Category Archives: APESSAY

WHAT ARE SOME OTHER NOTABLE INITIATIVES UNDERTAKEN BY EY IN THE FIELD OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

EY is a professional services firm that provides assurance, tax, transaction and advisory services. As digital transformation becomes increasingly important for businesses, EY has undertaken several initiatives to help clients navigate this change. Some notable examples include:

CXO Dialogues – EY hosts regular “CXO Dialogues” that bring together C-level executives from various industries to discuss challenges and opportunities around digital transformation. Through these events, EY helps organizations gain insights on emerging technologies, strategies used by innovative companies, and lessons learned from digital leaders. This helps clients understand how to effectively transform their own businesses.

EY Analytics Sandbox – The EY Analytics Sandbox is a collaborative environment that allows companies to experiment with different data sets and analytics tools to identify new insights, opportunities and solutions. Clients have access to a range of datasets and tools for data management, visualization, advanced and predictive analytics. EY consultants work with clients in the sandbox to help unlock the power of data and analytics to enable digital transformation. This hands-on approach helps organizations become more data-driven.

Alliance partnerships – EY has formed strategic alliances with technology companies like SAP, Microsoft and IBM to provide clients with integrated solutions for digital transformation. Through partnerships, EY combines its advisory and industry expertise with emerging technologies from these firms. For example, the EY and SAP alliance helps clients leverage SAP S/4HANA, SAP Cloud Platform, SAP Leonardo and other SAP technologies as part of their digital journeys in areas such as finance transformation, supply chain optimization and customer experience improvement.

Digital Acceleration Platform – EY’s Digital Acceleration Platform (DAP) is designed to help clients achieve their digital goals in an integrated, scalable way. DAP brings together EY services and resources with those of strategic technology partners. It includes assets, accelerators and a governance model to help organizations address challenges like legacy modernization, workforce transition and change management. DAP helps clients kickstart their digital journeys and rapidly start generating business value through transformation initiatives.

EY Studios – EY has launched Studios in various cities that act as innovation hubs. The Studios bring together cross-industry experts, clients, startups and technology firms to co-create solutions for digital challenges. Clients can access emerging technologies like AI, IoT, blockchain through “co-innovation programs” at EY Studios to help solve strategic business problems. EY consultants work with clients in rapid prototyping sessions to build and test digital capabilities. This ecosystem approach fosters innovation and provides a sandbox to experiment with new business models.

HorizonScanning – EY regularly conducts HorizonScanning exercises to identify emerging technologies, trends, risks and opportunities that could impact various industries in the future. The insights from these scans help shape EY’s insights offerings and solution frameworks. Clients leverage HorizonScanning reports to understand potential digital disruptions and develop future-ready strategies. This helps them stay ahead of the curve in continually transforming their business models.

Digital Accelerators – EY has developed a series of Digital Accelerators that help clients tackle common transformation challenges through reusable frameworks, assets and solutions. These accelerators address areas such as finance transformation, supply chain digitization, tax technology migrations and customer experience reinvention. By addressing cross-industry pain points, accelerators help organizations quickly realize the benefits of emerging technologies and digital business models.

Through initiatives like CXO dialogues, analytics sandbox, strategic alliances, digital platforms, innovation studios, horizon scanning and digital accelerators – EY is effectively helping organizations across industries embark upon and achieve their unique digital journeys. EY combines deep expertise with emerging technologies to address both common and industry-specific transformation needs of clients.

WHAT ARE SOME RECOMMENDED CONFERENCES WHERE STUDENTS CAN PRESENT THEIR SIGN LANGUAGE CAPSTONE PROJECTS

The Conference of Interpreter Trainers (CIT) is an annual international conference that brings together interpreter educators, interpreters, and other professionals to discuss topics related to sign language interpretation, translation, and deaf studies. At CIT, there are presentations from both experienced researchers and students. They provide many opportunities for students to present their capstone projects through poster presentations and condensed oral paper presentations. The next CIT conference will be held in October 2023 in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The Deaf Studies Today Conference is organized by Gallaudet University each year and focuses on research and scholarship related to deaf and hard-of-hearing communities, deaf education, linguistics, culture, and advocacy. Student research and projects are strongly encouraged at this conference. In addition to traditional paper presentations, they also offer things like student roundtables and lightning talks to give more students a chance to present. The 2023 Deaf Studies Today Conference will take place in March at Gallaudet University in Washington, D.C.

