Medical microbiology Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words

Clinical microbiology - Assignment Example (ii) The most usually utilized stain for the gastric biopsy for the identification of H. pylori is the altered giemsa stain. Segments of the biopsy in a patient with gastritis would show epithelial harm and a summed up decline in the thickness of the bodily fluid layer. Dissolved territories of the stomach coating would likewise show the nearness of white platelets, for example, lymphocytes and neutrophils. A haematoxylin and eosin stain of an individual with incessant gastritis would show polymorphonuclear leucocytes meddling into the covering of the bodily fluid organ. Helicobacter pylori lives profound into the coating of the stomach divider, and as the polymorphonuclear cell can only with significant effort arrive at the site of disease, they discharge superoxide radicals which harms the stomach lining. A methylene blue stain of the area would recolor the H. pylori microorganisms blue and would present as little bend molded, winding microscopic organisms in the bodily fluid cover ing. (iii) 13C urea breath test is an exact, non-intrusive, straightforward test that can create results inside 20 minutes. Helicobacter pylori produces urease chemical which shapes the premise of 13C urea breath test. The patient is given a non-radioactive 13C urea to drink, which is separated into smelling salts and bicarbonate by the urease catalyst in Helicobacter pylori. Bicarbonate particles separate into Carbon dioxide and water in the acidic condition of the stomach. The 13C isotope containing carbondioxide is consumed into the circulation system and taken to the lungs to be lapsed. Readings are taken of the lapsed air and the outcomes are sent to the lab for Mass relationship spectrometry to be performed and levels of 13CO2 are resolved, which are equal with the nearness of Helicobacter pylori. (iv) A triple routine treatment is encouraged to the patient, which comprises of a proton siphon inhibitor (for example omeprazole) and two anti-infection agents (for example amoxicillin,

Business Ethics Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 6

Business Ethics - Essay Example It might be contended that the business proficient isn't exclusively liable for appropriate business direct, however the association can help moral conduct of a representative by laying set of principles which might be utilized for sure fire reference when the individual is uncertain of the stride ahead. Business morals doesn't have a run of the mill definition in light of the fact that the rightness or misleading quality of a conduct in business isn't concurred by all as ethically right or off-base, moral or unscrupulous, positive or negative. Morals has developed from old convention dependent on social, strict and philosophical convictions. Business morals is a pugnacious subject with contradictions emitting because of its dynamism, multifaceted nature and relationship in business. Business tasks as a rule include bargain. There are two fundamental perspectives about business morals: (a) business morals is indistinguishable from individual or different morals and (b) business won't be more moral than the individuals who direct business. There are sure suspicions that structure the reason for business moral and untrustworthy business lead. It is expected that benefit isn't the main thought process of business, rivalry drives people to disregard morals, strain to bargain morals happens regularly at lower and center administration levels, an individual who act morally has a legitimate individual code, morals is most noteworthy among most youthful and those in the last phases of their professions, people with moral better tend than carry on morally, working environment weights to display execution can prompt untrustworthy conduct and more chiefs and representatives recognize their moral conduct with the approaches of their organization(Lewis, P.V. 1985 p.377-383). A few researchers characterize morals as an investigation into the grounds and nature of profound quality where ethical quality is considered as norms, moral decisions and rules of direct. The disarray in understanding morals is because of the powerlessness to decide correctly the different components of business morals and

A peek at MPA-DP summer field placements, fall retreat COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog

A peek at MPA-DP summer field placements, fall retreat COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY - SIPA Admissions Blog **Correction: It seems that our blogging platform has a mind of its own when it comes to homonyms (peek vs. peak) We apologize for this obvious mistake and hope you wont hold it against WordPress (or us).   As a second-year graduate student in the Master of Public Administration in Development Practice (MPA-DP)  program, I have many long, grueling hours under my belt spent in the many nooks and crannies of Lehman Library. Luckily, I’ve had great classmates (and now best friends) to work by my side. Mariela Maccado,  MPA-DP 16, is one of my classmates and truly an intelligent and inspiring emerging development practitioner. Mariela Machado Fantacchiotti Prior to SIPA, Mariela was a telecommunications engineer with five years of work experience. Through the MPA-DP program, Mariela has  combined her previous telecommunications-engineering education and experience with recent development studies. Mariela  has accomplished a lot at SIPA, so I wanted to share with you a little bit about how the MPA-DP program has supported her efforts. I came [to SIPA]  to learn how to design, deploy and make a project sustainable overtime, while at the same time addressing the social and economic needs, Mariela says.  She later applied that newfound knowledge to her  three-month summer field placement at Inveneo  in  San Francisco,  which is  a nonprofit social enterprise that delivers the tools of technologysustainable computing and broadbandto those who need it most in the developing world in order to transform lives through better education, healthcare, economic opportunities and faster relief. There she worked alongside their engineering department, studying drones for Inveneo’s upcoming Drones 4 Good project, and researching Internet policies and laws in Cuba focusing on information and communication technologies (ICT) development and freedom of speech.  MPA-DP prepared me to understand development in a broader sense, Mariela adds. I could now understand sustainability taking into considerations all the different axis, from human centered design to ME post implementation plan. Thus, I was able to give Inveneo a new perspective on how to design, implement and measure ICT4D projects. To learn about other summer placements from 2010-2015, please check out our Summer Field Placements Map. All of the summer placements on the map were introduced  to the incoming students at the MPA-DP annual fall retreat. Held every year within the first month of school, the fall retreat is open to both first and second-year students, and it takes place in upstate New York. Considering the MPA-DP program is small by design,  the retreat is a key programmatic milestone in building up both the unique MPA-DP spirit and a strong cohort community at the beginning of the academic year. More than  80 students attended the retreat this September (pictured above). It’s a great kick-off event to the fall semester and provides an opportunity for the students to learn about program offerings, as well as to get to know each other and chat informally with the program staff. For more information on the summer placements this year, or about the annual MPA-DP retreat, please feel free to email sipa_mpadp@sipa.columbia.edu. [Photo courtesy of Annum Hussain]

How to Calculate Activation Energy

Activation energy is the amount of energy that needs to be supplied in order for a chemical reaction to proceed. The example problem below demonstrates how to determine the activation energy of a reaction from reaction rate constants at different temperatures. Activation Energy Problem A second-order reaction was observed. The  reaction rate constant at three degrees Celsius was found to be 8.9 x 10-3 L/mol and 7.1 x 10-2 L/mol at 35 degrees Celsius. What is the activation energy of this reaction? Solution The  activation energy can be determined using the equation:ln(k2/k1) Ea/R x (1/T1 - 1/T2)whereEa the activation energy of the reaction in J/molR the ideal  gas constant 8.3145 J/K ·molT1 and T2 absolute temperatures (in Kelvin)k1 and k2 the reaction rate constants at T1 and T2 Step 1: Convert temperatures from degrees Celsius to KelvinT degrees Celsius 273.15T1 3 273.15T1 276.15 KT2 35 273.15T2 308.15 Kelvin Step 2 - Find Ealn(k2/k1) Ea/R x (1/T1 - 1/T2)ln(7.1 x 10-2/8.9 x 10-3) Ea/8.3145 J/K ·mol x (1/276.15 K - 1/308.15 K)ln(7.98) Ea/8.3145 J/K ·mol x 3.76 x 10-4 K-12.077 Ea(4.52 x 10-5 mol/J)Ea 4.59 x 104 J/molor in kJ/mol, (divide by 1000)Ea 45.9 kJ/mol Answer: The activation energy for this reaction is 4.59 x 104 J/mol or 45.9 kJ/mol. How to Use a Graph to Find Activation Energy Another way to calculate the activation energy of a reaction is to graph ln k (the rate constant) versus 1/T (the inverse of the temperature in Kelvin). The plot will form a straight line expressed by the equation: m - Ea/R where m is the slope of the line, Ea is the activation energy, and R is the ideal gas constant of 8.314 J/mol-K. If you took temperature measurements in Celsius or Fahrenheit, remember to convert them to Kelvin before calculating 1/T and plotting the graph. If you were to make a plot of the energy of the reaction versus the reaction coordinate, the difference between the energy of the reactants and the products would be ΔH, while the excess energy (the part of the curve above that of the products) would be the activation energy. Keep in mind, while most reaction rates increase with temperature, there are some cases where the rate of reaction decreases with temperature. These reactions have negative activation energy. So, while you should expect activation energy to be a positive number, be aware that its possible for it to be negative as well. Who Discovered Activation Energy? Swedish scientist Svante Arrhenius proposed the term activation energy in 1880 to define the minimum energy needed for a set of chemical reactants to interact and form products. In a diagram, activation energy is graphed as the height of an energy barrier between two minimum points of potential energy. The minimum points are the energies of the stable reactants and products. Even exothermic reactions, such as burning a candle, require energy input. In the case of combustion, a lit match or extreme heat starts the reaction. From there, the heat evolved from the reaction supplies the energy to make it self-sustaining.

