Location: www.cggc.duke.edu/pdfs/051606_Testimony_of_Vivek_Wadhwa.pdf
WATCO enacting legislation now to correct perceived crises in US engineering education and competitveness.
Claim: Current
Audience: U.S. House of Representatives
Ethos:
Mr. Wadwha establishes his credentials first off as an engineering professor at a prestigious university and an experienced entrepreneur and businessman.
Pathos:
Wadwha does adjust his address to his audience of politicians. When he lists the applications of engineering, he lists off political hot-topics, rather than technical hot-topics e.g. environment, health care, and renewable energy sources.
Logos:
Most of the argument relies on presenting research that the quoted numbers of graduating engineers from China and India in comparison with the U.S. are not entirely accurate. He makes three arguments. First, the numbers are overreported by the Chinese government. Secondly the actual proportion of Chinese engineers to populace is less than the USA (the implication being that there is plenty of needs to meet for China; competing with US business is just one possiblity for them.) Lastly he argues that the quality of Chinese and Indian engineers is generally less than that of US engineers. Companies still turn to the US for innovation.
Wadwha acknowledges that his data is insufficient to argue for one course or another. The arguments are fairly typical for engineering and economics, although somewhat adjusted for the audience. In light of the fact that I cannot find this document on the US government website makes me suspect that it wasn't all that effective.
A little more on that last bit. The curious bit about this document is that it is hosted at Duke University, but I was unable to track down a copy on the US House of representatives website, which makes me wonder if it wasn't prepared and then never given, or if somebody had it removed for political reasons?
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Sunday, February 24, 2008
FW Write now!
Please forgive me if I brag a bit on my family. I'm proud of them. I used to think that everyone was like them. But time and reflection have made me realize that they're rather unique.
Take Grandma for example. She dropped out of high school to attend BYU back when campus was still below Maeser hill. Graduated with a degree in chemistry and was contacted by Los Alamos to do work for them. I suppose they figured that a mormon girl from southern utah was a pretty low espionage risk. Curiously we never knew about her work until a few years ago when she go a letter informing her that it been declassified and she could talk about it. You never know. And she's still going strong. She asked for (and got) a table saw for her eightieth birthday this last summer.
Then there's her grandchildren, mostly college educated. The occasion several nights ago was goodbyes to two of them. One grandson is leaving for Afghanistan, the other to serve as an LDS missionary. Both brothers from a family of thirteen kids. There's another brother/friend that has been unofficially adopted into the family. As he puts it, they fed him once and haven't been able to get rid of him since.
It make one a little reflective to see the soldier leaving for Afghanistan. There is his son, a year old, and his wife with one on the way. And he'll most likely be gone for over a year before he returns. "What if?" thoughts cross the mind: "What if he dies? What happens to his family? How would that be for his son?" True, his particular job doesn't require him to be in the action as much, but the danger is there nonetheless. His wife grew up in the military, and knew he was a soldier when they married. But it's as radically different kind of a life as being LDS is from the rest of the USA.
The missionary is excited to go. He too is a little reflective, understanding that he'll never come back to the world he's leaving. When he returns, his younger sisters will be in college. There's a very real possibility that other siblings will be married, and that he will have more nieces and nephews. And then there's the extended family, back to Grandmas siblings and their descendants. It's between four and five generations when you get the whole lot together. He's started using facebook to keep in touch better. Not that we don't see each other at the reunions, or write each other a few times a year, but it's nice to be more current.
Even without daily contact, it's the family that keeps us together. Inevitably the branches will grow too large to keep together, especially as the older generations die. But there's a level of trust in the gospel and in a common dedication to each other. Hundreds of people, many who look familiar, but I really don't know b name: it makes me wonder sometimes. But it also is a great security to know that I can rely on them.
Take Grandma for example. She dropped out of high school to attend BYU back when campus was still below Maeser hill. Graduated with a degree in chemistry and was contacted by Los Alamos to do work for them. I suppose they figured that a mormon girl from southern utah was a pretty low espionage risk. Curiously we never knew about her work until a few years ago when she go a letter informing her that it been declassified and she could talk about it. You never know. And she's still going strong. She asked for (and got) a table saw for her eightieth birthday this last summer.
