Online Reservation and Billing System free essay sample

User’s Manual Bibliography Curriculum Vitae Questionnaire ix ABSTRACT The JISB Emperor Hotel, which is located at the heart of Merchan Street corner Evangelista Street, Lucena City was brought into existence of the countless effort offered by the people, and was formally opened on July 04, 2009. JISB comes from the name Jose-Iluminada SyBang. From then on all the records of the customers were all recorded manually. The company used a logbook for the encoding of information and issued a receipt in terms of paying the bills through the computation of just a simple calculator. Through this study, the researchers will be well versed about the importance of computerized system in a hotel. It will also endorse the people the knowledge of how will the hotels is rendering their services as compared to what is expected from them. The Computerized Billing System and Online Reservation made by the proponents will benefit the company itself. We will write a custom essay sample on Online Reservation and Billing System or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page The Online Reservation System and Computerized Billing System may help for the acceleration of the transactions in the business. The online reservation and computerized billing system will provide a precise generation of statement of accounts. The developed system is a great help for the business expansion because the business may earn more profits higher than current earnings. The business will be able to acquire and retain customers. The customers will be attracted to come in the hotel because the company can give better services especially for the reservation. With this effective technology that will help the company’s business processes and services, company will be able to gain and maintain a competitive advantage among those leading hotels. x Chapter I The Problem and Its Background 1. Introduction More recently a number of business-process improvements through Information Technology approaches have been implemented in basically all fields of business not only to solve day-to-day problems but also to gain leverage in the market place. Modern organization use computerized systems and online reservation to provide relevant and timely information, essentially to routinely operations control and strategic planning . Customarily, it is the daily transaction processing system of the business enterprise, which reengineers through computerization. Computers are so fundamental to one modern society, that without them, our economy would grind to a halt. Along with computers burgeoning role in business, other uses for these machine evolved rapidly. A Computerized Billing System use to ascertain a prompt and manage way of providing the necessary information of an organization as a whole. It aims to improve the profitability and relations with clients by automating client billing with computers. It helps to control and manage the billing system of an institution such as the hotel. And an intelligently 1 designed on-line reservation can make an important contribution to the effective use of data processing within an organization. It allows individuals to connect without going out any places. There are varieties of computerized transaction processing system, like computerized billing system and online reservation of a hotel. The Computerized Billing and Online Reservation assure modern comfort to the clients wherever and whenever they are especially to JISB Emperor Hotel to help them promote their name nationwide. Billing System and Online Reservation can make important contribution to the effective use of data for the JISB Emperor Hotel. Everybody is free to get online which is the unique way of having a reservation. Customers can satisfy themselves because it can lessen their burdens of having a reservation for their rooms and hotel accommodation, and billing system will help to come up with accurate dated and time consuming effort. The present statuses of our society especially when it comes to technology are leading to the development of different systems to make a certain task easier to perform. We have to meet and answer the challenge that increasingly outgrowth in the complex world. Thus, the researchers were motivated to conduct Research and Development for JISB Emperor Hotel essential for today’s highly competitive business. 2 1. 2 Background of the Study JISB Emperor Hotel, which is located at the heart of Merchan Street corner Evangelista Street, Lucena City was brought into existence of the countless effort offered by the people, and was formally opened on July 04, 2009. JISB comes from the name Jose-Iluminada SyBang. From then on all the records of the customers were all recorded manually. The company used a logbook for the encoding of information and issued a receipt in terms of paying the bills through the computation of just a simple calculator. The present manual system of reservation is only to determine the availability of rooms in terms in reservation. In the case of present manual system of billing and online all the records is kept in document form. There is no system for proper records storage and sorting the information provided by the customers. All is done manually and every now and then, there is a chance getting erratic information. The manual system is thus no guarantee. JISB offered facilities that are beneficial for business purposes. It is a (4) four story building. At the ground floor, they offered a space for rent for Honda Prestige Motorcycle and vintage stores. There are 44 rooms at JISB Emperor Hotel. Most of their rooms are classified according to the customer’s needs and wants, such as air-cons with cable T. V. s, There are as 12 rooms classified as Suite ( single bed/ double bed, air-conditioned, comfort room with bathtub)14 rooms for Regular (single bed/ double bed, air-conditioned, with comfort room) and 18 rooms for Ventilated (single bed/ double bed, wall fan with comfort room) and just in case you got hungry they have special foods available for your 3 sophisticated taste at the second floor where you can find a canteen guaranteed at the right price that are well suited for the budget conscious tra velers. 1. 3 Statement of the Problem The main problem of this study is to determine the efficiency of Computerized Billing System and Online Reservation of JISB Emperor Hotel. Specifically it seeks to answer the following questions: 1. What are the difficulties encounter by the Hotel Management and Staff of when it comes to the Hotel’s System in billing and reservation? 