Principles of Farm Animal Husbandry – Intensive and Extensive Farming

The terms intensive and extensive within farm animal husbandry refer to the methods animals are raised and processed. Intensive farming – Generally referred to as industrial and factory farming, this method is used to aid mass production of meats and dairy. Farm animals are kept in specially built units all year round in order to better control feeding and management. Examples of these can be found in battery cages to house chickens to aid egg collection, and farrowing crates to restrict sows within breeding units. Animals can be fed, watered and cleaned by automatic systems such as feed hoppers and drinkers. Extensive farming – Can also be linked with free-range, animals are able to freely move around and graze outdoors. This method is usually utilised in regions with a lesser demand, such as more open rural areas. There are some cases where animals can be part intensive and extensively farmed. For example, a sheep may spend the majority of it's time outdoors, but will be brought indoors and intensively farmed during lambing season. One of the negative impacts created by intensive farming is the increase in manure. Before intensive farming was introduced, farmers would ordinarily spread livestock manure onto fields for the crops benefit. However, some farmers have begun specialising in areas, crop growing or livestock, which means intensive livestock farmers have to store slurry, which can emit methane, and then travel to areas where this can be disposed of. However, this can be argued as a benefit to farmers who still produce crops as well as manage livestock as the slurry is readily available in great quantity to aid growth of their crops. Another problem appears to be the welfare of the farm animals. Instead of being able to display natural behaviours such as grazing, social and maternal instincts outdoors as with extensive farming, these animals are kept in confined spaces, which can cause signs of discomfort, lameness and even aggression. That being said, intensive farming is essential in order to keep supplying food to an ever growing population. The Five Freedoms The original concept first appeared within the Report of the Technical Committee to Enquire into the Welfare of Animals kept under Intensive Livestock Husbandry Systems, the Brambell Report, December 1965 (HMSO London, ISBN 0 10 850286 4). This acknowledged the need for farm animals to have freedom â€Å"to stand up, lie down, turn around, groom themselves and stretch their limbs† â€Å"The Five Freedoms are: 1. Freedom from hunger and thirst – By ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigour;† Ensure troughs, nipple drinkers and any other feeding instruments are at an appropriate location and height for animals, and that these instruments are cleaned and checked for blockages on a daily basis. All cattle require that sufficient roughage be readily available. Sheep require fresh, clean water be available at all times. â€Å"2. Freedom from discomfort – By providing an appropriate environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area;† Ensuring there is enough space for the animal to move freely and have fresh, clean bedding appropriate to that species, such as straw. A pigs resting area should remain dry, which can be achieved by being on a slightly higher level than its dunging area. â€Å"3. Freedom from pain injury or disease – By prevention or by rapid diagnosis and treatment;† Livestock housed intensively should be kept in buildings with an effective ventilation system and kept out of draughts to minimise respiratory problems. Monitoring for signs of disease, stress, illness, infestation and lameness is essential to ensure this can be dealt with appropriately and promptly. Ensuring all farm animals have appropriate vaccinations against diseases, such as bluetongue in cattle. Procedures should be in place to isolate and treat any injured or sick animal. Any animals should be humanely killed if found to be incurable. â€Å"4. Freedom to express most normal behaviour – By providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of the animals own kind;† Farmers should determine space allowance according to animal, class, age, and size. For example, DEFRA provide this table as an example of good practise within housed sheep – (1) Normal social interaction is important too, for example, pigs housed indoors are kept in groups after weaning, usually separated by gender. Toys, like footballs, can also help with the enrichment of the animal. â€Å"5. Freedom from fear and distress – By ensuring conditions and treatment to avoid mental suffering.† (2) Ensuring stock-keepers are fully trained and have the knowledge and skills to carefully manage any farm animal sympathetically, from being able to handle and herd the animals effectively, to providing accurate injury or illness care. Environment and Housing Requirements for Pigs The Welfare of Farmed Animals (England) Regulations 2003 states there are different requirements, in terms of space and temperature, dependant on the stage, size and class of pig. Though, some factors have to be taken into account throughout all types, such as comfortable and dry bedding, which can be seen in all the below images, as the college farm uses clean, fresh straw throughout. (3) (4) Farrowing Sows and Piglets – The image directly below shows a sow with ten piglets within the farrowing village in the college farm. This shows the sow and piglets have enough space to stand up and manoeuvre, inside and out of the arc. The above images show a drinker, providing clean fresh water, and a feeding trough providing pellets. Weaner and Rearing Pigs – The same regulations state the minimum unobstructed floor area available to each weaner and rearing pig should be at least – (5) The above picture shows the colleges pigs in first stage. Weaners and rearer pigs should have adequate space in order to exercise, feed and for all pigs to lie flat on their side simultaneously, which the above pictures demonstrate. The images also show feeding troughs are raised and at an accessible height for the pigs to feed comfortably and separately from resting areas. Dry Sows and Gilts – (6) (2) As well as being able to move around freely, the pigs resting area requires to be elevated in comparison to its dunging area to ensure their resting area remains clean and dry. Concrete slatted floors are used within the pig unit as this proves to be smooth and easy to keep hygienic and also not slippery which could lead to accidents and injury. Lighting, ventilation and temperature control is also vital to promote pig health. The college pig units provide natural lighting and ventilation within the roofs, the latter of which help remove noxious gases and control temperatures. Controlling the pig's feeds and bedding also helps maintain the appropriate temperature. As mentioned previously, the recommended temperature varies dependant on the category of pig, the table above shows this. Livestock Health and Welfare There are two main factors to be taken into account whilst discussing health and welfare, those being mental and physical. In terms of livestock mental health and welfare, one of the factors to take into account would be the animal's stimulus. This could be objects the animal can entertain itself with, such as a ball, or even just animals of the same species to interact with. An animal may suffer mentally or become stressed if it is left segregated without anything to aid mental enrichment. On the physical side, illnesses common within certain farm animals may be a problem if not properly vaccinated against, illnesses such and foot and mouth among pigs and cattle. Respiratory problems can occur if housing for farm animals does not have the required ventilation measures in place. Issues could occur during the transportation of livestock; whether this is physical in that the animal is mishandled or if the transportations flooring is not so as to prevent slipping, or mentally in that the animal may become stressed, especially if force is used within the process. All these aspects and more all come down to one main factor, stockmanship. Providing stock-keepers have the acquired knowledge and skills from onsite training and relevant courses, these factors should all be well manageable. From handling skills and care, to preventing and treating illnesses and parasites, and other general maintenance required to ensure health and welfare is upheld.

