Increasing Number of Juvenile Delinquents Essay

There are an increasing number of juvenile delinquents. What are the causes of this phenomenon? The incidence of juvenile offenses is growing at an alarming rate; and the severity of these offenses has been consistently staggering to us adults. It is imperative that we pinpoint the causes of this phenomenon. Many instance of juvenile delinquency have been attributed to the violent or the pornographic content of some TV shows and video games. These days, we are confronted with a proliferation of blood and nudity on TV, the computer and the internet. As a consequence, many youngsters, especially teenage boys, get addicted to such scenes. Lacking the capacity to distinguish between right and wrong, they develop criminal tendencies. Another contributing factor is the rampant parental neglect and domestic violence. Todayï ¼Å'there have been an ever-growing number of dysfunctional families. In general, the children raised in such families are far more likely to be afflicted with constant fear and anxiety. Eventually, they develop a hatred for the individuals and society as a whole. Additional, the increase of juvenile crime rate is symbiotically connected with the rise of adult crime rate in society, in other words, the more adult crimes, the higher the probability of youngsters falling prey to adult offenders. For instance, many youths are tempted by evil adults into committing crimes, whereas others who are victims of adult offenses may become criminals themselves to get their revenge on society. In sum, a variety of factors contribute to the surge of juvenile delinquency. It is crucial that we take stringent measures to tackle these problems immediately and ensure that the future of our nations –that is, the youngsters, have a more promising future ahead of them.

Relations of Television Viewing and Reading Essay

A lot of studies concerning television viewing impacts on students’ academic performance have been made, but there are still questions related to this that are needed to be answered. To bring more clarifications in this aspect, Marco Ennemoser and Wolfgang Scheider conducted the study entitled â€Å"Relations of Television Viewing and Reading: Findings From a 4-Year Longitudinal Study†. As stated in the article, the study aims to determine the long-term effects of television viewing on the development of children’s reading competencies. After conducting scientific processes and methods among German children, the researchers were able to conclude that television viewing has a negative effect on students’ reading skills. The article was generally informative and reliable. There were some technical errors in the writing procedure, but the study itself was a success. Summary On the first part of the article, the researchers discussed four inhibition hypotheses which plausibly explain how television viewing may hinder one’s reading development. These inhibition hypotheses are: 1. Displacement hypothesis – reading time may be displaced by television watching. 2. Passivity hypothesis – low mental effort in television watching may anchor reduced effort in reading and writing. 3. Concentration Deterioration hypothesis – television’s rapid changes in context and pacing may cause children’s inability to concentrate on a task. 4. Reading Depreciation hypothesis – Students’ motivation in investing energy in learning may diminish due to pleasant experiences with television. After discussing these hypotheses, the researchers enlighten up the positive side by referring to facilitation hypothesis. This hypothesis views television as a facilitator to one’s reading development. Then, other factors affecting children’s intellectual ability such as IQ and SES were discussed. Methodological problems among previous studies explaining relationship between television watching and academic achievement were given attention. The researchers analyzed the flaws in their methodologies in order to create a better methodological design for their own study. The study was conducted for 4 years among 2 age cohorts of German children. Cohort 1 is composed of kindergarten students, while cohort 2 is composed second grade students. Their families also collaborated with the researchers to keep records of their viewing time and the genre of the programs they were viewing. Tests were given to measure their reading speed and reading comprehension. Data gathered from the 4-year study were analyzed. Results showed that TV genre affected the students’ reading achievement. Educational programs had positive effects on their reading achievement. On the other hand, entertainment programs were negatively correlated with reading comprehension. The results also showed that viewing type/duartion (light, medium, and heavy) is related to their reading progress over time. Light and medium viewers have faster reading progress compared to the heavy viewers. Critique In the research paper of Marco Ennemoser and Wolfgang Scheider, hypotheses concerning the effects of television viewing on reading achievement were discussed. This is actually a good start. Putting up background information about possible results of the study would create a better understanding on readers’ perspective. This gave them the opportunity to relate studies’ results to formulated hy However, the hypotheses reviewed by the researchers seem to be lacking. On a studyconducted by Mary Antonette De Ocampo of Univeristy of the Philippines – Diliman, 2 more theories behind child’s television viewing werecited. The first one is the information processing theory which, according to her thesis paper, says that â€Å"learners are viewed as active seekers and processors of information† (De Ocampo, 2007). The other one is the short-term gratification theory which, also according to her thesis paper, says that â€Å"television programming promotes short attention spans and quick fix magical answers that are non-conducive to high levels of school success†(De Ocampo, 2007). Results shown by Marco Ennemoser and Wolfgang Scheider’s study reflect these two hypotheses cited in De Ocampo’s study. If these were included in their study, then these two hypotheses would be enlightened and there would be more contribution to the body knowledge of television viewing. Methods were expounded all throughout the paper but not in a concise manner. There were cases wherein concepts related to methods were discussed more than once. It would be more convenient to readers if methodological processes were summed up into one section. Through this, it would be easier to locate the overall procedure conducted in the study. Materials, equipment, and procedure were also not explained well in the article. According to Kastenset. al. , method section of a scientific paper must include description of materials, procedure, and theory (www. ldeo. columbia. edu, nd. ). Descriptions are needed so that readers would be able to understand the context meaning of certain words included in the paper. For example, the study did not describe what general audience entertainment programs are and how they differ from educational programs. There was a gray line between those two. There are educational programs which could be entertainment programs, too. There is a need for clarifications of descriptions. This very crucial in the conduction of study because the parents, who will record the TV programs genre watched by their children, must be informed well so that they would be able to classify the genre of certain TV programs. Yes, the researchers listed the title of educational programs in their study, but how about the audience entertainment programs? Also, descriptions are important in this for future reference.

Information system in business Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Information system in business - Essay Example The company prides in large number of shareholders. Argo Investment Limited has more than 68, 000 shareholders. The company attaches the huge number of shareholders to its reputation, high capital, regular income, and great regard of their clients’ savings (Forde & Beelaerts, 2011:123). Australian Foundation Investment Company aspires to continue providing attractive investment returns to their clients. The objectives of this company are to pay dividends that have a steady growth and enhance capital, which its shareholders have invested. On top of this, Australian Foundation Investment Company aims to provide good total returns of shares not only in medium terms, but also in long terms (Australian Foundation Investment Company, 2012:1). Argo Investments allows individual investors, trusts, and companies to invest in their company, which has a professional management and diversified portfolio of Australian shares. Argo has been paying dividends to its shareholders annually since it started over 60 years ago. Argo has invested in 120 companies and trusts aiming to grow in capital as it continues to create value in Australian Securities Exchange. The company capitalizes on globalization of economy. In the light of benefits from interconnectedness of the world in terms of economy, Argo has invested in the businesses that have expanded their activities in different regions of the globe (Argo Investment, 2012:2). Argo’s assets attract a huge market. Its shares have been selling highly in the Australian Securities Exchange. The company does not have plans to dispose its long-term investment portfolio. In 30 April 2012, the cost per share in this company stood at $5.80. After deduction of tax, the price of a single share reduces to $5.32. Australian Foundation Investment Company gives a dividend reinvestment plan. Share acquisition plan issues capital and other raisings of the company (Argo Investment, 2012:1). I recommend that an investor should invest in

Corporate Social Responsibility Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 2

Corporate Social Responsibility - Essay Example Though the organization had an effective distinguished record as an initiator of corporate social responsibility, The Body Shop had its blond share of critics. Since 1990, the organization faced high scrutiny regarding its several claims and business activities. Several critics accused that the organization and the founders of the organization are hypocrites as they did not follow the organization values and policies. In the year 1994, according to the report of Jon Entine, the organization did not conduct any charitable contribution or activities in its first 11 years of business operation. Moreover, in the subsequent years The Body Shop contributed less than 1.5% of pre-tax profit to charity (Mallin, 2009, p.71). Moreover, according to Jon Entine, several ex-employees of Body Shop claimed that the organization provides various fabricated products to their target customers. The organization is committed in providing natural and high quality products. Only maintaining the luxurious n ature of the products are not enough to attract the customers. They need to ensure that the products need to be delivered based on the organizational value. It is true that The Body Shop has been taken over by L’Oreal. L’Oreal does use animal testing for cosmetics. On the other hand, founder of Body Shop opposed this concept of animal testing for their cosmetics throughout their business operation of 30 years. Anti-Nestle and Anti-animal campaigners started to boycott the products of Body Shop. In response to this protest, L’Oreal clarified that they did not execute any animal testing since 1989 (Purkayastha and Fernando, 2007, p.12). Moreover, according to a critic’s report, Body shop tried to source ingredients from the organizations that defend and protect all the local farmers’ legal rights. The organization gathered resources for the products in an unethical way that created huge controversy. In response, the organization tried to clarify that they are taken over by L’Oreal. It is not fault at all. Maintenance of business ethics and organizational value is an important parameter of a success ful business. The organization committed that they will provide natural and high quality cosmetics to their target customers. Unfortunately, according to the discussion of several ex-employees it has been found out that they provide several fabricated beauty products. It is a violation of organizational vale and ethics. Customers are considered as the major business growth drivers. It is important for the organization to defend human rights. Effective corporate social responsibility helps an organization to maximize business profits through sustainable business practices. The organizations need to consider social, economical, environmental and legal rights to achieve business objective. Moreover, sustainable business practices helps organizations to increase their brand image and reputation in the competitive global, glocal and local market. Green business strategy includes green consumerism. Body Shop follows aggressive business expansion plans. Major objective of the organization is to make huge money for their important and rich

