Women and the glass ceiling in corporate America Annotated Bibliography

Women and the glass ceiling in corporate America - Annotated Bibliography Example The gender representation at the governmental level is an interesting topic as it is indicative of a more nationwide trend and less culturally dependent and/or bound than the ways that the glass ceiling might be exhibited within the private sector; a sector more bound by group dynamics and cultures than that of the governmental sector. Examination of such a determinant is necessary and important as it gives key insights into the broad/over-arching definitions of the glass ceiling as is evidenced through a large cross-section of our current society/government. This particular article discusses the key aspects of the â€Å"glass ceiling† that has kept women from being promoted to positions of upper management and other key roles within firms. Furthermore, the researchers found what they referred to as a glass cliff exists for the women who are able to eventually break through the glass ceiling. The glass cliff refers to the fact that oftentimes women are given key leadership rol es due to the fact that key shareholders wish to rapidly shake up the management/leadership process. As such, it is oftentimes the case that these positions are awarded to women as a means of providing a sudden change of direction that the CEO or other leadership figure hopes will change the fortune of the company. When this does not occur or does not occur at the rate that the aforementioned key shareholder(s) desire, the woman is then dropped for a successive candidate.This particular study discusses the means by which women in different levels of state. and federal government advance based upon the career paths they have chosen. This study has been included within the research due to the fact that it is one of the few demonstrable proofs that exists with reference to the fact that certain factors (to include economics) can have a profound effect on the level to which the glass ceiling is implemented. Furthermore, as the reader can quickly note, not all fields exhibit the glass ce iling to the same extent as any other. However, it can be fairly safely assumed that the existence of the glass ceiling is nearly uniform in its existence throughout the workforce. Haslam, S., Ryan, M. K., Kulich, C., Trojanowski, G., & Atkins, C. (2010). Investing with Prejudice: the Relationship Between Women's Presence on Company Boards and Objective and Subjective Measures of Company Performance. British Journal Of Management, 21(2), 484-497. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8551.2009.00670.x The authors of this particular article seek to examine a swath of 100 companies within a specific time period (2001-2005). As such, the researchers hope to answer key questions concerning perception of net

Statement of Purpose Essay Example for Free

Statement of Purpose Essay After a good deal of self-evaluation I have decided to pursue graduate studies in Management Information Systems. It is my undying interest and constant endeavour in the field of Mathematics and Statistics, that made me what i am today and had been a strong motivational force for all these years. After considering my aptitude and the type of work that I enjoy most, I am convinced that I want to take up a career in research in Data Analysis. This decision followed naturally after carefully considering my academic background, the areas of my interest, and my ultimate professional ambition, which is to pursue a research career as a Data Analyst. A Strong Vigor to expertise in Optimal Data Development and Data Integrity and to be a part of the powerful technological workforce in Management and Information systems are the objectives to my Graduate Study. It would play a pivotal role in acuminating my skills, earn proficiency and enhance my professional exposure. It largely aids me in gaining hands-on experience and acquire specialization in the field of data analytics. It has been my constant endeavor to strengthen my technical skills as well as venture beyond the confines of my professional work experience. The fulfillment, the enrichment and the mere experience of each of these endeavors have been both a source of tremendous inspiration and a guiding force in sculpting my academic objective of pursuing a Masters degree in Management Information Systems. After completing my under graduate study in Electronics and Communication Engineering, I worked with Tata Consultancy Services as a systems engineer where I got a chance to whet my appetite for information management field, data analytics in particular. Taking on the challenges given to me from day one to completing close to fifty projects till date, my knowledge has increased many folds. Working as a software engineer mainly in the database field handling the data of multiple clients like Century Link, Agilent, Sony East and West, Petco, Telephonica my main assignments were to handle the information in a systematic and secure way. I played multiple roles from design of a data model for a particular client to loading and analysis of data by performing rigorous performance tuning of the procedures developed. My seniors have been appreciative of my capabilities of handling the tasks and have been increasing my responsibilities. I was part of the software team from the preliminary investigation of the software development to the final review. And here where I knew the importance of the data analytics and data turned information. My working environment is also one of the motivating factors that pushed me towards obtaining a degree in Information Systems. My role in my current project is to develop a data model, source the client data into our database using sourcing agentS like Remedy or CMDB and analyze the sourced data for optimization. We have to develop a data model according to client requirement and design efficacious procedures for transforming the data as desired. Simultaneouly we develop complex queries which the GUI team uses to show the data in the portal(Reporting Tool). Complexities involved understanding the structure of data in the client ticketing tool, getting the complex database querys right checking multiple databases which contain enormous amount of data. This experience not only highlighted the importance of information management but also made me aware of the various challenges involved in dealing with the critical data of an organization. Locating incorporating new information rapidly, apart from having to break down understand complex content compelled me to think out of the box. This not only increased my problem solving capabilities but helped my team achieve results complete the projects well before the given deadlines. My ability to reach defend independent conclusion has also helped increase my intellectual maturity. During my Undergraduate course, I got an opportunity to learn C and Data Structures. These course works made me realize that i have a indefatigable determination and vigour for programming which urged me to learn few other programming languages such as C++, Java and Shell Scripting though they were not a part of my curriculum. I have always wanted to understand these concepts thoroughly, while being more interested in logic-based subjects than those that required learning by note. Apart from Academics, I actively organized and volunteered various fests technical as well as cultural, which paved a way to develop and enhance my leadership capabilities. I have enjoyed the responsibility of handling a team while organizing a fest by leading them upfront in all activities and was equally appreciated by my professors as well as my fellow students. I also had a strong appetite for sports especially cricket from my childhood which made me a part of my high School and University Teams and won many district level accolades. Understanding my own limitations learning from it has been a humbling experience. It has taught me to be hardworking, persistent, sincere goal oriented. I yearn to reach high levels of efficiency by following the best practices laid out. Management Information Systems has become one of the most important aspects of our life and now it has a greater influence on our world than it has ever been before. Organizations are increasingly relying on information systems to provide support in decision making in operational activities, management functions and for increased effectiveness in its various business areas. As a twenty first century professional, the ability to understand business on a global scale will be highly prized and hence it fascinates and motivates me to learn more and more about it. Now, having worked for more than 3 years, I feel that I am maturing as a professional should pursue a graduate program to cement my capabilities. Through the experience gained from my work, I developed excellent analytical and technical skills and improved my problem-solving abilities. To look beyond and extend my capabilities i realized the need to develop the technical and management interdisciplinary skills necessary to design, create, and maintain computer-based business processing applications or study the emerging needs of corporations in the areas of information technology management or complex project management. To realize my career goal of learning complex information management methods, I clearly must enhance my abilities in these as well as other areas of business. My advisors recommended me of your university on the basis of high demand for your graduates in the job market and the research work currently in progress. After going through the brochure, I realized that there also exists a vast gamut of opportunities from the oraganization of course in three disciplines. In addition, from the communication I had with the current students pursuing MIS at your esteemed institution, I have come to a conclusion that the graduate program at your department would suit my interests extremely well. Besides this, the quality of teaching, infrastructure, accommodation services, student support and career services are at their best as per international standards. It is therefore, just the right place that will equip me with unparalleled academic and professional skills and will enhance my personal growth as a Business Technologist. I plan to carry on advanced study of Databases, as well as related fields e. g. Algorithms, not only through coursework but also by participating in one of the several ongoing projects. Upon graduation from the University, I will seek a position which focuses primarily on decision support systems and developing new insights and understanding of business performance based on data and statistical methods that i learn from my graduation. I am aware of the kind of dedication, resilience and resolve I will have to show over the years. I believe that my association with the MIS department will be a mutually profitable one. Finally I take this opportunity to thank you for enabling me to express myself and if given an opportunity, I am confident that I will uphold the academic excellence of the department with my capabilities and diligence. I sincerely hope the admissions committee will share my confidence and give me the privilege of continuing with my studies at this esteemed institution.

