Building and Sustaining School culture Research Paper

Building and Sustaining School culture - Research Paper Example Creating awareness of culture within school settings can trigger scholars and tutors to take on tasks that promote growth. A school is an organization that has its own principles, values, and norms. Culture is not a distinguishable aspect of a school setting. A school culture encloses teachers developing their attitudes and impacting their conclusions and deeds. Culture manipulates all facets of a school, as well as such aspects as teacher’s dressing, what the teachers talk about during their breaks, how the teachers decorate their classrooms and the teacher’s stress on definite facets of the program of study. This research paper will focus on the factors that can help in building and sustaining school culture within school settings and institutions and the key players.Sarason (1996) refers culture within a school setting as the set of beliefs and values coherent among the school leaders in steering the school and interpreted by the students into proper conducts and arm ored through the installation of discipline. School cultures are formed and transformed over time. Needless to say, there is a broad correspondence among authors and scholars on how school cultures reacts to and replicates community attributes held by the students. For this reason, school culture can be expressed as the air we breathe. It is hardly noticeable. Moreover, it also typifies the traits and values of its leaders (Sarason, 1996).Culture in school grows as â€Å"teachers associate with each other, students and the community†.... School culture is a dynamic aspect that is continuously â€Å"being constructed and shaped through dealings with other and replications on life and the world in general† (Sarason, 1996, p 27). Culture in school grows as â€Å"teachers associate with each other, students and the community† (Barth, 1990, p. 123).Sarason (1996) argues that it â€Å"becomes the guide for behavior shared among members of the school at large† (p. 32). Kruse and Louis (2008, p. 20) argue that schools â€Å"are shaped by cultural practices and values and reflect the norms of the society for which they have been developed†. Barth (1990) asserts that â€Å"rituals and procedures common to most schools play a vital role in defining school’s culture† (p.124). For instance, ringing bells and having students stand in lines. Sarason (1996, p. 138), asserts â€Å"it is challenging to determine the nature of a school’s culture because our own personal experiences and values put blinders on what we look at, choose to change, and evaluate; because our values and assumptions are usually implicit and second nature we proceed as if the way things are the way things should or could be†. Arguably, people scrutinize the customs, guidelines, curriculum, tasks, pedagogy and practices in institutions from side to side via the sieve of their personal experiences and values. Sarason (1996) points out that people must apprehend and analyze their own cultural impacts before examining a schools’. Before joining the school, teachers and other staff members are attached to other cultures. Their values, experiences, prior education and norms,affect their opinions on pedagogy, curriculum and reforms before stepping into classrooms. For this reason, any proposed cultural reform will be resisted. Effects of

