First and Second Triumvirates of Rome

First and Second Triumvirates of Rome A triumvirate is an arrangement of government wherein three individuals share the most noteworthy political force. The term began in Rome during the last breakdown of the republic; it actually implies the standard of three men (tresâ viri). The individuals from a triumvirate could possibly be chosen and might possibly manage as per existing lawful standards. The First Triumvirate A union of Julius Caesar, Pompey (Pompeius Magnus) and Marcus Licinius Crassusâ ruled Rome from 60 BCE to 54 BCE. These three men solidified force in the melting away long periods of Republican Rome. In spite of the fact that Rome had extended a long ways past focal Italy, its political organizations set up when Rome was only one all the more little city-state among others neglected to keep pace. In fact, Rome was still only a city on the Tiber River, represented by a Senate; common governors to a great extent administered outside of Italy and with hardly any exemptions, the individuals of the areas did not have a similar poise and rights that Romans (i.e., individuals who lived in Rome) delighted in. For a century before the First Triumvirate, the republic was shaken by slave revolts, pressure from Gallic clans toward the north, defilement in the areas and common wars. Influential men more remarkable than the Senate, now and again sometimes practiced casual authority with the dividers of Rome. Against that setting, Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus adjusted to bring request out of turmoil yet the request kept going a meager six years. The three men controlled until 54 BCE. In 53, Crassus was executed and by 48, Caesar crushed Pompey at Pharsalus and administered alone until his death in the Senate in 44. The Second Triumvirate The Second Triumvirate comprised of Octavian (Augustus), Marcus Aemilius Lepidus and Mark Antony. The Second Triumvirate was an official body made in 43 B.C., known as Triumviri Rei Publicae Constituendae Consulari Potestate. Consular force was relegated to the three men. Normally, there were just two chosen delegates. The triumvirate, notwithstanding a five-year term limit, was recharged for a subsequent term. The Second Triumvirate contrasted from the first to the extent that it was a lawful substance unequivocally supported by the Senate, not a private understanding among strongmen. Be that as it may, the Second endured a similar destiny as the First: Internal squabbling and envy prompted its debilitating and breakdown. First to fall was Lepidus. After a strategic maneuver against Octavian, he was deprived of the entirety of his workplaces aside from for Pontifex Maximusâ in 36 and later expelled to a remote island. Antony having lived since 40 with Cleopatra of Egypt and becoming progressively disconnected from the force governmental issues of Rome was unequivocally crushed in 31 at the Battle of Actium and from there on ended it all with Cleopatra in 30. By 27, Octavian had retitled himself Augustus, adequately turning into the principal head of Rome. In spite of the fact that Augustus paid specific consideration to utilize the language of the republic, in this way keeping up a fiction of republicanism well into the first and second hundreds of years CE, the intensity of the Senate and its emissaries had been broken and the Roman Empire started its about half-thousand years of impact over the Meditteranean world.

English Language and Tourist Satisfaction

English Language and Tourist Satisfaction The travel industry over the most recent two decades grew fundamentally in Malaysia. Malaysia has gotten 24.6 million vacationers from everywhere throughout the world in the year 2010, (Datuk Seri Dr Ng Yen, Tourism Minister of Malaysia) and in a report led by WTO, Kuala Lumpur( the capital city of Malaysia), was among the main 10 Most visited urban communities by number of universal guests in 2010. All nations are searching for approaches to draw in more visitors. Along these lines, traveler fulfillment has been a need subject of research as of late. Understanding what drives fulfillment for a traveler is one of the most pertinent territories of research (Prebensen, 2006), as fulfilled visitors will in general transmit their positive encounters to other people and to rehash their visit (Alã ©n, Rodrã ­guez Fraiz, 2007) In spite of the fact that there are numerous meanings of fulfillment, Reichel (1978) characterizes traveler fulfillment as the aftereffect of examination between a voyagers involvement with the goal visited and the assumption regarding the goal. As per Feng (2007) ), fulfillment is one of the most significant factors while breaking down traveler conduct, as it impacts the decision of goal, the utilization of items and administrations, and the choice to return. Numerous elements are engaged with creation of a nation a visitor favored goal. Both the administration and the private divisions must work inseparably. The individuals in the bleeding edge must be equipped for causing the guests to feel that they have picked the correct excursion goal. In this way the accentuation on language capability is justifiable. Language not exclusively is a methods for building up a correspondence yet in addition is an instrument for encouraging connections. There are in any event 1400 million individuals who live in nations that English has an official status, so it isn't astounding that one out of five part of the number of inhabitants on the planet communicate in English at the degree of ability and the rest are still sought after of learning this language ( David Graddol, 1997) As per Malaysias Government official site, 54366 guests showed up from Europe from January to September 2011, 14725 guests from North America and 21445 guests from Oceania (Australia-New Zealand). The majority of these voyagers native language is English and there are Asian and African visitors, who perceive English as the Language of the world. In the event that these visitors can impart in their mom language or whatever other language which has more utilization, they can feel comfortable in those goal nations. It gives them certainty and causes them to feel safe, bringing about expanded degrees of fulfillment. 