Possibly, more important – especially for small-to-medium, sized companies that had to get it right out-of-the gate and did not have the margin for error that larger firms have. Market Programs can make or break a firm. This article discusses a process orientation to define/develop effective, Market Programs, which can impact several areas:

Vertical Industry/New Market Development
Product Launch Introductions/Roll-Outs
Competitive Attack Campaigns
Target Account and Opportunity Base Development
Distribution Channel & Strategic Alliance Development/Stimulation
As we overview this process, it is necessary to insert a critical role in the organization – the Market Programs Designer. No matter what your firm calls this role, it is essential to have a defined “owner” and skilled individual on staff that can translate critical business insights into effective Market Programs. Without this, your organization will be driven by bold ideas that stumble along or go nowhere.

This is the primary reason that many CEOs are reluctant to put the power stick in the hands of Marketing and invest. If they have been let down by the lack of results in past efforts, it only makes it more difficult for the Marketing Team to have a voice. This may explain the reason that Marketing defaults to trade show coordination, product support, lead generation and collateral development, as their primary focus in many organizations.

Here is a summary of the process steps to feed/fuel effective, Market Programs development:

1. Research Phase (Doing the Homework) – this does not have to be a strict, empirical study. For each program, a range of outside sources should be tapped to obtain or reinforce the insights needed to develop a baseline program profile.

For example, if the focus is on New Product Introduction, then engaging with Industry Associations/Groups that cater to your target segment (niche) and key customers and prospects (and even some ringers – competitors’ customers that selected them over your firm) can be engaged to gain critical insights. Cover your bases – obtain pure, unsolicited responses on Market characteristics, buying attitudes, evaluation/selection criteria, price points, problem-set, perceived or derived benefits (from use), key applications, packaging considerations, economic factors, competitive influences (tactics, options, alternatives, etc.), timing, cost/return considerations (breakeven scenario), roll-out incentives, etc.

This can be garnered in thirty days or less and once you develop a knack, it can become a continuous process. Once the data is collected, have some of your “bright lights” interpret and translate the various inputs into a general Profile. Make sure that this step is not contaminated by individuals that will either incorrectly translate the data or influence it to be what they want it to be. That will only result in ineffective program definition, as we move through the process. Imagine implementing a Program where the timing or other factors were flawed or misjudged – it happens and it results in a bust program.

2. Program Profile – the profile is the baseline that will direct you to the make-up and elements that will fuel and shape the Market Program or campaign. The profile is a composite of the results of the research phase and the translations/interpretations that were made.

Example: Let’s say that your front-end, research indicated Middle Management (those with the problem to solve), within target accounts were ripe for change (given the capabilities of your new product launch), however Senior Management was uncertain or found it difficult to introduce change into the organization, at this stage. To ignore this input and launch a new product targeted at Middle Management (user community) and not factor-in sentiments of Senior Management and timing of launch – may be detrimental to program success.

Certainly, a necessary element of the program may be to conduct an educational webinar for Senior Management or to develop a series of Industry briefs that could bring them up to speed. Each element that was derived from the research phase must be sorted-out this way and then transferred to the Program Profile. When each element is outlined, it is then necessary to evaluate and select the overall, make-up of the campaign.

This would involve priorities and trade-offs, based on what would work with the target audience, funding availability, resource loading, desired or needed results (tangible and intangible), market readiness/demand, competitive barriers and other factors. These indicators will lead the Market Programs Designer to make the necessary selections on the vehicles and platforms that make-up the campaign.

Example: If the target market (segment) for the new product launch is the Avionics Market (Airborne Platforms) – with emphasis on surveillance and reconnaissance applications and Program Managers and Engineering Management being the key prospects – it would be doubtful that Twitter or Facebook would be selected, as critical elements. LinkedIn might be an element of the program, however depending on your internal trade-offs (like sense of urgency and budget availability) – E-Mail Marketing may be chosen, as a lead.

Direct- response programs, Webinars and other direct vehicles may also be selected to support the program. These are the type of considerations that must be brainstormed to derive the Marketing Mix for each program or campaign. We prescribe integrated marketing programs that combine different program elements into one campaign, although this must be well-grounded and justified. Each campaign must also have “metrics for success” that will set the targets to be realized and attained.

Examples: to support the product launch campaign, the following target objectives might be set (tangible) – to generate $1.5 Million sales over baseline, due to new product launch, by December 31, 2011 or (intangible) – to achieve best in class reward at upcoming MTI event for new product introduction.

3. Implementation – whether you represent a large company, a small-to-medium, sized firm or start-up – conduct a pilot phase to a well-rounded, target audience to iron-out the program, before full product launch.

This will allow you to gain valuable insights that can be factored-in to strengthen the overall, make-up of the campaign. Obtain key insights not only from prospects/customers, but also members of the Sales/Support Team and Distribution Partners prior to formal launch. Their insights will make a difference and in many cases – they are the implementation arm that will drive your program to success. This approach will breed ownership. Enroll them early and often and provide them the right combination of motivation, recognition and reward.

4. Management and Reporting – to reinforce the point – assign an owner to each Market Program or campaign for the program life. This individual will be accountable for all aspects of the program, serve as, a focal point/interface to both internal and external program participants and manage and provide program linkage.

Program reporting must be simple, useful and not imposing for program participants. The emphasis is on generating information that will determine how effective the campaign is (at different stages) and capturing vital and timely data to make mid-course, program corrections. The program owner must be an individual that has respect, within the organization and has power and clout to get things done.

5. Program Continuum – although most programs and campaigns have a life-cycle, it is necessary to note that the Market Programs process is self-perpetuating. As a program goes through different phases, there may be occasions where a program needs to be refreshed, redefined, combined with other initiatives or programs or obsoleted.

6. Putting it all together – An early-stage, technology provider decided to change its focus from varied commercial markets to the Defense and Military Market with emphasis on training and simulation applications. Their business suffered from a lack of focus and a range of discrete commercial projects that provided no sustainable base of business. The company secured several projects directly with large, Defense Contractors and could see the potential of establishing its innovative, 3-D Simulation Platforms, as a standard within this large and potentially, rich niche.

Their dilemma was that the company and its technology were literal unknowns and they were not well-connected with the TOP Defense Contractors/Integrators, and Program Offices/Agencies that were key to their success. The company was in the midst of introducing a 2nd generation platform that not only would change the rules, but also determine the survivability and continued success of the operation. Where to start?

Step 1: the company conducted a front-end, research effort to identify the TOP 50 Defense Contractors (cross-division) and the companion Program Offices/Agencies that represented its prospect set. This included full contact data on Program Managers and Engineering Management – the primary target audience.

Informal sessions were conducted with a prospect sample to gain insights into current methods of training/simulation, competing alternatives, price bogies, applications emphasis, budgetary cycles, funding allocation priorities, etc., which provided a base of understanding. The information collected was then translated/interpreted by company principals, with the help of an outside, Industry specialist.

