Updated PDP

Personal Development Plan

My Current State

Strengths

·         Optimistic

·         Good time management

·         Communicate well with others

Weaknesses

·         Hard to step outside comfort zone

·         Lack initiative.  Too much planning but no action.

·         Not assertive enough

Focus Areas

·         Develop more self confidence and courage

·         Learn to be more assertive

My Desired State

Ability to talk and act confidently regardless of what the situation or who I am talking to.  Not afraid to voice out my ideas and opinions and willing to try new things and take some risks.  Always look for new opportunities rather than walk the common path.  Look for positives in any circumstances and make the best out of un-favorable situations.

Post 15: Entrepreneurship

The career plan that I have been looking at for awhile is being involved in research and development for a company I enjoy.  The thing that would make this more enjoyable is if I was able to work on projects that really interest me.  In the past I have worked on research projects that I both care a lot about and also ones that I didn't care a lot about.  I could tell that if I worked on a project that interests me, I put a lot more time into it and the end result was much better.

If I had to choose a path to go about my research and development career, I believe I would want to be an entrepreneur.  After learning the difference between a businessman and an entrepreneur it seems the quality of life for an entrepreneur would be much better.  I get the sense that I can work my own hours and have a lot less stress when working on a project.  It is also huge for me to have time to spend with family since I planned to have a pretty large family.  I want to be happy when I go to work because this makes for better productivity and an overall well being at the workplace.  It seems to me that a businessman would not be as excited to work as an entrepreneur would be.

One area that I would have to improve on to be an entrepreneur is the "risk taker" quality.  I have in the past been a more "safe" type of guy.  I know that taking risks can result in higher rewards but I've been that type of person that doesn't want to risk a lot.  Another area that I would have to work on is being the person that takes charge of the situation.  I have always been the guy who just contributes to other ideas because I tend to go unheard when I give my opinion.  I have became better at these two areas throughout the past couple years but I still got a ways to go in order to become a successful entrepreneur

I do not necessarily believe that entrepreneurship is just about starting a business.  I believe it is taking pre-existing ideas and innovating them.  This is why I think I'm more of an entrepreneur.  I love takeing ideas that I already know, and think about ways to make it better.  I think that starting a business would be a good way if they are starting it for the right reasons.  It shouldn't be solely to make money, but help improve lives of others for the good.  I much rather work on something that I strongly believe in instead of working to make a lot of money.

As the world changes, I believe entrepreneurs would be able to adapt quicker than businessman.  They seem to be more open minded and able to use their ideas to overcome any obstacles that arise.

Looking at which type of person would find "happiness" all depends on the individual's view of "happiness."  It seems that people tend to get caught up to much in the view that happiness = money.  After talking to several people, including my parents, I can tell that happiness isn't solely dependant on money.  You have to love what you do even if you don't make a ton of money.  For me, I don't look at success by how much money I earn, but rather if I enjoy what I do.  This is why I believe entreprenuers will achieve more because they seem to live a happier life.

Post 14: Implementing a Lean Process

I decided to organize and clean our living room for my lean process.  The living room is always cluttered with garbage and other random items.  It also is not the cleanest area of the house so I took time to thoroughly clean every part of the room.  Also, the original set up we had with the furniture and TV made for a real disorganized area.  It wasn't the most comfortable set up and I thought we could open up a lot more space just by rearranging everything.

To begin the process I vacuumed and dusted the entire area.  This helped everyone have a cleaner sense of well being when we were all gathered in the living room.  After this was done I rearranged the furniture and TV in a way that it would open up more space.  Before, there was a lot of bumping into furniture and other people which got annoying and painful at times.  This new arrangement opened up space for everyone to sit comfortably.  I was able to wrap up and organize all the electronic cords so they weren't just laying randomly on the floor.  Our living room didn't have a light in it so I took two lamps that nobody was using and placed them in different areas of the room to promote better lighting so it wasn't so dark and dull in the room.

