Human factors in technology Essay

Man is the only being who has utilized technology, to the point that it also caused technology to change rapidly through time. Technology has been one of the most influential concepts in the lives of every human being throughout history. It was so influential that it had become one of the major deciding factors in the direction of history. Technological innovations had evolved from the simple to the very complex. From the simple stone cutting tools that prehistoric man had, to the contemporary blades that virtually do not need any resharpening at all. There had also been evolution from the very crude computing technique such as the finger counting, to the very complex supercomputers. In terms of transportation, from the very simple mode of walking and running, man had innovated transportation technology by inventing and innovating cars, planes, ships, etc. Technology had not only affected transportation and computing, but also the social and psychological scene as well. Companies whose general trade is information and technology are the ones whose organizational structure is very much affected by the technological changes. Most of the companies are either computer manufacturers or technological research companies. Apple Inc. , formerly known as Apple Computer, Inc. is an American-based multinational corporation which has its focus on technical manufacturing and designing of electronics and software programs for variations of consumers all around the world. It headquarters can be found in Cupertino, California (Apple, Inc. , 2007; History of Apple, 2007; Mesa, 1998; Apple. com, 2007). This company basically focuses on the development and support of several electronic gadgets for the market. This same company currently has its eyes focused on the innovation of already existing technologies, as well as the formation of a new breed of technology for the market. Some of its world-famous creations are the iPod, iPhone and the AppleTV. Aside from these electronic equipment and gadgets, the Apple, Inc. is also into the creation of new and better software programs. In the past, it had focused on creating and developing operating systems (OS), and specific application programs. Today, Apple, Inc. is now setting the path before it releases its newest operating system, the Mac OS X â€Å"Leopard†. Apple is very much into expanding its frontiers by exploring new ways of marketing and product presentation (Apple, Inc. , 2007; History of Apple, 2007; Mesa, 1998; Apple. com, 2007). It is now into the trend of having an online store where its products, whether hardware or software, can be bought by just a click of the mouse. The company is well-known for their very user-friendly hardware as well as software. Their iPod series, as well as their iPhone, Macintosh series of personal computers and peripherals, iLife software suite, and the Mac OS are just some of their best-known software and hardware products. Also, the company is a major supplier of prosumer software products for specialized purposes such as the audio and film industry (Apple, Inc. , 2007; History of Apple, 2007; Mesa, 1998; Apple. com, 2007). The mentioned things about Apple, Inc. , set up a background for the contemporary company. Technology has an implicit message, and that is to put everything into a very objective perspective, where everything could and should not be subject to an individual’s / group’s personal judgments or beliefs. By virtue of technology, man was able to do things such as measurement and judgment without having biases. With the use of technology, organizations can track their development without having doubts if the people who assessed them were biased about the evaluation process. But this strength is also its weak point. Being very objective would mean that the assessment would be very strict, and it would be guided by certain sets of quantified measurements such as numbers and / or a set of quantified codes. These standards for judgment and assessment can be used to evaluate employees’ activities, company sales and company economic standing. Having these strict standards would mean an easier, more efficient and more economic way of assessing the company. With these, companies such as the Apple could rely on machines about their company’s survival. Machines, which are products of modern technology, could be programmed to assess particular aspects of the company and suggest possible options about how to make the company even more productive. This may sound farfetched, but it could be a good way of looking at the possibility of how machines could help organizations in optimizing their parts. Business oriented companies such as the Apple is currently facing the possibilities of having less human members, and more help from the technology they are developing. These companies, with the help of modern technology, could be able to assess their employees using certain standards that can be input to a computer for further assessment. This way, there would be less processing time, less need for human HRD team members, less specialists in the field of assessing people, more possible members for the pool of computer and technology specialists (which could also mean more capital would be invested on the specialty of the company), and less expenses on the part of the company. Looking at the advantages posed by this method, it would be good to conclude that this could boost company income, thus uplift the lives of its employees in an economic and political sense. On the other hand, this method could also pose a very detrimental effect to the company as a whole, both in the macro and micro perspectives. One disadvantage of this method would be that without the subjective judgments of humans on human resources, it would be possible to miss important and potentially able applicants. Also, it would be possible that the programmed machines would not be able to look the implicit factors such as family background and the personality types of the applicants. Another is the fact that hardcore statistics, which programmed machines use, does not claim that the results are products of the interplay of all possible factors, instead it can only present results with the extraneous factors (which may possibly matter) omitted. References: Apple. com (2007).Retrieved August 9, 2007 from http://www. asia. apple. com/. Apple, Inc. (2007). Wikipedia: The Fee Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 9, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Apple_Computer. History of Apple (2007). ). Wikipedia: The Fee Encyclopedia. Retrieved August 9, 2007 from http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/History_of_Apple_Inc.. Mesa, A. (2007). Apple History Timeline. The Apple Museum. Retrieved August 9, 2007 from http://applemuseum. bott. org/sections/history. html.

