I came across an article entitled Colleges Can Hire Adjunct Faculty Cheap — but Does that Harm Education? discussing whether hiring too many adjuncts hurts higher education. The author outlines some good cases and what others have stated about the process. The answer is "maybe" depending on how these adjuncts are connected to the university, their pay, and their accountability.
First, we need full-time professors to ensure that quality of the programs are high and there are core faculty that understand the inner workings and needs of the organization. It is true that many adjuncts won't necessarily understand how to make changes to curriculum or how to navigate the process for better educational outcomes. They may have no idea what the outcomes of their class are!
That doesn't mean they aren't doing their jobs but they are doing what is required from them based on their limited knowledge of the whole picture that can only be learned by being "in house". Thus full-time professors are extremely important to the functioning of adjunct faculty when they have the ability to oversee the work that is being conducted.
Pay is also important. Yes...cheap labor is great for universities. However, there is an issue of equity. People with PhD's spent many years in the educational field and incurred high costs in doing so. They want a return on that investment. If they are not able to earn equity through higher pay they may adjust their efforts to match the compensation they receive.
Being an educated person is as much about lifestyle as it is about compensation. They want to feel they are part of a community of thinkers and want their ideas validated through the university and the classes they teach. Creating a community helps them feel that connection and influence the environment in a way that ties them more closely to their work through personal ownership.
A few ways they can be connected to a community include:
- Direct contact with core faculty that can guide them and listen to them.
-Informed about university policies and changes.
- Given compensation and allocation for research they can use in their class.
-Inviting them to meet and socialize virtually and face-to-face.
-Providing gifts of appreciation and recognition.
-Letting them have more creative output in their courses.
- Soliciting their views and opinions through the senate process and during administrative changes.
-Providing feedback on how their classes are doing and developing them for greater responsibilities.
-Allowing them to do other types of work for compensation such as drafting proposals, book reviews, and outreach.
-Collaborate with other faculty to create new research.
Contract work has its inherent advantages and disadvantages built right into it. Its an issue because it is part of the inherent type of work related to being an adjunct and solutions are not easy to find. Most adjunct want to connect more and hear more from the university. There may be some that are just looking for whatever pay they can get and don't care about their students; but, I don't think this represents most. The one's I have met are very interested and have full-time jobs at other places. They continue to teach because they love it!
Sunday, June 24, 2018
Friday, June 22, 2018
Economic Clusters can Self-Form or be Induced by Government
Economic clusters are a beneficial way to spark industry in the area. While these clusters often form organically based on the region and the resources available it can also be sparked through government and industry action (Dmitry, et. al, 2018). Organic develop is self driven but government and business action are possible when the right external factors are present.
Organic development occurs because businesses seek to make profit and they find that the right skills, resources, and opportunities exist where other businesses have found success. They create a process of development where multiple companies may end up working off of each other so that the city-region develops the appropriate competencies.
When an area has not attracted investment but the external factors are ripe for a particular industry it is possible for governments to infuse a cluster. This will require either attracting an anchor company or having a new one start. Of course such a business would not last long unless it finds market competitiveness quickly.
Therefore, governments often spur investment into a region by putting together a good economic package. This package may include tax incentives, cheap land leases, solid government performance, development of local labor capital and the collaborative conduits that impact industry in the area.
This is important because where industry has not opted to develop on their own, countries can encourage these industries by seeding in the right way. They will need to be focused on what they want to accomplish and how they are going to attract these businesses. It may also require significant coordination among multiple entities and active government influence to ensure the conditions are right.
Dmitry, S., et. al. (2016). Economic Clusters as a Form of Self-Organization of the Economic System.
International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 6 (S1).
Organic development occurs because businesses seek to make profit and they find that the right skills, resources, and opportunities exist where other businesses have found success. They create a process of development where multiple companies may end up working off of each other so that the city-region develops the appropriate competencies.
When an area has not attracted investment but the external factors are ripe for a particular industry it is possible for governments to infuse a cluster. This will require either attracting an anchor company or having a new one start. Of course such a business would not last long unless it finds market competitiveness quickly.
Therefore, governments often spur investment into a region by putting together a good economic package. This package may include tax incentives, cheap land leases, solid government performance, development of local labor capital and the collaborative conduits that impact industry in the area.
This is important because where industry has not opted to develop on their own, countries can encourage these industries by seeding in the right way. They will need to be focused on what they want to accomplish and how they are going to attract these businesses. It may also require significant coordination among multiple entities and active government influence to ensure the conditions are right.