2. How did the Computerized Billing System and Online Reservation help the JISB in terms of: a. reservation b. billing 3. How effective and acceptable the computerized billing and online reservation system? a. speed . accuracy c. security data 4 1. 4 Objective of the Study The main purpose of this study is to determine the efficiency of Computerized Billing System and Online Reservation of JISB Emperor Hotel. 1. To determine the Hotel Management and Staff difficulties when it comes to the hotel’s system in billing and online reservation. 2. To measure the accuracy of the program when it comes to computerized billing and online reservation. 3. To measure the effectively and adaptability of the computerized billing and reservation system. a. speed b. accuracy . security data 1. 5 Significance of the Study This study aims to conceal the implications of having a computerized billing system on the service delivery of JISB Emperor Hotel. Through this study, the researchers will be well versed about the importance of computerized system in a hotel. It will also endorse the people the knowledge of how will the hotels is rendering their services as compared to what 5 is expected from them. The proponents will be able to evaluate whether or not the hotel is being given enough assistance by the government. Furthermore, it will provide the students like the researchers information on how important the computerized system to a service-oriented entity. Likewise, the proponent’s expert that the study will help future researchers in conducting similar research which related to this study. Finally, the study have helped the researchers in developing their and knowledge in research and probably have enriched their present knowledge on hotel effectively the effects on service efficiency. This proposed system will benefit the following: JISB Emperor Hotel The developed system made by the proponents will benefit the company itself. The Online Reservation System and Computerized Billing System may help for the acceleration of the transactions in the business. The online reservation and computerized billing system will provide a precise generation of statement of accounts. The developed system is a great help for the business expansion because the business may earn more profits higher than current earnings. The business will be able to acquire and retain customers. The customers will be attracted to come in the hotel because the company can give better services especially for the reservation. With this effective technology that will help the company’s business processes and services, company will be able to gain and maintain a competitive advantage among those leading hotels. 6 Management – This study will furnish precise information and data that will help them in making plan about the hotel, about over-all operation and about the problems that the hotel is currently facing brought about by the unending demands of the people and the continuous growth of competition from other hotel institutions. This system will also facilitate the activities that taken place within the hotel so that they made themselves familiar in what area of concentration they have a focus on to improve their service ability while earning enough profit for the benefits of the hotel and its staff. Customers Customers of the JISB Emperor Hotel will earn or gain satisfaction and convenience. It won’t take much time for the customers to reserve for the rooms availability. It will not be a time consuming process at all. Researchers – The researchers will deepen their knowledge about the study and improve their skills when it comes to creating or developing a system. 1. 6 Scope and Limitation of the Study This research study, entitled Computerized Billing System and Online Reservation of JISB Emperor Hotel was focused only for the reservation and computerized billing system of the company. It focuses on the main purpose of the proponents and that is to create a computerized billing and online re servation form, provide security in the hotel that will Allow the authorized person to use the software or the whole system by updating the correct log-in name and password. It consists of informative and dynamic features such as icons, text and buttons. Aside from those features on the part of the administrator he/she could change, add delete and new announcement in case if needed. It includes the customer’s information in terms of reservation and billing. The Computerized Billing and Online Reservation of JISB Emperor Hotel would invite the local and foreign customers to help the JISB achieve its mission and vision by providing accurate data and good hotel reservation. Moreover, the study is only limited to the billing and reservation of the customers only. Online cash transactions are not included. 8 1. Definition of Terms To make this study more understandable to whom might come over and see it, the proponents included herein the definition at some terms with will enable them to have clearer understanding of the problems the proponents sought to answer the following are terms defines operationally to process meanings they intent to convey. Accelerating to engage in an academic program that progresses faster than usual Acc uracy the ability to be precise and avoid errors Bills – printed statements of charges for goods supplies or services rendered Billing the total amount of business transacted in a given period, especially in advertising, insurance, or law, or the value of that business Computer electronic device for storing and processing data On-Line pertaining to the operation of a functional unit whom under the direct control of the computer. Controlled by, or communicating with a computer. On-Line System a system in which the input data enters the computer directly from the point of origin or in which output data is transmitted directly to where it used. 9 Reservation A booking with an established time and place for an event or activity. Security something that provides a sense of protection against loss, attack, or harm Software programs and applications that can be run on a computer system, e. g. word processing or database packages Speed the rate at which something moves, happens, or functions System an assembly of computer hardware, software, and peripherals functioning together Transaction a record of business conducted at a meeting or proceedings 10 Chapter II Reviews of Related Literature and Study This chapter briefly discusses the relationship of the previous research and studies in connection to the developed system. It serves as a guide for the feasibility of the developed system. 2. 1. Review of Related Literature 2. 1. 