Fetal Heart Abnormalities Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Fetal Heart Abnormalities - Research Paper Example Genetic predisposition is considered to be a key factor while maternal issues such as infection, diabetes, lupus and drugs trigger the onset. Ventricular and atrial septal defects and tetralogy of Fallot are the most common forms of congenital heart defect. Incidents of truncus arteriosus and transposition  are rare. Anatomy and the heart function Our heart has four chambers; two ventricles and two atriums and has two atrioventricular valves (mitral and tricuspid) to regulate the blood flow between ventricle and atrium. Right atrium and ventricle are filled with deoxygenated blood while left atrium and ventricle are filled with oxygenated blood received from the lungs. Deoxygenated blood collected by the main veins fills in to the right atrium and then to the right ventricle. Right ventricle pump blood to the lungs via pulmonary artery and oxygenated blood comes from the lungs through pulmonary vein fills in to the left atrium. Then it move down to the left ventricle. The ventricul ar wall contracts to increase the pressure enough to distribute blood throughout the body via aorta (Kumar, 2007). Septal heart defect –hole in the heart The mid heart wall, septum separates the left and right sides of the heart. Congenital septal heart defect is identified when unclosed gaps exist in the septum at birth. Any opening of the septum may cause mixing of oxygenated blood with deoxygenated blood resulting an oxygen deprivation to the body tissues. Atrial septal defect During the normal heart developement Interatrial Septum  which separates the left and right atriums is open throughout the fetal stage to avoid the lungs that are not functioning. The placenta supplies the oxygenated blood. But it supposed to be closed after birth when the pulmonary circulatory pressure is reduced. Some literature reported the prevalence of open atrial septum upto to 25%. However the symptoms are absent or not significant for most of the affected individuals and some will never be diagnosed. Place and the size of the opening determine the severity of the symptoms (Kumar, 2007). Common symptoms are blue color of the extremities or cyanosis, breathing difficulties, murmur or additional sound of the heart, growth retardation and difficulty of feeding. This can be diagnosed during fetal development by ultrasound scan. Echocardiography, auscultation and Electrocardiogram or ECG can be used to identify the defect after the birth. The defect can be corrected surgically and the decision of the surgical correction depends on the severity of the symptoms and size. Currently two correction methods are been practiced. The catheter correction is the less invasive method. During the catheter correction a small catheter is inserted in to a vein in the upper thigh under the anesthesia or sedation. The catheter carries a septal  occluder device which can be placed at the septal opening. Once the occluder device is positioned correctly the catheter is removed. The heart tiss ues start to grow around and on the device. This procedure is being practiced from early 90s and known to have less complications and minimum surgical mortality. However all the septal defects cannot be treated by catheter procedure and require a surgery (Squatting, 2002). Open heart surgery This is the most common corrective procedure practiced to correct Septal defect. None like catheter procedure

Live Theatre Critique of Junie B. Jones Essay Example for Free

Live Theatre Critique of Junie B. Jones Essay It wasnt fancy like most theatres. It reminded my of a high school auditorum. They had the stage set up like a class room for the scene they were doing first. The first part of the play was set up like an classroom, and the second part pf the play was set up like a bookstore. The pre-show music that was playing was soft chrismas music. Not much singing just mostly instumental. As I was expecting, there were more children then teenagers. Parents and grandparents were there, but as for ages that attended, it was mostly children. Before the show began, the producers asked everyone to turn off their cell phones and anything with a distracting light. The show was mostly dark so any bright lights would distract the play. The play ran smoothly nothung distratcing happened. The plot of the play was about a girl named Junie B. Jones who was stuck between buying gifts for others or herself. Her parents gave her enough money to go to the book store and buy gifts for her family. Once she went to the book store, she laid her eyes on something she wanted for herself. The toy was called a squeeze a burp. Meanwhile, in class the teacher decided for the students to draw names of others in the class to buy gifts for. With her luck, she drew Mays name. May is a girl in Junie B. class that does not get along with her. They always fight and get in trouble. Junie B. just had to have that toy for herself. She went home and asked her grandpa Miller for some money and he gave it to her. She now had enough money to buy gifts for her family and herself. She decided that she was going to give May some ashes because she was a mean girl and didnt deserve any gifts. She end up buying the squeeze a burp toy for herself. As the children were putting the gifts in each other stocking she stated to think to herself is what she doing is right. Junie B. decided to do right so she could be on Santas nice list and gave May the squeeze a burp toy. The girls ended up being friends at the end and they played with the toy that Junie B had bought. The characters in the play behaved exzactly like they should have for this play. They portrayed a typical child in school. Selfish and argumenative with each others at time. The main characters of the play were Junie B. Jones, played by Brooke Bryant and May who was played by Cori Anne Laemmel. I think the genre of the play was comedy. Many of the scenes acted out in the play had not only the children laughing, but also the adults has well. Throughout the play Junie B and May did not get along as much. Junie B was also being selfish towards others than herself. The play was trying to accomplish friendship between the two girls and also teach Junie B not to be selfish, but giving. Through out the play they played christmas music, and music that inspired the things that were going on during that scene. They also played special effects sounds for certain parts. The part where Junie B gets into trouble, they played a noise that you would expect to here when someone is getting in to trouble or is doing something they shouldnt be doing. They also had great use of the lighting effects. There were parts of the play were Junie B would talk to her self as she were talking in her head. They would put a spot light on her and black everything else out so that you know that it is ment only for the audience to here and not the other characters. The director Peter Vann did a wounderful job in directing the play. He made sure that it felt as if the characters were actually children instead of adults. They played it well putting their self in a childs place. Each character acted out their lines perfectly. If any mistakes were made I didnt notice. Their tone and body language went well with their emotins and expressions that they had to act out. Having a little knowledge about Junie B, I would have never expected for her to buy May a gift or for them to get a long in the play. Brooke Bryant did a great interpetation of Junie B. Her voiced matched her personality of a snooty, selfish girl that thinks she knows it all. I think that Brooke Bryant and Cori Laemmel held their chacter of the girls very well. There were parts of the play whene they had to do or say funny things and they did it without laughing and remained in character. Brooke Bryant broke the forth wall in a scene where she was in the spot light talking to her self. But I think that it was part of the play for her to do that. Maybe to get the audience involved or just to make contact with the children to make them laugh. I noticed that many of the children enjoyed the play. The costume designer Patricia Taber did a good job designing the costumes. Each costume fitted each of the characters personalty that was being portrayed. Their was a rich girl in the class named Lucille and her costume was a pretty dress that looked expensive. Since her charcter was a rich girl, her fancy dress showed that she came from money without her having to say anything about it. I would definatly recommed this play to a friend or a family memeber that has children or have read any of the Junie B Jones books. The play ended on the note that Junie B and May finally got along and Junie B felt proud of herself for doing what she did. After that scene I thought the play was over. Brooke Byant, the character of Junie B began to sing. I didnt expect to her such beautiful singing. All the charcters joined togther and began singing a christmas song. They said Merry christmas and bowed and then the play was over. My favorite part of the play was at the end when they start singing. I didnt expect for them to sing at all and especially not the way they did. The play was a huge successe and I would defintaly go see it again.

Evaluation Of Strengths And Weaknesses Education Essay

Evaluation Of Strengths And Weaknesses Education Essay Everyone has special qualities about themselves that give them their individuality. These qualities can be dissected into specific qualities called strengths and weaknesses. To grow as a person, we have to identify our own strengths to help us overcome our weaknesses. Understanding the learning types and behaviors of each makes me more aware of how I should pattern myself to learn more effectively, and not punish myself for thinking one way of learning would be better than another. I will discuss my personal strengths and weaknesses and explain how I plan to overcome my weaknesses in my personal and professional life. My strengths have always allowed me to be successful in everything I have attempted in my life. EVALUATION OF STRENGTHS AND WEAKNESSES Life is a never ending learning experience. One of the most important lessons we can ever learn from comes from within. As we go through life, it is important that we learn who we are, and have the ability to identify and grow from our own personal strength and weaknesses. Knowing what we are good at and what we are weak in is the only way we can truly grow as individuals. This knowledge helps us to achieve the goals we set for ourselves in life. Through taking this personal inventory of my strength and weaknesses, I have determined what I need to do not only to better understand who I am, but how to improve my life. In order to assess my strength, Skill audits assessment has shown me where I can play to my strengths, and bring in others to fill my weaknesses. (docshare.com) Marcus Buckingham (ezinearticles.com), a bestselling author and business consultant, defines strengths and weaknesses by the emotions that they evoke. Paraphrasing, he states: Strength is something that makes you feel stronger after you complete the task. It energizes you.  A weakness, on the other hand, is something that physically drains you- in other words, you may very well be good at a particular task or skill, yet when you complete it, it leaves you more tired than when you started. (ezinearticles.com) I would like to show evaluation of my strengths and weaknesses below on the basis of the skills audit which is finished and submitted: Communication:- Any act by which one person gives to or receives from another person information about that persons needs, desires, perceptions, knowledge, or affective states. Communication may be intentional or unintentional, may involve conventional or unconventional signals, may take linguistic or non-linguistic forms, and may occur through spoken or other modes. (unm.edu) I consider as strength my communication because I communicate effectively with the guest, colleagues and my managers. I understand the guest need either speaking or in writing. And I deliver the service according their need. As I work in Room Service so most of the time I communicate to the guest via phone. My colleagues and managers understand clearly what I am trying to say to them and there is more verbal communication than writing in my job profile and have never misunderstandings in communication with my colleagues and guests. Sometimes I write emails and reports effectively to my manager so it shows that I communicate effectively. Working with Others:- A tight knit team is a group of competent individuals who care deeply about each other. They are fiercely committed to their mission, and are highly motivated to combing their energy and expertise to achieve a common objective. (ezinearticles.com) Usually I worked in Room Service. But I helped in the restaurants and bar as team member. I have always enjoyed working within a team of individuals that have come together to be more productive. Since joining the hotel, the experience of working within a team has enhanced my ability to work with others in a wide variety of situations. I often provide assistance to fellow employees when they are in bind. I am appreciated by my peers for always lending a helping hand when needed. If someone criticised me I have accepted because it helped me to learn from criticism because you wont do same mistake again next time. I always kept me looking for the opportunity to be involved in a productive team. Improving Own Learning and Performance:- I have handled my studies, part time job and social life because my college attendance 95% and I never got late to my job and social life is fine as well. As I worked in R/S alone without any supervisor but I worked in restaurant and bar as well at the same time. It shows us that I performer several task and I have ability to work alone. I always plan my own work and completed my work within deadlines. Sometimes, I achieved my goals but most of time I didnt achieve goal due to no time management and other reasons. But unfortunately I never got any delegate task. I always am willing to learn from my studies, managers, colleague and work. Therefore, I am able do multitasking job in F B depts. Problem Solving:- Problem solving is a set of activities designed to analyze a situation Systematically and generate, implement and evaluate solutions.(training.fema.gov) some time I have to dealt with awkward guests so, first it is necessary to understand the guest that what the guest is wanting and accordingly I deliver the service/solution to, while keep in mind my hotel policies and values. It is important to keep you calm in under pressure because it gives you strength to handle the situation effectively. It is important to identify the problem carefully and to think about best solution with alternative solution as well before you take any action or decision because it gives you more choices of solution to help you making good decision. I made good decision most of time but when I took wrong decisions then I tried to learn from them and converted into right decision. I consider problem solving is my strength. Application of Numbers:- it is necessary to make the appropriate calculations or interpret data when serving customers because it helps you to understand how many customer are coming to your restaurant and you make yourself ready accordingly in terms of Mise n place. Sometimes I do breakfast shift and I calculate early in the morning from the room occupancy/ guest list that how many guest will do breakfast today then I tell to chefs and they cook the breakfast according to the no. of guest which saves the energy and food wastage. I believe that its one of my strength. Information Technology Proficiency:- Information Technology (IT) has not left untouched most aspects of our business and life. Therefore it is necessary to have knowledge of IT for everyone in competitive world. I consider IT as strength of mine because I am very proficient while using Microsoft office and PMS. I know how to create chart and tables on MS Office. I use IT for making report, presentation, writing Email to guest, order taking, billing etc. Motivation:- Internal and external  factors  that stimulate desire and  energy  in people to be continually interested in and committed to a  job,  role, or  subject, and to exert persistent effort in attaining a  goal. (businessdictionary.com) I am very motivated personally as well as professionally. It helps me to achieve the goals. I always try to learn new things from my manager and colleagues. I work every shift according to the Rota. I always show positive attitude to my managers. I believe in honesty and hard work which make me stronger at work. Flexibility and Adaptability:- A role with flexible boundaries can be enacted in various settings and at various times (Ashforth, Kreiner,   Fugate, 2000, p. 474) another one of my strengths is my ability to adapt to nearly any type of environment, which allows me the flexibility to be comfortable talking to many different levels of people. I always shows can do attitude to my manager and keep positive attitude to work at any time and any place. I work according to Rota whether its morning or evening or night shifts. I learn new things being flexible and adaptable at workplace. Leadership:- Warren Bennis definition of leadership is focused much more on the individual capability of the leader : Leadership is a function of knowing yourself, having a vision that is well communicated, building trust among colleagues, and taking effective action to realize your own leadership potential. (www.teal.org.uk) I do leadership sometimes but not often. Actually I do supervising in breakfast shift. I take responsibility my own work, whether its correct or not. Whenever, new entrants join the restaurant or R/S. I always approach and try to help effectively to new colleagues when they needed. I believe that leadership is my strength as well. Creativity Initiative Creativity is marked by the ability or power to create, to bring into existence, to invest with a new form, to produce through imaginative skill, to make or bring into existence something new.  (uwsp.edu) I am creative and take initiative at work place. I like to give new ideas to my supervisor and managers. I have taken initiative to change my Room Service menu. I got an opportunity to rectify the breakfast setup. And I took initiative to set right setup of breakfast, lunch and dinner in R/S which was appreciated by my managers. Self Confidence:- Giacomo Casanova states that   It is only necessary to have courage, for strength without self-confidence is useless. (brainyquote.com) I am highly confident personally as well as professionally to talk and handle the customers. I got appreciation on comment card by guest so many times. I am confident enough to talk diplomatic way with my colleagues and managers when needed. On the other hand, I consider judgement and sensitive issues as a weakness due to lack of experience because sometimes I could not able to take right judgement. I couldnt able deal with sensitive issue. My time management skill is my greatest weaknesses because I know that this causes me great stress in my professional life. I often tend to stay up all night late. This leads to some fairly exhausted day. The home environment is just full of distraction, which cause me to procrastinate. There is always a reason to watch television, spend time with my friends, clean the house etc. My other negative trait would be that I likely to be a perfectionist. When I do things I do them in such a methodical way that I am not satisfied until they are just right in my eyes. When working on group project, I sometimes get frustrated when other does not put forth the same level of effort that I do. Often I find myself losing patience with those who dont share my same ideas. Conclusion Research has shown that life is a learning experience. The strengths and weaknesses I have discussed are part of what makes me an individual. By identifying them, I am able devise a plan to improve my areas of weakness, while using my strength to my advantage. My objective is that through reinforcing my strengths and overcoming my weaknesses, I will be more successful in both my personal and professional life. Recommendation I would like to recommend myself that I should have to check my strength and weaknesses time to time in order to check my strength and weaknesses in order to achieve my goals. I should set a personal goal aimed toward correcting my weaknesses. I should decide to work on my time management skills. I should plan to start this process by pushing myself to dedicate more of my free time to college work. This is the area that is most negatively affected by my delay needlessly. I will also try to be more effective in the way I manage my schedule at work. I should plan to work on my patience and understanding of others different styles and perspectives. Last, I should work on my judgement as well.

