Case project Study Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Project - Case Study Example Basically, Enron Corporation was established in 1985 and it dealt with issues related to energy. The executives practised off-book accounts which negatively impacted on the operations of the organisation. The executives of the company capitalised on the use of loopholes in the accounting system as well as poor financial reportage Hanson (1). Debts amounting to billions of dollars in projects and deals which did not succeed were hidden in the process. The company misrepresented its financial statements in order to portray a positive picture to the shareholders about its performance. Interestingly, the company sought to appeal to investors through falsehoods. In actual case, this was not the situation obtaining on the ground given that it hid its financial statements from public scrutiny. Such practice was blessed by the Chief Financial Officer, Andrew Fastow and other executives. The system adopted by the organisation in its operations contributed to a malfunction of the corporate culture. Emphasis was shifted to short term earnings which resulted in bad accounting practices. This came to light when the company refused to be censured about its performance by its unwillingness to reveal its balance sheet as well as other financial records. This practice is mainly viewed as unethical in business. The concept of ethics plays a significant role in shaping the operations of an organisation in different situations. Basically, business ethics refers to the values, principles and standards that operate within business and these attempt to make a distinction between something that is morally good from bad (Rossouw, 6). The value system of an organisation mainly shapes its ethical code of conduct. Thus, Desjardins (5), describes values as â€Å"essential and enduring tenets† that help define the company and are â€Å"not to be compromised for financial gain or short term expediency,† (DesJardins 2006:5). The opposite is exactly

