Written Assignment: Comparing Factors that Lead to Underdevelopment Due Week 8 and worth 200 points This assignment calls for you to select two Less Developed Countries (LDCs) and assess if there are any factors that are common to both as far as their development is concerned. Your two countries must come from the following list: Burundi Benin Cameroon Nigeria Nicaragua Guatemala Central African Republic North Korea Angola Ghana Chad Yemen Eritrea Cuba Congo Thailand Egypt Iran Equatorial Guinea Zimbabwe Zambia Oman Ethiopia Philippines Congo Liberia Gabon Bahrain Tanzania India Guyana Mexico El Salvador Lebanon Honduras Pakistan Syria Guinea Kenya Sri Lanka Algeria Gambia Mozambique Senegal Malawi Indonesia Namibia Vietnam Morocco Myanmar Rwanda Haiti Sudan Bolivia Somalia Kuwait Mauritania Mali South Africa Iraq Botswana Bangladesh Tunisia Niger Libya Malaysia Uganda Panama Source: United Nations, 2014 It may help you to be familiar with the concept of poor governance, because this often plays a significant part in why a country is underdeveloped. According to the World Bank, governance is defined as how power is exercised in the management of a country’s economic and social resources for development. Therefore, if good governance is synonymous with sound development management, then poor governance means a government has failed to deliver desirable outcomes for its people. This could mean that officials are corrupt, not transparent with their decisions, unqualified to make decisions in the first place, or prone to make decisions based on racism, tribalism or ethnicity — all of which are very common practices in LCDs. The most common factor used to decide whether countries are underdeveloped nations is through the Human Development Index. Countries that are underdeveloped in nature offer poor health care, few educational opportunities, a low average life expectancy, a low number of job opportunities, few recreational facilities, poor economic growth, a low standard of living and a poverty-stricken life. Instructions: Write at least a six-page paper, in which you: Identify the two LDCs (from the list above), which you will compare and assess. Explain why you chose these two countries. Analyze the features that the LDCs have in common using at least five of the following nine factors (clearly label the five factors using headings): geography extractive institutions governmental corruption internal or external conflicts shaky financial systems unfair judicial systems ethnic, racial or tribal disparities lack or misuse of natural resources closed (statist) economies Use at least seven credible sources. Wikipedia, encyclopedias, dictionaries, blogs and other material that does not qualify as reputable academic source work at the college level. Do not use sources that are older than seven years. Your assignment must follow these formatting requirements: Be typed, double-spaced (no extra spacing between paragraphs), using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides. Citations and references must follow APA or school-specific format. Check with your professor for any additional instructions. Include a cover page containing the title of the assignment, the student’s name, the professor’s name, the course title, and the date (do not include an abstract). The cover page and the reference page are not included in the required assignment page length. Graphs, tables and photographs are not counted toward the length of the paper; only what you have written as text itself. The specific course learning outcomes associated with this assignment are: Determine why private investment, open political competition and the intelligent use of natural resources can serve as incentives to further economic development. Decide why good governance, a sound financial system, and a fair system of judicial justice are necessary to development. Assess why enforceable environmental regulations are critical to sustaining development. Use technology and information resources to research issues in sociology of developing countries. Write clearly and concisely about sociology of developing countries using proper writing mechanics. Points: 200 Written Assignment: Comparing Factors that Lead to Underdevelopment Criteria Unacceptable Below 60% F Meets Minimum Expectations 60-69% D Fair 70-79% C Proficient 80-89% B Exemplary 90-100% A 1. Identify the two LDCs (from the list above), which you will compare and assess. Explain why you chose these two countries. Weight: 20% The countries identified are not LDCs. Did not or incompletely explained why you chose these two countries. Identified two LDCs not listed above. Insufficiently explained why you chose these two countries. Identified two LDCs to compare and assess, but one of the LDCs is not listed above. Partially explained why you chose these two countries. Identified two LDCs (from the list above) to compare and assess. Satisfactorily explained why you chose these two countries. Identified two LDCs (from the list above) to compare and assess. Thoroughly explained why you chose these two countries. 2. Analyze the features that the two LDCs have in common using at least five factors. Weight: 40% Cited none or only one factor. Made no attempt to analyze any features that the two countries have in common. Cited two or three factors. Insufficiently analyzed the features that the two LDCs have in common. Cited three or four factors. Partially analyzed the features that the two LDCs have in common. Cited five factors. Satisfactorily analyzed the features that the two LDCs have in common. Cited more than five factors. Thoroughly analyzed the features that the two LDCs have in common. 3. References Weight: 10% References were not provided, or the references were not of a quality nature. Five quality reference were provided. Six quality references were provided. Seven quality references were provided. More than seven quality references were provided. 4. Clarity, writing mechanics, formatting Weight: 30% More than eight errors were present. Seven to eight errors were present. Five to six errors were present. Three to four errors were present. Zero to two errors were present.