Fashion retail industry | Strategic Management

Fashion retail industry | Strategic Management Strategic Management of fashion retail industry Introduction The fashion retail industry is a very sophisticated, constantly growing sector. It is the second largest industry in the UK. However Studies show that 80% of clothing retailers fail within the first five years (Power home biz). Consumer taste and preferences relentlessly changes thus organisations have to constantly evaluate the market to ensure the strategies fit with those of environment. According to Michael Porter, 1980s in order to compete in the market, organisation has to be either a cost leader or a differentiator. He went on further in his value chain analysis model to state that organisations who gain competitive advantage exploit their core competences to create value for both the organisation and the customers. However, the fashion retail industry encompasses many opportunities for growth as well as many threats that can negatively affect an organisation. In their quest to gain competitive advantage and grow many organisation adopted different strategies; they are organic growth by reducing the cost in all value chain activities while others has grown through merger, acquisitions and or strategic alliances. In order to gain an insight into why some organisations remain competitive this project will 1. Undertake a detailed analysis of two companies within the airline industry by evaluating their past corporate strategy using supporting evidence from quantitative and qualitative data. 2. Identify the ways in which these organisation are gearing up to cope with the current global crisis Methodology An analysis Asos and New look was done using Secondary data. These companies have adopted unique strategies which enabled them to remain competitive in the airline industry. However, the secondary sources used were journal articles text books, websites, annual reports, press releases, newspaper clippings and other studies. Secondary analysis was chosen because of time constraints and the kind of information requested, it was impossible to collect it using other research methods. Secondary data analysis, saved time and money and also information were readily available. Conversely, some data was of questionable accuracy and reliability and furthermore the data was old and did not reflect the changing market conditions. Background to models Every organisation must have strategies. According to an ancient Greek writer Xenophon (Cummings 1993: 134) â€Å"strategy is knowing what business you propose to carry out.†(MacMillan and Tampoe, 2000). There are many academic contributions to strategy, Writers such as Drucker (1995), chandler (1962), Ansoff (1987) and Andrew (1971) has all provided the framework for the classical school approach. McKinsey 7S framework. Developed in the early 1980s by Tom Peters and Robert Waterman the basic premise of the model is that there are seven internal aspects of an organization that need to be aligned if it is to be successful. This model is on the basis that Out-of-date approach because it insufficient account is taken of personality factors Also, it Creates organisational structures where people can exercise only limited control over their work environment. However there are many other frameworks to understanding strategic position such as PEST analysis, Michael Porter five forces or even the BCG Matrix. According to Mintzberg, Ahlstrand and Lampel (1998) there are 10 school that can be used to understand strategic thought, the first three are design, planning and positioning which is classified as prescriptive on the other hand entrepreneurial, cognitive, learning, power cultural environmental and configuration the classified as the descriptive John and Scholes, (2008). Overview of New Look and Asos New Look and Asos are both Public limited companies located in the UK. These organisations operate in the fashion retail industry. However, they have equally enjoyed success but have adopted diverse strategies in order to gain competitive advantage. On one side of the continuum is New Look which was established in 1969 in Taunton. The company has combined both block and mortar and online services in order to gain competitive edge through the use of low cost strategies. On the other end of the Continuum is Asos which is an online retail store which was established in 2000. It has over 35, 000 branded and own label products available and over 1500 new lines added each week. The company Internal analysis of Asos and New Look using Mc Kinseys 7s model Qualitative analysis Structure: The structure of an organisation is important for innovation, expansion and transformation. New Look headed by its Chief Executive Officer Carl Mc Phail since 2008 has continued to prosper by grasping every opportunity and addressing challenges. The structure of New look is one where teamwork is encouraged, time and resources are spent developing employees also there is high investment in processes which creates value for stakeholders. As part of their global objectives, a review was undertaken of the way the company is structures and an assessment of the difficulties faced was done. As a result organisational functions such as merchandising, design and marketing was moved to London which resulted in increased access to the existing talent pool that London offers and unlocks This will provide marketing synergies with Others functions such as Finance, IT and HR support functions remained at the head office in Weymouth, this strategy is a shift from centralised decision maki ng process to more decentralised process that enables flexibility. A bi-annual review of risks is conducted at the Group level linked to the budgeting process, to which all departments contribute. On the other hand Asos is managed by a Board of directors who are responsible for taking all major strategic decisions and also addressing any significant operational matters, they monitors monthly progress in order for effective and efficient operations within the workplace. The structure of Asos is one where there is a lot of bureaucracy (Max Weber) in the decision making process, hence Asos has adopted the Classical school approach. System: New look has combined offline and online operations in order to gain competitive advantage. It has core competences to develop an ecommerce operation which has allowed the company to reach a large audience with no extra cost for marketing, advertising or operating long channels of distribution. Additionally the retail outlet provides for customer who needs to make immediate purchase, as a result of its efficient stock rotation, with stores receiving fresh stock weekly, this has encouraged shoppers to return regularly. The combination of both online and offline business has enabled new look to make efficient use of human resources, proper stock management and reduce cost significantly. This has provided marketing synergies with the international store roll-out to strengthen our brand and offer to customers. On the other hand Asos has only adopted the online approach to business as a result in the organisation has the ability to constantly increase its product offerings with no additional cost for advertising and marketing. Over the past year, we have invested in systems to support our back office operations of buying, merchandising and fulfilment, recently installing a new warehouse management system at our Hemel Hempstead warehouse. This system will support our increasing range size, international expansion, as well as our demands for advanced delivery and returns options. In March 2009, new navigation features such quick and easy browsing of the extended product ranges, 360 degree view of all shoes and accessories and catwalk for men wear and for ASOS Outlet. A unique distribution platform for its brand partners. Style: New look has a transformational leader who believes in change through communication. Hence In September 2008, a major company communications day was held in London to embrace the growing international status and clearly communicate the strategy and goals, approximately 800 employees from the UK, Ireland, France, Belgium and Middle East franchise partners attended. Also employees are constantly survey to find out how they feel about working for the organisation and also a web forum called ‘my Look staff was created to allow employees to communicate directly with each other and also tell us their opinion. On the other hand Asos has a transactional leader who works with the current organisational structure, where by the board that in order for the organisation to be successful constantly monitor the overall. Staff: New look has a lot of experienced staff, which are considered stars and a few learner and a hardly any deadwood as result the organisation has introduced a fair recruitment methodology and an induction programme to the company, which highlights areas and the job that will give people the best possible start to their career with New Look. Also the company has launched some initiatives during the year to ensure that develop the learners and retain the star employees these programmes includes leadership training programmes, further management workshops and development of our Staff Council consultations. On the other hand Asos as an online retailer deals with limited staff in comparison to new look. Similarly they have training programmes that encourages employees to develop. Skills: New Look through it skills and experience is now producing 71% of its products, an increase from 62% in 2008 which enabled the organisation to continue make further market share gains. With its powerful brand, seasoned management team and dedicated employees, new looks is able to gain competitive advantage. On the hand Asos is heavily reliant on their IT infrastructure. Significant impact on the business could result from a failure in these systems. Regular testing and updates are undertaken by the Group to ensure the continued integrity and efficiency of its systems. Shared Values: New Look has a strong culture that encourages employees to be more involved in the decision making process, this enables them to develop their leadership skills. According to Herzberg, it creates motivation that leads to higher productivity and efficiency. On the other hand Asos retain control through centralised decision making by top level management, this type of management speeds up the decision making process but it could act as a de-motivator. Strategy: New Look has adopted a value-priced strategy which is dress smart for cheap featuring low-priced fashions often imitating the ready to wear designer labels. These items are as much as 10 to 15 percent lower than competitors. Also as part of it expansion strategy, it is constantly relocations from smaller stores in existing markets to successful larger format stores. On the other hand Asos acts an online department store where they provide high fashion brands and inspired by catwalk ready to wear. This strategy has enabled the company to company to have a variety of product range which grew by 157% resulting in 21 21,300 option on site at the end of march 2009 up from 8,300 at the end of march 2008. Quantitative Analysis of New look and Asos Market Share According to the annual report of 2008-2009 New look has a market share of 2.99% whereas Asos has a market share of 5.13% this was as a result more user friendly application by Asos such as the cat walk feature and 360 degree view which makes the website more user friendly. Operating Profit New looks operation profit decreases significantly from  £138.6 million to  £138.2 million a decrease of  £.4 million this was as a result of increased administrative cost. On the other hand Asos operating profit increased by 100% to  £13. 9 million but the operating margins weaken slightly from 8.6% in 2007-2008 to 8.4 % in 2008-2009. The 270 basis point gross profit margin decline was offset by an improvement in operating cost ration. Similarly, New Looks experienced net loss which increased from  £ .1m to  £.4m a difference in loss by  £.3 million. Alternatively Asos achieved a net profit increased of 98% from 5.1 million in 2008 to  £10 milion in 2009. New Look revenues has increased from 1169.10 million in 2008 to 1332.6 million in 2009 an increase of 2.1milion it was due to an increase in concession whereas Asos revenues increased from  £81 million in 2008 to  £163.4 million in 2009 a difference of  £ 82.4 million According to the annual account of 2008-2009 New look net cash flow has increased from  £211.6 million in 2008 to 220.7 a difference of  £9.1 million in 2009 this was as a result of working capital management, which enabled the company to increase its net cash flow from operating activities. Whereas Asos net cash flow has increased from  £8.1m in 2008 to  £16.54 in 2009. Asos net cash flow was up by 105% in comparison to 2008, this was as result of enhanced product choices coupled with compelling promotions. Earnings per Share Asos, earnings per share increased from 6.9% in 2008 to 13.6 in 2009 and increase by 6.7 on the other hand there was no earning per share for new look. Trade Receivables and Payables New looks trade payables have increase from to  £207.5m in 2008 to  £260.8m in 2009 difference of  £53.3million % and similarly its receivables increase from  £6.7m to  £7.8 million a difference of  £1.1million conversely Asos trade payables remained constant at 381 million while trade receivables increase from  £0.47miliion to  £0.50 million a difference of .3million. An assessment of the current Corporate and business strategies of New look and Asos. Business organisation operates in a very dynamic environment which requires organisation to develop strategies to ensure future success. In order to prevent strategic drift an organisations objectives must be â€Å"alignment† with the long term goals furthermore the business strategies and organisation strategies must â€Å"fit† with the environment. As a result value would be created for stakeholders. Objective of New Look â€Å"The goal is to be The Favourite International Fashion Value Group, with a significant presence outside the UK.† Objective of Asos â€Å"The goal is to be the leading fashion Website in the UK and attract a growing number of overseas markets.† Joint Ventures New Look has a product supply joint venture in Turkey and an office in Singapore to co-ordinate the shipment of stock sourced from the Far East this. Similarly Asos joint venture with Crooked Tongue allows them to participate in sales from additional customer segment these joint ventures enables to reduce cost by creating efficiency and increase profitability hence market growth. IT strategies Secondly, the investment in IT strategy enables better management of information systems; this in turn reduces cost and increase efficiency. This investment support back office operation such as buying, merchandising and execution. With the unique distribution platform, supersaver option, premium same day delivery including Saturdays and 85 % of trackable orders, all create value for the organisation and customers. Additionally the installation of the new warehouse management at Hemel Hempstead supported the increased in international expansion, returns option, size range, and the demand for an advance delivery. Motivational Strategies In addition, New Look motivate, retain and develop high calibre staff by rewarding them with competitive salary and benefit packages which are linked both to individual and business performance as well as the external employment market. The Group operates an Employee Share Ownership Trust that has been established for the issue of shares to certain Group employees, engaging managers in the ownership and financial success of the organisation. Incentives also include a 50% product discount in our stores. Asos combines a list of Motivational strategies such as bonuses, performance share option scheme, and share and management incentive plan with these type of encouragement employees are motivated to go the extra mil Expansion Strategies New look and Asos has both expanded into international market, But Asos has used a low cost mode of entry by extending its shipment to 58 different countries through low cost distribution, While New look used the franchising mode of entry, these reduce risk. Low cost and marketing Strategies New look and Asos used similar product and marketing strategies by offering cat walk features and similar brands from designer for lower cost. Similarly they have both used designers to market their own labels, but Asos differ from New look slightly because they offer a vast range of high branded product through it strategies alliances. Also both New Look has magazines that provide customer information about the latest trends and fashion; these marketing strategies help the organisation to penetrate the marketing using low cost strategies a term supported by (Ignor Ansoff). CRM Strategies Finally both New Look and Asos focus on Customer Relationship Management, through its social networking such as Twitter, Bebo and Facebook, this enables the organisation to get customer feedback about the product or service. However, Asos has 24 hours customers online care, which give the organisation the competitive edge. SQUARE FEET OF Plans to cope with the current global crisis The global economic crisis has forced organisation such as New look and Asos to think outside the box in order to survive. A result these organisation has developed strategies cope in the current economic crisis. Customers are seen as prosperity for an organisation as a result New Look and Asos has planned to continuously focus on customer satisfaction through improved customer service, quality for cheaper prices. Secondly New Look and Asos in line with their objective have plans to increase expansion into overseas market. However Asos wishes to maximise efficiency by investing heavily in Management information Systems and also in logistics to meet their international expansion strategies. While New Look plans to open new stores in new markets and develop the small stores in the existing market Also, the Group has now embarked on a significant development Programme to ensure all trading platforms and systems are fit for future international growth. This future operating model will take nearly three years to complete with total investment of  £30m and deliver significant benefits in trading strategy Additionally both companies wish to expand their product ranges and further develop their website to create a better customer experience. However New Look capitalising further on fantastic fashion press and online advertising. We will continue to build our global press coverage and develop high profile associations. O the other hand Conclusion In conclusion technology has brought many dimensions to the shopping, product are just a click away, consequently retailers have to be innovative, and constantly monitor the market to identify the trends, fashion and changing consumer taste so that their products could meet the need and wants of the target market. From the analysis above New Look and Asos are two organisations that operate in the retail industry. New look has been successful for the last 40 years because their flexibility, and ability to innovate, they have combined both off line and online operations, through reduced cost, quality and exploitation and efficient use of resources this has increased profitability. Whereas, Asos is an online retail organisation through the efficient use Management information systems, exploitation its unique core competences and efficient use of human resources has gained profitability, this organisation has adopted more a classical school approach to management. According to the Blue Ocean theory organisation has to develop a unique strategy, which is evident in these organisation analysis. Recommendations Even though these companies have experience high growth there are still areas that needs addressing: Asos Ø Asos needs to offer incentives not only to senior management as stated but to all members of staff in order to increase motivation which could in turn increase efficiency. Additionally should adopt a more participative approach in the decision making process. Ø Asos needs to carry out research and development activities which help the organisation to identify a niche which could create an economic advanatge. Also, the Organisation needs to be involved in more corporate social responsibilities activities. Ø Asos can adopt the Boston Matrix Analysis to help assess the value of different product categories. It must manage the dogs by removing or cuttings cost and convert question marks and stars into cash cows through promotion, this will increase the overall profitability of the business. New Look Ø New Look needs to increase shareholders value, this could be done using Michael Porter Value chain Analysis, this would help the organisation to invest resources on areas that gives the most value and subcontract those that add value which will increase effectiveness Ø Also New Look need reduce its overhead and administrative cost which is affecting the profitability. In this case the company should focus more on line shopping which reduces operating cost. Ø Also New Look focuses on other entry modes that would create profitability with risk such as exporting, distribution until they have studied the market. However in order for New look and Asos develop strategies that please all the stakeholders it should adopt the Balance Score Card model by Norton and Kaplan, this combine both qualitative and quantitative measures, acknowledges the expectations of stakeholders and relate an assessment of performance to choice of strategy Johnson and Scholes (2008). References and bibliography Dyer David, Dorton Ian, Grainger David Stimpson Peter (2000), Business Studies for AS, University Press, Cambridge. Floyd, David (1999), Business Studies, Letts Questions and Answers, Letts Education limited. Hammond, Susan (1994). Business Studies: Longman Group Limited. Johnson, Gerry, Scholes, Kevan Whittington, Richard (2008) Exploring Corporate Strategy: Text and Cases 8th Edition: Pearson Education Limited Eddie McLaney (2009) Business Finance Theory and Practice 8th Edition London: Prentice Hall Parsons, Richard (2000) Business Studies, The Revision Guide: Coordination Group Publications Limited. http://www.connexionsbedfordshire.org.uk/employers/pdf/Retail.pdf http://www.powerhomebiz.com/vol89/success.htm viewed on the 25th February, 2010 http://www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/news/article.aspx?lang=enGBarticleid=72703categoryid=13 viewed on 25th February, 2010 http://www.fundinguniverse.com/company-histories/New-Look-Group-plc-Company-History.html viewed 25th February, 2010 http://www.newlookgroup.com/media/pdf/Trading_Statement_January_2009.pdf viewed on the 25th February, 2010 http://www.asosplc.com/Doc/pdf/AnnualInterimReports/AnnualReport2009.pdf viewed on the 25th February, 2010 http://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newSTR_91.htm viewed on the 25th February, 2010 http://search.hp.my.aol.co.uk/aol/search?invocationType=topsearchbox.searchquery=criicisms+of+7s+modelrp= viewed on the 26th February, 2010.

