As a result of enormous recent technological advances, we are now living in what’s known as the fourth industrial revolution – a period of digital transformation that’s affecting the way we live and radically disrupting the business sector.
Technology such as the Internet of Things (IOT), Artificial Intelligence (AI) and cloud computing are becoming the norm across most modern organisations and influencing everything from manufacturing to communications and job roles. One area where these changes are prevalent is the marketing industry.
The field of marketing is highly varied and covers areas such as creativity and design, data analysis and interpretation, content creation and an understanding of human behaviour and psychology. The first areas impacted by AI were based on fundamental or repetitive tasks, such as data reporting. As AI evolved, so did its abilities to tackle complex challenges, especially those within the fields of creativity, predictive analysis and behaviour recognition.
AI has helped to automate many functions within marketing, freeing up valuable time and resources for creativity and strategy. AI’s ability to rapidly process large volumes of data, generate reports and provide insights into future trends and behaviours has enabled marketers to make better informed decisions and personalise content towards customers preferences.
Automated content and image creation are now becoming mainstream in marketing, social media, email and advertising campaigns. Websites and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) are also benefiting from AI insights to help determine what content and search terms resonate best with potential customers.
The advancement of AI is rapid. Government laws and policies are rapidly changing to keep up to date with this pace of change. While it is clear AI provides enormous benefits to marketers, it is also clear that its higher end capabilities remain quite limited.
AI is based on machine learning and relies on historic data in its decision making. It is highly intelligent at making rapidly informed decisions but cannot take a holistic approach to its work or provide real-time insights. In essence, it cannot currently be truly creative.
Google, which ranks websites in search engines based on their ‘helpfulness’ to users, will eventually catch-up to AI-written content and then demand content be more unique, informative and personable to be ranked highly. Additionally, it is worth considering that sudden changes such as the disruption from COVID-19 could not have been predicted by AI and required the creative and objective decision making of humans to navigate.
AI has streamlined working practices, created new job opportunities and enhanced job capabilities. It is unlikely to replace roles but complement and evolve them. As technology advances, so must the skills and capabilities of marketers to meet this evolving landscape.
You can find out more about marketing, business activity and the changing environment with Oxford Open Learning’s flexible Business IGCSE or A-Level accredited distance learning courses. Get in touch to find out more.
When we think of future cities, we might picture flying vehicles or space-age architecture, but how will they cope with the growing trend in urbanisation? According to current predictions, more than two-thirds of the world’s population will live in urban areas by 2050. As demand for city living continues, so does the need to create better living conditions and more sustainable environments.
The growing trend in urbanisation has led to a number of challenges, with population growth and migration leading to overcrowding and an increased strain on current resources and infrastructure. Services we take for granted, such as waste disposal or recycling, can often be outdated or ill-equipped to deal with this increased demand.
As the trend for city living increases, so does the cost of housing, potentially leading to an affordability crisis for lower-income residents and a rise in income inequality and crime levels. Urban areas are also a cause for many health concerns. Increasing levels of car ownership and insufficient public transport can lead to high levels of congestion; together with urban construction and industrial activities, this can lead to an increase in air pollution levels. High population densities also encourage the spread of disease and there are growing concerns for the decline in mental health of urban residents compared to those living in rural areas.
Cities are constantly evolving to adapt to challenges like these in an effort to improve the living conditions for their residents. It is highly likely that cities of the future will continue to evolve with the aid of biomimicry, a design approach that takes inspiration from natural elements to develop more sustainable and resilient urban environments. Singapore (pictured) is a great example of how creating green spaces in its urban architecture allows opportunities for sustainability, biodiversity and mental wellbeing, while helping to counter the urban heat island effect.
Cities will become smarter with advancements in technology. The Internet of Things and artificial intelligence will increase the level of automation and optimise services like transportation, energy usage and waste management. As the popularity of autonomous vehicles grows, cities may see a shift away from privately owned vehicles that will help decrease pollution levels, congestion and traffic accidents.
Current urban space constraints may be resolved through vertical expansion, taking advantage of the space high above the ground within cities. Vertical farming techniques will most likely be used to maximise crop yields from a limited land area; this will allow food to be grown near to urban environments and reduce the need for long haul transportation.
From the advancements we can see today to the challenges we have yet to overcome, it’s clear that our cities of the future will have a continued focus on sustainability and resilience. Developing practices such as an urban circular economy will help ensure the preservation of our planet’s resources and address current climate change issues while an enhancement of the quality of life for its residents will improve levels of health and wellbeing. It is therefore vital that governments, businesses and city residents work together in a collaborative effort to help bring about these important changes.
