How to Pick the College Major Thats Right for You

The word â€Å"major† is one that is thrown around often when the idea of a college education becomes reality. As a word, it can describe a person through a specific realm of studies, such as Business or Communications; it also serves to categorize, map, and project student success in particular courses. That success then represents their achievements when related to potential job opportunities.How does someone fully commit to a major, though? It’s definitely a scary thought: committing to anything long term, especially at such a young age. This thought, however, will guide and create the person each student plans on growing to become. In order to graduate, that student must decide on at least one course of study. In my experience, the question came and I had little thought to both visualize and verbalize my plans. I was scared, nervous, and a little uneasy.Although at Xavier University students have until the beginning of the second semester of sophomore year to decide on a major, I realized early on that having a major from the beginning of my first semester efficiently created an effective method for me to succeed in as a student. I also realize, however, that this method of deciding is not suited for everyone. If anything, there were very serious flaws in how I came up with the idea of wanting to major in both Advertising and Psychology; I was lucky, though. To put some of these flaws in perspective, I committed early to the idea of Advertising as a major to study and succeed in because of an unhealthy binging episode of AMC’s Mad Men. However, I’m happy to say my initial obsession was genuine because, through the riddance of some key components of the 1960’s advertising world, I was even more interested and stimulated by the industry’s present-day growth and it’s almost suffocating presence within our global society. My commitment to Psychology is rooted in the idea of obsession as well, but this type relates to my quest of understanding the global society around me; people are not only every where, they are full of just as much complexity as you and I, and that is an idea that represents an education that seems worthy of indulgence. To pick a major is, in my opinion, to find something that not only represents you as a person in an ever-changing world, but also to find fulfilling work that promotes individualized growth. Because of this, I believe that majoring in a field of study that is not only interesting but also growing in validity and job rate, while also representative of a student’s personal goals and likeness is crucial to positive growth and development.To decide on a major is to believe in what creates the most amount of sustaining happiness. This is obviously easier said than done. Through listening and understanding the situations my peers found themselves in while attempting to choose a major, this decision can be achieved by introduction to an university’s core curriculum or even through the decision to take a class simply because it sounds awesome. Everyone works differently, but they have the same goal, rooted in a success-craving belief system. Majors help us realize this.This post was submitted by user christopherdamato, Xavier 18. If youre interested in submitting content to be published and featured on the blog, contact drew@ with ideas!

The eNotes Blog Are Public Libraries StillRelevant

Are Public Libraries StillRelevant I confess. There is a public library within walking distance of my house. I have lived here two years and have never ventured inside. This is not to say I never visit libraries, but the ones I tend to haunt are university collections. If I want a novel or another non-fiction work outside of my areas of research, I tend to purchase  books on my Kindle,  go to  a used bookstore, or to  a  Barnes and Noble. Perhaps it is because of people like me that libraries around the world are being shuttered, or their budgets are being drastically cut.   This is a shame because there are still plenty of people  who benefit from the free books and services that  libraries offer. This week, a library in Buckinghamshire, England, faced the threat of closure. Desperate to save the towns library, the Friends of Stony Stratford Library organized a campaign via social media and email asking the librarys cardholders to check out the maximum amount of books allowed in order to prove to the town council that citizens want and value their library.   The response was both surprising and overwhelming: the library reported that books had been checked out at a rate of 378 per hour. As of January 17th, all 16,000 books had been lent. Free circulating libraries have been around almost since the inception of the United States (although claims to be the first are widely disputed).   Today, there are approximately 122,101 libraries in operation, but many are threatened. Libraries have tried to keep up with the demands of the public. Most offer computers with Internet accessibility, many lend DVDs, and music,  and some even lend works of art. Librarians have to be able to navigate the ever-changing technical landscape to assist patrons, and many people depend on both their knowledge and the free services they provide. What do you think? Should libraries continue to be publicly funded and completely free to patrons? Wed like to hear your opinions.

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) and Customer Satisfaction Assignment

Integrated Marketing Communication (IMC) and Customer Satisfaction strategy - Assignment Example The success of a product often related to the influence of the advertisement performed. Sometimes the lack of advertisement may kill the product whereas at times attractive advertisement may save a poor product. So the planning of different types of advertising activities through Medias such as Television, Print media, internet, etc is very important. People respond to new products in different ways. Customer feedback is another area which the new product developers should concentrate. Based on the feedbacks, the product may require some fine tuning. Beta testing is a strategy adopted by even biog companies like Microsoft when they introduce a new product in the market. Windows Vista and Windows 7 etc entered the market after beta testing. This chapter briefly analyses the advertising and promotional strategies, effectiveness of advertising, measuring customer satisfaction etc with respect to the new product virtual sex software. Identification of the target market is the first step before planning the advertising and promotional strategies for the virtual sex software. Li (2007) has mentioned that identification of the demographics and psychographics is important for the successful marketing of a new product (Li, 2007). Virtual sex software mainly targets the sexually disabled persons and the teenagers and hence the advertising strategies should focus to address such people in the market. Advertising channels like internet, e-mails, Short Messaging Services (SMS), television, print media etc can be used effectively for giving details about the virtual sex software to the customers. It is better to advertise the new product with the help of a brand ambassador. A well known celebrity can be utilized for the advertisements of this product. Attractive captions and audio visual advertisements may develop enthusiasm among the customers about the new product. Some case studies and testimonials from the satisfied customers may better influence the target

