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Research, the Belief Engine and the Internet, 2008.
An analysis of the human belief engine and the Internet as viable research tools.
2,596 words (approx. 10.4 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 126.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses how it is almost impossible in today's age to trust any form of research implicitly. However, it is part of human nature to gather information as a form of research, connect it with our preexisting ideals, thoughts, and memories, and then form beliefs based on this new perception or "knowledge". There are, however, some forms of research that are generally considered more "true" or reasonable than others. It contends that although the Internet is becoming increasingly acceptable as a research domain, users must be intelligent and skeptical when deciding upon the reliability of Internet research.
Outline
Abstract
Introduction: The Belief Engine
Units of Belief
Belief and Research
Research on the Internet
Conclusion
From the Paper
"The Internet is also a forum where bad research can be particularly harmful because a number of Internet "hoaxsters" deliberately plant wrong information which can appear quite respectable or even scientific at first glance. Many websites post hoaxes about famous people, politics, productions or organizations - sometimes in the sake of satire or humour, but other times simply to be misleading. There are also a number of "mirror websites" designed to deceive users into believing they have accessed a real, reputable site; the "mirror" site design can be so believable that many users have trouble determining its fakeness (Internet Detective, 2006). The Internet also publishes a lot of urban legends (incorrect stories or rumours that are presented as truth), scams, frauds, and Hate sites that perpetuate malicious, untrue information about an organization, person, religion, or political viewpoint (ibid). "
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Community Relationships and the Internet, 2008.
A look at the growing use of the Internet and its potential dangers.
1,245 words (approx. 5.0 pages), 6 sources, APA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the growth of the Internet as a means of mass communication. The paper notes that, as the Internet has developed over the years, more services have been added and users can access huge amounts of information. The author also describes the concerns that are emerging today as to its potential to reduce social interaction and isolate users from the community.
From the Paper
"From the beginning of the Internet as a means of mass communication, critics have seen this development as having the potential to reduce social interaction and isolate users from the community. As more and more types of service are added to the Internet, these concerns have only increased. However, at the same time, the Internet has developed its own sense of community, though certainly this is a community with minimal personal interaction, leaving open the question of how damaging a shift from a face-to-face community to an online community may be.
"Kraut (1998), a professor of social psychology at Carnegie Mellon University, conducted a study and found that the Internet was dangerous to one's social and psychological well being (Plotnikoff, 2001, paras. 1-11)). Tranvik (2001) addresses a the key question when he asks about the new technologies, "will they cause unimaginable levels of social isolation, or will they bring a new society with a friendlier face" (Tranvik, 2001, para. 1). The fear has been that they will bring more isolation, though many users believe they interact more with others online than they do in life. Cyberspace most certainly does constitute a new community to which virtually anyone may belong, and how helpful or harmful this may be will be clear in time."
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Prosthetics and Bionics, 2008.
This paper discusses developments in prosthetic technology and bionics.
730 words (approx. 2.9 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper defines bionics as a cutting-edge joining of biology and electronics. The paper describes how organic structures or functions are replaced with electronic or mechanical ones. The paper demonstrates how bionic prosthetics have emerged in numerous real-world applications and practical examples.
From the Paper
"Prosthetic technology has advanced enough in recent years that it can be legitimately referred to as bionics. Bionics can be best thought of as a cutting-edge joining of biology and electronics. Organic structures or functions are replaced or substituted with electronic or mechanical ones (Rockets, 2006). This can be done in order to compensate for a physical deficiency--such as an amputation--or even to augment existing abilities--such as providing enhanced strength. By and large, however, research into the practical applications of bionics has been limited to hospitals and universities where the focus is compensation for physical maladies."
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The Culture of Terrorism, 2008.
An analysis of how the culture of terrorism is used by the United States government and corporations to control politics and resources.
1,713 words (approx. 6.9 pages), 18 sources, APA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper argues that the attacks of 9/11 were the catalysts of a world culture of terrorism that is used by propaganda and censorship to blur the politics of globalization and technology and to restructure a totalitarian society. It describes the correlation between censorship and propaganda. The paper suggests that the culture of terrorism is the pretext for government and corporation control of politics and resources, including the Internet.
