Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Mathematics IB Internal Assessment Research Paper
Mathematics IB Internal Assessment - Research Paper Example The shipping services and product business takes place along the Qatar Bahrain Causeway which links Bahrain and Qatar. This is the longest marine causeway in the world. The country, Bahrain has a very basic economy. Only 1 percent of Bahrain is arable, hence, the country cannot produce sufficient food to sustain its ever increasing population. Therefore, the entire population majorly relies on imports. The major employers in this country are commerce, industry, and services. These fields take up 79 percent of workers, while 20 percent has been absorbed by the government. Farmers make up the remaining 1 percent of the population. The country has distinctive cost difference in shipping and products across the world due to its island nature and the existence of the Qatar Bahrain Causeway. However, it is important to note that most of these jobs are held by foreigners who make up 60 percent. This has made employment a continuous problem. The economy of Bahrain is largely based on the pro duction and processing of petroleum which makes up 60 percent of the exports. 30 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP) also comes from the same. The well established and developed transport and communication is accountable for efficient shipping services and it being the center for finance and banking. Several multinational firms doing business in the area of Persian Gulf have their headquarters in Bahrain. The cost difference in shipping and products in Bahrain results from its fruitful commercial activities. Some of the countryââ¬â¢s products shipped to other countries include vegetables and fruits, dairy products, poultry, fish, and shrimp which are sold along with handicrafts produced locally. On the other hand, Bahrain depends on tourism making up 9 percent of its gross domestic product and a great deal of international banking. The industries engaged in shipping services and products in Bahrain include the major industry, petroleum production, processing, and refining , offshore banking, aluminum smelting, tourism, and ship repairing. In addition, the products shipped to other countries include cement blocks, soft drinks, plastics, paper products, and asphalt. Although shipping and products across the world are somehow convenient to the major industries, shipping in Bahrain is efficient because of its location and availability of Qatar Bahrain Causeway which connects the island to the offshore main land such as Iran, Iraq among other countries. Some countries like China have made huge profits on their exports to other countries such as the United States. However, the imports and exports of Bahrain are approximately equal in value. Petroleum accounts for about 60 percent of the exports while aluminum makes around 7 percent. These exports are majorly shipped to Japan, South Korea, India, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. 40 percent of the country export is composed of crude oil processed within the country. However, Bahrain as well has im ports shipped into the country. The major imports of the country include transportation equipment, machinery, and food from Saudi Arabia, Japan, the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom. The cost difference in shipping and products in Bahrain is also accounted for by the nature of division of labor. As mentioned earlier, 79 percent of the workforce is in industry, services, and
Monday, October 28, 2019
To Veil of Not To Veil Essay Example for Free
To Veil of Not To Veil Essay Those of people that are brought up in typical western culture believe that Muslim women who wear the job symbolize the continued oppression of women in the Middle East. In ââ¬Å"To Veil or Not To Veilâ⬠Jenââ¬â¢nan Ghazal and John P. Bartkowski perform a case study of different forms of identity among Muslim women in Austin Texas. This experiment delves into Muslim culture and tries to analyze both sides of the argument a primarily factual essay. The article carefully analyses both sides of the issue in an attempt to better understand what the head coverings mean for these women, and how their gender roles compare as muslim women. It appears that some people of the west fail to do before making assumptions about Middle Eastern oppression of women, many stop to ask a Muslim woman what she thinks about wearing a veil. In their case study Ghazel and Bartkowski talked to twelve veiled women and twelve unveiled women in Austin, Texas and asked them questions surrounding the controversy of the hijab. Islamic womenââ¬â¢s motivations for veiling seem to vary dramatically. The range can be broad as expressing their strongly held conviction, to critique western culture, for strictly religious purposes, and to be viewed not just as women, but as intellectual equals. Some of verses in the Qurââ¬â¢an and Hadiths (Islamââ¬â¢s holy texts) say that women must wear to hijab to not tempt men and that to be a good Muslim woman she must conceal her body. This belief makes women overall much more modest and submissive. The Islamic religion according to the article is very much a patriarchal religious institution and some of the bureaucratic men in the society are said to see the veil as a way to keep women subservient in their society. This appears to be the central reason why unveiled women do not wear a hijab. They believe that because the head covering wasnââ¬â¢t originally created by Islam they shouldnââ¬â¢t have to wear it to achieve spiritual welfare or be considered of higher religious caliber. They believe the hijab is an oppressive tool to leave the male social hierarchy as it is now. By not wearing the hijab it appears that the majority of women feel empowered verses those woman who do where a veil. But it is important to note that there exceptions to the rule, the article talked about a girl who wore the hijab to be taken seriously by society and move up the social hierarchy. This article primarily uses an empirical methodology. The arguments are portrayed through the research and case study that the two authors conducted in Austin, Texas. Both arguments are covered thoroughly and some quantitative data is used. As I read the article I found it surprising that the two authors only conducted this study on twenty four women, twenty four Americanized women no less. An American Muslim woman verses a Middle Eastern Muslim woman can have very different views on the issue simply because the societies are so different, it is possible that the culture of the United States is encouraging this challenging think by these twenty four women. I also found it a little shocking that the article failed to address the factor fear plays in Middle Eastern Muslim women to wear the hijab. The majority of the Middle East is based on an ideology called Timocracy which is a society based on honor. When women in some countries do not wear the veil they are in affect disrespecting Islam and the nation according to some more radical Muslims. Because of this many women are punished by being beaten for something as little as a veil slipping in public. It is clear that a hijab does not have just one singular meaning. The veil may be a piece of the Islamic religion, but it is how women view and own the veil that determines what gender arises for the issue. While the some of the cultures may be forced on women, like Iran it takes independent and free thinking women to determine the culture now and how it will evolve.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Moral Split and Respect Essay -- Morality Right Wrong Essays
Moral Split and Respect We will always find ourselves in ââ¬Å"moral splitâ⬠situations. We struggle to make the right decision and hoping that what we decide would be the correct choice. Sometimes our decisions are strictly depended on the notion of self-filling prophecy while others are for the sake of philanthropy. We are selfish if the chosen actions turn out to be a negative impact on the majority of people; however, the negativity is unforeseeable. If we know ahead of time that our decisions are going to be harmful to others then more likely than not we would have tried to avoid that complication. Then again, life is unpredictable. It is unpredictable just like the Vietnam War. Americans went into the war with culture relativism. They thought the decision to assist in the fighting against communism was the ultimate must. They sent young men blindly into a foreign land and were so positive that it was going to be an ideal outcome. If the Northern Vietnamese was defeated, then it might be a different story; however, the consequences they must face. On the other hand, the Vietnamese had two different perspectives of the war. The Southern Vietnamese believed that the Americans were angels sent from above to rescue them from the communists. The Northern Vietnamese thought that the Americans should mind their own business. We cannot say either views were right or wrong, rather, they were picked from the same moral standards but in different circumstances. The South, America and the North yenned for victory. They made decisions that each one truly believed to be the preeminent; therefore, no sides should be unnecessarily criticized. Similarly to us, they were making the right decisions based on personal valuations of ... ...ting will never ââ¬Å"understand everything [and] would be incomplete foreverâ⬠(249). The only understanding that these people are left with is the pondering of the possible outcome if they have chosen otherwise; not to fight. If that person truly believes that the war is the only way to solve the problem then that it would be ethically correct for him to be involved because morality is based on a personââ¬â¢s own judgment of what is right and wrong. On the other hand, if a person feels that is it wrong, without a doubt, then it is sad to believe that he chooses to go against his morals. Works Cited Johnson, Brendan B. ââ¬Å"The Movie Quotes Site: The Deer Hunter.â⬠(1997). 6 Dec. 2003 . Dirks, Tim. ââ¬Å"Greatest Films: The Deer Hunter.â⬠(1996). 6 Dec. 2003 ââ¬Å"IMDb: Full Metal Jacket.â⬠(1990). 6 Dec. 2003 ââ¬Å"Amazon.com: Apocalypse Now Redux.â⬠(1996). 6 Dec. 2003
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Qualitative Research Critique Essay
Hi, my name is Cindy Walters. I am presenting a qualitative research critique on a study conducted in 2011 on people with bipolar disorder with comorbid substance use. The study is entitled ââ¬Å"The lived experience of adults with bipolar disorder and comorbid substance use disorderâ⬠written by Terry Ward, MSN, PhD, RN. Bipolar disorder involves changes in cognition, behavior, and mood. The episodes of bipolar disorder cycle through mania and depression. Mania is described as an elevated, irritable, or expansive mood, whereas depression is the opposite or hypomania. In the manic phase people present as euphoric, enthusiastic, and optimistic with an infectious personality. The euphoric state may suddenly may be replaced by extreme irritability if the persons needs are not met. In a manic phase the personââ¬â¢s speech may be rapid, loud, intrusive, and hard to follow or interrupt. If someone tries to interrupt a manic person he or she can just as quickly become, threatening, irritable or assaultive (Ebert, Loosen, Nurcombe & Leckman, 2008). Substance abuse is the excess use of drugs such as alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. The number of people abusing drugs and alcohol is about 3.4 million. Those individuals abusing have a greater change of acquiring a mental disorder at a rate of 2.7 times more likely than a non-abuser, according to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health individuals with a psychiatric diagnosis such as bipolar disorder have 28.8% chance of substance abuse or use of drugs. Individuals using drugs with a mental disorder, within a year are diagnosed as dependent on them (Ebert, Loosen, Nurcombe & Leckman, 2008). If bipolar disorder and substance use disorder are combined, they have a devastating effect with negative outcomes for those individuals. Understanding the problem with the ability to manage bipolar disorder with the proper treatment, health care providers can improve patient outcomes and his or her outlook on life. The problem is clearly stated in the abstract and first p aragraph of the study. Several statistics of drug use are quoted to give the reader an estimate and prevalence of this addiction with an unknown cause. The author addressed four hypotheses to explain this phenomenon. The negative outcomes in the use of substances and bipolar disorder affect a person mentally, physically, and functionally. The author stated the prevalence was high and does not receive enough attention in research studies. With increased knowledge, health care providers will be able to introduce new avenues for research, education, and nursing practice. The purpose of the study is to see how the individuals perceive their day- to- day experience of living with the disorders. A study done by Cassidy et al. (2001) addressed supporting and maintaining the patientââ¬â¢s stability and quality of life with effective treatment. Other studies focused on pharmacotherapy, psychosocial factors, and interventions as areas of research. Little research has been done on the phenomena. The researcher provided the broad platform for a qualitative study for individuals to share and speak freely of their experience with the hope the patients will be heard, get support, and have better outcomes. The method of this study was a descriptive and phenomenological design. ââ¬Å"Phenomenology accepts that the truth can be revealed through the words of those that live the experience and that those words can describe the essence of that lived experienceâ⬠(Thomas & Pollio, 2002, pg. 184). ââ¬Å"Descriptive phenomenology has its emphasis on describing universal essences through direct interaction between the researcher and the objects of studyâ⬠(Wojnar & Swanson, 2007, pg. 22). Conclusions could be drawn from the researcher of the subject experiences. The method adequately addressed the topic and gave credence to the subject experiences of living with a dual diagnosis. The design was consistent with qualitative studies and proved to be as descriptive and truthful as the researcher intended. Sampling was obtained over a four month period with the use of fliers. Fliers contained inclusion criteria and were validated by expert researchers for content, reliability, and readability. Also in the fliers contents were the researcher contact information, risks, and benefits of the study. Mental health care centers were the origin for the distribution of the fliers for subjects of the study. Snowballing and referrals came from doctorââ¬â¢s offices and recovery centers for abuse that were also included in the distribution of flier for subjects. The credibility came from phone calls made by potential subjects calling the researcher and were given reiterated instructions of the explanation for the study, inclusion criteria, exclusion criteria, risks, and benefits. The sample consisted of 12 stable subjects not using drugs with a self-reported bipolar disorders, and not currently manic or depressed. The demographics pulled out male, female, mean age, and nationality. The description of the inclusion criteria showed the participants inferred for the s ample were familiar and knowledgeable about the subject. The participants were chosen for the purpose of describing their experience of living with the dual diagnosis for this study. The criteria and descriptions were consistent for qualitative study. The sample size was small and consisted of only one male. Although facts indicate that more females have a dual diagnosis of bipolar disorder with substance use disorder (Ebert, Loosen, Nurcombe & Leckman, 2008). Data collection began with IRB approval and a written and verbal informed consent. Written consent was obtained for audiotaping of interviews with the understanding that at any time should the participant chose, the recorder could be turned off or the interview stopped. During emotional times of the participants they were asked by the researcher if they wanted the tape turned off or wish to stop the interview. Probe questions were used by the researcher to get the participant to expand on their explanations and thoughts. Wards probe questions were ââ¬Å"describe for me a typical day that would help me understand what your life is likeâ⬠or ââ¬Å"how did you feel when you were told you had both bipolar disorder and a substance use disorder?