Essay about Cyber Security A Necessity Nowadays - 1285 Words

Cyber-attacks are not just in fiction movies, they are a reality of our world. The cost of cyber-attacks are estimated at $100 billion to $1 trillion annually (Eschelbeck, 25). The reason of this is not difficult to understand. Computers are present everywhere. People are always connected posting information about their lives on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. On the commercial field is the same. The most part of enterprises have their bases computerized. All the transactions and important information are in computers. Cyber Security is now one of the biggest necessities of the world, because our lives resolve around computers, the cyber-attacks are dramatically increasing in number every day, and the cyber attackers are becoming more†¦show more content†¦The number of cyber-attacks is increasing in general. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reported that the number of cyber attacks launched against U.S. infrastructure in 2012 increased by over 50 percent, and over 7,000 key industrial control systems are vulnerable to attack. Cybercriminals tend to focus where the weak spots are and use technique until it becomes less effective, and then move on to the next frontier. For this reason, the targets and the attacks techniques change every time. As example of some of the most attacks techniques utilized are socially engineered, unpatched software and Phishing attacks. A social engineer runs what used to be called a con game. For example, a person using social engineering to break into a computer network might try to gain the confidence of an authorized user and get them to reveal information that compromises the networks security. They might, for example, call the authorized employee with some kind of urgent problem that requires immediate network access. Appeal to vanity, appeal to authority, appeal to greed, and Fukuoka Rosa 3 old-fashioned eavesdropping are other typical social engineering techniques. Socially engineered can be best handled through end-user education that is training the company’s employees to not give important information toShow MoreRelatedInternet Crimes And The Internet1719 Words   |  7 PagesThe researcher has taken help from a number of online sources and a few books as well. Firstly, the researcher will discuss about cybercrime, how and when it came in existence. The researcher then will categorize cybercrimes into 2 parts, cyber abuse and cyber-attacks. This in turn has a few subtopics to follow. And lastly, the researcher will discuss prevention from these kind of attacks. Technology has been increasing so rapidly in the past fifteen years that it has increased the use of computersRead MoreMobile And Cloud Platforms Accessible Essay1429 Words   |  6 Pagesimmensely and it will continue growing. 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The Water Wars In Central Asia Environmental Sciences Essay Free Essays

string(32) " of surface irrigation systems\." â€Å" Water promises to be to the twenty-first century what oil was to the twentieth century: the cherished trade good that determines the wealth of states † . The 20th century governed states with the kernel of industry – rough oil. Even today it is the focal point of international struggle, ordering a states ability to map in both planetary political relations and the planetary economic system. We will write a custom essay sample on The Water Wars In Central Asia Environmental Sciences Essay or any similar topic only for you Order Now The 21st century promises to regulate states with the kernel of life – clean H2O. Driven by fickle conditions forms, intensive irrigation, and population force per unit areas, H2O is increasingly going a scarce trade good and is developing into a accelerator of international instability and struggle. An illustration of H2O ‘s ability to impact an country in the 21st century can be found in the Central Asian States, and the dehydration of the Aral Sea. The enlargement of irrigated agricultural land area and hydroelectric power, determined to be the root causes of the Aral Sea catastrophe, have continued due to miss of collaborative action by the freshly independent provinces of the part. The Amu Darya and the Syr Darya supply fresh water to the upstream provinces of Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Southeastern Kazakhstan, and the downstream states Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Southwestern Kazakhstan. These states are going progressively competitory over H2O in the part, go forthing the dehydration of natural formations like the Aral Sea as an acceptable cost. The competition over H2O comes from the H2O intensive cotton harvest, which dominates the agribusiness in Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, and Southwestern Kazakhstan. Cotton provides a important foreign currency earn er for the part and is a major supplier of employment, but demands big sums of H2O from the part, which the Amu Darya and Syr Darya rivers struggle to supply. The indiscriminate usage of H2O to fuel cotton production has been in pattern since the early 1960 ‘s and is doing terrible environmental jobs, such as the drying of the Aral Sea, clime alteration, H2O and dirt salt, and H2O, dirt and air pollution. Increasing poverty, quickly turning populations, and the pattern of â€Å" economic patriotism † alternatively of regional cooperation by the autocratic governments of part, are the ingredients for future tenseness, societal instability, and possible struggle in Central Asia. These developments will be interpreted in a political economic system model, going from the Soviet ‘s forced cotton production, which is analyzed in the 2nd subdivision of this paper. Water is an progressively scarce resource in the part that is under force per unit area stemming from economic involvements, such as hydroelectric coevals and agricultural production. The environmental involvements of biodiversity, bettering supports of the part ‘s population and the resurgence of the Aral Sea are underrepresented and hence unheard. The environmental debasement of the Aral Sea is examined in greater item in the 3rd subdivision of this paper. The dehydration of the Aral Sea has far making effects in the part, impacting the clime and biodiversity. Desert air currents can transport 1000000s of dozenss of contaminated sand and salt from the country that was one time the Aral Sea, and lodge them on agricultural land all over the part. The effects of these polluted sand and salt sedimentations are farther amplified by the hapless drainage systems and the eventful H2O logging, that have caused dirt salt to go an increasing environmental job. Rising salt degrees have cause the ecology of the part to degrade to the point where many countries are going inhospitable, due to the barbarous downward spiral fueled by poorness and environmental debasement. The concluding subdivision critics the institutional model behind the H2O direction of the part. Foregrounding the displacement from a centrally run allotment of H2O by the Ministries of Land Reclamation and Water Resources ( Minvodkhoz ) located in Moscow to more regionally located signifiers of H2O direction, following the prostration of the Soviet Union. Since so it has become imperative that upstream states like Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Southeastern Kazakhstan jointly allocate H2O resources with downstream states like Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and Southwestern Kazakhstan. New establishments have been created to supervise this procedure as each twelvemonth, at the presidential degree ; understandings are negotiated to stipulate the sum of H2O allocated to each state. There has been small alteration at the micro-level except in Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan, where Water Users ‘ Associations ( WUA ) have been established. In both Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, both major consumer s of H2O, the cardinal allotment and direction of H2O is still practiced in the absence of local reforms. The â€Å" usage it or lose it † rule, the result of the Soviet ‘s centrally planned H2O allotment patterns, are still in pattern due to the deficiency of countenances forestalling the abuse or inducements advancing the preservation of H2O. The continued ingestion of H2O at current degrees, coupled with the low efficiency ratios soon practiced, will take to increased degrees of dirt salt and the farther irreversible debasement of the Aral Sea basin. In a divided Central Asia stricken with a deteriorating environment, the scarceness of H2O has lead to increased tensenesss and may, given clip, lead to serious struggle. Many in the part believe that entree to H2O is â€Å" God-Given, † which contributes to the local authorities ‘s deficiency of concrete action against the current scarceness confronting the part, that is itself semisynthetic. Merely reduced and more efficient ingestion of H2O in Aral Sea basin supervised by efficient micro and macro-organizations, coupled with interregional cooperation, would be able to come on the part to a sustainable hereafter. The Soviet ‘s Management of Water The former Soviet Central Asia consists of chiefly steppes and comeuppances. This environment had traditionally limited the development of colonies and the attach toing agribusiness to oases, fed by rivers or belowground reservoirs known as aquifers. Soviet regulation changed all this, with forced collectivisation. Much of the traditional methods of sustainable cropping forms were forcibly altered to large-scale individual harvest methods that required a H2O direction substructure composed of surface irrigation systems. You read "The Water Wars In Central Asia Environmental Sciences Essay" in category "Essay examples" Regions like the Fergana Valley that were irrigated and specialized in cotton as a hard currency harvest, had a considerable comparative advantage over countries non bring forthing â€Å" white gold † . In the early 1960 ‘s Moscow took notice of this comparative advantage and began to make a quasi-monoculture, turning Cardinal Asia into a natural stuffs manufacturer for the fabric industries of the more cardinal Soviet Union. Cotton rapidly became the life-bread of the outer agriculturally based Soviet democracies, an indispensable trade good in their political economic systems. This patterned advance is illustrated by the province of Uzbekistan, which became one the largest cotton bring forthing states in the universe. The success or failure of cotton began to order the destiny of political elites in the Soviet Socialistic Republics ( SSRs ) , which lead to extended corruptness such as the over and underreporting of cotton production and the forced organisation of labou r to optimise cotton production. These corrupt patterns shortly became basiss of Uzbek, Tajik, and Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republics ‘ economic systems and the agricultural industry of the part. As the production of cotton in the Central Asiatic part increased quickly, the demand for H2O became despairing, due to the clime ‘s agricultural inhospitality and demand for irrigation. Water, at the clip, seemed copiously supplied by the Amu Darya and Syr Darya and lead to the building of great canals like the KaraKum canal, stretching more than 1,100 kilometer from the Amu Darya to Turkmenistan. The cragged countries of Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Kazakhstan are the get downing point for both rivers, which are mostly consumed by the agriculturally demanding countries of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This division between upstream and downstream states and the resulting differential entree is one of the chief causes