The Effectiveness Of Methods To Control Microorganisms Health Essay

The Effectiveness Of Methods To Control Microorganisms Health Essay In the following assignment I will discuss the effectiveness of methods to control microorganisms in particular I will highlight the methods such as temperature, Immunisations and antibodies. Temperature is a huge factor in the growth of microorganisms along with food supply, pH levels and time. Refrigeration and freezing play a role together in the growth of bacteria in foods. Freezing foods at low temperatures merely leaves large amounts of microorganisms dormant by being unactive which is an effective method of controlling the spread of the microbes but not in the eradication of the microorganisms. As the temperature increases the microorganisms become active and spread which can lead to illness. The types of bacteria found in refrigerated foods are pathogenic bacteria and spoilage bacteria, such as salmonella, listeria, E.coli O157. these bacteria are present in large amounts of foods which have been repeatedly frozen again. Certain foods have different shelf lives to others because of this certain foods have to be frozen before the use by date for availability of consumption. A refrigerator is an effective method for the control of microorganisms. Effectiveness of controlling microorganisms by freezing/refrigeration is visibly present as spoilage bacteria turns foods off, changing colour, fungi growth, they release bad odours and by freezing foods/refrigeration it lets foods be available for consumption for longer periods of time. There are over a million cases of food poisoning each year, 20,000 hospitalisations and 500 deaths. This rate is slowly decreasing in the U.K. This costs the economy  £1.5 billion each year (Micbo 2012). In Northern Ireland and Scotland the risk of food poisoning from local food stores and food outlets was increasing at an alarming rate. The Food Standard Agency devised a plan to introduce a scheme of rating every food outlet and provider with a score from 1-5 on their business when it is inspected by a food safety officer from the businesss local authority. The hygiene rating shows how closely the business is meeting the requirements of food hygiene law (The Food Standards Act 1999). (FSA 2012) Th is scheme along with food hygiene legislation greatly decreases the rate of microorganisms growing and it is a great way that shows that when the rules are followed correctly the methods are effective in controlling microorganisms. An autoclave is a machine which operates highly pressurised steam, this is known as sterilisation. Sterilisation is the most effective method of controlling microorganisms. Due to autoclaves being used in a large scoop of practise, every practise has their own set of guidelines in the use of autoclaves. With further research I have concluded that the majority of autoclaves based on the University of Cardiffs research guidelines preform at the same capacity i.e. correct autoclaving will result in a 100% kill rate. It should therefore be the first choice method (wherever practicable) both wild-type and genetically modified micro-organisms. (UOC2012). With this information I can concluded that the use of autoclaves for example within a hospital or dental care practise is different to a lab environment autoclave. This means that autoclaves in hospitals and dental care practises come into contact with a range of different microorganisms and it is these microorganisms that spread disease. In do so some microorganisms have adapted and modified to insure survival such as prions, these prions do not eradicate at normal pressurised temperatures such as the typical 134  °C for three minutes or 121  °C for 15 minutes. The overall effectiveness in controlling microorganisms with the use of an autoclave is still considered to be the best method. Due to the factor of small amounts of prions still alive after autoclave it poses major concerns with infection control policies. Immunisations are one of the greatest achievements of medicine and it has saved millions of lives that have been spared from diseases. Immunisations can prevent diseases such as measles, mumps, rubella and a wider list ranging from anthrax to yellow fever. (DOH2012)(NHS,1.2012) Measles, mumps and rubella known as MMR our infectious diseases. Since the introduction of the MMR vaccination in 1998 the number of children who develop the disease has fallen to a relatively low number. The MMR vaccine works by activating parts of the immune system to produce antibodies against MMR. If you come into contact with one of the diseases your immune system will produce antibodies to fight against it or them. According to BUPA UK after the first dose of the MMR vaccine, 64 out of 100 people will be protected against mumps, 90 out of 100 people will be protected against measles and 95 out of 100 people will be protected against rubella. After the second dose, 99 out of 100 people will be protected against all three illnesses. (Bupa2012) Controversy over the effectiveness of the MMR vaccine and its side effects caused by the published findings by Dr Andrew Wakefield in 1998 caused a huge number of people not receiving their children vaccinated against MMR. His published findings showed a strong link between the MMR vaccine and autism and bowl disease. An investigation of the published findings showed that by Dr Andrew Wakefield used controlled tests with selected individuals in which he based his findings on. This was a huge error in his findings which proved that Dr Andrew Wakefield findings where wrong but because these findings were published they caused panic for the public. MMR still has a foothold in the United Kingdom and across Europe and it hasnt been totally eradicated like the infectious disease called smallpox. The Department of Health along with the General Medical Council state that Over 90% of individuals will seroconvert to measles, mumps and rubella antibodies after the first dose of the MMR vaccines currently used in the UK (DOH2010) which shows that it is a highly effective method. The Antibiotic was first discovered in 1928, the first antibiotic