Characteristics of problems

Characteristics of problems Characteristics of Problems Determining the type of problem to be solved is particularly difficult. From the scientific point of view it has not been treated sufficiently yet.   It is, nevertheless, of fundamental importance because it covers the whole field of creativity, and the problem solver(s) heuristic behavior is contingent on the type of problem.   What is a problem?   This question was asked and answered by Karl Duncker (1945).   Duncker, who was a Gestalt psychologist, defined a problem in these words: â€Å"A problem arises when a living organism has a goal but does not know how this goal is to be reached.†Ã‚   This definition is, no doubt, very useful, because creativity tasks and activities always strive to address a problem.   Yet, Dunckers definition and formulation poses these caveats:   It is necessary to distinguish between a task and a problem.   It is the subjects level of domain knowledge, including his ability to find pertinent knowledge, if necessary, that makes the difference between the two. A task set by a researcher or experimenter may be a problem to certain subjects and no problem to others.  Ã‚   A problem may vanish or be resolved if the subject changes his goal.   A problem does not exist de facto, unless the subject observes discrepancies between his current situation and the goals he pursues. Reitman (1965) proposed that problems be viewed as three-component entities, having an initial state, a final (goal) state, and a set of processes that facilitate reaching the goal, starting from the initial state.   Minski (1961) proposed a distinction between two types of problems, those that according to the nature of the conditions of acceptability of solutions are either well defined or ill-defined.   A problem satisfying Reitmans conditions (Reitman, 1965) is a so-called well-defined problem: it can be solved by applying a systematic procedure that makes it possible to decide whether a proposed solution is correct or not.   It means that it is totally decidable: all pertinent solutions can be evaluated strictly using one binary variable: right or wrong.   The solution can thus be described as an all-or-nothing phenomenon.   There are no intermediate solutions between the functional and non-functional ones.   In general terms, any tests for which there exists a rigorous method of comparison between what is proposed and what is required is a well-defined problem. Examples of well-defined problems are board games, problems in mathematics, or problems in logic.   They may be very difficult to resolve, nevertheless.   Taking mans limited resources, psychologists face the task of explaining how human beings manage to solve problems in chess, mathematics or geometry within reasonable time.   Ill-defined problems are those that are not well-defined.   They result in a multitude of solutions that cannot be classified by using a binary truth-value, but by using a relative qualitative scale.   The response to a requirement thus allows grades, the determination of which is left to the referees.   The majority of problems occurring in everyday life are ill-defined problems: the improvement on an object or an apparatus, a new use of what already is known, the search for a sales idea or a marketing idea, etc. Ill-defined problems arise when some components of the problems statement, in the sense of Reitman, are unspecified, or are vague or fuzzy.   The definedness of problems varies in degree (Reitman, 1965, Ch. 5).   For instance, ‘take a little flower and bake bread for these people, which is vague in terms of the quantity of flower and the number of people, but specifies clearly the method: bake.   Another statement may run like this: ‘Let us overcome the current economic crisis.   This statement does not specify the method: what should be done to overcome the crisis?   ‘Do not just hang around, maximize something is an exhortation taken from a cartoon, in which both the initial state, the method and the goal are shrouded in a mental fog.   Ill-defined problems are more common than are well-defined problems, but it is all the more difficult to explain how to tackle them. It is worth noting that Minskis postulate does not necessarily cover the distinction between problem solving and creativity. For instance, the discovery of a new algorithm, or a new combination of known algorithms, is a creative act. But well-defined problems in the sense of Minsky may lead to an opposition between algorithmic procedures and inferential procedures. As for the ill-defined problems, Reitman (1964) proposed a typology of six classes of problems comprising the transformation or generation of states, objects, or collections of objects.   This taxonomy is not presented as a universal tool covering the whole field of creative situations, but simply as a general structure making it possible to collect the largest number possible of the creative situations.   This attempt at systemization has mainly a descriptive value, but it is not unlikely that it could also be used for deducing hypotheses related to the behavior of effectual solutions. Reitmans work is based on the introduction of the following three concepts: let A be an initial state or object (one which is expected to undergo transformation, modification, complementing, improvement, etc.) and let B be a final state or object (the solution to be obtained, elimination of problem).   Let the symbol à ®Ã¢â‚¬ ¦Ã…’ denote a process, program, or sequence of operations.   It is then possible to represent a large number of problematic situations parting from these three symbols by representing them by a general vector [A, B, à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ã¢â‚¬â„¢].   Using these three concepts, six types of poorly defined problems can be distinguished. Type I.   The initial and terminal states A and B are well specified: the relevant data are known and the requirements to be satisfied are explained precisely.   The problem then consists in discovering the process à ¢Ã¢â‚¬ ¡Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ that makes it possible to pass from the well-specified state A to a well-specified state B.   For instance: how can a given function be incorporated in a specific device?   This type seems to cover a large class of problem situations. Type II.   The terminal state B is less precisely specified than in the previous type, while A is left entirely at the discretion of the experimenter.   In fact, nothing is said about the state, object or assembly of objects from which to part.  Ã‚   The initial material is largely undetermined and admits only one constraint to aid in constituting the one possible solution.   For instance: what should be done to make traveling by train more pleasurable? Here, obviously, the current state represents some level of train travel comfort or pleasure, and this should be increased.   But what exactly is to be achieved is an open question. Type III.   The initial state A consists in this case of an assembly of constituent parts each of which represents a concrete entity, while B represents a state or object to be achieved which is defined vaguely and is characterized by the fact that one or several of constituent parts of A have lost their separate identities after reaching B.   Reitman cites as an example Napoleons cook who was charged with the task to â€Å"make a good dish† B to celebrate the victory at Marengo using only available ingredients A.   This type is undoubtedly less general than the preceding ones.   Type IV.   A and B are presented as consisting of sub-components and are rather poorly defined.   This type differs from type II in that in the latter case there are no restrictions imposed on search, different analogous paths, and different associative paths the exploration of which can be relatively fruitful.   In type IV it is not like that.  Ã‚   The distinction between sub-components provides constraints within which the problem solution has to take place.   The research is, in other words, more strictly restrained than it is in the problems of type II. Type V.  Ã‚   The initial state A is given by reference to a well defined object, the final state B is given by a set of similarities and dissimilarities with respect to A.   An example given by Reitman to illustrate this type is the following: manufacturer ÃŽÂ ± of some equipment encounters a serious competition from ÃŽÂ ²-companys product.   The first company, ÃŽÂ ±, decides to change the design of the product in point to offer a price that is lower for a comparable quality than what its competitor ÃŽÂ ² asks.   The task thus does not necessarily require an entirely new manufacturing process, because the added cost of the new process would not help to slash the price according to original estimates.   Besides, the modification must be implemented fast because the competing product already is in the market while ÃŽÂ ±-companys sales decrease with each passing day.   The exigencies of this example illustrate the general type V product as a new device that m ust be functionally similar to the old version but must be cheaper. Type VI.   In this case, the final state B is well specified while the initial state A remains essentially empty, unstructured and largely undetermined.   Characteristic examples cited by Reitman comprise: to explain a new phenomenon, discover an alibi for a criminal deed, etc.   This type differs from type II in the degree of precision of the task.   It is thus possible to distinguish among six categories of poorly defined problems resorting to almost formal properties of their application.   A research activity the results of which would show that these categories incite heuristically different behavior on the part of individuals and groups still has to be accomplished.   A relevant taxonomy establishes first some ordering, i.e. introduces some logic in the pertinent knowledge field.   For this purpose the taxonomy distributes the phenomena or the entities considered according to their relevant characteristics, with no ambiguity involved.   It appears that, in general, each taxonomy displays at least two different utility values: First of all, the taxonomy presents a reference value that provides a framework for a certain subset of the universe.   The information already available about the elements of this subset thus cease to be fragmented and simply accumulated: in the continuation they are ordered with respect to one another.   They can be integrated and complemented.   Fragmented knowledge thus becomes systematic. This knowledge also represents an â€Å"operational† or heuristic value of the taxonomy in point. This value becomes apparent when the taxonomy leads to empirical research in order to validate its structure, its principle and its extent, or to uncover which variables of the taxonomy can be expected and unified.   In the case of problem solution and creativity research, one can try to establish some correspondence between certain types of tasks with certain behavioral phenomena, particularly those of psycholinguistic nature.   The first problem differentiation might take into consideration the different objective properties of problems: The problem is algorithmic: it can be resolved using an ordered sequence of specific operations.   It allows, in this sense, a truly coordinated division of labor, and is particularly suitable for groups with the centralized communication structure.   The problem is inferential: it can be visualized by means of trees, but the process of generalization of the trees cannot be decomposed into concatenated elementary operations.   A homogeneous structure is, however, more appropriate.   It can be seen that groups facing a specific situation adopt spontaneously the optimum organization to respond to this situation. Most authors, however, have resorted to local dichotomies based on a multitude of imprecise criteria.   The straightforward problem typologies are the following: Verbal and non-verbal tasks.   Verbal tasks are supposed to mobilize important cultural experience and imply the use of specific functions or hypothetic factors.   Non-verbal tasks are symbolic, or in other ways dependent on non-verbal perceptions. Intellectual and manipulation-dependent tasks.   In intellectual tasks, the principal operator is the brain.   Manipulation-dependent problems require a coordination of the brain and muscular factors.   Unique-solution and multiple-solutions tasks.   Then there are problems having a unique solution and problems having multiple solutions.   The totality of distinctions pertinent to a particular solution domain cannot be generalized, because their underlying criteria are too coarse and do not allow more than just a very summary control of the situation.   Shaws dimensional analysis In an attempt to present various aspects of group tasks in a systematic manner, Shaw (1963) collected a very eclectic set of 104 statements mostly taken from experimental literature.   The statements relate to both ill-defined and well-defined problems, to verbally and non-verbally formulated tasks, etc.   These various statements were evaluated according to six a priori defined dimensions, which can be visualized as continuously varying intervals in which each task occupies a point.   The six dimensions are characterized in the following manner: Requirements of cooperation.   This dimension permits to define the degree to which it is required that members of the group act in a coordinated manner to complete the task successfully.   It is thus a measure of dependence between the goal and the coordinated activity of the subjects.   Verifiability of the decision.   It is the degree to which the â€Å"rightness† or adequacy of the solution can be proved, either by reference to an authority, or by logical procedures (usually a mathematical proof), or by feedback (for instance by examining the consequences of the decision taken). Difficulty.   This is defined by Shaw abstractly as the quantity of effort necessary for executing the task.   Specifically, an indicator of difficulty can be the time required for solution, the number of errors made, etc. Clarity of purpose.   This denotes the degree of precision with which the requirements of the task are presented to members of the group, and how the members perceive the requirements. Multiplicity of approaches to the goal.   This dimension expresses the more or less great possibility to resolve the problem by various procedures.   It is thus a matter of possible paths to the solution, i.e. of the number of alternative solutions. Relationship between mental and motor requirements.   A task that only requires the implementation of intellectual activities will be among the strongest on this dimension.   Conversely, tasks requiring only motor abilities will be among the weakest.   A task requiring both intellectual and motor activities occupies an intermediate position between the two extremes. Intrinsic interest.   Problems are not equally attractive, i.e. they do not mobilize the same motivation.   This dimension is thus assigned the degree to which a particular task appears interesting to the subjects. Operational requirements.   This dimension was introduced to evaluate the number of different kinds of operations, knowledge or abilities required for the completion of the task. Familiarity within the population.   Individuals might have had a previous experience of the task in point, either direct or by means of an analogous task.   This dimension thus evaluates the relative â€Å"rareness† of a class of problems to a population. Multiplicity of solutions.   It is the number of different correct solutions for the problem in point.   That number can in general be evaluated exactly in a well-defined problem, but not if the estimate is very intuitive. This family of dimensions is intended to cover the maximum of traits occurring in every heuristic situation.   Certain dimensions thus relate to formal properties of the task, for instance numbers 2, 5, or 10, while others, e.g. numbers 7 and 9 refer direct to the consequences of applying a particular semantics (second level of determination).   Forty-nine referees, mostly graduate students of psychology, got the task of distributing the 104 sample tasks according to the 10 dimensions shown above.   Eight positions or degrees ordered by their magnitude were defined.   The judgments were consistent, except for the dimension â€Å"clarity of purpose†. With these data, Shaw got two factor analyses that resulted in disclosing five significant factors for task analysis: Difficulty, (factor I), the quantity of required effort displays a close relationship to the number of operations, knowledge, and required abilities for solving the problem.   The forth dimension, the â€Å"clarity of purpose† is equally an important aspect of difficulty: the less clear the goal is, the more difficult is the task judged to be.   Multiplicity of solutions (factor II) is a complex dimension that relates both to the number of acceptable solutions, to the diversity of paths leading to the solutions, and to the verifiability of a solution.   Shaw thinks that the essential aspect is the number of solutions, while the other two merely are its consequences.   While there are several solutions available, there also are several ways how to reach them. Proving the adequacy of each solution rigorously is hardly possible. Cooperation requirements (factor III) correspond exactly to the dimension of the same name.   The degree of completing a task successfully implies a coordinated action on the part of group members. The relationship between intellectual requirements motor requirements (factor IV) constitutes no doubt an independent dimension.   But it only shows a very weak correlation with the familiarity with the task within the population.   Familiarity in the population is considered a separate dimension for the same reason.   Nevertheless, it is necessary to point out that the familiarity seems relatively irrelevant, at least under the particular conditions of this work, where the majority of the tasks were somehow familiar to the subjects. Intrinsic interest (factor V), which corresponds to the intensity of motivation and the attraction exerted by the problem on the group members, too, is a dimension permeated with factor II. The first three of the six dimensions obtained finally seem to be both the most important and the least ambiguous ones.   It is of course possible, as Shaw himself notes, that there are other dimensions, equally important, which continued research could bring forth.   This first attempt will make it possible largely to control the principal components of the situation that comes into being as a problem to be solved is given to the subjects.   This is the only condition under which accumulation of experimental data in this field can be transformed into scientific knowledge. Categorization by Roby and Lanzetta Roby and Lanzetta (1958) proposed a model intended to define and highlight the most important characteristics of a group task.   For this purpose, they distinguish four sets of events occurring in the functioning of any group task system: a. A set Tiof task input data.   Here belong, for instance, the formulation of the problem to be solved and of the material it implies. b. A correlative set Giof initial activities of the group.   These comprise, among others, waiting times, observation, data recording, communication associated with input variables, etc. c. A set Goof outputs produced by the group.   In the creative process these comprise the traces of the heuristic process and solution suggestions. d. A set Toof environmental changes following from the groups activities. Roby and Lanzetta define three general types of properties: Descriptive aspects, including the qualitative nature of various events, their number, and metric properties. Distribution of the events in the space or by relation to other events. Functional aspects of events, i.e. their temporal occurrence as a function of foregoing events (sequential analysis). Each set of events, Ti, Gi, Go and To, can be studied and related to according to these three types of properties.   In theory at least, it is possible to characterize any group task, and in particular any creative situation, using a double-entry table for 12 cases. This is the formal equipment of the descriptive system of group tasks proposed by Roby and Lanzetta.   In an abstract analysis, however, this representation does not make the understanding of a truly psychological meaning of a specific task possible.   This remark led the authors to propose a complementary notion of â€Å"critical exigencies†.   This concept was introduced to cover the fact that each task requires certain behavior on the part of the group to be correctly executed, and calls for certain specific types of activities to be carried out.   The implementation of these requirements should thus help to reduce the discontinuity mentioned between the structural properties of the task and the psychological or psychosocial phenomena generated by its handling.   It is a different manner of contrasting the general and the particular.   In a way, this is what was above called the â€Å"second level of determination†. Roby and Lanzettas intention was not to put forward a theory permitting to characterize the problems rigorously, but rather to present a table for the analysis of systems of group tasks.   Their framework thus permits theoretically to classify any task parting from the values relevant to the task in the 12 boxes of the analysis table, but it does not make it possible to classify the types of tasks using a specific corpus of formal properties.   Thus, Roby and Lanzetta did not forge a typological tool, but, rather, a descriptive tool the general purpose of which is found precisely in the fact that the tool is deemed able to adapt itself to any task.   The goal of their work was not to distribute the generalized variable â€Å"task structure† on an arbitrary scale, but rather to find a set of invariant characteristics that would make it possible to situate the various problems that appear in the life of a working group.   Creative problems constitute in this context evid ently merely a special case.   It follows that the effort to determine the â€Å"invariants† of the analysis is probably of utmost importance and should complement any typological effort. Finally, an adequate taxonomy of poorly defined problems must comprise a meta-linguistic analysis of their formulation in the natural language: it must be possible to establish a rigorous correspondence between a formal type and the multitude of its verbal expressions or concretizations and, in parallel, part from a specific semantics to reach a logical class it illustrates.   Roqutte (1975) sketches the first attempt in this respect. Psychologists studying the ways people solve problem have adopted a reasonable strategy.   They study how people handle seemingly well-defined problems, and then apply theprocedure to the study of ill-defined tasks.   In some instances shortcuts to solving an ill-defined problem are possible: seek a well-defined version of the same problem and try to solve it, or find a new definition of the problem.   Defininition or interpretation of the problem is as important in tackling well-defined tasks as it is in working with ill-defined tasks.   Adversary and non-adversary problems This is another distinction between problems.   An adversary problem is one in which the problem solver is competing with a thinking opponent, or a seemingly thinking opponent, like a chess-playing computer.   In non-adversary problems the battle goes between a thinking problem solver and inert problem features.   The latter may be symbolic or real, but they do not react to what the problem solver does, in order to â€Å"defeat† him, and they do not care about what the human problem solver feels.   Semantically rich and semantically impoverished problems This distinction seems to be increasing in importance.   It was elaborated by Chi and his coworkers (1982).   A problem is semantically rich for the problem solver who brings a significant relevant knowledge to the problem.   The opposite is true of semantically impoverished problems.   As an example, consider a problem given to two problem solvers.   For the domain expert it is a semantically rich problem, for the novice it is a semantically impoverished problem.   This distinction thus expresses the problem-solvers view of the problem situation, or Shaws familiarity within the population. Most puzzles, IQ-tests, and the like, are semantically impoverished for most subjects.   Much of psychological research has been focused on solving semantically impoverished puzzles of the non-adversary type.   The semantically rich non-adversary tasks are increasing in importance.   This category comprises most tasks in computer programming and in physics.  Ã‚  Ã‚  

An Argument For Gay Marriage Essay -- Persuasive Essays, Argumentativ

   The Supreme Court of the United States ruled that the Constitution guarantees a right to same-sex marriage. Yet, same-sex marriage continues to be a highly debated issue that leaves our society searching for answers. As a child, I was brought up in a Christian home, where Christian ethics and values were instilled in me. I was always taught that you should obey your parents and God, that you should not lie, cheat, or steal, and that God was always watching you; I was also taught that homosexuality was wrong. As the years have passed, I have been confronted with the issue of homosexuality many times firsthand, and I believe that though homosexuals are not terrible people because of their sexual orientation, their lifestyle is still wrong. In recent years, the topic of homosexuality and gay and lesbian marriages has also become prominent in American politics. The question of whether these marriages, also sometimes referred to as "civil unions," should be legalized has become a pressing issue, and one that has only begun to test the limits and limitations of the US Constitution. The notion that such a thing as sodomy could ever be legalized is causing civil distress and has become quite a point of contention for countless Americans. For, on the one hand, many argue that allowing such marriages would corrupt the morals and society of the United States, yet others respond that Americans should all have the equal opportunity to lead happy and fulfilled lives. In the end, I have concluded that while it counteracts my religious beliefs, there must be some allowance made by the US government for same sex couples to gain recognition for their commitment to one another. I have found that the majority... ...he American government, it should logically follow that these couples would then be enabled to receive the same rights and responsibilities as their heterosexual counterparts in the eyes of the State. In summary, while I personally do not believe in the idea of gay marriages, I do not believe such "civil unions" can constitutionally be denied by the State. Heterosexuals are given every right to pursue happiness with their life partners, and so it does not appear that, from a legal standpoint, such a right can be denied to homosexual couples. Under the hospices of a "civil union," homosexuals would thus be able to publicly commit themselves to their life partners and accordingly be afforded the same privileges as those which their heterosexual counterparts enjoy. Homosexual unions should be legalized in the American system of government.