Marketing Strategies Of Insurance Sector Commerce Essay

Marketing Strategies Of Insurance Sector Commerce Essay The new detarotted pricing regime requires an altogether different underwriting model. None exists now. A new model has to be put in place with no prior experience. Underwriting, that was done by the tariff book till now, needs the application of a sharp human mind, professional expertise, keen knowledge of a particular risk, a sensitive analysis of risk factors and their evaluation, a reflection of the insurers own past claim experience in respect to similar risks accepted to predict the future loss potential of the risk assumed and a cultivated ability to build a rate model that provides a margin to the insurer. With no past experience to guide their efforts, how will the insurers now pick-up these underwriting skills, expertise and knowledge base in a short time? How can the employee mindset, that looked to tariffs for the premium rates be persuaded to look at and collect the vast data that is required to price risks to fit the perceived risk factors? What are insurers doing to make their specialized underwriters acquire these levels of skills, expertise and knowledge? It takes time to build expertise and experience but a beginning has to be made. An insurer is also forced now to redefine his identity either as a low-cost insurer and cut premium rates to stay in business or consciously build price differentiators, because he provides and delivers superior customer-perceived value. Such delivered value may not be financial, but it is highly efficient effective and convenient to an insured, due to the insurers specialized expertise, his particularized. PLACE OR DISTRIBUTION CHANNELS Distribution refers to the arrangements by which the product after manufacturing is moved till it reaches the customer. There are various intermediaries in every business like wholesalers, retailers, etc. In the service business, agents and brokers are intermediaries in the transaction. Insurance business is sold through agents as intermediaries. In India, the regulation provide that an insurance agent can represent only on life and one non-life insurer. An agent has to obtain a licence from the IRDA. Brokers also act as insurance intermediaries. But they are different from agents in the sense that they are independent businessmen either working alone or in partnership. Brokers may be found in the non-life insurance business helping customers whose insurance requirements are complex. They handle big risks and need superior financial and analytical skills. Intermediaries play a very significant role when the claim has to be settled. They have to see that the legitimate claim is duly paid without delays. The other intermediaries at the stage of the claim are: In the case of general insurance, surveyors and loss assessors, who are independent professionals, who are called upon to inspect the damages and losses claimed against. Motor accident claims tribunal to adjudicate on the quantum of compensation that should be paid to the victims of motor accidents. Lok Adalats consisting of judges, to enable expeditious summary disposal of long-pending disputes regarding claims. Review committees (in the LIC) at different levels, the top most being headed by a high court judge, to review claims which have been repudiated on grounds of misrepresentation of fraud. Other organizations like hospitals (for healthcare and medical insurances) or garages (for motor repairs) who facilitate the claims settlements. Direct Marketing Marketing of insurance products can also be done directly. The media used for direct marketing are: Direct mail. Letters sent to consumers on the basis of addresses available from sources like telephone directory, membership lists of clubs and professional associations, stock exchange brokers or registrars to companies. Telephone contacts Television programmes of relatively longer duration Advertisements and loose insertion in main line as well as professional and trade journals. Displays in conferences, services for specialized products linked to the themes of the seminars. Direct contact from the Insurers salaried staff. Stalls in exhibitions and sole exhibitions in remote areas. Call centres or Service centres Kiosks with touch technology Over the counter in big stores. In India, direct marketing is done by the LIC for its group gratuity and superannuation business. In non-life insurance business, almost the entire business from corporate bodies had been done through direct marketing. This business was solicited by the officers of the insurers and not through agents. The internet has opened up new possibilities in direct marketing. Insurance is being used for the following purposes. To provide basic information about available plans to prospects. To provide answers to frequently asked questions about insurance. To provide details of nearest location of insureds representative To provide quotations for premium and for loans To provide information to policyholders about policy status, pending requirements, etc. For premium collection To sell simple policies like personal accident, medical householders pure endowment, annuities, etc. Work Site Marketing This area needs to be tapped, as in any country one of the biggest markets is through the work site. With changes in human resources management policies and compensation packages, group products or work site products do have a definite market that cannot be ignored. Here the advantages would be: Captive customer base Potential to sell individual insurance and group insurance High trust factor High hit ratio for the intermediaries The challenges would be the cost effectiveness, product customization and efficient post-sales servicing, which would determine continued business. Technology has a key role to play in work site marketing to ensure cost benefits. Banks and financial institutions have been successfully marketing credit cards and other financial products using this channel. If not an identical model a similar approach can be used for selling insurance. Internet Through India is joining the fast growing breed of net users, using net for transactions has not yet caught up. Though a few banks provide online banking the usage is still a small fragment. The insecurity associated with transactions over the net is still an inhibiting factor. At present, most of the insurance companies have product information and/or illustrative tools on the Web. We do not see the web evolving into a means for direct selling of insurance in the current scenario. In the Indian market, where insurance is sold after considerable persuasion even after face-to-face selling, the selling over the net, which must be initiated by the client, would take some more time. While the technology capability is there, improvements in bandwidth and infrastructure are needed. Also needed are simpler products where auto-underwriting is possible. Automobile insurance, one of the segments of insurance purchased off the shelf in India, would be the ideal segment to start with. On the life side, term assurance for standard lives with simplified underwriting is a possibility. These channels by themselves will not be able to overcome the mindset of the people, but rather can only be enablers for the human channels. Invisible Insurer In this model, the insurance company or its representative is not the entity marketing the products. The insurance cover is sold by an automobile/credit card company as an add-on product leveraging the brand of the retailer. The risk is carried by the insurance company, which underwrites it. Products like creditor insurance, automobile insurance, and credit card related insurance could be distributed using this channel. This model can be adopted in all market segments for the lines of business mentioned. It is already prevalent in some areas like credit card insurance and crop insurance for agriculture loans. The new players are also attempting this model. The venture of Maruti9 into insurance by setting up two subsidiaries MIDS10 and MIBL11 to sell automobile insurance is a case in point. These firms will largely arrange insurance cover for Marutis captive base. MIDS has been registered as a corporate agent with an exclusive arrangement with Bajaj Allianz General Insurance, while MIBL has linked up with state-owned National Insurance Company Limited. What makes these arrangements attractive is the low distribution cost and captive customer base. However, repeat business or renewal business cannot be assured. In the life segment, group creditor insurance may be the most suitable product for this channel. The postal department started selling life insurance policies way back in 1884 to people working in public sector undertakings and government departments. In 1995, postal department was allowed to sell policies to the general public living in rural areas. The postal life insurance ranks second only to LIC in transacting life insurance business. Last year, business of postal department was higher than of all private life insurers put together. On an all India basis, they sold 27 lakh policies and earned a premium income of Rs. 650 crores. USP is a lower premium and higher bonus, but what is unique is that they dont have any insurance agents selling postal life insurance policies. The business is promoted by a few designated staff and is managed by a separate directorate. PROMOTION The purpose of promotion is to communicate with the market. Promotion tries to influence attitudes and receptivity to eliminate misconceptions and thus to more sales. The IRDA has issued guidelines about advertisements by insurers and the agents or brokers in newspapers, magazines, sales talks, bill boards, hoardings, panels, radio, television, websites, e-mail, portals, leaflets, literature, circulars, sales and flyers, telephone solicitation, business cards, videos, faxes or other communication with a prospect or policyholder urging him to purchase, renew, increase or modify a policy of insurance. The main requirements are: The advertisement programme has to be overseen by an officer responsible for compliance with the regulations. A copy of every advertisement should be filled with the IRDA. Advertisements should disclose the full particulars of the insurer, as well as the form number and type of coverage of the policy referred to. Display the registration/licence numbers on their websites. No third party, other than insurer or authorized intermediary can distribute information or recommended purchase of specific insurance products. Advertisements should not be unfair or misleading. Along with the advertisements, publicity is also an equally strong medium of promotion. In the case of services, the most effective form of publicity is the word of mouth. But both advertisements and publicity can create awareness and also arouse curiosity or interest. These are not powerful enough to generate desire or to provoke action. Thus public relations become important. Public relations refer to separate, planned and sustained efforts made with a view to establish and maintain mutually beneficial relationships between an organization and its prospective customers. PR tools include; all the tools of publicity, lobbying, journals/newsletters, sponsorship of sports and other activities, special drives, entertainment, lunches and dinners, etc. PEOPLE People are the most critical resource in any organization. Without people, no other resource can perform. An employee, who is dissatisfied or worried, may not apply himself fully at work. At the same of interaction with the customer, the employee is alone. The insurance service is judiciary in nature. Thus credibility or trustworthiness, in the perception of the customer, is crucial. The employee can strengthen or erode this. Critical Success Factors for Insurance Change in the Attitude of the Population. There is need for a change in the attitude of the people towards insurance. Insurance is taken just as a tool for tax-saving. But insurance can be taken as shield around their families and business for any unknown calamity and also now-a-days insurance provides good investment opportunity. Thus people have to be made aware about the risk coverage and investment part of the insurance. Open and Transparent Environment created under the IRDA. Insurance as a sector requires players who are financially strong and are willing to wait for returns. Their confidence can only be boosted only if there are open and transparent policy guidelines. This will also help the consumers feel stage that the regulatory is an active one and cares to do everything possible to keep things under control and help the insurance environment grow maturely. Well-established Distribution Network. Bancassurance is becoming more and more popular. Public sector banks like SBI, PNB, etc. have huge network because of their long existence. Therefore they can be successful. Trained Professionals. Initially only insurance agents were considered to be the best salesmen for insurance products. But now with Privatisation and Globalisation more and more professionalism is required in sales efforts. Private players have professional qualified sales force. Rationale Approach to the Investment Criteria. IRDA has guidelines for the investment pattern of the insurance companies to meet its social obligations. But the players feel this compulsion to be unjust and it affects their return on investments. The more the people insured, better the revenue, better the security and ultimately better the morale and productivity. Stringent Accounting Practice to Prevent Failures amongst the Insurers. Insurer has the hard-earned money of the masses. Failure of any of the insurer for any reason can have disastrous effects. To prevent such possibility, a stringent accounting practice is imperative. Level Playing Field for all Insurers. Government should provide unbiased environment to all the insurance players, so that everybody has equal opportunities. With coming of private players, LIC is also focusing on advertising and has become one of the biggest advertisers of its products via using wide range of products, i.e., print and electronic media, sponsoring events, road shows, etc. LIC is focusing both on mass marketing and segmentation strategy. Main focus of promotion activities is one tax benefit and returns from insurance. LIC is focusing on CRM. Challenges for Public and Private Sector Companies Public Sector Companies Private Sector Companies Identity is well established, but the perception of poor service providers is a stigma. Products are not attractive and flexible enough but expensive. To retain their creamy layer clientele who are the most likely to be wooed by the new companies Retain and attract good intermediaries. Match the aura created by the new companies in the urban market. Have to build their identity in a market where the public does not distinguish them. Remove the perception that anything that looks good as expensive. Work against the peoples mindset that they are not here for the long term. Attract intermediaries especially agents with the requisite qualifications and attributes who can market the company and the product. Run the risk of tapping an already insured market for repeat insurance instead of tapping new virgin pockets in the market. MARKETING STRATEGIES OF INSURANCE PLAYERS IN INDIA Introduction of innovative products and services focusing on targeted customer segment. Use the concept of CRM and develop relationship with customers to retain the existing customer and make new customers. Availing the products and services at low cost and with short times. Insurance players have to focus on employees by focusing on their skills and motivating them for continuous improvements in process capabilities, quality and response times. Taking the help of information technology, database and systems in an optimum manner. Punch Line of Some Players Life Insurance corporation of India ICICI Prudential ING Vyasa Birla Sun Life HDFC Standard OM Kotak Mahindra Tata AIG Max New York Bajaj Allianz AMP Sanmar Life is Beautiful. Zindegi ke sath bhi, Zindegi ke bad bhi. We cover you at every step in life. Adding life to insurance Your dreams, our commitment Making life easier for you Jeene ki Azaadi With you always Your Partner for Life We cover almost everything Creating better futures Marketing Strategies of Prominent Insurance Players Life Insurance Corporation of India : LIC is the leader in the insurance sector with around 83% market share. LIC has tied up with corporation bank and Vijaya Bank for distribution of its product. LIC has computerized and linked all 2,048 branches. LIC was the first to introduce online premium payment facilities. LIC is focusing on rural market because of its established brand name. ICICI Pru Life. ICICI Pru is the major competitor of LIC. It has the maximum market share among private players. Companies using tools like workstation marketing, corporate marketing, road shows and stall in trade fair, loading, etc. Its strategy is to achieve scale in premium income and distribution force in shortest time. Focus is more on direct selling apart from communication and building personal relations. Company is marketing at worksite and for corporate customers ha adopted a multichannel distribution model. Company is selling its products as long-term investment plans. Max New York Life (MNYL). Max New York Life is operating with 2,500 agents spread in activities in India. It is using individual agents as its primary source of distribution. It offers flexible products with many options, and riders. The company is using various methods like media advertising, event sponsorship, etc. and tools like direct marketing relationship building to generate awareness and build customer base. The company focuses on the quality of its first sales personnel, i.e., agents. MetLife. MetLife is a global leader in the financial services and it has tied up with Geojet Infolin technologies for marketing and distribution of its products in India. It has followed the strategy of phase-wise introduction of products in the market. It has Bundle method of offering products which includes investment options ranging from insurance, equities, derivatives, mutual funds and TPOs. The market segment on which MetLife is focusing is South India and JK. Tata AIG. The company is following mass marketing to cover as many as lives as possible in the initial years of its operation. It has expertise in assessing the risk covered. Bajaj-Allianz. It is giving competition to public sector general insurance companies. Its main focus is on automobile. Its advertisements are appearing in local newspapers, television and hoarding. Birla-Sun Life. It is focusing mainly on high net worth people so that higher sum assured can be taken up. SBI Standard Life Its products are simple. It is doing branch-wise segmentation. Average size of the policies is smaller. HDFC Standard Life. HDFC is the leader in housing finance in India and Standard Life is the UK market leader. The company is using direct marketing tactics to build HDFC brand and convincing the customers insurance as a protection tool. The insurance sector has gained momentum with the entry of private players. Rather than taking away the market share of existing players, the new players have actually helped expand the insurance market. Their ability to offer innovative products aggressive marketing, as well as the general uptrend in economic growth, have given a boost to the industry. In fact, more players, with public sector banks and leading industrialists jumping into the fray. We take a look at the two major segments life and general to see how the major players are faring.

