Monday, August 24, 2020

Product Innovation Aid of Technology

Question: Examine about Product Innovation for Aid of Technology. Answer: Expectations of the task: The organization to be considered for advancement is Nike. Contact number is 1-503-671-6453 and the central station are at Beaverton, OR 97005 (Nike.com, 2016). The evaluation of the highlights of the association which are utilized in encouraging the procedure of advancement. The vital way to deal with the association development the board which will incorporate the association culture also the job of the people all the while. Plan specifying program with the exercises and assignments which will help in the foundation and support of the creative condition in the association. Approach towards the arrangement Since its establishing, Nike has concentrated on utilizing profoundly imaginative items with the guide of innovation. This has been the significant objective of the organization, as it targets giving the competitors footwear and clothing and they have concentrated on development (Rothberg, 2011). In that capacity, the arrangement on this paper will be founded on the imaginative procedure and objectives of the association. This will be planned for distinguishing the procedures and the association culture, just as the creative condition. Potential dangers predictable A portion of the dangers which might be knowledgeable about the course of doing the task remember the difficulties of investigating the data for the association. Building up the compelling and dependable wellsprings of data might be a test for an individual while undertaking this task. Thusly, there is the danger of foundation of the right data. The answer for this test is guaranteeing that one uses the sources which are checked to be exact. This will guarantee that all the data is exact and exceptional. Course of events and work breakdown Undertaking Finishing time Development process Assessment Week 1 Development the executives technique foundation Week 2 Imaginative Plan Foundation Week 3 Fundamentally assess the hierarchical attributes that encourage the development procedure in one of the associations referenced in the article Nike is participating in certain exercises and has qualities which encourage the development procedure. In the first place, the association is encircle itself with development. This can be seen by the way that they grasp advancement while building up new items. This can be seen by the creation of the primary ever self-binding shoe by the organization (Livermore, 2016). This is a shoe which will be made accessible in the market this year. The organization likewise prizes development, much the same as it is found in the interest in the Rio Olympics. The association is set to present the shoes they have made by the utilization of imaginative procedures at the Rio Olympics of 2016. This is a venture which will cost the association cash, and the organization is prepared to leave behind it. This can likewise be viewed as hatching itself in advancement. Nike additionally comprehends itself during the development procedure as it completes starting examination before taking part in the invent ive procedures. This is found in the creation of the application which is approaching where the organization means to deliver the Nike application. Preceding this choice, some historical verification had been done, and it was set up to be a suitable task. Thusly, the association can be alluded to be creative. The ingenuity of the organization can likewise be set up by the way that the association is consistently on the inventive procedures in the business. It is engaged with the presentation of the high-innovation items. The association has, consequently, been on top in the terms of piece of the overall industry when contrasted with different organizations, for example, Adidas. In that capacity, the tech-based methodology has been a triumph, and this can be represented by the Discontinuation of the Nike Fuel Bands. Organization key Approach One of the techniques which are applied by Nike to remain inventive is the emphasis on consumer loyalty. A ton of assets are contributed on the innovative work of items, and it puts center around the creation of better items (Wilson, 2016). All things considered, the association joins client needs with the rising innovation to remain important on the business improvement. Other than the arrangement of great items, the organization is associated with guaranteeing that the new items are reasonable for the clients. In that capacity, the clients are offered the items at a moderate cost. The organization advancement is additionally overseen by the utilization of workers in a viable way. The association is engaged with the workers who aid the advancement of cutting edge items, and in that capacity, the organization perceives the significance of the staff. The workers are, hence, propelled in order to remain faithful to the association prompting better efficiency (Utterback, 2013). The top managerial staff in the organization is additionally associated with the foundation of the monetary conditions at the present occasions. All things considered, the association puts together its development with respect to the circumstances of the economy, ensuring that the new items are moderate to the customers. This, in this manner, guarantees that all the new items brought by the association into the market are profoundly requested. The association is likewise innovative as in it can coordinate the requirement for new items, just as the support of the ability in the organization (Hargadon, 2013). The other technique by the association is the advancement of pioneering soul. This is guaranteed by presenting items which have not been found in the market. All things considered, the clients have certainty on the items from Nike, as they are consistently the firsts in the market. This is rather than the me too discernment which is utilized by most associations that have poor inventive methods. The organization additionally gives time, just as space to development consequently the ideal creation of items. The organization includes itself with investigate on the items to be presented in the market, and consequently the presentation of items which are handy in satisfying shoppers needs. Subsequently, all the items set up are appropriate for a specific arrangement of the market, and consequently the achievement in the creative procedures (Kosaka Shirahada, 2014). The systems received by Nike shows that the organization can turn into a worldwide provider of sportswear. It is, be that as it may, significant for the organization to address issues with respect to the opposition. Notwithstanding the upper hand of the association, the market is overwhelmed with different organizations which produce comparable items. All things considered, the opposition is solid, and the firm needs to buckle down towards guaranteeing that it keeps up the upper hand. This should be possible by decreasing its costs to guarantee that the items are reasonable to more clients. The issue of patent security ought to likewise be engaged at to keep different organizations from exploiting the companys creativity. Nike Company Plan for making and additionally keeping up a creative domain Methodologies Program Exercises Undertakings Asset Allocation The main technique received by Nike is the attention on consumer loyalty. Statistical surveying A portion of the exercises which are finished during the statistical surveying incorporate get-together data about the market. The organization is additionally associated with social occasion insights about the idea of the market. The other movement is breaking down the data to distinguish the manner by which the necessities of the customers can be fulfilled. Client collaboration is likewise done as such as to learn of the necessities and premiums of various individuals. The undertakings which are utilized in the recognizable proof of the requirements and interests of the customers incorporate correspondence with the clients. The other assignment is gathering the input from the customers on the items that are created by the utilization of the new innovation. The assets to be assigned will be shared among every one of these errands to guarantee all the exercises are completed successfully. A portion of the assets ought to be designated in statistical surveying, and assembling of data, just as during the time spent get-together data about the client needs and prerequisites. Representative inspiration Presentation of remuneration frameworks and motivating forces The exercises for this situation incorporate giving positive input to the representatives because of their successful work. The organization ought to likewise guarantee that the adjustment to be done to the representatives is done secretly. The organization ought to likewise put stock in their workers and give them certainty. It ought to likewise make the prizes gave in the association to be reachable to the organization. The commendations ought to be done freely in order to cause the representative to feel increased in value. The representatives ought to be given fiscal rewards in order to keep up inspiration among them. Motivating force projects ought to likewise be acquainted so as with value them in different structures. The organization ought to likewise participate in guaranteeing that the workers objectives and targets are met. The assets ought to be given to the human asset office in order to do the exercises here. In that capacity, the prizes framework program ought to be achieved by contributing more assets to the representatives. Other than the prizes, a portion of the assets ought to be presented in giving preparing programs. This is significant in guaranteeing representative turn of events and appreciation. Pioneering soul Foundation of novel plans and thoughts The innovative soul must be kept up where the association is engaged with the presentation of one of a kind items. In that capacity, the organization ought to participate in look into on the new innovation and the advancement of new thoughts. This guarantees the association can concoct new and progressively creative items/. Further, the organization ought to be engaged with the investigation of the innovation changes so as

