1999-2011, Universal Class, Inc., UniversalClass, UniversalClass.com List of Instructor-led, online courses in Law, Legal and Criminal Studies . http://www.universalclass.com/i/subjects/law-legal-criminal.htm Every time you trade an item, attend a sporting event or buy a soda, you enter the world of contracting. When an exchange is made willingly a contract exists. But do you know how US law interprets and enforces contracts? We've designed an introductory course to help you understand the components, processes, and legal impacts of contracts. This 11-lesson course will take a broad, yet detailed view of contract law in the United States. In this course we will begin by examining contract basics by explaining what a contract is and the various contract types. Key elements to most contracts are covered , along with an explanation of how US law governs contractual activity. We'll discuss enforcement and dispute resolution options, and the three critical requirements of a contract and#8211; offer, consideration and acceptance. We will explain who can enter a contract, how to approach negotiation and designing a written contract. This course will also examine unfair and improper contracts that could be challenged; focus on contract termination, covering breach, voiding and rescission claims; and provide details on special contract situations, including real estate, financing and social contracts. We conclude with an examination of contract law governing Internet use. When completed, each student will gain an edge when buying a car or home, getting a job, and handling everyday agreements. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550180.htm Sun, 5 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Basic Law and Criminology Technical writing is the art and science of translating technical information into readable, accessible writing usable by a wide audience. If you have ever read the user's manual for a piece of software or equipment you've purchased, you've seen technical writing in action. Creating manuals, help and technical support systems, online help systems, and instruction manuals are some of the main projects technical writers take on. Since nearly every business in every industry imaginable has at least an occasional need to bring technical information to its users and customers, technical writing is found in nearly every business, government agency, and non-profit organization. If you work in a high tech industry, technical writing may be a part of your job description and daily duties. If you love to write, enjoy learning, and have an interest in technology, technical writing can be an exciting, rewarding career in itself. Job opportunities in the field are expected to grow as technology continues to advance. Whether you are called upon to communicate technical information to clients and coworkers, or you are thinking of technical writing as a new and interesting career, this course is designed to help you get started. We'll talk more about the kinds of products technical writers get involved in, and discuss the kinds of skills that successful technical writing requires. We'll talk about ways to approach and organize a technical writing project, and look at the kinds of materials technical writers produce, from written manuals to video tutorials. For those looking at technical writing as a new career, we'll discuss ways of improving your skill set, getting training, making contacts, and breaking into the field. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550201.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:50:51 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Gregg Shorthand is the most widely used system of its kind in the world. It is used by millions of professionals from all walks of life in nearly every country worldwide. This system of shorthand is the most efficient of any other type created, it is considered the easiest to learn, use and read, it is simple, straightforward and elegant in design. As the Gregg system evolved, since its inception in 1888, it has become even easier to learn over the years. This course addresses the newest version of Gregg Shorthand, which is the second edition and#8220;Simplified.and#8221; You will find that by learning this system of shorthand that your work will become much easier and the knowledge you have obtained will give you valuable access to numerous positions in the business world. There are ten comprehensive lessons written in an easy to follow, informative manner. Lessons will contain the following elements: Introduction to the Lesson: 'Introduction' The Lesson body broken down by topic: and#8220;Learn Itand#8221; Lesson Conclusion: and#8220;Conclusionand#8221; Practice writing and audio activities following each lesson Brief lesson review quiz Highlighted key terms, checklists, exercises, and Web site resources will be threaded throughout the entire course when and where appropriate and necessary. Making full use of this course, in its entirety, is the first step in getting more of what you want in life and business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33894.htm Mon, 29 Oct 2007 10:30:01 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Become a Skilled Proofreader or Copyeditor If you're looking for a new career path or if you're a writer who wants to improve your writing skills, learning how to proofread and copyedit with our easy to follow, in-depth course, may be just what you need. Learning these specialized skills will help improve your overall writing ability and may provide a career path that is both lucrative and in high demand. In today's world, proofreaders and copyeditors are sought after not only in the corporate environment and Internet-related ventures, but also by start-up companies, small businesses, and entrepreneurs. Freelance proofreading jobs are bountiful, and many companies offer work-from-home opportunities as an additional benefit. This online course will cover: Exactly what proofreading and copyediting will entail. The tools you need to be an efficient proofreader or copyeditor. The basic skills you need to learn, taught to you in an easy-to-understand manner. Step-by-step instruction on how to proofread or copyedit. How to apply your newly learned skills. Tips to make you a professional proofreader or copyeditor with just a little practice. How to proofread and copyedit different kinds of writing such as fiction, blogs and articles. How to proofread and copyedit your own work. How to secure employment as a proofreader or copyeditor. How to start your own proofreading or copyediting business upon completion of the course. Current salary information. Practice exercises to implement your new skills. This course is designed for everyone, regardless of education, experience, or background. No matter who you are or what you want to achieve in life, gaining proofreading and copyediting skills will improve your written communications, help you think more clearly, and perhaps start you on the road to a brand new career. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550008.htm Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:54:12 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Human Resources Basic Law and Criminology Today, knowing how to type fast is almost a necessity in the business world. More and more corporate-world employees are being asked to create reports, sales letters, business plans, blogs, web content, forecasts and more. Knowing how to type can save you hours of valuable work time, increasing your productivity. This course, Typing and Keyboarding for Business Professionals, is entirely self-teaching. Each lesson is short, simple and easy to master, with easy-to-understand text and custom-designed typing drills. Here are some features you will like about this course: 1. Cumulative Reviews: At the end of each lesson, you will be quizzed on the most important points to remember. This will help to reinforce your understanding of those keys before you go on to the new ones. 2. Accuracy and Speed-Building practice: Learning how to type faster means nothing without the accuracy that goes along with it. Weand#8217;ve created special practice drills that will help you master both. 3. Learn Business Correspondence Formats: This course helps you learn and understand the correct format and etiquette for the most common letters, documents and notes used when communicating in the business world. 4. Speed and Accuracy Tests: Weand#8217;ve provided tests that allow you to see how your words per minute (wpm) rate and your accuracy have improved over the course of the class. 5. Online Typing Aids: To help you continue to practice, weand#8217;ve provided links to several websites offering free typing games and tests. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550009.htm Wed, 6 Feb 2008 13:02:46 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Terrorism, is it the scourge of our time? Are you fearful of being involved in a terrorist attack? Quite frankly it almost depends on where in the world you live. It is often because a safe place today is a terror target tomorrow. With the desire on the part of the terrorists to obtain weapons of mass destruction, i.e. chemical, biological, or even a dirty bomb or nuclear bomb, the potential for a massive destructive attack increases exponentially. This course looks at the recent history of terrorism from the early twentieth century to today. You will learn: - The extent to which terrorism has become a part of life in the twenty-first century. - Why there is not a generally accepted definition of terrorism. - Acts of terrorism in the old world, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and the new world. - Who in the world is acting to fight terrorism, or acting to support terrorism. - What the world is doing to combat terrorism. - The known terrorist groups and what are their goals. - The momentous influence that religion plays in terrorism - The continuous problems with political and military tactics in defeating terrorism. If you're p ursuing any career involving the field of political science or criminology, or if you are interested in understanding the reasons for terrorist acts, or want to know what the prospects are for the future of terrorism, this course will provide lots of disquieting but interesting information http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550445.htm Thu, 1 Jan 2009 01:01:11 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Safety Legal Studies Criminal Justice Basic Law and Criminology If you are currently pursuing or are interested in working in areas of law, this course will provide you with the background information you will need to get started. The increasing demand for paralegals, legal secretaries, and law clerks to help attorneys gather and evaluate evidence offers many job opportunities. This course will equip you with basic skills to more effectively deal with the gathering, preparation and presentation of evidence in both civil and criminal cases. In today's modern American society, it seems that there is an ever-increasing amount of litigation in the United States court system. The act of filing a lawsuit for an increasing number of grievances, whether real or imagined, has become quite easy. And, as a consequence of less restrictive tort regulations, it becomes more and more likely that most Americans will spend at least some time in court at some point in their life. While most experiences with court will be routine and mundane civil actions (i.e., without any criminal implications), evidence is still required to substantiate the claims of the parties involved. For criminal cases, the need for a solid understanding of what is admissible evidence becomes increasingly important. It can be seen that, in either of these situations, it is important to have a basic understanding of evidence law and how it works. In cases of life and death, an understanding of evidence is critically important. It can literally mean the difference between a guilty party being punished and being set free. It can also exonerate those falsely accused, thereby preserving the reputation of those truly innocent. This introductory course is designed to familiarize the student with the basic concepts of United States law, the admission of evidence, different types of testimonies, burdens of proof, and more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33204.htm Tue, 27 Nov 2007 12:42:34 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Legal Studies Criminal Justice Basic Law and Criminology Business ethics is an important part of any industry. Students or managers, unfamiliar with many ethical challenges, behaviors, or regulations will find themselves struggling in business industries that include finance, accounting or human resource management, marketing and retail. Today's managers must necessarily concern themselves with ethical issues, because unethical behavior creates legal risks and damage to businesses as well as employees and consumers. Business ethics have become an integral part of business education in general. A student or manager who is well-versed in ethical behavior in practices, not only in the domestic market but internationally, will find him or herself better prepared to deal with issues or situations that may arise that don't always involve easy answers or decisions. Each one of us, from the individual consumer to the CEO of an international corporation, is affected in some way by business ethics during the course of his or her life. Therefore, everyone has a stake in the ramifications resulting from unethical business decisions. This business ethics course offers an introduction into the concept of values, morality, as well as cultural beliefs and upbringing in all areas of business, from consumer rights to corporate social responsibility. Decisions made by shift managers or corporate presidents may affect thousands of individuals or entire communities. Consumers today expect and demand integrity, honesty, and transparency in all levels of their environment. Understanding those expectations is the key to communicating core values and behavior not only to employees, but society in general. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550323.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Human Resources Credit governs everyone's lives. It is what allows people to buy a house, get a car, have a credit card and generally live a life they cannot really afford. Sadly, many people get into a debt spiral that soon goes out of control. They have trouble keeping their head above water, and soon they fall under as the weight of debt drags them down. Thankfully, credit can be managed and all it takes is having the ability to change how one lives their life. By implementing the lessons explained in this course, an individual will be able to take their credit and repair it. This is not to say that it will be easy. If anything, it will be very difficult to do. They will be struggling to keep their head above water, but as they persevere, they will be able to slowly fix their credit and get credit relief. The statistics are staggering with how many people suffer from credit problems. Millions, with that number growing because of the economy, are actually using credit to keep their heads above water. This is a losing strategy that only results in them losing nearly everything they have as the water quickly pulls them under and the debt rock shows no signs of letting go. There are many ways that a person can get rid of debt, and they are covered in this course. These include: Understanding Credit Understanding a credit score Understanding how credit is affected Understanding Credit Cards Understanding Foreclosure Understanding Bankruptcy Understanding the Debt to Income Ratio Understanding the Debt Spiral Finding Debt Counseling Finding Debt Consolidation Learning to live within one's means Learning how to budget Knowing how to stay on track Understanding Credit Reports Fixing Credit Errors These must be done right, and cannot be rushed. To get out of debt and realize credit relief, one has to work hard to do so. This course will explain how to repair credit using the tips that have helped millions of other people raise their credit score hundreds of points through know-how and determination. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550109.htm Sun, 4 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Whether you are seeking to raise funds for your non-profit group, a worthy charity, political or religious organization, your local school or to provide community specific aid, this detailed course will provide you with everything you need to know about the basics of fundraising. Although Fundraising 101 is geared towards the novice, even those with past fundraising experience will find useful ideas and the latest information. Fundraising is a fulfilling and worthwhile endeavor, it can also be overwhelming and confusing if you are not sure where to start or how to stay on track. With the magnitude of charities out there soliciting funds from givers it also becomes a difficult task to make your own group stand out from the others. Convincing potential contributors to rally to your cause requires the efforts of several dedicated individuals and substantial organization long before you ever ask that defining question--'Would you please help with your donation?' Making full use of this course in its entirety is the first step in turning the dreaded response ' I gave at the office,' into the much desired 'Sure, I can donate!' http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32862.htm Wed, 11 Apr 2007 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Retirement for many of us can already be a fact of life. For others, it is looming on the horizon and the closer we get the more uneasy we feel about that next step. We are filled with questions about just how we will pay for our retirement. What will it cost? How much will you get from Social Security? What if you do not wish to quit working entirely, but are being forced into retirement by your company? Are you ready for retirement emotionally? There are many questions about retirement, mainly because retirement is now considered a phase of our lives rather than a couple years spent marking time after we stop working. The latest statistics indicate that most people who retire today can look forward to decades of time spent in retirement, and with that much time on our hands, it is imperative that we plan carefully. We need to develop a financial plan. We need to develop a health and exercise plan. We need to develop and emotional and social support plan. This online class will address a number of these issues and give you a place to start. Financial concerns regarding IRA's, insurance, and what you should do with your house will be addressed. Specific health recommendations will be made to maximize your physical condition during retirement. And what about your social and family relationships? Most of us have allowed these very important relationships to lapse when our happiness during retirement is actually based on them. Finally, we will talk about how to prepare for retirement and what you will do with your time. There are many of us who really wanted to do something else with our lives. Once you retire from your 'real' job, you may be very pleasantly surprised to realize that you can now finally pursue the life of your dreams. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550163.htm Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Criminal profiling course is about reconstructing the serial offenders' motives and intent by closely examining all psychological evidence left by perpetrators at a crime scene. Today more and more International Police enforcement agencies rely on criminal profilers' work to address the investigative process; this is caused by the significant and steady rise in psychopathologies and psychosis in which crime is fought through the use of another perspective, the murderers'. If you feel the urge to recognize what lies beyond the offenders' criminal trail in the search for victims, their modus operandi and ultimate dark dreams, this course will reward you with a valuable knowledge about the field. No concepts are presented in this course that will prevent even novice students from improving skills needed to evaluate and classify serial criminals based on scientific premises. All students will play the part of a profiler's most trusted assistant throughout these lessons which will review all aspects and theories on serial crimes. This course will nurture your curiosity into a deeper understanding about Criminal Profiling. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31534.htm Mon, 22 Jan 2007 22:36:58 GMT Universal Class, Inc. The idea of leadership is one that seems to constantly change. What was once valued in a leader in past centuries, is no longer valued in our modern era. So then, how do we define leadership? And is leadership the same as supervision ? In this Leadership and Supervision course, you will learn not only what makes a great leader, but how a person's attributes and skills can affect their leadership abilities. We will also address the roles of problem solving and planning in the scope of leadership, as well as define the role supervision plays in leadership (and vice versa). This course features several historical examples of real-life leaders and how their skills were able to cement their place in history as some of history's greatest leaders. All the leaders are addressed in-depth to give those taking this course a practical example to base their own leadership traits. For anyone who thinks they may be a leader, and for all of those who want to be one, this course will give you a practical guide to becoming a powerful and respected leader. At the end of this course, you'll be able to apply what you have learned in a final exam that can show you if you have what it takes to be a leader that history will remember. So...what kind of leader are you? And what can you do to improve upon your leadership skills? Join us today, and let's find out. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550075.htm Fri, 29 Feb 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Diversity training is not a new concept, but one that many organizations have been implementing into their training programs. The idea is that when employees are exposed to a variety of different cultures, individuals with different sexual preferences and people with various personalities, conflict may occur. Diversity training is designed to assist people in dealing with these various situations so that civil rights violations do not occur. Diversity training has been utilized in the workplace for quite some time, but often under different names such as: Race Relations Training Cross-Cultural Training Multicultural Education Diversity extends far beyond race relations in the workplace. It is not only the acceptance of people of color that upper management and CEOs are worried about, it's the acceptance of women, homosexuals and even aging individuals in the workplace. Although there are often several complaints that exist due to the diversification in employees who are hired, such as older employees don't feel as though things work as smoothly as they used to; white males complain about being overlooked for promotions; work isn't as much fun with all of the sexual harassment laws and the many other complaints that people can come up with when presented with a diverse workplace. However, diversification ensures that with properly managed employees and managers in leadership positions, the business can do nothing but grow when they expand the personalities, the racial backgrounds and the genders in the workplace. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550245.htm Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:41:44 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources How does our Criminal Justice system really work? This course will answer that question and provide an impartial and balanced look at current policies and legal issues facing the police, courts and our corrections system. If you're interested in pursuing a career in the criminal law field, business law or behavioral sciences, this class provides insights on crime control, criminal mindset, controversies involving the police, due process, prison life, rehabilitation and many other areas. An ideal course for anyone who wants to know how the criminal justice system really operates. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30652.htm Wed, 26 Jul 2006 17:30:35 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Criminal Justice Basic Law and Criminology Reading Body Language, Using it to Your Advantage H aving the ability to read body language can go a long way in helping you throughout your life. You can learn to understand the cues, or signs, that people show when they tell a lie, or when they are unsure of themselves. Knowing what to look for and how to use this information can be helpful in your personal life, as well as in your career. Being able to read body language can help you ace a job interview. It can make a date go smoother and it can help you excel at reaching your goals. In this course you will learn what body language is, about different emotions, how to read body language and how to use the information to your personal and career advantage. You'll learn about cultural differences as it pertains to body language, the power of first impressions and intuition and how to ask the questions and be an active listener when you get responses. Don't shake another hand until you have learned all you can from the information in this course! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550242.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Legal Studies Criminal Justice Basic Law and Criminology Starting and operating a business is a minefield of rules and regulations. The regulations set in the moment you decide to start your own business. You need to get licenses and permits from the authorities. There are restrictions on the type of business you can operate in a neighborhood. Tax and employee regulations are perhaps the most strictly enforced regulations. Non-compliance can even lead to cancellation of the business license and at times, imprisonment. This course will guide you on the main requirements of the regulations so that a business can develop a strategy for compliance. This course will also provide guides on how to protect the intellectual property of the business , the types of insurance a business must generally have in place, and sources of funding. Every business has its own assets. You must know how to protect the assets of your business, such as: registering the intellectual property right of the business with the appropriate authorities; insuring the business against losses; growing your business with funding. Find out what you need to know so that you can focus on making your business successful. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550083.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:25:11 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Legal Studies Human Resources Basic Law and Criminology Many professionals who enter into the world of human resources quickly believe that they will succeed in their new found field simply because they have a knack for relating with people from all walks of life. While having 'good people skills' is certainly a positive attribute for working in the human resources field, being in tune with the ever-changing policies and procedures that successfully make a team or company tick, is just as important as being the boss that everyone loves. Managing your rules and guidelines works in tandem with managing 'your humans.' Today, many managers enter the world of human resources simply because they are exceptional managers. They have climbed the rank and file of the corporate ladder, succeeding at each rung, to the point where they are now managing a team, which may include 'kids' fresh out of college or professionals who have been in the workforce for some time, sometimes even longer than the manager himself. Having the ability to create synergy on his team, to drive productivity and provide opportunities for employee growth while developing policies and procedures that apply to all are just a few of the trademarks that make a great manager. Others enter the human resource field by choice. They are the 'people' people who want to work in the actual Human Resources department of a company to become 'the people that staff and operate an organization as contrasted with the financial and material resources of an organization. The organizational function that deals with the people ...' Whether its entering the world of human resources by choice or by being thrown in because of your professional successes, the basic principles remain the same: you not only want to get the job done, but also you want to get it done with good people who work collectively and cooperatively toward a common goal successfully. Hiring the right people, training them, affording them opportunities for growth, all while setting parameters and guidelines, is the key to great human resource management. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550050.htm Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Basic Law and Criminology In order to be effective at any business endeavor learning how to negotiate properly is not simply a 'nice skill to have,' it has become an essential requirement in career advancement. This course will teach you what you need to know in order to become accomplished at finding that perfect 'middle-ground' in any deal. For those who relish the idea of engaging in what some call the 'dance' of compromise, you will also profit from the beneficial information contained within this course. Lastly, those who tend to overshoot their mark will learn how to be more restrained in their negotiations. There are ten comprehensive lessons written in an easy to follow, informative manner. The end of each lesson will provide you with multiple summary review questions so that you may effectively test your new found knowledge. We encourage you to use these self-test questions to determine whether you are ready to move on to the next lesson or if you should review portions of the preceding lesson before taking the next step. Don't rush yourself. Take the time to read all portions of the lessons and complete the exercises and self-tests. Making full use of this course, in its entirety, is the first step in getting more of what you want in life and business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550241.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Small Business Legal Studies How would you like to be your own detective? Are you interested in tracking down someone who owes you money, or getting information from credit bureaus or locating lost children or friends, or finding out whether a spouse or lover is being faithful or do you want to learn more about one of the fastest growing careers? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions then this is the perfect course for you! Through this private investigator course you will be given the tools to perform searches over the internet, the skills to assess public records online and the methods for performing background investigations. The class will include real life examples from actual private investigators. So if sleuthing is something that intrigues you, join this self-paced online course. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30447.htm Sun, 1 Jan 2006 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Criminal Justice Sexual harassment is a hot topic in today's world--both in the corporate arena and in the personal arena. In this online class we will explore the concept of sexual harassment and look at solutions. Most of the ideas here will be directed toward the corporate arena, however many of the definitions and concepts apply equally to both arenas. Be aware that many aspects of the rules and concepts governing sexual harassment are part of law. That means they must be respected and followed, but it also means that they are changing--constantly. Any sub-topic within the legal field is part of a living code, that means the code has been set out but is always being refined, talked about, tested, renewed, and sometimes discarded. Fifty years ago, online sexual harassment wasn't an issue; today it is. So be aware that this course is not going to replace solid legal council in the area of sexual harassment. Instead, this course will be a guideline to help you understand and end sexual harassment in the workplace. To that end, we'll provide practical advice, suggestions, and ideas on how to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace, and moreover, we'll go into the necessary procedures/guidelines your personnel/HR department should have in place (and posted) in case there is an instance of sexual harassment. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550240.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Small Business Safety Legal Studies Human Resources Criminal Justice Legal questions come up regularly in our daily lives and the language of law is everywhere. Legal Terminology 101 is a comprehensive guide to the language of the legal system. If you're planning on purchasing a house, involved in a landlord-tenant dispute, making a will, buying a car, getting health insurance, applying for a credit card or hiring a lawyer then understanding the terminology of the contracts, forms and systems is vital for a successful outcome. This course is ideal for anyone wanting to quickly and easily learn common legal terms. Each of the self-paced lessons includes sound files so you can hear the pronunciation immediately. Whether you're a homemaker or a student or looking for work in the legal or business world this course will help you learn a new language the 'legal language' . http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32170.htm Thu, 15 Feb 2007 16:55:54 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Legal Studies Criminal Justice Basic Law and Criminology Welcome to advocacy for the elderly patient. With growing numbers of seniors in our aging population, families and extended family members are finding themselves in a position where they're providing for some or all of the care for their senior loved ones. Understanding basic rights of patients and how such rights apply to the elderly will help you become an advocate for not only elderly patients, but for other family members and friends. In this course, you'll learn what an advocate is, what one does, and why it's important to be an advocate for patient care today. You'll also learn not only how to be a well educated advocate, but to do your part to preserve the dignity of seniors, prevent elder abuse, and understand the basics of elderly patient care at home, in assisted living facilities and in nursing homes or other care scenarios. You'll learn the importance of nutrition and providing senior-friendly living spaces. You'll learn how to effectively evaluate nursing homes and understand the legal rights of seniors and how to protect them from scams. As an educated advocate, you'll also learn how to identify and report red flags when it comes to senior care, including elderly abuse and more personal aspects of care, including hygiene. You'll also learn the importance of documents such as advance directives and powers of attorney in order to provide the best in secure, comforting and effective senior care that maintains their independence and dignity in all areas of their life. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550468.htm Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies We live in world where communication is paramount to survival. In a work environment where communication is equated with the professionalism and efficiency of an individual, would you jeopardize your career because of bad writing? Do you want the embarrassment of sending out a poorly written email to your peers? Can you risk sending out badly written communications to customers and putting your company's reputation on the line? Of course not, no one aspires to be a bad writer. No one wants to communicate badly. This crash course in business communication may help remedy your writing woes. From the basic do's and don'ts of business communication to the nitty-gritty of formatting, punctuation, tone and language--this course covers all the fundamentals. As a one stop guide to a professional's writing career, the class is ideal for assistants, secretaries, executives, managers, and senior managers of any company or organization. Learn about the common mistakes we make when writing a business letter. Learn how often people mistake 'affect' for 'effect', and 'except' for 'accept'. Learn about how to write business emails. This course will also give you insights into your reader's mind. Who are they? What do they want? How can you effectively reach out to them? So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550413.htm Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:15:15 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business If you have been at the mercy of the negative consequences that result from mishandled anger, Anger Management 101 will provide relief. This insightful course is filled with both practical wisdom and application that will end the anger trap for good. Everyone occasionally gets angry and anger is a natural reaction to the things that happen: to you, around you, to someone you care for. Anger is a normal emotion unless the result of your anger is such that your reaction becomes uncontrollable, violent, or destructive. When anger becomes your reaction of choice to even the most minor of situations, or if you find yourself lashing out unnecessarily at people you love, respect, or care for, your anger may be spiraling out of control. Out of control anger can lead to many psychological and emotional issues, as well as many difficulties with your career, important relationships, and friendships. This course will provide the information you will need to end the anger cycle and live up to your true potential. We will discuss these topics: What are Various forms of Anger What are the Responses to Anger How to Control Anger Developing Empathy Passive Aggressive Behaviors Stress Factors Anger in Relationships Professional Help Resources Breathing and Relaxation Exercises http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550244.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Human Resources Criminal Justice The field of law for a secretary is one of the best positions to have in the world of office work. A good legal secretary will, quite frankly, never be out of work. It is a high paying job with many rewards and benefits. Salary ranges for legal secretaries can enter the three digit range in some parts of the world, particularly New York City . This course is designed both for those who are already in the field and want to hone their skills in order to demand a higher income and for those who wish to enter the field but are not sure where to start or what aspects of secretarial work are important to be hired by a good firm. While a legal secretary's job can often be quite demanding, it is rarely boring or uninteresting. You will always be busy and things often must move rather quickly at the spur of the moment. You can expect to work occasional weekends and evenings, but don't let that daunt you, as law offices are often generous with holiday time off (when courts are closed) and short work days when things are quiet. There are numerous areas of law that those in the profession may focus on whether it be litigation, divorce, real estate or criminal law. This course will cover each prevalent area so that you might get a better idea of which is best for you to pursue. It will also tell you about what skills are vital for winning that prized position you are after, or making yourself more valuable to the attorney or firm you are currently working for. For those who lack experience, the trick is often getting your 'foot in the door,' this course will show you how. For those who have experience, it is often difficult to become 'unstuck' and earn what you feel you deserve, this course will sharpen your skills so that you may either request a raise or be prepared to move on to another firm or sole practitioner who pays more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550015.htm Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Basic Law and Criminology Preventing child abuse is everyone's responsibility. This includes law enforcement personnel, educational personnel, medical personnel as well as family, friends, and neighbors. Child Abuse education is important so that students may recognize various aspects of child abuse, including neglect, sexual and physical abuse, and other forms of maltreatment. This course helps students understand the typical profiles of child abusers as well as the definitions of various forms and aspects of neglect and abuse. Repercussions for failure to report suspected neglect or child abuse of any form may be punishable by civil or criminal liabilities. Who is required to report child abuse as well as the guidelines and protocols for reporting are addressed in these lessons. Law-enforcement personnel are required to initiate investigations following jurisdictional procedure and protocol. Prosecutors are required to ensure that evidence is admissible in a court of law and that child abuse investigations are completed in a timely manner and as thoroughly as possible. Methods of interviewing children as well adults or suspects are included in this course. Education and child abuse law enforcement procedures, investigative techniques, filing report guidelines and how surveillance is used to find and charge a suspect are all parts of a child abuse investigation that require teamwork. Learn how to recognize forms of abuse and understand child abuse cases, from crime scene investigation and preserving evidence to charging sexual or physical abuse reports and interrogating a suspect. Preventing child abuse is everyone's responsibility and#8211; learn how to spot it and how to stop it. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550243.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Safety Criminal Justice Basic Law and Criminology When the requirements necessary for a valid contract are present and all the clauses in a contract are correctly stated,it is still possible for a contract not to be a contract.This course,a follow up on an earlier course, 'Contract Law (Introduction), is in 6 parts. It discusses lucidly these circumstances,with thought provoking questions and very stimulating tests and assignments. The knowledge gained from the course will guide anyone in any position of responsibility in taking decisions based on sound legal principles. The course is useful for students in higher institutions, professionals in any position of responsibility and anyone who desires an update or knowledge of Contract Law. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/10273.htm Thu, 17 Mar 2005 11:40:52 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Basic Law and Criminology Domestic violence, sometimes called domestic abuse, is reaching epidemic proportions and affects men, women and children of all races and social and economic levels. In order to stem the tide of domestic abuse we have to not only stop the abuse and protect the victims, we also have to understand what triggers the abuse so that the next generation of families can learn to live abuse-free. Course topics will include: What is Domestic Violence? Who are the Victims? Recognizing the Signs of Domestic Violence Why Victims Stay with Abusers How You Can Help Victims of Domestic Abuse Legal Issues such as: PFA's and PRO's What the police and courts can and can't do Handling divorce and custody issues How to Keep Safe such as: Safety Measures for yourself and your children Escape plans in case you need to flee Understanding who to turn to in an emergency The After-Effects of Domestic Abuse Moving On: Relationships After Abuse The fall-out for families Steps to take for success Helping Domestic Abuse Survivors Stopping the Cycle of Abuse Stopping Abuse Forever http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550247.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Safety Criminal Justice The objective of this course is to provide an introduction to the fundamental facts that anyone should know about the Law of Contract. It discusses the principles that makes a contract valid or not.The basic components that must always be in a valid contract - offer, acceptance, consideration (money) and intention to enter legal relations are explained. With the aid of real life cases, the rights and obligations that contracts create and which the law will enforce are thoroughly examined. Issues focused on range from how many people are needed to form a contract,what are their duties.What must they avoid not to be liable in law. When can they decide not to continue with a contract. A very important fact which affects a contract is whether or not letters and or documents are posted promptly. When do this affect the validity of a contract and when does it not? It is also very important for people who are involved in a contract to communicate exactly what they mean to each other.If they do not,the validity of the contract could be affected and the court might refuse to enforce the contract.When do these situations occur? Does the death of someone involved in a contract affect its validity? What would the court say about this scenario - and reward cases such as when the United States put a ransom for information leading to the whereabout of Saddam? What would happen if the US government decides not to honour its promise.What would be the court's intepretation? These and more are the issues that are discussed in this course.The overall objective is to teach what makes a contract valid and what does not, so that expertise gained could be used to analyze properly situations and circumstances of a personal and professional nature. