Friday, September 6, 2019
Poverty, the Never-ending Disease Essay Example for Free
Poverty, the Never-ending Disease Essay Poverty is a lack of goods and services needed to maintain a minimal adequate standard of living. The definition of the term adequate varies, however, with the general standard of living in a society and with public attitudes toward deprivation. No university accepted the definition of basic needs exists because poverty is a relative concept. In poorer countries it means living at the brink of subsistence, while in our country few improvised families confront starvation, although many suffer from undernourishment. Not everyone is born into a life of the rich and glamorous. Those who are fortunate enough know that they are very lucky to be in their position. Others however are totally in different situations. They need to fend for themselves and having meal is something which comes only once a day. Malnutrition is the obvious result of not consuming the right amount of food. This will lead to outbreaks of diseases but in poverty stricken countries there are no hospitals to cure this. Lacking infrastructure means lacking educational rights. People who are living in poverty cannot afford to send their children to school so this will mean an unclear future for their children hence the undernourishment. Furthermore, living in crowded areas, this has a tendency to increase the chances of disease as people are drinking from unsafe sources of water. People around the world are not aware of how immense this issue is and sometimes hesitant to believe the scale that it has risen to. Without understanding the people living at a disadvantage from the rest, there is no cure for the problem. Poverty is not only the problem of the poor, but the rich as well. If the wealthy becomes too concentrated and there are too many people at the low end who cant contribute to the cost of society (taxes t o maintain infrastructure for instance) then more of that burden must fall to the wealthy. The wealthy that derive their wealth by selling goods and services to a mass market will be affected if the market dries up because too many individuals are too poor to be able to buy the goods/services. With hints of the invisible hand playing a role in this, itââ¬â¢s possible that the economy might not adjust to the buyers and sellers. People suffering from poverty may become enraged at the disparity between themselves and the wealthy and may express that rage through a violent revolution and redistribution of wealth. Some wealthy individuals may feel concern about such a disparity and choose to give some of their wealth to better the condition of the poor or to help the poor find a way to prosperity. Poverty in the United States has long been a social, political, and human rights issue. Few people would say that it is not our moral duty, as social human beings to take care of those less fortunate than ourselves, to the best of our ability. These types of people have what is called a ââ¬Å"libertarianâ⬠. There is really no specific definition of ââ¬Å"libertarianâ⬠, but it is associates justice with liberty. In relation to the matter at hand, specifically poverty in America, libertarians are against taxing the affluent or forcing people to aid the starving and poor. One of the most influential libertarians of our time is Professor Robert Nozik. His theory of justice begins with the principle that all people have rights, which require that we refrain from interfering with others. Other than this we have no obligation to do anything positive for anyone else, and likewise, they have no obligation towards us. These rights are natural or inalienable because all humans have them and they do not come from any social or political institutions. These rights forbid us from interfering with a personââ¬â¢s liberty even if it would promote some general good, or prevent anotherââ¬â¢s rights from being violated. Overall, the general idea is that people have the liberty to live a life free from intervention of others, and can lead their life however they so choose. In addition, he says that if a person acquired their fortune or possessions without harming, defrauding, or violating the rights of any others, then it is morally permissible to use those things however one wishes. This includes wasting, willing, or endowing the possessions to someone else. Even though many people are dying from starvation and malnutrition, Nozikââ¬â¢s theory of justice states that one has no obligation to help those people. His theory is summarized as follows: 1. A person who acquires a holding in accordance with the principle of justice in acquisition is entitled to that holding. 2. A person who acquires a holding in accordance with the principle of justice in transfer, from someone else entitled to the holding, is entitled to the holding. 