Changing Teaching Styles Over Time Education Essay

The article by Andrew C Porter and Jere Brophy ( 1988 ) published by the Institute for Research on Teaching analyzes the alterations in learning manner over the recent old ages and compared them with what happens now a twenty-four hours. In recent old ages we have witnessed that there has been a great addition in the esteem of good instruction to non merely the effectivity of schooling but besides on the function of research on learning which would assist in the development of a cognition base to inform the instruction profession about the altering tendencies. In the past old ages the policy shapers and bookmans merely concentrated on the educational equity instead than on the upgrading of the quality of learning profession. Today it is being seen that educational reform leaders states that we have to presume new powers and duties in order to redesign schools for the hereafter and fix knowing instructors. Different orientations to learning are besides being discussed in this article that reflect the different ends that instructors hold about their direction merely needed to explicate the difference among the instruction effectivity. There is no 1 to one relationship between instructor ‘s ends and results, effectivity can merely be measured through the topic cognition, teaching method and pupil ratings. Some of the major features of a instructor are being discussed. They promote larning through pass oning with their pupils ; they provide their pupils with those schemes that are good for them in monitoring and bettering their ain acquisition attempts with the aid of different acquisition activities. They non merely cognize their topic in deepness but besides seek to get the better of the myocardial infarction leadings that pupil bring to category in relation to their topic. Richard M. Felder and Rebecca Brent ( 1999 ) conducted a research paper that majorly focused on the cardinal footings like the Total Quality Management, effectual Institutional Teaching Improvement Program, and Assessment and Evaluation of Teaching Quality. It chiefly discusses the application of the Total Quality Management in the higher instruction that tends to better the instruction quality. First, the research examines the quality of direction at single footing. Second, so after wards a more complex attack of analysing that how an academic organisation improves the quality of its instructional plan. In the visible radiation of both the person every bit good as the organisational degree taking into history the cultural differences it is besides mentioned that how the quality direction contributes in the betterment of instruction. Timothy J. Gallagher ( 2000 ) , in the article â€Å" Embracing Student Evaluations of Teaching † elaborates the pupil rating as of import standards in mensurating learning effectivity. This affects the quality of learning as a whole. A valid and dependable pupil rating is proven to be an accurate index of mensurating learning effectivity. It can be either measured globally, that is the overall instruction manner. Evaluation can besides be based on specific footings like lucidity, context, account etc. The theory that is discussed in this article tells us that the teacher rating should be utile in nature. For this to be implemented it must be conducted in a civilization that supports the instruction betterment. Chambers, Catherine M. ; Chambers, Paul E ( 2004 ) , in the article named â€Å" Teaching Quality, research and term of office † focal points on the quality of learning. Teaching quality is affected by scholarship and pedagogical preparation. In the context of the entire quality direction model the interaction of instruction and scholarship is being investigated. A strong inducement is being portrayed towards the presentation of learning proficiencies and the research being published. Two of the major constituents of a good instructor are being discussed in this article. They are the schoolroom presentation and content of the class that is delivered. Research is considered as an of import activity to better the human capital that is besides an of import constituent. It helps in the betterment of module ‘s quality of instruction. Ronald A. Berk ( 2005 ) , in the article that was published in the International Journal of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education discusses the 12 schemes that are used to mensurate learning effectivity. Teaching effectivity is being measured through different positions like pupil evaluations, self-evaluation, pictures, pupil interviews, alumni evaluations, and employee evaluations, decision maker evaluations, learning scholarships, learning awards, larning outcome step and instruction portfolios. It besides highlights the importance of learning effectivity as it is used for doing major determinations that are formative and summational in nature. They fundamentally focus on bettering and determining the quality of instruction every bit good as the overall performance/status of instructors. The article published in the International Journal of Educational Development by J. Barrs ( 2005 ) , emphasizes on two of import points that are the deductions of the quality of instruction and the factors that contribute to the motive of instructors in rural Punjab. These are besides considered as the of import footings being used to analyse the impact on instructor ‘s public presentation. The research that is carried throughout this article concludes that the impact of local administration has shown a positive consequence on non merely instructor ‘s degree of motive but besides their position. Teacher ‘s attending and their followers of contractual duties have improved through the execution of better answerability and monitoring techniques. Eric A Hanushek and Steven G Rivkin ( 2007 ) researched that how the variables like wage and working conditions have impacted the quality of learning. The writers have come up with the decisions that how salary and work environment affect the quality of schoolroom direction. It is besides being discussed that how quality of learning if affected when instructors move from one school to another. This factor besides has a really deep impact on the accomplishment of pupils. Wages and pupil features are besides examined because it affects learning quality every bit good as the pupil accomplishment. It besides explains that how the fluctuations in the wages and working conditions are impacting the different communities that are the urban, rural, and suburban. It besides gives us the thought that how the tendencies are altering in context with the wages. Working conditions does non alter every bit often as the wages do. While sing policies related to learning wages should be taken as a benc hmark as it provides a good step of alterations that take topographic point in the instructor ‘s quality. A broader decision is that salary additions are considered as both expensive and uneffective factors while covering with the quality of instruction. Tony Yeigh ( 2008 ) , in his paper that was published in the Australian Journal of Teacher Education negotiations about the importance of learning accomplishments that are required for efficient instruction. He besides discusses that these accomplishments need to be upgraded and necessitate development and shining. It is besides highlighted that how these accomplishments impact the acquisition. The theoretical account that is mentioned in this paper is non merely good for the pupils but besides for the instructors. It helps in bettering the pupils larning results and besides the professional acquisition of the instructors. It loosely talks about the three dimensions of quality instruction. The quality of instruction is explained through the dimensions of rational quality, quality acquisition environment and in conclusion the significance. The paper besides throws some visible radiation on some of the of import features of a good instructor. It besides focuses on the professional acqu isition procedures, along with the fact that how these processes farther on aid us in accomplishing the instruction quality that we are seeking to pull out. Shuhong Wen ( 2008 ) , in the research paper focuses on the Evaluation Indicator for learning Quality of college instructors. It besides discusses the endowments that are at that place at the high degree, high devising and invention ability that are considered to be the undertaking of the higher instruction. The degree of quality of learning determines the degree of the endowments that are being cultivated and influences the being and development of colleges. If the rating is carried out efficaciously it may bring forth right counsel and inducement map, trigger the enthusiasm rate of instructors towards their profession, and better the instruction methods and contents that finally raise the quality of learning. It besides reflects the major maps of the index system, and how it with its measure by measure attack helps in the rating of learning quality.