1.1 Statement of the issue As it referenced, a significant segment in the travel industry is voyagers fulfillment. The degree of visitors fulfillment assumes a famous job in advancing the picture of the nation as a top the travel industry spot. Numerous examines uncovers that the degree of visitor fulfillment with a specific outing is the consequence of various elements (Peter Olson, 1996) which are for the most part surveyed as an examination between the vacationers view of the items and administrations he gets and the desires created previously and during his excursion (Barsky Labagh, 1992). The Hotel Industry involves a significant piece of the Tourism industry.The cordiality industry has a principle objective which is: to give necessarry or wanted items and administrations to travelers.Tourists don't simply want the offices and attractions. They need to be dealt with right and well. That is the reason a decent order of English language is constantly viewed as a benefit for staffs working in the travel industry extraordinarily in the inn business. The significance of English is irrefutable since for such a large number of years English is considered as the most significant vehicle of correspondence of the world generally.It is the language of intensity, notoriety and achievement . This language as a worldwide language can open entryways all through the world ( Philipsson, 1996) In spite of the fact that Malaysia has two authority dialects, English and Malay, our attention is on English in light of the fact that most guests don't speak Bahasa Melayu, the national language.Most Malaysian inhabitants, who communicate in English, talk it as a second language yet numerous travel industry associations happen in English. Various investigations have been done to quantify the level of visitor fulfillment, yet not many papers have concentrated on breaking down the potential connections that this variable has with utilization of English language by the travel industry staff. Thus, the principle point of this paper is to address if English language capability of the staffs working in the lodging business has any effect fair and square of sightseers fulfillment with inns in Malaysia or not. 1.2 Research question What exactly broaden English language capability of the inn staffs can raise the degree of the voyagers fulfillment in Malaysia. 1.3 Objective of the investigation To analyze whether the English language capability of the staffs working in the lodging business can change the degree of visitors fulfillment in Malaysia. Section 2 : Literature Review 2.1 Importance of Tourism The travel industry is a main thrust for financial development in Malaysia. The travel industry makes business open doors for Malaysian inhabitants and carries cash into the economy. The travel industry in Malaysia makes high impacts in the economy of this nation just as creating solidarity and national combination (Gom , 1991) In the event that travel industry development in Malaysia proceeds, it could push forward the countrys motor of development which is fabricating division. Worldwide the travel industry can bring high measure of income. This earned income has a significant job in creating Malaysias economy (Sadi and Batels 1997) The travel Industry has helped Malaysia in building up its personal satisfaction and its financial status. A proof of that is the upward pattern of the travel industry and inn industry in Malaysia until 1997 (Poon Low 2005) . Today this industry is encountering a year to year development in remote trade income. In the multi decade government put loads of endeavors to build up a few goals, for example, becoming the acquiring from remote trade , expanding the quantity of businesses and the degree of their pay, creating territorial territories and expanding income made by the administration (Khalifah and Tahir 1997). From the travel industry receipts (the travel industry income) commitment, there exists a consistent development. For instance, the travel industry receipts expanded from RM17.40 billion of every 2000 to RM24.20 billion per year later and afterward expanded further to RM25.80 billion (2002), RM29.7 billion (2004) and RM32.00 billion of every 2005. In 2006 Malaysia got RM36.3 billion (USD10.4 billion) in the travel industry receipts. (The Financial Express 2007). An aggregate of 24.6 million voyagers showed up in Malaysia and burned through RM56.5 billion of every 2010 contrasted and 23.6 million visitors burned through RM53.4 billion of every 2009. The travel industry is the second biggest industry in the nation in the wake of assembling and has been developing since 2000 with global appearances expanding by 9% every year. (New Straits Times 2011) The travel industry in Malaysia is a significant remote trade worker, adding to monetary development, drawing in ventures and giving business. The focal point of the administration is to improve the countrys position as a main remote visitor goal, while advancing residential the travel industry. (The Malaysia Governments Official Portal 2012). 