Organizational Effectiveness Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organizational Effectiveness - Essay Example e employees of a Company are motivated and through their efforts, succeed in transforming the prospective client who enters into a business transaction with an organization into an active and loyal customer.(Dufour and Maisonnas, 1997). Customer loyalty is vital because retaining the existing customer is less expensive as compared to wooing new customers. Traditional hierarchical systems of leadership are yielding way to transformational leadership. The older systems were stiff and bureaucractic, often impacting negatively upon the organization by bogging down the timely delivery of efficient service and implementation of policy decisions. But transformational leaders operate along a more diffused style of networking within the organization. They have vision, realize the need for change and inspire others to work cooperatively towards a common goal. (McCollum 2005). Therefore, organizational structure needs to be changed to introduce more networking rather than a hierarchical framewo rk. Customer loyalty is conditioned to a great extent by (a) the level of service received as a function of the expectations of the customer and his perception of the service given to him (Parasuram et al, 1994). Understanding and anticipating present and future customer expectations must be a vital part of organizational strategy in order to ensure maximum efficiency in the provision of service.(Szeinbach et al,1997). Therefore, to improve organizational effectiveness, the model must also incorporate measures to assess customer expectations through a detailed analysis of customer preferences and knowledge of market trends. Furthermore, the model may also incorporate additional measures such as bonuses and incentives to encourage existing customers to stay loyal to the Company. Regular customers provide free. Word of mouth publicity for a business, they are less expensive to service because they are already familiar with existing company procedures and satisfied with the Company’ s

Role of the Media in American Politics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Role of the Media in American Politics - Essay Example The media plays a pivotal role in America’s political system. Since the creation of the constitution, the media has exercised freedoms of speech and rights of association extensively. This practice lured domestic and foreign interests because of the immense influence it held on the people. Industrialists and corporate heads made use of early modes of communication to advertise their products and services. This trend continued for two centuries as technologies used by the media spread and became easier for the people to own and equally easy for media heads to control. The democratic aspect of the media began changing radically during the twentieth century as the role of the media during both World Wars and the Cold War revealed its almost omnipotent characteristic. Today, political figures can openly alter the content a media house broadcasts in their own favor. Likewise for corporations that own the same media houses. This trend has led scholars and investigative researchers t o question the democratic nature of the media in United States’ political system. The following paper explores and critically analyzes these academics’ works to provide a deeper insight into the democratic deficit or anti-democratic nature of the media in modern American politics. Since 2000, transnational media groups have surfaced and developed together with other global corporations. While there have been media houses essentially prior to the 1990s, a worldwide commercial media market surfaced during the early 2000s (Engesser 274).

Law of the Sea Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Law of the Sea - Essay Example The different provisions of this convention included setting of limits, navigation rules, exclusive economic zones, continental shelf, deep seabed mining, the exploitation regime, prospects of technology, the issue of universal participation in the convention, pioneer investors, protection of the marine environment, marine scientific research, and settlement of disputes3. The present study focuses on the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982 and discusses about the powers that the Convention provides to flag, port and coastal states trying to determine its effectiveness and appropriateness towards prevention, control and minimization of pollution and damage to the marine environment. UN Convention of the Law of the Sea: Article 94 Presenting Duties of the Flag State: According to the Article 94 of the convention, it was the duty of every State to implement authority and be in command of the managerial, procedural and communal matters in regard to the ships flying its flag4. A regi ster of ships is required to be maintained in every State that contains the details of all the ships flying its flags excluding the ones that are not under the policies of international regulations5. While every State should follow their internal laws, they are supposed to execute significant control over the administration of the ship flying its flag as well as the masters, the crew and the officers associated with the ship6. The convention provides that every State has the responsibility to consider measures for safety in regard to the (a) the construction, equipment and seaworthiness of ships; (b) the manning of ships, labor conditions and the training of crews, taking into account the applicable international instruments; and (c) the use of signals, the maintenance of communications and the prevention of collisions7. The details of the ships flying its flag are required to be monitored and evaluated by qualified surveyors not only before the ships fly their flags but also at reg ular intervals once the ships have started. Charts, nautical publications and navigational equipment and instruments that are necessary for the purpose of navigation safety of the ship also need to be available8. Officers and masters in association of the ships should be suitably qualified in seamanship, routing, communications and marine engineering and that the crew members possess sufficient knowledge regarding the type, size, technology and equipment of the ship9. The convention also provides that the crew members as well as the officers and masters need to be acquainted well with the regulations as directed by the law for the safety of life at sea, the avoidance of collisions, the anticipation, diminution and power of marine pollution, and the maintenance of communications by radio10. For the implementation of the above mentioned measures, the convention also rules that every State should be familiar with the regulations, procedures and practices11 internationally stated and th us consider safety measures accordingly. A State has the provision of reporting to the flag State in case any irresponsibility or lack of proper control is observed by the State in relation to the ship flying its flag12. In case of any casualty or incident in navigation leading to loss of lives or in cases of serious

Concepts and Case Analysis in the Commercial Law of Contracts Research Paper

Concepts and Case Analysis in the Commercial Law of Contracts - Research Paper Example Dotty has a right for the goods bought together with the premise and may sue to specific performance. It allows the buyer to sue for specific performance when the goods are specific. The remedy is discretionary and will only be granted if the goods are of special value or unique in their nature like the antique furniture. Dotty can also sue the vendors against trespass on the goods. An action for trespass to goods lies where there is wrongful interference with another person's goods, which are in his possession. The interference includes actual taking off or a direct and immediate injury to the goods. This tort aims at protecting personal property. For an action to be enforceable as a trespass on goods, the plaintiff must establish that at the time of trespass, he had the possession of the goods either actual or constructive and that his possession had been wrongly interfered with or disturbed. For this case, it was a trespass on chattels or goods. This is based on possession. The tort consists of interference with the goods, which are in the actual or constructive possession of the plaintiff. We need to determine whether the seating and hair dryers are fitting to the land and also consider whether it has been fixed with the intention that it will remain in position permanently or for an indefinite or substantial period, or whether temporary purpose. If they prove to have been fixed merely for a temporary purpose, it is obviously not a fixture Land includes things affixed to the land such as buildings and fences, and so on. A fixture is an object that was affixed to land with the intention of becoming a permanent feature of that land.  

The Film Invictus Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

The Film Invictus - Essay Example Right from the beginning of the film, it is clear that the subject of the process of human socialization as demonstrated in organizations, peers, and institutions apparently takes the central role in the film. It is quite evident that the film’s key focus is on apartheid. Apartheid has cut across many every organ of the government right from the institution of the president, institution of justice, institutions responsible for security, as well as other government organization that is key to delivering basic services to the country. The term apartheid was an Africaans that was commonly used to refer to a system of racial segregation that was enforced through the process of legislation by the then South African ruling party (National Party). During this period of time, the rights of the majority black South African Inhabitants were said to have been curtailed while the white supremacy was maintained. In essence, the word served as a policy of segregation, as well as political-e conomic discrimination against those who belonged to groups of non-European in the Republic of South Africa. According to this film, after Morgan Freeman gets leased from Prison and he is elected as the first black president of the South African Republic, he has many challenges following the post-Apartheid era. One thing that is quite striking to him is that to do with human socialization. Human socialization, in this case, refers to the racial divisions between the white and black South Africans who are affiliated with movements supporting racial segregation and are the cause of the day to day violence. The ill motive that the whites and the blacks hold towards each other is clearly demonstrated in the president’s security details, where the relations between the prior established white officers.

Topic Services Marketing, Case Monster.com Essay

Topic Services Marketing, Case Monster.com - Essay Example In the mid 90s, during the post-recession period in the U.S, big companies started to work on the booming economy by expanding their businesses. Such a move, requisitioned more professionals to be recruited. There was pressure on the recruitment agencies to supply the necessary work force within a short period of time. The recruitment companies were forced to react quickly to cater this huge requirement and started to look at new strategies to sustain this critical stage. There were many types of media existing at that time like the newspapers, Radio, Television, and the Internet. Media, other than internet, had a good reach. Monster.com tried to access the new medium of Internet as an effective channel for recruitment services. The company had to address multitude of problems related to: Customers: On one hand Monster.com had to entice companies to provide them with job vacancies. The initial companies which had provided Monster.com with job postings were the companies for which Monster.com had developed the advertisement designs. However, for Monster.com to attract new clients meant that the company had to prove to its potential clients, the validity of internet as a medium for offering recruitment services. ... Monster.com had chosen Internet as medium owing to the strengths such as high volume of content deliverable, customization of content and reach. Such of the strengths were intended to offset the shortage of time within which the jobs had to be filled. However, with the basic weakness of Internet as a cluttered medium, Monster.com was unable to make the customers access the website amongst the clutter. Competition: Internet was totally a new avenue through which recruitment services were offered. Going by Ansoff's Product / Market Matrix, the mode of Internet was a new medium available in the existing market of recruitment services. The growth strategy called for product development. For making the product competitive, Monster.com made the product cost competitive, the inherent strength of distribution was highlight in the reach of internet, however, Monster.com was not able to penetrate the market share of the then existing products such as Newpaper and Radio. How could Monster.com promote Internet as an effective medium remained a question mark Did Monster.com leverage the existing products such as newspapers for which they were designing the advertisements to complement for the launched of the medium of internet as a value addition is also a question since, Monster.com had independently launched the web medium for recruitment services. Collaboration: Monster.com had support from companies for which they were designing the advertisements. However, there was no collaboration with the existing medium of communication such as newspapers and radio. Study of functioning of some of the major online service giants or recruitment service providers could have benefited Monster.com for standardization of the product. However, Monster.com did have a tie-up

