Thursday, October 31, 2019

Managing people Article Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Managing people - Article Example To determine a team's effectiveness, it is necessary to take a look at a variety of factors as well. These include the type of organization, type of employee (volunteer or compensated), the objectives of the stakeholders and the personalities that are involved at all levels. Evaluating the team's effectiveness at XYZ Newspapers, Inc., it is possible to identify several key management theories at work even as the team represents several positive and some negative aspects of effective team operation. XYZ Newspapers is a small newspaper chain specializing in small town, local news coverage. As a result, teams are primarily independent of each other, only finding it necessary to coordinate efforts on sporadic larger advertising campaigns or weekly print operations. Occasionally, it becomes necessary for one team member from one office to assist in another office when another team member is ill or on holiday or when several significant events are occurring in one town, such as a heavy sports weekend. Although most team members are compensated to some degree, some are compensated on a contributor basis while others are considered actual employees, paid at a part-time or full-time rate. Because of the unique service these newspapers provide, they are also often considered to be community service to some extent although they are for profit businesses. Frequently, because of budgeting concerns, members of the communities in which the papers operate are recruited to provide voluntary se rvices as well. Team Organization Each team is similar to the others in that they are comprised of typically two 'news' writers, one 'sports' writer, one photographer, two advertising sales representatives and one copy setter. In this particular team, one of the 'news' writers is also the newspaper's editor while the other serves as community representative. This enables the team to work along a loose universal management approach in that many of the job functions are decided based upon the individual's specific position within the team with a built in chain of command that flows from the copy setter at the bottom of the rank to the editor at the top. However, the hierarchy among the other workers becomes somewhat blurred as each works to complete their assignments for the week. Work is divided by job description within this team. For example, while the editor and the community representative are both classified as 'news' writers, the editor is primarily responsible for covering any business or civil news occurring in the town that week, such as city meetings or regional legislation. The community representative, on the other hand, is often most responsible for ensuring news involving various community groups, outstanding individuals or major community events is covered. The copy setter typically works primarily for these two writers as news releases, calendars and police and fire reports come across her desk first. The sports writer typically has no other responsibility than ensuring all sports events are covered, yet must also ensure adequate coverage is given to all sports and pages

Tuesday, October 29, 2019

An overview of Health Care Reform Research Paper

An overview of Health Care Reform - Research Paper Example The Medicaid expansion is expected to take place before 2014. In 2010, the Medicaid income eligibility level was 64% of the federal poverty level and currently only 11 states provide coverage for adults without dependent children. The expansion of Medicaid will avail services to individuals under 65 years of age who earn less than 133% of poverty, despite their family composition. The expansion makes it possible for children with the cover of children’s health insurance program to access the Medicaid services; the services provide more comprehensive children’s benefits package and lower cost sharing limits. The federal government will provide the finance of the Medicaid service. For enrollment of new members, the government will pay the full cost for the first three years. In 2017, the government will split 5% to be covered by the state. The state’s share of the cost of the expansion will then top out at 10% in 2019 and in future. The expansion of the Medicaid services will change how individual’s income will be calculated to create consistency; this will be in terms of tax credits available, for people who earn between 133 and 400 of federal poverty level. In 2014, states are expected to use modified adjusted gross income to determine the income of a family or an individual. This program covers over 7 million children of low income. The expansion will continue when the health reform provide the federal funding needed and, this will enable more children to be covered by the child insurance program. This should take place through the end of the federal year 2015 under the existing rules of that year. At the beginning of the year 2016, states will receive a 23% increase in coverage of the child health insurance program paid by the federal government. The program will need to be adjusted by the end of 2015 for the expansion to be experienced. By 2014