2.1.1 Importance of Hotels The inn business in Malaysia is growing quickly because of the expansion of outside vacationer. The travel industry insights of Malaysia has recorded MYR49.6 billion (about USD14.2 billion) winning from vacationers in 2008, with 31.2% of the absolute traveler consumptions originating from movement housing (Euromonitor International, 2009). Without a dubt one of the primary segments that will set visitors feeling positive and furthermore influence their fulfillment is Accommodation.(Ekiz, 2009) .Here, friendliness foundations all in all and lavish inns, is recorded well to be very important.(Heung and Lam, 2003). Malaysian inns obliged 68,886,154 visitors in 2008 and had a normal inhabitance pace of 66%. The quantity of rooms provided during 2008 expanded by 3.4% (aggregate of 165,739 rooms), while the quantity of lodgings expanded by 0.6% (complete inns 2,373) when contrasted with 2007 information.( Malaysia Statistics) As indicated by Malaysia Tourism Promotion Board (2010) a sum of 61,363,396 inn visitors were facilitated in 2009, comparing 60.9% inhabitance rate. Lodgings and cafés alone gave work to 1.7 million individuals, proportional to 16% of the all out work in 2009 (Economic Planning Unit, 2010). Structure the information referenced above unmistakably the normal inhabitance rate in Malaysia lodging industry is critical even in the years 2008 and 2009 that the world was encountering a downturn period. Because of the economy recouping , it is normal that this industry will confront a solid development in the quantity of sightseers and inhabitance rates .It ought to be referenced that ,the development of this industry significantly affects other related exercises ,as well. Food and drink, amusement and furthermore shopping in Malaysia are a portion of those other activities.(Poon and Low 2005) 2.2 Tourists Satisfaction Oliver (1981) claims that traveler fulfillment can be viewed as a visitors post-buy assessment of the goal. In numerous investigations, fulfillment is recognized as a precursor of devotion ( Kozak, 2001; Jang Feng,2006). In spite of the fact that Oppermann (2000) states that reviews on visitor fulfillment and goal reliability have not been completely examined, Chi and Qu (2008, p. 624) guarantee that consumer loyalty has consistently been viewed as a basic business objective since it was accepted that fulfilled client would purchase more. Despite the fact that estimating traveler fulfillment isn't basic, a few investigations have been directed to inspect the impact of consumer loyalty on faithfulness (Gummesson, 1993; Anderson and Fornell, 1994; Um et al., 2006;

Do You Suffer from Computer Stress Syndrome Youre Not Alone

Do You Suffer from Computer Stress Syndrome Youre Not Alone If I had to choose ONE thing that stresses me out me out more than anything else in my work life, it would be computer problems. It might not surprise you that I’m writing this blog because, on this very day, I am ready to tear my hair out due to multiple technical aggravators.There are thousands of articles and probably hundreds of books that talk about how to handle stress. But … do any of them talk specifically about how to handle the stress of heart-stopping technical issues? I couldn’t find any in my admittedly basic-level internet search. I did however find a report entitled Combatting Computer Stress Syndrome that surveyed 1,000+ computer users, finding that two-thirds of them had experienced this phenomenon. Despite being self-proclaimed “savvy” users, people facing technical snafus had increased stress levels, in tandem with interrupted work or play time, loss of valuable data, dropped network or e-mail connections, and the inability to complete online purchases (that last one somehow did not garner my sympathies). My particular technical snafus today included the inability to access my QuickBooks file, some disappearing and/or inaccessible emails, and problems getting my MacMail to retrieve my business email. At the same time, I am deciding whether or not to begin implementing a CRM system â€" a project that sends me into overwhelm after just about 2 minutes of thinking about it. Even as I write, my heart is racing and my head pounding. If only there were a yoga class I could escape to at 8pm on a Sunday night! The article about Computer Stress Syndrome offered no solace, as it was focused on the quality of technical support â€" not on what to do when you are a business owner or other responsible professional facing time-sucking, aggravating and unexpected issues, or issues that you just have a hard time getting your mind around. Of course, decent tech support is essential to keeping stress levels from going through the roof. But needing to be on the phone with tech support at all is often the problem for me. I tend to postpone the inevitable for as long as possible. And what about business-related projects like the CRM that I need to deal with and that I respond to just like I would a technical problem? I would love to hire someone to take care of it for me, but it seems that no matter whom I enroll, I need to make decisions and figure things out so they know how to proceed. In many areas, I have no problem directing people and being involved in decision-making processes. But when it comes to technology I sink. The only thing I can figure out to lower my computer-induced stress levels is to take the time to solve the darned problem. In fact, I could not even complete the writing of this article until I spent an hour with Apple’s tech support team to make at least ONE of my technical issues go away. I think I have some limit, like I can handle it if there are 1-2 technical issues, but 3 or more and I’m toast. I have no further wisdom to share on this topic and am writing to ask for yours. Does anyone out there have a coping mechanism to deal with the insidious Computer Stress Syndrome? If so, please do share. You might change a lot of people’s lives for the better.