was called penicillin by Andrew Fleming. Penicillin is used to treat infections caused by bacteria. Over time these bacteria have become multi-resistant to antibiotics with the abuse of antibodies which create new strains of bacteria known as super bugs such as (MRSA) Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and (TB) Tuberculosis. According to the Northern Ireland Strategic and Research Agency (2012) the number of deaths with Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA mentioned and recorded as the underlying cause on the death certificate by registration year, 2001-2011 with All Staphylococcus aureus at a percentage of 35% and MRSA with a percentage of 31%. Compared to 2001 All Staphylococcus aureus where at a percentage of 52% and MRSA at a percentage of 44% (NISRA2012). These findings show that the mortality rate for all Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA in Northern Ireland is on the decline due to infection control policies, ant ibiotic administration policies and proper use of antibiotics. Therefore antibodies are extremely effective method for the control of microorganisms when used correctly in accordance with your doctor and policies (NICE 2012). Reference Section (Bupa2012) Bupa Information Resource website (2012) On how effective is the MMR vaccine? [Accessed Online] Available from http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/m/mmr-vaccine?tab=Resources (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) (DOH2012) (NHS,1) Department of Health website NHS Choices website (2012) Immunisation facts [Accessed Online] Available from http://www.nhs.uk/Planners/vaccinations/Pages/Landing.aspx (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) Department of Health (2010) and General Medical Council (2010) / NHS Publications of Immunisations statistics from 2009-10 with the present. [Accessed Online] Available from https://www.wp.dh.gov.uk/immunisation/files/2012/07/Chap-21-dh_122643.pdf http://www.ic.nhs.uk/webfiles/publications/immsstatisticsreplacement/imms%20200910%20replacement/Immunisations_Bulletin_2009_10_v2.pdf (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) FSA 2012) Food Standards Agency. Food Safety Week statistics.*(2012.) [Accessed Online] Available from http://www.food.gov.uk/multimedia/pdfs/fsw2012-toolkit.pdf (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) (FSA 2012) Food Standards Agency. Food Standard Hygiene Act 1999 [Accessed Online] Available from http://www.food.gov.uk/enforcement/regulation/foodstandardsact (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) (NICE2012) National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence Infection: prevention and control of healthcare-associated infections in primary and community care (2012) [Accessed Online] Available from http://www.ips.uk.net/uploads/guidelines/NICE%20Clinical%20Guidelines%20for%20Infection%20Control_CG139.pdf (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) (NISRA2012) Northern Ireland Strategic and Research Agency (2012) [Accessed Online] http://www.nisra.gov.uk/demography/default.asp29.htm (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) (Micbo2012) Microbiology Online [Accessed Online] Available from http://www.microbiologyonline.org.uk/about-microbiology/microbes-and-food (Date Accessed: 23/11/12) (UOC2012) University of Cardiff evidence based research on the OSHEU Autoclave Guidance Online Document effectiveness of the autoclave [Accessed Online] Available from http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=trct=jq=esrc=ssource=webcd=1ved=0CDAQFjAAurl=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cardiff.ac.uk%2Fosheu%2Fresources%2FAutoclave%2520Guidelines%2520draft%2520document.docei=Ee6uUJT4H8fD0QXp9oHIDwusg=AFQjCNEYNS-kN77ojA7_rYNFnSRywJKAggsig2=s1poyV8RmTH3TngWK-ijLQ (Date Accessed 23/11/12)

History Of Western Music :: essays research papers

Most of the early music that we have today still in print is primarily sacred music. This music, for the most part, is in the form of sections of the Mass, such as the Gloria, Kyrie and Agnus Dei. Most people of the Middle Ages were poor peasants who worked all day for meager wages and had no idle time lounging the way the upper classes did. Therefore, there are few extant secular compositions of music from this era. The rise of a new middle class, however, gave financial freedom for some people to spend time and money on entertainment in the form of music and dance. Thus, the rise of the middle classes also gave way to the rise in composition and performance of secular music, which became the music of choice for composers of that day. Many of the songs we have today of the Middle Ages were in Latin, and are by anonymous composers. Many were written by wandering people, many of them men and churchmen without permanent residences of their own. Men who could not obtain a position in the Church and had to drop out were called goliards. These goliards wandered around the land, composing and performing for people. Their music was mostly comprised of the "’eat, drink, and be merry’ type, appropriate to the wanton kind of life the goliards lived" (Stolba, 99). Carl Orff, the composer of the Carmina Burana, used the poems found in the largest surviving records of Latin secular music that we have today. The Codex latinus 4660 was held in the Benedictine monastery at Benediktbeurn. Many of the songs speak of love, many of them lascivious. Others speak of drinking, satires of the religious life and even liturgical plays. A few of them are even written in the vernacular of the region in that time (Stolb a, 99). Following the history of the era in literature, many authors were fascinated by the courtly tradition, chivalry and a higher love. Therefore, we have today musical compositions that speak of many of the same ideas. French composers wrote songs in the vernacular called chansons de geste . These songs spoke of the heroic acts performed by knights for their ladies in the name of love. The French have a national epic called the Chanson de Roland which related the life and death of Charlemagne’s nephew and his endeavor to rid France of the Basques.