The Ozone Behavior and Variability of Thickness

The Ozone Behavior and Variability of Thickness Introduction The ozone O3has good and bad effects on the Earth. For illustration the stratosphere, where most of the ozone is located, absorbs harmful UV beams. Because the ozone plays such an of import function on human life and the ecosystem, it is of import to invariably endeavor to larn more about the ozone and record and analyze informations. Harmonizing to Shaw, while both O and ozone together absorb 95 to 99.9 % of the sun’s UV radiation, merely ozone efficaciously absorbs the most energetic UV visible radiation, known as UV-C and UV-B, which causes biological harm ( Shaw, 2014, p. 3 ) . When UVC is absorbed by free O groups in the stratosphere, they break apart into two O atoms, and so they combine with O2molecules to organize stratospheric ozone Oxygen3, shown by the undermentioned reactions: Oxygen2+hvi O + O O + O2+ M i O3+ M wherehvis ultraviolet radiation and M is an inert molecule that enhances the reaction of O with O2. The ozone is created, destroyed and created once more in rhythms, of course. While there are legion reactions of how the ozone is destroyed of course, anthropogenetic substances/processes are increasing the devastation the ozone. Examples of anthropogenetic substances/processes would beCFC’s such as infrigidation, air conditioning and aerosol propellents.Halons ; man-made chemicals that can be used to snuff out fires.Burning of fossil fuels.If the ozone continues to be destroyed faster than the natural procedure of being created, less and less of the harmful UV visible radiation will be absorbed in the stratosphere and will finally do it to the Earth’s surface. The UV radiation to the surface would ensue in effects to the worlds and the ecosystems such as the addition of skin malignant neoplastic disease instances, development of cataracts, lessening in photosynthetic pro ductiveness, an addition in vaporization rates and lessening in precipitation. To protect the ozone’s hereafter from anthropogenetic substances the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, with extra understandings, required states to diminish the sum of atmospheric concentrations of CFCs. With these understandings, concentrations chlorine began to diminish in 1995 ( Sahw, 2014, p. 6 ) . Analyzing the information recorded about the ozone thickness provides grounds on whether the ozone is consuming or non, penetration on the effects of anthropogenetic substance/processes and aid in the formation of theories, such as the ozone repairing itself. This assignment will supply a general apprehension of the tendency of longitudinal sets -60/-55, -40/-35, -10/-5, 15-20, 30/35 and 50/55 for the old ages of 1997 – 2005. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data was provided for this assignment by Professor Shaw. Harmonizing to the hand-out provided the information was collected by the Total Ozone Mapping Spectrometer ( TOMS ) for the old ages of 1997 – 2005. The TOMS instrument provides scientists with a planetary position of the stratospheric ozone bed in existent clip with measurings for the full universe every 24 hours ( Shaw, 2014, p. 6-7 ) . The provided information was manipulated in an excel spreadsheet to concentrate on latitudinal sets -60/-55, -40/-35, -10/-5, 15/20, 30/35, 50/55. The given informations was so manipulated and graphs created utilizing excel to be better represented and more easy understood. Each latitudinal set of involvement was individually graphed over the eight twelvemonth span to compare by the months of January, April, July and October. Then the one-year mean for each latitudinal set of involvement was calculated ( non including the months with zero readings ) and put into a graph demoing the tend ency of the entire ozone thickness over the eight twelvemonth span. More specific inside informations may be found in the lab instructions titledThe Chemistry of the Ozone Layer( Shaw, 2014, p. 8 ) . Additionally, a press release by Mindy Shaw and the text edition,Global Environment: Water, Air and Geochemical Cycles, were available with information sing the behaviour of the stratigraphic ozone. After reading the stuff sing the stratigraphic ozone the graphs were interpreted and hypothesis’ formed. Consequence Figure 1: The one-year mean ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal sets -60/-55, -40/-35, -10/-5, 15-20, 30/35, 50-55 for the old ages of 1997 – 2005. The ozone thickness is measured in Dobson Units ( DU ) . The one-year mean calculated does non include the nothing ( 0 ) records. Figure 2: The monthly tendency of the ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set -60/-55 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. Figure 3: The monthly tendency of the ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set -40/-35 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. Figure 4: The monthly tendency of the ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set -10/-5 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. Figure 5: The monthly tendency of the ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set 15/20 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. Figure 6: The monthly tendency of the ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set 30/35 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. Figure 7: The monthly tendency of the ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set 50/55 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. Discussion Harmonizing the Figures 2 – 7, the variableness in the tendencies of the latitudinal sets gets larger the further off from the equator they are. Vice versa the closer to the equator the less variableness there is, as seen in Figures 4 and 5. This correlativity is due to the Earth’s joust. As the Earth jousts towards the Sun the Earth receives more sunlight and consequences in longer yearss. This addition in sunlight additions the sum of high-energy solar atoms striking the ambiance which consequences in an addition in coevals of ozone. The information besides shows a tendency of a thicker ozone bed near the poles during the spring seasons for the single poles respectfully ( Figure 2 and Figure 7 ) . The North Pole spring season begins around March while the South Pole spring season begins around September. A upper limit of thickness is shown for the North Pole in Figure 7 and South Pole in Figure 2. This addition in thickness during the spring season could perchance be due to the accretion of ozone transported from the Torrid Zones during the autumn and winter seasons. The twelvemonth to twelvemonth informations shows that surprisingly the ozone thickness is bit by bit increasing over clip ( Figure 1 ) . In fact, out of the latitudinal sets of involvement, the latitudinal set -10/-5 was the lone one to diminish in thickness over the eight twelvemonth span. This information entirely ( including merely the old ages of involvement from 1997 – 2005 ) does non back up the theory that the ozone is being depleted quicker than it is being of course created ; nevertheless, the correlativity of the alteration should be noted as due to the lessening of anthropogenetic substance by the Montreal Protocol, adopted in 1987, and other extra understandings that decreased the atmospheric concentrations of CFCs. This proves an opposite relationship that a lessening in anthropogenetic substance consequences in an addition in ozone thickness. Decision Because the ozone plays such an of import function to human life and the ecosystem, it is of import to understand the behaviour and variableness of its thickness. Knowing the ozone’s behaviour allows us to protect our hereafter and cognize to diminish the usage of anthropogenetic substances/processes. By analysing informations over old ages, scientist can foretell whether or non the ozone is being depleted faster than it is of course being created or if it is repairing itself. Harmonizing to the informations the ozone fluctuates in thickness globally due to latitudinal place, seasonal alterations and the increase/decrease of anthropogenetic substances. While latitudinal place and seasons is a natural procedures in assisting with creative activity and devastation rhythm of the ozone, the sum anthropogenetic substances is something that can be controlled. The information proves that a lessening in anthropogenetic substance consequences in an addition in ozone thickness. Appendix: Appendix 1: The monthly norm and one-year mean ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set -60/-55 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. The ozone thickness is measured in Dobson Units ( DU ) . The one-year mean calculated does non include the nothing ( 0 ) records.Monthly Average and Annual Mean Ozone Thickness For the Latitudinal Band -60 / -55 Thickness measured in Dobson Units ( DU )YearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAnnual Mean1997309.5297.8292.4294.9292.9297.2301.7314.6323.6326.8323309.33071998304.5295.4289.1290.2299.3318.7323.1317.9316.3334.9332310.93111999301.5292.8288.8290.6299.9309.8316.3314325.5333.6329.8306.53092000297.2293.9291.6291.4291.3295.2296.5295.7321.7344.5337.3322.13072001307.8297.9295.1296305.6315.8315.4310321328.8330309.23112002301.6292294.7291.8299.5313.5327.5338.8351.5367.9343325.23212003313.3304.2295.2293.9297299.1303.6299315.3344.1342.2321.13112004307.3299.6295.7302.1301.1308.2310.6321.4334.9344329.4313.73142005308.8295.1287.4287.9290.5299.6303317.4329.5342.9338.60309Appendix 2: The monthly norm and one-year mean ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set -40/-35 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. The ozone thickness is measured in Dobson Units ( DU ) . The one-year mean calculated does non include the nothing ( 0 ) records.Monthly Average and Annual Mean Ozone Thickness For the Latitudinal Band -40 / -35 Thickness measured in Dobson Units ( DU )YearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAnnual Mean1997270.3269.2267.3266.2271.6280.5290.1305.6319317.3302.9285.82871998277.4272.8271.8273.8284.3300.8316.3323335.8329.9312.8295.63001999271.5268.9267.8268.3272.9286302.8318.8327.4327311.6286.62922000274.5268.7265.2268277.9296.1312.2330.2336.4331.1309.6286.62962001278.9271268.2269.9279.6301.1319.3326335.4332.1317.8297.63002002284.3279.8274.5276.4282.5296311.3326.6330330.8311.3297.73002003284.3279.5273.9272.6276.4296314.8331.4339.5334.8316.6292.93012004280.4273.8270.5263.5270.8279.9294.5312324319.6305.7285.72902005275.7272.1271271.2281.7303.8319.7335.2340.7335.6309.80302Appendix 3: The monthly norm and one-year mean ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set -10/-5 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. The ozone thickness is measured in Dobson Units ( DU ) . The one-year mean calculated does non include the nothing ( 0 ) records.Monthly Average and Annual Mean Ozone Thickness For the Latitudinal Band -10 / -5 Thickness measured in Dobson Units ( DU )YearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAnnual Mean1997254257260.5260.3255.4256.8258.7259.5265.5266.8259.7247.92591998242.2245.9248.7249.1249.6250.1256.6264.9272.9273.7269.4267.32581999260.9262260.6262.2262.1261.3264.5267.5273.1272.7265.3258.22642000257.7258.4260.7261.1259.7258.5258.2263.6269264.2258.5253.52602001253.1249.5251.8252.6248.8247.5250.8257.4269.5273.3272.8270.12582002269271.4269.6267.2261.5258.9258.5263.9268.3268.8264254.62652003252.1253.5255.7255.4254.1255.9257.4262.9268.9264.3260258.52582004254258.9261262.7261.4260.6264.5267.6273.3267.3261.9256.62622005253.2253.2252.4251.6251.1252.7256259.8264.2264.5257.80256Appendix 4: The monthly norm and one-year mean ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set 15/20 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. The ozone thickness is measured in Dobson Units ( DU ) . The one-year mean calculated does non include the nothing ( 0 ) records.Monthly Average and Annual Mean Ozone Thickness For the Latitudinal Band 15 / 20 Thickness measured in Dobson Units ( DU )YearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAnnual Mean1997236.5239.8253.2267.7271.9273.2276.8272.7268.1263254247.72601998243.8250.5262.4276.3281281.6282.3280.5276.1265249.4244.22661999240243255.1272.2280.9282.8282.2281277.9269.3259.7254.72672000256.3262.9270.8283.4285.7283.6281.5280.2275.7264253.9247.82702001251.1253.4267.9283.8285.3283.6282.9281.3274.7264.2252.3241.42682002241.4248.6259.1275.3282.5284.5282278.9273.4265.2256.9245.42662003244252.4270.2284.1289.8289.4287.2284.4277.8263248.3241.82692004236.7242.5257.4271.1280.6286285.3281.9277266.8258.9253.42662005254.9260.2268.2277.4283279.4279.3276.1272.9263.1248.80269Appendix 5: The monthly norm and one-year mean ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set 30/35 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. The ozone thickness is measured in Dobson Units ( DU ) . The one-year mean calculated does non include the nothing ( 0 ) records.Monthly Average and Annual Mean Ozone Thickness For the Latitudinal Band 30 / 35 Thickness measured in Dobson Units ( DU )YearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAnnual Mean1997279.5286.7300.3306.9303299.4291.6283.8279.2278.7277282.52891998291.7303.7319.4325.6324.6310.3297.6293.3283.6272.7262.1263.32961999270.1281290.8305.2311303.2297.7293284.4274.7274.1277.32892000292.5297.2310.3315311.4301.1296.4291.9282.5270262.3270.42922001285.8292.8309.3320.9317.6304.2297.7292.9280.6272.9266.9266.92922002270.9277.1296.9314.6316.1309.3299.8292.8283.6274.8271.52812912003290.5309.1317.9323.4321.8311.3300.7294.9283.9271.3264267.42962004273.1283.1295312.7316.9308.5301.6293.2283.8276.5269.7279.22912005297.6308.9314.2320.3320.2308.1296.9290.9280.8268261.20297Table 6: The monthly norm and one-year mean ozone thickness recorded by the TOMS for the latitudinal set 50/55 for the old ages 1997 – 2005. The ozone thickness is measured in Dobson Units ( DU ) . The one-year mean calculated does non include the nothing ( 0 ) records.Monthly Average and Annual Mean Ozone Thickness For the Latitudinal Band 50 / 55 Thickness measured in Dobson Units ( DU )YearJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecAnnual Mean1997364.4383.4384.9371.4359.2348.3330312302.7298.7308.83423421998380397.9407.4401.2381.4364.2339.6320.6308.6304.6329.5342.13561999365.3387.8413.6391372.9354.7330.8314.9305.6306.7312.2341.43502000359.8383.6387377369.8348.1327.4309301.2304.5323.2362.13462001377.5405.3407.3395.9373.6356.3332.4315.6307.5310309.5343.23532002361371.6397.2389375.9356.2331.3316.2303.7308.4318.93553492003378398.4409.5401.8381.2357.7340.1322307301.4318.3334.83542004367.2386.1399.5393.7373.6354.3333.4320.4304.7297304.8329.93472005350.2374.5390.5382.6370.2351.7332.7315.3301.7296.6