Dmitry, S., et. al. (2016). Economic Clusters as a Form of Self-Organization of the Economic System.
International Journal of Economics and Financial Issues, 6 (S1).
Thursday, June 21, 2018
Three Methods to Creating Deep Learning in Online Classrooms
It can be tough getting students to truly engage within an online classroom. As they listen to YouTube videos and twiddle their hair it is still possible to draw their attention away from distractions and into the course. It is said that deep learning occurs when students process information at lower neural networks and lead to higher thinking skills. It won't occur if they are not engaged in the course room fully.
The authors of a study found that deep learning occurs when online asynchronous classrooms can foster questioning skills, constructive feedback and relevance (DeLotell, Milliam &Reinhard, 2010). There is an increased need of professors to focus in these three areas to foster the student to think more about the concepts and retain them in memory.
Questioning Skills: The ability to question students understanding. It is helpful to try and build off what students are currently discussing and maintain their interest based on their current focus.
Constructive Feedback: Constructive feedback doesn't mean simply saying positive things. It is helpful to give students different types of feedback to help them truly learn the material. It is possible to expand this concept to fight "easy A" mentality.
Focus on Relevance: The course and discussion should be focused and relevant to the students. Problems, examples, and articles should be topics that the students currently experience in the world and are talking about. Help students solve today's problems and questions they face.
DeLotell, P., Millam, L. and Reinhardt, M. (2010). The Use Of Deep Learning Strategies In Online Business Courses To Impact Student Retention. American Journal of Business Education, 3 (12).
The authors of a study found that deep learning occurs when online asynchronous classrooms can foster questioning skills, constructive feedback and relevance (DeLotell, Milliam &Reinhard, 2010). There is an increased need of professors to focus in these three areas to foster the student to think more about the concepts and retain them in memory.
Questioning Skills: The ability to question students understanding. It is helpful to try and build off what students are currently discussing and maintain their interest based on their current focus.
Constructive Feedback: Constructive feedback doesn't mean simply saying positive things. It is helpful to give students different types of feedback to help them truly learn the material. It is possible to expand this concept to fight "easy A" mentality.
Focus on Relevance: The course and discussion should be focused and relevant to the students. Problems, examples, and articles should be topics that the students currently experience in the world and are talking about. Help students solve today's problems and questions they face.
DeLotell, P., Millam, L. and Reinhardt, M. (2010). The Use Of Deep Learning Strategies In Online Business Courses To Impact Student Retention. American Journal of Business Education, 3 (12).
Lessons from Brexit
The British economy has slowed since Brexit. Interest rates are at an all time low and inflation has recently come under control. There are a few budget deficits the government is working on and people want to save instead of spend. All of these indicate a slowing economy. However, at present these are soft gloves in the boxing match to get Britain back in shape.
There was naturally going to be a hit to the economy. There are too many ties to Europe as the economic system was designed around the criteria set forward by the EU. However, as Germany rises in prominence many British will feel as though they are not fully respected within this system leading to more nationalistic sentiments.
One must consider the history of the British and how they pride themselves on their historical past. They were once one of the top, if not the top, nation in the world and have influenced global development. As the country struggles to regain a sense of strength and vitality it will seek to do so by falling back on traditions.
The delay in development won't be very long. One could make an argument for pro-EU and anti-EU but in the end they have the industry to recover. It won't be easy and there will be some economic turmoil in the process but eventually they are likely to get there as they create new strategies to compete on world markets.
This delay in development occurs because there are lots of interconnections between Britain and other countries. Redefining, breaking, and reconnecting through new contracts, law, and partnerships simply takes some time. In many cases it could take up to 5 years or more to really get back to full speed. If the British feel they want to chart their own course they certainly can but they must realize they will be making their mark in the world on their own without the support the EU offered.
There was naturally going to be a hit to the economy. There are too many ties to Europe as the economic system was designed around the criteria set forward by the EU. However, as Germany rises in prominence many British will feel as though they are not fully respected within this system leading to more nationalistic sentiments.
One must consider the history of the British and how they pride themselves on their historical past. They were once one of the top, if not the top, nation in the world and have influenced global development. As the country struggles to regain a sense of strength and vitality it will seek to do so by falling back on traditions.
The delay in development won't be very long. One could make an argument for pro-EU and anti-EU but in the end they have the industry to recover. It won't be easy and there will be some economic turmoil in the process but eventually they are likely to get there as they create new strategies to compete on world markets.