Step 2: a baseline profile was developed, which outlined the key elements captured in the front-end, research. Primary insights revolved around the buying attitudes/opinions of the target audience, strength and weaknesses of competitive offerings (included in-house solutions), cost/pricing considerations, delivery vehicles (web-based, preferred portable devices, etc.), risk profile of prospect audience (would they buy from a small, unknown technology company), budget availability and timing, etc.

This output also paved the way for determining the “right” program mix and fueled the positioning/messaging and format that supported the program.

Step 3: the program was implemented with the following elements:

-3-Phase E-Mail Communique – this segmented campaign introduced the company and built awareness and credibility, as a dedicated Defense & Military technology supplier. Phase 2 outlined the technology with example applications, based on real customer projects, with the 3rd mailer setting-up the target audience to attend a powerful, problem-solving webinar – which encouraged potential customers to bring some of their toughest problems to solve.

-Media Coverage – featured interviews and contributory articles were set-up with major, Industry publications to reinforce the company’s commitment to the Defense & Military Market and promote its new product introduction.

-Target Account Development – direct sales efforts were directed at the TOP 10 Defense Contractors/Integrators (cross-division) and selected, Program Offices/Agencies – LinkedIn and other social media vehicles were leveraged to reach and engage with target prospects. A well thought-out and executed plan of attack to crack these accounts open was put in-place.

-Distribution Channel – to broaden the company’s coverage and build a rich, opportunity base, an active recruiting and selection program was initiated to create more “feet on the street.” The selected Reps were well-connected with the target audience and conversant in simulation and training systems.

-Collateral – creative material was developed to support the campaign – with emphasis on Customer Project Profiles – many of which were implemented on iPad and other portable media devices. This allowed the company to reach a broader audience and “strut its stuff.”

Step 4 – a Senior Manager was assigned Program ownership. Reports were generated bi-weekly at the start of the program, which was extended to monthly, as the company gained more experience with the program. As the company ramped-up its new Distribution Partner Network – the reporting requirements became more diverse, but meaningful. There were several shifts in the program format, during the campaign based on new insights that were derived from prospect and Rep Partner inputs.

This particular program is currently in-motion and will be driven for the balance of 2011. To-date, the program has created an active forecast and rich, opportunity base for the technology company, put them in the media forefront, established them with key contacts, within the TOP 50 Defense Contractors (cross-division) and netted them Industry awards for the impact their simulation and training platforms are having on redefining standards and for their innovative use of portable media devices to demonstrate product capabilities and application benefits.

So – how’s your Market Programs methodology holding-up in this tough-as-nails, Market Economy?

Edmond Hennessy is a seasoned, well-recognized veteran in the COTS Embedded Market. He has authored many works including the “Mission-Ready COTS” Industry Guidebook, “COTS Supportability & the Life-Cycle Proposition” and “Beyond COTS: Repackaging, Reformatting & Tech Transfers.” He has participated in key industry panels, has been a keynote speaker in E-casts dedicated to signal-processing applications and has been tapped as an industry executive to comment on disr

Well, the purpose of this article is to discuss various aspects and concepts surrounding weight loss programs in hopes that it will help you be able to select the appropriate program for you. First things first!

1. Identify what you REALLY want

What do you really want from your physical body? My online fitness coaching clients hear this from me all the time. At first it may seem like a pretty silly question, but it’s not. I’ve learned that the vast majority of people seeking weight loss really aren’t really that interested in losing weight at all. It’s true! In my considerable professional experience, the majority of people seeking professional fitness coaching aren’t looking to lose weight as much as they’d simply like to feel good about themselves and avoid the pain associated with the social pressures of being overweight. Weight loss isn’t their true desire, it simply provides them with the things they are really wanting. In fact, I will go as far to say that most people really want to eat whatever they want to eat, do whatever they want to do and live their life as they deem appropriate. I’m not pointing fingers here, that’s what I’d like to do too. However, being human means we have social pressures and expectations. At this point in history we are told that a lean, toned physique is sexy, attractive and desirable. I believe that this is the reason most people seek weight loss programs, not because of a true desire to be lean, but an intense desire to be wanted, to be sexy, to be considered attractive and to feel good about their body when surrounded by people who’s opinions they consider important.

It’s perfectly alright to seek weight loss for any reason at all; because you want to feel attractive, feel confident in your body or to attract prospective love interests. Whatever your reason for seeking weight loss, it’s very important that you identify your REAL reason for this pursuit. Once you’ve accurately identified this reason/reasons, motivating yourself toward that goal/goals is a much more enjoyable process. Once this happens, the weight loss process is not so much about the weight as much as it’s all about you! And that is exactly how it should be.

2. Determine commitment boundaries

This concept is perhaps the most important of all. I have seen people spend thousands of dollars on weight loss programs only to abandon that effort just days into the program. They over-committed themselves and were not able to follow through. Every weight loss program has a few things in common. Each of these things will vary from program to program, but the basic components remain:

Frequency – how often you must workout
Intensity – how much effort and intensity you must put into your program
Time – how much time you must exercise each workout
Type – the type of exercise(s) you will be doing during a program
This actually has a common name. We in the fitness industry call this the F.I.T.T principle. Beyond these basics which are usually associated with the exercise components of your program there will also be nutritional requirements to any quality weight loss program that fit perfectly into the same acronym:

Frequency – describes how often you will eat each day
Intensity – how rigid or lax your diet is
Time – how long you must eat this way
Type – the kind of food and nutrition methodology being used
These are going to be present in any well-developed weight loss program. Your success is dependent on what you are realistically willing and able to commit to with regard to each of these factors. Let’s face it, purchasing a weight loss program does not guarantee success, you must follow the program to achieve results. For instance, if your program requires a very strict diet with seven days of intense exercise each week but you aren’t a disciplined dieter and have never worked out before, this hypothetical program probably isn’t the one that is going to serve your needs best. Perhaps you need a program that has a more developmental approach and allows you more food and exercise options.

3. Beware of programs that claim to be for everybody

I’m not saying that there aren’t programs that could benefit anyone and everyone, but I am saying that you are more likely to be successful when you sign-up for a program that is directed at people just like you. Programs that attempt to cater to everyone are typically designed to produce sales more than results. These programs tend to be very demanding, have very rigid diet expectations and often lead to injury for those not prepared to handle the demands the program requires. Do your homework and find a program that is designed with you in mind.

When I began developing my Body Fat Meltdown weight loss program for women a lot of people told me I’d make more sales if I would only market it to everyone; men, women, older, younger, everybody. While this is undoubtedly true I couldn’t ethically do that because I know that each of these groups of people have their own unique set of needs and desires when it comes to physical fitness and weight loss. Therefore, I developed the Body Fat Meltdown program specifically for newly motivated women wanting to lose weight without requiring a gym membership so they could work out each day for thirty minutes or less wherever and whenever they wanted. I wanted it to be ideal for the at-home exerciser or for women who need to workout with minimal equipment while traveling. It needed to take away all excuses for a newly motivated weight loss participant and that’s what it does. By providing exact diets and exercise instructions the Body Fat Meltdown program ensures success if a woman will simply follow it for ninety days. This is an example of a program that has a targeted audience, a specific purpose and a meaningful method of progression that will lead this specific group of participants toward their weight loss goals.