Macroeconomics Commentary - Japans consumer prices fall on weak domestic demand Essay Example for Free

Macroeconomics Commentary Japans consumer prices fall on weak domestic demand Essay Japans consumer prices fall on weak domestic demand Japans consumer prices have fallen for the first time in four months, as weak domestic demand and deflation continue to weigh on growth. Core consumer prices, which exclude fresh food, slipped 0.1% in October, the statistics bureau said. One of the reasons for the fall is last years cigarette tax rise falling out of the calculations. The strong yen as well as Europes debt crisis are hurting the growth outlook for the worlds third-largest economy. Yen strength In March, Japan was hit by a devastating earthquake and tsunami that caused much damage in the north-east of the country. The government this week passed an emergency budget of $155bn (Â £100bn) to try to boost domestic demand, however the effects wont be felt for a few months. The data underscores the sluggishness of domestic demand, as the economys recovery has taken a breather because of a delay in reconstruction efforts and global economic slowdown, said Takeshi Minami from Norinchukin Research. Japans economy bounced back from recession, triggered by the earthquake and tsunami, in the three months to September. However, the pace is expected to slow because of the pressure on exporters from the strong yen, as well as the bleak global outlook of growth. Oil prices The slowing global economy has caused a decline in crude oil costs. That combined with the yens appreciation have made energy imports to Japan very cheap. Gasoline prices at the pumps have dropped 1% since September in Japan. The yen has advanced 6% against the dollar in the last six months. Some analysts said consumer prices in Japan could further decline as the slowing global economy continues to weigh on the price of oil. Deflation is a persistent fall in the average price level of prices in the economy. Japan experienced deflation where average level of price fell by 0.1%. The type of deflation in Japan is known as negative deflation which resulted from demand side of economy. A fall in domestic demand caused a decrease in consumer prices level and a decrease in real output. The fall in domestic demand was due to last years cigarette tax rise. Government rose cigarette tax to increased government revenue. Cigarette tax charged on producers instead of consumers. Tax increased the costs of production to producers. This shifted the supply curve form S1 to S2 while the demand curve did not change. Cigarette tax depressed the activity of market and placed a wedge. Producers gained less profit and consumers paid more. Hence the total quantity reduced from Q1 to Q2, as figure shown below. Tax charged on producers equilibrium without rising tax The increases in price that consumers paid reduced the willingness to buy. The demand curve shifted to left from D to D1 as figure shown below. Hence the quantity demanded reduced from Q2 to Q3 and price of cigarette reduced from P2 to P4. Tax affects demand indirectly Less quantity demanded of cigarette means less quantity sold at the price lower than without tax. Therefore even lower government revenue collected. What have discussed above would repeat itself as a cycle if Japan government continues to rising cigarette tax. The results of higher cigarette tax combined with several other factors together to reduce the aggregate demand in Japan market. The economy was near full employment level of output, with a small amount of spare capacity. The figure below indicated that as aggregate demand curve shifted to left, the quantity of output and average price level reduced. Demand-pull deflation The biggest problem associated with deflation is unemployment. If aggregate demand is low, business is likely to lay off workers. In fact, Japan already had unemployment rate around 4.7%. High unemployment rate linked with high suicide rate and other security uncertainties. Government tried to correct deflation and to reduce rate of unemployment by means of pass an emergency budget of $155 billion to boost domestic demand. However, the aim will not be fulfilled in short-run. Japan is a developed country. There are periods of rising growth, followed by periods of slowing growth, and falling growth in developed countries. This is known as business cycle which is the periodic fluctuations in economic activity measured by changes in real GDP. The phases of business cycle are boom, recession, trough and recovery. Recession is two consecutive quarters of negative GDP growth. During a recession, consumption and investment fall. Falling aggregate demand leads to unemployment. If more people are unemployed, there will be even less consumption and deflation. At some point the recession came to an end. Output cannot continue to fall as there would be some people with jobs to maintain consumption, foreigners demand exporters and government spending. Japans economy bounced back from recession and started to recovery, triggered by earthquake, from June to September. The real GDP started to increase as government running budget for reconstruction and medical treatments after earthquake. However, the pace of recovery tends to be very slow as a result of the appreciation of yen. The yen has appreciated 6% against dollar in the last six months. Appreciation of yen against dollar means the purchasing power of yen has risen. However, appreciation of yen against dollar occurs at the same time as the depreciation of dollar. An exchange rate is value of one currency expressed in terms of another currency. One of the disadvantages of a high exchange rate is damage to export industries. If value of exchange rate is high, then export industries find it is difficult to sell products because foreigners are likely to reduce the quantity imported since goods become more expensive. Therefore, lower the revenue from exports, slower the pace of recovery. The fell of average price level (deflation) can also be explained by the high exchange rate. When value of exchange rate is high, price of imports will be relatively low. Taken import of oil as an example, the gasoline prices have dropped 1% since September. In addition, price of imported raw materials will reduce the costs of production for firms which could lead to lower prices for consumers. Low price of imported goods also puts pressure on domestic producers to be competitive by keeping prices low. Japan’s government could lower the value of yen by means of buy foreign currencies on foreign exchange markets. Government uses its own yen to buy hence increases supply of yen on foreign exchange market and so lowers its exchange rate. Lower the level of domestic interest rates could lower the value of yen too. This will cause financial investment abroad more attractive. In order to invest abroad, investors will buy foreign currency thus exchanging their own currency and increasing supply of it on financial exchange market. This could lower its exchange rate.

