Academic Skills Prepare Graduates for Work Essay

Academic Skills Prepare Graduates for Work - Essay Example Empirical work studies have also suggested that workers and employers now feel that generic skills like, communication, problem solving as well as team working abilities, have become extremely critical for the overall success of the workplace (Bailey, Hughes and Barr, 1998). As a result, academics are concentrating more on the skill and work based learning. The primary purposes which have been identified at large for work based learning are; acquiring skill and knowledge with respect to employment in specific industries and occupations, providing career planning and exploration and learning all industry aspects. Increasing social as well as personal competence related to general work and enhancing the motivation of students for academic achievement are other aspects which have found profound interest and critical pace in the teaching techniques in colleges. The current essay throws light on the abovementioned aspects. Research has been conducted on how academics prepare students for work and building their professional careers. Examples from various top colleges and universities will help in understanding the various skill sets and course curriculum which are being implemented in order to enhance the academic learning experience. Review In order to understand the academic skills required, it is important to understand and contemplate the meaning of academic skills and knowledge. Stasz and Brewer (1998) defined academic skills are â€Å"measurable properties of individuals,† which included academic tests. However, influential academic skills might be understood as those techniques and knowledge which will help the students in reinforcing their motivation, quality and overall performance in office. In other words, it is the knowledge which will help students in coping with real world. In broad sense, academic skills can be considered as a collection of learning strategies, study habits as well as tools and techniques for time management helping students le arn as well as absorb the lessons in college. Generally, students pursue academic learning as information, thus wanting for more. The literature review and surveys on this field of study has been least, confining only to specific subjects or training programs. However, this field has got enormous implications. In the past, most of the course curriculum consisted of limited learning prospects, comprising of bookish or theoretical knowledge. However, with the changing scenes and increasing requirement of practical knowledge, colleges and universities are implementing a mix of theoretical learning as well as practical applications, so that the students and graduates are better prepared for the real life work experience (Philadelphia School District, 1998). Several literatures have reviewed the skills required for successful conduction of work. However, none of these surveys and reviews has confirmed a single technique or methodology which can satisfy all the requirements. So, any liter ature survey on relationship between work and academic skills is unlikely to present definitive answers (Berryman and Bailey, 1992). Most of the literature reviews and research work on this field have revealed the underlying controversies shaping debate regarding academic skills as well as various issues and themes. First, is defining of academic skills which have been observed earlier. Various theoretical perspectives have dominated the study of academic skills yielding conflicting results as well as policy recommendations. One approach is positivist, according to which individuals have the ability to transfer skills. Another approach is situational perspective, according to whi

Management of the recruitment, selection and induction of employees Essay

Management of the recruitment, selection and induction of employees - Essay Example IBM, having one of the most professional workforces in the world, employs approximately 329,000 employees and operates business in 170 countries around the globe (IBM, 2009). They employ staff worldwide across different disciplines ranging from technical IT areas to the non-technical disciplines of Sales, Finance, HR and Legal (Monster, 2008). Being a globally integrated company, they need to keep changing their business model radically and shift its value proposition. Thus, attracting and developing individuals is critical to IBM’s success (Schmidt, 2005). There are three main steps in the recruitment process – identification of the requirements, attracting the right candidates and the selection from the applicants. The right job description and the job specifications help to attract the right candidate and eliminate unwanted work involved in the selection process. IBM has the reputation of being the resilient to market forces and strong leadership. They strongly follow the online recruitment process and it is their key recruitment strategy. Online recruitment includes their own website www.ibm.com apart from key online recruitment websites such as monster.com (Monster, 2008). Online recruitment supplements and complements other forms of recruitment. Online recruitment enables reaching a wider audience, and being in the IT industry, this reflects its nature of business. Besides, online recruitment process is cost effective and it also allows continuous improvement of the process. Online recruitment and selection process has saved time spent by as much as 25 percent (Kumar, 2003). They accept applications online as well as through emails. In addition, they adhere to the traditional forms of recruitment such as sourcing through headhunters and recruitment fairs. Thus, they outsource recruitment as well as keep it in-house their website. For graduate trainees they have a different strategy. Their inclusive work environment makes every