The American Sign Language Teachers Association (ASLTA) Biennial Conference is a great opportunity for students focusing on ASL instruction and assessment to share their work. At each conference, there is a designated session for student research presentations. The presentations are usually 10 minutes long with additional time for Q&A. Students who present are also welcome to attend educational sessions at the conference to network and learn from professionals in the field. The next ASLTA Conference is scheduled for July 2023 in Orlando, Florida.

The International Signed Language Research Association (ISSLRA) is a global community of researchers studying signed languages and representing many disciplines including linguistics, neuroscience, cognitive science, psychology and education. They hold international conferences every two years where students can submit proposals to present their undergraduate or graduate thesis projects related to signed language research. The 2023 ISSRLA Conference will take place in August in Athens, Georgia.

The Linguistic Society of America (LSA) is the leading professional society for the scientific study of language and sponsors an annual conference with presentation opportunities in all areas of linguistics. At each LSA Conference there is a dedicated session slot for undergraduate and master’s student research presentations. The presentation time is usually around 15 minutes. The next LSA Conference will happen in January 2024 in New Orleans, LA.

The National Debate Tournament (NDT) is the largest and most prestigious collegiate debate tournament attended by debate teams from colleges and universities across North America. While the NDT is a competitive debate tournament, they also provide opportunities for students to present academic research related to communication studies and rhetoric. In recent years they have created a designated session track for empirical student papers and projects. The 78th NDT will take place in April 2023 in Dayton, Ohio.

In addition to these major annual conferences, some regional universities and community colleges also host localized signed language and interpretation symposiums where student contributions are encouraged. For example, Northeastern University in Boston holds an Interpretation Symposium each spring that features short research talks by both graduate and undergraduate students. Attending local events is a more low-cost way for students to gain initial conference presentation experience close to their institution.

Conferences hosted by organizations such as CIT, Gallaudet, ASLTA, ISSLRS, LSA and occasional regional events provide excellent outlets for students to publicly share their sign language capstone work, receive feedback from professionals, and begin networking in their intended careers. Presenting at even one conference can be an impactful capstone experience and help launch students into the field. With thoughtful project selection and preparation, any dedicated student would be well-suited to contribute their work at one of these high-quality annual events.

HOW DO POLYTECHNICS IN DIFFERENT COUNTRIES COLLABORATE WITH INDUSTRIES AND GOVERNMENTS

Polytechnics, also known as universities of applied sciences, play an important role in job training and workforce development. By collaborating closely with industries and governments, polytechnics can help align their educational programs with the needs of the real world. This ensures students gain skills that are in demand. There are various models of collaboration used around the world.

In Germany, polytechnics have a very strong partnership with industries and regional governments. Each German state has its own polytechnic system and helps facilitate connections between schools and local businesses. Dual education programs are common, with students splitting time between classroom learning and on-the-job training internships provided by industry partners. Companies provide funding, equipment, and work placements. Curricula are also developed with industry input to focus on applicable skills. This close industry-education integration allows German polytechnics to achieve exceedingly high employment rates for graduates.

In Switzerland, each canton has a polytechnic that works directly with the regional government and economy to develop tailored programs. Joint research projects between polytechnics and companies are widespread. For example, the Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts runs a Center for Innovation that helps local small businesses with product development services and applied research. Students also complete internships in industry. The Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz operates several thousand square meters of laboratories that are made available for both research and training purposes to companies in the region.

Singapore has a nationally coordinated system where the five polytechnics specialize in different industry sectors, such as engineering, business, or healthcare, to supply skilled workers to Singapore’s targeted economic clusters. Each polytechnic has dedicated industry liaison offices connecting them to sector-specific companies, trade associations, government research institutes and other partners. Working groups made up of polytechnic faculty, companies and government agencies ensure curricula are synchronized to skill needs. Internships, apprenticeships and other industry exposure opportunities are abundant. Major firms like Hewlett-Packard Enterprise and Philips even cosponsor diploma programs with the polytechnics.

