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A redundancy-based security model for smart home
Get PDFRecent developments in smart devices, Cloud Computing and Internet of Things (IoT) are introducing network of intelligent devices. These intelligent devices can be used to develop smart home network. The home appliance in a smart home forms an ad-hoc network. A smart home network architecture can be exploited by compromising the devices it is made up of. Various malicious activities can be performed through such exploitation. This paper presents a security approach to combat this. By using a collaborative and redundant security approach, the ad-hoc network of a smart home would be able to prevent malicious exploitation. The security approach discussed in this paper is a conceptual representation on the proposed security model for smart home networks
Changes in pain and nutritional intake modulate ultra-running performance: A case report
Get PDFUltra-endurance running provides numerous physiological, psychological, and nutritional challenges to the athlete and supporting practitioners. We describe the changes in physiological status, psychological condition, and nutritional intake over the course of two 100-mile running races, with differing outcomes: non-completion and completion. Athlete perception of pain, freshness, and motivation differed between events, independent of rating of perceived exertion. Our data suggest that the integration of multiple sensations (freshness, motivation, hunger, pain, and thirst) produce performance. Increases in carbohydrate feeding (+5 g·h −1) and protein intake (+0.3 g·kg −1) also likely contributed to successful completion of a 100-mile race, by reducing the fractional utilization of maximal oxygen uptake and satiating hunger, respectively. Nutritional data support the notion that the gut is a trainable, and critical organ with respect to ultra-endurance performance. Finally, we propose future research to investigate the rate at which peak feeding occurs throughout ultra-endurance events, as this may further serve to personalize sports nutrition strategies
Analysis and optimization of distribution logistics for Just Water Company
Get PDFThis report details the various factors that affect the operational efficiency of distribution logistics. The research aimed at studying the existing components involved in the distribution logistics of Just Water. Distribution logistics begins at the end of the production line where the finished product is emerged until it reaches the
customers. The literature review explains the key components of distribution logistics in an organisation. This research analyses the existing components of the distribution logistics of Just Water and discusses possible improvements that can be adapted to increase the overall efficiency of the distribution logistics operation.
The background of the research is that Just Water faces difficulty with delivering its products on time during peak seasons. The research tries to unveil the reason for this delay and finds that the demands for extra water-out deliveries are interfering with the normal runs of the trucks, therein delaying their regular schedule. One another cause was found to be the shortage of supplies due to slow or less return logistics. The research suggests a change in the existing drop shipping distribution model and recommends the adaptation of intermediary or multi-stage distribution networks, possibly the ‘Last Mile Delivery’ configuration in order to reduce delivery lead-time, reduce transportation costs and improve customer satisfaction
Safety culture at a local organisation
Get PDFNew Zealand is facing a serious issue each week, there are 16 loved ones who cannot go home due to occupational health and safety related accidents and diseases; each year, on average we lose 600-900 people to workplace health and safety related incidents and illnesses. This shows that businesses have not been taking health and safety as seriously as they should have been, often at the cost of their own human capital. Therefore, this research project aims to prevent this from happening at a Local Organisation through the identification of the organisation’s current state of safety culture, the identification of changes needed to be made in order to improve their safety culture, and suggestions of how to sustain those changes so that the Local Organisation could accomplish a strong and sustainable safety culture that is beyond compliance within five years’ time. The method of data collection utilised to achieve this research aim was interviews with the staff members of the organisation. Tentative results from the analysis of the data gathered from the interviews at this stage indicate that the Local Organisation has signs of weak safety culture that are correlated to the values they have adopted, and basic assumptions held by the members of the organisation. To improve this situation, the implementation of a five-year safety culture change plan is recommended
Training methods used at Harvey Norman
Get PDFIn today’s highly competitive retail world, identifying the experts, striving for performance and prospering skills are essential components needed to succeed. However, many organisations struggle to bring constructive approaches to work. Retail companies’ big or small, depend upon their sales representatives’ knowledge and skills for making or breaking a deal and whether a customer would return or not. The employees of an organisation can be an asset or a liability and because they are also human, they are bound to have good and bad moods, a possibility of forgetting things and making mistakes. This research was conducted to examine the methods used by Harvey Norman (Hamilton) to train their employees and the effects of training on the employee performance and the company’s output.
The researcher used qualitative research methods to collect primary data. The manager and Harvey Norman (Hamilton) sales representatives were interviewed to evaluate the importance and need of the training, the training methods used by the organisation and how they affect employee performance and the brand image.
The results depict the significance of correct training techniques and their impact on selling skills, and also the knowledge gained from training by the sales representatives of Harvey Norman and its impact on other necessary activities of a retail business. Information was collected from primary sources that tell about the methods of training being used in Harvey Norman. It was found that even though managers are aware of the significance of the employee training, there are certain changes that can be made to make the training programmes better and more efficient.