Sunday, October 27, 2019

Training and Development Case Study

Training and Development Case Study Training is a method of provide knowledge, skills, and technical for employee through the activities or events. Besides, training can improve ones capability, capacity, and performance, help the company achieve the goal and profit efficiently. Development is focused upon the activities that the company recruiting the employee into our company and help the company together in the future. This method must be discussed and planned by the organization. The definition of training and development Companys activity aimed at through information and instructions to upgrade the employees performance and skills on the present job or to help employee arrived a required level of knowledge or skill. This method can increase the production of the company, move forward a single step to increase the company profit. Company use of scientific and technical knowledge to meet specific objectives or requirements in their future. They also will invite more employees into their company and provide skills and technical to them. The process of economic and social transformation that is based on complex cultural and environmental factors and their interactions. The importance of training and development 1) Overcoming weaknesses and improved employee performance Most employees have some weaknesses in their workplace skills. Training can provide the skills and knowledge to them that each employee needs to improve. A development program can brings their employee to higher level to product the production. This method can reduce mistake of the employee, produce the outputs efficiently. When the employees are competent and on top of changing industry standards, they will help the company hold a position as a leader and strong competitor within the industry. 2) Consistency and employee satisfaction Through a structured training and development program ensures that employees can work and help the company together, improve work efficiency. If the employees obtain the opportunity to practice, they will increase their skills and technical. Therefore, the employees have the advantage over employees in other companies that a company makes shows the employees they are valued. Through training opportunities, the employees may feel more satisfaction toward their jobs. Content Training and development was one of the main functions in human resource management. With the advancement of the world, most of the company will try to invest money in employees through the training and development as the employees is one of the main weapon for company to compete with others in business. When the company is investing money in equipment, its value might be depreciated over the years. But investing in employees will be totally different as investing in equipment. When the company is investing in employees, it will bring a lot of benefits to company. The training and development could produce more productive and effective employees to the company in return of the investment. These employees could improve the performance of the company. Training refer to the method used by employers to give their employees some skill needed to perform in their job. Nowadays, the most common training methods used by the company are induction training, on-the-job training and off-the-job training. Induction training will try to familiarizes the new employees with their responsibilities and role. Normally the human resource manager will explain the company rules, working hours, vacations, employees benefits, company organization and operations, as well as expectation of the job to the new employees on the first day. Then the facilities tour will be given to new employees within the workplace and all the colleagues are introduced to make them feel welcome. On-the-job training means the employees receive training in the workplace. The most common type of on-the-job training is coaching. The experienced employees will provide instruction and demonstrations to the trainees in order for them to learn some new skills. Job rotation means the trainee will be given different task to gain experience in the full range of job and to broaden their understanding of the business. Special assignments are given to trainee which give them a chance to deal with the actual problem in working. Off-the-job training means the employees receive training at a site away from the working environment. They could be in-house training or out-house training. In- house training means training will be given to trainee using employers facilities while out-house training are provided by outsider or college. The company will allowed their employees to go for higher education by sponsored them to the show their support. The employees could learn more knowledge from the outside specialists and this could help them in increasing their confidence towards the job given. While development refer to the method used to improve employees performance by teaching them general knowledge and changing their attitudes. The goal of development is more focus on long-term, they are trying to help employees grow in getting higher position in the future. When any managerial position is available in the company, there could be a qualified person from current employees to take over the position. This could ensure a smooth transition and operational efficiency in the company. Case Development (I) Background of Petronas The company that we choose is PETRONAS. PETRONAS was founded at 17 August 1974, which is 100% owned by Malaysia government. PETRONAS is a company that is the largest corporation in the world, which invest the total gas and oil resources and consign responsibility of adding value and developing to the resources. There are some important achievements of PETRONAS. At 1975, PETRONAS is the first company which exports crude oil. At 1976, PETRONAS had made a conclusion that is sharing production contract with Shell and Esso. PETRONAS had incorporated with Carigali and Asean Bintulu Fertilizer at 1978 and 1980. At 1981, the first gas station of PETRONAS had business in Taman Tun Dr Ismail, Kuala Lumpur. During 1984, HQ had moved to Komplets Dayabumi. Petronas had started the first export of fertilizer and liquefied at 1985. Next, PETRONAS had the first oversea operation in Myanmar at 1990. At 1994, the first subsidiary of PETRONAS, which is PETRONAS Dagangan Bhd, was listed on KLSE. HQ had moved to Twin Towers at 1997. Due to PETRONAS incorporation, it has been grow to a unify international gas and oil company. Its business was interested in 35 foreign countries. PETRONAS group included 103 owned subsidiaries, 57 joint companies, and 19 outfits at the end of March 2005. Based on these companies, PETRONAS group has been make that involved in many activities of gas and oil. For example, upstream exploration, allocation products of petroleum, makes natural gas and etc. PETRONAS is a headquarter at Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, which was started on 42nd National Day of Malaysia, at 31 August 1998. PETRONASs employees are the most important asset and key to achieve success in realising the aspiration to be a leading multinational oil and gas corporation. PETRONAS Company todays achievements and in the future depends largely on the collective efforts and commitment of their employees. With this in mind, PETRONAS Company place top priority on human capital training and development. These statements define PETRONAS as an organization, leading their corporate activities and policies, setting the course for the future. (II) Human Resource Practices of Petronas At PETRONAS, employees are never lack of development, advancement, or progressive movement. The potency of all the employees is giving support and encouragement as during the period of training and development. At the same time, competencies and skill technique are practised for each PETRONASs employee to achieve his/her full ability and prospective. Stepping into the employment of PETRONAS, all the employees will directly commence on the journey of training development experience. PETRONAS insiders are confidential not only to training and development activities but also giving advantage from the daily casual counselling and instructing, close to the job training, job enrichment, job rotation and self nurturing amongst others during the official lecture with a setting of strategy inwardly as well as outwardly. In order to give a hand for insiders in enhancing their knowledge and ability, there is an intended outstanding formal program in training and development. That is developing in-house trainers. Here, the PETRONAS Company subordinates training requirements are time after time recognize by the superiors. In order to offer effective and important training, PETRONAS has urbanized in excess of 30 in-house trainers. In-house training is defined as any training that is held in company premises in order to educate, develop or expand employees technique and skills. This involves all technical and soft skills courses that serve for this purpose. These instructors are well capable of to afford training and development programs in the following areas. 1) Permit to Work Training It is a more recognized by PETRONAS structure stating exactly what work is to be complete and when, and which parts of the work are secure. Assessing the work and test out safety at each of the stage in working environment is a responsible for a employee to carry out. Employees undertaking the job sign the permit are to show that they realize the risks involved and what safety measures are necessary. Besides that, employers of PETRONAS must be awake of the policy concerning more risky work activities, and guarantee that they understand their responsibility, duties and obligations in law. The course of industrial safety training will enable managers to assess the requirements of a particular job or task, and ensure that permit to work documentation is completed correctly and that employees undertaking dangerous activities are capable to do in securely way. 2) Confined Space Authorised Gas Tester PETRONAS is essential in examination for and ensuring working surroundings are out of harms in some exacting way. An authorization of managing about a confined space during the muggy work for either outer spaces or indoor workplace should give precedence first. By this way, it will make possible for the employees or worker to discover and understand appropriately all the instruction that recognition from the gas disclosure. The course of Confined Space Authorised Gas Tester content work area classification and its risk and safety factors, Chemistry of fire, toxic, and flammable atmosphere, type of gas detectors for inert atmosphere, gas testing procedures, gas testing practical, type of gas detectors for inert atmosphere and the construction of gas detectors. 3) Processed Safety Workshop This course provides an impression of course of action about the safety engineering essentials for dealing out with hydrocarbon facilities, which importance on the upstream oil gas sector such as PETRONAS. Process Safety Management is focusing on this course for the engineering/design aspects. Frequent reference will be made to historical happening and recurring problem areas. Oil and gas processing will be reviewed with some techniques for analyzing and justifying process of safety hazards. A key aim of this course is to accomplish a deliberate advance to Process Safety Management with addition of the concepts enclosed. Exercises and group projects will be develop throughout the course to highlight the key of the learning points. 4) First Aid Training PETRONAS place an emergency treatment administered to an injured or sick person before professional medical care is available during their working progress. 5) Advance First Responder Training From this training, first responders are the first people on scene during an emergency. Police, fire fighters, s, and even school personnel are more likely to be the first responders during an emergency than others. PETRONAS offer training courses and independent study programs to prepare first responders for emergencies. This training can be found at both the consciousness level, which offers a more detailed and job-specific level of education on the given topic. This training can be found on several different topics, including use of hazardous materials and management. Besides, technical training is one of the training that Petronas used. The purpose of technical training is to teach employee about the detailed of skills to fulfill the daily work task. Technical training can be referring in any setting, such as vocational, consideration, and information technology. The part of Petronas success is qualified to skill and train personnel to corporation employs. Petronas has used a practical role in human resource development to ensure the company has enough professionals supply for the long-term requirements, since it started more than 30 years. In 1983, Petronas has set up technical traning to train technicians and operators to expand manufacturing facilities. Besides, Petronas had set up Management Training Centre for training and development. At the same year, Petronas had created Institut Latihan Perindustrian Petroleum (ILPP), also known as Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas (INSTEP), to focus on the problems such as lack of trained machinist and technicians. Institut Teknologi Petroleum Petronas, INSTEP, had provided technical training to employees. For example, job profiling, learning analysis, and so on. INSTEP had 3 amphitheatres and 42 learning rooms for different types of training activities. Besides, Petronas Technical Training Sdn. Bhd. (PTTSB), had set up a technical training with UMW Oil and Gas Corporation Sdn. Bhd. on 28 June 2012 at Kuala Lumpur. Based on this technical training, it will focus on Malaysian who lack in gas, drilling, and oil industry. Another theory of training and development is education grant that has offered by PETRONAS Company as they always show their appreciation and encouraging on their employees who are willing to go the further mile in the mission of expanding their knowledge in fields relevant to their job or future projects/assignments. PETRONAS Company share the education costs for those who are pursuing the following qualifications such as diploma, degree, master degree or Ph. D as an evidence of commitment to support PETRONASs employees in pursuing higher education. There are types of education grants for qualified employees who wish to continue their education at a higher institution of learning. Employees education grants may be issued by PETRONAS towards some particular course of study that related to their interest or job position in the company. In majority, PETRONAS pay all the education grants directly to the institutes where the employees enrolled. Other forms of employees education grants, it can be used with a number of different consent of degree programs. PETRONAS has the intention in developing a skilled workforce and able to hire a talented employees. (III) Advantages There are advantages in training and development. The advantages of in-house training include training cost saving. The cost per representative will lesser when compared to the same number of employee sending to public training courses. Secondly is PETRONAS Company will get more convenience because this training fit around the working schedule of the staff and at a location they go frequently. Thirdly it is more specific due to its course run generally for a single client and allocates the training to focus on specific items that are causing issues. Fourthly its also make some saving in travel cost, those PETRONASs trainee no need to travel any further than their offices and incur extra costs like transport fees, driver and so on. Fifthly is team building, all the trainee will occupy in a room full of delegates from different departments which they be able to encourage greater team work, responsive and understanding of each others role. There are some advantages of technical training too. Firstly, technical training may causes employees career advancement. It is because when the employers distinguish that the employees are conscientious in learning, the employers will give chances to employees in the technical areas, such as technical responsibility, project leadership, management and etc. In this case, the salary of the employees will be increase. Furthermore, technical training will causes employees lead to personal growth. It is because employees will learn something that is new in the short range through technical training. Besides, technical training may help new employees, who are searching for jobs, in the positions of career- oriented, and refresh the skills and knowledge of older employees so that they can keep up in their working environment and build up a better relationships between employers and employees. Education grants give a lot of advantages to the employee in PETRONASs company. However, this practice also exist its merit and demerit. Education grants help them to pay their tuition fees, sponsor and assistance from their company so that they can further their education without being anxious about the monetary matters. Besides that, there is also none competitive, everyone who have the attentive and ability or found to be a worthy candidate may deserve the grants from either an industry, government or others sponsor. This education grants may perhaps help individual of PETRONASs employees update their skill and training to a better grade and might help them towards a higher level. (IV) Disadvantages There are disadvantages in training and development too. The disadvantages of in-house training include extra administration burden that PETRONAS need to make sure there have suitable training room, equipment, trainer parking to get the delegates to the training centre. Besides that, some of the trainee may not taken it as seriously -as they might attend just to have a break from their job or dont turn up when the course is running on another day. There are no networking opportunities also during this training, employees are not allow to have networking and learning from another company. In addition, this will place some pressure to PETRONASs employees, if they are offsite training then they cannot be contacted to class however if they are onsite they can be pulled out of a classroom if needed. However, there are some disadvantages in technical training too. Cost is one of the disadvantages. Cost will increase the expenses of the company. It is because when the company sends the employees for training, the company has to pay for employees to invite the trainer. A good trainer may be expensive and causes over budget. Besides, the disadvantage of technical training is time requirements. The company has to spend a plenty of time for training employees but the company do not have much time. If the company offers the time that does not enough for training, it may causes employees do not know everything that they have to learn. The trainer will also have to rush due to the time is not enough and causes the trainer goes through some topic that is important and ignore some topic that employees have to learn too. Nevertheless, education grant has disadvantages as well. Grants have a narrow down by restricting the number of employees to apply with the scale of job fitting. Employees who obtaining the education grants typically require work harder and plenty of examine and strategic to fulfil individuals requirement. Moreover, its also increase an organizations expenditure since particular activities must be included in some of the project. In addition, revolution of technology nowadays up growth. Legislator and other charge of education or training need more funds to re-establish the changes. (V) Critique PETRONAS as an organization, directing their corporate activities and strategic, setting their practices of training and development for the future. PETRONAS has make use of technical training, in-house training and education grants as their practices for the employees training and development. Comparing with the similar industry as thought SHELL Global or ESSO, they have applied some professional training such as public relations and media programme for their employees according to their working experience. Its better attending a module with representative from other companies. This will allow networking interaction more and learning from one another. Besides, training and development bring a lot of advantages to Petronas Company. Petronas had used training and development appropriately. For example, Petronas used technical training causes employees career advancement and causes employees lead to personal growth. In this case, Petronas will be more progress through training and development. Thus, training and development may causes the company become more effectiveness although it will bring some disadvantages to the company. Recommendation PETRONAS need to find alternative practices of training and development for their employees. To determining a long term profitability and well management of a company, the quality of employees are the major issues in a company throughout some training and education. It is a good guiding principle to devote an excellent employee, which can improve the companys productivity consequently. A suggestion that is PETRONAS may possibly propose a sustainability organization leadership techniques with the institutes which include Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS (UTP), Institut Teknologi Petroleum PETRONAS (INSTEP) and PETRONAS Management Training. It should also invite some profession institutor from other country to conduct company employees. By this way, hope that it could benefits PETRONAS to achieve some valuable employees and able to increase companys employee effectiveness and efficiency. In addition, Petronas must update the program in technical training. For example, Petronas may combine some course which is energizer to employees. Petronas may able to introduce some new computer software, technological systems, programs and etc to increase the current skill of employees. In this case, employees may get more new knowledge and skills so that it can use in their current jobs. Petronas can ensure that the employees are working in a safety environment by training well their employees. Petronas may also start to retraining new employees on new systems. It is because Petronas may avoid change conflict from employees. For example, Shell Global ensure that their engineers are trained well and able to work in safety environment by giving them training in drilling, operating, maintain, and designing. Conclusion PETRONAS is a company that categorized under the oligopoly type of market structures. PETRONAS is one of the governments asset, it is also one of the company that provides petroleum and gas for the country. PETRONAS has been growing nationwide and worldwide since previous years. PETRONASs products also being exported and used in other countries such as Egypt in Africa. By exporting the products, it is making a lot of profits and as such the country benefits a lot from it. Production of petroleum and gas are not the only thing that it care for but also collaborate with other markets such as education and provide sponsorship loans to those students which need them. Various institutions had been established by PETRONAS as their main objective is to enrich the nation with quality education.