3. No one is entitled to a holding except by (repeated) applications of 1 and 2. Relating to poverty, libertarians feel that no matter how the actual distribution of economic holdings may look, if all involved are entitled to the holdings they possess, then the distribution is just. Although Nozikââ¬â¢s theory concentrates on the just of distribution, Rawlââ¬â¢s theory of the difference principle can be thought of as the similar concept. The main moral motivation for the Difference Principle is similar to that for strict equality. The overwhelming economic opinion though is that in the foreseeable future the possibility of earning greater income will bring forth greater productive effort. This will increase the total wealth of the economy and, under the Difference Principle, the wealth of the least advantaged (the poor). The inequalities consistent with the Difference Principle are only permitted so long as they do not compromise the fair value of the political liberties. So, for instance, very large wealth differentials may make it virtually impossible for poor people to be elected to political office or to have their political views represented. These inequalities of wealth, even if they increase the material position of the least advantaged group, may need to be reduced in order for the first principle to be implemented. The difference principle may be the solution to poverty in the near future, but sadly the idea of strict equality between individuals will be a difficult concept for people to grasp. Capitalism is a system designed to produce for private profit, not for public need. We have gotten as far as we have due to decision-making of corporate boardrooms and placing them under the democratic control of the majority that the economy can provide for our needs. To do that, we need to bring into public ownership the largest 500 corporations and financial institutions. If the assets of these giant companies were under our democratic control, then investment and resources could be democratically controlled by working-class people. Resources would be available to address our most pressing social problems and allocated to areas of most need. To achieve this means breaking from giving any support to the two big-business political parties the Republicans and Democrats. They are both fully implicated in creating the present mess we are in. We need to build a new political party to represent our interests as workers, the poor and young people, and which points a finger at the real villains, the super-rich and the capitalist system.
Thursday, September 5, 2019
Ecuadors Adoption of Finlands Education System
Ecuadors Adoption of Finlands Education System ABSTRACT This research is focused on the most viable solutions that Ecuador has to improve its educational system, based on certain characteristics and key factors of the best education system in the world that is Finnish according to the TEST PISA (2012). The three most feasible alternatives that can lead the Ecuadorian educational system to rise in the ranking of education worldwide. The possible solutions are: first, teachers will be more qualified, and thus incorporate more dynamic techniques; Second, small classes will allow for personalized learning; And third, students will develop language and artistic skills from an early age. Ecuadorians would be the ones who would benefit most, since a good quality education implies that the student has a good academic level at the regional level, therefore implies that he will be able to perform optimally in the future and in that way to help in the academic development of the country. How Would Ecuador Benefit From Adopting Finlands Education System? Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn. (Benjamin Franklin, n.d), education system in Ecuador is not at higher level at regional level, much less at worldwide level, the Ecuadorian system is based in memorization and huge amounts of tests, making the classes boring for the students, moreover as Susan Segal (2016) said, the education system in Latin America is antiquated and uses a defective model. as a result, students are suffering the consequences; the Latin American students do not receive a quality education, and they achieve the minimum level of learning as shown by the results of the 2012 PISA TEST (para. 1). Ecuador need to change the system education, Ecuador need to focus and start from the bottom, this means that Ecuador need to start the change with the lowest level, from kinder garden, the children need to develop new skills related with creativity and team work, with these skills they will start to add great learning fundamentals, this will help them in their path of knowledge until their adulthood. The best way to try a change is adopting the Finland education system, which is the number 1 according 2012 PISA TEST. Because the Finnish education system is the number 1 all around the world, society thinks that their system education is strict, tedious and even boring for their students. However, the reality is the opposite, according to Dr. Tony Wagner from The Finland Phenomenon, children develop a certain kind of passion for learning and the reason is the environment, a safety, lovely and full of confidence environment between students, teachers, parents and government create the perfect environment for learn (Compton, 2011). Ecuadorian students can benefit from adopting Finlands education system in three ways: first, teachers will be more qualified, and thus incorporate more dynamic techniques; second, small classes will allow for personalized learning; and third, students will develop language and artistic skills from an early age. First of all, one of the greatest characteristic that Ecuador need to adopt form Finnish education system is lead to teach only hiring professionals qualified with a masters degree; according to William Doyle (2016), the minimum request for being a teacher in Finland is having a masters degree in education, in preference with specialization in research and classroom practice (para. 13). Teachers with higher degree of education greater number of knowledge, this is basically a fact. Due to teachers have a masters degree they know how to treat with their students, teachers can design and choose an ideal model of learning for their students with the final purpose to make easier the understanding of the knowledge imparted towards the students. The fact that teachers have