Free Essays on Inquiry Project

. Also when we introduce ourselves to the ladies it’s more of a laid back hi instead of a load what’s up. But when we introduce our selves to authority figures (like professors) both of my friends greeted them with hand shakes. But during all these greetings I did something I don’t normally do I watched there their facial expressions and noticed they changed with different people they were saying hi to. Like with a female they had a nice little smile to there face when they said hi to her but other males they just kept a straight face. After I seen this I started watching other males (just because I’m a curious person) and almost all males that I seen don’t show and kind of emotion towards other males when they say hi unless there family or really close but females where just walking up to each other smiling every time they seen someone they knew. I wondered why do this so I asked this girl why women are more energetic with there hellos and why the show a little more emotion when they greet people. She could no... Free Essays on Inquiry Project Free Essays on Inquiry Project My final inquiry project will be about how I and my friends interact with one in different environments one being school the other being away from school and around women. I will not tell my friends what I'm doing until after I have gathered all my information so that way I will not contaminate my information. I will complete this study over a five week interval so I can of plenty of information. Once I started this project I noticed we act totally different in school then we do when where are just together and we also act different when we are surrounded by women. During school most of us greet each other informally with what’s up the same way we do when we are not at school. But our tones are totally different during school we have a more of a calm tone to our words but outside of school its more of a load tone to almost everything we say. But when the ladies come around we try to add a real smooth tone to our words. Also when we introduce ourselves to the ladies it’s more of a laid back hi instead of a load what’s up. But when we introduce our selves to authority figures (like professors) both of my friends greeted them with hand shakes. But during all these greetings I did something I don’t normally do I watched there their facial expressions and noticed they changed with different people they were saying hi to. Like with a female they had a nice little smile to there face when they said hi to her but other males they just kept a straight face. After I seen this I started watching other males (just because I’m a curious person) and almost all males that I seen don’t show and kind of emotion towards other males when they say hi unless there family or really close but females where just walking up to each other smiling every time they seen someone they knew. I wondered why do this so I asked this girl why women are more energetic with there hellos and why the show a little more emotion when they greet people. She coul d no...

How CoSchedule Uses Marketing Collaboration Software

How Uses Marketing Collaboration Software The content marketers at get asked a lot about how we really manage our projects and work together to create our content. So I was humbled when a guest blogger of ours recently  shared a bit about his experience working with our marketing team: The amount of preparation done for a post and the superb coordination of their team members taught us a lot on improving our own process. Meeting their high expectations are quite tough, but we are truly honored to have the opportunity to learn from among the best in the business! Since itself is a marketing collaboration software that takes the form of an editorial calendar, I guess it makes sense that youd like to know how our  process actually works. I can tell you from experience that the tool is different than normal collaboration software because its designed by marketers to help marketers do what they do better than ever. How Creates Better Content With Marketing Collaboration SoftwareAnd because of that,  we see ourselves- the marketing team here at - as role models for the planning and process behind successful content marketing and social media. So I thought youd find it  interesting to get a behind-the-scenes peek into how we  exactly: Plan less content  that creates bigger results. Use our own tool to collaborate  super efficiently. Developed a process  that  helped us generate 852,506 page views and 7,375 email subscribers just last month. Sound like fun? Judging by the  cheers Im hearing in my head,  I thought so. :) 1. Start By Scheduling A Content  Planning Meeting Even for a tech company, its nice to get together as a team to collaborate on solving a problem in person. For us, this is one of the best ways for the entire team to  come up with creative ideas that will help us reach our 10x growth goals. You see, as  the content marketing lead, it would be easy for me to come up with every content marketing  idea all by myself and tell the team to execute them. But there is a lot more value when  the team develops those  ideas because they take ownership in the entire blogs success- not just their own content. Build a culture focused on growth. #blogging #teamworkAnd a  content planning meeting is a perfect setting for the kind of team collaboration that builds a culture focused on growth. Heres why: I know the kinds of content we publish that produce big results. So a content planning meeting is a way for me to teach the team about those details so they incorporate them into their own ideas and content creation. Every person on the team comes to the table with diverse backgrounds and ideas. This exercise is a great way to sift through everyones thoughts equally while evaluating  every idea according to our audiences preferences. That helps us choose to create really good content while consistently reminding our team of who our audience is and what they expect from content. Its a fun exercise that gets all of us up and away from our computer screens for a bit while connecting with each other. And when you have fun while you work, it feels less like work and more like something you love to do. This is how we do it: The 20-Minute Brainstorm Frenzy Some say theres nothing worse than group brainstorming if youre looking for innovative ideas. Then again, brainstorming by yourself will  only give you ideas limited to your own background. So the first  phase of our content planning meeting focuses first on individual contributions to eliminate groupthink. And its super easy: Give everyone on the team a stack of Post-It notes. Ask everyone to write down as many thoughts as they can without holding anything back. Set a timer for 20 minutes (I often use my phone for this). Go. At this point, its just fun to see the team writing down tons of ideas, working super fast, and wracking their brains for the ultimate best ideas. Theres usually coffee (lots of coffee), laughs, and then dead silence as  they get serious about finding better ideas that will really make a difference. The 40-Minute Grading  Process By this point, we probably have close to- if not more than- 100 or so ideas. The truth? We wouldnt publish 90% of them because theyre just not  quite right for our audience. And thats just fine because its during this grading process that the team  chooses which content  to publish and which ideas to  toss. Allow your team to choose which #contentideas to publish and which to toss. #contentmarketingHeres how we do it: Each person  posts all of their Post-It notes on a wall. Then  on a marker board next to the notes, I write 1 | 2 | 3 , which is our grading scale for the ideas. An idea is a 3 if its the best thing ever, while a 1 is not so good. To grade the ideas, I ask the team a couple simple questions: Is  this a topic our readers would be deeply interested in learning more about?  How similar is this to our other top content? An idea is a 3 if we answer  definitively, yes, this is  something our audience would find uniquely valuable that is better than anything else they could find on the Internet for this topic. An idea is a 2 if  the idea  doesnt fit the qualification of a 3. An idea is a 1 if  its not something we think our audience would look to us to publish. It could still be a good guest post idea. Then we read off each idea one by one while every  team member grades the topic from 1 to 3. From there, we simply post the ideas  below the  corresponding  numbers on the  marker board. Heres the outcome from a planning meeting with a bunch of 3 content ideas. A Mistake I Made That You Can Avoid: Until recently, Id have the team shout off their answers: Thats a 3, definitely! I agree, 3. Uh, yeah, lets go with 3 on that. I noticed that once the first person spat off their answer, the rest of the team was very likely to say the exact same answer. I found out later this happened  because of  social conformity, a psychological principle that  was discovered decades ago: So The Takeaway Is This: When you do this exercise, read off the ideas, then have each individual write down their grade of  1, 2, or 3  on a new Post-It note. Have them show their individual notes all at the same time for each idea, then categorize the idea as a collective 1, 2, or 3.After this process,  we only explore the best ideas- those graded as 3- for content  that well actually publish. 2. Add That Content To Your Editorial Calendar Where the planning meeting sets the collaborative tone, the editorial calendar in is where the software helps us actually plan and create the content as a team. The planning meeting sets the tone and the editorial calendar helps you  plan content #bloggingFirst, we vet the best ideas for keywords, further narrowing our scope of potential content we will  create. Recommended Reading:  How To Make An SEO Content Strategy That Will Improve Your #1–3 Results By 248% Then, we add the ideas  onto the calendar,  naming the blog posts by their keywords and assigning them to their author. We consistently publish two posts every week on Mondays and Wednesdays. Heres why. Once all of the new blog posts are on the calendar, its easy to see which authors might have a bit too much on their plates in a given week. From there, we simply  drag and drop blog posts around until we feel 100% satisfied that the publishing schedule is realistically doable for every person on the team. Asking a content marketer to write two robust posts for a single week isnt very realistic for us. So these posts could flip-flop to make this a doable content schedule. Then we use comments to add in any notes from the planning meeting- including the original idea- so the author has a clear idea of where  to start with a blog outline. We use comments in to communicate the main idea from the planning meeting. This way, we leave lots of creative room to use the keyword in the blog post title while still covering the original idea we thought would be successful. 3. Define Your  Content Process Our content development  process  is ever-changing, and we just gave it a major overhaul recently to: Add a couple more  tasks into our process to make sure nothing falls through the cracks. Clearly define what done means for each task to keep everyone accountable for their responsibilities. Track how soon we should start working through blog posts to hit every deadline, every time. There were lots of benefits for us to get  organized in this way, so we started very simply by asking ourselves: What are all the steps we need to do to publish a blog post? We brainstormed all of the steps, then  simply put them in chronological order  the best that we could to help us know what to do from  beginning to end. One  collaboration software tool  we use all the time as a team is Evernote because no matter where anyone is- or if theyre online or offline- they have access to the information they need to do their work. And, it just so happens, Evernote integrates really nicely into . Anyway, this is what that process looked like as we worked through it in its rough format using Evernote: Heres a rough look at our first pass at the steps we needed to do to write and publish our content. From there, we had enough  information to understand which steps  we could group together into a cleaner, condensed workflow. And when we did that, it was easy to understand who on the team would be the best fit to complete those tasks according to their individual interests and skills. We refined the steps in the workflow and created notes in Evernote to define what done means for each task. The only thing left to do was to define when we should complete each  task to work far enough ahead to nail every deadline and assign it. This simple exercise  gave us exactly what we needed to build the  task template we manage using for all new blog posts we write. It gave us  a solid definition of what to do for each task. Before anyone who is accountable for a task marks it as complete in , they would first ask themselves if they truly completed the task according to the definition of done. Assign tasks and due dates to everyone on your team with task templates in . Now we know to start writing our blog posts a month before they publish to make sure we have several posts 100% ready to publish on the calendar at any time. We know content that is complete and published is white, and we can see which content is complete by not yet published because its yellow and labeled 100% ready to rock. Since weve done this, we pay more attention to the details that make a difference toward our goals, everyone understands their roles to  know  exactly  what to do, and we work more efficiently while producing better content. 4.  Create The Content According To Your Workflow Ill be the first to say that our  workflow- or the task template we built in - looked magical. If we could seriously create content that way with every task checked off on time and in that specific order, wed be crushing it. But that wasnt always the case. Especially as we got started with the  new process because  we had to take a little time to learn. rocks  a task-based workflow that helps the team keep each other accountable. #bloggingAnd that was OK because our editorial calendar had our back. Let me explain. Traditional workflow and project management tools operate in phases. When someone does step 1, then someone else can do step 2. We all know that doesnt  work 100% of the time. So rocks  a task-based workflow that helps the team keep each other accountable for hitting deadlines. Let me explain how this happens: emails you the day before you have a task due on the calendar and you can see a dashboard of the tasks youre responsible for completing today and into the future. So everyone knows what they need to do. When you get into the office  in the morning and you see that the person before you hasnt gotten through their work, you can chat with them about the game plan for the day to get back on track. You can communicate with everyone who has a task assigned to them in a  specific piece of content  right in with a comment.  That way, everyone can see the progress the team is making on the project. When  you can move on to complete your task- even if the task one step before  isnt quite done- you can still do that and check it off your to-do list. Thats a lot of power for team collaboration. And while being behind is a rarity, this sort of communication may be necessary at first when youre implementing a brand new process with your team. We use the dashboard in to track a daily to-do list and collaborate with improved team communication. No more endless emails! Here are a few lessons I learned along the way that you may find useful: Help your team moderate themselves more than you intervening into their process. The more  they define the process, the more theyll stick to it. Dont expect perfection because its unachievable. Demand excellence and make that the expectation. When you set an expectation, make it a standard and stick to it. The second your team sees your standards are flexible is the moment those are just  guidelines. What Do You Want In Your  Marketing Collaboration Software? I like to joke a lot that Im a content marketer who  uses content marketing to market a content marketing tool. While thats funny, its absolutely true. And I wouldnt be able to love what I do if I didnt believe the team behind   tries harder than anyone else to give marketers like us exactly what we need to boost our  efficiency. Naturally, the content marketing team at gravitates toward an editorial calendar as our preferred marketing collaboration software. as a tool helps us collaborate, communicate, create, and promote our content super efficiently. Get your 14-day free trial of to: Get more organized than ever: With a little thought into your blog publishing schedule, workflow, and  social media promotion, will help you  shave hours off your to-do list. Find time to create more effective content: You tell us a lot that youre too busy to even find time to create content. Let manage the mechanics behind  team collaboration and social media promotion so you can use that time to create even better content. Manage a happier marketing team: Forget endless emails, miscommunication, and missed steps in your workflow. is a marketing tool designed by marketers to eliminate the inefficiencies that hold you back from  publishing awesome content. I hope youll join us. And, as always, let me know what you think when you get started with . ;)