Economics Oligopoly

Main economic features of an Oligopoly and key economic theories of price fixing. This part of the coursework aims to identify and explain the main economic features of an Oligopoly and also the key economic theories which influence the price of a product or service. This part deals with the theoretical aspects of Oligopoly and the later part emphasizes on the practical applications of the theories and oligopoly features.According to Pass et al (2000), â€Å"Oligopoly, a type of market structure is characterised by a few firms and many buyers, where the bulk of market supply is in the control of relatively few large firms who in turn sell to many small buyers†. To describe the degree of oligopoly, concentration ratio is often utilized. Concentration ratio is the measure of the market share of the largest four firms in the industry expressed as a percentage. A low concentration ratio suggests a high level of competition and vice versa for.As there are few players dominating the industry, each player or an oligopolist is said or likely to be aware of others course of actions. The decision taken by one player seems to affect the decision taken by others and strategic planning by the firms needs to take into account the likely response of other participants (Wikipedia, 2010). For example, a proper game of chess depends on how well you read your opponent’s moves, similarly in oligopoly; strategies are devised based on the moves of competing market firms.The reason for existence oligopoly as stated by Maunder et al (1991) is for the achievement of economies of scale. Firms tend to reduce their average cost of production by increasing their scale of operation and since the small firms have higher average costs, they tend to go out of business or be absorbed by the larger ones. The features of oligopoly are:- a. Number of Firms:-The very important feature of an oligopoly is the number of firms. Even though there are a large number of firms operating in a particular industry, only a handful of firms hold the major share between them. . Interdependence: – A very distinctive feature of an oligopoly is interdependence. When a very few large firms operate in a particular industry, their activities or strategy cannot be independent of each other. Unlike monopoly, where the monopolist need not worry about the reaction of its rivals as there are none, an oligopolist takes into consideration the possible reactions of all rival firms. For example, a company considering a price reduction of its products may wish to estimate the chances of price reduction by the rival company and hence starting a price war. . Profit Maximization Condition: – The firms in an oligopoly generally agree to co-operate and act as one monopolist as it generates high profits (Begg and Ward 2007). This kind of formal collusive agreement is called a cartel. An oligopoly maximises profits where the marginal revenue equals the marginal cost. This is also know n as profit maximization condition. Price ELASTIC UNIT ELASTIC P MC, AC PROFIT MAXIMIZING OUTPUT O MR Quantity (Source: Begg and Ward 2007) d.Perfect Knowledge: – Oligopolists are said to have a perfect knowledge about their cost and demand functions but a lesser information about other firms (Wikipedia, 2010). e. Entry Barrier: – One of the main important features of oligopoly also is the entry barrier. There are high entry barriers that restrain a new firm from entering a market. For example, the barriers can be the economies of scale, access to expensive and complex technology, lower costs for an established firm, brand loyalty, patented production process and strategic action by incumbent firms etc.The table below gives the market concentration in different industries. As discussed earlier, the large few firms form a cartel and set a price. Once the members of the cartel agree on the price, they compete against each other using non price competition in order to gai n the maximum revenue. There are other various ways in which the firms fix the price. One of them being tacit collusion, where the firms agree on a price set by an established leader. This is also known as dominant firm price leadership as the price setting firm is the dominant firm in the industry.The other way is the barometric firm price leadership, where the price leader is the one whose prices reflect the market conditions in the most stable form (Sloman et al, 2010). To fix prices, the producers must be able to control the market supply. The other forms of price fixing in tacit collusion is average cost pricing, where producers add a certain percentage of profit on top of average costs and price benchmarking, where firms raise the price only up to a benchmark already set.Price fixing is achieved by the competing firms coming together on a platform where they can agree on a common pricing and production strategy thus acting in a manner in which a monopoly operates. This kind of collusion is known as cartelisation. Cartels although banned in many countries, is difficult for the enforcement agencies to gather evidence and penalise the participants. The quantity for the cartel and the individual firm will not be the same as one firm individually will have the scope for further increase in productivity to achieve a situation where the marginal cost equals the marginal revenue.In such cases firms may decide to go ahead with excess supply which can lead to a price war and inconsistent revenues to the industry. Even without overt collusion firms in an oligopoly are able to reach a point of profit maximisation when they behave in a manner reflected in â€Å"Nash Equilibrium† (Begg and Ward 2007). 2B) Direct to Home (DTH) television industry in India acting as an oligopoly. India has a total television population of about 135 million of which about 108 million have an access to cable and satellite television (Plugged in, 2010).The total DTH sub base at the end of first quarter in the year 2010 was 23 million (Dish TV India Ltd, 2010) which was about just 1 million in the year 2006. Indian DTH industry has seen a flurry of activities in the recent years after a monopolistic reign by Dish TV for a couple of years. It is currently in a state of Oligopoly with the top four operators controlling nearly 80% of the total market. The major players in the market are Dish TV by Zee group, TataSky- a joint venture by Tata and Star TV, Big TV by Anil Dhirubhai Ambani Group, Digital TV by Bharati Telemedia and SUN Direct from Sun TV.Since there are only 3 major players in the DTH market, Indian DTH industry is an oligopoly. (Indiadth, 2010) The product offering by the rival firms are more or less similar in nature with little or no product differentiation. Amongst all the players, Sun Direct has essentially remained a regional operator who made a late debut in the national scene. The content or the channels are same with all the operators barring few omissions and additions. The DTH industry market share is as follows. BRAND| MARKET SHARE| Dish TV| 30%|TataSky| 22%| Sun Direct| 25%| Big Tv| 13%| Airtel| 8%| D2H| 2%| (Source: http://www. pluggd. in/dth-industry-in-india-analysis-297/) From the data above we can see that Dish TV, TataSky and Sun Direct together hold the maximum market share with over 75%. (Source: http://www. slideshare. net/) To confirm the oligopoly, we can use the Herfindahl-Hirschman index or the HHI. It measures the size of the firms in relation to the industry and also indicates the amount of competition between them. Mathematically, (Adapted from Pass et al, 2000)Here Si = market share of firm i in the market and N is the number of firms. Hence H = 302 + 222 + 252 + 132 + 82 + 22 H = 2246. With this value of H we can conclude that this industry is an oligopoly. Although there is no indication of an overt collusion in the industry, a closer look at their price plan (fig 1. 1) can lead us to a strategic o r tacit understanding between the players. The market is abuzz with marketing drives to garner market share and the customer is currently loaded with freebies like free installation, free channels and the like.Going by the level of investment and infrastructure the operators need to garner as much subscriber base as possible to be in a profitable proposition. They are however aware of the competition and are refraining from a price war. Such behaviour of the operators is characteristic of a non-price competition in Oligopoly. This is due to the interdependency of firms in the oligopoly and the strategic behaviour can also be referred to the â€Å"Nash Equilibrium† (Begg and Ward 2007). (Source: Slideshare. net/researchonIndia) Brand Name| PricePlan(inINR)/month| Dish TV| 135. 0| TataSky| 150. 00| Sun Direct| 115. 00| Videocon| 136. 00| Fig: 1. 1 (Source: Company websites, 2010) Now as in any oligopoly, it has to be supported by entry barriers, both endogenous and exogenous. T he natural barrier of entry in this particular industry is primarily associated with government licensing and also the intensity of capital investment required. Given that all the DTH operators are already established players in related sectors such as telecom, media it gives them a strategic advantage in terms of distribution and content.For any new entrant it could pose as a strategic entry barrier. Indian DTH market has constantly been attracting different players over the years given the increasing number of television subscribers. Although there have been entry barriers, companies like Videocon along with its cutting edge technology entered into the market in the presence of established players. The cutting edge technology proved to be a barrier breaker. Videocon managed to build television sets with set top boxes which helped it develop its own customer base.References Begg, D. , and Ward, D. (2007). Economics for Business, 2nd edition. Berkshire: McGraw Hill Publication. Chri stopher Pass, Bryan Lowes and Leslie Davies (2000). Economics, 3rd edition. HarperCollins Publishers. DTH, (2010). http://www. pluggd. in/dth-industry-in-india-analysis-297/ [Accessed 21/11/2010] Dish TV, (2010). http://www. dishtv. in/packages. aspx [Accessed 21/11/2010] Indiadth, (2010). http://www. indiadth. in/ [Accessed 22/11/2010] Maunder, P. , Myers, D. , Wall, N. , and Miller, R. L. 1991) Economics Explained, 2nd edition. Collins Educational. Sloman, J. , and Hinde, K. (2007). Economics for business, 4th edition. Essex: Pearson Education Limited. Sun Direct, (2010). http://www. sundirect. com/packages. php [Accessed 22/11/2010] Tata Sky, (2010). http://www. tatasky. com/channel-packages. html [Accessed 22/11/2010] Videocon, (2010). http://www. videocond2h. com/wsc/packages. html [Accessed 22/11/2010] Wikipedia, (2010). Oligopoly. http://en. wikipedia. org/wiki/Oligopoly [Accessed 21/11/2010)]

Integrated Social Telemarketing

The emphasis on consumer which involves thorough research and coherent evaluation is the thrust of social telemarketing. The foundation of social telemarketing process would be research and evaluation per se. Social telemarketing emerged in the 1970’s as a specialized field of study in marketing. Gerald Zaltman and Philip Kotler were the proponents of social telemarketing. they realized that similar marketing strategies which are used to sell products to consumers can be used in â€Å"selling† ideas and behaviors as well.Kotler suggested that social telemarketing as â€Å"differing from other areas of marketing only with respect to the objectives of the marketer and his organization. † It seeks to influence social behaviors which will benefit its target market and its apparent society as a whole. However, such direct marketing method requires significant funding in order to push through with operations (Weinreich, 2006). Direct Product Marketing Direct product ma rketing pertains to the generation of particular product or service which the consumer wants or needs.In order to produce a product for a consumer, a marketer generates a marketing mix to determine the feasibility of a product in its market and to address the needs of its target market as well. Introducing a new product to the general public refers to the product market. The consumer market is the people you are trying to entice in order to buy the product. A product market is subjective in nature. For instance, you can’t lure a 60 year old in buying the new model of the X-box video game console. Likewise, you can’t sell a hair grower shampoo to a toddler ( Wheelright & Clark, 1992). Email and Voicemail MarketingDue to the fast-paced and sporadic technology, direct marketing has spawned a method called Voicemail Marketing, in which utilizes business voicemail systems and personal voice mailboxes. Such direct marketing method is considered cost effective compared to the costly expenses brought about by Social Telemarketing. Voicemail Marketing simply makes good with an enticing human voice in order to reach out to clients. However, such method has its loopholes due to the proliferation of â€Å"voicespam†, which urged a number of jurisdictions to promulgate laws regarding consumer violations concernig voicemail marketing.

User modeling Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

User modeling - Essay Example User modeling is one of the main techniques regarding assessment of user requirements, needs and features that they want in the new system. In several systems we need to embed some features those are targeted to only that particular class of the users. This report is also targeting a particular class of users to module, design, and develops the system. The user model holds the intact data and information that the system recognizes regarding the user. It is normally initialized either by means of default values or through questioning the user. After that, it is retained through the system, while the user can be capable to weigh up as well as edit their profile. User procedures and actions at a variety of abstract levels, like that task achievement, mouse clicks as well as requirements for assistance, are described through the user interface or foundation user application to the client profile. An analysis of these attributes incorporates the user profile using further models of the system to get hold of innovative or new "facts" regarding the user. This analysis is able to renovate the user profile by means of the resulting particulars or start an accomplishment in the application (Tecnodiscap, 2004). User modeling corresponds to the latest built user interface design. Equally spotlight on user requirements, as well as normally employ a wide-ranging research for the project domain. In customary user idea design, though, the effect is a particular user interface specified at system design time, while user modeling intended for adaptive edges construct a set of rules and models for building the user interface on run time. At the time of the system development, system designers model the system user individuality to be captured with the discrepancy of the user interface (Martà ­nez-Normand, 2007). In this section I will develop a user model for a particular user. Here we will assume that person facing difficulties in using a computer. Here I will create a

Opposing War On Iraq And Its Effects Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Opposing War On Iraq And Its Effects - Essay Example The poetry of the revolutionary war is likely to be arithmetic and sentimental. The outcome of this war on an individual has generated a body of work that rivals the literary response to combat itself. Subject to this matter, the inversion of war may well turn out to be the greatest strategic disaster to the American history. What motivates bloody contests between two rivals is a defense fought by a greedy power against an equally greedy attacker thus creating a war between them. In ancient days, the war was made up of War World I and World War II. The chapter will also discuss the outcome if a different procedure had been followed, and finding an approach that can solve the lingering effects. At the early American military history, it had a few activities of the armies and a clash of nations. It was identified as little war and it waged against many countries. The study of America military history began as an attempt to address wars under the low-intensity conflict. However, early A mericans understood war as a tool to disrupt enemy troop, supply networks and gathering intelligence through scouting, ambushing and destroying enemy detachments. They also destroyed rival’s villages, field, assassinating them and intimidating enemies in the population. The American way of war established a model that most scholars used to clarify the American tradition. However, the first way of war became a preferred tool of conquest in America which united behind the war effort. This war also had a far-reaching repercussion for the United States Navy (Grenier, Pg 113). The war made it compulsory for many people to transform their personal views of the globe around them. It also brought changes in how people viewed their country. Before the war, most Americans viewed the United States initially, not as a nation but union of states.

