Manufacturing Management

In simple terms, cash flow is how money moves into and out of your business or how the cycle of cash flows in and flows out of your business thereby helping to determine the solvency of your business (How, 2007). Cost flow in a manufacturing firm involves the expense of the direct materials the manufacturer will be needing for business, the cost of direct labor that will need to be paid for as part of the cash flow process along with the manufacturing overhead that needs to come out of the cash flow. Whereas the cash flow in a service firm would not as much involve physical materials in general but the cost of training, marketing, advertising, travel in addition to the expense involved in whatever particular service that firm specializes in. In general, in the operations of a manufacturing firm most of the work would be handled in a central location, namely if it is one firm, in that particular manufacturing firm’s location. Travel can be a necessity for the management in some manufacturing firms. Employees and especially management of a service firm would be less â€Å"centrally located† in that service firm employees generally travel to the places and customers which need their services. With manufacturing firms you may have a few individuals who travel to introduce their product but overall the energy and expense would be â€Å"product-related.† Service firms generally do not spend as much time, energy or development or industrial design as most of their time spent in research, development and advertising their particular services. The majority of their time and energy would be service-related and changes more from user to user than would a manufacturer who generally supplies to places that need the products they already manufacture. One would have more blue-collar employees within a manufacturing firm while more white-collar employees would be in the labor force of a service firm due to the different training, education and skills needed for the two different types of firms. Vertical analysis would be â€Å"dividing each expense item in the income statement of a given year by net sales to identify expense items that rise more quickly or more slowly than a change in sales (Vertical, 2007). In using the vertical analysis, an analyst would be able to give management the information results gained by comparing the percentage mark-up of asset items along with how they have been financed. In addition, an analyst would be able to observe the trend of the increase in the assets and liabilities over the years (Vertical 2007). The statements that would be used for the vertical analysis would come from comparing the financial statements of firms that vary in size. Using a balance sheet, the assets, liabilities and the assets would be expressed as 100% whereas each item in the various categories would be expressed as a percentage of the respective totals. In using the common size income statement all the items in the income statement would be expressed as a percentage of the sales while sales is expressed as 100%. Horizontal analysis would be â€Å"the process of dividing each expense item of a given year by the same expense item in the base year. This process allows assessment of changes in the relative importance of expense items over time and the behavior of expense items as sales change† (Vertical, 2007). The most important information the horizontal analysis provides management would be trend. Over several years the direction, speed and extent of the trend can be seen by the information provided by the horizontal analysis. The statement one would use to do the horizontal analysis would be setting consecutive balance sheets, income statement or statement of cash flow side-by-side and reviewing any changes in the various categories on a yearly or multiyear basis (Vertical, 2007). References (2007). â€Å"vertical analysis.† Retrieved April 12, 2007, from The Free Dictionary Web site: http://financial-dictionary.thefreedictionary.com/Vertical+analysis (2007). Vertical and Horizontal Analysis Technique. Retrieved April 13, 2007, from Financial Analysis Revisited Web site: http://cbdd.wsu.edu/kewlcontent/cdoutput/TR505r/page37.htm (2007). How to better manage your cash flow. Retrieved April 12, 2007, from Entrepreneur.com Web site: http://www.entrepreur.com/money/moneymanagement/managingcashflow/article66008.h

Automobile Industry in Korea: Rising or Falling?

Introduction Korea’s Automobile Industry is the fifth largest in the manufacture of cars and its parts merely imported from Japan and U.S.   Today, Korea is also one of the most highly developed in production of automobiles. By 1980s, the ability of Korea in auto industry has increased more than what they have expected. Producing 1.1 million units was really a great achievement, preferably in South Korea. Since economic boosted Korea for the past years, this made them partly one of the influential countries here in Asia. Its government supported the growth of this industry and other programs created to build a strong and developed industrial base, which created opportunities particularly in business and other industries in the country.   Not only in automobile industry that Korea has expertise, but also in the field of electronics, particularly cell phone manufacturing, etc. Discussion Over the past decade, Korea has proved its ability in the production, manufacturing and exporting of automobile way back in 1980. The industry’s growth has expanded five times of what the Korean’s expected. The question is, why or why not make the investment in the Korean automobile industry?  Korea, presently divided into North Korea and South Korea. A small country, yet one of the most civilized one. Because of their advanced technology as of Singapore and Japan, this made them one of the most progressive countries here in Asia. Automobile industry in Korea has been stable in the past years as founded in charts. However, competition is also stable. When the three big companies namely Hyundai Motor Co., Kia Motors, and GM Daewoo of auto industry in Korea were launched, a growing number of competitors immediately followed. Korea’s growing industry changed the lifestyle of the Koreans,   workers regret a jobless revival, everyone protest of increasing land and housing prices but their wages became similar to western countries, labour unions were also banned. South Korea’s investment in China in 2004, mainly steel and cars, passed Japan’s investment. Korean’s believed that they have an advantage in China because they do not suffer from post war hostilities than of companies in Japan. With the growing number of jobs, Korea experienced increased number of labourers and employment suppleness. They even hired workers from other countries just to increase the number of employees that they need in a particular company. Korea is now facing an economic stability and government financial situation. They continue to improve their work, and this means a continued financial problems. Korea has its access to potential and capital markets for their products are renowned globally. Their importers were also acclaimed to be among of the leading countries in Asia and in the world like U.S and Japan, which are also their primary manufacturers.  Despite these problems, Korea still emerged as one of the leading countries in Asia in terms of investments and exports. For the next two years, the automobile industry planned to increase their sales from 28% to 50%. Conclusion Korea proved that it is worth to make an investment with them in automobile industry, for they are financially stable; they had stable workers and are supported by their government policies. Business opportunities also increased due to their implementation of the â€Å"Import Diversification Program†, which pushed Korean firms to transfer purchases from Japan to purchases from U.S. this gave Korea a great opportunity in the business world, especially in automobile industry. One of the dangers of investing in Korea’s auto industry is its competition to other neighboring countries that also manufactures automobile like China, which they say that they would enter the world market. It is also said that China produced over a million automobiles in 2004, which was really a great start.  Another danger is the constantly changing of the country is laboring policies. Korean government controlled the formation of labour unions, which is why their policies are always changing. Because Korea’s economy grew rapidly, costs of necessities increased rapidly. They need more persons to work in their companies, because jobs increased as their economy grew larger and wider. Sure, they have access in other countries like U.S and Philippines; their only problem is the number of workers that would try their luck in working in the country. Though Korea claims that their automobile industry aims a great success, we believed that it is not that worthy to invest there because of China’s entering in the world market, the restrictions of labour unions and the attempts of the labourers to conduct company strikes. Maybe, investors will increase if they still improve the status of their growing business. It is not that bad to invest in the auto industry of Korea, only if China would not be a great competitor. By 2020, industry tycoons do agree that China could produce a mass of 20 million cars yearly. This proves that China could really make it ahead of Korea in the auto industry. China is also one of the most exporters of cars and cell phone units, which range from 27-30% than of Korea that only gained 26-28% in the past years. If Korea could only improve their way of treating exporters, they would probably get as much customers like of China. Korea’s only edge in China is that their currency, the won, improved a lot better for it threatened the cost of U.S dollars as seen in charts and in newspapers. We’re not saying that investing in Korea now is bad, only that the competition is not that healthy than of their previous years. References Savada, Andrea Matles and William Shaw. â€Å"South Korea: A Country Study†. (1990). 17 June 2007. http://countrystudies.us/south-korea/50.htm. Brooke, James. â€Å"The New York Times†. 18 October 2005. 17 June 2007. http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/10/18/business/korea    Jones, Heather S. â€Å"Business America†. 31 August 1987. 17 June 2007. http://findarticles.com/p/articles/mi_m1052/is_v10/ai_5151117.            