Qualitative critique predictors or success for NCLEX in nursing Essay

Qualitative critique predictors or success for NCLEX in nursing students - Essay Example Second, there are Associate Degrees in Nursing (ADN) programs that also require two years of full-time study. In addition to the nursing curriculum, they require general education courses to obtain an ADN. Third, there are Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs that mandate four years of full time study. The BSN programs are university based programs and require general education courses in addition to the nursing classes. After the nursing program is successfully completed, the candidate is eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX or NCLEX-RN). Since it was first administered in July of 1982 [1], the NCLEX has undergone many changes. It started as a two-day paper-and-pencil exam that tested each specialty area, such as medical, surgical, pediatrics, mental health, and women's health, separately. Next, the exam format was changed so that the specialties were blended together. However, it still was a two-day paper-and-pencil test. The most recent change occurred in 1994. At that time, the test was extended into a Computer-Adaptive Test (CAT) version. It is now given on computer and lasts an average of 3 to 4 hours. The CAT version has presented new challenges for nursing school graduates and faculty. Nursing graduaNursing graduates must be successful on NCLEX in order to practice nursing. There are three major reasons for higher education administrators and educators to be concerned about failure on NCLEX. A lower regional, state or national failure rate has an impact on the health care profession for two reasons: it decreases the number of graduates available to the workforce, and it increases the amount of time until the graduate is licensed and can actually contribute to the workforce and the profession [2]. The second reason is that lower pass rates reflect poorly on the nursing program at institutions of higher education and may ultimately mean budgetary cutbacks or program closure and waning nursing student enrollments. Students often choose programs accredited by the National League for Nursing [4] and programs with a reputation for high NCLEX pass rates. Nursing education programs in some USA states were reported to have a pass rate of at least 92.5% of the national average (National Board of Examiners for Registered Professional Nurses, 1999) during the period of 1991 to 2000. Faculty may experience frustration and concerns about the reputation of their programs based on licensure exam success or failure [5]. This has motivated faculty to identify factors related to the program, teaching or students contributing to NCLEX success or failure. A third reason for studying factors predicting NCLEX performance is the impact of failure on the self-esteem of the graduate and the implications for decreased professional self-confidence [2, 5] described feelings experienced by graduates who failed the NCLEX as anger, shame and despair. A review of the literature over the past 20 years reveals many studies relating to performance of graduates on the NCLEX. These studies fall into two categories: student characteristics and performance on the licensure examination and

Methods And Models Of Critical Thinking Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words - 1

Methods And Models Of Critical Thinking - Essay Example Critical thinking is effectively used in the decision-making process and helps to remove doubt. It involves having an objective to achieve and the tests of whether that objective is being achieved or not form the control criteria. Another definition is proposed by Halpern (1996): "Critical thinking is the use of those cognitive skills and strategies that increase the probability of a desirable outcome purposeful, reasoned and goal-directed - the kind of thinking involved in solving problems, formulating inferences, calculating likelihoods, and making decisions" (McGuiness, 2004). In general, decisions involve the future and involve choice, therefore, they can be wrong. The point to consider is, who makes decisions in an organization, and what are the criteria in delegating some decisions to subordinates These questions can be answered by finding out those decisions where the chances of being wrong are high and the cost of correction is large: these can then be reserved for top management. Lower ranks would be allowed to decide where there was more certainty of being correct and the cost of correction is low. Many decisions are made by managers from a certain number of factors they have considered. The reality of the situation is that there may, in fact, be many more factors unknown to them that they should have considered. Analysis (based on critical thinking) of alternatives and their possible consequences can be assisted by techniques and the use of probability theory. It may be useful to look at decisions in terms of systems theory. Any choice that induces flow, or changes in the flow rate, is a decision (McGuiness, 2004). The main benefit of critical thinking is that it allows managers to solve complex problems and to understand the consequences of the decision. Rates are where the action is, i.e. what takes place between levels in a system.

Organizational culture Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Organizational culture - Assignment Example The training gave the employees the knowledge regarding the company’s values, missions, visions, and company policies (Taylor 1). The company offers much money –draining policies in order to allow the new recruits to resign if they feel that they do not have the desire accept the company’s work requirements. Further, the reason for the above policy is retain employees who are willing to give their best to help achieve the company’s goals objectives (Taylor 1). Forcing the employees to sign contracts may be counterproductive. The disgruntled may not give their 100 percent to each assign company task. The payment to quit weeds out new recruits who feel they were mistaken and that they want to find another company that fits the quitting employees’ job requirement needs. The company’s model of organizational socialization is divided into three phases (Kramer 25). The first phase, anticipatory phase, occurs prior to the job applicants entering the company’s workplace. The job applicants conduct researches pertaining to the company profile such as its handling of business and employee affairs, salaries, promotions, and other related information. The job application interviewer will answer the job applicants’ job-related queries. The gathered information will convince the employee to accept or decline the company’s job offer. Further, the second phase is the encounter phase (Taylor 1). The phase starts on the employees’ first day on the job. The newly hired employees are trained on what is expected of the employees, the company’s vision, mission, and work policies. During this phase, the Zappos are paid if they resign from the job. The phase offers the newly hired employees several options to hasten their adjustment to the new tasks. Third, the company enters the change and acquisition (Taylor 1). The phase gives the employees all time needed to adjust to the new work environment. With employee bringing in

Imaging informatics Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Imaging informatics - Term Paper Example The ways in which it enhances the imaging data is through automating, simplifying, reinventing the techniques for the description, management analysis, and the ways in which the imaging data can be preserved. In general, imaging informatics is concerned with the flow of medical images throughout the medical chain; that is, the retrieval, analysis, interpretation, exchanging, and more importantly how the information is stored. The information that is contained in the databases is inclusive of images and data from Picture Archiving and Communication System PACS (Hwang & Woo, 2003, p. 269). Imaging informatics heavily depends on radiology. This is because radiology is a field in medicine that is driven by technology and is data intensive thus it is very accommodating for imaging informatics. This explains why radiologists have become the leading practitioners in the field of imaging informatics. Imaging informatics is a field whose significance traverses through several areas in the med ical field. As has been mentioned above, PACS, or what is in full referred to as Picture Archiving and Communication System is an area in which the significance of imaging informatics is highlighted. PACS, just as the name suggests, is a system that has been developed mainly for storage purposes of medical images. PACS provides an avenue in which images can be stored at a reduced price and more to this, it promotes convenience when it comes to the accessing of images. The most fundamental feature of PACS is perhaps the fact that it has images from multiple modalities thus it has a wide range of images to compare to (Hwang & Woo, 2003, p. 269). The main reason why imaging informatics is of significance to PACS is because it eliminates the manual transmission and retrieval of image data. This is because the that have come in to being as a result of imaging informatics are transmitted digitally. According to Huang (2010, pp.219-23), the major components of PACS are a gateway of image a nd data acquisition, a PACS server and archive, and several workstations. He farther elaborates that the PACS has two types of gateway. The first type of gateway which is used for textual data is the database gateway. The second type of gateway is the image acquisition gateway which is used for the data in the form of images. It is also key to point out that the images acquired by PACS are retrieved from imaging modalities or devices and related patient data that is archived in Hospital Information Systems (HIS), and Radiology Information Systems (RIS), two areas that will be discussed later on in the paper highlighting the significance of imaging informatics. The second component as pointed out by Huang, (2010) is the PACS server and archive. After an imaging examination, the results together with the patient information which is retrieved from the HIS and the RIS via the gateways is sent to the PACS server. This is the central nervous system of the PACS and it consists of very spe cialized computer servers. Again, this component of the PACS has to subdivisions; they are, the database server and an archive system. The core functions of the database server is to receive, store, and update the information in the system. The archive system on the other hand is devoted to the short-term, long-term, and permanent storage of the information i

Science Fiction, Technology, and Our Modern World Essay - 9

Science Fiction, Technology, and Our Modern World - Essay Example Nobody is offended, and we can easily examine issues without accusing one another. If there were Star Trek in Television shows today, I am sure we would be tackling issues such as religious fundamentalism without using Arab terrorist characters as examples. The ethics of utilitarianism, therefore, suggests that the rightness or wrongness of an action is determined by how much pain or happiness it produces. A morally right action produces more happiness whereas a morally wrong action produces more pain. The needs of many outweigh the needs of a few as demonstrated by the original Spock in the original Star Trek, the Wrath of Khan, when he sacrifices his life to save the Enterprise. Entering the core will kill him but many will be saved. Throughout human history, we have developed ways that make us live longer, richer and more convenient as the knowledge has expanded. People have continually applied technological advancements and devices that improve the quality of life on earth. Each generation comes with new inventions and discoveries that previous generations could only imagine. These inventions such as bombs and other weapons have negative impacts on our lives with the capacity of unleashing powers of destruction in the name of progress. Others like communication technology and medicines have improved the quality of life as well as making the world a comfortable place to live. Science and technology are, therefore, a double-edged sword of preservation and destruction; as these evolve, there are questions of ethics and morality. The technoscience have become an integral part of the contemporary society. Today’s generation lives with knowledge and information at fingertips, courtesy of internet and gadgets such as phones and computers making the word impossible obsolete to some extent. Medical advances such as cloning, genetic testing, DNA identification, stem cell research, and manipulation of human cells have become topics

Russia's Afghan War Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2500 words