Friday, October 25, 2019

Creativity Essay -- Technology Art Papers

Creativity The walls of the Louvre are covered with artistic masterpieces, widely recognized as some of the most treasured, creative works known to man. The unique stroke of a brush or the layering of paint can distinguish these geniuses from the masses. Despite the ability to label these pieces of art as especially creative, it remains unclear how one can truly qualify the defining characteristics of creativity. This faculty is commonly viewed as intangible, as `a spark of creativity,' or, `a flash of creativity.' This phenomenon, which lies at the foundation of our artistic culture, eludes our current grasp of understanding. For some, creativity rests within our human nature as an integral part of our being, for others, it may emerge from the great mechanical complexity of our brains, or the randomness of the universe. In recent years there have also emerged visual and literary works by computers which some experts believe to have a creative nature. This controversial idea causes unease in ma ny that characteristics we commonly assume to be innately human could manifest in a machine. However, after viewing the works created by computers, it becomes necessary to consider the possibility of such creative ability whether or not the works themselves are creative. Though one can find examples of human creativity in nearly all aspects of life, perhaps it is most clearly evident in our literature. The thoughtful combination of words can express the gauntlet of human emotions and experiences aptly, and in the most talented of authors, can breathe life into the words and seemingly recreate the experiences in the mind of the reader. Notable and critically praised author James Joyce provides an example of this in his work Ulysses: .. ...uture computer which could paint like Monet, or have faith in a machine to effectively speak to the emotions of a human. However, technological innovations continually astound us, and it is no less plausible that a computer could function at this level of creativity, than one hundred years ago to imagine men landing on the moon. Works Cited Boden, Margaret. The Creative Mind: Myths and Mechanics. London; New York: Routledge, 2004. Faulkner, William. The Sound and the Fury. New York: Random House, 1984. Hofstadter, Douglas. Fluid Concepts and Creative Analogies. New York: Basic Books, 1995. Joyce, James. Ulysses. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 1993. Picard, Rosalind. Affective Computing. Cambridge, Massachusetts: MIT Press, 1997. Singer, Irving. Feelings and Imagination: The Vibrant Flux of Our Existence. Maryland: Rowman and Littlefield, 2001