The Issue Of Gun Ownership - 1529 Words

As time has progressed, the issue of gun ownership has become more and more of a debate. With the development of new technology that can lead to devastating destruction, it is extremely difficult to overlook the harm that this weaponry could ensue on the safety of our nation. As stated in the second amendment of the constitution of the United States, â€Å"The right of the people to keep and bear Arms, shall not be infringed.† The framers, however, could never have known the potential for destruction that our present weaponry can cause. So, the question to this day has been, to what degree should the infringement of our right to bear arms be prevented? There are many different possible answers to this question, however, to me, only one†¦show more content†¦However, banning these weapons will not end this conflict as a whole. This question cannot be answered as black and white as people want it to, because technology is constantly developing, thus changing the ar ms that people may have in the future. In the same way that the framers could never have anticipated the current day weaponry, we could never anticipate the weaponry that may be developed one hundred years from now. For example, theoretically, if the United States were to ban the use of any automatic weapons, some problems may be halted for now. However, if in fifty years from now, a new form of weaponry that can fire nuclear missiles from a handgun is released, this problem will simply restart again because now more restrictions have to be put in place. However, by giving the government the ability to halt the civilian exposure to these weapons in the first place, similar problems will not occur because the weaponry will never fall in civilian hands. Other people seem to uphold the opinion that the right to bear arms is outdated and we should get rid of the amendment completely in order to ensure that everyone is safe. Their belief is that you should not have to stop a â€Å" bad person† with a gun by risking a â€Å"good person† with a gun. They think that if nobody were to own guns in the first place, there would never be problems at all. However, this argument is not completely logical for a number of reasons. First of

Doggy Care Executive Summary Free Essays

â€Å"Doggie steps† is a pet business venture, which aims to be set as a leading example in booming business of pet care markets. The operations of the company will be modelled on the basis of innovation, strategic acquisition and brand growth. With a fantastic portfolio of human resources and products which we are intensely passionate about, we will delight growing number of customers in gurgaon with great care every single day. We will write a custom essay sample on Doggy Care Executive Summary or any similar topic only for you Order Now Everything we do will be channelled by the company’s philosophy of care, innovation, customer centricity and intense passion. This report will outline the initial steps to meet the company’s objectives and goals. This report has been formulated after collecting individual insights from key players of the company; which will be instrumental in establishing the company â€Å"Doggie steps†. Our report begins with an overview related to the key events and the developments that has aided the company founders to set up this business venture. In this section, the readers will be able to relate the company’s vision to the significant details of the market. Strategic approach to needs and reasons for choosing a location has been summarised in this section. A brief account of the market related figures has been provided in the market analysis section of the report. This section will also broach upon the current gaps in the market that needs proper attention. The next section will explain how the company is going to provide value to the customers. A six step plan, which has been formulated by the company founders, has been provided in this section. The company aims to win market share by practicing the six step plan. Also a detailed marketing mix comprising key characteristics has been explained in detail to complement and help us meet our goals with respect to the six step plan. The following sections- pricing and distribution channels has been supported with facts and figures that will be implemented by the company to start up the operations of our business venture. The next section, planning, is explained in detail to provide a clear view of the strategies that will be executed to abide by our mission and eventually realize our vision. This section will illustrate that the company has a bold ambition to build a national framework by entering new markets, unconquered markets and with service that will be differentiated and practiced on the scale of world class delivery. The planning section has been divided into sales and financial to provide a clear understanding of the amount that will be invested and the consequential return on investment that will be stipulated for the company. The financial planning section has been formulated with the help of well known business strategists in the market of pet care. Accounting records has also been provided in this section to help the reader analyze the probability of profits and minimization of losses for the company on account of the initial expenditures. The section operational plan has requisite conditions specified for the type of customers that the company is going to cater to. These conditions has been made based on the historical records of the pet care activities which included damages caused by the unruly behaviour of different species of dogs that had been catered to. Health related specifications in the conditions, mentioned in the section have also been provided based on the advice of veterinarians and members of animal council organizations. A schedule for the operational activities has also been provided in this section to help the customers to understand the different services offered at different times. The company aims to deliver exceptional service by employing qualified personnel’s. The report will also identify the reasons, why doggie steps as a company will be embracing talented professionals to provide high class of service in the city of Gurgaon. The section- human resource and human – resource policies have been made after indentifying the needs of the company and the goals that the company is aspiring for. A brief explanation of the job profiles of each valuable participant of our operation has been outlined to help the readers understand the amount of care and service that our customer will be given. At the end of the report, policies have been explained in brief to give an account of the codes and conduct that will be practices by our company. Finally, this report is an account of the business operations of a newly formed company that will be looking to enhance its prospects in the coming years. Several key strategies instrumental for the success of our company is formulated on the aspect; a new company entering a growing sector and aspirations to reach new heights in the field of pet-care. The founders of the company are aspiring to build a national brand by focussing on innovation, processes, distribution and people. In each section of this report, the aforementioned characteristics will be the basis to explain the strategies, figures and goals for the company. Through this report, we would like to encourage our business partners and customers to share our vision and join us on our mission. How to cite Doggy Care Executive Summary, Papers

How much sympathy does the reader feel towards Curleys wife free essay sample

Curley’s wife is a character in the novel â€Å"Of mice and men† set in California and written in 1937 by John Steinbeck. She is the only woman on a ranch of itinerant working men, and because of this she gets treated by each man in a different manner. Most of the men treat her in a negative way, therefore causing different degrees of sympathy from the reader. Sympathy implies that the reader feels an emotional connection towards the character. Her unhappy marriage to the boss’s son causes her great loneliness and unhappiness as she tries, in vain, to find someone to talk to on the ranch. The reader may feel certain degrees of sympathy for Curleys wife due to the fact that the ranch workers are always talking behind her back. This is shown when Candy is talking about her to George and Lennie in the bunkhouse when they arrive. We will write a custom essay sample on How much sympathy does the reader feel towards Curleys wife? or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page He states that he thinks â€Å"Curley’s married a tart†. This quotation could cause very strong feelings against Curley’s wife, as she seems to have a reputation amongst the men for being flirtatious. The noun â€Å"tart† might infer that Curley’s wife is a promiscuous character who flirts with all of the ranch workers. It could also imply that she is always ‘tarted up’ and making an effort to look attractive in front of the men. Candy’s opinion seems harsh, which could portray the ranch worker’s extremely negative feelings towards Curley’s wife, as they assume she is a flirtatious attention seeker. However, the reader may feel sympathetic towards Curley’s wife because she is labelled as a â€Å"tart† and so the ranch workers don’t look past her appearance to get to know her personality. In this quotation, Candy pauses before completing the phrase, which could suggest that he is apprehensive towards voicing his opinion about Curley’s wife. This would be understandable, as most of the ranch workers seem intimidated by Curley and insulting his wife may result in a fight or losing their job. Some might think that this quotation reveals that Curley’s wife is incredibly lonely, as the ranch workers are prejudiced against her from the minute they get to the ranch, so this implies that it must be hard for her to make friends. She is the only woman on the ranch and seems to have trouble fitting in. She may be seen as very glamorous and she could like to get dressed up for fun, as it would make her feel like a movie star, which is her dream. Overall, I think this quotation causes a high level of sympathy from the reader towards Curley’s wife, because the ranch workers judge her and don’t try to get to know her personality. The judgement as to whether Curley’s wife is malicious or kind lies with the reader’s perception of her character’s description and actions in the novella. When Curley’s wife first appears in the novel in the bunkhouse scene, the reader is presented with an in-depth description of her appearance with multiple references to the colour red. This is expressed through quotations like â€Å"she had full rouged lips† and â€Å"her fingernails were painted red†. These declarative phrases could imply that she is an evil temptress who is not to be trusted and attracts lots of attention, which could be either wanted or unwanted on her part. Contrary to this, the colour â€Å"red† is a passionate, loving colour which could present her as a kind, affectionate character. The adjective â€Å"red† is however sometimes associated with the devil and malice, which links to the bible, as evil was introduced into the world when Eve was tempted by the snake, so by dressing in red Curley’s wife could be presenting herself as a temptation to the male ranch workers throughout the novella. Also, Curley’s wife has some aspects of her personality that imply softness, for example â€Å"little bouquets of red ostrich feathers†. These â€Å"feathers† are a significant part of Curley’s wife’s appearance, because the reader knows of Lennie’s fascination and admiration of soft objects. This feature of her appearance could portray a more attractive personality because the â€Å"ostrich feathers† create a gentle, toned-down persona for her character, which may cause a higher level of sympathy from the reader because the ranch workers treat her as if she is repulsive and manipulative, which could be a prejudice based on her appearance. Towards the end of her initial introduction, Curleys wife addresses George â€Å"playfully†, with could portray her as an intentionally promiscuous character. She is known around the ranch for teasing the male ranch workers and being apparently disloyal to Curley. The adjective â€Å"playfully† could cause the reader to feel unsympathetic towards Curleys wife, because she may give the men false hope by flirting and acting in a promiscuous way when she is around them. On the other hand, Curleys wife flirting could be interpreted as unintentional, harmless conversations and friendships between her and the ranchworkers. This would be understandable because as she mentions later in the novella in Crooks’ room, she gets â€Å"awful lonely† on the ranch. Curleys wife is seen by everyone on the ranch as a sexual object, due to her makeup and clothes. Whenever she tries to interact with any of the workers, they assume she is flirting and spread rumours about her, however she may just be a lonely woman on a ranch full of men. Curley regards her as an item that he possesses ownership over, and so he is always looking for her to make sure she isn’t with any of the other men. This shows that Curley doesn’t trust his wife, and so their relationship and marriage isn’t a happy one. In chapter four, the ranch workers go out to a brothel in the local town, leaving Lennie, Crooks, Candy and Curley’s wife at the ranch. In Crooks’ room, where the men are talking, Curley’s wife comes in and states that â€Å"They left all the weak ones here†, which shows the hierarchy of the ranch and highlights the fact that nobody wants to be with the â€Å"weak ones† at the bottom of the hierarchy. The reader may feel highly unsympathetic towards Curley’s wife because she says cruel, cutting things when she can. She says that â€Å"they left all the weak ones here†, but it isn’t clear whether she is including herself in that group or not. If she meant to include herself, the reader may feel sympathetic towards her because she feels that she is a weak person at the bottom of the hierarchy. This reflects the way she is treated by the male population on the ranch because she is constantly put down and distrusted when she just wants to make friends. On the other hand, if she was leaving herself out of â€Å"the weak ones† group, this may cause the reader to feel unsympathetic towards her because she is offending Candy, Crooks and Lennie, when they haven’t purposely done anything to offend or anger her. This quotation could also cause the reader to feel unsympathetic towards Curleys wife because she has two different personalities. When she is around Curley and other people who are higher in the hierarchy, she lets them disrespect her and treat her in a negative manner, however when she is around people who are lower in the hierarchy than her, she brings out a side to her that is evil and cutting, and so would make the reader feel unsympathetic towards her. However, this may make the reader feel sympathetic towards her because she never gets the chance to look down on anyone, she is always treated like she is the lowest of the low, therefore she makes the most of being higher while she can.