Overall, this all helped me and the other roommates understand that a little work can drastically improve certain situations.  There is a better sense of well being when relaxing in the living room.  It is much cleaner and better organized which makes it more enjoyable to be in the living room.

Post 13: Criteria for Evaluation

Criteria for Evaluation

Attendance
Participation
Communication
Enthusiasm
Professionalism
Task Accomplished
Contribution

Each person will be evaluated on a number scale by their individual contribution to each criteria

Post 12: 5S Process

I didn't realize it at the time but when we decided to rearrange our living room at our apartment, we used the 5S process.  The pictures make it difficult to see everything we did but it is a decent view of the general rearrangement.  Below are the phases of 5S and how we incorporated each phase into our living room rearrangement.

Sorting (Seiri):  We eliminated unwanted elements by going through all the electronics and papers that were scattered on top and side of the TV.  If it was not needed then it was thrown away or put somewhere else.

Straightening or setting in order/stabilize (Seiton):  Moving the TV and couches were necessary because the before set-up was not ideal.  It worked but it was too crowded and awkward at times.

Sweeping or shining or cleanliness/systematic cleaning (Seiso):  Large amounts of cleaning were performed in this rearrangement.  The carpets were vacuumed, the TV dusted, and coffee tables wiped down.

Standardizing (Seiketsu):  Certain jobs for the rearrangement was issued.  For example, one person would be in charge of moving the furniture while another was in charge of vacuuming the carpets.

Sustaining the discipline or self-discipline (Shitsuke):  After all is said and down, everyone understood that this new living room arrangement needs to be kept clean and organized, unlike how it was before.  

Before

After

Post 11: Quality Management

Quality Management In Scientific Research and Development

Advances in science have led to major improvements in people's lives but this is twinned with an increasing focus on the safety and efficacy of pharmaceuticals, devices, biologicals, agrochemicals and chemicals in humans, animals and the environment.

Quality management in scientific R&D has become an essential tool in ensuring that modern developments are implemented within a rigorous and robust quality framework.

Developed with BARQA, this unique MSc has been devised to meet increasing demand by the healthcare industry for senior quality management professionals.

This course will enable you to develop:
a solid foundation in regulatory requirements and standards
the skills needed to manage quality teams and systems
your ability to deliver quality results and business performance in a global environment.

The course is specifically designed to provide you with invaluable access to industry professionals and networking events - preparing you for exciting career development opportunities.

This MSc is divided into three parts:
a formal taught component comprising eight modules
an integrating portfolio
an individual research project.

http://www.cranfield.ac.uk/students/courses/page21126.html

Post 10: Specific Ethical Question

My field of interest is in Nanotechnology.  The ethical question I would like to address is whether a precautionary principle should be used in nanotechnology regulations.  Mainly how strict a precautionary principle should be.

"The Precautionary Principle demands the proactive introduction of protective measures in the face of possible risks, which science at present -- in the absence of knowledge -- can neither confirm nor reject."


In the realm of nanosciences, the normal laws of physics no longer apply.  At the level below 50 nanometers, materials have different properties than at larger scales.  There are uncertainties on how the materials will act at that level which may call for a regulation of technological advances in the nano scale.


Argument For Strict Regulation
The strongest version of the precautionary principle would be to require a product be 'proven to be safe' before it is introduced.

This version would require a burden of proof to those who wish to introduce a new technology.  They would need to prove without a doubt that the product is safe before it is introduced.

Argument for Less Strict Regulation
A weaker version would simply require evidence of safety.

This version allows the technology to be introduced unless they could be shown to be unsafe.

My Position
I believe there should be a less strict regulation in place for technological advances in nanoscience.  There is a lack of full scientific certainty in nanoscience but that shouldn't call for a strict regulation.  This would slow down the production and advances in the field.  The question "how much proof is necessary" is key.  How do you prove a product to be 100% safe? It's extremely difficult to think of any product that is 100% safe.