Follow instruction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Follow instruction - Essay Example The story The murder of Roger Ackroyd talks about the killing of a prominent person of the town, Mrs. Ferrars . However, the book ends with an unexpected plot twist where the murderer finally confessed of the murder. It is Dr. Sheppard who admits on committing the crime. The murderer tries to hid the guilt that he has on committing the crime and says, â€Å"I did what little had to be done† which is said at the situation where he hides the Dictaphone and shifts his chair. According to Dr. Sheppard he thought that he would finally be the one responsible for failing Roger Ackroyd and that the detective won’t be able to solve the case. Hence this serves as the confession as well as the suicide note by the murderer (Chritstie, 123). It is in this last chapter, that the murderer writes about how he committed his murder, mentioning every detail on how and what happened and what was his purpose behind it. It would have been better if the author could have divided each paragrap h into shorter ones instead of writing everything in two very big ones. The author has put more dialogues than actual actions which make it a bit tiresome to read. Also sometimes in the paragraph, the author has forgotten to put inverted commas which indicate the beginning of a dialogue, and since there aren’t any inverted commas the story becomes a little confusing to the readers. Apart from these, the paragraph is written well with not punctuation or grammatical errors. Similarly in the book The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, it is in the final chapter that the crime of the murder of the boy is finally solved after going through various locks and dead ends. The detective Jonathan Whicher, finally discovers that it was the half sister of the young boy who committed the crime. Contance Emilie Kent wrote a letter which served as her confession letter, she also agreed on letting the press know that she had killed Francis Saville Kent (Summerscale, 288). She explained her

Paradise Lost Essay Example for Free

Paradise Lost Essay Paradise Lost is divided into twelve books. In Book I Milton explains the theme of his work, man’s disobedience to God, his expulsion from Heaven and the story of the rebel angels sent to Hell. In Book II the angels meet in council to decide what they will do. In Book III God makes a speech on man’s freedom to choose between good and evil. In Book IV Satan observes the happiness of Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. In Book V God sends Raphael to warn Adam. In Book VI the war in Heaven in described. Book VII and VIII tell the story of the creation of the Earth and the universe. In Book IX Satan persuades Adam and Eve to taste the forbidden fruit. In Book X God’s Son pronounces the sentence of expulsion. In the last two books Adam and Eve abandon paradise. Paradise Lost is an epic poem. Milton chose the epic genre because of the greatness of the subject. He follows the typical epic conventions in his masterpiece, such as the opening with the statement of the theme. This epic takes place in the universe, in Heaven, Hell and Eden. The main characters, God, Satan, Christ, Man and the fallen angels remind the warriors and heroes of the classical epic, even though they are more philosophical heroes. Milton knew the Copernican cosmology but he based the universe of Paradise Lost on the traditional Ptolemaic system because he thought that this conception was fixed in the minds of the people and it had limits within which it was easier for him to work. In Milton’s Heaven God created the Earth, fixed in the centre of the Universe, and he put his life and thoughts in the natural world so that the external reality reflects the divine soul. In Paradise Lost evil and good are opposed. However, Satan has many characteristics of the epic hero, courage, leadership, initiative. Milton has sympathy for his Satan because he himself was a rebel against the political and religious authority. Both Milton and Dante said that their works had divine inspiration but they had contrasting ideas about Satan’s physical appearance and meaning. Dante’s Satan becomes a means of punishment and it resembles a mythic monster, with wings and three heads. Milton’s Satan is a symbol of God’s justice and it takes several forms, first it is a fallen angel, then it has an inhuman form and finally he becomes a snake. The style of the poem is elevated, the poet used a new kind of magnificent blank-verse.