Is fair trade fair Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Is fair trade fair - Research Paper Example 1923). Fair Trade organizations works in opposition to the capitalist market system, but works within it (Fair trade critique, 2010). They are backed by consumers and are engaged enthusiastically in supporting producers, raising consciousness and in organizing campaigns for bringing changes in the existing policies and practices of international trade. The producers in the South are often found to be marginalized to a great extent. The Fair Trade Organizations are working to make trading a fair practice which would accommodate the interests of all the trading partners. The concept of fair trade is relatively new and is commanding the interest of many researchers in current times. This paper presents a critical analysis of the concept of fair trade and evaluation of the practice by utilizing the theory of economics. The benefits of fair trade One of the most vital market based mechanisms is the practice of fair trade, which helps in the improvement of the livelihoods of the producers based in the developing countries (Nicholls & Opal, 2005, p. 5). The partnership between the producers and the consumers is targeted to provide a fair share of the benefits of trade to the farm workers and the farmers. This addresses â€Å"the imbalance of power in trading relationships† (What is Fairtrade? 2011). In many countries, particularly in the countries in the South, the farmers and agricultural producers are deprived of the actual yield of profits. Under fair trade the price for the products they sell is set according to the norms of the Fair trade Standards. Involvement of these workers in fair trade helps them to get better deals and also a superior terms of trade (O’Neill, 2007). This in turn provides them with the opportunity to lead a better standard of life and make better plans for their future. Fair trade prices The fair trade price is the minimum price that has to be paid to the fair trade producers. This price acts â€Å"as a safety net† (Wha t is Fairtrade? 2011) for the farmers. It is determined by the regulations mentioned in the Fair trade Standards. This price is associated to all the products that are Fair trade certified. This price is set in such a way that it can cover the â€Å"average costs of sustainable production† (What is Fairtrade? 2011). When the markets fall below the level of sustainable production, the farmers obtain a meager price for their produces; the fair trade prices are designed to safeguard the interests of the vulnerable producers. Sometimes the prices are negotiated with the buyers to yield a higher price on the basis of the quality of the products. Classical theory of employment According to the classical school of economics â€Å"the wage is equal to the marginal product of labor† (Keynes, n.d.). This implies that the real wage entitled to an employed person is the minimum amount of remuneration provided to the person to induce him to put the amount of effort or labor that is actually exerted. The wage is equal to the value of output that is foregone when one unit of the labor is removed from the process of production. The classical theory of economics is built under the assumption of the competitive market, in which the amount of labor employed and the amount of wages are determined by the forces of the market. In this context, the disutility

Planning and threat management Essay Example for Free

Planning and threat management Essay A planned performance which brings better results compared to unplanned one. A Managers job is planning, monitoring and controlling. As a head security official, todays day work, Planning and goal setting are very important traits of a work. The job here of mine is to give full security to the principal from home and back again from the court to house which is located at Laguna Beach. To do this work, proper and perfect planning is required. It is done at all levels of the security organization. The thought plan process should have actions, and implementation. Planning gives more power over the future and is decided in advance what to do, how to do it, when to do it, and who should do it. It bridges the gap between the two. The planning function involves establishing goals and arranging them in logical order. A plan should be a realistic view of the expectations. Depending upon the activities, a plan here is applicable for only two hours because the distance between the court and the home is a very short distance. I have with me the top graded eight security personal and they can able to handle any situation at any point of time as per the security is concerned. I have taken the best eight because the city has been terrorized by a series of related homicides of white supremacist followers and the brutal beating of his chief assistant. The newspapers and media have speculated that several of the victims have been linked to your principal and the police suspect a rival white supremacists group is vying for political power within the movement. Here the plan is the most important and key is to do the successful operation. Preparation of a comprehensive plan will not guarantee success, but lack of a sound plan will, almost certainly, ensures failure. (King, 2006) In this case the threat is possible attack on the professor, both at home and at court. Furthermore there is a chance of threat on the one hour driveway too. Alongside, looking at the physical condition of the subject it is essential to arrange medical assistance during the outdoor operations such as period of the court and in transit. Therefore, the planning would involve four main parameters to secure. Medical assistance It is obvious that there would be logical medical assistance at home but during the course of transit and at the court it is essential to arrange medical facilities as the subject is extremely ill. To worsen matter the