Macbeth Irony Essay -- essays research papers

MACBETH & DRAMATIC IRONY   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  The story of Macbeth written by the infamous William Shakespeare is an excellent storyline known and taught as a great piece of literature. Even after the creation of this tale almost 400 years ago, this wonderful written work is still admired and known all over the world. It is an adventure of a noble and truthful hero who is overcome by the lust for power and by greed. His aroused hunger for authority and supremacy leads to him losing his path and turning to the way of malice. The play progresses, as this character plays deeper and deeper into Satan’s evil hand. Through the growth of this malevolent character, the story grows and develops as well. Each and every move this character makes affects someone directly or indirectly, making him the centrepiece of the play. Shakespeare uses many literary devices in the play including dramatic ones to contribute to the advancement of the story and its characters. One of the most used dramatic devices in this play is dramatic irony. This mechanism predicts the events that are to occur by giving the audience a foresight of something that has not yet taken place but will eventually be fulfilled. Through the audience’s knowledge of trials and tribulations for different characters, the story becomes even more mysterious and interesting. Dramatic irony is used so often in the play that almost every major event like war and death is foretold, the theme is further developed and the audience is kept in suspense and anxiety. Such events occurred when Macbeth was crowned Thane of Cawdor, when regicide was committed against King Duncan by Macbeth, when the porter of Macbeth’s home pretended to be the gatekeeper of hell and also when Macbeth ordered his servants to kill Macduff. These parts not only grow the characters’ roles but also make the story even more exciting and leave the audience hungry for more action. They also introduce us to the themes of the play such as the deadly st rength of unbridled ambition and even differences between brutal tyranny and fair monarchy. Every one of these scenes is significant because they develop Macbeth’s character and expand the storyline and theme of the play.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Power is a very important factor of everyday life. Throughout the ages, from kings to presidents, and even before that mankind has always b... ...howed that Macbeth was no monarch but a brutal heartless tyrant.   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚  Dramatic irony is used many times throughout the play to intensify the themes of the story. This dramatic device can be found when Macbeth was given the title thane of Cawdor, when Macbeth murdered the king, when Macbeth’s castle’s porter acted as if he was the porter of the gates of hell and also when Macbeth ordered his servants to kill Macduff. These dramatic ironies also support the themes of the play such as the deadly strength of unbridled ambition and differences between tyranny and monarchy. Through these scenes, foresight was given to the audience on events that were going to happen but it did not reveal how they would occur. This element made the story even more interesting and exhilarating by leaving the mind of spectators to imagine the events yet to occur and be surprised to see how they really occur in the play. As the character of Macbeth developed further, the story became much more fascinating and the audience was kept anxious. This is a wonderful work that is performed on stages everywhere and the name of William Shakespeare continues to be heard throughout the world.

Documentary films Essay

Documentary films have paved way to show the reality of life. More often than not, it provides awareness of the present situation that was not addressed accurately in films and television shows alike. Documentary, like other discourses of the real, retains a vestigial responsibility to describe and interpret the world of collective experience, a responsibility that is no small matter at all (Nichols, 1991 p. 10). In making a documentary film concerning the community life in a distant foreign country, several issues would need to be addressed. The first thing that we need to discuss is the culture of the people living in that place. It would be an important factor as it tells a lot about the people and the place itself. Its history would generally be included in determining how the culture came about. Social norms and practices should also thoroughly discuss to identify the difference and uniqueness of their society. Furthermore, the documentation should explore the different beliefs of the people and how it affects the way they live and how their society copes up with modernization. The main focus of the documentary is how the culture and beliefs would affect the health of the people in that certain area. It would thoroughly explore the different misconceptions and traditional health management that these people have. This is a critical issue to discuss because it may directly or indirectly affect their socio-economic progress and their lifestyle. If by chance, the documentary could discover the need to re-educate the people regarding their health beliefs and fallacy, then proper authority should be inform. This is to insure that people would have the opportunity and the appropriate resources to improve their knowledge as regards to their health condition. REFERENCES Nichols, B. (1991), Representing Reality: Issues and Concepts in Documentary, Indiana University Press, p. 10