Modest Proposal Essay -- essays papers

Modest Proposal Animals or Students? It brings great obstacles to those who walk down the halls of Silverado High School day in and day out to be by bombarded by thirty-six hundred plus students. This prompts trying to go to the bathroom between classes beyond implausible, for it’s intense enough to just make it to class on time as it is without trying to make a pit stop at the bathroom. Students have been reduced to plowing and shoving their way through people in order to possibly make it to class and be in their seat before the tardy bell rings. I think all parents and more important, students involved will agree that this gargantuan number of students trying to push through one another to make it to the restroom or simply to be on time for class is leaving all entangled in a present state of rage and irritation over this subsequent grievance to their already stressful existence. Therefore, we, the students and parents, need to find an economical, practical solution to allow students to walk the hallways w ith ease. Having contributed multiple years pondering this very subject, and after careful consideration of the suggestions of my colleagues, I continually discovered them to be dreadfully mistaken in their computations. With that in mind, here’s my plan of action, I propose to herd students just like the cattle they are, with hall monitors being awarded the job of herding students up and down stairs and preventing the slowing or stopping, for that matte...

Laughter Is the Best Medicine Period A

Laughter is the Best Medicine Vikrant Badhwar Period A. There are so many quotes about laughing like, â€Å"Laughter is an instant vacation†, â€Å"Laughter is the shortest distance between two people† and we are all familiar with one of the most well known quotes â€Å"Laughter is the best medicine. † Yes, you guessed it right, my speech topic is â€Å"Laughter is the best medicine. † Laughter is contagious and it not only improves physical, mental and emotional health but also makes people happier and brings them closer. Laughter helps and overcomes many social barriers.One cannot go through life being miserable all the time and we need to find humor in anything or everything we can. Laughter is free medicine and very easy to use at any place and anytime Laughter is one of the best natural pain killers in the world. There are a lot of health benefits from laughing. What can be a better way to relieve stress and get rid of pain than laughter? Laughing can boost your immune system. When you laugh, it reduces the stress hormones known as cortisol and increases the immune cells that can fight infections and prevent many diseases.Laughter increases a hormone known as endorphins that acts as a pain killer. It gives the body a good feeling and can temporarily relieve pain. Laughter increases the blood flow in our bodies which can prevent the risk of having a heart attack. Did you know that 15 minutes of laughter can be just as good as 2 hours of sleep; one good belly laugh can burn 3 and ? calories, laughing for 15 seconds adds two days to your life span. The Chinese have it right, they laugh more than any other culture in the world! Laughter makes you feel good about yourself and helps you stay emotionally healthy.When you laugh, you get a feeling in your body that makes you feel good. When you laugh, there is no way you will feel angry, sad or even mad, therefore it relieves all your bad emotions. Laughter brings a lot of joy and energy that allows you to have a positive outlook towards life even when you are feeling down. Researchers believe that there is a strong link between laughter and emotional health. Laughter reduces stress and helps you relax. Laughter also helps you stay focused and helps you look at difficult situations more clearly.Laughing by yourself is a great dose of medicine but laughing with others is even better. Shared laughter is considered to be great way of keeping relationships healthy. When you are laughing with others, it helps strengthen the bond between friends, and even helps dissolve a disagreement or conflict that otherwise maybe be harmful to your mental and emotional health. Laughing together can make life fun and enjoyable. Did you know that there are actually Laughter Yoga groups where the Yoga leader actually teaches you how to laugh!There is one group called the â€Å"Laughter Brigade† in India where you can catch a group of people laughing silly early in the morning whi le doing their routine exercises! As you can see, laughter is not only a free medicine but it can be available anywhere, anytime and in any situation. Laughter’s benefits to our physical, mental, and emotional well being are enormous. Laughing together strengthens the bond, brings people closer and overcome many social barriers. So, I say keep on laughing and add more joy, happiness and love to your daily lives.

