Hand book customer service Essay Example for Free

Hand book customer service Essay Policies: policies (structure, use, focus, customer requirements/expectations, product and service knowledge, consultation, confidentiality, customer perceptions and satisfaction, monitor customer service and satisfaction, influences affecting implementation, effective communication) Quality of service: methods of assessment; customer expectations; standardised procedures; codes of practice; staff levels (staffing levels, staff competency, flexibility, reliability and responsiveness) Evaluation: purpose; sources of feedback; accuracy; relevance; reliability; validity; methods of data collection; improvements; staff training and development Hospitality industry: industries within the hospitality industry eg hotels, restaurants, pubs, bars and nightclubs, contract food service providers, hospitality services, membership clubs, events 2. Understand the purpose of promoting a customer-focused culture Communication: types eg verbal, non-verbal body language, written; types of response; use; effect Customer: central role; customer service culture; identifying and analysing customer requirements and expectations; influences of service provision on customer perceptions Benefits of improved service: customer satisfaction, repeat business, improved reputation, increased profit  3. Be able to investigate customer requirements and expectations Requirements: sources of information eg customers, staff, management, customer records, past information Module Handbook C. Ugoji Sept, 2013 Page 2 Unit Handbook Unit 4: The Customer Service Primary research: primary research eg sampling, qualitative, quantitative; interview eg individual, group, survey, observation; contact methods eg mail, telephone, personal Secondary research: internal eg sales records, yield data, financial information, client databases; external eg government publications, trade journals, periodicals, professional associations, national organisations, commercial data Satisfaction levels: planning; strategy; assessment of options using researched information; role of the business and services manager; staffing levels; motivating staff; improvements 4. Be able to provide customer service within business and services contexts to meet required standards  Types of customers: different age groups eg the elderly, children; different cultural backgrounds; special needs eg physically disabled; satisfied; dissatisfied; under influence eg drugs, alcohol, medication Customer needs: customer needs eg products and services, urgent, non-urgent, special requirements, quality of service, value for money, cultural, social; trends eg fashion, ergonomic, equipment, training, products and services, consumer protection legislation Customer service: consultation; advice; personal selling; complaints procedure; reception skills; confidentiality Learning Outcomes: To achieve this unit leaner must: 1. Understand customer service policies within business and services contexts 2. Understand the purpose of promoting a customer-focused culture 3. Be able to investigate customer requirements and expectations 4. Be able to provide customer service within business and services contexts to meet required standards. Teaching strategies used: Following are the different teaching and learning strategies, a description of how they work, where they have been applied, results, and where to find more information from individuals, books, web sites, and other resources. Lecture Notes The most basic way of supporting teaching in this module – a place for students to access lecture notes. The main advantages are reduction in the amount of college Module Handbook C. Ugoji Sept, 2013 Page 3 Unit Handbook Unit 4: The Customer Service photocopying and students can access notes prior to lecture and prepare themselves. Presenting Lectures Displaying these lecture notes with the addition of projectors using power point presentation slides to visualize the information to the students. An increasing variety of ways are utilizing to reach students of all different learning styles, to help the students to understand complicated concepts and remember them better by using master graphic tools both on whiteboard and on computers. Interactive Tutorials A set of questions have been designed for each session in assessing student learning of subject matter using both paper based and computer based assessment techniques. The web and web authoring  Students are directed to use the advanced search engine to navigate the correct and legitimate information for their assignment. Different search engines compile information using different criteria and have access to different databases. Applying technology to develop students higher order skills and creativity to manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment. Group Discussions The students will be give topics and some cases with the use of case study that relates to the topic covered in each session. There will also be a follow up on the discussion using group presentation and class assessment as the case may be. Summary of lecture For every session, there will be overall summary at the end teaching session. Attempting the passing criterion in class The student must attempt one or more learning outcome question covered in each session and the evidence will be documented

The Structure and Use of 3D Models

The Structure and Use of 3D Models Guide showing the structure and use of 3D Models Topic 1 Structure of 3D models 3D coordinate systems Explain There are two types of coordinate systems that are commonly used in 3D graphics, either left or right handed, in both coordinate systems both the positive X and Y axis are the same with the Z axis being the only main difference. Analyse World The world coordinate system also known as universe or model coordinate system is the base reference for the overall model, all other models relate to. Local The local coordinate system relates specifically to a selected object when the object moves the local axis will move with is making it easier to animate. The local space has a completely separate xyz from the world/global xyz. Z-up Is one of the ground axis and is used to say how far a model is moved left or right depending on the number given. Y-up Is the up/elevation axis and is used to determined where a model is placed when moved either up or down depending on the number that is given. Evaluate the 3D coordinate system is extremely helpful as it gives us a visual reference on where an object/model would be in the 3d world. This allows us to position models exactly where we need them. Views of 3D models Explain There are two ways we can look at 3d models either perspective or orthographic, they are used to see the 3d model in either the view of the user (perspective) or as a