Growth and Development of Child Abuse Assignment

Growth and Development of Child Abuse - Assignment Example About 1 in 16 children are noted to suffer from sexual abuse and nearly 1 in 10 children are witness to incidences of family violence. A report by the US DOH, points out that the youngest children are found to be most vulnerable to abuse. The report showed that in the period ranging from 2009-2011, children between the ages of 0-5 years experienced the highest rates of maltreatment (DoH, 2013). These findings are supported by those presented by the children’s rights organization Safe Horizon that showed that over 25% of the total number of abused children was essentially under the age of three while an astounding 45% of abused children were under the age of 5 years (Safehorizon, 2014). In 2012, the total number of children who died due to child abuse was recorded at 1,563. Of this number, 70.3% were found to be younger than 3 years and 44% were reported to be younger than one year of age. The report on the 2012 data also showed that children of both genders were similarly likely to be victims of child abuse as indicated by the fact that in 2012, 48.5% of the total number of abused children were boys while 51.2% of the abused children. However at 57.6%, the rate of child fatality was recorded to be much higher for boys. Babies in this age demographic were reported as often being the victims of shaken baby syndrome that causes them to suffer from different forms of trauma such as bone and rib fractures, various degrees of damages to their neck and spinal cord as well as bleeding from the brain or eyes. 1 in 4 shaken baby syndrome victims eventually dies and nearly all victims tend to eventually experience serious health consequences (Safehorizon, 2014). Â  

Raise or Lower Tuition Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Raise or Lower Tuition - Assignment Example This would result into more revenues for the university. On the other hand, if the demand for the university is less than the number of available seats, a rise in tuition would result in lowering of the revenues (Mankiw, 2011). Due to lesser demand, the students would opt for alternate choices where the tuition is comparatively less. Answer 2 The revenue earnings of the university would vary depending upon the prevailing conditions of demand for the university and the number of seats available. The revenues of the unity will rise when the demand for admission exceeds the number of seats available. The university would have the option to raise tuition resulting into higher revenue earnings. The revenue earnings of the university are likely to fall when the demand for university admissions is less than the number of available seats. Due to lesser demand, the university would have to reduce the tuition that would result into fall of revenue earnings (Marshall, 2006). Even stagnant tuiti on fees would lead to fall of revenue due to lesser number of students. The revenues of the university are likely to remain same when there is equilibrium between the demand for university admissions and the number of seats available. ... Due to the high demand for university admissions, there is large number of students available for enrollment. The students would be ready to pay more for their preferred university. This would positively impact the process of revenue earnings. The loss of revenue from the lower number of student enrollments is a scenario that can occur due to lower demand of university admissions against the number of available seats. Due to lower demand, a hike in the tuition fees would cause lower number of students to enroll. The students would prefer other universities for which the process of revenue earnings would get affected. Answer 4 A negative price elasticity of the university indicates with the rise in the tuition fees, the demand for university admissions is likely to fall. Considering the situation when the price elasticity of the university is (-1.2), a rise in tuition fees of the university would result in considerable fall of demand of the university admissions. The university has al so been suffering with the revenue earnings in recent times. A further rise of revenue in such a condition would result in the further lowering of student enrollment (Schotter, 2008). This would result into lowering of revenue earnings for the university. In such a situation, the university would be suggested to lower the tuition fees in order to revive the situation of revenue crunch of the university in recent times. A reduction of tuition would draw more students for enrollment. The students would want to take the advantage of comparatively low tuition fees. This would lead to expansion of revenue for the university. Answer 5 Being the President of NSU, the economic theories of supply, demand and price elasticity would be

Education and Life Chances in Modern Education Essay Example for Free