Perodua Company Assignment Essay

The automotive sector is a key industry in a Malaysian economy. There are given major challenge facing the automotive manufacturing, in exacting globalization, liberalization and growing competition, there is a must to evaluate the tactical trend and the competitive advantage for the domestic automotive sector. This study undertakes to explore the environmental factors that are likely to influence the marketing performance in PERODUA Malaysia. Perodua does not contend with Proton for the similar market position because Perodua mostly produce small-compact cars. . In Malaysia Perodua is second automobile manufacturer which after Proton. PERODUA is a leading automotive firm in the local automotive industry, with aspirations of becoming a global organization. Founded in 1993, PERODUA has grown from a company offering a single invention into a strong and dynamic Group such as the: Perodua Kancil – August 1994 The Perodua Rusa – March 1996 The Perodua Kembara – August 1998 The Perodua Kenari – June 2000 The Perodua Kelisa – August 2001 The Perodua Myvi – May 2005 The Perodua Viva – May 2007 The Perodua Nautica 4WD – May 2008 The Perodua Alza – November 2009 SUPPLIERS A contributory wholly-owned by Daihatsu (M) Sdn Bhd, DMM Sales Sdn Bhd was formed in 1994. Since then, DMM Sales have successfully established as the major merchant of Perodua vehicles in Malaysia, with sales/service outlets in most of the states. Factor study and hierarchical regression study are used to approve the theoretical model and to test the proposed hypotheses in the study. The findings showed that gender, level of income, level of education and age have impact on car buying pattern. These hypotheses are accepted product, price and promotion competency have significant influence on the cars purchased. Perodua Circle (previously recognized as Kelab Automotif Perodua Malaysia) was founded in 1998 with the main objective of  fostering better relationship between Perodua and its vehicle owners. We are pleased to inform that Kelab Automotif Perodua Malaysia (KAPMA) has been rebranded with a more vibrant new identity. KAPMA is now known as PERODUA CIRCLE. The Perodua Circle members also benefit from activities such as car care workshop, factory visit, treasure hunt, bowling tournament and many more. MARKET CHANNEL Customers mostly look at cost and functionality when deciding which car to purchase. Running costs are an important consideration, especially as a result of the recession and the squeeze on incomes. Relationship marketing is marketing program or strategy to protect an existing customer base through an ongoing process by creating new value for customer. Relationship marketing ensures a loyal base of customer. As the relationship develops the buyers starts to feel safe with the supplier and thus trust is developing. The main input of this study is towards better perceptive of present car market in Malaysia would benefit the academicians, manufacturers and car sellers in knowing the impacts of outside factors on car purchaser buying pattern and the importance of family member in influencing cars purchases. A firm’s division objectives will eventually be high related—some will enhance each other while others will compete. For example, as we have discussed, more exclusive and higher service distribution will generally entail less intensity and lesser reach. Cost has to be traded off against speed of delivery and intensity (it is much more expensive to have a product available in convenience stores than in supermarkets, for example). For a company it is very necessary to have updated date and to have a close watch and to assess the ever changing environment around them. There are 2 types of environment and there are Micro Environment and Macro Environment. MICRO ENVIRONMENT Micro environment factors are factors close to a business that have a direct impact on its business operations and success. Before deciding corporate strategy businesses should carry out a full analysis of their micro environment. As all businesses need customers, they should be Centered  (Orientated) around customers. The firm’s marketing plan should aim to attract and retain customers through products that meets their â€Å"wants and needs† and excellent customer service. Employing staff with relevant skills and experience is essential. This process begins at recruitment stage and continues throughout an employee’s employment via ongoing training and promotion opportunities. Suppliers provide businesses with the materials they need to carry out their business activities. A supplier’s behavior will directly impact the business it supplies. For example if a supplier provides a poor service this could increase timescales or product quality. An increase in raw material prices will affect an organization’s Marketing Mix strategy and may even force price increases. Close supplier relationships are an effective way to remain competitive and secure quality products. While for the micro environment consists of 6 factors in PERODUA such as customer, company, competitors, supplier, Marketing Intermediaries & public. CUSTOMER Customer can be divided into 5 types such as consumer market, business market, reseller market, Government market & global market. The consumer market in Perodua manufacturing shows that Perodua Company comes with varies vehicles that are able to attract buyers particularly these who want an reasonable yet efficient vehicle. The company mostly targets on individuals or family who want to buy worth car at a quality as Perodua Company sets up the prices that are sensible and affordable by most consumers. Perodua Myvi is product on May 2005 by Perodua Company which is one of the examples for individual or family use. Besides that the business market is the companies which buy goods and services are to be used in the production id other goods For instance, Perodua Company buys the parts from other countries but the assembling is done in Malaysia. The companies that purchases the goods or services and resell the product without making any changes to it. For examples, Perodua dealers get the manufactured goods from the main company and finally distribute to them without making any changes of the cars. For government market they may pay for it to be used it in the production of goods and services. For example, the model of Perodua Myvi, Perodua Kancil, Perodua Viva are provided to the government for the use of National Parade Day. The products used for the use of the government to carry on with the  government duties. For international market, Perodua Myvi purchases for the overseas market such as United Kingdom, Singapore, Brunei, Fiji, Nepal and Sri Lanka. COMPANY This segment is about the togetherness which should be there among all departments so that the product will be delivered to the customer in the desired time. This process will be an incomplete process if there are disagreements between departments, which will result in a delay of not delivering the product to the customer on time. MACRO ENVIRONMENT Macro Environment contains external forces that an organization can’t directly control, instead organizations need to manage their macro environment in a way that benefits them. A PEST analysis is used to identify the external forces affecting an organization/making up its Macro Environment. This is a simple analysis of an organization’s Political, Economical, Social and Technological environment. A PEST analysis incorporating legal and environmental factors is called a PESTLE analysis.