Literature review- burnout among construction workers

A case of burnout among project managers in the South African construction Industry. Burnout Is a syndrome which Is commonly found among Individuals working In high pressure environments and is defined as a negative experience which results from the interaction between the individual and the environment (Yip and Rollins, 2009).Burnout is known to be a syndrome characterized by three dimensions; these dimensions being emotional exhaustion, cynicism and personal inefficacy; burnout affects individuals in a way that they are likely to feel as if they have a lack of energy, cynical attitude which causes distancing from work and are inclined to view themselves in a negative light causing them to feel dissatisfied with their achievements in the workplace (Miasmal et al, cited in Yip and Rollins, 2009).The construction Industry Is a complex and demanding environment which consists of long working hours and as a result can cause mental and physical exhaustion (YIP and Rollins, 2009). Charac teristics of the construction Industry which Include multilevel subcontracting, time pressure, constant worker rotation and an unstable work environment are what could contribute to the psychological stress experienced y managers in the construction industry; these stress causing factors are what justify studying the prevalence of burnout in the construction industry (Amelia and Bacterial, 2007).The level of burnout among project managers in the construction industry: Existing literature discusses burnout in terms of the three dimensions, emotional exhaustion, cynicism and personal inefficacy, and relates these constructs of burnout to turnover Intention, Job satisfaction, demographic characteristics, work engagement and organizational commitment; the literature also considers the prevalence of runt In the construction Industry and the effects thereof on the performance of employees.Emotional exhaustion occurs when an individual has been under too much burden and as a result their e motional resources have been used up (Kill, Pent and Selves, 2011). Cynicism is representative of the interpersonal dimension of burnout and refers to â€Å"a negative, callous, or excessively detached response to various aspects of the job† (Letter and Miasmal, 2004, p. 93). In addition, Letter and Miasmal (2004) notes that personal inefficacy relates to self-evaluation and refers to linings of incompetence, a lack of productivity and a lack of achievement in the work place.According to COB (cited In Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011) the construction Industry Is a stressful Industry where often, many of the professionals suffer from stress. Project managers in the construction industry take on the role of a middle ground departments, construction professionals, consultancies, contractors, sub-contractors, and suppliers (Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011). Hamilton (cited in Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011), noted that a construction project manager acts as the leader of a empowers construc tion team during the different phases of a project life cycle.In addition to dealing with demanding time schedules, limited site resources and uncertainties, project managers also need to plan, organize and supervise the progress and safety of the work as well as motivate the teams on the construction site (Ritz, cited in cited in Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011). For construction project managers, interpersonal relationships is also needed to accomplish good performance (Disbarred, 1996; Lung et al. , 2009), thus, burnout among construction project managers can be considered to include exhaustion, cynicism, reduced reflections efficacy (Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011).According to Cherries and Brandenburg (cited in Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011), burnout starts with exposure to excessive Job stress which results from long and irregular working hours and produces strain among construction project managers which eventually leads to burnout. This is supported by Bowen, Edwards and Leningrad (2 013) who states that in the construction industry, work hours are long and the inability to meet project objectives is sometimes caused by unexpected events.Based on a study of 108 construction project managers, the results showed that burnout mongo construction project managers occurs as a result of Job stress, the occurrence of burnout then acts as a catalyst for physiological stress (Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011). The study by Lung, Chain and Dungy (2011) correlates with the argument presented by Monster, Peters and Roost (201 1), which states that burnout results from high work demands which need to be dealt with under limited resources which leads to negative experiences which accumulate and results in burnout.Lung, Chain and Dungy (2011) states that it is important for project managers to recognize their Job stress in the early stages, from this point they recommend that takeovers assess the stress shown by the project managers and rearrange the work allocation accordingly; sub sequent to this, firms should regularly monitor the level of stress and burnout shown by the project managers and offer sources of social support which could include non-work related gatherings.Contrary to the views shared by Lung, Chain and Dungy (2011) as well as Monster, Peters and Roost (201 1), which state that long working hours and high demands are what leads to Job stress and ultimately burnout, IBM et al (2011) argue that long working hours is not the main source of stress but rather budget related pressures ND ambitious deadlines. IBM et al (2011) do however agree with Ritz (cited in Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011), that factors which contribute to Job stress include high work volume and safety and security concerns on site.Brand-Leprechauns, Monster and Earthman (2012) discussed that over the past decade, work related well-being specifically related to burnout and work engagement Construction Regulations in South Africa introduced psychological well-being in the Occupational Health Safety Act; the purpose of this Act was to create a framework which ensures higher levels of health and safety in the industry (Deacon and Eke 006, cited in Brand-Leprechauns, Monster and Earthman, 2012).According to Bowen, Edwards and Leningrad (2013), the construction industry is known as a high- stress working environment which affects the health and well-being of the people in it. Based on the literature reviewed for the purpose of this study, it is evident that there are studies which discuss burnout within the context of the South African construction industry, however not many studies have been done to measure specifically the level of burnout among project managers within the South African construction industry. The existing research does however show that there clearly is evidence of burnout within the construction industry.Research done in Hong Kong by Lung, Chain and Dungy (2011) shows that burnout is highly prevalent among project managers in the construction ind ustry and discusses the negative effects it has on the managers and the working environment as well as possible solutions to address the level of burnout experienced. Lung, Chain and Dungy (2011) states that for a study of this nature, questionnaire surveys as a method of data collection proves difficult to eliminate potential errors and therefore and recommend that qualitative data using semi-structured or non- structured interviews be used for rather research.Understanding the effects and consequences of burnout can thus be viewed as a preventative measure and the study thereof is therefore important and relevant in the South African context. Relationship between burnout and turnover intentions: A big question to the management of many firms is what influences an employee to leave the firm. Numerous studies have found that burnout and Job satisfaction are among the major influencer of turnover intentions. According to studies done by researchers such as Cotton and Tuttle (1986), t urnover intention is the likelihood of an employee staying or leaving a company.However, Teeth and Meyer (1993) stated that turnover intention is when the employee is determined to leave the company. In addition, Fishbone and Zen, (1975) found an indication that employees make a conscious choice to leave before actually leaving their Jobs. Bark et al. (2001) discussed that several research that has been done used intent to leave instead of actual turnover as measures for turnover intentions. For example, Cotton and Tuttle (1986) found that people are more likely to leave an organization when their expectations have not been met.However, Ghana and Fen (2011) indicate that many, UT not all factors of both Job satisfaction and burnout prove to be relevant factors affecting turnover intention. Choc et al (2012) found that managing Job burnout is important for decreasing turnover intentions and show that turnover intentions can be explained by the factors of Job burnout: emotional exhaus tion, diversification, and reduced personal accomplishment. Between Job burnout and turnover intentions in various settings. Sings et al. 1994) stated that Job burnout is a generalized construct including emotional exhaustion, diversification, and decreased achievements and proved that Job burnout has did detrimental effects on Job outcomes, through increased employee turnover, reduced Job satisfaction, organizational commitment, and Job performance. Schaeffer and Beaker (2004) stressed that Job burnout specifically including emotional exhaustion and diversification is an important predictor of turnover intentions for companies.The argument by Choc et al (2012) agrees with that of Schaeffer and Beaker (2004) which states that burnout is a predictor of turnover intention, however Choc et al (2012) discusses that all the dimensions of burnout are positively related to turnover intentions. In addition, Letter and Miasmal, (2009) established that burnout and high workload increase the l evel of employee intention. Furthermore, Leather and Mach (2009) discuss that all burnout factors are among the main causes for turnover intentions and that these results are supported by other studies within different industries.However, Demerit et. Al (2001) states that high Job stresses together with lack of resources most likely cause burnout. Briar et al (2013) tested the impact of very stressful Jobs and found that emotional Job demands are causes for burnout, specifically related to exhaustion and cynicism. Lachrymal and Aryan, (1986) and Sorensen Sorensen, (1974) both argue that the reasons for turnover intention rely on the assumption that the basic conflict between loyalties experienced mostly by professionals negatively affects their work attitudes, and hence leads to turnover intentions.Ghana and Fen (2011) show that many but not all factors of Job satisfaction and burnout are applicable dynamics affecting turnover intention. Letter and Miasmal (2009) also found that the re may be limited mediation effects of burnout, mainly through emotional exhaustion, within the impact of Job satisfaction on turnover intention, Choc et al (2012) showed that financial prizes were effective in decreasing turnover intentions under diversification. However, financial rewards increased turnover intentions under reduced personal accomplishment.In addition, career paths were effective in decreasing turnover under both diversification and reduced personal accomplishment. Choc et al (2012) goes on to show how complex it is for managers to implement Just one set of policies to reduce all problems. Many studies that have been conducted, (Briar et al. (2013), Cotton and Tuttle (1986), Cohen(1999), Choc et al (2012)) all conclude that there is a positive relationship teens burnout and turnover intention in which they add that if the burnout factors are not managed properly it is likely to cause an increase in turnover intention.Relationship between burnout and organizational commitment: According to Corded (1993), emotional exhaustion is the main characteristic of burnout. Emotional exhaustion is characterized by a somatic and psychological are depleted, when the possibility of resources being depleted is high, in scenarios whereby an individual's resources are insufficient enough to carry out work requirements or when expected results are not acquired by the resources (Hobble, 1988).Hobble (1989) described these resources as an individual's personal attributes, circumstances, limitations or vigor that represents the individual's ability to achieve work demands. Social support, promotions, the level of participation during decision making processes, independence and reward incentives are all examples of resources (Lee and Seaports, 1996). Wright and Cropland (1998) described compromising situations in the workplace, workload and conflict as work demands.Emotional exhaustion takes place when individuals believe they do not have the adequate resources to meet work demands (Hobble, 1989). Organizational ointment has a negative relationship with an individual's resources that are required to meet organizational demands (Wright and Cropland, 1998). The pressure to meet organizational demands eventually leads to Job stress which, if left untreated, could lead potentially lead to emotional exhaustion (Wright and Cropland, 1998).Emotional exhaustion, in turn, diminishes organizational commitment (Lee and Seaports, 1996). Miasmal (2003) speculated that organizational commitment has a negative relationship with burnout. Individuals who experience high levels of burnout affect their fellow colleagues negatively, bringing about conflict n the workplace and disturbing work activities (Miasmal, 2003). Wright and Cropland (1998), however, argue that despite the fact that emotional exhaustion diminishes organizational commitment, practical evidence for this particular research is lacking.Research on burnout has classically been based on the princ iple that it affects employees' organizational commitment negatively (Lee and Seaports 1996). As is apparent with the research analyses above, studies have obtained evidence that burnout causes decreased levels of organizational commitment Jackson et al. 1987, Letter and Miasmal 1988). However, there are studies which show that the relationship between burnout and commitment could possibly operate in the opposite direction, that is; organizational commitment could possibly cause burnout (Goliath, Drilldown and Gillespie, 1998).In a study conducted by Goliath, Drilldown and Gillespie (1998), results verify that organizational commitment had equally direct and indirect consequences on burnout. The study, which focused on nurses, demonstrated that a huge commitment to the organization had a positive relationship with levels of emotional exhaustion (Goliath, Drilldown and Gillespie, 1998). Put simply, these results maintain the argument that, in extremely demanding work environments, or ganizational commitment may be a major attributer of burnout (Goliath, Drilldown and Gillespie, 1998).Schaeffer and Bunk (1996) suggested that employees with low levels of commitment tend to withdraw from the work environment and are likely to experience the penalties of heavily stressed work environment a whole lot more than their fellow employees who are highly committed to the organization. This is quite similar to the results found by Begley and Chukka (1993), which discovered that organizational commitment intensified the correlation teens stress and Job discontentment among nurses.In a study involving technicians, results demonstrated that organizational commitment has varying Gillespie, 1998). Different elements of burnout are not only more outstanding for varying professions, in addition, the possible attribution to burnout and the penalties of burnout could be highly variable (Goliath, Drilldown and Gillespie, 1998). Lee and Seaports (1996) asserted that additional research should make the methodical contrast of the burnout occurrence of a variety of professions a focal point of research. Currents studies have several restrictions (Goliath, Drilldown and Gillespie, 1998).Finally, while preceding studies have focused largely on the consequences of burnout on employees' level of organizational commitment, other studies have established that it is likewise imperative to take into consideration the effects of organizational commitment on burnout (Goliath, Drilldown and Gillespie, 1998). Relationship between burnout and Job satisfaction: A pleasurable or positive emotional state as a result of Job experience or the appraisal of the Job is known as Job satisfaction (Digitalis, Ketosis's and Toga, cited in Marinas and Van Deer Westernizes, 2013).According to War (cited in Marinas and Van Deer Westernizes, 2013), Job satisfaction can occur as a result of remuneration, work relationships, working conditions, Job security, promotional prospects, training opport unities and the nature of the Job. Marinas and Van Deer Westernizes (2013) who conducted a study based on work well-being in a medical laboratory setting in South Africa, states that the results of the study in this environment found that exhaustion and cynicism which are dimensions of burnout are significantly negatively related to Job satisfaction.Marinas and Van Deer Westernizes (2013) also state that Job satisfaction is the strongest component of well- being in the work place. Oozed, Graciously and Wildfire (2013) agrees with the argument put forward by Digitalis, Ketosis's and Toga (cited in Marinas and Van Deer Westernizes, 2013) which states that Job satisfaction is an emotional state, however according to Oozed, Graciously and Wildfire (2013), Job satisfaction is also a behavioral expression which shows an individual's evaluation of their work, working life and working environment.According to Oozed, Graciously and Wildfire 2013), who conducted a study in Turkey based on the relationship between burnout and Job satisfaction among nurses found that nurses who suffer with emotional exhaustion and diversification have lower scores for Job satisfaction whereas those nurses who experience higher levels of personal achievement have greater levels of Job satisfaction.Thus, the study conducted by Oozed, Graciously and Wildfire (2013) supports the findings by Marinas and Van Deer Westernizes (2013) which states that a negative relationship exists between Job satisfaction and the dimensions of burnout. Similarly, a study conducted by Digitalis, Ketosis's and Toga (2004) among librarians in academic libraries in Greece shows that Job satisfaction is negatively related to emotional exhaustion and diversification while a positive relationship exists between personal achievement and Job satisfaction.To further confirm the findings by other researchers, a study conducted in the hospitality industry in Istanbul by Kill, Polite and Selves (2011) notes that the study of the relationship between burnout and Job satisfaction is important for business managers and practitioners and furthermore found that within this industry, runt. Few studies have been conducted which focus specifically on the relationship between burnout and Job satisfaction among project managers in the construction industry; a study was however conducted based on construction project managers' health in the UK by Love and Edwards (2005).According to Love and Edwards (2005), Job satisfaction among construction workers is defined as a â€Å"match between the rewards offered by the work environment and the individual's preferences for those rewards†. The study by Love and Edwards (2005) used a measurement scale developed by War et al (cited in Love and Edwards, 2005) to assure Job satisfaction; the scale includes the factors of work conditions, management, promotion, salary, Job security and co-workers as variables of Job satisfaction.Recommendations for managing stress, heal th and Job satisfaction among project managers in the construction industry includes training construction project managers to adopt and implement strategies to cope with their stress as well as providing support mechanisms within the firm (Love and Edwards, 2005). A South African study which looks at burnout and Job satisfaction among nurses shows that two factors were yielded when measuring Job satisfaction; these factors include reflections advancement and reward as one factor and leave as another factor (Sloppier et al. , 2012).The results of the study show that the most dissatisfaction was experienced with regards to wages, opportunities for advancement and study leave (Sloppier et al. , 2012). Sloppier et al. (2012) argue that Job satisfaction and burnout are related and furthermore that a positive environment leads to increased Job satisfaction and lower levels of burnout. In agreement with Oozed, Graciously and Wildfire (2013), the study by Sloppier et al. (2012) states that the degree of burnout in he nursing industry in South Africa is strongly correlated to that of Job satisfaction.A review of existing literature on burnout and the constructs thereof show that there are many arguments by various researchers which correlate with each other. In this review, the dimensions of burnout are clearly identified as emotional exhaustion, cynicism and personal efficacy (Letter and Miasmal, 2004). The review of literature with regards to the level of burnout among project managers in the construction industry shows that the complex nature of the Job is likely to cause Job stress which is a predictor of burnout (Lung, Chain and Dungy, 2011).A gap was identified in the lack of literature which exists based on project managers in the construction industry in South Africa and specifically the levels of burnout among them. Furthermore, the review of existing literature shows that researchers have adopted different definitions for the term turnover intentions', despi te this a clear correlation in results exists which shows that a relationship does exist between turnover intention and burnout. Similarly, the review of literature relating organizational commitment and burnout shows that a relationship does exist between the two variables.A clear lack f literature when reviewing the literature based on burnout related to turnover intention, Job satisfaction, organizational commitment and demographic factors is evident. This lack of literature shows that there is a need for further research on these work-related outcomes not only among project managers but within the construction industry in South Africa as a whole. Service employees' burnout levels related to demographic characteristics: According to Miasmal (2003), individuals to the working environment alone.These attributes include demographics, personal traits as well as beliefs that stem from the working environment (Miasmal, 003). Miasmal (2003) affirmed that a number of these attributes are correlated to burnout. The area of interest in this instance is demographic characteristics. Miasmal (2003) put forward that age is the variable that is most constantly correlated to burnout, among the available demographic variables. It was reported that younger employees, under the ages of 30 and 40, experience high levels of burnout (Miasmal, 2003).This is attributed to the fact that age is disconcerted with the individuals level of work experience and it is for this reason that the younger employees experience higher levels of burnout (Miasmal, 2003). Miasmal (2003) allowed up with the sex demographic and concluded that this particular demographic was not an efficient forecaster of burnout. Results from previously conducted research suggested that female employees are characterized with higher levels of burnout, while other results characterized men with higher levels of burnout (Miasmal, 2003).Also, some research results were inconclusive, with very little difference between t he levels of burnout experienced by men and women (Miasmal, 2003). Regarding marital status, Miasmal (2003) discovered that individuals who were not married experienced higher levels of burnout than those who were aired. Furthermore, single individuals experienced higher levels of burnout than divorced individuals (Miasmal, 2003). Miasmal (2003) then explored the level of education and came to conclude that individuals with a higher level of education experience higher levels of burnout than those who are less educated.In a study conducted by Corded (1993), she suggested that there are certain demographic variables that have proven to contribute to the Justification of why certain individuals experience high levels of burnout and why others are somewhat immune to burnout demographic variables. Men and women have frequently reported discrepancies in the levels of burnout experienced, however, there is inconclusive evidence pertaining to the pattern and complications of relationships (Lemmas, Rafter, Purdue, and Ruddiest, 1987).Studies conducted by Anderson and Knick (1984) also suggested that younger employees constantly reported higher levels of burnout compared to employees who were much older. Employees who were more experienced reported extremely low levels of burnout thus concluding that, the older and more experienced an employee, the lower the reported levels of burnout (Anderson and Knick, 1984). Miasmal and Jackson (1985) further asserted that individuals who were married experienced very low levels of burnout compared to individuals who are not married and experienced considerably higher levels of burnout.Individuals who have children experienced lower levels of burnout compared to individuals who had no children and experienced higher levels of burnout (Miasmal and Jackson, 1985). To conclude, Corded (1993) affirmed that based on the available literature today, she believes that the burnout trend requires more consideration by researchers whose focus of study is stress processes in the work environment. Burnout seems to be a extinctive kind of a stress pattern that takes into account the awareness of emotional of reduced personal achievement (Corded, 1993).