Then there's her grandchildren, mostly college educated. The occasion several nights ago was goodbyes to two of them. One grandson is leaving for Afghanistan, the other to serve as an LDS missionary. Both brothers from a family of thirteen kids. There's another brother/friend that has been unofficially adopted into the family. As he puts it, they fed him once and haven't been able to get rid of him since.
It make one a little reflective to see the soldier leaving for Afghanistan. There is his son, a year old, and his wife with one on the way. And he'll most likely be gone for over a year before he returns. "What if?" thoughts cross the mind: "What if he dies? What happens to his family? How would that be for his son?" True, his particular job doesn't require him to be in the action as much, but the danger is there nonetheless. His wife grew up in the military, and knew he was a soldier when they married. But it's as radically different kind of a life as being LDS is from the rest of the USA.
The missionary is excited to go. He too is a little reflective, understanding that he'll never come back to the world he's leaving. When he returns, his younger sisters will be in college. There's a very real possibility that other siblings will be married, and that he will have more nieces and nephews. And then there's the extended family, back to Grandmas siblings and their descendants. It's between four and five generations when you get the whole lot together. He's started using facebook to keep in touch better. Not that we don't see each other at the reunions, or write each other a few times a year, but it's nice to be more current.
Even without daily contact, it's the family that keeps us together. Inevitably the branches will grow too large to keep together, especially as the older generations die. But there's a level of trust in the gospel and in a common dedication to each other. Hundreds of people, many who look familiar, but I really don't know b name: it makes me wonder sometimes. But it also is a great security to know that I can rely on them.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
RA Song KOHb by Lube
Reference: You can find a few decent renditions of "Kon" on Youtube. If you can find a store that actually sells it locally, let me know. Need some bass capability to get the full effect.
The lyrics are a little clunky in translation, but should give you the basic idea of the song.
Song description:
The title of the song translates as "Stallion"
The narration describes riding out into the boundless fields and forests of Russia, until dawn. It describes enduring hard times and seeing a better year ahead. The feel is nostalgic. The album was released in 1993, as the nation was experiencing violent economic and political upheaval.
It is sung a cappella, which is a traditional form of music in Russia. The Russian Orthodox church allows no instrument but the voice in the temples and religious services.
Audience: Russian Populace, especially
The feel is patriotic and nostalgic.
The references and language are traditional, more of the old language and grammar that are in story books, rather than that of modern newspapers.
The theme of renewed hope and survival through tough times is a recurrent one in Russian culture, and familiar and comfortable to the audience.
The music is intense, swings from very soft to very loud.
The logic is simple: Russia has endured much worse, it still stretches from sea to sea, and is still great. The implication is that as the fields of the country are without bounds through the night, so Russia will endure through tough times without coming to an end.
The lyrics are a little clunky in translation, but should give you the basic idea of the song.
Song description:
The title of the song translates as "Stallion"
The narration describes riding out into the boundless fields and forests of Russia, until dawn. It describes enduring hard times and seeing a better year ahead. The feel is nostalgic. The album was released in 1993, as the nation was experiencing violent economic and political upheaval.
It is sung a cappella, which is a traditional form of music in Russia. The Russian Orthodox church allows no instrument but the voice in the temples and religious services.
Audience: Russian Populace, especially
The feel is patriotic and nostalgic.
The references and language are traditional, more of the old language and grammar that are in story books, rather than that of modern newspapers.
The theme of renewed hope and survival through tough times is a recurrent one in Russian culture, and familiar and comfortable to the audience.
The music is intense, swings from very soft to very loud.
The logic is simple: Russia has endured much worse, it still stretches from sea to sea, and is still great. The implication is that as the fields of the country are without bounds through the night, so Russia will endure through tough times without coming to an end.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
TA Argument and Audience Exploration
WATCO admitting more international students to existing universities?