flat 2d image (orthographic). Analyse Perspective Perspective is an approximate representation of an image as seen by the users eye, the most characteristic feature of perspective viewing are that objects appear smaller the further away as the distance from the object and observer increases. Orthographic Orthographic view has a fixed depth in which you cannot zoom in or out, and is used when checking if different models at different depths are the same size, this is done by making the models appear 2d. Evaluate both views have their advantages and disadvantages, where the perspective view can help you view the models/objects in a way that is natural to the human eye it doesnt help when youre trying to match the height of distant objects, whereas using the orthographic view allows you to see all objects as a 2D image allowing you to scale objects to the correct size. The Geometric Structure of Models Explain -ÂÂ   3D models are mathematical representations of an object, they can be compared to sculpting as a 3D artist would build or mold the object by taking into account all the sides and angles. The elements that make a 3D model consist of vertices, edges, faces and polygons, all of which can be manipulated individually in whichever software you choose such as blender, Maya or 3D studio Max. Analyse Vertex Vertices are the smallest point of a 3D model, they are made when two or more edges meet therefore corners of the polygons fuse together to make a vertex. The vertex is shared between all edges, faces and polygons and would affect all of these if the vertex is transformed. Edge The edge in a 3D model is a line which connects two vertices and borders faces and polygons, transforming these will affect all vertices faces and polygons which are connected to the edge. Polygon/face Face is a triangular surface connected by three surrounding edges and three corner vertices where as a polygon is an even four surface made up of four or more corners and two or more faces, high quality 3D characters are usually made of four sided polygons as ones with five or more sides can cause issues. Element the elements of a model are as follows tets, bricks, prisms, and pyramids these can be used to mesh any 3D model, with the 2D equivalents being triangular and quadrilateral elements. Surface normal modifying the orientation of surface normals affects the polygons appearance, when the surface normals are at right angles to a face light appears to bounce off the surface, this sharply defines the polygon face creating crisp edges, when set at different angles this allows light to roll off, which creates a smoother look. Evaluate knowing the structure of a model can help in deciding which shapes to start from and also to help manipulate the shape into the desired model/ object that you are looking for. The Structure of Different Polygons Explain There are three different ways of creating a mesh either using triangles quads or n-gons, tris and quads are more preferable than and n-gons are just avoided at all cost as they can cause issues. Analyse Triangles Triangles are a simple three sided polygon,made of three vertices connectingÂÂ   three edges, it is the smallest configuration needed to make a polygonal face. Also referred to as a tri. Quads Quads are the most desired type of polygon and most artist would use only quads as it makes their work more appealing to customers. They are made up of exactly four sides and four vertices, quads can also be referred to as quadrilateral polygons. N-gons N-gons are made up of more than four edges and vertices, n-gons can usually be divided into either quads or triangles or sometimes both which makes them easy to replace. They are usually avoided as they often create unwanted topology. Evaluate Using tris quads is very well sought after as theses are what computers can render them a lot faster especially quads, ngons on the other hand are usually avoided as they tend to cause distortion and deformation, tris can also cause this issue but not as much. Different methods of creating models Explain There are two different ways of creating models either with polygonal modeling or spline/curve based modeling, these are both used to create models with polygonal being the most used as it is more flexible but curve-based will make smoother curves. Analyse Polygonal modeling Polygons are created by using points in a 3d space called vertices, when they are connected together they form a mesh, which is used mainly for 3d models as they can easily be manipulated and rendered by computers quickly. On the downside they are planar and can only estimate a curved edge based on many polygons.ÂÂ   Spline/ curve-based modeling Curves are based off weighted control points, which when increased influences the curve closer to that point. The curve follows but does not always enter the points. Curve types include splines, nonuniform rational B-spline (NURBS), patches and geometric primitives. Evaluate The different methods in modeling be it polygonal or curved based both have different advantages and uses depending on what is needed, polygonal modeling is best used for 3D models as they can be rendered quickly by computers but the downside is that they are planar and can only make rough curves. Curve Based on the other hand is best used in a situation where curves and edges must be as smooth as possible such as in engineering, although manipulating it can be a lot harder. Pivot points Explain Pivot points are used to represent the location of a model in space, they are also used to control how models rotate and scale and move. All changes to a model are relative to the pivot point. Analyse -ÂÂ   Move moves the pivot point bringing the object that is connected to the pivot point with it. Scale increases or decreases the size of the object from the point of the pivot origin. Rotation rotates the object/model around the pivot point depending on the postion of the pivot point. Evaluate Having a movable pivot point is advantageous as it allows the object to be moved, rotated and scaled from different points allowing you to manipulate the object in many ways. UV coordinates Explain Are 2D coordinates used on a 3D model and are basically a textures x and y coordinates which always range from 0 to 1. With the V value going from bottom left to top left and the U value going from bottom left to bottom right, each vertex will have a uv coordinate value. Analyse -ÂÂ   UV mapping is usually done by unfolding a model, a pyramid for example, at the seams laying the model image onto a flat page once unwrapped the artist can then paint a texture onto each side triangle individually. Evaluate Allows for more detailed texturing and painting on 3D models by assigning pixels in the image to surface mappings on the polygon, this can then be easily exported to other 3d programs and then further adjusted. Mapping methods Explain -ÂÂ   Mapping methods are ways in which textures are applied to different models and objects, they are mainly used to quickly apply a texture to different shaped models depending on what the model shape is as some work better than others. Analyse Planar planar is used to apply a texture onto a flat model such as basic terrain and walls, when trying to place a texture on an uneven or complex surface it can often stretch and distort polygons that are not facing the projected map directly. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130484/uv_mapping_tips_and_tricks.php Box box mapping is done by placing a texture onto a model from six different sides, which is mainly used when you need quick mapping for less important of a model, and also used on technical or architectural objects. It is however not as useful for texturing more natural models where more accurate mapping is required. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130484/uv_mapping_tips_and_tricks.php Cylinder Cylindrical mapping is used for mapping more cylindrical models such as arms, cans and trees, it is one of the most used type of mapping but still needs tweaking afterwards in the uv editor. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130484/uv_mapping_tips_and_tricks.php Spherical Spherical mapping is mainly used to map out asteroids and planets, one downside is that it causes pixels to compact at the poles of the sphere. It can be used to block out mapping on human heads but loses its usefulness on models with multiple overlapping parts. Requires significant work afterwards. http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130484/uv_mapping_tips_and_tricks.php Unwrapping unwrapping is done by creating uv coordinates which is generated for each vertex. One way is for the 3d modeler to unfold the mesh at the seams laying the model on a flat page, once unwrapped you can then paint a texture on each individual polygon. Pelt pelt mapping is used to map more natural models like animals and characters, pelt mapping allows you to pull a detailed uvw map flat allowing you to make a more accurate shape of the model which makes it easier to produce a more convincing texture. Evaluate Most mapping methods are extremely useful as they allow you to map a texture onto the different surfaces of a model as there are multiple choices to pick from there is usually one to fit the model you are working on, theses can save a great deal of time by quickly mapping the texture onto oddly shaped models which would be time consuming otherwise. The materials used on 3D models. Explain Adding textures to models is a lot more than just adding colours, you are also able to use different techniques and mpas to add more detail to the model letting you add effects such as shadows textures height etc. Analyse Base Colour, Albedo, Diffuse -ÂÂ   is the most common texture map, it specifies the pattern and colour of the object. It basically paints an image onto the surface. Normal Maps a normal map is a map which defines the direction your geometry normals are facing, with this info you can create a fakeÂÂ   the illusion of height to how the model is affected by light. Height Maps / Displacement Maps displacement maps are used when you need to add more detail to affect your model, this is a very powerful option as it actually affects the geometry.ÂÂ   Ambient Occlusion The occlusion map is used to define the areas of a model which should receive low or high indirect lighting. It is a grayscale image with white marking areas which should get full indirect light, and black for areas receiving no indirect light. An example would be a stone wall texture which is uneven. Specular Maps Specular mapping is used to define how well an area reflects light, the colour and bumpiness may be the same but using either dark or light tones you are able to change how reflective the surface is. An example would be a characters eyes compared to the skin or how a material reacts when wet or dry. Lightmaps are data structures used in light mapping, it works by pre-calculating the brightness of a surface and storing it in texture maps for later use. They are more used on static items so as the light does not need to be recalculated every frame. Evaluate using these can be extremely helpful in creating the models you desire without having to form the whole thing as some can help create the effects of textures, shadows height, and even make them seem more detailed which saves you adding more polygons to a model and increasing the count. http://blog.digitaltutors.com/understanding-difference-texture-maps/ The creation and use of convex collision hulls. Explain A convex collision hull is a simplified low poly count meshes that encases more complex objects, this is used to determine where a collision will occur on the object as well as other physic based interactions. Analyse It is an invisible mesh that stops the player and other models falling through each other, this can be costly on the graphics and processor power as the model triangles have to be calculated twice, once for the 3d model and once for the mesh collider. Each object must have a collision shape. Simpler shapes such as boxes, spheres and capsules are used as they are much faster to test but are less precise. Evaluate the collision hull helps make objects and models seem more to life by not letting you fall through walls and floors but can also affect how some objects are effected depending on how simple or complex the hull is compared to the model it is covering. Level of detail models (LODs) Explain LODs or level of detail are used to help render times by reducing the amount of polygons that show on models which are further away from the character, this is used to help rendering times and helps performance. Analyse LODs limit the amount of polygons on a model to help reduce rendering times whenever the character is at a distance, this helps keep focus on the immediate area and less at background scenery. Evaluate LODs can help increase frame render time by reducing the amount of polygons and detail that is on screen at any one time by determining whats more important or whats being focused on more and only giving that the proper amount of detail. Although this can help render time it may also cause some lag or drop in frames when too much detail is trying to load in at once. Vertex colour information Explain Vertex colour is a RGBA value that is traditionally used to add diffuse or emissive colour to the geometry of the model, this can be added to any vertex on the model. With more powerful games engines this can be used to do amazing things. Analyse Vertex colouring is used to colour foliage animations, baking inexpensive AO and lighting info, it can also be used to blend different materials