The Treatment Of Schizophrenia Varies - 1499 Words

The treatment of schizophrenia varies. Many patients are treated with drug. Current treatment modalities are somatic and psychotherapeutic which were performed in many different ways that associates with drug treatment. The somatic treatments for schizophrenia are all based on drug therapy and pharmacology (de Meduna). Of course, there have been previous approaches of treatment. Psychosurgery, which had been rejected, includes electro convulsive therapies, insulin coma, and various treatment that involved immersion in hot or cold baths. The pharmacological therapies currently applied all have scientific proof of their effectiveness, although the results of these studies have also provided that when drugs are stopped, relapse may occur†¦show more content†¦However, patients responds in different ways. The patients may have to try more than one medication to find the right dose. Neuroleptics drugs have different effects on various symptoms of schizophrenia. Positive symptoms are the ones which are affected by the drugs, hallucinations and some communication disorders are some examples. The negative symptoms are merely affected because it is believed that most negative symptoms are somewhat associated with positive symptoms (Kane). Social deficits are caused by patient s experience of positive symptoms. For example, patients experience intense anxiety from their hallucination which makes it difficult for them to have normal conversations with other people. So whenever, hallucination goes away so does the anxiety problem. Finding the right treatment takes time. Treatment with neuroleptic medication may instantly work for the patients. Studies suggested that within few days of application of the drug treatment, the symptoms occurrence reduce and positive symptoms which usually occurs for over 7 weeks and in the first week of treatment (Rosenheck). Drug treatment is by far the most effective treatment of schizophrenia. This treatment had reduced many symp toms of the disease (Grohol). The future development will also be prevented. Future drug treatment of schizophrenia will follow a more rational and sensible course, one based on better of how drug will be acting based on how the brain functions. Direct inquiries

The Decision Between Quantitative And Qualitative Data

One of the most important parts of establishing a research design involves the decision between quantitative and qualitative data. Each has its own strength and weaknesses that any successful research design must account for. Perhaps one of the easiest distinctions between the two rests in the sample size. While quantitative data normally involves a large n, or sample size, qualitative data involves a much smaller sample size in comparison. This smaller sample size allows qualitative researchers to focus more on each case, increasing the internal validity of the research, but limiting its external validity. Quantitative based research designs reverse this. The large sample size of quantitative data often makes it difficult for researches to establish causation among the independent and dependent variable(s). The external validly of such designs usually offsets this issue to some extent. Due to their large nature, and use of numerical data, quantitative research is much more replicabl e when compared to their qualitative counterparts. Unfortunately, the struggle between internal and external validity is a fundamental part of research. Even efforts to combine the two methods to form a ‘mixed methods research design’ ultimately fail to nullify the issue completely. Keeping this in mind, a quantitative analysis is the most logical given the specific research question and the data available. This chapter seeks to prove that there is a statistically significant difference inShow MoreRelatedResearch Methods Of Quantitative Research1087 Words   |  5 Pages Week 2 Assignment Adam Morrison PSY 326 Research Methods Jessica Lee Qualitative researchers are focused on interpreting and making sense out of what they observe rather than trying to simplify and quantify these observations by collecting and observing people, places and things in their natural setting. In doing this, researchers are able to investigate hypothesis with more freedom and rigidity while accepting the fact that they relinquish their ability to control direct and indirectRead MoreEssay on Business Research for Decision Making1696 Words   |  7 PagesBusiness Research for Decision Making The work of decision making involves choosing between issues that require attention, setting goals, designing suitable courses of action and choosing among several alternatives through the evaluation of each one of the alternatives. Of great importance in decision making is the choosing between the several alternatives. The effectiveness of this work of decision making is of great importance for the well being of every business activity and determines the successRead MoreQuantitative And Qualitative Research Design1695 Words   |  7 Pagesphenomena they are interested in studying. Among the most widely used methodologies are quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-method (Cozby Bates, 2012, Garza Landrum, 2015; Leedy Ormrod, 2013; Creswell, 2013; Gergen, 2015). Qualitative and quantitative research designs, for example, are types of research approaches that provide clear directions on how to carry out a research plan (Creswell, 2013). The quantitative research design is profoundly deep-rooted in the