Enthymeme:
Admitting more international students will promote US economic prosperity.
Admitting more international students gives US students more opportunity to form networks that include contacts abroad. In increasingly international economy, an international network will help US businessmen to promote US business interests.
Audience:
Business school admissions offices, who may be strong on "diversity" but not as keen on international diversity due to the current political climate. Business school culture is naturally very organization oriented. Both students and faculty identify strongly with their own school, profession, and nation.
In form, the audience and the argument are similar to the Bologna Accord. The audience operates under a very territorial paradigm but could benefit from changing or opening that territory a little.
Possible appeals
Logos:
Perhaps appeal to "know thy enemy" so you can better compete with him.
The opportunities for foreign markets are immense. Take China for example: the construction of buildings and cities will continue at an incredible pace for decades yet. They can use engineering expertise, but if the leaders in their business world don't know the leaders in ours it's going to be an uphill climb for US businessmen.
Pathos:
Diversity is already a buzzword and goal among the major MBA schools. Surely international students are included in that definition.
It is easy for a relatively uneducated individual to outsource work to a 3rd world country. I know one acquaintances of mine who studies philosophy, who currently outsource parts of his startup business to workers in the Philippines. It takes someone more educated and sophisticated in business to actually find viable markets for US products overseas.
Ethos:
This is tough as a student. To them what do I really know? How much experience do I have in business? Although I can offer examples from personal experience and good research the best asset I may have is to present in a professional tone.
Weaknesses in the argument so far:
In truth, I need to actually know how business schools respond to international students, and whether or not "diversity" means international as well. At this point their attitude is an educated guess without much evidence.
Enthymeme:
Admitting more international students will promote US economic prosperity.
Admitting more international students gives US students more opportunity to form networks that include contacts abroad. In increasingly international economy, an international network will help US businessmen to promote US business interests.
Audience:
Business school admissions offices, who may be strong on "diversity" but not as keen on international diversity due to the current political climate. Business school culture is naturally very organization oriented. Both students and faculty identify strongly with their own school, profession, and nation.
In form, the audience and the argument are similar to the Bologna Accord. The audience operates under a very territorial paradigm but could benefit from changing or opening that territory a little.
Possible appeals
Logos:
Perhaps appeal to "know thy enemy" so you can better compete with him.
The opportunities for foreign markets are immense. Take China for example: the construction of buildings and cities will continue at an incredible pace for decades yet. They can use engineering expertise, but if the leaders in their business world don't know the leaders in ours it's going to be an uphill climb for US businessmen.
Pathos:
Diversity is already a buzzword and goal among the major MBA schools. Surely international students are included in that definition.
It is easy for a relatively uneducated individual to outsource work to a 3rd world country. I know one acquaintances of mine who studies philosophy, who currently outsource parts of his startup business to workers in the Philippines. It takes someone more educated and sophisticated in business to actually find viable markets for US products overseas.
Ethos:
This is tough as a student. To them what do I really know? How much experience do I have in business? Although I can offer examples from personal experience and good research the best asset I may have is to present in a professional tone.
Weaknesses in the argument so far:
In truth, I need to actually know how business schools respond to international students, and whether or not "diversity" means international as well. At this point their attitude is an educated guess without much evidence.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
FW Valentines Day Thanks
Someone expressed the idea to me today, that Valentine's day was a good day to express appreciation and thanks for the people that make life worth living. So, to explore that idea, here is a list of people who have made my life a little (or a lot) better this last year.
First off, and this sounds weird until you realize that I just spent three hours tonight juggling three chemistry labs simultaneously, I am grateful for my O-Chem teacher and TAs. Life's just a lot better with a teacher who brings old Beatles songs to play during lab. Helps you keep perspective.
An apartment ful of roommates who are good friends and love to go do stuff together.
Heather, and Heidi, because they asked especially to be mentioned here. And b/c they know how to dance, which is always nice at a dance (when you know even a few steps, it's just more fun.)
And that's all for now.
