Perfomance standards Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Perfomance standards - Essay Example The historical overview of Westin St. Francis was traced to as early as the 1902s which make the hotel more than 112 years to date (The Westin St. Francis, 2014). The initial step in performance evaluation is to identify the job standards based on the essential functions as expected of the position. The basic responsibilities of a doorman at a hotel include: (1) greeting the guests at arrival and even during departure through the provision of courteous, warm, and prompt service; (2) assists in handling luggage of guests from any mode of transportation to endorsement to the Bellman; (3) provides appropriate responses to the quests regarding inquiries on hotel accommodations and facilities prior to endorsement to the front desk personnel. (1) Greet the guests as soon as they arrive within the vicinity of the hotel by stating: â€Å"Welcome to The Westin St. Francis. I am . I would be glad to be of service to you.† Likewise, when the guests are to depart from the hotel, the doorman should indicate: â€Å"Thank you so much for choosing The Westin St. Francis to serve you. We look forward to being of serve to you in the near future†. This standard would improve service quality through expressly communicating to the guests how welcome they are in the hotel and how the service personnel are glad to address their accommodation requirements. As such, the warm and prompt greeting would indicate high quality of service that could provide customer satisfaction through the provision on immediate response on various inquiries and concerns. As such, the measurable and observable components of this performance standard are as follows: greeting in a warm and courteous manner (quality measure); greeting in a prompt manner with assistance to the luggage (time measure); prompt greeting at arrival and departure (time measure). (2) Assists in handling luggage of guests from any mode of transportation to endorsement to the Bellman.

The Plc Controlled Systems

The Plc Controlled Systems This document has been created to give an overview of what PLC Systems are and why we use them in modern day life. By writing this report I hope to give a good understanding of what I know about PLC Systems. I will start with a short history of PLCs showing how they first started off to what we currently use today including the different design types. History of PLCs A PLC is a Programmable Logic Controller. It is a digital device that is used to control electromechanical systems/processes. They were designed in mind of replacing systems that are controlled by relays. Up until the late 60s automation in factories would use sometimes thousands of relays and cam timers to achieve simple tasks. This was very expensive and took up a lot of space. The expense was seen when the relays had to be changed, in a situation were all the relays had to be updated and changed, an electrician would be required to individually re-wire each relay resulting in very high labour time. Digital computers started to be used in a lot of industries to control processes but were far from perfect. The computer would have to meet very strict requirements that were not yet popular. These requirements would consist of specialist programmers that at this time would be an expensive asset. The computer would have to be protected to withstand the environments in which it was being used. The computer would process bit-form input and output in order to control everything. At this stage an operator would be needed to monitor the system to keep everything in check. PLC systems were first invented on request from an automotive industry; General Motors. They required a system that could replace the existing relay driven system. A proposal was accepted from Bedford Associates who later went on to producing the first Programmable Logic Controller. The image below shows the PLC 084 (name given to it by Bedford Associates as it was their 84th project. The unit stayed in service for almost 20 years. As shown in the photo, PLCs were very large. Over the years PLCs have greatly reduced in size as well as their performance has greatly increased. There are now also a few different types of PLCs that have been designed and used over the years. The main types of PLCs are Unitary, Modular and Rack Mounted. PLC Design Types Unitary Unitary PLCs are the simplest form of a Programmable Logic Controller. These controllers are single compact units that have all the components including the processor, inputs and outputs built in to one housing. Having all components built in to one sealed unit means there is no room for expansion so you are restricted to the amount of input and outputs the unit has. On the other hand it does mean a small unit is produced allowing it to be used in many everyday applications such as washing machines. The photo below (obtained from google images) shows some examples of unitary PLCs. these small units would be mounted directly to the application it is controlling. The downfall to unitary controllers is that youre limited to the constraints of the controller for example if a controller is built with 8 inputs and 7 outputs, that is all that controller will ever do. Modular Modular PLCs are built up of a number of different modules. These modules are linked together allowing for the controller to be customised to suit the requirements. All the core functions such as the computer processor, inputs and power regulation are usually contained in the base module. Other modules are then added on as expansions of inputs and outputs and analog to digital signal converters. This type of program is perfect for a system that may need to expand in the future, unlike the Unitary type design, this type is thought of as a more future proof design. That being said a Modular design controller doesnt have and infinite amount of expansion, there will only be room for a certain amount of expansion. Rack Mounted Rack Mounting PLCs are the best design for large scale use. They work in a very similar way to the Modular type of PLC where extra modules can be added for expansion only much more expansion is available. Where as the Modular design has all its main functions under one base module and expansion modules are added directly to it; a Rack Mounting PLC keeps all of the modules in organised racks and uses a network to connect them meaning that each module is separate from one another. Using this type or system allows us to expand on a much larger scale without things getting overly complicated. This design still allows for a very neat system that allows you to remove and add modules as required without doing any harm to the system. This is a modern approach that uses networking the same as many departments in a business today e.g. Computer networking. Using this design of PLC pretty much future proofs your setup for expanding as the amount of expansion is pretty much endless by adding more and more racks of modules to the network. The image above is an example of a Rack Mounting PLC (image obtained from google images). Input and Output Devices There are many different input and output devices that can be used with a Programmable Logic Controller. The PLC is responsible for processing all of the input and output devices connected. Inputs are normally some sort of sensor or switch that feeds back to the PLC and allows the PLC to monitor and use the data to signal and operate the relevant output. An output is the process that the PLC is essentially controlling. Some examples of the different types of inputs and outputs are below. Mechanical Switches Mechanical switches are a very popular form of input used with PLCs. The PLC will monitor the switch and wait for a signal to be sent from the switch. Switches normally operate in two ways; normally open or normally closed. With a normally open switch a signal is sent to the switch but doesnt return (reach the PLC) due to an open circuit. When the switch is made (pressed) the circuit is closed and a signal returns (reaches the PLC), from this the PLC can process the data and process the relevant program. A normally closed switch operates in the opposite way where a signal is constantly being received by the PLC and when the switch is made, the circuit is made and the PLC no longer receives the signal, from this is processes the relevant program. A typical example of a mechanical switch would be the type that would be found at the start and end of a pneumatic piston that is pressed by the piston itself when the piston reaches the relevant stroke, these are called limit switches. Non-mechanical Digital Sources Non mechanical digital resources refers to sensor inputs that dont require a direct mechanical operation to operate like the mechanical switch. Non-mechanical switches are far more complicated than mechanical switches and have no moving parts. They are also much faster than mechanical switches which is why they are used for computing. An example of a non-mechanical switch is a transistor. Transistors work by adding an electrical charge to close the switch and allow the flow of current, when the electrical charge is removed, the switch is open and the current can no longer flow. The switch uses silicone mixed with other elements as a semiconductor and when an electrical charge is added, it becomes conductive allowing the flow of current. So the change in state would be the electrical charge that operates the transistor and the flow of current would be the signal to the PLC. Optical sensors are another form of non-mechanical source. They work by sending out an optical signal to a reflector. When the signal is interrupted the PLC will process and preform an action. Optical sources now use Infrared as opposed to the old systems using the normal light spectrum so that natural light sources dont interfere. Transducers Transducers are a common form of sensor typically used as a measuring device. A transducer is a device that converts one form of energy into another (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transducer). They typically convert a mechanical energy in to an electrical energy, an electrical energy that can be used to report to the PLC. Outputs There are a very wide selection of items that can be used as an output for PLC systems such as; relays, lights, sirens, motor starters, solenoids, etc. These are all classed as what the PLC is essentially controlling. The PLC would use the information fed back to it from the inputs, execute a program and activate the output accordingly an example of this could be a thermostat and air conditioning unit, the thermostat being the input to the PLC allowing the PLC to know when a preset temperature has been reached. When the temperature raises above the preset temperature required, the thermostat will send the signal to the PLC (as described in section 6), the PLC will process the signal and send a signal to the output which in this case would likely be a relay that when activated boots up the air conditioning unit. When the required temperature is reached the PLC will process and signal the relay to switch, turning the A/C unit off. Communication Links Automation using PLC systems use networking. Networking is used for devices to communicate with each other and can come in many different forms and can be broken down in to different sections such as; Remote I/O, peer to peer, host computer communications and LAN (local area network). Remote I/O is a system that has the inputs and outputs at a distance away from the PLC. This system allows a PLC to control a variety of both digital and analog points to be controlled eliminating the need for a controller at each point and resulting in a cost effective set up. The I/O configuration can connect the PLC to all sorts of plant equipment to monitor things such as cycle counts and times. Each I/O device is related to as a slave for the ones directly on the machine and the master controller that all the slave I/Os report back to. The master PLC will send a signal to the slave I/Os and which it then receives a response, the PLC then uses this response to trigger the relevant program that it then signals the remote I/O to change its outputs to suit. These signals are sent extremely fast and cycle hundreds of times per second. Peer to peer networks work slightly differently in the way that they are connected, using multiple PLCs. This type of network will connect each PLC in sequence to each other and is sometimes known as a daisy chain. This system is very clever in the way it works keeping all the PLCs in the network, up to date allowing all the PLCs to control their systems with the knowledge of what is happening in all the other systems. This allows for similar programming due to having to only program each controller to operate its designated system. This type of networking allows for a safe working system that when set up and programmed correctly means everything will flow and work in sync far quicker than that a human could process. Unlike remote I/O, this system does not require a master PLC as they all just use each others data, however sometimes they are used as a centre control point. Host computer communications connects the PLCs on a network to a computer. Most PLCs regardless of size can normally be connected to a computer. This allows for programs to be written in ladder logic form. Ladder logic form is the programming type that is quite popular in modern programming. It allows for a sort of pectoral type of programming that personally I find easier to understand. The ladder program can be written, edited and tested (virtually) via a computer and then downloaded on to the PLC. Other forms of intelligent devices can also be used with PLC systems to receive data for monitoring purposes. Internal Architecture The internal architecture is made up of the CPU, storage devices, memory, opto-isolators, input and output units, flags and shift registers. All of these work together to form a very intelligent device. The CPU (central processing unit) is where the main processing and thinking is done, this is often thought of as the brain of any intelligent device using a CPU. A PLC has to be able to store information such as programs. The programs are stored to a storage device such as a hard disk drive or solid state chip. The programs are written on an external source such as a computer and then transferred to the PLC storage device where the PLCs CPU can then run the programs. The memory in an intelligent device is often confused with the storage device but is not actually used to store information long term like the storage device is. A form of memory most commonly used is Random Access Memory (RAM), this is used in PLCs and computers as well as the vast majority of intelligent devices such as smart phones. The RAM is used as a temporary memory for programs being run, it allows the CPU to access random bits of memory as it needs it from where ever it is stored, it does this at a very fast rate. Regular storage devices such as hard disk drives cannot operate at this speed because of restrictions only allowing them to access memory in a uniform order and depending on where the information is stored will depend on how long the CPU will take to find it. An Opto-isolator is a protection device that transfers electrical signals between the input and output while protecting the internal circuity of the PLC. It protects against hight voltages and rapidly changing voltages that can occur in the system. Input and output ports are the ports that the input and output devices are connected to. Flags is a term given for a data type used in PLC systems, more specifically it is the term that relates to simple on/off or I/O fields. Shift registers are information from previous program cycles stored by the PLC and later used/reflected on for running other programs. Operational Characteristics Scanning is the process that the PLC goes through starting with the input and ending with the output. One scan cycle would go as follows: READ INPUT > EXECUTE PROGRAM > PROCESS MESSAGES > EXECUTE SELF DIAGNOSTICS > WRITE OUTPUTS Read Input = PLC keeps checking for input signal Execute Program = PLC prepares program but doesnt send it Process Program = PLC reads the program and passes it on Execute Self Diagnostics = PLC will check the program works (theory test) Write Output = PLC then signals relevant outputs This is just one full scan cycle that happens every 5 millionths of a second, this shows just how fast PLCs operate. Continuous updating is the CPU scanning the inputs in the specified order with a build in delay. The CPU scans each individual input before the program is determined. This allows the CPU to only process valid input readings but does have a negative effect on the time it takes to process when there are a lot of inputs each with the delay. Information and Communication Techniques There are three forms of signal used with PLCs; analog, Digital and Discrete. Analog signals are typically 0-10v DC or 4-20mA. These inputs are converted in to numerical values when they enter the PLC so they can be processed in the program. The PLC can also convert to an analog signal on the output if required (if needed by the output device). Digital signals are different from the analog signal as they are not dynamic, instead they are normally a simple on or off signal. This signal can be processed quicker than the analog. PLCs work with digital signals internally. This type of signal comes from more non mechanical input devices (see section 7 non mechanical digital sources). A discrete signal is sort of a mixture of the two above. It is a signal that can have a variable value or range that is normally voltage of current. It provides a on of signal like the digital signal but will work within set ranges. For example a PLC using 12 V DC I/O might be set that a value about 10 V DV means on and Values below 6 V DC means off. PLCs are capable of working on various numbering systems. These numbering systems can be; decimal, binary, octal, hexadecimal or BCD. The most common being decimal or binary. The decimal numbering system is the linear array of digits and the placing of each digit. Depending on the order or placement of the digit will depend on their actual value, this means that you could have the same number but have a different value for each. An example would be the number 3563, the first digit = 31000, the second digit = 5100, the third digit = 610 and the fourth digit = 31. This allows a wide range of numbers to be used as each digit can go to 0-9. It also allows for the next number to increase when the number before exceeds 9. The binary numbering system uses a different way of translating a value. Where as with decimal number each digit can range between 0 and 9, binary systems only have 0-1. There are set numerical values that are chosen by using the 1 or 0. 2^7=128 2^6=64 2^5=32 2^4=16 2^3=8 2^2=4 2^1=2 2^0=1 1 0 0 1 1 1 0 0 The table above is an example of an 8 bit code. 8 bits of information (1s and 0s). When a 1 is displayed, the value above is active so the number 10011100 would actually be 12^7 + 0x2^6 + 0x2^5 + 12^4 + 12^3 + 12^2 + 0x2^1 + 0x2^0 = 156. Or displayed as 128 + 0 + 0 + 16 + 8 + 4 + 0 + 0 = 156. Methods of Programming PLCs can be programmed in various different ways; Ladder/logic diagrams, statement lists, functions Ladder and logic diagrams are a very popular simple way or PLC programming. They are a sort of pictorial type of programming that allows the programmer to see exactly whats happening. From the ladder diagram you are able to use use simulation software to trail run your program to check that it is working correctly before uploading it to the PLC. Within the software preset parts such as switches and relays are easily added to the program. An example of the ladder diagram is shown on the next page followed by a screenshot of the simulation. This shows the how a ladder diagram would be made and linked to a working simulation on the computer software, it is slightly different to how the actual PLC program will be written but works as a simulation before writing the real program. The diagram is drawn up with what will be required in the circuit such as sensors, switches, air supply etc. The ladder diagram is then drawn and all the parts that have been used in the circuit are linked to the ladder. Coils are also added to achieve the required cycle. Ladder Diagram Simulation of Ladder Diagram When the designer is happy with the PLC simulation program, he/she will then use it to write the actual PLC program for transferring to the PLC. This software is slightly different but still produces a ladder style diagram where operations run left to right. The PLC programming software will have preset parts that are entered to the program. Once the program reflects the tested simulation program, it is transferred straight to the PLC itself. Word count : 2504 words