Saturday, August 22, 2020

Managerial Economics in MBA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Administrative Economics in MBA - Essay Example Estimating minimal open door cost ought to mirror the perplexing natural and physical between linkages that exist inside an environment, taking into consideration the connection between soil disintegration, deforestation, sedimentation, and stream-stream. Thusly, the minimal open door cost is involved direct expenses from the utilization of assets, externalities that emerge from between linkages of the biological system, and client part that originates from the utilization of assets in a non-supportable way. 1. A large portion of Europe’s coal mineshafts have shut down. There are still huge stores of coal accessible. Under what conditions would you conceive organizations opening up coal mineshafts and misusing these assets? Europe despite everything has a lot of coal asset saves. At times, these are difficult to get to despite the fact that they can at present be mined. The inquiry that emerges while considering the likelihood of their abuse is their monetary practicality. The decay saw during the 80s with respect to mining of coal, just as the conclusion of mines, was done in light of the fact that extraction costs for coal turned out to be too high given the moving focal point of the worldwide market (Ali and Jeffrey 21). The market started to move towards the utilization of gas to deliver power, just as the utilization of coal from nations where mining was extra financially feasible. Be that as it may, as Europe turns into a net exporter of gas and oil again as provisions begin to run out, they will be compelled to be progressively dependent on provisions of gas from antagonistic economies like Russia or value climbing Sheikhs from the Middle East. As the cost of gas keeps on ascending because of the se variables, the advancement of innovation will adjust the relationship that exists between coal’s negligible expense and its minimal income (Ali and Jeffrey 21). Another way that coal could become suitable again is another technique for making it clean so as to balance its natural devastation (Ali and Jeffrey 29). Coal causes major ecological devastation, and for its minor income to be over its minimal costs, at that point it must be cleaned. A few European nations have started endeavors towards this. One innovation, which could see the natural expense of coal go down, is carbon catch innovation.