Unions :: essays research papers

The union movement of the late 19th century by Eli Hatch During 1870 through 1900 workers joined together; responding to the power of their employers caused by the growth of industrialization. The worker did not always have the luxury of leaving after eight hours of work, the right to representation, or the even the right to work in a safe environment. The working people of nineteenth century America had to unite in struggle to achieve the gains that are often taken selfishly and taken for granted today. There were many successes and failures in organized labor; the successes were often obtained through the loss of the worker, often through lost wages, jobs, or even death. The organization structure of the union during 1870 through 1900 went through different cycles and strategies to achieve what they wanted. One of the first effective regional organized unions was the Knights of Labor formed in 1869. The knights took in not only skilled workers but also any worker that could be trul y classified as a producer. The knights took their peek in 1885 when strikes against Union Pacific, Southwest System, and Wabash railroads attracted public sympathy and succeeded in preventing a reduction in wages, at this time they boasted a membership of 700,000. 1886 was a troubled year for labor relations. There were nearly 1,600 strikes involving 600,000 workers, with the eight-hour day being the important item for all of the strikes. Failure of some of the strikes and internal conflicts between the skilled workers and the unskilled led to a decline in the Knights popularity and influence. Another organization called the Federation of Organized Trades and Labor Unions created a constitution that other unions could adhere to. This constitution met in Pittsburgh on Nov. 15 1881 and was created by representatives of the cigar makers, the printers, the merchant seamen, steel workers, carpenters and local units of the Knights of Labor. One of the most important items in the constitu tion created by the FOTLU recommended that the legal eight-hour work day be an objective for every union to achieve. The FOTLU thus accelerated a strong national push for a shorter work week. The AFL grew from 140,000 in 1886 to nearly on million by 1900. With these strengths in numbers they often preferred striking over political action. The struggle for workers rights, wage increases and protests against wage cuts were often unsuccessful resulting in violence and death.