Education and Life Chances in Modern Education Essay Public education, it can be argued, shapes society, instils social mores and indoctrinates the impressionable with those philosophies the elites value. This essay will focus upon three main areas intrinsic to the education system. These are the social reproduction of ideas, the life chances created and instilled through education, and the socialisation of the individuals undergoing the educational process. Two main sociological perspectives that are useful when studying the education system are Functionalism and Critical Theory, because they focus on macro issues and social structures more than the interactionist perspective. Functionalists believe that the school system is an agent of social reproduction, which operates to reproduce well integrated, fully functioning members of society (Webb, Schirato and Danaher, 2002: 114). Critical theorists, conversely, hold that education is the most effective mechanism for promoting social change and for giving opportunities to less privileged groups so that they can advance their social standing. However, education usually reproduces existing social divisions, maintaining the relative disadvantage of certain groups (Webb, Schirato and Danaher, 2002: 106). Munro (1994: 108) describes the different approaches by stating that, functionalists tend to see education as synonymous with socialisation, while a conflict theorist is inclined to view education as ideological- that is, reflecting the interests of particular groups. Functionalists hold that the major institution for social reproduction is the education system, whereas, from a critical perspective, teachers, who oversee this reproduction, have been made into administrators of programs that provide manpower capitalisation through planned and directed behavioural changes (Illich, 1973: 327). Illich (1973: 327) comments, from a critical perspective, that teaching and learning remain sacred activities separate and estranged from a fulfilling life. This is because the things being taught do not line up with the necessary knowledge needed for life outside of education, and that learning from programmed information always hides reality behind a screen (Illich, 1973: 324). This means that the knowledge provided is set to a secret agenda. The learning process, which supposedly passes on the values and mores necessary in society to students,  is not, however, meeting these needs effectively. Relevant information, that is, knowledge, which will add skills to the labour market, is becoming less practical and more theoretical, expanding the gap between study and work. Regardless of this, employers and social elites have attempted to use the schools for the reproduction of compliant workers (Davis, 1999: 65). This double standard has been discussed in a best selling song, The Wall by Pink Floyd (1978) in which they stated that the reproduction received through the school system was set to a hidden agenda, and that society would be better off without it. Drucker (1973: 236) equates the influx of educated people to the potential for producing wealth in any given country. By stating this, educational socialisation and the development of educated people is the most important function education can have. He goes on to state that while this may be the case today, throughout history, being uneducated provided the wealth of a given nation, due to the class differences, and that education was for the rich and idle while the work was performed by the illiterate. This all changed with the Industrial Revolution, and the invention of moveable type in the 17th Century (Drucker, 1973: 232). The moveable type meant that education could be performed at a reduced rate, and words became a commodity that was necessary for improving the quality of the labour force. Education is purported to provide the best possible life chances for its graduates, yet in reality, in many ways education diminishes these chances. Heinz (1987: 132) points out that the life chances of graduates are in a state of flux, that when the labour market is depressed and work is difficult to find, then young people will opt for more education as a means of delaying their entry into a tight work force. The school then takes on the function of a warehouse; it is a place to mark time. At the same time school acts as a socio-political instrument for reducing social and political conflict, and this function gains predominance over its main function of educating young people. In many cases the academic credentials earned are unnecessary for working-class jobs (Furlong and Cartmel, 1999: 12), which changes the focus of education, making it oppressive and irrelevant (Davis, 1999: 83). Heinz (1987: 131) states secondary  school-leavers face a worsening outlook when they want to start in working life, and joining a preparatory program is increasingly becoming the only alternative to unemployment. There are a growing number of young people who are finding it harder to find a place, whose prospects on the labour market are poor, being qualified but underemployed, or drifting between unemployment and occasional jobs (Heinz, 1987: 131). This increases social inequalities and the gap between rich and poor. By acting as a warehouse education is not preparing students for life but rather crippling their life chances. The alternative to this are to reassess the curricula and teaching methods, reintegrating skilled workers into vocational education, ensuring that knowledge will be of direct benefit to graduates in obtaining a place within the work force. There are fewer and fewer opportunities becoming available, and school leavers have to undergo more and more relevant vocational training. However, fewer school-leavers are able to go directly into the vocational training they want. Heinz (1987: 130) noted a growing trend 16 years ago that Depending on the region, only between one-third and one-half of these school leavers succeed in getting a training place, and in 1994 Munro (1994: 109) observed that the school-to-work transition had failed which had major ramifications for everyone involved, causing underemployment of school leavers (Munro, 1994: 116). The seriousness of this trend is made even more apparent by the fact that school-leavers are even ready to enter apprenticeships that lead them