Security and Mission Statement Free Essays

Part: 2 Due date: 20 March 2012 1. What is Mission articulation? For what reason is it significant? What does it contain? †¢Mission articulation is a sentence that depicts your organization’s capacities, markets, items/administrations and preferences. Statement of purpose explains your business, your objectives and your goals. We will compose a custom paper test on Security and Mission Statement or on the other hand any comparable point just for you Request Now It is utilized as a consistent token of why the organization exists. †¢Organizations will in general disregard the reason for their business after some time. Statement of purpose is significant in light of the fact that it is utilized as a token of why the business exists. Peruse this Chapter 2 †Why Security is Needed It guides associations to the underlying course of their business concerning numerous organizations when the business is developing they will in general get lost and seek after something entirely unexpected from their business. †¢Mission articulation mirrors each element of your business. The kind of item or administration you offer, showcase position, nature of item or administration, clients and the sky is the limit from there. Eg) Mission for McDonald’s is to be their customers’ most loved spot to be and approach to eat. McD exist due to their clients that’s why they show increase by giving them quality and a decent help in a perfect, inviting condition at an incredible worth. . What is the essential target of the secSDLC? What are its significant advances, and what are the significant destinations of each? †¢secSDLC is a conventional way to deal with taking care of issue utilizing an organized grouping of strategies to make comprehensive security po se. †¢Investigation: Management give headings by determining the objectives, forms and the normal results of the undertaking and the expenses of the task. Toward the finish of that stage you should have a practicality study archive. †¢Analysis: The investigation in the secSDLC is when venture director or the group analys the current security arrangements, recognizing current dangers nd assaults and furthermore Identifying, surveying and assessing level of hazard inside the associations security. †¢Logical Design: This stage is when security blue print is created and made and the attainability study is additionally evolved. †¢Physical Design: This stage is the point at which the current physical innovation is assessed and the new physical innovation is assessed too. Elective arrangements are created and a last plan is settled upon. †¢Implementation: This stage is the point at which the security arrangements are tried and executed and tried. Staff issues are a ssessed and preparing is given. Security arrangement are then bundled and sent to the executives for endorsement. †¢Maintenance: After the Information security arrangements are executed they should be ceaselessly tried, checked and appropriately oversaw by methods for built up systems. 3. What inquiry might be posed to help distinguish and order data resources? Which is the most valuable inquiry in the rundown? †¢Which data resource is generally basic to the accomplishment of the association? †¢Which data resource produces the most income? †¢Which data resource produces the most gainfulness? Which data resource would be the most costly to supplant? †¢Which data resource would be the most costly to ensure? †¢Which data resource would be generally humiliating or cause the best obligation whenever uncovered? The most helpful inquiry in the rundown is which data resource is generally basic to the achievement of the association? This inquiry reflects to the statement of purpose of the assoc iation. By saying the most â€Å"critical asset† to the accomplishment of the association meaning if that benefit breaks or it becomes missing the business stops. Eg) For a retail organization state for argument’s purpose we have the till focuses, HR division, Accounts, Stalk and so forth. The till focuses are the most basic piece of the association in such a case that the framework is down and the tills are not working it implies that there isn't business for that organization for that day until they fix the issue. 4. What term is utilized to depict the control measure that decreases security occurrences among individual from association by acquainting them with pertinent arrangements and practices in a continuous way? †¢SETA Program . Instructions to refer to Security and Mission Statement, Papers

The Poetry Of E. E. Cummings Essays (1472 words) -

3 Steps to Acing Your Upcoming Group Interview You’ve been approached in for a board meet. Perhaps you’re threatened. Perhaps frightened. Possibly you’re not even sure you comprehend what that really involves. Whatever your degree of fear, here are three simple strides to traversing your board meet tranquilly and in one piece. Stage 1: BEFOREYou reserve the privilege to ask who will be on your board. Do this. At that point inquire about each board part as well as could be expected. You’ll have the option to make sense of a considerable amount and get ready better for what each may be generally quick to ask you. What does this specific gathering of individuals educate you regarding what the organization is attempting to assess?You can likewise ask to what extent (generally) the meeting should last. This will give you a nice sentiment for what amount to and fro conversation will be conceivable, how much space you’ll be given to pose inquiries, to what extent your answers can be, etc.Step 2: DURING Treat every individual on the board like an individual not simply one more anonymous face. This isn't an indifferent divider asking you inquiries. Every questioner on your board is another chance to make a human association and persuade that a lot more individuals in the organization what an extraordinary fit you would be.Be sure to observe everybody’s name as they are presented. Record every one if that causes you recall. When responding to questions, talk straightforwardly to the person who asked, yet then attempt to widen your answer out to cause the remainder of the board to feel remembered for the discussion.Step 3: AFTERYou’ve took in their names and put forth an attempt to interface with each board part presently thank every single one of them earnestly withâ solid eye to eye connection and a quality handshake. From that point forward, it’s the typical post-meet follow-up methodology. Be that as it may, recall that you have to keep in touch with one card to say thanks for each board part. It appears to be a torment, however it’s these little contacts that will help set you apart.The board talk with: 6 hints for previously, during, and after

Meeting MBA Work Experience Requirements

Meeting MBA Work Experience Requirements MBA work experience prerequisites are the necessities that some Master of Business Administration (MBA) programs have for candidates and approaching understudies. For instance, some business colleges necessitate that candidates have at any rate three years of work understanding to apply to a MBA program.​ MBA work experience is the work experience that people have when they apply to a MBA program at a school, college or business college. Work experience regularly alludes to proficient experience acquired at work through low maintenance or all day business. In any case, humanitarian effort and temporary job experience additionally include as work involvement with the confirmations procedure. Why Business Schools Have Work Experience Requirements Work experience is essential to business colleges since they need to be certain that acknowledged candidates can add to the program. Business college is a give and take understanding. You can acquire (or take) significant information and involvement with the program, however you additionally (give) remarkable points of view and experience to different understudies through support in conversations, case examinations, and experiential learning. Work experience here and there goes connected at the hip with authority experience or potential, which is likewise essential to numerous business colleges, especially top business colleges that invest wholeheartedly in producing future pioneers in enterprise and worldwide business. What Type of Work Experience Is Best? Albeit some business colleges have least work experience necessities, especially for official MBA programs, quality is frequently more significant than amount. For instance, a candidate with six years of expert money or counseling experience probably won't have anything on a candidate with three years of work involvement with an exceptional privately-owned company or a candidate with generous authority and group encounters in her locale. At the end of the day, there isn't a resume or business profile that ensures acknowledgment into a MBA program. MBA understudies originate from assorted foundations. It is additionally essential to recall that confirmations choices once in a while rely on what the school is searching for at that point. A school may urgently require understudies with account understanding, however on the off chance that their candidate pool is overflowed with individuals with a fund foundation, the entrance advisory board may effectively begin searching for understudies with increasingly assorted or even non-conventional foundations. The most effective method to Get the MBA Work Experience You Need To get the experience you have to get into your MBA program of decision, you should concentrate on the components that business colleges esteem. Here are a couple of explicit tips that will assist you with plotting an application technique. Your capacity to work in a group domain is significant in business college. Entrance advisory boards need to assess your cooperation experience and ability. Make it simple for them by noticing it in your resume or featuring it as far as you can tell is significant. On the off chance that you havent administered a group of individuals, search out chances to oversee up (for example make an incentive for your organization, get the board to embrace your recommendations, and so on.) at your particular employment. Furthermore, ensure you give instances of your authority involvement with your application.  Ambition is a necessity for MBA understudies. This can be shown through profession movement. Before applying to business college, you should attempt to advance in your vocation by getting an advancement or taking on expanded responsibilities.Business schools esteem accomplishments. Set individual and profession objectives, and afterward meet them. Get acknowledgment from your chief or your organization. Win awards.Develop a balanced application. MBA work experience is only one part of an application. You additionally need to compose a decent exposition, get solid suggestion letters, score high on the GMAT or GRE and achieve individual objectives to make your application stand apart among different applicants. In the event that you dont have the work experience you need, ensure your scholarly experience sticks out. Get your undergrad transcripts all together, pro the quant segment of the GMAT; exhibit your scholarly energy by taking business, money, or quant courses before applying; and ensure your articles feature your composed relational abilities.

Packet Generator Essays (904 words) - Network Performance

Bundle Generator With regards to genuine world organize throughput, there are the same number of conclusions about system execution as there are arrange establishments. Each system site is one of a kind, and the execution of the system is a component of the quantity of stations battling for access to the Ethernet, the kind of equipment being used (station interfaces, switches), the design of the links (are they the correct sort, right length, and do they meet the arrangement rules?), the nature of the link establishment and the blend of uses. Be that as it may, with the ever-expanding number of systems, the traffic over the Internet will be immersed and execution will be down. Considering this issue, the testing, reproducing and investigating of a system gadget become significant. Along these lines, all together to build up an increasingly proficient and successful technique, the venture's objectives is ? To give the clients more capacities and adaptability as far as the parcel appearance design and the parcel size age. ? To evaluate organize or the system part's capacity to help the given traffic load as far as parcel misfortune, delay, defer butterflies and so forth ? To source and sink continuous multicast/unicast UDP/IP traffic streams with discretionary help for activity with ISI's rsvpd. ? To transmit, get and log time-stepped, succession numbered parcels. ? To give a traffic controller utilizing the Leaky Bucket technique. Presentation Informations Technology faculty regularly hope to arrange benchmark tests to measure screen and foresee the exhibition of the LANs. This is particularly important on account of superior spines that ceaselessly bolster a enormous number of clients and reliably high traffic volumes. Be that as it may, the current innovation of bundle generator is extremely constrained in usefulness and use. The venture will mean to expand the adaptability of the bundle generator in the accompanying regions: ? Increment the scope of choices and adaptability with respects to the bundle transmission design. ? Rather than simply indicating the bundle size, the client would have the option to indicate the appropriation work he/she needs to be actualized. ? Add a traffic controller module to control the number of created parcels that is being sent to the system. ? Actualizing the defective container strategy and joining it with the dropping technique for the traffic controller. More significant LEVEL BLOCK DIAGRAM OF SYSTEM CONCEPT OF LEAKY BUCKET DROPPING METHOD LEAKY BUCKET ALGORITHM Background Our undertaking was really brought forth from the possibility of MGEN. It was really structured and created by The Maritime Research Laboratory (NRL). Multi-Generator or MGEN is at present running on most working frameworks, to be specific SunOS 4.1.x, Solaris 2.x, Intel-based Linux, NetBSD, and so forth. Besides, MGEN is a particular arrangement of programming that gives the capacity to produce and get parcels through the system base on an info content record. In any case, the MGEN content is constrained regarding its adaptability and usefulness. For instance, bundle appearance age can as it were be set to either a Periodic or a Poisson Distribution. Consequently, so as to abuse the MGEN's full ability, a Data Flow On order can be further created. These two disseminations don't speak to the ongoing traffic stream in the system. Along these lines, our undertaking will included building up this MGEN code what's more, coding it in C language with the goal that its bundle generator example will have not many more circulations that better speak to a system stream. Among the conveyance capacities we will incorporate are Exponential, Uniform Distribution, Gamma Circulation and so forth. Also, the parcel size is to be transformed from a fixed incentive to a shifting measure of bundle sizes. Additionally, we need to incorporate the Traffic controller so we will have the option to control the new traffic stream produced by various appropriations. Accordingly, the execution of defective can will be fundamental so as to accomplish this objective. Key Plan Proposed Approach Our first goal is to deal with the bundle generator module, contemplate and build up the MGEN code, which was coded in C program. We will decide to run and build up our venture on SunOS machines. Utilizing the sources of info determined by the clients, MGEN will creates bundles example to the system. The subsequent advance is to present distinctive conveyance capacities and add them to the source code as modules. Up until this point, the Exponential and Uniform dissemination are the two disseminations to be included. Contingent on the advancement of the venture, we may execute more disseminations like gamma and ordinary. Simultaneously, the code will be composed with the end goal that clients can control and change parcel measures in like manner. The adaptability on bundle size is fundamental since parcel size isn't consistent in the genuine