a masters degree in education makes it possible for them to find the simplest, most dynamic and ideal way to get students to improve the way they absorb knowledge. Teachers besides of been fundamental is the educational aspect they are also fundamental in the emotional aspect. According to Edutopia Team (2005), one important role that teachers have is to coach a guide their students through their educative journey; teachers can manage the time reducing the lecturing time in classes for adding more time to mentoring them. (para. 8). Teachers can support to their students giving to them motivation for learning, for example putting an exercise and the first 3 students will have extra points, or giving candies for each question well attended. Having better academic preparation the teacher will be better able to adapt to the student and develop better learning methods. Second of all, A normal classroom in Ecuador is between 30 to 50 students, this fact makes to teachers more difficult to take control of the class in every aspect, as the behavior of the students or having enough time to address the doubts of all students. Meanwhile, in Finland the maximum capacity is around 20 students per each classroom, this characteristic can solve in an efficient way the problems previously mentioned. Also, a main idea is implement technological resources such as electronic devices as tools for teachers and students with the objective of develop the academic performance. It is a logical fact all around the world that while lower number of students in a classroom, higher quality of learning; how is this possible? Well, according to OCDE, There is a general perception thatà ¢Ã¢â ¬Ã ¦ the size of the class, understood as such, could be seen as an indicator of the quality of the education system. (Education Indicators in Focus, 2012). Third of all, the Finnish educational system has a solid base from the start of education in their youngest students, it means their kindergarten students develop many skills and habits for learning and behavior in-and-outside the class. Ecuador need change from the bottom of the academic pyramid. Starting with a whole change in the educational system with kindergarten students. Also, implementing the learning-through-play-based preschools and kindergartens. Ecuador can restructure the methodologies and contents of childrens centers throughout the country. After the process of restructuring Ecuador will be ready for a future with a solid educational structure that will allow a change with respect to the new generation to the previous generations, would be an educational revolution that has as a protagonist the kindergarten children as Finnish educational system. Besides the restructuration of the educational system, the other necessary change in Ecuador would be education of quality for everyone, it means that whoever can receive education independent from the economic or social situation. The final step of the restructuring in the educational system is to provide kindergarten students with skills and habits oriented and related to the educational world. According to William Doyle (2016), children in Finnish schools not only receive basic knowledge in math, language and science. Finnish children through learning-through-play-based preschools and kindergartens, this method is used to teach second languages, arts, physic education, ethics, between others. This kind of learning is necessary because children will be able to develop concentration and cognitive focus (para.21). These fundaments will allow to students an academic progress through their educational journey. In Summary, if well the educational system of Ecuador is not the worst all around the world, is one of the worst a Latin American level. Is for this reason that the Ecuadorian educational system need to change. Due to Finnish educational system is the number one worldwide, the most recommendable option is adopting fundamental principles and characteristics from Finnish educational system that allow it to be the best in the world. In this way, we can change the future of Ecuador. What Ecuador can adopt from the educational system of Finland are: master degree teachers, more qualified teachers will incorporate more dynamic techniques and better methods to improve the education. Also, developing arts and science skills in an early age with learning-through-play-based preschools and kindergartens will allow develop concentration and cognitive focus. Finally reducing the number of students per class and adding technological tools as personalized platforms where teachers and students can interact between them and the use of applications developed to teach, for example Duolingo that teach english. In this way with this options Ecuador can change in the educational field for better. References Education system of Finland. (2013, 25 June). [Documentary]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnRb_PtpN7I Segal, S. (2016, May 20). The case for disruption in Latin Americas classrooms. Mecd.gob.es. (2016). Citar un sitio web Cite This For Me. [online] Available at: http://www.mecd.gob.es/dctm/inee/indicator-in-focus/edif-2012n9-esp.pdf?documentId=0901e72b814703c2 [Accessed 19 Dec. 2016]. Edutopia. (2016). Big Ideas for Better Schools: Ten Ways to Improve Education. [online] Available at: https://www.edutopia.org/big-ideas-better-schools [Accessed 19 Dec. 2016]. The Hechinger Report. (2016). How Finland broke every rule and created a top school system The Hechinger Report. [online] Available at: http://hechingerreport.org/how-finland-broke-every-rule-and-created-a-top-school-system/ [Accessed 19 Dec. 2016].
