Historically Speaking
We are definitely living in a time that will be recognized as a key historical time in our lives. We have a lot to be thankful for. Years from now generations will look back at this time as a time of change and evolution. Do you ever wonder about the time and what it was like during the Great Depression of the 1920s and how people navigated through a trying time to survival? What lessons were learned, what evolved from those times?
What would the people back then say about our challenging times today? What advice would they have? There is a part of me that is very thankful for living for living in such a historical time in life. Witnessing the election of our first African American President, and working toward a solution for improving society as we know it today - both economically and socially. We should be looking forward, turning the page and feeling good about where we are headed. Although these times are challenging, they can also be viewed as exciting times. Becoming part of positive evolution and positive solutions that will be remembered for generations to come is a good thing.
Sunday, March 29, 2009
Statistically Speaking
Statistically Speaking
We are in a time of information overload, and countless data dumps that infiltrate our television news casts, newspaper reports and internet blogs that contain statistics and information provided by government agencies, consumer awareness organizations, and educational institutions. Because we read about it or see in on television we can fall into the trap of assuming what we are absorbing through these information vessels is true and accurate.
It is our right as Americans to question and challenge information including the information and statistics that are provided by our government. Case in point is, the government provides census data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. There are countless pages of information that the government uses to develop economic strategies and set policies.
One example is the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Currently the Federal Government, under the Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), utilizes the CPI as a key indicator to assist in measuring the nation’s economic strength. The CPI measures the price variance of a “market basket” of goods and services to urban consumers. There are over 200 categories within eight major groups: Food and Beverages, Housing, Apparel, Transportation, Medical Care, Recreation, Other Goods and Services, and Education and Communication These price variance measurements are captured monthly in predetermined metropolitan markets and the Federal Government uses this data to help determine the state of the economy through consumer spending, its effect on inflation, and creates strategies to change or alter the economic environment.
There is much debate about how this data is interpreted and its methodology. For example, rural residents are not part of the collection surveys. Also, goods and services, part of the “market basket”, do not always represent actual consumer spending. For example, food and energy expenses are not calculated as part of “Core CPI” that is reported to congress. During times of over inflated energy expense – about 1 year ago, it does not accurately reflect the cost of everyday living. 80 million Americans who receive government checks and support, including social security recipients, military personnel, and the subsidizing of school lunch programs are affected by a high inflation report or a higher than normal CPI rate – they would receive an increase in pay/support.
Because of the relevance of CPI to direct compensation, and the fact that the Government is directly accountable for dispersing the affected compensation, it brings into question the objectivity of the Government when determining the true cost of living.
The point is most everything we read or watch is subject to some form of bias. We as a democratic society need to interpret all information that we are exposed to with an objective, inquisitive view, including government provided statistical information that we assume is non-biased.
We are in a time of information overload, and countless data dumps that infiltrate our television news casts, newspaper reports and internet blogs that contain statistics and information provided by government agencies, consumer awareness organizations, and educational institutions. Because we read about it or see in on television we can fall into the trap of assuming what we are absorbing through these information vessels is true and accurate.
It is our right as Americans to question and challenge information including the information and statistics that are provided by our government. Case in point is, the government provides census data from the Bureau of Labor and Statistics. There are countless pages of information that the government uses to develop economic strategies and set policies.
One example is the Consumer Price Index (CPI) Currently the Federal Government, under the Department of Labor and Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), utilizes the CPI as a key indicator to assist in measuring the nation’s economic strength. The CPI measures the price variance of a “market basket” of goods and services to urban consumers. There are over 200 categories within eight major groups: Food and Beverages, Housing, Apparel, Transportation, Medical Care, Recreation, Other Goods and Services, and Education and Communication These price variance measurements are captured monthly in predetermined metropolitan markets and the Federal Government uses this data to help determine the state of the economy through consumer spending, its effect on inflation, and creates strategies to change or alter the economic environment.