of tenseness refering H2O use in the part. The moneymaking enlargement of cotton land area, best illustrated by Uzbekistan, created a quickly increasing demand for agricultural irrigation, and began deviating mass measures of H2O to provide it. In Uzbekistan cotton ‘s enlargement was unprecedented, spread outing from an end product of 441,600 hectares in 1913, to 1,022,600 sunburns in 1940, to 1,427,900 sunburns in 1960, to every bit much as 2,103,000 sunburns in 1987. In Uzbekistan cotton became known as â€Å" King Cotton † , providing a antecedently bare state with an unprecedented hard currency harvest and provided employment to the bulk of its citizens. The Uzbek ‘s flourishing cotton industry had one fatal defect: it relied wholly on the handiness of H2O, in a part missing abundant H2O. The efficiency of H2O use was minimum due to a hapless substructure trusting on unlined and exposed canals, where escape is highly high, with the bulk of H2O either evaporating or oozing into the land. These inefficient H2O direction patterns lead to a diminishing sum of H2O really making the Aral Sea, and by the 1960 ‘s the sum of H2O making the Aral Sea began to dunk below the 50 kmA? to keep the sea degree at the clip. In the 30 old ages that followed ( 1960-1990 ) , the Aral Sea shank to merely half its original surface country. By the twelvemonth 2007 the Aral Sea had shrunk to merely ten per centum of its original size. The lay waste toing toll on the environment caused by the irresponsible, regulated, and irreguardless ingestion of H2O in the part, at this point can non be reversed, and has threatened to do the full part inhospitable due to the salinization of its dirt. Interestingly plenty the drying out of the Aral Sea did non halt or even decelerate during the decennary of passage from Soviet regulation. The freshly independent states were concerned with their ain single wellbeing, with a focal point on the employment and foreign currency cotton production brought, instead than that of the part as a whole. The states of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, were trapped politically to maintain cotton production changeless even when spread outing the production of other harvests. This was due to cotton ‘s incontestable value in the states ‘ economic systems, disenabling policy shapers from traveling to more sustainable resource direction even if they wanted to. The agricultural demand for H2O by the downstream states and the hydroelectric demand by upstream states, over the last 10 old ages, have non been contained. Agricultural H2O usage has remained more or less the same, even with a displacement to more diverse and sustainable harvests. Overall cropping forms for the Central Asiatic part was 40 % cotton and 7 % wheat in 1990, which shifted to 35 % cotton and 30 % wheat by 2000. This displacement resulted in no bead in H2O ingestion, even though wheat is a less water-intense harvest. This is due to the parts deficiency of efficient H2O conveyance substructure and H2O direction, show by the remarkably high demand for H2O, in comparing to other cotton bring forthing states. The deficiency of authorities financess to better substructure and educate citizens about efficient H2O direction could be blamed, but in all world the demand for a revival of self-sustainable agriculture patterns in the part is what is truly needed. Management A ; Reforms After the prostration of the Soviet Union, the centralized and regionally focussed H2O direction tactics antecedently practiced were abandoned. New national and regional organisations were formed during the passage period after 1991. An understanding was reached during February of 1992 to organize the Interstate Commission for Water Coordination ( ICWC ) , comprised of the five freshly independent Central Asian states. This organisation was responsible for H2O allotment in the Aral Sea basin, but lacked the foresight to turn to jobs like H2O quality, salt, and the authorization to efficaciously pull off possible struggle state of affairss that could happen. In March of 1993 a subsequent understanding established organisations like the Interstate Council on the Aral Sea ( ICAS ) , moving as an consultative commission for the five provinces of the part. This lead to the formation of the International Fund for the Aral Sea ( IFAS ) in order to fund the assorted activities of ICAS, follo wed by the constitution of a Sustainable Development Commission, concentrating on protecting the environment of the part and socioeconomic development. ICAS and IFAS were shortly merged to organize a new IFAS empowered by a board of deputy curates, giving the organisation comparatively more power. At the basin degree of the Syr Darya and Amu Darya, H2O direction was delegated to single Water Basin Associations or Basseynoe Vodnoe Ob’edinenie ( BVOs ) . These organisations oversaw the H2O direction of basins that affected five freshly independent provinces, including the communicating substructure, pumping systems, canals, power supply, and distribution systems from the several rivers beginning to its basin on the Aral Sea. These BVOs did non nevertheless control drainage, as this duty fell to the national H2O governments. Dispite the bureaucratic muss that the complexnesss and sheer figure of bureaus that were created to cover with H2O direction in the part, organisations like the BVOs lacked the support of international jurisprudence, intending that understandings and resource direction put for the by these organisations could be ignored with no effect. This deficiency of authorization is farther illustrated by the absent acknowledgment by province legislative assemblies and the support duties, proportionate to H2O allotment portions, which merely two of five states on a regular basis complied with. The deficit of support besides hampered the ability of BVOs and similar organisations to map and even keep the basic substructure that they were founded to set up. Originally IFAS was to be financed yearly by allotments of one per centum of the five member states Gross National Product, this figure was reduced to 0.3 % for Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan, and to 0.1 % for Tajikistan and Kyrgyzstan. These decreases in budget allotments were farther impeded by late payments and the deficiency of payment wholly, as some provinces concluded that the financess allocated for IFAS would be better utilized within their ain boundary lines. This meant that organisations like IFAS could non number on regular parts to fund direct operationa l costs or to fund larger substructure care, fix, and betterment doing the bing H2O direction construction to farther deteriorate. How to cite The Water Wars In Central Asia Environmental Sciences Essay, Essay examples

Prevention of Cruelty to Animals

Question: Discuss about the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Answer: Introduction Change management refers to an approach where the individuals are equipped and supported to adapt to change that brings organizational success. Being hired as an external change agent, the aim of this report is to make changes in the existing processes of Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA). RSPCA is a community based charity that works to prevent animal cruelty and promotes protection and care. The organization promotes animal welfare since its formation in 1981 (Rspca.org.au, 2017). The organization has a strong mission by promoting care and protection of animals. The organizational vision is to be the leading authority in animal protection and care. RSPCA runs 40 shelters with the help of 1000 employees working together to save the lives of Australian animals (Rspca.org.au, 2017). According to the case study by Dr. Niki Ellis, the results of qualitative research suggest that there is compassion fatigue among employees based on the figures for turnover, sick leave and productivity (Elis, 2007). The research suggests that the employees like a few things the best about working at RSPCA such as being a part of team, interacting with animals, helping animals find a new home and meeting new challenges regularly. However, a few parts such as making unfavourable decisions, physical complications like heat and rain, abuse, lack of resources, seeing animal cruelty and frustration at lack of success are quite stressful for the employees. Therefore, this paper shall help in developing corrective actions that can help the organization reach a desired state to the current one. Further, a change management program is framed by considering multiple factors such as depth, type and scale of change programme. Lastly, the progress shall be measured if the change is implemented su ccessfully. Development of Corrective Actions According to the report by Elis (2007), the situation of RSPCA in 2008 depicts compassion fatigue among employees. Compassion fatigue is a situation experienced by people in extreme state of preoccupation or stress caused to people providing care. As RSPCA employees provide care and compassion to the animals regularly, they are more likely to encounter compassion fatigue. The compassion fatigue is most prevalent in animal attendants than the inspectors and vets in RSPCA. Also, the same issue is found more in casual employees than in permanent. The rate of absenteeism is found more in animal attendants. The organization also faces staff turnover rate of 30% (Elis, 2007). In 2008, the employees faced certain challenges (Elis, 2007). The casual employees face issues such as workload and scheduling. Moreover, there is lack of trust that contributes to compassion fatigue. The employees also face issues regarding support from the manager as they do not find him approachable. Other issues s uch as maintaining line, limited time and resolving issues to a certain extent also exist (Holcombe et al., 2015). As there is compassion fatigue prevalent in the organization, a few corrective actions must be taken to develop a compassion satisfaction program. Compassion satisfaction refers to the positivity involved in caring. The employees need to feel good while they help the animals and make a positive difference in the world. The future desired state shall be the development of compassion satisfaction program shall be to foster positivity among the employees at RSPCA so that there is reduced absenteeism and turnover while increase in job satisfaction (Brannick et al., 2015). According to the report, the primary preventive or corrective actions involve the implementation of compassion satisfaction policy, smarter working program, celebrating wins, involving staff in activities and conducting survey of compassion fatigue and satisfaction (Elis, 2007). For compassion satisfaction policy, the guidelines of self-care need to be established in RSPCA in accordance with standards of Academy of Traumatology (Elis, 2007). The guidelines have two main purposes- not harming self while treating others, and attending to own physical, emotional, social and spiritual needs to ensure high quality services. Further, individual and organizational stress prevention techniques need to be applied. The job redesign shall increase the decision authority allowing the employees to plan their schedule without interference. Further, the casual workers at RSPCA can set their goals for understanding their role and improving performance. The employees working in different teams such as vets, inspectors, animal carers and attendants may negotiate their role based on their liking or personal choice. A de-stress workshop shall be helpful in creating a social support system that would provide feedback and emotional support to the employees. The employees at RSPCA need to take personal responsibility by increasing physical exercise and relaxation training to manage their stress