Pearl Harbor Essay -- essays research papers

Pearl Harbor I. Events before the bombing A. Reasons for Japans Expansion  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Japanese were severely lacking in raw materials 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Japanese wanted to build an empire 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Japan thought that it must build up its armies to compete with the Western Powers II. Preparations A.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Japanese made up a 8 point plan 1. Surprise was crucial 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  American aircraft carriers there should be the primary targets 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  U.S. aircraft there must be destroyed to prevent aerial opposition 4.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All Japanese aircraft carriers available should be used 5.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  All types of bombing should be used in the attack 6.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A strong fighter element should be included in the attack for air cover for the fleet 7.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Refueling at sea would be necessary 8.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A daylight attack promised best results, especially in the sunrise hours B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The necessary troops were trained and ships were readied C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Peace talks came to a halt III. The Attack A. The attack was carrier based B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The attack consisted of about 300 planes C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The attack started at 7:55 a.m. IV. Aftermaths of the attack   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  A. American losses 1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  19 ships were damaged or sunk 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  2,403 people were killed 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Germany and Italy declared war on America V. Conclusion A. The war was stopped by the atom-bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki B.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The President was aware of Japan’s plans to attack C.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The attack was allowed to bring Japan into the war Pearl Harbor I. Events before the bombing A. Reasons for Japans Expansion  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   1.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Japanese were severely lacking in raw materials 2.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The Japanese wanted to build an empire 3.  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Japan thought that it must build up its armies to com... ...d first. The plan was to anger Japan and thus to drag America into the greatest war of her existence. Yet even with this â€Å"Terrible Truth† I am inclined to forgive. I sympathize with President Roosevelt and the dilemma he faced. â€Å"He was forced to find circuitous means to persuade an isolationist America to join in a fight for freedom†¦It is easier to take a critical view of this policy a half century after the event than to fully understand fully what went on in Roosevelt’s mind in the year prior to Pearl Harbor. Work Cited   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (April 10,2001).December 7,1941. [World Wide Web]. Available: URL=http://www.execpc.com/~dschaaf/overview.html   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  (April 20,2001).Historychannel. [World Wide Web]. Available: URL=http://www.historychannel.com/per1/print_book.pl?ID=35502 (April 10,2001).The History Place. [World Wide Web]. Available: URL=http://www.historyplace.com/worldwar2/timeline/pearl.htm Louis L. Snyder. â€Å"Pearl Harbor.† Academic American Encyclopedia 1989 ed. Stackman, Michael, Target: Pearl Harbor. Honolulu: University of Hawaii   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Press, 1990

Management Accounting – Setting Prices

cco Management Accounting Tutorial 5 15-3. List and briefly describe 4 major influences on pricing decisions Customer Demand: the demands of customers are of paramount importance in all phases of business operations, from the design of a product to the setting of its price. Product-design issues and pricing considerations are interrelated, so they must be examined simultaneously. For example, for a higher quality product; you need higher quality materials which will affect a higher cost and needs more time and this will lead to a higher pricing on a product.Also, a manager must not price its product out of the market price range. Actions of Competitors: companies must keep an eye on its competitors. If its competitor reduces its pricing on a product, they might have to follow suit to avoid losing its market share. However, one must not follow the actions of its competitors’ blindly as a company has to predict competitive reactions to its product-design and pricing strategy. Th e company must also be careful to properly define its product, such that if they increase the price of the product; will the consumers continue purchasing the product?Costs: some prices are determined almost entirely by market forces. Industries such as agriculture; where most products are market-driven. To make a profit, farmers must produce at a cost below the market price. This is very risky as it is not always possible to produce at a price lower than the market price and this will inevitably lead to losses for the farmers. In other industries, prices are set by adding a markup to production costs so managers do have some latitude in determining the markup. Therefore, both market forces and cost considerations heavily influence prices.No organization or industry can price its products below their production costs indefinitely. And no company’s management can set prices blindly at a cost plus a markup without keeping an eye on the market. Political, Legal and image-related issues: managers must adhere to certain laws. The law generally prohibits companies from discriminating among their customers in setting prices. It is also forbidden in collusion in price setting between major firms. Political considerations also can be relevant.For example, if the firms in an industry are perceived by the public as reaping unfairly large profits, there may be political pressure on legislators to tax those profits differentially or to intervene in some way to regulate prices Companies also consider their public image in the price-setting process. A firm with a reputation for very high quality products may set the price of a new product high to be consistent with its image. 15-11. Write the general formula for cost-plus pricing, and briefly explain its use. Price = Cost + (Markup % * Cost) 15-12. List the 4 common cost bases used in cost-plus pricing.How can they all result in the same price? – Variable manufacturing cost + (Markup % * Variable manufacturing cost) – Absorption manufacturing cost + (Markup % * Absorption manufacturing cost) – Total cost + (Markup % * Total cost) – Total variable cost + (Markup % * Total variable cost) Several different definitions of cost, each combined with a different markup percentage can result in the same price for a product or service. 15-13. List 4 reasons often cited for the widespread use of absorption cost as the cost base in cost-plus pricing formulas. – In the long run, the price must over all costs and a normal profit margin.Basing the cost-plus formula on only variable costs could encourage managers to set too low a price in order to boost sales. This will not happen if managers understand that a variable cost-plus pricing formula requires a higher markup to cover fixed costs and profit. Nevertheless, many managers argue that people tend to view the costs base in a cost-plus pricing formula as the floor for setting prices. If prices are set too close to variable manufacturing cost, the firm will fail to cover its fixed costs. Ultimately, such a practice could result in the failure of the business. Absorption-cost or total-cost pricing formulas provide a justifiable price that tends to be perceived as equitable by all parties. Consumers generally understand that a company must make a profit on its product or service in order to remain in business. Justifying a price as the total cost of production, sales, and administrative activities, plus a reasonable profit margin, seems reasonable to buyers. – When a company’s competitors have similar operations and cost structure, cost-plus pricing based on full costs gives management an idea of how competitors may set prices Absorption-cost information is provided by a firm’s cost accounting system, because it is required for external financial reporting under generally accepted accounting principles. Since absorption-cost information already exists, it is cost-effective to use it for pricing. The alternative would involve preparing special product-cost data specifically for the pricing decision. In a firm with hundreds of products, such data could be expensive to product. 15-14. What is the primary disadvantage of basing the cost-plus pricing formula on absorption cost? The primary disadvantage of absorption-cost or total-cost pricing formulas is hat they obscure the cost behavior pattern of the firm. Since absorption-cost and total-cost data include allocated fixed costs, it is not clear from these data how the firm’s total costs will change as volume changes. Another way of stating this criticism is that absorption-cost data are not consistent with cost-volume-profit analysis. CVP analysis emphasizes the distinction between fixed and variable costs. This approach enables managers to predict the effects of changes in prices and sales volume on profit. Absorption-cost and total-cost information obscures the distinction between variable and fixed costs . 5-15. List 3 advantages of pricing based on variable cost – Variable-cost data do obscure the cost behavior pattern by unitizing fixed costs and making them appear variable. Thus, variable-cost information is more consistent with cost-volume profit analysis often used by managers to see the profit implications of changes in price and volume – Variable-cost data do not require allocation of common fixed costs to individual product lines. – Variable-cost data are exactly the type of information managers need when facing certain decisions, such as whether to accept a special order.This decision often requires an analysis that separates fixed and variable costs 15-16. Explain the behavioral problem that can result when cost-plus prices are based on variable cost. If the managers perceive the variable cost of a product or service as the floor for the price, they may tend to set the price too low for the firm to cover its fixed costs. Therefore, if variable-cost dat a are used as the basis for cost-plus pricing, managers must understand the need for higher markups to ensure that all costs are covered. 15-17. Briefly explain the concept of return-on-investment pricingA common approach to determine the profit margin in cost-plus pricing is to base profit on the firm’s target return on investment 15-18. Explain the phrase price-led costing. Target costing sets the target cost by first determining the price at which a product can be sold in the marketplace. Subtracting the target profit margin from this target price yields the target cost, that is, the cost at which the product must be manufactured. This simple, but strategically important, relationship can expressed in the following equation:Target cost = Target price – Target profit 15-19. Why is a focus on the customer such a key principle of target costing? To be successful at target costing, management must listen to the company’s customers. Management needs to aggressivel y seek customer feedback and then the products must be designed to satisfy customer demand and be sold at a price they are willing to pay. In short, the target costing approach is market driven. 15-25. Describe the following approaches to pricing new products: skimming pricing, penetration pricing and target costing.Skimming pricing; which the initial product price is set high, and short-term profits are reaped on the new product. The initial market will be small, due in part to the high initial price. This pricing approach often is used for unique products, where there are people who ‘must have it’ whatever the price. As the product gains acceptance and its appeal broadens, the price is lowered gradually. Eventually, the product is priced in range that appeals to several kinds of buyers. Penetration pricing; which the initial price is set relatively low. By setting a low price for a new product, the management hopes to penetrate a ew market deeply, quickly gaining a la rge market share. This pricing approach often is used for products that are of good quality, but do not stand out as vastly better than competing products. Target cost; where the company first uses market research to determine the price at which a new product can be sold. Given the likely sales price, management computes the cost for which the product must be manufactured in order to provide the firm with the cost for which the product must be manufactured in order to provide the firm with an acceptable profit margin.Finally, the engineers and cost analysts work together to design a product that can be manufactured for the allowable costs. This method is used widely by companies in the development stages of new products. It is projected long-run cost that will enable a firm to enter and remain in the market for the product and compete successfully with the firm’s competitors. 15-27. Briefly explain the potential negative consequences in pricing decisions from using a traditio nal, volume-based product-costing system. Use of a traditional, volume-based product-costing system may result in significant cost distortion among product lines.In many cases, high-volume and relatively simple products are overcosted while low-volume and complex products are undercosted. This results from the fact that high0volume and relatively simple products require proportionately less activity per unit for various manufacturing support activities than do low-volume and complex products, yet a traditional product-costing system, in which all overhead is assigned on the basis of a single unit-level activity like DL hours, it fails to capture the cost implications of product diversity.

