Wednesday, July 31, 2019
Assimilation and Accommodation Essay
Assimilation and Accommodation Jean Piaget viewed intellectual growth as a process of adaptation (adjustment) to the world. This happens through: * Assimilation, which is using an existing schema to deal with a new object or situation. * Accommodation ââ¬â this happens when the existing schema (knowledge) does not work, and needs to be changed to deal with a new object or situation. * Equilibration ââ¬â occurs when a childââ¬â¢s schemas can deal with most new information through assimilation. However, a state of disequilibrium occurs when new information cannot be fitted into existing schemas (assimilation) . Equilibration is the force which drives the learning process as we do not like to be frustrated and will seek to restore balance by mastering the new challenge. (accommodation). Once the new information is acquired the process of assimilation with the new schema will continue until the next time we need to make an adjustment to it. Example A 2 year old child sees a man who is bald on top of his head and has long frizzy hair on the sides. The child will assimilate the man as a clown. This is assimilation. And when the father explain to his son that the man was not a clown and that even though his hair was like a clownââ¬â¢s, he wasnââ¬â¢t wearing funny costume and wasnââ¬â¢t doing thing to make people laugh. This is accommodation. And with this new knowledge, the boy is able to change his schema of ââ¬Å"clownâ⬠and make this idea fit better to a standard concept of ââ¬Å"clown.â⬠According to Piaget, teaching can support these development processes by stages of Development. A childââ¬â¢s cognitive development is about a child developing or constructing a mental model of the world. Jean Piaget was interested both in how children learnt and in how they thought. Piaget studied children from infancy to adolescence, and carried out many of his own investigations using his three children. He used the following research methods: Naturalistic observation: Piaget made detailed observations of children, and from these he wrote diary descriptions charting their development. He also made Clinical interviews and observations of older children who were able to understand questions and hold conversations. Piaget believed that children think differently than adults and stated they go through 4 universal stages of cognitive development. * Sensorio-motora: desde el nacimiento hasta los 2 aà ±os aproximadamente. En esta etapa se caracteriza al nià ±o como extremadamente egocà ©ntrico, donde no comprende el mundo de otra forma que no sea su propio punto de vista. El desarrollo principal en esta etapa es el entendimiento de que los objetos existen independientemente de su relacià ³n con el objeto (permanencia del objeto), es decir que el nià ±o es capaz de mantener una imagen mental de una persona u objeto a pesar de no estar presente o visible. En esta etapa los bebà ©s aprenden principalmente a travà ©s del ensayo y error. El objetivo de Piaget era investigar a quà © edad los nià ±os adquirà an esta ââ¬Å"permanencia del objetoâ⬠. El mà ©todo que uso fue esconder un juguete debajo de una sà ¡bana y ver si el nià ±o buscaba el objeto escondido. Esta bà ºsqueda del objeto era una prueba de la permanencia del objeto. Piaget supuso que el nià ±o solo podà a buscar el objeto escondido si tiene una r epresentacià ³n mental de à ©l. * Etapa Pre-operacional: desde los 2 a 7 aà ±os aproximadamente. En esta etapa los nià ±os desarrollan gradualmente el uso del lenguaje y la capacidad para pensar en forma simbà ³lica. Sus pensamientos en esta etapa suelen ser egocà ©ntricos. Egocentrismo hace referencia la incapacidad del nià ±o de ver una situacià ³n desde otro punto de vista que no sea el de à ©l mismo. Segà ºn Piaget, un nià ±o egocà ©ntrico supone que las personas ven, escuchan o sienten lo mismo que à ©l. Piaget quiso descubrir a quà © edad los nià ±os dejan de tener esta actitud. * Operaciones Concretas: desde los 7 a 11 aà ±os aproximadamente. En esta etapa el nià ±o es lo suficientemente maduro para pensar là ³gicamente en operaciones unidireccionales. Pero pueden aplicar la là ³gica sà ³lo con objetos fà sicos. Los nià ±os se vuelven menos egocà ©ntricos y entienden las leyes de conservacià ³n, esto significa que comprenden que aunque la apariencia de un objeto cambie, no significa que cambie el objeto en sà . * Operaciones Formales: desde los 11 aà ±os hasta la adultez. Cuando los adolescentes entran en esta etapa adquieren la capacidad de pensar de manera abstracta, de combinar clasificar los elementos de una manera mà ¡s sofisticada, y la capacidad de razonamiento de orden superior. Ademà ¡s desarrollan una identidad y se muestran mà ¡s interesados en temas sociales.
Tuesday, July 30, 2019
To Toll or Not To Toll
Various public facilities have important uses aside from revenue generation of the government. Like the tollgates, these facilities serve for the conduct of checkpoints, safety for the commuting public and substantially generate government revenues. On the contrary, tollgates are also criticized as the bottlenecks of traffic as vehicles lined up at the maximum or minimum performance of the tollkeepers. In the State of Connecticut, the Federal state and local governments plans reinstalling tolls on its highways. Several perceptions insinuate that causes of road accidents were due the absence of tollgates.It could be for the reasons that tollgates would slow down the speed of approaching vehicles as tollkeepers manning the traffic congestion from entry and exit lanes. This position paper will discuss and examine several points of considerations relating the reinstallation of tollgates in the State of Connecticut. Discussions It has been earlier reported in the 1980s that the removal of toll booths in the State of Connecticut have subsequently attributed to several road accidents that accounted about seven people who crashed and died at the Stratford tolls.In brief, Connecticut had more than 100 private turnpikes which were built from the period 1790 to 1850. The popularization of automobiles in the mid-20th century resulted to renew toll-backed financing to finance highways. In the 1990s to early 2000, technology plays a vital aspect in toll innovations through the introduction of electronic toll collection machines. Based on the May 10th 2009 news item ââ¬ËToll proposals to be discussed at Thursday hearingââ¬â¢ by Martin B.Cassidy from the electronic publication of The Advocate, the Chairman of the Transportation Strategy Board Kevin Kelleher stated that ââ¬Å"all the tolling concepts would use an EZ-Pass systemâ⬠, referring to the system that would collect or tabulate fees from cars traveling at a speed of 55 miles per hour and up (1). Corey Sipe (2 006) in his article at Associated Content electronic publishing has discussed the analysis of James J. Fazzalaro of the office of Legislative research which cited that one-way gateway toll fees at $1. 00 could generate $58 million in revenues (1).Meanwhile, the web site of BethelRepublicans. Org (2009) has published ââ¬ËOpposed to Tolls on I-84 in Danburyââ¬â¢, implying that toll should not only be implemented to generate revenues but also to promote efficiency. Further, it reported that Connecticut Republican Senator Michael McLachlan pointed out on the issue of traffic congestion during a forum held at Western Connecticut State University on March 26th 2009. As cited from the article of BethelRepublicans. Org (2009), it quoted Senator McLachlan who said that ââ¬Å"drivers are trying to avoid the I-84 tolls by rerouting in community areasâ⬠(2).In which case, rerouting in the residential community areas congest the traffic of small roads in Danbury and residents could b e prone to accidents. It may be acknowledged that Senator McLachlan has raised a considerable point not only on the issue of traffic situation but as well the public safety, in which could pave the way in the implementation of the tolling system. Despite the concern of Senator McLachlan, it was also pointed out that travel time, gas consumption and toll fees could be an added expense to reconsider (2).Indeed, many motorists tend to shorten their travel time and avoid the additional expenses for gas and toll fees. Moreover as previously covered in the article of Martin B. Cassidy (2009), the implementation of congestion pricing addresses the issue of efficiency. According to Cassidy (2009), the South Western Regional Planning Agency Executive Director Floyd Lapp commented that the state should use congestion pricing (1). It can be explained that ââ¬Å"congestion pricingâ⬠is the process of charging distinctly separate toll rates on ââ¬Å"peak or off-peakâ⬠travel time sch edules.Also, the toll rates can be implemented in two ways, namely ââ¬Å"static pricingâ⬠is attained in periodic intervals on a monthly or quarterly basis with published toll rates adjustments, while ââ¬Å"dynamic pricingâ⬠can be implemented by using ââ¬Å"electronic traffic sensor systemâ⬠to monitor the volume of traffic and automatically adjust the toll rates. Early this year, the Associated Press in its electronic news has published ââ¬ËReport Pending on Highway Tolls in Connecticutââ¬â¢ with reference to the $1 Million research contract which was engaged by Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board (CTSB) with Cambridge Systematics, Inc.(CSI). The Associated Press has implied the result of the research-study could be the turning point to realize the seemingly idyllic yet pending developments on the tolling project implementation. However, the Associated Press quoted that ââ¬Å"it is still doubtful whether the CTSB would be supportive of CSIââ¬â¢s f indings and propositionsâ⬠(1). On the following month after the comments of Associated Press, the year 2009 report of the Cambridge Systematics, Inc. (CSI) was then submitted to Connecticut Transportation Strategy Board (CTSB).The report which entitled: ââ¬ËConnecticut Electronic Tolling and Congestion Pricing Studyââ¬â¢ was an independent technical study that formulated the strategic and feasible options in the implementation of the toll project. To generally describe the report, it contained variable conceptual framework on how the toll project can be effectively implemented and efficiently perform for public good, together with financial indicators that indicates the cost benefits of the state.Overall, the report has extensively presented the financial viabilities that comprised the operational components. As cited, the CSI report has highlighted the following findings (2): â⬠¢ The New Toll Express Lanes require construction of new lanes and tolling, such as expre ss lanes: A-1: Interstate 95 (Branford to Rhode Island State Line), and A-2: Interstate 84 (Waterbury to New York State Line);â⬠¢ Conceptually, every users pay toll in spite of the occupancy levels and types of vehicles; â⬠¢ Neither access strip would produce traffic congestion, estimating from 6. 2 to 13. 8 percents decline of vehicles for every hour of delay, which shall be implemented at ââ¬Å"I-95 and I-84â⬠toll projects within one year period exclusive of new lanes. CSI (2009) has further presented the estimated revenue generation within a 30-year target, as shown in the illustration below:
Monday, July 29, 2019
Beyond Europe