Monday, July 20, 2020

30 Brilliant Networking Conversation Starters

30 Brilliant Networking Conversation Starters Networking events are great but not for everyone. You may have been excited at the thought of attending one, only to find yourself standing awkwardly alone when everyone else is talking to someone. Or probably you skipped the event because you are not a good conversationalist.Don’t worry though, this article will help you curb your fears by showing you how to approach a stranger and start a conversation.Below are 30 brilliant networking conversation starters that will help you deal with the situation. Just use one that sounds or feels appropriate and off you go. Remember to loosen up a bit and don’t be too formal. Keep the conversation simple since you are just building a connection.1. “That’s a nice suit you are wearing. Where did you get it from?”Compliments always work well. And the best part? They shift the attention from you to the other person. This is very helpful if you are feeling anxious about starting a conversation. From the response you get, it will then be a l ot easier to keep the conversation going.2. “Hi, I’m Ryan and I [What you do].”Say this with an outstretched arm as a way of inviting the person into a conversation. Always remember to have a smile on your face and make eye contact. In shaking their hand, make it firm but brief.This opening line is short and on point, making it clear that you want to get into a conversation. Pick on what the other person tells you and drive the conversation further. Do not overthink it. You can simply ask what their career is like, what a typical day for him is like etc.3. “Do you have any networking tips for an introvert?”If you are an introvert and struggle even with the thought of approaching a stranger, this one is for you. Just pose as an introvert who is seeking some help. Don’t worry about what the person might think. Focus on your goalâ€"to start a conversation. If asked, readily acknowledge that you are an introvert.In case the person shows sympathy for introverts, take the oppo rtunity to talk about the strengths of being an introvert. This will quickly open up the space for a great conversation. You can also gently steer the conversation back to them by asking their personality, especially now that they know yours.4. “What do you like most about this event so far?”Ask anyone this question and they will likely give you several sentences as a response. If they give you one of those short ones, just ask them what it is they like about what they mentioned. This gives them a chance to explain their thoughts and helps you have something to respond to.Still, if the response is short, you can also tell them what you liked and ask them whether they noticed it. For example, you could say, “I liked the subtle humor which the speaker used in his speech. Did you notice it?” Proceed to give examples of the humorous statements you noticed.5. “Hi, do you work at [a certain company]?”You don’t have to have seen them at that company in order to ask this quest ion. You are simply starting a conversation. With a high probability of getting a “No” for an answer, just tell them they looked like someone working for that company.For this to be received well, use a company that has a good reputation or is highly successful. For example, you could respond by saying, “you appear to me like someone who could be a strategist in a big company.” You can then proceed to ask them where they work and pick up from there.6. “How did you hear about this event?”This is a classic one which can never fade. No single event is advertised through only one media channel. It may have been on social media, on TV or just a friend mentioning it. Prepare an interesting response as to how you heard about it but don’t struggle to be funny.You could for example say, “I heard someone invite his friend over the phone and since he sounded excited, I extended the invitation to myself.” Alternatively, mention any of the ways through which the event was adver tized.7. “Have you been here before?”Approach someone with this question and if they say a plain “No,” just add something like “Neither have I, but I find it to be a great place to hold an event.” You can then describe one of the things you have noticed about the building or the event’s setup. This will prompt the other person to respond with something they have noticed themselves.8. “It’s so crowded in here. There must be a million people in this room.”Obviously, there can’t be a million people in the room but the idea gets home anyway. This will move the other person see things from your perspective. In so doing, you will have attracted him to your line of thought. You can then continue with “I can barely move with ease.”Ensure that the place is quite filled with people so that you don’t come across as someone making an out-of-place comment just to start a conversation.9. “That was quite a speech. What is the one thing you got out of it?”If the inte raction session starts after a keynote speech, use it to start a conversation. There will most likely be more than one thing someone picked as important to him. Listen to him and agree with him on its importance then share something you found valuable.If you noticed anything outside the main speech that stood out for you, like the amount of research the speaker quoted, you can also raise it for discussion. Just focus on the positive and don’t talk about anything negative, unless it was so obvious that everyone noticed it.10. “I love the salad. Have you tried it?”Comments about food will always start a good conversation. This is because people will either describe things differently from you or expound on your simple comment. They might even tell you about a recipe they use to make something similar or a restaurant they know which makes it well.All these are hints you can follow to keep the conversation going and soon enough, you will be talking about anything.11. “How often do you attend networking events?”This question implies that you have something you want to say about the event you are attending but would rather hear the other person’s thoughts first. Depending on the kind of person they are, they may respond cautiously awaiting to hear what you have to say.You can tell them whether you have attended any or that is your first one. Still, for the expectation you have built, make an observation that will start a conversation. You could say “This is my first one and I am quite amazed at how people are engaging with one another.” 12. “Was it easy for you to find this place?”If you had a challenge finding the venue, probably because you are new in the area, you can use your experience to get a conversation started. By posing the question, you give them an opportunity to tell you their experience first. If there was traffic, then they have a story, even if a short one, to share with you.In case they got there easily, then share your experien ce of how you had to drive several streets past the venue and even made some wrong turns while searching for the place. You can finish your story by commenting on the state of traffic in general and how much productivity is lost in traffic.Since everyone experiences traffic, this is a common subject around which to start a conversation.13. “Have you been at the exhibition stands?”If the event features exhibitions for businesses to showcase their products, you can use that to start the conversation. If they haven’t, you can invite them to accompany you as you head there. If they have, ask them which products stood out for them.If the conversation continues well, keep going with it. If asked whether you are still interested in checking out the exhibition, you can tell them you have already gotten enough information from them. Alternatively, you can mention that the time you spent talking bore much fruit that you don’t mind not going there anyway.14. “Hi, I see that you work at [company where they work]. What is it like working there?”For this to work, you must have knowledge of where they work. If the person is wearing a name tag and you managed to see the name of the company, then this is a good starting point. As they talk, show genuine interest and ask questions to prompt them to tell you