Therefore, recommendations are given for future modifications in training techniques. Such as, it is important that not just the managers, but employees as well, understand the importance of the training and why is it required. Managers need to identify gaps in what is demanded by the job profile, and where the employees really stand, and how they can fill that gap by giving a proper training about knowledge and techniques. The managers need to identify the learning style of each individual in order to use a correct method of training, and let their employees be creative in using that knowledge and ideas to perform better. Most importantly, the training of the employees of Harvey Norman (Hamilton) has to be a steady process as knowledge and growth comes only with continuous effort
The emerging role of inventory management in small restaurants: Developing an effective inventory management system for a small pizza shop
Get PDFThe inventory management system is foremost in each association; particularly such associations who supply goods in advance for trade to consumers. This study project is determined on the place of work of the researcher, “Poppas Pizza.” The study is limited to learning the inventory management system of “Poppas Pizza”, classifying the limitations of the inventory system of the shop, and recommending solutions to progress the inventory management system of the shop. The entire research is dependent on the qualitative technique involving the personal observations of the researcher and, furthermore, with carrying out discussions with the shop director to identify information about these weaknesses.
The study found weaknesses of the shop through learning the present inventory management system of the shop, and suggestions has been completed to progress the technique. The suggestions were completed through the previous studies and from the interviews
Volunteers: How to recruit and retain them?
Get PDFThis research aspires to discuss and analyse the current system of recruiting and retaining volunteers in the events industry, and a comparison with the volunteer programme model existing in H3 Group.
The method chosen for this research is qualitative, as the research includes interviews. In order to get a better understanding, interviews are going to be held with people who are part of the industry and have extensive knowledge of this matter. In addition, with the purpose knowing another perspective, two people will be interviewed who habitually participate in activities as volunteers for H3 Group, specifically for sports events in FMG Stadium.
The results obtained basically indicate that there is a difference between the information given by the person in charge of the volunteer program of H3 Group, and the perception that the volunteers had about their personal experience of volunteering for the matches held by the Rugby League World Cup in November last year.
The difference occurs mainly because according to the information provided by H3 Group, the volunteer programme includes a whole complete process, and the staff is always making sure that the volunteers feel comfortable and confident about what are they tasks. On the other hand, the volunteers think that the assigned task was not of great importance and that many times they got bored because they had nothing to do. Also, they did not receive any feedback on their performance, so they were not sure if what they did was good or not
An analysis of delivery services at Hell Pizza
Get PDFThe main purpose of this research is to study the delivery problem of Hell Pizza, Dinsdale, Hamilton. This research will help the organisation to improve delivery patterns and overcome delivery problems faced in Hell Pizza. Various methods should be used to overcome these problems as the delivery pattern is completely different from other pizza shops. For this research, qualitative methods were used. Data was obtained from staff and the franchise owner. How to retain customers and achieve customer satisfaction is an important aspect of the research. Time management is an important factor for delivery drivers at Hell Pizza. Efficient food delivery can help in increasing sales and retain customers. Providing free delivery for orders above $70 can make customers happy. The introduction of special promotions of free delivery on nonpeak days can help increase sales and delivery orders. The other recommendation is employing new staff who are experienced in the food industry and planning the staff roster in advance
“Can I use what I learnt at work?” Accounting education-practice gap
Get PDFApproaching graduation, the first question for every student is “Will I be able to find a job?” If they find a job, the next question will properly be “Can I perform well at work” This research investigated whether students can use what they have learned when they start work, whether there is a gap, and what gap exists between accounting education and the requirements of practice. This study aims to identify the gap of expectation, skill obtained and skills required between student and practitioners’ point of view. This will provide information to students on what areas should they be paying attention to during study, and inform educators on where gaps exist, and brief employers on areas a graduate of accounting education may lack, so focused training can be provided.
A questionnaire was designed using free survey tool Qualtrics. Questions were adapted from four different sources. The survey was sent to a Wintec CBITE accounting tutor. With their consent and permission, the survey link was posted onto a Moodle page to share with Wintec CBITE students. The researcher then collected data though Qualtrics. Analysis was done though Excel. A table was created for each question. Some answers were modified to match the literature’s format of presenting their result to show a fairer and equal comparison.
The researcher received a total of 26 responses.,20 of which were from accounting major students. However, only 15 out of the 20 had completed the whole questionnaire. Comparison of the results gained from this study contrast with the literature. Conclusions and recommendations are still to be made
Comprehensive learning incorporating Ako: A tertiary education approach at Wintec
Get PDFThis article outlines the design and implementation of a scenario-based approach to teaching and learning in tertiary education, inspired from Ako, adopted at the Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec). This learning approach, titled ‘Comprehensive Learning (CL)’, aligns with the holistic objective of enabling students with an active, flexible, personalised, authentic and practical approach to learning that builds upon students’ interests and experiences. The article explains the motivation and the process used in creating and applying this approach to teach some of the IT and Business modules. The main reason to implement this approach is to encourage/enable critical thinking while learning in a continuous and personalised manner. CL allows students to specialize in a context of their choice, which in turn induces learning. In addition, students are less motivated to plagiarize due to the unique nature of their scenarios, and inherent safeguards present within the approach