into dead-end occupations (Heinz, 1987: 129). Drucker (1973: 232) however, states that while this may be so, to be uneducated is an economic liability and is unproductive, even though education is producing an unemployable, overeducated proletariat. (Drucker, 1973: 233) According to Mehan (1973: 240) education is a major socialisation agency, which moulds the individuals self-concepts into a socially accepted format, allowing each individual to be slotted into a specific function (Sargent, 1994: 240). Sargent (1994: 240) points out that in the function of education values are essentially involved and are taught beside worldly knowledge. However, this knowledge interprets the world, but does not necessarily  correspond with any external state (Sargent, 1994: 232). The transmission of knowledge, skills and values, helps to sort and rank individuals, that they might be better placed in the labour market (Munro, 1994: 96). This raises a paradox, however, where education is seen by many as the best possible means of achieving greater equality in society (Sargent, 1994: 233), yet it categorises the graduates into job specifications, personality types and the opportunities granted to each. Sargent (1994: 231) furthers this thought by explaining that the education system is an integral part of determining position and power in our society (Sargent, 1994: 231), and that through education the class structures are compounded, making it more difficult for those in the working classes from advancing in the social hierarchy. The education institution both absorbs and perpetuates the ideology, masquerading as knowledge, which legitimises inequality (Sargent, 1994: 231). Regardless of the inequalities produced, it has become the absolute prerequisite of soci al and economic development in our world to have a highly educated pool of people ready for the labour market (Drucker, 1973: 232). In conclusion, the failure of the education system to reduce social inequality and produce better workers, raises serious doubts as to its effectiveness. Life chances created through education appear to be diminishing, despite the extension of education. The knowledge taught seems to be ineffective in preparing students to cope with life. Functionalists need to reassess the structure of education, as it loses its ability to effectively provide for graduates, becoming dysfunctional in its goals to remove inequality and give a head start to people entering the work force. When looking at the education system, it is necessary to ask if the cost spent on educating people is being effectively used, considering the increasing number of educated poor. The gap between knowledge taught and life experience needs to be bridged, for education to effectively function. If, as it appears, schools are to socialise and reproduce effective and functioning members of society, the curricula has to be ad dressed. Bibliography Davis, Nanette J. (1999). Youth Crisis: Growing up in the High Risk Society. Praeger Publications, Westport Drucker, Peter F. (1973). The Educational Revolution, Social Change: Sources, Patterns, and Consequences (2nd ed) Amitai Etzioni and Eva Etzioni-Halevy (Eds). Basic Books Inc., New York. pp 232 238 Furlong, Andy, and Cartmel, Fred (1997). Young People and Social Change: Individualisation and Risk in Late Modernity. Open University Press, Buckingham Heinz, Walter R. (1987). The Transition from School to Work in Crisis: Coping with Threatening Unemployment, Journal of Adolescent Research (Vol 2). pp 127 141 Illich, Ivan (1973). The Breakdown of Schools: A Problem or a Symptom, Childhood and Socialisation Hans Peter Dreitzel (Ed). Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc., Canada. pp 311 336 Mehan, Hugh (1973). Assessing Childrens School Performance, Childhood and Socialisation Hans Peter Dreitzel (Ed). Macmillan Publishing Co. Inc., Canada. pp 240 264 Munro, Lyle (1994). Education, Society and Change: A Sociological Introduction to Contemporary Australia Brian Furze and Christine Stafford (Eds). Macmillan Education Australia Pty. Ltd., South Melbourne. pp 96 128 Pink Floyd (1978) The Wall, The Wall. Mushroom Records, California. Sargent, Margaret (1994). Education for equality? employment? emancipation?, The New Sociology for Australians. Longman Cheshire Pty. Ltd., Melbourne. pp 231 256 Webb, J., Schirato, T. and Danaher, G. (2002). Bourdieu and Secondary Schools, Understanding Bourdieu pp 105 106 (Reprinted in Sociological Reflections on Everyday Life: GSC 1201 Reader). Allen and Unwin, Sydney. pp 227 238

Impact of Chemotherapy Induced Diarrhoea (CID)

Impact of Chemotherapy Induced Diarrhoea (CID) This assignment will critically explore one impact of cancer treatment, examining the physiological nature of the impact. I will analyse strategies for alleviating the impact, considering the contribution of the multi-disciplinary team. I will discuss the contribution of healthcare professionals to holistic care analysing the professional and ethical dimensions of practice. Finally I will evaluate the effectiveness of the current management of the identified impact. The one impact of cancer treatment which I have chosen to look at is chemotherapy induced diarrhoea (CID). The London Cancer Alliance (2013) reports that patients receiving chemotherapy are at risk of developing severe diarrhoea, and the prevalence has been reported to be as high as 50–80%. Sherman (2008) explains that diarrhoea has a significant impact on quality of life and can contribute to malnutrition, weight loss, immunosuppression, and mortality. I have personally encountered CID in my practice and have seen how