more.You can interject with questions which express more interest or comments which show you have had a similar experience as the one they are talking about.15. “Wow, the food looks goodI’m not sure what to have. What will you have?”The line at the buffet table is another great place to have a conversation going. Instead of lining up for food silent, ask this question to invite the person in front of you into a conversation. He is likely to agree with you on the food and probably offer some suggestions based on what he has decided to have.Still, he may not have decided on what to have thus creating room for an open conversation. It will be easier to continu e with the conversation once you have helped each other decide on what to eat.16. “Did you catch the game last night?”Talking sports is another sure way of starting a conversation. This works well especially if you are a fan, otherwise you could end up with little to share. The same situation can also occur if the other person isn’t a fan of the sport you are referring to. That is not to mean you cannot still have a conversation.Ask them about what sport they love. If they are not fans of any sport, then find out what fun activities they engage in. You will get something from their response on which to build a conversation.17. “This is such a great venue for a networking event. Have you been here before?”The environment in which you are provides many ideas for starting a conversation. You can pick on any of the features of the building or its environment and talk about it. If the room is big and well planned for all kinds of services, then talk about it.You can also mentio n other venues you have been to which compare well to the one you are in.18. “You guys seem to be having a good time. Do you mind if I joined you?”This will help you join a group of people who are talking together. Despite having a hard time starting a conversation, this offers you a chance to join a conversation which is already going on. Moreover, with three or more people, there is less attention going to one individual, offering safety for you.This will probably be the best way for you to develop the much-needed confidence. The group interaction will be easy on you as there will be several people speaking. You can easily give approvals for what has been said or add something small or ask a follow up question to keep the conversation going.19. “So, what do you do?”Since networking is all about connecting with other people, this is a direct approach that will keep things rolling along the real purpose of the event. Going straight into business, you will build a connection knowing the industry the other person works in. From here, you will know how you can add value to each other.Watch this video and learn how to answer this question if someone poses it to you. The last thing you want to do is attend a networking event unprepared. 20. “Hi, are you a [the profession you think they are in]?”This starts as a compliment and goes straight into business. The only thing you need to do is ensure you start off well. Do not exaggerate or use informal language which the person may not understand. To get a clue of what they may be doing, check their dressing.Although some events may indirectly dictate the dressing if they are held in certain places, someone’s attire can offer a hint about his profession or lifestyle. Their conduct can also give you ideas. For example, people in the art industry usually sport casual styles as opposed to those who work in offices.Similarly, people working in the sales and PR departments tend to be more outgoing than others. B eing correct is however not the most important thing here. Starting a conversation is.21. “Did you attend last year’s event?”Approaching someone with this question tells them there is a comparison you are about to make and they will be open to hear it. In case you were not at the event, just tell them you wanted to know how it was considering how good the current one is.In case you were present, mention some positive things that featured in last year’s event and be open to their questions and thoughts.22. “What are the three tips you would give an entrepreneur on business strategy?”You can twist this question so that it lines up with the subject discussed by the speaker. This provides a common ground on which both of you can freely interact and exchange thoughts.23. “Can I get you another drink?”Of course this will only work if the person you are approaching has an empty or nearly-empty glass. You can then get them another drink from the bar. If the venue has attenda nts serving the attendees, you can signal one of them for the order.You can continue to mention how you like the wine being served. As long as the conversation is started, there will be much more to talk about.24. “Hi, can I borrow your pen?”If you have your diary with you, you can borrow a pen and scribble something in it. Though not everyone may be walking around with a pen, you can safely assume that anyone with a notebook or diary possibly has one.If the person you approached doesn’t have one, you can approach someone else and pick a conversation with them. The ice is already broken and the conversation can flow.25. “I bet you are as excited about this event as I am.”Before making this statement, make sure you are excited. And more so, it has to be evident on your face. This will show the sincerity of your conversation starter. In your excitement, have two or three items ready to point out that make the event exciting.Being a social event, despite any formal dressing a nd setup, the other person will respond accordingly and share what they think of the event.26. “Do you mind if I joined you?”If you spot someone seated or standing somewhere alone, approach them and request to join their company. They will most likely appreciate your interest. If the place they are is quieter than the rest of the room, mention it as something you would like to enjoy. Proceed to ask whether they are enjoying the same thing.27. “I knew I would meet a loner like me in this place.”This is an interesting one because you are not sure whether the person is a loner. At the same time, you have made yourself vulnerable by indicating that you are a loner. But that’s exactly why this one will work so well. Ensure the person you are telling this is alone at the time you approach them.If the person is indeed a loner, you will have guessed right. And since you said you are also a loner, you will have struck a chord with them. It will be easy for two loners to talk togeth er. You can even encourage them with some conversation starters then meet later to share your experiences.If it happens that the person is not a loner, then you can offer yourself to learn how to become like them. Ask them directly how they manage to interact easily and before you know it, you are talking.28. “I couldn’t help noticing your deep voice. Do you sing?”Take note that this is more appropriate for use on men. It is also a good thing to tell it to someone you noticed had a deep voice. Compliments will always land you on the soft side of people. Whether you get a “Yes” or a “No” for an answer, you will not struggle to build the conversation from that point.For example, if they sing, you can ask for sample songs and offer to buy an album. If they don’t, you can ask why and make suggestions to encourage them to sing since they have a great voice.29. “I can’t imagine having missed this networking event.”This is a great way of showing that you are enjoying the event and it’s turning out exactly the way you hoped. The person you are directing it to will be feeling the same or otherwise. Whichever way, you two now have somewhere to pick the conversation from.30. “Hi, are you in [the department you work in]? I am hoping to meet a few fellow [people working in that department].”You can use this to make your profession known while waiting to know the other person’s. Be ready to show interest in their profession if it’s different from yours. In any case, isn’t starting a conversation what you really wanted?CONCLUSIONHave these networking conversation starters given you some ideas on how to benefit from the next networking event? Use them and say goodbye to those awkwardly silent moments.