The Depletion Of Global Oil Reserves Environmental Sciences Essay

The literature reappraisal summarized the research done on the job that planetary oil militias are consuming twenty-four hours by twenty-four hours and there is a desperate demand to happen out and utilised surrogate energy options particularly for a underdeveloped state. The depletion of planetary oil militias has led to struggles between the states and surging of monetary values. Oil is the chief beginning of energy and developing states are confronting batch of jobs due to shortage of oil in supplying their populations better life criterions. The literature besides covered state of affairs of deficit of oil militias and energy crises consequent to it. It identifies chief consumers of oil in a state and jump energy resources that could perchance be worked on to run into the energy demand through beginnings other than oil.Depletion OF GLOBAL OIL RESERVESThe API estimated in 1999 the universe ‘s oil supply would be depleted between 2062 and 2094, presuming entire universe oil militias between 1.4 and 2 trillion barrels and ingestion at 80 million barrels per twenty-four hours. In 2004, entire universe militias were estimated to be 1.25 trillion barrels and day-to-day ingestion was about 85 million barrels, switching the estimated oil depletion twelvemonth to 2057. The US EIA predicted that universe ingestion of oil will increase to 98.3 million barrels per twenty-four hours in 2015 and 118 in 2030. With 2009 universe oil ingestion at 84.4, making the jutting 2015 degree of ingestion would stand for an mean one-year addition between 2009 and 2015 of 2.7 % per twelvemonth while EIA ‘s ain figures show worsening ingestion and worsening supplies during the 2005-2010 period. The universe ‘s oil supply is fixed because crude oil is of course formed far excessively easy to be replaced at the rate at which it is being extracted. Over many 1000000s of old ages, plankton, bacteriums, and other works and carnal affair become buried in deposits on the ocean floor. When conditions are right – a deficiency of O for decomposition, and sufficient deepness and temperature of burial – these organic remains are converted into crude oil compounds, while the deposit attach toing them is converted into sandstone, siltstone, and other porous sedimentary stone. When capped by impermeable stones such as shale, salt, or pyrogenic invasions, they form the crude oil reservoirs which are exploited today.3.2 ENERGY SECTOR IN PAKISTANEnergy is considered as one of the most of import inputs to economic growing and development. Its ingestion is besides one of the important indexs of the degree of development of any state. It is now good recognized that energy se rvices play a important function in heightening societal and economic development. Energy has become an engine of economic growing at local and planetary degree. It is needed worldwide for furthering and prolonging development procedure position of developing or developed provinces of the economic system. Keeping in position the planetary economic growing coupled with an addition in population, the demand for energy is bound to increase and run intoing this demand poses serious challenges at the planetary degree. In coming decennaries, the demand for energy is expected to turn more quickly in developing states. Since independency, the cardinal push of Pakistan ‘s energy policy has been on augmenting the state ‘s energy system. As a consequence of important planning and public investing, there has been significant enlargement of energy sector. Despite the important development in the energy sector, Pakistan yet suffers from energy deficit. This state of affairs has been progressively viewed as a constriction to industrial and agricultural sectors that in bend are seen critical in exciting the economic and societal development. Bing a developing state, Pakistan has faced the challenge of fueling industry and agribusiness sectors adequately for run intoing growing marks and supplying energy at low-cost monetary values to hapless particularly those populating in the rural countries. The handiness of energy at low-cost monetary values can be a major factor that determines a whole array of other productive activities taking to economic growing.NATIONAL ENERGY MIXEnergy sector in Pakis tan comprises electricity, gas, crude oil, coal and atomic power. The portion of natural gas in primary energy supplies during 2010 reached 45 per centum followed by oil ( 28 per centum ) , hydro electricity ( 15 per centum ) , coal ( 10 per centum ) and atomic electricity ( 2 per centum ) . As can be seen Pakistan is dependent on oil and Gas, which together contribute about 73 % of the entire primary energy supplied.3.4 POWER GENERATION, SECTORAL DISTRIBUTION AND CONSUMPTIONThe sum installed capacity coevals during 2006-07, was 19,440 MW. WAPDA generated 11,363 MW of which, hydle histories for 56.9 per centum or 6,463 MW, thermic histories for 43.1 per centum or 4,900 MW. IPPs coevals was 5858 ( MW ) which constituted 30 % of entire installed capacity. KESC with 1756 ( MW ) contributed 9.1 % portion and atomic added 2.4 % .Number of WAPDA consumers stood at 17 million out of which family accounted for 84 % , commercial 13 % and industrial and agricultural1.4 % each. As on 30th June, 2007 industrial sector consumed 26 % , agriculture 12 % and households 43 % besides commercial and others. The one-year per capita electricity ingestion in Pakistan is about 320kwh, and this lone caters for 60 per centum of the population. Forty per centum of Pakistanis st ill have no entree to electricity. There is presently load sloughing of up to 700 MW a twenty-four hours because of deficit & A ; hapless transmittal capablenesss. Electricity demand is expected to turn by eight per cent a twelvemonth during the period 2005 – 2015, necessitating an one-year installing capacity of about 2000 MW for the following 10 old ages. Presently about 45 % of Pakistan ‘s power supply is based on natural gas, 28 % on oil, 15 % on hydro and staying on coal, atomic and renewable electricity. Keeping in position the current power mix, it is indispensable to concentrate on autochthonal and cost effectual beginnings for power coevals.3.5 CURRENT ENERGY GAP IN PAKISTANPakistan is presently confronting electricity deficit of around 4000-9000 MW. Everyone agrees that an indispensable stipulation for industrial development is an uninterrupted supply of power.The installed capacity for coevals of electricity in the state is 11,500 MW of which 82.7 per cent was thermic ; 15.3 per centum was hydroelectric and 2 per centum was atomic. Pakistan needs to prolong an one-year economic growing rate of at least 6 to 7 per centum to relieve poorness and recognize desirable socio-economic and human development. To accomplish the growing mark of GDP, it is perfectly indispensable that the minimal electricity growing rate is maintained. The proviso of adequate and dependable supply of electricity at a sensible cost is a requirement to achieve this end. Power is the premier mover. Any large push of the economic system would necessitate accelerated power development. But there is a likeliness that Pakistan ‘s current economic growing might non prolong in the absence of consistent and uninterrupted devolution of new power undertakings.3.6 REVIEW OF PAKISTAN ‘S ENERGY PORTFOLIOLooking at the power portfolio of Pakistan it looks as if we are populating in an oil rich state. Soon, Pakistan has batch of oil fired power workss. Continuous hiking in furnace oil monetary values can do them unviable in close hereafter. But even if fortunes are non utmost, even if there are no turbulences in bring forthing states, no terrorist onslaughts and supply breaks, the monetary values will maintain traveling up. Why? Because there is a cardinal instability for oil in the universe economic system. Production is merely plenty to run into demand. There is no trim capacity to take attention of unanticipated closures, supply break or a farther rise in demand. Such an unbalance power profile carries serious reverberations. An evenhanded power portfolio would necessitate a just balance among assorted beginnings of power with no inordinate trust on any. One of the few affairs which must be considered in set uping the power portfolio is that inordinate trust on any individual beginning particularly foreign beginning on which we have no control over supply and monetary value can do things suffering any clip. Oil import measure of more than $ 7 billion or about 50 % of foreign exchange militias of a developing economic system with no hopes of making exportable excess in the close hereafter is doubtless really dismaying. As 28 % of the power coevals is based on oil therefore any hinderance in the transit of oil can do terrible harm to the economic system. In short, clip has proved that the best solution for all such jobs is encouragement and development of autochthonal resource. Many states, including the developed and emerging economic systems, have adopted extended plans for increasing hydle and coal based power into their energy portfolios. It would non be incorrect if we say that uninterrupted carelessness of autochthonal resource has made Pakistan ‘s power policy directionless. This carelessness, absence of precedences and concentrating on expensive foreign fuel has made inexpensive electricity and ego trust a twenty-four hours dream. Pakistan is fortunate plenty to hold two inexpensive autochthonal resources for power coevals i.e. H2O and coal. But it is absolute bad fortune that we have non been able to utilize both of these resources efficaciously. Estimated coal militias of Pakistan are around 185,175 million dozenss which is one of the largest coal militias of the universe whereas their use for electricity coevals is hardly 10 per centum. Basically autochthonal coal-based power will convey assorted benefits for Pakistan ; foremost and first benefit would be huge nest eggs in foreign exchange on import of expensive oil. Coal based power workss are labour intensive and will make 1000s of new occupations and assorted other new concern chances at works site in peculiar and in Pakistan in general.ENERGY CONSUMPTION AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN PAKISTANLike any other state, energy is critical for the economic development of Pakistan. Energy should non merely be available but it must be ensured that it is available at a s ensible and low-cost monetary value and with out any break. For a underdeveloped state, like Pakistan where the chief emphasis is on the poorness relief, energy dramas a positive function. It is imperative that energy production should be environment friendly. More over a mix of energy beginnings will be helpful in variegation of the sector and would guarantee the proviso of this critical resource where it is required. The phase of economic development and the criterion of life of persons in a given part strongly act upon the nexus between economic growing and energy demand. An increased usage of energy, either through natural gas or electricity, impacts favorably on the life criterions of the hapless as they so spend less clip looking for alternate signifiers of fuel such as firewood. Similarly, the proviso of electricity to the rural countries can assist in raising productiveness degrees of small-scale industry thereby indirectly raising income degrees and in the longer term bettering the quality of life for the rural hapless. Rural electrification is of import because it brings to the rural countries the benefits that urban consumers take for granted -an betterment in the criterion of life with the associated socio-economic benefits. Provision of electric power besides has a strictly economic result that of increasing the productive capacity of the rural countries with additions in agricultural end product.3.7 PAKISTAN ENERGY SECURITY PLAN AND ENERGY MIXPakistan historically has been subjected to energy demand suppression due to limited supplies and deficiency of substructure development for proviso of energy to the industrial sector. The non handiness of sustained and low-cost energy to industry has suppressed economic growing and created worsening inclination for industrial investing in the state. It is now more of import so of all time that an equal supply be made available to industry to drive economic growing, and make employment chances. Energy has besides to be made available to the domestic sector and the life line sections of society to supply economic support and the convenience of clean fuel for cookery and warming and forestall the go oning environmental debasement and deforestation by monolithic usage of wood for domestic fuel. The commercial handiness to assorted sector of the economic system will assist in increasing occupation chances, heightening agribusiness productiveness, bettering criterion of life and preserving environment through cut downing deforestation. A long term integrated National Energy Security Plan, covering the period up to 2030 has late been approved by the Government vide Mid Term Development Framework ( MTDF ) . The energy sector development is aimed at ( I ) sweetening in the development of hydropower, and geographic expedition and production activities of oil, gas and coal resources, and to increase the portion of coal and alternate energy in the overall energy mix, ( two ) optimal use of the state ‘s resources base to cut down dependance on imported oil through an institutionalised scheme, ( three ) making an environment conducive to the engagement of the private sector, and ( four ) developing the local energy scenario in the context of regional position. The current energy mix includes 28 per centum oil, 45 per centum natural gas, 10 per centum coal, 15 per centum hydro and 2 per centum atomic. By 2015, the portion of oil and gas is targeted to be reduced to 25 per centum and 42 per centum severally with matchi ng additions in the portion of coal to 12 per centum, hydro to 17.6 per centum, renewable to 1 per centum and atomic to 3 per centum. Over the long term, the addition in other beginnings of energy, has been targeted with significant decrease in the portion of oil.EXISTING ENERGY RESOURCES IN PAKISTAN THE CONVENTIONAL RESOURCES3.8 HYDROPOWERThe identified hydro power potency of Pakistan is 46,000 MW, out of which merely 14 per cent ( 6,500 MW ) has been exploited so far. Despite this large potency, no hydro power undertaking has been established by WAPDA since Tarbela Dam. The most executable and economical undertaking Kala Bagh Dam has become so controversial that it could non take off though consecutive authoritiess wished so. There are programs to develop the hydro resources on a big graduated table through storage and run -of-the-river undertakings. Feasibility surveies of several undertakings have already been prepared, while surveies of several extra undertakings are in advance ment or planned. Hydro is one of the major economic energy supply options in Pakistan for increasing the energy security of the state. The experts caution that for the clip skylines of around 100 old ages, hydro storage undertakings are ‘non -renewable ‘ due to the silting of these reservoirs. For illustration, over the last 30 old ages, the storage capacity of Tarbela dike has been reduced by 27 per cent due to silting. Similarly, there is a universe broad concern over the disruption of population and the environmental jeopardies associated with big dikes. Another issue related to the hydro power is that a big figure of extra sites with major possible exist in the cragged North, but the trouble of entree and the high cost of transmittal to the thickly settled South make the thought into a completed undertaking a distant chance. Not merely, it means extra cost to construct the transmittal substructure but at the same clip a immense loss occurs during the transmittal ( it is estimated to be between 28 to 30 per centum ) . Another job is the seasonal fluctuation, where in winter the coevals is reduced due to shortage of H2O in the storages. However, hydro is still the most economical energy resource in Pakistan.3.9 OIL AND GASThere are considerable oil and gas militias in Pakistan. The rough oil militias are estimated at 27 billion barrels including 300 million barrels proved militias. The degree of production is soon 22.6 million barrels compared with the degree of ingestion of 100 million barrels. The natural gas militias are 8 trillion three-dimensional metres including the proved militias of 0.8 trillion three-dimensional metres. The degree of production is soon 93 million three-dimensional metres per twenty-four hours compared with the degree of ingestion of 82 million three-dimensional metres per twenty-four hours. The oil sector has all along been to a great extent dependent on imports of approximately 85 per centum of the national demand. Ann ually about 7.8 million metric tons of petroleum oil, 5.2 million metric tons of oil merchandises and 2.8 million metric tons of coal are being imported. The local production of oil and gas would get down worsening due to depletion of resources. There would besides be a shortage of gas unless considerable part is made from new finds. In instance the spread is non met through autochthonal supply, there will be need to import gas, and the needed substructure would hold to be placed in a timely mode.3.10 CoalPakistan ‘s coal resources are estimated at 185 billion metric tons ( 82,700 MTOE, or 2 per cent of the universe coal resources ) , out of which 95 per cent are in the Thar coal field in Sindh. This coal is of lignite rank holding high wet content and low warming value. So far merely 3.3 billion metric tons of coal resources are in the ‘measured ‘ class, and sing a recovery factor of 60 per cent, these correspond to some 2.0 billion metric tons of recoverable coal militias. However, this coal is tantamount to the combined oil militias of Saudi Arabia and Iran. As portion of the scheme of increasing local energy content, a major accent is being placed on working coal resources for large-scale usage in power coevals, and perchance for the production of coal bed methane.3.11 NUCLEAR ENERGYPakistan has two atomic power workss, Chashma-1 and Kanupp, with 300 MW and 125 MW severally, of installed capacity. The PAEC operates both atomic workss. Pakistan is presently working on a 3rd atomic power works ( Chashma-2 ) , with the aid of China National Nuclear Corporation. The works will hold 325 MW of installed capacity expected to be completed by 2012.INTRODUCTION AND DESCRIPTION OF ALTERNATE ENERGYEnergy is one of the most of import issues for all authoritiess universe over. Developed provinces need energy to prolong their advanced manner of life and to provide to the every-changing demands of life dictated by engineering. Developing states need ener gy for it is the sine qua non for development. Alternative energy has been the most recent add-on to the academic and practical facets of the energy universe. The construct is relevant but its importance is absolute. Developed provinces have begun to pull off their energy sector in an progressively alternate energy based position and, this has a great lessons for a state like Pakistan which is draw a bead oning to develop into a healthy economic system with an improved quality of life for its citizens. The theory and usage of alternate energy is at the most introductory phase in Pakistan. However, in footings of resources and usage of surrogate energy, Pakistan stands good placed to use this fresh construct in the national policy model Alternate or renewable energy, beginnings show important promise in assisting to cut down the sum of toxins that are byproducts of energy usage. Not merely do they protect against harmful byproducts, but utilizing alternate energy helps to continue many of the natural resources that we presently use as beginnings of energy. The Alternate Energy Development Board ( AEDB ) has been established to ease development of renewable energy undertakings. At least 5 per cent of the entire electricity bring forthing capacity of the state is targeted to be based on these beginnings by the twelvemonth 2030. To understand how alternate energy usage can assist continue the delicate ecological balance of the planet, and assist us conserve the non-renewable energy beginnings like fossil fuels, it is of import to cognize what types of alternate energy can be brought into world in Pakistan. Renewable beginnings of energy like air current power, solar, geothermic energy, moving ridge and tidal power, biomass energy, H and fuel cells, every bit good as hydropower are options to fossil fuel and regarded as alternate beginnings of energy.3.12 WIND POWERWind power is one of the earliest signifiers of energy used by world. Windmills were used on farms in the early portion of the 20th century to pump H2O and generate electricity. Now considered an alternate energy beginning, air current power is being harnessed by modern windmills with lighter, stronger blades. In US provinces such as California, New Hampshire, Oregon, and Montana, up to several hundred windmills may run together in unfastened count ries with steady air currents. Single elephantine windmills capable of supplying electricity to several thousand places are besides runing in the United States. With new engineerings being developed to better windmill public presentation and efficiency, air current power is a promising, clean, inexpensive, and abundant beginning of energy for the hereafter. The air current power captured by turbines at is a beginning of energy that does non harm the environment. Wind energy harnesses the power of the air current to impel the blades of air current turbines. The rotary motion of turbine blades is converted into electrical current by agencies of an electrical generator. In the older windmills, wind energy was used to turn mechanical machinery to make physical work, like oppressing grain or pumping H2O. Wind towers are normally built together on air current farms. Now, electrical currents are harnessed by big graduated table air current farms that are used by national electrical grids every bit good as little single turbines used for supplying electricity to stray locations or single places. Wind power produces no pollution that can pollute the environment. Since no chemical procedures take topographic point, like in the combustion of fossil fuels, in air current power coevals, there are no harmful byproducts left over. Since air current coevals is a renewable beginning of energy, Pakistan will ne'er run out of it. Farming and graze can still take topographic point on land occupied by air current turbines which can assist in the production of bio-fuels. Wind farms can be built off-shore. Since 2001, planetary air current capacity has about doubled to 47,760 megawatts and is cheaper than natural gas even without subsidies ; on good sites, air current is even shuting in on coal. Pakistan has potencies of air current energy runing from 10000MW, yet power coevals through air current is in intiaial phases in Pakistnan and presently 06 MW has been installed in first stage in Jhampir through a Turkish company and 50 MW will be installed shortly. More wind power workss will be built in Jhampir, Gharo, Keti Bandar and Bin Qasim Karachi.3.13 SOLAR POWEREnergy from the Sun is a free, abundant, and nonpolluting beginning of energy. Solar power involves utilizing solar cells to change over sunshine into electricity, utilizing sunlight hitting solar thermic panels to change over sunshine to heat H2O or air. Pakistan has potency of more than 100,000 MW from solar energy. Buildinn of solar power workss is afoot in Kashmir, Punjab, Sindh and Balochistan. However, private sellers are importing panels/solar H2O warmers for ingestion in the market. Alternative Energy Development Board ( AEDB ) is working for 20,000 solar H2O warmers in Gilgit Baltistan. Mobile companies have been asked by theh authorities to switch supply of energy to their transmittal towers from crude oil to solar energy panels.3.14 GEOTHERMAL ENERGYGeothermal energy harnesses the heat energy present underneath the Earth. Hot stones under the land heat H2O to bring forth steam. When holes are drilled in the part, the steam that shoots up is purified and is used to drive turbines, which power electric generators. If done right, geothermic energy produces no harmful byproducts. Once a geothermic works is build, it is by and large self-sufficing energy wise. Geothermal power workss are by and large little and have small consequence on the natural landscape. Geothermal energy is the natural heat generated in the inside of Earth and released from vents and hot springs or from geysers that shoot out het H2O and steam. Reservoirs of hot H2O and steam under Earth ‘s surface can be accessed by boring through the stone bed. The of course het H2O can be used to heat edifices, while the steam can be used to bring forth electricity. Steam can besides be produced by pumping cold H2O into stone that is heated by geothermic energy ; such steam is so used to bring forth electric power. Geothermal energy is an of import alternate energy beginning in countries of geothermic activity, including parts of the United States, Iceland, and Italy. Homes in Boise, Idaho, are heated utilizing geothermic energy, as are most edifices in Iceland. The Geysers in California is the largest steam field in the universe and has been used to bring forth electricity since 1960. Unlike solar energy and air current power, nevertheless, the usage of geothermic energy has an environmental impact. Chemicals in the steam contribute to air pollution, and H2O assorted with the steam contains dissolved salts that can eat pipes and injury aquatic ecosystems.3.15 TIDAL AND OCEAN ENERGYThe rise and autumn of ocean tides contain tremendous sums of energy that can be captured to bring forth electricity. Tidal power cab be extracted from Moon-gravity-powered tides by turn uping a H2O turbine in a tidal current. The turbine can turn an electrical generator, or a gas compressor, that can so hive away en ergy until needed. Coastal tides are a beginning of clean, free, renewable, and sustainable energy. Plans are underway in Pakistan to tackle tidal energy, nevertheless, no execution has been made so far.3.16 AGRICULTURE BIOMASS/BIODIESELBiomass production involves utilizing refuse or other renewable resources such as sugar cane, maize or other flora to bring forth electricity. When refuse decomposes, methane is produced and captured in pipes and subsequently burned to bring forth electricity. Vegetation and wood can be burned straight to bring forth energy, like fossil fuels, or processed to organize intoxicants. Brazil has one of the largest renewable energy plans from biomass/biodiesel in the universe, followed by USA. Alternative Energy Development Board ( AEDB ) of Pakistann has planned to bring forth 10 MW of electricity from municipal waste in Karachi followed by similar undertakings in 20 metropoliss of state.