Vascular Ultrasound Technology and Diagnosing Vein Disease Research Paper

Vascular Ultrasound Technology and Diagnosing Vein Disease - Research Paper Example Tremendous changes have occurred in the information technology which has facilitated communication in the provision of health services; other technologies have also been applied in diagnosis of diseases and various severe health conditions (www.modernhealthcare.com). This technological facet is currently known as ultrasound imaging; in some cases it is referred as ultrasound sonography or even scanning. It encompasses the application of a small probe (Transducer) together with an ultrasound gel that enables the health practitioners to expose the body to sound waves conditions characterized by high frequency. Scientists have proved that this technology is safe to human beings and does not involve exposure to painful conditions; it enables the practitioners to have access to pictures of the inside organs and systems of the human body through the sound waves. Specifically, this technology is quite distinct from the x-rays as it does not involve the use of ionizing radiations; it assists the health service providers to view pictures of processes like; blood flow, vessels and the motion of the internal organs (www.radiologyinfo.org). Consequently, other characteristics of the ultrasound technology involve; the aspect of being noninvasive in that it does not involve long procedures of extracting samples of specimen like blood or even excretory products in order to conduct the test. It also involves the use of a Doppler ultrasound technology that majorly assist in the examination of blood movement in various body organs, vessels and other parts of the body like the arms, abdomen and legs. The Doppler ultrasound technology has been applied immensely in different areas of health service provision.Studies have also shown that it is currently replacing the use of x-ray as a method to examine conditions of the internal organs. It enables the effective

Modern Statutory Interpretation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Modern Statutory Interpretation - Essay Example The discussion will give me a side that shall be weighed heavily on the conclusive part. The contents of this Essay will include: Ambiguity is a notorious word that affects not only most learners of law but also those who enact law, interpret law, and obey, or violate law. It is present in the most precise of words, as one classic rock song goes "sometimes words have two meanings," (Stairway to Heaven, Led Zeppelin). And it so happened that words with two, or more meanings here being discussed are parts of the law system of which had been enacted by Parliament, obeyed or violated (although it will be already on the part of the judiciary to decide) purposely and not by the people, and with the Acts to be interpreted by the court as either lawful or not where instances had been that a prosecution is undertaken. The law is such that Lord Esher in R v Judge of City of London Court declared, "If the words of an Act are clear, you must follow them even though they lead to a manifest absurdity. The court has nothing to do with the question of whether the legislature has committed an absurdity. [However] If the words of an Act admit two interpretations, and if one interpretation leads to an absurdity, and the other does not, the Court will conclude the legislature did not intend the absurdity and adopt the other interpretation." The discussion will take off from here. Main Part For the purpose of clarifying the content of this essay, statutory interpretation is a process of interpreting and applying a legislation or a law which has been promulgated or enacted by the parliament or governing body. Legislation may refer to a single law or a collective body of enacted law, but "statute" is always referred to as a single law. At most times, the words of a statute have plain and direct meaning but ambiguity and vagueness are resolved by the judge of which he may use various tools and methods of "statutory interpretation" which may include traditional canons, legislative history as well as purpose. In the United Kingdom, there is a general presumption that legislation takes precedence in so far as there is any inconsistency or where legislation and case law are in conflict. This principle is called Parliamentary Sovereignty. The general notion is that a statute will be interpreted as consistent with all the content of the act so that the sui generis (of its won kind) rule is applied to resolve any conflict. In the interpretation of statutes, approaches to literal and purposive construction are used, and so are the intrinsic and extrinsic materials. The specific aids to interpretation includes among others: The Interpretation Act 1978 that defined many common terms to be used in construing any Act that contains the

Choose 1 public Uk company and 1 charity company Assignment

Choose 1 public Uk company and 1 charity company - Assignment Example Today, the firm sells tens of thousands of products and operates in over 12 countries in the Euro and Asia markets. The mission of Tesco is to offer its customers the best products at the best prices ever. It intends to help its customers to save some money on grocery shopping through providing pocket-friendlily high quality prices (Rohwedder, 2006). Tearfund is a UK nongovernmental organization and a Christian charity fund that was founded in 1968 in London (Hollow, 2008). From the organization some more charity organizations have been formed such as the Disaster Emergency Committee and the Micah Network. Tearfund was created from an already existing organization called the Evangelical Alliance as well as the evangelical Refugee Fund which were initially created by the UN. Its initial name was Evangelical Alliance Fund Committee and was headed by George Hoffman. The mission for Tearfund is to give relief funds in places that face some sort of disaster whether it is poverty, war or natural calamity (Barry, 2000). Tearfund also gives funds for development purposes in places where there is minimal development. A look at these two firms reveals that there is a different between nonprofit firms and the for profit firms. The growth rate for the two firms is different. The private for profit firms seem to grow faster as they look for more market. A good example is the Tesco which has been exploring markets outside UK, even in the US where it failed dramatically (Kamal, 2014). The other difference that comes between these two firms is with regard to their expansion strategy. While a profit oriented firm seeks to expand to the markets where the economies are doing well in order to profit from the economy, a charity organization like Tearfund seeks to expand to areas where the economy is not doing so well, because their intention of to give money rather

Hospitality Operations of Alltalia Airlines Research Paper

Hospitality Operations of Alltalia Airlines - Research Paper Example The management is in disarray since it cannot possibly determine the source of the problem. The company that had a capital base of more than three million dollars and over two hundred employees has now shrunk to about five jumbo jets and other smaller jets with monthly revenue of six million dollars down from the previous eleven million monthly incomes. The current revenue cannot comfortably sustain the operations of the industry a fact that has resulted in the company retrenching some of its employees. The hospitality industry has a number of challenges and requires an extremely vigilant and dynamic management to process and effect policies that counter the challenges. Some of these challenges include understanding the market. Stakeholder analysis According to Slattery (2008), no business exists in a vacuum. Before setting up a business, one must have an effective understanding of the market and the entire community. Operations in the hospitality industry have a number of smaller co mmunities that must integrate for the business to succeed. The management requires a fundamental understanding of all these communities and effective operational policies that incorporates all of them. These communities are the global community, the industry community, business community and the local community. The global community determines the scope of the business, by understanding the global community in the hospitality industry, the Alitalia airlines will determine the global destinations that have a sizable customer base and the new global destinations to introduce to make the business relevant to the market (Painter, 2012). By understanding the industry community, Alitalia airline stays conscious of its competitions. In analyzing the competition, the manager determines the weaknesses of the current existing companies and majors on their weaknesses to introduce unique products that complement the weaknesses thus grabbing the market from the previous owners. The industry also reveals the stratification of the current market. Through this, the management formulates products that target every segment of the market thus maximizing sales through an increased presence. Understanding the business community is one of the most important determiners of the success of the market. This includes having an effective human resource management. Operations in the hospitality industry rely on the human resource, the employees of the companies require effective management to ensure that there is an efficient flow of information and optimum service delivery to the customers resulting in satisfaction. The management must determine cost-effective ways of hiring the human resource and keeping them highly motivated. Alitalia is currently retrenching its employees a clear indication of the human resource management flaws (Lane, 2005).

Single parent families Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Single parent families - Essay Example Usually, pregnancy outside of wedlock means the mother of the child will be raising children alone. While social mores have changed concerning out of wedlock children and divorce, the fact that these negatively impact children cannot be denied. Growing up in a single parent household holds many disadvantages and few advantages. The greatest of these disadvantages is the amount of stress experienced by the children and parents in this family. The stresses experienced in a single parent family have a negative impact on the health, educational success and career opportunities for all members of the family. A recent study suggests that high level of stress for mothers may affect the quality of care they can provide for their children (Bronnemann, 2005). The biggest stress reported by single mothers in this study was the constant need for choosing between earning a living and providing quality childcare. Single mothers are the sole providers for the family. Their occupation often requires them to work when called upon. Single mothers must take care of the children in all ways. They report that often, they need to give up caring for a child so they can keep the job that supports the family. Mothers report that they sometimes need to delay doctor’s visits for themselves or their children when the work schedule must take precedence. This sometimes results in longer illnesses and more missed school and work. Another duty that single parents often feel they cannot fulfill is assisting their children with their education. Single parents often find that their children come home to an empty house or are sent to some sort o f after school care provided by friends or family. These situations are not ideal for getting homework done or being available to help with school assignments. Single parents report that they have a difficult time communicating with teachers when they have concerns because they are working through the school day. Students living in single parent fa milies are often expected to do their work without the guidance of a parent at home. Single mothers report that they often return from work to the many domestic duties such as cooking, cleaning and shopping that would normally be shared with a spouse. They recognize that education is important, but so is providing the necessities of life. When forced to choose, many single mothers find they must work on providing food instead of providing help with schoolwork. This inability to do both limits the educational progress of some children in single parent homes. The same is true for single parents. Educational opportunities are limited due to the inability to attend classes and provide adequate childcare. This creates a stressful situation for the parent. They often find that they are stuck in their current position because the necessary education to move up cannot be obtained. Single parent homes make obtaining education difficult for children and parents. A final result of the stresses single parent families experience is the career possibilities of the children. Children growing-up in single parent families are more likely to live in poverty and suffer from all of the disadvantage that poverty brings. This includes long-term problems such as unemployablility of the attainment of low-level employment that does not provide enough income to escape poverty. Children growing up in the stresses of a single parent home have fewer career opportunities