Thatcher and Blair Essay Example For Students

Thatcher and Blair Essay Introduction With the campaign New Labour Because Britain Deserves Better, it appeared that the new look of the Labour Party was so promising that most Britons have poured their votes for the Labour Party, and Tony Blair and his family moved to stay at the 10th Downing Street. It is said that the New Labour won the election, because they have tried to understand what British people wanted. Like it or not, the New Labour has simply followed Margaret Thatchers achievements. Moreover, Tony Blair and his aides have consistently used Thatcherite rhetoric to strengthen his New credentials such as the use of No turning back and No, no, no. (The Guardian, April 20, 1999) Thus, based on the assumption that the Left Wing has adopted the Right Wing policies, this report attempts to find differences and similarities of Mrs. Margaret Thatchers and Mr. Tony Blairs domestic and foreign affairs policies as well as the impacts on Britain. Background The United Kingdom is a constitutional monarchy and a parliamentary democracy. Its constitution is partly unwritten and flexible. Also, politics in Britain is a two-party politics, and the system of British government is built around the existence of competing political parties, having distinctive policies and views, particularly The Conservative Party and the Labour Party, which are the dominant parties nowadays. To understand the management policies, it is worth looking into the political philosophy of both rival parties. The Conservative Party? The Conservative Party or formally National Union of Conservative and Unionist Associations is a right-of-centre political party. It is the heir and continuation of the old Tory Party, members of which began forming Conservation Association after Britains first Reform Act of 1832, extended electoral rights to the middle class. Formed by Sir Robert Peel in 1834, the first Conservative government announced the reform of abuse; the importance of law and order and of the police; orderly system of taxation, and the importance of both landed interests and of trade and industry. Among former Conservative Prime Ministers, there are two well-known persons, who shall be mentioned here. Firstly, during World War II, The Conservative Party dominated national office and Winston Churchill (later became Sir Winston) led Britain to victory in 1945. Secondly, Margaret Thatcher (b. 13 Oct 1925) and later being made as Baroness Thatcher of Kesteven was the first European and British Prime Minister (1979-1990). Not only did she win three consecutive terms in the 20th century, but she also was Britains longest-serving Prime Minister since 1827. Being called as Iron Lady, Thatcher pursued the policies mainly on reengineering of public sectors, monetarism, and privatization of state-own enterprises. In 1990 her policies regarding European monetary and political integration caused doubts within the party and forced her resign from the Conservative Party leadership. The Labour Party? Founded in 1906, The Labour Party was originally formed to provide a distinct Labour group and interests inside Parliament. The party is comprised of trade unions, socialist and co-operative groups, providing its membership and income. The party dogma and beliefs are based on the idea of equality (classless society), the state involvement in society, public ownership of major industries, and high level of public expenditure and taxation. (Sallis, 1982: 47) It is noteworthy that the party has put the notion of the system of welfare benefits in form of the National Health Service into operation, including the system of social securities benefits. However, when Blair has become the party leader in 1994, he has adjusted the Labour Party standpoint by calling for the party to move to the political centre (no longer a left-centre-party) and de-emphasize its traditional advocacy of state control and public ownership. Plus, colourful policies were announced: free enterprise, anti-inflationary poli cies, aggressive crime prevention, and support for Britains integration into the European economy. Based on the assumption that Britons were getting fed up with the Conservative Party, ruling uninterruptedly for 18 years and wanted a change, the Labour achieved a landslide victory over the Conservatives in the General Election on 1 May 1997 and Blair became the Prime Minister. Differences and Similarities It is likely that although the political beliefs of the Conservative and the Labour Party are on the opposite corners, their policies do have, more or less, some similarities. Topics of domestic foreign affairs policies of both parties and the impacts on Britain, particularly during Thatchers and Blairs periods will be discussed hereunder. 1. Domestic Policies Basically, the British government will take care of their people since they were born, go to school, get sick, get sacked and get old. To extend this point, Britain has the social-securities system, which provides financial aids for sickness, maternity, disability, unemployment, old-age, invalidity and survivor pensions. The National Health Service (NHS), established in 1948, offers free medical services to the public through a network of more than 2,000 hospitals. The Environmental agency sees to air quality since 1956. The government also handles the housing. Education is compulsory and free for children between the ages of 5 to 16. Even business, several important industries belong to the government. It is obvious that the British governments have had close involvements with their people for years. Margaret Thatchers Home Policies? During early 80s, Britain was faced with the effects of a world economic recession, with high unemployment rate and strikes from the unions. It was Mrs. Thatcher who set out to end socialism in Britain, after the Labour Party ruled the country for 6 previous years. She tackled the problems step by step- making secondary strikes and boycotts illegal, providing for fines, a llocation of union funds, for the violation of law and taking measures for ending the closed shop . As the Prime Minister, she declared manifesto promises, which were reducing inflation, keeping independent nuclear deterrent, remaining a member of EC, and lowering the rates of income tax. Being a neoliberal wing of the party, Mrs. Thatcher took a new line of policy called monetarism and later internationally known as Thatcherism (Metcalfe Richards, 1987: 1). It means authorities should control the supply of money and any attempts to tune the economy by fiscal means should be abandoned. At the same time, the PM planed to reduce the number of civil servants and privatize selected areas of government activities. Notably, these policies can be considered as innovations of the century and continue to having impacts on Britain today. Not to miss, further details are as follows: Monetarism or Thatcherism? It was believed that once the inflation was tackled, the unemployment problem would be automatically solved. Thus, the reduction of inflation was her main priority. By stating Rolling back the frontiers of the state, The PM had commitments that the government should get off the backs of its citizens and taxpayers and every effort should be made to give incentives to private sectors wealth creation as against public sector wealth consumption (ibid). Now, questions may be raised as to where the policies were from. It is interesting that during Mrs. Thatcher sat on the frontbench in the Green Room, she had a terrific backup team. She set up Policy Unit at the 10 Downing Street as her own private think tank. There were Keith Joseph, Sir John Hoskyns, David Wolfson (a computer expert), Sir Alan Walters, an economic professor and Sir Derek Rayner (CEO at Marks Spencer). In making the control of inflation, the Thatcher government adopted Keynesian economic policies and monetarism. It is assumed that a Keynesian approach will use public sector resources to stimulate econo mic activities through the investment in the infrastructure, whereas a monetarist approach will neutralize the economic effects of public spending so that market forces could operate more freely (Derbyshire, 1984: 168). Administrative Reform? Thatcherism also included a clear political commitment to reduce the size of the civil service and increase the efficiency of government. The programme to improve management and efficiency in government was led by Sir Rayner, and later was known as the Rayner Unit or Raynerism. First of all, 100,000 civil service jobs were cut. Secondly, senior officials had to learn skills of managing resources and improve departmental performance. The matter of fact was that the Prime Minister herself wanted to see both the improvement in government departments and the attitude behaviour changes of the civil servants (Metcalfe Richards, 1987: 2-3) Privatization? The British government has an important stake in industry, such as British National Oil, Atomic Energy Authority, British Steel, British Shipbuilders, or British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) and others. Some major public enterprises have been privatized, and others are in the process of being prepared for privatization. The privatized ones were British Rail, British Aerospace, British Telecommunications, as well as British Petroleum. The Conservative Party believed that not only the public sector of industry was largely inefficient and lacks the cutting edge of competition, which private enterprises had, but the government should not own industry. To reduce the subsidies for them (and to provide additional sources of finance) and to produce considerable revenues for the government, Mrs. Thatcher promoted the privatization of these industries. Hence, it should be noted that the term public enterprise refers to those industries, which produce good and services for sale and owned by the government, in other words, the governments ownership on behalf of the general public. Unlik e public limited companies, the term public means that shares in them are available for sale to the general public. However, some government-owned industries, like Roll Royce, British Leyland are in the form of public limited companies. It is obviously seen that Mrs. Thatchers policies had a close relationship to each other and each affected one another, and because of this single-party rule over a long period, it was possible for the government to implement a series of reforms. In her later years, she extended her Thatcher revolution from the economics of finance and industry into new area of social policy, through the further privatization of education, health care, and housing. Tony Blairs Home Policies? To bluntly put, when Mr. Blair became the Prime Minister in 1997, most works have been done, prepared to be done or in the process, since Mrs. Thatchers time. It was likely that the fundamental structures of the country were already laid. Although problems and conflicts happened, they were finally solved, by either Mr. Major or even Mr. Blair. Therefore, there were little changes in the policies, except the sequences of priorities. Based on the Labour Partys manifesto promises for the last General Election, the Labour stated that education was the first priority; the rates of income tax would not change; a stable economic growth with low inflation would be promoted; the young unemployed should be off the benefit and into work; the National Health Service would be rebuilt; strong families and communities would be promoted; environment would be safeguarded, and last but not least the House of Lords must be reformed. When compared with Mrs. Thatchers policies, it was shown that the Labour policies covered no change on income tax rates, low inflation, unemployment. On the one hand, although these policies were quite similar with those policies of Tory, the priorities were different. On the other hand, the home policies of the Tory did not touch topics of educat ion (despite of the fact that it was the number one task for the Labour), health service, families and communities (such as problem of homelessness), life in the rural areas and environment, whereas the domestic policies of the Labour did not cover privatization and the state reengineering. It is explicit that the Labour Party emphasized social policies more than the economic policies, and it was the government duties to work on them. 2. Foreign Affairs Policies International relationships have always been essential to Britains well-being In the past, it was due to its overseas Empire and its dominance in world affairs. But today it is because of the importance of international trade and finance to the economy. It can be said that the international policies of Thatcher and Blair share some similarities and differences. Consider the roles of Britain toward NATO as an example. The first similar view is about NATO. Mrs. Thatcher always affirmed Britains strong commitment to NATO, and B ritains independent nuclear deterrent. Similarly, Mr. Blair also has made it clear that NATO will remain the ultimate guarantor of Britains defense. Another resemblance is the roles of Britain in the international conflicts. In 1982, the governments response to the Argentinian invasion of the Falkland Island, by dispatching a naval task force to replant the Union Flag in Port Standley, restored it to popular favour, and helped Mrs. Thatcher to win the General Election in 1983. Likewise, it is Mr. Blairs intention to bring Britain to the front role of the global situations. It is said that in the manifesto that Britain cannot be strong at home if it is weak abroad. Recently, being called as an American truer friend by George W. Bush, Mr. Blair supported and stood side by side with the United States against the terrorists. Perhaps, this will bring positive votes to the Labour Party for the next General Election. As for the difference of the international policies, it can be seen from the parties views toward British membership of the European Community. Britain was reluctant to join the European Economic Community (EEC) since 1957, and it took the country 16 years to make the final decision and became a member of the EEC. Again, history repeats itself. Although Britain has been a member of European Union (EU), there are pro-European and Eurosceptic arguments. The Conservative Party thought that Britain should remain a member, but with caution. Mrs. Thatcher doubted and disagreed to integrate the Pound into a common European currency. In contrast, the Labour Party held an extreme idea by wanting the country to withdraw from EU. In addition, Mr. Blair said in 1997 that we would not join in any fudge single currency I know exact what the British people feel when they see the Queens head on a ?10 note. I feel it too. However, this very Mr. Blair is changing his mind. Recently, he and his party have launched several Pro-European campaigns by putting that Europe today is not an ideology but a lived experience that most people never want to do without again . The root of the doubts is that Britain has never been fully in the EU from the beginning, then they have never been able to have a chance to draw up the rules whether of the EUs budget, the Common Agricultural Policy, the European Monetary System, the Exchange Rate Mechanism or even the euro. For these reasons, Mr. Blair has made it clear that even the idea of taking Britain into the euro is unpopular, he will recommend it, if it is the right thing to do. 3. Impacts on Britain It is remarkable that the results of Thatcherism were so spectacular and popular that it took the Labour Party 4 election defeats. Certainly, her domestic policies management has various impacts on Britain and British people more than those of Mr. Blair. To begin with, her commitment to improve the quality and efficiency of the civil service creates benefits to general public. Likewise, it helps the state organization s to compete with the private organizations. Secondly, the privatization of the state enterprises made a decade ago brings about better services to all walks of life nowadays. For example, the services and fees of British Telecom are more competitive to the public. Although British Rail usual causes problems, the market mechanism will control the problems. No one likes changes, and it takes time to accept them. Inevitably, Thatcherism also caused social impacts. It gave birth to a society of Filofax, and mobile phone yuppies- a new class drawn from a cross section of other classes, backgrounds and educations. Most people enjoyed new opportunities and well-beings. In comparison, Mr. Blair has done many things, but nothing is new. Yet, his policy toward the euro will surely affect Britain, and it remains to be seen. Summary It is believed that all governments, no matter they are Conservative, Labour or Liberal, have worked for the best interests of the country. Time changes, and peopl e changes. Changes are also seen in the Labour Party. Presumably, it is for the best of the people. Later on, we will see changes in the Conservative Party. Things and people have to change to survive. However, power is mortal, but what people glory is immortal. References 1. Derbyshire, J. Dennis (1984) An Introduction to Public Administration, Berkshire: MaGraw-Hill 2. Metcalfe, Les and Richards, Sue (1987) Improving Public Management London: Sage 3. Sallis, Edwards (1982) The Machinery of Government Sussex: Holt, Rinehart ; Winston 4. The Guardian from the web. .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 , .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .postImageUrl , .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .centered-text-area { min-height: 80px; position: relative; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 , .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010:hover , .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010:visited , .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010:active { border:0!important; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .clearfix:after { content: ""; display: table; clear: both; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 { display: block; transition: background-color 250ms; webkit-transition: background-color 250ms; width: 100%; opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #95A5A6; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010:active , .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010:hover { opacity: 1; transition: opacity 250ms; webkit-transition: opacity 250ms; background-color: #2C3E50; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .centered-text-area { width: 100%; position: relative ; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .ctaText { border-bottom: 0 solid #fff; color: #2980B9; font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; margin: 0; padding: 0; text-decoration: underline; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .postTitle { color: #FFFFFF; font-size: 16px; font-weight: 600; margin: 0; padding: 0; width: 100%; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .ctaButton { background-color: #7F8C8D!important; color: #2980B9; border: none; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: none; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 26px; moz-border-radius: 3px; text-align: center; text-decoration: none; text-shadow: none; width: 80px; min-height: 80px; background: url(https://artscolumbia.org/wp-content/plugins/intelly-related-posts/assets/images/simple-arrow.png)no-repeat; position: absolute; right: 0; top: 0; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010:hover .ctaButton { background-color: #34495E!important; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .centered-text { display: table; height: 80px; padding-left : 18px; top: 0; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010 .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010-content { display: table-cell; margin: 0; padding: 0; padding-right: 108px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 100%; } .ue9eca18c5399166ad02cb305c1f95010:after { content: ""; display: block; clear: both; } READ: Illiad Essay We will write a custom essay on Thatcher and Blair specifically for you for only $16.38 $13.9/page Order now