Ken Sandes The Peace Maker Essay -- Ken Sande Peace Maker Essays

Ken Sande's â€Å"The Peace Maker† A â€Å"biblical guide to resolving personal conflict†, this, in a nutshell is what â€Å"The Peace Maker† is all about. In this critical book review I will be taking topics from the book and giving the reader my personal views on how I either reacted or related to the topics covered. My goal for this paper is to give the reader a non-biased opinion of â€Å"The Peace Maker†, which was published by Baker Books in June of 2004.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  To first critique a book you must have some background information on the author himself and why he is qualified to write a book on conflict management through a biblical perspective. Ken Sande is the author of the book as well as being the president of Peacemaker Ministries, which is a company designed to offer Christians conflict training by using the bible and its scriptures. Mr. Sande who is an engineer and lawyer by trade has been using his peacemaking skills since 1982 to solve conflicts in business, in the church and in family disputes. Ken is a Certified Christian Conciliatorâ„ ¢ and has served on such committees as the Christian Legal Society and the Dispute Resolution Committee of the State Bar of Montana, which is where he earned his qualifications to write this book.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã¢â‚¬Å"The Peace Maker†, is what I would describe as a self-help book that can be read by anyone that wants to have a solid understanding of conflict resolution and it does not matter if you are a Christian or not this book makes good points on how to solve conflict. If you are a non-Christian this is a bit harder of a read because of the constant reference to the bible and its scriptures but there are a lot of valid points that are made even without the references to the bible.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The purpose of this book is to inform the reader of the best course of action to take when trying to resolve conflict while at the same time preserving God’s good grace, which can be difficult even at the best of times. In order to do this the reader must stick to the four G’s of biblical conflict management which are to Glorify God, Get the log out of your own eye, Gently restore and Go and be reconciled. By following these four G’s you will bring praise to God and hopefully open up others to his glorious ways. At times in the book the author’s point of view goes from being an informer of ways to deal with conflict into being more of a preacher of the... ...this is in chapter 9 where he states that you can read one of his other books to get more information on being a reconciler but a reconciler does the same thing a mediator does but not to the same extent.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In conclusion, this book has showed me some good techniques to solving conflict and has showed me that the bible can have an influence on people even if you are not a Christian, like myself. I do admit that this book is not for everyone but if you can look past the downfalls that I have pointed out and find the relevant information this book can be an essential tool to any mediator or negotiator. I think this would be an excellent book for any person who is involved with the church who plans on taking on mediator roles because â€Å"The Peace Maker† offers great tips on how to bring estranged siblings back together as well as reuniting failed marriages. I would suggest this book to anyone that is taking a conflict management course that has not had the opportunity to see how to solve conflict from a biblical perspective because to be an effective mediator or negotiator you should be able to use all the resources available to solve any conflict that might be presented to you.

