The Impact of Mobile Technologies to the Work-Life Balance - 4125 Words

The Impact of Mobile Technologies to the Work-Life Balance (Research Paper Sample) Content: Module Code: Class/Group: Module Title: Assessment Title: Assignment Title: Impact of Mobile Technology on Work-Life BalanceTutor Name: Student ID Number: Date of Submission: ABSTRACTThis research gives an account of the relationship between mobile media and work-life balance. It elaborates on the theoretical framework of the concept by addressing four central research questions, adopted methodological strategy on the basis of secondary research content and detailed discussion on research findings in conclusion. Hence, the content revolves around the necessity/convenience of mobile technology, difference in technological acceptance among different age groups and in between working men and women, experience of Chinese and Scottish mobile workers who are using mobile technology in an attempt to deal with their work-life balance. This paper ends with a hope that individuals and organizations will cooperate each other in coping with the problem of work-life balance.1. IN TRODUCTION1.1 BackgroundMedia historians commonly recognize a wide-ranging shift when, at the threshold of the 20th century, transfer of data between two or more distant devices shifted from the common point-to-point directconnection protocol to broadcast/multicast transmissions. A telephone call is an example of point-to-point communication in which two phones are connected with each other and the message is only heard between the caller and the receiver. On contrary, a radio or television program is transmitted over airwaves for public reception. The disseminating nature of broadcast reception like radio or television industry directed it towards family use. In other words, in society broadcasting system produced a new recipe of increasing mobility and decreasing sociability, with the domestication of radio and television wavelengths captured into the bedrooms of personal spaces. Like at first, the mobile phone was essentially a wireless telephone, providing increased possibili ties of direct communication throughout physical space. The progress of mobile or portable electronic devices in a network system with real-time entry to broadcast contents produced fitting situations, however, for further types of expansion. A very simplistic historical outline of change in communication system such as this is adequate to ponder how potentially enticing it is to portray the point of convergence and unity of cause and effect between technological change and makeovers in communication rationales. 1.2 Research Question and StructureThis project report is an exciting opportunity to provide a secondary research based understanding of the socio-cultural impact of the mobile technology on work-life-balance of workers. To this end, we explore four research questions in total. The following first three of those questions address the general conceptual and theoretical frameworks of the study.RQ1: Has it become necessity or convenience to use mobile devices in all social situ ations? RQ2: If there exists any difference in mobile phone usage among different age groups. RQ3: If there exists any gender-specific differences in how career-men and career-women experience the changing limits between home and work through information and communication technologies.The last research question narrow its subject particularly focusing on Chinese and Scottish workers. Quantitative research methods will be scrutinized from available desk research data to address the topic. RQ4: If there is any specific different user experience of Chinese and Scottish mobile workers who are using mobile technology in an attempt to deal with their work-life balance. This report opens with exploring the basic conceptual and academic frameworks of the study. This study report presents its theoretical understanding of the subject matter relying on analysis and discussion of prevalent literatures of this field. Hence, primary focus is on framing broader understanding of mobile technology and work-life balance highlighting the case of Chinese and Scottish workers.2. LITERATURE REVIEWThis report pronounces new edge mobile communication technology is quickly effacing the border of work-life and domestic life. Domestication of public wavelength broadcast has created new geographies of visibility here traditional concept of time and space is challenged, here You are always there. Future studies need to elaborate more on how individuals and organizations help each other to integrate private and occupational life effectively.2.1 Technological Advances and Work-Life SpilloverOne can continue narrative enquiry and sense-making to suggest that while development of mobile technologies create ample opportunities for individuals to systematize occupational