From the Paper
"The immense profits generated by globalization dovetail neatly with military and industrial expansion in the name of democracy and the War on Terror, and they keep the population surfeited with a plethora of goods. Globalization is the direct outgrowth of the remnants of 19th century capitalism which was stuck in the nation-state, piece-meal ideology. It is insufficient to power the new global economy because "capitalism needs to fight for its legitimacy all the time" (Glasbeek, 2002); that is not profit, it is more profit through deregulation and the flattening of global dominance, the branding of "us" [U.S.]" (Klein, 2000, p.31) on the planet."
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Urbanization and Community, 2008.
An analysis of the history of urbanization and the changing meaning of community within today's technological world.
1,524 words (approx. 6.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 81.95
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Abstract
This paper explores the historical meaning of community in reference to social network theory. It discusses this theory as the determinant of a new type of community in the urban technological world. The paper analyzes the history of population shifts and urbanization. It also looks at Aristotle's views of what makes up a community and the social reality of a new community developing in the information age of technology.
From the Paper
"Castells "network society" accurately reflects the social reality of a new community developing in the information age of technology. Simple facts such as those in the UCLA Internet Report (2000) (Hampton 110,) show that the use of technology does not have to mean an inversion of human interactions to a gesellshaft society. Early urbanization spawned the devastatingly anti-social realities of disease, poverty, and squalor as much as it provided the new opportunities it offered. Urbanization in the network society" can actually, not just virtually, realize as Aristotle desired, "the goodness of city" (Stalley 104) perhaps better than society has ever known."
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Workplace Writing, 2008.
This paper presents a review of the article "Writing on the Front Line: A Study of Workplace Writing" by Mark Mabrito.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
The paper examines how Mark Mabrito's article "Writing on the Front Line: A Study of Workplace Writing" discusses the need for supervisors who do not have a college education to do an increasing amount of business writing in today's technological work environment. The writer discusses how Mabrito identified challenges that supervisors are facing, indicating a need for them to receive more training in writing. The writer argues that this is a useful article, given that it is topical, highlights a serious problem and that it signposts ways to deal with the problem.
From the Paper
"Mabrito addresses four primary research questions, which he expresses clearly at the beginning of the article. These four questions are essentially when, what, why, and what are the challenges. In other words, how frequently do supervisors write, what kinds of documents do they write, what is the purpose or function of these documents, and what challenges do they report in carrying out these writing functions?"
"To answer these questions, Mabrito utilized a questionnaire, interviews, and an analysis of 246 documents, in order to gain information from 60 supervisors in similar jobs. He reports that most supervisors write for between eight and 14 hours a week; and that most of them have little or no training for writing. He also reports on the kinds of writing these supervisors do, dividing this into two categories: downward and upward communication, depending on whether the supervisor is writing to superiors or subordinates. He also subdivides these two categories into further categories, such as memos, grievance reports, and incident reports. In this way, he anchors his research firmly to the practical realties of the work place."
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"The Emergence of the Global Mind", 2008.
A critique of Dr. James Canton's "When The Network Wakes Up: The Emergence of the Global Mind" using the works of James Mander and Neil Postman.
1,660 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 4 sources, MLA, AU$ 86.95
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Abstract
This paper examines "When The Network Wakes Up: The Emergence of the Global Mind" by Dr. James Canton which offers an optimistic, utopian view of the future for humans and computer technology. The paper presents a justification of his argument and then critiques the work using aphorisms by James Mander and Neil Postman. The paper includes Canton's source article at the end.
Table of Contents:
Summary of Strong Example of Utopian Writing
Justification/Qualification
Critique Using Required Mander Aphorism
Critique Using Chosen Mander Aphorism
Critique Using Required Postman Aphorism
Critique Using Chosen Postman Aphorism
Significance of Assessment
From the Paper
"Postman's fifth idea, that "media tend to become mythic" is demonstrated by Canton's missive. Canton reveres technology so much that he elevates it to a God-like status. This is a dangerous assumption, as it allows for the ruling of technology over man and society. The very point of society, some may argue, is that it is human in nature - not computerized! One must remember that "technology is as a stranger intruder, to remember that technology is not part of God's plan but a product of human creativity and hubris, and that its capacity for good or evil rests entirely on human awareness of what it does for us and to us" (Postman). Canton ironically even chooses his words in an unconscious manner demonstrating his God-like reverence of the Global Mind, amusingly referring to it as "he or she". He speaks too of "the next generation of intelligent life forms" which will be immature if they are "based on the current evolution of humanity." Canton makes technology of the future so grossly God-like that he assumes it will be building our successors!"