Importance of note-making

Importance of note-making CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION The Importance of Note-Making During FEST program we meet many modules. With regarding to its own behavior we have to follow learning techniques to remember all the important points. As we cannot hold them all in our mind, we will have to use a record to gather all the information. To record something we have to improve our listening skills. As we record something we will have to pay our attention for our work. That record can help us to recall and understand the lesion in a later time and saves our time. So it is very important to make effective notes. During lectures, lecturer presents more information than shows in slides. Sometimes they give useful tips for assignments and for exams. So it is very important to write down hints. When we are in a classroom or in a lecture hall, we must concentrate our mind on the lesion to grab all the information and to comprehend the lesion. That kind of a concentration is built by making notes. So Note-making is very important as it involves us in the learning process. And whenever we read something we have to write down important points as we cannot hold them on mind. Making notes allows us to reduce the information in to manageable size. When we are studying for exams a lot of material has to be covered. The key points should be extracted from lecture notes and text books. It is an aid to exam revision. Making notes helps to think and understand the subject. The history of Note-Making goes far about 1979. Tony Buzan was the person who invented the concept of Mind Mapping. With using images and patterns he developed the main idea up to a successful invention. So now it has become most popular among most of the academic students. Types of Note-Making Methods Note-Making mainly involves with selecting, analyzing, summarizing and organizing information. Although there were many Note-Making methods with different strategies, we only consider five methods that suits for FEST program in this research. Split-page Format. ( A narrative Note-Making method) In Split-Page Format method the page should be divided in to two columns and in one column there will be standard notes and in the other, the summery. This method can be used to write down lecture notes. [6.1] Diagram/Pattern Format. (A visual Note-Making method) In Diagram/Pattern method the information is presented with using a diagram. The main topic and the related ideas should be linked together as it implies a complete meaning. This is a kind of visual learning technique.[6.1] Mind Map. (A visual Note-Making method) In this method the information and important points are presented through a map which contains images. With linking one another, the information can be elaborated according to our own creativity. [6.1] Outline Format. (A narrative Note-Making method) In this format the information is presented as an outline with using titles, sub titles that are numbered according a procedure.[6.1] Question and Prompt Format. (A narrative Note-Making method) The main points of a lesion can be highlighted across a series of questions and with relevant answers. [6.2] When taking lecture notes it should be more accurate and consisted. With improving the habit to use SQ3R technique it allows us to take most important points on lectures. After reorganizing them it reveal the way to review and revise the note. A note-Making method is only one category that comes under study skills. But up to now we can see more methods that can follow to achieve improvement in study. So we can follow any of them to reach the target. With the technological development the Note-Making method has stepped in to computer /notebook. So now it has changed its name as Electronic Note-making method. Most of the students use word processors because it is easy to forward. Objectives and Scope of Study Acquire the skills to make effective notes using various methods. Modules: Communication Study Skills Computer technology Physics Mathematics Engineering Ethics Note Format: Split-Page format Diagram/Pattern format Mind map Outline format Question Prompt format Through the research I have investigated different Note-Making methods. Five main Note-Making methods have taken to be concerned. The investigation covers the advantages, disadvantages and the feasibility of each method. And each Note-Making method is experimented with FEST modules. Module have been chosen concerning on its behavior and the relevance with the method as below; Split-Page format : Communication and Study Skills Diagram/Pattern Format : Computer Technology Mind-map : Physics Outline Format : Mathematics Question and Prompt Format : Ethics Acquire the skills in technical writing. Understand the requirements for a dissertation. Identify the main sections of a dissertation. Achieve proficiency in using soft tools to aid technical writing. Present critical and argumentative views. Learn to write, abstract and draw conclusions. Overview of Study CHAPTER 2 EFFECTIVE NOTE-MAKING METHODS FOR FEST PROGRAM Introduction In the lectures we have to take a much struggle to catch all the important points and to understand with them. So it is very important to get prepared before the lectures with referring to past lectures and with the things to be taught. After deciding the Note method according to frame work we will be able to have a good Note which concludes all main points. When writing down the main points abbreviations, phrases and images can be helpful to manage the time. This chapter concludes five main Note-making methods and their adoption in FEST modules. When selecting the appropriate Note-Making method, the behavior of each subject had to be considered. Communication and Study Skills is based on both theoretical knowledge and practical knowledge. Methods like Split-Page, Outline and Question-Prompt can be used to make CSS notes. But Split-Page format becomes most suitable as it carries standard notes and summery. Computer technology holds theory as well as practical. In most theory parts it concludes title, sub titles definitions and examples. CT notes can be summarized with a unique pattern like a diagram. So Diagram Format is the most suitable method which complies with CT notes. If we talk about Physics, it is a combination of theory, practical and calculations. Mind map can be used to emphasize the formulas, definitions and the key ideas in an illustrative manner. As Mathematics carry formulas, definitions and calculations, Outline Format can be used to make notes on theories as well as calculations. Ethics is mainly based on theory. So through Question and Prompt Format all the notes can be factorized. We should have a sense to select the most suitable method in various accations. Implementation of Different Note Formats in Various Fest Subjects The information and data needed, When making notes we copy the main points on lectures as well as text books. And we will have to refer web sources, journals, reports and articles to gain extra knowledge. The questions that rise during lectures and our own ideas hold an importance. All the types of data should be presented through a simple note. The data collection strategy, When making a note we have to follow a data collection strategy. First of all we will have to make a specific objective and a clear definition on the data collection. Second thing is the data collecting mode. It can be quantitative or qualitative. In quantitative data collection strategy it is easy to read and transfer. But in qualitative data collection strategy it needs a long time to differentiate and find out. Otherwise the data mode can be evaluated after deciding it as simple, complex or difficult. The conditions applied in notes, Note-Making is not an easy task as it appears. It needs skills to result a better product. We should find materials that are not too difficult or complex. In this case well organized material can help to reduce time. We have a good note after selecting, analyzing, summarizing and organizing those materials. Split-Page Format The easiest method to take down notes is Split-Page Format method. In this method the page should be divided in to two parts. The left side must have a width of 2.5 inches and the right side must have 6 inches. The right side is to note down the lecture notes and the important points. And the left is to write the key words and the summery of the notes. But in some books it is said that page should be divide in to three sections and in the left side it is for own comments and questions, the next part is for write down standard notes and the last part is for the summery. So we can use either way to make a good note. Advantages : This method is mainly composed to make lecture notes. And it produces a well organized note. When revising the note, the summery and highlighted points make it much easier. As we note down the questions that comes through the lesion, when recalling the lesion we can make much attention for those problems. Disadvantages : This kind of a note is not visually attracted. We will have to write down all the main points in the right side, so it takes much time. Feasibility : The main points, questions and summery is overviewed together. Diagram/Pattern Format This method is more visual than the Split-Page format method. According to this method the information can be displayed through a pattern as diagram. The main topic is to be written at the top of the page. After that the related ideas should be added. The main topic and the sub topics/ideas should be connected each other as it arouses a complete sense. Advantages : Very easy to use and it doesnt take much time to draw diagrams. It is much attractive and therefore it makes very convenient when recalling. Through diagram format it is easy to remember the information. Disadvantages : When using Diagram format method we will have to limit the points. Therefore some key points can be neglected. The main idea is not viewable, only the important points are viewable. It is not easy to extent when information is lot. It is difficult to state complicated ideas through such a short format. Feasibility : Through this method the main idea can be presented as a flow of key points. Mindmap Mind mapping method is bit difficult than other methods as it needs critical thinking. It is a composition of both images and words which present a lot of information through creativity. This method differs with other traditional methods as it is based on many skills such like, thinking planning, organizing and concerning. The topic/heading should be displayed at the middle of the page. The key ideas and the concepts are the next to be noted. The topics and sub topics can be highlighted with using many shapes. But all the concepts are to be added in a short format. Symbols and images can be added as the suitability. The concepts and their topics should be linked with free lines or arrows. To make it more attractive we can follow many colors as accordance. Advantages : It is easy to learn and apply and helps to reveal inner abilities as creativity. It provides a summery in a illustrative way. And it is easy to extend and add more points. Disadvantages : Only the person who have made it can understand, others cant. It is hard to express much complex concepts through Mind mapping. This method cannot be used to take instant notes. Feasibility : Make the subject more illustrative and comprehensive with its nature. Outline Format When we are taking usual notes, the Outline Format is mostly used. Actually this method is based on organizing information with using a numbering system. It should be started with an initial topic written as no.1. After that the sub topics should be displayed as 1.1,1.2,1.3The descriptions that are under those sub topics can be numbered as a),b),c)When we choose another topic it should be displayed as no.2.The relationship is shown by the order of the numbers.Otherwise the topics can be started at the margin and then the subtopics can be indented. Advantages : It is easy to learn and easy to use. This method can be used to take notes in the classroom. There will not be any information loss as it is well organized. It is very easy to understand as it is more descriptive. Disadvantages : It doesnt include a summery and the important ideas hidden among the details. So this is not a good method to recall before exams. Question and Prompt Format This method is more likely with Split-page method. But the difference being that, in QP method the questions that are based on study objectives will be displayed in the left side. And in the right side there should be the answer for that question. When we make questions we will have to go through all the lesions and to catch main points. This kind of a procedure makes the subject more understandable. Advantages : When we are going through text books or study guides, it is very important to note down the question arouses and their answers in order to use them near exams. The things that are more concern able are highlighted, so it is very important. Disadvantages : There is no summery, Only the important points are highlighted. Therefore whenever we want something in detail we will have to refer back to the text books. There are no any visual aids, so it doesnt make any pleasant feeling when seeing notes. Feasibility : This format has the ability to enhance the main points in a Question prompt way. Discussion and Conclusions Although there were many Note-making methods all of them are based on summarizing, organizing, analyzing and selecting important factors. We meet different modules, when we go through FEST program. With regarding to the feasibility of each Note-making method, we have to select most comparable format to use with subjects. When we are making ordinary notes in the class room, Outline Format is the most suitable one to use. When we are taking lecture notes Split-Page Format becomes most suitable as it consist of details as well as summery. Diagram/Pattern Format and Mind-mapping method can be considered as visual methods. Although Diagram Format method is easy to use and learn than the Mind-Mapping method, there occur problems in expanding data area in Diagram method. Mind-Mapping method is more famous among the present generation as it vast many abilities. As the first thing, it is to choose the most suitable Note-making method for the subject. It helps to remember more information that can be used in a later time. And also it makes much easier to recall the subject. CHAPTER 3 CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FUTURE DEVELOPMENT IN NOTE-MAKING METHODS Study Contributions Through this research I was able to discover different Note-Making methods which suits for FEST modules. By then I could acquire the skills to make effective notes. Additionally I was introduced to technical writing criteria. It helped me to recognize the main qualities and behavior of a technical writing system. More overly this report made me aware on the requirements of a dissertation and its main sections. Most of the knowledge has to be caught from web sources. And that thing taught me, how I can contribute soft tools for such a research. Mainly I could accomplish most of the objectives as I was expected. Recommendations for Future Development in Note-making Methods For future development in Note-Making, we can use more abbreviations and short hands for a better time management. We can improve this skill by involving with official shorthand language more time. As a memory aid mnemonics can be added to our notes. With highlighting, annotating and underlining key points, we will be able to notice most important factors. Dating and numbering pages will also be helpful when organizing the lesions. Making notes on our own words helps to comprehend the lesion. There should be a space for critical comments as well as blank spaces. So I think that sort of thing can make a change in Note-making methods in near future. REFERENCES Edinburgh Napier University. Managing Information Home Page, http://www2.napier.ac.uk/gus/managing_information/note_making.html#most, 8 April 2009 Charted Banker. Members and Students Main Web site, http://www.charteredbanker.com/MainWebSite/CIOB338221dd8d0b8d3c.aspx?Map=AD96DDD5134AA008B0C89AD82547D3C6 University of Sussex, Study Direct, http://www.sussex.ac.uk/s3/?id=16, 2010