In the United States, community colleges and vocational schools have programs providing workforce credentials and training tailored to regional economies. For example, Central Piedmont Community College in North Carolina provides customized training for local manufacturers. Companies work with the college to design certificate programs focused on their specific skill requirements, which are taught at the companies’ work sites. Funding comes from state grants as well as the businesses themselves. In other areas, industry advisory boards comprised of company leaders help technical colleges keep their programs attuned to evolving employer needs. Dual enrollment opportunities allow high school students to earn technical college credit and work experience simultaneously.

In the United Kingdom, further education colleges collaborate with governments and industries through a number of channels. Many have employer-designed “Professional and Technical Qualifications” that substitute for parts of conventional academic courses. Some colleges operate technical training centers hosting joint apprenticeship programs run with employer consortiums. University technical colleges bring together secondary and post-secondary technical education with employer involvement. Local Enterprise Partnerships coordinate regional skills strategies and help match further education provision to priority industry clusters. Government skills bodies like the Institute for Apprenticeships & Technical Education also ensure frameworks remain current.

Effective polytechnic-industry-government models around the world typically involve mutually beneficial collaborations on curriculum design, applied research and development, work-based learning opportunities, and responding nimbly to transforming skill needs. With dedicated coordination and strong relationships grounded in partnership rather than hierarchy, polytechnics can truly power the workforce pipelines many modern economies require. Though forms of collaboration may differ across borders, the goals of applying education to real need and driving sustainable prosperity through skill-focused innovation remain universal.

HOW CAN STUDENTS FIND WORK IMMERSION OPPORTUNITIES THAT ALIGN WITH THEIR INTERESTS AND ABILITIES

Network extensively with your college career center, professors, alumni, friends, and family. Speak to as many people as you can about your skills, qualifications, and career interests to get referrals to potential internships, volunteer opportunities, or job shadowing experiences. Many worthwhile positions are never formally advertised and are often obtained through personal connections. Your existing relationships can help connect you with hidden opportunities.

Research organizations and companies that focus on industries or issues you’re passionate about. Visit their websites to look for current postings for interns or explore contacting them directly if they don’t have active listings. Being proactive and showing initiative can help you create new opportunities that are a strong cultural fit. You may need to educate them about internship programs if they’ve never hosted students before.

Search specialized databases and job boards catering to your field of study. For example, sites like IDEALS.com specialize in technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics internships. Your college may also list networking events, career fairs, or job boards on their career center website specifically vetted for relevant opportunities. Focus your searches on location, industry, skills, and companies that match your profile.

Consult professional associations in your prospective career area. Many organizations oversee internship databases or can put you in touch with member companies seeking talent. Reach out to chapter leaders to inquire about volunteer roles or informational interviews to help evaluate careers and find openings. Associations keep postings for opportunities exclusively through their networks.

Browse positions posted by your target companies directly on their career pages. Even if a company doesn’t regularly host interns, reviewing their open roles can give you ideas about the type of value you could provide and the skills/qualifications that interest them. Your specialized knowledge about the employer enhances your candidacy if you craft a compelling cover letter focused on fit rather than generic requests for experience.

Build relationships with your university’s employers through formal programs. Many internship and cooperative education programs partner directly with global corporations to streamline the hiring process for well-matched students. Applying through these verified pipelines increases your chances of securing a placement that supports practical learning in your targeted field or industry.

Attend workshops and info sessions hosted by your career center on networking, interviewing, and using online platforms like LinkedIn and Handshake to uncover hidden internships. These trainings provide insightful tips, sample thank you notes, cover letters, and resumes tailored for immersive opportunities to help market your strengths and passions persuasively.

Volunteer for relevant projects and organizations in your spare time. Even unpaid experience helps expand your network and skills while contributing value. You may receive informal references and leads to open roles through volunteering that provides hands-on experience in an area of interest. Community involvement also demonstrates initiative, time management, and your commitment to causes related to your potential career path.

