Author: Charles Berg
Source: ezinearticles.com
You get a lot of different reactions from people when you mention Southwest Airlines. The little airline from Texas as grown from a cult following to a 800 pound gorilla thanks to a lean, mean, efficient business model.
When you are talking about pilots, you get many different reactions as well. Some scoff at the long days, not so glamorous layover destinations, and “Wal-Mart” crowd customers. However, some light up like a Christmas tree when you mention Southwest as it represents a unique culture. They love to have fun, help each other out, and party hard.
So when a lucky pilot gets the call for that interview it is a huge thrill. Hopefully by that time they have already done some homework. But I bet you want some good gouge. Okay, let’s get to it.
Day Before Interview
Southwest will offer to fly you to Dallas the day before the interview. If you have convenient access to Southwest service, you should take it. However, you need to remember that the interview starts as soon as you step foot into the airport! Don’t give the ticket agent an attitude because the flight is late or oversold. As I’ve said in a previous article, they are watching you. They know that you are traveling for an interview because of the ticket code. Some guys have blown their chance before even starting the interview by giving the agent attitude, with the agent promptly calling HR. Yes, it has happened.
Interview
There is a morning session and an afternoon session. You will probably take a group tour of HQ. The interview consists of:
HR Interview
Line Oriented Interview (LOI)
Logbook review
HR Interview – Here you will probably talk to an HR person and a line pilot. Since its Southwest, the big thing here is attitude. Are you someone who is pleasant to spend a four day trip with? They are looking for someone who is easy-going, enthusiastic, and a leader without being “alpha male”. Make sure you smile (subtle), but don’t try to be a comedian, even if it is Southwest.
LOI – You sit in a cardboard cockpit and are given a challenging scenario. Basically you will be given a situation where you have to divert in the middle of the flight. Here is an example:
You are west of Colorado Springs going to Las Vegas.
You have a medical emergency in the back, you need to divert.
Denver, Grand Junction, Springs are low visibility with icy runways, weather worsening.
Albuquerque is a little farther with great weather but tailwind slightly over limit with a long runway.
There is usually no one good solution. However, the key is how you come up with the solution, not what the solution is. If you use good CRM, delegate tasks, keep everyone in the loop, you should be fine no matter what you decide to do. Don’t try to be the hero and fly single pilot! You only have seven minutes (which will whiz by) so you need to use all resources to finish in time. So as soon as the clock starts, first thing to do is transfer controls to the FO. Then put the jumpseater to work looking up landing data, weather, etc.
After you are done they tell you to debrief yourself. Be honest about you positives and negatives, but put more emphasis on the positives.
Conclusion
If you get a Southwest Airline pilot interview, consider yourself very fortunate. The opportunity doesn’t come often and it may not come again. So make sure you are friendly but not goofy. Also, even though the will make you feel very comfortable, do not let your guard down until you are at home.
Want to find more tips and resources on pilot interviews? See 5 Killer Interview Tips Here…
Author: Anonymousbr
Source: free-articlesbr
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San Francisco, CA September 15, 2004 — Devoted entirely to the Cultural Creatives, www.EcoSeeker.com is a new Internet search engine positioning itself the catch the green wave. A large new subculture of people has morphed out of the Traditional Heartlanders and the Modernists. They are the Transmodern Cultural Creatives. And what is a Cultural Creative? According to Paul H. Ray and Sherry Ruth Anderson, authors of The Cultural Creatives, โ(They) are 50 million Americans who care deeply about ecology and saving the planet, about relationships, peace, social justice, and about authenticity, self actualization, spirituality and self-expression. Theyre activists, volunteers and contributors to good causes more than other Americans.โ Most Cultural Creatives do not realize that they number as many as 1 in 4 in N. America and the European union.
Susan Landes, founder and CEO of www.EcoSeeker.com, reports that she was elated when she first heard the term Cultural Creative. โPeople had tried to categorize me as New Age, but Im not. It was very satisfying and affirming to have a name that truly fits my values, and to know that there are more of us than I knew.โ
According to Rays research, Cultural Creatives value:
ยท Ecological sustainability, beyond environmentalism: If you can name an aspect of ecology and sustainability, they are emphatically for it, and are leading the way. Cultural Creatives demonstrate awareness of a large range of issues, including wanting to rebuild neighborhoods and communities, ecological sustainability and limits to growth, seeing nature as sacred, wanting to stop corporate polluters, being anti-big-business, wanting voluntary simplicity, being willing to pay to clean up the environment and to stop global warming.
