How Did the Age of Enlightenment Influence Western Civilization

Algo-heuristic Theory Essay Example

Algo Algo-heuristic Theory Paper Algo-heuristic Theory Paper Landas theory (Landa, 1976) is concerned with identifying mental processes conscious and especially unconscious that underlie expert learning, thinking and performance in any area. His methods represent a system of techniques for getting inside the mind of expert learners and performers, which enable one to uncover the processes involved. Once uncovered, they are broken down into their relative elementary components mental operations and knowledge units that can be viewed as a kind of psychological atoms and molecules. Performing a task or solving a problem always requires a certain system of elementary knowledge units and operations. There are classes of problems for which it is necessary to execute operations in a well structured, predefined sequence (algorithmic problems). For such problem classes, it is possible to formulate a set of precise unambiguous instructions (algorithms) as to what one should do mentally and/or physically in order to successfully solve any problem belonging to that class. There are also classes of problems (creative or heuristic problems) for which precise and unambiguous sets of instructions cannot be formulated. For such classes of problems, it is possible to formulate instructions that contain a certain degree of uncertainty (heuristics). Landa also describes semi-algorithmic and semi-heuristic problems, processes and instructions. Landamatics is not a collection of lesson plans, but rather a general method of approaching the design of any effective course of instruction or any lesson plan (from Landamatics~ pdf. ). The method formulates general procedures to apply to teaching any specific knowledge and any cognitive process. Analysis of the problems many students have in being able to solve problems similar to those they were taught is that they have not been taught a general method of reasoning as a system of general instructions. In contrast to the empirical generalizations formed in the minds of students who have had conventional instruction, the Landamatics approach forms reliable, scientific, concept-congruous generalizations. This is illustrated through the example of teaching students to recognize the right triangles. Several strategies are available to the teacher. One is to lead the students to make independent discoveries of the concept and the method of applying it. Another is to give the students all the information possible about the concept, and a third is to combine these two approaches. The teacher’s strategy is chosen according to the objectives desired, but the first strategy appears to be the most valuable. Central to the Landamatics method are getting students to discover and realize the system of mental operations involved in the application of the concept and its definition, and then getting to formulate a corresponding system of instructions. Providing practice and opportunities for the internalization of the method also follow in the Landamatics approach. This will bring about automatization of the mental operations of the method. Generalizations of this approach through several forms result in a method that can be applied to concepts with different logical structures of their characteristics features. The first studies of the author and his associates were focused on thinking process and methods involved in knowledge application, i. e. , were studies of methods of applying knowledge. Three things, however, soon became clear. First that methods of thinking are a particular case of a more general methods of cognitive activity which include methods of perception, methods of memorization and some others. Second, that methods of thinking are not limited to the methods of applying knowledge but include methods of acquiring knowledge as well or, stated more generally, methods of learning. Third, that learning methods of knowledge application enormously affects the process of knowledge acquisition making it vastly more effective. The reason for this is simple: people don’t learn knowledge just by listening to or reading the explanations (unless, of course, their aim is just mere familiarization with some knowledge). They learn it by applying it to solving problems, which is one of the main purposes of the process of practicing. If this is so, then it becomes apparent why effective methods of knowledge application make the instruction, the knowledge application process becomes an important component of the process of knowledge acquisition. After the first studies had been conducted, it also became clear that teaching methods of cognitive activity affects not only the processes of learning and thinking but leads to the formation of certain qualities of mind and personality traits - such, for example, as intelligence, intuition, self-management, self-regulation and self-control, good organization of mind, a higher level of confidence in the ability to learn and solve problems, and such personality traits as systematicity in approaching problems, thinking of possible strategies for attacking problems and analyzing them before trying to actually solve the, and some others.