The Roaring Twenties brought forth a new musical style in the United States. Piercing together the complex blend of European and African American musical traditions, merging the soulfulness of the blues and the syncopated rhythms resulted in a unique, rhythmic compelling music that is known as jazz. It is a music dominated by improvisations and a definitive beat (Kamien, 1998, p. 359). This popular music has produced some of the best American musical figures- Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington and Charlie Parker.Indeed, it has become one of the more popular music the world has known and continues to enjoy today. There are two clear-cut jazz features: syncopation and rhythmic swing. It boasts of lively rhythm that is oftentimes hard to describe but easy to recognize and listen to. Its call and response feature, wherein a voice is answered by an instrument or an instrument is answered by another instrument arose from the African American church services where the congregation responds voc ally to the preacherââ¬â¢s call (p. 360).But more than the percussive sounds, improvisations, call and respond, and the performance techniques that accompany jazz music, jazz music is popularly known as the ââ¬Å"only truly American contribution to the world of musicâ⬠(Wright, 1996, p. 390). While jazz music is an amalgam of different musical streams, it is in America where jazz was planted and flourished. There is no contest about that. There is no concrete record that show when jazz started or how it first sounded because the music was only heard; hence no musical notations were traced.However, its origin was placed somewhere in 1900 (Kamien, 1998, p. 359). What was certain about jazz music though was where it was first heard: in southern and Midwestern cities. Jazz music was first heard in the streets, bars, brothels and dance halls in New Orleans, St. Louis, Kansas City and Chicago (Wright, 19976 p. 390). Furthermore, it was in New Orleans where many jazz legends began - Armstrong, King Oliver and Jelly Roll Morton (p. 391). One of Oliverââ¬â¢s finest works is the Dippermouth Blues, which showcase instrumental blues in its unique New Orleans style.This style is usually rooted on a march, a church melody or a ragtime piece (p. 365). On the other hand, Armstrong was best known as the inventor of scat singing, warbling nonsense syllables like dat-a-batââ¬âa-dip-da (p. 365). He was also an outstanding jazz trumpeter and his performance of Hotter than That with this group The Hot Fives focused on the improvisatory solos. When the Spanish-American War ended, there was a surplus of military band instruments sold at a cheap price. Many black musicians brought instruments and took up employment in bars and brothels (Wright, 1996, p.391). Band instruments were instrumental (pardon the pun) in shaping jazz music. It was a reflection of the African Americansââ¬â¢ love of music and importantly, their determination to succeed. The precursors of jazz m usic were ragtime and the blues which existed in the 1890s to 1915 (Kamien, 1998 p. 360). Ragtime was generally played by black pianists (Wright, 1996p. 390). Black pianists experienced difficulties looking for employment so they were reduced to playing in brothels, saloons, and dancehalls. Despite that, the popularity of ragtime music could not be discounted.By the end of World War I, roughly two thousand piano sheets of piano ragtime music were sold (p. 390). Scott Joplin, the man behind famous pieces like Maple Leaf Rag and The Entertainer was the best-known composer of ragtime music. Similar to ragtime music, blues was another music that grew out of the African Americans. It is said that blues were a kind of black folk song that originated in the 1880s-1890s in the South (Wright, 1996, p. 387). It was developed out of the work songs, spirituals and field hollers of the black slaves (p. 387).Typical blues subjects were of poverty, loneliness, oppression, and melancholy. By 1912, the blues were printed as sheet music (p. 387). Ragtime music, with its upbeat sound, and the blues, which reflected the hard life and the tough-minded humor of the African Americans, helped uplift peoplesââ¬â¢ spirits. The Progressive Era, which covered 1900s up to the First World War, was a period of marked changes in the country. Problems on capital, labor, immigration, and corruption in politics pervaded the country (Jordan and Litwack, 1991, pp. 570-594).Adding more reason to be depressive was the aftermath of the First World War. Repression and intolerance pervaded the country. The post-war years brought despair for many African Americans. With the Jim Crow restrictions, the lynching, beatings, and revival of the Ku Klux Klan, Americans, especially the African Americans, turned to music for comfort. Their desolate living unleashed their creativity. Out of ragtime and the blues came the expressive, raspy style that became the jazz. The end of the war and the great black migr ation made it possible for jazz music to spread in America.As aforementioned, jazz became the rage in the 20s. Novelist F. Scott Fitzgerald even dubbed the time as the ââ¬Å"Jazz Ageâ⬠(Wright, 1996, p. 394). Jazz music became so popular that it was now performed in large dancehalls and even in movie houses (p. 394). In the years to follow, jazz developed into a rich sub styles such as swing, bebop, cool jazz, free jazz and rock fusion. Ellington was one of the most revered composer, arranger and conductor in the swing era. Some of his works include Ko-Ko, Air shaft, and Blue Serge (Kamien, 1998, p. 367).Other notable jazz piece is the bebop-syled Bloomdido performed by alto saxophonist Charlie ââ¬Å"Birdâ⬠Parker, trumpeter Dizzy Gillespie, bass player Curly Russell, pianist Thelonious Monk and percussionist Buddy Rich (p. 368). Meanwhile, Miles Runs the Voodoo Down from trumpeter Miles Davis exemplifies jazz rock. No doubt, jazz music is one of the most important Ameri can contributions to twentieth century popular culture. At the heart of jazz is improvisation. Looking back, people were probably drawn to jazz music precisely because of this.Through music, they had the freedom to follow their own flights of fancy. It is this appeal that made it popular with people during that time. Jazz music became a diversion, bit at the same time, an aspiration that perhaps one day, they would do more than make do. References Kamien, R. (1998). Music An Appreciation 3rd ed. USA: McGraw-Hill. Jordan, W. and Litwack, L. (1991). The United States Combined Edition 7th ed. New Jersey: Prentice Hall. Wright, C. (1996). Listening to Music 2nd ed. Minnesota: West Publishing Company.
Poetry Explication Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Poetry Explication - Essay Example This means that the other half was inside the water. In the human world, the fish is an alien organism, while in the water, the fish is at home. To the fisherwoman, the fish is unpleasant organism, and it is weak (Bishop, 1983). It is therefore a victim of humanity, and it is vulnerable to the whims of the mankind. This paper analyzes the use of symbolism in the poem. This is because the entire poem is full of symbolism, which is used to explain the relationship that exists between man and the aquatic world. The poem by Elizabeth Bishop is not organized into stanza, but it is written in a prose form. It is kind of a narration that a fisherwoman gives on her experiences when she was out fishing. This poem is not rhythmic in nature, and the words used are easy to understand. This is even though there is a lot of symbolism and stylistic devices in it (Bishop, 1983). Furthermore, the poem is very descriptive in nature. The narrator of the poem manages to describe how the fish looked like, and the emotions that she felt towards the fish. She felt pity, and this is because the ââ¬Å"Fishâ⬠was weak and vulnerable to human activities. There are numerous stylistic devices used in this poetry, and an important one is symbolism. The description that the speaker describes the ââ¬Å"Fishâ⬠resembles as if it is dead, rather than alive (Bishop, 1983). Furthermore, the fact that the aquatic animal is caught means that death is imminent. For instance, the narrator denotes that the stripes of the Fish brown skin looked like an ancient wall paper, and the patterns of these wall papers were lost through the ages (Bishop, 1983). Furthermore, the narrator denotes that the Fish is bespeckled, and it is covered with white sea lice. This is a symbol of death. In symbolizing death, the narrator further denotes that the Fish is covered in rags of green weed. The narrator was
Sunday, July 28, 2019
The Evolution of GIS Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words
The Evolution of GIS - Essay Example terature on this subject, it is clear that these two are the core components of the system and the manner by which they rapidly evolve has driven the pace by which GIS has changed and will change over time. This is supported by the evidences that follows. Essentially, GIS is defined as ââ¬Å"the system of computer hardware, software, personnel, organizations, and business processes designed to support the capture, management, manipulation, analysis, modeling and display of spatially referenced dataâ⬠(TRB, p.10). As with any type of computing technology, the GIS's own system is consisted of three basic parts, namely, the UI or the user interface, the tools, which is differentiated according to functions, and, finally, the data manager. Put in another way, the components of the system can be said to include data, technology, application and humans (Lloyd and Bunch, 2003, p.828). All of which have their respective and equally important functions. While the GIS could run in a sing le computer terminal, the optimum framework requires several computers for GIS operations - desktop, client server, centralized desktop and centralized server (Longley et al. 2005, p.158). These variables and operational framework underscore why hardware and software are critical in the progression of the GIS development. Hardware The invention of the silicon chip back in the 1970s launched the fast paced computer development (Pasewark and Pinard, 2007, p. 263). It led to the viability of personal computers, which became the precursor of the current technology typified by smaller, faster, powerful and cheap hardware. To put this environment in context, there is the so-called Mooreââ¬â¢s Law which states that computer processing chips double in power almost every 18 months, making computer more... Thi essay stresses that the evolution of the GIS system can be attributed to several important technological developments. First, there are the advances in computing hardware, which made computers affordable and powerful. Today, many people and organizations can buy desktop systems not just in workplaces but even for home use. These are computers that can perform complicated tasks and functions with apparent ease. This report makes a conclusion that in order to depict the significance of the evolution of GIS in the past twenty years, it is important to go back to the importance of geographic information. Accurate and reliable geographic data do not only mean effective geographic expeditions or land mapping initiatives. Rather, they are imperative in many other endeavors such as in running a city or in predicting a catastrophe. This is the reason why GIS is an important technological tool and how its evolution should be of interest for people. In the past twenty years, there were significant achievements and the evolutionary path points to a more sophisticated and intuitive system that would help people to make sense not just of the Earth but also beyond. It is worth noting that today there are just numerous geographies or approaches to geography. One of GISââ¬â¢ greatest contributions, as evidenced by its evolution, is the universalization and consistency of geographic information.