discipline of psychology where itRead MoreMarketing Research Tools Essay1198 Words   |  5 Pagesthe business. Primary data is collected with specific purpose of creating a marketing strategy for the business conducting the research. Research also can be broken down even further into quantitative and qualitative research methods. Both methods are highly effective and provide accurate results. However, it is important to gather the information most pertinent to the purpose of the research. Quantitative research focuses on the quantity of the research and qualitative research focuses on theRead More Marketing Research Tools Essay example1410 Words   |  6 Pagescompanies in the decision-making process and their marketing direction. Data from marketing research is important because it provides companies with ways to identify opportunities, identify market potential, minimize chances of loss, devise effective marketing strategies, gauge customer satisfaction, and serve as an evaluation tool. A wide-range of marketing research tools is available to market researchers and organizational decision makers. The following focuses specifically on data collection methodsRead MoreQuantitative, Qualitative, And Mixed Methods1467 Words   |  6 Pagesdesigns for quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods. The qualitative methods do not usually involve statistical analysis. Then again, the quantitative methods essentially include the statistical analysis. Every one of these perspectives might be inspected while defining the hypothetical design for the research. Understand that research questions and research hypotheses are not the same thing. Research questions must foreshadow the data analyses. The overriding purpose of quantitative researchRead MoreMarketing Research Assignment1542 Words   |  7 Pagesa good research to realize the customers need is very important. Qualitative research and quantitative research are the main method to collect information and data from customers for making firm’s decision. However, there is a different between qualitative and quantitative which used in different part of projects. And they both have advantages and disadvantages in the process and the conclusion which may lead to incorrect decisions. Indeed, to distinguish two research methods and when to use orRead MoreWeek 1 RSCH 8300860 Words   |  4 PagesInitial post Comparing Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches Researchers often times are faced with the decision of choosing a methodology of research; either Quantitative or Qualitative that they think best fits their study and objectives. This choice is guarded by the topic of study, the advantages and disadvantages, and the strengths and weaknesses of using either one or the other type of the methodologies. Researchers are sometimes using Quantitative and Qualitative research methodologies interchangeablyRead MoreThe Social Construction Of Experience1437 Words   |  6 PagesIn particular, qualitative researchers tend to focus more on the social-constructed reality and the contextual influence, interaction and constraints between the researcher(s) and the participants. They are interested in finding answers to questions that focus on the â€Å"social construction of experience and how meaning is created† (Cooper White, 2012, p. 15). However, quantitative researchers â€Å"emphasize measurement and analysis, and focus on product rather than process† (Cooper White, 2012, p.Read MoreQualitative And Quantitative Research Methods1285 Words   |  6 Pages Qualitative and Quantitative Research Ravi Teja Mora Dr. Jimi Peters Research Methods Stratford University â€Æ' Qualitative and Quantitative Research Introduction There has been a widespread of debate in recent years regarding the quantitative and qualitative research methods, wether one or the other has to be emerged as superior. Although there have been so many theories and conclusions, this paper intends to discuss on the similarities and differences between the qualitative and quantitative research

Critical study of the parametric model development process Free Essays

string(92) " but the configuration management and long-term maintenance issues still must be addressed\." Abstract: Complex parametric models may consist of many interrelated cost estimating relationships (CERs), as well as other equations, ground rules, assumptions, and variables that describe and define the situation being studied. Models generate estimates based upon certain input parameters, or cost drivers. Parametric models can generally be classified as commercial or company-developed. We will write a custom essay sample on Critical study of the parametric model development process or any similar topic only for you Order Now This review provides practical information about developing, deploying, and maintaining company-developed parametric models. Company-developed models – also referred to as company-owned, in-house, or proprietary models – differ from cost estimating relationships (CERs) because of their higher level of complexity, and the range of costs they estimate. Commercial parametric estimating models, available in the public domain, use generic algorithms and estimating methods which are based on a database that contains a broad spectrum of industry-wide data. Unlike commercial models, company-developed models are designed for the specific estimating needs of an organization or to describe a particular product. A proprietary model offers an alternative to trying to use a commercial model to