Aviation management

How did Stansted get the go ahead to become London’s 3rd airport? Pursuits for expansion of London airport capacity have been long drawn involving various Airport Commissions and political intrigues (FT, 2014). The quest for the Third London Airport particularly with regard to competing proposals for a new airport at Cublington and the expansion of Stansted is the subject of this section, which also discusses the key players who took part in the process.. Capacity constraints at Heathrow, particularly with the rapid growth in air traffic in the 1950s, led to overflows into Gatwick, UK’s second airport. Neither of these two locations are however ideal given the growth of the city. Built-up areas are not conducive for air safety and there is the additional challenge of noise pollution impacting residents (Helsey and Codd, 2012). It became apparent in the 1960s that there was need to meet considerable growth anticipated into the future. This gave rise to proposals for a new airport and expansion of existing capacity. Stansted, a former military airfield in Essex, was proposed as a third airport in 1963 and was thereafter endorsed by a Government White Paper in 1967 (HC Hansard, 1971; Stansted Airport, 2013). A subsequent inconclusive public inquiry led to the setup of the Commission for the Third London Airport, popularly referred to as the Roskill Commission tasked with review of sites for a third airport (Abelson and Flowerdew, 1972; UKCAA, 2013). With its evaluation of the timing of need, the requirement for expansion of capacity, and after a careful study of a total of 80 proposed project sites, four sites were finally chosen, principal among them a new airport at Cublington in the Vale of Aylesbury. It was deemed to offer best access situated in the key London-Birmingham axis away from built-up areas and would cost less than most of the alternatives (Abelson and Flowerdew, 1972). This proposal however met with strong opposition from local people, politicians and middle-class voters making it politically untenable (FT , 2014). An influential member of the Roskill Commission, Colin Buchanan, in dissent on grounds of environmental and planning concerns, proposed a new alternative at Maplin Sands, Foulness in the Thames Estuary. This opened the door to strong political opposition against Cublington with the latter proposal becoming the preferred option of the Conservative government of the day which thus disregarded Roskill’s proposal (FT, 2014; Helsey and Codd, 2012; Mishan, 1970). Maplin had interestingly been considered by the Roskill Commission and had been decisively rejected on the basis of cost (the most expensive option overall), distance and convenience to prospective passengers (the most remote) (FT, 2014; Mayor of London, 2013). With all the political support and progress towards the Maplin proposal, it was not built (FT, 2014; Helsey and Codd, 2012). The cost of the constituent deep-harbour, rail links, motorways, new towns to accommodate workers, and surface route to the airport was an astronomical ?825 million (estimated at ?8,448 million today) (Helsey and Codd, 2012). To many, including the opposition party then – the Labour Party, this was regarded as unacceptable (FT, 2014). With the coming to power of the Labour Party a change in complexion, the Maplin airport project was abandoned in July 1974 (FT, 2014). A reappraisal of passenger projections in the new regime indicated â€Å"over-optimism† in forecasts showing that there was adequate capacity until 1990 at Heathrow, Gatwick, Stansted and Luton, aided by regional airports (AOA, 2013; UKCAA, 2013). However, with increasing competition from abroad and passenger numbers once more rising, the need for expansion became apparent. British Airports Authority (BAA), owner of the Stansted Airport, submitted plans for its expansion and with significant lobbying by its Chairman Norman Payne and the enlisting of support from Margaret Thatcher, the Maplin scheme was abandoned in favour of a cheaper plan to enlarge Stansted (Mayor of London, 2013). This option had also been considered by Roskill and had not made the shortlist of key options (FT, 2014). The expansion of Stansted was accomplished a decade after its proposition but was a predictable failure challenged by a lack of success in attracting and supporting long-haul operations by airlines (World Airline Directory, 2001; UKCAA, 2013). It was however to benefit from the emergence of low-cost carriers, principally Ryanair, which were drawn by attractive landing charges which offset consequent inconvenience to their passengers (UKCAA, 2013; Mayor of London, 2013; BBC, 2011). Airport policy in the UK has been a case study of political short-termism with the location of an additional (3rd) airport for London in a dilemma. Heightened by uncertainy over demand and growth estimates and a general lack of bold political action, decisions are challenged by political considerations making inland airports unfeasible and economic cons iderations making coastal airports unfeasible. This has led to the postponement of requisite action with policy makers often prone to swaying given the intense and incessant lobbying and political pressures. References Abelson, P. and A., Flowerdew, 1972. Roskill’s successful recommendation.† In: Journal of the Royal Statistical Society. Vol. 135. No. 4, pp.467 Airports Operators Association, 2013. The Airport Operator, Autumn 2013. BBC, 2011. Heathrow and Stansted runway plans scrapped by BAA, 24 May 2010. Viewed on 30/1/2014 from: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk Financial Times, 2014. London’s new airport held to ransom by folly. December, 2013 House of Commons Hansard, 1971. Third London Airport (Roskill Commission Report). 4th March. Vol. 812. cc1912-2078. HC Helsey, M., and F., Codd, 2012. Aviation: proposals for an airport in the Thames estuary, 1945-2012. House of Commons Library. Viewed from: http://cambridgemba.files.wordpress.com/2012/02/sn4920-1946-2012-review.pdf Mayor of London, 2013. Why London needs a new hub airport. Transport for London. Viewed from: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/corporate/projectsandschemes/26576.aspx Mishan, E., 1970. What is wrong with RoskillLondon: Lo ndon School of Economics Stansted Airport, 2013. Press Release. Viewed on 1st Feb 2014 from: http://www.stanstedairport.com UKCAA, 2013. UK Airport Statistics – Aviation Intelligence. United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority. World Airline Directory, 2001. Flight International. Stansted Airport, Stansted, Essex, 27 March – 2 April 2001. CM241SB, UK Given the urgent need to find a solution to UK airport capacity why do you think the government wishes to delay the process? Political intrigues and myriad arguments still mire the London airport expansion pursuit half a century later with the current Howard Davies Airports Commission set up in 2012 still wading in the long running controversy (FT, 2014). Continued political posturing, hedging and stonewalling still characterizes this pursuit for a viable solution given the readiness to oppose policies espoused by those of different complexions and political stand and complication of issues hindering bold decisions and action (FT, 2014; CAPA, 2013). With reference to previous government airport policies, this section evaluates the desire of government to postpone a decision on the final solution to meet need until after the 2015 general election. In the Davies Commission’s view, the capacity challenge is yet to become critical and there is need for action as there is potential for it to be (The Independent, 2014; Airports Committee, 2013a). These findings contained in its December 2013 interim report (preceding a final report expected in 2015) are based on the acknowledgement of continued growth of air travel, mainly in the South East of England with the need for an extra runway by 2030 and another possibly by 2050. For the short and medium term, the Commission has made a raft of proposals to enhance efficiency of airline and ground operations (Airports Commission, 2013b). Ideally, the latter proposal is arguably most appropriate given that operational and design improvements have hitherto enable d the handling of more volumes than anticipated, extending current capacity and enabling full and efficient use of available resource (UKCAA, 2013; The Independent, 2014). On the Commission’s shortlist of options for the short and medium term include a third runwayand lengthening of an existing runway at Heathrow, and a new runway at Gatwick. The proposal for a brand new airport in the Thames Estuary is side-lined citing uncertainties and challenges surrounding it with the Commission however promising to evaluate its feasibility and to arrive at a decision regarding its viability later in 2014 as well as longer term expansion options at Stansted and Birmingham (CAPA, 2013; Airport International, 2012). The government however says that it will not make a final decision in this regard until after the 2015 general election pushing the responsibility to the next government (CAPA, 2013; FT, 2014). When the Coalition government came to power in 2010, it scrapped former Labour gover nment’s plan for a third runway at Heathrow to which it had been strongly opposed instead favouring the creation of a new hub airport in the Thames Estuary (Helsey and Codd, 2012). Given renewed focus on Heathrow, there seems to be a deliberate decision by government to avoid offending the electorate in its turnaround from its manifesto commitment, as well as to avoid political turbulence in the run up to the forthcoming elections (FT, 2014; CAPA, 2013). It is widely accepted that Prime Minister David Cameron set up the Davies Commission in a bid to postpone or to defuse controversy, maintaining a dishonest ambiguity until after the general election (FT, 2014). Heathrow is a popular preference given the support it receives from the majority of politicians (except those with constituencies on the flight path); business and powerful representative lobby bodies; airlines; air alliances; remote UK regional airports benefiting from international connections; as well as domestic an d international aviation representative bodies (CAPA, 2013; FT, 2014). Critics state that the inclusion of other airports is intended at making the proposals not to seem too Heathrow-centric and is aimed at political expediency (FT, 2014, CAPA, 2013). It would have been political dynamite for the Commission not to have made positive clamours with regard to runway capacity warding off accusations of ministers trying to kick the controversy ‘into the long grass’, a scenario which has bedevilled such pursuits for half a century (CAPA, 2013; The Independent, 2014). From the 1967 Government White Paper permitting the expansion of Stansted, through subsequent inquiries and the Roskill Commission in the early 1970s, the quest for expanded capacity continues with arguments going back and forth around similar proposals and sites (FT, 2014; UKCAA, 2013). Expansion at Heathrow is an easy road given that it is relatively cheaper and has less challenges but for the environmental con cerns of noise pollution and carbon emissions which cannot be ignored or wished away (Airports Committee, 2013a). The option for expansion at Stansted is impeded by previous capacity limitation by the 1985 White Paper, though it got reprieve in the 2003 ‘Future of Air Transport’ White Paper and an extension of passenger capacity limit by the courts (DOT, 2003). Yet, Stansted has historically been challenged with regard to its support of long-haul flights; preference by airlines; as well as environmental concerns (World Airline Directory, 2001; UKCAA, 2013). The Thames Estuary option despite being the most environmentally sound is challenged by economic considerations regarding not only the cost of building the airport but also the requisite surface links, and costs associated with imminent closure at Heathrow. There is also difficulty in the estimation of effects it will have on demand and airline operations (The Independent, 2014; Airports Commission, 2013b; Airport In ternational, 2012). This scenario highlights the present dilemma facing political players and government, which is what leads to their general uncertainty and a general lack of boldness in approach. Intense lobbying and political pressure has consequently led to the postponement of decisions and the backtracking by government from its pledge. The divide in opinion and arguments causing uncertainty hands politicians a license to continue to do nothing at all. References Airports Committee, 2013a. Emerging thinking: Aviation Capacity in the UK. 7th October. Viewed from: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/aviation-capacity-in-the-uk-emerging-thinking Airports Commission, 2013b. Short and medium term options: proposals for making the best use of existing airport capacity. 7th August. Viewed from: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/short-and-medium-term-options-proposals-for-making-the-best-use-of-existing-airport-capacity Airport International, 2012. Thames Estuary Airport Is No t A â€Å"Short Term† Solution. 4 July 2012. CAPA, 2013. The Davies Commission’s Interim Report on UK airports: the big loser remains UK competitiveness. Centre for Aviation. Department of Transport, 2003. The Future of Air Transport – White Paper and the Civil Aviation Bill. Viewed on 14/1/2014 from: http://webarchive.nationalarchives.gov.uk/+/http:/www.dft.gov.uk/about/strategy/whitepapers Financial Times, 2014. London’s new airport held to ransom by folly. December, 2013 Helsey and Codd, 2012. Aviation: proposals for an airport in the Thames estuary, 1945-2012 The Independent, 2014. Sir Howard Davies’ Airports Commission: Air travel could be transformed within a few years – with no more ‘stacking’. 17th December, 2013 UKCAA, 2013. UK Airport Statistics – Aviation Intelligence. United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.