1. Foreign Literature Mr. Richard T. , the Marketing Executive of the Royal Paradise Hotel, has observed that Now, we can easily deal with hundreds of travel agents and corporate clients. In fact, Pelican System has indeed helped us in reviewing productivity, through its sophisticated design. Deciding room rate and allotments has become easier as the result of not having to go through hundreds of paper documents. Not forgetting to mention is the prompt and ready after sales technical support by the team of Pelican Systems staffs. Pelican System has concluded contracts with hundreds of travel agents, in a hassle-free negotiation: instead, what you get is a very fast and low-cost transaction. Mr. Richard T. adds, We welcome all agents worldwide, when they wish to register and gain access to our special rates. With Pelican we are now able to provide an equal allotment opportunity to all 11 agents, regardless of size, and provide them with instant confirmation†. From the article the proponent study use that it has a similarity on the objectives of the research study. Because both have its general purpose which is to enhanced the efficiency of the system from manual to computerize specifically on reservation of JISB Emperor Hotel. According to the Pelican System, Pelican Central Reservation System (CRS) is an Internet-based hotel reservation management system designed to manage all types of hotel bookings, whether made directly by guests or through travel agents and corporate clients. For internet users (direct guests) Pelican will provide instant confirmation of reservations made through the hotel web site, and will notify the hotel’s reservation department though automatically generated e-mail messages. Pelican system provides a secure link to agents and clients, allowing hotels to distribute confidential trade rates to pre-authorized recipients, and to share allotments among many agents and clients on a â€Å"first-come-first-served† basis. Each agent or client accesses the system directly from the hotel’s own web site with a unique login/password combination, allowing the hotel to assign each user to a specific group, and to determine the information and privileges each group will receive. With Pelican system, the hotel has complete control at all times, and can easily monitor activity through instantly generated summaries and full reports. 12 Since the developed system is user-friendly system in which it is easy to use and to practice, in that sense, the developed system mentioned in the article is parallel. The system is user friendly in which the proponents are aiming to develop. The system from the article used internet to achieve their goals while the system of the proponents will uses computerized. Based on the article posted in Pelican system which the researcher searched at http://www. elicansystem. com/news/20041028. html and, The Royal Paradise Hotel, located in Patong Beach, Phuket begins to enjoy the ease of paperless contracts concluded with hundreds of travel agents and corporate clients across the world. The switch to paperless has finally come true, through the magic of the Internet! Pelican System has developed an automated system of online contractin g with agents and corporate clients; online contracting uses an Internet-based database application to accept and instantly confirm reservations made through a hotels own website. In contrast to a standard online reservation system, Pelican online contracting of the agent or corporate client requesting a reservation uses a unique hotel-supplied login /password to confirm their identities, which makes the transaction legally binding. The instantconfirmation and secure transmission capabilities of an online contracting system enable hotel to share room allotments among a large number of agents and clients, accepting reservations on a first-come, first-served basis. According to PEGGY L. PUGH with an article entitled â€Å"SELECTING THE RIGHT 13 BILLING SYSTEM†, which was publish on September 1998 payments are made more efficient with software that includes electronic payment recons elation capabilities allowing the practice, for examples to part 6-50 page explanation to benefit in a matter of minutes versus the hours it could take the manual payments posting and reconciliation. Computerized and billing system gives an automatic calculation of contracted adjustment. It gives an accurate report of the clients daily and monthly balances. It has the capability to print out the actual payment posted on the computer. According to Mary Shaub President of medical consulting based in Philadelphia with an article entitled â€Å"Billing on Shoestring Budget† publish on December 2000. Clinical training in medicine does not emphasize how to collect money but rather how to render service to generate the revenue. The article focuses on the â€Å"How to of billing and collection of money. It will encapsulate the essential components of an effective billing system that if followed can operate on shoestring budget. . 1. 2. Local Literature According in the article MC Mountain Home Apartelle provides guests with a convenient way of booking rooms at the hotel by integrating a reservation system on its website http://www. mcmountaintagaytay. com/. The hotel reservation of MC Mountain Home Apartelle in Tagaytay, Philippines has just gotten easier and faster with their new reservation system on their website. By simply going onl ine, guests can book the room of 14 their choice in a matter of minutes. Through their new service, guests need only click on the Reserve Now button on the Tagaytay hotels website to view room rates, features and availability over a 14-day period. Upon specifying their chosen rooms and duration of stay, guests will get instant confirmation of their reservation via email immediately after paying the required 10% deposit using WorldPay. The secure system makes the process of booking accommodations at the MC Mountain Home Apartelle safer and more convenient for guests. The article mentioned is related to proponents developed system. As mentioned above the easier and faster of the hotel reservation system allows the company to gain customers instantly. And the proponents developed system envisions the same thing, even though it is not totally like from the reservation system using by the MC Mountain Home Apartelle. But the integrity of the developed system is to provide better services such as to fasten the transactions, into which the hotel is engaged, to gained customer is absolutely out there. According to Lualhati S. Morales with an article entitled â€Å"BILLING SYSTEM of Assessor’s Office† department head of assessors, using a computerized billing system for the effective and efficient system is doing tedious and respective manual processing and reporting for faster and efficient data retrieval of real property record as well as the reduce the cost in term of money and man power needed during periodic general recursion. 