Economic Theory Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Economic Theory - Essay Example The Keynesian economic theory involves stimulation of the economy to encourage people to spend. This is achievable either through government investment in infrastructure or a decrease in interest rates. An increase in income results in more spending, which results in more production and spending. The cycle continues, as there is more income and the ability to spend more money. In consequence, the original government investment results in a ripple reaction that involves economic activity. Obama is largely a Keynesian economist because of his strategies in economy stimulation. The move by the government to increase money supply, or purchase products in the market by itself is beneficial because it increase spending. The concept of equilibrium in unregulated markets creates a capitalist economy that has several flaws. There is a need to leverage assets by real creation of wealth, which increases economic productivity, instead of through debt. It is evident, following the recent bubble, that reliance on equilibrium is detrimental to economic growth and productivity. The Keynesian economic theory is the best because the government is the only economic actor than can favorably supply credit and demand for economic

Cultural Anthropology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 3

Cultural Anthropology - Essay Example I have seen tourists, however, who travel to distant lands, but still eat their own national food and speak their own languages. This is because they do not know how to observe and learn from other cultures. Anthropology teaches the skills of learning from others, and seeing difference as something positive. Anthropology is showing me that people are going to have to learn to adapt to new working conditions in the future. I am worried that some people will not handle unemployment very well, and they will not be able to find work because manufacturing is disappearing in some countries. I would like work in an area like job and skills training so that I can help people to adapt to the technology and other skills they will need. I think it is not just about learning to use the computer or understanding the information that comes through different media. I think people will have to learn to cope with being alone in their homes, and working from there, for example, because there is going to be too much pollution with transport to and from large cities. This means that people need to learn how to have a social life that is not connected directly with the place of work. They might have to find virtual friends, or create a different society for home workers. I can remember the first time that I was in a large group of native English speakers. My English was not very good, and suddenly I was afraid of that situation. The reason for my fear was that the people were talking very loudly, and laughing with each other. I thought they were rude, and I did not want to be a part of the group. This made me miserable. If I had known about anthropology back then, I would have realized that I was making a big mistake. I was applying the rules of my culture to a different situation. The truth is that actually they were not rude. They were just being friendly. When they call each other names and push each other around, it is just the way that they have of