ยท Globalism: Two of the top values for Cultural Creatives are xenophilism (love of travel to foreign places, of foreigners and the exotic) and ecological sustainability, which strongly includes concern for the planetary ecology and stewardship, and population problems.
ยท Feminism, womens issues, relationships, family: The fact that Cultural Creatives are 60 percent women is a major key to understanding this subculture. Much of the focus on womens issues in politics comes from them–including concerns about violence and abuse of women and children, desire to rebuild neighborhoods and community, desire to improve caring relationships, and concerns about family (though they are no more family-oriented than most North Americans, it is near the top in their list of values).
ยท Altruism, self-actualization, alternative health care, spirituality and spiritual psychology: This is a complex of highly interrelated beliefs and values centered on the inner life. In reality, this is a new sense of the sacred that incorporates personal growth psychology and the spiritual and service to others as all one orientation. It also includes a stronger trend toward holistic health and alternative health care as part of this complex.
ยท Well-developed social conscience and social optimism: Contrary to some social critics, an emphasis on the personal does not exclude the political or social conscience, though individuals may focus on them in sequence. Cultural Creatives are engaged in the world just as much as in personal and spiritual issues. Rebuilding and healing society is related to healing ourselves, physically and spiritually. With that goes a guarded social optimism.
โThis group is innovative, constantly combining the values of Traditionals and Moderns and transforming them into entirely new civic associations like political parties, unions, civic clubs, think tanks, institutes, foundations, charities, clinics, and churches. This is really about a new kind of holism. Take a yoga center for example: is it a business, a spiritual place, an education center, a health and exercise place, or a way of life? The answer is Yes to all the above. Were crossing categories all the time.โ
According to www.CulturalCreatives.org, โA new industry is appearing: Lifestyles of Health and Sustainability, and it was $230 Billion in the U.S. in 2000, and $540 Billion worldwide. And the Cultural Creatives are their entire market. They are the drivers of the demand that we go beyond environmental regulation to real ecological sustainability, to change our entire way of life accordingly. They demand authenticity — at home, in the stores, at work, and in politics. They support womens issues in many areas of life. They insist on seeing the big picture in news stories and ads. This is already influencing the marketplace and public life.โ
โIf people dont know about the Cultural Creatives they may be left behind, wondering where all the changes are coming from. After all, any time one in four Americans are changing their minds in fundamental ways, its worth paying attention to, because its going to change your life too.โ
Ecoseeker is a Green Internet search engine and directory of earth-friendly products and services that support healthy sustainable living. It has 24 categories featuring everything from Alternative Health and Fitness to Eco Travel, Solar Energy, Non-Profit Organizations, and Organic Gardening. It can be found at www.EcoSeeker.com. Landes says, โIts a total joy to be providing a directory of products, services, and publicity to the Cultural Creatives because these are my values and way of life.โ
Ecoseeker.com is powered by Jumpat.com and advertising is powered by the Jumpat.com JumpLink system. For additional information on our portals please visit http://www.jumpatbiz.com . For investment opportunities please contact Thomas Tsilionis at 888-212-4772 Ext. 85 or tomt@jumpat.combr
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Author: kennethbr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Basketball is not about looking pretty.
Basketball is not for wimps.
Basketball is not consistently won without fundamentals.
As much as I love watching And-1, that wont cut it at school. You cant turn the ball over that much and win. You cant travel, and you cant get away with crazy dribbling techniques…And although I love shakin a playa straight out his shoes, it dont win games.
I am about winning. Basketball is about: going all out, leaving nothing on the court, sweat, blood, fundamentals, and guess what…
Winning!
How To Dominate The Basketball Court
What signifies a win?
…The highest score when you hear the last sound of that buzzer. Ahh, the sweet smell of victory.
