How to present your idea or invention to industry

Many people who have come up with a great new product idea find themselves presenting their idea either to a potential investor to raise capital or to a company in order to get a licensing agreement. It is likely that a lot of time and effort has gone into the idea and organising the meeting but what about the presentation and should you have a prototype?



Meeting with interested parties



The most important thing at the meeting is to inspire confidence in your idea. The idea must be well thought out and thoroughly researched before putting it in front of the interested party. If you have seen Dragon's Den you will know that it can be a cut throat environment and the person you are presenting to probably deals with business everyday and therefore expects a certain standard and level of presentation. Unfortunately a rough sketch is almost always not enough.



In the ideal world the inventor would approach the meeting with a professionally developed, patented product that has been prototyped and is fully working ready for production. However there are often limitations of budget and therefore some elements often have to be a compromise.



Don't compromise on design



One essential element is to have a professionally designed and developed product rather than a rough sketch. By allowing interested parties to envisage your idea as a real product you stand a much greater chance of success. Often a product designer will be needed to produce this presentation. They will design out any issues regarding materials, ergonomics and manufacturing methods that might not be obvious to the individual.



If necessary, compromise on prototyping



The prototype is likely to be the most costly part of presentation and is not always essential. The visualisation of the product is often enough to convey the potential benefits and feasibility of the idea to the interested party.



However industry does pay more for an idea that has been prototyped as they can be more certain that it will work. The prototyping process irons out some issues that may not be obvious from a 2D presentation.



When a prototype is essential



A prototype will be needed if there is any doubt that the idea will work. Cost can be saved by building a less expensive 'proof of principle' prototype. There are three main categories of prototype:



1. Proof of principle: A prototype that simply proves that a particularly new system or mechanism works. Often it is just part of the overall idea and it does not need to look like the final product.



2. Aesthetic model: A prototype that looks like the final product but is not fully functional.



3. Pre-production prototype: A pre-production prototype looks, feels and works like the final product. This type of prototype can be produced to mimic how it would actually be manufactured to check that everything will fit together correctly.



Protection for the idea



Finally it is important to have some form of protection on an idea before revealing it to anyone. The best form of protection is a fully granted patent but this takes time and can be expensive especially if drafted by a patent agent. A self filed patent is cheaper to obtain and so is a good compromise.



The idea can be presented with just a patent filing number rather than a fully granted patent, although it would be more valuable if protected with a granted patent.



Professional product development often creates further intellectual property so it is advisable to complete the design work before filing a patent application.



Originality



One thing to note is that an interested party will often ask if the idea is original. A worldwide patent search completed by a professional patent researcher will determine the idea's originality and should be completed before doing any product development or prototyping work.



Summary



First check your idea is original by commissioning a worldwide patent search. Then employ a product designer, preferably one who specialises in inventions, to professionally design your idea and create a graphic presentation. Create a prototype of the idea if funds are available and finally organise protection for your idea through a patent.



Help through the process



Obviously the process of taking an idea to market is quite complex. Innovate Design specialise in helping individuals and SMEs take their ideas to market. Their services include:



• Global patent searches

• Advice on self filed patents

• Help with selecting a suitable patent agent

• Complete product design service resulting in a professional presentation.





Innovate Design helps individuals patent, develop, prototype and sell their ideas. Innovate Design: Patent and Invention Help





For more information on patent searches, click here:

The Importance of Patent Searches



For more information on the patent applications click here:

Patent Application: How to apply for a patent

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Advantages and Disadvantages to e-Learning

What are the advantages and disadvantages to e-learning? The most obvious advantage is that most online training can be done at your pace, which is a huge advantage for all busy people. There are so many other advantages that most people have never even thought of. On the other hand, there are a few disadvantages to online learning. Let's take a closer look at why e-learning is the way of academics in

today's busy world and what can make it unsuitable for you.



If you are up to date on the global crisis we are under, you know all about global warming, natural resources that are running out quickly and trees being cut down by the thousands and are not getting replaced fast enough. So, what does all this have to do with getting an education online?



Well. all of that leads up to one great advantage of award winning online training and that is, it affects the world in a positive way. If you choose e-learning, your gas consumption is lowered by not having to drive to a classroom. This will lower your vehicles gas and maintenance bill tremendously. Also, by not adding unnecessary fumes and gases into the air, less driving means it will help protect our atmosphere. Think about all the trees that it takes to print reading material and exam papers. Thousands of trees can be saved just by an online training course.