Citations

Wolf, Clark.  Case Study:  Nanotech Regulation and the Precautionary Priciple. Print.


http://www.crnano.org/precautionary.htm

http://multinationalmonitor.org/mm2004/09012004/september04corp2.html

Post 9: Final Project Title, Issue, and Action Plan

Topic - Solar Panels

Issues - Cost, Time, Feasibility (construction), benefits, maintenance

Actions - Phone calls, field trip, emailing companies

https://docs.google.com/document/d/1LX4YsdFecBCXgm5Ivi7N0UlS5IkzwsYhoEa9OKPjay0/edit?hl=en_US

Post 8: Ethical Question

Is it ethical for a physician to accept Wild tickets from a pharmaceutical rep to take her family to the game?


I believe this is ethical to accept the tickets if there is already a good relationship between the physician and the pharmaceutical rep.  Taking the tickets doesn't necessarily mean that the physician will go with the specific pharmaceutical company.  It all depends on the situation the tickets were given.  The tickets shouldn't be accepted if it is some sort of bribe.  If I had the opportunity, I would take up on the offer because I love free gifts and the Wild.  I would probably look more into the pharmaceutical company after receiving these tickets but not necessarily go with them if I didn't agree with their company.  I can see how this might be unethical because it wouldn't be fair for the other physicians and their families and also it would give that company an advantage over other companies.  This type of situation should be thoroughly analyzed before making a decision.  Even if you didn't accept the tickets though, there would still be that thought in the back of your head about the pharmaceutical company.  They already got their foot in the door by offering the tickets so why not just accept them.

Post 7: General Ethics

Nanoscience and Nanotechnology 

This is an index of links to Ethics and Nanotechnology resources on the web.  These resources are located outside of the Online Ethics Center.

  

• The Centre for Ethics and Technology
  (Web Page on Another Site)
  The Centre for Ethics and Technology aims at bringing together the expertise of the three Departments of Philosophy of the three technical universities in the Netherlands in the field of ethics and technology. The Centre has the ambition to build upon the excellent international reputation of the three technical universities in the field of ethics and technology. The recent research evaluation has confirmed the international excellence in research of the three groups. Moreover the research evaluation committee acknowledged that the philosophy of technology is one of the very few topics in Philosophy in which The Netherlands holds a unique and leading position in the world. The merger of these three groups will allow for close collaboration in research as well as teaching, outreach and consultancy in both the private and public sector. The participating universities will be represented on an equal basis in the Centre.
•  The NanoEthicsBank
  (Web Page on Another Site)
  The NanoEthicsBank at the Center for the Study of Ethics in the Professions at IIT is a database conceived as a resource for researchers, scholars, students, and the general public who are interested in the social and ethical implications of nanotechnology. Items in the database include normative documents, such as guidelines for safety in the workplace, and descriptive materials, such as analysis of the U.S. government’s capacity for oversight and studies of the media coverage of nanotechnology.
• Center for Responsible Nanotechnology
  (Web Page on Another Site)
  CRN acts to raise awareness of the issues surrounding nanotechnology. They believe that even a technology as powerful as molecular manufacturing can be used wisely and well—but that without adequate information, unwise use will be far too common. The mission of CRN is to raise awareness of the issues presented by nanotechnology: the benefits and dangers, and the possibilities for responsible use.
• The Foresight Institute
  (Web Page on Another Site)
  The Foresight Institute is a 501c3 think tank and public interest organization focused on transformative future technologies. Founded in 1986, its mission is to discover and promote the upsides, and help avoid the dangers, of nanotechnology, AI, biotech, and similar life-changing developments. Foresight focuses its efforts upon nanotechnology and the coming ability to build products—of any size—with atomic precision.
• Nanotechnology Resources Online
  (Web Page on Another Site)
  The extraordinary growth in research in the area of nanotechnology, coupled with the wide variety of industrial applications, has highlighted the lack of a focal point where various parts of this expanding community can meet and exchange information. nanotechweb.org has been created to do just that - provide a virtual meeting point for anyone involved in the field. The Web site has different channels with information equally valuable to all visitors.
• Implications of Emerging Micro and Nanotechnology
  (Web Page on Another Site)
  This report was published in 2002 by The Committee on Implications of Emerging Micro- and Nanotechnologies, established by the National Research Council’s (NRC’s) Air Force Science and Technology Board (AFSTB). The committee was tasked with evaluating the implications of current trends in micro- and nanotechnologies for the Air Force.
  