4. Make sure the program is challenging, but livable

Be honest about the type of program your lifestyle will allow you to partake in. Fitness is an evolution so where you are in life now may not be where you are down the line, but you must be able to manage your weight loss program within the current boundaries that your life provides. For instance, if you are a single mother with two small children at home you probably are not going to stick to a ninety day program where you have to eat brussel sprout and cabbage soup at each meal while exercising sixty minutes two times each day. It’s just not sustainable. Every program has it’s nutrition and exercise requirements so it’s up to you to make sure that those requirements will challenge you to improve but that also fit into your current living arrangement.

5. The best weight loss program is one you’ll finish

The most effective program in the world is useless if you don’t do it. I know this first-hand. I’ve has women sign-up for my Body Fat Meltdown weight loss program and proceed to lose twenty-four pounds in the first thirty days. On the other hand I’ve had women sign-up and never even attempt the first training program yielding a result of exactly nothing. The best weight loss program you can invest in is one you will participate in, be challenged by and finish. I can name at least a hundred weight loss programs off the top of my head that have produced amazing results for their participants. Conversely, I can assure you that every one of those programs also has people who purchased, then barely participated, quit and spent hard-earned money for no results whatsoever. Ultimately the results you get begin and end with you. They are dependent on the factors we discussed above and are absolutely determined by your participation and completion of the program.

Take these five factors and use them to weed through the vast wilderness of weight loss programs available to you. Find a program where you are the targeted participant, one that you can realistically participate in and sustain from start to finish. If you do these things I firmly believe you will be successful in your effort to lose weight and look and feel great.

First, I’m going to start off with what the product is, some behind-the-scenes looks at the product, and the background of the creator behind the whole scheme of things. Generally this will be where I give you quality information so you don’t have to go through all the muggy research yourself.

Second, I’ll talk about how this product helps you, the negative things behind it (if any), and if there’s anything comparable to it in existence.

Thirdly, I’d like to give you my complete honest opinion behind this product, and just pour out my honest thoughts about it, so you have a strong opinion behind this to base your decision off. I never want to give false information about a product, but rather I want to be completely open to you guys and help you out any way I can by either recommending it or not.

I want you succeeding with your Fitness Program and truly obtaining your goals, so if that means telling you that a product really isn’t worth your time, I’ll do that.

So, in case you don’t like reading millions of words (I often write too much), let me break down my four sections for review articles into a small list.

1. The basics of the product, what it does, the background, and how it work

2. How the product helps you, the negative feedback, and anything comparable to i

3. My completely honest opinion on the product and a run down of why I feel this way

The Truth About Abs Program

You may or may not have heard of this program but my guess is that you’ve heard of it some way or another. Now there are two types of audiences when it comes to this program: those who stray away from anything that has to do with this, and those who back this up 100% because they’ve personally seen success with this.

Now I’m neither one of these groups of people because honestly, I’ve never tried it and I don’t intend to. I’ll get into exactly why in a minute here. This program has a reputation around the internet, and it isn’t exactly bad or good. It’s just well-known because there are countless review of this program across the internet, and whenever you type in anything related to “six pack abs” this program will pop-up right in your face.

Nine out of ten times, it won’t be the real product sales page, but will usually be a review of the product intending to drive you to want to buy it from a link that they have on their personal review page. This is sort of a “spammy” tactic you see come along with this program a lot, and that’s the reason it has a reputation across the internet.

What Is This Thing?

This product is a complete fat-blasting, abdominals-developing program intended to help you achieve toned, six pack abs, or for women, just a flat stomach. It includes some great videos, dietary guides, and weight loss tips that are virtually unknown by most every individual.

The Author Behind The Program: Mike Geary

Mike Geary is the creator of this program and is well known for his expertise in nutrition and fitness. I’ll be honest, I haven’t personally tried the program, but I’ve read a bunch of reviews and success stories from this program.

Mike Geary has a BS degree from Susquehanna University and is honestly, a Certified Nutrition Specialist and Personal Trainer. I say “honestly” because you’ll hear of so many fake personal trainers and nutrition specialists out there who just use those two qualifications as a means of getting more attention to them. These kind of people are fake and need to get kicked off of the internet, permanently.

However, with Mike Geary it’s a different story. Out of all the reviews I’ve read and testimonials I’ve hear about, there’s been one thing that’s been consistent with this program. This is the fact that Mike Geary truly is what he says he is, and that he does have the knowledge to back up this program’s success.

Now I’m not saying this program is amazing (we’ll get into that soon) but I am saying that the creator behind the program does have a true passion for helping people and also knows what he’s talking about, since he went through that “fat stage” of his life.

And, if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that you can look past a program’s “testimonials” and all the hype around it and get to the true core of the program when you determine the kind of person who created the product him/herself.

Fun Facts About The Author Mike Geary

He’s been a certified personal trainer and nutrition specialist for over ten years and has helped millions of people get weight off of their waistline. Being a Nutrition Specialist or Personal Trainer, or in Mike’s case BOTH, is an extremely commendable accomplishment and should say something about him.

He constantly is improving and developing his program according to the feedback he receives from customers and he’s put his program through multiple beneficial changes in order to develop a program that really works in getting rid of that belly fat. Constantly improving a product to help others more and more is just something you don’t see nowadays, so when I notice an author constantly updates his program or makes little tweaks here and there, it really gives me confidence in that person and their product.

Again, I’m not saying the product itself is going to revolutionize your life and you HAVE to buy it now, but I’m stating solid facts that affect many consumers’ decisions when they purchase products. This is my way of helping you decide if this program really is for you or if it isn’t. I don’t base my success on how many programs I can get people to buy, but I base my success on whether I helped someone make the right decision to benefit them and ultimately help them get to where they want with their health and physique.

Fun Facts About This Program

Now these aren’t by any means my way of trying to sell you the product, but it is my way of giving you some fun facts that you probably wouldn’t have found out about the product unless you went through me (all pride aside).

The first fun fact is that the Refund Rates for this program is less than 3 percent. Do you have any idea what this means? Let me put it into a good perspective for you. Only 3 out of every 100 people that buy this program end up returning it for the full refund. My point in sharing that with you is to show you that this really does satisfy customer’s wants and desires by helping them achieve their goals, since people are rarely unsatisfied with this program.

Secondly, this program is NOT, let me say that again, is NOT for undetermined, lazy people who don’t want to work hard. If you’re lazy and don’t want to work hard in getting fit, then I hope that one hit home for you, just being honest. I say this because the whole point of any Fitness Program to ever come into existence since the dawn of creation, was to make you work extremely hard to get results. No one said you can get toned, six pack abs by lying on your couch watching Disney Channel all day, although I love Disney.

