Public resource management Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 3000 words

Public resource management - Essay Example The Council plays a strategic role which is beyond the constricted confines of acting merely as providers of social housing. The Westminster Council Management has on the other hand, continually recognized the importance of local authority by getting involved in an outward looking approach and being part of the broader roles that range from social to economic perspectives (Hyman, 2010). The Westminster Council has at all times acted in various capacities as a facilitator, co-coordinator and as a financial source and delegate in acquiring the needed service from other stakeholders. In particular, the Planning and Housing Departments have worked well together by using their powers, part of which includes compulsory purchase aimed at attaining the match needed effort of reduced housing shortage outcomes. Beyond service delivery, Westminster is the centre of national government. This is reflected in the number of workers in the public sector, in the city. Tourism activities and entertain ment related industries have been identified as potential employers. To this extent, serving as the economy’s driver, considering that Westminster is well known for its ever growing sector in the West End region. Market forces that are experienced globally have an impact on valuation, and availability of accommodation and this is well replicated in this city. This can be viewed in the way government regulations set to control council practices. To a large extent, they have been instrumental as they have worked beyond management of the Westminster Council as well as adopted policies of the Greater London Authority in determining the desired quality of affordable housing. Decisions made by the private sector landlords and investors can be influenced by limited extent by the local authority itself in seeking solutions to housing ills. It therefore, remains clear for the commission to direct its recommendations to these other targets within the Great London but in particular focu s on Westminster City Council (Palmer, Kenway and Wilcox, 2006). Background Information Westminster was incorporated in 1911. The city’s progressive council is recognized for excellent performance in management and full delivery of services to businesses and the neighboring community. All this is achieved without additional help from either districts or taxing authorities (Hyman, 2010). The report explores layers of complexity that undermine the good intentions in solving housing problems. Apart form handling housing issues, Westminster Council is responsible in providing parking space, recreational venues, and library and water services to the residents aw well as waste collection services and security to the city dwellers. Budget Development Objectives Westminster, as any other organization, has its own consideration that has been behind repeated success and growth of the council. This has been an influential means of raising the council’s operational efficiency in t he previous years. However, it is vital to realize that not any of the recognized ideas can be accomplished if there are no clear financial limitations built in the budgeting process from the beginning. In formulating a realistic budget, Westminster’s strategies are often based on four major dimensions. These are: The council management, planners and interested stakeholders have to identify

Marketing audit Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 4500 words - 1

Marketing audit - Essay Example The study discusses potential theories and literatures available on marketing audit and describes its importance for present day organizations. Conducting a marketing audit for any organization involves analysis of the external and internal environments of the organization. Analysis of the external environment can be done through various models and frameworks which have been proposed by previous researchers. These analytical frameworks consider various crucial aspects of the external environment which have potential influence on the business operations of the organization. While scanning the environmental elements of Lenovo various factors have been considered which are external to the organization and have significant influence on it. Similarly the internal environment of the organization has also been analyzed deeply to identify the potential strengths and barriers which exist within the organization. While scanning the internal environmental of the organisation, various theories a nd analysis have been implemented to analyse the resources and capabilities present within it. For data collection various news and texts have been used as secondary sources. These organizational data are analyzed and inferred for identifying the strengths and weaknesses of the organization. A systematic plan for action has been suggested as recommendation at the end of the report. Marketing audit states the importance of aligning the marketing operations with the objectives of the business as well as the capabilities of the organization. Once it gets aligned, the organization experiences increased level of potential in its profit making and marketing activities. If classified broadly the process of marketing audit involves proper understanding of the goals, identifying current resources and techniques to be utilized by the organization, collecting information from organizational and non-organizational sources for understanding the internal environment of the organization and

Innovation & Chnage in Nursing Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1500 words