Drunkdriving essays

Drunkdriving essays Driving under the influence of alcohol have affected and devastated countless of peoples lives. Driving under the influence is one of the most dangerous situations you can put yourself or someone else into. The evidence against driving while intoxicated is massive and it has left a long trail of broken dreams and lives. If you drink and drive, not only do you possibly put yourself at risk, but your passengers and pedestrians, and other people on the roads. According to the most recent statistics by the National Commission Against Drunk Driving is that 17, 000 Americans die each year in alcohol-related traffic crashes and 600,000 Americans are injured. (National Commission Against Drunk Driving, 2003). Thats an average of one fatality every thirty minutes. Just think about that. Every thirty minutes someones life is cut short and families are devastated. These victims could easily be your friends, relatives, or neighbors. The majority of the injuries related to the alcohol-related cra shes are not just cuts and bruises, people got paralyzed, severely disfigured, or lost the ability to live a normal life, work, or play with their children and now rely heavily on the aid of others. The reasons why alcohol and driving do not mix are plenty. The body is a very complicated organism is everything in it has to go just right for it to function properly. Alcohol only affects how your body functions negatively. Alcohol is a downer that reduces activity in the central nervous system. The person exhibits loss muscle tone, loss of fine motor coordination, and often have drunken gait. (Camping Survival, 2003). Depression and alcohol also do not mix. When people get depressed from everyday life they have the tendency to do succumb to the easy but temporary solution of alcohol. When people are depress and drink, a beer is live a potato chip, you cannot have just one. After drinking people usually feel pleasure and...

IT Trends Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

IT Trends - Essay Example Various organizations such as Gartner and Juniper have listed some of the top technological trends that are leading in the field of information systems. This section will briefly explain two major trends from the two firms According to Gartner, the arrival of Windows 8 made battles related to mobile devices as one of the top technological trend for the year 2012 and 2013. Gartner claimed that the conflict among the vendors to have full attention from the consumers had forced IT managers to be heterogeneous. It was predicted that by the year 2013, mobile phones would overtake personal computers, mostly among those workers whose jobs required them to do so though a few still require the PCs. The rise of mobile devices signaled the end of PCs as well as Windows as the only corporate platform. This means that by 2015, it is highly likely that Windows 8 will be lagging behind Apple and Android, reducing Microsoft’s share (Miller par.4). The mobile money has attracted immense attention and related services have been diversifying and growing rapidly. According to Juniper, the environment in Asia and Africa has led to an increased uptake of mobile money oriented service, leading to the development of other services such as product tracking (Koetsier par. 3). In successfully adopting mobile devices in organizations, it is important to first understand some of the drawbacks such as loss of data and insecurity. In this case, there is a need to provide a strategy or framework for mobile users to work in a secure manner, including the use of applications with business oriented data at prescribed entries to heighten cost savings. Consequently, this will unleash innovation and easily solve business related problems. Another way of effectively adopting mobile devices in businesses is by heavily investing in IT. If the IT staff does not have the ability to support the devices, it is essential to outsource external support to ensure that users have someone they

Theory paper Term Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Theory - Term Paper Example Activists in international associations seek to influence outcomes of policy as well as change the terms and the character of debate. The various attributes of networks constitute core network conception represented in Keck and Sikkink theory of transnational activism. One of the key values to the theory is values, which motivate network actors to work together because of shared values or principle idea embedded in international human rights laws. Keck and Sikkink works revolve around ideas or values to diffuse progressive ideas in order to aid institutionalize value in political process and bring government practice to comply with established norms. Network is made of various types of actors like international and domestic non-governmental organizations, private foundations, local movements, media, churches, intellectuals and parts of governmental apparatus and politicians. Hence, international and domestic NGOs play a significant role since they are characterized by coordination an d cooperation between actors in the network and exchange information, services, resources and personnel (Tang 229-230). Transnational human rights associations are capable of doing a lot in guaranteeing the protection of human rights. For instance, transnational human rights network participate in drafting international human rights laws, advocate and diffuse norms inherent in laws and promote socialization of norms in domestic politics. Moreover, transnational networks place human rights problems of a nation on the international agenda, legitimize and empower the claims of repressed groups in a country and mobilizes international pressure against nations that violate the norms. Since most members in transnational activism networks have no economic or military power, one may wonder how transnational activism accomplishes their task in a world filled with power struggles. First, actors in transnational activism derive moral authority from the legitimacy inherent in international norm s of human rights. Since ideas and norms have constructive power to define state identities and interests transnational activists use their persuasive power to enforce policy changes. Transnational activists are â€Å"teachers of norms† as well as authors of norms thus they persuade policy makers to change their minds regarding what is right and alter public perception of what governments do. Hence, transnational activism makes difference by standing on the right side and defining what is right (Tang 231-232). Nevertheless, moral power of transnational activists never guarantees moral success in actual political processes; hence, members of the network of international activists employ sets of strategies to gain from strengths of norms in order to change certain human rights practices. Strategies for transnational activists on human rights fall in two categories soft politics and hard politics, with soft politics refereeing to strategies that depend on information and moral p ersuasion. Contract between domestic and international organizations, transnational activists uncover facts human rights violations within a country and circulate information regarding state repression unknown to the outside world. These transnational activists of human rights then embark on campaigns that aim at shaming the international community by exposing inconsistency of state behavior and values it claims to aspire. Transnational activists employ hard politics with essential strategy in this area being leverage politics where network members