McDonaldization of American Society and World

If you have ever had a meal in a restaurant (fast-food/formal dining), used an ATM in a bank, spent your vacation at an amusement park or simply browsed through a mall, you have been exposed to McDonaldization. McDonaldization is â€Å"the process by which the principles of the fast food restaurant are coming to dominate more and more sectors of America society as well as the rest of the world† (Ritzer, 1996, 1). Nearly ever aspect of today†s society has been affected by McDonaldization including the restaurant business, education, work, healthcare, travel, leisure, dieting, politics and the family (Ritzer, 1996, 1). I observed three East Side Mario†s Restaurant†s establishments while the dinner menu was being served on Saturday evenings between 6pm and 8pm to evaluate the ways in which McDonaldization has affected their company. On January 29th I visited East Side Mario†s in London, Ontario, on February 19th I visited East Side Mario†s in Plano, Texas (I used to hold a job as a server at this location) and on February 26th I visited East Side Mario†s in Orange, California. With the diversity of locations I was able to observe, I compared and contrasted many angles of the East Side Mario†s concept. East Side Mario†s Restaurants Inc. is one of the millions of business† that has implemented the four principles of McDonaldization, which are: efficiency, calculability, predictability, and control. With the assistance of Bernard Platt, Vice President of Marie Callender†s Pie Shops, Inc. , former Vice President of East Side Mario†s Restaurant, Inc. , I will offer a condensed presentation of East Side Mario†s history to get you familiar with the business. East Side Mario†s Restaurants, Inc. , is a wholly owned division of Marie Callender†s Pie Shops, Inc. In 1987 a partnership of restauranteurs developed the ESM (for the remainder of this case study I will us the initial ESM to refer to East Side Mario†s Restaurants, Inc. ) concept in North Miami, Florida featuring the excitement and energy of a New York City street festival, a blend of outstanding American and Italian food, a place where families felt welcome and comfortable offering exceptional value. Today operating as a separate division of Marie Callender†s Pie Shops, Inc. , there are a total of 38 American restaurants – 11 corporate and 27 franchise – and there are over 80 ESM restaurants in The United States and Canada. Efficiency is the first dimension of McDonaldization and â€Å"the optimum method for getting from one point to another† (Ritzer, 1996, 9). The parking lot allows ample amount of parking space for customers, including handicapped spaces directly in front of the building for efficient accessibility. The restaurant offers delivery to those who would like to spend their dinner in the comfort and convenience of their own homes. There is a small server to customer ratio to provide the best service expected throughout a customer†s meal. A kid†s bambino menu is offered for children to enjoy less expensive meals that suit their size, along with a separate lunch menu that offers smaller portions for a lighter meal. Happy Hour items are offered at certain hours for a quick snack fix, providing just enough time to satisfy your thirst with a favorite drink. Customers can pay with cash or credit card, whichever is more convenient for them. To streamline the process of the kitchen work ESM simplified pasta dishes (their biggest items) to take only minutes to cook very large quantities. All employees have specialized jobs to divide the work load/streamline, including: host†s/hostess†, bartender†s, server†s, cook†s, dishwasher†s, salad bar attendant†s, cleaning staff, cocktailer†s and management. To simplify the product the menu is limited and specializes in American/Italian food. They offer easy, quickly made finger food appetizers and unlimited soup/salad and bread which is prepared in just seconds. ESM puts you, the customer, to work the minute you walk into the restaurant. Their may or may not be a host/hostess at the front. In the place of service staff you will definitely find a horn on a taxi stand so that a customer may call for service to the front immediately when they would like to be seated. Take-out boxes are available for the customer to take any leftovers home with them. However there is a catch, the box is merely dropped by the table and the customer is expected to put away their own leftovers. The employees and customers of ESM function efficiently together to produce a profit for the business and satisfy the customer. The second dimension of McDonaldization, calculability, is â€Å"an emphasis on the quantitative aspects of products sold (portion size, cost) and service offered (the time it takes to get the product)† (Ritzer, 1996, 9). Servers are paid $6. 85/hr in Canada and $2. 15/hr in The United States. The rest of their money comes from tips so if they expect to take home cash they will have to work to their greatest ability and place their wages in the hands of the customers. Management usually recruits minorities to work the back of the house because they will work hard for little pay. Emphasizing quantity over quality is an important aspect of calculability. With any entree unlimited homeloaf and soup or salad is offered. For the bar flies free peanuts are always out in buckets for all to enjoy. Specials and promotions occur seasonally, like 15-cent wings on Tuesdays. Bigger is seen as better and ESM has conformed to this idea, establishing this illusion with many of its menu items. Large plates are used to serve most meals and give the idea of large portions, with options of three different sides on dinner items. Customers expect quick and accurate service, which ESM has provided by reducing the processes of production to numbers. To promise quick service, the server will initially take a drink/appetizer order to ensure that you as a customer receive prompt service immediately. The bread is brought out before the meal to snack on and give just enough time for transition to the main course. Customers do not like to sit in a restaurant without something in front of them. Each item on the menu has a preparation time, which is followed by the staff so customers can expect their food to be promptly served. ESM has successfully involved an emphasis on quantification. As the third dimension of McDonaldization, predictability, gives â€Å"the assurance that their [a company†s] products and services will be the same over time and in all locales† (Ritzer, 1996, 10). ESM has establishments across Canada and The United States and no matter where you go you can expect the same service and quality in each and every store. The logo is a familiar sign that represents a promise†¦. the same meal and experience you had at any other ESM. Every store that is built is a replicate of the previous one. The layout of each restaurant is similar, limiting the dining area to all non-smoking and only the bar area has smoking. The same colors are dominant in each store: red, green and white. The immediate feeling you will get when walking inside is that of a New York street with replica†s of the Brooklyn Bridge, Statue of Liberty, Scallero Bros. and Costello†s Markets (trademarks of ESM). Interaction between the employees and customers is scripted and predictable at each visit to the restaurant. The customer is seated, informed of specials, drink/appetizer orders are taken, bread, soup and salad are brought before the meal, entrees are served with the offering of cheese or pepper, a desert menu is presented, dishes are cleared from the table and the check is presented and paid for. ESM provides each of its employees with a handbook that outlines server etiquette. The employees are expected to have the mindset of â€Å"the customer is always right† which should convince the customer with the notion â€Å"I†ll be back†. Employee behavior is predictably the same. The staff wears the same casual uniform at each restaurant with a rountinized order of operations. You can always expect to have your server offer you fresh ground pepper or parmesan cheese. With respect to birthdays a desert of choice is presented with the East Side Mario†s famous birthday song. The menu remains the same, introducing new items on promotion once in a while, producing the same predictable products. People expect to have the garlic homeloaf with unlimited soup and salad. The routine, uniformity and systematization of operations in ESM prove that predictability has been achieved. The fourth dimension of McDonaldization is â€Å"increased control and the replacement of human with nonhuman technology† (Ritzer, 1996, 101). ESM has integrated all forms of technology to better their establishment. From the fountain pop dispenser to timed broilers and appliances, every process is controlled by some sort of automation. Under control is both the product and process of the business. The menu continually remains the same, limiting the items for customers to choose from. The Micros system is used to input orders which will be sent to the back of the house, organize each table†s order and have the food out and arranged according to the server†s timing. Server†s and bartender†s are expected to id all customers who look as though they are under the age of 30 for alcoholic beverages. In regards to controlling customers, the guest is expected to honk the horn to get the attention of employees to serve them. If there is a wait a pager is given out to customers to be buzzed at the soonest opportunity a table opens up. When the customer is through with a meal, the check is brought promptly to encourage them to leave and allow the next table to be sat. A tip percentage is required for parties of 8 or more to ensure that the time spent on larger parties will be well rewarded in wages. Nonhuman technologies that have been implemented into ESM operations control the nature of the business. The irrationality of rationality is recognized as the fifth dimension of McDonaldization. This is the downside of McDonaldization emphasizing the basic idea that â€Å"rational systems inevitably spawn irrational consequences†, â€Å"serve to deny human reason† and â€Å"are often unreasonable† (Ritzer, 1996, 13). In regards to efficiency people will go to ESM in search of a relaxing meal to find they have an hour-long wait, congested waiting space and loud noise. The efficiency of spending a family meal in a comfortable atmosphere now becomes inefficient. People are unable to sit right away, asked to wait with their families in a smoke filled bar and expected to just be patient while they anticipating the buzzing of their pager number. Employees who are expected to deal with the impatient customers get irritable which reflects on their work and the restaurant as a whole. When ESM business is slow and employees are unable to make tips there is no longer an incentive to put out quality work. The efficiency of paying minimum wage is lost when workers quit because they do not make enough for tips. The cost of a nice dinner for an average size family of 4 at ESM could cost well over $60. In the long run this could be the cost of 3 home cooked meals. The profit a restaurant business makes on pop and such is huge compared to the production price. A family could just as well spend dinner at home, talking/interacting with one another in a much more comfortable, quit, atmosphere. ESM offers the illusion of fun to attract customers and have them coming back. The setting gives the feeling of a New York City street with all of the downtown memorabilia. â€Å"A taste of little Italy† is used to let the prospective guest know that traditional Italian food will be served with popular Italian/American music filling the dining room. The National Television Network, NTN, offers an interactive trivia game to be played in the bar area. Entertainment is brought in on special occasions and the server†s call out loud to the kitchen to fill the atmosphere with a feeling of excitement. The unreality, or illusion of reality, which often goes unheard of in the restaurant business, still exists. The reality is that you aren†t going to see the service staff singing and dancing with customer as they do in the commercial, in fact you†ll be lucky if you can flag them down as they run by your table at top speed. The streets of New York City are not resembled accurately by the miniature landmarks located throughout the restaurant and it†s unlikely a true Italian (person with Italian heritage) will serve your meal. All of this is not reality. Dehumanization recognizes a system that is destructive to human beings. This dehumanization recognized in society is evident through health and environmental hazards, the dehumanization of customers and employers, a negative effect on human relationships and homogenization. The increased concern for the human diet is strongly affected by eating out and Italian food is extremely fattening. A dish known as fettuccine alfredo has been given the nickname â€Å"heart attack on a plate†. To adapt to these concerns ESM has began to offer low fat dressings and deserts. The vegetables have to be used in good time, as does much of the inventory so that contaminated/old food is not distributed. Dishes must be cleaned thoroughly so that germs do not transfer to other customers. ESM provides a fairly environmentally friendly establishment with reusable dishes. The biggest concern is over styrofoam take-out boxes. Customers follow through with the same routine every time they enter a restaurant. ESM encourages the employees to follow script but at the same time get comfortable and act interested in the customer. But that†s just it†¦ an act. Servers really are not interested in the lives of every stranger who steps foot in the building. Scripting brings employees and customers down to a primitive dehumanizing level of interaction. Turnover rates at ESM are not as high as those in the fast food industry however it is unlikely that the same person will ever serve you. There is little, impersonal contact between people. ESM offers benefits for staying with the company, employee incentives, and employee events to encourage longer lasting relationships with the company and fellow workers, thus increasing the likelihood of establishing a relationship with customers. ESM is a chain with franchises and individually owned stores. With its diversity of location it gives people the opportunity to recognize a familiar place and limiting the appeal to ever try anything new. Because ESM is the same no matter where you go you could virtually enter one restaurant and not know whether you were in Burlington, Ontario, Canada, or Phoenix, Arizona, USA. This is limiting the diversity of our world and proves that McDonaldization is homogenizing every aspect of society into one. All of these dehumanizing effects of McDonaldization apply to ESM and add to the irrationality that actually exists. â€Å"As McDonaldization comes to dominate ever more sectors of society, it will become ever less possible to ‘escape† from it† (Ritzer, 1996, 143). In other words McDonaldization imprisons people into an iron cage. Max Weber referred to it as the â€Å"iron cage of McDonaldization† implying that the systems of society will become so inhuman that the systems will eventually have control of everything. To make it in a McDonaldized society higher profits and lower costs will continue to be the goals of all businesses. The best ways to reach this goal is to conform to McDonaldization and strive for efficiency, calculability, predictability and control. ESM increases profit by taking each of these steps so that it can keep up with the competition. People have come to value the individual dimensions of McDonaldization and insist on relating to them even if they are not rewarded with economic gains. ESM has fallen into the trap and chosen locations on busy street corners surrounded by its competitors where a huge concentration of McDonaldization resides. The process of McDonaldization is so desirable that it is pursued as an end to itself (Ritzer, 1996, 145). Fordism is the ideals Henry Ford projected into society. Mass production of a single product, using a simple assembly line process, standardized routines, deskilling, and more demanding and expanding markets have arisen as the result of Fordism. ESM came out of the woodwork with the idea of bringing New York City†s Little Italy to any city. They became part of the restaurant market and had to adopt Fordism principles in order to reach high profitability with low costs. Post-Fordism arose later on and is characterized by more customized/specialized products, smaller systems for specialization, technologies that will produce a range of products, requiring more workers, which in turn leads to diversity once again. ESM has also incorporated post-Fordism characteristics. They use one computer system to run the security systems, kitchen appliances, run credit charges and place orders. They cater to each individual customer, giving them what they ask for. Finally, postmodernism, the idea that we are entering a more irrational and flexible era. The spread of different cultures throughout all of society is a product of postmodernism. ESM brought Little Italy to all kinds of cities. In fact, this American/Italian restaurant does not even exist in Italy. This society is superficial; people pass through McDonaldized systems without even being phased by them. No one walks into ESM and thinks; â€Å"wow this is a superficial McDonaldized system†. Every product and service has been presented before. ESM doesn†t have the original calamari al† diavolo sitting in a glass case to display. We now live in an n impersonal world. Even though employees approach customers with interest and a smile, they do not have a personal relationship with them. There no longer exists much emotion or expression in the postmodern society. We have to work hard at impressing people these days, having to always find something new and exciting to keep a customer hooked. Events of the past and present blur together. It is hard to distinguish between each visit to a restaurant, eventually all the visits blur together. Reproductive technologies have taken over. Computers and TV†s dominate industry and the lives of every individual. In the restaurant business if the computers were to crash†¦. there goes the payroll, power, cash registers; the entire operation is over in the blink of an eye. Just like nearly all institutions in our society ESM is trapped in an â€Å"iron cage of McDonaldization†. I believe McDonaldization has invaded every sector of society and as someone who grew up with McDonaldization at every corner of my life I would have to say it†s been productive. It has allowed society to evolve. Every aspect of life has consequences and downfalls; it†s just a matter of dealing with them. I like moving at a fast pace. Why do people have to make friends with every person they encounter? It†s nice to have companionship but not from your server in a restaurant. McDonaldization has served as a directing force, another stage in our history. We adapt to every turn the world makes and change is good. When all of the aspects of McDonaldization are intertwined society runs smoothly. East Side Mario†s was an example of a company that followed all the rules, aimed for a goal and made it. I believe that†s all that it should take in anything you do in life to make it, just follow the rules and reach for your goals. McDonaldization is a positive contribution to society.