Innovation & Chnage in Nursing - Essay Example Cultivating an understanding of the process of professional change can also prove essential towards the objective of increasing workplace diversity. (Friday & Friday, 2003) There are many phases to the process of change, considerable research on the process having been described by Lewin, (1951) who elucidated in a psychological context of the stages of change, of which the movement phase is the second one. Which follows unfreezing, and is then in turn is followed by a phase of a re-freezing. (Lewin, 1951) Complexities and pitfalls exist both in terms of operational behavior as well as personal beliefs. During the implementation of organizational change a critical phase in the process is what is described as the movement phase. The goal of this phase in a professional organization is to enable and encourage the employees to find ways to embrace a new vision that the organization will need to develop. Each nurse, or employee in general must look within themselves and find ways that th ey can make the new direction of the organization work for them, in their specific situation and job description. A series of short term limited steps may be required to facilitate the transition between older modes of operation. Short term goals should be set to encourage the replacement of outdated methods in favor of movement towards the higher objective of an effective organizational transition. Kotter and associates have also proposed an explanation of the step-wise change process, by which the three overarching objectives can be translated into smaller steps for a smoother transition. (Kotter, 1996), (MLDC, 2010) Adequate planning and goal-setting are essential to coordinate the changes occurring within the organization, and how all personnel will be required to implement their part of the changes. Short-term goals will include accommodation for likely sources of resistance, as well as tactics necessary to overcome those sources. Among these short-term goals to facilitate the movement phase, it is important to remove psychological barriers. (Kotter, 1996) Objects and artifacts that may symbolize the older operational process, or tools that are specifically applicable to prior goals and values should be removed without delay, unless such articles are essential in the hospital's new operational strategy. Anything that can function as a psychological 'anchor', reminding nurses and other employees of prior goals and outdated standards must be replaced. All employees should be reminded of the potential of the new recommendations and their promise for the future. This transition can be assisted by the implementation of 'short-term wins', to demonstrate ongoing progress towards the ultimate goal. Target dates for measurable changes are helpful. Short-term steps in the right direction must clearly communicated throughout the hospital, and higher staff should be made available to assist employees with the implementation, and modification of benchmarks, if necessa ry. The medical employees responsible for implementing the changes should certainly be included in planning meetings; if those operational changes would affect them, or make additional demands. These objectives must be readily achievable. They should clearly contribute to the new direction of the organization. The exact structuring of these benchmarks may be eased by looking at prior instances in which the organization needed

On the Importance of the Educational Experience Essay Example for Free

On the Importance of the Educational Experience Essay In Democracy and Education Dewey presents his views regarding the three functions of education. He gives the main function of education, these being: (1) Education should simplify and order the factors of the dispositions it wants to develop, (2) Education should purify and idealize existing social customs, and (3) Education should create a wider and better balanced environment which will influence the young (Dewey 37). He notes that these stand as a requirement for enabling the development of a progressive and democratic society wherein he defines a progressive society as one in which â€Å"individual variations are considered precious†¦ (thereby) allowing for intellectual freedom and the play of diverse gifts and interests in its educational measure† (Dewey 451). Dewey’s views thereby relate the importance of the experience within educational institutions to that of ensuring democracy within a particular community. Since the foundations of democracy are that of liberty and equality, Dewey places emphasis on the necessity of ensuring that intellectual freedom may be practiced within the context of an institution that allows diversity. Within educational systems, an example of this can be seen in the practice of coeducation. As opposed to this view, however, Link Byfield, in his article â€Å"If Girls Can Succeed Only at the Expense of Boys, Maybe We Need Segregated Schools† claims that the implementation of coeducational systems leads to the development of sexism within the system which proves detrimental to the non-privileged sex. In line with this, the tasks of this paper are the following: (1) It seeks to present the views presented by Byfield in his article above and (2) It aims to present an analysis of his argument in line with how coeducation has helped in the presentation of more views in the different subjects within the educational institution and how these views enable the expansion of the educational process. Byfield (2008) argues that increase in the scores of high school girls in the School Achievement Indicators Program (SAIP) in Canada shows that there is ‘regress’ in the educational system. The bases for his claim are the following. He claims that low proficiency of high school boys in language skills and low number of high school boys who have graduated within the time-frame of the survey. He thereby opposes the view presented by the SAIP that school systems within favor the members of both sexes. The bases for SAIP’s conclusion are the following views. First, â€Å"high school girls on average are matching boys in the technology related subjects of math and science, and are far ahead in language skills† and second the ratio of the number of graduates shows that more girls are graduating as opposed to boys. In line with this, Byfield notes, given that a change in the system [from male-oriented to female-oriented] led to the ‘regress’ in the educational achievement of male students, the author argues that it is necessary to segregate students in terms of sex. The basis for his claim is the view that sexism continues to be practiced within educational institutions. He notes that this is apparent in the shift of power from the boys to the girls. He says, â€Å"Now girls seem to run everything the boys’ just tune out†. In addition to this, he says that the adaptation of a segregated system will allow the individual to be socialized in a natural environment which will allow him to be prepared for the ‘real life’. He further argues that this will not â€Å"offend the ‘social imperative’† in the sense that it will create a society â€Å"driven by misunderstanding, ignorance, selfishness, and distrust†, on the other hand, such a setting will free the individual from an environment characterized by â€Å"moshpits of vulgarity where youth is free to run itself according to the values it has absorbed from MachMusic and 12 years of automatic passing and parent-free sex instruction†.