tasks in resourceful ways to figure out more private time, the connection appears complex and contradictory. At one side, employees may employ technology in such a way that extends the hours and value of time specified for pe rsonal activities. A mobile worker can work whole evening, spending the morning time with his/her child. Modern workplaces can be portable roaming in the car you can respond to an email, you may be logged in while taking an afternoon tea outside office premises hence maximizing work sphere into what were traditionally known as non-work spaces. In opposition, you may be engaged in online shopping/watching videos/texting family and friends while you are waiting for a meeting to start thereby exploiting personal engagements into what was conventionally known as work-space. Now, one can be employed to work from home from a reputed company. Thus, for the company the worker proves to be cost effective and for the worker, its a great chance to avoid commutation hazards and corporate decorum. This sense of satisfactory schedule tends to have greater feel of contentment with jobs and life in general, as well as lesser levels of anxiety and melancholy. However, technology-based mobility c an produce a conflict in which job overrules private setting. Modern Concerns about life-work balance arise from this particular point, i.e., fusing of work-family boundary due to digital connectivity. Francesca Cirianni discusses about the genesis of Work-Family conflict and superbly summarizes the development of its theory. The segmentation model of hypothesis separates domestic life and occupational life as autonomous domains, without any correlation. The compensation model of hypothesis judges certain dominant role of people as the manifestation of their dissatisfaction, which is compensated when people take refuge in anther role. The spillover model of hypothesis regards in certain instances a particular field experience can spread into anther field of life tending to be either negative or positive in its effect. The Role model of hypothesis suggests that the involvement in a specific (work or family) role becomes complicated due to sharing involvement in another (family or job ) role (Cirianni, 2015). 2.2 Gender, Age and Work-Life BalanceKarlene Cousins and Daniel Robey postulate Portable communication system typically offers some characteristic features [affordances] namely: adaptability/mobility, connectivity, interoperability/exchangeability of data, identifiability and Intelligent Adaptation/ personalization. They deduce that these affordances make it possible for mobile workers to practice personalized boundary management in order to maintain work-life balance. With the help of these affordances/ technological features individuals maintain multi-tasking and attain their controlled work-life balance (Robey Cousins, 2015). However, Catherine Middletons article gives some exceptional insights elaborating on how middle to upper-middle class female professionals regulate their smart-phone use. In their survey, the younger women-group is relentless in replying quickly to emails and texts. In doing so, they tirelessly convey receptiveness and reliability t o their fellow workers. Some of them sustain this always responsible habit even when they are on holiday. For these young females, this habit of unbridled availability interfering into their family life is seen as expected and minor compromise, which their families should welcome. On contrary, the older women-group is found to be far more meticulous about limiting their availability to their fellow workers and protecting their personal hours more strongly. Though the survey does not reveal any reason behind this habitual contrast between older and younger working women attitude towards their job one can assume the idea of motherhood/ parenting/ care-giving as an intervening factor which usually grows up with age (Middleton, 2007).2.3 The Case of Chinese and Scottish WorkersAdoption of Communication and information system also varies greatly among countries where it is accepted in accordance with the need of both workers and organizations. Studies suggest that Chinese Organizations in the country are expecting to introduce official portable work-style agenda and events to raise awareness of data information safety (Citrix.Com, 2012). A Mobile Work-styles Survey by Citrix.Com shows Chart 4: Worldwide Survey on Mobile Work-Styles[Organizations of] Countries Implementing Mobile Work-Styles EarliestAdoption Percentage1.United States902.China853.Brazil814.India775.UK726.France717.Germany71[Organizations of] Countries Having Employees Desiring Mobile Work-StylesMobile Work-StylesDesiring Employee Percentage1.Netherlands692.Sweden693.China744.Hong Kong615.Japan61The online survey Modern Families Index 2015: Scotland represents 1005 working parents across Scotland w...