Saturday, July 27, 2019
Artists interview Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words
Artists interview - Research Paper Example I spent those precious two years studying architecture, painting drawing and landscape (Nichols, Burke & Burke 8). This fellowship not only afforded to me a chance to study the architectural works of some of the best classical architects, but also exposed me to the writings of some of the best classical architects and critics (Nichols, Burke & Burke 9). It was at Rome that I gained grounding in the actual language of architecture. The experiences I gained at Rome had a marked influence on my future architectural and academic career. A. The courses I teach cater to varied thematic concerns pertaining to architecture like the intricacies of furniture, relationship existent between landscape and buildings, the relationship and contrast afforded by architectural constructions and open space, the contemporary and traditional fundamentals of architecture, etc (Nichols, Burke & Burke 8). I also serve as a design critique for many universities, publications and professional organizations (Nichols, Burke & Burke 10). A. Well, as an architect, it is drawing that is pivotal to my architectural style and works (Nichols, Burke & Burke 8). People, with whom I have worked with or for, do appreciate me for my detailed sketches and drawings. I am generally known for my figurative style of architecture that blends the more traditional aspects of architecture with the lessons culled out from modernist architecture (Nichols, Burke & Burke 27). A. I think that the style of architecture I adhered to received somewhat mixed reviews that atrociously startled both the architectural professionals and the general public. As per my belief, I always accorded a precedent to my personal creativity over style (Jacobus & Braziller 1962). In a personal context it turned out to be extremely satisfying, however, there are critics who blame me of pandering to the fashion and style and consider me to be the designer of some of the most shallow and
Friday, July 26, 2019
Cause and effect of carotid stenosis Research Paper
Cause and effect of carotid stenosis - Research Paper Example Carotid Artery stenosis disease can be caused by atherosclerosis, which is a state whereby the arteries are hardened because of cholesterol, fat and other substances buildup in the lining of the arteriesââ¬â¢ walls (Henry, 2004). This condition leads to the complication of the carotid arteries. As the disease becomes more complicated, it can create a more serious problem since the atherosclerotic plaques can rapture and cause the formation of a blood clot and arterial blockage or the plaque materials can move to the brain causing stroke or a transient ischemicattack (TIA) (Henry, 2004). Carotid artery disease is, therefore, a frequently threat cause for the transient ischemicattacks (TIAs) and stroke. TIA/mini stroke is a kind of disease that is caused by the momentary obstruction of the blood supply to some parts of the brain, leading to a reversible loss of brain function that usually continues for less than a day. According to Chartuvedi (2004), TIA can be a warning of a looming stroke or cerebrovascular accident (CVA) that occurs when the supply of blood to the brain is cut for a longer time leading to the deficient of oxygen to the brain cells and eventually leading to the death of the blood cells Carotid stenosis can also be caused by being overweight more so in adults, which may make one have weight that is above the required weight for a normal human being, excess weight increases the risk of getting carotid stenosis. Overweight is caused by taking in diet that has more calories that exceeds the normal calories that is required in our body. Excess weight can also occur when the calorie intake is not in balanced. This, in turn, can lead to the blockage of arteriosclerosis artery leading to the formation of plaque in the artery hence causing the carotid artery stenosis (Moussa, Rundek & Mohr, 2007). If this can continue for a long period of time then it can lead to the formation of obesity, risks of serious diseases like the heart
Thursday, July 25, 2019
Internship monthly report Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words
Internship monthly report - Assignment Example I participated in several activities like; preparing several master programs. I was briefed on the idea before I began doing it. I also took part in the view and price analysis of the Baltimore house project. It was fun as well as challenging as I had to do it on my own and later explain why I thought it was so to the rest. Another challenging activity I did was to participate in a meeting representing one of my supervisors who was on holiday. I had to report to representatives from other departments on issues concerning the Baltimore project plan of the Wing Hong Street project. It was very exciting since I had to contribute to the meeting alone. I gained the essential knowledge concerning the job nature of building and construction. For this second month, I learnt how to co-operate with diverse parties from a customer perspective. I established that problems in communication were the most tricky to address in property management. Junior, Ricardoà M., Josà ©Ã R. Quevedo, Civil Engineer, Jorgeà M. Jr, and Pauloà S. Fontoura. "THE NECESSARY BACKGROUND FOR IMPLEMENTING AND MANAGING BUILDING DESIGN PROCESSES USING WEB ENVIRONMENTS."à (2007):
Wednesday, July 24, 2019
A comparative study of extreme Islamic terrorist groups Essay - 1
A comparative study of extreme Islamic terrorist groups - Essay Example People who carry out terrorist activities never formally do not identify themselves as opponents nor are they controlled by any political entity (Roy Long, 2004, pp. 1-4). Terrorism is categorized between ideological, national and religion. The reasons behind the terrorist attacks are political domination, religious fanaticism and divine revelation (Durmaz, 2007, p.209). The trauma of terror created by the terrorist has a huge impact on the United States. United States of America is known as a very powerful country in the world especially with respect to its military base. U.S.A has reacted very strongly against the act of terrorism and has taken all measures to prevent them. The United States faces homeland insecurity, owing to terrorism and its impact on American society. Terrorism was prevalent in the world from many decades but in a very small form. But the perception towards terrorism largely changed after the September 11 incident that occurred in United States in the year 2001. It shocked the entire world especially the people of America started suffering from homeland insecurity. United States took a drastic step in reforming laws and policies. Several government agencies were combined to build the Department of Homeland Security. Millions of dollars were spent for the formation of the U.S Patriot Act which helps in ferreting out prospective criminals and terrorist acts. Current anti terrorism laws which initiated around the world started after the September 11 incident. United States was attacked by the terrorist group called al-Qaeda. This group is mostly famous for its fanaticism and violent approach of terrorism. This group mostly acts on the basis of religious inspiration rather than political philosophy. The countries that have already ex perienced terrorism, mostly accuses individuals for criminal offence than politicized crime. Before 9/11, U.S.A had
Investment in an Uncertain World Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Investment in an Uncertain World - Essay Example 10,000,000 = 6,000,000 + 1,000,000 + G G = 10,000,000 ââ¬â 6,000,000 ââ¬â 1,000,000 = G = 3,000,000 G as a percentage of GDP = (G divided by Y) and multiplied by 100. =(3,000,000/10,000,000) *100 = = 30 per cent. (ii) Calculate householdsââ¬â¢ savings as a percentage of GDP. Explain your calculations. (6 marks) In this situation, Y = C + I + G (Savings = Investment = Gross Capital Formation) Therefore, Y = C + S + G. And S as the percentage of Y = (S/Y)* 100 = (1,000,000/10,000,000) *100 = = 0.10 * 100 = 10 per cent Therefore, householdsââ¬â¢ savings are 10 per cent of GDP. 1b. Now imagine an unexpected shock to the economy (not predicted by the majority of economists and other experts), which hits householdsââ¬â¢ confidence so that they increase their savings until these amount to 25 per cent of GDP. (i) Under Sayââ¬â¢s Law, what is the mechanism by which firmsââ¬â¢ investment is expected to change and what will its new value be? J. B. Say, a French classical economist, says supply creates its own demand until the equilibrium between the two is reached. By extension, Sayââ¬â¢s law also applies to money market. When there is a glut of savings, there will be more supply of money than demand. As a result, interest rate for borrowing will come down and investment will increase. In this given case, since the savings have increased to 25 percent of GDP, investment should also increase by the same ratio of GDP. Thus, market finds the equilibrium between demand and supply for money through variations in interest rate. (ii) According to the demand-side approach, explain why firms might not necessarily adjust their investment plans. The demand-side approach argues that investors do not automatically make their investment because demand has increased. To invest, they have to be confident about the future ââ¬â for the demand to sustain. Investments are often long term about which we know very little. Keynes says, ââ¬ËIf we speak frankly, w e have to admit that our basis of knowledge for estimating the yield 10 year hence of a railway, a copper mine, a textile factory, the goodwill of a patent medicine, an Atlantic liner, a building in the City of London amounts to little and sometimes nothingââ¬â¢ (Keynes, quoted in Walsh, 2008, p. 63). In such a situation of uncertainty, the animal spirit of investors drives investors to invest. Investors wait for that spirit, which gives them confidence, to develop before they invest. This explains the fluctuation in investments and departure from the supply-demand equilibrium. For instance, in the 1999 recession, ââ¬Ëthe reduction in output of 1.4 per cent coincided with an 8.1 percent fall in investmentââ¬â¢ (Trigg, 2010, p. 230). In conclusion, investors do not make adjustments in their investment plan until they are confident about making money. (iii) If firms did not change their investment plans, explain what would be the consequences for national income and how fisca l policy might be used to address this situation. (11 marks) Investment has a direct impact on national income, and fiscal policy often encourages firms to invest in order to restore the gap between savings and investment. Government expenditure is one of the key components of national income. When government increases its expenditure, national income rises; when it decreases its spending, national income also declines. Government thus can influence national income. Classical economics believes that savings and
Tuesday, July 23, 2019
QUIZ-1 Organized Crime Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1
QUIZ-1 Organized Crime - Essay Example Political beliefs do not act as a motivator to organized crime as opposed terrorism which is more of political. (McLean, J. D. 2007) In any organized crime there is always a fixer whose role is to develop contacts with the justice system and politicians and the appropriate time emerges corruption is carried out. Merton used pathological materialism to describe an American preoccupation with economic success. This later translates into focus on the goal of success rather the means by which success is achieved. The unscrupulous Robber Barons that exemplify the spirit Merton refers to as innovation. They do not care about legitimacy and in the end they emerge successful. The term culture refers to the source of patterning in human conduct. Culture plays a key role in understanding the behavior of offenders involved in organized crime Anomie is a condition that was made popular by a French sociologist Emile Durkheim in the early twentieth century. Anomie refers to a condition whereby the society does minimal effort to educate people and give them moral guidance. According to Edwin Sutherland behavior is learnt, whether it is lawful or criminal all behavior is learned. (McLean, J. D.
Monday, July 22, 2019
What Makes Someone a Hero Essay Example for Free
What Makes Someone a Hero Essay Father is the first person who I remind of hero. My father gives me a live, as human in order to see the social world. He protects me and take cares of me with his love and his sincere. He instructs me to be a good person. So, my father is my hero. When I was young, my father took care of me as well as my mother. I was showered, dressed me up by him. After school my father always asked about my homework. And when I had a problem with my homework; science , mathematics , Thai even English. My father can be my consult. He could explain and help me for my homework. He gave many suggestions and examples to make me understand. My father gives me the suggestion to live in the society. He told me many aspects in the society, harmful things even the harmful person. He told me how to aware of those thing. He said: ââ¬Å"Nowadays, the society is more dangerous than the past. â⬠You should aware of strangers and you must avoid to go to the place which is endanger. You must look around and aware of everything which is suspicious. â⬠He protects me from danger. When I was eight years old. I drowned in the hotel swimming pool. In that moment, I thought, I will not survive. With my fatherââ¬â¢s subconscious, he jumped into the swimming pool and pool me up from the deep. He might die from that situation because he is not good at swimming at all. That time I realized that he was my hero. He doesnââ¬â¢t like the Hollywood hero or the cartoon hero; he is my hero, only my. He is a good model. Since I was born, I feel of his loves. He never hates me when I annoyed him. In his whole life, he works hard. He is a great leader of the family. I should imitate him. I considered him as my inspiration to be a good person. Especially, about honesty, he said, ââ¬Å"Honesty is a good habit that the good person must have. â⬠My father is my hero that really have in the real world. This is not the imagine. He does not walk out from the superhero cartoons or the Hollywood movies. He is not handsome like a star. He is not rich as a billionaire but he can pay any things for his kids even his life. That makes him to be my super hero.