attendance at the courthouse will be new organizations, fundamentalist religious groups, white supremacist groups, and civil rights groups, all picketing what promises to be a very emotional trial. This could take a toll on the subject. The checkpoint security screening procedures for persons with disabilities and medical conditions have not changed as a result of the current threat situation. All disability-related equipment, aids, and devices continue to be allowed through security checkpoints once cleared through screening. Thus it is important to arrange liquid medications and other liquids needed by the principal. These include all prescription and over-the-counter medications (liquids, gels, and aerosols) including KY jelly, eye drops, and saline solution for med ical purposes; Liquids including water, juice, or liquid nutrition or gels for passengers with a disability or medical condition along with life-support and life-sustaining liquids such as bone marrow, blood products, and transplant organs would be present. There would also be items used to augment the body for medical or cosmetic reasons such as mastectomy products, prosthetic breasts, bras or shells containing gels, saline solution, or other liquids. It is also important to arrange gels or frozen liquids needed to cool disability or medically related items used by persons with disabilities or medical conditions. However, if the liquid medications are in volumes larger than 3 ozs each, they may not be placed in the quart-size bag and must be declared to the Transportation Security Officer. Declared liquid medications and other liquids for the principal and medical conditions must be kept separate from all other property submitted for x-ray screening. This is an extra step that I have taken because He is confined to a wheelchair and requires attendance by a nurse 24/7 due to respiratory and other medical conditions. He is an extremely high profile white supremacist, and is outspoken thus it is important to control his tension and emotions. (Eldelman, 2005) Transit assistance The one hour distance travel between the court and his home in Los Angles should be well protected as 6 of the 8 personnel deployed for the job would be accompanying him. The other 2 would be staying back at the subject’s home to counter any possible threats on the property during his absence. During transit there would 3 cars altogether with smoked glasses to minimize identification. The subject’s car would be juxtaposed between the other 2 cars with security personnel. All 6 personnel would be divided into 3 groups or 2 personnel for each car. (Kar, 2006) Home security It is already mentioned that there would be 2 persons securing the subject’s estate during his absence however, during his stay all 8 would be available for the subject’s security. There would be CCTV installed at strategic locations all over the estate with extra focus on the physical security of the subject. For this purpose it is essential to have a personnel to assist and secure the subject most of the time he is awake. During his resting period there would be a personnel guarding outside his bedroom. There would be other personnel who would guard the windows during this time. 5 of the security would be located all over the estate and home at strategic locations. The eighth personnel deployed for the subject’s safety would be instrumental in screening each person who ever is willing to meet the subject. (Lamb, 2004) Court Security This is the important aspect of the planning and the personnel should always be on their high alert. For that reason it is important to have complete physical protection all the while. There should be a human cordon of security personnel during the passage from parking space to court room and back as this is the area where the subject would be most vulnerable as the demonstrators would have opportunity to come in close proximity with the subject. At the courtroom too the human cordon would be applied with 4 of the personnel always encircling the subject. The remaining 2 would stand at a distance keeping a keen eye on the proceedings and scanning the crowd at the courtroom and always ready to intervene if needed. (Fletcher, 2005) Conclusion These are the Security arrangements that I will like to have at the principals estate because of threats on his life, but the principal will not face any difficulty while he likes to speak his mind to everyone, including and especially the press. He will have a grand entrance to court and if he wants to speak or meet with the press and others on the courthouse steps. References: Edelman, S; (2005); Evaluation Techniques in Risk Management; Bloemfontein: ABP Ltd Fletcher, R; (2005); Principals: Beliefs and Knowledge; Believing and Knowing; Dunedin: Howard Price Kar, P; (2006); History of Threat Management and Related Applications; Kolkata: Dasgupta Chatterjee King, H; (2006); Management Principals Today; Auckland: HBT Brooks Ltd Lamb, D; (2004); Cult to Culture: The Development of Civilization on the Strategic Strata; Wellington: National Book Trust

Wicked And Messy Environmental Problems