Particle agglutination test

Particle agglutination test The presence of an antigen or anti-bodies in a blood sample can be found out using either the Particle Agglutination Test (PAT) or by the Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). The PAT is performed using substances that will facilitate the process of agglutination. Agglutination is the clumping together of particles which forms non-dissolvable or what is called as insoluble aggregates. The common substances used in the PAT are latex particles, preserved blood cells from mammals or birds, colloidal particles, and gelatine beads. The different components used in the PAT are microscope slides or test cards and a solution that facilitates agglutination which is made up of molecules that are analyte-specific which is attached to a constituent part or particle. In a test using ELISA detects the presence of an antibody or antigen by affixing an undetermined amount of antigen to a test surface which in turn is washed by a specific antibody in order to attach it to the antigen. Because of this process the antibody becomes linked to an enzyme that will show a certain detectable signal after a substance is added to it during the final steps of the process. The signal emitted differs from what type of ELISA is used. For example a fluorescent ELISA a light of a correct wavelength that is shone on a sample will elicit a response from the antigen/antibody which will show incandescence. The antigens amount contained in the sample is then determined based on the intensity or magnitude of the samples incandescence. While the PAT relies on the clumping together of particles to show the presence of an antibody, the ELISA is a more complex test which can only be performed following very specific protocols or steps to perform. In ELISA an antigen with an undetermined amount is rendered immobile while place on a polystyrene microtiter plate or other substance that could provide a solid support and which does not interfere with the purity of the sample. The antigen is immobilized either by adsorption; the adhesion of molecules to a surface, or by capturing the particles of the antigen by another antibody that is particular to the same antigen. The process of adsorption is what is termed as non-specific immobilization while the capture of the antigen is what is termed as specific immobilization. After the immobilization of an antigen the next step is to add a detection antibody. The addition of this antibody results in the formation of a complex with the existing antigen. The detection antibody can either be linked directly to an enzyme, or it can be noticed by a secondary antibody that is connected to an enzyme by a process called bioconjugation this occurs when two biomolecules couple with each other in a chemical bonding wherein the two substances share pairs of electrons, or what is known as covalent bonding. In between each step of the process the plate used is washed in a solution of mild detergent so as to remove any antibodies or proteins that have not bonded specifically. After the plate undergoes its final wash it is then developed using an enzymatic substrate, which means the enzyme has a molecule which it acts on. This enzyme substrate when added will produce a noticeable signal indicating how much the quantity of an antigen is in a given sample. The PAT and ELISA are but two of the techniques used in laboratories in serology. Other techniques include gel diffusion tests, precipitation tests, agglutination tests to which PAT belongs, immunological tests with markers which ELISA is one of the tests, and lastly there is the immunosorbent electron microscopy. To further discuss the comparisons and contrasts of the ELISA and PAT let us discuss the general aspects of the two tests. As was mentioned above both ELISA and PAT are techniques used in serology to detect the presence of antibodies and antigens in a sample. However the two tests differ in the process or steps taken to obtain the same results. PAT is an agglutination test. This means that its primary method to determine the presence of antibodies is by inducing the clumping or joining together of molecules in the test sample by either by using substances that are inert which carry the antigens or antibodies, or by using polystyrene spheres infused with immunoglobulin molecules, or by observing the loss of activity of antigens or what is called as neutralization. What is observed by serologist when using PAT is the reaction called agglutination, which is a reaction that leads to the joining together or clumping of a specific antibody in a cell suspension as a reaction to a specific antigen. While in ELISA what is observed is not the reaction of an antibody to the antigen but the level of activity made by the substance or markers chemically bound together to the antigen and antibody which in turn indicates the antibody antigen reaction. The PAT test was one of the first serological methods that was developed and which helped pave the way for developing diagnostic techniques and countermeasures to diseases. One early agglutination test is the Widal agglutination. The Widal agglutination, which was named after Fernand Widal, aided in the diagnosis of typhoid fever by showing the presence of an antibody in a sample obtained from an infected patient, in reaction against