Sunday, July 21, 2019
Polymers and its applications
Polymers and its applications ACKNOWLEDGEMENT I take this opportunity to present my votes of thanks to all those guidepost who really acted as lightening pillars to enlighten our way throughout this project that has led to successful and satisfactory completion of this study. We are really grateful to our HOD for providing us with an opportunity to undertake this project in this university and providing us with all the facilities. We are highly thankful to Mr. Harminder Singh for his active support, valuable time and advice, whole-hearted guidance, sincere cooperation and pains-taking involvement during the study and in completing the assignment of preparing the said project within the time stipulated. Lastly, We are thankful to all those, particularly the various friends who have been instrumental in creating proper, healthy and conductive environment and including new and fresh innovative ideas for us during the project, their help, it would have been extremely difficult for us to prepare the project in a time bound framework HISTORY:- Polymers were discovered long before anyone understood what they were. It wasnt until 1920 that German chemist Hermann Staudinger (1881-1965) made his macromolecular hypothesis, suggesting that polymers are actually giant molecules formed by the permanent attachment of countless smaller molecules. INTRODUCTION:- A polymer is a large MOLECULE composed of repeating structural typically connected by chemical bonds like covalent bonds. Polymers are composed of very high molecular masses formed by the combination of large number of simple molecules. GEOMETRY:- Polymers (or macromolecules) are very large molecules made up of smaller units called monomers or repeating units, covalently bonded together. Monomers / Repeat Units The identity of the monomer residues (repeat units) comprising a polymer is its first and most important attribute. Microstructure:- The microstructure of a polymer (sometimes called configuration) relates to the physical arrangement of monomer (which I have explained above) residues along the backbone of the chain. CLASSIFICATION OF POLYMERS:- On the basis of structure- LINEAR POLYMERS BRANCHED POLYMERS CROSS-LINKED POLYMERS On the basis of molecular forces Elastomers Fibers Thermoplastics Thermosetting polymers Thermoplasts: These are the polymers which can be easily softened repeatedly when heated and hardened when cooled with little change in their properties. When heated due to the absence of cross links, they become free to move and and can be moulded into any desired shapes. EXAMPLES- Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) and Polystyrene and Polymethyl methacrylate Thermosets:- These are the polymers which undergo permanent change on heating and can not be remoulded into our desired shape. On heating their cross links get highly linked with each other and becomes hard and infusible. EXAMPLES-Bakelite,formaldehyde etc. PROPERTIES:- Tensile strength Higher tensile strength holds a greater weight before snapping. Tensile strength increases with polymer chain length and crosslinking of polymer chains. Melting point The term melting point when applied to polymers, suggests not a solid-liquid phase transition but a transition from a crystalline or semi-crystalline phase to a solid amorphous phase. Boiling point The boiling point of a polymeric material is strongly dependent on chain length. The polymers with a large degree of polymerization do not exhibit a boiling point because they are decomposed before reaching their respective theoretical boiling point. FUN FACT: The polymer inside disposable diapers is called sodium polyacrylate. It can instantly absorb about 800 times its mass in water. APPLICATIONS OF POLYMERS:- Molecular science has developed enormously in recent eras. Molecular science has a major role in our lives. It has become a necessity in our daily routines we shall talk now about the basic applications of polymers without which life wasnt that easy. We are going to discuss some of the main polymers used in our lives. RUBBER:- HISTORY OF RUBBER: Natural rubber, obtained from the sap of the hevea tree. Rubber was named by the chemist Joseph Priestley who found that a piece of solidified latex gum was good for rubbing out pencil marks on paper. TWO TYPES OF RUBBER ARE THERE:- NATURAL RUBBER VULCANIZED RUBBER (SYNTHETIC RUBBER) NATURAL RUBBER:- Natural rubber is a polymer of isoprene (2-methyl-1, 3-butadiene), with a joined network structure.There is no cross links between the polymer chains. It is not hard and tough. It becomes sticky and soft when heated. It can be easily deformed but regains its original shape after the stress is released. It involves a addition reaction in which one double bond in isoprene open to form a new bond with next unit forming a large chain. VULCANIZED RUBBER:-. A chemical reaction of sulfur (or other vulcanizing agent) with rubber or plastic to cause cross-linking of the polymer chains; it increases strength and resiliency of the polymer chemically; the process involves the formation of cross-linkages between the polymer chains of the rubbers molecules. It was invented by Charles Goodyear in 1839.The formation of cross links formed at the time of vulcanization at the reactive sites makes rubber hard, tough with greater tensile strength. It has very high elasticity, resistance to oxidation and organic solvents. The sulphur bridge in this figure prevents the slip of the chains and rubber can be stretched to a limited extent and when tension is removed the chains try to coil up regain its original shape. OTHER TYPES OF RUBBER:- NEOPRENE RUBBER:- USES: used as insulator, making conveyor belts, printer roller belts are also made from it. SBR (Styrene Butadiene Rubber):-Known as BUNA-S USES: it is used for making automobile tyres and footwears. NITRILE RUBBER:- Recognized as BUNA-N USES:-it is used for making oil seals, manufacture of hoses and tank linkings. REACTIONS INVOLVING IN THERE FORMATIONS:- PLASTICS OR POLYHALO-OLEFINS:- A very useful but common commodity of our life. But nowadays it has become a serious problem due to its problem of degradation which is a process which is a time consuming process. These are called polyhalo-olefins because they are derived from halogen substituted olefins. POLYVINYLCHLORIDE-(PVC):- Its monomer is unit is vinyl chloride. it is prepared by heating vinyl chloride in an inert solvent in the presence of peroxides (eg.dibenzoyl peroxides).It isa hard horny material. It is a thermoplastic polymer and its plasticity can be increased . Fig 15.0 USES:- It is used in manufacturing of rain coats, hand bags, curtain clothes, toys Artificial flooring. As a good insulating material in wires and other electrical goods. For making gramophone records. TEFLON:-(POLYTETRAFLOUROETHYLENE): Tough material resistant to heat and chemical actions such as acids and bases. It is an addition polymer of tetraflouroethylene.It is bad conductor of heat. USES: It is used as a material resistant to heat and chemical attack in household works. For coating articles and cookware to make them non-sticky as non stick utensils For making gaskets, pump packaging, valve, seals, non-lubricated bearings, etc. POLYESTERS:- Fibers represent a very important application of polymeric materials, including many examples from the categories of plastics and elastomers.It involves ester linkages TYPES OF POLYESTERS(FIBRES):- TERYLINE:-It is a polymer of ethylene glycol and terephthalic acid. Also known as Dacron. USES:- For making cloth by mixing with cotton. For making magnetic recording tapes. NYLON66:-Monomers are hexamethylenediamine and adipic acid. USES:- Used for making bristles of brushes. In textiles and also for making sheets. It is blended with wool to make socks and sweaters. NYLON 6:- its monomer is caprolactum made up of cyclohexane. USES:- It is used in the manufacture of tyre ,cords, fabrics, and ropes. CONCLUSION:- We have tried to give a brief information on polymers .Polymers are everywhere around us and we tried to show a glimpse of polymers applications which are commonly used in our lives like plastics nylon and day to day used commodities. MATERIAL AND FIGURE REFRENCES:- http://www.plastiquarian.com/top.htm http://www.csua.berkely.edu/~ranga/school/me223/nylon.gif http://www.openlearn.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=2937 http://www.britanica.com/EBchecked/topic/468696/polymer http://www.polymertalk.com/history_of_polymers.php http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/silicone http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/branching_%28chemistry%29 http://www.polymertalk.com/classification_of_polymers.php http://docs.google.com/viewer?a=vq=cache:Wbn5XOJDt:www.cmse.ed.ac.uk/MSE3/Topics/MSE3-polymers.pdf+intoduction+of+polymershl=engl=insig=AHIEtbQ22RNSIoIyoXUP9HtDd-nakz-w http://www.cem.msu.edu/~reusch/VirtualText/polymers.htm
Saturday, July 20, 2019
The Manufacturing Of DNA Vaccines
The Manufacturing Of DNA Vaccines A detailed design and layout of the facility for the manufacturing of DNA vaccines was developed. The factors foremost in the design and layout of the DNA vaccines facility were compliance to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP), regulatory guidelines, health, safety and environment, effective production, optimum material and personnel flow, effective cleanliness, minimisation of contamination and enhance maintenance. The total site area is 108m X 91m (9828m2) and plant/production area is 32m X 20m (640m2) with space for future expansion. To reduce the impact of airborne particles, relative humidity, pressure and temperature on the purity, efficacy, and safety DNA vaccines product, a containment/cleanrooms of class 100 was design with controlled-air environment with access via airlock, HVAC and high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters. In order to conform and comply to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and regulations, the following key component of cGMP were i ncorporated into the design, validation master plan (VMP), standard operating procedures (SOPs), appropriate quality control (QC), cleaning-in-place (CIP), sterilisation-in-place (SIP), trained personnel, documentation, health, safety and environment, utilities required and waste treatment process. The entire project timeline was estimated with the aid of Gantt chart project management technique to be a year and 4.5 months with reference to literatures on similar projects. 1.1 Introduction The demand for DNA vaccines for gene therapy, vaccination and for the treatment of diseases such as cancer, malaria, swine flu, HIV, melanoma, etc. is on the increase (Prather et al., 2003; Williams et al., 2009). This is because DNA vaccines triggers cellular and humoral immune responses, safe and stable (Prather et al., 2003). Therefore, there is need to design manufacturing facility for DNA vaccines production to meet the rising demand. However, the design, operations and layout of the manufacturing facility must conform and comply to standards, specifications and guidelines stipulated by regulatory authorities such as the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), European Medicines Evaluation Agency (EMEA), World Health Organisation (WHO) and the regulation of the country in which the facility is to be constructed. In addition to meeting this regulations and guidelines the DNA vaccines production process, design and premi ses of its manufacture must conform to good design practices (GDP) and current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) (Shamlou, 2003; Przybylowski et al., 2007). The commercial scale production of DNA vaccines is justified by economics/cost, health, safety and environment, compliance to legal standards and production under Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) (Shamlou, 2003). This is to ensure that manufacturing processes are controlled and performed according to design specifications and operational procedures in order to ensure that quality is built into the product (DNA vaccines) to assure safety, efficacy, purity and identity consistently (Przybylowski et al., 2007). In addition, GMP requirements are open ended, however the International Society of Pharmaceutical Engineers (ISPE) has enumerated the principal steps to current GMP which include standard operational procedures (SOPs), qualification and validation of process performance, design, quality control testing, adequate process control, sterilization in place (SIP), cleaning in place (CIP), layout design, quality management, documentation and audit of facility as necessary to ensuring specification and maintenance of product identity and compliance to regulations (WHO, FDA, MHRA, etc.) and current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) (Day, 2004). The issue of location for the manufacturing facility is crucial to its profitability as it is influenced by raw material supply, transportation, utilities, environmental impact, waste disposal, local community considerations, personnel, climate, plant size and availability of land (Sinnott, 2005). Moreover, before the design and installation of a new facility for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical product manufacture, an environmental impact assessment (EIA) is perform and approved (Davda, 2004). Hitherto, the design of any manufacturing facility must integrate the design of a treatment process and safe disposal of the waste generated to specified legal standards by regulatory authorities and eliminate/minimise harm to health and safety of personnel, environment and product contamination. The manufacturing facility layout must be designed to aid good raw material flow, waste flow and personnel flow around the factory to reduce risk, cross contamination and ensure that production ac tivities and factory operations are performed smoothly and follow a defined procedure. The pharmaceutical manufacturing process must be conducted in clean environment and clean rooms in which the temperature, pressure, air borne particles and relative humidity are controlled to specified conditions by regulators (U.S. FDA, WHO, ISO, MHRA, etc). All these are the component of current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) to build quality assurance, consistency and safety of therapeutic product (DNA vaccines) to human life (Signore and Terry, 2008). The entire operations and activity should be performed by trained and competent personnel and quality management for a satisfactory quality assurance (QA/QC). 