Case Study Writing A Personal Statement Personal Development Essay

Case Study Writing A Personal Statement Personal Development Essay Why I want to follow this course. (Try not to be too woolly or make motherhood and apple pie statements) Why I chose my HL subjects This must be linked very strongly to the choice of course you intend to follow What my SL choices -either contribute to my chosen course -or contribute to a more rounded education. What is my extended essay about? Why did I choose this topic? (CAREFUL: use only if it enhances your application in some way) Positions of responsibility held. Outside interests, hobbies, CAS activities undertaken, memberships of clubs, etc., or any other activities you are involved in. Any qualifications obtained (e.g. Certificates for music.) (These should either enhance your course choice , or show a broad range of interests, or both) Conclusion This should in some way refer back to your introduction, and look forward as well. What do you see yourself doing in 5 to 10 years time? And how do you think your course choice will enhance the opportunities available to you? Look at how the sample statements provided achieve this aim Qualities an Admissions Tutor looks for in prospective Undergraduate students: GCSE results. Interest from pupil Known ability to show commitment and motivation Technical ability in subject Evidence of general intellectual / subject specific curiosity and passion Evidence of being able to be an independent learner Intellectual flexibility and suppleness A good match between the candidate and the course applied for Willingness and ability to argue lucidly Strength of character, self-discipline, maturity, perseverance, stamina Interest vigorously pursued beyond the syllabus LAW: A career in Law would give me the opportunity to pursue an intellectually challenging field of study which holds utmost importance to upholding the core values of our current society. I believe that law will provide me with a continuous and stimulating learning experience due to its progressive, ever evolving nature in the context of globalization. The appreciation of other cultures and society will assist me immensely in the study of law. As an international student having lived in many countries before and currently pursuing the International Baccalaureate; accepting different cultures and their perspectives has become a day to day way of life. I have been inspired to believe that I am an international citizen with a unique cultural identity. Studying the Theory of Knowledge has helped me gain greater awareness of our world and to conduct rational and logical approaches to complex questions and their uncertainties. Additionally, in History, analyzing a variety of biased sources and striving to substantiate points with historiography, I believe would help me in the study of law. My passion for History in reading into the significance of past events and its effect on society will be further supported by my participation in the Model United Nations.Recently, I was pleased to accept the vote of most Diplomatic delegate, achieving my goal to develop my skills in public speaking and debate. I was challenged with the issue of international property rights, passionately arguing and often siding for countries whose views differ from my own. My participation in the Global Young Leaders Conference in America and seeing first hand the significance of Washington and New Yorks worldwide economic importance was truly inspiring. I was challenged to engage in passionate discussions on matters such as human rights, and the justification of current wars directly affecting politics. This experience has inspired me greatly and consolidated my interest in global affairs, giving me the opportunity to hone diplomatic skills through thought-provoking simulations. Representing the student population in formal functions, my role as Student Delegate has allowed me to take on leadership qualities, encouraging maturity and I believe that now I am more confident and self assured, because of the obligation to set a positive example to other students. I have undertaken community services which have shown me firsthand the social challenges in Bangkok. Looking into the pleading eyes of homeless children selling religious garlands has made me realize the discrepancy between the poor and the rich making me determined to try and make a difference with the skills acquired in the study of Law. I teach English to Thai students on a voluntary basis. Through these rewarding experiences, Ive learned that language barriers can be overcome by non-verbal communication and that human connections can still be achieved. Striving to improve my ability in piano, a hobby which I have pursued since young, I am determined to complete my Grade 7 exam. Another activity I have highly enjoyed and persevered is undertaking the Duke of Edinburgh Award. I am a highly self-motivated student and I have taken the initiative to research into law cases such as the Donahue vs. Stevenson case concerning torts law in practise and a corporate litigation concerning business conflicts such as an accusation of forgery and fraud. The juxtaposition of the ethical boundaries and corporate legality shows me how complex the judicial system is- further inspiring me to study and explore more. A vacation internship in a law firm will help me to understand and gain deeper knowledge on the daily workings of Law. My choice to study Law in the UK is because of my international lifestyle as the well-established British law system can be adapted allowing me to practise even in my home country Malaysia. I hope that my passionate desire to study law will convince you to accept me into your University. BUSINESS: The book Rich Dad, Poor Dad written by personal-finance author Robert T. Kiyosaki and Sharon L. Lechter was the initial stimulus that led me to discover the realm of business management and finance. Additionally, it ignited my ambition to become a successful investor. Having had a long term influence from members within my family who are associated with finance and investment careers, I confidently believe that Im more sensitive in the business field as well as being more critical minded and analytical towards current business affairs. I also understand that these qualities are considered to be essential for a substantial investor, who should possess additionally a considerable amount of determination. I am armed with these qualities; moreover, Business Studies and Mathematics have always been my academic strengths which would allow me to enjoy the course. The economic collapse in 1997 in the Republic of Korea caused numerous prominent companies to suffer cash flow crisis. It was the first time I had the opportunity to witness a major economical and political transformation first hand. This has made me recognize the importance of business management and the commitment it requires to comprehend the basic management principles. These principles such as investment, management, marketing, human resource management, asset management, and organizations are the foundation for creating a good business. On the other hand, I sincerely believe that by studying finance, it will benefit my family businesses and furthermore my ability would then profit society by helping those people who needs support, which is one of my objectives that I wish to fulfill later on in my life. Studying in an international school has enabled me to socialize and mix with students from different cultures. I am also an active person participating in many extra-curricular activities. One large project involved being in the Royal Barge. This involves traditional Thai dancing to show respect to different cultures and additionally celebrated the 60th birthday of the Royal King of Thailand in front of more than two thousand people.. I am currently running an activity myself which invites my peers within Year 13 to experience a different culture via traditional food. The activity is solely managed by me and this has developed my proactive, leadership, organization, and recruitment skills. Im also involved in charity activity; for instance, I joined the 4Kali going to Khao Lak in Phuket where I visited schools to support them rebuild damage from the Tsunami. I helped to organize various activities and programs for the schools and the children. This charity activity was a big stimulus that enhanced my interest to help people who need support for the better future of the world. Living in Bangkok for 5 years of my life, I can speak Korean, English, Mandarin and Thai, which will be invaluable in helping me operate successfully in todays globalized society. Having lived overseas for my whole secondary school life has expanded my appreciation of different cultures, especially as I had the chance to interact with people from a variety of backgrounds in International Schools. Learning TOK as a part of my IB course has enabled me to be very open minded never limiting my views in many different matters to just one perspective. Because of the insight and background which a British education can provide me with, choosing the UK to further my education was a certain and easy decision. I aim to study MBA after my Bachelors Degree to extend my knowledge and study finance to a higher level.