Elazars political subcultures

Elazars political subcultures Elizar’s (1966) stated that there is a theory used to classify American political culture that depicted boundaries of the historical government’s action. He suggested moralistic, individualism and traditionalistic culture as the combination of political sub-cultures that were depicted in various states in the United States (McKethan, 2007).Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Elazars political subcultures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Each of these subcultures embodied different perspectives on the political process, citizen’s roles in government and the role of the government in general (McKethan, 2007). This paper compares and contrasts the three kinds of political subcultures in reference to the Health policy. In moralistic subculture, political activities were viewed as a way to improve the society’s lifestyle (McKethan, 2007). If the same view is applied in public health policy, the su bculture gives a platform for the policy makers the privilege to make policies that will improve living conditions in the society. Policymakers in moralistic states champion, invent and embrace broad public programs that help in improvement of the society (Brian Miller, 2002). They generate ideas and carry researches that are meant to bring change to the society. In this subculture the politicians and public, conceive politics as matters of public with the notation of public good. During policymaking, the policy makers ensure that the health policies are of great help to the society (McKethan, 2007). In individualistic subculture, the policy makers support innovation in health public but they limit relying on the government on the basic services (Brian Miller, 2002). Their concern to the public is limited as compared to moralistic subculture. In addition, individualistic subculture encouraged people to have objectives that are for their own good or a group of people (Brian Miller , 2002). The subculture thus encourages nepotism. On other hand, traditionalistic subculture notion is that the government should maintain its status quo. The subculture does not give room for innovations in the public services and thus limits the government to what it already has. However, the subculture allows innovation but limits the powers to just a relatively small and self-perpetuating groups (Brian Miller, 2002). These groups are â€Å"drawn from established elite who govern through family ties or social status† (Brian Miller, 2002).Advertising Looking for essay on public administration? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Moralistic and individualism states spend more capital in social programs than the traditionalistic states. However, their rates differ in that the moralistic states spend more than the individualistic states (McKethan, 2007). The moralistic policies were more innovative followed by th e individualistic policies and finally the traditionalistic. Traditionalistic policies are more conservative and they incorporate so many ancient policies. Moralistic states have good economic equality among the people throughout the whole state than the other states. In individualistic political culture states, there is economic inequality, which makes the gap between poor and the rich big. The gap is also reflected in access to health services where the rich enjoy better compared to the poor. On the other hand, states with traditionalistic culture economic growth depend with the family and social hierarchies where families with strong background are wealthier than those with weak background are. Conclusion It is evident that states with moralistic political culture have good governance than states with other political cultures. This gives the people from these states an advantage to better health policies and welfare services. The contrary is to the states that hold and accommodat e the traditionalistic subculture. On the other hand, states with individualistic subcultures welfare of the society depend on what they have in government. References Brian, F. Miller, G. (2002). Political culture and voting systems in the United. Westport, USA: Praeger publishers. McKethan, A. (2007). Moving or mimicking the market? The opportunities and constraints of state public employee health plans. United States: Chapel Hill.Advertising We will write a custom essay sample on Elazars political subcultures specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More

Chinese Overpopulation Problem essays

Chinese Overpopulation Problem essays On a sunny weekend afternoon on the playgrounds and crowded shopping streets of China, all is utterly normal, including a sight that would seem bizarre and mysterious anywhere else in the world. Among the children playing or walking with their parents, there is not a brother or sister to be seen. This is the simple but profound effect of China's one-child policy; the government's desperate, long-running experiment in population control and social engineering dealing with the use of birth-control, oral contraceptives, and family planning. China's actions in implementing the one-child policy laws are due to the obvious overpopulation in their country, an issue that is seriously threatening the future of its people. Though they go against traditional Chinese custom, China's harsh policies of population control are indeed justified. Overcrowding almost always results in the ecological problems China is facing. Sadly, not only have people created many of the earth's existing environmental struggles, like pollution, but also, they become the victims of it as well. Though many do not realize it, the environment plays a huge role in society. It deals with everything from the heat that the sun provides, to the food that ends up on the table for dinner. Overpopulation shows an extreme potential in damage to Earth's environment. The quality of air and resources in cities, like the ones in China, are especially fragile due to the extreme number of factories, different businesses, and cars that pollute the air. "China's crisis is that it is the world's most populous nation, supporting twenty-two percent of the world's people on about seven percent of it's arable land" (Lev, Michael. Chicago Tribune.com. May 1,2000. p. 3). So many people in a limited space of land consume more food than the land can offer. They look to other resources for food and water and speed the process of growing crops by Evans ...