This delay in development occurs because there are lots of interconnections between Britain and other countries. Redefining, breaking, and reconnecting through new contracts, law, and partnerships simply takes some time. In many cases it could take up to 5 years or more to really get back to full speed. If the British feel they want to chart their own course they certainly can but they must realize they will be making their mark in the world on their own without the support the EU offered.
8th International Scientific Conference on: "Academic Studies in Human Education and Social Sciences"
University of Tirana, Sapienza University of Rome, Richtmann Publishing and MCSER invite You to participate in the 8th International Scientific Conference on: "Academic Studies in Human Education and Social Sciences"
14th to 15th December 2018
Tirana, Albania
The 8th ASHESS will be held in TIRANA ALBANIA, and it is organized by Sapienza University, University of Tirana, MCSER and Richtmann Publishing. You are now welcome to submit your abstracts or full papers within November 20.
Please send your abstracts and full papers to conference@mcser.org
Important Dates:
Conference Date 14 – 15 December 2018
Abstract Submission By 20th November 2018
Early Bird Registration By 25th November 2018
Late Registration By 30th November 2018
Full paper submission (5-10 Pages preferred) By 5th December 2018
The Conference fee is EUR 220, and include participation in all sessions, certificate of participation, conference proceedings published in London with ISBN, catering (coffee break, welcome cocktail, lunch) conference materials (bag, pen, block notes, etc).
In the conference website you can find all information about ASHESS 2018 and a list of hotels close to the conference venue.
Conference Chair: Prof. Sokol Pacukaj, (Aleksander Moisiu University, sokolpacukaj@gmail.com)
Enquiries and submission: conference@mcser.org
Web address: http://mcser.org/ashess2018
Cellphone and Whatsupp: +355/696121310
Conference Venue:
University of Tirana, Faculty of Social Sciences
Gjergj Fishta BLV. 10101
Tirana, Albania
Wednesday, June 20, 2018
Improving Marketing: An Example From The Italian Wine Industry
Websites are helpful but many small business owners are not maximizing e-commerce opportunities to gain the most from their businesses. This problem is realized in family own Italian wineries that may not have all of the relevant business management experience or time to keep up with changes. Using simple e-commerce strategies can help them maximize the results of their efforts.
An analysis of wine companies found that most offer their websites and product information only (Iaia, et. al. 2017). Many do not fully exploit the use of e-commerce to build communities and sell products. The authors found that perceived value of these products improve with online marketing.
1. Build Communities: It is helpful to build communities because wine lovers are hard core. They want to engage as much in a lifestyle as possible. Some ways a company can do this is through emails, exclusive specials, clubs, and social media groups.
2. Sell Products: Selling online can be an excellent opportunity for businesses that often can sell cheaper than their distributors. While there may be a few legal hurdles for age verification these are not insurmountable.
Iaia, L., et. al. (2017). Wine, family businesses and web: marketing strategies to compete effectively. British Food Journal, 119 (11).
An analysis of wine companies found that most offer their websites and product information only (Iaia, et. al. 2017). Many do not fully exploit the use of e-commerce to build communities and sell products. The authors found that perceived value of these products improve with online marketing.
1. Build Communities: It is helpful to build communities because wine lovers are hard core. They want to engage as much in a lifestyle as possible. Some ways a company can do this is through emails, exclusive specials, clubs, and social media groups.
2. Sell Products: Selling online can be an excellent opportunity for businesses that often can sell cheaper than their distributors. While there may be a few legal hurdles for age verification these are not insurmountable.
Iaia, L., et. al. (2017). Wine, family businesses and web: marketing strategies to compete effectively. British Food Journal, 119 (11).
Tuesday, June 19, 2018
The Benefits of Investing in Companies like Evermedia Group Inc. (EVRM)
Evermedia Group Inc. is a bio-metric security company that uses the human biology to protect important data, security, and technologies. They have close connections with the military and civilian sectors. Their patented technology has wide applicability for current problems. As time passes, there will be more of a need for these types of services as companies seek to protect their data from an army of hackers.
They describe their product as:
"Whether you are a deployed military unit using fingerprints for population control and sending data over a vulnerable wireless environment, a bank verifying a customers ID using their iris to make an online transfer over the Internet or an airport agency validating a traveler’s passport through an intranet, Evermedia can provide a platform to efficiently, cost-effectively and securely perform these transactions."
A few websites you can find more information about them:
Their Site
Their symbol is "EVRM"
Risks in Penny Stocks can Be Hedged: Penny stocks can be hedged to better protect investments. While the risks may be high it is also possible to purchase many shares in different companies from different sectors to mitigate exposure. Risk=Reward. Earning $1 on a share would be a big win if companies obtain a new contract or come up with a new product.