There is much debate about how this data is interpreted and its methodology. For example, rural residents are not part of the collection surveys. Also, goods and services, part of the “market basket”, do not always represent actual consumer spending. For example, food and energy expenses are not calculated as part of “Core CPI” that is reported to congress. During times of over inflated energy expense – about 1 year ago, it does not accurately reflect the cost of everyday living. 80 million Americans who receive government checks and support, including social security recipients, military personnel, and the subsidizing of school lunch programs are affected by a high inflation report or a higher than normal CPI rate – they would receive an increase in pay/support.
Because of the relevance of CPI to direct compensation, and the fact that the Government is directly accountable for dispersing the affected compensation, it brings into question the objectivity of the Government when determining the true cost of living.
The point is most everything we read or watch is subject to some form of bias. We as a democratic society need to interpret all information that we are exposed to with an objective, inquisitive view, including government provided statistical information that we assume is non-biased.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Never Enough
Never Enough
I often ask myself how much is enough? Enough what you may ask? Let’s consider education. I recently enrolled back in school to further my education at my employer’s request and to be honest with you, it was not a very appealing proposition for me. I found myself asking the question – How much is enough? How much more time must I commit? How much more could I learn about the business I have been in for over 20 years? Was there enough value to me based on the time commitment it would take to achieve the objective?
These were valid questions in my mind. The company trusts me with a multi-million dollar budget and a team of resources spread across the US to drive their business. Furthermore, I have already learned many lessons within their structure of multiple roles and living in multiple cities the last 20 years which has developed my business skills very substantially. They must have confidence in my ability – so what gives??
Plenty. Although I was somewhat reluctant and pessimistic about continuing my education, I can honestly say I have underestimated the value of what I have been learning since my return to school. I can unequivocally say that the development I have experienced these last several months has been immeasurable. I have become a better manager, employee, and leader in my organization because of my recent education endeavors.
I have become much more appreciative of the opportunities provided to me in continuing my education. I have come to the conclusion that you can never have enough education and you can continue to learn in significant strides regardless of age and experience. It all comes down to attitude and how much you are willing to let yourself learn.
I often ask myself how much is enough? Enough what you may ask? Let’s consider education. I recently enrolled back in school to further my education at my employer’s request and to be honest with you, it was not a very appealing proposition for me. I found myself asking the question – How much is enough? How much more time must I commit? How much more could I learn about the business I have been in for over 20 years? Was there enough value to me based on the time commitment it would take to achieve the objective?
These were valid questions in my mind. The company trusts me with a multi-million dollar budget and a team of resources spread across the US to drive their business. Furthermore, I have already learned many lessons within their structure of multiple roles and living in multiple cities the last 20 years which has developed my business skills very substantially. They must have confidence in my ability – so what gives??
Plenty. Although I was somewhat reluctant and pessimistic about continuing my education, I can honestly say I have underestimated the value of what I have been learning since my return to school. I can unequivocally say that the development I have experienced these last several months has been immeasurable. I have become a better manager, employee, and leader in my organization because of my recent education endeavors.
I have become much more appreciative of the opportunities provided to me in continuing my education. I have come to the conclusion that you can never have enough education and you can continue to learn in significant strides regardless of age and experience. It all comes down to attitude and how much you are willing to let yourself learn.
Sunday, March 1, 2009
The Cost of Knowledge - Is it for Sale?
As the cost of college education continues to rise along with the unemployment rates, what impact will this have on tuition rates? Adding a third variable of increasingly stringent banking guidelines on borrowing, the future could be in line with lower tuition. Assuming that college tuition is affected by the same economic equation that most goods and services are – supply vs. demand, future tuition costs should come down.
One variable not yet considered is, will colleges and universities lower their academic standards to increase supply so tuition costs can stay in line with current trends? Should colleges and universities be permitted to do so? Should the credibility of these schools be for sale? In today’s economic climate, we shall soon find out.
One variable not yet considered is, will colleges and universities lower their academic standards to increase supply so tuition costs can stay in line with current trends? Should colleges and universities be permitted to do so? Should the credibility of these schools be for sale? In today’s economic climate, we shall soon find out.
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