Scheduling System

Scheduling is the process of deciding how to commit resources between a variety of possible tasks. Time can be specified (scheduling a flight to leave at 8:00) or floating as part of a sequence of events. The word may also refer to: * I/O scheduling, the order in which I/O requests are submitted to a block device in Computer Operating Systems * Scheduling (broadcasting), the minute planning of the content of a radio or television broadcast channel * Scheduling algorithm Scheduling (computing), the way various processes are assigned in multitasking and multiprocessing operating system design * Scheduling (production processes), the planning of the production or the operation * Schedule (workplace), ensuring that an organization has sufficient staffing levels at all times * Job scheduler, an enterprise software application in charge of unattended background executions. * Job Shop Scheduling, an optimization problem in computer science. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Scheduling chedulin g computing Scheduling is a key concept in computer multitasking, multiprocessing operating system and real-time operating system designs. Scheduling refers to the way processes are assigned to run on the available CPUs, since there are typically many more processes running than there are available CPUs. This assignment is carried out by softwares known as a scheduler and dispatcher. The scheduler is concerned mainly with: * Throughput – number of processes that complete their execution per time unit. Latency, specifically: * Turnaround – total time between submission of a process and its completion. * Response time – amount of time it takes from when a request was submitted until the first response is produced. * Fairness – Equal CPU time to each process (or more generally appropriate times according to each process' priority). In practice, these goals often conflict (e. g. throughput versus latency), thus a scheduler will implement a suitable compromise . In real-time environments, such as mobile devices for automatic control in industry (for example robotics), the scheduler also must ensure that processes can meet deadlines; this is crucial for keeping the system stable. Scheduled tasks are sent to mobile devices and managed through an administrative back end. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Scheduling_%28computing%29 SYSTEM-(from Latin systema, in turn from Greek systema, â€Å"whole compounded of several parts or members, system†, literary â€Å"composition†[1]) is a set of interacting or interdependent system components forming an integrated whole. The concept of an â€Å"integrated whole† can also be stated in terms of a system embodying a set of relationships which are differentiated from relationships of the set to other elements, and from relationships between an element of the set and elements not a part of the relational regime. The scientific research field which is engaged in the study of the general properties of systems include systems theory, cybernetics, dynamical systems, thermodynamics and complex systems. They investigate the abstract properties of the matter and organization, searching concepts and principles which are independent of the specific domain, substance, type, or temporal scales of existence. Most systems share common characteristics, including: * Systems have structure, defined by components and their composition; * Systems have behavior, which involves inputs, processing and outputs of material, energy, information, or data; * Systems have interconnectivity: the various parts of a system have functional as well as structural relationships between each other. Systems may have some functions or groups of functions http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/System scheduling 1. Assigning an appropriate number of workers to the jobs during each day of work. 2. Determining when an activity should start or end, depending on its (1) duration, (2) predecessor activity (or activities), (3) predecessor relationships, (4) resource availability, and (5) target completion date of the project. ht tp://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/scheduling. html http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Scheduling- scheduling taken from wikipedia http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Scheduling_%28computing%29- scheduling taken from Wikipedia (computing) Scheduling Definition The process of converting a general or outline plan for a project into a time-based graphic presentation given information on available resources and time constraints http://www. maxwideman. com/issacons3/iac1302/tsld002. htm sched ·ule ? ? /? sk? d? ul, -? l, -u? l; Brit. dyul, d? ul/ Show Spelled [skej-ool, -ool, -oo-uhl; Brit. shed-yool, shej-ool] Show IPA noun, verb, -uled, -ul ·ing. –noun 1. a plan of procedure, usually written, for a proposed objective, esp. ith reference to the sequence of and time allotted for each item or operation necessary to its completion: The schedule allows three weeks for this stage. 2. a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period: He always has a full schedule. 3. a timetable. 4. a written or printed statement of details, often in classified or tabular form, esp. one forming an appendix or explanatory addition to another document. 5. Obsolete . a written paper. –verb (used with object) 6. to make a schedule of or enter in a schedule. 7. to plan for a certain date: to schedule publication for June. Use schedule in a Sentence See images of schedule Search schedule on the Web Origin: 1350–1400;   ; LL schedula,   equiv. to L sched ( a ) leaf of paper + -ula -ule;   r. ME cedule, sedule   ; MF ; LL, as above http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/schedule manual system-A manual system usually means done by hand. That could be typing all your information into Notepad. http://answers. yahoo. com/question/index? qid=20080902103751AAPQHyr system-(1) A group of interdependent items that interact regularly to perform a task. (2) An established or organized procedure; a method. 3) A computer system refers to the hardware and software components that run a computer or computers. (4) An information system is a system that collects and stores data. (5) On Macintoshes, System is short for System file, an essential program that runs whenever you start up a Macintosh. The System provides information to all other applications that run on a Macintosh. The System and Finder progr ams together make up the Mac OS. (6) System often simply refers to the operating system. http://www. webopedia. com/TERM/S/system. html SYSTEM: (1) A group of interdependent items that interact regularly to perform a task. 2) An established or organized procedure; a method. (3) A computer system refers to the hardware and software components that run a computer or computers. (4) An information system is a system that collects and stores data. (5) On Macintoshes, System is short for System file, an essential program that runs whenever you start up a Macintosh. The System provides information to all other applications that run on a Macintosh. The System and Finder programs together make up the Mac OS. (http://www. webopedia. com/TERM/S/system. html) Effective Scheduling Planning to Make the Best Use of Your Time iStockphoto/vasiliki So far in this section of Mind Tools, we have looked at your priorities and your goals – these define what you aspire to do with your time. Schedul ing is where these aspirations meet the reality of the time you have available. Scheduling is the process by which you look at the time available to you, and plan how you will use it to achieve the goals you have identified. By using a schedule properly, you can: * Understand what you can realisticaly achieve with your time. * Plan to make the best use of the time available. * Leave enough time for things you absolutely must do. Preserve contingency time to handle ‘the unexpected'. * Minimize stress by avoiding over-commitment to yourself and others. How to Use the Tool: There are many good scheduling tools available, including diaries, calendars, paper-based organizers, PDAs and integrated software suites like MS Outlook or GoalPro 6. The scheduling tool that is best for you depends on your situation, the current structure of your job, your taste and your budget: The key things are to be able to enter data easily, and to be able to view an appropriate span of time in the corr ect level of detail. Scheduling is best done on a regular basis, for example at the start of every week or month. Go through the following steps in preparing your schedule: 1. Start by identifying the time you want to make available for your work. This will depend on the design of your job and on your personal goals in life. 2. Next, block in the actions you absolutely must take to do a good job. These will often be the things you are assessed against. 3. For example, if you manage people, then you must make time available for dealing with issues that arise, coaching, and supervision. Similarly, you must allow time to communicate with your boss and key people around you. While people may let you get away with ‘neglecting them' in the short-term, your best time management efforts will surely be derailed if you do not set aside time for those who are important in your life. 4. Review your To Do List, and schedule in the high-priority urgent activities, as well as the essential maintenance tasks that cannot be delegated and cannot be avoided. 5. Next, block in appropriate contingency time. You will learn how much of this you need by experience. Normally, the more unpredictable your job, the more contingency time you need. The reality of many people's work is of constant interruption: Studies show some managers getting an average of as little as six minutes uninterrupted work done at a time. 6. Obviously, you cannot tell when interruptions will occur. However, by leaving space in your schedule, you give yourself the flexibility to rearrange your schedule to react effectively to issues as they arise. 7. What you now have left is your â€Å"discretionary time†: the time available to deliver your priorities and achieve your goals. Review your Prioritized To Do List and personal goals, evaluate the time needed to achieve these actions, and schedule these in. By the time you reach step 5, you may find that you have little or no discretionary time available. If this is the case, then revisit the assumptions you used in the first four steps. Question whether things are absolutely necessary, whether they can be delegated, or whether they can be done in an abbreviated way. Remember that one of the most important ways people learn to achieve success is by maximizing the ‘leverage' they can achieve with their time. They increase the amount of work they can manage by delegating work to other people, spend money outsourcing key tasks, or use technology to automate as much of their work as possible. This frees them up to achieve their goals. Also, use this as an opportunity to review your To Do List and Personal Goals. Have you set goals that just aren't achievable with the time you have available? Are you taking on too many additional duties? Or are you treating things as being more important than they really are? If your discretionary time is still limited, then you may need to renegotiate your workload. With a well-thought through schedule as evidence, you may find this surprisingly easy. Key Points: Scheduling is the process by which you plan your use of time. By scheduling effectively, you can both reduce stress and maximize your effectiveness. Before you can schedule efficiently, you need an effective scheduling system. This can be a diary, calendar, paper-based organizer, PDA or a software package like MS Outlook or GoalPro 6. The best solution depends entirely on your circumstances. Scheduling is then a five-step process: 1. Identify the time you have available. . Block in the essential tasks you must carry out to succeed in your job. 3. Schedule in high priority urgent tasks and vital â€Å"house-keeping† activities. 4. Block in appropriate contingency time to handle unpredictable interruptions. 