You have to work hard to get anything you want out of life whether it be making money, getting healthy and fit, or even becoming an actor for Disney. This program is meant to make you work hard, because you won’t burn any fat or build any muscle at all if you don’t first realize that you have to work really hard. This isn’t just for this specific program but is for any other Fitness Program you’ll find on the market.

The last fun fact is that this program is completely proven by scientific analysis, trial-and-error methods and shows the success behind this program isn’t “assumed” but rather “proven.” Regardless of my personal opinion on this product (which I WILL get to) there definitely are commendable qualities to this product when you put it in the perspective of whether it will help you get real fat off your belly.

Now, we’re almost at the fun part where I spill my personal thoughts on this product and if it really is worth your money, so just hang on.

Overview Of Truth About Abs: The Meaty Content

Now that we’ve gotten through all of the fun parts, it’s time to dive right in and find out exactly what this program contains. I’m not going to hold back anything in this section because what I know is what you’ll know. What I mean is that everything I possibly know about this program (which isn’t much) I’m willing to throw out on the table for you, so you don’t have to purchase the product yourself to find out if it really works or not.

Many people out there will tell you that they can’t reveal too much because…No. I don’t believe in any of that because I see it like this. I should give you my full thoughts and knowledge about this product and give you any and all information that benefits you because I’m here to help you.

I’m not here to give you information that causes you to want more and end up purchasing the product, but I want to be as honest and transparent as I possibly can with my writing.

Now Mike Geary explains to you that you don’t have to perform thousands of sit-ups a day but instead introduces powerful exercises that target belly fat naturally. I don’t know exactly what these exercises really are, but I do know that if they’re Mike Geary’s exercises, then you better be prepared to work hard and get success.

Another thing with this program is that it gets straight to the simple point of fast weight loss (especially in abdominals area), which is that you don’t need fancy workouts that other people “stumble upon” but rather you need full-body workouts that incorporate high-intensity intervals.

I know this is very true as I’ve posted about high-interval exercising before and the connection between working hard and weight loss is definitely 100%. So, when Mike Geary states that you need full body workouts incorporated with high-interval cardio, he knows what works fast in terms of fast fat burning techniques.

The other main element to this program is that it doesn’t focus on unnecessary “crap” but instead tells you the “truth about abs,” literally. You get what you need in order to start trimming your waistline and Mike shows you exactly how to get this done by focusing your efforts on certain elements the lower your overall body fat percentage. Many programs cut out the most important element to permanent fat loss, which is lowering overall body fat percentage, but luckily Mike swoops in to save the day.

Positive Feedback For This Program

First of all, you can trust that this program really is reliable because it didn’t just pop-up overnight like many other programs out there. Instead Truth About abs has been reliable for several years now in helping people honestly get rid of their belly fat permanently.

One thing I always look for in possible purchases is the reliability of the product. I measure this reliability by seeing how long it’s been around, how many people return it for their money back, and the creator behind the product. Reviews have stated that you’re guaranteed to learn surprising techniques about destroying fat permanently and naturally through some surprising techniques that Mike doesn’t reveal in his intro video. Dang it I wish he would.

There are some elements that cause your stomach to be soft and flabby, when you could easily be avoiding these things on a daily basis, and this program focuses around that key concept and really drills certain elements into your head for future success with complete fat loss. The cool thing is that He doesn’t just get into the physical, tangible aspects of this program but he also gets into mentality and how it affects one’s ability to obtain success.

Unlike many programs, Mike truly aims to change your mentality to one that encourages success in order to help you be rid of that unwanted belly fat. Mentality is huge with anything, and it’s really cool that he goes past tangible aspects and also focuses on helpful mental preparation ideas and checklists.

One example of this mental strategy (which I somehow got hold of) talks about how many of us blame our work, schedules, and genetics for our fat belly, when in fact there are surprising factors that we don’t know of which increase fat build up. I really wish I knew exactly what those secrets were because I can guarantee you I’d pour them out onto this page for you, but unfortunately Mike keeps that confidential until you actually purchase the program.

The last thing about this program is that you have the option of paying $4 for the product instead of the full $35. You only pay $4 for a full 3 weeks to try it out and see if it really works, and the cool thing is there’s absolutely no risk with it. Yes, that may sound a little sketchy, but this is a legitimate offer with no catches.

So, if you’re deciding on maybe purchasing this product, just keep in mind that there’s no risk as you get your full money back guaranteed and you get a trial period for only $4.

Negative Feedback

While there are some commendable things regarding this program, I’ve also gotten some negative feedback regarding this product. Again, I want to be completely honest and open with you and share with you my thoughts about this product. Though at times it may seem like this, I really don’t have any intention of making you buy this program, but rather I give you insightful information to help you decide if this will benefit you.

Now the first thing about this program is that it is $35 (at the time I’m writing this). Regardless, that may change later down the road, but right now it is $35 which to many people is a lot of money. Now I will let you know you only end up paying $4 for a three week trial, so you don’t even have to pay that full $35 if you decide you don’t like the program.

Another negative thing about this program is that very little information is given out to the reader, even with the little introduction video on Mike’s sales page. I’d love to get more information on it, but the truth is that this program doesn’t reveal too much until you buy it. So we, as consumers, are left puzzled and confused as to whether we should buy the program based off of what little information was given out in the introduction video.

My Honest Opinion

The last thing regarding Truth About Abs is that you don’t need it. Yup, I said it, you don’t really need it.

Now you may be thinking, “Wow Jason you hyped me up with all of those cool features only to drop a bomb on me saying not to buy it?”

Well yes, I told you I was going to give you my honest opinion.

My goal in this whole article was to supply you with every little piece of information I could possibly gather about the Truth About Abs program and give you my honest opinion based off of what I know.

Now just because I say you don’t need this program doesn’t mean you should toss yourself off a cliff and forget the whole program. In fact, if you really think this program will help you trim your waistline and lose fat permanently, then by all means go ahead and purchase it, but I want to explain why I say not to purchase it.

Based off of what I know, everything that Mike includes in his program, is information that you can easily find on other blogs around the internet.

The honest truth is ANY program on the market will work for you, and I mean any of them, even the crappy ones. It doesn’t depend on the program, it depends on how hard you work and how dedicated you are to reaching your goals. Fitness Programs are just small tools to use to achieve your goals, so don’t get it all twisted and think that Fitness Programs like Truth About Abs are your only means of accomplishing permanent weight loss.

So, my honest opinion is to research the real ways to lose weight, put your wallet away, and pull out the only thing you need to get a flat stomach, hard work.

San Diego State University is closely tied to its community internally as a program manager and fund generating force as well as externally being a steward for broad community development and investment in the local environment.

The Technology Transfer program that has most bearing on San Diego State University’s environmental community is the partnership with the State of California’s Energy Commission Energy Innovations Small Grant Program.

