Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems

This document provides concise definitions of key human resources concepts, offering clarity on various aspects of workforce management and organizational development.

Imposed Policy Defined

An imposed policy is a directive or rule that is mandated by external forces such as the government, courts, trade unions, or industry regulations. It is not created internally by the company but must be followed to ensure compliance with laws or industry standards.

• Example: A policy on minimum wages or equal opportunity mandated by law.

Cross-Cultural Training Explained

This refers to training programs designed to prepare employees to work effectively in diverse cultural environments. It improves understanding of different cultures, communication styles, and

Ancient Conflicts and Historical Thought

The Peloponnesian War: A Total Conflict

The Peloponnesian War (431–404 BC), fought between Athens and Sparta, was a pivotal conflict in ancient Greek history. Its vast scale, severe destruction, and far-reaching sociopolitical impact make it one of the earliest known examples of what would later be called "total war." The eventual defeat of Athens, brought about in part by Persia's crucial support for Sparta, ushered in a period of Spartan dominance. Historian Arnold Toynbee described Sparta as an "arrested civilization," referring to its inflexible militaristic society and resistance to cultural progress.

Although the term "Total War" was coined by Erich Ludendorff in 1935 in the aftermath of World War... Continue reading "Pivotal Eras: Ancient Conflicts, French Revolution, American Independence" »

Central Park: A Manhattan Oasis

Central Park is a large public park located in the heart of Manhattan, New York City. It offers a peaceful escape from the bustling streets and is full of natural beauty, including serene lakes, lush gardens, and winding walking trails.

Activities & Attractions

The park is perfect for a variety of activities, such as biking, jogging, or simply relaxing on the grass. It also features iconic attractions like the Central Park Zoo and the famous Bow Bridge.

Seasonal Splendor

Each season brings its own special charm to the park:

• Autumn: Vibrant, colorful leaves
• Winter: Picturesque, snow-covered trees
• Spring: Beautiful, blooming flowers

While it can get crowded, especially on weekends, Central Park remains an essential... Continue reading "Featured Reviews: Iconic NYC Park, Authentic Italian Cuisine, & Dystopian Classic" »

Essential Concepts in Muscle Physiology

Skeletal Muscle Anatomy: The Sarcomere

8. A sarcomere (The basic contractile unit)
9. Myofibril (A bundle of myofilaments)
10. T-tubule; terminal cistern (Components of the Triad)

Sarcomere Components Defined

29. Thin filaments
30. I band: (Light band containing only thin filaments; spans from the Z line into the sarcomere.)
31. Z line: (Anchors thin filaments and defines the boundary of a sarcomere.)
32. H band: (Central part of the A band where only thick filaments are present—no overlap with thin filaments.)
33. M line: (The center of the sarcomere, within the H zone, where thick filaments are linked.)

Excitation-Contraction Mechanisms

6. None of these: The correct answer is the Nicotinic ACh receptor, which was not listed.
7. Sarcoplasmic reticulum

Physical Adsorption (Physisorption)

• It occurs due to weak van der Waals forces between the adsorbent and adsorbate.
• The enthalpy of adsorption is low, typically between 20–40 kJ/mol.
• It is usually non-specific and can occur on many types of surfaces.
• It is reversible in nature and can be undone by changing pressure or temperature.
• Physisorption is favored at low temperatures.
• It can result in the formation of multiple layers of adsorbed molecules.
• Little to no activation energy is required for physisorption.

Chemical Adsorption (Chemisorption)

• It involves the formation of strong chemical bonds (covalent or ionic) between the adsorbent and adsorbate.
• The enthalpy of adsorption is high, ranging from 40–400 kJ/mol.
• It is highly specific and depends on

Understanding Business English Idioms

Many companies engage in responsible practices. Do you know of any companies that donate services or money? How can businesses act responsibly? Why should a company reduce and deal with any pollution? Does your company share the life of the local community? Should a company stay true to its principles and values? What companies in your country take the time to understand the impact of their operations?

Workplace Challenges and Concepts

• Burn-out: Exhaustion caused by working too hard.
• Juggling: Trying to manage your job or life when involved in several different activities, all demanding your time.
• Promotion: Moving someone up into a higher, more important, or better-paid position in a company or organization.

Product, Services, Brands (Chapter 8) – 12 & 14

1. Provide examples of the three levels of a product for an Apple Smartwatch.
   
   

1. 1. Core customer value (Psychological need of fundamental benefit): Communication, make life easier (i.e., photos, Safari)
   2. Actual product (Brand name, features, design, quality level, packaging): Apple Watch, iPhone
   3. Augmented product (Post-sale service, product support, warranty, delivery, and credit): ?
      
      

2. Fill in the blanks for the types of consumer products.
   
   

Cell Observation Techniques

Aim: Observe Cells and Subcellular Structures

• Add specimen (e.g., onion epidermis) on a slide.
• Stain (e.g., iodine) to highlight structures.
• Lower cover slip at an angle to reduce air bubbles.
• Use low → high magnification.
• Focus using coarse → fine adjustment.
• Label parts of the microscope.
• Calculate magnification.
• Measure size using a scale bar.
• Understand differences between plant and animal cells.
• Explain why staining is used (to see organelles like the nucleus).

Investigating Osmosis

Aim: Investigate Osmosis with Potato Cylinders

• Cut identical potato pieces.
• Weigh each piece, then place in sugar solutions of different concentrations.
• Leave for 24 hours, then dry and reweigh.

Experimental Variables:

• Independent Variable (IV)

Software Architecture Fundamentals

• Definition (IEEE): The fundamental organization of a software system, including components, their relationships, and design principles.

• Purpose: To ensure reliability, efficiency, security, and maintainability.

Architectural Design Process

• Goal: Design the system’s overall structure and its communication.

• Outputs: An architectural model showing component interaction.

• Key Link: Connects requirements to design.

Software Architecture Documentation

• Includes:

  • Product Overview

  • Static and Dynamic Architectural Models

  • Mapping Between Models

  • Design Rationale

Architectural Abstraction Levels

• In the Small: Structure of a single program.

• In the Large: Structure of enterprise-level systems across networks.

Benefits of Explicit Architecture

• Stakeholder

What is a Profession?

Definitions and Traits

What is the difference between a profession and an ordinary job? Here are some key definitions and traits:

• Dictionary Definition: According to Littrich & Murray, citing the Oxford English Dictionary, a profession is “a vocation or calling, especially one that involves some branch of advanced science or learning.”
• Common Traits (Millerson in Littrich & Murray):
  • Skill based on a body of theoretical knowledge.
  • Provision of training and education.
  • Testing competence prior to entrance.
  • Organisation.
  • A code of ethics.
  • An ethos of altruistic service.
  • Selflessness.
• Dal Pont’s Common Attributes of a Profession:
  • Special skill and learning.
  • Public service.
  • Differentiates from other professions.
  • Self-regulation