of time working with financial statements, which means you need to be comfortable with common financial ratios. Understanding these ratios will help you analyze trends and perform ratio analysis. You should learn how to calculate: Liquidity ratiosFinancial leverage ratiosProfitability ratiosAsset turnover ratiosDividend policy ratios

John Ericsson - Designer of the USS Monitor

John Ericsson - Designer of the USS Monitor John Ericsson invented an early locomotive, the Ericsson hot-air engine, an improved screw propeller, the gun turret, and a deep-sea sounding device. He also designed ships and submarines, most notably the USS Monitor. Early Life of John Ericsson in Sweden John (originally Johan) Ericsson was born on July 31, 1803, in Vrmland, Sweden. His father, Olof Ericsson, was superintendent of a mine and taught John and his brother Nils the skills of mechanics. They received little formal education but showed their talent early. The boys learned to draw maps and finish off mechanical drawings when their father was director of blastings on the  Gà ¶ta Canal  project. They became cadets in the Swedish Navy at ages 11 and 12 and learned from instructors in the Swedish Corps of Mechanical Engineers. Nils went on to be a prominent canal and railway builder in Sweden. By age 14, John was working as a surveyor. He  joined the Swedish Army at age 17 and worked as a surveyor and was noted for his mapmaking skill. He began constructing a heat engine in his spare time, which used the heat and fumes of fire rather than steam. Move to England He decided to seek his fortune in England and moved there in 1826 at the age of 23. The railroad industry was hungry for talent and innovation. He continued to design engines that used airflow to provide more heat, and his locomotive design  Novelty  was barely beaten by the Rocket designed by George and Robert Stephenson in the Rainhill Trials. Other projects in England included the use of screw propellers on ships, a fire engine design, large guns,and a steam condenser that provided fresh water for ships. American Naval Designs of John Ericsson Ericssons work on twin screw propellers attracted the attention Robert F. Stockton, an influential and progressive U.S. Navy officer, who encouraged him to relocate to the United States. They worked together in New York to design a twin screw-propelled warship. The USS Princeton was commissioned in 1843. It was armed with a heavy gun 12-inch gun on a revolving pedestal that Ericsson designed. Stockton worked to get the most credit for these designs and designed and installed a second gun, which exploded and killed eight men, including Secretary of State Abel P. Upshur and Secretary of the Navy Thomas Gilmer. When Stockton shifted the blame to Ericsson and blocked his pay, Ericsson resentfully but successfully moved on to civilian work. Designing the USS Monitor In 1861, the Navy needed an ironclad to match the Confederate USS Merrimack and the Secretary of the Navy convinced Ericsson to submit a design. He presented them with designs for the USS Monitor, an armored ship with guns on a rotating turret. The Merrimack had been rechristened the USS Virginia and the two ironclad ships did battle in 1862 to a stalemate that nonetheless aved the Union fleet. This success made Ericsson hero and many Monitor-type turret ships were built during the rest of the war. After the Civil War, Ericsson continued his work, producing ships for foreign navies and experimenting with submarines, self-propelled torpedoes, and heavy ordnance. He died in New York City on March 8, 1889 and his body was returned to Sweden on the cruiser Baltimore. Three U.S. Navy ships have been named in honor of John Ericsson: the torpedo boat Ericsson (Torpedo Boat # 2), 1897-1912; and the destroyers Ericsson (DD-56), 1915-1934; and Ericsson (DD-440), 1941-1970. Partial List of John Ericssons Patents U.S. #588   for a Screw Propeller patented February 1, 1838.U.S. #1847 for a Mode of Providing Steam Power to Locomotives patented November 5, 1840. Source: Information and photos provided by U.S. Naval Historical Center

Statement of purpose to applying to university Personal

Of purpose to applying to university - Personal Statement Example recognizes that aside from this main personal objective, there is a firm desire to be an instrumental contributor to the development of my native country through this field of study. It was acknowledged that most of the students who reportedly graduated in the last decades focused on literary programs where professional careers in education and providing instructional approach through teaching have been appropriately satiated and addressed. Likewise, as affirmed from the narration of our prophet Mohammed, peace is upon him, when he said that we must look for knowledge everywhere. As such, this advice is put into application through fervent desire for traveling across countries for both leisure and educational pursuit. I believe that through being immersed in different cultures, traditions and languages, I would be able to personally experience and learn about people, arts, communication patterns, and current global trends. In addition, I contend that by travelling, it would provide me with the perfect opportunity to practice speaking and communicating through English, as my second language. Thus, I would like to develop greater proficiency in English through being enrolled in the university in the United States. passion to delve into theories and concepts that integrate courses in biology, as well as in information technology. I recognize that contemporary organizations have applied advanced discoveries in the field of biology, or the study of life; as well as in vast technological advancements in information and the use of computers, the internet, as well as other technical fields. In addition, since graduates from this particular field are still rare in Saudi Arabia, I plan to share the fruits of the knowledge to be gained from the program to my country through helping in its growth and development within this discipline. I am most grateful for the government for according me with a scholarship to enable me to pursue higher education in the United States. As