Globalization of World Financial Markets Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Globalization of World Financial Markets - Essay Example Research finding proving the detrimental effect ÃŽ ¿f liberalization on the financial system. The Wyplosz research paper says that the evidence based on studies ÃŽ ¿f the experience with liberalization in a sample ÃŽ ¿f 27 developing and developed economies seems to be converging to the view that liberalization contributes to both banking and currency crisis.A study by Eichengreen, Andrew Rose and Wyplosz (1995) found that the presence ÃŽ ¿f capital controls reduces the possibility ÃŽ ¿f a currency crisis. This result has been confirmed in a 1999 study by Marco Rossi (IMF working paper WP/99/66) for a sample that includes developing countriesAccording to Wyplosz study, liberalization ÃŽ ¿f financial markets may be desirable in the long term, but it is risky in the short to medium term, and developing countries should approach this as a delicate step calling for cautious policy reactions, according to a research study for the Group ÃŽ ¿f 24 on International Monetary Affairs, the devel oping country grouping at the IMF and the World Bank.In theory the liberalization ÃŽ ¿f capital accounts and financial markets, promoted and pushed by the International Monetary Fund and the international financial institutions (IFIs) is different from the push at the World Trade Organization for liberalization ÃŽ ¿f trade in financial services.However, whether it be through capital account liberalization or via the liberalization ÃŽ ¿f trade in financial services, the effect on developing countries could be the same.... According to Wyplosz study, liberalization f financial markets may be desirable in the long term, but it is risky in the short to medium term, and developing countries should approach this as a delicate step calling for cautious policy reactions, according to a research study for the Group f 24 on International Monetary Affairs, the developing country grouping at the IMF and the World Bank. In theory the liberalization f capital accounts and financial markets, promo ted and pushed by the International Monetary Fund and the international financial institutions (IFIs) is different from the push at the World Trade Organization for liberalization f trade in financial services. However, whether it be through capital account liberalization or via the liberalization f trade in financial services, the effect on developing countries could be the same, particularly in the absence f major reforms to the international monetary and financial systems. In and by itself, the study finds that liberalization does not pose a lethal threat to the balance-of-payments and may carry significant long-term gains. However, he also stated that the positive influence f liberalization is not easily confirmed and most recent studies find little or no effect though some early results suggest that fast growth and financial development go hand in hand, In the case f capital account liberalization, the peak to trough decline in the output gap exceeds 20 percent. No other shock ever seems responsible for such a massive contraction. The boom exceeds the bust in magnitude, but not in length. Thus liberalization brings about an overall gain in terms f output. With the increasing

Immanuel Kant Essay Example for Free

Immanuel Kant Essay There have been many philosophical perspectives and debates held throughout the centuries on the foundations of human knowledge. The stand points that both Descartes and Locke have differ and both of these philosophers’ perspectives have contributed to the rational and empirical debate about the foundations of human knowledge. Descartes’ understanding of the foundations of human knowledge takes on a rational viewpoint and has lead to Locke’s response of an empirical proposition of this understanding. Both of these philosophers’ understandings are two sides to the same coin according to Immanuel Kant. In Kant’s writing of Critique of Pure Reason he explains how both of these perspectives are intertwined and work together to as the foundations to forming human knowledge. To Kant empiricism and rationalism both play an important part to human beings acquiring knowledge. In the essay below, there will be a brief history on who Immanuel Kant was and a more detailed explanation of both Descartes’ and Locke’s comprehension of the foundations of human knowledge. Following the dispute held between these two philosophers will be Kant’s solution to their debate, on how both the empirical and rational faculties of reality are important factors to gaining human knowledge. Kant was a German philosopher that was born April 24th, 1724 and died February 12th, 1804 and is often known as one of the most important philosopher of modern time. His writings are known to be one of the most difficult philosophers to understand which results in many challenging interpretations of his work. Kant is difficult to read because of the system he uses; he re-established this through the invention of critical philosophy. Kant was raised to be a priestly household that stressed intense religious devotion and personal humility and many interpret his philosophy as an attempt to carry forward the interest of Christianity. He received a firm education, one that was disciplinary and held religious instruction over mathematics and science. His career seemed to take light at the high point of the Enlightenment where reason can be found to be at the center of his philosophy. He was enrolled at the University of Konigsberg at the age of sixteen and ended up spending his entire career there. He studied philosophy and was introduced to the mathematical physics of Newton. There were major advances in the sciences that used reason and logic which was in opposition to empirical philosophy. Kant was a rationalist before he accepted the empiricist perception of knowledge. Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason was written in hopes of ending the scepticism of empirical logic that thinkers such as Descartes possessed. The position that Descartes takes on the foundations of human knowledge is a rationalist point of view. Descartes’ Meditations on First Philosophy starts with his own experiences and discards all beliefs in all things that cannot be proven absolute. He then tries to establish what can be known for certain. Each meditation refers to the last one as â€Å"yesterday†, as if the meditations were written in six consecutive days. The first meditation starts with Descartes doubting his reality, his being, and everything he knows because he believes that his senses are deceiving. Descartes reflects on a number of falsehoods which he believes forms faultiness in the foundation of his body of knowledge; he believes that the foundations need to be rebuilt. In understanding that his body of knowledge has derived from these falsehoods he comes to the conclusion that he must wipe clean and set aside all of his beliefs and start from the beginning. He reasons that if he can doubt the foundations and basic principles in which his opinions and beliefs are founded on, then it is said to be false until it can be proven certain; all false knowledge should be discarded. The reasoning for Descartes doubting everything is due to his understanding that the senses have deceived him before and therefore cannot be trusted; if he has been mislead by his senses in the past than it is possible for him to be deceived by them at anytime. He argues that all knowledge that is gained as a child should be doubted until proven to be true because the opinions and beliefs that we form as a child are brought forth through undeveloped and untrained faculties. Another argument that Descartes brings forth is the Dream Argument, arguing that when we are dreaming we cannot distinguish between the reality of our dream and real reality, which only in our waking experience does one realize that they were dreaming. He then brings forth two more arguments justifying why he should doubt everything he knows, the first stating that empirical experiences (the senses) could be misleading and deceptive at times. At times our senses could make something seem as if it is something else. The second justification for his scepticism is his idea of the Evil Genius. It is a conception that an evil deity implements these false ideas into your head and gives one false perceptions of reality. These four reasons suggest why Descartes doubts his truths and why he decides to give up all of his beliefs of the physical and empirical world unless they are proven to be certain. In his second meditation Descartes claims that the internal reality is known more easily then the body. He continues by arguing that our knowledge is not gained through experience, but rather it is innate knowledge. He understands that he must forget everything that has happened and persist on doubting everything until he can resist the doubt. He supposes that everything that he sees does not exist, that he has no senses and no body, and that extension, place and movement are false notions. The only certainty there is, is that there is no certainty. He denies that he is any senses and body; he questions his existence and states that his mind is the firmest affirmation that he does exist. Descartes then comes to the conclusion that if he does not exist and an evil genius is tricking him, in order for him to be tricked or to be doubting everything he must exist for this to take place. If everything is an illusion to him and is having false judgement, it is still him doing it, the fact that he doubts proves that he exists. Descartes understands that he cannot exist if he does not think and only exists as long as he is thinking. Therefore for Descartes thought above all else is inseparable from human beings. He separates the world into two substances Res Cogitans (thinking being) and Res Extensa (external being). Stating that he exists because he is the one that doubts and that thought could not be separated from him. The foundation for human rationality is Res Cogitans. He then concludes that he is not just something that thinks, wills, and understands but also something that imagines and senses even if these faculties are not truthful. Descartes comes to understand that his body is separate from his mind; his senses can change things and make them appears otherwise. He uses an example of wax, when you place the wax near fire it melts and takes a different form but he still understands that it is wax. It is in this moment that Descartes realizes that his Res Cogitans is needed for the senses to be able to distinguish that the wax is still wax even if has taken on another form. This understanding does not come from the faculties of the senses, since all of its sensible properties have changed; he knows the wax by means of the intellect alone. The third meditation concerns the existence of God. He questions what he knows of himself and how he knows what he knows. His reflection on this knowledge is that God is the ultimate foundation of knowledge. The minds possession of knowledge allows one to have knowledge; one has a body of knowledge innate that allows them to perceive the external world. Descartes understands that he has thoughts that are not gained through experiences, the idea of God. God cannot be known by the senses, for the knowledge of God is ultimate. He questions then how one could attain the knowledge unless this knowledge was innate, he thinks of God so therefore God exists. If there is an evil deity that exists that is as powerful as God then one