Internal & External Organizational Forces

As one of the nation's leading wireless and technological service providers, Verizon Communications is one of the most successful examples of rapid expansion in the years since they first opened their doors in 1983. With 93. 2 million customers, Verizon has grown into a massive organization that continues to expand and change. These changes are a part of the organization's plan, but are and will continue to be influenced by Internal and external factors along the way.Organization Mission Verizon's mission may appear simple yet to live up to this mission is no daunting ask in an industry that is rapidly changing with technology advances. They exist to provide customers with great service and communication possibilities while following their core values of integrity, respect, performance excellence, and accountability (Verizon, n. D. ). These values are expected to be followed for not only external customers but internal customers as well.To be a leader in their industry Verizon listen s to customers, embraces diversity, demonstrates honesty, takes responsibility for their actions, and pursues the highest standard in their services. Verizon's session lays the foundation for the organizational behavior that must be accepted and demonstrated from all Verizon employees. Restructuring In early fall of 2009, Verizon announced that they were restructuring two of their business groups Into one known as Verizon Hireling.This realigning was planned to capitalize new avenues for growth and to improve productivity according to Verizon which also moved marketing execution closer to the customer-facing operations (Verizon, 2009). The restructuring included a shift of seven executive positions. Although the announcement did not state how these shifts would affect other employees and reporting chains It is probably safe to say that the restructuring brought concern and questions to their minds.Reporting chain of commands and Job duties would have been affected by Verizon's restr ucturing. According to Shoehorning (2008), restructuring, while needed to remain competitive within an industry, creates emotional conflict. Role, interpersonal, and intercrop are other types of conflict that can occur with change. Verizon management had to plan out how to deal with the conflict that would have been a common result of their restructuring transition phase. Competition Verizon has always been a leader and an Innovator In the wireless communication industry.But lately their sales have seen a decrease due to the popularity of Apple's Phone and its exclusive contract with AT&T. Even though the Phone and AT&T aren't the only competition they are the biggest for the top of the line smart phones. Other competitors in the cell phone market include T-mobile, Metro PC'S and Sprint. These companies compete by offering lower all inclusive plan rates and month to month contracts or pay as you go service. Even though these companies offer lower rates tenet coverage Is not as Drama as Verizon Ana Al& I cross the U.S. And the world. AT&T has also been widely criticized about their coverage versus Verizon's. When Apple released the ‘phone on June 29, 2007 it revolutionized the cell phone industry and raised the bar for all other manufacturers, but the biggest hit to the competition of carriers was that the only provider of the Phone would be AT&T. Research in Motion the maker of Blackberry and Verizon's biggest seller launched their own version of the touch screen phone called the Storm which paled in comparison to the Phone.Verizon started an all out aiming against AT;T and their lack of coverage for cellular use across the country which AT;T vigorously defended but seems to be true according to reports in the magazine Consumer Reports. Verizon could be on the verge of ruling the cellular industry with the impending negotiations with Apple and allowing Verizon to sell the Phone and it could be soon since Verizon is now selling the Pad. They have also see n sales rise with the ETC touch screen phone with the Android operating system that has gone toe to toe with the Phone and offers better g coverage with Verizon.The economy has taken its Economy OLL on not only the housing market and employment but all the way down to how we live our lives on basic necessities. People have had to cut back on how they shop for groceries, cutting back or even canceling cable service and adjusting their cellular plans. This has affected Verizon by customers decreasing their plans minutes or going to a cheaper competitor that will offer the same package at a lower price.Other carriers such as Metro PC'S and Sprint offer the same package of talk, text and data plans as Verizon for half the cost but the coverage is not as good so customers are willing to give up coverage for cost. The economy has also affected the products that Verizon sells as less people are upgrading their phones and holding on to the ones they have for longer periods of time and more people are opting for monthly contracts as opposed to lengthy 2 year contracts offered by the major carriers like Verizon and AT&T.Every facet of our lives has been affected by the recent economy and how we communicate is one of them. Customer Demands In recent years, Verizon has become more than Just the nation's leading wireless service provider by simply listening to customer demands and taking notice of customer's needs. The have expanded to providing internet service, television, wireless service, and landlines service. Verizon has been the first to address our nation's demand for bundling services to save money and to simplify lives. There are many factors that influence how Verizon handles the demands of customers.Being that they are the nation's leading wireless provider, the will also require a lot of support to keep customers happy. No matter what kind of service, Verizon offers customer support via phone, internet, and house calls. Customer support is available to all typ es of customers, residential, small business, medium genuineness, or even for enterprise & government sized accounts. The size of the organization indicates that there will always be unsatisfied customers, and in recent news many of these customers have banded together to file a lawsuit against Verizon for the monthly data plans being charged when services winner down. 0 take Acton Ana TIC ten customer service approver to Verizon customers, the organization has stated that they are in the process of De-automating their telephone systems so that customers can get to a live person more easily. As a highly publicized issue, this external factor has demanded that Verizon revamp the ay they handle customer service over the phone. Globalization Verizon's name is not only a household name in the United States. The organization has over 300 offices in 75 countries across 6 continents of the world. There are many reasons that Verizon has chosen to take business across seas.The most obvious i nfluence would be an internal desire to expand and prosper as a business. The second factor that leads them to globalization is the external force of growth in need for international communication. As technology and trade evolves, the need for efficient international communication has and will continue to grow significantly. Technology influences the globalization need by the way it changes the kinds of services traded. No longer are we only exporting and importing goods from countries, with the aid of technology we are seeing an increase in service trading.India has been the leading example of the need for organizations to communicate overseas. With the increase in out sourcing work to countries overseas, American countries need to communicate in order for the services to be unison. Although there has been a lot of debate over the quality of service provided by other countries, with the aid of Verizon this cultural hurdle can be nonexistent. Conclusion Although it is true that the organization's mission, reconstruction, competition, the economy, fiscal policies, customers, and globalization will always influence how Verizon continues to develop, their original mission's intentions.

The End of Osama bin Laden

Ever since the twin towers of World Trade Center collapsed in New York on September 11, 2001, United States of America was hot on the heels of Osama bin Laden, the founder and main source of inspiration of al-Qaida, the organization accused of carrying out that heinous attack. Osama was considered as the fountainhead of all terrorist activities across the world and western powers were sparing no efforts to track this elusive leader. There were numerous reports of sightings of bin Laden but catching up on the world’s most notorious fugitive was becoming almost impossible. In fact, for quite some time, sightings of bin Laden had become a joke, almost similar to the sightings of UFOs (Schabner, 2011). But on May 1, 2011, nearly a full decade after the dastardly destruction of twin towers, the President of United States of America declared that bin Laden was located in a fortress like house in Abbottabad, a garrison town in Pakistan, and killed in a commando operation. This operation had all the makings of a movie thriller and seemed fascinating in its use of latest technology and show of extreme personal courage by the commandos. The whole operation was carried out by US personnel without any help from their Pakistani counterparts and it was sheer cutting edge technology that hid their helicopters from the prying eyes of Pakistani radars. Pakistan military did not have the slightest inkling that US helicopters had violated their airspace and had ventured deep in their territory, picked out their target and decamped with his dead body. One of the helicopters malfunctioned during the operation and the commandos blew it up to prevent it from falling in Chinese hands. China, incidentally, is possibly the best friend of Pakistan which is gradually becoming isolated from world community because of its persistent dalliance with international terrorism and using it as a state policy against its neighbors (Schabner, 2011). US President went to extent of lauding this incident as justice finally being meted out to a criminal and to prevent any possibilities of his burial site turning into some sort of pilgrimage site for his followers, his body was summarily buried in deep sea with the world having no idea as to where exactly such burial was done. After the initial elation is over, the entire incident throws up certain rather unusual questions. The first of course is how Osama could hide in a garrison town without explicit knowledge of Pakistani army. The second and possibly even more disturbing question that surfaces to the mind is when US President’s public approval was at its lowest, some sort of gimmick was absolutely necessary to halt the downward slide, especially as he is due to begin his campaign for reelection very soon (Schabner, 2011). So, was it a case of extreme valor on the part US commandos and daring use of cutting edge technology, or was it a case of quid pro quo with Pakistani military establishment that handed over Obama in exchange of some as yet undisclosed benefit? This is the question that seems to bother many people around the world, since if such an apprehension is proved correct, it would be another example of US hypocrisy and extreme shortsightedness which it has exhibited time and again in world history and caused numerous crises across the world in foreign shores. Osama bin Laden eliminated: justice done When US President Barack Obama came on television on May 1, 2011 and declared justice has finally been done by eliminating Osama bin Laden in some far off garrison town in Pakistan, the world for an instant felt a surge of joy and relief at the destruction of that epitome of ruthless jihadist terrorism that took so many innocent lives and maimed numerous more unsuspecting peace loving citizens across the world. Really, the world felt that finally the long arm the law in a rather unique form had caught up with that man who ridiculed and taunted all tenets of civilized norms and killed people at will all in the name of some ill defined religious cause. The gory photos of collapsing twin towers of New York on out television screens further added to our relief at the death of the prime culprit who unleashed mayhem and senseless destruction without the slightest feeling of remorse or guilt. Scenes of jubilant public bathed in the all consuming wave of instant patriotism thronging the gates of White House further bolstered the super power image of United States of America and American citizens all over the world felt relived and secure at the thought that now nobody can cause them any harm in any corner of the world as Uncle Sam would be everywhere to protect them from any sort of trouble or discomfort (Schabner, 2011). One question however repeatedly keeps disturbing the mind. Why did the US Administration release a photo of the dead body of bin Laden and why did they bury his body in deep seas in almost a hypochondriac haste? US Administration is of course ready with an explanation of their queer behavior. They did not release the photograph of bin Laden as that was too gory and they buried him in deep sea to prevent his burial site from becoming a pilgrimage site for his followers as has happened in the case of Saddam Hussein, the deposed and dead President of Iraq (Schabner, 2011). It cannot be denied that these explanations have their merit, but the world has seen genuinely gory war photographs before and it would have done no real harm in seeing one more such photograph. And, the US could have flown the dead body of bin Laden in United States, at least for a private viewing of the top brass of US military. That would have permanently laid to rest all speculations that seemed to float around about the veracity of the operation and combat. However, the most disturbing issue that comes up is whether it was genuine effort by intelligence agencies of United States and a case of extreme courage by its commandos or it was some sort of trade off that US Administration had entered into with Pakistan. Obama needed some sort of a magic to revive his steadily flagging popularity graph as he is about to commence his reelection campaign within few months. Killing Osama bin Laden provided that perfect magic that he was so desperately looking for and he could pull it off by making a deal with Pakistani military which handed Osama bin Laden to US in return for some undisclosed booty. If this has actually been the case then United States has actually boosted international terrorism instead of eradicating it substantially (Schabner, 2011). Osama bin Laden killed in a daring commando raid by US May 1, 2011 will surely be marked as a watershed day not only in the history of United States but also the whole world. It was on this day that terror mastermind Osama bin Laden was eliminated by commandos of United States military. The world heaved a sigh of relief not only at the news that bin Laden would no longer be able to implement his nefarious plans of inflicting death and destruction on innocent civilian population across the world, but also in seeing the reaffirmation of the age old adage that good always wins over evil. This reaffirmation bolstered the sagging morale of millions of people across the world who had been hapless victims of mindless destruction unleashed by Osama and his henchmen. They once again raised their heads in firm conviction that evil, however venomous it might be, can never win over ood (Schabner, 2011).. Barack Obama, President of United States, could rightly have soaked in vicarious glory and valor of his commandos and could have strode the podium like a victorious Roman Emperor as he returned from a conquest with the head of the fallen king held high on a pike. But Obama did nothing of that and showed remarkable control and composure on such a momentous occasion and he deserv ed full throated praise for it (Schabner, 2011). But several nagging issues fail to leave the mind. The first, quite obviously, is why did the US military not release a photograph of slain Osama bin Laden? The argument put forward by US that the photograph would have too gory really does not hold water as only a couple of years back Sri Lankan military displayed the body of slain guerilla leader Prabhakaran with his head barely attached to his shoulder and that of his son with his head partially blown off. It was a commando raid, not a tea party, and such gore and blood is an integral part of such raids. So, the reluctance to publish any photograph of bin Laden raises a couple of other prickly questions too. The first among those is, did Osama get killed in that commando raid or was he handed over by his protectors, the military establishment of Pakistan, to the US forces in return for some undisclosed booty? The suspicion becomes stronger at conflicting details that kept on emanating from US Administration about the exact nature of combat that floored Osama. Initially it was said that he offered stiff resistance which was gradually changed to he was completely unarmed and could hardly find time to offer any sort of resistance. US Administration tried to save its face by saying that it was deliberately spreading confusing and conflicting information to baffle the enemy and it is a common ploy in times of war (Schabner, 2011).. But what enemy are these people talking about? Here was a man accompanied by a couple of his wives, children and grandchildren living in a mansion that did not have any modern means of communication and that man has been killed. So, how enemies of United States would be kept at bay by spreading confusing information on the degree of resistance this man had put up before his death genuinely belies comprehension.

