Problems of Library Automation in Africa Essay Example for Free

Problems of Library Automation in Africa Essay In 1981, IBM introduced its personal computer (PC) for use in the home, office and schools. Prior to that time, there had been several MS-DOS compatible personal computers that ran DOS programs. As computers became more widespread in the workplace (ie. an independent agent’s office), new  ways to unleash their potential developed. As smaller computers became more powerful, they could be linked together, or networked, to share memory space, software and information, and communicate with each other. So where does the insurance industry enter the â€Å"automation† picture? A word from our sponsor: Whats so difficult about combining personal and commercial umbrella coverage? Not much. Get a quote online now! Independent agents have come a long way in using technology over the past 20 years. From the early 1980s through the mid-1990s, independent agents for the most part used PC-based automation systems to boost efficiency and cut costs. Since 1970, ACORD, a not-for-profit standards-setting association for the insurance industry, has been involved in automation. The association is comprised of carriers, agents, vendors, solution providers, associations and other interested parties. â€Å"We aren’t the ones who ‘built’ the automation system,† said Carolyn â€Å"Cal† Durland, managing director of Standards for ACORD. â€Å"What we did and still do is provide standards-Forms and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) upon which the vendors or solution providers base their automation systems.† She explained that to find out how the industry became automated, one must look to the vendors and solution providers. In 1972, the first ACORD form, a property loss notice, went into use. Today, ACORD’s standards include Forms, AL3 (Automation Level 3), XML, OLife and ObjX. The Forms are point of sale, data collection vehicles, AL3 is ACORD’s EDI standard (or machine-to-machine, business-to-business, data transmission formats or components), OLife is a data integration standard and ObjX is â€Å"much more than EDI.† In the 1980s-when the number of PCs in use increased dramatically-ACORD members asked for standardized electronic transmissions between the agents’  computers and the carriers’ computers. â€Å"The industry has come to ACORD to consolidate efforts to eliminate duplication of work,† Durland said. â€Å"For example, without one approved, countrywide ACORD application, all of the 2,400-plus insurance carriers would have to have their own form. And the vendors or solution providers who automate those forms would have to customize each form.† Now that ACORD and the industry are working hand-in-hand, there is one form accepted and used by many of those carriers. In addition, the vendors or solution providers have the option to become licensed by ACORD to redistribute the Forms. â€Å"ACORD provides them with tools†¦to print the ACORD Forms,† Durland said. â€Å"ACORD’s Forms efforts have stripped the costs out of this distribution channel.† According to Durland, in the same manner that the industry came together with ACORD to do Forms, they have also worked to develop EDI Standards. â€Å"Through our subcommittee process and strict compliance to anti-trust guidelines, we bring together carriers, agents, vendors, solution providers and other interested parties to discuss what is needed to transmit the data collected,† she said. Change is good The industry on the whole, according to Durland, is slow to make changes, â€Å"although there are some carriers that have the resources to be on the leading edge of technology.† The beginning was a bit archaic. â€Å"Carriers realized the benefits of automation and developed proprietary systems that they placed in the agents’ offices,† Durland said. â€Å"This resulted in the agents having to physically go from one terminal to another to interface with the carriers automating their process.† With the inception of the agency management vendors and ACORD’s standards implemented in those systems, the agents were conceptually able to eliminate  those proprietary terminals and work through one system. â€Å"This concept called SEMCI, Single Entry Multiple Company Interface, allowed the agents to keep the data in one place and transmit it electronically to any of the carriers it was licensed to represent,† Durland explained. One step forward, two steps back Ten years ago, when Durland joined ACORD, there were many agency management systems attempting to enable SEMCI. â€Å"Today, due to acquisitions and mergers, there are three primary vendors and a few smaller ones,† she said. â€Å"SEMCI is still the goal for the agents and the carriers. However, with the inception of Web enabled processes, the carriers-in an effort to streamline their costs-reverted back to proprietary applications. â€Å"Those leading edge carriers put up Web sites that required the agent to go to the site and enter the information. So instead of going to a separate terminal in their office, they now had to connect to a Web site and rekey the data that was already in their databases.† This resulted in the acceptance of the new standard XML. â€Å"XML is a standard that enables connectivity between Web applications and agency management systems, in addition to business-to-business, business-to-customer, etc.,† Durland said. The goal to secure SEMCI, according to Durland, can still happen with the implementation of XML. â€Å"Plus it broadens the trading partner base to be more than the agent to insurance carrier,† she said. A push for implementation In the 1990s, implementation guides were written and a certification process was developed. Today, there are more than 12,000 upload and 40,000 download implementations using AL3 standards. AL3 continues to evolve and there are new implementations every day, including using AL3 standards over the Internet. Ever since the dawn of the industry’s automation, forms standardization  continued and still continues to be an important focus for ACORD as the standards-setting association works with many different trading partners within the industry. Today there are roughly 400 ACORD forms. And although it’s important to note how many forms there are, what is even more important to note is the fact that these ACORD forms have eliminated or prevented 80,000 proprietary forms-saving the industry millions of dollars. Communicating on a global basis According to Durland, ACORD has staff dedicated to building relationships with other standards-setting organizations. The fact is, the industry handles business on a global basis, so it just makes sense that the goal is to be able to communicate on a global basis. As an example, Durland pointed out that carriers write coverage for properties owned by people all over the world. In turn, these carriers work with other carriers or reinsurers to share the exposure. When asked why it is so important for the industry to be automated, Durland said, â€Å"Automation strips costs out of workflows.† Simply put, to only have to go to one place for information and to be able to service customers quickly and efficiently is key. â€Å"For example, the agent and carrier agree to indemnify the customer if they have a loss which is covered under their policy. The customer pays a fee based on that promise. When the loss occurs, they want someone to handle it promptly†¦to be given information on the progression of the resolution and be paid or have the item replaced ASAP,† Durland said. Automation makes it possible. â€Å"With the technology and automation available to us today, the opportunities to share information are unlimited,† Durland said. â€Å"The industry realizes that and is working together to figure out how to communicate electronically  with each other.†