â⬠seemed to prompt the participant to speak (pg. 21). During the questions the researcher jotted notes on the mood, emotion, and expression of the participant the audio would not capture. Participants also shared concerns of ridicule, health problems that complicated their lives, and the lack of acceptance from society. There was no saturation of the data described. The strategy used by the researcher obtained the information she needed for the study. There were two interviews conducted the first was a face ââ¬âto-face and the second was a follow up phone interview for clarity of the findings. The data collection was obtained in a qualita tive and purposeful manner, although the researcher never stated where the interview was conducted. There was no model or framework for validation of the study except for the data interpretation of the data analysis. Data analysis was studied over and over until the themes of the participants were identified by the researcher. Analytical coding was used to describe meaning to experiences lived by the participant. When a person reflects on their experience it becomes important to the process of understanding the phenomena. Qualitative methodology was proved with peer debriefing of the analysis and techniques used in this study. Audit trails comprised the data for the participants to view and verify that the disclosed information in his or her interview was captured as they intended that proved the validity and reliability of the research. Ward (pg. 22) found six themes that defined experiences of the participants. The six themes were life is hard, feeling the effect, trying to escape, spiritual support, being pushed beyond the limits, and a negative connotation. The participants res ponses were elaborated on in each theme giving the reader the implications of the perceptions of the participants. Each theme was explained and defined for easier reading and understanding. Themes indicated criminal actions, loss of jobs, homelessness, and losing the respect of others. Scientific rigor was not mentioned it could have been a useful tool. The participants lived and survived the experience they felt described as a sense of stigma, negative reactions from others, a sense of worthlessness, and a spiritual support that would help he or she feel as if there was someone they could talk to and as well as someone who would listen. The descriptions of the themes provided by the researcher gave one a visual of the feelings and emotions that a person with bipolar disorder with substance use disorder are trying to overcome on a day- to -day basis. The findings were concurrent with the way the participant felt about losing his or her ability to function in society. The diagnosis of bipolar disorder with substance use disorder kept challenges of coping and becoming productive in society at bay. Overcoming these obstacles proved to be a constant challenge. Without acceptance and forgiveness from society the need to overcome became more challenging and nonexistent. The participants had big dreams that were diminished by the disorders of bipolar and substance use creating havoc in their daily lives that he or she could not cope with. Health care workers can apply specific plans of care for mental health patients with individualized care plans on medication use and symptom management. Alternative plans can help patients find other ways of dealing with everyday problems than using drugs. Patients need education on medication compliance and screening for suicidal ideation. Concepts found in the themes of the study help organize the descriptions of the participants to reduce risk levels and incidence of harm. The type of data used is appropriate for a qualitative method of study. The conclusion of the study revealed and suggested being heard by others affected the participantââ¬â¢s feelings of self- worth and the need for help and support . Sharing with the reader the researcher makes society aware of the need for the voices of the participants to be heard. The individuals want to be heard, forgiven, and accepted by society. Increasing the awareness of mental health with nurses and the awareness of a higher power was a major accomplishment of this study. Indications for further research studies could provide healthcare workers with the tools needed to disrupt the stigma of mental illness and recognize when patients need help. Had the researcher given the benefits of this study to improving the effects of mental illness and the way society perceives it would have more benefit to the reader. This study was a good example of a qualitative study. Future studies require answers to more questions and a better and knowledgeable understanding of mental illness and substance use.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Celestial Seasoning
Celestial Seasonings was found by small countryside family aiming to bring natural herb benefits to the customers in 1969. Celestialââ¬â¢s herbal tea was sold through local stores initially. Celestial Seasonings went through major change when it was bought by Kraft Inc in 1984. Kraft brought Celestial products to new markets before selling it back to the Celestialââ¬â¢s old management in 1988. The selling and re-purchase of Celestial benefit the company to get into national market and exposure to wider consumer range.Throughout the decade of 90ââ¬â¢s, company extended its product line as per market demands. As result herbal supplements, medicinal teas, herbal supplement capsules and many other products were added to celestial product range. Company had good growth till end of decade until some of its product start showing the declining trend. There are some problems relating to celestial Seasonings progress which include ethical issues, quality concerns and limited target ma rket.Celestial Seasonings makes its entire product range from natural herbs but still company cannot promise to make people healthy. Itââ¬â¢s a product not medicine so it cannot claim for treatment of illness and claiming so raises ethical issue. Quality concern is another problem with the celestial Seasonings products. 71% people consider Celestial Seasonings products safe for health while 29% people have some concerns about safety. They think that being natural doesnââ¬â¢t make it safe. Herb source authenticity also raises questions about quality.Celestial Seasonings offer a wide range of product but major target market is baby boomer ladies with 35 to 54 years of age. Its tea products have high price than other tea competitors. This raises the problem of limited target market. As a solution of ethical problem, company must not make unjustified promises. Product statements can show that these can help living healthier life rather than its impression of a curing product. Qual ity can be assured by club marketing programs and virtual tours. Sustainable sourcing assurance can also help improving customersââ¬â¢ confidence.Club marketing programs can be launched and events can be held on farm and production locations to improve customer perception for product quality. Market development is solution to limited target market issue. New target markets can be explored. Company can go global and enter the markets where tea is a part of tradition like England, India, and Pakistan. Celestial Seasonings has kept its promise to bring natural herb benefits to the customers. Company can overcome current problems and increase its profits with market development, club marketing programs and keeping the ethical concerns.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Climate Change And Its Impact On Ski Industry Tourism Essay Essays
Climate Change And Its Impact On Ski Industry Tourism Essay Essays Climate Change And Its Impact On Ski Industry Tourism Essay Essay Climate Change And Its Impact On Ski Industry Tourism Essay Essay This essay negotiations about the presence of clime alteration and its impact on ski industry which is dependent activity on conditions conditions. Global heating has been considered as a mega hazard and it has a inclination to be lasting and therefore it is highly complicated to mensurate its results. As Nicholls ( 2006 ) mentioned, clime alteration is today strongly accepted by many universe s scientists and authoritiess as an issue of enormous dismay for the people worldwide. This essay considers different theoretical accounts of possible impacts of planetary warming on different parts of the universe. Steyger and Mayers ( 2008 ) said that since the 1990s the likely dependance of snow touristry to climate alteration has received greater watchfulness in the media. Increasing figure of writers focus on this affair every bit good as on the adaptation schemes of ski resorts. This paper demonstrates that planetary heating is a job which forced bulk of ski resorts all over the universe to react to endure alterations in order to last. Essay negotiations about options that are available to ski resorts and brings on the treatment of their use and their effectivity. Ski resorts all over the universe are likely to see a loss of snow consistence and that is why supervising of ski parts has to be more witting when it comes to future of snow conditions in their geographics country. Global heating s impact on ski industry Models of projected results of planetary heating Climate every bit good as the natural environment associated with conditions alteration can probably to impact alfresco leisure and touristry. Businesss linked to skiing industry are mostly exposed to the projected impacts of planetary heating because skiing is an activity dependant on clime conditions. Bricknell and McManus ( 2006 ) considered that it is one of the first and the most visibly wedged industries by the hazard of planetary warming worldwide. Folland et Al ( 2001 ) as mentioned in Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) stated that one-year snow cover degree in the Northern hemisphere has decreased by about 10 % since 1966 and besides that old decennary was wetter and warmer compared to the anterior 30-year period in whole Europe. Global heating has already affected and will most likely carry on with impacting physical and natural systems all over the universe. As Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) refered to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change ( IPCC, 2001 ) , the expected effects of pl anetary warming include a proposed encouragement of globally averaged outside temperature by 1.4 to 5.8 A ; deg ; C between old ages 1990 and 2100 which would besides perchance take to sea flat rise of 0.88m globally. ZAMG ( 2007 ) as cited in Breiling s and Charamza ( 1999 ) found out that because of planetary warming the line of usual snowfall steadiness will raise by about 150 m of height per 1 A ; deg ; C of warming. For better image, low attitude ski resorts are those below 1800-2000 m and therefore, the bulk of ski resorts in the universe. Not to advert Breiling s and Charamza s ( 1999 ) appraisal that a 1 A ; deg ; C rise in mean temperatures with winter drouth may cut down the continuance of snow screen by 50 % at heights in scope of 1400 1600 m. For illustration, Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) estimated that no more than 63 % of the full Swiss ski parts will be snow consistent one time a temperature rise by 2 A ; deg ; C, non to advert the impact in the worst instance and t herefore, in addition of temperature by 5.8 A ; deg ; C, taking to account IPCC s theoretical account. If we link these few findings together, we may reason that in the worst fortunes, the natural snow dependableness will lift by 870m of height by twelvemonth 2100 which would intend that ski resorts of height about 2000m may stop up with every bit much snow as heights in parts about 1000m today. Larsson ( 2003 ) concentrated his research on clime alteration adaptation in Canada and the findings are really similar to of those in Europe. He used theoretical account of McCarthy s ( 2001 ) research which estimated that planetary heating in Arctic land countries may go theatrical by twelvemonth 2080. Summer temperatures would increase by 4.0-7.5 A ; deg ; C, winter temperatures by 2.5-14.0 A ; deg ; C. These Numberss are even more. If these anticipations are about to be fulfilled, it would take to runing of permafrost, taking to dirty with condensed bearing capacity in ice rich countries and active parts of irregular permafrost. Additionally as he found out, the planetary heating effects may diminish periods of utmost cold and on other manus addition frequence of utmost heat in North America. Turning sea degrees and danger of rainstorm class, and therefore danger of coastal implosion therapy, fluctuations in timing, regularity and badness of deluging linked to rainstorms are li kely to go a world. Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) mentioned that harmonizing to Mendelsohn and Markowski ( 1999 ) , planetary heating would most probably have an consequence on out-of-door leisure in three ways in the hereafter. These include handiness of leisure possibilities throughout longer summer seasons and shorter winter seasons. The comfort in general, satisfaction of leisure activities and the quality of the leisure experience. These sort of alterations will bring forth victors every bit good as also-rans as diverse kinds of outside diversion activities involve dissimilar climatic conditions. These results are though generalizations that may be applicable at corporate degree, whilst it would anticipate big territory and neighboring fluctuations between different touristry activities. All of the above findings are dismaying for winter touristry finishs and therefore directions of ski countries have to be really cognizant of possible impact of clime alteration on their ski musca volitanss as the snow is cardinal facet of ski touristry. Snow conditions as a cardinal factor Winter touristry is in many ways reliant on natural characteristics such as terrain, lift or perpendicular autumn. On other manus, even more important characteristics are upwind conditions, and therefore temperatures, airstream and snowfall. With lessening in snow screen, whatever the terrain or perpendicular autumn may be, it is about impossible to develop any ski chances. More writers agreed that snow screen is a cardinal variable for consumers to make up ones mind where to ski. Suggestions that impacts on planetary heating on winter touristry can be important are evident from research from different parts of the universe. For illustration, Fukushima et Al ( 2002 ) as expressed in Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) formed the interactions linking air heat, rainfall, snow strength and the sum of skiers at seven different ski resorts in Japan. They found out that the figure of skiers decreased by 30 % when temperature increased by 3-C. Godfrey ( 1999 ) found out that one of the most of import facets act uponing finish picks of English skiers traveling to Canada is snow conditions. These findings strengthen an statement that snow conditions and snow screen may be regarded as the most of import factor for any ski resort. As discussed and illustrated before, the phenomenon of planetary heating may, and most probably will hold a immense impact on snow conditions in mountains and ski countries and therefore it will besides hold important influence on concerns of new every bit good as matured ski finishs. Majority of them started to experience impacts of planetary heating and they are seeking to happen solutions in order to react to endure alterations so they have better opportunity to last and maintain their concerns alive. The inquiry is, is all it possible even without non adequate natural snowfall? Adaptation by ski industry Artificial snow-making Steiger and Mayer ( 2008 ) concentrated their research on Austria s and Swiss s ski industry and stated that technically created snow is the most used change attack for remarkably hot winter seasons. Nicholls ( 2006 ) who researched clime alteration and its impact on out-of-door touristry in Europe said that cardinal technological change to snow absence is the execution of unreal snow-making installations. Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) considered that the most general version to snow-deficient winters in Sweden is besides unreal snow-making. The pattern of snowmaking is progressively characteristic for the Australian ski industry excessively ( Bricknell and McManus, 2006 ) . Snowmaking may be used non merely to act upon ski season continuances but besides to cut down snow changeableness throughout the season. This is viewed as an insurance policy for get the better ofing the undependability of seasons and covering with the possible impacts of clime alteration. Snowmaking could be conside red short to medium-term version attack, non merely for low height ski finishs but every bit good as for financially strong year-around resorts at higher heights ( Nicholls, 2006 ) . For case, in Austria about 60 % of the ski countries are covered by unreal snow-making installations ( FSO, 2007 in Steyger and Mayer, 2008 ) . But the distribution of snow-making can non be related to planetary heating as tendencies in touristry, position, and competitory advantage are important characteristics. Steiger and Mayer ( 2008 ) said that ski resorts are forced to construct up snow-making capablenesss with cost for their fiscal strength as warm winters are going more common than in the yesteryear. However the possible aid of this machinery to the practicableness of winter touristry finishs have yet to be formed by research workers as the important outgos are linked with this step. For case, about 27 % of ski resorts in Switzerland have a decreased hard currency watercourse already and most do non look to be feasible without aid ( Seilbahnen Schweiz 2006 in Steiger and Mayer, 2008 ) . Elsasser and Burki ( 2002 ) and Scott et Al. ( 2003 ) as described in Nicholls ( 2006 ) , stated that snowmaking comfortss are dearly-won to assemble and preserve, and need important sums of H2O and power to work. For that ground, many of the little and in-between scope ski resorts would non hold adequate money for the execution of such engineering. Use of snow-making engineering In readying for the skiing season of 2006-2007 the Austria s Tyrolean ski industry invested EUR 55 million in snowmaking, with EUR 270 million in overall investings even though, the past winter seasons had brought sufficient snowfall yet at lower lifts ( Tiroler Tageszeitung 2006 as illustrated in Steyger and Mayers, 2008 ) . This points out that while the operators observe clime fortunes as on a regular basis excessively bleary and unsure, they are good cognizant of planetary heating and are seeking for version schemes. Besides, medium-term investing schemes are non tailored, as there is a batch of assurance in the betterment capacities of snowmaking machinery with a clear perceivable hole between conditions alteration and economic investing stages ( Mayer et al 2007 in Steiger and Mayer, 2008 ) . As they mentioned, while the hapless winter seasons at the terminal of the 1980s sparked unreal snowmaking in Tyrol, extra distribution was non related to endure capriciousness and planeta ry heating scenarios. On other manus, there is inclination to provide even of course snow consistent ski resorts in high height countries higher than 2000m or in even 2500m with snow-making comfortss. These lifts may be regarded as of course snow consistent even in pessimistic planetary heating scenarios. As they said, snow-making comfortss can be besides used as publicity instrument to be a magnet for tourers, to construct repute and to keep monetary values higher than it would by and large be. These resources could possibly be used in more sustainable manner than merely unneeded use of H2O wealth and other hurts of snow guns. Snow-making guns are non needfully used in order merely to do ski inclines useable for longer period of clip. Main enthusiasm for the alone diffusion of snowmakers are that snowmaking should procure tourer capacity ingestion, overseas telegram auto companies grosss, and images of resorts in which domestic every bit good as international ski competition go on . Furthermore, it ought to vouch wide environment for learning and exerting of winter athleticss. How is planetary warming related to diffusion of snow-making installations? Austria s instance is different as there are many high-level ski resorts but Bricknell and McManus ( 2006 ) interviewed CEOs of three different ski resorts in Australia on this issue. CEOs assured that snowmaking engineering may assist to contradict jutting clime alteration impacts. The Chief executive officer of one resort suggested that, under planetary heating, snowmaking conditions may be unaffected or even improved because drier colder darks are good for snow-making which would help the long term viability of the industry. The Chief executive officer of 2nd resort noted that snowmaking is a necessary investing regardless of the possible impacts of clime alteration due to current consumer demands on the industry. CEO of 3rd resort nevertheless, argued that planetary heating could hold important impact on unreal snow-making as this engineering still depends on clime conditions and therefore it still would non needfully get the better of the issue. Global heating and unreal snow-making Global heating may act upon snowmaking in few ways. Decrease in natural snowfall would necessitate more snowmaking ; addition in mean temperatures would diminish the length and sum of possibilities and hike the disbursals of doing snow ; and fluctuations in rainfall may straiten the H2O supply for snowmaking ( Scott et al. , 2006 in Moen and Fredman, 2007 ) . Analysiss in North America have exposed that unreal snowmaking can significantly decrease the pessimistic results of clime alteration but merely if the temperature stays adequately low ( Scott, 2006 ; Scott et al. , 2006 in Moen and Fredman, 2007 ) . Nicholls ( 2006 ) stated that unreal snow-making demands certain climatic milieus, as for illustration minimal temperatures to be met and therefore, this system may in several fortunes be prohibited beside the addition in warmth related to the planetary heating. The most of import thing about snow-making is that snow guns and their use are limited by conditions conditions ( Steiger and Mayer, 2008 ) . High-quality snow can be accomplished with snow creative activity get downing below -6 A ; deg ; C at mean humidness. On top of that, snowmaking conditions are prejudiced by heat and wetness ; if the air is wetter, lower temperatures are required. With recent snowmaking tools snow can be produced below -5 A ; deg ; C. Fliri s ( 1974 ) conditions tabular arraies as expressed in Steiger and Mayer ( 2008 ) show a strong connexion between -2 A ; deg ; C day-to-day mean temperature and -6 A ; deg ; C daily lowest temperature ( Nicholls, 2006 ) . Days making the threshold of -2 A ; deg ; C day-to-day mean temperature are defined as prospective snowmaking yearss with best snowmaking conditions. Additionally, snowmaking is merely considered realistic if it can poise out the loss during snowmelt. Therefore for bulk of low-level ski resorts this scheme does non piece up the issue of planetary heating for long term and they have to get down to look for other strategic options in order to get the better of the jobs of extremum season shortness and falling visitant Numberss as a consequence of clime alteration. Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) adopted from Burki et Al ( 2003 ) some other adaptation schemes ski resorts may see. Apart from snow-making, resorts could concentrate on different activities in order to carry through consumer demands and to last on competitory concern market. Slope development and operational patterns At active ski countries, incline enlargement changes consist of: incline contouring, landscape gardening, and the defense mechanism of glaciers. Contouring or flatting ski inclines could be preparing inclines in the summer season to extinguish stones or bush flora, to cut down the snow astuteness needed to run and stand for a cost economy attack for snowmaking ( Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . Land contouring can besides be used to capture snowmelt and exceed up snowmaking armored combat vehicles during the winter. Strategic placing and planting of tree screen can capture traveling snow and to some extent somberness ski inclines, which would cut down snowmelt and snowmaking demands. Additionally to the accommodation of already runing skiable environment, the enlargement of new skiable terrain in climatically privileged sites is by and large cited as an change to climate alteration. The development of north confronting inclines, which retain snowpack thirster, is one scheme excessively. A s Scott and McBoyle ( 2007 ) realised, more writers agreed that enlargement of ski countries into higher lifts, with by and large more dependable snow screen, where a longer ski season is possible, seems to be one of the cardinal clime alteration version schemes considered by ski country operators in the European Alps. Thirty six ski countries in Austria were expecting mandate to develop their operations into higher lifts in 2002- 2003. Wolfsegger et Al. ( ) as illustrated in Scott and McBoyle ( 2007 ) said that spread outing to higher lifts was the 3rd most favorite planetary warming version pick by Austrian ski country directors, after snowmaking and sharing snowmaking costs with the adjustment industry. Nicholls ( 2006 ) besides agreed that scheme of development of higher height ski resorts is option that tends to be of favor for bing ski resorts. Large ski corporations over smaller, family-owned concerns tend to utilize this scheme. Although, such betterments would show a host of ecological and safety concerns which the industry would necessitate to cover with in order to continue the industry in a feasible attack. These comprise bigger force per unit area from new production every bit good as improved waste creative activity. Besides due to mountain terrain or tallness this scheme is in many instances impossible. Other option is to collaborate or spread out into countries with more dependable snow which may on other manus diversify income construction of resorts. Scott and McBoyle ( 2007 ) said that high lift mountain environments are peculiarly sensitive to disturbance and resistance from the populace and environmental groups may present a important restraint on this version sche me in some locations. Marketing inducements and new merchandise developments Bricknell and McManus ( 2006 ) suggested that many resorts use scheme of flexible ticket pricing policy and therefore cut downing ticket monetary values in order to pull more skiers. Scott and McBoyle ( 2007 ) mentioned that ski companies have already begun to experiment with inducements or warrants to get the better of skiers reluctance to book a ski vacation because of unsure snow conditions. In the winter of 1999-2000, for illustration, the American Skiing Company promised visitants to its six New England part ski resorts a 25 % decrease on their following holiday if the ski country failed to open 70 % of their ski tallies during the Christmas-New Year vacation period. Warm temperatures that season forced three of the six resorts to pay clients discounts ( Keates, 2000 in Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . Another scheme could be to develop non-snow related activities in winter or to go all season finish as more picks could pull more tourers and it could convey other benefits. All twelvemonth round touristry could be developed by supplying clime independent touristry such as conference or educational touristry. Nicholls ( 2006 ) mentioned that the edifice of conference comfortss combined with the part of a wide assortment of outside leisure activities during the seasons may supply resorts with a balanced, changeless beginning of gross that is less dependent on conditions conditions. On other manus, the enlargement of such replacements needs an primary ballad out of financess which may travel beyond the capablenesss of smaller ski concerns. Over the past three decennaries, many ski countries in North America have diversified their operations beyond traditional ski activities to include the proviso of skiing and snowboarding lessons, adjustment and retail gross revenues ( Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . The Economist ( 1998 ) referred to the change of major ski resorts in North America from ski countries to winter subject Parkss, as the Disneyfication of the winter athleticss industry ( Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . Non-skiers represent an of import market at ski resorts. Williams and Dossa ( 1990 ) estimated that 20-30 % of visitants to ski resorts in Canada did non ski during their visit ( Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . They besides pointed out that in season 1974-75, lift tickets stood for about 80 % of net incomes for the usual ski country in the US. Nowadays, lift tickets stand for non even than half the net incomes, as other activities have risen in significance. Therefore to diversify the market and besides to diminish th e force per unit area of demand on ski lifts, this scheme seems to be really supportive for bing ski resorts with capablenesss to make so. Many ski resorts have made significant investings to supply surrogate activities for non-skiing visitants. For