The concept of 'System' explained.

A system is set of components having relation to each other. Broadly, a system can be defines as a set of coherent set of inter-dependant components which exist for some purpose, has stability and has a utility as a whole. The term was popularised since its use in Bertalanffy’s General Systems Theory (GST) and is used to refer specifically to self-regulating systems, that is, the systems which are self correcting through feedback. We are surrounded by systems, which are self-regulating, found in nature including the physiological systems in our body, in local and global eco-systems and in climate. All the systems around us are collection of components which on closer examination appear to be inter-related. Systems theory or systems thinking attempts to study the generic features of all the systems we have around us. For example, Organisational systems theory is the application of concept of systems to the understanding of organisations.

Systems comprise of the following components:

One or more operational processes or mechanisms of transformations

One or more sets of inputs and outputs from agents and

One or more control processes.

The inputs to the systems are the resources from the agents in the environments which can even be other systems. The outputs are the things it supplies back to the agents. The physical flows are the flow of physical or material things which it supplies to and from the environments around it such as plant, machinery, goods etc. There will also be flow of information with the physical flow. Information is defined as what is currently happening in a system, what has happened in the past and what is likely to happen in the future. Processes represent the dynamic and flexible elements of a system. Process is a mechanism of transformation. It consists of an inter-connected set of actions or behaviours required to convert some inputs into some outputs. There are two major processes inside a systems; Operational processes and control processes. Operational process are set to achieve the defined purpose of the system while as control processes maintain the behaviour of the operational processes in desired directions. Control processes ensure continuity through time. They maintain the identity and viability of the system in terms of changes in the environment. Control can be viewed as a system that steers the behaviour of the other operating sub-system. Its is exercised over a system usually through some sort of feedback. Outputs are analysed and fed back to the system to obtain desired outputs. The feedback can either be positive or negative. Though control is exercised primarily thorough a negative feedback sometimes referred to as balancing loop. It monitors the outputs and compares them with the defined levels of outputs. If the outputs vary, the monitoring sub-system initiates an action that reduces the variations. Regulation is also an important aspect of control, it ensures control gets the system back to stability after any disturbance. Adaptation is also very important in a system so that a system adapts to the external environment. There are sub-systems is a coherent part of a system. We can view a systems consists of various levels and even level representing a separate system. The environment and the process which runs a system can itself be treated as a system. To ensure a system is performing at a desired level, there are three measures to do that; efficacy, efficiency and effectiveness sometimes referred to a three E’s.

Lend a helping hand... Support JAPAN

Support JAPAN... Support Humanity...

DONATE to any of the following charities to help in rehabilation of the grief-striken Japanese people.

Donate to American Red Cross

Donate to Mercy Corps: Help Survivors of Japan's Earthquake

Donate to the Japan Earthquake Tsunami Children in Emergency Fund

God bless you...

Job Prospects... Its all about discovering the real You!

Well, 'Job-Prospects' has always been an interesting topic for the students of the Indian sub-continent to debate on. Students across the globe usually give consideration to the course content, their interests and their awareness about the subject before finally taking it up for a masters or a higher degree; but that isn't the case with students of the sub-continent. They generally look into the job-prospects of the course and the university before giving it a final thought! Some realize that its always a better choice to go with your interests.
Although, the global meltdown had a strong impact on world economies; the key ingredient of getting a job still lies with the student; The job seeker. It's all about being proactive; putting yourself up to the employer's expectations, delivering what he expects from you and most importantly discovering the real You! You should never think of getting a job if you don't deserve it. Make yourself the worthy candidate. Know your strengths and overcome your weaknesses. Work hard, even harder.
The thought of getting a job after completing masters haunts all freshers alike. But, the need of the hour is to focus on what you are studying? Giving it your best, honing your skills and ultimately making yourself ready for the job market. It obviously depends on your own talents, skills and expertise. The British system is very different to the Indian. They expect students to be much more pro-active and resilient to cope-up with a completely different working environment. So, as long as you want to study considering the fact that UK provides world-class education coupled with high-class university infrastructure? at the moment, getting a job shouldn't be something to worry about!! Everything is changing and changing rapidly!