The Energy Innovations Small Grant (EISG) Program provides up to $95,000 for hardware projects and $50,000 for modeling projects to small businesses, non-profits, individuals and academic institutions to conduct research that establishes the feasibility of new, innovative energy concepts. Research projects must target one of the PIER R&D areas, address a California energy problem, and provide a potential benefit to California electric and natural gas ratepayers. (Energy Innovations Small Grant Program, 2014)

This program is administered by Frank H. Steensnaes and is run from the San Diego State University Research Foundation’s office located at 6495 Alvarado Ct. Suite 103, San Diego, California 92182. The far-reaching effects of this program impact many academic institutions, private commercial enterprises, and civil organizations. The delivery of this program has influenced the energy and financial markets in California and throughout the country. To facilitate understanding of the regional environmental ecosystem surrounding San Diego State University, it is crucial for us to consider the broader sustainability perspective of the institution. San Diego State is dedicated to the delivery of social, ecological, and economic growth for it community and students.

Inspiration

Defining Sustainability

“In today’s world, the energy we use and the ways we use it are changing. For California to make the leap from the status quo to achieving climate and energy goals at the lowest possible cost, we need much more energy innovation” (Energy Innovations Small Grant Program, 2014). It is from this premise that the need to create a framework to provide program management that also adheres to eco-efficiency principles must manifest. This framework promises leadership in structure and outcomes, it also offers a paradigm for stewardship in business relationships so collaboration can move forward. It will be crucial that every step of innovation stake its inherent value to society by seamlessly adhering to social, ecological, and economic parameters.

Sustainability can be defined in terms of eco-efficiency. “In simplest terms, it means creating more goods and services with ever less use of resources, waste and pollution” (Development, 2000). By defining sustainability in this manner, we see the integration of people, planet, and profit into a workable framework. The need to provide a prescriptive methodology for adherence to specific goals and desired outcomes becomes a focal point not only for the Technology Transfer program, but also to my organization in harmonizing efforts to report and commercialize innovations.

Vision

In order to manifest our desired ending, we must first understand the state of the outcome before rushing to obtain that conclusion. The Research Foundation Technology Transfer program envisions a state of being that produces academic projects with economic value. The ability to foster innovation into real-world applications is the desired outcome. With unbridled capacity to assist students, faculty, and the community into gratifying and rewarding ventures, it is possible to provide the nurturing and profitable environments so many seek when pursuing higher education. San Diego State University is in the business of research, scholarship, and creativity. The execution of programs is measured in continued success as well as in deeper penetration into the local, national, and international arenas. Only by defining the ideal situation for the program can we begin outlining the steps in order to accomplishment. This top down approach works in many ways. The main benefit, of course, is the ability to empower participants to pursue more freedom and creativity.

By first defining the desired outcome, we can best serve the participants. Eco-efficiency promotes the concept of minimizing exploitation of scarce resources. It also examines the synergy of the built environment with the natural environment. Lastly, eco-efficiency mandates that increased economic, environmental, and equity can be monetized. By understanding lifecycle and intrinsic principles on embodied value, it is possible to reach the anticipated goals of the program. “Establishing framework conditions which foster innovation and transparency and which allow sharing responsibility among stakeholders will amplify eco-efficiency for the entire economy and deliver progress toward sustainability” (2000). By avoiding the deliberate sanctioning of paralysis by analysis, we seek to execute vision and not toil over procedure.

Ideation

The manifestation of eco-efficiency in program delivery is an innovative solution to unexplored opportunities in the field. “Eco-efficiency is not limited simply to making incremental efficiency improvements in existing practices and habits. That is much too narrow a view. On the contrary, eco-efficiency should stimulate creativity and innovation in the search for new ways of doing things” (2000). In order to view the constraints of adoption of eco-efficiency, we will examine Michael Ben-Eli’s five fundamental domains for sustainable development. The five domains (Ben-Eli, 2014) are:

The Material Domain: Constitutes the basis for regulating the flow of materials and energy that underlie existence.
The Economic Domain: Provides a guiding framework for creating and managing wealth.
The Domain of Life: Provides the basis for appropriate behavior in the biosphere.
The Social Domain: Provides the basis for social interactions.
The Spiritual Domain: Identifies the necessary attitudinal orientation and provides the basis for a universal code of ethics.
It is crucial at this stage to follow Ben-Eli’s framework to ensure complicity with the underlying inherent principles of sustainability as describes in the five domains.
Domain One: The Material Domain

The intent of the first domain is to examine the use of eco-efficiency in terms of resources. Eco-efficiency “is not limited to achieving relative improvements in a company s use of resources and its prevention of pollution. It is much more about innovation and the need for change toward functional needs and service intensity, to contribute to de-coupling growth from resources” (2000). As the Technology Transfer program redefines its policies of its relationship with resource orientation, it can begin by measuring the consumption of not only its operations but also the embodied energy and matter in the delivery of its program. This examination of the flow of resources is comprehensive, but considerate of the many stakeholders and functions it actually serves.

Domain Two: The Economic Domain

In this next domain, we ask ourselves the question of bio-spheric pricing and business rationale for incorporating the eco-efficiency parameters of sustainability in the program environment. “The business case for eco-efficiency applies to every area of activity within a company – from eliminating risks and finding additional savings through to identifying opportunities and realizing them in the marketplace” (2000). This is a vital area of opportunity for the program. In what metrics can the true value of its efforts be accounted? Will a redefining of success be needed or will its stated objectives of commercializing academic projects suffice? Will the private sector permit the augmentation and redefining of economic value in its dealings with the institution? It would behoove both institutions to garner more of the true value not only in one-off interactions but also in long-term support for initiatives whether large financial rewards are part of the project. The ability to create such metrics would facilitate the recognition of this domain.

Domain Three: The Domain of Life

It is of particular importance to define the parameters of this domain. How could such a program exist if the value of all forms of life were sacrificed for material gain? Diversity is the desired outcome for the program. It requires little work to understand the power and influence that this program may have on people. When considering how to define measuring these values, it becomes a more difficult task.

The following chart reveals the correlation of economic value, quality of life, and environmental impact:

Governmental Measures and Objectives (2000, p. 25)

“Our argument is that, by adopting eco-efficient practices, it is possible to decouple these trends so that, as the dotted lines show, the economy and quality of life continue to rise while resource use and pollution fall away. Indeed, by reducing the pressure on natural resources and the environment we will actually magnify the improvement in the quality of life” (2000). This program has the real ability impact lives and should-as part of its purview consider how the monetization of academic projects not only will affect its institution, but also consider the impacts to its participants. Not only will this understanding help divert monies and resources where the really need to be, but perhaps help it the technical assistance its participants receive. This consideration also promotes the diversity the school mandates.

