Management by Objectives (Mbo)

Discusses how an organization with a traditional mindset ensures the successful implementation of the MBO concept.

By implementing MBO throughout an organization, managers would be able to "use strategic, tactical, and operational goals to direct employees and resources toward achieving specific outcomes that enable the organization to perform efficiently and effectively"...Read More>>

Mind Mapping - Recall

Under normal circumstances, with our understanding being fairy constant, we have the tendency to "recall more at the beginning and ends of learning periods" (Buzan 2007, p63): "more of the items which are associated by repetitions, sense, rhyming etc; more of things which are outstanding or unique; and considerably less of things from the middle of learning periods" (Buzan 2007, p63). Buzan (2007, p62) states that during learning "memory and understanding do not work in exactly the same way as time progresses", with the tendency for recall to get progressively worse, unless the mind is given intervals for (brief) rest. And intervals for (brief) rest, in addition, can be useful as relaxation points: getting "rid of the muscular and mental tension which inevitably builds up during periods of concentration" (Buzan 2007, p64). So, in order for recall to be kept at a reasonable level, "it is necessary to find the point at which recall and understanding work in greatest harmony" (Buzan 2007, p63-64). According the Buzan (2007), this point occurs within a time period of between 20 to 50 minutes. A time period shorter than this point (of between 20 to 50 minutes) would not give the mind sufficient time to understand the rhythm and organization of the material, and a time period longer than this point (of between 20 to 50 minutes) would result in the continuing decline of the amount of information being recalled (Buzan 2007). "If a period of learning from a lecture is to take two hours, it is far better to arrange for brief breaks during these two hours" (Buzan 2007, pg 64); keeping the recall curve high and prevent it from dropping during the later stages of learning. ...Read more>>

5 Laws of Mind Mapping

States the five Laws of Mind Mapping and elaborate on each one of them.

Before becoming effective in using mind maps, you would need to set aside any preconceptions about mind mapping. Therefore, in order to create mind maps that can effectively communicate the message across, there are 5 laws (http://www.belfastmet.ac.uk/goal/Resources/MindMap/index_06.htm) of mind mapping that should be adhered to; to create mind maps that are attractive and functional.

By using these 5 laws, recall and review of a mind map’s content will be more effective and rapid. Disadvantages of standard note taking, such as time being wasted on reading redundant words, or/and words which have no bearing on memory, can be eliminated as well. (Buzan 2007)

1) Use Emphasis

Every component in a mind map is important, so placing emphasis on images, keywords, colours, spacing, and branches helps to convey its importance. In addition, by having a variation in (creative) imagery and keywords by using colours and spacing, further accentuates the mind map’s meaning.

Images

As an image is often ‘worth a thousand words’, mind maps should always start with a central image. The central image allows us to be familiar with the main topic of the mind map...Read more>>

Mind Mapping - Tefcas

Explains what TEFCAS stands for and gives an example of how it can be used to improve your studies.

Developed by Tony Buzan (2006), TEFCAS is basically a learning (mnemonic) formula, an acronym that spells out the basic steps that the human brain takes to define an experience. TEFCAS stands for Trial, Event, Feedback, Check, Adjust, and Success (Buzan & Miller 2004).

When you seek feedback, check regularly, and make the necessary adjustments, you are engaged in learning; with persistence, success is guaranteed. There is no failure in TEFCAS, only success. (Buzan & Miller 2004)

Below is an explanation of what TEFCAS as a metaphor:

1. Trial

Depending on your goal, this is every attempt to achieve that goal, “you have to try it; you have to throw the ball”. (Buzan & Miller 2004, pg6)

2. Event

This is the memorable moment “when you throw the ball there will be an event, a physical absolute, and that event will be that ball the ball will land on your head, on the ground, in your hand, or in your partner’s coffee” (Buzan & Miller 2004, pg6) For example, becoming speechless in front of your audience, or being unable to deliver on a promise to a client...Read more>>

Thoughts on Branded Babies’ Clothing

Babies are delicate little creatures that require lots of love and care: they need to be fed, clothed and showered with love constantly. The world of babies is a simple one, they do not understand the concept of branded clothing or image, nor the value of money; they only know that they are either hungry, uncomfortable or want attention. All they want is their needs to be met, nothing else matters; neither the color of the clothes they wear nor the color and décor of their room.

Parents, on the other hand, are the ones that decide what their babies' wear and eat etc… Although babies require clothing, branded clothes are not a necessity; it is more of a “want” by the parents. More down-to-earth parents' might even consider it a waste of money to buy branded clothing for their babies', as it is a constant affair considering the rate at which babies grow. Thus, branded babies' clothing is definitely not for families who are on a budget and trying to save money.

Society, through the means of the media, has led many people to believe that branded equals to better. It may be true that branded products such as clothing, especially so in the case of babies' clothing, may have unique and adorable designs. However, this comes at a much higher price that ordinary babies' clothing. Is it really necessary to buy branded clothing for babies? Especially at an age where they are neither able to appreciate the finer things in life, nor differentiate between what is branded or not. It is only the adults that have such perceptions and it is the way they regard brands that matters.

There are alternatives to branded babies' clothing that may be just as good, and definitely much cheaper and affordable. Therefore, I believe that buying branded clothing is the decision of the parents', not the babies'. As long as a family is able to afford it, I see nothing wrong with buying a couple (not excessively) of branded babies' clothing or accessories. Nevertheless, if it comes at high cost of the family's budget and the growing child's future education and expenditure fund, parents should think thrice.

After all what matters the most is your baby growing up strong and healthy, and able to leading a happy life; all of which cannot be measured by the amount of money or branded goods that one has or is able to afford.

Managing High Blood Pressure

Managing your high blood pressure (hypertension) can help to lower your cardiovascular risks.

High blood pressure or hypertension – a silent killer, especially when it results in heart related complications – has no signs or symptom, with many people unaware that they are suffering from it. Although the cause is unknown, there appears to be linkage between high blood pressure (hypertension) and poor lifestyle habits such as an unhealthy or salty diet, and the lack of exercise...Read more>>

Five Everyday Computer Shortcuts

Five computer shortcuts to make using your computer easier and more fun.

1. Spice up your desktop icons
Bored of the usual boring Windows icons? Well, you have an alternative to spice up your ordinarily “boring” Window icons with snazzy downloads from hundreds of sites online.
One good place to start would be royalty-free ones at iconshock.com

First download a pack that you like. Once you have downloaded your desired pack, simply click on the icon you want changed. (For example, the calculator.)

Click Properties, click Change Icon, and Browse for the icon. In this case, it would be the Download folder where you placed them. Click OK and click Apply.

Make sure that you check that the site is genuine; you don’t want to download a virus instead. So...Read more>>