1.2 Aims and objectives 1. The defined goal of this project is to develop a detailed design and layout of a manufacturing facility for the production of DNA vaccines for commercial scale, applying current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP) and in compliance to regulatory guideline (FDA, FDA, MHRA, WHO, etc.). 2. Provide detail methods for qualification and validation of the design and layout, performance, quality control and enumerate the personnel/staff involved in the project. 3. Estimate the timeline of the project. 2.1 Process overview DNA vaccines production mainly starts on a bench scale through pilot scale to large scale production (Ferreira et al., 2000; Bequette et al., 2004). The design of a large scale facility for the manufacturing of DNA vaccines involves the selection of suitable plasmid DNA constructs/vectors (ColE1-type vectors, pUC vectors, pBR322 plasmid vector, etc.) that will replicate at high copy numbers, the production microorganism cell bank (Escherichia Coli), subsequently followed by fermentation process in the bioreactor under optimum conditions and control media (temperature, pH, pressure, etc.) to maximise cell growth, cell lysis to break the cells to release the DNA, isolation by precipitation of genomic DNA, cell debris, proteins and RNA, purification by anion exchange chromatographic technique because DNA is negatively charged, formulation and blending, sterile filling, packaging and storage in the fridge (Ferreira et al., 2000; Prather et al., 2003; Przybylowski et al., 2007).Ã 2.2 Design of flowsheet The conceptual design of the process flowsheet for DNA vaccines production under cGMP was based on the knowledge of the process block diagram in Fig.1 above and the performance of the associated unit operations. The process flowsheet shown in Fig.2 is interconnection of the various unit operations, fermentation, the downstream processing (cell lysis, precipitation, clarification and concentration, primary purification (anion-exchange chromatography) and secondary purification (size exclusion chromatography)) and blending and formulation of the bulk product into usable form (Prazeres and Ferreira, 2004). Each pieces of equipment in the process flow sheet are designed to conform and comply with standard and code of practice of either International Organisation for Standardization (ISO), British Standard Institution (BSI), American Petroleum Institute (API), American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM), American National Standard Institution (ANSI), etc. to ensure safety, selection of suitable material of construction, and also equipment manufacturers work to produce facilities according to standardized design and size (Sinnott, 2005). Also each pieces of equipment are hygienically designed with good polished surfaces and piping for easy CIP and SIP, elimination of dead zones and sharp edges to avoid microbial growth and contamination and constructed with stainless steel material to eliminate contamination. The final product DNA vaccines are sterilely filled into vials and stored at -20oC in the freezer (Przybylowski et al., 2007). 3.1 Site layout design The site layout was designed to prevent product contamination, environmental pollution and to safeguard the health and safety of personnel. The various unit operations shown on the process flowsheet in Fig.2 and the ancillary buildings required to support the manufacturing facility for DNA vaccine production are laid out to give an economical flow of raw materials to final product storage, flow of personnel and waste around the production site to conform to good manufacturing practice (GMP), reduce risk and product contamination (Sinnott, 2005; Signore and Terry, 2008). The site layout design in Fig.3 was done with consideration to future expansion of the DNA production. Clean rooms, waste treatment area, hazardous process and raw materials were isolated and arranged for safety of product, personnel and environment. The size of the site is 108m X 91m (9828m2) as shown in Fig.3 and the ancillary buildings and support services required for the manufacturing facility are: Storages for raw materials and DNA vaccines. Quality control laboratory. Maintenance workshops and warehouse. Utilities: steam, compressed air, power generation, refrigeration, water (WFI), CO2, N2 etc. Cleaning-in-place (CIP) and Sterilisation-in-place (SIP). Effluent treatment and disposal plant. Process control room Administrative offices Fire stations and other emergency services Amenities required include: roads and car parks, first aid centre, canteen, security, rest room, changing room, training room and visitors centre. 3.2 Facility layout design The detailed design and layout of the DNA vaccines production rooms and equipment is designed to minimise risk, reduce cross contamination, permit effective cleaning and sterilisation of external and internal surfaces of process equipment by the use of clean in place (CIP) and sterilisation in place (SIP), enhance maintenance and control of clean rooms temperature, pressure and relative humidity (RH) under standard operating procedures (SOPs) (Przybylowski et al., 2007). The facility layout design also considered the cleanrooms, equipment and the flow of materials and personnel as key factors that impact on manufacturing cost, operational procedures and productivity (Drira et al., 2007). The DNA vaccines manufacturing facility layout design is 32m X 20m (640m2) in size as shown in Fig.4 to ensure efficiency and safety of the production environment and manufacturing process which are dependent on the layout of the facility (Jacobson et al., 2002). 3.2.1 Cleanrooms/containment design One of the principles of GMP is cleanliness and aseptic operations to prevent product contamination by microorganisms, particulate generated during plant operations and changes in room conditions (temperature, relative humidity, etc.). Therefore, DNA vaccines which are biological drugs are manufactured in clean rooms, that is, a room in which the air quality (airborne particles), the temperature, the pressure and relative humidity are controlled to prevent contamination by impurities, dust and microorganisms in the atmosphere and in the ambient air, in order to protect its purity, efficacy and safety (Sutherland, 2008). The layout and design of the production rooms was according to the International Standards Organisation (ISO) 14644-1 cleanrooms classification shown in Table 2 below. The raw materials, fermentation, purification, blending and formulation and product storage clean rooms are designed for class 100 biosafety cabinet fitted with high efficiency particulate air (HEPA) fi lters and HVAC systems to ensure the entry of clean air into the cleanrooms and exit of dirty air inside the rooms (Sutherland, 2008). The flow of air in and out of the cleanrooms is laminar. Other components of the cleanrooms include: Separate airlocks for entry and exit doors for personnel, raw materials and waste products. An inlet port for fresh purified air. An exit vents fitted with activated carbon filter to purify contaminated air before discharge to ensure environmental safety (Sutherland, 2008). Cleanrooms air pressure is maintained below atmospheric to prevent outward leakage. Nonslip floors, electricity, light appropriate and aseptic processing hood. Humidifiers to maintain and control cleanrooms relative humidity and temperatures 4.1 Raw materials Variations in raw materials composition is known to impact on the quality of DNA vaccines produced and also the operations of the plant. Therefore, raw materials require quality control check before used. The raw materials, reagents and utilities required for the DNA vaccines manufacturing facility are: plasmid DNA vectors, nutrients, glucose, water for injection (WFI), sterile air, salt, buffer capacity (to stabilise pH of fermentation), liquid nitrogen N2, and antibiotic, alkaline, master cell bank (MCB) and working cell banks (WCB). These are placed in the quarantine storage room and undergo quality control testing to ensure that specification are met before used for DNA vaccines production for quality assurance (QA/QC). The flow of materials from the raw materials to the final product (DNA vaccines) is shown in FIG. above and the final DNA vaccines products are stored in a sterile room in a freezer at -20oC (Przybylowski et al., 2007). 4.2 Personnel The compliance to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and regulatory guideline depends on people and good management structure. It is essential when developing new facility to integrate all relevant personnel from production, logistics, quality control and engineering in the inception phase of the design and layout. Therefore, for a satisfactory quality assurance of the DNA vaccines production, facility design and layout, the interactions and inputs from various disciplines such as chemists, chemical engineers, biochemical engineers, biologists, microbiologist, pharmacists, civil engineers, project managers, mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, architect, cost engineer and many others are required to carry out defined tasks and responsibilities. The flow of personnel around the designed facility layout during operations is shown in FIG. 4.3 Qualification and validation The qualification and validation of pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities at regular intervals is an integral part of good manufacturing practices (GMP). This is documentary evidence that assures that the DNA vaccines production facility is performing satisfactorily and consistently to specification for the intended purpose (Day, 2004). To do this, a validation master plan (VMP) is drawn up which include: design qualification (DQ), installation qualification (IQ), operational qualification (OQ) and performance qualification (PQ) to confirm that all was done according to specifications (Day, 2004; Chaloner-larsson et al., 1997). However, an internal audit of the facility and instruments is also conducted to ensure compliance and implementation of cGMP and regulatory guidelines. 4.3.1 Design qualification (DQ) Design qualification is carried on the following production pieces of equipment of the manufacturing facility such as bioreactor, centrifuge, anion-exchange chromatography, size exclusion chromatography, microfiltration system, ultra-filtration system, HVAC systems and lyophilizer, for verification and documentation as a prove to show that the equipment designs conforms to regulatory standards such as ISO 9000, BSI, etc. 4.3.2 Installation qualification (IQ) The IQ is a documented verification that confirms that the manufacturing facility layout, HVAC systems, supporting utilities (steam, CIP, SIP, etc.) and process equipment are built and installed in compliance to the designed specification and manufacturers recommendations (Chaloner-Larsson et al., 1997). The IQ document for each equipment/system contains name of equipment/system, description, model and identification number, the location, utility requirements, any safety feature, date, personnel and approver. 4.3.3 Operational qualification (OQ) The OQ is the documentary verification of the manufacturing facility to confirm that each pieces of equipment operates in accordance to designed specifications and operation conditions and will consistently (Day, 2004). This is accomplished by testing control systems, alarms, switches, and providing standard operations procedures (SOPs) for the operations of the manufacturing facility. 4.3.4 Performance qualification (PQ) Performance qualification (PQ) is a documented verification that confirms that the manufacturing facility and the supporting utilities will consistently perform to required specification under the designed operating ranges to production the DNA vaccines. The following systems and pieces of equipment are validated for performance check: purification processes, bioreactor, HVAC systems, autoclave, CIP, SIP, oven, pure steam generation system, purified water and water for injection systems, centrifuge and lyophilizer. 