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.
Abstract This paper explains that, although many experts believe an online degree is simply not as effective as a traditional degree, studies consistently show there is little difference in the outcomes between online and traditional learning. The author points out that most experts agree that, for meaningful online education, there must be student-to-student interaction and well-timed, student-to-teacher feedback. The paper stresses that, to succeed in online education, students must be motivated to complete the course on their own, be comfortable in an insulated environment where they do not have face-to-face contact with other students and their instructor, and must be extremely comfortable with computers and technology; procrastinators will not survive many online courses.
From the Paper "While many more schools are jumping on the distance education bandwagon, the question remains, how effective is distance education versus traditional in-class education? Many educators believe there are many positive outcomes from distance education, as one expert notes, "Contrary to intuition, current Web-based online college courses are not an alienating, mass-produced product. They are a labor-intensive, highly text-based, intellectually challenging forum which elicits deeper thinking on the part of the students and which presents, for better or worse, more equality between instructor and student". However, much of the business community is still quite hesitant to recognize online education as a viable alternative to the traditional degree process."
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."
This paper examines the study "Driven and No Regrets: A Qualitative Analysis of Students Earning Baccalaureate Degrees in Three Years," by authors Michael Firmin and Krista Merrick Gilson.
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."
Abstract Community colleges traditionally offer two-year degrees. This paper explores the possibility, costs, advantages and disadvantages of these same colleges offering four-year degrees as well. It discusses accreditation, student make-up and college classification.
From the Paper "Recently, the post-secondary educational market has seen many changes. Recent years have seen the advent of on-line schools, distance learning and a variety of two-year and community colleges have appeared on the market place. Many two-year community colleges currently offer transfer programs into four-year degree programs. Attending a two-year community college to complete the general requirements of a four-year degree program is quite cost effective. There are also several pitfalls, such as accreditation differences between the two programs. As a result, many times students waste valuable time and money in having to repeat work already completed at the two-year program because the four-year program will not accept the credits. For many students the idea of attending a four-year program is not possible because of cost restraints, yet they still wish the benefits afforded by a four-year degree. This raises an important question, should community colleges offer four-year degrees?"
Abstract This paper presents a detailed examination of how an Associates of Science Degree focusing on electronics technology can contribute to and benefit a military career. The writer explains what influenced his decision to enlist in the Navy and recalls his early experiences after enlisting. He then describes why he chose to pursue a degree in electronic engineering and how he feels it could assist him in the military.
From the Paper "When I was small I knew I would join the Navy. We have family members who made their careers as Navy service personnel and I remember them coming home on leave and the whole family getting excited. I would sit quietly on the floor while they relegated stories of their travels and their exciting jobs that they were performing. I remember my parents telling me that this person was serving our country."
This paper examines the nursing profession's transition from hospital-based certification programs to a more comprehensive and demanding college based bachelor's degree program.
Abstract This paper focuses on the nursing profession's recent practice of demanding nurses obtain a BSN college degree as opposed to the traditional custom of completing a 4 year hospital-base nursing certification program. The writer of this paper discusses the subsequent productivity of registered nurses (RNs) who regularly report that the monotonous coursework required in obtaining a BSN creates learning circumstances that are costly, exasperating and unproductive. While associate and bachelor degree nursing faculty are designed to smooth the transition for RN to BSN students, researching the differences between RN and BSN graduates have shown little success.
From the Paper "There are contradictory outcomes associated to decisive thinking. The researchers found no differentiation in decisive thinking, self-reported apparent complexity with making decisions, or frequency of making decisions, though they found BSN students achieved higher on critical thinking skills than ADN students and found no distinction in patient ratings of care supplied by senior students from the two types of programs. One of the reason researchers may have had no accomplishment in finding a difference in practice is because there are no differences because the education programs are so similar. Specifically, in California, an RN who has graduated from an ADN program with 112 units and an RN who has graduated from a BSN program with 120 units could be very hard to distinguish in practice."