Critical Analysis of the Artful Dodger in Dickens’ Oliver Twist Essay

Write a Critical Analysis of the Character of the Artful Dodger in Dickens’ Oliver Twist. Would You Describe the Dodger Only as a Victim of Circumstances? Jack Dawkins, also known as the Artful Dodger, is one of the most interesting and memorable characters in Dickens’ Oliver Twist. He is reckless and very good at pickpocketing. He is denied the opportunity of choosing his own way of life and is fated to become a criminal. Jack has been a victim of circumstances all his life. The first thing that strikes us when meeting the Dodger in Chapter 8 of Oliver Twist is the way he looks and acts. We see a boy, who appears and behaves like a full-grown man. The Dodger is a child, who wears a â€Å"man’s coat† and â€Å"corduroy trousers† and has a big hat on his head, as Dickens describes him. He is dressed like a young gentleman, looking rather funny with his â€Å"half-way turned sleeves†, but his manners is the thing that lures our attention even more. Not only is Jack Dawkins dressed like a man, but his attitude is like a full grown up as well. He walks and talks like a gentleman and we can distinguish him as a child only by his size. Apparently the way he has been treated by society or the way of life he had to lead influenced his manners. The Artful Dodger is a pickpocket, he is very good at it and he enjoys it. We see in the novel, after he takes Oliver to his home, that he has been trained by Fagin for a long time and lives with him and some other thieves. Read Also:  Critical Thinking Essay Examples Jack lives with some other kids, who are also thieves, and their leader Fagin. The place they live in is dark, old and filthy; â€Å"the walls and the ceiling were perfectly black with age and dirt†. It is not the kind of place children are suppose to grow up in, but the Dodger did live a great deal of his life there. He is the most skilled in the group of little thieves and is their leader and his attitude towards them and Fagin is respectful and friendly. Jack makes his living by stealing. He has been trained by Fagin from an early age and he is very good at it. Fagin had sheltered the Dodger when he was younger and vulnerable and trained him to be a thief, teaching him a bad way of living and so, depriving him the opportunity of his own choice of building a future. The circumstances of being an orphan led him to be apprenticed by the old thief, Fagin, thus becoming a thief himself and starting to enjoy it, which eventually leads to him get caught and put on trial. In the end of the novel the Artful Dodger gets caught by the authorities and is under trial for theft. He is caught trying to pick a pocket and they found a snuff-box in him, which is his and which he carries with all the time. Eventually he is send to court where he acts in a derisively and impertinently manner considering himself as a victim, shouting â€Å"I am an Englishman; where are my rights?† Apparently he must make fun of the jury, thus making a kind of â€Å"glorious reputation† among the thieves community. Eventually the judge grows eager and expels him from the court as soon as the sentence signed. Jack didn’t dodge this situation and gets send to penal colony in Australia. The Artful Dodger is treated as a criminal and a grown up all his life and he is very well adjusted to that. He is not the kid he is supposed to be and that makes him a victim of society – the victim of many circumstances that can fall on an orphan and deprive it of its childhood.

“I Stand Here Ironing” Through the Feminist Approach Essays

â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† Through the Feminist Approach Essays â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† Through the Feminist Approach Paper â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† Through the Feminist Approach Paper Tillie Olson’s â€Å"I Stand Here Ironing† is a story told from the perspective of a young mother during the Great Depression. The woman reflects on the hardships she faced while raising her first-born child, Emily. The mother’s experiences were common to many women. The 1930s was a time when patriarchy was prevalent. Women were expected to adhere to domestic duties and pass these practices on to their daughters. Women strove to find husbands to care for them and start families with. Few women obtained the satisfaction of fulfilling their personal ambitions. After years of striving to fit the socially constructed role of a â€Å"woman,† the mother in the story regrets the decisions she made and feels a lack of accomplishment. Emily shares this realization as she witnesses and learns from the mistakes of her mother. She refuses to conform to societal norms in the hopes of achieving a fulfilling life. From the feminist critical perspective, I interpret this story as a depiction of women in a male-dominated society who progress from blind subjugation to realization, resulting in the desire for their daughters to accomplish the things they could not. The mother’s husband abandoned her, leaving her alone at a time when being a young, single mother was unconventional in society. The difficult circumstances led her to unknowingly accept subjugation in an attempt to fit her role in the patriarchal society. Because males were so dominant in the society she grew up in, the mother discredits herself and capitulates her power to the men in her life: â€Å"I had to bring [Emily] to [her father’s] family and leave her† (925). Society instils in her the idea that women are powerless. Rather than fighting it, she succumbs to societal norms and victimizes herself through her femininity. She describes how her â€Å"breasts ached with swollenness† (925), suggesting womanhood is painful and vulnerable. Women were given little autonomy, which is evident as the mother continually allows people she

Biography of George Pullman, Sleeping Rail Car Inventor

Biography of George Pullman, Sleeping Rail Car Inventor George Mortimer Pullman (March 3, 1831–Oct. 19, 1897) was a cabinet-maker turned building contractor turned industrialist who developed the Pullman sleeping car in 1857. Pullmans sleeper, designed for overnight passenger travel, was a sensation that revolutionized the railroad industry, replacing the uncomfortable sleeping cars that had been used on American railroads since the 1830s. But he paid a price in labor union animosity that followed him to his grave. Fast Facts: George M. Pullman Known For: Developing the Pullman railroad sleeper carBorn: March 3, 1831 in Brocton,  New YorkParents: James Pullman, Emily PullmanDied: Oct. 19, 1897 in Chicago, IllinoisSpouse: Harriett SangerChildren: Florence, Harriett, George Jr., Walter Sanger Early Life Pullman was the third of 10 children born to James and Emily Pullman in Brocton, New York. The family relocated to Albion, New York, in 1845 so that Pullman’s father, a carpenter, could work on the  Erie Canal. James Pullmans specialty was moving structures out of the way of the canal with jackscrews and another device he patented in 1841. Move to Chicago When James Pullman died in 1853, George Pullman took over the business. He won a contract with the state of New York the next year to move 20 buildings from the canals path. In 1857, Pullman opened a similar business in  Chicago, Illinois, where much help was needed in raising buildings above the  Lake Michigan  flood plain. Pullman’s company was one of several hired to lift multistory buildings and whole city blocks by four to six feet. Ten years after he moved to Chicago, he married Harriett Sanger. They had four children: Florence, Harriett, and twins George Jr., and Walter Sanger. Working on the Railroad Pullman realized that new buildings with better foundations would reduce the citys need for his services and decided to go into manufacturing and leasing railroad cars. The railroad system was booming, and although the greatest need was for transporting raw materials and finished goods, he had a different idea. He frequently traveled by railroad in pursuit of business but found regular cars to be uncomfortable and dirty. The sleeping cars were just as unsatisfactory, with cramped beds and poor ventilation. He decided to focus on the passenger experience. Partnering with  Benjamin Field, a friend and former New York state senator, he decided to build a sleeper that was not just comfortable. He wanted luxury. He persuaded the Chicago, Alton, and St. Louis Railroad to let him convert two of its cars. The Pullman Sleepers debuted in August  1859 and were a roaring success, with reviewers comparing them to luxury  steamboat  cabins. Pullman briefly succumbed to gold fever, relocating to Colorado and catering to miners before returning to Chicago in the 1860s. He devoted himself to making the sleepers even more luxurious. A Better Sleeper The first made-from-scratch Pullman- the â€Å"Pioneer,† developed with Field- debuted in 1865. It had folding upper berths and seat cushions that could be extended to make lower berths. The cars were expensive, but they gained national attention and increased demand when several of them were included in the train that took Abraham Lincoln’s body from Washington, D.C., back to  Springfield,  Illinois, following his assassination in 1865. (The slain president’s son,  Robert Todd Lincoln,  succeeded Pullman as president of the Pullman Co. after Pullmans death in 1897, serving until 1911.) In 1867, Pullman and Field dissolved their partnership and Pullman became president of the new  Pullman Palace Car Co. In 12 years the company was offering 464 cars for lease. The new company also manufactured and sold freight, passenger, refrigerator, street, and elevated cars. As the railroad industry continued to develop and Pullman prospered, he paid $8 million in 1880 for construction of the town of Pullman, Illinois, on 3,000 acres adjacent to his factory west of Lake Calumet. It provided housing, shops, and other amenities for his company employees at all income levels. Union Strike Pullman, which eventually became a neighborhood of Chicago, was the site of a vicious labor strike beginning in May 1894. Over the previous nine months, the Pullman factory had reduced its workers wages but did not lower the cost of living in its houses. Pullman workers joined labor organizer and American socialist leader Eugene Debs American Railroad Union (ARU) in the spring of 1894 and shut down the factory with a strike on May 11. When management refused to deal with the ARU, the union prompted a nationwide boycott of Pullman cars on June 21. Other groups within the ARU started sympathy strikes on behalf of the Pullman workers in an attempt to paralyze the nations railroad industry. The U.S. Army was called into the dispute on July 3, and the arrival of soldiers sparked widespread violence and looting in Pullman and Chicago. The strike unofficially ended four days later when Debs and other union leaders were jailed. The Pullman factory reopened in August and denied local union leaders an opportunity to return to their jobs. Following the strike, the Pullman Co. continued to thrive. While his factory maintained production of railroad sleeping cars, Pullman also ran the company that built the elevated railway system in  New York City. Death Pullman died of a  heart attack  on Oct. 19, 1897, at the age of 66. The bitter strike left Pullman reviled by the labor movement. So deep was the lingering animosity and fear that, to ward off vandalism or desecration of his body, Pullman was buried in a lead-lined coffin inside an elaborately reinforced, steel-and-concrete vault with walls that were 18 inches thick. Over this were laid steel rails placed at right angles to each other and bolted together. Everything was then covered in tons of concrete. The pit dug for the elaborate vault was the size of an average room. Legacy The Pullman Co. merged with the Standard Steel Car Co. in 1930 and became the Pullman-Standard Co. In 1982, the company built its last car for  Amtrak, and soon afterward the company faded away. By 1987, the assets had been sold off. Pullman transformed the railroad sleeping car from a smelly, cramped mess into rolling luxury, making overnight train travel more appealing to those who could afford it. He created an enormous business that made his name synonymous with a major component of the railroad industry. Sources George M. Pullman: American Industrialist and Inventor. Enclopedia Britannica.George Mortimer Pullman. Pullman-Museum.org.