Domain Four: The Social Domain

The fourth domain helps expand the role and purpose of the program. By incorporating policy that ensures its participants are tolerant, believe in fundamental truths, practice inclusion, and scholarship, the program moves closer to realizing its real purpose. “All these thoughts reinforce the still fragile idea that open processes, responsive structures, plurality of expression, and the equality of all individuals ought to constitute the corner-stones of social life” (2014). When considering the existing body of work from the program, it becomes clear that no such opus is demanded or required. It would assist in the ascertainment of true value to explore this concept of personal value systems for proper alignment. Eco-efficiency describes, “In several economic sectors, considerable costs caused by environmental pollution and social damage are still not included in the price of goods and services. Until this is changed, the market will continue to send wrong signals and polluters will have no incentive to change and adapt the performance of their products and processes” (2000). Of all five domains, the opportunity for most substantive traction can occur here. By thinking more holistically about the metrics of reporting, the Technology Transfer program could make headway by implementing solution in this domain.

Domain Five: The Spiritual Domain

This last domain entails the reconciliation of love in the workplace. Oft seen as disparate concepts with zero chance of coexistence, we must find some broader universal label to encompass the idea. The concept of servant leadership can be viewed as a solution. Barbuto and Wheeler in their journal article Scale Development and Construct Clarification of Servant Leader reflect that, “The integration of servant leadership principles in practice has less to do with directing other people and more to do with serving their needs and in fostering the use of shared power in an effort to enhance effectiveness in the professional role” (2006, p. 425). Empathy is defined as “the intellectual identification with or vicarious experiencing of the feelings, thoughts, or attitudes of another” (Dictionary.com/browse, 2014). A real opportunity exists to affect the spiritual being of the participants of the program. It would not need to a procedural policy but a social one. Servant leaders are more likely to be involved in a functional two-way transmission of energy and data. Not only do desired outcomes become more focused based on communication, but also the real success can then be measured in personal growth and actualization.

Implementation

As defined earlier, eco-efficiency promises leadership in structure and outcomes, it also offers a paradigm for stewardship in business relationships so collaboration can move forward. In terms of the program level examination, I have designed the following eco-efficient outcomes:

Use participant feedback and historic data to establish a decoupling point between the program participants and the program administrators for modification or enhancement to the EISGTTP/PIER.
Ascertain the criticality of sustainable practices within program delivery beyond funding mechanism into nontraditional economic evaluation
Several fundamental issues will be examined including the parameters of the change necessary to achieve stated program goals such as commercialization Outcomes and advancement of technology. We move from those goals to the reality of the outcomes, which measures the expansion of knowledge. This comparison would be deficient without consideration of secondary issues such as the recommendations to shape a more fulfilling program experience. Three layers of recommendations will be designed. The first layer consists of programmatic recommendations. The second layer is of non-programmatic recommendations. Lastly, we must include strategic recommendations to ensure the expansion of the accumulated body of knowledge.
I am undertaking a nine-step methodology in performing the examination for the program. The first step involves collecting technical data from the previous 13 years of the program. The next step will be to validate the data. Third step involves developing and stating a problem statement. The forth step involves conducting a root cause analysis. The fifth step involves correlating the data to the mission and vision of the program. The sixth step involves developing a corrective action plan (CAP) to mitigate, eliminate, or offset any discrepancies in the program. The seventh step analyzes the impacts of such recommendations. The eighth step involves coordinating stakeholders to share findings and receive feedback. The last step is to create a monitoring and reporting mechanism to introduce the traceability of future interactions with their clients.

In my definition of Ben-Eli’s systems thinking and cybernetics, it is clear that one must consider external and internal environment interactions in systems or grouping of systems called networks. From this point, we must consider the “regulation, adaption, and evolution” of response as defined by cybernetics to understand the relationship of first order/stagnation or and second order metabolism/diffusion of change with either open loops or closed loops of feedback. With first order change, the response only manifests itself on a combination of five possible dimensions: material, economic, domain of life, social, and spiritual (Ben-Eli, The Cybernetics of Sustainability:Definition and Underlying Principles, 2012).

As I reflect on the five dimensions, it becomes possible to implement plan of action for the overall examination of the program. Dimension 1 asks us to consider the material impacts of the program. The second dimension looks at human development in economic analysis, which is particularly salient in discovering one of the implementation designs of viewing program and individual success in terms beyond traditional financial metrics. The third dimension ensures diversity and connectedness in sustainable development. The fourth dimension seeks liberation of the individual from a global perspective. Last, the fifth dimension asks us to link spiritually in the actions of the program.

The communication process in examining the program for eco-efficiency involves a complete stakeholder analysis including a specific metric for social impact. In traditional program management, a stakeholder is anyone who can affect or can influence the program’s success or failure. The benefits of a clear communication plan include items such as management of uncertainty, scope, and change. When moving beyond the traditional definition of stakeholder, we seek the feedback of the community. As Edwards stated, “The Sustainability and Community principles encompass all the Three Es (ecology, economy, and equity) because they grapple with difficult problems whose long-term solutions require a systemic approach” (2010, p. 29).

The next issue to consider is the amount of education or training required to install a program-wide expectation of continuous learning. This issue is critical since as Orr told us, “Even if humans were able to learn more rapidly, the application of fast knowledge generates complicated problems much faster than we identify them and respond” (2011, p. 282). The institution of a set of best practices mandating a constant appraisal of worldviews while extending program benefits into long-term outcomes.

For guidance in the framework, we can seek guidance from a myriad of sources. One such resource is found in the data generated from other Program audits, reviews, and detailed annual reports of various technology university transfer offices, such as the Performance Audit of the Arizona’s Universities by the Arizona Office of the Auditor General, Report 08-02, May, 2008 and the Report of the Purdue University Office of Technology Commercialization, 2010. It is fundamental to use parametric information derived from experiences. By leveraging the compiled information, knowledge can then be extracted as best practices.

In the final structure of program examination, the importance of conveying the recommendations must be created. “To change the system so that it is sustainable and manageable” (2004, p. 3048), it is imperative to coalesce efforts of reduce redundancies while adhering to founding principles not of just the program but also to the tenants of eco-efficiency and sustainable development at large. With no procedural instruction, the malaise inherent to the human condition may diminish the productivity of environmental, economic, and social well-being of program participants. This task provides the prescriptive framework forward.

Conclusion

Time is of the essence. Let us focus on a deeper understanding of purpose and outcomes as the EISGTTP program manifests itself into a true value-bearing conduit. Overall, by acknowledging the constraint on resources, the possible monetization of non-traditional metrics, and focusing on people, we can create a better program. The level of change could systemically unfold by constantly seeking input from the external environment and just the internal view perpetually held in terms of success or failure. The program presents an opportunity to meld many desirable elements: technology, sustainability, and people.

References

About Us. (2014, May 18). Retrieved from San Diego State University Research Foundation: foundation.sdsu.edu/about/index.HTML

Barbuto, J., & Wheeler, D. W. (2006). Scale Development and Construct Clarification of Servant Leadership. Group and Organizational Management, 300-326.

Ben-Eli, M. (2009). The cybewrnetics of crisis and the challenge of sustainability. Cwarel Isaf Forum (pp. 1-13). St Gallen: The Suatainability Lab.

