INTERSTENO
The domain of Intersteno, International
Federation of Information Processing, according to article 2 of its rules
(articles so far not yet registered) is reporting, text- and
information processing and secretariat. The former name of it was
International Federation for Shorthand and Typewriting which describes
two interest groups.. This
is clearly visible also in the old articles.
The name was changed to its current formulation 1995 in Amsterdam and
the
change of the name reflects to the fact that the domain of the
federation
expands to information processing in general.
Intersteno holds according to article 21 regularly congresses, the interval being two to three years.
During the congress the professionals and people interested in the
subject may become acquainted with each other and discuss of subjects
of mutual interest.
A good basis for this give diversified and interesting congress
lectures
and introduces that present the latest advancements of the domain.
The previous congresses have been held
- year 2001 in Hannover
- year 2003 in Roma
- year 2005 in Wienna
The next congress will be held
- year
2007 in Prague
In the all the time changing world the scientific committee that is
composed
of a co-ordinator and two members article
17 explores scientific and technological developments in the
domains
of activity of the federation. This work is basis for cultural and
scientific
programmes and the programs of the congresses.
According to article 19 on every congress it will be organized international contests in the field. Most of the contest carry the name "World Championship".
At the moment the following contests are arranged:
In shorthand writing
See regulations for the world championships in shorthand
1) Shorthand competition in section A: the class of masters
2) Shorthand competition in section B: the class of practitioners
3) Shorthand competition in category C: the class of beginners
4) Multilingual competition
In sections A, B and C the languages of the national groups are used. The order on the classification lists is determined in the first place by the number of valid minutes of transcription and then the number of mistakes.
In multilingual competition the order is determined in the first place by the number of transcribed languages.
In classes A, B and C the championship is given both for pen and machine writers.
5) Fast transcription competition
In fast transcription competition the competition results are affected by both the writing and transcription speed. The competition is intended especially for machine writers with automatic transcription devices, though also pen writers may participate in the competition.
6) Correspondence and Minute-Taking Competition
This competition consists of two tests: one take and verbatim transcription and the other preparing a summary report of a meeting where the speach is increased.
Typewriting and word-processing competitions
See world typewriting competition regulations
7) In typewriting contest it is competed who is the fastest writer. In the competition it is allowed to use manual and electric typewriters as well as personal computers.
In word processing two competitions are held:
8) In the personal computer author's corrections competition it is competed who is the most effective to correct the basic text using the word processing capabilities of the PC.
9) In the professional word-processing competition the most advanced
features of the word processing software are used. In the competition
e.g. marketing fliers and forms are made up and letters are sent to a
specific target group.
The jury president of the latter competitions is Mr. Mauro Panzera
from Switzerland.
10) Worldwide keyboarding competition via Internet is dedicated for schools and pupils. Each school organizes the competition separately.
A combined competition
In spite of this among the competitors who have participated in both shorthand and typewriting competitions according to a separate regulation a combined championship is awarded.
See world typewriting competition regulations
Finnish participation in contests
Finland has participated in the shorthand competition since 1961 and typewriting competitions altogether seven times in different years, see "Intersteno congresses and Finnish participation in contests". Finland has several good positions, the latest one in 2003 in Rome as Niklas Varisto was the world championship in multilingual competition.
During the congress lectures are held where it is possible to become acquainted with the latest trends of the field.
Information processing is in continuous change. As an example, in the congress sessions e.g. speech recognition and Internet have been referred. Also the role of the secretary and the tools that the secretary needs are in change. Where is the world? This is discussed in the congress lectures. In 1998 in Lausanne Jari Niittuinperä from Finland had a lecture "Internet Law". Some of the lectures of congresses are visible in the site of the congresses.
General assembly
The highest decision-making body is the general assembly. The general assembly has its meetings mainly according to articles 7 - 11 during the congresses.
The federation may operate in sections. As an example of this there exists Intersteno Parliament Reporters' Section.
The purpose of IPRS is to study subject of common interest among parliaments as reporting work, printing and training people. The ways of action are in spite of meetings during Intersteno congresses, also other contacts and special meetings of IPRS.
Though Intersteno has been the international federation of shorthand writers, the domain of IPRS consists all ways to produce a report, regardless the method used.
See Rules of Intersteno Parliamentary Reporters' section
Between the general assemblies the decission-making body of the federation is the central committee. According to article 11 - 13 it prepares the general assembly, draws up the contest regulations and is responsible of organizing the congresses.
From Finland the central committee members have been
Unto Räty:
1963 - 1993 and
Jari
Niittuinperä: 1993 ->
In Amsterdam 1995 Unto Räty was nominated the honorary membership as a recognition of the worthy contribution for Intersteno.
Secretary general
The secretary general of the federation is at the moment Danny Devriendt from Belgien.
Members
The rules for the membership of Intersteno are defined article 4 -5.
At the moment there are 22 member countries from which 17 are in Europe.
Articles of Intersteno
See unofficial translation of the Articles of
INTERSTENO.