In Another Country

In Another Country Themes: * Wounded * The patient’s leg seems to be broken and he is in therapy to fix it. * The three boys who also go to the hospital are wounded in some way, one has a broken nose and his face is deformed. * The doctor’s wife died so he is wounded emotionally and mentally. * Detached * Author says he is detached from everything and nothing held them together except for the hospital. Literary Devices/Style: * Anaphora * â€Å"†¦and the wind blew their tails. The deer hung stiff and heavy and empty, and small birds blew in the wing and the wind turned their feathers.It was a cold fall and the wing came down from the mountains. † (206) * â€Å"We were all at the hospital every afternoon, and there were different ways of walking across the town through the dusk to the hospital. Two of the ways were alongside canals, but they were long, Anyways though you crossed a bridge across a canal to enter the hospital. There was a choice of three bridg es. On one of them a woman sold roasted chestnuts. It was warm, standing in frontofhercharcoal fire, and the chestnuts were warm afterward in your pocket. (206) * Punctuation (commas) * â€Å"They were all three from Milan, and one of them was to be a lawyer, and one was to be a painter, and one had intended to be a soldier, and after we were finished with the machines, sometimes we walked back together to the Cafe Cova, which was next door to the Scala. † (207) * Author uses dialogue to develop the story more and include more insight on what each character is dealing with. * Author also uses his own thoughts to describe what he is feeling and it unravels the other character’s personality as well.

Full internal and external environmental analysis of Morrisons Essay

Full internal and external environmental analysis of Morrisons - Essay Example It also offers British and continental foods and light snacks. It offers a wine bar filled with assorted fine and traditional wines, spirits and ales. It has a fruit and vegetable section. It also has a fresh flower section consisting of different flowers, shrubs and plants. Morrison runs a complete array of pharmacy products and services which provide private consulting. It has a complete set of over-the counter medicines, and a prescription collection system. The company also offers services such as petrol filling stations, dry cleaning and photo processing services. This supermarket chain has branches in Britain, Wales and Scotland. Morrison has its in-store label products which consists of â€Å"The Best† a brand which covers a range of meals made from the finest ingredients. It also has the Eat Smart a brand which refers to specific calorie, fat, sugar and salt controlled meals. It carries the â€Å"Betta Buy†, a brand which pertains to a select group of food and h ome products at low prices. Morrison’s â€Å"Organic† is a brand which caters to organic products. It has â€Å"At Home† brand which refers to quality home and accessory products. The â€Å"First Home† brand pertains to affordable home essentials products. Its brand â€Å"Complexions† covers cosmetics and make-up products and accessories. In Britain, the supermarkets are defined as stores with at least 2,000 square feet having three or more checkout counters. These modern supermarkets stock merchandise comprising of food groups and regular household items. (Curth, et. al., 2002). The Stakeholder’s Analysis is applied to the William Morrison Plc group. This analysis helps organizations focus on important areas of the business. (Learned, et.al., 1969) The project has several stakeholders. The first group of stakeholders is the consumers consisting of the family households such as the parents, children and other family members. Morrison is able to provide high-quality food

The building of the interstate highway system Research Paper

The building of the interstate highway system - Research Paper Example These civil rights were granted during the Fourteenth and the Fifteenth amendments were done to the US Constitution. There were also continued struggles during the following century to effectively secure federal protection in regard to the granted rights (Green and Harold 3). These struggles used various ways to express what they actually wanted by use of nonviolent protests. It was during the periods of between the 1950s and the 1960s when the civil rights movements attained the abolishment of race discrimination in public facilities in the south that they were more motivated to continue with their struggles. This was a breakthrough since they had achieved the equal-rights legislation basically for the African Americans. This was a humongous achievement since the 1865-1877 periods that was referred to as the Reconstruction period. The passage of the fundamental civil rights legislation in 1964 and 1965 did not deter the civil movements even though the passages were victorious to the m. The militant black activists perceived their struggle as being a liberation or freedom movement that was meant not just to seek civil rights reforms but also they were to confront the enduring cultural, economic, and political consequences of the past racial oppression (Banting 4). The American Civil Rights Movement Historical Framework of Development Abolitionism to Jim Crow: It is evident that the American history is marked by determined and persistent efforts that have led to the expansion of the inclusiveness and the scope of civil rights. Recent research has show that despite equal rights being elaborately outlined in the United States founding documents, a lot of new inhabitant’s in the country were denied the essential rights. Indentured servants and African slaves were not accorded the inalienable right to pursuit of happiness, liberty and life that the British colonists utilized to validate their Declaration of the American Independence. They were also not include d among the people of the US who had established the US Constitution for the purposes of promoting general welfare and securing the noble Blessings of the people of America and their posterity. The US Constitution instead only protected slavery through the allowance of slaves’ importation until 1808 and it also provided for the return of slaves that had escaped to the other states (Adamson 11). Research also elaborately shows that as the US effectively expanded its boundaries, the Native American people resisted absorption and conquest. The individual states determined the majority of the American citizens’ rights by limiting generally the voting rights that only allowed the white property-owning males. The other rights that individual states determined were the right to serve on juries and the right to own land. The Native American people were denied all these rights on the basis of gender or racial distinctions. Only a small portion of the African Americans lived out side the system of slavery but those who were referred to as free blacks endured enforced segregation as well as racial discrimination. Although there were slaves who rebelled violently against enslavement, other subordinated groups and the African Americans usually used nonviolent means. These nonviolent means included pleas, protests, legal challenges and various petitions that were addressed to the government officials and they also used massive and sustained civil

Interview a nurse researcher Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Interview a nurse researcher - Assignment Example Nurse X also stated as a clinical researcher, they always assure that confidentiality is upheld at all times and that they often participated in clinical trials. In a clinical trial or project, the clinical research nurse’s roles are to act as patient advocates and to ensure that the complex needs of patients participating in the research study are met. In addition, Nurse X also stated that their actions are geared towards efficient care following the federal and research regulations. Nurse X both use library and computer resources in every research endeavor. Computers are frequently used because of ease of access and various data bases. Measurements utilized are nominal, ordinal, interval, and ratio levels of measurement while the statistics used range from frequency distribution, percentage distribution, analysis of variance, chi-square and others. Nurse X humbly told the author that as a novice, she had to undergo a lot of trainings and professional developments in order to become an expert in the field of clinical research. Aside from the minimal qualifications of registered nurse preparations, basic life support certification, and recent acute care experiences, Nurse X underwent trainings related to the enhancement of core competencies in terms of research process, evidence-based nursing, Institutional Regulatory Board policies, interpersonal and communication skills, as well as computer skills and electronic health record. Nurse X stated that students could learn how to be a competent researcher by using keying strategies in literature searching and by conducting a search of the basic steps in research prior to the study because Nurse X believe the a strong foundation in research would guide the student in effective and competent research. In the last part of the interview, the author asked the nurse of what were the difficulties she encountered during clinical research and how did the nurse manage the difficulties using

Internet and Extranet Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Internet and Extranet - Coursework Example Extranet, in contrast, is an internal network, but the only difference is that it can be accessed externally. This means that there is limited access to people outside the organization for purposes such as education and/or business. An organization’s vendors, suppliers, partners, and customers can access information through the extranet (Bidgoli, 2004). Reverse logistics involves the movement of products from their final destination to the manufacturer or distributor of the product. This is either to refurbish or remanufacture the products, so as to capture the initial or intended value. The presence of the intranet in this case can help employees in a certain organization to share information as to what the product(s) needs, and how the movement of the product happened. The extranet, in such a case, would also bring the customer into the picture. If a customer is given access to a certain organization and certain aspects of its business, it means that they are loyal. They can, therefore, share information on the products sold, and why they might need refurbishing. Since manufacturers are also a part of this extranet, they might be made aware by both the customers and the organization they are meant to serve (Mollenkopf, Russo & Frankel,

Managerial and Professional Development ('portfolio' assignment) Assignment

Managerial and Professional Development ('portfolio' ) - Assignment Example Even though organizational learning is fundamentally different from individual training, it is influenced either directly or indirectly through individual learning. Hence, it is necessary to evaluate the way in which individual learning operates in an organization. Experiential Learning In many organizations, individual learning gets influenced in a major way by the Experiential way of learning. This theory, proposed by Kolb has four different stages of learning (McGill & Beaty 1995). According to this theory, any learning occurs in four different stages – through concrete experience, through observation and reflection, through abstract conceptualization as well as through active experimentation (Kolb and Fry, 1975). This is the chosen approach because of the holistic approach to learning offered by it. It was realized that this learning process is continuous and can begin at any of the stages. On a personal level, it provided ample scope to develop experience and opportunitie s to observe as well as reflect. In most organizations, employees also come across many scenarios where they indulge in abstract conceptualization and can carry out active experimentation. ... The learners, even though are not aware of the terminology given to each of these phases, go through either some or all the stages of learning depending on numerous factors like individual aptitude, availability of opportunities, nature of organization and so on (Itin, 1999). The experiential method of learning is the selected method because the strength of this theory lies in the fact that it talks about reflection. From previous experiences, it was realized that reflection is an important aspect of learning because it helps in understanding the mistakes and avoiding it for future instances. In addition, it also fosters innovation because of the scope related to experimentation as well as conceptualization (Kolb, 1984). Hence, the chances of holistic learning become very high with this form of learning. In addition, it is not imperative that a formal environment is needed to go through the various stages. For example, observation and reflection can easily happen in a very non-formal situation, giving ample scope for learning to take place. However, there are also some key disadvantages related to this theory that it is looked at from the context of an organization that was noticed during personal observation. Very often, the learning cycle is not completed, even though the process is incomplete. Due to external conditions or due to the individual interest, it has been noticed that many individuals go through the same stage of learning repeatedly. Therefore, some researchers do not consider this form of learning as a holistic way of learning and development in an organization. Reflective Learning Reflective learning is another popular way of learning in an organizational or corporate environment.

