Saturday, July 10, 2010

Online Prep For an MBA

As any MBA student knows, the GMAT is divided into three segments: Verbal, which tests communications skills; Quantitative, testing math and logic; and lastly, the Analytical Writing Assignment (AWA). While the last's title is pretty self-explanatory, mastering this part of the test is often the hardest to do.

The AWA is the shortest of the three components. It consists of two statements, usually handed out one at a time. One of the handouts discusses an issue. The other reviews an argument. A GMAT test taker then has 30 minutes to read, analyze and write a response per handout.

The responses to the AWA are graded on the following: Analyzing the issue and critic respectively; expound one's own opinions on both pieces in a clear, understandable way; how the responses are organized; and lastly the grammar and syntax used in the piece.

Because of the extremely short amount of time given each statement, experts advise applicants do the following: take 1-2 minutes to read the statement, the next 3-4 minutes organizing a general outline in one's head, the next 20+ minutes actually writing the piece and the last bit of time proofing and correcting grammar. Because of the extremely tight time frame, experts also say it's best to keep the entire response to 300-350 words, which should be divided into 5-7 paragraphs.

As most people are not used to such snap writing, they often take prep classes on how to handle the AWA. Because many work while taking these prep classes, they enroll for an online prep package. This actually has a secondary advantage as the better courses have access to a number of these arguments and issues and use them as many of their drills and exercises. The often also come with apps that will not only measure your response time, but also spell check and review your grammar and syntax.

From there, the class teacher or an aide reviews the response for any weaknesses the writer might have. It's not uncommon for the response to be back in one's email by the next business day...usually with suggestions on where to go and fix whatever problems one has. Then it's only a matter of learning one's lessons, taking another pair of statements and seeing how much you've learned. If not enough, then the cycle is repeated until you do.

Besides being able to take the prep course material at a time that's convenient to you, another reason why many are going online is the online chat rooms and/or class forums. Composed of fellow students and teachers, these can also come up with constructive advice based on experience with many of the questions.

It should be noted that the AWA is proportionately the smallest part of your GMAT score. At the same time it does have enough weight that it can be the difference between attending a top flight MBA program or attending one at all. Proper prep really will make that much of a difference when it comes to the GMAT.

Online College Degrees

Education is without doubt the most important part of all of our lives. We cannot move forward until and unless we have the basic skill set in place, and also a qualifying degree. Many people struggle to meet with their financial commitments, either through part time or full time jobs; and in addition to that, they also have to make time to pursue their studies. While evening college is an option, sometimes you may have to commute a lot, and this results in you losing the money you earn, on travel and food.

Online college degrees are being chosen as a popular option by many people today, who are finding it much more easier to study at home, than to have to struggle with life at a campus, in a phase where they have too many commitments. Online college degrees are being offered by many superb institutions, and the individuals have to be able to just work out a schedule that is best suited to them. With numerous universities and colleges in place, people are often struggling to decide on which course and which institute to choose.

While many colleges and universities have these courses, all of them may not be trustworthy. Online education is not extremely expensive as well. There are many colleges which offer degrees at subsidized tuition fees. Students in these online colleges will receive continual assistance from their teachers. There is no lack of opportunities as well. Through online chat and email, it is much a like an interactive classroom; and they have to submit various assignments that are given to them, as part of their evaluation process.

Environmental Sciences Online

In today's society being environmentally friendly has sparked a wave of campaigns and informational documentaries about how to preserve a healthy environment. Some of these campaigns can been seen today with green products and hybrid cars. The men and women who initiate these positive changes in the way people can live are environmental scientists. Many accredited online colleges and universities offer degree distinction in this area to build up strong leaders in this area of science.

The overall goal of an environmental scientist is to create innovative ways to promote a livable environment in the face of a growing population and an increasing amount of harmful chemicals and gases in the world. Prospective students can study through online degree programs to:

  • Understand the effects of the combination of factory, industry, and human pollution.
  • Gain knowledge of how these things negatively affect the environment we live in.
  • Find and create ways to help reduce the damage to the world as much as possible.

Other focal points of education will teach students how to create appealing ways to improve on the amount of energy and natural resources people use in daily life.