Server consolidation Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Server consolidation - Essay Example At one hand this has increased the competition among various financial institutions and on the other hand it has also elevated the quality of service that a customer expects from the banking sector. This has led to many private and public sector banks going in for an increased focus towards IT deployment. Headquartered in New Delhi, the Alpha bank has more than 500 employees who focus on fund raising, credit lending, international operations, bank cards and intermediary business. As more foreign and local banks emerge to challenge its role in these fields, Alpha must strengthen its competitive advantages and find new ways to please its growing list of customers in the region. In order to do so, alpha decided to revamp its information technology (IT) infrastructure to support an ambitious program of new development. The company’s overall plan was to consolidate its core banking system, implement automatic deposits and withdrawals nationwide, and provide expanded banking service s to its customers through the deployment of new e-business applications. One of the first such applications was an e-banking system providing easy-to-use, 24x7 financial services to its customers via the Internet. This, along with other new e-business initiatives that would follow, needed the support of a highly reliable, available and scalable infrastructure. Alpha’s new revamped e-banking system--supported by a powerful server deployment and Linux platform deployed with the help of Company Alpha--enabled the company to extend traditional services to its customers in a new way.

DuPond fibre Inc Marketing Case Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

DuPond fibre Inc Marketing - Case Study Example Thus the technological upgradation works need to be undertaken without causing much harm to the prevailing business volumes. Further, all the management functions too need to be appropriately re-engineered to meet the future growth expectation of the company and also to retain its competitive advantage being enjoyed currently. The brief descriptions on the type of initiatives being undertaken in the various departments are explained as follows. The supporting data and the other relevant information about all the decision being presented here given separately in the Appendix. The raw materials being used in both type of the processes are the same and no significant change in the type materials procured for the process exist. But the change in volume of procurement would certainly vary occurs across the sites of production. Earlier, pattern of procurement was identical at site 1 and site 2, while the site 3 had almost three times higher rates of procurement than the earlier mentioned locations. But in the changed scenario all the locations would be having same procurement patterns after full-scale operations are in place at all the centers of production. And with increased volume requirement identification the current suppliers would be given the license of the supply and also to maintain the identical quality of materials supplied. On production sigi On production sigifinificant changes are expected. The change over of operations from the production of one type of fibre to the other need a careful planning. Both at site 1 and site 2, a new set of facilities would be installed. This might require atleast 3 to 4 years due to the process involved in approvals and installation works. In 2006, the modification to the facilities could also be initiated as the sales forecast is lesser in 2008. This process might require only 2 years. Once, site 1 modifications is completed ,site 2 works could also be initiated. Thus by 2009 , four fully functional facilities would be in operation to produce the modified fibre. The only one of the three units at the site 3 shall be changed to accommodate the new type of production process. The other two types here shall be retained for the manufacture of non-woven fibres. Sales and Marketing The major change in the marketing process is to bring a new set of customers to its modified fibre product. Though all its non-woven customers have not shifted to the newer product, it leaves a big exercise to create a new set of clients for its products (Kotler and Amstrong, 2001). The major marketing campaign involves extensive business conference that has been arranged for all the industry operators to create the importance of the modified fibre supplied by the company. The sales team would be set into operation to generate the potential sales. These exercises have a time of 4 years from now as the forecasted sales is 3 million Kg in the year 2009. With the prevailing demand for these type of fibres, the sales team would generate higher sales volume as the expected sales from this product category is 30 million Kg of fibre. Finance/ Costing Based on the forecasts presented in demand it is estimated significant investments would be required during the period from 2006 to 2009 (Beasley, n.d.). The with the total volume of sales in 2006 is reported as 24.7 million Kg of fibre. With the prices of 0.9 UD dollars for every Kg of non-woven fiibre, the