on terrain or other meshes, but can be used for a lot more things Evaluate Vertex coloring can be used easily as it requires no UVs, although it is geometry dependant and not suited for high detail. Model constraints Explain When creating content such as 3D art for games and other real time applications there is constrictions which need to be applied to help increase performance and reduce render time. These constraints include polygon count, texture size and file size. Analyse Polygon Count The constraint on polygons count is that the more polygons or faces that appear within the render view the longer it takes for the frame to render, this limits polygons count to help with rendering time. This applies to games as well as non real time animations or special effects, this is all linked to the hardware available. Texture size textures need to be done effectively as the bigger and more complex the texture the longer the game will take to load it, this can cause the textures to take time to render and ruin the experience of the player. File Size The two main constraints that file size has is that 3D graphics need to be stored somewhere, either on disc a hard drive or in the cloud waiting for digital download. For this reason file size needs to be efficient to make sure they fit onto the the media that they are designed for, if the 3D art is too large for one disc it must be split onto two or more discs or may require an extremely long time to download especially for those with slow internet speeds. Evaluate Model constraints help with loading and rendering times by limiting the amount polygons and textures the artist is allowed to use, although this seems bad if there was no constraints the game would not load well and have constant drops with the frame rate, the downside to this is that the game will unfortunately not have everything that the developers wanted as some things may need to be cut due to file size restrictions. Topic 2 Uses of 3D models Decorative meshes Explain Decorative meshes are used to decorate a blank 3D world and make it more interesting, theses decorative meshes can range from indoor items such as chairs tables etc, to outdoor objects such as cars, trees and wells for example. Decorative meshes also help to make the 3D world seem a lot more interesting and also help make itÂÂ   more true to life and improve the players experience. Analyse these consist of multiple objects such as cars, trees, bushes etc which is placed around the 3D world so as its not blank and more interesting. Evaluate The advantage of using decorative meshes is that it increases the realism of the world theyre placed, they also improve the players experience as they are not walking around a bland world. Environment meshes Explain Environments are what a 3D world is made from, every environment also needs to be filled with 3D meshes, a balance of quantity and quality must be found as this needs to be as good looking as possible but also needs to be done efficiently. Analyse Environment meshes are used to create the 3D worlds invitroment, be in be buildings or other structures, this needs to be able to be done effectively and quickly as its a main part of the world but not all the focus will be on it. Evaluate Allows for a more immersive world as it adds character to the area and can also set the mood depending on the art style used. Modular meshes Explain Modular meshes for 3D environments are used to create fast environments using small tiling models and maximum flexibility, to make this as effective as possible you should first make sure that the grid for the 3D package is the exact same as the grid that the engine youre going to make the model for. Modular meshes can be reused to save time on developing multiple models. Analyse modular meshes can be made into kits, for example piping for walls, so that the developers and artists can reuse them to speed up the process without putting in as much work for areas that require less attention. Evaluate the advantage of using modular meshes are that you are able to quickly create game environments with maximum flexibility to change when needed, they are also reusable meaning you can keep a certain art style no matter the size. The downside to this is that the reused art style can quickly become repetitive. Meshes used for non-skeletal animation Explain Games can have a number of models which can be used for non skeletal animation these tend to be models which are not rigged (i.e with a skeleton) examples of these can be doors, boxes with lids that open, shop signs and even platforms can be animated to move. Analyse non skeletal animation works by the object or model not having a rigged skeleton allowing it to move or swing freely, for example a door may swing on its hinge, to create this the pivot point of the door must be placed at the point in which you want the door to swing. Evaluate the advantages of non skeletal animation are that it allows the game world to flow more freely using swinging doors, and makes the game seem more life like having signs and lids able to open. Skyboxes and skydomes Explain A skybox is made from a cube with six images that inclose the player, they can also be known as environment maps. The player is placed in the middle of the box so that no matter which way they look they just see different parts of the box. The game engine makes sure that whichever part of the box is visible to the player the proper pixels are shown. Sky domes work in similar ways but is a 3D sphere or hemisphere, and can be animated to improve realism. Both the skybox and skydome usually has a texture of the sky on it depending on the game and whats needed. Analyse skyboxes are simple cubes which consist of fewer polygons than the skydome, no matter where the player is they will always see the relevant part of the skybox. Skydomes are more detailed as they contain more polygons and allow the maker to animate it to improve the realism of the 3D world. Evaluate the advantage of using a skybox is that it uses up less polygons and if easier to texture, although it does not look as good as a skydome. The skydome on the other hand allows you to use vertex colour you adjust the hue in a smoother way, this allows you to animate the sky depending on the time of day. Rigid bodies Explain Rigid bodies allow your models and objects to act under the control of physics, the rigid body can be given forces and torque to make it move in a more realistic way. Any objects you wish to be influenced by physics or other added forces must have a rigidbody.