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The Strategic Defense Initiative, 2008.
An analysis of the failings of the strategic defense initiative and the promises for absolute security in the U.S.
2,749 words (approx. 11.0 pages), 15 sources, MLA, AU$ 132.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the mythical proportions of the strategic defense initiative (SDI). It discusses the promises of technology and absolute security and how the SDI failed on both counts. The paper analyzes why the mythical promise of the SDI allowed the U.S. to believe that threats to its own security could be surmounted and controlled and then describes the problems with this promise.
From the Paper
"In other words, Reagan's dream of an absolutely defended nation endures because the value of the SDI and its successors has almost nothing to do with their ability to deliver on their respective promises of security. It is enough that they can lay claim to those promises, that they can presume to provide the myth of security via technology. Without understanding the feasibility of such a system or the science (or lack thereof) behind it, the U.S. has allowed the SDI to persist for more than twenty years because it fulfills a need in the hearts of the people and its leaders. It allows us to believe that sometime soon, maybe this year or the next, we will be able to create a foolproof technological wonder that will absolutely protect the nation and its citizens from threat of attack or danger of death or destruction. As threats to the United States and its interests seem to crop up on a daily basis, it is no wonder that many in the government, military, and in the nation have embraced tightly the vision of an absolutely protected nation safeguarded under a missile shield."
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Einstein as an Icon, 2008.
This paper discusses why Einstein became a cultural icon in the 20th century.
3,500 words (approx. 14.0 pages), 9 sources, MLA, AU$ 158.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that in the late 17th Century, Sir Isaac Newton, one of the greatest geniuses of all time, ushered in the age of enlightenment with his scientific work and methods. As the years went on after that, humanity's hopes were dashed, as it became apparent that human intellect could not compensate for, or prevent, man's inhumanity to man. By the early 20th century, people were witnessing the first great world war, and many must have despaired. However, the writer points out that Albert Einstein, a man whose stature rivaled that of Newton, bought renewed hope in that troubled century. Indeed, Einstein personified the human intelligence and achievement that transformed the earth in the 20th century. In this century, humans went from foot or horse-drawn transportation to cars, trains, airplanes and space flight. People became supermen and superwomen, thanks to the ability of the human brain to make massive technological advances. The writer maintains that of all people in that century - and the competition was certainly strong - Einstein most of all personified human genius.
From the Paper
"Einstein was thus perfectly placed to become the icon of human achievement in the 20th century. On a more negative note, this was also the century when the atomic bomb was invented and deployed - and this meant that humanity discovered it not only had the capacity to perfect the planet, but it also had the capacity to destroy the planet. The atomic bomb was made possible by the Einstein scientific discoveries in the fields of what has come to be known as Newtonian physics. Yet despite Einstein's key role in developing this horrific weapon, and the fact that he has been dead for more than 50 years, he is still remembered by many with reverence and love as a cultural icon, such that his face is almost as familiar as Ronald McDonald's. How can we account for this?"
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The SNOW Website, 2008.
A critical review of the Canadian SNOW website.
1,069 words (approx. 4.3 pages), 1 source, MLA, AU$ 60.95
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Abstract
The paper looks at the resources that the SNOW website offers, the format of the site, as well as its shortcomings. The paper also discusses how the writer can apply what she learned from this web site in her own education and training. The writer concludes that despite minor shortcomings and some isolated errors, this is an excellent web site which she plans to use extensively in the future.
From the Paper
"The format of the web site is three-column, continuous run-on (rather than discrete pages). The narrow left-hand column is a Menu that provides links to a wealth of useful resources. For example, it offers links to Ideas and Innovations. Unlike with some other sites, one is not then led to useless information, or broken links. Instead, one goes directly to a page on which there really are useful Ideas and Innovations. This is the kind of feature I would definitely use to keep my classes interesting."
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IT for Strategic Advantage, 2007.
A discussion of an IT program in the form of a customer relationship management (CRM) solution in a corporate environment.