Culture In The Age Of Money. An analysis of the book culture In The Age Of Money written by Nicolaus Mills.

Culture In The Age Of Money. An analysis of the book culture In The Age Of Money written by Nicolaus Mills. In the book Culture in an age of Money, the author Nicolaus Mills labels our recent cultural history as "the culture of triumph" In describing its persistence, Mills suggests that, "while the victories of the culture of triumph have been frequent, they have been largely hollow." The author looks at the commercialization of our society in such diverse areas as materialistic things, politics and opinions."Nancy Regan wanted new china for the White House. The cost of the china was the problem. The Lenox pattern with a raised gold presidential seal in the center that the president's wife chose came to $209,508 for 220 place settings. At a time when her husband was talking about cutting welfare eligibility and the misery index (inflation plus unemployment) was over 20 percent,... the 1980's would be a culture based on triumph-on the admiration of power and status- and nothing would be more important to the culture than its symbols...newUnited Stateschina would be a start in the right dire ction... Ronald Regan declared. In the 1980's his America would not look or act like a weakling nation. The president and his guests would eat off china that proclaimed, "The era of self-doubt is over". (Mills pg.11-12)Ronald Regan and his administration thought that the America they had inherited was in shock from a decade of humiliation. We had lost the longest war, a president had to resign in disgrace and the economy was shot. In what better way's to rebuild a Country and its trust in people, then with the purchase of new china for the White House and its guests. I think Ronald Regan had his priorities a little mixed up wanting to reduce welfare eligibility while purchasing new china as an excuse that we are headed in the right direction. I also...

Early Civilization Class Systems essays

Early Civilization Class Systems essays Throughout history and into the present we can see that class systems were both present, and necessary in major civilizations. The class systems uniqueness determined the role of the individual in each society. Class systems affected the political systems, economic systems, and social life of each culture. Ancient cultures displayed variations on the class theme. In India people were placed into classes at birth. In China all people followed the Jen system, which was not based on wealth alone. But we can see a common theme that runs through class systems that is used even today, power and money. The power that an individual created for himself or herself through money, fame or personal efficiency would place them in a class distinguished as High, Middle, or Low. High being the ones with the most power and low being with the least power. Also there were usually subdivisions within each class, which were either defined or muted in the civilizations. In reviewing and researching ancient cultures I have concluded that class systems maintained order and ensured success in ancient civilizations. The majority of ancient civilizations became and remained dependent on the definition or presence of classes in their societies. As Herbert J. Wuller describes the beginning of class systems, More specifically, the rise of civilization forced the social question that is still with us. By their great drainage and irrigation system the Sumerians were able to produce an increasing surplus of material wealth. The question is: Who was to possess and enjoy this wealth? The answer in Sumer was an invariable one: Chiefly a privileged few. The god who in theory owned it all in fact required the services of priestly bailiffs, and before long these were doing more than their share in assisting him to enjoy it, at the expense of the many menials beneath them. Class divisions grew more pronounced in the divine household, as in the city at la...

On Being Tentative

On Being Tentative If you are afraid to write, then dont. If you are afraid to submit, then dont. If you are afraid to publish, then dont. Youre getting in the way of the glut of writers out there whove decided fear is not an option. I get riled at many programs, classes, and blog posts that tell you magically how to overcome fear, how to make yourself do any of the writing tasks required of a serious writer. If a writer has to pay someone else to remove that fear, then chances are that fear will return after payment has been rendered and the writer is left alone again. In other words, when the crutch is gone, the writer flounders again, seeking someone, something, some entity that will prop him up again and hold his hand to the finish line. When the motivation ought to organically come from within. Im not making light of the fear involved in this profession. We bare our hearts and souls to strangers then hold our arms open for the potential lashing. Yes, its hard. Everything that tests us, challenges us, or strengthens us is an obstacle, and in the end, we are the only ones that can decide to dig in, overcome,  and make it happen. So when I see the titles that say something like How to get over the fear of publishing, . . . I get mad. The lone writer is the only soul who can fix fear. Learn a lesson, tuck it into your tool box, and move on. Reach inside yourself and make your own decision to improve, submit, publish. At the end of the day, you are the only one left standing to make the decision on where to take your writing. This job is lonely. The only way you can get inside your head and tap those luscious words that sell is to be alone, edit alone, submit alone. You make the choices. You make the changes. You make the long-term decision to stick this crap out and make it happen. At the moment I hear a hundred voices shouting But followed While this editorial might raise the blood pressure of a few readers, so be it. Face reality. Writing is not a group effort. Sure, you hire people or sign contracts with others along the way, even thinking an agent is your life vest, but the bottom line is that you pen the words. This is all on you. We all like the pat on the back and the positive reinforcement. Thats human nature. But if you need someone  petting you on the head every day to keep going, maybe this isnt the job for you. There are too many others out there who show up everyday to make their dream happen. And they left their mommas in the other room.

Effect of Ocean acidification upon ability to genetically adapt in Essay

Effect of Ocean acidification upon ability to genetically adapt in Nereis species - Essay Example This change affects the small marine organisms the most. The decrease in pH affects their physiological processes mainly their metabolic rates and oxygen intake processes. Calcifying species are also affected due to the decrease in CO32- ions, which are used in forming CaCO3. Due to these effects, the species have to adapt to these changes in order to counter the negative effects on their physiology. These changes may be phenotypic for short term or genotypic for long term. This paper investigates the effect of ocean acidity on the genetic makeup of the Nereis species (Australian Biological Resources Study, 2000, p.45). Due to the increase in the ocean water acidity, the marine species have adapted to the change in pH. All the specimens have the same gene expression alterations when exposed to low pH. All the species experience phenotype plasticity when exposed to low pH levels. These effects can be determined by scientific methods. Species from the low pH region of Ischia have adapted to low pH (Armstrong, A. 2013, p593). Six marine species were picked for the research namely; Polychaetes, Nerissuccinea, Nereisdiversicolor, Nereisvirens, Platyneiresdemerilli and Nereiszonata. The worms were collected from different areas. Some samples were from Ischia region, a place with low pH value due to CO2 vents. These samples were exposed to low pH value environments for short time and long-term durations. The control group was set in normal pH environment. The pH value affects energy production processes in the specimens. With differences in pH, the individuals of the Nereis genus undergo some changes in energy production. The samples from the regions of low pH show the least changes, having adapted to low pH levels. All the specimens are affected by extremely low pH levels but the specimens from the vents show the most resilience since they have already adapted to low pH environs. This is because their metabolic activity is always heightened. The responses

American Airport Security Vs Japan Airport Security Essay

American Airport Security Vs Japan Airport Security - Essay Example The question raised is whether this machine can detect explosives hidden in private areas. Some of the passengers strictly object to the pat downs in addition to the WBI scan as the agent has to come in intimate contact with the passenger. After the heartening incident of 9/11, there were several short term regulations introduced but the more important ones were the long term changes. Immediate consequence was the background check of more than 750 000 airport employees, placement of a larger number of investigative staff, extensive search and scanning of all the checked baggage. Under the more long term effects, the passengers are now more closely restricted to the amount of baggage and hand carry they can take with them. Addition of new agencies to overlook the security enhancements was inevitable. As much as the vehicles arriving at the airport are meticulously checked and rechecked, no matter if they are to see the passengers off or to receive them. The security systems are proving to be costly in Japan. As they have privately owned security companies, it is getting difficult for them to afford such a high cost flight. Every year advanced technology is introduced to avoid such attacks, and it is getting more difficu lt every year for passengers to travel confidently. They get conscious about carrying things with them. These security measures are getting on nerves of passengers, but they are the things which have to be looked after. Entire crews of airports are highly trained and strictly ordered to take actions against any kind misbehavior or suspicion.

Marketing Strategies Proposal Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Marketing Strategies Proposal - Essay Example They strive to create and maintain good relations with their customers all the time (Kerin, et al, 2006). Researches carried out recently indicate that most people hold the company image very high. The Apollo Group explains that most people showed their satisfaction to the locations of the company stores as well as the stores’ atmosphere. Moreover, they embraced the company’s selection of products by agreeing that they got the value of their money. Though many people expressed a feeling of dissatisfaction when it came to the display of the merchandise, they concurred that the merchandise they bought gave them contentment. Quite a good number of the customers felt that the company’s customer representatives related to them well although they never had enough knowledge in their field (Kerin, et al, 2006). Finally, the research indicated that majority of the customers were in favor of the company. From the data provided from the study one can generally say that the company has a good position in the market. The Apollo Group suggests that at least majority of the customers were contented with most company products and services. From the study, one can conclude that the company has embraced customer satisfaction through provision of a variety of products, making the stores convenient to the customers, provision of valuable goods and creating a customer friendly environment within the stores. Unfortunately, the company has its weaknesses as well for instance the display system which is a very strong marketing strategy was criticized (Kerin, et al, 2006). Moreover, the company’s customer representatives seem not to be giving their customers sufficient information that they need. The studies conducted recently about the company seem to portray similar characteristics. Kerin, et al (2006) suggests that generally almost all of them indicate an overall satisfaction with the company with the most praised company trait being production of a

Organic Foods Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organic Foods - Annotated Bibliography Example 1. Derk Jan Stobbelaar, Gerda Casimir, Josine Borghuis, Inge Marks, Laurens Meijer & Simone Zebeda. (2008) Adolescent’s attitudes towards Organic food: A survey on 15 to 16 year old school children. International Journal of Consumer Studies. In this article the authors, have touched upon the need for aiming at organic policies keeping in mind the adolescents. As adolescents are going to be the consumers of tomorrow, the authors conducted a survey among school children in the ages of 15-16 years which tested their knowledge about organic food. The survey conducted among 700 students also examined their attitudes towards organic food, whether they bought organic food and their influence upon their parents to buy the same. The findings of the survey revealed that the adolescent children had a positive attitude towards organic food. Even though their attitude was positive, they had little knowledge about it and were not too willing to buy it. The authors suggested that the campaigns aimed at the target group should be designed, keeping in mind their preferences and ethical values. 2. Sylvette Monier et al. (2009) Organic Food Consumption Patterns. Journal of Agricultural and Food Industrial Organization. The authors Monier et al., conducted a research on two different issues relating to the consumption of organic food in France. Since it was aimed to increase the consumption of organic food the issue that was first researched was whether the choice for organic food was permanent or not.

