Abstract
SUMMARY: Thinking about getting a degree from a foreign university? What are the benefits of getting a degree from a foreign university? Thinking about taking the plunge and studying for a degree in another country? Looking at Duke University that offers students the chance to study abroad and comparing it to the article in Oxford Review of Education's article called "Study Abroad: A Competitive Edge for Women," this paper will discuss whether obtaining a university degree from a foreign university would have advantages and what these advantages would be.

Tags:foreign, degree, country

Abstract
The author's intent was to bring about awareness that yes online degree programs are readily available, but not all people will have the skill set to be successful studying independently. The purpose of the article is to also inform those interested in online degree programs of how they may increase their chances for success. The author discusses motivational strategies, time management strategies and communication strategies to help those interested in getting a degree online to be successful (Paul & Elder, 2006).

From the Paper
"The author's intent was to bring about awareness that yes online degree programs are readily available, but not all people will have the skill set to be successful studying independently. The purpose of the article is to also inform those interested in online degree programs of how they may increase their chances for success. The author discusses motivational strategies, time management strategies and communication strategies to help those interested in getting a degree online to be successful (Paul & Elder, 2006)."

Tags:online, learning, experience

Abstract
This research paper defines a type of work appraisal known as the 360-degree performance appraisal, describes the discomfort typically felt during appraisal periods at work and explains why, in spite of some shortcomings, the 360-degree performance appraisal is better than traditional approaches to performance appraisals. The paper also appends the surveys that were used to conduct this research.

Literature Review of 360-Degree Performance Appraisals
Methodology
Factors to be Understood in MTC Vodafone with Respect to 360?
Performance Appraisals
Methodology to Understand the Culture
Survey

From the Paper
""'Like falling off a cliff.' These are the words one UK-based manager used to describe the process of 360-degree feedback or, rather, the tangible end result of the process - namely, his personal feedback and what to do with it." (Murphy, 2002) The important part of developing a 360-degree performance program is to allow the individual and the work to identify the best possible areas for improvement and change. "The basic premise behind 360-degree feedback is to draw responses regarding leader effectiveness from upward (i.e. bosses, supervisors, etc.), peer level (i.e. co-workers, team-members, etc.) and downward (i.e. followers, employees, etc.) sources. These ratings are compared to the leader's self-ratings in order to determine disparities or blind spots. It is believed that such information will enhance the self-awareness of those being rated, subsequently leading to improved leadership skills through a better understanding of their own abilities, and others' expectations." (Testa, 2002) Studies indicate that anonymous feedback is more accurate and truthful and also nearer to actual facts when compared to feedback from raters who are known. (Ghorpade, 2000) It is generally observed that this analysis is generally used for management cadre employees who are able create a constant circle of assessment and feedback."

Tags:analysis, organization, ratings, identify, competency, evaluation, developmental

Abstract
This paper presents an admission essay for a Master's Degree at the College of Social Work at the University of Utah. The paper describes the applicant's interest and ambition to be accepted toward a Master's Degree. It describes the applicant's interest in social work and the traits and skills that he possesses that he feels will be influential in a career in social work.

From the Paper
"I have tried to be compassionate as well as passionate in this description of my eagerness to become part of the College of Social Work and, thereafter, part of the team that can rescue many from a downward spiral and the abandonment by an uncaring society. You cannot hope to make a career of social work without both passion and compassion, as well as a world view centered on what is right and wrong, what is doable and changeable in our world. I hope these pages have shown my interest and ambition to be accepted toward a Master's Degree and to "upgrade" from my background of pharmacy sales into a career of clinical social work."

Tags:career, compassion, studies

Abstract
This paper provides a personal statement regarding the desire to undertake a Master's degree at Springfield College. The writer discusses his desire to help others and how this has led him to pursue further education that would help him to further his goals. It discusses the benefits of undertaking his Master's at Springfield College which has shown itself to be committed to the humanities.

From the Paper
"It may seem that I could meet my personal, educational, and professional goals through any Masters at any university. However, I believe that Springfield College would provide me with opportunities that are unavailable at other institutions. I am extremely impressed with Springfield's commitment to the service of humanity, and believe that I will find myself surrounded by others like me, who have an innate need to help other people. I feel that the graduate programs of many other schools emphasize academia and research, rather than the application of existing knowledge to better humankind. I am not interested in that aspect of my field, but, instead, want to apply psychology to help people. I believe that Springfield's emphasis on practical experience, including volunteer work, will provide me with the opportunity to create a practical and helpful foundation in my field. I am also impressed with the credentials of Springfield's faculty, and I believe that, under them, I will be able to meet influential and helpful people in my field. Hopefully, my educational experience will help me meet the contacts that I will need to really help people, and perhaps even begin the pilot educational and counseling program, which I described in my professional goals. Finally, I am impressed that all of Springfield's Master's programs, regardless of discipline, focus on the helping professions. I feel as if I will be in the right place to learn skills from other disciplines, if my education, laboratory, and volunteer experience reveal a gap in my knowledge."