Your 8 Biggest Job Search Fears and How to Conquer Them

Your 8 Biggest Job Search Fears and How to Conquer Them You absolutely hate your job. Or perhaps you’re between jobs- or even just starting out. The first rule of job hunting is this: you’ll never find a job unless you start. But putting yourself out there can be hard, and the fear is often real. Here are a few of the most common job hunting fears and how you can overcome them. 1. Confirming Your Worst Feelings About YourselfIf you’re not really searching, then you can tell yourself that if you only put your back into it, you would find a job no problem. Actually searching means facing rejection.  But you can’t get a yes without putting yourself out there. And what’s the worst that can happen? You’ll get a â€Å"no,† maybe a resounding one. So what? Then you’ll brush yourself on and move on to the next one.2. Risking EmbarrassmentYou don’t really want to broadcast to your friends and contacts that you’re looking for work. It makes you feel like a failure. Take comfort , instead, on the fact that literally everyone has not had a job at some point in their lives, and has been rejected from one.3. The Grass Not Being GreenerYou hate your current job. But what if you go through all the stress of finding a new one and getting established in a new company- and it turns out that job is just as bad? The best way to handle this is to make sure to enter the interview with a good set of questions for the employer- about workplace culture, job responsibilities, etc. This will help you make sure you’re not going to be just as miserable in a new place.4. Selling YourselfYou feel a little like a used car salesman on the job market- Dressing up in outfits you don’t usually wear and having to pedal yourself like wares for sale. Just remember: you’ll find the best job for you when you put the best version of yourself forward, not a fake version. Try to be honest and still make a fine first impression, and you shouldn’t feel too uncomfor table with the process.5. Asking for HelpNo one is an island. And this, by the way, is the whole point of networking. You built up a robust group of colleagues and contacts- now go work them. If this makes you too uncomfortable, just imagine how you would feel being approached by someone in your network for advice or help. Generous, right? Happy to help out if you can! Now treat yourself as nicely as you would treat your contacts.6. Not Measuring UpWhether you’re most afraid of imperfection, or of being un-or-under-qualified, and/or a little out of your league, relax. First of all: nobody’s perfect. Second of all: if your resume and experience match the requirements in the job posting, then you are exactly in your league. Now take a deep breath and go after what you want.7. Time DrainMaybe you’re afraid that job searching will take up every last ounce of free time you have and make you even more miserable. It is a time consuming process, but it doesn’t ha ve to eat up your life. Try scheduling little job search sessions for yourself, with lists of goals and tasks. Then leave it for the day. Little by little, you’ll get the work done.8. You Won’t Stand Out from the CrowdWhile it’s true that the market has become much more saturated of late, that doesn’t mean there aren’t easy ways to distinguish yourself among a list of candidates. Try making sure to go the extra mile- write the handwritten thank you note, do the extra research, ask the better question. If you focus on proving you’re the best one for the job, you’ll be set up quite well to show your unique strengths.

Balanced Scorecard Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Balanced Scorecard - Assignment Example Essentially, the balanced scorecard is concerned with analysis of four areas including customers, finance, business processes and learning and growth. Managers are usually engaged in collection of quantitative data and then analyzing it with the aim of making appropriate and long-term decisions courtesy of balanced scorecard technique. This paper will analyze five different papers, which have examined balanced scorecard through case studies, primary data collection and as well as secondary research. The papers have good insight on the applicability, advantages as well as the challenges of balanced scorecard in different organizational setups. The study will involve analysis of the aims, methods and results of each of the papers and then a different section will compare their results. Finally, the paper will end by a conclusion, which will explain what I have understood from this study. Purpose of the study The purpose of this study is to have a critical analysis of balanced scorecard based on the studies of other authors who have conducted their studies in various settings and using different methodologies. Analysis of researches done in different settings and based on different methods and results will provide insightful information on what balanced scorecard entails, its challenges and application in different organizations.... Using the insights derived from Yin (1994), the authors have researched the manner in which balanced scorecard performance management system has been fruitfully put into practice in two major hotel chains including Towers and ITC Maurya, which are located within the India’s capital. This case study comprises of the organizations’ interaction of 45 several stakeholders. Among those who participated in providing information in this study included the vice president, HR. In addition, secondary sources were examined for more evidence, which included power point presentations used to make communications in the organizations. Also conducted in the study was a cultural analysis that espoused the innovative intervention, whereby 20 employees including managers holding the top, middle and lower level positions were interviewed and the results recorded in an open-ended format. The results of the study show that a strategic and innovative HRM intervention in ITC Maurya leads to a relearning of a fresh performance-based culture and unlearning of the past culture, hence enhancing the successful execution of the balance scorecard technique. Nonetheless, this leads to institutionalization of HR role and the innovative process. The case study also typified BSC implementation in Maurya hotels. However, it is found that HR managers will have a challenge of repeating this intervention in the rest of the hotels in the capital, particularly depending on how the stakeholders are involved in the process as well as the manner in which the intervention involves the non-managerial staff. Service quality management applying the balanced scorecard: an exploratory study - Ratnasingam,

The best moment in my life Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

The best moment in my life - Essay Example That was the start of the best moments in my life: getting the chance to be immersed in a new lifestyle, to meet new people and develop new relationships, and pursue higher education to attain both personal and professional goals. I remember arriving in Denver on a bright sunny morning. The moment the plane landed at Denver International Airport, my spirits were incredibly high. I was so amazed by the volume of passengers from diverse cultures just going in and out like bees swarming to make honey. The travel to my destination at the city was brief; but I got to view the magnificent landmarks: the Colorado State Capitol, the Denver Art Museum, the 16th Street Mall, and the Confluence Park, among others. At that instant, I promised to myself that I would have all the time to explore Denver at its best. What was most striking about Denver was despite its modernity, the people were able to restore historical landmarks that showcased Victorian-era homes, such as the Bryers- Evan Homes and Molly Brown House preserved in its grandeur. The architectural styles of most significant edifices were just magnificent that visitors would be awe-inspired and would be transported back in time, despite the ultra-modern environ ment of the rest of the city. Another best moment from being in Denver is the opportunity to be immersed slowly to a new culture and virtually new and fast-paced lifestyle. I was so impressed by the way people seem to be so always rushing somewhere, somehow, all the time. When I observe people, nature and historical landmarks as I sit from a bench at Cheesman Park, I noticed that all were immensely engaged in their respective endeavors and it is as if it was only me who was a spectator in their busy world. Likewise, it seemed that it was only me who had not been oriented yet that the park was reportedly one of the most haunted places in Denver. No wonder I seemed to cherish the serenity and complete peacefulness within the grounds – which were apparently

Security Issues Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Security Issues - Essay Example The popularity of internet prompts the use of e-business. Most commercial activities apply the use of e-commerce. Through, e commerce involves e banking, supply chain management, electronic data processing (EDI), and online-business processing, amongst other transactions. Countries like UK widely employ the use of Ecommerce. Statistics confirms the fact by the sale of close to $175 billion in the year 2007, and the anticipation for growth nears $335 billion by 2012. The integration of the digital world poses a security threat to the citizen; as many would propose. Is there a back-up in case of a software crash, power-cut or hardware malfunction? Simply spilling coffee on a computer could ruin or damage everything. According to Muhammad Awais (2012) three main weakness of e-commerce are; security, fake websites and fraud. Abu-Ein et al. (2012) in their article â€Å"E-commerce: Security and Applications† also mention attacks by hackers and non-trusted personnel. Human factors are another concern that could cause serious problems. E commerce comes with privacy issues that affect customers significantly. This appears prompted by fraud, theft and impersonation of individuals who end up fooling customers. This appears to destroy a company’s name. The United States government reports security breaches in nine leading retailers; and a minimum of 40 million in debit and credit card numbers. The US Attorneys considers hacking, and impersonation as the most dominant theft cases ever acted against by the justice department. In a bid to conquer the problem, the EU and the US legislation authorize some organizations to disclose to customers how to verify the validity of their product (Evans, 2012). The revelations appear effective when delivered through privacy policies, in online and offline situations. Some studies experiments deem the relating of privacy policies via trustworthiness,

The Human Anatomy and Possible Threats Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

The Human Anatomy and Possible Threats - Essay Example This section presents the systems of the human body and how they function in swift collaboration. The section aims to reveal how each of the various organ systems is equally important in enabling human beings to function as complete beings. The main systems of the human body are the cardiovascular system, the digestive system, the endocrine system, the urinary system, the immune system, the muscular system, the nervous system, the reproductive system, and the respiratory system (Schlossberg and Zuidema, 2007). Wolfsthal (2008) argues that all the mentioned systems work in harmony to ensure that the body maintains a steady state with sufficient nutrients and oxygen, as well as the correct temperature and the right pH level (level of acidity or basicity of the body) ((Steding, 2009). The circulatory system is responsible for the circulation of blood and lymph around the body (Swearingen, 2012). The circulation in turn transports oxygen, carbon dioxide, nutrients, hormones, and other su bstances to and from the body (Wolfsthal, 2008). This phenomenon can also be referred as Cellular Metabolism (Waller and Lloyd, 2008). Cellular Metabolism can be defined as the cumulative sequence of biochemical reactions, which occur within a cell. The reaction is responsible for the production of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP-the molecule which stores all the energy derived from food). Cellular metabolism also enables processes like respiration and the disposal of waste products from the body.

