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Email
Email was first invented in 1971 by Ray Tomlinson but not used by the public until the early 90s (Bainbridge 2004). Email has changed the way we communicate with colleagues as well as customers. Email revolutionized the way businesses send information. It allowed information to be sent in seconds versus 2 to 3 days by mail. Since the early 90s email has transitioned from communication between employees to communication between the business and customer. -
Cyber Crime
With the invention of email and the internet the ability to steal information and identities was launched. Companies had to catch up to ensure that customer's and employee's personal information was safe. This is an expense that businesses had not anticipated and is a continuing expense. It is estimated that cyber crime costs over $50 billion each year and continues to rise (Kesetovic 2013). -
The Americans with Disabilities Act is signed (ADA)
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities in several areas, including employment, transportation, public accommodations, communications and access to state and local government’ programs and services and was signed into law in 1990. Title I of the ADA protects the rights of both employees and job seekers. Organizations not only must aware of policies for employees but also for facilities. -
Internet becomes available for commercial use
The internet is by far the biggest influence of this century. It changed educational systems, business practices, medical practices as well as how we communicate. Before the internet, communication primarily came from books, newspapers, and face to face. It started us on the path of instant information and led to later inventions complimented by the internet. -
The Gulf War
The Gulf War (2 August 1990 – 28 February 1991) in its combat phase, was a war waged by coalition forces from 35 nations led by the United States against Iraq in response to Iraq's invasion and annexation of Kuwait. The was the first true War for generation X. It was also the first war that was broadcasted by 24 hours news services without the government controlling the messaging and images. -
Family and Medical Leave Act signed
The Family and Medical Leave Act was signed into law under President Bill Clinton's term. The FMLA entitles eligible employees to take unpaid, job-protected leave for specified family and medical reasons with continuation of group health insurance coverage under the same terms and conditions as if the employee had not taken leave. Areas that were covered were pregnancy, adoption, and care of a family member. Human Resource Departments had to train a staff member to interpret the law. -
Voice Over IP created
Voice over internet protocol delivers voice communications over the internet. It allows dynamic interconnection between users on any two domains on the Internet when a user wishes to place a call. Our campus recently made the switch to voice over IP and it was very expensive to implement. The cost of the phones and human capital for required training proved to be costly. Now that it's implemented the benefits outway the costs. -
NAFTA Implementation
The North American Free Trade Agreement was establish to eliminate barriers to trade and facilitate cross border trade of goods and services. NAFTA's goal was to create fair competition between the neighboring countries while increasing investment opportunities. NAFTA has been the topic of the last 3 Presidential campaigns an many agree that it needs to be renegotiated. -
Amazon launched
Amazon changed the way we shop and participate in commerce but it has critically impacted other consumer organizations. Allowing consumers to shop from their home decreased the need to physically enter a store and has hit other businesses in revenue. The growth of Amazon has created competition and made other businesses look at their own customer convenience. Stores like Kroger are now offering Click List, which allows consumers to online shop and pick up groceries at another time. -
Wi-Fi becomes worldwide standard
WiFi is a way of transmitting broadband data to wireless devices. WiFi has changed the way we work, are entertained and send out information. It allows us to work and attend school from anywhere we choose. It has also increased costs for education. At my current institution we continue to allocate more funding to WiFi and struggle to keep up with the pricey demands. Currently, our students bring 3.5 devices that use WiFi. -
Turn of the millenium
The turn of the millennium influenced the general public as well as industry. During this time, there was fear that computers were going to malfunction thus leaving society and business vulnerable and unable to conduct every day business. -
9/11 and the collapse of the World Trade Centers
The economic and social effects of 9/11 were felt immediately and continue to be felt. The attacks caused the Dow to drop more than 600 points and the 2001 recession to deepen. The War on Terror also contributed to a time of high government spending. The stock market closed for four days after the attacks, the first time since the Great Depression (Amadeo 2017). The national debt continues to grow as well as the war on terror. -
Microsoft Office 2003 Debuts
In 2003, Microsoft released the Microsoft office system to allowed professionals and non professionals to use their product for personal or private functions. As a professional, I can say I use one of these products each day, In the past, a data processor was the only individuals completing spread sheets but now all employees with a little training can produce these documents. The Powerpoint feature has changed we present information in person and electronically. -
The creation of Skype
Niklas Zennstrom of Sweden and Janus Friis of Denmark developed Skype in 2003, it became the most downloaded piece of software for teleconferencing ever. My first experience with Skype was during my work with international students. The students used it as an expensive option to talking with family members. I have also used Skype to interview potential candiates for employment thus saving money for my institution. In 2011, Skype was sold to Microsoft for 8.5 billion (Aamoth 2011). -
Facebook is launched
Facebook was launched by Mark Zuckerberg in 2004 and has revolutionized society. It was first created to serve as a social networking platform but has transitioned to a space that provides opportunities for businesses to advertise about services and for public relations purposes. Education has also used Facebook for recruiting new students and showcasing current students. It has also given customers a platform to express thoughts and reviews on businesses, good and bad. -
Hurricane Katrina
Hurricane Katrina has been labeled the deadliest and costliest hurricane in U.S. history, costing an estimated 108 billion in damages (Zimmerman 2015). Political fall out was also costly. Weakened levees were blamed for much of the destruction and deaths. Government assistance and decision making were also questioned. Since Katrina, the Army Corps of Engineers have rebuilt the levee system and Congress passed an act in 2006 to reorganize FEMA. -
Apples introduces the Iphone
The Apple IPhone was introduced by Steve Jobs in 2007. Although majority of individuals owned a cell phone, the IPhone changed the function of a cell phone. Before the phone was primarily used for making phone calls but now you could use your phone to email, search the internet, pay bills and shop. The IPhone became an extension of each person and made the world accessible at your hands. -
Virginia Tech Shooting Incident
On April 16, 2007, 32 students were killed and 17 wounded in the deadliest mass school shooting at Virginia Tech University. Lessons were learned from the shootings and changes have been implemented at most schools. Since the shootings, we have implemented several changes in regards to safety. We now have a centralized communication system which include indoor/outdoor pa system, instant text messaging and emailing system. We have also added the Behavior Intervention Team. -
Emergency Economic Stability Act
In 2008, the bank bailout act was signed during the global financial crisis by President George W. Bush. The bailout provided 700 billion to banks and other corporations to avoid a financial crisis (Collins 2015). The effects of the bailout can be seen in the national debt and critics argue that many of the corporations did not take measures to avoid this same problem for the future and will continue to need to be bailed out in the future. -
Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare was signed into law on 2010. This was a solution to a long term problem of affordable healthcare for all citizens. Employers are now required to offer health benefits to all employees that work over 30 hours with exceptions made for employers that employ lower numbers. This has impacted businesses with additionally costs and some employees have had hours cut to prevent the employer from providing healthcare. -
Office of Civil Rights Dear Colleague Letter
The DCL was a letter of guidance developed by the Office of Civil Rights and the Department of Education. The letter focused on new guidance for Title IX requirements in regards to sexual violation and gender based violence. The DCL stated that all public institutions are required to designate a Title IX Coordinator that oversees the investigation process to provide a fair and equitable process to the accused and the victim in a timely manner. -
Supreme Court overturns the Defense of Marriage Act
In 2013, the Supreme Court ruled that the Defense of Marriage Act which defines marriage as a union between a women and man was unconstitutional. This decision meant that legally married same-sex couples are now entitled to the same federal benefits as married opposite sex couples. This gave businesses the ability to offer partner benefits to employees. My university joined other universities in Ohio to offer partner benefits.