Beowulf – Critical Review

I believe Beowulf was written with an Anglo-Saxon foundation, but there was an attempt at relating Christian beliefs to the Anglo-Saxon ways. The main character of the poem, Beowulf, is portrayed as an Anglo-Saxon warrior. Beowulf's values and the way that other characters in the poem acted were also primarily Anglo-Saxon. The traditions of Beowulf's people support the Anglo-Saxons in several ways throughout the poem. On the other hand, there are many instances in the poem where it is easy to recognize the Christian themes that were included. Beowulf is a great Anglo-Saxon hero in the poem and possesses several unexplained supernatural powers. From this, you can only assume that he is above humans and â€Å"normal† people. One explanation for Beowulf's strength is that the Anglo-Saxon writer is relating Beowulf directly to the Great White Bear of the North, which is an Anglo-Saxon myth. Several details support this, including the breakdown of Beowulf's name into the root language. â€Å"Beo†, meaning bee, and â€Å"-wulf† meaning enemy support this because the â€Å"enemy† of the â€Å"bee† is the bear. Knew at once that nowhere on earth had he met a man whose hands were harder; his mind flooded with fear-but nothing could take his talons and himself from that tight hard grip. â€Å"(Beowulf pp. 46-47, ll. 751-755) This quote from the poem is referring to when Beowulf fought Grendel in Herot, and he holds Grendel in what seems like a â€Å"bear† hug, which supports Beowulf being the Great White Bear of the North. When Beowulf travels to Grendel's home at the bottom of the lake he acts in a very Anglo-Saxon way. After killing Grendel and his mother, he decapitated Grendel and brought his head as a souvenir to Herot. This action is very contradictory to Christian ways, but would be a normal act for an Anglo-Saxon warrior in war. In Beowulf's war against the Franks in which he was the only survivor he supported Anglo-Saxon ways. â€Å"He had killed no less than thirty of the enemy in hand-to-hand conflict, one of them, the Frankish champion Daeghrefn, he slew with his bare hands. The poet informs us further that Beowulf was the only man on his side to survive the battle. His own triumph over the enemy was so complete that, though his fellows all lay dead, he held the field alone and stripped from the bodies of the thirty men he had slain the armor to which his victory over them gave him honorable title. â€Å"(Malone p. 144) Beowulf acted as an Anglo-Saxon warrior in the way that they were very materialistic, and taking the armor and leaving one's friends behind would be common in war. All the ways Beowulf acts in war situations throughout the poem are Anglo-Saxon and the author meant to portray him in this way. Beowulf's values in the poem and also the way in which the dragon and Grendel's mom act reflect Anglo-Saxon attitudes. Prior to his death, Beowulf asked for a large tower to made on the coast so that people would never forget him after his death. â€Å"Wiglaf, go, quickly, find the dragon's treasure: we've taken its life but its gold is ours, too. Hurry, bring me ancient silver, precious jewels, shining armor and gems, before I die. Death will be softer, leaving life and this people I've ruled so long, if I look at this last of all prizes. â€Å"(Beowulf p. 108 ll. 744-2751) Here Beowulf asks Wiglaf to bring treasure before his death, which shows Beowulf's materialistic views. This supports the theory that Beowulf performed all of his actions for fame and glory, not charity. Performing these actions for fame does not support Christian values at all and is more evidence on how Beowulf is primarily an Anglo-Saxon character. The dragon that Beowulf battles in the end of the poem shares with Grendel's mom the fact that they both were getting revenge on their enemies. Each character was violated in one way or another, the dragon getting his gold cup stolen and Grendel's mom defending her son. According to Anglo-Saxon beliefs revenge is tolerable, and because neither of these characters acted first in battle, they were justified. However, if one were to look at Christian beliefs, revenge is not tolerable and neither the dragon or Grendel's mom would be justified in their violent acts of revenge. Beowulf does have an attitude that differs between Christina