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Research Paper on Algorithms

Christopher J. Marte 21-0750

Universidad Iberoamericana (UNIBE)

BBA 2131-40-2021-3-RAZONAMIENTO MATEMÁTICO II

Professor: Zara Sirstova

June 05, 2021

After watching both TED's talk with Mick Mountz and The Secret Rules of Modern Living: Algorithms it gives

us a general and brief introduction of what an algorithm is, how it works and what we can do by using it and

implementing it. It provides us with specific examples of the application of different types of algorithms that

can be used in daily life as well as for work and other things . It also draws concrete analogies that help to

understand those abstract concepts that are deeply talked about in the video. From my personal opinion, this is a

very good source to get all the basic ideas of different algorithms. Here are a few of the different algorithms that

were mentioned in this video: Face detection algorithm,Page Rank Algorithm, Euclid Algorithm, Sorting

Algorithm (Bubble Sort and Merging Sort), and Machine Learning.

An algorithm can be described as a set of instructions that are designed to perform a specific task or solving a

problem and its main goal is to optimize everything. They can also be classified based on the concepts that they

use to accomplish a task. Another way that an algorithm can be described is as writing a set of rules that instruct

computer’s, machinerary, program’s or any electronic devices how to perform a task. Algorithms have a really

wide usage that can go from day to day tasks to artificial intelligence (AI).

I believe that algorithms play a really important role in people's lives and that they exist to make life easier.

Because algorithms can be pervasive, they can help to organize thought and action and last but not least

important they can be made used for precise implementation on computers, smart phones, and other devices in

a variety of programming languages. These are just a few of the things that make algorithms so important, at

least from my point of view.

Algorithms have been great to do development of humankind but like all good things in lifes it has its

advantages and disadvantages.

Advantages:

● It's a step by step solution to any given problem.

● It doesn't rely on programming languages.

● Steps have their own logical sequence and the problem is broken down into small pieces.
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Disadvantages:

● It consumes a lot of time and effort.

● Hard/Big tasks are usually difficult to use with algorithms.

Some of the characteristics of algorithms are that all the steps are 100 percent accurate, all steps are also unique

form the other, they receive inputs and produce output, and that they can be applied to a set of infinity of

possibilities. One example of a problem where algorithms are the solutions, was one of the TED's talk with

Mick Mountz. The problem started when the cost for packaging was higher than the cost of the product itself,

and it also took a long time to get orders ready. So he started brainstorming and came up with the algorithm in a

machine that would help improve the time in which orders were prepared and a significant reduction for the

cost of packaging.

Another example where algorithms can be a solution is for restaurants that get overcrowded on a regular basis.

First let's start with explaining what the problem is and it goes as follows: When you are in a restaurant during

rush hour, the waiter takes your order, but at the same time, he goes table by table doing the same thing, and

often gets stop to order some more stuff, which makes the order last longer to get to the kitchen, and in

consequence makes you wait more time. After thinking and thinking I came up with a solution similar to the

one of Mick Mountz Founder and CEO of Kiva Systems. By creating a system where people can order from

their tables, and the order reaches the chef directly, this would reduce the waiting time and at the same time, it

would help boost the flow of customers within the restaurant.

Algorithms in business can be described as an industrialized use of complex mathematical algorithms to

improve all business decisions or processes to obtain an advantage over the competition. Algorithms provide

the speed and opportunity to accelerate the growth of any digital business and help them have greater impact

than the competition. Some of the applications that can play an important role in business are:customer

interaction, slim-line workforce, real-time accuracy, and processing data. Algorithms offer a big advantage to

any businesses or organization’s operations, but there are people that still think some issues will need to be

overview and corrected in the future, especially when it comes to demand.

In conclusion, nowadays algorithms form part of our daily lives whether we want them or not, they can vary

from cooking recipes,computer code, and the internet use algorithms and all the online searching.

Email exists thanks to algorithms. Even smartphone apps are nothing but algorithms. Online dating

and travel websites would not even exist without algorithms. They can even save lives, and make things

easier. But according to experts they can also put too much power in the hands of organizations and the

government.
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References

Rainie, L & Anderson, J (2017, February 08). Code-Dependent: Pros and Cons of the Algorithm Age. Pew

Research Center. Retrieved from:

https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2017/02/08/code-dependent-pros-and-cons-of-the-algorithm-age/