Performance Management Plan Essay

In order for Landslide Limousine Service to have success in their business, strategic performance is necessary within the framework of management. The business should be successful if the performance management plan aligns completely with the business strategy. Mr. Stonefield has identified the course in which he plans to take his business and has identified his expectations. To help the company define the skills needed by its workers it must have a strong organizational philosophy as well as a strong job analysis. It is important for Landslide Limousine Service to establish a method of identifying and measuring employees skills, skill gaps, and establishing ways to provide feedback to its employees. Atwood & Allen Consulting will be administering and providing this vital information for the success and performance enhancement of Landslide Limousine Service. The performance management plan will ensure business success with no lost revenue, and income stability, and within target. Framework for business strategy In prior communications with Atwood and Allen, Mr. Stonefield identified he wished to open his limousine service in Austin, Texas. The main goal for Mr. Stonefield is to provide first class transportation options for various customers by providing a unique limousine service with attention to every detail in its service. There is an anticipated net revenue for the first year of $50,000, and is expected to have a 5% increase in net revenue within the next few years. There is also an estimation of a 10% turnover rate. According to Atwood & Allen, the short term and long term goals are very realistic for the first few years. By creating the performance management framework, Landslide Limousine Service will establish a base in which the company will align its goals in creating employee loyalty, and setting the financial growth of the company. The structure of the business strategy must consist of effective employee skills, methods to measure skills performance, concentrate on skills gaps, and effective employee feedback. This will create proper communication between employees and management. Creating an environment where employees are comfortable approaching management with concerns can reduce mistakes which could result in customer being dissatisfied with the limousine service. Lastly, communication can also assist with identifying and correcting any problems with equipment which  could reduce cost and will maximize the customers experience. Organizational Performance Philosophy In order to establish a strong strategic performance management framework, Landslide Limousine Service needs to identify the organizational performance philosophy. In order to compete within the existing competitive market in Austin, Texas, the business philosophy has to be built with a strong emphasis on excellent customer service. To build a positive reputation in the market, employees must look professional, and comply with all the rules and regulation to insure the customer experiences a safe ride. The organizational performance philosophy is the company’s values about how management is going to direct employees to accomplish goal to succeed the organizational performance. â€Å"Transporting clients efficiently and safe is our satisfaction† is a possible philosophy phrase that Landslide Limousine can use as a marketing strategy. The idea of the philosophy is to build trust within employees and customers within the company to retain loyalty and confidence within the service. Once the customers trust has been obtained, Landslide Limousine Service must continue to work hard to maintain the trust. Creating monthly surveys can assist with identifying areas were the organization can improve. In addition, the sales representatives should have meetings with the clients at least every quarter (if not sooner) to build a relationship with clients. This relationship can help with better aligning the services provided with customers expectations. Identifying employee’s skills It is important for any business to employ personnel with the required job skills. These skills are important because it reduces the amount of training required to get the employee ready for service. The employees knowledge and skills can guarantee customer satisfaction and positive reputation for the company. According to the textbook, Managing Human Resources, 9th edition, by W.F. Cascio, explains four levels of analysis to determine training needs and what can be achieved. The four levels of training are organizational analysis, demographic analysis, operations analysis, and individual analysis (Cascio, 2013, p. 317-318). The organizational analysis identifies if the training supports company’s direction, personnel training activity, and  resources available. Demographic analysis determines employee’s special need at different hierarchy levels. Operations analysis identify what an employees should do to perform competently, and individual analysis focus on the type of training should be provided to a specific individual (Cascio, 2013). According to Cascio, with a job analysis the business can identify tasks and required characteristics to perform a job (Cascio, 2013). The four levels of training is a helpful tool to identify areas of improvement. Training at all levels is important because though training we improve our overall performance. Methods to measure the employee’s skills For any business is important to measure employee skill performance to determine if the employees targets have been accomplished. According to, Employee Performance Measurement Tools, it explain how a company can measure performance with performance appraisals, productivity tests, and 360-Degree Feedback. The performance appraisal is an annual method on where the employee is evaluated by management. The evaluation identifies how well the employee is doing for a period of time and if action in required for improvement. In the performance appraisal, identifying future goals and needs are important to insure the employee understands what is expected of him or her. Productivity test can help measure employee performance in quantifiable terms. During the performance evaluation, management will determine if the employee will