Academic Writing Essay Example for Free

Academic Writing Essay My interest in International Relations and my decision to continue my education in this field is the outcome of my profound interest in Asian studies. Majoring in History of India, during my final year I became especially interested in the sphere of International Relations and Foreign Policy of India, writing my thesis on Indian Foreign Policy during Nehrus Government and Indian-Chinese relations. Two trips to India 1997 and 1998 allowed me to become better acquainted with this country, refine my knowledge of Hindi and collect unique data for my research. This unforgettable experience convinced me that I had made the right choice of study, leading me to apply for a PhD Degree so as to extend my research in this field. I have so far completed two years of the PhD program at St. Petersburg State University. My dissertation aims at disclosing those problems which still hinder the process of normalization between the two Asian countries, India and China, reflecting on how Indian scholars perceive these issues. See more: Satirical elements in the adventure of Huckleberry Finn essay Thus my research covers both Regional Studies and field of International Relations as a global world system where these two countries play an important role. My presentation of a paper on Indo-Chinese Relations in 1980s at the international conference East Asia St. Petersburg Europe: inter-civilization contacts and perspectives on economic cooperation held in St. Petersburg a year ago gave me the opportunity to meet many outstanding researchers, including my referee, Marcia Ristaino, who encouraged me to continue my studies focusing specifically on International Relations and Regional Studies. For that reason I applied and was accepted to the MA Program in International Relations and European Studies at Central European University in Budapest with a scholarship from Soros foundation. The courses I am taking here will provide me with a sound background in theoretical issues in International Relations. The reason of why I am applying for another Masters Degree is that the CEU program, despite its theoretical strength, has very few courses directly related to my major interest, Regional Studies and conflict resolution and peacekeeping. For this reason I would like to deepen my practical understanding of International Relations and relate it to a more focused concentration on conflict analysis and resolution through the program of the Carleton University. I am aware of the high reputation of your school and the excellent Masters program that you offer at the Norman Paterson School of International Affairs. I believe it will certainly help me with my research and career objectives either through work in diplomatic service or at an international organization where I will be able to apply my knowledge and skills obtained through studies at your University. Courses such as Conflict Analysis, International Mediation and Conflict Resolution and International Organizations in International Affairs will be very helpful for my analyzing of the problems in the South Asian subcontinent and beyond it and will allow me to deeper understand the reasons for numerous interstate and intrastate conflicts that persist in the region. Moreover these courses will be of particular relevance to my career plans which are to find employment with UN or a similar institution in the field of conflict resolution and peacekeeping. The possibility to combine theoretical studies with practical skills in conflict analysis and resolution at the Carleton University will enable me to become a good specialist who will be able to contribute to the common cause of peace in the world. I am eager to become a professional orientalist, as I believe this field of study will always be important in the changing world where Asian countries such as India and China play significant roles in the international arena. MA at the Carleton University would be a precious experience both in terms of my academic and professional career. I hope you will give me the opportunity to realize my ambition. (A CEU Student reproduced here with kind permission) Sample #2 Having majored in literary studies (world literature) as an undergraduate, I would now like to concentrate on English and American literature. I am especially interested in nineteenth-century literature, womens literature, Anglo-Saxon poetry, and folklore and folk literature. My personal literary projects have involved some combination of these subjects. For the oral section of my comprehensive exams, I specialized in nineteenth century novels by and about women. The relation ship between high and folk literature became the subject for my honors essay, which examined Toni Morrisons use of classical, biblical, African, and Afro-American folk tradition in her novel. I plan to work further on this essay, treating Morrisons other novels and perhaps preparing a paper suitable for publication. In my studies toward a doctoral degree, I hope to examine more closely the relationship between high and folk literature. My junior year and private studies of Anglo-Saxon language and literature have caused me to consider the question of where the divisions between folklore, folk literature, and high literature lie. Should I attend your school, I would like to resume my studies of Anglo-Saxon poetry, with special attention to its folk elements. Writing poetry also figures prominently in my academic and professional goals. I have just begun submitting to the smaller journals with some success and am gradually building a working manuscript for a collection. The dominant theme of this collection relies on poems that draw from classical, biblical, and folk traditions, as well as everyday experience, in order to celebrate the process of giving and taking life, whether literal or figurative. My poetry draws from and influences my academic studies. Much of what I read and study finds a place in my creative work as subject. At the same time, I study the art of literature by taking part in the creative process, experimenting with the tools used by other authors in the past. In terms of a career, I see myself teaching literature, writing criticism, and going into editing or publishing poetry. Doctoral studies would be valuable to me in several ways. First, your teaching assistantship program would provide me with the practical teaching experience I am eager to acquire. Further, earning a Ph. D. in English and American literature would advance my other two career goals by adding to my skills, both critical and creative, in working with language. Ultimately, however, I see the Ph. D. as an end in itself, as well as a professional stepping-stone; I enjoy studying literature for its own sake and would like to continue my studies on the level demanded by the Ph. D. program. The following is a shortened sample SOP (with technical details removed. ) Expert comments at the end of the paragraphs point out important features. After one years work experience as a research technician at [redacted], one of the USs leading research institutes, I want to return to academic study and undertake graduate studies in Cell Biology and Molecular Genetics at the University of [redacted]. Stating what you are doing now and what you are applying for is a simple, direct way of starting an SOP. After graduating with a first class degree from [redacted], University of [redacted], I felt I should gain some practical experience working in a research environment to gain first-hand knowledge of what the life of a research scientist entails. I have loved every minute of my work: especially the opportunity to participate in cutting-edge projects and discuss ideas with senior biologists. I soon realized that, although I enjoy handling the complex equipment and processing the results, I am not going to be satisfied with carrying out routine procedures under the direction of others. I want to be part of the team that directs the course of the project. My senior colleagues have encouraged my ambition and feel that I have the potential for graduate studies. Notice how the student tries to analyze the reasons for her choices. My love of biology started in high school. We had a young and enthusiastic teacher, Mrs [redacted], who took us on field trips and visits. She made sure we did as much practical work as was feasible, and demonstrated experiments that we hadnt the equipment or time to do ourselves. She also encouraged us to read. I remember the impact reading Maynard Smiths The Theory of Evolution had on me: I wanted to be able to explain such important ideas as clearly as he did. Quite naturally my first thoughts about a future career tended towards teaching – I wanted to be another Mrs [redacted]. It is good to explain how you became interested in your subject. However, dont go too far back! Notice that a specific example helps create interest. At undergraduate level, my interests became more focused. Although physiology and ecology came easy to me, it was biochemistry and cell biology that really captured my interest. We were fortunate to have good laboratories and excellent professors. I found that cell biology was an interdisciplinary undertaking: today you need a foundation in chemistry, physics and even IT to be at the forefront in this subject. This interdisciplinary aspect of the subject suits my abilities well. I have always performed well in all science subjects and find it challenging to apply the knowledge to practical problems. For this reason I chose to undertake a project in my final year on the behavior of protein molecules in high energy fields at [redacted]. The scientists at [redacted] were impressed with my practical skills and were happy to give me a recommendation that led to my present job. Details of courses and projects help to show focus. (This student went on to describe another important college project. She also gave a full description of her current scientific work. ) Many people have asked me why I did not proceed directly to graduate studies after graduating. The answer is that I wanted to make sure that I had chosen the right subject and the right place before embarking on a course of study that would involve many years of my life. The one-year gap has also given me time to work with the local Natural History Society: we take families on Sunday trips to the nearby National Park to help create awareness about environmental issues. I have also been a member and organizer of the [redacted] Film Society: we watch and discuss films from all over the world. I am looking forward to furthering my interest in film in the [redacted] Film club, at your university, and I also hope to use my passion for teaching in the [redacted] Social Outreach program. Explain the reasons for any unusual features of your career (taking a year out, poor performance, etc.). Include