15 2. 2. Review of Related Studies 2. 2. 1. Foreign Studies According to the study made by Richard Dunn, Director of IT, Good-fellow Cambridge, the processing of such encoded e-mail order is for simpler and fast and they have therefore been able to offer customer a discount for ordering via the web. They believe that at present this put them ahead of their competitors. Using cable web technology has enables them to keep full day-to-day control of their website without the added complexity of having to use a different database product. The study stated above is lightly similar to the developed system of the proponents in the sense that both are integrating such transactions which will benefit the persons involving the transaction. According to Mr. Dunn, using web in their business transactions helps for a fast ordering of customer. The computerized system has proven that the process of billing and reservation in the hotel fasten. They just differ in a way of achieving their goals in which the study above will be using web while the proponents developed system will be using computerized one. Computerization of the company’s transactions brings so many in terms of the transactions that they doing. The main purpose of computerization is which will help the company a lot in anyways, especially for the reservation to the hotel. 16 Easy Webrez Tour provides internet reservation for a clients and members. They include customization to brand a system for the organization, optional module for reservation managers and real-time credit processing module. This system provides a central place to store all reservation center information and allows simultaneous access for company owners, reservation managers and online visitors. Booking. com is a part of Priceline. com is Europe’s leading online hotel reservation agency. Booking. com set a solution to attract unique visitors via the Internet from both leisure and business markets worldwide. Based on the being implemented by Booking. com’s market leading growth, the company currently employs over 1000 professionals to ensure the best possible online services and support. They committed to offering an informative, user-friendly website with competitive rates. They provide business and leisure travelers worldwide with a pleasant, efficient and cost-effective way to book hotel accommodations. They are keeping 100000 room nights every day that provides a cost-effective commission based model, a network of over 4500 distribution partners and a personalized account management service to help optimize the revenue of the hotels. When a situation arise the required the purchase of new information, Booking. com decided to incorporate the web into its reservation system. The performance of Booking. com includes no reservation fee; they do not charge any booking fees, administration fees or cancelation fees. Their reservation system is secure and the credit card and personal information is encrypted. They work to high standards and guarantee privacy. 17 This study is somehow related or similar with the proponents study in terms of giving importance’s of the computerization of such system for a better performance of the company in terms of the transaction that they are doing which resulted into a faster transaction. Computerization of the company’s transaction brings so many benefits to the company in the terms of the transaction that they performance. 2. 2. 2. Local Studies Based on the study entitled â€Å"Computerized Billing and Reservation System with SMS Inquiry for South Red Palm Hotel Corporation† by Helbert H. Nanez, Rechelle M. Asis and Ivy Christine Segui which is an example of Online Reservation which aimed to develop computerized transaction processing system accommodation and reservation of guest to replaced the existing manual system of running a big establishment as the â€Å"South Red Palm Hotel Corporation†. It was design that their system would improve the hotel’s transaction by the terms of speed, efficiency and data integrity. In general, existing system of â€Å"South Red Palm Hotel† relies to the manual means of transaction processing which resulted to problems such as time onsuming, prone to human error and costly. According to Mr. Chester Atienza and Ms. Jennifer Rances, Enverga University, March 1999, â€Å" A Proosed Computerized Aided-Billing and Monitoring System of the Halina Hotel â€Å". The study aimed to be aware and apprehensive of the step-by-step procedure being applied in the present system as well as to specify the problems normally enco untered by the people who are involved in the present system. The authors conclude that the problems 18 enabled the management to have fast and efficient way of transaction unlike in their current transaction, which is manual. According to Wishiel S. Chua, Aldwin N. Ilumin and Marlyn M. Nierva of Enverga University, March 2001, â€Å"A Proposed Graphical User-Interface Based Medical Record billing System for Tayabas Community Hospital†. The study endeavor to develop a system that would immediately furnish them with a reliable, accurate information and faster approach in processing customer requirements that would lessen their problems in dealing with the patient through the help of this proposed system to help them to be up to date to the changes brought about by the new world of technologies. Terrence C. Baluyut, Prince V. Hizo, Jose Narciso C. Lapuz, Ariel B. Quinto and Henry M. Joriano, AMA Computer College, Makati, 1999 â€Å"A Development of an Online Inquiry and Reservation System for All SM Cinema†. It has been found out that current inquiry of the company inhibits its potential to expand its customer based because it’s offers limited services and does not promote in theaters full because of its boundaries. The proponent of the study concludes that the company should consider all the possible means of obtaining connections with their customers. This system will provide additional services to the customers and it offers information regarding theaters. The study stated above is similar to the proponents study because of several problems 19 in accommodations and reservation in the hotel. Their transaction as based a manual work hotel personnel and monitoring of accommodations for outgoing and ingoing guests was misleading. Furthermore, personnel cannot provide and use reservation information past enough or the client’s satisfaction. These are also the problems encountered by JISB Emperor Hotel. 