Find out more about urban environments through Oxford Open Learning’s flexible Geography IGCSE accredited distance learning course. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Perfectionism is not, in and of itself, a negative trait. Perfectionists are often conscientious high achievers; our greatest weakness is also our greatest strength. But those trying to be constantly perfect can find that every task feels like an unconquerable burden and every essay a path to failure, however unlikely our friends and family might find our doom-laden predictions. Here are three thoughts to use to beat the unrealistic idealism that may currently be beating you.
What is perfect, anyway? Maybe you could decide. Perhaps perfection could simply mean sitting down at your messy desk, ignoring the clothes on the floor, and spending 10 minutes planning the first half of your essay. In this deeply imperfect and challenging world, if you were to be reasonable with yourself, your definition of perfect should, and could, be different. Redefine perfection: make it doable and make it your own.
A to-do list is a depressing sight, if, at every item, we are telling ourselves that we ‘have to’ or ‘must’ do this or that. But turn ‘have to’ into ‘get to’ and suddenly life seems more joyful. Perhaps it is an irritating piece of advice, an unwelcome call to simply have more gratitude, but studying is essentially an overwhelmingly positive thing. You are learning and growing, and you have access to great materials and educated teachers; you are lucky. And so, even if it feels at first like you are lying to yourself, tell yourself, next time you inspect your to-do list: “I get to plan my essay today”.
We will do it, but we are waiting for the perfect time when we are in the mood. Because we know we can do it well, and not just well but REALLY well. And so that is the aim. This isn’t laziness, for the fear is real: we cannot bear to submit anything less than our best; we cannot tolerate failure; and we want to be proud of what we have achieved. We have visualised (or we think we have) the perfect essay or assignment. But the truth is that you have a deadline. Perhaps you could achieve perfection if you had eternity to complete it. But you don’t. Most tasks have a timeline, whether it is 6 years to complete a part-time PhD, or one night to finish an essay. And the test is not what you can achieve, but what you can achieve in the time you have to complete it. The definition of perfect might simply be this: finished.
Democracy, the cornerstone of modern governance, faces unprecedented challenges in what we are coming to call the post-truth era. As a spread of misinformation, disinformation, and polarisation intensifies, so the foundations of democratic systems are tested. However, amidst these challenges, there are also opportunities to reinforce democratic values, promote critical thinking, and strengthen the relationship between citizens and institutions.
The advent of social media and digital platforms has facilitated a rapid dissemination of false information, leading to a crisis of trust and undermining of the democratic process. Misinformation and disinformation campaigns manipulate public opinion, erode confidence in institutions, and sow division among citizens. Addressing this challenge requires a multi-faceted approach involving media literacy programs, fact-checking initiatives, and responsible journalism to counter the spread of false narratives.
The post-truth era has fuelled polarisation, with individuals increasingly retreating into echo chambers that reinforce only their existing beliefs and biases. This fragmentation of society undermines the democratic ideal of open and constructive dialogue. To counteract this, it is essential to foster spaces for respectful discourse, promote empathy, and encourage citizens to engage with diverse perspectives. Platforms that encourage civil discussions and bridge ideological divides can play a vital role in revitalising democratic participation.
The erosion of trust currently eating into our democratic institutions poses a significant challenge. When citizens lose faith in their governments, they may disengage from the political process or resort to extreme ideologies. Building and maintaining trust requires transparency, accountability, and a commitment to addressing their concerns. Strengthening mechanisms for citizen participation, such as community dialogues and participatory decision-making processes, can foster greater trust and legitimacy in democratic systems.
Today, media integrity and responsibility are also more paramount than ever. Journalistic standards, fact-checking practices, and editorial accountability all play a critical role in countering the spread of misinformation. Media organisations need to prioritise accuracy, provide context, and emphasise responsible reporting. Collaborations between media outlets, fact-checking organisations, and social media platforms can help to curb the influence of false information and ensure that accurate and reliable sources are readily accessible to citizens.
Educating citizens in critical thinking and digital literacy is essential to navigate the complexities of the post-truth era. Teaching people to discern reliable sources, evaluate information critically, and separate fact from fiction empowers them to make informed decisions and actively engage in democratic processes. Integrating media literacy and critical thinking into the educational curriculum will equip future generations with the tools necessary to navigate the information landscape responsibly.