What Really Makes Factories Flexible

Introduction: In this literature, â€Å"What really makes factories flexible? † the writer brought out the topic for factory flexibility, which defines as a production  facility  organized  to  respond to customer orders quickly in order to provide  a  full  and varied range  of  operations  or  services, across many  product lines with very short  changeover times and may introduce new products of similar range fairly easy. For example, most modern  automobile plants  are designed as  flexible  factories to build various models. Having acknowledged the importance of flexibility, how would manufacturing managers in a broad array of industries find pathways to improve the process? What are the difficulties of defining flexibility of a plant and how do they measure flexibility in terms of plant productivity? What measurements are needed to show improvement of the process? The author performed a research in a study of sixty-one factories in North America that manufacture fine paper to find out the answer. Define the problem: Unlike most other industries in which different plants make different products, the paper industry's products are more comparable across plants since paper are produced by very similar process. There are a few characteristics for the paper industries to be the right candidate. In paper industry, the qualities of products by grades are straightforward numbers which can be able to be measured by the author. These numbers enabled the author to develop both the range of paper a plant could produce and how much time it needed for a plant to switch from making one kind of paper to making another. By using these numbers the author was be able to define the operational flexibility for manufacturing plants needed to measure and find the ways to improve the processes. Defining the problem is the first thing needed by each manager. â€Å"What is flexibility? † Managers are having hard times to define as the term may mean very different for different people. At plant level, it is about the ability to change over or adapt new system, however, specifying and characterizing this ability is not an easy task. As one manager may talk about the flexibility to produce the types of production from up and down depending on what the market needs; another manager may talks about the flexibility to change over from making one type of paper to another with less time and money. In the author's point of view, flexibility should be emphasized in determining by its competitive environment. The measurement of flexibility can be based on a) product range in different things as a plant can have the ability to produce a small number of products that are very different from one another b) mobility for a plant to change over from making one product to another and c) uniformity of performance as a flexible plant can perform comparably well to make any product within a specified range. Once managers have defined the different kinds of flexibility they are trying to develop, another set of issues had come up as how to measure the flexibility and improvement of flexibility. Also it is often unclear in which general features of a plant must be changed in order to make its operations flexible. The depth and wisdom of experience managers have to be carefully assessing their strategies to define what kind of flexibility they are looking for before embarking on a flexibility program, or otherwise the results can be disastrous. Implication and analysis to select best alternatives: By collecting production data, the author was able to measure the breadth of paper grades that each plant was capable of producing and the changeover time that each plant required to switch between grades. There were additional measurements of flexibility such as workforce by length of service, the level of computer integration (CIM), the change and break frequency, etc. Each plant may emphasize in a whole range of factors from different quality and types of flexibility based on the managers, so end up there are large differences across plants. One major issue covered in this literature is that the degree of computer integration (CIM) does not really help on plant flexibility by increasing range of products produced or improving change over time even though large money was invested in it. Managers often have difficulty justifying CIM projects on the basis of cost savings or quality improvements therefore justify them on basis of improved flexibility CIM will provide. In this case, only the engineers or a few trained employees understand how the system works; most of the plant operators are not trained to operate which create problems. Operators instead decide to perform manual-change over, which in a surprising findings the best manual change system operate much faster than computer. This result shows the serious problem from operators as they have no interest to adapt the change to operate CIM. It hit hard on the managers with thoughts being reluctant that they are doing something right, but actually they are wrong. Implement decision to change the system: For successful manager to figure out the issues of CIM before implementing it in a plant, they should consider building up skills for their operators. As the author denoted, â€Å"Plants become more flexible when managers stress to workers the importance of flexibility. For example, a plant that wants to excel at customizing products will need to develop the capabilities to carry out large range of jobs in the plant. Managers then need to determine what type of workforce or equipment (ex CIM) needs to enhance flexibility. After that managers need to figure out different ways to measure the type of flexibility sought and emphasize the importance of the measures to the employees. Trainings should be added in th e process to build up experienced workforce and eventually to see improvement in flexibility. For example, continuous learning problem such as operational excellence may help management team in different level to control and maintain a flexible manufacturing plant. Evaluate the outcome: By integrating the appropriate steps to a) defining the problem of flexibility, b) implication and analysis to select best alternatives and c) implement decision to change the system, the next step is to evaluate the outcome to see if there is any improvement or if not, further alterations will need to be made. Outcomes that need to be evaluated are not limited to employee training in different level. Employees training based on experience are critical for a manufacturing plant to increase flexibility. More experience workers are not willing to adapting the new systems such as CIM comparing to less experience workers who are more willing to change. Conclusion: A good manufacturing management team designs what is best way for its plant to run, and plants that are flexible in terms of mobility (in terms of change over time) and range (in terms of various productivity) tended to have a clear measures of what flexibility should be developed. Managers have to decide what benefits the plant, how the plant operate, what kind of flexibility they are looking for, select the right decision making tools such as CIM, training for the employees based on different levels of experience, analyzing the data and provide surveys for customers. Managers should provide people the support needed in order to achieve the goal for lower the cost, decreasing change over time, increasing throughput and eventually make more money. Manager should never put too much faith in depending on CIM to complete the tasks in ease. CIM provides critical advantages to improve factory flexibility only if it can be implemented in the right way to fit the system. CIM generally needs experienced operators to control so trainings are critical for employees in different level. CIM could only be one of the alternative tools for managers to use. The flexibility of a plant depends much more on people (manager, field-supervisors, engineers and operators) than on any technical factor (automation, CIM). Managers should never only embraced in CIM as the solution to the growing need to forge new capabilities, instead managers should put more faith in the day to day management of people. Extended Research: I read two other articles which were written within the last three years. It is obvious that both articles talk about how computer integration both software and hardware can help to improve process flow and flexibility of a plant. This is because a more mature CIM system has been established through studies from field experts and universities. In general, employees nowadays understand that continuous learning is the keys to maintain competitiveness in the job market. This doesn’t mean that managers’ job are easier to do, but flexibilities in all level from a plant, a team, or just individual are critical in order to maintain a competitive advantage. Reference: 1. Manufacturing Flexibility – Synchronizing the Shop Floor and Supply Chain by Aberdeen Group 2. Improving Plant Performance and Flexibility in Batch Process Manufacturing: With an Example from the Food and Beverage Industry by Filippo Focacci