social and extracurricular activities to show balance in your life or because they are relevant to the course. In selecting the University of [redacted] I have been influenced by the way your research program addresses biological questions at the levels of molecule, gene and cell. I am particularly looking forward to such courses as Developmental Biology and Bioinformatics. I am also excited to interact with Professors [redacted] and [redacted] whose work is closest to what I want to pursue for the original research component of the MS degree. I have been corresponding with [redacted], a current student, from whom I have learned about the collaborative environment at [redacted] where I will interact with talented students, teachers and industry professionals. I believe that I will be able to contribute to and learn from the academically challenging environment at the University of [redacted]. Statement of Purpose(SOP) Name: ***** Major: Master of Science in Computer Science(MS in Computer Science) â€Å"Time and tide wait for no man†, this we all know. Having done an inspiring four-year course in Computer Science Engineering. I would like to put to use this knowledge to do my PhD in Computer Science. This would give me the leading edge in technology and the practical low-down and the information I require. For the past few decades man is advancing in to the unknown realms of science and technology. This advancement is to make life easy and to increase human comfort at home and at work and I would like to be an integral part of such betterment. For this, research would be of prime importance with hands on experience in real time Applications accompanied by in-depth knowledge of the subject. Technology,today,means power in the widest sense of tem and merely the power of mind. And it is this power potential that has given it the status it now enjoys. Right from my childhood I had a strong inclination to be a Compute Science Engineer. My interest in the subject has grown with each passing year and it has reached where even PhD will not quench my thirst for knowledge. I have come to terms with the fact that there is an enormous proportion of subject to be assimilated. I want to take up a research oriented course for my career. A natural aptitude for mathematics, a sense of logic, analytical ability, capacity for diligent work and high academic credentials secured me a place in Shri Vishnu Engineering College for Women. The four years curriculum exposed me to the entire gamut of computer courses thus laying a strong foundation for both my Hardware and Software fundamentals. My main areas of interest were Computer Graphics and Multimedia. I enjoyed the course in Networks and Operating Systems. My interest in Graphics and Database led me to prepare eye-catching illustrations to explain the electronic models. I have developed many Software programs in C, Unix , Java. My final year project was Enterprise Resources Planning Procurement Process System, under CMC Limited, A TATA Enterprise. The project was completed in a period of 3 months using Java, J2EE as front End and Oracle as the back End. The field of application of technology is what interests me the most. I want to acquire the learning that will enable me to contribute to the development pf a new software, which can improve efficiency and accuracy of work in varied sphere. Digital Processing is already transforming the world of Communications. My ambition is to work at the forefront of the technology with the ability to find innovative solutions to the changing needs. You might ask as to why a degree from United States of America only. Since 1994 computers have been out performing automobiles in terms of units sold annually in the U. S. A. All in all computers contributed nearly 10% of United States of America GDP. The United Sates of America is way ahead of any other nation in computer technology, manufacture and sales and would thus provide me the best infrastructure and know-how currently available. Besides, it is a country where Science and Technology is a way to achieve social progress and where improving human life’s very important. All these factors coupled together make the United States of America an ideal place to pursue my further studies. The distinguished faculty and excellent facilities at your university make its graduation program ideally suited to my professional goals. Your University provides me a dynamic atmosphere, which will shape me to be a thinker and a learner. The flexibility of the curriculum will give me the broad-based education I need to widen the scope of my knowledge and skills. The diversity of the student’s body will open my mind to new influences, new ideas and new ways of doing things. The world is literally becoming a global village where opportunities for work are transcending physical space. With the Cyberspace connections, Indian knowledge workers are increasingly contributing to the global work force. The international education will give me the training and the caliber to meet the global clients. I look forward to being an active contributing member of the student community at your University. Continuous progress is the key to life. And for progress, knowledge and proper guidance are essentials. I am sure, the quality knowledge and impeccable guidance will mould me to be in the learning mode all my life opening the way for constant growth as a person and a professional STATEMENT OF PURPOSE Respected Graduate Admission Committee: My name is **** . I pursued my undergraduate studies in Computer Science and Engineering at MVSR Engineering College, Osmania University, India. I am planning to pursue my higher education and I really hope to get enrolled into the Masters program, for the term starting Spring 08, at University of North Carolina at Charlotte. In the following paragraphs I have summarized my educational background, motivation for graduate study and my areas of interest. Starting off with my academic’s, I completed my schooling in ****, Warangal, India. My school helped me develop better in the field of science, right from the initial stages, with different techno fests, science expos and I have secured 74% marks in 10’Th standard though I secured 86% in mathematics. Then I said to myself that I am a far better performing student than these marks suggest. Hence to prove my capability to myself I worked hard with sincerity and devotion and obtained valuable marks of 83% in my Board of Intermediate at Sri Chaitanya Junior College, Hyderabad, India. At very young age as a student in high school, computer for me was only a means of entrainment as I found it exciting to play games and generating various mathematical series and patterns thorough BASIC programming. I was dumbfounded to know that games are nothing but programs. Curious to know how to program I developed a serious interest in Computers. This keen interest in mathematics along with a strong liking for computers, and particularly programming, prompted me to choose engineering with Computer Science as my major. This decision gave me ample opportunity to consolidate my creative energies and harness my technical aptitude. Early in my undergraduate study I was introduced to basic programming languages of C, C++ and Java. I understood the key features of each language and realized that one was an improvement of the other. Java being the most powerful and robust language of all fascinated me the most. My first computer science project was â€Å"Core Banking†, which performs the operations of creating an account, assigning an account number and handling transactions involving deposits and withdrawals. This program was initially written in C++ following the concepts of object-oriented programming. Later I modified the same program with some improvements like adding a GUI interface using Java. During the second year of my undergraduate studies, I had an opportunity to visit an IT company of my father’s friend. It was here that I actually saw hundreds of computers connected to each other and performing several different operations. I had many questions on my mind – â€Å"How are computers connected and if connected, how can they be managed? † Curious to know the answers and following the advice of my uncle, I read some books on Windows Networking. I was fascinated by the concepts of Domain, Active Directory, Group Policy and DNS. In the third year of my engineering studies, I was introduced to the subject of Computer Networks. Already having a sound knowledge in practical computer networking, I was at ease with this subject. During this course, I learnt the software side of networking i. e.  how to actually implement and develop different servers. The sessions in the labs were devoted in developing programs like implementation of connection-oriented and connectionless Echo Servers, concurrent multithreaded File Transfer Server and Chat Server. Currently in my fourth year, area of Distributed Systems and especially Peer-to-Peer Systems are of great interest to me. I undertook a project in Galaxie Software Solutions as an intern to design and develop a E-Care system, is an Help Desk System which can overcome some of the disadvantages of the existing software. My work in Galaxie Software Solutions gave me solid practical knowledge of many technologies and concepts such as Java, Oracle, XML, Object-Oriented Design and Programming.. I have also presented a paper entitled â€Å"Cryptography† at Parikaran 2K7 – a National level technical fest. My predominant research interests have evolved into three categories that I believe are interconnected. The three areas of interest are Computer networks, Distributed systems and Information Security. I would be very eager to work in any of these areas or interrelated areas like Networking or Distributed Systems along with Information Security. I worked as a teaching assistant for juniors in C, C++ and Oracle programming. The teaching experience has helped me to communicate articulately and interact effectively with diversity of peers. During the last two years, besides the college academics I spent most of my time attending a number of extra-curricular workshops, seminars and conferences in different fields of computer science. I look forward to a career in research where I cannot only use my academic background to achieve my research goals but also make original contributions to my field of interest. I believe that graduate studies would provide me with the opportunities to attend advanced courses and would be the stepping-stone to my career in research. University of North Carolina at Charlotte suits my research interests because of its advanced academic curriculum and world-class research groups. I believe that it is the best environment for me to achieve my goals while gaining experience and exposure to a diverse student body and faculty. I believe that no other school provides