Russia's Afghan War - Essay Example About 1,500 military advisers who worked in the country sabotaged equipment Afghan army and discouraged any kind of resistance by Afghan troops and officers (Hill, p.5). Discussion Preparation for Attack On Christmas Eve of 1979, the usually quiet airport in the Afghan capital resembles  Kabul  said a European metropolis.  The large machines with Soviet insignia, landing every three minutes, but have no regular passengers on board, but well-equipped soldiers, armored vehicles, weapons and ammunition. Observers suggested earlier, the company had long been part of the usual military support from  Moscow.  Two days later, on the evening of 27  December, a storm troop towards the city center is on the march, headed by units of the Soviet secret service  KGB  responsible under the leadership of Colonel GI Bojarinow, the head of the training center for special operations of the infamous Pay Department of the KGB, which stands for "wet stuff" (mokryje dela) is for assassinat ions and sabotage.  The military vehicles carry the Afghan national emblem, the soldiers hidden behind the closed hatches, Afghan uniforms.  First destination is the telegraph office, which can blow Bojarinow.  After then, the radio station has been occupied, the column continues to Darulaman Palace on the outskirts.  Despite fierce opposition from the guard of storm troopers penetrates rapidly.  In the top-floor bar the invaders find the one man they are looking for: President Hafisullah Amine, together with his mistress.  Both were shot in the melee. As far as the look, Christopher Andrew and Oleg Gordiewsky KGB in her book - the story of its foreign operations from Lenin to  Gorbachev  give.  The work is based to a large extent on the information and detailed knowledge of a party: Gordiewsky was KGB man in London, and in 1985 changed sides.  His report following prisoners were not made, there would be no witnesses.  Bojarinow also came at the storming of the palace killed. Presumably he was confused because of the Afghan Uniform and shot by his own people (Grau, p.129-145). Warfare and Combat This Hollywood mature coup began in December 1979, the war in  Afghanistan. From the point of view of the Kremlin, there had been a few good reasons for intervention in the Hindu Kush.  As they were aware that the country had been skeptical from the beginning, due to this they had discouraged the war which was a right act.  However, the war proved to be futile, it seriously damaged the reputation of Moscow and accelerated the implosion of the  Soviet Union.  Afghanistan had become "Moscow's Vietnam". Always the policy of the Kremlin had aimed to closely to tie the southern neighboring country itself.  A non-aggression and neutrality pact in 1926 was followed in the fifties and sixties, a broad-based policy support.  The Soviet Union gave large loans, sent millions of business and technology consultants, built roads to the north and b ought generously export goods.  They Willingly trained the officer corps of the Afghan army by the Soviet Army, so that Kabul fell into complete dependence on Moscow (Grau, p.129-145). After King Zahir Shah was deposed in 1973, the coalition process was continued and Prince Mohammed Daoud initially led a coalition with the Pro-Moscow

Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment Essay Example for Free

Pros and Cons of Capital Punishment Essay The most severe of all sentences: that of death. Also known as the death penalty, capital punishment is the most severe form of corporal punishment. It has been banned in many countries, in the United States, an earlier move to eliminate capital punishment has now been reversed and more and more states are resorting to capital punishment for serious offenses such as murder. An Eye for and eye, a life for a life, who has never heard of the famous Lex Talionis? The Bible mentions it, and people have been using it regularly for centuries. We use it in reference to burglary, adultery, love and many other situations. However, some people use it on a different level, some people use it in reference to death. One steals from those who have stolen from him, one wrongs those who have wronged him, but do we really have the right to kill those who have killed. Today, there is a big controversy over capital punishment whether or not it works, or if it is morally right. We have a certain privilege on our own lives, but do the lives of others belong to us as well? Do we have the right to decide the kind of lives others can or cannot live? We find someone guilty of murder and sentence him to death, does that not make murderers out of ourselves? Can justice justify our acts? Those who assist in the death penalty are they not partners in crime? Is the death penalty a Cruel and Unusual punishment or is it now a necessary tool in the war on crime? With the increase in crime and violence in our society, how does the death penalty affect a North American family. Use of the death penalty has declined throughout the industrial Western World since the 19th century. In 1972, movement in America to have the death penalty declared unconstitutional during the landmark case of Furman v. Georgia, which declared the death penalty cruel and unusual punishment. However, after a supreme court decision in 1975, Gregg v. Georgia, which stated capital punishment did not violate the eighth Amendment, executions commenced again under state supervision. (Van der Haag, 1975, 3-4). There are seven main types of execution: Hanging, where the prisoner is blindfolded and stands on a trap door, with a rope around his neck. The trap door is opened suddenly. The weight of the prisoner’s body below the neck causes traction separating the spinal cord from the brain. The second most widely used technique is shooting, where a firing quad shoots the prisoner from some meters away. Another method is Guillotine, a device consisting of a heavy blade held aloft between upright guides and dropped to behead the victim below. Then there was garroting, in which a tightened iron collar is used to strangle or break the neck of a condemned person. One of the more recent is Electrocution where the prisoner is fastened to a chair by his chest, groin, arms and legs. Electrodes are placed around a band around the head, then jolts of 4-8 amperes at voltage between 500 and 2000 volts are applied at half a minute at a time. The newest forms of execution are Lethal Injection where a lethal poison is injected into the prisoners arm or the Gas Chamber where the prisoner is placed in a room with Sodium Cyanide crystals and left to die. (Meltser, 1973, 21-26) There are four major issues in the capital punishment debate, the first being deterrence. A major purpose of criminal punishment is to deter future criminal conduct. The deterrence theory suggests that a rational person will avoid criminal behavior if the severity of the punishment outweigh the benefits of the illegal conduct. It is believed that fear of death deters people from committing crimes. Most criminals would think twice before committing murder if they knew their own lives was at stake. That if attached to certain crimes, the penalty of death exerts a positive moral influence by placing a stigma on certain crimes like manslaughter, resulting in attitudes of disgust and horror to such acts. (McCuen, 1985, 11) Studies of the deterrent effect of the death penalty have been conducted for several years, with varying results. Most of these studies have failed to produce evidence that the death penalty deterred murders more effectively then the threat of imprisonment. The reason for this is that few people are executed and so the death penalty is not a satisfactory deterrent. If capital punishment were carried out more it would prove to be the crime deterrent it was partly intended to be. During highly publicized death penalty cases the homicide rate is found to go down but it goes back up when the case is over. (Bailey, 1994, 42) When comparisons are made between states with the death penalty and states without, the majority of death penalty states show murder rates higher than non-death penalty states. The average murder rate per 100,000 population in 1996 among death penalty states was 7.1, the average murder rate among non-death penalty states was only 3.6. A look at neighboring death penalty and non-death penalty states show similar trends. Death penalty states usually have a higher murder rate than their neighboring non- death penalty states. (Death Penalty Information Center) The second issue in the capital punishment debate is retribution. The need for society to express sufficient condemnation for heinous murders. Supporters of the death penalty contend that the only proper response to the most vile murders is the most sever punishment possible. Therefore, society should literally interpret the â€Å"eye for an eye† principle when an individual takes a life, society’s moral balance will remain upset until the killer’s life is also taken. (Block, 1983, 112) Although death penalty opponents disagree society should be able to express its outrage with a vile crime by inflicting capital punishment. They suggest that they are showing outrage for taking a life by talking the life of another. (Bedau, 1982, 88) Use of the death penalty as intended by law could actually reduce the number of violent murders by eliminating some of the repeat offenders thus being used as a system of justice, not just a method of deterrence. Modern supporters of capital punishment no longer view the death penalty as a deterrent, but just as a punishment for the crime, one source said, in recent years the appeal of deterrence has been supplanted by a frank desire for what large majorities see as just vengeance.† (Bailey, 1994, 55) The third major issue is arbitrariness determined by or arising from whim or impulse rather than judgment or reason. â€Å"From the days of slavery in which black people were considered property, through the years of lynching and Jim Crow laws, capital punishment has always been deeply affected by race. Unfortunately, the days of racial bias in the death penalty are not a remnant of the past.† (NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund) Fairness requires that people who break the same law under similar circumstances should meet with the same punishment, however the justice system is not consistent. Statistics show that a black man who kills a white person is 11 times more likely to receive the death penalty than a white man who kills a black person. And blacks who kill blacks have even less to worry about. Its almost like we kind of say, Oh, well, he needed killing anyhow.† (NAACP Legal Defense and Education Fund) The fourth debate is the danger of mistake. In the past, there were many people wrongfully executed for crimes that they did not commit all in the name of justice. It has happened that after the execution of the alleged guilty party, the real murderer confessed to elevate his guilty conscience. â€Å"No matter how careful courts are, the possibility of perjured testimony, mistaken honest testimony, and human error remain all too real. We have no way of judging how many innocent persons have been executed, but we can be certain there were some.† J. Marshall (Bailey, 1994, 38) The unique thing about the death penalty is that it is final and irreversible. Since 1970, 77 people have been released from death row with evidence of their innocence. Researchers Radelet Bedau found 23 cases since 1900 where innocent people were executed, and the numbers are growing. With stories of people like Rolando Cruz, released after 10 years on Illinoiss death row, despite the fact that another man had confessed to the crime shortly after his conviction; and Ricardo Aldape Guerra, who returned to Mexico after 15 years on Texass death row because of a prosecution that a federal judge called outrageous and designed to simply achieve another notch on the prosecutors guns. (Death Penalty Information Center) There are safeguards guaranteeing protection of those facing the death penalty. These safeguards are : The defendant can not be insane, and the man’s real or criminal intent must be present. Also, minors very rarely receive the death penalty because they are not fully mature and might not know the consequences of their actions. Finally the mentally retarded are very seldom executed. The reason for not executing the retarded is that they often have difficulty defending themselves in court, have problems remembering details, locating witnesses, and testifying credibly on their own behalf. These safeguards are to try to insure that justice will be served without having it suffer. (Bailey, 1994, 147) It costs up to three times the amount to keep a prisoner on death row than it would be to keep them in prison for the rest of their lives. The expense comes from the long drawn out appeals process that we are giving our criminals, and the court appointed attorneys that the poor are receiving. (Death Penalty Information Center) The death penalty costs the state of North Carolina 2.6 million per execution while it costs the whole nation [United States] 700 million since 1976. And it’s the same everywhere, Florida spent an estimated $57 million on the death penalty from 1973 to 1988 to achieve 18 executions that is an average of $3.2 million per execution. (Miami Herald, July 10, 1988). In Texas, a death penalty case costs an average of $2.3 million, about three times the cost of imprisoning someone in a single cell at the highest security level for 40 years. However it is also a form of insurance that the criminal will never commit another crime again. (Death Penalty Information Center) In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) the death penalty was required for a wide range of offenses, both civil and religious. In the following passages from the King James Version of the Bible, Jehovah required the state to execute a person for murder: Genesis 9:6 states: Whoso sheddeth mans blood, by man shall his blood be shed: for in the image of God made he man. If sufficient proof were provided that a person had committed a crime, the state imposed the death penalty on the guilty person(s). They were either stoned to death, impaled or burned alive. Witnesses who testified at the trial would often participate in the killing. To their credit, the courts of ancient Israel required very high levels of proof of criminality before they would order the death penalty (Horwitz, 1973, 36) Of course, a person may think it is immoral to kill someone no matter what they have done. When I say it is retributive justice to take the life in turn for the taking of another life, it could be argued that a criminal is not able to learn a lesson since he dies as an immediate result of the punishment. How can this be called punishment if no lesson is taught? In my opinion, the only way for justice to be served is to have the criminal pay with their life, â€Å" an eye for an eye.† Many people believe that capital punishment does not belong in a civilized society. I believe it is needed because we do not live in a civilized society, if we did there would be no crime. We live in a day and age where killing happens everyday, and many get away with it. Those who do get caught, don’t stay in a jail cell for the rest of their live. If we could rig our streets of murderers, it could mean a safer place for everyone. Men and women could feel safer jogging or doing errands at night. Single women could feel safer in their homes. Children could feel safe playing in their yards. No executed murderer has ever killed again. References The Death Penalty in America 256-63 (H. Bedau ed., 3d ed. 1982) E. Van den Haag, Punishment as a Device for Controlling the Crime Rate, 33 Rutgers L, Rev. 706, 719 (1981) H. Gross, A Theory of Criminal Justice 489 (1979) Ehrlich Gibbons, On the Measurement of the Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment and the Theory of Deterrence, 6 J. Legal Stud. 35 (1977). Bedau Radelet, Miscarriages of Justice in Potentially Capital Cases (1st draft, Oct. 1985) E. Van der Haag, Punishing Criminals 196-206 (1975). C.F. Phllips, The Deterrent Effect of Capital Punishment: New Evidence on an Old Controversy, 86 Am. J. Soc. 139 (1980). Baumgart, R. A. McCuen, Gary E. Reviving the Death Penalty. Madison, WI: Gary McCuen, 1985: 22. Electrocution. Academic American Encyclopedia. Vol. 7. New York: Grolier, 1993: 113. Clark, Lesley. Florida execution of 350-pound inmate turns bloody. Miami Herald. 10 July 1988.