Project management and strategic planning Essay

Question: Language style: English (U.K.).   Write strategic planning and implementation steps involved in any project within IT department. Mention the Total quality management steps followed. What are the problems faced? Which problem solving and decision making methods would you suggest to be utilized? Explain. References: Any 2 Sources from the Internet, or Textbooks or journals. An organisation’s IT Strategic planning should combine some amount of tactical planning.   An IT department would require a strategic planning policy to ensure that the staff members and students can use the network on the campus as and when required.   As per the university requirements, all the schools should have a functional IT system, with certain criteria and specifications.   The IT planning would also help the school to share and receive technology from other schools and in this way be of immense help to the students. An IT Department should form a part and parcel of the education policy and processes of the educational institute.   It should be considered as a very important educational and information tool, for the students and staff members.   Let us now look at the actual strategic planning process and how it can be implemented in an educational institute. Strategic Planning is a process of making important decisions in the organisation so that a link between the present and the future trends is formed, choosing the organization’s goals, establishing the policies needed to meet specific objectives and recognising the means of assuring that policies are implemented in an appropriate manner. In a nutshell strategic plans are the â€Å"action plans† (Majdà ºchovà ¡, 2003 & Strategic Initiatives, 2007). STRATEGIC PLANNING PROCESS: Considering an example of a Management institute with special reference to the project to be carried out in the IT department, the following detailing a manager in the unit will have to accomplish and organize (ICFAI). A Manager who is responsible for strategic planning would convert the intentions or objectives of the organisation concrete and measurable strategic plans, policies and budget allocations (Majdà ºchovà ¡, 2003 & Strategic Initiatives, 2007). Step one: Defining the mission of the organization Based on the above work assignments, companies change their mission over a period of time to reflect changes in the external environment. The IT unit should address three important issues: What is the business supposed to do? Who are the customers? What goods or services does it offer? An IT department targets the various problems and issues, which are normally faced in a laboratory system of an organisation.   The IT department would provide services to the staff and the students and not merely provide goods alone to the audiences mentioned above (Kotler, 1999). Step two: Drawing up organizational objectives The strategic planning process in an IT department will broadly comprise of the following main objectives to be achieved.   This would help to determine the means of accomplishing the mission: – Students online exams / reports / marks, Laptop management (Wi-Fi connection), Internet control, LAN Connections, PC Maintenance, AMC – annual maintenance contract, Software and hardware troubleshooting, UPS, Vendor management, Requisition and procurement of PCs, UPS etc, Intranet management, ERP package connectivity, and Server support  Ã‚   (Kotler, 1999 & ICFAI) Step three: Assessing and Analysing SWOT The mangers need to analyse thoroughly the organisation’s current situation in order to develop an effective strategy to gain a competitive edge: – Availability of KRA’s Availability of E-commerce technologies and processes Availability of skills in management of the supply chain or the vendor Management of Proprietary technology, superior technological skills, IP, Patents, and the issues concerned with them (Kotler, 1999 & ICFAI) Step four: Formulating strategy Michael Porter has described three strategies which can help a firm / unit to gain competitive edge over others. Overall Cost Leadership: An IT firm has to consider the capital investment and access to it, the engineering skills required, intense supervision of labour, products designed for ease in manufacture, etc in order to achieve the its objectives (Kotler, 1999). Differentiation: The IT department may differentiate its products and services into technical and engineering support, strong capability in identifying the LAN, vendors, ERP, Wi-Fi, Internet, skills of the staff members needed, Intranet, etc (Kotler, 1999). Focus: All the above mentioned policies should be directed towards meeting the strategic target of fulfilling the staff’s and the student’s requirements (Kotler, 1999). Step five: Implementing strategy According to McKinsey et al, the best-managed companies exhibit the following 7 elements, known as â€Å"McKinsey 7-S framework for business success†. These include strategy, structure, and systems (known as ‘hardware to success†); and style, skills, staff and shared values (known as â€Å"software to success†) (Kotler, 1999 & ICFAI). In an IT department, style refers to the common ways of thinking and behaving of the staff members.   Skills refer to the unique method of handling problems experienced by the organization, especially using creative solutions.   Staffing is the process of hiring, training and allocating the work by the department.   Shared values refer to the common guiding values shared by the staff members (ICFAI). During the implementation, the manager should constantly monitor the technology, staff, incentives/reward system, decision-making processes, structures and functions (ICFAI). IMPLEMENTING TOTAL QUALITY MANAGEMENT This involves selecting the right staff members and using ensuring that the services are of high quality.   The process of TQM is continuous in the organisation so that quality of the organisation would improve (through having appropriate processes, products and services).   Feedback regarding customer satisfaction is gained, and accordingly improvements are made.   The company needs to gain an insight of how the user would be using the product.   Any shortcoming should be identified and modified, as and when needed.   Some of the steps in TQM include: – Studying the current quality situation Defining the quality needs Planning for a quality control program initiated by the managers Having structures, functions and strategies for implementing the quality program Allocating and obtaining the resources Monitoring and evaluation of the quality control program (Hashmi, 2000) PROBLEMS FACED: The IT department may face several major problems in cases of IT resource troubleshooting, logistics management, customer satisfaction, changes in the vision of the organisation, leadership problems, incompetent human resources, adoption of new technologies, managing the IP, obsolete facilities, etc (ICFAI). One of the major problems faced by the organisation previously, was regarding the presence of viruses in various network systems.   This seemed a threat to the security of the network.   The organisation had to develop a policy to prevent entry and spread of such virus on its network system.   This ensured that all external connections including CD’s, pen drives, removable discs, etc, were thoroughly scanned so that any virus threat would be contained.   The users were also informed of the security measures that had to be followed whilst using the network.   A strong firewall was installed to ensure that all data entering and existing the network was thoroughly monitored.   In this way, the IT department effectively handled virus threats. A study was conducted in the Institute’s IT Department to determine the effectiveness and the efficiency of the IT department’s network system.   More than 100 individuals were interviewed, which included 80 students and 20 teachers.   It was found that when a definite plan was introduced since 2004, the quality of services provided by the IT department improved drastically.   About 75 % of the staff members and 65 % of the students agreed to this.   The IT personnel are conducting quality checks at various levels to ensure that the services are effective and can enable the organisation to achieve its goals. Services Provided Percent of Staff who felt that the services were good Percent of Staff who felt that the services were satisfactory Percent of Staff who felt that the services were poor Comments Internet 75 21 4 Internet services are very good with fast connectivity and lightning speeds Intranet 50 35 15 Intranet exists, but not updated regularly Messenger 25 13 63 Not utilised very often during instruction Mail 65 26 9 Utilised very frequently and beneficial to all the faculty members and students.   Each staff and student is given their own id and password Library 78 12 10 Services are limited (no of databases subscribed) College Database 50 24 26 Not updated for long Teleconference system 56 25 19 Although, the system is effective and very useful, frequent disruptions occur PROBLEM SOLVING AND DECISION MAKING METHODS: Group Decision making method may be useful in large and complex departments, as the decision adopted seem to be better. Delphi group technique brings a panel of experts together in order to identify the problem and develop solutions for them.   Responses are collected and averaged by the people coordinating the group. It is utilised more often to immediately solve acute problems faced by the unit.   Such problems are time consuming and expensive to solve.   Interacting groups is the most common form of group decision making, in which the members openly discuss the problem, develop ideas, argue about each of them, and choose the best alternative. Decision Tree is a complex instrument that helps the decision-maker to consider various alternative courses needed to solve the problem and select the most appropriate alternative. The decision-maker can implement and monitor the alternative (Kotler, 1999 & ICFAI).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   Overall, I do feel that from the efforts of the management of the organisation and from the IT department itself, an effective network system has been develop which is very useful for the students and the staff members.   This educational tool helps in education, instruction, and research and even in providing information to the general public.   Regular feedback should be taken from the users, administrators, etc, in order to determine if any modification is required for the IT System, and effectively introduced into the IT strategic plan.   Over, the last four years, incorporation of an IT plan has ensured a faster network, security, greater access, and increased support.   The IT department has also certain trouble shooting devices in place to handle any situation.   This has helped the organisation to achieve its objectives. References: Hashmi, K. (2000), Introduction and Implementation of Total Quality Management (TQM), [Online], Available: http://www.isixsigma.com/library/content/c031008a.asp, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. ICFAI – Introduction to management, ICFAI Center for Management research. ICFAI – Project Management, ICFAI publication of management research.    Kotler, P. (1999), â€Å"Marketing Management: the Millennium edition,† 10th ed, Prentice Hall. Majdà ºchovà ¡, H. (2003), â€Å"Strategic Management For The Nonprofit Organizations†, Electronic Library of Scientific Literature, vol. 51, no. 3. http://www.sav.sk/journals/ekoncas/ekon2003_07.htm   Ã¢â‚¬Å"Strategic Initiatives – Leading Transformative Change†, [Online], Available: http://www.strategicinitiatives.com/, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. The University of Colorado at Boulder (2002). â€Å"2002 Information Technology Strategic Planning Report.† [Online], Available: http://www.colorado.edu/ITplan/2002itsp.pdf, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. The University of Colorado at Boulder (2002). 2002 IT Strategic Vision, [Online], Available: http://www.colorado.edu/ITplan/vision.pdf, [Accessed: 2007, November 23]. The University of Colorado at Boulder (2002). Current Situation (Trends), [Online], Available: http://www.colorado.edu/ITplan/trends.pdf, [Accessed: 2007, November