levels (Jacobson, 2012). A smarter working program may be another corrective action to help RSPCA in reaching the desired state. The smarter working program may start with a workshop to brainstorm ideas and plan action. The managers at RSPCA may conduct a brainstorming session where they encourage employees to come up with thoughts and ideas that could be a creative solution. Team management software may be implemented so that the workers at RSPCA can share information and progress on website. A staff suggestion box through continuous improvement program can be run that shall help in improving work processes in the organization. The employees can be rewarded or recognized for making unique suggestions and improving process (Jacobson, 2012). Further, the managers must celebrate local wins. Celebrating wins is a great way to acknowledge the work of welfare workers at RSPCA. The employees have job insecurity and there is heavy workload that adds to organizational risk. There are physical environment risks such as heat and rain that causes distress among the employees (Slocum-Gori et al., 2011). With the uncomfortable work environment, it is necessary for the managers to accentuate the positive that increases the likelihood of positivity among employees. The staffs must be involved while implementing prevention strategy so that they feel active. The animal welfare workers must be involved in the decision making as they have the accurate information regarding operations. A compassion satisfaction and fatigue survey must be conducted to assess the employee satisfaction rate (Lee, MacFarlane, LeRoy, 2014). A few secondary prevention corrective actions may also be applied to RSPCA. RSPCA may conduct a peer support program to bridge to employee assistance program. The peer program shall enable the employees in recovering from the trauma they have passed through while recovering the animals. The peer specialists can offer support and teach skills to help animal find a new shelter. The empathetic listening, encouragement and understanding the employees can help them overcome social or emotional barriers to achieve goals. The induction training can be conducted where the workers can build relationships under good supervision. Also, necessary information can be recorded by communicating with the managers as it is seen that employees are reluctant to turn up to them (Scotney, McLaughlin, Keates, 2015). Guiding Change Management Plans Change management relates to a process that involves planning and delivery of the project. Change management can be referred as the separate component of project plans. This section provides guidance to the change management plans while considering the depth, scale and type of change management programme (Hayes, 2014). The first step is to identify change. The type of changed required for the organization is change in policy, systems and job roles. The speed of change required is moderate as the management of RSPCA may not be able to implement change immediately. The scope of change includes the managers, animal attendants, carers, vets and inspectors who work at RSPCA. The change shall affect the entire organization. There is a need to change the relationship between managers and employees so that the change can bring positivity and reduce compassion fatigue in the organization. There is readiness for change as the target training audience is selected (Tracy, 2014). There is a need for people change as the work practices need to be simplified. New behaviours is required by the managers so that the employees feel more connected to the organization. The policies regarding sharing information between employees and managers need to be changed as the subordinates are hesitant to speak to their managers. Funds shall be required to bring the change and conduct induction program, peer support program, and running website for smarter working program (Cameron Green, 2015). Policy / Procedure Type of Change Required Suggested Plan Compassion satisfaction policy Enhancing individual and organizational responsibilities Conducting animal care workshops, job redesign, role negotiation and creating a social support system, increasing physical exercise and relaxation training Smarter working program Running continuous improvement program to make constant changes Workshop to brainstorm ideas, managing team management software, and creating staff suggestion box Peer support program Skills-development programs, peer support groups Bridge to employee assistance program, offer support and teach skills Induction program Explaining policies and procedures, job role, performance measurement The employees shall be explained the policies and procedures. Job role must be defined. Performance shall be measured. Table 1: Change Management Plan Source: Created by Author Communication of objectives is necessary as there is a need for understating, acceptance, alignment and commitment. The message must be short so that it is simple and clear to the stakeholders. The senior management, employees and trainers are the stakeholders involved in the process (Bridges, 2014). The external change agent needs to consider the following audience or stakeholders as a part of the change management plan- Stakeholder Key Message Delivery Method Location Senior managers The behaviour needs to be changed and must be more responsible towards the social and emotional needs of the employees. Face to face communication RSPCA Employees (animal carers, attendants, vets and others) The employees must take initiative and provide feedback regarding the social and emotional support required in the organization. Emails, Face to face communication RSPCA Trainers The employees and managers must be trained using induction program, peer support program and others Face to face communication RSPCA Table 2: Communication Plan Source: Created by Author Stakeholder Group Type of Training Required Optimum Setting Delivery Method Employees Induction On-the-job training Face-to-face Senior Managers Induction On-the-job training Seminar Table 3: Training Plan Source: Created by Author Every change management plan has certain resistance from the employees or managers that is necessary to be managed. Method How to Use When to Use Advantages Disadvantages Education Communication the desired changes with justification Employees miss information regarding potential changes People often cooperate with required changes It is a time consuming process Participation The potential resisters must be involved and participated to carry change successfully Insufficient information to design and implement change Employees feel greatly committed to implement change Employees may design an inappropriate plan Facilitation Providing emotional support and skills training There is resistance when people fear not being able to cope up with the change Best method in comparison with other approaches Can be expensive and time consuming Negotiation Offering incentives to make change People may not cooperate and resist change It is a simple way to manage resistance Employees can blackmail regarding leaving the job Coercion Transfer or threaten jobs or promotions to those who do not adapt to change To manage change effectively and quickly It helps in overcoming any type of resistance There may be resentment among employees Table 4: Resistance Management Plan Source: Created by Author It is not a simple task to manage change as it is not a one way street. The employees must provide their feedback regarding the change management process. Success and long-term wins must be celebrated by the working team of RSPCA. Measuring Progress This section aims to devise ways to measure the effectiveness of change management at RSPCA. As RSPCA is ready to implement change, it is necessary for them to understand change management. The purpose of measuring change is that it must motivate employees to perform new desired activities. The new projects and initiatives are launched to improve performance of the workers a RSPCA. The change shall also lead the employees to attain organizational goals and objectives. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the success of change to ensure that it has become a norm for the people at RSPCA (Milner, Myers, O'Byrne, 2015). Key Performance Indicators are quantifiable measurements agreed to beforehand, that reflect the critical success factors of an organisation. They will differ depending on the organisation. The goals of KPI compliance are to assess whether business programs and policies are accomplishing their stated objectives, identify areas in need of improvement and provide ways to control and monitor employee performance. In addition, insisting on KPI compliance demonstrates your businesss intent to establish an environment of accountability. Meeting these objectives requires process, activities and outcome KPIs. In addition, insisting on KPI compliance demonstrates your businesss intent to establish an environment of accountability. Meeting these objectives requires process, activities and outcome KPIs (Millar Hall, 2013). In the given paper, there are four main changes suggested that involves change in policies and procedures. The desired change is to reduce turnover, absenteeism and improve performance of the people at RSPCA. The employee satisfaction index may be used as a key metric to measure the employee happiness rate. Annual surveys may be conducted using a Likert scale scoring regarding the organizational culture, leadership effectiveness, management support and conditions of service. This shall give an idea about how happy employees are at the workplace so that necessary measures can be taken for improvement. Further, the number of employee satisfaction surveys may be measured as it shall help in understanding the effort put by the management to ensure employee happiness (Parmenter, 2012). Further, the percentage of employees trained using peer support program and induction shall help in understanding the effort made to change culture. RSPCA must focus on employees have a healthy work-life balance. Therefore, they need to assess the number of days, both used and unused. As there is high absenteeism rate in the organization for casual employees, the total absenteeism including predictable and unpredictable rates need to be measured. This key performance indicator helps in measuring employee motivation as a high absenteeism rate means low motivation in the organization. RSPCA must try to keep this figure minimum for high performance and low cost reasons (Dooren, Bouckaert, Halligan, 2015). As RSPCA has both casual and full time employees, a check on the number must be kept. Casual employees are temporary in nature and may choose to quit the organization quicker than the full time or permanent employees. The organization requires greater number of permanent employees so that there is greater loyalty in the organization. The long tenure of work among the employees shall indicate company loyalty and high commitment. The tenure shall help in determining the talent retention rate. As social workers have specific talents that are not possessed by every individual, it is necessary to retain the employees (Jensen, Patel, Messersmith, 2013). The involuntary termination rate must be assessed where the resignations are employer-led. Such figure shall be calculated semi-annually so that the reasons can be assessed. Similarly, the voluntary turnover rate shall also be measured where the employees choose to resign from the organization. A higher rate shall indicate changing the policies and improving working conditions at the workplace. The attrition rate shall help in determining if the organization was able to retain employees. A low attrition rate shall indicate success of the new policies and procedures (Dooren, Bouckaert, Halligan, 2015). The employee productivity rate shall help in determining workforce efficiency. The number of animals getting less ill shall determine that they are taken good care by the employees. Further, the increase in number of animals at RSPCA shall indicate greater initiatives by the employees to provide shelter. A compassion satisfaction may be conducted where their happiness quotient shall be measured (Kehoe Wright, 2013). There is constant pressure on RSPCA to reach higher performance levels by supporting work and helping the organization achieve goals. It may be challenging to measure employee performance. When an employee's goal is defined in terms of an organizational KPI, it ensures that what the employee is doing is well aligned with the goals of the organization. This is the critical link between employee performance and organizational success (Dahler-Larsen, 2013). Conclusion Therefore, the above report shall be helpful in enhancing the work culture of RSPCA. RSPCA is a community based charity that works to prevent animal cruelty and promotes protection and care. The research suggests that the employees like a few things the best about working at RSPCA such as being a part of team, interacting with animals, helping animals find a new home and meeting new challenges regularly. Compassion fatigue is a situation experienced by people in extreme state of preoccupation or stress caused to people providing care. The employees also face issues regarding support from the manager as they do not find him approachable. The job redesign shall increase the decision authority allowing the employees to plan their schedule without interference. The employees at RSPCA need to take personal responsibility by increasing physical exercise and relaxation training to manage their stress levels. There are physical environment risks such as heat and rain that causes distress among the employees. The peer specialists can offer support and teach skills to help animal find a new shelter. Change management relates to a process that involves planning and delivery of the project. There is a need to change the relationship between managers and employees so that the change can bring positivity and reduce compassion fatigue in the organization. The senior management, employees and trainers are the stakeholders involved in the change management process. The purpose of measuring change is that it must motivate employees to perform new desired activities. The desired change is to reduce turnover, absenteeism and improve performance of the people at RSPCA. As there is high absenteeism rate in the organization for casual employees, the total absenteeism including predictable and unpredictable rates need to be measured. The organization requires greater number of permanent employees so that there is greater loyalty in the organization. References Brannick, E., DeWilde, C., Frey, E., Gluckman, T., Keen, J., Larsen, M. et al. (2015). Taking stock and making strides toward wellness in the veterinary workplace.Journal Of The American Veterinary Medical Association,247(7), 739-742. https://dx.doi.org/10.2460/javma.247.7.739 Bridges, W. (2014).Managing transitions(1st ed.). London: Nicholas Brealey. Cameron, E. Green, M. (2015).Making Sense of Change Management: A Complete Guide to the Models, Tools and Techniques of Organizational Change(1st ed.). NY: Kogan Page. Dahler-Larsen, P. (2013). Constitutive Effects of Performance Indicators: Getting beyond unintended consequences.Public Management Review,16(7), 969-986. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2013.770058 Dooren, W., Bouckaert, G., Halligan, J. (2015).Performance management in the public sector(1st ed.). NY: Routledge. Elis, D. (2007).RSPCA Stress audit: Draft report. Australia. Retrieved from https://www.abc.net.au/tv/stressbuster/episodes/casenotes/rspca_final_report.pdf Hayes, J. (2014).The theory and practice of change management(1st ed.). Basingstoke: Palgrave Macmillan. Holcombe, T., Strand, E., Nugent, W., Ng, Z. (2015). Veterinary social work: Practice within veterinary settings.Journal Of Human Behavior In The Social Environment,26(1), 69-80. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/10911359.2015.1059170 Jacobson, J. (2012). Risk of compassion fatigue and burnout and potential for compassion satisfaction among employee assistance professionals: Protecting the workforce.Traumatology,18(3), 64-72. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/1534765611431833 Jensen, J., Patel, P., Messersmith, J. (2013). High-Performance Work Systems and Job Control.Journal Of Management,39(6), 1699-1724. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0149206311419663 Kehoe, R. Wright, P. (2013). The Impact of High-Performance Human Resource Practices on Employees Attitudes and Behaviors.Journal Of Management,39(2), 366-391. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0149206310365901 Lee, W., Veach, P., MacFarlane, I., LeRoy, B. (2014). Who is at Risk for Compassion Fatigue? An Investigation of Genetic Counselor Demographics, Anxiety, Compassion Satisfaction, and Burnout.Journal Of Genetic Counseling,24(2), 358-370. https://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s10897-014-9716-5 Millar, R. Hall, K. (2013). Social Return on Investment (SROI) and Performance Measurement.Public Management Review,15(6), 923-941. https://dx.doi.org/10.1080/14719037.2012.698857 Milner, J., Myers, S., O'Byrne, P. (2015).Assessment in social work. London: Palgrave Macmillan. Parmenter, D. (2012).Key performance indicators for government and non profit agencies(1st ed.). Hoboken, N.J.: John Wiley Sons. Rspca.org.au,. (2017).What We Do.RSPCA Australia. Retrieved 15 February 2017, from https://www.rspca.org.au/what-we-do Scotney, R., McLaughlin, D., Keates, H. (2015). A systematic review of the effects of euthanasia and occupational stress in personnel working with animals in animal shelters, veterinary clinics, and biomedical research facilities.Journal Of The American Veterinary Medical Association,247(10), 1121-1130. https://dx.doi.org/10.2460/javma.247.10.1121 Slocum-Gori, S., Hemsworth, D., Chan, W., Carson, A., Kazanjian, A. (2011). Understanding Compassion Satisfaction, Compassion Fatigue and Burnout: A survey of the hospice palliative care workforce.Palliative Medicine,27(2), 172-178. https://dx.doi.org/10.1177/0269216311431311 Tracy, B. (2014).Management(1st ed.). New York: AMACOM.

The Duhem

Introduction Scientific proposition necessitates more than one insinuation to the situation in order to be analyzed practically. Through segregation, it may not be feasible to experiment any scientific hypothesis as stipulated by the problem raised by Duhem–Quine (Duhem-Quine thesis).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Duhem-Quine specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More The thesis presented by Duhem-Quine may also refer to the auxiliary hypotheses or assumptions. In essence, predictions cannot be made easily through this thesis (Curd Cover 1998, p. 10). However, a number of typical postulations in the surroundings would be a boost to obtaining predictions from the correct hypotheses. For instance, it is feasible to derive any prediction once there is perfect scientific information in the preceding hypothesis and if the actual test works as premeditated. In fact, when studying the planet, astronomic and physical theories take into account facts and proofs of the notion that the world is in a continuous motion. The malfunctioning of both the background assumptions and the hypothesis may perhaps lead to the falsification, as well as examination of the experimental scientists. According to the thesis presented by Duhem-Quine, the separation of a solitary hypothesis from the entire package of hypotheses is not achievable. Besides, researchers are faced with a single solution to the predicament. Thus, failure of the empirical tests increases the likelihood of scientists to think otherwise. Actually, researchers would think that the examined theory is wrong even if the assumptions at the background are believed to be accurate. Thus, chapter three of the Philosophy of Science basically offers simple and analytical techniques that are coherent in heightening and developing physical sciences. All these are developed in divergent sections, which include the portion that talks about the formation of a corporal principle. The other portion concentrates on the subject matter and aims of the corporal principle. Thus, the Quine-Duhem states that it is not possible to examine any scientific theory through isolation owing to an experiential examination of the hypothesis that needs more than one contextual assumption.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Main Body Basically, Duhem’s point necessarily leads to the incommensurability thesis. There are several justifications to support this claim. According to Duham-Quine’s Philosophy of Science, the indeterminacy of translation is incompatible with the rendition manuals for any language. In fact, the manuals can be arranged in a system where there is no impartially exact choice. A powerful variety of empiricisms required for affirmatively necessary or confident basis of credence through inductive verification was ruthlessly crit icized by Duham and Popper. The declaration is intrinsically covered by Martin Curd and Christopher Pincock in the Philosophy of Science. Quine stated that there are scientific theories that are irreconcilable yet they are practically correspondent. Specifically, the theory states that there is a connection between propositions that express pertinent proof and suggestions that comprise the theory. The logic behind this theory is that recurring annotations of white swans do not prevent the likelihood of the survival of black swans. In essence, the peak point in the distortion is the fundamental testing. According to Quine (1986), the testing can be carried out if two contradictory suppositions predict diverse results in some solid situations. When the condition arises through tentative management or opportune combination of intrinsic occurrences, the outcome amid the competitors may be one or another. The hypothesis raised doubts regarding the reason for distortion, hence the influen tial character of critical testing. When investigating the subject, Quine states that the results of any testing are not envisaged on the foundation of a single thesis only since supplementary theses are involved. The outcomes are often challenging and are not primarily regarded as threatened, when the thesis of concern is examined.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on The Duhem-Quine specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Nonetheless, if the results of the testing are not envisaged, it is rationally probable that the thesis under examination is correct and the inaccuracy reclines in one or more of the supplementary examinations (Gillies 1993, p. 7). The Duhem-Quine problem examines the representation and classification of experimental regulations. The objective of all impartial hypotheses is the depiction of investigational regulations. The terms â€Å"truth† and â€Å"certainty† possess a single implication with regard to such a thesis. The terms articulate concordance amid the termination of the thesis and the regulations recognized by the observer. Furthermore a rule of physics is only the synopsis of perpetuity of trials that have been conducted or shall be conducted in future (Quine 1954, p. 3). Fundamentally, Duhem’s argument regarding experimental laws essentially leads to the incommensurability theory. According to this author, a sound thesis offers an acceptable depiction of tentative laws. He stated that the conformity to the experiment is the only criteria of reality for a physical thesis. The author acknowledged four consecutive operations in the expansion of such a thesis. They include the description and gauging of physical magnitudes. In this, he identified the easiest characteristics of physical procedures and articulated the choosing of hypothesis. He also accounted for the interconnection devised in prior stages and articulated the arithmetical progression of t he thesis. This level is guided simply by the constraints of arithmetical reason devoid of physical realism. Finally, he articulated the evaluation of the thesis with experimentation. The Duhem-Quine theory is critically concerned with falsification. The philosophy offers the methodology that develops the uncertainty of repudiation. Inherently, the author states that when a physicist opposes a certain principle, he or she contributes some uncertainty to a specific hypothetical point.Advertising Looking for essay on philosophy? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More In this view, he hypothetically creates the justification for these doubts. From the proposal under arraignment, scientists will develop the forecasting of an investigational detail. Consequently, he or she will take into consideration circumstances under which the investigational detail should be developed. When the anticipated detail is not developed, the proposal which acted as the foundation of the estimation will be condemned. He explored the Bayesian turn in identifying the outstanding characteristics of distortion when accounting for the research program in view of various challenges. As a result, Quine observed that the Bayesian outline is not hinged on the valuation of impartial prospects in the first instance. The Bayesians begin with the likelihoods that are allocated to philosophies by experts (Lakatos 1978, p. 12). In this case, there are disagreements among different Bayesians. Basically, the disagreements concern how the likelihoods are assigned. It does not matter if biased belief is applied or is subjected to individuals’ behavior. Consequently, the author introduces the Bayes’s Theorem as formulated below. P(h!e) = P(e!h)P(h) where P(h), and P(e) 0 P(e) In this condition, he was concerned with the integrity of the theory h in comparison with experiential confirmation e. This means that the ensuing probability regarding the entirety of the evidence can be articulated. When written in the above form, the theorem states that the probability of the hypothesis’ provisional confirmation is equivalent to the prospect of the proof’s provision in the theory reproduced by the prospect of the theory in the absence of the confirmation factor. The result is then alienated by the possibility of the confirmation (Curd Cover 1998, p. 3). Conclusion The paper reviewed Duhem-Quine thesis expansion as presented by Gillies. In this paper, the fundamental modification by Quine and the traditional formulation of the postulation by Duh em have been observed. In fact, when predictions fail, the reasoning is that the concurrence of numerous hypotheses in a rational presumption disqualifies the unambiguous acknowledgment of error. Hence, it undercuts the attractive reasoning in critical research as a way of deciding amid rival theories. Duhem-Quine thesis has not blocked the development of science since neither Quine, nor Duhem predicted such a result. Interestingly, the thesis has aggravated lively discussions and the reconsideration of boundaries of common sense and the drawbacks in naive observations as offered by evidence collision. In general, Duhem never argued about the probability of conducting experiment to disprove theories. However, the scholar emphasized that the disclaimers plunged upon schemes of theories while the examination of experience was no longer instantaneous and straight. The series of circumstances transpiring from scientific decision-making rule out any simple or solitary solution to the fal sification ambiguity. There is an understandable background that is suitable to warrant safety in the experimental outcomes. Based on other instances, scientific problem is less specific. Consequently, different works will possibly offer solutions to the thesis. Duhem-Quine thesis is moreover posed in a modus that is uncooperative. Yet, the reliability on science anchors on instantaneous negations or confirmations. Duhem gives us a more convincing standpoint regarding his discharge of prompt rationality. Thus, the understanding of Duhem-Quine problem stipulates that scientists should not rush into conclusions when choosing between systems theory. References Curd, M Cover, J 1998, Philosophy of science: the central issues, Norton and Company, London. Gillies, D 1993, Philosophy of science in the twentieth century: four central themes, Blackwell Publishers, Oxford. Lakatos, I 1978, â€Å"Why did copernicus’s research programme supersede ptolemy’s?† Philosophical Papers, vol. 1 no. 3, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge. Quine, O 1986, Reply to Jules Vuillemin the philosophy of W. V. Quine, Library of Living Philosophers, Open Court, La Salle. This essay on The Duhem-Quine was written and submitted by user Krystal Park to help you with your own studies. You are free to use it for research and reference purposes in order to write your own paper; however, you must cite it accordingly. You can donate your paper here.

How to Choose a Major 5 Key Factors to Consider

How to Choose a Major 5 Key Factors to Consider SAT / ACT Prep Online Guides and Tips When it comes to choosing a college major, pithy truisms and conflicting advice abound. But whose advice can you trust? In this no-nonsense guide, we'll help you figure out how to choose a major in college based on what's important to you. After a brief introduction to the dilemma of choosing a major we'll reveal the most important part of choosing a major in college. Then we'll go over what work you should be doing to help you pick a major in a variety of situations- before college, during college, and if any special circumstances arise. Finally, we'll give some parting thoughts on major selection. What Major Should I Choose? Help Me! I imagine that if you are reading this article, you are feeling some level of uncertainty or anxiety about choosing a college major. This is completely understandable. As parents, teachers, and counselors have no doubt hammered into you, choosing a major in college is an important decision. It's one of the first big independent decisions of your academic and professional life. In many ways, choosing a major functions as a rite of passage in the process of becoming an adult. Some people know what to major in in college before they even start high school. However, most people don't, so if you have no idea how to choose a college major, don't panic. (Even if you're a second-semester sophomore in college!) With that said, neither I nor anyone else can tell you what major to choose. And if you do let someone else choose for you (like your parents), you're likely to be miserable. The truth is that the process of thoughtfully selecting the best major for you takes work- work that you need to put in yourself. While I can't do that work for you, I can tell you the foundational principles of investigating and ultimately picking a college major. Or just major in kitty cuddling and call it a day. The Most Important Task for Picking a Major The most important task for choosing a major in college is deciding on your own priorities and goals. Too much of the advice out there on how to pick a major assumes you have particular goals or tells you what your priorities should be. Even your own parents may be focused on particular priorities and goals that don't match up with yours. Family conflict around major choice is a common issue. This may be especially salient for you if your parents are paying for part (or all) of your education. It is reasonable to listen to your parents' concerns and advice. However, it's important to remember that it's ultimately your major. You will have to do the work and ultimately leverage that major as you transition into the workforce. If you are studying something you are not really interested in, you may not be very motivated to succeed (or maybe even to attend class). So you need to ask, "Which college major is right for me?" Here's some advice on discussing any change in your major plans with your parents. If your parents are paying for your education and they want input into your plans, you can also consider compromises like majors that are agreeable to both of you, double majors, or minors. For you to be able to choose a college major that makes sense for you, you first need to figure out what you want out of a college major. For some people, knowing they will almost always be able to find a job throughout their lives is most important. For others, being able to pursue a particular intellectual interest is the critical factor. Most people are motivated by some combination of factors that they weigh in balance. These factors will guide you towards the answer to the question "What college major is right for me?" Here are some factors you will probably want to consider when you go about choosing a major: #1: Your Interests Of course, your interests are an important part of picking a major. If you really dislike what you are studying, you will be miserable. Additionally, you won't be particularly motivated to complete your coursework. So it is essential that you are actually interested in what you are studying. As part of that, you should be able to envision yourself using at least some of the skills you are learning in your major in the workforce. With that said, people place differing premiums on how interested they need to be in their major. For some people, only studying their one true passion- be it Greek and Roman military history or tropical horticulture- will do. However, many people have several areas of interest that they could envision themselves pursuing. For example, I considered going to art school for a BFA. I also considered majoring in biology or in English. (I ended up majoring in folklore and mythology- more on that later.) The ultimate deciding factors in my major choice weren't necessarily related to what I was most passionate about, because I was genuinely very interested in everything I considered. Other factors came into play when I made my final decision. So your interests will likely guide you, but they may not be the primary deciding factor when you choose a major. You will also find that new interests arise when you get to college and you have access to more possible courses of study. When I arrived at college, I was able to take classes about religion and anthropology, which ultimately led me to the folklore and mythology program. So keep an open mind about your interests throughout the major selection process, especially once you arrive at school. Her intense love of potato chips led her to food science. #2: Your Abilities You should also consider what you're good at when you think about how to choose your major. This doesn't mean that you should definitely major in whatever you are best at in high school. For one thing, you will probably discover new talents in college as you take courses in areas that weren't available to you in high school. For another thing, the thing that you're "best" at is not necessarily what aligns best with all your other priorities and goals. The main principle here is that it's probably not a great idea to major in something that you know you are pretty weak in. If you've barely pulled C's in math all through high school, being a math major (or a similarly math-heavy major like engineering or physics) is probably not the best move. The bottom line is that you should be confident that you will be able to do well in most of your coursework