Hierarchical Database Models Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Hierarchical Database Models - Research Paper Example Along with this the data related to the children of an employee would be considered as child data segment. These segments would be linked with the employee record on the basis of 1:n mapping. Further collective instances of records are like tables in relational model. This arrangement contains parent records or nodes which further linked with children data segments, row wise. The popularity of hierarchical databases was established in late 1960s. Network Database Model In the network database model it is allowed to create parent-child relationship on many to many basis. This model follows the organization of graph in which there can be multiple interconnection of a node with other nodes. A conference named CODASYL (Conference on Data Systems Language) was held in 1971 to formally state the properties of network database model. This data model gained a side by side popularity along with the hierarchical model almost. The concept of set is the basic construct in this model. A set compr ises of three components namely, owner type record, name and member type record. A member type record is allowed to be associated with multiple sets. This enables the implementation of more the concept of more than one parents. In this database model the network of records’ relationships is indicated through pairwise sets. Relational Model The relational database model is the basis of Relational Database Management System (RDBMS). The theory and concept of relational model was given by a statistician named E.F. Codd. At the core of the relational model lies the process of normalization. There are more than 5 levels of normalization but usually a 3 levels normalized database is considered as a relational database. The basic procedure comprises of the following steps: Gathering related data in a tabular manner as a flat file. Each row has to represent a unique record. Identification of separate columns and fields to manage data properly. Splitting the flat file into multiple ta bles in order to curb redundancy. Establishment of relationship by declaring and link primary and foreign keys. Enforcement of referential integrity constraints is the part of relationship establishment. There are certain properties of Relational Database Tables which are as follows, Atomic values (the values listed under a single field cannot be decomposed further) Unique records (The data in a rows represents a unique instance of an entity and duplication is not allowed). Homogenous field data (The type of data listed under a field is always same). The columns can be arranged in any manner. Same rule goes with the rows. The results of queries do not get effected due to the any sequential arrangements of either columns or rows. The label of each field is always unique. This assures correct referral of fields in queries. Fields can be set as keys to identify records uniquely. A key may also be composed of more than one field. There are three types of relationships namely One to One, One to Many and Many to Many. The Many to Many relationship is implemented via two decomposed One to many relationships with an intermediate joining table. One to Many relationships are usually represented through the association of two related tables connected in a Master/Transaction fashion. Collective and comprehensive results can be acquired against the queries performed on joined tables (multiple connected tables). The key in a table (Master table) is referred to as

E-Business Master Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3250 words

E-Business Master - Case Study Example The firm has approximately 153 stores across Britain; the number of its employees has been estimated to 21,500. The last 8 months the firm's profitability was reduced under the influence of the global financial crisis; however, signs of recovery of the firm's performance have been identified - see also the performance of the firm's shares for 2008 and 2009 in Figure 1 - Appendix. Characteristics of corporate website In general, the website has the structure of a B2C (business to customer) system, i.e. a system used for the selling of products/ services to the website's visitors (customers). The information included is available to the website's visitors - the communication with customers seems to be the priority for the system's developers. The characteristics of the corporate website could be summarized as follows: the entrance and navigation in the specific website is quite easy - the material included has been appropriately categorized, in terms of speed the website can be characterized as extremely effective, images are used as possible to highlight the content - especially regarding the products available, communication with the customers is highly supported - telephone numbers are available for all organisational departments One of the most important advantages of the firm's website is the fact that the information provided covers a wide range of issues including the firm's products and services - those currently available to the public, the existing vacancies in various organisational departments - including the terms of employment in the firm, the firm's financial performance, the firm's environmental policies, the methods of payment available for online orders of products/ services and the firm's culture and...The last 8 months the firm's profitability was reduced under the influence of the global financial crisis; however, signs of recovery of the firm's performance have been identified - see also the performance of the firm's shares for 2008 and 2009 in Figure 1 - Appendix. In general, the website has the structure of a B2C (business to customer) system, i.e. a system used for the selling of products/ services to the website's visitors (customers). The information included is available to the website's visitors - the communication with customers seems to be the priority for the system's developers. The characteristics of the corporate website could be summarized as follows: One of the most important advantages of the firm's website is the fact that the information provided covers a wide range of issues including the firm's products and services - those currently available to the public, the existing vacancies in various organisational departments - including the terms of employment in the firm, the firm's financial performance, the firm's environmental policies, the methods of payment available for online orders of products/ services and the firm's culture and mission. Up today, the firm's managers have tried to keep the firm's performance almost intact from the international crisis; in the feature the ability of the firm to face the threats developed would be evaluated in ac