Tags:institution, counseling, commitment

Abstract
The writer gives examples of people who have risen to highly successful positions without degrees. The paper also cites companies who do, in fact, look at a person's educational background. Finally, the paper outlines the skills necessary in today's market for reaching success.

From the Paper
"An evolving and high-demand economy has been instrumental to encouraging hiring decisions based on new initiatives, new markets, new products, new systems of marketing and distribution. People with core competencies and existing technical skills are able, in greater numbers than seen before, to move into responsible positions with existing companies and to begin companies of their own -- with and without college degrees."

Tags:success, marketing, competence, education, skills

Abstract
The paper discusses how registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for a variety of tasks including ensuring their patients' health and disease prevention. The paper looks at how RNs are charged with being healthcare advocates and educators and must work with physicians, nurses, and patients and their families to assess patients, they must record "symptoms, reactions, and progress" and assist physicians, administer medications, and draw bloods. The paper also notes that RNs must handle administrative duties such as developing and managing nursing care plans.

From the Paper
"Registered nurses (RNs) are responsible for a variety of tasks including ensuring their patients' health and disease prevention. RNs are charged with being healthcare advocates and educators and must work with physicians, nurses and patients and their families to assess patients, record "symptoms, reactions, and progress", and assist physicians, administer medications, and draw bloods. RNs must also handle administrative duties such as developing and managing nursing care plans (2000). RNs responsibilities are governed by state laws and duties are determined..."

Tags:nursing, rn, education

Abstract
This paper explains that, to get a good job, prior education and experience are the most important credentials for one obtaining a higher status. The author believes that experience is often not something easily obtained by young men and women, so employers tend to focus more on education. The paper states that, instead of the highly educated being the primary victim's of the "Internet" based recession, it was the least educated that were affected the most.

From the Paper
"In learning about organizations, we learned about hierarchy. Organizations do not give equal power or weight to ever member. Rather, organizations are shaped (and likewise controlled) by a "pyramid" of power, where a small group of individuals makes the decisions for the majority of the rest. The top of the "pyramid" is occupied by what we would consider as the most powerful and most important in the organization. It is also important to note that these people not only have more power, they also receive the most benefits. They are usually the best paid, and have the most job security."

Tags:experience, status, recession, hierarchy, organization

Abstract
In this article, the writer discusses that in the study, "Driven and No Regrets: A Qualitative Analysis of Students Earning Baccalaureate Degrees in Three Years," authors Michael Firmin and Krista Merrick Gilson illuminate the motivations and causes of a student pursuing an undergraduate degree in three years. The writer details the goals, the methods and the results of the analysis, as well as provides subjective opinion on the subject itself, the study and the larger questions raised. The writer concludes that the idea of a three year baccalaureate degree is not only a sound fiscal decision; it is an idea that should be perpetuated throughout the curriculum of high schools nationwide as a viable option for students.

Outline:
Type of Research
Purpose of Research
Research Design
Instrumentation/Observation
Description of Sample
Recruiting Method
Data Collection
Data Analysis
Results
Conclusion

From the Paper
" The purpose of the study is to discover themes and patterns in the decision to take on a baccalaureate degree in three years. In this sense, the authors set out to discover what motivations were present in the decision-making process, what sorts of backgrounds the students were coming from, and what determining criterion were present. In a broader sense, the authors recognized the ever-increasing cost of secondary education in the United States, and, especially when one in three students are earning a degree, the need for a more cost-effective undergraduate education. By choosing a three-year program, these authors hope to tap into the minds of the students to discover motivating factors, and personality characteristics that led to a decision to graduate in three years."

Tags:undergraduate, student, academic, motivation

Abstract
This paper relates that, although seeking an online graduate degree may seem to be advantageous, the expense most likely is greater because there are no scholarships, work-study programs nor paid research opportunities. Next, the author underscores the online education problems of missing interaction and emotional support from other students and of the need to be able to maintain the discipline required with a personal study schedule. The paper stresses that a graduate degree from an online school is not as well accepted in the workplace or overseas.

From the Paper
"There is also the issue of emotional support of other students. Often, even in a traditional university context, graduate study can feel isolating and lonely. A student must commit him or herself to a long-term research project and spend long hours in the library. Hearing other student's voices in class and discussing ideas with fellow students can be profoundly motivating. Granted, online classes usually have Blackboards, message boards, and even chat rooms that provide student interaction, even on a daily basis. But now brick and mortar institutions offer the same options, with the added advantages of real life discussion and interaction with professors."

Tags:discipline opportunities, real life discussion, connections schedule