Analysis of Home Based Aquaponics System

Analysis of Home Based Aquaponics System RESEARCH METHODOLOGY This chapter outlines the rationale for the research approach adopted and how the detailed analysis of a specific home based aquaponics system is undertaken. The methods for data collection and analysis that is used is as well described. The overall design and structure of the study was driven by the need to fill the gap that exist in the study on home based aquaponics systems in Mauritius. Also, the only home based aquaponic practitioner’s system identifed was closely studied, so as to allow for solid findings and a well-grounded analysis. However, it reflects as well on the limitations of the research methods and how these might affect the findings and conclusions. In this study, the qualitative research using case study analysis is chosen as the appropriate method as it enables to answer the research questions. The qualitative method helps in preparing a careful planning of a research design that encompasses all aspects of the study, from research questions to data collection and analysis. To this effect, qualitative research is chosen using the case study method in order to collect rich, descriptive data on aquaponics. Nevertheless, studies on aquaponics have found that qualitative research results can differ from quantitative results, highlighting the importance of exploratory qualitative data collection for a holistic understanding (Conroy, 1999; Conroy Walker, 2000). Following thorough research on internet and with government authorities and other institutions having insights of the field of aquaponics, only one home based aquaponic practitioner has been identified. He was contacted through Facebook social networking and some informal interviews were undertaken through online communications, following which a formal meeting was scheduled at his premise in order to study his backyard aquaponics system. Indeed, from the close analysis and structured interview undertaken with the aquaponic practitioner, valuable information is gathered regarding his aquaponics system, complete designs, scale, production rates, management practices and water testing parameters and results. His approval was required for consequent visits to closely study his aquaponics system, assist him in effecting the water testings and to carry out additional interviews accordingly, as the dissertation progresses, to gather information as needed. All information is documented to b e used for analysis. The consent of the interviewers has been asked and an explanation of the study has been provided in order to begin any interview for the purpose of this study. Indeed, the aquaponic practitioner gave his consent for his name and pictures of his aquaponics system to be acknowledged and presented in this work. Further, since there is no comprehensive list of aquaponics practitioners in Mauritius, informal interviews were carried out with some organisations having insights of aquaponics system. Furthermore, I assisted the aquaponic practitioner in carrying out water testings in line with some specific parameters, being given that water testing in line with such parameters (PH,Temperature,Nitrate and Ammonia) are vital for the proper sustainability, monitoring and flow of the aquaponics system. Indeed, assisting in the water testing exercise with the aquaponic practitioner helped me better involve in the study as well as understand and analyse the system which helped me consolidate my findings. Moreover, in line with the research objectives in view to gain a better understanding of home based aquaponics system, questions are explicitly framed to highlight the elements of a home scale aquaponics technology. In view to analyse and truly understand a home based aquaponics system, the only genuine home based aquaponics system identified was closely analysed in helping to develop a more grounded insights on more favourable or unfavourable combinations of factors that could be used to increase the awareness, implementation, effectiveness and sustainability of home based aquaponics projects in the future. Furthermore, Maxwell (2005) and Yin (2009) argue that qualitative research needs a clearer pre-structuring. Despite this, I was realistically flexible about the necessary timing of my research activities in view to accommodate for the inevitable challenges that arose from trying to schedule meeting with the busy aquaponic practitioner. To ensure this need for flexibility, a plan was written up to guide the research. However, the data collection process was greatly facilitated by being able to visit the aquaponic practitioner and be on the site of his aquaponics system. Data Collection Methods When conducting a study, it is recommended to use various sources in order to grasp understanding of the context and a more solid foundation which helps in making the accurate choices. Also, the use of multiple sources enhances the reliability and validity of evidence as well as strengthens the author’s arguments (Yin, 2003). Therefore, both primary and secondary sources are needed for data collection. The primary source in this study is gathered through observations, analysis and interviews. The secondary sources include journals, articles, technical reports, policies and some previous studies which are used mainly in theoretical part. My data collection methods included formal observation, site visits, analysis and review. I also conducted structured interviews with the aquaponic practitioner. To comprehend the aquaponics system of the home based aquaponic practitioner that I had chosen to examine, I conducted a comprehensive analysis of the press articles online and by other academic and media sources in relation to home scale aquaponics. I reviewed local government websites and policy documents and did research on internet search engines in relation to home based/backyard aquaponics. I also spoke informally with the chosen aquaponic practioner to gain a sense of direction and understanding to better prepare my research work and formal interview. From his responses and my research work, I drafted my interview questions to gain diverse perspective in analysing the home based aquaponics system. My main data was sourced from a combination formal and informal interviews. Formal interviews were carried out with some stakeholders having insights of aquaponics and both formal and informal interviews were undertaken with the identified aquaponic practitioner. The structured interview questions were designed following formal interviews and in line with literature review. The data generated from the interviews allowed me to confirm the themes by which the data was eventually analysed; it also helped me to refine a line of inquiry for subsequent informal interviews. The fact that informal interviews were conducted with some stakeholders other than the aquaponic practitioner, means that I could to some extent prevent the risk of ‘key informant bias’ (Maxwell 2005 p. 91). Their insights were also essential for addressing the question of authenticity, credibility, representativeness and meaning. Following the structured interview, I conducted informal qualitative interviews with the aquaponic practitioner to ask specific questions regarding the case study and clarify any discrepancies I had noticed in the interview data. I covered the history and his future plans, as well as the challenges he had encountered along the way. In all the interviews I directed my questions accurately to add to the depth of perspective on the case study and my analysis. The data were further supplemented with analysis of the observations made through several site visits. Unstructured interviews were considered suitable because I wanted to allow for unpredicted events or findings (Bryman 1999, Yin 2009). The interviews were kept within a time limit of one hour and questions varied according to the role and expertise and context of respondent. Analysis of Data Bryman and Burgess (1999) urge the researcher to be aware that the data available for analysis are only as good as the data that are recorded. As such the choice of a case study analysis was further justified by potential limitations associated with a unique case available to analyse. The data generated by the case was analysed accordingly as well as considering the external context, environment and the impact that these elements have had on the development, sustainability and monitoring of the aquaponic system being analysed. The knowledge I had gained from my literature review had distinguished recurring themes that form the basis of my analysis framework. Thus, the headings in the qualitative findings section mirror the headings in the literature review. In addition to the key themes identified in the literature, my analysis was influenced by informal interactions and observations of the stakeholders, case subject and sites, as well as my own interest and ongoing appreciation for aquaponics. Limitations The major limitation of the case study is that the data were collected on only one home based aquaponics system in the Northern region of Mauritius and can only be validated in the literature. Since literature in home based aquaponics in Mauritius is scarce, some of the claims cannot be validated and are just observations. In spite of these limitations, the identification of the only home based aquaponics system and a case study method approach to data collection ensures that enough conclusive evidence was generated to identify what factors to establish and operate a home based aquaponics system.