Red Lake High School Shooting Essay

Jeffrey James â€Å"Jeff† Weise was an Ojibwe Native American adolescent, and a student at Red Lake Senior High School in Red Lake, Minnesota. He killed nine people and wounded five others in a shooting spree on March 21, 2005, when he was just 16 years old. Weise first murdered his grandfather and grandfather’s girlfriend at his trailer home in Red Lake. He then shot and killed an unarmed security guard, a teacher and five students at Red Lake Senior High School. The shooting ended when Weise committed suicide. Research shows that Jeff was a strange young man, interested in Gothic things black clothing and Nazism, but a look a little further into his past led to a few interesting revelations. Jeff’s parents were never married, because his mother was only 17 when she gave birth. She was forced to give Jeff to his father when he was three months old. Then when he was two his mother took him back. She was reportedly an abusive alcoholic with a tendency to both physically and emotionally abuse her first born son. In 1997 Jeff’s father committed suicide after a two day standoff with police. Then in 1999 his mother suffered brain damage after a car accident in which she had been drinking and driving. Jeff was then placed in the care of his grandmother at the Red Lake Reservation. Jeff did not have the right start in life. His parents should have been older and more ready for a child when he was born. They also should have been married. Jeff also should have had a more stable home life as an infant. It is doubtful that he had a firm attachment with his mother or father considering that he was passed between them at 3 months old and 2 years old. He also should not have been physically or emotionally abused. His mother failed him in that aspect and the fact that she was an alcoholic makes it even worse. It is also doubtful that Jeff dealt with his father’s suicide in a healthy way. He did not have the support that he should have had from his mother. By the time he got to his grandmother’s care he had already led a very difficult life. This ties in to every chapter that we have discussed so far. It refers to attachment, abuse, adolescence and everything. It all goes back to the first thing we talked about that said when parents fail to give their child a good start in life everybody suffers, as is the case with the families of Jeff’s victims.

Critical Analysis of Mendelsons and Parkins Introducing Direct Democracy in Canada

Critical Analysis of Mendelsons and Parkins Introducing Direct Democracy in Canada In the article titled Introducing Direct Democracy in Canada, Mendelsohn and Parkin attempted proving to the readers that the holding of more referendums would improve Canadian democracy, as it would involve the general public in the making of policies and decisions that directly affected their lives. They state that the Canadian executive is given an enormous amount of power when he comes into office, which does not give others-outside of his "inner circle"-an opportunity to influence public policy. The reforms needed to fix this issue, according to Mendelsohn and Parkin, are referendums. However, although they write that referendums are a great way to get the public involved, they also state that there are severe consequences that can occur if they are not used under the right conditions.Mendelsohn and Parkin's central idea is that referendums are needed in order to strengthen the democratic nature of Canada. If these referendums were used appropriately, they would have a number of important uses: protect minority interests so that majority does not always rule, develop a fair political process in which people have an equal chance of speaking their minds and raising their concerns in order to influence public views, provide access to information that the citizens will need in order to be informed and make decisions that work in their best interests, and hold political accountability so that voters would know who to blame if something was to go wrong.Michael Parkin (bw portrait)They present consequences that could potentially occur in the case that referendums were not used correctly. An example would be voters who are not given the opportunity to listen to the different sides of a given issue and who go ahead and cast a vote not having really thought about it. The latter would directly go against the very nature and...