Educational stages Essay

Instruction in its general sense is a type of learning where information, aptitudes, and propensities for a gathering of individuals are moved starting with one age then onto the next through educating, preparing, explore, or basically through autodidacticism. [1] Generally, it happens through any experience that formatively affects the way one thinks, feels, or acts. Frameworks of tutoring include systematized instructing and learning corresponding to an educational program, which itself is set up as per a foreordained reason for the schools in the framework. Schools frameworks were additionally founded on people’s religion giving them various educational programs. [edit] Curriculum Main articles: Curriculum, Curriculum hypothesis, and List of scholarly trains School youngsters in Durban, South Africa. In formal instruction, an educational program is the arrangement of courses and their substance offered at a school or college. As a thought, educational program originates from the Latin word for race course, alluding to the course of deeds and encounters through which kids develop to become experienced grown-ups. An educational plan is prescriptive, and depends on a progressively broad prospectus which only determines what points must be comprehended and to what level to accomplish a specific level or standard. A scholarly control is a part of information which is officially instructed, either at the universityâ€or by means of some other such technique. Each control as a rule has a few sub-teaches or branches, and recognizing lines are regularly both discretionary and equivocal. Instances of wide territories of scholastic controls incorporate the characteristic sciences, arithmetic, software engineering, sociologies, humanities and applied sciences. [5] Educational foundations may join expressive arts as a feature of K-12 evaluation educational programs or inside majors at schools and colleges as electives. The different sorts of expressive arts are music, move, and theater. [6] [edit] Preschools Main article: Preschool instruction The term preschool alludes to a school for kids who are not mature enough to go to kindergarten. It is a nursery school. Preschool instruction is significant in light of the fact that it can give a kid the edge in a serious world and training atmosphere. [citation needed] While youngsters who don't get the basics during their preschool years will be shown the letters in order, tallying, shapes and hues and plans when they start their proper instruction they will be behind the kids who as of now have that information. The genuine reason behind kindergarten is â€Å"to give a kid focused, preschool educational program for three to multi year old kids that planned for unfurling the child’s physical, scholarly, and moral nature with adjusted accentuation on every one of them. †[7] [edit] Primary schools Main article: Primary instruction Primary school in outdoors. Instructor (cleric) with class from the edges of Bucharest, around 1842. Essential (or basic) instruction comprises of the primary 5â€7 long periods of formal, organized training. By and large, essential training comprises of six or eight years of tutoring beginning at five years old or six, in spite of the fact that this shifts between, and here and there inside, nations. All inclusive, around 89% of essential age youngsters are taken on essential instruction, and this extent is rising. [8] Under the Education For All projects driven by UNESCO, most nations have focused on accomplishing all inclusive enlistment in essential instruction by 2015, and in numerous nations, it is mandatory for kids to get essential training. The division among essential and optional instruction is to some degree subjective, yet it by and large happens at around eleven or twelve years old. Some instruction frameworks have separate center schools, with the change to the last phase of auxiliary training occurring at around the age of fourteen. Schools that give essential instruction, are for the most part alluded to as elementary schools. Elementary schools in these nations are frequently partitioned into newborn child schools and junior school. In India, mandatory training ranges more than twelve years, out of which youngsters get basic instruction for a long time. Basic tutoring comprises of five years of essential tutoring and 3 years of upper essential tutoring. Different states in the republic of India give 12 years of necessary school instruction dependent on national educational program system planned by the National Council of Educational Research and Training. Understudies working with an instructor at Albany Senior High School, New Zealand Understudies in a study hall at Samdach Euv High School, Cambodia In most contemporary instructive frameworks of the world, auxiliary training contains the conventional instruction that happens during pre-adulthood. It is portrayed by progress from the normally mandatory, exhaustive essential instruction for minors, to the discretionary, specific tertiary, â€Å"post-secondary†, or â€Å"higher† training (e. g. college, professional school) for grown-ups. Contingent upon the framework, schools for this period, or a piece of it, might be called auxiliary or secondary schools, recreation centers, lyceums, center schools, universities, or professional schools. The specific importance of any of these terms changes starting with one framework then onto the next. The specific limit among essential and auxiliary instruction additionally shifts from nation to nation and even inside them, yet is by and large around the seventh to the tenth year of tutoring. Auxiliary instruction happens for the most part during the high school years. In the United States, Canada and Australia essential and auxiliary instruction together are in some cases alluded to as K-12 training, and in New Zealand Year 1â€13 is utilized. The reason for optional instruction can be to give basic information, to get ready for advanced education or to prepare straightforwardly in a calling. The rise of optional training in the United States didn't occur until 1910, brought about by the ascent in huge organizations and innovative advances in production lines (for example, the rise of zap), that necessary talented specialists. So as to satisfy this new position need, secondary schools were made, with an educational program concentrated on reasonable occupation aptitudes that would betterâ prepare understudies for clerical or gifted hands on work. This end up being useful for the two managers and workers, for the improvement in human capital made representatives become increasingly proficient, which brought down expenses for the business, and talented workers got a higher pay than workers with simply essential instructive accomplishment. In Europe, sentence structure schools or institutes date from as right on time as the sixteenth century, as state funded schools, charge paying schools, or magnanimous instructive establishments, which themselves have a much longer history.

Math Problems Writing Services

Math Problems Writing ServicesMath problems writing services are provided by highly experienced and highly qualified solutions writers. There are many tasks that the solutions writers have to perform in order to provide useful and accurate solutions. The solutions writers are the only ones who can provide solutions to a specific question that is frequently asked by clients or prospective clients. These are what we call our 'proofreading' services.They are also specialized in providing different types of math problems to solve for different types of clients. There are several benefits of using this type of services. One benefit is that these services can be very accurate, which saves time and effort for the services.A number of factors contribute to the accuracy of the writing and the service. First is the type of math problems, which has to be solved. Second is the uniqueness of the problem, which includes the type of math solutions required. Third is the quality of the writing, whic h is an element of the service that is the basis of the quality.These are all written by the solutions writers, so it is important to check on their writing style and consistency. One can check on the grammar and punctuation of the work, which is very important if you will be submitting it for evaluation. It is also important to check if the write up has a proper flow.Another important factor in the writing is the content of the write up. This includes a good variety of content, as this is required by the client's representative. This will help them gauge the quality of the write up. Clients who require these types of services would expect that they receive a product that has a variety of contents.These are by far the most effective means of writing. These writing services are also popularly known as solutions writingservices, because the solutions writer writes the answers of the clients. However, the client would still get the solution of the problem, which is the main benefit of these services. These are very necessary in the job market and the competition level, as more people are competing for the same jobs.As with any writing, these are written by professionals who use proper grammar and punctuation, so be sure to make sure that you hire one who is good at the writing and grammar. Also, this is important if you do not want your work to look amateurish and unsophisticated.

Englands Loss of Innocence An Examination of William Blakes Jerusalem - Literature Essay Samples

Jerusalem, by William Blake, is a contemplative portrayal of Englands development during the time period in question. This poem is concerned with the theme of Englands loss of innocence; this is important because it shows that development is not, as people often perceive, beneficial for a country; rather, it destroys nature and corrupts humanity. Through the use of descriptive imagery, Blake conveys the wicked transformation nature and humans experience due to modernization. The use of anaphora and rhetorical questions both heightens the theme of lost innocence and reinforces the poets desire to regain this innocence. In addition, Blakes skillful use of figurative language enhances the readers comprehension of the poem. Throughout the poem, Blake uses vivid imagery to describe Englands loss of innocence due to industrial development. Blake begins the poem by painting images of natures innocence in the readers mind, using words such as mountains green (2) and pleasant pasture (4). H e portrays nature as peaceful and beautiful: as it always has been, and as it is always meant to be. In the second stanza, however, the images of natures innocence are lost and are replaced by images of clouded hills (6) and dark satanic mills (8). These images suggest that Englands development causes the innocence of nature to become lost. Natures untouched beauty is tainted by industrialization; hills which were once green become clouded, and mills that were once providers become satanic. Blake makes clever use of imagery to show the effects of Englands development on nature. Moreover, Blake uses imagery to portray humans losing their innocence. Prior to Englands development people led a simple life, the life of the holy lamb of God (3). People led a simple life resembling that of Jesus Christ, where there was no greed, jealousy, or corruption. This innocence, however, was lost as a consequence of Englands industrial development. People took on the characteristics of clouded hills (6).Those who previously led an honest life became corrupted by greed and power. Their innocence became clouded by sins, and was eventually lost. Blake also uses rhetorical questions to convey the theme of lost innocence. Blake begins the poem with four rhetorical questions, which he uses to illustrate the poems main theme: And did those feet in ancient time walk upon Englands mountains green?(1-2). By questioning whether Englands mountains were green in the past, Blake evokes the theme of lost innocence in the readers mind. The reader learns that England did have green mountains in the past, but now they have been transformed into clouded hills with dark satanic mills as a result of industrialization. Blake uses this question to accentuate natures loss of innocence. In addition, Blake uses anaphora to emphasize his determination to regain Englands innocence: Bring me my bow of burning gold! Bring me my arrow of desire! Bring me my spear! O clouds unfold! Bring me my chariot of fire! (9-12)To reinforce Blakes determination, strength, and desire to regain innocence, the speaker makes skilful use of anaphora. Through this type of repetition the poem rhetorically enacts Blakes sincere wish to regain innocence. The use of repetition also serves to mimic Blakes relentless effort and desire to regain innocence at any cost. Blake uses figurative language to give the reader a more concrete understanding of the poems major theme. In the first stanza, Blake makes clever use of synecdoche to reinforce Englands innocence prior to its development. This is evident when Blake says, the holy lamb of god/on Englands pleasant pastures seen (3-4). Here, Blake uses the idea of a shepherd god to signify Jesus Christ. Christ is a symbol of justice, humanity, and innocence. Accordingly, placing Christ on English soil recalls the innocence of English citizens before England transformed into an industrial country. The idea of Jesus seen in England suggests the spiritual connect ion that England enjoyed prior to industrialization. However, during industrialization England lost its spiritual connection; thus, people begin to commit sins and lose their innocence. Blake also uses personification to express his determination to create Jerusalem, a representation of the old England, which embodies both natural and human innocence:I will not cease from mental fight,Nor shall my sword sleep in my handTill we have built JerusalemIn Englands green and pleasant land. (13-16)In line 14, Blake personifies his sword to enhance the meaning of the poem. Blake insists he will not let Englands loss of innocence paralyze him; he will continue to fight, and will bring back innocence in Englands green and pleasant land. William Blakes Jerusalem conveys the effects that industrial development had on England. The central theme of the poem is Englands loss of innocence. This theme is of great importance because people usually overlook the horrific consequences of development, suc h as destruction of nature and corruption of humanity. Through the use of imagery, Blake reinforces the wicked transformation that nature and humanity undergo as a consequence of modernization. Through the use of rhetorical questions and anaphora, Blake both enlightens the theme of lost innocence and accentuates his desire to regain this innocence. Furthermore, through cunning use of figurative language Blake enhances the readers comprehension of the poem. Through this poem Blake not only expresses his determination to regain the loss of innocence, but he also endeavors to make the reader conscious of it. In other words, Blake writes this poem to enlighten his reader about the adverse effects of industrialization. Blake not only writes about Englands present, but also about the future adverse effects of development. Given the current world situation, one must admit that there is some validity to Blakes concerns.