Critical Elements of User Experience Design

Critical Elements of User Experience Design Prof. Michael Weyrich, Tobias Jung, Zeller Christian Zange Hossain Mohammad Faysal Ebna Hossain Critical Elements of User Experience Design as a Success Factor for Virtual Working Spaces in the Digital Enterprise Basis    Thesis No: Type: Class of Process Model: Student: Supervisor: Begin: End: 2843 MT Model for Conceptional Projects Hossain Jg/Ze 20.09.2016 20.03.2017 Document: Version: Author: Date: Status: Basis 1.0 Hossain 16.03.17 submitted File Name: Pages: Print Date: Template: co-basis-v10 31 co-basis.dotm (Program of study: INFOTECH) Document Version Management Version Author QA Date Status Changes 0.1 Hossain Jg 11.11.2016 in progress Creation 1.0 Hossain Jg 22.02.2017 submitted Initial Submission 1.1 Introduction An Enterprise Network is the backbone of communications within an enterprise or organization that that enables the employees and stakeholders communicate with each other in an efficient and effective manner. A digital enterprise workplace is where technology, processes, people, and the Enterprise organization converge to enhance agility, engagement, and productivity. It is a virtual platform where employees and stakeholders can get the technology tools they require to do their tasks effortlessly. [UBMC15] .Here we are talking about the underlying professional and personal network. It enhances internal and external enterprise communication superintendence. The interactive characteristics on the Internet, Wiki and blogosphere have become essential nowadays. With two-thirds of the worlds Internet population are visiting a social networking or blogging site, and the amount of time spent on these platforms are increasing at more than three times the rate of overall Internet growth [UNiel09]. The Enterprise network has also been changing over past years. Social technologies have been added to the Enterprise network to increase productivity to and communication. Social technologies have apprehended the thought of consumers, business leaders, and political leaders. Millions of people have adopted new practices: conveying social interactions online, developing connections, and building and sharing content. Social technologies can be described as digital technologies utilized by people to communicate socially and collectively to build, improve, and exchange contents. Social technologies possess three major characteristics: Figure 1: Characteristics of Social Technologies [McK12] People can communicate socially (e.g., chat, share personal news, send greetings), social technologies enable anybody inside a community or organization to create, add, or modify content and communications. This involves combining or deleting content such as a document or a link, contributing to content supplemented by others, endorsing (e.g., liking a piece of content), or executing an action that an individual knows will be shared. The way of knowledge sharing and communication has been dramatically changed or improved as a side effect of using social technologies. Social technologies can perform a central role in how information is gathered, sourced, analyzed, and disseminated among interested person. 1.2 Applications incorporating Social Technologies and digital workplace    Social technologies incorporate a wide range of applications for both Customers and Enterprises. The figure below has been taken from the report published by McKinsey Global Institute (MGI) that includes applications used for social technologies: Figure 2: Wide range of applications for social technologies [McK12] Social network: A Social structure comprised of a collection of social actors (for example organizations or individuals), a collection of dyadic ties, and other social interactions among social actors are known as the Social Network. This perspective provides an assemblage of methods for analyzing the structure of all social entities. [Was94] Blogs/Microblogs: A blog is a conversation or informational web platform published on the World Wide Web comprising of discrete and usually informal diary-style text entries (called posts). Posts are usually arranged in reverse sequential order, so that the very recent post appears first, at the top of the web page. [UBlog17]. Microblogging is a service that facilitates its users to send and announce small notes, normally just text and typically react to queries. The blog is generally a personal reflection. Rating and reviews: Rating and review provide a way that enables users or readers to rank the content socially. It also allows users to reveal their feelings about the content (usually through emoticons). Social commerce: Social commerce is basically a subset of electronic commerce. It involves online social   media that promotes social interaction, and user participation to support online purchasing and selling of goods and services.[USoCo13] Wiki: A wiki is a web-based platform that implements collaborative modification of its content and composition right away from the web browser. In a conventional wiki, the words are written using a simplified markup language (known as wiki markup) and usually edited with the aid of a rich-text editor. [EnBr08]. The wiki the jointly edited content where approved users can jointly edit and publish the content. Discussion Forum: An Internet forum is an online discussion platform where users can hold discussions in the form of posted messages. The posted messages are usually longer than one line of text and are often archived. Additionally, the forum set-up in such a way that a posted message may need to be validated by a moderator before it becomes published. [UWiFo08]. The core idea of the Forum is the exchange of ideas or topics. Shared workspaces: The shared workspace is an interrelated ecosystem in which all users in separated areas can reach and interact with each other. The ecosystem maintained by electronic communications which facilitate users to overcome location and time differentials. The environment is facilitated by a shared rational paradigm, general information, and a common perception by all of the members despite physical position. Crowdsourcing: Crowdsourcing is a specific sourcing model in which individuals or organizations use contributions from Internet users to obtain needed services or ideas. Crowdsourcing was coined in 2005 as a portmanteau of crowd and outsourcing. [Mat11] Social gaming: A social network game is a type of online game that is played through social networks.[Jarv09] They typically feature multiplayer and asynchronous gameplay mechanics. Social network games are most often implemented as browser games, but can also be implemented on other platforms such as mobile devices.[Kim11] Media and file sharing: Media and files sharing among the members have a significant impact on knowledge and information sharing. It provides flexibility and alternative means to work collaboratively with the members. 2.1 Introduction User experience design is the method of improving user satisfaction with a product by enhancing the usability, accessibility, and pleasure rendered in the interaction with the product. This section begins with regular usability evaluation and why it has become progressively critical to focus on the user experience (UX). 2.2 What is Usability Usability is a quality attribute that determines how usable is a system or product by its user. The term Usability also points to methods for enhancing ease-of-use throughout the design or development process. Nielsen Norman group mentioned five quality components that defines the term Usability: [UNiel12] Learnability: How easy is it for users to accomplish basic tasks the first time they encounter the design? Efficiency: Once users have learned the design, how quickly can they perform tasks? Memorability: When users return to the design after a period of not using it, how easily can they reestablish proficiency? Errors: How many errors do users make, how severe are these errors, and how easily can they recover from the errors? Satisfaction: How pleasant is it to use the design? In brief, Usability determines how easy pleasant a product/system to use. 2.3 Importance of Usability It is very much crucial to make a system where users should not have to think too hard while they are using the system. The user should not have to refer to help sections, and they should not be constrained to feel stupid. By observing the user, finding the usability issues and resolving them in an appropriate manner these situations can be avoided. System developers usually forget that they are not typical users. There may be aspects of the system that seem apparent to the developer that might, in fact, be entirely confusing to the users. It is therefore essential to take a step back once in a while and make sure that the users are not left behind. Usability Testing is an indispensable aspect of the User-Centred method that establishes the user, at the heart of the development process rather than the system. Embracing such an approach pushes that the user should be foremost in the design determinations. According to the International Standards Organization (ISO 9241-11: Guidance on Usability) Usability is the extent to which a product can be used by specified users to achieve specified goals with effectiveness, efficiency and satisfaction in a specified context of use. These three factors are very much important to attain business goals. An effective website An efficient website A satisfied user allows customers (users) to achieve their goals provides answers quickly achieves their goal has a high conversion rate follows a logical sequence enjoys their experience meets business objectives doesnt waste resources tells others delivers a positive brand image requires less content management time comes back again Table 1: Why Usability parameters are important [URed11] Usability testing lets the design and development teams recognize problems before roll out of the system. The earlier flows are identified and fixed; the less costly the fixes will be concerning both resource time and possible influence to the schedule.   During a usability test: Investigate the activities of the participants to see whether it meets usability objectives Identify how satisfied users are with the system or product Discover if users can accomplish specified tasks as intended Experience how long it takes to accomplish specified tasks Determine adjustments needed to enhance user performance and satisfaction 2.4 Usability Evaluation Conventionally evaluating the usability of a product does not come into play until the system development is completed or nearly completed. Once completed, users would be requested to accomplish certain tasks on the system. Their performance would then be measured, often using the five usability attributes of Nielsen: Learnability, Efficiency, Memorability, Errors and Satisfaction.[UNiel12] This way of usability testing does not include users until very late in the project and concentrates on the system rather than how the user experiences the System. Racing toward launch without looking back might have seemed like a good idea back when the launch date was set, but the result is likely to be a product that meets all the technical requirements for the project but does not work for your users. Even worse, by tackling user experience evaluation on at the end, you might end up launching a product that you know is broken but have no opportunity (or money left) to fix. [Garret10] This means of usability evaluation is often named user acceptance testing. The term accepting is important here, symbolizing that the focus lies on whether the user accepts the system, rather than whether he/she can use the system as intended 2.5 User Experience Focus Technological improvements in ubiquitous computing have created an opportunity for Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) to be a massive part of our day-to-day life. This has effected a shift from traditional usability engineering to so-called User Experience, where the emotions and motivations of the end-user are provided a principal role than traditional usability metrics such as efficiency and effectiveness. There have been studies about defining User Experience amongst UX professionals that have demonstrated inconclusive [Law09] and these are within the field of Human-Computer Interaction. One could dispute that the principles following UX could be applied to any production process. The nearest we can get to a definition is addressed in the ISO 9241-210 standard on the Ergonomics of Human System Interaction Part 210: Human-Centred Design for interactive systems (ISO, 2008): A persons perceptions and responses that result from the use or anticipated use of a product, system or service Above statement highlights the experience the user has while using or anticipates using a particular product. The notion of anticipated use grants the idea that UX can play a crucial role in the early development stages of system development mentioning that thinking UX before an actual working system is ready can produce invaluable input. User experience specialists strive to make the system User-Centered. It indicates that while the development of the system the user is constantly the principal focus point and drives the evolution process. According to the ISO standard, six postulates assure the product is User-Centered:[UUCD17] 1. The design is based upon an explicit understanding of users, tasks and environments. 2. Users are involved throughout design and development. 3. The design is driven and refined by user-centered evaluation. 4. The process is iterative. 5. The design addresses the whole user experience. 6. The design team includes multidisciplinary skills and perspectives. Second Principle (Users are involved throughout design and development) entails that UX teams should include users in all design stages: not just by operating a focus group at the beginning of design or by administering a survey at the end of the project. 3.1 Introduction Usability testing involves watching representative users working with the system so that development team can make improvements based on what participants do with the system. Usability testing provides invaluable feedback about how the users behave with the system. Knowing how users behave helps to create a much more suitable Platform or application. Rather than just guessing about what people might like on these, it is possible to see their reactions first hand, and then make sure that the system contains just the right features. Learning about issues early in the process saves development time and money. Rather than spending time developing the wrong thing, a quick usability test will tell the developer whether they are on the right track or not. Getting the data directly from the users is a much better way of doing design work than arguing about features among the team. In fact, usability testing is a great way of stopping arguments. Rather than spending time on fighting over whose idea is best, put the concepts in front of real users to see how well they can work with them. There is nothing quite like real user feedback that helps to determine the best way forward. The thing that separates usability testing from many other methods is that with usability testing, it is possible to see real behaviors, what people do rather than just asking what people think. Often watching people do something is the only way to really understand where the issues lie and how to fix the problems you see. Ease of use doesnt originate from wishful thinking. It comes from conveying methodical usability engineering activities throughout the project lifecycle. This is a real effort and sacrifices real money, though not as much as some people worry. It is possible to conduct simple forms of user testing in a few days and obtain vast insights into both user behavior and recommended design enhancements. 3.2 Usability Costs To estimate the total cost of usability (as opposed to the price of a single test), Nielsen Norman Group collected data from 863 design projects that incorporated Usability Testing. Depending on how they have calculated it, usability costs were within 8% and 13% of the projects budget. Based on these findings from other surveys, they have concluded that current best practices call for dedicating about 10% of a projects budget to usability. [UNiel03] In reality, the cost of usability doesnt extend linearly with project size, since many usability testing cost about the same, notwithstanding of how big the project is. A project thats ten times larger, for example, usually requires only four times more usability spending. 3.3 Reduce Development Cost Accurate planning at the start of a Systems design process will save time, money and effort in the long run. A study by Smith Reinersten found that the critical system-design decisions made during the first 10% of a products design process can determine 90% of the products cost and performance. This is an outstanding illustration of how a little investment at an initial stage can have a tremendous positive impact on the final product. [UWilson14] The more money will organization invest in usability at an initial design stage the greater will have the end product. A tiny amount of cash spent on usability design and testing will save the organization from costly design fixes or redesigns later in the cycle. 3.4 Reduced Support Costs An enormous gain of financing in usability is diminished support costs. Just put, a System with better usability will reduce potential customer support concerns and eventually reduce customer support costs. An excellent way to enhance the websites usability, while decreasing support costs is by giving online guidance to the users. Another illustration of how financing in usability at the early stage of the design process will save the money at a later stage. A study by Pressman found that 80% of costs during a softwares lifecycle come from the maintenance phase. The study also found that greatest part of these costs rises out of unmet or unforeseen user requirements. [UWilson14] Figure 3: Reduced call and support costs minimizes maintenance cost Spending in usability helps to resolve these issues during the design stage, where they can be dispensed with at a much lower price. All redundant second that the support staff uses responding to a customer support issue (time when paying for their wages) is the cost of poor usability investment. 3.5 Increased Sales Its not a big leap in logic to claim that improved usability for customers will make them more likely to execute a purchase or to extend their purchase volume. A study by Creative Good discovered that giving a better experience for the customers will prolong the quantity of purchasers by 40%. [UWilson14] Another study by UI Engineering observed that by giving sufficient product information to your customers at the right time you can increase sales on your site by up to 225%. [UWilson14] Improved usability makes for satisfied clients who are more likely to purchase, eventually expanding the businesss profits. 3.6 Usability Benefits The Nielsen Norman Group have analyzed data from 42 cases where usability metrics were available for website redesigns. Averaged across the 42 pairs of measures they had found, usability increased by 135% when they omitted five outliers with especially significant usability improvements. (If they include these outliers, the average improvement jumps to 202%.) [UNiel03] The improvement in usability metrics differed depending on the metric, as the following table shows: Table 2: The improvement in usability metrics differed depending on the metric [UNiel03] The current study of Nielsen Norman Group does not incorporate intranet redesign projects. However, based on their studies of intranet design potential, Jakob Nielsen consider that the average improvement in intranet usability metrics is a bit below 100%. [UNiel03] 3.6.1 Co-Creation Certainly, the very common metric of ROI is financial, and a tested-to-breaking-point product, including a user-centric UI, will assure the user experience is a pleasurable one, promoting more exchanges, and, in turn, increased revenue. 3.6.2 Trust If the organization is providing the users a great user experience, the organization will also be strengthening trust in the brand. A user is more reasonably to retain with a website or platform that theyve earlier had a trouble-free experience of, than one thats showed something of a usability nightmare. How many customers are using the system, and how many are yielding to use again, can be tracked via analytics software. 3.6.3 Productivity Profits can also be gained through an increase in productivity of any employee. Systems need rigorous testing to assure the design and UI are helpful to an experience that cuts the time it needs to accomplish a task, enabling the employee to gain more. 4.1 Introduction The scope of this user experience and usability testing of the platform is for the pilot of GIZs enterprise portal which is focused on GIZs communities of practice. For this instance, it is very much important to understand the community business processes and the specific use cases for GIZs communities of practice (CoP). A community is a group of experts / development practitioners that share knowledge on common development topics and challenges as well as work collaboratively on effective, efficient, innovative, sustainable solutions based on their own experiences and expertise. A community is a collection of people with shared values, behaviors and artifacts. 4.2 Communities of practice Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. [UWen15] Shared domain: It has an identity defined by a shared domain of interest. Website à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ °Ã‚   community. Sense of community: In pursuing their interest in their domain, members engage in joint activities and discussions, help each other, and share information. Shared practice: Members of a community of practice are practitioners. They develop a shared repertoire of resources: experiences, stories, tools, ways of addressing recurring problems-in short a shared practice. This takes time and sustained interaction. Communities of practice have a great impact on organizational value chain and knowledge management including knowledge sharing. The infusing factors based on the effectiveness of the communities on practice has been explained by W.M.H. Oosting in 2009 which has shown below: Figure 4: Influencing elements of the effectiveness of a CoP [Oosting09] The core is the proper connection between purpose, content, content, conversations and connections where the purpose is at the center and everything is linked bi-directionally with it. From the figure we can express wrathfully that setting up the purpose has a great impact on the success of CoP. 4.3 Community Management Framework For the business case of GIZ, we have clustered questions which lead to the Community Management Framework. These clusters lead to the business needs of GIZs Communities. Factor Questions Purpose and incentives What is in for me? What benefits do we hope to get? Strategic relevance of the common topic? Outcomes What useful (preliminary) outcomes do we want to achieve? Stakeholders /actors Who should be a member? What is their social glue/shared practice? Have key roles been defined? Negotiations What ground rules and milestones do we need for internal cooperation and management? Orientation What common vision have we agreed upon? Resources Budget for the community? Are members given enough resources by their business units/organizations? Strategy Strategy for planning and implementation by the community? Growth Plan/concept for increasing the number of members? How to turn new members into returning members? Content and moderation Who is/are the community manager/s? Do they have enough resources (time, opportunities and ability to build bridges) and the necessary status? What content is to be created and edited? What content can members be asked to input?

