Using GPS to Track a Particular Person Essay -- Global Positioning Sys

Using GPS to Track a Particular Person Introduction Often times its hard to imagine how the world survived without cell phones. Its an automatic response, when you see a car accident you take out your cell phone and dial for help, or when a child is waiting for a ride they will call their parents to see how far away they are. It is a great convenience for society to be able to do such things. Imagine if you didn't even have to call somebody to find out where they were. It may seem like a futuristic idea, humanity being capable of such mind reading; however, the advancement of GPS, global positioning systems, those ideas are coming to life in the present. GPS is a way to track one's position at anytime. This is done through the use of satellites monitored by stations on the ground. There are signals transmitted from a given satellite to the receiver on Earth. It is this information that gives precise location to one's whereabouts. Although this service sounds quite convenient and has its obvious benefits, there are other issues to be considered. For example, many ethical dilemmas that play from privacy issues. In a world when at one time you could take a walk to remove yourself from the eye of another, we not may be under constant supervision of sorts. Tracking devises are easily placed in many things, cell phones, which are used by nearly all people in today's American society, are the recent and most wide spread target for GPS. Is it ethical to track someone through an everyday devices such as a cell phone, is tracking people ethical in itself? These are the questions that must be resolved before we can celebrate the positives of such technological advancements. What is GPS GPS stands for global positioning syste... ...://www.mercat.com/QUEST/HowWorks.htm> 11.<http://www.gpscity.com/gps/brados/0971.1.2743342731310439294/privacy.html> 12.CNet Networks ZDNet. 2003. <http://reviews-zdnet.com.com/AnchorDesk/4520-7298_16- 4208024.html> . 13.How Stuff Works, Inc. 1998-2003. Media Network: A convex company. <http://electronics.howstuffworks.com/gps1.htm> 14. George A. Chidi Jr., Qualcomm turns Cell Phones into GPS Systems. 16 Jan 2002. < http://www.pcworld.com/news/article/0,aid,80085,00.asp> 15.Tsai, Tsungming. Visualizing Terrain and Navigation Data. U.S. Department of Technology, Administration, National Institute of Standards and Technology, 2001. 16.Corr, O. Casey. "Money from thin air : the story of Craig McCaw, the visionary who invented the cell phone industry, and his next billion-dollar idea". New York : Crown Business, 2000.

Customer-Driven Learning at Radisson Hotels Essay

In the case study titled â€Å"Customer-Driven Learning at Radisson Hotels Worldwide† the background, growth, and service guarantees of the Radisson Hotel chain is discussed. Radisson Hotels was founded in 1938 by Curtis L Carlson of Carlson Companies Inc. The company’s headquarters were located in Minneapolis, Minnesota and was divided into four operating groups – Carlson Hospitality Worldwide, Carlson Wagonlit Travel, Carlson Marketing Group, and Carlson Leisure Group. In 1975 Radisson only had ten hotels but quickly grew to three hundred and sixty locations in forty seven countries by 1998 by partnering with existing hotel companies creating Radisson SAS Worldwide under the â€Å"growth at any cost† model. By 1998 Carlson Hospitality Worldwide included Radisson Hotels Worldwide, Country Inns & Suites by Carlson, TGI Friday’s, Regent Hotels, Italianni’s, Friday’s Front Row Sports Grill, Friday’s American Bar, and Radisson Seve n Seas Cruises (Schroeder, pg 454). Also in 1998 Curt Carlson’s daughter Marilyn Carlson Nelson took over as CEO of the Carlson Companies. It was at this time that Brian Stage, Radisson’s president, and Maureen O’Hanlon, Radisson’s executive vice president, started taking initiatives to transform the â€Å"growth at any cost† model to becoming a more customer-focused brand. To achieve this transformation from the current diverse hotel quality, they included a service guarantee, a guest satisfaction measurement program, and employee satisfaction measurement program, and an information technology initiative. Their goal was to make Radisson the â€Å"most trusted and respected brand worldwide† (Schroeder, pg 454). To support these strategies, Stage and O’Hanlon initiated a 100% guest satisfaction program, a fully integrated guest information system, guest and employee satisfaction measurement programs, guest recognition and rewards program, and a genuine hospitality program . Customer satisfaction is a relative concept that varies from one customer to another (Schroeder, pg. 147). A service guarantee is a promise by a company to compensate the customer in some way if the defined level of service delivered is not duly met. An effective service guarantee sets clear standards of performance for customers to expect and to which employees adhere (Al, 1993; Rose, 1990; Hart, 1988). It communicates to workers the level of service the organization intends to offer to its customers, as well  as provides a clear and strong task identity (Cahill & Warshawky, 1995). It mandates that every decision and employee must focus on the customers. Successful implementation of a service guarantee would require managerial emphasis and proper allocation of resources on key determinant variables. Management staff is primarily responsible for the formulation and communication of service priorities to frontline staff as well as the design of recovery measures for resolving customer complaints. Quality of service and the ability to attract and retain customers dictate the success or failure of hotel service providers. Hotels typically measure quality through inspections and with customer-satisfaction data. David Kearns once said â€Å"Performance benchmarking is the continuous process of measuring products, services and practices against the toughest competitors or those companies recognized as the industry leaders.