students with the combination of culture, education and research environment, required for an overall personality development, as offered by your institution. Summarizing all written above, I believe that my serious intention for study, my projects, my certifications and strong academic background in various areas of Computer Science will be beneficial for my graduate studies and research. Attending your prestigious institution would give me an opportunity to receive high-level education under the guidance of prominent professors and excellent teachers. I would regard my admission to University of North Carolina at Charlotte not only as a great honor but also as a great responsibility and challenge to prove myself. Thank you for your time and consideration. High Regards, {NAME}. While reasoning my intentions to pursue MS in Computer Science at Oklahoma State University I would like to throw some light on my career till now, I always fancied myself with Computers right from my childhood and thought of becoming a Software Engineer got implanted in my mind at an early age. A career in Engineering seemed the most challenging and logical extension of my abilities. I was given training in the basics of the operation and the applications of the computers during my school days. From that day onwards until the 10th standard I was constantly being taught different concepts of computer in different levels. The various concepts that I am thorough with, in school, are Word, QBasic and C Fundamentals. Science has been my favorable subject right from my school days and has always been one among the toppers of my class. I have even represented my school in many competitions. I have been the member of the quiz team of our school that has won many competitions. After my higher secondary I was determined to secure for myself a position in the Information Technology field, which deals with the areas of Computers, Communications and Networks. To accomplish this I had to qualify in the EAMCET Entrance Exam for Andhra Pradesh, India. I secured a good rank in the examination and secured a seat in Computer Science Engineering in V. R. Siddhartha Engineering College, Affiliated to Nagarjuna University. At VRSEC I had the good fortune of having a well-compiled syllabus, which placed equal emphasis on theoretical fundamentals as well as practical applications. Subjects such as Computer organization, Digital Logic Design, Microprocessor Applications laid a solid foundation in the theoretical aspects of the subjects. Practical application aspects were introduced to me through subjects such as Object Oriented Programming concepts, Data Structures, Relational Database Management Systems, Internet technologies. The areas, which are of special interest to me centered on Computer communications, Software Engineering, E-Commerce applications. I am interested in learning more about encryption and artificial intelligence. My interest in Networks began when I read about the various application fields it could be used, in the Information Technology magazine. I am a regular reader of magazines such as IEEE-spectrum, potentials, chip, computer networks, and computer today, which enabled me to be in touch with the latest developments in information technology. At VRSEC I had the opportunity to interact with some of the best professors in our region. I had the opportunity to do alive project in BPL Mobile Ltd. Coimbattore and project title is Mobile High Usage Roaming Alert and the project is being implemented by the company people right now and the project is done in VB and Oracle. The next step in my career towards achieving my career goal is to pursue my Masters Program in Computer Science. I have done considerable research in this area to pursue my Higher education in a reputed University and with a good course curriculum. I found about the education in USA and its recognition. I have therefore applied to the OSU in USA. Also with some advice from my college senior who are in various colleges in USA I have opted for this College. The course MS in Computer Science. The course has been designed to give me insight into the world of academic and industrial computing research. By focusing on several currently active areas it affords me the opportunity to gain an in-depth understanding of the topics of the course and in doing so, to develop the skills necessary to carry out innovative work with in the discipline of computing. I strongly believe that a software engineer should be instinctive, innovative, quick to adapt and adopt new technologies, which is only possible with solid foundation and profundity in his subjects. This entails and insightful and thorough understanding of the intricacies of the subject. That’s the reason why I am inclined towards MS in Computer Science. I am sure that with my interaction with the faculty and peers at your college will provide an ambience conducive for my transition from an undergraduate to a graduate. It is my strong belief that graduation from this institution will take me close to achieving my ultimate goal of becoming an efficient software engineer. While my sights are firmly set on graduation, it is my strong desire to pursue research program following my graduation. Computing Science plays an ever-increasing role in today’s society. Technological innovation has been one of the driving forces behind India’s rapid growth. It is therefore essential that every opportunity be afforded to talented Indian graduates to extend their education and skills in order to play an active role in managing the opportunities presented in the future. India is fast gaining a reputation for its computer industry and at the moment it is regarded as the centre for Software and as a result many of the top notch Multinational Corporations are establishing their contact centers in India. As a result an International Degree is focused to meet employment  opportunities with in the computing industry in India. Possible career opportunities for me in India include research and development roles in the development of new technologies such as software engineering, technical applications developers and consultants, network managers and other leading roles in computing industry. A fascination for Science Technology and keen interest in the ever-growing world of technology motivated me to take up engineering. I choose to major in Electrical Electronic Engineering with an intense urge to delve into the challenging field. During my under graduation program I learned the various fundamentals of Electrical Electronics Engineering which together with practical course work reinforce interest. Right from my school, I had a penchant towards Mathematics, Science and research in general. This basic interest led me to take up Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as my major subjects in high school. As a part of my Physics project, I had constructed logic gates and simple latches using basic circuit elements. I was so astounded by the Power of Electrical Electronics. This interest made me to take Electrical Electronic Engineering. I would like to present my past performance as my credentials for my success in my future endeavors. My innate strength has been my quantitative and analytical abilities which instilled me a special interest for mathematical and physics. I had opted the same in my 10+2 with good marks. I was placed in the top 15% of one lakh who took engineering entrance examination. This performance helped me in getting admission into Sri Saradhi Institute of Engineering, Nuzvid, India. During the course of my undergraduate study I was exposed to various courses with applications like Electromagnetic field, Control systems, Power electronic, Electrical measurements, Linear Integrated Circuits, Electronics, Pulse and digital circuits, Computer methods in power system control, Digital Signal Processing, Power systems(1to 3), Electro mechanics(1 to 3) Micro processors Micro Controllers, High voltage engineering, Modeling of power system components, Utilization of electrical energy enhanced my subject. I secured good results in my engineering. I was well versed in programming languages like C, C++ Java. During my final year I decided to do project in Machine cutting using micro controller. From my kinder garden my medium of instruction is English. I had written GRE and got 1060 score, which adds to my English language proficiency. Excellence in any sphere of life can be achieved trough determination, hard work, preference and dedication. Yet lack of in depth knowledge of the subject leaves the conceptual skills incomplete. It in this concept that I would like to pursue a course that control system in your esteemed university. I am very much interested to do MS Computer Science in your esteemed college. I realize the need for me to study at the center stage of activity in these fields at your college in USA. My earnest desire to continue my future studies at your graduate school stems from that it is one of the top colleges in Ireland having fine record of academic excellence and is backed up by expert faculty and research facilities. The other reason why I want to study at your esteemed college is that it provides the kind of expose needed to broaden my thinking and indo any insular prejudices that might be still prevalent in me. Your college is a confluence of people from every nationality, religion and race. Overall development of the personality can be done and it helps me to broaden my concept from the narrower confines of nationalism to internationalism. I am clear as to my carrier aspiration. Educational I believe is a life long process. I there fore wish to pursue a doctoral degree after my MS and therefore combine research and teaching as carrier. I am fully aware that yours curriculum requires that I summon all my resources and I aver that I have the necessary commitment, intelligence and stamina to look forward to do it all. I am convinced that my study at your department would be meaningful and rewarding experience. I look forward to have a long and profitable association with your esteemed college. I especially thank you for giving me the opportunity given me to express about myself. Name : ******** Program Sought: MASTERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING Semester Sought: Fall 2012. STATEMENT OF PURPOSE There is a very famous adage, â€Å"If you think education is expensive, and then try ignorance†. I could not agree more. I believe research is necessary to acquire data and formulate theories, but it is just as important to know how to apply those theories and use that data in the real world. To be competent and competitive I will require a master’s degree. A master’s degree will give me the up-to-date tools and knowledge that is the need of the hour. It is after a good deal of self-evaluation that I have decided to pursue graduate studies.