Study On The Alternative Medicine Reflexology

Study On The Alternative Medicine Reflexology Presently there are various methods of treatment for different types of diseases, such as cancer, asthma, and multiple sclerosis, and alternative medicine is becoming more prevalent among people despite the advanced technology. Many people nowadays try to avoid the use of medications because of the side effects. this is why people are attracted to alternative therapy techniques, because they want an effective treatment that is not costly and does not cause any harm. There are over a hundred different types of alternative medicine and the number is still growing. A few examples are: chiropractic, reflexology, hypnotherapy, reiki, ayurveda, kinesiology, homoeopathy, osteopathy, cranial therapy, various types of acupuncture, colour-therapy, massage, and sound therapy [1]. For example, Reflexology has been widely used in fields such as midwifery, orthopedics, neuroscience and palliative care [2]. 1.1 What is Reflexology : Reflexology is the physical act of applying pressure to the feet and hand with specific thumb, finger and hand techniques without the use of oil or lotion [3]. It is also called zone therapy, based on the notion that each body part is represented on the hands and feet and that pressing on specific areas on the hands or feet can have therapeutic effects on other parts of the body. The body is divided into 10 longitudinal zones-five on each side of the body. Each organ or part of the body is represented on the hands and feet; massaging or pressing each area can stimulate the flow of energy, blood, nutrients, and nerve impulses to the corresponding body zone and thereby relieve ailments in that zone[4]. Each part of the foot represent a reflex area that correspond to specific organ or part of the body, for example: the tips of the toes reflect the head the heart and chest are around the ball of the foot the liver, pancreas and kidney are in the arch of the foot low back and intestines are towards the heel This concept was furthered by physiotherapist Eunice Ingham into the modern practice of reflexology. Dr. William H. Fitzgerald, an ear, nose, and throat doctor, introduced this concept of zone therapy in 1915. American physiotherapist Eunice Ingram further developed this zone theory in the 1930s into what is now knows as reflexology. A scientific explanation is that the pressure may send signals that balance the nervous system or release chemicals such as endorphins that reduce pain and stress [11]. 1.2 The difference between Reflexology and Foot Massage: Reflexology is different from foot massage in that it involves more superficial contact, deeper pressure on certain parts of the foot and resembles a caterpillar-like movement. It has been claimed that by pressing the reflex zones, energy blocks or disturbances such as calcium, lactate or uric acid crystals are reabsorbed and later eliminated a process referred to as detoxification'[2]. In foot massage people typically use massage oil or lotion and use gentle gliding strokes all over the foot. Reflexology is quite different, while many people find reflexology relaxing. One of the reasons people often confuse the two is that some spas and salons advertise that they offer reflexology, but what people actually get is foot massage by a therapist who isnt properly trained or certified in reflexology [12 ]. 1.3 Reflexology Foot Chart: 1. Top of Head 2. Sinuses 3. Pituitary Gland 4. Temporal Area 5. Neck, Cervical 6. Upper Lymph Area 7. Parathyroid Gland 8. Ears 9. Eyes 10. Thyroid Glands 11. Shoulder 12. Lungs and Bronchi 13. Heart Area 14. Heart 15. Spine, Vertebra 16. Pancreas 17. Solar Plexus 18. Stomach Duodenum 19. Liver 20. Spleen 21. Spleenic Fixture 22. Gall Bladder 23. Adrenal Glands 24. Hepatic Flexure 25. Kidneys 26. Transverse Colon 27. Waist 28. Ureters 29. Ascending Colon 30. Descending Colon 31. Lumbar 32. Small Intestines 33. Sacral 34. Bladder 35. Ileo-Caecal Valve 36. Appendix 37. Sigmoid Flexure 38. Hip Lower Back 39. Coccyx 40. Sciatic Area 41. Rectum 42. Uterus 43. Prostate 44. Breast 45. Lymph Drainage 46. Fallopian Tubes 47. Lymph Nodes (Arm Pit) 48. Sacro Iliac Joint 49. Ovary or Testicle 50. Lymph Nodes (Groin) 51. Maxilla/Submaxilla (Jaw) 52. Tonsils 1.4 Reflexology Remedies: Some illness related to the: Skin: ACNE can be treated by applying pressure on specific areas; liver(19), gall bladder(22), adrenal glands(23), ureters(28), bladder(34), kidneys(25). Also ECZEMA can be relieved by applying pressure on other areas; Parathyroid glands(7), adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34). Digestive system: ANOREXIA can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas; Thyroid glands(10), stomach duodenum(18), small intestines(32), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41). GINGIVITIS can be treated by applying pressure on other areas; maxilla submaxilla(51), STOMACHACH can be relieved by applying pressure on this areas: stomach(18), and DIARRHEA NAUSEA by applying pressure on areas; Stomach duodenum(18), small intestine(32), ascending colon(29), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41), lymph areas(6). Circulatory system: HYPERTENTION can be treated by applying pressure on these areas: Head(1), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), ear(8). ANEMIA; Stomach duodenum(18), liver(19), pancreas(16), small intestines(32), ascending colon(29), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), spleen(20). HEART PROBLEMS can be treated by concentrating the applied pressure on these specific areas: Heart(14), stomach duodenum(18), small intestine(32), ascending colon(29) and IRON DEFECINCY be treated by applying pressure onthis area in the chart: spleen(20). Nervous system: ANEXIETY can be decreased by applying pressure on these areas as in the foot reflexology chart; Head(1), adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), duodenum(18), small intestines(32), transverse colon(26), descending colon(30), rectum(41), EPELIPSY; Head(1), lymph areas(6). MIGRAINE can be relived by applying pressure on these areas: Head(1), frontal and temporal areas(4). BACKACH can be relieved by applying pressure on specific areas; Hip and lower back(38), spine(15). Immune system: TUMOR (CANCER) can relieved its symptoms by applying pressure on specific areas; Spleen (20), lymph areas (6), tonsil (52) (also reflex areas relating to the cancerous regions). Respiratory system: ASTHMA can be treated by applying continuous pressure on these areas: parathyroid(7), lungs and bronchi(12), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), lymph areas(6). Also BRONCHITIS can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as parathyroid(7), lungs and bronchi(12), adrenal glands(23), lymph areas(6). Joints: PAIN IN THE HIP JOINT can be relieved by applying pressure on certain areas such as adrenal glands(23), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), neck(5), hip(38). INFLAMMATION OF THE HIP JOINT can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as stomach duodenum(18), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), hip(38), waist(27), vertebra and spine(15). And Parkinsons Disease can be treated by applying pressure on certain areas such as Head(1), neck(5), parathyroid(7), adrenal glands(23), stomach duodenum(18), pancreas(16), liver(19), small intestines(32), colon areas(26,29,30), kidneys(25), ureters(28), bladder(34), rectum(41) [14]. 1.5 History of Reflexology: Around the world and throughout history reflexology has been rediscovered and reinstated as a health practice time and time again by peoples around the globe seeking to deal with health concerns. Archeological evidence in Egypt (2330 BCE), China (2704 BCE) and Japan (690 CE) points to ancient reflexology medical systems. In the West the concept of reflexology began to emerge in the 19th century, based on research into the nervous system and reflex. While no direct evidence of direct cross-fertilization from ancient times has been discovered, the practice of foot and hand work in a variety of cultures, belief systems and historical periods speaks to reflexology for health as a universal bridging concept [3]. Reflexology was introduced into the United States in 1913 by William H. Fitzgerald, M.D. (1872-1942), an ear, nose, and throat specialist who called it zone therapy. He used vertical lines to divide the body into 10 zones. Eunice D. Ingham (1899-1974) further developed reflexology in the 1930s and 1940s, concentrating on the feet of Mildred Carter and a former student of Ingham subsequently promoted foot reflexology as a miraculous health method. A 1993 mailing from her publisher stated: Not only does new Body Reflexology let you cure the worst illnesses safely and permanently, it can even work to reverse the aging process, Carter says. Say goodbye to age lines, dry skin, brown spots, blemishes with Body Reflexology you can actually give yourself an at-home facelift with no discomfort or disfiguring surgery[4]. Some reflexologists who deny that they diagnose or treat disease claim that the majority of health problems are stress-related and that they can help people by relieving the stress associated with various diseases or body organs. And this type of double-talk is similar to chiropractic claims that subluxations lower resistance to disease and that adjusting the spine to correct subluxations will improve health [4]. 1.6 The benefits of reflexology: Our bodies are endowed with a wonderful self-healing potential. Sadly, this potential often remains unfulfilled because the vital energy pathways are blocked by illness, stress, congestion, injury, and toxicity. By applying a constant and alternating finger and thumb pressure to the feet and hands, the reflexologist induces a prolonged state of deep relaxation. Through relaxation, the body returns to a state of balance (known as homeostasis), as the energy flows freely from fingers and toes to the head, and only then can the body heal it [5]. It has also been suggested that reflexology may help release stress and tension, improve blood flow of the body and promote homeostasis. Anecdotal evidence has shown that reflexology is beneficial in many conditions such as pre- and postnatal discomfort, pain, migraine and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Other therapeutic effects, such as strengthening the immune system, improving sleep quality and wound healing, have also been claimed [2]. Reflexology like other forms of body work, can have a variety of benefits including [6]: Structural benefits: assistance with physical problems such as pain and mobility Emotional benefits: help in providing nurturing and holding Energetic benefits: restoring and mobilizing energy for self-healing The benefits of reflexology in general include [3]: Relaxation Pain reduction Amelioration of symptoms for health concerns Rejuvenation of tired feet Improvement in blood flow Impact on physiological measures (e. g. blood pressure and cholesterol; measurements by ECG, EEG, and fMRI) Beneficial for post-operative recovery and pain reduction Enhancement of medical care (e. g. cancer, phantom limb pain, and hemodialysis patients) Adjunct to mental health care (e. g. Depression, Anxiety, Post traumatic stress disorder) Complement to cancer care (pain, nausea, vomiting, anxiety) Easier birthing / delivery / post-partum recovery 1.7 The theories behind reflexology: The theory that reflexology definitely works with the central nervous system of the body is built on the studies done in the 1890s by Sir Charles Sherrington and Sir Henry Head, who showed that there is a neurological relationship between internal organs and the skin and the bodys nervous system can adjust to a stimulus. Therefore according to this theory, a pressure applied to the hands, feet or ears will send relaxing and calming messages to various parts of the body from peripheral nerves in the feet, hands and ears [7]. The Gate Theory and The Neuromatrix Theory also explain why reflexology produces relief from pain and stress. The theories suggest that the brain creates pain which is a subjective experience in response to cognitive or emotional factors; therefore ones moods and factors like stress and tension can affect our experiences of pain [7]. Thus reflexology therapy reduces pain by improving the mood and reducing stress. Another theory states that the human body has vital energy and there is congestion or choking of the energy flow which causes illness and disorders in the body [7]. Surgical interventions and medical therapies continue to evolve and offer hope to people with acute and chronic diseases. However, both patients and healthcare staff aware that technology and aggressive treatments are not the only answer to providing care and improving wellbeing. Stone (2001:55) suggests that both UK and US there has been a significant shift towards integrated health care and greater tolerance towards the inclusion of complementary therapies by governments and the medical fraternity. There is evidence to suggest that an increasing number of hospital trusts are employing therapists or allowing volunteer practitioners to provide therapies such as massage, aromatherapy and reflexology. There are also a growing number of research projects reporting on the use and benefits of reflexology and foot massage in hospital wards, managing pain, reducing anxiety, improving perceptions of care [6]. With the fast development of reflexology, now there is something called clinical reflexology, which is an advanced form of reflexology. It covers the application of reflexology within specific areas of clinical practice, including maternity care, and palliative care. Clinical reflexology is adapted to the clients needs using the most effective techniques to help with the clients problems and issues [15]. 