the antigens of the Salmonella typhi. What the Widal test did was to increase the suspicion of infection because of the presence of agglutination caused by a rise in of antibodies during the period of infection. In the classic test for agglutination the process starts by placing a specimen in a microscope slide or a microtest plate well where the particles which act as carriers are added. This mixture is then stirred or disturbed and then it is given a few minutes to settle or is incubated. The results can be gleaned by observing agglutination as the carrier particles fuses or binds with the particular analytes contained in the sample. The results are seen visually by the naked eye or by using a microscope depending on the format of the test. Interpreting test results are relatively easy if the reactions are strong. But in cases where there is a weak or minor reactions interpretation is quite difficult and in most cases may depend upon the wealth of experience and practice one has. In microwell plate assays, the resulting patterns produced by the particles after it has settled need an educated interpretation before the result can be determined. The advantages of PAT are it is low cost, semi-quantitative tests results can be obtained, and test results are obtained in a relatively short span of time. The disadvantages are there is a need to be very careful in the interpretation of marginal results. There is also the disadvantage related to problems that may arise in relation to specificity because substances that may interfere in many assays. Unlike PAT, ELISA is a more reliable method which uses biochemicals to measure how much of a given substance in a biological liquid such as serum or urine mixes with another substance. This is done by means of the reaction that an antibody or antibodies has to its antigen which is a molecule that is identified by the immune system. The antigen always specifically binds itself to an antibody at the molecular level. Since ELISA can be used to test and identify the presence of an antigen or of an antibody in a sample, this method is a very useful tool to determine concentrations of serum antibodies such as when testing HIV and other viral diseases. ELISA is also helpful in determining potential allergens in food such as milk, eggs and nuts. ELISA is also used in toxicology as a presumptive screen that is used for particular classes of drugs. Since lab technicians, serologists, and other medical personnel conducting the PAT and ELISA tests are exposed to samples that might contain viral or bacterial strains, the need to ensure safety and also the purity of the samples through a high standard of quality necessitates developing certain protocols for laboratory work. Different hospitals and government departments dealing with lab samples have already developed their own manual or standards that must be observed while working with lab samples to ensure safety. The manual issued by the Industrial Accident Prevention Association identifies potential hazards inside the lab brought about by chemical and biological agents, physical agents, the equipment and apparatus, and doing work that results in non-ergonomic movement and postures. The manual also discusses the ways by which to control or lessen the danger posed by these hazards and what are the steps that should be taken to have a safe lab environment. The Mount Sinai Hospitals Microbiology Department also has its own guidelines and policies which specifically deal with laboratory safety. The manual discusses the safety policy of the hospital and what are the protocols to be observed. These protocols include dealing with visitors to the lab, what constitutes good lab practice, how to ensure biological safety, chemical safety, physical hazards, specimen hazards, and what control, emergency, and preventive measures should be followed to realize laboratory safety. These and other similar measures contained in other manuals may vary from lab to lab, but the essence remains the same; that is to promote safety and institute standards of work that ensures an accident and hazard free lab environment. REFERENCES: Adler M., Schulz S., and Spengler M., (n.d.). Cytokine Quantification in Drug Development: A comparison of sensitive immunoassay platforms. A case study conducted for Chimera-Biotech. Retrieved on March 29, 2010 from the World Wide Web: chimera-biotec.com/data/pdf/Cytokine_Quant_Comp_Final.pdf True K., (2004). Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) for Detection of Renibacterium salmoninarum Antigen in Fish Tissue. (June 2004). NWFHS Laboratory Procedures Manual Second Edition. Chap.6 pp. 1-33. Retrieved on March 29, 2010 from the World Wide Web: www.fws.gov/canvfhc/WFSM/CHP6.pdf (N.d.). TECHNIQUES IN PLANT VIROLOGY CIP Training Manual 2.3 DETECTION/Serology. Retrieved on March 29, 2010 from the World Wide Web: www.cipotato.org/csd/materials/PVTechs/Fasc2.2.3(99).pdf Katti M., (1999). Ideal Carrier Particles for Agglutination Tests. (June 1999). JOURNAL OF CLINICAL MICROBIOLOGY, Vol. 37, No. 6, p. 2120, 0095-1137/99/$04.0010. Retrieved on March 29, 2010 from the World Wide Web: jcm.asm.org/cgi/reprint/37/6/2120.pdf (2008). Laboratory Safety. Published by the Industrial Accident Prevention Association. Retrieved on March 29, 2010 from the World Wide Web: www.iapa.ca/pdf/labsafe.pdf