4.4 Quality assurance and Quality control (QA/QC) The consistent production of DNA vaccines to meet therapeutic specification of safety, purity, efficacy and potency depends on good quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) performed by qualified persons (QP). Quality control of the DNA vaccines is one of the key component of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and regulatory guideline of U.S. FDA, WHO, MHRA, ISO 9000 etc. It involves testing procedures employed to check that the DNA vaccines product are uniform from batch-to-batch and raw materials used for its production meet the specification, quality and standard. The quality control testing laboratory consists of the following assays for determining quality of raw materials and product purity, efficacy and safety: High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to determine the percentage of RNA, supercoiled and nicked. pH meter test for residual buffer salts and alkaline. Agarose gel electrophoresis (AGE) test for plasmid DNA vaccine purity, determine RNA and genomic DNA presence in the product. Gas chromatography test for the presence of ethanol, determine plasmid size Flame ionization detector (FID) test for the presence of isopropanol in the product. Transfection/Immunofluorescent staining test for potency of plasmid DNA vaccines. Kinetic chromogenic limulus amoebacyte lysate (LAL) test to quantify the presence of endotoxin in the product Sodium dodecylsulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) test for the quantity of proteins in the product (DNA vaccines). GeneQuant spectrophotometer test to quantify the purity of the DNA vaccines product. Bicinchoninic acid (BCA) assay quantify the amount of proteins present in the bulk product. Mass spectrometer, measuring, weighing, recording and control instruments calibrated regularly. The analytical instruments are validated to ensure performance. The DNA vaccines must meet at least minimum specification, purity, efficacy, safety and quality set by regulatory authority after sterile filling before released (Przybylowski et al., 2007; Prather et al., 2003). 4.4.1 Product testing Prior to the release of the DNA vaccines after blending and formulation, the quality control department must test each batch for purity, identity, efficacy, safety and potency using the analytical assays mentioned above, and if the result does not meet regulatory specifications the batch will not be released (Prazeres and Ferreira, 2004). Table 1 below shows an example of DNA vaccines purity and quality specification. 4.5 Documentation Documentation of all the activities and operations is a key requirement for GMP, regulatory bodies, and helpful for management structure, traceability of every batch history, planning, elimination of errors, effective communication, records keeping and design and layout of the DNA vaccines facility. Regulatory authorities such as FDA, EMEA and WHO require documentary evidence as prove that the DNA vaccines facility will perform consistently in compliance to cGMP. The DNA vaccines project documentation include: standard operational procedures (SOPs), design qualification, installation qualification, facility layout design, specification sheets for each pieces of equipment, performance qualification, quality control records, process flow sheet, site plan, personnel records, licence, commissioning, validation master plan (VMP), packaging, labelling, etc. both on paper and electronically (Signore and Terry, 2008; Sinnott, 2005). 4.6 Utilities Utilities are the support services required for effective design, layout and manufacturing process of DNA vaccines, they include: Potable water, USP purified water used for cleaning in place (CIP) to clean process equipment. Water for injection (WFI) used for media preparation, fermentation media and rinsing of equipment after CIP. Clean steam for sterilisation in place (SIP) to sterilise the process equipment after each batch. Electricity for lightening, instrumentation, analytical instrument, etc. Sterile gases such as filtered sterile air for fermentation process, nitrogen N2 for working cell bank storage, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. Refrigeration for the storage of the DNA vaccines product at -20oC. 4.6.1 Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) System Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system is a component of the production clean rooms design and layout, it plays a vital role in ensuring that the manufactured DNA vaccines product quality, efficacy, safety and purity is not impacted by room temperature, relative humidity (RH), air borne particles, pressure and cross contamination in accordance to standards and classifications of rooms by ISO 14644-1, US Fed. Std. 209, BSS5295, EEC, etc. (Zyl, 2005). The HVAC systems for this manufacturing facility include: High efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filters to control air borne particles, dust and microorganisms of the clean rooms. Desiccant dehumidifiers/refrigerated dehumidifiers are used to monitor and control the temperature and relative humidity (RH) of the rooms in order to comply with raw materials and DNA vaccines product requirement. Airlocks and air handling unit (AHU) are put in place for pressure monitoring, control and maintenance of pressure cascade with the production rooms. 4.6.2 Water and clean steam systems Purified water, water for injection (WFI) and clean steam are essential utilities generated on site and distributed for use in DNA vaccines production, clean-in-place (CIP), sterilisation-in-place (SIP), and media preparation (Robbins, 2010). In order to ensure safety, purity and efficacy of the DNA vaccines the water used for its production is sterile water for injection (WFI). The WFI is produced from purified water by distillation/reverse osmosis to meet the required standard of purity specified by the United State Pharmacopeia (USP) (pH 5.0-7.0, nonpyrogenic and antimicrobial agent). The WFI is stored at elevated temperature (80-95oC) to eliminated microbial growth, and the system constructed with stainless steel to eliminate contamination (Robbins, 2010). The WFI system design is shown in FIG. 4.7 Waste treatment and management The system for treating the waste generate from the DNA vaccines manufacturing facility is an integral part of the design of the facility, layout and good manufacturing practices (GMP). The major waste generate from the production process are genomic DNA of the host cells, RNA, proteins, cell debris, salts, endotoxins and plasmid isoforms (Ferreira et al., 2000). The waste is treated to regulatory standards (BS, ISO, etc.) to avoid harm to health and safety of personnel and environment (HSE), pollution and eliminate cross contamination of the product. The system for treating the waste is illustrated in FIG. below WWWW Incineration Autoclaved Waste Discharge Autoclave 4.7.1 Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) The DNA vaccines production microorganism poses some hazard. The environmental impact assessment (EIA) of the DNA vaccines production system therefore becomes a key part of the design and layout of the manufacturing facility (Prazeres and Ferreira, 2004). However, the environmental impact assessment (EIA) study and the design will require approval from environmental protection agency before the facility is built (Davda, 2004). To ensure that health, safety and environmental regulations are met, the process design and layout is geared towards minimisation of waste generation, safety of product, safety and health of personnel and incorporation of waste treatment process before discharge to the environment. In addition, the personnel will also be provided with personal protective equipment (PPE) such as hand gloves, gowns, goggles, etc. to work with. 4.8 Legislation and regulation The manufacture of DNA vaccines is highly regulated to ensure that it is safe, efficacious and pure for humans, and also its production carried out in accordance to current GMP (Plumb, 2005). Therefore, before the DNA vaccines can be marketed they must be licence from the relevant regulatory bodies such as the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in the United Kingdom, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the United States, the EMEA, WHO and so on (Smith and Dennis, 2001). The manufacturing facility used for the production of the DNA vaccines must be licence too (Plumb, 2005). These licences are obtained if and only if the manufacturing facility design, layout and premises of its manufacture conform and comply to current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) and with regulatory standards, guidelines and specifications stipulated by MHRA, FDA, WHO, EMEA, ISO, etc. Hitherto, the company must also provide detailed documentary evidence about the safety, purity an d efficacy of the DNA vaccines and the consistency of its manufacturing process. Signor and Terry reported that the incorporation of current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) into good design practices (GDP) at the inception of the manufacturing facility will ensure that regulatory conditions are met (Signor and Terry, 2008). The regulatory guidelines specify the requirements for the pharmaceutical manufacturing facility, not the methods to achieving it. The regulatory bodies functions include: safeguard public health, licensing, monitoring DNA vaccines post-marketing, regulating clinical trials and publish quality standards. 5.1 Project timeline This project has a definite start, middle and end, which consist of several activities ranging from the environmental impact assessment and design approval, construction to commissioning executed in a defined order to bring the project to completion. It is the function of the project manager to plan, schedule and control these tasks/activities in a specified sequence and allocate materials, manpower, machinery and money to ensure that the project is completed on time (Gray and Erik, 2008). There are several project management techniques available in the literature, but to estimate the timeline of this project the Gantt chart technique was employed, which a plot of each task against time. Each bar represents a task/activity, length of the bar corresponds to the duration of the task and the position indicate the start and finish times. The timeline for key activities of the project are shown in FIG!!!!!!!!!!!!!! below, the Gantt chart was prepared with reference to (Davda, 2004). The e ntire project is expected to take a year and 4.5 months from the Gantt chart. 6.1 Recommendations 1. Legislations and regulations are subject to changes with emergent of robust technology, therefore the design of the manufacturing facility should be above the current specifications and standards. 2. A well defined and detail engineering drawings and specifications that does not require much interpretation. 3. A good relationship between project design team with relevant regulatory authorities and encouragement of their input will fortify the design of the facility and compliance to cGMP. 4. Ensure that all designs, installations and utilities are validated according to validation master plan (VMP) and are working according to design and specification of regulatory bodies. 5. Compliance with current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) at the inception of the design phase of the facility. 6. The DNA vaccines production facility should be designed and layout to harmonized the various regulations by different bodies such the US FDA, UK MHRA, EU, Japan, ISO, WHO, etc. to boost market for the product. 7. The process parameters such as temperature, pH and pressure must be carefully controlled to assure batch-to-batch identity in final product. 7.1 Conclusion Incorporating current good manufacturing practices (cGMP) from the beginning of the design and layout phase of the DNA vaccines facility, the production processes and to the manufacturing premises will ensure that all regulatory specifications are met.
Wal-Mart - Great for Shoppers, Bad for Competitors Essay -- GCSE Busin
Wal-Mart - Great for Shoppers, Bad for Competitors Wal-Mart can be a virus and a cure, since it has its pros and cons depending on the critiques perspective. From my point of view, Wal-Mart is an extremely efficient superstore, with amazing marketing skills, and coordination. However, Wal-Mart is also a bully and price decider, therefore, Wal-Mart is great for shoppers and bad for competitors. As a student; Wal-Mart is my primary resort for supplies and foodstuff, due to their matchless prices and wide variety of products which gives me the luxury of a ââ¬Ëone stop shopââ¬â¢. Moreover, the transportation to and from Wal-Mart is unproblematic. On my first visit to Wal-Mart I was impressed by the way everything has been set and placed to attract customers, the shelves looked full and tidy, the product clean and attractive, and the prices ââ¬Ëunbeatableââ¬â¢. In addition, with every visit I seem to enjoy the experience even more, conversely it had been rare that I faced an awful experience, due to my high satisfaction with the service, products and store wholly. In The past couple of weeks of ESL 015 we have been assigned to analyze anti-Wal-Mart articles, where all the writers were bias and had fixed opinions of hatred towards Wal-Mart. This influenced my opinion significantly and gradually I am realizing what a major issue it is, and how it has affected the American economy as a whole. On a smaller scale, small town America is being affected by the ââ¬Ëmoney exportingââ¬â¢ from smalle...