life cycle of stars Essay -- essays research papers

LIFE CYCLE OF A STAR Stars are formed in nebulae, interstellar clouds of dust and gas (mostly hydrogen). These stellar nurseries are abundant in the arms of spiral galaxies. In these stellar nurseries, dense parts of these clouds undergo gravitational collapse and compress to form a rotating gas globule. The globule is cooled by emitting radio waves and infrared radiation. It is compressed by gravitational forces and also by shock waves of pressure from supernova or the hot gas released from nearby bright stars. These forces cause the roughly-spherical globule to collapse and rotate. The process of collapse takes from between 10,000 to 1,000,000 years. A Central Core and a Protoplanetary Disk: As the collapse proceeds, the temperature and pressure within the globule increases, as the atoms are in closer proximity. Also, the globule rotates faster and faster. This spinning action causes an increase in centrifugal forces (a radial force on spinning objects) that causes the globule to have a central core and a surrounding flattened disk of dust (called a protoplanetary disk or accretion disk). The central core becomes the star; the protoplanetary disk may eventually coalesce into orbiting planets, asteroids, etc. Protostar: The contracting cloud heats up due to friction and forms a glowing protostar; this stage lasts for roughly 50 million years. If there is enough material in the protostar, the gravitational collapse and the heating continue. If there is not enough material in the protostar, one possible outcome is a brown dwarf (a large, not-very-luminous celestial body having a mass between 1028 kg and 84 x 1028 kg). A Newborn Star: When a temperature of about 27,000,000ÂÂ °F is reached, nuclear fusion begins. This is the nuclear reaction in which hydrogen atoms are converted to helium atoms plus energy. This energy (radiation) production prevents further contraction of the star. Young stars emit jets of intense radiation that heat the surrounding matter to the point at which it glows brightly. These narrowly-focused jets can be trillions of miles long and can travel at 500,000 miles per hour. These jets may be focused by the star's magnetic field. The protostar is now a stable main sequence star which will remain in this state for about 10 billion years. After that, the hydrogen fuel is depleted and the star begins to die. Life span: The... ...densities are shown as numbers on the the central line that defines the Main Sequence (M.S.) of stars. Most known stars lie along this line; they describe a stage in which a star reaches some fixed size and mass and commences burning of most of its hydrogen before changing to some other star type off the sequence. Star types, which are defined on the basis of stellar surface temperatures (page 20-7), are shown by the letters (O, B,...etc.) assigned to each group and evolutionary pathways for some are indicated. This particular plot also shows along the right ordinate the total time that Main Sequence stars of different masses spend on that sequence before evolving along the several principal pathways (see below); as far as we now know, stars do not completely vanish, but survive as dwarfs or Black Holes ( but the latter in principle can disappear by evaporation as Hawking radiation). Temperatures were obtained using Chandra X-ray data. BILBLIOGRAPHY www.enchantedlearning.com/subjects/astronomy/stars/lifecycle/ imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/teachers/lifecycles/LC_main_p1.html hubblesite.org/newscenter/newsdesk/archive/releases/1999/20/ map.gsfc.nasa.gov/m_uni/uni_101stars.htm