Thursday, October 24, 2019

Automated Evaluation of Grades System

Sample CS Capstone Projects from 2005 – 2009 2005 Simulate a Radio Interface The team built a message simulator to test radio communications with munitions systems. The simulator used RS232 communications and ran on PCs. It included a user interface that allowed users to construct and send messages as well as log and display all message traffic. The system included support for error checking (ACK/NAK, CRC) of messages. The interface could be configured for baud rate, com port, parity, # of bits, # stop bits, etc.Election Results Visualization This team built a system for use on the website of a news/communication company. The system displays election results in a visual manner and supports selecting from multiple race results. Results for a county can be displayed on a precinct level map in a color coded manner. Color shading was used to indicate results (e. g. red to white to blue shading for a two party race, white to dark green for a yes/no referendum) and actual vote count s are also shown for each precinct as that precinct is scrolled over.Automated Test Suite for Denial of Service and Intrusion Attacks This team built an extensible framework for an automated suite of test cases that ran on a Linux platform and simulated Denial of Service and Intrusion attacks. The tool included a GUI interface to select and run tests. Around 50 different network attacks were included with the system. An audit log and error log are produced as the system runs. Automation Data Collection This team designed data collection code to gather information from equipment on a manufacturing floor.A baseline group of PLC code samples was produced for the collection of data. Code timing (infeed, cycle, outfeed, idle, etc. ) and error routines was developed. Factory Floor User Interface This team designed and prototyped a user interface that presented live and historical information from the equipment on a manufacturing floor. The design was for a web based solution that used a S QL database that contained the data related to machine performance. Proposal and Job Setup SystemThis team designed and developed a PC based sales proposal and job setup program for a heating company that allows the comfort consultant to efficiently and effectively produce a â€Å"job specific† price quote for the customer on the first appointment. The system included BTU calculations and furnace suggestions as well as pictorial tours showing what is involved in a furnace replacement. A job set-up document can also be produced immediately upon the closure of a sale. A database keeps track of all prices, eliminating confusion. The database also helps with sales management tracking. Test PrioritizationThis team developed processes, reporting and supporting utilities around code coverage and test prioritization tools (from an internal company research team) that provided the best test coverage for each software check-in. There was a base-line component that would run nightly and run each test, collect coverage data and save traces for each test. The developer’s side included a Windows application for automatically selecting the tests a developer should run. Ensuring Data Integrity This team developed a program that would run nightly to do integrity checks of critical manufacturing data.The Engineering (relational) and Manufacturing (Oracle) databases previously needed to be periodically manually verified to be in sync. Web-based Tutorial/Learning Tool This team developed an on-line tutorial and training tool for use in a university setting. The tutorial was based on policies and procedures for safe computing practices. A database of questions was also created with questions randomly selected for an on-line quiz. The results of the quiz could be emailed to the person who took the test and a teacher or supervisor.Identity Preservation in a Grain Mill This team developed a system to track the product (grain) throughout the growing portion of the proces s. The ability to add and update all aspects of field information (plant and field variables, chemicals applied, harvest information) can be managed on-line by direct farmer input or by a system administrator. Data can be exported to Excel spreadsheets and all updates and inserts into the database are tracked. A website was established and set up for use by the cooperative. Web-based Survey SoftwareThis team developed a web-based application that runs on top of a survey processing engine and allows users to create and maintain surveys for use on their web-sites. Multiple surveys and various kinds of questions can be created and edited (e. g. multiple choice, drop down choice, text choice, file choice). The survey processing engine was previously built by the sponsoring company. Code Generation Utility This team developed a utility that auto-generates C# code based on code that exists within a company proprietary prototype development environment today.The system reviews C# code and associated metadata then analyzes it to see what areas can be generated, rather than having to have developers create it. For example, it will generate the required business entities and database mappings. 2006 Web-based Survey Tool Web based survey tool to collect and manage SEI training evaluations for one company as well as to be used for vendor surveys for another company Intrusion Monitoring System Development of host based intrusion monitoring and prevention application software for IBM eServer iSeries Web-based File ViewerDevelop a web based file viewer to be able to view data from old Cobol applications Marketing Study for New Product Offering Perform a marketing study on new product offerings to create a Managed Services offering that includes the areas of proactive network monitoring, data backup, security and trending. Sarbanes-Oxley Critical Function Auditing Tool Critical Function Auditing Tool – design database tables, develop an admin tool to maintain and creat e the data for the tables, define and transfer the security info for users from current system to Oracle, create a tool using VB.Net to administer this system Web-based Employee Directory Develop a web based employee directory that can find employees in a hierarchy list, view the list, add picture IDs, and update Active Directory from the source data Server Network Performance Monitoring Tool Develop a tool to monitor and report on the performance and efficiency of a number of remote servers. Legal Citation Data Mining Tool Create a Citation Mining Tool Interface to enable team members without SQL skills to run reports and perform analysis. Web-based Competitive Analysis ToolDevelop a tool to automatically search competitors websites to determine what they are charging for products making sure to not be detected doing the search. 2007 Sports Score Database for Communications Company Create a web application that allows registered users to input sports scores (and related statistics) into a standardized database from which other media outlets (radio stations, TV, newspapers) can pull this stored information. In keeping with this, an administrator can alter posted scores, create sports schedules, manage sports, manage teams, and the like. Database Search and Update UtilityCreate  a Web Application for searching and updating the Bermuda Information Database. The Bermuda Information Database contains information on how the Bermuda system is called and configured for various content types. The Web Application will have a password protected maintenance utility that will allow users to update the database. The database was built in standard Microsoft Access and XML, but will be migrated to Oracle during the development of the Web Application. Web-based product review recording system The scope of the project is to develop a web-based collection of work product reviews.This system will improve the customer’s world by setting a standard for product review proc edures with a central storage place for viewing results later. Intrusion Monitoring System – phase 2 Development of host based intrusion monitoring and prevention application software for IBM eServer iSeries. Modify the system to be a server-side application, improve the performance and add several new features. Update a freeware database refactoring tool Develop additional functionalities for Database refactoring tool useful for developers working in agile methodology.The sponsoring company had already developed a refactoring tool with minimal functionalities using Java. Using Agile methodology this team had to add more functionality to the existing tool. Competitive Benchmarking Tool This project developed a process and web based system to consistently support competitive bench marking in all products groups and support teams. Products include snowmobiles, ATVs, motorcycles, etc. Web-based Trouble Logging System Develop a web interface to replace an existing paper based tro uble log system.The web interface will allow the remote users to submit a trouble log directly into the system rather than having to mail it in. The system will also allow the company to monitor and track the progress of all of the trouble logs by going to one place. In addition, since the data is being stored in a database, the data can be accessed over many years to help track the usage of the trouble log system in general. Production Line Monitoring System Develop a web-based application for production line monitoring. This application displays status of  batches and parts in the process of producing a final product.This application is intended to make it easier for observer or shift manager to keep track of work progress on the production floor. Embedded Computing Research Provide software development help with research in nanomaterials and nanotechnology. As a part of its Conformal Computing program, it is exploring how to leverage the power of multi-processor parallel archit ecture for large displays and eventually build a tera-scale experimental architecture. The vision therefore is to use such hardware architecture for simple to complex computer graphics applications.Simple computer graphics applications may comprise static graphics algorithms: flood fill, displaying circle, line etc. Complex computer graphics applications may comprise displaying 3D objects, texture mapping, volume rendering, animations and so on. 2008 OneNote 2007 and Team Foundation Server (TFS) Integration Provide an integrated solution where developers using OneNote 2007 during their Agile development Scrum meetings could make updates to TFS work items such as requirements, bugs and tests, directly in OneNote. Customer Request RepositoryBuild a secure web-based tool that can access the company employee or customer requests for changes or additions to products. Allow the customer to easily collect, categorize and prioritize these requests as well as do searches and report generatio n. Test System for a Claims Processing Automation System Build a system to help automate the testing of an automated claims processing system. The system should allow for test data entry and modification, test process control and the comparison of original claims data and final claims data from the test.Cell Phone Application Development Using the Open Handset Alliance Android development environment, develop prototype cell phone applications. The team built applications for a Message Scheduler, sending Email from the phone, Gtalk Instant Messenger interface, Google Calendar interface, Access to Driving Directions and a Reverse Geo Coder to get the address of a phone. Open Interface to Company Applications Based Web Services Convert current applications interfaces from HTTP requests with XML responses to one based on Web Services.Build sample application interfaces and user access routines to demonstrate to developers and users how to take advantage to this kind of interface in the future. Role-based Training System Develop a system to manage training data such as courses and employee training records, required courses per role and grades. Allow users to see their own training history and what courses are available, supervisors to view their employee training records, and implement an administrator function to allow for adding/deleting courses, assigning courses to roles and roles to employees and keeping track of supervisor/employee relationships.Active Directory Automated Updating and SharePoint Learning Management System Build an Active Directory update utility that will take data from the Payroll database and run automated updates every week and create reports on the update. Also, create a SharePoint application to manage employee training data. ASCII Message Simulator to test Satellite Communications Develop a tool to generate ASCII text messages for network delivery as TCP/IP messages simulating satellite communications.This simulator supported logging, error injection, creation of test messages with predefined spacing and error rates, importing of TCP streams as new message profiles, stored data using XML and allowed using the tool in an automated fashion. Automated Unified Data Collection from a Virtual Automated Call Distributor (ACD) Develop a system to automate the real-time collection of unified date from various databases associated with a virtual ACD. The system needed to be extensible for adding more functionality and easy to build reports from.The reporting needed to be up to the minute and also required saving data for long-term information reporting to track trends. 2009 Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) Skin Viewer Application Develop a Windows Presentation Foundation (WPF) application (Skin Viewer) that allows users to create sets of controls that can be used to build applications that have a common look and feel. For example, each division of a company could easily build websites that have a unique look and feel. Time Recording UtilityDevelop an application to track timesheet information incorporating approval workflow and integration with a commercial project management tool (Jira) as well as the billing system (Quickbooks). Data Reduction Tool Develop a tool that will convert binary log data into a human readable format. The tool has to be able to separate different message fields, unpack the data, apply scaling factors and graph selected field values against each other. An associated tool is also needed to easily define message formats and save the message format information in an XML structure.This XML structure will be used to define how to parse the binary log files. Evaluate the Usability of the IBM WebSphere sMash Toolset Create a set of sample web applications that address a specific business problem, select the most appropriate then develop a prototype of that application using sMash and report on the ease of use or and any problems encountered. Replace Specialized FTP Interfaces with Standard Web Services Calls Develop software to replace specialized FTP interfaces with standard Web Services calls. Integrate the associated changes on both the client and server sides.User Security Auditing Tool Develop a tool to populate a central database with application user security information (i. e. who has access to which applications) and a set of tools to report this information in various forms. Asset Management System Develop an asset management system that unifies data from several sources. A second phase automates the current lease exchange process. Digital Signature System Develop a digital signature system using DSA-digital signature algorithm signatures. The system includes adding CRCs and SHA-1 (Secure Hash Algorithm) when building the message.A second phase adds encryption of the final file. Mobile Phone â€Å"Planning Poker† Application Develop a â€Å"planning poker† application to run on mobile phones running the Android system. The applica tion is multi-user using a peer to peer model and is integrated with Google Docs. XML Parsing Tool Develop a tool to parse SML files so that comparisons can be made between old and new versions of files. JMX Aggregator/Proxy Develop a tool that exposes custom attributes which are based off values of one or more backend JMX data source. 010 Facebook Applications Develop Facebook applications, web based and desktop, to demonstrate how these kinds of applications can be built – included producing documentation on how to build these applications. Course Management/Testing Application Develop tools to allow the user to create questions/tests, students to take tests and administrators to manage the system and create reports. Web Based Network Configuration Application Create a web based tool that allows a network accelerator to be configured for various conditions.This task included building activity log files, managing multiple interfaces and providing online help functionality. G eneralized Data Reduction Tool, Phase II This project built on the previous year’s work by adding graphing capabilities, cleaning up the user interface, handling header blocks, exporting message definitions to Word documents, etc. Cloud Based Customer Dashboard Develop tools to collect call event data from a cloud based ACD deleting data when calls complete and aggregating data to be used on a dashboard that displays system status. Acoustic Imaging ApplicationBuild an application that processes acoustic data coming into an array of receivers and identify the source of the sound (first single source then multiple sources). Create a parallel processing version of the algorithms using Cilk++ running on a multi-core platform. Performance Driven Compensation System Develop an application to manage a performance driven compensation/bonus system. This system also needed to provide support for year-end performance evaluations. Web Based Image Management System Develop a system to man age software images replacing an older version.Includes the ability to view and compare side-by-side two different images. Framework for Mobile Applications Develop two prototype systems (running on Android and Blackberry platforms) that access web services provided by the sponsoring company. Statistical Process Control Recording and Charting System Build an application that is used in a manufacturing environment to automate the recording of data (from networked scales) and analyze this data according to SPC rules for the station to determine whether or not samples are out of range. Workflow Automation of the Software Promotion ProcessDevelop a workflow automation application (using ShareVis and InfoPath) to manage the process for moving software status (e. g. development to test to alpha to beta to production) Data Reduction Tool (different customer than one above) Build a tool that can analyze data coming from any device and display the messages in human readable form. This was do ne by building a wizard to enable easy message definitions, an XML parser to convert messages into human readable form and a sophisticated user interface that made it very easy to filter and display messages.