Another advantage of e-learning is the cost is so much less than the cost of a traditional classroom setting. There is hardly no overhead such as books, teacher's salaries and other materials. Basically, the videos are created, with a slew of information for you and placed on the internet for you to access. So besides the cost of making the videos and CD's, hosting the material on a server may cost the company. too. There is probably more overhead that what is mentioned, but it would be minimal. Minimal overhead means you will save money with online training because the company will not have costs that they need to pass on to you.



One disadvantage to online learning is that you may not be that computer savvy. Even though the price would be right and you will helping the environment, you may have a difficult time maneuvering around an online course without some computer and internet skills.



One other disadvantage would be the fact that having a real live person that you can ask questions of, like in a real classroom, may not be available. The programs do offer assistance to any student that needs it, but the type of help may not be as helpful to you if you are use to one on one and face to face assistance. This may be a little frustrating.



E-learning has it's ups and downs, but in all actuality, it is the best way to get any education, if you live on a tight schedule and an even tighter budget. Do not let the disadvantages discourage you because they can be overcome.

Video Source: Youtube

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Save Fuel, Save Money

The prices of gasonline or petrol increase daily, wherever you live in the world. The price of a barrel of oil has quadrupled since the beginning of the millennium. It went from about $20 a barrel to almost $80 in these days.

The Reason to Save Fuel

The resources of fossil energy deplete. Oil has served as the backbone of the modern society. Gas and coal also have plaid an important role, but oil has prevailed. The book “The Final Energy Crisis” forecasts a dramatic development during the next years. They expect that the peak of the oil production will be achieved around the end of this decade and that the production will fall, although the demand will increase further. This means higher energy prices. Another source says that the oil reserves will be exhausted in about 43 years and the reserves of natural gas in about 64 years.

No Easy Going Alternatives at Hand

There is a lot of research going on worldwide in the field of solar power and hydrogen power. They will have to substitute oil, gas, coal and uranium in an intermediate term. Photovoltaic, wind power and power from biomass progress quickly. The process of transformation lasts decades. New solutions need time to step fully into the foot prints of oil.

The Urgent Task to Save Fuel

There is an urgent task to save fuel in order to prolong the use of the remaining fossil energies. Saving fuel is inevitable because the cost for fuel will increase further. There might be days of lower prices, but the general tendency is clear: up, up and up again.

Solutions are demanded in order to make the consumption of fuel affordable. Modern and already proven standards of housing construction show that 60% to 80% of the fuel can be saved.

Solutions for Money Saving Consumption Needed

Saving fuel in the field of traffic and transportation still sticks in the beginning. If the wheels have to turn further, fuel saving becomes highest priority. There are cars coming up with low fuel consumption or even bio-ethanol. Millions of used vehicles still are useful and they are driven for many more years. It makes sense, if there is a solution for used and new cars, trucks, motor-bikes etc. To save fuel also means to save money. Fuel Freedom International propagates such a convenient looking solution. This could be one solution among others, e.g. eco-efficient driving. Everything that helps saving fuel should be tested.

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

You can Save the World - Kinetic Typography

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

You can Save the World - Kinetic Typography

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Water Safety: Swimming Pool Hazards and Children

Before you open your swimming pool for the season, or if you are thinking of having a pool installed, you should review the basic safety procedures. Even if you have had that pool for a number of years, your family should review the procedures to make sure that children don't become victims of a water tragedy. Especially where children are concerned, it only takes a moment for something to go wrong and for tragedy to strike. Often this will happen when those who are designated to supervise the children at the pool become lax in their duties. People who get too used to pools will often forget about the dangers involved.

Each year, many children lose their lives because they are left alone near a swimming pool. Even children older than toddlers should not be left alone. Resist your first impluse to respond to the summons if your phone rings or someone knocks at the door. Nothing is more important than the safety of your children. If you leave them alone, even if only for a moment, at the side of the pool to attend to some other matter, you are endangering their lives. There should be no choide at all about which is the more important to attend to.

If receiving phone calls is important to you during the time that you're by the pool with the kids, then have a phone installed near the pool or bring a portable phone along. In the case of someone coming to the door or calling you from some other point around your home, such as over the hedge, from the driveway or around the front of the house, all you have to do is call for them to join you by the pool. There's no need to leave the pool unless there's an emergency, and, even then, the children should be taken out of the pool and either brought along as you step away, or left with another adult.

