Wednesday, October 30, 2019
Your pick of this week's news Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 2
Your pick of this week's news - Assignment Example Donor nations particularly face challenges while dealing with the receptive but discriminating nations on the grounds of sexual orientation. The main idea of the article is that with the growth in the acceptance of gay rights globally, donor nations and organizations are facing more challenges in establishing the limits to which they can extend help to the nations that impose ban on homosexuality. The author has given enough factual material to support the ideas e.g. latest estimates of the UN, and quotations of important figures. The author appears to have obtained information through review of literature and latest news. The reportage is true and balanced because it is based on facts. The author has identified the dilemma donor nations are caught in as they feel pressurized to stop aid to the discriminating nations to take their stand for gay rights on one hand, and to continue aid for the health and social wellbeing of these nations on the cost of gay right
Monday, October 28, 2019
Predictive Validity Results for Assessment Centers and Face to Face Interviews Essay Example for Free
Predictive Validity Results for Assessment Centers and Face to Face Interviews Essay Introduction:            One the greatest challenges for any Human Resources Department in any corporation lie in determining whether or not an interviewee is suitable for the job opening that is available. A lot of companies invest a large amount of capital to upgrade the selection and hiring procedures to ensure that the proper individuals are hired (Delery and Kacmar 1998). In line with these hiring procedures, many tests have been implemented to improve on the reliability of the HR processes that are involved (Delery and Kacmar 1998). Traditional methods of testing involved face to face interviews which were considered as reliable in determining whether or not a particular individual was well suited for a certain job or an organization (Arce-Ferrer 2003). More recently, however, more and more firms are basing their HR practices on more reliable tests and indicators such as the Predictive Validity of Assessment Centers. There has been a lot of controversy regarding the predictive validity results of assessment centers as opposed to face to face interviews. Much of this has been based around the findings that the Predictive Validity for Assessment Centers is much higher than that of Face to Face Interviews (Moruzi and Norman 2002). This short discourse will discuss the theory that the Predictive Validity for Assessment Centers is much greater than Face to Face Interviews. In order to arrive at a better understanding of this issue, it is important to first discuss the meaning of Predictive Validity. Predictive Validity:            Predictive validity, as understood in the field of psychometrics, is defined as the extent that a certain scale is able to predict the scores with regard to criterion measures. It is essentially a measurement of the degree of agreement among different results that have been collected through the use of direct and non-biased testing procedures (Arce-Ferrer 2003). This predictive validity is almost always quantified by the correlation coefficients taken between the two (2) sets of measurements that have been collected from a homogenous target population. Important to the understanding of predictive validity is the concept of correlation coefficient which is basically an indication of the level of linear relationship that exists between two (2) variables. The value of the correlation coefficient always lies between -1 and +1. A result of -1 means that there exists a perfect negative relationship, while a +1 value indicates the exact opposite, which is that a perfect positive linear relationship exists. 0 means that there is no linear relationship between the variables (Arce-Ferrer 2003).            A perfect example of the use of predictive validity is during job performance tests that are geared toward assessing the competency of a certain individual with respect to predetermined job tasks. In job recruiting instances such as these, a group of 100 applicants[1] are tested. After a certain span of time, an assessment comes out. This assessment is based on a quantitative scale that has been evaluated by their superiors and co-workers.            This results in 100 pairs of results – a single pair for every employee. The first set is the scores that are obtained prior to hiring and the second set is from the assessment of competent experts after a certain period of time. The reasonable quantitative measure of predictive validity is shown by the value of the correlation coefficient that has been obtained.            It has been said that predictive validity has certain similarities to other validity tests such as concurrent validity. Both of these tests measure the correlations between test results and a certain criteria measure. The reason why predictive validity is selected despite its similarities to other validity tests is because it is able to provide more beneficial information and data (Arce-Ferrer 2003). This is because predictive validity tests have been found to exhibit a greater fidelity in the context of real situations wherein the test is going to be utilized.            Like many other aspects of social sciences, the results obtained from the correlations in a predictive validity test are not exceptionally high. It has been found that the typical predictive validity data for certain employment tests only yield a correlation of approximately r=0.35 (Arce-Ferrer 2003). Nevertheless, such a result can still lead to substantial benefits for the companies who utilize such a test. Face to Face Interviews:            The utilization of Face to Face interviews has been cited as controversial in not only employment situations but also in other fields such as college admissions. It has been said that these interviews derail the selection process because of the lack of validity and for its lack of reliable evidence (Moruzi and Norman 2002). One of the reasons for this is that Face to Face interviews often yield a lower predictive validity value as compared to other tests such as the Assessment Centers.            Face to Face Interviews often involve a careful selection process among many applicants and potential employees. It usually consists of a very detailed conversation with regard to a set of predetermined issues that serve to identify certain abilities of the individual being interviewed (Delery and Kacmar 1998). In certain cases, in order to improve the accuracy of such a test, the participants are narrowed down to certain specifics to be able to reach an accurate representative of a certain population (Gehrlein, Dipboye and Shahani 1993).            The diverse amount of information that can be obtained from Face to Face Interviews makes it ideal in certain circumstances. This method has been found to be particularly useful in gathering information that is not typically ascertainable through other methods (Moruzi and Norman 2002). As such, the reliability of this type of test is compromised with regard to the predictive validity value because of the lack of objectivity that has been found to occur frequently during Face to Face Interviews. Assessment Centers:            Assessment centers are generally defined as a process by which a certain group of individuals are given a series of work related exercises and tests. The purpose of these tests is to enable the experts to determine the abilities, skills, traits and other character details of the participants (Delery and Kacmar 1998). The trained experts employed to conduct these tests are tasked with the evaluation of each individual against certain predetermined criteria.            There are many different methods of assessment that are currently used in practice today. These tests include interviews, in-tray exercises, presentations, group activities, work simulation tasks, group dynamics and at times even role-plays (Holling and Reiners 1995). While not all of the Assessment Centers conduct all of these tests, a great number have resorted to a combination of a majority of the aforementioned assessment practices.            As a method of selection and recruitment in companies, Assessment Centers are regularly utilized for its ability to provide consistent, unbiased and objective results.   The recognized downside to this, however, is the fact that assessment centers are very capital intensive for companies to maintain and therefore means that those who are subjected to assessments must already exhibit a great degree of potential for the company (Holling and Reiners 1995).            The broad range of methods used by Assessment Centers has made it suitable for use in selection, hiring and even promotion of personnel. A number of studies have consistently maintained that Assessment Centers are regularly able to meet such requirements as reliability, objectivity and predictive validity (Holling and Reiners 1995). With correlation coefficient values ranging from r=0.30 and r=0.40, the utility of Assessment Centers have allowed companies to come up with a reliable method for personnel management (Holling and Reiners 1995). This relatively high predictive validity value has been attributed to the fact that most of the indicators of future job performance are not made to depend upon a subjective assessment. Advantages and Disadvantages:            Before comparing Face to Face Interviews and Assessment Centers, it is important to first discuss the advantages and disadvantage of each of these methods as HR functions. This discussion will begin with the advantages and disadvantages of Face to Face Interviews and proceed to a discussion on the same topics with regard to Assessment Centers.            Advocates of Face to Face Interviews have often cited that this process has many beneficial applications for HR functions. One of the reasons given is that Face to Face Interviews often provide information about non-cognitive criteria that are usually regarded as crucial to success. The ability of Face to Face Interviews to provide information that is usually not obtained in other tests gives it a distinct advantage over objective methods design to elicit very specific criteria (Li, Canada and Lim 2000). Another important advantage of Face to Face Interviews comes from the fact that it allows for a systematic review of certain criteria or information that the individual has provided. The Face to Face Interview process means that there are more opportunities to tackle certain issues that cannot be raised in Assessment Center practices.            On the other hand, Face to Face Interviews have been criticized for the subjectivity factor that contributes to errors from multiple sources (Holling and Reiners 1995). This in turn affects the Predictive Validity of such a method. It has also been shown in studies that use the Face to Face Interview process in college admission programs that the predictive validity is widely unknown. Other have also criticized these Face to Face interviews for being less efficient and even more costly as compared to the other alternatives that exists such as standardized objective exams and the like.            Assessment Centers justify their relatively significant Predictive Validity ratings on the objectivity and reliability of the results obtained. A fairly great number of individual studies that have been conducted on the objectivity of Assessment Centers have shown that the Predictive Validity of Assessment Center Procedures studies lie within the range of r=0.30 to r=0.40 (Holling and Reiners 1995).        In addition to this, the â€Å"social validity†that assessment centers have has met the demand for the other qualities that are essential to the personnel selection process. In most Assessment Center practices, information on certain details with regard to the workplace and the company are made available to participants, while management, on the other hand, participates in the development and use of selection instruments (Holling and Reiners 1995).  This results in the implementation of processes and leads to conclusions that are transparent for both the participant and the management. The effect of this is that it leads to a relatively easier communication system for the parties involved. These advantages are what make Assessment Centers highly acceptable to both the participants and HR in relation to personnel selection within companies.            The greatest disadvantage to Assessment Centers as argued by critics lies in the finding that the objectivity of the methods are compromised due to the involvement of management and employees in the design of the Assessment Center procedures (Holling and Reiners 1995). As such, there can be no objectivity with regard to the results because the preconceived notions of the desired qualities for the applicants play heavily in the selection of potential employees as assessors.            