Wednesday, October 23, 2019

Frostbite Chapter 22

TWENTY-TWO HORROR AND SHOCK CONSUMED ME, so much so that I thought my soul would shrivel, that the world would end right then and there- because surely, surely it couldn't keep going on after this. No one could keep going on after this. I wanted to shriek my pain to the universe. I wanted to cry until I melted. I wanted to sink down beside Mason and die with him. Elena released me, apparently deciding I posed no danger positioned as I was between her and Isaiah. She turned toward Mason's body. And I stopped feeling. I simply acted. â€Å"Don't. Touch. Him.† I didn't recognize my own voice. She rolled her eyes. â€Å"Good grief, you're annoying. I'm started to see Isaiah's point- you do need to suffer before dying.† Turning away, she knelt down to the floor and flipped Mason over onto his back. â€Å"Don't touch him!† I screamed. I shoved her with little effect. She shoved back, nearly knocking me over. It was all I could do to steady my feet and stay upright. Isaiah looked on with amused interest; then his gaze fell to the floor. Lissa's chotki had fallen out of my coat pocket. He picked it up. Strigoi could touch holy objects- the stories about them fearing crosses weren't true. They just couldn't enter holy ground. He flipped the cross over and ran his fingers over the etched dragon. â€Å"Ah, the Dragomirs,† he mused. â€Å"I'd forgotten about them. Easy to. There's what, one? Two of them left? Barely worth remembering.† Those horrible red eyes focused on me. â€Å"Do you know any of them? I'll have to see to them one of these days. It won't be very hard to- â€Å" Suddenly, I heard an explosion. The aquarium burst apart as water shot out of it, shattering the glass. Pieces of it flew toward me, but I barely noticed. The water coalesced in the air, forming a lopsided sphere. It began to float. Toward Isaiah. I felt my jaw drop as I stared at it. He watched it too, more puzzled than scared. At least until it wrapped around his face and started suffocating him. Much like the bullets, suffocation wouldn't kill him. But it could cause him a hell of a lot of discomfort. His hands flew to his face, desperately trying to â€Å"pry† the water away. It was no use. His fingers simply slipped through. Elena forgot about Mason and jumped to her feet. â€Å"What is it?† she shrieked. She shook him in an equally useless effort to free him. â€Å"What's happening?† Again, I didn't feel. I acted. My hand closed around a large piece of glass from the broken aquarium. It was jagged and sharp, cutting into my hand. Sprinting forward, I plunged the shard into Isaiah's chest, aiming for the heart I'd worked so hard to find in practice. Isaiah emitted a strangled scream through the water and collapsed to the floor. His eyes rolled back in his head as he blacked out from the pain. Elena stared, as shocked as I'd been when Isaiah had killed Mason. Isaiah wasn't dead, of course, but he was temporarily down for the count. Her face clearly showed she hadn't thought that was possible. The smart thing at that point would have been to run toward the door and the sun's safety. Instead, I ran in the opposite direction, toward the fireplace. I grabbed one of the antique swords and turned back toward Elena. I didn't have far to go, because she'd recovered herself and was heading toward me. Snarling with rage, she tried to grab me. I had never trained with a sword, but I had been taught to fight with any makeshift weapon I could find. I used the sword to keep distance between us, my motions clumsy but effective for the time being. White fangs flashed in her mouth. â€Å"I am going to make you- â€Å" â€Å"Suffer, pay, regret I was ever born?† I suggested. I remembered fighting with my mom, how I'd been on the defensive the whole time. That wouldn't work this time. I had to attack. Jabbing forward, I tried to land a blow on Elena. No luck. She anticipated my every move. Suddenly, from behind her, Isaiah groaned as he started to come around. She glanced back, the smallest of motions that let me swipe the sword across her chest. It cut the fabric of her shirt and grazed the skin, but nothing more. Still, she flinched and looked down in panic. I think the glass going through Isaiah's heart was still fresh in her mind. And that was what I really needed. I mustered all my strength, drew back, and swung. The sword's blade hit the side of her neck, hard and deep. She gave a horrible, sickening cry, a shriek that made my skin crawl. She tried to move toward me. I pulled back and hit again. Her hands clutched at her throat, and her knees gave way. I struck and struck, the sword digging deeper into her neck each time. Cutting off someone's head was harder than I'd thought it would be. The old, dull sword probably wasn't helping. But finally, I gained enough sense to realize she wasn't moving. Her head lay there, detached from her body, her dead eyes looking up at me as though she couldn't believe what had happened. That made two of us. Someone was screaming, and for a surreal second, I thought it was still Elena. Then I lifted my eyes and looked across the room. Mia stood in the doorway, eyes bugging out and skin tinged green like she might throw up. Distantly, in the back of my mind, I realized she was the one who'd made the aquarium explode. Water magic apparently wasn't worthless after all. Still a bit shaken, Isaiah tried to rise to his feet. But I was on him before he could fully manage it. The sword sang out, wreaking blood and pain with each blow. I felt like an old pro now. Isaiah fell back to the floor. In my mind, I kept seeing him break Mason's neck, and I hacked and hacked as hard as I could, as though striking fiercely enough might somehow banish the memory. â€Å"Rose! Rose!† Through my hate-filled haze, I just barely detected Mia's voice. â€Å"Rose, he's dead!† Slowly, shakily, I held back the next blow and looked down at his body- and the head no longer attached to it. She was right. He was dead. Very, very dead. I looked at the rest of the room. There was blood everywhere, but the horror of it didn't really register with me. My world had slowed down, slowed down to two very simple tasks. Kill the Strigoi. Protect Mason. I couldn't process anything else. â€Å"Rose,† whispered Mia. She was trembling, her words filled with fear. She was afraid of me, not the Strigoi. â€Å"Rose, we have to go. Come on.† I dragged my eyes away from her and looked down at Isaiah's remains. After several moments, I crawled over to Mason's body, still clutching the sword. â€Å"No,† I croaked out. â€Å"I can't leave him. Other Strigoi might come†¦.† My eyes burned like I desperately wanted to cry. I couldn't say for sure. The bloodlust still pounded in me, violence and rage the only emotions I was capable of anymore. â€Å"Rose, we'll come back for him. If other Strigoi are coming, we have to get out.† â€Å"No,† I repeated, not even looking at her. â€Å"I'm not leaving him. I won't leave him alone.† With my free hand, I stroked Mason's hair. â€Å"Rose- â€Å" I jerked my head up. â€Å"Get out!† I screamed at her. â€Å"Get out, and leave us alone.† She took a few steps forward, and I lifted the sword. She froze. â€Å"Get out,† I repeated. â€Å"Go find the others.† Slowly, Mia backed up toward the door. She gave me one last, desperate look before running outside. Silence fell, and I relaxed my hold on the sword but refused to let it go. My body sagged forward, and I rested my head on Mason's chest. I became oblivious to everything: to the world around me, to time itself. Seconds could have passed. Hours could have passed. I didn't know. I didn't know anything except that I couldn't leave Mason alone. I existed in an altered state, a state that just barely kept the terror and grief at bay. I couldn't believe Mason was dead. I couldn't believe I'd just summoned death. So long as I refused to acknowledge either, I could pretend they hadn't happened. Footsteps and voices eventually sounded, and I lifted my head up. People poured in through the door, lots of them. I couldn't really make out any of them. I didn't need to. They were threats, threats I had to keep Mason safe from. A couple of them approached me, and I leapt up, lifting the sword and holding it protectively over his body. â€Å"Stay back,† I warned. â€Å"Stay away from him.† They kept coming. â€Å"Stay back!† I yelled. They stopped. Except for one. â€Å"Rose,† came a soft voice. â€Å"Drop the sword.† My hands shook. I swallowed. â€Å"Get away from us.† â€Å"Rose.† The voice spoke again, a voice that my soul would have known anywhere. Hesitantly, I let myself finally become aware of my surroundings, let the details sink in. I let my eyes focus on the features of the man standing there. Dimitri's brown eyes, gentle and firm, looked down on me. â€Å"It's okay,† he said. â€Å"Everything's going to be okay. You can let go of the sword.† My hands shook even harder as I fought to hold on to the hilt. â€Å"I can't.† The words hurt coming out. â€Å"I can't leave him alone. I have to protect him.† â€Å"You have,† said Dimitri. The sword fell out of my hands, landing with a loud clatter on the wooden floor. I followed, collapsing on all fours, wanting to cry but still unable to. Dimitri's arms wrapped around me as he helped me up. Voices swarmed around us, and one by one, I recognized people I knew and trusted. He started to tug me toward the door, but I refused to move just yet. I couldn't. My hands clutched his shirt, crumpling the fabric. Still keeping one arm around me, he smoothed my hair back away from my face. I leaned my head against him, and he continued stroking my hair, murmuring something in Russian. I didn't understand a word of it, but the gentle tone soothed me. Guardians were spreading throughout the house, examining it inch by inch. A couple of them approached us and knelt by the bodies I refused to look at. â€Å"She did that? Both of them?† â€Å"That sword hasn't been sharpened in years!† A funny sound caught in my throat. Dimitri squeezed my shoulder comfortingly. â€Å"Get her out of here, Belikov,† I heard a woman say behind him, her voice familiar. Dimitri squeezed my shoulder again. â€Å"Come on, Roza. It's time to go.† This time, I went. He guided me out of the house, holding onto me as I managed each agonizing step. My mind still refused to really process what had happened. I couldn't do much more than follow simple directions from those around me. I eventually ended up on one of the Academy's jets. Engines roared around us as the plane lifted off. Dimitri murmured something about coming back shortly and left me alone in my seat. I stared straight ahead, studying the details of the seat in front of me. Someone sat beside me and draped a blanket over my shoulders. I noticed then just how badly I was shivering. I tugged at the edges of the blanket. â€Å"I'm cold,† I said. â€Å"How am I so cold?† â€Å"You're in shock,† Mia answered. I turned and looked at her, studying her blond curls and big blue eyes. Something about seeing her unleashed my memories. It all tumbled back. I squeezed my eyes shut. â€Å"Oh God,† I breathed. I opened my eyes and focused on her again. â€Å"You saved me- saved me when you blew up the fish tank. You shouldn't have done it. You shouldn't have come back.† She shrugged. â€Å"You shouldn't have gone for the sword.† Fair point. â€Å"Thank you,† I told her. â€Å"What you did †¦ I never would have thought of that. It was brilliant.† â€Å"I don't know about that,† she mused, smiling ruefully. â€Å"Water isn't much of a weapon, remember?† I choked on a laugh, even though I really didn't find my old words that funny. Not anymore. â€Å"Water's a great weapon,† I said finally. â€Å"When we get back, we'll have to practice ways to use it.† Her face lit up. Fierceness shone out from her eyes. â€Å"I'd like that. More than anything.† â€Å"I'm sorry †¦ sorry about your mom.† Mia simply nodded. â€Å"You're lucky to still have yours. You don't know how lucky.† I turned and stared at the seat again. The next words out of my mouth startled me: â€Å"I wish she was here.† â€Å"She is,† said Mia, sounding surprised. â€Å"She was with the group that raided the house. Didn't you see her?† I shook my head. We lapsed into silence. Mia stood up and left. A minute later, someone else sat down beside me. I didn't have to see her to know who she was. I just knew. â€Å"Rose,† said my mother. For once in my life, she sounded unsure of herself. Scared, maybe. â€Å"Mia said you wanted to see me.† I didn't answer. I didn't look at her. â€Å"What†¦what do you need?† I didn't know what I needed. I didn't know what to do. The stinging in my eyes grew unbearable, and before I knew it, I was crying. Big, painful sobs seized my body. The tears I'd held back so long poured down my face. The fear and grief I'd refused to let myself feel finally burst free, burning in my chest. I could scarcely breathe. My mother put her arms around me, and I buried my face in her chest, sobbing even harder. â€Å"I know,† she said softly, tightening her grip on me. â€Å"I understand.†