receive a raise and notify the employee what the raise increase will be and how they determined the raise amount. The amount of the raise has a direct correlation on the final scores of the performance evaluation. While employed at United Parcel Service (UPS), my employer used the performance evaluation and it was a great tool. Not only did this evaluation identify areas of improvements but it also allowed me to have a one to one meeting with my direct supervisor. Our meetings over lunch, allowed me to get to know my supervisor on a more personal level. The overall experience in my opinion was great because it energized me. My supervisor communicated how important I was to the organization and how my contributions affected the overall performance of the organization. Process for identifying skill gaps An analysis to address skill gaps is important at any employee level. The  analysis identifies the responsibility, knowledge, and skills required for a specific job. If an employee is currently performing a job but changes are made to the job description, addressing the gaps will be to identify any characteristic missed to train the employee or improve the process. It is common to find skills gaps when an employee change jobs or lacks of education and training to perform their job. According to How to Develop a Skill Gap Analysis, provides four steps to develop a skill gap analysis: identify business goals, collect data, understand data to make recommendations, and develop a training plan to address skills gaps in the current environment. It is crucial to identify business goals to remain competitive and create a project plan with the strategic objectives. The collected data can help identify skills and knowledge of every employee performing a role in the company. After data is collected, recommendations can be made to improve areas, such as communication, leadership, teamwork, sales, service, and project management. The training plan to address skills gaps in the organization can help determine appropriate and effective training to retain employees to retention and business performance. Identifying skill gaps within employees can also be useful in determining which supervisor is needed in that area. For example, if an employee is weak in a particular area transferring a strong and knowledgeable supervisor might assist the employee with better understanding his job function. Effective performance feedback It is very important to deliver effective performance feedback with positive attitude. Employees appreciate advice and positive coaching to help improve mistakes. According to How to Deliver Effective Performance Appraisals, the author explain different steps for effective performance appraisals: establish an appraisal method, effective eye contact, start with negative feedback end with positive suggestions, set new goals, have an open dialogue with the employee, explain if the employee is a candidate for promotion or raise. The first step is important because the method is selected to provide effective feedback. Two examples are the 360-degree feedback appraisal and self-evaluation for employees to share thoughts and ideas. At the interview, it is crucial to maintain good eye contact to develop trust from both sides and show respect. Body language is important because it can  show attitude or negative feedback. It is important to start with negative feedback to end with positive observations and set realistic goals for the next time period. In addition, it’s important for management to focus on the employee and his related job and not combine personal feelings or emotions into the feedback. During the feedback is important to have open dialogues to allow the employees to share his or her opinions and ideas. It is important for management to share decisions made by upper level management on behalf of the employee. Conclusion In conclusion, it’s important for management to understand the recommendations described above evolve. As time and the level of growth of the organization changes, so will the methods. it’s important for management to understand that change is always important. As customers, technology, expectations, and workforce change, the organization must be ready for what is to come. Most of the successful organizations of 2015 have anticipated a change in the market. So when the change occurred, they were ready and adapted instead of playing catch up with the change. References El-Shishini, H. (2001, December 13). Integrating Financial and Non-Financial Performance Measures. Retrieved April 27, 2015, from http://cours2.fsa.ulaval.ca/cours/gsf-60808/bsc.pdf How to Become a Certified Limousine Driver in Austin, Texas. (2012, September 5). Retrieved April 27, 2015, from http://en.netlog.com/diannarosemary/blog/blogid=11780256 Cascio, W.F. (2013). Managing Human Resources (9th ed.). New York, NY: The McGraw-Hill Companies Inc, Retrieved from University of Phoenix eBook Collection database. Workplace Training, Chapter 8. Duggan, Tara (2014). How to Develop a Skill Gap Analysis. Demand Media: Chron. Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/develop-skill-gap-analysis-39872.html Balle, Louise (2014). How to Deliver Effective Performance Appraisals. Demand Media: Chron. Retrieved from: http://smallbusiness.chron.com/deliver-effective-performance-appraisals-23603.html

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Medical/Nursing Research and Identify Associated Dilemmas, Analyze the History of Ethics and Research, and Identify Areas of Conflict Between Research and Ethics