Basketball is now, and always will be, won first by solid shooting, team defense, conditioning, getting to the free throw line and making them, staying out of foul trouble, taking shots when you have a good look, ball handling, putting more points on the board than the other team.
Every activity you do on the basketball court should:
1. Help you put more points on the board or
2. Keep the other team from putting more points on the board.
Thats it!
If whatever youre doing isnt accomplishing one of those two simple tasks, then you are wasting your time.
Dont worry…When you do what youre suppose to do, youll be shining already, and youll get the opportunity to show your stuff. Be patient. Youll get your recognition because you shut down a baller, or you put points up on the scoreboard.
Basketball Offensive Tips
Get in shape. Theres no easier bucket than to wear out your opponent and go right past him/her because they were tired.
Learn to get as close to the basket as you can to take shots. Why? Thats where the easy money is made. Thats where youll find your highest percentage of shots and where youll get fouled, so you can get to the foul line.
Understand this: If the person guarding you is in foul trouble, they only have 3 choices.
1. Foul out
2. Lay back off of you
3. Put someone else in
Thats a coaches nightmare. If you are a real hooper, youll realize that means someone is in trouble. Green light all day baby! Easy buckets.
Learn your offense. Thats the quickest way to get benched…not to knowing what you are suppose to do, or where you are suppose to go.
Become a fundamental superstar. This alone can get you a scholarship to college.
1. Hit your free throws
2. Make your lay-ups
3. Play solid defense
Basketball Defensive Tips
Get in shape. This is the key to great defense. As you can see, this is the first tip in both the defensive and the offensive tips above. Its the most important thing to do. What good are you to a team, a coach, or yourself if you cant play hard when you are needed? Is it easier to play defense in the first quarter of a game or the last?
Why? One word…Fatigue. If you really want to frustrate an offensive player, and keep him/her limited or shut out of the game, get in great shape and be wherever they are with your hands up and feet ready to move the whole game long.
Learn to read the court and keep your eyes moving. Theres nothing worse, as a defender, than to get caught sleepin. So, stay awake in the game, be alert, and learn to see what is developing before, or as, it is developing. This will increase your reaction time and readiness for defending the play./pbr
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Author: Steve Merrilbr
Source: articleage.combr
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The NBA takes center stage with a pair of nationally televised games on Thursday night. Two of the hottest teams in the Eastern Conference face off when Cleveland visits Miami. Meanwhile, the defending World Champion Spurs visit a young, but talented Golden State squad.
Below is a look at both TNT matchups this evening.
CLEVELAND at MIAMI (-7, 198) (TNT)
The Cavaliers have been a very streaky team this season, both good and bad. They started the year 9-2 ATS and then went just 1-8 ATS. That was followed by an 8-1 ATS run and then a recent 2-6 ATS slide. The Cavaliers are once again heating up as they entered last night on a 6-0 SU (5-0-1 ATS) run. Cleveland extended their straight-up win streak to seven games, but finally failed to get the pointspread cover by a single point, winning 91-85 as a 7-point home favorite.
LeBron James led the way with a triple-double as he tallied 26 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists versus the Nets. The win improved Clevelands home record to 17-5 SU this season, but the Cavaliers have been weaker on the road, going just 10-12 SU. Cleveland has also struggled against superior teams with a 4-7 ATS underdog mark, compared to a 21-10 ATS record as a pointspread favorite. However, Cleveland has gone 4-2 ATS in their past six underdog roles.
Miami was embarrassed in the first head-to-head meeting on December 15th when Cleveland won 115-107 as a 1 ฝ-point home favorite. Cleveland dominated the game more than the final eight point margin would seem to indicate as the Cavaliers held a 20-point lead entering the fourth quarter.
Miami enters this game off three straight wins, including a 118-114 home victory over the L.A. Clippers on Tuesday in which the Heat barely failed to cover as a 4 ฝ-point favorite. Overall, Miami is 9-3 SU (7-5 ATS) during their past twelve games.
Star guard Dwyane Wade continues to battle an ankle injury and missed the Heats 91-85 win at Charlotte on Saturday night. Wade has played well in the past two games, scoring 32 and 28 points, but point guard depth is a concern as backup Jason Williams remains out with a broken finger.