2. 3 Justification of the Present Study The related literature and studies gathered by the proponents are relatively related to the proponents project because it has common things that they wanted to happen to their project to support online reservation and billing system of JISB Emperor Hotel so they got idea from it. Several foreign sites on the net were also visited by the proponents to search for essential studies about the computerized system in a business is really a great help. Like the proponents project that have wanted to have the JISB Emperor Hotel Computerized Billing System and Online Reservation because it will help them to save data in a more organized way that would save their money buying cabinets for their files and to have to have an accurate computations that may lead them to bankruptcy when not properly done. It will also provide fast and great service for their customers, too. Like the other studies, the proponents also aim to develop a computerized billing system and online reservation. Like one of the thesis and researchers will include updating of customers records and payments at the same time will do the computerized billing and online reservation to become more accurate in giving the data and calculating the payment 20 Chapter III Research Methodology The proponents gathered information that will be used for the implementation and development of the developed system. Acquiring ideas and information are important in designing and developing. 3. 1. Research Design: The proponents used a descriptive research method. It describes what the study is all about, its current condition, practices and processes. This method shows how to gather information. The proponents used this method because it gives a clear view on what are needed to fulfill, its significance in relation to the study Descriptive research method, creative research, and library method is used by the proponents in gathering information. By using these methods, proponents determined the functionality and the problem being encountered using the existing system of the company. The proponents provided set of questionnaires and distributed to the 25 respondents consisting of company staffs and customers. The retrieved questionnaires with answers were analyzed. All the data and information that has been collected will be interpreted in the form of graph and tables. 21 3. 2. Research Locale The proponents conducted the study in the town of Lucena where the JISB Emperor Hotel situated. The company is located along Merchan Street corner Evangelista Street Lucena City. 3. 3. Data Gathering The proponents used interviews, observation, questionnaires, and internet, library methods tools in gathering information. These tools were relevant to formulate the study for the proposed system. Interview: The proponents conducted several interviews to the officers of the JISB Emperor Hotel. This data gathering method is the most common tool to gather information and used by most the researchers, which for proponents is the easiest way or method in collecting information. Observation: The proponents made an observation in the JISB Emperor Hotel to gather the information’s needed and to be able know the problem that they are encountering. The proponents conducted further observation that gave solutions to the problem of JISB Emperor Hotel. 22 Internet: The proponents used the internet as a source of information that may help and give some related issue or information in the study of several sites visited by the proponents. The proponents selected the site that would give an exact information or knowledge with the same system. Library Method: This kind of method used by the proponents is a method used by the proponents is a method I which the proponents that will support the proponents study. Questionnaires: Set of well designed questionnaires was prepared by the proponents in gathering information which was answered by different respondents. 3. 4. Data Processing The proponents gathered and analyzed the required information. In gathering information, the proponents used a descriptive research method. One of the categories of a descriptive method is the questionnaires to be answered by the hotel management and staff, and customer to be able to predict the adaptability and affectivity of the developed system. The proponents provided sets of questionnaires answered by the respondents 23 composing of hotel staffs and customers. The surveys made by the proponents have the purpose to determine the affectivity and the adaptability of the developed system and to be able to know the respondents opinion for upgrading the current system of the JISB Emperor Hotel. The proponents had 25 respondents, out of those 25, 10 are hotel staffs and the remaining 15 are customers or the possible to become a customer. The proponents get the average number of respondents who answered for each questions. To be able to get the average number of respondents, the proponents sum the total number of answers for each question to determine the mean. The collected data carefully analyzed, computed interpreted which were shown in graphs and table in which the proponents get the number and percentage of the respondents who answered from the questionnaires.

Isotopes Definition and Examples in Chemistry

Isotopes Definition and Examples in Chemistry Isotopes [ahy-suh-tohps]  are atoms with the same number of protons, but differing numbers of neutrons. In other words, the have different atomic weights. Isotopes are different forms of a single element. Key Takeaways: Isotopes Isotopes are samples of an element with different numbers of neutrons in their atoms.The number of protons for different isotopes of an element does not change.Not all isotopes are radioactive. Stable isotopes either never decay or else decay very slowly. Radioactive isotopes undergo decay.When an isotope decays, the starting material is the parent isotope. The resulting material is the daughter isotope. There are 275 isotopes of the 81 stable elements. There are over 800 radioactive isotopes, some of which are natural and some synthetic. Every element on the periodic table has multiple isotope forms. The chemical properties of isotopes of a single element tend to be nearly identical. The exception would be the isotopes of hydrogen  since the number of neutrons has such a significant effect on the size of the hydrogen nucleus. The physical properties of isotopes are different from each other since these properties often depend on mass. This difference may be used to separate isotopes of an element from each