Critically discuss the role of women in Luke-Acts Essay

Critically discuss the role of women in Luke-Acts - Essay Example Conversely, the interpretation of Luke’s Gospel has often been viewed as highlighting the passive and silent role of women, thereby supporting the importance of the male leaders (Seim, 1994, p.173). This debate has further led to the argument that whilst women may be seen as â€Å"prophets† in the private domain, the symbolic role of this representation simply serves to highlight the public prophetic role of men (Levine & Blickenstaff, 2004, p.67). The biblical criticism in this area is additionally fuelled by the fact that notwithstanding the express role of women in the Luke Gospel, there is clearly a dichotomy between the Luke Gospel and the Acts. Indeed, Seim highlights that whilst women are clearly visible within the content of the Gospel their role is negligible and effectively silenced in the Acts (Seim, 1994, p.173). The focus of this analysis is to critically evaluate the role of women in the Luke Acts. In doing so I shall adopt a contextual approach with reference to feminist theology and the appurtenant feminist issues raised by the Luke Acts. As an initial observation it is important to highlight that Luke’s Gospel comprises part of the Canon of the New Testament and was selected on grounds of its theological emphasis correlating with the other books of the New Testament, particularly the Synoptic gospels (D’Angelo, 1990, p.442). Additionally, Luke’s Gospel is widely recognised as part of a two piece work in conjunction with the Book of Acts (Reid, 1996, p.95). In contrast to the other Gospels, Luke is most notable for according an overt and prominent role to women as they are main characters in the birth, infancy narratives and the resurrection appearances, which is unique to Luke (Corley, 1993: 15). Furthermore, Luke makes reference to 13 women that are not mentioned in the other Gospels (Corley, 1993: 25). However, the significance attached to the representation of women in Luke is somewhat undermined by Seim’s emphasis on the

Supply Chain Analysis Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words

Supply Chain Analysis - Essay Example Some of the major benefit of a rapid response supply chain system that are discussed in the paper include timely delivery of the raw material and products, maximum security profit maximization and sales improvement. The logistics performance and inventory assessment is a vital responsibility of evaluators and logistics managers. Key measures used to assess the inventories and logistics performance that are discussed in the paper include Order fill rate, Accuracy of data to improve inventory management, Difference between the Quantity of Products Received and Quantity of Products Ordered, Logistics System Assessment Tool, Perfect order measurement, comprehensive and casual orientation of the logistic performance. The phenomena of local optimization that is brought up by the desire of the supply chain partners to maximize their profits adversely affect the optimality of the entire supply chain. This paper discusses how coordination, relationships among the partners, making sacrifices a nd compromises as major ways of mitigating the problem of local optimization. Supply chain management (SCM) entails the coordination of all the activities that are involved during the production of goods and services in a company. Some of the major aspects that are covered by SCM include transportation and storage of raw materials, controlling and monitoring work-in-progress as well as transportation of the final products from the factories to consumers. A rapid response supply chain system involves the various activities emulated by organizations in order to ensure that they are in line with the changing business atmosphere. Even though companies allocate significant financial resources to improve their supply chains, it is imperative to ensure that there is a positive linkage between partners in a supply chain. A rapid response supply chain system stipulates that there should exist

Operational management problems of ASDA Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 5250 words

Operational management problems of ASDA - Essay Example In managing and operating a business in the retail industry, the management has to continuously evaluate the role of supply chain in order to ensure that there are sufficient number of supplies available as well as the company has several products as inventory for backup which can be called when needed. The role of supply chain is critical in retail industry because consumers are looking for different products at the stores and if they do not find the product they want then this would make them dissatisfied and frustrated. Because of this frustration, consumers might not be willing to come back to the store therefore it might lead to losing customers therefore the role of supply chain is important in managing overall operations of the business as well as ensuring that the customers of the company are satisfied. Purpose of the Research Study: This research report is helpful in identifying and revealing different operational management problems that ASDA currently faces. The role of distribution and logistics have drastically changed in today’s competitive market and supply chain has been now used in order to gain competitive advantage over competitors. Firms in the retail industry have been continuously working to improve their overall supply chain management processes and when firms like Tesco who is the market leader of UK retail industry is also working on improving its supply chain management processes to ensure that the operations of the company are managed without any kind of issues and consumers are able to find their products. Similarly, ASDA has also implemented several operational systems in order to improve the overall process of the organisation as well as make better use of logistics and distribution department of the organisation. ASDA has also setup data warehouse which plays an important role in pro viding information to operate the business processes. Background of the Company: ASDA is one of the largest retail organisation in the UK retail industry. The company provides different products to the customers including toys, food, clothing etc. through its several supermarkets store. The company has been operating in UK as a subsidiary of Wal-Mart, as a result of acquisition held in the year 1999. The overall market share of the retail organisation in the grocery market of United Kingdom is around 16.5 percent (Arch, 2010). Apart from this the company also has mobile service network and has also expanded in several other areas. However, most of these diversifications were unsuccessful (Ellis-Chadwick, Doherty & Anastasakis, 2007). Being a part of Wal-Mart, ASDA is