Wednesday, September 4, 2019
The Western Lawman :: Television Media TV Essays
The Western Lawman Gunsmoke was a dramatized radio program that portrayed life in the old west. According to online sources, "Plots dealt with the lives and activities of Marshall Dillon, Doc, Miss Kitty, Chester, and the other residents of Dodge City, Kansas in the late 19th century." Lawman Marshall Dillon was the center of everything that happened. The peace and welfare of Dodge City rested in his hands. Marshall Dillon represents the quintessential western lawman, with his independence, authoritativeness, and general distrust of strangers. Dillon stood alone. No one could dictate to him how to act or what to do. This is illustrated in several instances. In the episode "The Army Trial" the army officer assigned to bring in Jed Cook, the deserting soldier asks for Dillon's cooperation after Cook escapes. Dillon agrees to cooperate but on his terms. He demands that the officer remove his troops from town and allow him to conduct the search personally. In the second episode, "General Parsley Smith", Dillon insists on handling all investigation himself. He takes tips from Parsley, but instructs him to stay out of the situation while he checks things out. In "Uncle Oliver", he makes it plain that there is no job opening for a Marshall's assistant. Oliver suggests that Biney learn how to be a Marshall by shadowing Dillon, but Dillon won't have it. He states that he does not need any help from anyone except Chester. Chester is the only person he consistently allows to help him. Otherwise, he is a one man outfit. Marshall Matt Dillon is also characterized by his authoritativeness. He will not be challenged and he will not back down. When General Parsley stirs up trouble in town, Dillon warns that he will run Parsley out of town if he does not stop slandering the new banker. When Parsley is caught once again repeating the same offense, true to his word, Dillon orders him to leave town. While being arrested for desertion, Cook cannot fire on Dillon because of the respect he commands. And Uncle Oliver is compelled to search for Biney even though he is plotting to kill Chester. As you listen to these episodes, you realize that Dillon is also very suspicious of strangers. He is constantly questioning whether or not they are legitimate. In the first episode ("The Army Trial") as he and Chester approach the wagon in distress, they are ready to help but their help is repeatedly refused which arouses suspicion.
Tuesday, September 3, 2019
Portrayal of Women in Homers Odyssey Essay -- Homer Odyssey womody
The Portrayal of Women inà Homer's Odyssey In the first section of Odyssey, mortal women are presented to us as controlled by the stereotypes and expectations of the culture of the day, and it is only within that context that we can consider the examples Homer provides of women to be admired or despised. He provides us with clear contrasts, between Penelope and Eurycleia on the one hand, and Helen and Clytemnaestra on the other. In Penelopeââ¬â¢s case, it is made clear that her freedom of action is strictly controlled. Antinous feels free to advise Telemachus that as Odysseus is assumed dead, it is expected that Helen will choose another husband, or her father should do so for her. Telemachus does not challenge the logic of this, merely attacks the suitorsââ¬â¢ behaviour and questions whether Odysseus is dead. And so Penelope is reduced to using the passive and ââ¬Ëfeminineââ¬â¢ defences of keeping the suitors waiting for a decision, and resorting to the subterfuge of weaving and unweaving her loom daily. We also witness Penelope being ââ¬Ëput in her placeââ¬â¢ by Telemachus when she comes do...
