Notes, summaries, assignments, exams, and problems for Vocational training

Essential English Synonyms and Vocabulary

• Succeeded in / Managed to: To achieve a goal.
• Trip / Journey: Travel from one place to another.
• Giving, Supplying, Offering: Providing.
• Suggests, Brings up: Raises.
• Achieving: Accomplishing.
• Sickness, Illness: Disease.
• Innumerable, Numberless: Countless.
• Observed: Noticed.
• Friendly, Easygoing: Good-natured.
• Irritation, Displeasure: Annoyance.
• Aim, Purpose: Goal.
• Useful, Worthy, Rewarding: Worthwhile.
• Conscious: Aware.
• Cancelling: Reversing.
• Pull the trigger: Shoot.
• Search for, Seek: Look up.
• Enormous, Large: Huge.
• Tendency: Trend.
• Poll, Questionnaire: Survey.
• Succeed, Triumph: Overcome.
• Declare, Assert: Claim.
• Inequitable, Improper: Unfair.
• Spectator, Audience: Viewers.
• Prepared, Ready, Voluntary: Willing.
• Entered: Walked in.

Tense Changes in Reported Speech

• Present Simple to Past Simple: "I train every day." He said (that) he trained every day.
• Present Continuous to Past Continuous: "I'm having a shower." He said (that) he was having a shower.
• Present Perfect to Past Perfect: "We haven't seen it yet." They said (that) they hadn't seen it yet.
• Past Simple to Past Perfect: "I met her at 3 pm." He said (that) he had met her at 3 pm.
• Imperative to Infinitive: "Be quiet." He told us to be quiet.
• Can to Could: "I can't swim." He said (that) he couldn't swim.
• Will to Would: "I'll send you a postcard." He said (that) he'd send us a postcard.
• Must/Have to to Had to: "You must study harder." He said (that) we had to study harder.
• May to Might: "It may be true." He said (that) it

Foundations of Information Systems

• What exactly is an information system? How does it work? What are its management, organization, and technology components?
• What academic disciplines are used to study information systems? How does each contribute to an understanding of information systems? What is a sociotechnical systems perspective?
• What are complementary assets? Why are complementary assets essential for ensuring that information systems provide genuine value for an organization?
• How are information systems transforming business, and what is their relationship to globalization?

Strategic Advantage and Competitive Models

• Which features of organizations do managers need to know about to build and use information systems successfully? What is the

Challenges of Strategic Information Systems

Implementing strategic systems often requires extensive organizational change and a transition from one sociotechnical level to another. Such changes are called strategic transitions and are often difficult and painful to achieve. Moreover, not all strategic systems are profitable, and they can be expensive to build. Many strategic information systems are easily copied by other firms, so that strategic advantage is not always sustainable.

Unique Features of E-commerce and Digital Markets

E-commerce involves digitally enabled commercial transactions between and among organizations and individuals. Unique features of e-commerce technology include:

• Ubiquity: Available everywhere, at all times.
• Global Reach:

William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience: Two Contrary States of the Human Soul

William Blake's initial intention for Songs of Innocence and of Experience was to create a book for children, dedicated to the theme of innocence. The book's frontispiece, a key visual element, depicts an angel and a man holding a pipe or a flute. Two trees frame a gateway through which the man appears to be entering. Interestingly, he is shown seemingly naked, yet also clothed, a visual paradox. This image serves as a representation of the introductory poem, suggesting that the book illuminates the reader, much like the "Children's faces" mentioned in the text. The contrasting attitudes of the woman and the children, highlighting the adult versus child... Continue reading "William Blake's Songs of Innocence and Experience: Symbolism and Themes" »

William Blake: Romantic Poet and Visionary Artist

William Blake (1757-1827) was a prominent Romantic poet and artist. (Note: The original discussion also referenced *Blackadder* series: Middle Ages, Renaissance, Regency, Great Europe.)

Blake's unique perception of God challenged conventional views, portraying a deity that was not always perfect. His work often delves into profound spiritual concepts, as seen in his *Proverbs of Hell*, where the voice of the Devil speaks (p.105).

Blake's "Elohim Creating Adam"

Blake's interpretation of creation, influenced by the *King James Bible* (published 1611), is depicted in his non-realistic painting, characterized by symbolic elements like the sun, planets, clouds, and sunlight. The presence of the snake... Continue reading "William Blake's Vision: Art, Symbolism, and Biblical Interpretations" »

Understanding ESP Course Design

Designing appropriate courses for diverse learner groups is a crucial teaching skill. While course design may be a minor part of a General English teacher's role, it is a substantial and vital component of the workload for an English for Specific Purposes (ESP) teacher. The process consists of asking critical questions to establish a reasoned basis for the subsequent processes of syllabus design. Key questions to address include:

• Why do the students need to learn?
• What do the students need to learn?
• Where will the learning take place?
• When will the learning take place?

It is important to approach terminology carefully. For instance, the term 'communicative' has become so emotive and open to multiple interpretations... Continue reading "Effective ESP Course Design Principles" »

Good Supplier Selection

To value and compare:

• Qualities
• Prices
• Discounts
• Terms
• Cost of Transportation
• Packaging
• Payment
• Customer Service
• Long-term Relationship Potential

Supplier Comparison Table

Prepare a comparative table showing all offers:

• Prices
• Quality
• Payment Terms
• Delivery
• Discounts
• Etc.

Importance of Transportation

Transportation is important because it involves the transfer of goods. Consider freight costs (noli), freight services, and insurance, especially for expensive products, to ensure their safety and potentially save costs.

Managing Long Delivery Times

Regarding delivery: If payment is late, the seller typically has the right to charge interest. Payment is normally due fifteen days after delivery of the product, allowing the buyer time to verify... Continue reading "Supplier Selection and Evaluation" »

Population Geography, Culture, and Geopolitics

Location and Directions

Location: 43 King St West
Directions: Go west of McDonald and north of George Brown.
Distance: 1.3 km north; about a 5-minute walk.

2. Objective vs Subjective

Objective: Established facts.
Subjective: Meaning of a symbol (personal attachment).

3. Culture: Definition

A set of beliefs, values, and customs acquired and shared by a group of people living in a particular area and time, often expressed on the land.

4. Population Geography (Textbook)

Study of population and how population is distributed across an area.

5. Types of Population Structures

• Expansive: Large percentages of the population are in younger age groups; growth is rapid.
• Stationary: Nearly equal percentages across