Sinusitis Care Plan Essay Example for Free

Sinusitis Care Plan Essay This therapeutic care plan will utilized the â€Å"I can treat and prescribe framework† to ensure that appropriate patient treatments are selected using a step by step approach, including assessment integration, drug and/or disease related problems, therapeutic goals, therapeutic alternatives and indications, plan of care and evaluation (OPHCNPP, 2012). By going through each step of this framework, and including or excluding treatment options based on individual patient factors and strong clinical evidence, this clinician will arrive at the most suitable treatment plan for the patient. H.K (32 year old male) presented with persistent facial pain for 7 days. He reported having a headache (6/10 on a pain scale) upon bending forward and awakening, occasional tooth pain, no nasal drainage, and no cough. H.K denied fever or chills but admitted to feeling â€Å"run-down†. His past medical history included varicella zoster at age 5 years, seasonal allergic rhinitis (pollen), viral respiratory tract symptoms 2 weeks ago (now resolved), and no recent antibiotic use over the past 3 months. He is married with two children who are not in daycare (ages 8 and 9). H.K is a supermarket manager, non-smoker, and denied substance abuse. The patient reported having private prescription drug coverage but was only taking Advil cold and sinus (2 tablets orally every 6 hours as required) with good effect. H.K’s vitals were taken (temp. 37.5 °C tympanic, HR 74 reg., R 12 reg. and equal). His head and neck examination revealed that his sclera were clear and his pupils were r ound, reactive to light with accommodation. There was tenderness to palpation of the frontal and maxillary sinuses. Transillumination of the right and left maxillary sinuses revealed an opaque surface. His nares were erythematous and edematous with no obvious discharge. There was cobblestoning of the pharynx with slight erythema. His tonsils were two plus in size with no exudates. His neck examination revealed the absence of lymphadenopathy, the thyroid was non-palpable, and his chest examination revealed clear lung fields. The diagnosis of acute sinusitis was made based on H.K’s presenting signs and symptoms. The two most common predisposing events for acute bacterial sinusitis are acute viral upper respiratory infections and allergic inflammation (80% and 20% of bacterial infections, respectively) (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Complications of sinusitis are very rare and are estimated to occur in 1 in 1,000 cases (Hwang, 2009). In complicated sinusitis, the orbit of the eye is the most common structure involved and is usually caused by ethmoid sinusitis (Hwang, 2009). Patients who present with visual symptoms (diplopia, decreased visual acuity, disconjugate gaze, difficulty opening the eye), severe headache, somnolence or high fever should be evaluated with emergent care suspected (H.K had none of these symptoms) (Hwang, 2009). Most adult patients diagnosed with acute sinusitis become well or nearly well after 7 to 10 days, but 25% are still symptomatic after 14 days (Worrall, 2011). H.K had no untreated medical conditions contributing to his acute sinusitis (not pollen season). A primary health care nurse practitioner can effectively diagnose, treat and manage adults who have symptoms like H.K according to the Nurse Practitioner Practice Standard of Ontario (CNO, 2011). His condition was not life threatening and did not necessitate a referral to a physician, specialist or transfer of care. H.K was taking Advil cold and sinus, a drug that was appropriately dosed (1-2 tablets orally every 6 hours as required to a maximum of 6 tablets in 24 hours), which is clinically indicated for sinus pain in adults and is not too complex (CPA, 2013). This drug was deemed safe for him after a review of contraindications, including hypersensitivity to the agent, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug-induced (NSAID) asthma or urticartia, aspirin triad, pre-operative coronary bypass surgery, coronary artery disease, monoamine oxidase inhibitor use within 14 days, uncontrolled or severe hypertension, and urinary retention (Epocrates, 2013). For H.K, the oral route of medication administration was most appropriate, the least invasive and the easiest way for an adult to take drugs (Brophy et al, 2011). Advil cold and sinus is not a cytochrome P450 system inhibitor, which is the main (or partial) cause for large differences in the pharmacokinetics of other drugs (Rx Files, 2012, Epocrates, 2013). The patient was not taking borrowed prescriptions, using drugs from previous occurrences of the condition, or experiencing any adverse drug events/reactions to Advil cold and sinus. Also, he was not being double dosed or experiencing therapeutic duplication of drugs belonging to the same pharmaceutical class. H.K had no untreated medical conditions (other than his new acute sinusitis), was not taking drugs prescribed by other clinicians and there were no other factors (communication errors, non-adherence, financial restrictions) influencing his ability to receive medication. Antibiotic therapy should be reserved for patients with acute bacterial sinusitis as defined by a complete history and physical examination (AMA, 2008). A â€Å"wait and see† approach has been suggested in recent Canadian guidelines as a means of differentiating bacterial sinusitis from a viral respiratory tract infection (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Initiation of treatment should take place 7 to 10 days after persistent symptoms or when signs compatible with acute sinusitis occur (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Since H.K’s facial pain had lasted for 7 days, the decision was made with the patient to treat. Goals of care were established (with the patient) including maximizing symptom relief (especially drainage of congested sinuses), eradication of infection, and prevention of re-occurrence and complications (Fryters Blondel-Hill, 2011). Five drug choices were selected and scrutinized as potential treatment options for H.K, including first and second line therapies (appendix 1) (ARP, 2012). The primary bacterial pathogens involved in the development of acute sinusitis for adults are Streptococcus pneumonia and Haemophilus influenzae (AMA, 2008). Canadian antimicrobial resistance data of S. pneumoniae describes that penicillin resistance rates range from 14% to16% in Central Canada (Powis et al., 2004). Amoxicillin is a first line drug therapy that remains active against S. pneumoniae with the rate of resistance under 2% (Brook et al, 2006) and also retains the best coverage of oral beta-lactam agents against S. pneumoniae (AMA, 2008). It is available in a capsule, chewable tablet or powder for oral suspension (H.K had no dysphagia and preferred to take capsules) (CPA, 2013). Amoxicillin should not be prescribed to a patient more than once in a 3-month period (H.K had not taken it in the last 3 months) (ARP, 2012). This drug is acid resistant, rapidly absorbed after oral administration, and is stable in the presence of gastric acid allowing for adequate systemic concentr ations (H.K was not taking drugs that affect gastric acid production) (CPA, 2013). Pertinent adverse affects of the drug are diarrhea, nausea, headache, vomiting, abdominal pain, anaphylaxis, anemia, AST/ALT elevation, mucocutaneous candidiasis, rash and pseudomembranous colitis (Medscape Reference, 2013). Amoxicillin is contraindicated with anaphylaxis reaction to penicillins or cephalosporins (Epocrates, 2013). Several cautions to consider when prescribing amoxicillin to H.K include him having clostridium difficile infection, infectious mononucleosis (result is skin rash), bacterial/fungal superinfections, allergy to cephalosporins, and carbapenems, (Medscape Reference, 2013). Also, serious drug interactions include bcg/typhoid vaccine live, doxycycline, minocycline, probenecid and tetracycline (Epocrates, 2013). H.K did not have any of the contraindications, cautions, or potential medication interactions relevant to taking amoxicillin, so it was deemed safe for him to take. Amoxicillin was selected as a treatment option for H.K (appendix 1). The three times a day (500 mg) option was selected to ensure simplicity, when compared to the 875 mg twice a day option that would require H.K to take two possibility identical capsules (a 500 mg and a 250 mg), increasing the likelihood of medication error (Epocrates, 2013). A primary concern for individuals infected with H. influenzae is ampicillin resistance, mediated by the production of a beta-lactamase, which is produced by approximately 19% of the bacteria (Zhanel et al, 2003). H. influenzae remains predictably susceptible to amoxicillin-clavulanate (a second line therapy) which possesses the added benefit of stability against beta-lactamases and cephalosporins (Tristam et al, 2007). Amoxicillin-clavulanate is also effective against most penicillin-resistant S. pneumoniae (MacGowan et al., 2004). It has enhanced gram positive activity and should be used in patients where risk of bacterial resistance is high, consequences of failure of therapy are greatest, or for patients not responding to first-line therapy (DeRosiers, et al, 2011). Common side effects of this drug are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, rash and uticartia (Poole-Arcangelo Peterson, 2013; Rx Files, 2013). Higher rates of diarrhea and other gastrointestinal side effects occur with amoxicillin-clavulanate than with amoxicillin alone (Burns et al., 2009). It is also considered a more costly sinusitis treatment (ARP, 2012; Rx Files, 2012). Amoxicillin-clavulanate was added as a treatment option for H.K (see appendix 1). The clinician selected the two times a day option (875 mg) because the clavulanic acid daily dose is less, resulting in a decreased likelihood of the patient experiencing adverse effects co mpared with a more frequent dosing schedule option such as every 8 hours (Rx Files, 2012). As a result of activity against beta-lactamase–producing H. influenza and S. pneumonae (Zhanel Lynch, 2009), cefprozil and cefuroxime axetil have a second line treatment role in acute sinusitis (ARP, 2012). With the expanded spectrum of activity, ability to achieve adequate concentrations in tissues, suitability for twice-daily dosing, favorable toxicity profile, and proven tolerability of cephalsporins, they are a safe alternative for treatment (Poole-Arcangelo Peterson, 2013). However, they have a broader range of activity and are more costly than amoxicillin (Rx Files, 2012; ARP, 2012). Second line drugs cefuroxime axetil and cefprozil were added as treatment options for H.K (see appendix 1). The 250 mg dose was selected for both drugs due to ease of use (smaller pills, easier to swallow), patient related factors (H.K was not immunocompromised) and disease related factors (H.K’s sinusitis had no complications). In beta-lactam-allergic patients, a second line therapy such as trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP- SMX) may be substituted for penicillin (ARP, 2012). The TMP-SMX resistance reported from Canadian laboratories is approximately 14% (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Increased pnuemoncoccal and H. influenza resistance rates make TMP-SMX a less desirable agent, however it is one of the most cost-effective options for patients with financial constraints (not an issue with H.K) (ARP, 2012). The most common side effects of this drug are rash, fever and gastrointestinal symptoms (Poole-Arcangelo Peterson, 2013; Rx Files, 2012). Drugs containing sulfa (such as TMP-SMX) potentiate the effects of warfarin, phenotoin, hypoglycemic agents and methotrexate (Poole-Arcangelo Peterson, 2013). Since H.K is not taking these drugs, TMP-SMX was selected as a treatment option (see appendix 1). One double strength tablet was selected over two single strength tablets for simplicity of administration. The general approach to the non-pharmacological management of acute sinusitis requires utilizing adjunctive therapies. Decongestants, intranasal corticosteroids (INCS), antihistamines, mucoltylics and analgesics are treatment options. A decongestant may be used to reduce mucosal edema and facilitate aeration and drainage (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Oral decongestants have been shown to improve nasal congestion and can be used until symptoms resolve. (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Topical decongestants are controversial and should not be used for longer than 72 hours due to the potential for rebound congestion (ARP, 2013). INCS reduce inflammation and edema of the nasal mucosa, nasal turbinates, and sinus ostia (Desrosiers et al., 2011). INCS are minimally absorbed and have a low incidence of systemic adverse effects (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Adverse effects include transient nasal irritation, epistaxis, pharyngitis, rhinitis, headache, and changes to taste, smell and voice (Rx Files, 201 2). A Cochrane review evaluating three INCS drugs for acute sinusitis found limited but positive evidence for INCS as an adjuvant to antibiotics (Zalmanovici Yaphe, 2009). Antihistamines are often used to relieve symptoms because of their drying effect, however there are no studies to support their use in the treatment of acute sinusitis (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Guaifenesin is a mucolytic that has been used to thin mucus and improve nasal drainage, however because it has not been evaluated in clinical trials, it was not recommended as an adjunct treatment for sinusitis (Rosenfeld et al, 2007). Selection of analgesics should be based on the severity of pain. Tylenol or an NSAID given alone or in combination with an opioid is appropriate for mild to moderate pain associated with sinusitis (Rosenfeld et al, 2007). Recent Canadian guidelines suggest that limited evidence exists supporting the beneficial effects of saline irrigation in patients with acute sinusitis (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Despite limited evidence, saline therapy, either as a spray or high-volume irrigation, has seen widespread use as adjunct therapy (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Although the utility of saline sprays remains unclear, the use of saline irrigation as ancillary therapy is based on evidence of moderate symptomatic benefit and favourable tolerability (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Some additional comfort measures for patients with symptoms of acute sinusitis include maintenance of adequate hydration and application of warm facial packs. No high quality trials have demonstrated that these comfort measures are effective (Worrall, 2011). As viral infections predispose individuals to acute sinusitis, strategies (such as handwashing) that focus on patient education of reducing viral transmission help to reduce the incidence of bacterial sinusitis (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Educating patients about common predisposing bacterial sinusitis factors may be considered as a preventative strategy (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Prophylactic antibiotics are not effective in preventing viral episodes or the development of subsequent bacterial sinusitis, and are not recommended (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Also, there is no evidence that influenza or pneumococcus vaccinations reduce the risk of contracting acute sinusitis (Rosenfeld et al, 2007). Recent reviews have found limited evidence for alternative and complementary medicine (Scheid Hamm, 2004). Alternative practices that have failed to show efficacy include acupuncture, chiropractic, naturopathy, aromatherapy, massage and therapeutic touch (Desrosiers et al., 2011). Vitamin C preparations and zinc lozenges are also felt to be controversial (Scheid Hamm, 2004). Studies of zinc lozenges for the common cold have produced mixed results (Desrosiers et al., 2011). One recent meta-analysis of echinacea preparations has shown some positive effects in reducing duration of respiratory tract symptoms (Barrett et al, 1999). However, the widespread use of echnichea in the treatment of acute sinusitis is not well supported (Desrosiers et al., 2011). A recent Cochrane review found that when antibiotics were given to patients, they increased recovery time from sinusitis symptoms (Ahovuo-Saloranta, 2008). The choice of first-line treatment is based on the anticipated clinical respons e of a patient, as well as the microbiologic flora likely to be present. Also, when selecting an antibiotic regimen for H.K, the clinician considered the medication cost, medication safety profile, adverse effects, and local patterns of bacterial resistance in order to maximize therapy (Hickner et al., 2001). The recommended antibiotic regimen is specific for H.K, who did not have any intracranial/orbital complications or a compromised immune function, and has normal renal function. In the absence of drug allergies and presence of resistant organisms, amoxicillin was selected for H.K as it is a first line therapy, is generally effective against susceptible and intermediate resistant pneumococci (Brophy et al, 2011), low cost (ARP, 2012), high patient tolerability, and relatively narrow antimicrobial spectrum (Aring Chan, 2011). Factors suggesting greater risk of penicillin resistant streptococci include antibiotic use within the past 3 months, chronic symptoms present for longer than 4 weeks, and parents of children in daycare (H.K had none of these risk factors). When antibiotics are prescribed by the clinician, the duration of treatment should be 5 to10 days as recommended by product monographs (Desrosiers et al., 2011). For H.K, the clinician utilized product monographs and other evidence based guidelines for determining the appropriate duration of treatment (CPA, 2013; ARP, 2013). Based on the information and discussion presented in this paper, amoxicillin 500 mg three times a day for 10 days (CPA, 2013) was selected as the most appropriate treatment for H.K (see appendix 2). H.K was instructed by the clinician to take his medication until finished, not share it, and to store at room temperature away from moisture, heat and light (Epocrates, 2013). He was taught about the drug’s side effects and that overdose symptoms may include confusion, behavior changes, severe rash, decreased urination, or seizure (Epocrates, 2013). He was provided health teachings by the clinician, including seeking emergency medical help if exhibiting any signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of the face, etc.) or experiencing serious side effects (white patches/sores inside his mouth/lips, fever, swollen glands, rash, itching, joint pain, pale/yellowed skin or eyes, dark colored urine, fever, confusion/weakness, severe tingling, numbness, pain, muscle weakness, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple/red pinpoint spots under his skin) (Epocrates, 2013). H.K was provided health teachings regarding reducing the risk of contracting viral infections through hand washing techniques. Complementary therapies, alternative medicines, comfort measures, saline prophylactic antibiotic usage and vaccines were not recommended to H.K. He was also instructed about the role these treatments play in acute sinusitis treatment. Only evidenced-based adjunctive therapies as described in this paper have been selected for H.K, including INCS therapy (see appendix 3), analgesics (Advil cold and sinus) and oral decongestants (Advil cold and sinus). H.K agreed to this treatment plan. Based on H.K’s history and physical exam findings, a follow-up examination would be required if no improvement is seen within 72 hours of antibiotic administration, as this could indicate treatment failure (Derosier et al, 2011). The patient was advised to return in 72 hours if there were no improvements in symptoms. He did not return to the clinic for follow-up. If H.K had deteriorated at any time, the clinician would have reassessed for acute complications, other diagnoses and adherence to treatments (Derosier et al, 2011). If H.K experienced a type 1 hypersensitivity reaction to amoxicillin at any time, other pharmacological options would have been considered. A phone call was placed one week after H.K’s medical visit to conduct a post-visit evaluation, and he reported that his symptoms were nearly resolved (pharmacological and non-pharmacological therapy evaluation). Since H.K demonstrated signs of clinical improvement, a follow-up visit or possible referral to an otolaryngologist was not required (Fryters Blondel-Hill, 2012). The original goals of care for H.K were met. He stated that he was able to manage his symptoms with the treatment plan, was grateful that no complications were experienced, and was more knowledgeable about the prescribed drugs and future prevention strategies. H.K was satisfied with his healthcare experience (self-report) and was able to verbalize non-pharmacological therapies and apply them to his situation. When faced with a similar patient in the future, the clinician will ensure that the â€Å"I treat and prescribe framework† is utilized, as it is a valuable tool for ensuring patient specific treatment. Professional feedback from the course instructor/preceptor will also be integrated into future treatment plans.