Another issue is with regard to the performance criteria that are utilized in Assessment Centers. The Predictive Validity of the Assessment Center is subjected to influences in relation to the norms, values and preconceptions of management (Holling and Reiners 1995). This criterion contamination effect often leads to over estimates in Predictive Validity results (Holling and Reiners 1995). Link between Face to Face Interviews and Assessment Centers:            The link that exists between Face to Face Interviews and Assessment Centers revolves around the practicality of such practices in light of Human Resource Procedures for Corporations. The determination of the selection and hiring of individuals is often an expensive process for most companies (Cherwitz 2004, 2005). Due to this financial concern, a number of companies are torn between conducting face to face interviews and organizing assessment centers.            Clearly, the reliability that Assessment Centers provide makes it an ideal choice over Face to Face Interviews for most companies. The lack of objectivity of Face to Face Interviews, as shown in the previous section, makes it difficult to ascertain the reliability of such a test (Cherwitz 2004, 2005). Although it does offer additional information that cannot be obtained through other methods, the usefulness only lends partial viability for the utilization of this model.            Assessment Centers, on the other hand, allow the companies to have a more reliable view of the potential employee. This allows companies to predict to a more accurate degree whether or not a certain individual would be a perfect fit in the organization. It also allows companies to estimate to a reasonable degree the success of such person within the organization.            It must be noted, however, that a lot of the research done in this field has led to certain changes in HR functions. The ever growing reliance by management on verifiable statistics and tests has led to an adaptation of certain measures to improve the validity of such findings (Hough 1998). As such, while Assessment Centers are clearly shown here as more reliable given the greater Predictive Validity ratings that it consistently obtain, the presence of newer and more reliable techniques could tip the scales in other directions (Hough 1998). Conclusion: While face to face interviews can be incorporated in most Assessment Centers, the issue of reliability and objectivity still comes into play. As has been shown in the advantages and disadvantages section of this discussion, the benefits that a company can derive from organizing Assessment Centers far outweigh those of Face to Face Interviews. The only concern, however, is the financial burden that such a program can cause for a company. Given the benefits that can be acquired from the implementation of this HR function, however, it is clear that Assessment Centers yield more promise than Face to Face Interviews. In the advent of globalization and the presence of an ever competitive global market, the relevance of such a finding is crucial. Companies can effectively allocate the resources that they have to obtain results that are quantifiable and verifiable. The investment in sound personnel policies such as an Assessment Center ensures that the companies that employ such HR functions can remain competitive in the global markets of today.    References: Arce-Ferrer, A., Ketherer, J. (2003). The effect of scale tailoring for cross-cultural application on scale reliability and construct validity. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 63(3), 484-501. Cherwitz, R. (2004). Capitalizing on unintended consequences: Lessons on diversity from Texas. Peer Review, 6, 33-35. Cherwitz, R. (2005). Diversifying graduate education: The promise of intellectual entrepreneurship. Journal of Hispanic Higher Education, 4, 19-33. Delery, J., Kacmar, K. (1998). The influence of applicant and interviewer characteristics on the use of impression management. Journal of Applied Social Psychology, 28, 1649-1669. Gehrlein, T., Dipboye, R., Shahani, C. (1993). Nontraditional validity calculations and differential interviewer experience. Educational and Psychological Measurement, 53(2), 457-469. Hills, J. (1971). Use of measurement in selection and placement. In R. L. Thorndike (Ed.), Educational measurement (2nd ed., pp. 680-732). Washington, DC: American Council of Education. Holling, Heinz and Reiners, Wolfram (1995) Predicting Job Success with the Assessment Center: Validity or Artifact? Westfalische Wilhels-University Munster, Bundesrepublik Deutschland. Hough, L. M. (1998). Personality at work: Issues and evidence. In M. Hakel (Ed.), Beyond multiple choice: Evaluating alternatives to traditional testing for selection (pp. 131-166). Mahwah, NJ: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, Inc. Li, C., Canada, R., Lim, M. (2000). A review of admission procedures of counselor education programs. The Alabama Counseling Association Journal, 26(2), 33-40. Moruzi, C., Norman, G. (2002). Validity of admission measures in predicting performance outcomes: The contribution of cognitive and non-cognitive dimensions. Teaching and Learning in Medicine, 14(1), 34-42. [1] For purposes of this discussion the figure 100 will be used. This does not signify that 100 is always the base number required for conducting predictive validity tests.
Saturday, October 26, 2019
Coping With Stress In An Organization :: essays research papers
Coping With Stress In An Organization Table of Contents                          I. Introduction                          II. Defining Stress                          III. Types of Stress                          IV. How to Handle Stress                          V. Recognizing Stress                          VI. The Military and Stress                          VII. Summary I. INTRODUCTION      Since the beginning of mankind there has always been some kind of stress affecting how people feel, act and cope with situations. In this paper we will look at the definition of stress and what causes people to have stress. Then we will see how different people handle stress and show how not all individuals have the same tolerance for stress. The next thing that will be discussed is how managers in organizations can recognize and reduce the negative effects that stress has on the worker and the organization. Finally we will consider what kind of stresses there are in military organizations and how they can be controlled. II. DEFINING STRESS      Robert C. Dailey, in his book Understanding People In Organizations, defines stress as â€Å"any demand made on the body that requires psychological or physical adjustment.†Many people think of stress as always being something bad. However, stress sometimes can be good. Stress is part of our every day life. It can have a motivating effect or a demotivating effect. Each of us have our own level of how much stimulation or stress we need in our lives to keep us from getting bored.1 Others however, have a much lower tolerance for stress stimuli. So managers must be able to look at each individual and decide if the individual has a high or low tolerance for stress. Managers can do this only if they have a good understanding of what causes stress. III. TYPES OF STRESS      Stress can come from a multitude of different reasons, but for simplicity lets break it down into two forms: individual induced stress and physical environment stress. Individual stress includes things such as role conflict, role ambiguity, work overload, and responsibility for others. Role conflict occurs when accomplishing one job inhibits or greatly reduces the chance at completing another assigned task. In this case the person who is tasked to do the jobs will incur some type of stress while trying to figure out how to get both tasks accomplished in the given amount of time. How much stress and if it will impact the individual positively or negatively will depend on the experience level of the individual. Role ambiguity is when an individual is not sure of what their job entails. It makes it hard for a person to decide on what their priorities are and how to manage their time. Ambiguity can come from a
Thursday, October 24, 2019
Mary Breckinridge
Jennifer St. Pierre 7/10/2012 Mary Breckenridge NU 120 Michelle R. Edwards MSN, RN Breckenridge School of Nursing Mary Breckenridge was born in 1881 in Kentucky. She was born into an influential family, and for that she enjoyed a privileged childhood as well as getting an education in the U. S and Europe. Mary Breckenridge’s father was the U. S ambassador to Czar Nicholas II of Russia. By the time Mary Breckenridge was 26 years old she had become widowed, as well as losing both of her children at an early age. At this time Mary Breckenridge has decided to dedicate her life in improving the health of women and children. Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. ) Mary Breckinridge became a registered nurse in 1910 and worked at St. Luke’s Hospital in New York. During this time she was as well working in France during World War I, this is where Mary Breckinridge became exposed to new healthcare ideas. Mary Breckenridge stated â€Å"After I had met British nurse-midwives, first in France and then on my visits to London, it grew upon me that nurse-midwifery was the logical response to the needs of the young child in rural America†¦ My work would be for them†. Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. ) Proceeding after World War I Mary Breckenridge went to Columbia University and studied public health. She wanted to conquer the health issues in eastern Kentucky; this area had few roads and absolutely no physicians. Her theory was if she could be successful in such a run down, poor area she could be successful anywhere. Mary Breckenridge got around by traveling horseback and teaching families about their health as well as local lay midwives about birth practices.By doing this she had learned that women lacked prenatal care and gave birth to an average of nine children, this was done by mostly self taught midwives, and farmer’s wives. They relied on traditional beliefs and invasive procedures. (Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. ) Mary Breckinridge believed children’s healthcare should start in the prenatal period (birth-child’s first years) due to a high maternal mortality. When returning to London she became a certified nurse-midwife. She then went to Scotland to observe the work of a community midwifery system.This system served poor and rural areas. The structure was decentralized and was used as a model for the Frontier Nursing Services. Once arriving back in Kentucky in 1925, Mary Breckinridge began the work that would introduce a new type of rural health care in the United States. (Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. ) In 1925 The Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) was established, this was a private charitable organization. The entire serving area was about seven hundred square miles in southeastern Kentucky. Mary Breckinridge raised over six million dollars to support this organization.Many people believed this was due to her influential connection and speaking engagements. The staff was made up of nurse-midwives that w ere trained in England. The staff traveled by horseback and or by foot so that they could provide quality prenatal and childbirth care in the clients’ own home, they functioned as both midwives and family nurses. Clients were able to pay low fees in money and or goods. No one was turned away, and in doing so both maternal and infant mortality rates decreased significantly. (Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. )The Frontier Nursing Service (FNS) registered over sixty four thousand patients since 1925. The FNS as well delivered over seventeen thousand babies with only eleven deaths. One of the nurse-midwife began the first American school of midwifery in New York in 1932. The FNS founded its own school in Hyden Kentucky in 1939. Mary Breckinridge ran the Frontier Nursing Service until she passed away in 1965. (Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. ) The FNS still serves southeastern Kentucky, now with a hospital in Hyden, four rural health clinics, a home health agency, and the FNS Schoo l of Midwifery and family Nursing.Many people from all around the world come to study this particular model of rural and social service delivery. (Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. ) The American College of Nurse Midwives recognizes Breckinridge as â€Å"the first to bring nurse-midwifery to the Untied States†and the Frontier School of Nursing as â€Å"a leader in nurse-midwifery in the Untied States. In 1982 Mary Breckinridge was inducted into the American Nurses Association’s Hall as a tribute for her contributions to the nursing profession in women’s health, community and family nursing, as well as the rural health care delivery. Gina Castlenovo, November 2003. ) Mary Breckinridge had the right Idea about wanting to help the less fortune. In today’s society we have Medicaid. The Medicaid program was designed to provide health coverage for lower-income people, families, pregnant women, children, elderly and people with disabilities. (Medicaid) Reference s Gina Castlenovo, M. M. (November 2003. ). Mary Breckinridge http://www. truthaboutnursing. org/press/pioneers/breckinridge. html. Medicaid. (n. d. ). Medicaidhttp://www. healthcare. gov/using-insurance/low-cost-care/medicaid/. Washington, D. C. 20201.