The challenges posed by this post-truth era demand a concerted effort to safeguard democratic values. While the proliferation of misinformation, polarisation, and dwindling trust in institutions does present significant obstacles, there are also opportunities for positive change. By promoting media integrity, strengthening citizen participation, fostering critical thinking, and leveraging digital platforms responsibly, societies can navigate the complexities of our trying times and reinforce democratic principles. Ensuring the transparency, accountability, and resilience of democratic institutions is crucial to building trust, promoting inclusive dialogue, and upholding the fundamental tenets of democracy in an ever-evolving information landscape.
The risk of a global recession in 2023 has risen, according to a recent report by the World Bank. This development could have significant long-term implications for the global economy and society. In this article, we will explore how the possibility of a recession could contribute to the legacy of the current financial crisis around the world.
One of the most immediate effects of a potential recession, as we have seen, is a decline in living standards and a loss of jobs, particularly in countries that are most vulnerable to economic shocks. This exacerbates the high levels of inequality that still exist in many countries and further widens the gap between the rich and the poor. Moreover, a recession can also trigger a rise in populism and nationalism, leading to greater protectionism and inward-looking policies. Again, this is something that has been happening across the world, even before now.
The banking sector is also significantly affected by a potential recession, particularly if it is caused by a financial crisis. The regulatory measures put in place after the 2008 financial crisis may have helped to make the banking sector more resilient, but the current crisis still puts pressure on financial institutions and destabilises the global financial system. It has already led to renewed calls for stronger regulations and greater international coordination, whilst loss of trust in financial institutions is repeated.
Finally, recession has implications for international relations and cooperation. If countries become more inward-looking and protectionist in response to a recession, it can lead to a further erosion of the post-World War II order of cooperation and free trade. It makes it more difficult to address global economic challenges, such as climate change, and undermines efforts to build a more equitable and stable global financial system.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has also had a significant impact on the global economy. The pandemic caused a global economic downturn, which has led to widespread job losses and a decline in economic activity. Governments around the world have implemented various measures to try to mitigate the economic impact of the pandemic, including stimulus packages and support for businesses and workers. However, the pandemic has also highlighted and exacerbated existing inequalities, with low-income and marginalized communities being disproportionately affected. The long-term effects of the pandemic on the global economy are still uncertain, but it is clear that it will have far-reaching implications for years to come.
In conclusion, the possibility of a global recession in 2023 highlights the continued fragility of the global economy, even over a decade after the financial crisis of 2008. While the long-term implications of a potential recession are difficult to predict, it is clear that one will have significant and far-reaching effects on the global economy, society, and international relations. As we move forward, it is important to remain vigilant and to continue working towards building a more stable, equitable, and cooperative global financial system that can withstand future economic shocks.
As concern for climate change grows, so does the need to find renewable and sustainable energy sources. Recent advances in renewable energy production and increased economies of scale have helped to drive down costs and increase energy efficiency. In fact, solar and wind power are now the cheapest sources of power for two thirds of the world’s population.
Nowadays, consumers demand more from businesses, choosing products and services from companies who demonstrate consideration for the environment through their use of renewable energy. Government policies and incentives have also been put in place to encourage adoption of renewable energy technologies, leading to more companies moving away from their reliance on fossil fuels.
Whilst the main sources of renewable energy – solar power, wind power, geothermal power, hydro-power, tidal power and biomass – have been around for many years, there have been a lot of exciting new technological advances within these areas. The ongoing development of cost-effective energy storage units has dramatically changed the renewable energy landscape. Batteries, pumped hydro, compressed air and thermal energy storage systems have allowed renewable energy to be stored and accessed at any time of the day.
While traditional solar panels are typically installed on rooftops or on the ground, floating solar panels can be installed on bodies of water. This reduces the need for land area, which is currently an issue, providing opportunities for regions where land is scarce. Offshore wind power is increasingly popular, as it uses turbines that are typically larger and more efficient than those used onshore, allowing them to take advantage of stronger and more consistent winds.
Another recent technological advancement is ‘building integrated photovoltaics’, also known as BIPV. This solar power technology is integrated directly into building materials such as roofs and walls, allowing buildings to create solar energy without the need for roof panels. The technology may appeal to a wider range of customers as the results are more aesthetically pleasing.
Artificial intelligence (AI) has a big role to play in the future of renewable energy production, allowing for higher efficiency through optimisation, which can lead to cheaper energy production. For example, AI can be used to predict wind patterns, leading to adjustment of wind turbine settings or the output optimisation of solar panels based on current weather conditions.