other by using fractional distillation and diffusion. With the exception of hydrogen, the most abundant isotopes of the natural elements have the same number of protons and neutrons. The most abundant form of hydrogen is protium, which has one proton and no neutrons. Isotope Notation There are a couple of common ways to indicate isotopes: List the mass number of an element after its name or element symbol. For example, an isotope with 6 protons and 6 neutrons is carbon-12 or C-12. An isotope with 6 protons and 7 neutrons is carbon-13 or C-16. Note the mass number of two isotopes may be the same, even though they are different elements. For example, you could have carbon-14 and nitrogen-14.The mass number may be given in the upper left side of an element symbol. (Technically the mass number and atomic number should be stacked in line with each other, but they dont always line up on a computer.) For example, the isotopes of hydrogen may be written:11H,  21H,  31H Isotope Examples Carbon 12 and Carbon 14 are both isotopes of carbon, one with 6 neutrons and one with 8 neutrons (both with 6 protons). Carbon-12 is a stable isotope, while carbon-14 is a radioactive isotope (radioisotope). Uranium-235 and uranium-238 occur naturally in the Earths crust. Both have long half-lives. Uranium-234 forms as a decay product. Related Words Isotope (noun), Isotopic (adjective), Isotopically (adverb), Isotopy (noun) Isotope Word Origin and History The term isotope was introduced by the British chemist Frederick Soddy in 1913, as recommended by Margaret Todd. The word means having the same place from the Greek words isos equal (iso-) topos place. Isotopes occupy the same place on the periodic table even though isotopes of an element have different atomic weights. Parent and Daughter Isotopes When radioisotopes undergo radioactive decay, the initial isotope may be different from the resulting isotope. The initial isotope is called the parent isotope, while the atoms produced by the reaction are called daughter isotopes. More than one type of daughter isotope may result. As an example, when  U-238 decays into Th-234, the uranium atom is the parent isotopes, while the thorium atom is the daughter isotope. A Note About Stable Radioactive Isotopes Most stable isotopes dont undergo radioactive decay, but a few do. If an isotope undergoes radioactive decay very, very slowly, it may be termed stable. An example is bismuth-209. Bismuth-209 is a stable radioactive isotope that undergoes alpha-decay, but has a half-life of 1.9 x 1019 years (which is more than a billion times longer than the estimated age of the universe). Tellurium-128 undergoes beta-decay with a half-life estimated to be 7.7 x 1024 years! Historical References Alexander Thomas Cameron,  Radiochemistry  (London, England: J. M. Dent Sons, 1910), p. 141. Soddy, Frederick. Intra-atomic charge. Nature 92, Springer Nature Publishing AG, 1913.. Strà ¶mholm, Daniel and Svedberg, Theodor (1909) Untersuchungen à ¼ber die Chemie der radioactiven Grundstoffe II. (Investigations into the chemistry of the radioactive elements, part 2),  Zeitschrift fà ¼r anorganischen Chemie,  63: 197–206. Thomson, J. J. (1912). XIX. Further experiments on positive rays.  Philosophical Magazine. Series 6.  24  (140): 209.

Philosophical Quotes on Violence

Philosophical Quotes on Violence What is violence? And, accordingly, how should non-violence be understood? While I have written a number of articles on these and related topics, it is useful to look at how philosophers have synthesized their views on violence. Here is a selection of quotes, sorted out into topics. Voices on Violence Frantz Fanon: Violence is man re-creating himself.George Orwell: We sleep safe in our beds because rough men stand ready in the night to visit violence on those who would do us harm.Thomas Hobbes: In the first place, I put for a general inclination of all mankind a perpetual and restless desire of power after power, that ceaseth only in death. And the cause of this is not always that a man hopes for a more intensive delight than he has already attained to, or that he cannot be content with a moderate power, but because he cannot assure the power and means to live well, which he hath present, without the acquisition of more.Niccolà ² Machiavelli: Upon this, one has to remark that men ought either to be well treated or crushed, because they can avenge themselves of lighter injuries, of more serious ones they cannot; therefore the injury that is to be done to a man ought to be of such a kind that one does not stand in fear of revenge.Niccolà ² Machiavelli: I say that every prince must desire to be considered merciful and not cruel. He must, however, take care not to misuse this mercifulness. [†¦] A prince, therefore, must not mind incurring the charge of cruelty for the purpose of keeping his subjects united and confident; for, with a very few examples, he will be more merciful than those who, from excess of tenderness, allow disorders to arise, from whence spring murders and rapine; for these as a rule injure the whole community, while the executions carried out by the prince injure only one individual [†¦] From this arises the question whether it is better to be loved more than feared, or feared more than loved. The reply is, that one ought to be both feared and loved, but as it is difficult for the two to go together, it is much safer to be feared than loved, if one of the two has to be wanting. Against Violence Martin Luther Kind Jr.: The ultimate weakness of violence is that it is a descending spiral, begetting the very thing it seeks to destroy. Instead of diminishing evil, it multiplies it. Through violence you may murder the liar, but you cannot murder the lie, nor establish the truth. Through violence you may murder the hater, but you do not murder hate. In fact, violence merely increases hate. So it goes. Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.Albert Einstein: Heroism by order, senseless violence, and all the pestilent nonsense that goes by the name of patriotism- how I hate them! War seems to me a mean, contemptible thing: I would rather be hacked in pieces than take part in such an abominable business.Fenner Brockway: I had long put on one side the purist pacifist view that one should have nothing to do with a social revolution if any violence were involved... Nevertheless, the conviction remained in my mind that any revolution would fail to establish freedom and fraternity in proportion to its use of violence, that the use of violence inevitably brought in its train domination, repression, cruelty. Isaac Asimov: Violence is the last refuge of the incompetent.