† In today’s competitive environment, customers are quick to abandon services that do not meet expectations. The ease with which customers can switch from their current service to another, demands that providers deliver the highest possible levels of service quality and performance. To be successful, hotels must deliver positive customer experiences with rich, value-added services supported by comprehensive service quality management. Significant changes are occurring in the hotel industry that affect how providers run their businesses as well as what services they offer. There is a greater need to attract new customers, find new revenue sources, reduce operational costs and increase customer satisfaction. Successful quality management of next-generation services requires end-to-end service management across complex, multitechnology, multivendor infrastructures. Providers need to be able to quickly assess the impact of events on the performance and availability of revenue-generating services, establish and ensure aggregate service quality levels, and provide a detailed analysis of an individual subscriber’s experience that correlates back to broader service quality trends. In effect, providers need to be able to visualize service quality, prioritize their efforts and communicate relevant information to all stakeholders. This means they need to consolidate key data from disparate systems and from multiple vendors. They  need to be able to model relationships and dependencies between the network, applications and databases so they can see what resources are critical to their service. Communication plays a vital role in managing overall service quality. Providing relevant service intelligence to those who need it such as operations, IT, executives and customer care, helps providers rapidly resolve issues and minimize service impact on customers. They can quickly relate performance to business metrics. They can get a real-time view to better understand the customer experience. By improving communication across all levels of the value chain, they can help improve overall service quality and customer satisfaction. With the improved communication, Radisson must train all employees from all franchises in the same fashion to create a more consistent customer-driven concept. Many companies and franchise systems have found themselves in a situation where rapid change and deployment is critical to the company’s success. It’s absolutely essential to have a roadmap under these conditions. Once training is completed, studies and surveys must be done that include guests and employees to provide information that can be used to increase customer and employee satisfaction as well as help shape the direction for a defined service guarantee. Once defined, the service guarantee should be implemented to continually provide quality measurements and improve employee motivation. Providers also need a real-time view to understand the customer experience. How many customers are experiencing the service? Who is impacted by service issues? Providers need to be able to quickly assess the impact of events on service performance and availability, as well as how the business is affected. By providing a detailed analysis of an individual subscriber’s experience and correlating it back to broader service trends, providers can better manage the overall customer experience. Information technology software delivers comprehensive service quality management and customer experience management that help service providers  differentiate through improved service quality and lower operational costs. It gives them the ability to monitor and manage, from a single, central location, the availability, performance and quality of services. Information technology software equips them with a complete view of all the resources that comprise a service, from very beginning all the way to the customer. Information technology software not only plays a part in accelerating the drive to improve service quality but additionally measures information needed to improve customer and employee satisfaction. It can measure and create reports against key measurements to more effectively monitor availability, quality of virtually any service. By delivering new, high-quality services to market, they can attract new customers and generate new revenue streams. By enabling an improved customer experience, providers can help reduce churn, positively affect the uptake of that particular service and impact a subscriber’s willingness to try new services. Delivering consistent high-quality services to customers in a franchise business is more difficult than in a non-franchised business. In a franchised business, all employees must be trained in the same manner as well as have access to the same information. There are no exact guidelines, nor books to follow, nor formulas to adhere to when it comes to establishing and maintaining strong franchisor-franchisee relationships. It must be a strategic choice that is constantly enhanced, nurtured, and developed (Howe, 2003). Once a relationship is commenced it must be sustained, and any effort to maintain a high-quality affiliation requires the vital component of effective, two-way, communication. The franchisor is responsible for providing the channels for communication. A commitment to high-quality communication will also help to align the goals of the management team, hotel workers, owners, corporate management, and corporate staff. There are other benefits that