The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mr. Mark Twain

After the Civil War and through the nineteenth century, local color literature was most dominant in American literature. From the very beginning, within the first few pages, or even sentences, the evidence of local color prevails in the novel of the Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, written by â€Å"Mr. Mark Twain† (106). Local color is defined by Donna Campbell of Washington State University as â€Å"fiction and poetry that focuses on the characters, dialect, customs, topography, and other features particular to a specific region.† The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of the greatest examples and reveals all the characteristics of local color writing. The first characteristic of local color writing is setting. The setting is the most fundamental element of the story. It is geared towards the emphasis of the limitations nature imposes; settings are usually isolated. The settings and the metaphors and life lessons it imposes are crucial to the development of the story and its characters. At the beginning of the adventures Huckleberry (Huck) and Jim set out on, the two runaways find each other at Jackson Island. The uninhabited, remote location, is the beginning of the struggles the two face. The pair are isolated for much of the novel upon a raft down the Mississippi River in hopes to make it to Cairo, Illinois, â€Å"[but], the second night a fog begun to come on† and separated the two temporarily putting them past their desired destination (154). Generally, the larger idea of theShow MoreRelatedThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain810 Words   |  4 PagesBefore Mark Twain started to write two of his most famous novels, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer and Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark was known to use his characters to display his own thoughts and opinions. â€Å"This device allowed him to say just about anything he wanted, provided he could convincingly claim he was simply reporting what others had said.† (Twain , 1283). Mark Twain used this process to be a foundation of his lectures, by manipulating his popularly with his readers. During the storyRead MoreThe Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn By Mark Twain Essay1055 Words   |  5 PagesJhonatan Zambrano Mrs. Patmor AP Lit-Period 5 28 September 2016 Adventures of Huckleberry Finn 1835 Mark Twain embodies realism in almost every aspect of his writing not excluding The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, which in he portrays such a lifelike setting that it almost gives you this sense of reality through the point of view of a young man that has an urge for freedom yet struggles to conform to society s norms due to his adolescence. Twain s ability to unmask the true identities of theRead More The Character of Huck Finn in Mark Twains Adventures of Huckleberry Finn745 Words   |  3 PagesThe Character of Huckleberry Finn       In human nature, people are generally kind before they are aggressive towards others. In The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn, Mark Twain presents many of his characters as having this type of personality. They exemplify a certain trust of others. 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He is onlyRead MoreA Brief Note On Book The Adventures Of Huckleberry Finn 1310 Words   |  6 PagesSarah Jane Reshetiloff Mr. O’Hearn Honors British Literature 26 September 2015 Social Satire in The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn Mark Twain’s novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is a masterful social satire that demonstrates the awakening of a young, adventurous boy living in a culture of slavery. He uses humor and an unreliable narrator to convey social satire in the novel to reflect the flaws of society toward in the antebellum south. The novel was published in 1884, just after slavery

Women in the Military Essay - 4227 Words

In Women in the Military, Janette Mance explores the debates and problems faced by the increasing number of women involved in the military. After examining issues such as pregnancy, sexual harassment, and rape, Mance concludes that as a society we must continue to strive for gender equality. From the storm lashed decks of the Mayflower to the present hour, women have stood like a rock for the welfare and glory of the history of our country . . . and one might well add: unwritten, unrewarded, and unrecognized. William Cohen, â€Å"On Women in the Military,† 1997 Throughout our nation’s history, women have played an important role in the military. It has not been until recently however, that women have been able to fully†¦show more content†¦I realized that although in theory women in the armed forces seemed like a good idea, there are many obstacles that make that reality very difficult to achieve. In writing this paper I am not proposing that either position is more valid or right than the other. I only hope to present each side in an equal light to help others to understand the issues involved. History of Women in the Military General Jeanne Holm was one of the very first women in the Air Force to achieve the rank of General. Although in retirement now, she still is an important military figure. Her book, Women in the Military: An Unfinished Revolution, gives an impressive account of the roles that women have thus far played in the military. It was my primary source when researching the history surrounding women in the military. Due to the fact that Holm’s book is so detailed and in depth, I also used a book by Dorothy and Carl J. Schneider entitled Sound Off: American Military Women Speak Out. This book provides a timeline detailing the major points of women’s military history, so when writing, I tried to follow that guideline. According to Holm, Women in point of fact, have been serving their country since it began - Molly Pitcher fired her cannon in 1778 without congressional sanction. In the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, women fought disguised as men. In World War One. their medical services were indispensable. During the crises of World War Two, when women wereShow MoreRelatedWomen and the Military1125 Words   |  5 PagesWomen and the Military Statistics show that the U.S. armed forces currently employ over 229,000 women in its various branches (Donnelly 8). This figure had been increasing exponentially for over 30 years. It s no surprise to men that women are becoming an important factor in the U.S. military and now occupy every position expect those on the front lines. With the infiltration of women in the services in 1972, great controversy has arisen and has become a highly argued issue (DonnellyRead MoreWomen in the Military1458 Words   |  6 PagesGender integration in the military has always faced the question of social acceptance, whether society can accept how women will be treated and respected in the military. Throughout the history of the military, our leadership has always sought ways in how to integrate without upsetting the general public if our females were captured as prisoners of war, raped, discriminated or even blown up in combat. My paper will discuss three situations pertaining to the fi rst female submariner, fighter pilotRead MoreWomen in the Military1453 Words   |  6 PagesWomen have done incredible things within the history of the world. They have proven time and time again that they are equal in just about every way with the opposite gender. However now the question of whether they can or even should fight beside men in combat has come up. Many people think that because almost the whole world has recognized that each individual has all the same basic rights, regardless of their gender or race, that everyone can do the same job equally. This is simply not true andRead MoreWomen in Military1248 Words   |  5 PagesWomen in the United States have long fought for the right to be included in many facets of society such as the right to vote to breaking into professions like the medical field and getting females elected to major government offices. But one of the most intriguing questions of integration has yet to be fully answered. Apart from all others is the b attle to allow women the right, the honor, and the privilege of serving and defending their country as part of the United States Armed Forces. Being inRead MoreThe Military : Protections For Women In The Military1715 Words   |  7 Pagesin 2016 compared to 6,082 last year, an annual military report showed. This was a sharp jump from 2012 when 3,604 cases were reported. Few bills have been presented in Congress against the institution for fear of disrespecting those who are fighting for our country. By attacking one section of the military for injustice and abuse, there is fear that this could possibly only be scratching the surface of the issue. Protections for women in the military seem to have a bleak outcome due to the fact thatRead MoreWomen in the Military Essay1469 Words   |  6 Pages Women have fought alongside men in the United States Military in every major battle since the American Revolution. The roles of women in the military have evolved over time to allow the incorporation of women in expanding military career fields. Women have proven themselves to be an asset to the military despite some of society believing women would weaken America’s military effectiveness. Today more than 200,000 women are active-duty military, this is about 14.5% of all military. Currently, womenRead More Women in the Military Essay637 Words   |  3 Pagesfollowed. In 1920, the 19th Amendment granted suffrage to women. Since then, women have been gradually stepping up on the ladder of success. Everyday more and more opportunities are opening themselves up for women. Because of these changes, we have had to add unheard of words such as congresswoman, policewoman, etc. to the dictionary to keep up with their advancement. The United States military is even inviting women into their ranks. Military Women rising up in status and prestige is a great thing, butRead MoreWomen in the Military Essay531 Words   |  3 Pagesfocused on why women should be in the military. I chose this topic in order to get a full view on how women in the military are thought of. I have done some research and have learned a lot more then I originally expected. According to the U.S. Constitution, all men are created equal, this also includes women. I believe that a woman in the military is just as capable as any man. Some people will argue this because they feel as though it is not right to have women wounded or killedRead More Women in the Military Essay1112 Words   |  5 PagesShould women be allowed in the military? My answer was at first a resounding â€Å"no.† However, once I started my research, my opinion changed. In 1948, Congress passed the combat exclusion law that prohibited women in the Air Force, Marines, and Navy to hold combat positions; however, the Army can assign these duties as they see fit (Schroeder). Some people assume that Americans are not ready to see a woman wounded or killed in war; however, there are female police officers that are wounded or killedRead More Women in the Military Essay667 Words   |  3 PagesI am in favor of equality for women, just not when it comes to women in combat. There have been women in society doing heroic things since the Revolutionary war. There have been brave women in war posing as men so they could fight. There are a select few women who could handle war and combat. The negat ive aspects of women in combat outweigh the positive. Women should not participate in military combat. However they may join the military and served in traditional roles such as nurses and office staff