Wednesday, October 23, 2019
Joesph Cambell Four Functions of a Mtyh
Seyed Maghloubi (Historical Mythology) Joseph Campbell explains the following four functions of a myth. Its metaphysical function is to awaken us to the mystery and wonder of creation, to open our minds and our senses to an awareness of the mystical â€Å"ground of being,†the source of all phenomena. Its cosmological function is to describe the â€Å"shape†of the cosmos, the universe, our total world, so that the cosmos and all contained within it become vivid and alive for us, infused with meaning and significance; every corner, every rock, hill, stone, and flower has its place and its meaning in the cosmological scheme which the myth provides. Its sociological function is to pass down â€Å"the law,†the moral and ethical codes for people of that culture to follow, and which help define that culture and its prevailing social structure. Its pedagogical function is to lead us through particular rites of passage that define the various significant stages of our lives-from dependency to maturity to old age, and finally, to our deaths, the final passage. The rites of passage bring us into harmony with the â€Å"ground of being†and allow us to make the journey from one stage to another with a sense of comfort and purpose. The mystical experience, the core spiritual journey that envisions God, has always been a tough experience to communicate. Some would say it's impossible to communicate. Others would say that this is the primary function of myth-to find a way to communicate whatever mystical insight has been gained on the journey: an understanding of the mysteries that underlie the universe; an appreciation of its wonders; the sense of awe or rapture experienced. Since these things can't be communicated by direct means, myth speaks in a language of metaphors, of symbols, and symbolic narratives that aren't bound by objective reality. Some believe that the mystical experience is what gives birth to metaphoric language, metaphoric thinking. In our post-Enlightenment western world, we have decidedly turned to science to tell us what the â€Å"shape of the world is. †Originally, however, myth performed this function, explaining the cultural history, religion, class structure, origin, even the origin of the geographical features in the surrounding landscape. A myth describes the shape of the world, and infuses each part of that world with meaning and significance. And though a mythic tale may seem literally false in our world today, it was once considered true, and it still expresses a metaphorical truth. Campbell explains that the sociological function of myth is to support and validate a particular social order. The myth will make it clear who is in charge, what ethical code is appropriate, what the institutional rituals will be. The problem is that these codes are fixed, like the natural order, for all time; they are not subject to change. Our myths, according to Campbell, are seriously outdated. Changing time require new myths, and since our times are changing so very rapidly, the myth-making function can't keep up. As a result, we are practically myth-less. Campbell felt we needed to expand into much more than we presently have. This is the aspect of myth that teaches us how to pass into and live all the differing stages of our lives. Our myths (as religion) give us rituals to live by, rites of passage to accomplish. We learn how to look at the world, at ourselves, from birth till death. Because he felt they were all true, Campbell believed myth could teach us important lessons about how to live.
Tuesday, October 22, 2019
Banning of Books essays
Banning of Books essays The foundation of history is based upon written accounts by copious authors. The perception of these historical accounts and life in general is how we identify literature. Throughout ones high school career they are asked on numerous occasions to study great novels. Though some selections are not as classic as others, I adamantly believe that a specific novel should not be banned. The purpose of a novel is to illustrate a persons perspective on life and to permit the reader to enter their realm of thought, and for this reason it would be ludicrous to ban any work of literature. There should not be a boundary put on knowledge, which is provided by books, knowledge is free and a given right. The banning of a piece of literature causes a person to have less of a chance to reach their full potential. For example, in Saudi Arabia there is a book named Satanic Verses, which discusses the beliefs and theories of Islam. Though this book is believed by most to be flawed with inaccuracies and has no evidence to justify its existence, nevertheless it should not be banned. Such a novel opens our eyes to someone elses perspective, which is the main reason for the existence of literature. Though one may not agree with the authors beliefs this does not allow a school or any other government agency to confiscate their works. Doing this would undeniably defeat the purpose of writing a work of fiction! The most powerful source for knowledge is the mind, and this is retrieved from books and literature. A person that considers banning any novel should remember the most influe ntial quote ever stated, Knowledge is power! ...
Monday, October 21, 2019
Capitalism and Industrial Revolution Essay
Capitalism and Industrial Revolution Essay Capitalism and Industrial Revolution Essay THE STRUCTURE AND CULTURE OF THE AMERICAN WORKPLACE SINCE INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION Sara Link Thomas Edison The structure and culture of the American workplace since Industrial revolution Introduction Before the industrial revolution, people were agricultural based in farms that were spread out in America. The mode of production was traditional and the output was dismal. Since the start of the Industrial revolution to date, the structural and cultural workplace in America has been impacted by may forces including rise of capitalism, use of technology, emergence of globalization and gender equality issues. Industrial revolution brought together people from different ways of life through the creation of machines, cities and factories. Time became of importance as work days were no longer determined by the sun. This was because the clock was used at the work place. Entertainment industry grew tremendously as people were seeking something to do when off clock. Congestion developed in the cities because there were no regulations and every family member had to work. Unlike in the agricultural age where families worked together, industrial revolution made it difficult for family members to work together. As a result, family life became very difficult. This paper discusses how the structure and culture of the workplace of American workplace have been affected by the forces of succeeding industrial revolution including capitalism, technology, globalization and issues of equality. Capitalism The term capitalism was coined in 19th Century when industrial revolution was at its peak and individual businessmen were come up with new enterprises and as they accumulated wealth. Capitalism is an economic system in which trade, business, means of production and distribution are controlled by the private owners or corporations, compared to the state-owned means of production. Capitalism has been in existence in the western world since the age of Mercantilism. Mercantilism was an economic system that was supposed to increase the country’s The structure and culture of the American workplace since Industrial revolution 3 wealth through imposing government regulations on commercial interests related to the country’s economy. It was believed that limiting the imports on tariffs and maximizing exports, the nation’s economy would be improved. Compared to the other economic systems, capitalism emphasizes on production at the expense of consumption to increase the productive capacity instead of investing it on economic enterprises that are unproductive for example, palaces and cathedral. It is recognized as the new emerging global economy. Capitalism is illustrated by the flow of goods, services, capital and labor through comparative advantage by use of new technologies that disrupt the traditional ways of conducting business. United States have built a niche for itself in the global economy using modern technology to create high quality goods and services that are value added as well as to have the most informa tion based economy. Remaining at the top is not easy and therefore industries in the United States have to adopt the principal of constant change through the process of â€Å"creative destruction.†This entails replacing ineffective products and the entire industry on a continuous basis. Today, capitalism exists in all countries of the world as a social system where production and distribution means are owned by a minority of people known as the capitalist class. Most people have to exchange their skills to work in return for a salary. This class of people is paid for producing of goods and services which are sold for profit. The capitalists make their livelihood from the profits the working class makes for them. Technology Technology is the study, development, modification, and usage of devices, machines, crafts, systems and techniques so as to find solutions to problems while improving a preexisting problem solution to achieve a
Sunday, October 20, 2019
Understanding Interpersonal Intelligence
Understanding Interpersonal Intelligence Can you pick out the student who gets along with everyone in the class? When it comes to group work, do you know which student you pick to work well with others to complete the assignment? If you can identify that student, then you already know a student who displays the characteristics of interpersonal intelligence. You have seen evidence that this student is able to discern the moods, the feelings, and the motivations of others. Interpersonal is the combination of the prefix inter- meaning between  person  -al. The term was first used in psychology documents (1938) in order to describe behavior between people in an encounter. Interpersonal intelligence is one of Howard Gardners nine multiple intelligences, and this intelligence refers to how skillful an individual is in understanding and dealing with others. They are skilled at managing relationships and negotiating conflict. There are some professions that are a natural fit for people with interpersonal intelligence: politicians, teachers, therapists, diplomats, negotiators, and salesmen. Ability to Relate to Others You wouldnt think that Anne Sullivan- who taught Helen Keller- would be Gardners example of an interpersonal genius. But, she is precisely the example Gardner uses to illustrate this intelligence. With little formal training in special education and nearly blind herself, Anne Sullivan began the formidable task of instructing a blind and deaf seven-year-old, Gardner writes in his 2006 book, Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice. Sullivans showed great interpersonal intelligence in dealing with Keller and all of her profound disabilities, as well as Kellers doubting family. Interpersonal intelligence builds on a core capacity to notice distinctions among others- in particular, contrasts in their moods, temperaments, motivations, and intuitions, Gardner says. With Sullivans help, Keller became a leading 20th-century author, lecturer, and activist. In more advanced forms, this intelligence permits a skilled adult to read the intentions and desire of others even when they have been hidden. Famous People With High Interpersonal Intelligence Gardner uses other examples of people who are socially adept are among those with high interpersonal intelligence, such as: Tony Robbins: Though he grew up in a chaotic and abusive household and without any educational background in psychology, according to Fortune magazine and Wikipedia, Robbins became self-help coach, motivational speaker and best-selling author whose seminars have attracted thousands.Bill Clinton: Once a relatively little-known governor of a small state, Clinton was convincingly elected to two terms as U.S. president, due largely to his personality and ability to relate to people.Phil McGraw: A psychologist and well-known talk show host, Dr. Phil has advised and counseled thousands of people on improving their lives using a tough love approach.Oprah Winfrey: Arguably the countrys most successful talk show host, Winfrey built an empire largely based on her skill at listening, talking and relating to others. Some might call these social skills; Gardner insists that the ability to excel socially is actually an intelligence. Regardless, these individuals have excelled due almost entirely to their social skills. Enhancing Interpersonal Intelligence Students with this type of intelligence can