Aristotles politics essays

Aristotles politics essays Its amazing how Aristotle grasped political science so well in the year circa 330 B.C. How well he described democracy, oligarchy, aristocracy, etc. more than 2300 years ago with such precision is quite profound. However, Aristotles Politics may be a bit hard to understand at first, but after understanding, his political views become clear. In Aristotles Politics many regimes are discussed throughout and classified as good or bad, or as just and unjust. Many regimes succeed and many regimes fail due to governmental and societal structures. If the government is not meeting the needs of the people or society the government may be over-thrown by those who oppose, the same is true for a single ruler. Revolutions, when the people revolt, are usually caused when a regime is unjust towards the citizens in the regime. In monarchies, the people may revolt due to a bad ruler, or an unfair ruler. In democracies, the people may revolt because the rich are being treated unfairly, or the citizens rights are being taken away. In oligarchies, the people may revolt because the poor are being treated unfairly. First of all, in any regime the citizens must be treated justly and the laws must also be carried out in a just manner. If a certain regime is ruled by a certain set of people, the regime must pay particular attention to the minority otherwise revolution may result causing the downfall of a regime. For example, in a democracy, which is rule by the common or the poor people, they also have to treat the few or the rich justly. In an oligarchy, which is rule of the few or the rich, they have to treat the many or the common people justly. If any regime does not pay attention to the minority, revolution could occur or the regime could turn to tyranny or monarchy. Secondly, Aristotle compares democracy and oligarchy in books three and four, by not only comparing and contrasting them, but also by ...

The Appeals Process Stage of a Criminal Case

The Appeals Process Stage of a Criminal Case Anyone convicted of a crime has the right to appeal that conviction if they believe a legal error has occurred. If you have been convicted of a crime and plan to appeal, you are no longer known as the defendant, you are now the appellant in the case. In criminal cases, an appeal asks a higher court to look at the record of the trial proceedings to determine if a legal error occurred that may have affected the outcome of the trial or the sentence imposed by the judge. Appealing Legal Errors An appeal rarely challenges the decision of the jury, but rather challenges any legal errors that the judge or the prosecution may have made during the trial. Any ruling that the judge made during the preliminary hearing, during pre-trial motions and during the trial itself can be appealed if the appellant believes the ruling was in error. For example, if your lawyer made a pre-trial motion challenging the legality of the search of your car and the judge ruled that the police did not need a search warrant, that ruling can be appealed because it allowed evidence to be seen by the jury that would not have otherwise seen. Notice of Appeal Your attorney will have plenty of time to prepare your formal appeal, but in most states, you have a limited time to announce your intention to appeal your conviction or sentence. In some states, you have only 10 days to decide if there are issues that can be appealed. Your notice of appeal will need to include the exact issue or issues upon which you are basing your appeal. Many appeals have been rejected by higher courts simply because the appellant waited too long to raise the issue. Records and Writs When you appeal your case, the appellate court will receive the record of the criminal trial and all rulings leading up to the trial. Your attorney will file a written brief outlining why you believe your conviction was affected by legal error. The prosecution likewise will file a written brief telling the appellate court why it believes the ruling was legal and appropriate. Usually, after the prosecution files its brief, the appellant can file a follow-up brief in rebuttal. The Next Highest Court Although it does happen, the attorney who handled your criminal trial will probably not handle your appeal. Appeals are usually handled by lawyers who have experience with the appeals process and working with higher courts. Although the appeals process varies from state to state, the process generally starts with the next highest court in the system - state or federal - in which the trial was held. In most cases, this is the state appellate. The party that loses at the appeals court  can apply to the next highest court, usually the state supreme court. If the issues involved in the appeal are constitutional, the case can then be appealed to the federal district appeals court and eventually to the U.S. Supreme Court. Direct Appeals/Automatic Appeals Anyone who is sentenced to death is automatically given a direct appeal. Depending on the state, the appeal may be mandatory or dependent on the defendants choice. Direct appeals always go to the highest court in the state. In federal cases, the direct appeal goes to the federal courts.A panel of judges decides on the outcome of direct appeals. The judges then can either affirm the conviction and sentence, reverse the conviction, or reverse the death sentence.  The losing side can then  petition for a writ of certiorari with the U.S. Supreme Court.   Appeals Rarely Successful Very few criminal trial appeals are successful. Thats why when a criminal appeal is granted, it makes headlines in the media because it is rare. In order for a conviction or a sentence to be overturned, the appeals court not only must find that an error occurred, but also that the error was clear and serious enough to affect the outcome of the trial. A criminal conviction can be appealed on the basis that the strength of the evidence presented a trial did not support the verdict. This type of appeal is significantly more expensive and much more lengthy than a legal error appeal and even more rarely successful.

Brian Nichols †Atlanta Courthouse Killer

Brian Nichols – Atlanta Courthouse Killer On March 11, 2005, Nichols was on trial for rape at the Fulton County Courthouse in Atlanta when he overpowered a female deputy, took her gun, and went into the courtroom where he trial was being held and shot the judge and a court reporter. Nichols is also charged with killing a sheriffs deputy who tried to stop his escape from the courthouse and shooting a federal agent at his home a few miles from the courthouse.Nichols escape set off one of the largest manhunts in Georgia history, which ended after he took Ashley Smith hostage in her apartment and she convinced him to let her leave and then called 9-1-1. Case Developments Brian Nichols Avoids Death Penalty Dec. 12, 2008 Brian Nichols, the convicted Atlanta Courthouse killer, avoided the death penalty when a jury deciding his fate deadlocked after four days of deliberation. The jury was split 9-3 in favor of giving Nichols the death penalty rather than life in prison. Atlanta Courthouse Killer Found GuiltyNov. 7, 2008After deliberating for 12 hours, a jury found the Atlanta Courthouse killer guilty of murder and dozens of other charges in connection with his deadly escape from the Fulton County Courthouse on March 11, 2005. Brian Nichols was found guilty of all 54 charges after pleading not guilty by reason of insanity. Previous Developments Ashley Smith Testifies Against Brian NicholsOct. 6, 2008 The woman who talked accused Atlanta Courthouse killer Brian Nichols into surrendering to police testified at his trial that she appealed to his religious beliefs while she was held captive by him in her apartment. Atlanta Courthouse Shooting Trial UnderwaySept. 22, 2008After years of delays and nine weeks to select a jury of eight women and four men, the trial of accused Atlanta Courthouse shooter Brian Nichols got underway under high security Monday. Nichols has pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity for killing a judge, court reporter and sheriffs deputy at the Fulton County Courthouse and a federal agent later that day. Atlanta Courthouse Shooting Trial Finally BeginsJuly 10, 2008Jury selection has finally begun in the Atlanta Courthouse Shooting a day after Brian Nichols pleaded not guilty by reason of insanity to 54 counts, including the murders of four people. More than 600 witnesses are scheduled to testify in the high-profile trial which could last for months. Mental Exam Ordered for Brian NicholsJune 12, 2008A judge has ruled that prosecutors can have their own psychological expert examine Brian Nichols, who plans to claim he was insane when he shot his way out of an Atlanta courthouse in 2005. Nichols Wants New Judge RemovedApril 23, 2008Brian Nichols defense team claims the judge should recuse himself because he was a friend of one of the victims. Judge Keeps Jury Pool in Brian Nichols CaseApril 11, 2008The new judge in the Atlanta Courthouse Shooting case has ruled that the jury selection process will begin again in July where it left off before being interrupted by the controversy over the funding for the defense. Superior Court Judge Jim Bodiford issued a ruling that jury selection would continue July 10 from the original jury pool of 3,500. Courthouse Shooting Judge Steps DownJan. 30, 2008The controversial judge in the Atlanta Courthouse shooting trial of Brian Nichols has stepped down after a magazine article quoted him saying, everyone in the world knows he did it. County to Help Fund Brian Nichols DefenseJan. 15, 2008The death penalty trial of accused Atlanta Courthouse killer Brian Nichols could begin again as early as mid-March after the Fulton County Commission voted to spend $125,000 to help in his defense by paying for a psychiatric evaluation. Brian Nichols Murder Trial Delayed AgainNov. 16, 2007For the fifth time, the murder trial of accused Atlanta Courthouse Killer Brian Nichols has been delayed due to a lack of funds for his defense. Sticking to his guns despite growing criticism, Judge Hilton Fuller ruled that he will not start the trial until there is more money provided to Nichols defense team. DA Tries to Force Start of Nichols TrialNov. 2, 2007The Fulton County district attorney has filed a complaint with the Georgia Supreme Court in an effort to force the judge in the Atlanta Courthouse Shootings case to resume jury selection. Atlanta Courthouse Shooting Trial to BeginOct. 15, 2007Security will be tight at the Fulton County courthouse this week as the trial of Brian Nichols begins in the same building he is accused of shooting his way out of almost three years ago. Lack of Money May Delay Brian Nichols TrialFeb. 12, 2007The trial of Brian Nichols in the Atlanta courthouse shooting case may be delayed because the agency in charge of paying his court-appointed attorneys is out of money. Atlanta Courthouse Shooting Trial BeginsJan. 11, 2007Although there is absolutely no doubt about the guilt of the defendant, a long, drawn out and expensive trial is scheduled to begin in the same courthouse that also happens to be the scene of the crime. Brian Nichols Trial Delay RejectedDec. 22, 2006Superior Court Judge Hilton Fuller has rejected another defense motion that would have delayed the start of the trial of Brian Nichols. Atlanta Courthouse Shooting Trial to Be Moved?Jan 30, 2006Attorneys for Brian Nichols have asked that his trial be moved to another courthouse, because the current one is the crime scene. Hostage Ashley Smith Gave Nichols MethSept. 28, 2005Ashley Smith, the woman who helped authorities capture Atlanta Courthouse killer Brian Nichols, says in her new book Unlikely Angel that she talked with him about her faith and gave him methamphetamine during her seven-hour hostage ordeal. Previous developments in the Atlanta Courthouse Shooting case: Two Arrested for Murder of Ashley Smiths HusbandJune 23, 2005Four years after Daniel (Mack) Smith was stabbed to death at an August, Georgia apartment complex, two men have been indicted and arrested for the stabbing death of the husband of Ashley Smith, the woman who convinced the Atlanta courthouse killer to turn himself into police. Death Penalty Sought for NicholsMay 5, 2005The Fulton County district attorney will seek the death penalty for the man accused of shooting his way out of an Atlanta courthouse, leaving four people dead and setting off the largest manhunt in Georgia history. Ashley Smith Collects $70,000 RewardMarch 24, 2005Ashley Smith was given $70,000 in reward money for helping authorities capture courthouse shooter Brian Nichols. Hostage: God Brought Him to My DoorMarch 14, 2005Ashley Smith, the 26-year-old hostage who notified police that the Atlanta Courthouse Killer wanted to turned himself in, read to Brian Nichols from The Purpose Driven Life, shared her personal faith, and prayed with him for more than seven hours in her Duluth, Georgia apartment. Courthouse Killer Waves White Flag to SurrenderMarch 12, 2005Brian Nichols, the man who killed three people in a Fulton County Courtroom Friday, waved a white flag to surrender to authorities after they surrounded a Metro Atlanta Area apartment that belonged to a woman who managed to call 911. Courthouse Killer Gives Cops the SlipMarch 11, 2005The manhunt for an Atlanta man who killed three people at the Fulton County Courthouse Friday morning became a lot more complicated when the vehicle the suspect was thought to be driving was found 14 hours later on a lower deck of the same parking from which it was supposedly stolen.