SAN ANTONIO (-7) at GOLDEN STATE (TNT)
Golden State played their third straight game last night without their leading scorer Jason Richardson who is battling a sore back. Richardson is once again questionable tonight and leads the Warriors in scoring (22.8 ppg) and is second in assists (2.8 apg), steals (1.4 spg), and is third in rebounding (5.9 rpg).
Golden State lost at Seattle 111-107, but point guard Baron Davis played excellent and led the way with 35 points and nine assists. The Warriors held a 62-56 halftime lead, but were outscored 29-9 in the third quarter and trailed by 14 points entering the final period.
Golden State had actually outplayed their previous two opponents without Richardson as the Warriors beat Portland 98-83 on Saturday which followed a 106-105 overtime loss against the Lakers the previous night. Golden State led the Lakers by seven points entering the fourth quarter. Overall, the Warriors have been playing better than their recent straight-up record would seem to indicate as Golden State has led entering the fourth quarter in seven of their past nine games.
San Antonio has won and covered five games in a row and overall the defending World Champs are 36-10 SU this season and 15-7 SU on the road. Despite the solid win/loss percentage, the oddsmakers have been overpricing the Spurs as evident by the teams mediocre 22-23 ATS mark.
The Spurs must now play their third road game in just four nights and must travel without rest after an 86-82 win at Portland. San Antonio is short-handed as veteran backups Nick Van Excel (16 minutes per game) and Robert Horry (19 minutes per game) are both questionable with injuries and did not play last night.
The Spurs dominated the first meeting at Golden State on November 23rd. San Antonio led 66-36 at halftime and outshot the Warriors 55 to 38 percent from the field.
STEVE MERRIL is a professional sports handicapper and a documented member of The Professional Handicappers League. Get his Premium plays here.
Steve Merril is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League.
Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/Steve_Merril.htmbr
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Author: Sally Mortonbr
Source: articleage.combr
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Its a dream shared by millions around the world -turning their hobby into a business; actually making money from doing what they love. Its what journalists and authors do when they write. Its what mechanics do when they tinker on motors and get paid for it. Its what artists do when they draw, sculpt, or paint.
When youre in a business that you love – its more like pleasure than work. The difference youll feel leaving working for a living for doing what you love is astounding. Imagine what the person who loves to bake feels when they bring the loaf out of the oven and smell the overwhelming aroma of fresh-baked bread, hear the customer exclaim mmm, and hear the cash register go ka-ching at the same time.
Tiger Woods once said, I get to play golf for a living. What more can you ask for – getting paid for doing what you love.
Back when I began my career, I was skeptical about being able to survive as a writer; because Id heard so many starving writer stories. My first job was as a secretary, but in my personal time, I wanted to research things and write books, articles, poetry, songsanything. People were always coming to me to write their resumes and speeches, to help with their essays and reports, or to fill out their paperwork. Yet, I was actually in my 30s before I finally got around to believing that my real love and talentwritingcould become a viable career and a business.
Maybe youre one of those people who have discovered that your hobby is expensive to maintain, and youd like a way simply for your hobby to pay for itself. Thats the case of a man I know who loves flying his airplane, looking at all different types of airplanes, and talking about airplanes (this man has miniature airplanes on his second Christmas tree). After retiring from his real job, he merged his work with his hobby, and now he gets paid to manage the airport where he keeps his plane. Many businesses and careers have been started for that reason.
Business savvy individuals and tax attorneys may share with you a semi-guarded trade secret: You can deduct hobby losses from your main income if you can prove the hobby is a legitimate, profit-motivated business. That means you must be engaged in the activity for profit. If you want to go that route, you will need to set your hobby up as a legitimate business with: business cards, a separate set of books, a separate business bank account, advertising, business cards, etc.
You should also make sure to obtain all the required business licenses and permits. For those of you, who love to travel, consider how nice it would be to have your travel and entertainment expenses deducted from your taxes as a business expense. It happens every day, all around the world.
Two great resources for further information are: Home Business Tax Deductions: Keep What you Earn by Stephen Fishman, and Women Biz Mentors, where experienced business women mentor other women who want to start their own business.