Analysis of Pivotal Moment in “A Separate Peace” Essay

The book, â€Å"A Separate Peace† by John Knowles is a coming of age story of two best friends, Gene and Finny. Although the story is told through Gene’s point of view, his perception of Finny is most important as Finny develops psychologically throughout the book. A pivotal moment in Finny’s psychological development is Brinker’s investigation in Chapter 11, when Finny finally acknowledges it was Gene who pushed him and this changes Finny’s innocent view of the world. Finny sees everyone how he wants to see them, assuming the world is a fundamentally friendly place. In life he always thinks the best of people and counts no one as his enemy, just as he dislikes games with winners and losers. Blitzball, the game he invents where everyone competes furiously but no one wins, shows Finny’s attitude toward life. According to Gene, these qualities make Finny unique. But, Finny’s inability to see others as hostile is his weakness as well as his strength; he refuses to believe any dark motives toward Gene. Finny’s naà ¯ve mindset makes him assume that everyone thinks like he does. This carefree, self-absorbed attitude is one of the roots of Gene’s jealousy of Finny, although Finny, aware only of himself and seeing the good in others, never seems to pick up on Gene’s inner turmoil. Gene’s resentment of his best friend caused him to hold dark, unspoken feelings toward Finny which led him to push Finny off of the tree, making him unable to play sports, his most notable skill. But of course Finny, seeing the best in everyone, refuses to even think that his best friend could have caused the accident. When Gene tries to confess that it was his fault for the accident, Finny refuses to talk about what he doesn’t want to hear. Getting upset at Gene, Finnt tells him, â€Å"If you don’t shut up, I’ll kill you.† However, Brinker’s investigation in chapter 11 shows Finny’s psychological transition when he is finally able to listen to what he doesn’t want to hear. The first time Gene tried to confess that it was his fault; Finny immediately gets upset and simply won’t talk about it. On the other hand, Brinker/s trial forces Finny to accept the truth and illustrates Finny’s psychological development, consi dering Finny doesn’t react like he did the first time Gene tried to talk about the fall. It takes Finny longer  to get angry, and he is more tolerant to talk about the accident. When Brinker asked Finny if he had ever considered that he didn’t just fall out of the tree, implying that someone pushed him, Gene describes Finny’s reaction as it â€Å"touched an interesting point Phineas had been turning over in his mind for a long time. I could tell that because his obstinate, competitive look left his face as his mind became engaged for the first time.† (Pg.169) Finny is then open to talking about the accident and it takes him much longer to get upset than it did the first time. Once Leper told the truth about the fall, Finny became upset again as â€Å"The words shocked Phineas into awareness.† (Pg.177) Finny’s mindset shifts from seeing a world with no wrong to an understanding, less naà ¯ve view.