Thursday, May 21, 2020

Losing the Dark

Have you ever heard of light pollution? Its the overuse of light at night. Nearly everyone on Earth has experienced it. Cities are bathed in light, but lights also encroach on the wilderness and rural landscapes as well. A study of light pollution around the world made in 2016 showed that at least a third of people on Earth have skies that are so light-polluted they cant see the Milky Way from their locations.   One of the most astonishing discoveries the astronauts on the International Space Station share with us is the widespread light pollution that covers our landscapes with the yellowish-white glow of lights. Even at sea, fishing boats, tankers, and other ships light up the darkness.   The Effects of Light Pollution Because of light pollution, our dark skies are disappearing. This is because lights on homes and  businesses are sending light up to the sky. In many places, all but the brightest stars are washed out by the glare of lights. Not only is this simply wrong, but it also costs money. Shining them UP to the sky to light the stars wastes electricity and the energy sources (mainly fossil fuels) we need to create electrical power.   In recent years, medical science has also looked into the link between light pollution and too much light at night. The results show that human health and wildlife are being harmed by the glare of lights during the night time hours. Recent studies have linked exposure to too much light at night to several serious diseases, including breast cancer and prostate cancer. In addition, the glare of light pollution interferes with a persons ability to sleep, which has other health consequences. Other studies show that the glare of lights at night, particularly on city streets, can result in accidents for both drivers and pedestrians blinded by the light of electronic billboards and superbright headlights on other cars. In many areas, light pollution is contributing to tragic loss of wildlife habitat, interfering with bird migrations and affecting reproduction of many species. This has reduced some populations of wildlife and threatens others.   For astronomers, light pollution is a tragedy. No matter whether you are a beginning observer or an experienced professional, too much light at night washes out the view of stars and galaxies. In many places on our planet, people have rarely seen the Milky Way  in their night skies. What Can All of us Do to Prevent Light Pollution? Of course, we all know that lighting is needed in some places at night for safety and security. No one is saying to turn off ALL the lights. To solve the problems caused by light pollution, smart  people in industry and science research have been contemplating ways to have our safety but also eliminate the waste of light and power.   The solution theyve come up with sounds simple: to learn proper ways to use lighting. These include lighting places that only need illumination at night. People can reduce a LOT of light pollution by shining lights DOWN to the places where they are needed. And, in some places, if light isnt needed, we CAN just simply switch them off. In most cases, proper lighting not only preserves safety and reduces the harm to our health and to wildlife, but it also saves money in lower electrical bills and lowers the use of fossil fuels for power.   We CAN have dark skies and safe lighting. Learn more about what YOU can do to light safely and reduce light pollution from the International Dark Sky Association, one of the worlds foremost groups seeking to solve light pollution issues and preserve safety and quality of life. The group has many useful resources for city planners, and both urban and country dwellers interested in reducing the glare of lights at night. They also sponsored the creation of a video called Losing the Dark, which illustrates many of the concepts discussed here. Its available free for download by anyone wishing to use it in their planetarium, classroom, or lecture hall.

Wednesday, May 6, 2020

Organization And Governance Of Higher Education - 2213 Words

First Year Freshman Policy Teresa Watkins Chicago State University Policy Analysis Paper Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for ELCF 5920: Organization and Governance of Higher Education Fall 2014 Abstract Institutions of higher education has the ability to market and implement First year freshman policies that will attract and assist with the experience that influences the expectation of whether incoming freshman will successfully transition into four year university until completion. Students are in need of a wide range of support systems, and other resources and tools that are vital throughout their retention at an institution of higher education. First year freshman’s based on the research of†¦show more content†¦The first year freshman expectation and experience standards are set as one of the many ways to retain students until graduation. Scholarly research has been conducted on this policy that many higher education institutions have implement into their universities. Based on the factors that the institutions have a wide range support system in place for a diverse freshman student body who are bombard with several situations that can have a profound effect o n their successful completion and whether or not they register as sophomores for the next semester. The factors that will be address are from two Universities, Chicago State University, (CSU) Chicago, IL, according to the csu website host a freshman seminar that is a course designed to assist University College (UC) students with their transition to Chicago State University and enhance the academic skills necessary for college success. This program helps freshman’s strengthen their study habits and GPA. The R.I.S.E Academy- Provides students with the personal and academic (cognitive and non-cognitive) support they may need in order to get off of academic probation and to prevent borderline students from gaining probationary status. Boise State University (BSU) Boise, ID. According to, BSU website update news article dated September 2010 fall enrollment, Boise State has increased its overall retention rate to almost 70 percent through a combination of a strong orientation e xperience, enhanced advising,