While renewable energy shows such strong potential, many challenges still remain. One of these challenges is that renewable energy is intermittent and highly dependant on weather conditions. Linked to this issue is energy storage, which is not yet scalable or cost-effective enough to meet the energy needs of the general public. Progress on this is certainly being made, as has already been mentioned, but there is still more to do.The current grid infrastructure will also need to be upgraded to handle the increase in complexity and variability of renewable energy generation. Some sources, such as solar panelling and onshore wind farms, still require large amounts of land in order to be viable.
The future is still positive, however, and the cost has begun to decrease in recent years, even if it remains more expensive than fossil fuels in some regions. Although the intermittency and storage challenges are yet to be fully overcome, the trend for renewable energy adoption is only expected to increase along with further technological advancements and the eventual lowering of costs.
Interested in finding out more? Economic Activity and Energy is just one of the modules you will cover in our Geography IGCSE accredited distance learning course. Get in touch with us today to find out more.
Christmas, as we all know, is the most expensive time of year. After the COVID-Christmas of 2020, many of us went all out to make that of 2021 more enjoyable, and that meant we spent more money. But exactly how much did we spend over the festive period last year? And what did we spend our money on?
Estimates suggest that the average UK household spent around £1000 on Christmas-related things – that’s over half the average monthly household income after deductions. According to YouGov, gifts account for the largest Christmas expense and it is estimated that adults each spent, on average, £300 to £550 on gifts alone. But gifts are just one part of our seasonal spending. Travel and accommodation make up the second largest bill with Brits spending an average of £350 on visiting family and friends. Then there are all the social events which we attended. Though the bill for that was less than in the years prior to the pandemic, we still forked out an average of £130 each on parties and meals with friends. Christmas decorations also accounted for a large proportion of our expenditure with the average household spending £176 on decorating the home (finder.com). Then there’s the festive lunch itself. According to finder.com the average Christmas day meal cost £291 for a family of four. We supposedly spent £22 on pigs in blankets, £23 on the pudding and over £100 on wine and cheese for four people to consume on Christmas day.
According to the Bank of England, the typical household normally spends around £2500 each month, but during December this figure increases by almost 30% as we spend extra money on gifts, food, and drink. Book sales typically double in number in the run up to Christmas whilst we spend 20% more on food, and 38% more on alcohol, than we normally do.
Evidently, the festivities do not come cheap. And the amount we spend generally rises year upon year. Both as a result of inflation and due to simply buying more than we have done previously, last year we spent around £170 more than we did 10 years ago for the Christmas of 2011. How much more will we spend in 2022?
Whatever subject you are studying or qualification you are studying for, contact with your teacher or tutor – even when remote – is an invaluable part of that process. They are usually the subject experts, have a full understanding of the assessment process and have, more often than not, supported many other students who felt exactly the same as you do now about their learning. Whether you are confident in your subject knowledge and looking for ways to stretch yourself in order to achieve the very best results or are still a little uncertain and unsure how you might secure the grade you need, your tutors can provide you with the support you require. Here are a few simple strategies every student should try in order to boost the benefits of the contact they have.
Put simply, meet their expectations! If they provide a task, complete it. If they set a deadline, meet it. If you have a meeting, be there. Programmes of study and assessment schedules are in place to meet the needs of everyone; ensuring that there is adequate time for covering all of the content, assessing progress and providing feedback. A tutor works with many students and if you don’t adhere to the plan then you are unlikely to get the time you deserve. If there is a problem with the schedule set out for you, talk to your tutor in advance so that they can make any amendment they possibly can in order to make sure that everyone’s needs are met. If a tutor sees you are committed to your learning and doing what is required they are likely to go above and beyond in the ways in which they support you.
As already mentioned, the tutor is the subject expert. They have the knowledge of the subject but also the ways it is assessed and how to ensure you can demonstrate it when required to do so. Listen to their advice. Take notes where required. Follow their suggestions. However, if there is something you are unsure about, don’t be afraid to ask! Questioning is key to developing a deeper understanding and mastery of a subject but is also a great tool in ensuring there have been no miscommunications or misunderstandings. Your tutor will respect your ability to really engage with the content you are covering together and look for ways to address your questions in more detail.
Receiving feedback is one of the most important parts of the learning journey. However, many of us find getting feedback something that is really, really hard! Instead of thinking about what is said by your tutor as being ‘good’ or ‘bad’, try to consider what you can learn from it instead. If you are given praise for a certain aspect of your work, think about what you did that made this so effective. If there are comments relating to something that hasn’t worked out so well then think about what you might do differently next time. Reflection is key to making progress. Also, apply the same thought process when it comes to your attitude to learning. If a tutor comments on this, avoid taking it personally and think of how you might use what they have said to become a more effective learner.