My Own Worst Enemy Essay -- English Literature

My Own Worst Enemy What would happen to you if you must live your life in the hidden of your true self? The book that I recently read is called My Own Worst Enemy written by Carol Sonenklar; hence it was published in 1999 by the Scholastic Inc. In the book, Eve Belkin is a young-teen girl who has just moved to Michigan because of the returning of her mother to medical field works. Eve has hard times in her old school of getting fit-in. Therefore she decided moving to a new place is a great opportunity to reinvent herself. She started to live her life under playing a role of a normal girl who dresses nice and neat all the time to impress her family of course. And yes, Eve gets good returns for what she gave out. She got being friends with two very popular normal girls, Lisle and Kristine. Yet she does not really like them though, because their behavior toward peoples around them is very cold. Eve’s true self later was exposed to everyone at school, after Lisle surprisingly discovered how Eve Belkin’s true self is really look like at home. Eve decided not to act or dress like someone else anymore, because she got enough of uncomfortable out from it, and beside, she said to herself why bothers being someone who is she’s really hate. Therefore Eve started to be herself again by wearing her favorite comfy gray outfits to school. She still got friends who like her. Finally Eve gets to understand the fact that fitting-in is maybe was not a great idea at the first start because maybe everyone was meant to be different and original. Eve Belkin has a few problems in her life. And mostly it got influenced from her family troubles. Her father has just lost his car company job. And for a year, he could not find... ... in reality for a teen girl's life. For instance Sonenklar uses â€Å"cleanaholic† to describe how crazy Eve’s mother is with her neatness. She uses good sense of humor to grab readers' attentions. She got a good sense of style and tone in the story. She knows when the tone should be up and down. Throughout the whole story, the tone was kind of suspicious because Eve’s condition was always anxious and worried. By doing this, it helps readers to feel the main character’s feelings better. It helps because readers are able to put themselves inside of the main character's shoe. I would like to introduce this book to some of my friends, especially to the girlfriends, because I know they will love this book since it is so touching and so true about our girls' live of being a daughter in a family. Well over all, it is such a great book!! I know you will enjoy it too!

The Ever Growing Concern of Ballot Accuracy among the American Electorate

Ballistics is one of the essential components of forensic science. Researchers and scholars in ballistics actively work to improve the quality of ballistics research methods and to enhance the effectiveness of all forensic procedures. It should be noted, that ballistics was not always widely recognized as a scientific method of firearms identification. For many years, courts and law enforcement professionals viewed ballistics as unnecessary and unimportant in the investigation of the major criminal cases.Now, with the advent of the new technological age, ballistics has not only turned into the critical element of success in forensics, but is actively aligned with advanced technologies to speed up the process of identification of firearms. Ballistics (Forensic Science) Introduction Ballistics is one of the essential components of forensic science. Researchers and scholars in ballistics actively work to improve the quality of ballistics research methods and to enhance the effectiveness of all forensic procedures.It should be noted, that ballistics was not always widely recognized as a scientific method of firearms identification. For many years, courts and law enforcement professionals viewed ballistics as unnecessary and unimportant in the investigation of the major criminal cases. Now, with the advent of the new technological age, ballistics has not only turned into the critical element of success in forensics, but is actively aligned with advanced technologies to speed up the process of identification of firearms.Ballistics: definition and history To begin with, â€Å"ballistics, in the most general sense, is the study of firearms – ‘guns’ in the vernacular. As a term of art, ballistics technically refers to the study of a bullet’s path from the firearm, through the air, and into a target† (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007). From the viewpoint of forensics, ballistics comes up to represent a system of principles and calculations used to match recovered bullets (or their casings) to the firearms which were used to fire them.To a large extent, the study of ballistics is based on the whole set of physical laws, starting with the law of ideal gas and up to the principles of explosion and pressure within the firearms. Currently, ballistics is used to resolve the major firearms complexities, which law enforcement professionals face in the process of investigating a crime. A professional in practical ballistics works to restore the picture of the crime using firearms, bullets, casings, or their residues, and to match them to the marks that had been left on the crime scene.Despite the seriousness of the firearms identification process and the role which ballistics may play for the effectiveness of other forensic procedures, it was not before the beginning of the 1950s that the term â€Å"ballistics† became a widely recognized description of firearms studies (Warlow, 2004). The history of ballistics dates back to the times, when firearms were made manually and individually and each bullet was unique. Gunsmiths were the ones to produce flintlocks and matchlocks, and each firearm bore the sign of its creator.Early firearms could be readily compared to the works of art, for even â€Å"the screws that held together early firearms were handmade and often specific in width and pitch of the threads† (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007). In conditions where firearms could be distinguished from one another without a difficulty and where every gun bore a unique sign of its creator, matching bullets to firearms was not a difficult task. As a result, early forensic scientists did not really need the knowledge of ballistics in its current form.Matching bullets to their molds was an easy-to-accomplish procedure and did not require any specialized skills or calculations. At the beginning of the 19th century, however, bullets and firearms have turned into the products of mass production, and the form of the bullet was standardized (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007). Although the amount of firearms models was rather limited and a criminal investigator could easily name the firearm from which specific bullets came, it was no longer possible to distinguish between different variations of firearms that had been produced by one manufacturer (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007).That is why forensic professionals have become increasingly interested in studying specific features of bullets and firearms that might have been concealed from the naked eye. Phillip Gavelle was one of the first to use microscopes to investigate the features of bullets and compare them to the details and characteristics of the crime scene (Warlow, 2004). With time, experts have also come to realize the role which firing pin and breech marks could play for the identification of firearms (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007).Unfortunately, the term â€Å"ballistics† and the importance of firearms investigation did not attract public atte ntion, and only after the Sacco and Vanzetti case, as well as the publication of the three firearms identification treatises, the court has officially recognized ballistics as a forensic science, giving law enforcement professionals a chance to improve the quality of all forensic procedures and to develop a new system of forensic methodology with regard to firearms (Warlow, 2004). Ballistics in its modern form: internal, external, and terminalCertainly, with the scientific contribution which Goddard made to the development of ballistics, we would hardly be aware of how effective firearms identification could be for resolving the most complicated criminal cases. Now, as guns and firearms are mass-produced, and thousands and millions of individuals are given the legal right to carry concealed arms, ballistics gradually turns into the central component in the system of law enforcement principles used to reduce and prevent crime threats.In its current form, ballistics is usually divided into the three distinct areas: internal, external, and terminal ballistics. This division is necessary to make the study of separate ballistics aspects more effective, and to provide forensic scientists with sufficient analytical instruments. Moreover, this division is based on the path, which a bullet usually passes down the barrel, through the air, and finally, through a target. Internal ballistics (or initial ballistics) is concentrated around the path, which a bullet passes within the gun (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007).Although measuring and describing the path of the bullet within the gun is very difficult and almost impossible, forensic scientists use velocity (or muzzle velocity) as the central forensic criterion in the study of internal bullet behaviors. Internal ballistics â€Å"concerns what happens within a time span of in the region of 2 ms between the impact of the firing pin or striker and the exit of the bullet or shot charge from the muzzle end of the barrel† (W arlow, 2004).Energy transfer, pressures and powders, combustion residues, as well as recoil in the weapon are the elements forensic professionals need to know, in order to relate the processes within the gun to the results they have produced on the crime scene. As soon as the bullet leaves the barrel, it becomes an object of external ballistics study. The latter is concerned with the pathway the bullet passes after leaving the barrel and involves the study of missile trajectory, and the impact which air gravity and resistance might have caused on it (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007).In terms of smooth-bored guns, forensic scientists are usually concerned about the changes that might have occurred in the spread of the shot charge (Warlow, 2004). Crosswinds and the way they change missile trajectory are just another subjects of forensic research in external ballistics. External ballistics usually seeks to determine the scope of influences other materials could produce on the bullet. For exa mple, and Warlow (2004) emphasizes this fact, unburned propellant particles will tend to significantly affect the bullet at close range.Bullet stability, flight, sectional density and shape, and even aerodynamic stabilization form the numerical basis of external ballistics and turn it into a distinctively mathematical field, well-known for its complex algebraic and geometric calculations. The study of the bullet path would be incomplete without researching the processes and changes the bullet undergoes after hitting a target. Upon striking a target, the bullet either deforms or disintegrates, simultaneously damaging or destroying the target (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007).These elements are the objects of terminal ballistics research. Terminal ballistics professionals work to link the character of the target destruction to the missile trajectory, its velocity, specific characteristics, design, and the features of the target itself. Given that the majority of targets which terminal balli stics investigates are humans, and taking into account the complex structure of the human body, terminal ballistics is probably the most complicated and the most responsible area of forensic firearms science.Researchers suggest that the bullet’s behaviors after hitting the human target are too unexpected and too unpredictable (Carlucci & Jacobson, 2007; Warlow, 2004). Forensic scientists are not always able to establish the link between the pathway the bullet has passed and the injuries found in a victim’s body. That is why terminal ballistics is a complex study of ricochet, impact, penetration, and kinetic forces that are considered responsible for the major motional shifts the bullet undergoes after hitting a target.Forensic ballistics: the new technological stage With the number of physical laws ballistics uses to match the bullets to firearms and to investigate the pathway the bullet passes from the barrel through a target, it is natural that ballistics professiona ls are involved into complex computation processes. However, with the advent of the new technological age forensic scientists have been offered an opportunity to use computer and software technologies for calculation purposes.Now, ballistics software models are extremely sophisticated in contents, but extremely easy in use. IT professionals were able to simplify and integrate the complicated systems of motion, dynamics, gravity and location, as well as hundreds of other physical concepts and principles into a universal system of calculation, which specialists in ballistics use to compute and describe the missile trajectory and bullet flight performance.Unfortunately, there is a whole set of problems to resolve before ballistics software turns into a reliable tool of forensic knowledge. For example, external ballistics technology is concerned with the way equations of motion can be simplified to improve the quality of six-degrees-of-freedom equations and to speed up the process of th eir solution (Belzer, Holzman & Kent, 2006). â€Å"There are also problems with fluid mechanics. These may include matters of universal interest, such as similarity principles, e.g. for transonic flow† (Belzer, Holzman & Kent, 2006). In terminal ballistics, chemistry is the major obstacle IT designers and developers face on their way to creating an effective system of ballistics computation; fluid mechanics also makes it difficult to design complex equations that would take into account the principles of heat conduction, viscosity, chemical reactions, and temperature dependencies (Belzer, Holzman & Kent, 2006).Nevertheless, it is with the emergence of new technologies that ballistics has been given a second breathe and it is in the current technological age that ballistics is likely to become a rapidly evolving area of forensic science and law enforcement, with the emphasis made on the speed and quality of ballistics solutions. Conclusion For many years, ballistics remained a n area of knowledge mostly neglected by forensic professionals.However, as firearms have been gradually turning into the objects of mass production, it was becoming more and more difficult to match bullets to the firearms from which they came. As a result, ballistics has come to represent a complex system of investigation principles aimed at researching the bullet behavior on its way from the barrel and through a target, as well as matching bullets to specific firearms and the marks they have left on the crime scene.Now, under the impact of technological progress, ballistics has been successfully aligned with the complex computation models, and although there is still much to resolve before ballistics becomes a purely technological field, it is obvious that ballistics will remain one of the most rapidly evolving areas of forensic science, with the emphasis made on the speed and quality of ballistics solutions.References Belzer, J. , Holzman, A. G. & Kent, A. (2006). Encyclopedia of science and technology. CRC Press. Carlucci, D. E. & Jacobson, S. (2007). Ballistics: Theory and design of guns and ammunition. CRC Press. Warlow, T. A. (2004). Firearms, the law, and forensic ballistics. CRC Press.