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/6728.htm Mon, 8 Sep 2003 10:52:10 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Basic Law and Criminology If you're interested in pursuing a career in crime scene investigation, this course will introduce you to the basics of practical crime scene investigation procedures and techniques. Covering the history of forensic investigation from the ancient Chinese culture to the phenomena known today as the 'CSI-Effect' on the general population, this course explains the methods and protocol involved in the crime scene investigator's two prime directives: protect and preserve the evidence. This course covers such topics as how to initially approach a crime scene; the importance of following proper procedure and protocol in searching, collecting, and packaging crime scene evidence; how to ensure the integrity and chain of evidence rules that will be acceptable in a court of law; how to identify and collect various forms of evidence ranging from biological fluids to weapons and firearms; and how to document a crime scene as well as explain different techniques for handling evidence. This crime scene investigation course also offers techniques for interviewing witnesses and family members as well as understanding such terms as victimology and equivocal crime scenes. We'll also study the basics of blood spatter interpretation, wound anatomy, and how to observe a crime scene properly. From initial arrival at a crime scene to testifying in court, this online class offers students the basics of one of the most fascinating jobs within the field of law enforcement. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550011.htm Sat, 2 Feb 2008 12:43:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Criminal Justice Basic Law and Criminology One of the most profound effects of Marshall McLuhans' description of the world as a 'global village' was its effects on human rights' activities. Today, with technology, most international human rights organizations have branches and affiliates all over the world and can therefore easily monitor human rights' violations. The world as presently constituted, therefore, provides an opportunity to get educated about one's basic rights and the events that shape history in different parts of the world. This course provides a general overview of international human rights and a thorough knowledge of fundamental human rights. It also discusses the role of international pressure groups and international courts and tribunals in observing and enforcing human rights. Lesson One and Two traces the philosophical background and types of human rights. Lesson Three focuses on 'the engine' on which human rights operate - The Rule of Law, while Lesson Four examines how international human rights organizations mould public opinion and ensure observance of international human rights covenants. The course ends with the analysis of high profile cases of Senator Pinochet of Chile , Slobodan Milosevic of former Yugoslavia and Charles Taylor of Liberia - all former Heads of State. This course is meant for undergraduates and graduate students taking human rights courses and anyone seeking a career or an update on human rights. It will aid them in understanding the dialectics involved in human rights practice in the world, in addition to equipping them with current information on human rights' activities. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/16438.htm Sat, 9 Dec 2006 14:08:08 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Conflict Resolution: In the Workplace and Beyond Did you know that a little conflict in your office today can shut down your entire operation tomorrow? That is no exaggeration! Workplace conflict costs. It starts by reducing productivity and employee health. It will finish your business by reducing customer loyalty and profitability. In this self-paced course you will learn how you can avoid conflict from developing, and methods you can use to resolve conflicts that are occurring and affecting your workplace. Animosity. Dissent. Anger. Frustration. Rage. Disagreements. Differences of opinion. Yelling. Personal attack. Vindictiveness. Conflict. They make great TV but a terrible work environment. Enroll today and learn how to put a stop to it now. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550238.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources This introductory course examines the important principles of an insurance contract.Legal principles such as insurable interest, premiums,compensation,claims payment and the principles of good faith like misrepresentation,disclosure and consumers rights' against manufacturers of goods are examined in an in-depth manner,devoid of legal technicalities. Issues discussed in these topics are: What is an insurance contract? Who can be parties to it? What are the rights and obligations of these parties? What is the extent of their liabilities? What is the significance of agency in insurance contracts? What are the duties an agent owes his master (the Principal)?H ow broad and or limited are these duties? Who can sue or be sued in insurance contract? How does the court make assessment of claims - what are the guiding principles? Do consumers have rights against manufacturers of items they consume - how can these rights be enforced? W hat are the contrainsts? Answers to these questions are discussed in a very lucid manner so that the learner can gradually come to a basic understanding of how insurance works in our everyday life. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/3930.htm Tue, 21 May 2002 17:11:31 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies This course sheds light on what the contents of a contract are that makes it a document that one can rely on in courts. What does a contract mean? What are the rules that guide contracts that are international in nature?What specific role do Clauses - Words, Phrases and Sentences have on contracts? How can they be inserted into a contract to achieve parties' objectives?What are the constraints to these insertions?What are the various types of contract? What are the differences between these various types of contract? What effect does external factors have on the making of a contract? What effect does a public notice by a business outfit stating for instance ' Cars are parked at owners risk' mean? What does exclusion and limiting terms mean? Why do people insert exclusion and limiting clauses in contracts and what effect do they have on contracts? This course provides answers to all these questions with recent and well illustrated real life cases written lucidly to aid understanding. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/3369.htm Sun, 19 Jan 2003 12:19:11 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Basic Law and Criminology The paralegal field is highly rewarding for those who seek to be a part of the justice system. On a day to day basis, the paralegal is the attorney's right hand. From the perspective of the law, the paralegal is a sort of junior attorney in so far as she must know a lot of what he knows and she creates and presents his documents for execution upon his approval. She is his detail person, and she is necessary for him to follow up on his communications, check his court dates, check client backgrounds, client relations, law office to law office relations, check every detail and every reference in all of his documents, research applicable laws and case references, prepare all of his court documents, and generally keep him going. Trial paralegals also prepare the case interrogatories, file with opposing counsel for discovery, prep the client for deposition and accompany the attorney to court. Although the work is quite detailed, in practice a paralegal's work is anything but secretarial and many have equal use of their attorney's secretary so that the paralegal can follow up on the details of her work. Some paralegals also have legal assistants junior paralegals to whom they delegate details of their responsibilities. The Paralegal Studies course is designed to give you information you need to be a successful paralegal. It will take you through a survey of what is needed to become a paralegal, how you may choose to go about it, all of the business details which are generally not known until you are into the firm, and some of the social skills and information you will need to survive and thrive in a firm. It also covers issues which will never be said to you by anyone in your firm; some of the material cannot be said by members of your firm without putting them in legal jeopardy because they possess licenses or practice in certain areas of law. If you already have your paralegal certification, then this course will be beneficial if you are seeking your first firm position. You will get an insider's scoop on common mistakes and pitfalls, and you will know how to avoid or overcome common faux pas. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550162.htm Mon, 28 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Learn the basics of Employment Law , the potential pitfalls, and ways to keep yourself out of court so that you can grow your business by hiring, evaluating, and managing employees. This course will discuss all the necessary information you need to know about employees and independent consultants, what benefits you are responsible for, taxes, discrimination issues, unionization, and workplace safety. You will learn the ins and outs of how to advertise a job position, and how to effectively interview so that your hiring process goes smoothly. Learn good evaluation techniques and how to resolve problems before they become really big issues. However, not everyone is in the right place, and you may have to terminate someone from your employment, and this class will help you to do it the right way. Employment laws are both at the federal and state levels and every business owner is responsible for them. While this course is NOT a replacement for knowing and understanding the employment laws that affect your business, this course will reveal the most common employment laws and how they can affect the way you do business. This course is a must for anyone who wishes to learn how to be an effective employer, supervisor, or manager and will be of benefit to any small business owner or a corporate executive, manager, supervisor, or human resource specialist. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550199.htm Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Basic Law and Criminology Since as far back as Ancient Greece and Rome, there has been a system in place in all civilized societies to compensate those individuals who have become injured or disabled due to a work-related accident. The laws and regulations governing what is known today as Workers' Compensation have changed dramatically over the last 1700 years. This course will take a close look at the entire Workers' Compensation system, from the filing of an initial claim, to a detailed look on how to choose the right doctor and lawyer, how to represent yourself in the absence of a lawyer, and, most importantly, a detailed look into the specific federal, state, and private benefits that are available to people who have become injured in their workplace. Filing a Workers' Compensation claim need not be a daunting task. Every worker must seek the advice of qualified professionals. This course will provide an understanding of the core concepts in a Workers' Compensation claim, as well as education on where to get further information. Being injured in the workplace can mean a significant change in one's life, and it is important to ensure that one's rights and#8211; either those of an employee or an employer and#8211; are being fully protected. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550193.htm Fri, 16 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Safety Legal Studies Human Resources Basic Law and Criminology Estate planning was once a buzz phrase reserved only for the wealthy. However, today many people are beginning to realize that estate planning is important for everyone. Anyone who has assets, no matter how small or wants their medical wishes carried out should have an estate plan. If you have no easily identifiable heirs, the lack of a proper estate plan and/or will could result in all your property ending up in the hands of the government rather than in the hands of those you designate. Your life insurance policy may clearly assign the beneficiaries of that money, but it does not account for the other assets you may have, including cash, your home, real estate, car, bank accounts, valuable collections and other belongings. Without a proper estate plan you could be kept on life support indefinitely, or be forced to endure painful life saving procedures that would only serve to prolong a debilitating terminal illness. Some find the idea of estate planning morbid or negative and prefer to ignore it rather than think about it, but this is simply avoidance of the facts of life. Others take a 'lets just get it over with' approach to estate planning; this is also not recommended because errors could be made when creating a 'rushed' plan. It is wise to put a well thought out estate plan in place that you feel confident about, put it aside, and get about the business of living and enjoying your life. It will give you peace of mind to know that when the time comes your assets will be distributed as you desire and your medical wishes will be carried out in accordance with your beliefs. Creating a simple estate plan is much easier than you think and can be done in a relatively short period of time, if you know how. This course will teach you how. You will be given information on particulars of estate planning such as how-to properly plan for the future distribution of your assets, how-to establish a power of attorney, create a Will in Testament and prepare a Living Will. This course will also cover trust funds, how best to incorporate charitable giving into your plan and how-to take proper inventory of the assets you have now. Lastly, there is a lesson for singles and their special requirements. Making full use of this course, in its entirety, is the first step in setting your future affairs in place so that you may fully focus on enjoying your life to the fullest. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550178.htm Sun, 12 Oct 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Basic Law and Criminology Handwriting Analysis, or Graphology, is a fascinating and fun method to reveal a person's inner personality. By using a few simple techniques, you will be able to accurately determine a person's emotional responses. You will also be able to determine the maturity level, truthfulness and even physical and sex drives of a person. For the most part, however, you will HAVE FUN! This Basic course will teach you the basics of Handwriting Analysis. You will learn how to determine a person's Emotional Outlay, Emotional Intensity, Thought Patterns, Personal Goals, Self-Image (or 'Self-Esteem') and Reaction to Critisicm. Subsequent classes will teach the skills necessary to determine attitude, physical and sex drives, relationship roles and communication traits. As you continue, you will have the opportunity to learn how several traits can be taken together and interpreted (Cluster Traits). http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7309.htm Wed, 19 Mar 2003 22:00:09 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Criminal Justice Accounts Receivable management is a demanding job. You'll be making decisions that can make or break a company. Your role is unique and complex--one that is closely integrated into the overall customer service of your company. In this course, we'll look at what exactly AR is, what it is you're going to be doing, what you'll need to know to get started, why your company needs an accounts receivable department to begin with, and what some of the keys are to a successful accounts receivable department. In this course, we're going through all the basics. You don't need any prior accounts receivable experience or knowledge to successfully complete this course. Using a 'ground-up' approach, we'll be covering topics such as 1. approving credit, 2. the billing process, 3. collecting money, 4. customer service, 5. handling deductions, 6. legal considerations, 7. bankruptcy, as well as many other important topics. So come join the fun...Let's get started now! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31060.htm Sat, 7 Apr 2007 10:41:44 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Managing time effectively is fundamental to success. It also factors into achieving balance in our lives. Today, we're busier than ever--at work and at home. Having enough time for things that are important, things we want or need to do, or even to have enough time to devote to a special project, there just isn't enough time to go around. This course is a practical 'how to' that will guide you through the maze of conflicting priorities, self-doubts, disorganization, over-commitments, and limitations that in the past have kept you from successfully managing time. It offers a step-by-step format for achieving balance between your personal and professional lives. As this course shows, managing time isn't just about making lists. It's about everything that encompasses your daily routine. Discover how beliefs and values factor into success. Find out what part sleep and nutrition play. Learn how including yourself in your 'to do's' helps create time for 'special' projects you've put on the back burner. See how to stop wasting time on annoying situations. Learn to carve out more time for friends and family. If life is in the details, then manage them well. This eleven-session course encompasses a variety of tools that, if used, will help you achieve what we all want--more time for things that matter and a better ability to manage it all. Making the time for this course could just be the key to creating enough time for you. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550056.htm Fri, 11 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Most CPAs will tell you that the number one mistake people make in starting a new business is that they fail to write a business plan. Without a written set of plans and directions, a new business will struggle on many levels. You may start out doing well only to find yourself shipwrecked a year into your work. On the other hand, you may sit and struggle to ever get your business off of the ground and productive. You may find yourself struggling with small things that have simple solutions and for which the answers are easy to implement. But if your plan is not written, then you don't have a clear vision in a very literal sense of the word. A well written business plan takes time, patience, detail, research, and a right approach to presentation. This course will walk you through the process of writing your business plan. You will learn why certain details are vitally important, which parts of your business plan can make or break your finance query with investors, and how to sharpen your public presentation of your company and its business. You will also learn some writing tricks to help you create a polished written plan without necessarily having to hire someone to write it for you. At the end of this course, you should have enough information to make a well informed effort in writing your business plan. Happy planning! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550132.htm Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources This comprehensive course provides an up-to-date presentation of the essentials of sociological study. Students will learn a wide range of classical and contemporary perspectives which will encourage links between theories and current research. With the addition of numerous net links, thoughtful exercises and examples, and review quizzes--this course will help students develop a sociological imagination. This is an ideal environment in which to examine ourselves, study our own society, as well as study our neighbors. Topics covered will examine the sociological perspectives, sociological research, cultural debates, the process of socialization, groups and organizations, crime and deviance, stratification, inequality and discrimination that effects ageism and gender, race and ethnicity, issues involving the economy, different forms of government, marriage, religion, health and environment safety, urbanization, and social movements. This course is an excellent resource for any age student pursuing aspects of this study or the non-academic hobbyists and life-long learners. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33335.htm Tue, 26 Jun 2007 14:53:47 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Human Resources Your self-esteem needs your attention, as the consequences of low self-esteem are often the precursor for many other health related problems. Avoid future personal health issues by evaluating your level of self-esteem today! This self-paced course will examine what self-esteem is, the development and factors effecting self-esteem, an examination of the consequences and symptoms of low self-esteem, the behaviors associated with the symptoms of low self-esteem, and methods to rebuild self-esteem and maintain a good level of self-esteem throughout life. Anyone who is enduring the draining experience of low self-esteem, anyone who may know others suffering from low self-esteem, or anyone who is interested in maintaining a healthy and happy life in general, should enroll in this course today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550239.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Human Resources Have you ever purchased something or agreed with someone and wondered later what made you give in so easily? Do you want to learn how to give a persuasive presentation by yourself? This course offers a blend of the science and the art of persuasion in a friendly format with thought-provoking information to help raise our awareness of the tools of influence. Based on Dr. Robert Cialdini's six principles of persuasion, this course is an enlightening way to learn how to wield more influence, as well as to learn what techniques are being used by others who are good salespeople. Learn about 'reciprocation,' and how this age-old technique of mutual giving works in influence. Commitment and Consistency and Social Proof are tools that are absolutely necessary in the art of persuasion, both to use and to recognize. Additionally, Liking , Authority and Scarcity are all fascinating concepts that are used in our daily lives. Become skilled at identifying and employing these tools so that you can become a master of the art of persuasion. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550520.htm Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Most of us learned spelling and grammar in elementary school and brushed up on the rules occasionally in junior high or middle school. Once we entered high school, it was assumed we knew and remembered all of the essentials -- and slowly we discovered that although there were some rules we just had to look up, we simply stopped worrying about 'the minor details.' It's time to relearn those 'minor details' that can help you write, and read more effectively. But it's hard to fix something unless you know how it works. This self-paced, stress-free course was developed not only for students wanting to improve their basic writing skills, but also for business writers, creative writers and office staff wanting to improve poor work related writing and avoid embarrassing their boss and themselves. Our innovative course is designed as a refresher course for those who need to brush up on their skills and a reference for anyone who wants to be able to look up the rules for confusing grammatical questions quickly and easily. After you've reviewed the basic rules of grammar and spelling, you can move on to the lessons on writing style for tips on improving your sentence and paragraph structure, how to polish your writing and how to avoid common errors. And because the course is online doesn't mean that you'll be left on your own. The instructor will be grading assignments and tests and is available through email to answer questions and provide guidance. Why not join us, learn at your own pace and your own schedule and reap the benefits? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550406.htm Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:58:10 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Are you interested in building your vocabulary? Do you feel that your writing or your speaking vocabulary is below average? The purpose of ' Vocabulary Building ' is to beef up your everyday vocabulary with words that you could use in everyday conversation. A strong vocabulary will not only give you the tools to say and write exactly what you mean it can also help you on a job interview, communicate better with a doctor or your lawyer and certainly help you with school work. A good vocabulary makes you sound smarter, feel more assured and practically guarantees you'll be a better writer and speaker. The purpose of this vocabulary class is to beef up your everyday vocabulary with words that you could use in everyday conversation. The larger our vocabularies the more clearly we can communicate with others and understand what others are trying to communicate to us. This course will introduce some simple ways to learn new vocabulary words by practicing reading in context, by writing sentences using the words and by doing practice exercises and quizzes. The class is not a beginning or advanced vocabulary course. It's that 'in between' course where so many people's vocabulary skills fit. So if you're interested in expanding your vocabulary skills in a self-paced, no stress format where an instructor actually reviews and corrects your sentence writing, why not give it a try? Enrich your life by enriching your vocabulary. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550415.htm Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:15:15 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Have you always wanted to learn the basic decorating principles and techniques without having to attend an interior design school? Interior Decorating Made Easy will give you a quick and easy overview of the design process. You'll learn the principles of design -- color, texture, scale and balance and how to apply them to any room or a whole house. Best of all you can take the class online when and where it's most convenient for your schedule. This class was developed for those of us who can feel overwhelmed with trying to create the perfect room for our lifestyle. There is no wrong or right way of doing things when it comes to personal style just as long as it's pleasing to you so forget your fears of 'design police' evaluating you. The lesson content provides a framework in which to start redecorating or decorating and the general knowledge about the basics of interior design that you can easily learn and put into practice. Even if you're not a born decorator, this course will help you gain confidence in the development of your personal style. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/32969.htm Tue, 23 Jan 2007 14:34:58 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Do you have strong business skills? Can you analyze information and construct a recommendation on a course of action? Do you have good communication, observation and character analysis abilities? Then you could be a good candidate to provide business consulting services. Organizations of all types and#8211; commercial, nonprofit and government and#8211; seek outside assistance to enhance their performances. A business consultant can uncover issues, solve problems and determine new opportunities on behalf of your clients. In this course you can learn if this fast-paced, exciting and financially rewarding industry is for you. We discuss specialized consulting and comprehensive management consulting. You'll learn who the major firms are and how you can become a part of those companies. This course will provide guidance on qualifications and certifications that are required to become a consultant with an existing firm. And we'll show you what you need to start a consulting business. We'll give you insight into the six phases of problem solving and introduce you to Root Cause Analysis. Included in the course are a discussion of data analysis and an examination of qualitative and quantitative strategies. You will also learn how to conduct a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. Finally, we'll cover some important steps to consider when opening a consulting business, and how to attract and retain good paying accounts. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550346.htm Mon, 18 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources We know that effective writing will help students in their coursework but it's equally important to write well in the workplace. If a job interviewer is considering two qualified candidates, the candidate who can write well will have the edge. If you're interested in improving your basic writing beyond correct grammar and punctuation, this course will help you. The more you write, the more confidence you will have in your abilities as a writer. The best grammar and punctuation in the world can still produce average or even poor writing if you don't know how to use the sentences properly or which type of sentence works best to get your point across. By the same token, if you can write lyrical sentences but you string them together into paragraphs that are a tangled mess, the sense and impact of each sentence is lost. This course is designed to give students the most flexibility and independence. You set your own schedule and learn at your convenience. Just because this course is online doesn't mean you're left on your own. The instructor will be reviewing and grading assignments and is always available to answer questions through email. This course assumes you have a high school reading and writing level in English, and that you understand sentence structure, grammar and punctuation. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550412.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:54:02 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Have you ever been involved in a complex project that just did not go the way you wanted? Often failure is pre-ordained due to the approach to the project. The concept of project management exists because it helps assure completion of a project successfully. This course covers the basics of project management where you will learn what project management involves and how to approach it successfully. While project management can be a very complicated and dry subject, we have attempted to make the subject easy to comprehend and identify the necessary skills and learned behaviors a project manager needs to succeed. We cover the major subject areas of the topic and provide valuable information and insight in to the how's and why's of dozens of important subjects such as: why a plan is so important to the success of a project. the importance of good teamwork and how to select the right members of a team for a project. what tools are available to help you be a better project manager. and much more. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33432.htm Fri, 5 Oct 2007 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Microsoft Project 2007 is a project management software that helps project managers better structure, organize, and plan for all their projects. This includes budgets, tasks, resources, assignments, and everything in between. It can create critical path schedules, generate budgets, and create detailed reports on whatever aspect of your project you want to view. If it relates to managing your project, Project 2007 can help you do it. The purpose of this course is to introduce Project to users and to teach them the features they need to learn in order to successfully be able to use this software for small or large projects and#8211; or any size between. Microsoft Project 2007 is a large software program and can seem complex to someone who has never used it before or has limited experience. However, the basics of the program are easy to learn and, once you've learned the basics, mastering the advanced techniques becomes quick and simple. It's safe to say that this program can easily become a project manager's best friend because it makes the hard work and headaches of managing a large project a lot easier. Whether or not you've used a version of Project before, this course starts out with the basics so you're never left stumbling and confused. In the beginning, you'll learn how to navigate through so the look and feel becomes familiar. Then, we'll move on to the features and teach you how to apply each feature to your projects. When you're finished with this course, you will have the skills to use Microsoft Project 2007 to assist you in managing all your projects. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550333.htm Thu, 1 Apr 2010 10:59:16 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Communication influences all factors of your life. From daily interactions with strangers on the street to the way you present yourself in the board room, the way you communicate is a reflection of who you are and the way you establish relationships with those around you. Although there are many sides to communication (including verbal interactions, nonverbal cues, and even using technology to maximize impact), there are a few basic fundamentals that span across the nation and around the globe. By understanding the way you communicate and increasing your knowledge of conflict resolution and negotiation, you can increase your probability for success with others. Whether you are working in the business community, strengthening your personal relationships, or simply seeking to increase your comfort in reaching out to others as a whole, effective communication is your bridge from potentially hazardous misunderstandings to personal--and professional--success. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550121.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:00:11 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Preparing for your job interview could very well be one of the most important moments of your career. Landing the perfect job can be a challenge, but with the determination and passion you will need to begin a successful career, you can easily overcome this challenge, and bring a lot of valuable experience with you to the next interview if you don't get the job. Just a little preparation and thought ahead of time can have wondrous effects on your interviewing skills. This course will go over the issues and provide an in-depth analysis of the interviewing process. With some independent practice, this course can help you prepare successfully for any job interview! Topics will include: Common Interview Questions What Employers Want Attitude and Effort Body Language Research The Mock Interview Phone Interviews Behavioral Interviews Closing the Interview Thank You Notes http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550092.htm Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:42:09 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources The purpose of this course is to help you understand what PowerPoint 2007 can do for you, whether you are familiar with PowerPoint 2003 or new to the application altogether. One of the most noticeable changes is the new user interface called the Microsoft Office Fluent which allows for the creation of dynamic, professional presentations in a much shorter period of time than earlier versions of PowerPoint. The Fluent interface has all commands, toolbars and task panes categorized into tabs and related groups. For the purpose of this course, we will call the Fluent user interface the 'ribbon.' In general, the Ribbon tabs are separated into three levels (see corresponding numbers in Figure 0.1): The general type of task (i.e., Home) Categories of sub-tasks (i.e., Slides) Specific commands (i.e., New Slide) Figure 0.2 shows the Insert Tab, which displays PowerPoint 2007's larger, easier to read icons along with an overall view of the application's new look. Among the many new options offered by PowerPoint 2007 are new themes and quick styles, custom slide layouts, Smart Art graphics, more advanced graphic effects for text, pictures, objects, charts, graphs and tables, more effective proofing tools, user-friendly collaboration and permission features, and much more. This course will walk you through PowerPoint 2007, beginning with the basics and lead you through to some of the most advanced features available, offering additional helpful tips and hints along the way. Course Goals After completing this course, students will be able to: Demonstrate understanding of the terminology and elements of presentations Distinguish between the different options available for creating a presentation Utilize the basics of a slide show including goals and effectiveness of a presentation Create and manipulate text and text boxes using available tools and features Employ the use of themes, styles and backgrounds Create, format and make use of charts, graphs and tables Insert, format and edit Smart Art, pictures and clipart Incorporate sound, video and animation into a presentation Create macro enabled presentations Utilize the quick access toolbar and the slide master Troubleshoot error messages and utilize both online and offline help files Package and publish a presentation on the web and in other Office 2007 applications Course Structure This course is broken down into twelve lessons to take you through each of the tools that PowerPoint 2007 offers the user. Each lesson will cover learning goals and each goal is associated with one aspect of PowerPoint 2007. You will be able to confirm your knowledge and understanding through a series of mini quizzes at the end of each Lesson. Answers to the quiz are at the back of this course. We recommend that you practice with PowerPoint 2007 to gain the best understanding of each lesson. Each lesson will also include hyperlinks for you to find further information online along with hot tips. As with all software, not everything runs smoothly all the time in PowerPoint 2007 and in each lesson we will also alert you to common errors or 'pitfalls' to watch out for. Before you begin: If you are a current user of Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003 or an earlier version, before you download 2007 we recommend you uninstall these programs. PowerPoint 2007 may not download properly if you are operating a previous version. While this course is aimed at both beginners and advanced users, we take for granted that you already know how to turn your computer on, use your mouse and can understand in basic terms how to operate your computer. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550338.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Professional counselors need a strong foundation to prepare them for entering the profession of counseling. If you are seeking a program to enhance your skills, or just want to learn more about the career, this Introduction to Counseling course will give you great insight toward reaching your educational goals. The course will focus on counselor's work as well as a counselor's typical day, provide understanding into how personal and professional ethics play a major role in the dynamics between counselor and client, and the challenges of various abnormal behaviors and mental disorders a professional counselor must face in helping people to live their own life rather than be lived by it. This self-paced course incorporates a vast variety of areas that apply to many different environments and circumstances including addiction, marital problems, eating disorders, bereavement, educational and career counseling. You'll learn the top ten basic counseling skills to create a positive relationship between client and therapist and how these skills can help the client to make positive changes. Introduction to Counseling offers an inside view of core counseling techniques and approaches, and opportunities for counseling professionals to understand the complex role client diversity plays in their work. When the ailment can't be measured by numbers on the thermometer, that's when a counselor's work begins. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550089.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:30:56 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Introduction to Business Management The world of business management offers an array of career opportunities unparalleled among income earning possibilities. Industries from mining to waste disposal have management-level positions in many companies. Business management requires a combination of skills and knowledge, coupled with good judgment and leadership qualities. There are several fundamental aspects of operating a business and#8211; whether you run your own small business or hold a management position in a national corporation and#8211; that a manager should be aware of. Our course takes you through some of the various requirements you may encounter while managing a business. We begin by examining the various disciplines and levels in business management and give you hints on how to get a management job in your company. In lesson 2 we cover areas of financial management such as types of capital, debt and equity financing alternatives, a business plan and a budget. Lesson 3 deals with legal and regulatory compliance issues. Human resources and personnel issues are discussed in Lesson 4. Sales management fundamentals and#8211; the sales cycle, customer relationships and pricing and#8211; make up lesson 5. We examine the marketing functions (lesson 6) right after sales functions because the two disciplines work hand-in-hand to drive business. Lesson 7 covers some key accounting principles and practices. Inventory control techniques make up Lesson 8, focusing on the role of inventory control, the processes involved and control mechanisms used. Lesson 9 'Taxes and Your Business Organization' delves into types of organization and some key business tax requirements. Order fulfillment follows the purchase from sales inquiry to delivery in Lesson 10, and explains how fulfillment is important to customer relationships. We finish with lesson 11 explaining the importance and function of information technology. Once completed, you will have a basic understanding of how to manage a business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550322.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Dealing with a difficult or toxic personality can be damaging both emotionally and physically, particularly if the person is your boss or sitting in the cubicle right next to you. Confronting those who compromise your comfort and job security can be very difficult for many people, but standing up for yourself is essential in the workplace. If you can't stop thinking about a problem with someone at work- be it a bullying boss, a subversive coworker, or a sexist client- it's important to know that you can take control of the situation. This class will allow students to explore what feeds these kinds of behaviors, ways to address these situations, and when to call for outside assistance. In 11 easy to follow lessons, students will learn to identify various types of difficult personalities and address conflict before it begins to chip away at their well-being and job satisfaction. Course material includes: An overview of your rights in the workplace Simple tips for reducing stress on the job Establishing boundaries Effective collaboration Conflict resolution Interpreting body language Coping with aggressive behavior Dealing with critics and power freaks Working with slackers and energy vampires Avoiding the gossip mill Gender differences in the workplace What to do when prejudice rears its ugly head Standing up to a bullying boss http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550249.htm Mon, 31 Jan 2011 10:57:40 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Industrial and Organizational Psychology or I/O is a varied field of study filled with many career opportunities. The importance of this field has never been more prevalent than in the last decade. The use of I/O methods has been proven to increase productivity, profits and general workplace satisfaction by startling percentages. Most large and successful companies have implemented some or all of these methods into their workplace environment within the last several years. I/O Psychologists may work within organizations, act as consultants to various organizations, or they may move into the area of academic research. The topics of this course primarily concern themselves with careers within organizations or as acting consultants. While there are numerous sub-fields within I/O, for the purposes of this course we will be focusing on the tools and methods that are common to all specialties. In the lessons contained herein you will learn about how to properly prepare for a career in I/O and what some possible specializations in the field are; additionally, we will cover some of the most important aspects of this profession including the use of various techniques and tools to help companies best utilize and motivate their most valuable resources--their employees. Whether you choose to later enter into Training and Development, Employee Motivation or Diversity Coaching this course will teach you what you need to know in order to make the leap towards the growing field of Industrial and Organizational Psychology. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33430.htm Thu, 3 Apr 2008 13:46:03 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources This course is a training guide for the new manager of an accounts payable department. It will help you step into your new role and take a commanding and successful lead. This course will take what you know and enhance it by adding management principles to those practices. Accounts payable is not just processing checks, mailing them and then filing the backup paperwork. To truly manage accounts payable, you must understand all parts of the deparment including but not limited to customer service, vendor management, check requests and POs. This course will discuss how to handle invoices; check processing ; preventing errors; annual audits; and technology uses in the department. Learn all about the best practices to adapt for your A/P department, PLUS, get expert advise from a well-seasoned disbursement manager with many years of A/P experience. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/30873.htm Mon, 11 Sep 2006 09:07:01 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Why not learn the basics of psychology with our online course designed to give students the most flexibility and independence? Psychology 101 is a comprehensive class providing an up-to-date presentation of the fundamentals of psychology. It's an excellent resource for any age student curious to learn about the extensive amounts of knowledge explaining human behavior. This user-friendly course will cover topics that will help your understanding of behavior and you'll learn the many theories that explain the complexities of human interactions. You'll find topics that dissect the brain to understand the thinking process; topics on the theorists and contributions of Pavlov, Skinner and Thorndike; topics on the influence of personality theorized by Freud; topics on the world of social psychology, and much more. If you're p ursuing any of the numerous career options involving the vast field of psychology or you're a non-academic hobbyist and life-long learner, this course will provide a solid introduction. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33623.htm Sun, 2 Dec 2007 21:10:08 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Human Resources Good customer service is not about satisfying the cu stomer, it is about 'wowing' the customer! It's about making the customer walk in, do business, and walk out again absolutely stunned that their transaction was so enjoyable. Customer service is a crucial buzzword in the corporate world today. Just about every company seems to understand just how important customer service is and many have started to find ways to improve and measure customer service. In this course we are going to look at what customer service is and isn't and identify how you can understand and provide good customer service. Many businesses want to achieve 'good customer service'. Right now that's the brass ring of business training and vision-casting and many companies are analyzing their current mission and realigning it to be increasingly customer-focused. Do you give return business to a company that provides poor customer service support? Probably not! You and everyone else want better customer service, and it's one of the driving forces of why consumers shop at one place and not another. This course will show you and your employees how to give not just 'good' or 'average' service but great customer service. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/31686.htm Wed, 24 Oct 2007 17:12:53 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Speaking in front of a group of people is one of the most common fears people experience. In fact, it may be more feared than death...or even spiders . Yet being able to present ourselves, our companies, our ideas and products to others is one of the most essential skills to have in life. The ability to communicate our ideas effectively helps other people catch our enthusiasm--and without that enthusiasm and support of others, many great projects would never get off the ground. During the course of this training, we will discuss exactly what a presentation is and how improving your public speaking skills can positively influence many different aspects of your life. We will talk about understanding the situation at hand, knowing your audience, and believing in your subject matter. Then, we will present strategies for researching, organizing, and developing your presentation. We'll also discuss some techniques to help you deliver a confident presentation and review what you can do in the future to improve your presentations skills for the long-term, making each future presentation you do, easier on you and more rewarding for those attending. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550101.htm Sun, 27 Apr 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Unexpected events occur frequently in all aspects of our daily environment. Whether on a school playground, a university campus, a factory, a post office or a major corporation headquarters, understanding the importance and challenges to individuals when addressing crisis management or emergency situations is vital for the safety and security of human life, revenues, and reputation. This course on crisis management offers students the basics in identifying, preventing, and controlling crisis situations. Crisis management basics, from preparation to training and compliance are discussed, as are various stages of a crisis, and the need to establish a crisis management team. Clearly identifying the roles and functions of each crisis management team member is essential for the ultimate success of contingency planning, which is also discussed. This course also helps students identify potential risks or situations that may precipitate a crisis or emergency and learn approaches on how to respond to such incidents. The importance of communication and making instant and effective decisions is also covered, as are a variety of emergency response scenarios; from planning evacuation from a local elementary school affected by an earthquake to a major hospital suffering a massive power outage to the threat of a rogue employee. Crisis management also depends on developing, assessing and determining consequences of contingency plans, and helps students identify the most common weaknesses found in many crisis management plans. Finally, the course concludes with guidance regarding damage control, the restoration of confidence in a business, company or entity, and offers students a basic checklist that may be utilized as a jumping off point for a crisis management team in a variety of business environments or public sector scenarios. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550348.htm Thu, 1 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Safety Human Resources 'Accounting and Bookkeeping 101 for Everyone' is a course that covers the fundamentals of accounting with the newcomer in mind. Accounting is more than just memorizing terms and procedures; it's a whole new way of thinking about finances. This course assumes students have no prior knowledge about accounting or finance, and delivers lessons and examples to build accounting skills. Specifically, this class addresses accounting terminology, revenue, expenses, net income, the accounting equation, debits, credits, and balancing the accounting formula, the accounting structure, the accounting cycle, journals, ledgers, the trial balance and more. It also guides students to learn how to read financial statements properly, and how to grab meaningful information from the balance sheet, income statements and cash flow statements. After completing this course, you will have a solid understanding of accounting in today's world. By applying the concepts learned in this course, you will understand the processes behind Accounts Payable and Accounts Receivable, you will understand how and why financial transactions are documented, you will know what cash flow is and how to improve it, you will know what profit is, how it's interpreted, and what influences its growth. Moreover, you will know where the money in the company you work for, or own, goes. Learn accounting now and achieve a skill that is an invaluable (if not required) asset to your professional development. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550309.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Team Management Is -- Designing and Developing a Team Committed to a Common Purpose 'No man will ever make a great leader who wants to do it all by himself or to get all the credit for doing it.' (Andrew Carnegie) 'Managing' used to be just telling people what to do and getting merchandise out the door. But as time marched on, workplace conditions changed again and again -- and workplace complications paralleled the pace of these changes. Today's working world requires much more of the average supervisor or manager than simply setting goals backed up by ultimatums. Managers need to be team leaders. They need to understand and accommodate their employees' different working styles and personalities. In a team oriented atmosphere, individuals contribute to the overall success of an organization while working with other team members to attain the objectives of the team and organization as a whole. A team is not just a collection of individuals. It is so much more. The total 'team' being far greater than the sum of its parts. A properly developed and managed team synergistically harnesses its individual members' talents, experience and energies. It really is the together part that makes a great team. For example: R Teams intensify focus on the task at hand R Teams do work that ordinary workgroups can't do. R Teams make better use of resources. They are a way for an organization to focus its most important resource, its brainpower, directly on its problems. R Teams mean improved production. As they straddle all the functions contributing to a process, teams naturally understand all steps needed to improve production. Join our insightful Team Management in Business course today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550168.htm Sat, 7 Mar 2009 10:20:26 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Public relations can contribute immensely to the success of a business large or small. In short, it is a message, an image, a story or a brand, that is vital to communicate and can grow a business. A solid and well thought out public relations plan can bring awareness to a company's products and services. But can also provide a wealth of exposure that is necessary to keep a business alive. Not only can public relations be your number one fan, it can provide low cost or no cost advertising that is easy on a budget. The role that public relations will play for your particular business, or organization will depend on your goals and what you intend to accomplish. In a marketing plan there are four major components a. public relations b. marketing, c. advertising and d. selling. These are four distinct areas that are interrelated but play unique roles. While we will briefly touch on the relationships of each and how they affect one another, this course will primarily focus on the Public Relations actions your business can take that can contribute to business success. Topics will include: Tools for Public Relations, Your Message, Your Story and What You are Trying to Accomplish Using the Internet, Putting Together a PR Plan, Sample Press Releases, and the Importance of a Media List and Media Relationships, Reaching Your Audience, Events that Draw Press, and Media Attention, Avoiding Bad Customer Service Can Mean Avoiding Bad Press, The Role That Marketing Plays in Your Business http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550174.htm Wed, 20 Aug 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Administrative Assistant Fundamentals 'A clueless boss gives you a wide-open field. Learn what's important to your boss, understand what your company is looking for and help the fool meet those expectations.' ( John Hoover) Oh how times, and people, have changed in the world over the last few years. Presently and into the foreseeable future, business people will not only have to continue picking up the pace but will need to adapt to new methods, systems and responsibilities that would have seemed unsustainable a few years ago or even just last year! Due in part to the recession--technology and necessity has amplified the requirements and pace of this change. It's not all bad news though, the truth of the matter is that the recession is providing opportunities to people in certain segments of the business world--administrative assistants are one of them. AA's are now, and will in the future, be performing roles that middle managers would have done only a year or two ago. They are acting on behalf of their bosses on a regular basis and have full authority to do so. Whether you are returning to the workforce after a number of years away or you are new to the administrative side of the business world, there are some great opportunities out there for administrative assistants, especially the new kind of administrative assistants--i.e. those who are skilled, prepared to take on extra responsibility and don't mind taking a risk or two. This is a 3 Part Course , which will begin covering some very important basics before going on to deal with the importance of training others to fulfill the position. We will then focus on the innovative role which has a place both in the present and future--that of a Virtual Assistant ! This course will open your eyes wider in regards to the choices you have available in an Administrative Assistant career, as well as introduce you to the business sector and the opportunities that now exist in this demanding field. This course provides a basis on which you can build your new future, so join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550190.htm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:03:21 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources The individual who pursues a career as a mediator can look forward to a job that is personally satisfying and financially rewarding. With its emphasis on fairness and cooperation, this career is an ideal choice for those who are empathetic and want to help others bring their conflicts to a positive resolution. Mediation allows the parties involved to reach resolutions more quickly, inexpensively, and amicably than may be possible through the court system. This Mediation 101 course is not only geared toward those who are interested in learning what it takes to become a professional mediator, but it also makes a great tool for those who will be involved in any aspect of mediation. By explaining the stages involved in the process, as well as clearly outlining the roles each party plays, this online class can help reduce anxiety and answer any questions that might have arisen over the issue of whether or not mediation is the right alternative for a particular case. From the basics of defining just what mediation entails, to the more in-depth issues surrounding mediator liability, this course creates an excellent starting point for those who would like to have a solid understanding of the process. This class also covers the types of information necessary to determine whether or not a case is a good candidate for mediation, the confidentiality issues involved, and what follow-up activities can be expected. Additionally, each section concludes with a quiz that allows you to assess your comprehension of the information presented. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550251.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:01:33 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Human Resources This course focuses on workplace safety, health, and inspection. Throughout this course you will learn what workplace safety is, why it is important and how it affects a business. Common areas of workplace safety are discussed, including office safety, workplace hazards, and other areas. Additionally, you will learn preventative measures to help create a safer work environment which will benefit everyone. We will also deal with mental health issues, workplace violence, health and wellness initiatives, and drug free workplaces. You will also learn the ins and outs of conducting a routine inspection, filing reports, and the importance of creating a workplace safety committee. Tips, lists, suggestions, and helpful tools will be provided so by the time you finish this course you will have a thorough understanding of what is involved in workplace safety and how to create a safer and healthier work environment. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550195.htm Wed, 24 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Small Business Safety Human Resources Whether you are already running a business, have yet to start one or have been hired to support a business owner, it is important to know the basics of the business administrative process. This course will trace a path through the inception, setup and growth of a typical business. It is separated into three sections: Getting Started, Setup/Administrative and Growing Your Business. Each section has valuable information including: creating a business name, whether or not to write a business plan, office supply lists, checklists and much more. So, no matter what part you play, by the end, you should have a firm grasp of what it takes to start, run and grow a business. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550321.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources How can you make a significant difference in your organization? One way is to be part of a project that improves the company's performance or launches it in a new direction. The business analyst (BA) plays a key role in the development and execution of company projects. Maybe it's a new product launch or a change to a more efficient software package. The BA is responsible for gathering input, analyzing the needs of the project, documenting the criteria to be met, sharing information among project team members and presenting findings to company executives. This course will provide a solid foundation for a career in business analysis. We explore the strategy, phases, components and process a BA uses to develop a project. From conducting an enterprise analysis to assessing the solution's implementation, you will learn the basics of how to manage the process and determine the appropriate parties to be involved. We look at project requirements (the needs that must be fulfilled to complete the initiative), how to develop a communications plan, distributing work responsibilities, creating a business model and more. The course finishes with a discussion about tasks that the BA encounters when the solution is put into place. When you are finished, you'll have a broad understanding that can launch your career in business analysis. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550320.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Every small business owner or new entrepreneur knows that the success of their company will depend largely on the effectiveness of their sales team. After all, if you are not selling something, then you can hardly call yourself 'in business' since business is by definition an exchange of goods or services for money. The key to increasing your company's exchange with the buying world rests with your salespeople. Creating an effective sales team, however, is more than just wanting a good team or hiring strong personalities. In many ways it is an ongoing process and simultaneously a work of art in progress. A team that flows well together, serves the public and the company and is highly motivated for their own purposes is one that will perform and exceed your goals. But there is even more to it. In this course, you will learn how to conduct a staff search, how to screen your applicants for top selling personality traits, how to avoid character traps by looking for right attitudes and right thinking patterns, how to retain a top seller and much more. This course addresses generational and cultural concerns along with issues of sex in the workplace. We will cover issues of motivation which vary depending on personality and age as well as how to find the best and the brightest for your company. At the end of this course, you will know what to look for in top salespeople, how to recruit them and how to retain them. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550216.htm Wed, 11 Mar 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources Today's consumers have a variety of options for shopping, obtaining services and getting the help they need. They can use catalogs, the mail, the Internet and face-to-face contact, yet telephone customer service is still the first choice for most customers when they have questions or a problem that needs to be resolved. In order to ensure your customers or clients are happy with the customer service they receive, it's even more important for you to provide exceptional customer service, including outstanding telephone service. Consumers expect better service than ever before, and the limitations of telephone communications don't exempt you from offering them the satisfaction and resolution they demand. This course focuses on honing outstanding telephone customer service skills in order to meet customer needs and presenting a professional, knowledgeable image that reflects well on your company. When you have finished this course, you will know everything you need to make your customers feel valued and satisfied even under the most difficult circumstances. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550225.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 10:53:35 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Human Resources Six Sigma is a methodology of implementing a highly successful project, or producing a high quality product or service, using techniques and principles that ensure excellence. The Six Sigma methodology incorporates many years of studying best practices in business and its goal is ultimately the creation of a nearly error-free business environment. The name of the methodology takes its name from a letter in the Greek alphabet, sigma , which is used by mathematicians to measure variability. In business, the principle of variability is used to measure the number of errors in a process. The goal of a Six Sigma implementation is to produce a product or service with fewer than 3.4 problems per million transactions. A transaction may be defined as a product produced or a service performed. Six Sigma has been so successful because it dispenses with some of the more cumbersome aspects of older business implementation methodologies and, as such, it has risen to become one of the most respected and followed project management systems. Many of the world's most successful companies utilize the principles of Six Sigma because customers in today's business environment expect excellence and companies must be willing to deliver it if they want to survive in today's highly competitive marketplace. This course will give a complete overview of the Six Sigma process and prepare you for the path of a 'Black Belt,' or a Six Sigma team member. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550470.htm Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Human Resources The ability to be assertive is difficult. Because most people do not want to be perceived as selfish, demanding, hostile, stubborn or just plain hard to get along with, they allow others to take advantage of them or they do more than is necessary or required of them, all the while not getting what they need in return. This behavior creates resentment in the non-assertive person and confuses their co-workers, friends and family. For those who have difficulty in this area (and there are many), people who are assertive and confident seem to have been born that way. For all appearances, this quality comes easily to them. They naturally know exactly when and how to ask for what they want without seeming aggressive or hostile. While some people do have an innate ability to assert themselves, most do not, so if they were not 'born' with this ability, how did they get it? They had to learn new behaviors and methods of expressing their desires to others while remaining calm and appropriately communicative. The good news is, you can obtain these behaviors too. Anyone can learn to be more confident in expressing their needs without being demanding or creating relationship problems. This is the course that will teach you how to do just that. Whether you are having trouble being confident and assertive in your career or personal life, or if you are simply interested in learning more about this topic, this course will introduce you to a better way of getting what you want and need from the people in your life. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550534.htm Sat, 1 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Safety Human Resources 'Basic Research Skills' teaches you how to determine what you need to know when you need to know it. With all of the information readily available today, it's difficult to deciper good information from bad information. Instead of turning to an Internet search engine for all of your information, there are other sources that can help you learn what you need to learn and#8211; quickly and accurately. This course will cover library use, the Dewey Decimal System, dictionary use, thesaurus use, encyclopedias, Internet search engines, Internet news resources, Internet publications, journals, and bibliographies. With this information, you can research any topic, no matter the purpose or the goal. Instead of simply looking in one place for the answer you need, why not learn how to use all of the tools available? The more you know, the more you can use this information in your everyday life. 'Basic Research Skills' includes real life strategies to help you learn where you need to look for information and how you can be certain the information is accurate. Each of the 11 lessons include 5 True and False questions and 5 multiple choice questions at the end of each section. These questions are designed to ensure you retain the main concepts before you move onto a new lesson. In each lesson, you will learn what the selected research skill is, how to use it, and other tips as to how to improve your researching abilities. With 'Basic Research Skills,' you will be able to find information in a variety of ways, ensuring no question goes unanswered. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550472.htm Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Legal Studies Etiquette 101 is an overview of today's etiquette rules, updated for today's fast-paced lifestyles and ever-changing codes of conduct for work and leisure. The role of etiquette has changed over the years. At one time, it served as an indicator of each person's proper station in life. Today, etiquette helps smooth the path of our daily activities, whether it's meeting others in our daily interactions, talking to someone on the phone, offering condolences properly or understanding how to talk to colleagues at a business conference. In Etiquette 101, you'll learn the rules of good behavior for today's most common social and business situations, including the common courtesies of life that many of us have forgotten or may not have learned, from when to offer your seat on a bus to a stranger to how to share a cab. It will also go over telephone etiquette, with the updated rules for cell phone use and the new rules for office calls. Correspondence, including emails, entertaining and being a polite guest, giving and receiving gifts and life's big events are all covered, with examples and#8211; both good and bad! There is also a section on life situations that are never easy, such as death and divorce, with etiquette suggestions that will help you navigate the minefield of emotions surrounding these situations. Finally, a section on workplace etiquette covers the details of everything from how to relate to your boss and subordinates to keeping your social life and work separate. Etiquette 101 will teach you everything you need to know to move graciously through today's world. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550110.htm Wed, 17 Sep 2008 17:28:57 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Safety This course is designed to provide beginning babysitters with advice and tips for caring for kids of all ages. Parents want their children to have the best babysitter they could find. This course is written to allow a first time babysitting to know how to prepare and market themselves, how to interview and get the job and finally how to function safely and effectively after getting a babysitting position. The course also teaches how knowledge and good planning can make you a successful babysitter and discusses all aspects of safety not only for the children but also for yourself. Babysitters need a lot of knowledge on caring for babies and children before they jump into babysitting. Use this course as a stepping stone into your career and then enhance your knowledge by taking a First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) course offered by the Red Cross. Good Luck! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550246.htm Sat, 4 Apr 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Safety Nearly every few weeks, a new story seems to hit the headlines about foodborne illnesses. Salmonella in peanuts. E. coli in fruit juice. Mad cow in hamburgers. Every year, thousands of people become seriously ill from foodborne illnesses, and some even die. A single outbreak of salmonella in peanut butter in 2008-09 forced the largest food recall in U.S. history, sickened more than 600 people, killed 9, and caused parents everywhere to question the safety of a childhood staple, the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Add to this the stories of sick cattle being processed for food in meat packing plants, and it is easy to see how fragile our food supply system can be. This online course will explain why and how bacteria transfers from one place to another, multiplies, and makes people sick. We'll also explain the best ways to prevent foodborne illness, including hand washing techniques, dishwashing practices, facility cleaning, best practices for storage, food handling, temperature monitoring, pest prevention, and managing relationships with the health department. Also, if you ever plan on designing or managing your own restaurant, this training module offers some helpful suggestions about kitchen design and planning. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550208.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Safety Are you one of those parents who constantly worry about your child's weight? Are you unsure about the kind of help and support an overweight child needs? Or are you looking for ways to prevent your child from gaining excess weight? Whichever the case, this course will provide the information and support you need. This course uses a two-sided approach. First, we want to offer help to any parents out there who already have overweight children and want to help them get healthy and slim down safely. We also want this course to serve as a resource for all parents concerned with healthy eating habits, exercise, and everyday issues to prevent childhood obesity. For that reason, the first half of this course is geared to those parents currently battling the weight problem with their children (or any child for that matter). The second half goes through the stages of a child's life, from infancy through adolescence, and gives you information, tips, and instruction to help keep your child healthy and within a normal weight range. If your child is currently overweight, this part will provide you with ideas for healthy eating habits and activities. This course will also help you identify what you need to do now and down the road to help your child lose weight and stay healthy. We'll go over the checkpoints you'll pass along the way, and every twist and turn that you may face up ahead. Not only will this course explain childhood obesity to you, it will help you conquer it with your child. Just remember, however, that this course should never replace the expert of advice of a doctor, dietician, or otherwise qualified healthcare professional. The purpose of this course is education and awareness. It's the first step in understanding and conquering the childhood obesity epidemic. With that said, welcome to the course. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550480.htm Fri, 1 Jan 2010 11:45:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Safety Finding quality daycare these days is not always easy. Working parents are constantly seeking educated and experienced childcare providers to meet the needs of their children. There has been and always will be a need for home daycare settings for children, and for those willing to start a home daycare business, there is already an existing market waiting for your services. Creating a safe, stimulating, and caring environment for children is one of the most important aspects of starting a home daycare business. Becoming a childcare professional requires a little bit of research, the ability to obtain adequate licensing, and the capability of learning how to run and operate a business from your home. This course provides individuals with the basics necessary to start a home daycare business - from defining your aptitudes, motivations, and capabilities to the necessary legal requirements involved in starting a home daycare business. This course will help interested individuals learn about training, insurance, startup needs and costs as well as the need to assess what age groups might be best suited to your personality. From setting ground rules to dealing with parents and providing nutritious meals and stimulating activities for children of all ages, this home daycare business course will take you through every step of the process to ensure your success. From learning about first aid training to dealing with behavior problems and difficult parents, students of this home daycare business course will learn how to start, maintain and grow their business step by step. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550140.htm Sun, 25 May 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Safety Bringing home a new pet to join your family is always a fun and exciting time. But it also comes with a huge responsibility. This animal now depends on you for food, shelter, medical care, and companionship. In short, you hold their very life in your hands. This fun and informative course will help you cover all the basics of animal care. Every thing from feeding recommendations, bathing tips, and basic first aid topics are covered in just 12 easy to learn lessons. Just follow along and you'll be a pro in no time at all! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550004.htm Thu, 16 Aug 2007 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Safety Most computer-savvy people out there today know that MS Excel 2010 is a spreadsheet program that you can use to record data, create charts, and utilize mathematical equations. However, most people who are familiar with Excel aren't fully aware of all that MS Excel can do. Maybe that's you. You'd be surprised about the things that you can do using Excel that you're currently doing by hand or using other inappropriate software (such as the familiar sibling to Excel, MS Word). But that's okay. That's why we designed this course. But first, let's dispel the myths that MS Excel 2010 is complicated to use, or to use its mathematical functions and capabilities that you must be good at math, or worse yet, that you must know some complicated programing in order to make it work for you. The truth is, most people like you that use MS Excel use it for a single defined reason. Because there are so many options and features available within the software, most people feel overwhelmed and don't take the time to explore just how many other things they can actually use it for. With Excel 2010, you can: Organize, sort, and record data. Enter in text and mathematical equations. Keep, track, chart, graph, and compare statistics. Maintain records. Create mathematical equations and functions to accurately keep records and statistics whenever data changes. You can even use Excel to balance your checkbook, calculate the dollar amount you're spending on interest rates for credit cards and mortgages, as well as track your corporate spending accounts! Y ou can also turn around and use Excel for something as simple as listing who is bringing what to the next family reunion. MS Excel can be used for the most complex or simplest of tasksand#8230;and all these tasks can be done quite easily when you know how to use Excel 2010. But telling you how convenient and easy MS Excel 2010 is to use isn't enough--we're going to show you step-by-step. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550533.htm Sat, 1 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Safety This Personal Protective Equipment Course is designed to help those working in the various industries that utilize PPE (Personal Protective Equipment) as a means to protect the worker from the natural harm that comes into their work area. This online class discusses the various hazards that personal protective equipment is designed to protect the worker from and outlines the various pieces of personal protective equipment, such as hand wear, footwear, face protection, eye protection, garments, partial garments and other equipment used to protect the physical body, eyesight and hearing for workers who work in various capacities. The types of personal protective equipment vary with job descriptions and are described in detail, according to body parts protected. Each item is defined in terms of its use, its common function, and the materials utilized to make the various parts of personal protective equipment. This course also includes separate modules for different job descriptions--such as firefighters, construction workers, beekeepers, the military and even the police department. Those working in firefighting, as is shown in the course, wear completely different personal protective equipment as do workers working in a chemistry laboratory or in a beekeeping facility. The equipment is explained, the materials they are made of is discussed and the standards to which they must adhere to is explained. Personal protective equipment must be tested for its ability to maintain its integrity and properly do its job. Standards are discussed in this course and vary depending upon which type of equipment a person is dealing with. We'll identify the standards and their varying degrees of protectability for various uses. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550185.htm Tue, 19 May 2009 13:01:44 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Safety With the job market becoming seemingly impossible to crack, career coaches are more important than ever. This online course will teach students the basic of career coaching, including the definition of career coaching, the ethics, how to find clients, how to assess client needs, matching a client to their true calling, improving the work life of a client, helping clients find new careers, using road maps, uncovering client motivation, client branding strategies, interview advice, negotiating for a better benefits package, teaching a client to be successful in the long term, and how to ensure career coaching career success. These career coaching lessons include checklists, examples, and clearly outlined steps to ensuring a career coach is ready for any client and any situation. By learning the basics of coaching, the student will be able to start their own career coaching business, helping others find the work which truly sustains them and#8211; while also helping their own career goals. From the basics of finding clients, to helping them, and to insuring their success, this career coach course offers a self-paced, self-study opportunity to become a career coach who guides clients to their true vocation or just to a happier work life. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550349.htm Thu, 1 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Marketing for the 21 st century small business is more dynamic and more challenging than ever before in the course of history. The world has simultaneously opened up and yet niched closed in many ways. Today's businesses are challenged by a couple of dynamics that did not previously exist in the business world: 1) choosing between traditional brick-and-mortar and web-based business or one that combines both features; and 2) deciding whether to focus locally, nationally or to spread into the international waters of business. Both of these dynamics add concern and a new focus on strategy for most businesses. Starting a new small business is both more challenging and more interesting. This course offers fresh insights to many marketing issues that you may otherwise dismiss as 'not me', but which will help you to create your marketing plan. Your new company's ability to withstand the tests of time and the challenges of our fluctuating economic world will prove this course to be a well spent investment. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550395.htm Fri, 1 Jan 2010 08:15:30 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business The role of an Internet Specialist in today's business marketplace is in exceptionally high demand. The Internet is a global web of interconnected networks that contains an immense amount of information. It has transformed how businesses conduct commerce in a global economy, and it has dramatically affected how individuals communicate. We start the course with a brief introduction to the personal computer and the history of technological advances that has led to the development of the Internet. We will examine a variety of topics that are required in order to have a comprehensive understanding of how to effectively use the Internet for both business and personal enrichment. This course will include an overview of how computers connect to the Internet and cover such topics as email, building websites, communication on the Internet, protecting against hackers, keeping children safe online, software, hardware, and many more topics. We'll also cover the many career options for an Internet Specialist and examine what roles they may fill in today's businesses. We'll also cover the popular topic of social media, which is the fastest growing segment of the Internet community. It has brought people together and increased our ability to communicate and forge friendships with people around the globe. This course is a comprehensive overview of the power and potential of the Internet. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550350.htm Thu, 1 Jan 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business It's amazing how many of us own personal computers at home, belong to Internet networking systems in work environments, and yet don't understand the very basics regarding Internet Security. While we've all heard terms like worms, spyware and Trojan horse, we're not exactly sure what they are or what they do to our computer. Nearly every one of us has experienced an Internet virus in our computer's lifetime but still neglect to take adequate steps to protect our computers, our data, and our privacy from others through best-practice protection methods. In this course, we'll define the difference between a virus and spyware. We'll break down the source and damage a virus can cause to your computer and share information on protecting your computer against virus attacks. Safe computer usage is the primary focus of this course. You'll learn how to reduce your vulnerability to online spam, spyware and viruses and take steps to protect your computer against all malware. This course will help you pay more attention in regard to monitoring your computer usage and downloads and how to detect, identify, and clean an infection. Options for virus removal may help protect your computer, your privacy, and your important documents from attack. We'll explain why the installation of security patches is just as important as installing antivirus software to your computer. We'll discuss Internet Security options and where you can find popular antivirus software downloads or where you can purchase them for installation onto your computer. Finally, we'll discuss Internet safety tips for you and your family. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550463.htm Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business 'How to Start and Run an Online Business' is an online course that is organized into 16 different sections to help you understand how to create an online business, even if you don't have any online business experience. From the basics of learning how to choose your market to designing a website and building an online marketing strategy, you will learn what you need to do in order to create an online business that's built to succeed. You will begin with equipping your office for online success, and then move on to website building, payment processing, online marketing, writing great copy, spreading the word, utilizing online marketing tools, understanding search engine optimization, promoting an online brand, employing affiliates, planning beyond your website, and even handling legal issues before they become issues. This an essential course for those who have a business idea, but want to move it online instead of into a traditional store. Billions of people around the world now have access to the Internet, making online businesses primed for success. Each section also includes review assignments and exams to ensure you have learned and mastered the most important concepts. This approach allows you to instantly have the information you need at your fingertips, while also helping you learn learn what you need to understand as your online business grows. Using the high quality information and resources provided in this course, at class completion you will know how to start a business online, how to grow your online business, and how to secure the future of your online business. So why not join us today? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550535.htm Sat, 1 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business This course takes you through an overview of the wonderful world of business mathematics. The course is designed for a person of any age and anywhere in the world. All that is required of the learner are a computer, a connection to the internet, a calculator or spreadsheet, skills to use these tools, and a willingness to learn. First we begin with a comprehensive review of the decimal system and basic calculations. Next are fractions, percent, and ratios. Then we move on to exponents and square roots. In the lesson that follows, the learner sets a personal budget and reviews personal finances, including thrift buying, and calculating interest on a loan. Then there is a discussion of conservation of energy used in the home. Later we are encouraged to budget our personal time and energy as well as money. The trip then takes you into the business world of purchases and sales, then bookkeeping, with a thorough explanation of debits and credits, petty cash, and an overview of financial statements. In the following lessons, we take a look at graphs, measurements and statistics. (Is mode the same as average?) After that we find ourselves in the business office for office etiquette, netiquette, and telephone etiquette. Also the science of Ergonomics is discussed. We finally arrive near the end of the course when we emphasize lifelong learning, goal setting plus good health habits for a balanced life. From the beginning, the advanced learner is encouraged to click on web references and search for more information via the internet. And everyone is encouraged to 'surf' and 'google' the world wide web often for more fun. The course material includes plenty of examples and exercises for practice, interesting anecdotes about the character, history and origins of our math system from many parts of the world. Math can be fun! However, calculations do require practice, and then more practice to be easier, more proficient and more fun. Enjoy the course! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550318.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Public and Motivational speaking is often a cause for anxiety for millions of people, and it need not be. With the proper preparation, knowledge, and mindset, you can become an extremely effective public speaker. Public and motivational speakers are in very high demand in today's society, and they are a part of nearly everyone's daily life. Effective public speaking opens many opportunities for those willing to increase their ability in this important skill. In this course, you will learn how to deliver your message clearly to an audience. We will include advice from professionals on how to inform, entertain, and motivate an audience into action. This advice includes how to combat stage fright and banish it forever, what elements to include in an effective speech, how to research an audience before you arrive, how to develop your own style, how to organize a speech's structure, how and when to use visual aids, how to control and train your voice, and more. We will also cover other aspects of public speaking such as nonverbal communication, and how to best prepare yourself questions from an audience. Other topics include how to give your best delivery when problems arise and how to deal with foreign audiences. This comprehensive course will give you the self-confidence you need to be an excellent speaker. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550402.htm Fri, 15 Dec 2006 10:25:07 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business The purpose of this course is to equip you with a working understanding of economics and its myriad of business and personal applications. As such, we have crafted an easy-to-understand course comprised of economic's principle tenets while specifically highlighting such central ideas as: supply and demand, interest rates and inflation. Economics is an inherent part of our world. And, with every passing day, economics becomes more and more pivotal to our survival. From the items we buy at the store and our personal banking accounts to the types of industries in which we work and the resources government employs to sustain our communities, we are surrounded by economically-based challenges on a daily basis. The average individual knows very little about economics and tends to believe whatever was seen or heard on television. However, we all contribute and are impacted by economic factors and need a basic understanding of how this works as economics becomes more and more pivotal to our survival. Knowing how the system operates has a range of benefits from the practical-why we pay taxes to the more lucrative possibilities tips for investing within the money markets. This complete course will discuss these topics: Definition, History and Various Forms of Economics Schools of Thought Ten Major Principles of Economics World Economic Systems and Comparative Economics Components in Societal Economy Basic Tenets of the U.S. Economic System Global Economies: Ranking National Economies Micro and Macro: Styles of Economics Federal Reserve System: aka 'The Fed' Managerial Economics Gross National Product (GNP) and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) Supply and Demand Model Supply and Demand Curves and Elasticity Marginalism Fiscal Policy and Monetary Policy Economic Growth, Stimulus and Stabilization Interest Rates - Part One Interest Rates- Part Two Inflation and Deflation Financial Markets and Investing Taxation Structures Public Finance Revenue and Economic Forecasting Economic Indicators and Statistical/Probability Economics Marriage of Statistics and Econometrics Regardless of whether you want to become more familiar with economics so that you can better budget your household expenditures or so that you can became the entrepreneur you have always dreamed, this complete economics course has the fundamentals to guide you without overtaxing your brain. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550317.htm Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:50:39 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Congratulations on considering opening your own craft business! This course offers an introduction to business and guidelines that will help you create a successful and sustainable crafting business. In this course, you'll learn what to expect, how to create a business name that people will remember and determine what type of crafts you want to sell. Targeting your market is essential for the success of any business, and we'll give you the basics on how to determine who will buy your crafts, how much to charge for them, and how to market your business to reach the widest audience range. You'll also learn some important marketing skills that will help you run your business. We'll discuss different ways to sell your crafts, including online venues and craft shows. Creating a sustainable business means keeping your overhead low. Lessons in this course will offer tips on wholesale and retail purchasing of supplies, developing attractive packaging, and how to determine how much to charge for your crafts, as well as a number of pricing strategies that will help you set prices that generate profits. No business, and that goes for home-based craft business, can succeed without customers. Good customer service is essential. We'll explain some of the do's and don'ts when dealing with customers, as well as how to deal with difficult customers. Finally, we'll discuss (briefly!) your financial obligations regarding income taxes and the importance of keeping good records. Balancing your craft business with family responsibilities will be discussed, as will reaching the masses to help you develop the best ways to reach audiences both locally, domestically and abroad. This course will provide you with enough information to feel confident when starting your own business, and provide pointers that will help to ensure that your business endeavor is successful. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550456.htm Fri, 1 Jan 2010 12:15:45 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Quicken Deluxe is a personal finance management tool that provides features that we all need to keep track of where our money is going. However, this software gives you more than just the power to log your finances and manage your bills. It can also be used to plan for retirement and increase the amount of money you put into savings. Watch your net worth increase, monitor your 401(k), and pay your mortgage. You can do all this and more with Quicken Deluxe 2010. This course is designed for anyone who has ever used Quicken in the past or is searching for a software program that will help them better manage their money. Starting with the simplest tasks like entering a transaction into your account register and advancing to tracking the price of your most watched securities, you'll learn everything you need to know to master this software and take control of your finances and#8211; all within this course. Over the duration of this course, you'll learn how to: Set up checking, savings, and credit card accounts in Quicken. Manage your accounts online through Quicken. Write and print checks. Schedule bills for payment so you're never late again. Monitor your cash flow and increase savings Keep track of all your tax information in one, easy spot. Create tax reports for tax season to make filing easy. Manage your investments and track securitie Use Direct Connect to manage all of your accounts online with just a few clicks of the mouse And, much, much more! Although there are several software programs out there that claim to provide the same benefits that Quicken does, there's not one out there that is so easy to use and#8211; or so beneficial to your finances. This course will teach you the Quicken interface, then explain how to use all its features to finally take control of your finances once and for all. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550300.htm Wed, 19 Aug 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Anyone interested in beginning a profession as a travel agent should first determine the type of skills, training and certification necessary to provide travel services for clients--whether you work at an established travel agency, as an independent contractor, or as a home-based travel agent. This course offers both the history and future prospects of the travel industry as well as discusses different types of travel enjoyed by individuals, including domestic and international travel and travel by land, air, and sea. Popular travel services will also be explored, including escorted and self-directed tours and cruises. We'll also talk about travel technology that helps not only travel agents but also clients to get the most for their money regardless of their chosen type of travel. This travel agent course also introduces students to the office and business needs of a home-based travel agent. It will show you how to make use of computer reservations systems, and how to bank your business, develop small business know-how and will provide tips and strategies that will enhance the success of your new business while at the same time offering clients well-planned vacations. Students of this course will also learn the basics about passports and visas and various regulations and restrictions determined by embassies around the world--offering customers and clients up-to-date travel warnings and alerts that ensure ultimate safety and security. Additionally, students completing this course will understand how a travel agent is able to match travel and personalities to a multitude of travel options and opportunities that take into consideration budgets, needs, and desires of the traveler. Avoiding problems or conflicts with clients and helping clients deal with unforeseeable situations are also covered, as is the importance of consistently researching new technologies in the travel industry that will help build and enhance your career as a successful travel agent. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550206.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Do you hear stirring speeches that inspire to go out and take to heart what the speaker was talking about? Do you wonder how some people can sell nearly anything simply by how they talk? If you do, then chances are you are wondering about being persuasive. Being persuasive is one of the greatest skills you can have, because a true master of persuasion can convince people to do nearly anything. Every great politician, army general, business leader and community organizer have been experts at persuasion because they have to inspire you to follow them. You too can be an expert at persuasion. In fact, you can learn to be an expert in the most difficult type of persuasion: written persuasion . Being an expert at written persuasion means you have the ability to convince people not with your verbal skills, but with your written skills. Whether it is a business proposal, letter to the editor, advertisement, or even an essay, you will have the ability thanks to this comprehensive online course on how to persuade people with your written words. By utilizing the tools within this Persuasive Writing Techniques class, you will find everything in your life increases, from your potential pay as you begin impressing bosses with your persuasive writing, to purchasing cars because you will know the persuasion tricks before they happen to you. Learning persuasion techniques can be one of the best skills you ever develop for yourself. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550210.htm Tue, 10 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Managerial accounting is not as widely used as other forms of accounting, nor is it as known. While companies concern themselves with financial accounting methods like audits, budgets and financial statements, they often completely ignore the forward-thinking methods of managerial accounting. Managerial accounting is a form of accounting that deals not only with financial information, but information that is not always easy to quantify into numbers and reports. Things like employee performance, efficiency, product rates and customer satisfaction stats are all things that managerial accountants deal with. They take that information and put it into reports that are easy for managers to understand. By doing this, managerial accountants help managers make the important decisions to turn the company in a new direction, or help it continue on as a profitable and respected organization. Financial accounting looks at the company as a whole. The net profit of the company, the revenue and expenses of the company and more. It does not look at the parts that make up the whole. This is what managerial accounting does. It takes the company and breaks it into parts that can be studied and analyzed. Maybe one department is bringing down the rest like a lead weight attached to a strong chain. If this is happening, the methods of managerial accounting will find it and that will help managers take the information and use it to make the company better and more efficient as a result. Managerial accounting is not new, but it is revolutionary and despite originating over 100 years ago, companies are only now realizing the true power of this amazing form of company management. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550324.htm Wed, 2 Dec 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Welcome to this course on eBay: How to Buy and How to Sell on eBay. Whether you're looking for an antique or the latest in electronic gadgets, eBay is one of the most likely online resources for you to find what you're looking for. eBay can also be a lucrative home-based business for men or women looking to generate more income, whether you're struggling in a tough economy or you want to make extra money selling your crafts, collectables or even your car. We hope you'll enjoy this basic how-to course regarding buying and selling on eBay. In this course, students will learn how eBay got started and grew from just an idea to a multi-billion dollar business in less than a decade. We'll give you a brief background and tips on deciding what to sell on eBay, how to set up an eBay and PayPal account, and how you can bid for everything from a skein of yarn to rare jade and autographed collectibles to sports equipment to a new engine for your car. Selling on eBay, the importance of creating good item descriptions and taking good photos of your items is covered in this course, as is encouraging loyalty and positive feedback that enhances your moneymaking efforts. The importance of customer service is also discussed in this course, as is a discussion of how best to resolve customer complaints or disputes. We'll also share ideas with you on what to do (and not do) when listing an item for sale or auction. We'll show you how to make and send payments or items for your eBay purchases or sales, and how to make the best use of eBay's seller's tools. We'll wrap up the course with a brief mention of tips for success on eBay, setting up your own eBay store, and how to register your eBay business online. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550548.htm Sat, 1 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business If you have ever dreamed of being a freelance writer this course is for you. Get started today learning about this exciting field and in no time you can be on your way to earning a living, extra income, and more, by doing something that you love and#8211; writing! Chock-full of all the inside information you need to understand the career field and be successful in it, this course can teach you what freelancing writing is, how much you can expect to make, how to find markets, creating successful queries, what to do once you get an assignment, and how to market your skills. You will also learn some of the tools of the trade that will help you be successful, such as how to build a portfolio, where to get ideas and topics from, common writing rules that are outdated, and various ways you can increase your earnings as a writer. This course will not only give you a look at everything you need to know to become a freelance writer, but when you finish, you will be ready to put what you learn into action to build a freelance writing career. Whether you would like to freelance on a full time basis, do it to supplement your current income, or learn freelance writing skills to get your product or service noticed, this is the place to start! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550289.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business There are many aspects that need to be covered when running a successful business. One of the most important aspects in any business is of course, payroll management. The members of the business involved in payroll management have unique responsibilities to ensure that the business operations can maintain momentum. In essence, the payroll management team is at the heart of any business. While managing the payroll may seem easy enough, it is actually a complicated process involving finance and record keeping. Payroll Management 101 provides you with the information and guidance to become a key member of the payroll management team. The curriculum is designed to give an overview of all the core skills you will be required to attain in an easy to read manner. Most importantly, Payroll Management 101 provides you with the tools to quickly start using your new vocational skills in an operational environment. By covering the topics contained in Payroll Management 101, you can be assured that you will have the necessary skills and abilities to tackle just about any payroll projects you are assigned. The course has been designed to assist not only people involved solely in payroll management, but also for small business owners, and business people looking to get the edge over their competitors. Written for both seasoned professionals and business newcomers Payroll Management 101 is sure to provide you with all you need to know. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550184.htm Mon, 31 Jan 2011 11:05:26 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Today's business marketing efforts require an internet presence, an active campaign and a steady attention to the details of your company's internet marketing efforts. Don't let your company get left behind in the marketplace of ideas and sales. UniversalClassand#8482; offers this terrific introductory course to internet marketing to help you get up to speed on this important and detailed topic. You don't have to be a computer genius to make internet marketing work for your company, and you don't have to spend a boat load of marketing dollars to have a decent online presence. This course will help you to easily understand the importance of such things as your company's email marketing list, search engine advertising and blogs. You will gain an understanding of how to make your B2B relationships help you to build an increased internet presence and how such relationships help to build your online marketing efforts. You will walk away from this course with a working knowledge of how to plug your company into social networks, e-books and Adwords. You will know how to implement full SEO for your company's site; what to pay for and where to find good help with it. You will learn how to carve out an internet niche for your company and why that is important to your online success. This course covers these basics along with link exchanges, expanding business relationships, using your personal network to expand your internet marketing, details and#8211; important details, and so much more. So, relax, learn and know that at the end of the course you will no longer be intimidated by the technicalities of the web and its marketing avenues; indeed, you will be ready to plunge your company forward into this important marketplace of 21 st century capitalism. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550188.htm Mon, 1 Dec 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Business Credit 101 provides potential and current business owners with the necessary knowledge to successfully use credit within their business. There are many reasons why business operators rely on credit to maximize their business potential, but it is necessary to have an insight into the business credit arena to ensure that business credit is used effectively. This course takes you through the basics of business credit giving you an opportunity to understand what business credit is, how to obtain business credit, the best type of business credit and even explores the taxation aspects of business credit. Business Credit 101 will provide aspiring and current business owners the necessary knowledge to effectively manage their business credit and financial needs. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550203.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:52:38 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business As we move into a new era of lending, one in which there will be increased regulations and scrutiny of loan officer activities, it is very critical to have well educated and trained professionals in place capable of knowledgably working with clients and guiding them on their process to secure a loan. Regardless of whether your goal is to work with mortgages/home loans, automobile loans, school/college loans, small business or personal loans, this course will provide you with the tools to help you better understand the overall lending industry and the specific responsibilities undertaken by loan officers from evaluating client's credit histories and financial data to seeking out appropriate lending sources and preparing final loan documentation. Also important for potential loan officer candidates to understand is that the lending environment has a great deal of options with respect to the types of loans available to clients. With varying payment structures, there is a loan type that is custom fit for each and every individual based upon his/her individual earning styles and motivations for paying off the loan with a defined period of time. And, pertaining to the loan officer's earning, there is also a range of incentive structures via which to earn money based upon one's performance as opposed to being relegated to earn a flat fee on an ongoing basis. This is just a sampling of the many options that exist within the wide world of lending. An exciting and worthwhile career, our course has been designed to act as a guide to help you to get a foothold in the industry. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550143.htm Sun, 8 Jun 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business The idea of running one's own business is the dream of hundreds of thousands of Americans. The reasons for opening your own business are myriad; to be your own boss, to set your own hours, to do what you want to do, to provide a product or service where you perceive a need, to follow your passion. Any one of these reasons are good ones for opening your own business. There are really only a few real reasons for not just jumping into the process and opening your doors to new customers and your heart to an entirely new and wonderful way of life. The biggest reason is fear; fear based on lack of information. When you do not know how to do something, there is underlying fear that it will likely be done wrong. In order to tackle your fear, you need knowledge and that is what this course on Retail Business will give you. By going through Retail Business you will discover whether or not you have the true entrepreneurial spirit to leave the corporate world and all that goes with it, and enter into your new world of Business Owner. The beauty of being a business owner is that you will never be bored, you will spend time doing the things that you love, and perhaps even with the people you love if you decide to join forces. This course will take you through the lists of things that you need to do or consider before you open your doors. Once you have completed the course, you will have enough information to decide whether or not business ownership is for you. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550124.htm Thu, 18 Sep 2008 09:07:23 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Qualified restaurant managers are always in demand. They earn salaries far above the national average ($45K-$60K and higher), receive generous benefit packages and bonuses, rapid promotions and opportunities for travel. But that's really just the 'icing on the cake'. Restaurant managers learn, apply and continually improve myriad business skills adaptable to scores of other industries. Sales, marketing, human resources, customer service, shipping and receiving, maintenance, food and beverage preparation and accounting are all in a day's work...you'll truly 'have a finger in every pie'. In addition, you'll meet, interact with and satisfy every conceivable restaurant guest, and have the opportunity to be a true leader, a role model and a positive force in the lives of hundreds of your associates. And let's not forget those autographed photos of you with Jack Nicholson or Tiger Woods, thanking you for one of their best nights on the town in a long time. Ready to Dig In? http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550157.htm Sun, 13 Jul 2008 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Hotel Management will provide a realistic look at every major portion of the hotel business which will help anyone planning or currently pursuing one of the many different career opportunities available in this burgeoning and dynamic industry. A great hotel manager leads by example. Like any business intent on survival and success, the hospitality industry requires insight into the financial aspect of every facet and every detail. Hotel Management is a course for those who wish to enjoy both personal and professional success in the hospitality industry; and need to have a more than casual understanding of the business and financial operations of the industry. Hotels and motels are not only places where a guest can obtain tasty food and comfortable lodging, they are an integral part of community life, with facilities for meetings, entertainment, and personal services. The career choices for a person seeking a job in the hospitality industry are vast: guest service manager, head chef, front office clerk, security officer, banquet manager, bookkeeper, concierge and many more opportunities that can be personally satisfying and financially rewarding. Renewed business travel, and domestic and foreign tourism will boost employment growth of lodging managers in full-service hotels. Additional demands for managers are expected in suite hotels. Business customers are willing to pay more for rooms with kitchens and suites that are spacious enough to conduct small meetings in. Other trainee and managerial opportunities will be available in large full-service hotels offering restaurants, fitness centers, ample meeting rooms and play areas for children, among other amenities. The hospitality industry offers today's young men and women an interesting and exciting career. Management of a hotel or restaurant calls for a wide range of capabilities. For those wishing a rewarding and challenging life of service to others, a future in the hospitality field should be seriously considered. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33024.htm Tue, 13 Nov 2007 13:34:16 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Marketing a company's products and services to potential and existing customers is not only necessary, but a key ingredient to growing sales. Outreach marketing is the facet of marketing in which a company representative actively seeks out potential leads by meeting with local businesses or the public, speaking at local events, or getting involved with the local chamber of commerce. By networking and creating a lead base you are opening doors for your business and others. You need not spend an immense amount of money all the time to market your products and services, but by working smarter, and connecting with the right people you can generate business and that is priceless. Marketing in a sense is building relationships, and through those relationships you can gain viable resources that will contribute to your success. In this course you will learn how to increase business sales. Topics covered include: Outreach Marketing for Your Business Type, How Outreach Marketing Can Drive Sales, Approaching Outreach Marketing Contacts for the First Time, Follow Up and Maintaining a Rapport, Marketing and Advertising Working Together, Incorporating a Referral Program into Your Marketing Plan, Outreach Marketing Via Online Sources, Tracking Outreach Marketing Success, and Other Marketing Successes. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550171.htm Mon, 5 Jan 2009 13:44:20 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business There you are, cold-calling yet another sales prospect. Your verbal pitch is pure gold; your prospect is attentive--interested--and seems ready to buy. But just as you're about to close the deal, you hear that eternal refrain: ' Send me something in writing!' And the line goes dead. What do you do now? Oh, we're so glad you askedand#8230; This SALES, MARKETING and ADVERTISING WRITING course will demonstrate that virtually every sale depends on the written wordand#8230;ranging from a three-word caption in a movie poster, to a multi-page booklet that covers every conceivable aspect of a product. It will also demonstrate that when used properly, the written word can be your least expensive yet hardest-working employee, willing to work in any number of formats to bring in millions in revenue. When used improperlyand#8230; or not used at alland#8230;the written word can cost you millions. The ability to write all three subjects effectively is crucial to success in any businessand#8230;and, in fact, life itselfand#8230;for what is a resume if not an and#8216;advertisement' for oneself? While Sales, Marketing, and Advertising are often considered separate entities within the business world, they do in fact influence each other, and are dependent on each other. Without properly written Marketing materials, crucial time and resources are lost as a product or service is presented to the wrong consumersand#8230;.or the right consumers in the wrong manner. Without effective Advertising copy, consumers are oblivious to the product or service's existenceand#8230;or, worse, notice it in a negative light. A savvy sales professional may be able to initiate a sale through mere spoken words, but without well-written sales materials to back them up, such sales will be few, and the company and#8216;dies on the vine' for lack of income. Proper business writing can, and should, combine these three elements. But since these three crucial business elements tend to flow sequentially--a product or service is marketed, then advertised, then sold--the course will duplicate this and#8216;flow', with examples of marketing writing, advertising copy, and sales materials. We will define each element and its influence and dependence on the others, then demonstrate its place in the business cycle. We will show you the words to use, and as many formats as possible. Mastery of these three elements of business writing will ensure you're a creative employee that your company can't afford to lose, or will ensure that your own business soars to the top. It can also enhance your life in other ways--the properly written and#8216;personal ad' might just catch the attention of and#8216;Mr. or Ms. Right'! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550287.htm Sun, 1 Feb 2009 14:32:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business One of the most important and intimidating steps in the job search process is writing a solid resume that gets the attention you want and need. Unfortunately, many job seekers get overwhelmed before they even get started. The result is poorly-written resumes that are built on top of templates that don't do the job seeker any good. Today, resumes must appeal to potential employers while also being optimized for the electronic age. Whether you are handing a resume over in person or are emailing an electronic copy to be added to an online database, the words you use and the formatting you choose will make a big difference in whether or not you get that interview. This course teaches you not just what a resume should look like, but what it should say. It walks you step-by-step through the creation of the most common sections found on resumes in today's job market. In addition to helping you determine what information should be included, it also goes a step further to help you realize what pitfalls to avoid when creating this powerful, job-searching tool. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550211.htm Tue, 3 Feb 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Quality in a service or product is not what you put into it. It is what the client or customer gets out of it. (Peter Drucker) We are exposed to customer service (of one kind or another) at least once a day, every day of the week, fifty-two weeks of the year. There are times when individuals, organizations and companies take the provision of good service, and the people who deliver it, for granted. We should not and#8211; giving top quality Customer Service is an art form. Customers love and cherish companies that treat them the way they (the customer) want to be treated. People are now prepared to pay more for good service. So the providers of the good service and#8211; YOU and#8211; are gems beyond price these days. Whatever your reasons for considering this course, we can promise you that you will get even more than you might have thought from its contents. You will most likely pick up things you might not have considered before, or even been aware of and#8211; CRM for example! This course will focus on these topics: 1. A Customer Centered/Focused Organization How important is good customer service really? The evolution of Customer Service, TQM, Perceptions, The and#8216;Hot Button' of the and#8216;90s 2. Taking an honest look at your own customer service Your current customer service profile, Self-evaluation and#8211; honestly! How does your company rate? Protocols, How do you and your company deal with Feelings? 3. Your company's Customer Service focus In-focused, Customer-Focused, The 3 Basic Elements of Excellent Service, Are you friendly to customers? Customer Friendly Reflections, Expanding your understand of your Company's Definition of Service 4. Developing a Winning Customer Service Strategy What are your current Customer Service Strategies? Key Strategies , Top Down Approach, Actually using the Feedback you ask for, Know thyself and it shall be true! The creation of client centric practices, The sheer economic necessity of Top Customer Service 5. The 'Plus's' of exceptional Customer Service Critical success factors , Consistency, Criteria, Recognizing Excellence/Reward and Recognition Factors, Awareness, Education 6. The WOW Customer Service Training and Service Excellence The wisdom of choosing appropriate training, Brainstorming and Problem Solving Customer Service Enhancers, TIPS - The Coaching Approach, The Listen and Learn Approach 7. Which is the way to go: Surveys/Questionnaires, Interviews or Focus groups? Surveys, Questionnaires, Interviews, Focus Groups, Who should conduct or run them? Which one should you use? HOW TO prepare a Top Customer Service Survey 8. Acquiring Customers and Keeping Them Put yourself in the customers shoes, What does my customer actually want? Standards and#8211; making, measuring and managing, What you can measure you can manage, Reinventing your processes to suit the customer, Quality Groups What NOT to Do if you want to keep your customers 9. Those and#8216;Extras' and Miscellaneous Factors Body Language, It's How You Say It that really counts, Your computer isn't always your best friend, The differences between data and information, The 2 'E's' and#8211; Ethics and Espionage 10. When the Going Becomes Rough -- What to Do! When you need to say NO and how to say it! Seeing Red and Dealing with It! Take the Initiative and Bounce Back 11. Working in the World of the WEB! The Internet has changed the rules and HOW! Automating the personal touch? Clicking with your Customers, Developing Trust and Loyalty and#8211; online, Customer Acquisition, Some rules for staying on the road to Success with E-Commerce 12. CRM and#8211; It's not just an Option and#8211; It's here to STAY! Exactly what is CRM? Is it the Latest and Greatest? How do we use it? Automating the personal touch, Defining the technical requirements, Choosing the right CRM tools, The amazing power of CRM, The correct CRM program for you, What defines success with CRM? 13. Customer Service Management Options of the Future! People Orientated? Technology Orientated? Strategies, How to best organize Customer Service for the future http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550271.htm Sun, 31 May 2009 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business Imagine you're going on a tripand#8230;It sounds odd, but your journey to understanding, growing and maintaining personal finance starts with your imagination. That's not all it takes, but, by imagining, dreaming and believing, these intangibles will begin to take shape. Of course, you'll need tangible actions to achieve your results. After all, you can believe you want to go on a cruise, but until you step on the boat, you'll never get there. During this course, you'll learn the ins and outs of your individual financial journey in a fun and unique way--as a travel itinerary. You'll be provided with everything you need to understand your spending habits, chart your progress, grow your current savings and achieve your dreams. This course is broken up into three parts: Plan, Execute and Travel. Plan --maintain checking and savings accounts, create assessments in order to understand your financial standing and create a foundation for your financial standing, Execute -- manage debt, build and manage your credit score as well as balance accounts for future financial security--and finally, Travel --live your dream by generating wealth and controlling spending, making sound investments in stocks and bonds, and even begin starting and growing retirement accounts. These are your steps to financial freedom and you can achieve them all from within the comfort of your home. No matter where you are in your journey, by end of this course, you'll have a clear map to where you want to go and helpful hints to guide you along the way. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550469.htm Mon, 25 Oct 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Small Business This course introduces the methods, theories and main concepts used by psychologists to develop a real insight into the world of children. Child psychology is extremely important for a number of reasons, not the least of which is being able to understand and accurately predict a reasonable norm for child development. Proper discipline, teaching styles and communication styles are all based on understanding the psychology of childhood, which changes and develops over time. Intervention on behalf of children who have been raised in difficult circumstances or faced traumatic events also hinges on understanding child psychology -- children don't cope with situations in the same way adults do because they do not process information the same way and do not have the same emotional or reasoning skills. By studying child psychology, we can better understand children and equip them to become well-adjusted, more adaptable adults who are capable of living rich and varied lives. We can help our children through crises and enrich their daily lives by interacting with them in ways that are appropriate to their developmental levels. Is it any wonder that so many people choose to study child developmental psychology every year? This course is for all those who want to find out what psychology can tell us about the nature and development of children. This study is intended for students of psychology , those training to work with children in a variety of professional roles, or anyone just interested in understanding how children develop. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33248.htm Sat, 1 Mar 2008 11:05:43 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Good parenting skills are something we learn, not something we are born with. Being a more effective parent or caretaker is possible for everyone! This course can help you get your parenting skills to where you want them to be. It covers a broad range of topics, including what parenting skills are, child development, understanding temperament, intellectual development, communicating with your kids, the dynamics of discipline, instilling self-esteem, teaching children values, meeting their needs, being a good role model, and more! This course will help you understand your child's personality, challenges, and how to go about being the most effective parent you can be! You will learn about those things that are crucial in the first years of life, how to use positive discipline, avoid power struggles, and how to determine a need from a want. This course is ideal for all parents, but can also be a very useful tool for caretakers, grandparents, teachers, and anyone who spends a lot of time helping to shape the minds of the next generation. This course provides an overview of all the parenting skills that are necessary to raise a healthy and well adjusted adult. It will also help you learn where and why some challenges may arise and how to best go about overcoming them. If you are about to become a parent, would like to become a more effective parent, or you want to learn more about how to effectively guide children, this course is for you! After taking this course you will never look at parenting in quite the same way again! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550458.htm Fri, 1 Jan 2010 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies If you are new to coaching youth basketball and not sure what to do, this course will get you up and running! In this short easy to follow course you will learn how to begin your basketball coaching career. We have comprised the basics that will not only set you on a path to coach youth basketball, but make you one of the best coaches ever. They will be calling you back every year to coach and the children will have love and respect for you. You will learn how to teach kids about the game, information about how to set up your season, how to create a positive team atmosphere, coaching tips, the basics of beginning practice, and drills and strategies for new coaches to practice. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/33203.htm Sun, 17 Jun 2007 00:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Awareness, Counseling and Prevention is a comprehensive course that addresses the problems of drug abuse across the spectrum, including the latest thinking about prevention and awareness. This course provides an understanding of the origins and current status of drug use, and includes special notations addressed to a person who may be experiencing problems with substance abuse. This curriculum is a valuable tool for teachers, parents, students and workers, as well as someone seeking help for him or herself. The course also covers assessment, intervention, rehabilitation and recovery, and includes a list of helpful resources. For anyone who has an interest in any aspect of drug and alcohol abuse, this course can prove to be a very beneficial tool. So join us today! http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550481.htm Fri, 1 Jan 2010 05:00:00 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies Managing Depression is an engaging course that offers an abundance of ideas for taking personal control over the nasty symptoms of depression. Focusing on self-help for mild to moderate depression, this online class identifies the various symptoms of depression, and takes a meaningful and sincere approach, primarily to alternative and self-help therapies. While not excluding traditional and more conventional therapies--such as counseling and medical support--this course also encourages students to take steps to empower themselves to feel better as well as reviews holistic approaches toward the mind and body. Taking responsibility for as much of the healing process as possible and#8211; even if it simply means making an appointment with a doctor and#8211; is the first step toward more confidence and self-esteem. This class provides an uplifting, upbeat and realistic approach to depression which is intended to energize and encourage learners to face their problems head-on. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550224.htm Tue, 29 Sep 2009 08:55:58 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies This course on building self-confidence reaches beyond the standard self-help program by addressing the core issues surrounding confidence problems and exploring how to reprogram our brainand#8216;s negative self-talk. Based on the concept that we come into this world with a strong sense of self-esteem, this course encourages students to recognize that low self-esteem is often the result of mistaken perceptions about ourselves that start in childhood. Journaling exercises help the student organize and understand exactly what triggers his or her personal lapses in confidence. This course delves into crafting succinct, personalized affirmations as well as visualization techniques for reframing the self-concept. Confidence busters, such as procrastination and cognitive dissonance are discussed at length, as well as the healing associated with forgiveness and service to others. Building self-confidence is not a course to be taken lightly, rather, it is designed for those who are sincerely ready to create positive changes in their self-perception. http://www.universalclass.com/i/crn/7550544.htm Tue, 25 Oct 2011 11:00:58 GMT Universal Class, Inc. Violence Prevention Strategies