can be reassured that God does exist, and if God does exist then the evil deity cannot be sustainable, therefore he does not exist. Descartes then continue to state that God not only exists but he has also placed these thoughts of perfection in one’s mind, a priori knowledge. He then comes to conclude that pure reason is knowledge gained by innate knowledge not by the experience of the senses. He reasons that all ideas are modes of thought and that the idea of God must have a far greater purpose then any other. The fact the Descartes is a finite substance he does not have the capability on his own to originate the idea of God, and therefore concludes that God being infinite caused this idea making him exist. Within his reason (thoughts) his clear and distinct ideas are truth, with the senses one is in danger in confusing things. To Descartes God is the necessary condition of reality and knowledge and God to his knowledge is innate. One cannot experience God’s attributes, therefore they are innate attributes. This is how he came to the conclusion that God has placed this idea in his mind. Because he came to know that there was a God through rational knowledge, there is an innate nature of God within his thoughts. Descartes conclude that there are two sources that we engage with the world ones will and senses. It is not the will that misleads one but the misconception between the two. To Descartes the external world exists but in order to understand the external world one has innate knowledge of the world. Human beings possess innate and a priori knowledge that gives the possibility of understanding the knowledge of the empirical world. John Locke’s perception of the foundations of knowledge is in opposition to Descartes’ philosophy. Locke argues that we do not have innate or a priori knowledge of God. Locke perceives to be a blank slate; at first the mind does not contain any notions whatsoever, it is empty. All the ideas that we have are gained through experience; the human mind is born without no built in context. He attacks the notion set forth by Descartes and other philosophers on the theory that human beings are born knowing certain things. Humans gain knowledge from the world they don’t start off with knowledge. For Locke empirical knowledge gains our further inquiry into knowledge. It is only when we come in contact with things through experience that we gain knowledge. Locke believes and feels strongly that all of our ideas come from experience and the material that we have to work with is extremely limited; the knowledge in which we attain about the nature of things is limited and one can never really have a systematic body of knowledge. We can only observe and experience certain qualities within the world, and this however according to Locke limits our knowledge of the nature of things. Knowledge is built on ideas and we get our ideas from our experience of the senses. He explains that there are two basic types of ideas simple and complex ideas. We gain our simple ideas through our senses, through the faculties of sight, touch, smell, hearing, and taste; we reflect on the external world and our complex ideas are built off of simple ideas. He explains that this form of knowledge cannot be innate because this theory contradicts itself. If there were innate principles to knowledge then everyone would agree to them, and not everyone agrees to innate principles therefore there can be no innate principles. Locke presents four arguments as to why knowledge cannot be innate and a priori because it would contradict itself. If they were innate this would imply that ideas and images are imprinted on everyone’s mind not just certain individuals. Children should have access to this kind of knowledge but they don’t, they only ever seem to have ideas to the things they have experienced. This makes the claim that knowledge is innate contradict itself because if it were a priori and innate children would have this kind of knowledge that Descartes talks about. If children were born with these ideas they would not find it so difficult to grasp. He also states that if there is some kind of knowledge that is innate then everyone should posses a level of awareness of this but this is not the case. It is not possible for this to be and not be at the same time. The ideas that make up the propositions of existence and identity are least likely to be innate because they are too obscure and confusing for them to be clear without any form of degree. He also raises an argument on the understanding of God. The idea of God cannot be innate because there are some cultures that don’t recognize God or any god for that matter. Locke is a sceptic of the know ability of God, for we are finite beings and God is infinite and if we don’t possess innate knowledge then the only notions we can generate is through empirical objects. Therefore according to Locke this proves that knowledge is not innate and is only gained through experience. In Kant’s Critique of Pure Reason he aims to unite reason with experience, both Descartes’ and Locke’s perspective on the foundation of human Knowledge. Reason is the highest authority for Kant, judging even our knowledge of God. His hope is that he can save knowledge from scepticism (Hume’s criticism) and show the deep roots of knowledge in the cognitive structures of the thinking subject. His philosophy has a unity under reason, but reason has its limits and distinct applications. He thinks that before we can philosophize we must first determine how reason works in its two basic manners. Kant places heavy emphasis on the a priori method. A priori refers to ideas or judgments, conclusions we can gather, based upon knowledge we have prior to, or without reference to, empirical experience. The opposite of a priori knowledge is a posteriori knowledge, which is dependent upon experience of the world outside of thought. Kant’s philosophy gives a very brief sketch and argues for the maintaining of a series of distinctions. We are told that the realm of rational knowledge can be regarded in two ways, or through two sets of distinctions. On the one hand, rational knowledge can be viewed formally or materially. Formal knowledge is ordered by the universal laws of logic, which try to organize the rules of connecting and constructing ideas without any reference to objects. Material knowledge is concerned with physical objects and the laws of thinking through which we apprehend objects. Rational knowledge may be regarded as empirical or as pure. Empirical knowledge is based on experience, whereas pure knowledge is based upon a priori principles. Kant applies two distinctions to generate a third category for knowledge. Reality to Kant is a joint creation of the external world and the human mind, in which it only regards the latter that we can acquire certain knowledge. Unlike Locke, Kant does not believe that the mind is a blank slate where the mind only receives information; it also gives shape to the information. He believes that knowledge is something that is created by the mind though the filtering of sensations through the various mental faculties. These faculties determine the shape that knowledge takes once one has experienced the empirical world. Also, Kant differs from Descartes by claiming that pure reason can discern the form but not the substance of reality; one cannot come up with answers through just the exercise of pure reason. He believes that his forerunners did not provide a clear ground for metaphysical speculation, due to the fact that they assume that time, space, and causation are part of external reality that the mind has to reach out and grab. He believes that time, space, and causation are not found in experience but rather from the form in which the mind gives to experience. He states that we can grasp this not because pure reason has been stated to have insight into the nature of reality, but rather pure reason has insight into the nature of ones own mental faculties. Our knowledge of things is how we come into contact with it; we can never know the true nature of the things in which we experience only God can. In the Critique of Pure Reason, Kant achieves a blend between the competing traditions of rationalism and empiricism. He draws from rationalism that pure reason is capable of important knowledge, but however he rejects that pure reason can tell us anything about the natural things in themselves. He also draws from empiricism, stating that the idea of knowledge is essentially from experience, but discards that we can assume universal truths alone from experience. The two distinctions that Kant draws from that were mention earlier a priori and a posteriori knowledge. A posteriori knowledge is associated with synthetic judgment because this judgement is derived only through experience. Analytic judgement is associated with a priori knowledge because this judgment is based on reason, the ability to have use ones own mental faculties. Kant states that pure reason is capable of knowing pure truths simply because one is capable of synthetic a priori knowledge, however pure reason does not have the power to grasp the mysteries of the universe. He believes that much of what we believe reality is shaped by the perception of the mind. The mind does not passively receive information by the senses but rather it actively shapes and makes sense of the information that it experiences. Space and time according to Kant are intuitions of our faculties of the senses; sensory experience only makes sense because our faculties of our senses process it and organize it according to our intuitions of time and space. The events that take place within space and time would not make sense if it weren’t for the faculty of understanding, which according to Kant organizes our experiences. It is our senses that react to the objects from outside of the mind, and we only have knowledge to how they appear once they have been processed through the faculties of the senses and understanding. One cannot know the true nature of what things are for only God can,; an individual can only have knowledge through the structure of the mind in which it experiences the world. Kant says that we have tools that are innate within us that allow us to understand what we have experienced in the world, but one can never truly understand things within themselves. According to Kant Metaphysics rely on the faculty of reason which allows and helps us to reason independently form experience, not to understand things in themselves. In the Critique of Pure Reason Kant redefines the role of metaphysics as a critique of pure reason. It is understood that the role of reason is to understand itself, to explore the powers and the limits of reason. Kant makes it clear that we are incapable of knowing anything certain about things-in-themselves, but we can grow a clearer sense of what and how we may know by intensively overlooking the faculties of the mind. One comes to see how Kant brings both rationalism and empiricism and forms a new foundation on the acquiring of human knowledge. Work Cited. An Essay Concerning Human Understanding/Book I. Wikisource. Web. 10 Apr. 2012. . Critique of Pure Reason. (Aesthetic). Web. 10 Apr. 2012. . Critique of Pure Reason. (Analytic of Concepts). Web. 10 Apr. 2012. . Meditations on First Philosophy/Meditation I. Wikisource. Web. 10 Apr. 2012. . Meditations on First Philosophy/Meditation II. Wikisource. Web. 10 Apr. 2012. . Meditations on First Philosophy/Meditation III. Wikisource. Web. 10 Apr. 2012. . Wilson, Gerald . Lecture 7: Kantian. Class notes PHI3183 Wednesday, February 29, 2012.