Cast a wide net when searching and don’t limit applications to only “intern” postings. Consider job shadowing, research assistantships, volunteer roles, or special short-term project opportunities that allow you to learn about potential careers. Think creatively and be willing to propose new programs that align well with your skills if standard listings don’t fully capture your talents or experience level. Your persistence and customized pitches could start new rewarding programs.

I hope these suggestions provide a solid starting point for students to strategically and proactively find meaningful work immersion experiences aligned with their academic focus and genuine interests. With dedicated networking, research, and hard work, you can locate hidden opportunities or potentially even create new roles that provide invaluable practical and career-related learning. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional questions!

WHAT OTHER CITIES HAVE BEEN ANALYZED IN SIMILAR DATA DRIVEN CAPSTONE PROJECTS

New York City is often analyzed given the wealth of data available and its status as a global metropolitan center. Many capstone projects have focused on using NYC open data to tackle challenges in transportation, public health, housing, education and more.

In terms of transportation, projects have studied optimizing bus and subway routes using ridership data. This can help the MTA understand what changes could reduce overcrowding and wait times. Other projects focus on optimizing bike lane placement to encourage biking as a greener commute option. Still others analyze pick-up/drop-off data from taxis and rideshares to understand congestion hotspots and propose policy solutions.

When it comes to public health, air quality and disease spread are frequently studied. Researchers have mapped asthma hospitalization rates against air pollution levels and vehicle traffic volume across NYC neighborhoods. This helped identify who is disproportionately impacted.COVID-19 tracing and forecasting projects also gained attention given NYC’s early status as a global epicenter. Analyzing case data, sick leave usage, and mobility patterns aided response efforts.

Housing is another common topic area. Projects profile affordable housing needs over time using data on new builds, affordability programs, rent price trends and more. The goal is advising where development can better match community requirements. Gentrification and displacement risks are also assessed at the neighborhood level using census data. This type of research guides more equitable development strategies.

Education projects often analyze standardized test scores, graduation rates, absences, meal programs participation and other metrics at the school level. Spatial mapping reveals performance disparities across ZIP codes. Recommendations target resources toward underperforming areas or schools with the highest needs student populations.

Moving beyond NYC, Chicago is a frequent subject for its wealth of data and ongoing urban issues. Transportation optimization projects analyze Divvy bikeshare usage, CTA ridership trends and congestion hotspots. This aims to cultivate multi-modal options. Public safety studies map crime rates against socioeconomic factors to understand root causes and guide community-based prevention.

Education projects profile school performance, funding levels, advanced course offerings and more at fine-grained geographic units. This exposes inequalities between neighborhoods. Gentrification risk analyses use indicators like rent price jumps, property value increases and demographic shifts over census tracts.

When it comes to LA, transportation projects are common given the extensive traffic challenges. Studies analyze patterns in Metro ridership, congestion hotspots, scooter and bike share usage trends. This aids first-mile last-mile connectivity and curbing sole occupancy vehicles. Air quality often comes under the microscope too since smog impacts public health at neighborhood scale.

Projects also focus on housing insecurity and homelessness. Data on shelter populations overtime, relative rent burdens across districts, and incomes vs housing costs are analyzed. This guides policy and programming to stabilize the most vulnerable. Access to green space is another issue frequently explored using park access measures and socioeconomic factors.

Beyond these three mega-cities, many state and regional capstone projects interrogate issues through a data-driven lens. For example, projects focus on optimizing rural transit routes in Wisconsin or analyzing broadband access gaps across Utah cities and towns. Massachusetts projects profile vaccine uptake and telehealth utilization during COVID across demographic groups. Transportation usage is assessed in Nevada resort communities.

This response detailed how New York City, Chicago, Los Angeles, and beyond have commonly been analyzed topics in data-driven capstone projects. A wide range of urban issues are interrogated using open data to better understand challenges and advise solutions. While transportation, public health, housing, and education are frequently explored—every region and community offers distinct ongoing questions that can benefit from analytics.