Early Adulthood Cognitive Development

Cognition pertains to the acquisition, processing, transformation, storage, and retrieval of any information concerning the world (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998). This process affects every aspect of our personality. Cognitive processes such as perceiving, conceptualizing, reasoning, remembering, and contemplating are all necessary for us to solve everyday problems, to work and do the household chores properly, to arrive at a sound decision and perform other daily activities that make use of our minds (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998).Thus, the development of the cognitive attributes of every individual molds his or her future for cognition is the crucial factor in meeting the challenges of life (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998).According to Piaget, cognitive development is the product of the interaction of the individual with the environmental events (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998). The cognitive attributes of every individual is fundamentally shaped by the heredity.Heredity dictates ou r physical appearances and other biological and physiological characteristics (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998). In this connection, our genetic make up spontaneously manifests in our physical appearance and personality through maturation (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998).Even though we have different genes, human maturation is identical to all races. This means that differences in our physical appearance is dictated by our genes but all humans pass through, as a result of maturation, identical stages of development.Early AdulthoodEarly adulthood generally included individuals within the age-range of eighteen to forty years (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). After adolescence stage, individuals have attained formal and abstract reasoning and capable of solving problems by considering all possible means (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). In his theory of development, K. Warner Schaie described the transition between adolescence to adulthood stages as a cognitive change from acquisi tion of knowledge to knowledge application (Santrock, 2006).He proposed that cognitive changes occur in two distinct stages. In achieving stage, the individual applies intelligence in achieving long term goals like career development. The honing of cognitive skills for behavioral regulation leads to the acquisition of the sense of independence (Santrock, 2006). On the other hand, during the early to middle adulthood, the responsibility stage commences.The young adults in this stage start to establish and nurture their own career and recognize their social responsibility (Santrock, 2006). Also, during this stage, individuals form families, focus effort and attention on the needs of children and spouse (Santrock, 2006).Gisela Labouvie-Vief believed that young adults undergo thought synthesis and intensive changes on thinking (Santrock, 2006). The young adults tend to look for their proper place in the society and seldom use logic in problem solving. Due to strong cognitive attributes, logical skills do not suffer a slump in the adulthood (Santrock, 2006).Meanwhile, William Perry suggested the differences in the process of thinking between adolescents and young adults (Santrock, 2006). The view of the adolescents on the world is described as dualistic thinking wherein every object has its opposite like right or wrong and good or bad. As maturity takes it course, multiple thinking replaces dualistic thinking (Santrock, 2006).Then, young adults tend to recognize myriad opinion and ideals of community members which leads to realization that not every problem can be resolved by the authority (Santrock, 2006). As a result, young adults start to shape their own thinking style, recognize the possible equality of opinions among the populace, and form their own opinion.This process results to relative subordinate thinking where the knowledge assessment is practiced and one’s opinions are challenged by the other members of the community (Santrock, 2006). After the s ystematic evaluation of knowledge, full relativism arises which leads to the realization that knowledge is constructed, context-based, and nom-absolute; thus, one realizes that truth is relative (Santrock, 2006).Furthermore, Jan Sinnot viewed that cognitive attributes of every individual develops as pressured by real-life problems (Santrock, 2006). As the individual strive to solve the problems at hand, he or she considers different perspectives resulting to realization that knowledge is non-absolute (Santrock, 2006).Jean Piaget’s Formal OperationsThe fourth stage, Formal Operations, of Jean Piaget’s cognitive development corresponds to adolescent period of humans and extends to the adulthood (Elliot, Kratochwill, Cook, and Travers, 2000). This is the stage of decentralization where the individual learns to thinks objectively and considers every aspect of a problem.Although every adult develops the ability for formal operations, most may not reach the summit of formal operations; they continue to have a single-minded and ego-centered judgment (Elliot, Kratochwill, Cook, and Travers, 2000). Meanwhile, a decentrated individual has the capacity to rearrange and simplify information which in turn facilitates his or her understanding.The individual has the ability to conceive principles or scientific law applicable to observations, formulate hypotheses and design experiments for testing, and operate on operations (Elliot, Kratochwill, Cook, and Travers, 2000).In the stage of formal operations, individuals learn to perform formal operations by means of logical and abstract forms of thinking (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998). Individuals’ thoughts at this stage tend to shift form ideal to reality. In addition, adolescence at this period has developed hypothetico-deductive form of reasoning (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998).They already have the ability to gather data and investigate, formulate hypotheses, and deduce generalization from the results of investigation. Â  Further, the satisfactory completion of formal operations leads to continuous development of knowledge’s structure and the intellect. However, in the absence of the appropriate mental stimulus, it would be an arduous task for the individual to hurdle the stage of formal operations for the mental structures required were not attained (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005).Nevertheless, even the student s of the higher educational institutions and some professionals failed to reach the formal operations; they tend to be stagnant on the stage of concrete operations (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). For those who will successfully attain the formal thought level, further development of mental capacity and completion of process of maturation spontaneously occur (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005).Information Processing Theory and CognitionThe information processing theory described the information processing of humans similar to computers. Perceived stimuli through our senses are encoded, transformed, and stored by our cognitive system (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998).Then, retrieval to stored data happens as the need arises. With respect to cognitive development, the information-processing theory emphasized the changes on the perceived information during the processing (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998). For instance, the capacity to perceive stimulus varies with age while the ability to apply the process of encoding also changes with age (Louw, Van Ede, and Louw, 1998).Research and CognitionIn 1975, Riegel postulated that our experiences serve as cognitive challenge which leads us to the discovery of opposite of dialectical forces in our immediate environment (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). He suggested that by dealing with every dialectic force in our life, intellectual ability is enhanced.Based on research concerning postformal thought, development continuously progresses beyond Piaget’s formal operational stage (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). In a study, participants were given complex tasks like political problems, personal relationship, and problems on the economy (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). Then, they were asked to give their own views and its rationale.It was revealed that adults exhibited different levels of reasoning (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). Similarly, according to Kramer, postformal individuals pass through absolutist, relativist, and dialectical cognitive levels (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). Most young adults are absolutists; they are able to face problems and often believe that every problem has its own solution (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005).Relativists recognize variation on perspectives for a single issue and the rightful solution for the problem is always context-dependent (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005). In the dialectic phase, individuals tend to integrate and synthesize all possible views concerning the problem. According to Basseches, this level of reasoning can be observed among university students and professors in the higher educational institutions (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005).In line with this, the postformal operation stage comes into the scene when the individual has a thought-provoking environment between twenty to thirty years of age. The nature of work or profession of the individual triggers his or her knowledge on concrete operations for further development (Hewston, Fincham, and Foster, 2005).At about twenty years of age, the individual had undergone roughly two decades of changes in cognitive aspects (Fischer, Yan, and Stewart, 2003). The cognitive development beginning from the infancy stage has been becoming complex.Along with this, as revealed by researches in developmental psychology, individuals exhibit cognitive skills at different levels of cognitive development (Fischer, Yan, and Stewart, 2003). This means that the individuals at this point can apply both basic and a considerable cog nitive skills complexity in dealing with life problems.In addition, the concept of upper limit or the set of tasks beyond which the individual can not perform is not absolutely real for appropriate scaffolding or contextual support can facilitate the attainment of goals (Fischer, Yan, and Stewart, 2003). Instead, the absence of scaffold or tasks per se is the caused why certain skills won’t be observed in an individual (Fischer, Yan, and Stewart, 2003).Thus, the progress of cognitive development should be analyzed as a continuous process from infancy to the present state. In fact, the present cognitive skills honed by cognitive tasks are built upon the previous cognitive skills attained (Fischer, Yan, and Stewart, 2003).The theory of Dynamic skills described the context-based development and refinement of cognitive attributes. Cognitive tasks from infancy to the present state have been building and restructuring conceptual categories and concrete skills upon the minds of indi viduals (Fischer, Yan, and Stewart, 2003). Both adolescent and young adult restructure tasks from representation to abstractions.Also, the ladder of skills is not merely just a reflection of development, rather a yardstick onto which variation in cognitive tasks are assessed (Fischer, Yan, and Stewart, 2003). This permits for the comparison of every activity under optimal, scaffolded, or functional classification.AnalysisCognition is generally defined as set of metal activities involved in the encoding, perception, storing, and retrieval of information. It is described as a set of inter-related process that guides one’s contexts of action as well as emotion. The information processing theory holds that proper allocation of attention on a task or stimulus results to efficient perception.On the other hand, perception means recognition of stimuli; thus, successful perception entails efficient processing of information that becomes the basis of one’s volition. Meanwhile, t he cognitive faculties of the individual are primarily shaped by the cognitive tasks and scaffold or contextual support provided by his or her immediate environment.Thus, although every human has inborn capacity for cognitive advancement, environmental influences take precedence on the expression and further development of cognitive attributes. As a result, the age demarcation for any cognitive stage is just a rough estimation for some people may advance or lag far behind, on age basis, with respect to cognitive skills attainment.Moreover, even though Piaget’s theory was extremely attacked by criticisms, it provided insights on the development of cognitive skills from infancy to adolescence. On the other hand, Lev Vygotsky proved that through proper scaffolding, a child can accomplish a task higher than associated tasks under his or her classification in Piaget’s stages of cognitive development (Elliot, Kratochwill, Cook, and Travers, 2000).Hence, cognitive development is not made of distinct phases, but the development can proceed gradually. This means that a child at pre-operational stage by means of scaffolding can accomplish cognitive tasks under formal operations. Further, the respective theories of Schaie, Sinnot, Perry, Vief as well as of Riegel and Kramer, similarly recognized the crucial role of environmental support on the cognitive development of every individual.ReferencesElliot, S.N., Kratochwill, T.R., Cook, J.L., and Travers, J.F. (2000). Educational Psychology: Effective Teaching, Effective Learning, 3rd ed. New York: McGraw-Hill.Fischer, K., Yan, Z., and Stewart, J. (2003). Handbook of Developmental Psychology. Valsiner, J. and Connolly, K.J. Eds. London: SAGE Publication.Hewston, M., Fincham, F.D., and Foster, J. (2005). Psychology. United Kingdom: BPS Blackwell.Louw, D.A., Ede, D.M., Louw, A.E. (1998). Human Development, 2nd ed. Cape Town, South Africa: Pearson Education.Santrock, J. W. (2006) Life-Span Development, 10th ed. Ne w York: McGraw-Hill.