come from this commitment to a two-way exchange of ideas and perspective. It cultivates a mutual respect and commitment between the employees, building trust and therefore solidifying a fully functional and working relationship. This should be designed to keep in touch with the franchisees’ core needs and goals, and provide an environment that enables  franchisees to approach the franchisor with questions, concerns, or ideas for improving the programs or recommended changes. Another means of communication is an intranet site accessible only by the franchisor, franchisees and their employees that provides a forum for questions, news updates, and other business information. Through these various forms of communication the franchisor can educate franchisees on the brand strategies and enhance their ability as keepers of the brand (Howe, 2003). Through a commitment to each of the key elements of effective two-way communication franchisors and franchisees can strengthen the strategies and consumer level execution that will drive their brand’s performance (Howe, 2003). Since the beginning of the change that Stage and O’Hanlon brought about, services have been implemented to acquire and satisfy customers. These services include the Express Yourself pre-arrival online check-in, the â€Å"Curtis-C† reservation system, the â€Å"Yes I can!† training program, the gold points plus customer reward program, and their 100% guest satisfaction service guarantee. These programs are designed to link the customers with the staff. The information technology used to create the check-in and reservation systems is an amazing service that benefits both the guest and the staff. The â€Å"Yes I can!† training program has been developed to train all employees consistently throughout the franchises to assist in aligning the goals of each franchise with their new brand strategy. The gold points plus reward program is a program that allows it’s customers to earn reward points that can be used for free stays or air miles. It also gives its members access to exclusive hotel and travel offers as well as in-hotel benefits. The website for the gold points program also lets it’s members make online reservations, check-in online, and select their stay preferences. In the matter of the last ten years, Radisson Hotels has escalated from a once â€Å"unfocused† brand into one of the world’s leading, full-service global hotel companies. This has been successfully accomplished through the organization of its franchises and implementation of information technology systems. Radisson Hotels & Resorts is committed to change and innovation in  all key areas including its growth strategy, operations, franchising, sales and marketing, and technology, to operate with maximum effectiveness in a highly competitive business environment (The Radisson Story). Technology will undoubtedly continue to develop and Radisson Hotels should continue to progress along with it to stay on top of the service industry as one of the best global hotel companies out there. References Al, L. (1993). Service guarantees in outpatient clinics: a case study. Health Care Management Review, 18 (3), 59-65. Cahill, D. J., & Warshawky, R. M. (1995). Beyond competence: unconditional guarantees as a customer-service tool. Journal of Customer Service in Marketing and Management, 1 (3), 67-77. Hart, C. W. L. (1988). The power of unconditional service guarantees. Harvard Business Review, 88 (4), July/August, 54-62. Howe, Michael C. (2003). Keys to a successful franchisor-franchisee relationship: through a commitment to each of the†¦ Franchising World. http://www.allbusiness.com/management/657315-1.htmlImprove service quality and enhance the customer experience. December 2007 ftp://ftp.software.ibm.com/software/tivoli/whitepapers/GMW14002-USEN-00_SP.pdfKearns, David. Chairman of the New American Schools Development Corporation, formerly chairman and CEO of the Xerox Corporation and Deputy U.S. Secretary of Education. Rose, M. D. (1990). No strings attached. Chief Executive, 60 (Jul/Aug), 30-33. Schroeder, Roger. (2008). Operations Management: Contemporary Concepts and Cases 4th Edition. McGraw-Hill. New York, New York. The Radisson Story. http://www.radisson.com/section/aboutus.story/aboutus.sidemenus

Computer Is A For Home Education Essay - 1543 Words

The word computer brings to mind the machines we have at home, that we use every day in one way or form. In reality the term computer is a large umbrella that covers a myriad of machines. Microcomputers: â€Å"The term microcomputer is generally synonymous with personal computer (PC), or a computer that depends on a microprocessor. Microcomputers are designed to be used by individuals, whether in the form of PCs, workstations or notebook computers. A microcomputer contains a central processing unit (CPU) on a microchip (the microprocessor), a memory system (typically read-only memory and random access memory), a bus system and I/O ports, typically housed in a motherboard.