How stress leads to injuries on the job Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How stress leads to injuries on the job - Essay Example 516) For example, conflict may arise between the individual and the world of work because a transition is called for. To illustrate: for the beginning worker we have the self-centredness of adolescence to the disciplined subordination of personal needs to the demands of the workplace. (p. 516) This is the reason why many workers need to learn and adapt to the reality those personal feelings and values are often of little importance or relevance to the workplace. The dilemma is underscored by the fact that the work environment is becoming more complex, ever changing and technologically sophisticated. The impact of stress in the field of occupational safety engineering is tied to the fact that exposure to stressful working conditions can have a direct influence on a worker’s safety or the risk of illness and injury. The study of occupational stress was given impetus in the early 1970s by the establishment in the US of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), whose goal is to conduct research to reduce work-related illnesses and injuries. From then on, research and studies conducted by the agency would help shape the course of job-stress research in the United States. One of the most important findings of NIOSH is that job stress is viewed as a situation in which job stressors – alone or in combination with other stressors – interact with individual worker characteristics and result in acute disruption of psychological or physiological homeostasis. Levy, Baron and Sokas (2006) elaborated on this study further, citing that: This disruption (often called job strain) can be psychological (disruption in effect or cognition); physiological; or behavioral. Job strain, if prolonged, is thought to lead to a variety disorders, including cardiovascular disease, psychological disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. (p. 383) Cary Cooper conducted an early

Film Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words - 1

Film - Essay Example He is simultaneously presented as a suitably murky protagonist who goes abroad to arrange assassination of his old professor, who is now an anti-Fascist leader living an exiled life in Paris. Clerici is a Conformist who is very anxious to live a normal life and trying hard at his level best to fit in the society in every possible way. The film beautifully portrays a man's psychological need to 'conform' and to be 'normal' at social level; particularly in general as well as at the political level. Underlying Theme: The predominant theme of the film is  conformity. Clerici has an excessive urge to lead a life of normality-'to fit' perfectly in the society. Like any other man, he is seeking for acceptance from the society and to make a position that would lead him to his ultimate goal in life. He is deeply driven by his bitter memories of childhood and in this way, he hopes to escape  the demolishing outcomes of his mother and father. One might also contemplate that Clerici is often chased by his repressed homosexual urge which he feared that it might emerge as it is against the norms of society.

How stress leads to injuries on the job Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

How stress leads to injuries on the job - Essay Example 516) For example, conflict may arise between the individual and the world of work because a transition is called for. To illustrate: for the beginning worker we have the self-centredness of adolescence to the disciplined subordination of personal needs to the demands of the workplace. (p. 516) This is the reason why many workers need to learn and adapt to the reality those personal feelings and values are often of little importance or relevance to the workplace. The dilemma is underscored by the fact that the work environment is becoming more complex, ever changing and technologically sophisticated. The impact of stress in the field of occupational safety engineering is tied to the fact that exposure to stressful working conditions can have a direct influence on a worker’s safety or the risk of illness and injury. The study of occupational stress was given impetus in the early 1970s by the establishment in the US of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), whose goal is to conduct research to reduce work-related illnesses and injuries. From then on, research and studies conducted by the agency would help shape the course of job-stress research in the United States. One of the most important findings of NIOSH is that job stress is viewed as a situation in which job stressors – alone or in combination with other stressors – interact with individual worker characteristics and result in acute disruption of psychological or physiological homeostasis. Levy, Baron and Sokas (2006) elaborated on this study further, citing that: This disruption (often called job strain) can be psychological (disruption in effect or cognition); physiological; or behavioral. Job strain, if prolonged, is thought to lead to a variety disorders, including cardiovascular disease, psychological disorders and musculoskeletal disorders. (p. 383) Cary Cooper conducted an early

Stratagic leadership in a changing world Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Stratagic leadership in a changing world - Essay Example In this war the weapon is strategy. A strategy is a tool used for managing the organization’s resources in order to mitigate risks & optimize resources. This is the simplest definition of the term strategy. However in real life, the organizations face a lot of complexity to form & maintain a strategy. Strategy forms an integral part of the discipline strategic management domain. Thus framing the right strategy and implementing it stepwise is known as the process of strategic planning. The strategic planning process is a stage wise procedure that has got specific objectives and final outcomes that can be employed and analyzed. In simpler terms, this process is the means to view the future and creating an outline on the basis of recent trends and controlling the forces that can affect the strategic decisions (Ahoy, 1998). Strategic planning is an essential part of strategic management. Strategic Management involves actions and thoughts which are focused at the long-term objectiv es the entire organization and the strategic planning is usually done during situations of uncertainty (Downey, 2007). Strategies are generally designed for meeting the future challenges and for exploiting upcoming opportunities. Every firm needs a strategy tailored according to their needs (Cole, 2003, pp. 2-15). If a firm is not following a strategic plan, then it becomes tough for it to survive in this challenging world of competitions. In the present discussion we will study the Inside out and the Outside in schools of strategic management. Inside-Out and Outside-In planning Inside out is a  business strategic planning  process  that depends on the  competitive advantage  of the  firm  to  encourage  alteration,  innovation  and product development  in contrast to the external  forces  like the  market, consumer  preferences and competition. The declaration by the strategists who believe in the inside-out approach suggests that a firm  attains  better  efficiencies  and become accustomed more rapidly to the changing situations. The inside-out and outside frameworks of strategic planning involves significant concepts that are applied in order to link strategic pattern to the external and internal accountability steps. These external and internal accountability steps are widespread in all aspects of the national govern aments, districts around the schools and the local firms like the insurance companies, banks etc. Inside-Out arrangement emphasizes on the firm as the primary customer. It facilitates an association to have a vision of the firm which goes beyond the business world. The Inside out framework of planning typically puts stress on the goals, purposes and mission. It always considers the well being of the business and is characteristically known as hasty in nature. Outside-In process of planning puts stress on the general public as the key addressees. It perceives the business from the exterior. It usually con fronts the status quo and often causes uneasiness to the existing workers since it suggests transformation. Outside-in process of planning is characteristically practical in nature (Boleman, 2003). Example of Inside Out Planning Firms adapting the inside-out approach require examining their own weaknesses and strengths by putting forth the questions like, â€Å"What are we good at making and selling?†(Civichino, 2012). As the strengths are recognized, the firm creates the products accordingly and applies