Don’t forget that any contact that you have with your tutor is designed to benefit YOU. If you are in need of something specific from that contact then, again, do not be afraid to ask! In reality, this involves planning and preparing for any contact you have before you have it. Make a note of any questions you have when studying independently. If you need to revisit any material with them, ask in advance. If you have found a subject area particularly easy or hard, let them know. Remember, your tutor will be looking to support you in a way that is personalised to meet your needs too, so the more effectively you’re able to communicate these, the better they will be able to do this.
What does democracy mean to you? Perhaps it is something that only happens when you vote. Or maybe it’s something to strive for; a culture where all voices count toward change, championing transparency and equality. It’s a much-used word, but where did it derive from and what does it mean for society at large?
Literally translated, the word democracy comes from the Greek words ‘demos’, meaning people, and ‘kratos’ meaning power, so democracy can be thought of as ‘power of the people’. It is also sometimes referred to as ‘rule of the majority’. The first known democracy in the world was in Athens, Greece, where Athenian democracy developed around the fifth century B.C.E. In the year 507 B.C., the Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced a system of political reforms that he called demokratia, meaning “rule by the people”.
Democracy, then, is a system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives from among themselves to form a governing body, such as a parliament. However, the Greek idea of democracy differed from that which we have now, given that in Athens all adult citizens were required to take an active part in the government.
In present day, there are four main types of democracies. These are:
Direct – sometimes called “pure democracy”, this is a form of democracy where the people decide on policy initiatives. Voters are able to directly impact specific issues and policies, rather than voting to give a representative or party the mandate to decide upon them.
Representative – founded on the principle of elected persons representing a group of people, such as in the UK. This is the most commonly found democracy in the world today.
Constitutional – the authority of the majority is limited by legal and institutional means so that the rights of individuals and minorities are respected.
Monitory – a phase of democracy characterised by instruments of public monitoring and scrutinising of government power.
A report in 2020 highlighted that across the previous year almost 70% of countries had recorded a decline in their overall democratic rating score, as covered by The Economist Intelligence Democracy Rating Index; this was largely due to country after country locking down to protect lives from Covid-19. Globally, the average score fell to its lowest level since the index was initiated in 2006.
A 2020 YouGov survey showed that three-quarters of Britons (75%) describe the UK as a democratic country, yet six in ten (60%) complain that they cannot freely say what they think, and a third (34%) feel they have absolutely no say when it comes to how things are run.
In 2020, the top three most democratic nations were an all Nordic trio of Norway, Iceland and Sweden. According to the Sustainable Governance Indicators project which rates the quality of democracy, Norway also falls into the top group worldwide (rank 3) . Interestingly, the two other Nordic nations of Denmark and Finland also rank in the top 10. The UK is currently 16th.
The trade war between two of the world’s leading superpowers, America and China, began in July 2018 and has only been growing ever since. But how and why did it start? And what is to become of it?
The basis for the US-China trade war has its roots in the economical production of the countries. As one of the largest economies in the world, China’s foreign trade increased rapidly after its ascension into the World Trade Organisation in 2001. The US and China’s bilateral trades totalled a staggering US $559 billion in 2019. However, much of this trade was uneven. The US has a large trade deficit with China, and the US trade shortfall rose to US$375.6 billion in 2017 from US$103.1 billion in 2002.
The US and China also imposed trade tariffs on each other, which means that buyers from the other country would pay a higher import tax to bring their purchases into the country. The trade war started when then-president Donald Trump declared that his goal was to reduce the trade deficit with China due to its unfair trade practices, lack of market access for American companies and uneven playing field caused by Beijing’s policies. On the other hand, China believes that the US is trying to suppress its rise as the world’s economic number one.
The four years of President Trump’s rule saw the US-China tensions rise to an unsustainable level, with multiple US sanctions imposed on Chinese companies. Since President Joe Biden’s election in January 2021, the tensions have only grown. President Biden’s administration recently increased its sanctions against China in response to the Hong Kong pro-democracy protests, notably issuing a warning on July 16 about the “Risks and Considerations for Businesses Operating in Hong Kong” and imposing sanctions on seven deputy directors of the central government’s Liaison Office in Hong Kong. The Biden administration also banned the import of technological materials such as polysilicon from Chinese technology companies due to the latter’s alleged use of force in the Uighur region in Xinjiang.
To this day, the US-China trade war continues in full swing amid growing conflicts. However, if there is anything positive to be highlighted, it should be said that neither country wants to cut their economical ties completely. Whilst that is the case, there may be a chance that things, eventually, will improve.