Ben-Eli, M. (2012). The Cybernetics of Sustainability:Definition and Underlying Principles. In M. Ben-Eli, Enough for all forever (pp. 1-18). New York: Common Ground.

Ben-Eli, M. (2014, July 03). Sustainability: The Five Core Principles. Retrieved from The Sustainability Laboratories: sustainabilitylabs.org/page/sustainability-five-core-principles

Capra, F. (Director). (2007). The Systems View of Life [Motion Picture].

Development, W. B. (2000, July 4). Eco-efficiency: creating more value with less impact. Washington DC: World Business Council for Sustainable Development. Retrieved from World Business Council for Sustainable Development.

Dictionary.com/browse. (2014, July 3). Retrieved from Dictionary.com: dictionary.reference.com/browse/loyal

EarthOutreach (Director). (2010). Coping with Climate Change [Motion Picture].

Edwards, A. (2010). The sustainability revolution: Portrait of a paradigm shift (7th ed.). Gabriola Island, BC: New Society Publishers.

Energy Innovations Small Grant Program. (2014, May 18). Retrieved from California Energy Commission: http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/innovations/

Greenleaf, R. (1977). A Journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. In R. Greenleaf, Servant Leadership (pp. 7-48). New York: Paulist Press.

Johnson, C. (2012). Meeting the Ethical Challenges of Leadership: Casting Light or Shadow. Thousand aks: Sage Publications.

Meadows, D., Randers, J., & Meadows, D. (2004). Limits to growth: the 30-year update (1st ed.). Vermont: Chelsea Green Publishing Company.

Neill, M. H., p, & Peterson, T. (2007). Student’s perceptions of the interprofessional team in practice throught the application of servant leadership principles. Journal of Interprofessional Care, 425-432.

Orr, D. (2011). Hope is an imperative: The essential David Orr. Washington D.C.: Island Press.

Rondelli, M. (2014, May 18). About Us. Retrieved from Technology Transfer Office:tto.sdsu.edu/aboutus.HTML

Taylor, T., Martin, B., Hutchinson, S., & Jinks, M. (2007). Examination of leadership practices of principals identified as servant leaders. International Journal of Leadership in Education, 410-419.

Michael Vargas, Founder, and Principal of Atlas Project Support is an expert in cost engineering best practices and Green Building approaches. Michael has over 12 years of construction experience and project management insight, and has proven experience in highly technical and sophisticated management systems. Mr. Vargas has earned a Masters in Business Administration, a Masters in Project Management, and a Graduate Certificate in Financial Analysis from the Keller Graduate School of Management. He has also completed a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration in Management from San Diego State University and is currently a Doctoral of Education candidate at Creighton University. Michael’s academic

Programming is a very useful and rewarding hobby. There are few better feelings than when someone sees you using a program you lashed together to make your life easier and says that it looks really useful. Most people have, at some point in their lives, really wanted to be able to do something on their computer or phone and been unable to. If you know a programming language, then there is often a fair chance that you can write a program to accomplish that task yourself. While there are a huge number of programming languages, many of them have a lot of similarities; this means that once you learn one language quite well, in most cases you will be able to pick up a new one far quicker.

Limits

One thing that all new programmers must come to term with is the amount of time learning a programming language takes. Although when you have become an expert you will be able to write many programs quickly, you must remember that many programs have taken whole teams of expert developers years to create. So it is important to understand that knowing a programming language or even several is not enough to write some of the more complex programs you have seen. Don’t look upon this new hobby as a way to save yourself a lot of money, as writing your own version of most of the programs that you need to pay for now will be out of your reach.

The most important thing that a new programmer needs to know is that the “Learn Programming in 24 hours” sort of books are simply not true. A more accurate title would be “Learn Programming in 10,000 hours”. If you put 24 hours or a week into learning a language you will not be creating the next Windows or a new, state of the art game. It is possible to learn to write a program in 10 minutes, and really all you need to learn a new language is your favourite search engine, but you will not be an expert. The only way to become an expert is much like learning the violin; the answer is practice, practice and practice some more.

Selecting Your First Language

Now that we have examined the limitations and handled some of the more unrealistic expectations, those of you still wanting to learn to code will be happy to know that programming is not a hard thing to start learning and will not require you to pay out huge sums of money. If you are reading this article on-line, you already have the resources to start with some languages, so let us consider what your first language ought to be.

Traditionally the first language a programming newcomer learns is either Visual Basic or Python. The first thing to understand is that these two languages are very different. The simplest difference is one of price. Python is totally free; you can start writing python now with just a text editor on your computer, though if you are on Windows, you will probably need to install it first. However Visual Basic, often abbreviated to VB, is both free and not free. On the upside, VB can be simpler for newcomers to learn because it allows you to build the interfaces (the part of the program the user will see) by dragging and dropping the different parts much like designing it in some basic art application. The version of VB newcomers learn is usually Visual Basic 6, but this is rather outdated and has been discontinued. So these days the version learned is often VB.NET which can be considerably less simple for newcomers.

VB.NET must be developed inside what we call an IDE (Integrated Development Environment); this is basically a special program you use to write other programs. They also exist for Python, but their use is totally optional. The free VB.NET IDE is called Visual Studio Express. At the time of writing, the latest version is Visual Studio Express 2010. Unfortunately, by using the free version of the IDE you are restricted with what you can do, and any programs you create cannot be commercially sold on. Regretfully, the full paid version of the IDE is not cheap, and probably not appropriate for a hobbyist, but fortunately to learn VB the free version is enough. In practice, very few commercial programs are developed in VB these days, but the Visual Studio IDE allows you to use many other languages. The familiarity you will develop by using it will also allow you to use the power of the IDE for development in many other languages. Some will argue that almost every language can be developed in a text editor and that they are by far the most flexible way in which to code. While this is technically true (and I do suggest trying development in a text editor to compare once you get a little better), I would strongly advise learning your first language with a proper IDE.

While traditionally, people learn Python or VB first and these are generally what is taught at schools, I would not suggest either of these. I am of the opinion that your first language should continue to be useful to you one it has served the purpose of helping you learn the fundamentals of programming. If I had to recommend one of these for newcomers, it would be VB.NET as often the most complex part of programming is the graphical side of things and in VB.NET this is very simple due to the drag and drop interface. These two languages are often used as introductions as they are very tolerant of mistakes, and allow you to become confident in programming principles without worrying about a lot of the more complex matters.

For those brave souls among you, I would actually suggest Java as your first language, even though it can be complex, and is therefore not a common choice for a first language. Java programs are different to most others in that they do not run on your computer. The user downloads Java, then your code runs on what is called a VM (Virtual Machine). This means that your code runs in a special place Java sets up for it – a fake copy of your computer – and handles the translation of this to the real machine for you. This means that Java programs are “cross-platform”, meaning that they will for the most part run on Windows, Mac, Linux and most other operating systems.