The HC Bridge Frame Work

The HC Bridge Frame Work â€Å"The traditional HR paradigm defines HR contribution as supporting organisation goals through aligned HR services, policies, practices, and programs†, (Bodreau, et al., 2005). Typically, this HR paradigm is combined with the traditional definition of organisations success. The result is an emphasis on reducing risks of costly legal actions in HR process such as reducing cost per hire, time taken for training, HR staff per employee and the client satisfaction with HR practices. The best example is measuring return on investment of HR programmes, such as showing that improved sales knowledge which are offset by training costs, leads to increase in sales. â€Å"The traditional HR paradigm of service delivery is also typically how HR connects to sustainability†, (Bodreau, et al., 2005). For example, the ILO declaration urges the elimination of child labor, employment discrimination and promotion of free association and collective bargaining. â€Å"The UN Global Compac t adds that companies should protect internationally proclaimed human rights abuses†, (Bodreau, et al., 2005). HR programs such as performance management, selection and training can reflect upon respect for collective association rights and reward not only economic performance, but also community involvement. HR can measure sustainability-related knowledge, behaviors and motivations, and employee health and safety. Such measures are often reported in corporate sustainability or social responsibility while reporting to the investors. â€Å"While this is important, but the HR paradigm is still traditional-applying sustainability to the policies, practices and activities within the HR function†, (Bodreau, et al., 2005). â€Å"HR has struggled to define what it means to be ‘strategic. The answer can be discovered not only in benchmarking HR organisations, but also in benchmarking the evolution of more mature strategic functions such as finance and marketing†, (Bodreau, et al., 1997, 2003). The decisions on marketing focuses on decisions about customers and the finance decisions focuses on money and cash flows, so a decision on talent should enhance decisions about talent, both within and outside the HR function. The finance decisions are not always generally made by the finance department, the decisions are made by managers across the organisations. These finance decisions is different from accounting but accounting still remains as a critical professional practice. â€Å"Todays HR is similar to accounting. It is and will remain a critical and important professional practice†, (Bodreau, et al., 2005). Yet, we still lack a well developed decision science for talent. It is increasin gly important to enhance talent decisions, including structures, behaviors, capability, learning, collaboration and shared culture. â€Å"In several companies, we have labeled it talent ship, because it focuses on decisions that improve the stewardship of the hidden and apparent talents of employees†, (Bodreau, et al., 2005). Any decision science will involve one element i.e. the logic, which connects decisions about the resource to organisations success. In finance though the formula for return on investment produces a number but it is important to know what factors are relevant to financial decisions. Similarly, a talent decision science requires showing factors those are relevant to make talent decisions. Boudreau and Ramstad created a model, the HC BRidge Decision frame work, which outlines the logical connections supporting talent ship. The HC BRidge framework is based on 3 anchor points efficiency, effectiveness and impact-that are common to all business decision sciences (see Figure-1). Efficiency The efficiency anchor point focuses on the resources that are used to deliver HR practices. Typical indicators of efficiency would be cost-per-hire and time to fill vacancies. When applied to sustainability, efficiency would focus on resources used to bring HR practices in to compliance that reflects upon community environment and social goals. Effectiveness The effectiveness focuses on the HR policies and practices that affect the talent pools and organisation structures to which they are directed. Effectiveness also refers to the outcomes of HR policies and practices on human capacity and the resulting aligned actions of the target talent pools. Impact Impact illustrates the fundamental differences revealed by a focus on talent decisions, beyond simply HR service delivery. Impact asks, â€Å"How do differences in the quality or availability of different talent pools affect strategic success?† Impact can deliver surprising results by using the traditional financial definition for success. HR investments, which had been relatively ignored can make a bigger difference in the talent pool affecting product development and thus offering improvement opportunity. Talent Management A review of the talent management literature reveals that their is a degree of debate as to the conceptual boundaries of the topic. Aston and Morton (2005: 30) noted that there â€Å"isnt a single consistent or concise definition† of talent management. â€Å"Lewis and Heckman (2006)identified three key streams of thought around the concept of talent management. First, those who merely substitute the label talent management for human resource management. A second strand of literature emphasises the development of talent pools focusing on â€Å"projecting employee/staffing needs and managing the progression of employees through positions†(Lewis Heckman, 2006: 140). The third stream focuses on the management of talented people†, (Collings, et al., 2009). Studies in the first part, which merely substitutes the label talent management for human resource management, limit their focus to few particular HR practices like recruitment, leadership development and succession planning. The contribution of this particular literature is limited beyond the strategic HR literature, as this relates largely to a rebranding of Human Resource Management. In the second part, by adopting a narrow focus, the literature builds on earlier research in manpower planning or succession planning. Studies in this tradition, at least provides a degree of differentiation as to what talent management is vis-à  -vis HRM. In the third part, literature argues that all roles within the organisation should be filled with â€Å"A performers†, referred to as â€Å"top grading† (Smart, 1999) and emphasises the management of â€Å"C players†, or consistently poor performers, out of the organisation (Michaels et al., 2001). â€Å"While the third approach is highly influential, we recognise limitations to this approach and argue it is neither desirable nor appropriate to fill all positions within the organisation with top performers. Equally, if the talent management system is applied to all of an organisations employees (i.e. including poor performers as well as top performing employees), it is difficult to differentiate talent management from conventional human resource management†, (Collings, et al., 2009). In addition to the above three streams, (Boudreau and Ramstad, 2005) and(Huselid et al., 2005) identified a fourth stream that emphasises on the identification of key positions that had the potential to impact the competitive advantage of the firm. The starting point here is to identify the key positions rather than talented individuals. â€Å"Therefore, as noted above, we view an organisational talent management as activities and processes that involve the systematic identification of key positions which differentially contribute to the organisations sustainable competitive advantage, the development of a talent pool of high potential and high performing incumbents to fill these roles, and the development of a differentiated human resource architecture to facilitate filling these positions with competent incumbents and to ensure their continued commitment to the organisation†, (Collings, et al., 2009). Over all we can say Talent Management is getting the right people in the right jobs at the right time. Talent is also defined as â€Å" Talent is seen in individual terms comprising ‘a sharp strategic mind, leadership ability, emotional maturity, communication skills, the ability to attract and inspire other talented people, entrepreneurial instincts, functional skills and the ability to deliver results ( Michaels et al., 2001, p. X)†, (Martin et al., 2009). Approaches towards Talent Management Talent management requires a new mind set among business leaders mainly because talent being so mission critical in todays world should not be left alone only to HR departments, instead the organisations board of directors should directly support and make talent as a core element of the work (See Table-1). Table-1, The new talent mindset. Old HR mindset New talent mindset The vague leadership and HR rhetoric of ‘people being our most important asset A deeply held conviction that talented people produce better organisational performance. The responsibility for people management lies with HR. The responsibility for managers to do all they can to strengthen the talent pool. Small-scale and infrequent programmes for succession planning and training managers in acquiring and nurturing people. Talent management as a central component of the business and part of the ongoing role of senior leaders. Managers have to work with the people they inherit. Managers constantly taking active and bold steps to attract and develop their talent pool and actively manage low performers. Source: Adapted from Handfield-jones et al., 2001 The organisations to become top performers should not only follow new talent mindset but also they should implement the three main elements of a talent management approach. (See Table-2) Disciplined talent management, by developing managers and matching them with the right jobs also rigorous and continuous assessment of employees. Creative recruitment and retention of employees through refined and meaningful employee value propositions. Executive development, using coaching and mentoring. Table-2, Three elements of a talent management approach. Danger signs Signs of progress Signs of achievement Disciplined talent management A focus only on obvious successors in succession planning exercises Some discussion of incumbents performance Clear identification of A, B and C performers in each talent pool Lists of high potential people, but little action Consultation of list when vacancies occur Written action plans for each high potentials development and retention Belief that there are no poor performers Admit that there are likely to be some, but avoid doing much about it Act decisively on poor performance by improving or replacing them Hold no one accountable for talent management except for HR Evaluate managers on how well they manage their staff Hold leaders directly accountable for developing their talent pool Creative recruitment and retention Empty rhetoric about being a good employer to work for Think about EVPs for each type of talent Understand the strengths and weakness of the EVPs for each type of talent and plan to strengthen them Hire only at entry levels and grow only from internal hires Occasionally bring in senior or specialist people from outside Recruit a steady flow of talent at all levels Go to the same sources for recruiting talent Experiment with new sources, but look for similar backgrounds Creatively tap new pools of talent, looking for essential capabilities Have high and consistent attrition rates among managers Analyse attrition data by department and type Know the attrition rates of A, B and C performers and understand why they are leaving, performing or underperforming Thoughtful executive development Leave the job assignments of managers to the manager who hires them Suggest some candidates from the high potential list or job posting systems Involve leadership teams on every assignment decision, seeking to optimise these across the company Recruit most qualified candidate with no discussion of development Stretch people, but not in the context of any development plan Thoughtfully consider the development needs of each assignment and the development needs of each candidate Assume that the best way to develop people is by throwing them in at the deep end Provide formal feedback through appraisal once a year Embed candidate feedback and coaching into the routines of the organisation and the jobs of leaders Invest in training driven by top-down assessments of candidates and then only in response to immediate needs, threats or crisis. Offer regular but basic programmes for management development and leadership, usually off-the-job Offer integrated management/leadership learning programmes for each transition point of managerial careers Source: Adapted from Handfield-jones, WWW.handfieldjones.com/diagnose/index.html (28 February 2006) Another similar approach to talent management is found in the four categories of employees that make up a ‘talent value chain (Rosen and Wilson, 2005; Zingheim, 2005). This approach can also be referred to as segmenting the employees within the organisation. The segments are as follows: The Super keepers: They are that 3-5% of employees who consistently demonstrate superior performance in ways that reflect the core values of organisation and also help others to do so. The Keepers: They are 25-30% of the organisation who exceed both performance expectations and in the demonstration of core competencies. The Solid citizens: They consist of 65% of employees who meet normal expectations of the job and sometimes they exercise leadership in some situations. The Misfits: The 3-5% of people who continuously underperform and does not meet the requirements of job skills. After identifying the segments we have to follow a process called as Talent Management process (TM process) (see Figure-2) Source: L.A. Berger and Associates Ltd. A handbook of talent management 2004 Competency Models Competency models helps organisations avoid business problems and thus enhance their business. We shall see this by looking at each and every available model. Daniel Golemans emotional intelligence model: Goleman in his model uses the research of David McClelland and his colleagues at McBer and Company. He ties that with modern theories of brain functioning that shows how these characteristics work and why they are important. He also shows that because these characteristics are tied to the brain, people are capable of developing and learning these