Focus and the world is yours!!!

Help in Selecting a University...

Are you planning to Study Abroad?

Are you confused because of too many Universities to choose from?

If your answer to any of the above questions is YES... Then

You are at the right place...

Post your query in the comments field and let our team of Professionals resolve your queries and that too without any cost... For FREE!!!

Best of Luck...

How to write a Statement of Purpose / Personal Statement OR Letter of Recommendation?

I have been going through the dilemma of how to help students overcome their inability of writing a Statement of Purpose - SOP or Personal Statement on their own without copying or taking lines from an already written statement. I have seen a strange inability of students of the sub-continent especially Indian students (Not all though!!) to write a statement using their abilities and presumably less developed art of writing. I have seen students requesting SOPs and Letters of Recommendation - LORs all over the internet communities especially created for the purpose on Orkut, Facebook and so many other social-networking websites. If you are one among them? All I can say is, BEWARE!!!

Requesting someone else's written Statement of Purpose is not going to help you in anyway. To get a Letter of Recommendation you should get in touch with your college professor or your employer who knows you pretty well and can assess you for leadership traits, tactical aptitude, communication skills or whatever they and you feel is essential for the admission tutors to know about you. Copying what somebody else has written can adversely affect your application and may sometimes even lead rejection of your application. So be cautious!

Writing a Statement of Purpose or a Personal Statement may seem a daunting and hard task initially but remember copying never works. You can start writing a personal statement by first summing up all what your have achieved academically, by participating in extra curricular activities, what your hobbies and interests are? and then trying to make a connecting between all what you have achieved and what you want to achieve? A Statement of Purpose is your only chance to tell the universities and colleges you have chosen why you are applying and why they should want you as a student. A good personal statement is important as it could persuade an admission tutor to offer you a place. Hiding facts and dishonesty must be avoided at all costs.

You may not be too good at English to write an impressive Personal Statement but you should try your best to transfer your thoughts from mind to the paper and then ask your tutor, friend or anybody who is good at English to go through your statement and correct it for any grammatical mistakes and make it sound unambiguous (Ambiguity kills the essence of thought!). You will then appreciate your hard work and and will definitely feel proud of your accomplishment which you otherwise won't have been able to if you had copied someone else's work.

Learn to stand on your own only then you can help others to stand. 
BE THE CHANGE...
Best of Luck

How to select a University in UK for MBA and other allied courses???

The LOCAM - Good University Guide Part-I

Choosing a good university is a pretty tough task but if you know yourself well (Your strengths and interess, I mean), it's as easy as 1 2 3...

People generally consider AMBA Accredition, but isn't the only good thing; AMBA regulates the policies of universities pertaining to admission, course content, assessment methods so on and so forth.. but if you want to assess a university in UK in terms of teaching quality, student satisfaction and research excellence, there is a lot to consider then.

If you have some work-experience, you can get into some very good universities (All AMBA Universities require at least two years managerial work experience and some require GMAT scores also). Practically, considering finance, job prospects, admissions requirements and all that, you need to consider a lot...

To select a good university, you have many sources of information. But, initially I would recommend you to check the UK Government's Research Assessment Exercise - RAE. The primary purpose of the RAE is to produce quality profiles for each submission of research activity made by institutions. Based on the assessment of University's research works submitted to the RAE panel, Universities are ranked in each subject category. RAE in my opinion is the most authentic assessment of universities in the UK as it's a government done job and they won't want to mislead first their own students and then international students, off-course. Go to RAE official website, (http://www.rae.ac.uk/) put in the name of your proposed University and it will show the RAE assessment report. If you want to check the subject rankings go to http://www.guardian.co.uk/education/page/subject/rae2008 and select the subject.