Information Technology & Communication Coursework

Information Technology & Communication - Coursework Example Be it Americans or Asians, White or Black, human nature almost responds to the same way. For instance, if one receives an uninvited ad(s) on his/her mobile, most probably it would cause not only irritation but also discourage him/her to pay attention to other valuable messages/information. Let me clarify the situation by giving my own example. I keep on receiving Call/SMS package offers from the Cellular Company but I never bother to read such messages and delete them right away. Why? Because I am not interested in. Thus, in my case I would term it as a failed marketing. So I am trying to convey is that mobile marketing can surely drive better results provided if it is going to be a â€Å"Permission-Based Advertising† – i.e. with user’s prior permission to receive such ads. Lih-Bin Oh and Heng Xu (2003) stated, â€Å"Advertising researchers have devoted much attention to the study of irritation arising from advertisements such as TV commercials and Web pop-up ad vertisements. For the case of permission-based location-aware advertisements, the level of irritation should be rather low since messages are delivered with the receiver’s prior consent†.

Working Environment and Family Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Working Environment and Family - Essay Example The key issue that has been addressed in this book is the emergence of increase in number of working women, who have mostly young children. The relationship of working mothers in this hair-pulling environment to justify between workload and family responsibilities is the main area of discussion. Different types of social parameters have analyzed to get the gist of this social problem. Parameters includes the rate of poverty per family, low birth weight incidences, pregnancies in teen ages, abortions ratio, mortality rates particularly among young children and infants and the result of eight-graders particularly in mathematics and science. Why are private solutions inadequate to address the work/family needs of Americans Americans, both males and females are moving towards working environment. No matter multi national corporations, Non-governmental organizations, Food chains, departmental stores or any other. The imbalance has visibly seen among all the fields if, we closely observe the work/family needs of all Americans. This issue has not been identified or noticed by the employers. Mostly the solutions offered by most of the private companies are not pro-employee rather they are more focused towards productivity or company demands.

E- Commerce application for Computer hardware Sale Essay

E- Commerce application for Computer hardware Sale - Essay Example Thomas asserts that, The main stages in the development of a good interface involves conducting a detailed requirement analysis which aids in establishing the goals to be achieved by the website, outlining the site design and architecture details and performing a task analysis, prototyping, creating, testing and launching the site. After launching the site, analysis of the feedback messages is necessary to improve the site. Dix et al (pg 84) ascertains that, the use of HCI increases the productivity and reduces costs. Saving results due to few errors, reduced user interruption, reduced support staff workload, elimination of maintenance, redesign and training costs. HCI involves the design, implementation, analysis and evaluation of computer systems in relation to the user, the work and tasks. According to Dix et al (94), for an effective HCI design and implementation, the skills of sociology, psychology, computer engineering, ergonomics, sales and marketing, graphic design and technical knowledge are necessary in order to archive a high quality and effective site. HCI design must emphasize on efficient methods of communication between the users. Usability engineering is necessary in the interface design which comprises half of the software work, done on the site. Models must be formulated to help solve solution and allow the designer visualize the situation at hand says, Cooper & Riemann (pg 231). For a successful HCI design, both the user model and the implementation model are important. Most software developers concentrate on the complex software design limiting the functionality and ergonomics of the site from the user's side. Newmann and L amming, (pg 163) asserts that, conceptual design assist the user understand the system through the development of the user model. According to Newmann and Lamming, (pg 163-231), developments in the HCI field have lead to invention and use of different site enhancement techniques. These include text to speech technology which allows the synthesis of text to speech which greatly helps the visionary impaired people access the website and the use of multi modal interfaces which allow for auditory and visual interfaces creating a conducive environment for the users. These aspects of HCI greatly boost the universality of the system, says Cooper & Riemann, (pg 301). Other barriers that HCI overcomes include; colour blindness, tunnel vision, physically disability which results in the user being unable to manipulate the input devices and storage devices, age barriers and cognitive barriers. Eric (pg, 76), asserts that the security of any website is paramount especially when payments will be made using a computers and the internet. It is necessary to design an elaborate security system that prevents loss and malicious damage or access of information. There are many internet security systems that are used for enhancing security but Stephen (pg 98) argues that The SSL system or the secure socket layer is effective software for website protection. According to Stephen (pg 106), there are two major problems that occur in any network, these problems include not connecting to the right computer and loss of information/ malicious access to information when transferring information from one computer to another in a given network. The SSL system was developed by Netscape and is used for

Marketing debate and discussion Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Marketing debate and discussion - Research Paper Example It is also satisfactory to the marketer by meeting marketing objectives. Nevertheless, as the above definition holds, other people criticize the process of marketing as to creating unnecessary needs and wants. Promotion services offered during marketing are always meant to attract many customers and give the company higher sales than the competitors. However, as Mattsson puts it, companies fail when they raise the expectations of the consumers beyond what they can actually provide. This raises the cost of marketing, and as a result of failure to deliver; more efforts are required to counter and correct the effect of the former promotion by both the marketer as well as the consumers (Mattsson 11-14). To meet specific customer expectations and or the failure to satisfy them may also translate to spending more by the customer. The successes of all marketing procedures highly depend on training and the competency of the marketing team and this as well translates to extra cost and need to the company. Therefore, marketing can be rightly seen to satisfy and cr eate needs, both to the marketer and to the target group. Mission statement for an organization is usually a theme that is well deliberated on as to how the business and operations relate to the customers, employees, management and the ownership structure of the enterprise. Mission statements are very essential to any organization as they aid in marketing through the following three ways; shows how a marketing plan fulfills the mission of marketing as pertains to the overall organizations mission, assists in a clear manner of evaluating the performance of marketing procedures and designs and guides implementation of a marketing plan (Anon 5). Mission statements have been found to have little or at times no disparity between similar organizations or departments. On customer targeting, marketing in particular may opt for age. Marketers usually have

Professional Objectives and Interests Personal Statement

Professional Objectives and Interests - Personal Statement Example My secondary interest would be to strengthen my leadership abilities so that I can lead and administer my subordinates. Sharpening of the existing skills is a very important factor and I would like to focus my attention to it. Apart from this I would be more interested in acquiring new skills by attending seminars, certification programs etc and meeting new people who are associated with this profession. Working for a project will prove to be very fruitful in order to enhance my entrepreneur abilities and motivate my dedication. Networking is considered to be a very essential factor. Relationship with the professional contacts is very valuable for the advancement of career and learning new techniques. I would make it a point to attend functions and monthly events so as to be in close contact with the administrative professionals. The interests that need to be developed in order to become a good administrator are to have effective leadership qualities. An impressive personality proves to be very helpful when it comes to lead and administer people. My area of interest would be to work on the enhancement of these two traits.

Employment Laws and HRM Strategy Research Paper

Employment Laws and HRM Strategy - Research Paper Example Small, medium and large organizations all have diverse employees who should be treated with respect and appreciated according to their differences (Cihon, & Castagnera, 2010). Globalization in the world has resulted in diversity in all regions of the world. The diversity is reflected in all areas of the workforce such as when hiring and recruiting employees. The law is very strict in the protection of employee rights as specified in the different labor laws of different states. Nowadays, most organizations also ensure that they give employees from either gender an equal chance in employment for all available positions. The needs of both groups need to be taken into consideration since both are different in their own ways (Armstrong, 2011). The state of Texas is no exception and requires all employers to refrain from discriminating from individuals based on their race, gender or any physical features (Texas Employment Law, 2012). Individuals from different backgrounds have different b eliefs, values, and traditions. Some of these values might be reflected in the way that they work hence affect the workplace. However, no employee at the workplace should be treated differently just because they have different values, beliefs or traditions from other employees. Diversity in the workplace improves the image of an organization in the eyes of the customers. With the growth of information sharing in the world, target clients of an organization can easily rate an organization in terms of employee treatment (Cihon, & Castagnera, 2010). Customer awareness groups are likely to boycott the products or services of an organization that does not promote diversity. Many human resources management gurus have also cited that diversity in the workplace encourages innovation and creativity among employees. HRM Plan to manage the HRM situation within the confines of the law The human resources management department of the organization should develop relevant classes for their supervi sors on current issues in the workplace. The classes should be interactive to ensure that there is the complete understanding of relevant issues. The human resources department should also conduct periodic demographic monitoring to ensure that the workforce is balanced. The workforce should have diversity in terms of gender, ethnicity and physical traits (Cihon, & Castagnera, 2010). The disciplinary action that is taken by the supervisors on the employees should be uniform among all existing employees in the organization. Such an action sends a message of equality even in diversity. The human resources department should also communicate the importance that it attaches to equal opportunities and diversity in its workforce. Current and potential employees of the organization should have access to the opportunities that are available in the organization. The human resource management part of the organization should use modern methods of managing the employees. The top management and ex ecutives’ should be close to employees to encourage them to achieve the set objectives in the organization. To ensure inclusion of the diverse group of employees, the human resources management department can come up with a culture day. The culture day should be held regularly such as on Fridays.  Ã‚  

Professional Objectives and Interests Personal Statement

Professional Objectives and Interests - Personal Statement Example My secondary interest would be to strengthen my leadership abilities so that I can lead and administer my subordinates. Sharpening of the existing skills is a very important factor and I would like to focus my attention to it. Apart from this I would be more interested in acquiring new skills by attending seminars, certification programs etc and meeting new people who are associated with this profession. Working for a project will prove to be very fruitful in order to enhance my entrepreneur abilities and motivate my dedication. Networking is considered to be a very essential factor. Relationship with the professional contacts is very valuable for the advancement of career and learning new techniques. I would make it a point to attend functions and monthly events so as to be in close contact with the administrative professionals. The interests that need to be developed in order to become a good administrator are to have effective leadership qualities. An impressive personality proves to be very helpful when it comes to lead and administer people. My area of interest would be to work on the enhancement of these two traits.

