Abstract: Core competencies of a participant, such as an employee, is assessed using a competency assessment tool. A developer defines core competencies for any of a variety of topics and develops questions and demonstrative tasks for respective learning objectives under the core competencies. Participants, in turn, perform the demonstrative tasks that are evaluated by an observer and provide responds to the questions. A score is calculated based on the evaluation and response to determine how well the participant exhibits the learning objectives and the competency of the participant is assessed, which is communicated to the participant. A recommendation is made to an administrator to create a development plan when the participant's score falls below a predetermined threshold. In certain embodiments, the participant is a subject matter expert that validates a nexus between the learning objectives and the questions and demonstrative tasks.

Abstract: A cover particularly adapted to extend over outdoor recreational fire pits when not in use includes a circular perforated center plate. Attached to an outer edge of this center plate is an angle-shaped rim having a downward extending vertical flange. Then, attached to a bottom side of the center plate is a centering ring. For use, a pair of spaced apart handles attached to a top side of the center plate may be used to remove the cover so that a fire may be built in the pit and then used to replaced the cover after pit use. In this latter case, the cover is positioned over the pit so that the centering ring extends into the pit next to a vertical sidewall of the pit. Any inadvertent cover movement is inhibited by an interference fit between the cover ring and the pit sidewall.