In three pages this paper discusses the value of a concept map as a tool with qualitative research and parameter definitions among the topics examined. Two sources are cited in the bibliography.
Name of Research Paper File: CC6_KSconceptMap.rtf
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assessing the relative worth of potential investments, management accountants typically conduct a capital budgeting analysis, taking into account all of the factors that affect or can affect the projects bottom
line. Merely listing all of the factors that can influence project outcome cannot adequately provide a realistic view of what to expect and when to expect it. Though
reaching the bottom line is the goal, the management accountant needs to have a visual conceptual guide as well. The Concept Map The
result is that even something as specific and quantitative as a capital budgeting analysis benefits from visually representing various costs, savings and disposal values that can be expected during each
year of the projects anticipated life. When concepts are not as material as dollars, the value of the concept map is even greater.
Definition of terms helps to ensure that everyone is "on the same page" in terms of vocabulary and terminology used, but a simple list of definitions does not adequately
explain the relationships between concepts. An example can be found in one educators quest to define those qualities and conditions that could improve
outcome of mathematics instruction in Massachusetts (Johnston, 2001). Johnston (2001) explained in great detail where the state was in achievement testing; where it needed to be in the very
near future; and those qualities and entities he had identified as being instrumental in the transition. Though written well and stated matter-of-factly, it was the educators visual representation of
the problem and goal - the concept map - that allows the reader to gain full understanding of the message. The concept map that the educator developed is given