Management in the Arts Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Management in the Arts - Research Paper Example It has come up with different technologies of artificial pitches and excellent customer service which help the customers to avail their services. ‘Goals’ is a company which has established courts having floodlights and these courts have a spacious area. Moreover the services of pavilion are provided to the customers for refreshment purposes along with the facilities of parking. Service/ Products Heathrow Goals is located in an area with high population so that it can attract a wider range of crowd. The services that the center provides are associated with the services of the company ‘Goals’. It provides the service of booking the pitches for matches of football along with kid parties. The teams can sign up to leagues or tournaments organized by the Heathrow Goals. It provides different facilities for the teams who are enrolled in these leagues or tournaments. It has around 12 all weather pitches which help the customers with different environment of day and night. These pitches are well developed by the Heathrow Goals with rubber crumb artificial grass. The pitches also have the facility of floodlights so that the individuals can play up to the time that they want to. The Heathrow Goals also has luxury sports bar along with a private function room for parties. A mega screen is located on the pitch which attracts the teams to the centers. And lastly it also provides the facilities of shower and changing rooms for the sportsmen. Finances   The finances of the Goals clearly show that their popularity and sales is increasing every other day. With the help of the facilities that it provides it is seen that people are getting attracted towards the centre even more. In the years 2009 it was seen that the sales of the company were increased by 6% which clearly showed the strength of finance of the company. The company aims to four more centers during the year of 2011. In 2010 it was seen that five such centers were opened and made functional by the company to generate huge profits. It also opened its centre out of the United Kingdom in the famous state of Los Angeles. It is believed that with the current facilities the company would be further able to excel in the year of 2011 and currently the number of sales is enough for the company to fulfill its goals. Premises   Heathrow Goals is located on the Shepiston Lane, Heathrow with 12 day night courts for the footballers. The premises of Heathrow goals contain a bar for the footballers along with changing rooms and shower. The pitches in Heathrow Goals are almost 12 joined together but separated by the pavilion ends. It also has separate rooms where kid parties can be arranged. History   The history of Goals can be traced back to 1987 when the first 5-a side centre was established. Keith Rogers was the co founder of Anchor International Limited which created this first centre. Keith Roger was able to successfully expand the business until it was sold to 3i at the pri ce of 28 million pounds in the year of 1999. After selling Anchor International Limited, Keith Rogers carried out an MBI (Management buy in) on an existent business so that he could flourish his concept of 5-a side business. The company that he carried out an MBI on was backed by HBOS Plc and Dunedin and soon after staff upgrading started. New information technology systems were introduced in the business to help the business. After