values and Anglo-Saxon values. Depending on the situation, Beowulf will express one or the other. â€Å"Yet he makes Beowulf an admirable Christian except when Christianity and the warrior code conflict. Then Christianity comes off a poor second-as it did with most Anglo-Saxons. â€Å"(â€Å"Chapter 4-The Anglo-Saxon View† p. 33) This is an example of the order that Beowulf's priorities were set and also how his community influenced him to lean more towards the ways of Anglo-Saxons. The way the poem begins and ends with pagan funerals supports the poem being more Anglo-Saxon than it does Christian. â€Å"There can be no doubt that Beowulf's cremation is a pagan rite. Unless Beowulf is a good deal older than most scholars believe, the funeral is a traditional archaism. (â€Å"The Anglo-Saxon View† p. 33) The funeral in the beginning of the poem was for the Danes' great king, Shild. The funeral at the end of the poem was held for Beowulf, the great king of the Geats. Each of these kings was buried with gold or had a monument built to be remembered by, which were traditions of the Anglo-Saxons. King Shild was brought much treasure to his death, â€Å"Next to that noble corpse they heaped up treasures, jeweled helmets, hooked swords and coats of mail, armor carried from the end of the earth. â€Å"(Beowulf p. 24 ll. 6-39) Beowulf was cremated at the end of the poem, surrounded by war gear, â€Å"A huge heap of wood was ready, hung around with helmets, and battle shields, and shining mail shirts, all as Beowulf had asked. â€Å"(Beowulf p. 120 ll. 3137-3140) The poem ends in a tragedy, Beowulf dies and his men mourn him. This contradicts Christianity because according to the Bible, Jesus died, and then rose again to look over all mankind. These two stories are not parallel and this rejects the idea that the poem is primarily Christian. Beowulf is a warrior who dies as an Anglo-Saxon hero, but there is no evidence to show that he dies as a Christian hero. Despite all of the evidence that the poem is totally Anglo-Saxon, there is a good deal of Christian references in the poem. There are many lines and situations that can be interpreted as Christian. â€Å"Our Holy Father has sent him as a sign of His grace, a mark of His favor, to help us defeat Grendel and end that terror. â€Å"(Beowulf p. 35 ll. 381-384) This is a very blatant reference to the Anglo-Saxons referring to the Christian God as their own. â€Å"There is no doubt whatever that the Beowulf-poet has gone out of his way to exclude all the old pagan gods from an active place in his poem. The one referred to throughout by Hrothgar and Beowulf alike is the one, providential God of the Christians. â€Å"(McNamee p. 332) Another event in the poem that could be interpreted as Christian is when Beowulf travels to the lake of Grendel. Many symbols can be found here, such as the lake being hell, and after Beowulf kills Grendel's mother it seems as though Heaven shines upon him. â€Å"Her body fell to the floor, lifeless, the sword was wet with her blood, and Beowulf rejoiced at the sight. The brilliant light shone, suddenly, as though burning in that hall, and as bright as Heaven's own candle, lit in the sky. (Beowulf p. 72 ll. 1567-1573) Another example of Christianity in the poem is the reason for Grendel terrorizing the Danes. He is not necessarily evil, but Grendel could actually be seen as a monster sent by God. â€Å"And, assuming a little different position, one notes that Grendel is the agent, not the enemy of God; he was sent to punish the Danes and the poet was only adding his touch of cunning subtlety when he said Godes yrre baer [he bore God's anger]. â€Å"(Baum p. 358) This author is writing that Grendel is not evil, but he is actually good and was meant to torture the Danes for their behavior. The many references to Christianity express the author's inner Christianity and I believe that he was an Anglo-Saxon man originally, who was either converting to Christianity or was a converted Christian who was trying to promote Christianity by relating it to Anglo-Saxon ways. Overall Beowulf is a poem that can be interpreted in so many ways, and the author left that up to his readers. I have come to believe that the poem is primarily an Anglo-Saxon one, but I do not deny the idea that Christian vales, themes, and ways were added or included.