Job Satisfaction Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 22500 words

Job Satisfaction - Essay Example Employee satisfaction is the most important factor for the successful operation of companies nowadays. When the employees are satisfied, it improves the performance and productivity of the company and contributes towards the profitability. On the other hand, low job satisfaction has negative results such as increasing cost, decreasing profits and customer dissatisfaction. In order to be successful companies need to concentrate on increasing employee’s satisfaction so that employees’ retention rate can be increased. Past studies have shown that employees’ satisfaction can be increased by the following: †¢ a sense of engagement and decision-making responsibilities †¢ use of skill and abilities †¢ opportunities to advance †¢ opportunities to learn new skills †¢ positive communicative relationships with supervisors, and †¢ good pay and training. Job satisfaction has been defined by Locke as â€Å"the pleasurable or positive emotional state that results from an employee's job or experience associated with the job†. Moreover as discussed in, job satisfaction is â€Å"the fulfilment and gratification that comes from work†, it is not really the money or the benefits received but the positive feelings experienced from accomplishing tasks. Every job holds the potential to provide certain levels of satisfaction related to individual employees. Job satisfaction is an important factor especially in high risk environment like oil and gas in terms of the potential hazard towards the safety of an employee.

Concentration camp Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Concentration camp - Essay Example The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum report on concentration camps reveals that â€Å"Between 1933 and 1945, Nazi Germany established about 20,000 camps to imprison its many millions of victims† (Nazi). The concentration camps of Nazi Germany were designed in various forms and did not all engage in the same type of activities. The first camp that was created in Nazi Germany was opened two months after Adolf Hitler took power in January 1933. The camp, called Dachau, was considered a triumph for the German people because the people were in need of order in their country (Bergen). This camp was considered a solution to the chaos that had previously existed. In bringing order to Germany, Hitler imprisoned political prisoners, who were communists, social democrats, or anyone who was against Hitler’s authority. Some of the prisoners were brutal convicts from traditional prisons who were given the power over other prisoners in order to make the job of the camp guards an easier task (Bergan). As the first prison, Dachau would be the experiment off of which the rest of the camps would then be tailored to fit the needs that the camp would be built to fulfill. According to Harold Marcuse, in his book, Legacies of Dachau: The Uses and Abuses of a Concentration Camp-2001 , â€Å"During the first weeks of the camp’s operation, the prisoners were not humiliated or mistreated, their heads were not shaved, they were not identified by numbers, and they were not forced to work† (22). However, the treatment would change in the months that followed. Marcuse states that by May of 1933, special rules had been put into place, and that â€Å"violence and terror were institutionalized as part of life in the camps† (22). By the end of May, records show that 12 prisoners had been killed or tortured to death (Marcuse 22). Dachau was becoming a template for the horrors that would follow in the various camps that would be built . After 1940, the

Organic Foods Annotated Bibliography Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Organic Foods - Annotated Bibliography Example 1. Derk Jan Stobbelaar, Gerda Casimir, Josine Borghuis, Inge Marks, Laurens Meijer & Simone Zebeda. (2008) Adolescent’s attitudes towards Organic food: A survey on 15 to 16 year old school children. International Journal of Consumer Studies. In this article the authors, have touched upon the need for aiming at organic policies keeping in mind the adolescents. As adolescents are going to be the consumers of tomorrow, the authors conducted a survey among school children in the ages of 15-16 years which tested their knowledge about organic food. The survey conducted among 700 students also examined their attitudes towards organic food, whether they bought organic food and their influence upon their parents to buy the same. The findings of the survey revealed that the adolescent children had a positive attitude towards organic food. Even though their attitude was positive, they had little knowledge about it and were not too willing to buy it. The authors suggested that the campaigns aimed at the target group should be designed, keeping in mind their preferences and ethical values. 2. Sylvette Monier et al. (2009) Organic Food Consumption Patterns. Journal of Agricultural and Food Industrial Organization. The authors Monier et al., conducted a research on two different issues relating to the consumption of organic food in France. Since it was aimed to increase the consumption of organic food the issue that was first researched was whether the choice for organic food was permanent or not.

Concentration camp Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Concentration camp - Essay Example The United States Holocaust Memorial Museum report on concentration camps reveals that â€Å"Between 1933 and 1945, Nazi Germany established about 20,000 camps to imprison its many millions of victims† (Nazi). The concentration camps of Nazi Germany were designed in various forms and did not all engage in the same type of activities. The first camp that was created in Nazi Germany was opened two months after Adolf Hitler took power in January 1933. The camp, called Dachau, was considered a triumph for the German people because the people were in need of order in their country (Bergen). This camp was considered a solution to the chaos that had previously existed. In bringing order to Germany, Hitler imprisoned political prisoners, who were communists, social democrats, or anyone who was against Hitler’s authority. Some of the prisoners were brutal convicts from traditional prisons who were given the power over other prisoners in order to make the job of the camp guards an easier task (Bergan). As the first prison, Dachau would be the experiment off of which the rest of the camps would then be tailored to fit the needs that the camp would be built to fulfill. According to Harold Marcuse, in his book, Legacies of Dachau: The Uses and Abuses of a Concentration Camp-2001 , â€Å"During the first weeks of the camp’s operation, the prisoners were not humiliated or mistreated, their heads were not shaved, they were not identified by numbers, and they were not forced to work† (22). However, the treatment would change in the months that followed. Marcuse states that by May of 1933, special rules had been put into place, and that â€Å"violence and terror were institutionalized as part of life in the camps† (22). By the end of May, records show that 12 prisoners had been killed or tortured to death (Marcuse 22). Dachau was becoming a template for the horrors that would follow in the various camps that would be built . After 1940, the

Panera Bread Case Essay Example for Free

Panera Bread Case Essay The Au Bon Pain Bakery was first opened in 1976 to fulfill the concept of a fast casual restaurant. Following a period of debt; the Cookie Jar Bakery owned by Ronald Shaich and Aub Bon Pain Bakery owned by Louis Kane merged to become Au Bon Pain Co. Inc. in 1981. In 1985 after noticing customers buying bread and adding their own sandwich meat, the company decided to add fresh made sandwiches to their menu to capitalize on the profit. After going public in 1991, Shaich decided that in order to expand the purchase of the St. Louis Bread Company was paramount. Au Bon Pain or â€Å"where good bread is† would eventually become Panera Bread Company in 1999(Thomas L. Wheelen and J). Panera Bread Company would become the leader in fast casual dining; combining the ease of fast food with the quality of the restaurant experience and a coffee shop atmosphere. Noticing the needs of businessmen for having a place to meet and dine simultaneously; Panera developed its business to meet five different â€Å"meals†; breakfast, lunch, daytime â€Å"chillout†, lunch in the evening, and take-home bread(Thomas L.  Wheelen and J). As a result of Panera’s ingenuity; it became the leader in a bakery-cafe style restaurant providing fresh-baked goods, made-to-order sandwiches, soups, salads, and coffee (Thomas L. Wheelen and J). Panera Bread Company’s growth and success was the direct result of the standards set by Au Bon Pain in its identification as the pioneer in the fast casual restaurant category. Having met four criteria including: a limited service or self service style, pricing that fell between fast food and casual dining, made-to-order food with complex flavors, and upscale decor much like that of a neighborhood bistro; Panera quickly grew and gained profit and continues to flourish today. Panera enjoyed total revenues in 2011 of $1,822,032,000 as reported to the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and net income of $135, 952,000. First and foremost I feel that Panera’s effort to sponsor charities is quite commendable, there truly is no better way to gain recognition or compete with similar businesses than to give to charity. This year a local restaurant in Oak Harbor hosted a pig roast as a means for collecting donations to charities in the area. The amount collected and distributed to local charities by the owner of the local restaurant was published in our local paper. As a result of his efforts, he has gained recognition and people are honored to eat in his restaurant. An ever developing menu is also a good way to gain recognition, however I feel that this method could possibly pose issues like the ones seen with fast food chains when they discontinue a favorite sandwich or drink. Many times a fast food joint has a special new drink or sandwich and after a month do away with it. This is frustrating to the customers because they enjoyed the new item and wish to continue purchasing. If proper research is not done to decide whether or not to keep a menu item, business could suffer. An identifiable image is definitely a good way to promote a business, yet I don’t feel that it would be the right move considering the style of business Panera is trying to continue. Most images such as McDonald’s golden arches, and Applebees’ flaming apple tend to scream fast food. While Applebees may not be considered by many as fast food, it tends to fall further down the list in quality than many of our local restaurants. Here in Oak Harbor we have restaurants that are well-known in the community such as Frasier’s and Flyers which do not have specific signage to identify them. Instead these businesses are advertised through word of mouth, and advertising on the actual store front. 2) Schaich would often do the opposite of his competition during periods of economic downturn. While many of his competitors slashed prices and offered extensive discounts, Panera doubled its prices on bagels and soups. This strategy was fundamental to the success of Panera. What would increasing prices during recession be a strategy that worked for Panera? What other strategies might be helpful in maintaining the competitive edge during a recession? I believe the reason Panera was most successful by increasing prices instead of lowering them during recession is the fact that they offered high quality product. Another reason I believe this strategy worked is because it offered consumers an outlet for the stress associated with recession. Had Panera lowered its prices while still offering high quality, it would have been a reminder of the worsening economic condition and perceived as not at all favorable to Panera’s high-end consumers. It is my belief that another strategy that could be beneficial to Panera during recession is acquisition. If Panera were to acquire another company that produces bakery products comparable to Panera, it might broaden its consumer base and possibly expand to more locations. This strategy would reduce competition by consuming the other company’s customer base. The other company would most likely jump at the chance to sell given the economic downturn. Overall this strategy would be helpful in eliminating competition as well as expanding Panera’s locations. 3) In 2003 Panera Bread Company initiated for unit general managers and multi-unit managers to own a majority interest in their business (Thomas L. Wheelen and J). This practice was designed to assist in enrichment of the consumer experience because the people working the bakery-cafes were experienced as well as motivated. In what other ways might Panera motivate its employees and franchise owners? Should Panera better their part-time employee benefits? I believe giving managers a share is a good step in the right direction, it gives them a reason to do their very best for the business. I agree with Panera’s idea of having experienced and knowledgeable employees at the forefront of the business. A competent business is more likely to prosper and draw consumers than a company that employs people with no knowledge of their product. As for additional forms of motivation, I would have to say that first and foremost an employee discount would be a great incentive for employees. This form of motivation would be valuable to employees who truly believed in Panera and its quality. Another great motivator for employees would be charity donation matching. If Panera were to offer its employee of the month the opportunity to have Panera match any and all of his/her donations to charity either in product or funds; this may also motivate employees that are in line with Panera’s values to do their very best. There is a sense of pride in belonging to a company that takes CSR seriously, by voicing this value Panera is more likely to find employees that share in their spirit. Far too often employee burnout becomes a real issue in service related businesses. I think that Panera should offer sabbaticals to employees who wish to work on community service projects. Not only with a break from everyday routine aid in preventing burnout, extra community service will get the brand name out there, and employees will feel that they did something positive and in line with Panera’s values. I believe Panera should have definitely looked at increasing part-time employees’ benefits. Their part-time employees are stated to be at around 13,200, which is significantly higher than their full-time employees. These part-time employees therefore have a significant impact on the success of the business. Keeping in line with Panera’s idea of investing in the business to benefit the consumer, offering better benefits to part-time employees would ensure that employees felt valued and in turn would provide better service.