Opinions about balancing between information sharing and information Assignment

Opinions about balancing between information sharing and information protection - Assignment Example Information sharing and information protection are the two sides of the same coin. Without the existence of a possibility to share information, the concept of information protection sounds absurd. The other way round, without the existence of the systematic mechanisms for protecting information, information sharing is not possible. For, to put it simply, the crux of entire information sharing and protection is to enable the sharing of information with the right individuals and agencies, in just the right format, at just the right time and to just the right extent. The entire scope of online data sharing is hinged on the trust that the concerned individuals and agencies will safeguard the information they receive and will do their best to protect the awkward situations arising owing to information sharing (Smith, 1994, p. 114). Hence, information protection is primarily about trust. So information protection stands to be a pivotal aspect of all the processes aimed at information sharing. Respecting this trust necessitates the envisaging of designing the apt practices that assure that the information being shared does not get into the hands of unauthorized elements (Smith, 1994, p. 114). Information protection also assures the reliability and accuracy of the information being shared and that the right information happens to be accessible as and when required. In a practical context, data protection is not a barrier to information sharing, but rather assures that the information accrued from individuals and organizations gets shared appropriately and within the constraints of a disciplined framework. So, information protection deals with the recognition of benign considerations that protect the safety and confidentially of the sources that may be drastically impacted by the revelation of the information pertaining to them (Nissenbaum, 2010, p. 106). Yet, it is also a fact that too much safeguarding of information may turn out to be constraining and