Java is a good language to learn, as it is very widespread and useful. Furthermore, it is very powerful, and is available for free for both hobbyists and commercial uses. However, in contrast to VB and Python, it does not tolerate mistakes and requires you to be very specific about everything. It is also an object-oriented programming language, which is a very complex issue which I will briefly try to summarise. Languages like Python and VB are what is known as procedural languages, meaning that the lines of code are run one after another, whereas Java is an object-oriented language. object-oriented development is a term thrown around a lot these days in the programming world, and while not always appropriate it is generally considered a good idea. At the most basic level, an object-oriented program is all about objects. An object is an “instantiation” of a “class”. A class is a blueprint used to describe something like a cat. The class contains both the data about the cat such as its name, age and owner as well as “methods” which are essentially actions the cat can perform, such as miaow. An instance of the class “cat” would give you a particular cat. However, this is not a Java tutorial, so if you are brave enough to experiment with Java you will come across this yourself in more detail. It is worth noting that VB.NET and Python both have support for object-oriented development, and Java has the potential to be used procedurally, but these are not the languages’ primary intended uses and are not often used. If you did not understand that comparison, don’t worry about it too much. Object orientation is hard to get your head around, but any basic Java or other object-oriented language tutorial will have you understanding everything in that paragraph.

A final reason Java is a good first language is that it is similar in many ways to Javascript, which is an entirely different class of language. Javascript is a scripting language (as is Python), and learning Java will mean you understand Javascript reasonably well. The difference is between scripting languages and normal programming languages is outside the scope of this article, but as a large generalisation scripts are generally used for automated tasks while programs are used interactively by users. This is not totally true, as both types of language are used for both tasks and most web programs are built in Javascript.

As for the actual language you pick, it is entirely up to you. Some may choose the traditional beginner languages or be brave and experiment with Java. Some of you may already have your eye on a language or fancy one of the more specialist languages like Scheme or Prolog. Whatever your choice, the way you will learn how to program is the same.

IDEs, Yes or No?

Many of the purists say that IDEs are a bad idea, and are packed with unnecessary tools and menus that take up disk space and time to learn. While this is true, I feel that an IDE is definitely worthwhile. Many people offer free IDEs, such as Eclipse and Netbeans, for the more popular languages. There is also Visual Studio, which I mentioned previously; it is very intuitive, very powerful and it supports many languages (much as Netbeans and Eclipse do). If you chose to use Java I would suggest Netbeans, as there is a packaged version of Netbeans with the JDK (Java Development Kit). Most languages need an SDK (Software Development Kit) to work with them, and getting it installed properly and linked to the IDE is often the hardest part of the procedure. Visual Studio already comes with the development kits set up, which makes life easier, but other languages like Java and Python can be quite hard to set up properly. This is why I suggested the Netbeans + JDK bundle for those experimenting with Java, as it handles the complex set up for you, which will save you hours of suffering.

There are, in my opinion, three major advantages to using a fully featured IDE. Firstly, they are usually extensible, meaning that there are many free plug-ins that could make your life a lot easier when you get a little more advanced. Secondly, and most importantly, is the ease with which an IDE allows you to debug your code. Most IDEs let you set breakpoints in the code, which will make the program stop when it gets to that point and let you step through it line by line, so you can examine the contents of all the variables at any time. (For those of you who do not know what a variable is, I will briefly explain. A variable is a bit like a train station locker. You ask for one big enough to hold what you want to store, and if what you want to store is the right shape, it can be stored there. When you write a program, any data you want to store temporarily will be held in one of these until you are done with it.) As the old programming saying goes, if you have not found any bugs, you are not looking hard enough. Almost no non-trivial program will work first time, and trying to work out where the problem lies without the use of a debugger is a pain I would not wish on anyone. Finally, an IDE will often give you advice on how to fix issues in the code. This can be very useful for fixing bugs, and saves you having to resort to Google every other minute.

Learning the Language

Now that you have a language and an IDE, it is finally time to learn the language. This, as you may or may not be surprised to learn, is not complex at all – it is simply time consuming. To learn programming for the first time, there is no better way than exploration. Buying a book that walks you through steps will not teach you anything, as you will not understand the reasoning behind what they are doing, and people often get disheartened by the tedium.

The key to learning programming is to have a goal. Think of a task, such as a system to keep track of where you are in all the various TV shows you watch, or a system to let you look at all the books you own in a particular category, or, if you feel brave, try to replicate part of something that you use on a regular basis. My advice would be to start small, perhaps by making a sequence of message boxes that insults the user or a really simple calculator. It is important when you first start that your goals are interesting, challenging and entertaining. If you try to make really boring programs you will quickly get disheartened, so try to inject some comedy into your program. The calculator is a very good introductory program, but after you get the general idea it is important to set quite ambitious goals, as if you keep doing simple things you will never learn anything new. It is important to try to incorporate some of the knowledge you have gained from previous work. One of the reasons most books fail to teach programming well is that they use small examples for each thing they introduce, whereas what you really need to do is plan the task without considering what you will need to accomplish it. This means you will be able to code some of it using what you already know, but most importantly, you will not know how to code some of it. The best way to learn is to learn by doing. Go for a full program that does a task you wanted to do on a computer in the past, work on it, and when you are finished you will have learned a lot and you will have a useful (or at least entertaining) program which is far better than some toy program demonstrating lists.

I have said that you learn by choosing to do projects where you are unable to do certain sections, thus requiring you to learn, but how do you go about finding out how to do them? It’s simple, and most likely the way you found this article. Go to your favourite search engine (like Google) and search for what you want to do – for example, search “drop down list Java” to find some examples of using drop down lists in Java. Because you will need it for another task, and not just to re-do the same thing the examples did, you will have to play with the examples you find and try to get them to do what you want. Just search each bit you need, and before long you will find that most of the basics are as natural as waking up in the morning, and you did it all without spending a small fortune on books, without getting bored and hopefully while being entertained. To this day, if I am bored, I sometimes break out one of my very first programs which is just a list of boxes and a random number generator. It is your task to try to fill all the boxes such that the numbers the random number generator gives you are in ascending order – if you don’t leave space and can’t fit a number in a hole then you lose and must start again. It’s a simple program, but it took a lot of work when I first made it and I learned a lot from the experience.

Once you have a few decent sized programs under your belt, you will find that you know the language well. You will also find that it is rare, no matter how well you know a language, to be able to write a program without resorting to Google at least once just to check something. So with that in mind, it could be argued that you learned the language without ever actually trying to learn it. Clearly there are standards and good practices that you may not pick up on your own, but as you see more examples and read the comments you will find you adopt your own standards rather rapidly.

Learning Another Language

Once you have learned one language, whatever it may be, the most valuable thing you will have learned is all the key words for searches. When you want to do something in a new language, you need only search what you want to do and the language name. However, by now you will know the names used to refer to what you want to do, allowing your searches to be more effective and yield examples and answers much more quickly. As the fundamentals of programming are mostly the same, regardless of the language you use, you will hopefully be able to guess at the meaning of most of the code much more effectively once you locate an example, allowing you to pick up most of the language very quickly indeed.

Conclusion