Social Work Knowledge And Skills Analysis Social Work Essay

Social Work Knowledge And Skills Analysis Social Work Essay This essay provides a critical analysis of a 10-minute AV recording transcript (appendix 1) of an interview with a service user in a simulated role play. This is not a real interview, but part of a student assignment. All names used in this recording transcript are fictitious and thus there are no issues concerning confidentiality. The essay comprises two parts. In Part 1, Kolbs Learning Cycle (Kolb, 1984) will be utilised to reflect upon the interview. In Part 2, the ASPIRE Model (Parker and Bradley, 2003) will be utilised to outline how further work with this service user would be approached. Kolbs Learning Cycle and the ASPIRE Model will both be briefly outlined within the appropriate section. Part 1: Reflection and Critical Analysis Kolbs Learning Cycle, which will be used to reflect upon and critically analyse the interview, comprises four stages of learning from experience: Concrete Experience (i.e. active involvement in an experience); Reflective Observation (i.e. reviewing and reflecting on the experience); Abstract Conceptualisation (i.e. concluding and learning from the experience); and, Active Experimentation (i.e. planning and trying what has been learned). Each of these stages will be used in this reflection and critique. Concrete Experience A simulated role play interview was conducted with Paul Jones, a 60-year old who contacted the adult social work team to discuss the possibility of some assistance. Paul is the sole carer of his 92-year old father, James. Paul has been finding it increasingly difficult to care for James, who spends all day on the sofa and does not even go upstairs to his bed at night. James became this way soon after the death of his daughter 1-month previously. She died of cancer not long after Paul and James lost Pauls mother and James wife to a heart attack, 6-months previously. Their only relative is Pauls son, who lives up North and is unable to visit regularly. The full case study can be found in appendix 2. Reflective Observation The purpose of the interview was to work collaboratively with Paul in establishing his current needs. With the exception of the beginning of the interview when I was nervous and finding background noise distracting, I communicated in a clear and courteous manner. These skills are important when establishing rapport with a service user, laying the foundations to develop mutual respect and trust (Koprowska, 2005). After some introductions and the setting of boundaries regarding confidentiality, I placed the interview agenda into Pauls control with the appropriate use of the open-ended question, What has bought you here today? By recognising the power imbalance present between social workers and service users, I was mindful to reduce the oppressive impact of hierarchy (Dalrymple and Burke, 2000). The question did, however, seem to unnerve Paul and he passed the question back by asking Well, Im not sure how much you know? I informed him that I do know a little bit. . . and then gently en couraged him to provide me with some more information. On reflection, I should have clarified with Paul why needed the information again (i.e. to confirm accuracy of details). He was clearly uncomfortable with repeating the information, possibly due to a previous resistance to seeking outside help. I was focused on eliciting information from Paul first-hand to prevent any assumptions being made, but should have adapted my approach based on Pauls needs. A key strength within the interview was the effective use of empathic understanding, which appeared to put Paul at ease. Statements such as, This must have been a very difficult time for you and appropriate use of eye contact and body language conveyed empathy, congruence (genuineness), and unconditional positive regard. These are three core conditions required in person-centred counselling (Rogers, 1980). I feel that by utilising these skills within the interview, Paul was able to speak openly about his concerns. Indeed, evidence suggests that congruence supports anti-oppressive practice by facilitating the development of a partnership (Miller, 2006). Paul sought help under the premise that it was for James, but with the appropriate use of open-ended and closed questions it was established that he needed help too. The needs of the carer are far too often overlooked within social care (Herring, 2006), but I ensured I gained a balanced accumulation of information on both Paul and James in order to establish both of their needs. Systems Theory (Bronfenbrenner, 1977) purports that in order to understand an individual, they need to be assessed in terms of their interactions with their environment and within their relationships. By the end of the interview, a shared understanding had been reached, as well as a plan of action in terms of arranging a home visit and contacting Citizens Advice to discuss financial concerns. Thus, the initial aim of the interview was met. Abstract Conceptualisation When discussing his problems, Paul was very open and forthcoming, as was facilitated by the use of non-verbal encouragers such as nodding and leaning slightly forward to show interest (Seden, 1999). He was, however, resistant to further outside help such as from his GP or a counsellor. I was careful not to judge Paul on this and to remind myself that there are a number of reasons why he might be resistant (e.g. previous negative experiences with health professionals; family belief systems, etc.). Interestingly Paul did share that James would also be resistant to outside help, indicating the possibility that seeking help is not part of the family belief system. It was important that I did not oppress Paul or James by undermining their responsibilities for the choices they make (Dominelli, 2002, p.47). On reflection, I should have been more understanding of Pauls difficulties accepting help and adjusted my approach accordingly. In particular, if I was to conduct this interview again, I would change the way I responded to Pauls concerns that, I am just worried that I am going to lose it with my dad and I often find things closing in on me. . . I should have probed these concerns further, as has been highlighted in my feedback, in order to establish whether Paul was a danger to himself or James. One of the key roles within the National Occupational Standards for Social Work is to Manage risk to individuals, families, carers, groups, communities, self and colleagues (GSCC, 2002, p.12). Pauls feelings of despair were mentioned on more than one occasion and, on reflection, I should have detected this as a potential risk factor. I feel I was effective in my use of paraphrasing, as used to clarify issues and demonstrate active listening. However, greater use of summarising might have facilitated communication and ensured that information provided by Paul was being interpreted according to his own subjective experiences (Seden, 1999). I will endeavour to develop these skills throughout my training. References Bronfenbrenner, U., 1977. Toward an experimental ecology of human development. American Psychologist, 32, pp.513-530. Dalrymple, J. and Burke, B., 1995. Anti-oppressive Practice: Social Care and the Law. Buckingham: Open University Press. Dominelli, L., 2002. Anti-Oppressive Social Work Theory and Practice. Palgrave Macmillan. General Social Care Council, 2002. The National Occupational Standards for Social Work. Topss England, April 2004. Herring, J., 2006. Where are the carers in healthcare law and ethics? Legal Studies, 27(1), pp. 51-73. Kolb, D.A., 1984. Experiential Learning experience as a source of learning and development. New Jersey: Prentice Hall Koprowska, J., 2005. Communication and interpersonal skills in social work. Exeter: Learning Matters Miller, L., 2006. Counselling Skills for Social Work. London: Sage Publications. Parker, J. and Bradley, G., 2003. Social Work Practice: Assessment, Planning, Intervention, and Review. Exeter: Learning Matters. Rogers, C.R., 1980. A way of being. Boston: Houghton Mifflin. Seden, J., 1999. Counseling skills in social work practice. Buckingham: Open University Press. Part 2 Further Work with the Jones Family The acronym ASPIRE represents the social work process of Assess, Plan, Intervene, Review, and Evaluate, which enables the exploration of successfully operationalising a plan made with a service user (Parker and Bradley, 2003). Adopting this framework also encapsulates the fourth stage of Kolbs Learning Cycle: Active Experimentation. Importantly, supervision would be required in any interviews since I am a newly qualified Social Worker. Furthermore, the contribution of regular and high quality supervision in the social work profession has been emphasised (Laming, 2009). If the case of the Jones family was allocated to me after this initial assessment, I would take an eclectic approach, using the ASPIRE framework to guide intervention delivery. An eclectic approach would be adopted in order to ensure that Paul and James individual needs were taken into consideration. I would be unable to identify the most appropriate approach to use without first meeting with James, thus an eclectic approach would facilitate flexibility between service user needs. Assessment would take place within the home, thus adopting a person-in-environment perspective (Kemp et al., 1997). Importantly, supervision would be required in any interviews since I am a newly qualified Social Worker. Systems Theory posits that in order to understand a service user, their ecological system needs to be taken into consideration (Bronfenbrenner, 1977). This includes their microsystem (i.e. immediate relationships), mesosystem (i.e. different parts of the microsystem working together), exosystem (i.e. systems that the individual is not directly part of but that affects them), macrosystem (i.e. the larger social world, such as government and culture), and their chronosystem (i.e. a system of change). The rationale for utilising this theory is that the current problems experienced by Paul and James appear to be related to recent changes within his microsystem. This includes the loss of two family members, changing health status (i.e. James has gained weight, has emphyse ma, and is becoming less mobile), changing roles (i.e. Paul is now sole carer to James), and a change in their relationship. Bell (2003) asserts that it is easier to understand an individuals behaviour in the setting in which it occurs, which is the approach I feel most appropriate within this scenario. Family relationships are complex and aptly described by Dallos (1991) as, The essence of family life is that it is complex and changing and that unique situations and combinations of needs continually arise (p.7). Therefore, effective support for individual members requires the utilisation of theory and knowledge that assesses their needs within the family context. An understanding of demands and resources is important when working from the systems perspective, an understanding which the theory itself lacks to emphasise (Coady and Lehman, 2008). For the Jones family, demands within their life include bereavement, deteriorating health, and financial concerns. In terms of resources, they are fairly isolated and, despite initiating this interview, they are both resistant to outside help, which also limits their resources. This provides the rationale for utilising a Task-Centered, problem solving approach in the intervening stage of the ASPIRE framework. The evidence suggests that such an approach is appropriate for dealing with family problems, new roles, and illness or bereavement (Reid, 1978). Paul mentioned a number of problems, both personally and in relation to James, and thus facilitating him to identify the cause of these problems would be a useful endeavour in helping him tackle them. By using a problem solving approach within a collaborat ive partnership with the family, I would anticipate that it would enhance their capacity to deal with future problems if they were to arise (Germain and Gitterman, 1996, p.139). In turn, educating Paul on the use of problem solving strategies would act to prevent further oppression by providing him with tools he can utilise in other areas of his life (Coulshed and Orne, 1998). A problem I identified during the role play, but which would need to be confirmed via a shared interpretation with Paul and James, is that Paul could unintentionally be colluding with James disengagement. For example, by leaving his lunch next to the sofa so that he does not have to move, Paul is creating dependency. Thompson (2001) suggests that when working with carers, it is important not to encourage them in a role that could result in dependency and thus further oppress the person being cared for. This would need to be attended to sensitively and without causing offence to Paul. One such way of achieving this is via the problem solving approach to help Paul recognise this for himself. Indeed, change is easier if the directions that professionals and users wish to follow coincide (Dominelli, 2002, p.25). In working with Paul and James, great consideration would be needed in terms of bereavement. It sounds like James might be experiencing depression associated with one of the purported stages of bereavement (Kubler-Ross, 1989). In addition, Paul might be in the anger stage or possibly unable to process his feelings due to the stress of taking care of his father and worrying about finances. Their current problems are likely to hinder them both reaching a period of restoration orientation, where they can focus on building their future after their loss (Worden, 2003). In order to facilitate a move towards restoration orientation, I would work with the strengths possessed by Paul and James to ensure anti-oppressive focus is maintained (Parker and Bradley, 2003). There has been some critique to Systems Theory, including that it lacks theoretical and empirical support in practice situations (Healy, 2005). Overall, however, the purpose of the theory is to work with service users in a way that enhances and strengthens their abilities to adapt and solve problems, which ultimately provides long-term outcomes rather than short-term solutions. The key role of social work, as agreed internationally, is the promotion of social change, problem solving in human relationships and the empowerment and liberation of people to enhance well-being (GSCC, 2002, p.12), and I anticipate that the theories and approaches outlined above would facilitate the empowerment and liberation of the Jones family. In order to effectively meet the needs of the Jones family, it will be essential to conduct the review and evaluation stage of the ASPIRE model in order to provide closure, implement any additional interventions, and develop my own skills and abilities through reflection and critical analysis.