debilitating it can be for service users both physiologically and psychologically. According to Stein (2010) the pathophysiology of chemotherapy induced diarrhoea is multifaceted, complex and still undergoing further investigation. This is also acknowledged by Gibson and Keefe (2006) who believe that CID is likely to be caused by combinations of varying factors which include, altered gut motility; colonic crypt damage, impairing water absorption in the colon, changes to intestinal microflora, affecting absorption and altered fluid transport in the colon. Robinson and Dobish (2007) believe that the absorptive and secretory capacity within the gut is altered during chemotherapy due to the toxicity damaging the intestinal epithelium, inflammation of the bowel wall and superficial necrosis. Which according to Stringer (2009) causes a difference between secretion and absorption in the small bowel resulting in diarrhoea. Viele (2003) suggests that there are two mechanisms by which chemotherapy may induce this. First, the diarrhoea is caused by changes in intestinal absorption which may or may not be accompanied by excessive electrolyte and fluid secretion. Second, the diarrhoea may be a consequence of a combination of mechanical and biochemical changes caused by the chemotherapy. These intestinal functional changes are thought to be a result of direct toxicity of the chemotherapy on the colonic crypt stem cells. Death of these cells leads to a cascading effect where immature crypt cells attempt to compensate by releasing more secretory compounds (Viele, 2003). The small intestine is also thought to play a role whereby the villi are unable to absorb fluids correctly, leading to a skewed ratio of fluid absorption and secretion. In addition, chemotherapy is reported to destroy the brush border enzymes, which are responsible for the digestion of both carbohydrates and proteins, and this causes more gut-wall secretions to occur (Rutledge and Engelking, 2008). Sharma (2005) informs us that if CID is uncontrolled the consequences can be devastating both physically and psychologically. According to Cherny (2008) diarrhoea can lead to, dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, renal issues and even death. Viele (2003) reminds us that the impact if CID is not just physiological, the psychological effects of diarrhoea include depression, social isolation and anxiety. Patients suffering from CID will often require additional healthcare resources, such as admission, which will raise the cost of the patients care for the healthcare service (Dranitsaris et al 2005). Arnold (2005) explains that CID can interfere with cancer treatments affecting scheduled treatment plans, dose reductions ultimately leading to a worse outcome. In a reflective study of cancer patients who acquired CID, Arnold et al (2005) discovered that 65% of patients experienced a decrease in dose intensity, a dose reduction was required in 45%, a delay in treatment was experienced in 71%, and 3% had their therapy discontinued. Maroun et al (2007) conclude that treatment delays, discontinuation and dose reductions have a direct adverse effect on patient mortality and morbidity. Therefore clear objectives must be in place in order to manage chemotherapy induced diarrhoea effectively. According to Skelley (2005), healthcare professionals must promptly diagnose and treat patients with CID, minimise treatment delays, maximise chemo intensity and therefore maximise the patients’ quality of life whilst undertaking treatment. Skelley (2005) states that to manage diarrhoea in an acute setting effectively healthcare staff need to maintain an accurate stool chart and should grade diarrhoea using the National Cancer Institute Common Toxicity Criteria for Diarrhoea. The London Cancer Alliance (2013) supports the use of a grading system and shows one in their management literature and has added symptoms into the table to help aid in grading diarrhoea more effectively. The LCA (2013) add that mucositis and neutropenia from the chemotherapy treatment can also significantly increase complications associated with CID. Prompt recognition and swift appropriate treatment are essential. Therefore by completing the aforementioned measures, medical staff are enabled to choose the correct treatment options and it also helps to monitor the effectiveness of the treatment. Also we must ensure that a stool culture taken, so as to rule out any infections or other causes which could further prolong or alter treatment plans. It is important for healthcare professionals to actively encourage patients to report their bowel movements, because patients can fear that reporting diarrhoea will delay their treatment (Maroun, 2007). As a healthcare professional we should aim to reassure patients that prompt diagnosis and early treatment can prevent delays to their chemotherapy. According to Cherny (2008) patients with CID should have a full assessment including medical history, dietary history and medication review. Before treating CID other common causes of diarrhoea should be considered and excluded. These could include, adverse medication effects, concurrent Disease such as, Crohn’s disease, diverticulitis and ulcerative colitis, viral Infection, bacterial Infection, faecal Impaction, diet and psychological Factors (LSA, 2013). Benson (2004) believes that patient education is the vital underpinning to the management of CID and before commencing chemotherapy, patients must be fully informed of the potential risks and what actions to take, if they develop diarrhoea. Patients will require nutritional advice and the LCA (2013) guides us by showing