in your area of study. #3: Future Employability When you think about how to pick your major, it makes sense to consider what kind of job prospects you will have once you have your degree. Will you be able to find a job? How hard will it be? Will you have to move to where the jobs are, or are there jobs everywhere? There are a few ways to approach these questions. You can research professions facing shortages to get an idea of areas where you would be likely to find employment. Professions facing shortages include nursing, engineering, various computer science disciplines, accounting and finance, and teaching. In addition to looking at shortages, you can look at growth industries. (Of course, there's overlap here; if there aren't enough skilled workers available to fill these growth industries, there will be a shortage! But it's a slightly different angle). Some industries currently experiencing growth include nursing and other allied health professionals, finance, and data science. Within those groups, there are tons of different kinds of jobs available, and a variety of potential majors could lead you into those industries. Note that there may or may not be a very clear link between a certain major and a certain job or industry. For some majors, it's fairly clear what sort of job(s) the degree will lead to. A degree in teaching will lead to teaching, a degree in nursing to nursing, and so on. For others, it's less clear. A degree in communications or sociology or public policy could lead to a variety of jobs. Thus, in terms of future employability, don't just think in terms of what job title you will be qualified for, because those things shift all the time. Think about the skills you will learn in your major, and how much those skills are in demand. For example, as data becomes a super-important part of the economy, skills related to data and data analysis are super-valuable. This includes skills in statistical analysis and database construction and architecture. Majors in statistics and computer science are good choices if you are hoping to meet that demand. Note also that employability and salary aren't one and the same. Teachers are notoriously underpaid, but if you do become a teacher, you will almost certainly be able to find a job. What does all this mean for you? Research the employability prospects associated with a particular major. Think about the skills you will learn and the potential jobs you could have, and check out the employment prospects for those skills and jobs. While this is far from foolproof- predicting job shortages and growth isn't 100% accurate- it still provides valuable information that can give you at least a general idea of whether you are likely to find a job easily or whether it will take more work and require more flexibility in location etc. on your part. The school you go to also plays somewhat into your general employability. At Ivy League and other top-ranked schools, most students are generally able to find jobs (even ones that are totally unrelated to what they studied) regardless of what they majored in. This is not as true at less selective schools, where graduates may struggle much more to find a job in some less marketable fields than in other more marketable ones. Job?! Where? #4: Future Income Potential You will probably also want to consider your future income potential at least somewhat when you think about how to pick a major. This is far from an exact science but still a valuable exercise. If having a high salary is important to you, you need to be realistic about your interests; professions like teaching and social work typically pay very poorly so those may not be the best bet for a major. By contrast, majors like computer science and engineering tend to have a sunny salary outlook. You can find lots of data on the median salary of graduates with particular majors. This is a valuable starting place. As you can see from the PayScale data, engineering, computer science, mathematics and finance-focused degrees dominate the list of best-paying majors. But it also includes physician assistant studies and government. By contrast, the lowest-paid majors tend to be concentrated in education, service industries, pastoral and religious studies, and social work and counseling. But the median and mid-career salary data here doesn't necessarily tell the whole story. For one thing, in some of these professions, there is a high degree of income variability: graphic designers, for example, are low-paid in general, but the highest paid graphic designers can easily command six-figure salaries. You certainly can't assume that you will be among the highest-paid in your field, but you should know when higher salaries are at least possible. Additionally, sometimes your ultimate income potential depends a lot on graduate school. Psychology majors are low-paid unless they get advanced degrees, in which case they get a huge salary bump. So if you're already intending on graduate school, this is something to keep in mind as you choose a major. You can use sites like PayScale and Glassdoor to investigate the income potential of various careers that might follow from majors that you are considering. Again, it's hard to predict exactly what your salary could be solely based on your major, especially long-term. But doing research can at least keep you in a realistic frame of mind. #5: Particular Career Interests You might also have a very specific goal, like becoming an astrophysicist, or a doctor, or a lawyer. Some (but not all) very specific career goals require specific majors, or at least specific courses and activities. For example, if you want to be an engineer, you have to get an engineering degree. If you want to be a doctor, you need to fulfill your med school prerequisites, or else you might have to complete an expensive post-baccalaureate pre-med program later. On the other hand, if you want to be a journalist, there are lots of majors that can accommodate that goal. And if you think you might want to go to business or law school, you have plenty of leeway in your choice of undergraduate major. If you do have a very specific goal that requires a particular academic path, that probably needs to be your top priority in how to pick a college major. Heart set on designing airplanes? You probably need to major in aeronautical engineering. How to Choose a Major: Before College There's a good chance that you will change your mind about your major at least once you get to college. You'll be exposed to a lot of options you didn't consider before. You'll also grow and change. However, there are still some things you can do before college that will help you figure out how to pick a major. Start Exploring Majors Early Your high school schedule may be pretty rigid, filled up every year with math, science, English, history/social studies, gym, and maybe a foreign language. This often leaves you with very few electives. However, there are still things you can do to explore different academic and career areas: Shadowing and interviewing: Shadowing and interviewing adults you know who have careers you are interested in is a great way to figure out what you might want to study. It can also help to learn how these people got to where they are now from their college days, since many people shift around throughout their careers until they are doing something quite different from what the originally studied! Reading books and articles: Reading nonfiction books and articles on a variety of subjects can also help you figure out what excites you academically. What topics do you find super-engaging, and what topics bore you to tears? This can give you some clues as to what you might want to investigate further in college when you are choosing a college major. Podcasts are another great resource for exploring different topics, especially because you can listen to them while you do chores or other mundane tasks! Summer activities: The summer is a great time to do a deeper dive on things you think you might be seriously interested in pursuing. Internships, camps, classes at community colleges, and volunteering opportunities are all excellent chances to become more immersed in subjects you may not regularly study at school. Volunteer at the arboretum! Take a photography class! Do a robotics camp! There are tons of possibilities. Lectures and events at local colleges: If you do live near any colleges or universities, you can take advantage of their open-to-the-public lectures and events! It's a good chance to hear professors talk about their work, which can help you consider if you might want to do similar academic work. With all that said, don't feel too panicked if you can only do mostly surface-level exploration into choosing a college major at this stage. High school is a high-pressure endeavor; you will be able to consider your interests as you get to college (and throughout your life!) Just do what you can and remain thoughtful and curious about possible courses of study. Major benefit to shadowing a vet: cute animals. Plan If You Have a Specific Long-Term Goal If you do have a very specific long-term career goal that typically requires particular schooling at the bachelor level (like engineering, teaching, or nursing), you will have to be more mindful about choosing a major and school while you are still in high school. If you already know you are interested in a particular major, it makes sense to apply to schools with strong programs in that area. Additionally, at many schools, you have to specifically apply to a certain major or academic area. While you should certainly keep exploring and keep an open mind, it's typically easier to transfer out of competitive divisions like engineering or nursing than to transfer into them. So it makes sense to apply to those divisions and then transfer out if you change your mind later. Select Schools and Programs Wisely Since we have tons of advice out there on choosing a college, I won't belabor this point. But when you are choosing schools, you should keep the following principles related to choosing a college major in mind: The less sure you are of your interests, the more flexibility you want at your school. If you have no idea what to major in, it's not a great idea to go somewhere where you have to declare what you are studying going in. You're better served going to a school where you can explore for at least two semesters before you have to declare. If you are very sure of your major, you should still consider what your situation will be if you change your mind. If you go to a school that is highly ranked for one program and poorly ranked for everything else, think about what you might do if you want to transfer out of that highly ranked program. Will you transfer schools? Or are you fine with the possibility of finishing in a less prestigious program than you started in? Or maybe you are just very, very confident that you won't change your mind! This also applies to things like going to art school; if you get there and decide the whole thing is not for you, your only real option is typically to transfer (at least within University divisions, if not to a different school completely). This isn't a reason not to do it, but it is something you should be aware of. Choices here, there, and everywhere. How to Choose a Major: During College Once you get to college, here's our six recommendations for how to pick a major: Find Out Your School's Process The first thing to do is to determine what is your school's process and timeline for declaring a major. You need to be aware of how much time you have to consider your options, and how to make it happen once you've made a choice. Note that at some schools, different majors may even have different deadlines for officially choosing a major, so be sure to look into this. Of