First off, and this sounds weird until you realize that I just spent three hours tonight juggling three chemistry labs simultaneously, I am grateful for my O-Chem teacher and TAs. Life's just a lot better with a teacher who brings old Beatles songs to play during lab. Helps you keep perspective.
An apartment ful of roommates who are good friends and love to go do stuff together.
Heather, and Heidi, because they asked especially to be mentioned here. And b/c they know how to dance, which is always nice at a dance (when you know even a few steps, it's just more fun.)
And that's all for now.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
RA Bologna Declaration
Bologna Declaration
aka
Audience
Universities in the European Union and government agencies regulating those universities. The nations involved have rivalries over centuries, even millenia, and are fiercely proud of their culture. The universities addressed include the first universities ever in Europe.
WATCO standardization in European education?
Argument in short
The continuing effort of promoting a unified European educational system will promote a unified society in the EU. Specifically the regulation and actions of the Bologna Accord will promote a unified "educational space" which in turn will increase citizens' "mobility, employability, and the Continent's overall development," as well as "an awareness of shared values and belonging to a common social and cultural space."
Ethos
The tone is carefully diplomatic. To establish a friendly and yet authoritative tone the document notes that suggestions are representative of "authoritative experts" from all member countries and "very useful."
Logos
"There is growing awareness of the need." This phrase establishes the need as a fact. Additionally everybody knows about the need and supports doing something about it (implied by "political and academic world and in public opinion") Thus we should do something about filling that need.
Appealing to national pride, the Accord argues that since "the vitality and efficiency of any civilisation can be measured by the appeal that its culture has for other countries," the EU should promote an educational system that capable of attracting the same world-wide attention as its science and culture.
Pathos
"The situation in South East Europe" is given as a reason for unifying Europe. The genocide was then in the forefront of the media and fresh in people's minds across Europe and is still remembered almost a decade later.
Effective?
The Bologna Accord is typical of the series of agreements that are creating the EU.
Given that representatives from all participating countries have signed the accord, we hope that the document is accurate in it's details.
The Accord remains relevant today in the Bologna Process. Universities have begun standardization and continue to apply to be part of the accord to access the promised opportunities.
aka
- the Bologna Process
- the Bologna Accord
- the Bologna Process towards the European higher Educational Space
Audience
Universities in the European Union and government agencies regulating those universities. The nations involved have rivalries over centuries, even millenia, and are fiercely proud of their culture. The universities addressed include the first universities ever in Europe.
WATCO standardization in European education?
Argument in short
The continuing effort of promoting a unified European educational system will promote a unified society in the EU. Specifically the regulation and actions of the Bologna Accord will promote a unified "educational space" which in turn will increase citizens' "mobility, employability, and the Continent's overall development," as well as "an awareness of shared values and belonging to a common social and cultural space."
Ethos
The tone is carefully diplomatic. To establish a friendly and yet authoritative tone the document notes that suggestions are representative of "authoritative experts" from all member countries and "very useful."
Logos
"There is growing awareness of the need." This phrase establishes the need as a fact. Additionally everybody knows about the need and supports doing something about it (implied by "political and academic world and in public opinion") Thus we should do something about filling that need.
Appealing to national pride, the Accord argues that since "the vitality and efficiency of any civilisation can be measured by the appeal that its culture has for other countries," the EU should promote an educational system that capable of attracting the same world-wide attention as its science and culture.
Pathos
"The situation in South East Europe" is given as a reason for unifying Europe. The genocide was then in the forefront of the media and fresh in people's minds across Europe and is still remembered almost a decade later.
Effective?
The Bologna Accord is typical of the series of agreements that are creating the EU.
Given that representatives from all participating countries have signed the accord, we hope that the document is accurate in it's details.
The Accord remains relevant today in the Bologna Process. Universities have begun standardization and continue to apply to be part of the accord to access the promised opportunities.
Sunday, February 10, 2008
FW Comment required
What would you like to read about on this blog?
Please pick some topics from the following list of ideas and thoughts:
Which is most interesting?