The CEO is Ex-Military with Ivy Education: The CEO Jonathan Sym who worked in a number of high status posts and is still currently engaged with the military. He worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff (Logistics) for NATO HQ SKOPJE, Logistics Staff Officer for JTF GTMO and as the Executive Officer at US European Command HQ Staff.
He is experienced in this type of work and has the proper connections to see opportunities as they arise. You may also add that he is a Harvard graduate, a school I attended here and there, and has the education to further business interests. Combining education, experience and connections makes a big difference in the success of smaller businesses.
Their symbol is "EVRM"
Risks in Penny Stocks can Be Hedged: Penny stocks can be hedged to better protect investments. While the risks may be high it is also possible to purchase many shares in different companies from different sectors to mitigate exposure. Risk=Reward. Earning $1 on a share would be a big win if companies obtain a new contract or come up with a new product.
The CEO is Ex-Military with Ivy Education: The CEO Jonathan Sym who worked in a number of high status posts and is still currently engaged with the military. He worked as the Deputy Chief of Staff (Logistics) for NATO HQ SKOPJE, Logistics Staff Officer for JTF GTMO and as the Executive Officer at US European Command HQ Staff.
He is experienced in this type of work and has the proper connections to see opportunities as they arise. You may also add that he is a Harvard graduate, a school I attended here and there, and has the education to further business interests. Combining education, experience and connections makes a big difference in the success of smaller businesses.
When investing in smaller companies it is important invest in the people running it as much as investing in the company itself. Large companies have systems and resources while smaller companies become successful by their management team. In this case, EVRM has a solid management team with the experience and the social connections to pull it off.
Supporting the Cause: As a secondary consideration, I support the military, technology, and advancement. This may not be popular with everyone but as an ex-military member myself I find great pleasure in investing a little in the overall success of our national defense systems. Believing in what the company is doing will help you take a more active interest in it.
You may also notice that Jonathan Sym is actively engaged within veteran's issues and this is a positive reflection of his character. While I do not know the man personally, I can say that I believe in much of what he stands for and therefore trust his judgement more than I would many other managers. Trust of character still has value in the market.
Patented Technology: They have patented technology in the U.S., China and South Korea. This gives them a leg up as they are not using others technology as service provider but have created their own technology. With proper sales and development they have opportunities to maximize profit from owning the production process from A to Z.
Looking at the Trends: The technology that Evermedia Group Inc implements is cutting edge and seeks to build on existing trends of cyber, bank, and data security. The use of bio-metrics is a growing trend that has made its way into cell phones and even retail sales. There is a need for companies to implement and manage this technology in a way that protects consumers.
As a bonus, the Trump Administration also announced plans to invest in the military, technology, and cyber security. This makes a business like this a potential receiver of such monies as security procedures are improved.
No one should tell you what company to invest in or not. This isn't actual stock advice but simply more of a relation of what I invested in and why I did it. You should conduct your own analysis and pick those stocks that you believe in and feel you can earn a profit from.
Supporting the Cause: As a secondary consideration, I support the military, technology, and advancement. This may not be popular with everyone but as an ex-military member myself I find great pleasure in investing a little in the overall success of our national defense systems. Believing in what the company is doing will help you take a more active interest in it.
You may also notice that Jonathan Sym is actively engaged within veteran's issues and this is a positive reflection of his character. While I do not know the man personally, I can say that I believe in much of what he stands for and therefore trust his judgement more than I would many other managers. Trust of character still has value in the market.
Patented Technology: They have patented technology in the U.S., China and South Korea. This gives them a leg up as they are not using others technology as service provider but have created their own technology. With proper sales and development they have opportunities to maximize profit from owning the production process from A to Z.
Looking at the Trends: The technology that Evermedia Group Inc implements is cutting edge and seeks to build on existing trends of cyber, bank, and data security. The use of bio-metrics is a growing trend that has made its way into cell phones and even retail sales. There is a need for companies to implement and manage this technology in a way that protects consumers.
As a bonus, the Trump Administration also announced plans to invest in the military, technology, and cyber security. This makes a business like this a potential receiver of such monies as security procedures are improved.
No one should tell you what company to invest in or not. This isn't actual stock advice but simply more of a relation of what I invested in and why I did it. You should conduct your own analysis and pick those stocks that you believe in and feel you can earn a profit from.
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