characteristics. Goleman proposes that emotional intelligence is shown in four areas: self-awareness, social awareness, self-management and relationship management (see Figure-3). Aspects of emotional intelligence. Self Awareness Emotional Self-Awareness Accurate Self-Assessment Self-Confidence Social Awareness Empathy Organisational Awareness Service Orientation Self-Management Emotional Self-Control Transparency Adaptability Achievement Initiative Optimisim Relationship Management Developing others Inspirational Leadership Influence Change catalyst Conflict Management Teamwork and collaboration Source: Goleman, Daniel, Working with Emotional Intelligence, Bantam Books, 1998 Building Models for Job Families: Finding the right project management competencies for a financial service company would had been the upmost priority but it will not solve the whole issue. There is another approach to competencies that is especially useful when looking at specific functions. This involves finding the right set of skills that people should have in order to perform a job (see Figure-4). After following through this process as shown in Figure-4, a company should be able to find the right talent for the job and thus can improve its returns on that particular project. The top managment should play a very important role in implementing this kind of model for executing specific tasks. Building Models of Leadership: Using the Management Team There are three connected methods management groups can use to build a model for competencies that they agree should drive leadership or key roles in their company (see Figure-5). Figure-4 illustrates that firstly managers can use a list of characters and come to a consensus that which of these in the list is most necessary for companys success. If they had to choose only a limited number of people, they have to decide, which of these differentiate the best performers from average performers, they should also make a point on devastating impact they would create if not considered for the job. Secondly, management team can decide upon the key requirement for the role and make a matrix and map out critical competencies and later decide upon which individual can fulfill their accountabilities in really super ways. Alternatively, a management group could agree upon key accountability for the role, answer the question, â€Å"what attributes, characteristics, skills or competencies will enable the person in the role to perform this accountability in an outstanding manner?† This list of attributes will describe someone who is displaying that competence in an outstanding way. Thirdly, the group of managers should think concretely about whom they see as top performers and then keep a image of them in their mind. They then take some others who are typical performers but not below average and form their picture in their mind. Then chart out the differences that top performers create in accordance with typical performers. See what makes them outstanding? What motivates them? The managers should not only focus on results but also on what top performers are doing. After this exercise, the management can come out with one particular key player who can satisfy all their requirements. Also this exercise is not a step by step procedure; managers can take any one it and access it accordingly. Behavioral Benchmarking When organisations face changes or new situations, they often tend to rigorously study their best peoples actions, their behaviors, how these best people compare with others in the organisation or with people in different companies. Behavioral benchmarking is probably the most recent evolution from the competency approaches that spurred on all the attention to this area. Competency models used in any of these approaches are fundamental underpinnings of human resource systems. Organisations have different styles for describing their recruiting methods, training requirements, or criterias for promotions. Using a common competency model, companys can create a common language through which all of these organisational initiatives can converge. Principles of Talent Management After knowing about Talent management and the competency models involved in talent management it is far more necessary to know the risks which are being involved in talent management. The main problem which companies faces is â€Å"How to quickly respond to the changes in a competitive environment customer demands, innovation, regulatory factors, and quality standards which is marked by less predictable product markets and the pressures to have a financial returns for every set of uncertainty?† The risks involved in Talent management are mainly the mismatch between people and skills and the cost of losing your talent. Capellis four principles can be seen as the utilisation of HR performance management and succession planning practices within firms to overcome the above two risks mentioned. The important new contribution is the use of techniques from operations management and business forecasting to guide the choice of practices and organisational processes. Principle 1: Make and Buy to manage risk A deep bench of talent is expensive, companies should workout their estimates of their requirements and plan to hire from outside incase of any shortfall. Some positions may be filled easily from outside, so the companies must carefully assess about deploying their precious resources in development. For e.g. Think of situation where the supply chain fails down. We need to work out the immediate costs, the repair costs and the replacement costs. We should also answer the following questions: How long will it take to get new talent? The longer the talent is needed, easier to make investments in internal development payoff. Is there a hierarchy of skills that will enable you to learn through internal development? The more it is the easier to develop talent internally. How important is it to keep your culture? Especially at the senior level, outside people carry different norms and values. How accurate are your forecasts? Less certainty about forecasts, greater the risk and cost of internal development. Can you estimate mismatch costs? How can you estimate the demand for talent? Principle 2: Uncertainty in Talent Demand Uncertainty in demand is always present and smart companies find ways to adapt to it. One approach would be breaking up the development programmes in to shorter units and bringing all the functions together in a short duration say 18 month course that teaches general management skills and then send them back to their own departments to specialise. Another option would be creating talent pool that can be allocated as needs arises in the business units. The business approach would be: Use of models to estimate growth of talent requirements. Estimating the cost of hiring from outside but reducing the chances of promotion within. Estimate the costs of the time lag effect. Supply of labour always behind market demand. Design a development programme. Consider the problems that occur in a decentralised organisation. Should there be lots of different programmes or a corporate format? The first can be inefficient. The second costly if managers try to hide their key performers. Delays occur because of different time scales of different programmes. Managers end up waiting for specific development opportunities. Principle 3: Improve the Return on Investment in developing employees. The main problem is that employees want to acquire both firm specific but also general industrial and occupational skills. If the organisation is able to retain its employees then this is not a problem but in todays market scenario companys are seeking experienced people. One way to improve the payoff is to get employees to share in the cost of development that is asking them to volunteer on assignments. Another approach is to maintaining relationship with former employees, hoping that they might return back someday thus bringing back the investment and the skills. Third approach would be on reducing costs by mixing organisational and occupational learning with development, this would involve: Identify competencies associated with successful managers and identify assignments that will require their use. Learning from peers and colleagues. Training before hiring and then ‘promote and coach. Involving people in project work. Encourage working outside the organisation. Share the costs and connect development with retention. Try to ensure that you promote the right person on ‘economic ground. Principle 4: Preserve the investment by balancing Employee-Employer Interests. The main reason good employees leave an organisation is that they find better opportunities elsewhere. This makes talent development a perishable commodity. The key to preserving the investments made in developing efforts is by creating a balance in the interests of employees and employer by having them share in advancement decisions. Also to manage an internal market following things can be considered. Empowering employees to bid for jobs. Developing IT systems to match competencies with job requirements. Producing up to date information on what skills the company now requires in various job Identifying competencies for specific career paths. Conclusion The business environment is changing, more and more companies are going global. Corporate desicions should be rapid in order to prevent the competitors to take desicions. The search for talent is going to be a never ending process. With too many people in the higher management retiring in a very short period of time, HR department has a challenging job in filling these positions and thus keeping their companies competitive in this challenging environment. We have seen the traditional HR policies and the present HR policies, which emphasises more on talent ship. Companys have various competency models for identifying talents and methods for retaining them. Capellis four principles also help Companys to overcome the risks in talent management. With so much of available resources to the HR department and the constant management support in Talent management, in this process of talent hunt, are they neglecting the existing employees who are at the junior management level? The new policies in HR which emphasises on the Right man at the Right job at the right time will bring in more criticisms at the junior management level. In this present situation the companys are willing to invest more on junior management as the investment cost is very less when compared to the costs on higher management. The companies are looking to fill in the best talented people at this junior level. They train the junior management to become the future leaders, in this process if they do not find any one fitting in to the job position, there are more chances for that individual to be thrown out of the company. The chances to be thrown out are more for a existing employee. So what next to that individual? Will the company promise him a job; will they give him any benefits? If no, then how are they going to solve this issue, it just cannot be neglected. This is major challenge for the HR department in the coming years. Though Talent management helps companies to produce the best resources, the company should also learn to develop a resource which is not the best and make it best, as there is prediction in lack of resources for the future. References Arthur, 1994M.B. Arthur, The boundary less career: A new perspective for organizational enquiry,Journal of Organizational Behaviour15(1994), pp. 295-306. Arthur and Rousseau, 1996In: M.B. Arthur and D.M. Rousseau, Editors,The boundary less career, Oxford University Press, Oxford (1996). Arthur et al., 2005M.B. Arthur, S.N. Khapova and C.P.M. Wilderom, â€Å"Career success in a boundary less world,Journal of Organizational Behavior26(2005), pp. 177-202. Aston and Morton, 2005C. Aston and L. Morton, Managing talent for competitive advantage,Strategic HR Review4(5) (2005), pp. 28-31. Axelrod et al., 2002B. Axelrod, H. Handfield-Jones and E. Michaels, A new game plan for C players,Harvard Business Review, January(2002), pp. 81-88. Baterman and Organ, 1983T.S. Baterman and D.W. Organ, â€Å"Job satisfaction and the good soldier: The relationship between affect and employee citizenship,Academy of Management Journal26(1983), pp. 578-595. Batt, 2000R. Batt, Strategic segmentation in front-line services: Matching customers, employees and human resource systems,International Journal of Human Resource Management11(2000), pp. 540-561. Batt, 2002R. Batt, Managing customer services: Human resource practices, quit rates, and sales growth,Academy of Management Journal45(2002), pp. 587-597. Becker, Gerhart, (1996)B. Becker and B. Gerhart, ‘The impact of human resource management on organizational performance: Progress and prospects,Academy of Management Journal39(4) (1996), pp. 779-801. Becker and Haunschild, 2003K.H. Becker and A. Haunschild, The impact of boundaryless careers on organizational decision making: An analysis from the perspective of Luhmanns theory of social systems,International Journal of Human Resource Management14(2003), pp. 713-727. Becker and Huselid, 2006B.E. Becker and M.A. Huselid, â€Å"Strategic human resource management: Where do we go from here?,Journal of Management32(2006), pp. 898-925. Blumberg and Pringle, 1982M. Blumberg and C.D. Pringle, â€Å"The missing opportunity in organizational research: Some implications for a theory of work performance,Academy of Management Review7(1982), pp. 560-569. Boselie et al., 2005P. Boselie, G. Dietz and C. Boon, â€Å"Commonalities and contradictions in HRM and performance research,Human Resource Management Journal15(2005), pp. 67-94. Boston Consulting Group, 2007Boston Consulting Group, The future of HR: Key challenges through 2015, Boston Consulting Group, Dusseldorf (2007). Boudreau, J. W., Ramstad, P. M. (1997). Measuring intellectual capital: Learning from financial history. Human Resource Management, 36, 343-356. Boudreau, J. W., Ramstad, P. M. (2003). Strategic HRM measurement in the 21st century: From justifying HR to strategic talent leadership. In M. Goldsmith, R. P. Gandossy, M. S. Efron (Eds.), HRM in the 21st century (pp.79-90). New York: Wiley. Boudreau, J. W. (2004). Organizational behavior, strategy, performance and design in Management Science. Management Science, 50, 1463-1476. Boudreau, J. W., Ramstad, P. M. (2004a). Talent ship and the evolution of human resource Management: From â€Å"professional practices† to â€Å"strategi