  
  http://www.onlineethics.org/cms/24306.aspx

Post 6: Diversity

To me, diversity means a group of different people with different qualities to them working together.  These different qualities would include their background, education, personality, views and more.  Having diversity in the workplace is much more beneficial to a company because it opens areas and ideas that don't come normally with a group of similar people.  The best projects I've worked on came when my group consisted of several different type of people that have different views from me.  I learned real fast that my opinions don't necessarily agree with others and vice versa.  It did however open my eyes to a different way of thinking and going about ways which made our projects better.

3M Diversity Statement
"At 3M, we respect the differences that make each of us unique. 3M's culture of collaboration and innovation creates an environment that values and leverages diverse perspectives for continued growth. Our global work force is a tremendous asset that is instrumental to our continued success. We recognize and leverage the many aspects of diversity in order to help create an environment where all employees can thrive and contribute to 3M’s growth and success."


Boston Scientific
"We are committed to creating and sustaining a work environment and culture that promotes inclusiveness. We rely on the diversity of people, perspective and experience to achieve outstanding business results."

DOW Chemical Company
"Inherent in the human element that drives Dow, diversity is viewed as a source of advantage. We value the differing experiences, backgrounds and perspectives among our employees, and draw from those differences to fuel innovation. We are committed to building a vibrant, diverse and talented employee base – and helping each employee grow and develop as part of Dow's inclusive global community."

Ecolabs

" To promote sustainable growth across different sectors, Ecolab policy encourages working with diverse suppliers while ensuring that we receive the highest quality products and services at the most competitive prices.Our Supplier Diversity Program is founded on the principles of fair and equitable business practices and social responsibility to the communities we serve."

Cargill

"I think great decisions come from great debates, and I think great debates are shaped by people that bring a variety of perspectives … Having the diversity that’s necessary for the quality of debate to be at the highest possible level is clearly a business imperative."

My view on these statements

I would have commented on every one of these statements but after reading all their diversity statements I could tell they are all pretty similar.  I strongly believe in general meaning of each statement that diversity in experience, knowledge, and background provide a distinct advantage at reaching higher goals that couldn't be achieved without diversity.

Post 5: PDP

Personal Development Plan

My Current State

Strengths

·         Optimistic

·         Good time management

·         Communicate well with others

Weaknesses

·         Hard to step outside comfort zone

·         Lack initiative.  Too much planning but no action.

·         Not assertive enough

Focus Areas

·         Develop more self confidence and courage

·         Learn to be more assertive

My Desired State

Ability to talk and act confidently regardless of what the situation or who I am talking to.  Not afraid to voice out my ideas and opinions and willing to try new things and take some risks.  Always look for new opportunities rather than walk the common path.  Look for positives in any circumstances and make the best out of un-favorable situations.

Short Term Goals

·         Graduate with at least 3.5 GPA

·         Find internship with a respected company

·         Win the conference in football

·         Do independent research project

Long Term Goals

·         Find job I enjoy

·         Start a family (5 kids)

·         Be financially secure

Post 4: Carbon Dioxide Paper

1. https://docs.google.com/present/edit?id=0AR-g2f6dIA0oZGdxZG1zaHdfMTljZDJqYzhweA&hl=en_US

2. I think the criteria we set was solid criteria to evaluate a scientific paper.  They were pretty general ways to establish if the paper is legitimate which seemed to work out well.  More criteria could have also helped in this process.