Another good source of checking the ranking of UK universities are the league tables published by UK based newspapers such as The Times and The Guardian etc.

I prefer consulting the Times League Table (Good University Guide) located at http://extras.timesonline.co.uk/tol_gug/gooduniversityguide.php. The table shows the general rankings, but if you want to check the subject rankings, type in your subject in the "Choose Subject" field and click Search.

Another good thing to consider is The Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) - QAA checks how UK universities maintain their own academic standards and quality. They review and report on how Universities in UK meet their responsibilities, identify good practice and make recommendations for improvement. QAA also publishes guidelines to help UK universities and colleges develop effective systems to ensure students have the best learning experience. Access QAA website at http://www.qaa.ac.uk/.

I would like to advice you, don't go into what the people say in general. Do what is authenticated by people who are known for excellence in their fields. That way, you would never regret whatever you do in life.

Hope that helps.

Best of luck.

P.S: Do post your Comments...

HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!

IELTS - An Introduction

Well, to begin with, let us first have a clearer picture of what IELTS is really all about?

IELTS tests are held in over 500 centres with tests up to four times a month. IELTS respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality

You can choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale.

To help you prepare, IELTS provides samples and practice tests. The test covers the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. You are not limited in how many times you can sit the test.

You can trust the quality and security of IELTS because it is managed by three reputable, international organisations: British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).

IELTS tests all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.

Research shows that IELTS motivates test-takers to develop real and well-rounded English rather than learning by rote. This means your understanding of English is improved and valid for real life in an English-speaking country.

IELTS is owned by three reputable, international organisations. It has the highest quality control and security procedures. More than 6000 organisations, including many government departments and universities, rely on IELTS. The IELTS scoring system is recognised globally, giving you a truly international result.

IELTS is available in two test formats:
Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.

Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test centre, the Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts. See below for a diagram of the test format.

Academic – Institutions of Higher and Further Education
The Academic format is for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.

General Training – for school, work or migration
The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

Check with your organisation
You must check with your institution or organisation which test format it requires. You may also find this information on the IELTS Global Recognition System.

The IELTS nine (9) band score system grades scores consistently. It is secure, benchmarked and understood worldwide. Test materials are designed carefully so that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty.

IELTS Examiners are fully qualified and follow the IELTS standardised testing around the world. IELTS has a quality-controlled system of recruitment, training, benchmarking, certification and monitoring. IELTS markers are regularly monitored and tested every two years to retain their certification.

Our test centres are managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia or by independent organisations that meet strict standards of quality, security and customer service.

The free IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service enables universities and employers to authenticate test report forms and safeguards against fraudulent report forms.

If you have a disability or condition which might require special arrangements, you should discuss it with your test centre as soon as possible. Each case is considered individually and you will need a medical certificate. Test centres need three months to put arrangements into place.

Special arrangements include the following:
1. Enlarged print and Brailled test papers, an amanuensis to write answers, a Braille word-processor – for those with visual difficulties.

2. Special amplification equipment, lip-reading version of the Listening module – for those with hearing difficulties.

3. Extra time for the Reading and Writing modules, use of a word processor – for those with learning difficulties (eg dyslexia).

IELTS - Introduction

Well, to begin with, let us first have a clearer picture of what IELTS is really all about?

IELTS tests are held in over 500 centres with tests up to four times a month. IELTS respects international diversity and is fair to anyone who sits the test, regardless of nationality

You can choose from two types of IELTS test: Academic or General Training, depending on whether you want to study, work or migrate. Both modules are made up of four parts – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. IELTS results are graded on the unique IELTS 9-band scale.

To help you prepare, IELTS provides samples and practice tests. The test covers the full range of ability from non-user to expert user. You are not limited in how many times you can sit the test.