The Road Ahead By Bill Gates Essay -- essays research papers

In his book The Road Ahead, Bill Gates relates to a non-technical audience the history, growth, and future of technology. He discusses how the trends, technologies, and issues of the Information Age are affecting society. Gates makes predictions and gives advice on how to adapt and succeed in the future of incredible change in computing and communicating. His book is written with two major concerns: the development and future of technology, and its influence on society. Bill Gates begins by explaining how computers will be interconnected globally in what will be called the information superhighway. Of course the precursor to this network is the currently used Internet. The development and use of this interactive network is the main focus of the book. Gates uses the metaphor of the 'ultimate market'; to describe how all manner of human activity will take place in this market, with the medium of exchange being digital information of all kinds. Bill Gates states that the ability to change and manipulate information and the increasing speed at which is it handled places us at the beginning of an 'information revolution.'; Since almost all information in the future will be digital, conventional communication devices will be altered. As soon as the cost of communication drops and it is combined with other technological advances, Bill Gates predicts that the results of this interactive information will be like the effects of electricity. He also predicts t hat the house of the future will have one wire running into and out of it that will carry television, phone, or news information that will be sent to the appropriate device.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  In his book Gates attempts to tell the history of the computer industry, but instead he tells about the development of Microsoft and his achievements while debasing his competitors. He recounts the history with a degree of arrogance and criticizes IBM for the mistakes it made, for example not buying thirty percent of Microsoft when given the opportunity, and for wasting time and money on the OS/2 and OfficeVision projects. Bill Gates speaks on Microsoft's success and, in a way, reaffirms customers that Microsoft will not raise its prices or stop innovation. The future success, he says, depends on innovation and improvement to stay ahead of competition.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  He dedicates a chapter to ap... ...gy, investment in education, regulation, and the balance between individual privacy and community security. The question of responsibility arises and some have suggested that communication companies should be made gatekeepers in charge of the filtering the content of what they carry. A rating system, like the one used for movies, could be implemented and parents could then restrict what rated sites their children visit through their web browser. Bill Gates refrains from using technical vernacular and explains all computer terminology as he discusses it, making it clear and easy for normal people to understand him. He is convinced that this new technology will 'enhance leisure time and enrich our culture by expanding the distribution of information.'; This, however, oversimplifies most issues and results in a dull, repetitive book for most experienced computer users. He succeeds in explaining his vision of the future and why he has chosen to switch Microsoft's focus to the Internet. Bill Gates optimistically looks ahead at the emerging tools of technology that will forever transform the way we buy, work, learn, socialize, and communicate and encourages us to help shape the future.

Learner Styles :: essays papers

Learner Styles Technology is given in many forms, as television, computer, internet and cell phones. All of these are different types of technology. All of these different forms of technology help us to communicate with one another faster, relay quicker messages as well as learn. There are many ways to use technology to create different learning styles within the classroom. Creating different ways to learn is easier now that technology has given us different methods to choose from. These different methods are using or having a computer present in every classroom, using email, using CD Rom devices with math/ English activities, having interactive CD that helps explain different subjects, CD’s that help you visualize different periods of history, scientific calculators, electronic testing, as well as classes given on line. The purpose of this research paper is to explore the different ways technology can support different learning styles. Enhanced Interactive CD Technology is â€Å"the sum total of the technical means employed to meet the material needs of a society† (Webster Pocket Dictionary, 1997). With this technology is invented to meet the needs of people in our society. Throughout the years teachers and parents have been looking for more ways to make learning easier and more interesting to students. They have tried various ways, and have found that learning visually is one of the number one way to learn ( Scott, Survey) Therefore teachers as well as stay at home parents have tried to incorporate more ways for their students/ children to learn using visual aids. Since these visual aids worked and test scores rose, many people began to look for other visual aids to use. After the Computer was invented different authors wanted to publish there books as well as give an enhanced interactive CD that would help those students that weren’t able to pick up the information just by reading this enhanced interactive CD in 2004 is almost made in every subject. These CD’s aren’t just made for certain age groups they are made for anyone that is in school, from ages 5-21. There are math CD’S that are provided in math classes that help the student go over math problems. This helps the teacher out tremendously, because with the class sizes that are given in today’s schools the teacher is not always available to help every student.