A swimming pool should always be separated from the house by a fence, and some towns are now even making that a law. The fence needs to be at least 4 feet in height and must enclose the entire pool area. Too many tragedies have occurred when toddlers wander away from the house and fall into the pool. To prevent this, the gate to the pool must be self-closing and the self-latching system must be beyond the reach of young children. You should also have proper rescue equipment , such as a life preserver and a hooked tool that will aid in retrieval.

Do not allow children to use toys as life preservers. When they are in the pool, they should wear approved life vests rather than pool toys or safety gear. These are made of thin plastic that can puncture easily and put the child's life in jeopardy. Even if you are watching, they could drown before emergency help can arrive. Distance can be very important, and the general rule is to always stay within an arm's length of children in or near the pool. Another wise rule to follow is never to leave toys in the pool once the children have left. Too often, they are tempted to retrieve them and will end up falling into the water when you are no longer watching.

Unless they are able to perform CPR, you should not give anyone the responsiblity of supervising your children in a pool. Classes are given at schools and community organizations before the beginning of the swimming season, and anyone who is interested can find a class. Take one of these classes yourself and have everyone who will watch your children do the same. Put your safety procedures in place, and you can relax and enjoy a safe, fun summer.

How to Manage a Project

How to Manage a Project

By Samuel Lartey, Project Manager.



Project management is the application of knowledge, skills, tools and techniques to project activities to meet project requirements. Project management is a specialized management technique to plan and control projects. A project is generally deemed successful if it meets pre-determined targets set by the client, performs the job it was intended to do, or solves an identified problem within the pre-determined time, costs and quality constraints.



To successfully manage a project there are various tasks that must be performed. A few of such tasks includes:



1.Appointing a Project Manager:



The project manager must be someone who has a proven track record in managing; can command respect from a mix of seniorities and can get action from teams. They should be able to:



* plan and communicate all aspects of the project

* motivate with integrity, sensitivity and imagination

* gain productivity and trust from shared decision-making

* lead both by example and by taking a back seat when appropriate

* monitor costs, efficiency and quality without excessive bureaucracy

* get things done right first time without being a slave-driver

* get the right people for the right task at the right time

* use both technical and general management skills to control the project

* see clear-sightedly through tangled issues.



2.Define the objectives:



Fundamental to the management of any successful project are both understanding and agreement of:



* what is required to be achieved

* what is to be the outcome and/or delivered as a result

* dates and budgets for project completion by both project sponsor and project manager.



Lack of clear objectives will doom the project from the beginning.

3. Establish the Terms of Reference



The Terms of Reference specify the objectives, scope, time-frames and initial scale of resource required. They should also clarify any risks, constraints or assumptions already identified. It is important to make any early allowances for cost escalation, plans veering off course, and build in a level of contingency, or safety margin.

4. Planning/ Construct the Work Breakdown Structure Document (WBSD)/



Having established what the project should achieve, next consider how to achieve it.



The WBSD forms the basis of much subsequent work in planning, setting budgets, exercising control and assigning responsibilities. The key is to break the project down into identifiable phases, then into controllable units for action. Dividing a piece of work into more approachable, discrete units facilitates the functions of estimating, planning and controlling. As soon as possible allocate time- scales to each unit of work, taking care to allow for both sequential units - those that need to be accomplished before the next can be tackled, and overlapping units - those that can run in tandem.

4. Plan costs



A key area in which the most frequent error is to under-estimate costs. Typical cost elements include:



* staff time and wages - usually the most substantial cost item of all

* overheads - employer on-costs

* materials and supplies - the raw materials

* equipment

* administration



5. Plan for quality



Planning for quality requires both attention to detail and ensuring that the project output or outcome does what it is supposed to, or is "fit for its purpose". Quality measures (systematic inspections against established standards) should be built into the process from the beginning, not later when things have started to go awry.

6. Plan time-scales



In order to calculate the shortest time necessary to complete the project you need to know:



* the earliest time a stage or unit can start

* the duration of each stage

* the latest time by which a stage must be completed.

* Gantt charts, PERT diagrams and Critical Path Analysis may be used for effective planning of time-scales.



7. Plan Scope, Integration, Human Resources, Communication, Procurement and Risk

8. Monitor & Report Progress



The monitoring of in-progress costs, time-scales and quality is a major factor for consideration throughout the duration of the project. In addition to progress reports, feedback sessions and Management By Walking About, there are various control tools which help check that implementation is going according to plan.

9. Execution, Execution



Deliver the output. Obtain the client's acceptance of the project result". The penultimate stage before project completion is ensuring that the outcome of the project is accepted by the customer or sponsor.