Fast Food Nation Essay Example for Free

Fast Food Nation Essay Many feel that the fast food industry is providing a valuable service by catering to consumer needs; that it is inexpensive and easily accessible. For people who dont have time to prepare meals, for households in which both parents work, theres no question it provides a service. But all of this for what cost? The cost is the lives of those people who work in the meat processing plants. Meat packing is now the most dangerous job in the United States. The men and women that work in the slaughterhouses now are often low paid, poor immigrants, who have not completely learned English and are practically illiterate. These workers make a knife cut every two or three seconds, which adds up to about 10,000 cuts per eight hour day. One of the leading causes of the high injury rate in the slaughter houses is the speed at which the meat is disassembled. Hearing this, it is no surprise that lacerations are the most common injuries suffered by the men and women working in the meatpacking industry. Workers are under tremendous pressure to work fast and not report any injuries that may occur. The annual bonuses of plant foremen and supervisors are often based in part on the injury rate of their workers. Instead of creating a safer workplace, the supervisors pressure workers not to report any injuries and as a bonus, they would be moved to an easier job to give them some time to heal. Often, in this industry, supervisor pressure is not the only reason that injuries go unreported; the immigrant workers usually do not know enough English to complete the paperwork that goes along with filing injury reports. This manner that runs the lives of slaughterhouse workers is completely unethical. In any business, stopping an employee from receiving due compensation for injuries is unfair and unethical. It seems like that in any other business, if a worker is injured, and does not receive fair compensation, they have the ability and drive to enforce the law; but in the case of the slaughterhouse workers, that are often illiterate, this rarely happens. The fast food industry both feeds and prays off the young. Pioneers in developing marketing strategies to target children, the fast-food chains have even infiltrated the nations schools through lunchroom franchises and special advertising packages that answer public educations need for funds; in every way possible, giving the children a loyal friend to rely on. In many franchises, teenagers are perfect candidates for low-paying, low-skilled, short-term jobs and constitute a large part of the fast-food chains workforce; and often practically run individual locations, having more responsibility than most adults. The intense advertising and responsibilities is not the only thing we saw in Fast Food Nation that effected children. The quality of the meat that is fed to children in school and at the fast food restaurants is in some cases horrendous. Children are not the only age group that eats this tainted food, but they are more greatly harmed by it. E. coli is now the leading pathogen causing kidney failure among children in the US. The E. coli problem begins in the feedlots. The situation we see for these cattle is disgusting. Cattle are forced to eat out of manure filled pits that are likely to carry E. coli (which can be live for 90 days). To add to that, cattle are often fed remains of other animals such as sheep and even other cattle. If feedlots were more humane and sanitary, the infected herds would not infect others, and the meat that is fed to children would less likely give them E. coli. There are ethical concerns in about every business, but none seem to be as intense as the ones found in the meat packing and fast food industry. These issues concern the actual well being of the employee not just finances or material things. I dont know if it will ever be possible for the fast food and meatpacking industries to be safe environments to work in, but I do hope that someday the lives and needs of the workers are considered. There are not many things as important as a human life, hopefully someday; all the components of these industries that endanger these lives are changed, from E. coli to fatal packing plant injuries.

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Ethnographic Studies Media Essay