Friday, July 19, 2019
F. Scott Fitzgeralds The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers fc
A big house, nice cars, 2.5 kids, a dog, a beautiful devoted spouse, power and a ridiculous amount of money. That is the classical American Dream, at least for some. One could say, an outsider perhaps, that Americans strive for the insurmountable goal of perfection, live, die and do unimaginable things for it, then call the product their own personal American Dream. Is having the American Dream possible? What is the American Dream? There is one answer for these two questions: The American Dream is tangible perfection. In reality, even in nature, perfection does not exist. Life is a series of imperfections that can make living really great or very unpleasant. Living the American Dream is living in perfection, and that by definition is not possible, thus deflating our precious American Dream. F. Scott Fitzgerald proves this fact in The Great Gatsby, through his scintillating characters and unique style. Characters in books often mirror the author's feelings towards the world around them. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald suggested the moral decline of the period in American history through the interpersonal relationships among his characters. The situations in the lives of the characters show the worthlessness of materialism, the futile quest of Myrtle and Gatsby, and how America 's moral values had diminished- through the actions of Daisy, Tom, Jordan, and Gatsby's party guests. Despite his newly acquired fortune, Gatsby still cannot afford his one true wish, therefore he cannot buy everything which is important to Daisy. "..Their love is founded upon feelings from the past, these give it, notwithstanding Gatsby's insistence on being able to repeat the past , an inviolability. It exists in the world of money and corruption but is not of it." (Lewis 48 ) In the novel The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the uses of literary technique of symbolism to reflect what life in the 1920's was like, through Fitzgerald's eyes. The image of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes is used to signify an ever watchful godlike figure. "Just as Wilson comes half—consciously to identify the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg with God, so the reader gradually becomes aware of them as representing some kind of detached intellect, brooding gloomily over life in the bleak waste land surrounding it, and presiding fatalistically over the little tragedy enacted as if in sacrifice before it." (Miller 36) The eyes not only symbolize a god—like being but also Fitzgerald himself and his negative views of 1920's society. F. Scott Fitzgerald's The Great Gatsby :: essays research papers fc A big house, nice cars, 2.5 kids, a dog, a beautiful devoted spouse, power and a ridiculous amount of money. That is the classical American Dream, at least for some. One could say, an outsider perhaps, that Americans strive for the insurmountable goal of perfection, live, die and do unimaginable things for it, then call the product their own personal American Dream. Is having the American Dream possible? What is the American Dream? There is one answer for these two questions: The American Dream is tangible perfection. In reality, even in nature, perfection does not exist. Life is a series of imperfections that can make living really great or very unpleasant. Living the American Dream is living in perfection, and that by definition is not possible, thus deflating our precious American Dream. F. Scott Fitzgerald proves this fact in The Great Gatsby, through his scintillating characters and unique style. Characters in books often mirror the author's feelings towards the world around them. In The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald suggested the moral decline of the period in American history through the interpersonal relationships among his characters. The situations in the lives of the characters show the worthlessness of materialism, the futile quest of Myrtle and Gatsby, and how America 's moral values had diminished- through the actions of Daisy, Tom, Jordan, and Gatsby's party guests. Despite his newly acquired fortune, Gatsby still cannot afford his one true wish, therefore he cannot buy everything which is important to Daisy. "..Their love is founded upon feelings from the past, these give it, notwithstanding Gatsby's insistence on being able to repeat the past , an inviolability. It exists in the world of money and corruption but is not of it." (Lewis 48 ) In the novel The Great Gatsby, Fitzgerald uses the uses of literary technique of symbolism to reflect what life in the 1920's was like, through Fitzgerald's eyes. The image of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg's eyes is used to signify an ever watchful godlike figure. "Just as Wilson comes half—consciously to identify the eyes of Doctor T.J. Eckleburg with God, so the reader gradually becomes aware of them as representing some kind of detached intellect, brooding gloomily over life in the bleak waste land surrounding it, and presiding fatalistically over the little tragedy enacted as if in sacrifice before it." (Miller 36) The eyes not only symbolize a god—like being but also Fitzgerald himself and his negative views of 1920's society.
Thursday, July 18, 2019
Internal Management Essay
1.0 Introduction I am a second year student of Applied Languages and Information Technology. I have been assigned an Internal Management Report on the recruitment, selection and induction training methods of a company. I have chosen Hertz International Reservations Call Centre in Swords, Co. Dublin as I recently completed a week on work placement there. While on work placement there, I learnt about how the call centre operates and the selection and training procedures. In my assignment I will give a report on my findings. 2.0 Recruitment Methods in Hertz The main part of recruitment in Hertz is done through recruitment agencies. The agency in which Hertz use is ââ¬ËRichmond Recruitmentââ¬â¢. The other means of recruitment is by accessing applications on file. These present application forms may be postal CVââ¬â¢s, emailed CVââ¬â¢s or Internet applications. Applications can be made directly to Hertz on their website at www.hertz.com or www.hertz.co.uk. From time to time newspapers are also used as a way to recruit staff. Internal recruitment, i.e. positions for Team Leaders/Market managers is also popular within Hertz call centre. 3.0 Selection Methods 3.1 Curriculum Vitaes All CVââ¬â¢s which are received by Hertz are screened by the recruitment team and/or Team Leaders. The qualities and competencies in which they look for in a CV are: * Customer service skills and experience, including an ability to work well with the public and an ability to adopt a customer perspective. * Technical skills, including proficiency with computers, systems and keyboarding skills. * Strong verbal communication skills, including good voice quality, diction and articulation. 3.2 Interviews After the process of the selection and elimination of CVââ¬â¢s, the unsuccessful applicants are sent a letter within weeks. The agencies are also notified. The accepted candidates are notified with a date and time of interview. There are usually two interviews given. The recruitment team does the first interview although depending on the position and CV. The second is performed by a Team leader/Manager with a recruitment panel. The same questions are asked of all candidates (so that valid comparisons can be made). The interviewer emphasises the demands of the job e.g. shift hours, weekend work etc. It is then up to the candidate to decide whether they can commit to the job or not. Education, why Hertz appeals, greatest achievements are just some of the questions which are asked in the interview. If the candidate is good, the interviewer asks about notice period, holidays booked, if a work permit is required and salary expectations. The candidate is then asked if they have any questions, the contract conditions are explained and they are thanked for attending the interview. Notes are taken by the interviewer to help asses candidates more effectively after the interview. They also help to communicate to human resources department and other managers. They clearly state the outcome of the interview and an offer/rejection is then made. 3.3 The interview assessment At the end of a panel interview, each member of the panel compares the attributes of the candidate against the criteria laid down in the job description. This type of analysis helps ensure objectivity and enables the reason for selection/non-selection to be identified. After the 2nd interview, references are carried out prior to offer. The recruitment team then offers the position, and a contract is sent to the successful candidate. When the contract is returned, an employee file is set up. 4.0 Induction 4.1 Customer Service Training On the issue and acknowledgement of a position offered, Hertz Swords, notifies the employee of the commencement of their position. All new employees must complete a four to six week intensive training course. (Depending on hours of training per day). This begins from day one. A timetable is issued to each employee to show the programme of Induction training. On the first day photographs are taken for access cards which are needed to enter and exit the building and to eat lunch. The new employees are then introduced to trainers and each other. A presentation on the history of Hertz and overview of the company is then given. Health and safety, HR and payroll are explained followed by a tour of the building, customer services and fire safety. Coffee breaks and lunch are timetabled in between. Staff handbooks are given out which includes many important issues on being an employee at Hertz. It provides the employee on important information such as canteen facilities, computers, discipline procedures, drug policy, security, absence, equal opportunities, bullying & sexual harassment and more. During week one of training the employee is given the opportunity to become familiar and relaxed within Hertz. Week two of training consists of shadowing calls. This is done by sitting with a Team leader or customer service agent and listening in on their incoming and outbound calls. This is taken place in the market language of the position of the trainee. The purpose of this is to give the employee an insight into what their job initials. The trainees see how the agent enters the information into the computer. In week three and four the trainee is then thought how the system is used which is Escalibre. Country, city and airport codes are learned. There are also codes for the car type. Each car has four codes. Each position in the four-character vehicle code represents a definable characteristic of the vehicle. They are given a list on the imput codes and must learn them off. The trainee is also trained in sales, i.e. how to sell a car reservation and how to take a call. Here are some guidelines in which they are trained to follow: * Try to answer the telephone promptly * Greet the caller with a clear, cheerful voice * Identify yourself * Listen closely and offer assistance. * Act with speed and courtesy * Offer our customer a satisfactory conclusion to his/her call. * Create a good image of Hertz They are trained as to how to deal with an angry caller: * Firstly, donââ¬â¢t take the problem personally * Stay calm and listen! * Be patient. * Avoid interrupting until the caller has let off steam. * Avoid being rude yourself * Use careful questioning to sort out the problem * Offer positive assistance where possible. * If you are unable to deal effectively with the problem, make sure you pass the call on to someone who can. * Never make false promises to get rid of the problem Further training in week four consists of make mock calls i.e. practising with other trainees, reversing roles as the customer service agent and customer. Customerââ¬â¢s name is always Mr. Test! Additional training is given on the special offers, Hertz # 1 club gold card, Le swap magique and other packages. The trainee is thought about the benefits and terms and conditions, which must be explained to the customers. After the four weeks of training the new employee is ready to start their new position. Further on the job training is given during the duration of their new employment. 4.2 Prevention of strain/injury Training must follow legal compliance. Without training agents are exposed to significantly increased risk of aches, pains, stress and debilitating injury. Information alone is very rarely effective as staff tend to dismiss it. Staff need to understand how to make the most of their workstation (chair, desk and equipment), how to take responsibility for their own comfort and safety and what to do if problems arise. Managers and IT personnel need to be familiar with policy of workplace and equipment and safety to ensure planning and maintenance are correct. 5.0 Conclusions/Recommendations I feel Hertz International Call Centre in Swords has a very up to date and efficient Recruitment, Selection and Training procedure. The interviews are intense by non-discriminatory. The selection procedure is justly as it is essential for the company to choose the right candidate suitable for the position. The internal recruitment is also very successful as it gives the current staff of Hertz to progress within the company. Their training is very skilful and intense. The on-going training within the company is very successful and professional. I feel Hertz benefits from the procedures in which they have in place for the recruitment, selection and training of staff. 6.0 Bibliography I would like to thank all the staff working in Hertz. Without them this report would not be possible. I received most of my knowledge and information on the company from them. I would also like to thank my auntie Ann for sitting down to talk to me about her work in Hertz.