Job Satisfaction :: Human Resource Management

During the last decades, most of the social scientists have reached to a common understanding about the meaning or definition of the job satisfaction. Spector, 1997 cited in (VanVoorhis and Levinson, 2006), defined job satisfaction as the level of how individuals like their jobs as well as their feeling about different aspects of their jobs. According to Fogarty (1994) job satisfaction is â€Å"refers to the extent to which employees gain enjoyment from their efforts in the workplace"(Tuzun, p.729, 2007). Similarly, Locke (1976) has been defined Job satisfaction as "a pleasurable or positive emotional state resulting from the appraisal of one's job or job experience" (Biswas, p. 28, 2009). Job satisfaction is critical to retaining and attracting qualified individuals. Job satisfaction include specific aspects of job such as pay, benefits, promotion, work conditions, supervision, policy and procedures and co-workers relationships (Misener et al., 1996). Kivimaki and Kalimo (1994) cited in (Al-Zu'bi, 2010) pointed out that employees who are satisfied in their work have more innovative in their work which contribute to quality improvement. In addition, job satisfaction found affecting customer's satisfaction in positive way. Many researches conducted in different fields such as business, industry, medicine, social sciences, and education, reveals that job satisfaction is associated with employees’ performance, absenteeism, productivity, task success, turnover, professional attitude, and other social and personal variables that that have impact on the employees’ life. Over the past five decades, the job satisfaction study has been of interest to scholars in organizational studies since the 1930s, when Elton Mayo had conducted his famous Hawthorne studies. These studies were concerned mainly on the effects of supervision, incentives, and working conditions in the job satisfaction. Results of a meta-analysis concluded there is a strong relationship between job satisfaction and performance (Tillman et. al 2010). Job satisfaction is a mixture of cognitive and effective reaction to the different perception of what employees would like to receive in comparison with what they actually receive from their organizations. Job satisfaction has two sides - positive and negative. The positive side is where the employees are experiencing high level of satisfaction that leads to positive reaction toward their job such as high work quality, high productivity, high loyalty and organizational commitment as well as better health and quality life of the employees. The negative side is where the employees are experiencing low level of satisfaction (dissatisfaction) that leads to negative reaction toward their job such as low productivity, low quality, employees’ problem, high absenteeism, high turnover, and employees’ grievances that is affecting the performance and reputation of the organization negatively.

Opium (Papaver somniferum) Essay examples -- Botany

Opium (Papaver somniferum) The opium poppy has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries all over the world. The opium poppy plant belongs to the Papaveraceae family. The scientific name of the opium poppy is Papaver somniferum L., and it is native to Turkey. The plant has lobed leaves, milky sap and four to six petaled flowers with several stamens surrounding the ovary. The two sepals drop off when the petals unfold. The ovary then develops into a short, many seeded capsule that opens in dry weather. The small seeds of the opium poppy plant are dispersed by wind. The plant has five inch purple or white flowers on plants three to sixteen feet tall. It is and annual plant which needs to be planted only once for several years of harvest. There are many varieties of poppy plants grown other then the opium poppy, mostly for seasonings, oil, birdseed and attractive flowers. The poppy plants produce natural opiates. An opiate is defined as the drug derived from the opium poppy and are found in the milky substance extracted from the unripe seeds. The opiates are the best known narcotics. There are twenty different alkaloids derived from the opiates. Codeine and Morphine are the ones that are still in widespread use today. Codeine is a milder form of morphine and both are used today in the medical field for relieving pain. To obtain opium from Papaver somniferum is a very easy thing to do. It is a very common plant and is easy to purchase. The seeds can be planted and little care is needed to grow healthy plants. When the flowers turn to seed, the seed pods are slightly incised and a white milky liquid is dispersed. The liquid is allowed to seep out and dry for a few hours. The white liquid will turn to black when it is expo... ...for simple uses, the plant produces a drug that causes death and injury. The medicinal uses have been overlooked by people using opium for recreation, causes strict restrictions and laws to control it. The opium poppy has gained much attention all around the world. Reports Cited 1. Alcohol and Drugs Consumption: Psychotropic Drug: The varieties of psychotrophic drug: OPIUM, MORPHINE, HEROIN, and Related Synthetics: History (http://www.eb.com:180/cgi-bin/g?DocF=macro/5000/7/26.html&bold=on&sw=drug&keywords=psychotrophic%20drug&DBase=Articles&hits=10&pt=1&sort=relevance&config=config&firsthit=off). 2. Facts about opiates (http://www.arf.org/isd/pim/opiates.html) . 3. Opiates: High risk addiction (http://losangeles.dci.webpoint.com/health/osubopia.htm). 4. "Opium" Britannica Online (http://www-lj.eb.com:82/index.htcl/aDB/index_alpha/thisRow/151030/). Opium (Papaver somniferum) Essay examples -- Botany Opium (Papaver somniferum) The opium poppy has been used as a medicinal plant for centuries all over the world. The opium poppy plant belongs to the Papaveraceae family. The scientific name of the opium poppy is Papaver somniferum L., and it is native to Turkey. The plant has lobed leaves, milky sap and four to six petaled flowers with several stamens surrounding the ovary. The two sepals drop off when the petals unfold. The ovary then develops into a short, many seeded capsule that opens in dry weather. The small seeds of the opium poppy plant are dispersed by wind. The plant has five inch purple or white flowers on plants three to sixteen feet tall. It is and annual plant which needs to be planted only once for several years of harvest. There are many varieties of poppy plants grown other then the opium poppy, mostly for seasonings, oil, birdseed and attractive flowers. The poppy plants produce natural opiates. An opiate is defined as the drug derived from the opium poppy and are found in the milky substance extracted from the unripe seeds. The opiates are the best known narcotics. There are twenty different alkaloids derived from the opiates. Codeine and Morphine are the ones that are still in widespread use today. Codeine is a milder form of morphine and both are used today in the medical field for relieving pain. To obtain opium from Papaver somniferum is a very easy thing to do. It is a very common plant and is easy to purchase. The seeds can be planted and little care is needed to grow healthy plants. When the flowers turn to seed, the seed pods are slightly incised and a white milky liquid is dispersed. The liquid is allowed to seep out and dry for a few hours. The white liquid will turn to black when it is expo... ...for simple uses, the plant produces a drug that causes death and injury. The medicinal uses have been overlooked by people using opium for recreation, causes strict restrictions and laws to control it. The opium poppy has gained much attention all around the world. Reports Cited 1. Alcohol and Drugs Consumption: Psychotropic Drug: The varieties of psychotrophic drug: OPIUM, MORPHINE, HEROIN, and Related Synthetics: History (http://www.eb.com:180/cgi-bin/g?DocF=macro/5000/7/26.html&bold=on&sw=drug&keywords=psychotrophic%20drug&DBase=Articles&hits=10&pt=1&sort=relevance&config=config&firsthit=off). 2. Facts about opiates (http://www.arf.org/isd/pim/opiates.html) . 3. Opiates: High risk addiction (http://losangeles.dci.webpoint.com/health/osubopia.htm). 4. "Opium" Britannica Online (http://www-lj.eb.com:82/index.htcl/aDB/index_alpha/thisRow/151030/).

Tystiolaeth Cyflawniad/Performance evidence record Essay

SYLWER Gall eich asesydd ofyn cwestiynau llafar yn berthynas i’r gweithgaredd hon. Sicrhau eu bod yn cael eu cofnodi yn y bocs priodol. Bydd rhaid i’r person sydd wedi ardystio/arsylwi arwyddo y dudalen olaf NB Your assessor may wish to ask you some questions relating to this activity. Ensure they are either recorded in the performance evidence or on a â€Å"Questioning record. The person who observed/witnessed your activity must sign and date the last page. Dyddiad y gweithgaredd Date of activity Uned Unit CD LO Tystiolaeth y perfformiad Performance evidence Good staff are the key point to a successful business. They need to be the right person for the right role. A poor staff member can cost time and money and can in turn bring a lack of confidence in the Company by the authorities which use our services. IT is therefore imperative that the recruitment criteria to followed and adhered to. We have a recruitment and selection policy ( see evidence 1) We have to cover all aspects in the legislation needed for the health and social care industry. These include: Asylum and Immigration Act 1996. Data Protection Act 1998. Care Standards Act 2000. Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Safeguarding of Vulnerable Groups Act 2006. Health and Social Care Act 2008. Equality Act 2010. We also have to cover Regulations in Health and Social Care, these include: Health and Social Care Act 2008. Employment Equality Regulation (religion or belief and Sexual orientation) 2003. Employment Equality Regulation (age) 2006. Part time Workers Regulation 2000. There may be times when criminal convictions or cautions are disclosed on an application form or at interview stage. Some of these convictions or cautions may require us as a company to seek specialist help to discover the full story of the offence. The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 allows some convictions to be ignored after a certain rehabilitation period. The reasoning behind this is so that the person holding the conviction will not have a lifelong ‘scar’ on their record if it has been a minor offence in their past. Once the rehabilitation period is spent and no other convictions are made, in certain instances the person may not need to disclose the conviction, if for example applying for a job. In adults the normal  rehabilitation is 5 years for non- custodial sentences, 7 years for custodial sentences up to 6 months and 10 years for custodial sentences over 6 months and up to 2  ½ years Any custodial sentence over 2  ½ can never be spent.. The period for young offenders is normally half that of an adult. Jobs in the care sector are exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and all applicants must under- go and pass an enhanced DBS (disclosure and barring service)previously known as CRB (criminal records bureau) Huntley and Carr, Soham murders 2002. Ian Hunley had slipped through the net on his CRB as police had entered his name incorrectly and the wrong date of birth. Even with many previous allegations against children, none had resulted in any conviction, but the school were aware of his past history but still employed him. Home Secretary David Blunkett stated he would start an investigation into the ‘vetting system’ In this case police have declared they should have checked identity input was correct and that all previous allegations which were held on file should have been further investigated. Serious case review of Carefirst 24 based in Surry. Domiciliary care company were employing illegal immigrants. Police and local council did emergency planning to remove clients from Carefirst 24 and place with other agencies. When Carefirst 24 offices were raided several self- funding clients were found, these too were placed with other agencies. Unfortunately Mrs Foster had been over looked and was left with no care for almost 9 days, her care package was 4 calls daily. When she was finally found by a district nurse and admitted to hospital she was in a very poor state of health. She consequently died. During the enquiry it was found that there had been no multi agency communication i.e. gps visiting but unable to gain access due to not knowing key safe number, then not following up the appointment. The recommendations in domiciliary based care are to: Involve service user in their care plan and assessment, this should be done with face to face contact. Legible, dated and signed attendance logs should be kept for each visit. Quality control procedures to be in place to detect any service deficiencies immediately. The manager, supervisors and care  staff should show a full commitment to the safety and wellbeing of all service users in their care at all times. No matter how large or small a company is, it is important to supply an up to date detailed job description to all employees, describing job requirements, reporting to higher post routine and expected performance standards. It is advisable to have two interviewers on the panel. A pre prepared list of questions should be asked to each interviewee and a scale of answers which should be given. I need to ask questions such as, Do you have any problems with giving personal care? Do you have access to a reliable car, due to accessing some service user’s homes? I also have to gain knowledge into their flexibility to working hours, their knowledge of both Welsh and English communication. I also wish to discover if the applicant has any previous experience or training qualifications. During interview I can also learn about their personality, team player abilities, emotional stability, confidence and their future goals. A lot can be learnt about the interviewees in their body language, are they confident/nervous relaxed/up tight, easy going/strict, good communicator or reluctant to engage in general conversation. Part of the interview includes double checking their application form with them, so that their answers are fully understood. This gives me the opportunity to make sure no needed information is missing, such as breaks in employment or residences. The latter will be needed for the DBS process. I also ask if they know of any reason why we should not be able to gain a reference from any of the 3 named referees given, (these referees have to be telephoned to confirm they are the person named and that they have completed the reference form themselves) I also give the interviewee another chance to declare anything which may show up on a DBS. If I feel an applicant is suitable for the role they have applied for, I post out an application successful letter. This states that the offer is made on the receipt of successful references and DBS check. The offer can be withdrawn if these are not clear. Our methods and criteria to recruit new staff are the same at all levels. When an application form is received, it is read by 2 senior members of staff and at this point it is decided if an interview is to be given. If a verbal offer of employment is given, it must also be followed up in writing. Health and Social care roles have a strict vetting system, which is normally safe and reliable. But as already pointed out with the Soham case things can go wrong. I promote honesty and openness at interviews as some convictions can be considered. If a person is recruited who is wrong for the organisation and role this can lead to quick staff turnover and increased costs for the organisation. It could also lower the morale of existing staff due to new employee not ‘fitting in’ with the team by not working well in their role. It is important that any new employee has flexibility and commitment but they also need to have the passion to listen and learn. In the domiciliary care organisations continuous recruitment is ongoing. This is due to continuing expansion and needing trained staff in place before new service users can be taken on. Whilst interviewing it is important for the interviewer to smile and encourage the interviewee to feel relaxed. If an interviewee appears nervous this is not a sign of them being unsuitable for the role. Some individuals generally find interviews a nerve wracking situation but they are relaxed in all other situations. One of the questions I ask is, ‘why have you applied to become a community care assistant with this company’. I find the answer to this question is invaluable. I can discover if the candidate is really interested in the role or that it ‘just a job or the DWP have made them apply for any job just to keep receiving their benefits. We advertise our vacancies through the local job centre and on internet media sites. We also advertise internally for higher positions vacant. These are still subject to an interview with the existing employee, although this is an easier interview as so much is already known about the applicant and their work standards.