Wicked And Messy Environmental Problems Some environmental problems have taken on a new nature; they have become wicked. These wicked problems defy classification and have no clear-cut solutions. They are associated with a high degree of uncertainty and deep disagreement of values. They have become immune to the conventional approach to problem solving and pose a major challenge to effective natural resource management. This essay examines four challenges that wicked problems present: complexity, conflict, change and uncertainty. It suggests that to develop effective policies and management responses, a combination of adaptive management, carefully designed participatory processes and the precautionary principle must be used in a way that enhances social learning. A case study of Canadas Model Forest program is used to illustrate how the adaptive and participatory processes have been effective in dealing with uncertainty and complexity in Forest Management. Human activities over the decades have undoubtedly affected the environment. Industrialization and technological progress is one such activity that has been argued as the cause of great damage to the natural environment. Coupled to the increasing need to provide for the growing populations around the world, this has led to a myriad of environmental problems some of which have been described as messy or wicked. Rittel and Webber (1973) describe wicked environmental problems as defying classification and devoid of clear cut solutions. They have also been associated with radical uncertainty and plurality of legitimate perspectives (Funtowicz and Ravetz, 1991).They pose a great challenge to governance structures, knowledge and skills base as well as our organizational capacity. Amidst the vast technological advancements, these wicked problems still remain unraveled and elusive. What does this mean for natural resource management? This suggests that natural resource management has been plunged into an era of turbulence with diminishing effects of the conventional approach to problem solving. Policymakers and environmental managers will need to realize that there are no quick fixes or simple solutions as is the experience in dealing with tame problems. There is no single correct formulation of a particular problem since the definition of a wicked problem is subject to the beholder (Allen and Gould, 1986).In view of that, decision makers will have to implement policy without exploring all the feasible or possible options. Learning must become a central theme policymakers and natural resource managers may need to incorporate into their daily administration. Quite imperative also, is the realization that management approaches for dealing with wicked problems can only be optimal but never true or false. This essay attempts to suggest ways by which policymakers and natural resource managers can deal with the challenges that wicked and messy problems pose to natural resource managers. It begins by discussing four challenges that wicked problems present: change, conflict, complexity and uncertainty. It argues that since no single approach or model is sufficient for dealing with these problems, a combination of approaches that have proven to be helpful in mitigating the wickedness of these problems in the past must be used. Thus, a social learning network that combines the adaptive, participatory and precautionary approach is proposed. Its applicability is illustrated using Canadas Model Forest Program as a case study. One challenge that has been associated with wicked problems is complexity; a trait Gunderson (1999) suggests is inherent in natural resource problems. Complexity implies a difficulty in establishing cause and effect patterns due to the presence of interdependencies and multiple variables and is determined by the degree of uncertainty and social disagreement on a particular issue (Patton, 2011). For example, the condition and trend exhibited by wildlife populations are as a result of the interactions between factors such as prior population, weather, predators, habitat, disease, off-site factors and chance events. If there is species decline in a population, which of these factors can be blamed for this outcome? The answer is not as simple as solving a mathematical problem since the problem may be caused by one or many of the factors acting in concert. Complexity is seen to exist in two forms: technical and social complexity. The former is linked to limitations in quality of information and a deficiency in knowledge systems. This makes problem-diagnosis very hectic and introduces high levels of uncertainty. The social aspect on the other hand, emanates from difficulties in the coordination of information, activities and stakeholders across several disciplines. The differences in views, values, perception and beliefs of various stakeholders introduce conflict: another challenge in resolving wicked environmental problems. The diversity and range of stakeholder values is normally a recipe for conflict in decision-making. There is often little consensus on what the problem is, let alone a general solution (Ritchey, 2005).This brings into sharp focus the issue of problem-framing. Disagreements on what the problem may be is often commonplace and arguably a major contributor to conflicts. For example, a water resource controversy in Colorado started over a proposed dam (Bingham, 1986).Some parties declined to participate in the discussion until the question of whether or not a dam was needed was answered. Others thought, a dam was the only way to solve the water shortage problem. However, asking the question how much water do we need? is crucial to understanding the problem at hand. The assumption of knowing the solution before exploring the problem further has mainly been associated with experts who may see new problems as exactly as old ones (Kaplan and Kaplan, 1982). Also, the difficulties in reconciling the different values and perception of stakeholders have left most environmental management issues engulfed in appeals and litigation. For example, Cape plc. and RTZ have been sued in British courts for environmental damage and for breach of employment rights in Africa. The growing disputes and litigation in environmental issues has made conflict resolution quite an important concept in environmental management. However, the presence of conflicting values, risk and uncertainty does not mean a definite decision cannot be taken. It only stresses the managers need to think beyond the traditional approach to problem framing and problem solving. As discussed earlier, the various interdependencies and multiple variables in wicked environmental problem makes