The High Line Park Transformation into a Public Park

The High Line Park Transformation into a Public Park Introduction The High Line Park was conceived in 1999 within the New York City and currently run by the Friends of the High Lane. Currently, the park is a conservancy and a public space for the residents and visitors within New York City. The park has experienced transformation between the West 34th Street and West 30th Street.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The High Line Park Transformation into a Public Park specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More However, several social concerns have been raised on this project. Thus, this analytical treatise attempts to review the social concerns of transformation of the High Lane into a public park. Social concerns of the High Lane Park Decision environment often experience dynamics and swings which create short and long term effect on chances of survival for two alternatives to solve a problem. When faced with a decision dilemma that requires critical assessments, analysis resorts to analytical tools that ensure competitive positioning advantage. However, there must be a clear justification for the decision through review of benefits and projected results of suggested decision. In making the decision to either rebuild the High Lane Park in the city of New York, it is critical to review the benefits of the interested constituencies such as the city residents, the residents of those surrounding the city, the federal government, and the Mayor of the city. Stakeholders are individuals, groups or organisations with a stake/claim in a project’s outcome1. Generally, not all stakeholders will have the same objectives and motivations for a project. The first process of managing stakeholders is to identify them. Overcrowding of Park Enthusiasts (Picture of the crowded High Lane Park; self generated)Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Quality planning i nvolves in identifying which quality standards are relevant to the project and determining how to satisfy them. It is one of the key facilitating processes during project planning and should be performed regularly and in parallel with the other project planning process. Due to its small size, the park is always full beyond its capacity. This has been a concern especially to residents of the High Line settlement who were used to peaceful neighbourhood. The process of decision making is dependent on heuristic since it provides assumptions, integration of project organization framework, and ethical control2. Being a member of the High Lane residents’ constituency, the past experience of peaceful neighborhood inspired this concern. Besides, the cognitive biases have influenced the decision to establish the park. Cultural Clash Ethics determine the level of participation by the members of a constituency who after interaction with each other, identify hale and hearty social interve ntions passed through a feasibility test for implementation to initiate cultural shift among the primary stakeholder. Besides, communication ethics define content policy based on the need to address rational and irrational habits in order to strike a balance on environmental friendly decision process. Besides, the target of this decision implementation is the entire hierarchy of constituency members from the top to the least at bottom of the ladder. As a result of properly structured communication ethics, the decision environment becomes holistic, soft and socially friendly to the constituency members. Besides, healthy ethical communication culture creates structural goals which develop norms, expectations of specific behavior display, and appropriate guideline controlling interaction with one another3. The residents of High Line neighborhood have raised the social concern of interaction to unwelcomed culture such as cases of burglary within the park have increased. Besides, social perverts are often spotted in the park preying on their victims since there is very little presence of the authority.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The High Line Park Transformation into a Public Park specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Among the aspired ideals of the heuristic model in park rehabilitation includes the need for a constituency to strive to develop good culture by fostering a strong alignment on the monitored path of achieving its goals, missions and vision4. This includes written rules of engagement, expected behavior, and repercussions for deviation. Each member of the constituency becomes part of the philosophy upon confirming allegiance. Periodically, the constituency will subconsciously restructure these goals in consistency with the changing life demands. Consequently, when people are absorbed and made to feel part of these goals, they would strive to give their best towards the decision process. Moreover, cooperation with the media has proven instrumental in creating awareness on magnitude and effects of hurricane on economic, social, and health sectors in order to prepare the residents of High line neighborhood psychologically for unprecedented losses in the form of future expansion. Many of the local residents live in a fear of permanent displacement since the current expansion strategy of the park is silent on possible need for further expansion of the park. Unsustainable Expansion Plan As human nature dictates, the park philosophy carries with it enticements. When these are timely discovered, they may lead to a deep attachment with the object over which such a decision motivation is given. When successfully carried out, emotional strains are kept at bay as constant interaction is a means of boosting confidence and personality a recipe for good organizational culture in the constituency. In addition, this regulator manages unrealistic personal pressure among other exces sive demanding thought system and personal cognitive factors inclusive of health issues, relationship and inability to adjust to sudden changes5. Eventual resilience will vary depending on the period taken to implement the plan which may totally be different from another. However, this must be accompanied by definite values as determined by the immediate neighborhood. Ironically, the park has led to relocation of the relatively poor members of the neighborhood since the land rates and house rates have skyrocketed. Instead, the relatively rich have taken over the neighborhood. As a result, the family of the High Line neighborhood has been disintegrated permanently. Environmental Externalities Basically, an externality in the field of environmental conservation and sustainability refers to any benefit or cost which happens due to an action or activity and it directly affects a third party who was not in any way involved and had not made the choice to bring upon yourself that benefit o r cost. Reflectively, an externality is a secondary result of a primary action and may bring with it a benefits or a cost.Advertising Looking for essay on social sciences? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More There are two types of externalities, that is, positive and negative externality. Negative externalities are accompanied by costs incurred while positive externalities are characterized by strings of benefits6. An ideal example of a negative externality in the park project is the continuous uncontrolled pollution activities that directly causes air from the vehicles down the High Line. As a result of the pollution, the whole community has to incur the cost of poor health and possible clean up to restore the clean environment, despite High Line being a park.  