Coleman Managerial Report

R. C/ Coleman distribute a variety of food products that are sold through grocery store and supermarket outlets. The company receives orders directly from the individual outlets, with a typical order requesting the delivery of several cases of anywhere from 20 to 50 different products. Under the company’s current warehouse operation, warehouse clerks dispatch order-picking personnel to fill each order and have the goods moved to the warehouse shipping area.Because of the high labour costs and relatively low productivity of hand order-picking, management has decided to automate the warehouse operation by installing a computer-controlled order-picking system, along with a conveyor system for moving goods from storage to the warehouse shipping area. R. C. Coleman’s director for material management has been named the project manager in charge of the automated warehouse system. After consulting with members of the engineering staff and warehouse management personnel, the dir ector compiled a list of activities associated with the project.The optimistic, most probable and pessimistic times (on weeks) have also been provided for each activity. Activity A B C D E F G H I J K Description Determine equipment needs Obtain vendor proposals Select vendor Order system Design new warehouse layout Design warehouse Design computer interface Interface computer Install system Train system operators Test system Immediate Predecessor A, B C C E C D, F, G D, F H I, J Activity Optimistic Time Most Probable Pessimistic A B C 4 6 2 6 8 4 8 16 6 Page 1 D E F G H I J K 8 7 4 4 4 4 3 2 0 10 6 6 6 6 4 4 24 13 8 20 8 14 5 6 Managerial Report Develop a report that present the activity schedule and expected project completion time for the warehouse expansion project. Include a project network in the report. In addition, take into consideration the following issues: 1. R. C. Coleman’s top management established a required 40-week completion time for the project. Can this co mpletion time be achieved? Include probability information in your discussion. What recommendations do you have if the 40-week completion time is required? 2.Suppose that management requests that activity times be shored to provide an 80 percent chance of meeting the 40-week completion time. If the variance in the project completion time is the same as you found in part (1), how much should he expected project completion time be shortened to achieve the goal of an 80 percent chance of completion within 40 weeks? 3. Using of expected activity times as the normal times and the following crashing information, determine the activity crashing decisions and revised activity schedule for the warehouse expansion project.Costs ($) Activity Crashed Activity Time (weeks) A B 4 7 Normal 1,000 1,000 Crashed 1,900 1,800 Page 2 C D E F G H I J K 2 8 7 4 5 4 4 3 3 1,500 2,000 5,000 3,000 8,000 5,000 10,000 4,000 5,000 2,700 3,200 8,000 4,100 10,250 6,400 12,400 4,400 5,500 END OF QUESTIONS MANAGERI AL REPORTS 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. Objective Introduction Methodology Analysis & Discussion Recommendation Conclusion Reference Appendix Page 3 1. Objective Introduction This report is the analysis study of R. C. Coleman Company; a company on distribution business with varieties of food products that are sold through grocery store and supermarket outlets.The company receives orders directly from the individual outlets, with a typical orders requesting the delivery of several cases of anywhere from 20 to 50 different products. Present company’s current warehouse operation, the practise which has been utilized manually by warehouse clerks. The dispatch order-picking personnel are to fill each order and have the goods moved to the warehouse shipping area. Manual operation has been rationale as high labour cost and low productivity on the distribution system. Management has decided to change into automate the warehouse operation with the objective to improve on the operations and ut put efficiency. R. C. Coleman’s top management has established requirement of 40-weeks completion time for the project of installation of computer-controlled order-picking system, this come along with conveyor system for moving goods from storage to the warehouse shipping area. The management also has drawn up others requirement and completion percentage at any particular time. The establishment of the report will be base objectively to analyse and examine all possibilities on the predetermine activities on the project network and completion time for the warehouse distribution upgrading project of R.C. Coleman Company. Hence, the result from this report is vital Page 4 information required to the company’s top management team to make effective decision for this project meeting with business objective and goal. 2. Methodology Upon appointed as Project Manager, Mr R. C. Coleman is responsible for planning, scheduling and controlling the project that consist of numerous s eparate jobs or task performed by a variety department and individual. The project team need to establish the project network and making the analysis based on the Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making processes.In order to draw up project network, the team need information on the project activities involved and time required. As this project is rather new and they had never attempted before by the team, Mr Coleman have to establish the time by estimation. The activities are following the concept of probability distribution whereby they have to determine by estimating each activities time at a range of possible value. After a meeting with his project team, he has established a list of activities associated with the project as per below; Table 1: Project Activities and links Activity Description Immediate Predecessor A, B C A B C DDetermine equipment needs Obtain vendor proposals Select vendor Order system Page 5 E F G H I J K Design new warehouse layout Design warehouse Design c omputer interface Interface computer Install system Train system operators Test system C E C D, F, G D, F H I, J The incorporation of uncertainty activity with estimating time above is defined as; i. ii. Optimistic time (a) = the minimum activity time if everything progresses ideally. Most Probable time (m) = condition. iii. Pessimistic time (b) = the maximum activity time if significant delays are encountered Below table is the result for the uncertain activities time achieved.Table 2: Probable timing in weeks Time Optimistic Activity (a) (m) A B C 4 6 2 6 8 4 8 16 6 Most Probable (b) Pessimistic the most probable activity time under normal Page 6 D E F G H I J K 8 7 4 4 4 4 3 2 10 10 6 6 6 6 4 4 24 13 8 20 8 14 5 6 To ensure that the project is progressing as planned, Mr Coleman is advised to utilize and incorporate the analysis with the concept of probability distribution; Project Scheduling with Uncertain Activity Times. Such situation, the understanding and utilization of Progr am Evaluation and Review Technique (PERT) and Program of Critical Path Method (CPM) has proven to be extremely valuable.The PERT/CPM system will furnish to project manager on the information of project planning, scheduling and the progress of the project so that he able to coordinate and monitoring the project and be complete as expected by the management. 4. Discussion Analysis When the top management of R. C. Coleman has decided to modernize and expand the current warehouse and its distribution system, there is certain project requirement and goal has been drawn up to the project manager and the team to find out the feasibility to achieve target goal on the completion timing and possible percentage.Hence, the analysis will be representing on each part of the management requirement. There is two parts as per below: PART 1 Page 7 Apart from to find out the project completion time, the project Manager; R. C. Coleman has to find out the possibility that this expansion project could be complete within 40 weeks. Upon finding the result, he needs to come out on recommendation to supporting the result. Various parts below is to solving as per PERT/CPM steps procedures; PART 1 (a) Project Network Flow and VarianceThe identified activities and links from the table one (1) above require illustration in form of work flow chart using CPM /PERT technique to analysis further in determining critical activities and critical path for the project. Figure three (3) below is the project network depicting the activities and linkage of immediate predecessors on each individual activity from start until complete. Figure 3: R. C. Coleman Project Network. Part 1 (b) Expected Project Time, Project Network and Completion Time. Page 8To illustrate the project network with PERT/CPM procedures and finding the completion time, the three (3) estimate time above should be calculate and convert to expected time. Expected time (t) can be finding with the formula; Expected Time (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 Upon finding the result on expected time, we could analysis to determine ‘start’ and ‘finish’ time for each activities from starting the project until completion. At the end of the flow we could establish that on the total time required to complete the project based on calculation of expected time. Below is the determine project network work flow and estimated completion time in weeks.Figure 4: Project network flow and completion time E 13 23 10 13 23 A 6 0 3 6 9 C 4 B 9 0 0 9 9 9 9 13 13 G 8 13 21 21 29 F 6 23 29 23 29 START H 6 29 35 29 35 I 7 29 36 32 39 K 4 39 43 39 43 FINISH (43 WEEKS) D 13 25 12 17 29 J 4 35 39 35 39 From the project network work flow at figure four (4) above, we have noted that the R. C. Coleman warehouse expansion project and conveyor system distribution upgrading will be completed at 43 weeks. Page 9 The team also needs to determine the slack associated with each activity. The term ‘Slack’ is the length of time of a n activity can be delayed without increasing the project completion time.The amount of slack of an activity is computed as follows; Slack = LS – ES = LF – EF Conversely, the activities which appear having zero slack is the critical activity whereby delaying in this process or steps could post an effect to total project schedule completion timing. As ruled, with uncertainty activity times, the team must aware that the differences between those three estimation time (Optimistic, most probable and pessimistic) could give great effect on the value of the variance. The term ‘variance’ is indication on the dispersion or variation in the activities time value. The value of variance could calculate with this formula; 2 = 2 Having greater value between tis value among the activities could give great reflect a high degree of uncertainty in the activity time. For easy to overview on the whole project, we have summarize the information into table manners as on Table f ive (5) below; Table 5: Project network summary information and critical path. Activity Expected Time Variance Earliest Start (ES) Latest Start (LS) 3 0 9 Earliest Finish (EF) 6 9 13 Latest Finish (LF) 9 9 13 Slack LS – ES 3 0 0 Critical path A B C 6 9 4 0. 