Supply, Demand and Diversity Factors in the Workforce of Australia

1. Labour Supply Analysis (to determine if the number and types of employees required are available when and where they will be needed). You should analyze current workforce’s capacity to meet current and predicted demands for business goods and services. The process begins with the internal analysis of existing employees in the company. If the number or mix of staff are not sufficient or not meet the requirements, the search for external information is required. Theses information can be obtained through the intranet, policy documents, divisional reports and etc. The beginning is made a list of current employees to identify future skills. This analysis includes an audit of current skills of each employee. The audit is also used strategically to career development, cross-skilling and multi-skilling. Even with the availability of these resources, the greatest challenge is also to establish a dialogue with the staff to meet the goals and aspirations them and also if they want an opportunity to grow within the company. According to new research, companies are not giving the right support to their staff. Without opportunities, employees are going away. For this reason the skills shortage and staff turnover still are being a problem. People need to feel purposeful and valued about where the organization is going. The companies need to create strategies to retain their talent and this is the main feature that ensures competitiveness, much more than material resources, financial and technological. The ANZ bank has a supply intensive with over 15. 000 suppliers providing good and services that keep their operations. Their focus is on strengthening their relationship with local suppliers in all markets and their supply chain is located in Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong and India. 2. Labour Demand Forecasting (estimating the number and type of employees needed to meet organisational objectives). Using (not just repeating) the labour supply data or demographic and economic data: explain how this data will be used to forecast human resources supply within ANZ Bank Australia. The Human Resource Planning will be affected according to the level of business development. If the company is starting now, the HRP will hire only candidates with skills that sustain the operations of the company. But if the company is growing, the HRP will focus on the hiring of experts. And if the company is in decline or challenge in the face of economic climate, the focus will be the restructuring. With the globalization, the advance of technology and the concept of sustainability, the companies need to adapte to these challenges. These challenges influence the vision and objectives of the companies. The strategy used by the bank is to nurture leadership team in regions where business is growing. Today this strategy is being implemented in Asia and the Pacific. ANZ bank seeks to avoid redundancies. 3. Balancing Supply and Demand Considerations Review of diversity in the Australian workforce – how would this affect/apply to ANZ Bank Australia. One of the problems that it has been affected the workforce in Australia is the redundancy and many employees have left their jobs for fear to lose the work. According to a survey, 76% will be looking for a new opportunity in the next 6 months. The main reason is that they are seeking a career development and wage growth. If the employee feels that is purposeful, valued, that have some support and rewards necessary, the employee remains in the company. An example that expresses this problem is with receptionist position because over half 54% of administration and office staff a new job and it have proven that receptionist are the most unhappy. This position is easily filled and employers don’t have to invest in these staff, even the reception staff are the face of an organisation. The challenge has been also finding people who are prepared to develop their skills and match the current needs of the companies. The qualities that employers are looking for today in candidates are: resilience, strong leadership, ability to seek ways to remain competitive from a business development standpoint and the ability to be more productive with limited resources. Employers are looking for who are make an impact on profitability today. The balancing supply and demand is based on recruitment (shortage) such as: full-time, part-time, job/work design, career management, remuneration practices. And also Reductions such as: Dismissals, retirements, retrenchments. 4. How to Formulate Staffing Strategies to meet Organisational Needs Define ow the article information will be used to define objectives and staffing strategies in ANZ Bank to retain required skilled labour. According to ANZ bank the staff strategies are used to create a new leadership team in which region that they are included. Others staffing strategies used are: open communication with staff (people need to feel purposeful and valuated); is impo rtant to communicate a clear vision to the employees and the goals and objectives of the company and also where the company is going to; provide some coaching and training; provide some salary package.

Analysis Of The Poem Carcajou Dreams - 861 Words

At the beginning of this course, I didn’t realize that my poems would be read aloud to the whole class and that other students would be given the opportunity to tear into them. So, when the line, â€Å"Nine years before Gucci - hold onto the pole†, from my poem â€Å"Carcajou Dreams† was read aloud, I quickly realized how silly my words sounded and that I was going to need to write poetry with a bit more substance. However, even though â€Å"Carcajou Dreams† wasn’t the best thing I wrote in the class, it still made people laugh, which made me want to write more. But I knew I needed to dive deeper into the craft of poetry and grow, so I attempted to explore more artistic topics when writing my next three poems, â€Å"Basque†, Homonym†, and â€Å"Y.† And as I continued writing, these poems taught me how to clean up my work and develop a specific tone. When writing the poem, â€Å"Basque† I visited your office hours and you h elped me make this poem a much more concise love story. Removing filler words throughout really helped, and your suggestion about reminding the reader where the characters are traveling in the poem helped as well, and influenced the line, â€Å"Eating tapas at the bullfight, claiming that a break from school was good.† And even though, you hadn’t slept much the night before due to your architecture coursework, your help with this particular poem really set me up for success when writing other pieces throughout the term, by showing me how to analyze and fix what I thought was a