Prospective students have a wide range of options when it comes to online education in this field of study. Students can gain:

  • certificates
  • degrees ranging from a bachelor's degree to a master's degree

Most online colleges recommend that students focus and do well in science, math, and computer courses in high school to help them succeed in college. This means high school students should take every class offered in these areas to gain a solid foundation in the field to help them succeed in the rigorous coursework at the college level.

Students interested in this field of study have many different degree distinctions to choose from as well as different concentrations that a degree can be earned for. Some concentrations can have students studying online to become waste management environmental scientists or environmental scientists in technology.

  • Certificate programs are designed to help widen the knowledge of already working professionals. The programs help individuals who already have a degree learn more about a specific area of the industry in order for them to properly implement it in their career.
  • A bachelor's degree program is the first step to reaching career goals in the field. It is common for many students to gain a bachelor's degree and work within the industry to gain practical knowledge and experience then go on to gain higher education. Courses in a bachelor's degree program will focus on general science, math, computers, and technology to provide a well-rounded education.
  • A master's degree program may provide advanced and more in depth learning in areas like conservation theory, waste management and current environmental topics.

Lean Manufacturing Training

Six sigma Training is an excellent education program involving a six sigma model called DMAIC. This model consists of Define, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control. The starting phase of this model is stage zero. The Define phase of DMAIC provides a definition to a project that includes the project scopes and objectives.

The main aim of this technique is to improve the organization's performance by analyzing the data and developing solutions. This training is 100% online program and participants are defined as black belts or green belts upon completion.

The black belt six sigma education is the advanced course of approximately 160 hours training. Participants of this course get intensive training on statistical techniques. Person completing black belt training undergo six sigma project for 4-6 months. The six sigma green belt training comprises of approximately 100 hours training. Persons enrolled into this program get preliminary training on statistical methodologies. After successful finishing the training, green belts are required to complete six sigma project of 4-6 months duration.

The course modules of six sigma certification vary at different education institutions. Although no formal educational qualification is required for this course, it is highly desirable that the applicants should possess knowledge of basic mathematics.

Lean manufacturing training is also an online program involving various lean manufacturing tools. Lean manufacturing is one of the most popular improvement methods in industry. Lean manufacturing helps the companies in improving performance and cost efficiency. Lean manufacturing system in an organization reduces the wastes ie., over processing, overproduction, scraps, unnecessary transportation, stocks of defective products. To get preliminary understanding of lean principle, individuals can enroll into the beginning courses such as lean manufacturing for operators. The hands-on-training on lean subject is for 5 weeks duration. The course modules of lean training vary among different institutions.

Lean management certification comprises 15 modules. The course modules are Overview of Lean, Value Stream mapping, flow, pull, cellular manufacturing, 5S, quick changeover, eight wastes, standard work, kaizen, total productive maintenance, visual management, overall equipment effectiveness, kanban and lean roadblocks. Value stream mapping is similar to process mapping with additional uses for waste identification. This concept allows both management and workers to ascertain the waste in production and supply processes of the company.

Flow is another concept of lean training. Products flow throughout a company. If a product is stopped in any production phase, it will increase the time and costs of the production. Cell manufacturing involves grouping the machinery into cells. Cell grouping enables waste reduction and reduces lead times to customers. You can learn all this and more through an online training course without the hassle and discomfort of regular classes.a

Science Career Schools

Online schools and colleges are available to provide students with the opportunity to obtain an accredited education in food science. Students looking to pursue a career in this field can do so through a number of online career training programs. With an education in food science students will gain the knowledge and skills needed to work in dietary and nutrition. Students can earn a certificate or degree at their own leisure allowing them to pursue careers working in health clubs, hospitals, schools, health care facilities, restaurants, and much more. Degrees programs are available ranging from an associate to a masters level and certificates area attainable as well.