bring a range of skill sets the classroom, including: Peer to peer work (mentoring) Contributing to discussions in class Problem-solving with othersSmall and large group workTutoring Teachers can help these students showcase their interpersonal intelligence by using some specific activities. Some examples include: Class meetingsCreating group projects, both large and smallSuggesting interviews for class assignmentsOffering students an opportunity to teach a unitIncluding community service activities if applicableOrganizing surveys or polls that extend outside of the classroom Teachers can develop a variety of activities that allow these students with interpersonal skills to interact with others and to practice their listening skills. Since these students are natural communicators, such activities will help them enhance their own communication skills and also allow them to model these skills for other students. Their ability to both give and receive feedback is important to the classroom environment, in particular in classrooms where teachers would like students to share their different perspectives. These students with interpersonal intelligence can be helpful in group work, especially when students are required to delegate roles and meet responsibilities. Their ability to manage relationships can be leveraged especially when their skill set may be needed to resolve differences. Finally, these students with interpersonal intelligence will naturally support and encourage others to take academic risks when given the chance. Finally, teachers should take advantage of every opportunity in order to model appropriate social behavior themselves. Teachers should practice to improve their own interpersonal skills and give students the opportunity to a practice as well. In preparing students for their experiences beyond the classroom, interpersonal skills are a top priority. Sources: Gardner, Howard E. Multiple Intelligences: New Horizons in Theory and Practice. Basic Books, 2006.
Saturday, October 19, 2019
Introduction Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words - 1
Introduction - Assignment Example I wish you all the best your current and future goals at Ashford University. Among the topics we are going to study in this course is cognitive psychology. Such is a fundamental course that looks into the scientific approaches that influence mental processes and decisions that people make on daily basis (Anastasi, 1979). Applied psychology helps in overcoming real life problems. The topic therefore provides ways of understanding such basic concepts as human memory, perception, attention and language. I believe such topics are important in the various areas of fields that I would work in later as a career woman. The topics will help an effective communicator capable of developing and packaging information strategically for specific audiences (Cina, 1981). This way, the course will enhance success in clinical psychology, advertising, educational psychology or forensic psychology among other fields in which I would choose to
Friday, October 18, 2019
The Influence of Technology on Contemporary Strategic Marketing Essay
The Influence of Technology on Contemporary Strategic Marketing Management Practices - Essay Example This essay also explores how strategic marketing management practices have been strengthened by conventional and latest information technologies. Examples from the health care organisation are used to support the arguments. An Overview Above all, it is important to consider the concept of ‘strategic marketing management’ to examine how technology has influenced marketing. As defined by Jobber (1998), strategic marketing management is â€Å"the approach a firm takes to securing and retraining profitable relationships with its customers.†2 It was demonstrated by Leverick and colleagues (1998) that numerous organisations have transformed their marketing strategies through the influence of technology.3 For instance, in the manner an organisation communicates with or approaches its customers and the way it carries out marketing activities. Technology, in particular, information technology (IT), helps an organisation build competitive advantage, enhance managerial outco mes, and attain more accurate and wide-ranging environmental scanning. As stated by Porter and Miller (1985), â€Å"the usage of IT enables companies to increase internal efficiency.†4 The application of information technology in marketing strategy has been talked about since the 1960s. Yet, it is only recently that strategic management has been gradually reinforced or remodelled by information technology5 (e.g. Internet marketing, database marketing, decision support systems (DSS), etc). Gaur and colleagues (2003) supports the earlier assumption that â€Å"the technological revolution is changing the nature and activities of the marketing function.†6 Traditional and emerging technologies allow the customer to communicate efficiently, directly, and openly with the marketers. By means of technology, companies are becoming increasingly informed about their customers in a more cost-effective way, which allows them to carry out direct marketing, particularly via interactiv e technology. According to Foskett (1996), the Internet has transformed marketing ‘from mass marketing to customised one-to-one marketing’7; the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) views e-marketing as a quantum leap for marketing because it facilitates genuinely customised and individualised marketing, availability of lower costs and the mass market for smaller companies.8 However, in the 1980s and 1990s, oversupply of information/data became a crucial problem. Data overload resulted in less accurate and appropriate management data. Technology created the groundwork for a better data management to work out this issue.9 Information technology provides ingenious processes of data gathering about customers’ needs, behaviour, and character. Examples of these data collection methods are online surveys or electronic mail surveys. Database methods, in addition to the Internet, have a considerable effect on strategic marketing as they help marketers refine outcomes i n seven major areas10: (1) understanding customers; (2) managing customer services; (3) understanding the market; (4) understanding the competitors; (5) managing sales operations; (6) managing marketing campaigns; (7)
Emerging Market Feasibility Analysis Assignment
Emerging Market Feasibility Analysis - Assignment Example Brazil is also identified as a member of the Organization for Brazil, Russia, India and China (BRIC), G-20, G8+5, and a founding member of the North American Free Trade Agreement (Fafchamps, 2003). These accolades are however identified to be very broad and generalized and cannot influence any rational decision making as to the liability of a new entrant business in Brazil. To make such decision making credible, rational and accurate, a more technical approach to viewing Brazil as an emerging market is needed. It is for this reason that the current emerging market feasibility analysis to come close up with Brazil as a destination for the small scale company. The purpose of the study is also to critically analyze the feasibility of the business in surviving in the intended market. There shall therefore be focus on the company with some level of emphasis on the company’s investors, customer issues, and financial requirements. In totality, the emerging market feasibility analysis shall be conducted from five objectives given as: 1. To analyse the strength of the business idea in relation to the chosen market. 2. To identify any country-related issues that might affect the start-up. 3. To explore relevant business and customer norms in the identified market. 4. To analyse potential financial issues that will arise from starting the business. 5. To propose a prototypical founder or group of founders suitable for the oil manufacturing firm that is being proposed? Research Approach Generally, this project is a case study that studies the specific case of the feasibility of a new vegetable oil manufacturing company in Brazil as a small scale business. As part of the case study approach, there shall be elements of both primary and secondary data collection to ensure that data collected for the study is high coordinated, validated and judged as reliable. Using a combined approach of primary and secondary data collection will improve the internal validity of the study because data that are collected from the field of study as primary data can easily be justified or authenticated using secondary data, which is more of data already existing in literature. One crucial approach that will make the project very elaborate, well organized and focused i s the use of feasibility analysis matrix. This matrix has been presented in such a way that it contains five major session of data collection, which have been distributed among the five objectives listed above. This means that each of the five objectives is represented in one section or row of the matrix. Under each objective also, there shall be five feasibility indicators that will be critically analyzed using both primary and secondary data collection. The analysis of the indicators shall be done in a manner that scores the feasibility of each objective of the project. Completed feasibility analysis matrix shall be presented at the appendix section of the project. Within the project however, there shall be a detailed discussion of the findings that are made under each objective of the study. Theoretical Framework This section of the project named theoretical analysis is essentially useful in offering a theoretical background to the problem of small scale business entry into emerg ing markets. This will be done through clearly defined knowledge of literature presented in one specific paradigm of theory. Specifically, focus is given to the theory of emerging market development. This theory started much like a support service given to new businesses that
Thursday, October 17, 2019
Meeting stakeholders needs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Meeting stakeholders needs - Assignment Example Stakeholders can be further subdivided into two groups: Internal stakeholders: people or group belonging within a business – owners, employees. External stakeholders: people or group belonging outside the business – debt holders, creditors, government, customers, community (BBC, 2013). 1. b. Diagram depicting the stakeholders in an organization (Source: BBC, 2013) 1. c i) Employees (internal stakeholders) in my organization are provided with bonus at the time of their monthly salary. They are also given performance based incentives/appraisals. In my field of work, where there is extensive use of chemicals, workers are given proper training as to how to use them safely and high quality equipments are provided to them in order to build a safe working environment. Customers (external stakeholders) are provided with good quality products and services, ensuring a timely and safe delivery of products. Customer feedbacks are constantly monitored. These are the tasks and respon sibilities assigned to us, as engineers, sales and shop floor operators of the organization. ii) Ensuring an effective communication between the internal stakeholders and the management is an important framework by means of which the former can convey their expectations and needs to the latter and through this the management extracts necessary detail to know the needs of the stakeholders in terms of quality, quantity, timeliness and cost. As far as the external stakeholders are concerned, keeping track of their feedbacks, as well as conducting timely surveys is one way of knowing their needs in terms of quality, quantity, timeliness and cost. 1. d A process involves set of steps and activities designed to perform a certain task in order to reach a specified objective. In other words it can also be described as â€Å"the way in which the abstract goal of putting customers first gets turned on its practical consequences†(Seethamraju, 2012, p. 537). 1. e. The difference between the cost of manufacturing a product and the amount received when that product is sold is termed as the value added to that product (Business Dictionary, 2013b). 1. f. In my field of work, re – works/repairs, defects, chemical waste, delays, poor material allocation, unnecessary material handling is considered as non value adding activities (Alwi, Hampson, and Mohamed, 2002). 1. g. i) I work for an organization which specializes in photo – etching. It is a process which produces complex metal parts with precise detail by adopting a tightly controlled corrosion mechanism (Precision micro, 2013). ii) Photosensitive polymers, metal sheets, stencils, chemicals, UV ray source are key inputs to a photo etching process (Leeweston1980, 2010). iii) The products derived from photo etching process are electronics packaging components, frets & harnesses, medical devices & implants etc. iv) Materials used as inputs (as mentioned above) are changed or used up by the process whereas the workforce involved/the activity involved in the process remains unchanged. v) The amount generated after the output product is sold less the cost involved in the production is the value added to the product. TASK 2 2.a.i. The different stakeholders involved in this incident can be classified into two divisions namely: Internal Stakeholders: The employees working for Swinton. External Stakeholders: The customer and the supplying insurance company. 2.a.ii. As