change an inevitable phenomenon. Horst Rittel in his paper Dilemmas in General Theory of Planning explains that when dealing with wicked problems one must recognize that every wicked problem is a symptom of another problem. Considering the fact that ecosystems, societies, knowledge, technologies and public attitudes are so dynamic it is reasonable for management strategies and practices to be dynamic as well. Policies must continually be adapted to change as well as constructed for local application.Lindbloom (1979) suggests that the only way to ensure consistent progress in dynamic and uncertain situations is to take incremental steps that are bold enough to leave room for possible errors that enhance learning. Contributing to more wickedness is the challenge of uncertainty. Unfortunately, the complexity encountered in environmental and resource management leaves little or no choice than to make decisions in the face of uncertainty. In a complex open system like the environment, knowledge has limits and certainty is far-fetched. Wynne (1992) differentiates among four types of uncertainty: risk, uncertainty, ignorance and indeterminacy. Uncertainty plays outs in situations when the odds are not known. For instance, the contribution of greenhouse gases to global warming has been established however, the precise relationships and potential feedback mechanisms between parameters such as clouds, global air circulation, heat absorption by water, land and so on remain uncertain due to complexity. In essence, the recognition of the kinds of uncertainty may help to identify which plans or approaches are most appropriate. In view of the challenges wicked problems present, environmental management and policymaking must build resilience if it must be effective in mitigating the impact of wicked problems. Policymaking and practice must be adaptive to keep up with their ever changing nature. The complexity, uncertainty and conflict component must be catered for by carefully designing participatory processes that enhance learning. The next section of this essay will shed light on the management responses that must be considered to make policymaking and natural resource management effective for dealing with wicked problems. Adaptive management is one management strategy that can deal with scientific uncertainty and real world examples of its applicability are evident. The adaptive approach has been described as a learning approach that continually improves policy and practice in the face of uncertainty and a tool to frame philosophical, methodological and practical challenges that come with natural resource management (Holling, 1978). This approach has been recognized by international interdisciplinary efforts such as the sustainability science program (Clark and Dixon, 2003), the Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005) and the Equator Initiative of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP, 2005) as having the potential to deal with the complexity of socio ecological processes while enhancing learning. The effectiveness of adaptive management in some cases is not fully realized due to short term project frames, rigid targets and a focus on success prompt managers who use conventional methods thoug h encouraged by government rhetoric to make use of adaptive approaches (Allan and Curtis, 2005). To enhance the practicality of adaptive management, co- management has been brought in to cater for the social uncertainties and institutional barriers that may rise. This has led to adaptive co-management, an approach that combines adaptive and collaborative management. Here, rights and responsibilities are jointly shared to better combat the challenges that wicked problems may bring. Collaboration in essence, demonstrates the need for carefully designed public participation. Public participation has become an entrenched concept in the formulation, implementation and management of environmental issues owing to its suitability for addressing the interests of multiple stakeholders and reducing conflict. It is quite common to see National and subnational governments require the input of the public in managing and developing of environmental policy. An example being the US National Environmental Policy Act and the US Federal Advisory Committee Act. Thus, participation in decision-making is increasingly being regarded as a democratic right (Reed, 2008). Increasing calls for public participation rests on many factors including growing distrust of public institutions and officials, increasing legislative requirements for public participation, the complexity and uncertainty of contemporary problems, different risk perceptions and a growing recognition that decisions are not entirely scientific but social values and politics are inherent in all administrative deci sions. Participatory processes also have a challenge of identifying groups of stakeholders and bringing these interests together in an environment conducive for learning (Gray, 1989).It has also been associated with intensive resource commitments (money, time and human capital), prolonged decision making, reduced decision quality, increased conflict and diminished likelihood of a successful outcome (Steelman, 2001). However on the whole, participatory processes are assets rather than liabilities. A case study that demonstrates the ongoing success of adaptive management and participatory approach in Forest Management is Canadas Model Forest Program. To reduce uncertainty and complexity while promoting the development of innovative ideas and sustainability, the Federal government initiated Canadas model Forest Program in 1992. The Program consists of eleven model forests across Canada, selected to reflect the diversity of ecosystems and social systems present in Canadas Forest environment. Each model forest is designed to function as a living laboratory where novel integrated