Submitted my paper

I managed to get my academic paper submitted on Friday 12th for the due date. I placed it in J. Nash's pigeon hole for formative assessment.

RFID in Retail

Radio frequency identification has been widely used in industry for many years; it has improved automation at different stages of manufacture but is it suitable to introduce this technology into the retail environment?

IT reseller (2006) explains “RFID — radio frequency identification — already is demonstrating measurable results that have the potential to transform how business is conducted for both retailers and their suppliers. Benefits include reduced labour costs, simplified business processes, improved inventory control, increased sales and reduced shrinkage.”

This technology has many benefits in business but the introduction of this has been hit with resistance. Many believe this system of identification can be too intrusive and restrict privacy. Introduction of RFID tags on individual products allow companies to monitor product trends and consumer habits, which may be information the customer my wish to keep private.

Brian (2007) states “companies like Wal-Mart and Target plan on using RFID tags on individual products which they can trace consumer's buying habits and other information consumer's wish to keep private. It was privacy issues that force Benetton to cease their pilot RFID system. They wanted to embed a tag in articles of clothing to stop theft, determine consumer buying habits and keep their inventory at an acceptable level. Privacy advocate groups such as the Consumers against Supermarket Privacy Invasion (CASPIAN) fight companies using RFID to track consumer behaviour. A study showed that up to 78% of America was against RFID based solely on privacy issues. It will be difficult for companies in the future to tag individual items without a public outcry without some form of protection for the public's privacy rights.”

Brian, F., 2007, Pros and Cons of RFID Technology [Online] Available at: <http://ezinearticles.com/?Pros-and-Cons-of-RFID-Technology&id=522015> [accessed 18/10/2010]

IT Reseller, 2006, RFID Technology In Retail [online] Available at: <http://www.itrportal.com/absolutenm/templates/article-barcode.aspx?articleid=35&zoneid=11> [accessed 18/10/2010]

Reflection of my Learning Style.

                I have always been sceptical of all personality questionnaires, although they are based on scientific studies I believe they can be skewed by many different stimuli at the time of taking the test. Saying this, I have attempted both the VARK questionnaire and the Memletics Learning Styles Inventory with an open mind in the attempt to provide myself with some direction to improve my studies.

VARK Questionnaire.

                The results of this test show that I am multimodal in my learning style. I ended up running this test twice (one paper-based and one internet based) just to make sure that I didn’t have any preferences towards any particular learning style but no, both tests came back even across all aspects of VARK.

                I believe that this could benefit me in my learning because being multimodal I can adjust my style to what the situation requires. I must confess these results have surprised me.

I have always been exposed to “on the job” training and I would have thought a kinaesthetic style would have become more prominent in the results. I still believe this is to be my preferred choice in studying style but I understand that I should not limit myself just to this one approach.

                Looking at the results I can’t help feel frustrated that I had no clear learning style to focus on. From this I must establish my own learning style drawn from all aspects of VARK taking on what engages me most and finding better ways to learn from those that don’t.

Memletics learning Style Inventory.

                Of the two tests, I found this to be more thorough and ultimately more helpful in defining where I should focus my learning style.

Before taking the test I indicated where I though my strengths and weaknesses fell on the graph above (RED). As you can see I believed I was very logical adopting a physical approach and believed I was happier working solo.

                Although the results (GREEN) came back generally average (similar to the VARK Questionnaire) it is easy to identify where my strengths lie. Contrary to how I felt, social working and aural study are a greater influence than I expected where as logic remained consistent. My biggest surprise was my solitary score, less than half the score I thought it to be, it shows that I may actually be more receptive to outside support than I first thought.

                From these tests it is clear that I should focus my efforts logical, planning my time were ever possible and absorb whatever information visually or written to achieve my goals.

Reflection on my SWOT analysis

                Looking back at my SWOT I can’t help feel that with all the weaknesses I have, is it even possible for me to achieve the standard that I expect in myself. I decided well before I entered this course I would do the best I could, this attitude has not changed but this analysis has shown me that it is not just the course that requires my concentration and effort. I must conquer my own failings before I can move forward to be the best I can.

I must not be too critical on myself though, identifying where my strengths lie has also been an eye opener. I know that I can use the experiences I have developed over the years of full time work, my ability to see deeper into things and my logical thinking to improve my standings in this experience with a hope that I may be able to remove some of my weaknesses from this list.

                Looking towards the future, this experience can only be beneficial to me. Any outcome from this will develop me not only academically but also me as a person. Even when circumstances threaten to block my progress I must learn to confront, and surpass them.

My learning Line

SWOT Analysis

STRENGTHS

Planning
I plan for as many outcomes as possible that I have control over

Concentration
Once my mind is focused on a goal I will try my best to achieve it

Salesmanship
Working in retail for 7 years has given me opportunities to work with customers across various product ranges on a one to one basis

Social
Always up for social events with my mates

Logical/Methodical
I take thinks one step at a time trying to take the most efficient approach to the challenge

Technical knowledge
Easily able to grasp how technology works

Hard Working
Will always work as hard as I can

Flexible
Willing to change my plans where possible to suit the needs of the situation


WEAKNESSES

Poor handwriting skills
My handwriting skills never fully developed although remain legible, because of this
I prefer to type most documents

Liable to procrastinate
In the past I have missed homework assignments, missed deadlines because “I had better things to do”

People skills
I can find it hard to relate to people at first, and can appear closed off

Easy to provoke
I can be drawn in to arguments easily and always prepared to voice my opinion

Left handed
Being left handed I have had to adjust to a world build for right handed people and small things like not being able to cut a piece of paper in a straight line due to the scissors is frustrating

OPPORTUNITIES

New career
On completion of this course I will have access to a new tier of working environment not only in engineering but many other industries

Enhance knowledge base
I will be exposed to a greater understanding of the engineering field

Personal development
I hope to overcome some of my weaknesses and become a stronger person from this experience

Further academic progression
The ability to progress my education further to a Masters Degree level

THREATS

Failing to complete work set
Without the repetition of personal study time I could find myself failing to achieve

Work requirements
While working alongside this course in an uncommon sector I may be distracted from my priorities

Economical
Personal circumstances may change to the point where I may not complete this course

First Of Many?

This I suppose is where it will all start; not being someone who is usually involved in this sort of blogging scene I can see this being quite a challenge.

While spending the first hour playing around with the various background colours and putting a fish tank on my main screen (really cool by the way) I realised that the main content of a blog is actually the text, usually a critique about some 2 star Michelin restaurant who served cold soup with suspicious croutons floating around in it. Although I could complain about a hotel I once stayed in that smelt like a cabbage patch, I have no real capacity for complaining. Life is good taking it one day at a time you get through it and that’s the ultimate goal isn’t it?

Anyways the reason I have this blog and ultimately why I’m sitting here with a coffee (just watched the new go compare advert, it made me chuckle) typing away is to remain in contact with my engineering group at uni and to help keep a record of my learning and experiences over the next few years. (Is it just me or has the standard of music on Kerrang! and Scuzz dropped as of recent?) I suppose I should sign off and call it a day with this blog, catch you’s later.
Random Specimen.