the initial management for CID which we can in turn offer to patients. This includes drinking 8–10 large glasses of clear fluids per day to prevent dehydration and stopping lactose-containing products since lactose intolerance can develop when the mucosa is damaged. Patients need to avoid spices, high-fibre foods, high-fat foods, caffeine, alcohol and fruit juices. Small frequent meals such as bananas, toast and plain pasta are also recommended. There are many more aspects to dietary advice therefore input from a dietician would be beneficial. Benson et al (2004) show that in diarrhoea grades 1–2 Loperamide is the recommended medication, 4mg followed by 2mg after every loose stool up to 16mg daily. If diarrhoea persists, high dose Loperamide should be used and Codeine Phosphate 30–60mg QDS can be added, also a stool culture needs to be taken if not previously done. The patient will need to be admitted to hospital if not already an inpatient if the diarrhoea persists or becomes grade 3-4 after 24-48 hours. At this point Octreotide is the recommended treatment as a sub-cutaneous injection, 300mcg/24hr for 5 days, increasing to 600mcg/24hr if not effective (LCA, 2013). According to Barbounis et al (2001) Octreotide has a 60% 90% success rate in resolving persistent diarrhoea. Zidane (2001) explains that although Octreotide has proven to be more successful than Loperamide, it still remains as a second line treatment due to its high cost. Chemotherapy induced diarrhoea has tremendous effects on patients’ quality of life, the management of cancer patients requires increased attention to this side effect from nurses. Targeted education is needed to help nurses implement systematic assessment and documentation. Nurses must ensure to communicate effectively with patients and caregivers in every setting about the nature of diarrhoea and its causes, as well as develop appropriate interventions for each individual. As such, nurses need to maintain current knowledge of the causes and available treatment strategies for CID. It is also imperative to remember the beneficial effect that diet may play in alleviating diarrhoea symptoms. Reference List Arnold, R. J. Gabrail, N. Raut, M. Kim, R. Sung, J. C. Zhou, Y. (2005) ‘Clinical implications of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with cancer’. The Journal of Supportive Oncology, 3(3), pp. 227-232. Available at: http://www.oncologypractice.com/jso/journal/articles/0303227.pdf (Accessed: 22 March 2014). Benson, A.B. Ajani, J.A. Catalano, R.B. Engelking, C. Kornblau, S.M. Martenson, J.A. (2004) ‘Recommended guidelines for the treatment of cancer treatment-induced diarrhea’. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 22, pp. 2918–2926. Available at: http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/22/14/2918.long (Accessed: 30 March 2014). Cherny, N. I. (2008). ‘Evaluation and management of treatment-related diarrhea in patients with advanced cancer: A review’. Journal of Pain Symptom Management, 36(4), pp. 413-423. Available at: http://download.journals.elsevierhealth.com/pdfs/journals/0885-3924/PIIS088539240800111 5.pdf (Accessed: 8 April 2014). Dranitsaris, G. Maroun, J. Shah, A. (2005) ‘Severe chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with colorectal cancer: A cost of illness analysis’. Supportive Care in Cancer, 13(5), pp. 318-324. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15614493 (Accessed: 01 April 2014). Gibson, R J. Keefe, D M. (2006) Cancer chemotherapy-induced diarrhoea and constipation: mechanisms of damage and prevention strategies. Support Care Cancer. 14, pp 890–900. Available at: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00520-006-0040-y (Accessed: 01 April 2014). Hogan, C M. (1998) The nurses role in diarrhea management. Oncology Nurses Forum. 25 (5), pp879-86. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9644704 (Accessed: 23 March 2014). London Cancer Alliance (2013) LCA Acute Oncology Clinical Guidelines. Available at: http://www.londoncanceralliance.nhs.uk/media/56533/FINAL LCA Acute Oncology Clinical Guidelines September 2013.pdf (Accessed: 9 March 2011). Maroun, J.A. Anthony, L.B. Blais, N. Burkes, R. Dowden, S.D. Dranitsaris, G. (2007) ‘Prevention and management of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea in patients with colorectal cancer: a consensus statement by the Canadian working group on chemotherapy-induced diarrhea’. Current Oncology, 14, pp. 13–20. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1891194/ (Accessed : 10 March 2014). Rutledge, D N. Engelking, C. (2008) Cancer-related diarrhea: selected findings of a national survey of oncology nurse experiences. Oncology Nurses Forum. 25, pp 861–873. Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9644704 (Accessed 01 September 2012). Sharma, R. Tobin, P. Clarke, SJ. (2005) ‘Management of chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, oral mucositis, and diarrhoea’. Oncology. 6, pp. 93–102. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1470204505017353# (Accessed: 5 April 2014). Sherman, D S. Fish, D N. (2008). Management of protease inhibitor associated diarrhea. Clinical Infectious Diseases. 30, pp 908–914. Available at: http://cid.oxfordjournals.org/content/30/6/908.long (Accessed 01 April 2014). Skelley, K. (2005) ‘Management of chemotherapy induced diarrhoea in adults with cancer’ (Online). Available at: http://www.ruh.nhs.uk/about/policies/documents/clinical_policies/ local/405%202006 %20Management%20of%20Chemotherapy%20Induced% 20Diarrhoea.pdf (Accessed: 22 March 2014). Stein, A. Voigt, W. Jordan, K. (2010) ‘Review: Chemotherapy-induced diarrhea: pathophysiology, frequency and guideline-based management’. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology. 2 (51). Available at: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles /PMC3126005/pdf/10.1177_1758834009355164.pdf (Accessed: 28 March 2014). Stringer, A.M. Gibson, R.J. Logan, R.M. Bowen, J.M. Yeoh, A.S. Laurence, J. (2009) ‘Irinotecan-induced mucositis is associated with changes in intestinal mucins’. Cancer Chemotherapy Pharmacology, 64, pp. 123–132. Available at: http://www.springerlink.com/content/d45k70508772318j (Accessed: 3 April 2014). Viele, C. S. (2003) ‘Overview of chemotherapy-induced diarrhea’. Oncology Nursing, 19(4 Suppl 3), pp. 2-5. Available at: http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/ S074920810300114 (Accessed: 23 March 2014). Zidan, J. Haim, N. Beny, A. Stein, M. Gez, E. Kuten, A. (2001) ‘Octreotide in the treatment of severe chemotherapy-induced diarrhea’. Annual Oncology, 12, pp. 227–229. Available at: http://annonc.oxfordjournals.org/content/12/2/227.long (Accessed 22 March 2014).

Total Quality Management Essay -- GCSE Business Marketing Coursework E

Total Quality Management The emergence of the global marketplace demands that a company act on a global scale to be competitive. Competing on this level requires that a company provide a superior product and superior service. Companies desiring to achieve international quality status now have a manufacturing, quality control, and documentation standard in which to strive. ISO 9000 is the implemented international process management baseline for which all participating organizations will adhere. Standardization appears to be the key to survival in today's domestic and international marketplace. Consumers and businesses alike demand the assurances that the products they purchase from one company are equal in quality to the product they purchase from another. Consumers also demand that every product they purchase from a particular company meet the same specifications as the next. The key to developing this uniformity of standards and quality among and within companies is to establish a set of closely monitored procedures to be followed by all. The focus on the ISO 9000 and ISO 9001 standard is not on manufactured products, but the process implemented to achieve that product. By certifying a manufacturing and documentation process with the Geneva based International Organization for Standardization, registered companies have realized a dramatic decline in customer complaints and significant reductions in operating costs. This is due to the required certification process. By successfully completing the ISO 9000-registration process, companies can identify and correct processes that are costly and unproductive. This is simply good for business. Additionally, ISO 9000 registered companies, critical of their ISO registered product, demand that their suppliers be ISO 9000 registered. The ISO 9000 series consist of five standards that fall into two categories. The five standards are ISO 9000-1, ISO 9001, ISO 9002, ISO 9003, and ISO 9000-4. The two categories provide for contractual situations and non-contractual situations. Contractual elements (ISO 9001, ISO 9002, and IO 9003) have been developed for external quality assurance. Meeting these standards indicate to a customer that a company's quality assurance program is capable of providing a quality product or service. Non-contractual elements, ISO 9000-1 and ISO 9004-1, used as gui... ...ocess are not what were intended. Employee involvement is crucial. As a process is implemented company wide, employee at all levels will be effected. Their confidence in management and belief that the process will improve all aspects of their position is required if they are to be productive and play a part in the implementation process. Standardization is necessary in today's global marketplace. Consumers demand better quality products and the assurances that these products are well supported. The standardization of processes and systems is necessary if industry is to meet the consumers' requirements. Developing uniformity among industry is necessary to developing this higher quality standard. Companies not responding to this trend are subject to lost revenues and business failure to their ISO 9000 compliant counterparts. References Larson, J. (1999, April 21). ISO certification not just for majors. Arizona Republic, p. E2. Peach, Robert W. (1997). The ISO 9000 handbook. New York: McGraw-Hill (1999). The NASA ISO 9000 home page [Online]. Available: http://iso9000.nasa.gov/ (1999). Welcome to ISO easy [Online]. Available: http://www.isoeasy.org/

The Genetic Basis of Adaptive Melanism on Pocket Mice Essay examples --

Introduction What's the problem? Examples of animals adapting to the environment have been known as far back as the case of the black peppered moths of England in the mid-1800s. In that case, entire populations of the black peppered moths were observed to change color in response to changes in their environment. More recently, bacteria have been known to develop resistance to antibiotic drugs, insects have developed various forms of resistance to insecticide, and plants have adapted to accommodate higher levels of heavy metals in the soil and water. The problem is that it is difficult to locate the genes that stimulate adaptation for three reasons: 1. Traits must be identified based on how they affect fitness and their ecological relevance. In other words, we need to find a trait that clearly makes a difference in whether or not the animal survives. 