forest management techniques are researched, developed, applied and monitored in a transparent forum that engages and partners with stakeholders from environmental organizations, industry, native groups, educational and research institutions, community based associations, recreationists and landowners as well as all levels of government The success from this adaptive approach have been many and includes t he development of voluntary wetland conservation programs for private lands; establishment of protocols for reporting on socio economic indicators based on Statistics Canadas census data; developing an ecosystem-integrated resource management plan for the Province of Saskatchewan, production of a code of forestry practice to help landowners understand and apply the principles of sustainable forest management; establishment of the Grand River Reserve to protect three eco-regions and habitat for the endangered Newfoundland pine marten. The Precautionary approach is one possible response that proves very essential for dealing with wicked problems in the face of uncertainty and risk. Some scholars assert that it is a powerful tool for protecting human health and the environment under uncertain conditions (Cameron and Aboucher, 1991) whiles other think it is ill- defined, unscientific and of little value to policymaking (Manson, 2002). Still many nations have some form of precautionary principle in place when confronted with uncertain health risks though they may not explicitly refer to it (Zander, 2010). Under the precautionary principle, the absence or lack of evidence concerning the harmful nature of a substance or practice cannot serve as a justification for delaying action to regulate them (Raffensperger and Tickner, 1999). For example, the issue of global warming usually includes arguments that either favour business-as-usual or the precautionary principle. Opponents against the principle base their arguments on scientific uncertainty regarding how humans have contributed to climate change and the severity of effects that may occur. They generally advocate for further research to reduce the uncertainties before costly emission-reduction policies are implemented. Advocates of the precautionary approach on the other hand argue that the likely adverse effects of the accumulation of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere are serious enough to justify potentially costly regulation despite remaining uncertainties. Today, based on the precautionary principle various moves are being made to reduce the carbon footprint by investing in green technology. Though we do not know the outcome of these actions, it is prudent to try to mitigate its impact on future climatic conditions than do nothing at all. Indeed, the challenges wicked environmental problems present may seem overwhelming and daunting. However to combat these challenges, environmental managers must first realize that wicked problems have no single correct formulation and hence quit searching for one. They must also develop long term learning networks through adaptive management and carefully designed participatory processes that are truly flexible. Lastly, precaution must be utilized in planning processes to avoid creating more wicked problems in the future.

Essay --

In my group, I was assigned the task to include all other relevant issues so I considered other intermediaries to help with the payment and goods transaction as well as security for the e-Business. Intermediaries to use to support your ebusiness As our business is a virtual organization (pure-play), we would require intermediaries to perform the payment and goods transaction as we are not interacting physically with our customers. Payment system Paypal Under Paypal, payments are made using a user’s existing account or with a credit card anytime, anywhere. Besides that, money can be sent directly to an email address of another PayPal user. Cost Open an Account Free Send money Free Withdraw Funds Free for $200.00 SGD or more, $1.00 SGD if up to $199.99 SGD to bank accounts in Singapore Add funds Free Receive Funds 2.9% + $0.50 SGD to 3.9% + $0.50 SGD Multiple currency transactions Exchange rate includes a 2.5% fee** Reasons for using Paypal for payment It allows faster transaction for sending and receiving payments. Electronic Catalogue WIX and social medias As we would not have staff in a physical shop to entertain customer’s enquiries, we would be making use of sites such WIX and social medias such as Facebook and Twitter to help provide customers with information about the business as well as the product. Reasons for using WIX and social medias The websites are free of charge. Shopping cart software In order to help customers keep track of their items, shopping cart software is also included in the WIX website. Reasons for using WIX shopping cart This eliminates the need to purchase an external shopping cart software. Delivery of purchase Our e-Business would require an intermediary to deliver the items purchased by custo... ...uyer claims that they did not receive their goods, Paypal would cover for the full amount as long as business follow the postage requirement and show evidence that the item was sent to the buyer’s address. Reasons for choosing the security methods In terms of protecting the e-Business database, firewall is an easy and less complex method as compared to other security methods such as VPN and KPI which requires key encryption. It is also easier to obtain simply through purchase and customize through filters unlike VPN which has complicated set ups and KPI which requires a KPI security service to implement the structure. As for protection against fraud, Paypal’s security system would be suitable as we are using Paypal for handling payment transaction. Hence, it would be easier to claim from Paypal should there be any fraud as they would have records of our transaction.