You may be someone who engages in your hobby part-time and you accidentally made income from it. Thats how a lot of hobby businesses start too. You sold a friend some outdoor furniture you made in your hobby shop; word got around; and soon, you were making money on the weekends, just because you liked woodworking.
The guy who loves exotic sports cars may broker the sale of a few each year just to support his own passion for cars. Nuts for Cars, one of the businesses I write for, began because three friends were searching for car events to attend one weekend and couldnt find anything in the local newspapers or magazines. Later on, they learned theyd missed a big car show that was near them. So they solved their problem – and in the process, created a viable businessby getting together to create an auto event club and online directory of auto events.
Could it be that Shakespeare was really enlightened when he said:
This above all: to thine own self be true; And it must follow, as the night the day, Thou canst not then be false to any man.
Take a few minutes today to consider what you love to do. Do you find yourself always talking about your hobby or favorite interest? Do other people say youre really good at a particular skill or talent? Whether you use your hobby/talent/passion as a tax shelter; use it simply to make your hobby pay for itself; or use it to make your fortune, it is worth your time to consider making your hobby a business today. Life is too short to spend it in a miserable job if you dont have to, and you give your best to the universe when you operate within the sphere of your primary talent.
Sally H. Morton is Publications Editor and Senior Writer with Partners Online LLC (d/b/a http://www.hobbiesgeneratecash.com and http://www.womenbizmentors.com). An experienced freelance writer, copywriter, and editor, Sally can be reached at sally1@ncfreedom.netbr
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Author: Tony Jacowskibr
Source: articleage.combr
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You may be breezing along in your current position, when suddenly trouble starts brewing and your career is knocked off-track. There are ample signals that warn you beforehand, if you pick them up. Most people who are either stuck in the wrong jobs or suffering a job loss are mostly there because they failed to recognize the signals before it was too late. To tell the truth, a good number of them later realize that the trouble they are in is of their own making.
How do you know when your career is in trouble or at least off track? One needs to pay attention to certain signs. Here are 5 warning signals that will alert you.
5 Signals That Alert You When Your Career Is Off Track
Warning # 1
Sudden depression and economic downturn. Although a rarity, economic downturns can be a strong signal for you, especially when you are in such industries as telecommunications, travel, hospitality, etc. Although the economy affects other sectors like healthcare, manufacturing, etc. equally, mass layoffs are limited unlike in other sectors. The reason is clear; consumers shun the market at times of trouble, which they cant do with same vigor with the latter sectors, which fulfill customer needs. This was seen during the depression of the 1920s, post lunar exploration of 1964, and recently after 9/11 fallout.
Warning # 2
Your industry is passing through a lull. The best example that fits here is that of telecommunications and software engineering following the 9/11 fallout. First, WorldComs fortunes dwindled and the company went into a total tizzy. A few top executives were not available while the situation went from bad to worse. Whatever the reason could be, the industry as a whole suffered instead of gaining from the loss of one big player by default. Job losses were to the tune of tens of thousands. Those who saw the signs and sensed what was coming very early took advantage of whatever opportunities they could.
Warning # 3
The companys finances are dwindling. Although not everyone is directly connected to finance management, it inadvertently affects everyone. Bad management, lost or declining sales and poor quality of service are a few things that result in a financial emergency. This state of affairs, albeit slow, should not be missed. Important signals like a sudden drop in workload, a blanket application of cost cutting measures, sudden concern over petty costs and firing of sales managers see alert employees chalking out their future steps.
Warning # 4
Mergers and acquisitions are no less dreadful as far as employees are concerned. When two corporations merge, management looks forward to consolidate the benefits by downsizing any overlapping resources. Intelligently, employees must look for signals like changes in the top executives, big promises by management, rhetoric on upholding shareholder values, etc. The effects of this spread quickly.
Warning # 5
Other signals like ignoring you for activities (meetings etc) that previously required your attendance, a sudden increase in work pressure, ignoring your suggestions job performance and dampened appreciation for your accomplishments show that you have fallen out of your bosses (or at least the companys) favor. Your salary increments and bonuses become pale shadows of their former selves.