In an increasingly dynamic environment, strategic management of risk Dissertation

In an increasingly dynamic environment, strategic management of risk has become a critical competency for organisations. From th - Dissertation Example It has also grown from a hot topic, one that was dealt with only by the most prestigious companies to one that has become a necessity to every company irrespective of its size and nature of business. Companies today face a considerable number of risks also because of international factors such as globalization, outsourcing and intense competition. Therefore, it is important for all companies to satisfy their risk needs through a formal risk management system. However, careful analysis and planning must precede the entire operation. This not only helps in smoother implementation, companies can develop plans to tackle some of the inherent limitations and disadvantages of the system before hand. It will also help the company determine the best course of action with regard to the risk management strategy eventually adopted. Once selected, the actual system is guided by a number of standard processes and phases each with its own set of requirements and objectives. The entire process is of a cyclic nature that starts with the identification an analysis phase and ends with the monitoring phase for a company new to the process, whereas in existing systems all the phases are carried out continuously. This is the only way to ensure effectiveness of the system. However, it need not be an overhead and the entire process can be integrated into the schedules of the employees of the company. Senior management involvement also goes a long way in ensuring the effectiveness of the system. Once implemented as per guidelines and having taken appropriate precautions, it is possible not only to achieve a safer degree of operation within the company; other benefits can also be reaped. For instance, risk management systems can offer one of ways of developing a long term competitive advantage which is critical in today's competitive environment. Risk management systems are still evolving and are in a dynamic state. Future work that establishes better guidelines for the implementation w ill assist several companies in understanding and implementing their own systems that is based on a unique structure and satisfied demands. 1. Research Question â€Å"In an increasingly dynamic environment, strategic management of risk has become a critical competency for organisations. From the perspective of an Operations Manager, present a case to the board of directors for adoption of a formal risk management process.† 1.1. Aim The aim of this report is to provide and propose to the senior management a detailed case for adopting a formal risk management process. 1.2. Objectives To achieve the aim of the report following objectives will have to be met: A. Demonstrate the importance of Risk Management Process in an organisation B. To present the advantages and disadvantages of adopting a formal risk management process C. To Analyse and Discuss why the organisation should adopt a formal risk management process D. To Conclude the findings of the report and present recommendat ions to the board 2. Literature Review

Supprting and assessing learning in practice settings Essay

Supprting and assessing learning in practice settings - Essay Example My role as a preceptor is to ensure that Tom achieved the standards and competencies required in his new position, to act as a role model to him and facilitate him to gain knowledge and skills (Gopee 2008). In review of the various recommended best practices in Training of professional writers, there is a strong emphasis at present in personalisation. Even group experiential trainers note that a core priority in the training of clients is to prompt growth, hence tapping into potential talents and skill which lay dormant beneath the surface of every individual (Colley 2003, Gibbs 1988, and Gopee 2008). In every conflict within the workplace, there is an ethical solution. However, perhaps the biggest challenge for managers is the effect that decisions can make not only on the bottom line or the team, but in regard to their own reputation. Indeed, one critical mistake or mismanagement of a situation, and especially in response to team conflict where decision making is connected to the livelihood of others, can lead to the dissolution of an entire professional history, or at least temporarily so. According to Thill and Bovà ©e’s (2005) Excellence in Business Communications, gauging the mind-set of the people whom you work with is half the battle in resolving team conflict constructively. Mere assertion of authority is generally not enough to resolve destructive behaviors regarding a decision. In fact, as Thill & Bovà ©e argue, win-win strategies require managers to 1) express understanding; 2) make people aware of their resistance; 3) evaluate others’ objections fairl y; and 4) hold their own arguments until the other people are ready for them. Patience is not always easy in these situations, as managers may become side-tracked from thoroughly grappling with fundamental problems taking place within team dynamics, and in doing so, ethical and precise responses to challenges may go unmet, reduce morale,

Human Resource Management :: essays research papers

In the beginning of chapter #4 the book discusses the importance of succession planning. Succession planning is the â€Å"process of ensuring that qualified persons are available to assume key managerial positions once the positions are vacant.† When I was reading about this it occurred to me that this is probably a very important concern for a company because so much of its success is depended on managers and how good they are. If a company loses its manager it is detrimental that there is someone to take over their position and keep the company going.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A second topic that caught my attention was the idea of job analysis. Job analysis is the process of determining ones skills, duties, and knowledge required for performing their job within the company. In todays constant â€Å"changing work environment,† the need for this job analysis technique is quite important. The book explains that it is important because â€Å"new jobs are being created, and old jobs are being redesigned or eliminated.† The book also explains that without job analysis it would be nearly impossible to perform any of the other human resource-related functions. There are different types of job analysis as well. Such types are â€Å"work activities, worker-oriented activities, and the types of machines, tools, equipment, and work aids used in the job.†   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  I recognized the book stressed the importance of the way in which job analysis is performed and the different methods that can be used with your employees. Some of the different methods included questionnaires, â€Å"witness the work being performed,† interviews with both the employee and the supervisor, or even asking for diaries and logs to be kept by employees.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Job description was another key component of chapter #4, and this really interested me because I was just offered a job after my graduation this year. The book discussed what components make up a good job description. After reading some of the components I realized although the job I have been offered is an unbelievable opportunity, my job description given to me by my boss was very limited, and made me feel very insecure about what exactly my position was in the company. I really understood the importance of the job description for employees after my interview because I was unsure as to where my job began and where it ended. Another topic the book discusses in this chapter is strategic planning and human resource planning.