10. Evaluate the project and Lessons learnt



By building in a final stage of evaluation it is possible to gain a measure of the project's success and see what lessons can be learned. Once again, the three key areas for review are quality, time and costs. Others include:



* staff skills gained or identified

* mistakes not to be repeated and what would be tackled differently.

* tools and techniques that were valuable

* processes that were flawed

16 Lawn Mower Safety Tips

1. Always read the instruction manual before operating your lawnmower. I know it sounds boring but there is a very good reason you are supposed to read it (didn’t you ever wonder why you were never able to set the time on your vcr?).

2. Always pick up all foreign objects before you start mowing. Types of items that can adversely affect your mower are rocks, branches (even small twigs sometimes), kids toys, hoses.

3. Don’t allow children or pets to play in the yard while you are mowing the lawn.

4. Take note of what the instruction manual says about handling your lawn mower. If it says to push it then don’t pull it. Sounds obvious, but some mowers are built to go in a specific direction.

5. Don’t fill the tank of the lawn mower with gas in an enclosed area such as under the house, in a garage or in a shed. This can lead to a buildup of combustible fumes.

6. Don’t smoke anything and keep any other kind of open flame far away while filling your gas tank.

7. Avoid storing oil, gas and petrol in unmarked containers, especially containers that have been previously used for something edible.

8. Don’t add fuel to your lawnmower while the engine is running or the mower is still hot.

9. Fill your gas tank before starting your mowing each time you use your mower.

10. Young kids should not be allowed to operate your lawn mower. If you are going to let your child operate your lawn mower make sure you give them clear instructions and a full safety briefing before they begin and, depending on their age, never leave them alone.

11. Remove the spark plug before doing any maintenance work on your lawn mower.

12. Do not start the engine while you are inside any type of enclosed area (shed, building etc). This could lead to a toxic build up of fumes.

13. Don’t walk away from the lawn mower while the engine is running. If you do have to walk away a short distance (such as to carry mulch) make sure you keep a good eye on the lawn mower at all times.

14. If you need to make some types of adjustments to the lawn mower mechanics then always make sure that the engine is switched off.

15. Always wear closed shoes and long pants while mowing.

16. Keep well clear of the discharge chute during lawn mowing as dangerous objects can be hurled at quite a velocity from the chute.

Characteristics of High Performance Teams

Abstract: Based on significant research, Entelechy has defined characteristics of effective teams.

Entelechy reviewed over 50 studies on high performance teams and compiled a list of high performance team characteristics. We grouped characteristics into eight categories as indicated on the graphic below.

Participative Leadership
Aligned On Purpose And Vision
Task Focused
Shared Responsibility
Innovative
Problem Solving
Strong Communication
Responsive
Self Monitoring

See if your team shares characteristics of High Performance Teams. Circle the characteristics that describe your team; cross off those that don't describe your team.

PARTICIPATIVE LEADERSHIP
Envisioning leadership and organizing leadership
Clear leadership role that is shared
Enables people to make choices
Shared norms
Shared values
Members drawn to the team
Team identity
Belonging/membership
Synergism
Future focused

ALIGNED ON PURPOSE AND VISION
Common shared purpose
Clear shared vision
Self directing
High morale
Team goals align with personal goals and organization goals
Problem solving, not laying blame
Clear, shared understanding of team members' roles

TASK FOCUSED
Challenging tasks
Individual accountability/ownership
Equality in workload
Quality focus
Clear tasks and milestones
Mutual respect for ability
Commitment

SHARED RESPONSIBILITY
Shared decision making
Rewards linked to team performance
Recognize expertise/value added in individuals
Cooperation
Clear standards of acceptable performance
Celebrates success
Clear authority and responsibility
Contribution
Members responsible for team success

INNOVATIVE
Creative talents
May promote personal relationships
Respect for individuals
Empowered and empowering

PROBLEM SOLVING
Upfront and direct; confronts issues not people
Trust
Clear decision-making process
Conflicts managed well
Freedom to express ideas
Freedom to share opinions

STRONG COMMUNICATION
Superb communication
Open communication
Openness
Clear communication channels
Share common language and terminology
External communications
Time managed well
Structure, purposeful meetings (facilitator, timekeeper, recorder, scribe)

RESPONSIVE
Unite/partner with other teams
Flexible
Outward focused
Focus on the customer
Allows risks and mistakes
Promotes group learning

SELF MONITORING
Self correcting; evaluates its own performance
Individuals pleased with work results
Assigns opposing views

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

UK Seat Belt Law

It is 25 years since it became compulsory for front seat car passengers in the UK to wear a seatbelt.