Once you sense the signals, you need to pay attention to them instead of just brushing them aside. Start planning you next steps immediately to avoid being caught off-guard. The company is doing what is right for them. Protect your career and do what is right for you.
Tony Jacowski is a quality analyst for The MBA Journal. Aveta Solutions – Six Sigma Online ( http://www.sixsigmaonline.org ) offers online six sigma training and certification classes for lean six sigma, black belts, green belts, and yellow belts.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tony_Jacowskibr
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Author: br
Source: articledashboard.combr
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You need a job. Keep these three tips in mind and youll likely get hired for a satisfying job within only one week. If youre sick of living off unemployment insurance benefits, read this short article.
Its true. If you were to even move out of state today, these tips will score you a job almost instantly. Put an end to frustration once and for all. Finding a job can be simple actually.
#1. Use Your Network
The best shot you have at finding a job in the least amount of time is by using your network. Its not just about who you know, its also about who they know. When you inform your friends, family members, and acquaintances that youre looking for work in your field, tell them to spread the word. Youll be amazed at how fast the news of you wanting a new career travels throughout your city, even among a network outside of you own that you have never met.
Not only does this save time in the job search, you wont have to convince a company as much about your character. No need to sell yourself to a potential boss because youre already sold. Companies love to hire based on testimonials of people they already trust.
#2. Target Companies Who Hire Like the Military
This is a lightning-quick way to find a job. Distribution centers, factories, and other large-scale operations hire like the military. They normally have high wages and the best financial and health insurance benefits. While you can get a production, maintenance, or transportation job with little or no education background, there are several positions in fields like HR, IT, and Management. Dont forget about receptionist and security guard positions.
While networking find out whether your city (or within working distance) has for example, a plastics plant, rock mine, automobile factory, retail distribution center, the list goes on…
Then to save time, call and ask how to apply. Large scale operations such as these are looking for new workers on a daily basis. Follow up in a few days to schedule your first interview and drug screening.
#3. Put Your Resume On Your Local Jobs Website
You already have a resume typed up. Now submit it to circulate quickly among local businesses and companies. Just about every city has a local jobs website these days. You can find out about it in the classifieds section of your local paper. All you have to do is copy and paste or upload your resume to the website for interested parties to find in searches.
Its absolutely critical to title your resume with words that involve your area of expertise. Even if youre a general laborer, put something like labor and production in your title. Your resume will get into the right hands with hardly any work on your behalf.
Consider this as well. If your name is circulating throughout your network and beyond, chances are an employer is going to log onto the local jobs website and search for your resume based on your name. Again, it would be wise not to waste much time searching on your local jobs site, but rather allowing employers to find you, a method in which (in a way) preserves your values.
Conclusion
No more stress, worries, frustration, or unemployment insurance benefits. Network, target large scale companies who hire like the military, and put your resume on your local jobs website. Do this and youll be on your way to efficiently finding a fulfilling job within a week./pbr
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Author: Kal Bishopbr
Source: articleage.combr
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IBM, which registered 3248 patents last year, has decided that sharing technology can sometimes be more profitable than jealously guarding its property rights on patents, copyrights and trade secrets (Herald Tribune, April 11 2005).
International Business Machines have come to the above conclusion 205 years after the invention of electric light – thus clearly illustrating that even the 19th largest company in the world (fortune.com) with a market capitalization on $141 billion (nasdaq.com) is still only learning about creativity and innovation.
Of course the issue of control is important but a quick history lesson indicates that the above should not have taken so long!
The first electric light was made in England by Davy, in 1860 Swan attempted to devise a long lasting light using carbon paper, in 1877 Brush lit up Cleveland Ohio and in 1879 Edison began work on a practical light bulb that would eventually glow for 1500 hours.
Recently, Linux – open source software developed through collaboration on the Internet – has grown to the extent that it is closing in on Microsofts market share (news.com).