You can trust the quality and security of IELTS because it is managed by three reputable, international organisations: British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia and the University of Cambridge ESOL Examinations (Cambridge ESOL).

So, if you want to go abroad to study, you need to take the Academic IELTS else if you are migrating, you have to take the General IELTS.

IELTS tests all four language skills – Listening, Reading, Writing and Speaking. The Speaking test is a face-to-face interview with a certified Examiner. It is interactive and as close to a real-life situation as a test can get.

Research shows that IELTS motivates test-takers to develop real and well-rounded English rather than learning by rote. This means your understanding of English is improved and valid for real life in an English-speaking country.

IELTS is owned by three reputable, international organisations. It has the highest quality control and security procedures. More than 6000 organisations, including many government departments and universities, rely on IELTS. The IELTS scoring system is recognised globally, giving you a truly international result.


IELTS is available in two test formats:
Academic or General Training. All candidates take the same Listening and Speaking modules but different Reading and Writing modules.

Listening, Reading and Writing must be completed in one day. Depending on your test centre, the Speaking test may be offered on the same day or up to a week before or after the other parts. See below for a diagram of the test format.


Academic – Institutions of Higher and Further Education
The Academic format is for those who want to study or train in an English-speaking university or Institutions of Higher and Further Education. Admission to undergraduate and postgraduate courses is based on the results of the Academic test.

General Training – for school, work or migration
The General Training format focuses on basic survival skills in broad social and workplace contexts. It is for those who are going to English-speaking countries to do secondary education, work experience or training programs. People migrating to Australia, Canada and New Zealand must sit the General Training test.

Check with your organisation
You must check with your institution or organisation which test format it requires. You may also find this information on the IELTS Global Recognition System.


The IELTS nine (9) band score system grades scores consistently. It is secure, benchmarked and understood worldwide. Test materials are designed carefully so that every version of the test is of a comparable level of difficulty.

IELTS Examiners are fully qualified and follow the IELTS standardised testing around the world. IELTS has a quality-controlled system of recruitment, training, benchmarking, certification and monitoring. IELTS markers are regularly monitored and tested every two years to retain their certification.

Our test centres are managed by the British Council, IDP:IELTS Australia or by independent organisations that meet strict standards of quality, security and customer service.

The free IELTS Test Report Form Verification Service enables universities and employers to authenticate test report forms and safeguards against fraudulent report forms.

LOCAM - OANDA GBP to INR Currency Converter

Hey friends!

With just one day remaining for our IELTS Classes, I found a nice tool and decided to post it here so that my dear readers might find it helpful.

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE TOOL

Using this tool, you can convert GBR - Great British Pound to INR - Indian National Rupee and vice-versa at current average market rates. Hence, you can calculate the amount of money in INR you have to pay to a Brtitish Univeristy if you are applying to study there..

I hope you find it useful..

Do post your feedback...

Welcome to IELTS Test Preparation

Hi! all
I am Aadil, your online tutor here. At LOCAM IELTS test preparation, I only have one goal that's to help you achieve IELTS success. When it comes to IELTS success, I assure you, this course is the best and most effective. I'm confident that this course can help you achieve your desired IELTS success. Take the time, evaluate your skills and if you think you need guidance to enhance your skills, enroll for my FREE IELTS classes now!!

I'll be starting my first IELTS introductory lesson on 29th December, 2009. So be ready to know your true value and to embrace success.

I look forward to welcoming you in my "IELTS Success" course.

Take Care.

IELTS Essay: Topic: Computers instead of teachers - 8 Bands

As computers are being used more and more in education, there will be soon no role for teachers in the classroom.

There is no doubt that education and the learning process has changed since the introduction of computers: The search for information has become easier and amusing, and connectivity has expedited the data availability. Though expert systems have made computers more intelligent, they have not yet become a substitute of the human interaction in the learning process. In my opinion; what can be expected, is a change of the teacher's role but not their disappearance from the classroom.