illustration snowmobiling, skating, dog sled-rides, indoor pools, wellness and health watering place, fittingness Centres, squash and tennis, games suites, eating houses, retail shops and many others. Moen and Fredman ( 2007 ) agreed, developing options to skiing during winter is good recognized scheme to get the better of falling visitant Numberss into ski countries ; nevertheless he pointed out, that it is besides debatable as many of these options are reliant on snow conditions or ice-covered lakes and therefore dependant on clime conditions. All twelvemonth round touristry The most promising scheme in order to wholly get the better of the jobs of planetary heating may be to develop all-year unit of ammunition touristry. Furthermore, offset pessimistic fiscal effects as of planetary heating, such a scheme would every bit good hold optimistic public effects on conventional winter finishs as seasonal unsimilarity in employment chances are bridged over. A figure of ski resorts have farther diversified their concern operations to go four season resorts , offering non-winter activities such as golf, boating and white-water rafting, mountain biking, parasailing, horseback equitation and other concern lines. At many larger resorts, existent estate building and direction has besides become a really of import beginning of gross. On other manus, as Bricknell and McManus ( 2006 ) stated, the development of summer touristry needs long term readying in order for them to develop grasp in this market. The resorts will hold to postulate with each other and with summer finishs such as coastal locations, which would be in many instances really tough, particularly where coastal summer touristry takes topographic point. The enlargement of touristry into the summer season in sequence to back up or to trade snow touristry may besides direct to environmental struggles. Activities that resorts may desire to advance, such as motorcycle equitation and Equus caballus equitation, could accidentally leak out into parts of saving where they are out. These sorts of activities are besides known to decline environmental issues, such as eroding and the spread of alien species. If these signifiers of touristry addition in popularity, the transporting capacity for these mountain finishs must be re-evaluated to embrace their possible impacts. Role of public sector The public good feature of clime alteration creates complicated challenge for fiscal and political organisations. The deficiency of an unchanged conditions is non connected to turning monetary values and is non needfully measured to the top valued consumers. To keep well-organized policies, inputs from fiscal appraisals of planetary heating impacts are indispensable. Such financially feasible steps consist of direct economic impacts to the economic system every bit good as benefits to the subscribers. For case, Scott et Al. ( 2002 ) as described in Scott and McBoyle ( 2007 ) used disbursement records to present estimate of the possible economic impacts from g oobal heating on skiing in Canada, whilst Richardson and Loomis ( 2005 ) calculated the effects of clime on motive to pay to see Rocky Mountain National Park. Many writers put some attempts to put an economic value on planetary heating impacts to touristry and outside leisure. For illustration, as Scott and McBoyle ( 2007 ) said , Meier ( 1998 ) approximated the cost of planetary heating for the 4 season touristry in Switzerland at USD 1.1 1.4 billion by the twelvemonth 2050. Scott and McBoyle ( 2007 ) said that better conditions prediction would do available an enhanced foundation for hazard appraisals and tactical concern picks, every bit good as the timing of seasonal gaps or when to get down unreal snowmaking. Negotiations with ski operators in eastern North America propose that the industry does non soon use seasonal prognosiss in their operational decision-making and substantial sweetenings in calculating accurateness would be necessary before these merchandises would accomplish a degree of realistic value for the ski industry. Some ski operators yet think about five to seven yearss prognosiss as excessively untrusty for operational decision-making and applied prognosiss from different states or classified services alternatively of governmental prognosiss ( Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . Announcements to the community through the media could be a farther facet of prediction that could be improved in some countries. Ski operators on occasion have advers arial interaction with a figure of neighbouring media for the ground that of what they recognise as inaccurate exposure of conditions conditions and prognosiss that they disagree be them concern ( King, 2005 in Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . Government support to the ski industry has taken topographic point in the assortment of discounted energy costs, long-standing rentals of communal lands and substructure supports, but the industry has non gained from the sorts of endorsing plans offered to other climate-sensitive trade sectors such as for illustration, patron crop insurance for the agribusiness sector. In the hereafter, skiing based touristry economic losingss consequential from unpleasant clime fortunes may be equal for authorities concern and support in some instances. Government engagement in the ski industry s chance could possibly take a figure of signifiers. Direct engagement could come throughout fiscal aid, cover support or selling proposals. Ultimately, authorities policie s linked to set down and H2O usage, and energy and gross disbursement could impact skiing operations positively. Government fiscal aid for snowmaking was greatly supported by Austrian ski country directors, whilst authorities aid for fiscal losingss because of hapless winters was merely to some extent supported ( Wolfsegger et al, 2005 as demonstrated in Scott and McBoyle, 2007 ) . Decision This essay discussed the job of planetary heating and its projected impacts on ski industry all over the universe. It demonstrated that clime alteration is loosely accepted as a mega hazard, peculiarly for concerns dependant on conditions conditions. Numerous ski resorts, particularly those that are established at lower lifts could confront serious jobs if climate alteration prognosiss are about to be accurate in the hereafter. Among limited supply of downhill ski resorts, coupled with an bing high demand for the activity, it would perchance take to yet other singular addition in monetary values and environmental force per unit areas. Ski resorts have several scheme options to see when it comes to job of non sufficient snow cover in their geographics country. Some tend to utilize unreal snow-making installations, some purpose to diversify their concern portfolio by offering a new merchandises and developments of new touristry attractive forces. The most promising scheme to get the better of planetary heating job, as regarded by few writers, was to go an all-year unit of ammunition touristry finish. However, all of these adaptation schemes tend to travel manus in manus with the issue of sustainability which should be taken more earnestly as all developments take topographic point in highly sensitive environments. The essay demonstrated that adaptation schemes are progressively used already by ski resorts in many parts of the universe and that sometimes these are non even related to planetary heating. The most normally used adaptation schemes are non without ecological and fiscal costs. Water use from natural H2O organic structures can lesser H2O strengths and influence fishing detrimentally. Power demands are high as good and reciprocally linked to warmth, and will therefore prolong higher outgo the warmer the temperatures get. By agencies of this type of upset of demand to ski parts with higher height, ecological tonss upon the nearby environments would be enlarged. This paper merely reasonably points out issues that come along with new developments and enlargements of ski parts and these should be further discussed and analysed.
Monday, October 21, 2019
buy custom Aristotle and the Oedipus Rex Play essay
buy custom Aristotle and the 'Oedipus Rex' Play essay According to Aristotle Oedipus Rexis a tragedy which will fit in what he believed as a tragedy. In the play, Oedipus comes out as version of what one can consider to be a great hero. This can be attributed to the impression that emerges from his personality. Due to hamartia which in English is a mistake, he undergoes aperipeteiawhich is a disaster, to which according to Aristotle, it is the centre or core of the tragedy. Some people in most times translate hamartia as as a serious tragic flaw,but there is no indication the presence of a big fail on the personality with such attributes as lust or pride, but hamartia is seen as mistake that are related to recognition or perception . A lot of scholars have argued of the clear and actual meaning and the true scale of the mistake that was committed. Forperipeteiait can be regarded as a reversal of fortune, this is a repeated happening that occurs when individual are experiencing tragedies as their lives shift from better to worse. According to Aristotle, the reversal that occurs helps in the creation of pity and also fear to the audience who are watchig the play, it plays the key role. This work sin the build up to thecatharsis,which is a popular word which is mostly used in the study and field of literature. catharsis is a term which comes from the religion of the Greek people, the term stands for the ritual purification of the people using rituals and it works in purifying people from pollution which is a crucial way of life in the Greek culture. Miasma or the pollution that people are seeking purification from is brought about by crime in the society in particular murder.Therefore there was need to clean the blood that was spilled during murder and so the act of purification ofmiasmawas wanted and need for proper rituals for this purpose and work. The purification occurred in the place where the said crime was committed and also there was need to purify the person who committed the crime (Anagnostopoulos, 72). It was believed that if a person who has committed murder and run to a new place without purification, the murder will cause pollution in the new environment. This happens to be the actual occurrence at the start of Oedipus Rex where in the play the gods have not yet sent misfortune to the Thebes people since there is Laius who is a known killer in the city also tthe other problem is in the city of Jocasta and also Oedipus. The wordcatharsisis used by Aristotle to mean the suppression of a lot of emotions from an individual. When one watches the tragedy that unravels in the play and also by the feel of the high emotion that makes on to fear and also have pity for the characters who are acting on the play, the audience will experience some sort of soul cleansing (Osborne et al, 185). This plays out the same way the ritual of catharsison the people in the play help the individuals who before we polluted and by the ritual they can once again be accepted in the community without the individual carrying miasma with them. Therefore the metaphoricalcatharsisfor the audience who are watching the play are able to share in the experiences that bind them together closely. Aristotle works in the in assisting to locate the true importance of the self in perception, this he achieves by helping to share perception by helping people to perceive in similar circumstances. This will help the audience to develop an important common bond or identity. Therefore Aristotle, by the individual and communities watching the play it acts as a benefit to all. Buy custom Aristotle and the 'Oedipus Rex' Play essay
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Cheer Up Your Job Search
Cheer Up Your Job Search At The Huffington Post Blog, author Mary Eileen Williams has tips for surefire strategies to help boost your job search over some of its biggest hurdles. Looking for work is discouraging and stressfulââ¬âbut it doesnââ¬â¢t have to be a dismal business. Avoid Isolation:As a natural introvert, when I was first laid off I thought having time alone to decompress and job hunt in peace would be a good thing. But before my first two weeks of unemployment had elapsed, I was feeling lonely and forgotten by my working friends. Williams suggests you get right back on the horseââ¬ânetwork with new friends, keep up with old friends, and stay busy. She proposes you look into joining professional associations, volunteer in related fields, find job-hunting running buddies to keep each other company, and build up morale.Practice Proactive Stress Reduction:Iââ¬â¢m a first class wallower when itââ¬â¢s time to brood over bad news or unfortunate timing. Donââ¬â¢t be afraid to indulge in a little time off. But I knew my stretch of unemployment sulking was about to turn around when I started finding low stakes projects around my apartment. Clean out your closet, organize your desk, stock up on job hunting supplies like resume paper, pens and a portfolio. Accomplishing small tasks gives you momentum and builds esteem for tackling the bigger objectives. Vent to your friends, but keep your correspondence with potential professional contacts upbeat and lively.Set Yourself Up For Success:One of the hardest things about being unemployed is feeling like you have no control over your job situation. But the tools you do have at your disposal can help you regain a sense of balance. Take a class, pursue a certification, ask for some informational interviews in industries or at companies youââ¬â¢ve been interested in. There are dozens of resources online and at your alma materââ¬â¢s career center that can get your wheels moving. You wonââ¬â¢t miss a beat when youâ⠬â¢re back on the job.Remember to practice non-tangible self-care tooââ¬âspeak gently to yourself, even when youââ¬â¢re frustrated, and make sure youââ¬â¢re eating, exercising and sleeping appropriately. Your job search may not turn around overnight, but if you put all your focus and enthusiasm into the hunt, youââ¬â¢ll find ways to make even the smallest accomplishments feel like progress.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
STRATEGY, PROJECT MANAGEMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN Case Study
STRATEGY, PROJECT MANAGEMENT & SUPPLY CHAIN - Case Study Example It is difficult to manage a project in the energy sector where there is friction with the government and, in this case, issues with the extension of the PSA have made it difficult for companies to achieve profit estimates. Failure by some companies, in this case Agip KCO, to respect the production schedule and compliance with environmental regulations have resulted in friction between international consortiums and the government (Esty & Bitsch, 2013: p4). Scharffen Berger is rapidly expanding and the most important issue at such a point is to decide on how to increase its capacity across its production system, as well as the technologies to use (Snow et al, 2010: p9). In such a situation, a company like Scharffen Berger should consider marketing requirements, effects of reputation and quality, and alternative approaches aimed at increasing output both in the long and short term. This issue is exacerbated by Toyotaââ¬â¢s use of offline systems to address these problems, which is a deviation from the Toyota production Systemââ¬â¢s procedures and policies (Mishina & Takeda, 1995: p2). Sinopecââ¬â¢s implementation of the vendor-managed inventory system provides important insight into potential challenges facing the implementation of such supply chain strategies, including poor integration of information systems. In implementing the VMI strategy, such challenges could lead to an increase in inventory stored by the supplier, especially if there is lack of mutual trust in the chain of supply (Zhao et al, 2006:
Friday, October 18, 2019
The Role of the RN In Medical Surgical Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words
The Role of the RN In Medical Surgical - Essay Example Surgical nurses play a fundamental role in provision of health care services to patients before, during and after surgical operations. Their work consists of both outside and inside the sterile field where they deal with direct patient care as well as offering the necessary support to the surgical team (Workman, 2009). Under the surveillance of a surgical physician, surgical nurses offer services in the operation room in addition to pre-surgical departments in the hospital. Their services facilitate smooth operating procedures by preparing patients for a surgery, helping the surgeon during an operation and further attending to the patients after the surgery until they fully recover. However, even though the working environment for surgical nurses can be considered to be good, sometimes they turn out to be both emotionally and physically stressful since they are required to be alert for most of their shifts and sometimes they are forced to work beyond their scheduled shifts (Maclise, 2008). Recovery surgical nurses are registered nurses who offer their services to patients before and after a surgery, their major role is to prepare patients for surgical procedures by administering pre-surgical services like intravenous injections, observation of the medical history of the patient, conducting a complete blood test and other preliminary surgical requirements such as shaving (Workman, 2009). RNs who work in the recovery sector monitor the reaction of the patient as he or she recovers from the effects of the anesthesia administered before the surgery. They basically observe for patientââ¬â¢s vital recuperation indicators, clean and dress the wounds as well as administer the recommended medication in addition to assisting the patient with pain management strategies. Further, they assist with provision of post-surgery health care education to both the patient and his/her family (Ignatavicius, 2007). Surgical nurses also offer sterility services to the surgeon by ens uring that each and every surgical instrument is sterilized to the required standard in an effort to guarantee that there are reduced chances of contamination and infection. The nurses are treated with antimicrobial soap and equipped with a sterilized suit; this ensures that microbes which can infect the patient during the operation are kept at bay (Maclise, 2008). These nurses prepare the required surgical instruments and other essential supplies that are needed during the operation procedure. There are also some nurses who play a fundamental role during the surgery even though they are not involved in the sterile field. Their duties include securing any additional instruments that may be required during the surgery, preparing samples for lab tests and also ensuring that bio-hazardous wastes are well disposed (Workman, 2009). It is the duty of a surgical nurse to treat patients who are under acute health conditions after undergoing a surgery since most of the patients will be in ne ed of pain management medication (Ackley & Ladwig, 2010). The surgical RN has the responsibility of ensuring that the patient takes the exact medication which has been prescribed by a surgeon or a doctor as some of the prescriptions can be harmful if taken incorrectly and thus, they call for the proper dosage at the appropriate time. A surgical nurse is also required to talk to the patient at least more than 10 times a day so as to realize
Buometric ID system in Europ Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Buometric ID system in Europ - Essay Example (Jain, 2004) The privacy issues related to biometrics are primarily concerned with the civil rights of individuals and the way that the security apparatus of government uses biometric information in law enforcement. The issues of individual privacy vs. the legitimate technological use of biometric information will be discussed in this essay in order to analyze the EU policy that would implement biometric information as a basic part of passports and identity cards. Where the social utility of biometric data is furthered by the expansion of technological developments, the civil rights issues of their use must be clearly determined by a review of institutional practice in order for a fair and sustainable policy to be developed. This essay will review the current efforts to implement biometric identification on a universal basis in the EU in the context of human rights and civil liberties to determine if the current application of policy is threatening to the privacy concerns of individu als. The current proposal for biometric use in the EU includes the complete integration of the technology with existing passport controls and personal identification cards in society. (Heath, 2006) This system will be used in the management of immigration, travel, and related security services in the EU. (Jain, 2004) What the debate over biometrics in this context suggests is that the implementation for security is the main concern, with the risk of terrorism in airports and train stations a major risk to public safety. However, the security use may also ââ¬Å"demonizeâ⬠this technology by painting it in a negative light socially, whereas the technology itself may be given a wider and more beneficial use in easing transactions and identity verification for other purposes. The biometric technology is a product of human invention and its use is contingent on the motivations of the architects of the system. Rather than being inherently invasive or a threat to civil
Thursday, October 17, 2019
State Government Levy Tariffs on Imports Coursework
State Government Levy Tariffs on Imports - Coursework Example Therefore, other countries prefer these goods because of the advantage of price and quality. Governments can raise revenues by levying imports but on the other hand, they can raise revenue by setting tax policy where people pay taxes and the government gets money. Additionally, governments write laws whereby offenders receive punishments through a fine or penalty and collect money from them (Feenstra & Romalis, 2002). Moreover, they can engage in economic activities like farming and tourism and this could be a source of income. The advantages of levying taxes are as follows. Countries are able to achieve high standards of living by obtaining quality products as well as the importation of raw materials to produce and export finished goods (Lee & Johnson, 2008). In addition, it helps save money by importing high quality goods at a lower cost. The disadvantages include the erosion of national economies specifically when imports exceed exports. In addition, countries accept social values that conflict with the domestic values thus making people adapt to new disregarded values i n
Sustainability Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 2
Sustainability - Essay Example The multidimensional perspectives of a business should therefore encompass several environmental and ecological issues and factors. In other words, in any analysis of a businessââ¬â¢ performance, the social, cultural, health-related and monetary/financial aspects of its operations must be integrated. Thus, the idea of sustainability surpasses sustained business yields of welfare, resources and profit and touches on social and communal effects (Farley & Daly, 2004). This paper explores the benefits that Janssen UK, a medium-sized leading transnational research-based pharmaceutical company with its headquarters in High Wycombe might enjoy from sustainability, the leadership initiatives by which the company may become a leader in sustainability and how the organisationââ¬â¢s leadership might effect the sustainability change. The Benefits of Sustainability The big question that many people, especially company managers and CEOs ask is whether sustainability really works. In other wo rds, are there real benefits of sustainability? For Janssen UK, the general and simplest response to this question is yes. This answer is supported by the fact that other top-ranking small-, medium- and large-sized organisations in the world are either practicing or introducing sustainability to their operations and practices. In addition, more workers now choose organisations or employers based on their environmental credentials, friendliness and corporate citizenship (Hawken & Lovins, 1999). Nonetheless, owners, CEOs and managers continue to question the costs and financial benefits even as they enjoy the benefits of sustainability. It is however generally supported that businesses that seek to reduce the amount of resources or materials used in the production of the same amount of goods and services or that seek to reduce cases of sick leave while improving staff retention rates definitely enjoy the financial benefits of sustainability (Von Weizsacker, 1998). That sustainability has immense personal and professional benefits is evidenced by the reports of organisations that successfully implement sustainability programs. The benefits of sustainability for Janssen UK may be largely categorised as financial, brand and reputation, human resources and employee engagement and environmental benefits. Under the financial benefits, Janssen UK may enjoy reduced energy and water usage, hence reduced production costs (Daly & Cobb, 1999). In addition, Janssen UK could enjoy reduced paper, waste and associated costs as well as reduced use of production materials. In some cases, the company may receive grants due to its improved sustainability practices. The other likely financial benefit of sustainability to Janssen UK is visibility of business performance as a result of mandatory reporting. As mentioned earlier, businesses that implement sustainability programs have numerous human resources and employee engagement benefits. For Janssen UK, these benefits include but ar e not limited to improved working conditions, increase productivity, improved attraction and retention of labourers, increased staff loyalty and lowered costs associated with improved human resource outcomes (Jackson et al., 2008). The third category of the benefits of sustainability, the brand and reputation benefits include better corporate social responsibility performance, lowered liability and risk management, improved competitiveness and market positioning and increased
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
State Government Levy Tariffs on Imports Coursework
State Government Levy Tariffs on Imports - Coursework Example Therefore, other countries prefer these goods because of the advantage of price and quality. Governments can raise revenues by levying imports but on the other hand, they can raise revenue by setting tax policy where people pay taxes and the government gets money. Additionally, governments write laws whereby offenders receive punishments through a fine or penalty and collect money from them (Feenstra & Romalis, 2002). Moreover, they can engage in economic activities like farming and tourism and this could be a source of income. The advantages of levying taxes are as follows. Countries are able to achieve high standards of living by obtaining quality products as well as the importation of raw materials to produce and export finished goods (Lee & Johnson, 2008). In addition, it helps save money by importing high quality goods at a lower cost. The disadvantages include the erosion of national economies specifically when imports exceed exports. In addition, countries accept social values that conflict with the domestic values thus making people adapt to new disregarded values i n
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
Burjeel hospital ( abu dhabi ) Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5750 words
Burjeel hospital ( abu dhabi ) - Research Paper Example Developments within the standards of the healthcare domain of the country have been one of the major aspects, which must be duly considered for deriving positive outcomes. The standard, which has been practiced within the healthcare industry of the nation, is identified to remain at par with the prevailing healthcare issues in the global business sector (Alhyas, Nielsen, Dawoud & Majeed, 2013). The number of chronic disease prevailing within the country i.e. the UAE is noted to be an ever increasing trend in recent years, which further demands for extensive development of the sector in terms of delivering effective healthcare services to the people of the country. In order to acquire more in-depth understanding about the topic of the research, Burjeel Hospital of the UAE has been taken into concern for discussion (Burjeel Hospital, 2015). Thus, with this concern, the research paper intends to develop a marketing plan for the healthcare organization i.e. Burjeel Hospital, which is operating in the nation for several years. The aim of the plan will be to ensure long-term sustainability and attain competitive advantage as compared to others operating within the overall healthcare sector of the nation. The healthcare organization chosen for this particular research study is Burjeel Hospital operating in the region of Abu Dhabi of the UAE. Notably, this particular healthcare organization is one of the biggest and most prestigious healthcare organizations operating in the nation. Apart from the effectiveness of the healthcare services being provided to the patients, the hospital is also known for its grandeur and magnificence in terms of infrastructural development. The management of the healthcare unit not only believed in the deliverance of quality healthcare services to the end users, but also offering the same in cost-effective manner. The organization also ensures providing world-class facilities to the customers based on which they could be cured as early as
Monday, October 14, 2019
The Business Environment Essay Example for Free