A raisin in the sun Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

A raisin in the sun - Essay Example African-Americans suffered racial discrimination, which was present, since the times of slavery where they were subjected to inhumane acts by White people. The play, by Lorraine Hansberry, depicts the battles that African-Americans had to go through in the early 1900s in the fight for equality in society. Discrimination was promoted by White American supremacists who advocated for segregation of minority races in society. The black African-American population bore the greatest blunt of racial discrimination in the American society. Segregation was effected in all sectors of life in schools, public transport, jobs and housing. The play highlights the Young family’s struggle with racial discrimination, and the hardship they went through for buying a house from a white man in a white neighbourhood. The play has a cast that is composed of Walter Lee who is unhappy with his current job and dreams of becoming an entrepreneur. He is a dreamer who believes that money can solve all of the family’s problems and buy them happiness. Ruth is a character who is depicted battling poverty and domestic troubles frequently. She is also depicted as a peacemaker who is willing to do anything to protect her family. Beneatha is a character who displays feminist perspectives in the play. ... She thinks that money is not something that makes a family happy. She is depicted as a nurturing mother and stands firm in her beliefs. As the head of the family, she demands that members of her family respect one another as well as take pride in their dreams. Linder is the only white character in the play who acts as the representative for the white community. He goes to great lengths to keep black African-Americans out of the white neighbourhood. His actions are best depicted when he offers the Young family a deal to reconsider moving into his all-white neighbourhood. This shows his determination in ensuring that his neighbourhood is free from ‘blacks’ who are perceived as pariahs in society (Loos 213). The play addresses themes of the essence of dreams as a supposition that was famously proposed in a poem wrote by Langston Hughes. He wrote about dreams that were neglected or postponed and ponders if those aspirations wither like raisins in the sun. This is illustrated by Walter’s desire to have money so that he can afford to cater for his family. The display of dreams and aspirations for a better life is not confined to one race, but it can be recognised in people of all backgrounds. The underlying motivation to yearn for a better life is universal irrespective of race, and it varies in different people. Walter’s notion of the American dream is the ideology of materialism which places much emphasis on the importance of money and the things it can acquire. In play, Hansberry shows how Walter envies Charlie Atkin’s dry cleaning business because it makes an annual income of $100, 000. Walter is blinded by his desire to acquire riches and partners with people of questionable characters who end escaping with all of

How Babies Learn Language Compared to How Adults Learn a Second Essay

How Babies Learn Language Compared to How Adults Learn a Second Language - Essay Example They further expand on these skills through imaginary play and through their perception of audio around them, as has been stated (Berk 2004). There is no extraordinary difference here then in regards to how adults being learning a second language as they hone in on their audio perception as well and gradually sound out new words from how they are hearing them formed in their social environment and through educators as well. Babies develop what sociologists and psychologists term as, "private speech" (Berk 2004). Even adults do this when they are learning a second language, and younger children do it when they are engaging in all sorts of activities such as building blocks, art and drawing, fantasy play, and in many other personal areas as well. For example, when adults are learning a second language, often when they are in the privacy of their car or at home they speak the new vocabulary words to themselves, sounding them out and testing themselves to see if they can pronunciate them properly. In Berk's book (2004) some sociologists define how children and adults utilize private speech when they are faced with issues that are relative to their cognitive abilities or issues that promote social challenges as learning language definitely would do. So obviously the correlation between the development of babies, young children, and adults who are learning a second language is absolutely obvious. The cognitive technique is identical yet is just approached in different ways at various stages of life. Therefore, for babies and toddlers, private speech is simply their way of vocalizing their developing cognitive skills. For example, the cooing that babies do early on such as when they are between 1month to 6 months later develops into actual pronunciated words, the first being ma-ma normally then da-da. Sociologists therefore point out that every stage of life is a developmental form of learning, even in adult life (Berker 2004). Liebergott et al (1995) points out that although th e language skills of infants in their first year of life is usually indiscernible it is still considered to be the most important year of cognitive development for babies, especially in regards to communication skills. This is due to the fact that this first year lays the groundwork for future cognitive learning abilities and the verbal sounds that infants hear during this first year and develop are then enhanced upon and developed into actual vocabulary words. Again, the similarity of adults learning a second language is astonishingly similar to the beginnings of vocabulary of that of an infant. This is because adults have to learn how to speak all over again, just in a secondary fashion. So adults, listen, observe and interact with others to develop the necessary cognitive skills to speak the second language fluidly just as infants follow the same developmental phases of their learning processes to develop their initial language abilities. Libergott et al (1995) emphasizes that the interactions between the mother and the infant in regards to vocalizing needs and wants is what helps build on the

Political theatre Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Political theatre - Essay Example th such exclusive motive had been classified as political theatre, which is no more the case, as â€Å"in one way or another all performance and theatre can be seen as involved in discourses of power† (Baz Kershaw, The Radical in Performance, 1999, p63). As any work of art needs to hold up a faithful mirror to nature (Aristotle, Poetics), and political theatre in general aims at representing social, political, cultural problems to the audience, political theatre in the modern period does not only represent but politicizes the representations, by either breaking the traditional representations or reinforcing them. They are sometimes known as experimental theatre or post-modern theatre (Auslander, 1987). In a way, they are part of any representations in any theatre and there is no more a separate political theatre. This is true in the modern and post-modern context after the rise of radical thinking and modern theories which politicize the dichotomies in the society. Each theory focuses on specific aspects of dichotomies; for example, Feminism politicizes body, gender identities and the otherness of women, while Post-colonialism focuses on the problem of cultural identity and politics. However, each one of them is concerned about power relations in the society and focuses more on the differences than on the similarities, unlike Modernism. In this context, any representation and use of language is no more a narrative but becomes a part of discourse making any theatre a political theatre. According to Baz Kershaw, as a consequence of the radical change in the literary theory, there is no more exclusive political theatre but all performances are political discourses in some way (Baz Kershaw, The Radical in Performance, 1999). To trace the history of literary theory of drama, Aristotle’s Poetics offers the actors power to think and act on behalf of the audience enacting them thereby enabling catharsis; however, the radical change has empowered the audience and