The Prevention Of Electrical Injuries Construction Essay

The Prevention Of Electrical Injuries Construction Essay Electricity is the flow of electrons through a conductor. Electrons flow away from an object through a conductor creates an electric current which is measured in ampheres. The electrical force that pushes the electrical current is the voltage and it is measured in volts. The opposition to the flow of current through a conductor creates a resistance which is measured in Ohm unit. Flows of electricity Some substances such as metals usually have low resistance to the flow of electric current and they are called Conductors. Glasses, plastics, rubber, dry wood are insulators. They slow or stop flow of electricity. Normally air is an insulator but can become a conductor during an arc or lighting stroke. Pure water is a poor conductor but small amount of impurities in water like salts, acids, solvents or other materials present in water can turn it to a good conductor of electricity. Electrical safety is the recognition of hazards associated with use of electricity and taking necessary precautions so that the hazards do not cause injuries or death. No one could overstate the importance of Electrical Safety knowledge. It is essential to know how to stay and work safely with or within the vicinity of electricity because electrical current at home or at workplace have enough power that can be fatal if one is exposed to. An electrical injury will occur when a person comes into contact with the current produced by a source. The source can be touch of any bare wire or electrical appliances with bare hands at home as well as it can be a natural source such as lighting. Hazards of Electricity When electrical systems breakdown, people are exposed to the following hazards: Electrocution Electric shock Electrical burns Falls 1. ELECTROCUTION To electrocute is to be killed by electricity. Electrocution is death by means of an electric current passing through the body. The current usually have the capacity to stop the heart and cause death through heating and destruction of the tissue. Effects of Electric Currents. Current is the killing factor when in contact with electricity. The table below shows the value for Human Resistance Types of Resistance Resistance value (Ohm) Dry skin 100 000 to 600 000 Wet skin 1000 Hand to foot 400 to 600 Ear to ear 100 Source: www.lanl.gov/safety/electricalsafety /docs.pdf 2. ELECTRIC SHOCK Electricity travels in closed circuits through a conductor. When human body (conducts electricity very well) accidentally becomes part of the electric circuit, this results in electric shocks, that is the electric current flow through the skin, muscles and vital organs. The Severity of Shocks depends on: Amount of current that flows into the body Type of current that flows into the body (Direct or Indirect) The currents path through the body The current intensity Duration of the contact Current frequency Voltage The amount of current depends on the potential difference and the resistance. The table below shows the effects current on the human body range from a tingling sensation to death. Amount of current (miliAmphere, mA) Effect on the human body Less than 1 mA Usually not perceptible to human body. Between 1-5 mA It can be anything between tingling or mildly painful sensation 5-9 mA Painful sensation 9-25 mA Muscular contraction 25-60 mA Respiratory paralysis 60 mA or more Ventricular contraction (affects different chambers of the heart, contraction relaxation of ventricles becomes eratic. If last long, it can be fatal) Nerve damage 4A(Amphere) Or more Heart paralysis ( muscles stop contracting relaxing, most probably lead to death) 5A or more Tissue burning ( if tissues are those of vital organ, lead to death.) Source: lecturers class notes 3.Burns Burns are the most common shocks related injury. Direct Contact Burn When somebody direct touch the flow of electrical current, burns occurs. Currents enter the body and exit where the individual is grounded. It somebody suffers from a direct contact with electricity, two skin burns will be noticed: at the site of entry where the electricity leaves the body Also, internal burn may occur where the power traced through the body. Electrical Arc Electric arcing occurs when the potential difference is high enough for current to flow in air. Electrical arcs reach very high temperature causing the individual to receive deep thermal burn where the arc hits the body, consequently causing Flash Blast Arcing. Along with burns, arcing causes electrical shock, explosion if the volume of air is large. It is therefore advised not to approach high voltage line. One of the most common examples of arcing is lighting (electricity travelling onto air). A root is created for the electricity to go earth. Thus, a metal rod is placed as a safe path for the electricity to travel to earth near tall buildings.. The metal rod is a conductor of electricity, it attracts electricity. Several more precautions are to be taken during lighting such as stay indoors, do not venture to the sea, stay away from metal materials and so on. Flash Arcing is a short circuit through air that flashes over from one exposed live conductor to another conductor or to the ground. The high heat energy at a point of the arc is called the arc flash. Arc flash is caused by uncontrolled conditions of electrical current from phase to ground and phase to neutral accompanied by ionization of the surrounding air. Arc flash burns the skin by direct heat exposure and causes ignition of clothing. High intensity flash also causes damage to the eyesight. Flash burns are very uncomfortable, most of those caused by shorter flashes are not serious and usually heal in 12 to 24 hours. However with longer flash of a couple of seconds, a permanent damage may occur from ultra violet light. Arc Blast is the explosive effect caused by the expansion of air and other vaporized materials that are overheated by the sudden presence of an electric arc. Arc blast can result from unintentional contact with electrical system. 4.FALLS Slips, trips and falls are one of the most common accidents at workplace even at home. It cab be that the electric shock is not as fatal but one can fall down and injured if working, standing at height on ladder or cranes. It can also lead to death at times. Prevention of Electrical Injuries. Maintain all electrical installations in good working order with proper grounding. Have al installation, operation, maintenance and repair work done only by a qualified person * and make use of PPE during installation. Regular inspections of electrical systems and make use of a checklist. Properly install ground equipment with proper labeling and coding of wires. Read all instructions, labels and installation manual before operating or servicing electrical equipment. Turn off equipments when not in use. Disconnect the power to the equipment that is left unattended or out of service. High voltage equipment should be discharged to ground through discharge rods after their switching off. Provide enough sockets for equipment in use. Avoid overloading sockets and using adaptors may cause fires. Ensure that equipment is fitted with a correctly rated fuse. Replace damage sections of cable completely and never repair cuts with insulating tape. Use proper connection to join lengths of cable. Do not wrap cables carrying electric current around any part of the body. Do not touch live electrical parts. Make sure that all connections are tight, clean and dry. *a Qualified Person is one who has the skills and knowledge related to the construction and operation of the electrical equipment and installations and has received sufficient training to recognize and avoid the hazards involved. ELECTRICAL SAFETY AT HOME Electrical safety at home depends on 3 main factors: Safe Electrical Installation a correct earthing system to protect residents from an excess flow of electrical current. encourage residents to make use of the installation in a correct way. For example: if there is enough sockets in the house, individual will have no need to adapters. This eliminates the risk of fire. In short, installation should be designed in such a way that it is safe in itself regardless of how it is used. For instance: separate circuits should be included for higher power appliances. Safe design of electrical appliances devices The use of high quality sound electrical appliances together with electrical safety devices such as surge, residual current device and a proper grounding system eliminates the risk of electrical hazards at home. However, it cannot be denied that there are people who use old appliances which do not meet the standards or they have a tendency to buy appliances manufactured in countries with low safety standards. This may be because of cheap price and insufficient electrical knowledge. The Human Factor Habits of people such as not switching off electrical appliances when not in use, overloading sockets, use of extension cable more often and the use of electrical equipment (hair dryer, electrical razors) in the bathroom may lead to electrocution or fire. If people make an effort to change their bad habits, safety will be ensured at domestic level. Electrical safety at home cannot be thought of without the use and knowledge of certain safety devices. House hold circuits The circuits that are wired into a house by a qualified electrician all start with wires coming in from power lines outside that are connected to a fuse box. Fuse boxes contain safety devices called fused or circuit breakers which are designed to prevent an excess of electric current entering the house by allowing a certain maximum current to flow in. When electrical current flow is high, an electromagnet attracts a spring loaded switch which breaks the circuits and cuts the power supply. The switch must be reset before any current can flow again. Circuit breaker v/s Fuse Circuit breaker is similar to a switch. Domestic circuit beaker usually can withstand a current up to 13 16 Ampheres ( in most cases 13 A). How it works? If a circuit breaker of 13 A current rating is inserted, it will allow 13 A current to flow into the circuit. An automatic switch will open whenever there is a flow of above 13 A of current. This prevents appliances from getting damage. And it re-open again when the current flow is 13 A. Fuse is a piece of metal that has relatively lower melting point than copper wires. It is rated according to the amount of current that affect the fuse. For example: if it is a 13 A fuse, it will allow 13 A flow of current to flow through the fuse. How does it works? As soon as there a current flow of greater than 13A in the fuse, the fuse heats then melts and opens the circuit and current will not flow in the appliance. Circuit breaker and fuse prevent electrical fires and overheating that can be caused by an overload of electricity. However, circuit breaker can be used again and again but fuse need to be replaced. (Melted fused cannot be re-used). Circuit breaker and fuse only prevents appliances from getting damage but they do not protect individuals from getting electric shock. Devices that protects from electric shock are: Residual Current Device (RCD) It is a device that disconnects a circuit when it detects an disproportion of the electric current. It works on the principle that electricity flowing into a circuit must be equal to the current flowing out of a circuit. If the RCD detects an imbalance in electrical current, indicating a leakage to earth, it immediately cut the electricity to supply to prevent electrocution. RCD protection can save lives by protecting from fatal electric shock and can provide some protection against fires. It is usually used on outdoor electrical equipment. RCD should always be used when operating power tools outside or in damp conditions as it ensures that current is switched off automatically if there a fault or accident. Earth Leakage Circuit Breaker (ELCB) It is sensitive enough to detect the even tiny amount of current present in faulty electrical system. It is slightly less sensitive than RCD. It shares the same function as RCD but because of its sensitiveness ELCB is less likely to cause false alarms. Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) It is a fast acting circuit breaker that is sensitive to very low levels of current leakage 5m(A) to ground. When leakage becomes hazardous, it interrupts the circuit, turning it off. It is normally used for outside outlets. Arc Fault Circuit Interrupter (AFCI) AFCLs are electrical devices designed to protect against fires caused by arcing faults in home electrical wiring. Arc fault protection will be required for any 15 to 20 ampheres branch circuit to bedrooms, family rooms, living rooms and so on. Arcing faults can occur in damaged or old cords, poorly installed outlets or switch with loose connections and furniture pushed against plugs. AFCIs use unique current sensing circuitry to discriminate between normal and unwanted arcing conditions. Once an unwanted arcing condition is detected, the control circuitry in the breaker will de-energize the circuit. Once a resident is aware of the types of safety devices used at home, he may choose which device needs to be installed at his place depending the conditions of his house and equipments used. ELECTRICAL SAFETY AT MY OWN HOUSE An electrical survey with use of a checklist was carried out in my house by me to detect electrical hazards in my house. A checklist was designed. Checklist Date: 20/10/2012 Inspection Remarks YES NO Are the family members aware of the hazards and the risks associated with the use of electricity? Has the electrical installation undertaken by a qualified electrician? Has the electrician issued a certificate of compliance on completion of all electrical works? Is there any regular inspection or maintenance of the electric system? Switches, sockets ,lightings, plugs Do all the switch for lighting system work properly? Do all sockets have surfaces that cover all wiring? Is there overloaded sockets? Are all the switch cool to touch? Do the bulbs used at home correctly rated? Are the bulbs changed by member of the family? Does she/he crew the bulb tightly? Are the switch circuit breaker turned off before changing a bulb? Do the plugs fit the outlet correctly? Electrical appliances Equipments Are all equipment in good working conditions? Has any family member receive an electric shock while touching any electrical appliances? Are all appliances connected to separate socket? Is proper type of plug used for each outlet? Are all appliances unplugged when not in use? Is there any appliance plugged in area where it may come into contact with water? Are all equipments correctly fitted with a correct rated fuse? Extension cord cables Is there use of extension cord in the house? Are the extension cord used overloaded? Is the extension use for a temporary basis? Is there any cord lying on the floor? Is there any damaged cable in the house? Fuse box Circuit breakers Is the main fuse box accessible to children or other persons? Does everyone in the house know where the fuse box is located and how to shut the power of the entire house off? Is there any accessible bare wire near the fuse box? Is ELCB or any other security device provided in the electrical system of the house? Is the device tested regularly? Are different circuit breaker provided for each circuit? Are circuit breakers appropriate for the power required? Is grounding provided for the whole house? Lightning Do the family members aware of the electrical hazards during lightings? Do they make it a must to take necessary precautions during lightning? Are all sensitive equipment (computer, television) unplugged during lightning? Are surge protectors used on electronic device? Problems detected during the survey Extensions used are not for temporary basis and is overloaded. Extensions cables lying on the floor. There are no separate sockets available for each electrical appliance. No proper type of plug for each outlet. Hair dryer is loosely fitted in a multi-plug. Damaged iron cable Use of electrical equipments with wet hands bare feet and wet hair. Frequent use of knife (metal) to appliances fit the socket. One socket is pushed against furniture in the living room. 2 melted sockets are found. Unplugging of electrical equipments by pulling on the plug not the cord is noticed several times. Electrical devices are covered with cloth so as to prevent dust. Pictures of some of the electrical hazard were taken during the survey. Report of the survey What are the hazards identified can cause and their recommendations. 2 extensions are used in the house The use extensions comprises of several hazards in itself. Starting with the extension used in the bedroom. It is not in good condition as it is wrapped with tape and on top of that it is overloaded, it has mobile charger, fan and mosquito killer heater plugged into it. This can cause overheating of the extension as well as fire. The extension is placed on the floor besides the bed, any family member getting out of the bed may accidentally put his/her leg on the extension and get electrified. the cable lying on the floor can cause falls and injuries. Secondly, in the computer room. All the computer outlets (CPU, UPS, speakers, printer) and the internet live box are connected into the extension. Something fan and Mosquito killer heated are also connected. Though the extension is in good condition, it may overheat and cause fire since it overloaded. Moreover it is placed at the bottom of the computer table, thus any body using the computer may unintentionally touch the extension with his/her feet and receive shocks. It is to be noted that the extensions are not used on a temporary basis, they are used everyday. Thus, the risk of the electrical hazard is higher. What should be done? The everyday use of extension should be eliminated by providing separate sockets for each outlet. If the extensions are still used, the user should be sure that it is in good condition and it is not overloaded. It should be placed in a place where nobody can get into contact to it and its cable and the cable of the outlets should not be lying on the floor. There are no separate sockets for each appliance Television, MBC antenna and Canal Sat decoder are all plugged in the same socket by the use of a multi-plug. These appliances need a quiet high voltage of current and since the multi-plug is overloaded, this can cause the fuse in the multi-plug to heat, melt and then cause fire. What should be done? The best solution is to provide separate socket for each outlet. The multiple used should be in good condition and should be replaced with a new one more frequently. There is no proper type of plug for each outlet. The pins of the hair dryer do not fit into the socket available, hence a multi-plug is used. However the multi-plug used is not in a good condition and the pins of the hair dryer do not fit the multi-plug tightly. This loose connection may cause fire due to overheating and the person using it is at the risk of receiving electric shocks. What should be done? The pins of the hair dryer can be changed to pins which can fit the socket, thus no multi-plug will be required. If the multi-plug is used, it should be replaced with a new one. Damage cable of the iron The defective cable of the iron may cause fire and electrify the one using it. Filling the iron with water while the switch is still on causes electric shock to the user as water is a good conductor of electricity. Regular use of the iron with wet hair and bare feet. What should be done? The damaged cable of the iron should be replaced. The user should make it a must to turn off the switch before filling in water into the iron. Avoid using iron with dry hair and always wear sandal while using iron. Use of electrical equipment with bare hands. In the kitchen, it is found that in rush mother uses mixer with wet hands in the kitchen. This can lead to electrification. It is also noticed that a knife is frequently used to make the mixers and the radios plugs fit into the socket. This cause the person doing this unsafe act to receive electric shock. Moreover slight shocks are often received in fingers when using the iron, hair dryer and DVD which if of metal casing when barefoot or wet hair. What should be done? Make sure hands are dry while using electrical appliances. Do not use knife to make the plug fit in socket, use instead an insulator such as a piece of wood or plastic to do it. One socket is pushed against a furniture This hazard can cause fire and if this socket is used , it may cause the person using the socket to be electrified as he/she can hardly see where the appliances is being plugged. What should be done? The furniture can be moved away. The socket should be removed and placed somewhere else. 2 melted sockets are found. These melted sockets are useless. They simply need to be replaced to prevent fire and prevent anyone from receiving electric shock. Family members unplug the television, microwave, radio and other electrical appliances by pulling the cord not the plug. The cord may at any time come out of the plug and cause the person to be electrified. This unsafe act may also cause fire. The only preventive measure is that this particular unsafe should never be practiced. Electrical devices are covered with cloth so as to prevent dust. Electricity needs proper ventilation particularly with high voltage appliances such as television, computers, refrigerator, and microwave. Dust is generally stored at the back of the electrical appliances. This can result in overheating of the appliances as the fan available on the device cannot work efficiently. Moreover, we have a tendency to cover the appliances with cloth as means of cleanliness to prevent dust on the appliances. This is another hazard that causes overheating and may result in fire usually after long use of the appliances. What should be done? We should make sure that dust is not accumulated at the back of appliances. This can be done by regular cleaning. The appliances should not be covered when in use and after use when still hot. Further recommendations to ensure electrical safety in my house: Review of the electrical system by a qualified electrician to eliminate the risks and hazards detected in the survey. This time the qualified electrician should issue a certificate for the the electrical network installation. Testing of the ELCB device should be done. Key terms and concepts of electrical safety. Ground pin of the plug of an electrical device should never be removed so as to make it fit a 2-pin socket. Never force a 3-pin plug into a 2-pin socket. Good points which I noticed in my survey The main fuse box was found in the corner of the roof of the dining table. There used to have water linkage at that particular corner during heavy rain. 3 years ago the fuse box was shifted to a place on the same roof where there is no water linkage. Correctly rated bulbs (60 watt) are used. A surge protector is provided for the computer to prevent overheating is used. All the switches in the house are in good conditions. No bare electrical wires are found hanging on the roof or walls of the house. CONCLUSION Though electricity is a boon to mankind, it is also one of the natures most powerful and dangerous forces. If electricity enables us to live our lives with ease and comfort, it can take our life away as well. It cannot be denied that electricity is an integral and normal part of our everyday lives. Electrical safety at home becomes a very important aspect. Each and every electrical hazard should be eliminated or reduced as far as reasonably practicable as it takes only one mishap to cause a dangerous occurrence. An electrical safety system protects us from dangers of electricity. In our modern homes, people use several electrical appliances ranging from dishwasher to electrical razor. Everything works electrically with a simple click. It is very easy for people to forget the risks associated with their use. Use of the electrical appliances is not forbidden but provided that people take the and make an effort to stick on the principles of the devices. To stay safe from electrical hazards, good habits based on the knowledge and understanding of the safety measures should be developed. Proper precautionary measures and recommended safe practice should be adopted not only to keep ourselves safe but also people around safe from dangerous electrical occurrences.