5. In the time that remains, schedule the activities that address your priorities and personal goals. If you have little or no discretionary time left by the time you reach step five, then revisit the assumptions you have made in steps one to four. (http://www. mindtools. com/pages/article/newHTE_07. htm) Scheduling System Scheduling is the process of deciding how to commit resources between a variety of possible tasks. Time can be specified (scheduling a flight to leave at 8:00) or floating as part of a sequence of events. The word may also refer to: * I/O scheduling, the order in which I/O requests are submitted to a block device in Computer Operating Systems * Scheduling (broadcasting), the minute planning of the content of a radio or television broadcast channel * Scheduling algorithm Scheduling (computing), the way various processes are assigned in multitasking and multiprocessing operating system design * Scheduling (production processes), the planning of the production or the operation * Schedule (workplace), ensuring that an organization has sufficient staffing levels at all times * Job scheduler, an enterprise software application in charge of unattended background executions. * Job Shop Scheduling, an optimization problem in computer science. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Scheduling chedulin g computing Scheduling is a key concept in computer multitasking, multiprocessing operating system and real-time operating system designs. Scheduling refers to the way processes are assigned to run on the available CPUs, since there are typically many more processes running than there are available CPUs. This assignment is carried out by softwares known as a scheduler and dispatcher. The scheduler is concerned mainly with: * Throughput – number of processes that complete their execution per time unit. Latency, specifically: * Turnaround – total time between submission of a process and its completion. * Response time – amount of time it takes from when a request was submitted until the first response is produced. * Fairness – Equal CPU time to each process (or more generally appropriate times according to each process' priority). In practice, these goals often conflict (e. g. throughput versus latency), thus a scheduler will implement a suitable compromise . In real-time environments, such as mobile devices for automatic control in industry (for example robotics), the scheduler also must ensure that processes can meet deadlines; this is crucial for keeping the system stable. Scheduled tasks are sent to mobile devices and managed through an administrative back end. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Scheduling_%28computing%29 SYSTEM-(from Latin systema, in turn from Greek systema, â€Å"whole compounded of several parts or members, system†, literary â€Å"composition†[1]) is a set of interacting or interdependent system components forming an integrated whole. The concept of an â€Å"integrated whole† can also be stated in terms of a system embodying a set of relationships which are differentiated from relationships of the set to other elements, and from relationships between an element of the set and elements not a part of the relational regime. The scientific research field which is engaged in the study of the general properties of systems include systems theory, cybernetics, dynamical systems, thermodynamics and complex systems. They investigate the abstract properties of the matter and organization, searching concepts and principles which are independent of the specific domain, substance, type, or temporal scales of existence. Most systems share common characteristics, including: * Systems have structure, defined by components and their composition; * Systems have behavior, which involves inputs, processing and outputs of material, energy, information, or data; * Systems have interconnectivity: the various parts of a system have functional as well as structural relationships between each other. Systems may have some functions or groups of functions http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/System scheduling 1. Assigning an appropriate number of workers to the jobs during each day of work. 2. Determining when an activity should start or end, depending on its (1) duration, (2) predecessor activity (or activities), (3) predecessor relationships, (4) resource availability, and (5) target completion date of the project. ht tp://www. businessdictionary. com/definition/scheduling. html http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Scheduling- scheduling taken from wikipedia http://en. wikipedia. rg/wiki/Scheduling_%28computing%29- scheduling taken from Wikipedia (computing) Scheduling Definition The process of converting a general or outline plan for a project into a time-based graphic presentation given information on available resources and time constraints http://www. maxwideman. com/issacons3/iac1302/tsld002. htm sched ·ule ? ? /? sk? d? ul, -? l, -u? l; Brit. dyul, d? ul/ Show Spelled [skej-ool, -ool, -oo-uhl; Brit. shed-yool, shej-ool] Show IPA noun, verb, -uled, -ul ·ing. –noun 1. a plan of procedure, usually written, for a proposed objective, esp. ith reference to the sequence of and time allotted for each item or operation necessary to its completion: The schedule allows three weeks for this stage. 2. a series of things to be done or of events to occur at or during a particular time or period: He always has a full schedule. 3. a timetable. 4. a written or printed statement of details, often in classified or tabular form, esp. one forming an appendix or explanatory addition to another document. 5. Obsolete . a written paper. –verb (used with object) 6. to make a schedule of or enter in a schedule. 7. to plan for a certain date: to schedule publication for June. Use schedule in a Sentence See images of schedule Search schedule on the Web Origin: 1350–1400;   ; LL schedula,   equiv. to L sched ( a ) leaf of paper + -ula -ule;   r. ME cedule, sedule   ; MF ; LL, as above http://dictionary. reference. com/browse/schedule manual system-A manual system usually means done by hand. That could be typing all your information into Notepad. http://answers. yahoo. com/question/index? qid=20080902103751AAPQHyr system-(1) A group of interdependent items that interact regularly to perform a task. (2) An established or organized procedure; a method. 3) A computer system refers to the hardware and software components that run a computer or computers. (4) An information system is a system that collects and stores data. (5) On Macintoshes, System is short for System file, an essential program that runs whenever you start up a Macintosh. The System provides information to all other applications that run on a Macintosh. The System and Finder progr ams together make up the Mac OS. (6) System often simply refers to the operating system. http://www. webopedia. com/TERM/S/system. html SYSTEM: (1) A group of interdependent items that interact regularly to perform a task. 2) An established or organized procedure; a method. (3) A computer system refers to the hardware and software components that run a computer or computers. (4) An information system is a system that collects and stores data. (5) On Macintoshes, System is short for System file, an essential program that runs whenever you start up a Macintosh. The System provides information to all other applications that run on a Macintosh. The System and Finder programs together make up the Mac OS. (http://www. webopedia. com/TERM/S/system. html) Effective Scheduling Planning to Make the Best Use of Your Time iStockphoto/vasiliki So far in this section of Mind Tools, we have looked at your priorities and your goals – these define what you aspire to do with your time. Schedul ing is where these aspirations meet the reality of the time you have available. Scheduling is the process by which you look at the time available to you, and plan how you will use it to achieve the goals you have identified. By using a schedule properly, you can: * Understand what you can realisticaly achieve with your time. * Plan to make the best use of the time available. * Leave enough time for things you absolutely must do. Preserve contingency time to handle ‘the unexpected'. * Minimize stress by avoiding over-commitment to yourself and others. How to Use the Tool: There are many good scheduling tools available, including diaries, calendars, paper-based organizers, PDAs and integrated software suites like MS Outlook or GoalPro 6. The scheduling tool that is best for you depends on your situation, the current structure of your job, your taste and your budget: The key things are to be able to enter data easily, and to be able to view an appropriate span of time in the corr ect level of detail. Scheduling is best done on a regular basis, for example at the start of every week or month. Go through the following steps in preparing your schedule: 1. Start by identifying the time you want to make available for your work. This will depend on the design of your job and on your personal goals in life. 2. Next, block in the actions you absolutely must take to do a good job. These will often be the things you are assessed against. 3. For example, if you manage people, then you must make time available for dealing with issues that arise, coaching, and supervision. Similarly, you must allow time to communicate with your boss and key people around you. While people may let you get away with ‘neglecting them' in the short-term, your best time management efforts will surely be derailed if you do not set aside time for those who are important in your life. 4. Review your To Do List, and schedule in the high-priority urgent activities, as well as the essential maintenance tasks that cannot be delegated and cannot be avoided. 5. Next, block in appropriate contingency time. You will learn how much of this you need by experience. Normally, the more unpredictable your job, the more contingency time you need. The reality of many people's work is of constant interruption: Studies show some managers getting an average of as little as six minutes uninterrupted work done at a time. 6. Obviously, you cannot tell when interruptions will occur. However, by leaving space in your schedule, you give yourself the flexibility to rearrange your schedule to react effectively to issues as they arise. 7. What you now have left is your â€Å"discretionary time†: the time available to deliver your priorities and achieve your goals. Review your Prioritized To Do List and personal goals, evaluate the time needed to achieve these actions, and schedule these in. By the time you reach step 5, you may find that you have little or no discretionary time available. If this is the case, then revisit the assumptions you used in the first four steps. Question whether things are absolutely necessary, whether they can be delegated, or whether they can be done in an abbreviated way. Remember that one of the most important ways people learn to achieve success is by maximizing the ‘leverage' they can achieve with their time. They increase the amount of work they can manage by delegating work to other people, spend money outsourcing key tasks, or use technology to automate as much of their work as possible. This frees them up to achieve their goals. Also, use this as an opportunity to review your To Do List and Personal Goals. Have you set goals that just aren't achievable with the time you have available? Are you taking on too many additional duties? Or are you treating things as being more important than they really are? If your discretionary time is still limited, then you may need to renegotiate your workload. With a well-thought through schedule as evidence, you may find this surprisingly easy. Key Points: Scheduling is the process by which you plan your use of time. By scheduling effectively, you can both reduce stress and maximize your effectiveness. Before you can schedule efficiently, you need an effective scheduling system. This can be a diary, calendar, paper-based organizer, PDA or a software package like MS Outlook or GoalPro 6. The best solution depends entirely on your circumstances. Scheduling is then a five-step process: 1. Identify the time you have available. . Block in the essential tasks you must carry out to succeed in your job. 3. Schedule in high priority urgent tasks and vital â€Å"house-keeping† activities. 4. Block in appropriate contingency time to handle unpredictable interruptions. 5. In the time that remains, schedule the activities that address your priorities and personal goals. If you have little or no discretionary time left by the time you reach step five, then revisit the assumptions you have made in steps one to four. (http://www. mindtools. com/pages/article/newHTE_07. htm)