1,489 words (approx. 6.0 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 79.95
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Abstract
This paper examines an information technology process in the form of a customer relationship management (CRM) solution within the enterprise setting. It explains that deploying such an IT centric CRM solution provides a firm, that successfully deploys this strategy, a competitive advantage over its competitors in the marketplace. The paper also notes that the CRM solution is most often found to be contained within an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution which relies on a centralized database, an integrated network, and transparency across the system in terms of data and information. In conclusion, the paper shows that CRM, if implemented and managed properly can provide an organization with competitive advantage through increased customer satisfaction metrics as well as increased revenues due to more effective use of customer data that is already collected.
Outline:
Abstract
Overview
Solution Characteristics
Industry Application
System Requirements
Costs
Personnel & Training Requirements
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Customer relationship management (CRM) is more than just saying hello to customers at the door or on a corporate website.
Some researchers define CRM as: "a business strategy to select and manage customers to optimize long-term value. CRM requires a customer-centric business philosophy and culture to support effective marketing, sales, and service processes" (Turban, 2006, p.550). This definition captures the holistic approach to CRM that other methods and applications in the past have failed; that is, while many applications have excelled at capturing customer information, for example, these never have enhanced customer experience in a meaningful way where IT enabled CRM solutions have."
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Microsoft Word and PowerPoint, 2008.
This paper discusses training sessions regarding Microsoft Word and PowerPoint.
750 words (approx. 3.0 pages), 3 sources, APA, AU$ 42.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer looks at two training sessions attended by the writer which offered insights into how best to apply Microsoft Word and PowerPoint applications. The writer focuses attention on Microsoft Word's business templates application and its flash spring application for PowerPoint presentations. The paper outlines the highlights of the sessions and the benefits resulting from each one. In addition, the writer looks at the shortcomings of each session.
Outline:
Abstract
Introduction
Microsoft Word Training Session
PowerPoint Training Session
From the Paper
"The highlights of the Microsoft training session involving its business templates application really clustered around gaining a familiarity for each of the different templates and when they should be used. Moreover, knowing that templates could be customized was a blessing, as well. Additionally, the comprehensive, two-hour-and-thirty-minute online session this writer was fortunate enough to sit in gave students the tools needed to distinguish between global templates and document templates; how to save a document as a template; how to set up and use workgroup templates; and - lastly - how to quickly find the location of templates on one's computer. Suffice it to say, all of these learning steps were highlights and it is difficult to separate one from the other; though, once again, simply gaining a confidence and familiarity with the various templates was an enormously rewarding experience."
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Technocracy or Democracy?, 2008.
This paper explores politics of technology and culture in the 21st century.
1,267 words (approx. 5.1 pages), 7 sources, MLA, AU$ 68.95
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Abstract
The paper discusses the emerging information age of global capitalism and multinational corporations and questions how the architectural code of cyberspace will be regulated. The paper defines democracy and technocracy, open source and closed source systems and explains this conflict over the control of resources.
From the Paper
""Democracy" literally means "people rule". In the sharing of computer programming, it is defined as "Free software...that users have the freedom to distribute and change. [They] will no longer be at the mercy of one programmer or company which owns the sources" (Stallman, 2006, p.8). This "open source...shareware software development community [is opposed to] the restrictive practices of the highly competitive software developers" (Rushkoff, 2003, p.56). They want to move the control of software out of the hands of "locked down" (Rushkoff, 2003, p.56) private proprietors by making these products accessible to the public domain sharing "a freedom of competition" (Lessig, 2000, p.11) that is not restricted by the artificial, arbitrary aggrandizement of oligarchic corporations."
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IT Departmental Accountability, 2008.
This paper discusses IT departmental accountability, while studying the financial services company, Gary Financial (GF).
1,168 words (approx. 4.7 pages), 2 sources, MLA, AU$ 65.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that Gary Financial's (GF) executive management, led by its CEO, has recently reorganized and, while it has established benchmarks and procedures to ensure operation accountability for all of its departments except for its IT department, IT remains a puzzle as to how to effectively monitor. The writer then analyzes the company with regards to its IT department. The writer concludes that there is full and complete accountability in the IT department because it no longer functions at the periphery of the organization as a kind of grand wizard that controls the success of the other departments, but is itself immune to criticism and oversight. The writer explains that the IT department is tasked with ensuring that the IT related and IT dependent tools that each department and especially sales and marketing uses, are the most optimum devices that they can be because the IT department is partially responsible for sales and marketing's overall performance as well as its own functional performance.