Listening

Importance of ListeningAccording to Zarefsky, listening is important for three reasons: (1) Accuracy; (2) Feedback; and (3) Assessment.First is accuracy. I can still remember back in my 6th grade this one test given to us by our English teacher. Looking back from today, it was actually more of a listening test than a reading test. Before we begin, our teacher told us to read first the instructions before proceeding. Then she gave out this two pager test about following instructions like this:Write your name in capital letters on the upper right hand corner of the paper and underline your family name.List the top ten movies you like. Draw three stars of varying sizes and encircle the biggest star.  You get the picture. There were about 50 of these instructions! So, I hurriedly answer as much as I can since we were told that it we will be under time pressure. After just five minutes, the teacher announced that it was already time to pass the paper and I wasn’t even half-way! I protested that there was not enough time. She asked me if I was listening when she asked us to read the instructions. I said, â€Å"Of course.† To which, she replied, â€Å"Then, you should have read in the instructions that you are only asked to do item no. 1.†Second reason is to be able to give feedback. I remember one of the fights I had with my then girlfriend Donna. (Not her real name.) She was saying something and but I was too engrossed with in solving this differential equation which was an assignment due next day for Math. Of course, that got her really mad. â€Å"Are you listening?† she angrily asked. â€Å"Of course, dear,† I said. â€Å"Then, tell me what you think?† Confident that I could get away with this, I made a remark on the phrase about assignments. â€Å"Yeah, I know. It must be tough for you.These teachers are driving us nuts,† I consoled her, thinking that I can get away with it. That, of course, made her really mad. She was not talking about assignments. It was actually a sarcastic remark, â€Å"Sorry, I think I’m getting in the way of your assignments.† And so she unleashed the conclusion of the matter, â€Å"I guess I really do get in the way of your assignments. Maybe it’s now time for us to move on.† Then, she walked out on me. That one, I did get clearly, because I was listening intently: She wanted to break up with me.And that brings me to my last point: Assessment. I was able to interpret and evaluate the message. Because I was listening well that time, I understood that she didn’t mean we were ready to discuss another topic or we were supposed to go somewhere. Based on what she said and her reaction, I knew she was really mad and moving on means breaking up.Personal Listening HabitsI was able to hear Steve Murell 2007 last year (July 19, 2007) speak on Leading With the Next Generation for 25 minutes. He got his text from 1 Samuel 17:38-40 and while he was expounding on the passage, and to get the most out of his talk, I employed note-taking – a technique which, according to Nwokoreze (1990) is the stage where I would reach the maximum level of understanding. (His talk is also available as pod cast in the Every Nation World Conference (2007) website.) He introduced his talk by first saying that Saul had always been used as an example of a bad leadership but if we will examine his life, it was not all bad. If ever he did only one thing great, this is it. And that introduction really hooked me in.I his teaching, he claimed that there are principles we can actually learn from this two men of God and that is in the area of leadership. We know that Saul was a lot older than David and he is a warrior. During his time, he was able to defeat his enemy using his sword and armor. So, wanting victory for David, he suggested that he should wear it, too. The problem is David was not used to it. So, he reasoned with Saul and asked Saul t o allow him just his sling and stones. And to that, Saul agreed.If you would ask me up to now what can we learn from that, I can still tell you without even referring to my notes but I can tell you that the notes really helped me really listen and digest the message. If I had not done so, I would have forgotten it all by now as studies show that this process begins almost right way. (Scott 2002) Besides, taking good notes has been found to aid individuals in remembering what they hear. (Cuesta College Academic Support 2003)Note-taking helped me in two ways: First, it helped me to focus on the focus points of the message. In as much as I was very interested in the topic, there were times that my mind would wander away or be caught up by a particular illustration. For instance, when Steve tell that David and Saul’s story is also a picture of the church, I got lost momentarily because I got caught up in analyzing what it means. I was still figuring out all the parallelism when I heard him say, â€Å"the point is†¦Ã¢â‚¬  As if on cue, I reached out to my pen and paper and write the point.I also jot down what he said that caught me so that I could later refer back to it and meditate or savor it if necessary. There were also times when I become too reflective which is quite distracting in a way. I asked myself (because Steve asked us to evaluate ourselves), â€Å"Am I giving opportunity to those who are under to me rise up in leadership or am I too insecure a leader to let them have the spot light?