The Great Depression - 1083 Words

Great Depression is one of the most important periods in modern US history. It began with the global economic crisis in 1929, which affected most of all the United States. The acute phase of the crisis dragged on for three years from 1929 till the beginning of 1933. From 1930 until 1939 the economy of the country could not overcome the crisis and recover. Therefore, this period was called the Great Depression, because of its duration and serious consequences for society. The war gave rise to prosperity, both real and illusory. It was real, because the warring European powers demanded during that period, that the cost of wheat, cotton, corn, livestock products should rise, and they wanted US to be the only country, that can be a manufacturer. Deficiency of sea transport made inaccessible markets of Australia and Argentina. The US government encouraged farmers to increase production, to expand the acreage that eventually allowed them to get rich. There was a slogan, The war will be won with food. And this is true, the Allied victory was built on food. And suddenly, by the end of 1920 the agriculture crisis hit. The crisis dragged on and took a dramatic turn. In 1921, Dakota and Nebraska farmers burned their corn, the only thing that they could use was fuel. Those who raise sheep, wool traded on the shirts and socks. Exports of wheat decreased. Experts believe that stagnated, no doubt, temporary: it is necessary to be patient and everything will be re stored. Farmers spent,Show MoreRelatedThe Depression Of The Great Depression1223 Words   |  5 Pagesfar-reaching consequences as the Great Depression. This experience was the most extended and severe depression of the Western world. It was an economic downturn that began in 1929 and lasted until 1939. A large amount of America’s labor force lost their jobs and suffered during this crisis. During the nation’s financial disaster, Franklin Delano Roosevelt became president and made extensive changes to America’s political structure. The effects of the Great Depression had lasting consequences that areRead MoreThe Depression Of The Great Depression1232 Words   |  5 Pagespeople think that the stock crash was to blame for the Great Depression but that is not correct. Both the crash and depression were the result of problems with the economy that were still underneath society s minds. The depression affected people in a series of ways: poverty is spreading causi ng farm distress, unemployment, health, family stresses and unfortunately, discrimination increases. America tended to blame Hoover for the depression and all the problems. When the 1932 election came peopleRead MoreThe Great Depression Essay1390 Words   |  6 PagesIntroduction: The world had faced two main economic problems. The first one was the Great Depression in the early of 20th Century. The second was the recent international financial crisis in 2008. The United States and Europe suffered severely for a long time from the great depression. The great depression was a great step and changed completely the economic policy making and the economic thoughts. It was not only an economic situation bit it was also miserable making, made people more attentionRead MoreThe Great Depression1292 Words   |  6 PagesBefore the crash Before the start of the great depression the United States was a country of great economic wealth, with new technology being invented and a boom in industry. Due to a boom in America’s Industry because of World War One the economy was at an all-time high with a tremendous amount of prosperity. Following the end of world war one the industrial might that America had was being used for peaceful, domestic purposes instead of being used for violence and war. New technologies like carsRead MoreThe Depression Of The Great Depression2071 Words   |  9 PagesPaul Von Hindenburg appointed Adolf Hitler Chancellor on the 30th January 1933. The Depression did play a vital role in this, however other factors such as the Nazis propaganda, the resentment of the Weimar republic and the political situation of 1932-1933 also contributed to his success. Before the Great Depression, the Nazis gained 12 seats and 2.6% of the vote in the May election of 1928. Despite this, by July 1932, Hitler gained 230 seats and 37.3% of the vote in the Reichstag. This is a dramaticRead MoreThe Great Depression1731 Words   |  7 PagesThe 1920’s was a decade of discovery for America. As mentioned in â€Å"who was roaring in the twenties? —Origins of the great depression,† by Robert S. McElvaine America suffered with the great depression due to several factors but it managed to stay prosperous at the end. In â€Å"America society and culture in the 1920’s,† by David A. Shannon there was much more to the great depression. It was a time of prosperity an economic change. Women and men were discovering who they were and their value to societyRead MoreThe Great Depression1551 Words   |  6 PagesThe Great Depression was one of the most devastating events recorded in history. The nation as a whole plummeted in one econ omic downfall. Few individuals escaped the effects of the depression. The hardship of unemployment and the loss of homes and farms were a large portion of the pain caused by the economic crisis. Through all of these sufferings, women had a large impact on society. Women faced heavy discrimination and social criticism during the Depression Even though through research it is provenRead MoreThe Great Depression1186 Words   |  5 Pagesfriends is the true definition of of what the Great Depression really was. It was a time that most people want to never remember or ever happen again. You would think the United States would have learned from their mistakes but it seems we are going down the same road once again without even taking a step back and realizing it. When people talk about the Great Depression not a single person will have anything good to say about it. It caused families a great deal of pain that they will never forget. WithRead MoreThe Great Depression1368 Words   |  6 PagesAfter WW1 the Great Depression had a very late impact on the major film companies in France, when it did, it unfortunately caused several film studios to go bankrupt, then in the late 1920’s to 1930’s many small film companies and groups emerged giving birth to the tendency called poetic realism. Because the large companies who made films with a focus on making money were gone the filmmakers and artists were able to concern themselves with the art of film, they often took poetic innovations thatRead MoreGreat Depression7197 Words   |  29 PagesGreat Depression From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia {draw:frame} Dorothea Langes Migrant Mother depicts destitute pea pickers in California, centering on Florence Owens Thompson, age 32, a mother of seven children, in Nipomo, California, March 1936. The Great Depression was a severe worldwide economic depression) in the decade preceding World War II. The timing of the Great Depression varied across nations, but in most countries it started in about 1929 and lasted until the late 1930s

To Kill a Mockingbird Introduction free essay sample

To Kill a Mockingbird, written by Harper Lee in 1960, has become one of the most significant classic books in American Literature. The book starts with Scout being in adult, looking back to her life: her father, Atticus and his trial, her brother Jem, and her strange, mistaken neighbor, â€Å"Boo† Radley. To Kill a Mockingbird contains two plots that tie together at the end. The first plot is the story about her weird neighbor, Boo, who is believed to be bullied by his father and lives a remote life in his shuttered house. Scout and Jem lunch many adventures in order to discover the identity, the real fear that hides under that mysterious house, only to find out that Boo is a hero to their life, especially to Scout. The second plot centers on the trial of a black man, Tom Robinson, who is falsely accused of raping a white woman. Atticus tries his best to defend the innocent man in the prejudiced, biased world. Nevertheless, the client is hanged due to the injustice of the society of Maycomb town. After its publication in 1960, To Kill a Mockingbird earns much acclaims for its moral impacts. There are two main themes in this powerful novel: tolerance and integrity. When Scout discovers who Boo Radley actually is, she has great empathy and tolerance to him. The novel also emphasizes the importance of integrity in court system. In 1961, To Kill a Mockingbird won Pulitzer Prize within only 80 weeks. Now, it has been translated to 40 different languages and sold more than 30 million copies throughout the world. To Kill A Mockingbird is truly the book that changes human society. Nelle Harper Lee was born in the boiling era that many resistances of racism provoked. Around 1930s, 25% of the American population lost their jobs in the Great Depression. In 1932, President Franklin D. Roosevelt promised the â€Å"New Deals. † Turning to 1940s, Jackie Robinson became the first African American baseball player to play in Major Leagues after signing a contract with Brooklyn Dodgers in 1947. During the 1950s, Rosa Parks, an African American activist, got arrested for refusing to give up her seat to a white man. In 1963, Martin Luther King, Jr. gave his famous â€Å"I Have a Dream† Speech, which further encouraged people to rebel against segregating government. The Civil Rights Act was established in 1964, which ended the discrimination in the United States. One year later, Malcolm X got killed by his own people when he was trying to give a speech of non-violent protests. Jim Crow Laws were racial segregation that restricted many rights of black people, and it was proposed first in 1878 and ended completely in 1965. The term â€Å"Jim Crow† was known when a white musician painted himself black and sang â€Å"Jump Jim Crow† song while imitating black people’s dancing style in order to degrade them. Even though the Civil War was over and Thirteenth Amendment was published, racial discrimination was still promoted by the government, and it did not stop until overwhelming rage and resistance rose up from black people. Nelle Harper Lee was born in 1926 in Monroeville, Alabama. She befriended with Truman Capote, living next to her house. Lee’s father was a lawyer, who once tried to defend two black men accused of murdering a white shopkeeper. Both two clients were hanged later on. As a young girl, Lee was a tomboy, resisted any form of conformity. She got bored of school, but she fortunately met an English teacher who introduced advanced, rigorous literature and high expectation of writing processes to her. In spite of the will of her father to becoming a lawyer, she quit law school and went to New York City to pursue writing career in 1947. There, she wrote many short stories, and with a help of an editor for J. B. Lippincott, Tay Hohoff, she compiled all her pieces, marking the first sight of producing To Kill a Mockingbird. Harper Lee struggled to write numerous drafts at first; once, she threw her drafts out of the window in her apartment in a snowy night. In the morning, she called Hohoff, and he calmly told her to retrieve her works, because he saw potentials in her. After two years of hard work and anxiety, Lee finally published To Kill a Mockingbird, with the title that had been changed three times. The motivation to write the book came from her hometown; her father was much embodied Atticus Finch, a dignified man who also fails to defend Tom Robinson case of raping white woman. Although many people wanted Lee to publish another novel, she remained silence for the rest of her life. Harper Lee and Truman Capote were friends for about five years. During that time, Lee helped Capote research while he was writing his famous In Cold Blood. Their relationship, however, strained due to Capote’s drugs and alcohols abuses. Following the novel To Kill a Mockingbird’s success, a movie was filmed in 1962. Initially, Universal Studios chose Rock Hudson to play Atticus Finch, but they changed and invited Gregory Peck, a famous Hollywood actor, to take Hudson’s role. Movie crews asked Lee to write the screenplay for the movie, but she denied, saying that she would rather let experienced screenwriter take over the job. Horton Foote later agreed to write the screenplay, and Lee greatly praised Foote’s work as classic. At first the crews filmed To Kill a Mockingbird in Lee’s hometown, Monroeville, but when it lost its charm, they moved to Southern California and settled there. To Kill a Mockingbird movie was nominated eight Academy Awards and it won four of them, including best leading role actor and best original screenplay.

Thomas Money Service Business Proposal free essay sample

Thomas Money Service Inc. established in 1940 with the intent of providing small loans for household needs. The success of the company has led them to expand their services which include business loans, business acquisition financing, and commercial real estate loans. In 1946 Thomas merged with a company that specialized in equipment financing called Future Growth Inc. This merger, although was a risky move was a proven success for The company as they became a competitive company in forestry and construction industry with an advantage in the market. For over 67 years, the company has seen continual growth and financial success. Because of the current economic conditions this past year the company is experiencing significant losses in their stock values and as a result the company has to layoff some employees. Massive flooding, forest fires, animal activist protesters in addition to the economic crisis are all reasons why the company is experiencing a 30% loss in sales from the previous year. Based on the loss in sales and other rivals in the equipment manufacturing industry that can offer substitutions Thomas Money Service Inc. has requested an analysis of the situation to determine the way ahead on how he can turn the company around and re-establish his status in the industry. The intent of this proposal is to provide a recommendation on how the company can increase revenue, achieve ultimate production levels, determine how fixed and variable costs can be adjusted to maximize profits, suggest a mix of pricing and non-pricing strategies, and create barriers to entry into the market if possible. This proposal will also look into ways on how the company can increase product differentiation, and if there is other means to minimize the cost for the product. Increasing Revenue Based on the data from Thomas Money Inc. the first recommendation is to develop a plan that will increase revenue. Because of the decrease in sales, the company must first look at the marginal revenue and the marginal cost profit maximizing guide to determine if it is profitable to continue producing their building and forestry equipment. Based on the data, after completing the analysis it proves that the output at each marginal revenue exceed the marginal cost thus proving that no more would be added to cost than to revenue. If profits are to be maximized, prices must be in excess of the average total cost where (P=MC output) as prices are kept at the equilibrium point to maximize revenue. Production differentiation is a must to the consumers, as this awareness will influence their demand for the product. This is accomplished through means of advertising. A strong marketing team must show the consumers what FGI can offer not just in pricing but also in terms of the benefits of buying FGI equipment as opposed to the other brands. Another way of increasing revenue is for Thomas Money Inc. to include its employees in the plan. This can be accomplished through quality customer service and since hospitals and nursing homes are in demand for new buildings there is potential for new revenue. Another recommendation for Thomas Money Inc. is in finding ways to improve the production levels. Since the company produces its own brand of forestry and building equipment they have an advantage to create or increase barriers to entry by their rivals by branding, patenting, or licensing its products. Investing in other subsidiaries within the medical industry with a focus on new construction of nursing homes and hospitals will also increase revenue. Based on the information provided prices are higher than the marginal revenue at every level of output thus putting the company in a position to produce the amount of demand for the product. Reducing prices and a strong advertising campaign are ways the company can boost its production levels. Maximizing Profits Thomas Money Inc. has the potential to maximize profits especially since the information stated that marginal revenue exceeds marginal costs. Increasing revenues and limiting variable costs are the primary motives for the company therefore FGI will need to shift from its consumer targeting from new equipment to used equipment. By focusing on the used equipment and liquidating the repossessed units will generate an increase to marginal revenue since the variable costs for those units do not exist. The company does not have to stop producing new equipment, but the level of new production need to follow the economic condition and markets to retain normal profit. In calculating the data provided additional revenue can be achieved by integrating resource and production efficiency. In using a series of short-run production analysis and application techniques FGI can maximize profits using the total revenue and total cost approach. With total revenue of $2,600 and total cost of $1,050, it produces an economic profit of $1,550 before the law of diminishing returns begins to affect it negatively. Since fixed cost has maintain the same output level and variable costs fluctuates at each level increasing at more than $50 dollars, it is recommended that the company look into the cost of advertisement. Although it is a much needed source to increasing revenue and production levels, there need to be some other alternatives to advertising during the super bowl events especially since it is very costly during that event. Other methods of advertisement can be in the form of newspaper ads, and local TV channels. Creating Price, Non-price strategies and barriers to market entry In every market the primary goal for companies is to sustain or increase profitability especially during a slow-down of the economy. Ways of doing so is by limiting marginal costs of production and maintain a fair or comparable market selling price to keep consumers from buying from other rivals. As companies incur marginal cost of producing, it triggers a trickling effect where those costs are transferred into the market price which in turn is felt by the consumers. The result is a decrease in consumer demand for the product which creates a loss in profits for the company and consumers looking at other companies for similar products or substitutes. When considering pricing strategies, consumer expectations must be considered. Pricing should be set based on several factors such as geographical location, market segment, and economic conditions. Being flexible toward pricing policies change based on the dynamics of the market is the recommendation for the company. Non-price strategies and barriers to market entry are effective ways of sustaining economic profit and provide a higher potential for increased revenues and maximizing profits. Investing in research and development, becoming technologically equipped, and implement a strong consumer-oriented programs to substantiate the organizations appreciation and show organizational worth of those consumers expectations, demand and wants. (McConnell) As mentioned previously, some barriers to entry should include patents for designs, copyrights, and branding of Thomas Money Inc and FGI within the current and future economic markets (McConnell) Product Differentiation and other cost saving measures Product differentiation is achieved by ensuring an entity’s products are established from all other organizations within the market, which includes establishing a product mix appropriate to Thomas Money Service Inc. and FGI’s goals and objectives. The improvement of equipment through research and development in the nursing and hospital market through merging, acquiring, or investing in other existing and reliable organizations validates a strong product mix across various market. Thomas Money Service Inc. and FGI may reduce internal costs through various and simple methods which strengthens increase in revenue, profit maximization, sustaining applicable market pricing, establishing product mixes and differentiation through high quality. Some cost saving measures includes establishing a strong purpose toward product improvement and eliminating unnecessary areas of productivity. In summary, to sustain the goals of continuing to be a competitive and profitable company this business proposal has considered the market conditions in which the company performs. The rate of success Thomas Money Service Inc. and FGI have maintained over the long years of performance provides the basis for the proposal made to increase revenue, employ profit maximization, establish product mix and differentiation, establish price and non-price barriers to market entry, and reduce costs. The design and strategic approach under the business proposal is to ensure the continuance, profitability, and stability of both Thomas Money Service Inc. and FGI providing a strong a basis for expansion, promoting growth, and development for future years respectively.