Safety at the Fire Emergency Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Safety at the Fire Emergency - Essay Example Overloaded buildings are also dangerous when the fire starts. This includes structures such as warehouses and factories which are packed to the brim and hence increasing the number of casualties (NFPA 588). Wild land fire is the opposite of a structure fire because it happens outside in the wild without habitat. Fighting these types of fires is also dangerous because of weather conditions such as wind which changes the direction of the fire. It is also hard to predict which area will burn next as the fire changes every time. These fires take long to be controlled leading to burnout by the fire fighters and hence laxity which is dangerous when it comes to fires. Due to the uncontrollability of the fire, prevention efforts are more crucial than the actual fire fighting. The fire fighters have to enact measures to prevent the fire spreading to a wide area and control it on one place to make it easy to fight which involves starting other small fires (NFPA

White-tailed Deer Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

White-tailed Deer - Research Paper Example It has a brownish gray body with white hairs on the under side of the tail. During summer its color is reddish brown. Today the white tailed deer population is 18 million (pp. 5-11). They are found in deserts, swarms, farmlands, prairies. They mostly prefer living in open lands near the rivers and streams. As described in Zwaschka (1999), an adult male deer grows 41 inches tall and weigh about 160 pounds.(72 kgs) Female deer (doe) is smaller in size and they weigh 40-90 kgs on an average. The weight of white tailed deer varies from region to region. They live up to 10-20 years. It is herbivore and its feeding hours are in the early morning and late after noon. Its diet changes depending on the habitat and the season (pp. 4-10). It is a shy and cautious animal. They are good runners, leapers and swimmers. In alarming situations they flag their tails and run. The bucks alone have antlers that grow annually and fall off in the winter. Female deer gives birth to one to three young ones a t a time, usually in the May or June. Their gestation period is 7 months. They are nocturnal and crepuscular animals. They are preyed up on by bobcats, coyotes and mountain lions. The scientific classification of white tailed deer; Kingdom: Animalia Phylum: Chordata Class: Mammalia Order: Artiodactyla Family: Cervidae Subfamily: Capreolinae Genus: Odocoileus Species: O. virginianus (Source: Squam Lakes Natural Science Center). Life Cycle The breeding season or rut extends from October to January though the majority occurs in October- November. Both bucks and does are seen active and they get out of their nocturnal habits during the breeding season. Patent (2004) describes the life cycle of white deer; the bucks rub their well developed antlers against big trees to mark their territories. These signs are called rubs. Bucks often fight with each other using antlers but fatal injuries are rare. During winter they shed off their antlers. But, antlers grow very fast, and those which grow will be stronger than the previous ones. (pp. 5-11). Antlers get their nourishment from a highly vascularized membrane called velvet which dries off which is rubbed against trees and shrubs. Fully grown antlers mark the breeding season for the bucks. Fawns are born after a 200 day gestation period. Two to three fawns are born in one litter. For the first few weeks the doe hides the fawns by themselves. The fawns have a spotted coat for the first 3-4 months but it is lost when the first winter comes. As described in National Geography website, when the mother goes in search of food the fawns lay flat on the ground quietly among the grass. They are scent free for few weeks to safe guard themselves from predators. Deer reproduces quickly and can over populate the area. To keep check on their numbers natural predators like bobcats and coyotes play a significant role (National Geography). Structure and function The organ system of the white tailed deer is same as that of any mammal. But its digestive system requires special mention. The front of the upper jaw bone does not have any teeth like other mammals. Teeth are replaced with a resilient pad which is in contact with the lower incisors. As Deal (2010) illustrates, they have 32 teeth. 8 incisors, 12 pre molars and 12 molars. They have a four chambered stomach. This ruminant stomach enables the deer to collect large quantity of food at a time, chew and digest it later. The deer pushes its food with its tongue to the back of the mouth where it is chewed. It is chewed just enough to swallow (p. 139). Then it is passed to the gullet of the stomach. The stomach is compartmentalized to four sections. They are the rumen, reticulum,

Climate Disruption Term Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2750 words

Climate Disruption - Term Paper Example The intention of this study is climate change that is definitively happening, and the consensus is that the major cause of this climate change is man-made. The theory as to why climate change is occurring centers around greenhouse gases. Karl & Tremberth explain that these gases, which include carbon dioxide that results from burning fossil fuel accumulates in the atmosphere, and this is what causes global warming. This effect has been seen worldwide. They also state that the concrete jungles of cities makes the cities hotter than more rural areas, because of the pollution in these areas causes urban heat islands. Other places where there are regionally warmer temperatures includes Amazonia and Sahel, because of deforestation and desertification. Cloud feedback, in which clouds trap long-wave radiation, is another cause of warming. Alternately, cloud feedback may cause global coolling if the clouds reflect solar radiation . Man has contributed to the global warming problem in a signi ficant way. One way is through emissions from fuel burning, which causes oxidized gases which can become strongly absorbing aerosols, such as black carbon or soot. This interacts with the clouds and moisture, and this leads to neat heating. These aerosols also affect the climate by reflecting solar radiation and affect the climate indirectly by changing the reflective properties of clouds and the clouds’ lifetimes. The overall consensus is that global climate change is due to man-made activities, and that climate change has dire consequences for our ecosystems and land masses throughout the world. Evidence Regarding Climate Change The scientific consensus is that the cause of climate change is due to an increase in greenhouse gases. There are a variety of studies which support this claim, and Oreskes (2004) contends, essentially, that the debate on climate change is not over, for there are no significant dissenting opinions on the matter. Climate change is real, it is caused by greenhouse gases and it is not the result of a natural warming trend. In her article â€Å"The Scientific Consensus on Climate Change,† Oreskes takes on the individuals who would deny climate change and refutes their arguments, one by one. She begins by stating that the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which was created in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Program, has stated unequivocally that the scientific consensus on the matter is that human activity is affecting the earth’s temperatures. They state that the observed warming over the past 50 years is due to the greenhouse gas concentrations. Oreskes observes that the IPCC was formed for political reasons, not to foster new research, and this is because the matter of climate change is one which is highly political. This might make the panel suspect, ecept that Oreske contends that all the major scientific bodies in the United States with expertise o n the matter have issued reports stating the same thing – that greenhouse gases has caused the earth’s temperature to rise. They also have consensus that the rise in these temperatures are over and above natural warming trends that might have happened within this period (Oreskes, 2004). Oreskes has also reviewed the contents of scientifically reviewed papers which have been published in recent years, noting that these papers must be scientifically sound, as they are published in peer-reviewed papers and must pass the scrutiny of critical, expert colleagues. Oreskes notes that the Institute for Scientific Information (ISI) has indeed all the papers which have been refereed by scientific journals, and are able to sample the scientific literature on any given subject, which provides an unbiased view of the subject. The ISI examined abstracts for 928 papers published between the years 1993 and 2003, and found that, after using the keyword phrase â€Å"global climate chang e† to discern the contents of articles about this subject that not one of the papers

Juvenile Justice Coursework Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Juvenile Justice - Coursework Example Prosecuting children and adolescents in the adult systems undermined justice. Following the pressures from various interest groups, the American legal system inextricably codified the views of stakeholders. The American legal system contains treaties with the interpretation that aim to protect the rights of children and adolescents. It exemplifies that the judicial systems must observe human rights of children and youths with a guarantee. In this respect, corpus juris is a source of legislation that establishes the codes of the subject of protection of adolescents and children. Delinquency has become inherently difficult to measure. Though criminal scientists have devised a means of measuring it such as self-reports, still there are definite drawbacks that these methods depict. The fault of the approach lies in data collection method and the reliability of the data. It is unlikely for the juveniles to provide truthful information about their delinquency to strangers. A juvenile may also forget, miscomprehend, lie or distort what transpired. For example, a self-report survey asks youths about their criminal behaviour and participation in delinquent activities over time. The researcher may request respondents to indict the number of times they have involved themselves in a number of offences such as forgery, weapon violation, gambling, or fighting. The options may be: Never, 1, 2-5, 6-9 and 20 or more. While some may forget and indicate a smaller number, some may exaggerate. The error leads to inaccuracies in the process of trying to measure

Motivating Employees Case Study Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Motivating Employees Case Study - Essay Example Apart from training I would recommend that employees are given more freedom to air their views in terms of working conditions and service delivery to clients. Motivation is a very important factor and therefore would recommend that management reviews compensation rates against industry averages as well as cost of living so that our employees do not start looking elsewhere. My preferred intervention option to the situation at the Argosy, is to critically look at motivation. This is because motivated employees are very willing to work, would commit their time as well as energy towards the attainment of organisational goals. This translates into exemplary service which in turn makes customers happy and portrays the organisation’s public image in positive light. To achieve this I would recommend that employees are allowed freedom to express their personal views without any fear of victimisation and their views be taken with seriousness. This can be implemented immediately and should really change attitudes among employees as they will feel appreciated as part and parcel of the organisation. Secondly is through good compensation and on this I think prorating compensation rates against industry averages and cost of life is very important. A task force should be formed to carry out a study on this within a month and come up with the best possible rate s. In an interview with the Head of the Training Department at a local hospital on their training programs and tracking of the same learnt that training is a very important of any organisation. Equally important is the choice of whether to decentralise or centralise train and how to track the same as tracking helps in identifying gaps and necessary interventions. For this reason the hospital has chosen the centralised option for its HR training function because it is easier to track, obtain feedback on improvements directly from the