Business Plan and Analysis for Social Work Company

Business Plan and Analysis for Social Work Company Table of Contents (Jump to) Executive Summary Objectives Mission Statement Key Performance Indicators Company’s Ownership Director’s Role Company’s Services Key Competitors SWOT analysis Strengths Weaknesses Opportunities Threats Market Research Target Market Marketing Plan Professional Referral Marketing Internet Marketing Branding Internal Marketing External Marketing Public Relations Contingency Plan Executive Summary United Kingdom is considered as an individualism culture in which individuals are expected to take care of only themselves and their immediate families as concluded by Greek Hofstede after his study on multi-cultural dimensions. Similarly, great number of population living longer in the western countries in particular in the United Kingdom which have presented a challenge of looking after the elderly people in the society. The concept of health and social care came into existence at the time of First World War when individuals nursed the wounded soldiers. Similarly, in the mid 1990’s, the U.K, government started realising that the there has to be an organised system to look after the elderly people and people with difficulties, this is when National Health System was introduced. Now a days, Health and Social Care companies work along with the NHS to provide help and support to elderly people, and individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities. Pulse Care Limited is a health and a social care company who intent to provide support and help to the NHS and to the community. We aim to target the vulnerable groups i.e. the elderly, young people and children suffering through disabilities and learning difficulties. The company also offer help and support to families by providing a day care centre facility where the clients can be looked after in a more personalised manner. At Pulse Care Limited, we offer a unique combination of premier home health care and community-based day centre services. In today’s competitive market for the health and care sector, there have been a number of reports regarding the inadequate and unprofessional approach used by various organisations to treat elderly and people with disabilities. In a recent report by the Local Government Association for Community Wellbeing, its chairman David Rogers, is quoted as saying, â€Å"There needs to be urgent action to ensure the way we offer support to older people is fairer, simpler and fit for purpose in order to truly meet the needs of the most vulnerable members of our society. Pulse Care Limited aims to provide user-centred approach to highlight and innovative solutions to the problem mentioned above which would also give the company a competitive edge in the market. Pulse Care Limited endeavours to provide the best quality care to its clients based on respect and dignity for the individual with a tailor- made support based on their individual needs. We will certainly ensure that the highest industry standards are continued and staff would be in a continued programme of improvement to be able to deliver the best client experience which includes their family and friends. Our business philosophy is incorporated by the fact that, a happy work force that treasures what it does, delivers the best possible quality service, and that both management and clients will find benefit in working and being together. Our competitive pricing and fees structure puts the clients at the heart of designing their desired level of care while ensuring high quality standards. Objectives Pulse Care Limited’s overall objective is position its self as a trustworthy and caring brand which would give a cutting edge to the company in the industry. Following are the key objectives of the company for the first year of operations. To ensure that clients and stakeholders are treated with dignity and respect. To design effective brand management strategies which would help the business to position it’s self as a trustworthy, honest and caring brand. To ensure client satisfaction always remain centred to the business. To target 25% of the local clients in the first year of operation. Mission Statement â€Å"We aim to provide help and support to our clients and to the community by treating them with dignity and respect† Key Performance Indicators Put the patient first Value for money services Access to more option for the patience/clients Work openly and in partnership with other NHS organisations Use clinical leadership to develop and manage services Company’s Ownership Pulse Care Limited is a registered at the companies house U.K with the registration number 09027014. Mr. Wajeed Ali Khan Mohammad is the sole director of the company and possess 100% share in the company. He has successfully accomplished his Masters of Science in Health and Social Care Management from the University of Bradford. Director’s Role The character of the director/owner of any business is very decisive. Mr. Muhammad has the experience and education in the field of Health and Social Care which would support the business to attain and maintain customers. Similarly, the character of the director impacts on the day to day operations of any SME’s. Therefore, Mr. Muhammad does realise the importance to have positive personality traits i.e. trustworthiness, honesty, knowledge, reliable and innovative. In Contrast to SME’s in large organisations, celebrities are commonly used for brand promotion purposes. Mr. Muhammad, understands the important of his commitments and personality as this would support and help the business to establish relationship with clients and stakeholders. Company’s Services Pulse Care Limited is a health and social care services company. The company endeavours to provide support and care to the clients and to the community. The definitive goal of the company is assist its clients to live a pleasing and independent life. Following are the key services provided by the company. Care and Support for elder people. Specialist care and Support Personal Care services Consultation Child Family Care Adult care wellbeing Learning disabilities Mental health problems Key Competitors Pulse Care Limited will continuously monitor its competitors. The company will always keep an eye on the competitor’s strategies and the service level. Following are key competitors of the company. Heritage Care Ltd Health Authorities Primary Care Trusts Tel:020 8519 2731 DASL Addiction Rehabilitation Tel:020 8257 3068 Lifecare Institute Training Services Tel:020 8221 4160 Pohwer Charitable Voluntary Organisations Tel:020 8221 2260 4social Work Recruitment Consultants Tel:0845 6044445 Translating Interpreting Service Translators Interpreters Tel:020 8591 0050 Medi Prospects Training Services Tel:020 8472 6060 Marieco Care Ltd Home Care Services Tel:03302 231786 Quest Training Services Tel:020 8911 0760 SWOT analysis We are currently in an extremely productive market in a swiftly emergent economy. Pulse Care Limited forecasts its strengths as the ability to respond keenly to the market dictates and to provide customised market research services to our clients. In addition through aggressive marketing and quality management we intend to become a well-respected leader in health and social care industry. Below are the summarized strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. (S)trengths Strategic market segmentation and implementation strategies. Personalised health care service provided by the company. Diversified market segments. Ensures the lack of dependency on one particular market. Government’s friendly policies and consistent support to Health and Social Care Enterprises. An aggressive and focused marketing campaign. A marketing plan with clear goals and strategies. Directors experience and education in the field of Health Social Care Management. (W)eaknesses Lack of a solid well-established network in the market research arena. The introduction of new organizational practices could presents a challenge to the organization. (O)pportunities Lack of care and respect shown by health and care organisation would help the company to build its reputation in the market as the company’s main mission is to deliver high standards of care to its clients. Friendly government’s policy for health and social care department. (T)hreats Competitive market in the Health social care industry Owner’s lack of experience in running his own organisation. Market Research The number of people living over 65 in the United Kingdom has increased by 25% since 1986 and people living over 85 has since doubled. United Kingdom has been experiencing demographic issues like many other western countries which has brought the need of health and social care for this population. . The concept of health and social care came into existence at the time of First World War when individuals nursed the wounded soldiers. Similarly, in the mid 1990’s, the U.K, government started realising that the there has to be an organised system to look after the elderly people and people with difficulties, this is when National Health System was introduced. Now a days, Health and Social Care companies work along with the NHS to provide help and support to elderly people, and individuals with learning difficulties and disabilities. Pulse Care Limited, endeavours to provide services to its clients with respect and dignity. Unlike, many other health and social care organisations wh ere clients are not even treated with respect and dignity. Pulse Care Limited, not only target the elder people but also people with disabilities and learning difficulties. The health and social care industry is quite competitive however, there is still a need for a health and social care company who can genuinely offer the care to the clients with admiration and pride and we aim to fill this gap. Our business philosophy is incorporated by the fact that, a happy work force that treasures what it does, delivers the best possible quality service, and that both management and clients will find benefit in working and being together. Our competitive pricing and fees structure puts the clients at the heart of designing their desired level of care while ensuring high quality standards. Target Market H Care Limited has divided its target audience into two categories i.e. Primary group and Secondary Group. The primary group of clients are the patients referred by health care facilities, physicians and other health care professionals. The secondary group of clients for the company are individuals who are suffering through personal injuries and require case management services to assist them in addressing medical, financial and employment issues. Marketing Plan Pulse Care Limited will use the following elements for the purpose of marketing. Professional Referral Marketing Professional referral Marketing is one of the consistent and enduring strategy which would help and support the business to obtain referrals from other medical professionals. Mr. Muhammad’s education and experience in the area of health and social care will support the company to obtain the confidence of the medical professionals. Similarly, the company would regularly make communications with these professionals in order to implement this strategy. Internet Marketing Internet marketing would be used to capture the clients and professional directly and also for the purpose of brand awareness The company’s website has already been created i.e. the website encompasses all the relevant information about the company i.e. logo, companys full name, contact details ,corporate address and the services offered by the company. Companys official Facebook and twitter accounts along with the director Linked In profile links are visible on the website which would allow the visitors to join the official social media pages. More than 80% of the U.K population can targeted through social media. Pulse Care Limited has already created its Face book, Twitter page which would allow the company to communicate with the target audience. All these medium would allow the company to build brand awareness and establish the trust relationship with the target audience. Branding The faith of people have been lost in health and social care organisation because all the inadequate and unprofessional approaches practiced by many health and social care organisation. Hence , it is very significant to build a brand in which the clients can trust and this would be achieve via making relationship with clients and professionals. Pulse Care Limited will provide its clients with a platform on social media and on the company’s website to share their personalised experiences and best practices. This would allow the company to build its brand awareness. Moreover, the company seeks to get the affiliation from Care Quality Commission England, which would also help the company to gain the trust of its target audience. Moreover, regular communications will shared for brand awareness purposes which would emphasise the high standard of quality services provided by the company. Internal Marketing Pulse Care Limited will capture its existing customers to generate more business and also to get referrals from them. The company has already created a manual spreadsheet data base where all the details about new and existing clients are been saved. Company will use series of marketing communications tools to target the audience. External Marketing Our external marketing strategy will be based mainly on informing the target audience about our existence and making the right information available .Therefore, we will be targeting different segments with our promotional tools and the messages may slightly vary to match the intended audience. However, in all cases the marketing will convey the sense of quality and professionalism, in all the promotion and publication. In such a market we cannot afford to appear in or produce second-rate material with poor labels that make our services look less. Hence we endeavour to influence our presence using quality brochures and other sales literature, including promotional material such as pens, complimentary slips and stickers. The company has already designed its flyers and these are already distributing in the local area. In future the company will avail the service of a third party company to distribute the flyers. Public Relations One of the most effective way of incorporating a brand/ company image in the mind of its clients in through public relations activities. Pulse care limited will engage itself in various public relationship activities. Mr. Muhammad will share his experience and highlight the key trends and exceptions in Health and Social care Management via press releases and through online marketing. This would help the company to build its reputation and awareness in the mind of its target audience. Contingency Plan We aim to concentrate on the results collated through our current marketing campaign. If we anticipate that the marketing strategy has failed to provide the desired results, we will evaluate all our marketing and communications strategies and will give emphasis to understand the clients and stakeholders psyche and will continuously monitor the competitor’s behaviour pattern. We will than implement a new marketing strategy as per the result evaluated from the marketing campaign.