Aviation’s Most Critical Human Factors Challenges Past and Present Free Essays

Human error has been documented as a primary contributor to more than 70 percent of commercial airplane hull-loss accidents. While typically associated with flight operations, human error has also recently become a major concern in maintenance practices and air traffic management [1]. Human factors The term â€Å"human factors† is often considered synonymous with crew resource management (CRM) or maintenance resource management (MRM). We will write a custom essay sample on Aviation’s Most Critical Human Factors Challenges: Past and Present or any similar topic only for you Order Now   Human factors involves gathering information about human abilities, limitations, and other characteristics and applying it to tools, machines, systems, tasks, jobs, and environments to produce safe, comfortable, and effective human use [1]. Human factor specialists study each factor which can influence on the human activity on the cockpit. The job of an aviation psychologist is to reduce human error during flight. The main and most general objective of their work is optimisation of the human-computer interaction. From the one side electronic equipment should provide the full control of the flight and make easier pilot job. But just one error of board computer may be the cause of the disaster. Therefore crew should be aware and control all situation along with computer program to be able correct its mistake.   Because of high level of system automation often pilots even do not know what it is doing and why. Despite rapid gains in technology, humans are ultimately responsible for ensuring the success and safety of the aviation industry. They must continue to be knowledgeable, flexible, dedicated, and efficient while exercising good judgment [2]. Events of aviation human factors Since the world’s first airplane was invented in 1903 by Wilbur and Orville Wright people studied human factors in aviation and tried to make easier pilot work by all known methods. The first navigation aid was introduced in the USA in the late 1920s. It was airfield lighting to assist pilots to make landings in poor weather or after dark. The concept of approach lightning was developed from this in the 1930s, indicating to the pilot the angle of descent to the airfield, which later became adopted internationally through the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). With the spread of radio technology, several experimental radio based navigation aids were developed from the late 20s onwards. These were most successfully used in conjunction with instruments in the cockpit in the form of Instrument Landing Systems (ILS), first used by a scheduled flight to make a landing in a snowstorm at Pittsburgh in 1938. A form of ILS was adopted by the ICAO for international use in 1949. Following the development of radar in World War II, it was deployed as a landing aid for civil aviation in the form of Ground Control Approach (GCA) systems, joined in 1948 by Distance Measuring Equipment (DME), and in the 1950s by airport surveillance radar as an aid to air traffic control [3]. After numerous air incidents and accidents were also solved (or minimized a danger of) a lot of technical problems like positive lightning, engine failure, metal fatigue, delamination, stalling, fire, bird strike, volcanic ash, etc. Much progress in applying human factors to improving aviation safety was made around the time of World War II by people such as Paul Fitts and Alphonse Chapanis. However, there has been progress in safety throughout the history of aviation, such as the development of the pilot’s checklist in 1937. The ability of the flight crew to continually maintain situation awareness is a critical human factor in air safety [3]. During WWII, psychologist Norman Mackworth studied performance of radar operations as he watched for German aircrafts to cross the English Channel. He noted the difficulty of attending to the radar operations for more than a few minutes. After WWII, Paul Fitts studied selective attention and how pilot’s eyes scanned an aircraft’s instrumental pattern. He questioned how the brain knows what is important in the environment and how much information can the eye take before moving to another fixation point [4]. Decades after WWII, the focus of research was on aircraft flight design, layout of instrument displays, and basic tasks of flying. Flight simulators were invented for pilot training and would allow for teaching of skills in a safe environment on ground which would transfer into performance in the real task. In the 1950’s jet aircrafts were invented with faster speed and less stability. In the 1970’s, the focus was on the mental workload and limits of human attention in performing several tasks at once. Finally, in the 1980’s a focus on on-board computer power changed the pilot’s task from an active pilot to more of a monitoring role [4]. To reduce the commercial aviation accident rate modern aircraft companies establish human factors departments. Human factors specialists work closely with engineers, safety experts, test and training pilots, mechanics, and cabin crews to properly integrate human factors into the design of airplanes. Their areas of responsibility include addressing human factors in Flight deck design. Design for maintainability and in-service support. Error management. Passenger cabin design. Flight deck design should satisfy such validated requirements as customer input, appropriate degree of automation, crew interaction capability, communication, navigation and surveillance traffic management. For instance Boeing commercial airplanes propose flight decks which are designed to provide automation to assist, but not replace, the flight crew member responsible for safe operation of the airplane. These systems support instrument displays with visual and tactile motion cues to minimize potential confusion about what functions are automated. Flight crew communication relies on the use of audio, visual, and tactile methods. This includes crewmember-to-airplane, crewmember-to-crewmember, and airplane-to-crewmember communication. Design for maintainability and in-service support includes chief mechanic participation, computer-based maintainability design tools, and fault information team and customer support processes [1]. Boeing has developed human factors tools to help understand why the errors occur and develop suggestions for systematic improvements. The tools are: Procedural Event Analysis Tool (PEAT) and Maintenance Error Decision Aid (MEDA). PEAT is an analytic tool created to help the airline industry effectively manage the risks associated with flight crew procedural deviations. MEDA began as an effort to collect more information about maintenance errors. Three other tools that assist in managing error are: Crew information requirements analysis (CIRA), Training aids, and improved use of automation. CIRA provides a way to analyze how crews acquire, interpret, and integrate data into information upon which to base their actions. The passenger cabin represents a significant human factors challenge related to both passengers and cabin crews. Human factors principles usually associated with the flight deck are now being applied to examine human performance functions and ensure that cabin crews and passengers are able to do what they need or want to do. Some recent examples illustrate how the passenger cabin can benefit from human factors expertise applied during design. These include: automatic over wing exit and other cabin applications. The improved version of the over wing emergency exit opens automatically when activated by a passenger or cabin or flight crew member [1]. Conclusion The list of events in the history of aviation can be endless as the list of events of aviation human factors. However the number of aircraft accidents had not been reduced to zero. Along with legacy achievements should be provide more efficient and modern ones. Therefore aviation industry is an extensive field for specialists of various directions. Bibliography Curt Graeber, Human factor engineering, Boeing commercial airplanes, July, 2005 Robert R. Tyler, An interesting career in psychology: aviation human factors practitioner, October, 2000 Wikipedia (free encyclopedia), 6 July 2005. History of human factors, Human performance training institute, July, 2005 How to cite Aviation’s Most Critical Human Factors Challenges: Past and Present, Papers