Most Lethal Sniper in American History Essay Example for Free

Most Lethal Sniper in American History Essay Chris Kyle was a natural born killer from the first time he was handed a gun. Born in Odessa, Texas, he began hunting with his own rifles and shotguns at age eight. After he finished school, he became a professional bronco rider, but his career ended quickly after he injured his arm. After his arm healed he turned to the military for a job, but was turned down because of the pins in his arm. After a few months he received a call and was invited to the training for the Navy SEALS. He ended up becoming a sniper in SEAL Team 3 and served four tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the four tours of duty, Kyle racked up 255 claimed kills and 160 confirmed kills. His longest successful shot was 2,100 yards or 1.2 miles, just outside Sadr City in 2008. Chivalric Codes were a huge part of a knight’s life, was developed to keep knights in check during a time where laws were difficult to come by. They generally consisted of honoring the church, protecting and serving the people, the lord of the land and the country, being honorable as a person, perseverance, honoring your enemy, protecting women and children, and to protect your fellow knights. Chris Kyle upheld the Code of Chivalry in many ways but in others he did not. These breaks in the code were not always his fault though, because of the radical change in war from the middle ages to now, and the decisions of whether to protect his countrymen or the values of chivalry. Kyle’s first kill was an example of a decision between elements of the code. A woman with a grenade was approaching a group of Marines. Kyle was reluctant to shoot a woman, which is generally against the Rules Of Engagement, and most soldiers’ moral standards. He hesitated before shooting her and saving his troops lives. He said afterward that he was angry at the woman for putting him in that situation. It was the only time he ever killed anyone other than a male enemy. Another way that he strayed from the Code of Chivalry, was that he claims that all of his actions were done out of necessity, not for glory. He constantly repeats that no true hero ever does anything for glory. He says throughout his book that all of his kills were necessary to protect his fellow soldiers. The last way that Chris Kyle broke the code of chivalry was that most of his kills were unfair fights. His training and weapons gave him a huge advantage over his Iraqi adversaries, who were equipped with low-tech equipment and had no training. He often shot enemies from far away in concealed hiding spots, and sometimes in the back. This was a huge infraction in medieval times, but with the advances in warfare and technology, in order to stay alive on the battlefield today you must kill your enemy as soon as possible or he could kill you in an instant. Kyle was not totally against the code of chivalry though, he was a devout Christian, as you would expect as his father was a Sunday school teacher. He justifies his killings by citing that the Commandment is against murder, and killing innocent people not against killing people trying to kill you and your countrymen. Kyle also shows exceptional patriotism and service to his country and the President, our equivalent to a knight’s king. He was awarded two silver stars and five bronze stars with valor, but denies that he ever did anything special to deserve them. He says any soldier would have done the same thing to protect the freedom of America and its people. All in all, Chris Kyle will always be remembered as a hero in the War on Terror, and a modern day testament to the values of chivalry. Although he was not able to uphold all of the values, he did the best he could in the situations he was put in. It is impossible for him to uphold a code as old as that in the changing conditions of war. Many parts are just not feasible to the modern day soldier. With what Kyle was able to accomplish and be able to uphold the standards that he did, Chris Kyle was definitely as chivalrous as he could possibly be. Works Cited Kyle, Chris. American Sniper. N.p.: HarperCollins, n.d. Print. Seidl, Jonathon M. This Navy SEAL Sniper Is the ‘Deadliest in U.S. History’ — Can You Guess His Longest Shot? The Blaze. N.p., 2 Jan. 2012. Web. 04 Oct. 2012. http://www.theblaze.com/stories/. Smith, Terry. What Are the Rules of Engagement With Military Use of Force? EHow. N.p., 16 Feb. 2012. Web. 4 Oct. 2012. http://www.ehow.com/way_5659354_rules-engagement-military-use-force_.html.

Comparing hardy extract and the times article Essay Example for Free

Comparing hardy extract and the times article Essay In Far from the Madding Crowd, the author put great emphasis into using nature to describe the effects of the storm. The cleaving of the tree shows the storms power and ferocity. The author also uses the actions of the neighbouring wild life to show their reaction towards the storm. They are fearful of the storm, galloping about in the wildest maddest confusion. Their chaos is shown as they fling their heels and tails high into the air, their heads to earth. In The Times extract, most of the focus is on the uses of the visual and auditory senses to heighten the experience of the rollercoaster ride. It is easy to imagine the writers experience though the ways that she portrays every detail of the rollercoaster, from trundling away off the rollercoaster, to the hurtling through space, to the drawing back towards the platform. She describes the Tchika, tchika, thicka of the carriages clinking against each other as she approaches the zenith. You can relate to the way she feels as she trundles off, like an egg in a carton. When she reaches the pinnacle, she describes the merry-go-rounds no bigger than musical boxes, its coaster tracks like Meccano toys. The Times article also puts emphasis into the uses of the narrator and of the man behind her. The story is in first person narrative format. The narrator tells the story exactly how she sees it through her own eyes. She tells of every vision, sound, emotion and feeling. The narrator adds life to the experience, telling us her thoughts and fears, Oh my God! Had I got as high as that? The other character in this piece is the man sitting behind her on the rollercoaster. He dissolves all her confidence in an instance when he tells her, Thats the sc-a-a-a-riest seat. He adds depth to the ambience of the experience. In Far from the Madding Crowd, Hardy uses the contrast of light and dark to make the scene seem eerie. The light is described as intertwined undulating snakes of green embedded into the surrounding darkness. Another form of light is from the candle shining in Bathshebas bedroom. Also a blue light appeared in the zenith. The use of chiaroscuro is present here in presenting the dark form. The extract starts with light, but ends with black. In Far from the Madding Crowd, the use of language and sentence structure has depth and profundity to it. The dance of death is the surreal supernatural description of the storm, with skeleton shaped with blue fire for bones. The dead, flat blow reminds us the danger of the storm. The mailed army is a vision of a war against the elements. There are semantic clusters, like in death and battle. The writer uses superlatives to convey and craft his ideas, such as most extra,wildest maddest, and unparalleled. Hardy uses very dramatic vocabulary. He often uses personification, metaphors and similes. His sentence structure is strong, heaven opened then indeed. He has a strong use of discourse markers. In The Times article, the author uses vivid language that best describes her visions and feelings at the time. And then the horizon vanished. The story goes form a rather enjoyable and pleasant feeling to sudden chaos. The anxiety and fear of the writer, which was mildly present, totally changes once she begins to descend. The writer fears that she will faint, as she feels the safety bar will not hold her. There is a contrast between the use of language in the beginning and near the end. The sentence structure is normal, with roughly same amount of words in each sentence. She often uses personification, metaphors and similes to convey her experience. She has a strong use of discourse markers. The structure of Far from the Madding crowd is linear, ands follows on form beginning to middle to end in a very straightforward fashion. The structure of The Times piece is similar to that of Far from the Madding Crowd in the way that it has a linear structure, but the main difference is that there are four segments. The first segment is before the rollercoaster, and then before and leading up to the pinnacle, then the free fall and leading to the end, then actually ending and getting off the rollercoaster.