What is One Worth? Essay -- Psychology

What Is One Worth? In the depths of a person’s heart, lies his or her self-worth. Self-worth molds individuals into who they are, what they want to become. Self-worth lies at the heart of self-esteem. Self-esteem is Palladino (1994) a combination of â€Å"self-confidence, self-worth, and self-respect. It involves respecting others, [along with] feeling a sense of harmony and peace within yourself† (p.1). The key to higher self-esteem is the incentive to take responsibility for one’s viewpoints, and to understand that this is what makes them who they are (Palladino, 1994). However, the mission of higher self-esteem at times will cause sacrifices to be made by the person to education, relationships, self-regulation, mental and physical health, as well as other concerns (Crocker & Knight, 2005). If a person wants to better themselves, and create higher self-esteem, he or she must do so cautiously, or there will be repercussions. Palladino (1994) noted â€Å"self-esteem reflects [each individual] to everyone whom [they] come into contact (p.1). Self-esteem does not stay the same throughout a person’s life. There are many factors that come and go that cause self-esteem to fluctuate. As stated by Palladino, (1994) â€Å"self-esteem is both conscious and unconscious. Self-esteem is an ongoing assessment of whom a person is, an opinion about what he or she can and cannot do† (p. 1). For example, when a person buys a house, self-esteem will be high. If a person loses his or her house due to foreclosure, self-esteem can be low. Sometimes a person cannot help the value they put on their self-esteem. If a person loses their job, and it is not their fault, and other bad events follow, that is factors beyond the person control that affec... ...e. Individuals can choose to accept responsibility in his or her life. By accepting responsibility, they can produce better alternatives for themselves. References Crocker, Jennifer & Knight, Katherine M. (2005). Contingencies of Self Worth. Current Directions in Psychological Science (Wiley-Blackwell). Vol. 14 (Issue 4), pages 4, 200-203. McLeod, S.A. (2007). Simply Psychology; Carl Rogers. Retrieved April 26, 2012 from http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html Palladino, Connie D. (1994). Developing Self Esteem: A Guide for Positive Success. Menlo Park, California: Crisp Publications. Vohs, Kathleen D (Editor); Finkel, Eli J. (2006). Self and Relationships: Connecting Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Processes. New York, NY, USA: Guilford Press. Retrieved from: http://site.ebrary.com/lib/apus/Doc?id=10172290&ppg=48 What is One Worth? Essay -- Psychology What Is One Worth? In the depths of a person’s heart, lies his or her self-worth. Self-worth molds individuals into who they are, what they want to become. Self-worth lies at the heart of self-esteem. Self-esteem is Palladino (1994) a combination of â€Å"self-confidence, self-worth, and self-respect. It involves respecting others, [along with] feeling a sense of harmony and peace within yourself† (p.1). The key to higher self-esteem is the incentive to take responsibility for one’s viewpoints, and to understand that this is what makes them who they are (Palladino, 1994). However, the mission of higher self-esteem at times will cause sacrifices to be made by the person to education, relationships, self-regulation, mental and physical health, as well as other concerns (Crocker & Knight, 2005). If a person wants to better themselves, and create higher self-esteem, he or she must do so cautiously, or there will be repercussions. Palladino (1994) noted â€Å"self-esteem reflects [each individual] to everyone whom [they] come into contact (p.1). Self-esteem does not stay the same throughout a person’s life. There are many factors that come and go that cause self-esteem to fluctuate. As stated by Palladino, (1994) â€Å"self-esteem is both conscious and unconscious. Self-esteem is an ongoing assessment of whom a person is, an opinion about what he or she can and cannot do† (p. 1). For example, when a person buys a house, self-esteem will be high. If a person loses his or her house due to foreclosure, self-esteem can be low. Sometimes a person cannot help the value they put on their self-esteem. If a person loses their job, and it is not their fault, and other bad events follow, that is factors beyond the person control that affec... ...e. Individuals can choose to accept responsibility in his or her life. By accepting responsibility, they can produce better alternatives for themselves. References Crocker, Jennifer & Knight, Katherine M. (2005). Contingencies of Self Worth. Current Directions in Psychological Science (Wiley-Blackwell). Vol. 14 (Issue 4), pages 4, 200-203. McLeod, S.A. (2007). Simply Psychology; Carl Rogers. Retrieved April 26, 2012 from http://www.simplypsychology.org/carl-rogers.html Palladino, Connie D. (1994). Developing Self Esteem: A Guide for Positive Success. Menlo Park, California: Crisp Publications. Vohs, Kathleen D (Editor); Finkel, Eli J. (2006). Self and Relationships: Connecting Intrapersonal and Interpersonal Processes. New York, NY, USA: Guilford Press. Retrieved from: http://site.ebrary.com/lib/apus/Doc?id=10172290&ppg=48