† (Beal) Personal As personal computers have become more affordable and easier to obtain for the general public, the microcomputer has been the hub for home education, entertainment, productivity and many other uses. In addition to the usual microcomputers that sit at desk tops, microcomputing has become more usable throughout the home with laptops, games consoles and computerised electronics such as the smart TV. As computers continue to shrink, microcomputers are being used in increasingly more mundane equipment, such as fridges, washing machines and more. Business â€Å"Not long ago, mission-critical systems all ran on mainframe technology, massive computers usually taking whole super cooled rooms. With the advent of the PC, local area networks (LAN) and related technologies, many business applications movedShow MoreRelatedEssay on Technology and Individualization in Education1059 Words   |  5 PagesIndividualization in Education Technology is a major influential factor in the progression of education. Technology has allowed for many positive advances in education, allowing for more efficient, more individualized learning. The introduction of computers in education has provided countless benefits to students, and enhanced learning greatly. Students now have a much broader wealth of information in which they can get knowledge from, and more specialized learning. Education will continue toRead MoreThe Importance of Computer in Education1018 Words   |  5 PagesImportance of Computer knowledge in Education Computer technology has had a deep impact on the education sector. Thanks to computers, imparting education has become easier and much more interesting than before. Owing to memory capacities of computers, large chunks of data can be stored in them. They enable quick processing of data with very less or no chances of errors in processing. Networked computers aid quick communication and enable web access. Storing documents on computers in the form ofRead MoreThe Importance of Computer in Education1011 Words   |  5 PagesImportance of Computer knowledge in Education Computer technology has had a deep impact on the education sector. Thanks to computers, imparting education has become easier and much more interesting than before. Owing to memory capacities of computers, large chunks of data can be stored in them. They enable quick processing of data with very less or no chances of errors in processing. Networked computers aid quick communication and enable web access. Storing documents on computers in the form ofRead MoreEssay on Incorporation of Technology into Modern Education984 Words   |  4 PagesModern Education Education has long been a part of our society. In order to keep society progressing forward, education must also progress forward. Part of this forward progression is the incorporation of technology into modern education. Technology has always been in schools. The development of things like the overhead projector, typewriter, and blackboards have all played key roles in education. However, the pinnacle of technological advances has been the introduction of the computer intoRead Moreâ€Å"The Computer CanT Tell You The Emotional Story. It Can1670 Words   |  7 Pages â€Å"The computer can t tell you the emotional story. It can give you the exact mathematical design, but what s missing is the eyebrows† - Frank Zappa THE GOOD, THE BAD, AND EVERYTHING IN BETWEEN: COMPUTERS USE Computers have an uncanny way of making our lives easier but at what expense? Computer use in the homes and schools of secondary education students is dwindling their success with testing and class participation. The computer usage in schools is increasing every year whether it be from theRead MoreTechnology Has Changed The Way We Learn Essay1559 Words   |  7 PagesTechnology has indeed changed the way we learn. I was observing some kids doing their school work and I noticed that all of them had computers, laptops, tablets, or another kind of technology device with them. It made me think back on my elementary, middle, and high school days. I remember growing up without as much technology available as today, so most of the papers were hand written, I had to spend days at the library looking for the right sources, reading newspaper, magazines and books to findRead MoreComputers, Wifi And Tablets1718 Words   |  7 PagesPriscila Ibarra Stone Period 6 18 March 2016 Executive Summary Computers, wifi and tablets have resulted in student success while in school. â€Å"Wi-Fi has become a universal expectation among students, and their attitudes towards technology are a good indicator of broad changes underway in how we as a society learn, work and communicate,† said Edgar Figueroa, executive director of the Wi-Fi Alliance, the global trade organization representing the Wi-Fi industry. Nearly 75% of US college students believeRead MoreA Career as a Computer Programmer Essay1093 Words   |  5 Pages Becoming a computer programmer would be great because there are many options in this career by having the ability to produce an operating system, or a game for the world. Computer programmers have many opportunities in life to find a job they would love. Programmers can work independently, or in a big company. Programmers have and are creating the future for computers. Computer programmers have a wide range on what they can do. Computer programmers write the detailed list of instructionsRead MoreBenefits Of Distance Education1704 Words   |  7 Pagesfriendships and study groups. While distance education may lower the possibility of forming new friendships, it does eliminate the distractions often found in classrooms. Classroom distractions can cause stress and lack of focus, neither of which are beneficial. Through online learning, those distractions are removed. Distractions such as those may not be avoidable for all, though. For those who do not have computer or internet access, distance education is not an option. Although it may not be availableRead MoreDefinition Of Digital Divide Definition Essay1309 Words   |  6 Pagesunderstand how to use those modern technology devices even if they have got them for free. Computer devices can be too complicated to understand for some people. Furthermore, low literacy rate is also a problem. Literacy is vital for self-learning or Internet usage. There are few websites that use language which can be comprehended by low-literacy users. According to U.S. Department of Education, National Institute of Literacy research which conducted on 2016, August 22, there are 14% of U.S