Which the least? (I enjoy a challenge sometimes. Maybe I can find a way to make something "boring" appear more interesting.)
Feel free to suggest scrapping the entire list in favor of something else, if that's your inclination.
Why working in engineering is like working in Latin: the sophistication of your communication is limited by how well you understand mathematics and statistics. However no one seems interested in speaking mathematics fluently. Imagine trying to write a novel in the simplest grammar possible. It may be requisite for kids books, but I don't think that great literature is composed that way.
Procrastination is a good way to manage bad habits.
Lessons from the experience of working as a Resident Assistant. (Things you learn about people watching the new students make their way through their freshman year of college.)
Thoughts on philosophy, e.g. "Most of epistemology goes out the window as soon as a three year old opens his mouth. Philosophy is bunk." (And why.)
The odds of getting an education. (Why sleep, nutrition, and low stress are necessary for genuine learning; and just how much the odds are stacked against any kind of genuine learning in college.)
Poetry (This will take some time, and no guarantees on quality.)
Personal stories from memorable incidents in my life.
Gripes and pet peeves. However these are rather too close to signing my name to a DUI (Daily Universe Idiotorial: Writing under the influence of an asinine gripe. I do that too much anyways.)
Things that I am researching in bioinformatics, and why they are cool (or why you should care.)
"Practical psychology" or thoughts on how different groups of people view things differently, and how it affects communication/work/etc. Or makes the world easier to understand, or helps you get a different perspective on things.
Writing done under the influence of sleep deprivation. (For example I asked my roommate just now about possible topics and got the following response: dating, girls, video games, and the cultural influence of Pacman.)
This seems like a good point to stop.
Please pick some topics from the following list of ideas and thoughts:
Which is most interesting?
Which the least? (I enjoy a challenge sometimes. Maybe I can find a way to make something "boring" appear more interesting.)
Feel free to suggest scrapping the entire list in favor of something else, if that's your inclination.
Why working in engineering is like working in Latin: the sophistication of your communication is limited by how well you understand mathematics and statistics. However no one seems interested in speaking mathematics fluently. Imagine trying to write a novel in the simplest grammar possible. It may be requisite for kids books, but I don't think that great literature is composed that way.
Procrastination is a good way to manage bad habits.
Lessons from the experience of working as a Resident Assistant. (Things you learn about people watching the new students make their way through their freshman year of college.)
Thoughts on philosophy, e.g. "Most of epistemology goes out the window as soon as a three year old opens his mouth. Philosophy is bunk." (And why.)
The odds of getting an education. (Why sleep, nutrition, and low stress are necessary for genuine learning; and just how much the odds are stacked against any kind of genuine learning in college.)
Poetry (This will take some time, and no guarantees on quality.)
Personal stories from memorable incidents in my life.
Gripes and pet peeves. However these are rather too close to signing my name to a DUI (Daily Universe Idiotorial: Writing under the influence of an asinine gripe. I do that too much anyways.)
Things that I am researching in bioinformatics, and why they are cool (or why you should care.)
"Practical psychology" or thoughts on how different groups of people view things differently, and how it affects communication/work/etc. Or makes the world easier to understand, or helps you get a different perspective on things.
Writing done under the influence of sleep deprivation. (For example I asked my roommate just now about possible topics and got the following response: dating, girls, video games, and the cultural influence of Pacman.)
This seems like a good point to stop.
Thursday, February 7, 2008
RA Norman Rockwell -- Freedom of Speech
Audience
Saturday Evening Post readership: a little better off, majority female, time to follow the serial stories of the post, and also the ongoing issues at town meetings. And by extension, would be concerned about the war effort. A religious group, and proud of the USA and its history.
WATCO buying war bonds on society?
Enthymeme: Buying war bonds will promote the value of free speech, which in turn allows the nobility of truth to shine through in society.
Ethos
The audience would be well acquainted with town meetings, and the various issues, contentious and otherwise that are typical of those meetings. The picture puts them in a familiar setting.