The Effect of Divorce on Children

The Effect of Divorce on Children Divorce and their effect on children Introduction: One of the prime feature of the modern age happens to be the rising index of performance pressure and market competition. Immaterial of the genre, competition happens to be the order of the day in the current times. Quite naturally we see that the pressure, tension and the anxiety quotient in the current times is on an ever increase. The people in this age always happen to on the edge of everything and are running an inevitable race for their retribution. Everything I seems depends on the results or the outcome of this race, the survival of the fittest has become the order of the day. Quite naturally we see that the modern men and women always happen to be in a frenzy regarding the quality of their output or performance. It seems that being on the top is what that matters the most at the of the day. Hence this almost barbaric pressure at work often takes a toll on the personal health and the personal lives of the current age men and women. Family life in the course of events takes ab ack seat and relationships often becomes a second priority. Hence one hand if professional excellence marks the era, on the other hand dilapidation of the institution of relationships is also a quintessential feature of the reigning times. Quite naturally the unfortunate event of breaking down of relationships, an often example of which is found in the divorce settlements of married couples happens to be a regular feature in the current times. The research in its discourse tries to analyze the hidden effects of these divorces on the unfortunate and innocent children of these couples who happens to face the worse brunt of these divorce cases. Problem Statement: As mentioned in the earlier segment although divorce is a settlement that happens between two individuals the brunt is often born by more people than just the man and the woman who decides to part their ways. It has been observed that although divorce is an unfortunate event and is disliked by people and societies all over the world but there are certain more orthodox societies to whom the implications of such an event happens to be all the more grave and perilous. In such societies breaking down of marriages are seen as the worst social dishonor that can be brought down to the families of the man and woman involved in the decision. The situation happens to be all the more grave and disturbing if children are involved. As clearly stated earlier although the decision of parting ways happens to be that of the man and the woman who are living as husband and wife, the total effect of the situation is worst on that of the psyche of the children of the couples. Every research has a statement that happens to be the protagonist idea or concern of the discussion, investigation of which adds further significant dimensions to the discussion. The statement in this case happens to be the facet of the effects of the process of divorce between a couple that can be observed on the psyche of their children. On the pivot of this statement the research delves deeper into the psychological problems that has often been found to develop in the personalities of the children from the broken homes and the consequences of the same that has been recorded pertaining to the society and their own families that gets build up in the future. The problem statement reflects and revolves around the effects of divorce that has been observed on the children especially against the traditional backdrop of UAE society. Research Question: Every research has a few questions stated clearly within the scope of their discussion. I fact it can be said that the course of the research proceeds with the answers that are found in the investigation of the said questions. These questions happens to elucidate the basic points of concern that happens to be the protagonist ideas of the research. In this context it can be said that there is a popular belief that every research is to have as single question answering which will be the sole aim of the research discourse. However in this reference it can be said that a said research can have more than a single question as the central attention of the scope of research. Along with the main or the protagonist question new cans ay that there can be a number of other tributary and distributary questions answering which can be also within the scope of the research. In fact the answers to these tributary and distributary questions might add new dimensions to the research. In the case of our research the main question happens to be is to evaluate the effects of divorce that can be observed on the children of the broken home. The research happens to be set against the particular backdrop of UAE. However in addition to the main question there will be certain other allied questions that will also have to be answered in the course of the research. Following are the other questions that also has to be answered in the course of the discussion: What can be the consequences of the effects of divorce in the future? How does the society gets effected by these children from broken homes in the coming future. What are ways that society can help rebuild the personality and the future of these children. What are the steps that the parents can take to comfort and support their children as parents to their children and jot as a couple after their separation. How to treat such children Research Objectives: The objectives of a research often happens to be to bring about certain effects or to influence the filed in which the research is being conducted or regarding which investigations are being made. The objective for all researches happens to create a difference in the future and to alter the way things are being done in the present. The objective in short of all researches is to make a positive contribution in the filed of research so that the society can see a better tomorrow. Our research happens to be no different. The investigation that we are making into the effects of divorce that has been observed in the children from the broken homes also has its main objective of giving these children a better future by suggesting means and methods to them, their families and the society in general regarding the kind of help that they can extend to these little hearts and minds in the times of some very grave challenges. Following are the objectives that can be listed of our said research: Finding ways and means through which the friends and families can support and comfort children facing the trauma. Make the parents realize the difficulty that they have put their children into and hence the support that they can extend. Creating awareness in the society regarding the responsible and sensitive behavior that the children should be getting from their immediate society. To create an awareness and realization amongst the mature generation, regarding the problems that they throw in the ways of their little ones due to the brash and irresponsible behaviors of theirs’. Conclusions: On a concluding note it can be said that divorce is probably the last resort that is left as an option to the couples. In case the couple also happens to be parents, their decision regarding the future must take in to account their responsibility as a father and a mother and must be in alignment with the task of giving their children a promising and stable future.

Immanuel Kants Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals Essays

Immanuel Kant's Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals In his publication, Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Immanuel Kant supplies his readers with a thesis that claims morality can be derived from the principle of the categorical imperative. The strongest argument to support his thesis is the difference between actions in accordance with duty and actions in accordance from duty. To setup his thesis, Kant first draws a distinction between empirical and â€Å"a priori† concepts. Empirical concepts are ideas we reach from our experiences in the world. On the other hand and in contrast, â€Å"a priori† concepts are ideas we reach as an end point of reasoning prior to or apart from any experience of how things occur in the world. Kant then claims that moral actions are supposed done for the reason of morality alone. This train of thought leads to the conclusion that an understanding of morality must be based on â€Å"a priori† concepts of reason. Truly moral ideas are then universally valid if and only if they are based on â€Å"a priori† concepts. From this idea of â€Å"a priori† concepts, Kant begins his thesis with the notion that the only thing in the world that is a qualified good is the â€Å"good will†, even if its efforts bring about a not necessarily good result. A â€Å"good will† is good because of the willing that is involved. Two main implications arise with this idea of the â€Å"good will†. The first implication is moral actions cannot have impure motivations. There are many impure motivations but Kant tends to focus mainly on the motives of the pursuit of happiness and self-preservation. Second, moral actions cannot be based on the speculations of the probable results. This action is not good in itself but good because it brought about a more desirable outcome. Thus, Kant arrives at the conclusion that for an action to be considered to have genuine moral worth its motive must be that of dutifulness to moral law. In Foundations of the Metaphysics of Morals, Kant lays out three propositions about duty. The first is the will is a morally good action if it is done in accordance from duty, as opposed to an action done in accordance with duty. The second proposition is that actions are judged by the "maxim" or principle that was the motivation behind the action. If someone undertakes an action with the only motivation being that of a sense of duty, they are followin... ...viously that you will be more probable to engage and look to engage in more actions that will give you this appeal and instant gratification. This is not an ideal situation because placing a slight neglect to a duty or obligation that you might not find appeal in defeats the purpose of completing all of the obligations set for us to go through with.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Kant’s thesis has strength in the fact that the universal law seems closely related to the golden rule, which is do on to others as you would have others do on to you. With a statement as such it is awfully arduous to not perform a moral action. The weakness still lies in the fact Kant takes little to no consideration to humans’ natural emotions and feelings. Leading a moral life does not have to be a melancholy life, one in which you are bound to an endless amount of duties that you can seek no joy in. Whether or not Kant intended to make morality seem like torture, it appears it comes off in this manner. Kant’s overall view of morality appears near flawless. If there was a manner in which he could have incorporated a leeway for some emotions, I feel his thesis is in actuality how each individual should lead his or her life.

Friedrich Nietzsche Essay -- Philosophy

Despite being one of the greatest philosophers of the last millennium, Friedrich Wilhem Nietzsche may also be the most misunderstood. He has become a walking paradox. Today he is regarded as one of the most important thinkers, yet in his lifetime, he could hardly give away his books. Sigmund Freud revered him as one of the great minds in the history of psychoanalysis, yet Nietzsche went insane at the age of 44. He publicly detested German culture, yet German soldiers received copies of his book, Thus Spoke Zarathustra during World War I. Nietzsche also abhorred Nationalism, yet Adolf Hitler misinterpreted his work, using it as an influence for Mein Kampf and a building block for the Nazi eugenics movement, which created a tremendous amount of notoriety for Nietzsche. Regardless, Friedrich Nietzsche’s works remain some of the most influential additions to modern day philosophy, several of which are still very prevalent today. Friedrich Nietzsche was born on October 15th, 1844 in RÃ ¶cken, a small farming village in Prussia. Nietzsche’s father, Carl Ludwig Nietzsche was a Lutheran pastor while his mother, Franziska Oehler was a former schoolteacher. Nietzsche's paternal side had a strong history in Lutheran studies dating back two generations. However, his personal experiences with religion were limited after his father died from a brain aneurysm when Nietzsche was five years old. After his father passed, Nietzsche's family moved to Naumburg an der Saale. Beginning in 1858, Nietzsche attended Schulpforta, a renowned boarding school only a few miles from his home in Naumburg. Schulpforta had a strong emphasis on religion, ironically; this is where Nietzsche began to question the state of religion after reading works including David S... ...e, Friedrich W. The Birth of Tragedy. Print. Nietzsche, Friedrich W., and Walter A. Kaufmann. Beyond Good and Evil. New York: Vintage, 1989. Print. Nietzsche, Friedrich W., and Walter A. Kaufmann. The Gay Science. New York: Vintage, 1974. Print. Nietzsche, Friedrich W. Human, All Too Human. Lincoln: University of Nebraska, 1984. Print. Nietzsche, Friedrich W. "Nietzche's Letters: 1887." Nietzche' s Letters: 1887. Web. 01 May 2012. . Nietzsche, Friedrich W., Walter A. Kaufmann, and R. J. Hollingdale. The Will to Power. New York: Random House, 1967. Print. Schaberg, William H. The Nietzsche Canon: A Publication History and Bibliography. Chicago: University of Chicago, 1995. Print. Wicks, Robert, "Friedrich Nietzsche", The Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy (Summer 2011 Edition), Edward N. Zalta (ed.),.