meet an organization’s unique estimating requirements. JEL classification: C50, C51 Key words: equation, parameter, parametric model, commercial model, proprietary model 1. Introduction A parametric cost model can be viewed as the collection of databases, cost estimating relationships (CERs) [1], cost factors and algorithms, which together are used to estimate the costs of a system and its components. A parametric cost model uses known values to estimate unknown ones. Industry use parametric models to support conceptual estimating, design-to-cost analyses, life-cycle cost estimates, risk analyses, budget planning and analyses. Parametric models can also be used as the basis of a cost estimate in preparation of firm business proposals, or in the independent assessment of cost estimates prepared using a traditional estimating approach. Models generate estimates based upon certain input parameters, or cost drivers. Parameters â€Å"drive the cost† of the end product or service being estimated. Some examples are weight, size, efficiency, quantity, and time. Some models can develop estimates with only a limited set of descriptive program inputs; others, however, require the user to provide many detailed input values before the model can compute a total cost estimate. A model can utilize a mix of estimating methods, and it may allow as inputs estimates from other pricing models (or information systems) or quotes from external sources, such as subcontracts. Several companies implemented commercial parametric estimating hardware models, which can rapidly compute development and design costs, manufacturing costs of prototypes, and production unit/manufacturing support costs. Commercial parametric estimating models use generic algorithms and estimating methods which are based on a database that contains a broad spectrum of industry-wide data. Because this data encompasses many different products, a company working with a commercial parametric model must calibrate it before using it as a base of estimate for proposals submitted to the higher-tier contractors. Calibration tailors the commercial model so it reflects the products, estimating environment, and business culture of that particular company. A proprietary model offers an alternative to trying to use a commercial model to meet an organization’s unique estimating requirements. Proprietary models are developed for an organization’s own product and cost estimating needs and are, in effect, self-calibrated. Proprietary models can be implemented for a variety of estimating purposes, and have a wide range of complexity, completeness, and application. 2. The Proprietary Model Development Process The major activities involved in developing a proprietary model are: Step 1: Identifying the Parametric Model Opportunity One of the most critical steps in the proprietary model development process is the identification of a good opportunity for implementing a parametric model. This involves two points. First, it is important to investigate the feasibility of developing the model, which entails an evaluation of both its technical feasibility and cost effectiveness. Technical feasibility refers to the ability of the model to meet the estimating needs of the organization, and examines whether the organization has the resources to develop the model within a reasonable timeframe. This includes performing a cost-benefit analysis to decide whether a proprietary model would be cost-effective to implement and maintain. All potential benefits should be considered in the cost-benefit analysis; for example, contractors have achieved significant savings in proposal preparation, evaluation, and negotiation through the implementation of proprietary parametric estimating models. Other contractors have achieved additio nal benefits through multiple applications of the same model, such as for design studies, target costing, and contract risk management as well as basic estimating. The second critical point involves gaining the support of internal upper-level (including program) management and key customer management. If the model then meets the acceptance criteria provided by these groups, they agree to support its proper application in subsequent proposals. Little good comes from implementing a proprietary model if there is no internal management buy-in, or no support from the key customers on the estimating technique. Also, the firm’s management will want to understand the results of the feasibility study so it can properly assess the financial investment required to support model development and on-going maintenance activities, such as training, model enhancements, and software corrections. On receiving approval to begin development from internal and external management, the contractor establishes an implementation team to guide the creation of a valid proprietary model. This team should include representatives from the company and key customers. Step 2: Information Systems Needs When implementing a proprietary model, the organization should commit and obtain the necessary resources for information systems development and support activities. Information systems support is required for a variety of functions: – defining the formal system requirements needed to support the cost estimating model (e.g., hardware, software, interfaces with other systems); – testing the model to ensure it adequately satisfies all end-user requirements; – maintaining the integrity of the model throughout its life span by establishing procedures to manage and control all