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Key Phases in the Research Process

1. Conceptual Phase

In this initial stage, we determine the specific topic of research. This involves:

• Formulating the initial question and conception.
• Defining the objectives of the investigation.
• Writing the theoretical framework.

2. Design Phase

During this phase, we select a methodology based on the purpose and scope of the research:

• Purpose: Basic or applied research.
• Temporal Scope: Sectional or longitudinal (retrospective, prospective, panel, and tendency).
• Depth: Exploratory, descriptive, or explanatory.
• Sources of Information: Primary, secondary, or combined.
• Character: Qualitative (seeking to discover sense and meanings) or quantitative (focusing on objective aspects, quantification, and explanation).
• Nature:

Research Process Stages

Beginning: Starting point: we wish to know the assignment, project, or real need. We start our role as researchers.

Choosing the Topic

We have to choose the topic(s). Once decided, it determines our investigation.

General Problem

Our research will be focused on...

Literature Review

What has been said before our time? (Theoretical & practical) “State of the matter.”

Limiting the Problem: Questions and Hypothesis

• Identify the problem.
• Take into account the methodology (it indicates the activities and techniques we will develop to achieve our goal we want to follow).

Once we have identified the problem, we must think about our objectives.

Hypothesis

What we think will happen in our investigation. (They are created by linking... Continue reading "Steps for Scientific Research Process" »

What the time does...

Key Negotiation Terminology

• Opening Point: This is the figure you give for a particular variable when you first state your position.
• Target Point: This is the figure for a particular variable that you would find satisfactory.
• Reservation Point: This is your limit for a particular variable. You cannot go beyond this point.
• BATNA: This is your Best Alternative To a Negotiated Agreement. In other words, it is what you will still have if the negotiation fails.
• Deadlock: A situation where there is no solution, because neither side can move.

Understanding Financial Terms & Payments

Types of Payments

• Tip: To thank someone for their services (for example, a waiter).
• Commission: To an agent or salesperson.
• Charge: For a service (electricity, postage).
• Fees:

The Renaissance and Early Modern Europe (1450-1600)

1450: Constantinople Falls, Renaissance Dawns

• Ottoman Turks seize Constantinople.
• The Renaissance begins.

1517: Martin Luther and the Protestant Reformation

• The Reformation starts with Martin Luther, emphasizing inner-directed faith.

1534: Calvinism's Rise in France

• Calvinism emerges in France, defining the relationship with God as a legal covenant.

1545-1563: The Council of Trent and Catholic Reform

• The Council of Trent addresses education and strengthens the Inquisition.

1555: Peace of Augsburg

• The Peace of Augsburg establishes a religious settlement for 60 years, involving Charles V and the Schmalkaldic League.

1562-1598: Huguenot Wars in France

• Conflicts between Huguenots and French Catholics, including

International Trade Payment Methods & Terms

Understanding Open Account Transactions

An open account transaction in international trade is a sale where goods are shipped and delivered before payment is due, typically within 30 to 90 days. This payment term can significantly help exporters win customers in competitive markets.

Benefits and Risk Mitigation

While offering open account terms can attract buyers, it's crucial to use them in conjunction with appropriate trade finance techniques. These techniques help mitigate the risk of non-payment, ensuring smoother international transactions.

Bills of Exchange in Global Commerce

A bill of exchange is a binding agreement where one party commits to pay a fixed amount of cash to another party by a predetermined... Continue reading "International Trade Payment Methods: Open Account, Bills of Exchange & More" »

English Realism: Key Authors and Periods

The Brontë Sisters

• Women writers who challenged conventions.
• Critique of "silly novels" and reversal of traditional female roles.
• Exploration of psychological and emotional depths in women.
• Themes of extreme passions and violence.
• Narratives often depict a journey from poverty to wealth.
• Focus on love, mystery, and intense passion.
• Deep exploration of inner nature and individual responsibility.
• Emphasis on generosity and moral fortitude.

Notable Works by the Brontës:

• Charlotte Brontë: Jane Eyre
• Emily Brontë: Wuthering Heights
• Anne Brontë: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall

Emily and Anne Brontë: Shared Characteristics

• Powerful emotional force in their narratives.
• Complex narrative structures: often moving from harmony

Puerto Rico: Island Details and Rich Heritage

Key Facts About Puerto Rico

• Official Status: United States territory
• Location: Northeastern Caribbean archipelago
• Capital: San Juan
• Official Languages: Spanish (predominant) and English
• Population: Approximately 3.6 million people
• Administrative Divisions: 78 municipalities
• Major Cities: Ponce, Caguas, Mayagüez
• Geographic Position: The island is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, east of the Dominican Republic (about 1,000 miles (1,600 km) southeast of Miami, Florida).

Governance and Political Status

As a U.S. territory, Puerto Ricans have U.S. citizenship, share common currency, and defense with the United States. However, residents generally cannot vote in U.S. presidential... Continue reading "Puerto Rico: Caribbean Island Facts, Culture & History" »

English Verb Tenses

Present Tenses

• Present Simple: Subject + verb + complement.
• Present Continuous: Used for actions happening now. Structure: Subject + to be + verb + -ing + complement.
• Present Perfect: Past actions with present relevance. Structure: Subject + have/has + past participle + complement.
• Present Perfect Continuous: Actions starting in the past that continue to the present. Structure: Subject + have/has + been + verb + -ing + complement.

Past Tenses

• Past Simple: Subject + verb (past) + complement.
• Past Continuous: Actions occurring at a specific moment in the past. Structure: Subject + to be (was/were) + verb + -ing + complement.
• Past Perfect: Action occurring before another past action. Structure: Subject + had + past participle + complement.