The Business Environment Essay In this assignment, I am going to be exploring the purpose of Tesco and The British Heart Foundation. I will be looking into the influence of stakeholders and how the businesses organise themselves through strategic planning and organisational structures to achieve their purpose and aims. Tesco is an international Public Limited Company. Tesco has over 500,00 employees in 12 countries. Under the Tesco Group there are a number of sister companies such as Tesco Ireland, Tesco Poland and Tesco Lotus. In addition, Tesco offers other services such as Tesco Bank which is also a part of the organisation. [1] From my research, it states that Tesco is a part of the tertiary sector as it is retailing by selling a range of products from groceries to electronics. Tesco also offers services such as loans with Tesco Bank .In my opinion itââ¬â¢s also is a part of the secondary sector . For example, Tesco bakes fresh bread on site and then sells in its sorts so therefore it is a part of both of these sectors. Additionally Tesco has its own Mobile Network which offers Pay as you go and Pay Monthly options. You can also buy mobile devices such as the iPhone 5C. [2] The British Heart Foundation is a national Charity (Not-for-profit organisation) in the tertiary sector. TBHF has approximately 20,00 volunteers in its 765 stores in the UK. [3] Apart of these stores are volunteers but they also have paid managers and assistant managers. The stores rely on donations from the public to sell products in its shops. They have some specialised Furniture stores that solely sell furniture. They also sell a wide range of items in its standard stores for the home such as ornaments, kitchen goods and various other items. Tesco is a Public Limited Company. This means that the stakeholders will have limited liability to the company. Therefore this separates the stakeholderââ¬â¢s personal assets from Tesco. For example, if Tesco became into debt and was to close, the Chief Financial Officer Alan Stewards House and car wouldnââ¬â¢t be taken away to clear the debt as the company has limited liability. The success of Tesco depends on how much profit is made. This then reflects the dividends that the stakeholder receives. This would then affect the operations of the business. The British Heart Foundation is a Charity. This type of organisation has unlimited liability. As a trustee, director or officer, they are in a very vulnerableà position. These individuals are liable for the outcome of all decisions and actions of The British Heart Foundation. To protect these individuals there is an indemnity which insures them if they are deemed liable.[8] Even though itââ¬â¢s a not for profit organisation, if limited profit was made, it would affect their operations by the charity not being able to put money back into helping and researching for The British Heart Foundation. Tescoââ¬â¢s Aims and objectives; â⬠¢Offering customers the best value for money and being competitive on prices â⬠¢Meeting the needs of customers by constantly looking for, and acting on, their opinions regarding innovation, product quality, choice, store facilities and service â⬠¢Providing shareholders with progressive returns on their investment improving profitability through investment in resourceful stores and distribution depots, in productivity improvements and in new technology â⬠¢Developing the talents of its employees through sound management and training practices, while rewarding them fairly with equal opportunities for all â⬠¢Working side by side with suppliers to build long term business relationships based on strict quality and price criteria â⬠¢Participating in the national food industry policies on issues such as health, nutrition, hygiene, safety and animal welfare â⬠¢Supporting the community and protecting the environment [4] The British Heart Foundations Aim Objectives; â⬠¢To develop research into the causes of heart disease and improved methods of prevention, diagnosis and treatment. â⬠¢To provide vital information to help people reduce their heart health risk. â⬠¢To urge for government policies that minimise the risk of heart and circulatory disease. â⬠¢To help achieve the highest possible standards of care and support for heart patients. â⬠¢To reduce the inequalities in levels of heart disease across the UK. [5] Tesco has a number of stakeholders in the company. A stakeholder is someone that has an interest in the business. A stakeholder would be interested in how the business is run and the decisions the business makes. StakeholdersBritish Heart Foundation A customer would buy from The British Heart Foundation to buy goods at cheaper prices. Customers would also shop there to support The British Heart Foundation cause. Without customers going into the store to by the products, The British Heart Foundation would not be able to meet their main objectives of researching into the causes of heart disease and providing this vital information for people to reduce the risk of their heart health as they wouldnââ¬â¢t have the funds to meet these objectives. Tesco Customers An individual that buys goods or services from a business.A customer would shop at Tesco to seek products of a high standard for low , competitive prices. In addition, they would shop solely for the convenience of having all there buying needs in one place. Without customers , Tesco would not be able to sell their products or services so they would fail there objectives to offer a high quality service at competitive prices and offering their shareholders competitive returns. This would mean that without profit, they would fail to meet their objectives. Employees An individual that is employed by a business for a wage or salary to provide work in exchange.At The British Heart Foundation there are employees such as management that are paid for their work but also The British Heart Foundation have Volunteers that offer to work for free to help the cause. Normally volunteers are young people that are trying to gain work experience nevertheless there are people of various ages that work as volunteers to help the cause they are passionate about. These employees and volunteers are vital in the running The British Heart Foundation as without these people, they wouldnââ¬â¢t be able to run stores to retail in and therefore not be able to raise money to help the cause . So this would influence the completion of their aims and objectives of developing and researching.Tesco employees are vital to the company . Theyà help with Tescoââ¬â¢s high volume of customers and providing these customers with a quality service . Tesco values its employees and offers all kinds of benefits for working for the company such as a staff discount card, health care discounts and pension plans. [6]. Tesco would not be able to run without its employees as they wouldnââ¬â¢t to be able to sell or provide the services Tesco offers. In addition, without its employees , Tesco would fail to meets all of its aims and objectives as they wouldnââ¬â¢t be able to provide the service they do , they wouldnââ¬â¢t be able to offer value for money, Also they wouldnââ¬â¢t have any shareholders as without profit; nobody would invest and they wouldnââ¬â¢t be able to offer training to keep up these standards they wish to upkeep. Trade Union [7] A Trade Union is an organisation formed of workers in a trade or profession to help protect the rights of employees.A Trade Union can offer support to its members for employees and volunteers. It enables these individuals to be heard and not be treated unfairly within the work place. If there wasnââ¬â¢t access to trade unions then some people may be treated incorrectly in the work place so it would cause people to leave or may not even work or volunteer for The British Heart Foundation at all. Even though volunteers do not get paid, trade unions can make sure that volunteers are treated as any other member of staff so there is equality in the business working environment. By giving people that the safety net of a trade union, it encourages people to apart of the organisation because if there werenââ¬â¢t any employees then The British Heart Foundation would fail its aims and objectives. A Trade Union can offer support for Tescoââ¬â¢s employees .It enables these individuals to be heard and not be treated unfairly within the work place. If there wasnââ¬â¢t access to trade unions then some people may be treated incorrectly in the work place so it would cause people to leave or may not even work for Tesco. Tesco employees want a secure job with an opportunity for promotion. . By giving people that the safety net of a trade union, it encourages people to apart of the organisation because if there werenââ¬â¢t any employees then Tesco would fail its aims and objectives as they wouldnââ¬â¢t to be able to provide the services they do to make a profit. Suppliers A supplier is a party that supplies goods or servicesThe Items that are sold in The British Heart Foundation shops are supplied by the public through donations. People donate to the cause so The British Heart Foundation can re-sell those items to raise money for the cause. If people didnââ¬â¢t donate then The British Heart Foundation wouldnââ¬â¢t be able to raise money to fund to develop research on finding cures for heart related health issues and to inform people on these issues and prevent those individuals. Without the funding, they would fail their aims and objectives.Tesco has various supplies for its wide range of products and services. Generally Tesco has so many stores, it can buy products in bulk at very low prices per unit so they can sell to customers to make a profit. Without the suppliers of these products, they wouldnââ¬â¢t have a business platform or selling point. The suppliers have a somewhat control over Tesco as if they would to put their prices up then Tesco would have to reflect that in their final retail price but one of Tescoââ¬â¢s aims is to provide quality products at low prices. So Tesco has to closely negotiate and monitor its products to fulfil there aims and objectives. Owners An owners is an individual that owns a business. In a company it would be the shareholders. These are the people that have a financial interest in the company. Owners want to make as much profit as they can to increase the value of their business. Employer Associations An employer association is someone what a trade union to the employers. This association has the employerââ¬â¢s best interests at heart. Local And National Communities The Local and national communities have a big impact on organisations. The Local people will be the people who make or break a business as some of which will be their target market. Government The government wants businesses to be successful so they will be applicable to pay tax. They also want to create jobs so people donââ¬â¢t go into the benefit system. Evaluation I am going to evaluate the influence that stakeholders exert on Tesco. Customers Customers have a major influence on Tesco. Customers are the source of profit from buying products and services. Even though a customer may seem loyal to Tesco, they are seeking the best bargain in the market. For these customers to remain loyal, Tesco must monitor their prices constantly and be fully aware of their competition. For Tesco to survive in the market, they focus on loyalty and somewhat depend on loyal customers. Tesco offers customers various promotions like buy one get one free and other promotions. They also offer the club card which is a loyalty card which they can receive discounts and collect points to spend in store. Tesco is a great example of relationship marketing at its finest and have flourished unlike other companies which have failed. Due to people being tight on money, there is a huge demand for cheaper products so Tesco will try to be the cheapest in all of its stores and if it is cheaper than another competitor such as Sainsburyââ¬â¢s, then it will encourage customers to shop with them. [9] Employees [10} Employees are very important in the overall running of Tesco. They play a very important part of the company with having over half a million worldwide employees. The main thing employeeââ¬â¢s seek are wages and job satisfaction. When recruiting, Tesco must be careful on who they employ as it could have a big impact on the company. They will be representing the company and if they are not enjoying the job and fulfilling their position, then things could start to go wrong. They also have a huge influence as if employeesà were not happy with their wages or working conditions then that would reflect on their work due to lack of motivation. Tesco uses motivation as a method to improve employees working performance. For example, if people were to be treated bad by long hours and no pay, then they would leave the work place and find another job. This would also be bad publicity for the company and could build up a bad reputation. For example, in 2009 employees in Ireland threatened to strike because workers supposedly were working for twenty five to thirty hours and this was below the minimum hours in their contracts. This strike could have put a bad reputation on the company Suppliers Suppliers are also a vital stakeholder and have a big influence on any organisation. Suppliers are mainly interested in; â⬠¢Constant Growth of purchasing â⬠¢Long Term Contacts â⬠¢Prompt Payment Suppliers can influence prices of the product, the quality of the product, and the product itself. This would mean that if the supplier suddenly put their prices up then Tesco would have to raise their prices in store to cover their costs. The suppliers can affect the availability of the product by the production time and delivery time. If suppliers could provide the numbers and time slots as stated on their contract, a company like Tesco couldnââ¬â¢t use them as have a high demand and they always must be fully in stock. As shown on Tescoââ¬â¢s corporate website it is clear that Tesco serve thousands of customers every minute. Each shopping trip is based on a foundation of trust placed by Tescoââ¬â¢s customers, who expect them to trade responsibly. Tesco know over the last year that this trust has been tested. Tesco also know that what they offer their customers depends on how they work with their suppliers. They are aware also that the industry is changing and, as Tesco continues to grow the business, they need a strong supply chain more than ever. They need partnerships with trusted suppliers who they can work with to innovate and to deliver high quality, safe products that are responsibly produced. Tesco believes better relationships deliver both a better shopping trip for customers and sustainable businesses throughout the supply chain. Tesco regularly ask their customers and stakeholders aroundà the world what they think about them and where they can improve. Customers tell them that food and product safety, pricing and protecting their data are their current priority concerns. Tescoââ¬â¢s customers want them to give them products that are safe and honestly labelled. They also want the pricing to be fair, accurate and honest. [11]
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Impact of Workplace Environment on Employee Productivity