Teaching the Teacher Using the Train the Trainer Model

Teaching the Teacher Using the Train the Trainer Model Too often, the last thing any teacher wants after a day of teaching in the classroom is to attend professional development (PD). But, just like their students, teachers at every grade-level need ongoing education to keep up with educational trends, district initiatives, or curriculum changes. Therefore, the designers of teacher PD must consider how to engage and motivate teachers using a model that is meaningful and effective. One model that has demonstrated its effectiveness in PD is known as the Train the Trainer model. What Is the Train the Trainer Model? According to the Society for Research on Educational Effectiveness, Train the Trainer means: initially training a person or people who, in turn, train other people at their home agency. For example, in a Train the Trainer model, a school or district may determine that question and answer techniques need to be improved. The PD designers would select a teacher,  or group of teachers,  to receive extensive training in question and answering techniques. This teacher, or group of teachers, would, in turn, train their fellow teachers in effective use of question and answering techniques.   The Train the Trainer model is similar to peer-to-peer instruction, which is widely recognized as an effective strategy for all learners in all subject areas. Selecting teachers to act as trainers for other teachers has many advantages including reducing costs, increasing communication, and improving school culture. Advantages to Train the Trainer One major advantage to the Train the Trainer model is how it can assure fidelity to a particular program or strategy for  teaching. Each trainer disseminates prepared materials in exactly the same way. During the PD, the trainer in this model is similar to a clone and will stick to a script without making any changes. This makes the Train the Trainer model for PD ideal for large school districts who need continuity in training order to measure the effectiveness of a curriculum between schools. The use of the Train the Trainer model can also help districts to provide a consistent professional learning process for compliance with mandated local, state, or federal requirements. A trainer in this model may be expected to use the methods and materials provided in the training in their own classrooms and perhaps to model for fellow teachers. A trainer may also provide interdisciplinary or cross-curricular professional development for other content-area teachers.   The use of the Train the Trainer model in PD is cost effective. It is less costly to send one teacher or a small team of teachers out for expensive training so that they can return with the knowledge to teach many others. It can also more cost effective to use the trainers as experts who are provided time to revisit teacher classrooms to measure the effectiveness of the training or to model the training throughout the school year. The Train the Trainer model can shorten the timetable for new initiatives. Instead of the lengthy process of training of one teacher at a time, a team can be trained at once. Once the team is ready, the coordinated PD sessions can be offered for teachers simultaneously and initiatives put in place in a timely manner. Finally, teachers are more likely to seek advice from other teachers than from an outside specialist. Using teachers who are already familiar with the school culture and the school setting is an advantage, especially during presentations.  Most teachers know each other, personally or by reputation within a school or district. The development of teachers as trainers within a school or district can set up new pathways of communication or networking. Training teachers as experts can also increase leadership capacity in a school or district. Research on Train the Trainer There are several studies that illustrate the effectiveness on Train the Trainer method. One study (2011) focused on special education teachers who delivered such training that was a â€Å"cost-effective and sustainable method for improving the access to and accuracy of teacher-implemented [training].† Other studies have shown the effectiveness of the train the trainer model including: (2012) food safety initiative and  (2014) science literacy, as well as for social issues as seen in the Report on Bullying Prevention and Intervention Professional Development by the Massachusetts Department of  Elementary and Secondary Education (2010). The practice of Train the Trainer has been used nationally for many years. Initiatives from the National Literacy and National Numeracy Centers have provided leadership and training for educational institutions and consultants, who â€Å"train school heads, lead math teachers and expert literacy teachers, who in turn train other teachers​.† One drawback to the Train the Trainer model is that the PD is usually scripted in order to serve a specific purpose or to address a specific need. In larger districts, however, the needs of a school, classroom or teacher may differ and the PD delivered according to a script may not be as relevant. The Train the Trainer model is not flexible and may not include opportunities for differentiation unless the trainers are provided materials that can be tailored for a school or classroom. Choosing the Trainer(s) The selection of a teacher is the most critical part in developing the train the trainer model. The teacher selected as a trainer must be well-respected and able to lead teacher discussions as well as listen to his or her peers. The teacher selected should be prepared to help teachers to link the training to instruction and to demonstrate how to measure success. The teacher selected must be able to share results (data) on student growth that is based on training. Most important, the teacher selected must be reflective, be able to accept teacher feedback, and above all, maintain a positive attitude.   Designing Professional Development Before implementing the Train the Trainer model, the designers of professional development in any school district should consider the four principles that American educator Malcolm Knowles theorized about adult education or andragogy.  Andragogy refers to â€Å"man led† rather than pedagogy which uses â€Å"ped† meaning â€Å"child† at its root. Knowles proposed (1980) principles he believed were critical for adult learning. Designers of PD and trainers should have some familiarity with these principles as they prepare the trainers for their adult learners.  An explanation for application in education follows each principle: Adult learners have a need to be self-directing. This means instruction is effective when teachers have been involved in the planning and in the evaluation of their professional development. Train the trainer models are effective when they respond to teacher needs or requests.Readiness for learning increases when there is a specific need to know. This means that teachers learn best, like their students, when the professional development is central to their performance.  Life’s reservoir of experience is a primary learning resource; the life experiences of others add enrichment to the learning process. This means that what teachers experience, including their mistakes, is critical because teachers attach more meaning to experience rather than knowledge that they acquire passively.Adult learners have an inherent need for immediacy of application.  A teacher’s interest in learning is increased when professional development has immediate relevance and impact to teacherà ¢â‚¬â„¢s job or personal life. Trainers should know that Knowles also suggested that adult learning is more successful when it is problem-centered rather than content-oriented.   Final Thoughts Just as the teacher does in the classroom, the trainer’s role during PD  is to create and maintain a supportive climate so that the instruction designed for teachers can take place. Some good practices for the trainer include: Be respectful of fellow teachers.Show enthusiasm about the training topic.Be clear and direct in order to avoid miscommunication.Ask questions in order to receive feedback.Use â€Å"Wait Time† to encourage questions and allow time to think about an answer or response. Teachers understand firsthand how mind-numbing an afternoon of PD could be, so using teachers in the Train the Trainer model has the benefit of adding  elements of camaraderie, appreciation, or empathy to professional development. Trainers will work hard to meet the challenge of keeping their peers engaged while teachers who are learning may be more motivated to listen to their peers rather than a consultant out of the district. Ultimately, using the Train the Trainer model may mean highly effective and less  boring professional development simply because it is peer-led professional development.

Free Essays on Unix

UNIX has served many different government and scientific entities in the past and continues to be enhanced by software designers in order to better serve customers by being responsive to today’s marketplace. It is obvious that with public demand for internet services, combined with the fact that the internet is UNIX-based, there is no immediate threat to the UNIX operating system. The unique advantage of the UNIX operating system when it was introduced was that it could (and still does) run on dissimilar machines, unheard of prior to 1969. UNIX also can run more than one program at a time, store complex graphics and databases, and link to other UNIX and mainframe computer systems, including DOS since the late 1980s. UNIX-based systems control various programs written by many companies to distribute information between multiple computers within the network. UNIX at first worked over ARPnet the ARPA network grew throughout the 1970s when computer networks from various organiz ations, both nationally and internationally, began to link to ARPAnet, mostly for transferring engineering and scientific research data. The ARPAnet eventually migrated into what we know as the World Wide Web. The Web allows users to easily browse through hypertext and multimedia located on various computers and mainframe systems around the world. Prior to the CERN project, Internet users had to know UNIX programming language and move around in a cumbersome UNIX shell environment. The Web can best be described as a â€Å"global interactive, dynamic, cross-platform, distributed, graphical hypertext information system that operates over the Internet. It operates on many protocols, including FTP, Gopher, UseNet, WAIS databases, and TELNET. Most of the text transferred over the Internet is written in hypertext markup language (HTML). Graphics are transferred via standard generalized markup language (SGML) through the UNIX operating system. No one owns the web, but a... Free Essays on UNIX Free Essays on UNIX UNIX has served many different government and scientific entities in the past and continues to be enhanced by software designers in order to better serve customers by being responsive to today’s marketplace. It is obvious that with public demand for internet services, combined with the fact that the internet is UNIX-based, there is no immediate threat to the UNIX operating system. The unique advantage of the UNIX operating system when it was introduced was that it could (and still does) run on dissimilar machines, unheard of prior to 1969. UNIX also can run more than one program at a time, store complex graphics and databases, and link to other UNIX and mainframe computer systems, including DOS since the late 1980s. UNIX-based systems control various programs written by many companies to distribute information between multiple computers within the network. UNIX at first worked over ARPnet the ARPA network grew throughout the 1970s when computer networks from various organiz ations, both nationally and internationally, began to link to ARPAnet, mostly for transferring engineering and scientific research data. The ARPAnet eventually migrated into what we know as the World Wide Web. The Web allows users to easily browse through hypertext and multimedia located on various computers and mainframe systems around the world. Prior to the CERN project, Internet users had to know UNIX programming language and move around in a cumbersome UNIX shell environment. The Web can best be described as a â€Å"global interactive, dynamic, cross-platform, distributed, graphical hypertext information system that operates over the Internet. It operates on many protocols, including FTP, Gopher, UseNet, WAIS databases, and TELNET. Most of the text transferred over the Internet is written in hypertext markup language (HTML). Graphics are transferred via standard generalized markup language (SGML) through the UNIX operating system. No one owns the web, but a... Free Essays on Unix Following is all the information that you need to understand the workings of the UNIX operating system (Berkley 4.2). Patched together by The War On the security side of UNIX: - On the Security of UNIX Dennis M. Ritchie Recently there has been much interest in the security aspects of operating systems and software. At issue is the ability to prevent undesired disclosure of information, destruction of information, and harm to the functioning of the system. This paper discusses the degree of security which can be provided under the system and offers a number of hints on how to improve security. The first fact to face is that was not developed with security, in any realistic sense, in mind; this fact alone guarantees a vast number of holes. (Actually the same statement can be made with respect to most systems.) The area of security in which is theoretically weakest is in protecting against crashing or at least crippling the operation of the system. The problem here is not mainly in uncritical acceptance of bad parameters to system calls there may be bugs in this area, but none are known- but rather in lack of checks for excessive consumption of resources. Most notably, there is no limit on the amount of disk storage used, either in total space allocated or in the number of files or directories. Here is a particularly ghastly shell sequence guaranteed to stop the system: while :; do mkdir x cd x done Ether a panic will occur because all the i-nodes on the device are used up, or all the disk blocks will be consumed, thus preventing anyone from writing files on the device. In this version of the system, users are prevented from creating more than a set number of processes simultaneously, so unless users are in collusion it is unlikely that any one can stop the system altogether. However, creation of 20 or so CPU or disk-bound jobs l...