Passion in Education Essay

What came first, the chicken, or the egg? A question in which many would say the chicken, because without the chicken, the egg wouldn’t be there. Others might say that the egg came first because chickens come from eggs, so without the egg, the chicken wouldn’t even exist. Its not the fact of which came first in this situation, rather than how they go hand in hand. Both the egg and the chicken need each other to be complete, just like teachers, and students. Teachers need students for educational purposes, and students need teachers to learn. The idea of â€Å"can there be education without passion? † is a debatable topic especially since some students might say that it’s the teacher’s job to make the class interesting and gain their interest. Teachers on the other hand might suggest that it’s up to the students to care enough about their education to motivate themselves to learn from the curriculum, no matter how tough, or dry the education may be. In the sense of coming together for a common cause passion is required to learn and succeed in school, but teachers also need passion to successfully teach their students. Patrick Sullivan, an English teacher at Manchester Community College in Connecticut, author of â€Å"A Lifelong Aversion to Writing†: What If Writing Courses Emphasized Motivation† expresses the idea that teachers need to attain the interest of their students and teach them the criteria in ways that the students understand it, and feel the need to learn it, but he also believes that the students themselves need to develop Intrinsic motivation. â€Å"Students who are engaged and motivated learn almost effortlessly. Those who are not almost always struggle, resist, and often fail. Unmotivated students also often become disruptive and troublesome influences in our classrooms† (Sullivan, 120 ). Students who put forth the effort needed to succeed in a classroom tend to do better than those who don’t. Without that inner passion to learn what a teacher is teaching, the student won’t learn. A teacher could come up with the best, most interactive lesson plan, but if the motivation isn’t there for a student, then all the teachers’ efforts are for nothing. Not all the blame can be put on the teachers. Some students just are not willing to learn, and continue with their education. College classrooms are filled with students who do not prepare for class. Many study less than 10 hours a week – that’s less than half the hours they spent studying 40 years ago. Paradoxically, students are spending more and more money for an education that seems to deliver less and less content† (Stuart Rojstaczer). Most students in college don’t put forth the effort needed to fully captivate everything a college class is giving, and it’s not because the education isn’t there, but that the students are not motivated to learn because they see that with little effort, they can pass their classes, and don’t need to study their brains out. The blame can’t only lie with the students either. Without teachers being passionate about teaching, then students won’t grasp the concept of what is being taught to them. â€Å"It is essential that English teachers begin to engage this research carefully and begin developing curriculum designed specifically to promote and nurture motivation† (Sullivan, 120). Without intrinsic motivation students won’t learn well, but it lies on the teachers as well to motivate students to want to learn, and to want to pursue their education. Students need to see where motivation can get them, for them to want to motivate themselves. Education is not the filling of a bucket, but the lighting of a fire. â€Å"The presence or absence of this â€Å"fire,† of course, affects everything students experience in classrooms† (Sullivan, 120). If teachers don’t make the class interesting and engage the students, then they won’t feel the need to motivate themselves to learn what is being taught. How they feel about the class effects how they learn. If they dislike a certain subject, they’ll always approach the subject with a bad mentality, and with that mentality, it will affect how they learn. In the attempt to attract students teachers have â€Å" loosen[ed] up. [They] grade much more softly than [their] colleagues in science. In English. [they] don’t give many D’s or C’s for that matter† (Edmundson). Students wont learn any better If teachers make the class easier, and in no way is that way of teaching ethical. Student’s wont try harder, or be more interested in the class. They will simply slack off even more and take the class as a joke. Teacher’s need to find a balance between making the class understandable, yet understanding. Dumbing it down, and passing students who don’t deserve the grade will make the class pointless and nothing will come from it. I have yet to find a teacher who teaches just to teach. They all want to make an impact on their student’s lives, and dumbing down courses wont help anyone. Neither the teachers nor the students are to blame for lack of passion in education. They both have to do their job as either a teacher who teaches English, or a student who is in an English class. The teacher has to engage the students to want to learn, and the student has to have motivation to want to learn what the teacher is teaching. If either of the jobs is lacking, then the likelihood of a student or teachers success is lower than if both were giving it their all. They both go hand in hand, and one wouldn’t be complete without the other just like the chicken and the egg. A teacher doesn’t teach an empty classroom now do they? They teach students for a reason, so that the students learn, but if the students are just sitting in the classroom, not paying attention or do not come prepared, then they might as well teach to thin air, because no one is benefiting from what the teacher has to offer.