The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Ethnographic Studies Media Essay Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of adopting an ethnographic approach to the study of society. Answer with detailed reference to at least one ethnographic study. Essay outline: Introduction the ethnographic approach to the study of society has its advantages and disadvantages; some of the disadvantages can be avoided if the researcher is made aware of the risk of encountering them I will first try to define the ethnographic studies and then analyse this approach from different perspectives, namely regarding the researcher, the participants and, respectively, the research process and, thusly, the final result Contents definition of the ethnography and briefly naming a few distinctive characteristics of the ethnographic approach, which basically comprises conducting interviews and doing fieldwork three perspectives from which one could look at the advantages and disadvantages of adopting an ethnographic approach to the study of society: regarding the researcher time-consuming requires sustained effort and engagement personal safety of the researcher in peril however, it is rewarding regarding the subjects privacy preciseness of the information which could be affected either by the way the researcher records information, or by the participants themselves regarding the research process and, thus, affecting the final result, the complexity and accuracy of the information from the ethnography first hand data unavoidable subjectivity covert research issues related to social identities, which leads to prejudice data which cannot be generalised -practical use of ethnographic studies Conclusion Despite noting more possible flaws than strong points in using an ethnographic approach to study the social world which are due to the fact that the ethnographic approach is a more complex way of studying reality because it poses diverse problems offering a complex final study as well, its main advantage stands out: to describe and discuss in its complexity the way in which a part of society manifests itself. The Advantages and Disadvantages of Ethnographic Studies Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of adopting an ethnographic approach to the study of society. Answer with detailed reference to at least one ethnographic study. The grade of complexity and accuracy of the results of a social research depends on adopting the most appropriate method. Every research method has its advantages and disadvantages, this also being the case of ethnographies. However, some of the disadvantages can be avoided if the researcher is made aware of the risk of encountering them. In order to outline and discuss some of the most relevant characteristics of an ethnographic approach to the study of society, I will first try to define the ethnographic studies and then analyse this approach from different perspectives, namely regarding the researcher, the participants and, respectively, the research process and, thusly, the final result. The theoretical aspects presented throughout the essay will be supported with methodological observations from Sidewalk, Mitchell Duneiers ethnography of the people who earn a living on Sixth Avenue, in Greenwich Village. Before proceeding to analyse the characteristics of an ethnographic study, we should cast our attention on one general definitions of ethnography. One should bear in mind that there are multiple understandings of the ethnographic approach, influenced by different schools of thought (Atkinson and Hammersley, 2007). Nevertheless, the most complete definition of the ethnography I have encountered is the following: [E]thnography at least (in its minimal definition) is iterative-inductive research (that evolves in design through the study), drawing on a family of methods, involving direct and sustained contact with human agents, within the context of their daily lives (and cultures), watching what happens, listening to what is said, asking questions, and producing a richly written account that respects the irreducibility of human experience, that acknowledges the role of theory, as well as the researchers own role, and that views humans as part object/part subject (OReilly, 2005: 3). Therefore, by using an ethnographic approach to the study of society, the social researcher enters a particular social environment in order to understand the participants in-depth, also employing open-ended interviews with the help of which to comprehend more thoroughly the participants social behaviour. After having established the broad distinctive features of ethnographic studies, we can now look at the advantages and disadvantages of adopting this social research method from the perspective of the researcher itself, namely how conducting an ethnographic research influences him or her. Doing an ethnographic research is time consuming, requiring the fieldworker to spend enough time in order to be accepted into a particular social system and then observe and reliably interpret the social relations which develop in that specific environment, as an insider (OReilly, 2005), and so to understand other peoples own worldview (Taylor, 2002: 3); it is also important to regard the normal as unfamiliar (May, 2001: 157). The research Mitchell Duneier (2001) conducted for Sidewalk lasted, for example, more than four years. This aspect also enables ethnographers to conduct open research, such being the case for Duneier, as well, at the beginning of his research, according to the methodological s ection of Sidewalk: I had only approximate notions about what I would do with the data I collected and what I sought to learn (2001: 336); however, during his fieldwork the leading questions became clear. Engaging in doing ethnographic research has other consequences for the researcher as well. Having to adopt a different role than when using quantitative research methods, the researcher becomes instrumental in the process of collecting the data to be analysed (Padgett, 1998; Marshall and Rossman, 2006). Thus, doing fieldwork requires more effort and commitment from the researcher, as May argues: participant observation is the most personally demanding and analytically difficult method of social research to undertake (2001: 153). Furthermore, after collecting information, the ethnographer has to analyse it, so that to elaborate categories for the relevant social issues denoted by the subjects (Padgett, 1998). This happened to Duneier (2001) in the process of writing Sidewalk, when after spending two years studying Hakim, the main participant in the research, he realised, helped by the useful feedback given by Hakim after reading the manuscript of the study, that he had omitted several important aspects from the social life on the sidewalk. Another effect on the fieldworker discussed here is related to his or her personal safety. If dealing with dangerous subjects, and mainly if undergoing covert research, i.e. research that has not gained the full consent, and is not conducted with the full knowledge, of the participants (OReilly, 2005: 60), the safety of the fieldworker could be jeopardized, such being the case if one studies criminals or other deviant people, especially in their own environment. Moreover, in order to better understand the participants, the ethnographer could engage in dangerous activities, for example drug dealing or smuggling, or in activities which would normally be considered morally degrading if judged by the current social norms. Duneier (2001) could have decided, for example, to buy and consume drugs himself, like some of the participants; this, he could have thought, would have enabled him to better understand their perspective on society. As a conclusion to this section of the essay, one could note that the work of an ethnographer has more disadvantages than advantages. However, the researcher who engages in such an effort should be willing to make some sacrifices in order to achieve a more lively and accurate account of how a part of society functions, this being what ethnographies offer, some would argue. Furthermore, despite the possible inconvenients, the work of an ethnographer can be rewarding because ethnographic studies always have at least one named author. For example, Mitchell Duneier (2001) has received an award for his first ethnography, Slims Table, and also numerous critical acclaims for Sidewalk. The participants in an ethnographic research are affected in various ways by the admittance of the fieldworker in their social environment. One of the aspects which should be considered is the privacy of the people involved as subjects. It should be noted that in an ethnographic research, the right of human subjects to privacy comes into conflict with other rights such as the right of the public to know (Homan, 1991: 65). The main disadvantage for the subjects of ethnographies is that the researcher intrudes in their lives and perturbs them. Although this happens especially when the ethnographer overtly assumes the role of a participant observer, i.e. openly conducted research, he or she can consent and even enjoy taking part in an ethnographic study, as Hakim and Keith do, two participants in Duneiers ethnography. In this situation, however, in the case of interviews, the subject has the chance to present as clearly as possible the information the ethnographer wants to know, not bei ng constrained by pre-defined answers, even if this means that they can distort information (Padgett, 1998). In qualitative research projects, participants remain individualities in the final result of the study, this being the reason why an ethnographer should always seek informed consent for using the real identities of the people observed and exact information, as Duneier did: I have received permission to quote almost all the people who were taped without their knowledge (2001: 13). Mitchell Duneier (2001) made sure that the people presented in his ethnography were content with the way they were presented in the book by having several meetings with each of them in which he showed them the pictures and read them the passages in which they appeared. In case the participants do not agree with their identity being revealed, information about their lives can still be found in the ethnography; however, this poses ethical questions. The problem becomes more important when the researche r is a covert participant observer. In this case, the subject is not made aware of the fact that aspects of his or her life will be made public through an ethnography, this raising more ethical issues, as OReilly asserts: ethical considerations are arguably most likely to be overridden when research is covert (2005: 60). Finally, we will cast our attention on the positive and negative aspects of doing fieldwork and its result: the ethnographic study. In order to do so, it should be noted that adopting an ethnographic approach to the study of society implies participating in a natural process which takes place in a dynamic and unforeseen reality, where people act in different and complex ways (Padgett, 1998). Being a participant observer means collecting first hand data, a part exact, recorded by technical devices as tape recorders or photo cameras, another part filtered by the ethnographer (Bourgeois, 2002). Hence, de facto, writing an ethnographic study is a very subjective process, as Duneier admits: [l]ike all observers, I have my subjectivities. [†¦] [However,] I try to help the reader recognize the lens through which the reality is refracted (2001: 14). Subjectivity can be identified as well in the fact that the researcher observes only what is caught in his eyesight and has to select the g athered information. However, by using technical devices to accurately register the words of the participants, the level of subjectivity could diminish: the meanings of a culture are embodied, in part, in its language, which cannot be grasped by an outsider without attention to the choice and order of the words and sentences (Duneier, 2001: 339); therefore this possible disadvantage of the ethnographic approach can be eliminated. In order to be a good participant observer, one has to gain the trust of the other participants, either overtly or covertly. The advantage when researching covertly is that people can be observed in natural circumstances in their environment; however, this raises ethical issues. Undertaking overt research, as the case of Duneier in Sidewalk, has the advantage of being honest with the participants, but it influences the normal state of the social relations observed; in this particular situation, Duneier emphasises the fact that there are many things members of the different races will not say in one anothers presence (2001, 338). Hence, issues of social identity rise in cases similar to the one presented in Duneiers Sidewalk (2001): the differences of race, class and social status (and in other situations of age and sex as well) between the ethnographer and the participants in the research not only made the people observed be more reserved in what they told Duneier, but also posed pro blems to the ethnographer who had to surpass his prejudices which were due to his social background. This could affect the researchers goal [which] is to describe the symbols and values of such a culture without passing judgment based on his cultural context (Marshall and Rossman, 2006: 82). Another critique of the ethnographic approach is related to the qualities of the research process, to the unsystematic way of conducting the fieldwork and collecting data (Atkinson and Hammersley, 2007; Padgett, 1998). However, social life itself is guided by unknown laws which are not systematic, so this is an adaptive method of studying it. The critics would continue by stating that this approach [is] using small, non-representative samples to produce impressionistic findings vulnerable to almost any bias one could imagine (Padgett, 1998: 12). Nevertheless, ethnographic studies reveal and explain the complexity of the human relations in a limited particular environment, which goal Duneier (2001) achieves in his ethnography, after a long lasting labour and several versions of manuscripts. As Taylor writes, an ethnographic study is said to produce situated knowledge rather than universals and to capture the detail of social life (2002: 3) and, according to Gray, some critics argue th at the findings are inadequate in representativeness and generalisability, two key criteria of validity in sociological research (2003: 15). Moreover, due to the fact that ethnographies are the result of a researchers work carried throughout long periods of time, they show a more accurate image of society, unlike the quantitative methods which register the reality of a particular moment in time. Moreover, by having contact with the world the interviewee is referring to, the ethnographer can discern what is true or plausible in his or her statements (Weinberg, 2002). Furthermore, the researcher can also make use of information related to aspects of their lives which are considered unimportant by the research participant. Duneier (2001) recalls a situation when he was rendered confused by an interviewee, without his intention; the ethnographer could realise which was the real situation because of his findings. The last point to be highlighted in this essay regards the practical use of ethnographic studies in comparison to quantitative analysis. If the latter is more useful for developing strategies, the work of an ethnographer resembles more the work of a writer; its use is not often that of changing policies, one of its critiques being concerned with its lack of impact on policy-making and practice, its limited payoff in the everyday worlds of politics and work (Atkinson and Hammersley, 2007: 17). Duneier (2001) emphasises in Sidewalk the importance of using the conclusions drawn from the ethnography to change policies and prejudices; apart from the measure he suggests the authorities should take, Duneier states that only by understanding the rich social organization of the sidewalk, in all its complexity, might citizens and politicians appreciate how much is lost when we accept the idea that the presence of a few broken windows justifies tearing down the whole informal structure (2001: 3 15). Besides the ineffective attempt to change policies, ethnographies can determine the readers to think in a different manner about what is happening around them, i.e. to think sociologically; I would say that the use of ethnographies is more personal, as is their subject. After reading Sidewalk, for example, it is desirable that people should start looking at least at the street vendors and panhandlers with different eyes, not expressing ready-made assumptions about them. To conclude, in this essay I have analysed a small part of the possible advantages and disadvantages of adopting an ethnographic approach to the study of society. I have looked at the effects of the decision to employ this research method on the researcher him/herself, on the participants and on the process and result of the research, drawing on examples from Mitchell Duneiers Sidewalk (2001). Despite noting more possible flaws than strong points in using an ethnographic approach to study the social world which are due to the fact that the ethnographic approach is a more complex way of studying reality because it poses diverse problems, offering a complex final study as well, its main advantage stands out: to describe and discuss in its complexity the way in which a part of society manifests itself. Word count: 2399 Mark: 65 (Mid Upper 2nd)

Essay on the Importance of Perspective in Gullivers Travels

The Importance of Perspective Revealed in Gulliver's Travels       According to Gulliver, "Undoubtably philosophers are right when they tell us that nothing is great or small than by comparison." This quotation sums the knowledge a person would gather after making a vast study of different societies. The nature of humanity is being discussed, rather than physical size.    The Lilliputians are narrow-minded people who become angry over trivial matters, while the Brobdingnagians are a deeper people, in contrast. From an outsider's view, one nation would not be so great if another were not so poor. Actions which seem natural today may appear barbaric to the generations of the future just as the actions of the past generations abhor the students of today. Only by comparison to something better does a system of power or a way of life seem small or evil. This is the purpose of satire. When studying history, students may find the customs of the past primitive. However, the people of that time most likely did not believe that they were. Perspective is vital in any comparison. A person from a highly technological society cannot easily understand the lifestyle of a civilization n... ...person who sees it. When an aspect of life is held to something better, the frailties can be seen, and a change for the better may result.    Works Cited Davis, Herbert. Gulliver's Travels. Great Britain: Oxford. (1965). Gulliver's Travels. Ed. Paul Turner. World's Classics. Oxford: Oxford University, 1998. Greenacre, Phyllis. M.D. Swift and Carroll. New York: Int. Universities. (1977). The Writings of Jonathan Swift; Authoritative Texts, Backgrounds, Criticism. edited by Robert A. Greenberg and William Bowman Piper. Norton Critical Editions. New York: Norton, 1973.