Impact of Workplace Environment on Employee Productivity Introduction Organizational survival in highly turbulent environment has become the major concern of organizations today. Globalization and increased use of technology has brought tremendous change and created new demands for business world. The strategic intention of organizations today is to achieve innovation at lightning speed and want people to work better, smarter and faster. The war for talent is now more competitive than ever before. Realizing the current challenges of business environment and to make survival possible, organizations have started paying more emphasis on managing the performance of their employees, fulfilling their comfort needs by providing them an effective workplace environment that also helping them to attract and retain the talent. According to Sundstrom, (1994) (as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), majority of people spend 50% of their lives within indoor environments, which greatly influence their mental status, actions, abilities and performance. (Carnevale 1992, Clements-Croome 1997) (as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), highlighted that better outcomes and increased productivity can achieved through better workplace environment. This study is intended to analyze the impact of workplace environment on employees productivity. As it has been revealed through literature that workplace environment influence occupants productivity, therefore, same assumption would be tested for different organizations of manufacturing and services sectors of Pakistan. Background Hughes, (2007) (as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), conducted a survey comprising of 2000 employees belongs to different organizations and industries and designated at multiple levels. The findings of the study reported that nine out of ten believed that a workspace quality affects the attitude of employees and increases their productivity. Research conducted by BOSTI (Buffalo Organization for Social and Technological Innovation) indicates that workplace design has a direct link to employee behavior and is important in achieving strategic business objectives. Brill (1992) (as cited in Amir and Sahibzada) conducted a survey and the findings suggested that improvement in physical design of office building may result in 5% to 10% increases in productivity. Contextual Framework According to Hameed and Amjad, (2009), better workplace produces better results. Research conducted by ASID (American Societies of Interior Designers) on what employees values most in the workplace, comprising of 382 respondents. Comfort issues got the highest rating i-e 41% which is concerned with the comfort of the workplace, ranging from the physical comfort to the atmosphere or feel of the environment. Hammed and Amjad (2009), highlighted that increased personal control and comfort needs of employees triggered the concern among organizations to provide them with a workplace environment, which not only fulfills the employees needs but also helps to enhance their productivity. Problem Identification/Statement As discussed by Hameed and Amjad, (2009), in Pakistan, the workplace environment, its significance and its related issues are significantly ignored. They further reported that there has been no or very less attention paid to the workplace environment and moreover, employers and employees are not aware of the influence and hidden dynamics of workplace environment. Such circumstances are affecting the employees productivity and hence in the form of delay in work completion, frustration, increase in absenteeism effect on personal growth etc. Therefore, purpose of this research is to identify and study the elements of the workplace environment which can affect the productivity of employees in the manufacturing and services sector companies of Pakistan. The primary objective of this research is to investigate the effects of workplace environment on its occupants perceived productivity. 1.3 Research Questions The research questions of the study are as follows: 1. Is there any relationship between the components of workplace environment and employees productivity? 2. Which component of workplace environment? Behavioral or physical has the greater impact on employees productivity. 3. Which elements of the two components of the workplace environment have the significant affect on productivity of employees? 4. Which of the sector of Pakistan? Manufacturing or Services have significant influence of workplace environment on employees productivity. 1.4 Scope The orbit of the study is limited to the manufacturing and services sectors companies of Pakistan. Despite of the scope, this study would help employers of all nature in managing their workforce performance through revealing significant dynamics and influence of workplace environment. 1.5 Delimitation of Research The study is delimited to the two major sectors of Pakistan that are manufacturing and services sectors. It would not cover all the companies of manufacturing and services sector of Pakistan. Moreover, the respondents in this study are limited to only Karachi. 1.6 Definition of Key Words Environmental Psychology: Environmental psychology studies the interactions and relations between people and their environments. (Oskamp Schultz, 1998, p. 206) (as cited in Neill 2008) Workplace: According to Peterson Beard (2004) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d) , workplace can be defined as an area within an organization that can be arranged to achieve particular goal. Productivity: In this the perceived productivity would be measured in formal workplace setting, and defined by (Clements-Croome and Kaluarachchi 2000) as cited in Hameed and Amjad2009) that perceived performance measure as an indicator used to assess individuals aggregated perceptions, attitudes or assessments toward an organizations product or service. CHAPTER-2 Literature Review 2.1 Environmental Psychology Environmental Psychology is a new area in the field of psychology. (Spener, 2007). The origin of this field is unknown, however, some evidence have been found through the research studies conducted by different researchers during the years of 1970s and 1980s.(Pol, 2006). The term environmental psychology was first coined by Hellpach in his book Geopsyche as stated in the studies of Kaminsiki (1976), Graumann (1976) and Kuse Graumann (1987) (as cited in Pol, 2006). Environmental Psychology as defined by Hellpach (as cited in Pol, 2006) is an interdisciplinary field that examines the relationship between human and their surroundings. Hellpach (as cited in Pol, 2006) broadly explained the term environment by dividing it into the following categories: Natural or geopsychological factor environment Community or psychosocial factor environment The built-world or technopsycology After the world-war-II, there was an immense need of development required at every corner of the world from all perspectives especially in the field of attitude change, small-group processes, and intergroup conflict. Therefore, many psychologist felt the need and they started exploring and applying social psychological theories, so that people and their lives could be brought in harmony (Pol, 2006). Hellpach was an outstanding psychologist (as cited in Pol, 2006), he believes that environment influence human mind in two ways influence through meaning of impression (immediate experience) and influence causing psychological changes in the body, which in turn, generate experiences. Environmental Psychology has been evolving since many years and realizing its and significance in lives of individual, massive researches have been generated. In 1987 two huge volumes of Handbook of Environmental Psychology was published. Journal of Environmental psychology was started in1981 and its receiving and publishing the studies. Realizing its benefits of the field another journal has been introduced i-e the journal of Architectural design and research (Spencer, 2007). American Psychological Association (APA) has an established division for this area, known as Population and Environment and solely devoted to the aim i-e to improve interactions between human behavior, environment and population. There are many other institutes that have a separate devoted section for environmental psychology examples include Canadian Psychological Association, Environmental Psychology in UK (EPUK), Environmental Design Research Association (EDRA). Other organizations include International Asso ciation of People Environment Studies (IASP) which also serving the similar purpose i-e to improve the physical environment and human well being and International Association of Applied Psychology has also division IV called Environment (Spencer, 2007). Vischer, (2008) further contributed in the field and explained that how the workplace is designed and occupied does not only influence on how people feel but also it affects their work performance, their commitment to their employer and the creation of new knowledge (human capital in the organization. Visher, (2008), also highlighted that these are the foundation stone of the domain, known as environmental psychology. Considering the potential of this emerging new area of study, many researchers have applied and analyzed the concept of environmental psychology by studying the relationship and influence of workplace or office environment on occupants productivity and performance. As stated by Peterson and Beard, (2004) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d) , one possible way through which organizations can achieve competitive advantage is by introducing innovative smart strategies that can improve and enhance human performance and can be boost or controlled by the situational factors that into the organizations workspace. 2.2 Workplace Environment According to Roelofsen, (2002) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d) working environment is one of the essential human requirements that enable people to perform their work effectively under defined conditions. As explained by Gan Haynes (n.d), today organizations are operating in highly turbulent environment and the global workforce is now mobile than ever before that indicates that organizations are not competing for talent nationally but also at international level. Such demands arises the need and compel organizations to compete and attract and retain the best human capital. Therefore, Gay Haynes, (n.d) emphasized that organizations must pay attention to occupiers preferences and also identified that by adopting workplace design strategy organizations can survive in the highly competitive environment. Several studies have attempted to explain work environment in different areas, some of the examples are employee turnover (Martin 1979), job satisfaction (Iaffaldano Muchinsky, 1985), employee turnover, job involvement and organizational commitment (Sjà ¶berg Sverke 2000) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009). Zeytinoglu Denton, (2005) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009) highlighted the importance of work environment and stated that it is one of the factors that affect employees decision to stay with the organization. Ramlall, (2003) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009) also emphasizes on the importance of work environment and discussed that it is very essential to identify and understands the emerging needs of individuals to keep them committed and provide the work environment as necessitate and demanded. Milory, (2004) (as cited in Sohaib, Noor, Trimzi Bashir, 2009) investigated that people strive to and feel pleasure in working for those or ganizations that provide positive work environment. Earle, (2003) also discussed the idea that work environment is an effective tool to attract and retain employees. He further stated in his study about an independent research conducted on factors influencing employees decision to accept or reject a job. This study was commissioned by American Society for Interiors Designer (ASID). 663 adults were given carte blanche to list down those influencing factors. The results revealed that 62 percent of respondents cited Compensation as the number one factor, while benefits and workplace acquired the second position being cited by 22% and 21% respectively. Physical workplace also stood at second position, when the factors of job satisfaction analyzed and explored. It was further observed that employees who were happy with their physical workplaces were 31% more likely to be satisfied with their jobs than those who were not. When employees were specifically asked whether a physical workplace would affect their decision to join a position 41% s aid that it would while, when the job seekers were asked whether a physical workplace would affect their decision to leave an organization, 51% said it would. Visher, (2008), emphasized that it would be helpful for employers and decision makers to study and apply research evidence to consider environmental design as an investment in the workforce. A new concept of ba has been introduced, which is now a days the focus area of study for many researchers. The term ba indicates an environment that supports and encourage knowledge creation, not only through the design of space but also through the structure and operations of the social and cultural environment (Visher, 2008). Nenonen, (2004) (as cited in Visher, 2008), highlighted the importance of emerging concept of ba and stated that it provides a new insight for analyzing how features of organization add value to an organizations human capital. There has been huge amount of scientific research conducted by Roelofsen (2002) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d), the findings indicated that improving working environment results in decrease in the number of complaints and absenteeism and increase in productivity. Govindarajulu (2004) (as cited in Amir and Shahibzada, n.d), also highlighted that in twenty-first century, businesses are moving towards more strategic approach of environmental management to enhance their productivity through improving and managing performance level of employees. 2.3 Productivity Rollos, (1997) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), stated that when people produce something with least effort, this is known as productivity. Sutermiester, (1976) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009) defined productivity as output per employee hour, quality considered. According to Dorgan, (1994) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), productivity is the increased functional and organizational performance, including quality. Hameed and Amjad, (2009) further explained that productivity is the ratio how well an organization converts input resources into goods and services. They also discussed that productivity measure carries different meaning at factory settings and at workplace setting. The performance of employees in factory can be measured by the number of units produced per employee per hour. While in formal workplace setting performance increased is considered when there is less absenteeism fewer employee leaving and less breaks. Therefore, such productivity is measured through personnels subjective assessment rather than quantitative operational information and this kind of productivity measured is known as subjective productivity measure and as defined by Wang and Giankis (1999) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), subjective performance measure as an indicator used to assess individuals aggregated perceptions, attitudes or assessments toward an organizations product or service. (Clements-Croome and Kaluarachchi 2000)( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009),subjective productivity data is usually collected using survey questionnaires, it can also be descriptive or qualitative collected by interviews. Leaman and Bordass,(2000) (as cited in Haynes 2008) also support the idea of perceived productivity to measure office occupants productivity. Hence this research would explore the influence of workplace environment prevailing in services and manufacturing sector and therefore this study would also be measuring the subjective productivity. 