Monday, September 2, 2019
My Ideal Teacher Essay -- Teaching Teachers Education Essays
My Ideal Teacher When I think about teachers that I have had in the past, several different ones come to my mind. Each of these educators stands out in my mind for a variety of diverse reasons. Whether it is their sense of humor, their tactfulness, their love of the subject matter, their fanatical and sporadic behavior, or their yearning to be childish themselves, I can still remember at least one quality of every teacher I have ever encountered. Every one of these teachers conveyed subject material to their students just as they were educated and employed to do. However, I trust that every professional in the world has an abundance of opportunity for improvement; teachers could discover and improve themselves merely by having an open mind and observing one another. If I could construct the ââ¬Å"idealâ⬠teacher for me, I would only have to focus on three main aspects of the individual. These three qualities would be conducting a fun and interesting class, having organization and ge nuine comprehension of subject material, and developing a need to accept and have a constructive relationship with all students. Because of the most recent technology children today expect to be entertained by some other means than ââ¬Å"twiddling their thumbsâ⬠. This need is not only present in the home setting; it is everywhere they go, including school. Therefore, teachers today have to make learning more enjoyable than it ever has been. Students are aware that at school they have strict rules to follow and expectations from their teachers. However, school can be fun if the teachers make it that way. There are numerous ways that a teacher can accomplish this. For example, a teacher could do something as simple as having a ââ¬Å"j... ...d what my major is from week to week. They gained my respect in high school, and I, in turn, gave them respect. These are the teachers that I will never forget because they will never let me forget. I think that all students should experience some teachers like I have. In conclusion, in the ââ¬Å"realâ⬠world some students will graduate from college, some students will be teachers, some teachers will just teach, and some teachers will teach with love. I want to be that teacher. The one that teaches with love and passion for what I am doing. This is why I have taken into account every teacher that I have ever encountered and created my ââ¬Å"idealâ⬠teacher; the teacher who is exciting, knowledgeable, and friendly. It is those teachers that I will remember indefinitely and with distinction, and this is also how I intend to be remembered by my students.
Sunday, September 1, 2019
Visual Argumentation: Gary McCoyââ¬â¢s Political Cartoon
The election fever has once again struck the land. Now more than ever, nationwide attention has started to zero in ââ¬â quite lopsidedly in fact ââ¬â on key political figures such as Barack Obama and John McCain. The two have been landing in major news headlines, as well as figuring in major media outfits as they try hard to convey their respective political programs to the public. As expected, they too ââ¬â as indeed their proposed policies ââ¬â have been subjected to a numberless of analyses, if not criticisms from all fronts; from television to radio shows, news magazines to dailies, as well as in various rallies and party conventions. One potent example of such analyses or criticisms is an editorial cartoon. Despite being just a single drawing about certain persons or issues, it nevertheless conveys powerful statements. For this paper, it would be wise to take Gary McCoyââ¬â¢s political cartoon, specifically depicting Barack Obama, as a specific example to concretely cite the case in point. Gary McCoyââ¬â¢s Caricature of Barack Obama It has to be firstly mentioned that the strength of an editorial cartoon lies in its ability to both convey the message hidden in the scene it portrays and engender ââ¬Å"an opinion about someone or something prominent in the newsâ⬠(Cartoon 217). But any evaluation of a political cartoon would also have to make a factual description of the piece as it is drawn ââ¬â i. e. , a description of the cartoon as it appears. This entails suspending inherent biases, immediate judgments or initial impressions that one may already develop at the first sight of the cartoon. Gary McCoyââ¬â¢s caricature of Barack Obama portrays the politician while