The above two examples indicate a number of factors about creativity and innovation that IBM should have learned a long time ago, some of which include:
a) Creativity (problem identification and idea generation) and innovation (idea selection, development and commercialisation) can take years and use huge resources – collaboration, networks and shared tacit knowledge rapidly reduce investment and rapidly increase speed to commercialisation.
b) Radical changes result from incremental improvement.
c) Radical shifts require the input of new knowledge.
d) New knowledge and incremental improvements result from eliciting tacit knowledge from a broad knowledge base.
e) New knowledge and incremental improvements result from eliciting ideas from a number of sources, a number of diverse sources and a number of novel sources – by utilising networks.
f) New knowledge and incremental improvements result from eliciting ideas from a number of sources, a number of diverse sources and a number of novel sources – through collaboration.
In conclusion, the probability of producing world changing innovation in-house is low. The knowledge pool is simply too shallow. And that can be said without considering motivation, group structures etc etc etc.
This topic is covered in depth in the MBA dissertation on Managing Creativity Innovation, which can be purchased (along with a Creativity and Innovation DIY Audit, Good Idea Generator Software and Power Point Presentation) from http://www.managing-creativity.com. You can also receive a regular, free newsletter by entering your email address at this site.
Kal Bishop, MBA
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You are free to reproduce this article as long as no changes are made and the authors name and site URL are retained.
Kal Bishop is a management consultant based in London, UK. He has consulted in the visual media and software industries and for clients such as Toshiba and Transport for London. He has led Improv, creativity and innovation workshops, exhibited artwork in San Francisco, Los Angeles and London and written a number of screenplays. He is a passionate traveller. He can be reached on http://www.managing-creativity.com.br
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Author: maxine grecobr
Source: articledashboard.combr
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Beginning January 23, 2007, all persons including US citizens, traveling by air between the US and Canada, Mexico, Central and South American, the Caribbean and Bermuda need a valid passport, air NEXUS card, US Coast Guard Merchant Mariner document or an Alien Registration form 1-551 if applicable. These new travel regulations mean more papers to carry with you. You will still need a drivers license, your boarding pass and return ticket information, baggage claim checks, hotel information, etc. How do you keep all of this information organized and easily available? Its also recommended that you keep a copy of this important information in a separate place, just in case any information is lost, stolen or misplaced.
There are many travel wallets or passport cases on the market today. They are available in canvas or nylon, in dark colors or bright colors. They are also available in all types of leather. Every color in the rainbow is represented in these leather cases. Zippered models will keep everything secure and give you the best feeling of being organized. Everything can be kept in one case, with no chance of accidentally misplacing anything. Smaller cases with pockets that open to accommodate the boarding pass are easiest to tuck in a pocket or small carry bag. Many of the cases also have zippered pockets on the inside. Additionally, many of these travel wallets are designed so that have the boarding pass pocket is on the outside of the case for ease in going through security check points. Experienced travelers have found that keeping organized with your important papers in one place is the best way to insure peace of mind during your trip. In this way you can concentrate on your sightseeing plans and enjoy your travels.
Some of these travel wallets have been designed to wear under your clothing. These are also called money belts or neck pouches. They will hold your passport along with your return ticket information and extra spending cash. They can be worn around the waist, around the neck or shoulder, and around the ankle. Some of them are made to hook onto your own belt, but flip under your clothing. The concealed type of travel wallet is very necessary in areas that have a lot of pick pocketing, or in areas where there are a lot of tourists. They are not easy to detect, and are the safest for travel in busy areas. They come in a large array of fabrics from cotton to nylon with comfort fabrics that go against your skin, to the ultimate luxury of silk for smooth concealing.
There are also some models that are worn on the outside of your clothing like a small purse or handbag. These are strictly used in airports or when boarding cruse ships. They hang around your neck making them easily accessible when going through security checkpoints. These express boarding cases are available in leather as well as fabrics. These have zippered pockets, with a place for your passport, your license, and your boarding pass. They are lightweight and are extremely easy to carry. Their design is to be readily accessible, and always handy. Many have a removable strap, and they can later be used as a travel wallet in your purse or pocket after going through security. One thing all of these cases have in common, they organize you and let you concentrate on just enjoying your trip!/pbr
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Author: Lance Winslowbr
Source: articleage.combr
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We visited Lexus USA, home of the Lexus North America Head Quarters to help us better understand the latest innovations in automotive clear coast. As professional auto detailers we must know our customers cars and finishes. We are continually studying the different materials and automotive finishes on vehicles to determine the best after market auto waxes and polishes to use to prolong life and crate the most brilliance in shine and reflection.