The Impact of Slavery on Black Women Essay -- Slavery Essays

The Impact of Slavery on Black Women â€Å"Only by experience can any one realize how deep, and dark, and foul is that pit of abominations.† (Jacobs, 120). These words are spoken by Harriet Jacobs (also known as Linda Brent) and after reading about her life experience as a slave, I have come to believe that slavery was far worse for women than it ever was for men. Jacobs never states that black slave men had it easy during the slave years, in fact she tells a few stories about how some slave men were beaten. She also tells about the life experience of a slave girl, herself. Her own experiences made me feel blessed that I was never born as a black woman during the time of slavery. I do not think that I would have been strong enough to endure such times. Let’s begin with the living conditions and the rights and honor of a slave, male or female. First of all, slaves were given one pair of shoes, two pairs of pants, and maybe one shirt that was to last them for at least a year. Most of the time, their shoes were used or old shoes. Once their shoes got holes and wore down, they wore nothing on their bare feet, even through the winter times. When it came to rights, no black slave had any rights. When I say any, I mean none. Just to name a few; they, and this was for women too, had no right to protect their families, marry who they wish, or own any property. Black men were considered to have no honor. Having honor was something that the Elite white men believed that only they could possess Honor in their eyes of the white man was represented by a dual. If you were a black slave, you could not defend yourself or your family because according to the whites, slaves and women had no honor. If they even thought about proving themse lves, which was rare, they were either whipped or killed by their Masters. Slaves were not looked at as men. They were looked as property, nothing but a working tool. The physical torture that a slave went through was not based on how they were treated in regards to work, but on how they were punished. Most of the time they were beat with a whip made from cow hide, until they bled. They would whip the slaves until the overseer (the person who watched over the slaves) was tired. Other times, slaves were not so lucky. For example, Frederick Douglas, an American slave, told a story that went like this. (Douglas, 34 & 35) â€Å"Mr. Gore on... ...tress would convince her husband to sell the child. Women were also denied the right to marry because the Mistress did not want the slave to take time away from tending or nursing her white children so that they could take care of their own baby. Hopefully I have explained enough of what I have learned about slavery to make you understand the injustice treatments that the black slaves had to endure. When I look back at what I have learned in these readings, I remind myself how lucky we are. We are able to marry who we want, keep our children, and have the right to be respected as a person. Today people whose children are abducted go through probably an unimaginable devastation, and slaves back then were expected to continue life as if nothing happened. It is very sad. Slave men did suffer but in my opinion, women by far had it the worst. Works Cited Douglas, Frederick, Narrative of The Life of Frederick Douglass, An American Slave. New York: Random House, Inc., 2000. Evans, Sara M., Born for Liberty. New York: First Free Press, 1997. Jacobs, Harriet, Incidents in the Life of A Slave Girl. New York: Random House, Inc., 2000.

welfare :: essays research papers

Images of Welfare   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the republic for which it stands: one nation, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  These words are uttered in elementary schools, high schools, and various events and meetings throughout the nation everyday. We usually do not associate the image of welfare with the American flag or think about it as we recite the allegiance. We, however, associate it with images of prosperity and freedom. As I look closely at the last words of this allegiance: â€Å"†¦with liberty and justice for all.† I remember the number of homeless who beg in the streets, those who for one reason or another await assistance in the social services office, and those who because of the color of their skin or gender association have yet to receive their share of benefits.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  According to Webster’s dictionary, welfare means â€Å"Well-doing or well-being in any respect; the enjoyment of health and the common blessings of life; exemption from any evil or calamity; prosperity; happiness.† Before taking classes such as this, my connotation of welfare was totally opposite. Welfare always meant something bad. When I heard the word ‘welfare’ I pictured a homeless person or an immigrant who’s only dream was a better life, but found it was not as easy as it seemed. When I heard about someone on welfare I was quick to jump to conclusions. I’d assume he or she was lazy and just didn’t want to work or that he or she was in some sort of trouble. Looking at Webster’s meaning I notice the words â€Å"respect† and â€Å"the common blessing of life.† I have come to realize those on welfare are people too and deserve the respect everybody else does. They may have come upon hard times or made a mistake or two, but because of the prejudice and stereotypes of others, find themselves stuck in a position where all they have is their â€Å"common blessing of life.

Historical Context Versus Human Behavior in “The Scarlet Letter”