Law School Competition and Factors to Consider

Law School Competition and Factors to Consider When the words law school come up, chances are cutthroat and competition arent far behind. Youve probably heard tales of students removing resource materials from the library so fellow students cant get to them and other similar sabotaging actions. But are these stories true? Is law school competition really cut-throat? In true lawyer form, the answer is: it depends. Higher Rankings Often Mean Less Competition The level of competition in law school varies greatly by school, and many surmise there is less competition at higher ranked schools, especially among those who dont use traditional grading and ranking structures. Indeed, instead of grades, Yale Law uses credit/no credit and honors/pass/low pass/failure; it also has a reputation for being one of the least competitive law school atmospheres. The theory is that students who attend higher-ranked schools are more confident of securing legal employment simply because of their law school and that grades or class standing matter less. Whether or not this continues to be a solid line of reasoning in the current economy is debatable, but at least one survey seems to back up this idea. Princeton Reviews 2009 Most Competitive Students maintains the top five most competitive schools are: Baylor LawOhio Northern LawBYU LawSyracuse LawSt. Johns Law Although they all have strong legal programs, none of these schools are traditionally ranked in the top 20 law schools nationwide, possibly lending credence to the above theory. Other Factors that Affect Competition Levels Chances are if your law school class has a large percentage of students with real world experience, more students will have realized that working together toward a common goal is preferable to slashing competitors and burning bridges. Also, schools with evening and part-time law school programs may be less competitive as well. Finding Out Whether Your Future Law School is Cut Throat So are all law schools cut-throat competitive? Certainly not, but some are definitely more competitive than others, and if youre not looking to scratch and scrape for the next three years, its something you should investigate thoroughly before choosing a law school. The best way to get a better idea of the competitiveness of a law school is to talk to former and current students and/or look for their opinions online. Admissions offices probably arent going to be your best source on this issue as no one is going to tell you Yes, most law students here will do whatever they can to make sure theyre on the upside of the curve! When you get to law school, if you find yourself knee-deep in cut-throat competition and you dont want to be around it, just refuse to play. You have the power to shape your law school experience, and if you want a collegial atmosphere, start by setting a good example.

Bid Strategy Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Bid Strategy - Assignment Example Key among the factors to consider is the opportunity background. Gilly Vending, Inc. must investigate the background of the opportunity before making any bid decisions. By investigating the background of the opportunity, it becomes possible to determine the potential of the prospect thus determine the chances of profitability. In investigating the background of an opportunity, Gilly Vending, Inc. must look into the financial records and history of the opportunity (Kukar-Kinney & Close, 2010). This way, the company determines the liabilities and opportunities the bid may present. After considering such factors, Gilly Vending, Inc. will determine the lucrativeness of the bid thus makes an appropriate decision, one that safeguards its desire for sustained profitability. Reputation with the customer is yet another factor that fortunately stems out of investigating the opportunity backgrounds. Gilly Vending, Inc. has an established market. As such, it has esteemed customers and competitors among many others. Before making a bid decision therefore, Gilly Vending, Inc. must consider it relationship with the new business opportunity. This may help either expand the company’s market share or eliminate a competition. Furthermore, the nature of the relationship and the reputation of the opportunity will influence the terms and conditions of the new contract. Such are therefore fundamental factors that Gilly Vending, Inc. must consider in order to enter into a profitable agreement with its new opportunities (Federal Service Desk, 2013). Competition is a fundamental factor that often influences the operations of a business. Gilly Vending, Inc. has numerous competitors in the industry. The competitors influence the activities in the market. This implies that they may influence the demand on the bid based on its lucrativeness thus influence the cost of the transaction. As such, Gilly Vending, Inc. must act systematically with an elaborate understanding of the

Staphylococcus Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Staphylococcus - Research Paper Example The different species prove to be dangerous because they show resistance towards methicillin and other potent antibiotics (Acton, 2012, pg.38). Incidence of a disease is defined as risk of contracting a disease. Hence various studies have been conducted to assess the incidence of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus. There was a dramatic increase in the number of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus cases in the late 1990s in America. The strain was seen to cause infections in children who were not at risk. The children had not had recent hospitalization, surgery, injection infusion nor had they resided in a medical facility for a long time. Four fatal pediatric cases also emerged between 1996 and 1999. This raised questions. The methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus could be acquired in the community, and this also suggested that a new strain of the bacterium was present which differed from the already present strain in hospital settings (Song et al, 2013, pg. 69). The epidemiology of methicillin resistant staphylococcus aureus is continuously changing due to its capability to resist. This trait makes it hard to treat these infections. Hence regular surveillance studies are held to assess the status of disease. Surveillance studies from 1990s indicated an increase in the incidence of MRSA infections. The role of surveillance studies is to lower morbidity, mortality and incidence of disease (Meija et al, 2015, pg. 79). Methicillin resistance is a universal problem but is more prevalent in countries where use of antibiotics is high. American and China have the highest rate of antibiotic consumption and hence face the most cases of methicillin resistance (Tisserand, 2015, pg. 20). The normal bacterial flora of humans includes S. aureus often. Studies indicate that the organism is present in the nasal colonization of the adult population. Staphylococcus aureus

Principles in non- profit leadership Research Paper

Principles in non- profit leadership - Research Paper Example Successful leaders, however, are not just adepts in formulating plans that are in line with the organizational dynamics, but also implement of those plans keeping in view the social dynamics of the organization. In addition, leaders provide the necessary support, communicate effectively with employees and motivate them sufficiently to ensure successful execution of the formulated strategy (Mumford et al.). It is an undoubted fact that the birth and growth of non-profit organizations has placed new demands on leadership. According to two famous researchers, Herman and Heimovics, the role of leadership in non-profit organizations is demanding and intricate. There are many instances where the leadership is faced with the daunting task of reconciling various responsibilities and functions with organizational goals (Herman and Heimovics). Furthermore, there has been a pressing need for successful leadership in non-profit sectors lately. One fundamental aspect of leadership in non-profit organizations is that it must manage articulately the relationship between itself and the Board of Directors (Carver). Researchers have mostly viewed non-profit corporations as hierarchical structures defined by formal lines of authority. The law in some countries, such as the United States, defines the Board of Directors as having an authority superior to that of the executives and leadership (Carver). Thus, the Board explicitly lays down the rules, regulations, policies and procedures for the company, has the authority to accept or deny proposals or plans and settles the budgets, plans and other aspects of the organization. This is based on Max Weber’s model of bureaucracy whereby decision making is determined by formal lines of authority and chain of command (Carver). Research with respect to non-profit organizations suggests that the Board formulates the strategy and decisions, whereas, the leadership simply executes thos e

Advantages of Probation and Prison system Assignment - 2

Advantages of Probation and Prison system - Assignment Example It is traced back in Boston in the 1700s when the prisoners were taken home by John Augustus as an alternative to the issue of incarceration. Later on, Massachusetts authorized Boston to hire a probation officer. By the end of the ninetieth century, probation was widely practiced all over the world. Parole refers to the temporary or permanent release of a certain prisoner before completion of their prison sentences once they promise to be of good behavior. There are various differences between parole and probation. First of all, probation is that form of a criminal sentence without having to serve time. The offender remains in the setting of a community instead of serving time in prison. On the other hand, parole is an early supervised release from jail. An individual serves jail time for a while and before their jail time is over, they are released either permanently or temporary if they promise to be of good behavior. It allows a high level of flexibility in the handling of various criminal offenders. It permits the judges to make decisions about the ability of an individual to function in a society. It is also a system where an individual is given a second chance to change and allows individuals to redeem themselves. It still represents an incursion that the state undertakes on individuals. The system has also been criticized by too many people on it thus being seen as detrimental to societies and individuals. It also criticized to give prisoners freedom when they should be in jail. Parolee might repeat the offenses he was incarcerated for. The inability of the parolee to survive due to lack of employment or a home. It also requires frequently involvement by the criminal justice for a period of time. One case that impacted on probation and parole was a case of Gagnon V. Scarpelli in 1973. He was serving a probation sentence for armed robbery in the state of Wisconsin.  

Lafarge Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lafarge Company - Essay Example One major advantage with e-learning is the universal nature of this approach. With the firm’s multinational presence, it goes without saying that the various managers in the countries where the firm’s branches are located can be incorporated into the system. Lafarge Company is one that deals with lime and cement in France. It is quite important to note that the company has been in operations for close to one and a half centuries. Actually around the 1930s the company was one of France’s largest cement producers. The success of the company was rather too much to be accommodated in the French locality so much so that in the present day the company has a presence in up to 76 countries all over the world. It has further diversified in the products it deals with and in the present time it has specialized in the production of concrete, aggregates, cement and gypsum. The company is of the opinion that for the achievement of its success there has to be adequate training of the staff that is there. In this connection it actually set up its learning base, the Lafarge University which was established back in the year 2003. The University aims at inculcating in managers the work values which are so much upheld by the company. The firm wants the managers of the firm to be the best in their particular fields in a bid to transforming the company even further. In the pursuit of the perfect solution to the issue at hand, Lafarge opted to get more involved with the internet. Actually the company stressed more on the development of e-learning and familiarizing the staff with what it entails. In accordance with the missions which the university upheld, there had to be a way through which the people involved in the company get a way of learning about how to achieve the objectives stipulated. The diverse nature of the firm at that particular time could not allow the centralization or rather the localization of the

Nursing Interventions to Prevent Falls in Elderly Research Paper

Nursing Interventions to Prevent Falls in Elderly - Research Paper Example Common chronic problems like hindered vision, hearing failure and impaired memory arise in old age which leadsto different problems and severe distress. Elderly people are generally subjected to polypharmacy (using multiple medications) due to multiple problems of old age. A study shows that there are about as many elderly who take nonprescription drugs as take prescription drugs. This however, may cause adverse drug effects (categorized as serious, life-threating and fatal)if the drugs interact with each other within the body.Another complexity is the refusal of elderly people to cooperate due to the fear of consequences of treatmentand they reject taking any medical care. However, many of these problems are treatable, if proper nursing measures are taken. Overview: Falls in Elderly Falls among elderly are not related to normal aging; rather, they are regarded as a geriatric syndrome because of discrete multifactorial and interacting, predisposing (intrinsic and extrinsic risks), an d precipitating (vertigo, syncope) causes. We have taken two studies into consideration based on the randomized trials of the elderly people living in: Homes (Day et al., 2002) Residential care facilities (Jensen, Lundin-Olsson, Nyberg & Gustafson, 2002) There has been a lot of research in the past decade on randomized controlled trials based on fall prevention. Day et al. (2002) report that exercise, minimization in medication, professional support services and home modifications have proved to be effective interventions as supported by RCT.Trails of multiple interventions have also shown to be effective in fall prevention. While in another study Jensen, Lundin-Olsson, Nyberg & Gustafson (2002) has designed a hypothesis intervention program based on specific multiple risk factors for falls in elderly residents of residential care facilities and conducted RCT for fall prevention. Designs Study-I Day et al., (2002) designed the evidence based study which targeted fall risk factors: s trength, balance disorder, impaired vision, and home hazards (included because of its extensive presence although no strong evidence was available). The study used a full factorial design, designating eight groups on the basis of three interventions. Seven groups availed at least one intervention and the remaining one group didn’t till the end of the study.â€Å"Adaptive Biased Coin† technique was used to select the participants. A flow chart of the scheme is provided in appendix-I. Placement – CityofWhitehorse, Melbourne, Australia Participant Age– 70 years and above (residing at own homes) Data Assessment– The researchers compared and divided individuals into different groups according to the available data on the basis of higher percentage: Sample size–On the basis of 25%annualfall-reductionconsidered to be an achievable target the studies required 914 participants and 1143 participants for a non-intervention assessment and main effect co mparison(annual fall-rateof 35 per 100 individuals) allowing a 20% dropout. Study-II Jenson’s (2002) study was designed onelderly people (having cognitive dysfunction)residing in residentialcare facilities. The study reports that out of 25 residents, nine met the criterion and were split into groups A and B (based on age, number and type of facility setting and record of previous falls). To maintain the discreetness the medical staff