Testing the use of the checklist in the operation room Essay
Testing the use of the checklist in the operation room - Essay Example This study evaluated the use of the WHO Surgical Safety Checklist, that impact of operating room briefings on coordination of care. Data were prospectively collected in the cesarean section OR with C’ section patients and the outcome of eleven cases of patients undergoing this operation was gathered and analyzed after direct observation of the OR checklist was applied . Findings suggested that in the general operation room, the checklist was used. In contrast, in the operation room of the labor department,the checklist tool was not used . To increase the probability of achieving patient safety and minimal errors when implementing the use of checklist tool, such as World Health Organization’s Surgical Safety Checklist, the integration between OR members of the different professions and teamwork must be enhanced. Key words: checklist, WHO surgical safety checklist. . Introduction and statement of the problem The nursing leadership needed to evaluate the possibility of edu cating all the healthcare professionals on the use of a safety checklist and to gain an increased awareness of the challenges and solutions connect with such an effort. The obstetric patient safety CNS at Johns Hopkins Hospital wanted to study the reasons why the OR checklist was not being used. ... It also helps to improve communication and guarantee safe and standardized procedure, by this means minimizing error. Overcoming barrier to implementation of the checklist in the OR was growing. Lack of using the checklist therefore led to the increase of the above mentioned defects. The organization started testing the checklist over a year ago and they provided information for all caregivers teams regarding their attitudes toward the use of a surgical checklist. Still not all team members related that they were aware of the checklist and its purpose and they were not using the resource. The use of the checklist did not become part of the culture of the unit. Some team members were / and are resistant to checklists. Support for use of apre-operative checklist to increase patient safety has been described. In a study by Nilsson, Lindbergt, Gupta &Vegfros (2010), staff awareness of the benefit of the use of a checklist and attitudes towards the use of a checklist improved after one ye ar. Assessment Organizational need According to JHU nursing leadership, there was a need for all OB and OR team members know each other as the research supported that this would make people more willing to speak up if they perceived a certain problem during the case. The team members also needed to have a shared mental model regarding the scope of the case and the plan of care for the patient after the case. It was viewed that most nurses did not make good use of the checklist. The use of the checklist also goes a long way in helping the nurses remember to cover all the basics. This is because not everyone has the ability to memorize all that is required. The operating rooms are highly procedural environments that require surgical teams to be very meticulous (Hayes, 2012). Clinical
Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Meeting stakeholders needs Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
Meeting stakeholders needs - Assignment Example Stakeholders can be further subdivided into two groups: Internal stakeholders: people or group belonging within a business – owners, employees. External stakeholders: people or group belonging outside the business – debt holders, creditors, government, customers, community (BBC, 2013). 1. b. Diagram depicting the stakeholders in an organization (Source: BBC, 2013) 1. c i) Employees (internal stakeholders) in my organization are provided with bonus at the time of their monthly salary. They are also given performance based incentives/appraisals. In my field of work, where there is extensive use of chemicals, workers are given proper training as to how to use them safely and high quality equipments are provided to them in order to build a safe working environment. Customers (external stakeholders) are provided with good quality products and services, ensuring a timely and safe delivery of products. Customer feedbacks are constantly monitored. These are the tasks and respon sibilities assigned to us, as engineers, sales and shop floor operators of the organization. ii) Ensuring an effective communication between the internal stakeholders and the management is an important framework by means of which the former can convey their expectations and needs to the latter and through this the management extracts necessary detail to know the needs of the stakeholders in terms of quality, quantity, timeliness and cost. As far as the external stakeholders are concerned, keeping track of their feedbacks, as well as conducting timely surveys is one way of knowing their needs in terms of quality, quantity, timeliness and cost. 1. d A process involves set of steps and activities designed to perform a certain task in order to reach a specified objective. In other words it can also be described as â€Å"the way in which the abstract goal of putting customers first gets turned on its practical consequences†(Seethamraju, 2012, p. 537). 1. e. The difference between the cost of manufacturing a product and the amount received when that product is sold is termed as the value added to that product (Business Dictionary, 2013b). 1. f. In my field of work, re – works/repairs, defects, chemical waste, delays, poor material allocation, unnecessary material handling is considered as non value adding activities (Alwi, Hampson, and Mohamed, 2002). 1. g. i) I work for an organization which specializes in photo – etching. It is a process which produces complex metal parts with precise detail by adopting a tightly controlled corrosion mechanism (Precision micro, 2013). ii) Photosensitive polymers, metal sheets, stencils, chemicals, UV ray source are key inputs to a photo etching process (Leeweston1980, 2010). iii) The products derived from photo etching process are electronics packaging components, frets & harnesses, medical devices & implants etc. iv) Materials used as inputs (as mentioned above) are changed or used up by the process whereas the workforce involved/the activity involved in the process remains unchanged. v) The amount generated after the output product is sold less the cost involved in the production is the value added to the product. TASK 2 2.a.i. The different stakeholders involved in this incident can be classified into two divisions namely: Internal Stakeholders: The employees working for Swinton. External Stakeholders: The customer and the supplying insurance company. 2.a.ii. As
Tuesday, October 15, 2019
MIDTERM EXAM Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words
MIDTERM EXAM - Essay Example Once the People have promised their submission to such rules and accept to be governed by these laws made by legislatures in such forms, legislature can never delegate (Rosenbloom, 2014). On the contrary, the Supreme Court has uncovered that nondelagation principle has no restriction on Congress seeking help of the coordinate branches of the government (Rosenbloom, 2014). In the case the between Mistretta v. United States, 488 U.S. 361, 372 (1989). Elements of Intelligence Principle must accompany the delegation to coordinate branches to which the delegated unit need to conform. The standard of delegation is potential to leave the agency that regulation is delegated to with broad discretion (Rosenbloom, 2014). However, the challenge arises from the Congress delegating a power to an executive agency based on the existing checks on the agency’s discretion. An example is the caused between INS v. Chadha, 462 U.S. 919 (1983). The Supreme Court held that the Congress may not uphold a legislative veto over discretionary agency actions since it violates the Constitutional, legislative process of bicameral passage preceded by a presentment to the President. Therefore, the Congress had to follow a formal parliamentary procedure to scrutinize the discretion delegated to a particular agency. Justice Powel concurred that the ruling could be made on a narrower grounds since in case the Congress validates that a person fails to satis fy the reasons laid by the authority for permanent residence, it is deemed to have assumed a judicial role in violating the principle of separation of powers. Therefore, the concurrence by Justice Powel validates the role of the Judiciary in the determination of the agency’s discretion. Despite this validation, Chevron U.S.A, Inc., v. Natural Resource Defense Council, Inc., 467 U.S. 837 (1984) rejected and limited the role of the Judiciary in
Monday, October 14, 2019
Ferrari dealership Essay Example for Free
Ferrari dealership Essay A siren ripped this thought to shreds, before the same knocking sound which had woken him in the first place, hammered the thought out of his head completely. He moved his head back round to the left to see the milkman knocking on the window, a look of panic on his face. He tried to get up but it was no good; his body simply would not respond. Having seen the blood splattered window, the milkman had rushed next door and dialled 999. Now, the uniformed men hurriedly joined him at the window to see the horrific scene.. Through the glass they saw a large bedroom with what looked like a blunt metal instrument on the floor, in the opposite corner of the room to the window. From the haphazard position of the object, droplets of blood stained the cream carpet up to the white quilt of the double bed, upon which an elderly man lay still. He was attired in a white shirt, black trousers and black leather shoes, with a dress jacket and tie strewn on the floor beside him. Though this was an unusual scene it itself, the group were only driven into action by the site of the mans head. Blood stained the pillow around it, and the terror on his face told them what they needed to know. They needed to act fast. As he lay motionless, the paramedics smashed the window. The men in green uniforms rushed in through the gap they had created. They found him paralysed from the neck down, with a bloody gash across the back of his head. Though the blow which had been delivered to him would have been sufficient to knock him out, death was not instantaneous. As he could not move to get help, blood loss would have killed him eventually, had the milkman not found him. The paramedics rolled him off the bed and onto a stretcher, before loading him into the waiting ambulance, and off to hospital. Paralysis was temporary, and the doctor deemed it fit to allow the police to see him as he recovered. He relayed the events of the night before, and supplied them with a photograph of his wife, from his wallet. Later that afternoon, they returned to the hospital. Good afternoon sir, said the police inspector as she shook his hand. You will be pleased to hear that we found your wife. She was pulled over for dangerous driving on the M18, near Doncaster. She pulled over, and, while performing the breathalyser test, the officer noticed the blood stains on her blouse. He put two and two together and so checked the photograph he had been supplied with. When he asked her to step out of the vehicle, she tried to escape on foot. Unfortunately we were unable to apprehend her before she got run over while attempting to cross the motorway. She died on her way to the hospital. We offer our condolences for your loss. He nodded in reply. So, it turns out you were right she thought she had killed you. We found the family portrait in the glove compartment. The inspector placed it on the table beside his bed. By the way, she had five times the allowance of alcohol in her blood. Again he nodded. The following week, as he was being discharged from the hospital, the nurse informed him that his lawyer had called to arrange a meeting about his wifes life insurance. He could hardly suppress a smile as he boarded the elevator down to the hospital reception. As he left the hospital he flagged a taxi and stepped inside. Any idea where the nearest Ferrari dealership is, mate?.