Models of Social Work Assessment

Models of Social Work Assessment Assessment is a vital function of social work acting as the starting point of the process and if not carried correctly can impact on the social workers relationship with the service user. There are no universal definitions for assessment however Whittington (2007) suggests the process is a meeting between a social worker and someone seeking help or services, which maybe held with an individual, family or a group of people. Sutton sees assessment as an ongoing cycle and describes it using the acronym ASPIRE, Assessment, Planning, Intervention, Review and Evaluate. Models for assessment include ecological, strength based, person centred which are often used when assessing a child. The Ecological model focusses on the service user’s environment including close family circle and their wider community, placing the service user firmly in the centre. Bronfenbrenner (1979) states there are 4 layer of environment which effects a service user, microsystem which considers immediate famil y, the mesosystem looks at relationships with extended family, neighbours, friends, work and school, the exosystem includes both the micro and mesosystem but also contains social infrastructure of the labour market, education systems, health and Social services, the final layer macrosystem includes systems including government policy, legislation and culture. Ecogram’s are illustrations often used to demonstrate these layers which can benefit to everyone involved to enable them to see everyone who is involve in his life. Parker and Bradley state the strength based model focusses on the positives in a service user’s life, focussing on increasing motivation, capacity and potential for making real and informed life choices. This model also requires an extensive knowledge of the service users’ environment, living system and wider system to be able to work with them using their strengths. Within this model the power imbalance between the social worker and service user is reduced as the service users is seen as the person with the knowledge of the issues. The person centred model has a similar function as the Ecological and strength based model which places the service user at the centre of any assessment and decisions made during this process. As well as assessment models the social workers also use a variety of approaches including questioning, procedural and exchange. The Questioning approach uses a set of questions to obtain information, the social worker can have preconceived ideas about the service user which could lead the questioning in a direction which may not identify the issues which the service user may see as their main concern, this approach can be seen as a power imbalance in favour of the social worker. The Procedural approach is a systematic process set out by an organisation or framework, with set criteria which identifies eligibility, follows the rules and policies which dictates what the service user is entitled to, this approach also leaves a power imbalance as the social worker dictates what services the service user is entitled to. The Exchange process ensures partnership working where the service users is seen as the expert with an understanding of any issues, information gathered within this proces s is used to enable the service user to see their potential and resources available to meet this potential. There are specific pieces of legislation and policies which have an impact on the child assessment process, The Children Act 1989 states the welfare of the child is paramount, with an overarching system for safeguarding children, it indicates roles different agencies play and introduced the concept of parental responsibility rather than parental rights. A key principle is that Local Authorities have a duty to provide services for children and their families and all children should have access to the same range of services. The Children Act 2004 updates not supersede Children Act 1989. The aim is to encourage integrated planning, commissioning and delivery of services as well as improve multi-disciplinary working, remove duplication, increase accountability and improve the coordination of individual and joint inspections in local authorities. The Children’s act does not specifically state children referred automatically have an assessment, however if a child is deemed in need t hen the child must have an assessment, a decision which must be made within 24 hrs., once this decision has been made an assessment needs to take place within 7 days. The decision is based on Children’s act 1989 (section 17 subsection 10) outlines the criteria for a child in need, which states: (10) a child shall be taken to be in need if— (a) He is unlikely to achieve or maintain, or to have the opportunity of achieving or maintaining, a reasonable standard of health or development without the provision for him of services by a local authority under this Part; (b) His health or development is likely to be significantly impaired, or further impaired, without the provision for him of such services; Stefan can be seen as a child in need due to his current behavioural issues at school and the ongoing issues with in his family home, both could have an impact on his health and development. If Stefan is displaying behaviours within school this is having a significant effect on his education and therefore development. The social worker will carry out an assessment based on the Framework for the Assessment and Children in Need and their Families 2001 which is based on three areas, often viewed as a triangle, Child developmental needs including education, Emotional Behavioural Development, Family Social Relationships, Stefan is displaying behaviours while at school which is having an impact on his ability to learn. There have also been domestic violence situations within the home, it is not documented if he witnessed this, however the UN convention of the child states that hearing a domestic violence attack is just as detrimental to the child as witnessing the act and therefore has the same affects, this may be a factor for Stefan. Stefan and his mother are receiving support from her sister, but Stefan may have a role in the care for his mother or younger sister. Parenting capacity including Ensuring Safety, it has been highlighted Rhian, Stefan’s mother has physical and mental health issue s which resulted in Stefan and his sister being left in a local park questioning Stefan’s safety. Family and Environmental Factors including Resources, Income, Employment, Housing, Wider Family Functioning. Stefan’s mother is unable to work due to her physical and mental health which may have financial implications on the family. As well as the children’s act 1989 and 2004 and the Framework for the Assessment and Children in Need and their Families 2001, wales has a Children’s families measure 2010 