Lafarge Company Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Lafarge Company - Essay Example One major advantage with e-learning is the universal nature of this approach. With the firm’s multinational presence, it goes without saying that the various managers in the countries where the firm’s branches are located can be incorporated into the system. Lafarge Company is one that deals with lime and cement in France. It is quite important to note that the company has been in operations for close to one and a half centuries. Actually around the 1930s the company was one of France’s largest cement producers. The success of the company was rather too much to be accommodated in the French locality so much so that in the present day the company has a presence in up to 76 countries all over the world. It has further diversified in the products it deals with and in the present time it has specialized in the production of concrete, aggregates, cement and gypsum. The company is of the opinion that for the achievement of its success there has to be adequate training of the staff that is there. In this connection it actually set up its learning base, the Lafarge University which was established back in the year 2003. The University aims at inculcating in managers the work values which are so much upheld by the company. The firm wants the managers of the firm to be the best in their particular fields in a bid to transforming the company even further. In the pursuit of the perfect solution to the issue at hand, Lafarge opted to get more involved with the internet. Actually the company stressed more on the development of e-learning and familiarizing the staff with what it entails. In accordance with the missions which the university upheld, there had to be a way through which the people involved in the company get a way of learning about how to achieve the objectives stipulated. The diverse nature of the firm at that particular time could not allow the centralization or rather the localization of the

Suitable media(a song, poem, cartoon, etc.) that can be used to Essay

Suitable media(a song, poem, cartoon, etc.) that can be used to illustrate a concept - Essay Example These are organizational behaviors that are undesirable but they depict how employees would behave if they are demotivated and lost faith leadership about their leadership by thinking (which later influenced their actions) that their organization represents all that is â€Å"soulless and wrong!". The most obvious negative element present in Initech was the alienation of employees. The first kind of alienation was the inability of the Peter Gibbons, Michael Bolton, Samir Nagheenanajar and Milton Waddams to appreciate the fruits of their labor because they cannot concretely connect how their jobs contribute to the software they are creating that made that Peter to stare at his computer all day. They despised their work and this alienates them from it which their rebellious and antagonistic behaviors showed. As a result of the alienation from work, Peter et al felt alienated from themselves because they feel that their jobs are sucking the life out of them with Peter Gibbons remarking â€Å"We weren't meant to spend it this way. Human beings were not meant to sit in little cubicles staring at computer screens all day†. ... Workers fall into place of what they do by the rational legal authority vested to its bosses which in the movie Office Space case was Bill Lumbergh whom the protagonist workers hated because he represent all that is â€Å"soulless and wrong†. It is important to stress that despite Peter, Milton, Michael and Samir loathe of Bill, Bill still continue to lord over them as Vice President because the structure of the organization provided him the legal authority to be the boss no matter how hated he was. This set up is what Weber called to be the iron cage of bureaucracy that employees are still in the organization even if it is spent in Gibbons terms â€Å"filling out useless forms...and listening to eight different bosses drone on about mission statements† because they needed the job. In plain language, the job may suck but they have to be there to make a living because there are bills and mortgages to pay. There may be no prison bars but certainly, the formal offices whic h Weber described as the place they do their specialized skills and reason to be in the organization also felt like a prison cell. Thus, the person in the organization is diminished and turned into a soulless or alienated bureaucrat because he or she still has to be there no matter how despicable the job and organization is. The movie of course is an exaggeration just like any other narrative to underscore certain points of which the moviemakers intend to impart to its audience which in this case organizational behavior of discontented and unhappy employees. One of these exaggerations is the penchant of their boss Bill to write memos reflective of Weber’s nature of organization to abide by formal written communications which in this case,