Ethics and Research Paper Brandi McCord University of Phoenix (online) In my paper I plan to address the advantages and disadvantages of medical/nursing research and Identify associated dilemmas, analyze the history of ethics and research, and identify areas of conflict between research and ethics. Ethics is defined as the rules or standards governing the conduct of a person or the member of a profession. Research is defined as any gathering of data, information and facts for the advancement of knowledge. We live in a world today where there are new advancements in the medical field on a daily basis but there are many of advantages and disadvantages that can follow the research in which they do to get to where they need to go in their research and advancements. The benefits and risks of participating in a trial can vary depending on the type and purpose of each individual trial they run. Some advantages of clinical trials which are done for the purpose of testing medicine, medical devices and treatments that are made available for human health. I have listed below some of the advantages in doing this: Those who they choose to use for these trials can try whatever it is they may be testing at the time free of charge. This can also include treating someone for a medical condition that otherwise could be very expensive. The medical team in which is conducting the study will closely monitor you You are getting the chance to be a part of medical research that could result in huge advancements in medicine or therapy that could not only help you but others as well. You will be reimbursed for any expenses you may have during the study you participate in. You could be the one of the first people to have access to a major medical breakthrough for a treatment. Though there are many advantages there are also many disadvantages. I have listed the disadvantages below: The research or trial you choose to participate in may be or become very time consuming. This could take time away from you and your family. If you are currently taking any medication or may need to get put on medication you will not be able to unless approved to do so. This could affect your health if they cannot approve what you may need to take. The activities you are accustom to whether by yourself or with your family such as drinking, sexual activity, sports, reproduction function and more could all be effected and maybe even put on hold for awhile. You also take the risk of your health being affected worse if you have a reaction to whatever trial you may be testing. Next I would like to analyze the history of ethics and research. The history of research dates back to the first human subject being used in 1946, when an American military tribunal opened criminal proceedings against German physicians and administrators for their participation in war crimes and crimes against the human race. During this time the German physicians were performing medical experiments on concentration camp prisoners without the prisoners knowing anything of it because they had not gotten their consent to do such things to them. Most of the prisoners died or became crippled do to the things they experimented on them. The result of this is what brought on the Nuremberg Code the first international document which stated that â€Å"The voluntary consent of the human subject is absolutely essential,† this made it clear to everyone that any person used in an experiment must give their consent and the benefits of the research should outweigh the risks. Research with humans should be based on the results from laboratory and animal experimentation. Research protocols should be reviewed by an independent committee prior to initiation. Informed consent from participants is a must. Research should be conducted by medically/scientifically qualified individuals Risks should not outweigh benefits of the experiment. In 1979 the National Commission for the Protection of Human Subjects of Biomedical and Behavior Research prepared the Belmont Report. This report consists of basic ethical principles and guidelines that should assist in resolving the ethical problems that surround the conduct of research with human subjects. This report consists of three basic ethical principles and their corresponding applications they are as follows: Respect for others (individuals should be treated as autonomous agents and persons with diminished autonomy are entitled to protection) Beneficence (human subjects should not be harmed, research should maximize possible benefits and minimize possible harms) Justice (the benefits and risks of research must be distributed fairly) Application Informed consent (subjects, to the degree that they are capable, must be given the opportunity to choose what shall or shall not happen to them and the consent process must include three main elements – information, comprehension, and voluntariness) Assessment of risks and benefits (the nature and scope of risks and benefits must be assessed in a systemic manner) Selection of subjects (there must be fair procedures and outcomes in the selection of research subjects) Though we have come a long way within our research of human subject and experiments being done allowing us to make huge breakthroughs in medicine today there are also many areas of conflict concerning this matter. I would have to say the area of stem cell research and using a baby’s cord blood has been one of the biggest areas of conflict I have seen. Though I really do not agree nor disagree with this subject it can save lives. In conclusion I would like to say in our research today we have saved and killed many lives. We deal with many advantages and disadvantages regarding research and the ethical side of it. The use of humans for research has caused a lot of conflict throughout the U. S. I believe that though it may be unethical in some ways to use human subjects for research if it were not for them doing such things I would not be a cancer survivor. I do not believe in harming people by no means but I do feel if you have consent and the person has offered themselves to help save the lives of others then why not? We all want to lend a helping hand to another person at some point in our lives just think how it make those people feel who actually help save lives. References http://www. sanctr. gov University of Las Vegas Division of Research and Graduate Studies http://ask. com http://www. questia. com

How Technology Affects Library Referencing Essay