Tags: education, medical, health, nursing, degree, college, hospital, program
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."
Abstract This paper is a review of an article by Jonathon Alter, "Degrees of Discomfort - Is Homophobia Equivalent to Racism". Newsweek. March 12, 1990. The essay discusses the article and assesses the validity of Alter's arguments.
Abstract This paper looks at whether the state of California should continue to give degrees in some colleges with all coursework in Spanish. The author of this paper believes that it does a disservice to those people by not preparing them sufficiently to defend themselves in the real world.
Abstract This paper offers a personal discussion on obtaining a degree and a career in finance. It explores the career options, the pitfalls and the areas in which specific tasks are performed in the industry.
From the Paper "I am currently working on my AA degree. Once I have received my AA degree, I plan to transfer immediately to a four year college to earn a bachelor's degree in finance. I have already done research on finance as a major to make certain that I have taken both the required and the recommended classes as a part of my AA degree program. I learned that the School of Business at the college I want to attend is currently impacted ..."
Tags: finance, accounting, career, finance major, job options, controller, treasurer, college degree, earning potential, career path, CFO, Vice President of Finance
Abstract This writer seeks entrance into a BA in business administration. He has completed an associates degree and has, over the last 25 years, acquired a great deal of experience and skills in the retail business in such areas as communication, leadership, sales and marketing, human resources, finance and accounting. He is seeking entrance to Empire State College and discusses the merits of the college's distance learning program.
From the Paper "Over the past 25 years, I have acquired a great deal of experience and skills in the retail business in such areas as communication, leadership, sales and marketing, human resources, finance and accounting. The Associates Degree provided me with additional expertise that I can apply to my everyday responsibilities in addition to use in team projects and toward ultimate company goals and objectives."
Abstract This paper explains that the rapidly changing healthcare environment requires various levels of nursing educational preparation, which involve advanced levels of competence. The author points out that the scope of practice becomes wider as advanced degrees create an impressive variety of practice settings. The paper describes many types of advanced nursing, which can be completed at a university or online. The author stresses that nurses have an ethical demand to pursue advanced practices because of the professional principle of beneficence, which refers to doing well and working in the best interests of the patient and because of the more salient principle of autonomy. The author summarizes that an advanced level of nursing practice maximizes the use of in-depth nursing knowledge and skill for meeting the needs of the individual patient, family and the community.
From the Paper "The Bachelor of Science in Nursing is a four-year baccalaureate degree program for non-nurses which leads to RN licensure. The baccalaureate degree is the minimum requirement for entry into professional nursing practice. This requirement resulted from the American Nurses Association's (ANA's) position paper requesting the baccalaureate degree as the minimum preparation for practice. The basis for that degree was the observation by the ANA of significant changes in the practice of nursing, which included important theoretical formulations, scientific discoveries, technological advances, and the development of new treatments."
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."
Abstract This paper is a research-based study on the newest methodology in team based appraisal, called 360 degree evaluation. The paper addresses the pro and cons of this new system, in which employee and manager simultaneously evaluate one another. The author of this paper begins with an overview of the literature on approaches to appraisal and performance review. Then the paper details the role of 360 degree evaluation within personnel assessment and explains why the system developed and what needs it addresses. The paper concludes with the author's opinions on the future usefulness of 360 degree evaluation and its applications in a variety of work forces.
Abstract
Introduction
Review of the Literature
Discussion of Assessment and 360-Degree Feedback
The Downside to 360-Degree Feedback
Future of 360-Degree Feedback
From the Paper "The database at University of California San Diego, Human Resources Department, "Overview of Performance Management", states that the evolution of the concept of performance management as a new Human Resource Management model reflects a change of emphasis in organizations away from command-and-control toward a facilitation model of leadership. This change has been accompanied by a recognition of the importance to the employee and the institution of relating work performance to the strategic or long-term and overarching mission of the organization as a whole. Employees' goals and objectives are derived from their department's, which in turn support the mission and goals of the University."