The composition of the picture is a tight triangle, leading the eye between three faces: two men in suits looking up to a man in plaid shirt and jacket standing between them. The picture calls attention to the man's ordinary workman's clothing in contrast to the suits of those around him.
The pamphlet, presumably describing the issue at hand, is stuffed in one of his pockets and folded back on itself showing his preparation in contrast to the two men who hold their books closed in their hands besides him. He is prepared.
Pathos
The face of the speaker is serene and noble. What he is saying apparently commands the respect and perhaps admiration of those around him. Several other people watch him, not turning their heads, but listening. Allegorically he is the U.S. standing for freedom in a war torn world: ordinary men whose must prevail because their cause is just, perhaps even divine. The rest of the world looks on them for support and leadership.
Logos
The traditional American value of free speech allows the truth to be heard. That truth is what leads the world. Buying war bonds will support the good cause.
STAR and Effectiveness?
The work is typical of Rockwell, accurate enough in my own experience (in dress and manner, the man could very well represent my own grandfather, who was involved in land issues and town meetings of one sort or another all his life.) Given the day, it was relevant. It still retains much of its inspirational power, although the question of war bonds has passed, the question of the value of free speech has not.
Saturday Evening Post readership: a little better off, majority female, time to follow the serial stories of the post, and also the ongoing issues at town meetings. And by extension, would be concerned about the war effort. A religious group, and proud of the USA and its history.
WATCO buying war bonds on society?
Enthymeme: Buying war bonds will promote the value of free speech, which in turn allows the nobility of truth to shine through in society.
Ethos
The audience would be well acquainted with town meetings, and the various issues, contentious and otherwise that are typical of those meetings. The picture puts them in a familiar setting.
The composition of the picture is a tight triangle, leading the eye between three faces: two men in suits looking up to a man in plaid shirt and jacket standing between them. The picture calls attention to the man's ordinary workman's clothing in contrast to the suits of those around him.
The pamphlet, presumably describing the issue at hand, is stuffed in one of his pockets and folded back on itself showing his preparation in contrast to the two men who hold their books closed in their hands besides him. He is prepared.
Pathos
The face of the speaker is serene and noble. What he is saying apparently commands the respect and perhaps admiration of those around him. Several other people watch him, not turning their heads, but listening. Allegorically he is the U.S. standing for freedom in a war torn world: ordinary men whose must prevail because their cause is just, perhaps even divine. The rest of the world looks on them for support and leadership.
Logos
The traditional American value of free speech allows the truth to be heard. That truth is what leads the world. Buying war bonds will support the good cause.
STAR and Effectiveness?
The work is typical of Rockwell, accurate enough in my own experience (in dress and manner, the man could very well represent my own grandfather, who was involved in land issues and town meetings of one sort or another all his life.) Given the day, it was relevant. It still retains much of its inspirational power, although the question of war bonds has passed, the question of the value of free speech has not.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
TA Revision for style - Political Commodity
Political parties provide a useful service to the voters: they simplify the process of selecting a candidate. Just as the task of running a national government is delegated to those voted into office (at least nominally: the bureaucracy keeps an element of constancy among the continually changing representatives, presidents, senators, etc.) The task of choosing the topics to discuss, the most important issues to the public, the tone of the political conversation is delegated to two large political parties.
They like to pretend that they sit on opposite sides of a fence (otherwise how could their existence be justified?) But in truth, you find that the same kinds of people, the same varieties of opinion make up both parties, if in different proportions. Like Pepsi and Coke: any truly radical differences in ingredients? No, just truly radically different followings.
The problem is that politics is not a choice between two brands of soda pop. Or at least it shouldn't be. But that is often what it comes down to when you register as part of a political party. The party feeds you politics in consumer fashion, and you are relieved from the messy details of really trying to understand ugly issues like economics (bad memories of that class.)
Revision
Political parties simplify politics. The task of running a nation, a state, or even the city you live in is delegated to some individual brave enough to undertake full time work to 'make things better.' Similarly political parties undertake the task of choosing which topics to discuss, what is 'vital' for the nation 'now,' and finding people to volunteer themselves for office.