Nobody can argue that the acquisition of knowledge is more fun and easier with computers. The mere activity of touching and exploring this device constitutes an enjoyable task for a kid. This, accompanied with the relaxing attitude and software interactivity, usually conduce to a better grasping of new knowledge. At a higher educational level; the availability of digital books, simulator and other academic materials, provide the student with an ever accessible source of information, that otherwise would not be at hand.

But, besides the increasing complexity and behavior of intelligent software, which is usually embedded in the academic digital material, the need of human interaction in the learning process will always be present, at least in the foreseeable future. There is the necessity for a human being to be able to determine what the specific needs of each individual are. The expertise of a teacher in how to explain and adapt complex concepts to different individuals can hardly be mimicked by a computer, no matter how sophisticated its software is.

As computers are becoming a common tool for teaching, teachers should be more aware of their role as guides in the acquisition of knowledge rather than transmitters of facts. They have to be open minded to the changes that are taking places, keep updated and serve as a problem solvers in the learning process, thus allowing students to discover the fact for themselves.

To summarize, in my personal view, teachers play and will play an important role in the classroom, especially at the primary level. No matter how complex computers become, there will be no replacement for the human interaction, but in the way haw thisinteraction takes place.

An IELTS 8 Bands Letter

You successfully passed a job interview. You are expected to start on November 15, but you will not be available on that date.
Task: Write a letter to your new boss, explaining your situation, expressing your concern and suggesting solution.

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am Aadil Mukhtar and I have recently passed a job interview for the Software Engineer position at the Software Infrastructure group. I was expected to start on November 15, as agreed, and am writing because unfortunately I will not be able to present myself on that date.

During the interview I estimated fifteen days as the amount of time needed for me to finish my activities at my current job and start at your company, but due to fact that I got sick for the last whole week and was not able to work, I could not finish my tasks and will need another week to do so. If necessary, I can give you a copy of a letter from my doctor informing that I had to stay at home and under medical care during that week.

I really apologize for the inconvenience and expect it not to affect our relationship. Should I present any other form of proof or talk to someone else at the company, please let me know.

Faithfully yours,
Aadil

CAUTION: PUBLIC NOTICE from IELTSIDPIndia:Planet EDU

This notice is issued in the interest of all candidates who are preparing to take the IELTS test.

It has come to our notice that some unscrupulous person/s are offering false and fabricated IELTS question and answer papers for sale. We also understand that huge amounts of money is being charged claiming to get the candidates the required IELTS band without a passport.

Anyone who is approached with such offers should immediately report it to the local police and ethicsofficer@ieltsidpindia.com in complete confidence.

Tel: 0124 4684800

Signed CEO
Planet EDU
Date: 02/07/09

Source: http://www.ieltsidpindia.com/

So, dear friends, be cautious in deciding what you decide!!!

IELTS - FREE online classes - Target Band 8 Score

IELTS, the International English Language Testing System, is designed to assess the language ability of candidates who need to study or work where English is used as the language of communication. It covers the four language skills – listening, reading, writing and speaking.
IELTS has two modules: General Training and Academic. The General Training module is usually taken by people who want to emigrate, and the Academic module is taken by people who want to study abroad. It is essential that you check with the receiving country or institution to find out which module you need to take. It is your responsibility to choose the right module.

PURPOSE OF IELTS
If you're planning to go abroad, to undertake further study, to undertake non-academic training or work experience, to emigrate or if you simply want to test your real English ability, then IELTS, the test of real English communicative ability, will ensure that you have the right level of English for your needs.
(SOURCE: British Council Website)
-------

I am trying to initiate a way of imparting education through a more reliable and user friendly way - that's online. To start online classes for IELTS - we need at least 50 students to enroll in the program. As soon as we have numbers we shall start our classes wherein we'll cover all four modules of the IELTS test.
SO, don't wait... be the leader... SIGN-UP NOW


-------