The Significance Of Larmor Frequency In Mri English Language Essay

The Significance Of Larmor Frequency In Mri English Language Essay When a magnetic field is applied to an atom, the nuclear spin will be orientated with the field. The spin allows absorption of a photon of frequency ÃŽÂ ½L, which is dependent on the magnetic field applied. ÃŽÂ ½L = ÃŽÂ ³ * B In the equation above, B is the magnetic field, ÃŽÂ ³ is the gyromagnetic ratio and ÃŽÂ ½L is the larmor frequency. When atoms are placed in a non-uniform magnetic field, the nuclei of the atom have varying larmor frequencies due to the equation. (b) Why does the RF field have to be applied exactly at the Larmor frequency to tip the net nuclear magnetisation? Some nuclei are said to be parallel to the magnetic field with some nuclei orientated anitparallel which are at a higher energy state. The energy difference between the two states is give by ΆE. When this energy difference is applied there is a transition from the lower energy level to the higher energy level. There is now more nuclei in an anitparallel orientation. When using the RF pulse it has to be resonance with the Larmor frequency. As the RF energy is applied the nuclei will orient themselves in the anitparallel position, this results in more nuclei being in a higher energy state. (c)Classically the spin population states are divided into parallel and anitparallel: what is the approximate population difference between these two states at 1.5T? In order to calculate the population difference use the larmor equation to find the frequency at 1.5 T f = ÃŽÂ ³B Where ÃŽÂ ³ = 42.6 MHz/T B= 1.5 T f = (42.6 x 10 ^6) Ά¡ (1.5) f= 63.9 x 10^6 secà ¢Ã‚ Ã‚ »Ã‚ ¹ Now use the following equation ΆE = hf to find the difference in population where h is plancks constant which is 4.14 x 10^- 15 eVΆ¡sec f is 63.9 x 10^6 secà ¢Ã‚ Ã‚ »Ã‚ ¹ ΆE = hf ΆE =4.14 x 10^-15 )(63.9 x 10^-6 secà ¢Ã‚ Ã‚ »Ã‚ ¹) ΆE = 2.65 x 10^-7 eV (d) Describe what is meant by the Free Induction Decay (FID) of the MR signal In the rotating frame, the net magnetisation vector decays as spins lose phase coherence and begin to cancel each other out. They do this because they experience slightly different magnetic field strengths due to interaction between spins (via their own oscillating magnetic fields). Slightly different magnetic fields means slightly different precession (Larmor) frequencies. This causes some spins to lag behind the average, and some get ahead of the average. Eventually the spins point in arbitrary directions and the Mxy component of the net magnetisation vector is lost. This decaying, oscillating signal is the free induction decay.  [1]   (e) Describe what is meant by spin-lattice relaxation. How is it described mathematically? One relaxation process involves a return of the protons to their original alignment with the static magnetic field. This process, called longitudinal or spin-lattice relaxation, is characterized by a time constant T1. The term spin-lattice refers to the interaction of the protons (spins) with their surroundings (the lattice or network of other spins). This interaction causes a net release of energy to the surroundings as the protons return to the lower energy state of alignment.  [2]   The spin- lattice relaxation is given by M_z=M_0 [1-exp (-t/T_1)] where M_z and M_0 components of the magnetisation vector and t is the time. (f) Describe what is meant by spin-spin relaxation. How is it described mathematically? Before a radio wave is applied, the precessional orientation of the protons is Random. The application of a radio wave brings the protons into synchronous precession, or in phase. When the radio wave is switched off, the protons begin to interact with their neighbours and give up energy in random collisions. In so doing, they revert to a state of random phase. As the protons revert to random orientation, the bulk signal decreases because the magnetic moments tend to cancel each other. This process is called transverse or spin-spin relaxation and is characterized by a time constant T2.  [3]   The spin-spin relaxation is given by M_x, y=M_0 [exp (-t/T2)]. (g) Using the spin echo sequence, describe how the timing parameters can be adjusted to reflect T1, T2 and proton density in the image. Question 2 Figure 2.1 : Image given in assignment (i)What are the two user variable parameters marked as a and b? Explain briefly in general terms how a and b might be chosen to achieve different image contrast weightings. The user variable a is the echo time and b is the repetition time. When there is a short repetition time and short echo time the result will be a T1-weighted image. A long repetition time and short echo time will give a proton density image, and long repetition time and long echo time will give a T2-weighted image. (ii) Identify the gradients markedd. Explain what is illustrated by the dotted horizontal lines in this part of the diagram. What user variable parameter directly influences what is happening ind? Briefly relate this to total scan time. The gradients markedd represents the phase encoding gradient. The user variable parameter that directly influences the phase encoding gradient is the frequency encoding gradient. The total scan time for a standard spin echo or gradient echo sequence is number of repetitions x the scan time per repetition (means the product of repetition time (TR), number of phase encoding steps, and NSA).  [4]   (iii)Identify the gradient e. If all other variables are considered fixed what user variable parameter would change the strength of this applied gradient? The gradient is e is the slice selection gradient. The user variable parameter that would change the strength of this applied gradient is the slice thickness parameter. The slice thickness is governed by the following equation: thk = BWtrans / (à Ã¢â‚¬ °0 ·GS) Where thk is the slice thickness, BWtrans is the transmitted RF bandwidth (the range of frequencies it covers), 0 is the gyromagnetic ratio and GS is the magnitude of the slice selection magnetic field gradient. So, slice thickness is inversely proportional to GS; increasing GS will yield a thinner imaging slice.  [5]   (iv) What is the waveform show in g? Give a brief description of how the signal from g is captured by the MR computer system and subsequently processed to form an image. The waveform g represents the echo signal received. Question 3 (A) Describe briefly the physical basis of the following MRI artefacts: Truncation or Gibbs Gibbs or truncation artefacts arise from going from a bright are to a dark area resulting in bright or dark lines which are present at parallel and adjacent borders where there is a sudden change in intensity. This type of artefact is associated with the number of steps used in the fourier transform to reconstruct the image . To minimize the effect of Gibbs or truncation artefacts more encoding steps are performed in order to lessen the intensity and narrow the artefacts. Figure 3.1 : Diagram shows the Gibbs effect resulting from a Fourier transformation of a sharp change in image intensity Zipper There are various causes for zipper artefacts in images. Most of them are related to hardware or software problems beyond the radiologist immediate control. The zipper artefacts that can be controlled easily are those due to RF entering the scanning room when the door is open during acquisition of images. RF from some radio transmitters will cause zipper artefacts that are oriented perpendicular to the frequency axis of your image. Frequently there is more than one artefact line on an image from this cause. Other equipment and software problems can cause zippers in either axis.  [6]   Figure 3.2 : When this image was taken the scanner room door was left open during the acquisition causing the zipper artefacts shown. Chemical shift Chemical shift arises from a variation in the resonance frequency due to the nuclear spin of protons in different environments like fat or water. Due to the magnetic shielding of different protons , will result in different resonance frequency and hence lead to miss registration of protons in the same slice during the fourier transform. The chemical shift artefact will appear as bright or dark band at the edge of the anatomy. High field strength increases the miss registration of the protons. Figure 3.3 : In this image the chemical shift artefact is seen as a small bright line in front of the femoral bone. (b) In a magnetic field, fat precesses at a lower frequency that water giving rise to a Chemical shift. At 1.5T, the frequency difference is 210Hz. For an image matrix of 256 x 256 and a receive coil bandwidth of 16 kHz, calculate the size of the shift between water and fat in pixels. To find the chemical shift use the following equations d = (n nref) x 106 / nref But know that nref = gBo The equation now becomes d = (n nref) x 106 / gBo where nref is resonance frequency g is gymagnetic ratio where g is 42.58 MHz/T Bo is magnetic field strength where Bo is 1.5 T n is resonance frequency of second component d is chemical shift difference Can now put these values into the above equations. Given that the frequency difference is 220 Hz d = (n nref) x 106 / gBo d= (220) x 106 / (42.58 x 106) (1.5) d= 3.44 ppm Question 4 Using diagrams where appropriate, briefly describe k-space under the following headings What does k-space represent K space corresponds to a matrix of the MR data and represents the image before processing like fourier transforms are performed. Within k-space each line represents a measurement, with a separate line for varying phase gradients. A line of height 0 represents a line with no phase gradient. Figure 4.1: In this diagram, Kx represents frequency, Ky represents phase directions. Each measurement is positioned at a different Ky coordinate (height) How is k-space normally filled The polarity and amplitude of the frequency and phase encoding gradients directly affect how k-space is filled. The amplitude of the frequency encoding gradients establish how far the k-space goes to the left or right and therefore gives the field of view of the image in the frequency direction. Positive values go from left to right while negative values go from right to left. The amplitude of phase encoding gradient estimates how far up and down k-space is filled up and down in the phase direction and hence determines the field of view in this direction. Positive values fill the top half while the negative values fill the bottom half. What determines k-space co-ordinates The k-space location (kx and ky coordinates) of data is governed by the accumulated effect of gradient events and excitation pulses.  [7]   How does an absence of data in k-space affect the image If there is some date missing in k-space this will result in a loss of resolution of the image. Question 5 (a) Describe four important safety hazards in MRI. Static magnetic fields Depolarization can be caused by voltages induced in flowing blood and the movement of muscles in the heart which can be detected by an electrocardiogram. In order to minimize this effect the magnetic field strength kept withing the following limits. 2.5 T for body of patients; 0.2 T for arms and hands of staff and 0.02 T for whole body of staff. Switching of the gradient magnetic fields Involuntary muscular contraction, breathing difficulties and ventricular fibrillation arise from eddy currents induced in the body. MRI should not be performed on patients with implants, as it can cause harm to the patient. In the case of strong fields, taste sensations can be experienced by the patient while flashes of light can be present on the patients retina. Magnetic field build up is usually 1-5 Ts to avoid symptoms. Radiofrequency fields In strong static fields, at high frequencies, heating can occur. The temperature should not rise above 1 degree Celsius on the patients skin. In order to minimize the heating affects the specific absorption ratio should not surpass 0.4 W/Kg and pulsed RF field should not go beyond 70 W Mechanical attraction of ferromagnetic objects This changes with the square of the magnetic field and inverse of the distance. Metal objects are made into projectiles if they come into the fringe field. For this reason non-magnetic material should be used. (b) What is meant by SAR? Define the units used to measure this parameter. The Specific Absorption Rate is defined as the RF power absorbed per unit of mass of an object, and is measured in watts per kilogram (W/kg). The SAR describes the potential for heating of the patients tissue due to the application of the RF energy necessary to produce the MR signal. Inhomogeneity of the RF field leads to a local exposure where most of the absorbed energy is applied to one body region rather than the entire person, leading to the concept of a local SAR.  [8]   What is the whole body limit? 4 W/kg averaged over the whole body for any 15-minute period.  [9]   Which sequences are a particular concern and may give rise to radio-frequency effects? Radio frequency effects occur when a patient is exposed to static magnetic fields in MRI. The Radio frequency pulses mainly produce heat, which is absorbed by the body tissue. If the power of the RF radiation is very high, the patient may be heated too much. To avoid this heating, the limit of RF exposure in MRI is up to the maximum specific absorption rate (SAR) of 4 W/kg whole body weight (can be different from country to country). For MRI safety reasons, the MRI machine starts no sequence, if the SAR limit is exceeded.  [10]  

Homelessness Is Not An Option Essay -- essays research papers fc

Research Paper Homelessness Is Not An Option We see them as a crowd, a collective entity; we call them the homeless, as if that defines who they are, but we neglect to add the unspoken word in that title: people. People whom with social disabilities or financial problems usually will be abandoned by the society and become homelessness along the streets.  ¡Ã‚ §During the past year, over two million men, women, and children, or nearly one percent of the US population, were homeless. ¡Ã‚ ¨ (The National Law Center) The growing homeless population is a factor that shows people are suffering unexpected financial problems and struggling in maintaining their life basis. Typically, people have the impressions that homeless people are sloppy, lazy, and irresponsible; however, the truth may be shocked because there are many people who have jobs and non-habitual to drug or alcoholics still remain homeless.  ¡Ã‚ §It is a tragic aspect of our culture that homeless people, in addition to suffering from the hardship of their condition, are subjected to alienation and discrimination by mainstream society. It is even more tragic that alienation and discrimination often spring from incorrect myths and stereotypes which surround homelessness. ¡Ã‚ ¨(The National Law Center) Homelessness results from a complex set of circumstances that require people to choose between food, shelter, and other basic needs. Once the choices are limited which means people can no longer obtain what they need often result in hom...

