Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Pre-Review Reflection for Core 2
I think I just have to work on my conclusion of my argument. I honestly ended the paper just with a bunch of words that I threw together. That is my major focus going into the revision process. Other than that, there are other corrections like citations and grammar that need to be proofread again. I also have to go back and make sure my personal narratives are clean and well polished so that I can relate my stories to the reader effectively. Overall, I am going to go back into my paper and do a good deal of "construction."
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Journal 5: Reading and Research
Analysis of the Reading
Buzzell from the beginning of his article makes it clear of what the subject is. He states the research question, of course, but then he goes on to describe himself. Blatantly, he tells us that he wants medical marijuana for technically “the wrong reason.” His personal narrative is a chronological piece that explains his trials and tribulations of trying to obtain the medical drug for his PTSD. Throughout his thought process, Buzzell uses flashbacks as well as excerpts of certain documents that further validate his personal accounts. The description and language that he effectively uses makes it appear that he is telling us the story in person. Attention to detail is a device that he is well equipped with. He never bores the reader with his narrative. For example, the time he spends on each new “story” is never too drawn out, which is because he keeps everything flowing with new, constant information. Even though he convinces the audience of his position on medical marijuana, he also mentions the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Toward the end, he begins to wrap everything up by introducing his fellow war veterans. The ending is what I personally found most ironic. After Buzzell receives the marijuana, a veteran says to him “Welcome home.” To the audience that can be a phrase that can be taken in more than one direction. As a writer, that is a perfect way to end, in my eyes.
Personal Research
Before jumping into the whole process of getting books from the library, I had to organize myself and determine which topics I would pursue. I needed to narrow down my research question and figure out the angle as to how to approach it. The insurance industry as a whole is immensely broad, which is why I chose to research the topic of fraud inside the sector. My research question explains my methodology in completing this Core II, “With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?”
Once I figured all of my background information out, it was time to head to the library with a purpose. I decided to hit the internet card catalog and search for books on crimes and fraudulent acts in the insurance industry. The moment I found the first publication, the rest was smooth sailing. (I will list all of my books after I complete my library narrative). I knew not only did I need books concerning fraud, but I needed to search for books describing the history of fraud in the industry as well as a synopsis of the insurance career. My thinking was that this could provide concrete support to my personal narrative as well as my opinions and such. The good thing about finding that initial book is that, generally in the surrounding vicinity that I found the book on the shelf, others are not too far away. I felt that I struck gold picking up three additional books in the matter of inches from the first book. Typically, this is my research method in doing “research papers,” which is why I ultimately did not have trouble finding what I needed.
I will admit, the database search was something that was completely new to me. In career as a “researcher” I have never used a database search. I’ll be honest, but I was lost at the beginning of how to use the database that I needed a library assistant to help me with the task. I felt embarrassed, but at the same time I was happy that I knew how to use a database search now. Once I got the hang of it, I decided to use the ProQuest database which helped me obtain four different articles on fraud inside the insurance industry. I was able to find an interview where insurance fraud was discussed which is incredibly beneficial to my research process. After gathering four articles from that database I knew that I had substantial information, for the time being, that I needed to begin my Core II essay.
My overall experience was definitely worthwhile; I learned new things as well as building upon older skills. If there comes a time when I get lost during my compilation of the Core II essay, I will have to travel back to the library to get more fuel for my research.
Books:
1. Automobile insurance fraud study HG9970.35.F6A87
2. Risk management : computers, fraud, and insurance HG8059 .A73 1987
3. Automobile insurance : road safety, new drivers, risks, insurance fraud and regulation HG9970.4.C2A94
4. Handbook of insurance HG8061 .H36
Database Articles:
1. Insuring Against Fraud
2. FRAUD: Interview with John Beadle, Counter-Fraud Manager, RSA
3. High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds
4. Protect Yourself From Insurance Fraud
Buzzell from the beginning of his article makes it clear of what the subject is. He states the research question, of course, but then he goes on to describe himself. Blatantly, he tells us that he wants medical marijuana for technically “the wrong reason.” His personal narrative is a chronological piece that explains his trials and tribulations of trying to obtain the medical drug for his PTSD. Throughout his thought process, Buzzell uses flashbacks as well as excerpts of certain documents that further validate his personal accounts. The description and language that he effectively uses makes it appear that he is telling us the story in person. Attention to detail is a device that he is well equipped with. He never bores the reader with his narrative. For example, the time he spends on each new “story” is never too drawn out, which is because he keeps everything flowing with new, constant information. Even though he convinces the audience of his position on medical marijuana, he also mentions the complete opposite end of the spectrum. Toward the end, he begins to wrap everything up by introducing his fellow war veterans. The ending is what I personally found most ironic. After Buzzell receives the marijuana, a veteran says to him “Welcome home.” To the audience that can be a phrase that can be taken in more than one direction. As a writer, that is a perfect way to end, in my eyes.
Personal Research
Before jumping into the whole process of getting books from the library, I had to organize myself and determine which topics I would pursue. I needed to narrow down my research question and figure out the angle as to how to approach it. The insurance industry as a whole is immensely broad, which is why I chose to research the topic of fraud inside the sector. My research question explains my methodology in completing this Core II, “With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?”