It is indeed obvious and true how technology generates most of the things that humans deal with today. The global economy as for example is being controlled by massive computer programs for the sake of considerable advancements for the human society. Alongside with this particular advancement, educational sectors also take advantage of the major innovations made through the use of science and technology. As for this matter, it could be noted that library referencing have also been recreated to be able to support the needs of the present generation from referencing the books that are available through the libraries. How is this possible? The existence of numerous technology-based systems that are primarily made to ease the problems of file-fixing in the field of library-based jobs entirely makes the jobs of the Librarians quite easy to deal with today. As it could be noticed, years before, librarians are expected to type in several details with regards a certain book in card catalogs. Not to mention, alphabetizing them and in tall and long ended cabinets is not that easy to do. The procedure indeed takes time and the filing up takes so much space form the library. Seeing this situation, it could be observed that the technological changes that are appreciated by the libraries of the present generation are now able to increase the capabilities of the libraries to hold more students in terms of space and enhance the skills of the librarian in meeting the issues that concern the students in terms of library-based queries since they already have time for this unlike that of the past years? Furthermore, the question: â€Å"How is this possible† points out to one particular focus of discussion; knowing that technology causes changes to the system of cataloging in the libraries, how do these procedures of filing the book-informations so far helpful both to the students and the librarian as well regardless of the obvious disadvantages mentioned earlier? How are the students able to benefit from the technology-fixed files and informations of books? Does technology really affect the procedures of referencing in the future? These questions are the primary discussions that shall be tackled within the context of this paper. Library and Technology Cataloging is an olden time procedure that is made to arrange the collection of books within libraries. Of course, since libraries are considered to have a large collection of reading materials, arranging them into categories helps in the process of researching for the students or plain readers alone. However, this procedure of arranging the files and taking notes of the information with regards a certain book takes much time and effort from the librarians that they are already incapable of doing the primary responsibility that they should be addressing in their profession, assisting the readers. Today, the development of technology aides in libraries have created a radical change within the systems of arranging the files as well as redefined the role of librarians in completing the tasks appointed for them to finish. Several operating systems are created to be bale to assist the librarians and the readers in browsing the books that are collected by a certain library. What is an operating system, and how does it help in the procedure of making cataloging much easier for librarians? What are Operating Systems? Every computer system is controlled by an operating system. A pre-programmed system controls the operations that the computer system is supposed to perform. This mainly pertains to the responsibilities of the computer and how it is able to complete the tasks that are further addressed to its performance. At present, the operating systems are referred to as computer programs that are supposed to manage both the hardware and software systems of the entire computer facilities. There are . five main tasks that the OS performs as a program: †¢Controlling and Allocating Memory This task mainly focuses on the capability of the computer programs to assimilate the memory priorities of the entire computer system. To allocate the memory means designating the memory priorities on which its performance is most needed. †¢Prioritizing System Requests Most of the time, the system follows a â€Å"first Come First Serve† arrangement. As a result, in multi tasking systems the operations are carried on basing on what request came first, and what has been allocated by the system to come in priority. †¢Controlling Input and Output Devices The input devices are the ones used to enter information within the computer memory while the output devices are the ones used to produce hardcopy of the informations entered within the system. The operating systems that is present within the computer makes it possible for the computer device to perform well and do as it is programmed to. †¢Facilitating Networking To be able to connect to others, networking the systems is needed. Once an operating system is programmed to perform such tasks, it would be able to connect two different systems together to be able to have a connected exchange of information and communication as well. †¢Managing Files To manage files means to arrange them on what part of the memory should be utilized by the files. It also sorts out the files with the necessary section of the computer memory should it be stored in. (Source: Warford, J. Stanley. (2005). Computer Systems. Jones & Bartlett Publishers; 3rd edition.. )

Parts Emporium Synopsis

Chapter 13: Parts Emporium* A. Synopsis This case describes the problems facing Sue McCaskey, the new materials manager of a wholesale distributor of auto parts. She seeks ways to cut the bloated inventories while improving customer service. Backorders with excessive lost sales are all too frequent. Inventories were much higher than expected when the new facility was built, even though sales have not increased. Summary data on inventory statistics, such as inventory turns, are not available. McCaskey decides to begin with a sample of two products to uncover the nature of the problems—the EG151 exhaust gasket and the DB032 drive belt. B. Purpose The purpose of this case is to allow the student to put together a plan, using either a continuous review system (Q system) or a periodic review system (P system), for two inventory items. Enough information is available to determine the EOQ and R for a continuous review system (or P and T for a periodic review system). Because stockouts are costly relative to inventory holding costs, a 95 percent cycle-service level is recommended. Inventory holding costs are 21 percent of the value of each item (expressed at cost). The ordering costs ($20 for exhaust gaskets and $10 for drive belts) should not be increased to include charges for making customer deliveries. These charges are independent of the inventory replenishment at the warehouse and are reflected in the pricing policy. C. Analysis We now find appropriate policies for a Q system, beginning with the exhaust gasket. Shown here are the calculations of the EOQ and R, followed by a cost comparison between this continuous review system and the one now being used. The difference is what can be realized by a better inventory control system. Reducing lost sales due to backorders is surely the biggest benefit. 