When we visit such corporate HQs we always have tons of questions to ask executives and research people about upcoming trends, innovations and things that will affect the market. Usually it is a difficult task, because such companies are not likely to answer all your questions due to secrecy needed to compete at that level. Sometimes you can learn information, by which questions they will not answer, which questions they dodge and which questions they answer only half way. Information gathering is difficult and Japanese Companies are some of the closest guarded companies for secrets in the free world. We are finding information at Starbucks Coffee talking to workers and at parties during dealer introductions to new models, events, which we often invite ourselves too. Professional Party Crasher comes to mind for those who understand college life, but in the real world being in the right place at the right time keeps our team in the winners circle.
Since the year 2000 billions of dollars have been poured into research and development by the Japanese Auto Makers due to the value of the Yen dropping against the Dollar causing higher profits during pre-911 quarters of 2001. Today of course we see an opposite trend as the dollar has slid against other world currencies. As the Yen went down against the dollar re-invested research money started to show itself in the market as Lexuss new SUVs came out with all-wheel drive and soon the fuel cells will be on the scene to replace many of the hybrid test markets of 2000-2002 and 2003 and 2004. As these companies continue to innovate and we as consumers buy these new features we will find a growing need to learn more information faster to keep up with the changes. It will not be easy.
We, as auto detailing professionals must persevere in our efforts to attain the latest data and learn of the newest materials to be used in future cars so that we can be prepared to deliver excellence in service to all our customers.
As many auto professionals know in the auto body, car washing, auto after market accessory and detailing industries, that Lexus has one of the best finishes of any production automobile. Nine years ago when Lexus began to produce their luxury sedans with a Pearl White laser painted and oven baked paint job we rushed to the scene to find a wax that would preserve and enhance this finish. We had tried everything from self proclaimed Teflon waxes which purported a 3 year guarantee from DuPont to Silicon waxes which the aviation industry had actually banned as per FARs (federal Aviation Regulations) on certain paint such as Poly Urethane and Imron (Originally used on F-14s by the US Navy for Salt Water Resistance). Imron, Poly Urethane and other specialized paints needed to breath and sealing the paint caused corrosion by trapping in moisture. Some things you learn the hard way. We also learned that the makers of Teflon Waxes falsely claimed a guarantee by DuPont. Dupont did guarantee its coatings on pots and pans for three years but only when applied at oven temperatures of over 275 Degrees F. Of course that was impossible since that would have melted all of the rubber seals, tires, windshield wipers and probably have burned down the car itself. Not exactly good customer service and it would probably get you into trouble at the BBB-Better Business Bureau.
Many great waxes and products have been found to work on Enamel, Urethane, Lacquer, Fiber Glass and all clear coats, and when you find one youll know you have a winner by the reflective depth of the shine. Our company the Detail Guys (www.detailguys.com ) had found many such products over the years and one in fact that we really are fond of. Question was could this product enhance the already nearly perfect paint jobs of Lexus Luxury cars, if so, it would be unstoppable. And it did, it also removed surface scratches, road tar, rust from chrome, swirl marks (from competition detailing mistakes) and oxidation; something that none of us expected or were even trying for. The product was later featured in Popular Hot Rodding, Drive, Truckin, Muscle Cars, Porsche Owners and Auto Enthusiast Magazines.
This case study is just one example of why all professional auto detailers must continually check out new innovations in auto paint, materials, composites and manufacturing processes to stay leading edge with State of the Art products. It is not every day when you can be on either leading edge of such innovations in the market place. Most professional auto detailers do agree that sometimes you have to look past the hype of the products and see for yourself. Lexus of North America has limited tours and so do other major manufacturers, we have found in our travels that their PR departments will find out the answers to all your questions when you contact them. Every once in a while they will not divulge information, but it does not hurt to ask. Also remember a little experimentation goes along way to unlocking the secrets of todays modern detailing professional. Think on it.
Lance Winslow – Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/wttbbs/br
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