Contrasting Principles of Classical and Operant Conditioning Essay

Learning is a very important part of Psychology and it has been defined as ‘any relatively permanent change in behaviour, or behaviour potential, produced by experience’ (Baron, p.169). Learning is a key process in human behaviour; it can play an important role in most of the activities we do. Even though the effects of learning are extremely diverse, most psychologists believe that learning occurs in several basic forms: conditioning – classical and operant and observational learning. Myers defined conditioning as ‘the process of learning associations’. Classical conditioning is where the stimulus serves as a signal for the occurrence of a second stimulus. (Learning to associate two stimuli’s together). In classical conditioning we are able to acquire information about the relations between various stimuli and not just simple associations between them. The most famous research for classical conditioning comes from Ivan Pavlov in 1927. During Pavlov’s research into salivary secretion in dogs he noticed that when he put food into a dog’s mouth it would salivate. He then found that if he worked repeatedly with the same dog it would salivate to stimuli associated with food such as the sight of food, the food dish or the presence of the person who brought the food. Because of what Pavlov found he then chose to study learning, which he hoped might enable him to better understand what was happening. Pavlov and his assistants began work by pairing various neutral stimuli such as sound when food was present in the dog’s mouth to see if the dog would eventually learn to salivate to the just the sound on it’s own. ... ...viour due to a reinforcer and are only likely to show the desired behaviour if it’s reinforced and so this behaviour is unlikely to be a permanent change compared to classical conditioning which has much high chances of remaining. Bibliography Carlson, N. R., Buskist, W., & Martin, G. N. (2000). Psychology: The Science of Behaviour. London: Allyn & Bacon. Myers, D.G. (2003) Psychology. (Seventh Edition). Michigan: Worth Publishers. Ferguson, K. E., O’Donohue, W. (2001). The Psychology of B.F Skinner. London: Sage publications. Bjork, D.W. (1997) Skinner- A Life. London. American Psychological Association. Hall, G. (1983). Behaviour – An introduction to Psychology as a Biological science. London: Academic Press inc. Baron, R. A. (1998) Psychology. (Fourth Edition). London: Allyn & Bacon

White Oleander Essay examples -- essays research papers

White Oleander, a dramatic fiction by Janet Fitch, was published by Little, Brown and Company in Boston. The story is about a mother and daughter, Ingred and Astrid have a very unusual relationship. Ingred loves her daughter but never asks her what she thinks so therefore doesn't know her daughter too well. Such as she does not know of her daughter's yearning for a father. Ingred makes it very clear that she will not allow herself to get close to a man. She is a very brilliant, beautiful poet, who is adored by a man named Barry Kolker. He goes to all of her readings, and asks her out each time. One of the times Barry invites her to go to the Gamelan, an orchestra. Loving the Gamelan, she accepts. Her and Astrid join Barry, and they begin talking more. They start going out more, but each time she makes and stands by regulations, such as he will invite her to eat after an event where they had not planned on eating and she will refuse, because she doesn't like to get attached to men, and doesn't want to spend anymore time than she had already allotted. All of a sudden, her rules start diminishing. One time, there was a knock at her door, and it was Barry. She thought to herself, 'how dare he just come without an invitation?'. When she opened the door (a knife in her hand), he had a bottle of wine, and bag of something that smelled good. To Astrid's surprise she did something least expected. She invited him in. One night Barry said he would be over to her house at 9 and nev...

Potential renewable energy sources for kuwait

RENEWABLE ENERGYPotential Renewable Energy Sources for KuwaitKuwait ‘s solution to supplying enforcement to the current grid capacity and dependability is by researching the assorted available options of renewable energy. Some of the major renewable signifiers of energy being utilised all over the universe include solar, geothermic, air current and hydro energy. Based on the state ‘s climatic conditions, the possible beginnings of energy available for Kuwait are as follows.Solar EnergyA cardinal beginning of energy that Kuwait could use is solar energy. Solar energy involves change overing the freely available and abundant sunshine to electrical power. The state experiences high temperatures and really cheery yearss between June and September ( Salam & A ; Mazrooei, 2007 ) . Kuwait can therefore comfortably prolong solar power production throughout the summer. Solar as a signifier of energy can be looked at from two angles: thermal-where solar energy is used for warming and photovoltaic ( PV ) which involves solar energy being used for power production. The first signifier of energy involves change overing the heat from the Sun into electricity, which is used in places for H2O warming and desalinization. Use in this manner would ensue in much economy in footings of outgo on energy. This signifier of energy can be used to provide for all family energy demands. It can besides be used in street lighting every bit good as in industries for nutrient production. It requires small cost to put up and keep a solar energy system in your house. Apart from this being a cheaper option, it is environmental friendly in that it does non breathe any harmful gases. The 2nd option of using sunshine, photovoltaic, would necessitate more complex system put in topographic point. This option is in fact under consideration by the Gulf Cooperation Council ( GCC ) to be implemented in Kuwait. Plans are underway to put $ 3.6 billion in Kuwait entirely to accomplish photovoltaic energy in the state ( Alnaser 2008 ) . Using solar energy is expected to cut down the part of Kuwait to the universe ‘s emanation of Carbon Monoxide which presently stands at about 0.2 % ( Alnaser, 2008 ) . Alnaser ( 2008 ) has farther argued that globally, there has been an mean addition of 40 % in footings of the volumes of energy produced from solar. There is still more room for betterment because the sum of energy produced in a individual twenty-four hours is adequate to prolong life for old ages. Solar as a beginning of energy has a major defect in that it is susceptible to break and therefore non stable ( ABB, 2011 ) . The supply may be low during the cloudy and showery yearss. The power produced may therefore non be efficient and dependable for critical utilizations such as in production industries. Progresss in engineering should nevertheless be able to work out this job in future. A more complex system that is able to hive away the solar energy and giving the user the control of the units being consumed is being explored. ABB ( 2011 ) has explained how lithium-ion batteries can be integrated with solar energy to supply back up during low production periods. Previous efforts by the Kuwait authorities to ship on solar energy undertaking were thwarted by sand storm and the predominating big sum of dust on possible tapping countries. The authorities has at times appeared non to be excessively enthusiastic to the thought as it â€Å"fails to give fiscal inducements to those willing to prosecute such projects.† ( Hashem, 2011 ) . There is a renewed attempt by the state ‘s authorities to put in researching the solar energy options. Recently, the state ‘s Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ( KCCI ) , revealed a government-lead undertaking that would be $ 120bn. The undertaking is to be implemented within the following five old ages. It involves the authorities encompassing solar energy as portion of its development programs. ( Hashem, 2011 ) . The authorities has besides shown involvements by partnering with other states ‘ authoritiess to implement solar undertakings all over the state. Fortune CT from UK and Toyota T Suchu Corporation from Japan are some of the international companies actively take parting in nidation of solar energy in different parts in Kuwait. Solar energy has small consequence on the environments as non gases are emitted. The costs of geting a solar system are besides cheaper compared to geothermal and hydro. Keeping the system costs about nil as no fuel is used.Wind EnergyWind energy involves using the strength of air current to travel big treadmills which in bend rotate to bring forth power. Just like solar energy, this signifier of energy is renewable and has small injury to the environment. Already, states like Brazil are using this signifier of energy ABB ( 2011 ) . Brazil utilizes the offshore air current to bring forth energy which is so transmitted in the normal power lines for 100s of kilometres. States with similar conditions forms including North African and other Middle East states are in the procedure of implementing air current power usage. It is projected that in old ages to come, weave energy will be used to bring forth about 12 % the planetary energy and in the procedure a important alternate energy begin ning in the coming old ages ( Alnaser, 2008 ) . Kuwait ‘s air current velocity is above the 1400 per hr threshold which is considered as the lower limit air current velocity that can prolong economically feasible air current production. Salam & A ; Mazrooei ( 2007 ) have noted that in recent old ages, Kuwait has been sing increasing air current velocities. There has been an addition of wind velocities of up to 0.21 ms-1 between 1999 and 2004. The state could look at the positive side of this consequence. Windmills could be set up at strategic topographic points to assist pin down the air current energy and change over it to electrical energy. Alnaser ( 2008 ) has projected that Kuwait would be bring forthing a important sum of air current and solar energy by the twelvemonth 2015. For Kuwait to accomplish this signifier of energy, a complex system made up of several air current turbines will hold to be put in topographic point at strategic countries. An ideal country would be on the sea shore to capitalise on the sea zephyr common in such topographic points. The acquisition of these turbines every bit good as puting up the workss will be rather a batch. The authorities has to therefore supply some support or offer incentive to private investor who may be willing to set about the venture. Wind programs have besides been known to hold a negative consequence on the wildlife in the environing country particularly the birds. The building sites of air current power workss require an country that is free from wind obstructor. With edifices built across the state, happening such a topographic point may be a bit difficult. Economically sustainable production of air current power requires that there be blowy conditions throughout which might non ever be the instance.Geothermal energyGeothermal energy involves using the heat on the land to give energy. Kuwait has the potency of making geothermic energy that is yet to be to the full exploited. Plans are underway to increase this option of energy coevals. The Kuwait authorities has given a spell in front to contractor to build a H2O works, Al-Zour North power works that is expected to bring forth about 4,800 megawatts of power ( Izzak, 2010 ) . The authorities is besides be aftering to increase production in bing workss by replac ing old systems with more efficient 1s. Izzak, ( 2010 ) has explained that the authorities of Kuwait intends to replace about 18 per centum of the transformers presently being used with more efficient 1s. Other Countries in the Middle East have besides been dallying with the thought of geothermic energy. In UAE for illustration, Masdar, a pro environment preservation company has been transporting trials on how to implement a geothermic undertaking in Abu Dhabi since 2009. The execution was expected to get down instantly after the testing. A major set vaulting horse to geothermal energy is that the procedure is a bit expensive to implement every bit compared to implementing solar energy. This is because geothermic electricity coevals depends on H2O ; yet this H2O has to be gotten through desalinization of saltwater, which is a dearly-won procedure. Initial set up of the works is besides dearly-won. Another job is that Kuwait is rather hot. Achieving the geothermic energy requires some signifier of chilling. This chilling is rather impossible to accomplish without breathing harmful gases to the environment. The deepnesss at which the hot stones are located vary from topographic point to topographic point. Geologists have to make thorough analyze to set up such facts and besides to measure whether such a undertaking is economically executable in Kuwait. Once a geothermal works is up and running, care and running costs are comparatively low.HydroelectricityHydroelectric power productions involve big volumes of high force per unit area H2O being used to turn big turbines to bring forth energy. Kuwait experiences a low sum of rainfall with the mean being about 115 millimeters ( Salam & A ; Mazrooei, 2007 ) . The state is by and large dry with few rivers. For the state to prolong an economical degree of hydroelectric energy production, it must use other beginnings: chiefly saltwater. For this to go on, a fuel devouring procedure of salination has to be carried out which might be expensive to set about. Merely like the other aforementioned options, Hydro works set up requires a batch of resources to put up. Such a undertaking would therefore require substantial support from either the authorities or private sector. This signifier of energy would necessitate edifice of dike. This would ensue in interfering with the wildlife bing in the rivers every bit good as the environing country.Bio FuelAnother possible beginning of renewable energy is bio fuel. This is a sort of fuel that is obtained from biomass. The energy produced can be used for warming and lighting in the rural countries. It can be besides used for cooking at both rural and urban scene. Bio Fuel energy offers the merely alternate to fossil fuel as a renewable C based beginning of fuel that exist is important measure ( Klass, 2004 ) . Klass, ( 2004 ) has argued that the degrees of natural gas would non be sufficient to prolong the demand during the beginning of the twenty-first century. Such a state of affairs would coerce the universe to look elsewhere for their energy supply. This could necessitate the stakeholders in the sector to switch to undeveloped biomass as the alternate beginning of energy. Kuwait can place herself for such an contingency by puting in the relevant biomass transition engineerings. The state could, for case, put in power workss which use wood energy which is burned to bring forth steam. This steam is in bend channeled to turbines to bring forth energy. To prolong this manner of energy production, there requires a sufficient supply of biomass. Engendering workss that produce high sum of biomass can accomplish this. Klass, ( 2004 ) has identified peculiar works species that can accomplish aid achive this. Such workss include the alone herbaceous biomass workss and other intercrossed vegetations, which he refers to as ‘energy workss ‘ . Klass, ( 2004 ) has explained a manner of guaranting a changeless supply of biomass for biofuel. This is by guaranting that a new growing of biomass will readily come up in topographic point of the biomass collected for energy production. Bio fuel usage has an extra advantage in that it has does non foul the environment and displaces the usage of fuel. When used in concurrence with coal or wood, bio fuel reduces the sum of harmful gasses released to the environment. Bio fuel usage could besides cut down the rate at which dodo fuel is being depleted from Earth.Ethanol fuelClosely related to bio fuel is usage of ethyl alcohol. This ethyl alcohol as gotten from workss such as sugar cane, wheat and maize and can be used for fueling vehicles. Puting up workss for ethyl alcohol harvest home is comparatively inexpensive. However, acquiring a changeless supply of ethanol bring forthing workss would necessitate a considerable resource allotment. The procedure of production of energy is besides quit dearly-won, as it requires fuel. The fuel used in bring forthing ethyl alcohol may besides ensue in production of gases, which may foul the environment.DecisionThe potency is at that place for Kuwait to research other option of ener gy production. The implicit in factor in all these options is some kind of support for research every bit good as initial set up. The authorities of Kuwait can make this either straight or by offering fiscal inducement. Exhaustive cost-benefit analysis is besides necessary to set up the viability of each option. Any option that Kuwait takes would an of import enforcement to the current grid capacity which is dominated by natural gas and oil.