What would happen if the World Runs out of Oil and Gas :: essays research papers

Oil is hydrocarbons that grew up in the earth when source rock full of organic inclusions sank to just the right depth not too little and not too much and got cooked over the ages. It took hundreds of millions of years for the world's supply of oil to be created. The oil is used to make gasoline obviously, but also home heating oil, diesel fuel but also 90 percent of all the organic chemicals that we use. That includes pharmaceuticals, agricultural products, plastics, fabrics and so on. They are petrochemicals, meaning they originate as oil. the need for those hydrocarbon materials has been increasing for 150 years and will go on increasing especially because the world's population is increasing. The poorer parts of the world want to increase their standard of living, which inevitably means using more energy. Fossil fuels are our principal source of energy. I hope that enough people will become aware of the problem and we will be a little better prepared, Right now we don't have the kind of leadership that would take us in the direction that would make major changes. As individuals we can do things, driving hybrid cars, for example. But as a society we have to redesign cities so that people live close to where they work. There are all kinds of measures. We are so profligate in the use of energy that even with the smallest effort we can reduce the rate at which we use energy very significantly, as Californians showed after the last energy crisis. But what we really need is massive infusion of research on all of the possible ways of ameliorating this problem. It's possible for us to revert either to natural gas or to coal or both. Among consequences are the increasing global climate change. But another consequence is, let us suppose you tried to substitute coal for oil. Natural gas is a good substitute and it will last for a while but it will have its own peak one or two decades after oil, so it's only a temporary solution. If you turn to coal, we're now using twice as much energy from oil as we are from coal. So if you want to liquefy coal as a substitute for oil in transportation which is its most important application you would have to mine coal at a rate that's many, many times at the rate of what we're doing now.

