Conceptual Analysis - Diagramming Techniques - Article Example

Conceptual Analysis Diagramming techniques Flow charts are diagrams that represent processes. They show steps of an event in the sequence using various steps and connecting the steps in using arrows to indicate the flow direction. Flow charts are used in analyzing of processes, documentation of the processes and management of the processes in various categories. Flow charts have various uses. They can also be used to create organizational charts and other formalized structures. Flow charts use geometric symbols and arrows in relation’s definition. These arrows show the beginning or the end of the process (John, 1984). Flow charts carry a similar function like other types of diagrams. They help in visualization of a process hence helping the user to understand deeper the meaning or flow of that process (John, 1984). There are different types of flow charts and each has its own design and national conventions. There are two common types of boxes in a flowchart. The first type is a processing step identified as an activity. Its denotations are rectangular in shape. The second type is a decision that is denoted as a diamond. Flowcharts are described as cross-functional where the pages in use are divided into different swim lanes (John, 1984). The lanes must be describing the control of different organizational units. For example, a symbol appearing in a particular lane is identified to be within the control of that organizational unit. Flowcharts depict certain aspects of processes (John, 1984). They are completed by drawing diagrams. Flow charts can be document flowcharts, data flowcharts, system flowcharts, or program flowcharts. They help best explain how a given system works by the use of a visual diagram. They are also helpful in brainstorming of ideas and plans. They demonstrate a high level of strategy application (John, 1984). Data flow diagrams They are graphic representations of flow of data through an information system. They help in creation of an overview of the system to be later elaborated. They show what information to input and output from a give system. They also show how the data will be either inputted or outputted and where the data will go or get stored. They are used in analysis and design phases of information processes (John, 1984). 2. Analyzing visual images A visual image or document uses image as it primary means of communication. In other instances, visual images use the interaction of texts and images for communication. The goals of any visual analysis are to demonstrate an understanding of how the art communicates its message and meaning. This is done by breaking the analysis in bits in order to come up with the intended message (Hall, 2012). By breaking the visual image into bits, it becomes easier to understand what the message of the art means. In many cases, analysis of visual arts is not intended for placement of value judgment on the art. In case the visual art demonstrates a judgment obligation to a person, that person may not necessary take sides (Hall, 2012). Analyzing visual images is an important aspect of understanding the meaning of images. A close observation of the human life reveals that it is based on beliefs and impact of beliefs on concepts brought forward by images (Hall, 2012). Sean hall elaborates further in his book ‘This Means This and This Means That’ where he expounds on semiotics. The book is geared towards opening the minds of people to an in-depth meaning carried by graphic representation. He argues that semiotics subsumes textual, graphical, and interactive communication methods (Hall, 2012). He engages in using flowcharts, drawings, and directory trees as part of his diagrammatic language. Diagrams are used to show internal meaning rather than telling what the writer means. A picture is worth a thousand words meaning that it can generate numerous ideas and outlay them within one single diagram. They tend to carry a seemingly more real and tangible depictions of concepts that in other dimensions, seem nonrepresentational and indescribable (Hall, 2012). The conceptual photography lingers in bringing meaningful message to the viewers. The viewers are only left to interpretation task. Pictures can be as specific as possible and as complicated too. If one does not take good judgment in analyzing the meaning being represented, pictures and images may bring out a completely wrong message. One is supposed to look at the in-depth meaning rather than the shallow meaning (Hall, 2012). Pictures are the best mediums through which, messages can be sent without the use of many words. Their analysis is important because it enables the right message to be retracted. The world, today, runs a visual dominated-culture. Visual analysis forms the best medium of communication hence, it is important to carry out analysis. The drive of the analysis is to expedite the audience with the ability to discover the intended message of the visual art (Hall, 2012). Visual production has the potential to capture a wider audience than essays or words. In the analysis, there are several aspects that will guide in the use of a specific visual art. The first one is that different audiences have different tastes for different pieces of arts. The second factor is that people have different analytical skills. The third factor is whether the image used appeals to the morals of the community and society at large (Hall, 2012). 3. Concepts of thermodynamic and administrative systems Thermodynamic is a description of changes presented by temperature, transformation of energy, and relationship between heat and work. It acts as an engineering tool that describes the performance of propulsion systems. It describes power generation systems. It also describes the functioning of refrigerators, fluid flow and combustion (Regoczei, 2007). Thermodynamics is applied into a wide variety of uses. It developed due to an proliferation in the desire to increase the efficiency output of early steam engines. The process is an artificial physical manipulation responsible for system definition and its surrounding. It is also defined in terms of a cyclic process that a given system can undergo. Regoczei (2007) conceptualizes the learning environment by defining and demonstrating the importance of mental models. In order to create a learning environment, a person is eligible for the creation of mental models that will be effective in generating a learning atmosphere. Regoczei (2007) defines mental models as conceptual frameworks that are made of generalizations and assumptions that facilitate a better understanding of the world hence creating the basis for action in it. He suggests that systems thinking are a cognitive human activity. Mental models are psychological representations of real or imaginary situations that can happen to a person (Regoczei, 2007). Thermodynamics are categorized as mental models. Thermodynamics has the same characteristics as mental models. These characteristics include; the first characteristic states that mental models are inclusive of what a person thinks are the truth, and not what may be the truth (Regoczei, 2007). The second characteristic is that they allow a person make predictions of his or her actions. The third characteristic states that mental models are often simple as compared to the things they denote. They are only made up of enough information that allows accurate forecast (Regoczei, 2007). When documenting mental models of other people, current images, vocabulary, and assumptions should make up a documentation forum. The above ways will make it possible to create a target mental model that we want other people to have. There are several ways to represent mental models such as images, scripts, sets of related mental models, controlled vocabulary, and sets of assumptions (Regoczei, 2007). Reference John, F. S. (1984). Conceptual Structures: Information Processing in Mind and Machine. Addison-Wesley, ISBN 0-201-14472-7 Hall, S. (2012). This means this and this means that: a users guide to semiotics, 2ND edition. Principles of semiotic analysis, Toronto: UTP. Regoczei, H. (2007). The Practice of System and Network Administration. 2nd Edition, Addison-Wesley. Read More