2.4 Workplace and Productivity (Uzee, 1999; Leaman and Bordass, 1993; Williams et al. 1985) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009) observed that by realizing the importance of workplace environment, many organizations have been applying new techniques to construct office building in a way that can attract more employees and leads to increase in productivity. They also discussed that now a days many researchers and authors have been emphasizing that the physical layout along with the effective and efficient management processes are playing an important role in enhancing employees productivity and organizational performance. According to Gensler, (2006) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), in March 2006, an independent research firm conducted a research on US workplace environment. The survy was conducted by using a sample size of 2013 and the research was related to workplace designs, workplace satisfaction and productivity. 89 % of the respondents rated design, from important to very important and about 90 % of senior officials expressed that effective workplace design is important for the increase in employees productivity. According to the rough estimate provided by executives also showed that 22% increase can be achieved in the organizations performance if their workplaces are well designed. Therefore, the findings of the survey suggested that businesses can enhance their productivity by improving and managing their workplace. Gensler, (2006) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), further stated that despite the potential of workplace environment many organizations still not pay the required attention. The findings also highlighted the fact that 40% of the employees believe that their companies want to keep their costs low that is why their workplaces have bad designs and 46% of employees think that the priority list of their company does not have workplace design on top. When data was summarized, almost one out of every five employees rated their workplace environment from, fair to poor. 90% admitted that their attitude about work is adversely affected by the quality of their workplace environment while, 89% employees blamed their working environment for their job dissatisfaction. 2.5 Relationship between Workplace Design and Productivity Roethlisberger Dickson, (1939) (as cited in Haynes, n.d) pointed out that the researches investigating the affects of working environment on occupants productivity are too old that their evidences have been found in studies conducted during 1903s. According to Brill et al. (1984) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009), ranked factors, which affect productivity according to their importance. The sequenced of factors are based on the significance: furniture, noise, flexibility, comfort, communication, lighting, temperature and the air quality. There is also some evidence found through Springer Inc (1986) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009),that an insurance company in a study revealed the best ergonomic furniture improved performance by 10% to 15%. Leaman, (1995) ( as cited in Hameed and Amjad 2009) conducted a survey, the investigation is based on the relationship between the indoor environment, dissatisfied employees and their productivity. The findings suggested that productivity of the work is affected, reason being the environmental factors that people were unhappy with temperature, air quality, light and noise levels in the office. 2.6 Theoretical Framework Development According to Haynes, (n.d), extensive amount of literature is available on affects of workplace environment on occupants productivity (Osealan 1999, Leaman and Bordass 2000, Clements Croome 2000) (as cited in Haynes n.d) also support this evidence, but then there is no universally accepted theoretical frame have not been developed yet through which the influence of workplace environment on employees productivity could be observed and measured. Haynes, (n.d) explained that previous researches have been conducted by establishing a link between physical component of workplace environment and employees productivity. Some of the literature also acknowledged influence of social dimension of workplace place environment i-e the behavioral component, also impact the occupants productivity but there is little empirical research available to support the idea. Olson, (2002) (as cited in Haynes 2008) also stated the researches that attempts to address are at the initial theoretical and developmental stage. Haynes, (2008), has collected, reviewed and researched occupants productivity form physical component as well as from behavioral component and proposed a theoretical model that is based on the idea that a workplace environment is consists of both the components (physical and behavioral) and also highlighted the point that behavioral component has greater impact on employees productivity as compared to the physical component. Haynes, (2008) described physical environment and behavioral environment as the physical environment consists of components of that relate to the office occupiers ability to physically connect with their office environment. While, behavioral environment consist of components that relate to how well the office occupiers connect with each other and the impact the office environment can have on the behavior of individuals. Haynes, (2008) adopted the research approach to developed a theoretical model that covers both the dimensions of workplace environment as both have an impact on employees productivity. For this purpose Haynes collected two data sets. The à ¯Ã ¬Ã rst dataset was obtained from a research project for a local authority research forum. The data were collected using a paper-based questionnaire survey. In total, ten local authorities took part in the research project, with responses from 26 ofà ¯Ã ¬Ã ces. The actual number of respondents was 996 from a population of 4,338 ofà ¯Ã ¬Ã ce occupants. The second data set was obtained from the private sector, through a piece of contract research. This additional dataset was collected to with an aim to test the à ¯Ã ¬Ã ndings of the à ¯Ã ¬Ã rst dataset. The data set was collected from one company consisting of four main buildings, which formed the companys head ofà ¯Ã ¬Ã ce. The total number of head office staff was 800. The data were collected using an online questionnaire with a response rate of 53 per cent, i.e. 422 respondents. The same question was asked based on the 27 variables under investigation. Source : Haynes, (n.d) The above table is showing 27 variables used for research purpose (Haynes n.d). The statistical technique of factor analysis is used that allow 27 evaluative variables to be reduced to four distinct components. The component of Comfort and Office layout represents the physical environment and the components of interactions and distractions represents the behavirol component as presented in the table below (Haynes, 2008). Source: Haynes, (2008) 2.7 Conceptual Frame Work The conceptual framework of the study is based on the same model proposed by Haynes, (2008) and the employees productivity would be measured and explored through the dimensions of workplace environment that are the physical component and behavioral components. Therefore, the constructed frame work is as follows: Behavioral Environment Workplace Environment Physical Environment Comfort Office Layout Interaction Distraction + = CHAPTER-3 Methodology 3.1 Research Purpose According to Robson, 2003 (as cited in Gray 2004), in terms of purpose, a research can be broadly categorized as exploratory, descriptive and explanatory. Exploratory research emphasizes to investigate new insights and happening about a phenomenon. Descriptive study according to Hedrick et al. (1993) (as cited in Gray 2004), explains data and characteristics about a phenomenon being studied where as explanatory research is a type of research that seeks to establish and explores the relationship exists between variables (Gray, 2004). Therefore, by considering the overall objective of the thesis and research questions, this study falls in explanatory class of research purpose because we would be acquiring explanatory knowledge by examining the relationships between dependent and independent variables. 3.2 Research Approach Dewey, (1933) (as cited in Gray 2004) identified two broad research approaches known as Deductive and Inductive research approach. Deductive reasoning as defined by Gray, (2004) is a top-down approach that works form more general to more specific. Deductive process involves testing of theories or hypothesis and drawing conclusions based on existing research studies. While, inductive research is theory generating. Its a bottom-up approach that begins with a specific observation and ends with the development of generalized theory that is based on the analysis of collected data (Gray, 2004). This study is deductive as we would be exploring and testing existing empirical theories and models related to workplace environment, measuring its impact on employees performance within its defined context and would also be drawing logical inferences. 3.3 Research Design 3.3.1 Method As stated by Ghaur and Ghaur, ( n.d), research methods can be classified as qualitative and quantitative. Qualitative research as defined by Ghaur and Ghaur (n.d), is an inquiry process of understanding a social and human problem in a natural setting. It involves analysis of unstructured information and used to gain insight into peoples behavior, attitude, culture and lifestyle. Types of qualitative research includes: case study, involves in-depth understanding of phenomenon in its real context through multiple sources of evidence. Ethnography is a study of characteristics of peoples culture, conducted in the natural environment setting. Grounded theory is a research method in which theory is developed inductively based on the data collected through observation. Phenomenology is a study of experiences from the individuals perspective. (Gray, 2004). A qualitative study can be conducted by adopting one of the methods that are: participant -observation: usually acquired to collect data on naturally occurring behavior in its real context. In-depth interviews are appropriate to conduct for sensitive topics as it allows a researcher to collect holistic understanding of participants point of view or situation. Focus group technique is useful to gain and extract relevant data on the cultural norms of a group and in generating broad overviews of issues relating to that particular groups or subgroups being involved (Gray, 204). According to Ghaur and Ghaur, ( n.d), quantitative research is empirical and involves testing of models, theories or hypotheses pertaining to natural phenomenon through analyzing and establishing statistical relationships. A quantitative research is divided in two groups depending on the data collection methods that are experimental and non experimental quantitative research. The primary goal of experimental quantitative research is to provide strong evidence for cause and effect relationship. A non-experimental quantitative research involves variables that are not manipulated by the researcher and instead are studied as they exist (Ghaur and Ghaur, n.d). An analytical survey as explained by Gray, (2004) is one of the methods to collect data that covers specific characteristics suitable to carry out deductive research. This study can be classified as quantitative research because of its empirical nature and characteristics of using quantifiable data. We would be drawing conclusion based on experimentation and systematic observations. Further it can be classified as non-experimental quantitative research because our research carries many independent variables that need to be studied and that cannot be manipulated. Analytical survey method would be adopted as its composition facilitates our research design that it tests the theory in a specific domain by investigating association between research variables and more specifically we would be conducting a cross-sectional survey as information on population would be gathered at a single point in time. Questionnaire would be used as a research instrument as we would have large sample size and its easy to quantify. 3.3.2 Sampling 3.3.2.1 Population of Interest Manufacturing and services sectors are the focus areas of the research. As this study would be presenting a comparative analysis of both the sectors, with respect to their prevailing workplace environment therefore, the sample would be drawn from the population of identified sectors. 3.3.2.2 Sampling Technique As explained by Gray, (2004), sampling methods can be divided into two broad categories: probability and non probability sampling. A probability sampling is a type of sampling in which every unit in the population has a chance (greater than zero) of being selected in the sample. Types of probability sampling includes: random sampling and stratified sampling. Random sampling is a type of sampling in which each individual in the population of interest has an equal likelihood of selection. While stratified sampling is a mini-reproduction of the population that is drawn by dividing the population into important characteristics required for research. (Gray, 2004). Non probability sampling as highlighted by Gray, (2004), is also known as non-representative sampling. It is a sampling process in which samples are drawn from the desired population and does not provide and does not provide all the individuals in the population of equal chances of being selected. The different types of non-prob ability sampling includes: convenience sampling is such a sampling in which sample are selected on the basis of their ease of accessibility and availability. Quota sampling is used with a purpose to sets the proportions of levels or strata within the sample. Purposive sampling technique is adopted for a very specific need or purpose. In such sampling people who have knowledge about a particular problem are selected as sample members (Gray, 2004). The data for the study would be collected from different organizations operating in manufacturing and services sectors, therefore, non-probability sampling and specifically convenience sampling would be appropriate to adopt as its above defined nature facilities our research. 3.3.2.3 Sample Size The sample size for this research has been proposed on the basis of the formula developed by Tabachnik and Fidell (2001, p. 117) and is stated below: N à ¢Ã¢â¬ °Ã ¥ 50 + 8m, where m equals the number of predictor variables According to Tabachnik and Fidell (2001, p. 117), the above formula is applicable for computing the sample size required for multiple regression. Therefore, in this research the no. of independent variables are four and hence the sample size is calculated accordingly i-e 82 as shown below: 50 + 8 (4) = 82 3.4 Validity Reliability Validity as defined by Gray, (2004), is the degree to which data in a research study are accurate and credible. While reliability is the degree to which an instrument will produce similar results at a different period (Gray, 2004). To increase the quality of research and to ensure the reliability and validity of data collected through defined research tool, following steps would be considered: Data will be conducted from reliable respondents who actually experiencing the workplace environment in manufacturing and services. Questionnaire for survey would be based on the variables previously studied and tested.
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