Changing Trends In Advertisement Strategies Of Virgin Atlantic Marketing Essay

Changing Trends In Advertisement Strategies Of Virgin Atlantic Marketing Essay The main aim of the research is to explore the changing trends in advertisement strategies and to evaluate the impact on customers in competitive market. Research Objective: To explore the changing trends in advertisement strategies of Virgin Atlantic To identify the key features in Virgin advertisements that attracts customers To explain the impact of changed advertisement strategies on customers preference Definition of Advertisement strategy: An advertising strategy is a campaign developed to communicate ideas about products and services to potential consumers in the hopes of convincing them to buy those products and services. Research Questions What are the current advertisement trends in airline industry? How does the advertisement strategy of Virgin Atlantic influence customer’s preference? Introduction: Background of research In this research, researcher is going to explore the changing trends in advertisement strategies of Virgin Atlantic Airways. Researcher wants to identify those key elements that influence customer’s attraction towards Virgin Atlantic Airways. Researcher will adopt different tools and techniques to gather primary information. Conceptual Framework: Definition:† A theoretical structure of assumptions, principles, and rules that holds together the ideas comprising a broad concept.† In this particular research; researcher explore the changing trends in advertisement of Virgin Atlantic and explain the impact on customer preference. The conceptual framework of this research is based on five different steps. In the first step researcher explains the aim and objective of the research. The first introduction step also contains the brief introduction of company. In second phase researcher critically evaluates the literature review related to his research .in this phase researcher studied different articles, journals to get the understanding of different thoughts and assumptions related to his research problem and the n end up with the conclusion. Third phase of this research paper is most significant because it explains the different methodologies and tools used by researcher to get his objective. In this step researcher describe his research methodology, strategy, philosophy, approach and data collection method for primary information. The forth phase of this research is data analysis. In this section researcher compiled the relevant information gathered from different respondents through questionnaire and then presented in the form of graphs And at the end researcher give conclusion and recommendation to support his research and then further explains the outcome. . Background of Virgin Atlantic: In early 80’s Randolph Fields gave idea to Richard Branson of starting Virgin Atlantic Airways. Virgin Atlantic Airways Original known as British Atlantic Airways, The first flight of Virgin Atlantic’s was from Gatwick to Newark on their only 747 on 22nd June 1984. Two years after their f irst flight to Newark, Virgin present a planned service to Miami in 1986, and later on with Orlando in 1988. By the end of the 1980’s, Virgin introduced new long haul flights to Tokyo, JFK and Los Angeles in May 1989 and August 1989 respectively. Virgin Atlantic’s is recognized by their innovative strategy, and the severe competition with BA on the transatlantic routes has pushed forward services unlike any other carriers in the world. Virgin was the first international passenger carrier to present personal in-flight entertainment systems in lower class, and then they have specify business class approaching it way beyond the expectations. Virgin Atlantic’s is always remain in media due to their innovative and appealing advertisements.

Valuation of a Building for a Hospitality Project Research Paper

Valuation of a Building for a Hospitality Project - Research Paper Example This project is going to give the investor a reason to buy the property for a sustainable gain for the long term future. The long term from this particular property chosen is great due to high net revenue returning to the investor. The total revenue collected over the first year will be just over 4.25 million dollars. The net operating income after subtracting all expenses is just over 225,000 dollars. 1 The sources used in this project all came from the internet. The various sources give us the information that will provide the investor with the information he needs to learn about the chosen property for this project. To find this property, I chose to search the internet for hotels for sale. I came across the website for the realtors Huff, Niehaus, and Associates which shows the property listing for the property I chose. That property is the Crowne Plaza Cincinnati Blue Ash just outside of Downtown Cincinnati, Ohio. The analysis used in this paper is SWOT analysis with a valuation process that uses three approaches. Thus, we use the three different approaches to give us an overall feel for exactly what the property is worth. This project is broken up into several sections. The first section that will be looked at is the Executive Summary. The next section, that follows the Executive Summary, is the Property Summary where this project will take an in-depth look at the Crowne Plaza Blue Ash. This in-depth look will show a literal descriptive snapshot of the hotel along with some pictures as well. We’ll also take a look at the valuation process which we used to determine the value of the hospital to our investor. Then, we’ll take a look a look at the Market, in which, the Crowne Plaza Cincinnati Blue Ash resides. The last section is the conclusion which will sum up the reasoning for the investor to buy the recently renovated hotel. The market research that will be shown here will show that it will be advantageous to purchase the

Economics Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Economics Assignment - Essay Example In the final stage, the paper would explain several further businesses and operational strategies that the company can adopt in future. With the help of these theories, the company would be able to improve its business in future. The learnt from the essay would help to understand the importance of economics in the current state of business affairs. Contents Contents 3 1. Introduction 4 1.1 Report Brief 4 1.2 Company Background 4 2. Literature Review 5 2.1 Demand Theory 5 2.2 Market Structure Theory 6 2.2.1 Differentiation and Revenue Maximizing Theory 7 2.3 Long Run Theory 7 3. Case Study 8 3.1 P&G and Theory of Demand 8 3.2 P&G and Market Structure Theory 10 3.3. P&G and Long Run Theory 12 4. Conclusion and Recommendations 13 Reference List 15 1. Introduction 1.1 Report Brief This essay will analyze the business of the famous American consumer goods company named Procter & Gamble (P&G). The researcher would analyze the business performance of the company on the basis of economic the ories by scrutinizing the company’s annual report. In the later stage, the researcher would explain the business and operations strategies undertaken by the company through the analysis of its corporate activities. 1.2 Company Background P&G, the famous consumer goods company in America has its headquarters in Cincinnati, Ohio, United States. The products which are produced and sold by the company are primarily categorized in terms of three segments. These are cleanup agents, pet foods and individual care products. The company enjoys a high brand value in the market, with annual sales of about $83.68 billion (2012). The organization also enjoys a wide social presence in the market. It operates in almost all the countries in the world and as recorded in 2012, its operating income was $13.29 billion (P&G, 2012). The following context of the paper would explain the performance of the company by analyzing its annual report on the basis of economic theories. 2. Literature Review 2 .1 Demand Theory Demand for a commodity or a service in the market is the want of an individual backed by proper purchasing power. If a demand is created by a single household in an economy, then it becomes an individual demand. The horizontal integration of all the demand curves is termed as the market demand curve. According to the law or Theory of demand, considering the other factors affecting demand to be constant (Ceteris Paribus), the quantity demanded for a product is inversely related to its prices and vice versa (Mullerat, 2011). Thus, a market demand curve is always negatively sloped in nature with the assumption of Ceteris Paribus. Figure 1 Demand Curve Price Demand Curve (Market or Individual) Quantity (Source: Authors Creation) A shift in the demand occurs when other factors affecting demand, apart from price, changes. These other factors include tastes and preferences of the consumers, price of substitutes and price of complements along with income of the consumers. F igure 2 Shifts in Demand Curve Price Initial Demand Curve New Demand Curve Quantity Demanded (Source: Authors Creation) The above diagram shows a shift in the demand due to changes in any of the demand determinants. 2.2 Market Structure Theory The market structure theory explains the exact type of market in which organizations can operate. The market structural differentiation is mainly categorized on the basis of the strength of the seller and buyer in a

Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility Essay - 1

Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility - Essay Example For any company wishing to be listed on a stock exchange, it is important that it define its corporate governance policy. Corporate governance is described as a system where companies are managed and directed. Clark (2004) asserts that, corporate governance influences how particular company objectives are achieved and set, how risk is assessed and monitored as well as how performance is optimized. It is quite observable that good structures of corporate governance encourages employees and general companies to create value , control system in relation to risks involved and provide accountability. There is need for this International Extractive Company to adapt specific corporate governance principles in dealing with actability, disclosure to shareholders, fiduciary duty, and mechanism of control and auditing (Clark 2004). It is very important for this International Extractive Company to understand the right of shareholders and key ownership functions. It is essential for international extractive Company to adapt corporate governance that protect and facilitate shareholders rights. OECD (2004) asserts that, shareholders rights need to include; safe and secure methods of ownership registration, transfer or conveying of shares, timely receive relevant information about the company, allowed to participate in voting during shareholder meeting and finally, be free to either elect or remove member of the board. By so doing, it is evident that shareholders will be able to follow company’s performance in an efficient and transparent manner. The other principle that needs to be adapted is building on corporate governance which recognizes the rights of the stakeholders which should be established through mutual agreements and law as well as encouraging active co-operation between stakeholders and the corporation in creation of jobs, wealth and sustainability of the company financially stable enterprises(OECD 2004). By so doing, it is quite evident that stakeholder’s interest is protected. Further, adaptation of this principle ensures that performance-enhancing mechanisms are adopted through the creation of a proper and efficient employee engagement. If these two principles namely; role of shareholders in corporate governance and rights of shareholders and key ownership function are adopted by this company, the company will be able to perform well within the stock exchange and it will enhance efficiency in its corporate governance(Clark 2004). Question 2: Recommended Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives that the Board the Board Should Adopt In addition to adapting the above mentioned corporate governance principles, it is important for International Extractive Industry to engage in various corporate social responsibility initiatives. According to Lee (2008), corporate social responsibility is a type of corporate self-regulation normally integrated into a business model. Engaging in corporate social responsibilities will enable this company to have a commitment towards the contribution of sustainable development through working with employees, their families and the general community (Strike et al 2006). It is important for the company to accept various duties presented to it such as sponsoring national and international sporting team. Here, social responsibility will widely be manifested in its legal, corporate, and economic systematic action in recognition on a particular communal responsibility and its attempt to meet the designed social need. There are various key drivers for CSR namely; social investment, transparency and trust, enlighten self-interest and increased public expectations. Enlighten self-interests is important in creating a synergy of ethics which ensures that a cohesive society

Financing Organizational Technology Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Financing Organizational Technology - Coursework Example In this ever changing global business scenario, for a company to stay ahead of its competitors, there is a need to think out of the box, think slightly outside of the monetary profit that the company would get, and look objectively at what the company stands to gain or lose from their outsourcing decisions. FINANCING ORGANIZATIONAL TECHNOLOGY IT OUTSOURCING IN TODAY’S WORLD In today’s highly competitive business management scenario, outsourcing is the most effective way to decrease costs and overheads for more time-consuming and man hour depleting tasks for most companies. IT services such as call center services and e-mail are the tasks that are most commonly outsourced by companies. The main benefit of outsourcing is the fact that to most companies, outsourcing is a lot cheaper for them, because the companies they contract are dedicated to this task, so they charge less than what the companies might have to spend in order for them to do the tasks themselves. Also, it allows the company to focus its efforts and man power towards other objectives and problems that are more important. The management does not have to waste time on such menial tasks, and can turn their heads to more significant problems (Innes, Liu, Miller, 2008). Now people usually just look at the direct financial indicators involved in outsourcing, which is undoubtedly the single most important factor which needs to be taken into account. However, when it comes to IT, only the financial indicators do not give a complete or the most accurate picture of the investment or consequences of outsourcing (RivardNah & Aubert, 2008). Globalization and the ever changing technological scenario of the world has changed the way business is carried out. Core business processes are no longer looked upon as the sole responsibility of the owner. The management of the companies no longer distinguishes between core and non-core business processes, but views them as dispensable components that they ca n either focus on themselves, or outsource to external partners. In order for a company to reach a decision as to whether it is going to outsource a certain task, there are some criteria against which the advantages and disadvantages of outsourcing to that company are evaluated (Innes, Liu, Miller, 2008). The main points include: 1. Profitability 2. Capital Structure of the Company 3. Debt Measures of the Company These are some of the main points an organization must keep in mind before outsourcing it’s tasks. The company must also keep in mind the aspects of the organization that it is contracting for the outsourcing, which include: 1. Sales Achievements 2. Performance 3. Quality of Service 4. Responsiveness 5. Competence 6. Reliability 7. Satisfaction As can be seen above, profitability heads the list of criteria against which the outsourcing decision is to be judged. The most obvious financial benefit is the fact that the outsourcing would cost less money for the company a s compared to doing the work internally, thereby resulting in an increase in profits. Since the personnel cost of the IT department decreases, the cost of goods sold would also decrease (IBM Corp, 2008). However, profitability refers to not just the visible financial benefit that the company would get from outsourcing, but also that the company will be able to reduce the costs in

Obstacles and Constraints Paper Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Obstacles and Constraints Paper - Essay Example It is a common term that is used by ecologists in their study to define the relationships between two or more organisms. Mutualistic is a term that is used to define a relationship between two organisms, in which they co-exist with the help of each other. In this case of relationship, both the organisms’ co exit in a mutual way, both of them gain benefits from each other, there is no organism that is at harm. Commensalistic is a term that is used to describe a relationship is which there one party who is benefitting is and then there is one party that is not benefiting at all. The two parties are existing together in a mutual way, and one is gaining advantage from the other while the other is gaining no benefit or no disadvantage as well. Parasitism is a term that is used when both the parties exist mutually but one party is living off the other. One of the parties derives benefits from the other party and the other party is getting harmed by the benefits. Competition in this both the parties try to exist mutually but then they fail due to the fact that both of them try to gain benefits but none of them gains anything out of it. In this both the parties end up harming each other. While the final form is Neutralism, in this both the parties remain unaffected and neither benefits nor is disadvantaged. In a good sense, the relation between the policy maker and the agent of implementation is an mutualistic relation. They can both function together in a mutual way and benefit each other. In this case, a policy designer is the person who designs policies, he designs policies keeping in mind the actual requirements of the city, now after he has done designing he expects that the policy implementer would implement it as it is and make amends only when required not on his personal opinion. When the relationship is bad then, we can say that there exists a Competition type of relationship, both try to implement and have their choice implemented, this way the genera l masses get no advantage out if it and they both end up harming their own reputations and their own egos (Amos, 1988).   In this case the government has faced a serious lack of implementation, they ordered a step but then refrained funding. It should have happened that the government should have actually provided the funds that were enough to sustain and maintain the police force. When such high amount of force is added, there is a need to accommodate their salaries, the ammunitions that is being provided to them and the uniforms that has to be provided. These are some of the basic things that have to be provided. The government had provided for the first timers only, later there was no release of funds which actually became a burden (Amos, 1988).   There are many financial constraints that are involved when any policy or any project is to be implanted. The budget is divided according to the requirements of the projects. But usually the prices are underestimated. It has also be en seen many times that the government or the higher officials do not allow the money to trickle down enough to be sufficient. Many a times the sanctioning of the budgets take up a lot of time and hence the projects are stalled a lot. There is always a serious need of training for the police officers that were hired; the government did not fund the training. When new people are hired they need to be trained. This is the

Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility Essay - 1

Corporate Governance & Social Responsibility - Essay Example For any company wishing to be listed on a stock exchange, it is important that it define its corporate governance policy. Corporate governance is described as a system where companies are managed and directed. Clark (2004) asserts that, corporate governance influences how particular company objectives are achieved and set, how risk is assessed and monitored as well as how performance is optimized. It is quite observable that good structures of corporate governance encourages employees and general companies to create value , control system in relation to risks involved and provide accountability. There is need for this International Extractive Company to adapt specific corporate governance principles in dealing with actability, disclosure to shareholders, fiduciary duty, and mechanism of control and auditing (Clark 2004). It is very important for this International Extractive Company to understand the right of shareholders and key ownership functions. It is essential for international extractive Company to adapt corporate governance that protect and facilitate shareholders rights. OECD (2004) asserts that, shareholders rights need to include; safe and secure methods of ownership registration, transfer or conveying of shares, timely receive relevant information about the company, allowed to participate in voting during shareholder meeting and finally, be free to either elect or remove member of the board. By so doing, it is evident that shareholders will be able to follow company’s performance in an efficient and transparent manner. The other principle that needs to be adapted is building on corporate governance which recognizes the rights of the stakeholders which should be established through mutual agreements and law as well as encouraging active co-operation between stakeholders and the corporation in creation of jobs, wealth and sustainability of the company financially stable enterprises(OECD 2004). By so doing, it is quite evident that stakeholder’s interest is protected. Further, adaptation of this principle ensures that performance-enhancing mechanisms are adopted through the creation of a proper and efficient employee engagement. If these two principles namely; role of shareholders in corporate governance and rights of shareholders and key ownership function are adopted by this company, the company will be able to perform well within the stock exchange and it will enhance efficiency in its corporate governance(Clark 2004). Question 2: Recommended Corporate Social Responsibility Initiatives that the Board the Board Should Adopt In addition to adapting the above mentioned corporate governance principles, it is important for International Extractive Industry to engage in various corporate social responsibility initiatives. According to Lee (2008), corporate social responsibility is a type of corporate self-regulation normally integrated into a business model. Engaging in corporate social responsibilities will enable this company to have a commitment towards the contribution of sustainable development through working with employees, their families and the general community (Strike et al 2006). It is important for the company to accept various duties presented to it such as sponsoring national and international sporting team. Here, social responsibility will widely be manifested in its legal, corporate, and economic systematic action in recognition on a particular communal responsibility and its attempt to meet the designed social need. There are various key drivers for CSR namely; social investment, transparency and trust, enlighten self-interest and increased public expectations. Enlighten self-interests is important in creating a synergy of ethics which ensures that a cohesive society