Tuesday, October 22, 2019

Micheal Phelpss Commercial Essays

Micheal Phelpss Commercial Essays Micheal Phelpss Commercial Essay Micheal Phelpss Commercial Essay Many companies, nowadays, used many different Ideas to sell and make business. Some companies accomplished their goals by using mass media to advertised commercial and some failed to accomplished their goals because their advertisements was not attractive enough. As for Subways commercial, they used an athlete, Michael Phelps, to build up their product and business. The commercial was well delivered on community false causes, appeal to emotion, and bandwagon because the establishment in the commercial influenced people who suspected and loved to be like Michael Phelps wanted to buy Subways products. Michael Phelps Subway commercial expressed community false causes, because they know what they were supposed to state and what would made people who buy their product believe in it. For example, In the commercial they said that to be like Michael Phelps, people have to eat Subway. In the commercial they had Phelps swim In the pool. As In this commercial they used Michael Phelps as ethos, since he Is a well-known athletic and very popular. That would helped Subway made ore customers and business. Moreover, the advertisement used a strong vocal In which it gave the viewers supports and hopes. For example, a strong voice that the audience can connected to or felt it mentally without saying a phrase to them like you can be something you wanted to be by eating Subway! or you can be like your idol if you eat Subway! Subway did a great Job on their commercial on given a false cause that made people think that it might be true and wanted to engage deeply with it. In addition, Subway made the commercial as an appeal to emotion because they dad the advertisement targeted on the parents. The commercial targeted the parent by saying that if they wanted to be a good parent, they have to buy their kids Subway. The commercial used Michael Phelps mother as a good parent who loved and made her kids being success by eating at Subway. That showed pathos because It made the parents felt bad and wanted to buy their kids subway. As a result, Subway made its commercial targeted the parents which was a very successful idea, because every parent wanted their kids to be successful like Michael Phelps. The immemorial also showed a bandwagon fallacy, because Michael Phelps stated that eating Subway has athlete everywhere. By stating athlete everywhere created a bandwagon fallacy because the commercial appealed to popularity and used the show as a form of validation. Also, that would affect athletes or viewer who were in the same field like Phelps. On the other hand, they were smart because they knew what they had stated were considered a fallacy but they still put it in a form of validation. In that case, things seemed like they were true and very influential. Furthermore, they played on a dynamic music when Phelps was swimming. The dramatic music would motivate the viewers when they watched the commercial, Decease It would make teen Tell Like teen were apart It t T . I mace ten announce Tell like they were in a competitive game or the champion of the year competition. In addition, they made extra sound effect in the background where the water splashed very hard, which expressed that eating Subway will make the viewers as strong and fast as Michael Phelps. At the end of the commercial they officially showed the antacid and gave information about the size of it. For example, the man said, Its a five foot long and that showed logos, because it stated the number or size of the sandwiches to the audience. Also, he told what kind of ingredients were in the sandwiches such as bacon, turkey, avocado, and extra Jalapeà ±o. They included the Phelps family in the advertisement and reported that, Subway is the official training of the Phelps family. The last background was made blue and a timing machine, which mean they wanted the audience to see that they can beat the time by eating Subway. Correspondingly, they wanted the people who watch the commercial to pay more attention to the Phelps family and the message they were giving out. Inventing a business is not simple but by using many techniques such as community false causes, appeal to emotion, and bandwagon, would attract more customers. Together with, they used pathos, ethos, and logos as the key for the companys commercials. Michael Phelps commercial made a good influence on athletes. Subway made the commercial expressed how healthy the sandwiches were and how strong people would be if they ate Subway like Michael Phelps.

Monday, October 21, 2019

Platos Socrates essays

Plato's Socrates essays Socrates is interesting not only for his teachings, but also for his life since it was a representation of his teachings. He made a huge influence on the world philosophy. Socrates did not aim for active public work. He led the life of the philosopher: he lived unpretentiously, but had leisure. All his time Socrates devoted to philosophical conversations and disputes. He had many students, but didnt take any money for his teachings. While testing others on wisdom, Socrates doesnt consider himself wise at all; in his opinion, wisdom applies only to the god. If the person believes that he has answers to all questions, such person is worthless for philosophy because there is no need for him to puzzle over searches of the truest concepts. All his truths are actually a collection of the most poor, flat representations of narrow-minded knowledge. After the overthrow of tyranny and restoration of democracy in Athens, Socrates was accused of not believing in gods, entering new deities, and of corrupting the youth of Athens. In reply to these accusations, Socrates has presented the defending speech in which he denied the accusations put forward against him. This great speech contains in Platos Apology. In this dialogue, Plato summarizes some of Socrates' most famous philosophical ideas: the necessity of doing what one thinks is right even in the face of common disagreement, and the need to pursue knowledge even when opposed. Socrates was supposed to be executed at once, but on the eve of the trial the ship with annual religious mission left Athens. Before the returning of the ship, all executions were forbidden by customs. Thus, Socrates had to spent thirty days in prison before execution. In the early morning of the execution day, Socrates old friend Crito came to Socrates and informed him that all guards are bribed and Socrates can run. In a dialogue with Crito, Socrates considers the proposal, try...

Sunday, October 20, 2019

The El Nino Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction

The El Nino Ocean-Atmosphere Interaction Often blamed for any and all out-of-the ordinary weather, El Nià ±o is a naturally occurring climate event  and the warm phase of the El Nià ±o-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) during which sea surface temperatures in the eastern and equatorial Pacific Ocean are warmer than average. How much warmer? An increase of 0.5 C or more in average sea surface temperatures lasting 3 months in a row, suggest the onset of an El Nià ±o episode.   Meaning of the Name El Nià ±o means the boy, or male child, in Spanish and refers to Jesus, the Christ Child. It comes from South American sailors, who in the 1600s, observed the warming conditions off the Peruvian coast at Christmastime and named them after the Christ Child. El Nio Happens El Nià ±o conditions are caused by a weakening of the trade winds. Under normal circumstances, the trades drive surface waters towards the west; but when these die down, they allow the warmer waters of the western Pacific to seep eastward toward the Americas. Frequency, Length, and Strength of Episodes A major El Nià ±o event generally occurs every 3 to 7 years, and lasts for up to several months at a time. If El Nià ±o conditions will appear, these should begin to form sometime in the late summer, between June and August. Once they arrive, conditions typically reach peak strength from December to April, then subside from May to July of the following year. Events are categorized as either neutral, weak, moderate, or strong. The strongest El Nià ±o episodes occurred in 1997-1998 and 2015-2016. To date, the 1990-1995 episode is the longest-lasting on record. What El NioMeans For Your Weather Weve mentioned that El Nià ±o  is an ocean-atmosphere climate event, but how do warmer-than-average waters in the far-off tropical Pacific Ocean affect weather? Well, these warmer waters warm up the atmosphere above it. This leads to more rising air and convection.  This excess heating intensifies the Hadley circulation, which in turn, disrupts circulation patterns around the globe, including things like the position of the jet stream.   In this way, El Nià ±o  triggers a departure from our normal weather and rainfall patterns  including: Wetter-than-normal conditions along coastal Ecuador, northwestern Peru, southern Brazil, central Argentina, and equatorial eastern Africa (during the months of December, January, February); and over the inter-mountainous U.S. and central Chile (June, July, August). Drier-than-normal conditions over northern South America, Central America, and southern Africa (December, January, February); and over eastern Australia, Indonesia, and the Philippines (June, July, August). Warmer-than-normal conditions in southeast Asia, southeast Africa, Japan, southern Alaska, and west/central Canada, SE Brazil, and SE Australia (December, January, February); and along South Americas west coast, and again SE Brazil (June, July, August). Cooler-than-normal conditions along the U.S. Gulf coast (December, January, February). Current El NioForecast As of Fall 2016, El Nià ±o is has weakened and ended and a La Nià ±a Watch  is now in effect. (This simply means that the ocean-atmosphere conditions look favorable for La Nià ±a to develop.)   To learn more about La Nià ±a (cooling of the ocean surface in the central and eastern tropical Pacific) read What is La Nià ±a.