which was published to tackle child poverty. Section 67 of the measure looks at children’s needs arising from community care needs of their parents and applies to any child whose parents may be in receipt of care from the local authority or arranged by the local authority, or they may be in need of such services the authority must decide what services they can provide to the child and / or their family. Section 68 of the measure addresses the child’s need arising from the health conditions, including mental health, of their parents and applies when health services are provided to or funded by the NHS, the NHS must consider the effects of the medical condition on the child and if the child requires support from the local authority. Both sections relate to Stefan’s current situatio n, Stefan’s mother has physical and mental health issues which also may have impacted on the family. The Human right convention of the child (1989) also has an impact on the assessment process, the convention was agree by international governments and stated all children had rights as individual’s not just objects which are cared for. The convention is made up of a 45 articles which outline the rights of a child, Stefan’s rights include a child must not be separated from their parents unless it is in their best interest, every child is able to have a say about what affects them and they must be taken seriously, each child has the right to live somewhere which is able to meet their physical, social and mental needs. If they do not then the government must support families who cannot afford to provide this, Governments must do all they can to ensure that children are protected from all forms of violence, abuse, neglect and mistreatment by their parents or anyone else who looks after them. Another pieces of legislation which needs to be complied with is the Welsh language act, Stefan currently attends a welsh school and his mother is a welsh speaker, Stefan may feel more comfortable if the assessment was carried out in welsh which Stefan is entitled to under the act. When working with a child the social worker needs to use a variety of skills, adapt their approaches and values which include ensuring the process is child centred, at the child’s level of understanding and abilities, advocate on behalf of the child, use observational skills to observe interactions with any significate people. Parker and Bradley state research shows children prefer to be listen to, professionals to be available and accessible, non-judgemental and non-directive, have a sense of humour, straight talking, to be able to trust and, where appropriate, to have confidentiality respected. The social worker must also ensure the process is collaborative working with people involved in the service user’s life including professionals. By using these skills the social worker also complies with the Care council of wales Code of practice which states the social worker must promote the independence of Service Users while protecting them as far as possible from danger or harm. By using the fore mentioned skills the social worker using anti-oppressive practise to ensure the service user is empowered in their continued support. Before and during the assessment process the social worker needs to ensure the issues are not pre-judged, Stefan’s behavioural issues may not be due to the issues at home he may have a learning disability, being bullied at school or finding the work hard which is causing him difficulties, Stefan may be a carer for his mother or sibling which is the issue, often what is perceived as the main issues are not necessarily the same for the person being assessed, if any of the above issues have been highlighted then appropriate assessment would be requested. Other issues which need to be considered would be where to hold the assessment, Stefan may feel unable to speak openly if carried out in front of his parents or within the family home, by carrying out any assessment meetings within his school environment either setting could make him more vulnerable, careful thought needs to be given to where assessment is carried out. While working with a child there are many ethical issues which can arise, when there is evidence a child is being neglected and their safety at risk the social worker has a decision to make, Stefan has been left in a local park due to his mother forgetting him the ethical dilemma may be if Stefan is providing a caring role for his mother and sister removing him from the situation may cause his sister to become more vulnerable and take away a support system from his mother. Another ethical issue could be within the current economic climate carrying out an assessment but being unable to offer the services required by the child and their family, when dealing with a child such as Stefan the social worker needs to gain as much information as possible however the more people who know about the situation could cause Stefan to be more vulnerable, Stefan is also entitled to privacy and the more people who know about the situation could make Stefan vulnerable amongst his peers. The final issue could be Stefan’s parents are currently refusing support, the rights of the parents to refuse services verses the right of the child to have adequate service provision.

Comparison of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov in Crime and Punishment Essa

Comparison of Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov in Crime and Punishment In his book Crime and Punishment, Dostoevsky explores the paths of two men, Raskolnikov and Svidrigailov. These two men encompass many similar problems and obstacles throughout their lives. Both commit murders and are faced with the long and mentally excruciating journey of seeking redemption. They also share many characteristics of their personalities. The reason that the outcomes of their lives are so drastically different is due to the fact that they have completely different perspectives on life. Raskolnikov is obsessed with his â€Å"superman theory†. He is constantly trying to prove that he is part of the 10% of extraordinary people in the world. He wants to become an eminent figure such as Napoleon. At first he believed that the murders he committed would make him part of this elite class. Once he realized that he had made mistakes during the crime he began to question his theory. After much frustration he decided to go to the scene of the crime. This gave him a rush that made him feel invincible. He believed that this would prove if, or if not he was â€Å"super†. Once he realized that he wasn’t part of this class, he suffered a mental breakdown. This pushed him to confess his crime to Sonya. She helped him rationalize his crime and admit his guilt. The outcome of this conversation was that it helped him admit his fate. Svidrigailov contains many similar traits of that of a â€Å"superman†. Due to his egoc...