As soon as this law came into effect the compliance rates were high with about 94% of drivers and front passengers wearing a seatbelt. As a result over 50,000 lives have been saved by seatbelts since this law was introduced. This still means however that around 370 people a year are killed in road accidents because they weren't wearing a seatbelt.

When in 1991 the law was extended to include rear seat passengers the compliance rate wasn't nearly as high. Even today it is thought a third of adults don't wear a seatbelt when traveling in the back of a car.

Technically if you are a passenger in the back of a car and over the age of 14 then it is your own responsibility to ensure you wear a seatbelt. Why so few actually choose to wear a seatbelt is not known even though the dangers of not doing so are just as great as not wearing a front seat seatbelt. Of course the most common reason given is that the passenger simply forgot to belt-up.

The compliance rate is particularly low with teenagers. One school of thought is that teenagers think wearing a seatbelt in the back of a car simply isn't cool. Or that on a short journey there isn't any need to do so.

Even though it is the over 14's own responsibility to make sure they wear a seatbelt whilst driving in the back if they choose not to then it can be the driver or other front passenger who suffer. In a crash at 30mph, if unrestrained, a person traveling in the back of the car will be thrown forward with a force of between 30 and 60 times their own body weight. This force crashing into a driver or front seat passenger is enough to kill. So any driver who allows a passenger to travel in the back of their car without wearing a seatbelt is putting themselves at risk. It may be the over fourteens choice not to wear a seatbelt in the back but as driver it is your choice weather you drive or not. If they don't belt-up, you don't drive.

You can find additional info at the following links:

Click Here for more information
Click Here for more information

Badge Holders and Badge Lanyards for Kids

The idea of using badge holders and badge lanyards in the office place is nothing new. But did you know that these inexpensive accessories are great for children as well? There are many reasons that a young person would want or need badge holders and badge lanyards. In fact, their may be as many uses for children as there are for adults. Many of the uses are safety-related, and many are just plain fun.
Badge holders and badge lanyards can be used for nearly anything the mind can imagine and a child's mind has unlimited imagination. As opposed to a child, compare how much fun an adult might have with a simple cardboard box? Not much. So doesn't it stand to reason that a child could find more uses for badge holders and badge lanyards than most adults?
One of the first things young children will do with badge holders and badge lanyards is to use them to imitate the adults. To do this they will gather up play money, toy credit cards, and other wallet sized item to use the badge holders and badge lanyards as neck wallets. Such games of "pretend and imitate" are truly enjoyable to children, and represent terrific opportunities to learn and experiment. They get to pretend to be grown ups by having grown up items. But this is not the only way children will use these handy items.
Children enjoy having their own notepads and ID cards. This makes badge holders and badge lanyards ideal for clubs and church groups. Each of the children receives his or her own badge holder or badge lanyard, they are allowed to decorate the item. Then each is assigned a special place to keep it. Throughout the program people can leave messages and the children can keep their important information in the badge holders and badge lanyards. At the end they have a nifty reminder of how they spent their time.
In schools or summer camps, badge holders become a necessary accessory for children. Having the kids wear the items allows for easy identification and also prevents the child from losing important identification and documents.
Not only will the children love these ID holders, but the adults involved will like the price. Badge holders and badge lanyards are very inexpensive at many online outlets. For just a few cents each custom badge lanyards and badge holders can be designed to fit any need you may have. Give them out for Holidays, use them as school gifts, or for summer or church camps. They even make great thank you gifts or goody bag stuffers at birthday parties. The more you order the cheaper they are so some even choose to order them in neutral colors with generic pictures or messages and reuse them for many occasions.
If you feel that your group of children would love badge holders and badge lanyards check out the variety available online right away. However, as the badge holders and badge lanyards are to be used for children, it is highly recommended that you order them with a "breakaway" feature. This is a snap attachment in the back which allows badge lanyard to come apart if pulled. This feature will prevent the lanyard from choking the user if it gets caught on something, such as a tree limb. Also, one should make sure there are no small removable attachments on the badge lanyards, which can present a chocking hazard for very young children. Additionally if they will include metal you need to make sure there are no sharp edges. In the case of badge holders for children, it is better to pay a little more to get extra safety features.




If you are looking for badge holders and badge lanyards, go to the Lanyard store where you will find an amazing variety available.