Types of Student Loans Which Ones Are Best For You

HomeFinancePrivate LoansTypes of Student Loans: Which Ones Are Best For You?This page may contain affiliate links.Nov 16, 2019Chances are that you’ll need to use student loans as a way to help fund college. After all, the price of college continues to rise, and while it’s possible to get scholarships and grants, these might not completely cover expenses. Figuring out the right student loan mix between the types of federal and private student loans can be a daunting task. LendKey’s Jeff Fritz points out that each student and family situation is different, so you need to consider your own circumstances when determining the right types of student loans to use for college What to Consider When Determining Types Of Loans To Use For College There are some basic items Fritz said should be considered when you start looking at your federal vs. private student loan mix. These items can provide you with an overall approach to your student loans. What Do I Qualify for Based on the School’s Award Letter? Take a look at the award letter from your school. Do you qualify for Direct Subsidized loans? With a Subsidized loan, Fritz points out, the government covers your interest while you’re in school. With Unsubsidized loans, interest begins accruing on your loan immediately. However, there are limits to how much you can borrow in Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans, so it’s important to keep that mind. Additionally, you might qualify for need-based financial aid or some type of scholarship, so you might not need to get loans beyond Subsidized and Unsubsidized federal loans. Carefully read the award letter to see if you get Work Study and access to other programs that might reduce your need for loans. What are the Origination Fees? â€Å"The federal loan programs currently have origination fees,† says Fritz. â€Å"Those need to be factored into the APR when comparing federal and private loans.† He points out that most private lenders, including many of those partnering with LendKey, don’t charge origination fees for their loans. This can make a difference in repayment down the road. Do You Have a Cosigner? When you get a federal loan, you don’t have to worry about your credit or income situation. You don’t need a cosigner, so these loans are pretty easy to get. However, says Fritz, â€Å"Most private lenders require a cosigner for undergraduates unless you meet credit and income criteria.† If you have a cosigner, Fritz continues, you might be able to get a great deal on a private student loan. As a parent, your credit history can also play a role in how to proceed. â€Å"Federal PLUS loans traditionally have had more lenient underwriting standards than private loans,† says Fritz. As a result, if there are credit problems, there might be little choice beyond turning to federal undergraduate loans, and using parent PLUS loans for additional funding. What’s Your Chosen Profession? â€Å"Certain professions in public service and teaching could qualify you for loan forgiveness through the federal loan programs if you meet certain criteria,† says Fritz. For those who think they will work in a profession that doesn’t pay well, but that qualifies them for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) or some other program, it’s possible to use income-driven repayment until you are eligible for forgiveness. In this case, focusing on federal loans can make sense. However, Fritz warns, the acceptance of PSLF has been relatively low since the first cohort became eligible in 2017. It’s important to carefully weigh the chances of receiving forgiveness before you hang all your hopes on it. Can You Make Payments While in School? Fritz uses an example of a borrower who takes out a $10,000 loan at 6% interest, with four years left until graduation, to illustrate the benefits of making payments during school. Such a student would owe a total of $6,852 in interest if they deferred all payment until after graduation. However, just by making monthly interest payments while in school, that student would only pay a total of $3,322 in interest for the loan, saving $3,530. â€Å"Making fixed or interest-only payments while in school is beneficial, regardless of what type of student loan you choose,† says Fritz. â€Å"Some private lenders provide their lowest rates to those who make interest-only or fixed payments while in school.† Whose Name You Want the Loans In Another consideration, says Fritz, is who you want to be ultimately responsible for the loan. If you want the loans in a student’s name, it can be a good idea to have them get the undergraduate Direct loans, and then cosign on private loans. With a parent PLUS loan, on the other hand, a parent’s name is on the loan, which doesn’t sit well with all parents. Some of the lenders partnering with LendKey offer cosigner release options, based on the number of consecutive payments made, as well as the borrower’s credit score and income. If a borrower has a history of on-time payments and a decent income, there’s a chance that the cosigner’s name can be taken off the loan, which is an advantage that isn’t present with a parent PLUS loan. Different Types of Student Loans Explained: Federal vs. Private Loans When considering your mix of federal and private loans, Fritz recommends keeping some of the advantages and disadvantages of each type of student loan in mind. Federal Loans Offer: No or minimal credit check Repayment flexibility through income-driven repayment Loan forgiveness for certain professions Fixed interest rates The ability to change repayment plans at any time Private Loans Offer: A choice of fixed or variable interest rates No origination fees in most cases The ability to make interest-only or fixed in-school payments to reduce overall loan cost Repayment incentives for on-time payment Additional access to tools and resources for borrowers (e.g. career coaching) When you assess your desired student loan mix, keep what each type of loan offers in mind. Compare offers, and determine which features best match your current situation — and future expectations. Choosing The Types Of Student Loans To Borrow â€Å"Everyone in higher education, from the federal government to colleges and universities, to private lenders, agree that you should exhaust your federal undergraduate options first,† says Fritz. â€Å"This means completing the FAFSA to see what type of grant and scholarship aid you may receive along with potential work-study and federal loan options.† According to Fritz, the Direct Subsidized loan should be utilized, due to its favorable in-school interest situation. However, once that is determined and you realize you need more funding to close the gap, it’s important to consider private loans. â€Å"If you or your cosigner have excellent credit, and you will likely be in a field that is not going to qualify you for certain payment plans or loan forgiveness, then private loans might be a better option for you,† says Fritz. â€Å"Students and their parents need to do their homework and compare options.†