Saturday, October 19, 2019

Job Application and Interview Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Job Application and Interview - Assignment Example In order to observe the advancements in the recruitment procedures, this paper will undertake to elaborate upon the typical job application and interview processes that various nursing organizations undertake to recruit the nurse educators. The requirements, formalities and questions usually asked at the interviews will also be discussed. Nurse Educators Nurses throughout the world are called to work in a health care environment that is undergoing reform as never before imagined (NLN Board of Governors, 2011). A nurse educator is a nurse who is charged with the responsibility of educating, teaching, and preparing registered nurses (RN) and licensed practical nurses (LPN) for the purpose of enabling them enter into the practice at clinical positions. These nurses are also capable of teaching in many patient care settings in order to facilitate the patients with continuous education to register and licensed nursing staff. The Nurse Educators are also responsible for teach at doctoral l evel and graduate programs, which are intended to prepare the nurses for advanced practice. Job Applications The job applications depict the demands that the job descriptions puts on the employees. On observing the job application of Alaska Native Medical Centre, it is discovered that the organization charges the Clinical Nurse Educator (CNE) with the responsibilities to facilitate the education services and professional development of nursing by helping them prepare for advanced nursing practice and assist them in obtaining the skills and knowledge. This is done for the purpose of making them competent enough to gather and analyze the health data of patients, make diagnosis, develop a care plan, and implement the interventions for further interventions (Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium, 2012). Interview Process The organizations hiring nurse educators beginning the recruitment process through interviews. These interviews give the hirer a complete view of candidate's qualifica tion, experiences and ambitions in the field. The interviewees are asked about their past experiences in the nursing capacity, and what their facility of working and areas of interest. Then, the interview discovers regarding the candidate's passion for teaching, and what factor brought them towards the teaching side. They are questioned upon the procedures that they would adopt to make their students grasp the concepts easily while teaching. Slowly, the interviewer build such a rapport with the candidates that, they get into open discussion in order to estimate the applicant's knowledge regarding nursing issues, current shortage, and the significance of nursing profession to the community. Besides this, Alaska Medical Centre also assess the applicant on the basis whether they know the positive aspect and worth of their job, and the ways in which the roles of nursing educators influence other areas of nursing. The interview further judges the candidates by asking their opinions on fu ture perspectives of the profession, its growth further, and the recommendation to others about getting into the nursing profession and develop it (Suzanne, 2012). The substantive questions usually asked from a candidate applying for nurse educators include the following: How does nursing generally contribute to the welfare of society? Can any other medical services replace nursing? How do

Friday, October 18, 2019

Rafaella Sartis Europe at Home Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Rafaella Sartis Europe at Home - Essay Example Furthermore, Sarti not only studied material objects from their "economic point of view, but also in their symbolic and cultural cointexts" (Schuurman). More truly, Sarti exhibited less interest in general economics, and more in the diversity of gender, religion and wealth instead of in explaining the formulation or dynamics of those differences. As a matter of fact, Schuurman stated that there was "no direct relationship between the choice of research area and the research questions asked of it," when social history should have been more about the "choice of theme or social group" and not about the "choice of region." the three functions of a household, namely, reproduction, consumption, and production, with much emphasis on consumption. However, she paid no attention to the production sphere although she has included this as one of the functions. And even with the consumption sphere, Sarti unfairly left out the objects that played a large role in the diversity which she centrally addressed, those related to tea and coffee. The first chapter was about th

International Maritime Organization Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

International Maritime Organization - Assignment Example It includes number of safety measures like that of improving the electrical installation and machinery installation, life saving equipments, fire protection, navigation safety, carriage of hazardous goods, radiotelegraphy and radiotelephony, nuclear merchant ships, and the overall safety of the shipping. The primary function of IMO is to form legislation and establish global treaties relating marine pollution prevention and safety of shipping. The organisation keeps the legislation always up to date so that it becomes helpful for the concerned countries and this attempt has become a successful one. It is found that more than 98% of the international shipping traders follow these legislations. IMO’s another important function is to protect the environment from the hazards of shipping because the extracts of the shipping activities which flows to the sea is very harmful which creates water pollution. Thus, these set of laws helps to prevent the sea water from pollution. IMO also provides safety training to avoid accidents occurring in the sea. The measures taken by IMO have been successful and the rate of serious hazards rate has been reducing from the last twenty years. The oil from the ships which used to enter into the sea also has reduced by considerable extent. Since human resources are the most important resource of the shipping industry so it has become an important task of IMO to improve and develop the human resources. With the opening of the ISM Code, it has made safety a prime concern. This code explains the responsibility for safety and implementation of this code has become tremendously successful. The IMO has also implemented training programmes and has provided modern guidelines to their marine educational institutions through various technical programmes. Thus it can be concluded that IMO provides detailed guidelines and direction which are essential to

Frederick Douglass Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Frederick Douglass - Essay Example He was orphaned at the age of seven when his mother died and thus was forced look after himself and to mature very quickly, learning to read and write under the tutelage of a woman in Baltimore who eventually purchased him. In 1838, Douglass escaped to New York City, changed his last name to Douglass, and married Maria Bailey, free women whom he had met while still in Baltimore.2 Douglass was privileged to be educated by his owner. However, he suffered the hardships of slavery and oppression firsthand, lending him expertise on the subject that no number of-even highly educated-white men could hope to match. Therefore, his insight on the subject, expressed eloquently through his writing and lectures, became pivotal in the dialogue about slavery and the abolitionist movement. Douglass began lecturing in 1841 and soon after was hired by the Massachusetts Anti-Slavery Society to act as an agent on their behalf. He would spend the rest of his life in that capacity: writing, lecturing and publishing anti-slavery literature. Douglass became free during a point in history in which both the Abolition and the Women's Right's movement were gaining both power, and followers. He was associated with many important figures of the age including, Susan B. Anthony, Abraham Lincoln, and William Lloyd Garrison.3 His contacts, not limited to peers of the same racial background as himself, served as a growing network of potential supporters. At the very least, his rhetoric was disseminated all the more quickly along these liens of communication, ensuring that his ideas-credited to him or not-reached the general public quickly. He not only influenced how the public perceived free people of color, but how they ran the abolition movement, and the women's rights movements, by affecting the manner and one of the discourse. Douglass was known for how vehemently he disagreed with those people he called his friends. A disagreement with William Lloyd Garrison in the 1860's resulted from the inevitable conflict between the demands of Douglass, an African American anti-slavery agent for equal pay and treatment, and Garrisons' political wheeling and dealing. Both Garrison and his assistant Maria-Weston-Chapman would frequently attempt to divert Douglass from his fight for equality by characterizing him as being less than human. Oddly enough this was typical of the anti-slavery movement at the time. African American abolitionists were often relegated to playing small public roles in the abolitionist movement, while their white counterparts spoke with bravado about their upcoming revolt against slavery.4 Douglass, rather than kowtow entirely to this attitude, Douglass kept speaking what he felt to be the truth about slavery, abolition, and the movement toward basic human rights for all people. Had he simply shrunk from his oppressors, surely the tide of change would have been slowed measurably if not stalled. This is not to assign too much importance to one man, but merely to recognize the reaches of his influence at this time. His voice was heard through his speaking and writing by

Thursday, October 17, 2019

Improving Organisational Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Improving Organisational Performance - Essay Example Performance management is considered to be one of the most regarded Human Resource (HR) functions in an organisation. In most of the organisations, the performances of the subordinates are measured either formally or informally. Effective communication regarding performance appraisal generally takes place once in a year or once in a quarter. Nevertheless, performance management is a continuous phenomenon (Armstrong, 2006). When the performance management is utilised in a proper way then the management gains numerous benefits. It has been noted that most of the United Kingdom based organisations operate periodic performance appraisal systems. However, it has been noted that most of the employees as well as managers are found to be discontent with the schemes utilised in the organisations (Keshav & Sharma, n.d.). Appraisals are incapable of motivating the employees in an organisation and it has been claimed by the respondents to an Industrial Society Survey that such appraisals do not have any positive impact upon the workforce. Therefore, it becomes significant for the organisations to monitor the way in which performance management is being practiced (Management Today, 1998). The main objective of the paper is to evaluate business cases for the use of performance management at Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank. ... will also present the practical difficulties, challenges as well as implications identified by the use of the performance management in Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank. The methods that the two banks can use in order to mitigate the difficulties related to the performance management will also be recognised in a detailed way in this paper. Finally, the study will attempt to find out the potential limitations or shortcomings related to the proposals provided to the banks. Business Case for Performance Management at Barclays Bank People tend to differ in terms of their abilities as well as aptitudes. There will be major disparities between the size and the value of the same work upon the same job done by two distinct people. Therefore, under such note, it can be assumed that the organisations need performance management so that they are capable of comprehending the abilities of the employees, proficiencies as well as their comparative worth for the organisation. Offering rating to the emp loyees in terms of their performance can be done with the assistance of performance appraisal. Barclays Bank tends to extend its assistance in terms of financial services in approximately 50 countries all over the globe (Barclays, 2012). Barclays Bank is considered to be one of the famous companies in the banking sector and thus it states that the way in which the employees tend to perform their operations has a direct influence upon the business performance. The team members working for the bank are well aware of the goals that they are supposed to attain. In order to manage the performance, the bank has designed numerous actions in which the employees participate. Coaching is recognised to be one of the actions where a crucial objective is to make the employees aware of their job