Essay --

W hile social media has played an integral role in many prominent international events, there is a clear drawback to the technology, which the world witnessed in the horrific events in the recent brutal terrorist attack in Kenya. The shooting at the Westgate Premier Shopping Mall in Nairobi, which began Sept. 21 and lasted until Sept. 24 and resulted in 72 deaths, appears to be a highly sophisticated undertaking, and social media was a significant component with Al-Shabaab, a Somali-based Islamist group, claiming responsibility for the attack in Kenya. As the attack began, and during the three days in which the gunmen held hostages in the shopping mall, there were regular Twitter dispatches from the terrorists. What’s more, the terrorists exploited Twitter in an attempt to explain the rationale for the attacks. In fact, Al-Shabaab has had a series of Twitter accounts over the years and each of them has been suspended under a clause in the terms of service that bars direct threats of violence. Still, the terrorist group simply – as is quite easily done – creates new Twitter accoun...

Chalk Dust, Cinnamon Spice and Coffee Ground as Insect Repellants Essay

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY: There are several household problems we and our helpers encounter at home. These may be issues regarding food supply and storage, cleanliness and sanitation. One of the most common problems is the presence of household ants, especially the red ones, causing a disturbance in our own system of food storage. Red household ants do not only infest stored food in the kitchen but also bite our skin and destroy well- landscaped gardens by building ant hills. Because of this observation, we decided on conducting a study that would eliminate ants with the use of alternative substances that can also be found at home. With this study, we will not only discover other uses and benefits of household waste products but also provide new ways of promoting clean and sanitized homes by eliminating insects. Once proven effective, chalk dust which is one waste product in the classroom, will also be of good use at home. OBJECTIVE: The study aims to find more possible uses of household waste products aside from remaining as garbage such as coffee grounds, and discover further and effective use of chalk dust. Also, we aim to eliminate household insect especially ants that would cause a nuisance in our kitchen. DEFINITION OF TERMS: Talcum Powder- an ingredient in both chalk and baby powder, and is a natural ant repellant. Brewed Coffee- coffee produced from a process with the use of coffee maker wherein hot water drips onto coffee grounds held in a coffee filter made of paper, plastic, or perforated metal, allowing the water to seep through the ground coffee while extracting its oils and essences. The liquid drips through the coffee and the filter into a carafe or pot, and the spent grounds are retained in the filter. Coffee ground- is the used bitter powdered coffee that remains in a pot or coffee-maker after brewing your  coffee. HYPOTHESIS: All three substances tested will give significant results in repelling ants. VARIABLES: INDEPENDENT| CONTROLLED| * 50 grams of coffee ground * 50 grams of cinnamon spice * 50 grams of chalk dust| * Similar area where the three experiments will be conducted, same length * The same ant pathway where the substances will be placed * 1-3 tbsp. of sugar | Resulting Variable: Time it takes for the ants to move away from the repellants CHAPTER II RELATED LITERATURE Ant and Its Symbolism â€Å"Chinese consider and identified ant as the â€Å"righteous insect† and attribute orderliness, virtue and patriotism. On the other hand, Muslims consider the ant as the earthly teacher of Solomon and an embodiment of wisdom.† (Retrieved from http://sherryandrea.com/ant-symbolism-and-meaning/) http://www.jewishencyclopedia.com/articles/1570-ant-in-jewish-literature-the: â€Å"In the Old Testament, the Ant is referred to as some harvesting species which are to this day found in Syria and all around the Mediterranean basin. These species wherever they are found, as the latest investigations of naturalists have proved, lay up stores for the winter. In the Tamuldic Literature, The ant was mentioned being experimented by Simon ben Halafta to ascertain whether they inhabit without a ruler. Also, it was mentioned that ants procure food. There were also statements in the Book of Proverbs where it is pointed out that the wisdom of the Creator is manifested in the fitness of the body and wonderful life of the Ant.† â€Å"From a purely scientific point of view, the Ant is treated by Gershon ben  Solomon, in his work, â€Å"Sha’ar ha-Shamayim.† The Ant, he says, gathers its wheat in the harvest, biting off the germs of the grains in order to prevent them from sprouting and thus preserving them from rotting- a fact verified by recent observation. The Ant, he says further, is proportionately the strongest of all creatures, being able to carry from two to four times its own weight. Moreover, it can move both ways, forward and backward.† History of Brewing Coffee In the early history of coffee, the coffee beans were dried and eaten. By the 16th century, coffee was roasted before being ground and boiled in water. The entire resulting mixture of liquid and grounds would be consumed. The invention of the Ibrik (A small pot used in brewing and serving Turkish coffee that was invented in the late 16th century.) allowed for a more skillful technique of brewing. In the 18th century, the French developed the drip brewing technique wherein coffee is produced by using a cloth bag as a filter to separate grounds from the liquid coffee. This technique allowed for steeping the coffee at a lower temperature as it was not brewed while constantly adding heat. (Retrieved from http://coffee.wikia.com/wiki/Brewing) Chalk in Prehistoric Times As found in nature, chalk has been used for drawing since prehistoric times, when, according to archaeologists, it helped to create some of the earliest cave drawings. Later, artists of different countries and styles used chalk mainly for sketches, and some such drawings, protected with shellac or a similar substance, have survived. Chalk was first formed into sticks for the convenience of artists. The method was to grind natural chalk to a fine powder, then add water, clay as a binder, and various dry colors. The resultant putty was then rolled into cylinders and dried. Although impurities produce natural chalk in many colors, when artists made their own chalk they usually added pigments to render these colors more vivid. Carbon, for example, was used to enhance black, and ferric oxide (Fe 2 O 3 ) created a more vivid red. CHAPTER III METHODOLOGY 1. Gather the variables needed. You can find cinnamon spice in your kitchen. If not, you may use any spice available (e.g. pepper, black pepper, garlic). Collect coffee grounds after brewing coffee with the use of a coffee maker. Collect chalk dust from other classrooms. Measure the quantity and make sure that each one reaches the same amount- 50 grams. 2. Choose an area at home where you can find an ants’ pathway and measure its length. This will also be one of the controlled variables in the experiment. 3. Make sure that there are ants present. If none, place a few pinches of sugar or food crumbs to attract the ants. 4. Once the ants are present, choose among the three substances to be placed first along the path and put it evenly making a thin line. 5. Record the time it takes for the ants to leave the place. 6. Repeat steps three to five with the use of the other two substances and record the results on the Table of Data and Observation below. You may also take pictures du ring the experiment.