course, if you had to declare a major going in, you've already done that process. In that case you should find out what the process is for switching majors in case you need to use it. Keep Exploring Now that you are actually at college, you will have even more chances to explore different potential areas of study. Your coursework can help you investigate subjects and departments of interest, of course. But you will also have opportunities to explore through on-campus events, lectures, and speakers. Many departments specifically host open houses and other events for prospective majors. Go to anything that seems intriguing, and try to keep an open mind. Note as you explore that there are lots of college major quizzes on the internet. Some universities even have their own "how to choose a major" quizzes, like this college major quiz from Marquette or this one from Loyala University in Chicago. While a how-to-choose-a-major quiz can definitely be a useful way to get some ideas, you'll need to do additional research on any majors you uncover this way. You'll want to make sure that the information from any "What major should I choose?" quiz is accurate and that the major ideas you get from it really align with your priorities and goals. So the bottom line on college major quizzes is that they are definitely a useful tool but hardly the be-all end-all of the major selection process. Make Your Schedule Multi-Task Many students spend their first semesters fulfilling some of their general education requirements. If you can, try to use those requirements to explore academic areas you may be interested in. If you have flexibility in the classes you can take to fulfill requirements, try to take ones taught by professors in departments you are interested in. Classes with a multidisciplinary focus are great for this, too. When I was a freshman I took a combination gender studies and English class about romance literature, and another combination East Asian studies and religion class about Buddhism. Both of these multidisciplinary courses helped me refine my interests- efficiently. Even if you don't have much control over your general requirements, try to view your requirements as an opportunity to explore academic areas you haven't examined before instead of just something to slog through. This will help you narrow possibilities when choosing a college major. Simon's class in botanical illustration let him explore his interests in art and biology at the same time! Meet With Advisors I'm using the term "advisors" broadly here. There are lots of people you can meet with who might have valuable insights about choosing a major. You probably have at least one school-assigned advisor. They can definitely be helpful, but you'll also want to seek out advice from people with more specialized knowledge about the programs you are most interested in. This includes: Department advisors: Most departments have advisors available to meet with prospective students in that major. Of course, they will probably try to sell you on their department, so they may be a little biased. But you can still get valuable information from them, like info on course requirements, advising structures, research opportunities, and so on. Current students in the program: Current students in majors that you are interested in can provide valuable information. They will give you the truth about the pros and cons of the program. They can tell you what you can expect from the major in terms of course load, advising, class sizes, teaching quality, and other things that can impact your experience. Additionally, you should speak with seniors in the program about their goals and what's next for them. This can help you get an idea of the possibilities available to recent graduates. Alumni: Take advantage of your school's alumni network. You can talk to alumni who have careers you find interesting and ask them what they studied and how they got where they are. You can also talk to recent alumni who majored in programs you are considering and ask them for their thoughts on the program. Most schools have alumni directory sites with contact information. While some graduates may be too busy to talk to you, many will be receptive. Some schools even have mentoring programs where you can get an alumni mentor who is a working professional in a field that you are interested in. Keep Refining Your Priorities Keep thinking about what you are looking for in a major. It's likely that your priorities will shift over time, especially as you get more information and experience in college. So continue doing research about potential industries, careers, skills, and so on that you might want to pursue, and keep thinking about what's most important to you. It might be helpful to keep some kind of journal with all of your thoughts on potential majors and careers, as well as your goals. Be Realistic About Downsides Every major does have some downsides, and it's important to be realistic about the negative things about any potential major. Here are some things to consider: How large are most classes? If you have a preference for small courses but you'll be required to take many large lectures, it may be hard for you to get the most out of that course of study. How robust is advising support? Are advisors accessible and receptive, or hard to reach? How is job placement for the department? Is there adequate support for students trying to find jobs or go to graduate school? How prestigious is the program? At some universities, there's lots of variation between departments in prestige. You can most likely get lots of this information by talking to current and former students of a given department. You can also do your own research into things like program prestige and job placement. Downsides certainly don't have to be deal-breakers- they are just things to be mindful of as you go about choosing a major in college. After all, no major is all upside. Lots of early classes in your department? You may need to hit the coffee hard. Special Situations for Choosing a College Major In this section, we'll discuss some special situations about picking a major, including changing majors in college, double majoring (and minoring), and creating your own major. Switching Majors How do you know when switching majors in college is a good idea? There's no hard and fast rule as to when changing majors is a good move, but here are three things to consider: How Sure You Are If you know that you aren't happy in your current major but you aren't sure what you want to switch into, it may be best to take some time off. During that time off, you can figure out what you want to study through things like internships, shadowing, MOOCs, reading, and other exploratory activities. Otherwise, you risk spending some very expensive semesters dithering around on campus while you try to figure out what you're really interested in. It doesn't make sense to spend seven years getting your bachelor's degree because you switch majors every semester. How Close You Are to Finishing If you are a senior and/or very close to finishing your program, it may make the most sense to finish out your degree and pursue graduate studies in whatever your new interest is. In other words, switching majors late in college is not always the best choice. It's usually better to spend six years in school and end up with a bachelor's and a master's than to spend six years in school and just end up with a bachelor's. Most fields do have graduate degrees for people who are just entering into the field, and you can typically (though not always) command a slightly higher salary with a Master's degree as compared to just a bachelor's. So do your research into your prospects with respect to graduate school. How Expensive It Will Be Remember that no matter what, you can't recoup the cost of what you've already completed. Acting to try to protect what you've already spent is known as the sunk-cost fallacy. So if it won't cost you much more going forward to change degrees, there's not really much downside. But as we mentioned above, if it will be as expensive to finish a different bachelor's as it would be to get your current bachelor's and then a master's in what you really want, it may be a better use of your money to finish out the bachelor's and then get the master's. But, again, do your research on the relative return-on-investment of a bachelor's vs. an entry-level master's in your new desired field. We go into this a bit more in our analysis of when it's worth getting a master's degree here. Your education is a valuable diamond. And possibly as expensive as one. Double Majors and Minors Are you torn between two pretty different fields? Double majoring may be the answer. If you're interested in investigating this possibility, here are some things to find out: Do you have to integrate the majors in any way? Some schools that allow double majoring require students to integrate the two courses of study in some way, often through a thesis or other project. If you are really interested in both majors, you may consider this a feature, not a bug. Of course, some majors may be harder to integrate than others: Religion and history? Great! Math and English? More of a stretch. Can you waive or double-dip on requirements? Can you count classes towards both majors? Depending on how different the majors are, this might be difficult anyways, but it's worth finding out. Also, sometimes departments will let you waive some requirements if you are a double-major (typically departmental electives). That makes double-majoring less difficult. Can you make the schedule work? Because of the increased burden of requirements, you'll need to pay close attention to your schedule. You'll also need to do a lot of advance planning to make sure that you can actually fit in all of your requirements for both majors. It's not uncommon for people who double-major to spend an extra semester on campus to finish everything up. So if spending an extra semester of tuition is a concern, it's extra-important to make sure you can fit in everything in time. If double-majoring is too onerous or impractical, another way to accommodate multiple interests is to minor in something. A minor typically requires 4-6 classes in a given academic area and typically shows up on your diploma. It's a good way to get some grounding in a different field without the commitment and rigidity of double-majoring. As with double majors, however, it's important to plan carefully if you want a minor to make sure you can meet all the requirements you need to. I was actually one class away from two different minors, but because I didn't plan very well, I didn't end up getting either. One of my final classes in my major conflicted with my remaining requirements for each of the minors. Creating Your Own Major Some schools allow you to design your own major. At most schools that allow this, you need to have a pretty specific, cohesive plan about what that major will be. So you can't just use this option to avoid actually selecting a course of study. On the contrary, this option is the best for people who have a very clear idea of what they want to study and want to closely hone in on a topic. I knew people who designed their own majors in things like global migration and climate change. These are very particular topics that lend themselves to a create-your-own major situation. Some schools do allow you to major in something very vague like "liberal arts" or "humanities." These courses of study often have few requirements and offer lots of flexibility in coursework. While this may be appealing, you do run somewhat of a risk of seeming like an aimless dilettante (both to employers and graduate schools). Daphne wants to major in the interpretation of oracles. Parting Thoughts: Your Major Choice Is Not Your