ÂÂ   Analyse rigid bodies can be affected by different physics such as: Mass This determines the weight of the object usually in kilograms by default Drag Drag determines how air resistance affects the object while moving (from 0 air resistance to infinity meaning it stops immediately) Gravity Determines if the object is affected by gravity if dropped for example. Evaluate Rigid bodies are extremely useful when wanting to make a game which either has real to life physics or if you want to make the game with wacky physics as you are able to mess with the properties of each. Fracture/breakable meshes Explain Fracture or breakable meshes are used to make in game objects breakable for example doors, walls and in some cases building can also be destroyed, this can help the game feel more realistic as it adds real world physics to the game, it can also add new things for players to try out and in general make the game more fun. This can be broken down into more points such as chunk count and modify points. Analyse Chunk count determines how many chunks the tool will cut the original mesh into, a large amount of pieces means theres more triangles in the final object and more pieces that will be left behind after. A smaller amount means there are fewer triangles and less pieces after the object is destroyed. The modify points tool can be used to move the selected or all the chunk origins towards the bounds of the object or perturb some or all of the chunks in the slice pattern moving the pieces towards the bounds is useful as it helps avoid chunks being discarded because they dont slice the surface of the mesh. Evaluate -ÂÂ   Breakable meshes are used to help make games more realistic by letting you destroy some of the environment or some objects/models like you could in a real world situation. This however can have drawbacks on render time and frames as it requires more polygons to make the broken pieces. References () 3D Modeling: Creating 3D Objects, Available at: https://www.sculpteo.com/en/glossary/3d-modeling-definition/(Accessed: 6th October 2016). () Collision Meshes Game Models, Available at: http://www.katsbits.com/tutorials/blender/collision-models.php(Accessed: 8th October 2016). () Fractured Static Meshes, Available at: https://udn.epicgames.com/Three/FractureTool.html (Accessed: 4th October 2016). () Rigidbody, Available at: https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/class-Rigidbody.html (Accessed: 11th October 2016). (2014) 3D Constraints, Available at: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1cJlmKMQXiCHPX1zRKV3K1biO4EwH13_WOIt_8BJ7K6g/edit#(Accessed: 16th October 2016). (2014) The pivot point, Available at: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2015/ENU/Maya/files/Transforming-objects-The-pivot-point-htm.html (Accessed: 10th October 2016). (2016) 3-D Coordinate Systems, Available at: https://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/windows/desktop/bb324490(v=vs.85).aspx (Accessed: 2nd October 2016). (2016) 3D coordinates, Available at: https://knowledge.autodesk.com/support/maya/learn-explore/caas/CloudHelp/cloudhelp/2016/ENU/Maya/files/GUID-FDC58F4E-63B9-4012-B232-5F2FBAC5EAC9-htm.html?v=2016(Accessed: 4th October 2016). (2016) Level of Detail, Available at: https://docs.unity3d.com/Manual/LevelOfDetail.html (Accessed: 14th October 2016). (2016) Perspective (graphical), Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Orthographic_projection (Accessed: 3rd October 2016). (2016) Perspective (graphical), Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perspective_(graphical) (Accessed: 3rd October 2016). (2016) UNDERSTANDING UV MAPPING, Available at: http://www.steves-digicams.com/knowledge-center/how-tos/video-software/understanding-uv-mapping.html#b (Accessed: 6th October 2016). Banninga, R (2004) UV Mapping Tips And Tricks, Available at: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/130484/uv_mapping_tips_and_tricks.php(Accessed: 14th October 2016). Bell, G () Creating Backgrounds for 3D Games, Available at: http://www.gamasutra.com/view/feature/131701/creating_backgrounds_for_3d_games.php?print=1 (Accessed: 10th October 2016). Cahill, P (2016) 3D Modelling Basics Terminology3D, Available at: http://www.onlinedesignteacher.com/2014/07/3d-modelling-basics_33.html (Accessed: 6th October). Cole, T.B (2015) VERTEX COLOUR, Available at: http://www.timbencole.com/vertexcolour (Accessed: 11th October 2016). Dennis (2007) UV coordinate basics, Available at: http://www.rozengain.com/blog/2007/08/26/uv-coordinate-

Amateur radio

Amateur radio   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  If regular communications were knocked out, Amateur Radio would be there to step in! Amateur Radio connects people in times of need during emergencies.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To start ones adventure into Amateur Radio, one needs to obtain a license. There is a test required by the FCC in order to obtain a license which one needs to operate an Amateur Radio (H10). Only licensed amateurs can operate an Amateur Radio station (BARTLETT). Amateurs have to go through the different levels of licenses, which go from technician to general then to extra (HARING). With each step, they get more privilages and frequencies. Past exam questions included equipment, regulations, and morse code, all of which were dropped (HAMILTON). Now Amateur Radio is growing at a rate of 10% a year (HAMILTON). Amateur radio is growing with the new generation as well. Amateur Radio not just meant for old folks. The Amateur Community want to see a new generation of men and women try Amateur Radio, said Don Montgomery (CONRAD). Test and study materials add up to usually $40 (H11).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Amateur Radio is getting more and more in-sync with new technology and computers. Automatic Packet Reporting System (APRS) uses Global Positioning System with Amateur Radio to remotely track Amateurs movements and reports them to the APRS website (H11). All one needs to use APRS is a GPS and an Amateur Radio (H11). Anyone can go online to the APRS website to see where amateurs are at, anytime of the day. Amateurs also use APRS for use with Geocaching (H11). Geocaching is a scavenger hunt where people use a GPS unit to find treasures outside (H11). Echolink can be used as an alternative to equipment. Echolink is a software program, which hams can use to listen to and transmit audio over the Internet (H10). Echolink works by using a computer and Internet connection with a radio to listen to the repeater, and to constantly transmit audio over the Internet via Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) technology to the end-user (H12). The same happens in reverse, when an end-user transmits they use VOIP technology to get to the computer, and the computer transmits audio to the radio, which the radio transmits audio to the repeater. With Echolink, licensed operators can get on other repeaters and listen and transmit on them as well (H12). There are conferences which are groups that can handle large amounts of users. These are server-based groups that are basically a middle-man or main group which people, links, repeaters, or other conferences can connect to (H12). Internet Radio Link Project (IRLP) is almost exactly like Echolink, except that it is made mainly for connecting only repeaters to repeaters via VOIP, and not for desktop clients (H10). Logging ones contacts for a record is important as well. There also is logging software which can log stations that amateurs have made contact with (H10). Mostly logging is used with High Frequencies (HF) because of contesting. It is an easy way to keep track of ones data to send QSLs to (H10). Amateurs may also use an online log book, called Log Book of the World (LBW). This is useful for contacts that are in other countries (H10). If an amateur were to send QSL postcards to everyone whom they have had contact with in other countries, it would get really expensive, really fast (H10).