1.8 There is an arguing about the use of touch therapies such as reflexology in the hospital, and Ashcroft (1994) has highlighted the stresses of hospitalization with acute illness [6]: The anxiety arising from being in an alien environment Being disturbed constantly for clinical observations and the administration of often uncomfortable medical investigations and treatments. Fear of dislodging intravenous and monitoring equipment Being unable to drink and eat normally Physical discomfort made worse by wounds, immobility, invasive catheters and sleep deprivation Intrusion from noise, light and smells Separation from friends and family 1.9 Where is Reflexology practiced nowadays, and for whom is used : Reflexology, although most commonly practiced in the community (Coxon 1998, Lett 2000) is now emerging as a choice for patients being cared for in mental health setting, maternity care and palliative care settings[6]. It has been suggested in the nursing literature that the introduction of reflexology and other complementary therapies in healthcare settings, could be an ideal non-pharmacological way of managing difficult symptoms, such as pain and nausea as well as reducing stress and limiting anxiety. Aside from the patient feeling the benefits, relatives too appear to gain satisfaction from the provision of reflexology [6]. Identifying when and for whom it is appropriate to offer reflexology present challenges. Currently, provision of reflexology in acute hospital settings is largely on an ad hoc basis, delivered by existing healthcare staff or as part of a pilot or research project (Dryden et al 1999) [6]. Volunteer reflexologists may visit wards and departments supervised by clinical staff, providing only short treatments without any remuneration to selected patients deemed suitable for treatment. Finding a mutually convenient time is important, avoiding mealtimes, ward rounds and at peak visiting in the early evening. Dryden et al (1999) found that the best time to offer treatment was early afternoon, when the ward had a rest period and there were few visitors [6]. 2. Many literature reviews about the studies that been conducted to see the effectiveness of reflexology technique on symptoms occurs in patients with chronic diseases such as cancer and osteoarthritis. A study done by Nancy L.N Stephenson et al. on the effects of Foot reflexology on anxiety and pain in cancer patients. It is a quasi-experimental, pre/post and crossover study. A sample of 23 inpatients from different medical/oncology units in hospitals of southeastern united states with breast or lung cancer were participants in this study. The majority of the sample were female, Caucasian and 65 years old or older who were receiving regularly scheduled opioids and adjuvant medications on the control and intervention day. The patients were divided into two groups randomly. Group A: receiving a foot reflexology to both feet for 30 minute total by a certified reflexologist in the first contacts and group B: receiving the same intervention in the second contact. The pain and anxiety were measured using two instruments; the VAS, the simpler one and the Short-Form McGill Pain Questionnaire (SF-MPQ) prior and post the intervention time. The VAS used to measure the anxiety, is a 10-cm lin e with verbal anchors at each end stating not anxious at all to the most anxious I have ever been(McGuire, 1988). Following the foot reflexology intervention, patients with breast and lung cancer experienced a significant reduction in anxiety. Also one of three pain measures showed that patients with breast cancer experienced a significant decrease in pain. An additional study is required to determine the effects of foot reflexology on pain as measured by the intensity sections of the SF-MPQ, the VAS and IPP. There were no significant decreases in pain between the two groups because the crossover design allowed the 23 patients to be their own control; some of them were taking medications to manage their pain. Limitation of this study were the small sample size and the crossover design [8]. When reflexology is provided in a palliative care setting it is essential that the patient is at the center of the treatment process because living and dying is ultimately a unique, intimate and personal journey. Reflexology can offer a means of relieving physical symptoms and of facilitating emotional and spiritual wellbeing, but requires the therapist to practice with awareness, sensitivity, intuition and adaptability. Reflexology cannot promise sustained improvements in physical health but can provide therapeutic touch and the space and attention to support patients in connecting their mind, body and spirit [2]. Reflexology can also be invaluable in helping carers to cope both before and after the death of their loved ones. It is vital that reflexologists acknowledge their contribution within the team of health professionals involved in caring for the person and the family and the need for practice to be based on contemporary evidence-based knowledge. Sensitivity and humility enable the practitioner in reflexology to provide holistic, individualized and appropriate care for people at perhaps the most difficult time of their lives [2]. Another study is done by Miss.Serawal Haera et al. about the effect of reflexology on joint pain in knee osteoarthritis patients on 21 May, 2003. A quasi-experimental research method was used, a sample of 30 knee osteoarthritis patients with pain were selected by purposive method at the orthopedic clinic, outpatient department of Phrae Hospital. Simple change-over design was used in this study to compare the difference of joint pain scores among patients before and after intervention. The subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental period first followed by the control period, and vice versa. In the experimental period patients received reflexology for 1 hour/day for 7 days, and in the control period patients didnt receive reflexology for 7 days. The instrument for data collection were demographic data and information about knee osteoarthritis, the assessment of joint pain in patients with knee osteoarthritis, and a daily record of joint pain, medication used and daily activi ties. The data were analyzed by using frequency, mean, standard deviation and ANOVA for simple change-over design. The results of this study showed that the joint pain score in the experimental period after receiving reflexology was statistically significantly lower than during the control period. What this study revealed is that reflexology can be use as a complementary therapy to relieve joint pain and decrease drug used for pain relief [9]. In the study by Siev-Ner et al. (2003) the reflexology group demonstrated statistically significant symptom relief in a study of patients with multiple sclerosis. Compared with no improvement in the massage group, scores for urinary symptoms, paresthesia and spasticity were statistically significantly improved, whereas muscle strength revealed only borderline improvement at the end of reflexology. The improvement in paresthesia remained statistically significant at the 3-month follow-up [2]. Statistically significant reductions in the severity of hot flushes and night sweats, measured by a visual analogue scale (VAS), were reported after 6 weekly sessions of reflexology, but no statistically significant difference was found between the groups receiving reflexology and non-specific foot massage for menopausal symptoms in the study conducted by Williamson et al. (2002). In terms of general well-being, both the reflexology and non-specific foot massage groups demonstrated an improvement in the Womens Health Questionnaire (WHQ) score. However, the difference between the two groups was not statistically significant. Similarly, although improvements in the two sub scores (anxiety and depression) of the WHQ were detected, there was no statistically significant difference between the reflexology and foot massage groups [2]. In the study by Brygge et al. (2001), the outcomes of lung function tests including peak expiratory flow (PEF) and the ratio between forced expiratory volume in 1s and forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC) did not improve after reflexology in patients with bronchial asthma. In addition, the reflexology group was not superior to the sham foot massage group in lung function improvement [2]. No statistically significant changes in patients with irritable bowel syndrome were observed either within or between the reflexology and sham foot massage groups in the study by Tovey (2002). Abdominal pain, constipation/diarrhea, and bloating remained unchanged after the reflexology treatment [2]. Also about the edema of the feet in late pregnancy, women with oedema in late pregnancy perceived less swelling and tightness as compared with the pretest level in the reflexology treated group, according to Mollart (2003). However, there was no statistically significant improvement in mean ankle and foot circumference measurements after lymphatic reflexology. There were also no statistically significant differences among the lymphatic reflexology, relaxing reflexology and rest groups [2]. These studies showed that reflexology is can be used as one of the effective techniques in physical therapy treatments, because it showed an effective results in treating the symptoms of the common diseases that been treated with physical therapy such as pain in cancer, osteoarthritis, LBP, and MS. Reflexology also shows it is effectiveness in pregnancy and childbirth. Women who actively choose to receive regular reflexology during pregnancy have been shown to gain a degree of relaxation that indirectly impacts on the developing fetus [6]. Some women may have been attending for treatment prior to conception and may even have sought help for infertility, subfertility, or premenstrual syndrome. Anovulatory infertility may be resolved through the stimulation of the reflex zones for pituitary gland and ovaries whilst general relaxing reflexology can be helpful where stress and anxiety appear to be contributory factors. Stress, tension, anxiety and fear affect every pregnant woman to a greater or lesser degree [6]. Reflexology can have profound benefits at this time, although whether this is due to physical effects of reflexology, the therapeutic value of human touch or the psychological effects of interaction with the therapist is debatable. Specific physiological disorders of pregnancy can be treated effectively with reflexology or reflex zone therapy. Some physiological conditions respond with just one or two treatments of no more than 10 minutes duration, with no further appointments being necessary. These include nausea and vomiting, constipation, carpal tunnel syndrome and heartburn. Also reflexology can be extremely relaxing, pain relieving and psychologically comforting during labour. Following delivery, reflexology can be used to treat women with physiological disorders of the puerperium, including constipation, haemorrhoids, perineal discomfort and inadequate lactation. Relief from ongoing discomfort following epidural anesthesia, such as backache, neck pain or headache, can also be obtained (Tiran 1996) [6]. 3. The contraindications for reflexology are [10]: If the patient has contagious or acute infectious disease recent surgery of malignant tumor foot wounds, burns or infection deep vein thrombosis/phlebitis pregnancy (treatment should be done with caution to certain reflexes and caution should be taken particularly in the early stages of pregnancy) avoid reflexology when you are using alcohol or street drugs or strong pain medication such as morphine recent or healing fractures active gout affecting the foot osteoarthritis affecting the ankle or foot or severe circulation problems in the legs or feet should seek medical consultation before starting reflexology 4. The recommendations for developing and integrating reflexology in clinical practice [6]: Evaluate hospital provision of reflexology for benefits and find the best ways of delivering treatment through quality research and audit activities. Presentation of conference papers, workshops and poster sessions on complementary therapies, such as reflexology, covering various specialties. Share best practice in reflexology in journals covering a wide range of clinical areas, e.g. intensive care, accident and emergency, and orthopaedics Establish and/or practice in complementary therapy/reflexology networks and specialist interest groups to obtain support and share best practice. Establish and/or practice in a Trust or hospitals Complementary Therapy Committee Ensure that only qualified complementary therapists with experience in managing patient care in the private and public healthcare sectors are employed Support practitioners to complete courses in specialist application Provide and support supervision and management arrangements for all practitioners providing reflexology, for example, by employment of a Complementary Therapy Coordinator/Practitioner 5. Conclusion: Reflexology should not be considered a cure for any condition. It is used to relieve or reduce symptoms, problems, and stress affecting the body. Health professionals should be cautious about a reflexologist who claims that this is a valid way of assessing health or for treating diseases. Even reflexology is not a cure but is a technique to reduce the symptoms associated with chronic diseases. From my perspective, I think that physiotherapist should become familiar with the benefits of reflexology and master this amazing technique so they can use it in their treatment sessions; because it is effective in reducing anxiety and pain in cases of chronic diseases such as cancer. There is very little researches about the effects of reflexology. As such studies were set up to examine the effects of reflexology treatments on cancer, arthritis, LBP, MS and pregnancy symptoms, the results were qualitative and quantitative and showed that there are a number of areas of possible benefit for pati ents with these chronic diseases. But a larger scale study with a longer time frame is needed for a full evaluation of these effects. At the end, I would like to clarify that physical therapy is different from reflexology, but that does not prevent to use it in the treatment of some chronic conditions that are difficult to relief their complicated symptoms by using only physical therapy techniques.