Investigating Disease Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Investigating Disease - Essay Example This global resurgence of TB, according to Volmink and Murphy (2005) can be attributed to, " neglect of tuberculosis control programmes, HIV infection and immigration from high-prevalence countries" (p. 321). In 1993, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared TB a global emergency. It was the scientist Robert Koch who isolated Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a species of bacteria as the causal factor. The disease may be latent or active. In the former stage individuals are infected with the bacterium, but the immune system fights off the bacteria, preventing the manifestation of symptoms. Here the individual is usually not contagious. In the active stage, individuals show symptoms and are contagious. A deficient immune system exacerbates the condition; therefore organs besides the lungs are susceptible to infection. According to Heinsohn (2004), "Extrapulmonary TB may affect any organ or tissue but is much less common than pulmonary TB" (p. 7). Pulmonary tuberculosis is contagious with increased risk of infection. With the discovery of streptomycin by Selman Waksman, antibiotics have repeatedly proved their efficacy in the treatment of TB. However the US Congress, Office of Technology Assessment warns that "When a patient takes TB medication erratically or when an inadequate combination of drugs is prescribed, active, infectious TB can recur in a form resistant to one or more of the drugs used in the original treatment" (The Continuing Challenge of Tuberculosis, 1993,p. 6). Thus Multidrug- Resistant tuberculosis poses a threat in controlling and preventing the spread of the disease. Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a hereditary, genetic disorder that results in the secretion of abnormally thick mucous that damages organs, leading to respiratory and digestive problems that ultimately cause death. While primarily associated with the lungs, this disease also attacks the pancreas, small intestine, and all glands where cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) plays a vital role in efficient functioning. Thus Kolbe (2005), calls it " a multisystem disease affecting children and increasingly so, adults" (p. 361). It is an incurable and fatal disorder. Branscomb (1994) found that, "In spite of treatment, most patients die during infancy or childhood. Rarely, patients survive past the age of 20" (p. 318). However with improved diagnosis and treatment measures, more patients are surviving to reach adulthood. Tuberculosis and cystic fibrosis are usually seen as diseases of the lungs or pulmonary disorders, as it is here that they do the most damage. But both have debilitating effects on other organs as well. TB is a contagious disease as inhaling infectious particles can transmit it. Contact with infectious droplets may occur via coughing, sneezing or laughing. Preventive strategies play an important role in curbing the disease. Meanwhile CF is a genetic disorder that is brought about by defective genes. Therefore treatment is difficult as these disorders are very complex and scientists and researchers have a long way to go in cracking the genetic code, pertaining to these disorders. Both diseases call for early diagnosis and treatment to stem the damage that is sure to result otherwise. Counselling for the individual and family is imperative in both cases, as it helps people come to terms with the devastating impact of the disease while promoting social

Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Improving Organisational Performance Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words - 1

Improving Organisational Performance - Essay Example Performance management is considered to be one of the most regarded Human Resource (HR) functions in an organisation. In most of the organisations, the performances of the subordinates are measured either formally or informally. Effective communication regarding performance appraisal generally takes place once in a year or once in a quarter. Nevertheless, performance management is a continuous phenomenon (Armstrong, 2006). When the performance management is utilised in a proper way then the management gains numerous benefits. It has been noted that most of the United Kingdom based organisations operate periodic performance appraisal systems. However, it has been noted that most of the employees as well as managers are found to be discontent with the schemes utilised in the organisations (Keshav & Sharma, n.d.). Appraisals are incapable of motivating the employees in an organisation and it has been claimed by the respondents to an Industrial Society Survey that such appraisals do not have any positive impact upon the workforce. Therefore, it becomes significant for the organisations to monitor the way in which performance management is being practiced (Management Today, 1998). The main objective of the paper is to evaluate business cases for the use of performance management at Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank. ... will also present the practical difficulties, challenges as well as implications identified by the use of the performance management in Barclays Bank and Lloyds Bank. The methods that the two banks can use in order to mitigate the difficulties related to the performance management will also be recognised in a detailed way in this paper. Finally, the study will attempt to find out the potential limitations or shortcomings related to the proposals provided to the banks. Business Case for Performance Management at Barclays Bank People tend to differ in terms of their abilities as well as aptitudes. There will be major disparities between the size and the value of the same work upon the same job done by two distinct people. Therefore, under such note, it can be assumed that the organisations need performance management so that they are capable of comprehending the abilities of the employees, proficiencies as well as their comparative worth for the organisation. Offering rating to the emp loyees in terms of their performance can be done with the assistance of performance appraisal. Barclays Bank tends to extend its assistance in terms of financial services in approximately 50 countries all over the globe (Barclays, 2012). Barclays Bank is considered to be one of the famous companies in the banking sector and thus it states that the way in which the employees tend to perform their operations has a direct influence upon the business performance. The team members working for the bank are well aware of the goals that they are supposed to attain. In order to manage the performance, the bank has designed numerous actions in which the employees participate. Coaching is recognised to be one of the actions where a crucial objective is to make the employees aware of their job

Tuesday, October 15, 2019

The Fire Department Strategic Plan for 2009-2013 Essay Example for Free

The Fire Department Strategic Plan for 2009-2013 Essay Firemen – these are the people whose functions we often take for granted. However, the role of fire departments in communities is of paramount importance. It is in the hands of the firemen where the security and the safety of the people lye. Thus, providing for the needs of the fire department ought to be listed at the agendas of the government. The government must make sure that the community fire department is working at their prime by providing for all of their needs. In addition to that, the government must also be able to deal with, and meet the future demands of the fire department for them to be able to keep up with the times. With that said, I propose for a strategic plan for the advancement of the local fire department. My proposal mainly encompasses the provision of equipments for the fire department so that their objectives of serving their people can be met. The fire department strategic plan for 2009-2013 How could a fire department function properly without their main weapon – the fire truck? Thus, the government must be able to provide for, not only a working and functioning fire truck, but also one that can sustain the vigorous demands of the firemen. The number of fire trucks within the fire department must also be ample and sufficient in number so that the firemen can respond to their community’s call for help smoothly whenever the need arises. Providing for a working and sufficient fire truck can help the fire department do their function orderly and properly. Corollary to the provision of fire trucks, provision of equipments for the firemen must also be addressed. Equipments and gears such as the basic yet very essential fireproof coats, gloves, fire retardant helmets, foot wears, and goggles to name a few must be sufficiently provided for. Worn out gears and equipments must also be immediately replaced and restocked. In addition, other gears such as, binoculars, flashlights, axes, high power cutters and drills, or even compasses must also be provided for. These equipments can greatly help the local fire department in servicing the people. Ample provision of these gears can provide for the quality performance of the firemen in overcoming the drawbacks of narrow buildings, illegal constructions, basement fires, and in combating chemical and hazardous fires in the city and other neighboring areas. (http://www. hindu. com/2005/05/20/stories/2005052012780400. htm) Thus, the goals and objectives of the community fire department can consequently be met. The provisions that I have stated above are the fundamental tools a fireman must have. To boot, communication equipments are equally essential for the orderly functioning of the local fire department. Communication and other electronic apparatuses such as telephones and or other wireless phones, and computers at the fire department must be provided for efficient communication. These communication equipments must be in adequate quantity to assure the easy contact and access of the people to their fire department. GPS should also be placed inside fire trucks so that the firemen can know the fastest access to a site of casualty. Thus, these gears can provide for a well-organized functioning of the community fire department. To quote G. C. Mishra, a senior official at the Delhi Fire Service (DFS): Another area which has been of interest to us is the development of communication equipments which would include computerization of fire control room that will also act as an information centre. Any call being made to this place would be recorded and firemen would be given information about the special risks in the area where the fire has occurred including the layout, the kind of fire and will also run a check on any hazardous material that the men will need to look out for. It would also tell the official about the nearest fire station, cutting down the travel and response time (http://www. hindu. com/2005/05/20/stories/2005052012780400. htm) Included in my proposal for a strategic development for the local fire department is the construction of newer and more up-to-date fire houses. These contemporary fire departments would serve as the home base of the firemen. Since this is the place where the firemen would be receiving the calls for help from the people, then a fire house that can keep up with the rigorous activities of the firemen must be properly addressed. This too must meet the standards for safety and protection from hazardous casualties so as not to impede the orderly function of the department. The fire house must have adequate allocation of spaces reserved for specific functions such as an office for the department containing up-to-date equipments which I have also mentioned above. My last proposal is none other than for the firemen themselves, addressing the demands of these personnel. These firemen must have the just treatments that are rightfully accord to them. A job as risky as firefighting, people working as firemen must be accorded with remunerations and benefits such as in health – free hospitalization and the like. To quote Mr. G. C. Mishra, a DFS senior official: Our data from 2004 has shown that we have lost 10 men to various accidents. Fire-fighting is a high-tension job. Besides the obvious dangers it is also very stressful with the men suffering from exhaustion and severe health problems after every major fire†¦ (http://www. hindu. com/2005/05/20/stories/2005052012780400. htm) Closing The proposals that I have mentioned is a testament to the fact that there is a need to update fire fighting methods and equipments not just for the security and protection of a community, but also to improve the working capability of the community fire department. Reference: 1. The Hindu. New Delhi: Fire Service goes hi-tech. Retrieved from website: http://www. hindu. com/2005/05/20/stories/2005052012780400. htm