The two dominant political parties like to show that they sit on opposite sides of a political fence. This helps justify their existence. But, in truth, the same varieties of people make up both parties, if in differing proportions. Like Pepsi and Coke, ingredients do not differ radically. Just followers.
Deciding the course of a people isn't a choice between two brands of soda pop, you protest. I agree. It shouldn't be. But when you delegate understanding, or even trying to understand the issues, your choice is about as meaningful. "Whom do I prefer?" then "What stories does my party tell me?" One might as well say "Do I prefer Pepsi or Coke?" then "So what do the commercials tell me?"
They like to pretend that they sit on opposite sides of a fence (otherwise how could their existence be justified?) But in truth, you find that the same kinds of people, the same varieties of opinion make up both parties, if in different proportions. Like Pepsi and Coke: any truly radical differences in ingredients? No, just truly radically different followings.
The problem is that politics is not a choice between two brands of soda pop. Or at least it shouldn't be. But that is often what it comes down to when you register as part of a political party. The party feeds you politics in consumer fashion, and you are relieved from the messy details of really trying to understand ugly issues like economics (bad memories of that class.)
Revision
Political parties simplify politics. The task of running a nation, a state, or even the city you live in is delegated to some individual brave enough to undertake full time work to 'make things better.' Similarly political parties undertake the task of choosing which topics to discuss, what is 'vital' for the nation 'now,' and finding people to volunteer themselves for office.
The two dominant political parties like to show that they sit on opposite sides of a political fence. This helps justify their existence. But, in truth, the same varieties of people make up both parties, if in differing proportions. Like Pepsi and Coke, ingredients do not differ radically. Just followers.
Deciding the course of a people isn't a choice between two brands of soda pop, you protest. I agree. It shouldn't be. But when you delegate understanding, or even trying to understand the issues, your choice is about as meaningful. "Whom do I prefer?" then "What stories does my party tell me?" One might as well say "Do I prefer Pepsi or Coke?" then "So what do the commercials tell me?"
Sunday, February 3, 2008
TA (C effort)
To: Manager
Re: New software to replace the current reporting system
The old AQ reporting can soon be replaced with a new system using OLAP processing. This will allow faster report customization (and be more reliable.) Switching over to a new software setup will require a different skill set from the current LAMP model. The new programmer will have to be trained on the job; however the learning curve is guaranteed not to be the three month ordeal.
The software will require more time to develop. While it may not allow the exact same report format, it will be easy to update and keep an aggregate database over multiple years. This is good because those departments and programs that only graduate several people per year never get a report, because there are never enough respondents to be considered statistically significant (as well as enough to keep responses anonymous.) If it is easy to set up reports to work over several years, then getting reports for these departments will be relatively painless. Also more time can be spent looking at the data and finding useful correlations than slowly working with the existing software.
(Audience is a manager who directs research on the university programs. He has a little knowledge of programming, but is more concerned with the political implications of research than the research per se. He would love to customize reports and research for different departments. The software in question was created custom for the department, and is difficult to modify.)
Re: New software to replace the current reporting system
The old AQ reporting can soon be replaced with a new system using OLAP processing. This will allow faster report customization (and be more reliable.) Switching over to a new software setup will require a different skill set from the current LAMP model. The new programmer will have to be trained on the job; however the learning curve is guaranteed not to be the three month ordeal.
The software will require more time to develop. While it may not allow the exact same report format, it will be easy to update and keep an aggregate database over multiple years. This is good because those departments and programs that only graduate several people per year never get a report, because there are never enough respondents to be considered statistically significant (as well as enough to keep responses anonymous.) If it is easy to set up reports to work over several years, then getting reports for these departments will be relatively painless. Also more time can be spent looking at the data and finding useful correlations than slowly working with the existing software.
(Audience is a manager who directs research on the university programs. He has a little knowledge of programming, but is more concerned with the political implications of research than the research per se. He would love to customize reports and research for different departments. The software in question was created custom for the department, and is difficult to modify.)
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