American Prisons

As far as memory could recall, man has continually developed laws to keep resolute civilization along with criminal sanctions to discourage the infringement of those laws. Accordingly, the number of inmates in federal and state penal colonies in the United States has soared to about 200,000 since the 1940s, and at the start of 1997, about 645 out of every 100,000 American citizens lived behind bars (Dakrat 1). However, alternative sanctions during the last decade have become prevalent in the United States, as well as in other western nations.The introduction of alternative sanctions has turned into one of the most significant developments in punishment principles in the country, in view of the fact that it reflects on the victims, offenders, community, as well as sentencing as a whole, in an absolutely different outlook. In a country with the world’s largest prison population, adding up to more than 2. 2 million, and where a number of States allocates more funds to the mainten ance of criminals than on education, alternative punishments are at this time a matter of necessity. Problems Faced By American PrisonsIt is not easy for most people to offer compassion for the millions of convicts incarcerated in the overcrowded prisons of America. A good number of the country’s population even believes that what takes place inside every prison establishments do not affect them. On the contrary, what occurs in prisons comes back to the society with a vengeance. Approximately 13. 5 million people in the country have served their own time in prisons and jails over the course of the year, and in the long run 95 percent of them are discharged back into the society (â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society†).Because too many prisons are inhumane, unhealthy or unsafe, several of the released inmates return to the society as more hardened criminals eager to perpetrate new transgressions as well as to blame for spreading communicable disease s, such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, HIV, etc. , that were not taken cared of during the time that they were locked up. Currently, prison problems involve: 1. Corrections officers and inmates alike are constantly in fear of being assaulted. Even so, numerous prisons still do not report or collect information concerning the assaults, and when they do, the information is generally untrustworthy.2. Education lessens rule-breaking and is proven to cut the rate of recidivisms by almost half (â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society†). However, despite the fact that the prison population has doubled since the 1990s, the pace of funding for prison vocational training and education has not persisted. 3. In excess of 1. 5 million prisoners carrying severe communicable diseases are discharged every year (â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society†).In fact, a number of penal complex with as many as 5,000 prisoners have no more than two resident d octors. 4. Incarceration can no longer be viewed as the main form of criminal punishment given the growing expenses of both management and construction of prisons as well as the crisis of prison overcrowding (Junger-Tas 9). At this time, America is contending with the menacing economic recession that is acting as a powerful brake on advancing the country’s utilization of large funding in support to resolve the foregoing problems.The development of alternative punishments is therefore the result of the justice system’s exploration for new sentencing strategies to rise above these intertwining problems. Effects of Traditional Prison Sentence Anchored in the findings of the Center for Criminal Justice Studies at the University of New Brunswick and the Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati, unwarranted use of imprisonment has enormous expenditure implications. On the average, each American spends $50,000 annually to keep criminals in prison (Dakrat 2).In additio n, prisons should not be employed with anticipations of reducing illicit behavior. The soaring recidivism rate signifies that the risk of getting arrested and returned to prison does not deter criminals. Moreover, a research points out higher rates of recidivism among incarcerated youthful delinquents than those granted alternative sanctions (Dakrat 2). Incarceration devoid of appropriate treatment, criminals with severe infectious disease, criminal behavior or with mental health disorders are generally expected to leave prison in substandard health as well as character than when they initially went in.The problem can have an enormous impact on communities, since 97 percent of all incarcerated criminals are in time released from prison and live along with the entire population (Webb). Alternatives to Prison Opponents of long-established imprisonment have disputed the destructive potentiality of the punishment because it falls short of addressing the fundamental economic and psycholo gical reasons that lead individuals to perpetrate crimes (Rierden 2).Alternative sanctions, on the other hand attempt to transform behavior of criminals in addition to giving the necessary tools that will help them in not making the same mistakes again when released. Moreover, because of prison overcrowding, this modern sanction will give the country the opportunity to appropriately incarcerate and rehabilitate more serious criminals for extended portions of their prison term. There are basically an enormous number of useful alternative programs.Compensation, restitution, community service, intensive probation supervision, electronic monitoring, and regular house searches, for instance, still endure a sense of redress for the injured party and a sense of atonement to the legal order violated. In addition, there are several new and unconventional alternative programs that as well do not involve imprisonment. The most practical and astounding programs among them are the â€Å"drug tr eatment, and classes and fees: for the rich program† (David). Drug treatment program are aimed for nonviolent drug dependents with prior convictions.Criminals who qualify are required to join in a residential drug-treatment program. Those who graduate were found to be 87 percent less expected to re-offend than others (David). Conversely, while not yet put into practice, the whole idea of classes and fees program is to require corporate offenders to teach in low-income academes (David). Since a number of these offenders have been educated at first-rate schools, they are more valuable if allowed to teach in classrooms rather than be placed behind bars throughout their sentence at the taxpayers’ expense.The imposition of prison sentence should only be selective depending on each circumstances, such as: to protect the public from violent crime; when all other sanctions are incompatible taking into consideration the gravity of the crime; when the criminal is a habitual delin quent; to safeguard the morality of the criminal justice administration; and if the entire sanctions have not effected to conformity with the arrangements set forth in the punishment (Junger-Tas 7). In other words, imprisonment shall only be employed if the gravity of the offense is such that all other punishment is totally unsatisfactory.The Best Alternative The best alternative to imprisonment is one that is less restraining than incarceration yet more confining than conventional probation. Community service intends criminals to work for the advantage of the community, to make amends to the community, as well as to be penalized. Community service is expected to lessen the undesirable effects induced by imprisonment, decrease prison overcrowding, as well as offer a constructive experience for criminals for working in a typical community (Junger-Tas 11).The essential feature of the punishment lies in the supervision and control of the implementation of compulsory orders in the commu nity, instead of confining the criminal’s movement within a penal complex. In the early 1990s, developing countries regarded community service as an official alternative to prison, although it was already practiced in several communities. Community service is designed to punish criminals who are worthy of intermediate punishments.The program is applied to criminals that deserve to endure more than average probationers but not as much as criminals in prisons and jails (Samaha 428). Community service necessitates offender complete within a given time frame a particular number of hours of voluntary community work. In particular, criminals are required to wash automobiles in an agency motor pool, rake leaves or cut grass in parks, sweep up around housing projects or public structures, and clear garbage from playgrounds. Community service in the Federal courts is a special condition of supervised release or probation.However, community service is a commendable alternative for non- habitual criminals who perpetrated minor offenses or requires a prison term of one year or less. Criminals sentenced to community service must be expansively screened to get rid of those with histories of violent behavior. Because of community service, there might be a slight possibility of additional nonviolent transgressions; nevertheless, the degree the program manages to keep nonviolent offenders outside penal complex creates opportunity for the government to imprison and rehabilitate the more violent ones.Community service positively embraces the treatment factor as well on account of cautious matching of offenders to projects and services that constructively relates with their issues (Harding 78). In imposing the program, judges must consider the offenders’ availability and skills, and then match them with works available at nonprofit agencies and government. In the course of performing the community service, offenders are expected to learn how to take responsibilities as well as remunerate the communities they once damaged.However, failure to abide with the community service program results to the re-sentencing of the criminal. Many observers believe that offenders who previously benefited from community services gained confidence, self-respect, and a sense of accomplishment from their community work (Tonry and Hamilton 82). The rate of recurrence of conviction is lower among criminals who had found their experience in community service to be meaningful (Tonry and Hamilton 83). Moreover, rates of recidivism among those who completed the program are not higher than for criminals sent to prison.Not only is community service more effective and compassionate, they are as well less expensive. When both indirect and direct expenses are taken into consideration, an average-sized community service sentence is less expensive than incarceration. Imprisonment costs ranges from $30,000 to $59,000 annually, while community service generally costs only $2,000 annually and up to $20,000 in other alternative programs (Agosin 217). Conclusion The high cost of imprisonment and overcrowded prisons are among the most multifaceted concerns surrounding the criminal justice system.Unfortunately, because of these, prisons make uncertain the successful reintegration of criminals in the community. They transform the imprisoned offender, but the transformation is likely to be more depressing than encouraging. Alternative programs, on the other hand, particularly community service encourage a sense of social responsibility among criminals and permit them to enhance their character in the course of serving the community. Prison alone will never get to the bottom of the crime problems in America.Leaders and citizens alike must be more unconventional and tolerant to alternative programs. Alternative sentencing gives defense lawyers, prosecutors and judges a better range of sentencing options. It is not easy to resolve how much community service serves as a substitute for incarceration; nevertheless, one thing is for sure, that sentencing a non-habitual and less violent offender with community service works out the dilemma of prison overcrowding and saves the country an enormous amount of money. Works Cited Agosin, Marjorie. Women, Gender, and Human Rights: A Global Perspective.New Jersey: Rutgers University Press, 2001. Dakrat. â€Å"Alternatives to Prison: Why Imprisonment Doesn’t Work and What to Do About It. † 26 April 2007. Associated Content. 27 January 2009 . David, Ruth. â€Å"Ten Alternatives To Prison. † 18 April 2006. Online: Forbes Magazine. 27 January 2009 . Harding, John. Probation and the Community: A Practice and Policy Reader.London: Taylor & Francis, 1986. Junger-Tas, J. Alternative to Prison Sentences: Experiences and Developments. Netherlands: Kugler Publications,1994. Rierden, Andi. â€Å"Alternatives to Prison Mends Fences and Lives. † 23 June 1991. Online: The New York Times. 27 Jan uary 2009 . â€Å"Rising prison problems begin to trickle into society. † 11 June 2006. USA Today. 27 January 2009