Sunday, October 13, 2019
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning
Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) constitutes up to 35 percent of energy used in manufacturing facilities. HVAC stands for heating, ventilation and air conditioning and refers to the equipment, distribution network and terminals used either collectively or individually to provide fresh filtered air, heating, cooling and humidity control in a building. A facility can have any combination of heating and cooling sources to supply the HVAC system. For heating a facility, a gas-or oil-fired boiler or furnace, heat pump, rooftop unit, new technology such as infrared radiation, or electric heat could be employed. Common cooling sources include rooftop units, chillers, heat pumps, air conditioner or some sort of off-peak cooling system. The Basic HVAC Design HVAC systems can vary in design and complexity. Air is taken through an outdoor air intake that is usually a louvered opening on the top or side of the building. Atmospheric pressure pushes the air through a damper, which regulates the amount of outdoor air (OA) taken in by the system. At this point, already conditioned return air (RA) from the system can be mixed with the outdoor air to form mixed air. The mixed air goes through pre-filter where larger dust particles; insects, leaves, etc. are caught. A more efficient filter is usually present to address small particles. After the filters, the air enters a centrifugal fan. Once exiting the fan outlet, the air is under positive pressure and being Pushed towards coils where the air is either heated or cooled, depending on the temperature of the air and the season. Under the coils lies a drain pan to collect any water condensing on the coils. If a humidifier or dehumidifier is needed it is usually incorporated into the cycle at this point. The air travels through ductwork where it reaches a distribution box and may travel through smaller ducts to supply the terminals, registers or diffusers into the workspace. Once the air reaches its destination, it is returned through an air register (usually through a louvered door that opens into a space above the ceiling tiles) in the form of return air that will become mixed air or exit the building. Air Conditioning Air conditioning is treating air for temperature, cleanliness and humidity, and directing its distribution to meet requirements of a conditioned space. Comfort air conditioning is when the primary function of the system is to provide comfort to occupants of the conditioned space. The term industrial air conditioning is used when the primary function is other than comfort. There are three basic types of air conditioners: à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã†â€™ Direct expansion coolers include window air conditioners, heat pumps and packaged or rooftop units. Air is cooled and dehumidified as it moves past a cold, refrigerant-filled coil. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã†â€™ Chilled water systems use water cooled by a refrigeration machine instead of air. This cool water supplies a coil, which cools and dehumidifies the air. à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã†â€™ Evaporative (or swamp) coolers are usually only appropriate in hot, dry climates and bring hot air in contact with a water spray or damp surface. The result is evaporation of moisture, which lowers the temperature of the air. What is Ventilation Ventilation is a process that either supplies or removes air from a space by natural or mechanical means. All air that is exhausted from a building must be replaced by outside air. Outside air must be brought to a certain temperature by makeup air units used throughout the building. Negative building pressure can be a problem during winter heating season and could lead to a number of other problems such as difficulty in opening doors and equipment operation. Air seeps through gaps around windows, doors and ducts. While designing HVAC systems for energy efficiency-cy, it is also good to take into account the design for human comfort. Good working conditions increase productivity and employee satisfaction. The HVAC design should incorporate: à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã†â€™ a determination of indoor conditions and how energy use is affected; à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã†â€™ the impact on equipment selection, ducting and register design; and à ´Ã¢â€š ¬Ã¢â‚¬Å¡Ã†â€™ determination whether certain conditions will be acceptable for comfort criterion. Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) Systems The main purposes of a Heating, Ventilation, and Air-Conditioning (HVAC) system are to help maintain good indoor air quality through adequate ventilation with filtration and provide thermal comfort. The choice and design of the HVAC system can also affect many other high performance goals, including water consumption (water cooled air conditioning equipment) and acoustics. Codes and Standards Many state codes also specify minimum energy efficiency requirements, ventilation controls, pipe and duct insulation and sealing, and system sizing, among other factors. In addition, some states and localities have established ventilation and other indoor air quality related requirements that must also be followed. Design in accordance with ASHRAE standards Design systems to provide outdoor air ventilation in accord with ASHRAE Standard 62.1-2007 and thermal comfort in accord with ASHRAE Standard 55-1992 (with 1995 Addenda) Thermal Environmental Conditions for Human Occupancy Ensure familiarity with, and adherence to, all state and local building codes and standards. Potential for Natural Ventilation and Operable Windows In some parts of the country, where temperature and humidity levels permit, natural ventilation through operable windows can be an effective and energy-efficient way to supplement HVAC systems to provide outside air ventilation, cooling, and thermal comfort when conditions permit (e.g., temperature, humidity, outdoor air pollution levels, precipitation). Windows that open and close can enhance occupants sense of well-being and feeling of control over their environment. They can also provide supplemental exhaust ventilation during renovation activities that may introduce pollutants into the space. However, sealed buildings with appropriately designed and operated HVAC systems can often provide better indoor air quality than a building with operable windows. Uncontrolled ventilation with outdoor air can allow outdoor air contaminants to bypass filters, potentially disrupt the balance of the mechanical ventilation equipment, and permit the introduction of excess moisture if access is not controlled. Strategies using natural ventilation include wind driven cross-ventilation and stack ventilation that employs the difference in air densities to provide air movement across a space. Both types of natural ventilation require careful engineering to ensure convective flows. The proper sizing and placement of openings is critical and the flow of air from entry to exit must not be obstructed (e.g., by closed perimeter rooms). Designers should consider the use of natural ventilation and operable windows to supplement mechanical ventilation. Consider outdoor sources of pollutants (including building exhausts and vehicle traffic) and noise when determining if and where to provide operable windows. If operable windows will be used to supplement the HVAC system, ensure that: openings for outdoor air are located between 3-6 feet from the floor (head height); the windows are adjustable and can close tightly and securely; the windows are placed to take maximum advantage of wind direction, with openings on opposite sides of the building to maximize cross-ventilation. Selection of HVAC Equipment In most parts of the country, climatic conditions require that outdoor air must be heated and cooled to provide acceptable thermal comfort for building occupants, requiring the addition of HVAC systems. The selection of equipment for heating, cooling and ventilating the school building is a complex design decision that must balance a great many factors, including heating and cooling needs, energy efficiency, humidity control, potential for natural ventilation, adherence to codes and standards, outdoor air quantity and quality, indoor air quality, and cost. Where feasible, use central HVAC air handling units (AHUs) that serve multiple rooms in lieu of unit ventilators or individual heat pumps. Although there are many different types of air handling units, for general IAQ implications in schools, air handling units can be divided into two groups: unit ventilators and individual heat pump units that serve a single room without ducts; and central air handling units that serve several rooms via duct work. Unit ventilators and heat pumps have the advantage of reduced floor space requirements, and they do not recirculate air between rooms. However, it is more difficult to assure proper maintenance of multiple units over time, and they present additional opportunities for moisture problems through the wall penetration and from drain pan and discharge problems. Central air handling units have a number of advantages as compared to unit ventilators and heat pumps serving individual rooms. Features for air handling units: Double-sloped drain pan and drain trap depth Double-sloped drain pan A double-sloped pan prevents water from standing and stagnating in the pan. Non-corroding drain pan Made from stainless steel or plastic. Prevents corrosion that would cause water to leak inside the AHU. Easy access doors All access doors are hinged and use quick release latches that do not require tools to open. Easy access to filters, drain pans, and cooling coils is imperative. Double wall cabinet The inner wall protects the insulation from moisture and mechanical damage, increases sound dampening, and is easier to clean. Tightly sealed cabinet Small yet continuous air leaks in and out of the AHU cabinet can affect IAQ and energy. The greatest pressure differentials driving leaks occur at the AHU. Double wall doors with gaskets Double wall doors provide better thermal and acoustic insulation, and will remain flatter, allowing a better seal against door frame gaskets Minimum 2 inch thick filter slots For better protection of the indoor environment, as well as the equipment and ducts, the filters slots should be able to accommodate 2 in. or thicker filters. Extended surface area filter bank To reduce the frequency of filter maintenance and the cost of fan energy, the bank is designed to allow more filter area, such as the deep V approach or bags. Air filter assemblies (racks housings) designed for minimum leakage The filter bank should have gaskets and sealants at all points where air could easily bypass the air filters, such as between the filter rack and the access door. Use properly gasketed manufacturer supplied filter