Arab-Israeli War of 1973 Essay

The Arab-Israeli War was an armed conflict initiated by the Arab nations of Egypt and Syria against Israel on October 6, 1973 in an effort to reclaim territories that Israel had controlled since the Six Day War of 1967. The date holds special significance to the Jewish calendar, being Yom Kippur, hence this war is also known as the Yom Kippur War. Though Israel was caught by surprise and experienced severe losses during the war, assistance from the United States military led to a cease-fire less than three weeks later. In the aftermath, Israel retained its territories and its aftermath had far ranging effects on the geopolitics of the Middle East. First, the victory of Israel had an uplifting effect on its population. Its military had been seen to have grown largely complacent following the Six Day War. However, despite initial defeats, they managed a successful turnaround of the Yom Kippur War’s outcome. As such, despite the surprise advantage of Egypt and Syria they had regained the upper hand in less than two weeks, though at a high cost in casualties. In effect, Israel woke up to the reality that their military supremacy in the region was not absolute. (Rabinovich 498) Second, by granting support to Israel, the United States invited the ire of oil-producing Arab states. This manifested itself in the actions of Saudi Arabia, which not only reduced its oil production but declared an embargo against the United States. Saudi Arabia was later joined by other oil-producing Arab states and together they extended their embargo against other import dependent nations in Western Europe as well as Japan. The result was the 1973 energy crisis that sent oil prices spiraling past $60 per barrel and close to $100 per barrel in 1979. (Smith 329) Third, on the geopolitical front, enemy states of Israel concluded in the aftermath that they could not defeat it by force, and thus turned towards diplomatic tactics in antagonizing it. The effect was that many African and Third World nations, under pressure from the Arab states, broke their diplomatic ties to Israel. Works Cited No author. â€Å"The 1973 Yom Kippur War. † Anti-Defamation League, 1999. Retrieved September 24, 2008 from: http://www. adl. org/ISRAEL/record/yomkippur. asp Smith, Charles. Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict. New York, NY: Bedford, 2006. Rabinovich, Abraham. The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle eAst. New York, NY: Shocken Books, 2005. Rabinovich, Abraham [2005]. The Yom Kippur War: The Epic Encounter That Transformed the Middle East. New York, NY: Schocken Books. ISBN 0 8052 4176 0. Charles D. Smith, Palestine and the Arab-Israeli Conflict, New York: Bedford, 2006, p. 329.

Danka for Thank You, Bitteschön for Youre Welcome

Courtesy is important no matter what country youre visiting. In Germany, however, there is greater emphasis on formalities and speaking to people in die Hà ¶flichkeitsform:  addressing acquaintances, colleagues, and people you dont know with Sie as opposed to du/ you, which is reserved more for family and close friends.The same goes when expressing thank you and youre welcome in German. There is a more formal way and a less formal way of stating these expressions. Below you will find a list divided as such, however many expressions are fine in both situations since just simply stating thank you and youre welcome is polite in and of itself. The most important thing to keep in mind is to use Sie/Ihnen and du as appropriate. (Please note that the translations are not always literal, but rather an English equivalent.) More Formal Ways of Saying Thank You: Most common: Dankeschà ¶n, Danke sehr Other ways: Schà ¶nen Dank (Many thanks)Besten Dank (Best of thanks)Haben Sie vielen Dank! (Many thanks)Ich bin Ihnen sehr dankbar (Im very grateful/thankful to you)Ich danke Ihnen (I thank you)Herzlichen Dank (Heartfelt thanks)Ein herzliches Dankeschà ¶n (My/Our heartfelt thanks)Danke vielmals (Many thanks), Ich danke Ihnen vielmals Vielen Dank (Many thanks) Less Formal Ways of Saying Thank You DankeVielen Dank (Many thanks)Danke vielmals (Many thanks)Tausend Dank (Thanks a million) More Formal Ways of Saying Youre Welcome Bitteschà ¶n Bitte sehrGern geschehen (It was my pleasure)Mit Vergnà ¼gen (With pleasure) Less Formal Ways of Saying Youre Welcome Bitte Gern geschehen (It was my pleasure)Gern (shortened form of Gern geschehen)Nichts zu danken (Dont mention it.)Schon gut (Thats fine. No problem)Kein Problem (No problem) You may need some other words for polite conversation, including understanding how to say please in German.