Edinburgh Tram System Project

Edinburgh Tram System Project Abstract Tram systems offer a cheaper and more environmentally friendly alternative to providing public transport to city residents while also serving to reduce traffic congestion. The Edinburgh tramway project, which forms the basis of this paper, was initiated for the same reasons.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Edinburgh Tram System Project specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The paper presents an analysis of this project in terms of its description and management with references to theories that have been established to address the subject of project management. The project turned out to be one of the most controversial tramway projects in England. It was characterised by massive delays and changes in the project’s cost estimates. Political matters took the centre stage, with different politicians taking advantage of the controversy that surrounded the project to achieve their interests. Interest in the pro ject was mainly from the Scottish population and politicians. Scotland’s government was the main financier. The whole project was divided into several contracts that focused on specific sections and phases of the project. Other similar projects in the UK have some connection with the Edinburgh project. As the paper confirms, they offer great lessons on the management of any project. Introduction The Edinburgh Tram Network Project is located in Scotland in the United Kingdom. According to Boateng, one of the reasons for the initiation of the project was to support the region’s local economy in terms of improvement of accessibility of various places within it1. Secondly, the project intended to promote sustainability whilst minimising significantly the level of environmental damage that resulted from heavy traffic. Another purpose was to solve the problem of traffic congestion in Edinburgh. Issues such as safety and security of the transport system were also a major conc ern in the initiation and implementation of the project. Moreover, the project was expected to have immense social benefits to the residents of the areas that the rail line served.Advertising Looking for report on railway transport? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In the project’s scope, the tramline constitutes of a double track that connect the city centre to Edinburgh Airport. The track also links areas of development in West and North Edinburgh. With this hint about the project, this paper begins by providing its brief description. It also analyses the project’s management process with reference to salient theories that are applicable in project management. Lastly, the paper also provides some key lesson that project managers can learn from this development. Project Description Edinburgh Trams, which is run by Transport for Edinburgh Company, is a rail line that stretches from York Place to Edinburg h Airfield. The stretch that covers a distance of about 14 kilometres has 15 areas of offloading and loading of passengers. According to Lowe, work in the project started in the mid 20082. However, the project was marred with many controversies that led to delays in its official opening. As Crowther reveals, work on a section of the tramway was halted at the start of 2009 because of contractual disputes between BSC and TIE following the former’s request for an extra funding of 80 million pounds3. The Edinburgh Council felt that the contractors were short-changing it, given that the contract was based on fixed price terms. Much negotiations followed shortly thereafter with the contractors agreeing to resume construction work before mid 2009 whilst operating within the original budget, regardless of the witnessed disputes. Later, in August of the same year, TIE instituted legal proceedings against BSC over delays in its handling of the project. In most of the disputes, BSC foun d favour in the court. It received an award of 90% of the additional costs. As McKie confirms, the initial cost estimate of the development was 375 million pounds4. However, Lowe confirms that during the signing of the construction contract, the initial cost figures had risen from 375 million pounds to 500 million pounds5. The closing expenditure is estimated at 1 billion pounds, a figure that was arrived at after considering the settlement of the incurred interest charges.Advertising We will write a custom report sample on Edinburgh Tram System Project specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The interest was accruing on a 30-year credit that the committee had taken to cover a shortfall in the project’s funding. The tramway began operations in May 2014 after being behind schedule for more than five years. Management of the Project Various stakeholders were involved to help in achieving the project’s deliverables. Hence, their participation in this project had different impacts at different levels. These stakeholders included the government, contractors, politicians, courts, and the Scottish population6. As the main stakeholder, the government provided funding for the project. The government was also involved in the supervision and monitoring of the project. The project was divided into a number of distinct contracts. The various contracts were let to different companies or contractors. The contractual framework consisted of System Design Services (SDS), Joint Revenue Committee (JRC), vehicle maintenance, and supply (TRAMCO), provider of infrastructure and maintenance (IFRASCO), and MUDFA (Multi Utilities Diversion Framework Agreement). Courts also became part of the stakeholders who came in handy to settle conflicts that arose between the two main contractors. In several instances, the court ruled in favor of the development and continuation of the project. Contractors were at the heart of the witnessed delays and controversies. Change in technology raised the cost of project implementation, which in turn resulted in conflicts in terms of the need for extra funding7. Conflicts between contractors led to court battles that took time to be ruled. However, contractors also played a crucial role in the actual implementation of the project. Project planners were also to blame for the delays. The management of the project as a whole seems to have had serious challenges. To start with, the management did not do a proper cost analysis for the project.Advertising Looking for report on railway transport? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More A constant review of the project’s cost raised many questions regarding the validity of the methods that the group that was managing the project was using in arriving at figures, which kept on changing. The inconsistencies served to raise doubts over the abilities of the project managers in handling the project while questioning their intentions in altering the figures. The planners had carried out an incorrect project analysis and estimations, which resulted in variations in cost and the need for supplement budgets to complete the project. The scope of the project was also cumbersome to manage. Variations in the role and part that depended on different stakeholders also resulted in delays. Delays in one facet resulted in interruptions in others. The issue of close monitoring of the project was also not well managed. The laid out structure for managing the project at different stages was faulty as it was evidenced in the swaying of support at different levels. Communication b reakdown between stakeholders also led to conflicts and delays. Project Management against Theory The management of the project, especially in relation to many disputes that arose, seemed to be in line with some models of the game theory. A good example is the standoff that was observed between BBS and TIE. The two firms were staring at each other. The first party to back off was expected to be the loser. The real disaster is imminent if none of the parties backs off. This scenario resembles the ‘chicken game’ in the game theory. Such a game assumes that both parties to the game move simultaneously as Osborne confirms8. However, the actions that were adopted by the two sides were chronological whereby each side acted in rejoinder to the effect that was taken by the opponent side. If the solution to the disagreements ends up taking an unnecessary duration, the implication is the anticipated risks will be heightened. This situation was evident between the Scottish governm ent and the project managers. In the event of the adoption of the nuclear position that involves the cessation of the agreement, with the service provider choosing to present the issue to judges, there is a higher probability of each side being defeated. However, thoughts by each party that its opponent might be crazy enough to take the dispute to such extent may persuade both of them to settle the scour. The project managers seem to have thought that the Edinburgh council would have caved in at some point in time. They held on to its position in terms of seeking more funding for the project. This situation reveals the long standoff that existed between the two sides. It resulted in a court battle that helped to solve the circumstances that were becoming an increasingly expensive affair with each passing day. At some point, speculations were rife that a compromise deal was in the offing that would have seen BBS eliminated from certain sections of the project. However, the project ad ministrators would have been given the opportunity to finish the sections that they had been working on at that moment. Lessons Learnt From Similar Projects and Their Links to the Tram Project The United Kingdom has had numerous other tramway projects that offer important lessons when it comes to project management. All of them have had varying challenges that were solved in different ways. As such, Docherty and Shaw say that they can offer a great insight in terms of approaching such projects9. A good example is the Nottingham Express Transit that is located in Nottingham, England. The project took 15 years to be completed. The project’s cost was determined in advance. Hence, issues of increased costs were rare. The best bidders were chosen to carry out the project. This plan helped to ensure that the project went on smoothly from its initiation to its completion. Another unique feature of the Nottingham tramway that contributed to its success was that it involved a public-p rivate partnership. Such kind of partnership in public projects has always shown higher degree of success compared to projects that are run or handled entirely by the government. The private sector has a sense of accountability since it bases its activities on adherence to strict business rules. It takes into account prudent use of resources and maximisation of benefits that arise from any endeavour that it is involved in. The concept of profit maximisation that is advocated when it comes to private entities plays an immense role in ensuring the best possible use of the available resources by avoiding any unnecessary wastage. Further, the private sector always looks for the best specialties when it comes to running its operations. It does not rely on political affiliations or ethnicity in hiring its personnel. This strategy helps to avoid the negative influence that politics may have in the successful implementation of public projects. Involvement of the private sector into the Nott ingham tramway project helped in availing more funds to the project as Transport Scotland reveals10. This move had the effect of eliminating the need for borrowing large amounts of money for the project. Such huge funds have the effect of attracting large interest rates that serve to increase the overall costs of the project. Successful projects such as the Nottingham Express Transit offer great lessons for the Edinburgh tramway project. One of the main lessons is the separation of politics from such projects. This criterion helps in keeping away politicians who tend to use such projects as platforms to advance their political interests. As Rodger asserts, another lesson is on the importance of including the private sector in the design, funding, and implementation of such projects11. The private sector brings with it efficiency in terms of time management and prudent management of projects. This plan ensures not only timely completion of projects but also proper use of public funds to avoid unnecessary wastage of public resources. Tramway projects such as Tramlink, Metrolink, Midland Metro, and Nottingham Express Transit among others all bear some similarity with Edinburgh project. They have a link in the sense that they were intended to connect various places across different cities. The UK Tram is an organisation that represents the interests of all stakeholders and industry players in the tram industry. The projects were also intended to lessen traffic jams that were experienced in these cities while also providing a better alternative in efforts that were aimed at minimising the emission of greenhouse gases by cars. Conclusion The Edinburgh project was surrounded by lots of controversies in relation to costs, delays in completion, and political influence that slowed down the project while hurting taxpayers. It can borrow lessons from other similar projects. The project is located in Edinburgh in the United Kingdom. It was meant to connect York place and E dinburgh to reduce traffic congestion by motorists. The project managers deviated from the project’s contract that recognised it as a fixed-cost contract by demanding additional funding. This cost implication was the cause of all other controversies that followed in the course of the project. There are great lessons that Edinburgh project can learn from other similar projects that have had significant success. Nottingham Express Transit serves as a perfect example. Lessons from it can help to find ways of avoiding issues that haunted the Edinburgh tramway project. Recommendations There is a need for more public-private partnerships to be deployed when carrying out projects of this magnitude. Such projects involve heavy investments whose implementation has an immense direct impact on taxpayers. Such partnerships will bring greater efficiency since the private sector is known for conducting its affairs with greater professionalism compared to the public sector. Elements such as expertise and extra funding that are provided by the private sector are bound to see better and more successful implementation of public projects. Governments also need to hold contractors accountable in the implementation of projects as opposed to curving into the outrageous demands by contractors who do not fall within the postulations of the contracts. Bibliography Audit Scotland, ‘Edinburgh Trams Interim Report’, The Accounts Commission [website], 12 February 2011, audit-scotland.gov.uk/docs/central/2010/nr_110202_trams.pdf. Boateng, P., Megaproject Case Study, Edinburgh Tram Network Project, Edinburgh Publishing Company, Scotland, UK, 2008. Crowther, G.L., National Series of Waterway, Tramway and Railway Atlases, G.L. Crowther, Preston, 2013. Dalton, A., ‘135 Changes, Â £16m Bill: Latest Trams Furore’, Scotsman [website], 12 April 2010, scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/135-changes-163-16m-bill-latest-trams-furore-1-798991. Docherty, I., Shaw, J., Traffic Jam: Ten Years of sustainable Transport in the UK, Policy Press, Bristol, UK, 2008. Lowe, J.G., Edinburgh trams: a case study of a complex project, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Leeds, UK, 2010. McKie, R., ‘Edinburghs tram system opens – Â £375m over budget and three years late’, The Guardian UK, 1 June 2014, theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jun/01/edinburgh-tram-system-opens. Osborne, M.J., Rubenstein, A., A Course in Game Theory, MIT Press, Boston, 2005. Rodger, R., The Transformation of Edinburgh: Land, Property and Trust in the Nineteenth Century, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004. Transport Scotland, Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance Version, The Scottish Government, Edinburgh, 2008. Footnotes 1 P. Boateng, Megaproject Case Study, Edinburgh Tram Network Project, Edinburgh Publishing Company, Scotland, UK, 2008, p. 9. 2 J.G. Lowe, Edinburgh trams: a case study of a complex project, Association of Researchers in Construction Management, Leeds, UK, 2010, p. 1289. 3 G.L. Crowther, National Series of Waterway, Tramway and Railway Atlases, G.L. Crowther, Preston, 2013, p. 12. 4 R. McKie, ‘Edinburghs tram system opens – Â £375m over budget and three years late’, The Guardian UK, 1 June 2014, para. 6, theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/jun/01/edinburgh-tram-system-opens. 5 Lowe, p. 1291. 6 Crowther, p. 33. 7 A. Dalton, ‘135 Changes, Â £16m Bill: Latest Trams Furore’, Scotsman [website], 12 April 2010, scotsman.com/news/scotland/top-stories/135-changes-163-16m-bill-latest-trams-furore-1-798991. 8 M.J. Osborne A. Rubenstein, A Course in Game Theory, MIT Press, Boston, 2005, p. 12. 9 I. Docherty J. Shaw, Traffic Jam: Ten Years of sustainable Transport in the UK, Policy Press, Bristol, UK, 2008, p. 56. 10 Transport Scotland, Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance Version, The Scottish Government, Edinburgh, 2008, p. 11. 11 R. Rodger, The Transformation of Edinburgh: Lan d, Property and Trust in the Nineteenth Century, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004, p. 33.