Prince William Essays - House Of Windsor, Knights Of The Garter

Prince William In this essay, Prince William will be discussed based on information obtained through research on him and his family including general and personal information on him, his schooling and the important influences in his life. Prince William Arthur Phillip Louis Windsor is one of the most known people in the world ? despite the fact that he is only sixteen. This essay contains general information on Prince William, personal information, Prince Williams's education and his life story ? obtained from various magazine articles throughout his life. General information will include who Prince William is, where he was born, different forms of his name, and what other monarchists he is related to and how he is related to them. For personal information, Prince William's physical description, his "likes and dislikes," and his personality will be discussed. His childhood schools will be mentioned and a description of Eton College will be included. The public can often obtain as much information on a famous person's life as they want and because of this abundance of information, Prince William's life will be detailed along with his influences in his life like Princess Diana, Prince Charles, Queen Elizabeth, Prince Henry, and Alexandria "Tiggy" Legge-Bourke. "History-to-History" will include another member of the royal family born in 1066 named William I "the Conqueror," who was as famous during his ruling period as much as Prince William is in the 1990s. This essay will cover the above topics. Prince William of Whales is second in line of inheritance to the British throne after Prince Charles of Whales, who is first. He was born June 21, 1982 at 9:03 p.m. weighing seven pounds, ten ounces at Saint Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London after his mother endured seventeen hours of labor. When he was born, his father, Prince Charles said "Nearly seventeen hours is a long time to wait ... Obviously, I am relieved, delighted.... I think it is marvelous. It is rather a grown-up thing, I have found. It is rather a shock." His christening occurred at Buckingham Palace on August 4, 1982. When Prince William was born, Prince Charles gave a press conference, as the entire country was excited with the birth of another potential King. A press member asked, "Does the baby have hair?" "It's blonde, sort of fairish," Prince Charles responded. "Have you picked a name yet?" Smiling, Charles replied, each word measured: "We have a few names in mind. You will have to ask my wife about that. There is an argument about it." Someone in the crowd yelled, "Is he the most beautiful baby in the world?" The Prince grinned, "He's not bad." "Is he like his dad?" someone else asked. "No," the Prince shot back. "He's lucky not to be." Then someone shouted, "Give us another one, Charlie!" implying that the country wanted more than just one possible King. Prince Charles shook his head then said, "You'll have to ask my wife about that...." He let his words drift for a moment and then shot back: "Bloody hell, give us a chance!" Currently, Prince William boards at Eton College, a high profile school with other students that have just as much wealth and social standing as he has. He can live at Saint James's Palace at Highgrove, Gloucestershire in Whales or, of course, he can stay the weekend at Grandmother's home, Buckingham Palace. Prince William has an extremely long name ? three different versions. The first and most used is Prince William Arthur Phillip Louis Windsor. The second, which is used less, is Prince William Arthur Phillip Louis Mountbatten-Windsor. The reason for this second version's extension is that the royal family once signed a decree stating that after Queen Elizabeth's grandmother, the royal family would have the name of Windsor. However, another decree was signed confusing royal experts, so the name became Mountbatten-Windsor. The Queen has given no clarification on whether Mountbatten-Windsor or simply Windsor will be used. The third form, and longest, is a genealogical interpretation which means that he does not regularly use it, but nonetheless, it is his family's name: Prince William Arthur Phillip Louis Schlesweig-Hostein-Sonderburg-Glucksburg-Saxe-Coburg-Gotha. However, his formal title ? what visitors call him, or what he is to be officially referred to as, is "His Royal Highness Prince William of Whales. Everyone has nicknames and so does a Prince: "Wills," "Wombat," "Billy," "Billy the Basher," "The Prince of Wails" and "His Naughtiness" from childhood. More recently, his nicknames have been "His Royal Sighness" and "His Royal Hotness." Prince William is related to a line of high profile individuals like the Queen Elizabeth of England,

Objectives Essays

Objectives Essays Objectives Essay Objectives Essay Human Resources Mission We provide a positive HR service experience for applicants, employees, and retirees and collaborate with departments to recruit, develop, support, and retain diverse and talented employees who are the key to Virginia Techs reputation and success. Human Resources Vision We deliver Human Resources programs and services with such quality and expertise that campus departments gain a competitive advantage from our collaborative efforts to make Virginia Tech a great place to work. HR Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives Goal One: Promote and enhance our competitive total rewards package to recruit and retain top talent. Objectives: Create a total rewards message to educate HR partners, hiring managers, and recruits on the total value of the Virginia Tech employment package Work closely with management to reinforce the need for competitive compensation for individuals Virginia Tech wishes to attract and retain Fine tune benefits package within the Virginia higher education restructuring framework Focus on retirement planning and support for current and retired employees Define a minimum level of employee educational benefit across all senior management areas Goal Two: Support the talent development of our employees through professional development, career evelopment, and improved performance management. Invest in professional development programs to improve leadership capabilities, Job skills, and employee productivity Develop comprehensive career management tools, job enrichment strategies, and mentoring programs to help employees prepare for new opportunities Provide organizational consulting servi ces to all senior management areas to spur improved organizational and individual performance Goal Three: Promote the achievement of work-life balance and wellness in our employee community. Expand the use of flexible work arrangements through greater supervisory and mployee awareness about the potential benefits to employees and departments Inform employees about the importance of education, awareness, self-care, and behavioral change in improving wellness and productivity Collaborate with individuals and departments, both on and off campus, to deliver a broader range of wellness programs and services for improved physical and mental health Assess the ongoing need for more child-care options based on analysis of local supply and demand Goal Four: Deliver HR services, programs, and communications which are highly valued by our prospective employees, current employees, and retirees. Target employee communications more effectively to meet employee information needs Leverage technology to streamline HR service processes and improve access to employee information Define HRS customer service promise and assess and improve customer satisfaction to a common standard through reg ular surveys Develop HR scorecard for central HR and senior management areas as an overall assessment and improvement tool Plan new office location so that it provides a productive work environment for improved service and program delivery Goal Five: Foster a diverse, inclusive community with a positive work environment. Develop a Building a Better Work Environment curriculum for supervisors Conduct regular organizational climate assessments and collaborate with senior managers to improve the campus work climate Partner with the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, senior managers, and department heads to promote and uphold our Principles of Community Educate the campus community on the prevention of harassment and discrimination and productive ways to resolve conflict Insure we promote our commitment to diversity and non-discrimination through our actions and in our outreach and employee recruitment efforts Assess and address reasons why talented eople leave the Virginia Tech employee community Goal Six: Compete for top talent with effective recruitment strategies and efficient recruitment processes. Identify more proactive recruiting solutions for staff and AP faculty positions Build relationships with senior management areas by assigning them staffing specialists and developing recruitment strategie s focused on their recruitment priorities Improve employee onboarding experience through three month check-up Design and implement a central hiring procedures portal for managers to use when hiring all Job types Provide search support for AP faculty searches upon request