â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† was set in Boston, Massachusetts in the mid 1600’s and follows the backlash of the sinful act between Hester Prynne and Boston’s own Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale. In an ironic and masterfully executed red-herring type twist, Dimmesdale himself publically calls for Hester to name her sinner-in-crime in the beginning of the story, which she adamantly declines to do. The reader, at this point, does not know that Dimmesdale is her adulterer, but knows that the game is afoot. Hester is given a scarlet â€Å"A† to wear upon her chest for her sin and bears the â€Å"A† with a sense of purpose and dignity, even embroidering it with gold thread. Hester and her daughter of sin, Pearl, end up living in a small cottage where Hester earns a living with her skillful needlework. And, in an attempt to show her shame, yet revel in it, Hester only dresses Pearl in scarlet dresses. Hester’s long-lost and presumed dead husband, Roger Chillingworth, returns to find Hester in prison for her deed and informs her that she is to tell no one of his identity. Much later, once he establishes himself in society with a false identity as a physician, he is summoned to help the ailing Dimmesdale. Chillingworth begins to believe that Dimmesdale might be suffering from a malady beyond the physical which brings him to discover that Dimmesdale is an adulterer and Pearl’s father. Enraged and seeking revenge, Chillingworth plots to destroy Dimmesdale. Dimmesdale is so fraught with guilt at this point that he punishes himself physically, fasts, and staves off sleeping for a constant vigil. He feels a deep sorrow and horror for what he has done to Hester’s husband and tells Hester, at which point she begins to see that Chillingworth must be behind Dimmesdale’s quickly declining health. Hester and Dimmesdale have a moment in the woods where she confesses that Chillingworth is actually her husband. Dimmesdale is willing to face the truth. They plan to set sail for the Old World immediately, and in an act of freedom, Hester removes her â€Å"A† and lets down her hair. Pearl becomes so distraught that Hester has to once again don her shame, and this time it is with true sadness. They must wait until after Election Day to set sail and Dimmesdale eagerly begins his final, enlightening, sermon. At the end, he brings Hester and Pearl up on stage and confesses everything to the town. This, of course, ruins Chillingworth’s plan to destroy Dimmesdale as he watches with fury while everything is revealed. As the story ends, Dimmesdale dies on the public platform after his confession, Chillingworth dies a year later, and Pearl inherits his fortune. Years later, Hester is buried next to Dimmesdale in the town cemetery. In 1841, Hawthorne wrote a letter confessing that he was beginning to despise life in Salem and asks, â€Å"dost thou not think it really the most hateful place in all the world? My mind becomes heavy†¦nothing makes me wonder more than that I found it possible to write all my tales in this same region of sleepy-head and stupidity† (Moore, 2). He wrote this letter to Sophia, his wife, and it represents very clearly what he thought of his town of Salem and his Puritanical upbringings. It is from this resentment that â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† was born. Going further back in Hawthorne’s life, his â€Å"father died†¦when he was four, an age at which, according to Freud, the male child forms a crucial attachment to his mother†¦consequently, he was able to supplant his father in his mother’s affections. His attachment to his mother became an impediment to his psychological maturation†¦especially when [she died]† (Kennedy-Andrews, 107-108). According to this information, â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† becomes an easy and remarkable parallel to Hawthorne’s own personal life. Hester’s husband dies while at sea, leaving her to believe him dead and free to seek new male companionship. A reader could parallel this to Hawthorne’s life in which his father died and his mother was left to seek new male companionship, albeit, with her own son. This parallel can be defined even further as â€Å"throughout the story Hawthorne continually defines Hester in terms of motherhood†¦and in the very beginning of the narrative, Hawthorne establishes Hester’s relation to the Oedipal underpinnings of the story† (Kennedy-Andrews, 108). As the Oedipal complex goes, the son seeks to supplant his father for his mother’s affections. In most cases, as Kennedy-Andrews remarks, the son is forced to contend with a very real father figure for these affections and becomes fearful and backs down (107). In Hawthorne’s case, without a father figure from such a young age, he became the man in his mother’s life and the Oedipal complex became fulfilled. In fact, Hawthorne’s work â€Å"aims to produce an invisible change, an internal deepening like that which transforms the letter even as its form remains identical† (Kennedy-Andrews, 81). Hester’s attitude towards the â€Å"A† is to wear it, not with resignation, but accepting it as part of her life. Embroidering it with gold and crafting scarlet dresses for Pearl to wear signify this transformation externally. It is internally, in Hester’s character, that the letter changes much more significantly. She wears it as part of her life, accepting what she did, but the shame she feels slowly transforms Hester into a woman respected within the community. And the shame she once felt for Pearl is transformed into pure, satisfying love for a creation—despite the fact that Pearl was consummated through sin. In the 1600’s the act of sin and breaking from religion became the greatest crime and the basis for Puritanical beliefs. In this, and perhaps only this, Hawthorne follows history and makes a poignant mockery of the human condition—most precisely, the value stripped from women when they fall so far from grace as to partake in human desires. The fact that Hester’s human desire happens to be a religious leader of the community only serves to highlight this point more. Hawthorne’s use of symbolism throughout further demonstrates how the mores and ideals of the Puritanical community practically destroyed the very reason that the Puritans came to America in the first place—for freedom, as we are taught in history, without persecution or tyrannical leadership. Instead, the characters within â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† created their own sense of justice: persecuting women who are not obedient and compliant, like Eve from Biblical lore (before she forces Adam to eat the cursed apple, of course). As a historical work, â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† cannot be trusted as to the accuracy of events or people involved. Hawthorne â€Å"attempts to undermine the Puritan community’s judgment of Hester by employing a sentimental nineteenth-century narrator, uninformed about the spiritual complexities of the story he tells† (Thickstun, 133). This is where Hawthorne’s work loses all credence as a historical work of the 1600’s. His narrator is fully nineteenth-century, exposing views that simply did not exist within society until Hawthorne’s own time. While his views make for a compelling and entertaining story, they falter in historical truth. However, if this work is looked at closely, it becomes clear that Hawthorne’s life in the mid 1800’s actually serves as a greater historical reference for the morals and attitudes presented in the story. Historically, it can be said that yes, there were inhabitants in Massachusetts during the 1600’s, and they did profess Puritanical beliefs, much like the inhabitants of Boston where â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† takes place. However, the story within â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† is not that of history, it is that of human behavior and is better studied for a glimpse into humanity than for historical truths. In fact, â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† should not be read if the reader is hoping to find strong roots in historical context, but can be studied, to great reward, if a reader is in search of a tale inspired by true human emotions brought on by the politics enforced by a strong Puritanical society. Hawthorne used the politics and resulting changes in humanity from his own time period to form the characters and interactions in his work. In looking at the characters, Hawthorne â€Å"penetrates their subconscious minds and grapples with the secrets and compulsions he finds there. He too, plays master to his fictionalized slaves. And in recognizing this, he too, saw himself as a kind of spiritual villain, a marauder of the mind, and this perspective endows all of his work in both its technique and creation with an air of brooding and ineradicable guilt† (Reynolds, 50). It cannot be said that he ignored events from history or took a specific view on them; however he created his own history with the lives of Hester Prynne, Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, their resulting daughter, Pearl, and the lives of those they touched. Historically, in an effort to determine whether Hawthorne’s descriptions are accurate, one can look at the values of the Puritans as a basis for study. Beyond the social, cultural, and actions of the characters, however, â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† leaves much to be desired for historical accuracy. In truth, Hawthorne based the story upon his own cultural times, placing his characters into a time period in which he knew prejudices against sin would make a marvelous tale. By his time, the Salem witch trials were well known, and his background in Puritanical beliefs would have made inserting characters into that background an easy feat. Hawthorne, it can be decided, focuses on the story within the backdrop—how the characters themselves shape history—and seems unconcerned with literal historical events within his tale. As to my opinion about historical events, no, Hawthorne did not change them. What he did was to make me see, very clearly, how easy it is for one person to become the focal point of sin within a community. To paraphrase Gary Scharnhorst’s â€Å"The Critical Response to Nathaniel Hawthorne’s ‘The Scarlet Letter’, the word â€Å"adultery† is never actually used within â€Å"The Scarlet Letter,† yet a reader understands very clearly by the attitudes of the characters that Hester has committed the worst of all sins and has to be physically, outwardly punished for all time. The one thing that separates humans from the other animals of this world is the ability to choose between right and wrong. Animals are unable to make this rationalization. But, as Hawthorne has so adeptly shown, the choice is often a non-issue when swept away by the driving force of a larger crowd. On their own, humans can choose between right and wrong without consequence. In a group, a dissenter would be punished just as Hester was—marked publically for all to see. In this, Hawthorne is a master. The fact that he based his work in a well-known time period serves no greater purpose than for dramatic effect. His story would be the same if set in any other time period, with any other sin. Imagine if Hawthorne had written about a young servant girl during the reign of King Henry VIII. She could have born his child or spoken out against Catholicism and been given the same fate. Her fate probably would have been death, and in his punishment, Hawthorne was delicate—if anything he is historically inaccurate here. Witches and women of less than perfect repute were often put to death, not degraded by wearing a public symbol. In this he was kind, but from the outcome of the story we know why. He wanted Pearl to grow up through the castigation of her mother and still prosper in the end. The object of sin became the reason for Hester’s being, and a powerful symbol of a different kind of justice. A pearl, after all, within a dark sea that appears to be full of tragedy and strife, can still become a most beautiful jewel. Truly, â€Å"The Scarlet Letter† is a work of fiction. The characters are not real and their lives did not play out in known history; however, what Hawthorne presents, and which I feel is more important, is what could have happened. The moral of his work is not to retell an unfortunate act, but to show the nature of human character and how there is a moment where a choice must be made between good and evil. The fact that Hawthorne was raised with Puritanical beliefs only seems to lend more weight to this theme. And this is what I enjoyed about â€Å"The Scarlet Letter. † Hawthorne’s life fills the pages of his work with a profound message for humanity. The scenes could have played out in any society, based upon any sin. Hawthorne even leaves a bit for the reader to infer about humanity with the final line of the book, â€Å"on a field, sable, the letter A, gules [or, is stained red]† (Hawthorne, 201). From this, we can ask: â€Å"does the scarlet letter stand for sin or for cleansing? Is the epitaph a word of despair or hope? In what direction did Hawthorne intend to lead our thoughts? If asked, he would have said, ‘read out of your own heart’ † (Scharnhorst, 131). And this, I think, is what readers should remember when studying his work. Being human means making choices based not only on who we are, but who others around us are and how they choose. Following the crowd, while most do so without thinking, is not always the best choice and does not, as in the case of Hester, serve the right kind of justice. In the end, once the truth is revealed, Hester finally finds peace, and the fact that her peace was granted, not by the town that punished her, but by her adulterer, is most striking of all.

Manpower Planning Essay

In manpower planning Analyzing the current manpower plan Reviewing utilization Finding out current demand Finding out future supply Finally developing a manpower plan The MDI campus Is lush green and has a dedicated area for various Indoor sports and leisure activities Each leisure area requires a dedicated gardener and each such garden/lawn requires manpower planning to estimate the number of gardeners required in the area. Thorough analysis we concluded that the present number of Gardeners are somewhat overstaffed. The staffing is more appropriate during monsoon and rainy season when there is an overgrowth of grass. In other seasons the number of gardeners required is lesser. We interviewed a number of gardeners to ascertain their working habits and methodologies. The findings are documented below: 2. 3. 4. 5. Primary Job: Trimming grasses pruning bushes Secondary Jobs: Keeping the bushes and the plantation in order Soil upkeep and enrichment Cleanliness of the gardens and lawns Pesticide spraying New plantation and expansion of green area Primary analysis results: 1 . Gardeners are normally late and they also are not in their full capacity. At any given time not all the gardeners employed are present. 2. Working hours: 40 hours a week 5 days. 3. Overtime, if required is taken cared of. 4. All the gardeners have one supervisor whom they report to. 5. Few gardeners are cross skilled and may work across domains 6. Each gardener has the same salary which is around 6500 Per month Page 4 The gardens are of three types according to their function: 1 . Sport grounds- 2 namely Golf Course and Football grounds 2. Utility Lawns- 3 namely the Inland Greens, the lawn near CM/Odyssey and Library Greens 3. Leisure lawns- 5 namely the lawns near Lash, the lawn inside Scholar’s Building, Director’s Bungalow and the Staff Quarters and the lawns at the main gate Garden/ Lawn Number of Golf Course Football ground hours/day Reek. 26 Gardeners Reek. 4. 5 3. 5 Inland Greens 21 9 3 2 Lawns at main gate Lawns near CM/ Odyssey Lawns near Lash 14 2. 5 0. 5 Lawn inside Scholars Bungalow Lawns near Staff Quarters 8 1. 5 6 10 Cost analysis We estimated that the manpower planning be done according to the seasonal variations. During off seasons the cross skilled gardeners can be accommodated in other works whereas during on season these same gardeners can be taken back into the gardening work. In this way MDI can optimism the utilization of each gardener even better. Page 5 Recommendations We recommend a change in the number of gardeners required as we promote cross killing of gardeners and each gardener would be then better utilized, the number we came up with was 23 gardeners. The current number of gardeners present are 24 gardeners. Thus, the final number according to us comes out to be 23 gardeners.