2. It is challenging to analyze phenotypes when there is little information known about genes. With the moths, nobody knows which of the moth's genes are responsible for the changes in color, so a genetic analysis is extremely difficult to do. 3. Most fitness-related traits are a mixture of many genes. This makes it hard to pin down the adaptations as a result of the actions of one gene. So where do the mice come in? Dr. Nachman's research explores the connection between genotype and coat color in four populations of rock pocket mice. Rock pocket mice live in rocky habitats in the southwest U.S. and northern Mexico. In the 1930s, classical studies revealed that there was a close correlation between the color of a mouse's coat, and the color of the rocks the mouse lived on. Light-colored mice... ...is mice, the alleles did not appear to be responsible for any changes in coat color. The similarity between coat color of the dark mice at Pinacate and the dark mice at Armendaris is probably due to convergent evolution. The Armendaris mice probably evolved the same adaptation (dark coat color) through a separate genetic mechanism. An interesting research project might be to determine the genetic basis of adaptation in the Armendaris population, and make comparisons. Any such results would be enormously useful in showing how evolution affects individual genes. References Nachman, Michael W. Hope E. Hoekstra, Susan L. D'Agostino. "The genetic basis of adaptive melanism in pocket mice." www.pnas.org/cgi/doi/10.1073/pnas.0431157100. Feb. 26, 2003. Purves,William K., et al. Life: The Science of Biology Sixth Edition. Massachusetts: Sinauer Assoicates, Inc. 2001.

Allerca cat

Creates truly unique products—the world’s first scientifically proven hypoallergenic cats. Genetically engineered, the medium sized ALLERCA GD cat weighs 10-15 pounds and is fully mature at age three. According to ALLERCA, the cats have long life expectancies and possess sweet and affectionate dispositions. For a price of about $3,000, you receive a 12-week-old kitten, complete with all shots and vaccinations, an embedded microchip identifier implant, and a one-year guarantee. Customers purchase kittens over the Internet and must pay approximately $1,000 for processing and transportation.The high shipping cost occurs because commercial air shipping is stressful to the animal; therefore, the kitten travels in a specialized private jet courier. According to ALLERCA, the current wait time for the ALLERCA GD kitten is approximately two years. Potential buyers may reduce their wait times to just a few months by paying $2,000 for one of the few kittens in the Premium Placemen t Program. This product is sold over the Internet. How can ALLERCA use Internet advertising technologies to reach its target market? (Visit the Internet Advertising Bureau at www.iab. net to learn about recent technologies. ). What might be the main objectives of advertising and pubic relations for ALLERCA and what factors will affect ALLERCA’s decision about its advertising and PR budgets? In addition to Internet marketing, what other advertising media and PR tools would you choose for promoting ALLERCA and its unique products? It is very important to identify the target market. The Allerca GD cats have a lot of benefits for the users including:- 1. They do not cause allergy as induced by other cats2. They could be beneficial to individuals with health problems such as asthma, psoriasis, skin rashes, etc, and who love cats. Such individuals who may be advised by the doctor not to keep cats in their homes may now do so without any health concerns 3. The life expectancy of suc h cats are longer 4. these cats are sweet and affectionate compared the generic ones 5. It is easier to identify these cats as they have a microchip embedded beneath their skin 6. The cats are free of disease and infections as they are vaccinated 7.The cats can be purchased over the internet and hence the customer does not have any hassle of going to the buyer and purchasing the cat 8. the Customer gets a guarantee that the cat is genetically modified and has the characteristics claimed to be possessed 9. The animal is given the best treatment as it is not transported by road or air cargo 10. The customer would get the cat earlier if needed a nominal amount is paid The internet strategy of reaching the target audience forms an important part of marketing in order to be successful. The first important step would be to identify the target market.Invariable the organization should involve this in their marketing plan. IF an individual who suffers from a medical condition such as asthma , and is also a feline-lover, he would be searching the electronic media (including radio, TV and the internet) of ways in which he could fulfill his desires. Hence, it important to the organization to identify the exact media that potential customers would be looking in so as to obtain the cats. Any ads placed by the company would be effective only if they reach the customers and match their interests.The company should also be aware that for any advertisement it would be placing in the media, a greater percentage of people would be noticing the ad but not responding to it. Hence, it is very important to have an ad which would catch the attention of the potential customers, who would also be ready to bear the costs of buying the product. One method of doing this would be to have repeated advertisements on the internet, in order to create awareness amongst the audience. Besides, the company should also focus on educating the customer.Such customers would potentially get motivated at purchasing the product (Search Engine Optimization