Air pollution is a negative externality. Air pollution in the above scenario can be classified as a negative externality since it is accompanied by hidden costs such as health concerns that the entire High Line community has to incur despite being non parties in the pollution activities. The community has to incur the cost of treating those affected by the pollution and has to live with the consequences that the pollution may put on them. In order to deal with this externality, the community should seek for compensation from the city of New York mayor. Sustainable progress is an issue stirred by drift from an ideal thought to a supreme endeavor to tackle emerging problems of financial challenges and ecological problems. This category of revolution has endeavored to solve existing social problems. At present, people prefer eco-friendly programs when deciding recreational facilities to visit. (Picture of the environmental externalities; self generated) Inflated cost of living to the original residents Reflectively, the principle of comparative advantage is a concept that connotes the desirable ability of an individual or nation to give a service at a relatively lower opportunity cost and marginal cost as compared to another who has the intention of giving the same service, in this case, the High Line Park. Despite the fact the New York City may possess efficient factors for nearly all the park services as a result of its absolute advantage, the residents don’t seem to benefit since the park services are not affordable to the relatively poor persons in the neighborhood.  Sustainability and sustainable development is a term mostly applied by urban planners’ inconsideration environmental and demographic factors which influences urban set up7. As compared to early population, the modern population has increased in population as well as change in their social economic activities. For this reason, urban planners must develop a mechanism to cater for space in the urban centers as well as the increase in trend over environmental pollution. In addition, the planners should address issues tied to social resources, pollution in the urban centers, climate changes and urban heat. The High Line Park does not have a regulation policy that will ensure its sustainability amidst competing interests.  Sustainable development should be created in a way that the short and long-term hea lthy growth of an urban center should be maintained. This takes the aspect of effective and efficient control of pollution, proper housing to reduce congestion, good social ecology, better mechanisms of restoring natural resources and positive community interactions. For sustainable development to be carried out in the High Line Park a wide view of policies and plans must be put in place. Collaborative Strategic Goal Oriented Programming could be applied. This program looks into analyzing decision making based on well assessed problem on the ground using any possible means. It has majorly been applied to large urban systems with problems. It has successfully been applied to the European urban development system and on the project of LUDA. (Picture of the third phase of the High Line Park; self generated) The planning system applies the social approach of uniting groups to unearth information and ideas on the problems affecting that particular urban area. Currently the issues for di scussion in the High Line Park project include urban aesthetics and safety. The visual impression in urban centers has become another important aspect of urban transformation. Safety on weather condition and other natural calamities like earthquakes are also emerging issues in the sustainable development plans of the High Line Park since it location and position is prone to weather disaster. (Picture of the High Line Park side walk; self generated) Addressing the social concerns Actually, sustainability is a state of acquiring social, environmental, and economical expectations without compromising important aspects of life for future generation. Indeed, sustainable living therefore, is expressed as a situation of living in an innate sustainable and appealing facility distinct of ecological, financial, and conscious features. Moreover, sustainable devise and sustainable progress are significant features in achieving sustainable living situation.  Adaptation of sociological approac h in environmental impact assessment recommendations should be inclusive of an environmental committee that would clear the weighty issues surrounding technical and institutional assumptions in establishing the third phase of the High Line Park. Through this, the stakeholders will reach a compromising but satisfactory decision that will be influenced by participatory decision process, rather than adopting either a protagonist or antagonist stance in this multimillion dollar project. Thus, a wider scrutiny will encompass scientific and democratic purposes and concerns of the locals8. As a result, the common ground that is likely to be fostered by the above committee would be the stimulus of free activities and proactive engagements for all the interest institutions, persons, and extra-institutional groups. After reviewing several decisions and judgment on different cases on park management, sociological treatment would provide the most neutral ground for implementation of the third p hase of the High Line Park. The micro level analysis requires personalized approach which will indicate an imminent and forthcoming need for personnel who can function as safety engineers within the High Line Park. Bibliography Alan, Porter. Tech Mining to Drive Open Innovation. Georgia Tech: Technology Policy   Assessment Center, 2006.  thevantagepoint.com/resources/articles/Tech%20Mining%20+%20Op  en%20Innovation.pdf Appadurai, Arjun. Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization. London: University of Minnesota, 2011.  http://summerglobalissues.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/appadurai2.pdf Appiah, Anthony. Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a world of strangers. New York: Norton Company, 2011.  http://globalissuesindesign.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/wk4cosmopolitanism_ch ap6.pdf Blauvelt, Andrew. Strangely Familiar: Design and everyday life. Minneapolis: Walker Art Center, 2011. http://summerglobalissues.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/hunt_consumption.pdf Cascio, Jamais. F utures Thinking: Writing Scenarios. New York: FastCompan,  2010.  fastcompany.com/1560416/futures-thinking-writing-scenarios Gray, Christopher. As High Line Park Rises, a Time Capsule Remains. New York: The New York Times, 2008. nytimes.com/2008/05/18/realestate/18scap.html?adxnnl=1adxnnlx= 1372146837-zJyBmcCGkKlJ+ynvfxhHMA McDonough, William, and Braungarat Michael. Remaking the way we make things. New York: North Point Press, 2002.  http://summerglobalissues.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/wk8_mcdonough_braun gart_c2c_chap-4.pdf Moss, Jeremiah. The High Lane. New York: The New York Times, 2012.  nytimes.com/2012/08/22/opinion/in-the-shadows-of-the-high- line.html?_r=0 Footnotes 1 Anthony Appiah, Cosmopolitanism: Ethics in a world of strangers (New York: Norton Company, 2011),  http://globalissuesindesign.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/wk4cosmopolitanism_chap6.pdf 2 Andrew Blauvelt, Strangely Familiar: Design and everyday life (Minneapolis: Walker Art Center, 2011), http://summe rglobalissues.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/hunt_consumption.pdf 3 Arjun Appadurai, Modernity at Large: Cultural Dimensions of Globalization (London: University of Minnesota, 2011),  http://summerglobalissues.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/appadurai2.pdf 4 William McDonough, and Michael Braungarat, Remaking the way we make things (New York: North Point Press, 2002),  http://summerglobalissues.files.wordpress.com/2011/05/wk8_mcdonough_braungart_c2c_chap-4.pdf 5 Jamais Cascio, Futures Thinking: Writing Scenarios (New York: FastCompan,  2010), fastcompany.com/1560416/futures-thinking-writing-scenarios 6 Porter Alan, Tech Mining to Drive Open Innovation (Georgia Tech: Technology Policy   Assessment Center, 2006),  thevantagepoint.com/resources/articles/Tech%20Mining%20+%20Open%20Innovation.pdf 7 Jeremiah Moss,The High Lane (New York: The New York Times, 2012) 8 Christopher Gray, As High Line Park Rises, a Time Capsule Remains (New York: The New York Times, 2008), nytimes.com/2008/0 5/18/realestate/18scap.html?adxnnl=1adxnnlx=1372146837-zJyBmcCGkKlJ+ynvfxhHMA