Destiny While you should not take choosing a college major lightly, don't allow the weight of the decision to keep you frozen in place. It's great to ponder questions like "What college major is right for me?" or "Which major should I choose?" But if you're thinking anything like "What if I change my mind later and I'm stuck forever" or "Will choosing the wrong major ruin my life" take some deep breaths. Your choice of major will have some repercussions for your professional life, and pretending otherwise is unrealistic. However, it absolutely will not lock you into a particular destiny for your entire life. As a point of personal experience, I majored in Folklore and Mythology, worked in the health insurance industry after graduation, and then got a Master's degree in Public Health. I don't regret my choice of major at all, and I still think I made the right choice. But it was also pretty clearly not the defining decision of my academic and professional life. It did not set me on one fixed path forever. The truth is that it's often hard to predict exactly where a particular degree will lead. New jobs will exist when you graduate that didn't exist when you started college. (Of course, lots of old jobs- like teacher- will still exist, too.) The bottom line is that while you should choose a major thoughtfully, you shouldn't be worried that your choice of major will lock you onto a particular life track that you can never deviate from. Don't be trapped by the idea that you might make the "wrong" decision. You'll learn valuable skills in college- and beyond- no matter what your major. Your major is not a trap! Key Takeaways: How to Choose Your Major If you've been asking yourself "What should I major in in college?" we've got the advice that you need. The truth is that there's no one foolproof method for how to choose a major in college. The most important thing is to figure out your own priorities and go from there. Here are some factors you might want to consider when you go about choosing a college major: Your interests: what do you find enjoyable and interesting? Your abilities: what are you good at? Future employability: How easy (or hard) will it be for you to find a job? Future income potential: Are you aiming for a particular income bracket Particular career interests: Do you have a specific professional interest that requires particular coursework or a particular major, or do your career interests allow for more flexibility in your major? Here are some things you can do while you are still in high school to prepare for choosing a college major: Start exploring majors early: use your free time, extracurriculars, and summer activities as a chance to explore subject areas you are interested in. Plan if you have a specific long-term goal: if you know you have a specific career goal, plan your major and program choice in advance. Select schools and programs wisely: if you are less sure of your major, look for more flexibility in declaring a major at your schools of choice. And here's how to pick a major in college in six steps: Find out your school's process for declaring a major (and any deadlines!) Keep exploring potential majors and departments. Make your schedule multi-task by using requirements to investigate potential majors. Meet with advisors, current students, and alumni to get the scoop on the departments you are most interested in. Keep refining your priorities and doing research to make sure the majors that you are considering align with your goals. Be realistic about the downsides of potential majors- no major is all upside. We also discussed switching majors, double majors and minors, and creating your own major! You're all prepared for this major decision now. What's Next? We have more information on the best-paying college majors and the majors with the worst financial and employment outlook. If you're just looking for a low-stress major, don't worry- we have a guide for that, too. Interested in becoming a doctor? Want to study law? Or is teaching (or becoming a professor) more your style? We have guides to help you pursue your interests! Need help choosing colleges? We have a guide to making a college list. We can also recommend the three best college finders and which college ranking lists you should read. Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? We've written a guide for each test about the top 5 strategies you must be using to have a shot at improving your score. Download it for free now:

Solutions for Challenging Counting Problems

Solutions for Challenging Counting Problems Counting can seem like an easy task to perform. As we go deeper into the area of mathematics known as combinatorics, we realize that we come across some large numbers. Since the factorial shows up so often, and a number such as 10! is greater than three million, counting problems can get complicated very quickly if we attempt to list out all of the possibilities. Sometimes when we consider all of the possibilities that our counting problems can take on, its easier to think through the underlying principles of the problem. This strategy can take much less time than trying brute force to list out a number of combinations or permutations. The question How many ways can something be done? is a different question entirely from What are the ways that something can be done? We will see this idea at work in the following set of challenging counting problems. The following set of questions involves the word TRIANGLE. Note that there are a total of eight letters. Let it be understood that the vowels of the word TRIANGLE are AEI, and the consonants of the word TRIANGLE are LGNRT. For a real challenge, before reading further check out a version of these problems without solutions. The Problems How many ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged?Solution: Here there are a total of eight choices for the first letter, seven for the second, six for the third, and so on. By the multiplication principle we multiply for a total of 8 x 7 x 6 x 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 8! 40,320 different ways.How many ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the first three letters must be RAN (in that exact order)?Solution: The first three letters have been chosen for us, leaving us five letters. After RAN we have five choices for the next letter followed by four, then three, then two then one. By the multiplication principle, there are 5 x 4 x 3 x 2 x 1 5! 120 ways to arrange the letters in a specified way.How many ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the first three letters must be RAN (in any order)?Solution: Look at this as two independent tasks: the first arranging the letters RAN, and the second arranging the other five letters. There are 3! 6 wa ys to arrange RAN and 5! Ways to arrange the other five letters. So there are a total of 3! x 5! 720 ways to arrange the letters of TRIANGLE as specified. How many ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the first three letters must be RAN (in any order) and the last letter must be a vowel?Solution: Look at this as three tasks: the first arranging the letters RAN, the second choosing one vowel out of I and E, and the third arranging the other four letters. There are 3! 6 ways to arrange RAN, 2 ways to choose a vowel from the remaining letters and 4! Ways to arrange the other four letters. So there are a total of 3! X 2 x 4! 288 ways to arrange the letters of TRIANGLE as specified.How many ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the first three letters must be RAN (in any order) and the next three letters must be TRI (in any order)?Solution: Again we have three tasks: the first arranging the letters RAN, the second arranging the letters TRI, and the third arranging the other two letters. There are 3! 6 ways to arrange RAN, 3! ways to arrange TRI and two ways to arrange the other letters. So there are a total of 3! x 3! X 2 72 ways to arrange the letters of TRIANGLE as indicated. How many different ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the order and the placement of the vowels IAE cannot be changed?Solution: The three vowels must be kept in the same order. Now there are a total of five consonants to arrange. This can be done in 5! 120 ways.How many different ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the order of the vowels IAE cannot be changed, though their placement may (IAETRNGL and TRIANGEL are acceptable but EIATRNGL and TRIENGLA are not)?Solution: This is best thought of in two steps. Step one is to choose the places that the vowels go. Here we are picking three places out of eight, and the order that we do this is not important. This is a combination and there are a total of C(8,3) 56 ways to perform this step. The remaining five letters may be arranged in 5! 120 ways. This gives a total of 56 x 120 6720 arrangements.How many different ways can the letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the order of the vowels IAE can be changed, though their placement may not?Solution: This is really the same thing as #4 above, but with different letters. We arrange three letters in 3! 6 ways and the other five letters in 5! 120 ways. The total number of ways for this arrangement is 6 x 120 720. How many different ways can six letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged?Solution: Since we are talking about an arrangement, this is a permutation and there are a total of P( 8, 6) 8!/2! 20,160 ways.How many different ways can six letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if there must be an equal number of vowels and consonants?Solution: There is only one way to select the vowels we are going to place. Choosing the consonants can be done in C(5, 3) 10 ways. There are then 6! ways to arrange the six letters. Multiply these numbers together for the result of 7200.How many different ways can six letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if there must be at least one consonant?Solution: Every arrangement of six letters satisfies the conditions, so there are P(8, 6) 20,160 ways.How many different ways can six letters of the word TRIANGLE be arranged if the vowels must alternate with consonants?Solution: There are two possibilities, the first letter is a vowel or the first letter is a consonant. If the first letter is a vowel we have three choices, followed by five for a consonant, two for a second vowel, four for a second consonant, one for the last vowel and three for the last consonant. We multiply this to obtain 3 x 5 x 2 x 4 x 1 x 3 360. By symmetry arguments, there are the same number of arrangements that start with a consonant. This gives a total of 720 arrangements. How many different sets of four letters can be formed from the word TRIANGLE?Solution: Since we are talking about a set of four letters from a total of eight, the order is not important. We need to calculate the combination C(8, 4) 70.How many different sets of four letters can be formed from the word TRIANGLE that has two vowels and two consonants?Solution: Here we are forming our set in two steps. There are C(3, 2) 3 ways to choose two vowels from a total of 3. There are C(5, 2) 10 ways to choose to consonants from the five available. This gives a total of 3x10 30 sets possible.How many different sets of four letters can be formed from the word TRIANGLE if we want at least one vowel?Solution: This can be calculated as follows: The number of sets of four with one vowel is C(3, 1) x C( 5, 3) 30.The number of sets of four with two vowels is C(3, 2) x C( 5, 2) 30.The number of sets of four with three vowels is C(3, 3) x C( 5, 1) 5. This gives a total of 65 different sets. Alternately we could calculate that there are 70 ways to form a set of any four letters, and subtract the C(5, 4) 5 ways of obtaining a set with no vowels.