Preoperative Hair Removal Carried Out As Skin Preparation Nursing Essay

Preoperative Hair Removal Carried Out As Skin Preparation Nursing Essay Traditionally preoperative hair removal has been carried out as skin preparation method to reduce exposure to bacteria which may lead to surgical site infections (SSI) (Gottrup et al 2005). SSIs are defined by Centres for Disease Control (CDC) as superficial, deep incision and organ infection. According to Miller (2001) hair has been removed for such reason as wound asepsis, suitable placement of bandages, and access to operative site and accurate approximation of wound edges. Though preoperative hair removal has been in practice since 18th century its impact on the wound site has been under contention and therefore attracted the authors interest in seeking ways of hair removal without skin damage. However there are concerns that hair removal increases rather than reduces infection, in a study carried out by Astegnau et al (2001) to identify mortality and morbidity related to surgical site infection suggested that shaving increased the risk of infection by facilitating colonisation o f bacteria in the operating site. Many organisations, Association of Perioperative Registered Nurses (AORN2006) and Association for Perioperative Practise (AFPP2007) have moved away from hair removal. There is no clarity in literature as to the origin of preoperative hair removal, but researchers conclude to the fact that the surgeons of the time believed that wounds might heal more quickly if hair could be prevented from becoming entangled in the sutures and wound during closure (Miller et al 2001). Shaving with a razor substantiated the emergence of preoperative hair removal in a systematic literature review by Kjonnisken et al (2002) as an established practice based on assumption of preventing surgical site infection. Some other methods, electric clipping and depilatory creams have been highlighted as having lower postoperative wound infection rates. Hair is associated with poor hygiene habits because it harbours bacteria and removing it is thought to reduce surgical infections (Kumar 2002). Hair removal is done by shaving with either a razor or a clipper which are believed to cause both visible and microscopic injuries (Briggs1997). The damage caused by a razor or a clipper can release flora-providing access to serous exudates on which micro organisms may grow (Small 1996). Skin is always a hunting ground for microbes. Once the skins protective barrier is diminished primarily by a surgeons incision, microbes can potentially contaminate the wound. Loius Pasteur in confirmation of the existing understanding into the world of infection hypothesized in his germ theory that invisible bacteria could cause surgical infection if they gained entry through the broken skin (Fogg 2003). A national audit in 2004 suggests that surgical site infections increases patients hospital stay, and increases health care cost by delaying wound healing, this causes major physical limitations and reduced quality of life (Whitehouse et al 2002). If occurring after discharge the patient is likely to be readmitted which is a burden to the patient and can even cause death (Plowman 2000). Surgical site infections occurs within 30 days after surgery, exudes pus and shows one of the following symptoms pain, localised swelling and redness according to the Centre for Disease Control (1999). While once accepted as a standard practise for surgical procedures, hair removal is now being considered in great depth in the research. This essay will review the role of hair removal in the perioperative setting and its impact on surgical site infections. The author will discuss research regarding nurses and doctors knowledge on recommended guidelines on hair removal methods, comparison and timing of hair removal methods and their relationship to incidences of surgical site infections. Keywords used for the search are preoperative skin preparation, hair removal, preoperative razor shaving, electric clipping, depilatory creams and surgical site infections. The databases utilised were CINAHL, Cochraine database of systematic reviews, Health Source Nursing and Allied Health Science. The studies were done in USA, UK, Canada and Turkey. Hair Removal Methods Razor shaving is the cheapest and most commonly used hair removal method (Tanner et al. 2007). Using a sharp blade held with the head of the razor that is drawn to the patients skin to cut hair close to the skin surface. Razor shaving increases bacterial infection rates (Basevi Lavender 2001). Another method entails the use of clipper that uses fine teeth to remove hair close to the skin leaving stubble of usually one millimetre in length. Heads are disposable and handles are disinfected between patients to minimise risk of cross infection (Tanner et al. 2006). A further method is the use of depilatory creams that utilises chemicals, which dissolves the patients hair. Cream has to be in contact with the hair for between 5-20 minutes. A patch test should be done 24 hours before using the cream as some patients can develop allergic reactions and some have sensitive skins (Kjonnisken et al .2002). Miller et al. (2001) conducted a retrospective study comparing all patients who underwent intracranial procedures in the last two and half years where hair was not shaved, to patients done three and half years back that were shaved, to determine whether no hair removal increase post operative infection rate. Results were documented as minor, moderate and severe. Of the 250 subjects used 150 patients were not shaved and 7% developed post operative wound infection compared to 6.6% infections in the shaved group. There was no statistical significance in these findings though the sample size is large for an organisational setting however the finding could not be generalised based on this number. An experimental study was performed on 82 patients who underwent abdominal surgery between November 30th May 2005 to determine the effect of preoperative hair removal on post operative wound infection. Patients were told the aim of the study and they signed consents. Inclusion criteria were pati ents who had not been hospitalised within the last 30 days and didnt have infections while being admitted. Control group with 39 patients were razor shaved and on 43 for study group clippers were used. Patients were observed for signs of SSI two days post operatively and 7% of the study group developed SSI compared to 25.6 % in the control group. The results are statistically significant but the sample size is small and the fact that abdominal surgeries are viewed dirtier than lower limbs makes findings hard to generalise however the length of time and the study design utilised would have enabled the establishment of rigor for the findings to be reliable. The study uptake therefore will be better with an increased sample size. Though the latest studies are endorsing hair clipping (Tanner et al 2006). (Boyce Pittet 2002), more studies need to be carried out. A double-blind prospective study was carried out between 2000-2004 for all patients undergoing spinal surgery (Celik et al. 2007 ) to determine the effect of razor shaving and increased rate of postoperative site infection compared to no hair removal. The shaved group consisted of 371 subjects and the unshaved group comprised of 418 subjects. Patients were fully informed about the study and consents obtained. The subjects were randomly allocated according to pre-surgical shaving status. Exclusion criteria involved patients with skin conditions acne, furuncle and sebaceous cyst, patients with nutritional deficiency and medical conditions like diabetes and cancer. Same skin preparations were done in both groups. Both subjects received prophylactic antibiotics. Postoperatively, both groups were observed for signs of infection redness swelling and purulent discharge and bloods taken to check erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Infection was higher in the shaved group (p=.01) 4 patients in a shaved group (1.07%) developed infection and in only 1 patient in the unshaved group (0.23%). The findings suggest that preoperative hair removal increases postoperative infections. This study was ethically approved and both methodology and aim were clear and concise. These all confirm its reliability however giving antibiotics during procedures may mask the results causing the study to be unreliable. A randomised control study was conducted by (Menendez et al. 2004) aiming to assess the effects of preoperative shaving of pubic hair on postoperative bacterium after urological surgery. A sample size of 300 patients was used. 149 patients were shaved and 151 were not shaved. In both groups urine samples were taken for culture before being given prophylactic antibiotic and again at one week before the catheter was removed. In the shaved group 19.5% developed infection as compared to 16.6% in the non-shaved group. The difference was found not to be statistically significant. The results were based on testing urine samples than in the wounds making the study invalid. There is no clarity about ethical considerations and if the aim and purpose of the study was explained to the subjects and whether the consent obtained was informed. The prophylactic administration of the antibiotics makes the study to be unreliable and not valid. In Cochraine collaboration review data Tanner et al. (2007) conducted eleven randomised controlled trials to evaluate the effects of routine preoperative hair removal with razor as opposed to no hair removal in postoperative infection. The authors concluded that there is no sufficient evidence to prove that hair removal causes an increased risk of surgical site infections. However the study suggested the use of clippers or depilatory cream when necessary to remove hair with an idea that both methods results in fewer surgical site infections. Comparison of hair removal methods Trussell et al. (2008) conducted a thirty nine month observational study where razor shaving utensils were removed and replaced with clippers. The sample size consisted of one thousand eight hundred and twenty seven patients undergoing coronary bypass procedure. There was an in-service training for both nurses and doctors to teach them the effects of razor shaving, instructing them how to use electric clippers which is thought to be less traumatic to the skin when removing hair .The rate of sternal infections decreased from 3.5% to 1.5 %(p= .001) when using electric clippers. The qualitative method and the design of the above study suits the sample size, and neither observational bias nor antibiotic masking of the findings were introduced in the study resulting in a proper analysis of the data. The results also showed that the removals of razors and staff education not to use them for shaving were cost effective, and time effective. Costs related to preoperative hair removal are associated with postoperative infection and longer stay of patients in the hospital. A prospective report of Cruse and Ford (1980) cited in journals a-z Spine (2007 insert author here) with the objective to evaluate post operative clean surgical wounds in 3 groups. In a prospective observational study they compared patients shaved with razor, electric clippers and those with no hair removal. They did long term follow up on 62,339 patients. In this study the patients were not scrubbed with antiseptic solution. Their findings were that only 2.8% infections occurred in patients whose hair was removed by clippers compared to 3.2% in razor shaved patients and 0.9 in unshaved group. The sample size is good, the method and aim is clearly explained this makes the study reliable and rigorous. The results of a similar study carried by Zetner et al cited in spine (2007 insert author here) for patients who underwent craniotomy found that infection rate was lower in patients whose hair was removed with clippers observational studies favoured clipping. Shaving Versus Depilatory Cream A randomised controlled study conducted by Kjonnisken et al. (2002) included 400 subjects for abdominal surgery divided in three groups. In shaved group 12.4% develop infection, 7.9% in the depilatory group and 7.8% in non shaved group. The results are unreliable proof of effects of hair removal because the use of antiseptic solutions and giving antibiotics during the operation has affected the validity of the study. The study design being suitable for a quantitative method of study could be considered unfruitful due to poor detailed explanation of the randomisation method. Seven trials involving 1213 subjects were included which consisted of mixed surgical procedures in 1 trial. There was a variation in times of outcome assessments ranging from 2 to 28 days. Overall results 10% (65/670) patients developed surgical site infection in the shaved group compared to 7 % (38/543) who were in a group of cream hair removal. The results of this study are not reliable because 3 of the trials did not report at what period the assessment was carried out. Observational studies showed more significant effect when using depilatory cream, although creams reported adverse effects such as skin allergies and reactions. TIME AND PLACE Another phenomenon evident in literature in relation to hair removal methods causing postoperative surgical site infections is time and place of hair removal. There is evidence that the adverse effect of bacterial access and growth produced by razor and clippers is worsened by the interval between shaving injury and surgery. The timing of hair removal has been determined according to health workers schedule rather than in response to scientific evidence. Tanner et al. (2006) argued that there is little evidence that supports the assumption that removing hair as close to time of surgery minimises the time of bacteria to colonise the cuts caused by shaving. Surveys have found that a majority of hospitals have policies to remove surgical site hair the evening before surgery. A randomised study of 1,013 patients cited in Advanced journal of nursing 2006 (who is the author) showed no significant difference in numbers of surgical site infections when skin was shaved the evening before or day of the operation (p=0.69). One trial of 531 patients found that 5.1% of patients shaved the day before surgery developed surgical site infections compared to 6.5% of patients shaved on the day of surgery (where is the ref.). This seems to oppose hair removal close to the time of surgery. The same study compared using clippers on the night before surgery and on the morning just before surgery. Results were in favour of clipping in the morning before sur gery (p.0.027 on discharge). This was maintained at a 30-day follow up (p=0.006)( what is the meaning of this.) One prospective observational study conducted by Alexander 2003 cited in (Joanna Briggs systematic literature review 2007) with sample size of 536 patients found that patients shaved 12 hours before surgery had lower risk of surgical site infections than patients shaved less than 2 hour prior to surgery. ( why is this so) A survey was carried out on 589 surgeons in Canada comparing their practises to recommendations of evidence based guidelines on preventing surgical site infection. A list was generated using the database of College of Physicians and Surgeons currently practising in the province. The study was approved by the Health Research Ethics Board. Surveys were emailed to the participants and only 242 were returned by mail without return address with 63% showing non compliance with the recommendations. Compared with general surgeons, gynaecological and plastic surgeons used razors than clippers, p=.004. (why are these hanging) A questionnaire-based survey was conducted between February and April 2005 to assess the opinions and practices of surgeons and ward staff with regard to patients hair removal. The answers suggested that they were not up to date with the literature and its effect on postoperative wound infections. If attitudes are to change, the surgeons need to develop a protocol with clear guidelines as to when and by what technique they need hair removal to be performed. Recommendations and Implications to Practice As patients advocates nurses need to play an important role in reducing the incidences of surgical site infections. Nursing procedures that are harmful to the patients may breach codes of professional standards. Alongside the nurses ethical duty to protect their patient it is important that nurses are aware they may be held legally accountable for their actions. Most hospital acquired infections can be prevented by implementing effective, preventive strategies throughout the patients surgical journey. Nurses have to develop patients education materials on proper hair removal. Whenever hair is to be removed it should be done by someone who has knowledge of appropriate technique and is skilful to the procedure. Through continued staff educational programmes and in-service education on the use of clippers to improve compliance with professional recommendations and promote patients safety. Nurses need to assess patients skin prior to hair removal to identify any potential risk of cuts. T hey must keep abreast with research findings incorporating resulting guidelines into practice. To maximize their advocacy role with regards to preoperative hair removal, nurses must work together with infection control staff, supply management and risk management to minimise the risk of infections.(why). The research into preventing surgical site infections found that preoperative hair removal is not necessary to reduce the risk of infection and should be avoided. The studies reviewed show there is a relationship between shaving with razor and increased surgical site infection rates. Different hair removal practises are recommended by organisations that set guidelines and standards for practice (Guidelines for Centre for DISEASE CONTROL and AORN 2007 (Recommended practice for skin preparation) states that hair removal is not necessary unless it interferes with the incision, draping and putting dressings. If hair needs to be removed they recommend using clippers instead of razor, for they are safe and easy to use. Norwegian centre for health technology assessment argues that there is no strong evidence in favour of or against hair removal, and recommend not to avoid preoperative hair removal. Although evidence is limited on the timing of clipping, its recommended it has to be done as close to the time of surgery preferable two hours before. They further specify that hair should be clipped using a single use electric clipper with a reusable head that can be sterilized between patients. However the authors opinion is that clippers with disposable heads should be utilised since it is more cost effective and time saving when compared to sterilisation. They recommend hair clipping outside the operating room to minimise the dispersal of hair which have potential of contaminating the sterile field and surgical wound (Mews 2000). Hospital infection society working party guidelines recommend using cream a day before surgery. Depilatories may be used if skin testing has been done following the manufacturer instruction, without tissue irritation. Since creams can be messy patients may be advised to use them before turning up for admission. Some hospitals still continue routine hair removal long after dissemination of recommendations against it. The author believes that it is an indication to audit hair removal procedures and adhere to the recommended guidelines and policies. In addition to the clinical advantages, clippers are also cost effective. One study by Trussell et al (2008) estimated a cost saving of $270,000 per 1000 patients when shaving was replaced with clipping. The study also concluded that long-term savings should be considered due to reduction of the incidences of postoperative wound infections. Other studies reported cost comparisons between wet razors shave and use of cream finding cream to be expensive. This cost saving was limited, covering only minimal direct costs rather than full range of direct and indirect costs of shaving items compared with the cost of depilatory cream. The use of depilatory cream was also found to be effective, though there are limitations to its use due to time factor. Conclusion Surgical site infection is one of the commonest health associated infections. Surgical site infections can occur in 10% of patients each year resulting in delayed wound healing, increased hospital stay, unnecessary pain, readmission and even death. Seemingly there is no scientific basis of preoperative skin shaving. Studies illustrates that preoperative hair removal methods have been found to be the causes of surgical site infections, because of the cuts they cause on the skin making it to be colonised by microbes. Hair clipping is considered the favoured method of hair removal but its not without error. Preoperative hair clipping protocol was developed in 2003 (by who) and literature reviews have proven that these policies are still relevant. Studies have also reinforced the importance of staff education which will help to strengthen the use of electric clippers. Nurses must keep abreast of research findings to be able to support their rationale for change when championing this crusade to their medical colleagues. Through these efforts the surgical team can provide the safest environment to reduce the risk for the development of surgical site infections, promoting positive outcomes for all surgical patients. Future research wi ll determine the effectiveness and success of clippers which improves patients safety against surgical site infections.