The condition known as delirium

The condition known as delirium Introduction This assignment will examine the condition known as delirium and will focus on a clinical case study (please see appendix 1. for the full overview of the clinical case study) of a gentleman called Halim* who has presented in the emergency department with his two daughters. This assignment will be separated into two distinct parts; the first part of this assignment will provide a clinical overview of delirium and will explore what the condition is, the common features, clinical causes and interventions available to manage and treat the condition. This will provide the reader with an understanding of the components that constitute the condition of delirium. The second part of the assignment will then focus on placing the acquired knowledge of delirium on to the clinical case study of Halim so that a more detailed clinical exploration can be completed; with focus being placed on the role of the practitioner and their interventions in addressing the key issues. *To protect and respect client confidentiality all names have been changed and any identifiable data censored for the purpose of this assignment. Delirium Clinical Overview Delirium, also sometimes referred to as an acute confusional state, is a common clinical condition that presents with individuals experiencing disturbances in consciousness, cognitive function and perception, which has an acute onset and fluctuating course (NICE, 2010). The important clinical characteristic of a delirium is that the onset is quite rapid; it may present and develop within a very short period of time, usually over the course of a few hours or days (Brown Boyle, 2002). It is not uncommon for an individual to present to hospital settings with symptoms of delirium and it is important to acknowledge that individuals who already are hospital inpatients or in a care setting may also develop delirium; it is a condition that traverses the inpatient and community settings. Literature suggests that there are two types of delirium; hypoactive delirium is characterised by individuals experiencing withdrawal, lethargy, introversion and sleepiness whereas people with hyperactive delirium have heightened arousal, restlessness, agitation and aggression (NICE, 2010). There is also a third variation where individuals may experience a mixture of both hyper and hypoactive symptoms which can make diagnosis very difficult. It is suggested that delirium can often be mistaken for dementia, worsening of pre-existing cognitive problems and old age; however delirium is a clinical syndrome that differs from these other conditions as it is the sudden and acute onset that tends to vary throughout the course of the day that identifies it as delirium rather than any other disorder (Meagher, 2001). It is reported frequently within the literature (Wong et al., 2010; NICE, 2010; Meagher, 2001; Brown Boyle, 2002; Cole, 2004 and Siddiqi House, 2006) that patients with delirium experience a reduced ability to focus and concentrate; perceptual disturbances which includes delusions, paranoia and hallucinations; fluctuations in presentation; difficulty in following conversation or direction; rambling or changing topic; disorganised thinking and disturbances in consciousness. In addition to these clinical symptoms there also may be mood disturbances and changes in neurological presentation with individuals experiencing changes in muscle tone, tremor and involuntary jerking (Map of Medicine, 2011). Delirium occurs due to underlying physical pathology (American Psychiatric Association, 2000) and although symptoms may present as symptoms of mental illness the condition itself has originated usually from some kind of underlying infection, disease or event that has impacted on the individuals physical health status (Wong et al., 2010). Examples of possible causes for delirium include; hypovolaemic shock, cardiac failure, myocardial infarction, head trauma, seizure, metabolic disorders such as liver or renal failure, fluid and electrolyte imbalance, infection, malignancy, dehydration, post operative state, pain, constipation or urinary retention. In addition to these common causes delirium may also be induced by individuals experiencing complications from drug interactions and withdrawal; and included in this is prescribed medications, illicit drugs and alcohol (Map of Medicine, 2010). Delirium is a very serious condition and it cannot be underestimated as the mortality rate for individuals is very high even after discharge from hospital for up to 12 months (McCusker et al., 2002), other complications from delirium also include patients having to stay longer in hospital which means they are exposed longer to hospital acquired infections, persistent cognitive deficits and an increased risk of the individual being discharged into residential care rather than return to living independently are also factors (Wong et al., 2010). With the symptoms of delirium presenting as the onset of an acute mental illness it is possible for debate to arise as to which clinical team should be responsible for the management of the patient; additionally; in light of the evidence presented; it would be easy for the individual with delirium to be overlooked or not be investigated for the reasons behind the onset of the condition which is probably why the mortality rate is so high; underlying physical conditions that are not assessed, treated or managed will continue to affect the health status of the individual. Statistically more than half of delirium cases go unrecognised by health professionals (Inouye et al., 1998). Prevention of delirium is more effective than treating it once it has developed (Brown Boyle, 2002) therefore it is important for healthcare professionals to be aware of the risk factors, symptoms and causes of delirium for individuals under their care either in hospital or in the community. If delirium has already developed then it is the responsibility of the healthcare team to manage the condition quickly and efficiently to reduce further problems and difficulties for the individual; recognizing the mortality rates associated with a diagnosis of delirium should facilitate efficiency. To assist with obtaining a clearer clinical perspective of delirium and the impact it has on an individual a clinical case study shall now be explored. Halim Clinical Exploration Halim was admitted to the emergency department and when the clinical history was obtained from his daughters it was identified that there had been a rapid change in his cognitive status which had been observed within a 24 hour period as his daughter had not been alerted to any concerns when she had spoken to him the previous evening. In light of the evidence it is possible for practitioners at this point to consider that Halim has developed an acute syndrome such as delirium and the next stage is to explore this further. On completion of the basic observations it was evident that there are physical abnormalities present. From visual observation of the patient it is clear he has altered mental status, dry skin and cracked lips. From clinical measurement of heart rate, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen saturation levels, there is further evidence of physical abnormalities that may contribute to changes in cognitive function to such an acute degree. Obtaining clinical history often involves information being sought from third parties to support clinical findings particularly if the patient is impaired cognitively. Halims daughters were able to give an account of a gentleman who had experienced marital problems and divorce due to alcohol misuse and evidence remains that he continues to consume alcohol regularly. In addition to this there is a history reported of Halim neglecting his diet to the extent his daughters provide food for him when they visit, he also engages in health limiting behaviours by smoking and consuming high levels of caffeine on a daily basis. The history obtained from Halims daughters identifies a gentleman who is successfully self- employed, he has hobbies and interests although his social network has reduced and although he engages in health limiting behaviours such as smoking, drinking alcohol and neglecting his dietary needs; he has remained independent within his own home. The evidence suggests there has been an acute change and with this information and the clinical evidence indicating Halim is experiencing tachycardia, high temperature, hypotension and dehydration the clinical evidence provides a strong indication that he is experiencing symptoms of delirium. Further investigations are required to gain a greater understanding of what physical changes have occurred so that underlying causes are treated, however the practitioner should take some time to explain to the family members what tests are being completed and what the medical team are treating Halim for. The family must be very distressed by the changes to their father and by communicating the outcomes of the assessment and responding to any questions they may have will be beneficial as it is reported that the experience of delirium is frightening for both the patient and their carers and the value of reassurance cannot be underestimated (Mohta et al., 2003; Jacobson Schreibman, 1997). Managing Halim in terms of obtaining his consent to agree to treatment and investigations may be difficult because of the level of cognitive change and because his understanding and judgement may be impaired because of the delirium; therefore it is important that the practitioner and family are familiar with legal frameworks and hospital policies that are in place to ensure the rights of all parties are being protected. An example of this would be practitioners being familiar with the hospitals delirium policy, being well versed in patients rights and by having knowledge about legislation such as the Mental Capacity Act (The Stationary Office, 2005). As stated previously the experience of delirium may be frightening for Halim and therefore the practitioner should endeavour to implement nursing and care strategies that reduce distress, improve orientation, address physical health status and ultimately minimise the duration and impact of the delirium. Examples of the interventions that can be implemented include; working with the multi disciplinary team to treat the underlying cause of the delirium. This may include providing pain control, regulation of bowel and bladder function, ensuring adequate diet and fluid intake is promoted and recorded. Another intervention that is reported to be effective in supporting patients with delirium is for care staff to provide a safe and therapeutic environment. This would mean that Halim is offered reassurance and support, all activities are carefully explained; and for Halim this may mean that a Farsi speaking interpreter is found to facilitate communication between him and the medical team as he reverts to the language of his birth when speaking with the clinicians. In expanding the opportunity to communicate with Halim, this may increase his comprehension of what the medical team are trying to achieve and reassure him that the procedures being carried out; like attempting to obtain a urine screen. Due to the life threatening nature of Delirium it is essential for all physical screens and assessments to be carried out to ensure early identification of the reason for the onset of the condition, if the therapeutic interventions are unable to be implemented due to Halim remaining agitated and acutely confused then as a last resort medication may be considered in an attempt to reduce his level of arousal enough to ensure clinical procedures and care can be delivered. Psychotropic medication can be prescribed in delirium in an attempt to reduce the levels of distress and agitation and for Halim it may be beneficial to ease his levels of arousal enough so that medical interventions can take place; it is important to note however that psychotropic medications have side effects that include; extra pyramidal side effects, mobility impairment, sedation and cardiac interaction therefore they must be used with extreme caution and Halim should be monitored closely. Conclusion Halim has presented to the emergency department with a delirium and the impact of this on his health and welfare should not be underestimated by practitioners. With mortality rates in delirium being worthy to note it is essential that care pathways are developed to ensure the physical health and mental wellbeing of patients like Halim are met concurrently. Clinical, environmental and behavioural interventions are acknowledged to reduce the impact, intensity and duration of the condition; therefore practitioners should work intensively to ensure a delirium presentation is treated efficiently and effectively to ensure mortality rates are reduced and recovery is facilitated as quickly as possible.

Women in Islam Essay -- Islam

In my research paper, I will try to argue that the way that Muslim extremists treat women in Islam, couldn’t be further away than what the Islam preaches. Misinformation and misconception about Muslim women is the main reasons why so many Westerner’s have the picture of Islam, especially in America, associated it with bad images of oppressed women hiding in their hijab,, or walking behind their husbands. What does Islam say about women and their right’s. Do Islamic countries follow Islamic teaching when dealing with women’s issues? Beliefs about how Muslim women are treated and blame the religion instead of the culture from which they came from. I hope that instead of falling into the typical stereotypes and cultural innovation, the information here will inform you of the true religion of Islam and how women are supposed to be treated through the verbatim words of god from any human being. Islam is one of the fastest growing religions in the world. How ever, when people say, "Islam," most people think about terrorism and the tragedy of September 11th, but what is true Islam? How does this affect today's world? Islam may be the most misunderstood religion in the world, but after reading this, you’ll probably have a lot more in common with the religion that is so foreign to so many. A comprehensive demographic study of more than 200 countries finds that there are 1.57 billion Muslims of all ages living in the world today, representing 23 percent of an estimated 2009 world population of 6.8 billion. Islam is one of the fasted growing religions there is today. Many of those converts are woman who are attracted to the religion based on it’s treatment for women. Islam is growing about 2.9% per year which is faster than the t... ...to preserve it from any altering like what happened to the religious scriptures, so the community started with the oral tradition of memorizing and before the time of the prophets death, the Koran was compiled with his approval and it’s still preserved in the same way as it was revealed to us 1400 years ago. The holy book not only had been memorized by the prophet, but he was also tested every year from the same angel and he was to repeat every single word back to him for 23 years until he died. and that promise has been fulfilled in that , it’s been untouched The Koran contains guidance defining the role of women in Islam according to the Koran, which hasn’t been altered for the last 1400 years. The guidance within this holy book were given to prophet Muhammad, which was Islam's last and final messenger, over the span of twenty-three years from the angel Gabriel.

Cooking as a Social Function Essay -- Women Economics Culture Essays

Cooking as a Social Function In Women and Economics, Charlotte Perkins Gilman directly addressed the notion of work divided along sexual lines. Her analysis, however, refutes the modern idea that the sexual divisions of labor are driven by a comparative advantage to working in the household or in the market. In spite of some overtones of biological essentialism in her argument, in the form of the abundant nature metaphors, Gilman ultimately proposed a society where the household work and the market are indistinguishable from one another. Though it is a small part of her argument in the text, Gilman’s discussion of cooking as woman’s work encompasses much of the complexity and the essence of her arguments. Gilman, though she did not term it as such, addressed the idea of comparative advantages in the household rather directly. â€Å"The main justification for the subjection of women, which is commonly advanced, is the alleged advantage to motherhood resultant from her extreme specialization to the uses of maternity under this condition† (Gilman 169). She countered this argument by first rejecting it on the ground that â€Å"the advantage to motherhood cannot be proved† and secondly by arguing that it is not maternal tasks that women are subjected to, but rather â€Å"the uses of sex-indulgence† (169). This idea of â€Å"sex-indulgence† is the core of her argument as she sees household tasks as inherently conflated with men and women’s sexual relationships. In considering the issue of â€Å"our division of labor on sex-lines, Gilman focused on the complexities involved with â€Å"the preparation and serving of food† (225). Once the notion that women are somehow inherently better at making food than men, the idea of women cooking in the ho... ...still has some choice in selecting the particular establishment to live in, it removes much of the onus of responsibility off of the woman and onto the living establishment. While Gilman’s vision of what she saw as coming to pass in the near future has not yet arrived, her arguments are still operating against contemporary notions of women in the household. Modern microeconomic models of household production still rely on the idea that women are somehow biologically fitted to â€Å"the preparation and serving of food and the removal of dirt, [and] the nutritive and execrative processes† (Gilman 225). As a result, her arguments seem striking over a century since they were written. References Gilman, C. (1998). Women and Economics: A Study of the Economic Relation Between Men and Women as a Factor in Social Evolution. Berkeley: University of California Press.