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Amateurs really need equipment to take their licenses to the maximum possible level. The equipment that amateurs use can be put into two main categories: basic and advanced (LINDSAY). A basic station includes a transceiver, power supply, antenna, and coax. An advanced station includes transceiver(s), power supply(s) or generator, state-of-the-art antenna(s), amp(s), tower(s), and computer(s) (LINDSAY). Past radios used tubes, while todays radios use electronics (BARTLETT). Amateurs can choose from buying pre-made kits or choose to buy do-it-yourself kits, which they can solder the connections (HARING). Usually advanced hams have High Frequency radios, while basic hams have 2 meter and 440 radios (LINDSAY).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Disadvantages of Amateur Radio are very few. The number one disadvantage of Amateur Radio is that transmissions arent secure, and can be picked up by anyone who has a radio including their enemies (H10)(BARTLETT). There really isnt much that amateurs can change in the sense of encrypting their transmissions, because it is very regulated by the FCC.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The advantages of Amateur Radio out-number the disadvantages. Amateur Radios are more reliable and still work when other forms of communication are down (telephone and internet) (H10). They are very simple to use (CONRAD). Amateurs can get communications up and into a disaster area faster, and easier than other communications and electricity companies (H10). All they need to do is install a repeater running on generators, while other communications and electricity companies need to fix or even re-build their whole entire infrastructure (H10). People get so tied into cellphones. They dont understand how the telecommunications infrastructure evolved. Sometimes the latest and greatest technology isnt the most reliable, said Shanda Rice (DYNES).   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Hams help out in natural disasters and emergencies. They help the USGS, NOAA, and NWS with reporting tsunamis, hurricanes, tornados, forest fires, earthquakes, and floods through SkyWarn (CONRAD). SkyWarn is a volunteer organization that is organized by the National Weather Service who spots severe weather and reports back to NWS. They help out federal, state, county, and local government agencies and organizations (CONRAD). Amateurs connect fire departments, hospitals, and EMAs when regular links of communication are down (CONRAD). Hams connect communities, police, search and rescue, explorers and scientists in remote areas (HAMILTON). Phone patches come in handy when hams need to make a long distance contact with one who is not an amateur operator (HAMILTON). A distressed sailor and Amateur Radio operator used his radio to call for help. Bert Wilson, a sailor, was badly burned by a faulty stove on his vessel at sea (HAMILTON). He turned on his ham radio and turned it to the regularly monitored Canadian frequency. Someone 3,000 KM away heard Wilson call for help (HAMILTON). He put Wilson in contact with a US Air Force Base, who put him in contact with a US freighter near him. They flew Wilson from the freighter to a hospital (HAMILTON). Most Amateurs are already prepared and ready to go for the next future emergency. Good hams are prepared twenty-four-seven (HARING). Hams help out when cell towers, internet servers, phones, and electricity are knocked out of service (CONRAD). Amateurs fall to their ham radios and transmissions to repeaters to communicate in times of need (CONRAD). Hams helped out during the 87 Edmonto tornado to register people left homeless by the tornado, keeping track of where they were to reunite families (HAMILTON). Also during the 87 tornado, Alberta government employee ham ops helped police patrol the area with ham talkies (HTs) to make sure there was no looting and let in only residents (HAMILTON). There are groups that amateurs can join if they are interested in helping in emergencies like Radio Amateur Civil Emergency Service (RACES) or ARES (HARING) (H10). Hams can get yearly practice for the BIG CALL by helping with public service such as parade and event communications (HARING). An emer gency without communication quickly becomes a disaster, said Don Montgomery (CONRAD). Amateur Radio operators come from all walks of life. They are movie stars, politicians, students, doctors, missionaries, truck drivers, and more (H11)! In fact, licensed amateurs can even talk to astronauts on the International Space Station (NASA)! There are more than one-million Amateur Radio operators (HAMILTON). The only restriction is that operators can only talk to other operators, only if the other country has an agreement with the US (H10). Amateurs talk on radio many different radio frequencies allocated by the FCC. Hams have 26 total bands that consist of many frequencies 1.8 Megahertz through 275 Gigahertz (H11). The high-frequency (HF) bands are 160 Meters (1.8-2 Megahertz), 80 Meters (3.5-4 Megahertz), 40 Meters (7-7.3 Megahertz), 30 Meters (10.1-10.15 Megahertz), 20 Meters (14-14.35 Megahertz), 17 Meters (18.068-18.168 Megahertz), 15 Meters (21-21.45 Megahertz), 12 Meters (24.89-24.99 Megahertz), and 10 Meters (28-29.7 Megahertz) (H10). The most commonly used bands (and bands with repeaters on them) are 2 Meters (144-148 Megahertz), and 70 Centimeters, hams also call 440, (420-450 Megahertz). Amateurs can also broadcast slow-scan television (SSTV) on 1.25 Meters (222-225 Megahertz) (H10). Hams shortened words down for ease of communication. Some common acryonms that amateurs use are a QTH, which is ones home, and a XYL, which is ones wife (HARING). DX-ing is long distance contesting, and amateurs send QSL postcards to their contacts as acknowledgement of contact (HARING) (HAMILTON). Amateurs sign off with a 73, which means goodbye (HAMILTON).