Integrated Case Study: Bandon Group, Inc. Essay

This paper is the continuation of Bandon Group Inc. integrated case study. This part of the case study mines feasibility of an ERP system at Bandon Group and evaluate alternative ERP and CRM packages for Bandon Group and make recommendations for a solution which will meet their needs. Step 8: Determining the feasibility of an ERP system From the description of the executive managers of the divisions, it is pretty clear that Bandon Group has encountered big challenges with the current IT situation. Many of the issues discussed possibly will be solved by restructuring and re-engineering the organization, the business process and by placing the legacy systems with an ERP system. ERP provides the backbone for an enterprise wide information system. A primary benefit of ERP is easier access to reliable, integrated information. A related benefit is the elimination of redundant data and the rationalization of processes, which result in substantial cost savings (Lau, 2003). From the case study, we have learned that the co-owners are requesting eBusiness know-hows, on-demand reports that generates electronic reports, the need to address for more information for tactical and strategic management, the need to standardize business process and the need for more targeted marketing (Sumner, 2005). The dilemma was to decide whether the system should be centralized or decentralized. The implementation of the CRM softwares in the divisions were decentralized and the division mangers were seeking better management  information but they were encountering data relational problem. In general, when we look at the current IT situation especially the use and implementation of CRM and OMD application, it is intolerable. The problem get worse when the company plans to expand its business with the existing situation. The answer for Bandon Group should pursue and EPR solution absolutely is yes. That would be my recommendation. Basically ERP implementation requires organizations to re-engineer their key business in fundamental ways and restructuring the overall organization system because the ERP is there to address business issues and to place the company in a better competitive environment and position. Kumar (2010) emphasize that managers must conduct a feasibility study of the current situation to assess the organization’s needs by analyzing the availability hardware, software, database ad in house computer expertise and make the decision to implement ERP where integration is essential. To decide whether Bandon Group should purse for ERP solution, we should reconsider the benefits of implementing ERP. As Sumner (2005) outlines the benefits. Some of the main benefits ERP he mentioned. ERP maximizes throughput of information Minimize response time to customers and increase interaction with customers, Increase interaction across the enterprise, Improve on-time delivery, Reduce direct operating expense, Increase interaction with suppliers, etc. When we come to the Bandon Group practical case, integration problem was critical for all divisions. Some of the areas that ERP overcome are: Coordination: after implementing ERP, it has been confirmed that ERP has the ability to support coordination across business functions. Database: by implementing ERP, it is possible to integrate data so that data will have the same meaning across multiple functions. Process: after implementing ERP, it has been realized consistent business processes which are based upon an information model. Information: Pursuing ERP makes real-time information consistent Information system: ERP has enabled stand-along systems to become integrated systems. Once again, it is my recommendation to Bandon Group to purse CRM solution. Like ERP, it is an integrated approach to managing relationships by focusing on customer retention and relationship development  (Chen and Popovich, 2003) and CRM initiatives increases competitiveness. Adding to their notes, they said that CRM offers customization, simplicity, and convenience for completing transactions, regardless of the channel used for interaction. Sumner (2005) share their idea. The main characteristics he distinguished CRM facilitates customer contact and call list management, It maintains information on customer contacts in a database and forecast customer’s needs, It organizes marketing campaigns, Enables queries to a product marketing database,  Delivers on-line systems that enables customers to configure products on-line, Handles customers’ services. It my recommendation to Bandon Group to implement EPR firs and CRM follows because ERP provides CRM software. Conceptually, ERP covers all the basic business process but CRM systems focus specifically on processes at the customer interface (Schubert, 2010). The current situation at Bandon Group is not limited to customer relationship or the problem of Bandon Group is not limited to lack of sales and marketing data, the billing system, web enabled support system, better invoice or the integration of the software but the company and its process need overall business restructure and re-engineering because that is all about ERP. Step 9: Determining ERP/CRM design issues Business processing workloads are among the most demanding workloads in the enterprise. These include transactional workloads reflecting the â€Å"engine† of a business’ orders and sales, ERP workloads for managing workflows, and CRM for managing customer relationships and decision management solutions. These workloads need to be available to end users, end customers, and business partners. To achieve that goal, they are typically supported by a combination of hardware characteristics, such as built-in reliability and scalability features, and software characteristics, such as system management and support for high availability. In light of this, my recommendation of ERP and CRM packages for Bandon Group would be implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM. The Microsfot Dynamics ERP and CRM is designed to help any organization acquire and retain customers (Microsoft, n. d). The software enables to perform and automate common business tasks  including: Easily access information about business records from one place. Schedule activities, track them, and send e-mail. Generate reports. Manage marketing lists. Track advertising and marketing campaigns. Sort customer responses to sales and marketing initiatives. Keep detailed notes and an activity history for each business record. Microsoft Dynamics CRM also can run from within Microsoft Office Outlook. On top of the other benefits and functionalities mentioned above, Rhodus and Paris (2013) said that Microsoft CRM and ERP helps the company in integration by creating one view of customer experience, building stronger relationship and creating customer intimacy, improving management visibility, provide visibility and access to customer relationship, etc. I believe that Microsoft Dynamics is the best software solution for the current situation at Bandon Group. References Chen, I, J. and Popovich, K. (2003) Understanding customer relationship management (CRM). People, process and technology. Business process management journal, Vol. 9 No 5. Retrieved from http://cis.csuohio.edu/~ichen/CRM.pdf Kumar, P. (2010). Successful implementation of ERP in a large organization International journal of engineering science and technology. Vol. 2(7), 3218-3224. Retrieved from http://www.ijest.info/docs/IJEST10-02-07-151.pdf Lau, K, L. (2003) Developing successful implementation plan for issues and challenges. Retrieved from http://iacis.org/iis/2003/Lau_ERP.pdf Microsoft (n. d) Microsoft Dynamics CRM 4.0 User’s Guide. Retrieved from http://blogs.msdn.com/b/crm/archive/2008/07/21/crm-4-0-user-s-guide-now-available-in-pdf-and-word.aspx Rhodus, B. and Paris, E. (2013) CRM & ERP – better together. Retrieved from http://www.bkd.com/docs/webinars/2013/8-21-13-presentation.pdf Schubert, P. (2010) Realizing Benefits from Current ERP and CRM Systems Implementa tions: An Empirical Study. Retrieved from http://www.uni-koblenz-landau.de/koblenz/fb4/iwvi/agschubert/publication/mate rialien/bled-23.06.2010 Sumner, M. (2005) Enterprise resource planning. Pearson Prentice hall, Upper saddle river, New Jersey