Customer Service Standards Essay
Explain how client concord standards be proposened, implemented and monitored, and the pretend this has on the operation of a selected ances evaluate.In this task I will develop wherefore guest good postulate to be planned, how this is monitored and what impact it has for the whole government. The sit guests of the constitution argon re whatevery of the essence(p) for the organisation and comp any has to do a step forward to moderate them fit and to follow them. If a company has no guests in that location be no gelt for the business. Keeping existing clients is crucial as breakthroughing innovative ones is clipping overpowering and dearly-won.Planning customer go standardsIf companies plan their customer serve up they be to a greater extent kindredly to exist in a business environment. Companies which perplex planned customer service for both external and inside customers ar to a greater extent desirely to be succeeding than others.Setting a ims, unwraplining measurable benchmarksCompanies moldiness withdraw standards which ar metric and it the tar signs argon non de awake(p)r the goodsd action will be pilen.Setting aimsAims ar main announcements of what the business postulates to turn over. Objectives atomic number 18 targets which argon mea certain(a)d to impediment if they be achieved. Aims and objectives ar re whollyy important for the business as with out them there is no heart and soul to business. Aim and objectives give meaning to achievementive activities of planning, directing, provideing, organising and restrainling. Methods of baffleting aims for customer service ar wide. It depends on company and what nigh(a) or service they digest. Some of the businesses select varied aims, bid providing employment for the possessor increasing gross sales and yieldion or taking over businesses.Except aims, motivation reservation network, providing goods and services, businesses have to stat e objectives by which they stop get their aims. In example, if a business flummoxtled an aim to institute a profit, they have to think how to achieve this they assume to set targets to hold up how much(prenominal) they requirement to spend and how much they want to receive. These targets should be specific as to what moldinessiness be achieved measurable to measure their success and relevant to business aim.A tutelage instruction is a statement which determines a company or organisation. The mission statement must advise any of the organisations action. It influences over altogether success and run decision- reservation.In the Barclays verify, their aim is to be no. 1 trust in the England. They want to be the best choice for the customers by what they fag end wee more profits and eliminate other strands. The Barclays objective is to provide world-class class customer service and offer market landing products. To achieve what they want, they engagement dissever of cultivations which give the axe emend their skills in area where they exigency to be improved. This bank mission statement is link up with their aims and objectives To be innovative, customer focused pigeonholing that delivers superb products and service ensures excellent upkeepers for solely people and contri howeveres positively to the communities in which we live and work.All of these focused and linked fand so forth the bank successful by what they have more customers and more profits. However, step by step they are better.Outlining measurable benchmarksBenchmarks purpose is to set nominal level of service, fictitious character and quantity customer service arranging must reach in frame to meet their objectives. Benchmarks need to be realistic, apprehensible and measurable. Benchmarking is the process of comparing ones business processes and act metrics to exertion best practices from other industries.The Barclays terminate benchmark against another businesse s by hiring the best adapted people on positions. They set up make the best development for them to improve their skills, do meetings where they can talk rough any issues and where they can resolve all of the problems. prevail simplified accessible entrances and dimensioned halls. Taking peal calls faster, and making good first flavor by wearing clean and campaign clothes. They can be friendly to all customers and greet them when they offering into the bank, listen to customers when they talk make sure that customer dumb what was said to him. The stave of the bank should whap all of the health and safety procedures and keep every occasion clean.Designing qualitative and quantitative military operation indicators cognitive operation indicators are necessitate to control achievements and to know how business and its service can be improved.Qualitative murder indicators are non numeric, equal judgements and opinions it includes management relationships customer enjo yment like monitoring customer feedback program employee morale like level of provide turnover eccentric and taste of product and customer loyalty levels of lag ab directeeism like facultys that are unhappy or stressed. numerical performance indicators are numeric indicators it includes sales and profit levels to check if they raised or dropped speed of service in what eon customer received what they ordered customer retention number of complains about staff/service/products percentage of orders resulting from visits to customers by salespeople and responses to selling material sent out. Public services, like ambulances or police similarly set performance indicators, as in need they have to arrive in soap 8 minutes.Qualitative indicators in the Barclays bank are made by subordination shopper, who comes once in a month. He is checking performance of all of the employees and afterwards he is doing a report of what he saw. closed book shopper comes to the complexify a nd he looks and behaves like a normal customer. He pretends that he buys a product provided by a bank and check how employee who serve him is circleing with this. otherwise methods of checking qualitative indicator are feedbacks from customers and makeshift employees. Also, complains sometimes are taken from customers and can be through by a website or can be done verbally to the staff of the bank where after they go to the log frame.Quantitative indicators are measured by number of appointments of cashiers and common soldier bankers. They are measured on solutions assumption by cashiers and private bankers besides it is measured in customers service served. Number of complains are counted, products sold to the customers are counted and after it is compared with this mensuration from precedent month to check if there is any improvement.Implementing and monitoring customer care standardsA company who want be successful, have to not just set good customer care standards ex clusively besides monitor it afterwards.Providing staff training on raising customer service standardsLots of businesses now, in which customer service in involved are making at least one daytime of customer service training on the summoning. New staff must be present in training at a head of the organisation or in regional office of the organisation where they will be absorbed customer service in a local level. These training usually involve presenting how to deal with different situations, to learn it there are usually used role plays with different scenarios to know how to deal with problems, complains and different types of customers. When a effectiveness employee finishes his induction, the training still continues in place of work and done with a local staff to make sure that customer service standards are retentivity up.In the Barclays bank, all of the staff has an induction which involves whole training program in a training centre which is located in Manchester and a fterwards it is continued in a branch. This induction process takes minimum 6 to 8 weeks. In the first day of the work, new employee has to go through security procedures, do other trainings like health and safety and get to know other employees. early(a) trainings which are indispensable are people plus which is about customer service and trainings like calculator skills and accountant trainings need to be taken. in that respect is no mentor, but all of the employees are monitored by the managers, but besides this, everyone helps. otherwise courses which are vital to work in the bank are complains, money, fraud security measures and fire procedures. Departmental trainings take place, lots of the trainings are done individually on the com contriveer but there are official courses to attend. External trainings besides are present they are taken in the Manchester in head of branch, where employees improve their skills knowledge about fire procedures are also improved.Meeting p erformance indicatorsThe businesses monitor the performance indicators which were set to check whether target was met or not, this is also needed to check why the target was not meet and take direct action to improve it. For example, to find out what is wrong, they can set questions like, is a product provided in good quality? Is timing on serving product appropriate, etceteraThe Barclays bank targets are colonised daily for cashiers and monthly for private bankers, also it depends on position what targets do a person has. For example, cashiers daily target is to make three loaning appointments, five lending cards, three basic appointments, three walk overs, approach all ABC, credits and mark accordingly. Private bankers target are deal with hexad loans, two insurances, six Barclays cards, and one hundred fifty dollar bill solutions, six upgrades of an account and for new pay accounts. In measuring qualitative indicators is ascendance shopper and for quantitative appointment s, solutions, and number of products sold are measured and counted.I do not think that any improvements are needed in work what they do, as when I worked there for a week all the time targets were met.Measuring and monitoring performance at that place is wide range of slip track how performance can be measured, like sales level conducting surveys of customers postage-paid questionnaires/comment cards/forms make special(prenominal) facilities where customer can give an feedback, for example on the website concussion us buttons occasional telephone calls to customers person-to-person or telephone interviews complains about staff/products/services email customers, for example with surveys etc.Customer service performance is monitored all the time, to know that customers get what they want and when they want it. This monitoring also has many ways, such(prenominal) as inspection by terra incognita company staff to witness customer service at first muckle regular staff meeting clos ed book shoppers monitoring telephone conversations staff appraisals.Performance in the Barclays bank is measured and monitored by making overall report of previous day and showing it in the following day morning meeting. Also, on this meetings there are given sheets to complete out in which employees are able to put feedback of other employees and any other performances. new(prenominal) ways are contact by a website, mystery shoppers and feedbacks on sheets from makeshift employees.Reviewing performance and taking actionBusinesses invariably want to know which customers are satisfied with service provided and which are not. If they know it, they can make steps to improve themselves if a customer is unhappy. Staffs know when they are praised. Suggestions for improvements are deliberated and putted into practice when necessary. Ways how performance is reviewed can be done by making action plan to improve areas which are criticised, investigating negative feedback, making change s in procedures, let customer know of any action taken by displace these development on the website, making regular meetings where performance can be discussed, etc.In the Barclays bank action is taken in complains. Firstly, one of the staff test to calm down a customer, demonstrate resolve problem by himself, if he is not able, he apologised for it and call a manager to speak with complaining customer. passenger car tries do it by himself if he is not able, information is putted on the log system and on the next meeting everyone try to resolve it, if this do not work, it is sent to head of branch when they will consider any changes on which a person is complaining.Procedures for handling customer complainsAll of the businesses need to deal with complains. Most of businesses have special procedures how to deal with them with points to follow. When customers problem is resolved it is more likely that he will return. Complains are good way of getting rid of competitors, as when a company handle it successfully, company makes a step forward in customer service. Complains should be handled quickly and sympathy.In the Barclays bank complains are posted into the log system and afterwards if cannot be resolved in a branch, complains are sent out to branch office.Customer information and helplinesThere are many methods of informing customers, like putting information on the website, notices on displays, making and giving out leaflets and information sheets, frequently asked questions on the website, newsletters, and customer service advice helplines.In the Barclays bank, information is provided by leaflets, on the website, helpline, newsletters, posters, adverts and notices. The Barclays is a huge brand which is recognizable in whole country, so they use wide range methods of providing information and for marketing. Everything is clean to find in a branch as there are signs and staff is wearing identification cards where is also placed on what position they wor k. adjoin on resourcesAll of the companies want their employees to have the best customer service also they want any issue easy to be resolved.If in some cases suffering customer service was identified, like scant(p) knowledge of product provided then more training is needed. It will need redundant costs to arrange training and to send off staff in the place where training is provided, also, another cost is to replace the members of staff for the time when they are on training.Other pricy thing is investigating complains, as it is time and consuming. Some of the staff members must be involved in firmness problem and records of it need to be completed. When a customer complains about member of a staff, the staff member can get a verbal warning, if it is first time, if not warning can be pen or can be dismissal. improving communication is also costly, telephones, internet, computers are costly but vey useful. Besides these methods are costly for the first time, a person who has a meeting abroad can do a conference by the computer, not traveling, what saves time.The last one costly thing is improvement in physical anatomical structure of the building, for example, making things more accessible for disable people, making lifts, automatic doors, etc.In the Barclays bank in recruiting new staff, the potential employees need to show that they are confident, prompt and have outstanding potentials. Involving new staff involves assessments which are afterwards scored. Firstly, when somebody is elicit in a position in Barclays bank, he necessitate to apply online, when his lotion form is successful he needs to get through telephone assessment, when he pass it, he is invited to the branch for an interview. fostering is in truth costly and time consuming, but this is worth it, as people there are working for the long time and they are picked from lots of the applicants, as they are the best for these positions for which they applied. Costs involved in revampin g are training cost, uniform cost, and staff time. In the Barclays, they do not really take part of making new layout of the bank.
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