Organizational Development Term Paper Essay

2.1 MEANING OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (HRD) (Rao 1990) Human resource development is the process of helping people to acquire expertise. In an organizational context, it is the process by which organizations help their employees in a continuous and planned way in order to: †¢ acquire or sharpen the abilities required to perform various functions associated with their present or expected future roles; †¢ develop their general skills as individuals, discover and utilize their inner potential for their own and/or organizational development purposes; †¢ develop an organizational culture in which supervisor subordinate relationships, teamwork and collaboration among sub-units are strong and contribute to the professional well-being, motivation, and pride of employees. The Human resource development process is facilitated by mechanisms (instruments or sub systems) such as performance appraisal, training, organizational development (OD) feedback and counseling, career development, potential development, job rotation and rewards. Employees are helped constantly in order to make them to acquire new skills. This aid is offered through a process of planning, performance, feedback and training. It also includes, assessment of the developmental needs, periodic reviews of performance, and the creation of development opportunities through training, job rotation, responsibility definit ion and similar other mechanisms. THE CONCEPT OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (HRD) Human resource development is a people-oriented concept that focuses on developing the skills, knowledge and competencies of people. Human resource development can be applied both at the organizational level as well as the national level. Various authors have not yet been fully successful in conceiving the whole concept of human resource development. They have defined the term from their standpoint due to the fact that it is a recent concept and therefore is still in the conceptualizing stage. Lifelong learning has become an important topic under the globalization perspective, the whole world develops into a â€Å"learning society† (Gass,  1996). Work organizations are becoming important partners in this learning society, as they provide more and more opportunities for continuous learning to their employees with the objective to optimize organizational learning as a whole (Karen et al., 2001). Despite the growing number of publications on Human Resource Developments (HRDs) role in organizational learning many uncertainties remain. However, many interesting initiatives are being undertaken by HRD practitioners in facilitating employee learning and professional development (Tjepkema, 2000). Many organizations have renamed their training departments to human resource development departments. Surprisingly some organizations renamed their personnel departments to human resource development departments. Some educational institutions started awarding degrees and diplomas in human resource development, with the fact remaining that the concept is not yet crystal clear. It is a concept not so old that sufficient human input could have been possible. The concept of human resource development was introduced by Nadler (1984) in a conference organized by the American society for training and development. Nadler (1984) defines human resource development as â€Å"Those learning experiences, which are organized for a specific time and designed to bring about the possibility of behavioral and attitudinal change. 23 General Assembly resolution 44/213 of UN in 1989 states: Quote†¦ â€Å"HRD is a broad concept— requiring integrated and concentrated strategies, policies plans and programs to ensure the development of the full potential of human beings—so that they may, individually and collectively, be capable of improving their standard of living†.——unquote. Alvin Toffler, the author of â€Å"future shock† and â€Å"The Third Wave† wrote about the importance of learning in the 21st Century and how the use of learning skills will denote literacy. The definition he used has more meaning than ever in current times and can serve as a gauge for us as individuals and as organizations both in measuring our own concepts regarding HRD skills and in planning learning experiences with others. The term learning experience refers to purposeful or intentional learning not incidental learning as  cited by John (2005). Organizational view point is that human resource development is a process in which the employees of an organization are motivated to acquire and develop technical, managerial and behavioral knowledge skills and abilities (John 2005). Their values beliefs and attitudes are reshaped in order to perform present and future roles by releasing the highest human potential with a view to contributing positively to individual’s social goals as well as the organizational goals. A comparative analysis of these definitions seems elaborate and comprehensive as it deals with the developmental aspects of all the components of human resources. Furthermore, it deals with all skill sets, the present and future organizational needs and aspects of contributions at organizational level. The analysis of the definitions further shows that there are three aspects in human resource development: †¢ Organizational employees are helped and motivated †¢ Various aspects of human resources are acquired, developed and molded †¢ Contribute to the organizational, group, individual and social goals. Initially the helping and motivating factors of human resource development, like organizational structure and climate, human resource development climate, human resource development knowledge and skills of managers and resource planning recruitment and selection may be called enabling factors. The second aspect deals with techniques or methods, which mean to acquire, develop and shape up the various human resources. These techniques include; performance appraisal, potential appraisal, career planning, and development, training, management development, social and cultural programmes, workers participation in management and quality circles. The third category includes the outcomes contribution of the human resource development process to the goals of the organization, group, individuals and society. 2.3 ELEMENTS OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT: The following are the elements of human resource development discussed in detail: †¢ human resource development activities to be the joint responsibility of  various target functionaries, such as managers, govt. functionaries and in case of education, teachers and parents as well. †¢ reducing direct recruitment by retraining and, redeployment of existing manpower, so as to encourage professionalism with a reasonable uplift to the status of a professional approach specially required in education. †¢ placing emphasis on human resource development strategies which would suitably match the individual and organizational needs, with special reference to teacher education where trainees are enjoying double role – as a student and as a teacher also this magnifies the significance of professional needs to be addressed on priority. †¢ using training as the main human resource development strategy; utilizing performance and potential appraisal not only as mechanisms for deciding rewards and punishments but as an effective tool for development, as a trained individual a teacher in this case has also to lead his / her students to 25 an optimum possibilities of innovation and creativity which will be impossible without quality development considered in training scope. But moving a bit beyond by incorporating all aspects of HRD which are required for developing softer images in the personalities of these trainees who are supposed to facilitate students rather than pulling into a hard, rough and tough situations where the softer aspects of students’ personalities have hardly any space to grow. †¢ making jobs more meaningful and providing challenges and intrinsic motivation so that they become the strongest motivators, as without proper motivation both at teachers and students end, canvas of creativity cannot be widened. †¢ developing the line staff as competent resource people for human resource development, in the environment of intellectual development for quality assurance. †¢ conducting periodic reviews of the organizational health introducing suitable interventions on a long-term basis but with a suitable / workable frequency to make the development . †¢ encouraging, adopting and experimenting with new interventions aimed at human resources development and liberally encouraging research and to find new horizon for mental caliber of trainee teachers. †¢ conducting regular audit of the effectiveness of the personnel and human resource development systems, so that this system is obliged to be economically viable and practical. †¢ developing and implementing a mechanism for clarification of goals and roles for individuals and groups; and making them capable of goal oriented. That will make their job experts with a stress to time constraints. †¢ arranging for a continuous exchange of ideas with eminent professionals, so that the development process covers wider canvas and involves mutual interest and understanding. 2.4 DIMENSIONS OF HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT (HRD) Human resource development is considered the key to higher productivity, better relations and greater profitability for any organization. Iqbal (2007) says human productivity is crucial for growth and survival of organizations. Cheney (2002) supported the concept that higher productivity leads to ultimate societal benefits. As far as the dimensions/components/sub- systems of human resource development are concerned, mechanisms of human resource development have been designed in different ways and various thinkers and professionals have offered divergent views. Rao (1988) suggests that human resource development sub-systems comprise performance appraisal, potential appraisal, career planning, training, performance coaching, organization development, employee welfare, rewards, qualities of work life and human resource information system. Pareek (1983) refers to performance appraisal, feedback, counseling, potential appraisal, career advancement, career planning and training as dimensions of human resource development. Varadan (1987) traces human resource development mechanism into performance appraisal, role analysis, organization development and quality circles. Though there is diversity among these arguments, but one can trace out that on some of the dimensions  there is unanimity of opinion among the experts. Iqbal (2007) refers, improvement in human productivity is crucial to a country like Pakistan where the rate of investment has already been low and falls in the range of 17 to 18%.Therefore organizations need to develop employees to enhance productivity. 2.5 HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT COMPONENTS Jayagopal (1988) proposed a comprehensive framework for human resource development program, comprised upon four major areas with nineteen functions under them. and also suggest a dense network of interconnections between these functions. That framework was thrashed and most necessary components are only discussed in detail. 2.5.1 Manpower Planning Manpower planning is the process which assesses and determines that the organization will have an adequate number of qualified persons available at specific times, performing jobs which would fulfill the needs of the organization and which would provide satisfaction for the individuals involved. It is an endeavor to catch demand and supply, it involves: †¢ calculation of net human resource requirements based on present level of human resources; †¢ based on the objectives and long-term plans of the organization, an estimation of present and future requirements and supply of human resource; †¢ to develop the human resource of existing employees and planning an approach that will enable the organization to get the rest of human resources from outside the organization. †¢ initiating steps to change, mould and develop the existing human resource to meet the future human resource requirements. 2.5.2 Recruitment, Selection and Placement Generation of applications for specific positions for actual or anticipated vacancies is known as Recruitment. Through ideal recruitment procedure suitable applicants could be identified. Selection is the process of ascertaining the qualifications, experience, skill, knowledge etc of an applicant with a view to appraising his/her suitability to a job. The  selected candidate is assigned the most suitable job is Placement. Right person on the right job may produce the best results. 2.5.3 Training and Development The two terms are quite identical to each other, but they are not the same in meaning. Training is a learning process that aims to permanently improve the ability and behavior of the employees by enabling them to acquire new skill, knowledge and attitude for more efficient performance. Which includes: †¢ identification of training needs †¢ developing suitable training programmes †¢ providing requisite job skills and knowledge to employees †¢ evaluating the effectiveness of training programmes Development is the growth or realization of a person’s ability, through conscious or unconscious learning. Development programs usually include phases of planned study and experience, and are usually supported by a coaching or counseling facility. Development occurs when a gain in experience is effectively combined with the conceptual understanding that can illustrate it, giving increased confidence both to act and to perceive how such action relates to its context (Bolton, 1995). 2.5.4 Performance Appraisal Performance appraisal is the process which helps determine the efficiency of a worker in his/her job performance. It provides a mechanism for identification of merits and deficiencies observed in an employee in relation to his/ her job performance. Appraisal is to determine the present state of efficiency of a worker in order to establish the actual need for training. The process of performance appraisal consists of following: †¢ Setting the standards for performance †¢ Communicating the standard to the employees, measuring the performance, comprising the actual performance with the standard set. 2.5.5 Job Rotation The distribution of responsibilities it is suggested will result in specialization. However, to be able to utilize their specialization in the  best possible way, the worktasks should be rotated among the employees so as to broaden their field of specialization as well as their knowledge about the organization’s operation as a whole. Therefore, once a year the work-tasks, should be rotated among the various employees depending upon their qualifications and suitability to perform the new work-task. 2.5.6 Wage and Salary Administration The principal need of all employees is adequate wage and salary, which should be proportionate with his/her duties and responsibilities. Wage and salary administration refers to the establishment and implementation of sound policies and practices of employee compensation. It includes areas such as job evaluation, development and maintenance of wage structure, wage surveys, wage incentives, profit sharing, wage changes and adjustments, supplementary payments, control of compensation costs, etc. Wages and salaries are important in determining the standard of living, per capita income, productivity, moral and economic well being of the workers and employees. 2.5.7 Career Planning and Development The concept of career planning emerged in the USA in the 1970s, and become popular .It encouraged employees to analyze and assess their ambitions and provide them with the information about a company’s career opportunities. It focuses on generating an awareness of strengths and weaknesses among employees and at helping them to match their skills and abilities to the Heads and demand of the organization. Without development of people in the organization, the organization cannot prosper. The General Electric Company (GEC) in USA has brought out the ‘Career Dimensions’ work books. The four areas where career planning program can benefit a company are; †¢ They maintain a positive relation with employees. †¢ They help to avoid mismatches between what an employee wants and what a company needs and can offer. †¢ They provide a way of identifying opportunities for continuous career growth. †¢ They improve the utilization of professional and managerial staff. 2.5.8 Organization Development Organization Development (OD) is an organization-wide, planned effort emphasizing appropriate intervention in the continuous activities of the organization, which is managed from the top. Robbins (1993) describes OD as, ‘A collection of planned change interventions, built on humanistic-democratic values, that seek to improve organizational effectiveness and employee well being’. It consists of the activities related to organizations as social systems which focus on changing the human infrastructure through interventions in the various processes. In a planned way strategy is formulated focusing on developing and stimulating the adaptive capacities of organizations so as to allow them to respond to their internal and external environments, in a pro-active manner. Organization development provides a normative framework within which, changes in the climate and culture of the organization towards harnessing the human potential for realization of organizational objectives is brought out. Organization development exercise includes a teambuilding programme, interpersonal sensitivity, role clarity, personal growth and stress management. 2.5.9 Quality Circle Quality circle is a self-governing group of workers with or without their supervisors. This group voluntarily meets regularly in order to identify, analyze and solve the problems related to their work area. The circle groups discuss issues and problems relating to their work unit and their own jobs, and can meet both during and after working hours. In addition to the quality circles, there are facilitators, coordinators, and the steering committee that play their respective roles at various stages of functioning of the quality circles. The objectives of the quality circle are: †¢ Enhancement and utilization of human resources effectively †¢ Satisfaction of the worker’s psychological needs for motivation †¢ Enhancement of employee’s supervisory skills like leadership, interpersonal and conflict resolution †¢ Developing the skills through participation creating work interest, inculcating problem-solving techniques etc. 2.5.10 Human Resource Information System A systematic way of gathering and storing information about each individual  employee for the benefit of planning, decision-making and supply of returns to external agencies at the organizational level is known as human resource information system. A variety of records are maintained to meet the needs of manpower planning, recruitment, development of people, compensation, integration and maintenance and separations not only for internal control, feedback and corrective action, but also to meet the various constitutional obligations.