Educational technology Personal Statement Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Educational technology - Personal Statement Example Whether a person achieves a good learning experience or not is determined by the factors that affect the employment or administration of teaching, since educational tools are normally tangible and are readily accessible by students with whom a specific knowledge or training is communicated. At this stage, the widespread technology logically plays the key role in educating people, for the modern age has proven to have used and modified technology in almost everything that drives our living. Having obtained an academic background in clinical nutrition, I have realized how important health is for people to be able to execute tasks effectively, as well as for them to live life to the full measure. Helping people become better in terms of proceeding with personal growth and aspirations despite all the risks constitutes my passion. Equivalently, I suppose that this goal even extends to concerns with education and technology, much as it applies well through nutrition and health. I believe that every individual has the right to proper education which is conducted with appropriate materials, instructions, and especially technological resources everyone must gain access to, so that learning comes with ease and may be sought to enhance the studying capacity of each learner. In meeting this objective, hence, educational technology may be claimed highly necessary for students to figure different areas of improvement once they can afford to incorporate technology in the realm of ed ucation. Educational technology, alternatively known as e-learning, instructional technology, or learning technology, pertains to the use of technology to aid learning with sufficient input, and an academic institution bearing a competency-based curriculum can undoubtedly support students who aim to pursue career with educational technology. My desire to continue such studies with Concordia University

Divorce and it's effects in a child's life Essay

Divorce and it's effects in a child's life - Essay Example In fact, by the years 1999, more than half of all the American children had celebrated their 18th birthday without one or both parents due to divorce cases that had taken place earlier in their lives. Essentially, divorce has far-reaching implications in a child’s life, especially if such a divorce takes place in the early childhood stage (Fagan). For this reason, this paper investigates the impact of divorce on the present and future life of a child, considering the escalating divorce cases in the United States of America and all over the world. For many years, the society has been silent on divorce although it has adversely affected many children either emotionally or psychologically. Indeed, divorce between married parents can also have an adverse effect of the social wellbeing of their child (DeBord). Actually, more children live with a single parent in America today that they were over a decade ago. It is majorly because divorce has been on the rise in the United States and this normally affects the children in a greater extent (Fagan). Long ago, divorce used to be a taboo topic that no one in America wanted to talk about but the contemporary society has made it the order of the day. It actually appears as a simple legal reversal of the marital status of a person and virtually everyone, including persons of high calibre, goes through it (Royal College of Psychiatrists). While many people think that getting a divorce will help solve their martial challenges, the opposite is true to the extent that they face even more challenges in the process. Nonetheless, divorce among parents who have sired children is the most traumatic, particularly to their children. This is particularly so considering that even the mighty within the society are not left behind as far as the filing of divorce cases is concerned (DeBord). Despite the fact