1. EG151 Exhaust Gasket a. New plan Begin by estimating annual demand and the variability in the demand during the lead time for this first item. Working with the weekly demands for the first 21 weeks of 1994 and assuming 52 business weeks per year, we find the EOQ as follows: Weekly demand average = 102 gaskets/week Annual demand (D) = 102(52) = 5304 gaskets Holding cost = $1. 85 per gasket per year (or 0. 21 †¢ 0. 68. †¢ $12. 9) Ordering cost = $20 per order EOQ = 2(5,304)($20)/$1. 85 = 339 gaskets Turning to R, the Normal Distribution appendix shows that a 95 percent cycle-service level corresponds to a z = 1. 645. We then find Standard deviation in weekly demand (? t) = 2. 86 gaskets, where t = 1? Standard deviation in demand during lead time (? L) = 2. 86 R = Average demand during the lead time + Safety stock = 2(102) + 1. 64 5(4) = 210. 6, or 211 gaskets 2 =4 *This case was prepared by Dr. Rob Bregman, University of Houston, as a basis for classroom discussion. CN-108 Chapter 13: Parts Emporium b. Cost comparison After developing their plan, students can compare its annual cost with what would be experienced with current policies. Cost Category Current Plan Proposed Plan Ordering cost $707 $313 139 314 Holding cost (cycle inventory) TOTAL $846 $627 The total of these two costs for the gasket is reduced by 26 percent (from $846 to $627) per year. The safety stock with the proposed plan may be higher than the current plan, if the reason for the excess backorders is that no safety stock is now being held (inaccurate inventory records or a faulty replenishment system are other explanations). The extra cost of this safety stock is minimal, however. Only 4 gaskets are being held as safety stock, and their annual holding cost is just another $1. 85(4) = $7. 40. Surely the lost sales due to backorders is substantial with the current plan and will be much less with the proposed plan. One symptom of such losses is that 11 units are on backorder in week 21. A lost sale costs a minimum of $4. 16 per gasket (0. 32. †¢ $12. 99). If 10 percent of annual sales were lost with the current policy, this cost would be $4. 16(0. 10)(5304) = $2,206 per year. Such a loss would be much reduced with the 95 percent cycle-service level implemented with the proposed plan. 2. DB032 Drive Belt a. New plan The following demand estimates are based on weeks 13 through 21. Weeks 11 and 12 are excluded from the analysis because the new product's startup makes them unrepresentative. We find the EOQ as follows: Weekly demand average = 52 belts/week Annual demand (D) = 52(52) = 2704 belts Holding cost = $0. 97 per belt per year (or 0. 21. †¢ 0. 52. †¢ $8. 89) Ordering cost = $10 per order EOQ = 2(2, 704)($10) / $0. 97 = 236 gaskets Turning now to R, where z remains at 1. 45, we find: Standard deviation in weekly demand (? t) = 1. 76 belts, where t = 1 Standard deviation in demand during lead time (? L) = 1. 76 3 = 3 belts R = Average demand during the lead time + Safety stock = 3(52) + 1. 645(3) = 160. 9, or 161 belts b. Cost comparison After developing their plan, students again can compare the cost for the belts with what would be experience d with current policies. Cost Category Current Plan Proposed Plan Ordering cost $27 $115 485 114 Holding cost (cycle inventory) TOTAL $512 $229 With the belt, the total of these two costs is reduced by 55 percent. The safety stock with the proposed plan may be higher with the proposed system, as with the gaskets, but added cost for safety stock is only $0. 97(3) = $2. 91. Chapter 13: Parts Emporium CN-109 The big cost once again is the lost sales due to backorders with the current plan. A lost sale costs a minimum of $4. 27 per belt (0. 48 †¢ $8. 89). If 10 percent of annual sales were lost, the cost with the current policy would be $4. 27(0. 10)(2704) = $1,155. Such a loss would be much less with the 95 percent cycle-service level implemented with the proposed plan. D. Recommendations For the gasket, the recommendation is to implement a continuous review system with Q = 339 and R = 211. For the belt, the recommendation is to implement a continuous review system with Q = 236 and R = 161. E. Teaching Strategy This case can be used as a â€Å"cold-call† case or as a short case prepared in advance of the class meeting. If used without prior student preparation, it works best as a team assignment. Each team can have a different assignment (P or Q system, gasket or belt). When used as a cold-call case and time is a oncern, the instructor should provide the mean and standard deviation of the weekly demand for the two products. Begin with a general discussion of how to do the analysis, and then work through the analysis. If done with teams, give each time to follow through. After the teams develop their policies, have them make the cost comparison. It brings back the fundamental notions of cycle inventory and ordering costs that were introduced i n the Inventory Management chapter. The discussion at the end can broaden into other issues, such as applying the notion of inventory levers and the use of systems other than a Q system to control inventories. If time permits, the instructor can have the class hand-simulate their policies, using the actual demand data in the first 21 weeks of 1994 for the gaskets and the last 9 weeks of 1994 for the belts. Use a form to record the simulation, either as a handout or transparency. The starting conditions on backorders, scheduled receipts, and on-hand inventory can be what is mentioned in the case for week 21. Simulating the new system is similar to what is to be done in Advanced Problems 28-31 in the Inventory Management chapter. CN-110 Chapter 13: Parts Emporium