  • Certificate
  • Online certificate courses are available to those who are just starting their education and career or those looking to enhance their training. Accredited online schools allow students to enroll in certificate programs to learn a variety of subjects. Coursework at this level of education may consist of food safety, food science, sanitation, food chemistry, and many other specialty subjects. Students looking to pursue careers in food science can earn a certificate which will enable them to work in dietetics, food service management, nutrition, and many other career professions.
  • Associate Degree
  • Associate degree training can be done through a variety of accredited online educational programs. Students who wish to earn an associates degree in the field of food science can obtain the knowledge and skills to pursue a number of careers. With online studies students are able to learn various subjects including nutrition, food preparation, chemistry, food processing, physiology, culinary studies, and much more. Coursework will vary depending on the career each individual student chooses to pursue. An education in food science will allow students to find employment as dieticians, nutritionists, food scientists, and other related professionals. An associate's degree will open the door for students to earn a bachelors degree.
  • Bachelors and Masters Degree
  • There are a number of accredited schools and colleges that offer online studies in food science. Students who wish to obtain an education at a bachelor's or master's degree level will have the opportunity to learn a variety of subjects. Coursework will vary depending on the specific area of study chosen by the student and level of degree desired. With an accredited online educational program students can learn food packaging, human nutrition, business, food engineering, chemistry, food microbiology, and much more. An education will give students the skills needed to find employment in food science, dietetics, nutrition, and food technology. A bachelors or masters degree program will allow students to enter the career of their dreams

Design Online Education Options

Career training is available through a number of accredited online schools and colleges for students who are interested in game art and design. Students can receive the education and training they need for the career of their dreams by completing an online educational program in the field of game art and design. With an online career training program students will be able to study a variety of subjects related to their chosen career and degree level. Coursework may include the study of animation, programming design, game play, reproduction, and much more allowing students to pursue careers as programmers, gameplay testers, interactivity designers, and more. Students will have the opportunity to earn an associate's or bachelors level degree in this exciting field with an online school or college.

With an accredited associates degree program from an online school or college students can complete training in as little as two years. Online education at an associates degree level allows students to gain the skills needed to enter the workforce prepared. Coursework at an associate's degree level may consist of studying subjects such as:

  • graphic design
  • game play
  • video and computer gaming

and other related areas of study. With completion of an online game art and design program at this level students can enter into careers as 3D character builders or 2D conceptual artists working in:

  • television
  • education
  • architecture

and more. With enrollment in a program at this level of study students will gain the knowledge to receive an Associate of Science (AS) or Associate of Arts (AA) in game art and design. Students can pursue a bachelor's degree in the field if they desire.

Online bachelors degree training programs offer students the chance to obtain the education they need to enter into the workforce in game art and design. A bachelor's level degree typically takes up to four years for completion. Students looking to enter an accredited degree program at this level can expect to study a number of subjects. Curriculum may include:

  • character and environment creation
  • game design
  • background design
  • level design
and much more depending on the school or college and the students' desired career. Career opportunities with a degree at this level include:
  • support specialist
  • 3D object modeler
  • game designer

and a number of other professions in the field. An accredited online school or college will provide students with the knowledge and skills to enter into the career of their dream with the bachelor's degree they desire.

The LEED Green Associate

After evolving for ten years, the LEED credential system has just recently gone through a complete restructuring. As a result of rethinking this credential, a new designation was born, and it is the LEED Green Associate.

For those intending to be employed in the construction field and want to embrace sustainable energy the LEED Green Associate designation is perfect. It denotes that its holder has a broad knowledge of the sustainable construction field, and that they understand the LEED rating system. Being designated a GA gives an employee the ability to interact with technical professionals and understand a project's progress.

This designation announces that the candidate can be a valuable contributor to any project team in a sustainable building project. So while this credential is clearly valuable standing on its own, it can also be the first leg in attaining a more technical LEED AP+ designation in a specific area of building.

LEED AP designations can be earned in one of five specialties. Far more technical that the Green Associate, a holder of this credential is qualified to lead a sustainable construction project and interact will all levels of professionals involved in the project.

As old buildings require big remodels, as small spaces need expanding, and as new buildings are being constructed any LEED AP+ professional can be invaluable to the property owner. An accredited professional is poised to offer ideas to improve energy and water use, operational efficiencies, and keep material costs down all of which contribute to a project's success.

As building projects consider energy use and climate shifts the specialist offers ideas to get a construction project's current requirements with its needs for the future. By retrofitting existing buildings with green solutions and of course fitting these same solutions into new construction the accredited professional can actually save a lot of money for developers and land owners over the long haul.