Sunday, April 26, 2020

Information Technology Impact on the Purchasing Department Essay Example

Information Technology Impact on the Purchasing Department Essay The purpose of this paper is to discuss of the various ways in which information technology has changed the purchasing department, in particular how the Internet has impacted on the purchasing department. Will be outlined the most well known information system, their objectives and the e-purchasing. An example from daily business life will be illustrated in the second part of this paper. 1. Introduction IT is transforming the way that business is conducted. Computers prepare invoices, issue checks, keep track of the movement of stock, and store personnel and payroll records. The personal computers are changing the patterns of office work, and the spread of information technology is affecting the efficiency and competitiveness of business, the structure of the work force, and the overall growth of economic output. Purchasing department has been radically changed by the development of the Information Technology (IT). Simply the communication channels widened enormously, and the information exchange has became significantly faster and broader, simplifying several steps with regards to purchasing, and also enhancing the fast decision making. Also the quality has improved, costs have been reduced, and speed has increased. Many communication channels are available like Internet, email, telephone, mobile communications, fax, video conference calls, GPS, etc. business is now able to operate in 24 hours, seven day a week. 2. Information Technology and Purchasing The Internet can be used by purchasing department for many specific purchasing actions, like; -information search (accelerate the flow of information and increase processing capabilities. We will write a custom essay sample on Information Technology Impact on the Purchasing Department specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now We will write a custom essay sample on Information Technology Impact on the Purchasing Department specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer We will write a custom essay sample on Information Technology Impact on the Purchasing Department specifically for you FOR ONLY $16.38 $13.9/page Hire Writer The information collected by the buyer may give a clearer picture on the market what will be useful during the negotiation of prices with supplier) -for transactions (advantages in the form of lower transaction costs can be realized if both supplier and buyer are connected to the same electronic marketplace) -follow up the delivery (online web tracking or other integrated systems) -book in advance the stock from Suppliers database The Internet allows companies to exchange data and information in secure line. These applications are significant quicker than the traditional way. Griffin (1990) identified the main cost elements of Information Systems. These are: hardware and software investments, their installation and maintenance, environmental cost (recycle pay in advance), running and security cost, networking cost, training the users. Server room needs to be allocated. The integrated systems, like Enterprise Resource System (ERR), Material Requirements Planning (MRP), System Application and Products (SAP) etc. gives many complex integrated solutions for companies. These integrated systems give complete solutions for all departments of the organization. The benefits for Information System are: -information relevance (more reliable than the human made information) -accurate and up to date information are available -speed of information delivery -improved customer service -gaining competitive advantage and avoiding competitive disadvantage -support for core business function -improved management function -improved product quality -improved communication (internal and external) -impact on the business through innovation The threats of IT systems are the accidents, nature disaster, sabotage, vandalism, theft, hacking, spam and computer viruses. Another big issue of Internet transaction and communication is trust. This is a necessary ingredient in the completion of business agreements. The Computer Purchasing Systems in practice may be used for, stock control and requisition, purchase order placing, expediting, goods receipt, reporting, transaction processing, data capturing and to allocate stock (barcode system). 3. E-purchasing E-purchasing creates value for organization by reducing cost of goods and services, giving higher productivity and reducing processing cost and gives better information and better planning. The e-purchasing can be split in two parts, the e-sourcing and e-procurement as illustrated in Figure 1. Figure 1 3. 1 E-sourcing (strategic direction) using the Internet and it covers the elements of buying process which are: -knowledge specification -request for quotation, e-auction, e-tenders -evaluation – negotiation E-sourcing system should enable the sourcing team to: -analyze and model complex decisions in real time -automate the management to contract amendments and renewal -collaborate with suppliers -provide real time information E-sourcing use the internet to make decisions regarding how and where services or products are obtained. E-marketplaces play an important role in this activity, since the price and availability of products from multiple suppliers can be checked from a single point. Another benefit for E-marketplaces in terms of product sourcing is that not only they provide detailed product information from existing suppliers, they also give access to new potential partners and suppliers. Furthermore, the use of reverse auctions and online exchanges enables procurement officers to obtain better prices as they encourage competitive bidding between suppliers. . 2 E-procurement (process driven) covers the following areas of the buying process: requisition, authorization, order, receipt, payment E-procurement is Business to Business (B2B) purchase and sales over an electronic network such as the Internet. The Internets rapid growth has driven many companies to add an electronic commerce component to the ir operations to gain competitive advantage. A well managed E-procurement also could help to reduce inventory levels. Kalakota an Robinson (2001) have identified seven basic e-procurement models: ModelsCharacteristics EDI NetworksTrading partners and customers imple transaction cost value added network charges Business to employee (B2E) requisition applicationsfast buying automated approvals and standardized requisition procedures provide supplier management tools Corporate procurement portalsimproved control over procurement process, business rules can be implemented custom, negotiated prices posted in a multi-supplier catalogue spending analysis and multi-supplier catalogue management First generation trading exchanges: community cataloguesindustry content, news new sales channel for distributors and producers product content and catalogue aggregation service Second generation trading exchanges: transaction orientedrequisition process and purchase order transactions supplier, price and products availability discovery catalogue and credit management Third generation trading exchanges: collaborative supply chainsynchronize operations and enable real time fulfillment process transparency, resulting in restructuring of demand and the supply chain Industry consortia: buyer and supplier ledthe next step in the evolution of corporate procurement portals 3. 