Outline:
Overview
Situational Assessment
GAP Analysis
Present State
Future State
Action Plan
Establishing Metrics
Conclusion
From the Paper
"While the IT dashboard system is effective and necessary, it must have an IT component integrated into each department's dashboard, not just a separate dashboard that IT operates for itself. By inserting a separate set of IT metrics in each department's individual dashboard, the IT department's operational accountability is placed at the forefront of the company's business operations. This leaves little doubt about where executive leadership has placed its primary strategic focus since the CEO has tasked IT with engendering its sales and marketing activity. This added IT metric within the dashboard of each department also ensures that each department, no matter its function, has an increased stake in the overall results of IT's individual efforts. Additionally, GF must install and integrate a robust database which is maintained by IT but to which all departments can access and by which all departments can essentially gauge the effectiveness of IT's daily efforts."
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Identity-Based Information Systems, 2008.
This paper discusses the risks of identity-based information systems.
2,672 words (approx. 10.7 pages), 10 sources, APA, AU$ 129.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer notes that modern technology has brought many wonderful innovations to our society, but it has also given rise to some new threats. The writer discusses that we are surrounded by identity-based information systems and dataveillance and argues that identity-based information systems pose serious risks to individual Canadians. While the writer concedes there are some advantages, the key problem is that they have become such an inextricable part of our economy and society that one cannot hope to adequately protect oneself against them - although there are some steps one can take to attempt to protect oneself. The writer argues that although there are some measures for protection in place, more are needed. This paper is written from a personal point of view. The writer also details the specific nature of the material discussed in each source.
From the Paper
"Other institutions do not set out to use information to search for new customers, but they nevertheless collect information, often for security reasons. An example is that of the CIBC, one of Canada's biggest and most trusted banks. In 2004, the Privacy Commissioner had occasion to sternly criticize CIBC, after it was learned that the bank had been accidentally faxing confidential information to a scrap yard in West Virginia - for three years! At the time, the bank promised to tighten up security, so the Canadian public might have felt that their information is now safe with CIBC. But events of the past week have shown that this is not the case. CIBC announced on the 18th January 2007 that it had lost a file that contains personal details of almost half a million clients - those who held investment accounts with Talvest Mutual Funds, a fund under the management of CIBC Asset Management. This file went missing in December, but CIBC clients were only notified in mid-January - according to CIBC, this ignorance was in their best interests. Yet the misplaced information includes these clients' names, addresses, signatures, dates of birth, bank account numbers and social insurance numbers - more than enough to be used by other people to steal their identity, and then fraudulently enter into financial transactions."
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The Changing Meaning of Community, 2008.
An analysis of the effect of virtual communities on the meaning and definition of traditional communities.
1,701 words (approx. 6.8 pages), 7 sources, APA, AU$ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper discusses the changing meaning and nature of community. It particularly focuses on the effect that virtual communities are having on our traditional concept of community. The paper defines community and discusses the complexities of community. It then looks at the example of communities in Toronto. Lastly, the paper defines and analyzes virtual communities and looks at their advantages and disadvantages.
From the Paper
"The overall argument appears to be balanced because Native communities in remote areas of Canada are using the Internet. Furthermore, they are receiving support from all over Canada and other countries in their land claims and demands for self-government. The Internet is also creating new virtual communities in countries such as Nigeria and Mexico which are learning to use the technology to overcome their poverty. Inequality and the rise of urban societies have damaged community. Globalization in particular has created far worse social and economic inequality than has ever been experienced before. The Internet has the potential to create a new type of community, although there are new challenges at the present time than ever before (Hiller, 2005). This is because the Internet has the possibility of giving rise to interactions that never were possible in the urban environment. Community depends most of all on interests, and the Internet has been able to create new interests as well as new types of connections that were not available in the past. As Peck (1987) pointed out, the future of community and especially for virtual communities depends on how seriously we take the concept of community. Related to that, the priorities for the future have to be such goals as commitment, freedom, equality, and concern for authentic community."
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