giving a speech. Therein, Obamaââ¬â¢s face is visibly elongated; his forehead and chin thinly protruding. His right hand holds a microphone while his left hand is raised and points ââ¬â that is, using his point finger ââ¬â on to his supposed audience. Atop Obama is a speech-balloon which reads: ââ¬Å"Random noun, miscellaneous verbs, blah, blah, Hope, Changeâ⬠. Two creatures that appear to be kangaroos donned in coat and tie are portrayed talking to each other down the left corner. The creature to the right talks to his companion with the words: ââ¬Å"This is getting easier by the minuteâ⬠. While another balloon referenced to Barackââ¬â¢s supposed audience reads: ââ¬Å"Cheer! Applause!! Yeaa!! Cheer!! Applause!! â⬠The audience is depicted nowhere in the cartoon. It seems needless to argue that the cartoon is effective in conveying its message to its audience. This is because at first sight, one can already glean from the cartoon the central argument which it carries: that it is a criticism of Barack Obama in the first place, and the entire political system of the United States along the same vein. First, it is evident that McCoy makes a statement against Barack Obama. It can be specifically against his political strategy or the direction into which his campaign particularly treads. As indeed, the criticism can very well be against his innate giftedness to rouse a political audience, him being a gifted orator to say the least. ââ¬Å"Random nouns and miscellaneous verbsâ⬠represents McCoyââ¬â¢s perception that Obama either has run out of new ideas to offer or does not have anything substantial to say in the very first place. In fact, the two kangaroos bolster the criticism being leveled. This is getting easier by the minuteâ⬠appears to say that many people have in fact become used to, or have gotten tired of hearing Obama talk about his hope and change messages. The cartoon may very well be a statement against Obamaââ¬â¢s credibility; for to imply that Obamaââ¬â¢s hope and change messages ââ¬â read: his main benchmarks ââ¬â barely say anything is tantamount to saying that the heart and soul of his political agenda is ber eft of sense and direction altogether. Second, the cartoon is likewise effective in drawing related reactions beyond the intended Obama criticism. On the one hand, the cartoon is also a criticism of the peopleââ¬â¢s implied gullibility or perceived lack of critical thought in receiving Barack Obama. Obama, as mentioned, is a gifted speaker. And many people, it needs to be argued, are drawn to persons who can comport themselves authoritatively in public conventions and rallies. The cartoon therefore takes on how people appear unable to go beyond Obamaââ¬â¢s charisma as a speaker. This is most notably seen in how the cartoon depicts the crowd applauding Obamaââ¬â¢s speech, despite its implied lack of reasonable substance. McCoy therefore implies that, on account of this tendency, the general public is not able to give Obamaââ¬â¢s message much needed second thoughts. On the other hand, it would be wise to cite that the cartoon can also be interpreted as a statement against the manner by which politics is exercised in this country. The conversation of the two kangaroos is telling ââ¬â ââ¬Å"this is getting easier by the minuteâ⬠may be taken as a an unfortunate resignation over a political exercise marked by lack of substance on the part of politicians and lack of depth on the part of the voting public. If taken into this context, the cartoon may not specifically be against Barack Obama as the whole political system of the United States. Far from being offensive, the cartoon can in fact be ultimately taken as McCoyââ¬â¢s call to reform the exercise of politics in this country. Conclusion This paper now concludes that Gary McCoyââ¬â¢s political cartoon is effective in conveying its message to its audience. At the very least, the cartoon is clear in that it depicts its message without much ambiguity. In the discussions which were developed, it was learned that the cartoon is firstly a criticism against Barack Obama. As it depicts the politicianââ¬â¢s speech as something that consists in nothing but the recurrent rhetoric on hope and change, the cartoon therefore implies that Obama either has nothing new to say or his message has no substance. But far from being offensive, it is also argued that the cartoon may be taken as McCoyââ¬â¢s call to reform the political practice of this country.