changes (i.e., configuration management); – providing software support services once the model is deployed to keep it operational (e.g., corrections, revisions, miscellaneous enhancements). When simpler models are implemented (e.g., spreadsheet models), the degree of support is smaller, but the configuration management and long-term maintenance issues still must be addressed. You read "Critical study of the parametric model development process" in category "Essay examples" Step 3: Data Collection and Analysis Historical costs should be used, with the development team ensuring that they are relevant to the firm’s current operating procedures. In an effort to include as much relevant cost data as possible, analysts normalize it as it is incorporated into the database [2]. They adjust data so it is as homogeneous as possible (e.g., similar in content, time value of money, quantity), and does not contain anomalies. Programmatic, noncost data may also require normalization. The analyst must assess the condition of each program’s data and make appropriate adjustments as required. When developing a model, the team identifies the main characteristics, called the primary cost drivers, that are responsible for, and have the greatest impact on, the product or services cost to be estimated. Step 4: Model Development The development of a proprietary model incorporates many anticipated uses and goals – such as estimating/users’ requirements, availability of credible data, life-cycle costs, systems engineering costs, forward pricing rates – and it must integrate these into the parametric estimating approach. The modeling process, in particular, focuses on these tasks: – specifying the estimating methods for accomplishing the estimating goals; -identifying the job functions and other elements of cost that will be estimated; – defining data input structures; Proprietary models may contain a number of different estimating techniques. Step 5: Calibration and Validation Parametric models are calibrated and validated before they are used to develop estimates for proposals. Since proprietary models are based on an organization’s historical data, they are considered to be self-calibrated. Validation is the process, or act, of demonstrating the proprietary model’s ability to function as a credible estimating tool [3]. Validation ensures: – estimating system policies and procedures are established and enforced; – key personnel have proper experience and are adequately trained; – proper information system controls are established to monitor system development and maintenance activities in order to ensure the model’s continued integrity; – the model is a good predictor of costs. Models should be validated and periodically updated to ensure they are based on current, accurate, and complete data, and that they remain good cost predictors. The purpose of validation is the demonstration of a model’s ability to reliably predict costs. This can be done in a number of ways. For example, if a company has sufficient historical data, data points can be withheld from the model building process and then used as test points to assess the model’s estimating accuracy. Unfortunately, data sets available are often extremely small, and withholding a few points from the model’s development may affect the precision of its parameters. This trade-off between accuracy and testability is an issue model developers always consider. When sufficient historical data are not available for testing, accuracy assessments can be performed using other techniques. Another testing methodology compares a commercial program’s final cost to the proprietary model’s estimate of it. However, it may be months, or years, before this approach can be applied to a given program. The model team may use this method when a program is near completion, or is at a point where a meaningful earned value performance index for it can be determined. Step 6: Estimating System Policies and Procedures After validation, the company must modify its estimating system policies and procedures to explain the appropriate use and application of the model for reviewers and company users. In particular, the model’s developers need to document its proper use as a valid bidding tool. Companies should also explain the model’s design, development, and use. For example, the contractor, as part of its support for the follow-on production model and estimating tool, developed a detailed manual containing information about the mechanics of the model, its estimating methodologies, and the timing of updates. The company also amended its Estimating System Manual to include a section on the model, and to refer the reader to the model’s own manual. Step 7: Internal Approval Process Model developers need to assure company representatives that the model relies on the firm’s historical data and, therefore, captures how the company executed similar projects in the past. Any departmental budget allocations produced by the model should reflect the average budgetary split the firm has historically experienced. Developers should also consider the fact that a model, if approved, might change the way the company anticipates executing an existing (or planned) program (e.g., the project director may need to shift work and modify the budget). This obviously affects the circumstances under which other company personnel would approve the model. A best practice from contractor experience involves the integration of the company representatives into the model implementation team. As an