Once I figured all of my background information out, it was time to head to the library with a purpose. I decided to hit the internet card catalog and search for books on crimes and fraudulent acts in the insurance industry. The moment I found the first publication, the rest was smooth sailing. (I will list all of my books after I complete my library narrative). I knew not only did I need books concerning fraud, but I needed to search for books describing the history of fraud in the industry as well as a synopsis of the insurance career. My thinking was that this could provide concrete support to my personal narrative as well as my opinions and such. The good thing about finding that initial book is that, generally in the surrounding vicinity that I found the book on the shelf, others are not too far away. I felt that I struck gold picking up three additional books in the matter of inches from the first book. Typically, this is my research method in doing “research papers,” which is why I ultimately did not have trouble finding what I needed.
I will admit, the database search was something that was completely new to me. In career as a “researcher” I have never used a database search. I’ll be honest, but I was lost at the beginning of how to use the database that I needed a library assistant to help me with the task. I felt embarrassed, but at the same time I was happy that I knew how to use a database search now. Once I got the hang of it, I decided to use the ProQuest database which helped me obtain four different articles on fraud inside the insurance industry. I was able to find an interview where insurance fraud was discussed which is incredibly beneficial to my research process. After gathering four articles from that database I knew that I had substantial information, for the time being, that I needed to begin my Core II essay.
My overall experience was definitely worthwhile; I learned new things as well as building upon older skills. If there comes a time when I get lost during my compilation of the Core II essay, I will have to travel back to the library to get more fuel for my research.
Books:
1. Automobile insurance fraud study HG9970.35.F6A87
2. Risk management : computers, fraud, and insurance HG8059 .A73 1987
3. Automobile insurance : road safety, new drivers, risks, insurance fraud and regulation HG9970.4.C2A94
4. Handbook of insurance HG8061 .H36
Database Articles:
1. Insuring Against Fraud
2. FRAUD: Interview with John Beadle, Counter-Fraud Manager, RSA
3. High-tech could both facilitate, thwart frauds
4. Protect Yourself From Insurance Fraud
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Insurance Industry
Ever since the beginning of freshman year in high school, I feel that the insurance industry has been part of my life. My uncle, a successful insurance broker for over 30 years, had needed someone to help him out because one of his assistants had moved on from his company. Who would have thought that his Godson would fill a position that required experience and knowledge in the industry? Subsequently, not much time elapsed from his assistant leaving to me filling her position.
Let me just state some background information before I continue on. My uncle and I have an incredibly close relationship and he has played an influential role in my life. Whether it is shooting a round of golf, grabbing a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches on a family vacation, we have a Godfather and Godson bond that cannot be broken.
Working with my uncle started from a once every other weekend occurrence during my freshman year to a four day a week job beginning my senior year in high school to the present day. A routine of filing away paperwork, organizing insurance policies, and making phone calls is something that has grown on me and continues to intrigue me. My curiosity in insurance has allowed me to embrace it much more than in the early days of freshman year.
Recently during the winter break, my uncle sat me down in his office and decided it was a time for us to have a one-on-one man-to-man talk. Cutting to the chance, he elaborated and opened up that one day after I finish my collegiate education that his business would be handed over to me. After receiving that breathtaking news, I was speechless and jubilant at what lies ahead in my future. Watching what my uncle work as hard as he does every day, it motivated me to work even harder in my journey through college.
Once the news sunk in, I almost immediately wondered what life would be five to six years from now. I was eager to find all of the kinks in the industry and what I was destined for. I, for sure, would not want to spend my life in insurance dealing with a living nightmare.
Research Questions
1. Is the insurance industry one that will be affected by the fluctuating economy?
2. With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?
3. How do you customers react when there is a change in power from one generation to the next?
4. Is the insurance all that is hyped up to be with all of the opportunities it offers?
5. Do larger, more powerful insurance agencies tend to influence the ways that smaller, less aggressive insurance companies operate?
Let me just state some background information before I continue on. My uncle and I have an incredibly close relationship and he has played an influential role in my life. Whether it is shooting a round of golf, grabbing a bite to eat at our favorite restaurant, or simply relaxing on the sandy beaches on a family vacation, we have a Godfather and Godson bond that cannot be broken.
Working with my uncle started from a once every other weekend occurrence during my freshman year to a four day a week job beginning my senior year in high school to the present day. A routine of filing away paperwork, organizing insurance policies, and making phone calls is something that has grown on me and continues to intrigue me. My curiosity in insurance has allowed me to embrace it much more than in the early days of freshman year.
Recently during the winter break, my uncle sat me down in his office and decided it was a time for us to have a one-on-one man-to-man talk. Cutting to the chance, he elaborated and opened up that one day after I finish my collegiate education that his business would be handed over to me. After receiving that breathtaking news, I was speechless and jubilant at what lies ahead in my future. Watching what my uncle work as hard as he does every day, it motivated me to work even harder in my journey through college.
Once the news sunk in, I almost immediately wondered what life would be five to six years from now. I was eager to find all of the kinks in the industry and what I was destined for. I, for sure, would not want to spend my life in insurance dealing with a living nightmare.
Research Questions
1. Is the insurance industry one that will be affected by the fluctuating economy?
2. With the rise in corruption, can the insurance industry remain clean of fraudulent crimes?
3. How do you customers react when there is a change in power from one generation to the next?
4. Is the insurance all that is hyped up to be with all of the opportunities it offers?
5. Do larger, more powerful insurance agencies tend to influence the ways that smaller, less aggressive insurance companies operate?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Pre-Review Reflection
Looking back on my first draft of Core I, I can honestly say that the conclusion of my paper is definitely the weakest part. I tried to arrange it so that I didn't repeat anything from the previous material in the paper, but I don't think I was too successful. Secondly, throughout the paper I had a feeling that it was repetitive by saying the same information over and over again. Going through the revision process, I'll make sure to distinguish where there is repetition and where there is not.
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