rack spacers. Air filter monitor A differential pressure gauge to indicate the static pressure drop across the filter bank. This feature could easily be installed as an option in the field. Corrosion resistant dampers links All moving parts such as pivot pins, damper actuators, and linkages are able to withstand weather and moisture-induced corrosion for the full life of the system Location of Outdoor Air Intakes and Exhaust Sloped Intake Plenum and Accessible Intake Screen Proper location of outdoor air intakes can minimize the blockage of airflow and intake of contaminated air. The bottom of air intakes should be at least 8 inches above horizontal surfaces (generally the ground or the roof) to prevent blockage from leaves or snow. In northern locations, more separation may be needed due to greater snow depths or drifting snow. Intakes should not be placed within 25 feet of any potential sources of air contaminants, including sewer vents, exhaust air from the building, loading docks, loading areas, garbage receptacles, boiler or generator exhausts, and mist from cooling towers. If the source is large or contains strong contaminants, or if there is a dominant wind direction in the area, the minimum separation distance may need to be increased. Air admittance valves, an inexpensive and code-approved one-way air valve, can be added to sewer vents to eliminate the potential for release of gases into the surrounding air. Grilles protecting air intakes should be bird- and rodent-proofed to prevent perching, roosting, and nesting. Waste from birds and other pests (e.g., rats) can disrupt proper operation of the HVAC system, promote microbial growth and cause human disease. The use of outdoor air intake grilles with vertical louvers, as opposed to horizontal louvers, will reduce the potential for roosting. Intake Screens must be accessible for inspection and cleaning. In existing buildings, an insufficient amount of ventilation air is often the result of clogged intake screens that are inaccessible for inspection and cleaning. Screens hidden by an intake grille should be designed with a grille that is easily opened, such as a hinged grille with two quick-release latches, or in the worst case, a grille with four one-quarter turn fasteners. All screens should be easily removable for cleaning. Consider adding a section of sloped intake plenum that causes moisture to flow to the outside or to a drain if intake grilles are not designed to completely eliminate the intake of rain or snow. Air Distribution and Duct Insulation Dirt and moisture should not be present in duct systems, and must be controlled to prevent mold growth. However, it is not always possible to assure that ducts remain dirt and moisture free. In many existing buildings, sheet metal ducts, as well as those constructed of or lined with insulation products, are often contaminated with mold because dirt and moisture found their way into the system. Duct board and duct liner are widely used in duct systems because of their excellent acoustic, thermal, and condensation control properties. If the HVAC system is properly designed, fabricated, installed, operated and maintained, these duct systems pose no greater risk of mold growth than duct systems made of sheet metal or any other materials. However, the very properties that make duct board and duct liner superior insulators (e.g., a fibrous structure with large surface area that creates insulating air pockets), also makes them capable of trapping and retaining moisture if they do get wet (though the fibers themselves do not absorb moisture). While there is an ongoing debate about the wisdom of using insulation materials in duct systems that might retain moisture longer, all sides agree that extraordinary attention to preventing moisture contamination of the duct work should be the primary strategy for preventing mold growth. As a secondary strategy, designers should consider methods of reducing the potential for future problems to occur due to unforeseen moisture contamination by investigating insulation products now on the market that minimize the potential for moisture to penetrate the insulation material. These include foil vapor retarders, tightly bonded non-woven vapor retarders, butt or shiplap edges, and other techniques that have been developed by insulation manufacturers to address concerns about moisture. http://www.epa.gov/iaq/schooldesign/hvac.html Water supply Water has the unfortunate quality of being heavier than air. it weighs 62.4 pounds per cubic foot. This mass requires a pressure of 0.433 psi to lift water one foot (62.4 lbs/144 in in ft). To put it another way, one psi will lift water 2.31 feet (1/0.433). In a single story building with 70 psi in the street, this can be insignificant. In a high-rise building, this factor will drive the design of both the hot and cold water systems. First, high and low pressures need to be determined. Plumbing codes usually limit the high water pressure to 80 psi. Using 70 psi will result in more manageable flow rates at the fixtures, reduced water hammer and lower velocities. These characteristics will result in lower operating costs and a longer life of the system. Codes often limit the low water pressure to 20 psi, unless there are fixtures such as flush valves that require greater pressures. Nevertheless, a minimum pressure of 40 psi is recommended for the comfort of the end users. With a pressure differential of 30 psi, a zone can be no more than 69 feet in height (30 ft x2.31 ft/psi). Using a typical floor to floor height, for a hotel, of 11 feet, no more than six floors can be served by a single zone. The next step is to determine the system pressure. The suction pressure can be determined by adding the street pressure and the elevation gain (assuming your booster pump is in the basement). Adding the anticipated losses including friction, elevation and PRV falloff to the minimum pressure results in the system pressure. Subtracting this from the street pressure yields the boost pressure. The manufacturer will also need to account for internal losses in the booster pump system. Booster pumps today can be configured in any number of ways. With advancements in pumping technology, vented roof tanks are a thing of the past. A constant speed pump, carefully calculated, could operate without PRVs. If so, PRVs might be required at the top floor, and shutoff head must be checked. Shutoff head is the system pressure resulting from the demand approaching zero. It can be determined by adding the suction pressure to the pressure indicated on the far left end of the pump curve. In some cases, this pressure can exceed the capacity of the piping system. If PRVs are provided on the pump discharge, problems with shutoff head can be eliminated outside of the booster pump package but must still be checked within the package. A better solution is a variable speed booster pump. By tracking pressure, flow or electrical current, a variable speed booster pump can deliver constant pressure at any flow rate. This provides a more predictable system pressure and saves electricity at t he same time. Regardless of pump type, the lower zones in a high rise will need PRVs. In most cases, for economical reasons, direct acting PRVs are used. A more consistent pressure can be maintained by using two valves piped in parallel (figure 1). The smaller valve may be sized to handle 1/3 of the flow rate at an acceptable falloff pressure. The larger valve is then sized for 2/3 of the flow rate at the same falloff pressure. If the smaller valve is set for 75 psi and the larger valve is set for 70 psi, then under low flow the larger valve will be closed and the smaller, more accurate valve will regulate the pressure. A relief valve is required downstream of the PRVs and will require an indirect waste receptor, which is often overlooked in the design of these stations. In many cases, the lowest of all zones may not require a boost in pressure. If so, a separate branch in the main, prior to the booster pump, could serve several lower floors, saving installation and utility costs. The maximum number of floors that can be served depends on the materials used. The booster pump, valves, piping and appurtenances must all be capable of handling the maximum pressure at the base of the riser. Understanding pressure ratings can get quite involved. Bronze, threaded, class 150 valves are limited to 200 psi at 150 F, while the more expensive class 200 valves are limited to 400 psi. Iron, class 125 valves up to 12 in size are also limited to 200 psi at 150 F, while the more expensive class 250 valves are limited to 500 psi. The correct valves must be specified in the booster pump package and in the piping system, at least for the lower floors. At higher floors, the pressure falls; good practice is to reduce the class of valves when a safe working pressure has been reached. Pressure gauges and other small devices are often overlooked, along with, surprisingly, the piping. The maximum safe working pressure of 6 hard drawn copper tube at 150 F is 376 psi, and the maximum gauge working pressure of the solder joint (assuming 95-5 tin-antimony solder) is 375 psi, but the rated internal working pressure of the fitting is only 213 psi. As such, serving more than 40 floors can be difficult at best. One solution, to add a few more floors, is to use stainless steel pipe. The typical joint working pressure of schedule 10S can be 300 psi and schedule 40S can be 600 psi depending on the couplings used. When serving even taller high rise buildings, a secondary pumping station must be used (figure 2). In this scenario, a lower pump serves the bottom half of the building and also feeds the suction side of the higher pump, which in turn serves the top half of the building. Particular attention must be given to the simultaneous control of these pump sets; a buffer tank may be necessary to maintain a constant suction pressure at the higher tank Alternatively, two lower pumps can be provided, one for the lower fixtures and one to feed the higher pump. This separation of the upper and lower building systems will allow for more independent control over pressures and can be useful for maintenance. In most high rises, the water is pumped up to the PRV stations that are located at the top of the zones. The downstream risers and branch piping then downfeed to the fixtures. This decision, however, can be affected by the type of fixtures and the location of the hot water heater. In an upfeed system, the pressure loss due to friction and the pressure loss due to elevation are additive; the worst case is the top of the system where the pressure is lowest. In a downfeed system, at least for smaller pipe sizes, the friction pressure loss will be somewhat offset by the pressure gain from downfeeding. Also, since the friction loss is greatest at the bottom of the system where the pressure is greatest, smaller branch pipes can be utilized. The result is a more