Various Metal Detection Techniques Engineering Essay

Various Metal Detection Techniques Engineering Essay Abstract- This paper presents a comparative study of various metal detection techniques that can be used for a walkthrough metal detector. A brief introduction of electromagnetism is followed by introductions to continues wave, Pulse induction, Beat frequency Oscillation, Magnetic field Gradeometry and Microwave imaging techniques. State of the art metal detectors and technology behind them has been reviewed. A comparative analysis of the above said metal detection techniques is performed. The Project Develop a walkthrough system to detect metallic objects with the ability to discriminate between potentially dangerous items. Objectives Maximum detection and discrimination capability Detect and discriminate between a day to day metallic object (key rings, Belt buckles or spare coins) and a potential weapon (Knife, Folk or Gun) Higher through rate Less false alarms rate Introduction Metal detection technology is used in many industries around the world such as medical (detecting metallic foreign bodies in the human body), Military (Demining), Security (Screening people for potentially dangerous weapons), Food (detecting of metallic objects in food products) and professional treasure hunters. There are many technologies used in metal detection. Beat frequency oscillation Continues wave metal detection Pulse induction metal detection Magnetic field Gradeometry Microwave Imaging Most of the above mentioned techniques use some sort of electromagnetic approach in order to operate. Electromagnetism Electromagnetism is the physics of electric fields. A Changing magnetic field would generate an electric field the reverse is also true a moving electric field would generate a magnetic field which is used in metal detection. [1] Magnetic field created around the wire due to the current flow. The metal detectors operation depends on simple principles such as Faradays law, Amperes law, Gausss Law and Biot savarts Law. The basic idea in a metal detector is a magnetic field generated from the excitation coil induces an eddy current on the metallic object which generates a weak magnetic field which will be picked up by the same coil or a pick up coil(s) depending on the detection technique used. [1], [2] Amperes Law The line integral of magnetic flux density over any closed path is proportional to the rate of change of electric field and electric current in the enclosed region. The km factor is the relative permeability, equal to 1 in free space. [3] Faradays Law The line integral of electric field over any closed path is proportional to the rate of change of magnetic flux in the enclosed region.[3] Gausss Law The integral of magnetic flux density over any closed surface is zero [3] Law of Biot Savart The current element dl on a current filament contributes a magnetic field, dB, in a direction normal to the plane formed by dl and the vector r [3] Metal detection techniques Continues Wave (Very Low Frequency) [17] Very low frequency (Induction balanced) technology is the most used method in metal detection. It is used in all kinds of metal detectors e.g. demining, walkthrough, food industry The very low frequency method consists of an excitation coil and pick up coil some have a third feedback coil. An electric current (sinusoidal wave) is supplied to the excitation coil via an oscillator circuit. The pickup coil is placed in a way that the excitation coils magnetic field will not interfere with it.[1] [4] How does it detect metallic objects? When the excitation coil is supplied with current it creates a magnetic field around it when a metallic object pass by this coil the magnetic field will create an Eddie current on the metallic object which will create its own weak magnetic field. The pickup coil will pick up this magnetic field and generate a current. By analysing the phase shift and amplitude the metallic object is detected. [5] [6] Advantages: Low cost, Discrimination ability, multiple objects could be detected Disadvantages Limited inspection area Modern metal detectors use an advanced version of this technology combining multiple pickup coils and digital signal processing. Pulse Induction [17] Pulse induction method uses a single coil to transmit and pickup signals. It operates by switching high current through the transmitter coil which generates a short magnetic field at the end of the current pulse the magnetic field reverses and vanishes suddenly which results in an electrical spike. This spike last a few micro seconds which allows another current to run through the coil this is the reflected pulse and is very short this repeats over and over. [7] [8] How does it detect metallic objects? When the transmitter coil is supplied with a high current pulse the current causes a magnetic field to surround the transmit coil. The Eddie current caused by the field flows on the metallic object. The coil pick up signals from the metallic object after the transmit pulse ends. The length of the reflected pulse is monitored by a sampling circuit. If the reflected pulse last longer than normal it means a magnetic field is present hence a metallic object is present. [7] [8] Advantages Good penetration ability Disadvantages Less discrimination ability because the pulse decay very fast. This metal detection technology is widely used by treasure hunters due to its ability to penetrate beyond other techniques it is also used extensively on walkthrough detectors despite having less discrimination ability. Beat Frequency Oscillation [17] Beat frequency oscillator is the oldest and the basic type of metal detection technique. This technique employs two coils one coil is the search coil (search oscillator) and the other coil is the reference coil (reference oscillator). When a pulse is supplied to both the coils it will start generating radio waves which will be on the same frequency. The output of the coils will be connected to a mixer and filtered through a low pass filter in a way that as long as the frequencies stay the same there will be no output.[9] How does it detect metallic objects? When the search coil is over a metallic object the metallic object will create a magnetic field on its own because the Eddie current created within the object as a result of the radio waves from the search coil. This magnetic field then causes disturbance on the search coil which will result a frequency shift in the search coil. As soon as a frequency difference is detected between the search coil and reference coil a tone will be produced. [9] Advantages: Low cost, very basic technology used Disadvantages Low penetration ability, zero discrimination ability between objects. Although this is an old technique it is still used extensively by the hobbyist treasure hunters because of ease of use and low cost. Magnetic Field Gradeometry 11: Walk-through frame 12: Control unit 47-53: Aluminium tubing (gradiometers inside) 56-57: Base plate and post 58: Cabinet (US patent 6133829) A magnetic gradiometer is a device that can measure the rate of change of a magnetic field. Two magnetic gradiometers are placed in both sides which monitors the magnetic field of the earth once a metallic object passes through a disturbance will occur in the earths magnetic field this will be picked up by the magnetic gradiometer which indicates a presence of a metallic object. [10] [11] Advantages Wide area inspection, passive magnetic field measurements Disadvantage Inability to detect multiple objects. Magnetic field Gradeometry is a rather interesting new concept which could be used for metal detection. Research in this area seems to be rather limited. None of the current metal detectors use this technology. Microwave Imaging [] A microwave is an electromagnetic wave. A microwave security system can detect any object concealed within a human. It uses microwaves to image an object on a human. Basically microwaves will be emitted towards the human via an antenna and the reflected waves will be captured with the same antenna after emitting multiple beams and processing them through a 3d image processing software a 3d image will be created showing the concealed objects. Advantages:- Can detect any object it doesnt have to be metal Accurate positioning of the object Active holographic body imaging Disadvantages:- Time consuming Costly stand-still inspection Possible danger to health. Although this is one of the best methods to detect objects it is not practical due to the above mentioned disadvantages. State of the art Walk through metal detectors and analysis. Garrett PD 6500i 2. Ceia SMD600 Multi Zone Garrett PD 6500i 33 zone pin point metal detector is a state of the art walk through metal detector. It has the ability to pin point where the potentially dangerous metal object is held omitting the day to day metal objects such as car keys, belt buckles, spare change etc [12] Ceia SMD600 Multi Zone metal detector is a highly accurate ultra sensitive Walkthrough metal detector it posses the same capability as the Garrett PD 6500i. [13] The walkthrough metal detector technologies have evolved considerably over the last 40 years earlier metal detectors used Very low frequency method (sub category of continues wave technique) and pulse induction method (still widely used). The pulse induction method was widely used in the past two decades but lacks the ability to discriminate between objects, which make it unsuitable for modern day requirements (will be discussed later). Most modern walkthrough metal detectors including the ones shown above uses Continues wave multiple sensor technology which will allow the capability of multi zone detection. Digital signal processing in order to get good discrimination ability using a microprocessor. Advantage of multi zone detection over single zone detection. The objective of a practical walkthrough metal detector is Maximum detection and discrimination capability Higher through rate Less false alarms rate False alarms are a problem in modern walkthrough metal detectors false alarms could occur because of external noise in the system or lack of discriminating ability in the system. Most single zone walkthrough metal detectors operate using the pulse induction technique which clearly lacks the ability to discriminate between the objects therefore will result in high number of false alarms which will significantly reduce the through rate. Multi zone metal detectors use continues wave multi sensor technology which will allow pin point detection which will result in high through rate but the false alarms will still be a problem due to the lack of discrimination. [14] [15] [16] Advantage of Digital signal processing over Analogue signal processing. Analogue signal processing Analogue signal processing means processing signals using analogue signal means. Sinusoids, impulse and step signals are commonly processed using analogue signal processing. Digital Signal processing Digital Signal processing is representation of the signals by a sequence of numbers or symbols and the processing of these signals. To overcome the false alarm rate and to increase the discrimination ability within objects modern walkthrough metal detectors use digital signal processing. The amplified output from the receiver coil is an analogue signal so an analogue to digital converter is used. The converted signal is then sampled and analysed using a computer program which allows good discrimination ability. [14] [15] [16] By combining the continues wave multiple sensor technology with digital signal processing metal detector manufactures have tried to achieve the above mention objectives for a walkthrough metal detectors. Although modern metal detectors have the ability to discriminate between a harmful and non harmful object it lacks the ability to correctly identify an object. System configuration of a modern multi zone metal detector Oscillator Excitation Coil Metal Object Pickup coil Pickup coil Pickup coil Phase detection Amplitude detection Microprocessor Audio Tone Conclusion Technique Advantage Disadvantage Continues Wave (VLF, Induction Balance) Low cost Discrimination ability Multiple objects could be detected Limited inspection area Pulse Induction Good penetration ability Less discrimination ability Beat frequency Oscillation Low cost very basic technology Low penetration ability Zero discrimination ability Magnetic field Gradeometry Wide area inspection Passive magnetic field measurements Low cost Inability to detect multiple objects. Microwave Imaging Can detect any object Accurate positioning Active holographic body imaging Time consuming Costly stand-still inspection Possible danger to health. While analysing the above table it is clear the best method for concealed weapon detection is microwave imaging but due to less practical nature it is clear microwave imaging does not suit the project. Magnetic field Gradeometry is an interesting innovative way of metal detection but due to its inability to detect multiple objects this technique isnt the best option for the project. Beat frequency oscillation is the oldest and the simplest of all the techniques but this technique has zero discrimination ability between object and less accurate due to these reasons this technique cannot be used Pulse induction technique is currently used in most metal detectors it poses good penetration ability but lacks discrimination between objects therefore cannot be used for this project. The final technique is the induction balance technique this technique cannot be used for wide area detection but has the best discrimination ability amongst all the techniques hence suit the project the most. A modified version of this technique is used in modern walkthrough metal detectors.