Different types of business information, their sources and purposes Essay
Introduction Having just started as a trainee at the Corporate Communications Department of Emirates Group, my line manager has tasked me with preparing this set of introductory training materials, on business information in general, for new members of staff in the department, to increase my knowledge and enhance communication skills. Different types of business information, their source and purpose will be discussed throughout this paper, outlining various types of communication that can take place. I will also deliberate how KFC source and communicate effectively, with a true purpose, summarizing with a conclusion. Definition of Information Information comes from a wide variety of sources, in varying shape and form, with numerous qualities. Communicated in time, being fit for purpose, and containing the right level of detail it becomes critical in decision making. Although there is contrast between the value and cost of information, it needs to be: Available Accurate Reliable Objective Relevant Complete On time As defined in the Business Dictionary, information is, ââ¬Å"Data that is accurate and timely, specific and organized for a purpose, presented within a context that gives it meaning and relevance, and can lead to an increase in understanding and decrease in uncertaintyâ⬠. Once prepared and, structured accordingly, data becomes information. Information adds value, and once facts and figures have been organised into information it has meaning, intended to be interpreted. Information gathering may be performed internally, within an organization, collecting information on sales performance, production output, or maintenance reliability. It may also be accomplished externally, outside the organisation, harvesting information on markets, competitors and customers. Information is valuable because it can affect behavior, a decision, or an outcome. For example, if a maintenance manager is told the reliability of the fleet has weakened, they may use this information as a reason to increa se the maintenance budget or up-skill and further develop the maintenance engineers. However, information is considered valueless if matters remain unchanged, following its consumption. Information Types Organisations, such as KFC, use various types of information, alongside ways to communicate. Verbal ââ¬â This is the easiest and quickest way to communicate; however, it may not always be more effective; KFC communicate verbally to their customers, over the counter. They inquire about your current order ââ¬â what you would like to eat and drink. The server will also try to up-sell, possibly suggesting to super-size or add a desert, over-and-above your original request. Written ââ¬â Words, pictures, charts; from sources such as publications, books, journals, and newspapers; Once an order is taken on the EPOS system the information is transferred to the kitchen, as text on a screen. MultiMedia ââ¬â Multiple forms of media, together; data, text, graphics, audio, video, etc. like an interactive webpage, with audio; You can order online, through the KFC website, which combines names and prices, alongside pictures of their products. On-Screen ââ¬â Multimedia TV and CD-ROMs that combine text, graphics, animation, audio and video; Routinely you will witness advertisements on television of offers and new promotional activity for the food chain. Web-Based Information ââ¬â Combines multimedia technologies and streams them over the Internet; access to rich information anywhere, anytime; When surfing websites you will notice many interactive banner advertisements for KFC, which when clicked will take you to their website, gathering valuable information on their consumer, of where they were transferred from and when. There may also be an interactive flick-book menu to browse. Information Sources Information comes from four different sources: Internal ââ¬â An organisationââ¬â¢s own intellectual property, such as financial records, customer records, order information, maintenance records, etc. usually gathered from their respective department records ââ¬â Production, Sales, Finance, Marketing, Maintenance, Administration or HR. KFC have all of this information at hand, within their database systems. Their Electronic Point-of-Sale tills gather all the order and some production information. They have Accounting applications connected directly to the Sales database, which generates the organisationââ¬â¢s financial information. The website gathers consumer intelligence on who wants what, from where, at what time. External ââ¬â Collected from outside an organization, such as market research, the Internet, newspapers, bulletins, reports, publications, usually from the government, trade groupings, or commercial databases. When you are stopped in the street and asked if you would like a menu, and the issuer asks you a few questions, the information if being gathered to provide market intelligence to the company, which in turn aides decision making. Primary ââ¬â Collected first-hand by the investigator, by possibly interview or questionnaire, gathered for a specific purpose. It generally is a more costly method, but provides more specific, quality information. Secondary ââ¬â Gathered second-hand, by someone else, for another purpose, however can still be used ââ¬â lower cost, though generally not as specific and of reduced quality. Information Purpose In one word, ââ¬Ëmeasureââ¬â¢. It is critical in a business to measure and compare actual performance against what was budgeted for. Using historical records is one method, to make comparisons; however, targets may be set to stretch the performance of an organisation. If costs are more than expenditure then it must take action to remedy the situation. Market research reports can monitor altering market conditions, or possibly an increase or demise in demand of products and services. This will help KFC identify whether there current offerings are suitable for that specific time, or if they should pull some from their current available product list. Maintaining records of what currently employed is a legality, to calculate salaries and benefits. Records hold any details, including: Date of joining Name Address Salary Benefits Qualifications Department Title Days absent, with reasoning Holiday entitlement Training and development records Conclusion Managers must have timely, reliable, quality information, as they have to make important decisions. In order to make the business successful the right decisions need to be made, at the right time ââ¬â correct decisions are only made when this sort of information is both available and used, in time. We live in the Information Age ââ¬â with the types of complex processing systems available today, at your fingertips, to the majority of people, it is important to realize that the only thing standing in anyoneââ¬â¢s way is that they must learn how to interpret the information to make the right choices. List of references Business dictionary, viewed 22nd of October 2013,
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