consistent static and dynamic pressure, providing a better experience for the end user. An economic analysis often reveals that the cost of the express riser, the upfeed pipe that has no connections, is less than the savings from the smaller branch piping. It is strongly recommended that the hot and cold water in any building feed in the same direction. Otherwise, the cold water friction losses may be at a minimum where the hot water friction losses are at a maximum. Even with pressure balancing shower valves, a differential pressure of 50% could have disastrous results. If the water heater is on the roof, a downfeed system makes good sense. The design of hot water systems is outside of the scope of this article. Engineers often return this hot water to the central water heater. Doing so can create a system that is very difficult to balance. Even when each zone is protected by a check valve, the pressure from the higher zone will often prevent the lower zones from circulating at all. A better approach is to circulate within each zone (figure 3). A fractional horsepower pump and a small electric tank type heater work well. Five gallons and three to nine kilowatts will handle six floors of almost any footprint since the water is only reheating from 110 F to 120 F. Since the pressure is already reduced, the circulating pump and reheat tank can be placed on any floor. Dont forget about the main hot water riser. It must still be circulated back to the central system to ensure that this large column of water does not get cold overnight. One final issue to consider in both hot and cold water distribution is the ability to purge air from the system. There are manual air vents the best way to purge air from the system is simply to provide horizontal distribution on the floor below the highest floor in each zone. This allows the air to collect in each riser and float to the top, where it is purged every time that a fixture on the top floor is used. This is rarely noticed by the end user unless the fixture is seldom used. http://www.plumbingengineer.com/june_08/highrise_feature.php Drainage Pressure control on the drainage side presents other challenges. water is essentially the same in either system; however, drainage theory holds that considerable air travels downward with the water flow. This theory asserts that water flowing in a vertical pipe tends to adhere to the pipes walls, acting very much like a sleeve of water with a hollow core of air, all sliding down the pipes walls until it reaches a ratio of approximately 6/24 full of the pipe cross-sectional area. This watery sleeve travels at almost 15 feet per second (fps), propelled by gravity but restricted by friction. When the piping remains vertical, the entrained air is relatively simple to control, but when piping offsets from the vertical, the fluid flow velocity drops considerably, filling the entire pipe diameter. Horizontal, sloped drainage piping should flow in the 4-8 fps range, so it is easy to see that a large slug of water can quickly develop. This can lead to compressing air in the path of the fluid and/or lowering air pressure on the leaving side of the fluid flow. The impact of these fluid and air fluctuations can be controlled by effective use of yoke vents, relief vents, and vent connections at the bases of stacks. the solutions are largely not unique and have been used successfully on many intermediate-height and even extremely tall high-rise buildings. A related concern is the impact of the hydraulic jump on the piping itself. The mass of water and the rapid change of velocity from vertical to horizontal cause this jump. While the pressure associated with this jump is significant, it does not destroy the fitting at the base of the stack. Rather, the movement of the pipe stresses the frictional forces that hold the joint to the pipe, leading to eventual coupling failure. Good design must compensate for the strong thrust that occurs at this change of direction. Successful methods include increasing the horizontal drain size and/or slope, using thrust blocks, or using restraining joints with threaded rod or similar arrangements that mechanically anchor the fitting to the entering and leaving piping. Once the water is raised and used, it is discharged to a drainage system that includes an attendant venting system, which is responsible for the flow of air in the drainage piping network. Air is critical to the drainage process because drainage flow is caused by sloping pipes, and the motive force is gravity. Absent air, the drainage would range from erratic to nonexistent. When the water in a pipe flows to a lower area, air must be added to replace the water, or a negative pressure zone will occur. If this zone is near a fixture, air will be drawn into the drainage system through the fixture trap with an easily identified gulping sound and very slow drain performance. This condition leads to poor performance throughout the drainage system and trap seal loss due to siphoning or blowout. The remedy for this condition is venting. At the individual fixture level, this consists of a fixture vent. As the number of fixtures increases, venting needs do as well, and a venting system evolves, with branch, circuit, and loop vents at the appropriate locations. When dealing with high-rise drainage stacks, a vent stack should be attendant, allowing for pressure equalization and re lief along the height and breadth of the system. Aside from relieving pressure in the drainage system, the vent system allows air to circulate in both directions in response to the fluctuating flow in the drainage system. In many high-rise vent designs, where stacks need to offset horizontally on a given floor, a relief vent is required. Although not often highlighted, the building venting system also serves to supplement the vent for the municipal sewer, relieving noxious or even hazardous gases and allowing the sewer to drain without pressure limitation. Fire Protection One area that should not be overlooked in any high-rise design is the fire protection systems. As a minimum, all high-rise buildings should have sprinkler systems on each floor and standpipe systems in each stairwell. These systems have proven themselves throughout the years to significantly save both life and property. The specific type, coverage density, and outlet placement all vary based on the building type, height, and location and local fire authorities. All high-rise buildings containing fire protection systems have large, dedicated fire pumps to provide the flows and pressures required for the individual system. While not always tasked with these system designs, plumbing engineers need to know that these systems are an integral part of the building and must account for their presence regarding equipment space, riser locations, and ceiling cavities. Wet systems in commercial spaces must be designed as a minimum to criteria for Light Hazard (0.10 gpm/sq. ft. over the remote 1,500 sq. ft. of floor area). Sprinkler piping on floors up to the 2nd floor shall be sized for street pressure only. Standpipe systems shall be provided .In particular: a. The standpipe risers shall be interconnected and have isolation valve for each standpipe. b. Two four-way fire department connections shall be provided on separate streets, piped to separate standpipe risers. c. At least one fire department connection shall be piped to the standpipe side of an isolation valve. d. FDCs must be located at an approved location. e. A Fire hydrant must be located within 50ft of the FDC g. Roof and floor remote areas must be within 200 feet of hose travel distance from a protected standpipe hose connection. Standpipe risers shall be combination standpipe/sprinkler risers using a minimum pipe size of 6 inch. One 2-1/2 inch hose connection shall be provided on every intermediate floor level landing in every required stairway and elsewhere as required. Two separate water supplies are required for the sprinkler/standpipe system. One must be a permanent City water main connection and the second must be a dedicated reservoir. http://www.newcomb-boyd.com/pdf/high-rise%20article.pdf
Saturday, October 12, 2019
Area 51 Essay -- essays research papers
The creation of Area 51 began in April of 1955, when a Lockheed test pilot, Tony LeVier, searched for a remote site to test the U-2. Grooms Lake is chosen as the location for the runway. By August of 1955, the U-2 makes its first flight from Grooms Lake. That was only the beginning for test flights from Area 51. In April 1962, the first A-12 Blackbird was tested at Groom Lake. February 1982, the F-117A Stealth fighter takes off for the first time. All other test flights have not been released to the public, but that doesn't mean they don't occur. However, they are, in no way, shape or form, alien test flights. Nearly all of the evidence that supports the alien spacecraft theory, is without backing, or solid information. Also, the US government played on the UFO theories to hide their own testing plans. Today, Area 51 is the home to the latest top secret aircraft: the Aurora, among others Many of these aircraft, past and present, are able to perform incredible feats in the sky. Some so unbelievable, that they could be mistaken for alien spacecraft by fanatics of extra-terrestrials. However, based on the falsified eye-witness accounts of Area 51, and declassification of military spy planes like the U-2 and F-117A Stealth fighter, I am here to tell you that these flights are not alien crafts, but actually secret military aircraft. I. According to Glenn Campbell, a leading researcher on Area 51, Bob Lazar provided the most incredible source for information supporting alien ships at Area 51, and also the most falsified.      A. He claims to have worked with alien spacecraft at an area called Area S-4,           which is right next to Area 51.           1. He claims he worked there until 1988 as a senior researcher.           2. Government papers have shown that he was merely a repair technician.           3. He also claims that he gained complete exposure to Area 51.                a. He only made a few visits to the site between Nov 1988 and                     April ... ...sp;          things that can't be checked?           4. The UFO sightings can be easily explained by military aircraft that are                being tested.                a. dispy doodle                b. green exhaust                c. Aurora sonic booms                d. glowing leading edge of Aurora Just because the military doesn't tell civilians about their aircraft does not mean that there must be alien intervention. It simply means that the government is trying to protect it new toys. They have every right to keep their top secret aircraft a secret.....that's why it is called top secret, right? The government is like a little kid. How many of you when you were little wanted to share your new toys? I didn
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