The Problem of Global Warming Essay -- Greenhouse Effect Climate Chan

The Problem of Global Warming Imagine you are placed into the future. The year is 2100. You begin to live in this new world. You hear about huge storms over much of the USA that cause severe damage and flooding. San Francisco, New York City, New Orleans, Seattle, and Miami all experience major flooding from the ocean level having risen so high. Thousands and thousands of people perish each summer across the USA alone—hundreds die in Chicago as the temperature soars to 100 for 2 weeks straight. No, this isn’t total fantasy. These events all could occur. All of them could result from one thing—global warming. Global warming is a huge problem with many consequences that people don’t realize could occur. If we work together, though, we can stop them from happening. In this essay, I’ll tell you about global warming, its causes, and what we can do to help stop it. First, global warming is fairly new--the talk of this problem is fairly recent, and so is the problem itself. For example, according to â€Å"Why Files,† from the University of Wisconsin website, â€Å"the global warming debate first heated up in the late 1980’s.† When you look at the attached graph, from â€Å"Meteorology Today,† you can see that temperatures have simply soared in the past century, especially in the last 25-30 years. Due to dramatic increasing, global warming has become a very large problem as of the last few years. Temperatures have really increased. According to NOAA, the second warmest year on record in the world was 2001. In a â€Å"Why Files† report on global warming, it is said that â€Å"the 10 warmest years in the 150-year history of recorded temperatures have all occurred since 1983.† This means that 10 of the last 21 years have been in the list of the top 10 warmest years since record keeping began. So as you can see, the world is heating up. In the Europe heat wave of 2003, London reaches 100 degrees Fahrenheit for the first time EVER, and in France alone, nearly 30,000 people died. And recently in Antarctica, grass was actually seen! According to the Green Car Congress website, â€Å"scientists have reported that broad areas of grass are now forming turf where there were once ice-sheets and glaciers.† Never before was grass seen there Now, where are all of these s izzling temperatures coming from? In other words, why is the world warming? Global warming is occurring because of the EXPANS... ...son can’t stop global warming—we need to group together as a whole to try to help prevent it. The more people informed about global warming, the better. Now you understand about global warming, tis causes, its harmful effects, and what we can do to help stop it. I encourage you to join me by informing people about global warming, and trying to help put a stop to it. Works Cited â€Å"Heating Season.† The Why Files. Ahrens, Donald C. â€Å"Climate Change.† Meteorology Today. Keith Dodson. Pacific Grove. Brooks/Cole, 2003. 520-544 â€Å"Grass Growing†¦In Antarctica.† Green Car Congress. â€Å"Global Warming-Frequently Asked Questions.† National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. â€Å"Tropical Deforestation-Deforestation and the Global Carbon Cycle.† NASA Earth Observatory. â€Å"Global Warming-Emissions-Individual.† U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. â€Å"Causes of Global Warming.† EcoBridge. â€Å"Global Warming-Potential Effects of Global Warming.† NASA Earth Observatory. â€Å"Consequences of Global Warming.† Natural Resources Defense Council. â€Å"Heat Waves and Climate Change: Fact Sheet.† Harvard Medicine. â€Å"How to Fight Global Warming.† Natural Resources Defense Council.

The Other Side of Racism Essay -- Essays Papers

The Other Side of Racism When most people think of racism or supremacy, the images that come to their mind are white power organizations that undermine blacks and other minorities. Groups such as the Knights of the Ku Klux Klan, Skinheads and the White Nationalist Party may be some that come to mind. However, many people are not aware of other racist organizations and powerful leaders that influence people other than whites. A prime example of this is Louis Farrakahn, perhaps one of world's premier black leaders, who condones racism against whites and people of different religions. The image of an African American promoting racism among whites is not what society understands as a typical form of racism. Despite this, Louis Farrakahn has managed to gain support from thousands of African Americans and his Nation of Islam against white authority in America and worldwide. Though Farrakahn is now a world leader for black rights and white oppression, he began his rise to power as a humanist trying to ease tension among different minority and religious groups. "Let's Unite" were his famous words as a modest middle aged calypso singer in 1984. His song called for unification between Muslims, Christians, and Jews. Surprisingly, eleven years later this singer turned Black Muslim leader and separatist, and used the term "Bloodsuckers" to describe many ethnic groups, Jews in particular. His speeches and messages of separation between blacks and whites have reached thousands and many are wondering whether he has had a positive or negative influence on black America (Who is Farrakahn Part 1). Louis Eugene Walcott, (Farrakahn), is a Bronx native. Born there in 1933, he moved to Boston at a young age where he became a talented musician... .../american/adl/nation-of-islam/noi-04.html> (April 14, 1997). "The Nation of Islam: The Relentless Record of Hate, Part 4." <http://www.almanac.bc.ca/hweb/orgs/american/adl/nation-of-islam/noi-05.html> (April 14, 1997). "The Nation 0f Islam: The Relentless Record of Hate, Part 5." <http://www.almanac.bc.ca/hweb/orgs/american/adl/nation-of-islam/noi-06.html> (April 14, 1997). "The Nation of Islam: The Relentless Record of Hate, Part 6." <http://www.almanac.bc.ca/hweb/orgs/american/adl/nation-of-islam/noi-07.html> (April 14, 1997). "The Nation of Islam: The Relentless Record of Hate, Part 7." <http://www.almanac.bc.ca/hweb/orgs/american/adl/nation-of-islam/noi-08.html> (April 14, 1997). "The Nation of Islam: The Relentless Record of Hate, Part 8." <http://www.almanac.bc.ca/hweb/orgs/american/adl/nation-of-islam/noi-09.html> (April 14, 1997).

Odysseus- Character Comparison to the movie Essay

In comparing the blockbuster movie TROY to secondary sources found o the internet and in various texts, there are many significant differences in the portrayal of Odysseus and his involvement in Trojan War. In the movie, the first we see of Odysseus is when he’s sent by the Mycenaean King and conqueror of Greece, Agamemnon, to persuade Achilles to join the Greek war effort because, I quote, â€Å"Odysseus is the only man he’ll listen to†. The respect and belief placed in Odysseus further proves the amount of admiration Greeks hold in his ability as an eloquent speaker. In many of the texts, there is more to the pre-war story of Odysseus then mentioned in TROY. One commonly held belief is that Odysseus was one of the original suitors of Helen. He was the one that made all of her suitors swear to defend her marriage rights. However, when Menelaus called on the suitors to bring Helen back from Troy, Odysseus was reluctant to make good on his oath. In the sources Odysseus was one of the key Greeks involved in the Trojan War. He was, according to one text, to be â€Å"Outspoken and sincere, fierce and proud†. To another source, he was said to â€Å"Refuse to leave the field when the Greek troops were being routed by the Trojans. In contrast with the texts, the movie portrays very little of Odysseus’ involvement in battle and shows none of his efforts as a Greek ambassador. This is mentioned regularly in our sources, again referring to the amount of approbation the Greeks had for Odysseus’ capability to influence the minds of men. One of our sources mentions the bravery and courage Odysseus showed while trying to protect a dying Achilles. It states that Ajax, another Greek warrior, Achilles and Odysseus got inside the walls of Troy before the nocturnal raid of the Trojan horse. However in the movie it shows nothing of this event and many other minor occurrences and chooses to reveal Achilles’ death after the creation of the Trojan horse which is seen to be historically incorrect. Whilst comparing various texts to the movie itself only one major similarity was recognised. This being Odysseus’ involvement in the Trojan horse. In both the texts and the movie, Odysseus is portrayed to be the originator of the horse, the stratagem by which the Greeks were finally able to take the city of Troy. His cleverness and ingenuity is emphasised once again because of his ability to create such deceiving device that would in turn win the war for Greece.