Mastering the Art of Online Learning: Your Guide to Acing Online Courses

Introduction

In recent years, the popularity of online courses has skyrocketed, offering learners the flexibility to acquire new skills and knowledge from the comfort of their homes. However, succeeding in online courses requires a different approach compared to traditional classroom settings. To help you make the most of your online learning experience, this article presents essential strategies and tips to ace your online courses.

1. Set Clear Goals and Plan Ahead

Before embarking on an online course, establish clear goals and objectives. Determine what you hope to achieve by the end of the course and break down your goals into manageable milestones. Create a study schedule that aligns with your other commitments, ensuring you allocate dedicated time for coursework, assignments, and revision.

2. Create a Productive Study Environment

Establishing a conducive study environment is crucial for online learning success. Find a quiet, well-lit space where you can concentrate without distractions. Remove any potential interruptions, such as notifications from social media or email. Organize your study materials and have a reliable internet connection to ensure seamless access to course materials.

3. Actively Engage in the Course

Active participation is key to mastering online courses. Engage with course materials, including videos, readings, and interactive components. Take comprehensive notes, highlighting key concepts and ideas. Participate in discussion boards, forums, and virtual meetings to interact with instructors and peers, fostering a sense of community and enhancing your understanding of the subject matter.

4. Manage Your Time Effectively

Online courses offer flexibility, but it’s essential to manage your time wisely to avoid falling behind. Create a detailed schedule, allocating specific time slots for coursework, assignments, and studying. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable segments to prevent procrastination. Prioritize tasks based on deadlines and dedicate focused time to each one, ensuring consistent progress throughout the course.

5. Develop Effective Communication Skills

Online courses often rely on written communication, making it crucial to hone your skills in this area. Be concise and clear in your written responses, paying attention to grammar and spelling. Actively participate in discussions, asking thoughtful questions and providing constructive feedback to your peers. Regularly check your course emails and notifications, ensuring you stay updated with any important announcements or changes.

6. Utilize Available Resources

Take full advantage of the resources provided by your online course platform and instructors. Familiarize yourself with the learning management system (LMS) and explore its features. Access supplementary materials, such as textbooks, lecture slides, and external resources recommended by instructors. Utilize online libraries, research databases, and tutorial services to deepen your understanding of the subject matter.

7. Stay Motivated and Engaged

Maintaining motivation throughout an online course can be challenging, particularly when faced with competing priorities or a lack of face-to-face interaction. Set short-term goals and reward yourself upon their completion. Connect with fellow learners through virtual study groups or online forums to foster a sense of camaraderie. Regularly remind yourself of the benefits and personal growth associated with completing the course successfully.

8. Seek Support and Clarification

Don’t hesitate to seek support or clarification when needed. Reach out to your instructors for guidance or clarification on course material. Utilize online discussion forums to ask questions or engage in collaborative problem-solving. Leverage the support services provided by your course platform or institution, such as technical support or academic advising.

Conclusion

Online courses present unique opportunities for self-paced learning and personal growth. By setting clear goals, creating a productive study environment, actively engaging with course materials, and managing your time effectively, you can maximize your chances of acing online courses. Remember to stay motivated, seek support when needed, and make the most of the available resources. Embrace the flexibility and adaptability of online learning to achieve your educational goals.