3 Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) The EDI were developed in 1970s to exchange of business transactions in electronic format. The main functions for EDI are: query handling, transaction handling, funds transfer and technical data. The benefits for using EDI are; reduced cost, elimination of paperwork, time saving and increased efficiencies, improved supplier management, enhanced service and quality, improved access and communication. 4. Examples Few examples brought from the world of the pharmaceutical business and Clinical Research Organization (CRO) outsourcing. The changes due to the IT development could be categorized in many different ways, all very valid ones, I chose to bring separate examples to its ‘slow implementation’, and to its ‘fast implementation’. 4. Slow implementation It utilizes more the ability of calculating/computing of the IT devices – not that much the speed of interactions through the novel communication channels. The example I would like to give is around the costing process when preparing a complex clinical trial to be outsourced to a CRO. A task w ith this level of complexity, requiring the work of so many service lines, individuals with various hourly rates, working of various task durations – most of the time in various countries – so preparing an overall proposal to undertake a clinical trial cannot be done in any other ways than by using ultra sophisticated pricing tools. Most of the times these pricing tools are based on the main features of Microsoft Excel, some other times specially designed software platforms are prepared to handle this specific task. Speaking of Microsoft Office Applications – which are probably the most commonly used ones of the type in Europe – needless to point out that the Proposal Document reviewed by the Sponsor company purchasing (outsourcing) department is initially prepared in MS Word – saved in final stage as Adobe . pdf – to prevent accidental modifications. When the outsourcing process leaves the proposal stage and enters the Bid Defense phase, it is the most common to have the clinical trial displayed as a MS Project simulation, where both the Sponsor Purchasing Department and the CRO to be hired can go through the entire project length, try various scenarios, adjust timelines, etc. Last but not least during the purchasing process MS PowerPoint presentations are most commonly employed to outline the message to be conveyed and to enhance the communication. Still at the IT ‘slow’ implementation, I would like to point out the boost of the various communication channels in line with the integration of the advanced IT technologies. The most information pathways are through e-mails and phone calls, but also specially designed internet secure web areas are quite often available to deposit and access essential documentation and updates when necessary. The uses of such web areas are obviously very restricted by applying the strictest policies to ensure the confidentiality of the data exchanged are always maintained. Phone communications and face-to-face meetings just very recently are to be dropped to the favor of video-conference calls which can host several participants at the same time, regardless of their geographic position. One word for the contrary IT does indeed enhance communication to an incredible extent, however it cannot replace the human contact not even the most developed video conferences will ever be able to offer the same level of confidence between the parties in business as a single handshake, and a clear look in each other’s eyes. Body language is mostly excluded whilst the communication uses advanced IT technology and it’s been said that more business is being done besides a white sheet table than in any large meeting rooms. 4. 2Fast Implementations I would like to point out a single example to a process which utilizes the ‘speedy’ way of the IT technology. This is the large scale drug distribution from the depots of country level coverage in the direction to the regional depots and pharmacies (the example taken is from Converged Enhanced Ethernet (CEE) and drug distribution in Romania). CEE is an enhanced single interconnect Ethernet technology designed to enable the convergence of various applications in data centers, such as LAN, SAN and HPC. These applications are designated for transport over existing storage networks with a high throughput and low-latency communication. CEE may also be called Data Center Ethernet. The price of any pharmaceuticals may depend on a number of things, details of which the frame of this paper will not permit to analyze in-depth. One of the determining factors however is the price induced directly by the market itself. This becomes increasingly important when it comes to trading between National Depots and the regional ones as well as trading with the pharmacies. The available offers and the needs in this close community will drive the prices extensively. This is further complicated by making the price of the various products dependent on the volume of the transaction as well as on the other items purchased at the same time. It all works rather as an auction, and it is all online, real time purchase. The players are in complex communication among each other on an ongoing basis, and the deals are being instantaneously sealed when the reach the common sense. To be able to do such auction-based trading, the IT had to reach an extremely high level of development. Major investments had to be carried out to upgrade the available equipments to ensure this level of communication between the parties. Being a country just recently catching up and somewhat behind in their infrastructure, the relevant purchasing departments had to undergo a thorough change. There were players, who preferred to stay conservative and pursue to earlier fashion of business: after a few years they are no longer on the market. This is the level of seriosity how such things shall be perceived. 5. Conclusion The advance of IT changed completely the main stream of purchasing in relatively short time, and applying the most recent technology has become a matter of survival for the parties in business. With the rapid changes in technology in the recent time, business organizations are rushing to keep pace with these changes. However, mostly dont give sufficient thought and attention to how they can best execute them. Many of us may not notice or may forget an organizations culture and people behind these developments. Bibliography Ricky W. Griffin, Management, (3rd Edition) (1990), Houghton Mifflin Ravi Kalkota, Marci Robinson, (2001) M-Business: The Race to Mobility, McGraw-Hill Companies Emiliani, ML 2000, ‘Business-To-Business Online Auctions: Key Issues For Purchasing Process Improvement’, Supply Chain Management, vol. 5, no. 4, pp. 76-186. MCB UP Ltd Oliver Dempsey (2008), Business Organisation and Information Technology, IIPMM Graham Curtis and David Cobham (6th Edition) (2008), Business Information Systems, FT Prentice Hall Donald W. Dobler, David N. Burt (1996), 6th Edition, Purchasing and Supply Management – Text and Cases, The McGraw-Hill International Editions Conor Hannaway, Gabriel Hunt (1999), The Management Skills Book, Gower Paul Bojic, Andrew greasley, Simon Hickie (4th Edition) (2008), Business information Systems, FT Prentice Hall