and Beyond, 2008). One important point to not of the internet is that it is a very large means of communication and any advertisement that would be inserted would reach each and every corner of the globe. This does not make life any easier for the manufacturer as he has to search the global market for potential customers. Online survey sites are not able to provide details of the demographics and the type of customers that would be available at specific positions on the internet.Many companies are trying to map their customers on the internet, more often without much success. This is because many people who use the internet consider it to be a very unsafe place, prone for abuse and misuse, and hence may not be willing to give out their personal details. One way of reaching potential customers would be to have advertisements on websites that the target audience is identified. Newsletters that serve to help people needing appropriate products could also be utilized as a source of advertisements and educating the potential customers.Many of the online newsletters seem to have a good customer base, and involving the company producing these newsletters would be very effective in marketing the product over the internet. The company could also help the customers further by asking them their email addresses. Online forms placed at relevant websites could also be utilized by the company and would seem a more genuine and effective approach by the customers. Once the customer gets in touch with the company, a greater amount of interaction, clearing doubts, etc, is required.Online tracking services also seem to be a good approach by the company. If a visitor to the company’s website is having a doubt, then an online chat tool with the company executive could help to clear further doubts. This process is known as ‘web casting’. Besides this, forums, online communities, bulletin boards, etc, help the pe ople in search of getting a particular product or service from the right manufacturers (Search Engine Optimization and Beyond, 2008). Allerca would be having several objectives when it comes to marketing their product. These include:- †¢ Brand-building campaign†¢ Creating interest amongst the general public and the target market †¢ Providing information – in the form of education and awareness campaigns †¢ Creating demand for their product †¢ Reinforcing their brand (Know This, 2008). Some of the information that should be present in the advertisement include:- †¢ Information of the product †¢ Information of the price †¢ Information about other promotions †¢ Information about distribution of the product (Know This, 2008). Allerca could consider using e-mail marketing for their product. This is a very cost-effective form of marketing their products.However, studies have shown that more than 40 % of the people who utilize the interne t would ignore an advertisement sent to their email. Consumers need to know that the email being sent to them is safe and is from a genuine organization. Physical email could also be considered by Allerca but this may be costly and a difficult affair as the address of thousands of potential customers need be obtained from the right database. Studies in certain parts of the world suggest that newspaper and magazine advertisements would be one of the right ways of supplementing online advertisements.More than 34 % of the people in a survey felt that direct email was a mean of communication in which a relationship could be maintained, whereas 30 % felt that newspaper advertisements could help bring about a relationship (Tedeschi, 2001). Some of the PR tools that Allerca could consider utilizing include community relations activities, social marketing, event sponsorships and awareness campaigns. Event sponsorship seems to be an effective PR tool in this case. During the conductance of a relevant event, Allerca Company could create some awareness in the target audience though sponsorships and awareness campaigns.The target audience would be brought face to face with the manufacturer during this program. The company executives could realize the expectations of the company. Accordingly they could enter into contract with the consumer or consumer groups. The company would also get an idea of the competitors that may be present. The company can now begin to develop a strategy of competing with other companies. The company could hand out pamphlets, booklets and other material to the audience to ensure that they are educated about the product.It is also important for the company to follow-up with the potential customer after the event (Full Circle Associates, 1999). References: Full Circle Associates (1999). PR Tools and Techniques, Retrieved on June 7, 2008, from Full Circle Associates Web site: http://www. fullcirc. com/rlc/commrelationstips. htm Know This (2008). Prin ciples of Marketing – Setting the Advertising Objective, Retrieved on June 7, 2008, from Know This Web site: http://www. knowthis. com/tutorials/principles-of-marketing/managing-the-advertising-campaign/1. htm Search Engine Optimization and Beyond (2008).Identifying And Reaching Your Target Market, Retrieved on June 7, 2008, from Search Engine Optimization and Beyond Web site: http://search-engine-optimization-and-beyond. com/Customer-Centric-Website-Developement/Identifying-And-Reaching-Your-Target-Market. htm Tedeschi, B. (August 6, 2001). E-Commerce Report; online businesses are supplementing their fleet e-mailings with an old warhorse: direct mailings. Retrieved on June 7, 2008, from The NY Times Web site: http://query. nytimes. com/gst/fullpage. html? res=9501E5DF113CF935A3575BC0A9679C8B63