3. The points we brought up in our presentation were pretty strong reasons why this paper is not legitimate.  As the "No" group, we analyzed questionable comments and confusing graphs.  We also did a good job in pointing out the weak references the paper had.  The "No" groups in general did a nice job disecting the paper, looking for evidence on making the paper invalid, and conveying that in a way that the rest of the class could see and understand in a short period of time. They seemed confident in their findings and conveyed it in a way for the rest of the class to understand.  Some of the weaknesses that our group had was to find clear cut evidence to prove the paper is not legitimate.  There weren't things that popped out in the paper so we had to take one piece we believed was wrong and thoroughly research it.  At times we were unable to prove or disprove what the paper was saying which used up a lot of our time.

4. Our group's main strength was our communication and organization.  We set certain people to look for illegitimacy in different areas of the paper.  By assigning people to different jobs made the process a lot easier.  Using Google Docs was also very beneficial to our group.  We were able to work on the presentation simultaneously and provide feedback right away.  One of the things that didn't go so well was the inability to have every member at each meeting.  It was a lot easier to communicate face to face rather than email.

5. After reading through the paper I was confident in my position.  There was a few head scratching moments when I read the paper which made it easier to disprove the paper because of my strong belief that the paper was not legitimate.

6.  I believe the class made the right decision after listening to everyone's stance on the paper. Based off the evidence we found disproving the paper, it's hard to believe the paper is legitimate.

7. Looking at what has happened in the past few years, it is easy to see that the US is beginning to become smaller in the global scale of things like economy, population and power. The things we do are having a lesser impact to the world then they did in the past.  I always compare the US and what happened to Rome and other empires.  Rome was a dominant world power for 1000 years and now it is almost nothing compared to what it was.  Great empires end up not lasting which will soon probably happen to the US.

8. Individual efforts in the past has changed the world.  Such individual contributions like Edison, BIll Gates, Steve Jobs, and more has changed the world in many ways such as socially, economically, and environmentally.  It is crazy how much one person who believes in themselves and their work can change the world.

Post 3: Criteria to Evaluate Scientific Papers

Validating a scientific paper can be difficult.  I personally put a lot of trust in the paper before I read it based on the premise that I don't believe someone would write a scientific paper to fool people.  However, after this activity I realize I should evaluate scientific papers before I fully trust them.  Below are a few criteria one can use to validate a paper:

• Are the sources legitimate
• Are the references experts
• Can the experiments be replicated
• Is their hypothesis clearly stated and analyzed
• Is the data presented in an easy way for the reader to understand
• Information is non-biased

Post 2: Presentation on Penny Weights

At the beginning of this project I thought it was somewhat fishy that we had to put together a presentation about how to determine the weight of a penny and it had to be at least 7 minutes long.  I had a feeling that all the history and nonsense we put into the presentation was pointless but I was unsure how else we were going to make a 7 minute presentation about a simple topic.  We did put some scientific reasoning to solve the answer but we went about creating the presentation the wrong way.  I should have stuck with my gut feeling and try to think outside the box to make a much better presentation.

After listening to the other presentations I could tell that all the other groups were going about making the presentation the same way as us.  Some groups added a few different quirks but for the most part all the presentations were the same.  There didn't seem to be a group that stood out amongst the rest.  There also seemed to be a lack in scientific evidence to solve the problem which is odd since we are all science majors.  This could have been improved upon along with thinking outside the box to create a more entertaining presentation

Post 1: PDP Ideas

There are numerous areas to be included in a PDP.  I have put together some important sections to include in a PDP.  Making a detailed PDP can be very rewarding in the future so great attention should be given in creating one.

• Your Life Purpose
• Your Dreams
• Short, Medium, and Long Term Goals
• Your Ideal Self
• Mistakes and Lessons
• Success and Milestones

A general timeline of goals is a great way to put your goals into perspective.  Just writing down goals is not good enough.  You should have a general timeline and try to follow it as close as possible.