Project management Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 1

Project management - Research Paper Example Project management is also governed by time allocated to achieve a specific goal or objective. A proper management activity involves attaining of a goal within a specific time allocated for the completion of the activities. In management of projects, creation, implementation and measurement of results determine the effectiveness of a project management strategy (Lock, 2007). Additionally, project management involves the creation of outstanding technical skills and distinct management strategies. Each project management objective has a concept phase that has general guidelines regardless of the set goals and objectives. The concept phase in project management involves; Development of the concept statement Completion of the business analysis Review of the project concept Project concepts are principles on which a project is based. In any project management activity concepts refer to the guidelines which are set aside for mangers to follow. For instance, there is a concept which require s originality or reliable sources to be used in the creation of assumptions and results. According to Cooke-Davies (2002) project management concepts create the guidelines which govern the direction of decision making by project managers. The author further argues that project management concepts change depending on the scope of the project portfolio. For instance, the concepts used in project management portfolio in psychology and business may not be similar (Lock, 2007). History The implementation of project management strategies in organizations dates back to the 1950s. Prior to this development, engineering projects in the 1900 were controlled by engineers, master builders and architects. In the 1950, organizations started practicing complex project management project in civil engineering. In words by Loch (2000) these complex civil engineering projects required more than just supervising from experienced architects. The author further argues that the activities involved in the projects required single project management capabilities that had to be monitored in each phase. This created the concepts that initialized the activities involved in project management. Project management then grew as a discipline to other fields like heavy defense activity, construction and engineering. In the growth of project management two figures played a major role in this particular growth. They are Henri Fayol and Henry Gantt. At the same time there were also developments in project scheduling models, cost management strategies, technology of cost estimating and engineering economics. The growth of project management was further boosted by the creation of the American Association of Cost Engineers. This body aided in cost estimation strategies, cost estimating, planning and scheduling portfolios (Stevens, 2002). In 1969, there was the creation of project management institute in the USA. The body publishes A Guide to the Project Management Body of Knowledge which is describe s the practices used in most projects and often (Dinsmore et.al, 2005). Project management basics There are five basic of project management. These five basics are connected together strategically to bring out the whole process of project management. These five basics are represented in the diagram below. The process commences at initializing which involves project feasibility and project initiating. Then the process advances to planning which includes formulating of schedule task lists,

Information Processing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Information Processing - Essay Example The way human brain processes information about the outer world depends on different factors and, above all, upon the context. For instance, if a person looks at some complicated picture, e.g. a portrait, it is enough to cast one glance at what is depicted on it, whereas comprehending the same picture would hardly be possible if this person begins analysing different parts of this portrait separately, one by one. This peculiarity of information processing is due to the fact that the brain operates the sensory signals that are perceived together, not separately. (Schweizer 1998, p. 89) The visual signals normally reach our eyes simultaneously and therefore in case with visual images the processing of information begins from the retina. The sounds that constitute speech reach the hearing organs successively, and that is why for processing a sound image it should first be stored in short-term memory. For the identification of the already known images, the brain compares the information recorded in the short-time memory with the classes of images contained in the long-term memory that contain the information about the previous experience that has been collected in the process of studying and communicating. One of the challenging aspects of processing information is perception of stimulus in the situations where there are a lot of similar symbols - e.g. when someone is talking to another person in a noisy room. In such situations, though the stream of sounds produced by the interlocutor is accompanied by other sounds, it is normally possible to comprehend the speech. Quite a simple example where the context of information creates the context is the illusions of sound continuation or phonetic restoration. A brilliant example of this phenomenon was described by Richard Warren: if you hear some phrase whose meaning you cannot catch, but you definitely hear its ending - '... eel is on the' Now, if you put the word 'orange' at the end of this phrase, you will hear 'peel is on the orange'; if the word is 'wagon', the phrase will sound as 'wheel is on the wagon'; if it is 'shoe' you will perceive the phrase as 'heel is on the shoe'. (Warren 1970) This experiment shows that the sound stimulus in itself (noise + 'eel') fails to determine unambiguously what will be heard by the recipient. Attention Attention is the process of sorting the information that comes from outside in accordance with the importance of the tasks a person has. There are several kinds of attention: active (voluntary) attention that is conditioned by a certain conscious goal, and automatic (involuntary) attention that is actualized under the influence of unexpected and new stimuli in the form of orientating reflex. (Lachman & Lachman 1979, pp. 183 - 185) The effectiveness of attention can be determined by its level (concentration and intensity of attention), volume, speed of switching to other objects, and stability. It has been proved that the attention processes are connected with functioning of the corpus collosum, the left part of the brain ensuring selective attention and the right part - maintaining the general level of awareness. Memory Memory is a very important phenomenon that is crucial for our lives. Thanks to it, we are able to use our own experience and the experience of other people in our lives. There is short-term and long-term memory. Short-term memory is also called operative memory. To illustrate the