44 2. 78 0. 44 0 0 9 YES YES Page 10 D E F G H I J K 12 10 6 8 6 7 4 4 7. 11 1 0. 44 7. 11 0. 44 2. 78 0. 11 0. 44 3 13 23 13 29 29 35 39 17 13 23 21 29 32 35 39 25 23 29 21 35 36 39 43 29 23 29 29 35 39 39 43 4 0 0 8 0 3 0 0 YES YES YES YES YES Part 1 (c) Critical Path and the Curve From the table above, we could note that the activity schedule for the warehouse expansion project which shows zero slack is the critical path for the project is; B – C – E – F – H – J – K. From the critical path shown, the expected time of the project is E (t) = tB + tC + tE + tF + tH + tJ + tK = 9 + 4 + 10 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 4 = 43 Weeks Hence, the variance in the project completion time is the sum of the variance on the critical path activities, which is; 2 = ? B + ? C + ? E + ? F + ? H + ? J + ? K = 2. 78 + 0. 44 + 1. 0 + 0. 44 + 0. 44 + 0. 11 + 0. 44 = 5. 65 ? = = 2. 38 Page 11 Figure 6: Standard Normal Distribution Curve STANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION CURVE AREAS ? = 2. 38 EXPECTED COMPLETION TIME (T) 43 TIME (T) WEEKS Since the top management of R. C. Coleman allotted 40 week to complete the project, the probability distribution is; Z = = = – 1. 26 With the obtained value ‘z’ is -1. 26, we could enter the normal distribution from the table and we found out that; Project time (T) Z ? 40 weeks = -1. 26 Standard Normal distribution value = 0. 962 So, the probability that the R. C Coleman Project would complete 40 weeks or less is; Z = 0. 50 – 0. 3962 = 0. 1038 Page 12 ? 10. 38 % Figure 7: Standard Normal Distribution Curve with Target Weeks STANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION CURVE AREAS When (T) = 40 z = (40 -43) / 2. 38 z = – 1. 26 ? = 2. 38 EXPECTED COM PLETION TIME 40 z = -1. 26 43 z=0 TIME (T) WEEKS With that result above, the top management of R. C Coleman is advised that the chances of completion of project on 40 weeks is doubtful and impossible to achieve as the percentage shows is very slim; approximate about 10 percent chances only.Hence, we recommend that the top management consider shortening activities time by adding more resources into it and by applying ‘crashing’ technique on the appropriate activities. PART 2 Considering that the project could complete with 80 per cent at 40th Week with a variance reference is maintained same as on part (I), Mr. Coleman need to find out on the possibility time to be shortened to achieve of 80 per cent chances of completion of project is within 40 weeks. In part one (1) of the analysis, we have found that the probability to complete the project within 40 weeks is only at 10 per cent.At this part, we need further analysis on the probability that the project will be meeting the 40-week completion time is at 80 per cent and a Normal Distribution Table with a mean of zero and a standard deviation of 1 is referred with the variance (z) is 2. 38; Based on the formula; Z = Page 13 Let say, P (T ? 40 weeks) = 0. 5 + Zn = 80% or 0. 8 0. 8 = 0. 5 + Zn Zn = 0. 8 – 0. 5 = 0. 3000 Using the new mean value or Zn = 0. 3000 and we will enter the table for normal distribution to find the closest value ‘z’. So, the closest value for Zn = 0. 300 is 0. 2995 where the closest normal probability distribution z at E (Tn) is equal to 0. 4. If the variance (z) is maintained at 2. 38, then in the project completion time is; Z = z = (T- E (Tn)) / 2. 38 = 0. 84 (T – E (Tn)) = 0. 84 x 2. 38 (40- E (Tn)) = 1. 9992 or 2. 0 E (Tn) = 40 – 2. 0 = 38 weeks. We have determine from the above calculation shows that the project completion time is shortened to 38 weeks in order to achieve the goal of an 80% chances in order to complete within 40 weeks. Fig ure 8 below showing the probability of the project to provide an 80 per cent probability chances of meeting 40-week of completion project time. Figure 8: Standard Normal Distribution Curve with Percentage Target Weeks.Page 14 STANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION CURVE AREAS When (T) = 40 z = (40 -38) / 2. 38 z = 0. 84 ? = 2. 38 PLAN COMPLETION TIME @ 80% EXPECTED COMPLETION TIME 38 z=0 40 z = -1. 26 TIME (T) WEEKS 5. Conclusion Upon the completion on the calculation and analysis for both part; (1) and (2), Mr. R. C. Coleman; the appointed Project Manager on the upgrading the premises to automated warehouse system may advise to top management of the Company that on both part the result obtained on the requirement stipulated by the Management seems doubtful and is difficult to achieve.In order to pursue the objective goal, top management is advised to consider and approve to Mr. R. C. Coleman to exercise shortening activity times at part (1). This shortening in other words is known as ‘ crushing’ technique. Those activities time may require additional resources, either man power or financial in order to complete or meeting the percentage goal which has vision by the top management. Page 15 6. Reference An Introduction to Management Science; Quantitative Approaches to Decision Making. 13th Edition, Anderson, Sweeney, Williams & Martin. 7. Appendix R. C. COLEMAN PROJECT NETWORKPage 16 A Determine equipment need E Design new warehouse F Design warehouse I Install System G Design computer H Interface Computer J Train system operators START C Select vendor K Test system FINISH B Obtain vendor proposal D Order system TO FIND EXPECTED TIME (t); Time Activity Optimistic Most Probable a A B C D E F G H I J 4 6 2 8 7 4 4 4 4 3 m 6 8 4 10 10 6 6 6 6 4 b 8 16 6 24 13 8 20 8 14 5 Pessimistic Page 17 K 2 4 6 The incorporation of uncertainty activity with estimating time above is defined as; i. Optimistic time (a) = the minimum activity time if everything progresses ideall y. ii.Most Probable time (m) = the most probable activity time under normal condition. iii. Pessimistic time (b) = the maximum activity time if significant delays are encountered Expected time (t) can be finding with the formula; Expected Time (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 1. For activity time A, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (4+6(4) +8) / 6 (t) = 6 2. For activity time B, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (6+8(4) +16) / 6 (t) = 9 3. For activity time C, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (2+4(4) +6) / 6 (t) = 4 4. For activity time D, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (8+10(4) +24) / 6 (t) = 12 5.For activity time E, the time average is ; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (7+10(4) +13) / 6 (t) = 10 6. For activity time F, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (4+6(4) +8) / 6 (t) = 6 Page 18 7. For activity time G, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (4+6(4) +20) / 6 (t) = 8 8. For activity time H, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (4+6(4) +8) / 6 (t) = 6 9. For activity time I, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (4+6(4) +14) / 6 (t) = 7 10. For activity time J, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (3+4(4) +5) / 6 (t) = 4 11.For activity time K, the time average is; (t) = (a+4m+b) / 6 (t) = (2+4(4) +6) / 6 (t) = 4 With uncertainty time, we need to find the variance in order to describe the dispersion or variation in the activity time values. The variance of the activity time is given by the formula; ?2 = 2 1. The variance for activity A is; ? 2A = 2 = (8-4/6)2 = (2/3)2 = 0. 44 2. The variance for activity B is; Page 19 ?2B = 2 = (16-6/6)2 = (10/6)2 = 2. 78 3. The variance for activity C is; ? 2C = 2 = (6-2/6)2 = (2/3)2 = 0. 44 4. The variance for activity D is; ? 2D = 2 = (24-8/6)2 = (16/6)2 = 7. 11 5. The variance for activity E is; ? E = 2 = (13-7/6)2 = (6/6)2 = 1 6. The variance for activity F is; ? 2F = 2 = (8-4/6)2 = (2/3)2 = 0. 44 7. The variance for activity G is; ? 2G = ? 2H = 2 = (20-4/6)2 = (16/6)2 = 7. 11 = (8-4/6)2 = (2/3)2 = 0. 44 8. The variance for activity H is; 2 9. The variance for activity I is; ? 2I = 2 = (14-4/6)2 = (10/6)2 = 2. 78 10. The variance for activity J is; ? 2J = 2 = (5-3/6)2 = (1/3)2 = 0. 11 11. The variance for activity K is; ? 2K = 2 = (6-2/6)2 = (2/3)2 = 0. 44 Hence, the table below is the summary from the calculation of expected time and the variance of each activity; EXPECTED TIME AND VARIANCE FOR THE R.C. COLEMAN COMPANY PROJECT ACTIVITES Activity Expected time (week) A 6 0. 44 Variance Page 20 B C D E F G H I J K 9 4 12 10 6 8 6 7 4 4 2. 78 0. 44 7. 11 1 0. 44 7. 11 0. 44 2. 78 0. 11 0. 44 Activity Expected Time 6 9 4 12 10 6 8 6 7 4 4 Variance Earliest Start (ES) 0 0 9 13 13 23 13 29 29 35 39 Latest Start (LS) 3 0 9 17 13 23 21 29 32 35 39 Earliest Finish (EF) 6 9 13 25 23 29 21 35 36 39 43 Latest Finish (LF) 9 9 13 29 23 29 29 35 39 39 43 Slack LS – ES 3 0 0 4 0 0 8 0 3 0 0 Critical path A B C D E F G H I J K 0. 44 2. 78 0. 44 7. 11 1 0. 44 7. 11 0. 44 2. 78 0. 11 0. 44YES YES YES YES YES YES YES From the table above we could note that the activity schedule for the warehouse expansion project which shows zero slack is the critical path for the project; B – C – E – F – H – J – K. From the critical path shown, the expected time of the project is E (t) = tB + tC + tE + tF + tH + tJ + tK = 9 + 4 + 10 + 6 + 6 + 4 + 4 = 43 WEEKS Page 21 Project network flow and completion time E 13 23 10 13 23 A 6 0 3 6 9 C 4 B 9 0 0 9 9 9 9 13 13 G 8 13 21 21 29 F 6 23 23 29 29 START H 6 29 29 35 35 I 7 29 36 32 39 K 4 39 39 43 43 FINISH (43 WEEKS) D 13 25 12 17 29 J 4 35 39 35 39Hence, the variance in the project completion time is the sum of the variance on the critical path activities, which is ?2 = ? B + ? C + ? E + ? F + ? H + ? J + ? K = 2. 78 + 0. 44 + 1. 0 + 0. 44 + 0. 44 + 0. 11 + 0. 44 = 5. 65 ? = = 2. 38 Z = = Since the management allotted 40 week to comple te the project, the probability distribution Z = = -1. 26 Page 22 Using the table for standard distribution had shown that the value area of 1. 26 is 0. 3962. So the probability of the project will be complete at 40 weeks is P (40 weeks) = 0. 5 -0. 3962 = 0. 1038 ? 10. 38 % Standard Normal Distribution CurveSTANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION CURVE AREAS ? = 2. 38 EXPECTED COMPLETION TIME (T) 43 TIME (T) WEEKS Standard Normal Distribution Curve with Target Weeks Page 23 STANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION CURVE AREAS When (T) = 40 z = (40 -43) / 2. 38 z = – 1. 26 ? = 2. 38 EXPECTED COMPLETION TIME 40 z = -1. 26 43 z=0 TIME (T) WEEKS Standard Normal Distribution Curve with Percentage Target Weeks. STANDARD NORMAL DISTRIBUTION CURVE AREAS When (T) = 40 z = (40 -38) / 2. 38 z = 0. 84 ? = 2. 38 PLAN COMPLETION TIME @ 80% EXPECTED COMPLETION TIME 38 z=0 40 z = -1. 26 TIME (T) WEEKS END OF REPORT Page 24