Problem question Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Problem question - Essay Example Jessica knows through other employees that a position will be open very soon but has been advised by Harrington that they ‘do not hire agency workers.’ Rachel has sought advice due to the fact that she is pregnant and considering employment options. She would like to know what her rights are to maternity leave and if there are any conditions allowing flexible scheduling before she applies for a position through Kent University as a part time accountant. It is very likely that Jessica is currently working under a ‘contract for service.’ This means that as an agency employee she is entitled to certain rights, those rights consisting of breaks during a work assignment, minimum wage, paid holidays, no unlawful deductions from pay (DirectGov), protection under the health and safety laws and freedom from discrimination in any manner. Jessica states that Nursebank has been bullying her and she would like to become employed four days a week directly with Harrington. Harrington does have an upcoming position but Jessica was told that they do not hire ‘agency workers.’ Jessica needs advice as to if this is against the discrimination policies that are legally in place. There are two factors here to consider and examine when reviewing Jessica’s complaints. The issue of Jessica’s bullying should first be explored. Bullying in the workplace can be described as being constantly picked on, ridiculed, humiliated, being overworked in comparison to other workers (Direct Gov), passed over for promotions and being threatened with dismissal. Jessica did not specify exactly how she is being bullied but these examples are not all-inclusive. Bullying is protected against through harassment and discrimination laws. Employers can be held liable for these behaviors through legal proceedings. It is important to advise Jessica that the first step she should take is to report the bullying. Review Nursebanks policies and procedures for deal ing with worker harassment and discrimination. It will become especially important that she has initially consulted and followed company procedure for reporting these actions should Jessica want to file a grievance against Nursebank. The ACAS statutory code of practice on grievance and discipline is issued under section 199 of the ‘Trade Union and Labor Relations Act of 1992’ (TSO). This sets out to establish guidelines for policy and procedure involved in grievances though the code does not necessarily need be followed exact but the employment tribunal will consider this code strongly in any cases brought up. Jessica should expect Nursebank to act promptly and consistently in investigating her complaints. Jessica has the right to be represented by her trade union, if she has one, or anyone she should use during any meetings or discussions or formal talks regarding her complaint. If the decision that the company makes in dealing with Jessica’s issue of being bull ied does not resolve the issue she can then proceed further and appeal the decision. Legal actions can be taken if there is no relief from the claim, though I would advise that Jessica ensure she has done everything possible with the grievance and appeal process so that should she need to file a suit against Nursebank she will have sufficient evidence that they have been negligent or libel. Mediation by a

Fiction ( Creaton from your imagination) Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1750 words

Fiction ( Creaton from your imagination) - Essay Example His life is all the more inspirational for me as his favorite sport is the same that is mine – cricket. In fact we do play together every now and then whenever we get time or it should be, whenever he gets time from his busy routine and hectic life. My uncle has had his due share of problems and struggles during his life. He has seen the highs and lows of life and I can safely conclude that he is all rounder by all measures of imagination. He has witnessed success when he was down in the dumps and face humiliation in the form of losses, both in terms of financial value as well as psychological pressures, but it is his genius that he never turned back on his principles and strong ideological limits and thus defeated whatever came in his way. His developmental process is such that he has only looked at the brighter side of things and never touched the negative as according to him, doing the latter can reap nothing but misery for both the individual as well as the people related with him or her. Thus he molded his life in such a manner which would only provide him solace and peace of mind whenever he was in hot waters and nothing right came across him. He has seen financial losses that took away quite a huge sum of his bank balanc e in late 1980s when he was doing a roaring business of textile designing yet he did not succumb under pressure from people related to him and the near and dear ones advised him to divest whatever was left in the business. He continued and marched along at the same speed, so much so that now he has his own textile factory located in the outskirts of the city. He has been a model of inspiration for one and all and I can safely call him my mentor whenever I run into any problem in my day to day life. His advice is always that has brought a new lease of life in me and helped me see things in a more positive fashion rather than just sitting and sulking over the