Investigation of Sorrel in Epping Forest

Aim: The purpose of this coursework was to investigate the impact visitors have had on the growth of sorrel on Pillow Mound in Epping Forest and to find out whether soil compression has an effect on the height of the plant sorrel. Hypothesis: There will be a significant difference in the height of sorrel if soil compaction is great. The greater the soil compaction is, the more it restricts sorrel growth. Null Hypothesis: Read this  Respiratory Activity There is no significant correlation between soil compaction and the height of the sorrel plant, any correlation established is due to chance. Scientific knowledge: The soil has fewer spaces that contain air and water needed for plant growth, is less permeable, can store less soil water and is harder for roots to penetrate. In their virgin state, soils can be productive and characterised by excellent physical condition. They allow rapid movement of air and water through the soil, providing an ideal environment for maximum root growth. However, soils are fragile and easily restructured, especially during cropping. Compaction is an example of this restructuring. If compacted badly enough, a soil does not provide adequate space for root growth and soil animal activity, or allow for rapid movement of air and water. In severe cases, roots are unable to penetrate into deeper soil layers, tending to grow along the top of the pan. The best way for water and air to move through the soil is in large pores created by decaying plant roots or soil insects and earthworms this creates a humus layer on the top of the soil which has many nutrients the sorrel can take up. The eventual death and decay of these organisms adds to the humus layer making the soil more favourable to sorrel plant roots allowing the plant to grow and flower. Water plays a major role in plant growth. Plants synthesise carbohydrates from Carbon Dioxide and Water. Water donates + ions to the cell, which are subsequently used in pathways to generate energy in the form of ATP. In non-cyclic phosphorylation water molecules are split to provide reducing power to make carbohydrates. Water is also an important transport medium delivering dissolved minerals that are essential for plant growth to all parts of the plant via the xylem. Water is a product in aerobic respiration. Respiration is the process of metabolizing (burning) sugars to yield energy for growth, reproduction, and other life processes. In a plentiful supply of air glucose and oxygen combine to form water and carbon dioxide and most vitally energy in the form of ATP. Water also maintains the turgor pressure in giving the non-woody plant parts form. Turgidity is important so the plant can remain stiff and upright and gain a competitive advantage when it comes to light. Turgidity is also important for the functioning of the guard cells, which surround the stomata and regulate water loss and carbon dioxide uptake. Turgidity also is the force that pushes roots through the soil. Variables: Independent: Soil compaction tested every 3m for 28 m along 4 line transects to see how soil compaction affects plant growth. Soil compaction tested with use of penetrometer. Dependent: Height of the plant sorrel on each line transect created every 3m up to 28m at the site Pillow Mound in Epping Forest. Sorrel height tested using a ruler and the sorrel closest to the line transect was used. Control Variables: The variables that remain unchanged or held constant to prevent its effects on the outcome and therefore may verify the behaviour of and the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The variables tested for in my investigation must be the same in order for me to establish a reliable correlation between soil compaction and the height of the sorrel plant. Light Intensity Light energy (sunlight) is the primary source of energy in nearly all ecosystems. It is the energy that is used by green plants (which contain chlorophyll) during the process of photosynthesis; a process during which plants manufacture organic substances by combining inorganic substances. Visible light is of the greatest importance to plants because it is necessary for photosynthesis. Factors such as quality of light, intensity of light and the length of the light period (day length) play an important part in an ecosystem. Light directly or indirectly affects the life activities. For the photosynthetic activity of green plants light is essential. Growth, germination, flowering and other functions of plant are controlled by photoperiodism and different light rays. The higher the light intensity, the larger the height of the plant of sorrel. A light meter was used to gather light intensity readings. It gives an accurate lux value. The sensor is placed facing upwards and a value s given . For each line transect light intensity has to be very similar to ensure our variables remain the same so we gather reliable data. I set out each transect away from trees which created shadows and so this ensured that light intensity remained constant throughout each line transect. pH of Soil The pH level of the surrounding soil can have extreme results on the growth rate and overall health of a plant. The pH is technically defined as the negative base ten logarithm of the effective hydrogen ion concentration in gram equivalents per litre. It is measured on a scale of 1-14, with each reading being shown as an acid, base, or a neutral solution. If the measurement is less than 7, it is considered an acid. The plant sorrel grows best in the acidic pH conditions of 5.5 – 6.8. The pH of the soil for each line transect created must be the same for the whole 28 m length tested for each. Variation in my pH results limits the validity of my data as it influences the height of sorrel. pH influences availability of certain nutrients such as phosphate availability which is low on acid soils. Soil samples are taken from each transect at 1m 13m and 28m. Back in the laboratory barium sulphate and indicator solution are added to the samples and ph is worked out. Soil Temperature Soil temperature plays an important role in many processes, which take place in the soil such as chemical reactions and biological interactions. Soil temperature varies in response to exchange processes that take place primarily through the soil surface. These effects are propagated into the soil profile by transport processes and are influenced by such things as the specific heat capacity, thermal conductivity and thermal diffusivity. Soil temperature affects water and nutrient uptake. Biological enzymes work best at certain temperatures, if enzyme optimum temperature is exceeded or not reached this could limit the rate to which the enzyme is working limiting the growth and in turn the height of the plant sorrel. Soil temperature has a major effect on the breakdown or decomposition of soil organic matter. This organic component of the soil system is a major reservoir for phosphorus, sulphur, and nitrogen. Approximately 90% of the total amount of sulphur in soil is found in the organic matter. So, if decomposition is slowed, the ready availability of some nutrients necessary for crop growth can be restricted early in the growing season restricting plant growth.† Soil temperature (à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C) readings are to be taken with the use of a soil thermometer and then recorded on a table. Preliminary Investigation A day before my data collection, I visited Plain Mounds and gathered some preliminary data. My preliminary data was carried out to help me find the sites that should be tested and the distance of each line transect. Initially before preliminary data a 37m line transect was chosen, however, once I experienced the site a 28 m distance was most appropriate as there is no significant variation after the 28m in sorrel height; therefore it would be pointless and time consuming to carry it over a larger distance. Preliminary Investigation Method: 1. A line transect created over a distance of 28m. 2. Tape measure placed flat along the ground vertically. Stretch tape to cover 28m in a straight line along site investigated. 3. Data readings for soil temperature, light intensity, soil pH, soil compression and sorrel height at 1m, 13m and 28m. 4. Soil compaction measurements taken using a penetrometer My readings were taken 1cm at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle at each interval to the left of the line transect. The scale was set to 0 by moving the ring to the handle, the spike was then pushed vertically into the ground until the indention is level with the surface of the soil. The handle was released and then the results were read off the scale on the side of the penetrometer. 5. The soil thermometer was placed at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle 2 cm away to the left of the line transect at every interval. 6. Place a 1m long ruler across the line transect at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle this way I can work out which sorrel plant is closest to the line transect. Once this was worked out, a 30cm ruler was used to measure the sorrel height in its natural position. 7. Light meter measures the light intensity. Place the sensor at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle next to line transect where the sorrel plant is growing. Value in lux read off the scale. 8. Use auger to gain 10cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ sample at the 3 intervals. Twist auger in a clockwise direction whilst pushing down; the soil sample taken must be then placed into soil bags and taken to the lab for further testing of pH. 9. Record data on pre prepared table. 10. In lab to work out pH of soil: 11. 1cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ of each soil sample was placed into separate test tubes. 1cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ of distilled water was added to each test tube. After distilled water added, 1cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Barium Sulphate was added to each test tube. Finally indicator was added to each test tube and pH was tested and found out by comparing to a pH scale. A systematic stratified approach was decided as my ideal sampling technique. Systematic sampling is when samples are taken at fixed intervals, usually along a line. This normally involves doing transects, where a sampling line is set up across areas where there are clear environmental gradients. Systematic sampling is my chosen method of sampling for my investigation as I am investigating the changes of plant species as you move along a gradient. Stratified sampling was used as we were comparing 4 different subdivisions within Plain Mounds. Systematic Stratified is the combination of these 2 sampling techniques; it's my preferred sampling technique as it avoids bias and for each sample collected the same approach is followed. this now seemed unnecessary due to little variation after 28m. The start point of the line transect was set to where variation in ground begins. Apparatus: Penetrometer Measures the compaction of the soil. Measures in Kg/cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Simple and easy to use. Data can be gathered very quickly. Light Meter Used to measured light intensity every 3 metres along each line transect for 28 m. Measured in Lux Gives an accurate Lux value, instrument easy to use and data can be gathered easily Auger Barium Sulphate Soil bags Test tube Spatula pH scale Auger used to get 3 soil samples one sample at 1m the others at 13m and 28m. Soil sample needed so pH of soil could be identified once barium sulphate distilled water and indicator were added to each sample. Sample placed in soil bags. Soil sample placed in individual test tube using spatula and barium sulphate and indicator solution added. A soil pH meter would have been convenience wise much easier to achieve the data, however, adding the barium sulphate to the soil samples taken has ensured my data reliability. Primary data as I have gathered my results here without help of an instrument. Tape measure Used to create line transect. Line transect 28m long. 28m length chosen as after the 28m there is no change in variation of sorrel height, therefore anything more than a line transect of over 28m is irrelevant Soil Thermometer Used to measure soil temperature (à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½C) Easy and quick. A mercury thermometer effectively. An electronic instrument could be more reliable as human error won't come into it in reading the results 30 cm ruler Used to measure sorrel height Easy and simple to measure plant height 1m ruler Used every 3m to go at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle across every 3m to find the closest sorrel plant to the line transect 30cm in some cases not long enough, however 1m long ruler the right size Method: 1. Create a line transect, open up tape measure up to 28m. 2. Place tape measure flat along the ground vertically. Stretch tape measure to cover 28m in straight line along site that we are investigating. 3. Take data readings for soil temperature, light intensity, soil compression and sorrel height at 1m, 4m, 7m, 10m, 13m, 16m, 19m, 22m, 25m, and 28m. 4. Soil compaction measurements taken using a penetrometer which measures the force needed to push the spike into the ground. My readings were taken 1cm at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle at each interval to the left of the line transect. The scale was set to 0 by moving the ring to the handle, the spike was then pushed vertically into the ground until the indention is level with the surface of the soil. The handle was released and then the results were read off the scale on the side of the penetrometer. 5. The soil thermometer was placed at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle 2 cm away to the left of the line transect at every interval. 6. Along the line transect at each interval a metre long ruler is placed across the line transect at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle this way I can work out which sorrel plant is closest to the line transect. Once this was worked out, a 30cm ruler was used to measure the sorrel height in its natural position. 7. Light meter measures the light intensity. Place the sensor at a 90à ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ angle next to line transect where the sorrel plant is growing. Value in lux read off the scale. Move away from sensor so your shadow doesn't affect lux value. 8. Take soil samples at 1m, 13m and 28m to calculate soil pH. Use auger to gain 10cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ sample at the 3 intervals. Twist auger in a clockwise direction whilst pushing down; the soil sample taken must be then placed into soil bags and taken to the lab for further testing of pH. 9. Record data on pre prepared table. 10. In lab to work out pH of soil: * 1cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ of each soil sample was placed into separate test tubes. 1cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ of distilled water was added to each test tube. After distilled water added, 1cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ Barium Sulphate was added to each test tube. Finally indicator was added to each test tube and pH was tested and found out by comparing to a pH scale. 3pH readings gained at each of the 4 sites. 11. Repeat the steps for the 4 subdivisions within Pillow Mound. Risk Assessment: Risk is the probability of harm actually taking place. A hazard exists where situation has a built-in ability to cause an adverse effect. At the site Pillow Mound in Epping Forest, a few risks were associated with my investigation. 1. 8 pieces of equipment needed to be carried with me to the site to help with this and limit the risk of me tripping up with all the equipment in my hand, a tray was used to place all the equipment needed for the investigation. 2. The sites surface was very uneven at all the areas that were tested within plain mounds. To control the hazard I had no other option but to take my time with walking across the field. Taking my time and making sure I was looking where I was stepping ensured this hazard was avoided. 3. Slippery surfaces and deep muddy areas were also an issue to avoid this specific hazard wellington boots were worn. Strong boots may prevent twisting of ankle. 4. Gathering pH samples with the auger meant there was a risk of causing injury to my wrists, to help with the turning of the into the ground another auger was placed in the top of the one in the ground making it easier to rotate the auger by creating a handle. 5. When testing soil pH samples, gloves had to be worn to avoid contact with the barium sulphate. Safety goggles and lab coats also used to protect the eyes and the skin. 6. After the soil pH has been tested the remaining soil is then placed into a compost bin. Analysis: The scatter graph shown in figure 1.1 shows how soil compression affected the growth of sorrel. The data inputted into this graph was averages of the data collected for soil compression (Kg) and sorrel height (cm) from the 4 subdivisions investigated and tested at Pillow Mound. The graph shows a clear negative correlation between soil compression and sorrel height. As soil compression increases it is evident that sorrel height decreases. The largest sorrel growth on average was 0.0975 cm and this was with a soil compression of 1.575 kg, my lowest sorrel growth recorded from my results was 0.0011cm with a soil compression of 3.6 kg. As sorrel height isn't constantly decreasing with increasing soil compaction it was appropriate to further my understanding and calculate how strong the relationship between my independent variable, soil compaction and dependent variable sorrel height was. This would also help me establish whether the data was causational or correlational. Spearman's rank correlation coefficient is a non-parametric measure of statistical dependence between two variables. It assesses how well the relationship between two variables can be described. It makes no assumption about data distribution. The value for rs is between +1 and -1, where +1 indicates a strong positive correlation, -1 indicates a strong negative correlation and 0 indicates no correlation at all. The data gathered at all 4 sites indicates a strong negative correlation between soil compression and the height of sorrel. The rs value gathered for my averages was -0.89 and this is greater than the critical value for 10 data sets at the 99% significance level. Therefore we can be 99% sure that soil compression restricts sorrel height and I can subsequently reject my null hypothesis establishing that causational relationship between the 2 variables is present. Conclusion: The purpose of this coursework was to find out about the impact which visitors have had on Epping Forest and how the subsequent soil compaction affects sorrel growth. Epping Forest has recreational, aesthetic and educational values, so is a perfect place for visitors. Considerable damage has probably been caused to the environment due to the large number of visitors. Soil compaction at Pillow Mound was relatively high probably due to human interference. Figure 1.0 showing the averages shows us that at 1m, the mean soil compression was 4.175 Kg whilst at 28m the mean soil compression was 1.575 Kg. Figure 0.9 also shows that at 1m at Site 4 soil compression exceeded 4.5 Kg. Management of the site is being introduced with the building of car parks, an information centre, and even a ditch next to the car park to stop the cars getting onto the grass. Epping Forest is one of a number of open spaces around London owned and managed by the City of London as part of its commitment to sustaining a world class city and for the conservation of wildlife and historic landscape. The investigation of how soil compaction affects the height of the plant Sorrel was gratifying as a correlation between soil compaction and Sorrel growth was determined. A slight flaw which may have had an impact on my results was the fact average light intensity increased slightly with increasing distance along the tape measure. At 1m light intensity was at 1894.25 Lux, at 28m this had increased to 1900.25 Lux with the Lux value fluctuating over the 28m distance. Although the differences in light intensities are little, my results are limited slightly as light intensity affects plant growth. The higher the light intensity the higher the plant growth. Light plays a major role in photosynthesis which is a 2 stage process involving the light dependent stage and light independent stage which could continue in the dark. When a photon of light hits a chlorophyll molecule the energy is transferred to the electrons of that molecule. The electrons are excited and raised to higher energy leve ls. If an electron is raised sufficiently it is picked up by an electron acceptor and results into ATP production via cyclic and non-cyclic phosphorylation. ATP is formed supplying the energy needed for synthesis of carbohydrates and the electron is passed along Electron Transport Chain (ETC). The differences in Lux are relatively minuscule along the line transects and so it is not sufficient enough to make my results invalid. Data collection was carried out in the morning before the sun had fully risen, as time passed and data was collected at each interval the sun carried on rising thus explaining the small differences in light intensity. In hindsight data collection should have happened at each interval at each of the 4 sites simultaneously, however, this was not viable as there were not enough people available to assist with data collection. My hypothesis that the greater the soil compaction, the lower the height of the Sorrel plant, has proved to be correct. This is due to the fact that soil compaction doesn't provide adequate space for the roots of the sorrel plant, which subsequently means that the plant cannot get enough nutrients, water and minerals from the soil which are needed for optimum growth. By using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient this was worked out and we are 99% certain that a negative correlation exists between the 2 variables. 4 different sites were tested at Pillow Mound in Epping Forest, and my Spearman's rank correlations for each site indicated a strong negative correlation. To back up my hypothesis even further my preliminary data indicate a negative correlation between Sorrel height and soil compaction. 10 samples were collected along each transect so we could get an RS value for spearman's rank that was 99% reliable and not down to chance. Evaluation My investigation was highly edifying and although I came to the conclusion that there is a 99% chance that soil compaction affects sorrel height proving my hypothesis correct, in hindsight I would make a few crucial amendments to my method and investigation so next time I carry out the investigation I will have an even higher level of confidence in my results. The 4 subdivisions at Pillow Mound were investigated to gain a general overview of the site. By testing one site, we are limiting our data as our results may only be conclusive for that part of Plain mounds. When collecting data light intensity values varied as the values could not be all taken at the same time. To avoid this more people could help with the fieldwork and we could simultaneously gain figures for light intensity at the same time. To do this more light meters would have to be provided. Time constraints were also a major issue. We were given around 3 hours to collect our fieldwork from 4 different sub divisions within Pillow Mound. Without time constraints there would be less pressure to complete the fieldwork within a specific time leaving us enough time to gather data with each instrument. Ideally a longitudinal study would be most ideal as the patterns established from the data was from only 1 day in the whole calendar year. Throughout the year, sorrel height will vary. The day my data was collected may not depict an average day in Epping Forest and so my data is invalid. A longitudinal study is ideal so we can collect data over the year and see how sorrel height varies. To increase data reliability we could collect data for soil compaction and sorrel height every 3 months at the same 4 subdivisions and see if there is any significant correlation. The weather would also have an effect on sorrel height; if it rains soil will be more compact and soil infiltration would not occur as rapidly. This in turn could affect seed germination as roots cannot penetrate lower soil layers. I expect plant height to be higher in the spring as spring provides optimum temperatures for seed germination, aswell as the fact that it doesn't rain as much during spring as it does winter, so soil will not become drenched allowing the roots to penetrate the soil greater and greater foundations allows a better uptake of minerals and greater sorrel growth. The most helpful modification would be to carry out this investigation on a different site within Epping Forest; this could show a clear contrast to how sorrel height varies with soil compaction. The data gathered in this study could only be relevant for Pillow Mound, so broadening our study to more than 1 site could further enhance data validity and reliability. Further investigations possibly using 2 paths at each subdivision could further validate data. As a pH probe was not available at the field centre, to measure pH of the soil we had to add a spatula full of barium sulphate as well as 1cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ of distilled water to 1 cmà ¯Ã‚ ¿Ã‚ ½ of each soil sample in separate test tubes. The amount of barium sulphate added or the amount of soil sample added to each test tube would affect pH and so our pH values could vary due to human error and the variable wasn't of constant of using the same formula each time. A pH probe would eliminate human error and the same procedure could have been kept throughout and been kept constant.