† Then, he would ask another question but I was still in the middle of my reflection. So, what I did was to pause, write down what I was thinking, and jot down his next question or point and knowing why I was there – to learn how to be a better leader – helped me be effective in my note taking as suggested by Fajardo (1996) and was proven by me.Since Steve spoke for just about 25 minutes, I didn’t have a great deal of difficulty li stening to him. I’m used to attending classes where teachers would lecture for more than an hour so his teaching was actually a refreshing break. But, I must admit, though, that too long speeches or lectures literally give me a headache. Just before writing this paper, I came from a whole day academic forum where I had to listen to different speakers lecturing for at least one and a half hours each. I tell you, it was difficult, especially when they say something that is beyond my vocabulary or knowledge. I actually had a headache afterwards. Perhaps, this was due to the fact that I was already very sleepy during the middle of the third session but I still pushed myself to listen.Margaret Sanger’s SpeechMargaret, on her speech, addressed the morality of birth control as she said on her opening statements, â€Å"The one issue upon which there seems to be most uncertainty and disagreement exists is the moral side of the subject of Birth Control. He next statement reveal ed her audience: â€Å"It seemed only natural for us to call together scientists, educators, members of the medical profession and the theologians of all denominations to ask their opinion upon this uncertain and important phase of the controversy.†Sanger seemed to suggest that birth control is a moral imperative. In fact, she said that her belief is that â€Å"the discussion of the moral issue [of birth control] was one which did not solely belong to theologians and to scientists, but belonged to the people.†Ã‚   Therefore, if this is not confined only to specific groups of people but to all people, then it, indeed, is a moral imperative. To drive home her point, she even explained what moral means. According to her, this would have implications of different actions which rely on the mind and the brain and that brain development is very much linked to morality.To those who are saying that birth control is unethical, immoral, or violation of God’s law, she start ed first with a discussion on morality. According to her, it would be immoral if we are irresponsible and reckless and irresponsible in our actions. We would have the â€Å"finest kind of morality† on the other hand if we are able to think ahead about the actions we plan to take. Then, she went into the discussion of how the progress of women we opposed for the fear the they would be immoral if they were granted freedom. Then, she appealed to the church to have more confidence in them.Then, she discussed the foundations of birth control which she also accepts. She said that the only problem with this in how methods to uphold these principles were carried out. So, she suggested information dissemination which should be done directly by those in the medical field. In this may, â€Å"motherhood may be the function of dignity and choice, rather than one of ignorance a chance,† claimed the speaker.Finally, she went back again on the concept of planning ahead so that populat ion control would begin at conception instead of resorting to the killing of infants, abandoning children, and abortion which is less civilized and gives life a lower value. Then, she concluded by encouraging people that the masses are becoming wiser and have been giving enough thought for their conduct. It more people would exhibit this, she claimed that there would be less immorality.ReferencesCuesta College Academic Support. (2003). Listening and Note-taking. Retrieved February 7, 2008 from http://www.cuesta.edu/student/servs_classes/ssc/index.htmlFajardo, C. (1996). Note-taking: a useful device, Forum, 34(2), 22.Nwokoreze, U. (1990). Note-taking. English Teaching Forum, 33(2), 39-40Scott, J. (2002) The 13 Keys to Effective Listening and Note-taking. Retrieved February 7, 2008 from http://www.csun.edu/~hcpas003/Listening.html