Relations Between Blacks and Whites

Japan’s economy can be traced back to World War II. After this period, many structural changes helped transform the Japanese economy. This was necessary because Japan had undergone through war that saw its economy near collapse. These changes in policies were through interaction with America, international market, and social mobilization (Ohno, 2006). At the time of war, there was a rapid growth in Japan’s economy. This period saw a rise of manufacturing industries due to materials necessity for the war. Such industries included the automobile industry. Once the war was over, most of the technologies and companies were converted to peaceful economic development (Ohno, 2006). This also saw expansion of private companies. There was also a desire to catch up with the west; new technology and management. The changing US policies were an instrumental success of Japan’s economy. This is because Japan was given permission to export to the US and at the same time protecting its domestic market (Ohno, 2006). The venture into export economy also leaped enormously from international marker of low tariffs; low prices of oil and materials needed for industrial expansion (Ohno, 2006). Another significant trend to the expansion of the economy was the welfare society in Japan instead of the welfare state. This helped Japan to direct most of its resources that would have been spent on welfare to industrial expansion (Ohno, 2006). After the 1950s, Japan’s government engaged in massive financing of the economy. This was through collaboration between the state and private sector. This revamped the economy and the gross national product expanded more than 10 percent annual with limited downturns (Ohno, 2006). There was also development of export economy; investment in technology. The export economy has remained, until now, where over 70 percent of manufactured goods are exported (Ohno, 2006). The other factor that helped was the provision of loans for business by the private banks and removal of monopoly in various sectors of the economy. Additionally, there was an increasing role of trade unions, part time workers, and small companies. There was a mutual understanding between industries and workers. Most of the workers on the short-term basis worked hard to get long-term employment. This helped in post war Japan takeoff in terms of economics (Ohno, 2006). The transition from 1970 to 1980 saw Japan catch up with the other industrial economies of the world. However, this trend was not to remain due to unchanging policies. There was a lack of modern investment opportunities and poor management (Sakisaka & Gaimusho, 2007). This led to business firms, real estate and financial institutions falling prey to speculation. This finally led to the ‘bubble’ economy (Ohno, 2006). The effects were to be felt in the 1990s. Japan continues to struggle to get out of these effects until now. This will only be possible through sweeping reforms. This paper seeks to focus on Japan’s economy. Japanese Geography, Language, and Population Japan is a country of East Asia. It is made up of thousands of islands. However, there are crucial islands. They include Honshu, Hokkaido, Kyushu, and Shiloku; these are the largest of those islands. Japan’s neighbors are Korea, Russia, and China. It has a size equal to Germany or California (Japan Guide, 2013). The language of most of the population is Japanese. However, there has been infiltration of foreign languages. The population is estimated to be 125 million (Japan Guide, 2013). In this estimate, two million are foreign residents. Most of the foreigners are the Korean. Japan is also vulnerable to earthquakes and volcanoes. This is because this country is mostly mountainous. Japan also has variations in climate, due to different islands that make up the country. Economy Japan’s economy ranks high in the world. In fact, Japan ranks second among the most developed nations. Japan GDP has been on the rise since 2004 (Trading Economics, 2012). However, there was a little stagnation in 2005 and 2006. Moreover, there was a reduction in GDP during 2007 to 2008. This was due to the challenges that faced the economy during this time. The annual growth rate of Japan has averaged 2. 1 percent for the last three decades (Trading Economics, 2012). The economy of Japan is majorly dominated by technological advancement. This has enabled Japan to enhance any materials received from other countries. This is because Japan is not endowed with minerals and other forms of raw materials. Most of Japan GDP is dominated by services (Trading Economics, 2012). These se rvices include wholesale and retail, as well as the real estate. The other driving force of the economy is the manufacturing sector. This accounts for nearly 22 percent of the GDP (Trading Economics, 2012). Moreover, constructions industry contributes heavily to the growth of the economy. This accounts for over 5 percent of the country GDP (Trading Economics, 2012). The rate of growth is expected to increase because of changing fiscal policies. Japan has been struggling with inflation for a long time. However, inflation is expected to slow down. For example, the central bank has introduced an inflation target of 2 percent (Einhorn, 2013). Various initiatives have been taken to curb inflation are already in place. The current one has been buying Yen to issue bonds. This will help by weakening the Yen and reviving inflation rate. However, Japan trade deficits have declined significantly. It stands at 362. 4 billion yen that is half of what was reported at the beginning of the year (Einhorn, 2013). However, in Japan there has been an increased in the number of unemployed individuals. For example, in March the unemployment rate was 4. 10 percent as compared to the onset of the year when it stood at 4. 3 (Trading Economics, 2012). For the last six decades, unemployment rate in Japan has averaged 2. 68 percent. However, it was at its highest level in July of 2009 at 5. 60 percent (Trading Economics, 2012). Japanese Openness, Currency, Current Exchange Rate, Primary Exports, Imports, Current Account Balance, Major Trading Partners, and Agreements The rate of openness of a country influences its economy in myriad ways. There is a role of importance in this trend to economic growth. The openness is reflected in terms of international knowledge streams and international movement of people, resources, and technology (Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2011). Openness can also lead to failure of some key sector of the economy. This is due to unemployment and failure to compete by some companies on a global scale. Japan is poor as compared to other country of its caliber in terms of openness. This is evident in terms of comparison of countries export and imports of good and services compared to GDP (Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2011). The country also shows less inward investment. However, in Japan there exists a higher exposure to international competition. For example, over 50 percent of Japanese automobile makers occur outside Japan (Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2011). However, an exception occurs in the food, beverage, and tobacco sector. The sectors that deal with agriculture are cautioned by the government international competition. In Japan, there is also exposure to international trade. In fact, Japan intra-industry business comprises half of all trade (Research Institute of Economy, Trade and Industry, 2011). In addition, Japan appears as one of the country hard to make use of foreign labor. The Japanese currency is yen. The US dollar to Japanese yen exchange rate currently is at 99. 25. Japan has largely focused on export due to its processing nature. Japan receives raw materials from different countries and then adds value before exporting. The main export of Japan includes transportation equipments, motor vehicles, electrical machinery, and chemicals (Economy and Trade Fact Sheet, n. d. ). Most of Japan’s imports are raw materials. They include oil, foodstuff, and wood (Economy and Trade Fact Sheet, n. d. ). The import/export stability has helped Japan have a significant trade partners. These partners include United States, China, Germany, Indonesia, South Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (Economy Watch, 2010). The country has also been the main export market for over ten trading nations worldwide (Economy Watch, 2010). The financial crisis of 2008 affected the international trade of the country. The export volume declined to $516. 3 in 2009 as compared to over 700 billion the previous year (Economy Watch, 2010). In 2010, the total value of export was over 750 billion US dollars (Economy Watch, 2010). Japan is also a member of world commerce and trade agreements. Currently, Japan is a member of many international organizations. They include APEC, WTO, OECD, the G-8, and the G-20 (Economy Watch, 2010). Japan is also advancing towards Economic Partnership Agreement instead of Free Trade Agreements. Japanese Trade Policy and Trade Barriers in Various Periods Japan’s trade policies and barriers have changed depending on the status of the economy in different periods of its history. These policies have changed depending on the status of the economy. In 19th century, the country was committed to industrializing as well as carrying out military expansion. Consequently, the government promoted imports of the manufactured and capital goods that were not available in Japan (Sato, 1999). On the other hand, in order to promote export, the government introduced policies that would ensure there was an improvement in quality, production, and standardization of potential or existing exports (Rapp, 1978). Another policy was the introduction of export quality checks. This took place after the end of World War II. There was screening of firms export technology imports and quality control were controlled and enhanced in the country (Rapp, 1978). There was also institutionalization of export cartel; to reduce competition that could be detrimental to individual firms and economy (Rapp, 1978). This was prominent during the 1950s and 1960s. The government have supported research and development in computers to make Japanese producers competitive worldwide. There was lowering on tariffs on raw materials. This increased the effective protection to value added and promoted manufacturing (Rapp, 1978). When the value of yen decreased in the 1930, some companies like Ford were forced to close. There was also checking on the import of assembled motor vehicles. Further policies were implemented after the war. These policies included quotas on import taking account of key raw materials such as coal (Sato, 1999). There were also protective tariffs on manufacturers and raw materials were outsourced toll free. In order to secure foreign exchange, the government regulated the import and amount paid on the required technology (Rapp, 1978). The government also encouraged exports through exceptional tax and credit incentives. Successes and Challenges Faced By Japan in International Trade A country involvement in international trade has its advantages and challenges. The liberal international economic order was beneficial to Japan. This was due to reduction of barrier. Japan exploited this growth and contributed to revenue growth and rising living standards in the country (Noland, 2000). There was a revival of key infrastructure through these programs. However, the country continues to face challenges in international trade. One of the challenges is economic domination by the United States. Secondly, there is growing suspicion from other Asian countries on activities of Japan. The political system in the country is also a challenge to this trade. There is also a replacement of Japan trading activities by emerging economy in East Asia such as China (Cooper, 2013). Trade and Investment Liberalization Should Be Pursued By Japan In Order To Achieve Economic Growth Japan currently is experiencing economic stagnation. This can only be rescued by trade liberalization. The first thing the country should do is to open its domestic market to foreign companies. This will help in areas such as agricultural revival. The other action should be Internationalization of science and innovation. This will help in submission of external earning, enhance the local currency, and will lead to improved direct investment. There should also be openness to labor; highly skilled foreign workers. This will help in improving materials for export, improved trade, and earnings. Conclusion It is clear that Japan’s economics has gone through a period of transformation. Especially before the 21st century. Initially, Japan experienced increased economic growth. However, at the end of the 20th century, Japan experienced an economic downturn. Currently, Japan is on the road to recovery through sweeping reforms it has been undertaking. There has been various policies and tariffs. In addition, there has also been increased revenue through adding value to manufactured goods. This has also helped Japan to be one of the main export/import partners in the world. Japan has benefited from global trade. On the other hand, the international trade has affected Japan.