CRM at Minitex Essay

CRM stands for Customer Relationship Management. It is a strategy used to learn more about customers’ needs and behaviors in order to develop stronger relationships with them. It plays an important role in understanding customer’s needs by gathering the information about the customers that helps in marketing and selling the company’s products. With an effective Customer Relationship Management strategy, an organization can increase revenues by providing better services and selling products effectively what the customers want. CRM is the key to better customer services. Through CRM, it is possible to discover new customers and retain the existing ones. For it to function effectively, it is of importance for the organization to understand about their customers, their needs and develop a strategy to meet those needs. Therefore, an organization must look at how the information can be saved and how useful it can be. (Wailgum, 2007) Minitex is a company that sells its products which mainly centered through finance and insurance. These 2 divisions are administered by 4 systems namely marketing, insurance, finance and CFO. (Reddy, 2015) George Degas is the director of sales at Minitex. Harold Blufmen is the VP of insurance division and Mariella Hopkins head of the finance division. It consists of the administration system that works on the billing and payments of the customers, a General Management system that keeps track of the customers are the two back-end systems for the insurance division. (McKeen, 2008) The main Problems at Minitex are: Unprofessional Sales Calls to same customers because the data in Minitex is not centralized, so as the Sales people cannot keep track of customer information with current systems. Mariella Hopkins, VP of the finance who is IT enthusiast is open to collaboration with other department do not want to compromise existing systems. Another drawback is its divisions have specialized system terminology. (Reddy, 2015) Figure 1: CRM relationship and Management (Mckeen, 2008) Aspects for Flow of Information in Minitex The Customer Contacts System: The Customer Contacts system was created recently by Degas’s boss, Jon Bettman. This system gives sales people a better way to keep track of customer information. This system schedules,  sales call on a periodic basis and provides mechanisms for generating and tracking new leads and it also forms the basis on which the marketing department pays the sales people’s commissions. Real- time information on sales by product, salesperson, and region gives Bettman and his team excellent feedback on how well their centralized marketing strategies are performing. For purposes of invoicing and servicing the accounts, the Customer Contacts system also feeds data into the insurance and financing divisions systems after sales are made. The Management Business Center System: Mariella Hopkins the VP of financing, and her division funded the development of a management business center application. This system acts as an online customer self-service system. By this system, customers can obtain statements and online financing and often can get credit approved instantly. Customer service representatives use the same basic system, with to track customer transactions and to provide customer support as needed. The Credit Administration System: Minitex is using a Credit administration system which was developed 20 years ago. Harold Blumfen, VP of insurance is a major profit maker at Minitex, he and his division uses a credit administration system to track customer billings and payments. The General Management System: Minitex uses a general management system to keep track of which products a customer has bought and what services the customer is entitled to. Both Credit Administration System and General Management System fundamentally back end systems. (McKeen, 2008) Discussion Questions 1. Explain how it is possible for someone at Minitex to call a customer and not know (a) that this is a customer and (b) that this is the third time this week that they had been called. With Minitex’s systems, both of these seem easy to accomplish. With the divisions not sharing the same system, they may not have the most updated information when one person is looking up information. This would explain why an employee may call and not know that they are calling a customer. This is especially true, because some of the employees track their own information to their own records, thus not updating the systems. It is possible to not know that a customer has been contacted three times, because the employees use their own memory to keep track of who they have called. 2. Outline the steps that Bettman must take in order to implement CRM at Minitex. In your plan, be sure to include  people, processes, and technology. To start this process of implementing CRM, Bettman needs to get everyone on the same page. He also needs to take leadership of his department, making final decisions based on evidence of the best choice for the entire department, whether or not everyone agrees. Bettman needs to get with Harold Blumfen and Mariella Hopkins and create unity between the two departments of things such as terminology, explaining that both divisions need to collaborate. The next step would be to get a handle on the current system, until they can obtain a new system. This needs to start by making sure that all information is input into the system, ensuring all employees have the most accurate and up-to-date information. This will prevent blunders, and can be a major example to put in Degas’s business case petitioning for a new IT system. Degas, meanwhile, will be working on his business case to give to IT, explaining that a new centralized system is needed. The system needs to be able to have a customer interface, but functionality for both divisions to input information and receive the information output related to their department. He can show the difference of customer interaction with less and more information flow. Degas needs to get Bettman to network with IT in the request for the new system, having the main boss involved will give it more importance. Finally, with leadership and CRM at Minitex, the department will be back on track. (McKeen, 2008) References McKeen, J. D., & Smith, H. (2008). IT strategy: Issues and Practices (2 nd Ed) Reddy, A. (2015, February 12). Crm at Minitrex. Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://www.papercamp.com/essay/147554/Crm-At-Minitrex Wailgum, T. (2007, March 6). CRM Definition and Solutions. Retrieved March 30, 2015, from http://www.cio.com/article/2439505/customer-relationship-management/crm-definition-and-solutions.html