example, when implementing the follow-on production model, the model designers, from the beginning, solicited the participation of key internal representatives. During the development of each module, the team incorporated the inputs of the functional department primarily responsible for executing that portion of the project which the module was designed to estimate. Although the Finance Department led the model building effort, it continuously reviewed its progress with representatives from the Engineering and Manufacturing Departments. These representatives were responsible for coordinating and obtaining any necessary information from their organization, and keeping management informed. Step 8: External Approval Process Although a company may internally approve a model, the customer must also be shown that the estimating approach is valid. The involving of customers in up-front decision facilitates their acceptance of parametric techniques. In seeking acceptance of a proprietary model, the company formed a Continuous Improvement Process (CIP) team [4]. The team’s composition included company representatives from various departments. All team members participated in establishing selection criteria for the model’s database. Based on the selection criteria, the contractor personnel collected actual cost data from many contracts. When using the model for the first time with a buying organization, the CIP team invites the buying organization to the company for a joint review and explanation of the model. Immediately after obtaining funding to develop the model, the developing company discussed it with other contractors, additional government organizations, to ensure widespread support in data collection and model validation. Including customers on the development team does not guarantee a model’s acceptance, of course. It does ensure that the customer has a voice in the model’s design and usage, but the model’s ability to reasonably predict costs is the ultimate basis for acceptance. No person, internal or external to the company, can prove this before final development and testing. Step 9: Model Maintenance Through the development process, the team develops a sense of how often the model needs updating. Maintenance activities include not only the incorporation of new data into the model, but also an evaluation of the mathematical relationships between the technical parameters and the costs the model estimates. Periodic evaluation of the model is required to ensure the estimates are relevant and the contractor is using the most current, accurate, and complete data. New data is contributed as programs mature and, occasionally, from non-company sources. In some situations, the cost modelers develop new CERs, based on a subset of the original database, in order to better match a new estimating requirement. The process of maintaining a model involves keeping an audit trail of the CERs developed, the data points used, and their statistical effectiveness. 3. Conclusions Company-developed parametric models – also known as proprietary models offers an alternative to use a commercial model regarding organization’s own product and cost estimating needs. No company or individual can develop a valid model without the participation of a number of key people which include the customers, all interested company personnel, and government representatives. Some concepts should be considered by all implementation teams as follows: – establish a process flow and target development dates to ensure all team members provide their inputs to the model’s design; – consider the costs and benefits of model development; – evaluate commercial models as an alternative to proprietary development; – remember that the goal is to establish a more efficient and reliable estimating system, not just create a model. References Stuparu D., Vasile T., Stanciu M. The Cost Estimating Relationships (CER’s) – modern method for predicting cost, Revista Academiei Fortelor Terestre, nr. 1/2010. Vasile T., Stuparu D., Daniasa C.I. Collection and Normalization of Parametric Data, Analele Universitatii din Oradea, Tom XVIII, vol. II, 2009, pp. 703-708. Stewart R.D., Wyskida R.M., Johannes J.D. Cost Estimator’s Reference Manual, 2nd Edition, New York, Wiley, 1995, pp. 57-67. * * *http://www.ceh.nasa.gov/webhelpfiles/Cost_Estimating_Handbook_NASA_2004.htm How to cite Critical study of the parametric model development process, Essay examples

M Butterfly by David Henry Hwang free essay sample

Analyzes memory plays plot, structure, characters, themes of love deception. In the play M. Butterfly by David Henry Hwang, the action derives from a true story about a French diplomat who had a long-term affair with a Chinese singer, presumably thinking this was a woman when in fact it was a man. The story was also a spy story as the woman acquires secrets from her diplomat-lover for her government. The title of the play intentionally evokes images both of Puccinis opera Madame Butterfly and what in French would be seen as Monsieur Butterfly. The opera embodies a certain Western attitude toward Asian women and toward Asians in general, and Hwangs play uses those ideas as something against which to balance his own drama as he deconstructs certain ideas from the opera and creates a different sense of operatic reality. Within this operatic universe, Gallimards complacent Western stereotyping of Asians. We will write a custom essay sample on M Butterfly by David Henry Hwang or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page .