Bereavement Support for Older Adults

Running Head: Bereavement Support for Older Adults Six Session Group: Bereavement Support for Older Adults Bereavement Support for Older Adults Purpose: To create a safe environment for people to express his or her feelings of grief which will hopefully enable them to reconcile his or her loss and begin to reinvest in life by learning through educational support, coping tools in the absence of a loved one Group Goals/Objectives: To foster self-awareness, healing, new friends, sense of community, support of others, education about grief and learning coping skills through psycho-educational approach.Our goal is to not stop the pain or forget about the loved one but to help members live with the loved memory in a way that doesn’t cause pain. Bereavement Support for Older Adults Outline I. Group Rationale A. Grief is the emotional reaction to a significant loss II. Target Population A. Older Adults a. Bereavement III. Summary A. Mrs. Moore IV. Group Structure & Screening V. Length of Group A. VI. Theories & Techniques A. reminiscence model framework B. Writing/ Journaling C. Art VII. Leadership Style/Skills A. Democratic a. Caring, . Empathetic B. Excellent Communication VIII. Evaluation/Conclusion Bereavement Support for Older Adults Agency: Golden Grief Counseling agency is a bereavement agency that offers services on general grief and loss support group several times throughout the year at various locations in Central Florida. The group typically meets one day a week for about six consecutive weeks. This is a free group, but registration and prescreening evaluation is required to determine the appropriateness of participants to try and obtain group cohesion.All groups will be based on Homogeneity To be eligible to participate potential members must be at least 69 years of age; 3 or 4 months or more after the loss of a loved one(however, some participants may want to join sooner and Golden Grief Counseling agency will respect a bereaved participant interes ts in joining the group based on his or her personal grief journey. Golden Grief Counseling agency certainly realizes what works for one person may not be suitable for the next. 1. Group Rationale:Grief is the emotional reaction to a significant loss, such as the death of a loved one (bereavement) or no longer being independent with activities of daily living. People may use the words â€Å"sorrow† and â€Å"heartache† to describe feelings of grief(Bonifas,2010) Whether an individual loses a beloved person, an animal, place or object, or a valued way of life, such as a job, marriage or good health, some level of grief will naturally follow (Bonifas,2010) For this support group, the focus was on bereavement.Bereavement support groups are increasingly being recognized as an effective way to promote healing through education and support after the loss of a loved one or close friend (Steinberg, 2012). Although support groups Bereavement Support for Older Adults do not full y resolve grief, particularly when they are time limited, but they can promote acceptance that life will be different and that life will be okay and hopeful (Steinberg, 2012) 2. Target Population/Intake:The target population for this proposal is adults 69 years or older due to the transition of becoming a senior adult, the experience can be a greater struggle simply by a person stage of life (Senior Citizen’s Guide, 2013). 3 Selections of Members All potential participants were prescreened by an approved facilitator as to their appropriateness for the group. It is important for each participant to understand the purpose and goals of the group in order to support a positive group experience for all parties involved. 4. Group Structure:The group is intended to be primarily psycho-educational and change oriented group. The main activities of the sessions will center on education about the grieving process, information regarding learning coping skills/tools, healing, sense of com munity, and support of others with an emphasis of self-awareness. The group will be a closed ended group with no new members added once group has started. The size of the group shall be 8- 12 participants within a circle. Duration of the group shall last six weeks. The group will meet weekly with an anticipated length of about 1. to 2 hours. Bereavement Support for Older Adults 5. Theories and Techniques Individuals will learn the process of identifying skills to regulate depression using reminiscence model framework, role-play, contemporary grief work model for a more integrative method, cognitive behavioral model as well as learning how to counter negative thinking and build skills and coping abilities (Greif, Ephross, 2011). The goals and objective of the group will be met by: * Group Processing * Video * Speaker * Reminiscence * Peer Support * Group Work Activities/Games * Fun Homework Assignments . Leadership Skills: The facilitator is a Social Worker with grief group experienc e in bereavement support groups. The facilitator has the responsibility of facilitating, listening, observing and processing. As a facilitator he or she should walk alongside rather than leading the grieving individual along the unpredictable road toward a new adaptation ( Greif, Ephross, 2011). The Facilitator is to Bereavement Support for Older Adults help the group understand the group purpose, establish the groups structure of when, where, how long group will meet.The facilitator should be empathetic, warm, compassionate and caring with a nurturing and warm atmosphere. Client Summary Mrs. Moore a 76 year widow was referred by her daughter for a pre-evaluation at the Golden Grief Counseling agency. Her daughter was concerned that her mother, Mrs. Moore was depressed /grieving since the loss of her son and then the loss of her husband two years after. Mrs. Moore’s daughter stated her mother once was active and full of life, but now her mother is not showing up for appointme nts with doctors, family and friends. Mrs.Moore was evaluated neurologically and neuropsychologically by a medical doctor and both tests were negative. However, it was reported that she had symptoms of depression which started after the death of her son and husband. Mrs. Moore wondered if her lack of energy was due to a physical ailment or if it was a normal part of grief. Mrs. Moore voluntarily decided to seek a bereavement support group session at the Golden Grief Counseling Agency. Mrs. Moore registered and was pre-screened as a potential client at the Golden Grief Counseling Agency to take part of the free bereavement group session.Mrs. Moore received a welcome letter and a courtesy call specifying days, times, location and duration of group and what to expect on her first day. It was pre-arranged that Mrs. Moore’s daughter bring her to the first session. Bereavement Support for Older Adults 7. Introduction/Breaking the Ice: The facilitator introduces himself or herself t o the group in a warm, compassionate and caring way. The facilitator defines group rules and instructs members in a warm, appropriate way about roles and skills needed for effective group participation and group cohesion.The facilitator asks every group member to introduce themselves. Objective of Group Development: 1. Reduces the initial anxiety and misconceptions about joining a group 2. Preaffiliation, members may be guarded at first 3. Provides information and instruction about group to facilitate the member’s ability to provide informed consent. 4. Achieve consensus between group leader and group members on the objectives of the group session 8. Pre-group Activities/Intervention: 1.The preparation session occurs after the group members have had a pre-group written handout that describes what the grief process is and how group works, roles of group leaders and group members, or goals for the group, specific skills to be used in the group, topics and typical activities tha t the group will be experiencing. 2. The group will view a 5 -10 minute video tape of bereavement groups/educational groups. 3. During the pre-group activities, each group member were asked the question â€Å"What they hoped they get from the group. 4. We want all group members to feel comfortable sharing, crying and talking.During the course of the group, group members have the right to leave if they feel the group is not beneficial and are encouraged to look for another group if they desire. First Week Session included information about bereavement, education about grief and the skills to cope. Next several sessions over the six week session can include * Education about Grief * Handling the Holidays * What to do with loved one’s possessions * Reinvesting in Life * Establishing memorials * Meaningful rituals 9. Evaluation/ Conclusion: Over the course of the group session, Mrs.Moore and others was able to talk about and tolerate her feelings more openly. She also began to r e-engage in social activities after the 6 week group session after using several techniques. Mrs. Moore expressed her grief by writing her deceased husband a letter and reading it out loud at his grave. Each member of the group received a questionnaire evaluation in the mail as well as a courtesy call asking the group member three questions 1. What did they get from the group? 2. What are they doing differently before coming to group? 3. What would they like to group to do differently to help others?One example of NASW code of ethics would be the importance of human relationship. Reference Greif, G. L & Ephross, P. H (2011) Group Work with Populations at Risk York, NY: Oxford University Press Grief, Loss and Bereavement in Older Adults [Slide set]. 2013 Arizona State University School of Social Work Complied by Bonifas, R. P (2013)Grief Support for Older Adults Senior Citizen’s Guide. Retrieved from http://www. seniorcitizensguide. com/articles/pittsburgh/grief-support-html S teinberg, M. W (2013) Social Worker Help Start Here â€Å"Grief and Loss- Your Options: Bereavement Support Groups