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay Example for Free

An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence Essay The research project includes the complete lifespan of the work from the rationale to the conclusion. I examine the reasons for conducting the research, how the Company might benefit from the experience and how trainers may reflect and add to their toolbox of skills and knowledge. The project also considers the background to the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) and how this came to AEGON UK Services, what role Workplace Training Services had to play and what part of strategy ECDL was designed to meet. The main body of the project, the research itself, sets out to consider a range of questions related to the evaluation of ECDL within a financial services setting which I believe is a valuable piece of research that is not presently widely available. The research considers the practical implications of the work and the justifications for following the particular actions undertaken. The conclusion draws the project together and provides answers to the questions considered above. Does ECDL add value within the business, have learners acquired new skills, what of the present learning methods and how might these be designed to suit the needs of future learners? I support my research findings with the results of my data collection exercises together with statistics relating to ECDL including its recent use outside of Europe. Finally, I present the detail of material used whilst working on the project as Reference and Bibliography. AEGON UK Services (UKS) is the ‘closed book’ arm or Third Party Administration (TPA) operation for AEGON UK one of the world’s top ten financial services companies. As a TPA no new business comes into the organisation and particularly in the present economic climate control of costs and expenses becomes paramount. It is not an overstatement to consider that the continuing well being of the UKS site in Lytham rests with its highly competitive nature. When one considers that the average cost of one staff member in Lytham is à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½40,00 pa whilst the equivalent outlay at the AEGON UK Head Office in Edinburgh is almost double at à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½65,000 pa, financial evidence becomes clear particularly with close to 900 staff at the Lytham site. There are many reasons for this divergence in costs, not all of which may be directly influenced by the Company but it is this difference which remains key to the health of the AEGON UK Services operation. It is against this background that the research into the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) is set, one of the organisation obtaining maximum value for each pound of spend. As Managing Director, David Barker, said at the 2002 Business Plan launch to staff, ‘Through the professionalism, skill and commitment of its staff AEGON UK Services has a key part to play in the growth and development of the UK operation.’ It is my responsibility, as Training Manager for UKS, to provide learning opportunities, develop staff and upgrade their knowledge and skills to meet the challenges set by the Managing Director and the Board of AEGON UK. After all, a shortage of skills could threaten the livelihood of the operation. Fingold and Soskice (1989:22) who created the notion of a ‘low skills/low quality equilibrium’ argued that ‘†¦ the majority of enterprises staffed by poorly trained managers and workers produce low quality goods and services.’ Their view was that Britain would not be able to keep pace with changing economic conditions. A decade on and still the need for the training and development of our staff in relation to the growth of our business remains. As David Blunkett, Secretary of State for Education Employment, sets out the challenge ahead for us all when speaking at the National Training Awards ceremony in December 2000. ‘The key message today is that there is a real economic need for people to upgrade skills throughout life. We need to help everyone fulfil their potential and respond to the changing world economy.’ (People Management, Vol 6, No 25). The task facing us in the UKS Training team is to meet the Secretary of State’s challenge and drive the business forward at the same time whilst maintaining a tight rein on expenditure. In the summer of 2001 our Union Representative introduced me to Workplace Training Services and this partnership with a local education provider soon bore fruit. A key strategic challenge for AEGON UK in 2002 was the introduction of a Common Operating Environment (COE) between its various UK operations; the most visible aspect of the COE would be the launch of Microsoft Office 2000 in the various sites. Significantly, as AEGON UK Services previously used Microsoft there were no plans to create a formal training plan for the business, rather than relying our awareness of existing applications. The Manager, Dedicated Delivery, of Workplace Training Services (an arm of Preston College), Cyril Wheat, offered the use of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as part of our solution to the need for staff learning and development in Office 2000. The seven-module ECDL programme is based upon the Microsoft Office 2000 applications and included learning on our key workplace needs, Word, PowerPoint and Excel. Over 50 staff started the ECDL qualification in September 2001 and to-date over 150 have either achieved the award or are working towards it. Further developments of our work with the College have been the provision of additional learning and development for staff, in particular the provision of Learndirect facilities and the healthy ‘learning partnership’ that has grown between an employer, union and education institution. To support the development of this significant partnership Workplace Training Services offered AEGON UK Services 100 free places on the ECDL programme in 2002. Although we have seen a large number of staff following the ECDL programme, myself included, AEGON UK Services has never conducted any formal evaluation of the learning programme. Whilst I have learned new skills and am able to access more difficult applications, has the Company benefited from the ECDL partnership, have the staff developed new skills and how might the programme best be carried forward? This is the rationale for the following research which is designed for the benefit, primarily, of the Company but also for the staff, College and as a valid piece of research. Congratulations Sara Lundstedt! But why is this the Swedish environmental co-ordinator so significant to the history of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Well, Sara became the one millionth student to complete the programme, as reported in the June 2001 edition of IT Training (P7). What is ECDL and where did it come from? In 1994 the concept originated in Finland where the Finnish Information Process Association introduced the Computer Driving Licence. Shortly after, the Council of European Professional Informatics Societies (CEPIS) established the User Skills Task Force in 1995. The Task Force, supported by funding from the European Commission, was to examine how to raise IT skill levels in European industry. The Task Force identified the potential of the Finnish Licence and investigated the feasibility of adopting it and making it into a qualification for the whole of Europe. CEPIS actively encourages IT literacy and promotes acceptance of professional standards for ICT professionals throughout Europe. Pilot tests were carried out during 1995 and early 1996 resulting in the launch of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in August 1996, initially in Sweden and then throughout Europe. The ECDL Foundation was formed in 1997 to administer the ECDL programme on a not-for-profit basis and to promote, develop and certify computer skills and IT knowledge. According to its official website, the business of the ECDL Foundation is ‘To disseminate, promote and evolve ECDL as a globally accepted IT skills certification programme that prepares all people for participation in the Information Society.’ On the surface, this has been successful; in 1999 the International Computer Driving Licence (ICDL) was created as the standard qualification for non-European countries. The syllabus is identical to that of ECDL and was initially taken up by Australia, Canada, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Since then, more countries have joined the ICDL programme, ranging from Greece in 2000 to most recently, Malaysia. According to The Electric Paper Company Limited (http://www.electricpaper.ie/products/ecdl.asp) ‘†¦to-date, over 1.75 million people are registered on an ECDL/ICDL programme. This number is growing daily. There are tens of thousands of accredited test centres worldwide enabling people to take their tests an attain certificates.’ So, seven module appears to be working as students are assessed against the following competencies: basic concepts of IT, using a computer and managing files, word processing, spreadsheets, databases, presentation and information and communication. The ECDL Foundation points out that the programme is now used in over 60 countries and IT Training announced in its October 2002 edition that ‘†¦the number of students †¦ enrolled topped the half-million mark. The British Computer Society (BCS) also reports that it is issuing 1,000 ECDL certificates every day.’ One of the first organisations in the public sector to move towards qualifying the computer skills of its staff is the NHS which recognised the increasing role that computer skills had to play in the public health sector. The significance of the ECDL decision is reflected in the fact that it was announced by Health Secretary, Lord Hunt. He said, ‘New technology investments to support staff to plan, deliver and review health care will not be successful unless more priority is given to ensuring that all staff have a basic level of IT skills.’ There is a great deal of published support for the ECDL programme and I have included highlights from two successful ventures. The House of Commons became the first Parliament in the world to offer staff training in IT skills, aimed at MP’s assistants and constituency workers. Dr. Matthew Donaghy, Industry and Parliament Trust ADAPT Project Manager, said, â€Å"Our objective, and indeed an important part of securing funding for the project, was to increase the employability of staff outside the Parliamentary sector. ECDL gives staff an extra qualification showing their competence with IT in the office, but also allows flexibility in training for the qualification so that it does not interfere with major projects they may be working on.† Donaghy continued, â€Å"An extra benefit of the course has been the increased level of teamwork between MP’s assistants. Staff are increasingly sharing tips on office practices, which will mean a more professional MPs service al l round.† The Bank of England is also enabling its staff to take the ECDL programme via personal or on-line training. Bank Deputy Governor, Mervyn King, who has successfully completed the qualification said, ‘Across the Bank, the ECDL will enable people to achieve a wide range of essential skills in IT, on which they can build in the future. I am convinced that it is an ideal way for my colleagues to improve and consolidate their knowledge, to build confidence and to improve both productivity and decision making.† ECDL appears therefore to have positive support, endorsed by Peter Bayley, Director of ECDL at the British Computer Society, who confirms that, ‘Since the UK launch there has been a growing demand for information about ECDL users from both the Further Education and Corporate sectors in order to measure profiles, motivation, satisfaction and likely interest in our newly launched ECDL Advanced qualification. Apart from a gratifying 95 per cent satisfaction rating, almost two thirds of those polled chose ECDL because of its broad recognition as a computer skills qualification. In addition, 97% said they would recommend ECDL to family, friends and colleagues and 87% were interested in an ECDL Advanced qualification.’ Despite the fact that there is a great deal of published evidential support for ECDL, there remains little evidence within AEGON UK Services that the programme has been and remains successful. To date, we have tended to take the view that people pass, therefore it works! But does it? As Reay (1994:23) points out, ‘†¦evaluation can enable you to do better in the future. This is not to say that you’ve been failing in the past; but good trainers realize there is always room for improvement.’ It is against this background, of a developing IT culture within Europe and latterly the rest of the world, that the research with AEGON UK Services is set. Will the experiences outlined above be matched within the Company? ‘Most people associate the word ‘research’ with activities which are substantially removed from day-to-day life and which are pursued by outstandingly gifted persons with an unusual level of commitment’, suggested Howard and Sharp (1983:6). However, Denscombe (1998:1) takes an alternative approach when opening his piece of work some 15 years later, ‘Social research is no longer the concern of the small elite of professionals and full-time researchers. It has become the concern of a far greater number of people who are faced with the prospect of undertaking small-scale research projects as part of an academic course or their professional development.’ In my case, the piece of research was to be carried out over a 3 month period by the Training Manager of a large organisation with very ordinary skills and an extremely heavy workload! Payton (1979:4) identified research as ‘†¦the process of looking for a specific answer in an organised objective reliable way’ and it is this search for answers that has driven me to tackle the challenge of evaluating the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) in AEGON UK Services. Considering what questions to ask, Black suggests (1993:24/25), may prove a significant challenge in itself, ‘The most difficult part of starting a research project is often that of identifying the best question to ask, one that is meaningful, whose answer contributes to the discipline, and whose resulting research can be carried out within the resources available.’ When considering the questions to answer from the piece of research I was conscious of two things set down by Managing Director, David Barker: a) what would add value to the business supporting AEGON UK Services as a key part of the AEGON UK operation and b) provide learning opportunities to develop staff and up grade their knowledge and skills? These factors contributed directly to my questions: How has ECDL added value in AEGON UK Services? How have the learners acquired new skills to help them do their jobs? Has the method of learning for ECDL proved effective? What is the most effective way for any further learners to acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to achieve ECDL? Blaxter et al (1997:58) identified 2 different methods for designing and doing a research project, their ‘research families’ of qualitative and quantitative methods. To Burns (2000:3), the quantitative approach is viewed as ‘scientific’ and in his opinion, ‘†¦has been the conventional approach to research in all areas of investigation. The methods and purposes of scientific inquiry have been moulded by countless generations of scientists †¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Burns (2000:9) outlines the strength of the quantitative approach as being its ‘†¦precision and control’, together with ‘†¦a deductive approach and the use of quantitative data (which) permits statistical analysis.’ Denscombe (1998:177) supports Burns’ standpoint by adding that, ‘The use of quantitative data in social research has its attractions. For one thing, it carries with it an aura of scientific respectability. Because it uses numbers and can present findings in the form of graphs and tables, it conveys a sense of solid, objective research.’ However, an alternative view also exists and caution is stressed by Silverman (2000:6) when pointing out that ‘ †¦the hard data on social structures which quantitative researchers claim to provide can turn out to be a mirage.’ Caution was necessary for me when considering the effect of ECDL upon an individual’s ability to do their job more effectively, as Cicourel (1964) points to defects with quantitative research, it may be useful but it also may conceal as well as reveal social processes. On the other hand, qualitative research is an umbrella term that covers a variety of styles of social research, drawing on a variety of disciplines. Tesch (1990) identified 26 distinct kinds of social research which can fall under the term ‘qualitative’ and no doubt, in time, that list will grow. However, Denscombe (1998:207) does see some common elements which begin to give some sense, as he sees it, to qualitative research, ‘†¦a concern with meanings and the way people understand things†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ and ‘†¦a concern with patterns of behaviour†¦.’ Cohen and Mannion (1998:8) go a stage further and view qualitative research as a search for understanding in which ‘†¦the principal concern is with †¦ the way in which the individual creates, modifies and interprets the world in which he or she finds himself or herself.’ Researchers who adopted this qualitative approach, responsive to individual perceptions, were felt by Bell (1999:7) to ‘†¦seek insights rather than statistical analysis.’ A positive aspect of qualitative research, according to Miles and Huberman (1984:10), is ‘†¦that they focus on naturally occurring, ordinary events in natural settings, so that we have a strong handle on what ‘real life’ is like.’ The approach to this research project was on a qualitative basis and whilst there is a range of disadvantages to this method, including, as identified by Anderson (1990) – the ability to collect a large number of replies, allow for easy collation and cheap and readily available, Anderson did identify advantages with a qualitative approach. Significantly, when gathering data and information Anderson held that a qualitative approach enables the researcher to really understand another person, and qualitative research tends to focus on learners, central to the research project, and their views of the world. My own research project mirrors a number of Anderson’s findings; focusing on the learners and managers and thei r views, attitudes and feelings is key to my work and as such does not lend itself naturally to a quantitative or scientific basis. However, in Denscombe’s opinion (1998: 173), the two approaches are not mutually exclusive, the distinction between the two is over-simplified and relates to the treatment of the data. As Strauss (1987: 2) argues, ‘†¦the genuinely useful distinction is in how data are treated analytically.’ Denscombe’s (1998:173) view then is that ‘†¦a distinction between qualitative and quantitative research is far from watertight.’ To some extent, the research design depends on what Barnes (1992:114) highlights as either a deductive or inductive approach to the project, with action research a key method of the latter. Barnes takes the view that when using action research, ‘†¦the outcomes†¦are generally increased knowledge, understanding and improved practice.’ The implication from this is that action research has a relevance for what I will be undertaking and indeed Blaxter et al (1997:64) confirm this by pointing out that ‘†¦it is well suited to the needs of people conducting research in their own workplaces, and who have a focus on improving aspects of their own and their colleagues’ practices.’ Cohen and Mannion (1998:186) also focus their thoughts on this work-related aspect of action research by suggesting that it ‘†¦is situational – it is concerned with diagnosing a problem in a specific context and attempting to solve it in that context.’ Although action research as a basis suits the needs of my project as shown above, there are a number of criticisms about the method, often reflecting Cohen and Mannion’s (1998:193) comments that it is not scientific, ‘†¦its sample is restricted and unrepresentative†¦its findings †¦are restricted to the environment in which the research is carried out.’ I accept the above but am satisfied that although my findings may be ‘restricted to the environment’, they are after all intended for use solely within AEGON UK Services, any wider usage will be a bonus. Research data was accumulated by the use of questionnaires completed by learners, interviews with senior managers and Preston College staff, and focus groups conducted with groups of learners. This common multi-method approach is referred to as triangulation, as originally identified by the works of Elliott and Adelman (1976), and has been defined in Open University course 811 Study Guide (1988:54) as ‘†¦cross-checking the existence of certain phenomena and the veracity of individual accounts by gathering data from a number of informants and a number of sources and subsequently comparing and contrasting one account with another in order to produce as full and balanced a study as possible.’ The use of triangulation goes some way to meeting the need for this piece of research to be both reliable and valid. Bryman (1989:55) outlines reliability as something which ‘†¦refers to the consistency of a measure.’ Blaxter et al (1997:200) summarise the issue of reliability in simple terms as considering whether ‘†¦you have carried it out in such a way that, if another researcher were to look into the same questions in the same setting, they would come up with essentially the same results †¦.’ Validity is identified in a similar tone by the same authors, ‘†¦to do with whether your methods, approaches and techniques actually relate to, or measure, the issues you have been exploring.’ Triangulation is particularly important to me because it increases the strength and validity of my work. The use of questionnaires is outlined by Denscombe (1998:88) who suggests that they are at their most productive when: used with large numbers, straightforward information required, the social climate is open, standardised, time allows for delays, resources allow for the costs and when the respondents can be expected to be able to read and understand the questions. However, my own piece of research is much smaller with fewer in the sample, straightforward questions on information that is current, all of which adds to the simplicity of this process. However, there is a range of issues when using questionnaires with Bell (1999:75) suggesting that ‘It is harder to produce a really good questionnaire than might be imagined.’ McKernan (2000:125) endorses that view and warns that amongst the disadvantages are the amount of time taken compiling successful questions and low response rates. Nevertheless, the use of questionnaires provides direct access to the learners and adds balance to the interviews with my colleagues and members of Workplace Training Services. Given that my questionnaire is straightforward with simple questions I am satisfied that this is a particularly useful method of gathering my research data. Further weight is given to this argument by Burns (2000:581) who supports me by adding such strengths as ‘†¦cost, each respondent receives same set of questions, errors in collation of responses reduced, respondents free to reply at own pace/time, fear and embarrassment avoided, may guarantee confidentiality.’ Burns also highlights a number of potential concerns with the use of questionnaires including a poor response rate when compared to interviews, the potential for bias due to poor returns and badly prepared questionnaires. I acknowledge Burns’ concerns and test my questionnaire on a small pilot group of learners, drawn at random, to assess its ease of use; 2 questions are reworded to reflect the comments of this group. Given the small number of staff to have completed the ECDL programme I issue the questionnaire to all 45 which also supports the validity of my research and reduces the potential for any bias due to the choice of my sample. I am conscious that, as Cohen et al (2000:245) put it, ‘†¦the questionnaire will always be an intrusion into the life of the respondent, be it in terms of time taken to complete the questionnaire†¦or the possible invasion of privacy.’ As a result of this, great care is taken over the questions posed, the amount of content and the manner in which this is issued to learners. To keep the questionnaire simple I want to largely use closed questions and this method is supported by Wilson and McLean (1994:21) who confirm that these are ‘†¦simple to complete†¦and do not discriminate unduly on the basis of how articulate the respondents are†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢. However, to ensure that people’s views are gathered I aim to allow respondents a small degree of space for their own thoughts to be considered which mirrors the views of Oppenheim (1992:115) when considering the use of closed questions: ‘†¦they do not enable respondents to add any remarks, qualifications and explanations to the categories, and there is a risk that the categories might not be exhaustive and that there might be bias in them.’ A blank questionnaire is included as Appendix B. It is the need to gather personal views and opinions that prompts me to include interviews with senior managers, and focus groups amongst learners. As Denscombe (1998) points out, questionnaires are at their best with large numbers; I am dealing with 6 senior managers and am mindful that the culture of my own organisation is such that as Training Manager it is politic for me to see the senior managers rather than issue them with a questionnaire. As McKernan (2000:128) claims, ‘Interviewing is a social survey skill which can be taught.’ I am satisfied that my role in designing and delivering ‘Interviewing Skills’ training courses for 5 years to the same group of managers enables me to carry out this process! There are a number of identified advantages in using interview techniques for gathering my research data and these include, Burns (2000:582/3) who is an exponent of its flexibility, ‘†¦the interviewer has the opportunity to observe the subject and the total situation in which they are responding†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ which according to Burns should produce higher response rates and ‘†¦if properly conducted should yield response rates of at least 80-85%. ‘ Cohen et al (2000:268) provides further thoughts and considerations on interviews, when outlining the need for trust to exist, suggesting that there should be a relationship between the interviewer and interviewee ‘†¦that transcended the research, that promoted a bond of friendship, a feeling of togetherness and joint pursuit of a common mission rising above personal egos.’ Once again, my relationship with the senior managers is such that I am confident that I have this level of trust in place already to enable a smooth process to occur. In addition, greater credibility is given to me conducting these interviews, as Kane (1997:68) asserts, ‘†¦the closer the interviewer is to the respondent in class, sex, age and interests, the greater chance the interviewer has of being successful.’ When considering the strengths and weaknesses of different types of interviews I endorse the comments of Patton (1980:206) who sets out the ‘interview guide approach’, which mirrors my requirements. The topic and issues to be covered are specified in advance, thus ‘†¦the outline increases the comprehensiveness of the data and makes data collection somewhat systematic for each respondent.’ I recognise that there is a risk of omitting important or salient points and that I must pay particular attention to maintaining focus on the key issues, in this case whether the managers consider that the ECDL programme has benefited the business. Consideration however must be given to the school of thought that exists regarding problems with the interview as a method for gathering my research data. Mason (1997:42) suggests that ‘good qualitative interviewing is hard, creative work. It is a much more complex and exhausting task to plan and carry out †¦ than, for example, to develop and use a structured questionnaire for asking a set of predetermined questions.’ Tuckman (1972) set out a number of problems with the interview as a technique for gathering data, including the fact that a competent interviewer is required (which may involve payment), a limited number of respondents can be reached and the reliability is quite limited. Whilst acknowledging these concerns, as I have set out my competency earlier, I require interviews with a controlled group of 6 individuals only and have a great degree of confidence in the reliability of my data. Not to mention that this interviewer requires no additional payment for the work. My final information gathering technique is the focus group which Kreuger (1988:27) highlights as typically having 5 characteristics, ‘†¦a) people who, b) posses certain characteristics, c) provide data, d) of a qualitative nature, e) in a focussed discussion.’ Cohen et al (2000:288) support my use of the focus group by suggesting that they ‘†¦might be useful to triangulate with more traditional forms of interviewing, questionnaires, observation etc.’ Although observation is not necessary or appropriate for my research, Cohen et al do concur with my use of the interview and questionnaire. According to the December 2002 issue of Croner’s A-Z Briefing (12/02:2), ‘†¦the main advantage of a focus group lies in its ability to collect subjective judgments where several, individual, judgments are better than just one. †¦By using a focus group †¦the researcher can see how and why individual judgments are supported †¦.’ This aspect of the focus group is particularly useful to me as it enables a group of learners to come together and share their experiences of the ECDL programme including highs and lows. It allows me the opportunity to facilitate discussion on the optimum way forward for AEGON UK Services and for future learners. Croner goes on to add that, ‘†¦they perform a useful function when evaluating various aspects of training and development, particularly when qualitative measurements are required and where it is deemed necessary to ascertain any unexpected outcomes or applications which have arisen as a result of such provision.’ Morgan (1988:43) cautions on the size of focus groups, suggesting ‘†¦between four and twelve†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ whilst Croner takes a similar stance, ‘†¦between 6 and 12†¦Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ Both of the above agree on the need for careful consideration with sampling, in this case with the focus group, as Croner puts it (P3), ‘†¦all those involved do need to be representative of the total population under consideration.’ I have already decided to use all of my Award-holders as I have 3 months in which to carry out the research and have a small group, as Bell (1999:83) suggests, ‘The number of subjects in your investigation will necessarily depend on the amount of time you have.’ However, the question of the size of the sample and how it is selected is an issue. Cohen and Mannion (1998:87) put forward a range of sampling tools including probability and non-probability, random and stratified samples whilst Bryman (1989:107) argues the case for a representative sample using a type of probability sample. To ensure that each of my ECDL Award-holders has an equal probability of inclusion in the sample used for the focus groups, names are drawn at random from an Excel spreadsheet. Kerlinger (1986:45), identifies randomness thus, it ‘†¦ means that there is no known law, capable of being expressed in language, that correctly explains or describes events and their outcomes.’ Kerlinger (1986:44) goes on to provide further evidence that my sampling approach is correct, ‘†¦ random sampling is that method of drawing a portion (sample) of a population †¦ so that each member of the population †¦ has an equal chance of being selected.’ Taking into account the thoughts of both Morgan and Croner above, I facilitat e 2 focus groups of 8 members each. There are some difficulties in using focus groups and some of these are identified by Krueger (1988:46/7) who outlines the following: less control of the group as opposed to individuals, difficulties in analysing data, lack of interview skills, varying group dynamics, assembling groups and creating a supportive environment. I acknowledge Krueger’s observations and take extra care when running the focus groups although I must stress that my background is as a skilled interviewer and I am able to create a stable, supportive environment for the attendees who have attended similar workshops and courses in the past, often facilitated by me. ‘Any research project is likely to raise ethical issues. This is particularly so if it involves people directly, but may also be the case even if you conduct your research entirely on documentary evidence’, Blaxter et al (1997:146). Clearly, it is wrong for me to assume that, given my position as Training Manager, there is no issue with ethics, people know me and are happy to open up and provide me with valuable and valid information. Bell (1999:52) warns, ‘People will be doing you a favour if they agree to help, and they will need to know exactly what they will be asked to do, how much time they will be expected to give and what use will be made of the information they provide.’ The view is endorsed by McKernan (2000:241), who adds that, ‘It is crucial for all participants to know what their rights are in research of any kind.’ As such, I take great care when contacting my ECDL learners to alert them to my research and the need for their valuable input to further the learning partnership within AEGON UK Services. Particular attention is paid to the senior managers who give me some of their valuable time for 1:1 interviews and each of them is contacted personally by telephone to discuss the needs and requirements of the research and agree suitable times for the interviews. Hopkins (2000:221/2) identifies a range of principles that I must observe in the commitment to my research including, observing protocol, involving participants, reporting on progress, maintaining confidentiality and obtaining authority before using quotations. Particular care was observed when considering the use of quotations from our external partner, Workplace Training Services, and I arranged a special meeting with Cyril Wheat to discuss the learning partnership and seek his agreement to the use of specific quotations, included in the Conclusions to this research. As Burns (2000:22/3) summarises, ‘All in all it looks fairly difficult to conduct much research without running into ethical arguments.’ Burns’ comments alert me to the need to take nothing for granted in view of my ‘special’ position with the learners, ‘Ethical problems are likely to occur in social science research since human subjects are involved. Researchers must be aware of ethical considerations involved in voluntary and non-voluntary participation, deception, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, the right to discontinue, and obligations of the experimenter.’ It is this ‘special’ position, that of someone who has worked very closely with most of the ECDL learners, that Sellitz et al (1962:583) might have been thinking of then they attested, ‘†¦ interviewers are human beings and not machines and their manner may have an effect on respondents.’ Many factors can influence responses one way or another, for instance Borg (1981:87) highlights a few of the problems that can occur, ‘†¦ eagerness of the respondents to please the interviewer, a vague antagonism †¦ or the tendency of the interviewer to seek out the answers that his preconceived notions †¦.These factors are called response effect by survey researchers.’ ECDL learners know me well and are aware of my enthusiasm for the learning partnership and our work with the ECDL programme. Might this naturally influence their responses to questionnaires, focus group or, even senior managers, interview questions? However, Bell (1999:139) offers words of wisdom, just as the aspiring researcher wilts under the strains of potential bias, by pointing out that ‘†¦ it is easier to acknowledge the fact that bias can creep in than to eliminate it altogether. This is a key consideration for my research as I am very keen for it to succeed being the instigator of the learning partnership with Workplace Training Services and the person responsible for the ECDL programme. A further area for my research to draw upon is the Training team’s entry for the 2002 National Training Awards. The entry was based upon the team’s work with the ECDL programme in AEGON UK Services and I refer to the comments of the judges in the Data Analysis and Conclusions. My research amongst European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) award-holders in particular highlights the very positive aspects of the programme and it is encouraging to learn that all questioned feel that the programme has benefited them, personally and professionally. Significantly, the great majority of learners also felt able to now support colleagues with IT-related enquiries, a factor that reflects our status as an Investor In People; staff are keen to share knowledge with each other in a positive manner. ‘Being able to solve problems,’ ‘increasing one’s confidence’, ‘developing trouble-shooting skills’ and appropriately ‘staff trained in new technology’ are benefits to the company, as viewed by the learners. Although it is not the intention in my research to provide statistical analysis, rather to draw conclusions from learners’ responses, the feedback from learners does represent universal support for developing skills to enhance the business. Learners feel more competent to do their work, have a more confident approach and have developed skills to enable new work to be handled also converting manual tasks to a PC-based system. I am able to speak from personal experience and, as a result of taking the ECDL programme, I can now use Excel with some success. Whilst it is very difficult to make any claims with the research I am confident that the programme has made a significant difference. Prior to starting the ECDL prog ramme I was unable to use Excel despite having access to the program, after completing the Excel module I am now able to design spreadsheets for use in the Training team. There is evidence of other organisations introducing a successful ECDL programme and the following case study extracts are from the ECDL’s own website, www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case. Mike Sampson, Human Resources Director at Royal Liver Assurance, commented: â€Å"We are delighted that the ECDL pilot scheme has proved to be so successful and now intend to run ECDL again with further members of staff. It is important that our employees are given the opportunity to refresh and improve upon their IT skills, which ultimately reflects a great benefit to Royal Liver and ensures the company’s values and good standing are continually maintained.† (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/royal) Even in the world of IT itself, ECDL is viewed as a positive addition to the learning curriculum, Les Williamson, Resources Servicing Manager, IBM, added, ‘We realised fairly quickly that this certification would be beneficial across the site. Not many people can claim proficiency in all the IT productivity tools that we could be using everyday. This is a qualification that demonstrates just that. (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/ibm) 90% of learners feel that they are now more confident when using a PC (66% of the remaining 10% already did so) which is an endorsement of our decision to offer the programme and a statistic from a similar exercise conducted amongst award-holders at Manchester NHS Health Authority in 2002 found that ECDL qualified staff are proven to save an average of 38 minutes per day. Staff within AEGON UK Services also highlighted the speed at which they are now able to process IT-related work as a benefit to the Company. Feedback from the learners in the questionnaires suggested that, whilst staff were achieving success using the CD ROM made available by Workplace Training Services, there was less than total satisfaction. Accordingly, amongst the questions I posed at the focus groups was ‘What method of learning would you recommend for future ECDL students?’ Although only a small percentage of respondents to the questionnaire felt that the quality of learning materials was less than ‘good’ during the focus groups, the mood was very different and people had the opportunity to express their views in more detail. It became apparent that the majority of the attendees of twelve felt that the CD ROM was difficult to work with, either because of their own IT situation out of the office, some did not have a PC at home, or more commonly because of the great amount of detail included. Their preferred learning method was to use paper-based material although some members of the focus gr oups felt that the CD ROM was ideal. Comments were also made that it was often difficult to obtain 1:1 support as members of the Training team were often involved in other projects and, in truth, were never seen as providing close support for learners. Learners’ comments were referred to Cyril Wheat who visited the site and spoke with groups of the learners; as a result, directly, of the feedback provided to Cyril his Workplace Training Services team started to provide future learning support material in two forms, paper-based for the majority, CD ROM where preferred. In addition, another change in policy as a result of feedback, with the introduction of a dedicated resource from the College, someone who would be guaranteed to be on the Lytham site once a week for personal tutorials. Most surprising amongst the findings was the feedback from the senior managers. Whilst the Managing Director has given the partnership with Workplace Training Services his blessing and has in fact recently enrolled on the ECDL programme, the same positive views are not held by the management team. I conducted the interviews and was surprised by the little knowledge that the managers had of the programme, one actually admitted that he had no awareness that any of his staff are taking an award. Whilst the general view amongst the managers was that any learning which develops the staff to enhance the business, must be a good thing, only one member of the team was more positive. One manager had experienced the ECDL programme personally, achieved the award, and spoke highly of the benefits to AEGON UK Services in supporting the implementation of COE. More work remains to be done with the management team for the future of the programme. The comments of learners who have achieved their European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) are extremely encouraging from a purely personal point of view, the initial thoughts are that my efforts in bringing the ECDL programme to AEGON UK Services staff has paid off. But that cursory observation is not sufficient to merit the programme a success. When we set off on the ECDL programme there was a clear business need to be met, successfully implementing the Common Operating Environment (COE) and the transfer to Microsoft Office 2000. What must not be overlooked was that the business was not using any formal training strategy to meet the requirements generated by the COE and I was confident that ECDL could provide many of the training needs. Although I am not able to provide any hard quantitative data I have feedback from learners and managers which supports the use of the programme. As one manager put it, ‘Having achieved the ECDL I can vouch for the skills and knowledge acquired. Members of my team have demonstrated the benefits of the learning through the enhanced use of different programs.’ The data provides evidence of ECDL supporting the implementation of COE in the business. New skills have been acquired by learners, many of whom are now looking for further opportunities, whilst at the same time encouraging colleagues to enrol on the programme. There are numerous examples quoted of staff who are now able to access different programs, use PowerPoint, Access or in my case, get to grips with Excel for the first time. Our relationship with Workplace Training Services has developed, from the first tentative enquiries regarding the use of ECDL, the College’s first learning partnership in the North West to one of collaboration on other projects; as I close this research we are discussing certificated learning to meet behavioural competencies. Cyril Wheat, Manager Dedicated Delivery, is proud of his organisation’s role with the business and speaks highly of our work, ‘with the commitment of an employer who is providing resources is very important.’ The need for such support is echoed by Tim Rush of Islington Council who adds, ‘We have been lucky here in Islington, Members of the Council and senior management have been fully supportive. Gaining support at that level is essential to any successful implementation.’ (www.ecdl.co.uk/employer/case/islington). Cyril’s team’s commitment to us now includes the use of 10 PCs, available for any form of learning, and a dedicated resource on-site for work with the ECDL programme. Significantly, the learning has largely taken place at no cost to the business and during 2002 over 100 learners were enrolled with Workplace Training Services for free and we have ascertained that open learning with the ECDL programme may yet prove to be extremely cost effective to the business. We have 150 staff achieved or working towards the award with 100 more to follow during the course of this year an costs incurred to-date are a little over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½3,000 which is approximately à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½12 per learner. Given that this learning ultimately accredits staff members with a universally accepted IT qualification and attendance on external learning is in my experience over à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½100 per day then I believe that this equates to value for money learning. Our work with the fledgling ECDL programme in employer-related learning has highlighted new areas for study. As demonstrated earlier, learners had difficulties with the Computer Based Training and the CD ROM was not viewed as user-friendly; as a result, their feedback has been taken into account and staff enrolling more recently have had access to paper-based support material with CR ROMs available where required. The judges at the 2002 National Training Awards were ‘†¦ impressed by your decision to encourage your employees to undertake the ECDL qualification’ and drew upon a number of other positive aspects although they highlighted a number of important issues for the team to consider. As I point out above, there are limitations with my research and issues to consider for the coming months, as the judges point out in their feedback, ‘†¦ it is still quite early in the process of introducing the Common Operating Environment’ and they have suggested that we ‘re-enter at a later date’. I am also conscious that the research has been carried out by someone with a clearly vested interest in its success, the training of staff in the business is after all my responsibility, and that this may have clouded the findings. I acknowledge this limitation and make efforts to minimise the effects of this bias. My ultimate findings are also effected by yet more bias; the results are based upon my work with learners at AEGON UK Services in a supportive environment where facilities are made available to them and they do not have to pay any fees. I make no claims about applying my results to a wider audience whether in another industry or with the public at large. However, the final thought lies with Andrew Mayo, writing in the January 2003 edition of Training Journal, who holds out, ‘So here is the challenge for 2003. Will you be able to say, at the end of the year, where and how learning interventions made a difference to the achievements of the organisation(s) you work with †¦.’ From the feedback received from learners and indeed Workplace Training Services’ staff I am confident that the ECDL programme has already made an impact on AEGON UK Services although greater communication is required with senior managers based upon their own feedback. Furthermore, as the judges of the National Training Awards indicate, there is yet more to come as our learning partnership matures and more staff set out on the road to success through the challenge of ECDL. Project Proposal – DHL0730 Empirical Study AEGON UK Services in partnership with Workplace Training Services, an arm of Preston College, started to offer the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) to staff in September 2001. The ECDL programme based it is upon Microsoft Office 2000 applications was seen as an ideal complement to the Common Operating Environment (COE) to be launched in 2002. At the same time the launch of ECDL provided further evidence of the Company facilitating learning and development opportunities for its staff. Under COE the whole of AEGON UK would operate with Microsoft Office 2000 whilst over 90% of staff were familiar with the 1997 version or earlier. To-date over 150 staff have started or finished the ECDL programme yet no evaluation of the success or otherwise of ECDL within AEGON UK Services has ever been carried out. An evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) as used by AEGON UK Services. The ECDL was launched to develop the skills of European citizens and to enable them to become proficient in PC skills. The use of ECDL within AEGON UK Services was designed to provide staff with the skills necessary to deal effectively with the Common Operating Environment (COE), in effect Microsoft Office 2000. An Evaluation of the European Computer Driving Licence. (2017, Oct 12).